Sauk Rapids Herald - Oct. 10

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Saturday, October 10, 2020

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

Vol. 166, No. 27

Sauk Rapids-Rice school board maintains hybrid model Learning plan will be reviewed again Oct. 19

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – After a staggered start to the school year and a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Pleasantview Elementary School community, the middle school and high school embarked on a hybrid learning period Sept. 21, the duration of which was uncertain.

The SRR school board reconvened to review the latest information and stood firm with the current learning plan, approving the continuation of the hybrid model at their latest meeting Oct. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

Superintendent Brad Bergstrom provided six COVID-19 data points and left the decision to the board.

“What I was trying to do was give the board facts as far as what is currently going on within the county, within the community and within the school system,” he said.

“I gave them an overview of where the numbers in the county have been for the last couple of weeks.”

School page 3

‘Shut down’ in Sauk Rapids:

Owners speak out against new restrictions Truckks to Trucks to send send message with wiith free free coffee coff ffee ee, food food d before beffore council counciil meeting meetting

T

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

wo men who say their mobile food and beverage businesses have been hindered by new restrictions will bring their concerns – and free food and beverages – to the Sauk Rapids Government Center Tuesday evening.

Ryan Voeller, owner of Adventure Coffee, a mobile coffee shop, and Jimmy Zanardi,

owner of Jimmy Z’s Concessions, a food truck, will speak during open forum at the Oct. 13 Sauk Rapids City Council meeting.

The two have concerns of how a city ordinance amendment has adversely affected the fully-licensed, community-centered businesses they have worked hard to establish but can no longer have in town on a regular basis – nor at all in some areas of downtown.

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Jimmy Zanardi and Ryan Voeller stand in front of their mobile food and beverage trucks Oct. 7 in Sauk Rapids. The men will open their trucks Tuesday evening in the parking lot of the Sauk Rapids Government Center, handing out free coffee and hot food items before addressing the city council about an amendment to city code they say has practically driven them out of town.

Food trucks page 4

storytelling Prentice puts soul into

Longtime writer takes on reporting position for Sauk Rapids Herald

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

T

oward the end of her high school career in the waning days of spring, Ellarry Prentice took up a threemonth internship position for the Paynesville Press. An aspiring writer, Prentice absorbed what she could, experiencing what life as a community journalist was like.

Three newspapers and over 13 years of print journalism experience later, Prentice is now taking her storytelling chops to Sauk Rapids as a reporter for the Sauk Rapids Herald.

“It’s exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but more exciting than overwhelming which is good,” she said. “I look forward to new fresh territory, meeting new people and writing stories that matter.”

Meeting new people and learning about their life is a commodity for Prentice, who

worked at the Press for almost a decade before taking on an editorial position at the Litchfield Independent Review. There, she continued to consume more information, assisting the editorial staff with layout and design.

“It’s fun to be a writer, but it’s also fun to be in the process of making pages come alive, designing, things like that,” PrenPHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER tice said. “I gained a lot from Ellarry Prentice finishes a story before press deadline Oct. 8 at the that experience.”

Sauk Rapids Herald office in Sauk Rapids. Prentice joined Star

Prentice page 3

Publications, publisher of the Sauk Rapids Herald, Sept. 30 and has worked 13 years in the journalism industry.

PUBLIC NOTICES

• Watab Township Public Hearing - pg. 18 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Special Board Meeting, Sept. 30 - pg. 12 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Work Session Minutes, Sept. 14 - pg. 13 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Reg. Board Meeting, Sept. 21 - pg. 12 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Reg. Board Meeting, Aug. 24 - pg. 12 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, Sept. 15 - pg. 13 • City of Rice Sealed Bid Notice - pg. 18 • Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Advertisement for Bids - pg. 18

OBITUARIES • Shirley J. Guzy • Beverly J. Hill • Donald L. Miklos

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

NEWS from front

Benton County has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 C cases. One data d point Bergstrom relayed to the board was l there t were 54 active cases the day of the meeting t compared to 42 Oct. 2. c According to the Minnesota Department of n Health data for schools, H the t county’s COVID-19 positive case rate per p 10,000 people sat at 20.36 from f Sept. 6-19, compared to t 14.08 from the two previous v weeks. These numbers b stood as a way for the t board to analyze their situation and make an informed decision. f “Our Benton County COVID-19 C numbers are continuing to increase,” c Bergstrom said.

“It B doesn’t matter if you’re believing it should be inperson or believe it should be hybrid, the emotion associated with it is high.

What I’m trying to do is get away from the emotion of it which is hard sometimes.”

The district’s original announcement regarding the switch to the hybrid model said the middle school and high school would remain in this format through Oct. 16. The board will reassess the current model at the Oct.

Prentice from front

gagement with the world of farming, she has found a knack for telling stories regardless of setting or circumstance. She has found herself laughing alongside some of her interviewees, while some conversations during assignments have left her eyes red from crying.

Journalism has not been a happy-go-lucky experience for Prentice, but it is valuable to her nonetheless.

“I love connecting with people from all walks of life, and I’ve had a really hard life,” she said.

“A lot of things in my life haven’t worked out, but I believe those experiences have made me a better journalist because I feel like I can connect with them and emphasize with them.”

Prentice understands the objectivity that comes with being a journalist, but realizing how others are feeling has allowed her to succeed as a storyteller. In her mind, her writing style comes from penning stories that come from the heart. Even during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, she feels it is her duty as a community journalist to write about the positive, heartwarming happenings that have occurred during these un-

hopefully, that information can be brought to the board, and they can act on the resolution that was tabled until the 19th,” Bergstrom said.

– Approved Jason Tangen as the boys swimming and diving head coach for the 2020-21 season. While Tangen’s salary schedule has been cleared by the board, the Storm’s schedule has not been; the winter high school sports season has not been assigned a start date yet, although practices begin Nov. 30.

“We’re very pleased as a board and as a super-

ISD 47 COVID-19 Dashboard as of Oct. 2

Number of employees: 675 Number of employee COVID-19 cases: 5 Number of students: 4,415 Number of student COVID-19 cases: 6 garding the spread of COVID-19 within their facilities. With the approval of the MDH and the Minnesota Department of Education, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools now offers a COVID-19 case track on their website, updated every Friday. According to their Oct. 2 update, five employees and six students have tested positive for the virus.

“As long as we’re doing this in the aggregate, we can keep doing this,” Bergstrom said. “The whole idea is around this concept of, ‘Where are we at in terms of COVID cases for our students and staff?’”

The board’s next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

In other board news: – Tabled an approval of the district’s Minnesota State High School League membership, contingent on further information.

The MSHSL announced the implementation of COVID installment fees based

on school size. SRR must pay two installments of $4,500 to retain its membership, but the board has reached out to the MSHSL for clarification before approving these fees.

“The board would like to hear back from the state high school league and,

intendent to have that position filled, to welcome Jason and most importantly to give our high school boys swim and dive team an opportunity to compete this winter,” Bergstrom said.

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fathomable times.

“It’s so easy in any circumstance to look at the bad, but it’s our job now more than ever to show community the good that’s there,” she said.

Interaction with the community, in Prentice’s mind, is essential. And in Sauk Rapids, her latest stop, she is being absorbed into the largest community she has ever experienced.

“It’s a vibrant area, and there’s a lot that’s going on,” she said.

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The journey from an eager-eyed intern to a detail-oriented editor has served as an eye-opening expedition for Prentice, who was raised in humble beginnings: a 60-acre farm in Hawick, a pocket-sized community in Kandiyohi County.

Growing up around agriculture molded Prentice into the personality she is today, an achiever who understands what goals she needs to accomplish and sets out to complete them. It is a mindset passed onto her by her father, who passed away last year.

The former farm girl was immediately allured by the opportunity to work in Sauk Rapids, home to a large farming community.

She feels a strong emotional attachment to agriculture, and reporting on farming stories is natural to her.

“I’m not afraid to get inside a barn and step into manure if I have to or ride in a tractor,” she said. “I’m very comfortable in agricultural environments, because it’s part of who I am.”

Despite this clear en-

19 regular meeting.

“They want to, at each of our upcoming board meetings, take some time and discuss where things are at, reviewing the numbers, reviewing if there is any additional information being made available,” Bergstrom said.

With the district already adapting to this latest look and their buildings staffed accordingly, the likelihood of a decision toward an in-person format is unlikely at this time.

Maintaining this staff balance is a difficult task during the ongoing pandemic.

If a staff member or student is symptomatic, they must self-quarantine until they are symptom-free or test negative. Quarantining is also a necessary step for those in the same household as someone with a positive test.

“How we are being asked to deal with COVID or COVID-related symptoms with staff and students, at a public-school level, has different components than what happens out in the private sector,” Bergstrom said. “Because of the more-specific rules we have to follow, staffing a building can be impacted if we have too many people having to quarantine. That’s a struggle all schools are facing.”

However, the district is gaining access to more critical information re-

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Page 4 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Food trucks

from front

Prior to the council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m., the men said they will hand out free coffee and hot food from their trucks outside the council chambers before addressing city leaders. They want this act of goodwill to send a message about the significance of the food and beverage truck business and the inequity they feel they have been subjected to as of late.

In August, the council approved 3-2 an amendment to city code as it relates to mobile food units within city limits.

Vehicle-mounted food and beverage services that store, cook and prepare items for direct sale are now allowed in Sauk Rapids if they purchase

a permit. (The restriction does not apply to “ice cream trucks” that sell pre-packaged frozen desserts.) The ordinance also limits the number of days per year food trucks are allowed to operate and prevents them from operating in close vicinity to restaurants and bars.

Community development director Todd Schultz said prior to the August amendment the city’s ordinance was vague as it applied to food trucks. He said interested vendors, who were losing income from festivals canceled due to COVID-19, prompted the city to update its policy.

City administrator Ross Olson said COVID-19 drove the discussion about adopting language to regulate food trucks because food vendors increased business within city limits in the month’s following the onset of the pandemic. He

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noted the ordinance was drafted with the assistance of the city attorney and went through several stages of review, going before both the planning commission and the land use subcommittee among other departments.

The amended ordinance requires mobile food and beverage operators to obtain either a special event or general permit. General permits are valid for a maximum 14 days a year and cost $50. The days are not concurrent and special event permit days are not counted against the general permit total.

The amended ordinance also enforces a 300-foot setback from restaurants and bars in the downtown district.

The ordinance “basically shut me down in Sauk Rapids,” said Zanardi, a LeSauk Township resident who’s worked in the food business for more than three decades including several years as a committee member for the Sauk Rapids Food Festival. “Fourteen days a year, that’s ridiculous.”

Zanardi had been offering Italian and Mexican dishes, soups and specialty sandwiches from the parking lot of Coborn’s since June, but the setback restriction now prevents him from doing so as the lot is too close to brick and mortar restaurants, including the grocer’s own deli. Coborn’s welcomed his food truck, and so did residents and visitors.

“People have been

NEWS looking for me to do a food truck for a long time,” he said. “I finally get it up and running, and this happens.”

Zanardi said he feels ousted from a town in which he has built longstanding relationships and given “time and energy to help build.” In addition to working in town and participating in community events, he said a portion of his sales through the city’s annual Rapids River Food Fest have been gifted as scholarships to graduating seniors of Sauk RapidsRice High School.

Voeller, a Sauk Rapids resident, did not have a chance to open the window of his mobile coffee shop in town before the restrictions went into effect, causing what he called feelings of hurt and discrimination.

Zanardi and Voeller said they follow the same rules as brick and mortar restaurants, working just as hard to keep their facilities in compliance with health and safety regulations, and likewise pay sales tax.

“We are a fullylicensed kitchen on wheels,” Voeller said.

Zanardi said councilors favored an amendment that limits his business to being open just 14 days a year.

“I’m not trying to change the world,” he said. “I’d just like them to be aware of what they’re doing to us.”

Voeller said he was not aware of another city that limits operating

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days, and he feels the city did not research when selecting language in the ordinance.

Several cities have adopted ordinances to regulate food truck operation through licensing and zoning, according to information from the League of Minnesota Cities. Cities are allowed to regulate the time, place and manner of food truck operations. Most cities have at least some fee requirement.

Voeller, who believes local government should not be in the interest of protecting competition in a free market, said the limitations are favoritism of brick and mortar establishments over mobile units.

