Meet the Fall Storm Teachers Sports Preview Section B
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2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 R35_1B_WS
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Council enacts restrictions to food trucks within city limits Permit allows 14 days of business per year aside from special events BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Your favorite food truck may be coming to town. And, after the Sauk Rapids City Council’s split vote Aug. 24, it will be allowed to be there – if it has a permit. On Monday, the Sauk Rapids City Council approved 3-2 an amendment to city code as it relates to mobile food units within city limits. Vehiclemounted food and beverage services that store, cook and prepare items for direct sale will be allowed in Sauk Rapids if they purchase a permit. The amendment does not put limits on “ice cream trucks” that sell pre-packaged frozen dessert items.
Vol. 166, No. 21
A go for
School bus safety amid a pandemic
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
transport
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The onset of the 2020-21 school year is only 10 days away for some Sauk Rapids-Rice Public School students, and soon glossy yellow passenger vehicles will materialize on the roads and streets of area neighborhoods. School buses will be the first change students notice when heading back to school buildings. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of public education PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER since the first Minnesota Tom Thoemke, safety manager for Voigt’s Bus Companies, inspects a bus Aug. 19 in St. Augusta. Voigt’s Bus case was detected March 1. Companies is fulfilling the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School bus service contract for the 2020-21 school year and has
Busing page 4
increased screening, cleaning and training protocols for its drivers due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
County’s auditor-treasurer has full confidence in absentee voting 2,500 mail-in ballots requested for general election so far BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
City council page 5
FOLEY – Despite sporadic messaging from federal and state legislators regarding absentee voting, Benton County Auditor-Treasurer Nadean Inman said she is fully confident in the legitimacy and accuracy PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER of the county’s elections, Materials for a mail in ballot rest on a desk Aug. 27 in Sauk even with a vast influx in Rapids. Over 2,500 of these ballots were tallied by the county for the Aug. 11 primary election.
PUBLIC NOTICES • City of Sauk Rapids Ord. No. 2020-789 - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Meeting - pg. 14 • Benton County Planning Commission Public Hearings - pg. 14 • Assumed Name - Legacy House of Catering - pg. 14
absentee ballots so far requested for the 2020 general election. “We have a lot of confused voters, I think,” said Inman, adding her office has fielded many phone calls on the topic. At the heart of the debate locally is Langola Township, which three years ago transitioned its general and primary elections to absentee ballots
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only. Chairperson of the township board, Mark Petron, said the decision came after the city of Rice transitioned the room where Langola Township residents used to vote into an evidence room for the city’s police department. Petron said the township had to change procedures, and mail-in voting would result in a less expensive Election Day for taxpayers and better voter turnout.
Ballots page 3
The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Community members gather around an inflatable screen Aug. 21 in Rice as they partake in Rice Recreation’s first Family Movie Night. The film “Playing with Fire” was shown by Twilight Zone Cinema of Stillwater.
The film plays on despite rain delays Rice Recreation hosts its first Family Movie Night Ayla Holloway, 6, races from a fence line Aug. 21 at Rice Lions Ballpark in Rice. Holloway was joined by grandmother Kimberly Cogswell, of Rice, and younger brother Arron.
Engagement Announcement Neeser - Ackerman
The parents of Jessica Rose Ackerman and Nathanial Jordan Ray Neeser would like to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Jessica Rose Ackerman, daughter of Pete and Mona Ackerman of Sauk Rapids, is a 2014 graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and a 2020 graduate of St. Catherine University with a Master of Arts in occupational therapy. She is employed by CentraCare Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic. Nathanial Jordan Ray Neeser, son of Gary and Mary Neeser of Sauk Rapids, is a 2011 graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and a 2015 graduate of St. Cloud Technical and Community College with
Jessica Ackerman and Nathanial Neeser
(Above) Charlie and Emily Walters and their children – Bailey (front, from left), 11 months and Eliza, 2; (back, from left) Kenza, 4, Ryker, 7, and Camden, 6 – prepare to watch the film “Playing with Fire” at Rice Recreation’s Family Movie Night Aug. 21 in Rice. The event was limited to 250 people, and households were asked to social distance as part of recommendations by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A group of St. Stephen youth – Avery Thorson (front, from left), 10, and Evie Rothstein, 10; (back, from left) Caleb Kurtz, 10, Brandt Kurtz, 12, and Caden Rothstein, 13 – sit on blankets before Family Movie Night Aug. 21 in Rice. The event was hosted by Rice Recreation and sponsored by Rice American Legion Post 473.
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– Cole Jason Boughton and Katrina Ann Skaggs, both of Rice. – Kyle Richard Gratke and Cindy Ann Schwegel, both of Sauk Rapids. – Charles Frederick Lentner and Grace Ann Santema, both of Oak Park.
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Ashley Partch, of Sauk Rapids, and her children Kylie Winter, 3, and Mason Winter, 5, get comfortable in their camping chairs while waiting for Family Movie Night to begin Aug. 21 in Rice. An inflatable screen displayed the film “Playing with Fire” before weather delayed the event with about an hour left of the movie; the film was slated to be presented again Aug. 28.
Rice Recreation Director Gene Thomsen and his wife, Kristie, gather near refreshments and snacks Aug. 21 in Rice. The Thomsens welcomed participants to Family Movie Night and provided free-of-charge concessions donated by area businesses and organizations.
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RICE – Community members gathered at the Rice Lions Ballpark Aug. 21 in Rice to attend the city’s first Family Movie Night. The event, hosted by Rice Recreation and fully sponsored by Rice American Legion Post 473, was intended to be in conjunction with Rice Family Fun Day this year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that event was canceled. A large weather event Aug. 14 delayed the movie in the park by one week, but over 100 people gathered on the green turf to view “Playing with Fire” – a family comedy starring John Cena. Unfortunately, a thunder and lightening storm approached and the film was postponed once again for Aug. 28, where plans were to restart and finish the film.
an associate’s degree in civil engineering. He is employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. A Sept. 26 wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Church in Sauk Rapids with a reception to follow at the Ackerman Family Farm.
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BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
State University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 2020 | Page 3
Pleasantview project ready for bids
Ballots from front
post office and mailing,” Inman said. … “You need to do what you’re comfortable doing.” Although Inman cannot speak for the United States Postal Service, she said the process in Benton County is reliable and trustworthy – at least from the standpoint of mailing out ballots and collecting the secure envelopes, whether it be by mail or hand-delivered. If the ballot is hand delivered or cast on Election Day at the auditor-treasurer’s office, the ballots are not put into the mail, but rather secured within the office. She said if anybody feels uncomfortable delivering their ballot via mail, they could hand the ballot into the auditor-treasurer’s office or place it in the secure drop box outside of the Benton County Government Center. To vote absentee, a Benton County voter needs to request a paper application from the auditor-treasurer’s office or go to the Minnesota secretary of state’s website to fill out an online application. Voters are not required to provide a reason to request an absentee ballot. Inman said physical and online applications have to be in the auditor-treasurer’s office before the county sends out ballots. Once the application is received, voters simply need to wait for their ballot to come in the mail. “It’s like this complete package of what they need from start to finish to fill their ballot out,” Inman said of the mailing. State statute calls for the county to mail out ballots no earlier than 46 days before the election, making Sept. 18 the first day the county can send ballots to voters. Once voters have
their ballots, they can fill it out and enclose it into a secure safety envelope and send it back to the county through the mail or in-person. The ballot envelopes, unopened, dated and initialed, are transferred to a vault in the auditor-treasurer’s office for secure placement until the state gives Inman the go-ahead to start tallying votes. The state will likely give Inman more time before the election to start counting due to the volume of ballots. “I’m not concerned,” Inman said about getting the ballots counted efficiently and accurately. “We will bring in additional staff as needed to process in a timely manner.”
The primary election in August saw a total of just over 2,500 mail-in ballots when the county has historically only received up to 200. So far, 2,500 voters have already requested absentee ballots with 10 weeks left before the Nov. 3 election. In 2016, a total of 2,568 voters requested absentee ballots by Election Day. Inman knows it will be a hill to climb, but is confident in her staff’s ability to get it done right. “All of my staff are trained election judges,” Inman said. … “We follow the guidance given to us by the state, and it’s a very smooth process for us, so I’d say I’m very confident in the process we follow in our office.”
