Sauk Rapids Herald - August 12, 2023

Cell phone policy at SRRHS changes

Students no longer allowed to use devices in class

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Students at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School will have to put away their cell phones during class time when school resumes Sept. 5.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education approved updated building and activities handbooks at its Aug. 7 meeting. Among the major changes is high school students and staff are no longer allowed to use cell phones during class time.

High school students were previously allowed to have their cell phones out during class but now will be asked to put them away. Students can have the phones in their possession but will be asked to turn them off. They can use cell phones before and after school, during lunch and between classes.

“There’s a lot of research and a lot of conversation that’s coming out in regard to the concerns that are happening with students and cell phones, and we want them to be able to concentrate and spend time with their work in the class,” said Bradley Bergstrom, superintendent of Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. “There’s also some privacy issues that show up with cell phones.”

Elementary school students are not allowed to have cell phones out at any time, while middle school students will have the same rules as the high school.

Cell phones page 2

Benton

pandemoniumParking

Residents near fairgrounds open lawns for visitors

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

Prior to stepping foot on the Benton County Fairgrounds, the scene is hectic. Hundreds of drivers scour nearby streets for a place to safely park.

In response to the annual parking mania, local residents observed the tradition of temporarily opening their lawns to visitors looking to rent a spot for their cars.

The practice continued this year with homeowners between Second Avenue South, 12th Street South and Searle Street Northeast (and others) advertising prices for vehicles to stay on their properties.

Parking page 4

Benton County Board adopts 5-year road plan

Commissioners approve slate of projects; Schlangen votes no

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

The Benton County Board of Commissioners adopted a $43 million, veyear road construction improvement plan Aug. 1.

County engineer Chris Byrd said the plan primarily relies on three revenue sources.

Funding for 2024-28 includes $14.6 million in sales tax, $5.2 million from county wheelage taxes, $8.4 million in con rmed federal grants and $16 million in state aid.

No levy dollars are included in the plan, Byrd said.

“That’s something that I’m kind of proud of,” Byrd said. “All construction in the plan involves zero use of a levy.”

County board page 3

This map shows the 2024-28 slate of Benton County construction projects approved Aug. 1 by the Benton County commissioners. Funding for 2024-28 includes $14.6 million in sales tax, $5.2 million from county wheelage taxes, $8.4 million in confirmed federal grants and $16 million in state aid.

OBITUARIES

MAP COURTESY OF BENTON COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Raeann Voegeli stands with a sign advertising parking in her yard for visitors attending the Benton County Fair Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. She said her husband and 13-year-old child often help her with the guiding drivers onto the lot.

Hayden W. Edstrom Gary W. Fuchs

Cell phones from front

“We really want our kids to be focusing on learning the content, and you don’t want that distraction,” Bergstrom said. “I would suspect that there may be a few phone calls as we get started with this. But it’s really about that privacy piece and making sure students are focused, and we’ve also had some conversations with staff as well because it doesn’t bode well if you ask the kids to do something and not the adults as well.”

MSHSL to return money

The Minnesota State High School League will be cutting or eliminating various fees it charges to member schools due to a revenue surplus. Bergstrom said the MSHSL has excess revenue of $2.35 million and the league will be giving back an approximated $1.42 million to schools for the 2023-24 school year and has committed to $925,000 for the next school year.

The league raised fees signi cantly after the coronavirus pandemic as revenues decreased with no or limited state tournaments. With state tournaments returning to pre-pandemic standards for the 2022-23 school year, that money came back to the league.

“That’s really good news,” Bergstrom said. “It wasn’t that long ago we were writing some very heavy checks to help support the high school league. They’re being true to their word, and they are now returning the pro ts to member schools.”

The league also is cutting certain fees to member schools. While membership fees to each school will remain $100, the fee charged to each school for each activity has been cut from $150 to $75 this year – which will save the district about $2,500.

During the 2022-23 school year, the MSHSL also charged each district $2.25 per student, per activity. No such fee will be used for the upcoming school year.

In other board news:

– The district will be using a transportation app after switching from what Bergstrom said was an outdated software system. The app is called MyRide K-12 and comes with the new software.

“This will allow us to better plan routes and also provide our families with more reliable app that they can use to track their children,” Bergstrom said. “Communication (regarding the new app) was sent out to families last week, giving them a little overview.”

Bergstrom said he also will be discussing the new app during an upcoming Facebook Live session.

– Approved request to designate the identi ed of cial with authority, who assigns job duties and authorizes external user’s access to Minnesota Department of Education secure systems for their local education agency. Bergstrom is the district’s identi ed of cial with authority.

– The next school board meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21.

Rice Family Summer Festival is Aug. 19

New this year is vendor market

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

Rice Family Summer Festival continues to evolve with new events planned and others no longer taking place.

The annual city festival which takes place the third Saturday in August is being coordinated by Rhonda Jeurissen, owner of the Corner Pocket Saloon-n-Eatery, and Sarah Midas, president of Rice Women of Today.

Rice Family Summer Festival takes place Saturday, Aug. 19.

Mainstays to the event, which was formerly known as Rice Family Fun Days, are the parades.

A kids parade begins at 1:45 p.m. from the Rice post of ce parking lot. Hosted by Rice Women of Today and with the theme Bike Around the World, children and their families are invited to decorate bikes, scooters, hoverboards, wagons, strollers and more as they parade through the city of Rice.

At 2 p.m., the traditional parade begins near Rice City Hall. The parade will travel west on East Main Street and take a right onto Division Street North, traveling to the Corner Pocket Saloon-N-Eatery where food vendors, tourna-

ments, and kids games, activities and bounce houses — including one with water — will round out the afternoon.

Live music by Back Roads Band and Stone Road will begin at 5 p.m. and end at midnight.

A softball tournament is also being coordinated for Rice Lions Park.

Added to last year’s festivities are is a Rice Days Market, which will feature vendors from Veterans Memorial Park north to the bar and grill on Division Street North.

American Legion Post 473 members and auxiliary members will serve brats and burgers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Obrien’s Pub will also host a volleyball tournament and outdoor band on the same date within its grounds. Upsurge is planned to perform from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The lawn tractor pulls will not take place, and Family Movie Night, which has traditionally taken place the Friday

Added to last year’s festivities are is a Rice Days Market, which will feature vendors from Veterans Memorial Park north to the bar and grill on Division Street North.

before Rice Family Summer Festival, has been moved to the following Friday, Aug. 25. Rice

Recreation director Gene

Thomsen said the city plans to show the movie, “DC League of Super-pets,” at Rice Lions Park near the ball elds.

The AmeriCorps Promise Fellows program is seeking host sites & coaches.

The AmeriCorps Promise Fellows program helps Minnesota students prepare for graduation and beyond. We’re currently seeking host sites for our program - high schools, middle schools or community centers interested in hosting one or more Promise Fellows for the year to support students at risk for not graduating on time.

Interested teachers, guidance counselors or administrators can learn more about being a host site by contacting Kyle Kline, director of recruitment and compliance, at kkline@mnyouth.net

We’re also looking for caring adults to be Promise Fellows; giving students struggling in school the one-to-one attention they need to succeed. Financial assistance and training will be provided. To learn more, please visit mnyouth.net/americorps

Come be a part of the AmeriCorps Promise Fellows program and help us make Minnesota better, one community at a time.

attendance, more engagement, and higher academic performance.

“

The supportive relationships our Promise Fellows develop with struggling students and families foster better

Assistant Principal at a Minnesota middle school

We’re here to help St. Cloud area students.

Wolgamott cited for DWI

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Rep. Dan Wolgamott, a Democrat-St. Cloud, was cited Aug. 7 with two misdemeanor counts of driving while impaired, according to a release from the Kanabec County Attorney’s of ce.

Wolgamott was arrested July 7 after a Minnesota State Trooper observed signs of alcohol impairment during a traf c stop on Highway 23 in Kanabec County.

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Tests revealed Wolgamott, who is in his third term representing District 14B, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.09%. The legal limit is 0.08%.

He was charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor driving while impaired and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08% or more

within two hours.

District 14B includes precincts in the cities of St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids in addition to precincts in Minden Township, Benton County, and Haven Township, Sherburne County.

Information provided by the Minnesota State Patrol after the incident state a trooper was searching for a vehicle after a report was made to Kanabec County Dispatch on an individual drinking in a liquor store parking lot.

Criminal penalties for a rst DWI offense for blood alcohol level below 0.16% is 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 ne.

The Sauk Rapids Herald has reached out to Wolgamott’s of ce with no response.

County board from front

Saturday, Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m. – Little Rock Lake Association Annual Picnic. New members welcome. Meeting begins at 10:30 with meal to start around noon. Large Picnic Shelter at Benton Beach Campground, 130 125th St. NW, Rice.

Sunday, Aug. 13, 2-5 p.m. – Unity BBQ and Picnic in the Park. Sponsored by Baha’i Faith. Barbecue and refreshments are free. People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a side dish to share. Lake George, 1101 Seventh St. S., St. Cloud.

Monday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Free Fresh Produce. While supplies last. CARE parking lot, 321 Sixth Ave., Foley.

Monday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Monday, Aug. 14, 6-7 p.m. – Nordic Walking Group. Meets every Monday. Some poles available. Municipal Park, Sauk Rapids.

Monday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. – Rice American Legion Post 473 Meeting. Legion meets the second Monday of each month. Pine Country Bank Community Room, 750 County Road 21, Rice.

As presented, the construction plan identi es key county state aid highways and county roads that will be worked on in the next ve years.

The work identi ed by Byrd in his presentation is more than routine maintenance and is typically completed by private contractors selected through sealed bids.

