Sauk Rapids Herald - February 13

What’s Happening page 3 Introducing our New Location!!

130 Norman Ave. S | Foley, MN 56387

320-281-5243 Dr. Amy Gunderson-McNeil Dr. Ashley Lewandowski

SERVICES OFFERED • Chiropractic Care for the Entire Family • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture

R6-1B-BL

info@gerhardsonchiropractic.com www.gerhardsonchiropractic.com

• DOT Physicals/Drug Screening Services • School Sports Physicals • Craniosacral Therapy

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Sauk Rapids amends food truck ordinance

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Vol. 166, No. 45

Valentine’s Day Grandma

Parks, industrial zones, school grounds exempt from permit limitation

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Area business owners and residents have been heard.

The Sauk Rapids City Council amended an ordinance Feb. 8 that gives guidance for mobile food and beverage service in the city of Sauk Rapids.

The decision comes nearly four months after a handful of individuals voiced their opinions about the ordinance limitations to council members.

The original ordinance was passed on a 3-2 vote in August 2020 and was intended to protect the city’s brick-and-mortar food and beverage establishments.

City staff drafted the piece as mobile food trucks began operating within city limits in hopes of making up lost revenue from events canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sauk Rapids did not have an ordinance guiding mobile food unit operation prior to the pandemic.

donates to MHES PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

Kindergarten students in Mrs. Mead’s Mississippi Heights Elementary School class Nora Fitch (from left), Colin Strassburg, Emery Dahlstrom and Waylon Meierhofer show off the Valentine’s Day boxes they made Feb. 10 in Sauk Rapids. The students said they are excited for Valentine’s Day festivities to begin.

MHES page 3

Cancer: A cross to carry

Faith, family help Rice resident survive cancer twice

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Both times Carol Schumann was wheeled into surgery – first for a mastectomy then to remove mouth cancer – she clung to a little wooden cross in the palm of her hand.

In those moments, she trusted God was holding her in his.

Schumann’s faith and devoted family have carried her through two forms of cancer, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, numerous other medical procedures and months of recovery.

Sauk Rapids council page 4

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Cancer survivor Carol Schumann (center) stands with daughters Wendy Martins (left) and Jennifer Hoggarth. The two helped care for Schumann during her recovery from breast and mouth cancer.

• Sauk Rapids-Rice School Call for Bids - pg. 8 • Probate Notice - Rosenow - pg. 5B • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes - pg. 5B • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Hearing on Improvement - pg. 8 • City of Rice Notice of Public Hearing on Ord. 21 - pg. 10 • City of Rice Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Abatement - pg. 8

eep and k l il “I w g himon e.” stin g tru leanin for m l n o pla m Car n’s s i h Fro - uman l, Sch ourna 018 j 5, 2 .2 Jan

Schumann page 4

MHES

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 3

from front

McGrath elder drives 81 miles to deliver valentines

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

The Valentine’s Day Grandma from McGrath delivered FOLEY – For 15 years on her promise for the 15th consecutive year, donating of valentines for the February holiday. She thought and from 81 miles away, boxes it important to purchase all different kinds of valentines the person who earned the so there is something for everybody.

title of “Valentine’s Day Grandma” at Mississippi Heights Elementary School in Sauk Rapids has donated Valentine’s Day gifts to students who need them.

“It started when my grandson was in kindergarten,” said the 75-year-old from McGrath. “He was very upset that some students weren’t included on Valentine’s Day.” The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted the school, where she reached MHES secretary Deb Cottew, who still works at the school.

Cottew remembers the first time the Valentine’s Day Grandma called in to see if she could donate boxed cards to students whose families were short on resources.

Cottew, after 15 years of donations, just this year learned the story behind why the Valentine’s Day Grandma drives 81 miles both ways to donate to a school where her grandchildren have already graduated. This year, the school asked the Valentine’s Day Grandma for 10 valentines boxes for girls and 10 for boys. She delivered, per the usual arrangement.

“It warmed my heart to know there’s somebody out there that cares about our kids and doesn’t even know our kids, all because of a grandchild’s comment 15 years ago,” Cottew said.

“Isn’t that awesome?”

What started as a grandchild’s plea to his grandma turned into a 15-

year relationship between a donator and a school full of excited students.

“He was very concerned about that as a little guy,” the Valentine’s Day Grandma said about her grandson, now graduated from the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District. “I was really surprised how concerned he was. … He’s always had a big heart.”

She remembers being a young student in elementary school, where they made their own Valentine’s Day gifts for each other.

She remembers making the valentines and the boxes, too, to put them inside.

For the Valentine’s Day Grandma, her donations are more than ensuring students at MHES

What’s Happening

have a love-filled holiday, though that was the primary motivator. It is also about giving families, who might be down on their luck, the opportunity to spend their hard-earned money on the necessities.

“If a mom has to decide if she can buy a gallon of milk or valentines, I know what she’s going to choose,” the woman said.

“She’s going to buy milk, which is more important.”

MHES hired assistant principal Megan Foley in the midst of the Valentine’s Day Grandma’s years-long donation frenzy. Foley was not surprised that the donations were spurred by a child in kindergarten, especially one that attended MHES. “It’s kind of cool,” Foley said. “In an elementary setting, it probably happens more than you think. It’s really cool how little kids can take at face value what they’re seeing and be there for each other.”

Foley also appreciates that the Valentine’s Day Grandma has helped them sustain Valentine’s Day activities. Even though some form of Valentine’s Day activities would still persist without the donation, Foley asserts that Valentine’s Day at MHES would not be the same without her.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information.

Monday, Feb. 15, 1-7 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. St. Stephen Catholic Church, 103 County Road 2 S., St. Stephen. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, Feb. 19, 4:30-7 p.m. – Foley Knights of Columbus Fish Fry. Fish, baked potato and coleslaw. Free will offering. Proceeds used for charitable causes. St. John’s Church, 621 Dewey St., Foley. Curbside take-out only at Emmaus Trinity Center parking lot doors.

Friday, Feb. 19, 4:30-7 p.m. – Lenten Fish Fry. Fish, baked potato, vegetable, dinner roll, coleslaw and dessert. Free will offering. St. Elizabeth’s Church, 16454 125th Ave. N.E., Foley. Drive-thru or take-out only.

Crime & Public Safety

Sauk Rapids man ing the reported gunshot association with the at- North, Sauk Rapids. The arrested in shooting call, law enforcement was tempted break-in caught door was damaged and a

R14-tfnB-tv

on camera by home security Feb. 2 in Sauk Rapids.

Drevion Xavier Hemingway, 18, of St. Cloud was arrested Feb. 5. He faces charges of first-degree attempted burglary, first-degree damage to property and tampering with a motor vehicle.

According to the Sauk Rapids Police Department, in the early morning hours Feb. 2, a man was caught on camera forcefully kicking a front door of a home located on 10th Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information.

vehicle was entered and property dispersed.

Law enforcement received several tips after the surveillance video was posted to social media; a tip led to Hemingway’s arrest. Surveillance video from the homeowner and from another location, taken Feb. 3, were compared leading to the arrest.

Hemingway later admitted to going through a vehicle at the residence and kicking the door to attempt entry into the residence to look for money and electronics.

GRAND ALASKAN CRUISE & TOUR

LIQUOR All Varieties

12 pk. bottles & cans

OFF

15%

Gallo Wine All Varieties 1.5 L

5

$ 99

1-855-447-9589 promo code N7017

SR6-1B-JF *Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus $299 in taxes & fees. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Onboard Credit requires purchase of Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 3/31/21. Other terms & conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

Heineken H 12 pack bottles & cans

$

$

24 pack bottles & cans

LIQUOR

Captain Morgan Rum $ 99 9

Coors Light 24 pack, 16 oz. cans

12

99

21

1.75 L

14

1.75 L

16

99

$

2199

Natural Light & Natural Ice

99

E&J Brandy $

1,549 *

FREE ONBOARD CREDIT TM

Miller High Life & Miller High Life Light

DEALS OF THE MONTH Minnesota Crafts

1,799

$

12 days, departs May - Sep 2021

Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm • Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm • Sunday 11am-6 pm m

FEBRUARY

FROM $

Sale Starts Monday, Feb. 15th - Sunday, Feb 28th Sal

Sauk Rapids

R6-2B-TV

advised by the S T . hospital that a CLOUD – A male had arSauk Rapids rived at the hospital with a man was arrestgunshot wound ed as a suspect to his face. The in a shooting police spoke that took place with the vicin St. Cloud tim twice who Feb. 3. identified Lee Daysean Daysean as being the Tarrez Lee Tarrez Lee, individual who 21, is charged shot him after a with one felony count of confrontation. discharging a dangerous Police obtained and weapon toward a person, investigated surveillance occupied weapon or mo- from two businesses and tor vehicle and one count later conducted a traffic of felony second-degree stop where they arrested firearm assault. Lee faces Lee, accomplice 26-yearup to three years impris- old Zachary Michael Arionment and a $20,000 gnamath, of St. Cloud, fine for each charge. and a 17-year-old CaliforAccording to a crimi- nia male. Arignamath facnal complaint filed in es felony assault charges.

Stearns County, the St. Cloud Police Depart- Suspect arrested in ment responded to a gun- attempted break-in shot complaint near 25th SAUK RAPIDS – A Avenue South and First Street South in St. Cloud man has been arrested in Feb. 3 shortly before 6:30 p.m. When processing the scene, law enforcement located blood spots, Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc. 13 9mm casings, a bullet fragment and a semiEmergency 24 Hour automatic pistol with a Services round in the chamber Residential/Commercial and four live rounds in • Sales • Service • Installation its magazine. They inter• Heating & Air Conditioning viewed the 911 caller and her husband as well as a Call for Free Estimate! nearby neighbor.

320.252.1371 Shortly after receivwww.lyonheating.com

24 pack cans

$

1399 WINE

Black Velvet Whisky

$

13

99 1.75 L

Y O U R F U L L S E R V I C E L I Q U O R S TO R E « 312 B E N TO N D R I V E N. « 320-251-4185

Dark Horse Wine 750 ml

5

$ 99

NEWS

Page 4 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Schumann from front

Schumann lives 7 miles east of Rice. Maiden name Bemboom, she grew up on a farm north of Mayhew Lake.

She worked as a pharmacy technician at Village Pharmacy in Sauk Rapids for more than 25 years and currently works casual part-time in the pharmacy at CentraCare Plaza.

Scribes in the Rice resident’s journal are reminders that her journey is like the little pearl she wears around her neck – made from grit but full of grace.

On Dec. 27, 2017, the doctor called with the news: positive.

“I was so sure it wasn’t cancer,” Schumann wrote in her journal. “I cried when I told Jerry, and he just held me. It was so hard to call each one of the kids.”

Thirteen days before that distressing phone call, Schumann felt a lump. She was due to have a routine mammogram on the same day she found out she had breast cancer, but the test was moved up a week.

The scan revealed not one but two lumps. The cancer was stage 2A, growing but contained in the breast and area around it.

Schumann realized she was about to walk through a valley, though she did not get that sinking feeling in her stomach.

“I never had that gutwrenching fear,” she said.

She knew she would cry.

She knew she would have moments of anxiety and despair.

She knew that sometimes she would wish she could not feel at all. But she stood firmly in her belief that there are true certainties even when life feels so very uncertain.

“I just felt God was close to me the whole time,” Schumann said.

Four days into 2018, Schumann met with her cancer team. The first step in the long fight was a Jan. 18 surgery to remove her left breast.

“Tomorrow will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life on this journey here on earth,” Schumann jour-

naled Jan. 27, 2018. “Dear God, give me strength to withstand the storms I will encounter, and help me cling to you in hope.”

The mastectomy was successful. Recovery was painful and frustrating at times, but Schumann kept the faith. She turned to her favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, often.

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”

Family and friends brought gifts, cards, flowers and meals. Phone calls, text messages, prayer and devotionals kept her spirits up.

Chemotherapy began Feb. 12, 2018. By the end of the month, the most pronounced side effect had arrived.

“More hair on pillow,” she journaled Feb. 28. “I’m not ready for this. I’ve been crying and just trying to breathe this afternoon.”

Schumann’s daughter Wendy Martins and daughterin-law Trisha Schumann were beside her as her head was shaved.

“I closed my eyes,” Schumann said. “I couldn’t watch. I was crying the whole time. They were holding my hands. It took me a day at home before I could even look in the mirror.”

The chemo also made Schumann tired and nauseous, and her appetite waned. But she realized there is no way to grow in faith except through trials.

“I am so very grateful for my strong faith because I have not once felt scared or worried during this journey,” Schumann said in her journal March 9. … “I trust him (God) to be right by my side all the time because that’s what he promised.”

Schumann’s last chemotherapy treatment was April 16, 2018, but the battle was not yet over. In May, she started 25 rounds of radiation.

Five days a week, until late June, she waited as the treatment worked to kill the cancer cells.

Then, she celebrated.

