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Saturday, March 6, 2021
Township elections Tuesday Annual meetings follow voting March 9 BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE – Township residents are invited to the polls Tuesday, March 9. Much like municipal elections that take place in November, township elections take place across the state on Township Day – the second Tuesday of March. In addition to casting their ballots for supervisor and treasurer positions this year, residents have the opportunity to take part in government at the townships’ annual meetings. Residents in attendance will vote directly on their jurisdiction’s 2022 tax levy at the meeting and will discuss and vote on other items as well. Most meetings take place after polls close, so check with your township clerk for more information on voting and meeting times and places. There are two races in Benton County this year. In Alberta Township, Mike Walcheski and Tim Winter compete for one supervisor term, and in Granite Ledge Township, Fred Lentner and incumbent Troy Lupke are vying for one supervisor seat.
Elections page 4
Same Local Coverage Since 1854. 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 166, No. 48
Rogers, Ziegler
named SRR teachers of the year Science, early childhood educators advance to state competition BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
Mike Rogers and Louise Ziegler were named Sauk Rapids-Rice School District’s 202021 teachers of the year. Rogers, an eighth-grade science teacher, is the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by my colleagues and by the Sauk Rapids-Rice district,” Rogers said. “Our district is filled with amazing educators, so to be honored with the Secondary Teacher of the Year award is something very special to me.” Ziegler, an early childhood special education teacher at Hillside school, is the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“I feel extremely honored to have received this nomination,” Ziegler said. Both teachers will move on to the state competition for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. In its 57th year, the recognition program celebrates the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. The winner will be chosen from a field of 75 candidates. Finalists will be announced in March, and the winner will be announced in May. (The banquet may be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.) Rogers has been in school classrooms for 26 years. A science teacher since 1994, he has taught eighth-grade Earth science at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School since 2010. “Teaching at Sauk RapidsRice is a genuine pleasure,” Rog-
Louise Ziegler Elementary Teacher of the Year work teachers do. “Our community is very supportive of our work here at school, and that makes all of our jobs – especially Mike Rogers in the middle Secondary Teacher of a pandemic – of the Year that much more fulfilling,” he said. Sauk Rapids-Rice ers said. “I feel that Sauk RapidsRice really puts the whole child students are resilient and flexfront and center, caring not just ible during these turbulent times, about the academics, but also the Rogers noted. He also comdevelopment of other skills such mended district staff. “My colleagues put their as collaboration, curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and heart and soul into what they do, raising everyone’s game,” Rogempathy.” Rogers considers himself ers said. fortunate to be doing a job he loves in a community and disTeachers page 3 trict that supports and values the
COVID-19: One year later
Virus that spread through world leaves impact locally BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – About a year ago, on March 16, 2020, the virus that touched every corner of the world was confirmed for the first time in Benton County. The disease that became known as COVID-19 continues to leave its mark locally. As of March 4, 34 cases in the county are active. Throughout the year, Benton County experienced 4,477 total cases, 79
deaths and 214 individuals hospitalized. The most confirmed cases were concentrated in Sauk Rapids, about 2,100 in total. Foley has had 838 cases confirmed, Rice has had 657, the Benton County portion of St. Cloud has had 582, Sartell has had 221 and Oak Park has had 80. Even though the virus made its way through Benton County and continues to be prevalent, Benton County Public Health and CentraCare providers are boasting the
PUBLIC NOTICES
The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
• Sauk Rapids Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 13 • Mayhew Lake Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 8 • Benton County Notice of Expiration of Redemption - pg. 13 • City of Sauk Rapids Public Hearing Notice - pg. 13 • City of Sauk Rapids/Sauk Rapids Township Joint Planning Board of Public Hearing - pg. 13
resilient nature of Benton County residents and the business community. “Looking back at the whole year, I would focus on change and how well our communities and our people have done with change,” said Dr. George Morris, incident commander for CentraCare’s COVID-19 response.
• Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, Feb. 16 - pg. 6C • Benton County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing - pg. 13 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing - pg. 4C • Assumed Name - A Clean Slate Painting - pg. 8 • Assumed Name - Create Good MN - pg. 4C • City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 8
COVID-19 page 7
OBITUARIES • Marilyn “Lynn” P. Borgert • Eugene “Gene” J. Borgert • Joyce I. (Reberg) Horton
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 3
Community Ed Corner
Teachers
Barn Storming: Minnesota ACT Prep Seminar This seminar is for students of all abilBarns and Barn Quilts ity levels and will enable each student to
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Colleague Paul Schlangen nominated Rogers for the recognition. “Mike is as selfless of an educator as I have come to know,” said Schlangen, middle school technology integration coach. “He pours his heart and soul into the work that he does because it’s what’s best for kids. I know that all teachers are working tirelessly to adapt to this very different experience, but Mike stands as an exemplar for how to adapt while keeping students and their unique experiences at the forefront.” Rogers serves in a number of leadership roles in the middle school, taking on extra workloads to impact his colleagues. He is chair of the science department and ensures his colleagues are kept up-todate on changes happening at the state level. He is on the staff development committee, which works to develop meaningful and relevant training and professional development for staff. Rogers has also mentored new science teachers in each of the last three years. His mentorship role has extended to colleagues in other departments as he works to guide others to reflect on their practices. “He selflessly gives up copious amounts of his own precious time to serve those around him,” Schlangen said. “Whether it’s the students in his classes, his building-level department, new teachers or other colleagues, Mike truly exemplifies what it means
Minnesota is filled with countless numbers of barns, most from a bygone era. However, there are a bunch in operation as well. Professional photographer and amateur historian Jay Grammond has traveled the state capturing images of barns of all shapes, sizes and conditions. Some barns are adorned with barn quilts, or pieces of art on the side of a barn, shed or house that usually tell some sort of story. A Zoom link will be sent prior to class. Thursday, March 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.. Online.
prepare for the ACT college admission test. Participants gain valuable insight into the ACT through a close examination of each question. The workshop teaches students those strategies necessary for answering specific question types and general test taking tips. Suggestions for post seminar test preparation will also be shared. Class fee includes a study guide and 24 practice tests. A limited number of scholarships are available. Enrollment is limited, so register as soon as possible. Sunday, March 21, 12:30-6 p.m., Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 To register or for more information on Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www. isd47.org/ce or 320-258-1577.
What can you bring to the table?
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Louise Ziegler, special education teacher, interacts with children March 2 at Hillside School in Sauk Rapids. Ziegler was chosen as the district’s elementary level teacher of the year.
to be the Sauk Rapids-Rice Teacher of the Year.” Ziegler has been teaching in the field of early childhood special education for 24 years, including 14 years for Sauk RapidsRice. “I absolutely love working with the youngest learners in our district and their families,” Ziegler said. Ziegler teaches children ages 3 to 5 who have a variety of special needs. She also assists with the assessment process for identifying children with special needs of these ages in the district. “It is a great district to work in, and what makes it great each day for me are
my co-workers and the kids,” she said. Ziegler was nominated by colleagues Emily Eder and Alyssa Fleischhacker, who called her an advocate for young learners. “She works so well with the kids and is always willing to help wherever she is needed,” Eder wrote in her nomination letter. “Louise gives the best advice to teachers, paraprofessionals and the students.” Fleischhacker wrote that Ziegler is ready to help any child who walks into her classroom. “Louise is always ready to step in when someone needs help,” she said. “Not only has she helped students learn and grow, she also has been a great teacher to me since my very first day teaching. She has been a great support and leader in everything I do. I hope to be a teacher like her someday.”
5th Annual Food Drive All March Long All through the month of March, please bring your donations to any of our three locations, whether it be nonperishable food or money. We’ll match you dollar-for-dollar or poundfor-dollar up to $2,000 per location. You’ll also get a reusable grocery bag to keep while supplies last. Let’s help stock our local food shelves together, because friendly still counts!
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Mike Rogers is an eighth grade science teacher at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Rogers is the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.
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NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 5
County tables mutual aid request for Chauvin trial Sheriff suggests sending deputies to Minneapolis BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – As the city of Minneapolis prepares for the trial of Derek Chauvin – the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on the neck of George Floyd and summoned a national reckoning over race – Benton County commissioners were asked to provide resources to help protect the city against potential violence. Benton County Commissioners tabled the mutual aid request at a meeting March 2 to have more time to digest the proposal. The board will discuss the issue at its next meeting, March 16. The mutual aid agreement asks Benton County (and other counties throughout the state) to provide aid for the Chauvin trial, where Minneapolis city leaders fear they do not have enough staff to contain potential public unrest. The agreement calls for a three-year commitment where the sheriff’s office would be called to respond as needed, though the county can pull out of the agreement for any reason with a 30-day notice. Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck can decide to retain deputies so his jurisdiction remains appropriately staffed at all times. Under the agreement, the county would be responsible for damages and workers’ compensation insurance if a Benton County deputy is hurt, injured or killed in the line of duty. The city of Minneapolis would reimburse the county for overtime pay and civil action against a Benton County deputy if either situation arises. Though Heck reluctantly offered his approval of the mutual aid agreement, the board
was less agreeable. Commissioners Ed Popp, Scott Johnson and Jared Gapinski cited the Minneapolis City Council’s push to defund the police and irresponsible rhetoric as reasons to be wary of the request. Commissioner Steve Heinen said he would abstain from the vote for personal reasons. Heck mostly agreed with Popp and Gapinski’s assessment of the situation and tried to answer why he suggests sending resources to Minneapolis, noting it is not because he has any sort of affinity for the political leadership there. “I believe that to this day, they continue to trade their public safety responsibilities for the opportunity to promote their misguided agenda,” Heck said. “This comes at the cost of sowing the seeds of chaos and anarchy that will no doubt grow into the weeds of crime that’s destined to infest that city for years to come.” But for Heck, there are competing interests, namely that mutual aid has been a staple of law enforcement and has benefitted Benton County many times. “Minnesota sheriffs take pride in living the motto, ‘No sheriff stands alone,’” Heck said. “With only a phone call, (larger counties) brought us things and people that we could never afford in Benton County that we’ve desperately needed, and right now, Hennepin County needs our help.” Heck is concerned, if Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis do not have enough law enforcement present, that officers and deputies might be injured, property might be damaged, and a potential upset group of people may be emboldened. He said if crime goes unchecked, it might be only a matter of time before Benton County is targeted for violence and destruction. If the county board approves the agreement, Heck said
he would likely send three to four deputies to Minneapolis when requested. He wants to ensure Benton County is not understaffed during the Chauvin trial, mentioning that the safety of this county is the top priority. In the open forum portion of the meeting, three retired law enforcement officers – Michael Lewandowski of Foley, Michael Deppa of Foley and Jim Hovda of Rice – said the details of the contract were also cause for concern. If Benton County sheriffs or property are injured or damaged, Hovda said, the monetary responsibility falls on Benton County’s taxpayers. Lewandowski echoed Hovda’s concerns and added that the Minneapolis City Council should have given the county more time to respond and showed more support for law enforcement. In other board news: – Benton Economic Partnership Director Amanda Othoudt brought the second round of state COVID-19 business grants to the county board, totaling $421,512. The round accounts for the rest of the grants to be dispersed, initially a sum of $787,399. This round of grants was slightly different as BEP granted equal allotments of the remaining $421,512 to all businesses that applied successfully in previous rounds of grants. Othoudt said, between November and December of 2019 compared to the same months in 2020, Benton County businesses that received grants totaled more than $4 million in losses. – The board formally suggested that the St. Cloud Regional Airport appoints Angela Olson as its ninth at-large member. Olson, of Stearns County, has extensive experience in aviation in the public and private sectors.
has opened online scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. This allows people who are eligible to receive the vaccine to schedule an appointment online or by calling CentraCare Connect at 320-200-3200. Before moving to vaccinating the next priority groups, outlined by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the state of Minnesota needs to achieve a goal of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans who are 65+. “This is a huge vaccination effort, and we want to move quickly so we can start to vaccinate the next group of individuals with high-risk health conditions and other essential workers,” Morris said. “We are already preparing our staff to be ready to reach out to those pa-
Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. March 5 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Eugene “Gene” J. Borgert and Marilyn “Lynn” P. Borgert. Marilyn passed away May 22, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital and Eugene passed away March 1, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens will officiate and Gene will join his beloved wife at St. Francis Xavier Parish Cemetery in Sartell. Friends and relatives could call from 4-7 p.m. March 4 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell and one hour prior to services Friday morning at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Eugene Joseph Borgert was born July 6, 1931, in St. Cloud to Lawrence and Louise (Battis) Borgert. He served his country in the United States Navy from January 1951 to October 1954 on the USS Newport News. Gene worked in general labor for Borgert Concrete and he also worked at Ferche Millwork for a number of years. After his retirement, he worked at Auto Value. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the past district governor for Lions International, where he enjoyed traveling to many Lions events and participating in Leader Dog and the Eye Bank. Gene liked fishing, vacationing at the lake, going for a swim in his pool and woodworking in his shop. He made many beautiful wooden bowls and he like helping his wife, Lynn, in her ceramics shop. Marilyn “Lynn” P. Borgert was born Aug. 12, 1934, in St. Cloud to Alvin and Florence (Bastien) Woods. Lynn was very artistic, owning and operating Ceramic Pines ceramic shop with her husband for 20 years. She retired as a receptionist at the North Information Desk at the St. Cloud Hospital after 25 years. Lynn was active in the St. Francis Xavier Church and was a member of the Christian Mothers. She was also active in the Riverside
Marilyn “Lynn” P. Borgert & Eugene “Gene” J. Borgert
Lions Club in Sauk Rapids for many years. Lynn enjoyed sewing, painting, decorating for Christmas, traveling, gardening, cooking and baking. The couple was united in marriage Sept. 17, 1955, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in St. Cloud. They lived all of their lives in St. Cloud and Sartell. Gene and Lynn were very proud of their family. They loved getting together with them at holidays, family reunions and at the cabin on Pelican Lake. Survivors include their children, Scott (Susan Whalen) of Memphis, Tennessee, Denise (Daniel) Stang of Sartell, Pamela (Jim) McMahon of St. Cloud, and Timothy of Sartell; siblings of Lynn, Marjorie Bystedt, Judy (Donald) Byram, Suzanne (David) Fritz, Michael (Jean) Woods, Sharon (Robert) Bemboom, Patrick Woods, Nancy (Edward) Johnson, Laurie (Maury) Bloom, and Malia (Grant) Golberg; brother in law, Michael O’Connor; sister in law, Judy Woods; grandchildren, Kristopher, Joshua, Jason, Mathew, Amber, Sarah, Dina, James, Sean, Kelsey, Willow, Summer, Cody, and Autumn; and 21 great grandchildren. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anita O’Connor; and brother, John Woods. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lynn on May 22, 2020; brothers and sisters, Kenneth, Donna Mae Raab, Richard, Kathleen Thommes, Mary Louise Clark, Loren and Renee Stang. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com R-9-1B
“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
Vaccine appointments open for 65+
ST. CLOUD – CentraCare and Carris Health are gearing up to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to as many eligible individuals as possible. “While initial COVID-19 vaccine supplies were limited during the first 8-12 weeks, it has allowed us to build our scheduling systems and get our vaccination clinic processes in place,” said Dr. George Morris, incident commander for CentraCare’s COVID-19 response. “Over the last week, we are pleased to see our vaccine supply increase, and we are now able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone in those first priority groups, including those aged 65+, who want to receive it.” In an effort to provide scheduling options, CentraCare
Marilyn “Lynn” P. Borgert and Eugene “Gene” J. Borgert
tients in the next phase so we can swiftly pivot to the next priority group.” The first doses of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have also arrived at CentraCare and Carris Health, allowing the three available vaccines to now be distributed within the region. All the available vaccines have been proven effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated with the first vaccine available to you will help protect you from COVID-19. For up-to-date information on CentraCare’s COVID-19 vaccine plans, visit centracare. com/COVID19vaccine.