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 11:30 a.m. – TOPS Weekly Meeting. Weigh-in followed by meeting focused on healthy eating, incentives, fun and friendship. Atonement Lutheran Church, 1144 29th Ave. N., St. Cloud. For more information, call 320-4920410. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 4-6 p.m. – Rice Area Farmers Market. Sponsored by Rice Women of Today. Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of North Division and East Main streets in Rice. Thursday, Sept. 3, 3-6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids Market. Coborn’s parking lot, 110 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. – American Legion Post 254 Monthly Meeting. Meets the first Thursday of each month. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Benton County Commissioner District 1
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While registered primary voter turnout has increased at a steady clip since 2010 according to the Minnesota secretary of state’s website, Petron also said the years-old decision had nothing to do with today’s politics. Even so, Tracanne Legatt and her husband, Randy, launched a petition to reverse the township’s decision on mail-in voting – at least partially ebecause of renewed conrcern with fraud and acocuracy. Legatt said her e tefforts are not partisan. “I’m not saying don’t have absentee voting because I think that’s important for some people to be able to do that,” Legatt said. “I just want both (in-person and absentee voting), not just for me but for everybody.” Inman said, for Langola Township residents and other precincts that are voting by mail, that the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer’s office is the official in-person polling location on Election Day. There is no other physical location for the mail-in precincts to vote on Election Day, and ballots are not delivered by mail if a voter from one of those precincts chooses or has to vote inperson, Inman said. “The goal that my husband and I both have is that we would like Langola Township citizens to be able to request absentee ballots or go inperson like we have in the past,” Legatt said. “We would like both options available to citizens.” Inman recognizes the public’s concern with mailing ballots. “I know there’s been a lot of concern with the
scopes, such as masonry, electrical or mechanical, by 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, with a virtual bid opening to follow. Contracts will be verified and awarded to lowest bidders, and a recommendation package is expected to be approved by the school board at its 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21 meeting. The construction area has been fenced off, and construction is expected to begin in the early part of October. In other school board
school lunch account. If families qualify for free or reduced lunch, those prices will be reflected rather than full price. Bergstrom said he expects one pick up site in Rice and one in Sauk Rapids, and students will likely be supplied five days’ worth of meals at one time. – Bergstrom thanked Benton County for the donation of 67 picnic tables for use throughout the district for the 2020-21 school year. The tables were donated by the Sentence to Serve program for the duration of the school year.
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SAUK RAPIDS – The rebuild of Pleasantview Elementary School is nearing the bidding process. In an Aug. 24 update at the Sauk RapidsRice Board of Education meeting, ICS Consulting and Wold Architects and Engineers provided information on the current phase of the project, where contractors are reviewing documents and preparing bids for submission. Contractors can submit bids for 23 work
news: – Approved superintendent Brad Bergstrom to adjust the district’s learning model throughout the year as necessary based on current COVID-19 data. Bergstrom said he would be including the school board on the decision as well as committees throughout the district. – Bergstrom clarified the process for families within the distance learning model to receive meals once the school year starts. Families who wish to receive meals can, but prices will be deducted out of the student’s
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Do you know of a free, public event or a civic group that has returned to regularly scheduled, inperson meetings? Email natasha@saukherald.com or call the Sauk Rapids Herald office at 320-2511971 to have events placed in the What’s Happening calendar. Events published one issue before occurrence.
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NEWS
Page 4 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Busing from front But despite the uncertainty surrounding the school year, those steering the fleet of district buses and vans are confident they have prepared for what is to come. “For the most part, we are ahead of the game with our routing but were behind the game with what the actual plan and structure of the district would be after the governor’s executive order in late July,” Rich Enga said. Enga is the transportation supervisor for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. He said when the district moved to distance learning permanently last spring, his team began making modifications to their routes – work that typically had begun in June. However, with the governor’s announcement regarding the state’s Safe Learning Plan coming in late July, the district has been in a time crunch. “It’s going to be a rush to the end, but we’re prepared and looking forward to a good start,” said Enga, who took over his role in 2019 after working with the district for over five years. Guidance for school transportation from the Minnesota Department of Health mimics that of the classroom in-person and hybrid learning models.
All drivers and passengers must wear face coverings unless medically exempt via the statewide mandate and recommends 6 feet social distancing is adhered to as much as possible on the bus. “Unfortunately, because you have a vehicle that is 6 1/2-foot wide, it is difficult to social distance on the bus,” Enga said. “So, we’ll maintain social distancing as much as possible. There will be a little staggering and open seats, but there will be riders sitting with other riders on that same route.” When a student approaches a community bus stop, they are asked to social distance from other households. As the door opens, riders will load the bus with the first riders making their way to the rear of the bus for a seat. Upon arrival to the destination, students at the front of the bus will exit first. Weather permitting, windows will be open to allow for additional air flow. No child will sit within 6 feet of the driver. Hand sanitizer will be available to students upon entrance and exit, and additional masks will be available for those children who forget their own. If the district is in a hybrid model where buses are allowed a maximum of
The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District expects to have school bus route pickup and dropoff times finalized by Aug. 31. Guardians will receive a phone call and email with the information. Should a current phone number or email not be on file, notice will be sent by mail. 37 students, the rules are more stringent. “We’re going to have assigned seating so we’re able to track numbers of students that are on the buses, but also if we had an incident where a student was infected or came into contact with someone who was infected, we could trace that back and be able to tell who was sitting next to them,” Enga said. Tom Thoemke, safety manager for Voigt’s Bus Companies, said his company is prepared to keep students safe to the best of their ability. Voigt’s Bus Companies was awarded the district’s bus service contract this year; they also serve the St. Cloud Area and Rocori school districts. Sanitation procedures will be the same no matter if the district is in in-person or hybrid learning models. “We’ve always done a thorough cleaning of our buses; that’s just a part of keeping our buses clean and in good condition,” Thoemke said. “We’ve established protocols for the drivers to be, throughout the day, cleaning high touch surfaces on the bus – handrails, steering wheels,
the door.” Thoemke said the company will use its staple disinfectant which was shown to be effective against coronaviruses. They also know the cleaning agent is safe for its passengers as they have been using it for years. Sanitizing of high touch surfaces will take place between each of the three tiers of district bus routes. Before the morning and afternoon routes, the buses will be fully disinfected – all seats and windows will be wiped down as well as the driver compartment and other areas. Special education transport has separate, more restrictive rules that are being finalized as the school year approaches. Voigt’s Bus Companies and the district are asking parents to screen children for COVID-19 symptoms prior to them leaving home. Before students enter school buildings, temperatures will be taken. The district has asked parents to do the same at home and to keep students home if temperatures are 100.4 F or higher. “At this point, the plan is not to have temperature checks outside of the bus in the morning when they’re getting on,” Enga said. “We’ll be asking parents and guardians to make sure the students are feeling OK to come to school and they have no symptoms.” Enga said although originally considered, requiring bus drivers to screen children is a safety concern. Accurate readings are also less likely when a child has been standing in the elements or bundled in winter gear. “The drivers have a PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER A school bus is ready for the year at Voigt’s Bus Companies in St. Augusta Aug. 19. responsibility to make sure Boarding and exiting buses will be a changed practice for students as the first person the students are safe geton will take a seat at the back of the bus and be the last to exit when it reaches its ting on and off the bus at destination.
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the bus stop, and if the drivers are now distracted by taking temperatures, the drivers’ attention isn’t on the safety of the students,” Enga said. Sam Rodriguez, chief operating office of Voigt’s Bus Companies, said being conscious of how kids are feeling and acting before parents let them leave the house is going to be critical this year. “You don’t send your kid to the bus stop if you have any concern they might be ill, and if you don’t know if it’s the coronavirus or something else, default on safety and don’t send them,” he said. Thoemke said the bus company will do the same with its drivers. Each driver is observed and must selfcertify through a screening process that they have no symptoms before ever getting behind the wheel. Drivers have undergone more personalized instruction this summer as a direct side effect of COVID-19. Due to the limits on large groups, the driver evaluation and training process has become more personalized – with each driver having one-on-one sessions. Despite the changes, Enga hopes transportation is a constant guardians and students can count on while they prepare for back-to-school. “No matter if we’re running 100% or if we’re running 50%, the game plan is to keep the transportation routes as close to the same as possible,” Enga said. “If we have to jump from one learning model to the next, we’re trying to keep the effects on our families minimal
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Tom Thoemke, safety manager for Voigt’s Bus Companies, holds disinfectant Aug. 19 in St. Augusta. The company will disinfect high-touch surfaces between each of the district’s three route tiers and will fully disinfect buses before morning and afternoon routes.
in transportation. We’ll be asking our drivers to drive the route the same for the Green and the Gold schedule, and when we’re 100%, keeping our times the same so on and so forth, so we can minimize the impacts on families.” Back-to-school can be a hectic time for all, but with safety in mind and a plan in place, the district is set to commence the 202021 school year. “One of the beautiful things about school bus drivers is that as a whole they are an adaptable breed that really understands the complexities of what we do without COVID-19,” Rodriguez said. “It’s just kind of an additional level of, ‘Let’s be flexible. Let’s do whatever we do every day. We’ll add whatever we need to add, and we’ll keep going.’”
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 (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971.
Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Anna Hinkemeyer Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 2020 | Page 5
EDITORIAL/ NEWS
City council from front
Back-to-school updates When the calendar approaches September, parents, guardians, students and staff shift their focus from summer to fall and from vacation to the new school year. Normally, this means getting school supplies and maybe some new clothes, meeting their teachers at open house, and planning for homecoming and fall activities. This year some things will look different. I am, however, optimistic we will get through this, and, in the end, we will be better because we did it together. My name is Bradley D. Bergstrom, and I am the new superintendent at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. I started July 1 and am honored to be the superintendent of this wonderful district. In this article, I would like to provide an overview of where we are as a district with our preparations for this upcoming school year. Throughout the summer, the administrative team has been building the district’s safe learning plan and models. On Aug. 10, the board of education approved the district’s Safe Learning Plan. The plan outlines procedures and protocols for each of the five Safe Learning Models that may need to be used this school year according to the governor’s emergency executive order 20-82. The five models are in-person for all, in-person for early childhood through grade five and hybrid for secondary, hybrid for all, hybrid for early childhood and distance learning for secondary, and distance learning for all. After approving the Safe Learning Plan, the board of education approved the in-person learning model for all Sauk Rapids-Rice students (early childhood through grades 12). While the board approved the in-person model for all students, they along with district administration and staff felt it was imperative students and staff be provided with an orientation period to learn about and practice the necessary safety protocols to ensure a successful return to school.
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT BY BRADLEY D. BERGSTROM
In an attempt to keep families and the community informed, the district will utilize traditional methods of communication such as the website, email blasts and social media platforms but will also use Storm Watch and the Storm Forecast. The Storm
Watch is a series of short videos created to update families, staff and community members on important events or topics that are happening in the district. The Storm Forecast is an interactive communication tool where the district utilizes Facebook live to share information and answer questions through the comment section. Storm Forecast communications are recorded and archived on the website for those unable to listen live or who are not Facebook users. There is no question, these are trying times for all as we continue to figure out how to navigate our world that has been impacted by the pandemic. As we look to begin the school year, we know
there will be challenges. If nothing else, COVID-19 has taught us the one constant these days is we need to change and adapt. Critical components in being able to change and adapt are preparation, planning and communication, and it is my hope the information that has been shared with you in this article will provide some clarity and comfort. This year, we may all need to add a few things to our traditional back-toschool list: patience, grace, flexibility, understanding and kindness. Take care, stay #StormStrong and go Storm.
First week of school schedule The following grades will attend their school in-person according to the schedule below. Green Group = Last names starting with A-Li and Gold Group = Last names starting with Lj-Z. See the middle and high school webpages for information regarding the week of Sept. 14 through Sept. 18.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 Wednesday, Sept. 9 Thursday, Sept. 10
Friday, Sept. 11
All elementary schools Middle school High school All elementary schools Middle school High school All elementary schools
Kindergarten Grade 6 Grade 9 Kindergarten, Grade 1 Green group Green group Kindergarten, Grade 1 Grade 2, Grade 3 Gold group Gold group Kindergarten, Grade 1 Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 Grade 5 Gold group (In-person) Green group (Remote) Gold group (In-person) Green group (Remote)
Middle school High school All elementary schools Middle school High school
Open house schedule Wednesday, Sept. 2
Kindergarten and Grade 2
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Grade 6 and new middle school students
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Grade 9 and new high school students
Thursday, Sept. 3
Grade 1 and Grade 4
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Grade 3 and Grade 5
Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10
Early childhood: Preschool teachers have reached out to families with open house schedules and appointments.
All elementary schools Middle school
4-7 p.m. 4-7 p.m.
self-guided open house High school self-guided open house All elementary schools All elementary schools
4-7 p.m.
4-7 p.m. 4-7 p.m.
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Council members Jason Ellering, Dottie Seamans and Ellen Thronson were in favor of the amendment that was recommended by the city’s planning commission 4-1. Mayor Kurt Hunstiger and council member Nick Sauer did not support the motion. Hunstiger said he was not opposed to food trucks at special events or in the industrial park, but that he preferred they were limited to those areas. He said with the impacts of COVID-19, he could not support food trucks within city limits at this time as he is concerned for the established businesses in the downtown district. “The HRA (housing and redevelopment authority) just helped out some of the businesses, and it’s really critical this time where we are with this COVID issue going on, it’s critical we support our local restaurants,” Hunstiger said. … “They pay a lot of taxes to have the location that they have, and I’m not going to support this, personally.” Sauer voted against the motion. “Those people are trying to make a living too, and I get it, yes, let’s not hurt what’s going on downtown,” Sauer said, in an interview after the meeting. … “I don’t want to take any money away from them, but these people are trying to make a living too.” Sauer’s alternative ideas included extending the number of days allowed under the general permit, limiting the 14-day permit to the downtown area only, or creating parameters for each zone. He gave the example that if a business had catered to an employer every Wednesday, they would now be limited to only 14 of the 52 weeks a year. Two permits will be available in the city: special event permits and general permits. General permits are valid for a maximum 14 days a year and cost $50. The days are not concurrent and special event permit days are not counted against the general permit total. The ordinance enforces a 300-foot setback from restaurants and bars in the downtown district. Community development director Todd Schultz said prior to the amendment the city’s ordinance was vague as it applied to food trucks. He said increased interest from vendors who are missing festival type events, and therefore income, triggered the city to review its policies. In other council news: – Approved the site plan for the new Pleasantview Elementary School with conditions. The 11acre site will eventually have the existing 81,000 square foot building removed, and includes new construction of a 120,000-square-foot two-story kindergarten through grade 5 facility. Once the new building is erected, the current building will be demolished and support spaces such as parking lots, a ball field and playgrounds will be built. Buses and vehicles will enter the site from 4 1/2 Avenue North and Sixth Avenue North, respectively – the same roads they use now. On-site parking will accommodate over 35 more stalls. Conditions to the approval included utility infrastructure, a surfacing and restoration plan, easements, landscape plan, and a utility and storm water maintenance agreement. – Approved accepting a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant to cover election related expenses while agreeing to a 20% match. Sauk Rapids will receive $4,322.29 while spending $866.48 in matched dollars. – Approved an ordinance amendment that removed mini storage as an allowable use in commercially zoned districts. Mini storage units will only be allowed in industrial zoning. This amendment also lifts the moratorium enacted May 11. – Approved appointing former city engineer Terry Wotzka to the housing and redevelopment authority. Wotzka will serve the remaining term through December that was filled by Bill Bard who passed away. – Approved the purchase of portable radios for the Sauk Rapids Police Department in the amount of $122,112.50. – Approved rescinding the emergency declaration enacted March 20.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Lawn repair September is considered an ideal time to deal with bare spots or other lawn problems. Grass has a strong growing cycle from March to May and then GREEN & GROWING slows down until IN BENTON COUNTY July and August. BY LINDA G. TENNESON Then as temperatures cool, it recovers and grows again until stopped by freezing temperatures. This growth cycle makes fall an optimum time to aerate, dethatch, do broadleaf weed control and, most important, reseed the bare spots. The soil is still warm which will encourage seed germination. Choose a seed that matches the growing conditions where it will be sown. In other words, shade grass seed for shady areas and sun loving seed for full sun areas. Kentucky bluegrass is often used for lawns, with fescue seed combined with it. Fine fescues used on their own produce a narrow grass blade that bends or flops over and does not require frequent mowing to maintain a desirable appearance. Scratch or disturb the surface of the soil one-quarter inch deep or so. The seed should have contact with the soil but not be buried too deeply. Dead grass or thatch may be removed first so the soil surface is visible. The seed must touch or be lightly covered with soil before it can germinate. Seed that lands on the surface may be eaten by birds or be washed away from watering or rainfall. A roller may be used to ensure good seed-tosoil contact. Rollers are horizontal cylinders often filled with water with a frame attached to each end. The frame has a handle so that the gardener may roll the cylinder over the ground with the weight of the cylinder pushing the seeds into contact with the soil. One website showed a picture of a footprint clearly seen in a new grass area. Where the treads on the bottom of the shoe had landed, the seed had been pushed into the soil and it grew, but the space immediately around those treads did not have any grass growing. Starter fertilizer is also helpful. Remember that phosphorous, the middle number on fertilizer descriptions, is not allowed on established lawns because the excess washes into rivers and lakes and produces algae. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has these additional details or exceptions to this law: “These restrictions do not apply to fertilizers used for agricultural crops, flowers and vegetable gardening, or on golf courses by trained staff. Exemptions: Fertilizers containing phosphorus may be used on lawns if a soil test indicates that it is needed or if you are establishing a new lawn.” Once planted, the seed must be frequently watered. Burlap fabric is sometimes used to cover newly seeded areas to keep the soil wet and to discourage birds from eating the seeds. However, this method has not worked for me or been mentioned in the sources I researched. Newly reseeded areas should be allowed to grow before being mowed or any weed treatments are used. An alternative to reseeding in the early fall is called dormant seeding where the seed is distributed in the soil to remain there over winter and grow in the early spring. The seed is applied when the temperature is too cold for growing but before the soil has frozen. Visit extension.umn.edu/lawncare/dormantseeding for details on this method. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