“Now you have government picking and choosing who succeeds or fails,” he said. “Monopolizing certain businesses over others is where I have serious concerns. … It is unlawful to protect one business over another with over-regulation. I don’t think the city council members are bad people; they’ve just been misinformed.”

Furthermore, Voeller said, the 300-foot setback is excessive and double what most similarly-sized cities enforce, making it impossible to set up a food or beverage truck in most parts of downtown Sauk Rapids.

Zanardi and Voeller said they fully support established businesses in the downtown district and brought their trucks into town with no ulterior

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motives.

“I had no intent of destroying another business or interfering with another business,” Zanardi said.

Zanardi said he has talked to some restaurant owners who are on their side.

“They can’t believe it, that this actually happened,” he said.

Council member Nick Sauer agrees with Voeller and Zanardi that the 14-day limit is too restrictive.

“Fourteen days seems like not very many when you have 365 days (per year),” Sauer said.

Olson disagrees. He said the new ordinance provides opportunities for food and beverage truck operators, not restrictions. Prior to adopting the ordinance in late August, Olson said the city did not have an ordinance regarding food trucks, so there was not a permitting process for food trucks to legally set up in town.

“This provides (food truck operators) an opportunity but not one that is a detriment to existing businesses,” Olson said.

While Sauer is supportive of established food and beverage businesses in town and in no way wants to drive them away, he said food and beverage trucks are businesses too, and several are bringing new offerings to town.

“They’re bringing new foods in,” Sauer said.

“That’s a good thing.”

Olson acknowledged that it is “wonderful” to have food trucks at special events but stressed that it is crucial to support established businesses that pay property taxes to be there.

As for Voeller’s and Zanardi’s plan to bring their concerns to the city Oct. 13, Sauer said he welcomes their input.

“I think it’s a good idea they’re coming up and want their voices heard,” he said. “I support the message they’re trying to get across, and hopefully that will open some eyes.”

Olson agreed.

“They have every right to address the council,” Olson said. “That’s what democracy’s all about.”

Zanardi hopes the council hears his plea.

He said with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, food trucks and restaurants alike have taken a hit.

“I just want to live my life and do what I love to do in a town I love,” he said. “We’re all in this together, but this (ordinance) does not make it seem like we’re working together.”

s i

s t r

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | Page 5

BEP to approve relief grant applications by month’s end

e - 67 grants requested $868,589 in aid

r BY NATASHA BARBER Othoudt said there h STAFF WRITER is an unmet need of t $191,589 if all grants RICE – Coronavirus were to be funded at aid may find its way into sthe accounts of county 100%. However, she said it was unlikely all grants nbusinesses soon. would be funded as some r Amanda Othoudt, the did not meet county critenewly-hired executive edirector of Benton Eco- ria. Othoudt requested an enomic Partnership, gave additional $134,000 from ran update on CARES the board to meet the unmet needs. kBusiness Assistance The board did not -Grant applications at the act on the request at the gBenton County Board of meeting, but at a com-Commissioners meeting mittee of the whole Oct. yOct. 6 in Foley.

8, the board came to a e The up to $15,000 consensus to contribute ogrants administered gthrough BEP are fund- an additional $200,000 to oed by allocations of the the CARES Business Assistance Grant program, county’s and area munici- according to county addpalities’ Coronavirus Aid, -Relief and Economic Se- ministrator Monty Headley. Should the additional tcurity Act monies. monies be approved at the g “We had a very very board meeting Oct. 20, good turnout,” Othoudt -said of the number of the county’s allocation dapplications. … “After to the program will total -reviewing the 45 applica- $935,000 in small busiotions I have to date, I can ness relief.

Othoudt plans to apmwholeheartedly tell you prove some grant requests dthere are businesses that at that same board meet-are really struggling and ing.

She said after reviewlare in need of the grant ing applications, she is -funds.” able to recommend some Sixty-seven busignesses applied for relief and deny some but that .totaling $868,589 by the some need further review.

“Some of the applicaSept. 30 deadline. Busi- tions in between, I would dnesses were required to ohave 50 or fewer employ- like the BEP executive -ees, be located in Benton committee to review dCounty and be for-profit. those in a little bit more tThey were also required detail and help me with sto have been in opera- that process,” Othoudt otion since Sept. 1, 2019, said.

Headley said the and to document losses or board plans to officially dextraordinary costs due to act on other relief fund gthe pandemic. requests Oct. 20. He said y e

the board discussed allocations to Career Solutions, area school districts and grants to nonprofit organizations at the committee of the whole.

In other board news: – The county’s public works and highway department is planning for updates to County Road 55 between 105th Street Northwest and County Road 2 in 2021. Director Chris Byrd presented preliminary plans to widen the road from 105th Street Northwest to city limits, enhancing the roadway to two 11-foot driving lanes with 6-foot shoulders.

Within city limits, the road would receive a mill and overlay.

Byrd asked the board for their input.

“If there are changes the board desires, now is the time to do it,” he said. “It’s not going to be too long and we’re going to be too late to change things without detrimentally affecting the work schedule.”

After discussion, the board had consensus that Byrd should contact the city of Rice to see if they would like to purchase right of way and pay costs to widen the road within city limits.

Utility relocations have started for the project. Byrd hopes to have a bid opening in early 2021.

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2 Forward 2 and 4 post hoists, rotary 4 post hoist, torch set, Napa 7 ton endless jack, 2 ton thumb presses, transmission jacks, elect. jack hammer, strut compressor, metal band saw, Marquette wire feed welder, compressors, (2) Chev engines, 2.5 ton lift jack, 1200 gallon propane tank, and huge amount of related hand and power tools.

WEST UNION SERVICE – JOHN WINTERS, OWNER PH. 320-491-0619 • 141 1st. St., West Union, MN

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e . g , a

OBITUARIES Shirley J. Guzy

There will be no services for Shirley J. Guzy, age 72, who passed away Oct. 1, 2020, at her home. Burial will be at Brockway Cemetery, Sartell.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Shirley was born Nov. 25, 1947, in St. Cloud to Myron and Verona (Pettit) Wolhart.

She married Gregg Guzy April 27, 1968, in St. Cloud. Shirley lived in the Sauk Rapids and Sartell area most of her life and worked as a medical transcriptionist at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center for over 20 years, retiring

Beveryl J. Hill

Sept.

22, 2020, Beverly Jeanne Beiseker Hill died peacefully in her sleep at home. Beverly Jeanne Beiseker Hill was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Minneapolis to Ada and George Beiseker.

She attended Emerson School in her early years before moving to Sauk Rapids. She continued her education in Sauk Rapids.

She was very active in band, camera club and the annual, graduating from Sauk Rapids High School in 1955. She worked for International Harvester in St. Cloud and St. Paul until 1957. July 1, 1957,

Shirley J. Guzy

in 2014. She was a very active member of Harvest Fellowship Church in Sauk Rapids where she enjoyed participating in prayer groups. Faith was very important to her.

Shirley enjoyed spending time with friends and gardening; she could

Beverly married Ken Hill in Sauk Rapids. Over the years, she worked many jobs including Gamble Robinson in St. Cloud, the Hospital in St. Peter, Dr. Kelly’s and Moran, and Veterinarian Dr. R.J. Ganz in St. Cloud, and her own business, Hill House Sports, selling scribes and skating supplies.

She loved her pets and frequently donated to the humane society. She was involved with the St. Cloud Figure Skating Club for decades including being a board member and many volunteer positions. She was an avid photographer of family and pets, loved

Donald L. Miklos

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church in North Prairie for Donald L. Miklos, age 85, who passed away Oct. 4, 2020, at his home.

The Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery with full military honors provided

by Rice American Legion Post 473. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Donald Leonard Miklos was born Nov. 1, 1934, in Selby, South Dakota, to Joseph and Ilona (Berthelon) Miklos.

He graduated from Foley High School and served our country in the U.S. Army where he received basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. and was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado. Donald married the love of his life Phyllis Long Feb. 1, 1958. They lived in Sartell, then 15 years near Rice, and in North Prairie since 1976. He worked as a millwright/machinist for St. Regis Paper Mill in

Donald L. Miklos

Sartell for 41 years, retiring in 1994. Donald also was a custom cabinet maker and for many years a Benton County Deputy Sheriff and Chief of Police in Rice.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in North Prairie where he served as a Eucharistic minister. Donald was also a member of the Pantowner’s Auto Club and a lifetime member of Rice American Legion Post 473 where he was chaplain for many years.

He was hard-working and a great provider for his family. Donald enjoyed fishing, bowling, classic cars, and collecting rifles,

make anything grow. She was a kind, caring and positive person.

Shirley is survived by her sons and daughter, Bryan of Sauk Rapids, Barbra Fellows of Woodbury, Garry of Sauk Rapids, and Waynne of Sauk Rapids; sisters, Virginia (Terry) Greener of Annandale, Joy (Paul) Hoppe of Sartell, and Janet (Doug) Peterson of Sartell; and grandchildren, Danielle, Solomon, and Gavin. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Gregg on Feb. 27, 2010.

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

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to sew, knit and crochet, and spent many years being creative with her computer skills. She volunteered for the Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation.

She is survived by her husband Ken of 63 years, sons David (Norway), Dan and Konnie (Rice Lake, Wisconsin), daughters Debbie and Mike Timm (Sauk Rapids), Dianah Klatt and Ryan Christiansen (Foley). 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren and her sister Bon Beiseker (South Carolina).

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tobacco tins and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast, and owned and rode a Harley for many years. He loved horses and had Arabian mares for many years.

Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis of Rice; sons and daughters, Gary (Mary) of Ferris, Texas, Sandy Wolter (Mike St. Marie) of Rice, Linda MiklosMalikowski (Vern) of Rice, Quinten (Lori) of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Clayton (Jayme) of Little Falls; sister, Sylvia (Gene) Wolfe of Crossville, Tennessee.; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Albert (Percy), Edward, and Violet Miklos.

Memorials are preferred to Rice American Legion Post 473.

Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann. com.

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

Page 6 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Restricted or prohibited plants There are plants and weeds that we should not plant because they multiply too quickly and overwhelm native plants. These plants are listed on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website separated by the amount of harm they may cause and how they must GREEN & GROWING be treated. These plants are IN BENTON COUNTY listed by their common and BY LINDA G. TENNESON botanical names; however, they may share characteristics with similar allowed plants, so use care if you are trying to determine if a plant is included on one of these lists. The most serious list is called the eradicate list. This means the plants on this list are not known to be growing in large numbers in the state, but if they are found, they must be destroyed. Oriental bittersweet is one plant on this list. There is a control list, which lists plants known to grow here but should be prevented from spreading. The Canadian thistle, leafy spurge and purple loosestrife are some of the plants, or weeds, on this list. The restricted noxious weed list is for weeds that exist in the state and are known to harm humans, animals or the environment. The only means to control the plants on this list is a prohibition against importing, selling or bringing them into the state. Common and glossy buckthorn and garlic mustard are examples from this list.

Another list is specially regulated plants which means plants may be sold but must also be labeled stating they should be planted only where their seeds and any resulting seedlings will be controlled by mowing or otherwise prevented from sprouting in native plant areas. Amur and Norway maple trees are in this category, along with poison ivy and a common landscape plant, the winged burning bush. The seeds from the amur and Norway maple trees are disbursed by the wind and may end up sprouting in a woodland area where they can multiply and then crowd out native trees. These trees may be sold commercially, but the seller must attach a label specifying these trees can only be planted 100 yards or more away from any natural area such as a county or state park.

The winged burning bush is an attractive plant with orange leaf color in the fall and is often planted in landscapes. It was imported from Asia in the 1800s for use as a landscape plant. However, its berries are often eaten by birds which may defecate the seeds in native areas. The resulting seedlings grow into dense thickets which overwhelm native plants. The winged burning bush is so destructive it is scheduled to be moved to the restricted list in 2023. Poison ivy is a well-known plant that may be grown on private property but must be removed from all public areas and from along the borders of private property if the neighbors request it be done to prevent it from spreading onto their property.

Several Minnesota counties have their own noxious weed lists; Benton County does not have a list at the present time. Go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for information on which plants and or weeds should not be planted or grown.

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

Political letters to the editor policy – Political letters written regarding elections and election platform issues are limited to 250 words and are printed free of charge. (Ex: Go vote letters, immigration, gun control, universal healthcare).

