Sauk Rapids Herald - September 30, 2023

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Solarz retiring from board of education

Process to fill vacancy already underway

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education has an unexpected vacancy as longtime director Jan Solarz announced her retirement at the board meeting Sept. 25.

Solarz’s last meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 10.

“I have had the honor to serve the Sauk Rapids and Rice communities on the board of education since Jan. 1 of 1997,” Solarz said in a prepared statement. “I have had many amazing things happen at this table, including hard conversations, hard decisions, hard compromises and best of all, working with great people. I am thankful for everyone who trusted me to sit at this table and represent them. It’s just time to slow down.”

The process to replace Solarz will begin immediately. The board is seeking statements of interest from those looking to potentially ll the vacancy.

The statements must be received at the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District of ce, 1833 Osauka Road NE, Sauk Rapids, by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Statements can be dropped off at the of ce, sent by mail or by email to christie.young@isd47.org.

A date for group-style interviews has yet to be determined, but those selected to be interviewed will be contacted by a school of cial. Interviews will be open to the public.

The appointed board member will serve the remainder of Solarz’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2024. That seat will be on the ballot for the general election Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

More information about application procedures can be found on the district’s website at isd47.org or by calling Christie Young at the district of ce at 320-258-1809.

“The state statute requires the seat needs to be lled, but it will not go to election because we are within 90 days of (Election Day), so we cannot get it on the ballot,” Butkowski said. “We will hold interviews and the board, minus Jan, will appoint the vacancy for the seat.

We will continue to release information to the public on what that’s going to look like as we dot I’s and cross T’s on the next steps with this.”

School board page 5

of the local newspaper

A publication’s journey from production to recycling

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

Though most people simply think of newspapers as their source of information while drinking morning coffee or relaxing at home, each copy has a long and arduous journey before arriving on newsstands and in mailboxes.

At Star Publications, the newspaper begins with the story.

On-scene reporters armed with notepads and cameras gather details and ask questions while deadlines loom in the back of their heads.

Sauk Centre-based Star Publications produces four community newspapers — Benton County News, Sauk Centre Herald, Sauk Rapids Herald and The Star Post — as well as two regional rural-living newspapers, one multi-county shopper, a vestate newspaper that covers the dairy industry and 58 special sections that are inserted into

the pages of its publications.

Herman Lensing, a full-time journalist in Stearns County since 1986, said he views his position reporting local news as a recorder of history in his community.

“Our job is a little tricky sometimes,” Lensing said be-

tween typing paragraphs for a sports story.

Same Local Coverage Since 1854. | 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN  56379

PHOTOS BY HANS LAMMEMAN Joe Carlson folds stacks of recently printed newspapers Sept. 22 at Sauk Centre Web Printing in Sauk Centre. Carlson estimated that his facility produces between 30,000 and 100,000 individual copies per week.

Rita Herbrand picks up a copy of the Benton County News Sept. 26 from the post office in Foley. Star Publications publishes four community newspapers in central Minnesota.

Newspaper page 2

Tyler Dene Schmehr Pritchard

Newspaper from front

“When I am reporting, I keep in mind that what I am writing will be one of the rst recorded accounts of an event — whether it is something as mundane as a council meeting or as shocking as a ve-alarm re.”

Lensing is one of about 20 editorial team writers who interview, report and compile stories from the community for the company’s publications. Though the headline is the rst set of words most readers see, Lensing said it is almost always among his nal touches before turning stories over to production staff.

“I nish with the headline after I have the whole story written,” Lensing said. “I nd headline writing interesting partly because I am interested in poetry. In both mediums, you have to put as much information as you can in as few words as possible.”

Production manager Amanda Thooft has spent 12 years converting articles and photos into eye-catching newspaper designs. Aside from preparing advertisement proofs earlier in the week, page designers spend an average of eight to 10 hours on each weekly issue, gathering coworkers’ insight while laying out stories.

Thooft and other production staff are the last Star Publications employees to inspect pages prior to les being sent to printing presses.

“I look at the pictures and try to be inspired by the artwork that we get as well as the art that is available to download to match the

Local people, local coverage

feel of the story,” Thooft said. “Laying out the paper is probably the most nerve-wracking because you’re the last set of eyes on that page before it hits the plant.”

Star Publications uses three printing press companies located in Lowry, Madelia and Sauk Centre to transform les into physical newspapers and special sections. A fourth is used for producing glossy-papered productions as needed.

Joe Carlson, owner of Sauk Centre Web Printing, said he often arrives at the press around 3:30 a.m. to start work for the day. He leads a crew of ve responsible for making sure thousands of newspapers are printed without smudges or complications each day.

Carlson said the process starts with rolls of paper imported from Canada that weigh up to 900 pounds and ink shipped from Minneapolis. The team at Web Printing oversees the production of about 15 weekly papers for central Minnesota, he said.

“I look through every issue,” Carlson said while keeping an eye on a 65,000-copy run. “My day consists of downloading the les, getting the plates made and making sure that the press crew knows what we have to do.”

By the time customers pick up the neatly folded newspaper hot off the press, Carlson said he is already focused on preparing for the next day of printing. While he launched the printing company 45 years ago and has seen it through

Star Publications LLC. is a publishing company that prides itself on bringing the word “community” back to the newspaper industry.

Headquartered in Sauk Centre, Star Publications owns hometown newspapers — the Sauk Centre Herald, The Star Post, Sauk Rapids Herald and Benton County News — along with niche publications Dairy Star, Country Acres, Country Acres South and the Star Shopper.

In addition to its newspapers, Star Publications offers print and web services as well as Sign Design. Sign Design produces and installs full-color decals, signs and banners for multiple needs.

The company is owned by a group of seven partners born and raised in Minnesota and living within the communities they cover. Mark Klaphake of Sauk Centre, Joyce Frericks of Sauk Centre, Missy Traeger of Sauk Centre, Natasha Barber of Rice, Nancy Powell of Sauk Centre, Tim Vos of Albany and Amanda

drastic industry changes, Carlson said no two days are alike at the press.

“I have been doing it for a long time,” Carlson said. “Like any job, there are always days when you wish you weren’t doing it and other days where it brings you great satisfaction.”

Once Carlson and other staff bundle the newspapers into large stacks for shipping, the papers embark on their journey to readers. He

Thooft of Sauk Centre guide a team of roughly 50 employees based in five offices and homes across Minnesota and surrounding states.

Newspapers are the foundation of healthy communities, documenting the lives of people, businesses, events, schools and government agencies. The ink applied to the pages of our publications reveals the lifeblood of the communities we serve.

The belief at Star Publications is that each

said he occasionally delivers papers to publishing companies, but typically, his customers pick up the freshly printed product directly from the plant.

Concerning its eight newspapers alone, Star Publications produces an estimated 118,000 individual copies each month that arrive at homes across the Midwest.

Quick fact:

person has a story to tell, some have more than one. We’re here to tell yours.

Newspapers and other packages arrive at post of ces throughout the day, waiting to be sorted by postal workers.

Postmaster Of cer in Charge Joe Kinzer said drivers at the Foley post of ce typically begin their morning shifts around 6, sorting mail before embarking on the rst routes of the day about two hours later.

On foot or behind the wheel of mail trucks, postal workers hand-deliver newspapers to the mailboxes of subscribers.

“People will call and let us know when their paper is late,” Kinzer said. “They really miss the paper if it is not on time.”

Newspaper staff organize bundles and deliver copies to newsstands at convenience stores, grocery stores and other locations. Weekly papers wait for customers until they are ultimately replaced by the next week’s issue.

In addition to subscribers’ homes, newspapers arrive at public and school libraries, health clinics, businesses and even the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul.

Because Star Publications’ newspapers are made of 100% paper and use soy-based ink, they are completely recyclable.

Jim Zormeier, of Sauk Rapids, has visited newspaper of ces for more than ve years to collect scrap paper that helps him care for rescued animals. Whether readers are reusing the stories of their communities to line their cabinets, clean the most recent catch-of-the-day or simply depositing the piece in the blue bin, newspapers keep communities informed and provide an added bonus.

“Newspapers are perfect for what I am looking for,” Zormeier said. “They are serving a purpose.”

FILE PHOTO

Star Publications LLC business partners — Joyce Frericks (front, from left), Amanda Thooft, Nancy Powell; (back, from left) Tim Vos, Missy Traeger, Natasha Barber and Mark Klaphake — guide a team of nearly 50 employees to produce four community newspapers and additional niche publications. The company is an independent publisher based in Sauk Centre.

Kent Precision Foods to close Benton County plants

Company will lay off more than 60 Sauk Rapids, Foley employees

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

More than 60 Kent Precision Food Group Inc. employees will be laid off next month, according to recently shared plans for the permanent closure of plants in Foley and Sauk Rapids.

In a Sept. 22 letter to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, KPFG stated it will terminate 49 Foley employees and 12 Sauk Rapids employees effective Nov. 30.

Carol Reynolds, Kent Corporation’s vice president of human resources and communications, said the decision to close Benton County facilities is part of a change in the company’s business model over the last ve years.

“This change includes a strategic shift of focus to branded products as KPFG continues to evolve and grow in the markets they serve,” Reynolds said in an email. “The strategy has shifted away from co-manufacturing, predominantly due to the price-sensitive nature of this channel of the market.”

According to DEED, federal law requires employers with 50 or more employees to report large layoffs to the state’s dislocated worker program.

Foley city administrator Sarah Brunn said news of the plant closure surprised city staff, but she is working with local organizations to nd work for KPFG employees.

“We had no noti cation or anything until the DEED notice went out,” Brunn said. “We have connected with Kent Precision Foods Group on providing

What’s HAPPENING

Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Experimental Earth: Poetry Reading and Creative Writing Session with Ed Bok Lee. Author Ed Bok Lee will share hybrid poetry and prose and conduct a writing exercise and sharing circle. Funded through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Registration required by calling 320-650-2500.

like this in our county. So, it’s really about getting the information out to a plant manager, so they can share it with employees.”

DEED representative Mary Haugen said the organization aims to collaborate with organizations and businesses to facilitate support for workers impacted by the layoffs.

Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 28th annual Wildlife Festival. Live animals, in atable BB gun range, open refuge service roads and more at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Oak Savanna Learning Center, 16797 289th Ave. NW, Zimmerman. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.