Hard work reaps rest
Alas, I fondly reminisce of my first garen to make connections and to grab hold of dening experience, only three springs ago. It God’s design for his church by the Biblical was wild and new to me as a friend helped design for discipleship and the breakdown of me separate starters, space out rows and plant gender specific discipleship in the book of Tidirectly into the ground. I listened intently as tus. It is the mandate in Titus that spurs me my friend said, “This might not make it; I’ve on to encourage women to continue gathering never had luck with lettuce,” and, “Broccoli and spread the fire as they invite new people is hard not to go to seed too fast.” I took evin starting other small groups. Physical disery word my friend had to heart. I weeded tancing has not been an issue for us. We are around every seedling and was unexpectedly not starving for community as we continue to LIFE BY FAITH astonished as my garden flourished. There gather and encourage each other as we see the were no diseases, nothing went to seed early, BY MERCY NYGAARD day of the Lord approaching. and I had fresh produce whenever I needed So, what gives us energy to stay? It’s easy it all summer long. It was exciting – until the overload. to walk around a garden and then join together for felOur family got to the point that we could not create lowship and prayer. The faithfulness every week, behind another zucchini recipe or crunch on another cucumber. the scenes praying and reaching out is the hard work. Canning seemed daunting to me, and so I slowly let the There is a reason God told us to never give up doing garden pass into the frost, as I observed which veggies good, or never grow weary in doing good because, in survived the longest. due time, we will reap a harvest. That is because doAuthor Abigail Dodds wrote an amazing Instagram ing good is hard work. Dodd expresses that God’s fruitpost about this very sweet and bitter blessing. She com- fulness and doing good is comparable to a job promopared the overload of abundant produce to spiritually tion where the workload increases significantly. Hard reaping and thanking God for the harvest. Early harvest work, at this time, may be what the Lord is asking for is so welcomed and appreciated. We prayed for spiritual his Kingdom, but he will never give it without the aid of gifts after all and asked how to serve the body of Christ. sustainment through it. I have found three things from The Lord gives and he gives abundantly, but suddenly, teacher Susan Hunt that gives me the energy to stay: it seems, we begin to grow weary, we feel tired, we start Love for the other person, John 13:1. Love for Jesus, enjoying the quiet in the hospitable homes we prayed John 21:15-17. And his unconditional, unchanging love for serving others in and escape to our TVs and screens. for me, Psalm 23:1-3. Why is that? It is because harvest is crazy hard To whom much is given, much is required, Luke work. Faithfulness is hard work too. Fruitfulness creates 12:48. This is you if you are caring for an elder, parproblems we never knew we did not want. enting, facilitating a study, coaching a team, teaching Our fellowship gardens that we have toured once a students, administrating a school, managing employees, week at ladies’ back yards are coming to an end for the trying to be a leader as a student. The list goes on. summer. It has been an awesome harvest and a lot of There is hard work ahead. God gives us the ability hard work. I pray these women will join in creating their and the sustainment to stay and see it through. Do not own fellowships and digging into the Bible together, ac- do as I did at the end of the garden season, letting the centing the fact they do not need me to do it. Hearing produce pass into the frost, observing which ones surwomen express they want more gatherings, fellowships vived the longest. Do the work of abundance, pray, stay and studies excites me, but as I see the school year ap- in God’s word to illuminate your path for you to reach proaching, the garden calling and hunting season haunt- out serving others. The harvest we will reap will be etering, I feel the heaviness of the workload approaching nal rest, bringing others with us and glorifying our Lord and, like canning, it appears daunting. one day, face to face. I desire to keep providing opportunities for wom-
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M R O ST
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | Page 7
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Trained, ready Collision girls tennis to continue season in Moorhead PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
Collision girls tennis co-captains Brynn Karasch (from left), Bailee Bonebright, Addison Bemboom and Cailey Davidson stand on the tennis courts Aug. 17 at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. The four juniors lead the cooperative team A strong group of veteran between Sauk rapids-Rice and Apollo high schools.
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players define the Collision girls tennis team this season. The Collision, a cooperative between Sauk Rapids-Rice and Apollo high schools, is coming off a 3-10 season and opened its 2020 season with matches against Willmar Aug. 25 and Bemidji Aug. 27. With two of its 11 regular season matches completed, head coach Jamie Hatlestad is seeing great amounts of promise in the team. “All of our girls came out with lots of training and development,” Hatlestad said. “The ones who show the greatest interest in getting better as an athlete have been coming to practice early or staying late. We have a really dedicated group.”
Leading the team are four junior co-captains: Brynn Karasch, Bailee Bonebright, Addison Bemboom and Cailey Davidson, all of whom have varsity experience. Davidson is playing No. 1 singles, Karasch and Bemboom have teamed up to fill the No. 1 doubles slot, and Bonebright is one half of the No. 2 doubles team alongside junior McKinsey Newbanks. Grace Roesch returns at No. 2 singles, Belle Haddy at No. 3 singles and Ari Nemeth at No. 4 singles. The two newcomers to the varsity lineup are Kaleigh Anderson and Lily Howe in the No. 3 doubles spot. Roesch had four match wins
Program-wide Cross-country teams ready to compete
in 2019, Newbanks had three, Bemboom had two, and Karasch and Nemeth each had one. “It will be great to see how their training and development impacts their matches this year,” Hatlestad said. Even though the players are settled into their roles for the first matches of the season, Hatlestad sees the lineup shifting frequently. To win a tennis match takes several steps. Games are started at love (or zero), and each point is defined as 15, 30, 40 and game, which is actually only four total points.
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The 2020 season will look vastly different for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys and girls cross-country teams as high schools across the state look to compete under restrictions placed by the Minnesota State High School League. Gone are the multi-school invitationals and wide array of competition. Instead, the team will participate in meets with two other schools at a time and only with Central Lakes Conference competitors. “We usually go to Litchfield, Paynesville and Little Falls each year, all three with upward of
Tennis page 8
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Ali Kremer (from left), Jared Bentrud and Cole Gauerke stand in the parking lot north of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Aug. 17 in Sauk Rapids. The three are co-captains of the SRRHS boys and girls cross-country teams.
18 schools or more,” said Sandie Lahr, head coach. “The kids really enjoy those meets each year, so those will be missed.” SRR will also host more meets than in the past. Hosting competition is an aspect the program moved away from in 2019
in order to attend larger meets. With some golf courses unwilling to give up their greens for cross-country runners this season, SRR will use the trails at Mayhew Creek Park in Sauk Rapids as their host site.
Despite missing out on some of the largest invitationals, Lahr said the Central Lakes Conference is deep with talented runners and expects every team to be tough competition throughout the season. As the Storm prepare for the second meet of the season at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Brainerd High School in Brainerd, Lahr sees a lot of promise from the team. Seniors Jared Bentrud, Cole Gauerke and Ali Kremer are co-captains of the team, and all have been top runners for the Storm the past two years. Kremer is the only female varsity runner at this time. Sophomore Nate Martin returns as a strong athlete, and Lahr looks forward to seeing his times improve. The team welcomes junior Jake Blackmore, who is out for cross-country for the first time this season. Cross-country page 10
Page 8 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
Building momentum
Boys soccer team hopes to repeat 2019 success BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys soccer team made leaps and bounds in its 2019 program. The team earned a 9-9-1 record – the best in program history – and advanced to the Section 8A quarterfinal match for the first time.
Also on the list of accomplishments were first-time wins over Central Lakes Conference opponents Willmar and Sartell-St. Stephen. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions from the Minnesota State High School League, SRR is limited to conference contest play only – a 11-
BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE Moorhead Tuesday, Sept. 1 H Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 3 A Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 8 A Brainerd Friday, Sept. 11 H Sartell Tuesday, Sept. 15 H Rocori Thursday, Sept. 17 A Apollo Thursday, Sept. 24 H St. Cloud Tech Game Tuesday, Sept. 29 A Willmar Thursday, Oct. 1 H Game to be determined Thursday, Oct. 8 TBD
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM TBD
game regular season. “I think they are going to have it out for us,” said Chris Rothstein, Storm boys soccer head coach, of the Cardinals and Sabres. “I think they are still upset we beat them. And, it was maybe a little unexpected on their end, so they are going to come out fighting, and I hope we can beat them again.” This year’s 22-member team is cocaptained by seniors Eli Rudnick, Austin Jansky and Ryan Moilanen as well as junior Ryan Hallonquist. Rudnick is a goalkeeper, coming off a season with 100 saves in 2019. Jansky plays center defense. Moilanen tore his ACL and will help lead the team from the sidelines, and Hallonquist plays defense. Junior forwards Eli Moilanen and Keegan Pham are two more notable returners for the Storm. Eli scored eight goals and Pham scored seven in 2019. Freshman midfielder Leif Rudnick also returns with promise. The Storm opened its season Aug. 27 in a road game at Bemidji High School in Bemidji. They host Moorhead at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice football stadium. The team will travel to Alexandria Thursday, Sept. 3. Rocori will be a team the Storm seeks to top this season, particularly because the Spartans ended the 2019 season in
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer co-captains Ryan Moilanen (from left), Ryan Hallonquist, Eli Rudnick and Austin Jansky stand together Aug. 17 on the practice fields at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The four return to the team after helping SRR reach the Section 8A quarterfinals and earn a 9-9-1 record in 2019.
the quarterfinals. “The teams we play are very different with a variety of different approaches,” Rothstein said. “The CLC has a lot of strong, well-developed teams we will have to face.”
