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Saturday, October Occtobe berr 24 2 24,, 2020
Vol. 166, No. N 29
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
District breaks ground on new Pleasantview school
October snow sets new record Previous monthly total was 6.8 inches set in 1936
Pleasantview page 3
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Ready or not, white flakes greeted the Sauk Rapids and Rice communities early this year with an Oct. 20 snowfall that shattered records. Snow in the area set an all-time record for the heaviest, earliest snowfall of the season. The National Weather Service reported that 6.5 inches was recorded in Sauk Rapids Tuesday evening and 7.1 inches recorded in Rice Wednesday morning. Retired St. Cloud State University meteorology professor Bob Weisman said he measured 7 inches of snow, which broke the Oct. 20 record snowfall of 5.8 inches set in 1936. That snow, added to the 0.2 inch from Oct. 16, pushed St. Cloud’s October total to 7.2 inches, according to Weisman. The National Weather Service said some southern Twin Cities suburbs got around 9 inches of snow Oct. 20, while the western Minnesota town of Sedan received 10.8 inches. Thursday brought more snow to the area, but even before that storm and any potential weekend snow, Oct. 20 broke the record for the most snow in October. The old record for the entire month of October was 6.8 inches in 1936.
Snow page 3
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
School board member Mark Hauck (from left), Pleasantview Elementary Principal Aby Froiland, school board members Ryan Butkowski, Lisa Loidolt, Jan Solarz, Tracy Morse, Lisa J. Braun and Robyn Holthaus, and superintendent Bradley Bergstrom scoop dirt as part of a ceremonial first dig during a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 19 at the future home of Pleasantview Elementary School. The new building will open for the 2022-23 school year.
Trick-or-treat from 6 feet: Owners of Halloween House build candy slide
Homemade contraption to distribute candy from safe distance BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – As always, Chris and Leah Beack are excited for Oct. 31. Usually, they do not wear costumes, but they love to dress up their property for their favorite holiday.
Halloween page 5
PHOTO SUBMITTED
In an effort to make trick-or-treating safe this year, Chris and Leah Beack have built a candy slide to distribute treats from a safe distance. The Beacks live on the corner of 11th Street and 4 1/2 Avenue North in Sauk Rapids.
PUBLIC NOTICES • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of General Election - pg. 16 • City of Rice Notice of Sealed Bid on Surplus Equipment - pg. 16 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Public Accuracy Test of Voting Equipment - pg. 16 • Benton County Sample Ballot - pg. 16, 17, 18 and 19 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Reg. Meeting, Oct. 5, 2020 - pg. 17 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Minutes, Oct. 6, 2020 - pg. 18
OBITUARIES • Gary A. Chaika • Donald Damm
ST R
Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Jared
VOTE
GAPINISKI Benton County Commissioner District 4
2020
Community Experience For Benton County
Coborn’s ‘petals’ it forward with free flowers People given two bouquets – one to keep, one to give BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
• Lifetime Resident of Benton County • 25 year Business Owner in Benton County • 16 Year Member Sauk Rapids Fire Dept • 4 Years Sauk Rapids City Council
SAUK RAPIDS – Take one. Give one. That was the message of Petal it Forward, a community outreach Coborn’s Floral brought to downtown Sauk Rapids Oct. 21. Judy Klever and Trisha Welker, lead floral designers, for Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids, distributed 200 flower bouquets to guests of Jimmy’s Pour House. They invited people to take two bouquets for free – one for themselves and one to give to a friend or loved one. Their mission: “To go out into the community and spread some sunshine and goodwill,” Klever said. Welker also made stops at other businesses to give away flowers. The cheer project was sponsored by Lenbush Roses of Plymouth, a Coborn’s Floral vendor. The colorful, fragrant bouquets featured several varieties of flowers, including roses and sunflowers. Klever said the project had good response. Among the delighted recipients was Richard Lunde, of Rice, who was all smiles as he selected two bouquets. Wednesday just happened to be his birthday.
This ad paid for by Jared Gapinski, 1202 Hillside Rd, Sauk Rapids MN 56379
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PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Judy Klever, floral manager for Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids, distributes free flower bouquets at the entrance to Jimmy’s Pour House. Sponsored by Lenbush Roses of Plymouth, the Petal it Forward project was intended to spread cheer and goodwill in the community during these difficult times. Richard Lunde, of Rice, smiles while holding complimentary floral bouquets inside Jimmy’s Pour House in Sauk Rapids Oct. 21. People were invited to take two bouquets – one for themselves and one to give to a friend or loved one.
It’s Harvest Time!
THE FARMERS ARE ON THE ROAD. BE ALERT. SLOW DOWN. SHARE THE ROAD.
The biggest factors contributing to farm equipment/vehicle crashes are inattention, unsafe passing and speed. Motorists should always slow down and use caution when approaching farm equipment, stay off cell phones & get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel .
y of
Jeff Skroch
who was killed in a tragic tractor/semi accident in 2015 during harvest time.
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Motorists should: • Watch for debris dropped by trucks hauling crops. It is safer to brake or drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road. • Wait for a safe place to pass. • Wear seatbelts. • Drive with headlights on at all times. Farm equipment operators should: • Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible. • Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph. • Consider using a follow vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night.
S/R43-1B-RB
or In Mem
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 3
Elementary building will open for use in August 2022 BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District has broken ground on construction of a new Pleasantview Elementary School. Independent School District 47 Board of Education members joined school administrators, Sauk Rapids city officials and representatives from building contractor ICS for a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 19. As snowflakes touched the ground, school board members, Pleasantview Elementary Principal Aby Froiland and Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom put their shovels in the dirt for a ceremonial first digging of ground where the school will be built. Construction of the $37.1 million Pleasantview Elementary School, to replace the existing 1972 building, will take place over the next year and a half on the northwest corner of the same property at 1009 Sixth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. The existing school will be used for the remainder of the current school year and for the 2021-22 school year. Eventually, a playground, parking lot, bus loop and grass field will take its place. The two-story, 120,000-square-foot school will be completed in August 2022, just in time for the start of the 2022-23 school year. After the rebuild, Pleasantview will gain 40,000 more square feet over the existing 81,000-square-foot building, which the district has outgrown. In addition to inadequate educational space, further hindered by a January 2019 fire that left four classrooms unus-
PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Speaking at the Sauk Rapids construction site Oct. 19, Pleasantview principal Aby Froiland expresses gratitude for the opportunity to build a new elementary school. Construction will begin on the $37.1 million project this fall.
board of education’s resilience and dedication to bringing the long-awaited project to fruition. She thanked the Sauk Rapids and Rice communities for their support in approving the third referendum for the project, the ICS team, the district’s administrative team and Pleasantview staff, who relentlessly told her they wanted it done and done right. “We are so very grateful,” Froiland said. A landmark on the property of the future school is an oak tree that has been there for decades. “It reminds us daily, when we come to school and when we come to work, of its enduring strength and its resilience as it continues to grow – through storms, through fires, through generations and through pandemics,” Froiland said. “And we are so excited that our new Pleasantview building is going to have the essence of this tree inside of it and that its spirit is going to live in the building.” Pleasantview staff members, Froiland said, are “fully prepared to empower generations of students to find that same enduring strength and re-
able, the existing school’s open-concept design poses safety concerns, the building has poor ventilation systems, and traffic flow in pick-up and drop-off zones needs improvement. Rebuilding the elementary school comes on the heels of what administrators called perseverance after two failed referendums. After many meetings and extensive community outreach, the project was approved by voters on the third try last November. “We’ve made it here,” Bergstrom told about 20 attendees of the ceremonial groundbreaking. “We’re all very excited to be taking this next step in the evolution of education here in Sauk Rapids-Rice.” Dave Bergeron, an owner of ICS, also spoke at the event. “The replacement of Pleasantview marks a significant change for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District and your ability to change the educational value you deliver to the kids,” Bergeron said. Bergeron said more than 60% of the team building the school are local to the school district. Froiland credited the
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silience to grow beyond what can be imagined.” The groundbreaking, she added, is an exciting beginning. “Thank you for your perseverance,” Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger said. “I know how much work you’ve put into this, and it’s paid off.” Hunstiger thanked residents who voted to rebuild Pleasantview Elementary. “I think it shows district residents can come together to demonstrate educational excellence for every child,” he said. “I think this is a great asset to the school district, to the city and to the neighborhood, teachers and students. Strong schools build strong communities.” School board chairman Ryan Butkowski was a student at the existing Pleasantview, which he called futuristic in its time. He grew up in its neighborhood, climbing the aforementioned oak tree that has stood the test of time. Pleasantview was regarded as the fabric of the neighborhood. “It has served the community very well,” Butkowski said. “For 50 years, this elementary school has educated our community and our kids. What is about to come is even better yet. I am so excited.” Bergstrom is appreciative of the work done to get the district to this point. “It’s the people who said yes,” he said. “It’s the people who did all those countless meetings. It’s the people who were involved in going out and sharing the story of why this building is important to our community and why it’s important to our kids. … It takes a team.”
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Correction
The last name of Sauk Rapids Police Reserve Officer Blake DeMarais was misspelled in the Oct. 17 article and photos, “5 installed as Sauk Rapids Police Reserve.” The Sauk Rapids Herald staff regrets this error.
Pulse on People
Benton County marriage applications
– Brett Allen Kiehm and Heather Rae Fitch, both of Foley. – Randy David Weimer and Shannon Marie Kent, both of Becker. – Michael Patrick O’Leary, of Minnetonka, and Lydia Marie Johnson, of Sauk Rapids.
Molitor named to dean’s list
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Gabriel Elizabeth Molitor was named to the dean’s list at South Dakota State University in Brookings following spring semester. Molitor earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Students earning a 3.5 GPA or greater are eligible for the honor.
Snow from front
The last major October snowfall total was 2002, with 6.4 inches, dropping its current rank to third place. The Halloween blizzard of 1991 now ranks 10th, with 3.1 inches. “It’s so low because the bulk of the 13 inches fell after midnight on Halloween night and into the next day,” Weisman said. Perhaps there is a silver lining for those who want “snow” and “fall” to stay separate words this time of year. “This does not guarantee that we will be under constant snow cover from now through the winter,” Weisman said. “The average date of the first continuous inch on the ground in St. Cloud is in early December. Even after 13 inches during the Halloween blizzard (and 28 inches in the Twin Cities), we had bare ground in mid-November.”
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NEWS/OBITUARIES
Page 4 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
6-12 students remain in hybrid learning model
Gary A. Chaika
Gary A. Chaika (SMSGT, Retired USAF), age 84, of Sauk Rapids, passed away Oct. 17, 2020. He was born June 27, 1936, in St. Cloud, to Jerome H. Sr. and Hildagarde (Zilmer) Chaika. Gary graduated from Sauk Rapids High School as an outstanding athlete; after high school Gary enlisted in the Air Force where he served for 26 years and played base level football and basketball. On April 25, 1959, Gary married Audrey Laing and together they celebrated 61 years of marriage and had three children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and trips to the casino. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6992 and American Legion Post 254. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father, Al Smith; brothers, William (Renate), Thomas, Phil, Jim, Jerome Jr. and Nephew, Michael. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Audrey; children, Mark (MaDonna), Mary (Kenny) Duray, and Kathy (Jim) Schuler; grandchildren, Josh, Jere, Jon, Kendall, and J.R.; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Evan, Alexis, Jackson, Landon,
District monitoring COVID-19 impacts closely
Gary A. Chaika
Jameson and Lincoln; Sister, Joan Edwards of California; brother, Chuck (Lowen) Smith; sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Chaika, Alyce Chaika, Joyce Chaika, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Sacred Heart Church (2875 10th Ave. NE, Sauk Rapids) with the Rev. Tom Knoblach officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at church. Private interment with military honors will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Gary’s family would like to give a special thank you to the Centra Care Hospice Nurses for the wonderful care and support they provided for him every day. GearhartAnokaChapel. com.