Sunday, Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m. — Ninth annual Bouja Fest. Hosted by the Sauk Rapids Tinville Lions Club. Bouja, live and silent auctions, meat raf e and more. Rollie’s Rednecks and Longnecks, 940 35th NE, Sauk Rapids.

resources for displaced employees. We are going to work with them to help them as much as we can during the transition.”

According to the letters from KPFG, the closures affect 33 positions, including procurement positions, administrative roles, warehouse workers, human resource employees, machine operators and others.

KPFG specializes in developing, blending and packaging dry mix food products, according the company’s website.

Amanda Othoudt, executive director of the Benton Economic Partnership, said she does not recall any large layoffs similar to the KPFG plant closures in recent years. She said she believed there are enough open positions in the county for the workers facing layoffs.

“It is unfortunate this plant closure happened in our county, but we’re con dent we can reallocate some of those jobs to other businesses that are experiencing workforce issues,” Othoudt said. “We’re con dent we can reallocate those jobs

to other companies within the Foley area, and the goal is to keep those employees employed in the city of Foley.”

Othoudt said her organization has communicated with KPFG to ensure employees receive information that may help them nd future employment locally.

“We’ve been in contact with the plant manager and giving them resources for our dislocated workers program and other resources that they can share with their employees,” Othoudt said. “We’re early on in the process. We don’t have very many plant closures

John Heintze

There will be an open house 90th birthday celebration for John Heintze, of Sauk Rapids, from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Sauk Rapids VFW. The celebration will be hosted by his daughters, Kim Friend and Lynn Holmgren. R-39-2P

She explained in an email that services may include on-the-job training, classroom training, job search and placement assistance, entrepreneurial training and more.

“The State Rapid Response Dislocated Worker Unit coordinates with the employer to provide on-site information to the workers and employers about employment and retraining services that are designed to help participants nd new jobs,” Haugen said.

Career Solutions, a partner of CareerForce, is hosting an Oct. 12 Job Seekers Open House on the St. Cloud Technical and Community College campus in St. Cloud. The event will feature several workshops, including resume tips, interview preparation and computer basics.

Monday, Oct. 2, 6-7 p.m. — Nordic Walking Group Meets every Monday. Some poles available. Municipal Park, Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. — Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to noon — Living Waters Lutheran Church Food Shelf Distribution. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. If in need of emergency food assistance, call 320-255-1135.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Exercise Tuesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice. Call 320-393-4467 for more information.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 12:15 p.m. — Rice Senior Citizens Monthly Meetings. First Tuesday of the Month. Old Creamery Café, 405 E. Main St., Rice.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3-6 p.m. — Rice Area Women of Today Farmers Market. Last event of the season. Free arts and craft activity for children. Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at the corner of Main and Division streets, Rice.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m. — St. Cloud Area Singing Saints Men’s Acapella Chorus Practice. Meets every Tuesday. New participants welcome. Good Shepherd Community Chapel, 325 11th St. N., Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m. — Cribbage Wednesdays. Hosted by Helping Hands Outreach. Lions Building, 101 Fourth Ave. NW, Rice.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6-7 p.m. — Family Fun Night Read aloud story about kindness followed by unstructured family time. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 3-5:30 p.m. — Rice Area Food Shelf Distribution. Old Village Hall, 30 E. Main St., Rice.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 3-6 p.m. — Sauk Rapids Market Every Thursday through mid-October. Parking lot at Coborn’s, 110 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:30-7:30 — Tree Shakers Genealogy Club For ages 16 and older, inexperienced to advanced. Features educational topic and discussion. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous

Meeting. Meets weekly. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th St. NW, Rice. For more information, call 320-293-9213.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 8-11 a.m. — Watab-Langola

Community Clean-Up Day. Acceptable items (with applicable fees) include tires, appliances, screened electronics, mattresses, furniture, roadside litter, scrap iron, garden hoses and more. Pines Edge Grocery parking lot, 1490 110th St. NW, Rice.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — 14th annual Volleyball Bash for a Cure. All proceeds bene t the Coborn Cancer Center. O’Brien’s Pub, 10 Main St. E., Rice.

Sunday, Oct. 8, 1-4 p.m. — Rice Fire Department

Open House. Meet volunteer re ghters, see equipment and learn re prevention tips. Rice Fire Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice.

“We’re confident we can reallocate those jobs to other companies within the Foley area, and the goal is to keep those employees employed in the city of Foley.”

– Amanda Othoudt, Benton Economic Partnership executive director

School board from front

During her tenure on the board, Solarz – who grew up in Rice and went to school there switching to Sauk Rapids schools as an eighth grader – served as clerk, vice-chair and chair.

Butkowski said there will be a sendoff celebration in Solarz’s honor before the next board meeting, which will be in Rice instead of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School district board room. The meeting was moved to Tuesday because Monday, Oct. 9 is Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.

Director Mark Hauck led a rousing round of applause after Solarz’s announcement as fellow board members and administrators in attendance joined.

“The community is certainly indebted to (Jan) for all (she’s) done,” Butkowski said.

In other board news:

— Approved the preliminary levy for scal year 2024-25. The proposed levy, which district director of business services Tracey Fiereck is likely to change before nal approval in December is about $5.3 million and is an increase of about $380,000 (or 3.35%) from last year’s levy.

— Approved the 2023-24 Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan, which superintendent Bradley Bergstrom said is nearly identical to the plan currently in place.

Rice tax rate stable moving into 2024

Property owners may see slight decrease in city portion of statements

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

Estimated growth may result in at city taxes for Rice residents in 2024.

Yet despite the potential for stable or slightly decreased amounts on the city portion of tax statements, city revenues will see a lift of $111,749 in the new year.

The Rice City Council approved certifying a preliminary levy of $810,181 at its Sept. 18 meeting.

The 2023 city levy garnered $698,432 from property owners within city limits.

The levy amount can be reduced but not raised before the nal certi cation at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 during the Truth in Taxation meeting at Rice City Hall in Rice.

The 2024 swell re ects a 16% increase in revenue, although — due to an increased tax capacity — the city tax rate will drop less than 1% from 29.37% to 29.1%.

City clerk Julie Fandel said the council and staff are working to better itemize city and department budgets to have a better understanding of where and how things are spent.

Fandel said no speci c projects are scheduled for the city in the coming year, but council members plan to address road projects. The council nearly

doubled its road fund with the preliminary levy, deciding to levy $71,429 in 2024 versus $40,000 this year.

The total certi ed levy, payable in 2024, consists of $627,922 for the general fund, $71,429 for streets, $1,000 for the recreation department and $8,000 for a tax abatement project with the remainder being spent toward the re department.

The city paid off a re truck bond balance of $27,300 last year. Those previously slated levy funds have been rolled toward the re department budget to create capital outlay revenue for future years.

The re department will receive $93,430 of the total levy and an additional $8,400 will be placed in the re department pension fund.

At a special meeting Aug. 21 when council members met with department heads regarding annual budgets, Rice Fire Chief Scott Janski expressed the need to set aside funds for future capital improvements.

Janski said the department would need to replace four sets of turnout gear for re ghters at over $4,000 per set. He also detailed the cost of replacing the department radios and mentioned the department is awaiting word on whether they will receive a Federal Emergency Management

Staff

Agency grant to pay for the equipment.

“We need to still budget for it because we don’t know if it (receiving the grant) is going to happen or not,” Janski said.

Grants are not without complications of their own, though, Janski said.

“The nice thing about getting a FEMA grant is you can replace all your stuff,” he said. “The downside is all your stuff expires at the same time.”

Janski included for the council an equipment spreadsheet with corresponding expiration dates and current replacement costs. He said the department will need to replace all of its air packs within the decade.

“There again, that was a FEMA grant,” Janski said. “It was great; it bought us all new air packs, but now it’s kind of like when you build a new house and all your light bulbs crash at the same time. It’s kind of the same thing.”

Janski said the result is a large expenditure that must be addressed as either a one-time purchase, smaller purchases over a number of years or by placing aside funds each year while planning for the disbursement.

“That’s the dialogue I’d like to start thinking about,” he said. “Let’s start putting money away so in 2033 we will have that set aside when we need to buy more air packs.”

Janski said city

Mark Klaphake General Manager.....................................mark.k@dairystar.com

Joyce Frericks Publisher ................................................joyce@saukherald.com

Missy Traeger Sales Manager .......................................missy@saukherald.com

Natasha Barber Editor .................................................natasha@saukherald.com

Nancy Powell Manager ................................................nancy.p@dairystar.com

Tim Vos Marketing .................................................tim@saukherald.com

Amanda Thooft Production Manager/Page Layout ....amanda@saukherald.com

Maddy Peterson Graphic Designer .....................................maddy@star-pub.com

Cheyenne Middendorf Graphic Designer .................................cheyenne@star-pub.com

Karen Knoblach Graphic Designer ....................................karen.k@star-pub.com

Annika Gunderson Graphic designer .....................................annika@star-pub.com

Tom Fenton Reporter .....................................................tom.f@star-pub.com

Annual Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids and Rice P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes. Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties - $53 per year. Elsewhere in Minnesota - $60 Outside Minnesota - $63 per year. $5 per month for snowbirds.

Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District 47

The deadline for most news and advertisements in the Sauk Rapids Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday.

ISSN Print: 2638-7727 Online: 2834-6084

budgets have not been immune to in ation nor supply chain issues, and he has been shocked when receiving quotes. He said re extinguishers that used to be $80 to purchase have doubled in price. Turnout gear takes six months to arrive.

“That’s the other thing; the lead times on these things are crazy,” Janski said. … “You budget for it, you spend it and by the time it shows up, you’re already into the next scal year.”

Tim Hennagir Reporter .....................................................tim.h@star-pub.com

Hans Lammenman Reporter ....................................................hans.l@star-pub.com

Evan Michealson Reporter .................................................evan.m@star-pub.com

Maria Bichler Copy Editor

Neil Maidl Marketing .................................................neil.m@star-pub.com

Bob Leukam Marketing ..................................................bob.l@star-pub.com

Robin Brunette Inside Sales ............................................robin@saukherald.com

Lorie Swedenburg Circulation ...............................................lorie@saukherald.com

Amy McChesney Bookkeeping ...........................................amy.m@star-pub.com

Gretchen Jennissen Bookkeeping .........................................office@saukherald.com

Kathy Banke Bookkeeping

Jill Borgerding Office assistant ............................................jill.b@star-pub.com

Logan Thomas Sign Design ...........................................logan@saukherald.com

Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be 350 words or less. The political letters to the editor policy can be found online under “Contact Us.”

