Sauk Rapids Herald - October 17 edition

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Saturday, October 17, 2020

CentraCare leaving Humana’s Medicare Advantage program Shift could force thousands to switch insurers, pay more

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – CentraCare has announced it is leaving Humana’s Medicare Advantage program next year, which could adversely affect patients in central Minnesota unless they change insurers.

After the first of the year, CentraCare’s physicians and eight hospitals in central Minnesota will no longer be an in-network provider in the Humana Medicare Advantage Program. M Health Fairview is also opting out of the health plan’s network next year. This could force thousands of Minnesotans to either switch insurers or pay more out of pocket to see their doctors.

St. Cloud-based CentraCare confirmed the shift in a written statement to the Sauk Rapids Herald.

“Effective January 2, 2021, CentraCare will not be an in-network provider in the Humana Medicare Advantage program,” the statement reads.

“We offer in-network status to the insurance companies that we feel offer our patients the best combination of access to appropriate care, ease of use and high levels of customer service – all at competitive prices.

We believe that there are several insurance companies that do an outstanding job of this, and we feel confident that our patients would be pleased with them.”

CentraCare said patients are being informed of their options. Those options include transitioning to other Medicare Advantage plans, transitioning to an original Medicare plan or remaining in the Humana plan at out-of-network rates. In either case, the statement said, patients will continue to have access to their current CentraCare providers.

CentraCare page 5

Vol. 166, No. 28

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

Girl Scouts build

Little Free Pantry Litt

Service project aims to help neighbors feed neighbors

L

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

ittle hands have built a little pantry with big dreams of giving back to the community and encouraging others to do the same.

After a busy summer working collaboratively on a community impact project, members of Girl Scout Troop 636 of Sauk Rapids have unveiled their Little Free Pantry. The troop’s freestanding mini pantry, built by hand and funded by cookie sales, is intended to meet local food and personal needs and to show neighborly love.

Placed in downtown Sauk Rapids Oct. 10, the pantry stores non-perishable food and other necessities community members may give or take for free as needed. Due to its small size, the Little Free Pantry is not intended to replace food pantries or to be relied on to meet pervasive needs, but it offers convenient, 24/7 access and discretion to people who give to or receive from it.

The pantry can be accessed at any time, no questions asked.

Free pantry page 3

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

A Little Free Pantry, which was placed outside the Great River Federal Credit Union last weekend, stores non-perishable food, personal care items and other necessities people may give or take as needed Oct. 11 in Sauk Rapids. The new addition to Sauk Rapids was built by members of Girl Scout Troop 636.

5 installed as Sauk Rapids Police Reserve

Olson recognized for 20 years of service

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids police reserve program has come to an official start as a badge pinning ceremony was conducted at the Sauk Rapids City Council meeting Oct. 13.

Five men – Blake DeMars (Badge 2251), Joseph Kampa (Badge 2252), David Rixe (Badge 2253), Michael Arseneau (Badge 2254) and Matthew Buhs (Badge 2255) – have been selected to serve the city as reserve officers. Mayor Kurt Hunstiger pinned the badges on their official uniforms during the event.

The men, who underwent a background check and health screening prior to being accepted, will serve as extra eyes and ears to the city’s 17-officer police department.

Reserve page 2

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Mayor Kurt Hunstiger pins badge No. 2252 on reserve officer Joseph Kampa Oct. 13 at the Sauk Rapids City Council meeting in Sauk Rapids. Five men – Blake DeMars, Kampa, David Rixe, Michael Arseneau and Matthew Buhs – have been selected to serve the city as reserve officers.

PUBLIC NOTICES

• City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 12 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Hearing on Improvement - pg. 13 • Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Advertisement for Bids - pg. 12 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Minutes, Sept. 28, 2020 - pg. 12 • Benton County Sample Ballot - pg. 13 • City of Sauk Rapids Election Ballot - pg. 12 • Benton County SWPPP Public Notice - pg. 12 • Benton County Public Accuracy Test - pg. 13 • Watab Township Ord. No. 9 Summary Notice - pg. 17 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of General Election - pg. 13

OBITUARIES • Ronald C. Portner • Marlene C. Salzl

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

NEWS

Page 2 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

City of Rice gets facelift with new sign Structure welcomes westbound commuters at the exit ramp

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

A new Welcome to Rice sign is displayed Oct. 13 near the westbound Highway 10 exit in Rice. The sign was relocated from across the highway and updated with new graphics and additional smaller signs of area organizations who contributed to the project.

RICE – There is a new sight to see in the city of Rice.

The Rice City Council approved funding the relocation of the Welcome to Rice sign, and with helpful donations from area stakeholders, the new graphics and site were unveiled last week. The sign was placed near the westbound Highway 10 exit ramp Oct. 6.

The sign features up-

dated colors and eight smaller signs from nonprofits or civic groups and churches. Little Rock Lake Association, Rice Firefighter’s Association, Rice Area Sportsmen’s Club, Rice Lions Club, American Legion Post 473, Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, Rice Family Fun Days and Rice Area Chamber of Commerce each donated a minimum contribution of $500 to the sign fund as well as paid for their smaller sign at a

Reserve from front

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

The Sauk Rapids police reserve officers – Blake DeMars (front, from left), Joseph Kampa, David Rixe, Michael Arseneau and Matthew Buhs – stand with Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise and city council members Ellen Thronson (back, from left), Dottie Seamans, Jason Ellering, Nick Sauer and Mayor Kurt Hunstiger Oct. 13 in Sauk Rapids. The five reserve officers are the initial candidates for a program which may grow.

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They will assist in crowd control at community and sporting events as well as help law enforcement on patrol.

The reserve police program is voluntary with no compensation.

“I think we found five excellent candidates,” Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise said. … “I’ve been in law enforcement for 34 years and worked with a number of reserve officers, and I think we’re going to have a great team of officers.”

The creation of a police reserve program was a goal of Hunstiger’s since the 2016 election.

The city began soliciting candidates in fall 2019, but by the time candidates were selected and ready for training, the coronavirus pandemic had reached

cost of $90. The donations are earmarked for future maintenance of the sign, and following relocation, paint and the new signage materials, the city of Rice has $4,630 remaining in the sign account.

City clerk Julie Fandel said the large sign artwork is expected to last seven years.

Froggy’s Signs, of Little Falls, completed the work. The city had hoped to raise the piece earlier, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the work was delayed.

Prior to the relocation, the sign was placed

between South Division Street and Highway 10 at the southern portion of town. The area had an entrance to town before the highway overpass was installed as vehicles could take a left-hand exit ramp onto South Division Street. After a property owner discovered one post of the sign was on private property and asked the city to pay rent, the Rice City Council made the decision to relocate the piece to a more fitting area. All westbound Highway 10 traffic exiting in Rice will proceed past the sign.

central Minnesota. The program hit pause before completing training.

Reserve officers will not carry handguns but are trained in a multitude of areas such as stun-gun procedures, defensive tactics and basic lifesaving measures, according to Sean Gales, a Sauk Rapids police officer and investigator who is also the liaison and training officer for the reserve program.

“On behalf of the officers, we are super excited to have them as another set of eyes and another set of uniforms out there,” Gales said.

Officers will be dressed in light blue shirts with city insignia so the public can distinguish the reserve force from other law enforcement, dressed in navy.

The five candidates are the initial installation of the reserve program which will not exceed the

number of licensed officers the city has on staff.

In other council news: – Sauk Rapids City Administrator Ross Olson was recognized for 20 years of service to the city.

Hunstiger thanked Olson for his contributions in the many improvement projects within the city in the last 20 years as well as his assistance in fulfilling his duties as an elected official.

“He takes good care of me and I know he does for the council also,” Hunstiger said.

– Approved the purchase of 19 security cameras and the needed infrastructure to install them at a cost of $58,884.08. The cameras will be placed in the riverside parks improvements. An additional $12,863.90 was approved to allow for remote camera access.

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Page 4 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

VOTE

NEWS

Jared

GAPINISKI Benton County Commissioner District 4

2020 • 5 under 40 Winner - Class of 2011 • Volunteer Firefighter - Sauk Rapids - 16 years • Captain of Sauk Rapids Fire Dept - 4 Years • Sauk Rapids City Council 2009-2012 • Benton County Business Owner - 25 years • Lifetime Benton County Resident • Graduate of Foley High School • State Fire Department Legislative Committee

Going green, from the top down

Hardware Distributors adds over 800 rooftop solar panels

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

This ad paid for by Jared Gapinski, 1202 Hillside Rd, Sauk Rapids MN 56379 R42-1B-MT

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971

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

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Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties - $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters.

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Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m.

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

Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Ellarry Prentice Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson Kayla Hunstiger Jennifer Coyne Andrea Borgerding Tim Vos Warren Stone Bob Leukam Robin Brunette Emily Hoium Gretchen Jennissen Lorie Swedenburg Logan Thomas

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Purchasing manager Tom Kubat (from left), owners Kelly Koziol, Vicky Neff and Mary Beth Sauer and company president Eric Peterson stand beside more than 850 solar panels on the roof of Hardware Distributors LTD Oct. 14 in Sauk Rapids. The company, which has maintained a commitment to environmental stewardship since its inception, will soon use sunlight as a major source of energy.

mark.k@dairystar.com .................General Manager joyce@saukherald.com ............. Business Manager missy@saukherald.com.................... Sales Manager natasha@saukherald.com .................................Editor ........................................................................ Copy Editor ellarry@star-pub.com ...................................Reporter evan.m@star-pub.com .................................Reporter jakob.k@star-pub.com...................................Reporter pat@saukherald.com ............ Production Manager amanda@saukherald.com ...................Lead Design maddy@star-pub.com .................Graphic Designer kayla@saukherald.com .. Specials Sections Editor jenn@saukherald.com ..................................Reporter andrea.b@dairystar.com ..............................Reporter tim@saukherald.com .................................Marketing warren@star-pub.com ...............................Marketing bob.l@star-pub.com ..................................Marketing robin@saukherald.com .......................... Inside Sales emily@saukherald.com .......................Bookkeeping gretchen@saukherald.com................Bookkeeping lorie@saukherald.com ..............................Circulation logan@saukherald.com .........................Sign Design

SAUK RAPIDS – Hardware Distributors LTD, of Sauk Rapids, has taken a major step in its commitment to environmental stewardship.

