Sauk Rapids Herald - September 2, 2023

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County approves bridge design consultant

Deficient Little Rock Creek bridges slated for replacement

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Benton County will use a consulting rm to design three federal-grant funded bridge replacements.

Commissioners approved a $167,544 contract with the Alexandria of ce of Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates Inc. Aug. 15 after listening to a background presentation by Chris Byrd, county engineer.

Benton County is receiving about $1.5 million in federal grant dollars to replace the three bridges.

Byrd said the county is also applying for state bridge bonding money, which is eligible for a local match to federal money received.

It is anticipated the three structures will most likely be built as span bridges.

“We selected Widseth because they will provide the best overall value,” Byrd said. “The other request for proposal response came from Erickson Engineering Co.”

Erickson Engineering is based in Eden Prairie and worked on the County Road 134 bridge in St. Cloud and the County State Aid Highway 6 Elk River bridge in Sherburne County.

The 75-foot bridge on Benton County CSAH 12 (also known as Pine Road Northwest) is an existing three-span precast channel bridge over Little Rock Creek. It would be replaced by a span bridge.

The three-span precast concrete bridge on CSAH 13 (Little Rock Road Northeast) over the Elk River has a current length of 81 feet. It would be replaced by a span bridge as well, Widseth said.

The County Road 40 (160th Street Northwest) bridge is a 32-foot, single-span timber beam structure spanning Little Rock Creek.

Widseth anticipates it could be replaced in 2025 with two or three lines of concrete box culverts.

Single-span bridges have deeper superstructures that require a higher-grade raise.

County bridges page 3

30 boats lured to SRSC Bass Classic

Koopmeiners reel in 1st place, Big Bass at annual tournament

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

About 20 minutes after 3 p.m. Aug. 27, shing boats began to land at the Mississippi RiverSartell public access, just off Northeast River Road in Sauk Rapids Township.

It was time for 60 anglers, in teams of two, to weigh in at the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club 14th annual Bass Classic.

One by one, each team lled presoaked mesh bags with live bass sh caught from the Mississippi River between the Sartell and Blanchard dams, Harris Channel and Little Rock Lake. SRSC members — Jeff Diehl, David Frantesl, Adam Haag, Judd Machula, Tom Machula, Jason Westre and Jerry Yurczyk — awaited the anglers, weighing their catch and then releasing the harvest back into the shery. Other members volunteered in the morning hours before the 7:30 a.m. start.

“It’s amazing how much water can add weight,” said Yurczyk, who was named the 2022 SRSC Sportsman of the Year by the club in

tomorrow.

August.

Yurczyk manned two tubs of black bags – one lled with solid bags, the other with mesh. The wet bags are weighed prior to weigh-in and used by each team, ensuring an honest competition.

The SRSC Bass Classic takes place annually in late August. Teams of two anglers sh between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with hopes of catching the heaviest bag of ve sh as well as a single heaviest sh, known at the tournament as a Big Bass.

Bass Classic page 5

(Above) Anglers await landing their boats prior to weigh-in Aug. 27 at the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club 14th annual Bass Classic on the waters of the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids Township. Thirty boats, with two anglers a piece, participated in the tournament. (Inset) Scott Ley, of Cold Spring, places a bass into a crate Aug. 27 at the Mississippi River-Sartell public access in Sauk Rapids Township. In addition to six places for five-fish bags, the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club awarded two Big Bass prizes in the Bass Classic tournament.

Fellowship fills the grounds

Plenty for parishioners at Sacred Heart festival

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

The grounds of Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids were lled with people Aug. 27 as the parish’s annual festival got under way. Whether lines spilled out from the parish hall as people stood awaiting a cheeseburger with fried onions or children waited patiently for their chance to catch a prize at the “ shing” pond across the grounds at the shed, fellowship and support for the parish abounded. Sacred Heart Parish, which is led by the Rev. Tom Knoblach, is a member of the One in Christ Area Catholic Community alongside parishes Annunciation in Mayhew Lake, St. Francis Xavier in

Sartell and St. Stephen in St. Stephen.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER Festival attendees walk through a basket silent auction inside the gathering space Aug. 27 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids. Donated items were compiled into 313 themed baskets by volunteers in the days leading up to the event.

Paddle cake committee chairs Steve Walter (from left), Diane Bares and Deb Walter tend to a table of baked prizes Aug. 27 at the Sacred Heart Festival in Sauk Rapids. The three estimated they have been organizing the paddle cake game and its donations for nearly two decades.

(Left) Bob Hengel fries onions to be placed atop hamburgers and cheeseburgers Aug. 27 at the Sacred Heart Parish festival in Sauk Rapids. An efficient food line was conducted inside parish hall and the onions were a free condiment provided by the volunteers.

(Above) Mark (left) and Brandt Andres throw bean bags at the Aug. 27 Sacred Heart Parish festival in Sauk Rapids. Activities on the grounds also included 9 Square in the Air, gaga ball and a childrens bounce house.

Kevin Knapek points to lucky No. 13 Aug. 27 at the paddle cake stand inside Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids. About 270 cakes and confections were prepared as prizes for the annual festival game.

Construction impacts Hillside School access

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

With the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District beginning classes this week, motorists attempting to access Hillside School should be aware of road construction.

A city project remains underway along Division Street between Second Avenue South and Eighth Avenue North in Sauk Rapids. In addition to Division Street, the project also includes four side streets where traf c and street parking is prohibited.

Vehicles visiting the school will not be allowed to park in project limits.

Guardians dropping off and/ or picking up students at Hillside School will do so at the main entrance facing Fifth Avenue South. The over ow line of vehicles will extend to the northwest along Fifth Avenue South and First Street North, with an access to the line from Sixth Avenue North.

When exiting, drivers are instructed to proceed southeast along Fifth Avenue South toward First Street South and then make a left or right turn, guiding them out of the construction zone.

The roads in the project area will remain closed until winter weather suspends activity, according to a newsletter issued by Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc., the city’s engineering rm.

County bridges from front

Widseth’s scope of services will include obtaining a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources waters work permit.

Byrd said one of Widseth’s previous county projects was the CSAH 2 reconstruction on Little Rock Lake’s north end.

“They designed that and helped us navigate DNR permitting through that project as well,” he said.

Drought conditions over the last couple of years have uncovered a problem with the CSAH 13 bridge over the Elk River, Byrd said.

The bridge’s steel pilling below the water line has severely

deteriorated, he said.

“Have you had to post down speeds on the CSAH 13 bridge?” asked Scott Johnson, county board chair.

Byrd said yes and that the bridge has been posted as a restricted bridge.

The CSAH 12 and 13 bridges are slated for replacement in 2026.

The replacement structure for the CSAH 12 bridge is anticipated to be a span bridge 85 to 95 feet long.

With a 2045 minimum average daily traf c count of 1,548 vehicles, the minimum road width is 36 feet.

The estimated construction cost

for this bridge and its approach is $925,000, according to Widseth’s services proposal.

The replacement structure for the CSAH 13 bridge is anticipated to be slightly longer, 90 to 100 feet, and will require a roadway width of 32 feet for a 2045 average daily traf c count of 466.

The estimated cost for this span bridge and its approaches is $885,000, Widseth said in its services proposal to the county.

Finally, the County Road 40 replacement structure would involve three lines of 14-foot or possibly two lines of 16-foot culverts.

The estimated project cost of this bridge is $485,000, Widseth’s proposal said.

Saturday, Sept. 2, 10-11:30 a.m. — Imagery

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

Monday, Sept. 4 — Labor Day

Monday, Sept. 4, 6-7 p.m. — Nordic Walking Group. Meets every Monday. Some poles available. Municipal Park, Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. — Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. — Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to noon — Living Waters Lutheran Church Food Shelf Distribution. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. If in need of emergency food assistance, call 320-255-1135.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12:15 p.m. — Rice Senior Citizens Monthly Meetings. First Tuesday of the Month. Old Creamery Café, 405 E. Main St., Rice.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Exercise

Tuesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Call 320-3934467 for more information.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 3-6 p.m. — Rice Area Women of Today Farmers Market. Free arts and craft activity for children. Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at the corner of Main and Division streets, Rice.

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. — St. Cloud Area Singing Saints Men’s Acapella Chorus Practice. Meets every Tuesday. New participants welcome. Good Shepherd Community Chapel, 325 11th St. N., Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 1-3 p.m. — Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 3-6 p.m. — Sauk Rapids Market Every Thursday through mid-October. Parking lot at Coborn’s, 110 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m. — Riverside Nights & Rock the River Expo. Featuring opening act My Famous Friends and headliner Menace. 1851 Square and Riverside Terrace, 195 River Ave. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 3-5:30 p.m. — Rice Area Food Shelf Distribution. Old Village Hall, 30 E. Main St., Rice.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:30-7:30 — Tree Shakers Genealogy Club.For ages 16 and older, inexperienced to advanced. Features educational topic and discussion. Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

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

Saturday, Sept. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. — Imagery Unveiled: A Journey into Artistic Justice. Join artist Vatsalaa Jha for a conversation that takes art to a deeper level. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

SAUK

HARVEST

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

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF SHORT ELLIOT HENDRICKSON INC.

A graphic indicates an alternative line for guardians who will be dropping off and/or picking up children from Hillside Schools. Vehicle traffic and parking is not permitted in the road construction project surrounding the school.

Introduction to Ham radio

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

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

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

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

Defensive Driver Refresher

People ages 55 years and above who have taken the eight-hour Defensive Driving Course, may take a four-hour refresher course to renew their insurance discount. The course requires no driving or tests. The course is speci cally for Minnesota drivers and focuses on essential aspects of traf c safety. Participants will receive certi cates that can be presented to insurance companies.

Monday, Sept. 18, 5-9 p.m. — Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

To register or for more information on programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www.isd47.org/ce or 320-258-1577.

Benton County marriage application

FOLEY — The following couple has submitted a marriage application in Benton County.

— Trey Dolan Erie and Taylor Lynn Walsh, both of Sauk Rapids.

Sauk

VFW Post 6992

Sauk Rapids lemonade stand entrepreneurs provide refreshment

Neighborhood youngsters test sales skills during heat wave

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Youthful Sauk Rapids entrepreneurs quickly tallied weather-related sales last week.

A high heat index the afternoon of Aug. 23 did not deter a group of kids working a lemonade stand at 10th Avenue Northeast. Sales quickly reached $25 after an hour-and-a-half.

“This was their business venture,” said Steph Sparks, a parent who helped organize the impromptu effort. “Neighborhood kids ended up staying and helping us sell.”

Roadside lemonade stands have long been a symbol of youthful entrepreneurship.

Every summer, children learn valuable skill-sets, earn extra money and, most of all, have fun.

Youngsters participate in an American tradition than spans generations and geography while learning about business sweat equity.

The stand featured two types of lemonade (lemon and a special raspberry), brownies and rice crispy bars.

Drinks were available for 50 cents, while brownies sold a bit higher at 75 cents.

Passing motorists provided recognition by honking horns or waving from inside their air-conditioned vehicles.

Sparks said several passing semi-tractor trailer drivers blew their horns as a show of support.

Tim Hennagir Reporter .....................................................tim.h@star-pub.com

Hans Lammenman Reporter ....................................................hans.l@star-pub.com

Evan Michealson Reporter .................................................evan.m@star-pub.com

Maria Bichler Copy Editor

Neil Maidl Marketing .................................................neil.m@star-pub.com

Bob Leukam Marketing ..................................................bob.l@star-pub.com

Robin Brunette Inside Sales ............................................robin@saukherald.com

Lorie Swedenburg Circulation ...............................................lorie@saukherald.com

Amy McChesney Bookkeeping ...........................................amy.m@star-pub.com

Gretchen Jennissen Bookkeeping .........................................office@saukherald.com

Kathy Banke Bookkeeping

Annika Gunderson Graphic designer .....................................annika@star-pub.com

Tom Fenton Reporter .....................................................tom.f@star-pub.com

Annual Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids and Rice P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes. Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties - $53 per year. Elsewhere in Minnesota - $60 Outside Minnesota - $63 per year. $5 per month for snowbirds.

Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District 47

The deadline for most news and advertisements in the Sauk Rapids Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday.

ISSN Print: 2638-7727 Online: 2834-6084

Jill Borgerding Office assistant ............................................jill.b@star-pub.com

Logan Thomas Sign Design ...........................................logan@saukherald.com

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

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

Advertising: Star Publications staff have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order.

