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SRR school teacher’s contract ratified, approved
Vol. 169, No. 37
Same Local Coverage Since 1855.
Downtown events
page 2
Agreement comes after 11 negotiating sessions BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
Teachers in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District have a new contract. After a series of 11 discussions that began in May, the district and the board of education’s negotiations committee reached a tentative agreement with certi cate staff Nov. 28, which was rati ed by the Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Association Dec. 26. The contract, which is effective July 1, 2023, and is valid for two years, was approved by the board of education at the Dec. 11 meeting at the district board room in Sauk Rapids. “I wish to thank the negotiators from both teams for their work on this challenging task,” said Bradley Bergstrom, superintendent of schools. “I appreciated the conversations that took place during negotiations.” Teacher salaries will increase 6% in Year 1 of the agreement and by $2,250 in Year 2. The district’s health insurance contribution increases by $500 for a single and $1,500 for a family in the rst year and goes up $250 for single and $500 for family in the second year.
Making spirits bright htt PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR
The Reginek family of Rice — Elli (from left), Hudson, Kayden, Landon and Daniel — surround Santa Claus Dec. 8 during the Rice Women of Today’s holiday event at the Old Village Hall in Rice. The free, two-hour Christmas event featured visits with Santa, the Grinch and CindyLou at nearby Grinchville, arts and crafts, coloring activities, cookie decorating with Mrs. Santa Claus and letters to Santa, as well as stories, art projects and additional activities at the Bridge Church.
Rice company honored for prosthetic innovation NETTwork Manufacturing wins Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. award BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER
Rice-based NETTwork Manufacturing has been honored by the Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. for its below-the-knee prosthetic socket system. The unique product has changed the lives of numerous amputees around the globe. The company’s Enhanced Mobility System socket was announced as an award winner PHOTOS COURTESY SAVVY PHOTAGE/SAVANNAH PIERSON Nov. 16 at Harvester Square Bryan Kerby, Rice-based NETTwork Manufacturing customer and Enhanced Mobility System in St. Cloud during the 12th spokesperson (front, from left) and company representatives — Margarito Mendez, Jessica Ekstrom, annual Greater St. Cloud Depresident and CEO Aaron Netter, co-owner Leslie Netter, Lindsay Netter and Mike Fairchild ; (back, from velopment Corp. I-Awards.
NETTwork page 3
left) Gabe Bircher, Paul Novak and Mark Storkamp — gather Nov. 16 during the 12th annual Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. I-Awards at Harvester Square in St. Cloud. NETTwork was recognized for its below the knee prosthetic sock, a product that has improved the lives of limb amputees worldwide.
The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
PUBLIC NOTICES
SRR page 4 • Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 9 • Minden Township Notice of Filing - pg. 13 • Langola Township Notice to Residents - pg. 13 • MN DOT Ad for Bids - pg. 14 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, Nov. 21 - pg. 9 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Reg. Board Meeting, Nov. 6 - pg. 7 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Work Session - pg. 10
OBITUARIES
• City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Meeting - pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Public Hearing - pg. 13 • City of Sauk Rapids 2024 Summary Budget Data - pg. 7 • Sauk Rapids Township Notice of Filing - pg. 7 • Sauk Rapids Township Public Hearing - pg. 14 • Storage on 15 Notice of Public Sale - pg. 14
Patricia C. Koenig • Dolores V. Rucks
$1.00
Page 2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
NEWS
Downtown events feature
seasonal fun STAFF REPORT
The downtown streets of Rice and Sauk Rapids were lled with merriment last weekend. The Rice Woman of Today and Bridge Church banded together to host an
evening event Dec. 8 in Rice, and the Holly Jolly Holiday and Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle events spanned the hours of Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. The Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle Lighted Parade capped the evening with ve units taking home prizes: Rock Creek
Coffeehouse earned rst fee place, DG Homes & Remode, D eling earned ed second place, Queen Bee’s Gardens rde & Floral earned third place, e, aand the Foley Ambassadors and Palmer Bus Service dP tied for fourth. urt Friends in Harmony received ed honorable mention in the parade. e.
PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Event organizers Robin Waseka (left) and Marla Elness discuss parade judging Dec. 9 inside Riverside Terrace in Sauk Rapids. The Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle Lighted Parade included complimentary hot chocolate for attendees along the route.
PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Guy Schafer, of Sartell, spins a handcrafted top from behind the Smiley Guy Woodworks booth Dec. 9 at Riverside Terrace in Sauk Rapids. Schafer said this was his first time attending the Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle Artisan Market.
PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Volunteers tend to a baby doll during a living Nativity Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. The performance was presented by members of Living Waters Lutheran Church.
PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR
Prospective riders prepare to board Horse Power Acres’ sleigh in front of the Old Village Hall in Rice Dec. 8 during the Rice Women of Today and Bridge Church holiday event. Jeff and Sue Burg, of Holdingford, brought their Percherons to pull the sleigh, which made round-trip visits between the two locations in downtown Rice.
PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Sofia Radzak (center) and Kelly Baumann (right) serve hot chocolate to a guest Dec. Parents and kids fill Old Village Hall in downtown Rice Dec. 8 for the Rice Women 9 outside of Manea’s Meats in downtown Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids Jingle & Mingle of Today and Bridge Chruch’s free holiday event. Coloring and cookie decorating Lighted Parade attendees had access to complimentary hot chocolate during the activities kept families busy throughout the 6-8 p.m. event, which also featured event. photos with Santa Claus, the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Hoo. Downtown events page 8 PHOTO BY TIM HENNAGIR
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | Page 3
NEWS
What’s H A P P E N I N G
Saturday, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m. — St. Cloud Meaningful Conversations Cafe. Topic this month is “How can my inner peace impact the wider world?” Caribou Coffee, 4135 W. Division St., St. Cloud. Monday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 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. GRAPHICS COURTESY OF TIM SCHMIDT AGENCY511
Rice-based NETTwork Manufacturing’s below the knee prosthetic socket system is a product that has changed the lives of amputees around the globe. Each EMS socket is custom-made to fit each amputee’s specific shape by using a residual limb cast.
‘‘
tions or even more named second from front surgery. runner-up in the NETTnation for work Manthat award. “We were able 1 just outside of Rice, is ufacturing’s “Carl Since 2012, the to put this often called one of the product really didn’t GSDC has recognized region’s best kept manu- helps 57 businesses for their accomplishment have a plan improve or method innovative approaches to facturing secrets. on the sign right for manuLindsay Netter, limb health problem-solving. Aaron’s daughter and the and overall “The St. Cloud away. We had a facturing the company’s of ce manag- lifestyle. area has an abundance prosthetist stop product,” er, said the recent award’s Lindsay Lindsay said. of innovators who are importance didn’t dawn said her quietly developing new in the other day “Aaron came on her father until he father had up with that. ways to bene t our because of the known Carl The prodregion and beyond,” said started getting feedback award and the Caspers, an uct secures Leslie Dingmann, GSDC about how their product has helped people. orthotic and business development sign. We’ve had the limb by “Everything we’ve prosthetic acting like a director. “Our awards great feedback.” suction cup honor businesses that are done was a different type industry leader, when that’s found doing phenomenal things. of manufacturing,” she - Lindsay Netter on an octoThis year, we recognized said. “We make parts for Caspers buses, and we used to came to pus’ tentacle. NETTwork Manufacmake aerospace industry Netter with a product It doesn’t compress onto turing as a ‘For Pro t’ parts. I never recognized idea. an amputee’s limb. EMS winner.” Caspers, an ampuactually strengthens the Aaron Netter, presi- the connection between tee who died earlier this connection to the prosdent and CEO of NETT- helping people and this product. That’s critical. year at age 82, founded thesis.” work Manufacturing, This award is really Northwestern Arti cial Lindsay said rewas born and raised in drawing attention to our Limb & Brace and TEC ceiving the innovation St. Cloud. He served in company.” Interface Systems based award coincided with the the U.S. Air Force and Each EMS socket is in St. Cloud. company getting a new completed three tours in Caspers created frontage sign. Vietnam before his 1974 custom-made to t each amputee’s speci c shape innovative products and “We’ve never had honorable discharge. by using a residual limb was awarded patents that one,” she said, in refNetter started his cast. The inner, exible changed amputee’s lives erence to the sign. “We company in a duplex all over the world, Lind- were able to put this basement in 1989 before socket is designed as say said. accomplishment on the upgrading to a home with an addition to existing In 1995, Caspers sign right away. We had an attached garage, where prosthetic systems and and his and son-in-law, a prosthetist stop in the NETTwork thrived for a improves function. Amputees can devel- Scott Schneider, were other day because of short period of time. op sores, skin ulcers and St. Cloud and Minnesota the award and the sign. The company’s tissue or muscle atrophy Small Business of the We’ve had great feedcurrent facility, located Year winners, later being back.” on Stearns County Road which can lead to infec-
NETTwork