A nationwide wholesale distributor of cabinet and furniture hardware, Hardware Distributors is installing 856 rooftop solar panels that are expected to generate 398,528 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. The alternative energy source is projected to reduce traditional electric usage by 80%. In summer, when there is more sunshine, the company could see even higher energy savings, according to company president Eric Peterson and purchasing manager Tom Kubat.

“It’s a nice reduction,” Peterson said. “We’re absolutely going to benefit from it.”

It is the first commercial rooftop solar array in the Sauk Rapids industrial park. The panels form three solar arrays, all separate power generators, situated atop two of three buildings that form the 85,000-square-foot facility, employing 100 people.

The solar project was expected to be completed earlier this year but was delayed due to restrictions posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Hardware Distributors hopes to make the switch to solar-generated energy by the end of this month.

The company expects to see a return on the large-scale investment in six years. The panels have a guaranteed life expectancy of 25 years and a 15-year warranty. Electrical supplier Xcel Energy, which has incentivized programs for solar system owners, encouraged the project.

Peterson and Kubat, along with second-generation owners Kelly Koziol,

community, resulted in an ever-expanding business his daughters hope will be an exemplar in Sauk Rapids of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.

“We love being a pioneer, being an example to the community about what can be done,” Koziol said.

Sun-generated energy was on Erv’s radar for a long time, well before the concept gained popularity, according to his daughters.

That dream was realized last year when a re-roofing project became the catalyst for the addition of solar.

“Dad had done his research. It was the perfect time to do it,” said Sauer, who, along with her sisters, graduated from cleaning ladies as youth to owners of the company Erv, now 79, started 38 years ago. “We were cheerleaders. We’re all for it.”

Roof replacement over warehouse and office buildings, encompassing about half the square footage of the entire facility, began in early 2019. The style of roof was a major driver of the solar project.

The flat structures, ideal for the placement of solar panels, were previously covered with rock pebbles to protect underlying materials. Peterson said HDL decided to upgrade the membrane on the ballasted roof systems to fullyadhered coverings glued directly to a thick layer of insulation below, as they had done with the roof over HDL’s third building.

Though it was above code requirements, they recognized the enhancement would provide additional energy savings, keeping in Vicky Neff and Mary Beth line with company values, Sauer, are enthusiastic Kubat said. about the project, an enWhereas rock, which deavor they believe honis still on the third buildors the legacy of Hardware ing as an anchor to roof Distributors founder Erv materials, is a barrier to Sauer, who has been comultraviolet rays, HDL leadmitted to resourcefulness ers recognized that, by and green energy initiaremoving it and reducing tives since day one. the load, they could add a Koziol, Neff and weighted system of panSauer are Erv’s daughters. els held down by concrete Like their father, they have blocks and turn the sun’s applied their zeal for enrays into usable energy. vironmentalism into busi“They did a great job,” ness practices and personSauer said of Peterson, al livelihoods. Two of the Kubat, the HDL team and sisters have solar arrays the project contractors. “It at their homes, and sevhelps the environment. It eral members of the famhelps the business, ultiily drive electric or hybrid mately.” cars.

HDL was pleased to “It’s something we’ve have support from the city been exposed to our entire of Sauk Rapids throughout lives, so doing this (solar the permitting, design and project) was very natural,” construction process.

Mary Beth Sauer said. “(The city’s) cooperaThat exposure to tion with moving this projconservationism began ect forward was valued decades ago, in the earand appreciated,” Peterson ly 1980s, when Erv, desaid. scribed as a promoter of In conjunction with environmental and perthe solar project, HDL is sonal well-being, founded also making the switch to Hardware Distributors, LED lighting in its warecommonly referred to as house to conserve addiHDL. According to his tional energy. daughters, he encouraged “That will certainly employees to bike and cut down the need for kilocarpool to work, offerwatt hours,” Kubat said. ing weekly incentives and With roughly 800 to welcomed their ideas on 1,000 orders per day, HDL environmental business has amassed a lot of packpractices. aging materials throughout Erv’s business acuits existence. Since the bemen and fervor for going ginning, they have strived green, and the example he to recycle. set for his employees and “We’re extremely practical,” Peterson said.

“We reuse anything and everything we can.”

Rather than discarding them, HDL fixes defective products so they can be donated to the community and donates dispensable material to vocational schools for training and education. While it may be quicker and easier to throw them out, they believe the extra effort is worthwhile.

“We live and breathe (environmentalism) every PHOTO SUBMITTED day, and that comes from The solar panels form three arrays that are expected to the family,” Peterson said. generate 398,528 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | Page 5

Community members speak out on mobile food unit ordinance Council refers regulation for committee level review

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – A newly-passed ordinance regulating mobile food units in Sauk Rapids city limits may be reevaluated.

The Sauk Rapids City Council agreed by consensus to refer the ordinance for committee level review after area community members voiced their concerns at the Oct. 13 council meeting.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing the land use committee readdressing this,” Mayor Kurt Hunstiger said after listening to eight people during the open forum period. “I know that one of the council members here had some other ideas too that maybe we could incorporate too if the land use committee wants to do that.”

The recommendation came after two area businesses brought concerns directly to city hall, driving their mobile food units to the Sauk Rapids Government Center and

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Food trucks hand out free food and beverage to community members prior to the Sauk Rapids City Council meeting Oct. 13 in Sauk Rapids. Owners of Adventure Coffee MN and Jimmy Z’s Concessions, along with area residents, brought their concerns regarding the newly-passed mobile food unit ordinance to council members Tuesday.

providing free food and beverage beginning about one hour prior to the meeting.

Ryan and Sharon Voeller, owners of Adventure Coffee MN, and Jimmy and Jill Zanardi, owners of Jimmy Z’s Concessions, said they have been directly impacted by the ordinance which was passed Aug. 24. They said that because the ordinance restricts them from operating within 300 feet of an established restaurant and from operating more than 14 days within city limits, the ordinance limits their success as business owners.

“That all being said, this isn’t just about Jimmy Z. and about Ryan Voeller;

Ronald C. Portner

Ronald C. Portner, age 65, of Rice, died unexpectedly of natural causes Oct. 11, 2020, at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre.

Mass of Christian burial was 11 a.m. Oct. 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. The Rev. Gerald Meidl celebrated the Mass, and burial was in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery in New Ulm. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm and continued from 10-11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Social distancing guidelines must be practiced, and all guests in attendance at the visitation and funeral will be required to wear a mask.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to mvfh.org Ronald is survived by his wife, Donna Portner of Rice; his sons, Cory (Erin) Portner of Sauk Rapids, Scott (Heather) Portner of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Cade,

Ronald C. Portner

Emma, Easton, Maddison, Brielle, and Kase; his mother, Cyrilla Portner; and his sister, Leona (Jim) Arndt of New Ulm. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Portner who died in 1971.

Ronald “Ron” Carl Portner was born Oct. 13, 1954, in New Ulm to Marvin and Cyrilla (Gulden) Portner. He was a 1973 graduate from New Ulm Public High School.

Ron started his long career in the baking industry working as a baker at the New Ulm Hy-Vee. This career took him from New Ulm, to Fairmont, Grand Island, and Lincoln, Nebraska, before he ended with Coborn’s in St. Cloud where he ran the ovens for the Coborn’s Central Bakery. Ron was united in marriage to Donna

it’s about all food trucks,” Jill Zanardi said. “We’re not here to threat anyone’s business, we’re here to prosper and the 14 days really limits our ability to do that.”

Jill Zanardi read a letter on behalf of Dena Hagberg, owner of the Sauk Rapids restaurant Jimmy’s Pour House. Hagberg was unable to attend the meeting but through the written message offered support to food trucks.

“I do not believe they (mobile food units) are trying to threaten financial health of any Sauk Rapids businesses,” Jill Zanardi read on behalf of Hagberg.

“We are all stronger together. The more the city has to offer to residents the Wenninger Aug. 31, 1974, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. This union blessed the couple with two boys whom together they eventually raised in Rice.

Besides his work, there were a variety of hobbies that brought Ron great joy in life. He was always a quiet man who had a true love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling and boating.

Many laughs were shared and memories were made with his sons at hunting camp over the years. He prided himself on the fact passed this love of the outdoors on to his sons and well as his grandchildren as his legacy. Ron also took tremendous pride in his gardens which provided for endless opportunities for canning and freezing his harvests. What he loved most in life was time he got to spend with his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren. Although his passing seems so sudden and unexpected, countless cherished memories will forever stay in the hearts and minds of all who knew him best. Blessed be those memories. Mvfh.org

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less likely they will travel to another city.”

That sentiment echoed an earlier statement by Ryan Voeller.

“The reality is the businesses want us here,” Ryan Voeller said. …

“Coborn’s and the businesses were inviting the food trucks out to influence business, to bring more people together, and that’s how this works. We all pay sales tax, we all contribute, and we bring people together.

And, that’s what we need to do as small businesses.

The more businesses we have here the more of a site we create for Sauk Rapids.”

Although the council recommended the land use committee review the ordinance, the recommendation does not mean the ordinance will be altered. Committee changes, should they be presented, will pass through the planning commission before being approved by the council.

CentraCare from front Medicare Advantage health plans from Kentucky-based Humana covered about 112,000 Medicare beneficiaries across Minnesota, according to federal data in September. CentraCare did not say how many Humana Medicare Advantage subscribers use the health system’s providers and hospitals.

As with most health insurance plans, networks are important in Medicare Advantage plans, as health care systems typically charge less for health care provided by an in-network doctor or hospital, and patients typically pay out of pocket to visit a doctor or hospital outside the network. The statement from CentraCare notes that all the health system’s providers currently in the Humana Medicare Advantage network are also in the networks of Medicare Advantage plans from other companies.

Medicare open enrollment began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2021.

Users may switch to a new Advantage plan during that time and will be disenrolled automatically from their old plan when the new plan’s coverage begins, according to information from the taxpayer-funded federal health insurance program.

CentraCare’s statement assured patients they have adequate time to make a choice that will best suit their needs. The advance notice “will ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption for our patients,” the statement concluded.

