Sauk Rapids Herald - December 9, 2023 by Star Publications

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Vol. 169, No. 36

County gets down to business with airport appointment Johnson selected to replace Hunstiger on governing authority

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Benton County commissioners decided on a business approach when replacing Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger on the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board. Hunstiger is resigning from the board Dec. 31. During a Nov. 21 meeting, the board appointed business owner Kevin Johnson to serve a term ending June 30, 2026. Johnson is president and CEO of K Johnson Construction, a Sauk Rapids-based, family-owned company specializing in commercial concrete and masonry.

Airport page 2

Christmas

intention

Rice family helps Anna Marie’s Alliance while raising children to be community supporters PHOTO SUBMITTED

BY MAURA WENNER | STAFF WRITER

Pam Bjerke and her 5-year-old daughters, Abigail (left) and Grace, make a donation of toys to Anna Marie’s Alliance. The Rice family has donated items to the women’s and children’s shelter and advocacy nonprofi fit since i the h girls il first birthday.

With the Christmas season comes different traditions and activities many look forward to each year. It also holds opportunities to contribute to the community through volunteer work and donations. The Bjerkes, a family from Rice, are choosing to bring the Christmas spirit into Anna Marie’s Alliance, a non-pro t organization in St. Cloud that assists women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Pam Bjerke began her involvement with the shelter six years ago.

Bjerkes page 2

Sgt. Sprinkles reporting for duty Elf on the Shelf joins sheriff ’s office BY HANS LAMMEMAN | STAFF WRITER

Since joining the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce in late November, Sgt. Sprinkles, the agency’s latest recruit, has quickly amassed a substantial social media following and effectively spread Christmas spirit. Public safety dispatcher Lindsey Galvin, Sprinkles’ commanding of cer, said the Elf on the Shelf has exceeded expectations during his rst holiday season with the sheriff’s of ce.

Sgt. Sprinkles page 3 PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Public safety dispatcher Lindsey Galvin and Sgt. Sprinkles gather around a Christmas tree Dec. 5 in the Benton County Sheriff ’s Office dispatch center. Sgt. Sprinkles has attracted significant attention to the BCSO Facebook page since late November.

PUBLIC NOTICES The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

• Mortgage Foreclosure (2) - pg. 9 • Mayhew Lake Township Meeting Notice - pg. 15 • Minden Township Notice of Filing - pg. 9 • Watab Township Notice of Filing - pg. 15

• City of Sauk Rapids Public Notices (2)- pg. 15 • Langola Township Notice to Residents - pg. 9 • MN DOT Ad for Bids - pg. 15 • Benton County Financial Statement for 2022 pg. 12, 13, 14 and 15

OBITUARIES Steven M. Herman Gerald M. Schlichting Robert W. Wheeler

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Page 2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

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“I am the chief HR (human resources) of cer for Stearns Bank,” Bjerke said. “At that time, my team wanted to do something for the community.” Bjerke suggested the possibility of helping Anna Marie’s Alliance. “That led into my rst volunteering there,” Bjerke said. “Our team did a sponsorship for Mother’s Day that year. We bought gifts for mothers.” Soon, Bjerke could be found in the storage room organizing donations. Anna Marie’s Alliance later asked if she would take a board seat where she has remained for the past two years. During this time, not only has Bjerke dedicated time to the organization, but her family has too. “The rst donation our family did was when my two girls turned 1,” Bjerke said. “We asked people to bring diapers, formula, baby related items to their birthday party. Then we donated those items.” Now the girls — Grace and Abigail — are 5 years old. Each holiday season they have made a special donation together. “This year, we went on a couple different shopping trips where they picked out toys while understanding some kids may not have presents that they would expect under a tree,” Bjerke said. “We think this is a great way to teach a life lesson to the girls and help them start to learn how they can be community supporters even at a young age.” To complete the experience, the Bjerkes dropped off the items together, so the girls could see where people are stay-

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More than a shelter

A look into Anna Marie’s Alliance BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER

Since 1979, Anna Marie’s Alliance has been known for assisting women and children of domestic violence. Known widely as a shelter, the organization offers assistance through other avenues as well. “They provide advocacy for survivors to help with court protection orders and support with medical care,” said Pam Bjerke, of Rice. “They are also advocating with the government to work on legislature helping protect domestic violence survivors.” In addition to the women they serve, Anna Marie’s Alliance works with 2,000 kids in the are school systems each year, teaching about healthy relationships and what they look like from within their homes to beginning their own, Bjerke said. “All of the pieces are impactful in how this organization helps the community,” Bjerke said. “It is fun to share with people different ways that they are more than a shelter.” Being part of the Coming Home, the Final Phase of the Building Hope Campaign, which is focused on renovation at Anna Marie’s Alliance, has given Bjerke many opportunities to share and advocate. The renovation plans include revamping the office space in the building, updating the dining area and creating a large addition for mothers and children to stay in. “Right now, they live in a dormitory ing for warmth and safety, Bjerke said. “Doing that with them this year made the donation a fun and rewarding experience,” Bjerke said. “This year I started the year leading the Coming Home, the phase of the Building Hope capital campaign which is the third phase of a campaign focused on providing a renovated space at the shelter.” Offering her time is the most critical piece of her work with Anna Marie’s Alliance, Bjerke said. “Not only going to monthly board meetings, but spending time connecting with community leaders and attending events that support Anna Marie’s Alliance is important to provide advocacy and visibility,” Bjerke said. Together Bjerke and her husband, Ryan, are also nancial supporters of the organization. “It’s important for people in the community to understand it doesn’t take really large amounts of money all at one time to make an impact,” Bjerke said. “At Stearns

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The St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board is a volunteer nine-member board established as the airport transitions from being city-owned to an airport authority of three counties: Benton, Sherburne and Stearns. It acts in a review, advisory and decision-making capacity regarding airport operation and construction. Each government entity in the tri-county area appoints two members to serve on the airport authority commission. In addition, one commissioner is appointed by mutual agreement of the four entities. Benton County Commissioners Steve Heinen and Ed Popp addressed the pending airport authority board vacancy Nov. 21. During discussion, they recapped recruitment efforts to nd a replacement nominee for Hunstiger. Heinen said he spent two months doing research and talking to Hunstiger about what type of person would best ll the position. He also called John Quade, Benton County’s other airport board representative. “Both said we didn’t need anyone involved with airports,” Heinen said, referring to candidates heavy with aviation experience. “They wanted an area business owner who has very strong business qualities.” Heinen said Popp and he continued to talk. Their recommendation was naming Johson as an appointee. “Kevin Johnson has a good handle on everything in Benton County and would be a really good candidate,” Popp said. County administrator Montgomery Headley said as a new appointee, Johnson could serve two additional three-year terms on the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board. Heinen said he contacted Johnson about the proposed appointment and its meeting requirements. “He did research about the airport authority, and the time commitment,” Heinen said. “He’s ne with it.” Heinen made a motion, seconded by Popp, to appoint Johnson to ll Hunstiger’s unexpired term. Other commissioners unanimously agreed with Johnson’s appointment to the airport authority board.

Grace Bjerke

Airport from front

style setting,” Bjerke said. “They share bathrooms, living spaces with each other and other families.” The renovation will create a more efficient style of living, by creating apartments, Bjerke said. “This way those who are staying will be able to have a true family-type living situation, which will provide a better opportunity to have a healthy transition to an apartment or home when they leave.” While the renovation plan started with a $2.5 million fundraising goal, they have now surpassed it and are on their way to a $3.25 million stretch goal. “We had our final donation to match and meet our goal in July and then achieved it in November,” Bjerke said. “Currently we are just shy of $2.7 million.” The plan is to begin building during early 2024. “I would say my favorite memory from it all was reaching our $2.5 million goal midway through 2023 and partnering with such talented individuals,” Bjerke said. “There are some incredible community leaders, who are very philanthropic, and being able to achieve that goal in a short period of time was absolutely delightful.” Donations toward the project are being matched and other opportunities to contribute are listed on the nonprofit’s website, Bjerke said. “It is a wonderful way to give back during the holiday season,” she said.

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and dear to my heart to continue to nd ways to provide women that helping hand in making a transition from a life with violence to one with independence, freedom, joy and safety.” Looking at the statistics of how many individBank, we do payroll deuals — women, children ductions for Anna Marie’s. and men — are impacted When you break it down by domestic violence like that, it makes it more pushed Bjerke even more achievable instead of one to offer help, she said. big check.” “It’s devastating to While there are a va- see the statistics,” Bjerke riety of organizations in said. “This is something the community who are in that touches every socioneed of help, Bjerke chose economic level, gender Anna Marie’s Alliance and race. We need to be in because of her own expe- intentional with where we riences. spend our time and re“I am a survivor sources in the community. of domestic violence,” This one for me, can bring Bjerke said. “So, it is near about lasting change.”

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | Page 3

NEWS

What’s H A P P E N I N G

Sgt. Sprinkles

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Holly Jolly Holiday. Hosted by Miss Sauk Rapids royalty. Coloring contest, kids bingo, silent auction, face painting and more. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids.

from front Within two weeks of his rst appearance on the BCSO Facebook page, the posts featuring Sgt. Sprinkles have garnered hundreds of likes, several dozen shares and an in ux of comments. Sgt. Sprinkles appears in a new spot with each post: hidden in the dispatch center’s Christmas tree, riding ornaments and sitting atop dispatchers’ desks. Like all elves on shelves, Galvin said, Sgt. Sprinkles is gathering information to report to Santa Claus at the North Pole. “Shortly after Thanksgiving, he showed up and has been here ever since,” Galvin said. “This is the rst year we have had an Elf on the Shelf at Benton County. It was an idea brought to me by a sergeant whose wife had an extra Elf on the Shelf. She asked if we wanted that Elf on the Shelf to come and adventure around Benton County.” Julia Fraley, BCSO emergency communications center director, said Sgt. Sprinkles serves the vital role of growing the agency’s social media presence. A more far-reaching following on the internet, she said, could prove critical in spreading crucial information to community members. “For any law enforcement agency, social media is an important outlet,” Farley said. “We can have fun with it, but we also use all the social media platforms to get out some very important information or emergency information. It hits a broad demographic, and we use all the platforms.” Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck said the of ce uses social

media as a tool to share information and crime prevention messages. Heck said Sgt. Sprinkles has been an effective method of building an online audience. “I am not surprised by the popularity of Sgt. Sprinkles,” Heck said. “These posts connect with our audience because they are positive, creative, and fun. Lindsey’s creativity and personality show through in these posts, and her contributions are routinely well received by our audience.” Galvin has brought her love of Christmas into the BCSO dispatch of ce since she joined the team about ve years ago. She puts up a Christmas tree each year, adorns it with

Saturday, Dec. 9 — Third annual Jingle & Mingle Winter Celebration. Events happening throughout the day. Artisan market, horse-drawn wagons rides, llamas, carolers, historical museum tours, living Nativity, meat raf e and lighted parade at 5 p.m. Downtown Sauk Rapids. Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:30-11 a.m. — SCSU Saturday Storytime. St. Cloud State University education students present stories, songs and movement activities geared toward ages 3-6 but all are welcome. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sgt. Sprinkles rides a snowflake ornament in the Benton County Sheriff ’s Office dispatch center Dec. 4 in Foley. Public safety dispatcher Lindsey Galvin said elves on shelves may lose their Christmas magic if touched by humans.

ornaments and hangs decorations from the

center’s ceiling. About three years ago, Galvin joined the BCSO social media team. She said this allowed her to be creative and express herself while on the clock. “I have a background in marketing prior to getting into law enforcement, and I did a lot of social media for my previous jobs,” Galvin said. “I thought it (joining the BCSO social media team) was a really good opportunity for me to have a little bit more fun day-to-day because what we do is pretty high-stress.” With Sgt. Sprinkles receiving an unanimously positive performance review from his BCSO colleagues, Galvin said it is likely he will return in future years. “Santa and I have a pretty good understanding that Sgt. Sprinkles PHOTO SUBMITTED might show up on a Sgt. Sprinkles pokes his head out from the Benton County yearly basis, or he might Sheriff ’s Office dispatch center Christmas Tree Nov. 29. send one of the other This photo and several others received positive feedback elves whose names we from BCSO social media followers. don’t know yet.”