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Tuesday, Dec. 19, 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. 20, 1-3 p.m. — Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7-8 p.m. — Tech Time. Trouble understanding your laptop, tablet, e-reader or other electronic device? Questions about downloading library materials? Register with library staff for your one-on-one 30-minute session. Great River Regional Library-St. Cloud, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Thursday, Dec. 21, 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. Thursday, Dec. 22, 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. 22, 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting. Meets weekly. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. NW, Rice. For more information, call 320-293-9213. Thursday, Dec. 22, 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. Monday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day. Monday, Dec. 25, 11:30-2 p.m. — Christmas Day Dinner. Hosted by Agape Warriors Ministry. Free and open to all. No reservation required. Turkey, ham, pasta, tacos, potatoes and gravy, dressing, salad, desert and beverages. East Side VFW Post 4847, 104 Franklin Ave. NE, St. Cloud.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | Page 5
OBITUARIES Patricia C. Koenig Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec.18, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Patricia C. Koenig, who passed away Dec. 11, 2023, at her home in Sartell. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and also one hour prior to service at the church. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens and the Rev. Timothy Baltes will of ciate and burial will be at the parish cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Patricia was born Jan. 22, 1926, in Minneapolis to Dr. William Peyton and Clara (Krapp) Peyton. She attended St. Cecilias School and St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Paul. Pat received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Minnesota and was enrolled in the Cadet Nurse Corps Program toward the end of WWII. Pat
Dolores V. Rucks Services will be private for Dolores V. Rucks, age 94, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Cloud. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Dolores was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Clearwater to Herman and Irma (Berger) Kloeppner. She married Harold Rucks Dec. 29, 1951, in Clearwater. Dolores was a homemaker and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where
program, Gathering in the by her children, John (Karla) Koenig of Rice, Arts group, “The Grandma Group,” and St Francis Peter (Nancy) Koenig of Minneapolis, Bill (Cheri) Xavier Parish. She was Koenig of Albany, Mary involved with the parish Pat (Roger) Saul of Oxfestival for many years, ford, Pennsylvania, Therunning the plant stand resa Koenig (Al Hagen) and co-chairing the fesof Duluth, Michael (Sue) tival one year with Bob. Koenig of Sauk Rapids, She traveled with famand Paul Koenig of Liily and Bob to Mexico, Alaska, Europe and spent tch eld; many grandchila week at the lake during dren, great-grandchildren, Patricia C. Koenig and a great-great grandsummer for many years. child. She is preceded Her Catholic faith worked as a public health and belief in Jesus Christ in death by her parents; de ned her life. Her motto husband, Dr. Robert nurse until she married for raising and interacting Koenig; son, Richard; her husband, Dr. Robert P. Koenig in Minneapolis with her family was “Gen- daughter, Martha; great tle but rm.” Making her grandchildren, Nicholas and started their famiKoenig and Simon Henry own decisions throughly. After brief moves to Goff; siblings, Virginia Paynesville, Upstate New out her life, she wasn’t Denison, Kathleen Teberg York, back to Minneapolis de ned by her age. She embraced life and loved it. and James Peyton. and St. Cloud, the couMemorials are preShe was proud of her Irish ple and growing family and German heritage, but ferred to Elevate Pregsettled in Sartell. was always most proud of nancy Center (formerly Patricia’s interests included organic garden- her husband, children and Birthline), elevatestcloud. grandchildren. Her eyes lit org ing, backyard chickens, Obituary, guest up, and she smiled at her horses, painting and 7 month old great-grand- book and video tribute sketching, managing her available online at www. daughter on her lap the stocks, driving her Muswilliamsdingmann.com. day before she died. tang, and making her toR-50-1B Patricia is survived mato jam and many baked goods. Organizations she belonged to included the “Our Country is in Mourning, A Veteran Died Today.” St. Cloud Medical Auxiliary, Catholic Ed CCD
time with family. Dolores is survived by her daughters and sons, Cynthia Kanner of Burnsville, Susan (Duane) Biniek of Madison, Wisconsin, Mary (Duane) Winkelman of Park Rapids, Richard (Sonia) Rucks of Rice, John (Barb) Rucks of Clear Lake, and Michael Dolores V. Rucks (Carmen) Rucks of Sauk Rapids; sister, Carol (Erv) she was a member of St. Marquette of Clear Lake; Monica’s Society. She en- daughter-in-law, Gail joyed traveling, walking, Rucks of St. Cloud; 17 volunteering at the hospi- grandchildren and many tal, watching the Minne- great-grandchildren. She sota Twins, spending time was preceded in death by at the lake and spending her parents, husband Har-
BREAK CROSSWORD
old in 1993, son Robert, daughter Valerie Scott, son-in-law Chad Scott, grandson Alan Ash and brother Donald Kloeppner. A special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Quiet Oaks Hospice House for their loving care and support. Memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House. Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann. com. R-50-1B
POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT DEC. 4-11 Incidents: Medical calls 23, traf c stops 20, administrative citations (winter parking violations) 18, miscelDec. 4, 7:54 a.m. — An of cer conducted a traf c stop laneous calls 18, suspicious activity reports 12, assists on a driver, who was using the northbound on-ramp 11, alarms 10, welfare checks 10, thefts 7, trespassing to Highway 10 from County Road 3. The driver had 7, traf c accidents 6, animal calls 5, child calls 5, dissquealed the vehicle’s tires and was driving excessively turbance 5, permits 5, police proactive visits 5, agency for the road conditions. The driver also was not using assists 4, civil complaints 4, disputes 3, driving calls 3, the vehicle’s headlights even though it was foggy and assault 2, domestic calls 2, human services reports 2, misting. The driver admitted to the actions, and the of- lift assists 2, record checks 2, tows 2 and vehicle calls 2, cer gave the driver a warning.
Sauk Rapids Police Department
Rice Police Department
Dec. 4, 1:23 p.m. — A male employee on the 700 block of County Road 21 asked for a police of cer to meet him at the business. The employee explained that in late November a person had acted inappropriately toward a female employee, who will no longer return to work at the location. The female indicated to the employee that she had looked up information on the person and learned the person had been arrested for sex traf cking in the past. The of cer arranged for law enforcement contact information to be passed on to the female and told the employee the person could be trespassed from the location if the business decides to do so.
Dec. 6, 11:08 a.m. — Of cers were dispatched to the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School for a student who was experiencing a medical emergency in the cafeteria and displayed signs of an overdose. The student was administered Narcan and became conscious. The student Incidents: Winter parking violations 10, miscellaneous admitted to consuming THC edibles and was transport- calls 8, traf c stops 6, agency assists 5, suspicious activity reports 4, background checks 2, driving calls 2 ed to the hospital for further medical treatment. and warrants 2.
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Dec. 5, 12:46 p.m. — An of cer took a call from a person who was concerned that a delivery of medication was left outside a home on the 1900 block of North Benton Drive when no one was home. The person had already addressed the concerns with the business that delivered the medication, and the of cer advised that if the person needing the medication had the means to retrieve prescriptions at the store, it would eliminate the problem. The person calling understood.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Evergreen winter damage Are there brown needles on your conifers also known as evergreen trees? This condition may not occur until later winter. When the temperature decreases, trees become dormant, and the stomata or openings on the bottom of the needles GREEN AND GROWING close. Stomata allow IN BENTON COUNTY moisture to evaporate during the warm seasons. BY LINDA G. TENNESON If there is a warm period, the stomata open. When the temperature goes down, the cold air causes the needles to die and turn brown. This problem occurs on conifers such as pine, spruce, yew and on broadleaf evergreens such as holly and rhododendron. Winter burn may be why needles turn gray, yellow or brown. Eastern red cedar/juniper, arborvitae, white pine, yew and boxwood trees and shrubs are often affected. Creeping juniper may turn a shade of purple. Water all plants well before the ground freezes, and do not apply fertilizer in fall which may encourage new growth. Fertilizer may inspire new growth at a time when the plant should be going into dormancy. This combined with a warm fall and a sharp temperature drop will cause damage. Frozen ground prevents a plant from taking up water through the root system. If brown leaves or needles appear in spring, scratch a twig area to see if there is green tissue underneath. Green means that the tissue is live and new growth will occur. If no green tissue is seen the branch may be pruned. However, wait until spring to make nal pruning decisions. Damage may be avoided by planting sensitive plants, particularly those recommended for growing farther south, in protected areas away from winds that may dry the plants out. Check the zone recommendations on plant labels for hardiness. Avoid planting new plants late in fall because the roots will not have time to establish their roots before the ground freezes. Early spring and late summer are the best planting times. Wrapping the plant with burlap or other material may be done to protect the plant from drying winds, but not to stop any moisture from escaping. Wrappings should be open at the top and removed in the spring. Tightly wrapped plants can trap moisture that becomes ice and weighs down branches or encourages disease. Antidesiccant sprays may be applied but provide limited protection. Disease pathogens or other conditions may cause needles to change color but are less likely to occur in winter. Salt spray from adjacent sidewalks and roadways may also cause needle browning. This may be washed off if the temperature is above freezing and the draining water will not become ice in personal or vehicular traf c areas. Mulch can help insulate the plant roots and moderate the effect of above ground temperature changes. Mulch will also preserve moisture near the soil surface. However, keep mulch several inches away from the tree or shrub trunks. Small animals may shelter in this mulch and eat the bark at the same time. The inner layer of bark known as the cambium contains the circulation system for the plant, moving water and nutrients from the roots to the above ground growth. If the inner layer of bark is eaten all around the trunk, circulation is cut off and the plant dies. The website hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ winter-burn contains details. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
OPINION The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not re ect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.
