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Saturday, December 19, 2020
Governor extends coronavirus restrictions Gyms to reopen while indoor restaurants, bars remain closed BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Indoor restaurants and bars will stay shuttered, but fitness centers and gyms will re-open under a new order by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He made the announcement Dec. 16. Under the emergency executive order 20-103, which took effect at midnight Dec. 18, bars, restaurants and breweries will remain closed for indoor service until Jan. 11, 2021. Indoor entertainment venues and event spaces will also remain closed. Otherwise limited to takeout-only food orders, restaurants may open for outdoor service at 50% capacity or a maximum of 100 people. Because outdoor seating areas cannot be fully enclosed, it is not likely many people will be up for dining outdoors in a Minnesota winter.
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Vol. 166, No. 37
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holidays
Home for the Ritter offers tips to spruce up living space BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Home for the holidays. The coined phrase most often references loved ones returning to their roots for family gatherings with large, merry meals. But, in the age of a pandemic, those four words have taken on new meaning. Whether voluntarily limiting interaction to slow the spread of the coronavirus or prohibited from social gatherings per statewide order, the likelihood of more people spending Christmas at home this year is great. Even though people may forgo the party potlucks and grand gift exchanges, there are ways to make this athome Christmas memorable. Jayne Ritter is a Sauk Rapids native who has passion for entertaining. She has worked at Coborn’s Inc. for 27 years PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER Jayne Ritter stands near her Christmas “Memory Tree” Dec. 7 at her home in Sauk under multiple titles. But, priRapids. As part of her home-decorating theme, she chose buffalo plaid bulbs to or to coordinating the grocery accent her Hallmark ornament collection. chain’s merchandising and special events, Ritter was involved in the catering industry. That lates into her personal life. home,” Ritter said. “I love to I’m also looking at how they knack for shaping events trans“It rubs off when I come entertain.” are decorating their fire place One can tell when you en- and what did they put over ter her living space. Adorned there. You find things. You pick with accents of red and black up on ideas.” buffalo plaid, Ritter has decoFind ways to do things rated her home for the holidays. separately but together This year, she shares some Ritter, her husband, Keith, tips for those looking to add and dog, Blondie, will be celflair to their festivities. ebrating together at their Sauk “It’s all about sharing and Rapids home next week. But, getting ideas,” said Ritter, who despite only two people being is featured live on Coborn’s so- in the household, they will not cial media every Tuesday. “I sit be alone. Similarly, to how the famand watch Hallmark movies, but as I’m watching the movie, ily celebrated Thanksgiving, Ritter plans to deliver gifts and the family’s traditional ChristA gnome, pine cones and berry picks are added to a mas Eve hor ‘doeuvres early. preassembled porch pot at Jayne Ritter’s home in Sauk Rapids. Ritter said adding simple items can personalize decor.
PUBLIC NOTICES
• Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 16 • Probate Notice - Koprek - pg. 16 • Notice to the Creditors of the Claimants - pg. 17 • Benton County Special Minutes, Nov. 30, 2020 - pg. 16 • Benton County Reg. Minutes, Dec. 1, 2020 - pg. 16 • City of Sauk Rapids Ord. No. 2020-793 - pg. 17
• City of Sauk Rapids Ord. No. 2020-792 - pg. 16 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Minutes, Nov. 23, 2020 - pg. 14 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Special Board Meeting, Nov. 13, 2020 - pg. 14 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Work Session Minutes, Nov. 30, 2020 - pg. 8 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Emergency Meeting, Nov. 18, 2020 - pg. 15 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools Reg. Meeting, Nov. 9, 2020 - pg. 17 • City of Sauk Rapids 2021 MN Summary Budget Date - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Enterprise Funds 2021 Adopted Budget - pg. 17
OBITUARIES • Braidy Christianson • David J. Kimmes • Carol J. Partch • William F. Schroeder
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NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
School property taxes increase in 2021 Levy rises $190,450 BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Property taxes for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District will increase slightly, less than 2%, next year. The school board approved the 2021 tax levy at its Dec. 14 meeting. The district will levy $10,452,689 in general property taxes next year, up $190,450 or 1.86%, from 2020. Property taxes paid in 2021 will generate $4,362,347 for the general fund to cover student transportation, facility maintenance, instructional equipment, health and safety code compliance and other expenses. The general fund levy, based on student enrollment, will increase $79,654 from the current levy. The district’s current budget, approved by the school board in June, calls for total general fund revenues of more than $58 million. Property taxes will generate only about 8% of that, with the bulk of operating income (86%) expected to come from state aid. Property taxes will also generate $274,705 for the community service fund, up 0.14%, and $5,815,636 for the debt service fund, up 1.94%. Community service fund dollars, based on district population, go toward expenses for general community education, Early Childhood Family Education, home visits and school-age child care. Debt service funds are used to pay off existing debt. The annual levy is what is needed to pay principal and interest payments of bonded debt, plus 5%. These are not the only taxes property owners will pay to the school district next year. Voters have approved paying additional taxes for building projects, including the construction of a new Pleasantview Elementary School. On property tax bills, taxes owed for voter-approved tax levies will be under the amount owed for the general tax levy, which is determined by legislative action and state-driven formulas. The district’s final property tax levy did not change from the proposed levy approved in September. The Benton County auditor divides the final levy by the district’s total tax capacity to determine the tax rate needed to raise the proper levy amount. Most property owners will actually see a decrease in taxes payable for 2021 as the result of a larger tax base, according to Tracey Fiereck, director of business services, who presented the levy report. In other board news: - Passed a resolution that will continue to limit enrollment exclusively to students who reside within the boundaries of the district. Since January 2019, all grade levels at Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools have been closed to open enrollment. - Approved adding 25 days to the employment contracts of the district’s two school nurses, Sue Cook and Amanda Pflipsen, to account for additional responsibilities in responding to COVID-19 and contact tracing of the novel virus. - Hired Design Electric to update lighting at the high school. New lights in hallways, corridors, the gym, office, etc., will be energy-saving, according to building and grounds director Brad Berghuis. Some lighting will turn off automatically after a period of inactivity and some will utilize a daylight harvesting system to offset the amount of electric lighting needed and reduce energy consumption. The company will install the new lights when students are not present in the building. - Bergstrom reported that work on the new Pleasantview Elementary School continues. The building contractor will soon install footings and the foundation. Construction of the new $37.1 million Pleasantview Elementary School, to replace the existing 1972 building, will take place over the next year and a half on the northwest corner of the same property at 1009 Sixth Ave. N. The existing school will be used for the remainder of the current school year and for the 202122 school year. Eventually, a new playground, parking lot, bus loop and grass field will take its place. - Approved leasing unused space at the district’s bus garage to the St. Cloud Hospital. The healthcare system will pay the district $572 per month from now until the end of May to store emergency supplies for area hospitals.
Governor from front
“I know we’re in Minnesota, and I know it’s the middle of December,” said Walz, explaining that the request to allow for limited outdoor seating came from the brewpub industry, with some breweries adding outdoor fire pits and warming areas. Fitness centers and gyms are allowed to open at 25% capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, with at least 12 feet of distance between individuals. Classes may begin Jan. 4, 2021, with additional guidance to follow. Youth sports will be allowed to resume practices Jan. 4, 2021. The previous monthlong pause discouraged gatherings outside of immediate household members. Indoor gatherings are still not recommended, Walz said, but can involve up to two households and no more than 10 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to three households and a maximum of 15 people. People should limit their time together and wear masks, Walz said. Starting Jan. 18, 2021, elementary schools may reopen with either a hybrid or fully in-person learning model. Schools will be required to implement mea-
sures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including regular testing and maskwearing. Walz said it is critical the youngest learners return to a nurturing classroom. Applying successful mitigation strategies from other settings will ensure classrooms not only foster healthy emotions and academic achievement but protect physical health as well, he said. The new plan is part of a continued effort to try to control the spread of COVID-19 and to buy time for a vaccine to be distributed. A surge in cases left Minnesota no other option but to dial back social gatherings, organized sports, indoor dining and other activities in a range of places of public accommodation, Walz said. Although the rate of new infections has been declining in Minnesota since the November peak, Walz said some of the restrictions are needed. Community spread remains well above 30%, the state’s high-risk threshold. “We are not out of the woods yet,” Walz said. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 92 COVID-19 deaths Dec. 14, making the seven-day period that preceded it the deadliest in the pandemic with a total of 466 deaths. Walz believes the light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than it was at the
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end of the four-week pause, and Minnesotans – accustomed to long, dark winters – have the grit to get there. “Rest assured, this pandemic will end,” he said. Dr. Kenneth Holmen, vice president and CEO of CentraCare Health, which operates hospitals in St. Cloud, Sauk Centre and six other communities in central Minnesota, joined Walz in the livestream announcement. He spoke about the “enormous personal toll” the pandemic has had on health care workers. “I am worried,” said Holmen, commending Minnesotans for helping bend the curve and urging people to continue efforts to manage the spread. “I continue to worry about the strain on our staff and our facilities, and on our citizens.” Sharing advice for Minnesotans on behalf of his employees, Holmen said, “Spread the message that we don’t want people to die.” On the same day, Gov. Tim Walz signed a $242 million economic relief package for businesses and workers struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. The aid includes grants to small businesses hurt by closures and an extension of unemployment benefits for Minnesotans who are out of work. Business relief totals about $216 million. It includes $88 million that would be distributed through the Department of Revenue to restaurants, bars and other eligible establishments that have seen a 30% drop in revenue While Walz called it one of the most robust economic relief packages in the nation, the financial support did not appease some people in the hospi-
tality industry, nor some elected officials. “Today’s news is not only devastating, it’s shameful and unjust,” said Tony Chesak, executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, in a press release about the extended restrictions on food and beverage establishments. “Minnesota’s hospitality industry has complied in good faith with mask mandates, limited service, and yet has only seen 1.76% of COVID cases tracked back to bars and restaurants. The data driving the decisions is not transparent to the public and isn’t being used to make our collective actions smarter or safer for all involved.” Chesak accused the restrictions of resulting in the near-elimination of an entire industry that employs thousands of Minnesotans. “The paltry offering of limited outdoor dining in the middle of a Minnesota winter doesn’t even begin to make up for the forced closures,” he said. “While governor Walz’s dials turn, more and more of Minnesota’s restaurants and bars will be forced turn their lights off permanently.” Rep. Shane Mekeland, who represents constituents in District 15B, is not fond of the ongoing closures. “The governor’s arbitrary, inconsistent and irrational decisions are in no way, shape or form tied to science or data,” said Mekeland in a written statement. “The governor’s own figures show a minute number of COVID-19 cases. Less than 1% are linked to bars and restaurants, yet he keeps them on lockdown and suggests outdoor dining during a Minnesota winter is viable? It’s outrageous.”
SR51-1B-JF
30th annual City of Sauk Rapids
Lighting Contest winners After much deliberation, the judges have awarded both 38 Fifth Ave. S. and 42 Fifth Ave. S. in the multi-color category. These side-by-side homes put out a grand display and competed in a category of 13 homes. The single-color category winner is 3104 Mayhew Lake Road N.E. The home was the lone entrant in this category. Each winner will receive a $100 Manea’s Meats gift card and a yard sign, announcing their win.
2020 participants: 1101 10th Ave. N. 466 9 ½ St. N. 17 Seventh Ave. N 38 Fifth Ave. S. 42 Fifth Ave. S. 312 Fifth Ave. S. 212 Summit Ave. S. 1031 Fifth St. S. 1036 Strawberry Lane 1025 Strawberry Court 1000 Brook Court 1021 Hillside Road 3104 Mayhew Lake Road N.E. 2593 Olive Lane
New next year: In an effort to increase participation, the 2020 winners will not be eligible to win the city-wide contest in 2021. We hope the decision will encourage community members to enter their lights display going forward by not allowing back-to-back winners. The 30th annual City of Sauk Rapids Lighting Contest was sponsored by Manea’s Meats and the Sauk Rapids Herald. All judges’ decisions are final.
NEWS
Ritter
from front “We got to have that dinner,” Ritter said of the family’s divided and delivered Thanksgiving meal. “We may not have had it together, but at least we got to have that dinner.” Ritter will drop off individual portions of hor ‘doeuvres at Grandma’s and each of their children’s doorsteps. Then, on Christmas Eve, the family members will come together via Zoom, a video conference software, to open gifts and delight in the dishes. “I love them dearly, but I love them more that I’ll give up this holiday so hopefully they don’t get it (COVID-19),” said Ritter, talking about her family members and her concerns of them contracting the disease. “Hopefully it’s only a year and next year, we won’t have to worry.” Pick a theme or color scheme This year, it was buffalo plaid. Last year, she chose the color red. And the year before that? Ritter went with baby blue. Ritter said when choosing to decorate for the season, she typically finds a theme or color she can carry throughout her home. From the doorstep – where buffalo plaid is found in ribbon, a wooden sign and on the rug – to the table runners and cloths in the living room and kitchen, and to the tree embellished with patterned bulbs, the
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 3
has placed greens around lamp bases and candle holders. “It really makes a difference.” Although Ritter uses traditional artificial evergreens in some areas of her home, she said year-round greens can dress up Christmas décor by placing an ornament, knickknack or a splash of color – such as red – with them. Greenery draped on Ritter’s banister is trimmed with red berry picks and a buffalo plaid bow for the winter holidays; when springtime comes, those items are simply removed. Think outside the box “Years ago, you would have never had a Christmas tree in the Ritter said. PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER kitchen,” A before and after scene shows how everyday decor can be enhanced with simple “The Christmas tree was touches. Jayne Ritter added ceramic gingerbread measuring spoons and a gnome to always in the living room bring in Christmas flair to her display. and only in the living room.” red and black checkers Ritter said. “With me said. Ritter encourages are consistent throughout working all the time, I That advice can also Ritter’s space, offering a don’t always have time be applied to table setcohesive look. to spend. I like to find a tings. Ritter said wooden Ritter completes this piece where I can change pieces such as a pizza look without compromis- it according to whatever peel can be used for charing the nostalgic items holiday it is and add those cuterie boards, and cake that bring her joy. Her little pieces.” and deserts stands can be Robert and Audrey “memory tree” as she In Ritter’s kitchen used as risers (whether (Anderson) calls it, which is deco- is a smaller rung ladder for food or décor) as cenRobatcek rated with a Hallmark or- graced with her grand- terpieces when filled with The children of Robert nament collection accu- mother’s apron and some seasonal items. mulated over 35 years, is graphic dish towels. For “Walk around your and Audrey (Anderson) a staple in her home; she Christmas, she height- house,” Ritter said. “It’s Robatcek happily announce merely changes out the ened the cooking theme amazing what you can their parents 60th wedding accent bulbs that match by adding ceramic ginger- do with decorations and anniversary. Robert and her theme each year. bread measuring spoons what you can do with ta- Audrey were married Dec. Enhance what you and a trendy gnome. ble settings with the stuff 29, 1960, at Trinity Lutheran already have In the living area, a you already have in your Church in Sauk Rapids. Blessed with four children, Ritter self-labels as vintage item typically home.” four grandchildren and four a foodie and entertainer, contains potpourri. Ritter Take it up a notch great grandchildren. An but she does not claim removed the strings from with greenery intimate family celebration the title of crafter. She glitzy ornaments and As you move from will be held in 2021. said oftentimes she looks bulbs and replaced the room to room in Ritter’s at situations and assesses dried plant material. home, you may not nothem for simple solutions. The uncomplicated tice one addition that has “I’m into easy,” transformations contin- made her décor pop. ue outside Ritter’s front Ritter places greens Dorothy Bluhm door. Purchased spruce under, around or near her Stueve tip planters were modi- already seasonal décor. fied and personalized She said it is an easy finHappy 90th Birthday! when she added deco- ishing touch that packs a Dorothy Bluhm Stueve will rative picks, such as a big punch. celebrate her 90th birthday gnome and matching rib“It looks a lot nicer Dec. 21. We love you. bon. with greens underneath Family and Friends “My decorations are or around anything you nothing technical,” Ritter have,” said Ritter, who
60th Wedding Anniversary
Robert and Audrey (Anderson) Robatcek
90th Birthday
Sauk Rapids
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Greens can be added around, under and near other seasonal decor as a finishing touch. Jayne Ritter uses greens under cone trees and bowls, around candlesticks and lamp bases, and on banisters in her Sauk Rapids home.