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
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“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
Donald Damm
Donald Damm, 86, of Brainerd, died Oct. 19, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter. Visitation will take place one hour after services. Arrangements by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter. R-43-1F
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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Sauk Rapids-Rice students in grades 6-12 will continue learning in a hybrid model. After reviewing COVID-19 data as it pertains to the district and discussing the middle and high school learning model, the school board made no changes to the plan at its Oct. 19 meeting. Board members resolved to continue closely monitoring local impacts of the pandemic to ensure students and staff have safe and healthy learning and working environments. “We want to keep our kids here,” said Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom. “We want to keep our staff safe.” Since Sept. 21, middle and high school students have been learning under a model in which they attend classes two days during the normal week and take classes online the other three days. Pleasantview Elementary School in Sauk Rapids closed for a short time due to a heightened COVID-19 risk, with students doing eight days of distance learning, but re-opened earlier this month. Inperson learning continues at Mississippi Heights Elementary School in Sauk Rapids, Rice Elementary School and at Hillside and Rice early childhood and family education programs. Bergstrom said he felt comfortable maintaining the current learning model
“We want to keep our kids here. We want to keep our staff safe.” - Bradley Bergstrom, Superintendent
but stressed the importance of preparedness if it is no longer sustainable due to an increased risk. The district, he explained, is mindful the situation could change quickly. Greater prevalence of COVID-19 within and near the district increases the likelihood of altering the learning plan. The learning model is being revisited at every board meeting, and the board can take action to change it at any time, Bergstrom said. The board continues to rely on information from outside experts, including Benton County Public Health, to help make decisions that best protect students and mitigate the spread while providing a quality education. Bergstrom advised board members they could hold an emergency meeting, waiving the otherwise-required three-day written notice, should they feel a need to change the learning plan. The district aims to notify students, staff and parents of any change no later than the Thursday before a model is implemented. The district’s ability to staff its school buildings is crucial, Bergstrom said. If the district is unable to do this, the learn-
ing model will have to change. “At this point, we are not seeing any reason why we can’t staff our buildings appropriately,” he said. The district has been reporting the number of positive test results in staff and students on its website. From Oct. 9 through Oct. 15, three of 675 employees tested positive, and 11 of 4,051 students tested positive. “There is definitely more testing that is happening around the state,” Bergstrom said. And more data, too, he acknowledged. This month, the Minnesota Department of Health began posting results from COVID-19 antigen testing, which can produce results in minutes, to its online database. Bergstrom emphasized that numbers themselves are not enough when decisions are made. The district must consider not only the number of confirmed cases but all COVID-19-related absences – everyone who has been in contact with someone with the virus. Knowing the pandemic has affected students’ mental health and that it is likely some students who
need support have not reac reached out, board member Mark Hauck asked Ber Bergstrom what the distri trict can do to help. These unpreceedented, challenging times have caused aanxiety for many, B Bergstrom said. He sa said staff do an incredible job of identifying thos those needs and subsequently reaching out to que families. And they do so fam in a gentle way, Bergstrom said, adding that stro many parents are grateful. In other board news: – Approved amending football and volleyball coaching contracts so coaches can be paid in full yet this fall. In September, the board had approved paying the coaches just 25% of their coaching salary in fall in accordance with the Minnesota State High School League’s since-reversed decision to postpone football and volleyball seasons until March. With the fall football and volleyball seasons reinstated, the contracts were changed so as coaches will be paid 100%. – Approved hiring an additional special education teacher. Bergstrom said an additional 17 students need special education services this school year, with a number of them requiring distance learning support. – Approved a request to hire a custodian substitute that will float between buildings, as directed, for the remainder of the school year. Bergstrom said the district has had a consistent need for custodial substitutes and equal difficulty retaining them; therefore, they would like to designate one person as a daily, long-term substitute.
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NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 5
What’s Happening
Halloween
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – Monster Dash. Registration required. Fun run around Lake Francis and trick or treating in the lawn. Free family event hosted by Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce and Everything Sartell. Sponsored by Central Minnesota Credit Union with support from other businesses. Outdoors at the Sartell Community Center, Sartell. Register at www.sartellchamber.com/events.
from front
Known in the neighborhood as the Halloween House, the Beack residence is teeming with spooky, colorful ambience. For years, the ghoulish glow of orange, purple, green and blue lights has summoned costumed candy-seekers to their little slice of Sauk Rapids on the evening of sweets and scares. Thousands of little bulbs and other glowin-the-dark decorations – from jack-o’-lanterns and ghosts to skulls and tombstones – light up their enchanting front yard on the corner of 11th Street and 4 1/2 Avenue North, between Pleasantview Elementary School and The Good Shepherd Community. “It’s the holiday we decorate the most for,” Leah said. “It’s just kind of become our little tradition now.” It is no surprise, then, that the Beacks’ Halloween spectacle garners, on average, 200 trick-or-treaters each year. The Beacks, who moved to Sauk Rapids almost 20 years ago and to their neighborhood in 2004, started decorating big for Halloween in 2007, when their son, Christopher Jr., was 8. That year, they had 147 trick-or-treaters and have kept visitor records since. They had a record number of trick-ortreaters in 2017, when 239 showed up at their house. Last year, they had 212 trick-or-treaters. Even former neighbors come back to see the Beacks light up the night.
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
The Clinton siblings, – Amaya, 5, Ava, 7, and Azdan, 1 – of Rice, catch treats from Tessa Buttweiler, of Sauk Rapids, during a practice run of a candy slide Chris and Leah Beack built out of PVC pipe. Next Saturday, costumed candy-seekers are invited to trick-ortreat from 6 feet at the Beacks’ house in Sauk Rapids.
For the family of three, it is all about making memories. “We try to make it fun for them,” Leah said. “Their reaction is so much fun.” The couple hands out more than 15 varieties of candy, everything from fun-size Twix and Snicker bars to little packages of M&Ms and Dots. “You name it, we probably have it,” Leah said. In addition to candy, the Beacks fill a teal pumpkin with non-food treats – slinkies, sunglasses and other trinkets – in an effort to accommodate kids with food allergies. This year, the Beacks are adding a homemade creation to their lawn in an effort to keep kids and parents safe amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They have built a cobwebcovered candy slide they will use to hand out treats from a safe distance. “We saw on social media someone who had made a candy slide so that they could hand out candy from a safe distance,” Leah
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said. “We just thought it was genius.” Seven feet in length, the enclosed chute was fashioned out of PVC pipe and lined with silicone to help treats slide down faster. A sign beside it reads, “On Halloween come and trick or treat from 6 feet!” “It will be cute, seeing the kids with it,” Leah said. “They can try to catch the candy as it comes down the slide.” By placing the sign in the yard early, the Beacks are hopeful word will spread. “Right now, we’re just trying to get people to see it so we get some kiddos who show up,” Leah said. Year after year, the Beack residence has lived up to its reputation around town. The home’s exterior and yard, including two arches over walking paths that lead to the front door, is aglow with several varieties of string, icicle and novelty lighting. Much of the glow-in-the-dark décor is orange and purple for a classic look, with a little green and blue. Chris and Leah’s goal
of making the Halloween House an enjoyable and memorable destination involves a lot of work – from putting witches, Frankenstein, spiders and other spooky creatures in their place in the Grim Gables Cemetery to hanging lights. Chris, whom Leah describes as the creative one, spends some 30 hours decorating. Every fall, when Chris is not putting up or taking down the lights, he is replacing fuses. Seeing all the little ghouls, goblins, princesses, superheroes and everything else in between is the couple’s favorite part of Halloween. “The kids are so stinkin’ cute,” Leah said. “We’re all about enjoying other people dressing up.” The Beacks hope to have a good turn-out this year. Halloween happens to fall on Saturday, with daylight saving time ending at 2 a.m., and there is supposed to be a full moon. “The perfect trifecta,” Leah said.
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Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m. – Shepherd of the Pines Trunk or Treat. Free family event. Trunk or treat, hayride, campfire, photo booth and more. Event is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project that offers non-food treats for children with food allergies. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. N.W., Rice. Monday, Oct. 26, 8-10:30 a.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Frozen Meal Pickup. Public distribution for people ages 60 or older. Senior Dining will provide packs of 10 frozen meals for seniors during this drive-thru, no-contact distribution. There is no fee; contributions accepted. Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 N. Pine Cone Road, Sartell. Monday, Oct. 26, 1-7 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Donations. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. N.W., Rice. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org. Monday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m. – Meat raffle benefitting the Sauk Rapids-Rice swim and dive team. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m. – Drive-thru Trunk or Treat. Children get a bag of goodies when you drive through the circular drive Halloween afternoon. Masks will be worn and precautions taken. Petra Lutheran Church, 1049 First Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-716-2411. (MCN)S-43
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Page 6 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
EDITORIAL
Late fall gardening An acquaintance recently asked me if it was too late to plant a perennial outdoors. Yes, we can still plant provided the ground has not frozen and the plant is well watered until the ground freezes. Freezing does not hurt plants as much as freezing, thawing and GREEN AND then refreezing, causing the cell walls to break GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY open which kills the BY LINDA G. TENNESON plant. A cycle of freezing and thawing will also cause the ground around a plant to expand and contract. This is called frost heaving and can also disrupt plants by damaging their roots through the movement of the soil. Mulch is a way to moderate the soil temperature in winter. It should be placed around but not actually touching the plant stems. Spring blooming bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinth and others may be planted provided the ground has not frozen. A screen of chicken wire or hardware cloth on top of the soil where bulbs have been planted will keep squirrels from digging up and eating the bulbs. After a hard frost has killed the top of a perennial plant, the above ground stems may be left standing or removed to the compost pile. Plant stems left standing provide winter interest and may hold snow in place. Snow will insulate the ground and woody plant stems by providing the same protection against rising and falling temperatures as well as mulch does. Seeds attached to perennial plant stems will be available for birds to eat in the winter. There is also a temptation to prune plants in late fall which is not always a good idea. Plants that bloom on old wood in the spring such as lilacs or azaleas should not be pruned at this time because the flower buds that have already formed for next year might be removed. Pruning opens a wound on a plant which is an invitation for insects and diseases to enter, so pruning in late winter or early spring is often recommended because insects are not present and disease pathogens are not present. Pruning plants that are not completely dormant may also be inspired to start growing after a pruning cut is made. New growth that starts in late fall is likely to be too tender to survive and will die off. Pruning already diseased or broken branches is a good idea. A load of snow landing on a partially broken branch will complete the breakage and may leave a large wound in the plant stem. Also remember the check on the correct way to make pruning cuts and to disinfect pruning tools to avoid moving any disease pathogens from one plant to the next. Lawn grass that is growing may be fertilized which feeds the roots and encourages growth the following spring. Tree leaves should be removed from lawns unless the leaf layer is very thin. A thin layer of chopped up leaves will biodegrade into the lawn and enrich the soil, but a thick layer will smother and kill the grass. Diseased plants should also be removed from the garden to avoid the disease pathogens from infecting next year’s growth. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
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
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Female piety
“I shall never wonder at anything that women of faith named are strong women, female fortitude, when upheld by divine knowing how to enjoy themselves – havgrace, can do, after it could stand in the pering fun and simultaneously having impacted son of Mary, at the foot of the cross, when generations because they will not conform to Christ her son and her Lord was suspended the world. They love God with all their heart, upon it.” and they submit to the authority of God’s “Female Piety” is a book, along with word simply because they love him so much. many like it, that was written by a man This is an attractive quality to men. Alwho respected how much generous influthough not all of these women married, not ence women had on culture. Why must us all had children, some widowed and some reLIFE BY FAITH girls remain virtuous while it seems all the main barren, they all impacted others hearts boys have the fun? By persevering as ongo- BY MERCY NYGAARD for God’s Kingdom. ing, set-apart servants are we lost within the This is how Peter directs women to imigoody-two-shoes, abandoning our uniqueness? Are we tate the holy (set apart) women of the past. To imitate void of pleasure as we bear responsibility? Are we lack- their inward beauty, 1 Peter 3:1-6. And to imitate those ing in strength as we submit to the authority of God’s who through faith and patience inherit what has been word and his perfect will? No, in fact, we are set apart promised, Hebrews 6:12. We can and should imitate and absolutely unique compared to the world. Our joy these women. is full, and God’s might is manifested in our weakness. So, what does that look like in 2020? Not much We know this by one another’s examples of a life lived different than these women in their time. They loved fully for God’s glory and some that still are gracing God above all else. They lifted up their spouses and carus with their presence on this earth: Gertrude (Hobbs) ried on their husband’s ministries after they had passed. Chambers, Coretta (Scott) King, Nancy (Demoss) They complimented men serving alongside them and Wolgemuth, Susannah (Thompson) Spurgeon, Susan not demanding special treatment or men’s roles. They Hunt, Corey Ten Boom, Elizabeth (Howard) Elliot and were others centered. They did not blur the line between Damaris (Cortese) Carbaugh. beauty and seduction. They knew others were watchThese women, whose maiden names are in paren- ing them, so they conducted themselves in ways that theses, have submitted their lives to the authority of glorified God. They looked out for the poor and loved God’s Word. They were once young women with the children. They encouraged and equipped others to live dreams of their childhoods. They held fast to God’s for God’s glory, sharing life and investing time while promises and have legacies that have moved the world in the joy, hustle, mess and throes of life. They learned around them. If you have been close to one of these these virtues in their youth, and if they learned them women, met them or read their books, you have been later in life, they realized the value in teaching God’s blessed and encouraged to look to Jesus. Our actions plan to children because the sooner children learn Jeof virtue are not evidence of trying to be a Christian. sus’ is available to them, the sooner children lift their Our actions of virtue are evidence of Jesus in us. A love eyes through suffering and glorify the creator and find for God and his word, and obedience to it, drives us to joy in him. Author and speaker Susan Hunt said, “I believe continue in being set apart, continually renewing our minds and transforming until we meet Jesus. And this with all my heart that there is the potential for a revival process of abiding in Jesus allows his joy to remain in of faith and virtue among women. If Christian women begin to fathom the power of our God-given capacity, us and our joy becomes full. So, what appears to be fun according to culture in develop these God-given characteristics, and nurture the act of conforming to the world, is life-taking and are younger women, perhaps we will see the fruit of righempty pursuits. I am not talking about road trips, skate teousness flourish in women in our decade.” And the fruit of righteousness flourishing in womparks, dancing, or wine and cheese nights. I am talking about self-love, self-seeking, glorifying self, drunken- en will sustain and thrive nations and societies by their ness, sexual promiscuity, and greed to name a few. The mere fortitude. Letter to Editor
Stop abortion Donna Marie Adelman, Sauk Rapids Thank you Mercy Nygaard for your article last week on “Life, recklessness, the presidency.” They blame the president for the lives lost because of the coronavirus, but nothing is said about the victims of abortion and the barbaric way it is done. Mother Theresa said a few years ago, “The greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. And if we accept
that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.” Don’t people think God is angry? Look what is happening in the world. Thou shalt not kill. If they abort babies for convenience, are the elderly next because they are perceived as burdensome? Stopping the needless killing through abortion is top priority.