Holiday longing It’s the week before Christmas, and all been written on our hearts by our creator. King through the house, we’re wishing we had Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that God has already bought those listed presents, fretting put eternity in our hearts. Even to those who there isn’t enough in the bank to buy them and do not believe in Jesus, still have the markings getting mad at our spouse. No, that’s not how on the heart from their creator. These experithe infamous “‘Twas the Night Before Christences each year are our longings for things yet mas” poem we all remember from Clement to be ful lled. Moore goes, but it’s something many of us While people are eager to enjoy a break feel as the countdown to Christmas trudges on. from work, in heaven there will be no work in Atheist or follower of Jesus, no matter your vain and it will be enjoyable without the curse belief, we all share some experiences for a from man’s rst sin. Christmas music will LIFE BY FAITH very real reason. BY MERCY NYGAARD forever by voided by myriads of multitudes Over 1,600 years ago, we began to build singing songs written by God himself. Food this annual anticipation of Christmas celebrasplurges will be replaced by us eating a feast tion. Time has produced over 100 movies about Christmas at God’s kingdom table, with food from the tree of life. and almost 50,000 songs have been written on the subject, Shopping will cease as everything we need will be availaccording to the data quality company Blokur’s founder able without limit. Decorating will be paled in comparison and editor, Phil Barry. You don’t have to be a follower of to us enamored by pearly gates, streets of gold and preJesus to hum any of the catchy Christmas tunes that play cious gemstones adorning all of heaven. We won’t need to ceaselessly after Thanksgiving. dress up because we will be clothed in robes of royalty as Many people only celebrate Santa Claus as their God’s children. We will be together with all of our loved Christmas hero. No matter what belief system you hold to, ones as the family of Christ will be joined in heaven. And even atheistic, Christmas reinforces social bonds, bringing our anxieties and stresses will be gone forever because of people together around the world. the impending safety and peace we will have with no more But what is the something that everyone shares in suffering. common as this time rolls around once a year? It may not It’s the anticipation of Jesus’ second return and our be everything all at once, but at least one of the following entrance into eternity that we all share deep down in our listed experiences, people share to some degree: hearts. Every year we feel this as Christmas nears. We Perhaps it is the break from work you enjoy over think it’s for different reasons, but they are just re ections the Christmas holiday. Christmas music sets a welcomed of longing for what is to come. Only those who follow mood if not an internal countdown to the holiday. Food is Jesus, declaring him Lord of their life and believing he anticipated as people plan for splurges for their favorite is the son of God who sacri ced himself to redeem us to traditional cookie or dish. Shopping is ever present as God, will reach the heavenly eternity. marketing ramps up desired sales where ever you look. This is the good news for all, no matter what your Decorating urges get satis ed as festive items are set out Christmas will look like this year. Those of us with no that would otherwise be considered gaudy. The excuse to home, no family, no meal and no presents have this same put on your velvety, dapper dress, suit or ugly sweater is kingdom eternity to look forward to, upon our surrender to validated. Gathering together invites the playing of games, the newborn king. sharing movies or conversations long overdue. And when Don’t let the lows of this past year or the cares of this the day nally arrives, stress can exhale out of the presworld steel our joy for what is to come. Let this holiday ence of all as everyone ought to be given the right to relax remind us of our true hope in Jesus’ second coming as we more than any other day of the year. celebrate his rst entrance into this world as a baby. Each of these experiences signi es something that has
All students reading at grade level SAUK RAPIDS-RICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Reading is more than something tion. Through LETRS training, our we learn in school — it shapes how teachers have gained a deep underwe live our lives. standing of how language works, Knowing how to read is key to learned practices supported by rethinking critically and communicatsearch for teaching reading skills, STORM CORNER ing effectively. For students, reading and acquired the tools to identify and BY DR. KARRIE BOSER, opens the door to a world full of DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING support students with varying literacy information that helps us grow. Readneeds. LETRS provides a structured ing is like having a special key that unlocks opportunities framework that allows teachers to deliver clear and orgaand helps us handle the challenges of our world. Reading nized reading instruction, having a more intense impact is an important tool that helps us learn, understand and on students’ reading abilities and overall literacy success. express ourselves. The importance of reading extends far Every Sauk Rapids-Rice LETRS trained staff member beyond academics, equipping students with the tools they graciously committed nearly 150 hours to complete this need to succeed in school, careers and as informed, enimportant training in order to be better reading teachers for gaged citizens. all students. On May 24, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Minnesota has since made it a requirement that readReading to Ensure Academic Development Act. The goal ing teachers must have training around the SoR in two of this legislation is to have every Minnesota child reading phases. Phase I will require all teachers prekindergarten at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergar- through third grade and anyone else teaching reading in ten. Being a pro cient reader has an impact on a student’s fourth through 12th grades to have SoR training by July entire education. Teaching students to read has been and 1, 2025, and all other teachers responsible for reading continues to be a passion of the Sauk Rapids-Rice staff. instruction to complete training by July 1, 2027. Sauk They have continually sought ways to support our students Rapids-Rice is well ahead of this thanks to so many of our in their ability to read. teachers seeing the value in the training prior to the state Sauk Rapids-Rice staff have learned a lot about how mandate. children learn to read through the Science of Reading, Delving into the science of reading and undergoing which is a comprehensive body of research that spans training to teach our students using practices supported by many years of studies from a wide array of research deresearch is a journey. Armed with the knowledge of how signs, experimental methods, participants and statistical language works and equipped with effective instructional analysis. This research helps us to understand the cognistrategies, educators become powerful advocates for their tive processes that are essential for readers to be pro cient. students’ literacy success. The science of reading provides What does this look like a roadmap to navigate the complexities of reading and for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools? ensures that every student is given the tools to unlock the Implementing the Science of Reading involves inmagic. By embracing this knowledge and incorporating corporating practices and strategies that are supported by it into our teaching practices, Sauk Rapids-Rice staff research into literacy instruction. Staff has been in uential empowers students not only to become pro cient readers in obtaining training with over 130 Sauk Rapids-Rice edu- but also to excel in their academic pursuits, laying a solid cators already embarking on this “Language Essentials for foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. As eduTeachers of Reading and Spelling” training. LETRS is a cators commit to continuous learning and the application program designed to enhance educators’ understanding of of research supported methods, they play a pivotal role the science of reading and equip them with the knowledge in shaping a future where literacy is not just a skill but a and skills necessary to provide effective reading instrucpathway to limitless opportunities.
PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | Page 7
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF FILING FOR SAUK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP ELECTION Notice is hereby given to quali ed voters of Sauk Rapids Township, Benton County, State of Minnesota, that ling for town of cers will be held for a two-week period beginning Tuesday, January 3rd, 2024 and closing on Tuesday, January 17th, 2024 at ve o’clock p.m. Af davits of Candidacy shall be led, with the Township Clerk by appointment between the hours of nine o’clock a.m. and ve o’clock p.m. from January 3rd, 2024 through January 17th, 2024 at 4074 5th Avenue NE, Sauk Rapids, MN (please call for 320-250-7413 for an appointment) or at the Sauk Rapids Township of ce (4074 5th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids, MN) January 17th, 2024 from one o’clock to ve o’clock. Filings will close at ve o’clock on Tuesday, January 17th, 2024. The ling fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of ling. Of ces to be lled at the March 14th, 2024 Annual Elections are: Treasurer for a two-year term Supervisor for a three-year term Absentee voting can be accomplished with the Sauk Rapids Township Clerk by appointment between the hours of 9 o’clock a.m. and 5 o’clock p.m. from February 10th, 2024 through March 13th, 2023 at 4074 5th Ave N.E. Sauk Rapids, MN (please call 320-250-7413 for an appointment) or at the Sauk Rapids Township of ce located at 4074 5th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids, MN on Saturday March 11th, 2024 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Posted by Daryl Sheetz - Clerk Sauk Rapids Township R-50-2B
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, November 6, 2023 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, November 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. CST in the District Of ce Boardroom. ROLL CALL Members present included Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Johnson, Loidolt, and Morse. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Boser, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Principal Logrono, Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Principal Arndt and Pleasantview Principal Froiland. BUS DRIVER RECOGNITION Mason Plumski, Voigt’s Bus driver that transports district students, was recognized for his quick and thoughtful action during a student medical situation. Superintendent Bergstrom, the Board of Education and the student’s family recognized and thanked Mr. Plumski for his expedient action. ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM Chair Butkowski asked Clerk Loidolt to af rm there was a quorum in attendance. Clerk Loidolt af rmed there was a quorum. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”. PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input at 7:00 p.m. ACTION APPROVAL OF THE OFFICIAL AUDIT REPORT A motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the of cial audit. A representative from the school district’s audit rm, BerganKDV, reviewed results of the annual audit report, and answered Board member questions. APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AT HILLSIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD A motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried, by a margin of six to approve an additional .5 FTE instructional paraprofessional this request was based on enrollment and student need. This request aligns with the district’s Strategic Commitment: Culture of High Quality and Effective Instruction. ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to adopt the Donation Resolution. The Minnesota School Board Association recommends the Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the agenda. ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Loidolt, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Loidolt School Board Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-50-1B
Page 8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
NEWS
Downtown events from page 2
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u B t p p A PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
DG Homes & Remodeling is the second-place winner Dec. 9 in the Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle Lighted Parade with their old-fashioned truck and Christmas tree display. First place in the competition was Rock Creek Coffeehouse.
C M C i
Silent Night
u
Holy Night
p e PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Roland Johannes, of Sauk Rapids, receives a kiss on the nose from t a llama Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. Attendees interacted with llamas at the annual Llama i Wonderama offering during the Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & tC Mingle event. u
Rice
(Left) Leo Winter, of L Sauk Rapids, lays in H Santa Claus’ arms while n his family takes a picture e Dec. 9 at VFW Post 6992 L in Sauk Rapids. The Holly H Jolly Holiday event, which was hosted by Miss Sauk p Rapids Royalty, included kids bingo, face painting and a meat c i raffle.
Bridge Church These area churches invite you to join them for worship this Christmas season!
Lutheran Church Graham United Methodist Church Petra 1049 1st Ave. N, Sauk Rapids, MN 2255 135th St. NE, Rice, MN (320) 393-2145 Sunday School Program & Youth Play Dec. 17 • 7 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 • 7 pm
Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran 1950 125th St. NW, Rice, MN (320) 393-4295 | sotpministries.com Children Christmas Program Dec. 17 • 9 am Christmas Eve Service | Dec. 24 • 9 am Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 • 3 pm & 5 pm
Sauk Rapids Discovery Church 700 18th St. NW, Sauk Rapids, MN (320) 251-5767 www.discoverychurchmn.com Sunday Service | Dec. 17 • 9:30 am • Hispanic Service • 12 pm Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24 • 9:30 am & 7 pm
Harvest Fellowship Church 400 2nd Ave. N, Sauk Rapids, MN (320) 529-8838 | HarvestMN.com HarvestenEspanol.com Sunday Worship | Dec. 17 • 10 am • Harvest En Espanol 10 am • Connection Kids & Parent Class 9 - 9:45 am Christmas Eve (Morning) Service Dec. 24 • 10 am • Harvest En Espanol 10 am New Year’s Eve (Morning) Service Dec. 31 • 10 am • Harvest En Espanol 10 am
Living Waters Lutheran Church 1911 4th Ave. N, Sauk Rapids MN (320) 255-1135 | www.lwlcmn.org Christmas Eve in the Barn 5400 Golden Spike Rd NE, Sauk Rapids
Dec. 24 • Noon & 1:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at the Church
Dec. 24 • 5 pm & 10 pm
y t T i
(320) 252-0120 | www.petralutheran.com Thursday Worship with Communion Dec. 14 • 6:30 pm Sunday Children’s Christmas Pageant Dec. 17 • 10:45 am Sunday Christmas Eve Worship Dec. 24 • 10:45 am
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Riverside Church: Sauk Rapids Campus 1702 W Highview Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN (763) 263-2410 | MyRC.church/Christmas Christmas Carol Production Dec. 17 • 9 am & 10:45 am Reserve Christmas Carol Tickets (required) MYRC.CHURCH/Christmas Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24 • 9 am & 10:45 am
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 2875 10th Ave. NE, Sauk Rapids, MN (320) 251-8115 www.sacredheartsaukrapids.org Christmas Masses: Dec. 24 • 4 pm & 10 pm Dec. 25 • 10 am - ASL interpreter Holy Family Masses: Dec. 30 • 5 pm - ASL interpreter Dec. 31 • 9 am Mary, Mother of God: Jan. 1 • 10 am - ASL interpreter