Joyce Ione (Reberg) Horton
Joyce Ione (Reberg) Horton, born March 21, 1937 and died Feb. 26, 2021. Born and raised in Sauk Rapids. Big move to Seattle. Secretary at Boeing. Played in the Seattle Post Office Band. Sunday School Teacher. Big fan of hockey and baseball. Volunteer. Passed away peacefully, on her terms, in Silverdale, Washington, after living about 10 years in Port Orchard, Washington. Preceded in death by parents John and Alma (Lesse) Reberg, eight brothers, two sisters, two nephews and husband Dale Horton. Survived by sister Norma Reberg, children Christina (Horton) Oklahoma, David and Jamie (Cochran), and John and Liz (Graffunder), eight
Joyce Ione (Reberg) Horton
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial at Bethany Lutheran Church-Port Orchard, Washington. Graveside gathering at Abbey View Cemetery-Brier, Washington, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7. R-9-1P
Page 6 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
University of Minnesota Extension information The University of Minnesota is a land grant institution and is required to do research and to share the results with all citizens. Land grant colleges and universities were created by the Morrill Act of 1862 to provide classical, scientific, agriculGREEN AND tural and engineering GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY education. Legislation passed in 1914 estab- BY LINDA G. TENNESON lished cooperative extension service from land grant colleges to the public. Part of this sharing and educating the public is done through newsletters and blogs that anyone may subscribe to and receive information appropriate to the time of the year on gardening, beef, community development, dairy, crop news, natural resources and swine. Go to www.extension.umn.edu/news to view a list of the various areas. Individuals may sign up to receive newsletters or to find an email address where questions may be submitted. Articles may also be read on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Selecting the link to natural resources will lead the reader to a newsletter titled “Natural Resources News” which is concerned with preserving and enjoying nature. One of the latest articles describes small animals such as weasels and rabbits that turn white in the winter to help them stay safe from predators. An article from a few weeks ago describes owls, and there is another about identifying which animals have left their scat or manure behind in the snow. Also on this page is a link to the “My Minnesota Woods” newsletter which covers caring for trees whether it is a single tree growing on a house lot or a large woodland. The latest gardening articles may be found by going to www.extension.umn.edu/yard-andgarden/yard-and-garden-news. Recent articles discuss which kinds of bell peppers grow well in our gardens and how to prune apple trees. There is also an archive containing the articles from the past three years. The fruit and vegetable newsletter has an article on the seed shortages that may found in some catalogs plus an article on the best varieties of pumpkins and squash to grow in a home garden. The extension also supervises the 4-H programs in the state. The University of Minnesota Extension website has a lot of information, but there are times when a neighboring state may have articles on subjects that have not been written about by a Minnesota extension educator. Extension newsletters from neighboring states may be useful if that state has a similar climate and growing conditions. Katie Drewitz, extension educator for horticulture, small farms and local food, helps to educate gardeners in both Stearns and Benton counties and may be reached at 320-255-6169. Questions left on voicemail will be answered by her or by extension master gardeners from either county. Questions may also be submitted by email to mnext-stearns@ umn.edu. Questions can be submitted to the state website by going to www.extension.umn.edu/ master-gardener/ask-master-gardener and filling out the form. Note this service is available only to Minnesota residents. Reminder: Sign up for the Benton County Extension Master Gardeners Gardening Seminar on Ornamental Invasive Plants that takes place at 7 p.m. April 15 via Zoom. Go to www.z.umn. edu/springseminar to register, and a link will be emailed to you on the day before. For more information, call 1-800-964-4929 or visit www.extension/umn.edu/benton. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
A threshold for glory
According to a July 12, 2020, article In all your conduct? Even when I am “High Pain Tolerance” on Medical News Tostruggling to breathe over here? There is a day, the feeling of pain is the body’s natural purpose for this pain. Through the pain we response to uncomfortable stimuli it feels learn how to better set ourselves apart. Suffrom the environment or elsewhere. Everyone fering is not supposed to halt our forward has a different level of pain tolerance, which movement; it can be the means in which refers to how much pain someone can reasonGod removes our “I” to adorn our heart with ably handle. the Gospel, which makes us of use to him This matter of multi levels of pain and going forward. its purpose has been weighing heavily on my “For to this you were called, because mind. What makes someone able to judge anChrist also suffered for us, leaving us an exLIFE BY FAITH other person’s level of pain tolerance? What is BY MERCY NYGAARD ample, that you should follow his steps,” 1 the purpose for pain? Can we find the answers Peter 2:21. to these questions medically, or a grander purJust like Jesus, we must use our freepose biblically? dom to submit to our father’s will. Just like Jesus we Fibromyalgia, paralysis, cancer and other disabili- must trust our soul to our faithful creator and obey his ties and ailments are physical forms of real suffering. A word. Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree, so verbally abusive spouse, a wicked and disobedient child, that we might live for righteousness, 1 Peter 2:24. the inability to find work and other emotional hurts are Now, whatever pain and grief you are in, no one can not so evident outwardly but are forms of real suffering. judge the level you ought to be in. Everyone has a difSin and suffering just are. Because of the fall of man, ferent pain threshold. My pain might not cut as deep as sorrow, pain, desires, toil and other hardships entered the yours but my threshold might be so low that it hurts just as bad. I feel too fast, and I think too much. Don’t look world. After Jesus died for us and was risen to sit at the to what others are thinking of you. Overlook an offense right hand of God, the Holy Spirit was given to us to if someone tries to diminish your pain. Most importantly, point us to the truth and unite us with Jesus. The Holy keep your mind on the mission. Our purpose is to glorify Spirit helps conform us to the image of Christ, and so God. Through our pain, God is helping us submit to his the apostle Peter not only sees holiness as necessary for enduring hardship; he sees hardship as a way the Spirit will, lay down our pride and remove the “I” in our lives. makes us holy. The Hebrew word for holy is qodesh and Hang in there. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not means apartness, set-apartness, separateness, sacredness. As followers of Jesus, we must be set apart. We must not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowllive like the world does, and we must not display what edge him and he will make your paths straight,” Provthe world displays. We are called by our creator and must erbs 3:5-6. There is hope: “For I consider that the sufferings of walk in a manner worthy of our calling. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be this present time are not worthy to be compared with the holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be glory which shall be revealed in us,” Romans 8:18. holy for I am holy.’”
Rich in love, joy A couple weeks ago, my grandma the world – prayers for the sick, for the told me she was mailing a check to Sauk hungry, for the destitute, for the lost, for Rapids. the broken-hearted and the sorrowful. Before I could ask why she was sendOne of the vows taken by every nun ing me money, she said the funds were is poverty. Instead of buying things from for the well-deserving sisters at the Poor a store, my aunt often makes gifts for my Clare’s Monastery. sister and I. Through the years, we have “The nuns do so much good,” she amassed a collection of handmade dish said while stirring a pot on the stove. towels, washcloths, soap, bracelets and Grandma explained that, after a notecards. Like store-bought items, some group of cloistered nuns – dedicated to a EXPRESSIONS BY EL of the gifts have a tag. It says “Made by quiet, prayerful life – from the Carmelite BY ELLARRY PRENTICE the loving hands of the School Sisters of order moved to her home area of WahpeNotre Dame.” ton, North Dakota, farmers never had a bad crop. While nuns choose a life of poverty – holding all Sure enough, I found an article from 2015 in things in common, living simply, not being attached which a priest from the Diocese of Fargo said there to stuff – they are rich in love and adoration. Though hadn’t been a bad harvest in the neighboring fields for their material possessions are few, you would never 80 years, citing the intercessory prayers of the nuns as tell by the joy that radiates from each of the sisters. a blessing on the area. In 1946, Mother Teresa heard the call to go to the “It’s like that old poem (by Alfred Tennyson) we slums to serve God among the poorest of the poor. memorized in grade school: ‘More things are wrought She once said that the most terrible poverty is loneby prayer than this world dreams of,’” Grandma said. liness and the feeling of being unloved. That’s why The conversation shifted to memories of us visit- she gave up everything and put love into action as a ing convents in Minnesota. My aunt has been with the missionary. School Sisters of Notre Dame for 40 years. Mother Teresa found joy through loving others, I remember taking trips to Bird Island, Buffalo, especially those without sufficient resources, not by Mankato and St. Paul to visit my aunt, who has also shopping at a store. lived in St. Louis, Missouri, and traveled to Rome in “I have found the paradox, that if you love until her leadership roles. The sisters, as I’ve personally it hurts, there can be no more hurt only more love,” witnessed and garnered from a recent interview with she said. the newest sister in Sauk Rapids, are very close. They The Poor Clare’s live a very simplistic life, and I lean on one another and collectively use their gifts to admire that. Their life of prayer and love is possible serve their community. because of benefactors like my grandma. Their greatest gift will always be intersession for
Traditional letters to the editor policy
Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be under 400 words and to the point, and be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday. E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com
EDITORIAL/NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 7
February weather, phenology in review Weather: Compared to last year, a lot on the same date in Tower. The warmest colder. And, if you can believe it, more was 58 degrees in 1932. The most precipimoisture. tation, 2.94 inches, fell in 1922, and 29.4 The first half of the month was cold, inches of snow in 2019. and the second half a lot warmer. Fifteen Phenology: Bird-wise a good showdays with temperatures zero or colder. The ing for our normal winter birds. Our two first half average temperatures were 6.78 Eurasian collared-doves were here all degrees above and 7.36 degrees below month. The National Geographic Field zero, respectively, for the high and low. Guide for birds shows this dove is supTen of the 14 days were below zero. An FROM THE NORTH posed to be in Florida. Darlene Hiscock improvement the second half with 26.28 SHORE OF LITTLE has had this species in her yard for several and 6.64 degrees for the high and low. Avyears. A flock of wild turkeys has been in ROCK LAKE BY JIM HOVDA erages for the month were 16.96 degrees the area off and on. Jeb Willis observed a and .39 degrees below zero. Last year’s racoon on his deck. He said it was really averages were 30.9 and 5.31 degrees. A lot warmer. scruffy looking. I observed about 20 trumpeter swans The coldest day was Feb. 15 with a 29 degree in the open water by the Highway 10 bridge. Yes, the below zero reading while the warmest was 43 degrees channel to the river actually froze-over for a short peFeb. 22. Seventy-two degrees difference. I thought it riod. Spring is not far away. would never warm up. Little Rock Lake: Fishing was slow the last Measurable precipitation occurred on only six half of the month. Ice thickness according to Vince days totaling .45 of an inch. I was surprised to find Goering was 26 inches. No portable fish houses on that last year we received only .15 of an inch. The the lake on the 28th. most snow fell Feb. 28 when 2.9 inches of snow meltWhat’s ahead: Ice out on Little Rock Lake? ed to .24 of an inch of liquid in the gage. We ended Once in a while in March, usually in about mid-April. the month with 5.9 inches of snow and 23.4 inches Twice in May. Do not put the snow blower away yet. for this snow season. All in all, a cold dry month. Let’s hope for a good ice breakup on the river. An ice Local weather records: The coldest temperature jam by the Gordon Bridge could spell trouble causing locally was 42 degrees below zero in 1996 while the high water on the lake. The first early spring flowers? all-time state record of 60 degrees below zero was set
Letter to the Editor
Seize the day
Michelle Hoppe, Rice Last week was one of my favorite times of the year in Minnesota. The dark, short and quiet days of winter burst back into our lives in a blue-skied, sunny, warm and noisy delight. It’s the day we come out of a deep and long freeze, a day we take a deep breath and our lungs don’t burn, and a day all of us living here cherish and appreciate. Everything is so happy. The birds are singing, dancing in the puddles, checking out every nook and cranny suitable for this year’s nesting spot. They seem to take joy in finding seeds that were missed under the blanket of snow as it slowly melts and drips. The variety and number of birds passing through my yard each spring is a sign of hope, a chance for new beginnings, adventures and friendships. Suddenly every parking lot is full. People happily bustle about in shorts and T-shirts; it’s above 30 degrees. The parks are full. Dogs are running. People are smiling and laughing. Behind our masks, we can see joy in one another’s eyes as we hope this is the end of it. We take walks,
COVID-19 from front
Benton County Public Health workers Amanda Hageman and Julie Willman said one of the most important things they learned from the pandemic thus far is the flexibility and resiliency within public health and in the community as a whole. As situations and information changed, so did public health’s response. With each stage of the virus came a new challenge, Willman said, and no solution was particularly easy to come by. Public health was tasked with educating the community, outreach to residents and businesses, and ensuring the logistics of vaccine distribution were fast and effective, to name a few. “Information was changing within a day, even changing by the
push slush – anything to be outdoors. Even seeing brown patches of lawn brings happiness as I think of gardens to tend. Take a comfortable chair and ice fish in the sun. If you happen to catch fish, it’s an added bonus. As they say, only in Minnesota. To say 2020 was different than years before would be an understatement. If we made it through the year without pain, suffering and loss, as many of our friends and neighbors endured, we are blessed. Take a moment and say thank you to 2020 for every blessing you received. Say goodbye to anything else. Look deep inside and realize how waking up every morning is another day to be thankful. Life is short. If there’s something you want to do, do it. Save, plan, set the date and do it. You will never regret it, and you never know the new exciting things you will see and learn on adventures you take. This is the greatest blessing. I enjoy being retired, and even short hiking trips with the dog to new spots brings a peace and contentment I find hard to match. Remember, March is our snowiest month, so get out while you can and enjoy the beauty of central Minnesota.