Tennis
from page 7 Four points are needed to win a game, six games are needed to win a set, and two sets must be won to win a match. During practices, Hatlestad said the team has spent a lot of time competing against each other, which has fine-tuned skills and allowed players to gain match experience. “The girls are more willing to do challenge matches than ever before, and it’s great,” Hatlestad said. “There’s some excitement to not knowing who is going to be playing where all the time.”
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Some of the biggest strengths exhibited by the Storm are scoring and goalkeeping, but the team has also gained experience in defending. Rothstein’s main goals are to keep the team healthy while consistently
improving both individual players and the team as a whole. He also has a goal of earning a record similar to last year or better. “Our players are driven to get better and that’s what we hope for,” Rothstein said.
As the season progresses, Hatlestad wants the girls to compete with anyone rather than focusing on how tough another team may be. He wants the team to continue developing skills and confidence on the court and ultimately stay healthy
and have fun pursuing the sport of tennis. The Collision continue its season with a road match against Moorhead at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Moorhead High School in Moorhead.
TENNIS SCHEDULE
Moorhead Tuesday, Sept. 1 A Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 3 H Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 8 H Brainerd Thursday, Sept. 10 A Sartell Tuesday, Sept. 15 A Rocori Thursday, Sept. 17 H Rocori Tuesday, Sept. 22 A St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 29 H Game To Be Determined Thursday, Oct. 1 H
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also wants her players to develop mental toughness and drive to consistently get better, something the 2019 team showcased well. The Storm start the season with a front-loaded schedule, facing some of their toughest opponents first. SRR opens its season at Moorhead High School in Moorhead at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, with games against Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Brainerd and Bemidji following in the weeks thereafter. “It’s going to be a little bit of a baptism by fire for us,” Fremo said. “We don’t really have a chance to grow into things, but I am sure we will learn a lot.” Even though the Storm are limited to playing against teams within the Central Lakes Conference due to restrictions set by the Minnesota State High School League, Fremo said it has minimal impact on the team. Typically, the team only plays four nonconference games per year prior to playoffs. The MSHSL has also limited schedules to no more than two contests per week, something Fremo said will be great for a young team. The girls will have more practice time, with more opportunity to improve technically and tactically and develop strategy before games. Among the top things the team needs ahead of the season opener is development of the speed of play and making sure play is continuous. The team is working on this through drills, but Fremo said the best learning will come from playing
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fter earning a 134-3 record and the title of Section 8A runnerup in the 2019 season, the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls soccer team is motivated and eager for play. However, the team lineup has changed considerably, with only six returning players. “We may be young, but these returners got a taste of what a great season looks like,” said Kris Fremo, head coach. “It is something that will make them hungry to continue and also help lift up our new players and teach them the ropes.” The team is captained by seniors Adyson Froiland and Ashley Konietzko, both central defenders in their fourth year on varsity. Continuing down the returning lineup are sisters junior Maggie Fernholz and freshman Gabrielle Fernholz. Maggie is a goalkeeper, coming off a season with 75 saves. Gabrielle scored five goals in 2019 as an attacking central midfielder but will be moving into the forward position this season. Sophomore Olivia Bauer moves from defensive midfielder to attacking midfielder after scoring two goals for the Storm last year. Junior Emily Starr, a wing forward, also brings experience. Being a team without much depth, Fremo said the main season goal is to keep everyone healthy and uninjured. She looks forward to team growth and seeing what the team can accomplish. Fremo wants to see more wins than losses, and
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“We played complex, sophisticated soccer all year last year, and I hope this team can accomplish that too,” Fremo said. “They just need to know they can’t come out and take it easy if they want to be successful.”
GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE
Moorhead Monday, Aug. 31 A Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 3 H Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 8 H Brainerd Friday, Sept. 11 A Bemidji Saturday, Sept. 12 H Sartell Tuesday, Sept. 15 A Rocori Thursday, Sept. 17 H St. Cloud Apollo Thursday, Sept. 24 A St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 29 H Willmar Thursday, Oct. 1 A Game To Be Determined Thursday, Oct. 8 TBD
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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
Versatility defining swim and dive team SRR led by six senior co-captains BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
This year, the poolside deck at the Sauk RapidsRice girls swim and dive meets will be completely void. The pool will be almost silent. The reality for high school fall sports is grim compared to a typical year; however, coaches Megan Dingmann and Whitney Jendro said positivity is radiating throughout the team as they begin the season, and the girls are pushing to be as much if not more competitive than last year. “This year is different with all of the COVID protocols we have to implement,” Jendro said. “That is not stopping the girls though, and they are ready to compete.” The team will participate in dual meets only and separate from opposing teams. Leading this year’s team is a group of six seniors: Eliana Hansen, Haley Davis, Madeline Ziegler, Maya Zaske, Abbie Tangen and Nicole Agre. Dingmann and Jendro said the senior leadership is one of the biggest team strengths. The six swimmers have several years of varsity experience and each brings her own personality to the team. Ziegler and Davis specialize in sprint events, while others are versatile across events. Other top returners are juniors Lydia Zabinski, Valeria Flores-Bonilla and Sophia Henkel, and sophomore
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice girls swim and dive co-captains – Eliana Hansen (from left), Haley Davis, Madeline Ziegler, Maya Zaske, Abbie Tangen and Nicole Agre – gather in the pool Aug. 18 in Sauk Rapids. The team will travel to Alexandria Thursday, Sept. 3, for its second meet of the season.
Kaytlin Bittman. The four have been on varsity since their seventh-grade seasons and consistently score team points. When a swim meet is scored, team points are awarded for the first six placings in each event, with relay teams carrying greater weight than individual events. The higher scoring team wins the meet. As the coaching staff create the lineups for each meet throughout the season, they expect to move the girls among events to find what works best. “A lot of the girls have been approaching the season with positivity and flexibility, and we want to keep that going,” Jendro said. “It has been fun to see their competitive edge come out, and we expect that to continue in extremely positive ways.” SRR ended its 2019 season with a Section 5A championship, a title they had not earned in the 15 years prior. The
Alexandria Thursday, Sept. 3 A Brainerd Thursday, Sept. 10 H Sartell Tuesday, Sept. 15 H Rocori Thursday, Sept. 17 A St. Cloud Apollo Thursday, Sept. 24 H St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 29 A Willmar Thursday, Oct. 1 H Moorhead Tuesday, Oct. 6 H Fergus Falls Thursday, Oct. 8 A Game to be determined Tuesday, Oct. 13 TBD
6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM
coaches said the team is coming into this season with high expectations and the eagerness to do well regardless of what higherlevel competition they may participate in. The Storm opened its season at Bemidji High School in Bemidji Aug. 27 and continues with a contest against the Cardinals at Alexandria Area High School in Alexandria at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Focusing on doing little things right during
practices and dual meets is the starting goal for the team, specifically turns and starts for each race. The coaches encourage the development of those aspects before focusing on long-term goals like tapering for a conference or section competition. “Our girls all want to be here and put in the hard work,” Dingmann said. “When a team comes into a season with that mentality, great things happen.”
the ability to have team bonding activities, but the team is making the most than 10 meets this out of the time they have year, another MSHSL together. restriction. “We are glad we have “Regardless of what a season at all,” Lahr said. restrictions are in place, we are here to have fun and grow in the passion of running,” Lahr said. “As a coach, I want to help the athletes develop skills into Brainerd a lifelong pastime.” Friday, Sept. 4 Because of the uncertainty surrounding Fergus Falls post-season competition, Tuesday, Sept. 8 Lahr has been focusing on weekly goals and Sauk Rapids Invite implementing fun Thursday, Sept. 17 challenges, like obstacle courses, in practices. Bemidji Invite One of the biggest Thursday, Sept. 24 challenges is having the athletes running in Sauk Rapids Invite pods during practice Thursday, Oct. 1 and keeping everyone socially distanced by 6 Fergus Falls Invite feet. Lahr said some of the Monday, Oct. 5 requirements are hindering
“There has been a lot of positive energy in the team, and I can tell everyone has trained over the summer. And, they are working hard to improve. It’s great to see.”
