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
R8-1B-BL
info@gerhardsonchiropractic.com www.gerhardsonchiropractic.com
• DOT Physicals/Drug Screening Services • School Sports Physicals • Craniosacral Therapy
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Same Local Coverage Since 1854. 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 166, No. 47
Organizers remain hopeful for Rapids River Days Tentative date for summer festival is June 24-26 BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Hopeful but unsure. That is where organizers of Rapids River Days stand as they consider the possibility of a 2021 festival. Whether or not Rapids River Days events take place this June will depend on the governor’s orders, festival coordinator Marla Elness said. Under the current restrictions, most of the events would not be permitted, but if restrictions on social gatherings are lifted or modified, Sauk Rapids could have a festival for the first time in two years. “Fingers crossed” is Elness’ mantra. Though the three-day summer festival held the last weekend in June is four months down the road, organizers are preparing to the extent they can but are conscious of the fact that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could put the kibosh on Rapids River Days again. If it means keeping community members safe, Elness is OK with that.
“I don’t want to put anyone at risk,” she said. “I don’t want to give anyone false hope either.” But, with blessing from the governor and the city, Elness would like to bring community members together again for a weekend of fun and to support local causes. “If we can’t do it, we can’t do it, but we’re going to try,” she said. Eager for normalcy and social interaction, several people have asked Elness if Rapids River Days is happening this year. “I know people are anxious to get out,” she said. Organizers typically start planning Rapids River Days months in advance, and this year is no exception. The tentative date for this year’s festival is June 24-26. COVID-19 infection rates are declining and people are receiving the vaccine, so the chances of community events taking place are greater than they were last June. Though restrictions on social gatherings are in place, organizers want to be ready if they get the green light. “We’d rather be prepared in case it’s going to be open for events this year,” Elness said.
River Days page 3
Recognized for excellence in community, education, leadership PHOTO SUBMITTED
William Nielsen (right) celebrates with his DECA teammates. Nielsen received the 2021 ExCEL Award, recognizing excellence in community, education and leadership, from the Minnesota State High School League.
Nielsen receives
ExCEL Award
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – William Nielsen, a junior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, was one of 36 students who received the 2021 ExCEL Award – recognizing excellence in community, education and leadership – from the Minnesota State High School League. The ExCEL program recognizes juniors who are active leaders in school activities and demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. Recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. “I feel honored,” said Nielsen, son of Brent and Elisa Nielsen of Sauk Rapids. “The experience of receiving the ExCEL Award was validating. All the hard work, it’s worth it.” Nielsen credits his family, peers, teachers, coaches and influential role models for shaping him into the person he is today. “I’m very blessed and very
PUBLIC NOTICES
The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
• Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Advertisement for Bids - pg. 16 • Minden Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 16 • Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 16 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Minutes, Feb. 8, 2021 - pg. 15 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Work Session Minutes, Feb. 8, 2021 - pg. 17 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Reg. Board Meeting, Jan. 25, 2021 - pg. 15 • Watab Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 15
William Nielsen fortunate to have such a large support network,” said Nielsen, who is thankful most of his family members live in the area and can attend his school events. “My family support network has been phenomenal throughout my whole life.” Given the choice, Nielsen said he would rather achieve great things with other people than by himself. “Succeeding with others by your side is so much more grat-
• Benton County Planning Commission Notice of Public Hearings - pg. 18 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Notice of Public Hearing - pg. 16 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Propossed Assessment - pg. 15 • Benton County Notice of Test of Automark Voting System - pg. 16 • Benton County Notice of Expiration of Redemption - pg. 17 • Sauk Rapids Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 18 • City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 10 • Mayhew Lake Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 10
ifying,” he said. “If you’re going to succeed, do it with your friends by your side.” Nielsen met some of his best friends through Storm activities, which have taught him perseverance, shown him the value of teamwork and through which he has reaped the rewards of hard work. He said he has learned what matters most is not the finish line, but the process and the journey. “That’s where you grow and learn,” he said. Nielsen began swimming in the second grade and continues to do so as his main sport. He qualified for sections in ninth and 10th grades. He also participates in track and field. He has participated in math league since his sophomore year, recently serving as captain, and has been in choir since freshman year. Last school year, he performed a solo during the choirs’ large-group performance.
Nielsen page 2
OBITUARIES • Kathleen M. Lay • Ralph E. Rymer, Jr. • Peter E. Wesenberg