Sauk Rapids Herald - May 1 edition

Don’t miss it!

BENTON AG Section B

Gilly has • Best deals on tires • Tire repair • Mounting & balancing • Skid steer tires

Plus

tires!

• Custom ordered tractor, implement & vehicle tires

Gilman Co-op Creamery FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

320-387-2770 • WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM

Saturday, May 1, 2021

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

Vol. 167, No. 4

School board approves budget reductions

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Steve Reese (center) stands with Sauk Rapids city administrator Ross Olson (left) and Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger after being named the 2021 Citizen of the Year April 26 during a surprise a n n o u n ce m e n t at the St. Cloud Police Department in St. Cloud. Reese is involved with Scouts BSA, the Great River Rotary and the Central M innesota Retriever Club.

Adjustments to trim projected $4.4 million deficit

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board has approved reductions to the district’s 2022 budget.

Although significant, the reductions will not adversely impact student education, according to an April 26 presentation

by Tracey Fiereck, director of business services, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board meeting.

Faced with a $4.4 million deficit, the district initiated a new budgeting process and introduced a solution that uses a three-pronged approach to shore up the 2022 budget.

To make up the deficit, about $1.7 million has been cut from spending. The district will also reduce its general fund by about $1.6 million and has budgeted to use about $1.3 million in one-time federal relief funds.

About $552,000 was cut from district-wide expenses, including $104,338 for transportation, $167,671 for operations and maintenance, and $36,423 for technology. Fiereck said the district has underspent their fuel budgets and several line items related to technology in past years.

School board page 3

named Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year Gives his time to several organizations

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

ST. CLOUD – Steve Reese started his workweek with a big surprise. He was named the 2021 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year.

Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger, city administrator Ross Olson and citizen of the year committee member Marla Elness surprised Reese, a law enforcement officer, on the morning of April 26 during what he thought was a team meeting at the St. Cloud Police Department.

“On behalf of the city, congratulations,” Hunstiger said, thanking Reese for his service

OBITUARIES • Cynthia L. Hammerel • James R. Worden

to the community and presenting him with balloons and a plant.

“It was a huge surprise,” said Reese, an investigator with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office who is assigned to the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force. “I’m overwhelmed and extremely grateful.”

A Milwaukee native, Reese has lived in the area since 2002 when he began studying at St. Cloud State University and later Rasmussen College.

He and his wife, Meghann, have a son, Sean, and have lived in rural Sauk Rapids since 2008.

Reese has been volunteering with Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs in Sauk Rapids since 2016. A former Scout himself, Reese joined Wolf Scouts in second grade and continued through high school, working his way through the ranks and eventu-

ally earning the highest rank, the Eagle Scout award. He is a troop leader for Scouts BSA Troop 777, of which his son is a member. He was previously a Cubmaster and den lead for Pack 8.

Reese is proud that his son loves Scouts as much as he did, and he appreciates the opportunity to have continued involvement in a program that made a big difference in his life.

“I really enjoy working with kids – getting to see them grow, achieve ranks and things they’ve been working really hard on,” he said. “It’s really fantastic.”

Reese is a member of the Great River Rotary, a group of professionals from Sauk Rapids, Sartell and southeast St. Cloud who use their talents to serve others in the community. The Rotary also promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill

and peace. Reese has been involved for four years.

He is also a member of the Central Minnesota Retriever Club, a licensed retriever field trial and hunting test club, located in Sauk Rapids.

Reese is proud to call Sauk Rapids home.

“There’s a good sense of community and community involvement in Sauk Rapids,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who just come together to help.”

The Citizen of the Year award is made possible through the support of businesses and the city of Sauk Rapids. Each year, the committee donates one to two scholarships to high school seniors who have exemplified qualities of good citizenship and volunteerism.

Due to COVID-19, there will not be a Citizen of the Year program this year, but Reese will be recognized at the May 10 city council meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICES • Benton County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing - pg. 6B

• Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 6B • Mayhew Lake Township Monthly Board Meeting Notice - pg. 6B • Sauk Rapids-Rice Work Session Minutes, April 12 - pg. 10 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Reg. Board Meeting, March 22 - pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Minutes, April 12 - pg. 10 • City of Sauk Rapids Municipal Park Reservations Update - pg. 10

• Benton County Planning Commission Public Hearings - pg. 6B • Benton County Cemetary Meeting Notice - pg. 6B • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Advertisement for Proposals - pg. 11 • Probate Notice - McDonald - pg. 6B

The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

Page 2 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

Crime & Public Safety

Rice woman arrested for burglary

Woman allegedly threatens another with meat clever

FOLEY – A Sauk Rapids resident was arrested April 24 after threatening another with a meat clever.

Raslynn Marie Evans, 21, is charged with felony second-degree assault and felony threats of violence after an incident that took place in an apartment complex on the 300 block of 13th Street North, Sauk Rapids, shortly after 9 p.m.

Evans faces maximum sentences of seven years imprisonment and a $14,000 fine and five years imprisonment and a $10,000 for the charges, respectively.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Benton County, authorities arrived on scene for a physical domestic and met with a female victim and her brother.

Evans exited an apartment holding a meat clever, raised the knife above her head and made threatening remarks to the victim.

The victim was unnamed in the report. The parties were separated and statements obtained.

According to Sauk Rapids police activity reports, Lashaniki Latrica Jones, 31, was cited for fifth degree assault charges in relation to this incident.

Pulse on People

Benton County plans to expand its middle marriage applications school in fall 2022 to in-

– Anushka Udara Hewarathna, of St. Cloud, and Hannah Joan Mersinger, of Foley.

Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc.

R14-tfnB-tv

CCS hires Hatlestad as middle school principal ST. CLOUD – Erin Hatlestad is the newest principal at Cathedral Middle School. Catholic Community Schools made the announcement April 27.

The school community

Emergency 24 Hour Services Residential/Commercial • Sales • Service • Installation • Heating & Air Conditioning

Call for Free Estimate!

320.252.1371

www.lyonheating.com

clude grades sixth through eighth grades in the south building on the Cathedral campus. Hatlestad will begin working in July, allowing for a one-year transition as she and the education committee formalize curriculum and determine staff and faculty needs.

Hatlestad received her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education at the College of St. Benedict, and her Master of Arts in educational leadership and administration at the University of St. Thomas. She comes with 26 years of experience in Catholic education, serving 13 years as principal of Sacred Heart School in Sauk Rapids and the last 10 years as principal at St. Katharine Drexel School in St. Cloud, a member of Catholic Community Schools.

Hageman Homes, Inc. & Excavation!

• Site Prep • Roads • Ponds • Ditches • Foundations • Wildlife Havens • I.C.F. Homes

Give Brad a call!

Gi

320.387.3546 320

Hagemanicf.com H cff com

VIETNAM

A well-equipped solider carries with him the prayer for some of his enemy to get away to keep alive the ones who didn’t.

- J. Vincent Hansen

Sauk Rapids man releases collection of war poems

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

V

e r s e s penned by Sauk Rapids resident Jerry Hansen line pages of a new book published by North Star Press of St. Cloud.

“The Kontum Madonna,” a collection of Hansen’s Vietnam War poems, was released in March.

A series of line drawings – simple, yet poignant illustrations depicting the long and divisive conflict – accompany Hansen’s text. The drawings were composed by the late Navy journalist, war correspondent and author Dick Adair.

Contrary to some other literary works, Hansen’s text does not fill the pages from top to bottom.

“What I really like is how much white is left on the paper for the reader to fill in,” he said.

Hansen grew up on a farm east of Sauk Rapids and now lives downtown with his wife, Jeannette.

His love of literature led him to become a used book dealer.

Now retired after 28 years in the business, Hansen has authored three other books – “Blessed Are the Piecemakers,” “Without Dividend in Mind” and “The Medicine of Place” – as well as the multi-media play “The Wedding of Tomorrow and Sorrow.”

He was awarded the 1990 Loft-McKnight Award for Poetry and a 2009 Bush Artist Fellowship in Poetry.

The poems in Hansen’s new book evoke

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning Service & Installation

FR16-3B-RB

Roman architecture still stands! Insulated Concrete benefit future generations too!

Homes will benefit

Poems of

320-252-4883

R10-tfnb-TV

FOLEY – A Rice woman faces felony burglary charges after detectives used a serial number and cell phone date to solve a crime committed in spring 2020.

Carrie Ellen Selham, 44, faces five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for burglarizing a home and barn along Highway 25 in Gilmanton township. Selham was booked at the Benton County Jail arrested April 14.

Homeowners reported a serial number from a trolling motor that had been stolen to authorities. Law enforcement found the motor had been sold to a pawn shop, which indicated the seller was Selham. The transaction took place around 6 p.m. April 17, 2020.

Cell phone data obtained from Selham’s phone showed she left the residence where the burglary occurred around 2:10 p.m. and located her at the pawn shop at 6:21 p.m.

www.curlysheating.com

PHOTO SUBMITTED

(Above) Sauk Rapids resident Jerry Hansen, who writes under the pen name of J. Vincent Hansen, released his fourth book, a collection of Vietnam War poems in March. Hansen served in the Vietnam War from 1966-67 as a member of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division.

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

(Left) Jerry Hansen holds his new book, “The Kontum Madonna,” a collection of Vietnam War poems.

Hansen, who has been writing poetry for 50 years, is the author of four books and a play.

compassion for victims of war, both Vietnamese and American, and leave readers to ponder the impact.

Fascinated with the interplay of words and rhythms, Hansen has been writing poetry for 50 years, carrying with him a tablet in which to scribble thoughts when they come.

Hansen writes in free verse, non-metrical, nonrhyming lines that closely follow the natural rhythms of speech.

“I see beautiful poetry in free verse – powerful poetry,” he said.

Hansen, who writes under the pen name of J. Vincent Hansen, has written 145 poems about the Vietnam War. Some of his poems are introspective; others were written from harrowing experience.

Many evoke sadness, inviting readers to feel, if just for a moment, an ever-broken heart caused by war.

All of the war poems were written with candor.

“I understand the conflicting views Americans harbor regarding the Vietnam War and try to honor both allegiance and conscience in my writing,” Hansen said.

Hansen experienced the devastating impacts of war firsthand. He spent three years in the Army, serving in Vietnam from 1966-67 as a machine gun-

ner with the 101st Airborne Division.

Memories, from his training through active service, and the men, women and children he encountered in Vietnam were a wellspring of insight and inspiration for the poetry collection.

“Fifty years after the war, Hansen continues to mine his time in Vietnam as an 18-year-old machine gunner,” publisher North Star Press wrote in a description of the new book.

“These poems inform us that no soldier ever grows so old as to see a war’s final ripple.”

“The Kontum Madonna” is dedicated to a man called Pappy, Hansen’s friend and fellow comrade who died in Vietnam.

“Pappy” and “Pappy II” are two of 75 poems in the book, which is divided into three parts – before, during and after the war.

The poetry collection gets its name from one of his most evocative poems.

“The Kontum Madonna” tells of a sitting woman and her child “soldered together” in a bombed-out field. Kontum is a province in Vietnam, and Madonna represents an artistic depiction of the Virgin Mary as she is seated and holding Jesus.

While Hansen’s poems mourn his comrades, they

also shed light on fallen Vietnamese people, including many innocent children who perished in the war.

Though Hansen is a veteran of war, and said he is often thanked for his service, his poems are void of lines that make war seem less devastating than he knows it is.

Reviewer Sister Mara Faulkner noted that Hansen resists making Pappy’s death heroic or his poems patriotic eulogies.

He writes instead, “If I let them say you were brave, that what we did was good, they will use the memory of you to kill again and again.”

“Hansen’s poems refuse the comfort of forgetting or the illusion of a return to innocence,” Faulkner wrote. “If we look carefully behind the lines and among the images, we, as readers, may see our own faces among the dead as we do when we stand in front of that polished black wall in Washington, (D.C.)” Hansen hopes to influence his readers.

“My hope is that these poems, over time, will move the needle slightly in the direction of peace,” he said.

Page 4 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

News Briefs

Sauk Rapids to open park reservations May 5

SAUK RAPIDS – Waiting to schedule that park event?