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Saturday, Dec. 9, 3-4 p.m. — Chris Ward Concert. Listen to harpest Chris Ward performing festive tunes, from ancient to modern, secular to sacred. For all ages. Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Monday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. — Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road NE, Sauk Rapids. Monday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. — Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Monday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. — Rice American Legion Post 473 Meeting. Legion meets the second Monday of each month. Pine Country Bank Community Room, 750 County Road 21, Rice. Monday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. — Rice American Legion Auxiliary Unit 473 Meeting. Auxiliary meets the second Monday of each month. American Legion Post 473, 80 N. Division St., Rice. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to noon — Living Waters Lutheran Church Food Shelf Distribution. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. If in need of emergency food assistance, call 320-255-1135. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Exercise Tuesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Call 320-393-4467 for more information. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. — Sauk Rapids Lions Membership Meeting. Second Tuesday of every month. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids.

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Page 4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS Herald on the streets:

What’s happening from page 3

“What is your go-to last-minute Christmas present? ”

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m. — St. Cloud Area Singing Saints Men’s Acapella Chorus Practice. Meets every Tuesday. New participants welcome. Good Shepherd Community Chapel, 325 11th St. N., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. — Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m. — Between the Covers Book Discussion. Discuss the graphic novel, “Sheets” by Brenna Thummler. For adults and teens. Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Alex Ventrelli, Sauk Rapids “Probably a gift card. It is simple and fast. Everybody can use a gift card. It would probably be Amazon or Scheels; those are the easiest.”

Amber Konietzko, Sauk Rapids “I go to Target for anything you can find really; they just have so much. (In the past), I had to get a gift for my grandma, so I went to the cooking aisle and got some things.”

Thursday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Preschoolers Play and Learn Workshop. Activities designed for ages 1-5. No registration but room limits may be enforced. Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Thursday, Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m. — Career Force. Job searching services include resume reviews, interest assessments, career exploration and other job assistance. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Caleb Saunby, Sauk Rapids “When you go to Walmart, you can get those little gift kits that are like $10. Anything with a coffee mug, some cocoa, chocolate, Ghirardelli … whatever.”

Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. — Sauk Rapids Legion Post 254 Monthly Meeting. Legion meets the second Thursday of each month at the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting. Meets weekly. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. NW, Rice. For more information, call 320-293-9213. Thursday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m. — Al-Anon Meeting. Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics. Meets weekly. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Bradley Wetter, Waite Park “Christmas cookies (because) they are a good part of the Christmas season. I usually give thumbprints or the peanut butter kisses ones.”

Joy Chall, Sauk Rapids “A gift certificate to a good restaurant. I would do (Cafe) Renaissance or Coyote Moon (Grille). This is giving them a good experience.”

Paul Neumann, Sartell “I would say shoes because everybody needs shoes to walk the walk of life, whether it be shoes or slippers — just things to cover your feet.”

Saturday, Dec. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Paws to Read. For ages 4 to 12. Certi ed therapy animals will be on hand to listen as you read a story. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Brynn Molitor, Sauk Rapids “I would say gift cards — that’s obviously the best. Starbucks for all high schoolers and females. (Otherwise) Visa gift cards, Target gift cards, kind of anywhere because then they can get whatever you want.”

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | Page 5

OBITUARIES Gerald M. Schlichting Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Gerald “Gary” Schlichting, age 81, who passed away Nov. 30, 2023, at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach of ciated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation was Tuesday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services at the church Wednesday. There was a prayer service by the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 on Tuesday at the funeral home. Gerald Mathew Schlichting was born Sept. 20, 1942, in Sauk Rapids to Edward and Harriet (Janochowski) Schlichting Sr. He

Gerald M. Schlichting proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. Gary married Bonita “Bonnie” Beckers on May 29, 1965, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. He worked as a meat cutter for Cash Wise and Appert’s Foodservice for over 40 years. Gary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 where he served

as commander and gambling manager. He enjoyed hunting and shing with his brothers, playing softball for the Braves, and spending time with his family. Gary was a hard-worker, dedicated to his family, was always there for everyone, and was a jack of all trades. He was very content and grateful for everything around him. Gary is survived by his wife Bonnie of Sauk Rapids; daughters Desiree (Jim) Spoden of Sauk Rapids, Tina Lee Schlichting (Sandy Caviani) of Sauk Rapids and Kimberly (Christopher) Butler of Seattle, Washington; siblings, Dennis “Jock” (Marguerite) Schlichting, Ronald (Donna) Schlichting,

Kathy (Al) Eiynck, Edward Schlichting Jr., Robert (Janet) Schlichting, Steve (Carol) Schlichting, John (Mary) Schlichting and Joann Anderson; and grandchildren Mathew, Carly, Nicholas, Sophie and John Paul. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother George Schlichting; sister Mary Schlichting; and sisters-inlaw Yvonne and Linda. The family would like to thank the hospice staff and Home Base Primary Care staff at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center for the excellent care given to Gary. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com.

Fiscal policy revision to improve key emergency service County social workers can check out credit card for foster care purchases BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

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Benton County has revised a scal policy governing credit cards used by child protection workers. Commissioners decided Nov. 21 to allow oncall social workers to take a credit card off county premises. County administrator Montgomery Headley said Benton County Human Services child protection unit employees have been using personal credit Steven M. Herman hunting, making shing Rapids, Vince of Sartell, cards for emergency foster care placement purchasCelebration of Life will lures, pickling sh and and Christy Schneider of es. be at a later date for Steven checking on locals. Steve Sartell; and grandchildren, M. Herman, age 70, who was caring, giving, thought- Ezra and Stella. He was “Many times, those kids may need certain espassed away Dec. 3, 2023, ful and generous. He had a preceded in death by his sentials or supplies, or an infant may need a playpen at his home. Arrangements great sense of humor, was parents; son Aaron on Oct. or something of that nature,” Headley said. “What have been entrusted to a great storyteller and was 4, 2002; brothers-in-law, we were hearing from Human Services was an emWilliams Dingmann Famknown as “the meat man.” Tom Schneider, Mark ployee would have to put those types of expenses ily Funeral Home in Sauk Steve was a wonderful dad Dombrovske and Duane Rapids. and loved being a grandBemboom; and sister-in-law, on their own personal card and get reimbursed later on.” Steve was born Nov. pa. He was married to his Doris Schultz. Headley said staff proposed the credit card use 3, 1953, in St. Cloud to high school sweetheart for Obituary and guest change to allow the child protection unit to have a George and Helen (Ligeros) 48 years and Debbie says, book available online at credit card that could be checked out for visits to Herman. He married Debra “Thanks for a great ride.” www.williamsdingmann. Steven M. Herman Dombrovske Aug. 2, 1975, Steve is survived by com. Target and other area retail stores as needed. R-49-1B at Sacred Heart Catholic for two years. He worked at his wife Debbie of Rice; “A policy change would allow a county card to Church in Sauk Rapids. the Sartell Paper Mill for 28 daughter Franci (Jordan) leave the premises and be used in a retail setting,” Steve graduated from Sauk Day of Dundas; siblings, years. Steve volunteered at he said. Rapids High School and John (Peggy) of Rice, Patti the food shelf. He enjoyed Headley told commissioners the credit card attended St. Cloud VocaLanz of Sartell, Kathleen spending time at the family change involving child protection workers and fostional Technical College (Al) Schlueter of Sauk cabin for many years, deer ter care was the only revision being proposed. Residential Heating All other internal controls regarding credit cards & Air Conditioning would apply, Headley said. Service & Installation During board discussion Nov. 21, Commissioner Steve Heinen asked Headley about credit card Robert W. Wheeler enjoyed spending time with limits. Celebration of Life will his grandkids, and always “That’s not in county policy, but management be 3-7 p.m. Jan. 8, 2024, had a bag of candy in his at the Rice Lions Building truck to give them. could put in limits similar to what’s done with per320-252-4883 in Rice for Robert “Bob” www.curlysheating.com Bob is survived by sonal credit cards,” Headley said. “We have not disWheeler, age 71, who passed his son and daughter, Erik cussed that, but it’s something that could be worked away Dec. 6, 2023, at the (Jessie) Wheeler of Rice and out.” St. Cloud Hospital. ArrangeCourtney (Tyler) FreihamAlbany Apartment Commissioner Jared Gapinski said he approved ments have been entrusted to mer of Rice; and grandchilof the credit card policy change. Williams Dingmann Family dren, Jett, Chase, Willow, “I really think this is needed,” he said. “I think Funeral Home in Sauk RapJosie and Collin. He was we can trust the employees.” ids. preceded in death by his 2 bedroom • 1 Bath Commissioner Ed Popp wanted more oversight. Bob was born Sept. parents; siblings, Debbie and $650/month, $100 deposit. Robert W. Wheeler “I think, more or less, we really need to trust 6, 1952, in St. Cloud to Terry Wheeler; and companNo Dogs. Howard and Lois (Nehring) ion, Ilona Gunther. the department heads because I think there has to be Call for Wheeler, the second child Obituary and guest Cab and retiring after 11 some watchful eyes on this,” Popp said. with siblings Terry, Thomas, years. Bob enjoyed cooking, book available online at Heinen then made a motion, seconded by Gapavailability, and Debbie. He worked at entertaining, tinkering, yard- www.williamsdingmann. inski, to approve the revisions to the county’s scal Loreen DeZURIK for 20 plus years, work, mowing, bird watchcom. policies governing credit cards. The motion carried R-49-1B followed by driving for Care ing, shing and hunting. He 763-238-0616 unanimously. R10-tfnb-TV

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PUBLIC NOTICES

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 9

NOTICE OF 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: September 9, 2011 MORTGAGOR: Thomas Kolbo, a single adult. M O RT G A G E E : Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Liberty Savings Bank its successors and assigns. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded September 21, 2011 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 383861. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association. Dated December 17, 2015 Recorded December 23, 2015, as Document No. A413639. And thereafter assigned to: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Dated October 9, 2019 Recorded October 15, 2019, as Document No. A438849. 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 MORTGAGE: 1003624-1045299240-8 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Liberty Savings Bank RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: LoanCare, LLC M O R T G A G E D PROPERTY ADDRESS: 909 7th Street Northeast, Rice, MN 56367 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 150066600 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 16, Block 2, Fox Meadows, Benton County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton O R I G I N A L PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $161,658.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $125,602.93 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

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: October 21, 2016 MORTGAGOR: Vicktoria Hess, an unmarried woman. M O RT G A G E E : Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Finance of America Mortgage LLC its successors and assigns. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded October 27, 2016 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 419142. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Dated March 18, 2022 Recorded March 18, 2022, as Document No. 459445. 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 MORTGAGE: 100070213840007100 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Finance of America Mortgage LLC RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: LoanCare, LLC

M O R T G A G E D PROPERTY ADDRESS: 400 Kathryn Lane, Foley, MN 56329 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 13.00795.00 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The land referred to herein is situated in the state of Minnesota, Benton County described as follows: Lot 1 Block 4 PHEASANT GROVE TWO COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton O R I G I N A L PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $151,182.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $144,661.71 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: July 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN

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 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 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 six (6) 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 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 July 11, 2024, 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 MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGOR(S)

RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S P E R S O N A L R E P R E S E N T AT I V E S OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: November 2, 2023 Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 100 - 23-005956 FC IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-45-6B

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF LANGOLA TOWNSHIP Notice is hereby given that ling for Langola Towhsip of ces will begin Tuesday January 2 , 2024 and close at 5:00 PM Tuesday January 16th, 2024. Of ces to be lled are: One Supervisor for a 3-year term . One Treasurer for a 2-year term. One Clerk for a 2-year term. Filing can be done with the clerk from January 2nd 2024 to January 16th 2024. The of ce of the clerk will be open from: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on January 16th to le the Af davits of Candidacy. Please call 320-266-5324 for an appointment. Filing fee is $2.00 ANITA SEVIOLA CLERK 320-761-1761 R-49-2B