“Last day of radiation,”

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 Sauk Rapids Herald (USPS 21690) is published weekly, 52 times a year, by Star Publications, 2 2nd Ave S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651. Second-class Postage paid at Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 2nd Ave S, Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District No. 47

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Carol Schumann recovers after a nine-hour surgery to remove mouth cancer in March 2020. Tissue from Schumann’s leg was used in her mouth during reconstruction.

she journaled June 27. “Yeah!

We cried, and I rang the bell and took pictures.”

After the cancer treatments ended, Schumann and her husband Gerald took a road trip.

In September, family and friends came together to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. At the party, two of their grandchildren performed the song “Can I Have This Dance?”

When the Schumanns married in 1968, they did not have a wedding dance.

“We danced there like it was our first dance as a married couple,” said Schumann, a mother of six and grandmother of 14. “And I cried.”

After months of treatment, a scan revealed the breast cancer was gone.

But soon, Schumann was faced with more devastating news: Cancer, again.

Since 2008, doctors had been monitoring some abnormalities in Schumann’s mouth, but for more than a decade she had stayed out of the woods. Following anoth-

er mouth biopsy in January 2020, Schumann was told she had a form of a mouth cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Her care was directed to the Mayo Clinic.

Once again, she clung tightly to her faith.

At her first appointment at the Mayo Clinic in early February last year, Schumann never imagined that, as a

health pandemic was about to upheave the nation, she would make 19 trips to Rochester in 2020 alone.

Doctors operated on Schumann for nine hours March 5, 2020. To remove the cancer, they resected her upper jaw, upper teeth and palate. They used bone from her right leg to reconstruct her jaw and an outer layer of skin from the same leg to cover a titanium plate on the roof of her mouth.

Doctors also removed about 30 lymph nodes.

“I have an incision from one side of my neck to the other side,” she said.

To avoid blocking her airway, doctors performed a temporary tracheotomy.

Schumann wears some of the scars from that surgery under a pearl necklace, a gift from her daughters. A message with the necklace read, “She isn’t just beautiful because of her appearance. No, she is beautiful because of the way she chooses to live and love. In the way she experiences all of life’s experiences – good or bad. In her willingness to bend but never break.

And in her courage to believe, the darkness can’t hold her as long as she continues to create her own light.”

When Schumann woke in a recovery room after surgery, she could not speak. She communicated by writing on a dry-erase board.

Schumann page 5 PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Carol Schumann, of Rice, holds a wooden cross in January 2020. Schumann said faith helped her survive breast cancer in 2018 and mouth cancer in 2020.

Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind this Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement shall welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids, Rice and Sartell P.O. letters. boxes, city routes and rural routes.

Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971. $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Nancy Powell Maria Bichler Ellarry Prentice Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Amanda Thooft Pat Turner Maddy Peterson

mark.k@dairystar.com .................General Manager joyce@saukherald.com ............. Business Manager missy@saukherald.com.................... Sales Manager natasha@saukherald.com .................................Editor nancy.p@dairystar.com ................................Manager ........................................................................ Copy Editor ellarry@star-pub.com ...................................Reporter evan.m@star-pub.com .................................Reporter jakob.k@star-pub.com...................................Reporter amanda@saukherald.com .. Production Manager pat@saukherald.com ...................Graphic Designer maddy@star-pub.com .................Graphic Designer

Cheyenne Carlson Kayla Hunstiger Jennifer Coyne Andrea Borgerding Tim Vos Warren Stone Bob Leukam Robin Brunette Emily Hoium Gretchen Jennissen Lorie Swedenburg Logan Thomas

Cheyenne@star-pub.com...........Graphic Designer kayla@saukherald.com .. Specials Sections Editor jenn@saukherald.com ..................................Reporter andrea.b@dairystar.com ..............................Reporter tim@saukherald.com .................................Marketing warren@star-pub.com ...............................Marketing bob.l@star-pub.com ..................................Marketing robin@saukherald.com .......................... Inside Sales emily@saukherald.com .......................Bookkeeping gretchen@saukherald.com................Bookkeeping lorie@saukherald.com ..............................Circulation logan@saukherald.com .........................Sign Design

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 5

Schumann from page 4

Proud to be the onlynelocdal and American ow ud scrap yard in St. Clo

Midway Iron & Metal, INC. New Steel

and Recycling R40-eowtfB-T R40-eowtfB-TV T

Celebrating 60 years of serving you!

648 Lincoln Ave. NE, St. Cloud ud SCRAP: 252-4002 NEW STEEL: 258-3003 800-246-4002 • www.midwayiron.com i

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

After beating breast cancer, Carol Schumann dances with her husband Gerald at their 50th wedding celebration in September 2018. At the party, two of their grandchildren performed the song “Can I Have This Dance?”

Handwritten messages and Bible verses await Carol Schumann after surgery. They helped to lift Schumann’s spirits and encourage her to keep fighting.

out upper teeth for five months and limited to soft foods like mashed potatoes and pudding.

Other challenges included swelling in the mouth when the posts were exposed for dental

implants, an infection in her left hand and issues with her tracheotomy site, which had to be surgically closed twice before the procedure worked.

Schumann’s dental implants were placed at the end of July. After-

LARGE 2 DAY ADVERTISING & COOL STUFF AUCTION FRI FEB 12TH at 9AM • FRI FEB 12TH at 4PM • SAT FEB 13TH at 9AM

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning Service & Installation

320-252-4883

R10-tfnb-TV

Beside her bed were several notes Martins inscribed with Bible verses and uplifting messages.

They gave Schumann hope. One message reminded her to keep trusting. “My child, you worry too much. I’ve got this, remember? Love, God.” “She has gotten down a few times and wondered ‘Why?’” Martins said of her mom. “But mostly, she just carries on. She is beautiful inside and out.

She is the glue that keeps our family close.”

After the surgery, Schumann’s tracheotomy had to be removed, but she was not ready.

“You had to take a breath because you had to keep that covered for an extended period of time, or they wouldn’t remove it, and you couldn’t go home unless they removed it,” Schumann said. “That was scary for me. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.”

Martins told her mom to take a breath for each member of their family.

“The nurse said, ‘You can do this. Breathe through your nose.’ I really had to focus on it,” Schumann said.

Another challenge was not being able to put weight on her leg until it healed. She had to wear a boot for a month and use a wheelchair or walker.

When Schumann was recovering in the hospital, family members cleaned her house.

The place was sparkling when they returned home March 13.

“I have such an awesome family,” she said.

Schumann came home with a feeding tube. She used the tube for nourishment for two weeks while her mouth and throat healed until she showed doctors she could swallow. Her daughter Jennifer Hoggarth, a nurse anesthetist, stayed with her to help with tube feedings.

Schumann was with-

ward, she had to learn to chew solid foods and swallow all over again.

She has no feeling in the roof of her mouth or her upper teeth.

Despite some setbacks, the best news was the surgery was successful.

“PET scan: All clear!

Yeah!” she journaled Nov. 21.

Schumann has scars, but “cancer didn’t beat me,” she said.

Today, she is back to doing what she loves most – spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She also loves to knit, sew, read, bake and garden. Since receiving the wooden cross that accompanied her to surgeries, she has given others to family and to children at her church.

Martins said her mother always does things for others, even when she is ill.

“She prays every day and not for herself – for her kids and grandkids and so many others,” Martins said. “She sends birthday cards to so many family and friends. I would bet it’s over 200 a year.”

Schumann is thankful for everyone’s support.

And, of course, for humor.

Through all the pain and hardships, there was laughter. Before her oral surgery, she jokingly asked if doctors could straighten her bottom teeth while they were in there. When they told her skin would be removed from her leg, she asked if they could remove some of the fat too Schumann also asked doctors if she would grow hair on the skin from her leg that is now in her mouth. Much to her chagrin, she later discovered an inch-long hair in her mouth.

“I try to keep laughter in it,” said Schumann, who hopes to encourage others by sharing her story. “And a positive attitude. To me, that’s so important.”

Schumann is most grateful to God. “Battling cancer has probably been the hardest journey of my life,” she said. “But through it all, God has walked beside me on this rocky and bumpy road. Along the way, I have felt his peace and comfort. That’s what got me through everything – my faith.”

www.curlysheating.com

Bid Live In Person or Bid Online 1625 Butts Ave Tomah WI – Inside Large Heated Building WWW.MILLERSAUCTIONCO.COM No Buyers Premium at the Auction – Different Terms for Online Bidding FRI FEB 12TH AT 9AM – Selling Old Original Signs, Clocks, Thermometers, License Plates, and Other Advertising Items of All Sorts.

FRI FEB 12TH AT 4PM – Selling Old Original Signs, Clocks, Thermometers, Oil Cans, Oil Bottles, Displays, Watch Fobs, License Plate Toppers, Plus Much More.

SAT FEB 13TH AT 9AM – Selling Old Original Advertising Signs, Clocks, Thermometers, Pedal Cars, Pedal Tractor License Plate Toppers, Plus Much More.

QUESTIONS – Call Glenn Miller 715-299-2543 • Email Wisconsinjunk@Yahoo.com TERMS – Cash or Check. Credit Card 3% Buyers Premium 5 ½% Sales Tax – Reg WI Auctioneer Tim Barnum #1284 Auction Conducted & Clerked by Millers Auction Co #347-053 N8779 Hwy 95 Hixton WI 54635

Sauk Rapids council from front

The previous ordinance required food and beverage trucks, aside from ice cream trucks selling prepackaged desserts, to purchase a permit to operate in the city and restricted service to 14 days per year. It also prevented operation in close proximity to brickand-mortar bars and restaurants.

After receiving input from the community, the council referred the ordinance for review by the land use committee before returning the item to their agenda this past Monday.

“The big ask was they wanted more days in town,” said Jason Ellering, a council member and land use committee member, after the council meeting.

Although the committee maintained its stance on the annual 14-day general permit, the amended ordinance allows for exceptions.

Under the revised ordinance, operating in Municipal Park, Southside Park, Sauk Rapids Lions Sunset Park or Mayhew Creek Park would not count against the 14-day allowance. Neither would operating in an industrial zone or on school grounds.

The downtown area – where most of the city’s brick-and-mortar bars and restaurants are found – would remain a somewhat restricted area. However, mobile units could be allowed to operate within the 300-foot setback should they receive written permission from any food and beverage establishment within that area.

Ellering said parks and industrial zones were seemingly overlooked when the first ordinance was drafted, and allowing mobile units to operate within these areas will benefit community members.

“That’s not affecting any of our downtown businesses, and that’s really what we wanted to do is provide protection for our bricks-and-mortars in town,” Ellering said. “It (the revised ordinance) expands it in ways we feel aren’t going to negatively impact our restaurants in town.”

Ryan Voeller is a Sauk Rapids resident and owner of Adventure Coffee, a mobile beverage service.

Voeller was one person to speak out against the restrictive nature of the original ordinance.

Voeller had not yet read the revised ordinance when interviewed Feb. 11 but was happy to hear the city acted with the feedback provided.

“I’m glad that they heard it, they reconsidered and made some adjustments,” Voeller said.

Voeller said nationwide, and especially after the pandemic, people will have to reconsider the ways they do business.

“It’s going to be different,” he said. “We’re all going to have a little post-traumatic stress from this stuff and we’re all going to have that natural, instinctual fear of social distancing still.”

He said there will be opportunities and hopes to see Sauk Rapids thrive.

“I think overall it’s good that we work together and support each other,” Voeller said.

Mobile food and beverage vendors continue to be allowed to operate in connection with special event permits under the amended ordinance and are not limited to the number of special events they participate in during a year. Special events that host mobile food units have added protections in that mobile food units operating separately from the special event must remain at least 300 feet away.

Bob Cross Park was left out of the revision as the committee and council want to protect the fundraising concessions provided by civic groups that typically happen at the venue.

In other council news: – Approved extending an interim ordinance allowing expanded outdoor seating of bars and restaurants through Dec. 31. The document was originally passed as the onset of the coronavirus pandemic restricted businesses from in-door seating capacity in 2020. The city believes restrictions will remain in place for some businesses in 2021, and city staff would like to review the need for outdoor tents and patios as businesses eventually are allowed to return to full building capacity.

– Tim Kosloske asked the council if they would consider opening the community room to accommodate a firearms training class for a limited number of participants who would like to join the Sauk RapidsRice High School clay target team. That number is not yet known, but Kosloske said the Department of Natural Resources will allow them 15 students. He also said the DNR has further guidance. No action was taken; city staff will discuss.

NEWS

Page 6 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Tinville Lions craft blankets

for homeless people

Important, impactful, immediate aid to those in need

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – Every year, the Tinville Lions provide tangible resources for homeless people in the area. They create bags with supplies as simple as hygiene products like deodorant and toothpaste or warm gear like hats, mittens and scarves.

This year, the Sauk Rapids based nonprofit got their hands on 10 large bags of fabric, so they made use of it in the best way they knew how: They sewed blankets for the homeless.

