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Honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice Vol. 166, No. 7
Same Local Coverage Since 1854. • 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Benton County Fair canceled Some remaining Rapids River Days events follow suit BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Wednesday was a solemn day for Sauk Rapids summer events. Announcements came that the Benton County Fair and some remaining Rapids River Day events are canceled due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair was slated for Aug. 4-9, and the annual Rapids River Food Fest and Tanner’s Team Foundation walk-run events were hoped to take place June 27. “There is no way we can try to pull off an event at the end of June if the fair is already canceling its event in August,” said Kathy Phenow, Rapids River Food Fest co-chair. “We as a committee agree there is no way for us to distance everyone safely in the park. We can’t have the festival and have it safe for everybody there.” Phenow said Tanner’s Team Foundation postponed its event prior to the decision.
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Frank Heinzel’s military placard rests at the foot of his gravesite May 19 in Sauk Rapids. The Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 was named the Frank Heinzel Post on Sept. 30, 1919.
Honoring Heinzel
Sauk Rapids Legion Post 254 named after fallen soldier in 1918 BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Working at the family butcher shop, Frank Heinzel became a local favorite among those who knew him, especially the children within the Sauk Rapids community, who called him Frankie. He was described
as easygoing, loving and charitable. Heinzel was drafted into World War I as a member of the first draft contingent to leave Benton County, and after time in Camp Dodge in Iowa and Camp Cody in New Mexico, he made his way to New York. From there, he traveled to France and was transferred to the 307th Infantry made up entirely of New York-
ers.
Upon arrival in France, Heinzel was in constant active fighting and was killed in action Aug. 27, 1918. Heinzel was one of more than 116,000 U.S. military personnel who lost their lives during WWI.
Heinzel page 2
Independent Lifestyles sends hundreds of care packages to consumers Non-profit responds to COVID-19 in a big way
Fair page 3
BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – They have been around for 23 years, supporting the community by ensuring some of the most vulnerable among us – those with physical, mental or developmental disabilities – can live as freely and independently as possible. Its name is fitting: Independent Lifestyles Inc. A Center for Independent Living, a Sauk Rapids based non-profit.
PUBLIC NOTICES
ILICIL page 3
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Kelly Butkowski (from left), Corbin Heder and Mike Mills, staff members at Independent Lifestyles Inc. A Center for Independent Living, make the most of assembling care packages on the bottom floor of the building in Sauk Rapids May 6. Assembling the care packages takes multiple days, but with the help of volunteers, it went quicker than expected.
• Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, May 5, 2020 - pg. 14 • City of Sauk Rapids Liquor License Public Hearing - pg. 15 • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Work Session Minutes, May 4, 2020 - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Public Hearing Notices (2) - pg. 15
OBITUARIES • Marilyn D. Beitz • Keith G. Bjorklund • Rita A. (Trutwin) Kampa • Nancy A. Legg • Ann L. Wheeler
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NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Heinzel from front
Heinzel’s parents, Charles and Augusta, received the telegram notification and the Sauk Rapids community mourned. Heinzel was the first Sauk Rapids resident to die in battle. Nearly three years later, Heinzel’s body arrived home and was greeted with a large military funeral June 12, 1921, with full honors, closing businesses in the community and congregating thousands of people from around the area. The Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 honored Heinzel by naming the post after him at their Sept. 30, 1919, meeting. This was the second meeting of the post, after applying to form the Sauk Rapids chapter six days prior. All men in attendance were WWI veterans. “He was honored to serve his country, as is every other soldier, and he gave the greatest sacrifice, his life,” said Ken Johnstone, commander of Post 254. “I think he would have been equally as honored to have the Legion post named after him. I think he would be pleased to know we are still strong and active in Sauk Rapids too.” Memorial Day will be celebrated by Americans Monday, May 25, honoring those who lost their lives during combat. For Post 254, Heinzel will be among those remembered. “It is meant to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in com-