MINDEN TOWNSHIP FILING NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the voters of Minden Township, Benton Country, State of Minnesota, that ling for Township will be held for a 2-week period beginning: January 2, 2024 through January 16, 2024. Af davits of Candidacy shall be led with the Town Clerk between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from January 2, 2024, through January 16, 2024. Filing will close on January 16, 2024 at 5 p.m.. Filing fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of ling. Of ces to be lled at the March Annual election are: Clerk for a 2-year term Supervisor for a 3-year term Absentee voting will be at the Clerk’s Of ce of the Town Hall on March 9, 2024 between the hours of 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. December 5, 2023 Cynthia Abraham, Minden Township Clerk FR-49-2B

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE 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 six (6) 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 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 11, 2024, 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 MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. M O RT G A G O R ( S ) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S P E R S O N A L R E P R E S E N T AT I V E S OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE

MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: May 3, 2023 Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 100 - 23-002890 FC IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until August 22, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state. Dated: July 20, 2023 Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888

100-23-002890 IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until October 17, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state. Dated: August 22, 2023 Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 100-23-002890 IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until December 5, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state. Dated: October 18, 2023

Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 100-23-002890 IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 580.07, the foregoing foreclosure sale is postponed until January 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN, in said county and state. Dated: December 7, 2023. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 100-23-002890 IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-49-1B

Page 10 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

Benton County 4-H hosts 64th annual banquet Recognizes adult volunteers, leaders BY ANN OLSON UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION EDUCATOR

The 64th annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers & Leaders Banquet was Nov. 19 at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. The event signi ed the end of the 4-H year and was an appreciation dinner and awards program for the 4-H adult volunteers and leaders. About 85 adult volunteers, leaders and special guests were in attendance along with special guests that included Benton County commissioners Ed Popp, Scott Johnson and Steve Heinen; Jennifer Skuza, University of Minnesota associate dean and Minnesota 4-H State Director; Leah Larson, program leader in youth development for the central region; and Cheryl Scapanski and Angie Arnold, Benton County Extension committee members. “There was a study done in the independent sector where they estimated that the national average value of a volunteer’s time is now $31.80 per hour,” said Ann Olson, University of Minnesota Extension Educator for 4-H in Benton County. “When you think about the hours you put in, if we had to hire that out, just imagine. However, as I contemplated on this dollar value that studies determined, I feel the true value of our volunteers is priceless. You can’t put a price on what each of you do. The impact that you have on

each of the lives of our youth could never be measured.” After dinner, there were a few guest speakers which included 4-H volunteer Kevin Kuklok who shared the Leaders Response. “If we as adults didn’t volunteer our time and talents, we wouldn’t have such an awesome Benton County 4-H Program,” Kuklok said. “We can all see the youth growing every day in all that they do, so someday they themselves, can become great volunteers and leaders. ‘To make the best better’ here and in the whole world.” Recognition pins were distributed signifying the numbers of years in volunteering and leadership roles. The pins were presented Olson and Megan Gerads, Extension support staff. First year recipients included: Nicholas Achen, of Graham 4-H Club; David and Sarah Bengston, of Pioneers 4-H Club; Connie and Jared Fox, of Graham 4-H Club; Jennifer Hackett, of Graham 4-H Club; Teresa Heck, of Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club; Marissa Lubbesmeier, of Elk River Critters 4-H Club; Jeremiah Meehl, of Graham 4-H Club; Jeannie Rajkowski, of Graham 4-H Club; David Schneider, of Duelm 4-H Club; and Ryan Lamberg, of Duelm 4-H Club. Fifth year recipients included Jennifer Bomstad, of Graham 4-H

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Karen Sakry accepts the 4-H Pioneer Award from volunteer Stacie Morris at the 64th annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers & Leaders Banquet Nov. 19 at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. Sakry earned this award for all she has done and continues to do for the youth in the 4-H program.

Club; Corey Molitor, of Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club; Chad Popp, of Graham 4-H Club; Emily Schimnich, previously of Northern Lights 4-H Club; Jessica Pollard, of St. Pat’s 4-H Club; Lauren Brion, of Central Minnesota Llama 4-H Club; Sean Arnold, of Duelm 4-H Club; Courtney Studenski, of Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club; Cindy Vannurden, of Graham 4-H Club; and Mary-Rose Dolezal, of Granite Clouds 4-H Club. Additional awards

were presented to individuals who were nominated. The 4-H Outstanding Service Award was presented to Jeannie Boyle, of Green Acres 4-H Club. This award may be given to a 4-H leader or non-4-H individual who has supported the 4-H program by consistently giving of their time and energy in various ways. The Friend of 4-H Award was given to Dutch Maid Bakery for its dedication to assist 4-H, supporting the youth. The 4-H Leader

Achievement Award was presented to Tasha Ackerman, of the Pioneers 4-H Club. The 4-H Leader Achievement Award honors a 4-H Leader who continually supports the 4-H program by giving of their time and talents to various aspects of the program speci cally in the past year. The 4-H Pioneer Award was presented to Karen Sakry, of the St. Pat’s 4-H Club. The 4-H Pioneer Award honors a former or present 4-H leader who contributed meaningfully to the 4-H program in Benton

County. “Karen Sakry has been a leader for the St. Pat’s Club for 38 years and going,” said 4-H volunteer Stacie Morris who presented the award to Sakry. “Karen does so much for this program. She collects numerous items for the 4-H silent auction each year, helps with the annual holiday workshop and is a constant encourager to all she meets regardless of their age. She is all that and a bag of potato chips.” The nal award was Honorary 4-H Member Award which was presented to Becky Molitor, who is vital to the Benton County 4-H horse project for her continued dedication to the 4-H program. The Honorary 4-H Member Award recognizes an individual’s service to county 4-H program over a period of time and to recognize their contributions. “It is truly an indescribable honor to lead this 4-H program in Benton County the past seven years and a privilege to be a part of each of your lives,” said Ann Olson, Benton County 4-H Extension Educator. “I do not take this opportunity for granted, and I hope to continue to serve you proudly in the years ahead.” Benton County 4-H is blessed to have dedicated, passionate and hard-working volunteers that all contribute to the success of the 4-H program, Olson said. “Thank you to all of our volunteers and leaders for all they do for the organization and our youth,” she said. “Sunday evening was an excellent opportunity to celebrate our volunteers and leaders for their accomplishments.”

Ann Olson (third from left), University of Minnesota Extension Educator for Benton County 4-H, is surrounded by Benton County commissioners Steve Heinen (from left), Scott Johnson and Ed Popp at the 64th annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers & Leaders Banquet Nov. 19 at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. Several distinguished guests Juanita Beauchamp (from left) presents the Friend of 4-H Award to Dutch Maid Bakery attended to celebrate all of the incredible volunteers that we have in 4-H and their representatives Shaina Rosa and Courtney Jones Nov. 19 in Duelm. The award was for the Sauk Rapids’ bakery’s dedication in assisting and supporting 4-H youth. impact on our youth.

Page 12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

PUBLIC NOTICE

Benton County Summary Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2022 The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of A USER’S GUIDE TO COUNTY nancial information concerning Benton County for interFINANCIAL STATEMENTS ested citizens. Questions about this report can be directed The following de nitions will help citizens understand to Montgomery Headley, Benton County Administrator the terminology used in the County’s nancial statements. at (320) 968-5000. COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL FUND TYPES The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the A FULL COPY OF THE COUNTY FINANCIAL STATE- county. It is used to account for all nancial resources except MENT IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CALLING those that are required to be accounted for in another fund. THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AT THE NUMBER Special Revenue Funds are used to account for the proABOVE OR BY WRITING TO THE COUNTY ADMIN- ceeds of revenue sources that are legally restricted for specifISTRATOR AT THE BENTON COUNTY GOVERN- ic purposes. Major Special Revenue Funds include the Road MENT CENTER 531 DEWEY STREET, PO BOX 129, and Bridge Fund and the Human Services Fund. FOLEY, MN 56329. IN ADDITION, THIS AND PRIOR The Debt Service Fund accounts for resources used to YEAR COUNTY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CAN BE pay the principal, interest and related costs of long-term debt. OBTAINED FROM THE COUNTY’S WEBSITE https:// The Capital Projects Fund accounts for nancial rewww.co.benton.mn.us/151/County-Finances sources used to acquire or construct major capital facilities, COUNTY OFFICIALS improve or construct county roads and bridges, or fund buildTitle.............................................................................. Name ing improvements. Elected: COUNTY FIDUCIARY FUNDS Commissioner District #1 .........Scott Johnson (Board Chair) Private-Purpose Trust and Custodial Funds are used to Commissioner District #2 .........................................Ed Popp account for assets held by the county in a trustee capacity or Commissioner District #3 .................................Steve Heinen as an agent for individuals, private organizations, other govCommissioner District #4 .............................. Jared Gapinski ernment units, and/or other funds. Commissioner District #5 ............................. Beth Schlangen MAJOR CATEGORIES OF COUNTY EXPENDIAuditor-Treasurer................................... Christine Scherbing TURES County Attorney ................................................Karl Schmidt Current Expenditures include all expenditures other Sheriff........................................................ Sheriff Troy Heck than capital outlays and debt service on county bonds. Appointed: Capital Outlay Expenditures include all expenditures Administrator ..................................... Montgomery Headley for the construction of county facilities or the purchase of Human Services Director ........................................... Vacant buildings or major equipment. Land Services Director .............................Roxanne Achman Debt Service includes all expenditures for the repayPublic Works Director ....................... Christopher Byrd, P.E. ment of bonds issued by the county, including the payment CALL (320) 968-5000 TO REACH COUNTY OFFICIALS of principal, interest and scal agent fees associated with the bonds.

A Pro le of Benton County Key Indicator Estimated Population (U.S. Census Est.)

2022 41,379

Total Assessed Market Value Of All Taxable Property

$3,684,556,700 $3,428,140,600 7.48%

Percent of Property Taxes Collected

99.7%

0.04%

Total Revenues (All Governmental Funds)

$49,955,351

$44,586,730

12.04%

Total Current County $50,621,950 Expenditures (All Governmental Funds)

$42,650,313

18.69%

Total Outstanding Net Bonded Debt

$6,347,220 -

-55.38%

$2,832,254

2021 41,459

Percent Increase /Decrease -0.19%

Bond Rating on Most Recent A1 (Moody’s) General Obligation Bond Issue AA (S&P)

A1 (Moody’s) AA (S&P)

Total Number of Employees

278

279

A Profile of Benton County Reconciliation Of The Statement Of Revenues, Expenditures, And Changes In Fund Balances Of Governmental Funds To The Government-Wide Statement Of Activities - Governmental Activities Year Ended December 31, 2022 NET CHANGE IN FUND BALANCES - TOTAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS $ (414,455) Amounts reported for governmental activities in the Statement of Activities are different because: Governmental funds report capital outlays as expenditures. However, in the Statement of Activities, the cost of those assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives and reported as depreciation/amortization expense. Expenditures for General Capital Assets, Infrastructure, and Other Related Capital Asset Adjustments $ 7,424,415 Net Book Value of Capital Assets Disposed (302,711) Current Year Depreciation/Amortization (6,437,406) 684,298 Revenues in the Statement of Activities that do not provide current nancial resources are not reported as revenues in the funds. Deferred In ows of Resources - December 31 3,523,930 Deferred In ows of Resources - January 1 (3,669,162) (145,232)

0.36%

Issuance of leases provide current nancial resources to governmental funds, but issuing the lease liability increases long-term liabilities in the Statement of Net Position. Issuance of Lease Liability (113,575) Pension expenditures on the governmental funds are measured by current year employer contributions. Pension expenses on the Statement of Activities are measured by the change in net pension liability and the related deferred in ows and out ows of resources. (2,023,668) Repayment of debt and lease principal is an expenditure in the governmental funds, but the repayment reduces long-term liabilities in the Statement of Net Position.