PHOTOS BY TIM HENNAGIR

(Above) Theo Bushey (from left), Tucker Vogt, Monty Bushey, Boden Linn, Hudson Behling, Mika Sparks, Bennett Linn and Evan Petrusek take a break from refreshment sales at their curbside lemonade stand Aug. 23 on 10th Avenue Northeast in Sauk Rapids. The young entrepreneurs formed a neighborhood business venture as a way to beat a nasty afternoon heat index and enjoy a bit of fun at the end of their summer break from school.

(Right) Hudson Behling uses a small cooling fan to beat the afternoon heat index Aug. 23 in Sauk Rapids. Behling was helping to staff a large neighborhood lemonade stand located on 10th Avenue Northeast.

Mika Sparks gets ready to open the cash register for a till check Aug. 23 at a neighborhood lemonade stand in Sauk Rapids. Sparks and other children staffed the stand on 10th Avenue Northeast.

Susan C. Olson

A gathering of life service was Aug. 26, 2023, at Westside Events Center, Sartell for Susan “Sue” C. Olson, age 62, who passed away at her home. Interment will be in Ponto Lake Cemetery, Pine River. Funeral arrangements are by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Sue was born July 12, 1961, in St. Cloud to Robert and Joyce (Arones) Siltman. She married John Olson in August 1992 at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud until 2003. Sue grew up in Sauk Rapids and moved to Bowlus in 1996.

Beverly Freihammer

Funeral services were Aug. 28 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Beverly “Bev” Freihammer, age 70, who passed away Aug. 23, 2023, surrounded by her family at the St. Cloud Hospital. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach of ciated and burial was at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation were one hour prior to the services at the funeral home Monday.

Bev was born March 15, 1953 in St. Cloud to Edward “Ed” and Elaine (Schneider) Eizenhoefer.

She married Peter

Mary L. Dehnel

There will be no services for Mary L. Dehnel, age 66, who passed away at Country Manor Rapid Recovery Aug. 25, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.

OBITUARIES

Susan C. Olson

She was a member and president of the Sartell Jaycees in the 1990s. Sue enjoyed family get togethers, holidays, reading, gardening, spending time outdoors and spending time with her

grandchildren. She loved to paint in her early years. Sue was happy, fun-loving, soft-spoken, accepting of others, very trusting and was most proud of her kids and grandkids. She had a very signi cant role in helping raise her grandson, Devon, and great-granddaughter, Abbigaile. She enjoyed taking photos of her loved ones rather than posing for them.

Survivors include her daughter and son, Crystal Siltman (Chris Ostendorf) of St. Joseph and Kurt Olson of Colorado; brothers and sister, Gary Siltman of Pine River,

a sorter for FDC in 2018. Bev took a lot of pride in her vegetable garden and was famous for her pickles that she canned each year. She was a very good cook and loved to make meals for her family. She could be stubborn at times, but she was a very caring person who loved spending time with family, especially her granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

Ron (Pam) Siltman of Pine River, Sandy Geise of St. Cloud, and Scot (Rhonda) Siltman of Sauk Rapids; nine grandchildren, Devon, Jayson, Kyra, Owen, Wesley, Alex, Bentley, Mackenzie and Veronica; three great-grandchildren, Abbigaile, Annibeth and Kayden; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an unborn grandchild, infant sister, Robin, nephew, Noah Ness, and signi cant other, Mike Applegate.

R-35-1B

Monnie, Joanie (Harley) Grona, Betty Eizenhoefer, Jane Eizenhoefer; granddaughter, Kalley (Daniel) Gallagher of St. Cloud; great-granddaughter, Alani Gallagher of St. Cloud. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gerry Eizenhoefer; brother-in-laws, Joe Schwinghammer and Harry Monnier.

Judd

Bass Classic from front

Only arti cial lures (no live bait) are allowed in the competition, and each dead sh is a half-pound penalty.

SRSC pays out 70% of the registration fees as prize money.

“Pete” Freihammer on the family farm in Sauk Rapids Dec. 5, 1995. She has been a resident of the area her whole life and worked numerous jobs, including Stearns Manufacturing, Fingerhut Distributing Center and Wilke Sanderson. She of cially retired as

Beverly is survived by her husband, Pete of Sauk Rapids; sons, Shane (Michelle) Gronau of Ramsey and Chad (Carla) Gronau of Sartell; siblings, Mary Lou (Wally) Thyen, Judy (Hilary) Jurek, Peggy (Tom) Kuba, Jim (Harlene) Eizenhoefer, Suzy

The family wishes to thank Kalley for all of her care for her grandparents. In lieu of owers, memorials are preferred.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com.

R-35-1B

not counting on them to repeat last year’s victory.

“Lotta sh, but we couldn’t nd the big ones,” he said. “Seventeen inches is all we could nd; last year we had 18s.”

Mary was born May 19, 1957 in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Forest and Emily (Midlikowski) Felver. She obtained an associate degree in administration at North Central Technical College in 1977. Mary moved to Sauk Rapids in 1998. She worked in cus-

tomer service at Coborn’s grocery and Herberger’s until retiring in 2019. Mary enjoyed art, plants and making jewelry. She was a big sports fan. Mary loved to watch the Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves and Green Bay Packers. She was a caring and compassionate woman who loved her grandchildren and was most proud of her family.

Mary is survived by her children, Kelly Warzecha of Sauk Rapids, and Daniel (Lisa) Tesch of

THANK YOU

Wausau, Wisconsin; siblings, Carol (Chuck) Bauer of Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, Morrie (Kay) Felver of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Edwin Felver of Arizona; and grandchildren, Aiden Tesch, Claudia Warzecha, and Liam Tesch. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Jeffrey and Forest Felver.

Special thank you to the staff at Country Manor Rapid Recovery for their care as well as Centra Care Hospice.

R-35-1B

Thank you

We would like to acknowledge everyone who showed their generous support and outpouring of love for our mother. A this very dif cult time, with deep affection and heartfelt gratitude, we sincerely thank you for the kindness you have shown as we journey through the road of grief. Momma, your earthly journey is over, but now you are pain free. You are reunited with our

family members and your many friends in God’s loving arms. Until we meet again, keep watch over us and know we do and will always “love you much!”

Family of Louise Erickson

Dean – Sandi – Jeff

Note: Louise was also preceded in death by daughter-in-law Diane (Loehrer) Fleming R-35-1P

Club president Diehl said most of the tournament’s participants are non-members.

“We have some that come from Iowa and some that come from Wisconsin,” Diehl said. “They have friends here.”

Mike Hanley, of Ramsey, and Dick Danz, of Big Lake, claim to be the oldest anglers in the competition, both in their 70s. They said they have likely been shing in the SRSC Bass Classic since its inaugural year.

2022 was the rst and only year the pair has won.

“We just enjoy it,” Hanley said. “This tournament is well-run; we like this one.”

Danz agreed.

“Yeah, they do a good job,” he said. “A real good job.”

Before all the results were turned in, Hanley said with a chuckle that he hoped the club members were

SRSC paid out six places and two Big Bass awards in this year’s tournament, sending some skilled anglers home with a portion of the $4,200 in prize money.

The second biggest bass in the tournament weighed 3.72 pounds and was caught by James Davidson.

Reeling in the heaviest bag of ve bass as well as the largest single bass caught in the competition was the team of Terry and Tyler Koopmeiners, of St. Joseph. The two caught a combined total of 19.08 pounds, with the largest sh scaling at 4.45 pounds. The prize for the placements was $1,360 and $150, respectively.

“It was a great day,” Terry said after collecting the prize money.

Tyler agreed.

“Great day,” he said and nodded.“We just got lucky.”

Beverly Freihammer

Mary L. Dehnel

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Machula, a member of the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club, presents Terry (left) and Tyler Koopmeiners, of St. Joseph, with a first-prize check Aug. 27 in Sauk Rapids Township. The pair won the 14th annual Bass Classic with a winning bag of 19.08 pounds and a largest single bass of 4.45 pounds.

Russ Niles and Trevor Bauer, of Wisconsin, dock their boat and hold up a portion of their catch Aug. 27 at the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club 14th annual Bass Classic on the Mississippi River. SRSC paid out $4,200 in prize money at the tournament, which features mostly non-members according to president Jeff Diehl.

Plant bulbs for next spring

Bulbs are now available in catalogs and garden centers. Fall is planting time for tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and other bulbs for blooming next spring. While this seems to be the opposite of planting seeds in the spring, these bulbs require a period of cold temperatures to be triggered to grow and bloom when the soil warms in the spring.

LINDA G. TENNESON

Daffodils are some of the earliest bloomers and come in more than just traditional yellow. Hybrids may have one color for the cup in the middle of the bloom and another color for the petals that fan out at the base of the cup. Some daffodils have fringes, multiple layers of petals or have a scent. They may be white, pink, coral or yellow. Once planted they may be left in the ground for years until they produce green leaves but not blooms. When this happens, dig them up, separating and spacing them out for replanting. This is usually done when blooming is done, and the leaves have begun to die back. After several years a few bulbs can multiply into many.

Tulips also come in a variety of colors, from white to deep purple sometimes referred to as black. While they all have a basic upward shape, the number of petals will vary and may end in round or pointed tops. Tulips with numerous layers of petals are often described as peony-like. Darwin or other perennial tulips will bloom for several years while hybridized bulbs may not.

Both daffodils and tulips bloom early, mid or late season depending on the variety. With some planning, gardeners may have bulbs blooming from April to early June. Since these bulbs bloom before deciduous trees have become fully-leafed, the bulbs may receive enough sunlight when planted under trees. Bulbs are usually planted two or three times as deep as their height or diameter.

Bulbs may be planted in what is called ‘lasagna layering.’ The largest tulips or daffodil bulbs might be placed at the lowest planting level and smaller bulbs such as hyacinth above them and even smaller bulbs such as crocus in a third layer. A couple of inches of soil should be between each layer of bulbs. This is often done with potted bulbs to produce a container with continuous bloom in the spring.

There is usually enough phosphorous in our soils, so this macronutrient does not need to be added when planting.

Water the bulb bed until the ground freezes.

All newly planted bulbs should be covered with chicken wire or hardware cloth. This is done to keep squirrels and other rodents from digging up the bulbs. They will dig and discard daffodils but will eat tulips and other bulbs. This protection may be removed in early spring when the bulbs have just begun to sprout.

Mulch is also a good idea to keep the soil temperature from uctuating up and down during the winter.

Label the planting area so that it is not disturbed by spring planting. Labels are also recommended in the summer to avoid losing track of the bulb location after the leaves die back and disappear by mid to late summer.

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

Surrendered story initiates new heart

Our testimonies bring others to Jesus.

Simply put, it’s not about us.

It’s tempting to think that because something is ours, it belongs to us. Not our testimony, however. Like Jason Ingram in the song “My Story” sings “Oh, to tell you my story is to tell of him.”

What is the hope for this truth? The hope is to not draw people to us when telling our story, but rather, to draw others to Jesus. We see this exact practice play out the rst time that Jesus declares himself as the Messiah. Imagine that, the Bible gives us the perfect example of how to testify to what Jesus has done for us, drawing our friends and family and even complete strangers to the savior.

LIFE BY FAITH BY MERCY NYGAARD

This example begins with a woman at a well in John 4. While women in the region of Samaria were demeaned and disregarded, the woman Jesus chose to reveal himself to was not just any woman. She was a Samaritan woman whose ethnicity was shunned, a woman who was cavalier with marriage and men, and a woman living in shame. Their discussion started out rocky because possibly she didn’t nd herself worthy to be spoken to.

Graciously, Jesus pursued conversation with her, just like he pursues us every, single day. We can be overwhelmed with tasks, bills, hurt or shame, and Jesus is always calling us to himself for rest. The Samaritan woman allowed her curiosity to continue to ask Jesus questions rather than shut him out. He claimed to offer living water, and this woman was eager to learn how to get it.

Are you simply sluf ng off Jesus, or are you asking good questions to him?

Jesus then revealed to the woman what she was hiding in the dark, her ve husbands. She knew the Messiah will tell all things, and he said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Do you want to get out of the rut? Do you want to get out of bondage? We must let Jesus reveal to

us what we are hiding in the dark. He will reveal our sin, our error, even our blind spots. Just as Psalm 19:12 cries out, “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.”

Let Jesus reveal what is in the dark and at the moment it hits the light, ask for forgiveness.

What was the woman’s response to Jesus? She went back to drawing water in shame and ignored him, never to speak of him again? No, quite the opposite.

In verse 28, we read that the woman left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then the listeners went out of the city and came to him. Her story drove others directly to Jesus.