hour,” Willman said. “Constantly having to adapt to those changes, I think we’ve been really strong in that area.” Willman and Hageman agree with Morris that the rapidly changing environment surrounding COVID-19, while difficult to navigate, exemplified the strength of a united people fighting for a common goal, whether in public or private health or as a citizen. “There needs to be recognition of how fast we can do things when we have a common goal,” Morris said. “When we all know that we’re pulling together toward the finish line, we can do things very quickly without cutting corners.” When the virus was first confirmed in Benton County, Willman, Hageman nor Morris had any idea what was going to come next. There were obstacles, challenges and an ever-changing set of information, making it hard to know what the future
What’s Happening Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information. Monday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Frozen Meal Distribution. For people age 60 or older. All clients must complete an annual registration form. There is no cost to participate, and meals are distributed through a contactless, drive-thru format. First Presbyterian Church, 340 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud. Monday, March 8, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids City Hall, 251 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Monday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, March 9 – Township Day. Elections and annual meetings. Check your township for polling place hours. Tuesday, March 9, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, March 9, 1-3 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Frozen Meal Distribution. For people age 60 or older. All clients must complete an annual registration form. There is no cost to participate, and meals are distributed through a contactless, drivethru format. Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Tuesday, March 9, 8:15 p.m. – Watab Township Annual Meeting. New location to accommodate social distancing. Old Village Hall, 30 E. Main St., Rice. Wednesday, March 10, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Friday, March 12, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – St. John’s Area School Bake Sale. SJAS Gymnasium, 215 Seventh Ave., Foley. Friday, March 12, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Maywood Covenant Church Youth Group Fundraiser. 6823 135th Ave. N.E., Foley. Friday, March 12, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m. to noon – Foley Area Mothers of Preschoolers Fundraiser. New Life Church, 931 Norman Ave. N., Foley. Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. John’s Area School Bake Sale. SJAS Gymnasium, 215 Seventh Ave., Foley.
held. In the darkest days of Benton County’s experience with the virus in November 2020, the highest singleday increase in confirmed cases was 141. Willman and Hageman remember the sadness that set in every time they received updated numbers from the state. “Every day, it was like, ‘How much higher is it going to get?’” Willman said. But they said even through all the sadness and doubt came hope and a willingness to fight back. Morris echoed that claim. He said some people have different perspectives on the coronavirus and various mitigation measures; however, the story of the last year was about fighting for the collective good and small victories along the way. “The most heartfelt moments were patients that were long-term ICU (intensive care unit) or ventilator patients, finally getting off them and
finally being able to be rolled down the hallway to cheering nurses and doctors,” Morris said. Looking into the future, Morris, Hageman and Willman are excited about the vaccine, but they also said to keep up with mitigation measures like mask wearing and social distancing. Although the vaccine protects the person it is injected into, Willman said it is unclear if those who have been vaccinated are capable of carrying and spreading the virus to those who have not been. She also stressed the importance of having patience as the vaccine becomes more available. President Joe Biden said vaccines will be available for everybody by the beginning of May, Willman said. “Get tested and continue to follow mitigation strategies,” Willman said.
Page 8 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333
ASSUMED NAME: A Clean Slate Painting. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 145 1st Ave SW, Rice, MN 56367 United States. NAMEHOLDER(S): Reggie Harris, 145 1st Ave SW, Rice, MN 56367 United States. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. /s/ Reggie Harris 02/27/2021 R-9-2P Mayhew Lake Township Notice of Annual Town Meeting and Election Notice is hereby given that the Annual Town Meeting and Election of the Town of Mayhew Lake, in the County of Benton, State of Minnesota, will be held on March 9 at Mayhew Lake Townhall. The Election Polls will open at 12:00 noon and close at 8:00 p.m. to elect the following town officers: One Supervisor One Treasurer The Annual Meeting will commence at 8:10 to conduct all necessary town business as prescribed by law. If inclement weather should occur on the above scheduled date, the Annual Meeting and Election will be held on the third Tuesday in March at the above scheduled times. Lawrence Thell, clerk Mayhew Lake Township R-8-2B
SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion City of Sauk Rapids Sauk Rapids, Minnesota The City of Sauk Rapids invites bids for the Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion in accordance with the bidding documents prepared by Rice Companies, Inc. Bids will be received for separate Bid Categories managed by Rice Companies, Inc., construction managers. Project Scope: Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion will include: Concrete Footings/Foundations and Floor Slabs, Precast Concrete Wall Panels, Structural Steel Columns/ Beams, Steel Barjoist, Steel Decking, Membrane Roofing, Hollow Metal Frames/Doors with Hardware, Aluminum Windows, Gypsum Board Assemblies, Flooring Finishes, Painting, Fire Suppression, Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical, Sitework/Building Excavation/Utilities, Bituminous Paving/ Concrete Curb and Gutter, Fencing, Landscaping/Irrigation. Bid Date/Place of Opening: Sealed bids will be received on or before March 25th, 2021 @ 3:00pm and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Bids will be received by the City of Sauk Rapids, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. Submission of Bids: Each bidder will be responsible for submitting the required bid forms in a securely sealed envelope. The envelope shall be marked to indicate the following. 1. Name and address of the bidder 2. Name of the project 3. Name of the bid category bidding. The envelope should be addressed to the City of Sauk Rapids and should be hand delivered at the location designated. No other forms of bids shall be accepted. Prebid Meeting: Will be held on site at 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 on Tuesday March 16th, 2021 at 10:00am. Bidding Documents: Copies of bidding documents will be available for digital download through the office of the construction manager, Rice Companies, Inc. contact the office at 320-252-0404. Plans will also be available through Minnesota Builders Exchange and St. Cloud Builders Exchange. Documents will be available on March 9th, 2021 contingent on city council approval on March 8th, 2021. Bid Security: Submit with each bid, a certified check or acceptable bidder’s bond payable to City of Sauk Rapids in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment and Performance Bond. Bids may not be withdrawn within thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or to reject any or all bids, or parts of such bids, and waive informalities or irregularities in bidding. Prevailing Wages: Not required. Consideration of Bids: The bidder acknowledges the right of the Owner to reject any and all bids, accept any bid, waive informalities in bids submitted and waive minor discrepancies in bidding procedures, as deemed to be in its best interest. Each bidder agrees to waive any claim it has or may against the Owner, the Construction Manager, the Architects and respective employees, arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation or recommendation of any bid. Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of (30) calendar days immediately following the date of receipt of bids. Prior Approval: This project has a prior approval clause for product substitution. R-9-2B
NEWS
Watab drops extra fee on town hall rentals
Annual meeting is March 9 in Rice
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
Watab Town Hall can now be rented without an extra fee for events that are catered. At their March 2 meeting, the Watab Town Board approved dropping a surcharge for catered events that was previously intended to cover the expense of trash pickup. Now that a dumpster is on site and there is plenty of refuse capacity, the board decided renters need not pay the fee. Going forward, the 10% fee will be dropped from the $75 rental fee for Watab residents and from the $100 fee for non-residents. Watab Town Hall can be rented for special occasions such as birthday and anniversary parties and has the capacity to accommodate up to 100 people without taking into account COVID-19 restrictions. Annual meeting is March 9 Watab’s annual meeting will begin at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the
Old Village Hall, 10 E. Main St., Rice. The need for social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic prompted the location change. The meeting will be accessible online, via Zoom, for those who do not wish to attend in person. The township election remains at the town hall, 660 75th St. NW, Sauk Rapids. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.. The two seats up for re-election are supervisor and treasurer, currently held by Julie Johnson and Deborah O’Keefe, respectively. Johnson and O’Keefe are unopposed on the ballot. Grant request submitted for Sucker Creek project Township engineer Kevin Kruger said he has submitted an application for a grant that would fund the reconstruction of Sucker Creek Road. A dozen letters from residents who live on or frequently travel Sucker Creek Road were submitted with the request. If awarded, the Local Road Improvement Program grant would cover the cost of the design and construction to widen and rebuild Sucker Creek Road and improve drainage, travel and safety to residents. Funds would be available as early as May. Sucker Creek Bridge, located on the same stretch
of roadway, is nearing the end of its life cycle and is scheduled to be replaced this year, with state aid designated for bridge replacement covering most of the project. Watab will be responsible for engineering costs of approximately $10,000 and the first $10,000 of construction costs, with construction costs to be covered by township bridge replacement funds. 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 to minimize disruption. If Watab is awarded the grant, it will free up dollars for another boardapproved project: designing the reconstruction of Sharon Place, which is next to Sucker Creek Road. Asked if the Sharon Place project is indeed going to happen, board chair Julie Johnson said it hinges on the receipt of the grant for Sucker Creek. For now, while the township awaits word on possible grant funding, Sharon Place redesign is only a possibility in terms of whether it will make the list of 2021 projects, but a survey of the road was completed Monday, Johnson said.
Watab to bid 105th Avenue project The board approved advertising for bids to build wear course (the final, upper layer of roadway) and a quiet zone on 105th Avenue Northwest. The small stretch east of the railroad tracks to Highway 10 northwest will be widened and the grade improved to the tracks. The rest of the road has already been widened and the base course put in place. Watab Township will be responsible for paying BSNF Railway for the installation of the quiet zone, expected to cost $96,000. In other board news: – The annual board of review and equalization hearing will be at 5 p.m. April 13 at the town hall. During this hearing, Watab property owners can appeal their assessed valuation or classification. – Johnson reported Watab received $14,737 in park dedication funds from Benton County. The township does not maintain any parks, so it typically returns the funds to the county. Supervisors agreed to shelf the funds while they wait to see if the trail that is proposed to connect Benton Beach Park on Little Rock Lake and downtown Rice moves forward.
News Briefs
Winter load increases ended March 4
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Transportation ended winter load increases in the central frost zone March 4. Spring load restrictions in the central frost zone started March 5. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown at www.mndot.gov/loadlimits. Overweight permits for more than 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight will continue, and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. Full-summer overweight permits can be issued, during the spring load restriction period, for travel on the interstate system only.
Middle-range overweight permits become avail-able within each frost zone when spring load restric-tions are lifted. Full summer overweight permits be-come available two to three weeks after spring load d restrictions are lifted. Ending dates for spring load restrictions are vari-able and based on how weather is affecting roadway y strength. All changes are made with a minimum three-day y notice. For questions about over legal weight/size heavy y haul trucking, call MnDOT’s Freight and Commerciall Vehicle Operations Oversize/Weight Permits 651-296-6000 or email ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us.
Pulse on People
Students honored for academic success
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL – Rice residents Alexandra O’Brien, Luke Vannurden, Tiffany Welty and Jacob Wieland and Sauk Rapids residents Bailey Bauer, Madeline Chopp, Ellise Fedor, Emma Gunderson, Anna Hasbrouck, Joshua Krebs, Jack Luukkonen, Zoe Rogers, Gabriel Subramaniam, Megan Wahlin, Landrie Walz and Savanna Youngren were named to the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities fall 2020 dean’s list for achieving a 3.66 grade point average. MANKATO – Rice resident Hannah Trefla and Sauk Rapids residents Nevaeh Braucks, Maia Hasbrouck, Audra Marquard and Rilie Sularz were named to the Minnesota State University-Mankato
fall 2020 honor list for achieving a 3.5-3.99 GPA. ST. JOSEPH – Bailey Becker, child of Brad d and Linda Becker of Sauk Rapids; Megan Bem-boom, child of Joel and Trisha Bemboom of Rice;; Madison Davis, child of Chris and Nancy Davis off Rice; Taya Hurlbut, child of Kristing Gjerset and d Corey Hurlbut of Sauk Rapids; Kaylee Juntunen-Novak, child of Nicole Juntunen of Sauk Rapids;; Rachel Leen, child of Donald and Cindy Leen off Sauk Rapids; Claire Peterson, child of Brett andd Jennifer Peterson of Sauk Rapids; and Anna Zele-ny, child of Renee and Michael Zeleny of Rice, weree named to the College of St. Benedict fall 2020 dean’ss list for achieving a 3.8 GPA or greater.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 9 SA
Rachel
We are SO incredibly proud of you! You were destined to be on that State floor! We love you! Love, Mom, Dad and Austin
PHOTOS LAURA HINTZEN
ah Anderson and mers, Maddie Richards, Sar tains are seniors Kre l he Rac e, Lin ya Ma ), e. Team cap dt (from left A kick line of Campbell Arn toes Feb. 26 at Forest Lake High School in Forest Lak ir the ds. int po har s Ric rm ie Ha dd la Ma McKay derson, Bella Peplinski and Veronica Peacock, Sarah An
Sauk Rapids-Rice
Maya & Bella
It's been so much fun watching you dance together this year! All your hard work has paid off and we are excited to cheer you on at STATE! We are so very proud of you both! Good luck to you and your team!!
High MADDIE Kick Love, Mom, Troy, Dad, Ellie, Gran and Papa
CONGRATULATIONS, ULATIONS, we are re so proud of yyou!! Goodd luck andd ggo rock that floor! or!
Reaches State
Love, Dad, Mom, m, ia, Jake, Dalton, Julia, Grandma and Grandpa Ebnett and Grandma Karen
MADI We are so very proud of our dancer Madi Ostman (12th grade)) and the entire Storm Dance Team for making it to State in AAA High Kick.
Veronica Peaco Peacock (left) and Saige Moliga move to the music of the high kick performance “Mr. W Worldwide” Feb. 26 in Forest Lake. The music is a compilation comp of Pitbull son songs.