Reconciliation of Governmental Funds Balance Sheet to the Government-Wide Statement of Net Position Governmental Activities December 31, 2022 TOTAL FUND BALANCES FOR GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS Total net position reported for governmental activities in the Statement of Net Position is different because:

$ 39,760,297

Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation/amortization, used in governmental activities are not nancial resources and, therefore, are not reported in the governmental funds. 100,255,074 The County’s net pension asset and liability and related deferred in ows and out ows are recorded only on the Statement of Net Position. Balances at year-end are: Net Pension Liability $ (24,101,418) Deferred In ows of Resources - Pension Related (428,693) Deferred Out ows of Resources - Pension Related 12,086,418 (12,443,693)

Highways 9%

General Government activities include expenditures for general county activities such as the County Commissioners, Administrator, Auditor-Treasurer, County Attorney and Land Services (Assessor, Planning and Zoning and Recorder). The Public Safety activities include expenditures for the operation of the Sheriff’s Of ce and the county jail, plus the county’s share of probation of ce costs. The Highways and Streets activities include expenditures for highway department construction and maintenance programs. The Sanitation activities include expenditures for county solid waste management programs, including county-sponsored recycling programs and rural “clean-up” events. The Human Services activities include the administration of federal, state and county human service programs, including child support collection activities, social service programs such as chemical dependency treatment programs and child protection services. The Health activities include expenditures for the public health function, including immunization programs, health education, nursing home screenings and clinics for clients enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. The Culture and Recreation activities include expenditures for the regional library system, the county historical society and county parks. The Conservation of Natural Resources activities includes expenditures relating to soil and water conversation and the University of Minnesota extension of ce. The Economic Development activities include expenditures designed to promote Benton County, help local businesses grow and attract new businesses to the County.

The County’s other postemployment bene t liability and related deferred out ows are recorded only on the Statement of Net Position. Balances at year-end are: Total Other Postemployment Bene ts Liability (1,725,003)

Principal Repayments: General Obligation Bonds Lease Liability

3,415,000 78,853 3,493,853

Some expenses reported in the Statement of Activities do not require the use of current nancial resources and, therefore, are not reported as expenditures in governmental funds. Change in Accrued Interest Payable 27,243 Amortization of Discounts/Premiums 99,966 Change in Compensated Absences (156,799) Change in Total Other Postemployment Bene ts (188,783) Change in Deferred Out ows of Resources - Other Postemployment Bene ts 95,661 Change in Deferred In ows of Resources - Other Postemployment Bene ts 5,301 (117,411) The net revenues of the internal service fund is reported with governmental activities. (206,789) CHANGE IN NET POSITION OF GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES

$ 1,157,021 Self-Insurance

ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Prepaid Items Total Assets LIABILITIES Claims Payable NET POSITION Unrestricted

Deferred In ows of Resources - OPEB Related Deferred Out ows of Resources - OPEB Related

$ 199,098 15,620 1,806 216,524 242,436 $ (25,912)

(15,902) 422,239

(1,318,666)

Other long-term assets, such as delinquent taxes, delinquent and noncurrent special assessments, and certain state-aid highway allotments, are not available to pay for current-period expenditures and, therefore, are reported as deferred in ows of resources in the governmental funds. 3,523,930 Long-term liabilities, including bonds payable, are not due and payable in the current period and, therefore, are not reported in the governmental funds. General Obligation Bonds (2,650,000) Unamortized Bond Premium (182,254) Compensated Absences (3,382,292) Lease Liability (383,325) Accrued Interest Payable (31,583) (6,629,454) Internal service fund is used by the County to charge self-insurance services to individual funds. The assets, deferred out ows, liabilities and deferred in ows of the internal service fund are included in the governmental activities in the Statement of Net Position. Internal service fund net position is: (25,912) TOTAL NET POSITION OF GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES

$ 123,121,576

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 13

PUBLIC NOTICE

Benton County Summary Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2022 A Pro le of Benton County Balance Sheet Governmental Funds - December 31, 2022 General Assets Cash and Pooled Investments $ 7,884,345 Petty Cash and Change Funds 2,800 Restricted Cash Taxes Receivable: Delinquent 26,867 Special Assessments Receivable: Delinquent Noncurrent Accounts Receivable 41,361 Accrued Interest Receivable 65,905 Due from Other Funds 785,064 Due from Other Governments 266,727 Prepaid Items 176,114 Loans Receivable, Net of Allowance 326,209 Advances to Other Funds 92,134 Total Assets $ 9,667,526

Road and Bridge

Human State and Local Opioid Services Miscellaneous Fiscal Recovery Remediation

Debt Service

Other Total Capital Governmental Governmental Projects Funds Funds

$ 2,430,139 -

$ 6,720,090 -

$ 5,196,247 -

$ 6,399,979 -

6,304

28,322

7,118 10,648 1,750,543 221,737 $4,426,489

21,124 1,544,096 75,399 $ 8,389,031

6,479 1,784,600 21,793 70 30,976 51,042 1,143,541 $ 8,234,748

$6,399,979

LIABILITIES, DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES, AND FUND BALANCES LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $ 185,985 Salaries Payable 442,757 Contracts Payable Due to Other Funds 16,069 Due to Other Governments 533,921 Unearned Revenue Advance from Other Funds Total Liabilities 1,178,732

$ 138,768 54,671 322,985 44 2,460 1,143,541 1,662,469

$185,672 349,328 10,115 125,243 1,091 671,449

$36,406 10,747 33 1,793,787 105,242 1,946,215

6,399,979 6,399,979

$1,700 1,700

$11,513 3,587 15,100

$64,251 744,905 92,134 931,290

$624,295 857,503 322,985 801,166 2,458,998 6,506,312 1,235,675 12,806,934

DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES Unavailable Revenue 197,622

1,740,959

28,322

6,479

1,050,200

382

499,966

3,523,930

221,737 801,324 1,023,061

75,399 85,000 7,528,861 7,689,260

1,194,583 4,222,418 865,053 6,282,054

279,674 279,674

542 2,563,581 2,564,123

63,494 512,142 12,868,170 13,443,806

1,118,342 (931,195) 187,147

1,824,003 8,781,157 13,733,223 8,830,185 6,591,729 39,760,297

$ 4,426,489

$ 8,389,031

$ 8,234,748

FUND BALANCES Nonspendable 268,248 Restricted Committed Assigned 500,000 Unassigned 7,522,924 Total Fund Balances 8,291,172 Total Liabilities, Deferred Inflows of Resources, and Fund Balances $ 9,667,526

$ 279,674 $ 2,210,031 $ 12,591,136 355,250 -

382

1,050,200 5,384 798,892 63,494 542 $1,329,874 $2,566,205 $13,458,906

$ 6,399,979 $ 1,329,874 $ 2,566,205 $ 13,458,906

$ 1,118,437 $ 44,830,078 2,800 355,250 -

61,875

3,850 10,329 110,571 1,895,171 - 1,141,596 65,905 801,166 - 4,391,234 588,328 385,545 711,754 - 1,235,675 $1,618,403 $56,091,161

$ 1,618,403 $ 56,091,161

Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances Governmental Funds- Year Ended December 31, 2022 Other Total Road and Human State and Local Opioid Debt Capital Governmental Governmental General Bridge Services Miscellaneous Fiscal Recovery Remediation Service Projects Funds Funds REVENUES Taxes $13,088,834 $ 2 ,249,855 $ 5,792,132 $ - $ - $ - $ 677,580 $ 652,783 $ 50,895 $ 22,512,079 Sales Tax 3,967,147 - 3,967,147 Special Assessments 385,272 27,179 412,451 Licenses and Permits 341,811 52,100 45,326 439,237 Intergovernmental 2,673,213 5,455,245 9,171,549 607,564 1,529,846 10,261 155,536 - 19,603,214 Charges for Services 1,340,935 172,667 439,315 103,219 - 2,056,136 Fines and Forfeits 9,276 45,519 54,795 Gifts and Contributions 1,310 10,000 4,503 12,950 28,763 Investment Earnings (289,009) 93 7,096 (281,820) Miscellaneous 169,678 115,415 271,064 102,171 279,674 57,705 167,642 1,163,349 Total Revenues 17,336,048 8,045,282 15,684,060 1,293,667 1,529,846 279,674 687,841 4,853,217 245,716 49,955,351 EXPENDITURES Current: General Government 7,163,642 Public Safety 9,450,582 Highways and Streets Human Services Health 116,808 Culture and Recreation 539,388 Conservation of Natural Resources 439,352 Economic Development 432,818 Capital Outlay: General Government 90,764 Public Safety 247,029 Highways and Streets Human Services Health Debt Service: Principal 6,104 Interest Fiscal Charges Total Expenditures 18,486,487 EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES

4,624,906 -

12,668,206 1,532,689 -

410,182 182,387 7,591 622,983 -

118,495

255,671 -

475,651 206,654

7,829,495 9,632,969 4,624,906 12,668,206 1,649,497 546,979 1,537,986 757,967

6,522,530 -

88,474 9,244

408,423 7,822 390,956 -

499,187 254,851 6,913,486 88,474 9,244

6 11,147,442

72,743 14,371,356

1,223,143

118,495

3,415,000 110,693 4,157 3,529,850

1,062,872

682,305

3,493,853 110,693 4,157 50,621,950

(3,102,160)

1,312,704

70,524

1,411,351

279,674 (2,842,009)

3,790,345

(436,589)

(666,599)

OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) Transfers In 1,454,985 2,087,875 Transfers Out (2,111,983) (176,000) Issuance of Leases 65,782 188 Issuance Proceeds 94,548 Proceeds from Sale of Assets 5,696 Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) (585,520) 2,006,611

(2,000,000) 47,605 (1,952,395)

383,118 (57,684) 38,087 363,521

(1,411,351) (1,411,351)

3,196,790 (1,842,576) 238 1,354,452

500,000 (23,174) 476,826

7,622,768 (7,622,768) 113,575 94,548 44,021 252,144

NET CHANGE IN FUND BALANCES (1,735,959) (1,095,549) Fund Balances - Beginning of Year 10,027,131 2,118,610

(639,691) 8,328,951

434,045 5,848,009

279,674 (2,842,009) - 5,406,132

5,144,797 8,299,009

40,237 146,910

(414,455) 40,174,752

FUND BALANCES - END OF YEAR $ 8,291,172

$ 7,689,260

$ 6,282,054

$ 279,674 $ 2,564,123 $ 13,443,806

(1,150,439)

