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Saturday, November 7, 2020
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 166, No. 31
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
Awareness through woodworking, washers
Halloween
Hansen & Company to distribute manufacturing kits to students BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE “GRANDMA D” SCHULTZ
Emmett Slama, 4, of Rice, expresses his hometown pride by dressing up as the Rice water tower for Halloween. Emmett has a fascination with water towers, and he is the son of Drew and Jenna Slama, of Rice, and grandson of Al and Dawn Ostendorf of Rice, Curt and Liz Studeman of St. Cloud, and Ken Slama of Idaho.
Don’t miss it!
BENTON AG
ST. JOSEPH – On the first Friday of October, the United States celebrates Manufacturing Day, designed to uplift manufacturers around the country and inspire youthful dreamers to follow their manufacturing dreams. Hansen & Company Woodworks, of St. Joseph, understands the value of MFG Day; a former smalltime startup, the woodwork technology initiative has emphasized cooperation and team-building to design and innovate valuable products. In an in-depth, de-
And now BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Despite the year’s challenges, the 2020 general election went smoothly in Minnesota, and voters in Benton County found a way for their voices to be
•
tailed celebration of the nearly 1,600 manufactur- Rapids-Rice High School, national tradition, the ing kits to students across the week of Nov. 16. company is distributing 14 schools, including Sauk Hansen page 2
we wait
Election results delayed as absentee ballots tallied
Plus
Section B
PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Members of Hansen & Company Woodworks – Ashley Massmann (front, from left), Allyson Eischens and Annie Cribb; (back, from left) Adam Hansen, Simon Hansen and Sam Hollis – stand outside the company’s sign near their production facilities Nov. 3 in St. Joseph. Behind a strong interest by area schools, Hansen & Company will be distributing close to 1,600 manufacturing kits to students by Nov. 10.
OBITUARIES
La June A. Dibb • Beverly J. Beiseker Hill • Bonive M. Kaeter • David A. Massman
heard. The county had 90% of its 24,688 registered voters cast ballots at polling precincts or by mail or in-person absentee, and only 829 requested absentee ballots were outstanding by close Nov. 5. Voter turnout was up considerably from the 2016 presi-
PUBLIC NOTICES
dential year when 69.3% of Benton County voters participated. As of Thursday evening when this issue went to press, the country did not yet have a president for the upcoming term. The race between President Donald J. Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was too close to call. Biden leads the country’s electoral vote, but races in Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Caro-
• Benton County Board of Adjustment Public Hearings - pg. 11 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Advertisement for Bids - pg. • Benton County Ord. No. 480 - pg. 11 • Benton County Request for Proposals - pg. 6B 11 • Sauk Rapids City Council Public Hearing - pg. 11 • Notice of Mechanic’s Lien Sale - pg. 11 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, • City of Sauk Rapids Public Hearing Notice - pg. 11 Oct. 20, 2020 - pg. 6B
lina, Nevada and Alaska have yet to be called by the Associated Press and litigation for recounts in Wisconsin and Michigan have already been brought forth by Trump. Benton County voters largely supported the current president with 64.6%, or 14,373 votes, in his favor. Biden received 7,278 votes from county residents.
Election page 3
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Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Hansen from front
“We wanted to let the students know that manufacturing isn’t just an assembly line,” said Adam Hansen, founder and president. “There’s estimating, there’s drafting, there’s assembly, there’s CNC (computer numerical control), there’s automation, there’s reading prints. There is so much more that revolves around manufacturing than what the stereotypical understanding of manufacturing is.” Hansen & Company has taken steps to provide this industry awareness for five years now, having initially conducted classroom sessions and facility tours with area students. However, with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic and many of their partnered schools adapting to a distance learning model, Hansen and the rest of his team went back to the drawing board. “With everything that’s going on, we wanted to still do something, and we bounced around new ideas of how we could reach the most students,” said Sam Hollis, lead estimator. “Instead of holding back, we drove forward and pivoted, using this opportunity to reach more students than we typically would.” From this brainstorming process arrived the kits, which challenges students to create a washer toss game set. The kit consists of a bag containing all of the necessary building components, which includes a plywood board, a wooden and rubber mallet and stainless-steel washers. The students will also receive a 3-D rendering of the desired game model. Assisting the students in their manufacturing endeavor are instructional videos, providing a key supplementary educational piece in an accessible, online setting. “We wanted to make it safe and something that everyone could participate in,” Hollis said. “Ultimately, it landed on some sort of virtual experience. We tried to jump in and have them manufacture
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PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Terrance Collette brands plywood boards Nov. 3 at Hansen & Company Woodworks in St. Joseph. Collette and the wood crafting company are creating components for washer toss games to provide for manufacturing kits.
something themselves.” The others schools participating in this year’s MFG Day are Apollo High School, North Junior High, McKinley Area Learning Center in Waite Park, Foley High School, Little Falls High School, Sauk Centre Secondary School, ROCORI High School, Kimball High School and Albany High School. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School will receive 100 kits after communicating with industrial teach instructor Jake Masters. “From an engagement standpoint, we really relied on local schools to tell us what their interest level was going to be,” Hollis said. “Fortunately, it turned out to be the most successful student response we’ve had. We’ve averaged about 200 (students) per year prior to this, so that’s a pretty substantial increase, which is great, because that’s what we wanted.” The washer toss project certainly benefits Hansen & Company, but the information gained from participating can help students understand additional career paths after high school. “I’m hoping kids can take away that they can explore manufacturing as a career choice,” Adam Hansen said. “There are great career opportunities and advancement. You don’t have to have a fourto six-year college degree
for that, and a lot of manufacturers will train you on the job. There’s definitely a place for higher education, but we need people in manufacturing.” It will be up to the participating schools as to how they distribute the kits to interested youth. Regardless of the distribution method, the forward advancement of Hansen & Company’s program after two months of preparation is due to the hard work of the company’s team members, including significant contributions from project manager Ashley Massmann, Allyson Eischens, Annie Cribb, Simon Hansen and Hollis. “We’ve really utilized everyone’s help within the entire company, whether it was someone putting together a 3-D rendering of the boards or the shop people putting everything together,” Hollis said. “It was certainly a team effort.” The manufacturing undertaking at Hansen & Company, with the mission of MFG Day in mind, is something that will not simply be discarded once the threat of COVID-19 subsides. In fact, they may continue to create more kits in future years. “As we look at it, we’ll take things away from it,” Adam Hansen said. “Maybe next year, we can do a hybrid deal, bring some people in, bring some stuff out.”
A series of washer toss board game pieces sit on an assembly line Nov. 3 at Hansen & Company Woodworks in St. Joseph. Included in distributed manufacturing kits for area students, the components include a mallet, a board and stainless-steel washers.
Election from front
Minnesota’s 10 electoral votes, however, went to Biden in the race to 270. Biden topped Trump with 233,255 more votes as of 8:14 p.m. Nov. 5 and with only 230,013 outstanding requested absentee ballots, the Democratic candidate will keep the state. With the potential of over 800 ballots yet to be returned to the county by mail, some local races are also deadlocked until Tuesday, Nov. 10 – the deadline for eligible absentee ballots. The Sauk Rapids Herald will report on official winners of elections later this month after votes have been canvassed. City of Rice Rice will be led by Mayor Brian Skroch for another two years after Skroch ran unopposed. Rice City Council member Emily Walters, who was appointed to her seat in September 2019, also ran unopposed for a twoyear term. The unofficial results for two four-year terms on the council are Christopher Scheel with 578 votes, Michelle L. Jorgenson Keller with 449 votes and Adam Bourassa with 426 votes. City of Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Huntstiger ran unopposed for this seat and will serve the city for another four years. The unofficial results for two four-year terms on the Sauk Rapids City Council are Nicholas Sauer with 3,676 votes, Dottie Seamans with 3,211 votes and David Rixe with 2,804 votes. Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board t Four members will be elected to the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board, each who will serve four-
t
NEWS
What’s happening
Unofficial results of federal, state and some local races
Monday, Nov. 9, 5-9 p.m. – 55+ Driving Improvement Refresher Course. Hosted via teleconference. For more information or to register, visit www.mnsafetycenter.org or call 1-888-2341294.
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, absentee ballots that have been postmarked by Election Day and received at the county level within seven days of Nov. 3 will be accepted and counted. (These ballots much be segregated but will be included in the 2020 election results, pending further litigation.) The following information reflects votes counted as of the times listed below. Percentages may not total 100 as write-in candidates and candidates receiving less than 10% of the total counted votes are not listed. Shaded names are unofficial winners in their respective races given the number of registered voters and outstanding requested absentee ballots in their jurisdictions. The State Canvassing Board will canvass the votes for general election candidates Nov. 24.
Monday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. – Rice American Legion Monthly Meeting. American Legion Post 473, 80 N. Division St., Rice. Monday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice District Office, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.
MN Representative District 13B
U.S. Senator
Last updated 8:14 p.m. Nov. 5 (230,013 potential outstanding ballots)
Last updated 5:06 p.m. Nov. 4
Tim O’Driscoll (R) 16,518 68.17% Benjamin Carollo (DFL) 7,678 31.69%
Tina Smith (DFL) 1,567,148 48.74% Jason Lewis (R) 1,398,320 43.49%
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1-7 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Donations. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 308 Second St. N., Sartell. To make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-733-2767.
MN Representative District 14B
U.S. Representative District 6
Last updated 2:28 p.m. Nov. 5
Last updated 4:38 p.m. Nov. 5
Dan Wolgamott (DFL) 9,416 55.93% Paul Brandmire (R) 7,378 43.82%
Tom Emmer (R) 272,729 65.54% Tawnja Zahradka (DFL) 142,851 34.33%
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. – Watab Township Board of Supervisors Meeting. Watab Town Hall, 660 75th St. N.W., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day. Some government offices closed.
MN Representative District 15B
MN Senator District 13
Last updated 4:38 p.m. Nov. 5
Last updated 5:06 p.m. Nov. 4
Jeff Howe (R) 32,608 69.43% Michael Willemsen 14,299 30.45% MN Senator District 14
Shane Mekeland (R) 17,609 70.55% Ron Thiessen (DFL) 5,894 23.625
Wednesday, Nov. 11, noon to 6 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Donations. Riverside Church, 1702 Highview Drive W., Sauk Rapids. To make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
County Commissioner District 1
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.