Excitedly, the people who heard the Samaritan woman’s story ended up spending days with Jesus. First, they believed in Jesus by the woman’s word. Then, they believed in Jesus because they heard him speak for themselves. By spending time with Jesus, they weren’t just convinced he was their savior, they knew he was the savior of the world. They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard him and we know, that this is indeed the Christ, the savior of the world.”

Oh, how we ought to spend time at Jesus’s feet, listening and soaking in his word. Then we might take him at his word when he says, come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Jesus may not change our circumstances one bit, but he changes our hearts to be more like his when we give our entire selves fully to him.

So, our testimonies point others to Jesus. They tell of how we met him, despite our status, what he did and what he is doing. That stirs others to go to him, to his word, to know him more, so when they hear him themselves, they begin to feel the heart pangs of wanting a new heart. And that is what we all need daily, a new heart.

GREEN AND GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY BY

‘The Great Minnesota Get-Together’ is excess on a stick

Three years ago, the Minnesota State Agricultural Society Board voted to cancel the “Great Minnesota Get-Together.” There was a germ-laden cloud on the horizon.

Minnesota State Fair’s website featured a question-and-answer section that addressed issues tied to a pandemic-induced cancellation that stunned many.

“The question of limiting attendance is a good one,” the website Q & A read.

Fair of cials considered a number of thorny logistical issues and pondered measures that included limiting attendance. Neither idea gained any traction.

If you watch Twin Cities metro news or follow the fair online, you can’t swing a Pronto Pup or bucket of Sweet Martha’s Cookies without getting an attendance update.

The topic gets plenty of play, and leads to the inevitable water-cooler question.

Asking “Are you going to the fair this year?” prompts one of two quick replies.

A person’s response is either giddy with gluttonous joy tied to future food or liquor fun or tinged with disgust regarding the prospect of facing massive crowds.

I used to be a huge Minnesota State Fair fan and attended regularly. Not anymore.

The prospect of being stalled shoulder-shoulder inside one of the fairgrounds’ logistical choke points has left me with a sour stomach.

The fair runs for 12 days, from late August into early September, ending each year on Labor Day.

Fairgrounds facilities and infrastructure on state property are conservatively valued at nearly $300 million.

The fair’s annual economic impact in the Twin Cities is a Super Bowl-sized $290 million.

In a typical year, the Minnesota State Agricultural Society will invest between $6 million and $20 million in improvements and maintenance to the state fairgrounds.

Around 2 million people attend the fair annually. The highest daily attendance was 270,426 visitors on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

I was on the fairgrounds that day. Oh, the humanity. The waves of humanity.

The human gridlock was legendary, and it’s still talked about to this day among a handful of friends who remain die-hard attendees or make a living working the fair.

FROM THE DOGHOUSE

BY TIM HENNAGIR

Regarding fair employment, one recent news story that befuddled me involved the annual gathering’s former CEO.

Jerry Hammer worked at every Minnesota State Fair since he was 15 years old.

He recently retired after 27 years at the helm of the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” and provided stellar leadership during trying times.

Congratulations, Jerry. I wondered about his retirement plans and if he would seek solace on a desert island after spending years amid record-setting crowds.

Not a chance. Hammer was spotted with a rare celebratory beer at the Minnesota State Fair’s Ball Park Café Aug. 24 — the fair’s opening day.

That’s understandable. Hammer grew up in St. Paul, just blocks from the fairgrounds.

The fair has a Te on coating when it comes to threats to its attendance.

In March 2020, when preparations for the event were well underway, fair management correctly decided to turn the lights out in Falcon Heights.

The next year, despite ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the fair rebounded, although attendance was down by roughly half.

In 2021, 1.3 million attended the fair versus the record 2.1 million in 2019.

This year, vendors are hoping for a return to pre-pandemic attendance levels.

After setting an attendance record Aug. 25 this year, the Minnesota State Fair saw its second-highest

attendance for an opening weekend.

Between Friday and Sunday, Aug. 27, 551,315 people walked through the gates and onto the 322acre fairgrounds site.

That was just behind the record set in 2019 when 557,853 visited the rst weekend.

Fair of cials won’t state if the fairgrounds has an of cial maximum capacity.

I couldn’t help thinking back to 2018’s record-setting Saturday of 270,426 souls.

Does the possibility exist 300,000 people could roam like zombies down the streets and through the food venues of a future fair? Would such excess be welcome?

Probably. But it won’t exist in any late-summer, future universe I frequent.

I’ll stay away. Why? There are better and more pleasant memories behind me, namely late 1960s and early 1970s weekend trips to the Minnesota State Fair.

I miss Machinery Hill, WCCO-TV’s live broadcasts from its fair studio building, the Grandstand stock car races, and a single anthropomorphized gopher mascot.

That reference conjures up original images of Fairchild, the fair’s original mascot.

Use of the cartoonish gopher was suggested in a statewide contest by Gladys Anderson Brown in 1966.

In 1986, Fairchild appeared on promotional materials with nephew, Fairborne.

I couldn’t help recalling comments I’d made about the false need for placing another quirky, but lovable king-sized rodent on the streets of Falcon Heights.

If you are headed to the fair, Godspeed if you are making a pilgrimage in search of fried fare, all the milk you can drink, a grandstand show or Midway entertainment.

If you plan to stay away, congratulations. Welcome to a brave new world and stick-free weekend food.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Central Minnesota is home to clean energy projects

By Joel Haskard, a Clean Energy Teams co-director, of St. Paul

As someone who works across Minnesota helping communities harness the bene ts of clean energy, I am thoroughly impressed by central Minnesota communities’ clean energy efforts. The region is home to various impressive clean energy-related projects, some with groundbreaking cultural elements.

For example, Unidos MN recently led the Energy Justice Pueblitos Project. The effort organized a cohort of local Latine leaders who wanted to encourage and support clean and affordable energy among their communities. The leaders went door-to-door through some of central Minnesota’s neighborhoods with a high population of Latine families and talked to locals about utility programs and rebates, help available for understanding their energy bills and do-it-yourself energy ef ciency projects.

Around Cass Lake, members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe are making strides toward introducing and implementing electric vehicles in their community. Leaders are working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to install multiple new electric vehicle

chargers along a high traf c roadway in tribal land. This project will put Leech Lake at the forefront of the transportation electri cation evolution.

These are just two of many extraordinary projects going on in central Minnesota’s clean energy world, and momentum is building for future projects. Your region has great allies and leadership like the Initiative Foundation and the Region 5 Development Commission working to reduce energy costs and promote clean energy entrepreneurship.

Lastly, a resource to share: If your organization is looking for dollars toward your clean energy project (big or small) check out CleanEnergyResourceTeams. org. The Clean Energy Resource Teams distributes seed grant money to all kinds of community organizations, all over the state, doing great clean energy work.

Driving on Highway 10 between St. Cloud and the Twin Cities in the late summer can be trying at times with all the summer lake traf c. But, on a recent early morning, I was dazzled by the carpet of intrepid black-eyed Susans that lined my path for miles.

HUMBLE+BOLD

BY RHONDA SILTMAN

We see them most every summer. This particular morning, they seemed extra brilliant. Extra intrepid.

During a season when rain has been a rare gift, these little owers are growing vigorously along the side of the road, seemingly sprouting up through the pavement. They cover the roadside in both directions, and, in some spots, are so thick the separate swathes nearly meet and form one large bed of yellow, black and green beauty.

They looked to be ourishing, exactly where they were. Not a tree in sight to offer respite from the heat of the sun and not a sprinkler nearby to offer a drop of water other than what has rarely fallen from the sky. Blazing heat and dry dirt. And there they are, owers everywhere.

I started to research if they are planted or wild or self-seed year after year. It seems to be a combination, and I decided I didn’t need to know. Not all mysteries need an answer. It’s OK to enjoy something for its beauty without knowing the whole story every time. I love to believe they magically appear every summer.

As I got a little closer to home, I nearly choked on my iced coffee. What on earth? A mowed ditch between the four lanes of the highway? Wild owers snuffed out with the blink of a sharp blade. Who would do that? I am being only slightly melodramatic. I was sad and surprised. Then I decided MnDOT likely knew more about roadside upkeep than I did. Obviously, they can’t let the ditches grow unchecked forever.

Everything has a season. I don’t know how they sprout or why they are cut down. But I know they are beautiful.

It’s like that with people, too.

I don’t know why some people ourish and some struggle, but I know God intends for us all to be beautiful. I see broken people, and I try to see the beauty in them. The person God created them to be.

What struck me most was that the owers where blooming where they were planted (in whatever fashion that happens). Each of us likely considers the meaning of, “Bloom where you’re planted,” differently. It can sound like a meaningless platitude when life is full of lumpy pavement and extended droughts and various causes of discomfort in all our lives.

But there was something inspirational about those owers that morning. A reminder that crazier things have happened than owers ourishing in a drought. Maybe there is a little bit of hope. Turns out these owers provide nourishment for small mammals and birds. And their beauty was just the nourishment and inspiration I needed.

What nourishment can we offer others even in our times of struggle? Or is it all we can do to soak up the sunshine and long for a cool drink? Either way, we continue to grow.

And then something comes along and wipes the slate clean.

Change can be good or bad, but it is inevitable. And in those ditches that had just been cleared? Scrappy little black-eyed Susans, still growing at the edges, not ready to change seasons just yet.

PUBLIC NOTICE

REGULAR MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, August 14, 2023 6:00PM MINUTES

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Nick Sauer, Ellen Thronson, and Jason Ellering. Members absent: Dottie Seamans.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

Ross Olson requested to add Approve the Appraisal Amounts and Authorize the 2nd Avenue South Improvement Project as agenda item 9-I. Olson also requested to add Approve Cost Saving Measures for Windsor Estates as agenda item 9-J. Lastly, Olson requested to add St. Cloud Area Cities meeting as agenda item 11-C.

3. Approve the Agenda

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

4. Approve Minutes

A. 7-24-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the 7-24-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File NONE

6. Mayor’s Communications

• Watering Restrictions—Mayor Hunstiger noted that due to the worsening drought, watering of lawns will now be prohibited during the hours of 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM every day. He also reminded residents of the odd/even watering ordinance.

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 and Authorize 2023 Sealcoating Project

B. Approve City Administrator’s Attendance to the Annual ICMA Conference

C. Approve the Removal of Poured in Place Concrete Benches at The Clearing

D. Approve the Resolution Approving the First Amendment to Contract for Private Development Between the EDA, City, and Developer

E. Approve Application for Payment No. 9 Final for the 2020 Southside Lift Station Improvement Project

F. Approve Awarding the Water Booster Station Modi cations Project

G. Approve a Resolution to Authorize SEH to Prepare a Feasibility Study for the 2024 Overlay Improvements

H. Authorize SEH to Prepare Plans and Speci cations for the Lift Station #3 Improvements Project

I. Approve the Appraisal Amounts and Authorize the Acquisition of Certain Properties for 2nd Avenue South Improvement

Project

J. Approve Cost Saving Measures for Windsor Estates

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve consent agenda item 9A9J. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda

NONE

11. Other Staff Items

A. Rock the Riverside Concert Series—Ross Olson provided an update on last week’s Rock the Riverside event in which Farmers & Merchants State Bank was the sponsor. Olson thanked this week’s sponsor, which is SCR. He noted that Michael Shynes will be the opening act with Rhino as the headliner.

B. Public Works Department Update-Pete Eckhoff, Public Works Director Pete Eckhoff, Public Works Director, discussed the ongoings of the Public Works Department. Eckhoff noted that the Public Works Department was kept very busy last winter with the many snow events that took place. Patching has been the number one task keeping Public Works busy this spring/summer. Eckhoff noted that with the extremely dry conditions, Public Works has been trying to salvage newer trees using the water truck. He stated that there has been an uptick for the rental facilities as well, which keeps the Of ce Coordinator, Ashley Black, quite busy.

C. 8-29-2023 St. Cloud Area Cities Meeting

Ross Olson noted that the City of Sauk Rapids will be hosting the next St. Cloud Area Cities meeting on August 29th at 6:00 PM at Riverside Terrace in Sauk Rapids. He asked that councilmembers please RSVP to Ross Olson.

12. Other Council Items and Communications

NONE

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer 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 6:15 PM R-35-1B

Museum, local libraries partner to offer access pass

NEWS BRIEFS

ST. CLOUD — A Stearns History Museum access pass is available through a partnership between The Stearns History Museum and area libraries — Great River Regional Library of St. Cloud and Waite Park as well as libraries at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University.

