Sauk Rapids Herald - August 26, 2023

Students, guardians invited to school open houses

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

Students and guardians enrolled in the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools system will have their rst taste of back-to-school scenarios when the Independent School District 47 hosts open houses Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The event is slated just one week before all students return to buildings.

Early childhood programs and the district’s kindergarten through fth grade buildings – Mississippi Heights Elementary School, Pleasantview Elementary School and Rice Elementary School – host the gatherings where students can become acquainted with lockers and classrooms from 3-7 p.m. The Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School (sixth through eighth grades) and Sauk Rapids-Rice High School (ninth through 12th) observe open house from 4-8 p.m. High school students can begin taking photos for student identi cations and the school yearbook beginning at noon and throughout open house.

First day of school

The day after Labor Day — Tuesday, Sept. 5 — kindergarten, sixth grade and freshman students will return to buildings for the rst day of the 2023-24 school year. Early childhood program students, dependent on class schedule, will also attend this day as will seventh and eighth grade students who are new to the district and adult basic education students.

Wednesday, Sept. 6, will be the of cial return of all Storm students.

Community under the sun

County plans move forward for new government center

Conceptual design phase ends, construction manager selection underway

BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER

Twenty- ve years ago, Benton County built a new criminal justice facility.

Fifteen years ago, a new highway and public works department building went up.

Human services space needs are driving the county’s next big construction project.

“It’s the board’s consensus it’s time to take care of space needs associated with those governmental functions,” said Monty Headley, county admin-

istrator.

The location of a new, multimillion dollar county government facility is not far away.

It is a historic parcel of nearby vacant land — the former Foley High School site across the way from the current

government center at 531 Dewey St., Foley. Commissioners met monthly over the past 10

months with St. Cloud-based GLT Architects regarding conceptual designs. That phase is about to end.

The board is scheduled to interview construction manager candidates Aug. 28.

It is likely commissioners will select a rm the rst week in September, Headley said.

“The board would like to see all of the functions that are in the current government center moved to a new facility across the street,” Headley said.

Headley said the county has been working with GLT Architects to visualize space needs, a general project footprint and a building con guration.

Rice festival page 3

PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN

The former Foley High School site, sitting across from the current Benton County Government Center at 531 Dewey St. in Foley, is the selected location for a proposed new government facility. County commissioners are scheduled to interview a group of construction manager candidates for the building project Aug. 28.

• Sharon M. Heurung • Sr. Mary Peter Marthaler, O.S.C.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

(Above) Hayden Midas (left) and Lili Henagin carry the Rice Women of Today banner as they lead the kiddie parade Aug. 19 at Rice Family Summer Festival in Rice. The temperatures reached into the 90s Saturday, but the Rice community showed its support for the annual event.

(Left) James Dean leads a horse as part of the Gaits of Hope parade unit Aug. 19 at Rice Family Summer Festival in Rice. Gaits of Hope, a Ricebased business, provides equine assisted healing, therapy and learning to a range of clientele.

A market adds to festivities of Rice Family Summer Festival Aug. 19 in Rice. Vendors sold foods, crafts and sewn items from their tents under the afternoon sun.

Crowds amass despite 90-degree heat

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

Although some people may have chosen to stay home or shorten their stay, the Rice community lined up on Main and Division streets Aug. 19 for the Rice Family Summer Festival parade. Families could be seen

along the nearly sixblock stretch, collecting candy and waving to parade units as they passed.

Temperatures rose to 92 in central Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service. The reading is 13 degrees

higher than the area’s average high temperature of 79 degrees. St. Cloud’s record high is set at 100 degrees in 1900.

Rice Family Summer Festival featured additional events than the past two years since the coronavirus pandemic canceled the event in

2020. A market, hosted by the Rice Women of Today, sold crafts and cottage foods from tents and booths near Veterans Memorial Park and accompanied the staple food and refreshment vendors, bounce houses, sporting events and live music of year’s past.

Sunday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. — Sacred Heart Parish Festival. Polka Mass at 9 a.m. Grand raf e, activities and entertainment. Sacred Heart Parish, 2875 10th Ave. NE, Sauk Rapids.

Monday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. — Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Monday, Aug. 28, 6-7 p.m. — Nordic Walking Group. Meets every Monday. Some poles available. Municipal Park, Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 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. 29, 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Exercise Tuesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Call 320-393-4467 for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 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. 29, 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. 30, 1-3 p.m. — Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice.

Wednesday, Aug. 30 — Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Open House. See page 1 for more details.

Boy Scouts Troop 473 members — Bodin Washnieski (from left), Jude Washnieski and Levi Vouk — stand near a roaster filled with pork chops Aug. 19 at Rice Family Summer Festival in Rice. The Scouts sold the pork chops and refreshments as a fundraiser from their tent in Veterans Memorial Park.

Owner Suzanne Trutwin, Trinity Trutwin and Isabelle Martin promote West Main Nutrition during the Aug. 19 Rice Family Summer Festival in Rice. Roughly 20 units participated in the parade.

Highway 10 closes to all traffic in St. Cloud Aug. 28-30

ST. CLOUD —The Minnesota Department of Transportation will close both directions of Highway 10 at Highway 23 between 15th Avenue/Seventh Street Southeast in St. Cloud and Benton Drive in Sauk Rapids from 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28 to noon Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The 52-hour closure in necessary to remove the old westbound Highway 23 bridge. Highway 10 detour routes are as follows: Eastbound Highway 10 will detour along Highway 15, Highway 23 (Division Street), Lincoln Avenue and 15thAvenue Southeast back to eastbound Highway 10.

Westbound Highway 10 will detour along Highway 23, Benton County Road 1 (Mayhew Lake Road Northeast) and Golden Spike Road back to westbound Highway 10.

Motorists will encounter stopand-go traf c along these detour routes through St. Cloud, especially at peak travel times. Plan accordingly and seek alternate routes. Through travelers can use Highway 15, Interstate 94 and Highway 24 as an alternate Highway 10 route. Highway 23 will remain open to head-to-head traf c on the eastbound bridge over Highway 10.

For more information and Highway 10 detour maps, visit the Highway 10 and 23 interchange construction in St. Cloud, Benton County, visit the project webpage at www.mndot.gov/d3/stc/.

When complete in November 2024, the interchange project will invest in infrastructure to last 60-plus years, provide a smoother road surface and improve motorist and pedestrian safety and access throughout.

To avoid delays, consider an alternate route and check road conditions ahead of time at 511mn.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 5 p.m. — Corn Boil & Bike Show. Hosted by the Sauk Rapids VFW Auxiliary and bene ting Sauk Rapids Fire Engine No. 2. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 5-7 p.m. – Cookout with Sauk Rapids Police Department. Complimentary hot dogs, chips, cookies and refreshments. Sauk Rapids Lions Sunset Park at The Clearing. River Avenue North, Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Aug. 31, 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. 31, 5:30 p.m. — Riverside Nights Featuring opening act Mark Stone and headliner Rock Godz. 1851 Square and Riverside Terrace, 195 River Ave. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Aug. 31, 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. 31, 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, Sept. 2, 10-11:30 a.m. — Imagery

Unveiled: A Journy into Artistic Justice. Join artist Vatsalaa Jha for a conversation that takes art to a deeper level. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

If you would like parishioners

$1499

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Government center from front

Last month, Headley estimated a new 53,000 square-foot government center would cost about $23 million.

The exact cost gures for the project will become more precise once a construction manager is hired.

“The construction manager will prepare a detailed project cost estimate,” Headley said. “That will be used for bonding purposes next April. Up to this point, estimates were based on generally accepted construction standards. We are moving into a phase with much more detailed architectural drawings.”

Benton County must conduct a public hearing on any proposed issuance of capital improvement bonds.

Such issuance may be subject to an election if a petition is led with the county auditor within 30 days of the public hearing date, Headley said.

That petition must contain a number of signatures at least equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last general election. That number is 832 registered county voters.

“The construction manager’s detailed estimate probably won’t be ready until October,” Headley said. “The earliest a public hearing could be scheduled would be the rst week or second week in November.”

Headley said he was planning to meet with GLT Architects prior to the Aug. 28 county board meeting to narrow the list of construction management rms to three.

Commissioners plan on spending 45 minutes interviewing representatives of each rm in person, Headley said. The meetings will be informal, he said.

“The board thought it was advisable to wait until the construction management rm’s estimate is done before making a nal decision on the size of a bond issue,” Headley said. “We have plenty of lead time before actual debt issuance.”

Headley said Benton County has paid off a lot of debt in the last decade. In 2024, the county’s estimated debt service levy will be down to $323,200.

The county has not issued new, signi cant debt since 2014, he said, and at the end of this year, the county’s total outstanding debt will be just over $2.1 million.

New Benton County Government Center key dates timeline

Source: Benton County Board of Commissioners committee of the whole and regular meeting approved minutes September 2022 to August 2023. Information is compiled.

Aug. 29, 2022: The Benton County Board interviews ve architectural rms that responded to a request for proposal to conduct a space needs study for a government center.