“I had a friend that cleaned house for someone, and they had an overabundance of (fabric),” said Connie Pflipsen, Tin-

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Members of the Sauk Rapids Tinville Lions – Alice Coudron (front, from left), Theresa Hollenkamp, Karen Sakry, Cheryl Scapanski, Sandy Haffner and Connie Pflipsen; (back, from left) Tim Carlson, Jason Hollenkamp, Mike Wolbeck, Pam Bauerly and Cassie Scapanski – stand by some of this year’s donations Feb. 1 at Carlson’s Wholesale in Sauk Rapids.

Backpacks and drawstring bags are filled with essentials, including the hand-sewn blankets and given to people who are homeless.

ville Lions historian. “It right now.” was easy and enjoyable In the depths of a Minto do, and it has an impact nesota winter, one of the most important, impactful and immediate ways to help homeless people – a primary mission for the Tinville Lions – is through warmth. They will donate 138 bags of supplies that included the blankets.

Pam Bauerly is the organization’s second vice president and the person who started the annual homeless gear drive seven years ago. She said she delivers the bags to the Salvation Army and Place of Hope Ministries in St. Cloud. The bags are then dispersed to adults and children without homes.

Bauerly also keeps some of the blankets to disperse when she sees a homeless person in passing. She will get out and hand deliver a warm, handIn the middle of sewing blankets for homeless people, sewn blanket to those she Connie Pflipsen shows her sewing machine early in thinks are in most need.

January at her house in Sauk Rapids. Pflipsen’s sewing Whether it is warm contributed to the success of 138 bags that will be clothes or hand-sewn blandelivered to the Salvation Army and Place of Hope kets, when the Tinville LiMinistries in St. Cloud.

Royalton Kindergarten registration forms can be turned in in-person on Monday, Feb. 22 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center/District Office entrance.

Forms, handouts and the Zoom recording from Information Night can be found at www.royaltonpublicschools.org/kindergarten.

Call Dawn at 320-584-4160 if you have any questions or did not receive a registration packet.

R6-2B-RB

home after work, sit down at her sewing machine and stitch together blankets, knowing they were going to be useful to people who need them.

“It just gives me a good feeling to know that somebody’s going to benefit from something I did, somebody who’s less fortunate than me,” Pflipsen said.

It did not feel like a second job to Pflipsen, she said. To her, it was therapeutic – a way to make a difference in the community as a team.

“It’s about having fun,” Pflipsen said. “That’s

TK Timber Turning your logs into USEABLE lumber.

• Log sawingyour site or ours • Bobcat work • Excavating and site prep services 320-266-4909 Veteran owned company

R6-1B-RB

ROYALTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

ons see a need in the community, they show up and deliver. Though the Lions have handed out donated, pre-stitched blankets in the past, they never personally tailored blankets to homeless people’s needs like they did this year.

For starters, Pflipsen said, homeless people need smaller sized blankets for better mobility. A big, fluffy blanket is better than nothing, but the blankets the Lions sewed are easy to carry and provide warmth.

For Pflipsen, sewing blankets was akin to a secondary job. For three or four weeks, she would go

what the purpose of the group is: Have fun and help people.”

Members of the Tinville Lions work to ensure their utility to the com-n munity is immediatelyr tangible – something the people they serve can feelu with their hands and ben-t efit from right away.

On the organizational side of things, Pflipsen said some clubs focus on fundraising, which she said is fine, but that the Tinvillem Lions are less worried about the bottom line andV more concerned with hav-h ing fun and making a dif-t b ference.

She said it is maybet why the group is able to stay strong and resilientr as other organizations dissolve.

“We do have a fun group,” Pflipsen said.

“We decided right off theh bat, we wanted to not get super big as far as money goes but be all about help-b ing people. … Pretty soont it’s not having fun if it’s ally about the almighty dollar.”

Bauerly was not ableR to participate in making the blankets this year as she was in Florida. She was4 disappointed she could nott contribute in labor, partlyy because she wants to help people and partly because she heard those who sewed the blankets had a blast doh ing it.

“The blankets are ab big deal,” Bauerly said. “It does make you feel goodt to know that you’ve impacted them somehow, but I don’t know how many blankets it would take toh keep you warm out there.” M y

Connie Pflipsen highlights the stack of blankets she sewed for homeless people in preparation for cold winter nights early in January at her house in Sauk Rapids. Pflipsen said it was therapeutic to take part in sewing blankets.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 7

Stories and sips at 96 Classmates celebrate birthdays at martini lounge

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

On the first Friday night of February, Lorraine Van Hale Wagner and Martha Gaetz dressed up and went out on the town at 96 years of age.

Sitting fireside in a cozy space teeming with historic charm, they laughed and reminisced and sipped cocktails for more than two hours.

Gaetz had white wine.

Van Hale Wagner had her usual brandy and water with a twist of lemon before trying, for the first time, a martini. Named lemon drop, the sugarrimmed drink – a little sour but mostly sweet, like her years of life – was instantly a hit.

Four years ago, the high school classmates started what has become a beloved tradition. With birthdays just days apart, they have met once a year at the martini lounge on the upper level of the Red Carpet Nightclub in downtown St. Cloud.

Gaetz turned 96 Feb. 4, and Van Hale Wagner turned 96 Feb. 9. This year’s night out was Feb. 5, and the birthday gals celebrated their new digits with gusto. In addition to cocktails, they indulged in hors d’oeuvres and fudge brownies.

“It’s just fun getting together,” Gaetz said.

Van Hale Wagner agreed.

“I’m very happy to have gotten together with Martha in these latter years,” she said.

Their zest for living supports the adage about age being just a number, though Van Hale Wagner said she did not expect to live to be 96.

“I’m surprised I’m still here, but I’m very blessed,” Van Hale Wagner said. “Every morning, I have gotten up and thanked the Lord for giving me another day.”

Genetics may be on their side. Gaetz had a great-grandmother who lived to be 104 and another who lived to be 101. Van Hale Wagner has some longevity in her family as well.

Gaetz and Van Hale Wagner are graduates of Cathedral High School’s class of 1943, but they did not know one another well in school. It was many years later, when members of their class got together, that they realized their birthdays were so close together. The shared milestone, they thought, was worth celebrating in style.

Three of their sons made sure the women were well taken care of during their 2021 birthday get-together, also celebrating the receipt of their COVID-19 vaccinations. Van Hale Wagner was chauffeured by her son Dan. Gaetz’s sons Rick and Gary own the Red Carpet.

The men are three of 20 children the women brought into the world.

Van Hale Wagner moth-

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Lorraine Van Halen Wagner (left) and Martha Gaetz have a drink to celebrate their 96th birthdays, just five days apart, at the Red Carpet Nightclub’s Martini Lounge Feb. 5 in St. Cloud. Van Halen Wagner’s birthday is Feb. 9, and Martha Gaetz’s birthday is Feb. 4.

ered six children, five who are living, and has three step-children. Gaetz has 14 children. Combined, they have more than 120 direct descendants. Van Hale Wagner has six grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. Gaetz has 41 grandchildren, 47 greatgrandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Born in 1925, their devotion to family and will to keep going when life handed them lemons never wavered.

“There were hard times,” said Van Hale Wagner, who was widowed in 1965 at age 44,

left to raise children on her own and was widowed again in 2007 when her second husband died.

“There were many days I was living from minute to minute. I worked very hard to make happy times for the children and raised them to be very independent. You had to do what you could to get through it. You didn’t have another choice.”

Gaetz is also a widow.

Her husband of 62 years died in 2009.

Valedictorian of her high school class, Gaetz retired in September 2020. She worked at Sears Roebuck in St. Cloud, then for

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Martha Gaetz (right) bemuses friend Lorraine Van Hale Wagner as they talk about the good old days. For four years, the Cathedral High School classmates have met at the Red Carpet in February to celebrate their birthdays.

Pulse on People

Benton County marriage applications

– Riley-Hank William Gronau and Justine Nicole Bergquist, both of Sauk Rapids.

– Rebecca Jo Caple-Gadacz and Kandice Marie Kloss, both of Foley.

– Christopher Anthony West and Leah Marie Ganoe, both of St. Cloud.

Reese receives degree from UND

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Nordin Reese, of Sartell, has received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies as well as an additional certificate from the University of North Dakota following fall 2020 semester.

Students named to academic lists

ST. CLOUD – Rice residents Cameron Anderman, Taryn Czech, Courtney Dosh, Scott Hommerding, Jacob Kruger, Lindsay Popp, Michelle Skroch, Olivia Trobec, Amanda Voigt and Tracy Winscher as well as Sauk Rapids residents Christopher Anderson, Travis Arend, Carson Barry, Tara

Butkowski, Shantelle Des Marais, Tiffany Dickerson, Noah Ellefson, Katelyn Fouquette, Allie Frisbie, Hannah Fyten, Alexandra Goebel, Katelyn Gummert, Gunnar Haffner, Cole Hanson, Christine Henning, Grant Hiltner, Cynthia Hogenson, Jackson Jovanovich, Catherine Julius, Elizabeth Julius, Amy Kemmy, Kaitlyn Koenig, Rachel Koenig, Isabelle Langer, Nicole Lawrenz, Brindelyn Mastey, Tristan Moore, Erin Nelson, Jennifer Nguyen, Robert Packert, Paige Pappenfus, Holly Pilarski, Rebecca Revermann, Cole Roach, Nicholas Rudnitski, Stephanie Schueller, Kamryn Scoles, Katherine See, Latasha Simmons, Ashley Simpson, Shyla Taylor, Hailey Thielen, Kathryn Thompson, Morgan Thompson, Victoria Umerski, Jake Van Halbeck, Emily Weizenegger, Katerina Wells, Carl Witham and Nolan Wollum have been named to the fall 2020 dean’s list at St. Cloud State University for achieving a GPA of 3.75 or greater.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kelsey Gertken, of Sauk Rapids, was named to the fall 2020 president’s list at the University of Alabama for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

Preferred Credit. In the 1950s, she started doing in-home childcare, which became the springboard for nursery school and educational daycare centers that eventually expanded to three locations under her leadership.

Van Hale Wagner worked for 10 years as a school lunch cook and man-

ager at the former St. Paul’s School and for seven years in the dietary department at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Both women live independently. Gratitude, faith and the joy their children and grandchildren bring daily have kept them going.

“Appreciate every day,” said Van Hale Wagner, who has called the Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud area home all her life.

“I’ve thanked the Lord for my blessings, no matter how tough the day was.”

Happy hour and polka music are also spirit lifters for Van Hale Wagner. The lively dance tune is key to turning attitudes around, she said.

God willing, they will keep their sights on walking the Red Carpet for more wine and a lemon drop martini the week of their 97th birthdays.

“We’re coming back next year,” Gaetz said.

That sounds good to Van Hale Wagner.

“If Martha says so,” she said.

Page 8 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Pansies

Seeds that gardeners may start growing indoors are pansies. This lovely member of the violet family has flowers that look a little like faces. It thrives in all but the hottest part of the growing season and survives GREEN AND even then with suf- GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY ficient watering.

The name is thought BY LINDA G. TENNESON to come from the French word pensée meaning a thought or remembrance. Today’s pansies were formed when English gardeners began to cultivate and crossbreed them in the 1800s and created the five petaled bloom we are familiar with. Those breeders started with the various kinds of violas that have been known since 400 B.C. Breeders are still working with pansies, so new colors and varieties will appear in catalogs. In this area, pansies are annuals, but the plant may be moved indoors and held over winter.

Pansy blossoms range from 1-4 inches wide. They love full sun but will grow in semi-shade. The plant does not grow very tall but will spread and has attractive leaves with notches on them. The petals may be a single color, often yellow or blue, but is most often seen with a variety of colors in a single bloom and with or without black lines radiating from the center which is usually yellow.

Swiss Giants are a well-known variety with large colorful blooms. Pansy blossoms are edible, so they are safe to grow around children and pets.

The seeds are tiny and should be planted 6-8 weeks before the expected last frost.

However, starting them earlier will result in blooming plants that are not too large to manage indoors. Pansies can withstand some cold temperatures or light frosts and may be moved outdoors earlier than other annuals.

When planting, barely cover the seeds with soil and keep it moist. A plastic cover is one way to preserve moisture while the seeds are germinating which may take two or three weeks. Remove the covers once the first sets of leaves appear. Place the young plants in individual pots once they have grown a second set of leaves. Pansies may be grown in outdoor beds set about 6 inches apart or planted under larger annuals or perennials, providing an interesting contrast to other plants. They are often planted in between spring bulbs and will begin blooming as tulips and other bulbs are dying back. Pansies suffer from a few diseases such as root rot, leaf spot and mildew. These problems may be avoided if the plants are watered at the soil level keeping the leaves as dry as possible. Aphids, spider mites and slugs may eat the leaves; however, those pests have attacked my pansies much less frequently than other flowers.