The city of Sauk Rapids will begin taking reservations for the Municipal Park buildings May 5. The log and pavilion buildings will be available for public use from May 15 to Sept. 12. Reservations can be at 320258-5316.

Rules and regulations, as well as park shelter fees, can be found at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us.

Grants available to restaurants, bars

ST. CLOUD – The Small Business Administration is providing funds to restaurants, bars and similar businesses to keep their doors open. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides $28.6 billion in emergency assistance to qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Restaurants and bars can apply for tax-free federal grants equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as the money is used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Restaurants, food trucks, caterers, bars, bakeries, breweries, wineries and other qualifying businesses can apply for the grants. Dollars are distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis.

In preparation, the SBA recommends applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance. A program guide, sample application and other grant details can be found on the SBA website, sba.gov/ funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund, as well as information on how to submit an application webinar. They also recommend preparing the required documentation in advance.

Registration for the SBA Application Portal began April 30, and the grant application period opens Monday, May 3. The online application will remain open until all funds are depleted. To apply, go to restaurants.sba.gov.

CDC relaxes guidelines for fully vaccinated people

SAUK RAPIDS – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave updated guidance April 27 in regards to people who have received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

People are considered fully vaccinated, two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines and one week after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The recommendation says fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors except in crowded settings and do not need to be restricted from work following an exposure to the coronavirus as long as they remain symptom free.

Recommendations also allow fully-vaccinated people to refrain from mask wearing in some indoor situations and avoid quarantining or screening, and it opens access to traveling without testing before and after for the COVID-19 virus.

The guidance advises immunocompromised people to consult their healthcare providers regarding the recommendations, even if fully vaccinated.

The CDC recommends fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks in all settings when unvaccinated people are in proximity, to avoid large gatherings, get tested when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and follow individual employer recommendations.

For complete information, visit www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.

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

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

Storm wins Math Masters Sixth graders make school history SAUK RAPIDS – Five Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School students made Storm history in March when they took home the top prize at Math Masters.

The team of Danny Tong, Isaac Miller, Alivia Blissenbach, Sierra Kriefall and Evan Foy placed first among 22 teams of students which completed eight sets of mathematical problems.

This was the first time an SRR team achieved first place.

Ten sixth-grade students, led by coach Brad Rohlfs, participated in the virtual competition. Individually, Miller placed 11th and Tong placed 15th. In the fact drill portion, Foy placed 12th. The team of Julie Skog, Erika Jansen, Aden Konietzko, Anna Weller and Vivian Jaschke placed 14th.

Prior to March, Math Masters developed a virtual competition that allowed teams to compete from different locations by using MyOpenMath. MyOpenMath is an online course management and assessment system for mathematics.

Math Masters created practice problems to allow participants to practice solving problems in a timed online format. Each team was allowed a testing window that stretched from March 1-31. This testing

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Math Masters team – Danny Tong (front, from left), Evan Foy, Aden Konietzko, Isaac Miller and Erika Jansen; (back, from left) Anna Weller, Vivian Janschke, coach Brad Rohlfs, Alivia Blissenbach, Sierra Kriefall and Julie Skog – gather after the March 17 virtual competition in Sauk Rapids. The team of Tong, Miller, Blissenbach, Kriefall and Foy earned first place of 22 teams.

window allowed the freedom for coaches to pick the time and place for when they wanted to compete while keeping COVID-19 protocols in mind.

Math Masters began as a fifth-grade math competition program in 1989 with teams from 44 schools taking part. In 1995, the competition was expanded to include sixth graders, and this year, there were approximately 5,500 fifth and sixth graders registered to compete at over 44 sites in Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Schools are encouraged to involve as many of their fifth and sixth grade students as possible in

the use of the Math Masters packet of challenge preparation materials. A team selection test is provided to assist coaches in choosing students to represent their schools. Math Masters is

designed to promote excellence in critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as well as provide recognition to students for academic effort and achievement.

NAMI St. Cloud Area ea

Saturday, May 15th Lake George, St. Cloud 9AM Check in - 11AM Walk Start!

Register/Donate; www.namistcloud.com ud.co Phone number: 320-654-1259 59

R17-1B-RB

Manea’s Meats ALL LINES OF INSURANCE

www.tricoins.net www ww w tr ttric tri ric icoi oins ins net et

Tri-County Insurance 800 Industrial Dr S Suite 206 Sauk Rapids, MN • (320) 251-2552

Tri-County Insurance Foley Frandsen Auto Bank Lobby Foley, MN • (320) 968-6496

We thank you for your business!

The Sausage Th S Specialists S i li t www.maneasmeats.com

(320) 253-8683 114 2nd Ave N., Sauk Rapids, MN

We are here because of you!

R11-eowtfn-TV

Think of us when grilling this Summer!

R1-eowtfnB-TV

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

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

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

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

Maddy Peterson Cheyenne Carlson Kayla Hunstiger Jennifer Coyne Tim Vos Warren Stone Bob Leukam Robin Brunette Amy McChesney Gretchen Jennissen Lorie Swedenburg Logan Thomas

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

NEWS/ OBITUARIES

SRR to offer transportation for summer school District hopes to eliminate barrier for students who need remediation

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 5

James R. “Jim” Worden James R. “Jim” Worden, age 92, formerly from Sauk Rapids, passed away April 20, 2021. Jim was born April 14, 1929, in Regan, North Dakota, to Harry and Elsie Worden. When Jim was 9 years old, the family moved to Brainerd. There, he attended both grade school and high school, graduating in 1947.

In high school Jim excelled in football, baseball and basketball.

Following high school, Jim attended Westmar College in Iowa, where he met his wife Anna Marie Bolay and continued playing collegiate sports. He transferred to St. Cloud State University where he earned a B.S. degree in 1952. He also earned a master’s degree in education there later in his teaching career.

In 1952, Jim and Anna Marie moved to Sacred Heart where he served as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator. In 1955, they moved to Sauk Rapids where Jim continued as a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator until 1984 when he retired from education. He worked as a sporting goods salesperson until 1989 and then served as the transportation supervisor for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District until his retirement in 1994. At that time Jim and Anna Marie moved to Loveland, Colorado to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Jim was a lay leader of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and later was a member of the Methodist Church for many years. He was involved in numerous organizations in Minnesota athletics, serving as the executive secretary for the Minnesota State Athletic Directors Association, as well as secretary for the Rum River Athletic Conference for several years. Jim was also regarded as a leader in the development of Minnesota girls athletics in the

– Dr. Holly Schoenherr, director of human resources, reported that COVID-19-related absences among Sauk Rapidsbreakfast and lunch for summer Rice students have risen since

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER school students. The meals will March. The increase correlates be supported by either a free with a recent uptick in cases SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk meal program, which has been statewide, she said.

As of April 22, there were Rapids-Rice School District will extended by the United States offer, for the first time, free trans- Department of Agriculture until 295 COVID-19-related absences portation to summer school. Su- June 30, 2022, but is pending ex- among students. That is an inperintendent Bradley Bergstrom tension of a state waiver, or CO- crease of 150 absences since late March. announced the program at the VID-19 relief funds.

Despite the increase, SchoenApril 26 school board meeting in In other board news: Sauk Rapids.

– Bergstrom announced that herr commended the district for The decision follows an in- prom will take place May 15. At- sustaining an in-person learning creased need to provide academ- tendance is reserved for juniors model for the past three months.

The district returned students to ic remediation for students who and seniors. may have fallen behind while Attendees will sign up in in-person learning in late January distance learning amid the coro- groups of six and will be required and early February via a phased navirus pandemic. to stay at least 6 feet from other approach, though some students have continued to learn remotely “This is a significant im- groups at all times, he said. provement and, hopefully, will Grand march will start at by choice.

“I couldn’t be more delighted take away another barrier that 4:30 p.m. on the Sauk Rapidsprevents students from being Rice Middle School football that we’ve been able to do that, able to come to summer school,” field,weather permitting. Details and, really, that is a testament to Bergstrom said. regarding spectators has yet to be the wonderful staff and commitIn past years, some students decided. In the case of rain, the ment that everyone has made to who could have benefitted from event will be moved to the Sauk working together to make this summer school did not attend, Rarpids-Rice High School gym work,” Schoenherr said. “I’m hopeful that we’re going to be and lack of transportation may and be livestreamed. be one of the reasons, Bergstrom Prom-goers will then be ending the school year strong.”

Students who test for COsaid. divided into two groups in or“We’re hoping that all the der to comply with COVID-19 VID-19 at home using a kit from kids who do qualify and who restrictions, which cap atten- Vault Health can bring completed we’d like to see come, that they’re dance at 250 people per event. tests to school every other Thursgoing to be attending summer The first prom group will gather day when the district does staff school this year,” he said. from 5:30-8 p.m., and the second testing on site in lieu of mailing The district expects to use group will gather from 8:30-11 them to the lab. The at-home test kits are free. funding from the state to cover p.m.

“This is to make it more conthe cost of summer school trans– Approved hiring Knife portation, but if that falls through, River Corporation to rehabilitate venient and more of an incentive the district will use COVID-19 the high school parking lot at a to do testing,” Schoenherr said. relief funds, Bergstrom said. cost of $179,500. The parking lot “The state has really been enThe district anticipates was not designed for the heavy couraging students to regularly 505 students from kindergarten traffic, school buses in particular, test.”

COVID-19-related absences through eighth grade will attend it is subjected to daily, so it will summer school, plus another 260 be built up with a thicker layer of among staff remain low. Just students from the high school, blacktop, said Tracey Fiereck, di- 1.5% of staff district-wide were absent as of April 22. All district according to Bergstrom. Those rector of business services.

Cynthia “Cynde” L. numbers represent about 18% of The project will commence staff have had the opportunity to Hammerel the total student population. in summer and be completed be vaccinated.

Mass of Christian Burial The district will discontinue will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, Bergstrom said bus routes before school starts in the fall. will be developed once the dis- People will be able to access the paid leave for staff who are ab- at Sacred Heart Catholic Church trict determines which students school during construction, but sent due to COVID-19 June 4. in Sauk Rapids for Cynthia need transportation. vehicles will be diverted to non“Cynde” L. Hammerel, age 66, The district will provide construction areas. who passed away April 22, 2021, at her daughter’s residence after a short but courageous battle Police Activity Report April 19-25 with liver cancer. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate.

Sauk Rapids Police Department Rapids-Rice High School at 1835 Osauka Road N.E. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Friday April 19, 11:20 p.m. – A caller reported suspicious The police and fire departments were dispatched but at Williams Dingmann Family activity on the 1700 block of Park View Lane. A per- canceled by a keyholder prior to arriving as the re- Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids son was knocking at the caller’s door and ringing the port was a false alarm. and one hour prior to the services home’s doorbell. Officers spoke with a male individual, who was holding a container of food, outside Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 16, suspicious activ- at the church. Parish prayers the home. He said his mother had asked him to de- ity reports 16, medical calls 14, warnings 13, animal were 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral liver the food to a relative. As the police arrived, the complaints 10, assists 8, harassment complaints 8, home.

Cynde was born July 11, man realized he must have the wrong address, and he animal licenses 7, human services reports 7, welfare agreed to leave the premises. He asked that the police checks 7, fraud complaints 5, thefts 5, child calls 4, 1954, in St. Cloud to Lloyd and apologize to the caller for him. The officer explained civil complaints 4, property calls 4, traffic accidents Rita (Beam) Hammerel. She the situation to the caller.

4, traffic stops 4, DUI/DWIs 3, disturbances 3, driv- worked as an LPN before she ing calls 3, permits 3, tows 3, alarms 2, hit and run became a licensed child care April 20, 2:29 a.m. – Officers responded to the Rus- reports 2, trespassing calls 2 and voided calls 2. provider. Cynde cared for people sell Arms apartment complex at 315 Division St. for and their children for over 26 a fire alarm. The Sauk Rapids Fire Department and Rice Police Department years. She was a member of Mayo Clinic Ambulance responded as well. There was heavy smoke observed coming from an apart- April 22, 5:21 p.m. – Arrived at the 2200 block of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in ment on the second floor. It was determined the fire 125 Street Northwest for an alarm. There was an Sauk Rapids. She loved going to was caused by a microwave which appeared to have open door on the north side of a building. Alarms flea markets and antiquing, going an electrical issue. The tenants had extinguished the were audible. No vehicles were present. Officer on girls’ trips and being with her fire prior to emergency response but damage was cleared the building. Everything appeared to be se- granddaughters. She was strong cure. Made contact with keyholders who locked the sustained to the kitchen and adjacent hallway. willed, yet selfless in serving building prior to the officer leaving the scene.

Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 8, thefts 3 and traffic others. Cynde had the biggest heart and was very kind. She April 21, 7:07 p.m. – A fire alarm was set off at Sauk stops 2. liked to have a good time, and

James R. “Jim” Worden

1960s. In 2014, he was inducted into the Sauk Rapids-Rice Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor he greatly cherished.

In addition to his dedication to education and athletics, Jim enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including fishing and hunting. He often shared stories of his hunting and fishing experiences with fellow teachers and coaches. His ultimate dream was realized by living five years at a year-round home on Island Lake near Detroit Lakes, which he had built from the ground up, and where he could fish any day he wanted.

Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anna Marie; son Greg (Katherine) Worden of Oro Valley, Arizona, and daughter Gwen (Kerry) Krueger of Westminster, Colorado. He also was blessed with three grandchildren: Carl (Nichole) Worden of Tucson, Arizona, Annie (Derrick) Cannon of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Erin Krueger of Westminster, Colorado. Jim is also survived by his sister Pam Clayton of St. Paul, and sister-in-law Marileen (Don) Johnson of Carlsbad, California.

Jim has been cremated according to his wishes, with a private family service celebrating his life planned for a future date.

R-17-1P

Cynthia “Cynde” L. Hammerel

to speak her mind. Cynde was uncomplicated and her family was the most important thing in her life.

Survivors include her daughter, Tiffany (Josh) Vraa of Sauk Rapids; granddaughters, Peyton Adeline Rita and Remington Louise at home; and brother and sisters, Donald of Rice, Anita (Jim) Peitz of Sauk Rapids, Bonnie (Gordon Jr.) Ring of Rockville, and Terri Hammerel Conser of Rice.

Cynde was preceded in death by her parents.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com

EDITORIAL

Page 6 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Growing strawberries in containers Strawberries may be grown in containers as well as in the ground. There are three types of strawberries. Most common are the June bearing plants that produce a big crop in June the second year they are grown. The blossoms GREEN AND should be removed the GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY first year, so the plants can establish them- BY LINDA G. TENNESON selves. They also produce runners which will root and become daughter plants if allowed to do so.

Everbearing plants produce smaller berries two or three times during the growing season.

Day neutral plants produce fruit sporadically and do not produce as many runners. When grown in a container, there is no space for the runners to root and become independent, self-sufficient plants, and they are often removed from all three types of strawberries because they weaken the parent plant. However, the runners may be planted in their own pots where they will produce when grown to sufficient size. All types of strawberry plants look the same, so check the labels when purchasing them. Many sources recommend everbearing and day neutral plants for container growing. Albion, Seascape, Evie-II, Monterey, Portola and San Andreas are recommended everbearing varieties.

Strawberry plants are usually sold in bunches with bare roots. Plant them carefully with the crowns, or where the stems are attached to the roots, at soil level. The crowns should not be covered with soil. The roots are fragile and should be carefully spread out when planted. Containers should be filled with a well-draining soil with fertilizer. Space the plants about 8 inches apart because the plants will spread as they grow. The containers should be placed in full sun, six to 10 hours each day, and need to be regularly monitored for moisture. Containers may need to be watered more than once a week. Hanging basket containers are more likely to need frequent watering.

Container grown plants may not live as long as grown-in-the-ground plants. Wider containers will allow for the expansion of their shallow root balls and increase the probability that the plants will survive for multiple seasons. Pests are slightly less likely to attack container plants, and containers may be moved to provide better air circulation.

Strawberries are self-fertile meaning each blossom has male and female characteristics.

However, pollinators – usually bees – are needed to move the pollen from the anther to the ovaries so berries may be produced. Self-fertile also means only one type of plant is needed for berry production.

Strawberries are grown in containers of various shapes and sizes. Tiered or circular containers may be used as well as hanging baskets and tall cylinder containers with holes on the sides.

Strawberries planted in the ground will survive winter temperatures, but plants in containers are exposed to cold air on their sides and from above and may not survive. Therefore, containers should be moved into sheltered locations during the winter. The University of Minnesota and University of Ohio extensions have detailed articles on ground and container strawberry culture.

The Benton County Extension Master Gardeners will host its plant sale while complying with the University of Minnesota COVID-19 restrictions. The sale will be June 5 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School parking lot where there is more room to spread out.

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

Love truth

“Love and truth are often pitted us in truth and love. Do you want grace?

Mercy? Peace? Then learn to root and against each other. As if you are for love, ground your life in truth. Do you want to or you are for truth. The basis for relationbloom where you are planted? Make sure ship and love is truth. Truth is not relayour roots are growing strong, in depth and tive, and it does not change from generaalways drinking deeply from the water of tion to generation. Truth is absolute and God’s word. unchanging and eternal.”

There are many areas, too many to These words were spoken by Nancy list, that I have grown in character and too Demoss Wolgemuth in “The Power and many areas to list I still need to grow in.

Beauty of the Truth.” They have been reLIFE BY FAITH Love has been the attribute that has initiated verberating in my heart for many years.

I’ve been learning how to get to know the BY MERCY NYGAARD any form of transformation in my heart. Because of sin, I will always need to lay down character of God, and in that process, I have been experiencing many opportunities to grow my pride and remember that when I am asking Jesus in my own character. I have been on a quest for truth, to work through me, he will first begin to do a work in but the Lord has always been so faithful to humble me. If I don’t lay down my pride and allow the work me, usually by my own haste and embarrassment for to take its affect for growth in complete surrender to what God wants to do in my heart, I’ll start making speaking the truth but not in love.

Therefore, the first and most important trait I am many mistakes. I may make the mistake of pointing thankful to be growing in is learning how to love. To others to myself and not Jesus. I may make the missome people that might sound silly. But, I say it with take of letting my emotions lead me and mistake my all seriousness. I did not have a great example of lov- passion as a reason to demand others to be as emoing and nurturing parents growing up. Learning how tional as I am. I may make the mistake of putting too to love has required one vitally important resource, much emphasis on spiritual gifts and not the giver.

Every ministry’s foundation will be on the corand without it, well, what’s the point? That vitally imnerstone, Jesus, and it will always point to Jesus as portant resource is the truth.

What is the ultimate authority on the absolute, un- the only one who can set us free. We need only to apchanging and eternal truth? It is the Bible. In it are all proach Jesus as Lord of our lives. And what did Jesus forms of love: God’s love, loving God, relationship tell us directly to help train us to discern the truth? He love between friends and family, spousal love and the told the Jews who believed him in John 8:31-32, “If source of love itself. 1 John 4:16 tells us that God is you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. love. And 1 John 4:19 tells us that we love because he And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make first loved us. This is the truth. God is love, and God you free.” Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He instructed us to abide in his word. The Holy Spirit is the word.

John 1:1 tells us that in the beginning was the also reminds us of all we have learned from Jesus word, the word was with God and the word was in his word. The Holy Spirit is a gift from Jesus that God. To some these may look like letters formed into helps us and always testifies of Jesus.

I hope after reading this you can see that love words, and reading this out loud may just seem as if words are being read without meaning or as if you’ve and truth go hand in hand. Wolgemuth expressed four heard them so many times your eyes begin to gloss prayers from the book of Psalms to help us live in over. But please, I beg you, do not. These words never truth: – I have chosen the way of truth. cease to amaze me. I am left in awe and wonder.

– Lead me in your truth and teach me.

God is love, and God is the word. The word is the – Send out your light and your truth, let them lead absolute truth. How then can anyone make light of it, and how can anyone point to anything other than it as me.

– Teach me your way oh Lord, that I may walk in God’s No. 1 way of speaking to us and showing us his your truth. ultimate grace, mercy and peace?

In 2 John 1:3, John tells us that God will be with

BEP highlights the Youth Skills Training Program Benton Economic Partnership inThe program enables student learners vited Rich Wessels, project manager at to work in these high-demand industries, the Minnesota Department of Labor and earn credit and get paid to work. A stuIndustry, to present information about dent learner is defined as a 16- or 17-yearthe Youth Skills Training Program at our old student of an accredited school and a quarterly membership meeting April 22. part-time employee. The student learner The Youth Skills Training Program obtains academic credit and employbrings employers, schools, students and ment training under a bona fide, written, other stakeholders together. The overall school-work training program agreement goal of the program is to introduce stubetween the school and the employer. dents to careers in high-growth, high- BENTON ECONOMIC Students develop a solid understanding PARTNERSHIP demand industries and prepare them for of the pathways that lead to specific caBY AMANDA OTHOUDT successful careers and address the short- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR reers within the selected industry. This age of skilled employees. We all see help learn and earn model enables students to wanted signs and workforce shortages develop skills while getting paid to work. across our county, the region and the state. The Youth To implement the program in Benton County, the Skills Training Program can help. employer, school, YST staff, students and parents all Implementing the program on a local level pro- need to come together to support the program. If you vides future employees (student learners) to fill the want to learn more about the Youth Skills Training industry needs identified in a local community. Al- Program, visit www.dli.mn.gov/yst. though, this program is not yet implemented in BenI encourage you to visit www.bentonpartnership. ton County, supporting such a program would have org to learn more about Benton Economic Partnerpositive impact for employers and young adults in ship and how you can support our efforts of promotour community. The industries eligible under this ing economic development in our county. program are advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology.

Traditional letters to the editor policy

Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be under 400 words and to the point, and be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 7

Throne thoughts

?

My family was far from rich, but growfor endometriosis, a relatively common ding up, I spent a lot of time on the throne. disorder that causes tissue, sometimes o Sometimes, nature’s call brought me to forming cysts, to build up in the reproducethe white porcelain throne – also called the tive area. In extremely rare cases, growths djohn, the can and a slew of other slang terms can occur on other organs. After surgery, I f– two or three times an hour. learned scar tissue was on my bladder, too, My mom said I was an easy child to and couldn’t be removed. opotty train. No coaching was needed. A few The conditions have affected evoyears later, when it was my sister’s turn, I ery area of my life. I’m ever-cognizant .volunteered to show her how it’s done. More

BY EL of bathroom locations everywhere I go. dstubborn than me, she thought that was EXPRESSIONS

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE When I’m having a flare, which feels like -enough to please Mom, so she clapped for a UTI without the infection, or making nbig sister and we bought her more diapers. trips every five minutes, it brings me down s Then there was a birthday party where they served emotionally, but I’m grateful for otherwise good health. nlemonade and I wore a dress. I liked the sugary drink a It could be worse. klot, but that day no one clapped for me, just stared, wideI was advised to cut out the four Cs: caffeine, citrus, oeyed, because I didn’t find the throne in time. chocolate and carbonation. I don’t follow all the rules g I began to see a lot of people in white coats, includ- (Who can live without chocolate?), but I try my best. ging specialists at the University of Minnesota, to remedy Candy bars are reserved for uneventful Saturdays, and I -what Mom called the bladder problem. One pediatri- eat small amounts of pasta sauce. ycian said the problem was incomplete emptying. He inIt’s been almost a decade without caffeine. Some-structed me to count to a certain number, stand up while times, I stare at cappuccino machines and fantasize ocounting to that number again, and repeat until it felt like about drinking caramel froth. my little balloon had deflated all the way.

I’ve found great relief with a natural remedy: freezeSo, I spent a lot more time on the throne. dried aloe vera. Taken internally, aloe has a similar effect s Elementary teachers got notes from Mom. I could on the bladder to that of rubbing it on a sunburn. Bring -be excused from class at any time, and I wasn’t making on the 7-Up. sit up.

Still, I spend a lot of time on the throne. And, I buy e Middle school could be cruel. Kids whispered a lot of toilet paper. fsnide remarks if they sensed something was wrong with I did a study a few years ago in a quest to find the .you. My anxiety was high the night before we departed best bang for my buck that isn’t like sandpaper. If you efor winter camp up north. My homeroom teacher, Mr. like talking about mega versus regular rolls, we could eGeorge, knew about the bladder problem and suspected be friends. tteasing would be inevitable if we stopped just for me.