– Political letters endorsing or opposing a candidate, ballot measure or political party are subject to charges. Star Publications will charge a flat fee of $25 for 250-word or less letters. Display advertising rates will apply to letters exceeding the word limit. Payment must be received prior to copy deadline.

– Paid letters to the editor will be clearly marked and set apart from those which are not.

– Readers will be allowed to submit one political letter every 14 days.

– All letters to the editor (political or not) require first and last names, addresses and phone numbers. Names and city of residency will be published in the newspaper along with the letter copy.

– The final time and date to submit a political letter to the editor for the general election is 5 p.m. Oct. 14.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

EDITORIAL

Settling in Sauk Rapids

Hi. I’m Ellarry, a new reporter for got wind I liked writing and asked if I’d the Sauk Rapids Herald. I’m excited to be interested in a summer job. What was be working in the great communities we supposed to be a three-month internship cover, and I look forward to meeting the resulted in a decade-long career as a people who call them home. reporter for the Paynesville Press. Later, I used to visit Sauk Rapids every year from 2016 to 2018, I was editor of the to have my taxes prepared. On my drives, Litchfield Independent Review. I returned I always admired the cute river town and to the Paynesville Press in late 2018, mused about what it would be like to live serving as editor of its sister newspaper, in this area one day.

EXPRESSIONS BY EL the Eden Valley-Watkins Voice, until I My windshield dreams became reality BY ELLARRY PRENTICE moved to this area. a few months ago when I moved here. My I have a deep passion for community prayers were answered this week when I journalism. Writing stories about people began working for the Herald. from all walks of life and photographing them in their I was raised on a 60-acre farm northeast of Hawick, element is my life’s ambition. I especially love writing a tiny town between Paynesville and New London. human-interest stories and articles about social issues.

I recently reflected on my years of work when I Hawick once had a small general store and a post office, but today it is home to just a lumberyard, blacksmith was preparing a meal my mom used to make on the shop and Methodist church. Though I’ve moved almost farm. The key to making the white gravy for creamed an hour north, Hawick will always have a place in my chipped beef on toast is forming a roux, a mixture of heart, and my humble beginnings will forever shape my equal parts butter and flour. I believe everyone has a character, the way I connect with people and see the story. Some of those stories are beautiful. Some are broken. And some are like that roux – equal parts of world.

At one time or another, our farm was home to just both. Like Mom’s country cooking, those are the stories about every animal you could imagine, including a goat that have left lasting marks on my heart.

All of the feature stories I’ve written through the that thought it was a dog. The mailman couldn’t believe his eyes when two hounds and that roaming goat chased years have become a part of who I am. I can’t wait to his car down the gravel road, barking and maa-ing all hear your stories and share them with our loyal readers.

As community journalists in these turbulent times, we the way.

As a kid, when I wasn’t pitching manure, herding must report the truth but emphasize the good. There is cattle or saddling up a horse, I dreamed of becoming a so much good in the Sauk Rapids and Rice area. Thank writer. I didn’t know what that title would encompass you for allowing us to give readers glimpses of that one day, but I dreamed anyway. I don’t know the exact good in our publications.

I hope my work will continue to uphold the Sauk moment the dream was born, but it grew big as the ears on our donkey when my teacher was grading papers Rapids Herald’s longstanding commitment to being a one day and said with a wink, “I always rustle through reliable, trusted source of local news and events. As winter draws nearer and the pandemic lingers on, I hope the pile to read your writings first.”

I’ve worked for community newspapers for our stories will warm your heart and serve as reminders 13 years. I didn’t find a job in the newspaper business; that, even amidst all the uncertainty, division and rage rather, it found me. In the spring of my senior year going on in our country right now, our communities of high school, the local newspaper editor, who had remain vibrant, wonderful places to live and work. photographed me at our high school a couple times,

Effective quotes improve perspective

t I have stumbled upon two quotes that finally agree on something), instead, let’s t are so good I have to share them with shake the jar some more. you. Out of the unlimited information The second quote was a few available on the internet and the narrowed sentences that formed a power-packed down amount I see from my friends on statement and eliminated all the garblev Facebook, two of my friends found some of the issues. “Voting is not a valentine.t gold nuggets that improved my perspective You’re not confessing your love for thei after the presidential debate and the state candidate. It’s a chess move for the world of our world. you want to live in.” The only unfortunatet The first quote described red fire ants piece to this quote is the fact that we all LIFE BY FAITH from the southwest desert and carpenter do not know what it takes to make the ants from the same region being placed BY MERCY NYGAARD world a better place to live. And that is into a jar together. According to American where the jar gets shaken again. Your way Museum of Natural History, the American Southwest is wrong, this way is better, your way is racist, mye is a plethora of North American ant diversity, with way is liberating, and your way is old fashioned. The over 350 species of ants known from Arizona and a ultimate clincher into disaster is when we declare,r variety of ecologically interesting taxa – including “You don’t need to base your vote according to your leafcutters, harvester ants, army ants and honeypot faith.” Believing somehow that your vote for thet ants. Out of many ants, if you take the red fire ant candidate who secures your health insurance and your species and the large black ant species and place many job the most is completely fine even if it contradicts of them together in a jar, nothing happens really. They your belief in the living word of God because that walk around each other and carry on, possibly trying candidate also is the most liberal abortionist supportere to figure out how to get back to their habitat. But if since abortion was legalized is a bold lie. Although IT you violently shake the jar and place the ants back empathize with the realities of poverty, protection and onto the ground, they do not walk around each other security, it is no way to base your vote because it is anymore or go their separate ways to their colony. self-centered. Vote according to your convictions top They begin to fight until they eventually kill each protect the constitution and to defend the weak andh other. The black ants think the red ants are the enemy vulnerable who cannot speak for themselves. Vote and vice versa. The actual enemy is the person who for the candidate who has surrounded himself with shook the jar. The question begging to be answered advisors that fear the Lord and will give good counself then is, who is the person shaking the jar? according to God’s living word.

After the presidential debate, which was Take these two quotes to heart the next time youp extremely unproductive on both party sides, the devil feel stirred up to agitation over the news you areD continued spreading his destructive lies, and our news hearing. Chew on them and research them before media continued to shake the jar. At first, mainstream engaging in any sort of dispute with someone who networks were civil and expressed their distaste for thinks differently than you. It truly prioritizes yourw the fighting. But then, the only thing that filled my perspective and may help you walk away fromp news pages was the race issue again. Trump did not arguments all together. Discussions are fine, but deny white supremacy evil, and Biden did not deny foolish disputes are the devil’s bidding. Let’s get Antifa terrorizing. What could have been used as a one leg up on him and refuse to participate in foolish time to unite us under two presidential candidates disputes. Already, we are making strides to a betterf t fighting in a juvenile fashion (for real, we can all world to live in.

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | Page 7

Prevention is the best solution for scams

I am going to open with a statement research online to find contact information that likely feels uncomfortable to many for the purported agency or business and people. In today’s world, you must assume place a telephone call to the number you that people who contact you unexpectedly, found. This procedure will allow you to get regardless of the reason(s), are up to no to the bottom of whether the person was a good. criminal or a legitimate employee.

Criminals are constantly trying to The alternative to healthy skepticism scam people out of money or personal can be heartbreaking and devastating information. These scams artists may financial loss to the victim. Far too often approach you in an email, telephone call, KEEPING BENTON we speak to victims who are scammed text message or letter. These criminals will out of thousands of dollars with no hope COUNTY SAFE offer up many different and ever-changing SHERIFF TROY HECK of getting their money back. Prevention is lies designed to create just enough doubt to the best solution to scams and spreading get you to give up your money or personal information. the message of prevention is equally important. Often, These lies usually involve a subject matter that would victims in the process of giving away money to criminals be important to the intended victim. For instance, the are stopped by friends or family members who take the criminal might claim a person’s social security number time to watch for signs of fraudulent activity. Unusual was stolen and the victim’s social security payments trips to a financial institution or the purchase of gift will be ended if they do not cooperate. The victim might cards in bulk is concerning and should be addressed. be told their family member is in some jeopardy (in jail, Discussion of prizes won or offers received that sound in an accident or sick with COVID-19) and in need of too good to be true should be closely scrutinized for any money. Or, perhaps there is a warrant for the victim’s demands of payment in exchange for the prize or offer. arrest that must be satisfied immediately. These lies are An increased fear or apprehension in a friend or relative constantly changing and trying to keep up to date with should be discussed to ensure their change in affect is the newest lie is much like playing the whack-a-mole not due to threats from a scam artist. game.

The criminals perpetrating these scams are The best defense anyone can employ against constantly changing their tactics and lies to ensnare these criminals is a healthy dose of suspicion in any more victims. In order to keep yourself from becoming unexpected phone call, email or other correspondence. their next victim, you must always be suspicious of Legitimate government agencies, utilities or companies people who contact you unexpectedly. If you were should be respectful of your skepticism and allow you not expecting that telephone call, email or letter, you the option of verifying the reason for their contact. If the must assume it is from a criminal until you can prove person talking to you starts to pressure you into acting otherwise. It is not a very Minnesota nice way to treat immediately, you must assume they are a criminal strangers, but it is the safest way to deal with unexpected trying to scam you. If you have any reason to believe contact in our modern world. the person contacting you unexpectedly is contacting For more crime prevention and safety information, you for a legitimate reason, ask this person the exact visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website at name of the agency or business they claim to represent. www.co.benton.mn.us/211/crime-prevention.

You Advise the person you will be researching how to can also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter contact their agency or business and ask for the person’s at @BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime name. From that point, you need only to do some prevention messages.

BREAK CROSSWORD

Storm activities available via YouTube

technology department and a few savvy Hello, Storm nation. Thank you for tec the SRR Storm Activities all the support you have shown to the he ccoaches, co o YouTube channel was born, and we are Storm this fall as we have been working ng Y Yo o events for both indoor and through the pandemic and having ngg llivestreaming li iv outdoor activities. activities within our schools. This fall, lll, ou As football begins play, there the Minnesota State High School League ue approved six sports to begin on time me are a few items we need to address to ISD 47 make sure our program is meeting all and recently approved both football andd

By NaDean standards set for hosting a football game. volleyball to return to action. Each of Schroeder First, we are allowed to only have 250 these sports has seen an overall reduction Sauk Rapidstotal spectators at our events. The North in length of their season and number of Rice High School Central Region of football has allowed competitions, but we are happy to have activities director up to 150 tickets for home fans and 100 them competing this fall and to provide for visiting fans, and tickets should be opportunities for students of our district.

Our coaches, participants and families have done an sold pre-sale as priority to immediate family members in amazing job of following the new safety protocols and this high-contact activity. At SRR, we are giving priority standards that were put in place, as well as supporting to our immediate families and will have no extra tickets.

Along with the limited tickets, spectators will not each other through this high energy and emotion-filled season. The students and coaches have shown true be allowed outside of the fences at the football stadium. resilience as they have worked through ups and downs According to the Minnesota Department of Health and and are now seeing their efforts turning into success as the MSHSL, all people in or around the facility to watch the game (both inside and outside) are counted toward they are going into the postseason strong.

This week marks the end of the soccer, cross-country that total of 250 spectators. If there are fans outside the and girls swimming and diving seasons, and it was the fence, it will put our totals over 250 fans, and our teams first week of postseason for girls tennis. The tennis team cannot take the field and the game cannot be played.

We are asking our community, students and earned its highest seed in over five years and entered Thursday’s match against Sartell-St. Stephen in the supporters to stay home and watch the livestream of the game. You can find the livestream by searching SRR consolation bracket.

Both boys and girls soccer will begin their postseason Storm Activities under channels on YouTube.

The MSHSL approved the winter and spring play at home. The girls swimming and diving team will host one of three locations for the section championships calendars. Sports will see a reduction in events that match the fall but will only reduce winter season weeks by one to Oct. 24.

One of the biggest adjustments we had to make this two per sport. For the winter, by cutting down the number fall in Storm activities was related to spectators at events. of contests, but not reducing the weeks total by much, the Outdoor events are able to have up to 250 fans total, MSHSL built in extra time to reschedule for pandemic pending the size of the venue, and recently the Minnesota or weather-related situations that can occur in the winter.

Department of Education and MSHSL have adjusted Spring season will return to a full-length timeline as they have in the past. The MSHSL board approved spring for guidelines to allow limited indoor spectators.