Additional information to last week’s column. The Benton County Extension Master Gardeners gardening seminar at 7 p.m.

April 15 is titled “Ornamental Invasive Plants.” The event is free, but registration is required at www.z.umn.edu/springseminar.

Participants will receive a link to the event by email the day before. The program will include: what is a native and non-native plant, why and how invasive plants succeed, how they were introduced into our environment, what to do with those that are already in our yards and how to stop their spread. Additional information may be obtained at extension. umn.edu/benton or by calling 1-800-9644929.

Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.

EDITORIAL

Faith in what?

Merriam Webster defines faith as, ticipation and an open heart, as he con“Something that is believed especially tinues his observation in the same 2018 with strong conviction.” Hebrews 11:1 dearticle, “But what an opportune time this fines it as, “Now faith is the assurance of is for the remnant (followers of Jesus) in things hoped for, the conviction of things the land! The solution will not be found not seen.” in power changes at the top, but from Knowing what information to trust personal transformations at the bottom, and who to trust is more convoluted today through the attractively winsome engagthan ever before. We must have faith that ing in deep relationships that the body of Christ must begin to do with their neighthe promises we are clinging to are indeed bors. This is our day. This is our time. Not truthful and honorable promises. The promBY FAITH for us, but for his glory alone!” ises we chose to act on are going to put us BYLIFE MERCY NYGAARD Aren’t you sick of the decisions our in the best position to raise our families and government is choosing to spend their engage with others. So, I make the case that the best possible use of our time is seeking the truth time on? And the disregard of illegal voting? Illegal and sharing life with others. You have two options, a voting means we cannot control who is put into office. If you are a follower of Jesus then you are the secular world view or a biblical worldview.

Scientifically, we have found our emotional un- church. It is because of Jesus you have a reason for derstanding peaks at 40-50 years old, according to an hope . Instead of feeling helpless, continue gathering article written by Kendra Cherry on verywellmind. weekly to encourage each other in this hope (Heb. com and fact checked by Cara Lustik July 27, 2020, 10:25). Then, reach out to those around you.

“We are not of this world but we have been sent in an article titled, “When Do Your Mental Powers Peak in Life?” Crystallized intelligence or accumu- into it, to be sanctified in the truth (John 17:15-26). lated knowledge and facts about the world peak late Jesus prayed for us and not for us alone, but for those in life, about your 60s and 70s. Spending time with who will believe in him through our word, in whom those who have more life experience than us helps we spend time with gaining trust, and we display that us process our present circumstances and our future we are followers of Jesus by how we love one andecisions. But, I have met those who spearhead evil other.”

Continue to set yourself apart (sanctify) in the with their own knowledge gained through their added years. It is clearly more aged persons who tradition- truth which is the word of God. “For the word of God is living and powerful, ally have held powerful positions, writing policies for the collective good. But what do they consider good? and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even Without actively pursuing godly wisdom from the Bi- to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and ble, help from the Holy Spirit and repentance of sin, marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents there is nothing to occupy our thoughts and decisions of the heart,” Heb. 4:12.

Are you are reaching out to others, your neighother than what the lust of the flesh will tell us is right bor, someone from your church, a coworker or family in our own eyes and our flesh becomes our idol.

Dr. Del Tackett is an adjunct professor for the Al- member? As you are encouraging those younger than liance Defending Freedom. In 2018 he wrote, “Isola- you and sharing life, also make sure you are shartion and manipulation will breed paranoia and patho- ing life with someone with more life experience who logical loneliness. When every man does what is right loves God too (Job 12:12, Deut. 32:7, 1 Tim. 5:1). in his own eyes (Prov. 21:2) the culture eventually Not only does it bless them to share what they have collapses.” I highlight this article by Tackett because learned along the way, you will have someone who is here is a wise, aged man, who actively pursues godly at a high capacity to emotionally understand you and wisdom from the Bible, help from the Holy Spirit and who has enough accumulated knowledge to point you the repentance of his sin. His observations proved in the right direction for tough situations you might accurate at what took place in 2020. Tackett uses be dealing with. We cannot see it or perceive it with much of his time to teach a biblical worldview to his our five physical senses, but our hope in Jesus is asstudents and writes biblical findings on his website sured in the Bible, and we must put our faith in this. at www.deltackett.com. We should all read with an-

Traditional letters to the editor policy E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 9

That box of chocolates With Valentine’s Day just a few pecting and only wanted some stringy, days away, I popped open that box of boiled sugar. chocolates that has been riding around Rid yourself of expectation and sudin my car since Christmas. denly biting into raspberry nougat-filled Why not? It seems my to-do list is chocolates are not so bad. They’re sweet never ending, which equals stress. And, and may bring some level of comfort and this week was one to celebrate: Two satisfaction if that’s what you’re searchspecial little humans were welcomed ing for. into this world.

Many times, we enter situations with As I picked out a chocolate-covexpectations, whether based on previous ered toffee piece and then a caramel, I ON MY SLEEVE experience or from information we’ve started thinking about those wise words BY NATASHA BARBER been taught or told. When the situation that have often been repeated since doesn’t live up to our expectations or 1994. turns out unexpectedly different, it can leave a sour The movie character Forrest Gump said, “Life taste in our mouths. We might not go back for a is like a box of chocolates. You never know what second helping or we might be hesitant when bityou’re gonna get.” ing off our next piece of life to chew.

The Alabama native was as on-point as John Now I’m not saying to live life without expecLennon when the musician uttered, “Life is what tations – from my son’s perspective, he’d tell you happens to you while you’re busy making other mine are high. But I do think it is wise to someplans.” times change your mindset when approaching a Both Gump and Lennon understood that life is new, but similar, situation. full of uncertainty, and we’re all along for the ride.

You can do this every day.

No different than a box of chocolates – at least Sometimes life might feel more like the movie those that don’t come with maps.

“Groundhog Day.” You’re stuck on repeat, with no If you’re the type of person who reaches for a way out. Choosing to put what you think you know chocolate-covered caramel when you open a box on pause and accepting what comes your way and of chocolates, you likely know that most times the moving forward might reset your day, your week supple, golden brown substance is found beneath a or even your year. square cuboid. (That’s like a cube but without all You might not always enjoy the sweet (or six sides being equal.) sour) selection life deals you and that’s OK. But Life experience has trained you that when se- you can’t be afraid to take the risk; you can’t be lecting the square cuboid there is high probability afraid to live. that you will find the inside of your selection satisSo, when you get that box of chocolates this factory. Still, there’s always the chance you might Sunday, throw away the map and indulge. Then bite into raspberry nougat. That little surprise repeat that notion when you begin your workweek. could result in unpleasant feelings if you were exYou just might be in for a sweet surprise.

Political letters to the editor policy – Political letters endorsing or opposing a candidate, ballot measure or political party are subject to charges. Star Publications will charge a flat fee of $25 for 250-word or less letters. Display advertising rates will apply to letters exceeding the word limit. Payment must be received prior to copy deadline.

– Paid political letters to the editor will be clearly marked and set apart from those which are not.

– Readers will be allowed to submit one political letter every 14 days.

– All letters to the editor (political or not) require first and last names, addresses and phone numbers. Names and city of residency will be published in the newspaper along with the letter copy.

– The final time and date to submit a political letter to the editor for township elections is 5 p.m. Feb. 17.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

Intentions of an international baccalaureate school On June 21, 2019, Rice Elementary School became an authorized International Baccalaureate World School for ISD 47 the Primary Years

By Susan Paasch, Programme.

In Rice Elementary the state of MinSchool principal nesota, there are 24 elementary IB schools, but Rice Elementary is the only school outside of the Twin Cities metro area.

Being an IB World School means being part of a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people, who will be ready to make contributions that will result in a more harmonious and peaceful world.

Students are better prepared to undertake activities that enhance social, cultural and economic environments locally, nationally and, perhaps, internationally.

That is a really lofty definition, but what does it look like in the classroom every day? Much of the work happens behind the scenes as teachers are trained and plan in this model.

The curriculum emphasizes big concepts in six planners: who we are; where we are in place and time; how we express ourselves; how the world works; how we organize ourselves; and sharing the planet.

Learning starts with the whole and expands to include the parts. Teachers have embedded our state and local standards into these planners.

Learning is interactive and builds on what the student already knows. Questioning and wondering is highly encouraged, and teachers have conversations with students helping them construct their own knowledge. The role of the teacher is interactive as they encourage students to explore their own questions and thoughts. Assessments can include student work, observation and points of view as well as tests. Students work together to collaborate, ask questions and solve problems.

The process is as important as the product.

The mission of Rice Elementary School is to develop empathetic inquirers. We want our students to be curious about things, research those things and find ways to change them. We also want them to be kind and empathetic as they go about that work. We believe we can do this by being reflective, being internationally minded, being collaborative and being engaged. IB is an exciting journey to be on and the avenue that we think will develop our next generation of leaders.

Letters to the Editor

Can society end drug addiction?

By Mark Jacobson, Winona Drug addiction is not well understood in modern society. A better approach to the way we view both drugs and drug addicts would go a long way to improving treatment outcomes. It could also change treatment options themselves. A more welcoming and understanding attitude throughout society is necessary for a serious reform on the way we approach drug addiction treatment.

One significant improvement that society could make is to stop thinking of addicts as addicts and start thinking of them as people with addictions. An addiction does not define a person – it affects them. There is much more to a person than whatever illness might affect them, but society sometimes has trouble seeing that. Changing that perspective would give people with addiction a better chance at recovery by encouraging a person-first viewpoint. While addiction is a lifelong problem, it does not need to be a lifelong sentence that suppresses all the other aspects of a person and the contributions they can make to society.

If a person with an addiction has a supportive environment and a personal network of social support, then chances of recovery are much better.

Nobody can deal with big challenges alone, and that includes addiction. That is why it is crucial to

emphasize how much support and consideration people with addiction need to overcome their own challenges.

There is a good person underneath any addiction, a person who needs a chance to deal with their addiction on their own terms. Unfortunately, people tend to distance themselves from addicts.

That social distance makes it harder for people with addictions to handle their heavy burden.

Right when people with addictions need extra support, they have less support than they ever had before.

The bottom line is people with addictions need a lot of outside help – it is not possible to muscle through an addiction. Society needs to be more accepting of behavioral issues in general and addiction in particular. A welcoming society would make a huge difference in how people with addictions are able to make progress in their lives.

So, what are you going to do about it and when?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and would like someone to talk to, I may be reached at gottahavehope38@gmail. com.

Let Minneapolis fix Minneapolis

By James A. Hovda, Rice I’m forced to express my utter frustration at the governor’s asking for over $100 million to help Minneapolis recover from the devastation the city incurred from the riots this past year.

Voters need to be reminded it was their mayor who called for defunding the police. The city council was on board, and then approved major reductions to the police budget. Along with tacit approval from the governor, they refused to call for mutual aid from the Minnesota National Guard in a timely manner. They allowed the burning of not only the third precinct police station, a U.S. post office and scores of business that were also looted. It is regrettable to note this was the first police building to be burned and looted in the United States.

Let’s not forget Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson. He had the authority to ask the state for National Guard help.

Now, our governor is asking for us to help cure the ills and sins of Minneapolis. And, as far as I’m concerned, Hennepin County. Let them pay for their terrible leadership at all levels, and the monetary issues they caused. Their voters elected them. Let their local taxes take care of the problem.

I hope our elected Minnesota officials will help this funding request go down in flames.

EDITORIAL

Page 10 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Methamphetamine

Substance abuse is an issue in indicated these barriers include the cost every corner of Minnesota, including of a program, finding a program that Benton County. Lately, the rising fits an individual’s unique needs, and problem of heroin and opioid abuse has the fear and shame those in need may garnered much attention. Heroin and feel. Brant said most health insurance opioids are a rising area of concern; providers cover all or at least a portion however, the substance that continues of the cost for addiction programs, and to give me the greatest concern is those without insurance may obtain methamphetamine. The abundant assistance from their county’s human supply of methamphetamine and the KEEPING BENTON services department. destruction this substance brings to Leah Holzem, licensed alcohol COUNTY SAFE those who abuse it make it my substance SHERIFF TROY HECK and drug counselor at CMMHC of greatest concern. and program manager at Focus XII The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Halfway House, addressed the emotional barriers Force is a multi-jurisdictional group of investigators involved in seeking treatment by saying, “Fear and dedicated to finding and arresting individuals shame create such a barrier for individuals seeking involved in drug trafficking and other violent treatment. Many are afraid to ask for help. We need crimes in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, Morrison to treat addiction like any other disease; reduce the and Todd counties. Between 2010 and 2019, the shame and fear and help those suffering.” number of people arrested annually by the VOTF For those wondering if they or someone they for methamphetamine-related crimes increased know has a substance abuse disorder, Holzem 73%, and the amount of methamphetamine seized recommended being alert for the following signs by the VOTF increased almost 20-fold. Every and symptoms: year between 2010 and 2019, methamphetamine “In regards to methamphetamine use: limited accounted for the highest number of controlled sleeping and abnormal behavior such as ADHDsubstance arrests made by the VOTF locally. type symptoms (inability to focus, hyperactivity, Methamphetamine addiction extracts a etc.),” she said. “For substance use in general: terrible price from its victims. These individuals isolation, erratic behavior, high risk behavior and often suffer horrible health consequences, dishonesty.” disruptions to their family life, loss of employment If you recognize these signs and symptoms in a and sometimes a pathway to more criminal behavior. friend or family member, Holzem has the following The Central Minnesota Mental Health Center is advice, “Be kind and compassionate. Do not one of the many providers of addiction treatment in shame. Do not ignore the addictive behavior as it our area. Danielle Brant is the director of chemical will intensify. Tell the loved one that you care about health services at CMMHC. According to Brant, their health and wellness and want to help them the CMMHC offers a wide variety of inpatient, find services should they need them. Provide them outpatient and detox services for those struggling with the phone numbers for crisis and detox (via with substance abuse disorders. In addition to CMMHC) and a treatment center. They can call on CMMHC, providers like Nystrom and Associates, their own when they are ready. Or if they are ready, Sobriety First, CentraCare and the St. Cloud you can assist.”