Trinity Lutheran Church 2163 Mayhew Lake Rd. NE, Sauk Rapids, MN (320) 252-3670 | www.trinitysr.org Sunday Morning Service | Dec. 17 • 9 am Children’s Christmas Program | Dec 17 • 6 pm Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24 • 9 am & 6 pm Christmas Day Service | Dec. 25 • 9 am
St. Cloud Abounding Joy Lutheran 6000 Co. Rd. 120, St. Cloud, MN (320) 217-8784 | www.aboundingjoy.org Sunday Service | Dec. 17 • 10 am Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service | Dec. 24 • 10 am & 5 pm
w u f I b b A PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN
Sauk Rapids firefighters Justin Hammerel (from left), Kaden Cahill and Scott Vadnais warm up near a fire pit Dec. 9 outside of the Sauk Rapids Fire Station in Sauk Rapids. Members of the fire department provided hot chocolate, coffee and cookies to visitors. HOURS Tue. – Fri.: 11 am - 6 pm Sat.: 9 am – 2 pm Other days by appointment only
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PUBLIC NOTICES BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2023 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on November 21, 2023, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Scott Johnson was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Steve Heinen, Scott Johnson, Jared Gapinski and Ed Popp present. County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to add a discussion regarding a letter to Human Services employees as the 5th item under County Administrator at 9:05 AM. Motion by Popp and seconded by Heinen to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously. There was no one present to speak under Open Forum. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Heinen to approve Consent Agenda items 1 – 10: 1) approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 2) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 30, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve an agreement with Hildi, Inc. to perform a required OPEB Actuarial Study and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) approve the Final Plat entitled “Fussy Acres” submitted by Robert Fussy Jr. and authorize the Chair to sign; 6) approve the 2024 General Wage Adjustment for Non-Union employees; 7) approve the Statement of Work with CliftonLarsonAllen for the Compilation and Audit of the 2023 Financial Statement and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve waiving all fees associated with a variance application by the City of Foley for its Welcome Sign located East of Foley on Trunk Highway 23; 9) approve a application for new County combination OnSale & Sunday Sale Liquor License and authorize the Chair to sign; 10) approve the 2024 re-roo ng of the Benton County Courts Facility and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously. Next, was the recognition of Highway employees Mark Loidolt and Tim Stein, as well as Detention Of cers Mausue Hansmeier and Daniel Matykiewicz as our Employee Recognition 3rd Quarter Award Winners in the category of “Customer Service”. County Engineer Chris Byrd spoke on behalf of Loidolt and Stein, and Sheriff Troy Heck spoke on behalf of Hansmeier and Matykiewicz. Next, Headley requested the County Board consider approving a Classi cation and Compensation Maintenance Program. Our compensation consultant David Drown and Associates (DDA) has proposed its maintenance program, whereby it will review a third of the County’s job classi cations each year. This review could result in changes to pay grades due to labor market comparisons or changes in duties (or both). The maintenance program would take the place of completing a countywide class and comp study every 10 years. The goal of the maintenance program is to avoid falling behind the labor market of our comparative counties and to also update job descriptions as duties change over time. DDA proposes an annual cost of $21,000 for its maintenance program. DDA currently has its maintenance program in place with 26 Minnesota counties and cities (mostly counties). The County Administrator’s Of ce spoke with two of those counties, which both reported a high level of satisfaction with DDA and the outcomes from the program. Headley noted that there was once change to the agreement giving DDA permission to use our job descriptions with their other clients. This can be found under Section 19 under Ownership of Work Product. If approved today, DDA will start reviewing 1/3 of the jobs beginning in January 2024. Motion by Popp and seconded by Heinen to approve an agreement with David Drown and Associates for a classi cation and compensation maintenance
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023| Page 9
program, with such program to begin January 2024. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Headley requested to appoint a Benton County representative to the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board. Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger, one of Benton County’s two appointees to the St. Cloud Regional Airport Board, has indicated his plans to leave the Authority Board at the end of the year. A new appointee would be eligible to serve out the unexpired term of Mayor Hunstiger, which runs through June 30, 2026. A new appointee would then be eligible for two additional 3-year terms. Heinen suggested appointing Kevin Johnson to the Board. Motion by Popp and seconded by Heinen to appoint Kevin Johnson as a Benton County representative to the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider the revisions to Benton County’s Fiscal Policies governing credit cards. Revisions proposed on page 10 of the Benton County Fiscal Policies would allow the Child Protection Unit and On-Call Social Workers to check out a county credit card for use in making emergency purchases for children needing foster care placement. Currently, employees have been making purchases with their personal credit cards and getting reimbursed. Purchases are made for essential items needed to safely place a child in foster care. This change would allow a Social Worker to take the card to a retail store and make purchases. Under current policy, the Department credit card may not leave the premises. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Gapinski to approve the revisions to Benton County’s Fiscal Policies governing credit cards. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Headley requested County Board approval of a letter to Human Services explaining the future of Human Services and Public Health. There was a consensus of the County Board to separate Public Health from Human Services, and to create a new Community Health Board that serves as the governing board for Public Health. We will abolish the Human Services Board, then all Human Services (social services) matters will be placed on regular County Board agendas for action. It was also the consensus of the County Board that the ve Commissioners will serve as the Community Health Board. The County Board will take formal action on enabling a Resolution separating Public Health from Human Services in December, with the change effective 90 days after that action. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Gapinski to have Board Chair Johnson sign the letter to Human Services employees. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Headley provided the monthly scal report through September 30, 2023 for informational purposes only. Next, Headley requested discussion and direction on a Human Services Director succession plan. There was a consensus to have a traditional posting, and that Heinen and Johnson would be on the selection committee. Headley also suggested keeping the recruitment process more open, and to invite employees to meet the nalists where employees can provide feedback. This was a recommendation by Andy Zimney of Employee Strategies. The Human Services Director position will be posted soon, and the County Board will consider an open forum style hiring process. Next, Headley provided an update on the Human Resources Director recruitment. The position will likely close on 12/01/2023 and interviews will be scheduled from there. Gapinski was appointed as one of the Selection Committee members for the Human Resources Director position. Next, Headley provided an update on Employee Strategies employee engagement project. Headley suggested to set up a Committee of the Whole Meeting to share the ndings and possible action of the employee engagement project. This meeting will be set later during the Board Meeting today. Next, Headley provided updates on an agreement with Benton Economic Partnership (BEP) to administer affordable
housing funds, an update on Legacy grant projects at Bend in the River Regional Park and asked the Board to consider a future replacement on the Park Commission for Commissioner District 5. This was for informational purposes only. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:40 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting. The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:44 AM. Next, Land Services Director Roxanne Achman provided a follow-up to the November 7, 2023 open forum presentation by Tina Helmin regarding the siting of billboards. Achman shared that a sign company was interested in placing a billboard on the property owned by Helmin Landscaping. Achman showed photos of the Helmin property which showed the location a billboard is permitted. Achman also shared an outline of the variance process, the duties of the Board of Adjustment, and other signs along Highway 10 that meet the requirements and have recently been permitted. This topic needs to be discussed further at a future Committee of the Whole Meeting which will be set later today. Next, Byrd wished to discuss the CSAH 7 and MNTH 95 intersection. Byrd received a communication from the MNDOT District Traf c Engineer Ken Hansen expressing concerns about the number of crashes at Benton CSAH 7 and TH 95. He believes that this intersection would be a good candidate for a roundabout and is preparing an application for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant. The project will most likely be constructed in 2029. In the previous 5 years there have been 8 total crashes. None were fatal but at least 2 resulted in severe injury. The cost to the County would be minimal. MNDOT may want a letter of support to accompany their application. There was a consensus of the County Board to have Byrd send a letter of support noting that Benton County supports this project in concept with no scal responsibility. Next, Byrd shared information on MNDOT Detour Agreement Reimbursement. In 2022 Benton County entered into an agreement with MNDOT to use CSAH 4 as a detour for the TH 23 construction between Foley and Milaca. The construction work on TH 23 is complete and the detour is no longer needed. The agreement stipulated a calculation formula to determine the compensation Benton County will receive for the road life consumed while carrying Trunk Highway traf c. The detour lasted longer than anticipated and is re ected in the reimbursement amount. There has been some discussion at a staff level of where this one-time revenue of $88,078.78 should be deposited. Byrd requested that the County Board consider depositing these funds into the Highway Capital Projects fund. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Popp to deposit the one-time revenue of $88,078.78 into the Highway Capital Projects fund. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County. There were no additional comments under “Comments by Commissioners”. Popp/Heinen to set the Committee of the Whole Meetings: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 add the Emergency Management Issues with the Final 2024 Budget and Levy discussion, Elected Of cial salaries and proposed fee schedule changes, Benton County Boardroom, Foley, 9:00 AM; Monday, December 18, 2023 Highway issues and space needs discussion with GLT Architects, Benton County Boardroom, Foley, 9:00 AM; Wednesday, December 20, 2023 employee engagement survey discussion and sign discussion, Benton County Boardroom, Foley, 8:30 AM. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Johnson adjourned the Regular Board Meeting at 10:26 AM. Scott Johnson, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-50-1B
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. MORTGAGEE: 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. T R A N S A C T I O N 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 R E S I D E N T I A L MORTGAGE SERVICER: LoanCare, LLC MORTGAGED 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 ORIGINAL 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 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. 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 TAT 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
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023| Page 11
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Divisional dominance Lumberjacks sweep Rochester, seize 1st place in West Division BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
The West Division has a new frontrunner. The Granite City Lumberjacks proved that the previous night was no uke. The Lumberjacks dominated its matchup with the Rochester Grizzlies in a convincing 5-0 victory Dec. 9 at Rochester Recreation Center in Rochester and seized sole possession of rst place in the West Division in the process. “It was a big weekend for our team and our organization,” said D.J. Vold, associate head coach. “It’s a weekend we’ve had circled for probably a month now. I’m pleased with the results we got.” Like most of its games this season, Granite City’s success was fueled by the hard work and determination of Easton Portner. The Sauk Rapids product notched the rst goal of the contest in the closing minutes of the rst period, and he later picked up his team-leading 10th goal of the campaign in the third period. “The thing that’s making him successful this year is his game doesn’t change night to night,” Vold said. “He’s a really consistent player. It’s the hardest thing for our guys to bring their game every night, and it’s something he doesn’t seem to struggle with.” While Rochester —
which entered the night tied with Granite City in wins with 18 — possesses the ability to strike back in quick succession, that response never came as the Lumberjacks attacked the puck and rarely let the Grizzlies get settled in their offensive zone. Granite City outshot Rochester 33-19 on the night, including a 9-3 advantage in the nal 20 minutes. “In the third period more than any other time, we played well in the neutral zone,” Vold said. “When we do that, it’s hard to get the puck in our end. It helps when (goalie) Sam Schowalter is back there playing well. We did a good job of eliminating high-quality scoring chances, turning pucks over and turning them into offense.” By that time, the Lumberjacks were already in control of the showdown, having tallied two rapid- re goals to start the second period. Parker Comstock scored his second goal in as many games 18 seconds into the period before Connor Miller buried his third score of the season 30 seconds later. Jack Louko recorded a goal at 7:18 in the third period, Schowalter made 19 saves in net and Granite City claimed perhaps its strongest win of the season in enemy territory.
“We’re not where we need to be, but we’re moving in the right direction,” Vold said. “It’s fun to watch them struggle at the beginning of the season and ght their way out of it.” The Lumberjacks hosted the Alexandria Blizzard Dec. 15 and start their appearance in the 2023 NA3HL Showcase against the Norwich Sea Captains at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at National Sports Center in Blaine. GCL ROC
1 2 2-5 0 0 0-0 First period: 1. Portner (Edan Cho, Patrick Dunaiski) 18:48. Second period: 2. Comstock (Nolan Widman, Sam Brennan) 0:18. 3. Miller (Thomas Gerum, Ashton Ericksen) 0:48. Third period: 4. Louko (Portner, TJ Lepisto) 7:18. 5. Portner (Louko, Lepisto) 11:41. Goalie: Schowalter 19 saves of 19 shots.