We are excited about this announcement, and we are a full season, as last spring there were no spring sports working vigorously to get these plans in place as soon as seasons. possible. We will communication with Storm Nation as Fine arts and other activities have started practices soon as we have a finalized plan to ensure the safety of or have set meeting dates for more information about our participants and spectators. upcoming seasons. Check out the team websites on the Although this poses the issue of not having a lot of school district website to find out more information about fans to cheer on our teams, those without tickets are able programs offered and where and when they will begin. to follow activities online. With the help of the wonderful

Sponsored By:

ST R

Publications

TIMOTHY J. VOS Territory Manager 561 Railroad Avenue Albany, MN 56307 Office: 320-845-2700 • Cell: 320-492-6987 Fax: 320-845-4805

Call to Advertise!

tim@saukherald.com tim@albanyenterprise.com

Page 8 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Crime & Public Safety The original state patrol release stated this accident Man charged with criminal sexual conduct FOLEY – A Sauk Rapids man has been charged happened at East Main Street, but the Sauk Rapids with criminal sexual conduct following incidents that Herald confirmed the accident location with the Rice Police Department and Minnesota State Patrol. took place in fall and winter 2019.

Mason Fisher-Jenderseck, 19, faces one count of sexual conduct in the third degree which carries a Drugs, money recovered by task force ST. CLOUD – The Central Minnesota Violent maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a Offender Task Force recovered 4 pounds of $30,000 fine.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Benton methamphetamine and more than $15,000 Sept. 30 after County Aug. 19, a 14-year-old juvenile reported a sexual conducting a search in Minneapolis.

The seizure was part of an ongoing investigation into assault that occurred Oct. 31, 2019, in the city of Sauk Rapids. She identified the assailant as Fisher-Jenderseck a suspected methamphetamine trafficking organization who is 47 months her elder. The juvenile reported a operating throughout central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area. second incident occurred in December 2019.

According to CMVOTF Commander Jay Salzer, the Fisher-Jenderseck was summoned to appear in court Sept. 21. He was booked and released from the Benton task force received information nearly six months ago that Gerald Frank Ciesco, 49, from Minneapolis, was allegedly County Jail Oct. 6. distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in and around central Minnesota. As the investigation continued, Three people injured in Highway 10 crash ST. CLOUD – Three people were injured in a investigators developed information that Ciesco was Highway 10 crash that occurred within Rice city limits believed to employ numerous distributors who moved methamphetamine quickly and efficiently. Salzer said the Oct. 1. The incident happened shortly after 10 a.m.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a semitruck CMVOTF partnered with the FBI’s Minneapolis Field driven by 40-year-old Caleb Maendel, of North St. Paul, Office and other task forces across Minnesota to learn entered Highway 10 at North Division St. in front of a more about Ciesco’s organization and better understand car driven by 16-year-old Amanda Miner, of Becker. how Ciesco was acquiring the methamphetamine.

Investigators working closely with the Stearns Becker attempted to dodge the semitruck by moving to the left lane, but the vehicles collided. Maendel, Miner County Attorney’s Office believed there was enough and Miner’s passenger, 53-year-old Douglas Miner, evidence to charge Ciesco and others with first-degree were transported to the St. Cloud Hospital with non-life- conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

On Sept. 30, investigators from the CMVOTF, FBI, threatening injuries.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the FBI SWAT team, Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force and the Minneapolis Police Department executed scene.

a search warrant at Ciesco’s home in Minneapolis.

Ciesco’s home contained more methamphetamine, U.S. currency and other evidence related to the distribution of controlled substance.

Subsequently, investigators served three additional search warrants in central Minnesota relating to this investigation and recovered additional controlled substances, money and evidence relating to the distribution of controlled substances.

Following the execution of the search warrants, six subjects were arrested, allegedly connected to this drug trafficking organization. All were arrested for first-degree conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and are in custody at the Stearns County Jail. Those arrested are Gerald Frank Ciesco, 49, of Minneapolis; James Warren Garner, 43, of Rice; Robert Allen Keltner, 65, of Coon Rapids; Stacie Michelle Condos, 38, of St. Cloud; Jeremy Ralph Robasse, 45, of St. Cloud; and Tyler Wayne Erb, 34, of St. Cloud.

The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force was assisted by the Stearns County Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office including the FBI SWAT Team, the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, the Minneapolis Police Department, the St. Cloud Police Department and the Stearns County and Benton County sheriff’s offices.

This is an ongoing investigation.

The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of investigators from the St. Cloud and Sartell police departments along with deputies from Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Todd and Morrison counties.

Police Report

mals le Ani of the a S l l A ndants th Desceic Juror Fai Icon

~ LARGE, RICE, MN AREA ~

Registered Holstein Milking Herd & Springing Heifer Dispersal

Sauk Rapids Police Department Sept. 28 to Oct. 4

D ee p with SPedigrees Produuperior ction

Sept. 28, 4:09 p.m. – A male caller reported he was receiving phone calls from an unknown male who said he owed money for drugs. The caller reported the male did not know where he lives nor his name but wanted to be sure he was safe. The officer advised the caller that if he did not do anything wrong and if the person calling him did not know his name or address, he need not worry.

Mak Make e Plans No Y w from tour Selectio to h ns i s W R e n ow n Herorld d

h or t Fresr Sale s u J y Man Soon afte ires Due e to Top Sd Tim the Bree of

We will sell the following at auction located 4 miles north of Rice, MN on County Tar #21 (25th Ave. NW) to farm #16699; or being 3.5 miles east of Royalton, MN on County Tar #26 (Nature Road), then 1.3 miles south on County #53 (210th Ave.) and County 21 (25th Ave. NW) to farm #16699. Follow the Mid-American Auction Co. signs; roads will be plainly marked.

Friday, October 23,

2020

Sept. 28 4:27 p.m. – A female caller reported she received a call from an individual requesting her to go to her bank and withdraw $1,500 in cash. Then, she was instructed to keep $100 and mail $1,400 in a book to 696 S. Main St., Randolph, Massachusetts. The caller mailed the package but was then requested to mail a second book with $3,000 in it. The caller’s bank became suspicious and told her it was a scam. Sauk Rapids police contacted the Randolph Police Department in Massachusetts, which was going to attempt to intercept the package.

SALE TIME: 11:00 A.M. Boser’s Lunch Wagon

117 of America’s Finest Will Sell Under Cover in the “Faith In Your Future” Schmitt Dairy Dispersal Sale Highlights and Reference Dams

NOTE: Mid-American Auction Co is honored to conduct the Schmitt Dairy complete milking herd and springing heifer sale. For three generations the Schmitt family has enjoyed the dairy lifestyle and sharing it with others. They have been welcoming hosts to farm camps, local, state, national and international farm tours. The Schmitt’s have opened their home to summer interns and international dairy exchange students over the years. All females featured in this dispersal are descendants of the world renown RALMA JUROR FAITH-EX91 who’s pedigree has influenced Holsteins worldwide. She was nominated for 2009 Global Cow of the Year. In 2011, her daughter RALMA CHRISTMAS FUDGE won the honor. 90% of the herd trace back to this Durham daughter. The Schmitt’s have bred 63 Gold Medal dams, 52 Dams of Merit as well as 122 EX and 567 VG animals. Their BAA is 109.3 with 14 EX and 42 Very Good cows standing in the barn today. Six cows are on the top 10,000 Cow Locater list. The current #3 proven sire, Rocketfire, has 7 generations of Ralma breeding in his pedigree.

The exceptional type and production of this herd is evident in the RHA of 2x 30,330 pounds of milk, 1166 pounds fat and 901 pounds of protein. 28 cows recently tested over 100 pounds with the current tank average at 92 pounds. SCC averages at or below 100,000. Selling will be over 60 head in only their first or second lactations. Selling 5 cows with records over 40,000. Timed perfectly, there will be 30 head fresh in the past 60 days, with another 23 due sale time through December. All cows in the barn have been switch cows as heifers making their transition to freestall facilities much easier.

Ralma Juror Faith-EX 91 GMD DOM: 4-02 2x 365d 47,860M4.5% 2,165F 3.1% 1,497P 2009 Global Cow of the Year nominee.

All sale animals descend from this iconic cow who’s genetics have influenced registered Holsteins across the globe.

She has 8 EX and 21 VG daughters.

Oct. 3 8:40 p.m. – Law enforcement was dispatched to Shell Gas Station after a reported theft of over $3,000 in cigarettes. The theft was reported to have occurred within a seven-hour period. Law enforcement gathered information from an offsite manager who had access to cameras remotely.

Breeding focus has been on feet and legs, udders, production and family lines. Service sires include but not limited to: Helix, Doorman, King Royal, Rubicon, Delta, Frazzled, King Boy, Imax, Crush, Spring, Delta Lambda, King Doc Hotline, Doctor, Paco, Tropic. All sale animals are 100% home-bred. Many dam and daughter pairs sell. Excellent herd health program in place for decades, Level II Johnnes free, hooves trimmed regularly. If you are searching for your next herd favorite, we strongly urge you to order your catalog today and make plans now to attend the Schmitt Dairy/Ralma Holsteins milking herd dispersion.

There are cattle on this sale that will fit into any type of operation. Prior inspection welcome by appointment beginning Monday, October 19th. For your catalog please phone (320) 760-2979 or view online at www.midamericanauctioninc.com. Online bidding available through cowbuyer.com.

Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 19, assists 10, medical calls 10, suspicious activity reports 10, thefts 8, permit to purchase requests 7, disturbances 7, warnings 7, harassment calls 6, welfare checks 6, animal complaints 5, animal license requests 5, fire calls 5, fraud complaints 5, human services reports 4, missing person reports 4, alarms 3, child calls 3, lift assists 3, traffic stops 3, civil complaints 2, driving reports 2, escorts 2, traffic hazards 2 and trespassing calls 2.

She Sells Ralma Christmas Fudge-ET VG-88 @2 yrs old GMD DOM: 2-02 2x 365d 31,810M 4.1% 1292F 3.1% 1027P 2011 Global Cow of the Year. 90% of the animals selling are descendents of this Durham daughter of Juror Faith. Fudge has 13 EX and 30 VG daughters.

Ralma Headliner Jackpot-ET EX-91 2E: Records to 41,082M, 5.5% 2273F, 3.0% 1245P. Senior 4-yr old state leader for fat. Six milking daughters and a Frazzled springing heifer selling. 1 EX and 4 VG daughters. Three daughters with three records over 40,000.

Ralma Sept Storm Crystal-ET EX-94 2E GMD, DOM: 7-02 2x 365d 45,380M 4.6% 2100F, 2.7% 1225P 2011 Jr All-American Aged Cow 12 descendents selling. 1EX and 6 VG.

Ralma Bolton Celebrate-ET EX-90: 4-09 2x 365d 34410M 4.2% 1458F 3.0% 1021P 6 descendents selling 2 EX and 2 VG.

Ralma Acelrenown Jolly VG-86: This VG 3 yr old sells fresh 6-12-20 and bred to King Doc. She is backed by 10 generations of VG or EX homebred animals. Her dam Joy also sells 7-05 305d 31,665M 4.3% 1359F, 3.1% 996P.

She Sells

She Sells

She Sells

Ralma Goldwyn Clarinet-ET EX-91 2E: 5-09 2x 365d 40,080M 4.6% 1862F 3.0% 1200P Dam of Ralma Baxter Trumpet-ET. Top proven bull at Semex. 29 descendents selling with high production and type. An EX-92 pt granddaughter with records to 46,592#m selling.

Ralma Delta Sweetie: GTPI 2786. Selling fresh 7-14-20 and ready to flush.

She’s backed by 10 generations of VG or EX homebred dams. Three offspring have tested ranging from 2900 to 2876 GTPI. Exceptional transmitting abilities.

MID-AMERICAN AUCTION CO., INC.

Ralma Highly Deluxe EX-91: 2-00 2x 304d 27333M 3.7% 1012F 2.9% 798P This Ex-91pt 3 year old High Octane daughter sells as Lot #3 due 12-20-20 to King Doc.

Ralma Pety Suds EX-92 @ 4-04: 3-00 2x 352d 28,250M 4.7% 1330F 3.6% 1012P. Fresh 6-20-20. Milking 140 pounds second test. Bred to sexed King Doc. Selling as Lot #1.

Ralma Willpower Twix EX-94 2-E: 4-11 2x 365d 26,968M 4.5% 1212F 3.3% 898P Raised to EX-94 in August. Bred to King Doc. Selling as Lot #4.