Library card holders may check out a free weeklong museum access pass at the participating libraries.

To learn more, contact development@stearns-museum.org or call 320-253-8424.

MnDOT to use Wireless Emergency Alerts for traveler safety

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has entered into an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin using Wireless Emergency Alerts through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, which is FEMA’s national system that shares emergency information to the public.

Wireless Emergency Alerts use the same system that share critical noti cations like AMBER alerts with the public as well as other time-sensitive information during natural disasters or threats to public safety. WEAs provide the ability to send alerts directly to mobile devices without the user needing to download an app or subscribe to a service. State departments of transportation in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Texas have successfully used WEAs for major road closure alerts, and many local county sheriff’s of ces in Minnesota have authority to use the system as well.

Alerts from MnDOT will typically include a link to 511mn.org (the state’s online road information system) for more information and a simple description of the closure or incident, such as:

“Emergency alert – The I-90 corridor is closed from the South Dakota border to Albert Lea due to blizzard conditions. Go to www.511mn.org for more information and updates.”

MnDOT’s operating procedures include sending emergency alerts only when highway closures of more than four hours are expected due to weather or major crashes or incidents.

MnDOT alerts will only be sent for closures on state highways and interstates under the agency’s jurisdiction. Alerts will be sent to all mobile phones within a 1-mile band around the highway, beginning 10 miles ahead of any closure location. The nature of an emergency could require a larger area for noti cations and speci cs will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Seeking Foster Grandparent volunteers

ST. CLOUD — Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking Foster Grandparent program volunteers to offer guidance and encouragement to children and youth in the community.

Foster Grandparent volunteers are older adults who offer one-to-one mentoring and tutoring to youth in the classroom and other settings. Their presence and reassurance can help youth improve self-esteem, social and emotional development, and literacy and math skills.

In a survey this year, Lutheran Social Service learned that over 90% of volunteers either agree or strongly agree that their volunteer experience at LSS has changed their life in a positive way. Almost 85% said they feel more socially connected because of their service as a volunteer. More than 76% said they feel healthier because of their service as an LSS volunteer.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking volunteers, age 55 and older, who can commit to volunteering at least 10 hours per week. The service offers volunteers a tax-free hourly stipend, transportation/ mileage reimbursement, orientation and ongoing training. No prior experience is necessary.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota conducts background checks to ensure safety. The statewide organization serves all Minnesotans and welcomes volunteers from various cultures, backgrounds and traditions to inquire.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent, call 888-205-3770 or visit lssmn.org/fgvolunteer.

PUBLIC NOTICES

SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 250 SUMMIT AVE. N. Monday, August 14, 2023

5:00 PM

5:00PM MINUTES

Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Members present: Nick Sauer, Ellen Thronson, and Jason Ellering. Members absent: Dottie Seamans.

Regular Agenda

A. 2024 Budget Workshop

General Fund Budget

Jack Kahlhamer advised that the total proposed increase for the General Fund budget for 2024 is $571,000 or a 7.46% increase. The total proposed General Fund Budget for 2024 is $8,220,900.

Levy Review

Kahlhamer stated that the total proposed levy for 2024 is $5,816,500, which is a 7.60% increase.

Tax Impact on Residential Homes

Kahlhamer noted that while the tax rate is showing a decrease,

almost all of the drop in the estimated tax rate is due to property owners having an average increase in value of around 15% in Sauk Rapids.

Area Cities Tax Rates

Kahlhamer reviewed the tax rates of area cities for comparison purposes.

Debt Service Summary Budget

Kahlhamer discussed the debt service budget.

Budget and Levy Amount Reminders

Kahlhamer explained that the adoption of the Preliminary Levy will be at the regular city council meeting on Monday, September 25th. The public hearing on the 2024 Final Levy and Budget will be on Monday, December 11th.

Kahlhamer proposed that the budget be re-discussed at 6:00 PM on September 11th, if necessary.

The City Council agreed by consensus to continue with the budget as presented.

Adjournment

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

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 5:14 PM R-35-1B

CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 322C

ARTICLE 1 - LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NAME: Braggin Rights Taxidermy L.L.C.

ARTICLE 2 - REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENTS(S), IF ANY AT THAT OFFICE: 7896 BEL CLARE DR., SAINT CLOUD, MN 56301 9403 USA.

ARTICLE 3 - DURATION: PERPETUAL

ARTICLE 4 - ORGANIZERS: Vern Victor Lashinski, 7896 BEL CLARE DR, SAINT CLOUD, MN 56301 9403 United States.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required elds, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Vernon V Lashinski

Twins treading water in critical stretch

With 28 games remaining in the MLB regular season, the 69-65 Minnesota Twins are objectively in a good spot. They hold a ve-game lead over the second place Cleveland Guardians, have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league and have a 94.5% playoff probability, according to ESPN. com.

While all of that is true, back-to-back lackluster performances Aug. 29-30 resulted in home losses to Cleveland that have once again made this division race too close for comfort. The Twins now face a critical stretch of games over the next week that will have a major bearing on which team represents the American League Central division in the playoffs.

The 2023 Twins just absolutely refuse to let their fans relax and enjoy an ounce of consistent success. After their division lead ballooned to a season-high seven games and following a

3-1 series win over Texas and a series opening romp over Cleveland, it nally looked like this Twins team was ready to put Cleveland in the rearview mirror and coast to the division title in one of the weakest divisions in MLB history.

Instead, the Twins bats went cold, and reliable pitchers like Pablo Lopez and Jhoan Duran decided to throw wild pitches at critical junctures.

Suddenly, Cleveland has renewed life and momentum.

The Twins began a six-game road trip Sept. 1 against the same Texas and Cleveland teams — two clubs that are also ghting for their playoff lives. The 75-58 Rangers are one game out of rst place in the hotly contested American League West division, and the Twins’ three games in Arlington are going to have massive playoff implications. The Twins will then head to Cleveland with a now-critical series against the Guardians.

SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER

It’s honestly embarrassing; Cleveland traded away some of their best veterans at the trade deadline because they gured they’d have no chance to compete for a playoff spot this year, and the Twins simply refuse to put them out of their misery.

Throughout the month of August, the Twins have been carried by their rookie hitters. Royce Lewis (grand slams in back-to-back games), Edouard Julien and Matt Wallner have been the best and most consistent hitters in the team’s lineup. While that bodes well for the future of the team, it’s time for the team’s veteran hitters to step up and start con-

sistently playing winning baseball.

The Twins are paying Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa a lot of money to be the leaders of this team, and it’s time for them to earn a few of those dollars by performing well in big games.

If the Twins can just play .500 baseball over the next week, their division lead should be secure. Cleveland doesn’t appear to have the repower to rip off a crazy winning streak to close out the season; the Twins just need to play consistently mediocre baseball over the next couple of weeks and the division title should be theirs. Is that too much to ask? We’ll nd out soon enough.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

CRAFT/VENDOR/BAKE

SALE - 2 days, inside Rice

Old Village Hall - Saturday, September 9, 7:30 am - 5 pm and Sunday, September 10, 7:30 am - 3 pm. FSR-342VM

NEED LEGAL HELP?

At your neighborhood Legal Kiosk you can apply for free legal services, find information and attend virtual meetings – all for free! Visit LegalKiosk.org to find a location near you.

Notice of Public Hearing

Stearns County, Board of Adjustment

Notice is hereby given that the Stearns County Board of Adjustment, in and for the County of Stearns, will conduct the following public hearings to consider variance applications:

A request from Brad and Kristie Kirckof, Sauk Centre, MN from Sections 5.1.2C. & 10.2.11A. of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439, to replace and expand a nonconforming deck that is wholly in the shore impact zone, ahead of the established building line and less than 50 feet from the Ordinary High Water Level of Sauk Lake classi ed Recreational Development. Said ordinance does not allow additions or alterations to a nonconforming structure that is wholly in the shore impact zone, ahead of the building line and less than 50 feet from the Ordinary High Water Level of a lake classi ed Recreational Development. Affected Property: Lots 26 & 27 of Vogel’s Shady Point, Section 4, T126N, R34W, Sauk Centre Township. Property Address: 40839 Sauk Lake Road, Sauk Centre MN

When and where is the meeting?

Date and Time: Thursday, September 14, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Stearns County Service Center, Room 1104 3301 County Road 138 Waite Park, MN 56387

How do I participate?

Public Testimony: If you would like to provide public testimony, you may do so by appearing at the above hearing, you are invited to do so by attending said hearing in person or by joining virtually. To participate virtually, please contact Jamie Lucas at Jamie.Lucas@stearnscountymn.gov or call 320-656-3613 by Noon on the Wednesday preceding the meeting date.

Written Testimony: You may submit written testimony by emailing Jamie.Lucas@stearnscountymn.gov by 3pm on the hearing date. Written testimony may also be mailed to the Stearns County Environmental Services Department, Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN 56387.

Comments on this public hearing are not limited to those persons receiving copies of this notice. If you know of any interested person, who for any reason has not received a copy of this notice, it would be appreciated if you would inform them of this public hearing.

Where can I view the application?

Copies of the applications can be viewed approximately one week prior to the meeting at http://stearnscountymn. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx. Action taken on this request will be available shortly after the meeting at the same website location.

What if the meeting changes?

This meeting is subject to change. Please sign up for automatic updates for this meeting at http://stearnscountymn. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx. Call the Department for assistance.

Stearns County Board of Adjustment

Barrier Free Status: This meeting will be accessible to the handicapped. Attempts will be made to accommodate any other individual need for special services. Please call (320) 656-3613 early so arrangements can be made.

Publish: September 2, 2023 – Sauk Rapids Herald R-35-1B

If you’re going to use, know.

Over half of pills bought online or on the street contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.

Test strips and info at fentfacts.com

SRR notches pair of wins during busy stretch

Gaining experience quickly Swimming, diving starts with split

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

To say the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls tennis team has had a busy start to the season is an understatement. The Storm have collectively knocked the fuzz off hundreds of new tennis balls during a stretch that has had them play eight matches in ve days.

First-year head coach Val Martin’s team has come through the stretch healthy while, perhaps most importantly, gaining needed con dence. By splitting two matches at the Sauk Rapids-Rice triangular Aug. 29, the Storm nished the wild stretch with a 2-6 record.

Martin said she has been impressed with amount of growth her team has made in a short amount of time.

“Collectively the girls are realizing the power of positivity,” said Martin, whose team is 2-8 overall. “It really does make a difference when your mindset is positive. The past week has been challenging with so many matches. However, the girls are building up their stamina. When we have one-match day, that will feel like a breeze.”

SRR’s victories came in a 7-0 decision over St. John’s Prep Aug. 21 at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. The Storm put their rst notch in the win column with a 4-3 Central Lakes Conference victory over Willmar Aug. 24 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm hosted a triangular Aug. 29 at SRRHS, losing 7-0 to Alexandria in a CLC match

and falling 5-2 to Princeton in a nonconference match. Junior Sydney Enter and sophomore Leah Roesch, who have held down the top two spots in the singles lineup, each got wins against Princeton. They also each earned victories against Willmar. Martin said the younger players also have been rapidly improving.

“Willmar was a huge win for the team,” Martin said. “The girls were pumped and motivated. Beating St. John’s Prep 7-0 also gave all girls a varsity win. One player told me her goal was to

win ve matches this year and she already has four. It’s pretty sweet to know she will reach her goal and most likely have even more wins.”

The Storm faced the St. Cloud Crush Aug. 31 at Tech High School in St. Cloud and will get a needed respite from competition before playing Rocori Thursday, Sept. 7, in Cold Spring. SRR will host Zimmerman Saturday, Sept. 9, at SRRHS.

“I have learned that this team works hard,” Martin said. “Practices are very intentional with where they play. For example,

singles players have been working on approach shots and where to place them and then getting up to the net. Doubles players have been working on communicating with their partner and knowing where they are on the court.”

6-3. No. 2 — Miah Boos-Kaitlyn Burski lost 6-4, 6-2. No. 3 — Ella Mrozek-Maya Strand lost 6-3, 6-1. Alexandria 7, SRR 0 Singles: No. 1 — Entner lost 6-1, 6-1. No. 2 — Roesch lost 6-3, 6-1. No. 3 — Karasch lost 7-5, 6-0. No. 4 — Lundebrek lost 6-2, 6-2.