Cross-country page 7 Blackmore has done a significant amount of recreational biking and joined the cross-country team to try something new. Lahr said his endurance and strength from biking has influenced his running already in the early part of the season. Team scoring in meets is based on placement of runners, with teams aiming for the lowest score possible. The top five runner placings are added to create the team score. In order to qualify for team scoring, five runners must have participated in a race. The girls team will not meet this threshold. The boys team has seven runners, but the varsity roster is still being finalized. SRR has a condensed schedule of seven rather
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NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | Page 11
Messerich, Johnson lead SRRMS in 2020-21 Understand community will face a school year like no other
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R35-1B-RB
SAUK RAPIDS – Principal Jessica Messerich is not a stranger to Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School. She is starting her eighth school year there, where she has served in a variety of roles. She began her career in the school district in 2012 as dean of students and activities. After two years as a dean, she was hired as an assistant principal, a role she held for four years until she served as the interim principal during the 2019-20 school year. This fall will mark her second year as the middle school principal. Prior to her work at SRRMS, Messerich was a special education teacher for over a decade, teaching and helping students with emotional and behavioral disorders at the high school and middle school levels. Messerich’s previous experience has helped her understand one important truth: Change is often an opportunity for new beginnings. She will keep that perspective in mind this fall as educators, students and communities everywhere face a school year like no other. “I hope Sauk RapidsRice Middle School students are able to adjust to the inevitable changes that we will experience,” Messerich said. “I hope that they are able to continue to learn and grow and know that with change comes new experiences. This year will be different and that is about the only thing we know for sure.” There is another thing that Messerich knows for sure, and that is the caring, competent district staff will see students and families through whatever this year’s back-to-school may bring. “I want our students and families to know that we are working hard – even through the summer – to make sure their experience is a positive one. I believe there is no better staff than the one working in our schools, so we will get through this together and come out stronger in the end.” Messerich’s middle school team includes assistant principal Nic Johnson who has a back-
FR34-2B-RB
BY JENNIFER MORRISETTE-HESS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
families and the community as we navigate these middle school years.” Johnson echoes those ground much like Mess- sentiments. “My goal is to superich’s. Prior to teaching, Johnson worked with port all of our middle adults and adolescents school students as they with disabilities. He grow, and I am looking taught at St. Paul Pub- forward to being a part lic Schools as a middle of their journey,” he said. “I also want to school spework closely cial education with their famiteacher and lies. A partnerthen at Sauk ship between Rapids-Rice home and Public Schools school is essenwith sixth tial, so if there graders and in is any way I the PRIDE procan help, my gram. He was a door is always lead special education teacher Jessica Messerich open.” Outside at SRRMS beof work, Mesfore transitionserich said she ing to his new loves to be assistant prinaround people cipal role. and stay active. Johnson, She has a busy like Messerich, family made sees that the up of husband, year ahead may Chris, along be challenging with two kids, yet as promisNic Johnson two dogs and ing as always two cats. Her for middle family loves to schoolers and travel, and their trips oftheir families. “I hope our students ten involve hiking, camphave a safe and incred- ing and fishing. Messible experience,” John- erich also likes to work son said. “I hope they on crafting projects of all are able to step out of kinds. Johnson and wife, their comfort zone and try new things, expand Kara, have two young their friendships circles daughters and like spendand grow their skills to ing time with family and be successful learners. friends. They, too, enjoy These are unprecedented the outdoors and try to times and school is go- find any opportunity they ing to be different, but we can to spend time on the will do the best we can water, especially to fish. Principal Messerich to make the most of it. It is very important that we and assistant principal stay positive and support Johnson welcome all new and returning students each other.” Both Messerich and and their families to Sauk Middle Johnson are passionate Rapids-Rice about supporting students School for the new school year. While this time may and families. “I care about the not look like any other, middle schoolers and both are confident the truly look forward to Sauk Rapids-Rice Midseeing their faces every dle School community day,” Messerich said. will stay #StormStrong “As a principal, I want and get through any chalto support our students, lenges together.
Crime & Public Safety
NEWS
Sauk Rapids man arrested in Florida ST. CLOUD – Brent Schaefer, 26, of Sauk Rapids, is being held at the Stearns County Jail after being located in Florida. Florida’s Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Schaefer Aug. 19, and he was transported and booked in Stearns County Aug. 22. Schaefer is facing three counts of felony domestic assault charges stemming from a December 2019 incident. Each count has a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. According to a criminal complaint, an argument at the Holiday Inn Express hotel Dec. 8 escalated to the point where an alleged female victim requested an ambulance because she was assaulted, choked and threw to the ground. Law enforcement was dispatched and spoke with the person. The person said during the incident Schaefer grabbed her throat, stuck his index finger down her throat and covered her nose with his other fingers; she could not breathe for 30-40 seconds. Law enforcement observed physical injury to the person’s lip and back of her throat. Schaefer returned to the hotel and said the two had an argument regarding a phone and denied harmful physical contact. Schaefer has prior convictions of domestic assault in May 2016 and of violating a domestic abuse no contact order from September 2017.
Sauk Rapids man repeatedly violates domestic abuse no contact order ST. CLOUD – A Sauk Rapids man is behind bars after repeatedly violating a domestic abuse no contact order. Joseph Currie, 35, is facing one count of felony violation. He faces five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Currie was previously convicted for violating domestic abuse conjunctions in Wisconsin in July 2012 and October 2012. According to the criminal complaint, a Sauk Centre police officer witnessed Currie and the female he
Police Report Sauk Rapids Police Department Aug. 17 1932 hours: Officers received a complaint from the intersection of Ninth Avenue South and Fourth Street South of a dog chasing an individual and dragging a long leash. Officers spoke with the dog’s owner about keeping the dog contained. Aug. 19 0005 hours: Officers observed a large recreational fire at a residence on the 900 block of Second Avenue North. Officers advised the young adults to shrink the size of the fire to fit city ordinance and for safety reasons. Aug. 20 1211 hours: Officers observed three children playing in the roundabout at the intersection of Fourth Street and Summit Avenue. Officers advised the children of the dangers of playing in traffic, and the children were escorted to their home. Incidents: 28 assists, 18 various calls, 16 medical calls, 15 suspicious activity reports, 9 traffic stops, 7 welfare checks, 6 accidents, 6 permits, 6 animals, 5 property, 5 disturbances, 5 ordinance violations 4 child, 4 alarms, 4 thefts, 4 unwanteds, 4 parking violations, 3 human services reports, 3 assaults, 3 civil complaints, 3 guns, 3 driving complaints, 2 missing persons, 2 domestics, 2 traffic hazards, 2 open doors, 2 harassments, 2 frauds and 2 warrants. Rice Police Department Aug. 19 1625 hours: Officers located a suspicious vehicle on Sixth Avenue Southwest with New York plates. No one was around, so officers continued to check the area. Incidents: 11 various calls, 8 traffic stops, 8 assists, 5 suspicious activity reports, 3 permits and 2 record checks.
EARLY COPY NEEDED Due to the Labor Day holiday, early copy will be needed for the following: PUBLICATION
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | Page 13
is to have no contact with while on patrol in the city of Sauk Centre. The officer knew of the order because of previous incidents and confirmed the DANCO was active before confronting the person and Currie. The person acknowledged the order was in place, but said the two were speaking about her unborn child. Currie said the person had arranged the meeting and that the two wished to have the DANCO dropped. Currie was arrested and booked at the Stearns County Jail where he was in custody as of Aug. 26. The most recent DANCO was served June 9 following an incident in Sauk Centre June 6 while Currie was a resident there. He is facing two counts of felony domestic assault from that incident as well as a similar violation charge for making contact with the person June 24.
Police detain Sauk Rapids man after chase FOLEY – A Sauk Rapids man was arrested Aug. 16 after allegedly violating a no contact order, stealing a vehicle and fleeing Foley police. Jacob Pick, 22, of Sauk Rapids, is charged with one count felony second degree assault, one count felony unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, two counts felony fleeing a peace office and lesser charges of violating a domestic abuse no contact order, driving after cancellation and criminal damage to property. The assault charge alone has a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment and a $14,000 fine. According to the complaint filed with Benton County, the Foley Police Department responded around 3:40 p.m. Aug. 15 to Glen Street after a caller reported Pick was violating a no contact order and attempting to take the person’s vehicle. The officer observed Pick striking a vehicle that was trying to block him from exciting the residential area and then striking the caller as she attempted to prevent the vehicle from being taken. Law enforcement pursued Pick with lights and sirens activated throughout town but ended the pursuit for safety reasons. The stolen vehicle was found near the Foley Public Works building off of County Road 4 with substantial front-end damage and a flat tire. Later that evening, around 9:30 p.m., the caller notified law enforcement that Pick has been in contact via phone and said he would return. Shortly before 1 a.m. Aug. 16, Pick appeared in the vicinity and another chase – this time approximately 17 miles – ensued prior to Pick fleeing officers on foot. A K-9 tracked Pick, and a stun gun was used on Pick to gain his cooperation. He was arrested and booked at the Benton County Jail. The no contact order was issued May 8.