Sept. 6, 2022: County administrator Montgomery Headley asks permission to select a space needs study rm. Commissioners direct Headley to bring forward a contract with St. Cloud-based GLT Architects.

Nov. 1, 2022: Headley requests approval of an agreement for a space needs assessment and conceptual design services with GLT Architects for a possible new county government center and renovations to certain existing county facilities. This agreement is prepared by the county attorney’s of ce and approved by the board.

Dec. 19, 2022: Evan Larson, Steve Paasch and Mark Anderson of GLT Architects meet with Benton County government center departments for feedback regarding a new facility. Larson mentions employees who work in the county’s Eastgate Of ce Complex on East St. Germain Street in St. Cloud and those who remote work will need to be factored into plans for future growth and a new building.

Jan. 6: Commissioners reach consensus that a new government center building would include a large community room type facility much like the city of Sauk Rapids’ community room. Headley notes approximately 30 of 110 human services employees are fully remote and do not have county of ces.

Jan. 24: Larson, Paasch and Anderson recap a city of Foley meeting. Larson reports the government center site has been rezoned to business district. Commissioners reach consensus that most or all county departments currently occupying the existing government center would relocate. An exception would be the University of Minnesota Extension. Board members concur the county would probably maintain a small east St. Cloud presence and no renovations of the old 1903 courthouse would occur. Alternate courthouse and 1984 addition space uses would be explored.

Feb. 28: Larson presents 10 potential building designs to the county board. Commissioners discuss factoring in the new building into the budget and levy and also discuss renovations, expansion and estimated costs of the current Benton County Government Center.

March 20: Larson shows three top building designs after receiving feedback from the board. Larson receives direction to keep re ning building plans and moving forward. Commissioners agree Headley should contact Bradbury Stamm Construction for preliminary design and cost estimates.

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April 17: Larson discusses plan updates from the March 20 meeting. Suggestions offered during a committee of the whole meeting include possible addition of a daycare, an exercise facility and a dental of ce. Commissioners reach a consensus a new building should house only essential county functions. Jay Vogel, of Bradbury Stamm, provides a current building model cost estimate of approximately $23.4 million for a new facility of approximately 53,000 square feet. Vogel also recommends soil borings to ensure nothing was left behind when the old high school was torn down.

May 8: Commissioners learn cost estimates to conduct soil borings are between $15,000 and $16,000. Board reaches consensus a proposal is needed for the work and allots $17,000 for the task. Jessica Green, of Northland Securities, provides bonding scenarios of 15, 20, and 25 years. Current plan estimates state a 53,000 square-foot building will cost $24 million. A public hearing on a construction improvement program would be held once the board makes a nal decision on proceeding. Residents would be able to petition the new building; 5% of registered voters from the 2022 election would need to sign and validate the petition. Residents would have 30 days from the public hearing date to le.

May 30: Larson provides a recap of county board tours of Stearns, Wright and Sherburne county facilities that commissioners and department heads recently visited. Board members reach consensus on obtaining information about other counties that have employees who remote work.

July 31: Larson provides a design update on the new building. Scott Thomas and Jay Cain, of Cain Thomas Associates, provides information on mechanical and electrical systems. Barb Corrigan, Cylee Wagner and Heather Hanson, of Xcel Energy, provide information regarding new business construction energy design. Headley reports the county board will conduct construction manager interviews Aug. 28. Commissioners Scott Johnson suggests the board push back a Sept. 5 public hearing date in order to allow the county more time to get a higher quality project cost estimate.

Aug. 1: Headley suggests delaying the public hearing two months because commissioners will be interviewing construction managers Aug. 28 and will likely select a company to serve in that capacity in early September. Headley reports he has spoken with Green. Green tells Headley delaying the public hearing would not impact a potential bond issuance on April 1, 2024. Headley reports Larson supports the new timeline; tentatively, the county plans to publish notice of the public hearing in mid-October and conduct the meeting Nov. 7.

Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (350 words or less). The political letters to the editor policy can be found online under “Contact Us.”

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

320 251-1971

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

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Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District No. 47

Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties$53 per year

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

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days, inside Rice Old

Join the Extension Master Gardeners District implements new transportation-related features

Would you like to know more about horticulture, associate with others with the same interest and contribute to society through volunteer work? Those are the things that University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners do.

GREEN AND GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY

They are constantly learning about plants of all sizes from tiny sprouts in the spring to yearsold full-grown trees. They answer a lot of questions ‘over the backyard fence’ so to speak.

BY LINDA G. TENNESON

Extension Master Gardeners do not have to know everything. In fact, they only need an interest and a willingness to complete the Horticulture 101 course from the university. The most valuable thing they learn is how to look things up — to nd answers online or through reference materials to nd out how a plant grows, the diseases that may affect it and many others.

Benton County EMGs are known for their annual plant sale, held on the rst Saturday in June at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School parking lot. They also sponsor a free educational evening in April with speakers on various horticultural subjects. Benton County EMGs maintain a display and a booth at the Benton County Fair in the Heritage Building. Volunteers are available to answer questions and handout printed materials.

Along with Stearns County EMGs, they volunteer at a Q & A desk in the Great River Regional Library lobby on Tuesday and Thursday summer afternoons in St. Cloud. Those who are comfortable with public speaking may conduct community education classes and address local garden clubs. This weekly column is another form of volunteering as an EMG. There are other opportunities such as participating in local radio shows.

EMG applicants agree to complete the Horticulture 101 class from the University of Minnesota. This class may be done online at the student’s convenience and runs from January till May. This course costs, but students who af liate with Benton County EMGs will receive a scholarship at the end of their internship year. EMGs do not have to live in the county they af liate with.

The Benton County group is small enough that everyone knows everyone. A majority of the members are women, but there are men who are also EMGs. The minimum age for this volunteer program is 18.

EMGs agree to complete 50 hours of volunteer work during their rst or intern year. Each following year, 25 hours of volunteer work and six hours of continuing education are required. Interns are matched up with a mentor, and volunteer opportunities are published at monthly meetings. Hours are reported online each year. Name tags and maroon shirts are worn at most events.

Applications may be submitted now up to the Oct. 1 deadline. Applicants will have a background check and an in-person interview, probably at the local extension of ce in Waite Park. EMGs are organized by county and are supervised by a local extension educator. Benton, Stearns, Morrison and Sherburne counties share a local extension educator.

Applications are available online at z.umn. edu/mg2024onlineapp. Applications should be submitted to Quincy Sadowski at quincy@ umn.edu. Her telephone number is 320-2556169.

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

The countdown has begun to the start of the 2023-24 school year. Soon we will have buses full of excited students headed back to school.

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Since the end of last school year, we have been working hard in partnership with Voigt’s Bus Service, our transportation provider, to upgrade the district’s transportation routing system in preparation for the new school year. There are many features to the new system that will provide students and families with real-time information on routes and the location of buses.

STORM CORNER

BY TRACEY FIERECK, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES

Here are some of the features that we are excited about:

— There is a web-based portal for accessing route information.

— There is an app calledTraversa Ride 360 that provides GPS location of buses.

— There is a direct link between our student system and transportation, allowing the district to get incoming students on routes sooner.

— There is a function for students to scan on and off the bus. (The district will pilot the program later this year on a test group of routes.)

Student bus routes and related information will be available during the week of Aug. 28. In the meantime, families can get set up on the Traversa Ride 360 App ( for cell phones or tablets) or the Traversa My Ride K-12 site (for web browsers).

Directions for app access:

1. Download Traversa Ride 360 from the Apple Store or the Google Play store.

2. Start typing Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools and it will appear in the list below for you to select.

3. Click on Register. To register, enter your username (email address), password and your name.

4. After registering you will receive a con rmation email. Click on the link in your email to con rm your registration through the Ride 360 website.

5. Log in to the app, then nd your student(s) by going to “My Students” and choosing the “+” button.

6. Enter your student’s id from Skyward. Instructions on how to nd this information are located on the transportation page of the district website. Repeat this step to add additional students.

Here

7. Once you have linked to a student, click on that student’s pro le to see all relevant transportation information. Routes and related information will be available the week of Aug. 28. A couple of items to note with the app.

— You must allow noti cations when prompted, this will allow us to communicate with you if or when there is a route delay.

— You must also turn on your location services when using the app.

Directions to access route information from a web browser:

1. Visit MNSaukRapidsSD.myridek12.tylerapp. com

2. Click the register button on the home screen.

3. Enter a username (email address), a password and then your rst and last name.

4. The system will send you a con rmation email; click the link in the email.

5. Once you have logged in, click on the “My Students” tile and then “Find Student.”

6. Enter your student’s id then click “Find.” There are instructions on how to nd your student’s id on the transportation page on the district’s website. You can click on the link below to be redirected there.

7. You may repeat this process for additional students.

Note, the browser will only provide route information. For real-time bus locations, you will need to have the app installed on a phone or tablet.

Lastly, and just a reminder, please make sure when driving that you are aware of school buses and the students who ride them. Drivers are required to stop for school buses with an extended stop sign and ashing red lights no matter what direction they are approaching from unless there is a median or barrier between the driving lanes. Drivers must remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus resumes moving.