Doubles: No. 1 — Froiland-Heneke lost 6-0, 6-3. No. 2 — Burski-Boos lost 6-0, 6-2. No. 3 — Mrozek-Strand lost 6-0, 6-1. ST. JOHN’S PREP TRIANGULAR SRR 7, St. John’s Prep 0 Singles: No. 1 — Entner won 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 — Roesch won 6-0, 6-2. No. 3 — Karasch won 6-1, 6-0. No. 4 — Lundebrek won 6-0, 6-4.

Doubles: No. 1 — Froiland-Heneke won 6-0, 6-2. No. 2 — Burski-Boos won 6-3, 6-4. No. 3 — MrozekStrand won 6-2, 6-0. Melrose 4, SRR 3 Singles: No. 1 — Entner lost 7-6, 6-4. No. 2 — Roesch won 6-3, 6-3. No. 3 — Karasch won 6-2, 6-3. No. 4 — Lundebrek lost 7-5, 6-2.

Doubles: No. 1 -- Froiland-Heneke lost 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 — Burski-Boos lost 4-6, 6-2, (10-5). No. 3 — MrozekStrand 6-2, 6-0. BIG LAKE QUADRANGULAR

Big Lake 5, SRR 2

Singles: No. 1 — Roesch won 6-1, 7-5. No. 2 Karasch won 6-4, 6-2. No. 3 — Boos lost 6-1, 6-2. No. 4 — Lundebrek lost 6-2, 4-6, (10-4). Doubles: No. 1 Froiland-Heneke lost 2-6, 6-2, (10-7). No. 2 — Burski-Strand lost 6-3, 6-1. No. 3 — Mrozek-Biorn lost 4-6, 6-3, (10-8).

Sartell 7, SRR 0

Singles: No. 1 — Roesch lost 6-3, 7-6 (8). No. 2 — Karasch lost 6-1, 6-3. No. 3 — Boos lost 7-5, 6-1. No. 4 — Lundebrek lost 6-0, 6-0. Doubles: No. 1 — Froiland-Heneke lost 6-3, 6-1. No. 2 — Burski-Strand lost 6-0, 6-1. No. 3 — Mrozek- Faith Biorn lost 6-0, 6-1. Coon Rapids 5, SRR 2 Singles: No. 1 — Roesch lost 3-6, 6-2, (10-5). No. 2 — Karasch won 7-6, 6-1. No. 3 — Boos lost 6-1, 6-1. No. 4 — Lundebrek lost 6-3, 6-0.

Doubles: No. 1 Froiland-Heneke won 6-1, 6-1. No. 2 — Burski-Strand lost 6-7, 6-1,

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

It did not take the Sauk Rapids-Rice swimming and diving team long to jump into the deep end when it comes to competition.

The Storm traveled to Monticello to face the host Magic and Foley in a triangular event that was scored as two dual meets. Monticello, which returns a twotime defending state champion, dominated the competition, defeating SRR 143-43 by placing rst in every event. The Storm outscored Foley 109-77.

“We were excited to nally get to see some racing,” said Julia Wallace, SRR second-year head coach. “After seeing the athletes in action, we got a good picture of what we need to work on for the season. We have a lot of work to do but were happy with our rst outing.”

SRR had a third-place nish from Ally Lucas, Hayden Reinert, Sam Haaf and Vivian Tangen in the 200-yard medley relay. Tangen also placed third in the 50 freestyle. Also recording top-three individual nishes were Sophia Markfelder in diving, Sam Haaf in the 100 butter y and Lucas in the 100 backstroke. The 200 freestyle relay of Tangen, Rhema Knudson, Kate Walz and Ava Erdmann placed second as did the 400 freestyle relay of Erdmann, Knudson, Walz and Lucas.

“Monticello is a tough team to face,” Wallace said. “They have a two-time state champion swimmer (Adalyn Biegler) who is only a freshman this year. She broke two pool records (200 individual medley and 500 Free), and Monticello got the best of us in just about every event.”

The Storm opened their home schedule with a meet against Apollo Aug. 31 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids and will travel to Willmar Thursday, Sept. 7, for a Central Lakes Conference dual against the Cardinals.

Monticello triangular Team: Monticello 143, SRR 43; SRR 109, Foley 77 SRR results (top five finishers): 200 MR: 3. Lucas, Reinert, Haaf and Tangen 2:02.24. 200 FS: 4. Lucas 2:10.98. 50 FS: 3. Tangen 27.08. 1M

First doubles player CeCe Heneke concentrates between points as the Storm girls tennis team faced Willmar in a Central Lakes Conference dual Aug. 31 at the Sauk RapidsRice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. The Storm earned their first win of the season by defeating the Cardinals 4-3.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm second doubles player Ella Mrozek focuses in on a service return as partner Allison Lundebrek watches at the net Aug. 31 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. The doubles team lost their match 7-6, 6-2.

2 games, 2 wins Balanced offense keys sweep

Storm boys hope to build on fast start

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

It was hardly the start Chris Rothstein wanted. The response from his Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team, however, was what mattered most.

The Storm gave up two early goals in their Aug. 29 Central Lakes Conference game against Fergus Falls before getting goals from three players in a 3-2 victory at Fergus Falls High School. The win kept SRR unbeaten at 2-0 overall.

“It was a frustrating start, but we played extremely well for most of the night,” said Chris Rothstein, Storm head coach. “It is extremely encouraging to see them come right back from a two-goal de cit. It shows a lot of grit, and we are extremely proud of them.”

Senior Leif Rudnick and junior Garret Broman each had a goal and an assist for SRR, which got 11 saves from goalkeeper Trace Nelson. Khang Phan also scored for the Storm, which got three shots on goal apiece from Sam Olmscheid and Austin Markfelder.

Things were a bit less-stressful for SRR in its season opener, getting two goals from Olmscheid in a 5-1 nonconference victory Aug. 18 at East Grand Forks. Markfelder, Rudnick and Phan each scored once, and Nelson stopped ve Green Wave shots.

“It was a good rst game for us,” Rothstein said. “Obviously, we love to come out and get a win on the rst one to get a little con dence boost to carry on to the next games. Our boys showed a strong desire to get the win, score often and to work hard to ght for varsity spots. We were able to get playing time for lots of kids, and we learned what things we still need to work on. It was a great learning experience for the boys.”

The Storm opened the home portion of their schedule against Alexandria Aug. 31 and will host Apollo at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids.

SRR 3, Fergus Falls 2

SRR (goals-assists): Rudnick 1-1, Broman 1-1 and Phan

1-0. Goalkeeper: Nelson 11 saves. SRR 5, East Grand Forks

Storm attack from all angles in defeating Becker

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Fifteen days after starting fall practice, the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team nally had the chance to put on their uniforms and play for real Aug. 29.

And at times, the Storm looked to be in mid-season form.

A large crowd at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids was treated to an offense that used substitutions effectively and a defense that kept Becker from going on a signi cant run. The result was a three-set sweep of the Bulldogs in a non-conference match that gave head coach Gail Bialke an indication of what to expect this season.

Scores were 25-17, 25-11 and 27-25.

“It was a great win,” Bialke said. “It’s nice to have a non-conference match to start the season. We played very well at times, and we have things to work on, which is to be expected when you’re playing your rst match.”

SRR played without junior Lauren Schloe, one of the team’s top returning hitters and blockers. Schloe broke her right thumb in a freak incident at practice last week and likely will miss all of September.

The Storm showed off their depth as several players contributed. Bemidji State University recruit Ava Athman led the attack

with 13 kills while helping the defense with ve blocks. With senior Jordyn Lee (six kills), freshman Josie Anderson ( ve kills) along with sophomores Stella Lambaere and Wendi Peterson (four kills each) taking turns, the Bulldogs struggled preventing SRR scoring runs.

“We play 9-10 players a game, we have two setters and two right-side hitters who rotate every three rotations,” Bialke said. “Those four are very close in skills, and we don’t skip a beat no matter who is in the game.”

Senior Katelyn Anderson was the main cog in setting up the balanced attack, nishing with 15 set assists while sophomore Aubrey Marketon added 10. Lambaere and Katelyn Anderson each had seven digs with Josie Anderson recording six.

“The third game was closer than we wanted, but now I know we can handle adversity and have the con dence to play hard no matter what the score is,” Bialke said. “It was a great team win with great offense and defense throughout the three games.”

The Storm faced Sartell — which is expected to nish near the top of the CLC — Aug. 31. They will face Tech Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Tech High School in St. Cloud before returning home to face Willmar Thursday, Sept. 7.

The 16-team SRR Invitational is Saturday, Sept. 9.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm sophomore Wendi Peterson follows through on a kill while teammates Jordyn Lee (left) and Katelyn Anderson look against Becker Aug. 29 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Peterson had four kills, helping the Storm to a 3-0 sweep of the Bulldogs.

Freshman Josephine Anderson keeps her eye on the ball for a service receive Aug. 29 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Anderson had five kills as SRR defeated Becker in the season-opener.

Senior Katelyn Anderson sets the ball as teammates Jordyn Lee and Ava Athman prepare to pounce on the attack as the Storm volleyball team opened the season Aug. 29 against Becker at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Anderson had a team-best 15 assists for the Storm in the victory.

1

SRR (goals-assists): Markfelder 1-1, Blake Halter 0-1, Khang Phan 1-0, Evan Hoivik 0-1, Rudnick 1-1 and Olmscheid

2-0. Goalkeepers: Nelson 5 saves and Liam Mick 1.

Road trip

“What are you doing on Wednesday,” my husband asked one Sunday afternoon.

“I don’t know. Why,” I answered.

“We’ve got a road trip to make. We bought a corn head south of the cities.”

RUMINATIONS WITH MARY

MARY BARRON-TRAUT

A road trip! One of those farm tasks that I enjoy immensely. He explained that he and our son had needed it for our second combine and so had sealed the deal.

The Tuesday evening before the trip, preparations were made to the pickup and the combine head trailer — greasing bearings and checking tires. On Wednesday morning, I nished all of my household work early and packed food while my hubby completed milking and chores. We couldn’t leave until a little after noon because our son wouldn’t get off of work until then.

By the time we were ready, I had lled most of the truck’s backseat with everything I needed. My laptop bag with the computer, cell phone chargers, magazines, the food cooler lled with our lunch and snacks, and our border collie Trixie — she loves road trips as much as we do.

Also, just in case they were in the mood to talk about it, I brought along the folders containing information about the shed they’d been talking about building for ve or more years.

With Trixie and me comfortably in the back seat, my hubby driving, and my son in charge of navigating, we hit the road. The decision was made to stay off of freeways due to the trailer length and the slower speeds we would need to maintain. All in all, it would make for a less stressful trip and more enjoyable scenery because the guys like to check out the crops and I like looking at farmyards for landscaping ideas.

Road trip page 3B

Fleeced Fleeced to meet you to meet you

Triple T Alpaca opens farm to visitors

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

When you love alpacas as much as Beth Turner and her family at Triple T Alpaca in rural Foreston, it is only natural to share that passion with others. Ranked the second in the nation for new alpaca breeding farms by the Alpaca Owners Association, the Turner family has opened the doors of their operation to guests for Open Farm

Days events since 2019.

With an array of offerings like farm tours and face painting, Open Farms Days attract crowds looking to learn more about alpacas and local vendors. Turner and her husband, Brent, son Jameson and in-laws John and Darlene — all of which were voted as the Mille Lacs County Farm Family of the Year for 2023 — look forward to the events as a chance to inform visitors about the species they adore.

The farm has three events left

this season: Sept. 23, Sept. 24 and Oct. 14.

“They are a very interesting animal; they are not like any other livestock,” Turner said of alpacas. “They are very sustainable. The more we help educate other people on their eece and ber and their uses, the better the industry will do as a whole.”

Triple T Alpaca page 2B

I Sauk Rapids Herald Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

(Top, left) An alpaca peeks its head over a fence at Triple T Alpaca Aug. 19 in rural Foreston. The herd fluctuates in count but typically totals between 35 and 50 alpacas.

COVER CROP of the month

Triple T Alpaca

from page 1B

The family moved to the Foreston area in 2018, starting their farm with ve male alpacas and quickly deciding to breed their animals. The Triple T herd has grown to over 40 animals that vary in ber color and age — from newborns known as cria to 15 years old.

The herd is housed on 2 of the farm’s 40 acres, aside from an hour or two each day when they are let out to the pasture.

African Cabbage

Producers may know that cover crops benefit the soil and agricultural operations, but do they know the benefits of each species? Each month a different cover crop species will be highlighted to provide producers with information needed to successfully grow cover crops or alternative forages on their operation.