$ 1,023,061

Summary of Disbursements 2022 GENERAL REVENUE FUND 2022 DETAIL OF WARRANTS ISSUED Salaries & Wages ............................... $ 6,048,001.83 Us Treasury ........................................... 1,862,067.90 Public Employees Retirement Assoc .... 1,617,118.37 Great River Regional Library .................. 526,318.00 Department Of Corrections ...................... 439,187.81 MN Dept Of Revenue .............................. 378,238.41 Xcel Energy .............................................. 294,973.20 Mn Counties Intergovernmental Trust ..... 282,664.15 Benton Soil & Water ................................ 257,771.00 Summit Food Service LLC. ..................... 239,904.86 Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc ... 236,243.47 Wex Inc ..................................................... 229,884.69 Regents Of The University Of Minnesota 186,956.95 Anoka County ........................................... 175,644.21 St. Cloud Cleaning Service, LLC ............ 167,844.00 MN State Retirement System ................... 161,206.41 Benton Economic Partnership Inc ........... 125,000.00 Bene t Plan Admin Services ................... 117,343.63 East Central Regional Juvenile Det Ctr ... 109,312.81 MNCCC ................................................... 102,239.16 Nationwide Retirement Solution ................ 83,201.27 Software House International Inc .............. 82,702.14 Tenvoorde Motor Co .................................. 69,726.74 Centracare Health ....................................... 65,775.09 Dodge Of Burnsville Inc ............................ 64,590.00 United States Postal Service ...................... 60,000.00 Behrenbrinker/Stephen C ........................... 58,458.50 Wright Co Sheriff ....................................... 56,634.69 Marco Technologies LLC .......................... 56,513.09 City Of Foley ............................................. 54,631.33 Clifton Larson Allen LLP .......................... 50,398.95 Sailor Sallen Law ....................................... 48,000.00 Mille Lacs County Jail ............................... 47,580.79 Now Micro ................................................. 38,776.85 Spectrum Supply Company Inc ................. 38,004.01 RWB Emergency Lighting ......................... 37,723.41 Law Enforcement Labor Service ............... 34,554.71 Minnesota Life Insurance Company .......... 33,421.14 Star Publications ........................................ 32,131.36 Brainard Law Of ce .................................. 30,000.00 Law Of ce Of Sam Young ......................... 30,000.00 Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC ........................ 28,999.92 Farm-Rite Equipment Of St Cloud, Inc ..... 26,774.59 AT&T Mobility .......................................... 26,621.54 Foley Collision Center ............................... 25,839.86 Republic Services #891 .............................. 24,530.36 North Country Chevrolet ........................... 24,224.14 All Stream .................................................. 23,544.08 MN Child Support Payment Ctr ................ 22,731.68 Association Of Minnesota Counties .......... 22,413.33 Diamond Drugs, Inc. .................................. 22,294.76 Of ce Of MN IT Services .......................... 21,146.04 Teamsters Local 320 .................................. 21,052.50 City Of Saint Cloud ................................... 20,621.16 Tri Tech Software Systems ........................ 20,250.41 Skogquist/Erik ............................................ 19,992.75 Baycom, Inc ............................................... 19,584.00 Amazon.com .............................................. 19,131.80 MN Dept Of Public Safety ......................... 17,850.00 CPS ............................................................ 17,398.61 Government Jobs.com Inc (Neogov) ......... 17,064.24 K & K Tire & Auto Center ......................... 16,725.53 Paragon Development Systems, Inc. ......... 16,718.92 Cole Papers Inc .......................................... 15,701.85 Galls LLC - DBA Keeprs ........................... 15,430.69 Granite Electronics ..................................... 15,359.42 Midwest Protection Agency, Inc. ............... 14,290.00 Thomson Reuters-West .............................. 13,850.12 Madison National Life ............................... 13,541.33 Verizon Wireless ........................................ 13,394.96 Advantage Health ....................................... 13,150.62 MN Sheriffs Association ............................ 13,107.52 Benton Co Historical Society..................... 13,070.00 St Cloud Refrigeration ............................... 13,047.11 Minnesota Inter-County Association ......... 12,898.00 Chisago County Jail ................................... 12,356.08 American Solutions For Business .............. 12,323.63 Axon Enterprise Inc ................................... 12,301.06 Impact ........................................................ 12,049.83 Alpha Training & Tactics LLC .................. 11,925.75 Minnesota Monitoring Inc ......................... 11,706.67 Madden Galanter Hansen LLP ................... 11,460.21 North Central Auto Parts............................ 11,358.56 Grainger ..................................................... 11,300.11 Summit Companies .................................... 11,096.75 Mar-Ben Inc ............................................... 10,980.00 ODP Business Solutions LLC .................... 10,798.09

$ 187,147 $ 39,760,297

Disbursements page 14

Page 14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

PUBLIC NOTICE

Continued from previous page GENERAL REVENUE FUND 2022 DETAIL OF WARRANTS ISSUED

ESRI ....................................................................... 10,688.00 Target Sports USA ................................................. 10,398.80 Northland Refrigeration Incorporated .................... 10,288.25 Schneider Geospatial, LLC .................................... 10,080.00 SRF Consulting Group, Inc .................................... 10,000.00 Ziegler Inc ................................................................ 9,839.32 High Point Networks LLC ....................................... 9,832.00 Coborn’s Pharmacy Services #1702 ........................ 9,151.53 St Cloud Hospital ..................................................... 8,623.63 Meta le Information Services, Inc ........................... 8,578.32 Range Renovation Consulting Inc ........................... 8,250.00 East Central Energy ................................................. 8,075.26 Minnesota UI Fund .................................................. 8,032.45 Phoenix Supply ........................................................ 7,663.08 Care-Community Action Respecting Elders ............ 7,500.00 Greater St Cloud Development Corp ....................... 7,500.00 Safe Assure Consultants Inc ..................................... 7,361.34 St Cloud Area ........................................................... 7,348.00 American Door Works ............................................. 7,296.34 Advanced Inmate Medical Management LLC ......... 7,225.93 Further ...................................................................... 7,084.00 Streamworks LLC .................................................... 7,051.53 Pro West & Associates Inc ....................................... 7,045.33 Swatmod LLC .......................................................... 6,719.77 Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Minnesota .............. 6,700.00 RT vision Inc ............................................................ 6,675.00 Mckesson Medical-Surgical ..................................... 6,667.63 Mayo Clinic Ambulance .......................................... 6,416.52 The Bridge ............................................................... 6,374.51 Mn School Of Diving, Inc. St. Cloud ...................... 6,332.22 Minnesota County Attorneys Association ................ 6,153.00 Sillworks LTD .......................................................... 6,147.85 Core Professional Services PA ................................. 5,900.00 Initiative Foundation ................................................ 5,700.00 Motorola Inc ............................................................. 5,587.00 A ac ......................................................................... 5,584.92 Watchguard Video .................................................... 5,556.00 Civic Plus ................................................................. 5,505.66 Life LLC .................................................................. 5,500.00 Eaton Corporation .................................................... 5,488.00 Schwegel Communications Inc................................ 5,405.35 Creative Product Sourcing Inc ................................. 5,361.98 Minnesota Dept Of Transportation .......................... 5,333.10 Hildi Inc. .................................................................. 5,295.00 Starry Electric, Inc ................................................... 5,220.00 Rapid Marine ........................................................... 5,063.79 The Schneider Corporation ...................................... 5,040.00 Vendors Less Than $5000 .................................... 332,687.49 $ 16,080,081.41 ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND 2022 DETAIL OF WARRANTS ISSUED Salaries & Wages .............................................. $ 956,852.71 Knife River Corp-North Central ....................... 4,830,459.83 Minnesota Paving & Materials ............................ 811,016.62 Landwehr Construction, Inc ................................. 704,491.71 Marvin Tretter Inc ................................................ 622,990.38 US Treasury ......................................................... 320,231.16 I.U.O.E. - Local 49 Fringe Bene t Fund ............. 225,680.00 C & L Excavating Inc .......................................... 187,337.72 Public Employees Retirement Assoc ................... 186,914.97 Dooley’s Petroleum Inc ........................................ 159,341.16 Beaudry Oil Company ......................................... 143,119.91 Traf c Marking Service, Inc ................................ 139,822.80 Nuss Truck & Equipment ..................................... 116,951.51 Compass Minerals America Inc ............................111,541.78 True North Steel ..................................................... 99,291.94 MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust .................. 84,056.00 Hard Rock Screening, LLC.................................... 72,000.00 Brock White Co ..................................................... 66,339.88 Minnesota Dept Of Transportation ........................ 60,384.55 Mn Dept Of Revenue ............................................. 58,919.10 Braun Intertec Corporation .................................... 49,925.95 Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc. ........................... 49,448.35 Xcel Energy ............................................................ 44,129.15 Kris Engineering Inc .............................................. 40,397.70

City Of Sauk Rapids .............................................. 40,250.00 Frontier Precision Inc ............................................. 39,648.96 Royal Tire Inc ........................................................ 39,379.33 Granite Electronics ................................................. 35,827.89 Tech Check, LLC ................................................... 33,528.22 Wittstock Consultants, LLC ................................... 28,642.50 Lentner Gravel, Inc ................................................ 27,488.59 TS Dirt Works LLC................................................ 24,620.50 City Of Foley ......................................................... 24,371.14 East Side Oil Company .......................................... 22,793.64 49ers Fringe Fund .................................................. 21,840.00 Mans eld Oil Company ......................................... 21,375.26 St Cloud Area ......................................................... 20,000.00 Sambatek, Inc. ........................................................ 19,958.70 City Of Sartell ........................................................ 19,675.00 Little Falls Machine, Inc. ....................................... 18,659.49 MN State Retirement System ................................. 17,498.20 Chamberlain Oil Company .................................... 14,194.66 Diamond Vogel Paint ............................................. 14,035.96 Bodies By Uch, LLC .............................................. 13,381.70 Wex ........................................................................ 13,330.00 H & R Construction Co. ......................................... 12,488.77 Dirtworks 2000 Inc ................................................ 11,520.00 Auto Value Parts Store ........................................... 11,088.63 Nationwide Retirement Solution............................ 11,046.44 Monger/Gavin S ..................................................... 10,250.00 DLT Solutions LLC ................................................ 10,142.21 M-R Sign Company, Inc. ....................................... 10,101.89 Erickson Engineering ............................................... 9,842.75 Kirchoff/John R ........................................................ 9,200.00 Commissioner Of Revenue ...................................... 8,434.61 Benton County Auditor-Treasurer ............................ 7,930.99 Mimbach Fleet Supply ............................................. 7,198.50 Forterra Pipe & Precast ............................................ 7,182.50 Farm-Rite Equipment Of St Cloud, Inc ................... 7,175.29 Avenu Insights & Analytics, LLC ............................ 6,938.52 Granite City Enviromental LLC .............................. 6,850.00 Lawson Products Inc ................................................ 6,668.69 Verizon Wireless ...................................................... 6,161.54 Republic Services #891............................................ 6,157.41 Association Of Minnesota Counties ........................ 6,003.33 International Union Of Operat- ................................ 5,859.09 RG Excavating ......................................................... 5,790.00 Vendors Less Than $5000 .................................... 164,477.73 $ 11,000,653.51 HUMAN SERVICES FUND 2022 DETAIL OF WARRANTS ISSUED Salaries & Wages ........................................... $ 4,640,324.98 US Treasury ...................................................... 1,517,744.63 Public Employees Retirement Assoc ................... 967,303.81 Avivo .................................................................... 403,954.32 MN Revenue ........................................................ 267,956.97 Wex ...................................................................... 202,287.42 Central MN Mental Health Center ....................... 185,470.25 DHS-Swift ............................................................ 158,738.81 MNCCC ............................................................... 139,423.92 MSOP - MN Sex Offender Program .................... 126,041.40 Eastgate I, LLC .................................................... 122,999.00 Northwood Childrens Home Inc .......................... 122,190.42 Nationwide Retirement Solution .......................... 109,552.00 Databank IMX LLC ............................................. 101,433.12 Anoka Metro RTC-412 .......................................... 90,630.00 Bene t Plan Admin Services ................................. 85,606.03 Willmar RTC .......................................................... 84,082.00 Volunteers Of America ........................................... 80,160.00 Nexus Gerard Family Healing ............................... 57,700.52 Carver County Health & Human Srvs ................... 57,667.50 Catholic Charities-Hope ......................................... 57,393.96 MN State Retirement System ................................. 52,998.45 Nexus Kindred Family Focus X ............................ 47,009.98 180 Degrees ........................................................... 46,220.10 MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust .................. 44,954.00 AFSCME ................................................................ 43,419.86 Bredeck/Joy ............................................................ 41,561.98 MN Child Support Payment Center ....................... 40,944.34 Minnesota Monitoring Inc ..................................... 35,359.00 Jason Ingberg Construction .................................... 34,675.00

BENTON COUNTY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FIDUCIARY NET POSITION FIDUCIARY FUNDS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 Private-Purpose Trust Funds

Custodial Funds

$ 694,434 694,434

$ 197,710 7,863 2,123,356 33,743,752 220,614 5,867,371 44,113 100,537 42,305,316

DEDUCTIONS Bene ciary Payments to Individuals Payments of Property Tax to Other Governments Payments to State Administrative Expense Payments to Other Entities Total Deductions