people to decorate how they desire. She enjoys the warmth and glow a Christmas tree brings in her living room during December so she replicated that in another room. “I spend most of my time in the kitchen, so why can’t I have that in here,” Ritter said. Ritter brought that aesthetic to her kitchen and dining area in 2019. A decorated 5-foot tree is tucked neatly between her counterspace and patio door. Rather than presents beneath, Ritter placed an antique pressure cooker and water pump, continuing both the cooking and Christmas theme. “To me, decorating is easier than it ever has been because you can just walk your house,” Ritter said. “Start digging in those old bins you’ve got stuffed away; it’s amazing what you can come up with.”
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Page 4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
A labor of love
City Brief
Sauk Rapids delays space rentals
Free meal offered in Sartell on Christmas day
SAUK RAPIDS – With the new year only two weeks away, some community members may be thinking toward summer activities such as graduation parties, family reunions and birthday parties. But, those people will have to wait if they planned to secure a space owned by the city of Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids will hold off on accepting reservations and deposits for its enclosed Municipal Park buildings and Sauk Rapids Government Center community room until further notice. In a typical year, community members could begin reserving these facilities on the first day of business in January. However, as the coronavirus pandemic persists, the city made the decision to delay reservations rather than risk canceling events and refunding deposits. According to a release from city staff, once the city makes a decision to take reservations for 2021, that information will be advertised on the city website, city Facebook page and within the Sauk Rapids Herald newspaper.
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
O
n Dec. 25, Sauk Rapids resident Eric Moyer is going to commemorate the birth of his savior by loving hundreds of people and preparing a feast for them. Moyer’s non-profit ministry will host the third annual Christmas Day dinner at The Waters Church, 1227 Pine Cone Road N., Sartell. Turkey, ham, a vegetarian dish, tacos (hardshell, soft-shell and taco salad), potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls, salad and dessert will be offered at no cost from 11 a.m. until the food is gone, or 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Instead of in-person dining, meals will be distributed via a drive-thru system outside the church. Volunteers will walk up to vehicles and take orders and then deliver meals to them. Signs will direct motorists when they enter the parking lot. Protective measures will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We’ll make it as simple for folks as possible,” Moyer said. Agape Warriors Ministry, devoted to selfless, sacrificial love, expects to serve 500 dinners this year. Some of those meals
will be served to people who are hurting or have no other means of enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal on Christmas. No matter who they are or where they come from, Moyer knows all he has to do is love them, and God will take care of the rest. “He’s leading the way,” he said. Moyer and other volunteers will spend hours preparing and dishing out hundreds of pounds of meat and other dishes on what would otherwise be a day off. “It’s worth it because God’s asked me to do this,” he said. About 200 meals will be delivered to Place of Hope, an emergency shelter in St. Cloud. Close to 40 meals will be delivered to Anna Marie’s Alliance, a shelter for battered women and their children. Another 15 meals will go to Quiet Oaks Hospice House and Respite Care. The Christmas dinner has become Agape Warriors Ministry’s biggest event of the year, serving 300 people last year and 100 people in 2018. Although people are
not required to sign up for the meal, several have, and numbers are up from the previous two years. “The need looks to be great this year, and a lot of folks are hurting,” Moyer said. Moyer once lived homeless, was raped and abused as a child, battled addiction and dealt with the evils of fighting in combat. “It really affected me,” he said. “But, God kept working on me.” Moyer would use his pain for purpose when God called him to serve broken people. Though he had found light at the end of a long tunnel, he realized he would have to willingly go back into the darkness to stand next to those who are hurting. Agape Ministry aims to foster love for everyone, no matter where they are in their walk with God, according to Moyer. “When you don’t know what to do, love, love and then love some more,” he said. Love is what moved Moyer to organize the first Christmas dinner at The Waters two years ago. “I didn’t want anyone sitting alone,” he said. His labors of love have come full circle. For Moyer, it is rewarding to spend the day with God, and showing others they are cared about and worthy
Seating will be limited this year for Christmas Masses at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids and Annunciation in Mayhew Lake.
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community outreach. “We were blessed very well,” Moyer said. The blessings did not end there. Moyer, who injured his arm recently, was concerned about how he was going to cook with one hand and whether or not he had enough people to help cook turkeys. Just when he began to get discouraged, God came through for him, he said. Kathy and Nic Stang, owners of the Blue Heron in Cold Spring, offered to cook the turkeys for free. Moyer said they are looking for individuals and businesses who would like to partner with them to sponsor the dinner. “Every penny that is donated goes to ministry work,” he said. They are also in need of volunteers to help in the kitchen, deliver meals and help with cleanup. Depending on the number of volunteers, Moyer said they hope to make personal deliveries to people who are unable to travel to The Waters. This year will be different, Moyer acknowledged, but he hopes to bring hope and joy to many local people – one to-go box at a time. “This is going to be a great event to show the world God’s love,” Moyer said. “Merry Christmas to everybody.”
Sign-up no longer required for to-go meals Program open to all district students
Christmas Masses
of being loved. “Just loving on other folks who may not have someone to spend Christmas with,” he said. The dinner is not just for economically-disadvantaged people, but anyone who would like a delicious, comforting meal, Moyer said. “All are welcome,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you are.” With COVID-19 restrictions making it impossible to offer in-person dining, Moyer was determined to come up with an alternative. “We know this is not the ideal system,” he said of the drive-thru. “We would rather everyone come inside and celebrate Jesus’ birthday together, but we will do the best we can this year, and prayerfully, next year, we can get together again.” Although they are not able to eat inside the church, Moyer hopes this year’s meal will bring joy and hope to people, wherever they are. “We could use a little more love in our world right now,” he said. Manea’s Meats of Sauk Rapids donated 80 pounds of ham for this year’s dinner, and the meat market’s farm supplier donated 30 pounds of ground beef for the tacos. Other businesses have also contributed to the
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District continues to provide free to-go meals for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. Meals can be picked up from 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays at all K-12 locations in Sauk Rapids and Rice.
Families with students in multiple locations can select the location that is most convenient for them. In an effort to get more people to participate, the program will no longer require families to sign up in advance, superintendent Bradley Bergstrom said at the Dec. 14 school board meeting. The sign-up form was eliminated after many
families indicated they forget to sign up for meals and therefore did not come, he said. “Now you can just come on Wednesday and pick up those meals,” he said. Bergstrom said the meals program is not only for those who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program. “It is truly for everybody (all pre-K through
grade 12 students), and we really want our families to come and get the meals,” he said. “If signing up for the meals is one less thing that families have to worry about during the pandemic, that is great.” Funding for the program comes from the United States Department of Agriculture and is expected to be available for several more months, according to Bergstrom.
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OBITUARIES/NEWS William F. Schroeder
Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud for William “Bill” F. Schroeder, age 73, who passed away Dec. 10, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. The Rev. Joseph Herzing officiated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church. William Frederick Schroeder was born Dec. 30, 1946, in Long Prairie to Avoult and Irene (Smith) Schroeder. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. Bill married Jeanette Hoelscher Aug. 24, 1968, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Browerville.
William F. Schroeder
They lived in the St. Cloud area and Bill worked as a banker in the St. Cloud and Little Falls areas. He was a member of Christ Church Newman Center, Wapicada Golf Club and the VFW. Bill enjoyed golfing, playing cards, officiating basketball for over 30 years, spending time with family and watching sports. He was friendly, quickwitted, well respected, and had a great sense of humor.
Carol J. Partch
St. Cloud Hospital for over 30 years. Carol was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell where she was active in Christian Women and Fun Singers. She enjoyed reading, baking, dancing, going to the lake and spending quality time with her family. Carol was very patient, kind and caring. Survivors include her
Braidy Christianson
Braidy Christianson, age 47, of Sauk Rapids, passed away unexpectedly from heart conditions Dec. 14, 2020, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis. A walk-through public visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. Family and close friends are invited to attend the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 21, at Faaberg. Space will be limited due to current gathering restrictions, but
His family was his pride and joy. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette “Jay” of Sauk Rapids; sons and daughters, Scott (Andrea) of St. Cloud, Dawn (Lance) Knopik of Little Falls, Todd (Rebecca) of Sauk Rapids, and Erin (Chris) Voth of Sauk Rapids; brother and sister, Ron (Mary) of St. Cloud and Carol (Tom) Thompson of Blaine; grandchildren, Drew, Kerstin, Kaitlyn, Alex, Thomas, Ben, Jake, Peter, Ellie, Madelyn, Luke, Nicole, Clare, Henry, and Elise; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.com.
R-51-1B
“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
Carol J. Partch
Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Carol J. Partch, age 83, of Sartell who died Dec. 13, 2020, at Cherrywood Assisted Living in St. Cloud. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens officiated and burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the service Friday at the church in Sartell. Carol was born March 14, 1937, in St. Cloud to Roman and Mary (Pelzer) Krippner. She married Donald E. Partch on Sept. 6, 1958, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. She graduated from the St. Cloud School of Nursing and was a Registered Nurse at the
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 5
Braidy Christianson
an FM transmitter will be available for those wishing to listen from their vehicles in the church parking lot. All are welcome to attend the graveside at Norman Cemetery, immediately following,
children, Kevin (Karla) of Ft. Ripley, Randy (Mary) of Andover, Doug (Stephanie) of Sartell, Brad (Denise) of Sartell; grandchildren, Risa, Ryan, Brittney, Becky, Brian, Cody, Dillon, Jordan, Matt, Haley and Paige; great grandchildren, Alexis, Taiya, Claire, Landon, Xavier, Riley, Savannah, Zariya, Jacob, Harrison, Eddie, Harper and Bennett; sister, Betty (Ralph) Johannes of Rockville; brother, James (Sandy) Krippner of St. Cloud. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don on Oct. 19, 1997; and brother, Marvin (Mary Jane) Krippner. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.com.
R-51-1B
at approximately 2:45 p.m. The funeral will be recorded and will be viewable online at www. andersonfamilyfh.com shortly following the service. Following all COVID-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mark to attend. Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Online guest book at www.andersonfamilyfh. com.
R-51-1B
David J. Kimmes
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids, for David Jerome Kimmes, age 77, of Sauk Rapids who passed away Dec. 12, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Sunday and after 9:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at church. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. David was born May 4, 1943 in Perham to Art and Lila (McCulley) Kimmes. He was the second oldest of five children. Duane, Darrell, Beverly and Gary. He graduated from Tech High School and later Drew’s Business College in St. Cloud. On June 16, 1964, he married his college
David J. Kimmes
sweetheart, Eunice Jansen. Together they had five children: Paul (Sauk Rapids), Dean (St. Cloud), Julie (Sauk Rapids) and daughters June Marie and Carrie Lynn who entered their eternal life the day of their birth. David was a jack-ofall-trades and master of many. He grew up a farmer, became a welder for the Great Northern Railroad, baked bread for Lakeland Bakery, drove a taxicab, and moved merchandise for Fingerhut. His hobbies included gardening, traveling the color-guard circuits to cheer-on his granddaughters, attending the sporting events of kids in the family, and taking
the great-grand kids to parades. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years and children: Paul (Cheryl), Dean (Paula), and Julie Kimmes; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Albert) and Kristine (Brian); two grandsons, Mitchell (Naomi) and Nathaniel; five greatgrand-daughters: Lila, Alaina, Jennessa, Khloe, Koralyn; and one greatgrandson, Kale. David was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Duane. He will be remembered at the sight of a blooming garden, by the sound of old school country music, the taste of buttered popcorn, and the smell of canned garlic pickles from a family recipe. The family would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at the St. Cloud Hospital for their compassionate care of our beloved father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.