African cabbage is an open leaf cabbage in the brassica family. It is commonly used as a cover crop and as a forage. The plant originated in eastern Africa and was typically used as an oilseed crop but is now only grown for oilseed on a small-scale.

As a cover crop, African cabbage is a great soil builder and great at nutrient scavenging. It will sequester sulfur and phosphorus and release it back into the soil with breakdown the following spring.

As a forage, African cabbage is best used for grazing and not recommended as a hay. African cabbage will yield around two tons of dry matter per acre. Regrowth will take a while as African cabbage requires a minimum grazing height of at least 6 inches.

African cabbage should be planted at a depth of a quarter to half inch between the dates of April 15 to Sept. 15 for the best growth. Rates of seeding will vary based on the intended use and if in a mix. When planted in a monoculture, the minimum seeding rate should be 5 pounds pure live seed per acre.

While alpacas are not among the most common livestock choices for small farms in Minnesota, Turner said the species has its fair share of admirers because of their cuddly appearance and friendly demeanor.

Turner said alpacas are excellent animals for hobby farms. Their eece is sheared once annually and turned into yarn, sold in bulk or sent to ber cooperatives.

“Even the bad cuttings of their eece like their legs and stomachs where it gets kind of dirty, you can use it in your garden for weed control,” Turner said. “We use their poop; it is a phenomenal garden enhancer and soil fertilizer. Everything about them is very useful and eco-friendly. And they are adorable and easy to take care of.”

Turner said alpacas have a reputation among the uninformed as being

TK Timber

Walker Kilmer, of Santiago Township, makes eye contact with a curious alpaca through a fence at Triple T Alpaca Aug. 19 in rural Foreston. Children in attendance at an Open Farm Days event completed an alpaca-themed scavenger hunt to win a sticker and candy.

aggressive. This misconception, she said, may stem from llamas rather than their smaller, tamer

cousins.

“People think they (alpacas) spit a lot,” Turner said. “They do

spit, but it is generally toward each other when they are ghting over a food source. It is rare to get spit on by an alpaca.”

While Open Farm Days have brought in larger crowds each season, Turner said she hopes to continue growing the events and attracting visitors from farther out of town.

“We have denitely seen more and more people coming over (thanks to) better advertising, knowing where to advertise and getting yers out,” she said. “It is a lot of local people. We would love to expand that and bring people in from the Twin Cities metro area and St. Cloud.”

A mother Alpaca stands with her newborn Aug. 19 at Triple T Alpaca in rural Foreston. The baby alpaca, known as a cria, was born hours before an Open Farm Days event.

An alpaca sticks its head through a fenced enclosure toward visitors holding feed pellets at Triple T Alpaca Aug. 19 in rural Foreston. The Triple T Alpacas typically stay on 2 of the farm’s 40 acres.

PHOTOS BY HANS LAMMEMAN

John Bowden, of Milaca, takes an up-close photo of an alpaca at Triple T Alpaca Aug. 19 in rural Foreston. Triple T Alpaca’s remaining Open Farm Days are Sept. 23, Sept. 24 and Oct. 14.

Information provided by the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADVANCECOVERCROPS.COM

Establishing fall-seeded crops

Edward A. Murphy Jr. was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy West Pointe and a World War II veteran that served in China, India and Burma during the war.

Following the con ict, he became the research and development of cer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A secret research project that the Air Force was working on at the time was intended to measure the effects of gravitational acceleration (G-forces) on ghter pilots.

University of MN Extension by

Tyler Rice

In one such test, after a rigorous design period and eventual launch, a failure occurred because of mismatched wiring from sensors to electronic strain gauges, and this resulted in zero data to back up the entire experiment. From out of this learning experience Lt. Col. John Stapp aided in popularizing Murphy’s phrase, “If anything can go wrong, it will.”

Popular culture has since interpreted this phrase with a high degree of negativity, but in its origins Stapp and Murphy, on behalf of the Air Force, were simply hedging their bets by assuming a worst-case scenario in order to address any concerns before anyone was seriously injured. The concept has remained a mainstay in defensive design to this day.

So, what does G-force testing and ghter jets have to do with crop production?

Establishing any crop can be an investment in futility if the producer does not take the necessary steps to ensure some degree of success. Research-based university extension recommendations on planting date windows, especially for fall-seeded crops and including cover crops, have been established to acquire growing degree days needed before winter dormancy and also to avoid green-bridge connections that harbor insect pests and diseases.

There are challenges associated with waiting until the appropriate time but still meeting

Road trip from page 1B

About an hour south of home, we made a pit stop. Nope. Not at a convenience store for gas or snacks, but at an implement dealership. Even though a deal had been made over the phone to purchase the implement, it was important to compare it with any others, so they knew they’d made a good deal.

While my hubby and son did their thing, Trixie and I did ours. We wound our way between massive gravity and silage boxes until we found the lower pro le implements and could see the horizon again, and all the while Trixie strained at the end of her leash following the scent of bunnies and voles and whatever else had left an interesting trail to follow.

Once we were all back in the truck, it was snack time. I handed out the Mountain Dew, opened a bag of sour cream cheddar chips and put them along with a baggie of grapes out on their shared armrest. Next, I proceeded to make a favorite road snack — Ritz crackers with a slab of venison summer sausage and colby jack cheese. I purposely didn’t pack any sweets because a stop at a Dairy Queen

the drop-dead planting date while trying to cover so many acres and take care of other crops at the same time.

Data collected from 2019 through 2021 at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center concludes that the timing of planting cereal rye in the fall has a signi cant impact on the performance of the crop, and the amount of biomass produced in spring. In this particular study, the latest date of four planting dates — the rst 1.5 weeks of October — were statistically different in terms of biomass production in spring by the same termination dates as compared to their earlier planted counterparts. In this example, you can imagine the impact above ground was simply a re ection of root structure development and soil microbial activity below ground.

Whatever your goals might be for your fall-planted crop — whether cover crop, winter forage or even grain — planting date can have an impact.

Farmers are no strangers to checking the weather forecast and for good reason. If you would like to plan any outdoor activity, you consult with the alleged experts. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, a ve-day forecast can accurately predict the weather about 90% of the time while a seven-day forecast can accurately predict the weather about 80% of the time. If we stretch the forecast out to 10 days or longer from today, the accuracy suddenly becomes less than 50%.

With much of the region remaining in D2 drought conditions, it is a good time to take Murphy’s advice. Consider the 10-day, 7-day and 5-day forecasts when thinking about fall crop establishment and what chances of a precipitation event in proximity to today means for the next crop.

somewhere along the return trip would be inevitable.

The trip itself was, thankfully, uneventful as most of those trips turn out to be, but the reason I enjoy them so much is the uninterrupted time we get to spend as a family. When our boys were young, we used to take road trips on Sunday afternoons just for a chance to get off the farm and to have time to talk. Often the boys would doze off in the back seat, so my hubby and I would discuss family concerns or farm business.

Now that the boys are on their own — one living on an-

Growing your education

University of Minnesota Extension Soil Solutions Field Day

Farmers and agricultural experts from across the region are set to gather from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, for the University of Minnesota Extension Soil Solutions Field Day.

The event – which takes place at West Central Research and Outreach Center, located at 46352 Highway 329, Morris – aims to explore innovative methods to enhance farm productivity through the promotion of healthy soil.

A wide range of sessions will be offered throughout the day, covering various topics such as tillage choices in soil conditions, water management through cover crops, planting green during dry years and the detrimental impact of soil erosion on crop productivity.

For additional information about the event and to assure a complimentary lunch, individuals can visit z.umn.edu/Sept7.

For inquiries, contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at dejon003@umn.edu or 320815-4112.

Diverse Farm Tour

Sustainable Farming Association and the West Central Initiative Foundation are partnering for an evening of learning and networking. The event takes place 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

A tour of Naima’s Farm, 2204 E. Lake Jessie Road SE in Alexandria, will include a discussion on vegetable farming and a demonstration of a high tunnel system. SFA’s Jonathan Kilpatrick will lead a discussion on livestock grazing management at the farm.

At 6 p.m., following the tour, the group will caravan to Longtrees Woodfire Grill, 4409 Highway 29 in Alexandria, for a meal and to learn about funding opportunities from various county and state agencies.

Admission and the meal are complimentary. Registration is required and no walk-ups will be accepted. Register at secure.sfa-mn.org/np/clients/sfamn/ eventRegistration.jsp?event=6733.

For more information contact Mary Fischer at mary@sfa-mn.org.

Women in Ag Field Day for Productive Soil

University of Minnesota Extension Women in Ag Network is hosting the Thriving Roots Field Day from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 Highway 329 Morris.

The event is designed for women passionate about farm productivity through healthy soil. Extension educators, soil specialists and topic experts will offer hands-on sessions on topics that include tillage in soil conditions, cover crop roots and their effects on soil, planting green information about cereal rye crops, methods to reduce soil erosion and the economics of cover crops.

For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/Sept8. A complimentary lunch and beverages will be provided.

Initiate Soil Health

other continent and the other with his own family — those bouts of uninterrupted time to talk are very rare. Thank goodness for technology because due to the time change, we are typically able to call the youngest on WhatsApp when his work day is done. We don’t always talk about super important things, but just having all of our voices together in that truck warms my heart, Camaraderie, tradition, sightseeing — these are just a few reasons why when we implement a road trip, I get excited.

The Benton Soil and Water Conservation District and Minnesota Soil Health Coalition will host its annual field day Tuesday, Sept. 12. Initiate Soil Health, a free event, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emslander Farm, 8133 170th Ave. NE, Oak Park.

The event will educate people on how to implement soil health practices and include various speakers, a farmer panel, a rain simulator, slake tests and other demonstrations.

Morning coffee and doughnuts and lunch are provided.

Register with Renee Thell at 320-968-5300, ext. 3, or by visiting soilandwater.org.

Emerald ash borer virtual meeting

EAB, or Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive beetle, native to Asia, that has been causing damage to the nation’s ash trees. Minnesota is home to the largest concentration of ash trees in the country with over a billion trees, and EAB has been confirmed in 42 Minnesota counties.

Experts from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will present EAB information during a virtual meeting will take place 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. The meeting will be recorded.

For more information, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.

Beef Quality Assurance Training Online

The University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Beef Council will host online Beef Quality Assurance training at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. Producers attending the free workshop will receive a three-year certification.

Certification is voluntary, but, over the last three years, people have been asked to complete to program in order to market to certain processors. Only one person from an operation is required to be certified to ensure the entire operation is following standards.

Register for the two-hour online training at z.umn.edu/BQASept14.

Field Day showcases strip tillage

Wright Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Minnesota Extension and Centra Sota Cooperative are planning a Soil Health Field Day from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. This field day will be hosted at Mike Young’s farm at 5430 70th St. SW, Waverly. Attendees may follow extension event signs to the field day location.

This field day will be an opportunity to see strip tillage in action. Young will be harvesting sections of his corn field, so participants can see how the equipment prepares the seed bed for planting while leaving residue to protect the soil between the rows. Soil pits will demonstrate how strip tillage affects soil structure, organic matter, plant root growth and more. There will also be presentations on how to utilize soil health management from the agronomic perspective.

The event includes a complimentary dinner. Registration can be made on the event page at z.umn.edu/StripTillFieldDay or by contacting Taylor Herbert at 612-394-5229 or therbert@umn.edu.

Benton County Fair 4-H results

FOLEY — The Benton County Fair took place Aug. 1-6 in Sauk Rapids. The following is a list of champion and reserve champion placements received by Benton County 4-H youth.

CLUB AWARDS

— The Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club earned champion in barrel.

— The Duelm 4-H Club earned champion in container garden.

— The Elk Rivers Critters 4-H Club earned reserve champion in scrapbook.

— The Graham 4-H Club earned reserve champion in bench.

— The Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club earned champion in bench.

— The Pioneers 4-H Club earned reserve champion in barrel.

— The St. Pat’s 4-H Club earned champion in scrapbook.

GENERAL PROJECTS

4-H marketing-grades 9 and above: Kathrine Mersinger, champion.

Aerospace-grades 9 and above: Katelynn Pollard, champion.

Aerospace-grades 6-8: Brayden Zintek, champion. Adam Heinen, reserve champion.

Aerospace-grades 3-5: Kraig Rudolph, champion. Tosh Maus, reserve champion.

Rocket launch-grades 9 and above: Pollard, champion. Chase Dahler, reserve champion.

Rocket launch-grades 6-8: Brayden Zintek, champion. Adam Heinen, reserve champion.

Rocket launch-grades 3-5: Luke McKay, champion. Maus, reserve champion.