EDITORIAL
Page 8 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Rice sees two resignations in October Full-time police officer, treasurer moving on BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
RICE – The city of Rice is looking to fill two full-time positions following the resignation of fulltime police officer Suzanne DiMaggio-Boom and city treasurer Sheri Johnson. The Rice City Council accepted a resignation letter from DiMaggio-Boom at a special meeting Oct. 14 and from Johnson at the Oct. 19 regularly-scheduled council meeting. Johnson’s last day was Oct. 22 and DiMaggioBoom is scheduled to complete her shifts through Oct. 25. Applications for the law enforcement position are being accepted through 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. No decision on hiring for a treasurer has been made, but the council moved to have Schlenner, Wenner and Company staff complete payroll duties in the treasurer’s absence, contingent upon Mayor Brian Skroch approving rates. In other council news: – Owner Kristi O’Brien, owner of O’Brien’s Pub, and Wayne Konrad, owner of The Corner Pocket Saloon-N-Eatery, approached the council to seek relief from liquor licensing fees. O’Brien recommended at least the base fee of $1,800 is waived. O’Brien also inquired if the city had any coronavirus relief funds they were planning on making available to small businesses in town. The city of Rice has allocated its funds, and when asked why the businesses were not considered, Skroch said that through discussion the council thought it would be difficult for them to choose which businesses had greater needs of the funds. He also said that given Rice received just over $100,000, dividing the money amongst all eligible businesses minus city expenses, would not have left significant money for relief. Konrad thanked the council for the $500 returned to the liquor-licensed establishments this spring when the businesses were forced closed, but reiterated that bars in Rice are struggling. “We’re surviving,” he said. “We’re not making money; we’re surviving.” The city council tabled a decision on waiving licensing fees. They plan to discuss the item at the next meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 2. – Mark Larson, owner of the Old Creamery Café, asked the council if he could continue weekend markets from May through October, similar to what he did in September in replacement of this annual arts and crafts fair. Although he does not plan to cancel the 2021 Old Creamery Arts and Crafts Show, he thinks smaller weekend markets could bring tourists from local campgrounds into town and help small business owners. Larson was seeking capacity limits and what paperwork he would need to fill out to comply. After some discussion regarding set-up and parking, the council asked Larson to fill out a large gathering permit for the year similar to how the Rice Area Farmers Market does. – Approved a resolution correcting the amount of committed funds to the water, sewer, park and public works equipment fund. The previous amount of $13,825.01 did not deduct sales tax. The corrected amount is $12,999.
County OKs pandemic relief business payments, additional allocations $246,518 designated to schools, nonprofits BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved the first round of coronavirus aid grants to businesses, totaling $322,371, at their meeting Oct. 20 in Foley. They also approved additional allocations in an effort to use the grant money, which they have to give back to the state if they do not exhaust. “I thought we’d have more (applicants) to be honest with you,” said Commissioner Spencer Buerkle, board chair. Twenty-three Benton County businesses received grants. All but six received $15,000, and no business received less than $5,000. Of the successful applicants, seven were Foley businesses, 12 were from Sauk Rapids, and four were from St. Cloud. Not all applicants qualified to receive grant money. Though needing county board approval, commissioners had the grant and application process administered through Benton Economic Partnership because they thought the organization was well positioned as an intermediary between government and private
business. In deciding the dollar amount allotted to each business, BEP director Amanda Othoudt said she applied a consistent methodology to every applicant. Through the application process, businesses were asked to provide a comparison in revenues from January-June 2019 and the same time span this year so Othoudt could assess losses correlated to the pandemic. Even after approval of more than $320,000 in grants, BEP has $612,629 left to distribute to qualifying businesses. “I think we’re going to have money left the way it looks,” said Commissioner Jake Bauerly. Before commissioners knew how few businesses were going to apply for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grants, they stipulated that no nonprofit organizations would be eligible so more of the money would be available to struggling for-profit businesses. Now that the first round of grant money has been approved, commissioners felt more comfortable with direct allocations to other entities, including nonprofits. Including an additional $200,000 to BEP
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times of the year for fishing, making it hard for motorists to see people. Heck said it is a safety concern, especially with children darting from one side of the bridge to the other on a 55 mph road. Heck asked for a permanent parking setback, and the county board granted him 300 feet on either side of the bridge, slightly less than what he had hoped for. Commissioners wanted to ensure the parking enforcement did not impede on fishing opportunities for elderly or disabled people who would not otherwise be able to travel a far distance on foot. – Commissioners Ed Popp and Warren Peschl were selected by the county board to serve on the canvassing board and as members of the post election review. Election results are not official until they have been reviewed and certified by the canvassing board, which is also involved in the process of randomly selecting precincts for review. The post election review is a hand count of the ballots in the selected precincts, which is then compared with results from the voting system used in those precincts. The canvassing board meets Nov. 13 and the post election review takes place Nov. 18.
Police Activity Report Oct. 12-18 Sauk Rapids Police Department 3000 block of Olympus Drive for a concerned caller Oct. 13, 1:13 p.m. – An arson on the 500 block of who had received a life-threatening phone call. Upon North Benton Drive was reported to law enforcement. arrival, it was determined his friends were playing a Officers discovered three males had a small fire behind prank on him and no police assistance was required. a business. Police advised they cease lighting fires in Incidents: assists 22, miscellaneous 18, medical calls the city and not return to the business property. 16, suspicious activity reports 14, warnings 14, thefts Oct. 14, 7:11 p.m. – Law enforcement was dispatched 9, welfare checks 9, traffic stops 8, civil complaints to a one-vehicle rollover on the 400 block of 18th 7, disturbances 7, human services reports 7, alarms Street Northwest. The lone occupant was unable to 6, child 6, permit to purchase 5, driving 4, property free themselves from the vehicle so the fire department violations 3, traffic accidents 3, animal complaints extricated the person. After submitting to a breath test, 2, assaults 2, domestic calls 2, escorts 2, extra patrol the driver was arrested for fourth degree driving while requests, 2, fire calls 2, fraud reports 2, harassment intoxicated. Driver was released to family. An electri- reports 2, lift assists 2, missing person reports 2, ordical transformer was heavily damaged in the incident. nance violations 2 and vehicle reports 2.
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for businesses, bringing the total amount of grant money to be administered through the partnership from $735,000 to $935,000, Benton County commissioners approved a supplemental plan for the money it had yet to allocate, around $675,000 as of Sept. 1. Nonprofits were included on the supplemental list for $120,000 – $20,000 of which was earmarked for homelessness assistance and $100,000 for general grants. Foley Public Schools will receive $30,000 to fund internet hotspots for students without reliable internet access, and Sauk RapidsRice Public Schools will see $69,800 to help buy iPads for students to help with distance learning. St. John’s Area School in Foley was also included on the list, receiving $26,718 for general pandemic response expenses. The board has approximately $100,000 in CARES Act money remaining, which does not include whatever amounts are returned from cities and townships, if any. In other board news: – Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck suggested that parking should be better regulated at a popular fishing spot on the bridge over Little Rock Lake on County Road 2. The bridge is often congested with parked vehicles during the best
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VOTER GUIDE
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 9
OTER GUIDE 2020 Meet the candidates of city, school and county races
Area mayors run uncontested in general election
Hunstiger, Skroch reflect on past term
WHAT’S INSIDE:
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Rice Mayor Brian Skroch sits in council chambers Oct. 19 at Rice City Hall. Skroch and Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger are running uncontested in the general election, Nov. 3, for mayoral terms in their respective cities.
