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Saturday, December 5, 2020
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Vol. 166, No. 35
BENTON AG Section B
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Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
County reschedules truth-in-taxation meeting Mail notifying residents not reaching mailboxes BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
Benton County page 3
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
The Behrendt family – Kendra (front, from left) and Christopher; Crystal (back, from left), Andy, Justin, Destiny and Alyssa – stand among their display of holiday lights inflatables Nov. 24 in Sauk Rapids. The Behrendts decorated their property, on the corner of 10th Avenue and 11th Street, in a single day, starting at 4 a.m. Nov. 1.
Letters and lights:
Sauk Rapids family makes Christmas bright In a single day, Behrendts illuminate yard, decorate with inflatables, Santa mailbox BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – When Andy and Crystal Behrendt went to sleep the night of Oct. 31, their yard was teeming with spooky décor. By the following evening, their property had transformed into a dazzling Christmas extravaganza that is turning heads in their Sauk Rapids neighborhood. “The neighbor said, ‘I go to work, it’s Halloween. I wake up, it’s Christmas,’” Crystal said of their yard, which she and Andy and their five children, ages 4 to 15, decorated in a single day. The work began shortly after 4 a.m. Nov. 1, when Andy, too excited to sleep, roused his wife and kids out of bed to help take down the Halloween décor and put
PUBLIC NOTICES
FOLEY – When county commissioners took their seats the evening of Dec. 1 to conduct its annual truthin-taxation public meeting, Benton County Administrator Monty Headley reported he found out earlier in the day that mail notices, also called parcel-specific notices, for the meeting never reached the mailboxes of the county’s residents. The truth-in-taxation meeting is meant for public comment on the county’s proposed 2021 budget and levy. Benton County pairs its first December meeting of the month with its truth-intaxation meeting, which has to take place by Dec. 30. Commissioners rescheduled the meeting for Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. because they wanted to give taxpayers an opportunity to comment on the budget and levy for 2021. They were also unsure of the legal consequences of approving the budget and levy without having mailed out notices.
a colossal Christmas scene in place of it. The transformation from scary to merry not only caught the attention of neighbors, but quickly became the talk of the town. It did not take long before eyes widened, jaws dropped and more red lights appeared – behind vehicles. “All of a sudden you’ll just see the brakes slam and people stop to look,” Andy said of their massive display of lights and inflatables. “We’ve been called the Griswolds a few times already.” A lifelong Sauk Rapids resident, Andy is not only Clark Griswold but an elf with an important job this month. On the Behrendt property, at 1101 10th Ave. N., beside the driveway, is a mailbox for letters to Santa. Kids can safely place their letter in the “North Pole Express Mail” slot (without having to touch a handle) and
• Amendment to Assumed Name - Solutions made Simple - pg. 13 • Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 13 • Mayhew Lake Township Meeting Notice - pg. 13 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Public Hearing - pg. 13 • Benton County Truth in Taxation Notice - pg. 12 • Probate Notice - Zipp - pg. 13
Santa will personally respond to each letter with an address provided. Andy, who is a garbage collector, will hand deliver the letters to Santa when he picks up his trash each week. “I’ve always told our kids that’s how I make sure their letters get to Santa, ‘cause I see him at least once a week,” he said. The Behrendts’ whimsical wonderland features 30,000 lights and projectors that display Christmas scenes on their house. In addition to string lights, illuminated trees, candy canes, stars, wreaths and reindeer adorn the property. With the kids’ playhouse as the store, they transformed their backyard into “Santa’s Tree Farm,” making several light-up trees and hoops by hand to reduce cost.
OBITUARIES • Lisa A. Novak • Alex Rademacher • Robert J. Rogers • Janice Ann Williams
Behrendts page 3
ST R
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NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
15 vendors comprise Holiday Holly-Jolly Market
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FOLEY – With the Holiday Holly-Jolly Market taking place Dec. 5, Christmas shoppers have the opportunity to support as many as 15 vendors that specialize in unique, handcrafted products geared for the holiday season. “Especially in today’s crazy world, the biggest part is just to have a sense of community because it feels like the world is so chaotic and disconnected,” said Emily Lentner, one of the organizers of the holiday market. “Just to support local, support small businesses. All of these makers have their own little craft and want to get their stuff out to the world.” At the Hickory Hill Boutique in Rice – the business Lentner owns with her husband, Jason,
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Emily Lentner (left) of Hickory Hill Boutique, Alisha Lueck of Minted Twine Design and Amanda Holm of The Funny Farmaid stand together after a successful Holiday HollyJolly Market in December 2019 in Milaca. The vendors, also organizers of the event, are looking forward to another successful market this year.
and the host of the holiday market – Lentner said there will be something for everybody the day the market opens. Christmas shoppers can find a host of present ideas, from handmade children’s clothing to laser engraved wooden signs, but there is much more than Christmas presents available. Hickory Hill Boutique is located in rural Rice on 65th Avenue, about 5 miles northwest of Gilman. “People are itching to do something,” Lenter said. “We’ve all been stuck in our homes and trying not to go to as many places. Everybody wants to do something different. I just think it’s important that it happens for that community purpose, where there’s something to look forward to.” Aside from shopping, Lentner said attending the
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holiday market is an experience that fosters a sense of community while also supporting friends, neighbors, and small, hobbybased businesses. Hickory Hill Boutique, which also participates in the market, sells items such as furniture, home décor, and vintage and antique home goods. Other vendors like Dainty Designs and More, Minted Twine Design, The Funny Farmaid, and Henrietta’s Homemade will be available for jams and jellies, hand towels, children’s clothing, furniture, and many other products. Lentner said most of the vendors make and sell their products as a hobby, but this year, many are trying to make extra money during a harsh year for hobbyists who rely on in-person shopping and browsing. “By going to the Holly-Jolly Market, you’re supporting family income and local business,” Lentner said. “People are trying to make a little extra dough in these hard times.” With a focus on creating a community atmosphere and by cultivating a unique opportunity to support the businesses that need it most, the Holiday Holly-Jolly Market
is more than vendors trying to sell their products, Lentner said. They are crafters who are dedicated to their work – not only to make a few extra dollars, but to continue doing the things they are passionate about while supporting their families. In past years, the holiday market was held in Milaca, but this year the organizers had to move it to the rural Rice location due to coronavirus restrictions. Lentner said it is important to personally gauge the situation, knowing some people are more comfortable with social events than others. In line with coronavirus guidelines, the market will be spaced out, with 13 people maximum allowed in the building at the same time. There will be hand sanitizer available, and masks will be required. Despite limitations due to the coronavirus, Lentner said more than a thousand people have shown interest on Facebook, so she thinks it will be a successful market even under the current conditions. “Support local, shop local,” Lentner said. “I think that’s important all the time, but especially this year.”
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The final product of the Holiday Holly-Jolly Market setup in December 2019 in Milaca was a warm and welcoming environment for Christmas shoppers. This year, the market is at the Hickory Hill Boutique in Rice.
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 3
Benton County from front
“That’s what the intent of the law is, so I think we’re going to have to do it again,” said Spencer Buerkle, who chairs the board, the first commissioner to suggest rescheduling the meeting. After the meeting, assistant county attorney Michelle Meyer suggested the county send out new meeting notices to give taxpayers a chance to attend the new meeting date. Headley said the meeting notices are usually how residents find out about the meeting. The mail details parcel-specific property tax information for each individual taxpayer, including current property taxes, proposed 2021 property taxes, estimated market value and the date of the truth-in-taxation meeting. Headley was unsure why the mailers were not received by county residents – a function of the auditor-treasurer’s office – because he found out just a few hours before the meeting. “Information necessary for our office to prepare the truth-in-taxation notices was delayed in reaching our office due to county staff in another office being out of the office unexpectedly,” said Heather Bondhus, senior deputy auditor for Benton County. “The truth-in-taxation notices were prepared and sent out as quickly as we were able to given the unforeseen circumstances.” Bondhus said the county has already started resending statements with corrected dates.
PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
The home of Andy and Crystal Behrendt and their children, Destiny, Justin, Alyssa, Kendra and Christopher, is transformed from scary to merry, after the family replaced Halloween décor with a colossal Christmas display. The residence is decked out with 30,000 lights, 25 inflatable characters, a mailbox for letters to Santa and more.
Their corner lot is decked out with 25 inflatable Christmas characters, including snowmen, penguins, bears, reindeer, elves, Snoopy, a unicorn, a flamingo and even a goat. Santa needs bathroom breaks too, so passersby will also see an inflatable version of Mr. Claus peeking from an outhouse. With little to do and most holiday festivities canceled this year, the spectacle has attracted several people to the Behrendt residence on the corner of 10th Avenue and 11th Street. And that is precisely the family’s intention – to bring holiday cheer to people of all ages in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic which is putting a damper on the holiday season. “COVID made us want to do this,” Crystal said of the holiday display, which has garnered much appreciation, especially from parents of young children. “It makes us happy just making other people happy. I can’t say
Kids can put letters to Santa in a mailbox at the Behrendt residence, 1101 10th Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Santa will send a personal response to the address provided.
how many people have stopped to say thank you. It makes all the work worth it.” The Behrendts are pleased to know their display provides a safe way for people to get in the holiday spirit and to spend time outdoors. Captivated by its splendor, daycares and senior citizen groups have made frequent visits. Law enforcement officers have even said they enjoy seeing it while on patrol. “We’ve had teenagers,” Crystal said. “We’ve had older people. We’ve had kids. Everybody loves it. They’ll stop when they’re driving by and say, ‘Our kids had to see the Christmas house.’”
Some people actually get out of their vehicle for a closer look. “We’ve had people come up and take pictures,” Crystal said. Relatives of the Behrendts have heard people talking about the infamous “Christmas House,” Andy said. Photos of the house have also surfaced on social media. People will also find that, once they are in the neighborhood, they will not need a GPS to pinpoint the location. “You can see it from quite a ways,” Andy said. This year’s display was the Behrendts’ first. The display, in all its grandeur, would not have been possible, Andy and Crystal said, without their kids, Destiny, Justin, Alyssa, Kendra and Christopher.
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The article “Local food shelf sees record numbers” was printed Nov. 28. Since the time of the interview, Living Waters Lutheran Church has altered its worship services and is no longer meeting in person on Sunday mornings. Therefore, food shelf donations can no longer be accepted Sundays. Donations to the food shelf will be accepted 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Fridays
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“Everyone worked to put it all together, including the little guy,” Crystal said of their 4-year-old, who goes outside every evening to marvel at the lights and characters in the yard. Crystal and the kids are amazed that Andy managed to pull off such a momentous task with a broken ankle. The Behrendts hope their zeal for holiday lights is contagious. “Hopefully it encourages people to decorate for the kids like we used to … some of those old holiday traditions that have been lost over time,” Crystal said. The Behrendts, who also put their Christmas tree up early, will celebrate Christmas at home this year. It will be their first without extended family. Though they will miss tradition, they expect the Santa letters will warm their hearts and be a source of hope in these tough times. Their property will be lit up until after the new year. The lights are on until about 8:30 p.m. on weeknights and 9 p.m. on weekends. Christopher would like the yard decorations to stay up all year. “It will be a very hard day when we take them down,” Crystal said.
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Page 4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
News Briefs
Tanner’s Team to host virtual concert
SAUK RAPIDS – Tanner’s Team Foundation announced a first of its kind “A Very Merry Christmas Virtual Concert” this week. The community is invited to participate beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. The concert will be streamed from the Tanner’s Team Facebook page and YouTube channel. The concert features musicians such as Michael Shynes, Kat Perkins, Justin Ploof, Aaron Clafton, Allyson Walz, Walter’s Wheelhouse, Harper’s Chord and Stretch and Ted from the Fabulous Armadillos. The vocalists will sing their favorite Christmas songs for viewers. Donations collected during the concert will support Tanner’s Team Foundation’s mission of helping families with children facing life-threatening illness. St. Cloud Financial Credit Union will match every $1,000 raised up to $5,000, and WJON is the program’s media sponsor. Sign up for the free tickets at www.eventbrite. com/e/a-very-merry-christmas-virtual-concerttickets-128374171603. Visit www.tannersteam. org for additional ways to help.