Last updated 1:21 a.m. Nov. 4
Last updated 2:28 p.m. Nov. 5 (2,983 potential outstanding ballots)
Scott Johnson 2,490 64.11% Christopher G. Winkelman 1,374 35.38%
Aric Putnam (DFL) 18,315 46.40% Jerry Relph (R) 17,994 45.59%
Friday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.
County Commissioner District 4
MN Senator District 15
Last updated 1:21 a.m. Nov. 4
Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Second Annual Holiday Market. Hosted and benefitting the Sartell Historical Society. Homemade crafts, gifts and decorating ideas. Door prizes. Sartell Community Center.
County Commissioner District 5
Sunday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Drive Up Soup Sale. Benefitting the Starfish Dwelling. Curbside order and pickup. Wear masks. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1111 Cooper Ave. S., St. Cloud.
Jared J. Gapinski 2,227 55.80% Richard “Dick” Soyka 1,748 43.80%
Last updated 5:10 p.m. Nov. 5
Andrew Mathews (R) 33,873 72.27% Brent Krist (DFL) 12,944 27.62%
Last updated 10:29 a.m. Nov. 4
Beth Schlangen 1,620 52.85% A. Jake Bauerly 1,425 46.49%
year terms. As of the received 6,373, Jan Solarz morning of Nov. 4, Ryan tallied 6,240 and Olivia Butkowski had received Kolbe received 6,038. 7,120 votes, Mark Hauck Soil and Water had 6,451, Tracy Morse Benton Soil and Wa-
Homestead applications due Dec. 15 dential property, qualifying relatives also include the owner’s aunt, uncles, nieces or nephews. Homestead applications are due on or before Dec. 15. Once homestead is granted, annual applications are not necessary unless requested by the assessor. Those who sell, move or no longer qualify for homestead classification are required to notify the county assessor within 30 days of the change of homestead status. The Benton County Land Services Department can be reached at 320-968-5019.
ter Supervisors will be Wade Bastian (District 1), Bernie Thole (District 4) and Charles Rau (District 5). All ran unopposed.
Sale Starts Monday, Nov. v. 9th - Sunday, Nov. 22nd
Sauk Rapids
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FOLEY — The Benton County Land Services Department has an important notice that could affect 2021 property taxes and refund eligibility. According to the department, those who have purchased or moved into a property within the past year should contact the assessor’s office to file a homestead application if the property is occupied as a homestead by the purchaser or a qualifying relative on or before Dec. 1. Qualifying relatives include children, grandchildren, siblings and parents of the owner or of the owner’s spouse. On resi-
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 3
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Y O U R F U L L S E R V I C E L I Q U O R S TO R E « 312 B E N TOO N D R I V E N. « 320-251-4185
Page 4 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
NEWS
Storm Stages: A guideline for making learning model decisions School board to discuss how students will Storm Stages continue learning amid pandemic Nov. 9 BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
Following two recent emergency meetings, where it was decided to temporarily close the middle school and one elementary school and move students there from in-person to distance learning, the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board will reconvene Monday evening to decide which direction the learning model will go at these and other schools across the district. At the Nov. 9 board meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed to the high school commons, the board will discuss: – The learning model at the middle school, starting Thursday, Nov. 12, and beyond. Since Oct. 29, the middle school has been in a distance learning model due to staff COVID-19-related absences. Under the current plan, students are learning remotely through Wednesday, Nov. 11.
– The learning model at Rice Elementary, starting Monday, Nov. 16, and beyond. Since Nov. 4, Rice Elementary has been in a distance learning model, due to staff COVID-19-related absences. Under the current plan, students are learning remotely through Friday, Nov. 13. – The learning model across the district. Currently, students at Pleasantview and Mississippi Heights elementary schools in Sauk Rapids are learning in-person, and high school students are learning via a hybrid model in which they attend classes in the school buildings two days a week and take online classes the other three days. The district will notify parents and guardians of the board’s decisions following Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom said. How learning model decisions are made When deciding whether to close a facility – a school or school bus or any
Closed November 9 to November 13 for launch of new vehicle services system MNDrive dmv@co.benton.mn.us | 320.968.5010
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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building occupied by people – the district analyzes each individual situation, taking into careful consideration what is in the best interest of a healthy learning community, according to Bergstrom. There is no concrete indicator, as each situation is unique, but the district does have a set of guidelines for making these decisions with guidance from local and state public health officials. Storm Stage is a tool designed to give students, families and staff a better understanding of how decisions are made regarding learning models amid the coronavirus pandemic. The framework for learning model decisions is outlined in five stages, with the first stage calling for preventative measures against COVID-19, the second and third stages calling for efforts to mitigate exposure and modify operations, the fourth stage signaling potential closure of facility and the final stage signaling a potential district-wide closure. (See below for breakdown of each stage.) The current Storm Stage is posted on the district’s website under “Coronavirus Information.” As of this writing, the district is in Stage 4 – Facility Closure. Per this designation, the middle school and Rice Elementary are temporarily closed until at least Nov. 12 and Nov. 16, respectively. The Storm Stage tool is helpful, Bergstrom said, because it allows the district to communicate where it is at in terms of the pandemic’s impact on student learning without divulging confidential health data. To protect privacy, the district disseminates COVID-19 data in aggregate or summary form. “This is a guideline to help people understand
Stage 1: Prevention No confirmed case of COVID-19 among staff or students. – Health prevention measures are in place. – Daily intensive cleaning and frequent surface cleaning. – Daily home screening for anyone entering the building(s). – Restricted visitor access. – Monitoring virus trends in the community via health departments. Stage 2: Mitigation One or more confirmed case(s) of COVID-19 at one facility. – People who came in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be contacted and advised to follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. – Continue daily deep cleaning. – Continue sending selfmonitoring, prevention information and communication about staying home when sick. Stage 3: Modified Operations Confirmed COVID-19 cases and/or COVID-19-related absences in one specific area (e.g. classroom, bus) reaches 20% in hybrid learning/10% in in-person learning. – Individuals in that area will be advised according to Minnesota Department of Health guidance. – Students and staff impacted move to remote learning. – Affected area is closed for deep cleaning. – Continue sending self-health monitoring, prevention information and reminders about staying home if ill. – A short-term closure of the
where we may be at (with learning model decisions),” Bergstrom said. “You don’t know the exact specifics (the identity of students or staff who have COVID-19 or are absent because they came in close contact with someone who does) but know things are different and (that) we may have to do something different because of it.” Bergstrom likened the Storm Stage tool to the Minnesota DNR’s fire danger notification system. The color green signifies it is generally safe to have a campfire. The color yel-
facility may be necessary, if guided by Minnesota Department of Health or staffing shortages. Stage 4: Facility Closure Confirmed COVID-19 cases exceed 8% of facility enrollment. If the number of licensed staff absent due to CRAs reaches 10% or more in one building, closure will be reviewed. – Entire facility and activities will be closed for a minimum of 14 days, and all building students and staff move to the distance learning model. (The middle school and Rice Elementary were both ordered to close for 14 days, until at least Nov. 12 and Nov. 16, respectively.) – Those in close contact of the confirmed COVID-19 positive persons will be asked to quarantine according to the Minnesota Department of Health guidance. Stage 5: District Closure Confirmed COVID-19 cases exceed 5% of the occupancy of two or more facilities. If the number of licensed staff absent due to CRAs reaches 15% or more in one building, closure will be reviewed. – All Sauk Rapids-Rice school facilities close for a minimum of 14 days. – Students and staff move to the distance learning model. – Disinfection of all facilities and school transportation prior to student return. – All auxiliary areas such as playgrounds and athletic fields are closed. – Follow Minnesota State High School League guidelines for interschool competitions.
low indicates campfires should be had with caution, while red signals they are not safe. Likewise, Storm Stage 1 indicates it is safe to have in-person learning, whereas Stage 5 indicates it probably is not. Stages 3-5 have suggested thresholds for the percentage of confirmed COVID-19 cases that facilities experience, but these numbers are not definitive; rather, they are a guide for the district in making these difficult decisions. “It’s not that simple,” Bergstrom said of basing decisions solely on num-
bers. Likewise, the potential actions under each stage are suggested. The district, he said, might or might not follow some of these action steps; it depends on each situation. The rise in COVID19-related absences, involving students and staff who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or has shown symptoms of the virus is concerning and has a significant impact on learning model decisions, Bergstrom said.
Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind this Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement shall welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids, Rice and Sartell P.O. letters. boxes, city routes and rural routes. Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971. $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Ellarry Prentice Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson
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OBITUARIES La June A. Dibb
Beverly Jeanne Beiseker Hill
La June A. Dibb
of which 23 were in Sauk Rapids. She married Ivan Lampher of Lester Prairie July 24, 1954 and he passed away in 1972. La June married Earl Dibb of Litchfield in 1988 and they lived on Briggs Lake until moving to St. Cloud in 2004. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 Auxiliary, and Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 Auxiliary. La June loved to sew, sew, and sew more! She also
Sept. 22, 2020, Beverly Jeanne Beiseker Hill died peacefully in her sleep at home. Beverly Jeanne Beiseker Hill was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Minneapolis to Ada and George Beiseker. She attended Emerson School in her early years before moving to Sauk Rapids. She continued her education in Sauk Rapids. She was very active in band, camera club and the annual, graduating from Sauk Rapids High School in 1955. She worked for International Harvester in St. Cloud and St. Paul until 1957. July 1, 1957, Beverly married Ken Hill in Sauk Rapids. Over the years she worked many jobs including Gamble Robinson in St. Cloud, the hospital in St. Peter, Dr. Kelly’s and Moran, and Veterinarian Dr. R.J. Ganz in St. Cloud,
enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling, fishing, trips to the casino, and watching the Twins and Vikings. La June is survived by her children, Colleen (Paul) Studniski of Watkins and Neal (Leela) Lampher of Waite Park; step-sons, Russ (Laurie) Dibb of Colorado, Steve (Sharon) Dibb of Stillwater, Bill (Linda) Dibb of St. Stephen, and Jon Dibb of Minneapolis; step-daughter-in-law, Ann Dibb of Blaine; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. La June was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ivan Lampher and Earl Dibb; step-son, Bruce Dibb; brother, Norman (Bea) Huser; sister, Mavis (Orland) Kruschke. Obituary and guest book available online: at www.williamsdingmann. com.