721,123 721,123

195,696 33,814,591 5,503,081 9,390 2,813,491 42,336,249

NET DECREASE IN FIDUCIARY NET POSITION

(26,689)

(30,933)

Fiduciary Net Position - Beginning of Year

263,071

1,426,406

$ 236,382

$ 1,395,473

ADDITIONS Contributions - Individuals Investment Earnings Intergovernmental Property Tax Collections for Other Governments Fee Collections for Other Governments and Organizations License and Fees Collected for State Gifts and Contributions Miscellaneous Total Additions

FIDUCIARY NET POSITION - END OF YEAR

Independent Lifestyles ........................................... 32,267.25 Now Micro ............................................................. 28,318.68 Port Group Home Inc (Boys) ................................. 27,965.56 Arrows Family Services ......................................... 27,625.00 North Homes Inc .................................................... 27,310.01 Verizon Wireless .................................................... 26,830.77 Hennepin Co Accounts Receivable ........................ 26,016.10 Dungarvin Mn LLC ............................................... 24,849.94 Marco Technologies, LLC ..................................... 24,285.21 Benton Co Children MH Collaborative ................. 23,382.00 Gunderson/Nicholas & Rachel ................................ 2,293.59 Gould Construction Inc .......................................... 23,250.00 CBHH-Bemidji ...................................................... 23,016.00 Minnesota Life Insurance Company ...................... 22,744.77 Metro Bus ............................................................... 20,119.00 Benson Funeral Home Inc ..................................... 20,000.00 Mills/Cynthia ......................................................... 18,414.65 Naber/Holly & Lancer ........................................... 18,252.08 Kobluk/Rhomann ................................................... 17,369.85 Xcel Energy ............................................................ 17,174.46 Families In Transition Services, Inc ....................... 16,851.14 Northwoods Consulting Partners Inc ..................... 16,491.00 Options Residential Inc .......................................... 15,704.48 Femrite/Nancy & Robby ........................................ 15,380.72 Of ce Of MN IT Services ...................................... 15,362.55 Wieber/Tracey & Kevin ......................................... 14,977.28 Minnesota UI Fund ................................................ 14,815.91 Fredrickson/Dan & Kari ........................................ 14,803.90 Parker/Elijah & Missy ............................................ 14,543.55 Mohamed/Anab ...................................................... 14,328.20 Macioch/Tanya ....................................................... 14,100.68 Rasmussen/Jon & Melissa ..................................... 14,020.71 Professional Guardianship Services, Inc ................ 13,900.00 Rahm/Stephanie & Andrew ................................... 13,372.55 Midcontinent Communications .............................. 13,096.29 Association Of Minnesota Counties ...................... 12,440.34 Allstream ................................................................ 12,128.09 SWATMOD LLC ................................................... 11,730.00 Boswell/Richard & Jillian ...................................... 11,386.35 Stauffenecker/Mary ................................................ 11,384.87 Williams/David & Regina ...................................... 11,222.78 Quadient Finance USA, Inc ................................... 11,168.36 Bergstedt/Tamra ..................................................... 10,490.20 Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home ........... 10,000.00 Pella Northland ........................................................ 9,830.30 North Homes Itaskin Center - Asses & Ev .............. 9,670.32 The Bridge ............................................................... 9,426.41 Sahlstrom/Brian And Paula ...................................... 9,389.30 Cove Prep ................................................................. 8,550.00 Rothberg/Daniel & Alesha ....................................... 8,538.56 Boundary Fence & Design LLC .............................. 8,486.00 Resource Training & Solutions ................................ 8,400.00 Marco Technologies LLC ........................................ 8,374.07 Henry/David & Courtney ......................................... 8,224.40 Madison National Life ............................................. 8,214.64 Smith/Emmilo .......................................................... 8,105.12 CDW Government Inc ............................................. 8,041.96 Foley Funeral Home Inc .......................................... 8,000.00 Then/Melissa & Andre ............................................. 7,903.56 Burczyk/Kayla ......................................................... 7,588.33 Main Street Family Services .................................... 7,561.82 Champ Software Incorporated ................................. 7,311.00 Amazon Capital Services ......................................... 7,146.16 St Cloud Hospital ..................................................... 6,768.30 A ac ......................................................................... 6,625.88 Polansky/Brandon & Tanya ..................................... 6,601.22 Hutchinson Area Health Care .................................. 6,487.35 Elite Taxi .................................................................. 6,445.10 Daniel Funeral Home Inc ......................................... 6,300.00 Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home ............. 5,931.50 Boron/Melissa .......................................................... 5,804.70 General Security Services Corp ............................... 5,715.00 Harren/Emily Jo ......................................................... 5,668.8 Preimesberger/Todd & Tami .................................... 5,492.90 Benton Social Welfare Fund .................................... 5,405.20 Quadient Leasing USA Inc ...................................... 5,365.32 Catholic Charities-Hope Comm Supt Pro ................ 5,225.00 Vendors Less Than $5000 .................................... 661,567.27 $ 11,666,154.13

BENTON COUNTY STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY NET POSITION FIDUCIARY FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 2022 ASSETS Cash and Pooled Investments Due from Other Governments Taxes for Other Governments Accounts Receivable Prepaid Items Total Assets LIABILITIES Due to Others Unearned Revenue Loans Payable Due to Other Governments Total Liabilities DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES Property Taxes Collected for Subsequent Period NET POSITION Restricted for: Individuals, Organizations, and Other Governments

Private-Purpose Trust Funds

Custodial Funds

$ 236,382 $ 236,382

$ 1,126,021 764,453 731,168 19,707 50,421 $ 2,691,770

$ 38,929 10,022 326,209 885,369 1,260,529

35,768

$ 236,382

$ 1,395,473

Continued on next page -

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 15

PUBLIC NOTICES Continued from previous page -

PUBLIC NOTICES

Statement of Activities

WATAB TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF FILING FOR TOWNSHIP ELECTION March 12, 2024 Notice is hereby given to quali ed voters of Watab Township, Benton County, State of Minnesota, that ling for Township of ce will be held for a 2-week period beginning: January 2, 2024 through January 16, 2024 Af davits of Candidacy shall be led with the Town Clerk by appointment between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm from January 2, 2024, through January 16, 2024 In addition, the of ce of the Town Clerk will be open from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm on January 16, 2024, after which the ling period will be closed. Filing fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of ling. Of ce to be lled at the March Annual Election is: Supervisor for a 3-year term Absentee voting will be at the Clerk’s Of ce of the Town Hall on March 9, 2024 between the hours of 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. December 4, 2023 Kathy Sauer, Clerk Watab Township R-49-1B

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

Net (Expense) Revenue and Changes in Net Position

Program Revenues FUNCTIONS/PROGRAMS Expenses GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES General Government $ 8,466,954 Public Safety 12,000,688 Highways and Streets 10,284,357 Human Services 13,426,182 Health 1,693,377 Culture and Recreation 570,706 Conservation of Natural Resources 1,531,175 Economic Development 716,223 Total Governmental Activities $ 48,689,662

Fees, Charges, Fines and Other

Operating Grants and Contributions

Capital Grants and Contributions

Governmental Activities

$ 1,546,976 339,475 416,712 556,691 116,443 50,093 7,594 211,435 $ 3,245,419

$ 146,920 965,516 4,693,793 7,045,222 1,147,729 12,950 342,254 26,542 $ 14,380,926

$572,425 388,736 $ 961,161

$ (6,773,058) (10,695,697) (4,601,427) (5,824,269) (429,205) (507,663) (792,591) (478,246) (30,102,156)

General Revenues Property Taxes Wheelage Taxes Gravel Taxes Mortgage Registry and Deed Tax Payments in Lieu of Taxes Sales Tax Grants and Contributions Not Restricted to Speci c Programs Unrestricted Investment Earnings Miscellaneous Gain on Sale of Capital Assets Total General Revenues

21,558,445 815,434 58,203 51,517 31,175 3,967,147 4,599,982 (281,820) 456,141 2,953 31,259,177

CHANGE IN NET POSITION

1,157,021

Net Position - Beginning of Year

121,964,555

NET POSITION - END OF YEAR

$ 123,121,576

Statement of Net Position December 31, 2022 ASSETS Cash and Pooled Investments Restricted Cash Petty Cash and Change Funds Taxes Receivable: Delinquent Special Assessments Receivable: Delinquent Noncurrent Accounts Receivable Accrued Interest Receivable Loans Receivable, Net of Allowance Due from Other Governments Prepaid Items Nondepreciable Capital Assets: Land Right-of-Way Construction-in-Progress Depreciable Capital Assets: Building (Net) Machinery, Vehicles, Furniture, and Equipment (Net) Land Improvements (Net) Infrastructure (Net) Amortizable Capital Assets: Right-to-Use Assets, Building (Net) Right-to-Use Assets, Machinery, Vehicles, Furniture, and Equipment (Net) Total Assets

Governmental Activities $ 45,029,176 355,250 2,800 61,875 10,329 1,895,171 1,157,216 65,905 711,754 4,391,234 590,134 3,805,393 16,193,663 392,653 9,540,058 3,966,291 262,207 65,719,099 254,595 121,116 154,525,919

DEFERRED OUTFLOWS OF RESOURCES Pension Related Total Other Postemployment Bene ts Related Total Deferred Out ows of Resources

12,086,418 422,239 12,508,657

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable

$ 866,732

Statement of Cash Flows - Self-Insurance Internal Service Fund Year Ended December 31, 2022 Self-Insurance CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from Internal Services Provided Payments to Suppliers Payments for Claims Payments for Prepaid Items Net Cash Used by Operating Activities

$ 4,508,193 (1,011,171) (3,735,691) (1,806) (240,475)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(240,475)

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year

439,573

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - END OF YEAR RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING LOSS TO NET CASH USED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating Loss Adjustments to Reconcile Operating Loss to Net Cash Used by Operating Activities: Decrease in Accounts Receivable Increase in Prepaid Items Decrease in Claims Payable Net Cash Used by Operating Activities

$ 199,098

$ (206,789) 157,784 (1,806) (189,664) $ (240,475)

Salaries Payable 857,503 Contracts Payable 322,985 Due to Other Governments 2,458,998 Accrued Interest Payable 31,583 Unearned Revenue 6,506,312 Compensated Absences Payable - Due in Less than One Year 169,115 Total Other Postemployment Bene ts Liability - Due in Less than One Year 103,536 General Obligation Bonds Payable - Due in Less than One Year 555,000 Lease Liability - Due in Less than One Year 99,439 Compensated Absences Payable - Due in More than One Year 3,213,177 Total Other Postemployment Bene ts Liability - Due in More than One Year 1,621,467 General Obligation Bonds Payable - Due in More than One Year 2,277,254 Lease Liability - Due in More than One Year 283,886 Net Pension Liability - Due in More than One Year 24,101,418 Total Liabilities 43,468,405 DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES Pension Related Total Other Postemployment Bene ts Payable Related Total Deferred In ows of Resources

428,693 15,902 444,595

NET POSITION Net Investment in Capital Assets Restricted for: General Government Public Safety Highways and Streets Human Services Culture and Recreation Conservation of Natural Resources Economic Development Debt Service Opioid Remediation Unrestricted

195,368 670,137 1,639,426 85,000 84,286 3,643,047 1,254,367 2,532,380 1,329,874 14,459,038

OPERATING EXPENSES Administration and Reinsurance Premium Claims Paid Total Operating Expenses

1,011,171 3,546,027 4,557,198

CHANGE IN NET POSITION

(206,789)

