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Saturday, August 14, 2021
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
Rice hosts festival Aug. 21
Safe return to learning plan unveiled Masks optional at Sauk Rapids-Rice schools but mandatory on buses, vans
Multiple entities come together for event
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – In preparation for welcoming students back to the classroom, the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District has introduced a safe return to learning plan. The plan, subject to change at any time, was unveiled to the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Aug. 9 at their regular meeting in Sauk Rapids. The plan details protocols for returning to full-time inperson learning this fall as well as efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses. As it stands, neither distance nor hybrid learning will be offered by the district this school year. The district believes in-person learning is best for students’ well-being and academic growth. “Our priority for this year is to have in-person learning and to make sure we’re doing this safely,” said Superintendent Bradley Bergstrom while introducing the plan to the board. “That will continue to be the focus of our plan as we move throughout the school year.”
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE – What has been known as Rice Family Fun Day will look different after the civic group that organized the event disbanded earlier this year. However, the show will go on in the town of about 2,000 people. A city celebration will take place Saturday, Aug. 21, with multiple organizers coming together for a day-long event. A parade, with the kiddie parade incorporated within, will kick off the day’s events at noon. Because a Vietnam veterans memorial at Rice Elementary School is expected to bring increased traf c to Rice, the parade route has changed for the year. Units will begin at Third Street Southeast and head northwest on Division Street toward Ferche Millwork, the parade nish.
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Vol. 167, No. 19
School board page 4
Schultzes’ summer smashes
Demo derby enthusiasts take trophies at Benton County Fair BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Ask Jon Schultz where he loves to be during the rst week of August, and the answer is always the same: a muddy pit at the Benton County Fairgrounds surrounded by exhaust and fans in the grandstand. Jon, who lives in Rice and owns a business on the edge of Sauk Rapids, has been competing in demolition derbies for more than 15 years. The cars take quite a beating, but the driver takes plenty of wins.
Schultz page 3
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2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Jon Schultz (center) works on a demolition derby car with sons Jordan (left) and Jameson Aug. 9 at their shop in Sauk Rapids. Jon has been competing in demolition derbies for more than 15 years. Jordan, 20, and Jameson, 15, now compete as well.
OBITUARIES • Alva M. Bigley • Duane D. Knafla • Irene J. Perske • Evelyn A. Thole • Eugene A. Tople
PUBLIC NOTICES • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Hearing on Improvement - pg. 14 • Probate Notice - Hauch - pg. 14 • Benton County Planning Commission Public Hearings - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Special Budget Minutes, Aug. 2 - pg. 14 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Minutes, July 26 - pg. 14 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools Reg. Board Meeting, July 19 - pg. 15