bat,” Johnstone said. “It is an incredible honor to acknowledge them, and even if I wasn’t in the service, I think I would still have a similar feeling.” Heinzel was in combat in the northeastern region of France during the Battle of Fismes and Fismette, which took place from Aug. 3 through Sept. 1, 1918. According to a letter in the Sauk Rapids Sentinel newspaper archives from Heinzel’s former sergeant H. Lipman, the platoon received orders at 3:30 a.m. to advance. A short distance later, they were met by Germans, and Heinzel was shot and killed on a railroad track and was one of the first to be killed in the company. While in France, Heinzel wrote his family as frequently as he could, but often mentioned he would not have many opportunities due to the constant action. He spoke of the lack of tobacco, how he wanted to be back home making sausage and be with the people of Sauk Rapids, aspects of battle such as airplanes, shells and ruin of local towns, and always asked his family to write back. Heinzel typically wrote a letter addressed to his whole family, as he came from a family with 10 siblings – Charles Jr., Augusta, Louise, August, Herman, Henry, Cecelia, Gertrude, Otto and Elmer. “Be sure to write me as soon as you can,” said Heinzel in an Aug. 27, 1918, letter to his family. “I will be in action soon and will do the best I can.”
Dohman follows a process of protection
U.S. Marshal visits Rice memorial
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
RICE – A small group of people gathered near the Rice Memorial Monument to pay their respects for fallen law enforcement officers May 15, observed every year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Hosted by Rice American Legion Post 473, the event saw representatives from local law enforcement agencies attend the event, including Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck. Community members donning protective face masks also made their way onto the monument’s grass to observe the occasion. And joining the local officers and community in commemorating those who have lost their lives in law enforcement was someone who knows about the dangers of the profession all too well: United States Marshal Ramona Dohman. “Every day and every night that law enforcement puts on their uniforms, straps on their duty belts and pins their badge on their shirt, they never know if they’ll be home at the end of their shift,” Dohman said.
“HEY MINNESOTA! LET’S READ TOGETHER! Join the statewide book club. #onebookmn
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PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
U.S. Marshal Ramona Dohman sits next to a commemorative headstone May 15 at Rice Memorial Monument in Rice. Dohman’s second visit to the town came on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“We know any shift can be our last shift, and for so many of them, it was their last shift. It is our duty and our honor that their memory is never forgotten.” Two hundred fiftyfour peace officers in Minnesota have lost their lives, including Deputy U.S. Marshals Clement McCausland and Henry B. Carlson. The American flag was raised to full staff in front of a saluting procession. Dohman’s accreditation comes after 38 years of serving in various law enforcement roles. She began her career as a patrol officer for the Glencoe and Marshall police departments before finding a longtime position in the Maple Grove Police Department where she eventually served her community as police chief. Former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Dohman as the state’s commissioner of public safety in 2011, a role she functioned in until she was nominated by President Trump to become the district of Minnesota’s U.S. Marshal in 2018. She was sworn in to the position June 11, 2019. “My background in law enforcement helped me work my way through the positions I’m fortunate and honored to serve in,”
she said. As a U.S. Marshal, Dohman’s coverage extends across the entire state. She is responsible for 87 counties, spanning over 87,000 square miles, and as Minnesota’s U.S. Marshal Service representative, works with legislative bodies, local law enforcement agencies and other districts. “The most important thing I’ve always learned in any of the positions I’ve served in is that no one, no agency, no department, no sheriff’s office, can do this on their own,” Dohman said. “It’s very critical to any mission that we work daily, and I work daily to foster and build upon the great relationships we have with our law enforcement partners across the state of Minnesota.” A 1998 graduate of the FBI National Academy, Dohman’s work is more than upholding laws; it is making sure the judicial system remains functional and stable. This includes bringing fugitives to justice and keeping important witnesses protected. “We protect federal judges, we protect the judicial process, and we ensure those defendants’ rights are met in the process,” Dohman said. “It’s a law enforcement agency, but we’re actually the back-