Corrections/Clarifications: The Sauk Rapids Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, call 320-251-1971.

Advertising: Star Publications staff have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order.

Benton County Board approves proposed 5.56% levy increase for 2024

Preliminary operating budget set at $54.50 million

BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER

The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposed 2024 levy increase of 5.56% during a special meeting Sept. 26.

The increase represents a $1.25 million increase when compared with 2023, on a total property tax levy of $23.84 million.

Benton County’s 10-year average levy change increase is 1.9 % when the proposed 2024 change is included, Benton County Administrator Montgomery Headley said.

Based on a median house value of $279,910 and expected market value growth in 2024, a homeowner’s county property taxes would increase $81.95 in 2024, or $6.38 monthly, according to Headley as he recapped his onepage budget and levy summary.

The proposed levy increase falls below the 16.6% expected growth in the county’s payable 2024 tax capacity, which translates into a reduced county tax rate in 2024.

The estimated 2024 county tax rate will fall from 48.27% to 43.71% of tax capacity (down from a peak of 77.74% in 2013).

Next year’s proposed operating budget totals $54.50 million, a decrease of $7.86 million, or a reduction of 12.6% from 2023. Headley said most of the budget

reduction is due to a substantially smaller road construction program planned for 2024.

The proposed levy is the result of discussions that occurred during recent board work sessions, Headley said during a brief presentation at the special meeting.

The statutory deadline for certifying the county’s proposed 2024 property tax levy and budget to the auditor-treasurer is Sept. 30.

What’s driving the increase in the 2024 levy? Headley said employee compensation and bene ts, which total $1.65 million.

“There’s a 2.75% general wage adjustment in all labor contracts for 2024,” Headley said. “Most of our employees are eligible for step increases, and those average about 3.2%. The base budget also assumes a 13% increase in health insurance costs.”

On the revenue side of the budget ledger, Headley had positive news.

“We are very pleased to see improved interest rates,” Headley said. “Instead of getting about 1% or worse on our investment return, we are getting between 4% and 5%. That’s really great news because it provides some property tax relief.”

The 2024 budget includes adding a staff appraiser, public safety dispatcher, human services eligibility specialist and social worker. The human services positions would be offset by state and federal funding received by the county.

“One of the local assessors who has many jurisdictions is going to retire,” Headley said. “Our county assessor’s of ce plans to bring those (hours) in-house

rather than contracting out. The pool of local assessors is getting smaller and smaller.”

The proposed budget eliminates three full-time positions — a human resources safety position in administration, a social worker in human services and a highway engineering technician. Headley said all three positions are currently vacant.

Headley reported the county’s general revenue fund balance at the end of 2022 stood at 5.2 months of expenditure coverage versus a goal standard of 5 months.

During discussion Sept. 26, Commissioner Ed Popp addressed Benton County’s not using county program aid from the state to offset levy and budget increases.

In 2024, Benton County’s certi ed aid from the state will total $3.46 million. The Minnesota Department of Revenue allows counties to use the funds based on needs.

“I’m not happy that we didn’t use any county program aid,” Popp said. “That’s what the aid was established for, but we have until December to work that out.”

After the county’s preliminary budget is approved, the overall budget may decrease, but it cannot go up.

“It’s important to note this is a proposed budget and levy,” Headley said. “There are still opportunities between now and December to make revisions.”

Benton County’s Truth in Taxation is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 7 in the county board room.

FEMA, FCC plan nationwide emergency alert test for Oct. 4

Test messages will be sent to all TVs, radios, cell phones

WASHINGTON — FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts this fall.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The test message will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other signi cant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.

This messages will be disseminated as via the

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.

All wireless phones should receive the message only once.

For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “This is a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “Esta es una prueba del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita accion.”

The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.

The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

Tyler Dene

Schmehr Pritchard

A celebration of life was 3-8 p.m. Sept. 29 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Tyler Dene Schmehr Pritchard, age 35, who passed away Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023.

Tyler was born April 7, 1988, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, to William and Kim (Schmehr) Pritchard. He was raised in Iowa, graduated from Southeast Webster High School, and moved to Minnesota in 2012. Tyler met Danielle Zimmerman in February 2017, and they have been together ever since. He worked as an registered nurse at Augusta Apartments in Minneapolis, was a paramedic for Gold Cross for 12 years, and was an instructor, paramedic, and intensive care unit nurse.

Tyler was a member of St. Cloud Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 622. He enjoyed NASCAR, stock car racing, and racing ATVs. Tyler had a great sense of humor and liked everyone. He was a wonderful signi cant other, son, dad, brother and uncle. He was

Tyler Dene Schmehr Pritchard

intelligent, loving, kind and caring.

Survivors include his signi cant other Danielle Zimmerman of St. Cloud; children Tucker, Gabrielle, and Ezekiel; father Bill of Boxholm, Iowa; sister Desiree Pritchard (Jon Wise) of Omaha, Nebraska; nephews William, Ethan and Aaron; and cousin Jake Schmehr of Ft. Dodge, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kim Schmehr Pritchard; and uncle Kam Schmehr.

In lieu of owers, memorials are preferred. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CORNER

Cribbage Club

Fridays

This monthly gathering is designed for individuals aged 55 years and above who love playing cribbage and want to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Bring your cribbage board and cards to partake in a morning of friendly competition and camaraderie. Light refreshments provided. Registration is free, but register in advance for each monthly class you are able to attend. Meeting Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 8. Friday, Oct. 6, 9-11 a.m. — Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Legos and doughnuts with Dad

Join for a memorable Lego brick building experience with Dad, Grandpa, Uncle or others. Build a Lego kit together and take the nished

Join

Saturday, Oct 7, 9-10:15am — Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

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

Albany Apartment FOR RENT

No Dogs.

Call for availability, Loreen 763-238-0616 R21-tfnB-TV

SAUK RAPIDS

DISCOVERY CHURCH 700 18th St. NW (320) 251-5767 discoverychurchmn.com

HARVEST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 400 2nd Ave. N (320) 529-8838 HarvestMN.com HarvestenEspanol.com

If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837

Soil testing services

The University of Minnesota provides services that are useful to gardeners and to commercial growers.

GREEN AND GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY

BY LINDA G. TENNESON

Soil testing is available to test major and lesser nutrients in the soil. Go to soiltest. cfans.umn.edu for a video with instructions on how to collect soil from several locations in your garden. A small amount can be mailed in for testing. The form that must be included with the sample may be downloaded from the website and has blocks to indicate how the soil will be used: for owers, vegetables, trees or lawns. The results will indicate the soil’s nutrient condition, pH level and the existence of excess salt or fertilizers. The reply will include recommendations for fertilizers to use. Note the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recommendations are stated by numbers but not by speci c brand names. Fertilizers purchased based on these results should be as close to the recommended numbers as possible, but they do not have to be an exact duplicate since not all fertilizer combinations are available commercially.

Lawn fertilizer recommendations are for nitrogen and potassium since phosphorus is prohibited for use on lawns except on newly planted ones. Minnesota soil usually has enough natural phosphorus and additional amounts may be washed into the water system causing algae on lakes and rivers. The amount of organic matter in the soil and the soil texture are also included in the analysis. Payment should be included in the package. Other tests for micronutrients, calcium, magnesium and other soil elements are available for additional fees. Samples may be dropped in person at the laboratory on Dudley Avenue or mailed to the Soil Testing Laboratory, University of Minnesota, 135 Crops Research Building, 1902 Dudley Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

The Plant Disease Clinic, pdc.umn.edu, provides testing for fungal, bacterial, viral and other plant health conditions. This service may be used by commercial growers and the public.

Samples of diseased plants should be collected when the plant is alive, including roots if possible. Herbaceous plants should be wrapped in dry newspaper and plastic bags before placement in a shipping container. Spruce and r samples should include three years’ growth because needle cast and other diseases do not appear on current or new growth. Testing for other diseases such as oak wilt, verticillium wilt or Dutch elm disease are also available.

Details on sample size and packaging are also included. Check the website for additional information and prices or call the clinic for speci c questions and the availability of virus and other less common tests.

Home gardeners should include a payment by check with the sample. Samples are mailed to the Plant Disease Clinic, Department of Plant Pathology, 495 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108. They may also be hand delivered to 105 Stakman Hall, 1519 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN, Tuesdays through Fridays.

Samples may be submitted from other states, but the testing is oriented toward the soil in the upper Midwest. The telephone numbers and email addresses for both clinics are listed on the websites. The University of Minnesota Southern Outreach Center sroc.cfans.umn.edu in Waseca does soybean cyst and corn nematode testing.

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

Promise in drought

Harvest is extra heavy this year. No, it’s not the abundance of produce coming from the plants. It’s the abundance of beauty and life in our garden with a little produce to boot.

This last spring, we nished up an addition on our house and were not able to juggle planting veggies or owers from seed. Life has been dif cult and duties abound. Pride has had to consistently been put to death. But despite that, something extraordinary happened — something that took our very breaths away.

LIFE BY FAITH BY MERCY NYGAARD

Being able to prepare only one garden bed, I purchased starter, bell pepper plants from the Good Earth Food Co-op. As I positioned the starters into the earth, surrounding me was a plethora of seedlings that had awakened from winter, spreading all throughout every bed, and some in the walking paths of the garden. There wasn’t any time to weed. We were still cleaning and organizing our new space. So, as the weeds emerged, I began to recognize most of the seedlings as ower buds. A few looked like tomato seedlings. Onion sprouts grew up, pole beans and even a potato plant sprouted.

I began nurturing every volunteer as much as I could to give them a chance to thrive, as these plants came unexpectedly as a gift from work in previous garden seasons. I also collected rain water to help the garden through the drought. Each stem discovered, appeared as a promise that indeed God makes the increase despite our insuf ciencies. The Spirit testi es to what is true, and Jesus is the source of life. During life’s draining dif culties this season, the garden always gave a promise that as the seed dies, it produces many seeds.