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LOVE YOU, MADI! aden, Mom, Dad, CCaden, Nana, Papaa and Grandma June
Page 10 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD ALD
Campbell & Ca Quinn
We are so proud of you! Your hard work and dedication have paid off! Enjoy this experience with your team but especially with each other! We love you both! - Mom, Dad and Owen
Ava
Congratulations, Ava! I am so very proud of you! Have fun and dance your heart outt at State. Love your biggest fan, Mom
Emma Good luck at State! We are so proud of you and love you very much! Mom, Dad, Jordan and Kaitlyn
A step up
Bella
Amazing job getting to STATE! We are so proud of the 5 years you have committed to this TEAM! Keep on smiling. Love, Mom, Dad & Carter
Veronica Co Congratulations on a FANTASTIC Senior SSeason! We are so proud of all that you ha have accomplished in your dance career! Love, Mom, Dad & Super Fan-Richelle
Allyson CONGRATULATIONS ATIONS to you and your team on going to STATE! We love supporting you and are so very proud of you.
WE LOVE YOU H! SO MUCH! ad, RJ, Love, Mom, Dad, ndma Papa and Grandma
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Sauk Rapids-Rice High School seniors Maddie Richards (from left), Bella Peplinski, Sarah Anderson, Veronica Peacock, Maya Line, Ava Juntunen-Novak, Madi Ostman and Allyson Carstensen-Boe jump in jubilation Feb. 26 in Forest Lake. The high kick team earned a state bid by placing third behind first place Brainerd and second place Anoka.
to state
Storm dancers secure trip with third place in Section 4AAA BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The awards for the Section 4AAA dance tournament looked different this year. Sauk Rapids-Rice having just performed in the last heat at the Forest Lake tournament Feb. 26 and following COVID-19 protocol were prepared to go home. But, before boarding their bus, the team fell in line in true section tourney fashion – heads bowed and near their teammate’s backs. When the announcer on the portable speaker said, “Third place, with a ranking point total of 10, goes to Sauk RapidsRice,” the team erupted. Cheers and tears ac-
companied hugs from teammates, coaches and family on the pavement that day. Store-bought memento medals were grabbed from a backpack and placed around the dancers’ necks. The Storm dance team had made it to state in Class AAA high kick despite a season filled with challenges. “State made everything worth it,” said head coach Ali Mohr. “It made every hardship and every struggle we had worth it in the end.” The SRR high kick team scored 10 ranking points behind first-place Brainerd and secondplace Anoka. The Storm scored 394 points of a
possible 500 – only 19 points lower than the defending Class AAA champs, the Brainerd Kixters, who tallied three ranking points in the competition. SRR edged out Blaine, who received a state bid in jazz, by one ranking point. “The girls deserve this because this has not been a typical year,” Mohr said. “It has been harder than normal, and this is really just what they needed – the light at the end of the tunnel for preserving and making it through.” In November – days after tryouts and preliminary run-throughs of dances – the winter sports season was halted at the hands of Gov. Tim Walz and the climbing COVID-19 case statistics. School transitioned to distance learning and sports were limited to contact only through on-
line forums. For six weeks, the dancers learned their routine through computer screens. When in-person practices resumed Jan. 4, Coach Mohr said some dancers had learned the moves in reverse and formations were shaky. Yet, the team prevailed and nailed their performances when it mattered. What was the key to their success? Mohr said focus. The fifth-year head coach said she, her staff and the dancers focused solely on their own performances this year. “This year, we just really went in with a mindset that we were going to focus on what we’re going to do to get better rather than focusing on what other teams are doing,” Mohr said.
Storm dance page 11
“State made everything worth it. It made every hardship and every struggle we had worth it in the end.” - Ali Mohr, head coach
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 11
Storm dance
from page 10
COVID-19 protocol did not allow teams to view others’ performances, but many livestreamed events made those dances accessible in other ways. Still, Mohr and the Storm chose to refrain from outside influence. “To this point, I still haven’t seen what anyone else is doing or what their dances are,” she said. “I’ve never seen Anoka. I’ve never seen Brainerd. I’ve never seen Blaine. … For us at the end of the day, we can watch all these other teams and see what they are doing, but it’s going to come down to our score sheets to see how we’re going to end up.” The final outcome is a trip to the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA tournament Saturday, March 13, at Edina High School in Edina. For Mohr, who has seen seniors Sarah Anderson, Veronica Peacock, Bella Peplinski, Maddie Richards, Allyson Carstensen-Boe, Maya Line, Ava Juntenan-Novak and Madison Ostman through their SRR dance careers, the ending of the 2020-21 season is complete. “This is definitely the most picture-perfect way that we could wrap it up with them,” she said. “These are our babies. They started out with us. We started out with them, and it’s just been a journey for the last five years. To be able to go to state at the end of this journey with them, I think is the best outcome that we could have had.” As the team prepares for its state appearance in one week, they will look tto perfect their routine, but moreso, they will revel in the moment that is now. “We’re going to try and have fun and celebrate the year that we’ve had,” Mohr said. “They’ve been very focused and dedicated, and tit has been grueling at some points, so we’ll celebrate the team.” With the changes to t competition due to the t ongoing pandemic, SRR will have one chance to perform their high kick routine, “Mr. Worldwide,” on the floors of the MSHSL tournament. Typically, dancers compete in preliminaries and the top six teams advance to finals. The Storm high kick team takes the state stage at 9 a.m. Saturday, March
PHOTO SUBMITTED
“The girls deserve this because this has not been a typical year. It has been harder than normal, and this is really just what they needed – the light at the end of the tunnel for preserving and making it through.”
The Storm dance team - Madi Ostman (front, from left), Allyson Carstensen-Boe, Sarah Anderson, Ava Juntunen-Novak, Maddie Richards, Bella Peplinski, Veronica Peacock and Maya Line; (middle row, from left) Quinn Arndt, Campbell Arndt, Emma Miller, Rachel Kremers, Hailey Ness, Joani Fautsch, Natalie Jansen, Bella Stewart, Saige Moliga and Kylee Greener; (back, from left) manager Ashlynn Olsen, Grace Loidolt, Jada Fautsch, Emily Meinke, Mckayla Harms, Jaida Burrows, head coach Ali Mohr, former coach Lynn Quale and coach Jennie Weber – are state bound after placing third in the Section 4AAA high kick dance competition Feb. 26 in Forest Lake. The team will perform their routine “Mr. Worldwide” at the Minnesota State High School Class AAA High Kick Dance State Meet Saturday, March 13, in Edina.
Sarah
- Ali Mohr, head coach
13 at Edina High School. was.” High kick: 1. Brainerd Jazz scored 359 413 of 500 points (3), 2. points and a ranking point Anoka 408 (6), 3. SRR 394 total of 15. Contributing (10), 4. Blaine 375 (11), 5. St. Michael-Albertville 369 to the rise in score could (14), 6. Rogers 352 (20.5), have been a decision to 7. Forest Lake 353 (21.5), 8. forgot the early-season Duluth East 347 (22), 9. Elk pink costume for the blue River 340 (25.5), 10. Ando- and gold attire of the high ver 342 (26), 11. Tech-Apol- kick performance. The lo 310 (33), 12. Champlin pink skirted costumes Park 280 (37), 13. Moor- may have cost the teams head 274 (39) and 14. Coon points when it came to Rapids 267 (40). timing, Mohr said. Jazz team jumps “We switched cossection placement tumes last weekend (for when it counts the Central Lakes ConAt the culmination ference Championship) of the Section 4AAA, the and our points skyrockStorm jazz dance team eted, so we decided to ended in fourth place keep that for today and behind Brainerd, Blaine it’s been working out for and Anoka, respectively. us,” Mohr said. The jump in ranks was a With jazz finishing pleasant surprise to Mohr its season, Mohr is enthuwho said earlier in the siastic for what the future season the team was sit- holds. ting in eighth and ninth “It’s exciting going places. into future seasons know“To move up the ing how close we got to ranks all the way to third for jazz,” she said. fourth is insane,” Mohr Jazz: 1. Brainerd 419 said. “It just shows how (3), 2. Blaine 404 (6), 3. much they’ve pushed Anoka 381 (9), 4. SRR 359 even when it wasn’t the (15), 5. STMA 357 (16), 6. easiest thing. We could Forest Lake 352 (19), 7. Anhave turned and just fo- dover 350 (22.5), 8. Rogers cused on kick because 350 (23), 9. Duluth East 339 10. Elk River 337 (26.5), that was our better shot, (23), 11. Tech-Apollo 296 (34), but we kept going on jazz 12. Champlin Park 289 (35), because we know there 13. Coon Rapids (267) 39.5 was talent there. They and 14. Moorhead (266) 41. really proved that there
Good luck to you and the team at State! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments.
Love, Dad, Mom and Christopher
e g i Sa
CONGRATULATIONS ONSS Jada Fautsch raises her arms Feb. 26 in Forest Lake. The high kick team placed third at the Section 4AAA, advancing to the state meet, while the jazz team missed a bid by one spot, earning fourth place.
SAIGE and to the
ce Sauk Rapids-Rice Dance Team. We are so proud of you!
Page 12 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
PHOTOS LAURA HINTZEN
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YO U R H O M E T O W N B A N K
The Sauk Rapids-Rice high kick dance team – Jada Fautsch (front, from left), Emma Miller and Campbell Arndt; (second row, from left) Bella Stewart, Rachel Kremers, Bella Peplinski and Sarah Anderson; (third row, from left) Maddie Richards, Ava Juntunen-Novak and Veronica Peacock; (fourth row, from left) Saige Moliga, Kylee Greener and Joani Fautsch; (fifth row, from left) Mckayla Harms, Emily Meinke and Madi Ostman; (back, from left) Quinn Arndt, Hailey Ness, Jaida Burrows and Maya Line – performs “Mr. Worldwide” at the Section 4AAA dance tournament Feb. 26 at Forest Lake Area High School in Forest Lake. The team earned 394 of 500 points and a ranking of 10.
Jaida Burrows strikes a pose during the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School high kick performance Feb. 26 in Forest Lake. The team will compete in the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA High Kick State Dance Tournament Saturday, March 13, in Edina.
Sarah Anderson (from front), Ava JuntunenNovak, Saige Moliga and Maddie Richards perform the high kick routine Feb. 26 during the Section 4AAA tournament in Forest Lake. Anderson and Richards are two of four captains of the team.
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CONGRATS SENIORS
Mckayla We are so proud of the dancer you’ve become. Good luck to you and your team at state.
YO R DEDICATIO YOUR DEDICATION A AND D LEADERSHIP IS REWARDING!