Net Position - Beginning of Year

180,877

NET POSITION - END OF YEAR

$ 25,912

97,228,653

CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to Minn. Stat 462.355, Subd. 2, notice is hereby given that a public hearing of the Sauk Rapids Planning Commission is scheduled to receive comments from the public on a Draft of the updated 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Sauk Rapids titled “Vision Next”. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd 2024 commencing at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN 563790. The Vision Next 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a long range plan that will guide the future growth and development of the City of Sauk Rapids over the next 20 years. The plan address topics such as land use, housing, economic development, parks, transportation, trails, and community infrastructure. You may view the document in advance of the meeting online www.ci.Sauk-Rapids.mn.us or at the Government Center in person in the Community Development Department. Should you have questions please contact Todd Schultz, Community Development Director at (320) 258-5315 or email tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. R-49-1B

For Sale by bid Sale 139591, Conveyance 2021-0091: For Sale by bid MnDOT owned property, 3.47 acres of vacant of land located at the SE Quad of TH10 and CSAH 33., Watab Township, Benton County. To be sold by sealed bid on 1/30/2024 at 2:00 at Central Of ce, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul. Bid Form, http://www.dot.state.mn.us/row/propsales.html . Info LandSales.MN.DOT@state.mn.us. R-49-3P

CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Sauk Rapids will hold an open house on December 19th, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm to answer questions related to the new Comprehensive Plan titled Vision Next 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The meeting will be held at the Total Net Position $ 123,121,576 Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN 563790. The Vision Next 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a longrange plan that will guide the future growth and development of the City of Sauk Rapids over the next 20 years. The plan Statement of Revenues, Expenses, address topics such as land use, housing, economic developand Changes in Fund Net Position ment, parks, transportation, trails, and community infrastructure. Self-Insurance Internal Service Fund You may view the document in advance of the meeting Year Ended December 31, 2022 online www.ci.Sauk-Rapids.mn.us or at the Government Center in person in the Community Development Department. Self-Insurance Should you have questions please contact Todd SchulOPERATING REVENUES tz, Community Development Director at (320) 258-5315 or Employee and Employer Contributions $ 3,628,694 Miscellaneous 721,715 email tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. Total Operating Revenues 4,350,409 R-49-1B

Mayhew Lake Township Meeting Notice Mayhew Lake Township monthly meetings will be at the Jess Molitor Shop Building 7032 Little Rock Rd. NE, Foley, from December through April at 7 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of each month and at the Townhall, 9511 55th Ave. NE, Foley, from May through November at 7 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of each month. R-48-2B

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 17

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Page 18 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SPORTS

Complete effort kicks off season Storm erupt offensively, overwhelm Little Falls BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

This was exactly the start Jason Allen wanted for his Sauk Rapids-Rice boys basketball team. The Storm started quickly and never slowed, got balanced scoring and received an eye-opening performance from a freshman making his rst start. He also got a little revenge against his coaching counterpart, who also is a former college teammate. It all added up to a 95-46 Storm victory Dec. 5 at Little Falls, which defeated SRR last season. “It was fun,” said Allen, who is in his second year as Storm head coach. “Our goal coming into the game was to have a fast start on both ends of the oor, and we were able to do that. Our defense really fueled our offense, so we were able to score a lot in transition. We’ve got a lot of guys who can score, but they know how to play basketball too. They know how to move without the ball, and we got a lot of wideopen shots.” The main benefactor of the transition offense was Izayah Cook. The 6-foot-4inch freshman made quite the varsity debut, scoring 27 points on 11 of 17 shooting while adding eight rebounds. He was 4 of 7 from the 3-point line. “Izayah had a great game,” Allen said. “Some freshmen struggle to play defense, but he came out and was sound and solid defensively. He let the game come to him. There was one point I looked up and saw he had 22 points, and I thought he would’ve had about eight at that point. He did very well for us.” Keller Hanson had 17 points, including ve 3-pointers, and newcomer Spencer Swenson, a 6-7 forward, had 13 points and 15 rebounds — 11 of which were on the defensive end. “(Little Falls) celebrated a bit on our court last year, so we wanted to go in there and steal one from them,” Allen said. “They play hard, and they’re wellcoached. They’ll be a team no one wants to play late in season.” Austin Kunz had 10 points and Hudson Omoke seven for the Storm, who led 46-21 at halftime. No one played more than 23 minutes for SRR, which had 13 players see game action. “We played determined and a lot of energy,” said Allen, who played with Little Falls coach Nate Miller at St. Cloud State University. “Guys are going to forget some plays and make turnovers in the rst game, but we never had to talk about effort. That’s a recipe for success. Once you match effort with talent, it’s fun basketball.” The Storm, who had their home opener against Willmar Dec. 7, face two key early season tests next week. They travel to Alexandria Tuesday, Dec. 12, and to Tech Friday, Dec. 15, in St. Cloud. The Alexandria Cardinals were 25-6 last season and placed fourth at the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA Boys Basketball State Tournament. 46 49-95 21 25-46 SRR: Cook 27 (8R), Hanson 17 (4A), Swenson 13 (15R, 5A), Kunz 10, Hudson Omoke 7 (7R), Logan Bauer 5, Jaylen Ashfeld 4, Owen Weisz 4, Sawyer Boedigheimer 3, Shea Koster 3 and Dillon Miller 2.

Section final rematch

ﬁzzles

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm girls basketball players Olivia Mohs (from left), Sienna Petermeier and Lauren Schloe play defense as their team faced Alexandria Dec. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Cardinals, who placed fourth in Class AAA last season, overwhelmed the Storm with an 88-36 victory.

a 12-inch ruler. AlAlexandria dominates SRR girls with exandria made sure the BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice girls basketball team knew their game against Alexandria would serve as an important early season measuring stick.

After the Cardinals overwhelming 88-36 victory Dec. 5, the distance between the two programs — at this point — cannot be measured

this season came to DeLaSalle, which won the consolation title at state in rematch of last season’s Section 8AAA champion- 2023. The highlight for ship game would be draSRR was senior Courtney ma-less from the outset, Paulsen’s 19-point perdominating the Storm in every phase at Sauk Rap- formance, which included making 12 of 12 from the ids-Rice High School in free-throw line. Sauk Rapids. The news was not all Coach Wendi tough for the Storm, who Kohler’s team, whose earned a convincing 78starting lineup on last season’s state tournament 41 nonconference victory team featured four soph- over Zimmerman Dec. 1 at SRRHS. Paulsen conomores and a freshman, tinues to reap the bene ts already is playing at a of driving to the basket playoff level. Kohler is fth all-time on the state’s and drawing fouls, makgirls basketball coaching ing 10 of 11 free throws and nishing with 26 victory list with 677. points. Storm coach Brooklyn Harren was coaching in Girls basketball her fourth game. page 19 Alexandria’s lone loss

SRR LF

Storm senior guard Courtney Paulsen dribbles the ball up the floor as Alexandria’s Allie Haabala chases Dec. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Paulsen finished with 19 points.

Storm junior guard Josalynn Morford dishes to a teammate after driving the baseline Dec. 5 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm fell to the powerful Cardinals 88-36.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 19

All smiles for No. 1 PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Youth Basketball Organization fifth grade gold team — Jeremiah Presnall, Jasper Kishel, Harrison Miller and Jordan Crimando; (back, from left) coach Himler Nerestant, Jamel Zarzar, Landon Pflipsen, Ezekial Nerestant; Teddy Christie, Wren Gapinski and coach Jason Miller — beams after winning first place in the Nov. 19 Mora Invitational in Mora. The team went 3-0 against its opponents to earn their medals.

Storm’n Sabres fall twice BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Girls basketball from page 18 Swanson 3 (5R), Sienna Petermeier Juniors Ella Jevne and 2 (5R), Josalynn Morford 2. Lauren Schloe added 15 ZIMM 23 18-41 30 48-78 and 11 points, respective- SRR Paulsen 26, Jevne 15, ly for SRR, which erupted SchloeSRR: 11, Petermeier 7, Alison for 48 second-half points. Schreifels 6, Olivia Mohs 4, Morford “This was a team win 4, Alexis Swanson 3 and Kristen 2. for us,” Harren said. “Ev- Kimman SRR 23 29-52 ery player that stepped on WILLMAR 34 39-73 SRR: Paulsen 15, Petermeier the oor contributed to 11, Schloe 8, Swanson 8, Mohs 5 this win.” and Jevne 5. The Storm took a 2-2 record into their home game against the PHOTO BY TOM FENTON St. Cloud Crush Dec. 8 and will face Fergus Falls Junior forward Olivia Mohs protects the ball from Thursday, Dec. 14, at an Alexandria teammate SRRHS. ALEX SRR

52 36-88 18 18-36 SRR: Paulsen 19 (4B), Alison Schreifels 6, Schloe 4 (8R), Alexis

Search for 1st victory continues

while looking to make a pass Dec. 5 at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids.

It is all about the little things right now for the Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell girls hockey team. When the victories are not showing up on the scoreboard, coach Bre Hess is helping her team focus on attaining smaller goals that are important though not necessarily noticeable as the nal score. “We have really been focusing on celebrating the small wins,” said Hess, who is in her rst year as head coach. “We set goals for ourselves at the beginning of each game and try to achieve them throughout. Something as simple as getting 10 shots on net per period is something we can work for and something we can celebrate. We’ve also been working on giving effort all the way through games.” Alexandria made achieving even small goals dif cult Dec. 5, limiting the Storm’n Sabres to seven shots on goal in a 4-0 victory at Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. It was the third win in four games for the Cardinals, who improved to 5-3. “We’ve been in some close games, but we can’t afford to take a shift off,” Hess said. “(Alexandria) is a superior team, and not one person gave up, even though it wasn’t going our way. It was really awesome to see the girls cheering for each other and supporting each other to the end in a really tough game.” Senior goaltender Morgan Dorn stopped 34 shots for SRR/S, which hosted Fergus Falls Dec. 7. The Storm’n Sabres could not contain a strong offensive surge from Superior, Wisconsin, in an 8-3 loss Dec. 2 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. Brooke Pogatchnik, Faith Torborg and Megan Hess each score for SRR/S. “Our team is very close and bonding has been a great way to keep their spirits up and lean on each other when times get tough,” Coach Hess said. The Storm’n Sabres will host Hopkins in a nonconference game Tuesday, Dec. 12, and will play River Lakes in Richmond Thursday, Dec. 14, before returning home to face Cloquet/Esko-Carlton Friday, Dec. 15. SRR/S 0 0 0-0 ALEX 1 2 1-4 SRR/S goalie: Dorn 34 saves on 38 shots on goal. SUPERIOR 2 3 3-8 SRR/S 1 1 1-3 SRR/S: First period: 3. Pogatchnik (Faith Torborg) 15:05. Second period: 7. Torborg (Olivia Schlecht) 14:38. Third period: 8. Hess (Sella Grams, Abby Swanson) :10. Goalie: Dorn 15 of 23.

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Page 20 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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Page 22 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Granite City closes out winning weekend Lumberjacks storm past Willmar BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Throughout what has been a positive rst few months of the NA3HL season, the Granite City Lumberjacks have gotten a personal, upclose look at the overall strength of the West Division. Regardless of records, Granite City knows it has to come ready to face any divisional foe, lest they be handed a loss that well could have been avoided. For the second game in a row, the Lumberjacks faced signi cant adversity from a division rival and did enough to pick up a win, scoring three goals in the third period to defeat the Willmar WarHawks 7-2 Dec. 2 at Willmar Civic Center Arena in Willmar. Early on, the contest had the makings of a blowout. The Lumberjacks tallied a pair of goals in the rst period off the sticks of Jack Louko and Hayden Johnson, building a 2-0 lead less than 14 minutes in. However, Willmar would not go down quietly, cutting the de cit in half with a goal 1 minute, 37 seconds into the second period and responding to Granite City’s third goal of the game with one of their own two minutes later. The Lumberjacks selected a great time to score their fourth goal, turning the back-andforth affair in their favor for good with a goal from Connor Miller with nine seconds remaining in the second period. Granite City did not take its foot off the gas at any point in the showdown, effectively entering the WarHawks zone time and time again for offensive opportunities. The visitors piled up 21 shots in the third period and were rewarded for their vigilance with three more notches on the scoresheet. Jake Lange earned an unassisted score 19 seconds in, Colton Johnson buried his second goal of the campaign, and former Cathedral talent Nolan Widman found an insurance tally in the closing minutes to secure the victory. Sam Schowalter continued a promising rookie junior hockey season with a 21-save performance, keeping Willmar off the win column on its home ice. The Lumberjacks endured a big-time test in the division-leading Rochester Grizzlies Dec. 8 in Sauk Rapids and will travel to Rochester Recreation Center in Rochester for the second game of a back-to-back against the Grizzlies at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.