VA Medical Center offer services for substance To learn more about how the CMMHC can abuse issues. Even in an area where substance help, contact them at 320-252-5010 or cmmhc.org. abuse services are available, other barriers make Other treatment resources are also available online it difficult for people to obtain treatment. Brant at samhsa.gov.

If you suspect someone in your neighborhood is involved in trafficking methamphetamine or other drugs, law enforcement wants to know. Be alert for places where neighbors may see cars repeatedly arriving and leaving within 5 to 10 minutes or less. Residences where controlled substances are sold often are occupied by people who have erratic schedules, no known employment and keep unusual hours. Particularly for those selling or using methamphetamine, it is common for individuals to be up and moving about for days at a time without sleeping. Individuals involved in selling controlled substances often go to great lengths to prevent the outside world from seeing what is going on inside their residence. Completely covering all windows (particularly with non-traditional items like paper or bedsheets) or other actions that create an unusual level of privacy could indicate an issue. These circumstances, or any other activities that strike you as being unusual, should be reported to law enforcement.

For those struggling to break free from the snare of methamphetamine addiction, places like the CMMHC offer hope. Those who choose to engage in the sale and distribution of methamphetamine or other drugs should know they are on a path that will likely involve a stay in a jail cell. If you know someone with a substance use problem, be courageous and persistent in pointing them toward the help they need. If you suspect controlled substance sales are occurring in your neighborhood, contact law enforcement.

A community free from methamphetamine’s grip is one we are proud to work toward at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. We hope you are willing to join us.

For more crime prevention and safety information visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website at www.co.benton.mn.us/211/crimeprevention. You can also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime prevention messages.

Benton county resource guide

Benton County 2020

FR

The 2021 RESOURCE GUIDE Th

EE

Help Your Business Grow!

7,650 COPIES PRINTED When we include your advertisement in this booklet, you have the opportunity to g gain new customers, make new friends and gain valuable traffic for your business.

HURRY! uide Resource G

Coming March 13, 2021

Advertising Deadline: February 26, 2021

All Ads are Full Color on Glossy Stock Magazine Format

Call Today!

Published by: by d by heed hed liished lish lis bli P blish Publ Pub

T R ST ons ions io licattio blica Pub

Missy Traeger

missy@saukherald.com | 320-291-9899

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 11

Community Education Corner

Local employer seeks expansion aid Rice council approves tax abatement for PFG

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

RICE – If its corporate headquarters selects Rice as a recipient of expansion, Performance Food Group may get some aid in completing that update.

The Rice City Council took a needed step at its Feb. 1 meeting, calling for a public hearing regarding the corporation’s tax abatement request. The public hearing is set for 6 p.m. March 1 at Rice City Hall.

PFG is the parent company of Performance Foodservice, located along North Gateway Drive in the city’s industrial park. Employing roughly 285 full-time equivalent workers, the location processes cheese and is a wholesale food distributor.

The location is competing with other PFG sites nationwide to secure expansion interest from its decision-makers. The tax relief could make expanding the Rice location more attractive and feasible; however, no corporate decision will be made until March.

Amanda Othoudt, executive director of Benton Economic Partnership and Jason Aarsvold, senior municipal adviser with Ehlers Inc., presented the proposal to the council.

PFG is seeking a $600,000 tax abatement split between Benton County and the city; the amount of future tax revenue that Rice would relieve equates to about $200,000 over 15 years. The money would be forgiven in hopes to offset the cost of an expansion project at the site.

Should the site be selected, PFG would plan a two-phase $12.4 million project that could create 22 new jobs. Phase one of the expansion would include

the demolition of an existing 6,500-square-foot building and its replacement with a 22,500-square-foot building that would include additional processing and cooler space. Phase two would renovate 25,000 square feet for added cooler space.

The most recent expansion was a $14 million construction and renovation project that was completed in 2018.

The tax abatement would essentially stall the valuation of the location for up to 20 years, allowing the corporation to recoup investment costs. Aarsvold said no existing property tax income would be diverted, and the abatement request is based off the increase in property value as a result of the proposed new construction. He said the request is roughly for 50% of the added valuation rather than the full amount – under the agreement, the city would forgive 50% of the added value for the term but would collect the remaining 50%

above and beyond the current property tax revenue.

Although PFG is seeking a 15-year abatement and details of the agreement have not been solidified, Aarsvold broke down the abatement over 20 years – the maximum number of years allowed under state statute. He said the city would be looking at forgiving roughly $15,000 per year for the first 10 years of the project and $5,000 per year for the second decade.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners will review the county’s portion of request at its Feb. 16 meeting. They are responsible for $400,000 of the request and will need to host a public hearing similar to the city.

The tax abatement will only be granted should PFG be selected for expansion and proceed. Any outside costs associated with the request, such as public hearing notices, will be paid by PFG.

Road Trip Around Minnesota: Lakes and Waterfalls

Join professional photographer, Jay Grammond, as he takes you on a virtual road trip around the state to learn about some of Minnesota’s waterways which were so vitally important to travel and trade in bygone days. Today, these same waterways are vital to the state and local economies – and to the citizens as a form of recreation and relaxation. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the class.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Developing Soaring Self-Esteem Ages 5-12

Developing Soaring Self Esteem is a threeweek program to foster the development of positive self-esteem. Having positive self-esteem is one of the biggest influences on a child’s happiness and promotes the ability to see life from a positive perspective. Certified life coaches will teach your child through engaging stories and activities designed to target the skills necessary to feel good about themselves – even when faced with the challenges of life. Limited to 12 children. Weekly topic discusses what is self-esteem, how your mind shapes your world and honoring your uniqueness.

Feb. 27, March 6 and March 13.

Ages 5-8: 9-10:30 a.m.

Ages 9-12: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

To register or for more information on programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www.isd47.org/ce or 320-258-1577.

Police Activity Report Feb. 1-7

Several Watab routes rate poorly Board asks for letters of support for improving two roads

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

A pavement management program has determined that several roads in Watab Township are in poor condition.

Every paved road maintained by the township was recently inspected and evaluated to determine the best course of action. A software program called PAVER was used to record and calculate the conditions of the roadways, specifically the level of distress.

Overseen by township engineer Kevin Kruger, the program aims to help Watab prioritize the needs of paved roads and create a plan for maintaining, rehabilitating and reconstructing them. The scientific readings, recording cracks, potholes and other issues, take away the guessing game of driving around and trying to figure out which roads need work and how soon, he said.

Each road was given a pavement condition rating between 0-100, with 100 being a road in perfect condition, with no distress, and 0-40 being a road in poor condition with lots of distress, such as cracks and potholes.

During a report to Watab Township supervisors Feb. 9, Kruger said about 40% of the roads rated poorly. Some of the roads had a rating under 10, which Kruger said is not good.

“We have some work to do, a lot of work to do,” Kruger said.

There are some township roads in good condition, however. Some of the roads

had ratings between 50-65.

Corrective action for those roadways would be overlay.

“You can add another layer of asphalt onto it, and you can get a significant amount of lifestyle out of that gradient, and that cuts down on our costs,” Kruger said.

Roads rated under 50 are placed in a monitor category.

“Then you just basically wait until you are going to completely reconstruct the roadway,” Kruger said.

If the township can catch roads before they dip under 50, it will save money and hassle, he said.

A complete construction is almost three times as expensive as an overlay. Board chair Julie Johnson said reclaiming and reconstructing roads is $4.25 per square foot, versus $1.50 per square foot for mill and overlay (roads in the 50-70 category). “(That’s) significantly less cost and you get another … 20 years,” Johnson said.

“You can kick that can way down the road without having to fix it.”

Seal coating, which also keeps roads at higher ratings, is 18 cents a square foot.

Johnson said the board is going to make a long-term road plan, with cost estimates, to fix the worst roads and to keep roads rated 50 and higher in that range or in better repair.

“You might think, ‘Why are we doing some roads that aren’t that bad in the township?’” Kruger said. “It’s because we’re trying to catch them before they get to the point that they’re so bad that

we have to reconstruct them.

You might get a little jealous of your neighbor that already had a better road than you, and now they’re getting even a newer road than you, but it’s just to try and save money and to get the absolute most life cycle out of that road that we can.”

The PAVER program can also estimate how fast a road is going to deteriorate.

In 20 years, a road rated 55 will drop to the 40s if the township does not do preventative maintenance, Kruger said.

The road ratings, and what to do next, will be discussed at Watab’s annual meeting at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Old Village Hall in Rice.

Residents asked to write letters of support for Sucker Creek Road One poorly-rated Watab roadway supervisors hoped to reconstruct this year is Sucker Creek Road.

Sucker Creek Bridge, located on the same stretch of roadway, is failing, and Benton County’s plan to improve it has altered the township’s road plan for 2021. Supervisors do not want to close Sucker Creek Road twice, so they hope to coordinate work the county does on the bridge with the reconstruction of the road.

A grant available through the Local Road Improvement Program has also moved Sucker Creek Road up on the list of township road projects. WSB, the township’s engineering firm, has been directed to apply for the grant to cover capital construction costs. The application is due in early March, and the cost to pursue the grant is $3,500. If awarded, funds would not be available

until May or later due to reported delays.

An important connection from Little Rock Road to Little Rock Lake, Sucker Creek Road is a 20-foot narrow roadway with minimal to no shoulder. Supervisors feel the existing road is not adequate to meet the current traffic volume and has become a safety issue.

Watab is proposing to widen the driving surface, add a shoulder for pedestrians and make Sucker Creek a 10-ton roadway to improve safety for all users and allow for construction traffic.

On Feb. 9, supervisors indicated they would like to reconstruct Sharon Place in conjunction with the Sucker Creek projects. Sharon Place is one of the township’s mostly poorly rated roads, according to Kruger.

The board unanimously approved having WSB prepare engineering plans for both Sucker Creek Road and Sharon Place. The township will be responsible for engineering costs.

Kruger said standards for road projects supported by state aid are more robust, so there will be extra design work involved.

The township is asking residents and business owners who live on or frequently drive these roads to write letters of support that will be submitted with the grant application. Letters need not be formal or long; they should simply express safety issues and other reasons why the roads need to be reconstructed. Kruger said people can write a few sentences. Letters can be brought to the town hall at 660 75th St. N.W., Sauk Rapids, or emailed to watabts@gmail.com.

Sauk Rapids Police Department Feb. 4, 8:01 a.m. – An officer arrived at 1835 Osauka Road N.E. and met with a student who reported bumping into an unoccupied parked vehicle while in the parking lot. The vehicle which was struck was owned by a staff member who was located and notified. Neither party had visible damage to their vehicles, but the incident was documented.

Feb. 5, 12:04 a.m. – Dispatch took a report of shots fired to the north of a residence on the 1700 block of Prairie View Lane Northeast. Officers checked the area and noted with their infrared camera that there was a recently running vehicle parked on the 1600 block of Golden Spike Road Northeast with fresh footprints leading to a home. Officers attempted contact but no one answered. Officers also noted that St. Cloud Police Department were responding to a fireworks complaint on the east side of town at approximately the same time.

Feb. 7, 6:01 p.m. – A vehicle was damaged by a stray hockey puck while driving along the 500 block of 11th Street North. Officers documented the incident.

Incidents: Medical calls 25, miscellaneous calls 22, administrative citations (winter parking violations) 17, assists 15, suspicious activity reports 14, thefts 11, traffic stops 10, welfare checks 9, alarms 7, fraud complaints 7, disturbances 6, permits to purchase 6, child calls 5, harassment reports 5, human services reports 4, civil matters 3, domestics 3, lift assists 3, traffic hazards 3, vehicles 3, animals complaints 2, property issues 2, repossession of vehicles 2 and warnings 2.