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and her own business, Hill House Sports, selling scribes and skating supplies. She loved her pets and frequently donated to the humane society. She was involved with the St. Cloud Figure Skating Club for decades including being a board member and many volunteer positions. She was an avid photographer of family and pets, loved to sew, knit and crochet, and spent many years being creative with her computer skills. She volunteered for the Jose Carreras Leukemia Foundation. She is survived by her husband Ken of 63 years, sons David (Norway), Dan and Konnie (Rice Lake, Wisconsin), daughters Debbie and Mike Timm (Sauk Rapids), Dianah Klatt and Ryan Christiansen (Foley). 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren and her sister Bon Beiseker (South Carolina). R-45-1P
30th Annual City of Sauk Rapids Lighting Contest The 30th annual City of Sauk Rapids Lighting Contest will be sponsored by the Sauk Rapids Herald and Manea’s Meats, of Sauk Rapids. All those who reside within Sauk Rapids city limits are welcome to participate. This year’s contest will feature two categories – multi-color display and single-color display. Prizes, sponsored by Manea’s Meats and the Sauk Rapids Herald, will be awarded to each category winner.
Judging will take place by an anonymous party the weekend of December 11-13 from 5-9 p.m.
Bonive “Bonnie” M. Kaeter
Mass of Christian Burial will be private at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minden Township for Bonive “Bonnie” M. Kaeter, age 84 of Sauk Rapids who passed away Oct. 30, 2020, at Country Manor Health Care and Retirement Center. Burial will be at the parish cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Bonnie was born Dec. 27, 1935, to Chester V. and Ida C. (Dahlen) Pearson. She married Robert Kaeter Feb. 13, 1960, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She lived in Sauk Rapids for most of her life. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. She worked as a homemaker, raising four children.
Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for David A. Massman, age 76, of Sauk Rapids who died Oct. 31, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach officiated and burial was at Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church in Sauk Rapids. Knights of Columbus Council 11346 prayed at 6:30 followed by parish prayers at 7. Family requested masks be worn and social distance guidelines be observed. Dave was born Oct. 25, 1944, in Padua to Alquin and Loretta (Wehseler) Massman. He lived in Belgrade for seven years and moved to St. Paul where he married Linda Miller April 23, 1966, at St. Adelbert’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. Dave served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966-
All judges’ decisions are final. Winners will be announced in the Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, issue of the Sauk Rapids Herald.
Those wishing to participate in the contest should enter by sending their name, address and the category they wish to enter to the Sauk Rapids Herald office at 2 Second Ave S. Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or natasha@saukherald.com with the subject line: Lighting Contest. Enter by noon Dec. 11.
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Bonnie was a type setter at the Benton County News and was the first secretary for the St. Cloud Vo-Tech. Donating her time to others was a way of life for her, as she volunteered much of her time as a Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday school teacher and as a 4-H leader. She was a member of the Sons of Norway and Christian Women. Bonnie loved photography, the arts, reading, raising puppies, cats and being around animals.
David A. Massman
68 and was stationed in Germany. He worked for Northwestern Bell, AT & T, Lucent, and Avaya until retiring in 2004. He was a very dedicated member of Sacred Heart Church where he actively participated in the Knights of Columbus Council 11346 and Men’s Club for over 42 years. He was also a proud member of the Sauk Rapids Lions Club and the Telephone Company Pioneers. Dave loved spending time and playing games with his family, traveling, camping, casino trips and watching the Vikings. He will always be remembered as a kind, loving, generous, outgoing man who adored his wife,
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She enjoyed fishing, celebrating birthdays and Halloween was her favorite holiday. Bonnie will be remembered as being very sociable and friendly. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. Survivors include her loving husband, Robert of Sauk Rapids, children, Bradley (Cynthia) of Shoreview, Becky (Kerry) Lindgren of Staples and Brent of Sauk Rapids; and grandchildren, Brian, Megan, Nathan and Molly. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Brian in 1980 and brother, Bruce Pearson. “The Past is History - Tomorrow a Mystery Today a Gift - treat it as such”…author unknown Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.com.
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children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Linda of Sauk Rapids; children, Gary (Michelle) of Sauk Rapids, Karen Studanski (Bradley) of Richmond, Scott of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Zachary, Lindsay, Megan and Anthony; great grandchildren, Maverick and Tucker; sisters, Linda Steinmetz of St. Paul and Carol Aegeter of Hampton; brothers-inlaw, Tom (Evie) Miller of Forest Lake, David (Diane) Miller of St. Paul, Daniel Miller of Hartland, Wisconsin, and James (Cindy) Miller of Vadnais Heights and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Kathleen; brother-in-law, Bruce Steinmetz; sistersin-law, Nora (Carl) Praml and Janet Miller. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann. com.
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Funeral services were 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Cloud for La June A. Dibb, age 91, who passed away Oct. 29, 2020, at her granddaughter’s residence. The Rev. Joshua Reber officiated and burial was at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Sauk Rapids. Visitation was one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. La June was born July 1, 1929, in Glencoe to George and Clara (Schmidt) Huser. She graduated from Glencoe High School in 1947, and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a master’s degree in education. La June taught for 33 years in Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana
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Page 6 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Buckthorn
Is there a bush or small tree possibly up to 20 feet tall on your property that is still green? There is a noxious weed known as buckthorn that is likely to have green leaves even after our recent low temperatures. The GREEN AND problem plants are the GROWING IN BENTON common or European COUNTY buckthorn (Rhamnus BY LINDA G. TENNESON cathartica) and the glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Both varieties have male and female plants with berries found only on the female plants. Both a female and a male plant are needed to produce berries. There is also a native version called Alder-leaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) which looks like the problem non-native plant. However, the native version is shorter, growing to only 3 feet tall and is not aggressive. A video found at www.extension.umn.edu/ identify-invasive-species/common-buckthorn describes the best way to identify buckthorn. The name comes from the two slightly curved horn like projections at the end of each stem. They look like the hooves of a buck deer. In between the hornlike projections, there is a small thorn. Common buckthorn has serrated or saw-toothed leaves, while the glossy buckthorn has leaves with smooth edges. The glossy buckthorn prefers to grow in wet areas but has been found in other places. The bark is smooth and shiny, and gray or brown with lightcolored lenticels or corky projections. If the outer layer of the bark is scraped with a knife, the inner layer is orange. The leaves are dark green and oval plus the leaf veins are easy to see. The leaves do not change color in the fall. The plant flowers in May or June and then produces small berries that turn from green to black and remain on the plant in the winter. A problem with identifying buckthorn is it can be confused with native plants, such as wild cherry, wild plum, chokecherry and dogwood. Both non-native plants are on the restricted noxious weed list, and it is illegal to import, sell or transport them in Minnesota. Native buckthorn has stipules or long green extensions at the base of each stalk, and it does not have thorns. T h e r e are also some differences between the flowers of the native and non-native plants. Visit www. minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/alder-leavedbuckthorn for more details and illustrations of the stipules. The non-native buckthorn is an aggressive grower that crowds out native plants and shelters the soybean aphid insect. Plus, the plant gives off a chemical that keeps other plant seeds from germinating. It creates dense shade, crowding out native plants and is difficult to remove. If the berries are eaten by birds, they have a laxative effect and are quickly defecated in other locations. Unfortunately, the seeds have a high germination rate and can remain viable for five or more years. Young plants may be pulled out of the ground with their roots, and taller established plants may be sawed off near ground level. However, the remaining stumps must be sprayed with herbicide making sure to cover the cambium or growing layer outside the heartwood and just under the bark. If not treated, the remaining roots will sprout creating many new plants. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
Binding together in peace Hello readers. My name is Mercy. I change depending on who sits as president write a weekly column for the Sauk Rapids of the United States. Jesus died for me so Herald; as you can see it is titled, “Life by I may live, and to live is to die to self and faith.” Possibly, you are passing your eyes purposefully grow to glorify God. across this for the first time, and possibly, If I may share with you my calling, you have been a reader for some time now. I pray it helps you remember yours and I am a work-from-home wife and mother that by running this race with endurance of six children. I am a student of the Bible, continuing in your calling, it will grant and I read it often as a road map to help you peace as well. My calling is to love guide me through this life as a fallen and respect my spouse, love my children, LIFE BY FAITH sojourner. To be forthright, I am a messy, BY MERCY NYGAARD call them in and not out when they stumbling, babbling and literal person who stumble, and train them in the way they needs more doses of the Bible than most should go. I must remind myself and my and continual repentance of my hasty opinion. I write family that the main thing is to love God with all to you now not knowing who our commander in chief our hearts and nothing else should take priority. Not is at this moment. When this paper is in your view politics, school, business, sports. Not art, friends, for reading, possibly the president will be determined fashion, relationships. Not games, social media or by then. I cast my vote as is my civic duty, and as entertainment. Sharing life with purpose to encourage one of my friends wrote, “A sacred honor for the men and equip each other to live for God’s glory allows us and women who went before us to give us this right.” to be an example of loving others to the great cloud And now, I have something very important to tell you of witnesses that we are surrounded by in our own about my actions from this moment forward; they individual communities. Out of the overflow of our have not changed. love for God, as we serve others, helping those in need I have two sisters, and we began a group text a and giving the reason we have hope to those who have while ago. My oldest sister texted the day after the sparked curiosity in our actions, we can help spread election that she was trying so hard to not be stressed the good news of the Prince of Peace, Jesus. and upset about the tightness, the tension and the This world is not our home. We can continue in uncertainty of the counting of votes. She reminded our calling no matter who is president, no matter what herself God is in control. My other sister agreed and country we reside in, no matter the chaos that ensues repeated that God is in control. So, what gives us in our school, in our place of work. May this grant peace? Ask yourself, what gives you peace as we are you peace and may you share this peace with others: waiting and if we discover the person we voted for “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you does not win? As I saw the candidate I voted for was to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have behind, I got nervous and shut off media around me. been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. What gives me peace, Lord? I asked. “What is it I am Be patient with each other, making allowance for calling you to, Mercy?” he asked. each other’s faults because of your love. Make every Now my calling may look different than yours, effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding but there is one thing we all share as followers of yourselves together with peace. For there is one body Jesus. We are all created for God’s glory and followers and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one of Jesus are to live for that. We forget our created glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one purpose at times and look to build our self confidence faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who instead of what we need, which is Christ confidence. is over all, in all, and living through all.” Ephesians What Jesus bought and paid for at the cross does not 4:1-6 NLT.