A newer form of Medicare coverage, Medicare Advantage plans can provide more coverage than the original Medicare by combining Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Sometimes called Part C plans, they are offered to benefi-

Marlene C. Salzl

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Marlene C. Salzl, 85, of Waite Park, who passed away Oct. 13 at Assumption Community in Cold Spring. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church Monday and burial will be at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes, St. Cloud.

Marlene was born Dec. 28, 1934, to Albin and Marie (Schraut) Duerr in St. Michael. She married Ralph Salzl July 4, 1956, at St. Boniface Catholic Church. She was a devoted and faithful member of St.

Marlene C. Salzl

Anthony’s Church but enjoyed attending Mass at churches within St. Cloud, especially if they had a Sunday morning breakfast.

Her spirituality and faith were extremely important to Marlene. She treasured the time she had at prayer meetings, spiritual conferences and healing services with her Christian friends. Marlene deeply enjoyed children, dogs and cats. Marlene worked for many years providing child

ciaries who opt to receive their government health insurance benefits through private managed care companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. Most Advantage plans include drug coverage.

Common types of Advantage plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies include: – Health maintenance organization plans, known as HMOs, where people generally must get their care from in-network providers except emergency and out-of-state urgent care and out-of-state dialysis.

– Preferred provider plans, known as PPOs, where people pay less if they use providers that belong to the plan’s network or more if they use providers outside the network.

– Private fee-for-service plans, where plan determines how much it will pay doctors, other health care providers and hospitals, and how much beneficiaries must pay when they get care.

– Special needs plans, which limit membership to people with specific diseases or characteristics and tailor benefits, provider choices and drug formularies to best meet the specific needs of the groups they serve.

Some Medicare Advantage plans are more limited in their networks of doctors and hospitals than others, according to Medicare.gov. While most providers are part of the original Medicare, Medicare Advantage limits often come in exchange for lower premiums.

CentraCare has hospitals in St. Cloud, Melrose, Sauk Centre and five other communities. The health system also operates more than 30 clinics, 11 senior housing facilities and seven long-term care facilities.

care within her home before retiring. Marlene was a foster grandma for nearly 20 years.

She enjoyed traveling, visiting grandchildren, decorating for Christmas and shopping. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Barbara (Alan) Weber of Cold Spring, John (Kathryn) Salzl of Spanish Fork, Utah and Pat Salzl of Sandy, Utah; grandchildren, Brandon, Dustin and Ashley Weber and Matthew, Nathan, Nicole and Jared Salzl; and three great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; parents; and brother, Marson Duerr.

Due to the pandemic, the family understands if you are unable to attend.

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Page 6 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Composting, other uses for leaves The leaves falling from our trees contain a wealth of nutrients that can be reused in our gardening. One source characterized leaves as a carpet for the area around our trees which holds moisture.

A layer of leaves keeps GREEN & GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY the ground surface BY LINDA G. TENNESON temperature from fluctuating and keeps the soil from washing away during heavy rainstorms. As the leaves break down, they place nutrients in the soil which is taken up by trees and other plants.

Leaves contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which are the same elements found in fertilizer and indicated by the N-P-K numbers on the fertilizer bags. Leaves contain lesser amounts of calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other trace elements such as iron, manganese and zinc. A light covering of leaves may be chopped up by a lawn mower and left in place. Heavier layers of leaves should be removed but not discarded. Shredded leaves used as mulch are useful in a 3- to 6-inch layer placed around trees or shrubs. This layer should not touch the tree trunk or shrub stems.

Small animals may shelter in this layer and then chew on the trunk for food during the winter. Layers of shredded leaves may also be used to keep paths between vegetable rows to provide nutrients and to keep the soil from becoming too muddy.

Leaves may also be stored in enclosures along with grass clippings, weeds and other garden debris and allowed to decompose into a useful mulch. This process is called composting. Green and brown plant materials may be combined for composting. Do not, however, add items that have been treated with herbicides because the chemicals may inhibit the growth of new plants when the finished compost is used around new plants. Meat and dairy products should not be placed in compost bins because they attract small animals. Egg shells are OK to compost. Composting may be done by simply placing the materials in a pile and leaving them for several months.

However, this process takes a long time to produce usable compost. Gardeners may speed the process by combining layers of green material such as grass clippings and weeds to brown material such as leaves. Twigs and branches are not recommended because they take a much longer time to decompose. The pile is kept moist but not soggy and is then turned at regular intervals to introduce air into the pile. Storing the compost material in an enclosure made of chicken wire, snow fencing or any item that holds its shape but allows air circulation will be sufficient. Small amounts of fertilizer added to the pile may speed the decomposition process.

Another source described bag composting where shredded leaves are held in heavy trash bags and combined with a small amount of soil and fertilizer. Water is added and holes are punched in the bag to provide some air circulation. The bag is turned or rolled every few weeks, and water is added to keep the material moist. This process is described as producing compost in 1.5 to two months.

Visit these websites for more information: – extension.umn.edu/how-manage-soiland-nutrients-home-gardens/compostinghome-gardens – aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/ landscape/leaf-management-plan Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.

EDITORIAL

Life, recklessness, the presidency What is at stake this election? Isn’t that life of sacrifice and service which would be what we ask ourselves every four years when richer than she could have imagined. Yes, a new president is vying for the commander that young woman was my mom. They gave in chief seat? us more life than we could ever repay. They I read an article that explained how you gave my mom resources to help support can vote for a presidential candidate that her and my dad and resources to help them supports the most liberal laws concerning nurture me. Our God is a great God, and the termination of preborn life in the he led me to walk through the PRC Doors history of humanity , and under tax payer for a second time but this time out of the dollars, and still be a conservative Christian. womb. The PRC added a new location with The reasons given in the article were a warm coffee shop to help welcome people LIFE BY FAITH futile. Donald Trump has been the most BY MERCY NYGAARD who need some life breathed into them, just controversial president in history and yet the like my mom did. The coffee shop needed a most protective president over the protection of child chalk board art, and so my mom and I worked together exploitation, human trafficking, and preborn and born designing the chalkboard menu. We were so happy to alive infants that were abortion induced. give back a little – the smallest gesture of gratitude So, what is the right choice? Does Trump’s really – because we just do not know how to express rebellion to American Democracy’s traditions, trump into words how grateful we both are for the life they his passionately aggressive actions to protect the helped us have.” innocent?

Within this story lies a community centered nonWhat if we started asking our children who have profit that helped this babe have the right to life, and, directly benefitted from life-giving actions through in return, she was led back to it to help warm up their our communities? What if we engaged in conversation new location with artwork. This young lady and two with them and then learned what truly makes positive of her friends have begun a Bible study for a group contributions to society? of younger girls, encouraging them throughout their Here is one such story from a teenager written last school year and summer. The self-centered tendencies month. of teens have been thwarted in her by the grace she “A while ago, my mom told me a great story I has received by others, and so the seed continues to would like to share with you. It is about a young woman grow and reseed. What is my point? The PRC offers who was lost in life. She did not know her purpose, and life and raises its own funds for offering help to others. she had no one to help her find it. This young woman, Planned Parenthood uses our taxpayer dollars without attending St. Cloud State University, became pregnant our choice and uses it to take life. Women are left after a few months of dating the love of her life. She empty and without the capacity to give life to others. suspected she was pregnant, and although she was I asked this teen: Why we should vote for someone not turning to the Lord, God had her back anyway. who is publicly recorded as the most reckless with He led the young woman to the Pregnancy Resource words and the most rebellious against presidential Center, where she was shown nothing but love. I do democratic tradition but supports and protects life not know if the staff knew how amazing the service more than any other president in history over someone they were doing was. The young woman was a very who supports the most termination of unborn and born social college student who participated in athletics. alive infants in human history as well as the most She was an artist, but was listening to all the worldly progressive supporter of gender reassignment surgery lies being told to her that she should build up her own and the least supportive of our criminal justice system? glory. When she found out she was pregnant, she Her response was this: Do we want to vote for someone could have walked through a different door. A door who is either reckless with words or someone who is that would allow her to stay on course pursuing her reckless with lives? ambitions but would have brought her heart into a I turned away wondering why we choose to darker hurt, ending the life inside her. The PRC staff support anyone other than someone who supports life prayed, followed up and invited her to participate in and our right to teach our children God’s word and their first available ultrasound. This allowed her to see what God says about it through love. God’s unending, me in her womb, helping the young woman start a new unconditional and life giving love.

Traditional letters to the editor policy Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number.

Letters should be under 400 words and to the point, and be submitted by 10 a.m. Friday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | Page 7

Janski acknowledged for fire service Officially recognized after retiring from city of Rice with 34 years served

BREAK CROSSWORD

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

RICE – Joe Janski may have officially turned in his pager and turnout gear July 1, but his last rite of passage as a member of the Rice Fire Department came Oct. 5.

Janski, who retired from the fire department this summer with 34 years of service, was officially recognized for his commitment to the city at the Rice City Council meeting. He received a shadowbox with his memorabilia.

The ceremony was delayed on part because of the coronavirus pandemic but also because a fire call during a previously

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Rice Fire Chief Scott Janski presents a shadowbox to Joe Janski, Scott’s uncle, at the Oct. 5 Rice City Council meeting in Rice. Joe retired from the fire department July 1, after serving 34 years as a volunteer firefighter.

scheduled engagement.

Fire Department in 1986 his brother Steve Janski.

Janski joined the Rice after encouragement from

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Page 12 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD PUBLIC NOTICE 2020 ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM (SWPPP) BENTON COUNTY SWPPP: The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) is available for public review/comment. The program may be viewed at the Benton County Public Works Building located at 7752 Highway 25 NE, Foley, Minnesota.

This is notice that a public meeting will take place on Monday, October 26, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. at the Benton County Highway Department, 7752 Highway 25 NE, Foley, MN. The public can submit oral, electronic, or written comments before or at the time of the public meeting.

Mark Loidolt Benton County Assistant Engineer FR-42-1B

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

DOCUMENT 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2020 Southside Lift Station Sauk Rapids, Minnesota SEH No. SAUKR 155759 Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the City Administrator until 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2020, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of the 2020 Southside Lift Station.

The bid opening will be conducted via GoToMeeting, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud: City of Sauk Rapids - Southside Lift Station Bid Opening Tuesday, October 27, 2020 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/859495053 You can also dial in using your phone (for supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly).