Byrd reported 46 miles of county roads carry over 500 vehicles a day and do not have wide shoulders.

“Over 10% of our total road miles are considered narrow,” he said.

In the next ve years, not everything with narrow shoulders will get reconstructed, Byrd said.

The county uses trafc volumes and projected volumes to determine what roads get the higher priority.

“It takes time to reconstruct a road that’s narrow,” he said. “We have to access right of way and do environmental planning and get permitting before moving forward.”

Commissioner discussion of the ve-year plan during the Aug. 1

meeting mostly centered around $337,000 in mill and overlay work that is planned next year for a 2.25-mile stretch of County Road 25 between Highway 95 and Highway 23.

Commissioner Beth Schlangen wanted the scope of the County Road 25 project expanded because of resident concerns regarding safety and the road width.

She mentioned mailboxes getting knocked down during the winter when snow plows come through and seasonal farm equipment having dif culty using the road.

“I don’t agree with doing a little x when a major one is needed,” Schlangen said. “We need to move forward as fast as possible. That’s why I’m going to vote

no.”

Board chair Scott Johnson revisited a board discussion about the impact of NextEra Energy Resources’ Benton Solar Project and recent discussions regarding potential use of county road right of way for low voltage, buried power collection cables.

During a July 18 committee of the whole meeting, Johnson asked about plans for putting solar panels along the road and if the company would assist with paving.

Benton County’s preference is paving after construction is complete and the panels have been installed.

Commissioner Jared Gapinski had road-related concerns about the solar project.

“I’m really strug-

gling right now because there are too many unknowns with that project,” Gapinski said. “We just got clari cation Phase 2 of that project will start in a couple of years. Phase 2 involves a lot of potential options for what we are going to do with County Road 50. I don’t feel comfortable changing our ve-year plan at this point to gure out what’s going to happen. I say we move forward.”

Gapinski motioned to accept the ve-year road plan. Commissioner Steve Heinen seconded the motion made by Gapinski which passed 4-1 at the Aug. 1 meeting.

Schlangen voted no, citing the need for additional County Road 25 project funding.

Monday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. – Rice American Legion Auxiliary Unit 473 Meeting. Auxiliary meets the second Monday of each month. American Legion Post 473, 80 N. Division St., Rice.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Lutheran Church Food Shelf Distribution. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. If in need of emergency food assistance, call 320-255-1135.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Exercise Tuesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Call 320-3934467 for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1-3 p.m. – Garden Chat: Q&A with Extension Master Gardeners. Members will provide research-based answers and information. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 3-6 p.m. – Rice Area Women of Today Farmers Market. Free arts and craft activity for children. Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at the corner of Main and Division streets, Rice.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 5 p.m. – Ruby’s Pantry. New Life Church, 931 Norman Ave. N., Foley.

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7-9 p.m. – St. Cloud Area Singing Saints Men’s Acapella Chorus Practice. Meets every Tuesday. New participants welcome. Good Shepherd Community Chapel, 325 11th St. N., Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1-3 p.m. – Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice.

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1-4 p.m. – Transportation Discovery Day. Free three-hour informational session hosted by Career Solutions. Visit with employers and trade workers. St. Cloud Technical and Community College Customized Training, 1215 15th St. N., St. Cloud. Contact 320-260-4219 or angela.schmitz@ csjobs.org to register.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 3-6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids Market Every Thursday through mid-October. Parking lot at Coborn’s, 110 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m. – Riverside Nights

Featuring opening act Michael Shynes and headliner Rhino. 1851 Square and Riverside Terrace, 195 River Ave. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 5:30-10 p.m. – Movie in the Park. Free event is hosted by the Foley Quality of Life Task Force. Lions Park, Foley.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. – Police Activities League. For children age 5-15. Sponsored by the Rice and Foley police departments and Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce. Athletic events and arts and crafts. West Side Park, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice.

Thursday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting. Meets weekly. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. NW, Rice. For more information, call 320-293-9213.

Saturday, Aug. 19 – Rice Family Summer Festival City of Rice.

“It takes time to reconstruct a road that’s narrow. We have to access right of way and do environmental planning and get permitting before moving forward.”

- County engineer Chris Byrd

Parking from front

Whether the additional funds go toward family trips, bills, the fair or savings, residents near the fairgrounds take advantage of the parking pandemonium each year to earn extra cash.

A teacher at Talahi Community School, Raeann Voegeli said she and her husband were not aware of the opportunity to exchange their yard space for additional income when they initially moved into their home, but the couple has taken advantage of the tradition for seven years since watching their neighbors do it.

Voegeli said her lawn ts about 37 vehicles at a time, and drivers typically enter and leave their lawn in waves throughout the six-day fair, depending 320-252-4883 www.curlysheating.com

Midway Iron & Metal,

on the scheduled events.

“We do it the whole week because I am a teacher, so I have nothing better to do during the week,” Voegeli said. “Every year, we always have a goal, like a family trip somewhere. I was in a car accident and totaled the car (this year), so that’s where we are going with it.”

She said allowing people to park on their property in previous years has afforded her family cherished memories, including a ve-day stay at Wisconsin Dells in 2018.

Andy Abrego has spent the last several fairs helping his grandfather guide drivers onto his yard.

Abrego said the standard price for parking increased to $10 this year after holding steady at $5 for previous years’ fairs.

“For a few years, my grandpa would never let anyone park here – only family,” Abrego said. “In the couple of years since the pandemic, it has been a struggle. So, we started (allowing) parking here. It is too easy money to pass.”

Abrego said lawn damage was one of the primary challenges of opening the lawn for drivers, though the blemishes did not usually last long. He said guests typically left their vehicles in the yard for two to four

hours before packing up and opening the spot for another car.

Patti Zupan, a property renter near the fairgrounds, said she knew about the chance for extra income when she moved into the property ve years ago. With a maximum capacity of about 30 cars, Zupan estimated parking spots near her home bring her more than $500 throughout the fair.

The rst and only fender bender Zupan experienced while directing parkers occurred Aug. 4. The last several years she has hung a sign on a tree warning drivers she is not responsible for accidents on the property.

800-246-4002

“I put that up every year just to be on the safe side,” Zupan said. “I don’t remember there being any (other accidents), which is pretty good considering there are pretty tight quarters. It is a little bit hard to get in and out, but if we can get them to back in rst, it is a lot easier to get out.”

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

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PHOTOS BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Andy Abrego guides drivers onto his grandfather’s lawn near the Benton County Fairgrounds Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. He said most residents living near the fairgrounds participate in leasing out their lawns to drivers during the fair.

Fair-goers walk from their vehicles to the fairgrounds Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. Cars filled lawns and lined several streets near the Benton County Fairgrounds.

A sign displaying a $10 parking price hangs on a tree in Patti Zupan’s lawn Aug. 5 near the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. She said Friday and Saturday generally bring the most fairgoer traffic.

Gary W. Fuchs

Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 9, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Gary W. Fuchs, 76, of Sauk Rapids. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach of ciated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation was one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday morning. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.

Gary Wayne Fuchs was born Jan. 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Alfred Sr. and Rose (Stepanovich) Fuchs. He grew up and spent most of his life in the St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids area. On March 17, 1973, he married Patricia Dickinson in Waite Park. Gary

Hayden W. Edstrom

Hayden Walter Edstrom, born April 15, 2004, in Minneapolis, left this world tragically Aug. 4, 2023, in a car accident. He was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Hayden was raised by his loving mother, Holly Pilarski (Edstrom), and Larry Pilarski. Together, they nurtured him in Upsala, where he thrived in highschool basketball. An exceptional athlete, Hayden’s passion for sports extended to cheering on and supporting his younger siblings in all of their activities. His infectious laugh, generous heart and magnetic personality attracted children and adults alike, creating a lasting impression on all who

Gary W. Fuchs

served our country proudly in the United States Marine Corps, spending one tour in Vietnam and two tours in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was a military police of cer and drove wreckers while serving also. He worked as a true legendary truck driver for Stemm and Arfsten Transfer/Lube Tech for 45 years. Gary was a member of Sacred

Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids and a lifetime member of the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992. He enjoyed boating, being at the lake, playing pool, and radio-controlled racing with his son. He loved spending time with family and friends and his loving grandchildren. Gary was a kind, friendly man and will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Pat of Sauk Rapids; son, Ryan of Monticello; daughter, Julie (Scott) Smullen on Bloomington; sister, June (Ron) Hoffman of Annandale; grandchildren, Jaden, Logan, Easton, Alexis and Sydney; brothersin-law, sisters in law and nieces and nephews. He

was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Alfred P. Fuchs Jr.

Gary’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Coborn Cancer Center staff and especially Dr. Luke and the CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital team for all of the kind and compassionate care that was given to him. A special thank you to the spiritual care chaplains and staff for everything they did for us. Your kind words will never be forgotten. Thank you to the VA Hospital and Homecare Services for all the wonderful care and help they gave us.

The Pursuit of Happiness

We all want it. We all need it. We all seek it. But what is happiness and how is it attained?

Can money buy happiness? Do we need friends to be happy? Is happiness only about pleasure and pain? Is happiness up to us, or is it more about luck?

People are invited to participate in a group discussion on the nature of happiness and why it matters. Re ect on the claims of classical and contemporary thinkers. These discussions will develop analytical thinking skills while engaging imagination. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the course.

Tuesdays from Sept. 5-26, 7-8 p.m. – Online via the platform Zoom.

Introduction to Ham radio

Amateur radio, or ham radio, is a fun and useful hobby. Learn to communicate without internet or cell phones. Make friends and be prepared to help with emergencies.

crossed his path.