With the city being in a good financial position, Hunstiger expects the municipal to survive looming local government aid cuts as he moves into this next term. “That’s kind of the ghost in the closet right now,” Hunstiger said of LGA. “From a financial standpoint, I think we are positioned very, very well to take an LGA cut for a year or two; if it goes on longer, the more concerned we get. I think we’re OK because we’ve managed our finances so well.” With just over two months left in his term, five police reserve officers made their debut last week – a program Hunstiger committed to while running for office in 2016. Hunstiger said road blocks of police retirements, new officer training and then COVID-19 delayed the implementation but that he is happy to see the program come to a fruition. “I’m excited about it,” he said. “I hope it works, and I hope we can keep people involved in it. It’s a big commitment to volunteer.” Next up on the agenda? Hunstiger said the
city is moving forward with its annual road project and the potential for additional half-cent sales tax projects. They are also awaiting a new ladder truck for the fire department, and he is looking forward to visiting and touring with business owners again once the timing is right with the pandemic. Skroch Skroch, who also shares equal votes with the Rice City Council, is completing a two-year term as mayor and his 16th year as part of the council. He was appointed mayor in January 2019 after the elected mayor resigned from office less than a week after being sworn in. “I’m very happy I made the decision I did and that the opportunity presented itself,” Skroch said. “I didn’t realize how much goes into being mayor compared to being a council member. I thought it would be a pretty easy adjustment, but there was a lot more to it than that, and I learned a lot.” Skroch said because of his city’s size, the mayor takes on additional duties to policy making as he
has found himself taking calls from those interested in economic development as well as questions about day-to-day operations. Over the course of his term, the council has been working to build its utility and road funds so they can repair or replace city infrastructure in a more calculated way. “I think we’re heading in the right direction,” he said. “It would have been nice if we would have started on the street repairs sooner, years ago. But, we didn’t, so we’re trying to make up for it now.” Mayors page 10
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housing redevelopment authority with hopes of providing relief. Other assets – such as squad cars, public utilities vehicles and technological equipment – that will allow BY NATASHA BARBER the city to maintain its STAFF WRITER operations while mitigating COVID-19 were purt SAUK RAPIDS – chased using the over $1 Two area leaders may million coronavirus relief have received one of the federal funds provided to best compliments when the city. Sauk Rapids Mayor candidate filings unveiled “I think we as a city Kurt Hunstiger themselves in May and do an excellent job at August. providing the services Sauk Rapids Mayor and committees. and managing the assets, In the last four years, managing the money part Kurt Hunstiger and Rice Mayor Brian Skroch both the Sauk Rapids has ac- of it,” Hunstiger said. re-filed for their respec- complished a number of Money management tive city positions. And, projects. The county-col- has been a focus of Hunneither first-term mayor laborated Second Street stiger’s since he gained North road improvement a front seat in council faces an opponent. project was completed chambers. He has stressed Hunstiger Hunstiger, who will early in Hunstiger’s term debt reduction and saving begin his 15th year with and the city has appointed for capital improvements, the Sauk Rapids City two council members, and through guidance Council and who has two additional planning from finance director, members Jack Kahlhamer, has seen served for over 25 years commission on various city commit- and hired three additional efforts become reality. tees, was elected to the police officers throughout Hunstiger said that mayoral position for the the term. The city contin- during his first term on the first time in November ues to complete an annual council, the city needed road project and has taken to levy a $50,000 expense 2016. With Sauk Rapids steps toward marketing for a heating, ventilation being a statutory city, the city through its new- and air conditioning sysHunstiger presides over ly-created website and tem. meetings but his vote is promotional video. “From that day With the onset of the on, I was adamant we put equal to the other council members. Together, novel coronavirus pan- money away just like we the mayor and council demic, the city waived li- do at home,” Hunstiger members make policy de- quor license fees for area said. “If you have an excisions based on recom- businesses and provided pense coming, you start mendations of city staff small grants through the escrowing for it. We have $2.5 million-plus in that building fund now for improvements to buildings or if something breaks.” T h e city’s debt level had decreased Rice City Council candidates – Page 10 $9.3 million since 2009 Sauk Rapids City Council candidates – Page 11 and stands at Sauk Rapids-Ri Rapids-Rice ce School Board candidates – Page 12-13 $11.9 million after the $5.8 Bento entonn County District 4 million bond Commissioner candidates – Page 14 was issued for the riverBennton County District 5 Be side parks imCommissi Com missioner oner candidates – Page 15 provements. That bond Check back back next week for information on Minnesota payment will be paid Legislature and U.S. Congressional candidates. through halfcent sales tax revenue.
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VOTER GUIDE
Page 10 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Mayors from page 9
MEET THE CANDIDATES: RICE CITY COUNCIL
Skroch said the council is talking about a road improvement plan that would in-turn allow them access to additional grants and funding resources. And, after a few years of utility rate increases, the city has seen positive gains in their water and sewer funds. In addition to roads and utilities, the city has focused on parks improvements after completing a parks and trails master plan in 2017. Fox Meadows will have playground and amenities placed in a neighborhood park in spring (or sooner if weather allows), and a green space has been seeded and playground equipment replaced at the Lions ballfields. Other improvements include a crushed concrete pathway at the ballfields, park benches and waste receptacles. The master plan has also aided in the county’s application for regional park designation for Bend in the River Regional Park in Watab Township. With the state approving the regional designation this fall, Skroch hopes state Legacy funds become available to assist in creating a trail to the park which is located just outside city limits. City staff took the pandemic in stride this spring, tracking all pandemic-related expenses prior to knowing the city would receive federal funds. This helped the council approve reimbursements and purchases quickly when the governor released the relief funding in July. The funding benefitted all residents as some purchases, like upgrades to council chambers, would have otherwise come at the expense of taxpayers. The technology upgrades will also help keep residents and the council connected. “Once we had to close city hall and went to Zoom meetings, it became very obvious to us we needed to do something so people could still partake in the meetings,” Skroch said. “Our first couple meetings it was difficult to hear. … We thought if this is what people are going to see, we were going to need new equipment so they could participate or watch it.” Skroch said the city will have a few challenges in the coming two years. The city is currently seeking a full-time police officer and city treasurer, and will continue working toward road improvements. They also want to continue to support economic development as much as possible through the pandemic and beyond.
Incumbent Christopher Scheel and newcomers Adam Bourassa and Michelle Jorgenson Keller are competing for two Rice City Council seats, each with a four-year term. One seat is being vacated by council member Bryan Anderson. City residents will be asked to vote for up to two candidates. Emily Walters is running uncontested in the special election for a two-year term on council. Walters was appointed to a vacated seat in September 2019. Keller declined participation in the Sauk Rapids Herald questionnaire.
Adam Bourassa Age: 36 Profession: Water services manager for the city of St. Cloud
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Rice City Council? The city of Rice continues to grow and I would love to be a part of that growth. I’m not the type of person to just sit back and hope things run properly. I prefer to step in and help where I can, and my experience could be a valuable asset to the city. I’ve noticed some opportunities, such as improvements and amenities coming for
Emily Walters Age: 30 Profession: Self-employed
Royalton Public School is looking for a School Nurse KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: QUALIFICATIONS: • Provide care for ill or injured students. • Convey appropriate medical information to school district staff or medical professionals to ensure a proper maintenance in the school setting. • Work with a diverse group of individuals and students with special needs. • Follow oral and written orders from supervisors, administrators, physicians, and to coordinate work with principal, teachers and others. • Describe orally and in writing school health services provided, issues and concerns regarding school health. • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Good communication skills • Ability to interact positively with students and staff • Experience dealing with children of all ability levels • Must be able to lift, push or pull a minimum of 50 pounds • Must be able to interact with students while standing, sitting on chair and sitting on floor • Must be able to react quickly to students changing needs • First Aid and CPR certification preferred • Clerical proficiency • LPN
Christopher (Chris) Scheel
Assist student(s) in the health office First aid, Sick, and Emergency Care Medication Administration Assist’s RN with record keeping Supervise student(s) to ensure safety
R43-1B-RB
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Frequent travel between schools may be required.
PLEASE APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE royaltonpublicschools.org
the community. And with the proper decisions being made for those opportunities, we can make Rice an even more advantageous place to live and work. What traits do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve the city’s residents? I have 15 years of experience in multiple Minnesota municipalities and hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration. With that, I bring a wealth of knowledge of the inter-workings of how cities can operate and grow. I am also a family man who brings dedication and a hard work ethic to a city that continues to grow annually. Leadership and commitment should be present when it comes to making tough decisions for a community, and I intend to bring those traits to the Rice City Council. If elected, what are your top priorities? I would like to increase recreational opportunities for families. The city also has some aging infrastructure that will need to be addressed in the near future. With that, some tough decisions will have to be made. If it’s not well thought out and well-planned, the residents will have to bear the expenses all at once. I would love the opportunity to bring my experience and dedication to the city of Rice and look out for the best interest of its residents.
Describe your current involvement in the Rice community. My husband and I live in the city of Rice with our five children. I have been a resident of the city since 2012. I am currently filling a seat on the city council.
What traits do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve the city’s residents? I am a person who weighs the pros and cons of situations and likes to make decisions that will benefit the majority of the community even if it is not in my best interest.
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Rice City Council? To help the city of Rice with decision making that will best benefit the residents of the city.
If elected, what are your top priorities? One priority of mine would be to try to find solutions to make roadways safer for pedestrians in the city.
Describe your current involvement in the Rice community. I am finishing my eighth year on the Rice City Council. Being on the city council, I am a member of the Rice economic committee, water and sewer commission, personnel committee and finance committee.
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Rice City Council? To continue on what I started eight years ago. Listen to the citizens to help and make good decisions for city. Continue to work on balancing budgets within departments and to work on getting funding for repairing city streets and the water and sewer infrastructure that is around 30 years old. Age: 40 Profession: commercial estimator, project manager at Ferche Millwork Inc.
JOB DUTIES: • • • • •
Describe your current involvement in the Rice community. I have lived in Rice for almost 10 years with my wife and four children. All of my children attend Rice Elementary School. We have enjoyed partaking in many of the events and activities Rice has held over the years. I have also had the opportunity to get to know the public utilities sector of Rice by working part time for the department since summer 2019.
What traits do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve the city’s residents? I feel that I am a great listener and always available. I try to make the best decision that will influence the majority of the city of Rice residents in a positive way. If elected, what are your top priorities? Probably the top priority is to start working on funding for roads. We have quite a few of them that are in dire need of major repair work. Second priority is our water tower is due for updates and repair work that is due in the next five years. We would have to work on funding and hopefully some grants if available to make that repair. Third would be to work on water including a new well as well as sewer updates and repairs. Some of those systems are 30 years old or older. Fourth would be to continue to keep a yearly budget that supports the city departments – keep it balanced and low to where the Rice residents can afford to pay for it. Fifth, I would like to continue work with the current city employees to offer the best customer service and help we can to the all of city of Rice residents and surrounding communities. Finally, to work on everything and anything that comes up. I have learned in the elected position things come up that you don’t think of. So, the best practice is to research the issue, collect opinions from others, think on it and make a great decision for the residents I serve.
VOTER GUIDE
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 11
MEET THE CANDIDATES: SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL
Incumbents Nicholas (Nick) Sauer and Dottie Seamans and newcomer David Rixe are competing for two Sauk Rapids City Council seats, each with a four-year term. City residents will be asked to select up to two candidates. Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids community. Current member of the Sauk Rapids planning commission. In this position, the commission provides recommendations to the city council on land-use related issues and physical development of the community. Current member of the Sauk Rapids Police Reserves. We provide assistance to department intraining of full-time officers, provide assistance to full-time officers during routine patrol and to support the community through the community activities such as Sauk Rapids food fest, county fair, parades and Sauk Rapids-Rice school activities.
any future residents that might be looking to move to Sauk Rapids. What traits do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve the city’s residents? With my experience on the planning commission, I bring an understanding of the zoning and ordinances. I have been involved in the finance industry for over 25 years, and I have an understanding of the finances and bonding and the importance of keeping the cities bond rating at a top-shelf credit rating. I am very approachable and very easy to talk with.
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk Rapids City Council? As mentioned above, Profession: director, stra- I am very involved in the community. When I tegic relationships with moved to the city 30 years ago, I felt at home and wanted to help provide a unique perspective for Reich & Tang any of the people that call Sauk Rapids home and
If elected, what are your top priorities? I will work with developers to bring more single-family homes to the city that will help support our school district and to support our existing businesses and any new businesses that may want to come to the city. I will make sure there is funding to support our public safety (police and fire). To improve and maintain the infrastructure to our city.
David Rixe Age: 54
Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids community. I currently serve as a Sauk Rapids City Council person and on various committees associated with being part of the council.
Dottie Seamans Age: 61 Profession: facilitator
Orientation
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk Rapids City Council? I genuinely love living in this community and would like to help move the city forward. Local governance fascinates me because one decision can affect so many other decisions. The council needs to have time to do their homework, trust in recommendations from city committees and the leadership employed to help direct the city. All of the decisions made create an opportunity for our community’s future success.