United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 - One-touch: tel:+18773092073,,859495053# United States: +1 (646) 749-3129 - One-touch: tel:+16467493129,,859495053# Access Code: 859-495-053 Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply.

Major components of the Work include: 1. Furnish and install 3-50 HP submersible pumps in an existing lift station 2. Furnish and install premanufactured pump control building, including piping, valves and electric controls 3. Furnish and install emergency power generator 4. Connection to underground utilities 5. Site work, including bituminous and concrete paving and turf establishment The Bidding Documents may be seen at the Issuing Office of SEH located at 1200 25th Avenue South, P.O. Box 1717, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1717, 320.229.4300.

The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http://www.sehinc.com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans

option from the menu at the top of the selected project page.

Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http://www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the “Project Bid Information” link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 7317558 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@ questcdn.com.

For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $30 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electronic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holders list through Quest CDN for bids to be accepted.

Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by SEH dated September 28, 2020.

In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $100.

Bids will only be accepted from Contractors who purchase Bidding Documents as noted above.

Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the Owner.

Ross Olson City Administrator Sauk Rapids, MN R-40/42-2B

REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, September 28, 2020 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

All members present.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Ross Olson requested to add Approving Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Parking Near Pleasantview Elementary as agenda item 9-P. Olson requested to add Approve Change Order #4 as agenda item 10-D 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Agenda as amended.

Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes A. 9-14-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 9-14-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications • K-9 Demonstration—Mayor Hunstiger stated that prior to tonight’s City Council meeting there was a demonstration with the Sauk Rapids Police Department’s K-9 officer, Thunder, and his handler, Police Officer, Matt Bosma. He thanked Officer Bosma and Sergeant Brent Bukowski for organizing the demonstration.

• Citizenship and Community Badge-Mayor Hunstiger noted that Sam Pearson was in attendance tonight as she is working on her Citizenship and Community Badge through her scouting troop.

7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda Olivia Kolbe, 515 15th Street North, introduced herself as a first-time candidate running for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board this year.

8. Public Hearings NONE 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve 2020 Election Judge Schedule for General Election and Authorize Staff the Ability to Assign Additional Judges B. Approve Economic Assistance Grant Program C. Approve Appointing Tim Kosloske to the Sauk Rapids HRA D. Approve Air Compressor Replacement for Public Works Department E. Approve 2020 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses F. Approve Modification to Employee Recognition and Service Award Section of the City’s Personnel Policy G. Approve Southside Park Performance Area Backdrop Sign H. Approve Chemical and Reclaim Tank Level Monitoring at Water Treatment Plant

I. Approve Cash Donation to Sauk Rapids Fire Department J. Approve Grant Award from the Rural Fire Department Volunteer Assistance Program K. Approve Grant Award from the Stearns Electric Association Trust for the Sauk Rapids Fire Department L. Approve Change Order #1 to the 2020 9th Street South Lift Station Improvements M. Approve Change Order #3 to the 2020 Benton Drive Improvements Project N. Approve Change Order #1 to the 2020 Municipal Liquor Store Parking Lot Improvements O. Approve Agreement for the Reuse of Downtown Impact Mitigation Funds P. Approve Ordinance Temporarily Prohibiting Parking Near Pleasantview Elementary Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve consent agenda items 9A9P. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda A. 2021 Preliminary Levy Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Resolution Adopting a Preliminary 2021 Tax Levy. Motion carried unanimously.

B. 2020 Southside Lift Station Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the plans and specifications for the 2020 Southside Lift Station Improvements and authorize advertisement for bids. Motion carried unanimously.

C. 2021 Plesantwood Addition Improvements Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the Resolution Accepting the Feasibility Study and Calling for a Public Hearing on the 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

D. South Benton Drive Change Order Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve Change Order No. 4 to the 2020 Benton Drive Improvements project. Motion carried unanimously.

11. Other Staff Items A. Reminder: Next City Council Meeting is TUESDAY, October 13th Mayor Hunstiger noted that the next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 13th due to the Columbus Day holiday falling on the next regularly scheduled meeting date.

B. Benton Drive Opens September 29th (Weather Dependent) Scott Hedlund stated that weather dependent, the plan is for Benton Drive to re-open tomorrow morning.

12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Ellering to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

R-42-1B

PUBLIC NOTICES

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | Page 13

Public Accuracy Test

Notice is hereby given that a public accuracy test of the election equipment to be used at Benton County precincts during the November 3rd General Election will be held at the dates, times, and locations listed below.

Political Parties, Candidates, Local Election Officials and Members of the Public at large are welcome to attend, ask questions and/or observe the procedures.

October 21st -10:00 AM-11:00 AM-321 6th Ave N Foley, MN: Precincts: Watab Township, City of Rice, and City of Foley

SAMPLE BALLOT State General Election Ballot Benton County, Minnesota November 3, 2020

Official Ballot

October 22nd-10:00 AM-11:00 AM-321 6th Ave N Foley, MN: Precincts: Gilmanton Township, Graham Township, Minden Township, and Mayhew Lake Township October 22nd-2:00 PM-3:00 PM-321 6th Ave N Foley, MN: Precincts: Granite Ledge Township, St George Township, and Sauk Rapids Township October 28th-10:00 AM-11:00 AM-250 Summit Ave N Sauk Rapids, MN: Precincts: City of Sauk Rapids Precinct 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 FR-42-1B

Instructions to Voters:

Federal Offices

State Offices

County Offices

President and Vice-President

State Senator District 15

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1

Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence Republican

R-42-2B

Vote for One

Republican

Brent Krist

Wade Bastian

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente and Darcy Richardson Independence-Alliance

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker Green Party

Kanye West and Michelle Tidball

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

State Representative District 13B Vote for One

Tim O'Driscoll

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 4 Vote for One

Republican

Benjamin Carollo

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Bernie Thole

Independent

Brock Pierce and Karla Ballard Independent

Gloria La Riva and Leonard Peltier

Socialist Workers Party

Precinct Location 1 Sauk Rapids Government Center, Community Room 250 Summit Avenue North 2 Council Chambers at Sauk Rapids Government Center *Voters were previously assigned to Mississippi Heights Elementary & Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School t 250 Summit Avenue North 3 Discovery Church *Voters were previously assigned to Pleasantview Elementary r 700 18th Street North West 4 Riverside Church t (Formerly Bridge Community Church) 1702 West Highview Drive r 5 Sauk Rapids Government Center, Community Room 250 Summit Avenue North 6 Is A Mail Ballot Precinct Until Further Notice

Andrew Mathews Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Alyson Kennedy and Malcolm Jarrett

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a General Election for the City of Sauk Rapids will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Sample ballots are available for inspection at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, or on the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.state. mn.us/. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The following locations are designated as polling places for this election:

Vote for One

Joseph R. Biden and Kamala Harris

Socialism and Liberation

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS

Judge _____

To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:

Vote for One Team

October 21st-2:00 PM-3:00 PM-321 6th Ave N Foley, MN : Precincts: Maywood Township, Glendorado Township, and Alberta Township

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State Representative District 14B Vote for One

Paul Brandmire

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 5 Vote for One

Republican

Dan Wolgamott

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Charles Rau

Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy "Spike" Cohen Libertarian Party

write-in, if any

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State Representative District 15B Vote for One

write-in, if any

U.S. Senator Vote for One

Kevin O'Connor

Legal Marijuana Now

Oliver Steinberg

Shane Mekeland Republican

Ron Thiessen

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Myron Arthur Wilson

Veterans Party - Minnesota

Grassroots - Legalize Cannabis

Jason Lewis Republican

Tina Smith

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

write-in, if any

County Offices County Commissioner District 1 Vote for One

write-in, if any

U.S. Representative District 6 Vote for One

Christopher G Winkelman Scott Johnson

Tom Emmer Republican

Tawnja Zahradka

Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

Notice of Hearing on Improvement TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the city council of Sauk Rapids will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:10 p.m. on October 26, 2020, to consider the making of the 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements, an improvement on 7th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 8th Avenue North, 8th Avenue North from 11 ½ Street North to 7th Avenue North, Oak Court from 7th Avenue North to the cul-desac dead end, 11 ½ Street North from 7th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North, 12th Street North from approximately 200 feet west of 7th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, and 13th Street North from 8th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North by Reconstruction of the Streets and Storm Sewer pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is property along 7th Avenue North from 11th Street North to 8th Avenue North, 8th Avenue North from 11 ½ Street North to 7th Avenue North, Oak Court from 7th Avenue North to the cul-de-sac dead end, 11 ½ Street North from 7th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North, 12th Street North from approximately 200 feet west of 7th Avenue North to 8th Avenue North, and 13th Street North from 8th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North. The estimated cost of the improvement is $2,966,428. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Ross Olson City Administrator Published in Sauk Rapids Herald on October 3, and October 17, 2020.

R-40/42-2B

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County Commissioner District 4 Vote for One

write-in, if any

State Offices State Senator District 13

Richard "Dick" Soyka Jared J Gapinski

Vote for One

Jeff Howe Republican

Michael Willemsen

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

write-in, if any

County Commissioner District 5 Vote for One

A. Jake Bauerly

write-in, if any

State Senator District 14

Beth Schlangen

Vote for One

Jaden Partlow

Legal Marijuana Now

Jerry Relph Republican

write-in, if any

Aric Putnam

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

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Vote front and back of ballot

www.saukrapidsherald.com

SPORTS

Page 14 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Police Report Oct. 5-11

Sauk Rapids Police Department Oct. 8 2:57 p.m. – A theft was reported from the 800 block of Pearl View Drive. The complainant reported a theft of a large piece of aluminum bending equipment which was expected to have been stolen overnight. The equipment is blue or grey in color and roughtly 10 feet by 2 feet. It weighs approximately 150 pounds.

Oct. 9 3:18 p.m. – Law enforcement responded to a burning complaint on the 1900 block of Benton Drive North and observed a person burning leaves outside. The person was educated on ordinance and city fire code. He was unaware but would not burn more leaves.

Oct. 9 4:55 p.m. – Officers were called to a single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle driver on the Sauk Rapids Regional Bridge. The person had laid the bike down in the westbound lane. Law enforcement provided medical treatment and emergency lighting until paramedics could respond and transport the rider. The family of the rider was contacted and assisted in clearing the motorcycle from the roadway.