Plus many more fancy young deep pedigreed cows influenced by Juror Faith dams backed by generations of Outstanding, Excellent and VG cows and sired by and in service to the breeds most elite sires.

SCHMITT DAIRY

16699 25th Ave. NW Rice, Minnesota

Mark and Al Schmitt,

Owners

Farm (320) 393-2999 | Mark (320) 247-9543 | Al (320) 309-3353

COLS. AL WESSEL - LIC. NO. 77-60 PH. 320-547-2206 (Sale Day: 320-760-2979)

KEVIN WINTER - LIC. NO. 77-18 PH. 320-352-3803 (Sale Day: 320-760-1593)

ALLEN HENSLIN - PH. 320-979-1808, AUCTIONEERS

Follow Ralma Holsteins on Facebook for sale updates. Email: schmittdairy@jetup.net TERMS: CASH or GOOD CHECK. No credit or debit cards. If credit is desired, make arrangements with your credit agent prior to sale. Out of area buyers please have letter of credit. Purchases in excess of $5,000 must be accompanied with a bank letter of credit. Titles on all titled items will be processed once checks have cleared purchaser’s bank. Everything sold as is, no warranties given or implied. Nothing removed until settlement has been made. While we believe everything stated hereon to be correct as to age and description, anything stated day of sale by owners or auctioneers will take precedence over all printed materials. Owners, auctioneers, clerks or their helpers are not responsible for accidents. All information stated hereon is provided by the owner, Mid-American Auction Co., Inc. makes no warranty as to its accuracy.

MID-AMERICAN AUCTION COMPANY, INC. Celebrating 49 Years of Professional Service with Proven Experience

STEVE PETERSON - PH. 218-849-2238, ALAN GRAVES - PH. 712-574-6120, HOLSTEIN USA www.midamericanauctioninc.com

R41-1-B-MK

Ralma Christmas Cookie-ET VG-89 DOM: 2-06 2x 365d 28710M, 4.5% 1297F, 3.2% 913P Cookie scored VG-89 in her first lactation. She is the start to 4 consecutive generations of 89 point 2 yr olds. Dam of Ralma Gold Crown-ET EX-90. Top proven bull at Select Sires.

15 offspring selling.

Rice Police Department Sept. 24 to Oct. 4

She Sells

Oct. 1 9:59 a.m. – Law enforcement was dispatched to an injury crash at Highway 10 and Division Street North. The crash involved a car versus semitruck.

All occupants of the car and semi were conscious but injured. The semitruck driver had a visible bump on his forehead and was confused about what happened. The juvenile female was conscious but had a visibly broken right leg. Her father, in the passenger seat, had severe neck pain. Law enforcement tended to all parties until rescue and Mayo Clinic Ambulance personnel arrived.

The Minnesota State Patrol conducted the investigation.

Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 10, records check 4, agency assist 3, medical calls 3, animal complaints 2, permits 3 and traffic stops 2.

Page 10 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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Page 12 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

PUBLIC NOTICES

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, September 21, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, September 21, 2020 at five thirty p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, and Director of Food Service Wiese. Board Director Hauck arrived at 6:36 p.m.

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

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

PUBLIC INPUT At 5:58 p.m. Anna Hinkemeyer from the Sauk Rapids Herald addressed the Board regarding her departure from the Sauk Rapids Herald she wished them well and thanked them for their service. In addition, district parent and community member, Olivia Kolbe, addressed the Board of Education to introduce herself and let them know she had filed for candidacy for a seat on the Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education.

ACTION APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES AGREEMENT A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the Director of Business Services Agreement for Tracey Fiereck, which is effective September 14, 2020 through June 30, 2023 in accordance with the individual At Will Employee Agreement provided. This position will support the District’s 700+ staff members and 4,500 students with district-related business and financial functions.

APPROVAL OF THE 2020 PAY 2021 LEVY CERTIFICATION A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the certification to the maximum allowed. The initial certification was requested and approved on September 21, 2020. The final levy will be certified at the December 14, 2020 Board meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DATE AND TIME

A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the Truth in Taxation hearing date and time. Notice has been set to Benton County regarding the date and time of the District’s “Truth in Taxation” hearing for 2020. This notice will be printed on individual tax statements and sent to property owners in the district. The hearing will be held during the regular Board meeting on Monday, December 14, 2020 beginning at seven o’clock p.m.

ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried in a Roll Call Vote, by a margin of six with Hauck absent, to adopt the resolution to approve the purchase agreement to acquire certain real property outlined by the documents provided in order to meet the District’s future educational needs.

APPROVAL OF PLEASANTVIEW ELEMENTARY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the bid acceptance amount(s) and contractors based on the results of the bid opening September, 3, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. and the bid review/verification.

APPROVAL OF PLEASANTVIEW ELEMENTARY CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE CARRIER A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the builder’s risk insurance from insurance carrier Hanover for the new Pleasantview Elementary construction. The offers obtained from Traveler’s and Hanover were similar in price (<$200 +/-), Hanover was selected as the carrier of choice as the company currently covers the property.

APPROVAL OF THE USDA FOOD WAIVER FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the use of the USDA Food Waiver for the National School Lunch Program, which offers free meals for students. Superintendent Bergstrom reiterated the USDA set aside a finite amount of funding, which may end during the school year, which would result in families switching to a pay for meals program during the year and may result in some cost to the District.

APPROVAL TO EXTEND THE DISTRICT’S STRATEGIC PLAN A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the extension of the District’s Strategic Plan, which includes the District’s Mission and Vision, Core Beliefs, and six district initiatives. Students, families, staff, and community members were actively engaged in the initial process.

AUTHORIZATION FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO THE LEARNING MOD-

EL AS NECESSARY/APPROPRIATE A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Hauck and unanimously approved by Roll Call Vote to authorize the Board of Education, with consideration of the Superintendent’s recommendation, to select and implement a different Learning Model for the School District or any specific school buildings. This authorization will require the Board of Education to take action at a Board Meeting or Special Board meeting if the implementation of a different Learning Model is necessary.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. The Minnesota School Board Association recommends the Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda.

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #808 A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adopt the COVID-19 Face Covering Policy #808. This new policy supports Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-81 and therefore requires only one reading prior to adoption.

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #706 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #706 (Gift Acceptance) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #706 (Gift Acceptance).

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #801 A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #801 (Equal Access to School Facilities) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #801(Equal Access to School Facilities).

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #802 A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #802 (Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #802 (Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material).

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #805 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #805 (Waste Reduction and Recycling) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #805 (Waste Reduction and Recycling).

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-41-1B

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, September 30, 2020 A special meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at five thirty p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were

Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, and PV Principal Froiland.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”.

APPROVAL OF THE PLEASANTVIEW ELEMENTARY LEARNING MODEL A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve returning to the In-Person Learning Model, which after reviewing the data is the best op-

tion for Pleasantview Elementary students and staff. The approved, In-Person Learning Model for Pleasantview Elementary School will commence on Monday, October 5, 2020.

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Solarz, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 5:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-41-1B

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, August 24, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, August 24, 2020 at seven o’clock p.m. in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Community Room.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Technology Zimpel, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, SRRHS Principal Nohner, and PV Principal Froiland.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda” as amended.

REMOVAL OF THE ASSIGNMENT OF ADVISOR/ COACHING DUTIES A motion was made by Butkowski and seconded by Morse to remove the Assignment of Advisor/Coaching Duties to an Action item.

CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda” as amended.

ACTION APPROVAL OF ASSIGNMENTS FOR ADVISOR/COACHING DUTIES: A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to approve the following Advisor/Coaching Assignments. The item was removed from the Consent Agenda in order to clarify how the 2020 – 2021 fall activities season will proceed during COVID-19.

APPROVAL FOR THE DISTRICT’S SUPERINTENDENT TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO THE LEARNING MODEL AS NECESSARY/APPROPRIATE A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and

unanimously carried to approve the District’s Superintendent, after consultation the School Board, to select and implement a different Learning Model for the School District or any specific school buildings without School Board action if the Superintendent reasonably believes that prompt implementation of a different Learning Model is necessary, and that constraints of time and public health considerations render it impractical to hold a School Board meeting to approve the implementation.

APPROVAL OF THE REVISED 2020 – 2021 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to approve a revision to the 2020 – 2021 School Year Calendar. The proposed revision provides certified staff with 8.0 hours professional development time prior to their 08.31.20 contract start date and reduces 8.0 hours professional development/in-service time on 02.16.21.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. It is recommended by the Minnesota School Board Association that a Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda rather than in Consent.

AUTHORIZATION TO DESIGNATE THE IDENTIFIED OFFICIAL WITH AUTHORITY (IOwA) A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to authorize Bradley D. Bergstrom, the District’s Superintendent, to act as the Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools.

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #418 A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #418 (Drug-Free Work Place) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #418 (Drug-Free Work Place).

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #707 A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #707 (Transportation of Public School Students) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #707 (Transportation of Public School Students).

ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #708

A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #708 (Non-Public Transportation) is a “recommended policy” and would replace current policy #708 (Non-Public Transportation).

ADDENDUM APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL TIME A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the following personnel additions necessary to re-open schools in accordance with the District’s Safe Learning Plan.

APPROVAL OF BUSINESS SERVICES CONSULTANT CONTRACT A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the Business Services Consultant Agreement for JoAnn Landwehr, which would be effective August 24, 2020 through approximately October 16, 2020 or until the Director of Business Services position is filled. This consultant position will perform the duties of the Director of Business Services.

APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL DELEGATES OF AUTHORITY A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to approve the following District employees as additional delegates of authority to make electronic fund transfers and transact business under the laws of the state or jurisdiction where the District is located; Business Services Consultant Landwehr and the Superintendent Bergstrom, these proposed delegates of authority are in addition to previously authorized District Controller Pelzer. This approval was requested in the interim period until a new Director of Business Services is in place.

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-41-1B

PUBLIC NOTICES BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 15, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Warren Peschl, Jake Bauerly, Ed Popp and Spencer Buerkle present and Commissioner Steve Heinen absent (excused). Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Peschl/Popp unanimous to approve the amended agenda—add item: reappoint Cindy Voit to the Benton County Park Commission (Consent Agenda item #9); move Consent Agenda items #6 and #7 to the Regular Agenda.

No one was present to speak under Open Forum.

Bauerly/Popp unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of September 2, 2020 as written; 3) approve minor final plat entitled “Thompson Village” in Watab Township, submitted by Raymond Thompson, and authorize the Chair to sign the final plat; 4) approve fiveyear contract with Schneider Geospatial for web-based permitting program, and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) adopt Resolution 2020-#30, approving Application for Premises Permit, as requested by the Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, to conduct charitable gambling at Wapicada Golf Club, 4498 – 15th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve Application for MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Sauk Rapids Tinville Lions to hold a raffle at Rollie’s, 940 – 35th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, on October 11, 2020; and 9) appoint Cindy Voit to the Benton County Park Commission beginning July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, representing Commissioner District 3.

Heather Bondhus, Senior Deputy Auditor, addressed Chair Buerkle’s questions relating to election items on today’s agenda. She explained how the decision was made as to who would serve on the Absentee Ballot Board for the 2020 general election—the Auditor-Treasurer desires to appoint her staff to this board; staff will have completed the required election judge training prior to serving on the board. Bondhus added that, with the current pandemic, it may be desirable to limit exposures by utilizing internal staff; to her knowledge, there has been no pushback from the public to appointing staff to serve on the ballot board.

She also addressed other election items—security, chain of custody for ballots, what might cause a ballot to be rejected, and when absentee ballots are opened and tabulated.

Bauerly/Peschl unanimous to approve the appointment of absentee ballot board members for the 2020 general election—Nadean Inman, Julia Robak, Heather Bondhus, Christy Bosshart, Tonya Ray, Cheryl Walker, Amy Traut and Sharrie Beckers (Consent Agenda item #6); also to approve the Joint Powers Agreement between the State of Minnesota Secretary of State and Benton County for the State General Election Recount, and authorize the Chair to sign (Consent Agenda item #7).