One could always spot Hayden in a crowd by his wild printed shirts, which perfectly matched his vibrant spirit. His ability to bring laughter and charm to any situation made him a joy to be around, sprinkling a trail of smiles wherever he went.

Hayden is survived by his loving mother, Holly Pilarski (Edstrom) of Sauk

“Our Country is in Mourning, A Veteran Died Today.”

Rapids, and his father, Larry Pilarski of Upsala. He leaves behind three younger siblings, Samantha, Alexa and Benett Pilarski, all from Upsala, who he adored and cherished. His grandparents, Todd and Arlene Edstrom of Sauk Rapids and Joan Pilarski of Albany, were signi cant in uences in his life, providing him with love and support. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Pilarski.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Hayden’s life were Aug. 11 at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, followed by burial. The visitation was Aug. 10 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Friday at the church in St. Cloud. All who loved and knew Hayden or the family are welcome to

Obituary and guest book online at www. williamsdingmann.comR-32-1B attend.

As we say our nal goodbyes to Hayden, we hold dear the memories of laughter, warmth and love, which he shared with everyone around him. He touched the hearts of so many, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he left behind. May we nd comfort in the beautiful memories we share of him.

Rest in peace, dear Hayden. Your memory will forever be a blessing to us all.

“With tears, we cry each day, in angel’s arms, you were carried away. Our memories of love and laughter shall not fade, for inside our hearts, you’ll always stay.”

R-32-1B

The course will be based on the “ARRL HAM Radio License Manual, 5th Edition,” technician level. It is recommended attendees purchase their own copy from Amazon or another source. No need to bring other equipment. There will be a free exam offered at the end of the course.

Please note, the Federal Communications Commission charges a fee upon passing the exam to receive a technician license.

Tuesdays from Sept. 12 though Nov. 21, 7-9 p.m. – St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club, 401 Fourth St. N., Waite Park.

Join Us in Worship

SAUK RAPIDS

DISCOVERY CHURCH

700 18th St. NW (320) 251-5767 discoverychurchmn.com

HARVEST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

400 2nd Ave. N (320) 529-8838 HarvestMN.com HarvestenEspanol.com

PETRA LUTHERAN CHURCH

1049 1st Ave. N (320) 252-0120 petralutheran.com

If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837

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Hayden W. Edstrom

I was of cially done with high school and whether I was ready or not, it was time to move on.

Now, I move out in less than a week.

FROM THE HEART

BY MORGAN EGGERT

I’m ready to be on my own and be independent. I’m excited for all of my classes and eating the food at the Gorecki Dining Room (It’s amazing). But, with all of that, I’m also further away from my friends, my family and my puppy.

I’m going to adjust fast, especially with volleyball. All of the homework, practices, traveling and games, I won’t have much time to think about missing home.

The best part is I’m only forty- ve minutes away. I can come home for a weekend if I want to. I

can go watch my friends play volleyball when they have close games. My family and friends can come visit me for coffee, shopping or ice cream. Because I won’t get to see them everyday, I’ll be able to appreciate those moments even more.

Before I know it, I’m going to be a senior again.

It’s going to be my senior volleyball season, my last round of Johnnie football games, my last set of classes and getting excited to graduate.

Then, in the blink-of-an-eye, I’m going to graduate—again.

It’s going to go by fast.

Like Taylor Swift says, “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned. Everything you lose is a step you take. So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid.”

Through the good and the bad, it’s going to be worth it, and I’m going to enjoy it.

“911,

what is the location of your emergency?”

This is a phrase repeated thousands of times each year in the Benton County Public Safety Answering Point, more commonly known as our 911 dispatch center. For most people, the PSAP is the black box that exists between their 911 call and the public safety services they need. Those who have stepped inside of a PSAP know this is a busy place full of technology and amazingly talented people who are the initial rst responders in any emergency.

Knowing how to best interact with a PSAP can save precious seconds when those seconds count most.

When a public safety telecommunicator, the modern term for a dispatcher, answers your 911 call, their primary consideration is your location. Before even learning what your emergency is, a PST must learn where you are in order to get you the help you need. In the days of land line telephones, this question was easily answered with the address information tied to the telephone. The proliferation of cell phones has changed this vital aspect of PSAP work completely. While location services for cell phones have improved dramatically, the location information we get with a 911 call from a cell phone can be vague and sometimes unreliable. Being prepared to describe your location as speci cally as possible is going to enable the PST to get you help quickly and make a stressful situation a bit less tense.

As your 911 call is ringing, be thinking about how you can best describe your location. Do you know the address from where you are calling? If you are driving, do you know the name or number of the road you are traveling on and the nearest mile marker or crossroad? Is there a landmark you are near that you can describe? All these things will help the PST answer this rst and most critical question.

Once a PST knows your location, the PST will want to know what is going on. Emergencies tend to be chaotic and dif cult to describe. The PST knows this and will attempt to learn what services are needed. You can help by telling the PST the most urgent or dangerous thing about your situation rst. Is there a re or vehicle crash? Is someone having a medical emergency? Is there a crime in progress or some other life-threatening situation? Starting with the most urgent aspect of your emergency will help the PST sort out what public safety resources to start your way. In any situation involving con ict or threats, the PST is going to be asking about access to weapons. It is important

that rst responders know about weapons a suspect possesses and weapons a suspect may obtain. A speci c description of your knowledge regarding weapons and a suspect’s ability to access weapons is going to be very important as rst responders develop a plan to keep themselves and everyone involved safe.

KEEPING BENTON COUNTY SAFE SHERIFF TROY HECK

A PST is going to have several questions about your emergency. PSTs are trained to get as much information about an emergency as possible to ensure you are getting the right public safety services and that everyone involved, including the rst responders, stays safe. After telling the PST about the most urgent aspect of your emergency, you can relay important remaining details about your situation. The PST will need to know details like whether everyone is out of a burning building, if there are any injuries at a vehicle crash, how long the person experiencing a medical emergency has been feeling ill or if a suspect is still on scene at the crime you are reporting. When in the heat of the moment, it may feel like the PST is wasting time or not taking your situation seriously by asking these questions. As you are answering questions, either the PST talking to you or another PST who is listening is working to get public safety services headed your way. The PST is trained to continue getting detailed information from a caller for as long as is necessary. As the PST seeks more information, help is on the way. Important and life changing work takes place in PSAPs every day. Like many other employers, PSAPs are struggling to nd people to do this vital work. If you’ve ever thought of pursuing a career that makes a difference in your community and people’s lives, a career as a PST is worth exploring. PSAPs all across the state are looking for people with good communication skills, who are comfortable with technology and have the ability to multi-task. This work could be your calling. To learn more, visit www.911itsyourcalling.com.

I hope none of you ever need to make a 911 call. In the event you do, remembering to give your location and reason for the call right away is going to help us help you.

For more crime prevention information and safety information, visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce website at www.co.benton.mn.us/211/Crime-Prevention. You can also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime prevention messages.

Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be under 350 words and to the point, and be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Anything over 350 words will be charged accordingly.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

Sponsored

Time flys TIMOTHY J. VOS 561 Railroad Avenue Albany, MN 56307 R42-tfnF

Then, in the blink-of-an-eye, I graduated.

Rural Life Celebration is Aug. 20 in Carlos

ST. CLOUD – The 2023 Diocesan Rural Life Celebration will take place in Carlos this year.

The Diocesan Rural Life Celebration is a free community event that celebrates and honors God’s creation and the beauty of rural central Minnesota. The event is 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at St. Nicholas Parish, 9473 County Road 3 NE, Carlos.

The Diocesan Rural Life Celebration consists of an outdoor Mass with Bishop Patrick Neary, Diocese of St. Cloud, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Following Mass, there will be a presentation of the Catholic Century Farm Awards and Catholic Rural Business Award.

Eight Catholic farm families will receive a Catholic Century Farm Award certi cate, along with a special gift for their home in recognition of their outstanding legacy in faith-based family farming within the diocese. Recipients include the Kimman Family Farm in Pierz, established 1916; Gary and Diane Botzet Family Farm in Carlos, established 1874; Waldvogel Family Century Dairy Farm in Osakis, established 1913; Koudela Family Farm in Alexandria, established 1886; Heitzman’s Family Farm in Avon, established 1916; Bruce and Lourdes Botzet Farm in Carlos, established 1876; Udermann Family Farm in Sartell, established 1916; and Lusty Farm in Miltona, established 1872*.

The Roers Family Bakery, owned by Rory and June Roers and their three children, are the recipients of the Catholic Rural Business Award.

A meal with music and family-friendly entertainment follows the Mass. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

The Rural Life Celebration is sponsored by Catholic Charities, the Diocese of St. Cloud and the Catholic Foundation.

* Indicates a sesquicentennial farm.

‘RAW’ on display at Paramount in August

ST. CLOUD – Acrylic artist Lindsay Kelly captured her family’s story in her newest art series titled, “RAW,” on display thought August at the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud.

Fourteen pieces—most of them expanding up to 48 inches wide are a visual representation of both the challenges and hope experienced when a person walks alongside a loved one struggling with mental illness.

Echoed in her artist’s statement, Kelly invites the audience to, “Be brave. It is time to celebrate who you are. I can assure you that there are beautiful pieces that come from the ugly truths. Give yourself permission to love yourself. Give yourself grace among the chaos, disdain, and despair. Explore the challenges. Be proud of what has made you you.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the featured exhibition sponsor. A NAMI branch was established in central Minnesota 35 years ago. NAMI board members and volunteers provide advocacy, education and support to individuals and families experiencing mental illness.