R-51-1B
What’s Happening Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. – Fireplace Zoom Chat with St. Nicholas. Hosted by the Morrison County Historical Society. St. Nick will read the classic tale, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore and talk with those in attendance. Parents, guardians and caregivers are welcome to join their children. Free and open to the public but registration required. Call 320-632-4007 or email staff@morrisoncountyhistorical.org to register. Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol.” Presented by Riverside Church. Online at myrc.online.church. Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. – Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota Holiday Concert “All is Well.” Virtual concert will include a collaboration with the St. Cloud String Quartet. Free admission online at www. youthchorale.org. Sunday, Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. – Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Santa Claus will join the Sauk Rapids Fire Department in touring the town of Sauk Rapids. Fire truck horns will be sounded as the man in red is escorted through the city. Sunday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol.” Presented by Riverside Church. Online at myrc.online.church. Monday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1-3 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Meal Distribution. For people ages 60 and older. No cost to participate. All clients must complete a registration form. Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Friday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day. Friday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m. – Free Christmas Dinner. Hosted by Agape Warriors Ministry. Turkey, ham, tacos, vegetarian dish and more. Meal offered until the food is gone or 3 p.m. The Waters Church, 1227 Pine Cone Road N., Sartell. Saturday, Dec. 26, 6 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol.” Presented by Riverside Church. Online at myrc.online.church. Sunday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol.” Presented by Riverside Church. Online at myrc.online.church. Monday, Dec. 28, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Meal Distribution. For people ages 60 and older. No cost to participate. All clients must complete a registration form. Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pine Cone Road N., Sartell.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
EDITORIAL
What is a Christmas full of grace and truth cold frame?
A cold frame is a way of protecting plants outdoors at the beginning or the end of the growing season. When the weather is cold at night but warm during the day, a cold frame is a way of providing GREEN AND protection but not GROWING IN BENTON stopping sunlight COUNTY from reaching the BY LINDA G. TENNESON plants. Cold frames may be constructed of different materials and are a less expensive option than using a greenhouse. In this area, a cold frame can be used before the last spring frost has occurred and after the first frost in the fall. Cold frames work best with frost tolerant crops. Some frost tolerant plants will survive but not grow when the temperature is below 40 degrees F. When the temperature reaches 50 degrees in the daytime, the cold frame top may need to be opened to avoid heat buildup and then closed at night to hold heat in. Additional covering or insulation might be needed if the temperature is predicted to go below 25 degrees. Cold frames are frequently constructed with a wood or metal enclosure and a glass or heavy plastic top. Old windows are often used for the tops. The sides of the cold frame may be made of any material that will support the top and provide insulation at night. One online source showed a picture of straw bales arranged in a rectangle with old window frames placed over the interior area. The plants growing under the windows were protected and still receiving light. And the straw bales were excellent insulation against cold coming in from the sides of the frame. Piles of rocks, earth or lumber are other possibilities for cold frame sides, as long as there is support for the tops that let light reach the plants. Many gardening companies sell cold frames. Some of them will have an automatic feature that will raise the top when the interior temperature increases to the point where it could damage or cook the plants and lower it when temperatures start to fall. Cold frames do not have bottoms so the plants have drainage into the soil. However, landscape fabric could be placed on the bottom to slow down any weed seeds that might take advantage of the warmth to germinate. Slugs and small animals may also try to burrow in from below the soil level to take advantage of the protection provided by a cold frame, so additional barriers may be needed to keep them out. Cold frames are usually constructed so one side is higher than the other. The lower side should face the south to allow early morning sun to warm the plants. Check that nearby trees, shrubs or buildings are not shading the frame. Young seedlings of plants classified as tender may need to be brought indoors at night to avoid damage if the temperature is expected to go below freezing. Frost hardy vegetables that could be grown in a cold frame include: cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprout, kohlrabi, collard greens, celery, spinach, pea, asparagus, rhubarb, radish, beet, carrot, lettuce, arugula, onion, potato and Swiss chard. Flowering annuals such as pansy, violet, snapdragon, nemesia, diascia (Twinspur) and petunia may also be grown in a cold frame and can survive colder temperatures. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
This holiday season, more Christmas trees down into humanity; down further still, if emand decorations have been purchased than averbryologists are right, to recapitulate in the womb age, according to multiple news sources. Logiancient and pre-human phases of life; down to cal because less people will be traveling to large the very roots and seabed of the nature.” family holiday gatherings this year, no thanks Isn’t that awesome? to the coronavirus pandemic. Trying to keep “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her somewhat of a tradition is comforting. I imagwomb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy ine children wrote letters to Santa, many who Spirit,” Luke 1:41. may become sadly disappointed. Elizabeth exclaims in verses 42There is something deeper and more valuLIFE BY FAITH 45, “Blessed are you among women, and able than tradition and presents that I desire to write about. I hope you do not mind me getting BY MERCY NYGAARD blessed is the fruit of your womb. But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my right to the point. In fact, it is the very point of why we have Christmas that is more relevant now than ever Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice in history. Author and theologian C.S. Lewis was one of of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my the most adamant critics of the frenzy and spending of the womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from holiday. “The birth of Christ is the central event in the history the Lord.” There is so much grace in these scriptures, and blessed of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about,” C.S. Lewis said in an interview. “This Christmas story does also are you who believe and in so doing will have fulfillnot start in the New Testament, in a stable. No. This story ment of the Lord’s promises because he is a covenant God starts in Genesis when God speaks to the serpent saying, we see throughout the Bible. He keeps his promises, and “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and his plans are to prosper us, not to harm us. Might I encourage you, however bleak Christmas may between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, look this year to bountiful Christmases in the past, to look and you shall bruise his heel.” This is one of my favorite verses in the entirety of to Jesus. Celebrate his first coming and be ready for his secthe Bible. Because God had mercy on Adam and woman, ond coming. In addition to that letter that may already have Adam looked at his wife and named her Eve. Eve means been written to Santa from your child or your grandchild, life giver. Instead of death, God promised life (her seed), please, have them write a letter to Jesus. God created us for and Adam, whose creation design is to be the head, was fellowship with him, and he longs to hear from his children. Put the exclamation point on Jesus this Christmas and restored to his headship after the promise of their redeemer and named his wife. Eve was restored to her design to help read the Bible together before opening presents. The book and to be a life giver, not only biologically, but in every of John always gives me goose bumps, so I will leave you season and every circumstance, in word and in deed. We with this excerpt. “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with all have the ability to operate in our created design because of the promise of Jesus and what he accomplished on the God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with cross. When we operate in our created design, we reflect God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made. In him was life, and the the image of God. In his infinite wisdom and glory, compassion and em- life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkpathy, mercy and grace, God gave us a redeemer in his son ness, and the darkness did not comprehend it … and the that is fully God and fully human, and experienced life as word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father, full of we do with sinful temptation. “In the Christian story, God descends to reascend,” grace and truth.” God bless you this Christmas and may you find peace Lewis said in his book “Miracles.” “He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, and joy in him alone.
Preventing package theft
er location is another option to keep thieves Online shopping is predicted to grow by leaps and bounds in 2020. Whether driven away. If neither of those options will work for by the coronavirus pandemic, convenience your package, consider having the package deor special pricing, more people are expected livered to your workplace or a family member to shop online this year especially during the or friend who you know will be home. holiday season. For those packages that cannot be delivAdobe Analytics has predicted online ered to a secure location, concealment is your sales in November and December will innext best option. Many delivery services offer crease by 33% when compared to the same the ability to provide delivery instructions to time period in 2019. All this online shopping KEEPING BENTON the driver. Use these delivery instructions to is sure to keep parcel delivery services busy specify a place at your home that the package COUNTY SAFE bringing packages to homes all over the area. could be left where it will not be visible from SHERIFF TROY HECK Unfortunately, right in the wake of these the road. Inside a garage or shed, in a locker delivery trucks is sure to be those most grinch-like of outside the home, or in the backyard out of view would thieves, the porch pirates. Trolling the streets, they look be good concealment options. When deciding where you for unattended packages and help themselves to whatever would like a package to be left, pick a place that will conmight be concealed inside these cardboard treasure chests. ceal it from the prying eyes of trolling thieves while keepA recent study done at Middle Tennessee State University ing in mind the demands the request places upon the driver. took an in-depth look at incidents of package theft that were Finally, be alert for suspicious vehicles in neighborcaptured on video. The purpose of this study was to deter- hoods. Vehicles seen following or watching delivery trucks mine how most package thieves conducted their crimes and should be reported to law enforcement promptly. Be alert discover ways in which package theft might be prevented. for vehicles driving slowly through residential areas, esThe study found most stolen packages were located within pecially if it appears the driver or passenger are checking 25 feet of a roadway and that 93% of the packages stolen each house for packages. Suspicious vehicles or people were visible from the street. Most thieves made the ap- seen taking packages from homes should be reported to proach to a target package alone and seemed unconcerned law enforcement. We ask that the public be good witnesses with fences, cameras or other security devices at the home. by getting video, photographs or vehicle license plate numMost thieves left the area immediately after committing the bers. Chasing suspected thieves or intervening in a theft in theft, almost always in a vehicle. The study’s recommenda- progress is not recommended. No package is worth sometions for prevention centered around removing the oppor- one being harmed. tunity for theft by either concealing the package or limiting Keep packages out of sight or your online purchases the amount of time the package was unsecured and visible. might end up as porch pirate plunder. The surest way to prevent package theft is to have your For more crime prevention and safety information, package delivered at a time or to a place where someone visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website at www. will be there to accept it. Some delivery services offer the co.benton.mn.us/211/Crime-Prevention. You can also like option of scheduling a delivery date and time. Scheduling a and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNdelivery when someone will be home to accept the package Sheriff for regular updates and crime prevention messages. will keep the box out of reach of these looting thieves. Delivering packages to a local retail branch or to a secure lock-
EDITORIAL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 7
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Acknowledge the challenge, find the positives
As the year comes to a close, I wanted true gratitude does not come from denying to take a few moments to share information our sometimes harsh realities. Instead, it is with you regarding where we are at as a found when we look for goodness within e school district with our learning model and them. also take a few minutes to refl ect on what “Right now, it may look a little somef has been an interesting year to say the least. thing like this: I am sad about our canceled Currently, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Thanksgiving Day plans, and I am grateful e Schools is in a distance learning model for the people within my own home who for prekindergarten through 12th grades I will experience this holiday with. I am through Jan. 8, 2021. Lately, I have been stressed out about moving back to virtual RAPIDS-RICE learning, and I am grateful for the gift of asked questions about what learning model SAUK SCHOOL DISTRICT we will be starting Jan. 11, 2021. Here are SUPERINTENDENT technology. I am tired of the uncertainty the facts as we know them today: that 2020 keeps bringing, and I am grateful BY BRADLEY D. - We will be in distance learning for for the lessons this year has taught me. BERGSTROM grades preK-12 through Jan. 8, 2021. “When we erase ‘but’ and replace - The school board will be meeting prior to Jan. 8, it with ‘and’ we reject the toxic positivity that is so s 2021, to discuss what learning model the district will prevalent in our culture. We take off our PR (public r be in beginning Jan. 11, 2021. relations) hats and become real with one another and - At this point, no decisions have been made re- ourselves. We can’t put this extraordinary existence in r garding what learning model will be implemented. It is a nicely defined box. Life is so complex. Life in 2020, simply too early to make that decision. even more so.” - As of the writing of this article, our community The words the author wrote resonated with me and r numbers are continuing to trend in a downward direc- caused me to reflect on what I am grateful for as the r tion. year comes to an end. While there have been plenty of o Once the learning model decision is made, the de- reasons to find things that are negative since March, o cision will be announced to staff, families and the com- there are also plenty of things to be thankful for. e munity through our various communication channels I am thankful for all the hard work of our staff to m including social media, press releases, Skylert commu- keep our buildings safe for staff and students. I am r nications and the district website. thankful for the hard work of our staff to find innovad It has been hard at times to stay positive through- tive ways to teach in a virtual environment and conu out the pandemic. Even when there are things to be nect with students. I am thankful for families who have - thankful for, there is a tendency to follow it up with, gone the extra mile to help their children learn during - “but then this happened.” An article was shared with these challenging times. I am thankful for the school . me the other day that was written by Jillian Benfield, board who have taken the time to listen to all the ques- and I thought I might share some of what she wrote tions and concerns parents have had, and I am grateful s about the power of the word “and” versus the word to all our students who are navigating these challengt “but.” ing times. “I used to be a ‘but’ user,” Benfield said. “When Remember, it is OK to acknowledge the challenges g someone was going through something hard, I was we are all facing during this pandemic and also rememe quick to point out the good they had in their life. ‘Yeah, ber to find the positives these challenges bring forth as o but at least you have.’ I also did this to myself. But, well. Take care, stay #StormStrong and go Storm. s n -
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Letters to Editor
Round two
Traditional letters to the editor policy
Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be under 400 words and to the point, and be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly. E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com
By Todd Waytashek, Watab Township resident Here we go again. Fact is Watab had a snow plowing bid $2,000 lower than what they awarded the contract at. The first two bids were $70,000 and $75,000. The board decided to rebid the contract based on what? A feeling? Or, maybe you didn’t want to award it to the low bidder and had to find a way around it? So, the second bid comes out, and they set up and hold a work session where they will review the bids. I’m happy to provide the notice if anyone wants to see it. Minnesota Statute 13D.04, Subdivision 2 states “notice of the date, time, place and purpose.” The notice states review. I show up at the meeting, they open the bids and read them. After consulting the previous bids they supposedly threw out, Steve states the current low bidder came down $3,000 from before. They then vote to award the bid at $72,000. First, words matter. The words “work session” and “review” imply information will be given and discussed, but no decision will be made. Had the meeting notice stated “review and decision,” or better, “contract opening and awarding,” the board would have been fine. However, the notice did not state that. The statute is specific. Second, some simple math: $72,000 plus $3,000 tells me his first bid was $75,000. This is still not less than the $70,000 previous low bid. $72,000 minus $70,000 is $2,000. Because the low bid at the October meeting was $70,000, the board cost us, the taxpayers, an additional $2,000 per year, and slipping and sliding home from work because the contract came after the snow was already coming down. Last, what does throwing out and rebidding a contract do to future contracts? Contractors will not trust our process. If they bid, they will bid high in order to have room to deal with the extra chance that their time will be wasted by the board. And because this board has been contracting out everything under the sun, expect your taxes to go up even more. Finally, I want to thank Natasha Barber for her letter. She brought out points that will help this and future discussions. She also provided her basis for her view, something lacking in most discussions.