The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider the minor final plat entitled “Luckys Place” in St. George Township, submitted by Gordon and Janet Hansmeier. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, explained that the request is to plat three single family lots; one of the lots has an existing home on it and each of the lots is over ten acres in size. She stated that the lots will need to be served by a local alternative septic system as they do not meet the minimum requirements for a standard Type I septic; a deed restriction is required for lots that are subject to an alternative septic system so that future buyers are aware of the maintenance that will be required. Achman pointed out that St. George Township has approved the preliminary plat. The public hearing was opened at 9:21 AM. With no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:22 AM. Peschl noted that this is marginal farmland; the Planning Commission recommends County Board approval. Bauerly/Peschl unanimous to approve the final plat of “Luckys Place”, as recommended by the Planning Commission, and authorize the Chair to sign the final plat.

Mark Pappenfus, Public Works Director for the City of Foley, explained that the City of Foley was awarded a Benton County SCORE Grant in Quarter 1 of 2020 for the yearly grinding of the brush at the city compost site; the application was filled out incorrectly, so that grant was returned back to the county. He stated that a subsequent application was approved in June 2020—a $7,500 SCORE Grant with a $2,500 city responsibility. Pappenfus stated that the contractor who the city had to grind their pile moved out of the area by the time the new grant was awarded, and the brush pile has grown considerably in size this summer; the current estimate to grind the current brush pile this fall is about $14,000. He stated that the city is requesting an additional $3,750 in SCORE funding (this would equate to a total SCORE grant in the amount of $11,250 and City of Foley responsibility of $3,750). Popp/ Peschl unanimous to approve the additional SCORE funding request from the City of Foley for compost grinding at the city’s compost facility.

Achman reported that about 500 cars participated in Amnesty Day in Foley on September 12th, about 1/3 of those being duplicates (dropped off items, went home and came back with more items). She noted that staff received many compliments on this service; overall, the event went very well.

Chris Byrd, County Engineer, provided history on

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | Page 13

Rook Road in Minden Township, which lies on a parcel that went tax forfeiture in 2014; it appears that no one has maintained this road for over 20 years. He explained that a portion of Rook Road was “taken over” by MNDOT when TH 23 was expanded to four lanes (known as Buck Road at that time); a frontage road was constructed over the top of a portion of Rook Road and this frontage road was turned back to the township in 1997. Byrd pointed out that the portion of Rook Road that exists today was outside of the construction in 1996; this portion of road was a private road that served an old farmstead. He stated that, after the TH 23 construction in 1996, the land that road was on transferred from private ownership to several entities, ending up with Waters Edge Development LLC, who ultimately let the parcel go tax forfeit in July of 2013. Byrd asked the question—if the private road goes to tax forfeit, who maintains the road? He noted that this road does serve two residences and a business (Lamar Signs); it never was a county road and he would suggest not making it a county road. Peschl commented “...whosever township it’s in...they should take care of it...” Bauerly stated “...I think the county should overlay it and then turn it back to the township...there’s a business and two residences there...by default, I think it’s township after we improve it...” Michelle Meyer, Assistant County Attorney, stated “...this is private land...it’s not subject to the turnback provisions of a public road... the land is initially sold to the state in a tax judgement sale and subject to redemption rights of the private property owner...once that time period expires, the title vests solely with the state and the property is held in trust for the taxing entities...it’s then put on the county to manage and administer these tax-forfeited properties...classifying property... maintaining and managing the property...we could try to sell it privately or reclassify the property to remain in public ownership... we do have some authority to manage and spend tax forfeited funds...we can do some maintenance on roads without assuming the responsibility of continuing maintenance...even though it’s private property, there are, potentially, some rights that the residences could retain as an easement through that property (the business has another available secondary access)...technically, the state owns the property...they could give it to the county if the county wanted to keep it...” Steve Simones, Minden Township Supervisor, commented “...if a road is not recorded, it is not a road...it’s a private driveway...the township has not maintained it...it’s never been considered a road by the postal service, or by Minden Township, or by the County... even if it’s been tax-forfeited back to the county...” Mark Ebnet, Maintenance Superintendent, stated “...with the City of St. Cloud being out that far, why wouldn’t we look at giving it to the City of St. Cloud...they are looking at annexing that piece anyway within five years...” Byrd added “...regardless if it was a public road or not, we have deed transfers that went tax forfeited...we need to make a decision going forward...there may be a process where the county can apply to the state to take that over as county land if we so desire...” Meyer pointed out “...the county would be able to utilize tax forfeited sale funds to do some grading of that road if the county auditor made that request to the Board or the surrounding property owners did...you would be allowed to do that without taking over any ownership...or asking the state for the county to receive those lands...you do have immediate ability to do some grading of that land...” Byrd asked the question—are we willing to spend county dollars to do something to this road and not anticipating getting any refund back? Simones stated “...if the county takes this road over and improves it and wants to turn it back to the township, that has to be improved to a 9-ton road...and maintained for two years by the county...”

Popp commented “...maybe give it to the two residences that are back there...and they can get together with Lamar Signs...let them have it as a private driveway...” Ebnet clarified “...this isn’t the only road that we are going to have issues within Minden Township...whatever you guys do on this road could set a precedent...” Meyer offered to draft some guidance for the Board, including a snapshot of the processes that would need to be followed for various options for the roadway going forward; the Board will schedule a Committee of the Whole to discuss this issue further.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:54 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting.

The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:56 AM. Jackie Traut, Accounting Supervisor, explained that, in August, the President issued an Executive Order allowing certain payroll taxes to be deferred. She stated that additional guidance released in late August makes it clear that the taxes are only deferred, not forgiven, and employees would be required to pay the taxes during the first few months of 2021 (January through April). Traut noted that the employer is not required to offer this tax deferral; at this time, staff is recommending that it not be offered. She stated concerns about problematic tax implications for some employees down the line as well as the fact that the County would be ultimately responsible for paying the tax in 2021.

Bauerly/Popp unanimous to approve the recommendation of staff that the County opt not to proceed with processing tax deferrals on payroll taxes for employee payroll dates on and after September 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Monty Headley, County Administrator, summarized the major factors in the proposed 2021 budget and levy per consensus of the Board from recent Committee of the Whole meetings: • The proposed 2021 levy increases 0.5%, or $100,597 from 2020, to a total property tax levy of $20,219,966

• With this proposed change for 2021, the 10-year average levy change for Benton County is a 0.15% increase (the proposed 2021 levy is $269,460 higher than it was 10 years ago) • The proposed levy keeps the increase below the 6.2% expected growth in the County’s payable 2021 tax capacity, which translates into a reduced County tax rate in 2021; the estimated 2021 County tax rate will fall from 58.45% to 55.31% of tax capacity (down from a peak of 77.74% in 2013) • The proposed 2021 operating budget totals $42,182,345, a decrease of $2,844,237, or a 6.3% reduction from 2020 • The proposed levy increase is comprised of the following major elements: o Employee compensation and benefits $925,888 o Declining inmate boarding revenue 186,000 o Use all County Program Aid for levy reduction (475,000) o Delayed equipment purchases (380,801) o Use reserves to reduce levy (360,497) o All other operating and capital budget changes 205,007 Total Levy Change for 2021 $100,597 • No new positions are added for 2021 Headley reviewed the summary of funding to outside agencies as well as an update on 2021 budget reduction options. He also explained “...the 2021 base budget and levy assumed about a 3.3% increase in health insurance premiums...I’ve learned over the last couple of days from our broker that it might need to be more than that...what they are hearing...four of the seven counties...members of the Collaborative...have experienced substantial reliance upon their reinsurance coverage...Preferred One is telling them that they need some pretty substantial increases in the reinsurance premium portion...our broker is negotiating with Preferred One to try to get this reinsurance premium down...if they are not able to successfully negotiate... they want to take this to market...put out an RFP and see if other reinsurance carriers will bid on this coverage...options may include using reserves in our reinsurance fund... or increasing the threshold when reinsurance kicks in...a premium recommendation will be brought to the County Board no later than the last meeting in October...” Peschl/ Popp unanimous to adopt Resolution 2020-#31, a Resolution setting the proposed 2021 levy at $20,219,966, and authorize the Chair to sign. Popp/Bauerly unanimous to adopt Resolution 2020-#32, a Resolution establishing the proposed 2021 Benton County budget as presented, and authorize the Chair to sign.

Chair Buerkle announced that the Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Truth in Taxation public meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Benton County Board Room.

Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county.

Under Commissioner Concerns, Bauerly raised the issue of possible refinancing of bonds by the county. There was consensus of the Board for Administrator Headley to pursue this issue with the county’s bond advisor. Bauerly also commented on how remote work is changing transportation patterns.

Peschl/Popp unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: October 5, Human Services; October 7, Further Discussion on Rook Road in Minden Township/Further Discussion on Federal CARES Funding.

Bauerly/Popp unanimous to adjourn at 10:39 AM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-41-1B Monday, September 14, 2020 WORK SESSION MINUTES District Office Board Room 5:30 p.m.

A Work Session of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Technology Zimpel, SRRHS Principal Nohner, SRRMS Principal Messerich, MHES Principal Peterson, Rice Principal Paasch, PV Principal Froiland, SRRHS Assistant Principal Logrono, and MHES Assistant Principal Foley.

AGENDA APPROVAL A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the Work Session Agenda as written.

WORK STUDY TOPICS Safe Learning Plan Update Strategic Planning Overview Enrollment Update ADJOURNMENT With no further Work Session topics appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-41-1B

SPORTS

Page 16 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Winter sports play on

BROOKLYN CENTER – The remainder of the Minnesota State High School League’s activities calendar came into view Oct. 1. The good news is winter sports will proceed.

The board approved a winter activities season that extends the length of the traditional competitive season but trims contest dates by 30%. By reducing the number of contests, teams will have flexibility to postpone and reschedule should activities be interrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks and concerns. Scrimmages and preseason jamborees are not allowed under the decision.

The plan also reduced overlap in seasons which benefits the start of spring athletic seasons as it provides those athletes a full experience in these sports while minimizing exposure risks.

In the spring, most activities will be pushed forward one week from their traditional start dates. Softball and track and field will be pushed forward two weeks while lacrosse will stay the same.

MSHSL to allow indoor spectators

BROOKLYN CENTER – The Minnesota State High School League updated member schools with information for spectators of indoor activities to align with the MDE guidance. Under the MDE revised guidance, two fans per participant will be allowed to attend indoor events. Prior to the updated guidance, no spectators were allowed.

The updated guidance is effective immediately, but member schools will determine implementation and have the option of implementing stricter guidelines.

The newly-released guidelines apply to all indoor sports, concerts, plays, competitions, performances and any similar events that have spectators. The guidance is specific to events that take place in school buildings or facilities where instruction takes place. Events at these facilities must abide by the following parameters: – Each team or group at an indoor event is allowed up to a total allocation of two spectators per participant. Spectators must be separated by at least 6 feet between households or groups and event spaces cannot exceed 25% of total capacity.

Small venues may only allow for an allocation of one spectator or less per participant.

– For indoor events where 12 feet cannot be maintained between participants and spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count. No venue may exceed a capacity of 250 spectators.

– Spectators are only allowed at official competitions or events. If the participants are young children that may need adult support to dress, use the restroom, or otherwise participate in a practice or rehearsal, each participant may have one support person attend. If a participant has a medical need for additional adult support, then that support person is allowed at practices or rehearsals.

– School districts and charter schools must require advanced reservations and/or ticketing (electronic or will call). Walk-up sales will not be allowed. The gathering of names, phone numbers and/or email addresses must be collected as part of the reservation so that quick notification can be done if an individual develops COVID-19.

– Schools must schedule arrival times for longer than their typical duration to minimize the congregation of spectators waiting. They must establish staggered admission times, entry times and durations to minimize overlap and congregating of spectators at access points, security check points, admission areas, concession areas, etc.

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We’re able to remember what they did and how that helped them, so we can learn from them.”

SRR won 5-2 over Sartell Oct. 8 and continue

BY EVAN MICHEALSON onward in the consolation STAFF WRITER bracket. The Storm take on Rocori at 4 p.m. Tuesday, The second round of Oct. 13, in Cold Spring.

Singles: No. 1 Karasch 0-6, the Section 8AA girls tennis playoffs saw two teams 1-6, No. 2 Davidson 1-6, 4-6, No. at different levels of devel- 3 Roesch 4-6, 2-6 and No. 4 Isaopment square off on the belle Haddy 2-6, 2-6. Doubles: No. 1 Addison Bemboomcourt.