What traits do you possess that make you the best candidate to serve the city’s residents? Open-minded – willing to be challenged on my own ideas and change my mind when presented with ideas that could result in a better outcome for the city. Listen and respect – weigh differing opinions and look at what is best for the community rather than what’s best for a specific constituency. Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids community. I am serving my second term on the Sauk Rapids City Council. I am on various committees including personnel and finance, public works and Southside/Lions Park. What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk Rapids City Council? Each year, I enjoy my time on the council more and more. I still believe I can bring a different perspective to the council and want to continue to serve my community. traits do you possess that make you the Nicholas (Nick ) What best candidate to serve the city’s residents? I Sauer have eight years of experience on the city council. I believe I am a good listener, and I try to see things Age: 36 from all sides. My entire immediate family lives in Profession: Customer Sauk Rapids along with countless friends, so I have service representative a vested interest in doing what is right for the city and its residents.
A large city has many moving parts with numerous boards and committees. If elected, what efforts would you make to be transparent about your actions and the council’s actions with residents? Currently, all council meetings are televised. To become more transparent, we as a council could work closer with our partners in the media.
Communicate frankly and honestly. There will be times when the decision is different than some constituents want. It is very important that decisions are explained clearly. A large city has many moving parts with numerous boards and committees. If elected, what efforts would you make to be transparent about your actions and the council’s actions with residents? Residents will often seek answers because they care about their community and want to understand. I believe it is important to be honest and communicate information to residents and explain the how and why decisions were made. If elected, what are your top priorities? This is a difficult question because I have no set agenda. Below is a community I would like to see: – active and growing Sauk Rapids’ commercial and industrial opportunities. – an increase in housing with an emphasis on affordable single-family. – a maintained focus on the city’s infrastructure so we are able to keep up with the demand a successful growth of residential, commercial and industrial properties bring. – Sauk Rapids as a more pedestrian friendly city. This can help promote physical activity and safer way for kids to get to and from schools.
A large city has many moving parts with numerous boards and committees. If elected, what efforts would you make to be transparent about your actions and the council’s actions with residents? I didn’t really know anything about what was going on with the city until I decided to run eight years ago. It was much like diving in headfirst. I encourage all residents to be proactive and get involved with what is going on with their city. Residents can check out the website for upcoming events, committee openings, agendas and meeting minutes. I think one of the best things they can do is show up for a council meeting. Lastly, if they have any questions or comments, they should not hesitate to reach out to any of the council members or city staff. If elected, what are your top priorities? I am excited to see the Southside/Lions Park project to completion. It has been a long strange trip, but I do believe the improvements will be enjoyed by many. Over the last eight years, we have worked to lower taxes, and we now have one of the lowest rates in the area. It would be a priority of mine to keep those low while continuing to provide our growing city with the proper services. Lastly, I want to make sure we continue to help our businesses as much as we can in these trying times.
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Page 12 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
VOTER GUIDE
MEET THE CANDIDATES: SAUK RAPIDS-RICE SCHOOL BOARD Olivia Kolbe is challenging incumbents Ryan Butkowski, Mark Hauck, Tracy Morse and Jan Solarz for one of four four-year terms on Independent School District 47 Board of Education. District residents will be asked to vote for up to four candidates.
Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school community. It has been an honor to serve the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District since my election to the board in 2008. I presently serve on committees that oversee the construction of the new Pleasantview and district finances. When I served as board chair, I directed the establishment of our capped enrollment policy, reducing the number of open enrolled students at SRR. I have brought grant dollars to the district to develop Safe Routes To School plans for Sauk Rapids and Rice that resulted in sidewalks to Pleasantview Elementary School and the middle school. I continue to partner with the city of Rice to plan for safe walking and biking to Rice Elementary. I Mark Hauck have served on the early childhood advisory commitAge: 55 tee, advised the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Green Team, served on the wellness committee and helped Profession: North Dis- students improve native prairie plants at the SRRHS. trict Planner, Ecological and Water Resources, What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Minnesota Department Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board? I am passionate of Natural Resources about the value of public education and am a cheerleader for the dedicated and talented Sauk Rapids-Rice staff. My wife and I have made a home in the SRR school community. While my wife had at one time worked in the Early Childhood and Adult Education programs, our experience as parents sold us on SRR. The district staff were fantastic. My wife and I volunteered alongside many other parents as my three girls attended their various school activities. The Sauk Rapids-Rice schools have done so much for our family that I want to give back.
What is a potential positive effect of the coronavirus pandemic on our public school system? I happened to have asked this question of our administration several weeks ago and got some interesting responses. Educational achievement: While not universal, some students who have transitioned to either hybrid or in-person learning models are doing better. This may be due to fewer social distractions. Friends:
Because students need to limit their social circles to those who are in their own class, they are making new friends. Recess: Elementary students have learned activities they might not have otherwise explored and bullying has significantly decreased. Lunch: Kids are eating more of their lunch because they eat in their classrooms. The district has seen turnover in key positions such as superintendent, principals and administrative staff in the past five years? Does this concern you? Why or why not? Though it would be better if we did not experience turnover, the turnover in our administration in the past few years does not concern me. The reality is SRR has been blessed through the years with high quality administration that have served many years longer than the state averages. It’s my view, we are experiencing what it is likely to be more normal in this regard. There is a lot of evidence that SRR is a strong organization. The district was named one of the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Top 150 Workplaces in 2019 and the board of education has won statewide and national awards for leadership in recent years. The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District is strong and students and the community will see even better things in the years to come. If elected, what is your top priority and how do you plan to tackle this? If the Sauk Rapids and Rice communities send me back to the board of education, my top priority is to help guide the district through the pandemic. One of the district’s strategic goals is that each third grader has math and reading skills either at, or above, grade level. That said, we should strive for all students to achieve academically through the pandemic. This can be achieved through continued improvement on all learning models: inperson, distance and hybrid. Supporting teachers, students and families in any way we can will be my focus. These are stressful times. I continue to press to bring support to those in need of social and emotional help, both students and employees. We welcome the future opportunity to bring all students back to traditional in-person learning. If the community transmission rates were lower, we could again offer that. Unfortunately, at this time, the infection rates are headed in the opposite direction. My message to the community: Please follow the recommendations from our health experts so we can achieve the goal of in-person learning together.
Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school community. I volunteer as the treasurer for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Youth Basketball Organization. SRRYBO provides Independent School District 47 boys and girls, in grades 3-8, a fun, developmental and competitive travel basketball experience. I have also volunteered numerous times at the Pleasantview Elementary School or Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in the past when help was needed.
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk RapidsRice School Board? I have a child in the school district, and I decided to run for school board because I want to be a voice for Olivia Kolbe students and parents, support district staff and keep public education healthy. I do believe the community needs a change. SomeAge: 35 one should be on the board, knowing the community with younger Profession: I worked for children who can ask the questions to staff and family about their Compeer Financial as a feelings and how this will affect their teaching methods and family client service representa- life at home; everyone deserves the right to be heard. tive and provided loan processing and servicing What is a potential positive effect of the coronavirus pandemic to clients in agriculture on our public school system? No one saw this lockdown coming, and rural communities to and it certainly caught our community off guard. The only positive achieve their goals and ex- effect of the coronavirus on our public school system is that the pand their possibilities. Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school community. I am the vice-chair. I also sit on the Benton Stearns Education District board of directors as the chair, with surrounding districts, Sartell-St. Stephen, Rocori, Foley, Kimball and Holdingford. This is where these districts get their specialists (school psychologists, occupational therapy, physical therapy, deaf, hard of hearing and blind, and early childhood specialists). Also, on the noncertified negotiations which are custodians, clerical and paraprofessionals and food service. I am the vice-chair of Resource Training and Solutions board of directors. This is a service cooperative – one of nine in the state. Career and technical advisory committee.
Jan Solarz Age: 68 Profession: Somewhat retired
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk RapidsRice School Board? Well, my ultimate reason has always been to make a difference for all children in the district. To promote public education and equal opportunity for all students. What is a potential positive effect of the coronavirus pandemic on our public-school system? I would say that flexibility and man-
district, both teaching staff and administrators, have worked tirelessly to set up a system, that although imperfect, is providing our children with the opportunity to continue their education. The district has seen turnover in key positions such as superintendent, principals and administrative staff in the past five years? Does this concern you? Why or why not? I believe turnover is part of any job, but if it becomes an excess, then it should be investigated and feedback collected for evaluation on what went wrong. I also believe that most superintendents, principals and administrative staff leave due to conflicts with their school boards. If elected, what is your top priority and how do you plan to tackle this? If I am elected, my main priority at this time is finding safe ways to ensure all students could be in school at their buildings as much as possible, and I will also work toward becoming an effective voice for the taxpayers of the district while also addressing what is and isn’t working academically, socially and emotionally for our children. Though it will not be easy, I will make decisions that are based on what is best for the student and the taxpayer.
agement in trying to manage daily the activities, staff looking at effective ways of teaching in all models as in distant learning, hybrid or even all in-person. Families and staff all working together for the betterment of their children and students. The district has seen turnover in key positions such as superintendent, principals and administrative staff in the past five years? Does this concern you? Why or why not? In some aspects it can be concerning. To find qualified candidates can be a challenge in a competitive market. I always try to be open-minded as these changes were sometimes for the person to learn and grow in their profession and that means change. We live in a world that people do not always stay in one position for long periods of time for many reasons. If elected, what is your top priority and how do you plan to tackle this? Continue to support our staff and families during these difficult and challenging times. Make decisions to support that with keeping class sizes manageable. Seeing that they have technology that is current as can be and affordable.
VOTER GUIDE
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 13
MEET THE CANDIDATES: SAUK RAPIDS-RICE SCHOOL BOARD
Ryan L. Butkowski
Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school community. As board chair, I am pleased to be in our schools and invited to all events at our schools. My focus is being active on committees and the responsibilities that come with the board of education. This includes the finance committee, Pleasantview building committee, certified negotiations, personnel committee, superintendent review, and monthly meetings with the city administrator and mayor. My son also swims for the Storm boys swim team, active with the Mississippi Heights Elementary School PTAC, and president of the Church Hill East Home Owners Association.
Age: 42
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board? My son, my neighbors and my community. Ask anyone, I take the commitment of the board of education seriously. The phone calls late at night, the emergencies from fire to flood, the loss of a student, the success of approximately 4,500 students. If anything has been learned from COVID-19, it has highlighted how essential schools are in our community beyond traditional textbook teaching. From food to mental health to activities, families rely on community schools. I am here to serve our schools.