Please reach out to the transportation department if you have any issues, via phone at 320-258-1995 or via email at transportation@isd47.org.

It’s going to be a great year. Go Storm!

and now, working toward eternity

Things are dark. Things feel dire. You have hope. When so many things feel out of our control, it is best to get on our knees and seek the Lord for what we can control. How can we allow God to continue a work in us so we can bless others? Even in the face of our most dire situations. We nd our answer in the beginning of the ages.

Have you ever heard, “You just sucked the life right out of me?” Hopefully you didn’t hear it directed toward you. A life taker is anyone behaving, speaking or carrying out actions that bring someone else down.

Chances are, you’ve been a lifetaker at some point. Nobody is perfect, and everyone gets on edge to a point where it is easy to lash out. Why repent or why course correct from staying on the path of bringing everyone down because you’re on edge or in crummy circumstances? Two reasons: You’ll feel miserable, and you’ll make everyone else feel miserable around you.

For me, to combat being wrought with worry, bitter or a monstrous crabby patty, I have to go back to the beginning to nd the best thing to do in the here and now. The best thing to do is to keep fellowship with God, loving him and loving others.

Emphatically, God’s greatest commands are to love him and to love others. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and you get the greatest chapter on love. Patient, kind, rejoicing with the truth, protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering are descriptions of a life giver. Proud, dishonoring, self-seeking, easily angered, keeping a record of wrongs and delighting in evil are descriptions of a life taker. Which do you desire to be?

It helps to learn how to be those qualities that make

up a lifegiver by going all the way back to the beginning. Creation.

Why should we start at creation? When directing women not to teach or assume authority over a man, Paul points back to creation. He follows with a matter-of-fact explanation that makes you wonder, out of the entirety of the scriptures, why did he point back to creation? Perhaps, because he learned that the very person who blinded him and then restored his vision, calling him to share his plan with the world, also pointed back to creation.

When Pharisees, trying to test Jesus, asked him about divorce, Jesus pointed back to creation. It is the place where we see God’s design for men and women for his glory and where we see God initiate his, “I will do for them that they cannot do for themselves.” It is the place where God announces and initiates his rescue plan. Deserving death, it is the place where we see God’s mercy redeem man and woman back to being who God created us to be, because of the promise of Jesus.

Do you think you’re a good person and that being a good person gets you to heaven? Only with Jesus are you any good, and only by believing he is our Lord and savior, sent to die for us and risen again to give us life, can we get to heaven. Do you want to be a lifegiver? Only with Jesus are we able to give any life.

Yes, situations in our world look so dark and desperate. Look up, and look in so we can look out. God is in control; we see this from the very beginning. He gives us the ability to become lifegivers, and he wants us to give everyone the life of Jesus so they can be with him for eternity.

The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not re ect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.

LIFE BY FAITH BY MERCY NYGAARD

In what district and building will you be teaching? Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School.

What grade(s) and subject(s) will you be teaching? Sixth grade science.

Family: I will be marrying my best friend, AJ, in late September.

We have two amazing kitties.

Hometown: Sartell.

College or University: College of St. Scholastica. Teaching experience: First year teacher.

What are three things on your bucket list? See all 30 MLB ballparks, camp in all Minnesota State Parks and bake the world's best chocolate chip cookie.

What is one thing people may not know about you? I am a huge Twins fan.

Bobbi Stein Aaron Soderholm

In what district and building will you be teaching? Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.

What grade(s) and subject(s) will you be teaching? Ninth grade geography and 11th grade United States history.

Family: I was an only child growing up, but I was always spending time with my cousins.

Hometown: Sartell.

College or University: St. Cloud State University.

Teaching experience: First year teacher.

What are three things on your bucket list? Swim in all five of The Great Lakes, visit Glacier National Park and see the northern lights in Alaska.

What is one thing people may not know about you? I spent half of summer 2022 living in the Harry Potter castle in Alnwick, England, studying United Kingdom geography and educational theory and its application to social studies.

Jennifer Lucht

In what district and building will you be teaching? Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. What grade(s) and subject(s) will you be teaching? Special education.

Family: One daughter, Ruthie. Hometown: Chandler, Arizona. College or University: California State University.

Teaching experience: 21 years.

What are three things on your bucket list? Visit Italy, go horseback riding in Yellowstone National Park and go skydiving. What is one thing people may not know about you? I have teaching credentials in five states.

In what district and building will you be teaching? Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.

What grade(s) and subject(s) will you be teaching? Ninth grade special education in language arts.

Family: I am married, have three children, one grandchild and another on the way in November. Hometown: Glencoe.

College or University: Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University. Teaching experience: 25 years.

What are three things on your bucket list? I just did three. Slept in a sleeping car on a train to Oregon, slept in a tree house and drove a car through the big redwood tree in California. What is one thing people may not know about you? I used to do paint parties, and I still paint for fun.

Tammy Victorian Alisyn Dovenberg

In what district and building will you be teaching? Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School.

What grade(s) and subject(s) will you be teaching? Eighth grade social studies.

Hometown: Bangor, Wisconsin. College or University: Winona State University.

Teaching experience: Four years.

What are three things on your bucket list? Have a pizza named after me at a pizza shop, win a state championship in either basketball or volleyball, and spend an entire summer hiking Olympic National Park in Washington. What is one thing people may not know about you? I ran my first half marathon this summer, and I hope to run a full marathon next summer.

Meet the TEACHERS

3 injured in highway ramp collision

ST. CLOUD — Three people were injured when two vehicles collided on the on and off ramps of South Benton Drive and Highway 10 Sunday.

A report from the Minnesota State Patrol said a Toyota Camry and GMC Envoy were involved in the crash shortly before 3 p.m. Aug. 20.

Toyota driver Ahmed Abdi Hussein, 41, of St. Cloud, was injured and transported to the St. Cloud Hospital. Also injured, but not transported, were GMC passengers Mary Ann Coleman, 60, of

Benton County marriage applications

FOLEY — The following couples have submitted marriage applications in Benton County.

— Shane Richard Vannurden and Abigail Ann Ellerbusch, both of Rice.

— Jeffrey Charles Corrigan and Jill Marie Carlson-Maehren, both of Foley.

— Mark Steven Rinehart and Karen Ann Voigt, both of Clear Lake.

Students named to academic lists

ST. CLOUD — Rice residents Gabe Baca, Cylie Brezinka, Caden Collins, Annastasia Lentner, Kristi Marchand, Michayla Nordlund, Amy Peine, Levi Popp, Nikki Sawyer, Sidney Simmons and Victoria Smith as well as Sauk Rapids residents Alex Barthelemy, Jacob Bedsted, Haeli Bell, Danielle Beyer, Cole Bonovsky, Ryan Boyland, Riley Briekos, Cassandra Brutger, Anthony Burton, Nawar Chabaci, Jennifer Cruz, Victor De Loera, Amber Dunlap, Joy Fastenau, Elizabeth Flicek, Robert Fries, Sadie Hutton, Elise Jordan, Carleen Keske, Ellie LeBlanc, Richard Majeski, Ezra

Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD #47 (Of cial Publication)

Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47

1833 Osauka Road NE

Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS

The Board of Education, Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47, will receive sealed proposals on the following:

Group Health and Welfare Bene ts: Medical, Dental, Life, Disability and Vision Insurance Plans, until 12:00 P.M. on September 19, 2023, at Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47.

Copies of the Request for Proposal, existing labor management agreements, and existing contracts are available free

Michigan City, Indiana, and Sharon Devere Patton, 56, of St. Cloud.

The driver of the GMC — 15-year-old Brooklynn Teria Hughes, of St. Cloud — was not injured, nor was Salat Mohamed Hassan, 46, of St. Cloud, who was a passenger in Hussein’s vehicle. The state patrol indicated roadways were dry at the time of the crash.

The Sauk Rapids police and re departments, St. Cloud Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted the state patrol at the scene.

Sauk Rapids Police Department

Aug. 14, 8:17 p.m. — A caller reported getting bills from a towing company for a vehicle she had sold. The caller was told the matter was a civil issue and she should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. The caller also said she has been contacted by the now-owner of the vehicle and the frequent contact feels like harassment. The police department advised the woman to call back if there were further issues.

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47

REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

Monday, August 7, 2023

A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, August 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. CDT in the District Ofce Boardroom.