The gift of giving
By Pat Fouquette, Sauk Rapids A little boy, a little girl, a tree they may not see. That shiny toy truck, a happy, new doll, For them it may not be. Down the street, across the town, A festive season draws near, But a family, the little children, At Christmas time they fear. Peace, giving and happy song, For some are not a part, Those so blessed of many things Must have it in their heart. There is need of Christmas cheer, A search would surely find, The family in their desperate need Of your giving and your kind. The greatest gift to give a child, That day when he can say, Merry Christmas to someone in need, It never fades away. Receiving is a joyous time, Yuletide songs and cheer. Giving touches a fading heart, Never forgotten the year.
COUNTY NEWS
Page 8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notice Monday, November 30, 2020 WORK SESSION MINUTES District Office Board Room 5:30 p.m. A Work Session of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Business Services Fiereck, and Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr AGENDA APPROVAL A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the Work Session Agenda as written. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None WORK STUDY TOPICS Portrait of a Graduate Update – Bergstrom Superintendent Bergstrom provided a Portrait of a Graduate update and answered Board questions. Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Exterior Brick Project – Fiereck/Berghuis Director of Business Services Fiereck and Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis provided information to the Board regarding the Middle School’s exterior brick project. Directors Fiereck and Berghuis were available to answer Board member questions. Board of Education Review and Discussion – Bergstrom Superintendent Bergstrom led a discussion with Board members regarding committee communication. Superintendent Bergstrom was available to answer Board member questions. Re-entry Criteria Discussion – Bergstrom/Schoenherr Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr and Superintendent Bergstrom provided information regarding community and district trends associated to COVID-19 related absence (CRA’s). This data collection tool will be vital for district administration in determining a reentry threshold for district students and staff. ADJOURNMENT With no further Work Session topics appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-51-1B
ROYALTON N PUBLIC C PUBLIC LS SCHOOLS
County approves elected officials’ salaries Fee schedule changes take effect next year BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – The Benton County Board approved a revised fee schedule and set commissioners’ and elected officials’ 2021 salaries Dec. 15. Starting Jan. 1 of next year, changes to the county’s fee schedule will take effect, though many of the approved changes are not increases or decreases. For example, new home construction permits now require $200 to be paid up front, but that dollar amount is subtracted from the final permit fee. Benton County Department of Development director
Roxanne Achman said the change is to facilitate staff hours reviewing the permit. However, in the auditor-treasurer’s office, a $50 fee was added for permits issued within 14 days of an event taking place, called an expedited permit fee. Auditortreasurer Nadean Inman said her office is often scrambling when event permits come in late – a common occurrence. Soon after the board approved the 2021 fee schedule, it moved into discussion on the elected officials’ salaries for next year. Commissioners agreed to increase salaries by 3% for the county’s auditor-treasurer, sheriff and attorney, though they requested a 5% increase. Sheriff Troy Heck will make $118,178 in 2021, Inman will make $100,264 and county attorney Philip Miller will make $127,447.
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wanted to clarify events surrounding the delay of the notices. She said information necessary to prepare the notices was delayed because of an unforeseen staff absence in a separate county office. Where her office would normally have a week to process the information, Inman said they only had three days to get the notices prepared and sent out. The truth-in-taxation meeting was rescheduled to the evening of Dec. 15.County administrator recognized the three outgoing commissioners – Jake Bauerly, Spencer Buerkle and Warren Peschl – for their combined service of 38 years. Former Benton County commissioner Duane Walter thanked each commissioner individually, as did Popp and Heinen. Bauerly, Buerkle and Peschl each shared their gratitude to the citizens of Benton County, who elected them and trusted them to serve the county as their commissioners.
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With two out of the three elected officials present at the meeting, Commissioner Ed Popp said he understands that the increase in pay is not what the elected officials had proposed, but that the county is in a financial bind. Commissioner Steve Heinen said the board plans to give a larger increase for 2022. Commissioners decided on a 2% increase in pay for their positions, totaling $30,765 per year, a $603 increase over 2020. On top of their salaries, commissioners also receive a $60 per diem, reflecting no change, for attending committee meetings approved by the board. They are also reimbursed for travel expenses when leaving town for commissioner-related business. In other board news: - After the county board had to reschedule its truth-in-taxation meeting two weeks ago because a mailer notifying residents of the meeting failed to reach mailboxes, Inman
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OFFICE ASSISTANT The City of Rice is currently accepting applications for a part-time office assistant
General Duties: The Office Assistant provides clerical support, reception duties and requires excellent customer services skills. Duties will include answering telephone calls, processing licenses and permits, data entry, computer report generation, billing in addition to other duties as directed by the City Clerk. Minimum requirements: High school diploma, three - five years of customer service and support staff experience, valid Driver’s license, proficiency in Microsoft programs. Salary dependent on qualifications. City application may be requested by calling 320-393-2280 or online at www.ricemn.us Resumes must be submitted with City Application. This is a 24 -30 hours per week position with the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. R50-2B-RB
Applications, cover letter and resume’s will be accepted until December 21st, 2020 at 4:30 pm.
NEWS
Page 12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
High school sports begin in-person practice Jan. 4, 2021 First competition dates pending BROOKLYN CENTER – In alignment with Emergency Executive Order 20-103 announced Dec. 16 by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League will begin in-person practice for winter sports and activities Jan. 4, 2021. Earlier this month, the league’s board of directors approved a flexible scheduling model, presented by the Return to Participation Task Force, which will adapt to the new executive order. The new mandate modifies and is an extension of Executive Order 20-99 that went into effect Nov. 20 and was set to expire Dec. 18. The first date of competition under the new directive has not yet been determined. Member schools have the option to begin in-person participation at a later date if it best aligns with their district’s COVID-19 response plan. On Jan. 4, gymnastics, girls and boys basketball, girls and boys hockey, wrestling, boys swimming and diving, girls and boys Nordic skiing, and girls and boys alpine skiing may begin in-person practice. Dance may resume in-person practice sessions, and adapted floor hockey may begin its in-person training season. “While we recognize that our students, coaches and families are anxious to return to activities and athletics, the Jan. 4, 2021, date aligns well with many member schools’ calendars as they return from extended breaks,” said Erich Martens, MSHSL executive director. “This opportunity to participate in athletics and activities also comes with great responsibility. It is critical all students, coaches, directors and officials maintain the highest standard of health and safety, both in and outside of school. Everyone must actively share the responsibility of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping themselves and others safe and healthy.” The MSHSL will continue to work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the league’s sports medicine advisory committee to review and update the Sports and Activities Guidance and Information.
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From nurse to county commissioner Schlangen takes helm in January BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
Editor’s note: This article is the second article of a four-part series regarding the transition of roles on the Benton County Board of Commissioners. Look to upcoming issues for interviews with newly elected commissioners Jared Gapinski and Scott Johnson, who will be sworn in alongside Beth Schlangen Jan. 5, 2021. FOLEY – Many county commissioners initially seek election to implement monetary policies, usually looking to tighten the county’s purse strings. Many of them come from a business-oriented background. However, Beth Schlangen, the newly elected commissioner for the 5th District, comes from a background in healthcare. While she wants to continue the trend of airtight fiscal policy, she is also focused on pursuing health-related policies. Schlangen unseated Benton County Commissioner Jake Bauerly, an eight-year member of the board. The district covers the 6th Precinct in Sauk Rapids and the 1st Precinct in Minden
Township. It also covers much of East St. Cloud, which the three outgoing commissioners, Bauerly and commissioners Warren Peschl and Spencer Buerkle, have identified as an area that will bring challenges to the new board. “She ran a good race,” Bauerly said, who congratulated Schlangen at a board meeting earlier in the year. Schlangen’s long career in healthcare, over 40 years, and her faith largely mobilized the agenda she hopes to accomplish as a county commissioner. “I’m concerned about mental health issues, homelessness and families,” Schlangen said. ... “I want to make sure that what the people need is available in our area, and there are still some things that are lacking.” Schlangen hopes to entice private entities and organizations through her vote, which she said will always be geared toward health issues in Benton County. Although not every vote she has is directly linked to mental health, homelessness and sex trafficking, she pledged to keep those things in mind when it comes time to vote. Encouraging new businesses to build in
Beth Schlangen
Benton County, especially those that are focused on health-related issues, reduces the burden on the county’s resources and provides additional tax revenue, Schlangen said. Not only would it bring additional services, but it would also benefit the taxpayers. “I just want the county to be safe and healthy and a place where people want to come and live and raise their families and retire,” Schlangen said. Schlangen moved to Benton County as a junior in high school. She graduated from St. Cloud Apollo’s first graduating class in 1971, and then enrolled in college at St. Luke’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1974. Schlangen moved to Swift County after finding a job at Rice Memorial Hospital as a nurse. From there, Schlangen worked at various hospitals as a nurse and got involved with the community in
Swift County, attending church services, teaching every age level in Sunday school, serving on the worship team, working with the prison ministry, and she even went on a mission trip with inmates to Australia. After she married her husband, Jerry Schlangen, the two moved back to Benton County in east St. Cloud. They raised four daughters – Carrie Buddy, Bonnie Schlangen, Lee Bowen and Dawn Meyer. Meyer died over a year ago in a car collision, where Schlangen said a man with mental health issues crashed into her daughter’s car. Schlangen said she is going to measure her success on the board by looking at various healthrelated and economic metrics. If homelessness and mental health in Benton County are declining while the local workforce is getting stronger, Schlangen considers that a successful run. Above all else, though, Schlangen wants to meet the needs of Benton County residents, wherever they are and whatever their situation. “If they have needs, I will advocate to get the best result for them,” Schlangen said.
ECE provides $72,000 to nourishment programs CROSS Center, Rice Area Food Shelf among the recipients BRAHAM – After a tumultuous year filled with obstacles for families, food insecurity continues to be an insurmountable hurdle for many. To help ease the strain, East Central Energy donated $72,000 to food programs across its 14-county service area. The pandemic canceled several of ECE’s in-person events, resulting in budgeted dollars not being spent. “This past year has been tough for many of our members,” said Cheryl Hagfors, CFO and vice president of member services at ECE. “We recognized an opportunity to help our neighbors in need and immediately got to work.” Food programs were nominated by ECE’s 12 directors, who represent each membership district, and funds were sent in recognition of the support each group provides to the local community. A list of recipients is available on eastcentralenergy.com; the CROSS Center
PHOTO SUBMITTED
ECE board chair Linda Laitala and CFO and vice president of member services Cheryl Hagfors hold a check for $72,000 Dec. 9. ECE donated the amount to area food shelves, including CROSS Center in Foley and Rice Area Food Shelf in Rice.
in Foley and Rice Area Food Shelf are included in this list.
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 13
Data shows district-wide distance learning was good move Schoenherr updates school board on COVID-19 case numbers BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Sauk Rapids-Rice students have been learning remotely district-wide since early November. Soon, the school board will have to decide if students will continue learning remotely, or if they will return to in-person learning, either full- or part-time. The current distance learning plan is in effect until Jan. 11, 2021. Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom suggested the board meet Dec. 29 to review upto-date data and discuss what the learning model will look like in early 2021. The district will consult with a team of local advisers, including officials from Benton County Public Health, prior to the tentative Dec. 29 special meeting. Once again, the board will be faced with the challenge of making a decision based on the most current novel coronovirus data while timing it so staff and families have time to prepare for a continuation of distance learning or for a transition to full or partial in-person learning, Bergstrom said. Going forward, the district does not intend to transition students from any building to a distance learning model for a period of two weeks or less. This short timeframe not only puts a lot of
pressure on the school board, but parents as well, according to Bergstrom. “Families need to plan,” he said. Until the board has a better picture of how COVID-19 is impacting the learning community closer to Jan. 11, board members cannot predict whether or not students will remain in distance learning, but they agreed the shift to district-wide distance learning was the right decision. That belief was validated during a review of learning model data, presented by Dr. Holly Schoenherr, director of human resources and administrative services, who talked about the disease’s impact on staff. Since Nov. 8, when the district moved all buildings to distance learning, “we really saw an increase in positive cases,” Schoenherr said. From the first day of school to Nov. 5, the district had 27 positive cases among staff, an average of 3.4 per week. From Nov. 5 to Dec. 10, the district had 43 cases, an average of 8.6 per week. “So, what does that tell you?” board chairman Ryan Butkowski asked Schoenherr. She responded by telling the board they made the right decision in moving the district to distance learning. “It would have been absolutely unmanageable to staff and provide inperson or hybrid level instruction,” Schoenherr said. Schoenherr noted that, during the week ending Dec. 3, the district had 44 COVID-19-related absences and 11 positive cases among its staff. Had the district had in-
Dec. 8, 2:05 p.m. – Law enforcement made contact with an individual after a suspicious activity report was called in for the 2500 block of Olive Lane, Sauk Rapids. The officer learned the driver was an appraiser. The person was advised of the complaint and to be careful in the future as the behavior seemed suspicious. Dec. 9, 2:21 p.m. – Law enforcement was notified of a theft that occurred at Walgreens, 115 Second Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Several parties stole approximately a cart full of items. The suspects fled in a gold or tan, older model Ford Explorer.
Number of employee cases: 4 Number of COVID-19 related absences in employees: 34 Number of student cases: 10 Number of COVID-19 related absences in students: 64 the numbers happening in the community because I think it says a lot and can really inform us well about what we can expect to see within the schools,” Schoenherr said. B e r g s t r o m commended the community for taking measures to minimize the spread, particularly those who have avoided large family gatherings over the holidays. “Our numbers can go up, our numbers can go down, depending on what we as a community choose to do,” he said. “I want to thank the community, everybody, who’s making that sacrifice to help get those (COVID-19) numbers down. … If we can continue to see those numbers moving in a positive direction, it provides the board with more options in terms of the learning model.”
Dec. 10, 2:48 a.m. Officer was called to a male loitering at a store on the 200 block of 18th Street North. The man was asking people for money. Officer made contact with the male who advised he was homeless. Male had a misdemeanor warrant from Benton County for theft, but the jail would not accept him. Officer transported the man to an apartment in St. Cloud. Incidents: Administrative citations (winter parking violations) 46, medical calls 24, assists 17, suspicious activity reports 17, miscellaneous calls 13, human services reports 8, permits 7, thefts 7, welfare checks 7, disturbances 5, fraud 5, domestic calls 4, harassment reports 4, alarms 3, animals 3, child 3, civil complaints 3, lift assists 3, traffic accidents 3, driving 3, warnings 3, warrants 3, agency assist 2, criminal damage to property 2, extra patrols 2, suicidal persons 2, traffic stops 2 and unwanted persons 2.