Profession: Small business owner
What is a potential positive effect of the coronavirus pandemic on our public school system? As stated before, how essential our schools are for a healthy community. Lessons learned are the advantage of already having a school district one-to-one with technology from grades 3-12. Another lesson is how successful some students are with distance learning but not in a traditional classroom. This will push me to explore continuing the ability to opt into a distance learning model post-COVID. The last positive is how resilient our staff and administration have been, confirming what we already knew: They define
Describe your current involvement in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school community. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board for the past 22 years. I have been an active volunteer within our school district for more than 30 years. Serving on the early childhood advisory council both as a parent and a school board representative for over 30 years. I currently serve on the community education advisory council. I served on the Sauk Rapids recreation advisory council for 18 years, the transportation committee, communications comTracy Morse mittee and the superintendent evaluation committee, Pleasantview PTA vice chair and the Hillside Age: 58 elementary parent advisory council. Profession: Owner of What has motivated you to run for a seat on Growing Years Child Care the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board? I would be for 35 years humbled to continue to serve on the school board. I want to continue to collaborate with staff and administrators who truly work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of all our learners. I have listened to parents and the community, and it is important to me to honor those conversations and move forward on lower class sizes, more preschool opportunities, creating vocational opportunities, supporting mental health needs and much more. There are many great things we have yet to accomplish. The compassion and dedication in our district is overwhelming and continuous, and these are my motivators. What is a potential positive effect of the coronavirus pandemic on our public school system? Because of limited movement around buildings during school, the same students are spending more time together. A direct result is
Storm Strong. The district has seen turnover in key positions such as superintendent, principals and administrative staff in the past five years? Does this concern you? Why or why not? This does not concern me in the least bit. Over the last five years, the turnover we have seen is an essential part of a healthy organization’s evolution. We have had most move up the career ladder when they have left Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, which means more significant, larger roles after serving the district well. The most recent have been career adjustments to better suit family needs. Having four superintendents in my first four years has shown me a lot. So much so, it weighed heavily on my selection of Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom. The current leadership team is undoubtedly new to Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, but they are no strangers to public education. We are fortunate to continue through an unpredictable pandemic with ever-changing state-imposed rules with a dedicated leadership team and an experienced board of education to guide the district. If elected, what is your top priority and how do you plan to tackle this? My top priority is to get all kids back into school; look for ways to continue to offer distance learning after the pandemic and focus on education. We have learned a lot during these months of shut down and then trying to reopen. The community relies on schools to keep our children safe, educate them, let them flourish, and explore activities and subjects; the community can also continue to operate when adults can return to work full time because kids are back in the classroom. All of this relies on kids being back in-person learning. The students, including mine, continue to struggle in various ways during this pandemic. I continue to look at the data holistically, what the school numbers, county numbers and state numbers tell us. I also feel, contrary to the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Health, one size doesn’t fit all. We need to get creative to get more kids back into school. I am confident we can achieve this because of the great professionals we have working for our organization. From transportation, food service, teachers, buildings and grounds, principals and administrators, we can do this, and we can do what is best for kids.
new friendships between students who wouldn’t normally have been connected. When distant learning became the only option last spring, our staff worked tirelessly to develop and implement ways for course delivery and interaction with students overnight it seemed. The opportunity to build quality distance and hybrid learning opportunities is valuable. In the future, if students need to be out of the building for recovery or other life events, they now have an option to connect with teachers and classes. The district has seen turnover in key positions such as superintendent, principals and administrative staff in the past five years? Does this concern you? Why or why not? As a district, it is a priority to hire the best candidate who would be passionate about education and genuinely want the best for all students. Those individuals often challenge our students and themselves to have a growth mindset to be the most they can be. This does create turnover in some cases. With that being said, change is sometimes hard and amazing at the same time. Change is the only constant in life. It is how it is viewed and what you make with it that creates a difference. As a district, looking at change as an opportunity is ongoing. We have a strong leadership team that works together very well and great things will come from that. If elected, what is your top priority and how do you plan to tackle this? Early learning and kindergarten readiness have such a profound effect on the success of a student. As a district, we need to create additional opportunities for our youngest learners. Mental health continues to be a growing concern. Collaboration with resources that already exist in our area could create additional support for mental health services. As a board member, I feel it is my responsibility to continually listen to the community and then prioritize based on what is being shared.
Check back next week
for information on Minnesota Legislature and U.S. Congressional candidates
VOTER GUIDE
Page 14 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
MEET THE CANDIDATES: BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4
The District 4 Benton County Commissioner represents Precincts 1 and 3 in Sauk Rapids Township, Precinct 2 in Minden Township and Precincts 1, 2 and 5 in the city of Sauk Rapids. Candidates Jared Gapinski and Richard “Dick” Soyka are running for the seat currently held by Commissioner Spencer Buerkle, who did not refile for office. Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. From 2000-08, I was the elected Benton County commissioner for District 4. I have commissioner experience lobbying on behalf of Benton County both at the state, St. Paul, and federal, Washington D.C., levels. I’ve done the job, and I have a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from St. Cloud State University. I am a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. I am a member of the American Legion and the VFW. I am a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College. I’m a member of the Sacred Heart Church Richard “Dick” in Sauk Rapids. My wife of 51 years passed away last year after Soyka a very long battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. Based Age: 78 upon my previous commissioner experience, the job can be at times almost full time. Because I am no Profession: Retired longer her caregiver, I now have the time, the knowledge, the experience and the maturity to do the complete job, representing you as your county commissioner. What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Benton County Board of Commissioners? I did the job for eight years; I know what I am doing. I can walk in on day one and participate; there is only a minor learning curve. I have the time, and I will devote whatever it takes to do a good job representing the people. How do you feel about the county’s current plan to raise money for road and bridge maintenance? Do you have additional ideas? The wheelage tax and half-cent sales tax raises money, but it is my understanding that some of the
Jared Gapinski
Age: 48 Profession: Business owner, technology advisor
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. I am a lifetime resident of Benton County. I have followed the needs, wants and challenges associated with our county. District 4, where I am running, is predominantly within the city of Sauk Rapids. I have served on the Sauk Rapids City Council for four years, am a 16-year member of the Sauk Rapids Fire Department (captain last four years), and am a Benton County business owner for 25 years most of which were in Sauk Rapids. My Benton County ties, Sauk Rapids associations, past Sauk Rapids City Council experience and business background, would make me a great voice for District 4 as Benton County Commissioner.
What has motivated you to run for a seat on the Benton County Board of Commissioners? Well, this is a common question from many as you go through this election process. I have personally always liked to help where I can, trying to make things better along the way. I believe I have the ability and mindset to make a difference at the Benton County level. Nothing happens overnight. Views, concepts and ideas in the onset pave the way to show how you made a difference in the end. This is really what motivates me to be the next District 4 County Commissioner. How do you feel about the county’s current plan to raise money for road and bridge maintenance? Do you have additional ideas? We all know roads and bridges are a necessity to everyday life which benefits everyone at some
half-cent sales tax is kept by the state. I think it’s lousy; it’s the state legislature putting the onus back on the county commissioners. It’s all the counties; if you don’t collect it, you don’t get the money. Yet, you still have all the roads and bridges you need to repair or replace. I’d like the Minnesota Legislature to pass a true bonding bill and allocate the counties some money – and not just the metro counties. I’d like the Legislature to do their job in getting a bonding bill passed and not just before the election; they should have had earlier in the year. Money is cheap right now; borrowing is cheap. If we’re going to bond, now is the time to do it.
If elected, what will be your priorities as you represent your district? My biggest priority is economic development. We have east St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Rice, Gilman and Foley – that’s it. When you get economic development, it increases your base in which you can distribute the amount of tax you can collect. I am pro-law enforcement. Disclaimer: My son, Steve Soyka, is the elected sheriff in Stearns County. When elected, I will meet with Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck to discuss staffing, budgets and training. A well-trained and equipped sheriff’s department is a must. When elected, I will look into the newly-formed St. Cloud Airport Authority. The appointed – not elected – board has, I believe, unlimited taxing authority with no veto by anyone. Where will that money come from when the subsidy by the city of St. Cloud runs out? There is a solid waste special assessment on your tax statement. Right now, that account has over $3 million in it, and I want to look at whether we need to keep imposing that special assessment. If we can eliminate that for several years, we can reduce taxes. I’d like to look at how the wheelage and half-cent sales tax are being used.
point. Unfortunately, with them is needed maintenance and upkeep. There are only so many ways this money can be raised. Taxes and grants are the main avenues for procuring this money. It is my belief that we continually exhaust efforts through the grant processes and then look to taxes. With that said, no matter what, taxes are going to come into play for maintenance. There is a combination of taxes over and above the normal taxes such as half-cent sales tax and wheelage tax. Wheelage tax is added to vehicles that do more damage to roads and bridges versus cars, and the half-cent sales tax program is something Benton County and the city of Sauk Rapids benefit from, not just for roads. Buying local is the best advice or idea I have.
If elected, what will be your priorities as you represent your district? My No. 1 priority is to represent District 4 of Benton County to my best ability. Bringing new ideas and different views to the county is important for everyone. I live by the statement, “Not one of us is smarter than all of us combined.” I believe taking that approach and finding common ground to move the county forward is key. It takes a majority vote to accomplish goals. It is crucial views are communicated clearly, not only to the Benton County Board of Commissioners but to the public as well. Secondly, we need to bring business to Benton County. We need to find new innovative, outside-the-box ways or ideas to attract business. We need to work in conjunction with our cities to assure we are all doing everything possible to attract, expand and retain business. Thirdly, this board needs to deal with the fallout of COVID-19. There most certainly is going to be state aid cut or trimmed coming to the county level. We need to make sure we stay in front of it to minimize that impact. Fourth, with my background on the Sauk Rapids Fire Department, maintaining a solid and stable emergency management system.
Remember to
VOTE
PUBLIC NOTICES
Page 16 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS
All Benton County polling places will be open on November 3rd from 7:00AM-8:00PM. Find your polling
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a General Election for place online and view your sample ballot at www.mnvotes.org Absentee(early) voting is available at the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, 531 Dewey St Foley, the City of Sauk Rapids will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Sample ballots are available for inspection at the Sauk MN from 8:00AM-4:30 PM until November 2nd. An appointment is not required in order to vote.” 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 elecSAMPLE BALLOT tion:
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 250 Summit Avenue North 3 Discovery Church *Voters were previously assigned to Pleasantview Elementary 700 18th Street North West 4 Riverside Church (Formerly Bridge Community Church) 1702 West Highview Drive 5 Sauk Rapids Government Center, Community Room 250 Summit Avenue North 6 Is A Mail Ballot Precinct Until Further Notice
R-42-2B NOTICE OF SEALED BID ON SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
Lund Boat and Trailer – The City of Rice is accepting bids for a 14-foot Lund boat and trailer as is without title or registration. To enter a bid, please include the name of the purchaser, address, phone number and the bid amount in a sealed envelope labeled “Boat Bid.” All bids must be received at City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9th, 2020. Bids may be mailed, dropped off in person, or put in the City Drop box at 205 Main St E Rice, MN. No sale shall be consummated hereunder until the bid opening. Minimum bid is $75.00 All sales shall be final, and this property is to be sold “as is” “where is”. The bid opening is open to the public. If the highest bid is a tie, names will be placed in an envelope and a winner will be drawn. The City has the right to reject any, and all bids. Please call the City Hall with any questions at 320-3932280. R-41/43-2B
NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST OF VOTING EQUIPMENT Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test of the Voting Equipment to be utilized for the City of Sauk Rapids’ General Election on November 3, 2020 will occur on October 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave N. Representatives of political parties, candidates, the press, and the public are invited to attend. This notice is being provided pursuant to State Statutes 206.83. R-43-1B
State General Election Ballot Benton County, Minnesota November 3, 2020
Official Ballot
Judge _____ Judge _____
Instructions to Voters:
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:
Federal Offices
State Offices
County Offices
President and Vice-President
State Senator District 15
Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1
Vote for One Team
Vote for One
Andrew Mathews
Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence
Vote for One
Republican
Brent Krist
Republican
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Wade Bastian
Joseph R. Biden and Kamala Harris 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
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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
Socialism and Liberation
Alyson Kennedy and Malcolm Jarrett Socialist Workers Party
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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
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Charles Rau
Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy "Spike" Cohen Libertarian Party
write-in, if any
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City Offices
State Representative District 15B
Mayor City of Foley
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U.S. Senator Vote for One
Kevin O'Connor
Legal Marijuana Now
Oliver Steinberg
Shane Mekeland
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Republican
Ron Thiessen
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Gerard L. Bettendorf
Myron Arthur Wilson
Veterans Party - Minnesota
Grassroots - Legalize Cannabis
Jason Lewis
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Tina Smith
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Mayor City of Gilman
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County Offices County Commissioner District 1
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Adam Mueller
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write-in, if any
U.S. Representative District 6 Vote for One
Christopher G Winkelman Scott Johnson
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Tom Emmer
Mayor City of Rice
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Tawnja Zahradka
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Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Brian Skroch
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County Commissioner District 4 Vote for One
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State Offices State Senator District 13
Richard "Dick" Soyka
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Mayor City of Sauk Rapids