News Briefs
Crash reduction project targets Highway 15 ST. CLOUD – Building off of the successes of the Minnesota Highway 23 Crash Reduction Project, the Toward Zero Deaths Stearns & Benton Coalition has started a similar campaign on another major corridor – Highway 15. Project 15: This is You is a campaign designed to promote traffic safety from the intersection of Highway 15 and U.S. Highway 10 in Benton County to the southern Stearns County border south of Kimball. “The Highway 23 project demonstrated that increased enforcement, coupled with community partnerships working toward increased community awareness and education, can improve driver conduct and create a safer roadway for the traveling public,” said Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck. “We believe enhanced enforcement and education will reinforce the need for drivers to obey traffic laws resulting in fewer crashes in the project area.” Partnering with local law enforcement agencies – including St. Cloud, Sartell and Sauk Rapids police departments; the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office; and the Minnesota State Patrol – Heck said the community should expect to see increased traffic enforcement targeting speeders, red-light runners, and inattentive and aggressive drivers. “Our goal is to make the Highway 15 corridor safer for the traveling public,” Heck said. Between 2016 and 2019 there were over 1,000 crashes reported resulting in four deaths and over 300 injuries in the Project 15 area according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Signs related to this project are expected to be installed along the corridor in fall 2020. TZD Stearns & Benton Coalition is also working with local partners to develop an education campaign to alert the community to the project. Heck reminds drivers to obey the traffic laws, remove distractions and concentrate on driving while behind the wheel. “We are looking forward to working with our community partners and the public to make the Highway 15 corridor a safer place for everyone who uses this roadway,” Heck said.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notice REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, July 27, 2020 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present. 2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda NONE 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Approve Minutes A. 7-13-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the 7-13-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications • Tom Schnettler, 42 Years of Dedicated Service, Retirement Recognition—Mayor Hunstiger and Craig Nelson, Utilities Director, recognized Tom Schnettler for his 42 years of dedicated service with the utilities department. Mayor Hunstiger congratulated Schnettler on his recent retirement. • Former City Councilperson and HRA Member, Bill Bard—Mayor Hunstiger stated that he regrets to announce that former City Councilperson and current HRA Board member, Bill Bard, recently passed away. Mayor Hunstiger noted that Mr. Bard will be greatly missed by the City of Sauk Rapids as he had served the City via the City Council, HRA, and as an Election Judge. Mr. Bard’s years of service to the City extend over twenty years. Mayor Hunstiger said that Bill Bard was soft-spoken and kind, but was extremely sharp when it came to serving the City as an HRA member and City Councilperson. Mayor Hunstiger said that his thoughts are with the Bard family at this difficult time. 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 8. Public Hearings NONE 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve Appointing New Employee to the Vacant Building Inspector Position B. Approve Engineering Technician Job Description and Authorize Posting C. Approve 2020 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses D. Approve CARES Act Purchasing Policy E. Approve Revising Sales and Use Tax Provisions of City Code F. Approve Posting Vacant Firefighter Positions G. Approve Non-Resident Use of Compost Site H. Approve Change Order #1 to the 2020 Benton Drive Improvements Project I. Approve Change Order #2 to the 2020 River Avenue Improvements Project Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve consent agenda items 9A-9I. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Regular Agenda A. Award Sale of 2020A Bonds Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the resolution providing for the issuance and sale of $5,600,000 General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Other Staff Items A. August 10th City Council Meeting Cancelled Due to Primary Election Mayor Hunstiger noted that the August 10th City Council meeting is cancelled to accommodate the Council Chambers being used as a polling place for the August 11th State Primary. B. August 11th State Primary Election Day—Polls Open From 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Ross Olson stated that the State Primary Election is scheduled for August 11th. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. 12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously. 14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:18 p.m. R-35-1B
PUBLIC NOTICES/ SPORTS
Timberwolves win draft lottery
For the first time in the history of the next Jason Williams. That is a nice complefranchise, the Minnesota Timberwolves mentary player, but not someone you want to beat the odds and improved their draft potake first in a draft. LaMelo will need the ball sition in the NBA’s draft lottery, winning in his hands often to be effective offensively, the No. 1 overall pick despite having the and I do not see how that will work with the third-worst record in the league. However, Wolves’ offense set to run through Russell in typical Wolves fashion, this stroke of in the years to come. LaMelo will also come luck might not be the harbinger of good with the LaVar Ball traveling circus and all fortune the team hopes it will be. the drama that entails. Unfortunately for the Wolves, there Anthony Edwards, a freshman wing COLUMNIST out of Georgia, is an explosive and physiis no obvious franchise-altering superstar SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER in this year’s draft. There are some good cal wing scorer that had some huge games players, and there is some depth, but there against good college competition last seadefinitely is no LeBron James, Zion Williamson or son. He scored 37 points against Michigan State, 32 even Karl-Anthony Towns at the top of the draft class. at Florida and 36 at South Carolina, and he can create The three players widely projected to be selected early, shots at a high level. The problems are his shot selecLaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman, tion and focus, particularly on the defensive end. There all have inherent flaws. The Wolves will be figuring is a chance he could be the next Victor Oladipo, but we out how these players fit with Towns and D’Angelo could also be looking at the next Rashad McCants or Russell. Limited game tape exists for all three of these Dion Waiters. Again, he could be a very good player, guys, and it will be a challenge for the Wolves to evalu- but there is also a chance he is playing in China four ate them and select the player who meshes best with years from now. Is that type of player worthy of being their two cornerstone players. the first pick in a draft? LaMelo Ball, an 18-year-old point forward from James Wiseman, a freshman center from Memphis, the Illawarra Hawks, is a flashy ball-handler with is a long and athletic big man with prototypical size and good size for a wing, great vision and excellent pass- a good motor. He would immediately be effective as ing skills. He also cannot hit the broad side of a barn a rim-running center in the pick-and-roll with Russell, with his broken jump shot. If that sounds familiar, it and his defensive ability would pair well with KAT’s is because his game is similar to his brother Lonzo’s, offense-first game. The issue with Wiseman is that the except LaMelo has more size and flair and less defen- NBA game has changed in recent years, and traditional sive focus. He has the potential to be a solid player, big men cannot stay on the floor if they cannot guard but if his shot does not develop, we are looking at the multiple positions or shoot from the outside. In 1998, Wiseman would have been an obvious first pick. In 2020, he might not go in the top five. If he can refine his outside shot, he will be an impact player. If not, he is the next Hassan Whiteside or Darko Milicic. CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME The Wolves might also consider trading the pick Minnesota Statutes to acquire other assets. They gave up their 2021 firstChapter 333 round pick in the package they used to acquire RusASSUMED NAME: Legacy House of Caring. sell, and maybe they can swing a deal where they move PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 2428 Imperial back in this draft and pick up a 2021 first-rounder if Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56301 USA. NAMEHOLDER(S): Legacy Enterprises, Inc., 2428 another team is in love with someone in this draft. The Wolves also need veteran help at multiple positions, Imperial Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56301 USA. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that and I could see them moving this pick to plug some of I am signing this document as the person whose signature those holes. The Wolves finally got a break in the 2020 draft is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this lottery, but they have some work to do if they want document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further their first-overall pick to have an impact on the win certify that I have completed all required fields, and that column in the 2020-21 season. There is not an obvithe information in this document is true and correct and in ous superstar player available, so Gersson Rosas and compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Stat- his front office staff have their work cut out for them if utes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 they plan on turning this draft asset into something that will help the team in a significant, long-term way. as if I had signed this document under oath.
Public Notices
/s/ Jason Walker 08/20/2020 R-16-2B NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on September 10th, 2020 the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following: 1. 7:00 p.m. Gordon and Janet Hansmeier requesting approval of a three lot preliminary plat entitled “Luckys Place” in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Section 10.7. The affected property is described as follows: NW1/4 SW1/4, Section 21, St. George Township. 2. 7:05 p.m. Raymond Thompson requesting approval of a two lot preliminary plat entitled “Thompson Village” in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Section 10.7. The affected property is described as follows: SE1/4 SW1/4 and SW1/4 SE1/4, also W1/2 SE1/4 and E1/2 SW1/4, Section 10, Watab Township. 3. 7:10 p.m. John and Katelyn Linn requesting a conditional use permit to use an alternative flood proofing elevation method in the R-2 Residential District. Pursuant to Sections 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 of the Flood Plain Management Ordinance and Section 11.6 of the Development Code. The affected property is described as follows: part of Gov’t Lot 2, Section 34, East Langola Township. 4. 7:20 p.m. Stacy Schraut (Liberty Management LLC) requesting a conditional use permit to construct a storage structure without a single family dwelling or other principal building in the R-3 Residential District Pursuant to Sections 7.6.4., 9.1.2B(1) and 11.6. The affected property is described as follows: Lot 33, Block 1, Ferry Point Addition, Section 8, Watab Township. ANYONE wishing to be heard with reference to the above will be heard at this meeting. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Planning Commission may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Commission members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until
further notice. At least one member of the Planning Commission or the County Department of Development Director will be present during meetings at the Planning Commission’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely. To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the Planning Commission meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm on the hearing date, in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329. 2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing. Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if your for a group shares the same concerns. 3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/687827373 b. You can also dial in using your phone. Phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 687-827-373 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting. com/install/687827373. FR-35-1B
SPORTS/NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 | Page 15
Conducting a
musical path
Benoit pursues graduate assistantship in Oklahoma
Collision tennis team drops 7-0 to Willmar BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER
BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS r – When Bailey Benoit was preparing for middle school, she auditioned for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School band and was introduced to the trumpet. Little did she know how much the brass instrument would influence her life. As she made her way through middle school and transitioned into high school, participating in aspects of band became part of the fabric of her being. She spent countless hours practicing and performing and soon became passionate about marching band as well. “We did instrument tryouts, and I scored highest in the trumpet,” Benoit said. “I started there, loved it and never wanted to play anything else.” After graduating from Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in 2015, Benoit moved to Moorhead to attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead with the intention of pur-
Perseverance through loss
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Bailey Benoit stands in front of a statue earlier this month at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Benoit is pursuing a graduate assistantship under the direction of Dr. Joseph Missal.