October weather, phenology in review Weather: October is a month of arguing who should eat first or most. The change. Our average temperatures for the first junco Oct. 1 spelled winter is on the first half of the month were a high of 63.2 way. Ice was on the birdbath Oct. 2, and and low of 38 degrees. The second half I installed the heater in the birdbath Oct. high and low were 41.3 and 27.6. The high18. Mourning doves arrived Oct. 18 and side taking a drop of more than 20 degrees. trumpeter swans visited Oct. 25. Cooler than most October averages. It One Autumn Blaze maple was bare sure felt cold to me. The warmest day was along with my one ash tree. By monthsOct. 9 when I recorded 81 degrees while end all trees were bare, and tornado winds the coolest day was 17 degrees Oct. 27. A FROM THE NORTH at the end of the month made most of the 64-degree difference. SHORE OF LITTLE leaves on the ground disappear. The last Measurable precipitation on 13 bloomers were a few monkshood with ROCK LAKE BY JIM HOVDA days. Both rain and snow totaled 2.45 their bright blue blooms. inches of precipitation. Snow totaled 8.6 A few dead-on-arrival deer beside inches. A record for October. The most rain fell Oct. Benton County Road 2, and Jan and I were surprised 12 when .91 filled the rain gage. The most snow fell to see a possum on the deck. We have not seen one in Oct. 21 when I measured 7.2 inches. I was not happy a couple of years. The flying squirrels are back after blowing snow in October. The snow blower started a summer hiatus. right away. All snow, except that which was shaded, Little Rock Lake: Water temperature reached 37 disappeared Oct. 27. degrees Oct. 23, allowing freezing to start. Secchi Local weather records: The coldest day disk measured more than 8 feet; excellent water occurred Oct. 25, 1896, when it was only 2 degrees clarity. All docks at the north end of the lake were in above zero while it made it to 90 degrees Oct. 2, by Oct. 24. The first ice on the lake Oct. 25 tells us to 1953. The most rain fell in 2005 when I recorded 8.22 get the fish houses ready. When will Little Rock Lake inches. I recorded a record one-day rain of 7.33 Oct. have ice-over? My earliest ice-over was on Nov. 3, 4, 2005. The most snow fell in 2020 when I recorded 1991. 8.6 inches. October can be a month of radical change. What is ahead? Ice-over on Little Rock Lake. Phenology: Our normal winter birds – junco, Will it happen in November? It is a good bet it will. blue jay, chickadee, all the woodpeckers and purple Average seems to be mid-November. Get the snow finch – are active at the seed and suet feeders. Blue removal equipment ready if you are behind the power jays especially are active with seven at one feeder, curve.
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 5 p.m. Wednesday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.
E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com
EDITORIAL/ NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 7
Commissioners OK second round of CARES Act grants Awards $240,000 to 18 businesses BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Benton County Commissioners approved the second round of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant payments at the Nov. 3 county board meeting, totaling $240,006 dolled out to businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. Of the 18 businesses approved for grants, 13 of them are located in Sauk Rapids, three in Foley and one in Rice. All but three received $15,000 – the maximum amount for any business – and none received less than $4,500. Four or five businesses that applied will likely be denied grant money, said Amanda Othoudt, director
of the Benton Economic Partnership, the publicprivate partnership that administers the grants to local businesses. She said there are a variety of reasons an application is declined, including if the business did not demonstrate financial hardship resulting from the pandemic and restrictions that resulted from it. An applicant can demonstrate financial hardship in two ways. If a business was restricted from operating above 50% by executive orders issued by the state in March, that business might be eligible for grant money. The other way is to calculate revenue loss between this year and last, comparing the months of January through June or March through June, to determine
what the business usually takes in compared with its pandemic-related losses. A total of 67 applications have come through the BEP, including approximately 15 that need to submit more information. Forty businesses have been successful in receiving grant money. To accommodate two or three applications that came in after the official deadline, commissioners extended the deadline through the date of the last application submitted. Othoudt told the board there is not much money left, around $24,000. County Administrator Monty Headley said it is unclear exactly how much money is left over in total because grant applications are still under review and it is still uncertain how much money townships hand back over to the county.
In other board news: – Through a pair of closed meetings, which is commonplace in employee performance evaluations, commissioners decided Headley is “meeting expectations.” The board summarized Headley’s performance over the last year, noting proficiency in budgetary and management style as well as key accomplishments. – Commissioners signed off on a letter of need for the Easthaven Halfway House in St. Cloud, which is now under new ownership. Stephanie Ferguson bought the halfway house in April. The letter of need shows support from the county board to the Minnesota Department of Health that Benton County could utilize the facility, which usually operates around 95% capacity, Ferguson said.
Rice grants relief of 2021 liquor licensing
Decreases base by $750
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE – An agenda item to discuss waiving the base liquor licensing fee for 2021 came back to the Rice City Council Nov. 2. The council had tabled a decision Oct. 20 after two business owners asked for relief at that meeting. In October, Kristi O’Brien, owner of O’Briens Pub, and Wayne Konrad, owner of The Corner Pocket Saloon-NEatery, shared their stories of added restrictions and a downturn in business associated with the coronavirus pandemic. O’Brien recommended the council waive the annual $1,800 base liquor license fee. She attended the Monday meeting, awaiting the outcome. After discussion, the council unanimously approved reducing the base fee by $750 for the American Legion Post 473, O’Brien’s Pub, Shady’s Railside and The Corner Pocket Saloon-N-Eatery. Other establishments and organizations were left out of the motion as they pay reduced fees. Prior to the decision,
O’Brien expressed her additional concern that the city did not allocate any of its coronavirus relief funds to businesses. She had inquired about the in funds at the October meeting. Rice received $101,785 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security funds in July. The council had approved reimbursements and expenditures for the entirety by the end of August. The council used the money to purchase equipment for the police and fire departments as well an audio video system to begin broadcasting council meetings and other COVID-19-related items such as wall partitions. O’Brien is disappointed because she said the council did not consider businesses. “A good chunk of that was meant (to go) towards businesses whether you agree on that or not,” she said. At the October meeting, Mayor Brian Skroch had said the council did consider businesses but had decided it would be difficult for them to choose which businesses would be provided funds given nearly all businesses have been affected. O’Brien said some cities had found a way.
Skroch and council member Paula Kampa understood this but also said many used counties, and outside organizations, such as the Initiative Foundation, to determine who received funds and some used other monies such as economic development funds. Royalton, a city with similar population that received $94,100, gave a percentage of its share to Morrison County, according to office personnel, and the city of Foley gave $20,000 of its $205,830 to Benton Economic Partnership to distribute to businesses within its city limits, according to city administrator Sarah Brunn. BEP likewise administered county grants for up to $15,000 for businesses within Benton County, disbursing over $560,000 to area businesses who showed losses directly related to the pandemic. O’Brien said the council could have used the federal funds to supplement the businesses – one reason why waiving the entire base license fee was justifiable in her view. “It could have been put towards us,” she said. “We’re not asking for much.” In a return to a
conversation about license fees, council members Chris Scheel and Emily Walters said they would agree to a reduction of $500 – the same amount as granted earlier this year. Council member Bryan Anderson said he would like to see businesses get their license for $100, and Skroch said he was in favor of a reduction but did not think reducing them to $1 was reasonable. Scheel ultimately made the motion for a reduction of $750, seconded by Kampa. The city’s next regular board meeting is 6 p.m. Nov. 16. In other council news: – The Rice Recreation Department is in the process of cleaning Old Village Hall to accommodate recreational activities because the department cannot use Rice Elementary School this year. If organizations are using the facility as storage, they are asked to clean unneeded materials out and claim belongings that may have been forgotten. The city plans to compile a list of items and post it before discarding of items.
Letter to Editor
Finding hope
Mark Jacobson, Winona Being told you have a mental illness is not the end of the world. With help and support, you can recover and achieve your life’s ambitions. Of course, you will face many challenges as you begin your new journey, but there is hope. Mental illnesses are manageable. And there are a number of things you can do for yourself after a diagnosis to cope with the news, keep up with your treatment, support your own recovery and move forward in your journey. Our understanding of mental illness is much better today than it was just a few years ago. We know there are different illnesses that require different approaches to treatment. New medications and new types of therapy improve the chance of successful treatment. Having a solid support system makes a huge difference when it comes to successful recovery. It is important to realize you are not alone. Mental illnesses are common, affecting 1 in 5 Americans. Hope can come from our own inner desire to regain health and live. The more active you are in understanding your condition, taking responsibility for your own care and reaching out for help, the more chances you have of making gains that give you a greater reason to hope. Recovering from mental illness includes not only getting better but achieving a full and satisfying life. Many people affirm their journey to recovery has not been a straight, steady road. Rather, there are ups and downs, new discoveries and setbacks. Over time, it is possible to look back and see how far we have really come. Each time we reach such a milestone, we see we have recovered a piece of our lives, and we draw new strength from it. The journey to full recovery takes time, but positive changes can happen all along the way. We have to remember there is always hope. If you are in need of assistance or need some additional support, I may be reached at gottahavehope38@gmail.com. Remember there is always hope. It may be hard to see at times, but it is always there. News briefs
Firearms deer season opens Saturday
ST. PAUL – Nearly half a million firearms deer hunters are preparing for the firearms deer season that opens Saturday, Nov. 7, and offers opportunity to spend time with friends and family, find adventure outdoors and put venison in the freezer. Hunters help keep deer populations in line with population goals across the state. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ wildlife managers report favorable weather so far this year and good opportunities to harvest deer in most areas. Hunters need to know the boundaries of the deer permit areas and any chronic wasting disease regulations that apply where they hunt. Detailed information about each permit area and CWD area can be found on the DNR’s interactive deer map at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/map.html. Additional information about CWD areas, carcass movement restrictions and voluntary sampling can be found at mndnr.gov/cwd.
Phone scam spoofs area residents
ST. CLOUD – CentraCare has learned of a phone scam in the St. Cloud area where callers are spoofing residents. Spoofing is when scammers change the phone number that shows up on your caller ID screen. These scammers are calling residents using “CentraCare Medical Alert Service.” Once connected, the caller does not identify themselves and begins to request information. The phone number on caller ID is not the phone number for CentraCare Medical Alert Service and is not affiliated with them. If you are unsure about a call from Medical Alert Service, hang up and call the direct line at 320-255-5700.