When you have been emptied of your joy and stamina, sometimes there is more emptying still. Instead of asking why would God want to empty someone of their joy and stamina, ask, how does this glorify you, Lord? What would the purpose of pain be for God’s glory? God’s word is steady, unchanging and full of promises. We learn from his word that we are a vessel for God to pour through. He wants a new vessel that is empty of self-reliance, self-knowledge, unforgiveness and malice in order to ll it with his newness. You cannot put new wine in an old, wineskin vessel or it will explode. And actively letting God do the work in us through our trials, takes off the dross from the silver, bringing

forth a ner vessel, set apart for God’s good purposes.

If you’re empty and suffering, your grief has touched God’s heart, and he is always ready to ll you with his love. He draws near to the broken hearted, and he approaches those who are reproached with kindness, gentleness and compassion. In his perfect timing, you will start to feel a little stronger, and a little more able to face the tough circumstance you’re still in. Through suffering, God doesn’t always change our circumstance, but he always changes our hearts if we are willing to let him. This means if we are unwilling, we may become a vessel of dishonor. Terrible trials can make us bereft, bitter backbiters. The apostle Paul compares this to not a gold or silver vessel for honor, but a wood or clay vessel, possibly used for garbage or an ashtray.

I have been learning all too slowly, that God’s standards, not ours, and his ability to see into others hearts, relieves us of having to carry any offense. It’s still hard, and there is a purpose for pain. Because what the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good. When you are on the other end of hardship, with Jesus’ strength you’ll be able to share how God faithfully saw you through the trial and possibly is still seeing you through. Your testimony will encourage another in their agony. Your ability to empathize, see the person in their suffering and sit with them without even saying a word will speak a thousand words.

As summer progressed, so did our garden. Despite the drought, it is lled with giant sun owers and cosmos spraying taller than my spouse. Johnny jump ups and forget-me-nots are everywhere, and nasturtiums are vining larger than I have ever seen them. The bell peppers I bought from the co-op had three plants in the bundle that were actually zinnias. Another delightful surprise. Now, the zinnias are eye level and in full bloom. Red and pink poppies popped up in abundance along with purple hyssop. Flowers that I had planted two seasons ago nally bloomed in their third year.

All of our family gasped throughout the summer as God showed his glory through increasing what we nurtured in stronger seasons of life. Through any drought that life has to offer, there is the promise of resurrection hope in the Gospel. Because if the seed dies, it produces many seeds.

When in doubt, change those smoke detectors out

The National Fire Protection Association is the leading information and knowledge resource on re, electrical and related hazards.

Along with the three local re departments our area newspapers cover, the NFPA is an invaluable resource when writing about re prevention topics.

Fire safety should never be secondguessed. Recently, I learned an important lesson along those lines while working on our annual Fire Prevention Week special section.

FROM THE DOGHOUSE

BY TIM HENNAGIR

A couple of weeks ago, two of the hard-wired smoke detectors at home decided to conk out.

While researching a story, I ran across a fact sheet about smoke detector use.

Properly installed and maintained, residential smoke alarms are one of the best and least expensive ways to provide an early warning when a re begins.

Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage by alerting residents early to a re hazard.

I knew it was time to replace the two defective units at home because they were well-beyond their recommended 10-year service life.

I kept hearing that chirping sound that continued after the battery had been replaced. That means the alarm is at the end of its life, and the unit must be replaced.

I wasn’t looking forward to this ladder-based fall home maintenance task.

I was working under the notion it would be impossible to match the existing wiring plugs with new detector receptacles.

Nevertheless, the job needed to get done. I kept thinking about a key NFPA statistic: Almost twothirds of home re deaths happen in homes without smoke alarms or working alarms.

Not wishing to tempt fate, I headed to the store. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the smoke detector manufacturing company made special adapter plugs.

The change-out task ended up being a snap. I wish I had completed it much sooner.

Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology, including multi-sensing, which detects smoke and carbon monoxide combined.

Today’s smoke alarms are more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of re conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.

There are two types of smoke alarm sensor technology: photoelectric and ionization.

Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible re particles, namely those associated with fast aming res, sooner than photoelectric alarms.

Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible re particles associated with slow smoldering res sooner than ionization alarms.

Studies show both types will effectively detect either type of re.

For optimal protection, install both smoke alarm technologies in your home to maximize the chances of escape.

Here are some additional smoke alarm tips. Don’t forget that Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14. Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including basements and nished attics, and at the top and bottom of stairways.

If you don’t know when your home’s alarms were installed, replace them. Immediately. Don’t wait.

Consider installing smoke alarms that contain a sealed-in, tamper-proof battery that will power the unit for 10 years.

Gently vacuum your smoke alarm monthly to prevent dirt from blocking the sensor. Do not disable a smoke alarm in nuisance situations. Do not “borrow” smoke alarm batteries for other uses such as toys or radios.

Develop and practice a re escape plan with the family and pets so everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds.

Happy happenstance

Happenstance. In my humble opinion, a more delightful way of saying “coincidence.” Something that happens by chance. Chance allows for anything. And when happenstance happens in a happy way, it is serendipity.

I have written about connections, friendships forged with strangers over shared interests, like tiny things. But sometimes it is just a eeting moment, suspended in the time it occurs and yet still a connection we carry with us.

BY RHONDA SILTMAN

These happenstance moments are fun to watch for. They may be obvious or you may need to be paying close attention. It is likely we could all pay closer attention to the moments that compose our day, seeking hidden treasures and small delights. What delights me may be totally different than what delights you.

Cemeteries delight me, for their beauty and peace and history. As I was on my daily cemetery walk a few years ago, I saw someone working on a grave. I had questions and curiosity, but just ambling up to him seemed too odd, even for me.

The next time I saw him, by happenstance, he literally had a tape measure in his hand and was measuring the depth of the gravesite. The perfect question came to my mind. “Is it actually 6 feet under?” That opened the door to a long and fascinating conversation (for me, anyway) and possibly surprise and joy for him that someone was interested in his job. Since then, I’ve happened upon him a few other times with more questions and repeated promises that I am not totally weird. And, no, graves are not necessarily 6 feet deep. Happenstance connections may be even

more eeting. A funny comment from a barista or cashier (or customer, if you are a barista or cashier) can unexpectedly brighten our days. That brief and unexpected moment of connection and warmth may turn your frown upside down. It may be as simple as remembering your usual beverage or inquiring about your day with sincerity. Or something more.

Many years ago, when I worked in retail, a young woman inquired about the necklace I was wearing, a bottle cap with a glittery image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the center. I told her I collected what I considered kitschy Mary trinkets, and it was not faith that inspired me to wear them. Weeks later, she dropped by the store with a rosary for me (from Vatican City, no less) and a book about Padre Pio. She inscribed the book with the words, “God has big plans for you.” It took me 10 years to believe this message from a random stranger.

We’ve heard stories of “pay it forward” where someone pays for the purchase of the next person in the drive-through, which is delightful but not common or always feasible for that next person in line. But we can pay forward those small moments of serendipity. Watch for that smile, kind word or a driver who lets you into traf c. And then nd a moment to do the same for someone else. It means we must pay attention to our day and look for the moments of sunshine when it is often easier to recall the person who cuts us off in traf c.

Together, we could start a movement of happy happenstance.

HUMBLE+BOLD

Johnson to receive SCSU alumni award

Supports, grows youth mentoring over 35-year professional career

BY LEAH RADO BBBS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Jackie Scholl Johnson has devoted her entire professional career to supporting and growing youth mentoring — and she has done so in her own backyard.

It is for these reasons that Johnson, the executive director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, is this year’s recipient of St. Cloud State University’s Alumni Service Award.

The award is presented each year to an alumni who is exemplary in the service to society or SCSU. Johnson will receive her award at the Oct. 6 #OurSCSU Gala as part of the university’s homecoming celebration.

Johnson, now a Sauk Rapids resident, grew up on a small farm near Pierz. Upon her graduation from SCSU in 1987 with a degree in psychology, she made the St. Cloud area her home.

Since graduating from SCSU, Johnson has devoted more than 30 years in central Minnesota to the human services eld, working with vulnerable youth, families of alcoholics, pregnant teens, mentally ill adults and youth with special needs.

Johnson put her psy-

chology degree to work right away after college, spending one year as a child care counselor at the St. Cloud Children’s Home. She spent the next eight years as the executive director at New Beginnings, a home for pregnant women and single mothers before nding her calling in youth mentorship.

For 12 years, Johnson served as the program director for the Foster Grandparent Program at Catholic Charities of St. Cloud. She helped build and grow the program, which pairs senior citizens and retired individuals with youth who have special or exceptional needs.

After more than a decade with Catholic Charities, Johnson transitioned to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, where she has served as the executive director for 12 years. From her start date in July 2010 to the current date, Johnson has helped to grow the agency physically in staff size and location as well as in the number of youth the agency serves every year. Currently more than 500 youth are enrolled in the program.

Not long after she started at BBBS, the agency moved from a small of ce in downtown St. Cloud to a larger space at a new construction site. Johnson helped with everything from the layout of the new space to the packing, loading and unpacking of boxes. This move cut the agency’s rent in half and saved more than $30,000 per year — all of which

was funneled into growing the mentoring program and serving more kids.

Under Johnson’s leadership, the agency has expanded its schoolbased programming to her hometown of Pierz and, most recently, Holdingford, a small town of less than 700. Since the new program was announced in July 2022, more than 60 high school students have inquired about becoming Bigs (mentors).

Through her work in local schools, Johnson noticed a divide in students who had access to college campuses. In an effort to make sure every student knew they belonged at college and felt comfortable making that leap, she served as a driving force in establishing the Dr. Potter Bigs on Campus Mentoring Initiative. The initiative partners BBBS with SCSU and the St. Cloud Area School District. Local junior high and high school students are paired with professional mentors, and they meet twice monthly to explore campus, participate in on-campus activities and learn about post-secondary opportunities.

After a successful start to the program at SCSU in fall 2022, BBBS of cially launched a program at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, and the rst matches will be made in spring 2023.

In an effort to support more underserved students in the St. Cloud School District, Johnson also helped facilitate the BIG Partners program.