LOVE US PARENTS
Love, Dad, Mom, Tyler and Emma
Jaida We’re so proud of you! u! You and your team have worked ed so hard. Good luck at State! ate! Have fun and enjoy this time! Love, Mom, Dad and nd Drew
PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 13
NOTICE OF EXPIRATION OF REDEMPTION Sect-30 Twp-036 Range-030
HIGHLAND PARK Lot-024 Block-003 SAUK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP 11.00010.00 $3,388.42 TO: ALL PERSONS WITH A LEGAL INTEREST IN THE LAVERN J HAGERT REV TR Sect-01 Twp-036 Range-031 PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE 40.00 AC FOLLOWING NOTICE. NE1/4 SW1/4 You are hereby notified that the parcels of real property described below and located in Benton County, Minnesota, are 11.00012.00 $10,145.02 subject to forfeiture to the State of Minnesota because of the LAVERN J HAGERT REV TR nonpayment of delinquent property taxes, special assessments, Sect-01 Twp-036 Range-031 40.00 AC penalties, interest, and costs levied on those parcels. The time for SW1/4 SW1/4 redemption from forfeiture expires if redemption is not made by the later of (1) 60 days after service of this notice on all persons WATAB TOWNSHIP 12.00129.01 $72.68 having an interest in the parcels or (2) 2nd Monday of May, 2021. KATHERINE H SCOTT Sect-02 Twp-037 Range-031 The following information is listed below: the names .08 AC of the property owners, taxpayers and interested parties who have PART OF GOVERNMENT LOT 5 DESCRIBED AS filed their addresses under M.S. 276.041; the legal description FOLLOWS: and parcel identification number of each parcel; and the amount COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER necessary to redeem a parcel as of the date listed below. OF SECTION 2 THENCE EAST ON THE SOUTH Names for the taxpayers and Parcel Number/ Amount Necessary LINE 201 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER fee owners and those parties Legal Description to Redeem Through OF ROSE ANNA BEACH, THENCE NORTHWESTERLY who have filed their addresses March 31, 2021 80.40 FEET, THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 342.86 FEET pursuant to Section 276.041 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THEN ALBERTA TOWNSHIP NORTHWESTERLY 93.40 FEET TO THE CENTERLINE TARA A MOHRMANN & OF THE TOWNSHIP ROAD, THEN SOUTHWESTERLY MICHAEL J MOHRMANN 01.00195.00 $10,727.59 355.91 FEET TO THE INTERSECTION WITH A LINE MICHAEL D LEWIS & WHICH BEARS SOUTH 86 DEGREES 33 MINUTES SARAHANN E LEWIS-C/D 00 SECONDS WEST FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING Sect-16 Twp-038 Range-029 THENCE NORTH 86 DEGREES 33 MINUTES 00 40.00 AC SECONDS EAST 30.12 FEET TO THE INTERSECTION NW1/4 NW1/4 WITH THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF THE MAYWOOD TOWNSHIP EASTERLY LINE OF SAID ROSE ANNA BEACH, DOUGLAS A KOSSE 08.00170.00 $10,666.86 THENCE SOUTH 07 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 00 Sect-14 Twp-037 Range-028 SECONDS EAST ON SAID EXTENDED LINE AND 28.06 AC ON SAID EASTERLY LINE AND THE N1/2 NW1/4 LESS PART LYING NORTHERLY OF THE SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF SAID EASTERLY HIGHWAY 23 RIGHT OF WAY AND LESS THE LINE 457 FEET,TO THE SHORE OF LITTLE ROCK RAILROAD RIGHT OFWAY AND LESS PART LYING LAKE, THENCE EASTERLY, NORTHEASTERLY, AND EAST OF THE FOLLOWING LINE: COMMENCING EASTERLY ON SAID SHORE TO THE INTERSECTION 1650 FEET WEST OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER WITH A LINE WHICH BEARS SOUTH 21 DEGREES THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE 08 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST FROM THE POINT SOUTHERLY LINE 1320 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST OF BEGINNING, THENCE NORTH 21 DEGREES, 08 CORNER MINUTES, 30 SECONDS WEST 21 FEET TO THE POINT MINDEN TOWNSHIP OF BEGINNING CRAIG T BRUNS & GWEN E BRUNS 09.00582.00 $9,237.66 CHARLES MAJASKI 12.00182.00 $2,696.23 Sect-31 Twp-036 Range-030 Sect-11 Twp-037 Range-031 3.33 AC .78 AC PART OF THE SW1/4 OF THE NW1/4 COMMENCING PART OF THE NE1/4 SW1/4 COMMENCING AT THE 66 FT EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THENCE SOUTH QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 11 THEN EAST 234 FT THEN NORTH 660 FT THEN WEST NORTH 1379.87 FEET THEN NORTHWESTERLY 234 FEET THEN SOUTH 660 FEET TO THE POINT 229.66 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING THEN OF BEGINNING AND PART COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWESTERLY 170 FEET THEN NORTHWESTERLY SOUTHWEST CORNER THEN EASTERLY 66 200 FEET THEN SOUTHEASTERLY 170 FEET THEN FEET THEN NORTHERLY 254 FEET TO THE POINT SOUTHEASTERLY 200 FEET TO THE POINT OF OF BEGINNING THEN NORTHERLY 406 FEET THEN BEGINNING WESTERLY 12.62 FEET THEN SOUTHERLY 406.07 CITY OF ST. CLOUD FEET THEN EASTERLY 4.86 FEET TO THE POINT RHONDA MARION LEDER 17.00492.00 $8,322.91 OF BEGINNING LESS PART COMMENCING AT THE Sect-36 Twp-036 Range-031 SOUTHWEST CORNER THEN EASTERLY 66 FEET TO A A WRIGHT’S ADDITION THE POINT OF BEGINNING THEN NORTHERLY 254 Lot-008 Block-003 FEET THEN EASTERLY 36.62 FEET THEN SOUTHERLY 254.01 FEET THEN WESTERLY 39.24 FEET TO THE ROBERT ALLAN SCOTT 17.00962.00 $7,189.03 POINT OF BEGINNING RICE RIVER PROPERTIES LLC-C/D Sect-35 Twp-036 Range-031 ANTON P FANETTI & ST CLOUD PARK FLORENCE FANETTI 09.00747.00 $83.39 Lot-013 Block-026 Office of the County Auditor-Treasurer County of Benton, State of Minnesota
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Board of Adjustment will conduct a public hearing on March 18th, 2021 in the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following: 1. 7:00 p.m. Ronald and Patty Welle requesting a variance to exceed 25% total lot coverage in the R-3 Residential District. Pursuant to Sections 7.6.6(B)(3) and 11.5.1. The affected property is described as follows: part of Gov’t Lot 4, Section 34, Watab Township. The on-site inspection of this property will be made at approximately 1:25 p.m. on March 18th, 2021. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Board of Adjustment may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Commission members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the Board of Adjustment or the County Department of Development Director will be present during meetings at the Planning Commission’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely. To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior
to the Planning Commission meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm on the hearing date, in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@co.benton. mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329. 2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing. Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if you’re for a group shares the same concerns. 3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/687827373 b. You can also dial in using your phone. Phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 687-827-373 c. New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/687827373. FR-9-1B
Township of Sauk Rapids Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 Notice of Election – Annual meeting Sauk Rapids Township Benton County, Minnesota The citizens of the Township of Sauk Rapids in the County of Benton and the State of Minnesota, who are qualified to vote at General Elections, are hereby notified that the Annual Election of Town Officers and Annual Meeting will be held at the Sauk Rapids Town Hall on Tuesday, March 9th 2021. Polls will be open from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Offices to be filled at this Election are as follows: One supervisor-(3-year term) One Treasurer- (2-year term)
The Annual Meeting will be held at 8:05p.m. Business to be conducted is Revenue Sharing Funds for the Township, and Storm water runoff policy question and answer session. The bad weather alternate date for Election and Annual Meeting is March 16th, 2021. Absentee Ballots will be available to those who will be absent from the precinct on Election Day by contacting the Clerk at 320-250-7413, Between February 5th 2021 thru March 8th 2021 or during the Absentee voting hours of 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on March 6th 2021 at the Sauk Rapids Townhall 4651 Mayhew Lake Road East, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Given under my hand this 19th, day of February, 2021 Daryl Sheetz, Clerk Sauk Rapids Township R-8-2B
BRADLEY P FARNICK & CYNTHIA B FARNICK BML BUILDERS INC-C/D 17.02054.00 Sect-28 Twp-036 Range-030 WATERS EDGE AT DONOVAN LAKE 3RD ADDITION Lot-010 Block-001 CITY OF SARTELL RHODA M STREETER 18.00263.00 Sect-15 Twp-036 Range-031 OAKRIDGE 2ND ADDITION Lot-008 Block-001 CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS FRANCIS HEINEN & DORINE HEINEN 19.00394.00 Sect-26 Twp-036 Range-031 TOWN OF SAUK RAPIDS Lot-012 Block-041 13 & 14 & LESS RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY & LOTS 19 & 20 ROBERT SADERGASKI 19.00919.00 Sect-23 Twp-036 Range-031 WOOD RUSSELL & GILMAN’S ADDITION Lot-004 Block-026 & LOTS 5 & 6 DONALD H SEANGER & SHEILA M SEANGER 19.01133.00 Sect-23 Twp-036 Range-031 RENO’S ADDITION TO SAUK RAPIDS Lot-014 Block-008 W 100 FT OF N 35 FT & W 100 FT OF THE SOUTH 25 FEET OF LOT 13
$6,755.79
$10,262.79
$2,429.21
$3,668.24
$10,914.38
MARILYN J LEYK 19.01322.00 Sect-26 Twp-036 Range-031 LEECH’S ADDITION TO SAUK RAPIDS Lot-002 Block-013 & LOT 3
$10,732.39
JEROD R DUBUQUE 19.03916.00 Sect-13 Twp-036 Range-031 CHURCH HILL HEIGHTS PLAT 3 Lot-004 Block-001
$16,117.15
FAILURE TO REDEEM SUCH LANDS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF REDEMPTION WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LAND AND FORFEITURE TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. The amounts listed above must be paid to redeem if paid on or before March 31, 2021. Please contact the Benton County AuditorTreasurer’s Office to verify the amount if paid after March 31, 2021. Inquiries about the delinquent tax proceedings described above can be made to the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer at the address listed below. (SEAL) Witness my hand and official seal this 2nd day of March, 2021.
_______________________________. Nadean Inman Benton County Auditor-Treasurer BENTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE P.O. BOX 129 FOLEY, MN 56329 Telephone: 320-968-5006 R-9-1B
City of Sauk Rapids/Sauk Rapids Township Joint Planning Board PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to participate in a public hearing that will be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center Council Chambers, 250 Summit Avenue North to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT Beau Munsell PURPOSE To consider a Conditional Use Permit request to construct a single-family home near 50, 43rd Street NE, Sauk Rapids, MN Use permits required for new homes in the Agricultural District. Please contact Sauk Rapids Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us with questions or to obtain a copy of the application. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald Saturday, March 6, 2021. R-9-1B
CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to attend a public hearing on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT Clint Anderson PURPOSE To consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow used car lot at 965 Benton Drive N, Sauk Rapids, Mn. Please contact Sauk Rapids Community Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.saukrapids.mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald on Wednesday, March 6, 2021. R-9-1B
SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 15
Vikings release Rudolph
Section frontrunner ends Storm winning streak Boys basketball remains second amongst crowded 8AAA field BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys basketball team has set out to prove they can compete with anyone in Class AAA. And, with another evenly-matched showing against the one-loss Alexandria Cardinals, they are cementing themselves near the top of Section 8AAA. Unfortunately, a stout defensive performance could not win the day as the Storm fell to the Cardinals 53-43 March 1 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. “I feel like we played well overall,” said Derek Peterson, head coach. “We were even with Alexandria in the 3-pointers we hit. We were even in 2-pointers, but they outscored us by 10 at the free-throw line and that was the difference.”
The Storm exposed Alexandria’s longtime affinity for zone defense after scoring possessions, slicing and dicing into the paint for early points as underdog SRR jumped out to a 19-10 lead. With section seeding at stake, it was a promising start. “We definitely proved to ourselves and to everyone else we can play with Alexandria,” Peterson said. “If we can play with them, we can play with anyone, and I know we can play with them.” However, Alexandria’s resiliency showed when the spirited visitors put together a 10-2 run to close the first half. All of a sudden, despite leading at halftime, the Storm lost their momentum. In the second half, the Cardinals continued to control the tempo, maintaining an advantage for a majority of the final 18 minutes, winning the rebounding battle 36-25 despite seven boards from Carter Loesch. “We definitely were outrebounded and out-
aggressed on rebounds, and we can’t have that,” Peterson said. “That’s not a recipe for winning.” Despite a subpar 34.7% field goal percentage, the Storm received a major boost from Dominic Mathies, who was superb with 12 points, two 3-pointers, three boards and three steals in 34 minutes all while committing one turnover. The closeness of the contest, even without starting forward Alex Harren, gives the Storm all the confidence in the world regarding another shot at the Cardinals come playoff time. “That would be wonderful if we could get an opportunity,” Peterson said. “I’d be willing to bet they wouldn’t be looking forward to that matchup as much as we would.” The Storm faced off against rival Sartell March 4. They play the Rocori Spartans at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Rocori High School in Cold Spring.
ALX SRR
SRR: Ethan Opsahl 13 points, Mathies 12 (3R, 3S), Andrew Harren 7 (6R), Elijah Moilanen 7 (4A), Loesch 2 (7R), Mason Rudolph 2 and Jayce Walrath 0 (4R).
SRR 67, Willmar 63 After losing on a lastsecond bucket against Willmar Jan. 19, the Storm got their revenge against the Cardinals, winning 6763 Feb. 25 at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids. Opsahl recorded a team-high 24 points, including six 3-pointers, while Moilanen narrowly missed out on a tripledouble with 12 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. SRR’s proficiency at the free-throw line proved pivotal, as the Storm made 14 of 17 attempts at the stripe.
WIL SRR
34 29-63 33 34-67 SRR: Opsahl 24 (3R), Mathies 13 (5R), Moilanen 12 (12R, 9A), Loesch 7 (8R), Andrew Harren 6 (3R), Rudolph 3 and Walrath 2 (3R).
20 33-53 21 22-43
Christensen proves clutch in dominant win for Storm hockey BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
For the entire duration of his first season as Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey head coach, Brady DeGagne has instilled in his locker room the importance of playing a complete game. Against the BeckerBig Lake Eagles, the Storm found their magnum opus, capturing an entertaining 6-0 victory March 2 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. “Overall, the boys worked as hard as they have in a game and showed what they can do through a full three periods,” DeGagne said. SRR’s second line of Cayden Christensen, Calvin Comstock and Noah Jensen created a scoring spark, combining for four goals and 11 points. Christensen collected his first career hat trick, clinching the milestone with a shorthanded goal in the closing minutes of the third period. “Cayden had an
amazing game,” DeGagne said. “He’s been hungry for a long time and is starting to get a taste of what he can do and what his potential is.” Comstock quickly lit the lamp with his second tally of the season less than three minutes into the contest as the Storm recorded a pair of goals to go with 16 shots in a rollicking first period. For a team that has struggled to establish itself, it was a promising change of fate. Easton Portner put the Eagles in a deeper hole with two consecutive scores to put the Storm up by four. “Coaches dream of players like Easton,” DeGagne said. “He has that mindset that he might not be the biggest dog in the fight, but he’s definitely got the most guts when it comes to getting in the comers and making big plays.” Even when the Eagles managed to gain offensive possession, there was no room to be found against the ever-improving
Storm defensive front and goaltender Grayson Kobluk, who logged 31 saves to record the shutout. “As a defensive core, our defensemen and goalies are starting to fire on all cylinders and are starting to see the game of hockey as a big picture instead of the individual, little plays,” DeGagne said. With the win, SRR upped their winning streak to four games. They took on the Fergus Falls Otters March 4 and face the Bemidji Lumberjacks at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Bemidji Community Arena in Bemidji.
winning goal in overtime as SRR clawed back from two one-goal deficits to seize a thrilling 3-2 win over the Monticello Moose Feb. 25 at Moose Sherritt Ice Arena in Monticello. Portner evened the game at one with a score 51 seconds into the second period, while Bokelman picked up his seventh goal of the campaign, the last tally of regulation for either side. Senior netminder Riley Weinand made an astounding 43 saves in a huge win for SRR.
SRR 0 2 0 1-3 MON 1 1 0 0-2 SRR: Second period: BBL 0 0 0-0 2. Portner (Thell) 0:51. 4. SRR 2 3 1-6 SRR: First period: 1. Bokelman (Dodge) 13:19. Comstock (Christensen, Overtime: 5. Dodge (Portner) Jensen) 2:34. 2. Christensen 5:10. Weinand 43 of 45. (Comstock, Jensen) 16:59. Second period: 3. Portner (Brandon Bokelman) 12:39. 4. Portner (Jensen) 15:04. 5. Christensen (Jensen, Comstock) 15:38. Third period: 6. Christensen (Teagan Dodge, Nolan Thell) 16:28. Kobluk 31 of 31.
SRR 3, Monticello 2 After seeing many of their close contests result in losses or ties, the Storm are finding goals when they need them. Freshman Dodge picked up the game-
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After 10 seasons with the team, veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph was released by the Minnesota Vikings March 2. This move will save the Vikings $5.1 million against the salary cap this season, and for a cap-strapped team with multiple holes across their COLUMNIST roster, the 31-year-old SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER Rudolph quickly became expendable. Rudolph had three years left on a contract extension that he signed in 2019, but his role in the Vikings offense had diminished over the past two seasons with the emergence of Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin. Rudolph would have carried a $9.45 million cap hit this year if he had remained on the roster, and with Smith and Conklin able to replace his production on much more affordable contracts, the handwriting was on the wall for Rudolph. (Rudolph’s contract still carries a $4.35 million cap hit in dead money after being released.) Rudolph caught 28 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown last season, and that level of production simply is not worth the additional $5.1 million it would have cost to keep Rudolph around. In his 10 seasons with the Vikings, Rudolph played in 140 games, catching 453 passes for 4,488 yards and 48 touchdowns, which is good enough for second place in Vikings history for tight ends in receiving yards and first place in touchdowns; he was an absolute beast in the red zone. He was also a twotime Pro Bowl selection and was the Pro Bowl MVP in 2012. Rudolph had some memorable moments in purple, including his game-winning touchdown catch in a wild card playoff game in New Orleans in 2020. Rudolph was also known for his charitable work in the Twin Cities metro area, and he was the Vikings’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award three straight times from 2017-19 for his work with the Masonic Children’s Hospital. Rudolph was a leader on and off the field, and that will be tough for the Vikings to replace. However, the time was ultimately right for this move. Smith is ready for a featured role in the Vikings offense, and Conklin is already a better run blocker than Rudolph ever was. The NFL is ultimately a business, and due to salary cap restrictions, the Vikings would not have been able to address more pressing needs along the offensive line, defensive line, and in the secondary if they had kept Rudolph on the roster this year. With capable replacements ready to shine, the time had come for the Vikings to move on from Rudolph.