Granite City 5, Rochester 4 (SO) Not every athlete can stare down the pressure of a stressful situation and embrace the limelight. Gerum made his opportunity in a bigtime setting count as the Wausau, Wisconsin, native sent a shot past Rochester goalie Nick Kurtiak on the shootout to give Granite City a thrilling 5-4 triumph Dec. 8 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. “He’s one of those guys you want there when the bright lights are on and you want something good to happen,” Vold said. “He welcomes it and wants to be in that spot.” With the teams being side-by-side in the divisional standings, mo-
mentum naturally swung pendulum-style, with each squad having their moments. The Lumberjacks struck rst with a rst-period goal from Ericksen. Then, Rochester scored two straight in the second period, and Gerum launched his seventh goal of the season to tie the game at two. The third period was pure mayhem. Down 3-2 with 1:06 play, Rochester found the equalizer, but the Lumberjacks were not ready to go to overtime yet, taking only seven seconds to re-take the lead. As the clock wound down to all zeroes, the Grizzlies snuck one home to send the game to overtime. “It was a fan-friendly game, to say the least,” Vold said. “It was exciting.” After a scoreless overtime period, Granite City goalie Anyon Benett denied the Grizzlies on three straight shootout attempts before Gerum gave the team an additional point with the most important shot of the team’s season to date. “The highs were de nitely high and the lows were de nitely low, but I’m happy with how our guys stuck with it and kept it going,” Vold said. “When we can nd a way to win and pull out two points, we’re pretty happy.” ROC GCL
0 2 2 0 0-4 1 1 2 0 1-5 First period: 1. Ericksen (Miller, Christian Carto) 8:31. Second period: 4. Gerum (Dunaiski, Widman) 14:37. Third period: 5. Brennan (Dunaiski) 1:28. 7. Comstock (Portner, Louko) 19:01. Shootout: Lepisto (N), Louko (N) and Gerum (Y). Goalie: Bennett 26 of 30.
girls basketball
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Lead slips away against Crush BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
The Storm hosted Fergus Falls in a Central Lakes Conference game This one was a learn- to our players,” coach Dec. 14 and remain ing experience for the Brooklyn Harren said. Sauk Rapids-Rice girls “They were ready to get at home for two more pre-Christmas home basketball team. after it (after the loss) games next week, facing The Storm had and get better.” Brainerd Tuesday, Dec. chances to put away the Senior Courtney St. Cloud Crush Dec. 8, Paulsen nearly willed her 19 and Detroit Lakes but SRR could not get team to victory, nishing Thursday, Dec. 21. St. Cloud 73, SRR 70 the ball in the hoop at with 33 points on 11 of SC 30 43-73 crucial times in a 73-70 19 shooting, including SRR 33 37-70 SRR: Paulsen 33 points, loss at Sauk Rapids-Rice three 3-pointers. Alison 11, Olivia Mohs 9, Alexis High School in Sauk Schriefels also sank three Schriefels Swanson 6, Josalynn Morford 6, Rapids. 3-pointers and nished Lauren Schloe 5. “We played hard and with 11 points. The the outcome was tough, Storm led 33-30 at halfbut it was motivating time.
Storm suffer ‘feel-good’ loss SRR fights hard in 76-67 setback to Alexandria BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
Jason Allen admits he does not take losing well. That said, the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys basketball coach came away from his team’s 76-67 loss to Alexandria Dec. 12 feeling pretty good about his team. The competitive nature of the Cardinals hardfought victory is one of many reasons why Allen left the Alexandria High School gymnasium unusually upbeat after a loss. “We were resilient, we competed, and we didn’t back down,” said Allen, whose team fell to 2-1 heading into a huge early season game Dec. 15 at Tech. “We made plays when they needed to be played to get us back in the game. This was the rst game for us, and we know now we can compete with them. Just knowing that is huge.” Allen has a good memory. That is perhaps another reason for his post-loss optimism. The Storm lost twice — convincingly — to Alexandria last season, 76-35 and 80-39. The Cardinals, coached by former St. Cloud State University standout Forrest Witt, nished 25-6 on their way to a fourth-place nish at the state tournament. Alexandria scored the rst seven points of the game before Allen delivered a message. “I called timeout once they went up seven and, in the past, I probably would have ripped into them,” Allen said. “But I just calmly talked to them to get them settled down. I told them ‘We’re going to get back in this game, but we’ve got to play our basketball and before you know, we came out and hit two big 3s and got back into it.” Stopping Alexandria’s offense remains a challenge. The Cardinals lineup boasts University of Minnesota recruit Grayson Grove, talented Chase Thompson and sharp-shooting Mason Witt. Grove nished with 25 points in 11 of 16 shooting, Witt had 22 on 8 of 15 shooting and Thompson nished with 17 points. Still, Allen said he was happy with how his team defended. “I’m really proud of the effort that Hudson Omoke did on Thompson, who is one of the top juniors in the state,” Allen said. “Spencer Swenson had the task of guarding Grove and not only did he do a good job on him, he was not afraid to go after him. There were a lot of good takeaways from the game.” The Storm trailed 35-34 at halftime and were within one point with three minutes left, but turnovers and a few missed shots led to their demise. Swenson led SRR with 20 points, hitting 50% of his shots. Omoke had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Hanson made ve 3-pointers to nish with 16 points. “They battled, and they stepped up to the challenge,” Allen said. “I’m very proud of how our group played not only against Alexandria, but in all three of our games. We’ve played as a team, but we’ve got to get better with rebounding, executing plays and taking care of the ball.” SRR turned in an electric performance in its home-opener, jumping to a quick 21-3 on its way to an 85-34 win over Willmar Dec. 7 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Swenson was one of four Storm players in double gures, nishing with 18 points. Omoke had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Storm will next play Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Brainerd and will travel to Becker for a nonconference game Thursday, Dec. 21. SRR ALEX
34 33-67 35 41-76 SRR: Swenson 20 (3B), Hanson 16 (7R, 5A), Omoke 16 (11R), Austin Kunz 10, Cook 5 (7R), Logan Bauer (3A). WILLMAR 14 20-34 SRR 43 42-85 SRR: Swenson 18 (6R, 5S), Cook 18 (5R), Hanson 14 (7R), Omoke 10 (10R, 7S), Walker Loesch 5, Owen Weisz 4, Dillon Miller 4, Sawyer Boedigheimer 3, Logan Bauer 3 (3A, 3S), Jaylen Ashfeld 2, Elliott Miller 2, Austin Kunz 2 (4A).
Page 12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Football Contest NEW ORLEANS VS. LA RAMS
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CINCINNATI VS. PITTSBURGH
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023| Page 13
SPORTS Boys swimming and diving
Storm fall to deep Monticello squad SRR gets pool record from Walz BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
It did not take long for Cash Walz to make a splash in the 2023-24 boys swimming and diving season. One meet, to be exact. The Sauk Rapids-Rice junior broke a 40-year-old pool record in the 200yard individual medley in a season-opening dual Dec. 12 at Monticello High School and was 0.2 seconds away from getting his name on the board in the 100 breaststroke. The team score was 108-77 in favor of a strong Magic team, but coach Jason Tangen was thrilled with the results. “The depth that Monticello had in the sprint freestyle events was just too much for us to overcome on the evening,” Tangen said. “We had some great times and scores throughout the meet. All in all, it was a very nice way to start the season.” Walz’s time in the 200 IM of 1 minute, 57.31 beat the time of the 1984 state champion in that event. He swam a 1:00.02 in the 100 breaststroke, narrowly
missing out a double-record performance. The Storm also had wins from the 200 medley relay team of Garret Broman, Evan Scapanski, Walz and Hayden Zabinski, who also went on to win the 1-meter diving competition. Broman added rst-place nishes in the 100 butter y and 100 backstroke. “Other big things included Jack Merritt dropping a lot of time in both his events (100 butter y and 100 backstroke), Alex Lucas breaking two minutes for the rst time in the 200 free, Garret starting off the year with two wins, and Hayden was only two points off his highest sixdive score. We had ve athletes get their rst taste of competition at a varsity meet.” There is no time to rest for SRR, which took on Brainerd Dec. 14 in a Central Lakes Conference dual in Brainerd. The Storm are at the Chanhassen-Chaska Invitational Saturday, Dec. 16, at Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Chaska. The meet includes three top Class AA teams from last season along with seven-time
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PROPERTY SALE The Sauk Rapids Economic Development Authority gives notice that it will hold a public hearing on January 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., or as soon after that as can be heard, at the Sauk Rapids City Hall Council Chambers at 250 Summit Avenue North, in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota to hear all persons present regarding the Sauk Rapids Economic Development Authority’s proposed sale to Victoria A. Welty, as Trustee of the Victoria A. Welty Revocable Trust Agreement dated February 16, 2015, and Patrick J. Welty, as Trustee of the Patrick J. Welty Revocable Trust Agreement dated February 16, 2015, of real property located in the City of Sauk Rapids, legally described as Lots 7 and 8, Block 53, Town of Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Minnesota. The proposed terms and conditions of the property sale are available for review and inspection at the of ce of the Community Development Director, City of Sauk Rapids, Sauk Rapids City Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN during normal business hours. R-50-1B
consecutive Class A champion Blake/Breck. “That will probably be the fastest meet we see all season,” Tangen said. “Staying healthy will be our biggest goal as we get to winter break.” The Storm are at Alexandria Tuesday, Dec. 19, and travel to Elk River Thursday, Dec. 21. Monticello 107, SRR 77 SRR (top 5): 200 MR: 1. Broman, Evan Scapanski, Walz and Zabinski 1:42.47; 3. Andrew Scapanski, Gavin Butkowski, Jack Merritt and Ian Eichers 1:59.28; and 5. Noah Middendorf, Christopher Anderson, Cole Messerich and Trace Nelson 2:21.91. 200 FS: 3.
Alex Lucas 1:59.35 and 5. Messerich 2:25.12. 200 IM: 1. Walz 1:57.31 and 5. Aden Konietzko 3:17.93. 50 FS: 2. Eichers 35.04. 1M diving: 1. Zabinski 255.1 points and 5. Jacob Woeste 82.7. 100 FLY: 1. Broman 56.82, 3. Merritt 1:01.68 and 5. Messerich 1:17.28. 100 FS: 2. Middendorf 1:06.06, 3. Konietzko 1:13.86 and 4. Woeste 1:25.83. 500 FS: 2. Lucas 5:27.59 and 5. Anderson 7:41.41. 200 FSR: 3. Merritt, Andrew Scapanski, Evan Scapanski and Lucas 1:41.42; 4. Butkowski, Middendorf, Messerich and Eichers 1:54.86; and 5. Nelson, Woeste, Talen Remer and Kale Neis 2:24.56. 100 BK: 1. Broman 58.52 and 2. Merritt 1:03.13. 100 BR: 1. Walz 1:00.02, 3. Evan Scapanski 1:06.44 and 5. Butkowski 1:13.37. 400 FSR: 2. Broman, Zabinski, Walz and Lucas 3:32.33; and 4. Nelson, Konietzko, Neis and Eichers 5:29.78.