bone of it, making sure the process is followed for everyone involved.” That backbone nature of serving as a U.S. Marshal allows the communicative Dohman to find all sorts of interaction. Through attending events and meeting law enforcement figures, in a similar way to the event in Rice, the District of Minnesota’s 40th United States Marshal explores communication between all levels of government by displaying outreach. “I sometimes do it the old-fashioned way, a visit or a conversation,” Dohman said. “I’m a person that enjoys face-to-face conversation because I think you can tell a lot about people when you look them in the eye or shake their hand.” The old-fashioned approach fits the occupation. The United States Marshal Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the country’s history with George Washington appointing the original 13 U.S. Marshals in 1789. “I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of the proud history that’s behind the Marshal Service,” Dohman said. History is extremely influential to the Vesta native. Her husband, now retired, served as the police sergeant in St. Louis Park, where her son is an officer. Meanwhile, her brother made his mark as an officer for the Glencoe Police Department and her grandfather was the police chief of her hometown. Through a law enforcement-heavy background, Dohman’s desire to assist those around her grew. She was immediately drawn to the field because she felt it was a necessary task to undertake. “I think we’re all called to do something different in our lives, and this has been a calling for me because of my desire to help people when they’re at their worst,” Dohman said. “Unfortunately for those of us serving in law enforcement, while we get to do fun and honorable things, we see the worst of what people do to each other or what happens in tragic situations.” Dohman, with her nearly four decades of law enforcement experience in tow, sometimes wakes up and pinches herself when
Dohman page 4
NEWS
ILICIL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 3
Fair from front
from front
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ILICIL is taking on a new mission: equipping the disadvantaged people they serve with the supplies they need to stay healthy, engaged and entertained through care packages. After receiving $121,000 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, – the sweeping $2.2 trillion federal relief bill passed in response to the coronavirus – the center for independent living has sent out its first round of more than 300 care packages. Marketing and development manager Shawn Reagan said the non-profit has expended more than $30,000 on the packages; every penny going toward their consumers. “These essentials can be hard for a lot of the people we serve to get in normal times,” Reagan said. “It’s pretty common in the best of times for some of our consumers to fall through the cracks. … More than anything, I think people need to know somebody’s there, somebody cares, and if they need anything, to reach out.” The novel coronavirus has brought its own set of challenges for everybody, but it has created additional hardships for those with disabilities. With stay-at-home orders, quarantine and isolation, and many stores closed, the past few weeks have been difficult for some of the center’s consumers who are unable to leave their homes for what would normally be a routine trip to the grocery store, gas station or recreational venue. That is why, Reagan said, it
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Staff and volunteers load hand sanitizer, paper towels, snacks, cleaner and other items into care packages May 6 on the bottom floor of the Independent Lifestyles Inc. A Center for Independent Living building in Sauk Rapids. Including staff and volunteers, there were up to 30 people helping to get the non-profit’s consumers the supplies they need.
is important to continue serving those people. The first packages, which have largely been delivered as of last week, included hard-to-find basics such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, dish soap, snacks, and disinfectants and cleaners. “It’s hard for anyone right now to provide the essentials for a household so we ran into a few obstacles trying to do that for 300 households,” Reagan said. A lot of the items were coordinated with the help of Costco, but some of the hard-to-find items were handpicked off shelves by employees of ILICIL. The first round also included coloring books and other forms of entertainment. The second wave of care packages will include a lot of the same things, but with a few major and minor changes thrown into the mix. They are going to include sponges and granola bars, but one of the big changes coming is connectivity to the internet. Whether they need a laptop or a tablet or need minutes loaded onto a cell phone, ILICIL
Dohman from pg. 2 she realizes the opportunity she experiences every day as a U.S. Marshal. So, when she hears the memorial bell ring three times and her eyes catch the perceptible sound of the rifle salute, she remembers those who have died paving a similar path. “Each year, and each event I’ve attended, I’m proud that I will never forget those who paid the ultimate price of their life serving this country,” she said. “I think it’s outstanding that the community gets together the way they have to honor those who have served.”