As a self-taught artist, Kelly uses paint and canvases to process life and share her story.

“I have found in my life that the biggest trial to overcome is the one of self-love and acceptance. We all have parts of ourselves that we want to turn our backs on. We wonder if our hurt will allow for one more breath. Some things are too painful to name, and those feelings sit somewhere deep within until they are unable to be contained. I hope the work I do resonates with people for all different reasons in all different ways and shows there is a common vulnerability we all share that binds us to one another.”

The Paramount is hosting an artist reception from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, during the art crawl.

Attendees are invited to walk through Gallery Saint Germain (main level), connect with the artist and representatives from NAMI.

County receives nearly $800,000 for shelter, trail upgrades

Bend in the River Regional Park to see improvements in 2024

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

A staple amenity in Watab Township is getting upgrades to the tune of nearly $800,000.

The state Legislature approved the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission’s request that Benton County receive $797,555 in Legacy Funds for additional facilities and trails at Bend in the River Regional Park.

Legacy Funds are acquired from the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

County administrator Monty Headley presented the newest information about a proposed grant-funded project to Watab Township supervisors at their latest meeting Aug. 8.

Headley said the county parks commission has been working on the proposed improvements since November 2022 when the county was noti ed of the grant.

The majority of the funds will be expensed on a picnic shelter and playground area to be constructed near the former farmstead, Headley said.

“That’s the biggest ticket item of the grant project,” Headley said of the shelter.

Headley told supervisors the shelter will be able to accommodate about 100 people, and it will have water and electricity. The building will not have a full kitchen but will have places to serve food brought in by caterers or guests.

According to a preliminary project map produced by SRF Consulting, the building would be constructed in an open area south of the parking lot and bathroom facilities that are currently found in the park west of County Road 55.

No improvements will disrupt the landscape of the farmstead that is enclosed with the wooden fence, according to the map.

Headley said the next large initiative with the grant money is to expand on the park’s trail system.

“The idea is to create more continuous loops,” he said.

On the north side of the park, the county parks commission intends to create a connection between an existing trail and where a future trail between the park and the city of Rice may someday be built.

“We actually did apply for a state grant a couple of years ago, and unfortunately didn’t get it, but I think we’ll try again,” Headley said. “I’m kind of hoping that, frankly, we can show the state we’ve got a potential connector to a trail from the city and that actually might improve our chances of getting the state grant.”

A trail segment running east and west in the middle of the park also will be added where trees were harvested this past spring.

However, the southern portion of the park will see the most extensive trail additions.

Currently a triangle portion of land is not utilized between Ferry Point Place Northwest and 105th Street Northwest on the west side of County Road 55.

“As you may know, the trail terminates at Ferry Point road and you don’t really have a loop,” Headley said. … “There’s a small triangular shaped parcel which actually is part of the park, and there’s nothing going through there today. So, this plan will create a meandering trail which goes to that small triangle area, and it creates a continuous loop.”

Headley said to do that, the county will need to make a crossing at Ferry Point Place Northwest that is American with Disabilities Act compliant and has road striping. He said the county intends to construct the crossing at no cost to the township.

Township supervisors and city engineer Kevin Krueger hope the county and township can work together to construct the crossing at the same time road maintenance is performed on

Ferry Point Place Northwest, which is also on the township’s docket for next year.

“It’s a great project,” supervisor Julie Johnson said. “I couldn’t be happier (to have) more green space in the township and in our county. Parks are huge.”

Legacy funding will also be used for trail maintenance and overow parking near a lot on the east side of County Road 55. Way nding signs, interpretative panels and an information kiosk will also be added to the park.

Headley said going forward the parks commission will continue to work this fall with Paul Schroeder of SRF Consulting, who worked on the grant-funded overlooks in the park when he was employed by WSB, to develop construction documents that contain the more concrete details of the project. The documents will be used for project bidding, and construction is expected to take place in summer and fall 2024.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

The sign for Bend in the River Regional Park marks the main entrance Aug. 10 in Watab Township. The county park will see nearly $800,000 in improvements in 2024 thanks to Legacy Funds awarded by the state Legislature.

Residents voice water fine concerns

direction from the council, clerk Julie Fandel has been monitoring households for violations.

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

The seating area inside Rice City Council chambers was lled Aug. 7 as some residents voiced concerns regarding the city’s water conservation plan and its penalties.

Two residents, Andrea Mescall and Nate Trisko, spoke at the podium and asked the city for better communication and to consider updating city code. Both said they received a $50 ne for water use that they thought was permitted within the conservation plan.

Section 30.10 of city code states Rice has a permanent oddeven water sprinkling schedule. Homes with even-numbered addresses may sprinkle on only even-numbered days while homes with odd-numbered houses may sprinkle on only odd-numbered days. Properties in violation after receiving one notice will be ned $50 for each offense and the ne will be added to the property’s water bill. New water meters were installed city-wide within the last year which allows the city to better monitor use. Per

Fandel said she randomly selects a week during the month and looks for inconsistent and large usage amounts on restricted days, according to the home address. Fines have been immediately added to bills as the council agreed information on the bills, in the city newsletter and posted on the city website was warning to its residents of the ordinance.

Fandel said about 85 letters and/or nes have been issued this year. Public works director Steve Wollak said the city has used 52 million gallons of its 75 million-gallon permit and

Watab road project to begin soon

Ask for ordinance revision, better communication Intersection near gas-ngrocery to be realigned

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

A roadway project proposed to improve safety is about to be underway in Watab Township.

The Watab Township Board of Supervisors awarded, at its July 11 meeting, a contract to Knife River Corp. in the amount of $871,228.73 to revamp the roads and right of way near Pines Edge Grocery & Liquor and Rockwood Estates. A preconstruction meeting was scheduled Aug. 11.

The intersection at 15th Avenue Northwest, Sues Road Northwest and 110 Street Northwest — which meets near Highway 10 — will be redesigned. Sues Road Northwest will be shifted to align with 15th Avenue Northwest. In addition, entrances and exits to the convenience store strip mall will be reduced in width, and motorists will have one entrance to the east of the fuel pumps. Drivers will be required to exit from one of two exits further south on the property.

Engineers are hoping the one-way entrances and exits to the plaza will eliminate confusion from drivers and improve safety near the intersection.

Corporate contacts for Pines Edge Grocery & Liquor, which hail from an investment company in Tennessee, could not be reached after multiple attempts. Still, township engineer Kevin Krueger, of WSB, said project construction is within township right of way, so Watab Township should not have complications in completing the project.

The project also includes maintenance to Lakewood Shore Northwest from Plaziak Road Northwest to Northeast River Road, 15th Avenue Northwest between 95th Street and Lakewood Shore Road Northwest, Shoestring Loop and portions of Sues Road Northwest, Gannett Road Northwest and Roseanna Beach Road Northwest.

Construction is slated to begin Aug. 21 and conclude by the end of September.

In other board news:

– The township’s annual fall cleanup day is rescheduled to Oct. 7 from its original date of Oct. 9 due to the road construction near Pines Edge Grocery & Liquor — the usual location of the cleanup drop off —

the three wells are running 21 hours per day.

Trisko said he was ned for watering his lawn when he was instead lling a pool and ushing out his water tanks in his camper, something not detailed in the city ordinance. He did not deny using water, but said it was not for lawn irrigation. Trisko said he used about 800 gallons over a four-hour period.

“None of this is against any city ordinance that I can read or I can nd, but I was ned for it,” he said. “What constitutes too much water on an odd day? Is there any answer to that? Is there anything written in the city ordinance that says how much water is too much water?”

Mescall said her water use was for her garden, and she asked the city when she received her warning.

you expect of us.”

Mescall said she did not feel communication about the new meters, usage and how nes would be issued was sufcient.

“I feel like a lot of us are being blindsided with these nes,” she said. “It’s kind of causing havoc. … If we can get some communication out there for the rest of the residents, it would eliminate a lot of it.”

Additional residents spoke from their seats, reiterating the need for ordinance clari cation and communication, and council members explained the forms of communication the city has used.

In a separate interview, Skroch said, like residents, the city has to monitor conservation and how it is mitigated or it faces hefty nes from the state for exceeding its use.

about city code and its nes, which were posted to the water bills, newsletter and website, constitute legal warnings.

The council did not waive nes at the meeting.

“I’ll pay it,” Trisko said. … “That’s not what I’m here to ght about. I’ll pay the ne, I guess, but I don’t feel as though I’m in the wrong.”

as well as vendors having dif culty securing workforce.

– Approved a 2-inch overlay by for a portion of 80th Street Northwest that is deteriorating. Hanson Paving will complete the work for $7,000.

– Approved adopting a ne schedule for the township to enforce ordinance and permit violations. People who do not secure driveway or building permits are subject to a ne up to double the application fee. Fines are also enforced for those people who do not secure stormwater construction permits; residential properties will be ned $100 and commercial properties will pay double the application fee, or $4,000.

– The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved moving a northern border to a protected property on Sharon Place Northwest outside of the township’s right of way. The property owner will be noti ed.

– At the June meeting, supervisors approved a quote of $19,750 from Schyma Exteriors to re-roof the township hall. The hall was damaged by hail over the last few years and the Minnesota Association of Townships Insurance Trust agreed to cover the cost up to $21,574.37.