Jared J Gapinski
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Jeff Howe
Kurt Hunstiger
Republican
Michael Willemsen
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
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County Commissioner District 5 Vote for One
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Mayor City of St. Cloud
A. Jake Bauerly
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State Senator District 14
Beth Schlangen
Steven D. Schiller
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Jaden Partlow
Dave Kleis
Legal Marijuana Now
Jerry Relph Republican
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write-in, if any
Aric Putnam
Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any
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Vote front and back of ballot
Sample ballot Continued on page 17
PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 17
Public Notices
Sample ballot from page 16 SAMPLE BALLOT State General Election Ballot Instructions to Voters:
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:
City Offices
City Offices
School District Offices
Council Member City of Foley
Council Member City of Sauk Rapids
School Board Member Independent School District No. 47 (Sauk Rapids-Rice)
Vote for Up to Two
Vote for Up to Two
Vote for Up to Four
Jeff Gondeck
David Rixe
Jack Brosh
Dottie Seamans
Tracy Morse
Nicholas Sauer
Ryan Butkowski Olivia Kolbe Mark Hauck
write-in, if any write-in, if any
Jan Solarz
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
Council Member City of Gilman
Council Member at Large City of St. Cloud
Vote for Up to Two
Shawn Bemboom
Vote for Up to Three
Jeremiah Dahler
George Hontos
write-in, if any
Hassan Yussuf Carol Lewis Natalie Ratha
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
Jeff Goerger Buddy King write-in, if any
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Council Member City of Rice Vote for Up to Two
School Board Member Independent School District No. 748 (Sartell-St Stephen)
write-in, if any
Vote for Up to Three
Adam Bourassa Michelle L Jorgenson Keller Christopher Scheel
Matthew Moehrle Taryn Gentile
write-in, if any
Patricia Meling Jason Nies write-in, if any
write-in, if any
Special Election for Council Member City of Gilman To fill vacancy in term expiring January 2, 2023
write-in, if any
Vote for One
write-in, if any
Council Member City of Royalton Vote for Up to Two
Kurt Schott Ronald Verley
write-in, if any write-in, if any
Special Election for Council Member City of Rice To fill vacancy in term expiring January 2, 2023 Vote for One
Emily Walters
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
School Board Member Independent School District No. 477 (Princeton) Vote for Up to Four
Howard Vaillancourt write-in, if any
write-in, if any
Council Member City of Sartell
Sue VanHooser Chad Young Eric Strandberg
Vote for Up to Two
Jill Smith
Dawn Bourdeaux
Aaron Johnson Mike Chisum Alex Lewandowski
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
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Vote front and back of ballot
Sample ballot Continued on page 18
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, October 5, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, October 5, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sauk RapidsRice District Office Boardroom. The Board meeting was live streamed to the District Office Curriculum Center and the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Commons. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Technology Zimpel, Director of Community Education Wilke, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Principal Nohner, Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Principal Messerich, Mississippi Heights Principal Peterson, and Early Childhood Family Education Director Tye. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda.” PUBLIC INPUT Public input was taken at 7:40 p.m. Sauk Rapids-Rice parent and community member Dan Johnson communicated his desire for students to be in school rather than in the Hybrid or Distance Learning Model. Johnson communicated the importance of facts when transitioning learning plans. Sauk Rapids-Rice teacher Win Anderson addressed the Board of Education and advocated for students to return to the In-Person Learning Model. Anderson reported that she feels students are not as engaged when they are learning remotely. The District is effectively adhering to COVID-19 guidance, but students continue to congregate outside of school. ACTION APPROVAL OF SECONDARY LEARNING MODEL A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Morse and carried by a margin of six, with Loidolt dissenting, to continue the Hybrid Learning Model at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School and High School. Superintendent Bergstrom reported the data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and Benton County Public Health, as well as the current data relating to the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School and High School Communities. The Board of Education reviewed and discussed the data/ information and voted by a margin of 6/1 that continuing the Hybrid Learning Model was the best option for the health and safety of the District’s students and staff at this time. The Board of Education will review and discuss updated data and District information at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. AUTHORIZATION OF THE DISTRICTS ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE REPORT A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to authorize the District to submit, to the Minnesota Department of Education, via the web portal, an Assurance of Compliance with federal regulations. This submission is due November 30 each year. TABLED DEFINATELY THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE (MSHSL) 2020 – 2021 REVISED MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz to table definitely the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) 2020 – 2021 Revised Membership Fee Schedule Action Item. The Board of Education will revisit this Action Item at the October 19, 2020 regularly scheduled Board meeting. The reapproval is requested in conjunction with MSHSL’s revised billing for services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The membership delegates the control, supervision and regulation of interscholastic athletic and fine arts events to the Minnesota State High School League. APPROVAL OF THE HEAD COACH FOR BOYS SWIMMING A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the Boys’ Swimming & Dive Head Coach Jason Tangen for the 2020 – 2021 school year. Jason will be paid at the salary schedule placement of Schedule C for Step 4 at 12%. There is no set start day for the Boys’ Swim and Dive program, per the Minnesota State High School League there will be a season. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY # 401 (EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY) A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy. #401 (Equal Employment Opportunity) ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY # 402 (DISABILITY NONDISCRIMINATION) A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy. #402 (Disability Nondiscrimination) ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY # 905 (ADVERTISING) A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy. #905 (Advertising) ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY # 907 (REWARDS) A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy. #907 (Rewards) ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to adjourn the Board meeting at 9:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-43-1B
PUBLIC NOTICES
Page 18 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Jake Bauerly, Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Steve Heinen and Warren Peschl present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as written. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Bauerly/Popp unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Administrator’s Report/Monthly Financial Report as written; 3) accept and file Veteran Service Officer Quarterly Report as written; 4) reappoint George Fiedler as the County Veteran Services Officer to a four-year term from June 6, 2020 to June 5, 2024; 5) approve Amendment No. 1 to service contract with Service Master Professional Services of St. Cloud for provision of cleaning services for Benton County Government Buildings, extending the contract to cover one additional year, and authorize the Chair to sign; 6) approve renewal application for On-Sale & Sunday Sale liquor license for Oak Hill Golf Club, 8852 Indian Road NW, Sauk Rapids, for the period October 28, 2020 to October 28, 2021, and authorize the Chair to sign; and 7) approve Application for Exempt Permit for Duelm Area Lions to conduct a raffle, bingo, and tipboards to be held at Jack & Jim’s Convention Center, 11025 Duelm Road NE, Foley, on November 14, 2020. Board members welcomed Amanda Othoudt, the new Benton Economic Partnership (BEP) Executive Director. Othoudt thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and provided background on her past employment, education and experience. She stated that she grew up on a dairy farm in Benton County; she is the former Economic Development Director for the City of Elk River, where she managed the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Economic Development Authority for the city. Othoudt updated the Board on the CARES business assistance grant program being administered by the BEP. She stated that 67 grant applications have been received to date for a total requested dollar amount of $868,589.00; while a few of the applications do not meet the established grant criteria, the majority meet the criteria and are able to validate need for the grant. Othoudt stated BEP’s request for an additional $134,000 of CARES funding which would fund all the applications received to date. Chair Buerkle stated that further discussion on CARES funding will occur at the County Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Jessica Green from Northland Securities presented options and potential savings associated with refunding bonds issued in 2014 for the construction of the “roundabout” corridor on County Road 3 (from CR 1 to Highway 10); options included advanced and current refunding. Green explained that, typically, the county would want to see at least a 3% savings in interest to move forward with refunding. She commented “...if you are in a position that you believe that rates will stay low for the foreseeable future, or at least until the point where we can essentially call the bonds as a current refunding and issue tax exempt debt, the savings would be just so much greater...nearly double where we are today... but we are certainly happy to move forward if the Board says...we just want to do this taxable because rates are low now....let’s take advantage of that...” Bauerly suggested “...we could watch the rates...see where they are trending...postpone our decision...” Following brief discussion, there was consensus of the Board to delay action on refunding at this time. Green stated “...we will keep an eye on it...if rates are moving and it seems like a better opportunity to move now, we will certainly reach out to Monty...” The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:37 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:40 AM. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, explained that, at a Committee of the Whole on February 19th, direction was given to the Highway Department to proceed with a shoulder-widening project on CR 55 to be constructed in 2021; at that meeting, a couple of options were presented. He stated that they are proceeding with direction to do a shoulder widening from 105th Street to just south of the Walnut Ridge development; this is the point at which it has been previously discussed that CR 55 may be realigned to the west—a mill and overlay is planned from just south of the Walnut Ridge development to CSAH 2. Byrd clarified that the shoulder widening is primarily for traffic safety and not for pedestrian/ bicycle safety; however, some people will use the shoulders to walk and ride bicycles. He commented “...we discussed whether to make this a bike lane or not... the guidance was it’s not going to be signed or designated as a bike lane...” Byrd indicated that utility relocations are currently underway in the area where the shoulder widening is occurring. Popp suggested that Byrd contact the City of Rice to see if they are interested in doing shoulder-widening on the short segment of roadway from the south side of the Walnut Ridge development along CR 55 to the north side of the Walnut Ridge development.
Board of commissioners page 19
Sample ballot from page 17 SAMPLE BALLOT State General Election Ballot Instructions to Voters:
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:
School District Offices
School District Offices
School Board Member Independent School District No. 912 (Milaca)
School Board Member Independent School District No. 485 (Royalton)
Samantha Lange
Angela Roering
Tammey J Anderson
Elizabeth Verley
Natalia Cisneros
Tyra Baumann
Aimee Struffert
Rian Hofstad
Vote for Up to Three
Vote for Up to Three
Dionne J. Haberman Nathan M. Neuhart write-in, if any
write-in, if any write-in, if any
write-in, if any write-in, if any
School District Offices ISD NO. 742 St. Cloud Area
write-in, if any
School Board Member Independent School District No. 484 (Pierz) Vote for Up to Three
School Board Member at Large Independent School District No. 742 (St Cloud Area) Vote for Up to Four
Rick Sczublewski
Monica M. Segura-Schwartz
Ashley Toops
Andrea Preppernau
Steven Boser
Hani Omar-Jacobson Shannon Haws Scott Andreasen Omar Abdullahi Podi
write-in, if any
Al Dahlgren
write-in, if any write-in, if any
write-in, if any
School Board Member Independent School District No. 51 (Foley)
write-in, if any
Vote for Up to Four
Patric Lewandowski
write-in, if any
Emily Lachinski Sharon Kipka Valerie Timm
write-in, if any
Amber Britz Lora Lepisto Brown (Dagel) Kenneth Anderson
write-in, if any
write-in, if any
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Vote front and back of ballot
Sample ballot Contined on page 19
PUBLIC NOTICES
Sample ballot from page 18 SAMPLE BALLOT State General Election Ballot Instructions to Voters:
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:
Judicial Offices Supreme Court
Judicial Offices 7th District Court
Associate Justice 4 Vote for One
Michelle MacDonald Paul Thissen
Judge 13
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Michelle L. Clark Incumbent
Incumbent
write-in, if any
Judge 14
write-in, if any
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Court of Appeals
Leonard A. Weiler Incumbent
Judge 3
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Carol Hooten Incumbent
write-in, if any
Judge 15
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Sarah E. Hennesy
write-in, if any
Incumbent
Judge 9
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Judge 21
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Robert Raupp
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Incumbent
Judge 13
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Jeanne Cochran Incumbent
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Judge 22
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Doug Clark
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Judge 15
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Kevin G. Ross Incumbent
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Judge 23
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Amber B. Gustafson
write-in, if any
Incumbent
7th District Court Judge 2
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Jay D. Carlson Incumbent
write-in, if any
Judge 24
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Michael S. Jesse Incumbent write-in, if any
Judge 8
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Matthew E. Engelking Incumbent
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Judge 26
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Mark J. Herzing Incumbent
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 19
Public Notices
Board of commissioners from page 18
Bauerly suggested that the City purchase the right-ofway if they want it widened. Byrd noted a concern with purchasing right-of-way from the trucking company on the one side of the roadway due to limited space; Bauerly suggested widening the shoulder on the one side only. Byrd commented “...I do have some engineering concerns with having a shoulder on one side of the road and not the other...and not designating it as a bike lane... we are giving the impression of a bike lane...providing a shoulder on only one side of the roadway...that sends mixed messages...is it a bike lane or is it for traffic safety...” Heinen added “...I’m not willing to buy road rightof-way for the city if it’s in the city limits...if they want that widened, let them buy it...if we did it for one city, we’d have to keep maintaining it for all the other cities...if they aren’t willing to do that, I’m not willing to widen the road...or do the shouldering...” Bauerly added “...I would support the county doing the paved shoulders and doing the road...but not the right-of-way...” He questioned the need for a mill and overlay, suggesting an overlay only. Byrd stated that he will have a conversation with the City of Rice on widening the roadway further north and their desire to purchase right-of-way to widen both sides of the road. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Bauerly reported on a concern of one of his constituents about a large gathering of people at a recent car show at Rollie’s; the constituent’s concern related to the enforcement of the Governor’s orders on local businesses. There was consensus of the Board to refer the constituent to the Sheriff’s Department. Popp/Peschl unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: October 19, Employee Health Insurance Renewal Discussion; October 22, Benton Economic Development Quarterly Meeting; and October 26, Association of MN Counties District Five Virtual Meeting. Monty Headley, County Administrator, presented the request of Foley CARE for a County Board member to appear in a promotional video for the Foley CARE Program. Commissioner Bauerly volunteered. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to conduct a closed session of the County Board under MN Statutes §13D.05, Subdivision 3, to evaluate the performance of the County Administrator (at 10:29 AM). The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 12:22 PM. Popp/Heinen unanimous to adjourn at 12:23 PM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-43-1B
VETERANS DAY Coming November 7 & 10, 2020 A Supplement to
write-in, if any
Judge 9
&
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Michelle W. Lawson Incumbent
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Judge 27
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Judge 11
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Andrew Pearson Incumbent
This is a great opportunity to show YOUR APPRECIATION to our veterans!