Crafts-grades 9 and above: Anna Fox and Mersinger, champion.

Crafts-grades 6-8: Eve McKay and Alaina Ferkinhoff, champion. Eve McKay, reserve champion.

Fair

from page 4B

“Winning premier showmanship has meant the world to me,” Schlough said. “I studied for a month prior to prepare. Last year, when I participated in this competition for the rst time, I realized how challenging it was and how rewarding it would be if I won. I put a lot of work into 4-H, and when I do, it all pays off in the end.”

The senior division of Premier Showmanship for grades ninth through one year after high school graduation, included Ashley Betker in beef, Morgan Molitor in swine, Abigail Nelson in sheep, Austin Moli-

tor in poultry, Marizza Lenz in llama, Joseph Achen in dairy, Cade Barringer in meat goat and Alex Peltz in dairy goat. The 2023 Senior Premier Showmanship was awarded to Ashley Betker, of Royalton, a member of Elk River Critters 4-H Club.

“Being the Premier Senior Showman has always been a dream of mine,” Betker said. “I feel so accomplished I have earned it. I knew I wanted to try to the best of my abilities, so I made sure I learned a little bit about each animal before competing. Whether that was practicing showing the animal or studying general knowledge about the animal. 4-H has been a big part of my life by learning more

Crafts-grades 3-5: Sam Heinen, champion. Anya Neu, reserve champion.

Bicycle-grades 3-5: John Anderson, champion.

Child development-grades 9 and above: Isabella Wieber, champion.

Child development-grades 6-8: Zoe Spiczka, champion.

Child development-grades 3-5: Madison Sweno, champion.

Citizenship: Epsen Evens, champion and reserve champion.

Consumer education-grades 9 and above: Mersinger, champion.

Consumer education-grades 6-8: Elise Gramke, champion.

Creative writing-grades 9 and above: Chase Dahler and Sarah Lutze, champion.

Creative writing-grades 6-8: Ben Zintek, champion. Elise Gramke, reserve champion.

Entomology-grades 9 and above: Ana McKay, champion.

Exploring animals-grades 9 and above: Alex Peltz, champion. Skylar Morris, reserve champion.

Exploring animals-grades 6-8: Lyla Beehler and Emma Froelich, champion. Korah Waters, reserve champion.

Exploring animals-grades 3-5: Frances Rudnitski, champion. Lauren Dahler, reserve champion.

Exploring animals (horse)-grades 6-8: Ferkinhoff, champion.

Fine arts-grades 9 and above: Holly Heinen, champion. Lutze, reserve champion.

Fine arts-grades 6-8: Ferkinhoff, champion. Spiczka, reserve champion.

Fine arts-grades 3-5: Lucy Almgren, champion. Kylee Miller, reserve champion.

Fishing sports-grades 9 and above: Chase Dahler, champion.

Fishing sports-grades 6-8: Brayden Zintek, champion and reserve champion.

Fishing sports-grades 3-5: James Timpe, champion. Kraig Rudolph, reserve champion.

Global connections-grades 9 and above: Katie Paulson,

about the agriculture industry and making new friends that I share good memories with. Being the 2023 Premier Senior Showman is an honor; hard work pays off. I am so thankful for all the help and support from fellow 4-H’ers and family members.”

Not only did 4-H’ers excel in livestock, they also took stage for performing arts acts and Fashion Revue. Performing Arts Champion, 4-H’er Brady Roberts, is a graduate from Sauk Rapids and member of Green Acres 4-H Club. Roberts performed a lyrical dance to the song “Always Been You” by

Phil Wickman in honor of his uncle Kenny, who passed away in November 2021 after losing his battle to kidney cancer.

“It’s been a very dif cult journey to get where I am today, with so many different roadblocks in the way to learn a lyrical dance while mourning his death,” Roberts said. “I couldn’t be prouder to have gone out with a bang for my last dance solo and dedicating to my uncle.”

During Fashion Revue, 4-H youth showcased their out ts they either constructed or purchased. Court of Honor Medals were

champion. Evens, reserve champion.

Health and wellness-grades 6-8: Elisa Gramke, champion.

Home environment-grades 9 and above: Ashlyn Swanson, champion.

Home environment-grades 6-8: Emma Kaschmitter, champion.

Landscape design-grades 6-8: Eleanor Larsen, champion.

Livestock demonstration-grades 9 and above: Dominic Malikowski, champion. Cade Barringer, reserve champion.

Livestock demonstration-grades 3-5: Makayla Traut, champion. Maus, reserve champion.

Mechanical science-grades 9 and above: Henry Gramke, champion. Peltz, reserve champion.

Metal work-grades 9 and above: Kaylin Janski, champion. Carly Hackett, reserve champion.

Metal work-grades 6-8: Adam Heinen, champion.

Metal work-grades 3-5: Sophia Hackett, champion.

Performing arts: Travis Boyle, champion. Brady Roberts, reserve champion.

Photography-grades 9 and above: Roberts, champion. Alicia Belanger and Boyle, reserve champion.

Photography-grades 6-8: Audrey Ethen, champion. Alivia Arnold, reserve champion.

Photography-grades 3-5: Abrielle Lyon, champion.

Photography elements-grades 9 and above: Mersinger and Lane Stangler, champion. Mersinger and Colton Stanger, reserve champion.

Photography elements-grades 6-8: Eve McKay, champion. Carly Hackett, reserve champion.

Photography elements-grades 3-5: Ella Lamberg, champion. Sophia Hackett, reserve champion.

Photography manipulation-grades 9 and above: Mersinger, champion. Colton Stangler, reserve champion.

Photography manipulation-grades 6-8: Hailey Manea, champion. Sophia Beauchamp, reserve champion.

4-H results page 7B

presented to Ashlyn Swanson, Elise Gramke, Alicia Belanger, Sophia Beauchamp, Anna Fox, Carley Roberts, Josi Pozorski, Lilly Ackerman, Maya Rahm, Addison Dahler and Katie Gramke.

One hundred seventeen 4-H’ers advanced to

the state fair and many others will be competing in the state dog, shooting and horse shows. For more information about Benton County 4-H and all the activities throughout the year, contact the Benton County Extension Of ce at 320-968-5077.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

4-H’er Ana McKay, a freshman from St. Cloud, showed her entomology project, a shadow box of a variety of bugs, at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. McKay earned a Champion ribbon and plaque.

Assistance available for livestock losses due to extreme heat

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Minnesota wants to remind producers of disaster assistance for livestock death losses due to eligible natural disasters, such as extreme heat.

Saving, storing and treating vegetable seeds

BY MARISSA SCHUH & NATALIE HOIDAL University of Minnesota Extension Educators

expected. They include tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas.

The variety of plant also makes a difference in seed-saving success.

vest seeds.

Farm Service Agency News

by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, including extreme heat. Producers must le a notice of loss within 30 calendar days of when the loss is rst apparent. Producers then must provide the following supporting documentation to their local FSA of ce no later than 60 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred. Those documents are: proof of death documentation, a copy of grower contracts and proof of normal mortality documentation.

In addition to ling a notice of loss, producers must also submit an application for payment by March 1, 2024. USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock including cattle, poultry, swine, etc.

Producers should record all pertinent information regarding livestock inventory records, including documentation of the number, kind, type and weight range of livestock as well as beginning inventory supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts.

Con nement operations must follow good management practices and the con nement facility’s operating equipment must meet industry standards to be eligible for LIP. Poultry and swine death losses in con nement operations that are attributed to an eligible adverse weather event causing the con nement operation’s equipment to malfunction are not eligible for compensation under LIP if good management practices are not followed; the con ned livestock operation’s facilities do not possess all the equipment that meets industry standards such as, but not limited to, backup generators, alarm systems, fans, etc.; and management decisions were made not to take the necessary measures that could have prevented the loss.

For more information, producers should contact their local county FSA of ce or visit fsa.usda. gov.

Gardening season is coming to a close, and while next spring can seem impossibly far away, if people are saving seeds, now is the time to start collecting.

What plants people take seeds from and how they save them will affect next year’s success.

Some vegetables are self-pollinating, while others are not.

— Self-pollinating vegetables are more likely to produce what is

— Cross-pollinating vegetables are more likely to cross with other varieties in area gardens, leaving people with a less predictable outcomes.

— Vine crops have separate male and female owers, which can cross-pollinate. Avoid saving these seeds if there are multiple vine crops in the garden, as people can end up with a zucchini-pumpkin hybrid that does not have the best qualities of either parent.

If a person planted an heirloom or open-pollinated variety, it is a good candidate for seed saving. If a person planted a hybrid variety, saving seeds will result in plants that do not necessarily have the good qualities of the parent.

It is also important to save seeds from healthy plants. Look for plants free of disease symptoms, and unblemished fruit or pods.

Different vegetables have different periods when it is time to har-

Harvesting vegetable seeds

Courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension

Tomato seeds

—Allow fruits to ripen fully and scoop out the seeds, along with the gel surrounding them, before eating or cooking the tomatoes.

— Put the seeds and gel in a glass jar with some water.

— Stir or swirl the mixture twice a day. The mixture will ferment and the seeds should sink to the bottom within five days.

— Pour off the liquid, rinse the seeds and spread them out to dry on paper towels.

Pepper seeds

— Allow some fruits to stay on the plants until they become fully ripe and start to wrinkle.

— Remove the seeds from the peppers and spread them out to dry.

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In general, store seeds in a cool, dry, dark environment over the winter, and try to use them again in the next couple of years. The longer seeds are stored, the less likely they are to germinate well.

Sous vide is an advanced piece of equipment to treat seeds. It keeps water at a steady temperature.

Hot water seed treatment is one way people can reduce the chance that seedborne disease shows up. This process needs to be performed carefully as it can kill seeds if directions are not followed to the letter.

Peas and beans

— Save peas and beans by allowing the pods to ripen on the plants until they are dry and starting to turn brown, with the seeds rattling inside.

— This may be as long as a month after people would normally harvest the peas or beans to eat.

— Strip the pods from the plants and spread them out to dry indoors.

— The pods should dry at least two weeks before shelling, or people can leave the seeds in the pods until planting time.

Treating seeds is especially important to reduce the risk of transporting diseases via seed from garden to garden if people are sharing seeds or using seeds from a seed library.

Some people treat seeds after harvesting them while others prefer to do this in winter when they have downtime. And others prefer to do it right before planting in spring.

As long as people follow instructions carefully, hot water treatment at any time should not impact germination.

The Ohio State University has good videos and fact sheets about how to hot water treat seeds.

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Photo manipulation-grades 3-5: Neu, champion.

Pets-grades 9 and above: Peltz, champion.

Pets-grades 6-8: Katie Gramke, champion.

Pets-grades 3-5: Sweno, champion.

Pet show: Brayden Zintek, champion.

Plastic art sculpture-grades 9 and above: Fox, champion.

Plastic art sculpture-grades 6-8: Hailey Manea, champion. Makenzie Manea, reserve champion.

Plastic art sculpture-grades 3-5: Sam Heinen, champion.

Safety-grades 9 and above: Maya Rahm, champion.

Safety-grades 6-8: Kaydence Rudolph, champion.

Safety-grades 3-5: Sweno, champion.

Scrapbooking-grades 3-5: Sweno, champion and reserve champion.

Self-determined-grades 9 and above: Barringer, champion. Henry Gramke, reserve champion.

Shooting sports-grades 9 and above: Kara Reding, champion.

Shooting sports-grades 6-8: Kaydence Rudolph, champion.

Shooting sports-grades 3-5: Kraig Rudolph.

Technology-grades 3-5: Owen McKay, champion.

Tractor driving-grades 9 and above: Mason Vannurden, champion. Mason Arnold, reserve champion.

Tractor contest-grades 6-8: Jack Dahler, champion. Andrew Scheel, reserve champion.

Veterinary science-grades 9 and above: Joseph Achen, champion. Maya Rahm, reserve champion.

Veterinary science-grades 6-8: Marnie Rahm, champion.

Video and filmmaking-grades 6-8: Ferkinhoff, champion. Eve McKay, reserve champion.

Wildlife biology-grades 9 and above: Chase Dahler, champion. Lilly Ackerman, reserve champion.

Wildlife biology-grades 3-5: Khloe Klosowski, champion.

Woodworking-grades 9 and above: Raelee Lyon, champion. Chase Dahler, reserve champion.

Woodworking-grades 6-8: Roman Rudnitski, champion.

Woodworking-grades 3-5: Abrielle Lyon, champion. Sweno, reserve champion.