Alyssa Meyer 0-6, 4-6, No. 2 On one side, there Bailee Bonebright-McKinsey was Collision, rostering a group of girls trying to reach their potential. On the other side, there was the Foley Falcons, reigning section semifinalists and Granite Ridge ConferThe stakes were high ence champions.

Foley used depth and when the Minnesota Viexperience to fight past the kings selected Louisiana Collision 7-0 Oct. 6 at Fol- State University wide receiver Justin Jefferson ey High School in Foley.

“I’m really proud of 22nd overall in this year’s how our team performed,” draft. Because he was acsaid Brynn Karasch, junior quired using the draft pick captain. “We showed a lot the Vikings received when of growth from the begin- they traded star-receiver ning of the season. Foley is Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo a tough competitor, and we Bills, Jefferson was going competed well with them.” to need to step up and be Karasch battled effective right away or the Brooke Beier at first sin- Vikings offense was going gles and ultimately lost in to have a huge hole in the two sets, 6-0, 6-1, while production of their passing Cailey Davidson’s attempt game. Through four weeks, at a second singles rally Jefferson has exceeded all fell short in a 6-1, 6-4 de- reasonable expectations.

Jefferson leads rookfeat.

One of the longest ies with 348 receiving matches of the day was a yards, and he registered third singles showdown over 100 yards receiving in between Collision’s Grace each of his first two starts Roesch and Foley’s Alaina in weeks three and four.

Hageman. Hageman even- Heading into the draft, he tually achieved a 6-4, 6-2 was touted as an excellent victory, but Roesch kept route runner with a big frame and good hands, but the Falcon hustling.

“There were a lot of there were concerns he was long volleys back and best suited to line up in the forth, and she didn’t give slot (where Adam Thielen up on any shot,” Karasch already thrives), and he said. “She’s been learning did not possess the highhow to hit different lobs end speed needed to conand even a slice shot. It sistently make big chunk looked like she was using plays downfield. However, that a lot and that was help- Jefferson has shown he can get clean releases and ing her.”

Collision’s double separation when lined up duos also left the court outside, and he has proven with losses, but this nega- he is far more than a postive result could serve as session receiver with his a motivator for the Sauk impressive average of 7.9 Rapids-Rice-Apollo girls yards after the catch.

Interestingly enough, moving forward.

“I think we can grow,” there has only been one Karasch said. “We’ve seen rookie receiver in the last

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Newbanks 1-6, 3-6 and No. 3 Elizabeth Ernst-Gabby Jaskolka 6-7(4), 6-0.

Collision 5, Sartell 2 Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar opponent to kickstart winning ways.

Every Collision singles performer recorded a victory, and the third doubles duo of Ernst and Jaskolka grinded out a 5-7, 6-4, 10-5 win as the team advanced further into the Section 8AA tournament with a 5-2 over Sartell Oct. 1 at Apollo High School in St. Cloud.

Roesch led the way with a crisp 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles, while Karasch, Davidson and Haddy all earned two-set triumphs of their own.

The SRR-Apollo win is their second against Sartell during the fall campaign.

Singles: No. 1 Karasch 6-0, 6-4, No. 2 Davidson 6-1, 6-3, No. 3 Roesch 6-1, 6-1 and No. 4 Haddy 6-2, 6-3. Doubles: No. 1 Meyer-Bemboom 4-6, 4-6, No. 2 Bonebright-Newbanks 2-6, 5-7 and No. 3 Ernst-Jaskolka 5-7, 6-4, 10-5.

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Collision move to consolation after loss to Foley

SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER

17 years to accumulate more receiving yards than Jefferson through their first four games: Stefon Diggs.

While Diggs is thriving in Buffalo with the red hot 4-0 Bills, the Vikings have to be thrilled with the outcome of this trade.

They cleared out a massive amount of cap space over the next four years by replacing a pro bowl-caliber player like Diggs with a player on a rookie contract, and that money is going to be critical in keeping the team competitive moving forward. There are not many players on the Minnesota roster who are both cheap and effective anymore. Hitting the jackpot on the Jefferson pick was huge for the Vikings.

With last Sunday’s win in Houston, the Vikings now have an outside chance of saving their season. If you squint hard enough at their first four games, you can start to see some reasons for optimism despite the team’s disappointing 1-3 record. Green Bay and Tennessee are both undefeated teams that made the

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conference championship games last season. They are legitimate, contending teams and losing to them does not necessarily mean your team is awful. Yes, those losses were at home at U.S. Bank Stadium, but is there really much of a home field advantage this season when fans are not allowed into the building?

The road loss to the 3-1 Indianapolis Colts also does not look as bad in hindsight. The Colts have the best defense in the NFL by far through four weeks, ranking first in both yards allowed per game with 236.3 (which leads the rest of the league by a whopping 53.7 yards per game) and points per game with 14 (which leads the rest of the league by 3.5 points per game). Not many teams are going to do well with a schedule where they play the Packers, Colts and Titans in consecutive weeks.

The problem is things are not going to get any easier next Sunday night, when the Vikings travel to Seattle to play the explosive and undefeated Seahawks. This game is going to be a huge test for the Vikings defense, because Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is playing at an MVP level. He is averaging 321 passing yards and four touchdown passes per game, and that is terrifying considering the state of the Vikings secondary and defensive line. If the Vikings want any chance of upsetting the Seahawks, they are going to need to win a shootout and get another big game from Justin Jefferson. If the Vikings can somehow escape the Pacific Northwest with a win, they will be right back in the playoff picture. If not, they will head to Green Bay Nov. 1 with a good chance of falling to 1-5 and being dead in the water.

SPORTS

Page 18 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Public Notices WATAB TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Watab Township Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on October 20, 2020, at the Watab Township Hall beginning at 7:00 pm. The Planning Commission will hear the following request:

Subdivision of property owned by Raymond Thompson into 2 lots and 1 out-lot to be identified as “Thompson Village.”

Parcel numbers: 12.00121.01 and 12.00125.00.

Anyone wishing to be heard with reference to the above will be heard at this meeting.

Posted Thursday, October 1, 2020 Kathy Sauer Watab Township Clerk R-41-1B SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SAUK RAPIDS-RICE HIGH SCHOOL BAS 1835 OSAUKA ROAD NORTHEAST SAUK RAPIDS, MINNESOTA 56379 Independent School District #47 will receive single prime sealed bids for Sauk Rapids-Rice HS BAS until 2:00pm local time on October 27, 2020 at the Independent School District #47 District Office, 1833 Osauka Road Northeast, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, 56379, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Please enter through Door #2.

Bidding documents, including the Proposal Form, Drawings and Specifications, will be on file at the Minnesota Builders Exchange; McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge Plan Center; Reed Construction; iSqFt Plan Room (St. Paul, Minnesota), The Blue Book Building and Construction Network; from PlanWell at https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/Secures/PWELL_PrivateList.aspx?PrjType=pub, and St. Cloud Builders Exchange.

This project includes: Upgrades to the existing Building Automation System (BAS), primarily focusing on replacement of control modules, network communication cabling, and space temperature sensors.

American Reprographics Company, 4730 Park Glen Road, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 (952) 697-8800, facsimile (952) 697-8803 will provide complete downloadable sets of the Bidding Documents to prospective bidders and subcontractors. The downloads will be available October 6, 2020. A deposit check in the amount of $25 made out to ARC for each set downloaded via the internet at https://www.e-arc. com/location/st-louis-park/ and clicking on the PlanWell icon, then the Public Plan Room icon, select Sauk Rapids-Rice High School BAS. Make proposals on the bid forms supplied in the Project Manual. No oral, telegraphic or telephonic proposals or modifications will be considered. Submit with each bid, a certified check or acceptable bidder’s bond payable to Independent School District #47 in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment Bond, and Performance Bond.

Bids may not be withdrawn within thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or to reject any or all bids, or parts of such bids, and waive informalities or irregularities in bidding.

Please note a pre-bid walkthrough will occur at 10:00am on October 19, 2020. Please meet at Door #2, 1833 Osauka Road Northeast, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, 56379.

The Owner requires Substantial Completion of the project on or before June 30, 2021.

Board of Education INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #47 R-41-2B NOTICE OF SEALED BID ON SURPLUS EQUIPMENT Lund Boat and Trailer – The City of Rice is accepting bids for a 14-foot Lund boat and trailer as is without title or registration.

To enter a bid, please include the name of the purchaser, address, phone number and the bid amount in a sealed envelope labeled “Boat Bid.” All bids must be received at City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9th, 2020.

Bids may be mailed, dropped off in person, or put in the City Drop box at 205 Main St E Rice, MN. No sale shall be consummated hereunder until the bid opening. Minimum bid is $75.00 All sales shall be final, and this property is to be sold “as is” “where is”. The bid opening is open to the public. If the highest bid is a tie, names will be placed in an envelope and a winner will be drawn. The City has the right to reject any, and all bids.

Please call the City Hall with any questions at 320-3932280.

SRR makes quarantine comeback Swim and dive defeats Willmar, falls to Moorhead

BY KAYLA ALBERS STAFF WRITER

Sauk Rapids-Rice girls swim and dive had a tough meet against Moorhead after only one meet back after the team’s quarantine Oct. 6 in Sauk Rapids. The team lost to Moorhead 96-85.

“The girls had great energy and great momentum,” said co-head coach Whitney Jendro. “Unfortunately, Moorhead was just a little bit stronger.”

The team took home four first-place finishes and six second-place finishes for the night.

Valeria Flores-Bonilla won the 200 yard freestyle in 2 minutes, 5.46 seconds. Abigail Tangen won the 500 freestyle in 5:49.03, Kaytlin Bittman won the 100 breaststroke in 1:18.99 and the 400 freestyle relay team of Tangen, Mia Lambrecht, Hayley Davis and FloresBonilla won in 3:57.78.

“Our last couple of meets

have truly been a testament to the team’s incredible work ethic and love for swimming,” Tangen said. “Our team was recently shut down due to COVID-19, but that didn’t stop us from working hard and having fun with it.”

The team competed in their last dual meet before sections against the Otters Oct. 8 in Fergus Falls.

SRR will compete in their section meet Oct. 13 at a location to be decided.

200 MR: 2. Flores-Bonilla, Bittman, Zabinski and Madeline Ziegler 2:03.61. 200 FR: 1. Flores-Bonilla 2:05.46 and 2.

Tangen 2:06. 200 IM: 2. Zabinski 2:29.10 and 4. Bittman 2:33.43.

50 FS: 3. Ziegler 27.03 and 4.

Davis 27.23. 1M Diving: 3. Sophia Markfelder 155.15 points, 4. Liberty Kosloski 143.90 and 5.

Kendra Fitzpatrick 133.30. 100 FLY: 3. Zabinski 1:08.57 and 4.

Kendal Stucke 1:10.74. 100 FS: 2. Davis 59.17, 3. Ziegler 59.31 and 5. Lauren Klein 1:01.95.

500 FS: 1. Tangen 5:49.03 and 4. Lambrecht 6:01.57. 200 FSR: 2. Davis, Ziegler, Zabinski and Tangen 1:47.27. 100 BK: 3. Flores-Bonilla 1:04.67

and 5. Ally Lucas 1:10.43. 100 BR (EX): 1. Bittman 1:18.99, 2.

Jadeyn Stover 1:19.91 and 3.

Stucke 1:23.70. 400 FSR (EX): 1. Tangen, Lambrecht, Davis and Flores-Bonilla 3:57.78 and 2. Klein, Lucas, Maya Zaske and Stover 4:14.24.

competition with 183.25 points. Tangen won the 100 butterfly in a time of 1:07.28, and Bittman won the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:20.06, followed

by Stover in second with 1:21.19 and Stucke in SRR 96, Willmar 90 The SRR meet against third with 1:22.79.

200 MR: 2. Flores-Bonilla, Willmar was close Oct. 3 Bittman, Zabinski and Tangen in Sauk Rapids. The meet 2:03.08 and 3. Ally Lucas, Stowas tied at 86 going into ver, Stucke and Klein 2:08.83. the final event. The Storm 200 FS: 1. Flores-Bonilla 2:08.40 took first and third in the and 5. Lambrecht 2:16.32. 200 400 freestyle relays to win IM: 2. Zabinski 2:31.03, 4. Bitthe meet by six points, 96- tman 2:37.92 and 5. Stucke 2:39.16. 50 FS: 2. Davis 26.94, 90.