is working to provide online connectivity, making sure everyone has access to the services they need through technology. Aside from the grant money dedicated to the non-profit from the coronavirus aid bill, Independent Lifestyles has also devoted its own resources to the cause. It has brought in so many volunteers that not all of them have been commissioned for work yet. With an abundance of volunteers offering to help, something Reagan said he did not expect, it did not take as long as expected to get the packages assembled. Reagan said his and a lot of staff’s work weeks are now more centered around the care packages than what they were doing previously, but noted they are glad to be making a difference and serving their community. “We really appreciate how the community’s banding around us and helping in any way they can,” Reagan said. “We’re planning on doing care packages as long as this goes.” Even if the pandemic were to magically end tomorrow, Reagan said ILICIL is taking this opportunity to shine light on
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an area in society that is often overlooked. On top of being a useful resource for the non-profit’s consumers, it is also a medium to garner awareness for individuals with any disability. Reagan called it a silver lining of the pandemic. “That’s kind of one of the big things that we have talked about,” Reagan said. “If we’re going to get any kind of silver lining out of this situation, we hope there’s kind of a mass awareness campaign for people with disabilities. … Most people don’t understand what it is to live with a disability. Now they are sharing in a lot of the day-to-day struggles, and we’re hoping that results in more empathy.” Reagan also said anyone can be one major life-changing catastrophe from being in similar circumstances. Creating awareness is not only about securing funding or ensuring the non-profit stays in operation; it is more about imparting empathy into people’s lives and creating a dignified living situation for people with disabilities. In turn, constructing a more equitable and compassionate community.
2020 would have been the 10th annual walk-run event. The foundation plans to host the 10-year celebration in 2021. As of May 8, the Minnesota Strongman events are scheduled as planned June 27. According to its Facebook feed, the event will not have bleachers, but the public is welcome to attend at their own risk and provided they are not ill or showing symptoms of any kind. Social distancing is recommended. Phenow said the committees are looking forward to 2021. “We can’t wait for next year to be bigger and better,” Phenow said. The Benton County Agricultural Society came to its decision to cancel the six-day Benton County Fair at its May 19 meeting. According to Al Stemper, president of ag society’s board of directors, the board considered information from the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions prior to its decision. Soliciting volunteers, obtaining supplies like hand sanitizer and paper products, and financial stability all played a role in the board’s decision to cancel. “We’ve got a lot of judges and many of our volunteers who are older,” Stemper said. “And so, would there be enough people to come in and do this? That certainly was one of the big things.” Stemper said he was unsure whether civic groups who normally aid the fair’s operations would be available and that socially distancing people throughout the fairgrounds would be a problem. “It’s virtually going to be hard to separate people in high-traffic areas like our beer garden or the children’s barnyard where we are very, very packed,” Stemper said. Stemper said the fair board weighed the risk of operating a fair that could cost the same amount as other years but could potentially bring in reduced revenue. He said the fair would pay the same amount for entertainment and other attractions whether they have a full house, half-crowd or quarter-crowd participation. “One of our final talking points was our financial condition,” Stemper said. “Because we did have a productive and good fair last year, we are in a position where we are still looking good. We are going to have to limit our capital improvements and basically cut back on most spending for improvements this year, but we came to the decision that we could probably come ahead better by not having the event and incurring the expenses while taking the chance that we only get a small participation.” The early decision allows the fair board to communicate with vendors and attractions two months prior to opening day. “We’re trying to move forward and give our vendors and our people coming in a chance to know, ‘Hey, now we can plan accordingly,’ and, you know, work with them,” Stemper said. The board has not yet made a decision as to whether 4-H judging events will occur in August. All in-person events for the University of Minnesota Extension, which oversees 4-H, are canceled through June 30. “Once the university and 4-H gives us some ideas, I think we can move forward with that,” Stemper said. “As they are done through June, … that’ll buy us a little time to see what their ideas are and maybe toss some thoughts about what can or cannot be done.”