The condition is worsened by laying down. I get up, sHalfway there, he announced that we were stopping at a on average, eight times from the time I first lay down tgas station because, “this old guy can’t hold it.” Laugh- until the next morning. ter erupted from inside the bus. He called on me and The mind tends to wander during those bathroom ea couple others to come with and make sure he found trips. In the dark, quiet of night, there’s not much else to rhis way back to the orange rig, successfully shielding do on the throne. nme from the humiliation that so often accompanied my “I should revise the third paragraph in that story.” disorder.

“I forgot to pick up milk.”

Mr. George died of cancer less than two years later.

“Is Barbara Walters OK? It’s been a while since I’ve During his final months at school, I nominated him for seen her face.” dKSTP’s Crystal Apple Award, recognizing teaching ex“How does the narrator on ‘Forensic Files’ say cellence. He cried when the news cameras surprised him ‘cold-blooded killer’ with such mastery?” nin our classroom. I cried, just now, while thinking about “Did the downstairs neighbors install a bowling alhis kindness. ley? It’s 2 a.m., for crying out loud. I hate apartments.”

I still spend a lot of time on the throne.

“Would Detrol LA let me be in a commercial? I’d Doctor visits continued into my 20s. The eventual make a face as the jingle goes, ‘Gotta go, gotta go, gotta diagnosis: interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition caus- go right now,’ and make some money from Big Pharma.” ing bladder pressure, pain and frequent urgency. In the “I’m going to be so tired tomorrow.” most unsuspecting case of bad luck, at 25, I was treated Well, … gotta go.

MIDWEST CLASSIFIED NETWORK To reach 9 states with your classified call 320-251-1971

HERNIA REPAIR? DID YOU RECEIVE A HERNIA MESH PATCH between 2009- present? Did you suffer complications and have removal surgery? Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727.

ADOPTION. California couple promises baby loving home. Secure future, devoted grandparents, educational opportunities, gentle pets. Generous living expenses. Ed and Danielle 1(818)356-6981 or attorney 1(310)6633467.

WRIGHTZ AUCTION CO. "Your Locally Owned, Full Service Auction Company" MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, JUNE 7, 9 AM. Consign Early by May 21, for Complete Advertising. CONSIGN TODAY, 641-398-2218, Hwy 218, Floyd, IA. www.wrightzauctionco.com.

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-977-7030 Home based phone reps needed now! Easy work! Commission paid daily! Internet, computer, headset required. Call today! 478-419-3637.

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 855-824-1258.

High-Speed Internet. We instantly compare speed, pricing, availability to find the best service for your needs. Starting at $39.99/month! Quickly compare offers from top providers. Call 1-855-399-9295 AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand On All Your Favorite Screens.

CHOICE Package, $64.99/mo plus taxes for 12months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/ 24-mo. agmt (TV price higher in 2nd year.) Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/ mo. is extra & applies. Call IVS 1-866-387-0621.

4G LTE Home Internet Now Available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/ mo! 844-897-8159.

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-844-316-8876.

Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $49.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-679-7096.

TRUCK DRIVERS – REGIONAL Average over .62 CPM. All miles paid.

Home when needed. Nice equipment. Paid weekly. Benefits. Driver friendly, won’t get jacked around. Class-A license required. WWW.MCFGTL.COM, Call 507-437-9905 .

2011 Harley Davidson Road King Dark brown metallic, 17,xxx miles, loaded, like new condition. Factory Cruise, anti theft W/2 key fobs, Air ride suspension, A center stand to get on or off safely, LED everything, LED rear view mirrors, LED turn signals, LED Saddlebag spoilers, LED luggage rack with backrest, LED TAILLIGHTS driver backrest, leather engine guard covers, $12,900. Located in Mankato Minnesota. Call Brad 507-382-1277.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 844-716-2411.

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-866-306-9928 Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 844-646-2333 FREE Brochure.

CANADA DISCOUNT PHARMACY. Save up to 80% off prescriptions. Eliquis, Flomax, Xarelto, Viagra, many more! Mention coupon code “NEWS10” to save $10 on your first order. Call 877-636-0750 (M-F 8am-midnight EST).

Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-888-981-5761.

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free inhome consultation: 855-836-2250.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today.

15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-5771268. Promo Code 285.

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-326-1608.

Put on your TV Ears and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-855-958-5196.

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option.

Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-877-381-3059.

Never Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-844-596-1237. Hours Mon-Thu, Sun : 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri : 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (all times Eastern).

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: White-Glove Service from America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. FREE QUOTES! Call: 877-351-0672.

Uncirculated pre-1905 Morgan dollars, over stocked sale, 800 available, $50.00 each. Buying and selling any gold or silver, rare coins, diamonds, national currency. 40-year business, Fairmont, Minnesota, Kuehl’s Coins.

10:30-5:30, 507-235-3886.

BREAK CROSSWORD

Sponsored By:

ST R

Publications

TIMOTHY J. VOS Territory Manager 561 Railroad Avenue Albany, MN 56307 Office: 320-845-2700 • Cell: 320-492-6987 Fax: 320-845-4805

Call to Advertise!

tim@saukherald.com tim@albanyenterprise.com

Page 8 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Come see why Motor Works Auto is Central MN’s #1 in Auto Service!

• Computer Diagnostics • Tune Ups • Air Conditioning/Heating • Oil Changes • Transmission Repairs • Exhaust Repair & Replacements • Brakes • Tires and more!

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 9

Sauk Rapids-Rice

Go Storm!

Mon–Fri: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

320.253.2262

603 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids

Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

www.dandbautobody.biz

2 Benton Dr. S

320-251-4771

LAUNDROMAT & TANNING

rm!

to We support the S 15 North 2nd Ave. Sauk Rapids, MN www.washntan.com 320.259.0882

OPEN DAILY Laundry 6 am-9 pm Tanning 8 am-9 pm

114 2nd Ave. N. Sauk Rapids, MN www.maneasmeats.com | 320.253.8683

• Business • Auto • Home • Farm • Life • Health • COMPETITIVE RATES • EXCELLENT SERVICE • FLEXIBLE BILLING • STRONG COMPANIES

Offices in: • ALBANY • HOLDINGFORD • LONG PRAIRIE • SAUK CENTRE • PIERZ • ST. CLOUD • MELROSE

l l a b e s Ba

A Proud er Support of Storm s Athletic

Good Luck to All Sports Teams!

800-847-2502 • 320-632-2908

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

320-252-6650 • advantageoneins.com

E

SINC

Stop in and try our great menu !

320.253.0208 » 22 2nd Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN www.jimmyspourhouse.net

PHOTO BY R. TAMM PHOTOGRAPHY

(Below) The 2021 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School varsity baseball team consists of Connor Hemker (front, from left), Matt Krepp, Noah Jensen, Evan Mader, Terrence Moody and Owen Arndt; (middle, from left) Dane Dingmann, Brandon Bokelman, Alex Harren, head coach Jeff Hille, Landon Lunser, Andrew Wollak and Dominic Mathies; (back, from left), assistant coach Cody Randt, assistant coach Paul Wippler, assistant coach Jesse Jarvi and assistant coach Greg Thayer. Not pictured are Caleb Neeser, Rylan Robinson, Jeff Solarz and Ben Rothstein.

Show your love with life insurance.

Tony Jarousek Agency 320-202-8688

Every yard looks better with a

FLAG

Locations in St Cloud and Sauk Rapids

Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Company and Allstate Assurance Co., 3075 Sanders Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., 1776 American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. In New York, life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.

PHOTO BY R. TAMM PHOTOGRAPHY

(Right) The 2021 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School varsity softball team consists of Ella Gunderson (front, from left), Grace Burski, Anna Schave, Esther Parks, Catie Gilbertson and Megan Nierengarten; (middle, from front) assistant coach Tash Neu, Kendal Craft, Denise Schultz, Lexi Helmin, Corina Miller, Brooke Petermeier and head coach Ken Karna; (back, from left) Libbey Mayse, Lilli Berger, Hailey Arnold and assistant coach Abbie Graves-Petron. Not pictured are Maggie Fernholz, Campbell Arndt and AnnieMae Westergren.

110 First Street South, Sauk Rapids, MN 320-252-2141 Store Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week

Emergency 24 Hour Services

Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc. WHATEVER IT TAKES

5 Time Recipient for Medal of Excellence

8 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids

(320)-251-5383

www.MMCJD.com

www.wipplerhardware.com

Call for Free Estimate!

320.252.1371

Schedule Today Pain Goes Away

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Steven Baker CPA, Corina Schlichting CPA

Residential/Commercial • Sales • Service • Installation • Heating & Air Conditioning

1-605-786-5327 Ryan Stack Michael Opsahl Paul Nordquist

Auto - Home - Renters Business - Life - Health 114 Division Street, Sauk Rapids (320) 259-8178 • (800) 599-9866 mopsahl@twfg.com • www.twfgmn.net

®

2700 1st St. N., Suite 101,

St. Cloud

Therapeutic Massage ~ Bodywork ~ Reflexology ~ Meditation Myofascial Release ~ VacuTherapies ~ Far-Infrared Sauna www.tranquilheartenterprise.com

@Coilsflags

Family Owned & Operated Since 1978

The Haller Team, SUPPORTS ALL STORM ACTIVITIES. GO STORM!

Dave Anderson Realtor 320.249.7026

DAnderson@HallerRealtyHomes.com www.HallerRealtyHomes.com

1310 2ND STREET NORTH SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379

www.lyonheating.com 235 Stearns Dr., Sauk Rapids

STEVEN V. BAKER, LTD. 1287 2nd St. N., Ste. 201 P.O. Box 215 Sauk Rapids, MN320.253.5175 800.252.5175 www.svbltd.com

l l a b t f So

1034 33rd St. S., Saint Cloud (320) 253-8160 | www.coilsflags.com

New Menu Daily Food Specials!

320-252-0451

736 S Benton Drive • Sauk Rapids MONDAY-THURSDAY 11 AM-2 AM • FRIDAY - SUNDAY 10 AM - 2 AM

SUPPORTING THE FOLEY FALCONS!

Your purpose is our passion.

Sam Lieser 22 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 | 320-248-6872 SamLieser.com • SamLieser@EdinaRealty.com

211 G

LEN S

TREET

329 N 56

,M FOLEY

320-968-6239 | 888-868-6239 | Open Monday-Friday 8-6 • Sat 8-2 | www.murphychevrolet.com

PAUL NEMETH Owner/Operations Manager/Master Electrician Lic.#AM07083 • Contractors Lic. #EA003490

Cell: (320) 250-1023 • Office: (320) 258-5204

702 9TH AVE. S., SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379

(320) 251-2552 www.tri-countyinsurance.net

Page 10 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, March 22, 2021 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, March 22, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.

The Board Meeting was live streamed to the Sauk RapidsRice High School Commons.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Technology Zimpel, Community Education Director Wilke, and SRRMS Principal Messerich.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”.

CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”.

PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input at 7:03 p.m.

ACTION APPROVAL OF THE 2020 – 2021 REVISED BUDGET A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to approve the 2020 – 2021 Revised Budget.

APPROVAL OF FY22 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the preliminary FY22 Budget projections and proposed adjustments.

APPROVAL FOR MISSISSIPPI HEIGHTS ROOFING REHABILITATION PROJECT 2021 A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to approved the bid proposal from Central Roofing Company. Central Roofing Company has been awarded the contract for the Mississippi Heights Elementary School Roofing Rehabilitation Project’s base bid and the addition of Alternate Area #1 and Alternate Area #2.

APPROVAL FOR SAUK RAPIDS-RICE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S EXTERIOR WALL REHABILITATION PROJECT 2021 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to approve the bid proposal from Ebert Construction. Ebert Construction has been awarded the contract for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School’s Exterior Wall Rehabilitation Project base bid.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. It is recommended by the Minnesota School Boards Association that a Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda rather than in Consent.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #532 A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #532 (Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEPs From School Grounds) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #532 (Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEPs From School Grounds).