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ROYALTO N PUBL IC S C H O O L NEW FOR THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR Little Royals Blended 4 Year Old Program is offering 5 day a week Preschool and Childcare. Come to the Information Meeting March 22nd A-K 6-7 p.m. and L-Z 7-8 p.m. Tentatively in the Cafetorium. R9-2B-RB
Watch the Royalton website for updates and more information. www.royaltonpublicschools.org/littleroyals
Page 16 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SPORTS
ApolloWrestlers enter fi nal stretch Sauk RapidsRice varsity Storm drop following eventful week matches, Nordic ski three defeat Fergus results Falls Feb. 18, Sartell Girls: 1. Sartell-Cathedral 390 points 2. Tech 367 3. Willmar 330 4. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 329.5 5. St. John’s Prep 324.5. Boys: 1. St. John’s Prep 375.5 2. Sartell-Cathedral 371.5 3. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 360 4. Tech 350 5. Willmar 344 Combined: 1. Sartell-Cathedral 761.5 2. Tech 717 3. St. John’s Prep 700 4. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 689.5 5. Willmar 674 Feb. 25, St. Cloud Girls: 1. Tech High School 394 2. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 370 Boys: 1. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 388 2. Tech High School 384 Combined: 1. Tech High School 778 2. Apollo-Sauk Rapids-Rice 758
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm wrestling team, despite their difficulties in achieving team wins, have threatened strong Class AAA programs with their athleticism and mat veterans. They showcased this ability to compete against the Brainerd Warriors, staying within striking distance until the very end in a 43-27 loss Feb. 27 at Brainerd High School in Brainerd. “Our losses continue to reflect our lack of numbers,” said Cole Wilson, head coach. “We do have wrestlers that are competing at a high level and sharpening their skills.” Vance Barz started the competition with a 6-1 win by decision in the 106-pound matchup, while Alex Diederich
followed his lead by pinning Gus Carlson in the 113-pound match. Like many of their appearances, SRR launched themselves into good position with strong point totals in their first two mat battles. “Our lineup is pretty experienced in the lower weights,” Wilson said. “This gives us an early advantage in matches.” Andrew Wollak earned a 4-3 decision victory in the 138-pound competition, while Reid Kiffmeyer gave the Storm additional points with a win by fall. Cole Ackerman and Joey Hoeschen, who grabbed Central Lakes Conference Performer of the Week honors, continued their impressive campaigns with a 6-0 decision win and a win by fall at 1:24, respectively. As the Storm prepare to enter the postseason following an adjusted winter sports season, their flexibility is showing in the closing stages of another season. “We had to tweak our training to fit the
extension of our season,” Wilson said. “Wrestlers are responding well and bringing the intensity in the final stretch of our training.” The Storm’s final regular season triangular March 5 was canceled. They will participate in the Section 8AAA tournament, which will begin with a matchup between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds Monday, March 8. 106: Vance Barz won by decision 6-1. 113: Diederich won by fall 1:29. 120: Jack Barz lost by fall 2:39. 126: Luke Scheeler lost by fall 1:13. 132: Brayden Ness lost by major decision 13-2. 138: Wollak won by decision 4-3. 145: Owen Scheeler lost by fall 0:48. 152: Kiffmeyer won by fall 5:28. 160: Kieran Hixson lost by fall 3:28. 170: Matt Krepp lost by decision 9-8. 182: Ackerman won by decision 6-0. 195: Beaux Sychampanakhone lost by fall 2:51. 220: Hoeschen won by fall 1:24. 285: Dane Dingmann lost by fall 3:17.
Tech 41, SRR 27 In the first of two consecutive 27-point performances, the Storm failed to match St. Cloud’s depth, falling by a score of 41-27 Feb. 27 at Brainerd High School
in Brainerd.
106: Vance Barz won by fall 1:41. 113: Diederich won by fall 1:20. 120: Jack Barz lost by major decision 11-1. 126: Luke Scheeler lost by fall 0:31. 132: Ness lost by fall 3:23. 138: Owen Scheeler lost by decision 14-11. 145: Wollak won by decision 2-0. 152: Kiffmeyer lost by major decision 10-2. 160: Hixson lost by fall 5:32. 170: Krepp won by decision 6-4. 182: Ackerman won by fall 3:11. 195: Sychampanakhone lost by fall 3:15. 220: Dingmann lost by fall 3:32. 285: Hoeschen won by decision 5-0.
Ackerman won by fall 1:09. 195: Sychampanakhone lost by fall 0:47. 220: Hoeschen won by decision 4-1. 285: Dingmann won by fall 6:43.
SRR 60, Fergus Falls 15 The Storm put together one of their strongest outings when they took down the Fergus Falls Otters Feb. 4. They enjoyed that same shred of success the second time around against Fergus Falls, displaying complete individual accomplishments in a strong 60-15 win over the Willmar 42, SRR 24 Otters Feb. 25 at Willmar Despite a clear High School in Willmar. familiarity and a desire 106: Vance Barz won for revenge, the Storm by fall 0:43. 113: Diederich could not defeat the No. 3 won by fall 0:52. 120: Jack Willmar Cardinals, taking Barz won by fall 3:22. 126: a 42-24 defeat Feb. 25 at Ness won by forfeit. 132: Willmar High School in Ethan Anderson won by forfeit. 138: Owen Scheeler Willmar.
106: Vance Barz won by decision 8-2. 113: Diederich lost by decision 7-4. 120: Jack Barz lost by fall 1:07. 126: Luke Scheeler won by forfeit. 132: Ness lost by fall 3:36. 138: Wollak lost by decision 6-2. 145: Owen Scheeler lost by fall 2:17. 152: Kiffmeyer lost by decision 9-2. 160: Hixson lost by fall 1:55. 170: Krepp lost by decision 3-1. 182:
won by forfeit. 145: Wollak won by fall 1:17. 152: Kiffmeyer lost by decision 4-2. 160: Hixson lost by fall 1:55. 170: Krepp lost by decision 6-2. 182: Ackerman won by fall 3:15. 195: Sychampanakhone lost by decision 11-8. 220: Hoeschen won by fall 0:27. 285: Dingmann won by fall 0:38.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 17
Shutout continues slump for Storm’n Sabres
Team hopes for resilience before postseason
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
The Moorhead Spuds are a budding girls hockey program known for their depth and talent. However, against the Sauk Rapids-RiceSartell Storm’n Sabres, one player in particular was especially noticeable. Bria Holm snapped home four goals in a 5-0 shutout win March 2 at Moorhead Sports Center in Moorhead. “We liked the way we played,” said Marty Anderson, head coach. “We liked the way we moved our feet. We liked the way we never gave up. We really need to try and get back to playing our best hockey for three straight periods. We put together half-a-game there, a period there, but when it falls off for us, that’s when we get behind.” U n f o r t u n a t e l y, this drop-off and inconsistency revealed itself early for SRRS, who tallied just two shots on goal in a first period that saw Moorhead strike not even two minutes into the game. Storm’n Sabres goaltender Morgan Dorn collected 24 saves but could not stop the onslaught the Spuds brought. Moorhead fired at least eight shots
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Kelly Carriere grabs control of the puck Feb. 25 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. Despite their persistent forecheck and puck control, the Storm’n Sabres struggled to score in a 9-1 loss to Alexandria.
in every period and tallied 12 total points, breaking through SRRS’s defensive alignments and finding success on rebound opportunities. Meanwhile, on the other end, the Storm’n Sabres did not get the bounces they were looking for, as all 20 of their shots found Taylor Kressin’s glove. Despite maintaining puck possession at even strength, the Storm’n Sabres have been snakebitten in front of the net. “We’ve gotten good scoring chances, but it never seems like we’re in the right spot to get the second-chance or thirdchance goals,” Anderson said. “We’re trying to
get traffic in front of the other team’s goalie and
be ready and anticipate where those rebounds will come.” Moorhead picked up three more goals in the second period, all of them coming off Holm’s stick. Ava Kistner logged three apples for the Spuds. The Storm’n Sabres attempted to get back on track against the River Lakes Stars March 4. They face the Bemidji Lumberjacks at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell, which will be Senior Night. “We have a lot of girls that have made an impact on the score sheet, but we also have girls that are really good teammates and really good friends, and all of them will be missed because they each bring something different each day,” Anderson said. SRRS 0 0 0-0 MOOR 1 3 1-5 SRR: Dorn 24 of 29.
Girls hockey page 18
Rachel Lindmeier (right) battles with Alexandria’s Ali Castle against the boards Feb. 25 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. Behind a seven-point night from Marki Oberg, the Cardinals picked up a 9-1 road victory.
Storm gymnastics tops Willmar Kosloski places second in all-around BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
An all-around showing was the key to success as the Storm gymnastics team took on the Willmar Cardinals Feb. 26 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm tumblers outscored the Central Lakes
Conference foes by less than four points, winning the dual meet 131.75128.175. Liberty Kosloski placed second in the allaround event with a score of 33.55 of 40 points. Her consistent scoring of 8.5 in vault, 7.95 on bars, 8.5 in beam and 8.6 on floor claimed the spot. Justus Floren (fourth place) and Kenzi Schmitz (fifth place) rounded up the top five in all-around with scores of 32.35 and 32.3, respectively. Schmitz had a strong showing on vault
and beam, placing third in both events. Sophia Markfelder placed third on bars with a score of 7.8, and Ava Plemel placed second in the floor exercise with a score of 8.95. The Storm competed at Sartell March 2. The Sauk Rapids Herald was unable to obtain information about the meet before print. The team’s next three competitions have been canceled, so the tumblers will compete next at the Section 8AA meet March
20 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.
Vault: 3. Schmitz 8.6 of 10 points, 5. Kosloski 8.5, 7. Bella Rudolph 8.4, 8. Floren 8.3, 9. Kailey Reinert 8.25. Bars: 2. Kosloski 7.95, 3. Markfelder 7.8, 5. Floren 7.35, 6. Plemel 7.30, Schmitz 6.9. Beam: 2. Kosloski 8.5, 3. Schmitz 8.2, 4. Floren 7.9, 5. Markfelder 7.425, 9. Plemel 6.55. Floor: Plemel 8.95, 4. Floren 8.80, 5. Kosloski 8.6, 5. Schmitz 8.6, 6. Markfelder 8.3. All-around: 2. Kosloski 33.55, 4. Floren 32.35 and Schmitz 32.30.
Swim and dive hopes to surprise at sections Sauk Rapids-Rice aims for personal bests BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys swim and dive team, entering their second Section 8AA swim meet, are finding their way against new, highly-touted Class AA competition. However, in a season that has thrown practice changes and swimming pool limits into the fray, the team is focused primarily on setting new marks when the field expands. “First and foremost, we want to drop time,” said Jason Tangen, head coach. “We want personal bests. If we could get them, from top to bottom at the meet, that’s the ultimate goal.” SRR has already seen its athletes achieve their potential and more during the 2021 season, and no member of the Storm made more of a splash than Elijah Grabinski, who completed the campaign undefeated in duals to wrap up an illustrious SRR diving career. Grabinski, who attended the Class AA State Meet a year ago, hopes Storm diving can put on a show at sections. “Everyone has been working hard at practice lately,” he said. “We’re just running through the dives in practice, breaking it down, working on each one, getting it down as best as we can.” This should be no trouble for the talented divers, who all reached their fair share of goals. Hayden Zabinski, Reid Johnson and Owen Chilson all broke personal records and will continue to helm what looks like a strength for the Storm. “Last year, Elijah was the only diver to score for us at the section meet,” Tangen said. “This year, I’m not going to be shocked having all four of our divers in the top 16. That’s huge when you’re talking points across the board.” While section competitors like St. MichaelAlbertville, Brainerd and Maple Grove will present staggering challenges to compete against, SRR has the talent to threaten a top 16 spot in several events. Tucker Hendrickson, who has donned the green and gold for six years, is a high-level swimmer in the 200yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke events, finishing first in the latter at the team’s season finale against Brainerd Feb. 18. Also impressing this season are the younger faces, shining stars to light the program for years to come. Freshman Alex Lucas cemented himself as a mainstay in the 500 freestyle, recording a 5:28.12 mark Feb. 11 that placed him within the top 20 in Storm history. “I think he has only two races all year in distance events where he hasn’t lowered his personal-best times,” Tangen said. Cash Walz also eclipsed the top 20 in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke, showing remarkable improvement and progression for an eighthgrader. With a roster consisting of 15 swimmers that includes Noah Blodgett and William Nielsen, the Storm expect results in some capacity across the board. “We’ve had some buy-in recently, which is tough to get sometimes, especially with a new coaching staff,” Tangen said. “We’re seeing them race in practice. We’re seeing them get excited when they do a super hard set.” Tangen believes one of the best and worst things about the sport is that everything relies on one race, and that notion gains even more truth as section competitions account for the coronavirus pandemic. Without preliminary events or a true team section meet, the upcoming meet will give Storm athletes one chance and one chance alone to excel. “We didn’t get true team sections this year, so the swimmers weren’t able to compare themselves to each other,” Grabinski said. “They’re going in blind this year and going against a bunch of swimmers they haven’t gone against since last year. It’s going to be interesting.” The Section 8AA swim meet begins with diving at 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, at Tech High School in St. Cloud. The Storm swim team competes with Moorhead, Elk River and Brainerd at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at the same location.
Page 18 | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Rachel Wieland (right) jukes past a defender Feb. 25 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. Wieland scored in the team’s previous appearance against Apple Valley but could not find the scoreboard against the Cardinals.
Girls hockey from page 17
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Alexandria 9, SRRS 1 From a spectator’s perspective, the game between the Alexandria Cardinals and the Storm’n Sabres was closely matched, with both teams trading scoring chances and momentum. However, Alexandria was far more effective at cashing in on their opportunities, seizing a 9-1 triumph Feb. 25 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. Lauren Wensel picked up the lone goal for SRRS, who lost their fifth game in a row.