VETERANS
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Judge 12
DAY
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Kevin M. Miller Incumbent
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Judge 30
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Jade M. Rosenfeldt Incumbent write-in, if any
MISSY TRAEGER
It is with grateful hearts
that we say
“thank you,”
11
n our service men, women and remember all of given so much so we and families who have our freedoms. can continue to enjoy
Featuring
DE:
INSI LOCAL VETERANS
missy@saukherald.com 320-291-9899
Ringwelski Ammend g. 2 pg. p
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NEWS
Page 20 | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Minnesota State High School League raises district’s fee 400% Revenue hit from COVID-19 prompts increase BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
To alleviate a significant funding deficit, the Minnesota State High School League has in turn raised its membership
fees significantly. Now, Sauk Rapids-Rice and schools across the state are feeling the punch. Knowing the league’s
revised billing for services is in large part due to taking a huge financial hit from the novel coronavirus pandemic, Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board members unanimously approved a 400% membership fee increase for 2020-21, hopeful that when the pandemic lifts, so will the hefty bill. “It’s a tough pill to swallow for a lot of districts, the increase that goes with that,” said Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom at the Oct. 19 board meeting. Yet, the district was not willing to cut ties this year because of it. “The state high school league allows our kids to be able to participate and do things that we’d like to see them be able to do,” Bergstrom said. Board member Robyn Holthaus hopes the increase is a bump in the road. “(No one) could have anticipated what we’re going through right now, and I think, in the end, it boils down to, do we want Minnesota High School League there for our kids, or do we not? ’Cause I don’t think there’s a whole lot of options,” she said. The substantial increase is based on a combination of fee increases and new fees, including two separate installment payments directly tied to the pandemic. This school year, the district will pay the league a total of $15,826 in membership fees, nearly $12,000 more than last year’s membership fee of $3,960. A large sum of that goes to the new COVID-19 installments, which are based on en-
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rollment. Sauk RapidsRice and other districts with 10-12 grade enrollments of 570-1,228 will make two payments of $4,500 – the first due in November and the second in February – for a total of $9,000. The COVID-19 payments do not count existing membership fees, which have already been paid and total $6,826 for Sauk Rapids-Rice this year. The MSHSL, which oversees sports and other activities for high schools statewide, generally introduces nominal fee increases. For the 2020-21 school year, the league raised each school’s annual league membership fee from $120 to $160. In addition, the fee that schools pay the league per activity also increased from $120 to $160. And, there is another new fee this school year. In addition to that $40 increase to league membership and per-activity fees, the league added an annual fee for enrollment: $1 per student, adjusted for free- and reducedlunch numbers. The league has shifted the burden onto its member schools after shortening its sports seasons and budgeting for no state tournaments this school year. With the pandemic curbing major sports gatherings, the league’s decision to forgo traditional state tournaments will result in huge revenue losses. In a letter to member schools this fall, the MSHSL said the league cut staff from 23.5 to 19.5 positions before the 2020-21 school year. The league is also freezing wages, reducing or eliminating league publications and
which to play by, there’s leadership and there’s also consistency for kids, whether they go to Edina, whether they go to Sauk Rapids-Rice, whether they go to Sartell,” Butkowski said of some of the advantages of the league overseeing sports and some extracurricular activities statewide. Board member Mark Hauck said the MSHSL provides concussion and catastrophic insurance to members. That insurance costs the league about $750,000. “There are products that not only go to protect students but also the school district,” he said. Board member Jan Solarz said she does not want the district to raise admission fees at sporting or fine arts events in light of the increase. “The hope is that we don’t have to put the burden back on the students and the families,” she said. That will not happen this year, but the district cannot guarantee it will not happen next year if the MSHSL does not lower the membership fee. Bergstrom said the district can use coronavirus relief funding to help pay for the league’s COVID-19 installment fees. The district has until September 2022 to use those federal funds, so if the league asks for COVID-19 installments again next year, the district would potentially have some assistance, Bergstrom said. “We’re OK for a couple years,” he said. “Hopefully this is the only year we have to do this.”
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moving league meetings online to reduce or eliminate other costs. On his way to the meeting, Chairman Butkowski spoke with Erich Martens, the league’s executive director (and former Sauk Rapids-Rice High School principal), about the increase, in what he called “a short conversation for a very large topic.” Butkowski told his cohort Martens “certainly understands the district’s anxiety when it comes to this.” Butkowski said the $15,826 fee is a very small percentage of the district’s $52 million budget, yet the principle of fiscal responsibility makes it challenging considering last year’s membership fee has been multiplied times four. Butkowski said the MSHSL has worked to hedge its budget shortfall, including a staff reduction of 17%. The league, he said, slashed its operating budget from $9 million to just under $5 million. About 80% of the league’s revenue comes from sponsorships, ticket sales and broadcast rights for section and state tournaments, Butkowski said, so he asked Martens if the costly membership fee will fall back on districts again next year. He said Martens was unsure. Martens emphasized that the MSHSL sees itself as a cooperative of participating school districts across the state. He emphasized the small portion school districts pay individually to be a part of a collaborative budget to host large events, according to Butkowski. “There’s fair rules of
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SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | Page 23
Lumberjacks close homestand handily
SRR swim and dive ready for sections BY KAYLA ALBERS | STAFF WRITER
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Storm show resilience through obstacles
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
The Granite City Lumberjacks captains consist of assistant captain Cody Dias (from left), assistant captain Tal Halliday and captain Carson Simon. Simon and Dias display exemplary leadership in their forward groups, while Halliday is a strong, team-first defenseman.
Simon scores twice in win over Willmar BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
On the night he began carrying the captain’s “C” on his jersey, Carson Simon was a leader on the ice for the Granite City Lumberjacks. The Elk River native fueled a dominant offensive performance, scoring two goals in a 6-1 victory over the Willmar WarHawks Oct. 17 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. “Carson is a third-year kid who has played in our league, so his veteran leadership is important mportant to ciate head our group this year,” said D.J. Vold, associate nderstands coach. “With being a veteran guy, he understands what it takes to be successful and how to put ut himself in spots to do good things, which is where a lot of his goal-scoring comes from.” After pacing the Lumberjacks with 46 points a season ago, Simon is leading Granite City in goals with four. He put the home team on the board early with his third goal of the campaign ampaign with seven minutes remaining in the first period as the Lumberjacks aggressively fired puck after puck at Willmar goalie Hunter Burian, tallying 17 7 shots on goal in the first 20 minutes alone. ly showed The fruits of Granite City’s labor really in the second period, where they recorded rded three goals. Troy Dahlheimer, Wyatt Halverson and newcomer Charlie Erickson all found the back of the net as the Lumberjacks decimated the WarHawks awks with precise passing and crisp shots. Erickson’ss tally was especially impressive, as the Duluth nativee deked in between two Willmar defenders on a breakaway. kaway. “In the second period, it got to a point where we rous areas, wanted to get the puck on net from dangerous and I think we did a good job of that,” Vold d said. All of this combined pressure from forwards and defensemen alike made life easier forr debuting goaltender Tim Pundt, who managed to earn rn acclaim through his quick reaction time and grit. When the WarHawks did find scoring chances, Pundtt was there to deny them, piling up 16 saves. “Tim’s biggest attribute is he battles and d he never gives up on a puck,” Vold said. “He madee a couple omfortable of key saves for us that made him more comfortable in the game and made the guys in front off him play more comfortable as well.” Granite City outshot the WarHawks 43-17 -17 on the Charlie Erickson fires a shot toward the net during practice Oct. 21 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Erickson scored his first career goal in a 6-1 win over Willmar Oct. 17.
night. Pundt and Erickson were not the only first-time performers to have unforgettable nights, as Michael Webster contributed heavily to a few Lumberjacks scoring plays. The Sartell High School senior was a set-up man on Erickson’s breakaway goal and fired a shot that was brilliantly redirected by Jonah Jangula for a third-period score. “He’s a great skater and has a lot of offensive ability, and he’s also a good defender with such good feet,” Vold said. “He has the ability to stay in front of anybody.” Webster’s effort was one of several gutsy outings for the Lumberjacks defense that managed to hold Willmar quiet offensively all night.
Lumberjacks page 24
The Sauk Rapids-Rice swim and dive team has overcome obstacles this season to get to the Section 5A championships Oct. 24 in Sauk Rapids. Despite the challenges they experienced, they made it, and they are excited. “I think we are just really excited for the team to have a section championship meet, even though it is different from past years,” said co-head coach Whitney Jendro. “We are approaching the meet with the mindset that it is just like regular sections.” The team missed two weeks of their already shortened season after being quarantined due to the novel coronavirus. It was something the team knew was possible but never foresaw, and they handled it with grace. The team also lost a day of their last week of practice as a result of a snow day and the district canceling all after-school activities. “They came to practice the next day and were all smiles,” Jendro said. “They have been so resilient, and they are just a great group of girls to work with.” Co-head coach Megan Dingman agreed. “We are proud of them for overcoming all they have this season, and we are proud that we have made it this far,” she said. After winning the section meet last year, the Storm would like to see another win. Despite the challenges the team faced, they are ready to compete as they host Tech, Cathedral-St. John’s Prep and Foley on Saturday. “It will be good to have some wins since we have had such a hard season,” Dingman said. “I want us to be proud of our races and to show how far we have come.” Adding to the excitement this weekend, the team will be allowed to have parents at the meet for the first time this season, just in time for its culmina mination. “It “ will be really fun, and we want an energetic atmo atmosphere,” Jendro said. There T will be two other portions of the meet host hosted by Becker and Monticello. According to Jend Jendro and Dingman, Foley, Cathedral and Monticello will be the biggest threats to the Storm in the secti section this year. SRR S finished the regular season with a 4-4 record with wins over Bemidji 117-64, Brainerd 9888, W Willmar 96-90 and Fergus Falls 109-77. The team also placed fifth in the conference behind Sartell, Alexandria, Rocori and Brainerd. Swimmers S leading the team this year have been freestyler and backstroker Valeria Flores-Bonilla, frees sprin sprinters Madeline Ziegler and Haley Davis, butterfliier and distance freestyler Abigail Tangen and brea breaststroker Kaytlin Bittman. Diver Liberty Koslosk sloski has also performed well this season and has taken home a handful of wins in the diving competition this year. “We “ think it will be an overall success for the team this weekend,” Jendro said. The T team takes to the pool for sections at noon Satu Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High Scho School in Sauk Rapids.
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