The 400 freestyle re- 3. Ziegler 27.43 and 5. Stover lays made for an excit- 27.90. 1M Diving: 1. Kosloski ing finish for the Storm. 183.25, 4. Sophia Markfelder and 5. Kendra FitzpatThe relay team of Davis, 150.05 rick 149.30. 100 FLY: 1. TanZiegler, Zabinski and gen 1:07.28, 2. Samantha Haaf Flores-Bonilla took home 1:09.68 and 4. Zabinski 1:10.51. the win in the relay by one 100 FS: 3. Ziegler 59.86 and 4. second in a time of 3:54.02 Davis 1:00.37. 500 FS: 3. Tangen to solidify the win for SRR 5:58.54, 4. Lucas 6:01.64 and 5.

Maya Zaske 6:23.45. 200 FSR: 2. against Willmar.

The relay team of Davis, Ziegler, Hitzler and TanKlein, Stover, Ava Hit- gen 1:50.40. 100 BK: 2. Floreszler and Lambrecht took Bonilla 1:07.94, 3. Lucas 1:10.46 4. Lambrecht 1:10.71. 100 a third-place finish to help and BR: 1. Bittman 1:20.06, 2. Stover the team to a win.

1:21.19 and 3. Stucke 1:22.79.

SRR took home four 400 FSR: 1. Davis, Ziegler, other wins for the night. Zabinski and Flores Bonilla Flores-Bonilla took home 3:54.02 and 3. Klein, Stover, Hita win in the 200 freestyle zler and Lambrecht 4:14.53. in a time of 2:08.40. Kosloski won the diving

Storm moves on in section tournament SRR boys soccer defeats St. John’s Prep 4-0

BY KAYLA ALBERS | STAFF WRITER

In their first game of the section tournament Oct. 8, the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team shut out St. John’s Prep 4-0 in Sauk Rapids.

“It was great to win and see the smiles on the boys faces afterward,” said head coach Chris Rothstein.

SRR was up 1-0 at half time off of a goal by Owen Chilson, assisted by Eli Moilanen.

During the second half of the game, Leif Rudnick scored two goals off of assists by Moilanen and Gavin Emery to lead St. John’s Prep 3-0.

The final goal of the game was scored by Keegan Pham assisted by Cooper Godwin to solidify the Storm win.

“The best part was seeing Owen Chilson and Leif Rudnick get their first varsity goals ever,” Rothstein said.

SRR keeper, Eli Rudnick, was in the net and made two saves on the night. Backup keeper, Josh Tapio, played the final 20 minutes of the game and made three saves to help defeat St. John’s Prep.

SRR will move on to the next round of the section tournament and take on Tech at 5 p.m. Oct. 12 in St. Cloud.

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SRR 4, Fergus Falls 2 The Storm defeated Fergus Falls 4-2 Oct. 6 in Fergus Falls for the team’s second win of the season.

Moilanen earned the highest mark in soccer by scoring a hat trick to lead the team to victory.

The first two goals came in the first half of the game as passes from Jack Christopherson and forward Matt Trapp outside of the goalie box. Moilanen outplayed the defender and goalie with both shots to put the Storm up 2-0 at the half.

Moilanen’s third goal came off of a corner kick from Leif Rudnick during the second half of the game.

Moilanen headed the ball directly into the net. The Storm led 3-0 as Moilanen completed his hat trick.

“It’s not very often that a player scores three goals in a game,” Rothstein said. “We are very proud of him and hope he can continue to score for us in the future.”

Trapp scored the team’s final goal from a penalty kick spot to bring the team to a 4-0 lead.

Storm keeper, Eli Rudnick, made eight saves against Fergus Falls and was named the Central Lakes Conference Defensive Player of the Week last week for making 30 saves in two games.

“It means I have done my best in helping my team succeed and keeping my mistakes to a minimum,” said Eli Rudnick about the conference recognition.

Tapio, played the last 20 minutes of the game and made two saves.

In the last 10 minutes of the game, the Otters put two shots in the goal, but it was not enough to defeat the Storm.

Willmar 4, SRR 0 SRR lost 4-0 against Willmar Oct. 1 in Sauk Rapids.

“It was a tough game for us,” Rothstein said. “We had a hard time keeping possession of the ball and making chances.”

Despite a hard game for the Storm with few shots on goal, Eli Rudnick made 15 saves against Willmar.

Trapp also played a great game even though he did not score any goals, Rothstein said.

Willmar was up 1-0 against the Storm at half time and scored three more goals in the second half to walk away with the 4-0 win.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | Page 19

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Captains Hailee Cullen (from left), Darci Peterson and Kieryn Hirdler take a moment away from practice Oct. 7 inside the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School gymnasium in Sauk Rapids. The three juniors will lead the Storm varsity volleyball team.

Volleyball team pumped to get season started

BY MARK KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER

The numbers six, five and one are important numbers to remember if you are Sauk Rapids-Rice varsity volleyball fans.

The number six represents the number of seniors on this year’s squad, and 5-1 will be the offense the team plans to run under third-year head coach Karen Beckmann.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the court to play,” Beckmann said. “The girls have been dying to get on the court to play. They want the opportunity to show how hard they have been working.”

Last year’s squad finished the season 6-6 in the Central Lakes Conference and 12-16 overall, and there is a lot of optimism with this year’s group because of four returning starters, juniors Darci Peterson, Hailee Cullen and Kieryn Hirdler and senior Justus Floren.

Hirdler will be in the middle of it all. She is the lone setter and will be asked to distribute the ball to the team’s many hitters.

“She is a good leader,” Beckmann said.” She is all around a very supportive girl, and the team likes that attitude.”

Peterson will play left-side hitter and be counted on to get points in big situations. Of the returnees she had the most kills for SRR last year. The other starting left-side hitter will be Cullen.

“Darci Peterson is our go to,” Beckman said.

“She (Cullen) is pretty good at finding a spot and playing smart and finding those holes.”

The middle hitters

will be sophomore Alexis Helmin and senior Floren.

Starting at right-side hitter will be senior Kenzi Schmitz.

“We have a lot of athletes that can jump so that’s fun,” Beckmann said. “We have a team that is flexible, so I have the versatility to put these girls in different positions, which is nice too.”

Beckmann said she has two girls who could play either the libero or back row specialist for the team: sophomore Grace Urbowicz and senior Elly Von Eschen.

“We are a very hardworking, scrappy team, but we have to have good passes and be able to finish,” Beckmann said. “We are going to continue to be scrappy on our defense and hit those blocks. We have been doing it in practice for weeks.”

Beckmann said there are many adjectives to describe how pleased she has been with the character and effort of the girls in the first weeks of practice.

“I have been impressed with their hard work dedication,” she said. “They are asking to do drills. They have the drive to be successful.

I can’t wait to see how they will pull together as a team.”

There are advantages of having many girls who received valuable playing time, including running a fast offense with more quick sets which makes it difficult for opposing teams to get their blockers in position.

“I definitely have to keep it a faster pace,” Beckmann said. “It is fun to see that when they pass and the girls get super excited. Our plan is to keep it a faster-paced game.”

The schedule is filled

with quality opponents including Moorhead, Bemidji, Sartell and Brainerd to name a few. Each should provide a tough test for the Storm.

“Sartell and Brainerd are always tough teams that bring their A game,” Beckmann said.

“Our girls are anxious and excited to play them and bring their top level to the court.”

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Many key players return

Page 20 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SPORTS

In final home meet, Storm break through with bests Bentrud finishes fifth in boys varsity competition

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Small trickles of improvement have been noticeable across the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm cross-country season for head coach Sandie Lahr. With the student-athletes setting their goals and working to achieve them, development and progression have defined the Storm team.

That notion was supported by the team’s performance at their final home meet Oct. 1 against Sartell-St. Stephen and Apollo, where four runners achieved per-

sonal records at Mayhew Creek Park in Sauk Rapids.

“I thought they ran really well,” Lahr said. “It was nice to see my varsity runners step up and compete with Sartell and Apollo, because both of them have really good programs.”

Jared Bentrud was the fastest Storm runner on this day, navigating the course with a strong blend of endurance and speed and completing the competition with a time of 17 minutes, 33.2 seconds, good for fifth overall. The senior stayed toe-to-toe with Sartell-St. Stephen’s PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON Daniel Binsfeld, an allKieran Hixson pushes forward during the Sauk Rapids- too-familiar face. Binsfeld Rice triangular Oct. 1 at Mayhew Creek Park in Sauk completed the course with Rapids. Hixson ended the race in the 19th spot with a a fourth-place mark of 20:26.7 time.

17:32.8.

“They came in neckand-neck, right at the finish,” Lahr said. “He runs with him in the summer and has known him for a long time. They were right next to each other the whole race.”

Once Bentrud was finished, he stood off the side of the finish line, cheering on the runners yet to finish. Cole Gauerke recorded a 19:25.13 time in the 18th position while Kieran Hixson, Alex Ostendorf, Mason Foss, Andrew Jaeger and Jacob Blackmore followed close behind.

Foss’ 20:50.9 time and Jaeger’s 21:05.4 finFostering a sense of community. ish were both personal records, achievements that NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK • OCTOBER 4-10 arrived through desire to improve.

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Jared Bentrud cheers on his teammates Oct. 1 at Mayhew Creek Park in Sauk Rapids.

Bentrud completed the Storm’s final home meet with a mark of 17 minutes, 33.2 seconds and a fifth-place finish.

“Another thing we talked about this year is that I wanted them to challenge themselves mentally and physically,” Lahr said.

“Those are huge parts of being an athlete.”

SRR ended the event with 75 points, landing third behind Apollo’s 26 and Sartell-St. Stephen’s 35.

The Storm did not have enough runners to receive points in the girls varsity race, but Elka Sowada repeated her strong performance from the week before to once again finish 11th, this time with a 25:52.7 showing.

“She’s so excited to do it, and she just puts it all out there,” Lahr said.

“She’s pumped that she made varsity as a seventhgrader. Her times have been there; she deserves it. She’s worked hard this season, and that’s where she belongs.”

Ali Kremer picked

up yet another personal record for the Storm, concluding her day with a 27:04.3 time.

The Storm finished the season with a road meet against the Fergus

Sartell’s Joshua Lefeber (left) keeps pace with Sauk Rapids-Rice runner Alex Ostendorf Oct. 1 at Mayhew Creek Park in Sauk Rapids. Ostendorf’s 20:38.9 result placed him fourth among Storm boys runners during the team’s triangular.

Leading the

Justus Floren

Which teacher has impacted your education most? Adam Johnson. He is my high jump coach in track and field, and he is always willing to talk and listen if you need it. He’s a great coach, but he has taught me more than how to jump. Always happy and fun to be around. I do not think I have ever seen him in a bad What other activities are you involved in at mood. school? Soccer, gymnastics, track and field, LINK, Minnesota Honor Society and Storm Leaders.

Who has been a mentor to you? My Dad. He is always there for me no matter what. He helps me make Why is it important for you to be involved in important decisions and pushes me to the best of my school activities? It is a great way to meet new ability. I have learned so much from him because he is people and step out of your comfort zone. They help extroverted, friendly and always willing to help peokeep me motivated and busy. I have met some of mu ple. He’s strong, and I can only hope to keep learning best friends through activities and many coaches more from him. have taught me important life lessons.

What is your favorite meal, movie, social media How do you make a difference at school? At and song? Spaghetti and meatballs, Instagram, and school, I try my best to be positive and friendly to anything Post Malone. everyone. If I see someone I know from outside of school that I recognize, I will try to wave, say hi or start a conversation.

Parents: Josh and Amy Floren Accomplishment: Senior middle hitter on the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School volleyball team.

What is your favorite part about volleyball? Being part of a team. Experiencing the wins and losses together. Having fun and goofing around but also working hard to stay focused and determined. Being a part of a team helps you meet new people and make new friends. I have met a lot of really awesome girls and have made memories I will never forget.

What is your favorite thing to do with your team? My favorite thing to do with my team is having team bonding dinners, going out to get food or shakes before games and the bus rides to and from away games.

How do you prepare in the minutes leading up to competition? I listen to music to get myself pumped. We have a cheer called “Dog Cat” we say right before every game, and I normally eat a turkey sandwich.

Falls Otters and the Brainerd Warriors Oct. 8 at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Fergus Falls.

“It’s been an awesome year with just a wonderful group of kids,” Lahr said.

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