Incidents: Suspicious activity reports 23, medical calls 22, traffic stops 19, theft reports 16, miscellaneous calls 15, welfare checks 12, assists 11, animal complaints 8, civil complaints 7, found property reports 7, human services calls 7, accident reports 6, animal licenses requests 5, domestics calls 5, permit to purchase requests 5, alarms 4, DWI/DUI 4, disturbance reports 3, driving calls 3, missing person reports 3, vehicle reports 3, fraud calls 3, child calls 3, warrants 3, criminal damage to property reports 2, open doors 2, trespassing reports 2, unwanted persons reports 2 and warnings 2.

Rice Police Department Oct. 6 6:18 p.m. – Law enforcement received a report a vehicle was sold but the purchaser did not provide total payment. The parties had agreed on $650. The buyer handed money to the seller and left the scene with the vehicle. The seller did not count the money until the buyer had left and then realized the buyer was short $275 in payment.

The seller contacted the buyer who agreed to return to the scene but did not. The officer advised that because a legal transaction took place with a title transfer and exchange of money, the seller will need to contact small claims court as it is now a civil matter. The money was inspected and appeared legitimate but officer advised to have it checked at a bank. The officer also tried contacting the buyer to aid the situation with no success.

Incidents: 10 traffic stops (one citation and nine warnings issued), 5 miscellaneous calls, 2 assists and 2 thefts.

Vikings lose a heartbreaker in Seattle The Minnesota Vikings deserved betsuch a game, allowing a 21-0 run in under ter on Sunday night in Seattle. They played two minutes certainly increases your odds their most complete football game of the of doing so. season, dominated the time of possession Incredibly, the Vikings have a decent against one of the best teams in the league shot at remaining in playoff contention. and still came up short after quarterback There are four undefeated teams left in Russell Wilson led his undefeated Sefootball, and the 1-4 Vikings have lost to ahawks on a game-winning 94-yard drive three of them. It would be nearly impossiwith less than two minutes to play. ble to draw up a more difficult schedule to Many fans of the Vikings insist head start a season than what the Vikings have COLUMNIST faced thus far. Things are going to get far coach Mike Zimmer blew this game for SPORTS

BY ANDY THAYER his team by going for it on fourth down easier. The Vikings play the 0-5 Atlanta with inches to go from the Seattle 6 yardFalcons and 1-3 Detroit Lions in two of line with two minutes left to play and a 26-21 lead, their next three games (bracketing a trip to Lambeau but I do not see it that way. The Vikings had been Field in week eight), and other upcoming games on effectively running the ball in short yardage situa- the schedule include the 2-3 Dallas Cowboys (who tions all night, and Zimmer was going for the jugu- just lost quarterback Dak Prescott for the season) lar. If the Vikings convert that first down, quarterback and the 1-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. If the Vikings keep Kirk Cousins could have taken a few knees and the playing how they played last Sunday night in Seattle, game would have been over. There would have been they have a chance to turn things around. no chance for heroics from Russell Wilson, who was Last Sunday’s loss would have been devastating clearly up for the task and would have likely led the to Vikings fans were they not already conditioned to Seahawks on a game-tying 75-yard drive had the Vi- emotionally cope with these sorts of things. It is probkings opted for a field goal on that fourth-down play. ably not smart to settle for a moral victory when your Zimmer showed faith in his offense, and I am way favorite team is 1-4, but the Vikings demonstrated on more disappointed in the defense for allowing that Sunday night that they can compete on the road with game-winning drive than I am in Zimmer for going one of the best teams in the NFL. The young Vikings for the win. defense is improving, and the offense is establishing If we are being honest, this game was lost early in an identity with a strong rushing attack and play-acthe third quarter when the Seahawks went on a 21-0 tion passing game. There is time for the Vikings to run in less than two minutes of game time. In that rally and get back into the playoff picture, but their spectacularly awful segment of the game, the Vikings margin for error is now razor thin. The Vikings abdefense completely disappeared, Kirk Cousins threw solutely need to handle the winless Falcons at U.S. a nauseating interception, and star running back Dal- Bank Stadium on Sunday if they want any chance of vin Cook injured his groin. No football team, under salvaging this season. any circumstances, should lose a game where they had 31 first downs while holding the opposition to 18 Crime and Public Safety and dominated in time of possession 39:28 to 20:32.

However, if you have got your heart set on losing Sauk Rapids man arrested in connection

with drug ring crimes

DICK SOYKA FOR BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 4

• Experience as Benton County Commissioner from 2000-2008 • BA & MBA Degrees from St. Cloud State University • Retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army • Lobbying experience at the state and federal levels VOTE This ad is paid for by Dick Soyka, 718 8th St. N, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM GAMES FOR WEEK #7

DICK SOYKA

Weekly Winner of a $25 cash

Write the winning team next to the business

Due at office by Wed., Oct. 21 at 12 p.m.

Tri-County Insurance ____________________ Lincoln Auto & Radiator __________________ Rockcreek Coffee House __________________ Sauk Rapids Hardware Hank _______________ Murphy Chevrolet ______________________ Sauk Rapids Liquor _____________________ Star Publications ______________________ Purpose Driven Realty Team ________________

R42-1B-MT

Qualified

ST. CLOUD – After a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest, Benny Wiggins, 39, of Sauk Rapids, was arrested and is in custody at the Stearns County Jail.

Wiggins was arrested Oct. 13 and is charged with one count of felony conspiracy in relation to a first-degree aggravated controlled substance crime which faces a maximum sentence 40 years imprisonment and $1 million fine. He is also charged with one felony count of being in possession of a dangerous weapon while possessing a total weight of 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine. The latter carries a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Stearns County courts, Wiggins’ arrest is in connection with a months-long investigation by the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force in which investigators seized over 6 pounds of methamphetamine and made multiple arrests.

Manea’s Meats________________________ Brandl Motors ________________________ D&B Auto Body _______________________ TWFG Insurance Services _________________ Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles ___________________ Sauk Rapids VFW ______________________ Ridgeview Place_______________________ Danny’s Dugout _______________________

*Checks will be mailed within two weeks.

NAME _____________________ ___________________________ ADDRESS _________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ PHONE ___________________ PLEASE FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY! WRITE CLEARLY, IF WRITTEN ILLEGIBLY, ENTRY WILL BE VOID

Week 5 winner: Linda Conway

Sauk Rapids, MN

Page 16 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SPORTS

SRR defeats SRR falls to Sartell in Section 8A semifinal Fernholz scores Fergus Falls three goals during playoffs in final dual

Swim and dive ready to take on Section 8A

BY KAYLA ALBERS | STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice girls swim and dive team defeated Fergus Falls 109-77 in their last dual meet of the regular season Oct. 8 in Fergus Falls before the 8A Section Championship Meet to take place on Oct 24.

The Storm took home eight wins and seven second-place finishes on the night against Fergus Falls to take home the team’s fourth meet win of the season. Parents were finally allowed in the stands to cheer on the swimmers and divers so the pool was extra loud to bring extra energy to SRR as some of the team competed in their final meet of the season.

“We switched up some of our swims, which was fun, and let our girls step up in areas they had yet to swim this season,” said Megan Dingman, cohead coach.

Leading off the night with the first win was the 200 yard medley relay team of Valeria Flores-Bonilla, Kaytlin Bittman, Lydia Zabinski and Abigail Tangen in a time of 2 minutes, 3.13 seconds.

Continuing the momentum for the Storm was Hayley Davis and Zabinski with a one, two finish in the 200 freestyle respectively. Davis finished in a time of 2:14.62, and Zabinski finished less than a second behind in 2:15.15. Davis also took home a second-place finish in the 50 freestyle.

Liberty Kosloski won the 1-meter diving competition by almost 20 points with a score of 193.6.

Sophia Markfelder finished in third with a score of 167.3.

Flores-Bonilla won both of her individual events for the night in the 100 butterfly and the 500 freestyle. Flores-Bonilla won the butterfly in a time of 1:05.43 and the 500 freestyle in a time of 5:43.96. Zabinski followed Flores-Bonilla in the 500 freestyle with a second-place finish in a time of 6:04.82.

SRR continued to win the 100 freestyle, the 100 breaststroke and the 400 freestyle relay to solidify their win of the meet.

Madeline Ziegler took home a win in the 100 freestyle in a time of 59.71, followed by Bittman in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:19.74 and finally the 400 freestyle relay team of Lauren Klein, Ava Hitzler, Bittman and Jadeyn Stover and the relay team of Davis, Ziegler, Zabinski and Flores-Bonilla finished in first and second respectively, touching only two tenths of a second apart.

“It was a very fun last dual meet to finish the dual meet season,” said co-head coach Whitney Jendro.

SRR competes in their final meet of the season at the Section 8A Championships Saturday, Oct. 24, at their home pool in Sauk Rapids.

“We are looking forward to watching our girls wrap up their season as they really have worked hard,” Dingman said. “It’ll be exciting to see all of that hard work pay off.”

200 MR: 1. Flores-Bonilla, Bittman, Zabinski and Tangen 2 minutes, 3.13 seconds and 3. Richelle Peacock, Stover, Kendal Stucke and Ally Lucas 2:11.34. 200 FS: 1. Davis 2:14.62, 2.

Zabinski 2:15.15; and 4. Maya Zaske 2:20.65. 200 IM: 2. Tangen 2:31.57 and 4. Bittman 2:33.93. 50 FS: 2. Davis 27.22, 4.

Stover 28.03; and 5. Ava Hitzler 28.49. 1M Diving: 1. Kosloski 193.60 points and 3. Markfelder 167.30. 100 FLY: 1. FloresBonilla 1:05.43, 3. Stucke 1:12.88; and 5. Zaske 1:19.21. 100 FS: 1. Ziegler 59.71, 3. Hitzler 1:03.58; and 5. Lauren Klein 1:05.44. 500 FS: 1. Flores-Bonilla 5:43.96, 2. Zabinski 6:04.82; and 3. Lucas 6:07.95. 200 FSR: 2. Tangen, Davis, Hitzler and Ziegler 1:49.46 and 3. Klein, Lucas, Zaske and Stucke 1:56.18.