“I am here just to ask if the ordinance can be updated,” Mescall said. “If that’s what you guys are going to start ning people as, then the ordinance needs to be updated to actually state what

After the discussion, Mayor Brian Skroch said it was “very evident” the city should address the ordinance language. He also said the city could review with its attorney whether the notices

NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

Re: Notice of Minnesota Power and Great River Energy Filing of Route Permit Application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for the Northland Reliability Project 345 kV Transmission Line

MPUC Docket No. E015,ET2/TL-22-415

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Minnesota Power and Great River Energy (the “Applicants”) filed a combined Certificate of Need and Route Permit application (“Application”) with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) in August 2023, for the Northland Reliability Project (“Project”). This no tice provides information on the Project and the routing process, as well as how to register your name with the Commission on the Project contact list. Adding your name to the Project contact list with the Commission will ensure that you receive future notices about the Project.

PROJECT NEED AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Project is needed to maintain transmission system reliability and optimize regional transfer capability as coalfired generation ceases operations in northern Minnesota and significant renewable generation comes online in the upper Midwest. The Project was studied, reviewed, and approved as part of the Long-Range Transmission Plan Tranche 1 Portfolio by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the regional transmission operator in July 2022.

The Applicants propose a route that is located along existing high-voltage transmission lines for more than 85 percent of its length. Locating the Project along existing transmission line rights-of-way minimizes the potential impact of the Project.

CERTIFICATE OF NEED AND ROUTE PERMIT PROCESS

For the Project, the Commission must determine whether the Project is needed (Certificate of Need) and where the Project should be located (Route Permit). On August 4, 2023, the Applicants filed a combined Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application for the Project with the Commission. The combined Application can be obtained by visiting the Commission’s website at https://mn.gov/puc/ in Docket No. E015,ET2/CN-22-416 (Certificate of Need) and Docket No. E015,ET2/TL-22-415 (Route Permit).

Before the Project can be constructed, the Commission must first certify that the Project is needed. The certification of the Project is governed by Minnesota law, including Minn. Stat. § 216B.243, and Minn. R. Chs. 7829 and 7849 –specifically Minn. R. 7849.0010 to 7849.0400 and 7849.1000 to 7849.2100. In the Certificate of Need proceeding, the Commission will analyze whether what the Applicants have proposed is needed and if so, the most appropriate size, type, and timing for the Project.

In addition to certifying the Project is needed, the Commission must also grant a Route Permit for the Project. As part of the Route Permit process, the Commission determines the final route of the transmission line based on its review of the application, feedback received from the public and other stakeholders, a report from an administrative law judge, and environmental review performed by the Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (“EERA”).

The routing of the Project is governed by Minnesota law, including the Power Plant Siting Act, Minn. Stat. 216E and Minn. R. Ch. 7850. The Route Permit application will be considered under the alternative permitting process in Minn. Stat. § 216E.04 and Minn. R. 7850.1000 to 7850.5600. The Commission has up to six months from the time the Route Permit application is accepted to complete its process and make a decision according to Minn. Stat. § 216E.04, subd. 7, and Minn. R. 7850.3900, subp. 1.

the landowner are unable to negotiate an easement for the right-of-way, the Applicants will acquire real property rights through exercise of the power of eminent domain pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 117. The process of exercising the power of eminent domain is called condemnation.

PROJECT MAILING LIST AND CONTACTS

To ensure you receive written notices of the Project milestones regarding the environmental review process, public meetings, public hearings, and comment periods, please sign up for the Project contact list for the Route Permit. If you would like to have your name added to the Route Permit mailing list, call 651-296-0406 (1-800-657-3782) or send an email to consumer.puc@ state.mn.us. If you send an email or leave a phone message, please include: (1) how you would like to receive mail (regular mail or email) and (2) the Docket number (CN-22-416 or TL-22-415), your name, and your complete mailing address or email address. If you have questions about the state regulatory process, you may contact the Minnesota state regulatory staff listed below:

MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Craig Janezich 121 7th Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (651) 296-7124

1-800-657-3782

Craig.janezich@state.mn.us

Website: www.mn.gov/puc

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - EERA

Raymond Kirsch 85 7th Place East, Suite 280 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (651) 539-1841

1-800-657-3710

Raymond.kirsch@state.mn.us

Website: www.mn.gov/eera

If you have additional questions about the Project, you may contact the Applicants at:

Email: connect@northlandreliabilityproject.com

Phone: (218) 864-6059

COPIES OF THE APPLICATION

The Project consists of two major segments:

[1] Segment 1: construction of a new, approximately 140mile long, double-circuit 345 kilovolt (“kV”) transmission line connecting the existing Iron Range Substation, a new Cuyuna Series Compensation Station (described below), and the existing Benton County Substation; and

[2] Segment 2: replacement of two existing high-voltage transmission lines.

[a] Replace an approximately 20-mile 230 kV line with two 345 kV circuits from the Benton County Substation to the new Xcel Energy Big Oaks Substation along existing high-voltage transmission right-of-way on double-circuit 345 kV structures; and

[b] Replace an approximately 20-mile 345 kV line from the Benton County Substation to the existing Xcel Energy Sherco Substation in Sherburne County along existing high-voltage transmission right-of-way using double-circuit 345 kV structures.

The Project will also involve the following improvements to the power grid:

[1] Expansion of the existing Iron Range Substation, located near Grand Rapids, and expansion of the existing Benton County Substation, located near St. Cloud, and rerouting existing transmission lines at the Iron Range Substation and Benton County Substation; and

[2] Construction of a new Cuyuna Series Compensation Station near the existing Riverton Substation and rerouting an existing transmission line in the Riverton area.

After the Commission accepts the Route Permit application as complete, the Commission and EERA staff will jointly hold public information and scoping meetings to provide information and seek public comment on the scope of the Environmental Assessment (“EA”) that will be prepared for the Project. At this scoping meeting, and throughout a comment period after the scoping meeting, EERA will gather information from stakeholders on potential impacts and mitigation measures that should be evaluated in the EA. EERA will recommend to the Commission those impacts and mitigation measures, including routes and route alternatives, that it believes should be evaluated in the EA. EERA will issue a “Scoping Decision” that identifies the impacts and mitigation measures to be evaluated in the EA.

In addition to an EA, a public hearing on the Project will be held. The public will be invited to make comments on the Project at this hearing before an administrative law judge. Anyone may speak at the public hearing, present documentary evidence, ask questions of the Applicants and EERA staff, and submit written comments. After the hearing, a period during which stakeholders can provide written comments on the Project will be provided. It is anticipated that the administrative law judge will prepare a report summarizing comments received during the above-described process. During an open meeting, the Commission will deliberate and make a final decision as to the Certificate of Need and the Route Permit for the Project, using the criteria set forth in Minn. Stat. § 216B.243 (Certificate of Need) and Minn. Stat. § 216E.04, subd. 8 and Minn. R. 7850.4100 (Route Permit), and stakeholder input received during the regulatory process to guide its decision. Before beginning construction, the Applicants will acquire property rights for the transmission line. The Project requires a 150-foot-wide right-of-way (75 feet on each side of the centerline). However, to the extent practicable, the new double-circuit 345 kV transmission line in Segment 1 will be collocated with existing high-voltage transmission lines or other rights-of-way, thereby facilitating the partial sharing of right-of-way and lessening the overall easement required from landowners for the Project. Segment 2 is intended to primarily follow the existing centerline of the high-voltage transmission lines, with the majority of the new line utilizing the existing right-of-way, except in a few instances. The Applicants typically will acquire these property rights through an easement that will be negotiated with the landowner for each parcel. If the Applicants and

The Application and Project information are available online at mn.gov/puc/edockets/ and searching by the Docket No. TL-22-415. A copy of the Application is also available electronically at www.northlandreliabilityproject. com and at the following public locations:

56431

Brainerd Public Library 416 S. 5th St. Brainerd, MN 56401

Foley Great River Regional Library 251 4th Ave. N Foley, MN 56329

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative 36559 US Highway 169 Aitkin, MN

Pierz Public Library 117 S. Main St. Pierz, MN 56364

Sincerely, Jim Atkinson

Manager – Environmental and Real Estate Minnesota Power

Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library 101 1st St. SE Crosby, MN 56441

Little Falls Great River Regional Library 108 3rd St. NE Little Falls, MN 56345

Sauk Rapids Government Center 250 Summit Ave. N Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Crow Wing Power 17330 MN 371 Brainerd, MN 56401

Becker Great River Regional Library 11500 Sherburne Ave. Becker, MN 55308

Dan Lesher

Manager, Transmission Permitting and Land Rights Great River Energy, a Minnesota cooperative corporation

Figure

lead to:

All roads Sartell

Blackberry Ridge emerges through tough times, now is popular golf course, event center

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Emotions sometimes get the best of Wes Fenlason when he is walking the grounds of Blackberry Ridge Golf Course. The same is true during a rare quiet moment in the maintenance shed.

Considering the often-trying times his family and he have endured while building a business, a few tears here and there during moments of re ection are understandable. The sprawling 200-acre golf course on the north side of Sartell has endured nancial hardships such as 9/11 and the recession of the late 2000s, along with the deaths of the original owners.

That makes the precious moments of looking back mean that much more for Fenlason, who co-owns the business with his mother, Kittie, and sister, Jeannie – along with former co-owner Donna Fenlason.

“At times, it was like walking into a dark closet and the closet just keeps on going in the dark trying to keep this going,” said Wes Fenlason, who also is the head superintendent. “It felt like you’re never going to get out. There was a long period I went to every bank in town.

Those were not fun days.”

Since surviving tumultuous nancial times, Blackberry Ridge has turned into a destination stop for golf enthusiasts, along with providing a scenic backdrop and banquet facility for up to 50 weddings annually. Though far from ready to rest on their laurels, the Fenlason crew takes occasional joy in appreciating their accomplishments.