ADOPTION OF POLICY #618 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #618 (Assessment and Achievement) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #618 (Assessment and Achievement).

ADOPTION OF POLICY #619 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #619 (Staff Development for Standards) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #619 (Staff Development for Standards).

ADOPTION OF POLICY #619 A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #750 (Business and Non-Instructional Operations) is a “district policy” and will replace current policy #3250 (Business and Non-Instructional Operations).

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-17-1B

MUNICIPAL PARK RESERVATIONS UPDATE Beginning May 5th, the City of Sauk Rapids will start taking phone reservations only for the log and pavilion buildings at Municipal Park. Both buildings at Municipal Park will be available for use beginning on Saturday May 15th and running through September 12th. Call (320) 258-5316 to schedule a Municipal Park rental. Please refer to the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us to view the rules and regulations for renting the Municipal Park shelters as well as the fee schedule.

R-17-1B

PUBLIC NOTICES REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, April 12, 2021 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present.

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

4. Approve Minutes A. 03-22-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded

by Councilperson Thronson to approve the 03-22-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications • State Law Pertaining to Residential Requirements— Mayor Hunstiger said that while he doesn’t usually comment on social media posts or about comments made to him, the fact that he has been questioned or the City has been questioned recently on social media regarding why the City doesn’t require its staff to live in the City has caused him to want to address this topic. Mayor Hunstiger read a statement from Adam Ripple, City Attorney, that referenced several State Statutes that outline how a city is not allowed to impose residential requirements as a condition of employment. He said that only for specific job-related functions may a response time be required, but other than in very specific situations, the City may not impose a residential requirement on its staff. Mayor Hunstiger said that it is his personal belief that the City should hire the best person suited for a job and that it doesn’t seem reasonable to believe that the best person for every city job could be found within the confines of any particular city’s limits.

Mayor Hunstiger reiterated that residential requirements cannot be imposed on employees.

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 and Authorize Permit for Rapids River Food Fest B. Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Rapids River Food Fest C. Approve Elimination of Liquor Licensing Fees for Restaurants and Clubs Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic D. Approve Promotion of Police Officer Sean Gales to the Position of Police Sergeant

E. Approve AFSCME Sunday Sales Compensation MOU F. Approve Appointment to the Office Coordinator Position G. Approve a Resolution Awarding the 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements H. Approve Lawn Care Services Contract with Complete Yard Care I. Approve Agreement for the Reuse of Downtown Impact Mitigation Funds Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded

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

10. Regular Agenda A. Police Garage Expansion Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the Base Bid and Alternates 1,2,3,4, and 5. Motion carried unanimously.

11. Other Staff Items A. Rock the Riverside Music Nights Ross Olson noted that included with the meeting materials was a flyer that was created for the City’s upcoming newsletter. Olson said that the intention behind the flyer is to serve as a sort of save-the-date for the music in the park series beginning in July. The flyer includes the dates for the summer concert series as well as the performers.

Olson discussed the need for a retractable roof or some type of temporary roof to protect band equipment, which is something that staff and the Riverside Park Project Committee are looking into.

Olson stated that the water feature should be ready to go around June 1st, but that the City will need to decide if they want to open the water feature immediately or allow time for more grass to come in first.

Olson talked about having holding some City meetings or allowing County or Chamber events to take place in the event center over the first couple of months to work out any potential hiccups before the building is rented out beginning in 2022.

12. Other Council Items and Communications A. Zoom APO Meeting—Councilperson Seamans stated that she recently participated in a zoom meeting for the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO), which is a Council appointed committee that she represents the City on. She said that there is potentially some additional federal funding coming down the pipe for infrastructure. The APO has submitted infrastructure projects that would love to be funded but have not yet been funded.

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

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

15. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded

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

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.

R-17-1B

Monday, April 12, 2021 WORK SESSION MINUTES District Office Board Room 5:30 p.m.

A Work Session of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, and Morse. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Technology Zimpel, SRRMS Principal Messerich, and SRRHS Principal Nohner. Board member Solarz joined the meeting remotely as provided by Minnesota Statute 13D.021 at 6:15 p.m.

AGENDA APPROVAL A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried, by a margin of six, to approve the Work Session Agenda as written.

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Absent: Solarz WORK STUDY TOPICS Pleasantview Monthly Drone Video Update Superintendent Bergstrom showed the monthly progress drone video of the Pleasantview building project.

Google Docs Tutorial for Committee Reports Director of Technology Zimpel provided a Google Docs overview for Board members, and demonstrated how to access and utilize the Google Docs template for recording notes and points of interest from Committee meetings in a central location. Director Zimpel was available to answer Board questions.

Learning Model Review Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr provided the Board with an update on COVID related absences (CRA) based on the model that has previously been utilized. Dr. Schoenherr included a current student count on the chart and explained the district is seeing an increase student cases, but Schoenherr reported with the

vaccine and continued mitigation district staff on COVID related absence is declining. Director Schoenherr was available to answer Board questions.

Educational Data Review Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman provided an overview of Fall 2019 to Winter 2021 local comparison data. The data reviewed included FASTBridge data for K-5 and NWEA Maps Data for students in grades 6-9. The data review included overall district data by the FASTBridge and NWEA Maps assessments, grade level data by assessment and district proficiency analysis by assessment. Director Bushman was available to answer Board questions.

Superintendent Evaluation Update – Board Chair Butkowski provided an update from the Personnel Committee with regard to the superintendent evaluation process and timeline.

ADJOURNMENT With no further Work Session topics appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Holthaus, Solarz, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-17-1B

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 11

SPORTS

-

d

Late goal sinks Storm’n Sabres

e

Brainerd tscores late goal das first win -eludes girls lacrosse

y -

Weather, fatigue play into scores

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The

Sauk

Trapshooters adjust to season

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

Rapids-

-Rice/Sartell girls lacrosse gteam did just about everys kthing right against Braineerd April 27, but it still was

not enough to notch a vic-

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON etory.

The Storm’n Sabres Storm’n Sabres girls lacrosse players – Ava Hommerding (from left), Jaden Lommel, s -got balanced scoring, time- Carmella Leischke and Elle Mahowald – share a light moment during warmups prior to ly goaltending and showed Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell’s game with Brainerd April 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School opatience offensively. They in Sauk Rapids. The Storm’n Sabres received goals from Mahowald, Hommerding, Zoe fled almost the entire game Stier and Mary Eichler in a 5-4 loss. wbefore giving up a late goal

Though the loss -in a wrenching 5-4 loss to dropped SRR/S to 0-3, it the Warriors on yet another e kcloudy, chilly and windy marked progress as its first tday at Sauk Rapids-Rice two losses came by large

aggressive game,” coach Leah Summerville said.

“We came out of the first draw with aggression and speed, and we controlled High School in Sauk Rap- margins.

“The girls played an the first half.” ids. d Junior Grace Halvore son started the game in a goal and made four saves y in the first half. Ava Hommerding played goal in the e second half and added six e saves.

Four players scored for the Storm’n Sabres, d d which Summerville said should bode well for the remainder of the season. d Elle Mahowald, Homn merding, Mary Eichler and Zoe Stier each found the net in the loss.

SRR/S struggled taking care of the ball in its first two games but was able to cut down on giving it away against the

Warriors.

“They played great team ball and took care of the ball,” Summerville said. “We had fewer turnovers. The team is really coming together. Our passing and catching have improved, and we are not rushing on offense. We are taking our time and making the extra pass to ensure a clean, open shot.”

The Storm’n Sabres also dropped an 11-3 decision to St. Cloud Area April 22 at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids.

The team played host to Rocori April 29 before traveling to Monticello for a nonconference game Tuesday, May 4.

Zoe Stier of the Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell lacrosse team is surrounded by Brainerd players as she fights for position during the Central Lakes Conference game April 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm’n Sabres led for most of the game before dropping a 5-4 decision.

Sauk Rapids-Rice/ Sartell lacrosse players Ava Hommerding (left) and Bella Crane battle with Brainerd players during the Storm’n Sabres game April 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Hommerding had a goal in the SSR/S 5-4 loss.

Rain. Wind.

With the combined efforts of Mother Nature, the Storm clay target team had their work cut out for them in week two of the five-week competitive season.

The trapshooters faced the elements April 18 and April 22 while they recorded their scores.

Some rose to the challenge and improved on week one; others missed more targets. But all-inall, head coach Paul Fiereck was happy with how his team performed.

“We’ve seen some improvements,” Fiereck said. “Each student peaks and dips at different times, so it’s nice to see some of the athletes comes out ahead of the week one scores.”

Fiereck said a week two dip is typical of seasons past. Nicer weather brings less layers of clothing, and students need to re-acclimate their positioning of their stance and firearm. They also need to focus on their mental game as spring throws an array of stressors on the students – whether that be grades, graduation, prom, other activities and athletics, or the life events beyond school walls.

“I explain to them that when they get to the range to start pushing whatever they’re troubled

about to the back of their head,” Fiereck said. “This is their time. When they go to the line and are on the house, … that is their 30-minute vacation from life. So, they should go up there and enjoy it and forget about the homework they have to do or that Mom and Dad want them to clean their room. …

When you get to the line, it’s the equipment, the target and you.”

Aaron Golden, Ethan Moriak and Nathan Asche found themselves amongst the top five males for the second consecutive week, as did females Emily Schreindl, Samantha Haaf, Kaelin Rainer, Esther Parks and Morgan Fiereck.

Parks led the improvement for the team, breaking six more clays over her week one score.

The team recorded their week three scores April 25 and April 29.

Then, the team members get a day to make up scores Thursday, May 6, before proceeding with week four, beginning May 9.

Top five males: 1.

Aaron Golden and Ashton Schulz 45 of 50 clays, 2.

Ethan Moriak 44, 3. Nathan Asche 42, 4. Chris Wolter 41, and 5. Charlie Peterson and Jack Weber 40.

Tyler Allen, Chris Carter, Ethan Packard, Kody Reinert, Justin Scheeler and Owen Scheeler have not yet recorded week two scores.

Top five females: 1.

Emily Schreindl 44. 2. Samantha Haaf 38, 3. Kaelin Rainer 35, 4. Esther Parks 32 and 5. Morgan Fiereck 29.

Allie and Lilly Ackerman have not yet recorded week one or two scores.

Public Notices

Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell senior attacker Mary Eichler intensely looks for options with the ball during her team’s Central Lakes Conference game versus Brainerd April 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Eichler had one goal for the Storm’n Sabres.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPROSALS Sealed proposals will be received by INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 SAUK RAPIDS-RICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS for copier/print management solutions at Sauk RapidsRice High School until 2:00 PM, May 27, 2021 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Service providers are invited to attend. Proposals received after this time will be returned unopened.

Envelopes containing proposals must be sealed and marked “Copier/Print Management Solutions for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools”, with the name and address of the proposer, and the date and hour of the opening. Proposals shall be delivered to: Independent School District 47 District Office Second Floor Door 2 1833 Osauka Road NE Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities in proposals.

Direct communications regarding this Project should be sent to Tracey Fiereck, Director of Business Services, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, tracey.fiereck@isd47.org.

Proposal Documents are available at https://www.isd47. org/services/budget-finance under the bid notices section. A question and answer document with all vendor questions and district responses will be available in the same section on the district website.

Copies of the Proposal Documents will be on file and available for inspection at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools District Office.

R-17-2B

Page 14 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Vikings need to improve offensive line in draft The Minnesota Vikings hold the 14th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, which began April 29. After a disappointing 7-9 season where the team’s poor play and lack of depth at certain positions got exposed, it’s clear the Vikings have multiple areas to address in the draft. Regardless of what the COLUMNIST Vikings do at other positions, SPORTS

BY ANDY THAYER the team’s top priority needs to be upgrading their offensive line if they want to have any chance at playoff success.

Mike Zimmer has been the head coach in Minnesota for seven years now, and the team has qualified for the playoffs three times. Each time the Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs (a 10-9 loss to Seattle, a 38-7 loss to Philadelphia and a 27-10 loss to San Francisco), their offensive line was completely overrun by a vastly superior defensive line. This isn’t a new problem. Zimmer’s focus has always been on improving his defense, but we have a large enough sample size at this point to conclude that the team’s offensive rosterbuilding approach of prioritizing star wide receivers and running backs at the expense of the offensive line simply doesn’t work. In the later rounds of the playoffs, if you can’t block, you can’t win. The Vikings might be able to consistently pile up victories in regular season games against bad defensive teams like Detroit, but it’s been proven time and time again that having a subpar offensive line isn’t going to work against legitimate playoff-caliber defenses.