ROLL CALL

Members present included Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Johnson, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Boser, Director of Business Services Fiereck, SRRHS Principal Logrono, Pleasantview Principal Froiland, Rice Principal Bushman 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 Hauck, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

ACTION

AUTHORIZATION TO DESIGNATE THE IDENTIFIED OFFICIAL WITH AUTHORITY (IOwA)

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to authorize Superintendent Bradley D. Bergstrom, to act as the Identi ed Of cial with Authority (IOwA) for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires that school districts annually designate an Identi ed Of cial with Authority to comply with State Access Control Security Standard 1.0, which states

Metzger, Tyson Mushatt, Jennifer Neuman, Rachel Neumann, McKenzie Olson, Nicholas Ortloff, Rachel Philipp, Kristin Reynolds, Sharniethy Romero, Shayna Romero, Tyler Schave, Emily Schimnich, Katlyn Schulz, Nina Swanson, Haley Warrick, Logan Webb, John Wilson and Haley Ziegler were named to the St. Cloud Technical & Community College spring president’s list for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

Rice residents Lily Stanford, Konnor Warzecha, Emma Beauchamp, Hunter Fern, Alex Fiedler, Savannah Freitag, Emmi Janski, Shelby Nemeth, Brady Pesta, Chase Rau and Ella Sliter as well as Sauk Rapids residents Libby Asper, Maycee Britz, Brandie Goebel, James Gutierrez, Janelle Knettel, Jordan Lange, Brooke Linder, Andrew Lochen, Landon Lunser, Evan Mader, Skylar Moore, Nikolas Neeser, Lydia Nygaard, Grace Piechowski, Lily Piechowski, Evalynn Reed, Jayse Schreifels, Kylie Scoles, Riley Verly, Rebecca Wettstein and Megan Wolbeck were named to the SCTCC spring dean’s list for achieving a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA.

Aug. 15, 7:07 a.m. — An of cer arrived on the 200 block of Fifth Avenue North to speak with a construction crew about their start time due to a disturbance complaint. No one was on site at the time. The of cer stopped back later in the afternoon and advised the crew they cannot begin work before 7 a.m. The crew said they understood.

Aug. 20, 4:59 a.m. — A deputy with the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce reported an assault in progress near the front gate of the Benton County Fairgrounds. Of cers arrived, separated the parties; neither party involved wished to pursue charges. A vehicle was left in a handicap accessible parking spot, and police advised it would not be ticketed or towed. Law enforcement noti ed staff at the fairgrounds.

Incidents: Medical calls 28, suspicious activity reports 21, traf c stops 21, miscellaneous calls 16, assists 9, disturbances 9, theft calls 9, property calls 8, alarms 6, animal complaints 5, domestic calls 5, driving complaints 5, police proactive visits 5, welfare checks 5, civil complaints 4, drunk reports 4, extra patrols 4, human services reports 4, agency assists 3, child calls 3, harassment complaints 3, ordinance calls 3, parking complaints 3, traf c accidents 3, traf c hazards 3, utility calls 2 and vehicle calls 3.

Rice Police Department

of charge, at OneDigital, 10900 Wayzata Blvd Suite 620, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Please contact Jessica Sagstetter via e-mail at jsagstetter@onedigital.com to request the proposal. Instructions on how to submit a response is contained in the RFP materials.

No Vendor may withdraw his/her proposal within thirty (30) days after date of opening proposals without the consent of the Board of Education.

Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47 reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities in bidding of advertisement. Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47 reserves the right to select the proposal that best meets the needs of the Sauk Rapids – Rice ISD #47 pursuant to M.S. 471.6161. R-34-1B

that all user access rights to Minnesota state systems must be reviewed and recerti ed at least annually. The Identi ed Of cial with Authority will assign job duties and authorize external user’s access to MDE secure systems for their local education agency (LEA).

APPROVAL OF 2023 – 2024 SRRHS, SRRMS, ELEMENTARY, EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ACTIVITIES HANDBOOKS

A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the 2023 – 2024 building handbooks and the activities handbook. Building handbooks and the activities handbook were provided for Board review July 20 through August 1, 2023.

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICIES (#506, #507, #509, #513, #514, #515, #516.5, #524, #532, #534, #616, #806)

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adopt the policy changes in a single meeting pursuant to district policy #208. These policies, though recommended changes are substantive, require one reading as some of the revisions were effective immediately and were largely taken verbatim from 2023 legislation provided by district policy #208.

• #506 (Student Discipline) is a “mandatory annual policy” and will replace current district policy #506 (Student Discipline).

• #507 (Corporal Punishment and Prone Restraint) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current district policy #507 (Corporal Punishment).

• #509 (Enrollment of Nonresident Students) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current district policy #509 (Enrollment of Nonresident Students).

• #513 (Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current district policy #513 (Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design).

Aug. 20, 2:17 a.m. — A patrol of cer noticed a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 10 cross over the center line and fog line several times. The of cer conducted a traf c stop for the driving behavior and for failure to signal while merging onto Highway 10. Upon approaching the vehicle, the ofcer observed a faint odor of alcoholic beverage as well as the driver’s eyes to be blood shot and glossy. The driver had a delayed reaction time. The of cer asked the male driver if he had consumed alcoholic beverages that evening, and, after hesitation, the driver admitted to consuming. The of cer conducted eld sobriety tests, and the driver provided a preliminary breath test of .207. The driver was arrested and charged with third degree gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Incidents: Traf c stops 13, miscellaneous calls 8, agency assists 7, assists 2, suspicious activity reports 2 and traf c hazards 2.

• #514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy).

• #515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records).

• #516.5 (Overdose Medication) is a new “recommended policy”.

• #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy).

• #532 (Use of Peace Of cers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEPs From School Grounds) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #532 (Use of Peace Of cers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEPs From School Grounds).

• #534 (School Meals Policy) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #534 (School Meals Policy). #616 (School District System Accountability) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current district policy #616 (School District System Accountability).

• #806 (Crisis Management Policy) is a “mandatory annual policy” and will replace current district policy #806 (Crisis Management Policy).

PUBLIC INPUT

There was no public input at 6:42 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried by a margin of six to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Loidolt School Board Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-34-1B

Edwards is “The Guy” for Team USA

It took all of ve games for Anthony Edwards to establish himself as the clear alpha dog for Team USA as it prepares for the FIBA World Cup, which begins this weekend in the Philippines. After coming off the bench in the team’s rst game, Edwards has cemented his status as the team’s top scorer, playmaker and perimeter defender while leading the team to a 5-0 record in exhibition play.

In the team’s nal tune-up game against Germany, a legitimate team loaded with NBA players, Team USA trailed by 16 points in the second half. Edwards wasn’t having it. He poured in 34 points and played sti ing defense to lead a late surge that put the Americans ahead for good. In Team USA’s ve exhibition games, Edwards has led the team in scoring with 19.2 points per game while shooting a blistering 51% from the oor.

SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER

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

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

mortgage:

DATE OF

MORTGAGE: October 21, 2016

MORTGAGOR:

Vicktoria Hess, an unmarried woman.

MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Finance of America Mortgage LLC its successors and assigns.

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded October 27, 2016 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 419142.

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Dated March 18, 2022 Recorded March 18, 2022, as Document No. 459445.

TRANSACTION

AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.

TRANSACTION

AGENT’S MORTGAGE

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described

mortgage:

DATE OF

MORTGAGE: 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

“He’s unquestionably the guy,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “You can see he knows it. But now the team knows it, and I think the fans see it. He genuinely believes he’s the best player in the gym every single night. And he’s such a dynamic player. I think he’s taking a leap.”

Well then. Steve Kerr played alongside all-time legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Tim Duncan, and he’s coached future Hall-of-Famers like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. In other words, he’s uniquely quali ed to identify top talent. When a renowned coach like Kerr starts throwing around compliments like that, it’s time to start listening.

Elite play in these international tournaments has often been an indicator of a young player who’s ready to emerge as a top talent in the NBA, and Edwards appears poised to use this World Cup as his

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

springboard to superstar status. It’s the same type of leap that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have made following international play in recent years, and if Edwards ends up in the same category as those guys, then that bodes extremely well for fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If Edwards can ascend from being a fringe AllStar to being an All-NBA player or MVP candidate, outcomes which are within the realm of possibility for a player with his athleticism and talent, then the ceiling for the Timberwolves is going to be much higher than the rst-round playoff exits we’ve seen the past two years.

The roster of Team USA is deliberately selected to spotlight some of the nation’s top young players, and only the cream of the crop can become the de facto leader of a team like that. Early returns this summer indicate that Edwards is that dude.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: 100070213840007100

LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Finance of America Mortgage LLC

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: LoanCare, LLC MORTGAGED

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 400 Kathryn Lane, Foley, MN 56329

TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 13.00795.00

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

The land referred to herein is situated in the state of Minnesota, Benton County described as follows:

Lot 1 Block 4 PHEASANT GROVE TWO COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton ORIGINAL

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $151,182.00

AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $144,661.71

That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/

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

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

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:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE: July 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM 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 January 11, 2024, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032.

MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.”

Dated: May 3, 2023

Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

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:

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

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

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

100 - 23-002890 FC IN THE EVENT

REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT MORTGAGE

FORECLOSURE SALE

Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until August 22, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state.

Dated: July 20, 2023

Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC

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

100-23-002890 IN THE EVENT

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 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

REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until October 17, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state.

Dated: August 22, 2023

Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC

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

100-23-002890

IN THE EVENT

REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

R-34-1B

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.

All roads

Editor’s note:

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

Little Falls lead to:

Minnesota Fishing Museum preserves angling history

BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER

Minnesota freshwater shing: A hobby grasping the attention and free time of anglers across the state. Although the sport may not have changed much in terms of popularity from years ago, the equipment, accessories and so-called necessities certainly have.