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NEWS
Page 4 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
State moves to phase two of Safe at Home initiative
Gov. Walz explains next steps in reopening BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Minnesota will move into the second phase of the Safe at Home initiative beginning June 1. Gov. Tim Walz announced his guidance at a press conference May 20, allowing a broader spectrum of businesses to get back in operation with stipulations. “It’s that simmering pot,” Walz said, reiterating his boiling pot metaphor. “We could turn it
down and have it flat if we locked everybody down; we know that that wasn’t sustainable. We could let everybody go back to what they were doing and it would boil over and we’d see what’s happened elsewhere, or we can try to use science, our best analysis and a collaborative effort to keep it just below the boil.” Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove said the major changes in the second phase are allowing
outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, personal care services like tattoo parlors and barber shops, and campgrounds and charter boats to reopen. Social distancing, gatherings of no more than 10, teleworking and other requirements from phase one are in place. “It’s incremental and it’s cautious because the data indicates we need to continue being cautious,” said Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Department of Health commissioner. Businesses authorized to reopen will not be resuming business as usual. Dine-in services at restaurants are restricted to outdoor seating only, no more than 50 people at one time,
and tables of no more than four (or six for a family) will not be allowed. Reservations will be required, and all workers will have to wear masks while it is strongly suggested customers wear masks as well. Grove also said the data is clear on indoor versus outdoor settings in virus transmission, noting that being outside is safer. While Grove acknowledged many restaurants simply have no capacity to operate outdoors, he said he is confident that municipalities and restaurant owners can be creative in finding ways to meet the requirements of phase two. The second major area of change is for personal care services, Grove said.
Barbers, tattoo parlors, and nail and hair salons, for example, will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity, and masks are going to be required for both the customer and workers. These businesses also will not be open for walk-ins; they must operate by appointment only. Campgrounds and charter boat services will have to ensure campsites adhere to social distancing requirements, which also limits capacity on boats. Grove said more information is available on the Department of Natural Resource’s website related to campgrounds and charter boat services. “What impacts transmission is how close you
are to another person, how long you’re around that other person and how predictable the setting is that you’re around that other person,” said Walz as the main considerations in deciding which businesses can reopen. Despite the provisions, Walz highlighted some of the things Minnesotans can look forward to as even partial reopening means more availability. “(Whether) it’s a local brewery or a Juicy Lucy or a walleye dinner, Minnesotans are going to get back out there,” Walz said. “While it’s not perfect, it’s safe and it’s moving the dial.”
Shady’s Railside co-owner heads to court with attorney general Dispute over opening business under governor’s restrictions BY KATELYN ASFELD STAFF WRITER
Two minutes before noon May 18, Kris Schiffler walked out of the front door of Shady’s Hometown Tavern & Event Center in Albany with a megaphone in hand. People outside were anxious for him to say the restaurant was open for in-house dining. “I’m not standing here in tears because we’re open,” Schiffler said. “I’m standing here in tears because the attorney general just called, and they have shut us down. Our attorney has advised us to not open the door.” Schiffler – who coowns a chain of Shady’s
bar and restaurants in Albany, New Munich, Rice, Burtrum, Cold Spring and St. Martin – planned to reopen his businesses regardless of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s COVID19-related restrictions for bars and restaurants that extend in-person dining closure through 11:59 p.m. May 31. A temporary restraining order, issued by Stearns County Judge William Cashman, was served to Schiffler May 18, requiring the restaurant to keep conditions as they are until there can be a hearing in which both parties are present. A hearing was scheduled for May 22, after this paper went to press.