100 BK: 2. Tangen 1:09.72 and 5. Nicole Agre 1:14.15. 100 BR: 1. Bittman 1:19.74 and 3. Stover 1:20.99. 400 FSR: 1. Klein, Hitzler, Bittman and Stover 4:01.85 and 2. Davis, Ziegler, Zabinski and Flores-Bonilla 4:02.04.

BY KAYLA ALBERS STAFF WRITER

The No. 4 Sauk Rapids-Rice girls soccer team attempted to dethrone the No. 1 Sartell Sabres in the Section 8A semifinal game Oct. 15 in Sauk Rapids. The team fell short by one goal, ending the Storm season with a 2-1 loss.

“I am proud of the girls,” said Kris Fremo, head coach. “When you look at where we started this season and how far we came as a team, I think the growth has been exponential.”

Despite windy conditions, the Storm dominated the first half of the game, outshooting Sartell 8-3 in the half. Freshman Gabrielle Fernholz bested the Sabres keeper, Chloe Swanson, with a 20-yard shot that landed in the top right corner of the net to lead the game 1-0 with a little over 16 minutes left in the first half.

Gabrielle Fernholz led the team in goals for the season, finishing with 10.

The Storm’s lead remained until Sartell’s Chloe Turner found the ball at the SRR net and rolled it in with 22 minutes left to play. Only five minutes later, Turner struck again when a mid-air volley found the back of the net to bring the Sartell

Freshman Gabrielle Fernholz takes possession of the soccer ball in the Section 8A quarterfinal Oct. 13 which featured Sauk Rapids-Rice and Tech high schools in Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids-Rice ends the year with an 3-8-1 record.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Junior Emily Starr attempts to keep the ball inbounds Oct. 13 in the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls soccer Section 8A quarterfinal against Tech High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm won 2-1 in overtime.

wind to their advantage.

Both SRR and Tech played without a score until less than five minutes remained in the first half. Tech took the lead from a score 12 yards away from the net to make the first goal of the game.

SRR outshot Tech in the second half of the game 17-4. The Storm finally got on board at 22:37 when Gabrielle Fernholz capitalized on a goalkeeper deflection from a point-blank shot from eighth grader Ava Plemel to tie the game 1-1.

The score remained tied, sending the game into overtime where SRR held Tech to zero shots. The Storm appeared to win the game on a golden goal from junior midfielder Emily Starr when she converted on a corner kick from Plemel. However, the goal was recalled when it was ruled that the ball, which was caught in the wind, exited and reentered the playing field mid-flight.

This was a motivator for the Storm. Just three minutes later with less than three minutes left to play, Gabrielle Fernholz scored her second goal to win the game.

She dribbled across the top of the goalie box and converted with a perfectly placed left-footed shot to the upper left corner of the net for her ninth goal of the season.

Maggie Fernholz made six saves to help Aneleise Martinson squares off with Tech High School’s SRR secure the secRaena Volker during the Section 8A quarterfinal game tion quarterfinal victory Oct. 13 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. against Tech.

lead to 2-1. The Sabres held onto their lead for a 2-1 win over SRR. Junior goalkeeper Maggie Fernholz made eight saves on the night to assist the team.

With their young starting lineup of players with three eighth graders, a freshman and a sophomore, the Storm finished the second half of their season strong with a 3-8-1 overall record.

“Looking forward to next season, our offensive potential will continue to grow,” Fremo said. “Defensively, we lose our anchors and those will be big

shoes to fill. We have a lot of work to do and will have to look deep to fill some of those holes.

Luckily, we get to keep our amazing goalkeeper.”

SRR 2, Tech 1 The Storm won 2-1 in the south Section 8A quarterfinal game Oct. 13 against No. 5 Tech in Sauk Rapids.

Gabrielle Fernholz scored both goals for the Storm to advance the team to the next round of the tournament.

Windy conditions made it a difficult game for the Storm, but during the second half of the game, they used the

Martinson is a junior midfielder for the Storm.

SPORTS

Page 18 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Lumberjacks, Bulls battle to series split Granite City competes with effort against divisional foes

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

With under two minutes to play, the North Iowa Bulls and Granite City Lumberjacks were tightly contested, as their matchups tend to be. The score was deadlocked and the action was intense, but the winner of this game would need to find that one lucky bounce.

On this night, it was North Iowa who discovered that stroke of luck with Brady Snedden chipping in the puck during a scrum in front of the net to give the Bulls a 3-2 victory Oct. 10 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

“I thought we played well enough to win,” said D.J. Vold, associate head coach. “It was just one of those nights where they got a couple more bounces than we did. Overall, I was happy with how we played.”

North Iowa rang the bell first, with Garrett Freeman finding the back of the net with two minutes remaining in the first period. However, every time the Bulls registered a goal, Lumberjacks winger Carson Simon responded with a score of his own. For the Elk River native, the pair of goals were his first points of the young season after leading the team in that category during the 2019-20 campaign.

“He’s a guy who finds a way to get it done,” Vold said. “Sometimes, we don’t know how it works, but it does. It’s great to have that kind of guy on your team.”

Granite City goalie Brandon Shantz made his junior hockey league debut and impressed against a stout Bulls forward group, snagging 29 saves on 32 attempts.

A reliable alternative to Bailey Huber, Shantz lacks prototypical goaltender size but makes up for it with his smooth technique, puck awareness and composure.

“His demeanor in net, he doesn’t ever get worked up, and he’s calm, cool and collected out there,” Vold said. “That translates to the rest of the team. He’ll be steady for us, and we’re happy to have him around.”

On the other side of the ice, however, North Iowa netminder Joe Daninger was stopping every Granite City opportunity after Simon’s second goal. Despite an action-packed third period that saw Granite City receive three power-play opportunities, the previously undefeated Lumberjacks could not cash in.

Lumberjacks page 19

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Storm miss out on miracle, fall in double overtime Willmar stuffs two-point conversion to steal win

BY EVAN MICHEALSON & MARK KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITERS

The Storm football team brought out their punting unit with two minutes to play in their first home game against the Willmar Cardinals, facing a 20-7 deficit.

Desperation mode had long set in, yet facing a steep yardage battle, Sauk Rapids-Rice was forced to punt the ball back to Willmar.

One message, uttered out loud by several players and coaches, was clear: Get the ball back.

SRR forced a Cardinals fumble, kickstarting a massive, crowd-lifting rally that ultimately brought the North Central district matchup to overtime.

Unfortunately for the hard-working Storm, their comeback efforts fell short as Willmar stuffed SRR’s attempt at a game-winning 2-point conversion to steal a 3534 double-overtime triumph Oct. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids.

“I’m proud of the fact we were down 20-0 and took that thing into overtime and earned the chance to play for a win,” said Phillip Klaphake, head coach. “What our team has to figure out now, and what we have

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Dominic Mathies launches a deep ball Oct. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Mathies and his wide receiver group missed on a bunch of early shots but started to cash in on opportunities late in a momentum-turning rally.

to do as coaches, is figure out how to not put ourselves in holes.”

The memorable contest began with a strong three-and-out forced by the Storm defense, who were impeccable against Alex Schramm and the rush-heavy Cardinals offense, holding them to under 100 rushing yards as a team.

“We knew their QB was a pretty dynamic runner and we made a conscious effort to make their run game tough, and we did,” Klaphake said.

“Defensively, for the most part, we were really good.”

However, the Storm struggled to capitalize on their surging defensive start, fumbling three

times in the first quarter alone. Grasping the football tightly was not the only aspect of the game the Storm found difficulty doing, as the team also could not stay away from penalties. The hosts were called for 12 infractions compared to Willmar’s four.

“When our team plays well and we click, we’re pretty dynamic,” Klaphake said. “But right now, we’re a rollercoaster and we have to stabilize that a little bit. We have to be a little more consistent.”

Jacob Rosendahl reeled in a 27-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter, and Xavier Wickliff and Michael Price also found the end

zone as Willmar eventually found their groove on offense, taking a 20-0 lead as the fourth quarter approached.

Before the end of the third quarter, however, the Storm found paydirt with tailback Alex Harren crossing the goal line for a 3-yard touchdown.

Harren and Brody Rollins packed a potent one-two punch in the backfield, combining for 152 rushing yards on 26 carries.

“It was just grit,” said Dominic Mathies, quarterback. “We made a couple of plays, and when we got into the end zone that first time, we were all excited and in go mode.”

Football page 19

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WATAB TOWNSHIP BENTON COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 9 AMENDED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WATAB TOWNSHIP SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE (Ordinance No. 9) SUMMARY NOTICE The Town Board of the Town of Watab adopted an amendment to Ordinance No. 9: Subdivision at its meeting on October 6, 2020. The amendment deletes all the existing text of Section E of the Ordinance and replaces it with the following: Definition of Minor Subdivisions; Content and Data Requirements for Minor Subdivisions, Provisions for Easements and Dedication, and Establishment of Fees.

The Town Board of the Town of Watab has approved the test of this Summary for publication and has determined that this Summary clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 9. Complete copies of Ordinance No. 9 and the amendment are available from the Watab Town Clerk and are posted at the Great River Regional Library and on file at the Benton County Law Library.

Dated October 14, 2020 Kathryn Sauer Watab Town Clerk R-42-1B

SPORTS

Page 20 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Football

from page 19 “It’s always a ton of fun, period. No matter the year, no matter the night, there’s nothing cooler than high school football games under the lights. It’s special, it really is.”

Monticello 34, SRR 14 In sports the final score is not indicative of how close the contest re-

ally was.

That certainly could be said about the Sauk Rapids-Rice football team’s season-opening 34-14 loss to Monticello Oct. 9 in Monticello.

The spread of 20 points seems like a lot, but the score would have been much closer. Costly turnovers in the red zone and missed assignments at the worst time hurt the Storm.

The Magic led 13-0 at halftime and scored first in the second half

before the Storm got on the board. Jackson Ackerman hauled in a 30yard touchdown pass from Mathies for the Storm’s first score of the game. Harren then ran in the 2-point conversion to trim the deficit to 20-8.

The score remained that way until the fourth quarter. Monticello sandwiched two long touchdown runs around the Storm’s second touchdown of the game, a 35yard touchdown pass from Mathies to Acker-

man.

Offensively, SRR had tremendous balance.

They ran for 171 yards and passed for 194. Alex Harren was the leading ball carrier for SRR. He busted through holes and gained 124 yards on just 14 carries.