Realizing this notion after researching his classic 1912 Surf Oreno, the late Al Baert, of Sartell, decided something needed to be done to preserve the timeline, lessons and rich history which comes with the pastime of what shing is today.

“He (Baert) said the money isn’t what it is all about, more the memories,” said Brenda Perlowski, Minnesota Fishing Museum executive director since 2014. “He told his wife there should be somewhere in Minnesota where people can come and see the rich heritage of shing.”

After Baert phoned his friend Morry Sauve, of St. Cloud, yers were printed and mailed to friends requesting classic items similar to Baert’s in the hope that generations to come would gather at one place and learn about the sport.

It was 1990. And so began the early stages of what has become the Minnesota Fishing Museum Hall of Fame & Education Center in Little Falls.

“Al and Morry started going around getting the collections,” Per-

HOURS

Mon. – Fri.: 9 am - 6 pm

9 am – 3 pm

lowski said. “They also went around to local organizations and asked for donations.”

By 1995, Baert’s basement was full of various pieces used for shing. Three years later, the city of Little Falls donated the north end space of the Cass Gilbert Depot building. After a six-month stay, the museum moved to its permanent residence at 304 W. Broadway, Little Falls.

The Minnesota Fishing Museum celebrated 25 years of acquiring shing items for others to see Aug. 25.

“You would think we would be

September SALE!

supported by the state, but we are not,” Perlowski said. “We are just a non-pro t. Everything is donated.”

The museum depends on the support of commission sales, memberships, donations, gift shop sales and fundraisers to stay a oat for the community to share in its history.

“Our Night with the Fishing Pros in the spring is one of our biggest events,” Perlowski said. “Then, we have Christmas Tree Lane, where we team up with three other groups in Little Falls and turn this place into a winter wonderland for 10 days, beginning the day after Thanksgiving.”

During the event, they add Christmas decorations throughout the museum, put up Christmas trees throughout, and welcome Santa in a small, oldtime shing cabin display for the kids to come and visit.

“At the end, we auction the deco-

as part of a silent auction,” Perlowski said. “That money gets us through the winter months.”

The biggest attraction bringing people into the museum varies, depending on who they are and where their interest lies.

“For some, it’s their love for shing,” Perlowski said. “Others love to come in and see the replicas of the Minnesota state record sh. The kids have fun seeing the aquarium we have. Then we have the antique lures and motors as well.”

The motors are what interests Bruce Reischl most. Reischl is a member of the museum’s board of directors.

Sale on in-stock bikes, including E-bikes! $100 off on new bikes & many accessories on sale as well! Get your bikes

320-New-Bike (639-2453) 124 2nd St. NE • Little Falls, MN 56345

PHOTO BY MAURA WENNER

(Above) The Minnesota Fishing Museum Board of Directors — vice president Bruce Reischl (from left), assistant director Tyler Perlowski, executive director Brenda Perlowski, and volunteer coordinator and auditor Randy Hipple — stand inside the Minnesota Fishing Museum Aug. 9 in Little Falls. The museum celebrated its 25-year anniversary Aug. 25.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

(Right) The late Al Baert (left) and the late Morry Sauve are founders of the Minnesota Fishing Museum. Baert began the museum with Sauve by collecting items from people in the 1990s.

PHOTO BY MAURA WENNER

Two individuals view fishing decoys and paintings Aug. 9 at the Minnesota Fishing Museum in Little Falls.

Fishing museum page 15

Volleyball .............................1B Football ................................2B

Girls soccer ..........................4B

Cross-Country ....................5B

PREVIEWS STORM Hungry

for more

Volleyball looking to improve from .500 season

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

High school sports are about more than simply winning games. Bonding and singing on long bus trips, picking up teammates when they are down, and sweating through strenuous practices are all part of the experience.

And of course, there are snacks. Lots of snacks.

It only took a couple hours for the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team to indulge in the latter. After going through agility tests during their rst of cial fall workout of the season Aug. 14, Storm players tore into several boxes of a breakfast staple – strawberry Pop-Tarts.

The quick sugar high and energy boost was the perfect way to start the season for SRR, which features a roster mixed with experienced players and youthful talent.

“We’re really cohesive right now,” said senior Ava Athman, a three-year starter and Bemidji State University recruit. “We want to have a lot of fun, but we also want to be competitive. Throughout (summer) camp and captains practices, we’ve had a high level of intensity in the gym, which is really fun. Everybody comes here wanting to get better.”

troit Lakes.

Like most teams, younger players will have to ll the holes left by graduation, including leading hitter Lexi Helmin, who will play for Century College in White Bear Lake this fall.

“I feel like the seniors are bringing a lot of extra energy already,” said Delia Gustofson, senior back row specialist.

Gail Bialke, head coach

The Storm are two years removed from a surprise appearance in the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA Volleyball State Tournament. They followed up that performance with an upand-down season that ttingly ended with a 13-13 record and a section semi nal loss to De-

“Last year, I feel like we focused on just trying to win games. We’ve got a bit more of a family culture this year. We talked about that last year, but I think we’re embodying that attitude a bit more. We all hold each other to a high standard, and I feel we can accomplish a lot because of that.”

This season marks the second as head coach for Gail

Bialke, but as a previous assistant, she has plenty of familiarity with the players. Bialke said making the jump from assistant to head coach was not dif cult, though the administrative duties involved were a bit of a challenge.

As is normal these days, the team was busy competing in tournaments while also honing their skills during summer camps. The team competed in two Breakdown tournaments, winning both.

Carrying that success to the high school season is far from automatic, though the results provided a con dence-boost.

“We had a great summer, and our girls only got better in the offseason,” Bialke said. “It’ll be an exciting group. The conference isn’t going to be easy, but we should be in the top half. I think we’ll come out every night with a lot of energy, and we’re very talented.”

Volleyball

Head coach: Gail Bialke, second year 2022: 13-13 overall, lost to Detroit Lakes in Section 8AAA semifinals.

Returning stat leaders: Ava Athman 216 kills, 52 blocks, 19 service aces, 205 digs; Lauren Schloe 100 kills, 54 blocks; Jordyn Lee 76 kills, 48 service aces, 26 blocks, 182 digs; Stella Lambaere 23 kills, 8 service aces, 78 digs; Ruby Gustofson 12 kills, 12 blocks, 21 digs; Alexa Welsh 11 kills, 16 service aces, 7 blocks, 132 digs; Katelyn Anderson 370 set assists, 129 digs, 14 service aces; Aubrey Marketon 246 set assists, 28 service aces, 80 digs; and Delia Gustofson 88 digs.

Seventy-three girls showed up for the rst day of practice. That number includes 26 sophomores and 29 ninth graders.

Athman, senior Jordyn Lee and junior Lauren Schloe give the Storm a formidable front row that should provide consistent offense. All three saw signi cant playing time in 2022, with Athman recording 216 kills, Schloe 100 and Lee 87.

“There’s a good mix of people who have been playing together for a number of years but also a lot of new girls,” Lee said. “It’s crazy to see the younger girls and think, ‘That’s where I was four years ago.’ I feel like everyone is supportive and cheering each other on.”

Volleyball page 3B

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball seniors for the 2023 season are Brielle Fiereck (clockwise from left), Jordyn Lee, Katelyn Anderson, Ava Athman and Delia Gustofson. The Storm open the season Tuesday, Aug. 29, against Becker at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

New season, new opportunity Storm football looks to take next step

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Though a short memory is perhaps an admirable trait in certain situations, some things are not always easy to forget. Just ask the veteran members of the Sauk RapidsRice football team.

The Storm have put together consecutive six-win regular seasons, only to see both end in crushing fashion in the section semi nals — including last year’s gut-punch home loss to arch-rival Sartell on a sunny Saturday late-October afternoon.

To say SRR is in no mood for a playoff repeat is a large understatement.

“We don’t want this season to end like the last two,” said Shaun Walrath, a senior linebacker and running back. “It’s probably one of our biggest motivators. We’re seeing a lot of young kids getting experience and the older

guys coaching them. This team is going to rely on our speed a lot. We’ve got a lot of quick guys, and we’ll be relying on our physicality on the line. Winning and getting out of the rst round would make it a successful season.”

Ball-hawking senior linebacker Deagan Gondeck agreed. Gondeck had an interception and ve fumble recoveries last season.

“I’m so excited,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for this since last year. When we go out like we did last year, you’ve got to come back stronger and that’s what I’m excited about. We remember how it felt.”