Page 8 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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BREAK CROSSWORD
Storm struggle in pair of silencing losses Rocori, Apollo expose Sauk Rapid-Rice’s inconsistencies BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
On a calm, warm November night, it was the tale of two teams for the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball squad. The opening stages of their match against the Apollo Eagles was a disaster, with the Storm struggling to set up their offense in a frustrating 11-1 start. However, the second version of SRR showed up thereafter, culminating in the team’s 1918 lead with momentum clearly on their side. However, the team endured too many mistakes to sustain that success, falling in three sets to the Apollo Eagles Nov. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. “Overall, we came out flat and never picked it up,” said Karen Beckmann, head coach. “It was a big mental game today. I
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feel like we weren’t all in it 100% and I don’t know why.” After the Storm’s aforementioned first-set advantage, the Eagles executed a sevenpoint run to seize an early victory and take a lead they would not relinquish. The visitors’ rhythm offensively was unmatched by any sort of hitting strategy the Storm possessed. “They were able to get really good serve receive passes, which enabled them to run their offense,” Beckmann said. “We were out of system a lot of the time, so for us, getting good kills was hard.” SRR’s offensive sluggishness reared its head in the second set, a bloodbath that saw the Eagles jump out to a strong advantage and slam spike after spike past the extended arms of Storm blockers on their
way to a 25-9 romp. “The biggest thing is the mental; they didn’t have the confidence, they didn’t have the go-to,” Beckmann said. “They were really hard on themselves versus regrouping. Ultimately, we weren’t ready, we weren’t prepared.” Storm middle hitter Lexi Helmin put together a jack-of-all-trades performance, tallying a team-high five kills to go with 12 assists, five defensive digs and half of the team’s recorded blocks. “She was upbeat,” Beckmann said. “She had blocks, she had aggressive serves and she played defense in the back row. Overall, Lexi really stepped it up.” Also creating trouble was Hailee Cullen, who logged four kills and two service aces with exciting shots. The Storm showed resilience in the final set, chipping away at every Eagle lead and creating high-pressure situations in the later goings, but Apollo stood firm with their hit selections and utilized their offensive talent to lock down the victory. Despite some posi-
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Brooke Petermeier sets herself up for an over-theshoulder pass Nov. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice in Sauk Rapids. While there were some positives, the overall communication and intensity was lacking for the Storm in a losing week.
tives, the Storm have a long way to go. “I think the biggest thing is coming back ready to practice hard, knowing we will have games where we’ll be down and we’re not going to play how we want to play,” Beckmann said. “At the same point, it’s that resiliency of, ‘How are we going to come back?’” SRR will receive a chance to improve this Darci Peterson (left) and Hailee Cullen shout excitedly lack in confidence and after recording a kill Nov. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High resilience when they face School in Sauk Rapids. These joyous moments were the Brainerd Warriors at severely lacking in a hard-to-swallow, three-set loss to Apollo. 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Rocori 3, SRR 2 Finding a match with more intensity than SRR’s Oct. 29 test against the Rocori Spartans would be mightily challenging. The Storm battled back from a 2-0 set deficit but lost a tightly-contested tiebreaking set 15-11, losing to the Spartans 3-2 at Rocori High School in Cold Spring. Helmin paced the Storm with nine kills, while Ava Athman and Darci Peterson contributed seven and six kills, respectively. The win marks RocoLexi Helmin prepares to launch an aggressive hit Nov. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High ri’s first of the 2020 camSchool in Sauk Rapids. The middle hitter Helmin led the Storm in kills against both paign. Rocori and Apollo.
SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 15
Storm get first win
amid remarkable circumstances
Team shuts out Tech 28-0 BY MARK KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER
The obstacles in front of the Sauk Rapids-Rice football team last Friday night were immense. Like any Friday night, the first is picking up a ‘W,’ and for the Storm, it was no different. But, the circumstances to collect a win added another barrier because several players – five starters on offense and four on defense – as well as head coach Phillip Klaphake could not participate because of preventive COVID-19 measures. SRR not only competed, but they played an outstanding 48 minutes of football to cast a 28-0 shutout over Tech High School Oct. 30 in Sauk Rapids. “That was so much fun,” said Aaron Reichard, senior lineman. “Just knowing we are a good team, and we are putting it all together and finally did. Even though we were missing some aof our players, we put it together and knocked a tteam out 28-0. It was just unbelievable. I am just ecstatic.” Coach Klaphake fol-
lowed the game and was in contact with the coaches via headset and cell phone while sitting in his truck watching the game on his laptop. “The kids learned fast, bought in and did their jobs and played well enough for us to find a way to win,” Klaphake said. “It was really impressive.” Storm fans got a feel that it would be a special night on the Storm’s third possession of the game when third-string quarterback, sophomore Jack Klein, hit speedster senior Tayton Philavanh in stride across the middle for a 77-yard touchdown pass. Owen Arndt drilled the extra point and the Storm led 7-0. Early in the second quarter, it was sophomore defensive back Mason Rudolph who made a contribution to this most remarkable win. He intercepted a Tech pass and returned it to the Tigers 25-yard line. Klein then tossed a touchdown pass to senior Andrew Wollak, and with the Arndt extrapoint, the Storm led 14-0. “Jack did a really good job for his first varsity game,” Klaphake
PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE
After hauling in a pass, Tayton Philavanh outraces a St. Cloud Tech defender to the endzone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Storms 28-0 win Oct. 30 in Sauk Rapids. SRR plays at Rogers Nov. 7.
said. “He did exactly what we needed him to do for us to have a chance to win. He made enough plays and he gave kids chances, and our receivers really helped him out.” The maturity and confidence of the Storm players built on every play. “We worked really hard in practice, and we really kept each other accountable for what we did,” Reichard said. “A lot of people didn’t play
where they usually play or they were backups, and they really stepped up and we helped out the others and taught them what to do. We talked through every single play and we kept our heads cool, and we just played football, one play at a time.” The Storms third touchdown came late in the second quarter after a Tiger turnover. Klein connected with Ethan Opsahl for a 15yard gain, and a short
time later, Klein plunged into the end zone from 1 yard out. Arndt connected on another extra point to increase the lead to 21-0 at halftime. The Storm put an exclamation point on the night early in the third quarter when they put together their best drive. Klein connected with sophomore Andrew Harren for a 16- and 9-yard gain, and Wollak had an 11-yard run before Wollak turned the corner on the left side and outran
the Tech defense to the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown run. Arndt capped the scoring with the extra point. “The first drives of both halves is always a big deal for momentum,” Klaphake said. “Finding a way to make it a fourpossession game lets you breath a little bit and allows you defensively to play a little bit more cautiously and force them to use a lot of time.” Tech drove deep into Storm territory early in the fourth quarter, but again the Storm defense rallied together and halted the drive to preserve the shutout. Their defense, which was stingy all night, allowed just 70 yards rushing and 138 passing yards. “The kids played really hard, and we tackled super well,” Klaphake said. “Our kids flew around. If we do that consistently, we are a pretty hard team to score points against. We’ve been a good defensive team all year.” The Tigers ran 69 plays and averaged just over 3 yards a play.
Football page 16
Lumberjacks close out Blizzard in competitive encore performance
a
Granite City scores four times t during rollicking third period
d
h
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Much like most sequels, the second meeting between the Alexandria Blizzard and the Granite City Lumberjacks d was more of the same. Blake Keller logged two t goals in an uncalmable third , period as the Lumberjacks overcame some second-perin od struggles to find a 6-3 win Oct. 31 at Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. “It’s great to know if we , d get tight games, our kids can perform,” said D.J. Vold, as, sociate head coach. “It’s hard to beat teams when you play multiple times in a row and each game will get tougher and tougher to win.”
The opening 20 minutes were entirely controlled by the Lumberjacks, who outskated and outpaced their division rivals on their way to two early goals. Charlie Erickson kicked off the scoring with his third tally of the season just under nine minutes into the contest, while Nicholas Richert sounded the goal alarm for the first time since Feb. 21 to give Granite City a strong advantage. “It’s one thing to play well, but it’s another thing to have the whole group moving,” Vold said. “Once we got into it, we were firing on all cylinders.” Granite City entered the first intermission with a significant 15-8 shot advantage, but
it was the Blizzard who controlled the puck all throughout the middle period, capitalizing on a sluggish effort from their opponents and cutting into the deficit with a goal from high-scoring defenseman Cole Lehmann. Alexandria fired 19 shots at Lumberjacks goalie Brandon Shantz during the period. “We came out slow and flat and went through the motions, and that made it difficult for us,” Vold said. “We didn’t show up to play in the second period. We were lazy and slow, and that led to Alex dominating most of the period.” The situation could have fared worse had Shantz not made several spectacular saves in the early stages of the game, including a highlight robbery on a backdoor opportunity from the Blizzard toward the end of the first period. The Texan shot-stopper accumulated 32 saves and improved
his season save percentage to .910 through his excellent performance. “I think as he gets into more and more games, he’ll get more and more comfortable,” Vold said. “He was calm and collected in net and saw the puck well.” Alexandria tied the game at 1:41 into the third period, introducing what would become one of the wildest endings of the young campaign. Keller snapped his first goal of the season under a minute later, seizing supremacy for the visiting squad. The firstyear forward from St. Cloud tallied a second score later in the period. “Blake is a kid that is coming along nicely,” Vold said. “It’s taken him a few weeks to get acclimated, but he puts himself in great positions offensively, is great on the wall and wins battles in the corners.”
The game-winning goal came from Lumberjacks captain Carson Simon, who received a crisp pass from Hanson O’Leary and placed a strong shot past Alexandria netminder Joey Greilich for his sixth tally at 12:41. Nearly 13 minutes into the final stage of the matchup, four notches had already been made on the scoreboard. “Carson is a very passionate person and a passionate player, and there are times in games where he almost has the ability to will the puck into the net,” Vold said. “He has a knack for finding soft spots. I sometimes don’t know how he does it, but we’re happy to have him.” An empty-netter from Kyle Mortensen secured the game for the Lumberjacks, who have now won three in a row. A third consecutive meeting with the Blizzard scheduled for Nov. 6 was postponed.