Metro Bus on-demand service extended
ST. CLOUD – Metro Bus announces an extension through Dec. 31, 2021, for ConneX shared-ride service in Sartell. Previously the pilot service was set to expire at the end of this year. In early 2020, Metro Bus extended the pilot service with new hours and an increased fare. A decision on whether to make the service permanent or revert to a fixed route for the area is expected before the expiration of the pilot. The extension to the pilot program through the end of 2021 allows time for Metro Bus to gather data on the effectiveness and efficiency of ConneX with the new hours and fares as we adjust to living with COVID-19. ConneX serves Sartell seven days a week including from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information about ConneX visit ridemetrobus.com/connex.
Community Ed Corner Do-it-yourself Cardmaking Kit Looking for an easy project this winter and love to have greeting cards on hand? This kit provides all the materials to make 25 greeting cards (birthday, thank you, sympathy, thinking of you, wedding and more). All you need to do is glue the paper together to create these cards. Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk RapidsRice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Holiday Centerpiece Kit Use creativity to make a centerpiece craft. Silver bucket, foam, greenery, three picks and two ornaments are included. Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk RapidsRice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. To register or for more information on programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www.isd47.org/ce or 320258-1577.
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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NEWS
Bridge Church looks to next phase of development Rice worshippers make final payment on land before building begins
With preliminary argood will is something Thomsen plans to recip- chitectural designs finrocate as Bridge Church ished, Bridge Church will constructs its own facili- set its sights on raising BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER ties. Thomsen said the the funds needed to comorganization plans to plete phase one. ThomRICE – A Rice modated the group all but erect an 80-by-100-foot sen estimates they could church is making prog- once – when they had to post-frame building with break ground as early as ress toward establishing cancel due to rain – and a main sanctuary as phase this spring but said the itself in the community. the site gatherings took one of their overall plans. maximum length of time Bridge Church made place through September. That space will be open before a building is in the final payment on its “It was a lot of fun,” for community members use would likely be two land to the east of the Thomsen said. “People to use, but Thomsen has years. “We’re excited about Langola Township cem- really liked meeting out additional plans of how etery this past summer. there.” he can expand and con- where it’s going and Now, the church is movNow, as the fall sea- nect with the Rice resi- where we have the abiling forward with its plans son wanes and winter dents. He said he has up ity to invest into the comto build. fast approaches, to four phases munity to help the com“Our main focus was Bridge Church of construction munity,” Thomsen said. to get the land paid off is borrowplanned in his “Having a place to meet, before we went forward,” ing space from mind. having a place that we said the Rev. Gene Thom- another Rice “We’re excited “One of the can call home but then to sen, lead pastor of Bridge church. Its faith about where phases I want give back.” Church, which is affili- followers are it’s going and to do is a youth Until those walls ated with the Minnesota meeting at 6 where we have center that are raised, the people of District Council Assem- p.m. Sundays the ability to would be open Bridge Church will conblies of God. at the Shepherd invest into the to the com- tinue as they have for Bridge Church began of the Pines Lucommunity, munity where nearly 10 years – coming its mission in the Rice theran Church Wi-Fi is avail- together in community to help the area in 2011 under the until the weath- community,” able for kids to spaces and on the lawn of namesake Rice Commu- er again allows come in and do their future home. nity Church. As it sought them to take ad- - the Rev. Gene homework after “The nice thing is Thomsen to attract people from the vantage of their school if they we’re not in a hurry,” surrounding area and to property. needed a place Thomsen said. “We can spread its vision of meet“They’re to go,” said meet outside again next ing people where they are letting us use their build- Thomsen who also identi- summer; we can do all at and connecting them ing,” Thomsen said of fied a gym as part of those that type of stuff. We with Jesus, the organiza- Shepherd of the Pines. plans. “That’s what we don’t have to have it all tion changed its name in That community want to get to eventually.” there to get started.” November 2018. The 5.9acre property purchase was announced and name launched in January 2019. Although previously hosting services at Rice Elementary School, the large piece of green space proved compatible during a spring and summer affected by the coronavirus pandemic. People gathered beneath an open-air tent to worship Sunday Easy to install and perfect mornings and met at varitiming for the Holidays! ous times throughout the week for additional fel- Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Office Give Logan a lowship opportunities. 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378 call today! The fair weather accom-
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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 Lisa A. Novak
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 5
Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Lisa was born Jan. 8, 1961, in St. Cloud to Herman and Marian (Witte) Fischer. She has lived in the Sauk Rapids area all of her life. Lisa worked in distribution
at Hoya Vision for many years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Lisa loved to read, keep up on current affairs, go on camping trips with her family and grocery shopping. She was especially proud of her family and adored her grandchildren. Lisa was strong willed and determined. She worked hard in life and in raising her children. Survivors include her husband Loran of Sauk Rapids, children, Briana (Harley Sawatzky) Novak of Isle, Krista of Sauk Rapids and
Sam of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Rose and Magnolia Sawatzky; mother, Marian Fischer of St. Cloud; siblings, Brian Fischer of San Diego, California, Keith (Linda) Fischer, Kevin (Julie) Fischer, Beth (Tim) Koshenina and Dale Fischer all of St. Cloud. She was preceded in death by her father Herman and twin sister, Lorie Fischer. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.com.
Memorial services were at 11 a.m., Dec. 4, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Robert “Bob” J. Rogers, age 77, who passed away Tuesday at his home. The Rev. Greg Tomhave officiated. Visitation was from Robert J. Rogers 9-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Bob was born Dec. “Milly” (Hansen) Rogers. 7, 1942, in St. Cloud He married Diana Held to Edward and Mildred Aug. 10, 1963, at St.
Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Bob worked as a yard foreman at Simonson Lumber from 1959 until retiring in 2007. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking care of his lawn, going to Bemidji with family every summer, and spending time at the cabin. Bob was caring, gentle, humble and proud of his family for all of their accomplishments. Survivors include his wife, Diana of Rice;
daughters, Kristine (Dick) Sigler of Rice and Kim (Gerald) Saldana of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Kayla, Karly, and Eric; and great grandchildren, Landon, Oliver, Sophie, Vivian, Evelyn, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann. com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Lisa A. Novak, 59, of Sauk Rapids, who passed away Nov. 28, 2020. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate and entombment will be at the parish cemetery in Sauk Rapids. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4, and also will be one hour prior to Mass Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family
Lisa A. Novak
Robert J. Rogers
Alex Rademacher
Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home announces the death of Alex Rademacher, age 21, of Sauk Rapids, who passed away Nov. 20, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m., Nov. 28, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen. Visitation was 4-6 p.m. Nov. 27, at the church, and continued 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial was in the parish cemetery. While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we accommodated a gathering of up to 250 people. The use of face masks by attendees was recommended and the necessary steps taken to keep the facility clean. For those who preferred or required continued precautions, webcasting and livestreaming was available in most situations. Alex Ryan Rademacher was born Sept. 8, 1999, in St. Cloud, to Gerald and Kelly (Mead) Rademacher and left his earthly life Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Alex grew up in Sauk Rapids, and attended Pleasantview Elementary, Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, and Sauk
Alex Rademacher
Rapids-Rice High School. In recent years, Alex lived in Marshall and Minneapolis. Alex loved hunting, fishing, art, playing video games and music. He also loved a big steak, drinking coffee, gouda cheese and making people laugh. He was kind, big-hearted, and always cared for others. He loved everyone fiercely, especially his family, and was incredibly loyal to his friends. In recent years, Alex spent a lot of time reading the Bible and wanted to show his love of the Lord to those around him. Alex was happiest while spending time outdoors fishing, hunting and being at the lake. Alex is survived by his mother, Kelly Severson (Rick Kleinsmith) of Palatka, Florida; his father and step-mother, Jerry Rademacher and Kelly Vangsness of Sauk
Rapids; his siblings, Mason Rademacher of Fargo, North Dakota; Jadyn Severson of Billings, Montana; Larkin and Bennett Vangsness of Sauk Rapids; grandparents, Larry and Loretta Mead of Marshall; Tom and Jeannie Rademacher of Rosen; Bill and Diane Vangsness of Ortonville; great-grandmother Helen Mead of Canby; great-grandpa Dwayne Koehntopp of Ortonville. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Jen Hansen of Canby; Valerie Mead of Tracy; Adam Mead of Willmar; Robyn and Andria Rademacher of Rosen; Redgey and Kelly Rademacher of Big Stone City, South Dakota; Trent and Emelie Rademacher of Rosen; Mickey and Emily Rademacher of Ortonville; Mike and Melissa Vangsness of Graceville; and Tom and Jane Vangsness Frisch of Dumont; and many cousins. Alex was preceded in death by his greatgrandparents. Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home of Ortonville is in charge of the arrangements for Alex Rademacher. To send an online condolence, visit www. mundwilerfuneralhome. net.
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Janice Williams
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Janice Williams, 65, of Sauk Rapids, passed away peacefully Nov. 28, 2020, with her husband and daughter by her side. Janice was born Aug. 17, 1955, to Florian and Gertrude (Papesh) Shaw. She grew up in St. Cloud, along with five siblings. She was a graduate of Apollo High School and received her cosmetology license from the St. Cloud Model College of Hair Design. Janice married Curly Williams Sept. 12, 1977, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had one daughter Jamie, the other love of her life. She also had two granddaughters, Isabella and Brooklyn, the abundant joys and light of her life. Janice was a devoted wife, loving mother and a wonderful grandmother. She had many different careers, but at heart was a homemaker, caring for her family. Janice was known to many as a great friend and one who was never afraid to speak her mind. She much enjoyed spending time with her friends, playing bingo, sipping a bulldog and making sure everybody was well taken care of. Janice is survived by her husband Curly Williams, daughter Jamie (Joe) Seifert,
Janice Williams
granddaughters Isabella and Brooklyn – Excelsior, sisters Mona (Don) Borresch – Sauk Rapids, and Gloria (Roger) Kuschel – Sauk Rapids, and brothers Gary Shaw – Saquamish, Washington and Dale (Ruth) Shaw – Stuart, Florida. Half brothers Dennie (Shirley) Shaw – Polk City, Iowa, Mickey (Karen) Shaw – Hutchinson, Terry (Lois) Shaw – Willmar, Pat (Nancy) Shaw – Richfield, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Gertrude Shaw and her sister Lanie Shaw. A celebration of life is planned for Aug. 17, 2021, (her date of birth) at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Information, guest book and tributes online at www.williamsdingmann. com.