She built a partnership with DeZURIK, Granite Partners, Rotochopper Inc. and Microbiologics to secure professional mentors for juniors from Tech and Apollo high schools. Similar to the Bigs on Campus initiative, the BIG Partners matches meet twice monthly for educational tours, ACT prep work, fun activities and to help the students develop a clearer picture of life after high school. The expansion of the school-based programs and the BIG Partners and Bigs on Campus initiatives are a testament to Johnson’s leadership and dedication, as the moves come just a few years removed from the coronavirus pandemic. While

many BBBS agencies across the country were forced to close site-based programs during the pandemic, Johnson was in the of ce every day — often by herself — to ensure that did not happen in central Minnesota. She worked with programming staff to keep matches engaged and ensure that youth still had the support they needed, now more than ever.

Because of that foresight and leadership, BBBS of Central Minnesota received three national awards from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in June 2022: a Biggie Award for the annual report, the Board of the Year and the Gold Standard Award, which recognizes agencies that

have increased revenue and grown the numbers of mentors matched. Central Minnesota was one of just 12 agencies to receive the Gold Standard honor in 2022.

If her dedication to youth mentorship was not enough, Johnson is also very involved in her community. She was named the Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year in 2022, an award given to someone who demonstrates excellence in service. She is active at Salem Lutheran Church, is part of the St. Cloud Rotary Club and served as club president in 2021, and is also active in Forum of Executive Women.

While she acknowledges that retirement is around the corner, Johnson also has some lofty goals in mind for BBBS before that day comes. She has already set in motion a strategic plan that has raised funding, gained new partners and allowed the central Minnesota agency to reach more youth in need. She also recently began work on a $10 million endowment campaign that would make BBBS of Central Minnesota more sustainable now and in the future — and ensure her life work could continue even after her retirement.

When it comes to youth mentorship, Johnson does not just talk the talk, she leads by example. Johnson and her husband, Kevin, adopted their son, Karl, from Korea when he was just an infant.

BBBS page 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF BBBS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Jackie Scholl Johnson speaks at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Big Celebration. Johnson is a Sauk Rapids resident and the executive director of BBBS of Central Minnesota, and she will receive the St. Cloud State University Alumni Service Award Oct. 6.

Commissioners declare Oct. 1-7 4-H Week in Benton County

BY ANN OLSON UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

The Benton County Board of Commissioners had youth visitors at their Sept. 19 meeting in Foley.

“Being a part of 4-H has helped me become the leader I am and has given me con dence and courage to stand here in front of you today,” said Kathrine Mersinger, a member of the Benton County 4-H program, while speaking to the board meeting. “Being a part of 4-H has been instrumental in encouraging me to pursue things I am passionate about, making a difference in my community, mentoring younger youth in their talents and embracing the endless opportunities available to make me successful in all areas of my life.”

Six Benton County 4-H’ers — Ashley Betker, Johnathon Mersinger, Kathrine Mersinger, Brady Roberts, Claudia Schlough and Monica Schlough –attended the meeting and requested commissioners sign a proclamation, declaring Oct. 1-7 as 4-H Week in Benton County.

Commissioners Beth Schlangen of District 5, Scott Johnson of District 1, Ed Popp of District 2, and Steve Heinen of District 3, signed the proclamation, which encourages all county residents to “recognize 4-H for the signi cant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime.

Commissioner Jared Gapinski, of District 4, was absent as he was conducting county business in Washington, D.C.

Oct. 1-7 is also National 4-H Week, and this

year the week’s theme is 4-H Discover Together.

Betker reiterated Kathrine Mersinger’s sentiment and told commissioners that 4-H has given her opportunities to learn leadership. She said she has learned that hard work pays off and she can make her dreams come true.

As the University of Minnesota Extension Educator for Benton County 4-H, Ann Olson said 4-H helps make every kid’s potential count

by enriching learning and helping provide opportunities, no matter youth’s circumstances.

Nearly 500 youth participated in Benton County during the 2022-23 program year.

“We’re proud to celebrate 4-H and the power of positive programming.” Olson said. “Join us in celebrating the bene ts of the 4-H programs that empower young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime.”

Sauk Rapids Class of 1953 celebrates 70 years

SAUK RAPIDS

— Molitor’s Quarry

Grill & Bar in Sauk Rapids was the setting for the members of Sauk Rapids High School Class of 1953 to assemble Sept. 16 from distances as far as California, Illinois, North Carolina and various venues in Minnesota. The over-whelming incentive to make an afternoon commitment to meet with classmates was to celebrate the treasured friendships that have evolved over a life-span of almost 88 years.

Sixteen classmates, representing almost 70% of those still living, gathered to share and update each other on everything from their launch into posthigh school careers and education to the challenges of today’s culture.

Interesting enough, each classmate was asked to characterize their class in one word. The result was quite revealing from diverse (city/country),

Grill

adventurous, talented, academic, successful, educated, responsive, congenial, achievement, active, uni ed, intimate and engaged.

For one of the smallest classes to grad-

uate from Sauk Rapids High School, this class has marked achievement after graduation ranging the spectrum of agriculture, technology, education, business, healthcare, entrepreneurship,

trade-skills, science, authorship, sales, entertainment, space-exploration, construction, music/arts and nance.

The class continues to meet every ve years for a formal reunion and

each interim year for an informal get-together.

It also wishes to pay tribute to the dedicated teachers responsible for providing the tools to build a successful and ful lling life.

COMMUNITY STARS

Benton County marriage application

FOLEY — The following couple has submitted a marriage application in Benton County.

— Jeremiah Levi Stawarski, of Sauk Rapids, and Jenna Kathryn Zelinsky, of Isanti.

Students named to academic lists

DULUTH — Sauk Rapids residents Victoria Dorn and Adam Sch-

resident Alexis Pogatch-

were named to The College of St. Scholastica summer dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.75 or greater.

langen as well as Rice

nik

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sauk Rapids High School Class of 1953 members – Harold Vierkant (from left), Roy Wesenberg, Clara Pilantz Czech, Nancy Heim Fowler, Mildred Volkers Ripplinger and Richard “Dick” Lennes; (back, from left) Pat Seiler Sauer, David Christianson, Shirley Kath Johnson, Patricia Welch Patton, Joan Erstad Pickard, Mary Lou Mehrweth Schwiesters, Patricia Brunner Huschle, Kenneth Ackerman, Harvey “Abe” Maier and Dennis Foss — gather at Molitor’s Quarry

& Bar Sept. 16 in Sauk Rapids for their 70th class reunion. The classmates traveled from California, Illinois, North Carolina and various parts of Minnesota to reminisce and catch up with one another.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Benton County 4-H representatives — Ashley Betker (front, from left), Claudia Schlough, Monica Schlough and Brady Roberts; (middle, from left) Kathrine Mersinger, Ann Olson and Johnathon Mersinger — met with county commissioners — Beth Schlangen of District 5 (back, from left), Steve Heinen of District 3, Scott Johnson of District 1 and Ed Popp of District 2 — Sept. 19 at the Benton County Board of Commissioner meeting in Foley. The commissioners signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 1-7 4-H Week in Benton County.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School football team consists of Grayson Gazett (front, from left), Jaylen Hanson-Ditthidet, Lucas Barber, Dillon Miller, Shaun Walrath, Ethan Martin, Walker Loesch, Jonah Thell, Austin Beierman, Luke Scheeler, Elijah Schmitz and Deagan Gondeck; (second row, from left) Chris Pepin, Mason Sabraski, Hudson Omoke, Tyson Newville-Larson, Cullen Thompson, Xavier Thurston, Drew Lund, Anden Chapman, Lincoln Rushmeyer, Andrew Marten-Rosenow, Anthony Baillif-Sturkey, Clayton Handeland and Spencer Ackerman; (third row, from left) Carter Riedeman, Landon Combel, Ethan Elwood, Samuel Kulus, Nolan Black, Ethan Boettcher, Mason Anderson, Zaiden Colburn, Luke Dilley, Adam Purcell, Landon Jennings and Anthony Camara; (fourth row, from left) Logan Kealy, Ben Ellerbusch, Adan Valenzuela, Bradyn Kost, Hayden Brown, Brady Haag, Benjamin Neumann, Camden Stommes, Anthony Wolbeck, Brody Owings, Levi Brenny, Carter Koltes and Kai Hall; (fifth row, from left) Diego Flores-Lopez, Nolan Robish, Jake Thell, Keegan Gullette, Matthew Henke, Jaxxon Waxweiler, Gavyn Meyer, Dylahn Nagel, Zachary Kardell, Brody Sabin, Lane Piotrowski and Owen Massmann; (sixth row, from left) Emma Kottom, Mason Sherman and Kate Robish; (back, from left) assistant coach Dan Wolgamott, assistant coach Kevin Armbrust, assistant coach Evan Warnert, assistant coach Andrew Weber, assistant coach Carter Anderson, assistant coach Kyle Stein, head coach Phillip Klaphake, assistant coach Zach Brown, assistant coach Robbie Sauter, assistant coach John Solberg, assistant coach Dwight Summerville and assistant coach Eric Johnson. Not pictured is Leif Rudnick.

211GLENSTREET FOLEY,MN56329

Rice man allegedly threatens another by text FOLEY — A Rice man was behind bars Sept. 21 after allegedly threatening a family member by text.

Dale Clinton Lindseth, 68, is charged with one count of felony threats of violence as well as misdemeanor domestic assault. Lindseth could receive a maximum sentence of ve years in prison and a $10,000 ne for the offense if convicted.

A criminal complaint led in Benton County states Lindseth and a

family member allegedly had an altercation and argument while Lindseth was intoxicated. When Lindseth left the residence he sent a text message that threatened the lives of the person and others, according to the complaint.

Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce deputies arrested Lindseth and transported him to the hospital due to his intoxication level before Lindseth was released to the jail. Lindseth was released from jail Sept. 22 and is due in court Oct. 3.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

Rice man found dead in St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD

— The St. Cloud Police Department is investigating the death of a 68-year-old Rice man. Authorities have not yet released the man’s name.

According to a release from the department, law enforcement was dispatched at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 25 to the Runnings store on the east side of St. Cloud as a man was deceased in the parking lot.