Rice Police Department Feb. 6, 9:46 p.m. – Law enforcement received a complaint of a dog being left outside in the cold temperatures at a residence on the 4000 block of 125th Street Northwest. Officer arrived at the location and saw the dog was outside with no one home. Dispatch advised the officer that the Benton County Sheriff’s Office has visited the location before and has been informed the animal has a heated kennel. Officer confirmed the dog had access to the kennel and that the kennel was heated.

Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 8, traffic stops 6, animal complaints 2 and suspicious activity reports 2.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 13

NEWS

Page 14 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Public Notices

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that on March 1, 2021 at 205 East Main Street, Rice MN at 6:00 p.m. the City of Rice, City Council will hold a public hearing concerning submittal of an application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for a grant under the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) program.

The City of Rice (the “City”) is requesting approximately $300,000 to assist with the expansion of Performance Food Group. The funds will be used for the creation of jobs.

The proposed assistance constitutes a “business subsidy” under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 (the “Business Subsidy Act”). Information concerning the proposed project, including a summary of the terms of the business subsidy agreement, will be on file at City Hall on and after the date of this notice. Any person with residence in or the owner of taxable property in the City may file a written complaint with the grantor if the grantor fails to comply with the Business Subsidy Act, and no action may be filed against the grantor for the failure to comply unless a written complaint is filed.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing at which time you will be given the opportunity to express comments on the project.

Written testimony will also be accepted at the public hearing. Written comments must be received by February 26, 2021 at 205 East Main Street, Rice, MN. Specific questions can be directed to Amanda Othoudt, Benton Economic Partnership, Executive Director 320-968-6197.

The City of Rice makes reasonable accommodation for any known disability and to meet the needs of non-English speaking residents that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Persons needing an accommodation must notify Julie Fandel at 320-393-2280 no later than (date) to allow adequate time to make needed arrangements.

R-6-1B Notice of Hearing on Improvement TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the city council of Sauk Rapids will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:10 p.m. on February 22, 2021, to consider the making of the 2021 Overlay Improvements, an improvement on 4th Avenue North from 18th Street North to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 29 by Full Depth Reclamation and Overlay of the Streets pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is property along 4th Avenue North from 18th Street North to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 29. The estimated cost of the improvement is $367,000. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Ross Olson City Administrator Published in Sauk Rapids Herald on February 6, and February 13, 2021.

R-5-2B SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2021-794

The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2021-794 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on February 8, 2021: AN INTERIM ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY ALLOWING EXPANDED OUTDOOR SEATING FOR RESTAURANTS WITHIN THE CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS. It is the intent and effect of this Ordinance to temporarily allow expanded outdoor seating in order to accommodate restaurants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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-6-1B SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2021-796 The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2021-796 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on February 8, 2021: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING REGULATIONS. It is the intent and effect of this Ordinance to change the language of this previous Ordinance regulating the parking of vehicles within the public right of way to better comply with state statute.

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-6-1B SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2021-795 The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2021-795 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on February 8, 2021: The Sauk Rapids City Council adopted an ordinance that regulates food trucks within the City of Sauk Rapids.

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-6-1B

Loca al authorr releases

PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

(Above) Sara Judson Brown, a Sauk Rapids author and Foley City Hall assistant, stands next to a row of books at the Foley Public Library Feb. 1 in Foley. She authored and published her first book, “Siren’s Cove: The Perigalacticon Series.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

(Right) The title page of “Siren’s Cove: The Perigalacticon Series” is exactly what author Sara Judson Brown wanted. It gives readers a preview of what is to come from the sci-fi thriller.

Judson Brown pens beginning of science fiction series

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – Sara Judson Brown’s first science fiction novel, “Siren’s Cove: The Perigalacticon Series,” is a product of a lifetime of character and plot development, soul searching and grit.

Judson Brown, a Sauk Rapids-based author and the administrative and communications assistant for the city of Foley, is a science fiction aficionado.

She belongs to the Granite City Writer’s Guild in St. Cloud, binge-watched Star Wars stand alone series The Mandalorian, and spends a lot of time free writing or thinking up her own stories.

“I’ve always loved science fiction,” Judson Brown said. “It’s an escape from your normal everyday problems.”

For her entire life, Judson Brown – quite literally – has had science fiction swirling in her brain. As a kid, she created her own cast of characters and universe in her head, drawing on favorite television shows and movies for inspiration, developing the chops of a novelist even from a young age.

Moving into adulthood, Judson Brown never stowed away her knack for creativity. She worked various jobs around the Midwest as a

freelance writer, earning bylines in magazines and writing scripts for corporate training videos.

Working as a stringer for various publication, Judson Brown shared some ideas for a new story with a friend from college. Her friend suggested Judson Brown write a book with the material she had.

Around the same time in 2009, Judson Brown lost her job after her position as a corporate communications consultant was eliminated.

“So, I was unemployed, looking for work and trying to freelance from home,” Judson Brown said. “Writing the book became a great way for me to take a break and focus on something else for a little while. It was stress relief.”

It took a while, and at

times it was difficult, but eventually, she finished the book and sent it to various book agents. Judson Brown was denied at every turn. It was deterring, but it did not stop her from pursuing a lifelong dream.

A few years later, after moving to Sauk Rapids, Judson Brown learned more about independent publishing on Amazon as an emerging alternative to traditional publishing.

She dusted off the book and took it through several rewrites before deciding it was ready for publishing.

Judson Brown’s book debuted Jan. 26.

The science fiction novel drops the reader into Lieutenant Anaya Chapman’s spaceship, which, due to a faulty time coil, crashes and Anaya finds herself on another planet, very different from where she began.

The accident causes memory and identity loss – Anaya has no idea who she is, what she is doing

or how she ended up on the Colonies, a small planetary settlement with a thriving intergalactic tourist trade. Anaya finds herself the guest of a local tavern owner, Captain John Galeas, who has a troubled past that ends up creeping back into the plot.

“This first book is a first step into this world,” Judson Brown said. …

“There is a strong romance element, but there’s more to their story than just that.”

Anaya’s true identity is revealed – to her and those around her – just as John’s troubled and deadly past begins to resurface.

John and Anaya need to settle old business or risk losing their future, the book’s summary reads.

“My goal was to simply tell a story,” Judson Brown said. “I want to tell you the best story I can, and hopefully it keeps you turning pages.”

Judson Brown page 15

“Writing tips from Sara Judson Brown” How would you recommend starting a book? If you want to be a writer, you just need to start writing. Get those ideas out of your head and on paper. You should also make the time to read. Read as much as you can. Not just the genre you want to write, but other types of stories too so you can learn the craft of storytelling.

How do you stay motivated? For me, I try to focus on one chapter or one scene at a time. I set goals for myself like daily word counts. If I get stuck on a scene, I skip ahead to a part I’m more excited about and write that instead. That helps to keep the story moving forward.

What is the best tip you have for character development? You have to think about the character as if they are a real person. Think about people you know. They all look, sound and act differently. Your character is the same way. If you can make your character real in your head, then you can make them real on a page.

Can you recommend any resources for new writers? Make friends with other writers and join a writer’s group. You can share your stories and get feedback to help you become a better writer.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 15

Public Notices

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Benton County 4-H families from the 4-H dog project gather with their dogs for window visits Jan. 30 at the Good Shepherd Community Memory Cottages in Sauk Rapids. Nine families and 22 canines participated.

Canine companions bring county-wide comfort 4-H dog project participants visits nursing home

BY ANN OLSON, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION EDUCATOR

SAUK RAPIDS – Twenty-two canine companions and nine Benton County 4-H families gathered outside the windows of Good Shepherd Community Memory Cottages Jan. 30 in Sauk Rapids. The goal was simple: spread comfort to the residents who were assembled on the inside.

“It was very cool,” said Hudson Kleine, a fifthgrade 4-H member from Sauk Rapids.

Katelynn Pollard agreed. Pollard is a sophomore 4-H member from Foley.

“It was so great to see all of the residents smiling faces, and they loved the animals,” Pollard said. “It is important for us to remind them they are not forgotten and not alone.”

Many of the residents could hear through the windows, so the 4-H members could have conversations with them. Families shared information about their dogs and showed the residents tricks they had taught the animals.

“We got to make people happy by walking up, showing our dogs and entertaining them,” said Amy Kleine, one of the 4-H dog project leaders who coordinated the event.

The Benton County 4-H dog project plans to schedule additional visits with residents.

Judson Brown from front A lot of Brown’s characters are out of place; they are not where they are supposed to be, and, in the main character’s case, she cannot remember why she is where she is, or what happened in her past to get her there.

“When you step out of place, when you step out of where you were, what

PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA BENTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 05-PR-21-169 Case Type: Informal Probate Notice of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative and Notice to Creditors In re the Estate of Janet Carol Underdahl, Deceased.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS.

do you become?” Judson Brown asks in the book.

Although Judson Brown never had a traumatic brain injury causing memory loss, she frequently had the opportunity to find her way in a new place, having lived in several different states before Minnesota.

Sometimes that meant

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Amy Kleine, Benton County 4-H dog project leader, performs tricks with a dog during window visits Jan. 30 at Good Shepherd Community Memory Cottages in Sauk Rapids. Dog project participants plan to schedule more visits with residents.

trying something new, and sometimes it meant solidifying existing personality traits.

Judson Brown said she feels like she grew as a writer as she penned the first installment of the Perigalacticon series. She already wrote the second book of the series, and she said the third book is in the works.

Above all, Judson Brown hopes the book is

a page-turner. She wants it to be a book that hits home for people who love science fiction, a good plot and a little romance – and intergalactic pirates.

“You can’t spend that much time with (the book) in your head and try to write the story without liking it and wanting to share it with other people,” Judson Brown said.

Public Notices Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated March 4, 1995, has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Darla Lynn Schmidt, 5901 Westcliffe PL, St. Cloud, MN 56303, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent.

Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative, or may object to the appoint-

ment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn.

Stat. §524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to teh appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. §524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Date: February 2, 2021 Cheryl Woehler Probate Registrar Date: February 2, 2021 Cheryl Woehler Court Administrator

R-6-2P

REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, January 25, 2021 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: Nick Sauer, Ellen Thronson, and Dottie Seamans. Members absent: Jason Ellering. *Presentation of Pleasantview Elementary Groundbreaking Shovel Sauk Rapids-Rice Superintendent, Brad Bergstrom, and Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Chair, Ryan Bukowski, presented the City of Sauk Rapids with a ceremonial shovel from the October 19th groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pleasantview Elementary School. Bergstrom thanked the City for their help and support with the project.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda NONE 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes A. 1-11-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 1-11-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications NONE 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 8. Public Hearings A. Applicant Sauk Rapids Softball, Inc. Purpose To Consider a Request for an On-Sale 3.2 Beer License for Sauk Rapids Softball, Inc. located at Bob Cross Park for the months of April through October of 2021 1. Open Public Hearing 2. Close Public Hearing Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Consider Action Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded

by Councilperson Sauer to approve and adopt a resolution approving an On-Sale 3.2 Beer License for the license period of April 15, 2021 through October 24, 2021 for Sauk Rapids Softball, Inc. Motion carried unanimously.

9. Consent Agenda A. Approve City Council Committee Assignments for 2021 B. Approve Request to Post Internally the Promotion from Police Officer to Sergeant C. Approve Purchase of Plow Truck Mack Granite Series D. Approve the Selling of Old Public Works Equipment E. Approve Rice Site Plan at 1021 Benton Drive Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Sauer to approve consent agenda items 9A-9E. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda A. 2021 Overlay Improvements Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Resolution to Accept the Feasibility Study and call for a public hearing on the 2021 Overlay Improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

11. Other Staff Items NONE 12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Sauer to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded

by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m.

R-6-1B

SPORTS

Page 20 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Storm’n Sabres shine in St. Cloud Girls hockey uses power play, goaltending to find win

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Sauk Rapids-Rice-Sartell girls hockey head coach Marty Anderson pointed out ahead of their vaunted matchup versus St. Cloud that every game against the Icebreakers always comes down to a one-or-two-goal difference.

Their latest game maintained that tradition, as the Storm’n Sabres grinded out a magnificent 3-1 victory over their Central Lakes Conference rivals Feb. 9 at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud.

“Both teams bring out the best in terms of effort and energy against each other, and this game was the same as others that have happened in the past,” Anderson said.

St. Cloud established early puck control and possession, outshooting SRRS 10-7 in the first period, but the visitors were far more opportunistic. Rachel Wieland, who entered the contest with nine points in five games,

stole a puck in the defensive zone and zipped past the Icebreakers for a breakaway opportunity, where she fired it above the shoulder of St. Cloud goalie Kailee Falconer for the score.

“Rachel made a great individual effort,” Anderson said.

“Whenever you can get a lead like that, it settles the nerves. She got us off on the right foot.”