Rice Police Department Dec. 13, 6:23 p.m. – Law enforcement was notified of a gasoline drive-off from the BP fuel station at 2378 Pine Road N.W. The officer contacted the individual who claimed the drive-off was unintentional and that he would contact the establishment and pay for fuel. The officer advised the business to again contact the police department if the fuel was not paid in a timely manner. Incidents: Traffic stops 8, agency assists 2 and miscellaneous calls 4.
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Active COVID-19 cases in ISD 47 for Dec. 4-10 The district has 676 employees and 3,803 students.
person or hybrid learning during this time, having that many positive cases would have “very likely” had an impact by causing more COVID-19-related absences, she said. Since the district moved to distance learning, there has been under-reporting of COVID-19-related situations involving both staff and students, according to Schoenherr. She suspects that is because there is not a sense of urgency to notify the district because staff and students are not going into a school building. Under-reporting is happening all over the state, not just Sauk Rapids-Rice, according to Schoenherr. “All districts, particularly those in distance learning, are seeing the same type of under-reporting,” she said. The district can obtain data collected by the Department of Health, which does community contract tracing, to capture more complete data of positive cases within the district. Fortunately, COVID-19 numbers have decreased in Benton County as of Community Education Corner Dec. 14, Schoenherr and Do-it-yourself Cardmaking Kit Bergstrom noted. Looking for an easy project this winter and love “I think it’s important to have greeting cards on hand? This kit provides all for us to give a lot of the materials to make 25 greeting cards (birthday, weight and attention to thank you, sympathy, thinking of you, wedding and more). All you need to do is glue the paper together to create these cards. Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Holiday Centerpiece Kit Use creativity to make a centerpiece craft. Silver bucket, foam, greenery, three picks and two ornaments are included. Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
PUBLIC NOTICES
REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, November 23, 2020 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Jason Ellering, Ellen Thronson, and Dottie Seamans. Members absent: Nick Sauer. 2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Ross Olson noted that the Finance Director, Jack Kahlhamer, has requested to add Approval of League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Liability Coverage form as agenda item 9-G. Olson also requested to add Temporary Public Works Office Staff Wage Approval as agenda item 9-H. Olson requested to move agenda item11-A to agenda item 10-B. 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Approve Minutes A. 10-26-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 10-26-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously with Councilperson Thronson abstaining B. 11-09-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the 11-09-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Receive and File A. 11-13-2020 Canvassing Board Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to receive and file the 11-13-2020 Canvassing Board Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Mayor’s Communications • Support Local Businesses-Mayor Hunstiger reminded everyone to support local businesses as much as possible this holiday season as many local businesses continue to be impacted by the pandemic and the Governor’s Executive Orders. 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 8. Public Hearings A. Applicant City of Sauk Rapids Purpose To Consider Approval of Assessment Roll No. 426 1. 1. Open Public Hearing Charles Ehlen, Parcel #R19-00040-20, stated that he recently purchased a piece of property on December 8th of 2018. Ehlen said that there was no mention of utility payments
attached to the land when he purchased the property. Ehlen noted that currently there is a defective deed for his property based on a wetland issue that still needs to be resolved. He stated that he is requesting a delay/extension or a significant reduction in the fee until the deed issue is resolved and he is able to actually develop the property. Ehlen noted that the Ordinance mentions that a request could be made to the Public Works Director regarding an adjustment. He concluded by saying that he finds the fee to be excessive. 2. Close Public Hearing Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Consider Action Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Resolution Adopting Modifying Assessment Rolls No. 426. Motion carried unanimously. B. Applicant Cedar Creek Energy Purpose To Consider an Interim Use Permit Request to Install a Rooftop Solar Array at 1660 13th Ave NE in Sauk Rapids 2. 1. Open Public Hearing 2. Close Public Hearing Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Consider Action Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Conditional Use Permit on the conditions that the project does not create any glare for neighboring homes or on the adjacent roadways. The Applicant will be required to work with City staff to mitigate the results of the glare study to the satisfaction of the Public Works Committee prior to the issuance of the Conditional Use Permit. Discussion: Councilperson Seamans asked about the staff approval piece. Ross Olson explained that a sub-committee of the Council alone cannot make approval, so City staff will work with Public Works Committee before issuing the permit. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve Calling 2015A Bonds B. Approve Firefighter Pension Increase C. Approve CARES Act Expenditures D. Approve Hiring Traut Wells to Recondition Well #5 E. Approve Attendance to the 2021 Annual Institute for Building Officials F. Approve LED Conversion of City Owned Street Lights G. Approve League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Liability Coverage Form H. Temporary Public Works Staff Wage Approval Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by
Councilperson Ellering to approve consent agenda items 9A-9H. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Regular Agenda A. 2021 Enterprise Fund Budgets, General Fund, and HRA Budget Updates Jack Kahlhamer stated that since the budget was last discussed, he has reduced the overall 2021 budget by an additional $44,000 and the total General Fund levy by $60,000. Kahlhamer explained that he moved the $60,000 to the Building Fund levy and the Capital Equipment Fund levy. He stated that he has received the updated tax rate from Benton County and it is 40.81, which should mean that most residents should see their taxes stay the same or possibly go down a little. Kahlhamer said that within the next couple of months he will have an updated Capital Improvement Plan to share with the Council. Kahlhamer reviewed the following funds and his recommendations for those funds as well as the potential expansion of the Government Center Police Garage: • Liquor Fund • Water Fund • Sewer Fund • Storm Water Fund • Street Light Utility Fund • Utilities Summary • Government Center Police Garage Expansion Kahlhamer advised the Council that the Truth-N-Taxation public hearing, final levy, fee schedule, and budget approvals will take place at the December 14th City Council meeting. The City Council agreed by consensus on moving forward with everything as presented by Kahlhamer. B. Adjusted Office Hours Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the temporary closure of the Government Center and Public Works facilities until further notice as stated in the press release read by the Mayor. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Other Staff Items A. Adjusted Office Hours B. Last Day of Compost Site Pete Eckhoff stated that the last day that the compost site will be open for the 2020 season is Saturday, November 28th. 12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously. 14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m. R-51-1B
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING Friday, November 13, 2020 A special meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Bukowski Friday, November 13, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ACTION ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION CANVASSING ELECTION RETURNS A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution Canvassing Returns of Votes of School Board General Election, following the Canvassing Board’s inspection of Independent School District No. 47 abstract of votes cast and totaled in each precinct in the November 3, 2020 General Election, pursuant to M.S. 204C.32 to 204C.39. (M.S. 204C.31, Subd.). Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None RESOLUTION CANVASSING RETURNS OF VOTES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT GENERAL ELECTION BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 47, as follows: 1. It is hereby found, determined and declared that the
general election of the voters of the district held on November 3, 2020, was in all respects duly and legally called and held. 2. As specified in the attached Abstract and Return of Votes Cast, a total of 16,544 voters of the district voted at said election on the election of four (4) school board members for four-year term vacancies on the board caused by expiration of term on the first Monday in January next following the general election as follows: Candidate Ryan Butkowski 21.99% Candidate Mark Hauck 19.93% Candidate Tracy Morse 19.68% Candidate Jan Solarz 19.28% Candidate Olivia Kolbe 18.64% Candidate Write In Total .45% 3. Candidate, Ryan Bukowski, Mark Hauck, Tracy Morse, and Jan Solarz, having received the highest number of votes, are elected to four year terms beginning the first Monday in January, 2021. 4. The school district clerk is hereby authorized to certify the results of the election to the county auditor of each county in which the school district is located in whole or in part. STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) SS COUNTY OF BENTON ) I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting clerk of Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47, State of Minnesota, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct transcript of the minutes of a meeting of the School Board of said school district duly called and held on the date therein indicated, so far as such minutes relate to canvassing the results of the general election on the election of four members to the Board of Education of said school district, and that the resolution included therein is a full, true, and correct copy of the original thereof. WITNESS MY HAND officially as such clerk this 13th day of November 2020. Lisa J. Braun, ISD 47 School Board Clerk ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION AND DIRECTING SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK TO PERFORM OTHER ELECTION DUTIES A motion was made by Solarz seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Certificates of Election and Directing School District Clerk to Perform Other Election Related Duties.
Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION AND DIRECTING SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK TO PERFORM OTHER ELECTION RELATED DUTIES WHEREAS, the board has canvassed the general election for school board members held on November 3, 2020. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 47, State of Minnesota, as follows: 1. The chair and clerk are hereby authorized to execute certificates of election on behalf of the school board of Independent School District No.47 to the following candidates: a. Ryan Butkowski b. Mark Hauck c. Tracy Morse d. Jan Solarz who have received a sufficiently large number of votes to be elected to fill vacancies on the board caused by expiration of term on the first Monday in January next following the election, based on the results of the canvass. 2. The certificate of election shall be in substantially the form attached hereto 3. After the time for contesting the election has passed and the candidate has filed all campaign financial reports required by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 211A, the clerk of the school board is hereby directed to deliver the certificates to the persons entitled thereto personally or by certified mail. 4. The clerk is hereby directed to enclose with the certificate a form of acceptance of office and oath of office in substantially the form attached here to. ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Morse and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 4:13 p.m. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-51-1B
PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 15
MIDWEST CLASSIFIED NETWORK
2021 MINNESOTA SUMMARY BUDGET DATA CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS Budgets have been adopted for the following funds: Please list all budgeted special revenue funds and X General Fund non-budgeted funds below. X Other Special Revenue Funds Revenues Property Taxes (Do not include Market Value Credits) All Other Taxes (franchise, hotel/motel taxes, etc.) Licenses and Permits Federal Grants State General Purpose Aid (Market Value Credits, etc.) State Categorical Aid (state aid for streets, etc.) Grants from County and Other Local Governments Charges for Services Fines and Forfeits Interest on Investments Miscellaneous Revenues Total Revenues Transfers from Other Funds (incl. Enterprise Funds) Total Revenues and Other Financing Sources
2020 Budget 2,889,800 150,000 335,300 3,000 2,517,400 21,000 4,000 223,000 39,500 38,000 35,000 6,256,000 122,000 6,378,000
2020 Amended Budget
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To reach 9 states with your classified call 320-251-1971
2021 Budget 3,092,300 150,000 336,300 3,000 2,601,600 21,000 5,000 219,000 39,500 43,800 35,000 6,546,500 125,000 6,671,500
2020 Expenditures Budget Current Expenditures (Exclude Capital Outlay) General Government (board, administration, etc.) 1,310,300 Public Safety 2,955,800 Streets and Highways (excluding construction) 1,233,800 Culture and Recreation 425,600 Urban Redevelopment, Economic Development & Housing 137,400 Total Current Expenditures 6,062,900 Capital Outlay 165,000 Other Financing Uses 25,500 Transfers to Other Funds (include Enterprise Funds) 122,000 Total Expenditures and Other Financing Uses 6,375,400 Fund Balance General Fund - Beginning Balance (January 1) 3,800,000 General Fund - Ending Balance (December 31) 3,802,600 Increase (Decrease) in Fund Balance - Budgeted Governmental Funds 2,600 Other Items General Fund-Unrestricted-Ending Balance (December 31) Special Revenue Fund-Unrestricted-Ending Balance (December 31) Total Property Tax Levy - All Funds 3,980,600 Net Unrealized Gain or (Loss) from Investments
2020 Amended Budget
Budgeted Special Revenue Funds HRA Economic Development Fund
43 Non-Budgeted Funds Debt Service Funds Capital Project Funds Revolving Loan Funds Housing Assistance Loan Fund Police Forfeiture Fund Police DWI Forfeiture Fund Tax Increment Financing Districts Access Operating Fund
If you have any questions about the City of Sauk Rapids Budgets, please feel free to contact Jack Kahlhamer, Finance Director at (320) 258-5330 or by email at: jkahlhamer@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING Wednesday, November 18, 2020 An emergency meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Bukowski Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Technology Zimple, Director of Community Education Wilke, Director of Early Childhood Family Education Tye, Special Education Coordinator Haller, MHES Principal Peterson, MHES Assistant Principal Foley, PV Principal Froiland, Rice Principal Paasch, SRRMS Principal Messerich, SRRMS Assistant Principal Johnson, SRRHS Principal Nohner, and SRRHS Assistant Principals Logrono and Wagner. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Loidolt and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ACTION APPROVAL TO AMEND THE DISTRICT’S ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD RETURN DATES A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to amend the District’s elementary, secondary and early childhood return dates based on data provided by Minnesota Department of Health, Benton County Public Health, and current data regarding the District’s learning communities. Per the unanimous vote the Distance Learning model was extended until Monday, January 11, 2021 for Pre-K through grade 12 students. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski
2021 Budget
-
1,314,500 3,153,200 1,260,500 479,100 143,800 6,351,100 167,900 27,500 125,000 6,671,500
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4,046,979 4,046,979 -
-
4,047,825 2,564,659 Unknown Yet
4,047,825 2,564,659 4,174,700
R-51-1B
Voting Against: None ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 p.m. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-51-1B
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Page 16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO TAXES, IF ANY, PAID VERIFICATION OF THE BY MORTGAGEE: DEBT AND IDENTITY $228,246.69 OF THE ORIGINAL That prior to the CREDITOR WITHIN THE commencement of this TIME PROVIDED BY mortgage foreclosure LAW IS NOT AFFECTED proceeding Mortgagee/ BY THIS ACTION. Assignee of Mortgagee NOTICE IS HEREBY complied with all notice GIVEN, that default has requirements as required occurred in conditions of by statute; That no action the following described or proceeding has been mortgage: instituted at law or otherwise DATE OF to recover the debt secured MORTGAGE: by said mortgage, or any part November 21, 2006 thereof; MORTGAGOR: Kevin PURSUANT to the D. Johnson, a single person power of sale contained in and Kirk J. Paulson, a single said mortgage, the above person. described property will be M O R T G A G E E : sold by the Sheriff of said Mortgage Electronic county as follows: Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND TIME OF as nominee for EquiFirst SALE: January 19, 2021 at Corporation its successors 10:00 AM and assigns. PLACE OF SALE: DATE AND PLACE OF Benton County Sheriff’s RECORDING: Recorded Office, 581 Highway 23 November 30, 2006 Benton Northeast Foley, MN County Recorder, Document to pay the debt then secured No. A344022. by said Mortgage, and taxes, ASSIGNMENTS OF if any, on said premises, and MORTGAGE: Assigned the costs and disbursements, to: U.S. Bank National including attorneys’ fees Association, as Trustee, on allowed by law subject to behalf of the holders of the redemption within twelve Home Equity Asset Trust (12) months from the date of 2007-2 Home Equity Pass- said sale by the mortgagor(s), Through Certificates, Series their personal representatives 2007-2. Dated July 24, 2017 or assigns unless reduced to Recorded August 1, 2017, as Five (5) weeks under MN Document No. A424211. Stat. §580.07. TRANSACTION TIME AND DATE TO AGENT: Mortgage VACATE PROPERTY: If Electronic Registration the real estate is an ownerSystems, Inc. occupied, single-family T R A N S A C T I O N dwelling, unless otherwise AGENT’S MORTGAGE provided by law, the date I D E N T I F I C A T I O N on or before which the NUMBER ON mortgagor(s) must vacate the M O R T G A G E : property if the mortgage is 100200100108493218 not reinstated under section LENDER OR BROKER 580.30 or the property is AND MORTGAGE not redeemed under section ORIGINATOR STATED ON 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on MORTGAGE: EquiFirst January 19, 2022, unless that Corporation date falls on a weekend or R E S I D E N T I A L legal holiday, in which case MORTGAGE SERVICER: it is the next weekday, and Select Portfolio Servicing, unless the redemption period Inc. is reduced to 5 weeks under M O R T G A G E D MN Stat. Secs. 580.07. PROPERTY ADDRESS: M O RT G A G O R ( S ) 6248 135th Avenue RELEASED FROM Northeast, Foley, MN 56329 FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TAX PARCEL I.D. #: ON MORTGAGE:None 08.00402.00 Dated: November 12, 2020 LEGAL DESCRIPTION U.S. Bank National OF PROPERTY: Association, as Trustee The South 1/2 of the Mortgagee/Assignee of Northwest 1/4 of Section Mortgagee 31, Township 37, Range 28, USSET, WEINGARDEN Benton County, Minnesota. AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. COUNTY IN WHICH Attorneys for Mortgagee/ PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Assignee of Mortgagee Benton 4500 Park Glen Road #300 O R I G I N A L Minneapolis, MN 55416 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (952) 925-6888 OF MORTGAGE: 38 - 20-002612 FC $206,250.00 THIS IS A AMOUNT DUE COMMUNICATION FROM AND CLAIMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR. DUE AS OF DATE OF R-47-6B NOTICE, INCLUDING
SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2020-792 The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2020-792 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on December 14, 2020: The City Council made certain changes to the City’s Fee Schedule with the adoption of Ordinance No. 2020-792. Some fees have been changed, some increased, and some new fees have been added consistent with services the City is providing. A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. R-51-1B
PUBLIC NOTICES
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 1, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Steve Heinen, Warren Peschl and Jake Bauerly present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the amended agenda—add item: 2021 Tobacco License Applications. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. The next item on the agenda was to conduct a Truth in Taxation public meeting. Monty Headley, County Administrator, stated that it has become apparent that many Benton County taxpayers have not received their parcelspecific Truth in Taxation notices; legal implications are unknown at this time. Chair Buerkle stated his belief that the meeting will need to be republished and rescheduled to meet the intent of the law. Board consensus that the County Administrator obtain a legal opinion from the County Attorney’s Office. Headley stated he will review the statutory deadline for holding the Truth in Taxation public meeting and also obtain a recommendation from the Department of Revenue. Popp/Bauerly unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of November 10, 2020 as written; 3) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2020 as written; 4) approve the “Second Supplemental CARES Funding Plan” as presented; 5) approve six-month extension of the filing deadline for a major final plat entitled “The Cove Replat”—new deadline of June 1, 2021; 6) approve final payment to Knife River, Inc. for 2020 Seasonal Bituminous Overlay, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) adopt Resolution 2020-#36, approving final acceptance of Construction Project SAP 005-620003—Reconstruction of 4th Avenue North in Foley, and
authorize the Chair to sign; 8) adopt Resolution 2020-#37, approving final acceptance of Construction Project SAP 005-627-004— Reconstruction of Dewey Street in Foley, and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) adopt Resolution 2020#38, a Resolution of Support for FY 2025 Federal Transportation Project Submittal to Region 7W—CSAH 1 Full Depth Reclamation from CSAH 29 to County Road 78; adopt Resolution 2020-#39, a Resolution of Support for FY 2025 Federal Transportation Project Submittal to Region 7W—CSAH 2 Reconstruction from MNTH 10 to CSAH 1—and authorize the Chair to sign; and 10) approve 2021 Tobacco License Applications for Midwest Investment LLC Mini Mart #4 and #10, Speedway #4453/Northern Tier Retail LLC, Pojo’s Store, Hasso Briese American Legion Post #473, Gilman Liquor Store and Shady’s Railside. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Bauerly referenced previous Board discussion about possible relief of liquor license fees for bars and restaurants. Headley noted that the public hearing to consider fee schedule changes is scheduled for the December 15th County Board meeting; this would be an opportune time for that discussion. Headley reported that the Department of Revenue website states that the Truth in Taxation public meeting must be concluded by December 30th. There was consensus of the Board to hold the Truth in Taxation meeting on December 15, 2020 at 7:00 PM and to hold a Special Board Meeting on December 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM to adopt the final 2021 Budget and Levy. Heinen/Peschl unanimous to adjourn at 7:31 PM.. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-51-1B
PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON IN DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION Court File No: 05-PR-20-1981
as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in unsupervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, a personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal rep-
ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In Re: Estate of
Lloyd Allen Koprek, a/k/a Lloyd A. Koprek, Deceased. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of January, 2021, at 8:00 a.m., a hearing will be held in Benton County District Court, Foley, Minnesota, for the probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated February 16, 2018, and for appointment of Janet L. Koprek Renn whose address is 111 Imperial Drive #110, West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118,
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in special session on November 30, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Steve Heinen, Warren Peschl and Jake Bauerly present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as written. Monty Headley, County Administrator, requested Board approval of the CARES Non-Profit Grants as presented which is based on consensus reached at the November 20th Committee of the Whole. He stated that applications were received from 18 non-profit entities; total grants requested was $500,738. Headley noted that the grant awards were guided by the bottom-line dollar amount available for all the non-profits which was $117,410. Bauerly noted that these organizations are experiencing large financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Heinen stated the challenges these non-profits faced by not being able to hold their fundraisers. Popp/Heinen unanimous to approve CARES grants for the non- profit organizations as presented. The next item was Board consideration of CARES Business Assistance Grants. Headley reported that the County ultimately received unspent City/Township CARES funds totaling $144,141; adding this dollar amount to the balance remaining on October 20th of $64, 643 brings the total funds available for allocation to $208,784 (of that $208,784, the Board allocated an additional $17,410 to non-profits and $191,374 in supplemental funding to businesses). Amanda Othoudt, BEP Executive Director, referenced the listing of seven “Round 4” business grantees which are recommended for approval by the Benton Eco-
resentative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: December 4, 2020 /s/ Michael S. Jesse Judge of District Court /s/ Sue S., Deputy Court Administrator Joseph S. Mayers KELM & REUTER, P.A. Attorney No. 0295747 1287 2nd Street North, Suite 101 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1423 R-50-2B
nomic Partnership (totaling $87,449). She also referenced the listing of recommended grantees representing the hospitality industry—restaurants, gyms and hotels, stating “... the BEP CARES Committee met...talked about alternative criteria in order to qualify the applicants that are already in need of additional funding based upon the Governor’s new executive orders...we’ve already vetted these applicants... we allocated additional dollars that were left over from the County to businesses in the hospitality industry...all of these businesses are for-profit businesses...they must have submitted an application for COVID relief to BEP by October 29th, which is that extended deadline...excess funds were distributed in accordance with the original criteria... and then allocated based upon the number of employees... these are the industries that are going to be hit hardest over the next four weeks...for every ten employees, we allocated one unit and one unit is equivalent to $6,796.47... maximum of four units...for a grand total (20 businesses) of $292,248.40...” Buerkle commented “...I think this is all in line with our original intent...and that was to focus on private sector businesses...” Bauerly added “...I think other counties did a higher percentage for businesses...so we are getting more in line with other counties...” Popp stated “...I think the businesses that got the additional funding is great...” Peschl/ Bauerly unanimous to approve CARES business assistance grants as presented. Bauerly commented “...I noticed in the paper...are saying that the counties should do their best to reduce liquor license fees for these struggling businesses...I’m wondering if we shouldn’t consider that in the next couple meetings...” Popp/Heinen unanimous to adjourn at 9:15 AM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-51-1B
PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 17 SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2020-793 The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2020-793 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on December 14, 2020: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING REGULATIONS. It is the intent and effect of this Ordinance to regulate the parking of unlicensed vehicles within public right of way and the number of vehicles parking on residential property. A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. R-51-1B
NOTICE TO THE CREDITORS OF AND CLAIMANTS AGAINST CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC., that: 1. The corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution pursuant to Section 302A.721, Minnesota Statutes. 2. The corporation has filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State a notice of intent to dissolve. 3. Said notice was filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on December 8, 2020. 4. All claims by creditors or claimants must be in writing and must be filed with Ray Skolberg, CEO, Carlson & Lyter Distributing, Inc., %Greg Kummer, Security State Bank & Trust, 2202 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336 5. All claims by creditors or claimants must be received by March 26, 2021. Any creditor or claimant who fails to file a claim on or before March 26, 2021, and all those claiming through or under the creditor or claimant are forever barred from suing on that claim or otherwise realizing upon or enforcing it except as otherwise provided in Section 302A.781 Minnesota Statutes. CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC By: /s/ Ray Skolberg Its: CEO R-50-4B
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, November 9, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom. The Board Meeting was live streamed to the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Commons. Due to the declared health pandemic and the declared state of emergency and pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.021, school board meetings can be held by teleconference or other electronic means as necessary and prudent. Taking this action does not inhibit school board members from personally attending a school board meeting, it just provides notice that some or all of the school board members may be participating in the meeting from a remote location. M.S. 13D.021 does not require that a physical location for each school board member be posted. Minnesota Statute 13D.021, Subd. 3., provides for the public to monitor a board meeting remotely to the extent practical. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Technology Zimpel, Director of Community Education Wilke, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Early Childhood Family Education Tye, SRRHS Principal Nohner, and SRRHS Activities Director Schroeder. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Holthaus, Morse, Solarz, and Butkowski Voting Against: None PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input at 7:31 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE OFFICIAL AUDIT REPORT A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the official audit. Representatives of the School District’s audit firm, Bergen KDV, reviewed the results of the annual audit report. Board members had the opportunity to ask questions about the District’s financial operations and position. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None APPROVAL OF THE SRRHS BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM UPGRADE A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Holthaus and
per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the bid from UHL Company Inc., which will award them the contract for an upgrade to the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School’s building automation system. Bids were received and opened on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. UHL Company Inc. submitted the low bid. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None APPROVAL TO LEASE UNUSED SPACE FOR STORAGE AT THE DISTRICT’S BUS GARAGE A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Loidolt and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the lease agreement with G&J Awning to lease unused space at the District’s bus garage for storage purposes. The lease will commence on 11.10.20 and be valid through 05.31.21, after 05.31.21 the lease can continue on a monthly basis and can be terminated with 30-day notice. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. The Minnesota School Board Association recommends the Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #516 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt policy #516. • #516 (Student Medication) is a “mandatory policy” and would replace current policy #516 (Student Medication). Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #530 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Loidolt and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt policy #530. • #530 (Immunization Requirements) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #530 (Immunization Requirements). Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None TABLED INDEFINATELY THE REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION/APPROVAL OF THE SAUK RAPIDS-RICE MIDDLE SCHOOL, RICE ELEMENTARY, AND RICE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING MODELS
A motion to table indefinitely the Action item regarding the Review and Authorization/Approval of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, Rice Elementary, and Rice Early Childhood learning models was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried as the learning models were addressed at an Emergency Meeting on 11.08.20. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None MOTION TO MOVE DISCUSSION ITEM TO ACTION REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION/APPROVAL OF THE DISTRICT’S LEARNING MODEL Superintendent Bergstrom provided data for review from the Minnesota Department of Health and Benton County Public Health, as well as the current data relating to the District’s Elementary Schools, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School and High School Learning Communities. A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to move the preceding Discussion item to Action. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ACTION REVIEW AND AUTHORIZATION/APPROVAL OF THE DISTRICT’S LEARNING MODEL A motion was made by Braun seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to extend the Distance Learning Model through January 8, 2021 for Pleasantview, Mississippi Heights, and Rice Elementary, Rice Early Childhood, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, and the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. In addition, Hillside Early Childhood will transition to Distance Learning through January 8, 2021 and the Adult Basic Education program will continue in-person. It was determined distance learning is the best option for the health and safety of the District’s students and staff at this time. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Hauck, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-51-1B
SPORTS
Page 18 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Can Vikings afford to stick with Dan Bailey? Last Sunday’s 26-14 loss to the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay was devastating to the Vikings’ playoff hopes. Many things went wrong in that game, but the most glaring issue was the incompetence of veteran kicker Dan Bailey, who missed all four of his kicks (three field goals COLUMNIST and an extra point attempt). SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER It isn’t overstating things to conclude that Bailey’s ineptitude changed the entire course of the game. The Vikings outgained the Bucs, only turned the ball over once and controlled the clock (the Vikings dominated in time of possession, holding the ball for over 39 of 60 minutes). That is not a recipe for a double-digit loss in most instances, but when your kicker leaves over 10 points on the table, it’s pretty tough to win a road game against a playoff-caliber opponent. According to ESPN.com, the Vikings reportedly auditioned kickers Chandler Catanzaro and Taylor Bertolet this week but didn’t sign either of them. The predicament is compounded by the fact a new kicker would need to be signed and placed in COVID-19 testing protocols by Tuesday and not be able to practice with the team prior to their debut on a Sunday. Because the team didn’t make a move by Tuesday, all signs point to the Vikings giving Bailey one more shot this Sunday against Chicago. Bailey entered the Tampa Bay game as the sixth-most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history, so I can understand why Mike Zimmer is giving him a relatively long leash. The bigger issue is Bailey also struggled against Jacksonville in the team’s previous game, forcing the Vikings to go to overtime and put more mileage on overworked running back Dalvin Cook in a game they should have easily won in regulation. It’s entirely possible this is just a twogame hiccup from Bailey at the worst possible time. He missed more field goals in weeks 13-14 than he had in his first 11 games this season. However, if the Vikings lose this Sunday against the Bears, their season is effectively over. This is obviously a difficult situation, but as coach Zimmer said after Sunday’s game, “at this point in time, we’re not worried about feelings.” Bailey needs to perform well this weekend or both the Vikings’ playoff hopes and Bailey’s tenure in Minnesota will be coming to an abrupt end.