Law enforcement said there were no signs of trauma and the death did not appear to indicate foul play. The death remains under investigation.

Trial set in case against former county attorney

FOLEY — A trial has been set for Philip Kent Miller, former county attorney for Benton County, who was accused of two counts of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct while he was serving in of ce in August 2021.

Mille Lacs County courts are handling the case due to the con ict of interest, and the case is scheduled to be heard Nov. 27 through Dec. 8.

Miller ful lled his most recent term from 2018-22 and did not seek reelection.

According to an amended criminal complaint led in Benton County, Miller allegedly had inappropriate contact with a juvenile member of his household between March 2020 and September 2020. The St. Cloud Police Department was noti ed of the alleged crime Jan. 26, 2021.

In a Feb. 3, 2021 forensic interview, the juvenile described two incidents where Miller made sexual contact with her as well as described measures she took to thwart his advances.

Others interviewed in the case told police the juvenile had reported similar accounts to them. Some also recalled the juvenile appeared uncomfortable around Miller and would pull away or look down when Miller engaged in physical touch or conversation, according to the complaint.

When interviewed by law enforcement, Miller denied any sexual contact with the individual.

Sauk Rapids woman charged with mail theft

FOLEY —

Following a summons to appear in court, a Sauk Rapids woman was booked at the Benton County Jail Sept. 23 on allegations of felony mail theft.

Katlynn Marie

PUBLIC NOTICE

McComas, 26, faces up to three years in prison and a $5,000 ne if convicted of the alleged crime that took place July 10.

According to a criminal complaint led in Benton County, Sauk Rapids police of cers were called to an apartment building on the 1300 block of 13th Street Circle after a male resident informed law enforcement that a package was stolen from outside his door. The man had been noti ed the package arrived at the apartment, and he also had a photo of the package outside his door and video surveillance of a female, later identi ed as McComas, picking up the package and bringing it inside a different apartment.

An of cer contacted McComas, and she con rmed taking the package. She told police she thought the package was meant for her father and that she did not look at the name on the box.

The man later told police the package was returned with the correct merchandise inside.

The summons was led Aug. 22. McComas was booked and released from the Benton County Jail Sept. 23. A court appearance, where McComas will be advised of her charges and rights, is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Sauk Rapids man charged with property damage

FOLEY – Ethan Thomas, 20, Bense, of Sauk Rapids, has been charged with felony rstdegree criminal property damage after allegedly marring a vehicle in revenge.

Law enforcement was dispatched to the 700 block of Half Street South in Sauk Rapids July 16. A criminal complaint led in Benton County states law enforcement spoke with a male at the scene who alleged Bense kicked out mirrors and headlight covers on the man’s vehicle. Bense was also at the scene and said he believed the man had damaged his vehicle earlier, so “they are even.” Bense had not reported when the damage occurred, according to the complaint.

A witness corroborated the report of the vehicle damage. The owner of the vehicle provided a repair quote of over $2,000. If convicted, Bense could receive a maximum sentence of ve years in jail and a $10,000 ne. Bense was booked at the Benton County Jail Sept. 20 and released the next day. He is due in court for an initial appearance Oct. 3.

REGULAR MEETING

SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N.

Monday, September 11, 2023

6:00PM MINUTES

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Ellen Thronson, Jason Ellering, Dottie Seamans, and Nick Sauer.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

NONE

3. Approve the Agenda

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes

A. 8-28-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 8-28-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously with Councilperson Sauer abstaining from the vote.

5. Receive and File

NONE

6. Mayor’s Communications

• Moment of Silence in Remembrance of 9/11-Mayor Hunstiger stated that with today marking the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, he would like everyone take a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives 22 years ago.

7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda

NONE

8. Public Hearings

NONE

9. Consent Agenda

A. Approve 2023 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve consent agenda item 9A. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda

A. School Resource Of cer

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by

Mayor Hunstiger to keep the SRO agreement as is with the SRO returning to the schools tomorrow and have the Personnel and Finance Committee look further into this topic with school administration and to direct the SRO to call for backup before physically intervening with a student.

Discussion:

Mayor Hunstiger asked if the current motion would send the SRO back into the school tomorrow. Councilperson Sauer noted that was his intent with the motion.

Councilperson Ellering stated that he isn’t quite clear with the motion as to what will be discussed in these committee meetings. He said that discussions locally can’t change legislation, so he isn’t sure what exactly can be discussed or accomplished at a committee level. Councilperson Ellering noted that he is in favor of nding a better solution, but he is not in favor of just saying that we are going back to normal and sending the SRO back to school with the prospect of maybe coming up with a better solution or maybe not.

Councilperson Ellering said that he would be in favor of a committee looking at what types of services can continue and what can be done with possibly not having the SRO be an agent of the school district. He wants to see that this option is at least explored by the committee.

Councilperson Sauer explained that as the motion maker, his thought was that the committee be open to exploring all options moving forward. He said that he believes that this is an ongoing process that the city has to continue to deal with.

Mayor Hunstiger agreed with wanting to look at all options and see what other school districts are coming up with as solutions as well.

Councilperson Seamans said that while it is not part of the current motion, maybe this is where the current contract should be suspended to allow further time to look into all of the things being discussed. She said that she won’t support the current motion as she believes that it puts the SRO at too much at risk.

Mayor Hunstiger asked Legal if takes both parties, the city and the school, to agree to suspend the contract. Ripple said that is the conclusion that he has come up with.

Motion passes with 3 council members (Thronson, Sauer, and Hunstiger) voting in favor of the motion and 2 council members (Ellering and Seamans) voting against the motion

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by

Mayor Hunstiger to form a School Resource Of cer Committee consisting of Councilperson Thronson and Seamans to further discuss the School Resource Of cer Position.

Discussion:

Councilperson Seamans asked if the committee was going to be made up of the two council members and staff or are they asking or incorporating any additional participants such as the school district.

Mayor Hunstiger stated that it was his understanding, from the motion, was to include Superintendent Bergstrom and the School Board Chair. Councilperson Sauer added that he was thinking administration along with the Police Chief and his leadership team.

Ross Olson clari ed that this motion would just create a committee of the council like has been done many times in the past. From that, the committee will tap as many useful resources as they can to further discuss this topic. The goal would be to reach out to as many people who can help the city to get through the process. He said that his point being that the rst meeting might be just as a city to discuss options and then invite the resources into further help. Mayor Hunstiger suggested that legal also be included in these conversations. Olson agreed to have legal be present.

Motion carried unanimously

11. Other Staff Items

A. City Attorney Update-Adam Ripple noted that he will be the only City Attorney attending council meetings for a while as Ashley Bukowski, his fellow City Attorney, just gave birth to a baby girl.

12. Other Council Items and Communications

A. Sealcoating-Councilperson Sauer stated that residents may have noticed some no parking signs on their streets recently. He said that is because the city is doing a sealcoating project, so that is what the no parking signs are in reference to.

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:48 PM R-39-1B

Dale Clinton Lindseth

Mrozek achieves gold medalist status

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

A Sauk Rapids gure skater continues her ascent up the sport’s accomplishment ladder.

Kourtney Mrozek, an eighth grader at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, has achieved U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist status for her performance in a eld test Aug. 12. The eld test was previously known as the “Senior Moves” test.

Mrozek is the 36th skater in the St. Cloud

Figure Skating Club’s 49year history to earn the U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist distinction. Her sister, Kella, also achieved the honor in 2021.

Approximately 40,000 U.S. Figure Skating test levels are completed by skaters each year. Of those, about 1,300 are at the gold or senior level.

Mrozek started gure skating when she was 4 year old, starting in the “Learn To Skate” program with the St. Cloud Figure Skating Club. She has participated in eight of the club’s annual skating shows. She also competes with the Northernettes Synchronized Staking Team, based in Bloomington.

Her skating goals are to become a three-time gold medalist by passing Solo Free Dance and Partner Ice Dancing disciplines and compete internationally representing Team USA before college.

Kourtney

Timing for victory suits Storm

SRR boys end 7-game skid in style

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Nothing like taking out a few frustrations while getting a much-needed morale-boost at the same time.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team accomplished both with a 2-1 victory against Detroit Lakes Sept. 23 in Detroit Lakes. The win ended SRR’s seven-game losing streak — three of which were by one goal.

“We were relentless offensively,” said Chris Rothstein, Storm head coach. “We had about 27 shots, and we could have scored more. But we never stopped pushing for goals. They also had good chances, but our defense locked it down and stopped many of their chances before they could start.”

The Storm received goals from Khang Phan and Matthew Ziebarth to get past the Lakers after a long bus trip along U.S. Highway 10. Danny Tong assisted on both goals, and senior Trace Nelson stopped nine shots to preserve the important victory.

“Our attitude remains one of desire to win and desire to get better,” Rothstein said. “In many of our losses we have put in

really good performances, but we still want to be winners and have a better record. We want to have a favorable opponent for our rst playoff game, so the goal is to get a couple more wins before the regular season ends.”

SRR lost a 2-0 decision Sept. 26 at Alexandria and a 2-1 game Sept. 21 at Brainerd, getting a standout 20-save performance in goal from Nelson.

“Many players have

had great individual performances in the past week,” Rothstein said. “Trace had his best game ever against Brainerd, Leif Rudnick continues to be an absolute beast in the mid eld and plays all 80 minutes. Defenders Callen Kieke and Garret Broman also have had wonderful performances in the last few games. For those four, they do a great job at being intentional in what they want to improve on, and they always give 110% every chance they get.”

The Storm faced Apollo Sept. 28 at Michie

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Field in St. Cloud and will conclude the regular season by hosting St. John’s Prep at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium and Sartell at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School elds. Both schools are in Sauk Rapids.

Alexandria 2, SRR 0 SRR goalkeeper (shotssaves): Nelson 12 saves of 14 shots on goal.