Mathies threw for 121 yards, and Tucker Hendrickson 43 to lead the passing attack. Jackson Ackerman and Alex and Andrew Harren combined to lead the team with four, five and three catches, respectively.

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Jayce Walrath catches a pass in the flat Oct. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Walrath was one of four Storm players to cross the goal line in an exciting offensive performance.

R42-1B-MT

Alex Harren looks for an open lane Oct. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Harren has enjoyed a strong start to the 2020 season, rushing for close to 200 yards in two games.

FR39-4B-RB

Leading the

Leading the Storm is

Sponsored by:

Jackson Ackerman

Parents: Chuck and Linda Ackerman Accomplishment: Senior on the Sauk Rapids-Rapids Rice football team. He had four catches for 96 yards and scored two touchdowns in the season opener against Monticello.

Which teacher has impacted your education most? Mr. Dargis and Mrs. Rask at Rice Elementary School. They both taught me how to see the positive in every situation and to have fun.

What is your favorite part about What other activities are you in- Who has been a mentor to you? Mark football? The bond we build volved in at school? Basketball and Schultz. throughout the team. baseball.

What is your favorite meal, movie, What is your favorite thing to do on Why is it important for you to be in- social media and song? Ribs, “Transthe field? Hit people, runs the plays volved in school activities? To keep formers,” Snapchat and “Fishin’ in the and catch the ball. busy and interact with friends; just to Dark” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. be involved.

How do you prepare in the minutes leading up to competition? Lots How do you make a difference at Saluting great accomplishments of stretching and music to calm the school? I try to be nice to as many in the Sauk Rapids-Rice mind. people as possible.

High School

A Proud Supporter of Storm Athletics

Good Luck to All Sports Teams!

800-847-2502 • 320-632-2908

www.brandlmotors.com 14873 113th St., Little Falls, MN 56345

BENTON AG Plus

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, October 17, 2020

Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

Exploring the possibilities of an

oil seed pumpkin Sannerud grows specialty crop with help of state-funded grant

Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag

mountain of green-speckled pumpkins overflowed Rachel Sannerud’s greenhouse in late September on her farm near Milaca. The harvested pumpkins were part of an experiment Sannerud began last spring as a twoyear research project.

The goal? To test the viability of growing oil seed, or hulless, pumpkins as a specialty crop.

“I had no idea that it was a specific type of pumpkin used to harvest the seeds for oil and also where pepitas come from,” Sannerud said. “I thought that would be something I would love to try to grow.”

Sannerud has been farming since 2017 when she began Pluck Flower Farm where she grows flowers to sell for her business. As a small specialty farm operation, Sannerud has gradually added structures, like a greenhouse, that allow her to extend her season and start her own plants.

When Sannerud first considered growing hulless pumpkins as an addition to her specialty crop farm, she knew there was a significant amount of financial risk. Sannerud looked to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

The MDA awards grants annually for recipients to explore sustainable

practices and systems that make farming more profitable and resource efficient.

This year, a total of $160,144 was awarded to eight farmers through projects submitted to the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant (SustAg). Sannerud received $11,158 for her two-year project on growing hulless pumpkins.

At the end of two years, Sannerud will submit a final grant report.

Sannerud’s experiment began in April when she started three varieties of hulless pumpkin seeds in her greenhouse. She documented the germination rates for each variety.

These three varieties – Styrian, Godiva and Naked Bear – were chosen to monitor which one yielded the most pumpkins and performed best under the growing conditions of the Minnesota climate.

In mid-June, the seedlings were transferred to a quarter-acre field on Sannerud’s farm. One thousand pumpkin plants were planted.

“I monitored growth rates and documented the growth habits of the plants,” Sannerud said. “I also watched how they outlasted disease pressure.”

PHOTO BY ANDREA BORGERDING

Rachel Sannerud holds two varieties of hulless pumpkins in the greenhouse on her farm near Milaca. Sannerud is growing the pumpkins to explore their viability as a specialty crop.

Sannerud page 2B

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Page 2B | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Sannerud from front Sannerud also experimented with weed control. She mulched half the field and intended to cultivate the other half of the field.

“I am happy with the mulched area,” Sannerud said. “The pumpkin plants grew too fast for me to cultivate. Next year, I will space the plants further apart so I can get my tractor in to cultivate.”

Sannerud began harvesting pumpkins the week of Sept. 21.

Students from the Milaca FFA Chapter visited the farm to help pick the pumpkins.

“I was so busy

gathering the pumpkins that I didn’t realize how they were piling up,” Sannerud said.

The Godiva variety had the best germination and also the most plants in Sannerud’s field.

She will take that into account when reporting calculations of yield per plant.

Sannerud was pleased with the amount of pumpkins harvested her first year of the experiment. Her next step is documenting harvesting techniques for the seeds as well as how much time it takes for processing them for sale.

“I will be recording if there is a variety that is easier to process than others, if there is a variety that has more seeds inside than others and what the actual yield is for the growing area, as well as the performance of the different varieties,” Sannerud said.

Processing the pumpkins involves cutting open the pumpkins, separating the seeds from the flesh and then dehydrating the seeds. All of this must take place in a commercial kitchen in order for the seeds to qualify for food grade for human consumption.

Sannerud will rent the Sprout commercial kitchen in Little Falls to

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Rachel Sannerud holds a handful of seeds. Once they are harvested, the seeds can be processed into oil or consumed as a garnish or snack.

report on her findings.

As a specialty farmer, Sannerud hopes her research will help other small farmers like herself.

“We need more specialty crops like this, especially if the market

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harvest and process the pumpkins seeds.

“That’s an important part of deciding whether or not I, or any other farmer, should grow these,” Sannerud said. “Is it feasible to process the pumpkins yourself?”

This is a question Sannerud hopes to answer along with profitability and marketing.

Sannerud plans to experiment with various options for marketing the seeds including selling direct at farmers markets, wholesale options, selling direct to local bakeries and restaurants, and also as add-ons for community supported agriculture.

“I’ll explore all of it,” Sannerud said. “If a farm is going to decide to add a crop, they should know all this. These are things I wanted to learn, but I just didn’t find enough resources for our region and our growing conditions.”

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Rachel Sannerud reaches into a hulless pumpkin to grab a handful of seeds. Sannerud will harvest and process the seeds in a commerical kitchen in order for the seeds to meet food grade guidelines for human consumption.

BENTON AG

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | Page 3B

Keep a cow thinking

productively

Understanding animal behavior focus of effective stockmanship are going to try to figure out how to create the right pressure from our presence to the cow to get them to do the job we want them to do.”

There are three kinds of pressure in livestock handling – drawing, driving and maintaining pressure.

Drawing pressure is what cows enjoy most.

Driving pressure is one humans use most to move cattle. Maintaining pressure is the most important to understand as it is where the cow and human have an understanding.

“A cow can think of only one thing at a time,” Pate said. “Once you have the cow’s attention, it’s important to understand how to keep that attention.”

Maintaining pressure creates the thought of whether a cow does or does not like being around a person. If the right kind of maintaining pressure is used, a cow will enjoy being around a human.

“Cows have personalities, so we have to read the cow to find out what she likes and doesn’t like,” Pate said. “When you start getting this practice, it really becomes fun to read the cows and stockmanship becomes a lifestyle.”

Knowing how a cow thinks, moves and processes its environment can build a better understanding of handling that can be used every day.

When an animal is in thinking mode, it is processing what it is going to do next whether that is going to the parlor or going to the feed bunk.

It is key to keep the cow in thinking mode versus survival mode when the animal is reactive and less productive.

“When an animal is in thinking mode, I call that growth,” Pate said. “They are growing or increasing their ability to milk.

That’s the mode a good stockman always tries to keep their cow in.”

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Curt Pate demonstrates how to approach a cow during a livestock handling demonstration Sept. 17 at the Morrison County Fairgrounds in Little Falls. The workshop emphasized the benefits of proper stockmanship.

quickly.”

The goal for a handler is to approach the cow, letting her know that he or she is coming, let the cow get ready to work, position the cow where the handler wants her to go and then ask her to go.

“My pressure is not flight, it’s more of a changing of the mind and going somewhere,” Pate said.

When a person approaches a cow, Pate suggested taking the angle necessary to obtain the cow’s focal point. Taking that focal point will get the cow’s attention and get her ready to go where they want her to go.

“If you point her nose where you want her to go, she will go in that direction,” Pate said. “If a cow has to turn her head to

look at you, you have to back up a few steps and approach her at a flatter angle. That’s how you keep a cow straight.”

The farther out a person works, the better chance of having the cow go where she is needed.

“The cow will always tell you if your positioning is right or wrong,”

Pate said.

Low stress livestock handling not only sets a tone or mood but also effective stockmanship.

“Good and effective stockmanship is the right thing to do,” Pate said.

“When people handle their cows right, they last longer and the cows are more productive.”

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LITTLE FALLS – Curt Pate said it is in everyone’s best interest to practice proper livestock handling or stockmanship.

“Cows are going to produce more milk and recover quicker after milking if we have less stress while they are being milked or while they are coming to the parlor,” he said.

Pate led a stockmanship workshop Sept. 17 at the Morrison County Fairgrounds in Little Falls. Pate is a consultant who travels nationally and internationally to conduct livestock handling demonstrations, clinics and on-site training for livestock businesses.

During the workshop, Pate emphasized the benefit of stockmanship and explained thought and movement processes in cattle.

“Until the last 10 years, there’s been no real instructions for handling cattle,” Pate said.

“There’s never been a plan on how to work livestock.”

The Dairy and Beef Quality Assurance researched methods to explain a better way to get cattle to flow and work through dairy systems.

Pate presented practices to promote better stockmanship including understanding a cow’s thought process, how they perceive their environment and how a person’s reactions result in effective stockmanship.

The single most stressful process for a dairy cow is getting to the parlor and getting the milking unit on. It is also where employees apply the most pressure.

“It takes a certain amount of pressure to get her out of her stall, walk up to the parlor and get the milker on,” Pate said.

Applying positive pressure is what Pate said gets a cow to the parlor and is most productive.

“Think of livestock handling as the right amount of pressure for the job,” Pate said. “We

keep a person in focus. Cattle like to see a person with two eyes that way they have depth perception and they can tell what direction a person is heading.