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Page 6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Gardening gifts Can gardeners work without tools? Yes, but tools make the job much easier. Each gardener has their own favorite tools, ones they use most often. The gardening knife, sometimes called by its Japanese name, hori GREEN AND hori, meaning dig, dig, GROWING IN BENTON can be used to uproot COUNTY weeds, dig small holes BY LINDA G. TENNESON for planting, measure hole depth, cut plant roots and other jobs. Gardening knives usually have a 6-inch long blade with a dull edge on one side and serrations on the other side. Inch markings are useful for planting bulbs at the correct depth. Shovels and spades come with a variety of blade shapes. The tool with a dish shaped blade, a round point and a long handle is usually called a shovel. It is good for digging in soil and moving compost or gravel. A square point shovel is meant for moving material but is not as useful for digging in the soil. The scoop shovel, often made of plastic or aluminum with a large, curved blade, is meant for moving light mulch or snow. The spade is a tool meant for digging, and blades come in a variety of lengths and widths. A spade usually has a YD handle. The handle of the tool is split looking like the letter Y. The ends are riveted together with a crosspiece creating a D shape. Spade blades are usually longer than wider and have square ends. However, my favorite spade has a long narrow blade and is rounded on the end. It was originally designed for digging ditches, but it is excellent for digging deep planting holes or lifting established plants for transplanting. I recently purchased a plastic basket with two handles and a lot of drainage holes that is useful for carrying several smaller tools at the same time and for transporting bulbs and other plants. It is also useful for collecting vegetables at harvest time. These baskets are made from a variety of materials and listed in catalogs as garden hods which is apparently an English term for this tool. After using a wheelbarrow and a garden wagon to move heavier items around the garden, I prefer the wagon. Wagons, about the same size as the little red ones we may have had as children, are useful for moving bags of fertilizer, compost or other materials around the garden. It is easier to pull a wagon than it is to lift a wheelbarrow by its handles and push it forward at the same time. However, a wheelbarrow will move more material in a single trip than a wagon. Gloves, hats and tool belts also make gardening easier and safer. A hat will keep the sun and stray hair out of the gardener’s eyes. Gloves keep hands cleaner and protect them from injury. Gloves that fit snuggly on the hand make it easier to locate and pull a weed and not uproot a desired plant by mistake. Tool belts or pants with extra pockets and tool loops allow tools to be kept handy until they are needed. Smaller but also useful tools include anvil and bypass pruners and their larger cousins, loppers. These tools are needed for pruning and shaping plants. Anvil pruners are meant for crushing and cutting dead stems while bypass pruners cut living tissue without damaging the stems. Any of these tools or many others will make excellent gifts for the gardeners on your Christmas list. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care advisor.
EDITORIAL
Church
Church. portion of the book of Revelation is desWhat’s the point? For some people, it ignated for letters to churches. Prophecies is the only place they talk to God. For some and warnings. Yes, God takes his church, people, it is just to dress up and spend whom he loves, seriously. You have heard Christmas and Easter at. of the church spoken as the body. Not one On the other extreme, for some it is part is more important than the other. In their life to volunteer at; be a committee, the book of Titus, Paul instructs the pasboard, ministry team or worship member tor Titus to teach what accords with sound at; be a children’s church teacher. Their doctrine, but that does not come without social events circle round it, their children love. Ephesians 4 tells us, “But, speakeven go to school there. Literally, their ening the truth in love, (believers) may grow LIFE BY FAITH tire life revolves around one building. BY MERCY NYGAARD up in all things into him who is the head Is there anything wrong with any of – Christ.” That means as shepherd, you these scenarios? What is God’s plan for his church, need to hold fast to sound doctrine. Do not let any and how should we respond to it? funky doctrine enter into the church or be taught to Many believe church is a place where the lost go the sheep; be loving while you teach scripture. to get saved, but God created church for the believers “From him the whole body, joined and held toand followers of Jesus. It is a place where we gather gether by every supporting ligament, grows and with the saints, we worship God together by praying, builds itself up in love, as each part does its work,” singing and the reading of his word. We take com- Ephesians 4 continues. munion together, and we fellowship with one another. I want us to take a sober glance back to what has It is where we go to build each other up, and then we happened so far in 2020: the fires, hurricanes, the viare sent into the world to tell others all that Jesus did rus, crowded hospitals, forced stay-at-home orders, for all. social unrest, cities on fire, lightning storms, an elecIn Acts 2 we see how the church was created. tion year, post-election aftermath and more forced “And they continued steadfastly in the apos- shutdowns. We all need a church. It is where we build tles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, each other up. It is where we hear the word of God and in prayers. Then, fear came upon every soul, and are supposed to be taught how to use our Bibles and many wonders and signs were done through the at home. It is where we get to know one another’s stoapostles. Now all who believed were together, had all ries, meet others to disciple us and give to each other things in common, sold their possessions and goods, as each other needs. It is where we launch back into and divided them among all as anyone had need. So, the world and our homes, praying without ceasing, continuing daily with one accord in the temple reaching out to others, not isolating because the devil and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their twists and works in isolation. food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising Hear my heart please, you do not need church to God and having favor with all the people. And the talk to or feel God’s presence. You need to talk to God Lord added to the church daily those who were being and read the Bible to feel God’s presence which will saved.” tell you to go to church. Break bread from house to The Rev. David Guzik notes that fear is a sign house, fellowship, read God’s word, confess your sins of God’s power, changing hearts in reverence of him. to one another, repent, worship. This is how we are to Where God is at work, lives are touched in wonder- respond to God’s beautiful design for his church. ous ways. Guzik also notes that the power of God was evident in those who believed selling everything and helping as those needed because Jesus became more important than any of their possessions. It was not an early experiment of communism, and we do not have any evidence this happened for very long but for a time. So many churches today have strayed away from the early church, but I have one really big question. Why? When we read the last sentence of chapter two, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved,” why would we want to fix something that is not broken? Why do we start to make church about the paint colors on the walls or the sound system, moving lights or camera angles? It is simply not important. You do not have to try to keep up with the larger church down the block. If you find yourself asking, what do I need to do to find a solid church, read Acts 2 again and remember there are no perfect churches. Only Christ is perfect. God holds churches accountable, and he takes his church seriously. A big
EDITORIAL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 7
Supporting students during distance learning
Labels can hurt the recovery process
The Sauk Rapids-Rice commulunch, school meals can be the highnity repeatedly shows they value light of a student’s day. The school education, including the activities meal is always well-balanced and and experiences students have in our nutritious for our students. While in schools. Similarly, when presented distance learning, these meals remain with the challenging times of disavailable to all students free of charge tance learning, our district is striving regardless of any financial situations. ISD 47 to continue to create authentic learnAll students are encouraged to access By Tanya Peterson, ing experiences for our students. this service. Because our students Mississippi Heights Since last spring, we have been dedifollow the same schedule as they did Elementary School cated to providing our students with while in person, lunch is at various principal the opportunities and support needed times. Having this grab-and-go opto be successful, whether they are in tion can make it easier for families to the classroom or learning from a distance. In an ef- provide lunch at the designated lunch time. fort to provide our students with what they need to We not only want to nurture our students physibe successful, we are focused on effective instruc- cally, we also want to nurture our students socially tional practices, technology needed to support this and emotionally. Supporting our students’ social learning model, the students and the adults who are and emotional learning is key to their development. supporting students at home. We continue to provide skill attainment in the arThe most effective teachers work to build eas of understanding and managing emotions, setstrong connections with their students. Positive ting positive goals, having empathy and establishstudent-teacher relationships account for increased ing positive relationships. However, if any students student outcomes including academic engage- are needing more intensive interventions, we have ment, increased attendance and fewer disruptive staff and resources available for students to access. behaviors. We want each community of learning to Reach out to the child’s teacher or the school if there have a feeling of connectedness. Because of this, are any concerns. our teachers work every day to nurture these relaEqually important, family involvement is key tionships and keep students a part of this learning for student success during distance learning. Famicommunity. Through Zoom, teachers connect with lies are asked to take on even more responsibility students in face-to-face interactions throughout in their child’s learning than ever before. Families each school day. Teachers can now check in with have been asked to provide a learning space that students during morning meetings, continue to de- limits distractions and background noise. As teachvelop their love of learning through reading, prac- ers have resumed responsibility for teaching, parents tice math problems, and provide them experiences should not feel obligated to sit with children. This in art, music and physical education. In real time, can be tempting as you are invested in their success. teachers can encourage students and support them Teachers have established routines – even with our in their learning process. youngest learners – to promote independence and Further, learning would not be as effective with- encourage the productive struggle that comes with out the devices and tools we have available to us the learning process. If you see a student who is now. In the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, every not able to problem solve and is stuck, reach out to student in our K-12 system has a device available your teacher through email to relay the information for them to use. These devices allow students to ac- and ask questions. As the adult supporting students, cess the learning platforms and lessons from their modeling a positive attitude toward school is so imteachers as well as practice and improve their skills. portant to set direction for the student. If any student needs access to the internet, families There is no argument that in-person learning is are encouraged to reach out to the school their child the most effective situation for our students, espeattends as hot spots can be provided as needed. Ad- cially our youngest students. Through the dedicaditionally, support staff are available to answer any tion of our teachers and staff, we continue to find questions or troubleshoot any technology issues. ways to connect students with new learning experiThis support can be accessed on the district website ences and attainment of skills they need at this level. or by calling the school. We are eagerly awaiting the day we can return to In addition, many students look forward to the the classroom. However, until we are able to do meals they are provided at school. Whether it is the that, we are committed to providing students with cinnamon bars for breakfast or the pizza served at the best possible learning experiences.
Letter to Editor
The simple reason Trump lost Kent Nelson, Sartell
I am 78 years old and have learned a few lessons. One of the most important: never argue politics, never argue religion and never argue with a drunk. Ignoring my own advice, I propose the following arguments as to why Trump lost the election. Let’s start with religion. We are taught God is omniscient and omnipotent. There is also the idea of the will of God. This suggests God can judge and determine cosmic outcomes. Sixty percent of Stearns County residents voted for him. Coincidently, 45% of Stearns County residents are Catholics bound by the teachings of pray, pay and obey. This aligns with his demand for loyalty and obedience to him. Now his lists of failures include the following: he lies and has total disregard for the law, bungled the coronavirus pandemic, behaved poorly toward women and minorities, disrespected the presidency, insulted world leaders, cozied up to dictators, and ignored the teachings of Jesus by insulting and demeaning people. The obvious conclusion to the mess he created is God, in his or her infinite wisdom, is now punishing the United States with COVID-19 and has caused his defeat for re-election. If one believes in religion, then one has
to believe this is God’s will. Moving on to politics. He and his lawyers have lawsuits rejected, proposed outlandish claims of fraud and conspiracy theories, and rejected the results of the elections all without proof. As of this writing, Biden has won 290 electoral votes to Trump’s 232, and Biden won the popular vote by over 5 million votes. The scientific principal of Occam’s razor explains his loss. It states, “the best explanation of an event is the one that is the simplest using the fewest assumptions or hypotheses.” Judging by his loss, it is plain the simple reason people did not vote for him is they did not like him or his behavior. The two aforementioned reasons for Trump’s failure have little to do with reality. They are mere speculations that even a person who has had too much to drink could not accept. There you have it; don’t argue religion, politics or with a drunk. But, there is an abiding reason for his failure that combines religion and secular explanations. After four years of Trump, his loss is best explained by Martin Luther King’s declaration that, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Letters to Editor Marc Jacobson, Winona
Today we challenge the lie that people have to label themselves as an addict or alcoholic to successfully recover. There is no research that indicates people are more likely to recover from a substance use disorder if they label themselves as anything. However, there is research that shows forcing people to identify as an addict or alcoholic can be detrimental to their efforts to change. The latest diagnostic manual for professionals recognized such research and accordingly removed addiction as an official diagnostic label due to “its uncertain definition and its potentially negative connotation.” Even in AA and NA, the only requirement for participation is the desire to stop using. There is no requirement to identify as an addict or alcoholic. The potentially negative connotations to the addict and alcoholic are prolific. When I ask people I associate with to list all the adjectives that come to mind to describe an addict or alcoholic, I elicit a large list of negatives (drunk, manipulative, loser, weak, powerless). If somebody labels themselves as an alcoholic or addict, and think that means they are a lying, manipulative, weak, powerless loser, then they probably do not feel good about themselves. When we do not feel great about ourselves, substances offer an appealing and reliable break from uncomfortable feelings. Forcing people to think of themselves as lying, manipulative, powerless losers is not helpful and it is tantamount to abuse. Changing the way in which we use words when speaking about addiction is an important step in helping reduce the stigma surrounding their illness. Choosing to use non-stigmatizing language allows people in recovery to choose how they want to identify themselves in regards to their substance use disorder. While we cannot solve the problem of the underlying stigma surrounding addiction by simply changing the words we use, it is one way we can break through society’s negative perceptions about prevention, treatment, recovery and substance use disorders. By doing so, people will begin to accept addiction as a disease, and those who have substance use disorders will not feel shame in seeking out help. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and would like someone to talk to, I may be reached at gottahavehope38@gmail.com.