Public Notice
suing a degree in English education with a minor in SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE music. After one music No. 2020-789 theory class, she changed her major to music educaThe following is the official summary of Ordinance No. tion. 2020-789 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on AuNow, her degree has gust 24, 2020: The City Council approved an ordinance that regulates taken her to new levels food trucks within the City of Sauk Rapids. and new states.
Benoit page 16
A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. R-35-1B
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The Collision girls tennis team, a cooperative between the Sauk Rapids-Rice and Apollo high schools, opened its season on the road Aug. 25, taking on the Willmar Cardinals at Willmar High School in Willmar. Despite the 7-0 loss, head coach Jamie Hatlestad was impressed with the hard work of the girls throughout the meet. With the core of the team being returners with varsity experience, Hatlestad said he enjoyed watching the girls move into new roles. “A lot of our girls are new in the doubles positions, so there was more of a learning curve,” he said. “They all played tough and fought more as the night went on.” One example of a strong match was Bailee Bonebright and McKinsey Newbanks in No. 1 doubles. The girls lost 0-6, 3-6, but made it to deuce on almost every point, sometimes stretching out the battle for that point extensively. Bonebright talked specifically of fighting through the struggles of missing the same shot multiple times but also working through the confident net play and shots down the line. Confidence is evident throughout the team, and Bonebright said she loves how the team supports each other even as they each play their own matches. “This season is definitely more challenging with the COVID rules set in place, but we haven’t let that stop us from our coaches working us to play and be the best team we can be overall,” Bonebright said. “I can’t wait to see the progress and how the rest of the season goes.” Singles: No. 1 Cailey Davidson 1-6, 3-6; No. 2 Grace Roesch 0-6, 3-6; No. 3 Belle Haddy 0-6, 0-6 and No. 4 Ari Nemeth 1-6, 0-6. Doubles: Brynn Karasch-Addison Bemboom 0-6, 3-6; No. 2 Bonebright-Newbanks 2-6, 2-6 and No. 3 Kaleigh Anderson-Lily Howe 3-6, 3-6.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2020 | Page 1B
e h t t e e M NEW
S R E H C A TE
ice R s d i k R ap r i c t u a S of the c h o o l D i s t S
Chris Bemboom Family: Wife, Trisha, and children, Jackson, 7, Hailey, 5, and William, almost 1 Mayhew Lake • Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead Years of experience: Seven What grade and subject will you teach? I’ll be teaching physical education at the high school and DAPE at Pleasantview Elementary and the high school. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My mom, Ann Bemboom, a long-time PE and health teacher at SRRHS who retired this summer. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Working with the other PE teachers who I had as teachers and was able to sub for years ago. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Try new things. You never know what you will like if you don’t try it.
Erika Berger Family: My boyfriend and our dog. We are a small but happy family. Mandan, North Dakota North Dakota State University Years of experience: Five What grade and subject will you teach? K-5 music at Pleasantview Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? In high school, I was involved with band, piano, musicals and basically everything music. All of my teachers and friends from those experiences helped inspire me to become a music educator. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I am excited to meet all of the kids at Pleasantview and hope to make music in a creative way with them no matter what this year throws at us. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Calm down and don’t take everything so seriously all of the time.
Emily Eder
Welcome back
STUDENTS
Alyssa Fleischhacker Family: Parents, two younger sisters and a dog Freeport • Minnesota State University-Moorhead Years of experience: Two What grade and subject will you teach? Early childhood special education. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My love for children and helping others has always made me interested in being a teacher. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Learning new things and getting to know a new group of kids. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Appreciate the small moments in life.
Sara Gilbertson
Family: Parents, brothers, Dennis and Caleb, and dog, Vader Hayfield • St. Cloud State University Years of experience: Four months of long-term substituting in kindergarten
What grade and subject will you teach? Second grade at Pleasantview Elementary. Geneva • University of Minnesota-Duluth Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? I have Years of experience: First year always wanted to work with children, but my original plan was to become a pediatric nurse when I first came to college. I started working at KIDSTOP and was the staff member who was helping with Power Hour (Homework Helpers). Being able to help the children with their homework when I had no background What grade and subject will you teach? I will be an early childhood special information on what they were doing in the classroom and had not taken any education teacher for ages 3-5. courses in elementary education, I quickly knew that I was in the wrong major Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My mom is and switched to education. my greatest influence when it comes to teaching. I grew up watching her teach What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I special education and knew that is what I wanted to do. am most looking forward to spending time with my students and seeing what What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I amazing things they are able to accomplish this year. am looking forward to meeting all of my students as well as getting to know the If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? If other teachers better. I could give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be to never give up and If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be? I not allow other people’s opinions to affect what I am doing. Surround myself would tell myself to not stress and keep pushing through. It will all be worth it. with like-minded individuals who will help me grow into the person I envision.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2020 | Page 3B
BACK TO SCHOOL
D & P’s
Gerard Kulzer
RAPIDS REPAIR
Family: Wife, Karen who works for St. Philip’s Church in Litchfield. Children, Andrew, 21, Theo, 19, Anissa, 17, Therese, 15, and Quinn, 12. Sauk Centre • University of Minnesota-Duluth Years of experience: Too many to count on both hands. What grade and subject will you teach? I’ll be teaching computer graphics, yearbook and photography at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My sixth-grade teacher made me realize that teachers could be cool because he brought in his stereo system with speakers as tall as some of the kids. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Getting to know all my students and seeing how they improve their skills and grow throughout this year. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? I’m tentatively slated to help coach boys swimming. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t waste the opportunities you are given. Take full advantage of every moment and learn as much as you can when you’re young enough to use those skills and enjoy that knowledge.
What grade and subject will you teach? Eighth grade math. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? I have always loved math, and I know that is not the same for the most people. I want to create confidence in students that may change their opinions toward math. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and really connecting with them. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be? Join more activities. If there is time for you to do one more activity, do it. You’ll never regret making more friends and having more fun.
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Family: Wife, three daughters, ages 8, 6, and 4 Ramsey • St. John’s University, St. Cloud State University, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Years of experience: Nine
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What grade and subject will you teach? Lead SPED teacher. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? I coached gymnastics while I was in high school. As I moved onto college and beyond, I always came back to working with young people. It took me a couple of years (and other jobs) to finally give into the idea of being a teacher. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Being back in contact with students. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Work harder to stay in touch with more people.
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What grade and subject will you teach? I will be teaching seventh grade mathematics. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My high school math teacher drove me to become an educator. He had such joy in teaching and with math. I want to create and share that same excitement for math and learning. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I am looking forward to creating relationships with the students and leading them through their education. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? I will be a middle school football coach. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell myself to relax and be more expressive. Share talents, thoughts and ideas. Get out of the comfort zone.
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Family: Two brothers and a sister Ely • St. John’s University Years of experience: First year
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Page 4B | SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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What grade and subject will you teach? I will be teaching 10th grade world history. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My mom influenced me to become a teacher. She has always told me how much she loves her job, so it was an easy choice for me. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? I am looking forward to working in the community I grew up in and being mentored by the same teachers that taught me. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? I am excited to be coaching our boys as the assistant varsity coach for the boys soccer team and junior varisty/varsity offense coach for the boys hockey team at the high school. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell my younger self to be more open to making mistakes and learning from them. Both in sports and in the classroom, making mistakes gives us the opportunity to reflect on what we can do better next time.
Zach Sander Rochester St. Olaf College, University of Colorado-Boulder Years of experience: Six
Welcome Back to School! (320) 252-9972 | Fax (320) 253-4160 1428 2nd St. No., PO Box 660, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
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What grade and subject will you teach? I’ll direct bands and teach piano class at the high school. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My band director at St. Olaf, Dr. Timothy Mahr. He was, and is, a wonderful educator, caring person and a phenomenal musician. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? This year is going to be a challenge for everyone, but I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and becoming part of an excellent tradition of musicmaking here at SRRHS. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? Yes, I’ll be directing the marching, jazz and pep bands as well as the music listening contest and maybe more. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone in music and in life.
John Solberg Family: Puppy, Jada, parents, Mark and Kelly Solberg, and brothers, Matt, Sam and Nick Cambridge • St. Cloud State University Years of experience: First year What grade and subject will you teach? Science, mainly 10th grade biology. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? My high school biology teacher at Cambridge-Isanti High School, Mrs. Hennen. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Getting to know the people of this great community. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? I will be coaching football and track and field. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Never lose that childlike curiosity of the world.
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Sam Warga Family: Married with six kids Holdingford • St. Cloud State University, Western Governors University Years of experience: First year What grade and subject will you teach? High school math. Who or what has most influenced you to become an educator? Past teachers who really cared about individual students. What are you most looking forward to throughout the upcoming year? Getting to know the students and staff at SRRHS. Will you be involved in any extracurricular activities? Yes, I will be helping with the girls basketball program. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Try your best and be yourself.