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The journey begins
Vol. 163, No. 8
11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
SRR Class of 2017 graduates BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
ST. CLOUD — With cheers and encouragement from their classmates and crowd, 274 Sauk Rapids-Rice seniors began a new chapter in life Tuesday evening. Entering St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall as students and leaving as young adults, they received
their diplomas and graduated as the Class of 2017. “No matter what path you choose, all of your journeys will have something in common — the love of the question, the need to embrace uncertainty,” said Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bittman. “As students and adults you must continue to choose inquiry over complacency; resistance over acceptance. It is what will help you make the difference.” The evening included multiple speakers and musical selections from the SRR
concert band and choir. Salutatorian Anna Zeleny reminded her classmates about the essence of time in their plans and asked that they all make a plan to be a better person, love unconditionally and express gratitude. Valedictorian Hunter Rajkowski told a more personal story about mistakes, Ànding identity and staying true to oneself regardless of outside inÁuences. This year’s faculty
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Crowds honor the fallen
speaker was math teacher Jon Roesch. “You’ve hit milestones, graduating from preschool, elementary school and high school,” he said. “Throughout this journey you’ve had your family there to guide and support you. That is what makes this time different. You get this opportunity to take what you’ve learned, spread your wings and go through
Graduation: page 3 PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Class of 2017 participated in graduation ceremonies at St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall May 30.
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
American Legion No. 473 Post Commander Fred Segler (left) holds a paper for Chaplain Don Miklos as he reads interred veterans’ names at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Rice May 29. Sons of the American Legion Chaplain Emil Williams rang the bell for each name read. BY ANNA SALDANA & NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
Two arrested for alleged forgery RICE — Two men are in jail after trying to pass a fraudulent check May 26. According to complaints Àled in Benton County District Court, Michael Stegura, 24, of Bowlus, and Cordez Nordlund, 26, of St. Cloud are being held at the Benton County Jail each on felony counts of check forgery and offering a forged check. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of Àve years imprisonment and a $10,000 Àne. Stegura also faces charges for possession of counterfeit currency and Àctitious or fraudulently altered license.
Nordlund also faces charges for Áeeing a police ofÀcer on foot and motor vehicle tampering. The Rice Police Department was called to the Hardware Hank store on 125th Street Northwest shortly before 10:30 a.m. after a caller reported an individual in the store trying to pass a fraudulent check. As Rice Police Chief Ross Hamann arrived on scene, he consulted with the store owner and manager. They indicated two men had tried to purchase items in excess of $1,300 with a previously signed check for a construction company. While employees at
the Hardware store called to verify funds, the individuals had left the premises but indicated they would return. As the suspects returned, Hamann took Stegura into custody while Nordlund Áed on foot. Nordlund was later apprehended by a state trooper. Both men remained in custody as of Tuesday. The incident continues to be under investigation. The Rice Police Department was assisted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Cordez Nordlund
Michael Stegura
Hanging up the vest
Steinhofer completes time as volunteer BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — Every school day for the past six years, children at Rice Elementary have been greeted by the warm and welcoming face of Corrie Steinhofer. However, when parent’s pulled up to drop off students the morning of June 1, it is likely a melancholy sentiment hung in the air. Steinhofer will be hanging up his volunteer vest of nearly 10 years as his son, Jordan, transitions from Àfth grade to the Sauk Rapids Middle School. “The kids for sure,” said Steinhofer, when asked what he will miss the most. “I loved coming here and the reaction from the kids. Just being able to put a smile on their faces and hopefully opening their minds to a little more learning.” The WatchDOG (Dads of Great Students) volunteer began his duties with the school long before Jordan was fully enrolled in the district. As Jordan attended