Minnerath thrives through tenacity
Former Storm’n Sabre achieves academic, athletic success in Providence BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
SARTELL – When Clare Minnerath began her junior season of college hockey at Providence College in Rhode Island, she realized how much things can change. It was the first time the Sartell native and goaltender had suited up for the Friars since she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the tail end of her sophomore season, when the spirited athlete recorded a .911 save percentage. Her capabilities were limited and her technique was far more restrained than ever before. “I was definitely a different player,” said Minnerath, who played goalie for the Storm’n Sabres girls hockey team in high school. “I remember going on the ice and being shocked by the fact that I couldn’t go down in a butterfly and stand up well.” However, like she did for hundreds of pucks during her college career, Minnerath pushed away all obstacles on her way to a successful conclusion to her collegiate experience. She was the recipient of several academic awards, including the Clare Boothe Luce Scholarship, given to STEM
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM GAMES FOR WEEK #16
students who excel in their studies. “I think being a student-athlete is hard,” Minnerath said. “I put a lot of hours into my math and computer science degrees, so to see that rewarded externally is a good feeling.” Minnerath’s acclaim comes after the 2020 graduate played a hectic juggling game with her various endeavors in her senior year. She logged a .906 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average on her way to a 9-5-2 record in net, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, finishing two majors and completing several undergraduate research projects. Oh, and there was a pandemic that added just a tad bit of additional stress.
Minnerath page 16
EARLY COPY- Christmas Due to the Christmas holiday, early copy will be needed for the following: PUBLICATION
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Sauk Centre Herald Sauk Rapids Herald STAR Shopper Benton County News Classy Canary The Star Post
Monday, Dec. 21 - Noon Tuesday, Dec. 22 - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Noon Wednesday, Dec. 23 - 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 - Noon Thursday, Dec. 24 - Noon
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Write the winning team next to the business
Due at office by Wed., Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. Tri-County Insurance ____________________ Sauk Rapids Liquor _____________________ Rockcreek Coffee House __________________ Sauk Rapids Hardware Hank _______________ TWFG Insurance Services _________________ Brandl Motors ________________________ Murphy Chevrolet ______________________ Danny’s Dugout _______________________
“It was a sition at Voltaiq, weird way to a battery analytend it, being reics company mote for the last based in Berkemonth or so, ley, California, missing out on where she has that last month been working with friends and remotely. teammates,” “I was lookMinnerath said. ing for a job that “We did some Clare Minnerath spoke to some Zoom calls with of my values friends and we caught and interests, and with up, so there was that as- that being a software pect, but it was a bum- engineering job, it was mer.” something I wanted to The blow of losing explore,” she said. “I’ve several senior events always been pro-green was lessened by Minner- energy, so I was excited ath’s job hunt, which be- about the company and gan in her final semester. taking what I learned at The daughter of doctors, university and using it she was originally inter- for this company, doing ested in life science and something to move the biology before discover- world toward batterying a passion for com- powered electronics.” puter science, mathematThis position is just ics and problem-solving the latest in researchin her junior year of high based efforts for Minschool. This led to her nerath, who visited the double-major at Provi- University of Coloradence and paved the way do-Colorado Springs for vibrant opportunities. as part of a competiEventually, the ea- tive internship durger Minnerath took up a ing summer 2019. software engineering po-
Sauk Rapdis VFW ______________________ Coil’s Flags __________________________ Manea’s Meats________________________ Purpose Driven Realty ___________________ Star Publications ______________________ Lincoln Auto _________________________ Ridgeview Place_______________________ D&B Auto Body _______________________
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SPORTS
Page 20 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Minnerath
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There, she worked alongside fellow STEM students, examining microscopic imagery. “It’s always fun to work with new people in different places,” she said. “We worked hard and got some cool results on our projects but also got to do some hiking and camping in Colorado, which was fun.” Minnerath also conducted a pair of research projects, a game theory simulation and a proPHOTO SUBMITTED fessor-guided project on Clare Minnerath prepares to make a save in net during her senior season at Schneider microcontrollers. These Arena in Providence, Rhode Island. Minnerath, a former Storm’n Sabres player, put undertakings, along with together a strong campaign, recording a .906 save percentage for the Friars womens her internship work and hockey team. her scholarship, helped While Minnerath to build a distinguished Minnerath left Rhode the pandemic differently academic resume, as Island with four Hockey and it affected different seeks opportunity, exEast All-Academic Team people, so it’s hard to ploration and growth selections and a Provi- say, ‘Oh, I persevered,’” under the sunny skies of dence College nomina- Minnerath said. “I had California, she is unsure tion for the NCAA Wom- support systems when I what is next. Computer an of the Year. came home from school science and software enDespite her seeming- and I also had my team- gineering are part of her ly-endless accolades, she mates. There’s a lot of re- lifelong goals, but her does not see it as an indi- sources at my school. It’s final career path is uncervidual honor, but rather a small, undergraduate tain. She also hopes to the core product of valu- private school, and they one day return to hockey able support from impor- do a good job of support- as a coach, giving back tant figures in her life. ing their athletes and stu- the same knowledge that helped her become “Everyone dealt with dents.” a standout netminder. However, after six chemotherapies, fighting her way back to hockey and navigating a pandemic Happy Holidays while achieving academshe just wants from four generations of Kleinschmidts icto success, do what excites her. - Donald Victor, Donald Victor, Donald Victor & Donald Victor “I’ve always wanted to go to some new places to explore, meet new people and see new ideas, and to have that backdrop of the St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids area that was always supporting me through high school hockey and schoolwork,” Minnerath said. R51-1B-MT
Leading the
Natalie Gerads Grade: 12
Leading the Storm is
freshman, I had an upperclassman tell me, “In drama, no one sits alone,” and I try to keep that mentality throughout my extracurriculars.
Which teacher has impacted your education most? Mr. Kruger, this is my second year having him as a teacher and he makes calculus fun with his quirky Accomplishment: Played a role in the Sauk Rapids-Rice play “A humor and stories. Calculus can be a difficult subject, Christmas Carol.” but he is so passionate about seeing students succeed both in school and out of school. He is also the advisor What is your favorite part about the musical? I What other activities are you involved in at of Minnesota Honor Society, and I work closely with him love working with other theatre kids to create some- school? Minnesota Honor Society, concert choir, cham- as president. We collaborate on finding ways to volunteer in the community, and he has also helped me with thing we are all passionate about. Drama always con- ber choir, drama, one act play and prom committee my post-high school plans. sists of a lot of teasing and inside jokes and this show Why is it important for you to be involved in was no different. school activities? To me, school and activities are Who has been a mentor to you? Ms. Chollet, she was Tell us about your role in the musical. I was the synonymous in which I do not have the true SRR ex- my seventh and eighth grade English teacher. Her want perience unless I am involved in extracurriculars. I gain for her students to succeed was and still is contagious narrator. new friends and amazing memories each year by par- and makes me want to be the best I can. Part of the reaWhat is the best musical you have ever been ticipating in the arts and other clubs son I am the person I am today is due to her influence part of? Legally Blonde.” I really enjoyed the energy of and encouragement. that show and I had the chance to check driving a golf How do you make a difference at school? I try to be someone underclassmen can come to if they ever What is your favorite meal, movie, social media cart on stage off my bucket list. need help or have questions. I also try to create a wel- and song? Tacos, “Atlantis,” Instagram and “Careless coming space in the activities I am in. When I was a Whisper” by George Michael.
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Sheep graze in a pasture along 90th Street Northeast in rural Foley Dec. 4. Central Minnesota experienced above average temperatures through mid-December.
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, December 19, 2020
Bray BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag
FOLEY – For as long as she can remember, Jeannie Boyle has always been interested in animals. Whether is it a grassgrazing cow like the ones on her dairy farm growing up or the registered Boer goats her son is responsible for, animals and their distinct characteristics have forever been Boyle’s passion. Boyle’s fascination has resulted in her caring for a variety of animals on her 80acre Foley farm, including donkeys, an interesting addition to a family that already contains emu, alpacas, llamas and yaks. “They have their own little personality,” she said. “Their bray is what I like. They’re
with. Penny is a little more standoffish and likes to do her own thing. She likes to be seen and not necessarily touched.” Despite Leroy and Penny’s completely different attitudes and tendencies, they both stay close to each other behind the Boyles’ secure wood fencing. They get along well with the horses and cows that also occupy the space, but are far more comfortable accompanying each other wherever they go. Sometimes, Leroy will be taken out of the pen, leaving Penny to wait anxiously for her donkey companion to return, often braying rather than grazing. “They’re bonded,” Boyle said. “They’re a herd animal, so their instinct is to have a partner. They’ll bond with the miniature horses, but now that I have her (Penny) out there, he likes to stick next to her. It’s about protection, being a part of a herd.” PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON Old Gray Mare is a sweet, Jeannie Boyle stands with her donkeys, Leroy (left) and Penny, Dec. 17 at her farm in Foley. The donkeys well-behaved donkey whose age are companions, rarely leaving each other’s sight. is unknown, and Boyle keeps her in her own small residence almost like a guard animal. and Old Gray Mare. The trio possess, they all have different to separate her from other animals that might bully her. When you come outside and are kept well-fed and cared for personalities and behaviors. they see you, they bray.” “Leroy likes to have the as pets, and while Boyle has The Boyle family owns found they all display the same attention, he likes the treats,” Boyle page 2B three donkeys: Leroy, Penny stubbornness most donkeys Boyle said. “He’s easy to work
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Boyle
from front Like Leroy and Penny, she has helped Boyle understand more and more about the intricacies of befriending donkeys. “Breaking them to lead themselves, that is very time-consuming, a lot of patience needed, a lot of trust needed,” Boyle said. “They need to trust you in order to lead and go where you want them to come.” Besides establishing trust in her beloved Boyle must PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON donkeys, Jeannie Boyle gives a treat to her donkeys Dec. 17 at her farm in Foley. Boyle’s biggest ensure they are safe, which challenge in raising donkeys was establishing trust, a feat she has achieved. is often a challenge. When she originally purchased donkeys, she assumed their diets were similar to a horses’, high in grain. However, too much grain can leave the animals with pockets of fat, so Boyle often provides her At Gilman’s, you’re sure to find the Perfect Gift for everyone on your list! At donkeys with grass and hay instead. Oftentimes, WE WANT TO HELP MAKE visits and check-ins go CHECK OUT IT EVEN BETTER WITH a long way to ensuring GREAT GIFT IDEAS! TODD’S TOYLAND Leroy, Penny and Old Gray Mare are healthy. AND OUR NEW • Calf Blankets - Marked Down “You want to see MELISSA & DOUG them a couple of times • Gilman Calf Grower - $8.49/bag TOYS a day, just to make sure • Gilman Calf Starter - $8.99/50lb. bag they’re not limping or sluggish, letting you ADM CHICKEN FEED ON SALE know about issues going WRENCHES, RATCHETS, THE MONTH OF DECEMBER on right away,” Boyle SOCKETS, SOCKET SETS & said. “Make sure they Questions on the right mix for winter? have good fencing and Contact Bryant at 320-221-4101 ACCESSORIES have hay available to KEEP YOUR CALVES WARM & DRY. SEE US FOR ALL OF YOUR them.” CALF CARE NEEDS, CALF JACKETS, CALF HUTS, & MORE! Caring for a donkey’s health requires extensive knowledge, and Boyle has gained insight through visiting Facebook groups. Now, her everWishes of safety and health throughout this holiday season growing experience with her donkeys See us for your last minute paying dividends; sheis DECEMBER Christmas shopping understands that wet grass in the spring can produce WE HAVE GOODIES FOR SOME GREAT FOOD IDEAS! sugar levels that can leave ® All Purina horse tubs are on SALE donkeys with sickness and that trimming a donkey’s SOMETHING FOR hooves is worlds apart Toys are 15% OFF in December from trimming hooves of 10% OFF all Cat and Dog Food a horse. 15% OFF Cat and Dog Accessories “It’s been very good to join some of these Gilman, MN 320-387-2770 donkey-specific groups,” Open M-F 7:30-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 8:30-1 Boyle said. “You’re able Good service - fair prices - every day FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE to talk to people all over BA51-1B-BL WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM that have had different
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Jeannie Boyle gently pets a donkey named Old Gray Mare Dec. 17 at her farm in Foley.
experiences, especially if there’s a health concern. That’s been a super good resource.” As Boyle continues to gain resourceful insight into the mind and body of donkeys, her growing affinity has reached a community-wide level. A staff member at The Gardens of Foley campus, she often brings Leroy, a gentle, miniature donkey, for window visits as a way to cheer up residents who have been stuck inside during the pandemic. Through these visits, Boyle is seeing her love of animals reflected in other people’s faces. “Sometimes, you’ll see these residents who
haven’t smiled in forever light up when they have that animal contact,” she said. Boyle hopes to eventually purchase more donkeys in the future. She has had a great deal of fun raising these stubborn yet soft-hearted animals. They are more than her pets; they are her happiness and purpose. “They bring a joy to your life,” Boyle said. “The feeling that they’re looking forward to you feeding them in the morning and the connection they make with you, it’s all I’ve ever known. It would be boring without them.”