Youth leadership-grades 9 and above: Mersinger, champion. Boyle, reserve champion.

FOODS & GARDENING

Cake and cookie decorating-grades 9 and above: Travis Boyle, champion.

Cake and cookie decorating-grades 6-8: Holly Heinen, champion.

Cake and cookie decorating-grades 3-5: Austynn McKay, champion.

Flower gardening-grades 9 and above: Nicholas Sakry, champion.

Flower gardening-grades 6-8: Alaina Ferkinhoff, champion.

Flower gardening-grades 3-5: Kailee Lubbesmeier, champion.

Foods-grades 9 and above: Joseph Achen and Heinen, champion. Allison Barringer, reserve champion.

Food-grades 6-8: Ann Reisinger, reserve champion.

Food-grades 3-5: Tosh Maus, champion. McKay, reserve champion.

Food preservation-grades 9 and above: Anna Fox, champion.

Food preservation-grades 6-8: Heinen, champion. Roman Rudnitski, reserve champion.

Food preservation-grades 3-5: John Anderson, champion. Lauren Dahler, reserve champion.

Food Revue: Johnathan Mersinger, champion. Robert Mersinger, reserve champion.

Fruit-grades 9 and above: Alex Peltz, champion. Sakry, reserve champion.

Fruit-grades 3-5: Dahler, champion.

Herb gardening-grades 9 and above: Nevaeh Beack, champion. Peltz, reserve champion.

Indoor gardening-grades 9 and above: Beack, champion. Marizza Lenz, reserve champion.

Indoor gardening-grades 6-8: Emma Kaschmitter, champion.

Indoor gardening-grades 3-5: Makayla Traut, champion.

Largest vegetable-grades 9 and above: Peltz, champion. Achen, reserve champion

Largest vegetable-grades 3-5: Anya Neu, champion.

Nutrition-grades 9 and above: Johnathan Mersinger, champion.

Potatoes-grades 9 and above: Barringer, champion. Sakry, reserve champion.

Potatoes-grades 3-5: Anderson, champion. Natilee Montag, reserve champion.

Vegetable gardening box-grades 9 and above: Sakry, champion. Peltz, reserve champion.

Vegetable gardening box-grades 3-5: Jase Brenny, champion.

Vegetable gardening plate-grades 9 and above: Peltz, champion and reserve champion.

Vegetable gardening plate-grades 3-5: Harper Moulzolf.

CLOTHING & MATERIAL ART

Constructed-grades 9 and above: Ashlyn Swanson, champion.

Constructed-grades 6-8: Elise Gramke, champion.

Constructed-grades 3-5: Lauren Dahler, champion.

Court of Honor: Lilly Ackerman, Sophia Beauchamp, Alicia Belanger, Addison Dahler, Anna Fox, Elise Gramke, Katie Gramke, Josi Pozorski, Maya Rahm, Carley Roberts and Swanson.

Fashion Revue-grades 9 and above: Alicia Beauchamp, champion. Ashlyn Swanson, reserve champion.

Fashion Revue-grades 6-8: Elise Gramke, champion. Sophia Beauchamp, reserve champion.

Fashion Revue-grades 3-5: Lauren Dahler, champion. Austynn McKay, reserve champion.

Purchased-grades 9 and above: Swanson, champion. Ackerman, reserve champion.

Purchased-grades 6-8: Sophia Beauchamp, champion.

Purchased-grades 3-5: McKay, champion. Lauren Dahler, reserve champion.

Sewn non-garment-grades 6-8: Emma Kaschmitter, champion.

Sewn non-garment-grades 3-5: Anya Neu, champion. JulieAnn Gerads, reserve champion.

Upcycled-grades 9 and above: Fox, champion.

Upcycled-grades 3-5: Neu, champion. McKay, reserve champion.

Needle arts-grades 9 and above: Kathrine Mersinger, champion. Katelyn Pollard, reserve champion.

Needle arts-grades 6-8: Zoe Spiczka, champion. Ashley Paulson, reserve champion.

Needle arts-grades 3-5: Emmeline Hoheisel, champion.

Quilting-grades 9 and above: Ackerman, champion. Kara Reding, reserve champion.

Quilting-grades 6-8: Kaschmitter, champion.

BEEF

Breeding heifer: Nolan Hackett, champion and reserve champion.

Cow-calf pair: Koriana Hackett, champion.

Crossbred steer: Cylie Marshik, champion. Audrie Marshik, reserve champion.

Dairy steer: Lauren Dahler, champion. Kylee Miller, reserve champion.

Beef calf: Keaton Nelson, champion. Kimslee Hackett, reserve champion.

Crossbred calf: Mason Vannurden, champion. Maya Rahm, reserve champion.

Dairy calf: Jacqualynn Beauchamp, champion. JulieAnn Gerads, reserve champion.

Market heifer: Katelynn Pollard, champion and reserve champion.

Market steer: Pollard, champion. Drew Arnold, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Ashley Betker, champion. Nolan Hackett, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Nelson, champion. Alivia Arnold, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Drew Arnold, champion. Natilee Montag, reserve champion.

DAIRY

Best udder: Kylee Miller, champion.

Colored calf: Joseph Achen, champion. Braiden Maus, reserve champion.

Holstein calf: Atley Gruba, champion. Beckett Gruba, reserve champion.

Junior colored dairy: Achen, champion. Braiden Maus, reserve champion.

Junior grade Holstein: Carson Popp, champion. Atley Gruba, reserve champion.

Senior dairy: Miller, champion. Achen, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Achen, champion. Carson Popp, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Abigale High, champion. Brianna Popp, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Tosh Maus, champion. Beckett Gruba, reserve champion.

DOG

Agility-elementary-16: Hannah Talvitie, champion.

Agility-intermediate-16: Katelynn Pollard, champion.

Agility-senior: Claudia Schlough, champion. Ashley Paulson, reserve champion.

Agility-advanced-8: Jenny Paulson, champion.

Agility-jumpers 1a-16: Pollard, champion.

Agility-jumpers 1b-16: Hannah Talvitie, champion.

Agility-jumpers 2-16: Schlough, reserve champion.

Agility-jumpers 3-8: Jenny Paulson, champion.

Agility-jumpers 3-12: Marizza Lenz, reserve champion.

Costume-grades 9 and above: Katie Paulson, champion. Pollard, reserve champion.

Costume-grade 6-8: Ashley Paulson, champion.

Games 2-12: Ashley Paulson, champion.

Games 3-8: Jenny Paulson, champion.

Games 3-12: Lenz, champion.

Interview-grades 9 and above: Jenny Paulson, champion. Katie Paulson, reserve champion.

Interview-grade 6-8: Ashley Paulson, champion. Eve McKay, reserve champion.

Interview-grade 3-5: Luke McKay, champion.

Obedience Four dog team: Lenz, Ashley Paulson, Jenny Paulson and Katie Paulson.

Obedience-beginner: Talvitie, champion. Lenz, reserve champion.

Obedience-foundation class: Eve McKay, champion. Jenny Paulson, reserve champion.

Obedience-graduate beginner: Ashley Paulson, champion. Talvitie, reserve champion.

Obedience-novice: Pollard, champion. Schlough, reserve champion.

Obedience-graduate novice: Lenz, champion. Jenny Paulson, reserve champion.

Poster-grades 6-8: Katie Gramke, champion. Elise Gramke, reserve champion.

Poster-grades 3-5: Madison Sweno, champion.

Rally foundation class: Jenny Paulson, champion. Luke McKay, reserve champion.

Rally pre-novice: Lenz, champion. Talvitie, reserve champion. Rally-novice: Ashley Paulson, champion. Talvitie, reserve champion.

Rally-preadvanced: Schlough, champion.

Rally-advanced: Lenz, champion. Pollard, reserve champion.

Showmanship-novice: Eve McKay, champion. Valerie McKay, reserve champion.

Showmanship-open: Ashley Paulson, champion. Jenny Paulson, reserve champion.

Showmanship excellent: Lenz, champion. Pollard, reserve champion.

GOAT

Dairy showmanship-grades 9 and above: Alex Peltz, champion. Emma Goertz, reserve champion.

Dairy showmanship-grades 6-8: Holly Heinen champion. Taylor Posch, reserve champion.

Dairy showman-grades 3-5: Kailee Lubbesmeier, champion. Sam Heinen, reserve champion.

Junior doe: Lubbesmeier, champion. Peltz, reserve champion.

Senior doe: Chase Posch, champion. Taylor Posch, reserve champion.

Market breeding doe kid: Aleaya Kipka, champion. Cade Barringer, reserve champion.

Market breeding yearling doe: Makayla Benc, champion. Kipka, reserve champion.

Market dairy wether: Taylor Posch, champion. Chase Posch, reserve champion.

Market meat breed wether or doe: Cade Barringer, champion. Allison Barringer, champion.

Meat showmanship-grades 9 and above: Travis Boyle, champion. Cade Barringer, reserve champion.

Meat showmanship-grades 6-8: Taylor Posch, champion.

Meat showmanship-grades 3-5: Kendall Micholski, champion. Chase Posch, reserve champion.

HORSE

Halter showman: Ava Messerli, champion. Aubrey Schlueter, reserve champion.

High point all around rider: Marley Wheeler, champion. Austynn McKay, reserve champion.

High point game rider: Abigale Wheeler, champion. Raelee Lyon, reserve champion.

High point pleasure rider: Marley Wheeler, champion. Messerli, reserve champion.

Miniature horse overall: Heidi Schimnich, champion.

LLAMA/ ALPACA

Interview-grades 9 and above: Nicole Schaefer, champion. Marizza Lenz, reserve champion.

Interview-grades 6-8: Audrey Ethen, champion. Claudia Schlough, reserve champion.

Interview-grades 3-5: Livaya Meller, champion. Evelyn Skaj, reserve champion.

Performance course-grades 9 and above: Lenz, champion. Isabella Pederson, champion.

Performance course-grades 6-8: Schlough, champion. Ann Reisinger, reserve champion.

Performance course-grades 3-5: Priya Thole, champion. Meller, reserve champion.

Poster-grades 9 and above: Schaefer, champion. Lenz, reserve champion.

Poster-grades 6-8: Ethen, champion. Schlough, reserve champion.

Poster-grades 3-5: Meller, champion. Evelyn Skaj, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Lenz, champion. Pederson, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Schlough, champion. Reisinger, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Charlotte Skaj, champion. Thole, reserve champion.

POULTRY

Breeding pen chickens: Austin Molitor, champion. Morgan Molitor, reserve champion.

Egg production-white: Morgan Molitor, champion. Austin Molitor, reserve champion.

Egg production-brown: Riley Pleskac, champion. Terrilynn Pleskac, reserve champion.

Market pen-chickens: Braiden Maus, champion. Tosh Maus, reserve champion.

Large fowl breeding pen: Ashton Meehl, champion. Mason Meehl, reserve champion.

Waterfowl: John Anderson, champion. Schlough, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Morgan Molitor, champion. Austin Molitor, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Ashton Meehl, champion. Claudia Schlough, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Anderson, champion. Mason Meehl, reserve champion.

RABBIT

Rabbit large class: Lyla Beehler, champion. Regan Listul, reserve champion.

Rabbit small class: Beehler, champion. Listul, reserve champion.

Showmanship grades 9 and above: Morgan Molitor, champion. Alex Peltz, reserve champion.

Showmanship grades 6-8: Beehler, champion. Claudia Schlough, reserve champion.

Showmanship grades 3-5: Austynn McKay, champion. Tosh Maus, reserve champion.

SHEEP

Ewe lamb: Emma Goertz, champion. Kendra Demo, reserve champion.

Ewe yearling: Terrilynn Pleskac, champion.

Market lamb: Lauren Thissen, champion. Keaton Nelson, reserve champion.

Lamb lead: Isabella Wieber, champion.

Wether dam: Mason Vannurden, champion. Keaton Nelson, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Abigail Nelson, champion. Mason Vannurden, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Keaton Nelson, champion. Raelyn Vannurden, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Thissen, champion. Raelyn Helmin, reserve champion.

SWINE

Barrow: Roman Rudnitski, champion. Morgan Molitor, reserve champion.

Breeding gilt: Morgan Molitor, champion. Austin Molitor, reserve champion.

Market gilt: Austin Molitor, champion. Morgan Molitor, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 9 and above: Morgan Molitor, champion. Austin Molitor, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 6-8: Alivia Arnold, champion. Roman Rudnitski, reserve champion.

Showmanship-grades 3-5: Frances Rudnitski, champion. Sophia Hackett, reserve champion.