PUBLIC NOTICES 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 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
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Long time coming Storm’n Sabres use big 3rd period for needed victory BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
The wait took a bit longer than hoped. Perhaps that is what made it that much sweeter for Sauk RapidsRice/Sartell girls hockey coach Bre Hess when the nal buzzer sounded Dec. 12. The Storm’n Sabres had not yet tasted victory through nine games in Hess’ rst season as head coach, and it took a giant third-period Megan Hess effort to make it happen. SRR/S scored three third-period goals, ending a stretch of tough losses with a 5-3 victory over Hopkins/ St. Louis Park at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. “The win felt amazing,” said Coach Hess, who played for the Storm’n Sabres and was an assistant coach for two seasons. “The girls worked very hard the whole game, and we meshed as a team. We took it one shift at a time and just out-worked the other team. Our goal was to get the puck to the net and be scrappy in front and that’s what we did. It was really cool to celebrate a big win with the girls.” Brooke Pogatchnik’s second goal of the third period with 4 minutes, 32 seconds remaining was the game-winner for the Storm’n Sabres. Megan Hess gave her big sister-head coach an early Christmas gift with a two goals and an assist, the latter goal coming with an empty net to set off the celebration. Morgan Dorn stopped 28 shots in goal to earn the victory for SRR/S, which played River Lakes at Paynesville Ice Arena Dec. 14. “They were so excited, and it was good for their hard work to nally pay off,” Coach Hess said. “We’ve been so close for so many games, and I’m proud of them for sticking together and leaning on each other on hard times. I hope this gives our team the con dence we need to win those close games where we come up short on in the beginning.” The Storm’n Sabres also lost a 4-0 home game to Fergus Falls Dec. 7 at Bernick’s Arena. SRR/S faced Cloquet/Esko-Carlton Dec. 15 in Sartell and will travel to Buffalo for a game against a section opponent Tuesday, Dec. 19, before returning home to face Brainerd/Little Falls Thursday, Dec. 21.
H/SLP 0 1 2-3 SRR/S 1 1 3-5 SRR/S: First period: 1. Abby Swanson (Hess, Faith Torborg) 15:41. Second period: 2. Hess (Olivia Schlecht, Jalyssa VanDenBerg) 11:41. Third period: 4. Pogatchnik (Liz Krueger) 0:37; 6. Pogatchnik (unassisted) 12:28; 7. Hess (Pogatchnik) 16:30 empty net. Goalie: Dorn 28 saves of 31 shots on goal. FF 1 2 1-4 SRR/S 0 0 0-0 SRR/S goalie: Dorn 25 of 29.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
boys hockey
Comeback leads to overtime victory Sophomore notches 1st career varsity goal in 5-4 win BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
The timing could not have been better for Bryden Prelvitz. The sophomore forward for the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey team has seen his share of scoring chances thus far with no results heading into a Dec. 12 game against Fergus Falls. That all Bryden Prelvitz changed for Prelvitz in dramatic fashion as he scored the game-winner with 29 seconds remaining in overtime, igniting a bevy of post-game smiles after a 5-4 victory over the Otters at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. It was the rst varsity goal for Prelvitz. “Bryden has been waiting for his rst varsity goal since our rst game of the season,” Storm head coach Brady DeGagne said. “He has had lots of good opportunities, but we’ve faced some tough goalies and tough defense. It was so exciting to watch him get his rst goal in such a big moment. We’re hoping it helps him generate more con dence and chances.” After Teagan Dodge scored the game’s lone rst-period goal, the Storm got away from their game plan as Fergus Falls erupted for three goals in a ve-minute span of the second for a 3-1 lead. “Like previous games, we have about a ve-minute time span where we lose our spark, but this time we turned it around quickly,” DeGagne said. “We got back to our systems and competed very well to get the lead back.” The Storm wasted little time rallying as Nick Anderson, Vince Murn and Hunter Behling each added goals in a nine-minute span of the second period for a 4-3 lead. The Otters sent the game to overtime, scoring with 5:22 remaining in the third. Prelvitz’s goal sealed the second straight win for SRR, which was coming off an 8-4 victory over Willmar Dec. 7 at Willmar Civic Center. Zander Parker stopped 31 shots for the win. “We played well across the board and had a lot of things working for us in the third and overtime,” DeGagne said. “It’s tough to come back and play as a team through adversity, and I’m very proud of how they handled themselves and worked together to get a win.” The rst line of Dodge, Murn and Anderson had a huge night against Willmar, combining for 16 points in the victory. Anderson had four goals and an assist, Dodge a goal and ve assists and Murn had two goals and four assists. Dodge leads the team with seven goals and 10 assists heading into a Dec. 14 game against Mound-Westonka in Mound. The Storm return home to face Pine City Tuesday, Dec. 19, before traveling to take on Hutchinson at Burich Arena in Hutchinson Thursday, Dec. 21.
0 3 1-4 1 3 1-5 SRR: First period: 1. Dodge (Anderson) 16:12. Second period: 5. Anderson (Dodge, Murn) 6:59; 6. Murn (Dodge) 9:54; 7. Behling (Michael Fuecker, Jackson Dhein) 16:09. Overtime: Prelvitz (unassisted) 6:31. Goalie: Parker 31 saves on 35 shots on goal. SRR 3 3 2-8 WILLMAR 1 3 0-4 SRR: First period: 1. Murn (Dodge); 2. Dodge (Murn, Jameson Schultz); 4. Anderson (Dodge). Second period: 6. Anderson (Murn, Dodge); 7. Anderson (Dodge, Murn); 9. Jett Wheeler (Fitch). Third period: 11. Anderson (Murn, Dodge); 12. Murn (Anderson). Goalie: Omvig 22 of 26.
SPORTS
Busy night on mats for Storm Wagman-Kelley gets electric pin for SRR BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
The referee slammed his hand on the mat, simultaneously blowing his whistle to signify a pin. Seconds later, he raised the arm of Kenzie Wagman-Kelley into the air as the wrestling fans inside Sauk Rapids-Rice High School showed their appreciation. The Storm freshman wrestler then walked off the mat, where she was congratulated by her teammates and head coach Derik Gilbertson. The cause for the celebration was Wagman-Kelley’s rst varsity victory on the SRR boys wrestling team. Her other varsity wins had come in girls-only competitions. It was one of the highlights as SRR hosted a triangular with St. Cloud and Sartell Dec. 12. Wagman-Kelley’s pin was one of three for the Storm in their 54-18 loss to the Crush. Sartell nished the night with a 45-26 victory over SRR. Vance Barz at 139 and Jack Barz at 145 each had pins for the Storm against St. Cloud. In the Sartell match, Bryce Ness at 114, Carter Pesta at 127, Vance Barz at 139, Jack Barz at 145 and Christian Nelson at 172 each recorded victories. “It was a good feeling to have more wrestlers in our lineup than we had last year,” Gilbertson said. “Granted, it’s still not enough to ll a lineup to give us a chance to win duals. We wrestled OK against St. Cloud. I’ve seen our kids do better, we made a number of mistakes during the matches we lost. We had a couple which we should have won. McKenzie certainly started the night off for us with a win.”
PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON
Storm wrestler Kenzie Wagman-Kelley has her arm raised by the referee after she pinned her St. Cloud Crush opponent at the triangular Dec. 12 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. It was the first time Wagman-Kelley competed with the boys varsity team.
The Storm wrestled at the Ethan Herman Memorial Tournament Dec. 9 in Chanhassen, getting a rst-place nish from Vance Barz — who pinned all four of his opponents — at 139. Pesta placed fth with a 3-1 record, while WagmanKelley was runner-up in the 100-106 girls only bracket. “I felt our wrestlers improved from the week before,” Gilbertson said. “Baylee Ness won her rst match of the season, which was exciting, and I was glad I was able to watch the match. Kenzie also lost a tough nal match. Carter Pesta had a tough draw to start the tournament, but he wrestled solid from there on out, and Vance was solid all week.” SRR lost 53-18 and 53-24 to Zimmerman
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Dec. 8 at the Zimmerman Triangular. “All in all, I see that everyone is improving,” Gilbertson said. “I also see that we have some things to clean up, which
is mostly due to having such a young team. I’m con dent in the direction we are going.
Wrestling page 15
PUBLIC NOTICES 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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Storage On 15 LLC will sell at public lien sale the personal property in Unit 7 being rented by Chad Albrecht & Unit 26 being rented by Maranda Olson located at 2021 4th Ave N, Sauk Rapids MN 56379. The contents may include but is not limited to: personal, household, of ce, and other items. The sales will be held as an online public auction at storagetreasures.com on January 5, 2024 10:00am with an end date of January 10, 2024 5:00pm R-50-2B SAUK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP BENTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT TAX DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of Sauk Rapids Township will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sauk Rapids Town Hall, 4651 Mayhew Lake Rd NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 for the purpose of considering and acting on an ordinance to establish a storm sewer improvement tax district (“district”) encompassing the property (PID 1100070000) located at the intersection of 17th Avenue NW and 44th Street NW, which the owner intend to platt as Archibald Acres within the Town. Establishing the district will allow the Town to recover its costs if it elects to maintain or repair the storm water facilities serving the development by placing those costs on the taxes of the lots within the plat. Those interested in this matter are encouraged to attend the hearing. Daryl Sheetz - Clerk Sauk Rapids Township R-50-2B
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023| Page 15
SPORTS
Home show keeps dance team busy Vikings outlast Raiders BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
As members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice dance team are likely to attest, dance is fun. It also can be a major test of both mental and physical endurance. Several members of the Storm found a way to perform at the top of their respective games at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Dance Show Dec. 9 despite many of them having to perform up to seven times during the show. That meant few breaks and multiple costume changes for SRR, which thrived on the chance to perform for the home fans for the only time this season at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. It was a satisfying, yet exhausting, day for the Storm, who will have a Central Lakes Conference competition Monday, Dec. 18, at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. “Many of my teammates dance at a studio, so at any point, we are all working on 6-7 routines at once,” said junior Quinn Arndt, who competes on jazz and kick teams. “Practice is really important. We have to make sure to run the dances enough, so we can gain muscle memory. We also spend time visualizing dances before taking the oor, so we are prepared men-
PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON
Senior dance team member Lucy Nelson (front) smiles while going through the basketball halftime routine along with Kylie Freitag and Leah Ramirez at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Dance Show Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. The varsity team performed three times at the show.
tally.” Junior Bella Stewart
was another regular on the oor and agreed these
shows can be taxing on both mind and body. “Show days can be really stressful because you have to think about when your studio dances are and also when your dance team dances are,” Stewart said. “By the end of the day, you are physically exhausted and just want to sleep. Going home and showering all the sweat and makeup off and just being able to lay in bed is one of the best feelings.” SRR opened the multi-performance show in front of a large crowd with its kick routine that continues to be netuned. Their routines were judged, though the Storm were the lone high school team to perform as several teams backed out.