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Donkeys Penny (left) and Leroy walk around their pen Dec. 17 in Foley. The donkeys, despite exhibiting vastly different behavioral patterns, are a two-donkey herd, relying on each other for safety and comfort.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | Page 3B
MDA announces June 30 cutoff date of dicamba in 2021 ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will follow federal registration and label usage for the herbicide dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans for the 2021 growing season. In October, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it registered XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology by Bayer (EPA Reg. No. 264-1210), Engenia by BASF (EPA Reg. No. 7969-472) and Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology by Syngenta (EPA Reg. No. 352913) with new control measures to curb alleged off-site movement (spray drift and volatilization) issues. From 2018-20, the MDA had placed an annual June 20
cutoff date on registered dicamba products based on research and pesticide misuse complaints – a cutoff date that was not included on the federal label – to curb off-site movement; however, the EPA has now limited states’ abilities to impose further application restrictions. New federal label requirements for the products include: – An application cutoff date of June 30 (unless growth stage cutoff comes first). – Requiring an approved pH-buffering agent, also known as a volatility reducing agent, be tank mixed with dicamba products prior to all applications. – Requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed endangered
species are located – Additional recordkeeping items. In addition to the June 30 cutoff date, Xtendimax and Tavium have crop growth stage cutoffs. The MDA is also requiring product makers provide approved education and training of applicators and provide more Minnesota-specific data on the use of dicamba to inform future department decisions. “Dicamba is an important tool for combating herbicideresistant weeds in dicamba-tolerant soybeans,” said Thom Petersen, agriculture commissioner. “However, it’s also important to limit impacts on neighboring homes, farms and gardens. It will be necessary for applicators to understand and follow new label language including complete record-keeping requirements.” Since dicamba was
Finally, a vaccine With the development way-places is going to and approval of several be a logistical nightmare. vaccines, there is finally hope Needing to use 1,000 doses for ending the coronavirus within a few days may work pandemic. Now begins the for large metro hospital process of distribution and systems or mass vaccination determining who should be centers, but smaller towns immunized first. and rural areas don’t have As the coronavirus that many people and spreads, it has been hitting will have to wait until the The Business small towns and rural areas companies begin to make of Farming particularly hard. Because smaller shipments. by Roger Strom of a higher percentage of Sanford Health System, older residents with chronic which has over 400 clinics health issues, rural populations have and senior care locations, has developed been identified as those most in need of a strategy to get the vaccine to many in a vaccine. small towns and farming communities Unfortunately, many rural areas in North Dakota, South Dakota, won’t be getting the Pfizer vaccine Minnesota and Iowa. due to the cost of an ultra cold freezer They bought eight of the ultra-cold that’s needed to keep the vaccine stored freezers months ago and now have the at 94 degrees below zero. The freezers capability to store 500,000 Pfizer doses. cost $15,000, not an easy purchase for When the vaccine arrives, it’ll be put rural hospitals with limited financial into one of the super cold freezers. resources. By some estimates, nearly When they get orders from one of half of U.S. rural hospitals were their clinics, they’ll pack the vaccine operating at a loss in April of this year, in coolers on ice and load it onto one and the pandemic has destroyed the of their courier network of minivans. financials for many more. The couriers travel about 11,000 miles Some of the other vaccines in the a day, covering the entire western side works don’t require ultra-cold storage, of Minnesota, all of South Dakota and and the Centers for Disease Control North Dakota, northern Nebraska and and Prevention has advised state health western Iowa. departments against purchasing ultraSanford also plans to amend normal cold freezers, saying other vaccines will protocol for who can administer the be available soon. But for some states, vaccine. In order to keep up with the they don’t want to miss out on getting massive demand, nursing students will the Pfizer product because they don’t be allowed to give the shots, freeing the have the proper storage. North Dakota medical staff to deal with COVID-19 has bought four of the big freezers and patients. Together, we are going to get nine portable units for $100,000. through this. The job of getting millions of … just sayin’ doses to some of the most out of-the-
first registered for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in the 2017 growing season, the MDA has fielded complaints each year of alleged off-site movement onto neighboring property. The annual totals of complaints were: 2020 124 reports; 2019 22 reports; 2018 53 reports; and 2017 253 reports. “It is important for farmers and applicators to understand that we will increase our enforcement of the use of these products by examining application records,” Petersen said. “We believe that additional training will help ensure the label is being followed. We also look forward to working with the University of Minnesota on research to better understand how these products can move off target. Our ability to gather as much data as we can on these products is critical for their continued use in the future.” In Minnesota, the XtendiMax, Engenia and Tavium formulations of
dicamba are approved for use on dicamba tolerant soybeans only and are restricted use pesticides for retail sale to and for use only by certified applicators. Pesticide product registrations are renewed on an annual basis in Minnesota. Background Dicamba is used to control weeds in cotton and soybean genetically engineered to tolerate over-the-top use of the herbicide. The chemical is highly volatile and can damage non-target plant species through spray drift and volatilization. Volatility is influenced by several factors including temperature, relative humidity, rate of application and crop stage. On June 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an order vacating EPA’s pesticide registration of three products containing the active ingredient dicamba: Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology
(EPA Reg. No. 524-617), Engenia (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345) and FeXapan (EPA Reg. No. 352-913). The MDA, citing state law, allowed for the continued use of the three products, along with the dicamba product Tavium (EPA Reg. No. 100-1623), until the Minnesota required cutoff of June 20. A cutoff date has been in effect each growing season since 2018. On Oct. 27, the EPA announced it was approving new fiveyear registrations for Xtendimax and Engenia and extending the registration of Tavium.
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
WORTHINGTON – Discuss some of the key crop production issues and questions facing Minnesota corn and soybean farmers. Sessions will be hosted over Zoom, which can be accessed via computer, phone or mobile device, and run from 8:309 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 6, 2021, through March 24, 2021. These online sessions will be informal and open to all interested. Each session will start with a brief presentation (about 10 minutes) by the discussion leaders, followed by 20 minutes of discussion, framed around participant questions on the topic. Speakers will include researchers and educators from the University of Minnesota and North Central region, as well as area agency personnel. Topics and speakers include: – Jan. 6: Corn Hybrid Selection. Jeff Coulter, extension corn agronomist, Dean Malvick, extension plant pathologist and Tom Hoverstad, researcher. – Jan. 13: Soybean Variety Selection. Seth Naeve, extension soybean agronomist and Malvick. – Jan. 20: Herbicide Technology Traits: What to use where, when and how? Debalin Sarangi, extension weed specialist and Tom Peters, extension sugar beet agronomist. – Jan. 27: Broadcasting Versus Banding P and K. Jeff Vetsch, researcher and Dan Kaiser, extension nutrient management specialist. – Feb. 3: Third Crops Ready to Work for You. Jochum Wiersma, extension small grains specialist and Craig Sheaffer, forage specialist. – Feb. 10: We’ve got You Covered: The latest on cover crop research and tools you can use. Axel Garcia y Garcia, sustainable cropping systems, Anna Cates, extension state soil health specialist and Gregg Johnson, biomass cropping systems. – Feb. 17: Adjusting Soil pH to Maximize Crop Production. Kaiser and Vetsch. – Feb. 24: The Nuts ‘n’ Bolts of On-Farm Research – Doin’ it right. R.L. (Bob) Nielsen, extension corn specialist and Naeve. – March 3: Making Every Acre Pay. Naeem Kalwar, extension soil health specialist, Tanner Bruse, Pheasants Forever Minnesota ag and conservation programs manager and Alan Lepp, Natural Resources Conservation Service. – March 10: What Insects are Bugging Your Corn This Year? Ken Ostlie, extension entomologist and Bruce Potter, extension integrated pest management specialist. – March 17: Soybean Cyst Nematode: So tough a threat, it warrants a coalition. Greg Tylka, nematologist, Naeve and Samuel Markell, extension broadleaf plant pathologist. – March 24: Stand Establishment for Corn and Soybean. Naeve, Coulter and Malvick. For more details on each session and to register, visit https://z.umn.edu/strategic-farming. Register once for the whole series. There is no charge to participate, and sessions will be recorded and posted for viewing. Details about how to access the sessions through Zoom will be included at registration.
Sunflower cutworms
I am excited that in central Minnesota Scouting for cutworms should begin we are starting to see the addition of as soon as plants begin to emerge through sunflowers in crop rotations. However, with mid-June. Cutworms feed at night and will this addition into our cropping systems, we reside close to the soil surface near recently will also have to deal with the pest issues damaged plants. For this purpose, you will that will accompany this crop. I have had a want to dig around damaged plants and not couple of phone calls on sunflower insect where plants are missing. Keep in mind management, specifically early season pest that there are a variety of reasons other than issues. The most recent call was focused cutworms that may explain why plants may primarily around cutworms although there be missing from an area. Digging around University of were some other insect candidates suspected. MN Extension damaged plants should give you the best As always, identification is key to proper by Nathan Drewitz chance of finding cutworms if they are management of the pest in question. If you present. The economic threshold is one larva need help with identification, contact your agronomist per square foot or 25%-30% stand reduction. Also keep or your extension office. If you scout yourself, make in mind that the smaller larvae are of greatest concern sure to take pictures or collect samples in a container as they need to feed and grow. There are approved seed to provide for identification. There are three types of treatments and post-emergent insecticides for use in cutworms that may affect sunflowers. sunflowers to control cutworms. There are differences in life cycles between the For a guide on insecticide use in sunflowers, North three. However, the scouting, damage and management Dakota State University Extension has a Field Crop of all three are similar. We are looking for the larvae Insect Management Guide online. It is a handy resource form when scouting as that is what causes the most that contains many of the insect pests on sunflowers and damage. The larvae are between 1 inch and 1.5 inches what insecticides are labelled for control. Much of this long and can be up to 1/4-inch wide depending on the information comes from that guide and the Integrated species. Pest Management of Sunflower Insect Pests in the Damage of these cutworms includes seedlings Northern Great Plains, also from NDSU Extension. being cut off from 1 inch below the soil surface to 2 If you have questions on where to get the above inches above the soil surface. Leaves on the plants may information, email me at ndrewitz@umn.edu or call also have some feeding damage, with the cutworm 608-515-4414. To receive future events, educational climbing up the plant to feed on leaves. Patches of programming and agronomic updates by email, signup wilted, dead and missing plants may also indicate the at z.umn.edu/tricountysignup. presence of cutworms.
Water is an essential nutrient A long time ago, while I was sitting water is limiting due to accessibility (ice in an animal nutrition presentation, the covering the waterer, a dried-up pond, stray speaker started his lecture with a question. voltage, etc.), it can result in dehydration. “What are some limiting nutrients in Broadly, this can be observed through dairy cow diets?” weight loss, tightening of the skin, sunken Someone answered energy, another eyes and lethargy, leading to reduced food shouted calcium and one person even consumption and performance. mumbled selenium in calves from the front An animal does not need just any old row. source of hydration. Water should contain The presenter continued, “What if I UNIVERSITY OF minimal amounts of impurities, such as told you that water could be a limiting MN EXTENSION nitrates, sulfates and microorganisms. nutrient in any animal’s diets?” These contaminants can appear due to DANA ADAMS The audience sat in silence, wrapping fertilizers, animal manure or wastes their heads around the idea that this and crop residues. Water quality can be seemingly abundant resource could play such a accessed by sending samples to a water quality critical role in any animal’s performance. laboratory. Naturally, your continued relationship Truth be told, this concept has fascinated me with your veterinarian should contain a general for some time. A majority of people take for granted plan for acceptable water quality and continued animal performance in the presence of water. A monitoring. 10% loss of body water is fatal for most species of By allowing access to clean, fresh water, livestock domesticated livestock. Though water is a critical producers can make it much easier for each animal nutrient for all animals, ranging from rabbits to the to increase their performance and reach their true prize-winning beef steer, that amount of water varies. potential. In conclusion, we should all drink some Factors that play a role in how much water an animal clean, refreshing water. needs depend on the environment, growth rate, If you have any questions or would like more reproduction stage, lactation and diet to name a few. information, contact me at 320-255-6169, Ext. 3 or When animals’ energy demands surpass maintenance adam1744@umn.edu. (ex: peak lactation, growth, temperature extremes), they need additional food and quality water. When
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“It was a beautiful routine,” Zachman said. “He doesn’t know how amazing the performance was – they rode on complete trust … I’ve never seen anything quite that deep.” Though that particular veteran rode Hope and created a routine, much of the equine-assisted activities are done from the ground. Angel Reins Stable offers a six-week Pegasus Program where participants focus on a different theme each week such as gratitude, fear, etc. They define the word and think about how it applies to them individually and to the horse world and herd behavior. “The same dynamics in the herd play out in the human world,” she said. “We discuss different emotions and the horses will help people discover different things about themselves, they’re just a conduit of self-expression.” Zachman doesn’t have a background in therapy, but she understands horse behavior. As soon as COVID-19 limitations allow, Zachman and several
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Cowboy Church at Angel Reins attracts more than 75 people each month. Pictured are Allyson Goff (front, from left), Jim Logsdon and Katherine Zachman; (back, from left) Ranone Thompson, Laurie Beltrand and Christine Olson.
of her board members plan to get certified in Eagala, a model that incorporates the use of an equine specialist working parallel to a licensed mental health professional, together with the horse, to support a person. There is an expansion planned for Angel Reins in the near future. Its leaders are in the process of raising funds to purchase a neighboring 10 acres of land. So far, they have raised $20,000, a down payment toward the $80,000 land purchase. Currently, Angel Reins operates out of an enclosed barn and stable with a heated lounge area and many of the exercises with visitors are done in the pasture or the lower
Veteran Mike Dunfee works with rescue horse Hope. Hope came from a kill lot in Texas and the veteran, also from Texas, was homeless before he found the Eagle’s Healing Nest, of Sauk Centre.
outdoor riding arena. The an indoor riding arena plan for expansion includes which will allow for yearround work with horses. Additionally, the plans include office space for a mental health professional to work together with visitors and the horses, helping heal those seeking peace from trauma. The fundraising, Zachman said, is important because Angel Reins provides services free of charge to people who need them. With the help of many, Angel Reins is working to fundraise and secure grant dollars for the expansion. “We believe these are His horses to share and help heal,” Zachman said. Friends, donors and volunteers, otherwise known as the angels of Angel Reins, keep the organization running. From providing food for events Katherine Zachman of Angel Reins is a steward of her to physically assisting mission to pair animals with veterans and victims of in the barn grooming human trafficking. Together, human and horse bond and horses and cleaning stalls, heal. to setting up Cowboy Church, volunteers make the program possible. In addition, the angels plan an annual 5K walk and silent auction to raise funds for the mission. Angel Reins is truly a mission of many, Zachman said; “He just placed it on my heart to steward it.” BA51-1B-RB
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