SPORTS

Flyers spoil home opener

Storm fall at Thief River, tie River Lakes BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

When it comes to post-season high school hockey in Central Minnesota, Little Falls is usually a team primed to make a run for the state tournament. This season appears to be no exception. The Flyers crashed the home-opening party for Sauk Rapids-Rice, scoring twice in the rst three minutes and adding three third-period goals in a 7-3 victory Dec. 5 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. “It’s a rough way to start any game, but section games especially,” Storm coach Brady DeGagne said. “We are looking to shake things up and try some different combos. (We would like to) give Reed Omvig a chance to show his abilities in net and clarify some of the things that tend to go wrong in our defensive zone. (Little Falls coach) Joey Hanowski and his boys did a great job of attacking our weaknesses in the defensive zone. Add that to them striking rst, and it was a great game plan. They’re a tough team to play when you’re in a de cit.” The Storm got goals from Nick Anderson and Teagan Dodge, cutting the Flyers lead to 4-2 heading into the nal period. Little Falls wasted little time putting it away, scoring twice in the rst 5 minutes, 22 seconds of the third period. SRR made the four-

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Senior forward Teagan Dodge skates the puck into the offensive zone while being pursued by Luke Avery, of Little Falls, as the Storm faced the Flyers in their home opener Dec. 5 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Little Falls won the matchup 7-3.

hour drive northwest to Thief River Falls Dec. 1, falling 4-1 to the Prowlers at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Anderson scored the lone goal for the Storm with assists going to Vince Murn and Chase Hiltner. “I’m not sure if it was the four-hour bus ride, the third game in four days or the amazing rink that had us off our game, but I was impressed at how we reacted to the adversity and performed when down,” DeGagne said. “We keep getting a little better every day, and I’m con dent with our team culture and buy-in from our group that we will have a good stretch in the next few weeks.” The Storm and River Lakes skated to a 2-2 tie Nov. 30 at Richmond Ice Arena in Richmond. Dodge notched the game-tying goal with 1:54 remaining in regulation with Fitch assisting. Jett Wheeler had a second-period goal for SRR, and Zander Parker was strong in goal, stopping 32 of 34 shots. “Overall, I have

Storm sophomore forward Elijah Fitch backhands a pass in the offensive zone Dec. 5 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Fitch scored a third-period goal for Sauk RapidsRice High School.

been pretty happy with the start of our season,” DeGagne said. “The record isn’t what I wanted or expected, but we are improving every day. If we clean a few things up, protect our goalie and D-zone better, and get a lead early, I think we would be looking at four games with very different scores.” The Storm resumed Central Lakes Conference action with a Dec. 7 game against the Cardinals at Willmar Civic Center in Willmar. SRR will face Fergus Falls Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids

and travel to Mound to face Mound-Westonka Thursday, Dec. 14. “Our returning players are doing a great job of holding themselves and each other accountable, and our incoming sophomores have really started to buy into our culture,” DeGagne said. “As a coach that’s all we can really ask for. We de nitely made some mistakes in these rst two weeks, but I know we will be better because of it.”

Boys hockey page 24

GCL 2 2 3-7 WIL 0 2 0-2 GCL: First period: 1. Louko (TJ Lepisto, Christian Carto) 11:13. 2. Hayden Johnson (Thomas Gerum, Finn Greeley) 13:48. Second period: 4. Lepisto (Louko) 9:10. 6. Miller 19:51. Third period: 7. Lange 0:19. 8. Colton Johnson (Patrick Dunaiski) 5:07. 9. Widman (Dunaiski) 16:35. Goalie: Schowalter 21 saves of 23 shots.

Granite City 2, Minnesota 0 The Lumberjacks improved to 5-0 against the Minnesota Loons this season Nov. 30, holding their in-state rival off the scoreboard and nding some late-game magic in a 2-0 win at Breezy Point Hockey Center in Breezy Point. It took a long time for Granite City to light the goal lamp, but it did so eventually behind Easton Portner, the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School graduate who has been one of the Lumberjacks’ strongest performers on and off the ice so far. Portner added his team-leading eighth goal of the season to his resume with 11 minutes to play in the game.

Junior hockey page 24

Sophomore defenseman Brandon Goebel races Beau Senior goaltender Zander Parker stops a shot from Ryan Majerle, of Little Falls, to the puck as the Storm faced the Oothoudt, of Little Falls, Dec. 5 at Sports Arena East in Flyers Dec. 5 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Little Sauk Rapids. Parker finished with 25 saves. Falls started fast and did not look back in a 7-3 victory.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023| Page 23

sets tone New era on mat begins forGobert red-hot Wolves

2 Storm girls wrestle in Melrose, STMA tournaments BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice wrestling team had a bit of a different look in their rst two tournaments of the season. Freshman Kenzie Wagman-Kelley and seventh grader Baylee Ness took to the mat, representing the emerging girls program for the Storm. Wagman-Kelley became the rst SRR female to compete at last season’s girls section meet in Sartell, and it was the rst school-sponsored competition for Ness. Storm head coach Derik Gilbertson said Wagman-Kelley and Ness are welcome additions to the program. “I feel like they are treated like everyone else,” Gilbertson said. “Granted, we are only a few weeks into the season, but I haven’t seen anyone take it easier on McKenzie (or Baylee) just because they are girls, nor would I want anyone to. And I don’t expect the girls to take it easy on anyone else either. No matter who you are, give me your best every time, and you will have success.” Wagman-Kelley established herself as “one to watch” in the area, going 2-1 at the Defender Invitational Dec. 1 in Melrose, following that up with a 3-1 effort Dec. 2 at the St. Michael-Albertville Invitational. She placed second in both events, and all ve of Wagman-Kelley’s wins came by fall, including a 15-second pin of her Sartell opponent in the 106-pound semi nals at St. Michael-Albertville. “Kenzie wrestled well at both tournaments,” Gilbertson said. “What I appreciate most is that she is willing to wrestle anyone — win or lose. However, when she does lose, she will stew over it for a bit afterward. I can work with that type of passion for the sport of wrestling and the want to do better. She has some real solid skills as a wrestler, is a great listener, hard worker and not afraid to compete, which are attributes I want from all of our wrestlers.”

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Storm seventh grader Baylee Ness gets a grasp on her Mora opponent at the Defender Invitational Dec. 1 at Melrose. It was the first varsity tournament for Ness, who is in her second year of wrestling.

Ness made her varsity debut for the Storm. She also competed at 106 pounds and is still looking for her rst victory. With girls wrestling still a fairly new varsity sport, schools do not have enough wrestlers to complete a full team, meaning most girls events are individual tournaments. “Baylee has a bit of an attitude that I appreciate,” Gilbertson said. “She shows passion and a no-quit attitude during matches. With Baylee being young and still new to the sport, con dence, grit and wrestling technique are things we are working to improve.” Wagman-Kelley said she expects to compete with the boys team on occasion and also will compete in as many girls-only events as possible. “To me, it’s a fun sport,” Wagman-Kelley said. “Once you’re on the mat, it’s just you against the person you’re wrestling. You can drown out all other distractions and just compete. I’ll go out

there this season and push myself the hardest I can. Most guys are probably going to be thinking ‘Well, it’s a girl and I can easily win.’ Then they realize if I beat them that they got beat by a girl. It makes me feel good to know I can do what the guys do.” The SRR boys also competed at St. Michael-Albertville. Five Storm wrestlers made the trip, led by senior Vance Barz who won all three of matches to take the title at 133. Barz placed third at state last season. “Vance was solid and made very few mistakes,” Gilbertson said. “The one wrestling position we expect to improve is on his feet. ... We need to make some improvements on his feet offensively to help further separate himself from everyone else he will wrestle this season.” Carter Pesta at 127, Jack Barz at 140 and Christian Nelson at 172 each won once. It was the varsity debut for Nelson. “This was a good

test to see where Christian is,” Gilbertson said. “The one win he had, he stayed in position, executed on his feet and was able to nish from the top position. I have great expectations for Christian to help out this team like we do with all of our wrestlers. We will teach and push to help improve to their greatest ability.” The Storm competed Dec. 8 at the Zimmerman Invitational and will travel to the southeast metro to wrestle in the Chanhassen Invitational Saturday, Dec. 9in Chanhassen. SRR will host a triangular at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, with Sartell and the St. Cloud Crush visiting Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. St. Michael-Albertville Invitational SRR boys: 127: Carter Pesta 1-4 (1 pin), fifth place. 133: Vance Barz 3-0 (1), first. 145: Jack Barz 1-2 (1), fourth. 172: Christian Nelson 1-2 (1). 215: Carter Koltes 0-2. SRR girls: 100: Wagman-Kelley 2-1 (2) and Ness 0-3. Defender Invitational SRR girls: 100: Wagman-Kelley 3-1 (3) and Ness 0-4.

Storm freshman Kenzie Wagman-Kelley wrestles her opponent at the Defender Invitational Dec. 1 at Melrose. Wagman-Kelley posted a 2-1 record in the tournament.

We are one quarter of the way through the 2023-24 NBA season, and the 16-4 Minnesota Timberwolves have the best record in the league. They’ve won ve straight games, 15 of their last 17, and the main driver behind SPORTS COLUMNIST BY ANDY THAYER their success is they play the best defense in the NBA. This is exactly what team president Tim Connelly had in mind when he traded a bundle of rotation players and rstround picks to the Utah Jazz for three-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert. Wolves opponents have shot less than 40% from the oor and less than 30% from 3-point land a whopping 10 times this season. To put that in context, the Milwaukee Bucks led the NBA with nine such games last season. That’s championship-caliber defense, and Rudy Gobert is the biggest reason why things have changed. The Sti e Tower had 16 points, 21 rebounds and 2 blocks in the Dec. 6 win over San Antonio, and the Wolves outscored the Spurs by 31 points in the 30 minutes that Gobert was on the oor. For the season, Gobert is averaging 13.4 points on 62% shooting with 12.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Those are All-Star numbers. Even more impactful has been the culture shift within the Wolves organization regarding defensive effort. Star players Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns have been consistently engaged on the defensive end this season, and part of the change in their effort level comes from knowing Gobert is always lurking in the paint, ready to dissuade any opponents who manage to penetrate their perimeter defense. Watching KAT on the defensive end this season is like watching an entirely different player. Per StatMuse, KAT boasts the second-best defensive rating in the entire NBA this season, behind, you guessed it, Gobert. That seems pretty good. The vibes, as they say, are immaculate at the Target Center this season. The Wolves are 10-1 at home, and it’s clear the players are drawing from the renewed energy of the fan base. The Wolves have been so bad for so long that no one would have blamed Wolves fans for moving on from this team and never coming back. However, it appears the opposite was true — the fans who have stuck with this team through over 30 lean years are nally being rewarded with a team that appears to care as much as they do. You love to see it. Because of their defensive prowess and consistent effort on that end of the oor, the Wolves have an extremely high oor this season. As we’ve discussed before, you might have a cold shooting night, but defensive effort doesn’t slump. The Wolves defense stands to get even better when ball-hawking wing Jaden McDaniels comes back from a right ankle injury, and his return will be much appreciated as the Wolves are about to begin a tough stretch of games through the end of December. After Friday’s game at Memphis, the Wolves play New Orleans, Dallas, Indiana, Miami, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento, Oklahoma City, Dallas and the Lakers again, with six of those games being on the road. That’s a brutal stretch of games, and if the Wolves emerge from that gauntlet near their current perch atop the standings, then we can of cially declare this team a legitimate title contender.