SRR 2, Detroit Lakes 1 SRR (goals-assists): Phan 1-0, Ziebarth 1-0 and Tong 0-2. Goalkeeper (shots-saves): Nelson 9 of 10. Brainerd 1, SRR 0 SRR goalkeeper: Nelson 20 of 21.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Mrozek, an eighth grader at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, achieves gold medal status with the U.S. Figure Skating Team Aug. 12at Bloomington Ice Garden in Bloomington. She started skating at age 4 with the St. Cloud Figure Skating Club.

girls tennis, volleyball, girls soccer

CONTEST RULES RULES

1. Anyone can enter except employees of this newspaper.

2. Contest judges are the newspaper staff

3. Winners will be announced in next week’s Sauk Rapids Herald.

4. Entries due at office by 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Sauk Rapids Herald

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

5. Prize will be mailed to the winner after their name is announced in this paper.

6. Only one entry per person per week. Two entries per address per week.

7. In case of a tie, a random drawing will be held.

8. Contestants with the most season picks will win a grand prize of $200 cash.

Storm rally for injured teammate

SRR perseveres through tough time in 16-7 win

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice football team found a way to win a game with both grit and heavy hearts Sept. 22.

The Storm, after struggling mightily offensively in the rst half, found a way to rally despite a scary incident involving lineman Anden Chapman. The junior went down early in the third quarter and was motionless on the eld for about 40 minutes before leaving in an ambulance. He reportedly suffered a concussion and sprained ankle and was released from the hospital later that evening.

SRR — ranked seventh in Class AAAAA — found a way to rally for their injured teammate and scored a pair of second-half touchdowns in a 16-7 win over St. Francis to improve to 4-0 while heading into a Sept. 29 game at defending Class AAAAA champion Elk River. The Elks fell to 1-3 with a 6356 loss to Andover, though they are almost always are dangerous with their difcult-to-defend Power T offense.

Chapman was injured while defending what looked to be a routine running play with 9 minutes, 9 seconds left in the third quarter with the Saints driving. The public address announcer was heard urging multiple people to move their vehicles that were apparently blocking the way for emergency vehicles to reach Chapman, who was surrounded by rst responders and concerned coaches.

Vikings have run out of luck

“Truthfully, I don’t really even know what to say in those moments,” Storm head coach Phillip Klaphake said. “You do your darndest to try to stay composed and be a great leader because you’ve got kids who are in a variety of different places emotionally. We knew Anden was in good hands, and that allowed us to kind of do our thing for another hour, get the win, then go back to sending our thoughts and prayers in their direction. It’s an interesting emotional shift.”

St. Francis, which lost to Elk River 27-16 Sept. 15 and remains winless this season, scored two plays after the injury delay. The Storm offense awoke thereafter, answering with a Shaun Walrath 3-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion pass from quarterback Spencer Ackerman to Walker Loesch for an 8-7 lead with 2 minutes, 50 seconds left in the third quarter.

An Ackerman to Hudson Omoke 12-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point pass to Walrath with 4:37 left in the fourth quarter was the game-sealer for SRR, which also got fourth-quarter interceptions from Omoke and Walrath to thwart St. Francis comeback attempts.

“It took me a little while to solve some of the different things they were doing as a play-caller,” Klaphake said. “We kind of got into a rhythm a little bit more in the second half in how we knew we had to attack things. We saw a lot from them that wasn’t on lm. Obviously, our defense played super well.”

SRR’s offense had chances to make it a more comfortable margin, twice moving inside the St. Francis 10-yard line before coming away empty. The rst was a fake 25-yard eld goal that

was stuffed in the second quarter. The latter stalled on a fumbled snap inside the 5-yard line, followed by a false start penalty, in the fourth quarter.

Ackerman, who completed 17 of 29 passes for 225 yards, also had two would-be long passes to Omoke barely mis re. Omoke nished with nine catches for 147 yards.

Walrath led the ground game with 56 yards on 21 carries for the Storm, which have started 4-0 in each of the past three years and have won 16 of their last 20 regular-season games.

“I’m excited, but I’m still waiting for us to play clean,” Klaphake said. “I know we have so, so many ashes of ‘special’ out there. At times, there have plays we’ve made this year that we haven’t made before. And then, and in the same instance, there are ashes of learning that’s happening. When we peak, we can be special. We feel like we can go play anybody when we’re special and we’re clicking. That’s pretty cool. We’re not consistent yet, but our highs are very high.”

The SRR-Elk River game was completed after this edition of the Herald went to press. Watch for story online at saukrapidsherald.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram @heraldsauk.

SRR 0 0 8 8-16

SF 0 0 7 0-7

SF: 5-yard run (kick good)

SRR: Walrath 3 run (Loesch pass from Ackerman)

SRR: Omoke 12 pass from Ackerman (Walrath pass from Ackerman)

SRR: Rushing: Walrath 21-56, Adam Purcell 5-26 and Omoke 1-7. Passing: Ackerman 17-29-0 225 and Purcell 1-1

11. Receiving: Omoke 9-147, Mason Sabraski 4-56, Mason Anderson 2-16, Loesch 1-11 and Walrath 2-6. Tackles (solo-assists): Deagan Gondeck 6-1, Nolan Robish 3-2, Braydn Kost 3-1 (1 TFL), Xavier Thurston 3-0, Omoke 2-0, Loech 2-1 (1 TFL), Carter Riedeman 2-2, Ethan Martin 2-1 (1 TFL), Pepin 2-0, Walrath 1-2, Chapman 1-0, Ben Ellerbush 1-0 and Dillon Miller 1-0.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM GAMES FOR WEEK #5

The Minnesota Vikings, who famously went 11-0 in one-score games during their magical 2022-23 regular season, are now 0-3 in such games this September. From a statistical perspective, this Vikings team appears to be superior to last season’s squad in most signi cant offensive and defensive categories, but their awful turnover margin and inability to make big plays at critical times have doomed them thus far this fall.

Through three games, the Vikings offense ranks third in the NFL with 406 yards per game, while the defense ranks 27th at 382 yards allowed per game. Those numbers are both improvements on last season, when the 13-4 Vikings ranked seventh in offense with 362 yards per game and 31st on defense with 389 yards allowed per game. Quarterback Kirk Cousins leads the NFL in passing yards, wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads the NFL in receiving yards and defensive end Danielle Hunter is second in the NFL with ve sacks. Statistically, this team doesn’t look like an 0-3 team.

The main problem is the Vikings are tied for the worst turnover margin in the league at -7, and you aren’t going to win many games with an average turnover margin of -2.3 per game. They have somehow lost seven fumbles in three games, a number so ghastly that it’s almost impressive. These sorts of aberrant fumble loss/recovery trends tend to smooth out over time, which bodes well for the Vikings moving forward, but too much damage may have already been done for it to matter. Since 1958, only four of 158 teams that have started 0-3 have quali ed for the playoffs, and none have won the Super Bowl.

The Vikings have also seemingly lost their ability to maintain poise during critical situations. After a truly dunderheaded decision by Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his only 24-yard line with a four-point lead and 1 minute, 51 seconds remaining in the game, the Vikings took possession with an incredible opportunity to steal a victory Sept. 24. Instead, after completing a pass over the middle to TJ Hockenson at the Chargers’ 6-yard line with 41 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Vikings inexplicably decided not to spike the ball and stop the clock. They scurried around disjointedly for 29 seconds, with Cousins allegedly unable to hear the play call in his headset from coach Kevin O’Connell due to crowd noise. After nally getting the offense lined up, Cousins forced a pass to a covered Hockenson at the goal line that led to the interception that sealed the Chargers victory. You can’t tell me the team couldn’t have come up with a better play than if they had the opportunity to huddle up and get organized.

Side note: TJ Hockenson is now the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, and Cousins put that ball where only he could catch it.

The absolute worst acceptable scenario there is an incomplete pass, but instead, Hockenson found a way to tip the ball upward and backward to a defender that was trailing the play. That interception was 100% on Hockenson, who also lost a big fumble earlier in the game.

The Vikings now travel to Carolina for a must-win game against the lowly Panthers, who share the same 0-3 record as the men in purple. If the Vikings can’t win this game, they might as well explore trading away some veteran players prior to the week six trade deadline, because this season will effectively be over.

Junior hockey

Patience powers

Lumberjacks past Willmar

Disciplined Granite City squad defeats division foe

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

To call the NA3HL game between the Granite City Lumberjacks and Willmar WarHawks “scrappy” would be putting it lightly.

Physicality during and after plays de ned a closely-matched, back-and-forth contest between heated rivals, and the Lumberjacks found themselves in the midst of a mental battle as well as a physical one.

However, Granite City buckled down and fought through the adversity, defeating Willmar 3-1 Sept. 22 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

“The Willmar game was a really good test for some of our younger guys to get into a game that’s going to be physical and tough on them,” said Eric Moser, assistant coach.

One of the team’s youngest contributors immediately stepped up in the third game of the season for the Lumberjacks. Jack Marske received a rebound off a shot from Hayden Johnson and buried it for the rst goal of the matchup at 14 minutes, 11 seconds in the rst period.

“That’s the type of player we expect Jack to be, a guy who nds his home in front of the opposing goalie net and is able to bang home the greasy ones,” Moser said.

The widespread aggression and chippy play peaked in the second period when the foes combined for 15 penalties. The WarHawks used this chaos to their advantage, catching Granite City off guard and tying the game 10:47 into the second period.

“The second 20 (minutes) got away from us a little bit,” Moser said. “We got sucked into all of the extracurricular activities that go on. That was Willmar’s pushback there. “

Lumberjacks page 24

NEWSPAPERS CONNECT COMMUNITIES

Sticking

Tough losses tests mettle; Storm staying positive

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Though it can be a chore to keep things positive when wins are scarce, Sauk Rapids-Rice girls soccer coach Tash Neu is doing her best with the team she loves.

“Our kids work very hard, so that’s something we are proud of,” Neu said. “We don’t have huge numbers, so our kids work hard every time they play. At the end of the day, we have great kids. Even through the struggles of losing are real, I would always choose this group to coach. They are the best part of my day, and I think they truly enjoy being here. Sometimes, it’s bigger than soccer.”

The Storm are 2-8-2 overall after an 8-0 loss to Alexandria under the lights Sept. 26 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids.

“We haven’t had a lot of success in terms of wins and losses, but we always remind the kids that we are trying to get better every day,” Neu said. “We highlight the things we do well and are honest about the things we need to get better. There were many parts where we played well. We changed some of the execution points in our formation, so it was an adjustment for the kiddos.”

Brainerd came out blazing in a Central Lakes Conference game Sept. 21, scoring four quick goals on its way to an 8-1 win at SRRMS. The Warriors scored seven goals in the rst half.