Page 16 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Football
from page 15
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Offensively, the Storm displayed a great amount of balance. They ran for 155 yards, and Klein passed for 159 yards and two scores. “Jack is a very smart competitive kid, and I am super fortunate to have five kids between 10th and 12th grade that I feel like we could put into a varsity game and they would give us a chance
to win,” Klaphake said. “When they forced us to throw it (the football), Jack made good decisions.” Defensively, junior linebacker Carter Loesch had six tackles, three assists and one sack to pace the team. “Our linebackers have played pretty darn well this season,” Klaphake said. “They are tough and smart. They are trusting what they are supposed to do.” Up next for the Storm will be a noon game Sat-
urday, Nov. 7, against the Rogers Royals in Rogers. “Having a win and being able to tell the guys we are a good football team … is huge,” Klaphake said. “If we play well, we can beat anybody. Our kids should be confident we are a good football team. Every win is really important.”
Tech 0 0 0 0-0 SRR 7 14 7 0-28 SRR individual leaders: Passing: Klein 6-12159 yards (2 TD’s, 1 int.); rushing: Philavanh 11-89, Wollak 11-76; receiving: Philavanh 1-77, Wollak 2-42, Andrew Harren 2-25, Opsahl 1-15. SRR scoring: – Philavanh 77-yard TD reception from Klein (Arndt kick) – Wollak 23-yard TD reception from Klein (Arndt kick) – Klein 1-yard TD run (Arndt kick) – Wollak 39-yard TD run (Arndt kick)
PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE
Travis Biery (left) and Carter Loesch combine to bring down the St. Cloud Tech quarterback during the contest Oct. 30 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm won their first game of the season 28-0.
Junior linebacker Cole Ackerman (center) brings down a Tech ball carrier during the game Oct. 30 in Sauk Rapids. Ackerman had four tackles and three assists in the game.
Leading the
Madeline Ziegler Senior Parents: Trent and Louise Ziegler Accomplishment: Senior and captain for the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls swim team.
Senior Andrew Wollak busts through a big hole during the Storm’s game against Tech High School Oct. 30 in Sauk Rapids. Wollak scored two touchdowns in the 28-0 win.
Leading the Storm is
Sponsored by: best to stay positive in these hard times. I try to make the best out of the swim season, and through student council, I stay as involved as possible to give students a somewhat normal year.
Which teacher has impacted your education most? Chuck Kruger. I had him for advanced placement calculus in 11th grade. I knew this was going to be one of the hardest classes I had taken. He is a great What is your favorite part about swim- won the section meet for the first time since 2003 teacher and story teller, and I always felt comfortable asking for help. ming? Being a part of the team. I have met some and everyone was super excited. of my best friends on this team, and they are some of the best people I know. They make swim practice What other activities are you involved in at Who has been a mentor to you? I have had many great mentors, but especially this past season, my school? Student council. something I always looked forward to. swim coach Whitney Jendro has been an amazing What is your favorite event to compete in? The Why is it important for you to be involved in role model. She has my best interest in mind and 100 freestyle. I love this race. It is always the one I get school activities? Because through these activities I always preaches positivity. I know I can reach out to most excited for because I have had my most success have made many important friends and connections. her whenever I need her, and my senior swim season Swimming has taught me many lessons, and I have would not have been the same without her. in it. grown a lot through being in this sport. What is your favorite meal, movie, social media Tell us about the most exciting meet you have ever been a part of. The 2019 section meet. We How do you make a difference at school? I do my and song? Pizza, “Forrest Gump,” TikTok and “Dear Today” by Luke Combs.
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, November 7, 2020
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PHOTOS BY JAKOB KOUNKEL
(Above) Foley High School seniors – Danyel Brambrink (from left), Michael Gadacz, Jayden Baker and Luke Gadacz – watch the 93rd FFA National Convention on livestream in FFA supervisor Al Stemper’s classroom Oct. 29 at Foley High School. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FFA members participated virtually.
(Right) Lily Dahler, a Foley High School freshman, takes the written test as a contestant in the Best Informed Greenhand contest Oct. 29 at Foley High School in Foley. The objective of the contest is to understand the aims, purposes, history, available opportunities and structure of the local, state and national FFA student organizations.
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
PHOTO SUBMITTEDL
A group of students in Foley FFA – Courtney Brambrink (front, from left), Gabrielle Orton and Braelyn Kuperus; (back, from left) Lily Dahler, Holly Loehrer, Danyel Brambrink, Emilee Ertl, Elizabeth Lorenz, Grace Loehrer, Tyrone Lambertson, Ben Lewandowski, Tyler Knosalla and Emily Knechtsberger – attend the 93rd National FFA Convention at Foley High School Oct. 27 in Foley. The convention was virtual this year and provided opportunities for students to participate in a variety of educational sessions and workshops.
FFA
from front The 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo was broadcast on an online platform Oct. 27-29 for all registered members. For the past several years, it has taken place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. While this year’s convention lacked the grandeur an overflowing stadium provides, with the roar of cheers as proficiency winners were announced or the connections youth could make with industry
representatives, it was an event Dana Struffert was eager to participate in. “Convention was a lot different this year than last because of the crowds of people that couldn’t gather,” Struffert said. “In some ways it was still the same, though, like when speakers told interesting pieces of things going on in agriculture. I think they really did the best job they could have given the circumstances.” Struffert is a junior at Foley High School and presides as the FFA chapter’s vice president. She attended the convention for the first time last year. The chapter officer
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and her fellow team worked with Stemper to provide an opportunity for all members to take in the national convention if they chose to do so. Of the chapter’s 84 members, 24 signed up for the virtual event. “I’ve got two students who went to the convention last year,” Stemper said. “Usually, our trip is limited to 10 people, so this way, we could give any kid – even kids in class – an opportunity to watch those videos and learn more about agriculture across the U.S. and new technology in the industry.” Stemper decorated
his classroom to embrace the few days of blue and gold, and encouraged FFA members to engage in the convention. Each member connected with five people from five states, attended a chat room to listen in on issues affecting the agriculture industry and speak with an exhibitor of the career show, among other opportunities to take in the online platform. “Most of my kids don’t know about the whole convention experience, and many of the younger kids even
lost out on attending the state convention this year,” Stemper said. “This was a way they could do something they normally wouldn’t.” The chapter participated in dress up days, snacks were available to promote a positive social environment, and each day ended with a reflection. “They could write down what their Tuesday Takeaway was, their Wednesday Wow Moment,” Stemper said. “It was all about
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getting them exciting and engaged while still in the classroom.” Across the nation, there was more member involvement. In a typical year, the stadium fits about 70,000 FFA members, advisors and alumni for Friday evening’s closing remarks. This year, there were 217,000 registered members attending virtually, Stemper said. “At a click of a mouse, you could get in and take in a general session or watch retiring addresses,” Stemper said. “The number of people that were able to connect with it all was simply amazing. Stemper even connected with Foley FFA alumni who took in a session from the convention with their families. “I think it was fun for that group to remember seeing the convention in person or recalling certain parts of their time in Indianapolis,” he said. For Struffert, who is active in an assortment of competitions, she enjoyed listening to the sessions while in school and then taking in one on her own time at home. It was a memorable national convention despite not taking place in person. “I didn’t go to the Blue Room last year, so it was cool I was able to watch that at school with my peers,” she said. “Like everything in the ag world, you never really know what’s going to happen. You have to come up with a good solution to experience everything even if it changes really fast.” Stemper agreed. “I think this really opened the eyes of our members to really grasp how big the organization is and all the opportunities that are in FFA,” he said. “These kids want to be involved and a part of a team, and the convention created that.”
BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 3B
The will to carry on Lentner strives to farm despite challenges faced as young dairyman BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER COYNE
Weston Lentner holds pictures of his ancestors including – Grandpa George (left) and Great-great grandpa Carl and Great-grandpa John – at his family’s dairy farm Oct. 29 near Rice. Lentner milks 35 cows with his dad, Bill.
responsible for growing up, he often thinks about what he has learned from his father and grandfather. “Yes, money is important and you can get frustrated with the low milk prices, but my grandpa always reminded me that there’s more to life than that,” Lentner said. “Farming is not so much dependent on what we have in life, but our faith. That is what is important. (Grandpa) always reminded us that you work for a living and enough to be content with what you have, then you put your trust in the Lord first not knowing what the weather or markets are going to be. No matter what happens, God is in control.” As the third and fourth generation in the family to farm, and the first generations to farm at the current site, Lentner’s father and grandfather built the dairy to what it is today. They added on to the barn to fit a total of 42 cows and built on to the house. Over the years, the pair acquired land to the farm’s
current base of 160 acres of mostly corn, alfalfa and oats. This was the first year the Lentner family planted and harvested soybean. “We used to bale small square bales of alfalfa,” Lentner said. “Now, my brothers help us make round bales.” All of Lentner’s siblings – Kevin and Katie and their three children, Noah, Cole and Kelsey; Amanda and Matt Jurek; and Scott and Bri and their two children, Levi and Casey – help on the farm during the summer months. While Lentner’s brothers and sister have not taken an interest to purchasing the family farm, Lentner would like to continue the dairy for the sake of his niece and nephews. “To have them out on the farm and learn from the farm, that’s great,” he said. “Farming taught me a lot about confidence and not being afraid to work. It would be good if my brothers’ and sister’s children could experience
Weston Lentner places a small square bale of hay in front of stalls Oct. 29 in his family’s dairy barn near Rice. Lentner has worked for his dad since 2009.
that too.” As Lentner has considered his place in the agriculture industry, he hopes there is a way for him and other young, ambitious farmers to carry on rich family traditions for future generations. He encourages others to work with current farm owners, parents or otherwise, and connect with the local Farm Service Agency office to develop transition plans. “Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to milk in the future,” Lentner said. “But what I do know is that I’m proud to be the descendants of proud American farmers.
They took pride in farming, pride in their church and always put God first, and helped each other out when they needed it. They’ve made me who I am today.”