Watab residents, take note Todd Waytashek, Watab Township resident
Wonder why the roads did not get plowed in October in a timely manner? Around 6 inches of snow, but not a plow in sight. Why? The current supervisors, led by Steve Wollak, decided to ignore advice to get the contract awarded in August and again in September. Then in October, they decided the bids they got were too high and rebid the contract. Next was a work session (you cannot make decisions in a work session, yet they did), where they awarded the contract at a rate $2,000 higher per year than the low bid they previously threw out. Finally, they tried to hide this decision by changing the minutes from the announced work session to a special meeting. I have full faith the awardee will do an excellent job. Marson has been plowing the township for many years. Without a contract in place Marson would have been risking not getting paid for plowing the township, much like whoever the supervisors hired to plow the town hall. Yes, they plowed the town hall, so they could come to the meeting while many residents were fighting to get home. They left the township without coverage simply because they did not want to give the contract to the low bid in October. If you have any problems, give Steve a call. They need to understand you do not approve of their antics. We all need to demand they pay for the increased costs out of their own pocket or resign.
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
NEWS
Page 8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Elaine Martin May 3, 1925 – June 3, 2020
Losing
Mom
Dorothy Groebner Aug. 27, 1929 – Sept. 29, 2020
Myrna Johnson July 14, 1928 – Aug. 5, 2020
How hospice helped three women, their families this year Dammeier, Groebner, Irlbeck share experiences to commemorate National Hospice Month BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Joe Groebner, Karen Irlbeck and Janice Dammeier said good-bye to their moms this year. The women did not know one another, but all three lived into their 90s, loved their families deeply and had a strong faith. “You knew where she was going after she passed,” said Joe of his mother, Dorothy, who passed away Sept. 29. Karen’s mother, Myrna Johnson, left this life Aug. 8. “She left such a legacy for all of us,” Karen said. Janice said her mother, Elaine Martin, shared the gift of prayer. Elaine died June 3. “She prayed for anyone she could get her
hands on,” Janice said. The three women share another common denominator: They spent their final months of life under the care of Sauk Rapids-based Heartland Hospice. Hospice is not a designated place, nor is it reserved exclusively for the last few days of life. It is a philosophy of caring. The specialized care focuses on supporting people with advanced illness and their loved ones. The emphasis is on comfort and quality of life. Providing care for the mind, body and spirit, hospice care enables people to live as comfortably and dignified as possible. Patient-focused care is provided seven days a week
to people wherever they call home – in houses, in skilled nursing centers and in assisted and independent living facilities. Pain and symptom management is the primary focus. Hospice provides disease management programs to help patients manage their disease, reduce unnecessary visits to the hospital, live the most fulfilling life possible and retain the greatest degree of independence. Hospice also provides emotional and spiritual support as well as pet, music and art therapy programs, and the program helps families create individualized care plans tailored to needs and challenges of their loved ones. In many cases, hospice care is free. Hospice is 100% covered for eligible patients under Medicare, most state Medicaid plans and many private insurance plans. Hospice staff assist families in
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checking benefit coverage and provide care to those who qualify for hospice services regardless of the ability to pay or insurance coverage. Whether it is to get thoughts about what a loved one needs or to provide a safe space to share feelings, hospice is there for families too. Hospice staff offer support to family members of patients, and the program provides free bereavement services, including grief counseling and support groups. With COVID-19 restrictions banning visitors indoors at seniorliving facilities, hospice services proved to be indispensable to the Groebner and Johnson families. The hospice team helped the families connect with Dorothy and Myrna using the internet and phones and kept in close communication to let them know how they were doing. For Elaine, services allowed her to pass peacefully in her daughter’s home. To commemorate National Hospice Month, Joe, Karen and Janice shared stories about their mothers’ final months and the compassionate care they received from the team at Heartland Hospice. A fighter Standing 5 feet tall, Dorothy was a fighter, her son Joe said. She suffered from dementia late in life, but her physical health persevered almost the whole way through. So did her feistiness. Though her love ran deep, “she didn’t mind speaking her piece,” Joe said with a smile. Dorothy enjoyed reading and learning throughout her life. She also loved dancing, theater and music. She loved laughter and emanated joy. Dorothy passed away peacefully at Arlington Place Assisted Living in St. Joseph. She was 91. About eight years
earlier, around the time of her husband’s death, Dorothy began to exhibit signs pointing to a neurological disorder. The eventual diagnosis was Lewy body dementia, a type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function. It is the third most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. “It really got bad the last couple (years),” Joe said of Dorothy’s dementia, which caused hallucinations, memory impairment and difficulty forming words. A former Cambridge resident, Dorothy moved to assisted living in central Minnesota four years ago to be closer to family, including Joe, the eldest of her four children. Ten months ago, when her health began to decline rapidly, her family called Heartland Hospice. “They kind of just took over helping with a lot of things for her – and for us,” said Joe, whose father was also in hospice care. Dorothy loved the hospice staff. “She was very excited when they would come to visit her,” Joe said. Christian faith was a cornerstone of Dorothy’s life, so she especially enjoyed visits from Pamela Nickel, spiritual coordinator for Heartland Hospice, who talked with her about the journey to heaven, prayed with her and sang with her. “My mom was very religious, very spiritual so that was really helpful, for her to have somebody to talk to about that,” Joe said. Registered nurse Sandy Witz, her case manager, was also a godsend, according to Joe. Sandy bridged a connection that had been lost to a ban on visitors due to COVID-19. Knowing the family could not
visit Dorothy in person, she connected them via video communications through their cell phones. “Mom was very technologically challenged … so it was kind of fun watching her on the FaceTime,” Joe said. “She would see me and look in the phone, like, ‘Are you in there?’” Joe is grateful to Heartland for facilitating those video chats. “It was nice to have them in there so we could communicate with her,” he said. “We got to see that she was in good spirits.” It was difficult for Dorothy to comprehend that she could no longer have visitors in her home, but with hospice staff allowed, it helped to fill the void, according to Joe. They were good about keeping Dorothy company and reassuring her that her family loved her but could not come inside due to the pandemic. “They really cared about her,” Joe said. “They were there for her in a time we couldn’t be.” Before the pandemic, Joe visited Dorothy two or three days a week. “So, then, when you just stop (visiting), and she doesn’t understand why, it really helped to have another person going in,” he said. Dorothy’s family appreciated follow-up calls from the hospice team, who provided updates on her health and her spirits, and indispensable knowledge and guidance. “They were good with communication every step of the way,” Joe said. The hospice team kept Dorothy calm and were great about staying on top of her medications, amid some personality changes she experienced. “We knew what was going on, but we didn’t know what to expect and maybe how to treat her, and they did,” Joe said. Hospice page 9
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Hospice also lifted a burden by helping the family make arrangements in advance of Dorothy’s death. “They just took care of everything,” Joe said. “You didn’t have to think about any of that.” With doctor’s approval, the family was able to be at Dorothy’s side the last 10 days of her life. But they leaned on hospice during that difficult time. “I don’t know what we would have done without having an intermediary like that,” Joe said. Hospice staff, Joe said, have experience dealing with death; whereas many families going through the death of a family member do not. “They knew what her journey was like, and we didn’t,” Joe said. “They’re really good at explaining it and preparing us for what was going to happen next. You could ask for a straight answer and they’d give it to you.” Dorothy’s family does not want to think about what they would have done without hospice. “I’m not sure how you do it without somebody like that,” Joe said. “For that to be a free service is incredible.” Joe encouraged families to consider hospice care. “They really can help you through it,” he said. A mother to the end Myrna was amazing in every way, according to her daughter Karen. She was kind, humble, selfless and brave. She worked hard and never complained. She loved to sew and bake. She made the best caramel rolls, fried chicken and farmhouse breakfast. She adored her husband, Everett, and working alongside him on their farm. And, she was a mother to the end. A will to be there for her children was steadfast, even when heaven was ready for her. “My oldest brother sat down with her, and he said, ‘Mom, we’re OK. Everything’s OK. We want you to go home and be with Dad,’” said Karen, tearfully. With her son’s words, Myrna let go the following day, passing away peacefully at her assisted-living home at The Landings in Sauk Rapids. She was 92. Myrna had congestive heart failure and was placed in the care of Heartland Hospice last November. Karen’s niece, a hospice nurse, suggested the service. Initially, the word hospice seemed to
Information from Heartland Hospice of Sauk Rapids – Patient-focused care with patients and families maintaining control. – Services provided seven days a week in homes, care facilities and hospitals. – Referrals and admissions provided 24 hours a day. – Manages pain, anxiety and shortness of breath and works closely with patients’ health care professionals. – Assists in making end-of-life choices. – Offers pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy and massage therapy. – Offers customized bereavement services to family members in their time of grief. Benefits of Hospice – Hospice care not only helps with managing symptoms, but also helps patients and their families with emotional and spiritual support. – People do not have to be ready for hospice. In fact, hospice does not expect them to be ready. They have to be eligible for the services that can increase quality of life. – Many people think hospice care is for the last few days of life, when in fact patients can receive it much earlier. In customer satisfaction surveys, many families said they wish they had known about hospice sooner. – Receiving hospice care may help patients avoid frequent trips to the hospital. Hospice myths, debunked – Hospice does not mean a person is giving up hope, giving up trying or giving up praying. In order to receive hospice, the patient must be eligible and have an understanding that hospice focuses on comfort care (palliative), not a cure. – Hospice is not only for people with cancer. More than 60% of hospice patients nationwide have diagnoses other than cancer. – Hospice is not a place – a building you pass by. Hospice is a philosophy of care that can be provided in any place the patient calls home. – While hospice strives to manage pain and other uncomfortable symptoms outside of the hospital setting, a hospice patient always has the choice of whether or not to go to the hospital. imply imminent death, but the family was assured that patients do not need to be ready to die before getting the care they need, as hospice helps patients and families deal with what is happening to them on their own terms and in their own timeframe. Despite her health condition, for the first several months Myrna seemed to be doing well and loved the company of hospice. That was no surprise because she loved having company. When COVID-19 forced Myrna’s assisted living facility to close its doors to visitors, Sandy helped her visit with family over the video communications program Zoom. Myrna also enjoyed visits from Pamela. The visits meant a lot because Myrna had moved several miles away from her church in Eagle Bend and longed for a spiritual connection. “The spiritual support was so important, because you do have those
questions,” Karen said. Pamela’s presence radiated peace. “She was so amazing,” Karen said. “Her face … I would always say, ‘Pamela, your face, it just reflects Jesus. You are his walking disciple.” Myrna also received gentle massages from massage therapist Abigail Namaste. Weekly visits from hospice staff, which were always followed by calls to the family, became daily ones – sometimes as late as 9 p.m. – in Myrna’s final month of life. In July, after Myrna began to experience chronic fatigue due to falling hemoglobin levels, the family made the difficult decision to forgo a transfusion – one she would have had to endure alone in the hospital – and let the congestive heart failure run its course. Myrna’s team of caregivers allowed her children to be by her side in her final days. “The last two weeks were hard, because then that’s when we had to
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 9
do the morphine, and she wasn’t so apt to stay awake,” Karen said. Difficult as it was, the time the siblings had together with their mom was precious. “It was just so beautiful that we had those two weeks as brothers and sisters, and my mom loved it,” Karen said. “It was wonderful, just laughing and crying and remembering. And I know Mom knew we were all there. We were so grateful for it.” The Heartland Hospice team helped the family come to terms with the fact they were losing Myrna. As she prepared for the end, Myrna asked nurse Sandy what she was going to look like when she went to heaven. “Sandy said, ‘You’re going to be beautiful,’” Karen said. They soon realized why she had asked the question. Myrna had missed her husband for 15 years. “She wanted to know what she was going to look like when she saw him,” Karen said, smiling. Still, it was hard for Myrna to leave her family behind. Asked if she was ready to meet Jesus, Myrna initially said no, saying she had to take care of her children. The hospice team helped Myrna’s family understand that it is hard for a mother to let go of the need to care for her children, no matter their age. “A mother will always be a mother,” Karen said. “To the end, she needed to take care of us. As a mother you just always think that’s your job.” Karen believes love is
what kept her here so long. “She was a mother to the end,” she said. Myrna left a legacy to her seven children, 21 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, according to Karen. “She could just do it, and she always did it,” Karen said of her unwavering strength and determination. “She was the glue that held all of us together. She was such an amazing woman. A kind heart. She was so humble. She did what she had to, and she did it lovingly.” Hospice staff were with the family every step of the way. Each person from the hospice team played an important role, according to Karen. “The dignity and respect that they gave to Mom; … they knew everything about my mother,” Karen said. “They knew everything about my dad, because my mom talked about my dad.” Hospice, Karen said, not only cares for the patient but the whole family through support and respite care. “It’s that extra strength a family needs when caring for their loved ones,” she said. “Hospice is there to just extend that care, give you the help you need.” The family had assurance that when they could not be there, the hospice team would be. “They knew what Mom needed,” Karen said. “At the end, you realize how important they are.” Not just anyone has what it takes to work or volunteer for hospice, Karen said. “What a special person it takes to know that this person is passing and be
there to prepare them,” she said. “I always say they’re the angels on earth, that God put them there.” Karen encouraged families to entrust their loved one to the kind hands of hospice. “They’re amazing, just amazing,” she said. A prayer warrior A devout Christian, Elaine dedicated her life to fervent prayer, mission work and mothering. “She prayed for everything and everyone,” Janice said. Whether they were family members, friends or people she had just met, Janice lifted the needs of others to God. Her prayer list was long, but she graciously added to it daily. “You knew you were loved and prayed for every day,” Janice said. Elaine had three biological children and fostered several others, whom she loved and raised as her own. “She was always reaching out to someone she could mother and reaching out to people who had a desire to accept the love of Jesus in their heart,” Janice said. A Big Lake resident since 1982 and wife to Raymond for 65 years, Elaine was spunky and had a zest for life, according to Janice. She enjoyed animals, being active in her church, spending time with her children and holding her grandbabies. Over several winters, she volunteered with several missions. At 92, Elaine took in Janice’s mother-in-law and was her caregiver. Hospice page 11
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. 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. Please contact the Sauk Rapids Herald 320-251-1971 with any additional questions.