Senior Gabby Fernholz scored on a free kick with 26 minutes, 46 seconds remaining.

“We came out panicked and out of sorts,” Neu said. “Defensively, we offered too much space for their attack, and offensively, we played scrambled. We are struggling to nd a groove, and it’s something we need to get a hold of as we go into the end of our season and post-season.”

The Storm tried to get back on the winning track against Apollo Sept. 28. SRR defeated the Eagles 4-0 Sept.

5. The team travels to Detroit Lakes Saturday, Sept. 30. The regular season concludes with a game against Sartell at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Riverview Stadium in Sartell.

Alexandria 8, SRR 0 SRR goalkeeper (shotssaves): Hailey Bischoff 13 saves of 21 shots on goal. Brainerd 8, SRR 1 SRR (goals-assists): Fernholz 1-0. Goalkeeper Bischoff 12 of 20.

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PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm seventh grader Scarlett Bauer battles for the ball as her team faced Brainerd Sept. 21 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm gave up four early goals before eventually falling in an 8-1 decision to the Warriors.

Storm sophomore Amijah Harrison controls the ball while being surrounded by Brainerd players Sept. 21 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm are 2-8-2 overall.

Storm junior Emma Hardy keeps a Brainerd player from getting to the ball Sept. 21 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. SRR faced Apollo Sept. 28 and travels to Detroit Lakes Saturday, Sept. 30, for a nonconference game.

Contributions from all

Entire roster factors into win at Apollo; tough schedule on horizon

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team apparently learned an important lesson in the art of not overlooking an opponent.

Five days after escaping with a ve-set victory over a two-win Fergus Falls team, the Storm were in no mood to play around Sept. 26 with an Apollo team that had only one win. Nine players recorded at least one kill, and every player on the roster factored into SRR’s threeset sweep of the Eagles at Apollo High School in St. Cloud.

Storm head coach Gail Bialke said she made it clear to her team they needed to perform regardless of the opponent with some old-fashioned motivation.

“I told them if they played down to our level of their opponent, they would be sitting by me on the bench,” Bialke said. “I also told the girls everyone would play regardless if we were winning or losing, and we got everyone in.”

Scores were 25-10, 25-14 and 25-17 as SRR won its fth straight match, getting 14 kills from senior Ava Ath-

man, 18 set assists from senior Katelyn Anderson and a team-best nine digs from junior Marissa Bomstad. Sophomore Aubrey Marketon had 12 set assists, helping the balance offensive attack.

Bialke said the team’s ability to play together has been a big reason for the recent run of victories.

“The team seems very closely connected,” Bialke said. “We talk about being a family and how a family supports each other in good times and bad. During this hot streak, we have been playing well in all aspects of the game by serving well, playing defense and generating offense.”

SRR got an emotional boost in game three as junior Lauren Schloe made her season debut. Schloe has been out since mid-August with a broken thumb suffered in an early season practice. She nished with three kills. Her presence gives a what has been a relatively balanced offense yet another weapon.

The main reason for not looking past the Apollo opponent was SRR’s narrow escape

Sept. 21 at Fergus Falls. The Storm rolled to 2515 and 25-11 wins in the rst two sets, only to lose 25-20 and 25-19 in the next two sets. A 15-7 deciding set allowed for a collective sigh of relief.

Athman turned in an upset-avoiding 21kill, 12-dig and four-ace serve performance for

SRR, which resumes action with a nonconference match Saturday, Sept. 30, at Moorhead.

Katelyn Anderson had 25 set assists and Stella Lambaere had a team-best 14 digs against Fergus Falls.

With just over two weeks left in the regular season, the Storm will focus on sharpening

every skill possible in preparation for the Section 8AAAA playoffs. SRR will face Sartell, which is chasing Rocori for the Central Lakes Conference title, Tuesday, Oct. 3, in Sartell before hosting Tech Thursday, Oct. 5, at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm are ex-

pected to get an idea of where they t in with some of the state’s best teams Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7, at the St. Michael-Albertville Invitational in what may as well be called a state tournament preview.

The huge event features a bevy of ranked teams, including Wayzata (No. 1, Class 5A), Rogers (No. 7, 5A), Maple Grove (No. 9, 5A), St. Michael-Albertville (No. 10, 5A), Delano (No. 6, 3A) and Pequot Lakes (No. 1, Class 2A).

SRR 3, Apollo 0 SRR: Bomstad 9 digs; Lambaere 3 kills and 5 digs; Katelyn Anderson 1 ace serve, 18 set assists and 5 digs; Ruby Gustofson 1 dig; Delia Gustofson 4 digs; Josie Anderson 7 kills and 1 dig; Olivia Lee 2 digs; Athman 14 kills, 1 block, 2 set assists and 2 digs; Marketon 1 ace serve, 12 set assists and 1 dig; Brielle Fiereck 2 ace serves and 1 dig; Claire Rogholt 4 kills, 2 blocks and 1 dig; Jordyn Lee 1 kill; Schloe 3 kills; Alexis Swanson 1 kill, 2 set assists and 1 dig; Wendi Peterson 5 kills and 1 dig; and Vivian Kusilek 1 kill and 1 block. SRR 3, Fergus Falls 2 SRR: Marissa Bomstad 6 digs; Lambaere 9 kills, 1 block and 14 digs; Katelyn Anderson 2 ace serves, 25 set assists and 14 digs; Ruby Gustofson 1 block and 3 digs; Delia Gustofson 7 digs; Josie Anderson 1 ace serve, 2 kills and 8 digs; Athman 4 ace serves, 21 kills, 1 block and 12 digs; Aubrey Marketon 13 set assists and 1 dig; Lee 7 kills, 1 block and 4 digs; Alexis Swanson 1 set assist; and Wendi Peterson 8 kills, 2 blocks and 1 dig.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm junior Marissa Bomstad passes the ball to a teammate on a service receive as the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team faced Apollo Sept. 26 at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. Bomstad had nine kills as the Storm swept the Eagles in three sets.

Storm senior Brielle Fiereck follows through on a serve as the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team faced Apollo Sept. 26 at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. Fiereck had two service aces in the SRR victory.

Storm senior Katelyn Anderson passes the ball as she is surrounded by teammates Sept. 26 at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. Anderson led the Storm volleyball team with 18 set assists.

Continuing growth includes bumps in road

Storm fall to Alexandria, St. Cloud

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The St. Cloud girls tennis program may not be what it once was when it dominated the area for the better part of three decades. The Crush, however, can still pack a punch.

When the Tech and Apollo programs were separate, Tech was a perennial conference champion and state tournament team. Now that the schools are combined, the Crush remain a major force —which they proved Sept. 26 in a 7-0 victory over Sauk Rapids-Rice. St. Cloud won every match in straight sets in the dual meet at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids.

“We knew St. Cloud would be tough,” Storm coach Val Martin said. “With individual spots, we talked about setting small goals when playing them again. As a team, we talk about that every loss is an opportunity to grow and learn. We also talk about consistency and trying to reduce unforced errors.”

The loss dropped SRR’s record to 4-15 overall heading into a nonconference dual meet against Foley — another area power — Sept. 28 in Foley.

Senior Erica Poganski turned in the most competitive performance against St. Cloud, losing her No. 4 singles match 7-5, 6-3.

The Storm lost a 6-1 match to Alexandria Sept. 21 in Alexandria, getting a three-set win from sophomore Leah Roesch at No. 2 singles.

The program is in its second year on its own after several years in a cooperative with Apollo. The Storm lost several seniors who won multiple matches a year ago, but they have mostly stayed

competitive this season.

Martin said she has seen improvement from the entire lineup.

“The regular season showed a lot of growth with players,” Martin said. “This is a tough conference, but I do believe we are getting better. As a team, our serves would be where we showed the most growth. It’s pretty cool when a player comes off the court stating she did not have any double faults. We had some close matches. A goal would

be to control those close matches with a win in the future.”

The Section 8AA team tournament begins next week, though seedings have not been determined. The individual tournament begins Friday, Oct. 6, at Sta-Fit in Sartell. In the singles draw for SRR are Sydney Entner and Erica Poganski while CeCe Heneke-Piper Froiland and Roesch-Brielle Karasch will play in the doubles bracket. St. Cloud 7, SRR 0

Singles: No. 1 — Entner lost 6-0, 6-0. No. 2 — Roesch lost 6-1, 6-0. No. 3 — Karasch lost 6-2, 6-2. No. 4 — Poganski lost 7-5, 6-3. Doubles: No. 1 — Froiland-Heneke lost 6-0, 6-2. No. 2 — Kaitlyn Burski-Miah Boos lost 6-0, 6-0. No. 3 — Maya Strand-Allison Lundebrek lost 6-2, 6-2. Alexandria 6, SRR 1

Singles: No. 1 — Entner lost 6-2, 6-2. No. 2 — Roesch won 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. No. 3 — Karasch lost 6-2, 6-1. No. 4 — Poganski lost 6-2, 6-1. Doubles: No. 1 — Froiland-Heneke 6-1, 6-4. No. 2 — Burski-Boos lost 6-2, 6-1. No. 3 — Lundebrek-Strand 6-2, 6-2.

Storm

for a backhand in her No. 2 singles match Sept. 26 against St. Cloud at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. Roesch lost her match in straight sets but won a threeset match against Alexandria Sept. 21.

high for a forehand as partner Kaitlyn

Storm

and she took on St. Cloud in a No. 2 doubles match Sept. 26 against St. Cloud at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. Boos and Burski lost in straight sets to their Crush opponents.

sophomore Leah Roesch lunges

junior Miah Boos reaches

Burski

Storm junior Piper Froiland hits a forehand volley at the net while her No. 1 doubles partner, Cece Heneke, watches Sept. 26 against St. Cloud Crush at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. The Crush defeated the Storm 7-0.

Storm sophomore Brielle Karasch reaches for a return in her No. 4 singles match Sept. 26 against St. Cloud at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. Karasch lost her match in straight sets.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm junior Sydney Entner hits a backhand approach shot on her way to the net Sept. 26 against St. Cloud Crush at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School courts in Sauk Rapids. Entner lost her match to Paige Tarrolly, who is one of the top players in the area.