Numbers-wise, the Storm are at their highest since head coach Phillip Klaphake took over in 2016. There are 12 seniors, 25 juniors and a large group of sophomores and

Football

Head coach: Phillip Klaphake, eighth year (30-31 record)

2022: 6-3 overall; lost to Sartell in Section 8AAAAA semifinals

Returning stat leaders: Passing: Spencer

Ackerman 3-6-0 27. Rushing: Shaun Walrath 100467 3 TD. Receiving: Hudson Omoke 23-305 3 TD, Walrath 20-293 1. Defense: Walrath 30 solo tackles, 22 assists, 3 TFL; Braydn Kost 20-22; Ethan Martin 9-18; Omoke 22-5, 3 INT; Deagan Gondeck 12-13, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 5 fumble recoveries; Nolan Robish 11-12, 6 TFL, 2 sacks; Xavier Thurston 16-7; Jaxxon Waxweiler 4-10.

freshmen. That said, several of the top athletes are likely to see action on both sides of the ball, which is a weekly test of endurance.

Depth still could be an issue as the lone returning starting defensive players are cornerback Hudson Omoke, Gondeck and linemen Anden Champman, Ethan Martin, Nolan Robish and Jaxxon Waxweiler. Offensive returners include lineman Jonah Thell, Walrath and Omoke — who expects to be a dangerous threat at receiver.

“You have to be really tough to be on the line,” said Thell, who likely will see most of his action at center. “You’re not going to be the guy scoring touchdowns, so you’ve got to be tough and get in the trenches. We’re one big family, and we all work together really well. I think we can be a state tournament team because we have a cohesive group.”

Though the last two seasons have ended bitterly, Klaphake said the regular-season success has helped the overall look and feel of the program.

“The only advantage to winning is people get to see what it takes, and it’s easier to tell them, ‘If you want that, this is what it requires,’” Klaphake said. “People say we’ve done well. We’ve been 6-3, but we haven’t made it out of the rst round of the playoffs. We still feel good about winning games, and are we working hard and doing a lot of things right? Yes, but we’re not killing it. We’re working hard, but we’re not some unbeatable force.”

Getting past that elusive step is likely to rely heavily on health. While this is not unusual in high school football, it holds especially true for SRR. The Storm have lost their starting quarterback in each of the past two seasons and had they advanced past Sartell in 2022, they likely would have done so with a third-string freshman quarterback.

That freshman is now sophomore Spencer Ackerman, who is slated for the starting role. The Storm hope his athleticism

— he placed third in the section in the high jump last spring — makes up for his smaller stature. He completed 3 of 6 passes for 27 yards in mop-up roles last season and has a strong arm.

The 2023 season will have a different look thanks to a few schedule changes. After playing the same teams the last two years, SRR will see new three new teams, including an Irondale team coming off a 6-4 season in the season-opener at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm also will face defending Class 5A state champion Elk River Sept. 29 and will travel to Andover, which was 7-3 last year, Oct. 13.

Football page 3B

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Irondale

Friday, Sept. 1 H 7:00 PM

Sartell

Friday, Sept. 8 A 7:00 PM

Monticello

Friday, Sept. 15 H 7:00 PM

St. Francis

Friday, Sept. 22 A 7:00 PM

Elk River

Friday, Sept. 29 A 7:00 PM

Cambridge-Isanti

Friday, Oct. 6 H 7:00 PM

Andover

Friday, Oct. 13 A 7:00 PM

Moorhead

Wednesday, Oct. 18 H 7:00 PM

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Lead senior captains for the 2023 Sauk Rapids-Rice football team are Ethan Martin (front, from left) and Jonah Thell; (back, from left) Shaun Walrath and Walker Loesch. The Storm open the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, against Irondale at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Stadium in Sauk Rapids.

Phillip Klaphake, head coach

Volleyball

from page 1B

Reclassi cation by the MSHSL after the 2022-23 school year bumped the Storm up a class, meaning they will be in Class AAAA and competing in a section that includes Central Lakes Conference rivals Sartell and Brainerd along with Bemidji, Buffalo, Elk River, Moorhead, Rogers and St. Michael-Albertville.

For Athman, the fact it was the rst day of her nal season was a bit surreal. That said, she is ready.

“It probably won’t hit until the last game,” Athman said. “I’m just excited to be here. We have a lot of young girls who are going to be really good, and that’s exciting for this year and years to come. We just need to come together and learn to be aggressive in situations in close games. We’ll be able to do that because we’ve got a high volleyball IQ.”

Football from page 2B

Rival Sartell along with familiar opponents Monticello, Cambridge-Isanti and St. Francis are on the schedule, though Tech is not.

“It’s fun to play some new teams,” Klaphake said. “There are a lot of regional rivalries that are great, and they’re good for our towns, but it’s also fun to see new competition and see where you rank against other areas. There are ashes when I look at this group and say they’re special, and there are times when I say, ‘We’ve got some stuff to grow at.’ That’s exciting, stressful and exhausting at the same time.”

VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

Invite

Saturday, Sept. 9 H 9:00 AM

Rocori

Tuesday, Sept. 12 A 7:00 PM

Brainerd

Thursday, Sept. 14 H 7:00 PM

Alexandria Area

Tuesday, Sept. 19 H 7:00 PM

Fergus Falls

Thursday, Sept. 21 A 7:00 PM

Apollo

Tuesday, Sept. 26 A 7:00 PM

Moorhead

Saturday, Sept. 30 A 2:00 PM

Sartell

Tuesday, Oct. 3 A 7:00 PM

Tech

Thursday, Oct. 5 H 7:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville Invite

Friday, Oct. 6 A 5:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville Invite

Saturday, Oct. 7 A 8:00 AM

Willmar

Thursday, Oct. 12 A 7:00 PM

Rocori

Tuesday, Oct. 17 H 7:00 PM

Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids-Rice is coming off of consecutive 6-3 seasons.

High School

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Storm senior Ava Athman works on passing during a drill on the opening day of fall practice Aug. 14 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Athman is a Bemidji State University recruit.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Storm defensive lineman Nolan Robish raises his arm in celebration after getting to the quarterback during a recent summer workout with Princeton at the Sauk Rapids-Rice

fields in

Making strides big priority

Girls soccer looks to improve all aspects

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Gabby Fernholz is not yet ready to ponder the fact this is her last year of high school soccer. What she is prepared for, however, is dealing with opposing teams who will no doubt make her the center of their defensive attention.

Though the Sauk RapidsRice offensive juggernaut prefers to shun the spotlight when it comes to taking credit, she welcomes teams throwing different defensive strategies her way. “I like it when teams

are worried about me; it’s like a mini con dencebooster,” said Fernholz, a fth-year varsity player who scored a teambest 14 goals last season.

“If they’re really marking me hard on defense, I try to get the ball and distribute it quickly to my teammates. I can kind of be a distraction if they’re too focused on me, so maybe someone else will have a chance to score.”

The Storm opened the season Aug. 24 in Alexandria and are scheduled

Girls soccer

Head coach: Tash Neu, third year 2022: 4-12-1, lost 4-1 to Tech in Section 8A quarterfinals.

Returning stat leaders: Gabby Fernholz 14 goals, four assists; Abby Feddema seven goals, seven assists; Ava Plemel three assists; and Sydney Bauer 166 saves.

to open the home season at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, with a nonconference game against North Branch at the Sauk RapidsRice High School elds in Sauk Rapids.

Fernholz is the obvious leader with her offensive prowess, but coach Tash Neu is con dent there are enough players who have played a lot of summer soccer withthe ability to take advantage if given space to roam.

Abby Feddema is in her fourth year on varsity and is primed for a big season after a busy summer with the Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. She is coming off a sevengoal, seven-assist season and hopes to embrace more of a leadership role.

“I’m looking forward to pushing everyone along and giving them some motivation because sometimes, coming up to varsity can be intimidating,” Feddema said. “I try to give some coaching tips if I can. I know my rst year, I felt like I was at a loss until I was kind of adopted by the juniors and seniors. That was a good feeling.”

Neu, in her third year as head coach, wasted no time making sure her team would be ready for the long season. The opening day of fall practice Aug. 14 was strictly conditioning with no soccer balls in sight, with the intent of improving on last season’s 4-12-1 record.

“Soccer is an endurance sport, so getting them ready for game situations is important,” Neu said. “I don’t like to roll into the rst game not at their best.”

Neu said despite having a great group of players, she hopes the team can earn victories this season.

“Ultimately, we’ve had really great kids, and I can’t brag enough about that,” Neu said. “But we also need to learn how to win. We always have a good experience whether our record shows that, but these kids deserve some wins.”

The offense also

should be bolstered by the return of junior Ava Plemel, who had three early-season assists before tearing her ACL and missing most of the season.

Among those charged with keeping the opposition off the scoreboard include freshman goalkeeper Sydney Bauer, who is coming off a 166-save season. Defenders Teagan Guggisberg and Addi Eisenschenk are also cocaptains.

Guggisberg, a senior, said it was a strange feeling reporting to her nal rst practice.

“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “It’s weird to look around and see the incoming freshmen and realize this is just the beginning of their journey. I kind of envy them.”

Guggisberg said the team’s chemistry on and off the eld is an advantage for the Storm.

“We just need to work hard, do our best and even if it doesn’t come out as a ‘W’ for us, I want everyone to be reaching their potential,” she said.

The Central Lakes Conference expects to be

tough competition and includes defending CLC champion Sartell. Things will get more challenging for SRR once the section playoffs arrive as it has been bumped from Class A to AA.