And, in a chippy, no-holdsbarred-style hockey game, the Storm’n Sabres maintained puck possession and severely limited strong scoring chances on the side of St. Cloud. After relinquishing nine goals to the Willmar Cardinals, SRRS was constantly battling for the puck, whether it was in the neutral zone or on the attack.

“If we can get the forwards moving in the offensive zone, having that puck is a big asset,” Anderson said. “Like I tell the girls, not many people get tired playing offense, but when you have to defend for long stretches, that’s when fatigue can set in.”

Storm’n Sabres goaltender Morgan Dorn rejects a close shot attempt from St. Cloud’s Katherine Bell Feb. 9 at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. After allowing nine goals in her previous appearance, Dorn bounced back in a big way with 26 saves on 27 attempts against the Icebreakers.

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Kelly Carriere ( from left), St. Cloud’s Tori Anderson and Erika Johnson battle for possession of the puck near goalie Morgan Dorn Feb. 9 at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. The SRR-Sartell co-op seized a 3-1 victory over the neighboring Icebreakers.

The Storm’n Sabres defense kept the Icebreakers’ shots to the outside, making saving pucks much easier for Morgan Dorn, who came through in a major way with 26 saves. The freshman’s save percentage jumped to .899 with the stellar performance.

With the game evened up in the second period, SRRS’s power play became a gamedeciding factor. The unit crashed the net on an opportunity, where Wieland slammed home another goal, assisted by Lauren Wensel and Anna Lundeen.

“Our power play has been a really big strength for us the entire season,” Anderson said.

“It’s one of the best power plays we’ve had in years. They work well together and really move the puck well.”

And lo and behold, the SRRS power play came through again in the third period, with Lundeen, Wieland and Wensel working their way to the net for the insurance tally. While the trio

were essential in providing the team’s scoring output, it was the definition of an all-around team win.

“Ingrid Buiceag-Arama and Jayden Lommel do a great job on the penalty kill and are some of the better penalty killers we’ve had in years,” Anderson said.

“We’ve got active defensemen, Erika Johnson and Morgan Cromwell, who do a great job with good sticks and know when to attack.”

The triumph launches the Storm’n Sabres to a 5-1-1 record, where they sit third in the conference. They will play the Buffalo Bison, who eliminated SRRS in last year’s Section 8AA Tournament, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell.

“There’s no looking ahead,” Anderson said. “We have to be ready for what’s in front of us right now, and that’s the Buffalo game, which we’re looking forward to.”

SRRS 1 1 1-3 SC 0 1 0-1 SRRS:First period: 1. Wieland 2:13. Second period: 3. Wieland (Lundeen, Wensel) 13:45. Third period: Lundeen (Wieland, Wensel) 7:56. Dorn 26 of 27.

Willmar 9, SRRS 5 In SRRS’s exciting 3-0-1 start to the 2021 campaign, they found that a formula for success was stout defense based around positioning and speed.

The Willmar Cardinals effectively kept the co-op out of their game plan, establishing a forecheck and finding goal after goal in an action-packed 9-5 victory Feb. 5 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell.

For Dorn, it was her first taste of struggles in net. SRRS was hit hard early, as the visitors struck for four goals in the opening, including two in the first three minutes, 30 seconds.

Girls hockey page 21

Lauren Wensel (front) embraces Rachel Wieland following a goal Feb. Rachel Lindmeier (right) tries to hold onto the puck while losing her footing Feb. 9 at the Municipal 9 at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. The duo combined Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. It was a crisp, 51-minute performance for the Storm’n Sabres, who for five points in a 3-1 win over St. Cloud. defeated the Icebreakers through strong goaltending and timely power-play opportunities.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 21

Confidences rises for Storm wrestlers

SRR loses to Willmar, defeats Fergus Falls

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Two wins at the Fergus Falls Triangular were not to be for the Sauk Rapids-Rice wrestling team.

The Willmar Cardinals overcame an early deficit and flexed their depth in the higher weight classes, taking a highoctane dual 53-19 Feb. 5 at Fergus Falls High School in Fergus Falls.

“I believe our overall performance is improving,” said Cole Wilson, head coach.

“This season has presented some odd challenges and that’s really thrown off our team’s energy. We are starting to fight for each other and wrestle as a team.”

This increasing sense of team unification was present in the early goings, as Vance Barz and No. 6-ranked 113-pound wrestler Alex Diederich secured a pair of mat wins for SRR, accomplishing the feats through major decision and technical fall, respectively.

However, Willmar, who entered the day with an undefeated 5-0 record in Central Lakes Conference matchups, was quick to respond, tallying off seven wins in the next eight matches.

Helping to spell the streak was Storm senior Andrew Wollak, who earned a decisive 11-2 win in the 138-pound showdown.

“Our team is starting to come together in terms of chemistry,” Wilson said.

“As much as wrestling is an individual sport, it takes team chemistry to keep the energy rolling through duals.”

Owen Scheeler battled hard against ranked 145-pound competitor Caden Carlson, eventually being pinned at 2 minutes, 46 seconds. SRR picked up more points through the noticeable effort of Cole Ackerman, who is ranked No. 9 among Class AAA’s 182-pound wrestlers. Ackerman took down Jacob Leiva by fall at 0:46 to provide a small spark for the Storm.

With appearances like the ones displayed in the triangular, the short-term future of the program is bright.

“Consistency is going to be key as our season continues,” Wilson said. “We have had really good performances and need to do our best to compete at that level regularly. If we’re able to wrestle at a high level, consistently, the team wins will take care of themselves.”

The Storm visited Rocori High School to face the Alexandria Cardinals and the Rocori Spartans Feb. 12.

SRR competes against those two programs again at 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18, at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

“We have the ability to win these duals,” Wilson said. “We just need to have everyone firing on all cylinders and bringing the hammer down.”

106: Vance Barz won by major decision 13-3. 113: Diederich won by technical fall 19-2. 120: SRR lost by forfeit. 126: Brayden Ness lost by major decision 10-2.

132: Ethan Anderson lost by fall 0:42. 138: Wollak won by major decision 11-2. 145: Scheeler lost

Girls hockey from front Wensel helped SRRS fight back with conviction.

She scored her third goal of the campaign at 5:35 to slice the Willmar lead in half before pitching in on a power-play goal from Kelly Carriere 1:42 into the second period as the Storm’n Sabres tied the game at four.

Cardinals star Bailey Olson, committed to playing at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls next winter, piled up an astounding six points to record her third hat trick of the season as Willmar tallied five of the final six goals to grab their fifth win.

WIL 4 2 3-9 SRRS 2 2 1-5 SRRS: First period: 3. Wensel (Rachel Lindmeier, Johnson) 5:35. 5. Taylor Scepaniak (Lindmeier, Jayden Lommel) 8:10. Second period: 7. Carriere (Wieland, Wensel) 1:42. 8. Sadie Herdina (Brayley Vandenburg, Cromwell) 4:10. Third period: 11. Wensel (Carriere, Johnson) 1:29. Dorn 24 of 33.

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Ingrid Buiceag-Arama lunges to maintain control of the puck Feb. 9 at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. Behind a strong defensive effort, the Storm’n Sabres earned a huge win against the St. Cloud Icebreakers.

by fall 2:46. 152: Reid Kiffmeyer lost by fall 2:43. 160: Kieran Hixson lost by fall 1:28. 170: Matt Krepp lost by major decision 18-6.

182: Ackerman won by fall 0:46.

195: SRR lost by forfeit. 220: Dane Dingmann lost by fall 1:02. 285: Joey Hoeschen lost by decision 6-1.

SRR 62, Fergus Falls 15 Embattled after several difficult, closely-contested losses, the Storm used perseverance to convincingly seize their first victory of the season.

The Storm took the first seven matchups, more than enough to power their way to a 62-15 over the Fergus Falls Otters Feb. 4 at Fergus Falls High School in Fergus Falls.

The Central Lakes Conference battle began and ended with authoritative performances, as 106-pound Vance Barz and 285-pound Hoeschen pinned their opponents in the first 10 seconds of their matches.

Fergus Falls won three consecutive weight classes, but SRR demonstrated their eagerness to close out the conference dual strong, as Graham Doherty’s win by fall in the 182-pound matchup was the first of four straight triumphs to end the day.

106: Vance Barz won by fall 0:08. 113: Jack Barz won by fall 3:03. 120: Diederich won by technical fall 17-0. 126: Ness won by forfeit. 132: Anderson won by forfeit. 138: Scheeler won by forfeit. 145: Wollak won by decision 7-0. 152: Kiffmeyer lost by decision 8-1. 160: Hixson lost by fall 0:51. 170: Krepp lost by fall 3:27. 182: Doherty won by fall 2:28. 195: Ackerman won by fall 0:32. 220: Dingmann won by fall 0:47. 285: Hoeschen won by fall 0:08.

Storm boys basketball flies high against St. Francis Comeback win snaps three-game losing streak

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Preceding their upcoming game against highly-touted St. Francis, the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys basketball team held an atypical Monday morning practice.

The Storm had lost three consecutive Central Lakes Conference contests, all by double-digits. The losses were far from the inspiring comebacks displayed in the first three games of the campaign. A heart-to-heart conversation about the state of the team, it seemed, was needed.

And clearly, the team was receptive, as SRR outscored the one-loss Saints by 13 points in the second half on their way to a remarkable 63-58 triumph Feb. 8 at St. Francis High School in St. Francis.

“It’s huge,” said Derek Peterson, head coach. “When you lose two, three games in a row, … you start questioning a lot of things, so getting a win against a very good basketball team turns your thoughts around.”

Like many of their games, both wins and losses, the Storm started off slow. They saw their early opportunities narrowly miss as the Saints snagged control of the game with a 7-0 scoring run to begin the back-and-forth affair.

“St. Francis is an excellent basketball team, and we knew we’d be in for a fight,” Peterson said. “They didn’t hang their heads. They kept fighting and that’s what it takes.”

The hosts led by as much as 13 and never trailed in the first half, as the game eventually settled into a bout to remember, with neither team budging. SRR stayed patient, chipping away at the lead, and eventually found their break in the form of a 13-0 run early in the second half.

“We’ve been on the other end of those scoring droughts, so it was nice for the tide to flip in our favor in that situation,” Peterson said.

Ethan Opsahl, SRR’s latest Central Lakes Conference Player of the Week, added more acclaim to his mammoth senior season, putting up 26 points on 8 of 17.

What helped push the Storm over the top was their possession ability and instinctive rebounding skills. They won the board battle 40-33 and only committed 10 turnovers against a feisty, scrappy St. Francis team, courtesy of a stellar 16-point, eightrebound performance from point guard Elijah Moilanen.

“Elijah Moilanen had his best performance in terms of managing the game,” Peterson said. “He did not turn the ball over, and St. Francis was yelling from the bench, trying to trap, trying to get the ball out of his hands, but Eli didn’t let that happen.”

After the squads were deadlocked at 46, the Saints never led again, with the Storm using strong outings to secure the muchneeded victory. Andrew Harren recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, while Alex Harren picked up 11 points and six boards.

The Storm took on the Tech Tigers Feb. 11. They will attempt to repeat their success, this time against the Little Falls at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

“It’s not going to get any easier for us, so we have to be ready, mentally and physically,” Peterson said. “Little Falls is always tough. They might not have the best athletes or basketball players, but they make up for that with a lot of effort, so we have to be ready for that.”

SRR SF

22 41-63 30 28-58 SRR: Opsahl 26 points (4R), Moilanen 16 (8R), Alex Harren 11 (6R), Andrew Harren 6 (10R, 3A), Carter Loesch 2 (3R) and Mason Rudolph 2.

Fergus Falls 77, SRR 44 One season ago, the Fergus Falls Otters were one game away from a state tournament appearance before their Section 8AA championship appearance against Perham was scrapped in the first wave of COVID-19 cancellations.

That high level of play has progressed into this season, and the Storm discovered it firsthand.

SRR struggled to make shots, recording a 26.7% field-goal percentage in a disappointing 77-44 loss to the Otters Feb. 5 at Kennedy Secondary School in Fergus Falls.

The Storm’s production was heavily reliant on 3-pointers, as the visitors made 11 such shots throughout the game. Opsahl and Andrew Harren tied for the team lead in points with 13.

Chance Fazio was unstoppable for the Otters, breaking the Storm both offensively and defensively with 30 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

SRR FF

25 19-44 39 38-77 SRR: Andrew Harren 13 (7R, 4S), Opsahl 13, Dominic Mathies 6 (4A), Rudolph 5, Alex Harren 4, Bryce Lund 2, Loesch 1 (6R, 3A) and Moilanen (4A).

Page 22 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SPORTS

Grabinski remains undefeated Swim and dive falls to Alexandria

BY DANNA SABOLIK STAFF WRITER

The Sauk RapidsRice boys swim and dive team had a slow week, but the meet hosted against Alexandria Feb. 4 was full of competition.

Coming off a tough loss to Sartell the week before, the SRR teammates and head coach Jason Tangen were hoping for a better outcome as they took on the Cardinals. At the end of the night, Alexandria defeated the Storm 12462.