ALX 2 3 4-9 SRRS 0 0 1-1 SRR: Third period: 10. Wensel (Kelly Carriere) 15:49. Dorn 20 of 29.
Morgan Cromwell keeps the puck in the offensive zone Feb. 25 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell. The Storm’n Sabres’ lone score against Alexandria came with four minutes remaining..
Leading the Brandon Bokelman
Parents: Cory Bokelman and Pamela Merriman Accomplishment: Senior on the Sauk RapidsRice boys hockey team. What is your favorite part about hockey? The fast pace of the game and the quick thinking. What is your favorite thing to do with your team? Hanging out at the rink and watching the junior varsity game.
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What other activities are you involved in at school? Baseball. Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? Being involved in a school activity helps me work on my ability to work with others and to improve my leadership skills. How do you make a difference at school? I lead by example in answering questions and doing every assignment given on time.
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Which teacher has impacted your education most? Mrs. Schlangen. Who has been a mentor to you? My head coach, Brady DeGagne.
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The Sauk Rapids-Rice-Sartell girls hockey team consists of Morgan Dorn (front, from left), Tia Vogt, Bailey Reiter, Rachel Wieland, Brayley VanDenBerg, Ingrid Buiceag-Arama, Callie Pakkala, Lauren Wensel and Chloe Reiter; (second row, from left) Sadie Herdina, Erika Johnson, Rachel Lindmeier, Alison Andruschak, Bella Leen, Alyssa Valdez, Katie Corrigan and Anna Lundeen; (third row, from left) Ella Berger, Peyton Sabart, Kenzie Kahre, Jayden Lommel, Tereza Hrda, Taylor Scepaniak, Morgan Cromwell, Kelly Carriere and Abby Daniels; (back, from left) assistant coach Jon Erickson, assistant coach Alex Kampa, Chloe Reiter, head coach Marty Anderson and assistant coach Nathan Schultz.
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The 2021 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School boys hockey team consists of Cole Young (front, from left), Will White, Braden Kuklok, Cayden Christensen, Blake Merriman, Landon Lunser, Brandon Bokelman, Caleb Euteneuer, Treyton Morford, Tiernan Atteberry and Grayson Kobluk; (second row, from left) Ethan Euteneuer, Gavin Vanderveer, Shjon Sertich, Owen Arndt, Aiden Smith, Riley Weinand, Nolan Thell, Timothy Krueger, Teagan Dodge and Easton Portner; (third, from left) Keegan Patterson, Ben Kulus, John Claypool, Carter Kayser, Carter Peplinski, Josiah Miller, Noah Jensen, Luke Pakkala, Will Gunderson, Calvin Comstock and Riley Saukkola; (back, from left) assistant coach Jerry DeGagne, assistant coach Dean Martin, Caleb Neeser, Dylan Geiselhart, Evan Daniels, Owen Vassar, assistant coach Cory Portner and head coach Brady DeGagne. Not pictured is assistant coach Evan Cochran.
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The Dalquist family – Cora, Elsie, 3, and Michael holding Christina, 2 – eat homemade yogurt at their Randall home March 2. The Dalquists own Little Elk Organic Farm and utilize their dairy products when making foods from active cultures.
BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
RANDALL – As temperatures rise and the landscape thaws in Minnesota, farmers and gardeners look forward to the upcoming planting season. The Dalquist family has started vegetable seedlings under grow lights in their entryway. But these small plants are not the only things organic farmers Michael and Cora Dalquist grow in their Randall home. They also maintain foods that utilize active cultures in the four corners of their kitchen and dining room. Among the no-yeast bread, yogurt and clabber milk is kefir – a cultured dairy product with probiotic properties that has become
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So, it’s good to repopulate the good bugs with the healthy probiotics in kefir and yogurt.” Michael and Cora own Little Elk Organic Farm where they raise their daughters Elsie, 3, and Christina, 2. They milk a herd of 30 certified organic Holsteins and farm 110 tillable acres, from which they sell milk, cream, free-range eggs, beef, produce and flowers. The Dalquists’ kefir strain was originally purchased in 2016, shortly after the couple was married and living in North Dakota. After making kefir for a couple years, the couple froze the culture only to revive it when moving to Michael’s family farm in June 2019. “We started the kefir up again,” Michael said. “We had been making yogurt for years, and then we bought a cream separator. That opened things up for us to do all kinds of things with the skim milk, cultured cream and things you can get from whey.” According to the Dalquists, kefir has a thin yogurt-like consistency and a tart taste. The family generally consumes it in smoothies, mixing it with fruits such as strawberries or peaches to sweeten the dairy product. They tried adding cocoa powder to the kefir for a chocolate flavor but agreed it does not work well with kefir’s tanginess. The drinkable supplement is made by mixing milk with kefir grains – the mother culture. Kefir
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Kefir grains are strained from the fermented substance March 2 in Randall. The grains, which are the mother host, consist of bacteria, yeast, proteins, lipids and sugars.
Cora Dalquist strains kefir from kefir grains March 2 in Randall. Kefir is known for its probiotic properties.
grains are not grains in the sense of traditional crops such as wheat or oat. Instead, the small opaque crumbles have the appearance of cauliflower. The grains consist of bacteria, yeast, proteins, lipids and sugars. When milk is mixed with the culture, the grains react, turning the lactose in the milk into lactic acid and fermenting the beverage. “When you eat kefir, it helps to break down food, particularly other dairy products that you consume,” Michael said.
While the United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate food products and supplements sold as probiotics, the Mayo Clinic says kefir is rich in protein, calcium, B vitamins and probiotics. They say that while research is in its infancy, the drinkable supplement is associated with improved digestion and reduced inflammation and may show positive effects on some disease. Michael said kefir has roughly 30-50 variants of bacteria and yeast where
yogurt contains only two to seven bacteria strains and is yeast free. “You get a much better probiotic boost from kefir,” he said. “And I read that some of the bacteria in kefir will colonize in your gut whereas the ones in yogurt, while beneficial, pass through so you have to eat more yogurt to keep up.” The Dalquists eat a quart of kefir every other day. “It takes that long for the kefir to fully ferment the milk and to get it nice and thick,” Cora said. “In the summertime, it goes faster because it is warmer in the house and kefir likes that. So, then I might do it every day depending on what it looks like.” Cora said the process of making kefir at home is simple once a person obtains the host grains. The grains must be purchased or obtained from an existing culture, and the Dalquists have given others grains from their ever-multiplying supply. Dalquists page 3B
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Page 4B | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Create Good MN. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 506 3rd Ave NE, Sartell, MN 56377 United States. NAMEHOLDER(S): Desiree D Murphy, 506 3rd Ave NE, Sartell, MN 56377 United States. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. /s/ Desiree D Murphy 02/17/2021 R-9-2P
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant Section 9.14 of the Benton County Solid Waste Ordinance #471, the Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to consider the applications submitted by Republic Services, Inc./Minden Transfer Station, Henkemeyer Landfill, Inc., Tri-County Organics LLC, Waste Management and Tom Kraemer Inc./ TKI East Side Transfer and Recycling to renew their Benton County Solid Waste Facility Licenses. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the public hearing will be held on March 16th, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room, Government Center, Foley. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Board may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Board members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the County or the County Administrator will be present during meetings at the County Board’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3,
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the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely. To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the County Board meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm March 15th in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329. 2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing. Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if your for a group shares the same concerns. 3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/834170141 b. You can also dial in using your phone. Phone #: 1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 834-170-141 c. New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ install/834170141 FR-9-1B
BENTON AG
Herbicide rotational restrictions for alfalfa
Meeting season is ending and that specific crops. In some cases, there may means it is time to start focusing on the even be a date that if the herbicide is apupcoming planting season and the many plied after will further restrict the planting challenges it is sure to bring. I hope many of alfalfa. of you have a general crop plan in place. I The second tip is to understand the facalso recommend reviewing that crop plan tors that may influence the breakdown of in terms of previous issues you have seen those herbicides in the environment. This in those fields. includes moisture, temperature, microbial For soybean, white mold in 2019 was activity, soil pH, organic matter and other an issue in places throughout the area. For soil properties. This is a lot of information University of growers in a corn and soybean rotation, to look at and can be quite daunting and MN Extension those fields that had white mold issues in by Nathan Drewitz unnecessary unless you wish to get into 2019 may need special planning to help the weeds. However, in general, micromanage that risk. While there may be pest issues with bial activity is one of the primary ways herbicides corn acres from 2019, the bigger issue was due to are broken down in the system. Warm temperatures, flooding. adequate soil moisture aerobic conditions, good ferFor alfalfa, the herbicides applied in the prior tility and medium pH will all favor microbial activity crop should be considered for carryover prior to and herbicide breakdown. While cool and dry condiseeding in the spring. With more residual herbicides tions tend to slow degradation, other practices that utilized in the area, it is important to make sure those may influence carryover include tillage systems and programs are going to allow for successful alfalfa compaction. Tillage can help dilute the concentration stand establishment. It is important to note this is of the herbicide in a larger volume of soil and reduce not something new. We must make similar consider- the potential risk of carryover. Also keep in mind that ations for all crops. Rather, this is to help provide tips reducing the herbicide rate may help reduce the risk on what to look for when determining potential stand of injuring the crop, but that is not a recommended practice as that may lead to herbicide resistant weeds. establishment issues. The third and final tip is to encourage agronomic The first tip is to read and follow the label. The label is the law, must be followed and also has useful practices that favor alfalfa emergence and growth. information that can help applicators avoid potential This includes planting at the proper depth, ensuring issues. This is also where people can find information a good seedbed, planting on an appropriate date and related to crop rotational intervals. These rotational proper fertilization. Essentially, less stressed plants restrictions must be followed. They are there to help will better tolerate herbicide carryover than stressed prevent both crop failure and the potential for pesti- plants. If you have questions on the above information, cides to get into food sources. Also make sure to read any notes that may be denoted by a letter, number email me at ndrewitz@umn.edu or call 608-515or other marking. These notes reference important 4414. To receive future events, educational programinformation including potential temperature or rain- ming and agronomic updates by email, sign up at fall requirements that must be met prior to planting z.umn.edu/tricountysignup.