This isn’t just a problem for the Vikings. Look at last year’s Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs offense is loaded with weapons and is led by Patrick Mahomes, who might be the most talented quarterback who ever played. All that offensive skill position talent didn’t matter one bit against the strong front of the Tampa Bay defense, who owned the weak Kansas City offensive line as the Buccaneers coasted to a dominant 31-9 victory.

Once again, for those of you in the back: regardless of how good your quarterback, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers might be, you aren’t going to win the Super Bowl if your offensive line stinks. The Chiefs clearly learned their lesson and promptly traded multiple draft picks to acquire Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown this offseason. Were the Vikings paying attention?

The Vikings will have 10 picks at their disposal in this year’s draft, but after their first-round selection, they won’t pick again until the 78th pick in the third round.

It’s imperative the Vikings address their offensive line with that first round pick, because by the third round, their odds of finding a day-one contributor are slim. It’s possible that general manager Rick Spielman, who is known for making draft day trades, could package some of his later picks to move into the second round. But, as things stand today, there should be one specific area of focus with that first round pick. The Vikings also need a safety, a cornerback and defensive line help. If the team doesn’t improve their offensive line, upgrading at those other positions isn’t going to matter. A car with an awesome stereo, sweet tires and all the other bells and whistles is still a clunker if the engine doesn’t work. The Vikings need to fix their offensive line, and it needs to happen in the first round of this year’s NFL draft.

SPORTS

Mistakes costly for Storm Willmar capitalizes on way to pair of victories

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Glimpses of solid play were not enough for the Sauk Rapids-Rice softball team to secure a win in an April 27 doubleheader at Willmar.

The Storm continued their early season trend of strong hitting, but

untimely mistakes led to a Willmar sweep of the Central Lakes Conference twin bill. The Cardinals rallied from an early deficit for a 4-2 win in the opener and rode a six-run fifth inning to a 14-8 victory in the nightcap, dropping SRR to 1-3 overall.

In game two, Ella Gunderson was 4 for 4, Anna Schave 3 for 3, and Esther Parks had two hits and drove in three runs.

The Storm finished with 15 hits but were unable to overcome an early 6-2 deficit to the Cardinals, who scored four times in

the first inning.

“Those stats should give you a good chance to win a game,” said Ken Karna, head coach. “Give Willmar credit for taking advantage of our mistakes.

I was again impressed with how our players hit in both games. We just need to tighten up our fielding and decision-making on defense and we will be just fine.”

In game one, Catie Gilbertson, Lexi Helmin, Brooke Petermeier and Schave each went 2 for 4.

Petermeier singled in a run as the Storm scored twice

in the first inning. Willmar scored twice in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game and added one run in both the fifth and sixth innings to pull away.

Schave gave up six hits and struck out four Willmar batters in the loss.

“We came out strong but were unable to string any hits together after that to score any more runs,” Karna said.

The Storm host Brainerd in another CLC doubleheader Tuesday, May 4.

Sauk Rapids-Rice baseball sweeps double header, falls to Cardinals Pitching is key to success

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

After enduring a difficult 10-run-rule loss, 13-3, in Willmar April 22, the Sauk RapidsRice hardballers showed resiliency with a doubleheader sweep against Apollo High School on the heralded Dick Putz Field at the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex April 27.

The Storm tamed the Eagles in game one 7-4 and then in game two 12-2.

“Pitching is key,” said Jeff Hille, Storm head coach. “That’s our recipe for success.”

Hille maintains that a high strike percentage, in the 60% range, is one of the most critical factors playing into his team’s success. Between the three most recent games, Hille seems to have a point.

Storm at Willmar While at Baker Field in Willmar, both teams were near the 60% strikes mark, but the home team was hotter on the sticks.

PHOTOS FROM THESE GAMES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Track and field versus Apollo Girls lacrosse versus Brainerd Find them online at www.saukrapidsherald.com under ‘photos’

The Cardinals tacked on five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The game only lasted five innings before the Cardinals forced a 10-run-rule limit to end the game.

“We got dominated by their pitcher, and they swung it well,” Hille said. “They were more aggressive in the zone than we were.”

Though the game did not end up in the Storm’s favor, Hille said much can be learned from a game where both teams threw the ball over the plate, but where the opposing team ended up with 18 hits on 30 at-bats. The SRR offense totaled 18 at-bats – which does not include walks – on the game with five hits and five walks.

When a power arm on an opposing team continues to fill up the strike zone, as did Cardinals starter Andrew Baumgart, the offense needs to take a more aggressive approach at the plate. They cannot sit on fastballs over the heart of the plate early in the count in hopes of a silverplatter pitch later in the atbat, he said.

Though the bats were cold for the Storm, Terrance Moody exemplified an aggressive approach to the plate. He sent a solo shot well over the left field fence, his first homer of the year. Moody finished the game with two hits in two at-bats and a walk.

Lead-off hitter Connor Hemker grabbed two hits in three at-bats, the only other person to collect multiple hits for the Storm. He also

“Harren did a nice job.

He’s one of the ones who took the biggest steps for us this week with first pitch strikes.”

- Jeff Hille, Storm head coach

recorded an RBI along with Moody and Caleb Neeser.

Storm starting pitcher Landon Lunser took the loss for the day, and Brandon Bokelman and Owen Arndt relieved him.

Doubleheader against Apollo The Storm’s offense rebounded quickly, though, scoring 19 runs between their two games against the Eagles.

We got some clutch hitting from Jeff Solorz, our catcher,” Hille said about his seven-hole hitter.

“He went 2 for 4.”

Solorz came up big for the Storm on offense – something Hille said the team needs from the bottom part of the order. Clutch hitting and aggressive plate approaches are important for a productive offense.

Between the two games, Solorz went 3 for 6 with four big RBIs. “It was a cold, miserable night, but we threw more strikes than the other team,” Hille said. … “ (Apollo) made noise.

They scored three in the last inning, which made things interesting, but I was happy with how our pitchers took a step in the

right direction.”

Between the two games, Storm pitchers, in aggregate, threw just barely under 60% strikes on 248 pitches.

Noah Jensen started on the mound in the first game, throwing 82 pitches for 56% strikes through four innings of work, giving up only one hit.

Jensen also fanned eight batters. Hemker came in for long relief at 66% strikes through three innings.

In the second game, Alex Harren got his first start on the bump of the year and made the most of it. He threw 54 pitches at 68% strikes, giving up no earned runs and striking out five. He tossed three innings before Bokelman relieved him, throwing 45 pitches in two innings of work.

“Harren did a nice job,” Hille said. “He’s one of the ones who took the biggest steps for us this week with first pitch strikes.”

The double header was a positive step forward for the offense and pitching, Hille said, noting that as the Storm gets deeper into the season, he expects the lineup to round itself out.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 15

SPORTS

SRR girls run, jump,throw past Apollo at home Floren wins 4 events as Storm tops Eagles She won the 200 in 28.91 seconds, finishing just ahead of teammates Ava Athman (30.58) and Annika Broman (30.62).

Floren’s long jump was a leap of 16 feet, 9 3/4 inches. The high jump cleared the 5-foot bar, and Floren contributed her speed to the relay team of Tamiah Morehouse, Aneleise Martinson and Mackenzie Felchle to secure the 400 in 55.53.

“I was happy with our performances last Thursday,” said Floren, who plans on attending the College of St. Benedict and joining the track and field team in fall. “It was our second meet, and we had a good number of personal-bests with room for improvement. It was perfect meet-day weather, and it was cool to experience a dual meet at home. I have been waiting for that personal-best in the long jump since ninth grade.

My ultimate goal is to make it to state in an event or two.”

The Storm relay teams dominated the competition, getting first-place performances from their 3,200 relay of Sienna Petermeier, Josalyn Morford, Addison Eisenschenk and

Sauk Rapids-Rice senior Braeden Holt glides through the air in the long jump during the Storm’s dual meet against Apollo High School April 22 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Holt placed fourth in the event with a jump of 16 feet, 11 1/2 inches.

One of bigger area track and field events reduced to 5 teams

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Justus Floren did not need much seasoning to get ready for the long-anticipated spring track and field season.

The speedy and springy Sauk Rapids-Rice senior won four events, helping the Storm to an 88-47 dual meet victory over Apollo High School April 22 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Floren placed first in the 200-meter dash and 400 relay along with the high jump and long jump and boosted SRR to the win.

For Floren and her teammates, simply being back on the track is a bonus after losing the 2020 season to COVID-19.

“It is so nice to be back on the track,” Floren said. “I definitely missed the coaches, my teammates and competing last season. In the last year, I’ve stayed in shape by doing other sports like volleyball and soccer in the fall and gymnastics in the winter.”

Staying occupied with other sports has helped keep Floren both physically and mentally sharp – both of which have been key to her early season success.

Mega Meet returns, but not without changes

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Sauk Rapids-Rice freshman Delia Gustofson catches air during the 100-meter hurdles during a dual track and field meet versus Apollo High School April 22 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Gustofson placed second in the event with a time of 20.6 seconds as the Storm defeated the Eagles, 88-47.

Aubrey Marketon (12:01.85); 800 relay of Addison Bemboom, Annika Broman, Martinson and Morehouse (2:00.04); and 1,600 relay of Bemboom, Petermeier, Delia Gustofson and Felchle (4:39.72).

The Storm girls won 11 of 17 events and had 16 season-best performances. Also winning events were Bemboom in the 400 (1:11.74), Gustofson in the 300 hurdles (58.53), Petermeier in the 800 (2:47.69) and Brooke Mushatt in the discus (85-10).

“That’s a really good number for this early in the season,” said Loren Finlayson, girls track and field head coach.

“The team is still working on learning their events and what events are best for each person.

The girls are working hard.”

Boys fall to Apollo The SRR boys lost their dual with Apollo, 83-38.

The Storm had first-place efforts in both hurdle events.

Junior Carter Loesch won the 110 hurdles (17.00) and classmate Jack O’Brien won the 300 (48.49). Aaron Reichard won the shot put (34-10 1/4), and Loesch won the high jump (5-10).

The 800 relay of Zach Kosloski, Cole Gaurke, Austin Janski and Loesch (1:37.79), and the 1,600 relay of Loesch, Gaurke, Ryan Moilanen and O’Brien (3:51.32) also placed first for SRR. Additional top five Storm girl finishers 100 hurdles: 2. Gustofson 20.6.

100: 2.

Morehouse 14.29, 3. Felche 14.55 and 4.

Ava Athman 14.65. 1,600: 2.

Ava Novak-Juntunen 7:02.07 and 3. Brynn Karasch 7:27.46.

Track and field page 16

Sauk Rapids-Rice freshman Tamiah Morehouse finishes the final turn of the 800-meter relay at a dual meet against Apollo High School April 22 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. The team of Addison Bemboom, Annika Broman, Aneleise Martinson and Morehouse placed first in the event.

Two words is all that’s needed to describe it.

Mega Meet.

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, one of the more prestigious and longrunning track and field events is back. Sort of.

Instead of the usual dozen or so teams that annually invades the Sauk RapidsRice Middle School track, this year’s version is scaled down and thus, appropriately named the Mini Mega Meet.

The Storm will be host to four other teams in the competition, which also has a different look with girls and boys competing separately.

The girls’ portion began at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 1, followed by the boys at approximately 12:30 p.m.

This will be the 28th year of the event.

“The format of the meet will be nice, with the girls in the morning and the boys in the afternoon,” said Storm girls head coach Loren Finlayson prior to the meet April 26. “We don’t do that often. It will be nice to see a few more teams. The girls are really excited for Saturday.”

With the first Mega Meet in 1993 and Finlayson arriving for the 1993-94 school year, he has missed only one. He said pulling off such a large competition takes the work of many dedicated volunteers.