Yet that matters little to players like Eisenschenk, who said she just wants to see the team play well.

GIRLS SOCCER

“Obviously, we want to win as much as we can, but it’s not always about that,” Eisenschenk said. “We just want to make sure we grow throughout the season. A lot of people have graduated, but we’ve been together for a few years, so we know how to play and work as a team.”

Tash Neu, head coach

Freshman goalkeeper Sydney Bauer lunges to make a save during preseason practice Aug. 14 at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids. Bauer recorded 166 saves last season for the Storm.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm girls soccer team captains Teagan Guggisberg (from left), Gabby Fernholz and Addison Eisenschenk give fellow captain Abby Feddema a lift after the opening day of practice Aug. 14 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm opened the season Thursday, Aug. 24, against Alexandria at Alexandria High School in Alexandria

Off and running

SRR hoping improved numbers lead to more success

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

If building a successful cross-country program is all about the numbers game, it appears the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm are ready to play.

In her rst three years as the Storm’s head coach, Sandie Lahr-Cook has spent almost as much time recruiting as she has coaching. That, however, is starting to change.

There were ve girls in the program last season, but not all were varsityready. That meant SRR’s girls went into meets knowing it would not have a team score, which requires four runners.

When the team reported for Aug. 14 for fall practice, 15 girls were lacing their shoes.

“We have a lot of younger runners, and that’s just awesome,” Lahr-Cook said. “We’ve got three seniors, one junior and the rest are all seventh through 10th grade. I’m super excited. With that young team, the rst practice was amazing. We timed 1-mile runs, and I was so impressed with

their times. We’re growing and getting there.”

Sophomore Faith Bogle and freshman Amelia Reker have been the mainstays of the Storm girls team the past two seasons. After a spring running distance and other events with the track and eld team and a heavy summer workout program, they are both ready to serve as team leaders despite their youth.

“It’s exciting to see all the new runners,” said Reker, whose 30th-place nish in sections was a team-best. “We were just starting out a couple years ago, and it’s grown so much. We haven’t been a team for a long time, and because it’s a young team, I know we can work ourselves up to keep improving.”

Bogle said Reker and she work well together, and she is looking forward to adding runners to the fray, including Elka Sowada and Mackenzie Wagman-Kelley, each of whom competed in select varsity races last year.

CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULE

Veterans Golf Course Invite

Saturday, Aug. 26 A 9:00 AM

Brainerd - Forestview Invite

Friday, Sept. 1 A 10:00 AM

Bertram Regional Park, Monticello Invite

Saturday, Sept. 9 A 9:30 AM

Little Falls Golf Course

Thursday, Sept. 14 A 4:00 PM

Buffalo Heights Golf Course Invite

Monday, Sept. 18 A 3:00 PM

River Oaks Cold Spring Golf Course Invite

Thursday, Sept. 21 A 4:00 PM

Sauk Rapids-Rice Invite

Thursday, Sept. 28 H 4:00 PM

Litchfield Golf Course Invite

Thursday, Oct. 5 A 4:00 PM

Princeton Golf Course Invite

Tuesday, Oct. 10 A 3:15 PM

Conference Championship

Tuesday, Oct. 17 A 4:00 PM

“I’m glad we have a lot more girls out for the team,” Bogle said. “I’m really excited because of that. I love the environment that comes along with it.”

The Storm boys had better numbers last season, meaning they fed off each other when it came to team scores. That importance was not lost on Alex Ostendorf, a senior in his fth year with the program.

SRR’s depth should be a strength as senior Mason Foss, junior Luke Loidolt and eighth grader Kade Lovell are coming off a season in which they were regular contributors. Lovell came on strong the last half of the 2022 season.

“It’s awesome seeing this program build,” said Ostendorf, who placed 23rd in last year’s Section 5AA meet. “There are guys I can run with now who can push me, and that’s so important. Some races are hard to go into mentally, so having each other push each other through on those days makes you stronger.”

Ostendorf admitted last season did not live up to his own expectations. He is taking measure to make sure history does not repeat itself by attempting

a more relaxed mental approach.

“I just need to have a routine and not change things up all the time,” Ostendorf said. “Sometimes for me, I need to not worry about what my performance is and just run. It’s my last season, and it’s going to go quick. I need to not stress about races as they’re coming up.”

The Storm will open the season at the Apollo Early Bird Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Apollo Early Bird Invitational on the grounds of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud. Lahr-Cook said she is just as excited as her runners to get going.

“First day was all about excitement, but we had some nerves too,” Lahr-Cook said. “As a coach, you have a few nerves coming in, wondering about how things are going to be. We started a couple different training programs and hopefully, we’ll be ready to perform.”

Cross-country

Head

Sandie Lahr-Cook, head coach

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Captains for the 2023 Sauk Rapids-Rice cross-country team are Amelia Reker (front, from left), Faith Bogle, Elka Sowada and Mackenzie Wagman-Kelley; (back, from left) Kade Lovell, Evan Trompeter, Collin Wiebe, Luke Loidolt and Alex Ostendorf. The Storm open the season with the Apollo Early Bird Invitational Saturday, Aug. 26, on the grounds of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud.

Members of the Storm cross-country team — Collin Wiebe (from left), Alex Ostendorf, Kade Lovell, Luke Loidolt, Elka Sowada, Evan Trompeter and Mackenzie Wagman-Kelley — trot through the grass during a warmup session Aug. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The team is experiencing a large growth in numbers this season.

coach: Sandie Lahr-Cook, fourth year 2022: Alex Ostendorf was the top finisher at the Section 5AA meet (23rd) and Faith Bogle was the top girls finisher (30th) for the Storm.

Fast start key to SRR season Boys soccer working for more victories

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Judging success for the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team is an ever-changing exercise. As the program goes through peaks and valleys of building numbers, consistently turning in winning seasons presents a challenge.

Chris Rothstein, in his eighth year as head coach, understands and accepts that while stressing the importance of turning out quality individuals along with a competitive team.

“We’re always growing, but with that, it can

still go up and down at times,” said Rothstein, whose team is coming off a 3-11-1 season. “We’re at a point where we have less players than we’ve had in the past, but we have a solid group of guys who know the game more than some players I’ve coached in the past and who work harder. They really have a good mindset. We’re still developing, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Getting off to a quick start would help spark the Storm, and the team has a chance to do exactly that. They open the season Friday, Aug. 25, with a long road trip to East Grand Forks before opening the Central Lakes Conference season Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Fergus Falls. The team’s home opener is against Alexandria at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Sauk RapidsRice High School elds in Sauk Rapids.

Each game presents an opportunity, as SRR defeated East Grand Forks 8-0 last year and lost a tough one to Fergus Falls during an early-season rough patch. The Storm also lost a pair of 1-0 games to Alexandria – including a heartbreaker in the Section 8A quarternals.

back into it, but I’m kind of nervous a little too just like previous years. I’m de nitely feeling more comfortable with the guys, and I think we’re going to continue to get better.”

Boys soccer

Head coach: Chris Rothstein, eighth year 2022: 3-11-1, lost 1-0 to Alexandria in Section 8A quarterfinals.

Returning stat leaders: Leif Rudnick five goals, four assists; Sam Olmscheid three goals.

Chris Rothstein, head coach

Seniors Callen Kieke and Khang Phan will have co-captain roles as will Luca Filiaggi and three-sport athlete Garret Broman.

I’m hoping we can get a couple more wins, but I want all the guys to have fun out there. We just need to keep setting a good example, work together and put in the effort and time.”

“Us succeeding is going to have to come from teamwork,” Rothstein said. “We play a lot of teams that have very deep programs, so if we’re going to compete against some of those really good teams, we’re going to have to work harder as a team and work together.”

The Storm return several players with a knack for the net, led by Leif Rudnick and Sam Olmscheid. Rudnick, who also kicks for the SRR football team, is coming off a vegoal, four-assist season and believes this team can compete.

“It’s kind of the same feeling I have every year,” Rudnick said about his early-season approach.

“I’m just excited to get

“What will make this a good season is having a good relationship with everyone and also having a winning record,” Phan said. “We need to work hard, have good effort and really trust each other.”

A staple of the program for several years was goalkeeper Josh Tapio, who graduated. Filling his role is senior Trace Nelson, who saw limited varsity action last year yet nearly propelled the Storm to an upset victory over a dangerous Tech team in the season’s second game.

Kieke said he is taking seriously his role of being a leader, which includes making the younger players feel involved.

“I’m liking the effort I’m seeing so far,” he said. “The older guys are setting good examples for the younger guys by having some good intensity during these early practices.

About 35 kids showed up for the start of fall practice – a number Rothstein hopes increases as he continues building the program.

“It’s still a community

Fergus Falls

Alexandria Area

where soccer is not the most known or popular sport,” Rothstein said. “There’s competition for activities in the fall that a lot of kids are in, so we’re trying to get as many kids involved in soccer at elementary and middle school level to hopefully get them liking the sport. Then, once they get to high school level, we’re hoping they stick with it.”