early childhood education and preschool, Steinhofer offered to become more involved in the school where he, too, attended elementary. Not able to volunteer in the classroom without an enrolled student, Steinhofer began working in the school’s library. “I started taping up bindings on books in the library. I did that basically for three years,” Steinhofer said. When Jordan entered kindergarten, Steinhofer’s role changed. Former Rice Elementary Principal Nate Rudolph and Steinhofer recognized a need for more patrol or control in the s c h o o l ’s
drop-off and pick-up areas. “It’s so tight around here, and we just wanted to come up with a better way of keeping our kids safe,” Steinhofer said. Now the dedicated father spends each school day morning — rain, snow, sleet or sun — keeping watch and directing trafÀc. He arrives at the school’s parking lot a half hour before the second morning bell with a smile on his face — no
matter what. Steinhofer greets the students as they exit the vehicles and occasionally steps in between the running vehicles and outlet to allow for children and parents crossing the line of trafÀc. His extra set of eyes and simple direction keep trafÀc running smoothly and safely for all involved. By watching Steinhofer, you’d assume he knows all the children in the school, but
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE – Community members gathered at cemeteries in Sauk Rapids and Rice May 29 to remember those who gave their lives for their country. John Heintze led the Memorial Day ceremony at the Benton County Cemetery in Sauk Rapids. He welcomed guest speaker Len Matchula. “It’s a solemn time as we gather today, honoring those who have given us the freedoms we enjoy every day, those who supported and protected our Constitution so we can be free,” Machula said. “In an age of superheroes, it may be hard to Ànd a true hero. I want you to look around because there are heroes here today. We call them veterans. These are the heroes we honor and respect today.” The Sauk Rapids ceremony, which was hosted by members of the American Legion Post No. 254 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6992, included the Pledge of Allegiance, a riÁe salute, presentation of the colors and raising of the Áags. Music from the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Marching Band accompanied the ceremony. Later Monday morning, American Legion Post No. 473 hosted its own Memorial Day ceremonies at Langola, Graham and Immaculate Conception cemeteries. One hundred eleven interred veterans were honored and remembered at the events. “For over two centuries this nation’s sons and daughters have fallen, and fallen to maintain our freedom,” said Post Commander Fred Segler, as he began commemoration ceremonies at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. “These fellow citizens — 639,455 — whose white crosses mark their Ànal resting places throughout the world and the unmarked places in the waters of the PaciÀc and Atlantic oceans and the battleÀelds around the world.” Segler went on, asking the gathered community members to think of the men and women who have died for their freedoms and to thank the families who have additionally burdened the loss. He then reminded the attendees that freedom is never really free. The event continued with a prayer, memorial wreath presentation and music by the SRRHS Marching Band. After the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Post Chaplain Don Miklos and Sons of the American Legion Chaplain Emil Williams read the names and rang a bell for each veteran buried at the site. The wind calmed on the breezy day as Miklos continued into prayer. The Áag hung still. “There are few things more soul-stirring than to see veterans salute the Áag they have honored and defended. Their salute reÁects the knowledge that can come only from experience. The humble pride, born of defending the calls of liberty. For them that Áag reÁects freedom and beauty, love of country, the fellowship of sacriÀce of companions in a worthy cause and a sure awareness of what makes this country great,” Miklos said. “Father it is also good for us to pause and remember that too many of their companions did not survive long enough to be veterans. Theirs was the ultimate sacriÀce,” he continued. As the prayer came to an end and “Amens” were said, the wind gust and the Áag Àlled with life for the remainder of the ceremony. A riÁe salute and “Taps” concluded the event. Members of the Rice American Legion Post, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion No. 473, as well as Rice Mayor Dale Rogholt, Rice Police Chief Ross Hamann, Boy Scouts Troop No. 120, Cub Scouts Pack No. 120, Knights of Columbus and the SRRHS marching band and colorguard all participated in the ceremony.
Steinhofer: page 3
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Corrie Steinhoffer will end his volunteer career as a WatchDOG (Dads of Great Students) June 1. He began volunteering when his son, Jordan, was in preschool.
PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA
Connor Johnson (from left), Brian Ayer, Mason Seep and Jakob Markgraff work together to raise the Áag during the Memorial Day ceremony May 29 in Sauk Rapids.