“We just feel privileged to have the family atmosphere that has developed here,” Kittie said. “Helping grow with families is what keeps the motivation going here, along with knowing you can make a difference in the community.”

The golf course and event center were the vision of brothers Don and Verle Fenlason. They owned and operated a dairy farm on land west of the new Sartell High School. Don Fenlason Sr., Wes’ grandfather, rst started working the dairy farm on the property in 1946 before purchasing it in 1949.

The idea of converting the farmland into a golf course and housing development originated as Don Jr. and Verle began contemplating retirement—though neither knew anything about golf.

Blackberry Ridge page 13

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

(Above) The original barn on the Fenlason family farm sits behind the 10th green at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell. The barn now serves as the maintenance shed for golf course mowers and machinery.

(Left) Blackberry Ridge Golf course co-owners Jeannie Fenlason (from left), Wes Fenlason and Kittie Fenlason have made owning a business a family affair. The land the course is on has been in the family since 1949.

Editor’s note: Throughout June, July and August, the Sauk Rapids Herald will feature interesting people and places from our neighboring cities.

Blackberry Ridge from page 12

The Fenlasons sold 20 acres to local businesspeople Pete and Jane Yarmon, and discussions began on how to make the course and high-end housing development a reality.

“With Pete’s and Jane’s business and real estate knowledge, they helped us by doing preliminary work with all the licensing and market analysis to see if this would be a viable business,” said Kittie, who was a Sartell-St. Stephen elementary school teacher from 1969-02. “At that time, people were saying, ‘Everyone in Minnesota plays golf, so we need another golf course.’”

Change was frequent during Blackberry’s formative years. Construction began in 1999 and Wes admits the facility opened sooner than it should have—in July 2000—because the bills needed to be paid. But the completed market analysis revealed the business had potential.

“We used to call (the analysis) the Bible,” Wes said. “It looked like an encyclopedia right down to how many pencils and staples we’d use for the next decade or so. It was our whole business plan, then we dragged it around to banks to see if someone would loan us some money. That was a whole battle unto itself.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, papers to close the sale of 20-30 new home construction lots located in wooded area northwest of where the clubhouse was being constructed were about to be signed. Wes was grooming the practice green and listening to the radio early that morning when he heard a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Then another.

“We quickly turned

the television on and the whole world changed,” Wes said. “Any (new lot) signings we were supposed to do at the bank were over because the whole world stopped.”

Post-Sept. 11 life contributed to rough days for the business. Family members who did not have a stake in the business re- nanced their houses to help pay bills, and several involved with the management team forfeited their salaries for several months to help keep the doors open.

“If we were lucky, we’d sell one lot a year after that, which would barely cover the taxes and assessments,” Wes said. “At the end of the day, Blackberry Ridge Estates did not help pay for Blackberry Ridge Operating (for the golf course).”

Through much of their own blood, sweat and tears—literally— Wes and the family, which included his aunt Linda Fenlason (Don’s wife), kept things going in the early 2000s despite several times of doubt. The Fenlasons sold additional land, which they then used to buy out the Yarmons.

Don Fenlason Jr. developed cancer in the late 2000s before passing away in 2009. His brother, Verle, died in more sudden fashion 11 months later.

For sisters-in-law Kittie and Donna, giving up was not an option, though neither had much business experience. They joined a national business roundtable group to learn the basics and applied their newfound skills wherever possible, especially after their bank bestowed the chief nancial of cer title on Kittie while Linda became the CEO.

“We knew we had

to keep it going,” Kittie said. “We couldn’t sell it because there was no market. Thankfully, the bank didn’t put us on a re sale because they could’ve. We were exploring a sale thinking maybe we could sell 50% of it. Well, no one was interested in buying 50% of a business. Part of why the farming was sustainable was because neither family could afford to buy out the other. It was the same thing (with Blackberry). That meant we better gure it out. It was my kids’ livelihood.”

After graduating from Sartell High School in 1991, Wes went to Itasca Junior College before transferring to Augsburg College in Minneapolis to play football and wrestle. He then worked for Sauk Rapids-based K Johnson Construction before realizing he wanted to be involved in the family business.

After receiving his degree in turf management from Anoka

Technical College, Wes joined the grounds crew at The Classic at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, where he learned the ner points of maintaining a golf course. He was hired as head superintendent at Blackberry in fall 2007. Sister Jeannie has served as event captain since coming aboard in 2012.

“Once I knew this was a real thing and I wanted to get in it, I knew I better gure out how to do this,” Wes said. “I went from making pretty decent money pouring concrete to making about $6,000 a year as a grounds crew guy.”

A course with no visible homes when it opened has transformed into a bit more of a bustling atmosphere. Land and homes along the course’s eastern border also have been developed, though the country

feel of the property mostly remains.

The course, which has a blend of wooded and wide-open holes and was designed by Joel Goldstrand, is home to more than 200 members and hosts dozens of corporate events annually. The original barn on the facility, located behind the 10th green, has been transformed into a maintenance facility. The barn’s outline and its two silos are af xed on the new course logo.

At times, it all seems surreal to Wes.

“In the early going, I wasn’t really involved,” Wes said. “But in order to get the nancing for Blackberry Ridge, (the family) had to lever everything. And I mean everything. That took some real (courage). When it’s quiet and I’m in the barn, I think about (the fact) I’m the third generation to be in this building. That’s pretty amazing.”

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

An outdoor patio is one of the more recent additions to Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell. The 18-hole facility opened in 2001.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

The Blackberry Ridge Golf Course clubhouse, which includes an event center on the second floor along with a pro shop and restaurant on the bottom floor, is nestled behind the 18th green at the Sartell facility. The golf course was designed by Joel Goldstrand, who was the architect of more than 100 courses in the upper Midwest.

mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE:

July 21, 2015

MORTGAGOR: Kevin A Reiter, a single man.

MORTGAGEE: U.S. Bank N.A.

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded

July 28, 2015 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 410886.

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: NONE TRANSACTION

AGENT: NONE TRANSACTION

AGENT’S MORTGAGE

IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER ON MORTGAGE:

NONE

LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE

ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: U.S. Bank

N.A. RESIDENTIAL

MORTGAGE SERVICER:

U.S. Bank National Association

MORTGAGED

PROPERTY ADDRESS:

9955 Oak Court Northeast, Rice, MN 56367

SUMMONS NOTICE

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF BENTON

Case Type: DISTRICT COURT

SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Case No: 05-CV-23-1195

SUMMONS

City of Sauk Rapids, Plaintiff, vs. Kurt J. Bruner Defendant. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT.

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are of cial papers that affect your rights. You

TAX PARCEL I.D. #:

120130000

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

Lot Nine (9), in Block Two (2), of Deerwood Estates, also an undivided 1/21st interest in and to Lot Five (5), in Block Two (2), of said Deerwood Estates, according to the plat and survey thereof now on le and of record in the Of ce of the County recorder, in and for Benton County, Minnesota.

COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE:

$174,000.00

AMOUNT DUE

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

$156,849.99

That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice 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:

must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be led with the Court and there may be no court le number on this Summons.

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this Summons a written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: Rinke Noonan, Ltd., 1015 West St. Germain Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 1497, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1497.

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state

844-605-7368

BOGO 40% OFF ENDS 10/31

DATE AND TIME OF SALE: September 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM

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

PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 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 March 26, 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

whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help,

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: July 26, 2023

U.S. Bank National Association 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 19 - 23-004364 FC IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

R-31-6B

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

DISTRICT NO. 47

REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

Monday, July 17, 2023

A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, July 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. CDT in the District Of ce Boardroom.

ROLL CALL

Members present included Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Johnson, Loidolt and Morse. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Boser, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Technology Zimpel, SRRHS Principal Logrono, MHES Principal Peterson, and SRRHS Activities Director Klaphake. ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM Chair Butkowski asked Clerk Loidolt to af rm there was a quorum in attendance. Clerk Loidolt af rmed there was a quorum.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried by a margin of six to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”.

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried by a margin of six to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”.

PUBLIC INPUT

There was no public input at 6:55 p.m.

ACTION

AUTHORIZATION OF THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE (MSHSL) MEMBERSHIP

A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried by a margin of six to authorize the 2023 – 2024 district membership with MSHSL. This membership delegates the control, supervision and regulation of interscholastic athletic and ne arts events to the Minnesota State High School League.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION

A motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried by a margin of six to adopt the Donation Resolution. It is recommended by the Minnesota School Board Association that a Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the agenda rather than in Consent.

you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

Dated: July 11, 2023 RINKE NOONAN, LTD.

/s/ Ashley M. Bukowski

Ashley M. Bukowski (#0400023) Adam A. Ripple (#0386989)

Suite 300 US Bank Plaza Building

1015 W. St. Germain St. P.O. Box 1497 St. Cloud, MN 563021497 (320) 251-6700 (320) 656-3500 fax Email: Abukowski@RinkeNoonan.com and Aripple@ RinkeNoonan.com ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF R-30-3B

APPROVAL OF INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS

A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried by a margin of six to approve the individual agreements, which were settled within parameters set by the Board of Education.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #722

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried by a margin of six to adopt the following policy. • #722 Public Data Request is a yearly “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #722 (Public Data Request). This policy required two readings as substantive changes are recommended.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Johnson and unanimously carried by a margin of six to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Loidolt School Board Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-32-1B

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City of Rice City Council at 6:00 pm on Monday August 21st, 2023 at the Rice City Hall, 205 Main Street East, Rice, MN 56367 for the purpose of hearing from the public, considering, and making recommendation to the City Council regarding a Variance for the following property currently zoned B-3 - Highway Business: 13615 25th Ave NW PID 150004503 to have a 12 foot fence.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to comment, testify, or present evidence at the hearing.