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Hospice
NEWS Hospice: An overview of services
Page 10 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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NEWS
November weather, phenology in review Weather: Temperatures were a lot on at least two occasions only to become warmer, precipitation nearly the same ice-free. In fact, Ryan Seviola and his as last year. Average high and low friend Reid were boat fishing, jigging for temperatures were 45 and 27.7 degrees, walleyes Nov. 26. That is the latest I have respectively. ever seen boats on the lake. Last year, they were 35.7 and 23.8 On Nov. 29, warm temperatures degrees. We had our first below-zero day rendered the lake 90% ice free. Then, the Nov. 12, 2019, and ice-over on Little Rock temperature dropped, and it was 90% iceLake occurred Nov. 8, 2019. The weather over Nov. 30. The ice, for the most part, became cold fast last year. FROM THE NORTH is smooth as glass. I suspect the lake will This year, our warmest day was 73 SHORE OF LITTLE be ice covered the first week in December. degrees Nov. 3 (Oak Hills Golf Club The ice anglers are not happy campers. ROCK LAKE BY JIM HOVDA opened and was full, and St. Cloud set a What will December bring? record at 74 degrees). The coldest day was 5 degrees Nov. 13. Rich In I recorded 1.8 inches of precipitation that included FREE Shipping* & 33% OFF Vitamin C the 7.7 inches of snow. The most precipitation occurred Nov. 10 with .76 of an-inch. Last year, it was 1.33 inches that included 7.2 inches of snow. Local weather records: November can be a month of drastic change. The record cold and warm were 23 degrees below zero in 1905 and 75 degrees in 1911. A difference of 98 degrees. The most precipitation was 4.16 inches in 1922 and 25 inches of snow in 1983. Phenology: Little to report. The same winter birds are here. Blue jays, junco, red cardinal and our four Mixed Fruit Medley species of woodpeckers. Often at the suet are at least WAS $29.99 a pair of pileated woodpeckers. The open water with NOW ONLY some ice attracted numerous bald eagles. I counted seven sitting on the ice probably looking for fish. Evidently, fish like to swim next to the ice, not a good thing for the fish. No catch and release. Little Rock Lake: Drastically different than 1-833-714-2021 last year when ice-over occurred Nov. 8, 2019. Visit PittmanDavis.com/ME166 Mark Soderholm was fishing on 5 inches of ice on Only $19.99 (reg. $29.99), plus FREE Shipping.* Satisfaction completely guaranteed. Order by December 17, 2020 for GUARANTEED Christmas delivery. IC: PNVH-E166 Thanksgiving last year. * Free standard shipping to the 48 contiguous states. This year, the lake experienced 90% ice-over
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NEWS/SPORTS
Page 12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Students awarded scholarships
ST. CLOUD – Huskies Scholarships awarded Sauk Rapids residents Ben Brinkman, Carter Hammerel, Grant Hiltner, Tara Nelsen, Nicholas Olson, Maureen Schimnich, Katherine See, Martin Solland and Ryan Sweeney as well as Rice residents Brooklyn Pekarek and Michelle Skroch scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year. The students attend St. Cloud State University. Scholarship applications for the 2021-22 round of Huskies Scholarships opens in January for current and incoming SCSU students. Brinkman was awarded the Charles and Ellora Alliss Scholarship and the Earl M. Danforth Music Scholarship. Hammerel was awarded the Kopp Investment Advisors Presidential Merit Scholarship. Hiltner was awarded the Galaway Foundation Scholarship. Nelsen was awarded the Mary Beth Wedum Scholarship. Olson was awarded the SCSU Scholarship and the Charles and Ellora Alliss Scholarship. Schimnich was awarded the David and Kathryn Campbell Endowed Scholarship. See was awarded the Neil B. Thompson Memorial Scholarship, Charles and Ellora Alliss Scholarship and the SCSU Scholarship. Solland was awarded the Elloyd A. Hauser Endowed Scholarship, the Marco Inc. Professional Selling Specialization Scholarship and the Irvamae Applegate Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Sweeney was awarded the Electrical and Computer Engineering Scholarship. Pekarek was awarded the Charles and Ellora Alliss Scholarship and the SCSU Scholarship. Skroch was awarded the Calvin, Alma and Elio Gower Scholarship in History and the Charles and Ellora Alliss Scholarship.
Police Activity Report Nov. 23-29
Sauk Rapids Police Department Nov. 24, 12:50 p.m. – A resident wanted a roommate removed from an apartment on the 800 block of Benton Drive North after living with the person for three months. Officers advised the complainant that the issue was a civil matter and the roommate would need to be evicted through the court. Neither party claimed to have been assaulted or other laws were violated. Nov. 27, 3:52 p.m. – Law enforcement was dispatched to a traffic accident at the intersection of Broadway Avenue South and 12th Street South. A vehicle drove through a stop sign, striking another vehicle. Both vehicles suffered severe damage and airbag deployments. One driver was injured, with bruising and an abrasion to a leg. Vehicles were towed. Nov. 28, 9:17 p.m. – Officers were dispatched to the Benton Drive overpass of Highway 10 for a report of people throwing items off the bridge onto the roadway beneath. Officers checked the area and did not locate any people or evidence of the claim. Incidents: Administrative citations (winter parking violations) 63, miscellaneous calls 21, medical calls 16, assists 12, welfare checks 9, suspicious activity reports 6, child 5, theft reports 5, alarms 4, civil complaints 4, permits 4, escorts 3, disturbances 3, harassment 3, repossession of vehicle 3, traffic stops 3, property 2, traffic accidents 2, unwanted persons 2, warnings 2 and warrants 2.
Rice Police Department Nov. 26, 12:45 p.m. – Law enforcement observed a female hanging a sign from a county highway sign near the railroad tracks in Rice. Person explained it was a memorial for someone who was killed at the location years ago. Officer explained the memorial could be removed by the highway department as signs are not allowed to be placed on traffic signs. Incidents: Miscellaneous 11, traffic stops 5, assists 3 and child 3.
Minnesota State High School League approves winter sports proposals Three start dates selected by Return to Participation Task Force BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – With Gov. Tim Walz’s Dial Back plan in full effect, the timeline regarding the Minnesota high school winter sports season was up in the air entering the latest meeting of the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors Dec. 3. The board responded to this uncertainty with an additional degree of maneuverability, approving three separate winter sports models for the upcoming season. “The decision by the League today was a very practical approach as it takes away the guessing,” said NaDean Schroeder, activities director for Sauk RapidsRice Public Schools. “It gives us something to hope for and begin planning. Also, once we know a more solid date, based on decisions by the governor, we will be able to put more of our plans in motion.” The models were
presented by the Return to Participation Task Force. The first model is the earliest-case scenario, with a practice start date of Dec. 21 and competitions beginning Jan. 4. This plan is contingent on Walz’s pause expiring Dec. 18 without an extension of restrictions to youth and adult sports that pushed the season back in the first place. If the governor decides to extend the originally-four-week pause in the situation of a continued rise in COVID-19 positive cases, however, there are alternative models to account for that. A second proposal brought forth a practice start date of Jan. 4 and a first competition date of Jan. 18. Finally, the third calendar model would have the season begin Jan. 18, with the first games and matches getting underway Jan. 25. “With the dynamic nature of COVID-19, flexibility is going
to be critical for our programs,” said Erich Martens, executive director of the MSHSL, in a news release. “We need to remain flexible in the start of seasons and in carrying them to conclusion.” While the board completed a unanimous roll call vote in favor of the approval of the models, it is not set in stone. If the COVID-19 spikes the state saw in October and November persist into 2021, it could delay the sports past any of the proposed start dates. For now, SRR and other Minnesota high schools will take the MSHSL’s response and wait. “At this time, we welcome the opportunity to begin activities when our governing bodies feel that it is safe for our participants and coaches to return,” Schroeder said. “We have had the opportunity to keep connections between caring adults and participants through virtual means, and students are responding to these connections in a positive way.” The league did not make a decision regarding a postseason tournament for winter sports. However, they did ap-
prove a proposal for virtual state tournaments for debate and one act play, two fine arts activities. “For any activity, having a postseason opportunity is another positive experience for our participants,” Schroeder said. “Having the availability to participate online in fine art activities is an advantage for those programs during this pandemic.” Despite a baseline idea for what the upcoming sports season will look like, affected schools and officials were quick to note that a return to activities would hinge on curbing the spread of the persistent coronavirus. The hashtag #MaskUpMN gained traction on Twitter after the league’s announcement as eagerly-awaiting winter programs saw their hopes rise. “As always, we will follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Education, the governor’s office, MSHSL and county health to provide a safe experience for all,” Schroeder said.
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Benton County Truth in Taxation Public Meeting December 15, 2020 7:00 p.m. County Board Room, Foley The Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a Truth in Taxation Public Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on December 15th in the County Board Room in Foley to take public comment on the County’s proposed 2021 budget and levy. Information on the proposed budget and levy can be found on the County website (www.co.benton.mn.us) or by contacting the County Administrator’s Office at 320.968.5000. Comments can also be emailed to info@co.benton.mn.us, or US Mail to 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329. R-49-1B
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Governor orders ders four-weekk shutdown of bars, restaurantts, sports
Vol. 166, No. 33
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
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Walz also limits social gatherings to individual households BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – With a surge in infections across Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz addressed the state Wednes-
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Zach Fuecker er holds the rack of an 11-point buck he harvested Nov. 13 on private land in Rice. Fuecker said the deer er showed himself around 35-40 yards, and he was able to get a shot off ff at 50 yards.