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was expected to purchase the farm fairly if he chose to continue on that career path. And while Lentner’s siblings are grown and holding down off-farm jobs, the same is expected for the young adult. “Farm transitions are all different,” Lentner said. “Some just pass it down from family to family. My family, we buy it.” For Lentner to best prepare for that transaction, he has invested in the cattle on the farm. “I’m trying to make sure I have the equity to show when I approach the bank,” Lentner said. “That’s the frustrating part. The bank looks at the numbers and that can be hard to come up with.” While financial stability is critical in purchasing and operating a business, for Lentner, the desire to dairy farm is not driven by money but rather the lifestyle and morality developed in the barn. As the young farmer considers how his life was shaped by the chores he was
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RICE – Weston Lentner has one hope, and that is to continue on a family tradition built on faith and humble farming practices. Yet, the reality is far bleaker than Lentner wishes with a turbulent agriculture economy and ever-changing dairy industry. “I would love to be able to farm full time and I hope I can do that someday, but right now I just don’t know for sure,” Lentner said. “I could see myself farming down the road or it could all be done in a week’s time.” The 26-year-old works for his dad, Bill, milking 35 cows on the family’s thirdgeneration farm in Benton County near Rice. Lentner also holds down a job off the farm. In August 2009, Lentner moved in with his father after spending much of his childhood in Duelm with his mother. Since that summer, he has been responsible for milking cows and taking care of the youngstock. “I’ve learned a lot about dedication and work having grown up on the farm,” Lentner said. “I’m here twice a day, every day of the week, and I really enjoy what I get to do.” The Lentners’ farm site was purchased in the 1960s by Lentner’s grandfather, George. Yet, the family’s history in farming stretches five generations with Lentner’s great-grandfather, Carl, first homesteading in the area. As Lentner’s father was one of 11 siblings, he
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LITTLE FALLS – Joe and Nancy Berg spend their days raising and caring for 50 head of beef cattle. While they are cattlemen through and through, their entry into the industry was far from typical. “I thought there was nothing to it,” Joe said. “When I went to pick out a group of 25 cows to get started, I showed up in shorts and my Birkenstocks. Since then, we have learned a lot.” The Bergs operate Berg’s Red-Tail Ranch in Morrison County near Little Falls. The couple raises a herd of Red Angus, Red Simmental and Red South Devon cattle for beef. The couple began their journey into farming in 2008. Joe is an avid outdoorsman and, at the time, was searching for private land to hunt on. He purchased 320 acres near Little Falls and rented the land back to the farmer who was living on the property. When the farmer passed away, Joe and Nancy decided to use the land by grazing cattle. Nancy grew up on a farm, but Joe had no prior
PHOTO BY KAYLA ALBERS
Nancy and Joe Berg stand with their herd of Red Angus, Red Simmental and Red South Devon crossbred cows Sept. 9 on their ranch in Little Falls. The Bergs care for 50 animals at their farm.
experience farming, let alone raising beef cattle. Upon reading a book about raising cattle that Nancy gave him, Joe decided they could start out with a small herd and grow from there. “Being that he didn’t know anything about farming, he researched everything thoroughly and kept researching,”
said Nancy of her husband’s interest in ranching. Nancy’s experience farming was developed on generations of practices that were first introduced in her grandfather’s era. “It was a completely different way of farming (the way Joe was looking), which I
Red Angus and Red Simmental crossbreds and purebred Red Simmental cows graze a pasture Sept. 9 in Little Falls. The Bergs started ranching in 2008.
thought was pretty cool,” she said. Joe agreed. “I’d ask for advice from a bunch of people and they would give you six answers,” he said. “Then, you took those six answers and narrowed it down.” When the Bergs started their beef cattle business, they wanted to be an efficient operation. Over the years, they have made changes to continually improve. They established new grazing paddocks, put up new fencing, and installed frost-free waterers and temporary seasonal waterers. The cows now only drink out of waterers with purified water, rather than drinking out of drainage ditches.
Bergs page 5B
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 5B
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The Bergs’ donkey, Bentley, helps lead the herd to a new pasture Sept. 9 in Little Falls. The cows are raised on pasture as part of an efficient management plan.
“I am trying to maximize water intake for every one of the animals,” Joe said. “We are going further, trying to increase forage out in the pasture.” Many of these improvements have been possible with outside funding. “We got into different grants that allowed us to do the watering, pasture rotation, that kind of thing,” Nancy said. “We’ve just made everything more efficient, even putting the cows through the head gate and making more fence line.” Efficiency is not the Bergs’ only focus. They also put a large emphasis on cow comfort. They always make sure the cows have access to water and ample grass to graze on, and use a fly control program to minimize the negative effects of pests in their herd. Care is taken in their decisions when it comes to breeding with a focus on maternal breeding to develop good mothers rather than solely for the end beef product. They are careful about which animals they choose to raise as homegrown bulls and which sires they select from reputable breeding programs. “A lot of farms are terminal breeders,” Joe said. “That means those animals are born in the spring, weaned off in the fall and then go to a feedlot and finished for the final product.” Joe and Nancy’s breeding tactics are longer-term, often not realizing the full potential of each breeding decision until several years later. “It’s a four-year process to see whether or not you made a good decision,” Joe said. “Some decisions are good; some are bad when you go back and look at the pedigrees.”
The Bergs purposely raise the three breeds of cattle for their docility, breeding traits and marketing traits as finished animals. They once experimented with Wagyu, but soon realized the other red breeds were a better fit for their business. “They’re not as efficient as we thought they might be,” said Nancy of the Japanese breed. “It was a fun experiment to try out, but we just couldn’t raise them how you traditionally raise Wagyu beef.” Joe agreed. “I found that most of our crossbreeding we have been doing (with the red breeds) is paying off a lot better,” he said. “The flavor in our finished animals is phenomenal.” When the Bergs have cattle ready for slaughter, they sell quarters and halves to customers who then can customize their cuts with the meat processor. This year, Joe and Nancy have plans to start offering finished cuts to customers. “It’s not about
grassfed, or cornfed or whatever,” Joe said. “I want people to know where their food comes from.” From its humble beginnings, Berg’s RedTail Ranch has developed into a reputable farming enterprise in central Minnesota. And for Joe and Nancy, it is the venture they were looking for when they found an opportunity to better utilize their hunting ground.
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Every year, they begin their breeding season around July 4, which makes for a spring calving season the following year. “I think calving is the best,” Joe said. “It is the most exciting and most stressful time because you are doing everything you can to get that calf up and going.” The last two years there have been snowstorms in April, making calving extremely difficult. “All of our cows don’t calve on the same day,” Joe said. “We try to calve within 35-45 days, which helps.” Nancy and Joe keep records on every single animal that is born on their ranch. They spend quite a bit of time with the calves and heifers, to the point where they are not skittish around new people. “I get comments about how docile our animals are,” Joe said. “It’s like having 50 dogs.” Nancy agreed. “It’s weird, they recognize you,” she said. “It’s funny watching their personalities.”
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ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is announcing a new Farm Business Management Scholarship Program, funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Nearly $250,000 in scholarships will be available to farmers negatively affected economically by COVID-19. Priority will be given to farmers engaged in any stage of mediation or bankruptcy between March 2 and Dec. 30. An estimated 350 Minnesota farmers are currently distressed due to COVID-19 impact, including farmers in mediation, bankruptcy, foreclosure and debt restructuring. The FBM program offered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, helps farmers manage their finances and learn how to navigate the complicated financial systems of farming. The scholarships will cover approximately 75% of the cost of tuition. To apply contact an FBM instructor. Applications were available beginning Nov. 6. Applicants must be registered for at least 10 credits for either fall, spring or combination by Dec. 10. Funding for this program is made available through the CARES Act, and is part of a $7.7 million plan announced earlier this month by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to support agricultural producers, meat processors, and farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more contact Keith Olander, director at Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence, at keith.olander@clcmn.edu or 218-8945163, or Brad Schloesser, director at Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, at brad. schloesser@southcentral.edu or 507-389-7263.