Dance page 16
The Storm jazz dance team takes the floor at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Dance Show Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. The competition was judged, though the Storm were lone high school team to perform.
gymnastics
Gymnasts soar to season-opening win BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
AA Meet in February. “It was a great opener for us,” co-head coach Several Sauk Rapids-Rice gymnasts made Joel Stark-Haws said. “We’ve got a roster of 24 their debut with the newly formed St. Cloud athletes from four different schools. Everyone Crush co-operative team Dec. 12 at Sartell. contributed.” Freshman Brenna Gruber won the beam and Other SRR athletes to compete included sethe oor exercise, Bella Rudolph and Kiera Flonior Liz Krueger (beam), juniors Grace Stark rek tied for second on the vault, leading St. Cloud ( oor, beam, all-around), Kylie Larson (beam and to a 137.9-131.55 victory over the Sabres at Sarbars), Kendra Teff (vault, bars and oor), Isabel tell High School. Larocque (vault) and Laci Legatt (vault and bars) Madi Hengel won the vault and the bars along with sophomore Kinslee Skajewski on while Bella Rudolph and Kiera Florek tied for vault, bars and beam. second on the vault for the Crush, who draw athThe Crush will host a four-team invitational letes from Apollo, Cathedral, SRR and Tech high at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Tech High schools. School in St. Cloud. They also will face Willmar The Crush are coming off a runner-up nish k in a dual meet Thursday, Dec. 21, in Willmar. -at the Minnesota State High School League Class n 9 e t Zimmerman was great at helping set up a separate s event for our sixth graders to wrestle in the big gym. It e was fun to watch our future SRR wrestlers in action.” e SRR Triangular 45, SRR 26 g Sartell107: Wagman-Kelley lost by fall at 1:29. 114: Bryce Ness won 15-8 e by decision. 127: Pesta won by fall at 1:26. 133: Alex Walden lost 7-5 by - decision. 139: Vance Barz won 26-11 by technical fall. 145: Jack Barz won
Wrestling from page 14
The Minnesota Vikings escaped Las Vegas Dec. 10 with a critical 3-0 victory over the Raiders. It was an extremely physical contest that featured two strong defenses going against two completely inept offenses, and the result was multiple injuries and the COLUMNIST lowest-scoring NFL game SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER in 16 years. While I don’t think any Vikings fans would describe that game as particularly exciting, we can all agree it was a much-needed win for a 7-6 team that is still ghting for a playoff berth. First and foremost, I’d like to highlight the strong recent play of the Vikings defense under coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings went into Las Vegas, where the Raiders had a 4-2 record prior to Sunday, and held an NFL team to 202 total yards (3.8 yard per play). The Vikings forced three turnovers, held the Raiders to 3-14 on third down conversions and sacked Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell four times. Sure, the Raiders with O’Connell under center aren’t exactly the 2007 Patriots offensively, but that was an incredible performance on the road by a defense that is doing everything it possibly can to keep an offensively challenged Vikings team in ballgames. Undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, recorded 13 tackles, a sack and an interception. He’s been a revelation for the Vikings this season, becoming only the fth rookie in team history to win that award. Pace looks like he might join a short list of undrafted rookie free agents who have gone on to have excellent careers in Minnesota, alongside former stars like Robert Grif th, Adam Thielen and hall-of-famer John Randle. One other key takeaway from Sunday’s game was quarterback Josh Dobbs being benched for Nick Mullens. It appears to have been the right move as Mullens ultimately led the Vikings to the game-winning eld goal. The clock seems to have nally struck midnight on the Dobbs Cinderella story. Despite having a bye week to prepare, Dobbs looked completely out-of-sorts on Sunday, completing 10 of 23 passes for only 63 yards. He again was wildly inaccurate and off-time with his throws, and one particularly bad pass hung star wideout Justin Jefferson out to dry on a throw over the middle that resulted in a crushing hit that put Jefferson in the hospital. Needless to say, that was probably the very last thing the Vikings wanted to see in Jefferson’s rst game back with the team, and it’s not surprising that Mullens was named the starter for the Saturday, Dec. 16, game in Cincinnati. The Vikings, despite their lackluster offensive performances in recent games, control their playoff destinies. They trail the division leading Detroit Lions by two games, but their nal four games (at Cincinnati, home versus Detroit, home versus Green Bay and at Detroit) include two games against the Lions that would give the Vikings the head-to-head tiebreaker if they win out. That said, all four games are against teams that are also battling for playoff spots, and the Vikings are going to have to step up and earn their spot in the postseason tournament. With their defense playing at an elite level, the Vikings just need mediocre play on the offensive side of the ball to have a chance.
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by fall at 0:19. 172: Christian Nelson won by fall at 4:31. 215: Carter Koltes by fall at 3:24. k lost St. Cloud 54, SRR 18 p 107: Wagman-Kelley won by fall at 2:29. 114: Bryce Ness lost by fall B at 0:49. 127: Pesta lost 4-2 by decision. 133: Walden lost by fall at 5:47.
139: Vance Barz won by fall at 0:48. 145: Jack Barz won by fall at 4:39. 172: Nelson lost by fall at 1:13. 285: Koltes lost 8-7 decision. Ethan Herman Memorial Tournament SRR girls: 100-106: Baylee Ness 1-2, third place; Wagman-Kelley 2-1 (2 falls), second. SRR boys: 127: Pesta 3-1 (2 falls), fifth place. 139: Vance Barz 4-0 (4), first. 145: Jack Barz 0-2. 189: Christian Nelson 0-2. Zimmerman Triangular Milaca 53, SRR 18 114: Bryce Ness lost by fall. 121: Dylan Gapinski lost by fall. 127: Carter Pesta (SRR) won by forfeit. 133: Alex Walden lost by fall. 139: Vance Barz won by fall at 0:07. 145: Jack Barz won by fall at 0:17. 189: Christian Nelson lost by fall. 215: Carter Koltes lost 19-3 by technical fall. Zimmerman 53, SRR 24 114: Bryce Ness lost by fall. 121: Gapinski lost by fall. 127: Pesta won by fall at 1:47. 133: Walden lost 17-2 by technical fall. 139: Vance Barz won by fall at 3:29. 145: Jack Barz won by fall at 0:31. 189: Nelson won by fall at 2:27. 215: Koltes lost by fall at 4:38.
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
Minnesota-grown
Tax resources for USDA program participants
Christmas tree arrives in D.C.
Farm Service Agency News by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties
Navigating ling taxes can be challenging, especially if you are new to running a farm business, participating in disaster programs for rst time or trying to forecast the farm’s tax bill. Receiving funds from U.S. Department of Agriculture through activities such as a conservation program payment or a disaster program is considered farm income that includes a tax liability for farm businesses. USDA technical assistance is free and creates no tax implications. At the end of the tax year, USDA issues tax forms 1098 and 1099 for farm loans, conservation programs administered by the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service
USDA page 3B
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Minnesota Department of Administration employees haul a Happy Land Tree Farms fir up the steps of the Minnesota Capitol Nov. 28 in St. Paul. Happy Land Tree Farms also sent a 10-foot Fraser fir to Washington, D.C., for Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence.
Champion.” Minnesota Christmas Tree Association President John Krueger said this year was the rst time a state grower received either the national grand champion or reserve champion distinctions. “It’s the rst one ever for a Minnesota farm (to be placed in the top two nationally),” Krueger said. “Of course, there are only two per year: one goes to the White House, and one goes to the vice president’s residence. Happy Land Tree Farm has dominated the Minnesota State Fair Christmas tree competition, which is how the Minnesota association chooses which trees will compete at the national level.”
Happy Land Tree Farms fir selected for vice president’s residence BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER
A family-run tree farm from Sandstone recently received a national distinction that Minnesota Christmas Tree Association leaders said put the state’s tree-growing industry on the map. A 10-foot Minnesota-grown Fraser r is bringing holiday spirit to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence in Washington, D.C., this December after Happy Land Tree Farms landed the 2023 Reserve Champion title at the National Christmas Tree and Wreath Contest. The contest took place during the National
Christmas Tree Association convention Aug. 4 at Wolcyn Tree Farms & Nursery in Cambridge. Happy Land Tree Farms secretary Myra Olson said her family was simply pleased to be in attendance at the competition in August and did not expect to end the event by being named one of the top tree farms in the nation. “It’s incredibly signi cant for us,” Olson said. “We have worked pretty hard entering the Minnesota State Fair competitions, and we’ve won 15 times. Because of that, we decided to enter the national competition. We were very shocked to learn that we got Reserve
Happy Land Tree Farm page 2B
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | Page 3B
BENTON AG
Holiday preparations
A calendar of area events to expand agricultural knowledge
The sweet spicy aroma of gingerwill brighten the spirits of those driving bread cookies waft through my kitchen north after leaving the lights of the city. and mingle with the piney scent of a holDecorating the inside of our home iday candle. Bing Crosby croons his tune is a little more time-consuming. There through my bluetooth speakers as I sip a are boxes to sift through and decisions bit of warm mulled wine. The Christmas to be made as to whether certain holiseason has arrived in full swing, and I’m day knickknacks should be put out. My doing my best to do my part. mother-in-law has given us Nativity Change is inevitable in life, and alscenes over the years and each has a though some of the holiday preparations de nite place on my shelves. The woodRUMINATIONS are the same for me, I’ve pared some of en creche my hubby made during our WITH MARY MARY BARRON-TRAUT rst year together has a place of honor them back. It’s easiest to prepare the outdoor under the Christmas tree. decorations because I typically get some help from The holiday changes this year revolve around my hubby. Every Christmas for 35-plus years we the tree. We are fortunate to have a selection of blue have adorned the spruce tree nearest the barn with spruce in our pasture, and for years, we have gone colorful lights. We used to take them down after out as a family to pick a tree, cut it and decorate it. Three Kings Day, but now since the tree is so big, With our youngest son living in Europe and our oldwe leave them up. All I have to do is nd extension est getting married this fall, my hubby and I were on cords and plug them into the nearest outlet. our own, so I met him in the pasture after work one The next item we put up outdoors is the lighted afternoon last week, and we chose our tree. Nativity scene. It consists of Baby Jesus, Mary, JoAfter placing the tree in the stand, we put it up seph, a lamb and a donkey. These are positioned in in our living room, and there it sat unadorned for front of my leaf-packed rose bush with small square several days. Change happens, so I nally “put on bales of straw providing the sides of the make-shift my big girl pants” and hung the lights. Next, would stable. As a gift from our son, the three kings were come the ornaments, but I was torn. added to the scene several years ago. My hubby The boys had amassed a fair quantity of decoraattached them to a piece of plywood so they can be tions — gifts from grandparents, friends, their eleeasily moved as a unit. mentary school and us — and they had always hung The last outdoor decoration is solely the domain them, but this year I was alone decorating the tree. of my hubby, and that consists of the lights on the Again, I hiked up those big-girl pants and sorted the lower eve of our barn. The white lights provide ornaments; each son would get his own box of ornamuch needed light both morning and evening during ments. It was time that Mom had her own adult tree. these long, dark nights. With those lights on the My ornaments don’t match, nor do I have a color white barn, it almost looks like a ship a oat on the theme, but each piece has its own story. I enjoyed prairie. reminiscing as I hung them on the boughs. Just past our farm, we have a row of ColoraLater, sipping my mulled wine, I grieve for lost do blue spruce, and several years ago during the traditions and family that won’t gather around this coronavirus pandemic, a neighbor asked if she could particular tree, but then I focus on the blessings that decorate one of them to brighten up that patch of have been given to my family and me. The twinthe road. Of course, we agreed, and since then, we kling lights on the tree and those out in the yard are decorate one tree and invite other neighbors to do reminders of the Lord’s light in our lives, and I give the same. thanks for his birth. I’m hopeful these lighted outdoor decorations Merry Christmas!