Dated: August 11th, 2023

Julie Fandel City Clerk City of Rice, MN

Deer licenses now available

Hunters must be aware of significant regulation changes

ST. PAUL – Deer hunters will have more ways to hunt in Minnesota this fall, and deer hunting licenses could be purchased starting Aug. 1.

“We’re excited for deer season,” said Barb Keller, big game program leader. “Hunters have a lot to look forward to this year. We encourage all hunters to review the new hunting regulations and make a plan for hunting success.”

New this year, crossbows are allowed for all deer hunters with an archery license, synthetic ground blinds on public lands are required to have blaze orange covering, some chronic wasting disease zones have changed, nontoxic ammunition will be required for special hunts in state parks or in scienti c and natural areas where hunting is allowed, and some harvest limits are reduced in northeast and north-central Minnesota while most areas have similar bag limits as last year.

Deer hunting speci cs can be found at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer. Electronic copies of all 2023 Minnesota hunting regulations are available at mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting. Printed copies will be available by the end of August wherever licenses are sold.

After a tough winter, deer hunters in northern Minnesota might see fewer deer. In central and southern Minnesota, deer likely fared well.

“Hunters in most of Minnesota can expect a season similar to last year in terms of how many deer they can harvest,” Keller said.

“The lower bag limits in northeast and north-central Minnesota aim to allow deer populations to recover after backto-back severe winters. Deer are resilient, and we are hopeful deer populations there will gradually recover along

Deer season dates

Archery: Sept. 16 through Dec. 31. – Youth and early antlerless: Oct. 19 through Oct. 22.

– Firearms: Nov. 4 with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s location.

Muzzleloader: Nov. 25 through Dec. 10.

with lower harvests, especially if we get some mild winters.”

The Minnesota DNR increased the bag limit or lottery permits in 12 deer permit areas this year, 80 DPAs have the same designation as last year, and 38 DPAs have reduced bag limits or lottery permits.

The crossbow change allows all hunters who purchase an archery deer license to take deer with a crossbow throughout the archery deer season. Previously, only hunters 60 years or older, individuals with a disability who had a valid permit or any hunter with a valid rearms license hunting during the rearms season could use crossbows. Hunters will be asked whether they harvested their deer with a crossbow or vertical bow when they register their deer.

The change on ground blinds requires that fabric or synthetic blinds on public land must have a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind that is visible from all directions or a patch made of blaze

orange that is at least 12 inches by 12 inches on each side of the blind.

CWD sampling continues

It is important for hunters to get their deer tested in CWD zones. This year, some DPAs were added to CWD zones and some were removed. Hunters should check the requirements and available sampling options for the DPAs where they hunt. Hunters can nd this DPA-speci c information by visiting the tool at mndnr. gov/deerhunt.

Hunters are required to have deer 1 year or older sampled for CWD in all CWD management and surveillance zones during the opening weekend of the rearms

A season, Nov. 4-5. In all areas outside CWD management and surveillance zones, hunters will have other options to get their deer sampled for CWD.

Sampling options include requesting a mail-in kit before hunting or utilizing kits obtained but not used last year. Hunters also may participate in the partner sampling program.

Visit mndnr.gov/cwd for the most up-to-date information, nd sampling locations or request a mail-in sampling kit.

Connect with the Minnesota DNR

Anyone looking to connect with Minnesota DNR local wildlife managers about deer, wildlife, hunting and habitat topics can by email, phone or in person at area wildlife of ces from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17. Area managers welcome calls from the public, so people who cannot call during the dedicated time are encouraged to do so at their convenience.

People can learn more in a deer season webinar at noon Aug. 23. Todd Froberg, Minnesota DNR big game program coordinator, will discuss hunting opportunities, new regulations, important dates and deadlines, an overview of the deer population goal setting process and a statewide look at deer populations. Registration is free and required with more information at mndnr.gov/ discover.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUMMONS NOTICE

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF BENTON

Case Type:

DISTRICT COURT

SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Case No: 05-CV-23-1197

SUMMONS

City of Sauk Rapids, Plaintiff, vs. Jerod R. Dubuque Defendant. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT.

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are of cial papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be led with the Court and there may be no court le number on this Summons.

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this Summons a written response called an Answer within 21 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: Rinke Noonan, Ltd., 1015 West St. Germain Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 1497, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1497.

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A

WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED

THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 21 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.

5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.

Dated: July 6, 2023

RINKE NOONAN, LTD.

/s/ Ashley M. Bukowski Ashley M. Bukowski (#0400023)

Adam A. Ripple (#0386989) Suite 300 US Bank Plaza Building 1015 W. St. Germain St. P.O. Box 1497 St. Cloud, MN 563021497 (320) 251-6700 (320) 656-3500 fax Email: Abukowski@RinkeNoonan.com and Aripple@ RinkeNoonan.com

ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF R-30-3B

CITY

OF

RICE, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Rice, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on August 21st at 6 PM at Rice City Hall, 205 Main Street East, Rice, MN 56367. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider and act on a petition requesting the vacation of the drainage and utility easement as dedicated in WILDWOOD SOUTH, according to the recorded plat thereof, Benton County, Minnesota, bounded as follows: On the North by the North line of Lot 1, Block 1, WILDWOOD SOUTH. AND On the East by a line measured 10.00 feet West of, as measured at a right angle to and parallel with the East line of said Lot 1, Block 1, WILDWOOD SOUTH. AND On the South by a line measured 10.00 feet South of, as measured at a right angle to and parallel with said North Line of Lot 1, Block 1, WILDWOOD SOUTH. AND On the West by the West line of the East 350.00 feet of said Lot 1, Block 1, WILDWOOD SOUTH.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to comment, testify, or present evidence at the hearing.

Dated: August 11th, 2023

Julie Fandel City Clerk

Soccer balls rest in the grass at Rice Lions Park Aug. 9 in the city of Rice. The Rice Recreation

program has tripled in size with 95 participants this summer.

Having a ball

Rice Recreation soccer program triples in size

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

The soccer elds at Rice Lions Park are getting plenty of use as summer wanes.

The Rice Recreation soccer program has tripled in size since last year with 95 children, ages 3-12, have registered for the four-week program. Three age groups of soccer participants meet twice weekly and are coached by director Gene Thomsen, recreation program employees as well as parent and high school volunteers.

Thomsen said soccer is not the only program growing. The city’s ball program, which teaches fundamentals of baseball and softball, also set a record with 118 participants, he said.

Rice soccer page 22

dribbling, passing and kicking drills Aug. 9 in Rice. Kids rotated between offense and defense during the drill.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

(Above) Leo Freihammer, of Sartell, sits inside a goal Aug. 9 during the 3- to 4-year-old soccer program in Rice. The program also has sessions for children ages 5-6 as well as 7-12.

(Left) Bentley Peterson, of Rice, kicks a soccer ball toward goal while being instructed by Kristina Scheel Aug. 9 in Rice. Scheel stepped in to help coach the program after seeing the increase in numbers, according to Rice Recreation director Gene Thomsen.

soccer

Rice resident John Pilarski keeps a soccer ball away from his children, Austin (left) and Avery, during the Aug. 9 program in Rice. Each age session of the program is 45 minutes and takes place twice during the week.

A group of parents and guardians watch children during the Rice Recreation soccer program Aug. 9 in Rice. With 95 participants plus families, Rice Lions Park was bustling with activity.

Rice soccer from page

20

Keuchel joins Twins rotation

Dallas Keuchel, a 35-year-old former Cy Young Award winner, was called up to the Twins’ big league roster last weekend. At this stage of his career, Keuchel is an extremely soft-tossing lefty who gets by with his sinker-slider mix and strong command. The Twins are hoping Keuchel can provide rotation depth and veteran leadership while Joe Ryan recovers from a groin strain.

For at least one start, Keuchel got the job done. On Aug. 6, he held the slumping Arizona Diamondbacks to one run over ve innings in a 5-3 Twins win while allowing eight hits, walking two and striking out no one. While nothing in that stat line signals a dominant performance, you can tip your cap to the veteran for avoiding hard contact and keeping the ball in the yard.

In six starts for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, Keuchel posted a 1.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while striking out 28 in 32 innings, so maybe this could be semi-sustainable. As recently as 2020, Keuchel posted a 1.99 ERA and 1.09 WHIP for the White Sox in 11 starts. However, things fell off a cliff in 2021 and 2022 when he cumulatively posted a 6.35 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 222 innings while pitching with diminished stuff for the White Sox, Diamondbacks and Rangers.

Last winter, Keuchel worked at Driveline academy to try to recover a few ticks on his fastball, and his trusty sinker returned to an average velocity of 87 mph in St. Paul, which, per Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, is roughly the same speed he threw during his last successful season in 2020. For his career, Keuchel has a 57.8% ground ball rate that is third highest among MLB pitchers during that time frame. Twins in elders should expect a lot of action when the veteran is on the hill.

soccer program meets Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks.

Aug. 9 in Rice.

The Twins have opened up a 4.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central division standings, and having a veteran starter with playoff experience will be good for this team. After last season’s monumental collapse, adding leadership to the locker room for the home stretch of this season is a smart move, and I wouldn’t be shocked if having Keuchel around has some intangible bene ts. This guy has a World Series ring and a Cy Young trophy, after all. As long as Keuchel can continue to hit his spots and generate ground balls at his usual proli c rate, this was a wise, low risk move for a team with playoff aspirations.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Sauk Rapids resident Bella Bah and her father, Moe Bah, run a soccer drill during a Rice Recreation program Aug. 9 in Rice. Registration for the program ended July 25 with the program beginning July 31.