Page 6B | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 20, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Steve Heinen, Warren Peschl and Jake Bauerly 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 amended—add item: approve Dispenser Agreement with Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Popp/Bauerly unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2020 as written; 3) accept and file Human Services Committee of the Whole Minutes of October 5, 2020 as written; 4) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of October 7, 2020 as written; 5) approve summary of closed session conducted October 6, 2020 to evaluate the performance regarding an individual subject to County Board authority; 6) approve Resolution 2020-#33, reappointing Michael Harvey as Benton County Assessor for a term of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) approve contract for email migration consulting services, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve 2020 Solid Waste Hauler License Round III—GFL Solid Waste Midwest LLC—and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve 2020 tobacco license application—Adam’s Tobacco Shop; and 10) approve Dispenser Agreement with Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products for replacement of paper towel and hand soap dispensers with touchless models, and authorize the Chair to sign. Amanda Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership (BEP), presented a revised listing of Benton County businesses recommended for CARES grants by the BEP, noting that all 23 businesses on the listing have experienced a loss in sales. She noted that some businesses may have received funding from other sources; however, this does not make them ineligible for CARES funding from the county when the dollars are used for dissimilar expenses. Othoudt stated her intent to bring another round of recommended grant recipients to the November 3rd meeting of the County Board; there may be potential to reopen the application process in the future should there be CARES funding remaining. Heinen/Bauerly unanimous to approve the Round One distribution of CARES funding to Benton County businesses, as recommended by the Benton Economic Partnership. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:13 AM to conduct a meeting of the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:27 AM. The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider the request of JANNEW Properties LLC (Sandra Saldana) to rezone 14.62 acres in Watab Township from the “A” Agricultural District to the “R-2” Single Family Residence District. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, explained that there are some significant aggregate resources in this area; however, it is unlikely that an aggregate-type operation would occur in such close proximity to residential uses. Achman stated that this area is separated from the remaining agricultural areas by a physical barrier—the railroad does run directly to the west; there is an existing home and the applicant would replat into five additional lots, for a total of six lots which would all be over two acres in size. She noted that Watab Township did review this request and are in support; any plat would be required to go through Watab Township first before coming through the county. Sandy Saldana spoke in favor of the request, stating her belief that this request would be a good fit for the area and the additional housing would be beneficial. The public hearing was opened at 9:33 AM; with no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:34 AM. Motion by Bauerly to approved Ordinance #479, rezoning 14.62 acres from “A” Agricultural to “R-2” Single Family Residence District, and authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Peschl. Popp stated his intent to excuse himself from the vote because of a family conflict. Motion carried with Bauerly, Peschl, Heinen and Buerkle voting aye and Popp abstaining from the vote. Monty Headley, County Administrator, explained that the County Board discussed the allocation of CARES funding in Committees of the Whole on October 7th and 19th, and reached a consensus on supplemental allocations; these allocations are in addition to allocations adopted September 1st and include distributions to schools and non-profits. Headley noted that this plan also directs more resources to business assistance through the Benton Economic Partnership. He reported on CARES funding for non-profit grants (County Board allocated $100,000 for non-profits); BEP has recommended that the County administer those grants. Headley stated his intent to bring forth a listing of applicants for the non-profit grants to the County Board and ask the Board to make a decision on which non-profits should receive grant funding and the amount of the grant—any non-profit that serves Benton County residents will be eligible and must have experienced some types of impacts because of the pandemic, i.e. lost revenue. Headley noted that the county may also receive additional CARES fund-
PUBLIC NOTICES
ing from townships within the county who have unspent CARES dollars to turn back to the county. Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt a supplemental CARES allocation plan dated October 20, 2020 as presented. Bob Cornelius, Human Services Director, requested that the Board authorize the distribution of CARES Act funds to Career Solutions through a sub-recipient grant relationship to establish and manage economic support programs within Benton County; Career Solutions will then distribute the special one- time grant to residents in Benton County experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Cornelius noted that he will update the contract to reflect the increased CARES allocation from $50,000 to $100,000. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the contract to redirect CARES funding to Career Solutions, and authorize the Chair to sign. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:47 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:50 AM. The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance regulating parking on Benton County Road 2. Troy Heck, County Sheriff, explained that, each spring, fishing opportunities draw people to the north shore of Little Rock Lake along the edge of Benton County Road 2 at the bridge over Little Rock Creek. He stated a concern that cars parked on the shoulder of this roadway restrict the ability of passing motorists to see the pedestrians fishing on the bridge or in the ditch, or darting out between parked cars as traffic passes at highway speeds. Heck stated that after reconstruction of this roadway, the Sheriff’s Office has annually made use of the sheriff’s authority to impose a temporary parking ban 1/10 of a mile from each corner of the bridge on either side (trying to enforce through voluntary compliance); this preserves about 3,200 feet of parking shoulder (about 800 feet from each bridge corner) where vehicles may legally park. He stated that the proposed ordinance codifies the safety strategy of forbidding parking within 1/10 of a mile of each corner of the bridge on a permanent basis. The public hearing was opened at 9:54 AM. There being no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:55 AM. Sheriff Heck read a letter received from Donald Weyer (1528 – 125TH Street NW, Rice) into the record; the letter stated, in part, “...I am retired with some health issues which make it very hard to have to walk too far...I have fished off that bridge for over 46 years...now you want us to walk 1/10 of a mile to get to the bridge...this is a problem for people with health issues... we need to find a happy medium for all people...” Bauerly inquired about shortening up the site distance. Popp commented “...we know it’s only a problem a couple times a year...could we restrict parking between certain dates...” Heck stated his belief that the County Board has the authority to make whatever parking rules they deem fit for the area. Buerkle inquired of any associated ADA requirements. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, stated “...from an engineering standpoint, it does meet ADA requirements...if we started designating parking spots on the roadway, then a certain percentage of those spots as ADA accessible...as part of our reconstruction project, we did have to replace the guardrail...the guardrails are a lot longer than what they were...this is a high speed, highly travelled roadway...we are just trying to make this roadway safe for everybody...” Bauerly inquired about restricting the speed to 45 m.p.h. through that area. Byrd indicated this would require a traffic engineering speed study be performed. Heinen inquired about starting the parking at the end of the guardrail on either side. Following further discussion, Bauerly/Popp unanimous to adopt an ordinance regulating parking on Benton County Road 2, prohibiting parking within 300 feet on either side of bridge number 05512 on County State Aid Highway 2 at the place this road crosses over Little Rock Creek, and authorize the Chair to sign. Nadean Inman, Auditor-Treasurer, explained that membership on the Canvassing Board and Post- Election Review Board includes two members of the County Board who are not candidates at the election. Commissioners Popp and Peschl volunteered to serve on the Canvassing Board (November 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM). Commissioners Popp and Peschl volunteered to serve on the Post-Election Review Board (November 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM). Inman reported on the status of Elections (30% of registered voters in Benton County have requested absentee ballots; 18% of that 30% have returned their absentee ballots) and Tax Collections (as of yesterday, the office had collected all taxes except 5% of the levy—the majority of that 5% is agricultural and mobile home collections which are not due until November 16th). Chris Byrd, County Engineer, provided an informational presentation on MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) activities: • MS4 is a conveyance system of storm water within our roads and road ditches; owned or operated by a public entity (i.e. cities, townships, counties, hospitals, universities, sewer districts); designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater that runs off impervious surfaces • Originated with the Federal Clean Water Act which created the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System); MPCA (MN Pollution Control Agency) issues NPDES permits for construction sites, industrial facilities and MS4s • As a road authority, Benton County has the obligation to
inspect our storm sewer system and report illicit discharges; not all our road system is under the jurisdiction of MS4, only the county rights-of- way within “urbanized” areas; Benton County is subject to MS4 because of its proximity to St. Cloud- an “urbanized area” as defined by the U.S. Census; Benton County Public Works is only concerned with what’s within the public road rightof-way • Responsibilities include developing, implementing and enforcing a SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) on affected roadways, including mapping and inventory, and minimum control measures • CMWEA (Central MN Water Education Alliance) assists the counties with public outreach and education/public involvement; Benton County’s annual MS4 public open meeting will be held Monday, October 26, 2020, at 9:30 AM at the Benton County Public Works Facility Byrd reported on the impacts to Benton County Highway with the passage of the state bonding bill. Johanna Mattson, Human Resources Director, explained that, over the next few months, Benton County employees will have the opportunity to attend virtual training on the subject of Unconscious Bias; this is a twohour training funded through the county’s health benefits provider and broker with wellness dollars. Mattson stated that the emphasis of this training is to build awareness to understand what unconscious bias is and why it matters, understand the impacts of unconscious bias at work and the impact it has on decision making, and develop new skills to take action to manage bias. She stated the request of the Health & Wellness Committee/HR that the County Board make this training a requirement for all county employees. Buerkle stated “...I’m not sure I’m ready for a “shall”...” Bauerly stated that he would like to see more of the curriculum. Peschl and Popp stated their belief that this training should not be “forced” on employees. Several Board members inquired of the consequences should an employee not complete the training; there was agreement that the training could be “highly recommended”. Heinen commented “...I would like to hear from Johanna after she’s gone through the training...” Bauerly suggested that several Board members could also go through the training before considering making it mandatory for all employees. Mattson noted that she would like to offer the employee training in 2020 as the wellness dollars must be spent in 2020. Bauerly stated “... as long as you go through it and approve it...” No formal action was taken by the Board. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Heinen stated “...I think in the future...we need to seriously look at getting Broadband throughout the whole county...” Bauerly added “...Broadband is part of infrastructure...I’d like to see us have a talk about expanding the Engineer’s role...including Broadband as part of our infrastructure agenda...” Under Commissioner Concerns, Popp stated “...I have one concern...when we met yesterday and talked about the building inspector...I’m not so sure I wouldn’t like to see that go out for bids...I don’t know if I’m just ready yet to automatically renew the contract we have today (David Barsody)...” There was majority consensus of the County Board to go out for bids for building inspection services. Popp/Heinen unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: October 19, Pleasantview Elementary Ground Breaking Ceremony; November 10, Fueling Station Repairs at Public Works Facility/Corrections Office Staffing/ CARES Act Funding. Peschl/Popp unanimous to conduct a closed session of the County Board under MN Statutes §13D.05, Subdivision 3, to continue the evaluation of the performance of the County Administrator (at 11:14 AM). The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 12:22 PM. Chair Buerkle adjourned the meeting at 12:23 PM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-45-1B
Benton County Request for Proposals Benton County is issuing a Request for Proposals for contracted Certified Building Official/Inspection services within in the unincorporated portions of the County outside of the Sauk Rapids Joint Powers areas, excluding Watab Township. The contract requires skilled inspection work in securing compliance with the building, plumbing, mechanical codes and related regulations and standards. Work includes plan review, determination of building permit valuation, inspection of structures, and compliance with County Land Use Permits completed by County staff. County staff will be responsible for zoning enforcement, Flood Plain determinations, addressing, wetland compliance and Sewage Treatment. The complete RFP can be viewed on-line at www.co.benton.mn.us. Request for Proposals shall be received no later than November 20th at 3:00 P.M. Questions can be addressed to Department of Development Director Roxanne Achman at (320) 968-5069 or email RAchman@co.benton.mn.us. R-45-1B
BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 | Page 7B
Agritopia I felt like I was walking down the agri-hoods include their own shopping street of a small-town neighborhood with centers, restaurants, schools and fire homes along narrow tree-lined streets. departments. Homes reminiscent of an earlier time with Millennials are big fans of the agriswings and chairs on big decks and picket hood concept, looking for a place to raise a fences surrounding green lawns. They even family where they can get involved in the included alleys with a garage in the back of farm-to-table process. They are now the the homes. To further enhance the Midwest largest segment of home buyers, creating feel, they managed to find trees, shrubs and long lists of people wanting to experience grass that looked like what you would find a slice of country life and yet be close The Business in Minnesota except they can survive the enough to urban centers. of Farming 110-degree temps of an Arizona summer. Even in huge farm states, agri-hoods by Roger Strom The development is called Agritopia, are in high demand. Planners are currently built just a few miles from downtown working on an agri-hood in Cumming, Phoenix. Unlike the 8-foot brick walls surrounding Iowa, where people can buy a couple of acres in the most homes in this part of the country, Agritopia country to raise chickens and goats while growing has intentionally built lower fences between homes veggies and fruit. There is a long waiting list of people to create a traditional neighborhood where people wanting to move into the 700-home development actually know their neighbors. which is just down the road from where Microsoft is Agritopia is one of more than 200 agri-hoods building its largest United States data center. springing up across the country with communities Although the homes look like traditional small now in Georgia, Arizona, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, town America, they are not cheap. In Agritopia, you Vermont and Iowa. can expect to pay from $250,000 up to $700,000 for The “agri” part of the name comes from a retro home. community gardens, rows of citrus trees, honey and I am thinking about starting a health club there. peaches, along with a farm shop, a boxed-produce Fitness programs would include picking rocks, program and a weekly farmers market. loading a wagon with hay bales with advanced Residents supply local restaurants with fresh routines of chopping wood and mucking stalls. produce, and for those who prefer working with … just sayin’. animals, they also have sheep and chickens. Some
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