from page 1B including the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program, crop disaster payments, and the Market Facilitation Program. USDA also issues tax forms for recipients of assistance for distressed borrowers, including through Section 22006 of the In ation Reduction Act. If you have received tax forms related to your operation, USDA cannot and does not provide tax advice but wants you to be aware of options that may help manage your tax liability. USDA has partnered with experts to provide resources to help you make the right
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tax decisions for your operation. Monthly webinars are available for registration and to view on demand at www. farmers.gov/workingwith-us/taxes. The Tax Estimator Tool is an interactive spreadsheet that producers can download to estimate tax liability. It is for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Producers may need to work with a tax professional to determine the correct information to be entered in
the Tax Estimator Tool. We encourage you to visit www.farmers. gov/working-with-us/ taxes for more information on how to nd and
work with a tax preparer as well as instructions on how to request copies of USDA documents and links to other helpful tax resources.
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Growing your education Grant Writing Workshop
A grant writing workshop titled Show Me the Money will aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and confidence to successfully apply for grants to support their operations. The event is scheduled for two dates – Jan. 6, 2024, and Jan. 20, 2024 – and will take place at the Stearns County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration can be completed at z.umn.edu/writinggrants and is due by Dec. 31. Space is limited to 40 participants. The workshop will cover essential topics such as a comprehensive review of available grants for farmers, strategies for selecting the most suitable grant for individual operations and hands-on guidance on the grant writing process. Participants will gain practical experience in crafting effective grant proposals and will have the opportunity to address specific questions and concerns with Zachary Paige, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems program coordinator and Anthony Adams, University of Minnesota Extension Educator.
Minnesota Beginner Farmer Institute
The Minnesota Beginner Farmer Institute is a workshop series geared toward young or beginning farmers who are either joining an existing farm or starting their own farm and who are using their farm as a business for profit. The 2024 four-part workshop — held in Clearwater Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 31 — is free to attend, and lunch is provided. The class will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required at z.umn.edu/BF23. Institute participants will tackle questions like: “What is a business plan and what does my banker want to see when I’m applying for a loan? What can I take for a business deduction and when is the best time to market my grain?” Topics include business planning and goals, taxes, business entities, financial statements, record keeping, grain marketing and land rent. Each workshop will have educational handouts and presentations. Contact University of Minnesota Extension Educator Nathan Hulinsky at 218-828-2680 or huli0013@umn.edu with questions.
Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops 2024
Discuss key issues and questions around commodity crop production facing Minnesota farmers through the “Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops” webinar series. This live, online program will provide up-to-date, research-based information to help optimize crop management strategies. Sessions will be held over Zoom — which can be accessed via your computer, phone or other mobile device — and will run from 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 2024, through March 27, 2024, aside from Jan. 17 when no session will take place due to the Minnesota Ag Expo. Sessions will be informal and open to all interested. Each session will start with a brief presentation by the discussion leaders for the day, followed by discussion framed around farmer/participant questions on the topic. For more details and to register, visit z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Not able to attend a day? No problem. Sessions will be recorded and posted for viewing later at your convenience. Topics and speakers: — Jan. 10: Grain Prices and Marketing Strategies Given Current Geopolitics and Soybean Crush Capacity. Speaker Frayne Olson, North Dakota State University crops economist and marketing specialist. — Jan. 24: Big Data and Corn Genomics — What does it all mean for you? Speakers Candice Hirsch, University of Minnesota Corn geneticist, and Jeff Coulter, UMN Extension corn agronomist. — Jan. 31: Pushing Soybean Maturity to the Max. Speaker Seth Naeve, UMN Extension soybean agronomist, — Feb. 7: Making Herbicides Work Better Part 1: Making choices and adjustments to ensure a successful application. Speaker Tom Peters, Extension sugar beet agronomist. — Feb. 14: Making herbicides work better Part 2: Demystifying adjuvants. Speakers Joe Ikley, assistant professor and extension weed specialist at North Dakota State University, and Greg Dahl, adjuvant development adviser. — Feb. 21: What pays for soybean insect management? Speaker Bob Koch, UMN Extension soybean entomologist. — Feb. 28: Thirsty Cover Crops — Do They Impact our Cash Crops? Speakers Anna Cates, UMN state soil health specialist, and Dan Smith, nutrient and pest management outreach specialist from the University of Wisconsin Madison. — March 6: Fertilizer — How to get your best ROI. Speakers Dan Kaiser, UMN Extension nutrient management specialist, and Jeff Vetsch, UMN researcher at Southern Research & Outreach Center. — March 13: Are we smarter than the average European corn borer and corn rootworm? Speaker Fei Yang, UMN Extension corn entomologist. — March 20: Efficacy matters: Fungicides for managing specific corn and soybean diseases. Speaker Kiersten Wise, University of Kentucky professor and Extension plant pathologist. — March 27: Look Out! An Update on Emerging Soybean and Corn Diseases. Speaker Dean Malvick, UMN Extension plant pathologist.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 | Page 7B
BENTON AG
Making adjustments ponents. To rolls. really do the Perjob that it is haps more designed to do, than the the conditiongap itself, ing system on which a mower-conshould be ditioner needs set from to be adjusted factory, roll from time to pressure time. The opneeds to University of erator should be set to MN Extension rst consult achieve by Tyler Rice the operators’ consistency manual of in the roll the machine for speci c clearance. This tension instructions aimed at may need to be adjusted conditioner adjustments. in eld so that less mature If crop conditioning is crops are not over conaccomplished by condiditioned and vice versa. tioning rolls, clearance Rolls may show signs of and pressure are the drivwear over time, especialers of intended crop stem ly in the center. If worn breakage that accelerates rolls are replaced more moisture release from the uniformity in crop dry hay. Roll clearance should down will be observed. measure between 1/16 and For impeller conditioners, 3/32 of an inch. At 1/16 of it is important to ensure an inch 90% of the stems the impeller de ector is should be crimped every set so the majority of all 3-4 inches. The gap can stems demonstrate some be checked with rolls of abrasion by the impeller. aluminum foil rolled into Preservation of forage 1-inch tubes and hand fed yield and quality also through the conditioning depends on the proper
maintenance and adjustment of tedders and hay rakes. One way to ensure consistent tedder (and rake) performance is to check the levelness across the whole of the machine. Tines should be equal distance from the ground surface while the angle or height of the tines are adjusted. Severely worn tines should be replaced. A hay rake has vast implications for the hay drying system largely based on the type of rake, but also on regular maintenance. Similar to the tedder, tine length should be uniform. This is important for reducing ash content
time saving in the future. Drive lines, rolls and all other moving parts should be carefully inspected for wear in this process and repaired or replaced accordingly. Finally, removing excessive dust and debris from machinery, lubricating moving parts with speci ed lubricants, checking tire life and air pressure among other regular maintenance will ensure long equipment life, reduce eld compaction and untimely breakdowns, and improve overall return on investment. Also, there may be added bene ts of having more time to spend dreaming up new implement additions to your Christmas list for next year.
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We are undoubtedly coasting into the most wonderful time of the year; the barn and bins are full, your farm equipment eet has been cleaned up and tucked away, winter is setting in and a call for a little rest and relaxation may just be the order of the day. It’s also a good time of year to consider making critical adjustments to your equipment. Producing a quality crop with good yield is not only about managing crop establishment, growth and response to environmental dimensions but also depends on preventing signi cant harvest losses. In the case of hay harvest equipment, moisture management and retention of forage quality and tonnage is incentive to make these minor adjustments. On a disc mower replacing or sharpening the knives is important for clean cutting, reducing drag on the cutter bar and improves crop dry down. Sickle mowers require inspection of knife sections as well as the knife guards. If these components are well worn, they will not complete the scissor-cutting action as ef ciently, resulting in skips and slowed crop drying. Other components like gearboxes, wobble box assemblies and mowing disc modules should be examined for wear and proper timing. Adjusting skid shoes so that the cutting head height is appropriate for the crop (typically 3-inch stubble or greater) is important for regrowth and crop persistence. Measuring the lifting force of each side of the head so it can oat over objects in the eld can be accomplished with a simple milk spring scale. A oat setting of 50 to 70 pounds is typical for normal conditions but may be less than 50 pounds for rocky elds. The next stop on the maintenance schedule is checking conditioner com-
(minerals and soil) in the forage and for maximizing yield retention. Replacing worn or broken teeth on balers going into the winter will guarantee a fresh start when hay season rolls around. Checking and changing belts according to wear, slacking them for the winter months and changing lacing pins on round balers is a good winter maintenance routine. Checking your operators’ manual again, this time for roller chain adjustments to ne-tune, and replacing worn chain links may save future headaches. Knives that cut twine and net wrap should be sharpened for ef ciency. Adjusting the timing of knotters and calibrating bale density can also be
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We Offer Site Prep, Drainage Tile, Land Clearing, Excavation, Pump Stations And So Much More! BADec16-1B-MT
Brad Herickhoff, Owner 320-351-4872
MERRY CHRISTMAS
& Happy New Year