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NEWS/PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 13
Minnesota launches coronavirus exposure app Walz calls it a ‘valuable tool’ to curb pandemic BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Minnesotans can now download a free app onto their smart devices that Gov. Tim Walz said will help solve one of the most pernicious characteristics of the novel coronavirus: asymptomatic spread. The anonymous, Bluetooth-based mobile app allows anybody who downloads it to know if they were in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. It also allows people who tested positive to notify everybody they had close contact with while still infectious, even if they do not know each other. “What we know is the most dangerous part of this disease is asymptomatic spread, especially amongst very mobile and social 18- to 25-yearolds,” Walz said as he
announced the app at a press conference Nov. 24. … “This is not contact tracing. It is not in and of itself going to stop the spread. It’s another valuable tool that will help us do that.” The application, called COVIDaware MN, is voluntary and anonymous, Walz said. It protects users’ privacy and does not collect any data from the device or user. It can be downloaded for free through the App Store or Google Play, depending on which device being used. “The app itself does not track your location or use GPS in any way,” said Tarek Tomes, commissioner of Minnesota IT Services. “It doesn’t transfer any information to the state or to anyone else related to location. It does not use your identity or share your identity with others. … It never accesses personal information on your phone, and it doesn’t require you to provide any additional information.” After downloading the app, Tomes said users should allow notifications. The app will
generate a random, privacy-protected key for a user’s phone. Instead of using GPS location technology, COVIDaware MN uses an anonymous Bluetooth connection to exchange privacyprotected keys, which is how location data stays private. The app does not know where anybody is geographically, but rather tracks a user’s proximity to other users. After a positive test, those who downloaded the app can chose to request a unique code, also anonymous, from the Minnesota Department of
Health that can be entered into the app. Anybody with the app who was within 6 feet of the confirmed positive user for longer than 15 minutes will receive a notification to their mobile device, and they are encouraged to get tested. “Knowing when we’ve been exposed to COVID-19 is a critical part of curbing the spread of COVID-19, especially as cases surge,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “This app will help Minnesotans keep themselves and their families safe.”
Public Notices CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO UPDATES TO THE CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS OFFICIAL FEE SCHEDULE & ASSESSMENT POLICY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing meeting of the Council beginning at 6:00 p.m., or shortly thereafter, on Monday, December 14, 2020, to be held in the Council Chambers at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave North, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, to discuss the updates of certain city fees in the city’s official Fee Schedule & Assessment Policy. All interested persons may appear at the December 14th public hearing and present their views orally or in writing. A copy of the fee updates may be obtained at the City’s offices. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, telephone (320) 258-5300. R-49-1B
NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: November 21, 2006 MORTGAGOR: Kevin D. Johnson, a single person and Kirk J. Paulson, a single person. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for EquiFirst Corporation its successors and assigns. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded November 30, 2006 Benton County Recorder, Document No. A344022. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Home Equity Asset Trust 2007-2 Home Equity PassThrough Certificates, Series 2007-2. Dated July 24, 2017 Recorded August 1, 2017, as Document No. A424211. TRANSACTION
AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE I D E N T I F I C AT I O N NUMBER ON M O R T G A G E : 100200100108493218 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: EquiFirst Corporation RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. M O RT G A G E D PROPERTY ADDRESS: 6248 135th Avenue Northeast, Foley, MN 56329 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 08.00402.00 L E G A L DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 31, Township 37, Range 28, Benton County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton O R I G I N A L PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $206,250.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID
BY MORTGAGEE: $228,246.69 That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: January 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within twelve (12) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07. TIME AND DATE TO
Public Notices
PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 05-PR-20-1817 NOTICE OF AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, FORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In Re: Estate of James Leander Zipp, Decedent. It is Ordered and Notice is given that on January 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. a hearing will be held in this Court at Foley, Minnesota, on a petition for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of decedent’s heirs, and for the appointment of Joseph Zipp, whose address is 5729 Spruce St., St. Cloud, MN 56303, as personal representative of the decedent’s estate in an unsupervised administration. Any objections to the petition must be raised at the hearing or filed with the
Court prior to the hearing. If the petition is proper and no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with The full power to administer the decedent’s estate, including the power to collect all assets; to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes, and expenses; to sell real and personal property; and to do all necessary acts for the decedent’s estate. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT Dated: 12/1/2020 /s/ Robert J. Raupp Judge of District Court Dated: 12/1/2020 /s/ Nicole Kampa Court Administrator Deputy Sam V. Calvert Calvert Law Office 1011 2nd ST N STE . 107 St. Cloud, MN 56303 320-252-4473 attorney for petitioner R-49-2B
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes ,Chapter 333 (1) List the exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Solutions made Simple. (2) The address of the principal place of business is: 1990 Connecticut Ave South, Sartell, MN 56377. (3) List a Mailing Address if you cannot receive mail at the principal place of business address:___________. (4) List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Medical Billing and Management Services, LLP, 1990 Connecticut Ave South, Sartell, MN 56377. (5) This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name File Number: 1047640600048 Originally filed on: 11/15/2018 (6) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. Mary Hondl, CEO 11/23/2020 R-48-2P
VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on January 19, 2022, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under Mayhew Lake Township Meeting Notice MN Stat. Secs. 580.07. The December through April Mayhew Lake Township M O RT G A G O R ( S ) RELEASED FROM monthly meetings will be held at the Jerome Moliter Shop, FINANCIAL OBLIGATION 7240 Little Rock Rd. at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. ON MORTGAGE:None Lawrence Thell Dated: November 12, 2020 Mayhew Lake Clerk U.S. Bank National R-48-2B Association, as Trustee Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee USSET, WEINGARDEN AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 38 - 20-002612 FC THIS IS A C O M M U N I C AT I O N FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-47-6B
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
DeGagne creates individualism in ice hockey New Storm boys coach unlocks potential through personality BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – When Brady DeGagne took the reins as the new head coach of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys hockey team in February, the world was entirely different. Now, the Sauk Rapids native will have to wait longer than expected to see his team in action for the first time, as the coronavirus pandemic’s ongoing effects have led to restrictive delays on Minnesota’s high school winter sports campaign. “Coming into a major program like hockey, football or baseball, it’s
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hard to find your path, let alone in a year with a global pandemic and we can’t seem to get it under control,” he said. Of course, DeGagne is used to change. It was not long ago that he was a Storm hockey player himself, having graduated from Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in 2006, but the program has seen several alterations in those 14 years. From the get-go, DeGagne is hoping to establish a culture hinging on hard work. “I don’t expect us to be the greatest hockey team in the world all the time,” DeGagne said. “I expect mistakes and I expect us to have our faults. But I
expect our players to be their absolute bests. That’s the culture I’m hoping to bring to the table, and I’m reinforcing it by my actions as well. I have to be my best for these kids every single day.” DeGagne believes his team can reach its maximum potential through what he designates as his pillars: respect, integrity, attitude and effort. Throughout his coaching career, these pillars have served as vital building blocks for success. “Respecting everything from the facilities we’re in to the opponents and officials, doing what’s right over what’s wrong, attitude and effort are the things we need out of every one of our players every time we touch the ice and enter a classroom,” DeGagne said. “You can’t enter life without a positive attitude and a certain level of effort. You work for what you want.” After all, it took a significant amount of work for DeGagne to reach this point in his journey. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, where he double-majored in exercise science and business while playing football and baseball for the Cobbers. After originally pursuing
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OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM GAMES FOR WEEK #14
PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Brady DeGagne stands inside the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm locker room Dec. 3 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. DeGagne came aboard as the boys hockey program’s head coach in February and hopes to help his team achieve their bests in what will likely be a shortened season.
a physical therapy career, he worked at the Developmental Athletic Sports Hub in Fargo, North Dakota, where he received an in-depth look at developing positive working relationships with athletes, an aspect of coaching he began to apply with his work as an assistant coach within the St. Cloud School District. “I came to be a player coach, the ‘good cop,’ so to speak,” he said. “I learned a lot from the experience we had in that coaching staff and that locker room. I was really able to focus and develop my skills on building those relationships, which launched my coaching career.” Assembling a winning team, in DeGagne’s mind, takes more than cohesiveness and teamwork. To best understand
“I never thought twice about coaching,” he said. “It progressed when I moved back to town and really fell in love with interacting with players and kids that need hockey more than hockey needs them.” So, when the Storm take to the ice weeks later than usual, DeGagne will not be rattled as a first-year head coach. His understanding of the program and his players gives him all of the confidence in the world that helming the SRR boys hockey team is the best spot he can be in. “They’re great young men, they’re dedicated, they’re committed,” he said. “They have a lot of heart, and that’s easy to work with as a coach.”
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his players, he takes the time to know them on an individual level, discovering their personalities and strengths and understanding what role on the team might suit them best. “I think my biggest strength is meeting kids where they’re at,” he said. “You don’t get success from coaching a team, you get success from coaching individuals.” Coaching the Storm was not a life route DeGagne was envisioning when he ended his playing career in the green and gold, even as his father, Jerry DeGagne, was a coach himself. However, his roots ended up making the transition from an aspiring physical therapist to a youth hockey coach rather easy, especially when he moved back to the Sauk Rapids area.
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Page 16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Twins release Eddie Rosario his hustle and penchant for making big plays in clutch situations. However, this should not have been much of a surprise. The handwriting has been on the wall for Rosario for months now. According to Kylie McDaniel of ESPN.com, Rosario was due to make
somewhere between $8.5 and $12 million this season in arbitration based on his traditional statistics (home runs, batting average, RBI, etc.). That is a big chunk of change for a player who consistently plays below-average defense (despite his strong arm) and who has neg-
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ligible plate discipline. Throughout his major league career, Rosario has swung at a whopping 42.8% of pitches outside the strike zone, which is the fifth-highest rate during that time period. That is not good. And, he was not showing signs of improving, either. Rosario’s career .310 on-base percentage is well below average and offset any benefits he created with his power. The key to this decision is the faith the Twins organization has in its next wave of outfield prospects. This decision clearly demonstrates the team’s front office feels Alex Kirilloff and Brent Rooker (and to a lesser extent, Trevor Larnach) are ready to be regular contributors at the big-league level. Both Kirilloff and Rooker will combine to
make over $1 what he was million this going to make. year, and the T h a t does not mean team can reRosario is a allocate the bad player, roughly $9however. He $10 million will be startthey will save ing in a corner on Rosario to help re-sign outfield spot COLUMNIST for someone Nelson Cruz SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER and replace this spring – their depleted just for less starting rotation and bull- money than he would have pen. made if the Twins had The Twins actively kept him at his arbitration tried to trade Rosario the value. In fact, it is entirely past couple of years with possible the Twins can neno success. He was placed gotiate with Rosario, who on outright waivers last is now a free agent, and Wednesday, which meant bring him back for someany team could claim him thing less than $8.5 miloutright if they agreed to lion. Spending money on pay his arbitrated 2020 sal- a corner outfielder is not ary. There were zero tak- a good use of the team’s ers. That indicates the in- limited free agent money dustry as the whole agreed when three of the team’s with the Twins’ valuation top prospects play those of Rosario’s contributions. positions and appear to be He simply is not worth ready to contribute. Rosario arrived in Minnesota with a literal bang, launching an opposite field home run in his first big league at-bat. He was a fixture in the team’s lineup for six seasons and played a major role in the team’s resurgence over the past two years. I was happy to cheer for Rosario throughout his tenure with Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc., the team, and if he decides a founding Distributor of Hunt Brothers® to sign elsewhere this offPizza is looking for our next season, I will not blame Team Member! him. However, the Twins are making the right deciWe are hiring for Route Delivery sion here. If Kirilloff is as positions in our St. Cloud, MN District. good as everyone thinks Ideally, candidates will have 1 to 3 years he is going to be, and this of experience in Route Delivery Service. However, knowledge and the means the Twins can reskills you bring to the role are just as important. sign Cruz and spend more money on pitching, then Candidates applying must have a clear MVR, criminal background, be able to obtain a DOT certification for a minimum of one year and live letting Rosario walk was a within 45 miles of the warehouse. Overnight travel is required with bitter pill the Twins needthis position. ed to swallow.