“It really takes a village to put on a track and field meet,” Finlayson said. “We’ll have about 25-30 workers for the day. It’s a lot of work behind the scenes to get ready and make sure everything is ready to go. All the coaches have their tasks to do to get things ready. The time I can relax is when the meet starts and everything is going the way it should.”

Albany, Foley, Little Falls and Cathedral complete the field. Current SRR assistant coaches Aaron Karasch and Brett Mushatt competed in the inaugural Mega Meet.

“We normally have 10-12 teams competing,” Finlayson said. “We’ve had as many as 17, which was a bit much.”

The Storm, who come off an 88-47 dual meet victory over Apollo High School April 22, are hoping to perform well enough Saturday to enjoy a post-meet treat. Normally, sheet cakes are awarded to the top three teams. With the limited field, the firstand second-place teams will receive the well-deserved dessert.

“It should be fun,” Finlayson said. “The girls want cake.”

Page 16 | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Track and field from page 16 400: Annika Broman 1:15.2.

300 hurdles: 2. Darci Peterson 1:01.47. 800: 2.

Juntunen-Novak 2:59.8 and 3. Karasch 3:15.06.

Shot put: 4. Ajiah Quach 26-8 1/2. Discus: 2. Quach 78-4. 4. Rayna Barry 69-2 and 5. Felchle 68-2. Long

jump: 2. Martinson 141/2, 3. Gustofson 12-2 3/4, 4. Natalie Stiegel 12-1 1/4 and 5. Kiah Zaske 11-1 1/2.

Triple jump: 3. Martinson 32-0 and 4. Bemboom 28-1.

High jump: 4. Peterson 4-2.

Pole vault: 3. Taylor Sidla 5-6.

SPORTS

Additional top five Storm boy finishers 100: 3. Braeden Holt 13.29. 1,600: 5. Collin Wiebe 6:33.85. 2. 400 relay 50.26; 400: Cole Gauerke 56.71.

Shot put: 4. Kaden Theis 23-5 1/2 and 5. Lars Wilson 20-7 1/4. Discus: 2. O’Brien 107-11 and 3. Reichard 945. Long jump: 4. Holt 1611 1/2 and 5. Bradyn Petrek 16-11. High jump: 4. Owen Chilson 5-0.

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Storm senior Owen Chilson (left) and Drew Gargus sprint toward the finish line during the 100-meter dash at a dual meet versus Apollo High School April 22 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. Chilson and Gargus placed sixth and ninth, respectively, in the event.

Construction Equipment operators, Pipelayers and laborers needed. join our team. Cutting Edge equipment, excellent hours.

Great Compensation PKG. Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K, Profit Sharing, Lodging & Per Diem Pay Included.

Send Resume To:

Call 320-393-4625 or email

FR17-1B-RB

kevin@ferchecompanies.com

Leading the

Emily Schreindl Parents: Troy and Missy Schreindl

What activities do you participate in with FFA; which is your favorite? I participate in the dairy evaluation CDE. This is my favorite because I have been around cattle my whole life, and I enjoy judging them and seeing how well I do.

As a member, what is your role in FFA? Being a member of the FFA chapter, my role is to come to the meetings, listen to what we have going on and give my advice during the meeting.

Leading the Storm is

Sponsored by: activities because it is a great way to make friends, and it makes the years of high school go faster.

Which teacher has impacted your education most? Heidi Anderson. She A Proud Supporter of always has a positive attitude, and she is Storm Athletics approachable if you ever need someone to talk to or if you need to talk to someone Good What interested you in participating about your day. Most importantly, she encourages me to be my best whether Luck in clay target? I have been shooting since seventh grade, so I knew this was in school or outside of school. to All something I wanted to do. Once the Who has been a mentor to you?

My Sports school got the team, my brother joined.

I was jealous he was able to shoot as I mentor would have to be both my Teams! parents. They were both involved in FFA was not old enough to yet. when they were my age, and they are How do you prepare yourself prior always pushing me to do my best in clay to shooting clays? I prepare by taking target and in school.

800-847-2502 • 320-632-2908 a few deep breaths, then going out in www.brandlmotors.com What is your favorite meal, movie, the line and focusing on the firearm 14873 113th St., Little Falls, MN 56345 social media and song?

Anything with and breaking the clays. I try not to let noodles, “The Grinch,” TikTok and any anything or anyone distract me. song by Luke Combs.

Why is it important for you to be Saluting great accomplishments in the involved in school activities? It is important to be involved in school Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

Accomplishment: Senior captain of the Storm clay target team and member of the Sauk Rapids-Rice FFA chapter.

What is your favorite part about being involved in FFA? Making new friends, learning more about FFA in general and going to the career development event competitions with the chapter.

R11-TFNB-RB

P.O. Box 129 Rice, MN 56367

BENTON AG Plus

Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, May 1, 2021

Alfalfa stand Cyan’s assessments

cattle

FFA member receives grant to expand herd

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

MILACA – In rural Milaca, 16-year-old Cyan Steinbrecher pulls on a pair of cowgirl boots, dashes out of a white farmhouse and skips to her favorite spot: the pasture, smiling all the way. The smiles continue as a calf walks to her, and she affectionately pets the new member of her herd.

If home is where the heart is, then Cyan was destined to live on her family’s S Lazy K Ranch.

Cyan’s parents, Shawn and Kerri, know where to find her if she is not in the house. She is most likely inside the fence with Disney characters that moo. Her little red calf is one of four bovines named after some of her favorite animated movies.

Just under 40 acres, the

Spreaders

•

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Cyan Steinbrecher stands with her Shorthorn cow Moana April 24 in rural Milaca.

Steinbrecher was awarded a $1,000 grant from the National FFA Foundation and plans to use it to expand her cattle herd.

Steinbrecher farm is also home to horses, donkeys and dogs, all adored by Cyan.

The feelings are mutual.

“The animals just love her,” Kerri said.

“That’s really something to appreciate.”

For Cyan, her parents and her brother, Rollie,

there is plenty of love to go around.

“They seem to capture everybody’s hearts,” Shawn said of their livestock, which also includes free-range chickens.

A sophomore at Milaca High School, Cyan is a member of the FFA chapter and proudly wears

the blue-and-gold jacket she earned from the Milaca FFA Foundation.

Cyan was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from the National FFA Organization for her Supervised Agricultural Experience, or SAE, beef entrepreneurship project.

Cyan page 2B

TEDDERS • RAKES Miller Pro 1100 rotary rake

TEDDERS

$5,995

10’-26’ On Hand

Tonutti 8 wheel cart rake

& up to 56’ Units Available

WHEEL RAKES ALSO ON HAND!

FLUEGGE’S AG

ROD FLUEGGE “the boss” 2040 Mahogany St., Mora, MN 320-679-2981

$2,500

1960-2021 Celebrating 61 years!

BA-17-1-B-BL

Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag

Despite colder temperatures, alfalfa stands appear to be looking nice heading into May. However, there can be differences between nicelooking fields and fields that will produce decent yields. This is why all stands need to be assessed University of each spring for winter MN Extension injury to make sure that

by Nathan Drewitz winter injury issues are not going to surprise you. For stand assessments, focus on two parts: stem counts and root and crown health.

With stem counts, we usually measure this as stems per square foot. The relationship between stem density and yield is constant; making this method reliable in estimating yield. The steps of the procedure are as follows: First, mark off a 2-square-foot section in each area you take a count.

Next, count only those stems that are 2 inches or taller. Then, divide your count by two and average across all sections.

This will get you to the necessary stems per square foot needed to check yields. Typically, stem counts over 55 stems per square foot indicates a good stand. In that condition, we would expect you could lose some plants and still produce good yields. Whereas, with stem densities of 39 stems per square foot or less, we would expect yields in those stands to be low enough to consider replacing.

When it comes to assessing stands visually, typically, we start from the top down. Looking at the tops of alfalfa plants, we look for symmetry of the buds coming from all sides of the crown.

Asymmetrical plants indicate winter injury occurred and yield potential may be lower. At this point, you will also want to check to see if the root system is up out of the ground.

Alfalfa page 3B

Farm Material Handling Specialist WWW.FLUEGGESAG.COM

Page 2B | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BENTON AG

with her agri-business.

Cyan initially planned to raise a herd exclusively from front for beef, but because Shawn and Kerri now have a business through One of only five Minnesota which they rent bulls for FFA members to receive a breeding, they can also buy grant this year, she plans bulls from Cyan. to use it to expand her beef “We’re excited for herd. her,” Kerri said of Cyan Cyan first purchased receiving the FFA grant. beef cattle when she was “She worked hard at it. in seventh grade, a year That will certainly help before she joined FFA. Her with building her herd. herd has grown to seven, That can be her business.” four Shorthorn-Salers, one Shawn also helped Shorthorn and two Angus, Cyan with the grant with two more on the way. application. She had to Her heifer calf is a provide an operational cost Shorthorn-Saler cross budget, list goals for her named Ariel after the movie SAE and indicate need, “The Little Mermaid.” Her among other required Shorthorn-Saler steers are information.

Daniel Boone, named for “I was excited to see being an explorer who Cyan was a recipient of a national SAE grant because this grant will help Cyan progress her project,” said Leann Pietrzak, Milaca FFA adviser.

Shawn and Kerri are big supporters of FFA. Shawn was a member, and Kerri was in 4-H. Rollie, an eighth-grader, is also in FFA. “We think it’s important for them to learn that work ethic and responsibility, have that relationship with the animals and be responsible for them,” Kerri said.

In FFA, Cyan has participated in livestock evaluation, chapter meetings and the general livestock career development event.

“But she truly shines within her Supervised Agricultural Experience,” Leann said. “Cyan loves PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE her beef cattle and talks Cattle are comfortable around Cyan Steinbrecher, about them often.” shown petting them April 24 on her rural Milaca farm.

Shawn and Kerri are Steinbrecher has been a FFA member for over two years. grateful for the inclusive

Cyan

would not stay in the fence, and Guapo, named after the bull from the animated movie “Ferdinand.” She also has a Shorthorn-Saler heifer named after Merida from the animated movie “Brave,” a Shorthorn cow (Ariel’s mom) named Moana after the animated movie of the same name and two Angus she calls “the Wyoming cows” after the state they came from.

Both Angus cows are expected to calve in May. As part of her SAE, Cyan, with help from her dad, keeps records of her cattle operation, for which she has her own checking account. Throughout the SAE, they keep records of her time, expenses and other operations associated

WE HAVE ALL YOUR FORAGE PROTECTION NEEDS COVERED! PRODUCT IN STOCK

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

FFA member Cyan Steinbrecher, 16, pets her heifer calf named Ariel, a Shorthorn-Saler cross, on her family’s S Lazy K Ranch in rural Milaca. She has seven beef cattle in her herd.

FFA chapter, which has modified activities to accommodate Cyan’s special needs. Everyone in the program, they said, has been supportive of Cyan.

“Being someone with special needs, being accepted is important,” Kerri said. “We appreciate that they modify it for her, so she can participate and be successful.”

Cyan loves participating in FFA activities. The program maximizes her agricultural experience by incorporating education into activities she is passionate about, especially those that are hands-on and involve animals, Kerri said.

“We’re so grateful for the opportunity kids with special needs get to discover who they are,” Kerri said.

Cyan’s goal is to earn a proficiency award, honoring FFA members who, through their SAE,

have developed specialized skills they can apply toward future careers.

Growing up on a farm has fostered Cyan’s work ethic. Although cleaning barn is not her favorite activity, she does so dutifully along with disbursing feed, throwing hay and other chores.

“Every kid should have the opportunity to work on a farm,” Kerri said.

Cyan is acquiring skills necessary for a successful beef cattle operation by working alongside her parents, but she has shown them a few things too.

Cyan sees beauty in all things, especially small things that people tend to overlook, Shawn and Kerri noted. She sees a dandelion as not a weed but a pretty

Get Set

FOR

BA17-1B-JO

Automatic AGRi-Speed HITCH

place to go for all your chicken needs!

We are an exclusive dealer!

$2 OFF 50# bags of ADM chicken feed • One person operation - eliminate the ALL product FENCING All is need for a second hand for hook-ups NEEDS AVAILABLE • Available for pick-ups, choppers, tractors, wagons, etc. inT-Posts stock • Gates and Barbed Wire • Insulators shipping daily SPRING GRASS with noSEED delays.