Thursday, Aug. 31 H 5:00 PM

Apollo

Tuesday, Sept. 5 H 7:00 PM

Tech

Tuesday, Sept. 12 A 7:00 PM

Willmar

Thurs., Sept. 14 H 5:00 PM

Bemidji

Saturday, Sept. 16 H 2:00 PM

Rocori

Tuesday, Sept. 19 H 7:00 PM

Brainerd

Thursday, Sept. 21 A 7:00 PM

Detroit Lakes

Saturday, Sept. 23 A 1:00 PM

Alexandria Area

Steven Baker CPA, Corina Schlichting CPA

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Captains for the 2023 Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team are Luca Filiaggi (from left), Garret Broman, Leif Rudnick, Khang Phan and Callen Kieke. The Storm open the home season Thursday, Aug. 31, against Alexandria at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School fields in Sauk Rapids.

Storm soccer players Justin Doebber (left) and Sam Olmscheid go through a drill during an early season practice at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School fields. Olmscheid scored three goals last season.

Storm, coach ready for encore

Girls swimming and diving ready for 2nd season under Wallace

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Julia Wallace spent thousands of hours in the pool during her time with the Brainerd High School and Minnesota State University, Moorhead swimming and diving teams. The 2022 high school season, however, marked her rst hours on the deck as a head coach.

It was a learning experience for Wallace, who said she is looking forward to applying the knowledge gained from her rookie coaching season to the 2023 campaign.

“A major difference-maker going into year two is simply knowing the athletes’ strengths and weaknesses, which will help me prepare them to have their best season yet,” Wallace said. “It makes a major difference knowing them as individuals instead of just looking at data. I feel really encouraged and lucky to get to be a part of this team and know that the group of athletes we have are amazing.”

The Storm were represented in two events at the Minnesota State High School League Class A Girls Swimming and Diving State Meet last November by

Family Owned &

the 200-yard freestyle relay team and diver Liberty Kosloski, who has graduated. From the relay team, junior Vivian Tangen and sophomore Ally Lucas return.

Repeating that feat perhaps got a bit more challenging as the Storm have been bumped from Class A to AA. That, however, is too far in the future to in which to get concerned.

“This year will be a major shift for our program in the right direction,” Wallace said. “Not only do the teams change when you change classes, but our state (standard) times and scores have gotten a lot more competitive. Our program now needs to take these challenges and up our game. In order to be successful at the end of the season, we will need to push our athletes to their max and hold them to a higher standard.”

The matter at hand started in earnest with the rst day of fall training Aug. 14. The competition season starts at the Monticello Triangular Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Monticello High School in Monticello.

Opening day of fall workouts meant the start of what senior and fthyear varsity swimmer Sam Haaf said is a special nal season.

Since 1975

“I feel really old being this is my last year, but I’m excited for it,” Haaf said. “I just want to have a lot of fun. One of my goals this year is to try to talk to everybody and have them involved as much as possible. We like to play lots of music and tell lots of jokes (to keep the mood light).”

The Storm piled up points in dual meets and invitationals last season in diving, a trend that expects to continue with the return of senior Sophia Markfelder, who quali ed for the top eight at last year’s section meet.

“It’s kind of sad it’s my last year, but I’m re-

Girls swimming and diving

Head coach: Julia Wallace, second year 2022: The Storm finished third as a team at the Section 3A meet. The 200-yard freestyle relay team qualified for state. From that team, Vivian Tangen and Ally Lucas return.

ally excited to see how it plays out and give it my nal go,” said Markfelder, also a standout gymnast. “I worked on a lot of basic stuff (during summer) and got approaches down, so I can throw some new stuff in this year. I have a few things up my sleeve.”

SRR expects to be strong in every event. Tangen does most of her damage in the sprints, Lucas in the backstroke and Haaf in the buttery. Others in that mix include Ava Erdmann, a frequent contributor last year as a seventh grader. Her strength is the backstroke, but Wallace said she can ll in at multiple spots.

The youthful lineup also features eighthgrade sprinter Kate Walz

and freshman diver Esme Grabinski, whose brothers were successful Storm divers that went on to do big things at St. John’s University.

Markfelder said she likes the approach the team has taken thus far and looks forward to keeping that going through November while focusing on individual accomplishments.

“I want to get a bunch of new personal records, maybe go to state and just have a lot of fun,” Markfelder said. “We’re trying to bond a lot more with the swimmers and divers and trying to get the most out of the season that we can. It’s more of creating a good environment than winning.”

GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING SCHEDULE

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Sam Haaf (left) and Sophia Markfelder are the Storm girls swimming and diving season captains. Sauk Rapids-Rice opens the season Tuesday, Aug. 29, at a triangular at Monticello High School in Monticello.

Junior Vivian Tangen rests a water bottle on her body while going through an early season practice Aug. 14 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. The drill is designed for swimmers to strengthen their kicks by not being able to use their arms.

Julia Wallace, head coach

TENNIS SCHEDULE

Big Lake Quad

Saturday, Aug. 26 A 9:00 AM

St. John’s Prep

Monday, Aug. 28 A 3:00 PM

Sauk Rapids-Rice

Tues., Aug. 29 H 3:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush

Thursday, Aug. 31 A 9:00 AM

Rocori

Thursday, Sept. 7 A 4:30 PM

Zimmerman

Saturday, Sept. 9 H 9:00 AM

North Branch Area

Monday, Sept. 11 H 4:30 PM

Fergus Falls

Tuesday, Sept. 12 A 4:30 PM

Sartell

Thursday, Sept. 14 H 4:30 PM

Willmar

Tuesday, Sept. 19 A 4:30 PM

Alexandria Area

Thursday, Sept. 21 A 4:30 PM

St. Cloud Crush

Tuesday, Sept. 26 H 4:30 PM

Foley

Thursday, Sept. 28 A 4:15 PM

Time to move forward Girls

tennis motivated for success

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Change is everywhere for the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls tennis program.

Twelve months ago, the Storm were not sure where they would practice, as work on their now-open home facility was not complete. That, however, was nothing new to a program in its second year on its own.

Though the program now has its own home courts, things will be a bit different this fall. Trisha Bemboom, who served as head coach the past two seasons after several seasons with the varsity and middle school programs during the cooperative days with Apollo, will no longer be roaming the courts and exuding her positive attitude on her players.

That role now falls on Val Martin, who is no stranger to the team after serving as Bemboom’s assistant for two seasons. Bemboom took an extended leave of absence from her coaching and teaching role in the district after accepting a new position with the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Part of the process, Martin said, is building the program through the youth level, which started this summer with a successful tournament.

“We’re creating (this program) on our own, and we’re working hard on our own,” Martin said. “We did a tournament this summer and had 24 registrations with kids that involved Foley and Rocori, and I’d like to do that again next year.”

Getting new faces acclimated to the varsity game will be a recurring theme this season, as Martin must nd a way to replace several players who piled up impressive win totals in their careers. Fortunately for Martin, there is no shortage of eager participants.

feelings.

Val Martin, head coach

Among the biggest challenges is nding court time when the weather is not tennis-friendly.

“Unfortunately, tennis in Minnesota is a summer sport unless you want to go inside, and that can get a little expensive,” Martin said. “So, if we can take every opportunity we can to play outside during the summer, that would help. I love to just give these kids opportunities to play because that’s how they’re going to get better. They just have to play.”

Leading the group of returning players is senior Piper Froiland, who said the start of her nal season comes with mixed

Girls tennis

Head coach: Val Martin, first year 2022: SRR won four matches, including its first playoff victory as its own program.

“It’s kind of bittersweet because I’m really excited for the season and to keep playing with these girls, but it’s also kind of a bummer I have to leave them soon,” Froiland said. “I like to think I’ve always been in a leadership role. I try my best to reach out to the newer

girls and help them any way I can.”

Included in the group of returning players who have seen varsity action are seniors Erica Poganski and Allison Lundebrek, juniors Sydney Entner and Miah Boos and sophomores Leah Roesch, Brielle Karasch and CeCe Hanks. Senior Faith Biorn, along with Lundebrek, Froiland and Poganski, are co-captains.

“We’ve got great people on this team,” Poganski said. “It’s also so nice having our own courts. It really feels like home, and we don’t have to worry about where we’re going to play.”

The Storm opened the season with a 7-0 loss to Annandale and a 6-1 setback to Belle Plaine Aug. 19 at the Annandale Triangular at Annandale High School in Annandale. Entner started the season at No. 1 singles, followed by Roesch. Poganski and Froiland played No. 1 doubles.

“If we’re all having fun and we do our best, it’ll make it a good season,” Froiland said. “I hope we do win a lot, but if we all do our best and end in good spirits, it’ll be worth it.”

Senior Piper Froiland focuses in on a service return during the first week of practice at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. Froiland was a strong contributor for the Storm a year ago.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Captains for the Storm girls tennis team for the 2023 season are Allison Lundebrek (front) and (back, from left) Faith Biorn, Piper Froiland and Erica Poganski. Sauk Rapids-Rice opened the season Aug. 19 at the Annandale Triangular at Annandale High School in Annandale.