(Above) Mackenzie Skuza, of Little Falls, listens to Gene Thomsen, Rice Recreation director, during the second week of the soccer program

The

(Right) Children ages 3 and 4 gather for an endof-day huddle Aug. 9 in Rice. The children chose to yell “Wednesday” as they ended their practice.

A group of soccer players run and kick balls toward volunteer Leeanne Pearson Aug. 9 in Rice. The drill allowed five children to participate at one time, which was quite entertaining for the kids judging by their reactions.

A demolition tradition

Sonstebys prepare, compete at Benton County Fair derby

BY HANS LAMMEMAN | STAFF WRITER

Crowds cheered, engines roared and mud sprayed into the air as drivers worked to outmaneuver each other for the grand prize and rstplace title in their respective divisions at the Benton County Fair demolition derby Aug. 5.

For the Sonstebys, the annual trip to the fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids from the Clearwater area presents an opportunity to spend time with family while enjoying a sporting event that has rooted itself as a tradition. Before Saturday’s derby, Brad Sonsteby made nal adjustments to his cousin’s vehicle with other relatives.

Now 64, Brad recalled growing up watching demolition derbies. Although he said his heyday as a derby participant was nearly 30 years ago, and it had been about ve years since he last competed at the Benton County Fair, he stays involved in the sport as a pitman for Brandon Sonsteby.

While certain division winners received up to $2,000, Brad said the primary motivation for drivers to compete in the derby was the thrill rather than prize money. Like most sports, he said, the competitors and their crews work to bend the rules as much as possible to give them an advantage against their opponents.

“It depends on the rules; every one of these classes has different rules,” Brad said. “Everybody in this sport is a cheat. I hate to say it (but

the drivers most set up for success are) who gets away with the most stuff.”

Car inspector and 15-year derby driver vet-

eran Adam Steffes, of Mayhew Lake Township, said the vehicles are carefully analyzed to ensure safety. He said some drivers likely spent up to $10,000 preparing their cars for the fair. While the Benton County demolition derby is roughly average concerning the number of participating drivers – about 40 –he said it stands out because of the crowds.

“It’s an average (sized) demolition derby, but the crowd is bigger,” Steffes said. “That absolutely makes a difference when you’re driving. The county fair is always sold out; it is awesome.”

The attendance lived up to the expectation, with standing room only available and thousands prepared to cheer in the stands before the rst event kicked off.

Brandon competed in the full-size chain division (or class) in a 1976 Oldsmobile that had seen demolition derby action once previously with another driver behind the wheel. He said this year’s derby at the county fair was his sixth or seventh time at the event and potentially one of his last.

Demo derby page 23

PHOTOS BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Brandon Sonsteby and another driver pin a vehicle during the full-sized chain division at the Benton County Fair demolition derby Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. Sonsteby’s family served as his pit crew before the competition.

Brandon Sonsteby stands with the 1976 Oldsmobile he competed with after the Benton County Fair demolition derby Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. He finished in third place in the full-sized chain class.

Adam Steffes inspects a vehicle before the demolition derby Aug. 5 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. Steffes has been an inspector with the Benton County Fair for three years.

Demo derby

from

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“I have got young kids now, so I might try to retire for a few years,” Brandon said. “It is a lot of work. It is so much time, work and money that it gets kind of exhausting when you have kids.”

After a countdown from the announcer of cially started the competition, Brandon quickly veered into action, ramming opponents and strategically drifting to avoid collisions. While his actions appeared calm and collected under pressure, he said

he mainly acted on instinct.

“I am just nervous the whole time,” Brandon said. “I am trying to think about what is going to happen.”

Brandon’s car ultimately failed to get going again with two competitors still running, leaving him with a top-three nish. Although a rst-place nish would have been preferable, he said spending time with his relatives is the most valuable aspect of the experience.

“Family is pretty much the only reason we do it,” Brandon said. “We have family, parents, uncles and all (those) who have done it before.”

Injury tests patience

Pain is a part of life, especially as you age.

Injuries for athletes at all levels, along with people my age who put themselves in the former athlete category, are inevitable. We won’t get into how long ago it was that I believed I t that description.

With each day in the past six weeks, I’ve been reminded that period of my life was a lot longer ago than I care to admit.

TEEIN’ OFF

BY TOM FENTON

My athletic endeavors at this point in life, other than morning workouts that are not nearly as frequent or intense as they should be (I’m working on changing that), are mostly resigned to the golf course. It’s a relatively low-impact activity of which I’m addicted as it provides for time outdoors on beautiful courses while spending time and sharing good-natured verbal jabs at friends.

I bid adieu to tennis—a passion of mine in high school and college—quite some time ago at a summer tournament. After playing 8-10 matches in a weekend of 90-degree heat, I dragged myself to my car and said something to the effect of, “This is stupid. I’m done.” I think I was 25.

The rackets have mostly been relegated to being hung in the garage or buried in storage since, leaving golf as the only activity that has been able to whet my competitive appetite.

Golf is what I do during the spring, summer and fall weekends, and, if I’m lucky, into mid-November. Rounds during deer hunting opener have become more frequent in recent years, which, considering I don’t hunt, is awesome.

The snow cannot melt fast enough once spring rolls around; this could not have been truer after experiencing the disgusting March and April weather that nearly pushed the opening of area courses into May. That put the eagerness to get on the course at an all-time high.

The start of the season was just as I had hoped and included weekend rounds with great and fun friends in mostly decent weather. The yearly goal is at 60 rounds. I’ve hovered around that number the past several years and appeared to be on the way to coming close this season despite the late start.

About six weeks ago while warming up on the practice range, an exercise that seemingly takes longer with each round, I felt a twinge it my right elbow. It wasn’t excruciating, but it certainly didn’t tickle either.

The pain worsened with each passing round and eventually forced me to walk off the course twice before reaching the 18th hole. Anyone who knows me knows this is not something I do.

The diagnosis wasn’t that dif cult. You can call it tennis elbow, but since it affects my golf game, I’m calling it golfer’s elbow. The injury doesn’t not really affect my everyday life other than feeling a bit of a twinge while typing or even brushing my teeth.

A few internet searches for methods to ease or cure the pain was quickly followed by about a dozen suggestions on my Instagram feed. Most ideas include physical therapy, stretching exercises or some fancy-looking machine that helps break the scar tissue and stretch the affected tendon.

A few trips to the chiropractor before the long Fourth of July weekend helped, though bucking her advice to stay off the course proved unwise. Golf geeks understand my predicament.

What else am I supposed to do during a four-day weekend in the middle of summer other than play golf? I gured I could endure the pain since sitting around the house for four days was not an option.

The next week, invitations to play St. Cloud Country Club and Minneapolis Golf Club, widely known as a top-10 course in Minnesota, followed. What was I supposed to do? Say no?

Not surprisingly, seven rounds in 10 days were not what the doctor ordered as most swings were grimace-inducing. Everyone I asked who has gone through this, along with medical professionals, told me the only real way to get rid of this is to avoid the act that aggravates it.

Well, that’s no fun.

But, with a golf trip to Scotland two months out, the focus is on getting healthy with the hope a three-week break is enough rest. At the same time, the fear-of-missing out, along with longing for the camaraderie and exercise (I walk on the course) is real. Bottom line: It stinks.

My unof cial end to summer is Monday, Aug. 14, when fall practice begins for high school athletes across the state.

My hope and message to all the athletes is this: Enjoy your youth. And by all means, stay healthy.

Brad Sonsteby makes final adjustments to Brandon Sonsteby’s derby vehicle Aug. 5 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. He retired from driving in demolition derbies about five years ago.

PHOTOS BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Crowds fill the stands while watching the demolition derby at the Benton County Fairgrounds Aug. 5 in Sauk Rapids. Attendees filled stands on both sides of the pit and lined the fences to get a peek at the action.

Brandon Sonsteby speeds to avoid a collision from the side Aug. 5 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. Sonsteby and his family have a tradition of participating in the demolition derby at the county fair.

Benton County Fair

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Lily Dahler (from left), Heidi Montag, Gabby Orton and Macy Wentland take a break Aug. 1 from serving shakes and malts at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Wentland, a member of the Royalton FFA, assisted the three Benton County American Dairy Association dairy princesses in their duties.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Aryssa Zacher, of the Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club, stands with her Scottish Highland steer Aug. 1 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Zacher’s family owns Popple Creek Farm.

PHOTO BY MORGAN EGGERT Sauk Rapids resident Amy Johnson, a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener, stands next to flowers and plants Aug. 3 in the Heritage Building at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. The Extension Master Gardeners answered questions about plants and had many to display for education.

PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR

(Left) Dona Miller checks her bingo cards for a possible winner Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair. Sauk Rapids Lions Club members were busy during the six-day fair calling numbers, distributing cards and listening for winners.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

(Right) Cruz Cervantes, of St. Cloud, pedals a tractor near the FFA Barnyard Aug. 1 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. The bale-lined course was an addition to the agricultural area near the barns.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER John Humbert, of Great Falls, Montana, picks up pine wood derby cars after racing them down the track Aug. 1 in the Education Building at the Benton County Fair. Humbert’s family was visiting relatives last week.

PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR Joe Schumacher keeps a firm grip on the wheel as he ends his Aug. 4 Farm Stock 4000 Class pull at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Schumacher was driving a 1941 Massey-Harris Super Twin-Power 101 tractor he bought from a collection.