Dairy barn ventilation: Freestall barns
peratures than warmer ones. As we conI have been in Minnesota for the past tinually strive to maintain that optimal four months, observing a substantial range environment, keep an eye on your barns’ of weather. We arrived during a snowstorm temperatures and, of equal importance, the at the end of October 2020, which was folrelative humidity. lowed by balmy weather of 50 degrees, As dairy cows respire, they produce proceeding into actual winter of persistent heat, gases and moisture that, simply put, single digits or colder. Not to mention the have to go somewhere. Without an outlet, wind. we have a smelly, moist environment and a Weather in our region covers a respectable range throughout the year. This article UNIVERSITY OF cow health perfect storm. Preferably, if we will include several recommendations for MN EXTENSION have appropriate ventilation, we can stave DANA ADAMS off the continual fog of an under-ventilated freestall barn environmental temperature barn. Monitoring relative humidity with and ventilation for mature dairy animals to a goal of between 50%-80% will support both cow optimize cow comfort and animal health. It is common practice in freestall dairies that as health and comfort. I have seen a few barns in my cold weather settles in, people baton down the hatch- time with a cheap digital humidity and thermometer es and tuck everything away for the winter ahead. monitor nailed to a barn post, and it always makes me Understandably, winter is coming, and we want our smile. As a scientist, I like to measure a parameter, animals to be comfortable as they ruminate, produc- such as relative humidity. By making that informaing milk. We know Holsteins perform best between tion accessible, the farm employee can keep an eye 20-76 degrees, being more tolerant of colder tem- on your goals as well. Combined efforts regarding relative humidity, temperature and air passage will keep cows warm, dry and will play a big part in controlling environmental pathogens. By keeping a steady eye on all these factors, you can continue to keep your animals ASSISTANT NURSE MANAGER comfortable and productive during the colder weather. FT managerial/direct care exempt position; primary days M-F. The information for this article was from the Current MN RN license, BLS, ACLS,TNCC and ER experience required. BSN/MSN and managerial/charge experience preferred. Penn State Extension article linked below. If you would like more information about dairy freestall Apply online: www.meekermemorial.org/careers ventilation, visit extension.psu.edu/natural-ventiSee website for position/benefit details. lation-for-freestall-barns. Direct questions can be 612 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfield, asked by email at adam1744@umn.edu or call the MN 55355 EOE Stearns County Office at 320-255-6169, Ext. 3. 320-693-4521
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Producers urged to consider risk protection coverage before crop sales deadlines The United States Department of the average market price for crop losses Agriculture Farm Service Agency enthat exceed 50% of expected production. courages you to review available USDA For all coverage levels, the NAP crop risk protection options, including service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop federal crop insurance and Noninsured or $825 per producer per county, not to Crop Disaster Assistance Program covexceed a total of $1,950 for a producer erage before the crop deadline of March with farming interests in multiple coun15. ties. Federal crop insurance covers crop Beginning, underserved, veterans Farm Service losses from natural adversities such as and limited resource farmers are now Agency News drought, hail and excessive moisture. eligible for free catastrophic level covby Ryan Brunn, NAP covers losses from natural disasters erage. executive director on crops for which no permanent federal Qualified veteran farmers or ranchfor Benton and crop insurance program is available. ers are eligible for a service fee waiver Mille Lacs counties All spring-seeded crops (vegetables, and premium reduction, if the NAP apgrains) in Benton and Mille Lacs counplicant meets certain eligibility criteria. ties have a NAP application deadline of March 15. Federal crop insurance coverage is sold and You can determine if crops are eligible for federal delivered solely through private insurance agents. crop insurance or NAP by visiting the RMA website. Agent lists are available at all USDA Service Centers NAP offers higher levels of coverage, from 50% or at USDA’s online agent locator. You can use the to 65% of expected production in 5% increments at USDA cost estimator to predict insurance premium 100% of the average market price. Producers of or- costs. ganics and crops marketed directly to consumers also For more information on NAP, service fees or may exercise the buy-up option to obtain NAP cover- sales deadlines, contact your Benton-Mille Lacs age of 100% of the average market price at the cover- County USDA Service Center at 320-968-5300, Ext. age levels of between 50% and 65% of expected pro- 2 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. duction. NAP basic coverage is available at 55% of
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 2021 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 16, 2021 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Scott Johnson, Ed Popp, Jared Gapinski, Steve Heinen and Beth Schlangen present (Johnson and Schlangen attended virtually). Call to order by Chair Popp was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Gapinski/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as presented. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Gapinski requested that Consent Agenda item # 7 be pulled and moved to regular agenda. Chair Popp Invited Mike Harvey, Land Services Director to speak about Agenda item # 7. Johnson/Gapinski unanimous to approve the remaining Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2021 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2021 as written; 3) approve annual renewal for professional services contract with SafeAssure and authorize Chair to sign Resolution 2021- #8; 4) increase half-time Auditor-Treasurer DMV position to 40 hours per week; 5) adopt Resolution approving application for exempt permit for Clear Lake Lions to hold a raffle at Jack and Jim’s Convention Center, 11025 Duelm Road NE, Foley on March 13, 2021 and authorize Chair to sign; 6) approve application for exempt permit for St. Elizabeth Church to hold a Raffle, Bingo and Pull-Tabs at St. Elizabeth Church basement, 16454 125th Ave NE, Foley on June 27, 2021 and October 17, 2021; 8) establish a Special Board of Appeal and Equalization for the 2021 assessment year and appoint members; set compensation for members at $150.00; set date and time of meeting for June 14, 2021 at 6:30 PM; 9) approve 2021 SCORE Grant Applications Round I as recommended by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; 10) approve 2021 Solid Waste Hauler Licenses Round II Pierz Sanitation Inc., Republic Services Inc. Sauk Rapids, and Vanderpoel Disposal and authorize the Chair to sign; and 11) approve administrative agreement between City of Foley and Benton County and authorize the Chair to sign. Consent Agenda item #7 (approve Ratification and signing of Ratification Statements for Tax and CAMA contracts between MNCCC and Conduent State and Local Solutions, Inc., through December 2023), Gapinski questioned the Consent Item and Land Services Director Mike Harvey informed the Board that this would be continuing maintenance on the already existing tax and CAMA we have in place. Harvey said he wants to keep the tax and CAMA systems going for the next three years and if we don’t agree to this now, there will be early withdrawal fees. Gapinski thanked Harvey for the clarification. Popp inquired about expenses and asked if there were any grants available for this new program. Harvey stated that we have already budgeted for two-thirds of the expense and would need an additional $90,000. Gapinski/Heinen unanimous to approve Consent Agenda item # 7 regarding the approval of Ratification and signing of Ratification Statements for Tax and CAMA contracts between MNCCC and Conduent State and Local Solutions Inc., through December 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign. The next item on the agenda was the Employee Recognition Award Ceremony, where Amanda Edwards, Office Support Specialist in Human Services, was nominated by Social Worker Lindsey Bartosch under the “Innovation and Efficiency” category. Edwards received the award and was presented with a certificate, along with a $100.00 gift card for her efforts. Amanda Othoudt from the Benton Economic Partnership presented BEP’s “Round One” Business Assistance Grants recommendations. Othoudt gave an updated list that morning for the Board to review which stated BEP had 71 applications received totaling $914,488.00 requested, with $787,399.76 available to be expended. Othoudt stated that of the 71 applications received, 43 have been approved, 16 were rejected (they were either home-based businesses or the business revenues increased over comparison periods), 3 late submissions, 7 applications were waiting for additional information, and 2 were non-compliant with city or county ordinances. The total amount for the 43 applications
PUBLIC NOTICES
that were approved is $365,887.50 which leaves $421,512 left to allocate in Round 2 March 2nd. Of the $421,512 left over, BEP wants to review applications received to date and identify ways to reallocate funds to the businesses that have already applied. Gapinski questioned the Grant amounts and how they were calculated. Othoudt said they looked at comparison periods of November through December 2019 and November through December 2020 and they looked at the increase or loss of revenue during that time period. If the loss of revenue was greater than $10,000, and as long as the business met the criteria, it is recommended the business receive $10,000. However, if the loss was less than $10,000, businesses that met the criteria are recommended to receive that amount of loss. Sole proprietors would receive half of their loss during that period as well. Popp questioned if we had enough losses to match the remaining Grant monies that are left over. Othoudt calculated the current loss of the businesses to be over $4 million from 2019 to 2020. Motion by Heinen to approve “Round One” of Business Assistance Grant Recommendations provided no current tax liens and to review the late applications from the Benton Economic Partnership. Second by Gapinski. Motion carried per roll call vote with Gapinski, Heinen, Schlangen and Popp voting aye. Johnson abstaining from vote because of lack of time to look over new list. Johnson stated he is supportive of the Grant recommendations but feels he should abstain at this time. Next, Othoudt requested a Resolution calling for public hearing for property tax abatement on “Project Capers”, a.k.a. Performance Food Group in Rice. Benton County and the City of Rice have received a request for tax abatement assistance in the form of “pay as you go” property tax abatement financing, submitted by the developer. The request is related to a proposed expansion of an existing facility in the City of Rice which includes two phases. Phase 1 includes demolition, phase 2 adds 25,000 square feet to the plant. Estimates to create 22 new jobs within 2 years with an average salary of $45,000 per year. The company currently employs 285 full-time employees. Total tax abatement requested is $600,000, with $200,000 requested from the city and $400,000 requested from the County over a period of 15 years. The abatement request is only on the new taxable value. The assistance would be used to finance certain costs of the demolition and construction of the $12.4 million dollar project. Othoudt is looking for approval of Resolution 2021- #9 calling for a Public Hearing March 16, 2020 on the Proposed Property Tax Abatement and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion by Johnson to approve and second by Gapinski. Motion carried per roll call vote with Johnson, Schlangen, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. Department of Development Director Roxanne Achman asked the Board to consider a Resolution Proposing Benton County Boundary Commission Plat No. 1 Special Assessment Distribution, Term and Rate, and set a Public Hearing. Achman referenced the discussion on this matter at the February 2, 2021 County Board Committee of the Whole Meeting where they went over the total cost of $66,925.63, which would be $2,991.81 per parcel, including the township for public right of way. The term was set at 10 years with a rate of 2% from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. Achman would like to set the Public Hearing date for March 16, 2021 at 9:00 AM. Motion by Johnson to approve the Resolution 2021 - #10 with second by Heinen and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried per roll call vote with Johnson, Schlangen, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The second agenda item, Achman asked to Consider Awarding RFP to Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC, d/b/a Allied Waste Services of Sauk Rapids/Republic Services of Sauk Rapids for services related to Amnesty Days for 2021-2024. Achman stated they have been working with them for the last six years and they were the only ones to submit a bid for this event. Costs do increase each year, as to be expected. It is unclear if we will have Amnesty Days at the Sauk Rapids High School in June since the school tends to be busy with activities on weekends. The school is pushing for a much cleaner sweep immediately after the event too. After discussions with Public Works, we may hold both spring and fall Amnesty Days events at the Benton County Highway Department in Foley. Motion by Gapinski to approve Allied Waste Contracts through years 2021 through 2024. Second by Heinen. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:41 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting. Regular Board Meeting was reconvened at 9:44 AM. County Engineer Chris Byrd presented the Agenda item regarding the Local Road Improvement Plan (LRIP) grant applications. The LRIP Grant program is available to Counties, Cities, Small Cities and Townships across the State. This Grant is intended to be used on road projects with a minimum life expectancy of 10 years as opposed to regular road maintenance project like patching or filling in cracks. Applications are due March 3, 2021. They anticipate the projects will be awarded in May. There are individual projects that have Resolutions to consider that accompany the Grant Application. Byrd started with the County road projects. First one Byrd would like consideration on is CSAH 1. We could apply for LRIP to cover local match to Federal funding and for other project expenses to continue this reclaim project. We could also apply for doing a reclaim on this
road up to CSAH 2. This would be an easy Grant to apply for and an easy project to deliver according to Byrd. Motion by Heinen to adopt the Resolution 2021 - #11 to support County Road 1 reclaim project from County Road 78 to CSAH 2 and authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Gapinski. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The second project Byrd presented to the Board to submit was the Local Road Improvement Program Grant Solicitation/Adopt Resolution of support for CSAH 3 to reclaim project from Gilman to Morrison County. Motion by Gapinski to adopt Resolution 2021 - #12 support the reclaim for CSAH 3 from Gilman to Morrison County and to authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Johnson. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The third project Byrd presented to the Board for approval to submit was the Local Road Improvement Program Grant solicitation/adopt a Resolution of support for CSAH 21 to reclaim project from Rice to Morrison County. This would be ready by 2023 which would be in alignment with Grant requirements. Motion by Johnson and second by Popp to adopt Resolution 2021 - #13 to do a reclaim on CSAH 21 from Rice to the Morrison County line and authorize Chair to sign. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The fourth project Byrd presented to the Board to submit the Grant application for local road improvement program Grant application/adopt Resolution of support for Langola Township Grant Application for “165th Street improvement”. Byrd said that Townships are responsible for seeking a consultant to prepare the plans. Byrd also stated Townships are required to cover the costs that the Grant does not cover if awarded. Motion by Gapinski to approve to adopt Resolution 2021 - #14 in support of Langola Township Grant Application for “165th Street improvement” and authorize Chair to sign. Second by Heinen. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The fifth project Byrd presented to the Board to submit the Grant application for local road improvement program Grant application/adopt Resolution of Support for Watab Township Grant application for “Sucker Creek Road Improvements”. This project would happen at the same time as the County would replace the bridge over Sucker Creek Road. Motion by Johnson to approve and adopt Resolution 2021 - #15 and to authorize the Chair to sign the Grant application for improvements to “Sucker Creek Road”. Second by Popp. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. The sixth project Byrd presented to the Board to submit the Grant application for local road improvement program Grant Application/Adopt Resolution of Support for the City of Rice Grant Application for “Gateway Drive Improvement Project”. Motion by Heinen to approve and adopt Resolution 2021- #16 to submit Grant application for “Gateway Drive Improvement Project” and to authorize Chair to sign. Second by Johnson. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. Last project Byrd presented to the Board to submit the Grant application for local road improvement program Grant Application/Adopt Resolution of Support for Minden Township Grant Application for “Shadowwood Dr NE Project”. Motion by Gapinski to approve Resolution # 2021 - #17 to submit Grant application for “Shadowwood Dr NE Project” and to authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Schlangen. Motion carried per roll call vote with Schlangen, Johnson, Popp, Gapinski and Heinen voting aye. Headley presented the Draft Joint Powers Agreement governing the Rum River Comprehensive Water Management Plan (“One Watershed - One Plan”). Assistant County Attorney Michelle Meyer and Gerry Maciej from Benton Soil and Water Conservation District were present virtually. Headley asked the County Board to review the documents and let staff know if the Board is comfortable with the proposed structure of this new organization. Meyer stated that the current plan is to go forward with a Joint Powers Entity and not a Joint Powers Collaboration. The goal would be to protect the individual parties, to protect the fiscal agent and to overall limit the liability that you might get when you don’t have a separate entity. Proposed powers of this entity include the ability to contract, accept and apply for grants, and accept funds or accept gifts. The Joint Powers Organization would not have the power to hire employees , own real property, nor have the ability to levy or incur debt Popp noted this was not a unanimous decision among the member counties and SWCDs The County Board by consensus agreed to move forward with the proposed Joint Powers Agreement. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the County. There were no Commissioner Concerns. Heinen/Gapinski to set Committees of the Whole: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 9:00 AM Vetter Johnson office space options, local assessing options, Tax/CAMA options and 5-year road program. Meeting adjourned at 10:52 AM Edward D. Popp, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-9-1B
BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | Page 7B
Rice Fire Department picked in grain bin safety campaign
Millennial Farmer donates $1,250 for equipment BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
STOCK PHOTO
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Grain bin entrapment incidents are on the rise nationally. Rice Fire Department received a $1,250 donation to be used toward grain bin safety equipment and training in January.
benefit from the grant because we have a lot of farming in our community that we respond to,” Walters said. “And the better we are prepared, the better the outcome could be if somebody is trapped inside of a grain bin.” The timing of Johnson’s campaign lined up perfectly for the Rice firefighters as they had completed a simulated rescue at an area farmer’s residence in September 2020. Rice Fire Chief Scott Janski said the experience allowed his team to pinpoint holes in both their training and equipment. So, when Walters filled out the donation application nominating the department, he knew exactly what the money
would be used for: a rescue auger than runs off a cordless drill, and safety harnesses and roping. After sifting through up to 400 emails of departments or people seeking funds, Johnson and a group of people who helped with the project placed around 80 departments into a pool. “We literally put the departments names on pieces of paper and put them in a bucket and drew them to allocate the funds,” Johnson said. Rice was picked. “First, lucky,” Walters said of how the donation made him feel. … “And then grateful, too, that we received some money that we normally would not have to get more safety equipment.”
Chief Janski said the benefits of the donation will go beyond the Rice department’s coverage area. Other fire departments will be able to access the equipment through mutual aid should a grain bin entrapment emergency occur. Johnson said he is thankful to be a part of something that is much bigger than him. “It started as an idea from us, but the platform exists and the money came in because of the viewers,” Johnson said. “All we did was facilitate it and bring some awareness to it. … People care about farmers in the Midwest, and it was humbling to be a part of that.”
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SAUK RAPIDS – When Zach Johnson and his wife, Becky, set out to make a difference in agriculture this fall, they never expected the support they would receive. The couple, having rallied around Farm Rescue in spring, decided to donate money to Midwest volunteer fire departments to be used toward grain bin safety equipment and training. But rather than only making a donation on their behalf, they called upon others to join the campaign. “People jumped on it right away,” Johnson said. “I think we had about $18,000 to $20,000 in there almost overnight, and it continued to grow.” Now, the Rice Fire Department will benefit from the safety campaign. Rice was one of 51 volunteer fire departments to receive funds. The city accepted a $1,250 donation in January. Grain bin entrapments have been on the rise in the Midwest, according to Purdue University. The nation experienced 38 entrapment cases in 2019, up 27% from the year prior. Minnesota led the country in 2019 with seven incidents. Johnson, known to most by his online social media handle Minnesota Millennial Farmer, is a fifth-generation crop farmer near Lowry. He has more than 735,000 YouTube subscribers and over 550,000 followers on other social media platforms. Using his social media channels, Johnson released a video calling for support for the fire departments this fall; he also opened a GoFundMe account for people to donate. In the end, the campaign raised more than $65,000. Charlie Walters, a firefighter on the Rice Fire Department for over seven years, saw Johnson’s video, which also sought fire department nominations. “I thought we could