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Leading the
Drew Burling Senior Parents: Adam Burling, Janel Burling Accomplishment: Played a role in the Sauk Rapids-Rice musical “A Christmas Carol.”
What is your favorite part about the musical? Making inside jokes with my friends and performing in front of people. Tell us about your role in the musical. I was Poole, Mrs. Dilber, and the ghost of Christmas Future. What is the best musical you have ever been part of? “Legally Blonde.” I loved it because it was my first big role in a show, and I feel like the cast got along well and it was genuinely super fun.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Band, choir, drama, speech, marching band, jazz band, chamber choir and Project for Teens. Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? It is important for me to be in activities because I am a social person. Being in activities lets me make a lot of friends. Plus, I am a creative person, and I love anything involving the arts.
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For many Twins fans, the team’s decision Dec. 1 to not tender a contract to veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario came as a bit of a shock. Rosario has been a consistent cog in the middle of the team’s lineup since his debut in 2015, and he has always been a fan favorite due to
Leading the Storm is
Sponsored by: How do you make a difference at school? I try to be a positive person, so I enjoy cracking jokes to make people laugh, and I always try to be there for everyone. Which teacher has impacted your education most? Ms. Chollett, who was my seventh and eighth grade language arts teacher. She was the teacher who made me realize I was interested in going into education. Who has been a mentor to you? Mr. Mick has been my biggest mentor. He has given me a lot of really good advice about becoming a choir teacher, and he also has given me many opportunities to grow not only as a musician but as a person. What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song? Chicken and waffles, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” TikTok, and “Like Real People Do” by Hozier.
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The precut tree lot at Hinkemeyer tree farm is shown here in Rice. Families can choose and cut their own trees, or choose a precut tree from the lot to take home.
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, December 5, 2020
The labor of
Thiele carries on family tradition at tree farm
love
BY KAYLA ALBERS STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
The Thiele family – London (front, from left), 12, and Olivia, 8; (back, from left) Cheryl, Jaden, 14, and Randy – are the owners of Hinkemeyer Tree Farm in rural Rice. Cheryl purchased the farm from Cheryl’s parents, Floyd and Jan Hinkemeyer, eight years ago.
Because growing Christmas trees was trending at the time, Floyd decided it was what he wanted to do. He continued to plant trees until seven years later when he had his first customers, and the tree farm grew from there. Thiele and her husband,
Randy, took over the Christmas tree farm from her parents eight years ago. They now run the farm with their three kids – Jaden, 14, London, 12, and Olivia, 8. Thiele’s sister and her family are also involved with the farm during selling season. Next year, the family will
be celebrating the farm’s 50th anniversary. “It is really cool to carry on the tradition from my parents,” Thiele said. “It really brings the family together each year.” The tree farm offers a variety of Christmas trees both choose and cut and precut like
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RICE – With the holidays right around the corner, seasonal businesses are in full swing and those business owners are hopeful the communities will embrace the Christmas spirit despite all this year has brought with canceled events and COVID-19 cases rising. “Someone told me in the floral industry that they can’t cancel Christmas,” Cheryl Thiele said. “If anything, people are going to want to celebrate Christmas more, so we are expecting a busier Christmas tree season this year.” Thiele is the owner of Hinkemeyer Tree Farm in Rice. The 40-acre choose and cut tree farm opened for the season Nov. 15. Hinkemeyer Tree Farm was started in 1971 by Thiele’s parents, Floyd and Jan Hinkemeyer. Her dad had a farming background and bought 40 acres of land.
Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Balsam fir, white spruce, blue spruce, white pine, Scotch pine and Norway pine. Christmas trees grow about one foot every year, meaning growers invest years before harvest. An 8-foot tree may take over eight years for the Hinkemeyer family to grow, care for and nurture into a healthy full-grown Christmas tree. “When our product finally gets to become a Christmas tree for your family, it is realizing its destiny to bring the holiday spirit into your home,” Thiele said. “After the season, the birds and nature get to enjoy the tree while it composts back to earth. Next spring, we will plant three to four seedlings in place of each tree that is cut the season before.” A lot of work goes into growing Christmas trees for Thiele’s customers to enjoy. Not only is the family busy during the winter season when the plants are cut and sold, but also throughout the year. In the spring, they fertilize their trees and clean up last season’s crop. Then come June, they trim the trees to give them more of the typical Christmas tree shape. The year is spent maintaining the fields between the trees. “It is a labor of love,” Thiele said.
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Thieles from front
Thiele and her family spend time working on the tree farm year-round, but the busiest season is their selling season from November to December. In addition to trees, the farm business sells unique handcrafted greenery that Thiele and her family create in New Prague. “We work really hard at making beautiful products that are fresh so we can make them available for our customers,” Thiele said. “It is really a form of art to work with evergreen branches and make them look how you want them to.” They offer a variety of greenery such as wreaths and seasonal planters, and they have a gift shop
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
A campfire burns at Hinkemeyer Tree Farm for families to warm up after hunting for their perfect tree. The farm offers choose and cut and precut trees.
filled with seasonal décor for added holiday cheer. Due to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Hinkemeyer Tree Farm has added a delivery service option where customers can choose a tree and have it delivered, or they can have their tree chosen for them and delivered.
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The Hinkemeyer Tree Farm sign welcomes families onto the choose and cut Christmas
The intentions of this tree farm in rural Rice. The Thiele family grows Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Balsam fir, white way of business is to spruce, blue spruce, white pine, Scotch pine and Norway pine. encourage customers to take in the holiday season without the added risk of contracting the virus. With the holiday season underway, Thiele looks forward to connecting with her customers again. She wants the tree farm to be a place where her customers can come feel joy and escape for a sense of normalcy. “This is why we work all year growing trees,” Thiele said. “Because we get to see our customers again and be together as a family.”
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A gift shop is filled with holiday décor at Hinkemeyer Tree Farm in Rice. The merchandise complements the holiday greenery retail customers purchase at the farm.
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Suicide in farm country: How to help those who grieve
Expert says how we respond can prevent more deaths BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
bankers and store clerks – feels the loss, whether it had been 20 minutes Why? or 20 years since they It is a question that last spoke to that person, lingers in the minds of according to Reidenberg, those who were close who is the executive to someone who took director of Suicide their own life; a question Awareness Voices of rooted in guilt and Education, or SAVE, a denial, fear and anger, nonprofit resource for shame and stigma. And those affected by suicide. it is a question people “Lots and lots of have had to ask in central people are either directly Minnesota, where or indirectly affected deaths by suicide have by someone lost to shaken small, tight-knit suicide,” Reidenberg communities. said. “Suicide R u r a l survivors residents are all of us, have a higher and they’re likelihood everywhere.” of dying by While suicide than many people FILE PHOTO people in share the Farmers are among those most likely to take their own lives, according to a study by the Centers of Disease Control urban areas, h e a r t a c h e , and Prevention in January 2019. Dr. Dan Reidenberg said it is important for rural communities to understand the according to they do not grief associated with suicide in order to prevent additional deaths. the Minnesota deal with it Depa rt m e n t how people respond to “Everybody knows Reidenberg said as time the home is where most the same. o f “Suicide it, Reidenberg said. Such you,” Reidenberg said. goes on, community people die by suicide, Agriculture, affects all is the case for people “They all know what members are unsure if according to Reidenberg. bereavement w h i c h Suicide in rural communities, happened.” they should bring the “On a farm, your of us very presenter, sponsored an Dr. Dan Reidenberg differently,” where anonymity is Yet despite the topic up. home is your business,” online session After a loved one he said. “You can’t get R e i d e n b e rg impossible, access to in- widespread knowledge Dec. 1 about person support groups is of the event, support dies by suicide, survivors away from it.” said. suicide bereavement Physical distance in Geography not only lacking and people are can be intermittent in a in rural communities also in agricultural plays a role in how a talking about it all over small town, especially find it difficult to escape rural areas can intensify communities. months down the road. the trauma. In or near grief, Reidenberg said. suicide is grieved, but town. F a r m e r s , “It may hurt more specifically, are among on a farm because you the most likely to take are more isolated and their own life, compared less connected,” he said. with other occupations, “There’s this sense of Suicide grief often manifests itself in the form of guilt, denial, fear and anger. Dan found a January study by isolation that, who can Reidenberg, a Minnesota-based suicide prevention expert explains these emotions and how the Centers for Disease you talk to that will be they are different from universal stages of grief. Control and Prevention. able to understand you?” More than 450 During his hourGuilt Fear farmers died by suicide long presentation, Guilt is a predominant outcome of suicide. Survivors tend to fear they may also die by across nine Midwestern Reidenberg talked about “Survivors are left behind to try to make sense suicide or they will lose other family members to states from 2014 to 2018, how grieving in the of this,” Reidenberg said. “Our brains are wired to suicide. according to presenter wake of suicide differs try to understand it and fit what happened. But, “If a spouse loses a partner to suicide, they Dan Reidenberg, a from other types of in fact, most of the time, we can’t.” worry their child might die,” Reidenberg said. Minnesota-based suicide grief. He suggested eight Suicide loss survivors, he said, often feel “If they lose one child, and they have two other prevention expert. ways people from rural guilty for missing the warning signs or for not children left, they oftentimes become helicopter Meanwhile, calls to the communities can support knowing them. Some feel guilty the first time parents because they’re so worried about losing Farm Aid Crisis Hotline people who have lost they laugh after a death or for moving forward another child.” and National Suicide someone to suicide: without that person. Another fear, which can contribute to Prevention Lifeline are – Give people Parents of suicide victims sometimes hold panic and anxiety attacks, is what people in soaring. permission to grieve. themselves responsible and feel they were not a the community may think of them – will others Faced with mounting – Do not make good parent, Reidenberg said. Children of suicide question if they did something wrong or missed debt, falling prices and statements such as victims may also feel the death is their fault. something? an uncertain future, “You’re young, you will farmers are experiencing remarry” or “They are Denial Anger severe stress, especially better off now.” Denial exists in the grieving of all types of A death by suicide can cause survivors to feel those who feel pressured – Know the facts death, but it is different with suicide, Reidenberg anger toward the person who died. to keep the farm in about suicide. said. “Having a sense of anger at the person who the family for future – Be OK with There is denial before a suicide. (They would passed is not common for other types of death,” generations. complex grieving never do that. They’d never leave their kids. Reidenberg said. For some, the burden processes. They’d never leave their parents.) He said people do not get mad at others for is too heavy to bear. – Listen and be there. There is also denial afterward. (I can’t believe dying of cancer or heart disease or diabetes, but In the country, where – Do not judge, do that they did this to us. I knew he was depressed, because the person took their own life, anger can everybody knows each not blame. but I didn’t know he was that depressed. It be a prominent emotion. Spouses and parents other, news travels fast. – Know about couldn’t be suicide. He wasn’t really struggling may also have anger due to lost dreams and all Personal connections community supports, that much.) the milestones the person who died is going to to those who have died groups, therapists and Following a suicide, some families try to miss, he said. span communities and other resources that can cover up the true cause of death, Reidenberg That anger, in turn, leads to blaming oneself generations. Everyone – help. said, because they are so in denial about what and others, according to Reidenberg. from spouses, children took place. Grief page 5B and siblings to neighbors,
Emotions associated with suicide grief
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Grief
from page 4B – Help them, and you, be OK with not knowing why. How people respond to a suicide can actually prevent additional deaths, according to Reidenberg, who explained that survivors of people who die by suicide are prone to their own suicidal behavior and other mental health issues often triggered by feelings of guilt and shame. “Taking care of people that have been impacted and affected by suicide is a difference as to whether or not other mental health issues come about and whether or not other suicides occur,” he said. People other than family can help suicide loss survivors. For survivors of a farmer, for instance, that support system could include an ag lender or person working at a diner or gas station or local feed mill, Reidenberg said. “We need to find ways to stay connected to those people in rural communities,” he said. Time does not heal these wounds, and there is no closure, Reidenberg said. But when surrounded by people who allow them to grieve, in their own time, and who listen, without judgement or blame, suicide loss survivors can put their lives back together and carry on. “We know that it’s possible to survive a loss,” he said. “It’s messy, it’s hard, it seems to take forever, but it can be done.” Suicide grief is different No two people grieve the same way, with the same intensity or for the same amount of time. That is especially true of survivors of people who die by suicide compared with other manners of death, Reidenberg said. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other mental health disorders can affect anyone grieving a death, no matter the cause. Survivors of suicide, however, are subjected to higher levels of rejection, shame, blame and stigma, and they sometimes feel a need to conceal the cause of death, according to the presentation. Suicide is different from other manners of death in that most people who die are physically well.