FLOWERS ARE IN

www.bluelakeplastics.com

320-333-9255 Sauk Centre, MN

Spring!

WE CAN ORDER Short on Labor?

CHICKS! Short on time?

Gilman is the

VARIETIES AVAILABLE

WE SHIP NATIONWIDE!

flower and her horse as not a large, intimidating animal but a gentle friend, one that does not see a disability, rather a happy girl eager to ride the trails.

“The animals, she can communicate with them,” Kerri said. “They have a different relationship with her.”

The Steinbrechers raise 38 head of cattle.

Thanks to her grant, Cyan hopes to buy more cattle in the near future, including a heifer from a family member who has a ranch in South Dakota. She is eager to have more registered Angus.

After her cattle went back to grazing, Cyan took off running again, this time to a tractor.

Taking a seat, she smiled, waved and said, “Look at me!”

STOP IN ANY TIME

Gilman Co-op Creamery

Open M-F 7:30-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 8:30-1

FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE

Good service - fair prices - every day

Gilman, MN 320-387-2770

WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM

BA17-1B-BL

Page 4B | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BENTON AG

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

The Rev. Ron Weyrens blesses tractors April 25 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in St. Stephen. The blessing followed the 10:30 a.m. Mass which also celebrated the parishes 150th anniversary.

God bless the

farmer

St. Stephen area brings machinery to town

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

Ben Schefers (left), 10, and his brother Cory Schefers, 12, sit atop two of the family’s Farmall tractors April 25 at a tractor blessing at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in St. Stephen.

The Lyle and Becky Schefers family brought 15 tractors to the event.

The Rev. Ron Weyrens led a blessing of tractors in the parking lot across from St. Stephen Catholic Church April 25 in St. Stephen.

Twenty pieces of equipment were blessed at the event, including 15 which were brought by the Lyle and Becky Schefers family of rural St. Stephen.

ST. STEPHEN – The city of St. Stephen celebrated the agricultural heritage of the area April 25.

Producers drove their tractors to town for a blessing and others gathered at the former steam show grounds for the 23rd annual Vouk Vintage Plow Day. The chill in the air and a few snow flurries did not stop a crowd from watching the vintage machinery and its operators turn the soil. The event, which is hosted by Steve and Frank Vouk, traditionally takes place at Jim and Marilyn Schumer’s property south of town.

(Above) Four-year-old Aiden Vandenberg, son of Jeff Vandenberg of Foley and Amy Vandenberg of Foley, pulls a bag of seed corn with this Case pedal tractor April 25 in St. Stephen. Aiden, who is the grandchild of Victor and Mary Legatt of rural St. Stephen, joined his grandpa in getting his machinery blessed.

Josh Traut, of rural St. Stephen, stands next to his International Harvester 1066 tractor at the St. Stephen Catholic Church tractor blessing April 25 in St. Stephen.

After working in the field the night before, Traut washed his machinery before bringing it to the Sunday event.

404 County Road 50 • Avon, Minnesota 56310 South Side of I-94

320-356-2412 • www.midsotatrailersales.com Roto Tillers

Enclosed Trailers

Rock Wagons Augers

Aluma Utility Trailers

Grapples

BA23-tfn-TV

Varieties of Trailers Serving Central MN since established in 1971 (49 years in business) TEAM “A QUALITy ITy L A U SELLING Q ” T N E EQUIPM

Get the job done right this SPRING!! Stop at Midsota Trailer Sales!

“Remember, if you’re going to be HAULIN you need to be CALLIN, Midsota Trailer Sales in Avon!”

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 | Page 5B

BENTON AG

We Are your One-Stop Goat Shop!

Pierz 16% Custom Goat Feed

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

(Available in Bag or Bulk)

(Above) Jake Vouk turns soil with his 1941 Case VC and vintage plow April 25 as part of Vouk Vintage Plow Day in St. Stephen. Vouk’s 7-year-old son, whose name is Case, was gifted the tractor by Jake’s father, Jim. (Right) James Schumer, 6, of rural Holdingford, and Zach Schreder, of St. Cloud, plow a field with a vintage plow April 25 in St. Stephen. James, the son of Paul and Michelle, has attended Vouk Vintage Plow Day in the past as it typically takes place at his grandparents’ farm, Hilltop Dairy, owned by Jim and Marilyn Schumer.

Lic tubs for Goats Goat Mineral Blocks Goat Hay Feeders Available Call us today to learn more!

PIERZ - GENOLA

Feed: 320-468-6655 Toll Free: 877-468-6655 Agron./Petro: 320-468-2509 www.pierzcoop.com

BA17-1B-BL

Agron. Petro. Feed

DIRTWORKS 2000 INC COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION • Site grading • Ditch excavating • Road/driveway construction • Clearing/grubbing land • Demolition • Construct building pads Bonnie Vouk, of St. Stephen, and Dakota Marsaa, of Walcott, North Dakota, drive a Case Model L alongside Vouk’s parents’ property April 25 in St. Stephen. As many as 10 tractors tended to a field, making quick work of the plowing.

Tractors and vintage plows till soil April 25 during Vouk Vintage Plow Day April 25 in St. Stephen. The event has been taking place for 23 years and attracted a crowd of people who wanted to see the aged machinery.

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

320-259-4900

SAUK RAPIDS, MN Dirtworks2000.com

Dirtworks2000 Inc. BA27-eoBA-TV

PEOPLE...PRODUCTS...KNOWLEDGE...

WE HAVE 3 CERTIFIED CROP ADVISORS

Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Office

522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Decals • Signs • Magnets & More

320-352-6577

(320) 584-5520

BA5-1B-BL

Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577

Stop in or give us a call for more information!

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC 16250 HWY 10 NW Royalton, MN

BA14-1B-BP

SIGN Design

To help serve your seed, application, fertilizer, precision and AgChem needs.

Page 6B | SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on May 13th, 2021 the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Planning Commission will hear the following: 1. 7:00 p.m. Public hearing to consider Ord #481 amending Section 10.10.3 of the Benton County Development Code. To adjust the residual lot size from 20 acres to 10 acres to be consistent with the Administrative Subdivision requirements.

2. 7:10 p.m. Mark and Staci Heidebrink requesting a conditional use permit to use fill to elevate an addition onto a house in the R-3 Residential District. Pursuant to Sections 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 of the Flood Plain Management Ordinance and Section 11.6 of the Development Code. The affected property is described as follows: Lots 18 & 19, Block 1, Ferry Point Addition, Section 8, Section Watab Township.

3. 7:20 p.m. USS Foley Solar, LLC, applicant and Jake Bauerly, landowner requesting an interim use permit to construct a community solar energy system in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Section 7.1.24C, 9.20 and 11.6.3. The affected property is described as follows: Part of the SE1/4, Section 22, Gilmanton Township.

4. 7:30 p.m. Brian Czech requesting a conditional use permit to construct a storage structure without a singlefamily dwelling or other principal building in the R-3 Residential District. Pursuant to Sections 7.6, 9.1.2B(1) and 11.6. The affected property is descripted as follows: Lot 4, Block 1, Rolling Oaks River Estates, Section 10, West Langola Township. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Planning Commission may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Commission members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the Planning Commission or the County Department of Development Director will be present during meetings at the Planning Commission’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely.

To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the Planning Commission meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm the date of the hearing, in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329.

2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing. Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if your for a group shares the same concerns.

3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/687827373 b. You can also dial in using your phone.

Phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 687-827-373 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting. com/install/687827373.

FR-17-1B

BENTON COUNTY CEMETERY MEETING NOTICE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED

BY THIS ACTION. Date: April 13, 2021 YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT: 1. Default has occurred in the conditions of that certain mortgage that was executed by and between James R. Ziebarth, a/k/a James Robert Ziebarth, a single adult, as mortgagor, and Great River Federal Credit Union, as mortgagee, which mortgage is dated January 6, 2020 and was filed for record on January 15, 2020, as document number 440797, with the Office of the County Recorder in and for Benton County, Minnesota.

2. The mortgage has been assigned as follows: n/a 3. The original principal amount secured by the mortgage was: $115,500.00.

4. No action or

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE proceeding at law is now Minnesota at public auction pending to recover the debt on Thursday, June 3, 2021, secured by the mortgage, or at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at the any part thereof.

Office of the Benton County 5. The holder of the Sheriff, 581 Highway 23, mortgage has complied with Foley, Minnesota 56329. all conditions precedent 8. The time allowed to acceleration of the debt by law for redemption of secured by the mortgage and mortgagor or mortgagor’s foreclosure of the mortgage personal representatives or and all notice and other assigns is six (6) months requirements of applicable after the date of sale. statutes.

9. The date on or before 6. As of the date of this which the mortgagor must notice, the amount due on vacate the property if the the mortgage, and taxes, if mortgage is not reinstated any, paid by the holder of the under Minn. Stat. § 580.30 mortgage is: $114,314.87. or the property is not 7. Pursuant to the power redeemed under Minn. Stat. of sale in the mortgage, the § 580.23 is December 3, mortgage will be foreclosed 2021, at 11:59 p.m. If the on the land described as foregoing date is a Saturday, follows: Sunday, or legal holiday, Lot 11, Block 15, Wood then the date to vacate is the Russell & Gilman’s next business day at 11:59 Addition, Benton County, p.m.

Minnesota THE TIME ALLOWED BY Street Address: 6 - 6th LAW FOR REDEMPTION Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, BY THE MORTGAGOR Minnesota 56379 OR THE MORTGAGOR’S T a x - P a r c e l P E R S O N A L Identification Number: 19- R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S 00837.00 OR ASSIGNS MAY and will be sold by the BE REDUCED TO Sheriff of Benton County, FIVE WEEKS IF A

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on May 18th, 2021 in the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, at approximately 9:00 a.m. to hear the following: Consider Ord #481 to amend Section 10.10.3(A)(1) of the Benton County Development Code. To adjust the residual lot size from 20 acres to 10 acres to be consistent with the Administrative Subdivision requirements. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Board may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Board members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the County or the County Administrator will be present during meetings at the County Board’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely.

To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the County Board meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be

PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 05-PR-21-319 INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The Benton County Cemetery Association Annual Meet- In Re the Estate of ing will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. at Virginia Elizabeth Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, 324 Second Av- McDonald, enue South, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

Decedent R-17-2B

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated January 28, 1988 has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Patricia D. McDonald Ditlevson, 120 Iverson STR W, St. Joseph, MN 56374 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person

All Types of Agricultural Fencing MARVIN BONTRAGER

320-362-6188

Call and Leave a Message “We Return Calls”

received by 3pm May 17th in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329.

2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing. Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if your for a group shares the same concerns.

3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/834170141 b. You can also dial in using your phone.

Phone #: 1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 834-170-141 c. New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting. com/install/834170141 FR-17-1B

maybe entitled to appointment as personal representative, or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the

filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred. /s/ Cheryl Woehler Probate Registrar Date: March 26, 2021 /s/ Cheryl Woehler Court Administrator Date: March 26, 2021

R-17-2B

MILLE LACS SOIL SERVICE

Help Wanted ASAP

Truck Driving, Applicator, Plant Work SEASONAL, COMPETITIVE PAY Job Description: Hours may vary due to weather, Expect long hours 5-6 days each week. Need to be on time each day and willing to work hard.

MAYHEW LAKE TOWNSHIP NOTICE The Mayhew Lake Township monthly board meeting will be at the townhall the first Tuesday of the month from May through November at 8 p.m.

Lawrence Thell Mayhew Lake Clerk R-16-2B

JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINN. STAT. § 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Great River Federal Credit Union, Mortgagee LATHROP GPM LLP By: /s/ Andrew J. Steil Andrew J. Steil (#387048) 1010 West St. Germain Street, Suite 500 St. Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 252-4414 Attorneys for Mortgagee Great River Federal Credit Union R15-6B

MARVIN’S FENCING SERVICES Farm Fencing is What We Do!

BA17-2B-BL

Contact Duane at Mille Lacs Soil Service 320-294-5511 STOP IN AND PICK UP APPLICATION

BA17-tfn-BL