“What happens is at some point we have to go behind cows to drive them,” Pate said. “Cows like us to approach from the front. We are creating stress when we approach from the back and she can’t see us.”

Pate suggested compromising with the cow by working the side of her. The flatter angle you approach a cow, the less pressure you create.

A person has to have a good presence so the cow knows their intentions.

The more a person comes into to the center of the cow’s eye the more in focus they become.

Further out and they become out of focus. From the back, a cow cannot see a person, all they see is motion.

“When you start up their side, they stop their feet and wait for you to get there,” Pate said.

“They are waiting for us to get in focus so they can see us and then they’re more comfortable.”

Pate said to approach a cow in a way to let her know you would like her to transition or change her mind from what she is doing. Startling her will create fear.

“You need to find a noise that you can use, a ‘ch ch ch’ sound with your mouth or shuffling your feet,” Pate said.

“They will move away from it to see it but it won’t panic them. Yelling and jumping up and down aggravates them

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Page 6B | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

5 tips to increase milk fat production Adding value to your milk check is all about balancing between your overall milk production and components. In some situations, increasing the amount of milk fat can boost your bottom line. Whether your herd is struggling with milk fat depression or University of you are looking to capture MN Extension additional value from

by Stacey Caughey milk, follow these five tips on how you can possibly increase milk fat in dairy cows.

Forage quality You want to emphasize the importance of harvesting and preserving high-quality forages. Make sure forages are harvested on time and at the correct moisture. You want to protect all those hard efforts with proper packing and storage practices. Try and use two layers of plastic and add an inoculant. The goal is to make sure the ensiled forages ferment properly and are free of molds and yeast.

If forages are of poor quality or not stored properly, not much can be done to cost-effectively minimize the negative impacts. Mold will negatively impact rumen fermentation, and if you must deal with moldy forages, it will be a challenge to maximize rumen performance and enhance milk fat production.

Mixing and delivering properly Over or under mixing dairy feed rations can alter what the cow eats and how the ration ferments in the rumen. Both can cause issues with rumen pH and cow health, leading to reduced component production.

You will want to check to make sure your herd’s total mixed ration is mixed properly at every feeding to help support milk fat production.

Preform regular maintenance checks on kicker plates, knives and weigh bars to confirm they are in proper working order. Proper feed delivery and availability also impacts milk fat levels. Regularly push up feed to help reduce slug feeding in dairy cows. Slug feeding can alter rumen pH, leading to subclinical rumen acidosis.

Evaluate fiber and forage digestibility Nearly half of milk fat precursors are made of short chain fatty acids produced during rumen fermentation of dietary fiber. High forage quality with digestible fiber helps increase milk fat yield. Another tool is the management of neutral detergent fiber digestibility to make certain it is at the optimal level to support milk fat production.

Evaluation of particle length can be done both on a subjective, daily basis by monitoring feed bunks, as well as in a more objective manure by using the Penn State Shaker Box. Typically, you should see 7% in the top sieve for lactating diets. Cud chewing can also be a good indicator of optimal fiber and forage digestibility levels. Half or more of the cows at rest in a pen should be chewing their cud at any given time.

Starch and fat levels Awareness of starch digestion rates in the rumen is critical when pursuing higher milk fat production.

Different ingredients have faster rumen fermentation times than others, affecting rumen dynamics. Monitor the pounds and percentages of starch fed in a TMR. The type and quality of dietary fat are also important to support optimal levels of milk fat production, especially for promoting sustained lactation without depleting body reserves. A common dietary fat level is 5%. Higher levels can be successfully fed depending on the other dietary nutrient levels that can impact milk fat yield.

Balance for methionine and lysine Amino acids are an important tool to help maximize milk and component production. The right balance of amino acids can help support greater milk component yields and avoid milk fat depression.

However, balancing rations for amino acids without confirming that the other pieces of the nutrition puzzle mentioned above are in order will likely not result in a return on investment.

You want to make sure the rations include the highest quality forages possible. Then determine the rations are consistently delivered to cows are formulated. Once these factors are in place, then balance the ration for amino acids.

2020 harvest well underway

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Ken Bonovsky loads lime into a spreader before applying it on one of his fields Oct. 13 near Sauk Rapids. Bonovsky farms around 600 acres, and had crops of corn, soybeans and alfalfa this year. He planned to start harvesting corn later in the week.

Harvest page 8B

Farm economy There are more signs of an improving agricultural economy. The latest Purdue UniversityCME Group Ag Economy Barometer for September climbed to 156, the highest reading for the index since the pandemic began last winter and a 12-point gain from one month earlier.

The numbers are now 60 points higher than the low set back in April as farmers are feeling more optimistic about both current conditions and the future for agriculture.

The barometer is divided between current conditions and future expectations with the current conditions reading up 18 points and the future expectations up nine points from August to September.

The biggest factor for the increased optimism was the United States Department of Agriculture’s announcement of the second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. The program provides up to $14 billion in additional assistance for agricultural producers who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Also helping was strength in crop prices from August to September with a 20-cent-a-bushel increase in cash corn and a $1 increase in soybean prices from late August to late September. As a result, farmers said they are a little more willing

to make investments in their farming operation and possibly buy farm machinery than they were just a few months ago.

Rural America is now in the midst of an improving economy while dealing with a disproportionate number of new COVID-19 cases.

According to a new quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, many rural industries have begun to show improvement, and in some cases, they are actually thriving.

Grain prices have improved as the result of strong exports and large potential grain sales to China.

But it is the meat and poultry sector that are showing the most improvement. The U.S. beef industry ended the third quarter in a much better position than where it started. Over the last three months, boxed beef cutout has climbed 5%, lifting cattle prices by 10% since the low around Independence Day. Profitability for many cattle feeders has improved to break-even levels.

Prospects for increased exports have helped the pork sector as a result of the discovery of African Swine Fever in wild boars in Germany. Hog producers are expected to lose $7 per head in the coming quarter before seeing positive margins of

in milk prices has once again triggered an increase in production.

It will be interesting to see what happens to butter and cream sales in the upcoming holiday season as people continue to isolate as a result of COVID-19.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | Page 7B

Deadline fast approaching for livestock investment grant

Mielke takes advantage of MDA funding

BY JENNIFER COYNE | STAFF WRITER

VanderMey, livestock investment administrator for MDA. “This would be a good opportunity to start analyzing your budget and bringing your ideas forward into the planning phase.”

The Mielkes’ latest farm improvement was the construction of a stacking slab and lean-to.

They worked with both MDA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to fund the project with NRCS supporting the waste management portion of the plan.

Previously, the youngstock were housed under an old granary.

The addition was built with a 4-foot high wall on the stacking slab and a lean-to on the south side of the structure. It also includes a feed alley where the Mielkes’ TMR wagon fits under the roof.

“I permit a lot of structures for Stearns County and I’ve never

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Amber Mielke holds a British White calf on her family’s farm in Morrison County near Little Falls. The Mielkes have received Minnesota Department of Agriculture Livestock Investment Grants over the past several years.

seen a lot like this,” said Mielke who also works as a feedlot officer in Stearns County. “It’s unique and was easy to do with the structure design.”

A majority of the stacking slab was paid for through NRCS and the Mielkes’ claimed the lean-to with the LIG.

The Mielkes have been wise in building their farming operation.

They first began with a herd of four cows and slowly grew as land became available.

When Mielke discovered the LIG opportunity, she knew it was a way to further

A stacking slab and lean-to are used to house Amber and Justin Mielke’s herd of beef cattle on their farm near Little Falls. The couple worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to help fund the construction project.

automatic waterers on the property.

“Then, three or four years ago, we put a new roof on the old dairy barn,” Mielke said. “We did some renovations inside the barn that now allows us to put youngstock and horses in there in the winter.”

To apply for the grant, livestock producers should visit MDA’s website.

“This is a competitive grant, but I highly encourage people to apply,” VanderMey said. “Less funds are available than in past years, which does add to the competitiveness of the grant.”

As one who has had her fair share of experience with the grant program, Mielke encourages others to apply.

“It’s an easy application to complete,” Mielke said. “Sometimes, filling out an application is a barrier for some people. You get to talk about your farm and your plan. It’s fun to do that.”

An old dairy barn is used as housing for youngstock and horses at Amber and Justin Mielke’s farm near Little Falls. The Mielkes replaced the barn roof with financial assistance from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Investment Grant.

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LITTLE FALLS – Starting a farm is a challenging venture, but with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, one woman and her family have found a way.

“As beginning farmers, it’s always nice to have a little more,” Amber Mielke said. “In some cases, the grant has been enough to make a farm payment.”

Mielke and her husband, Justin, raise a herd of 35 Angus and British White cows on a renovated dairy farm in Morrison County near Little Falls. The couple keeps the heifer calves for replacement stock and raises the bull calves as slaughter steers for family and a local market.

Over the past several years, Mielke has applied for and received funding through MDA’s Livestock Investment Grant. Her most recent grant helped recoup the cost of a facility expansion and improvements made for the farm’s water quality.

Minnesota livestock farmers are eligible to apply for a portion of the $789,000 available as part of the LIG program for the 2021 fiscal year.

The MDA will reimburse 10% of the first $250,000 of an eligible project with a $25,000 maximum each year and a lifetime maximum of $50,000.

Projects eligible for the grant money include buildings or facilities for the production of livestock or livestock products; development of pasture for use by livestock; and equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding and waste management.

Applications for the grant must be received by 4 p.m. Nov. 4.

“The application, in some cases, can serve as a planning stage for projects you want to complete in 2021,” said Courtney

establish her family’s farm.

“I was walking around the Central Minnesota Farm Show when I stopped to talk to one of the guys with MDA,” Mielke said.

“Since then, I’ve applied every year and received funding for our farm.”

The LIG helped the Mielkes replace fencing of barbwire along the pasture with high tensile electric wire in addition to the purchase of a utility side-by-side to complete the fencing project.

“We first thought about hiring a professional to fence but then decided to save money and purchase a ranger instead so we could do it ourselves,” Mielke said. “It’s been helpful for everything and comes in handy for spraying for mosquitos and weeds, tagging calves.”

One of the Mielkes’ first grants also helped with the purchase of equipment, such as a conditioner, disc mower, rake and cattle trailer.

And, it covered some of the cost of installing

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Page 8B | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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