That, coupled with the condition in which they are found deceased, is difficult for survivors to process, Reidenberg said. Most suicides occur in or near the person’s home, and most are discovered by family members. “This is incredibly traumatic,” he said. Flashbacks occur frequently, especially for family members who continue living where the suicide occurred. Physical reactions to grief may include panic attacks, sleep and eating disturbances, memory and concentration problems, dreams about the person being alive or being rescued, and moments of forgetting they are gone. How close a survivor was to the person who died can impact the severity of these reactions. Conversely, if the survivor had a strained relationship with the person at the time of their death, they may take the loss hard. The role a person who died by suicide played in a survivor’s life also impacts grief. “We may not have seen somebody in 20 years, but they had a big impact on us, and if we learn they died by suicide, it’s very, very traumatic for us,” Reidenberg said. “We might have seen them as a mentor early on in our life and could never imagine this is how they would have died.” Another reason people grieve differently is because the circumstances by which someone died are different, Reidenberg said. “Once people learn it was a suicide death, there’s almost this immediate question of how? What did they do to die by suicide?” The curiosity that is human nature can have consequences on our emotions. “They search for these answers, and if they find them, it can be very traumatic to think that somebody you cared about or you knew or looked up to died in that manner,” he said. Past experiences dealing with death, previous mental health history, family background and past and current support systems are other factors that contribute to why suicide loss survivors grieve differently. “A lot depends on support systems,” Reidenberg said. “In rural communities, that’s harder in many ways than urban cities because we
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 5B
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline 833-600-2670 Farm Aid Crisis Hotline 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line Text “MN” to 741741 Central Minnesota Crisis Response Team – Serving Benton County Crisis services: 320-253-5555 Mental Health Crisis Response Line: 800-635-8008 don’t connect as much, and we’re physically distant from people.” The intensity of grief changes over time, ebbs and flows, according to Reidenberg. Some suicide survivors grieve hard immediately following the death, while for others, the anguish comes later, on an anniversary or missed event such as a graduation ceremony if it was a young person. Some suicide loss survivors have said they received an outpouring of support immediately following the death, but then it went away. Sometimes, survivors need the most support later on, after the sympathy cards have been opened and the services are over. “The grief continues long beyond (the initial shock), when nobody else is showing up, being available,” Reidenberg said. How to help survivors of suicide loss Suicide survivors live with unanswered questions, which may prolong their grief. They need supportive people who will give them permission to grieve without a time limit. Studies have shown, Reidenberg said, suicides are the hardest to cope with the second
and third year after the loss occurs. Acknowledge their guilt, but assure them the death is not their fault, Reidenberg said. “Help them understand that we know that if they could have done something, they would’ve,” he said. “Reminding them of that makes a big difference in their guilt.” It is not our job to look forward for them, so be mindful of your language around suicide loss survivors, Reidenberg said. If someone of childbearing age loses a child to suicide, do not tell them they can have more children. “That’s very hard to hear if you’ve just lost someone to suicide,” Reidenberg said. And do not tell someone who has lost a spouse that they can remarry, he said. Instead, say, “I’m sorry for your loss,” “I’m hurting for you,” and “How can I help you?” People should also avoid saying someone “committed suicide,” as it implies the act was a crime. Instead, say “died by suicide.” Know the facts about suicide and have a general understanding of the science behind it, Reidenberg said.
“We know that people that are doing well in life are not dying by suicide,” he said. “Something is going on that is leading to this, so know something about that. Being able to talk about that with someone going through a loss gives them a comfort but also educates them in a time that is overwhelming for them.” Reidenberg said the most important thing a person can do for someone grieving the loss of a suicide is listen. Oftentimes, this is better than trying to offer an explanation, justification or messages of hope. “We tend to want to try to fix when somebody is hurting,” Reidenberg said. “Sometimes the best way to help someone who is hurting is to just be there.” If you want to help a suicide survivor, do not judge or blame them, Reidenberg said. “It’s not their fault,” he said. “There shouldn’t be this sense of guilt they have. They feel it, and we need to validate that for them but help them understand that it wasn’t their fault.” People do not die by suicide to hurt anyone, Reidenberg acknowledged. “Help people
understand that,” he said. “Don’t judge them for losing somebody because of this method of death.” Helping survivors find credible resources to help them through their grief is helpful, Reidenberg said, because many people, especially those in rural communities, do not know where to find them. Finally, help suicide survivors, and yourself, be OK with not knowing why someone ended their life. “This ‘why’ question is going to linger forever,” he said. “We’re never going to know why someone died by suicide and why it happened in that moment in time or in that way.” He suggested telling people it is OK not to know why. “It’s OK to still grieve and it’s OK to still be sad and it’s OK to still hurt,” he said. “It’s OK to be all of the things you’re feeling right now and still not know why.” Bereavement during a pandemic When it comes to grieving a suicide amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone is tapped out in their emotions, the sense of isolation may be even greater, Reidenberg noted. He urged people to ensure suicide losses are not overshadowed by COVID-19 deaths. “We need to give the same amount of grief and loss and bereavement time to somebody who died by suicide in the pandemic, as we would in any other time,” he said. While many inperson services are on pause, counseling and support groups can be accessed online by visiting Alliance of Hope, a website for suicide loss survivors, at FILE PHOTO allianceofhope.org/findWhen people lose loved ones to suicide, community members can help them through support. the grieving process by listening and not casting judgement. Knowing how to access support groups is also beneficial.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | Page 7B
A woodland steward
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Stanley Musielewicz pauses for a photo at the entrance to his land which is a certified tree farm through the American Forest Foundation.
The 80-acre property is where the Musielewiczes live. About three-fifths of the land is low-ground swamp and home to willow brush, cattails and sedges. The upland features the house, and south of the house there are
12 or so acres of pine plantation created by the land owner before him. Farther out, there is native woodland with aspen, oak, maple and basswood.
BA5-1B-DP
for them; wildlife love them and they’re just a gorgeous thing.” The other day in his woods, he flushed 10 or more woodcock, which thrive in young woods and dense, thick growth. He has photographed a rare northern saw-whet owl, and many other species on his property. More than anything though, Musielewicz wants land owners to have healthy trees and healthy woods. To create that, he said, diseased and distressed trees and over-crowded trees need to be removed. Properly harvesting trees, and planning for their replacement, is essential to creating not only sources of oxygen, but a healthy woods that is resistant to insect and disease infestations that can wipe out entire areas of woods that aren’t properly maintained. As a land owner, Musielewicz has 80 acres outside Little Falls and an additional 100 acres near Cushing. Both properties are covered by woodland stewardship plans.
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Steward page 8B
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LITTLE FALLS – Seedlings push through the dead-looking, sawduststrewn ground and reach toward the blue sky. Though the clear-cut section of woods looks as though a bomb went off, as Stanley Musielewicz’s wife, Geri, describes it, the absolute and utter devastation is key to creating healthy woods in the long-term. Stanley Musielewicz is a woodland stewardship plan writer certified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He not only has his own woodland farms as part of his business, Wolftree Enterprises, but he helps others write plans that foster the healthy growth of trees for decades to come. He assists land owners with a plan that recommends management activities for optimal growth of their trees, and coordinates the timber harvest when the time comes. “I just love woods,” Musielewicz said. “I think trees are God’s most beautiful creation on this planet and there are so many uses
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Page 8B | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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from page 7B In January 2019, Musielewicz coordinated with a logging company who came out to harvest 200 cords of aspen and 50 cords of pine from the property – 19 semi loads of timber. Musielewicz even knows where it went. Much of it, he said, went 2 miles from his house to Mala Mills and was shaved into barn bedding for poultry barns and some dairy farms. Another common use for aspen is for it to go to a pulp mill; the closest, he said, is in Cloquet. The good quality aspen and larger-diameter pine from his land went to local saw mills and was likely turned into pallet material to make pallets for shipping. Now, two growing seasons later, he has a lot of new aspen growing on the property; the pine was just thinned down to allow for proper growth of the trees. In another 10 to 12 years, he plans to do another pine thinning and then, a thinning or two after that, a final harvest before the area is replanted. In the 17 years Musielewicz has lived on the property, he has planted some 4,000 pine tree seedlings, by hand, opening up a slit of the earth and placing the trees in the ground. They require almost no maintenance, though he does occasionally remove the weeds near the seedlings so they can get their best start. Though Musielewicz said the clear-cut aspen area was not pretty after the harvest, he knows it is what is best for the woods. “It was mature, some of it was over-mature and going backward, declining in quality,” he said.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Following the clear-cut aspen harvest, Stanley Musielewicz’s property was “devastated.” However, the experienced forester knows the harvest is crucial to managing a healthy woods in the long-term.
Musielewicz marked every third pine row that had to be removed with orange paint. He did not need to mark each aspen tree but instead marked the boundary of the area of land to be cleared. The trees were harvested in January so the machinery could make it across the watery low-land areas. “Timber is a crop just like corn, oats, soybean,” he said. “It’s not going to get better or much bigger; if you don’t harvest and get a new crop going, you’re sacrificing quality timber out there. New, young growing woods is a better wildlife habitat and it sequesters more carbon than an older, mature woods.” Aspen naturally regenerate themselves from the roots (root suckering) of the mature tree underneath the soil’s surface. Already, he said, some of the trees are 12 feet tall, though on average, they are around 8 feet and thick enough that a person can barely walk through them. Through the years, Musielewicz has written close to 200 woodland stewardship plans for clients in Morrison, Todd, Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties. The plan not only manages the land, but it is the first step in becoming a certified tree farm through the American Tree Farm System, a program of the American Forest Foun-
dation. Musielewicz does the plan writing part-time, he is retired from a 33-year career with the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service. The stewardship plans he writes outline timber volume, the site index of main tree species, the watershed, soils on the land, topography, areas of natural significance as identified by the DNR, threatened and endangered species, archeological and historical sites as identified by the DNR and recommendations on what species of trees (or other cover) would grow best on that specific site. Landowners get a full report that outlines high, medium and low priorities for the property, as well as way to enhance the property such as adding food plots or introducing native grasses. The woodland stewardship plans typically run 15-30 pages and are accompanied by a 220-page manual from the DNR which covers timber harvesting, tree species and site index information. Some plans call for harvesting of timber while others do not. For clients who are ready for a timber harvest, Musielewicz manages the process through Wolftree Enterprises. He contacts a logging company and sets up the timber sale. He writes timber contracts on behalf of the landowner, hand-marks all the timber to be harvested, works with
the landowners to ensure they are satisfied, tallies the wood and makes sure the landowner is paid properly. Musielewicz credits Geri with proofreading the plans and handling all the clerical work on his behalf. Once the plan is written, he recommends clients get into their property every couple of years to look for invasive species such as buckthorn and look for diseases and bug infestations. Plans are good for 10 years, and Musielewicz has written so many through the years that he is now going back to re-visit properties he wrote plans for a decade ago. Landowners who opt to create a woodland stewardship plan receive a property tax break from the government, it is an incentive to manage the land properly and professionally with the help of a forester, Musielewicz said. “The idea is to keep the woods healthy and keep it growing the right way,” Musielewicz said. “People just don’t understand when their woods are too crowded, (the trees) get rot in them, they’re over-mature. As a forester, I can see and understand when a tree is not as healthy as it should be.” One of his favorite sayings: “You can love your trees, just don’t love them to death.”
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