“They are another top-five team in the state in Class A and will be giving Sartell a run for their money later in the year,” said Tangen about the Alexandria boys swim and dive team.

Elijah Grabinski continues to be undefeated in Central Lakes Conference

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Jack O’Brien pushes himself forward during the 400-yard freestyle relay Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. O’Brien, alongside Hayden Zabinski, Alex Lucas and Cash Walz, took third in the relay competition.

competitions in diving, and Cash Walz put in a season best performance in the 500-yard freestyle for a win in that event.

“The team did surprisingly well,

considering the harder had five swimmers drop practices that we 10% or more off their were going previous seasonthrough last best times last week,” Thursday. They Ta n g e n are definitely said. “We starting to get

stronger and faster at the right time of the year.”

The Storm competed Feb. 11 against Tech High School in St. Cloud and will travel to Brainerd Thursday, Feb. 18, for a 6 p.m. meet at Brainerd High School.

200MR: 2.

Jack Christoferson, Tucker Hendrickson, Hayden Zabinski and William Nielsen 1:49.75; 3.

Jaxon Young, John Moran, Alex Lucas and Walz 2:01.26; and 5.

Chuck Peterson,

John Moran takes a deep breath during the 100-yard breaststroke event Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Moran earned the Storm a point through his 1:18.50 mark.

Evan Scapanski participates in the 100-yard breaststroke Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm boys swim and dive team fell to the Alexandria Cardinals 124-62.

(Above) William Nielsen spreads his arms wide during the 100-yard butterfly Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

Nielsen placed fifth in the event with a time of 1 minute, 6.75 seconds.

(Right) Hayden Zabinski shouts words of encouragement during an event Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm boys swim and dive team lost the point battle to Alexandria in a 124-62 defeat.

Evan Scapanski, Matt Woeste and Noah Blodgett (EX) 2:10.24. 200FS: 3.

Christoferson 2:06.16, 4.

Blodgett 2:08.8, 6. Young 2:10.97 and 7. Peterson (EX) 2:33.81. 200IM: 4.

Lucas 2:24.57 and 5.

Nielsen 2:29.18. 50FS: 2. Hendrickson 24.09, 4.

Jack O’Brien 25.13 and 6.

Woeste 28.52. 1M Diving: 1. Grabinski 248.90 points, 4. Zabinski 171.30 and 6. Reid Johnson 136.50.

100FLY: 4. Lucas 1:06.70, 5. Nielsen 1:06.75 and 6. Steven Ritten 1:09.65.

100FS: 3. Christoferson 54.79, 4. Zabinski 56.99, 5. O’Brien 58.52 and 6.

Kyle Petermeier (EX) 59.98. 500FS: 1. Walz 5:17.76, 4.

Blodgett 5:59.05 and 5. Scapanski 6:28.84.

200FSR: 2.

Hendrickson, Nielsen, O’Brien and Christoferson 1:36.78; and 4. Ritten, Cole Sowada, Moran and Petermeier 1:48.91.

100BK: 3. Walz 1:04.57, 4. Young 1:05.09 and 6.

Peterson 1:11.03. 100BR: 2. Hendrickson 1:03.37, 5. Moran 1:18.50 and 6.

Ritten 1:24.36. 400FSR: 3.

O’Brien, Zabinski, Lucas and Walz 3:46.90; 4. Blodgett, Petermeier, Young and Ritten 3:58.17; and 5. Woeste, Sowada, Peterson and Scapanski (EX) 4:34.97.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | Page 23

MSHSL approves winter tournaments

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Sauk Rapids-Rice varsity high kick dancers – Jada Fautsch (from left), Rachel Kremers, Emma Miller, Bella Peplinski, Campbell Arndt and Sarah Anderson – perform “Mr. Worldwide” at the Storm home invite Feb. 6 in Sauk Rapids. The high kick team placed second with 371 of 500 points.

Tears shed, as seniors recognized at annual home show SRR dance scores climb as postseason inches closer

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

Eight Sauk RapidsRice High School seniors were the stars of the show as the Storm kicked off its home invite Feb. 6.

Captains Veronica Peacock, Sarah Anderson, Bella Peplinski and Maddie Richards along with fellow classmates Madison Ostman, Ava Jaime, Maya Line and Allyson CarstensenBoe were recognized by families and coaches Ali Mohr and Jennie Weber. The athletes met their families at center floor for hugs, flowers and photo opportunities.

Some parents donned long-sleeve T-shirts that carried the theme of the day, “Can’t promise tomorrow, but I promise tonight,” a lyric from the high kick performance, “Mr. Worldwide.”

Coaches Mohr and Weber shared a few words about the seniors who began the high school dance program at the same time Mohr began her SRRHS coaching career.

Eighth graders Quinn Arndt (front) and Jada Fautsch pirouette during the Sauk Rapids-Rice jazz team performance “Higher” Feb. 6 in Sauk Rapids. The jazz team switched their dance prior to the Jan. 30 competition in hopes to raise their scores, and the decision has paid off.

“You will always be our babies,” said Mohr, with tears in her eyes.

“We love you.”

The seniors, in turn, thanked the two coaches for sticking by them

throughout their teenage years before the 9 a.m. heat began.

Seven schools traveled to the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School to take part in the

Saturday competition.

When the three heats were completed, the Ranger dance team of Forest Lake and the Knights of St. Michael-Albertville had taken the top spots.

The Rangers scored 373 of 500 points for their high kick performance and the Knights tallied 383 points in jazz.

The Storm high kick team was nine points shy of Forest Lake’s score, placing second with 364 points. SRR jazz placed third with 371 points, behind first-place St. Michael-Albertville and second-place Forest Lake.

The meet was an opportunity for the Storm to see where they rank amongst Section 4AAA competitors Forest Lake, St. MichaelAlbertville, Duluth East and Moorhead. Although the Storm’s dance scores have jumped considerably since the beginning of the season, Moorhead, who placed last in the SRRHS competition, has also shown progress – indicating all teams are improving and reaching for that state bid.

SRR dance travels to Anoka High School to perform Saturday, Feb. 13, against 11 schools – including eight section competitors.

Dance page 24

PHOTOS FROM THESE GAMES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Dance invite Feb. 6 Boys swim and dive dual Feb. 4 Girls hockey Feb. 9 Find them online at www.saukrapidsherald.com under ‘photos’

BROOKLYN CENTER – Plans for championship experiences were approved Feb. 4 during the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors meeting.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, state tournaments for spring and fall 2020 sports had been canceled.

The board supported a conceptual postseason plan for the winter tournament season that includes state tournament dates and formats. Under the projected plan, a fiveweek run of state tournament events will begin with dance March 12 and end with basketball championship games April 10.

Staff will be directed to organize tournaments in a context that is safe, adheres to the governor’s executive orders and follows guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health.

With each activity beginning postseason play at the section level, these events will continue to progress to a state tournament.

While details of state tournaments continue to be formulated, here is a projected look at each remaining winter activity: Dance: The event is tentatively scheduled for Edina High School March 12 (jazz) and March 13 (high kick). It will be a single-day event for each category with a single dance per day. Each day will start with Class AAA. Wrestling: A three-day event scheduled March 25-27 will be held at a venue to be determined. Each class will have its own day of competition. The state tournament format at the final venue will feature four qualifying teams that advance from team state preliminaries, held regionally, March 13. In the individual tournament, eight qualifiers in each weight class will advance to the final venue.

Basketball: Following quarterfinal play at regional sites for 32 games (16 girls, 16 boys) March 30-31, semifinals will be played April 6-8, and championship games are scheduled April 9-10, both at Target Center.

Nordic skiing: The one-day, two-session event is March 12 with a tentative host site of Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort in Biwabik in St. Louis County. Eighty skiers in each gender will compete.

Boys swim and dive: The three-day event is tentatively scheduled to be at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the University of Minnesota campus beginning with diving March 18. No swimming preliminaries will be held, rather timed swimming finals will be March 19-20 with one class per day. A maximum of four sections will compete at any one time.

Gymnastics: The two-day event is tentatively scheduled to be at Champlin Park High School. Class A teams and individuals will compete March 26, and Class AA teams and individuals will compete March 27. There will be two sessions of four teams/sections each day. Qualifying individuals will rotate with the qualifying team from their section.

For qualifying individuals who are also part of the qualifying team, their score on each event will count toward individual and team competition.

Hockey: State tournaments in both girls and boys hockey are tentatively scheduled for March 26-27 and March 30 through April 3 at the Xcel Energy Center. Girls quarterfinals will be March 26-27 and boys quarterfinals March 30-31. The girls semifinals will be played April 1 followed by the boys semifinals April 2. Four championship games, two in each gender, will be played April 3.

The approved concepts focus on providing championships that maintain health and safety, provide spectator access, demonstrate financial responsibility and create memorable tournament experiences.

To monitor updated information on tournaments as it becomes available, visit www.mshsl.org.

SPORTS

Page 24 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Dance from page 23

Then, the Storm finish out their season on their home floor in a five-team invite at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 19, and the Central Lakes Conference championship tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.

Both competitions take place at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.

High Kick: 1. Forest Lake 373 of 500 points (4), 2. Sauk Rapids-Rice 364 (7), 3. Delano 367 (8.5), 4. St. Michael-Albertville 362 (9), 5. Hutchinson 347 (14.5), 6.

Duluth East 335 (18), 7. Bemidji 295 (22) and 8. Moorhead 289 (23).

Jazz: 1. St. Michael-Albertville 383 (5), 2. Forest Lake 378 (7), 3. Sauk Rapids-Rice 371 (10), 4. Delano 364 (12), 5.

Duluth East 365 (14), 6. Hutchinson 357 (15.5), 7. Bemidji 316 (22) and 8. Moorhead 306 (23).

KVTU " '&8 3&"40/4 8): :06 4)06-% +0*/ PVS 5&". a steady paycheck great benefits including paid time off at hire free tuition* to a two-year college for your children *Information on free tuition: HormelInspiredPathways.com

/08 )*3*/( */ 5)& '0-&: "3&"

(Above)

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

(Above) Senior captain Bella Peplinski leaps into the air during the high kick competition at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Feb. 6 in Sauk Rapids.

Peplinski was one of eight Sauk Rapids-Rice High School seniors recognized before the competition.

hatchery worker night maintenance CDL drivers

(Left) Senior captain Veronica Peacock (front) and freshman Campbell Arndt leap during the jazz dance Feb. 6 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm dance team is a mix of middle and high school athletes.

SCHEDULE

Current openings:

Eighth grader Jada Fautsch moves her arms while performing as a member of the Sauk Rapids-Rice dance team Feb. 6 in Sauk Rapids.

The varsity teams compete Saturday, Feb. 13, in Anoka in a large invite that includes eight section competitors.

TRADE IN UNCERTAINTY FOR STABILITY. Jennie-O Turkey Store is an EO employer - M/F/Veterans/Disabled FR6-3B-RB

Saturday, Feb. 13 Saturday, Feb. 13 Saturday, Feb. 13 Tuesday, Feb. 16 Tuesday, Feb. 16 Tuesday, Feb. 16 Thursday, Feb. 18 Thursday, Feb. 18 Thursday, Feb. 18 Thursday, Feb. 18 Friday, Feb. 19 Friday, Feb. 19 Friday, Feb. 19

Dance Invite at Anoka Girls Hockey vs. Buffalo Boys Hockey vs. Princeton Boys Hockey at Isanti Ice Arena Boys Basketball vs. Little Falls Girls Hockey at Brainerd Wrestling Triangular Boys Swimming & Diving at Brainerd Girls Basketball at Sartell Boys Hockey vs. Willmar Dance Invite Boys Basketball vs. Bemidji Girls Hockey vs. Roseau

Leading the

Landon Lunser Parents: Dick and Karen Lunser

Accomplishment: Senior on the Sauk RapidsRice High School boys hockey team.

What is your favorite part about What other activities are you hockey? Being with the boys and involved in at school? Baseball. going on long road trips.

Why is it important for you to be What is your favorite thing to do with involved in school activities? Because your team? Getting together outside everyone looks up to you, and it is really of hockey and playing pond hockey. fun to compete for your school.

How do you prepare in the minutes leading up to competition? I, to go along with everyone else, sit in darkness with complete silence.

How do you make a difference at school? By getting good grades and helping others with school work if they are struggling.

A H A A H A H A A H H H H

11:00 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm

Leading the Storm is

Sponsored by:

Which teacher has impacted your education most? Jon Roesch.

Who has been a mentor to you? Brady DeGagne, currently our head coach. He has helped me throughout my career with decisions and is always there for me if I need it.

What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song? Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich with fries, “The Benchwarmers,” Snapchat and all songs

by Suicideboys.

Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

A Proud Supporter of Storm Athletics

Good Luck to All Sports Teams!

800-847-2502 • 320-632-2908

www.brandlmotors.com 14873 113th St., Little Falls, MN 56345