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Schiffler and his staff have been preparing to reopen its locations. The restaurant has purchased extra cleaning supplies, hand sanitization stations and has spaced tables and bar stools to the appropriate 6-foot social distancing guideline. Disposable, prewrapped silverware and menus are also in stock. Prior to opening day, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit to prevent reopening during the mandated closure. By reopening prematurely, Schiffler and any other businesses violating the governor’s order can face a fine of up to $25,000 per violation per day, restitution and disgorgement of profits.
“The temporary closure of bars, taverns, restaurants and other places of public accommodation for on-premises consumption is necessary to protect public health and safety because these are establishments where people gather and linger and where close physical contact is expected, thereby posing a risk to public health,” read the complaint filed against Schiffler May 17 with the Seventh Judicial District Court. It had been a back and forth couple of days for Schiffler and his staff. In a Facebook video, Schiffler announced May 16 he would not be opening any of his locations after the attorney general contacted
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him May 15. “At about 4:30 or 4:45 p.m., the general attorney called me and let me know that if we open, we will be given a $25,000 fine per location, per occurrence with no maximum of how many times it can happen per day,” Schiffler said in his May 16 video. “With six locations, we cannot afford a $150,000 fine. We couldn’t afford it before. We can’t afford it now.” A GoFundMe page was set up to raise $100,000 for legal fees to potentially bring the matter to the Supreme Court. Schiffler decided to open only the Albany location at noon Monday, posting a second video on Facebook May 17 with the an-
nouncement. As of the morning of May 21, over $226,000 had been raised for Minnesota small businesses. “This money is not going to go toward Shady’s,” Schiffler said. “We are using it for our attorney, but our attorney’s fight right now is to get rid of the whole (business closure mandate), not just (for) bars and restaurants, we’re talking salons, resorts, every kind of small business. These businesses cannot wait anymore.” Support also came from a legislator group from the Minnesota House of Representatives. The group sent a letter to Ellison May 17.
Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971.
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OBITUARIES Nancy A. Legg
A private family graveside service will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery for Nancy A. Legg, age 69, of Sauk Rapids, who died May 14, 2020, at her home in Sauk Rapids. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman will officiate. A celebration of life will be at a later date when it is safe for family and friends to gather. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Nancy was born in St. Cloud on March 21, 1951, to Harold and Gertrude (Lintgen) Kunkel. She married Jim Legg on July 21, 1982, at the Stearns County Court House in St. Cloud. She was
Nancy A. Legg
a seamstress for Stearns Manufacturing in Sauk Rapids for several years. Nancy also worked at Pleasantview Elementary School in Sauk Rapids as a playground supervisor. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Nancy was a very involved
Keith G. Bjorklund
A private memorial service will be May 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids for Keith G. Bjorklund, 62, of Sauk Rapids, who passed away at his home May 20, 2020, surrounded by his family. The Rev. David Hinz will officiate and burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Keith Glen Bjorklund was born March 19, 1958, in St. Cloud to Charles and Melba (Ness) Bjorklund. He grew up in the Sauk Rapids area and spent most of his life there. Keith married Cathryn Cheshier July 29, 2000, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids.
Keith G. Bjorklund
member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary Aerie #622, St. Cloud where she first became a member in 1975. Nancy was the State Auxiliary President in 2006 and was also a part of the Ritual Team. She enjoyed playing card games and Highlights books with her grandchildren and doing crossword puzzles. Nancy made the best cookies and banana bread and was a great cook all around! She was always so caring and loved everyone, she would be sure to give everyone and anyone HUGS to prove it! Nancy is survived by her son, Mike Plachecki of Sauk Rapids, daughter, Jessica Legg (Brady Petersen) of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Brent Legg
and Ashley Pilarski of St. Cloud; brothers, Ken (Ellie) Kunkel of Rockville, Duane (Donna) Kunkel of St. Cloud; sister-inlaw, Ardith Inmann of Texas; many nieces and nephews and a few people who were just plain special to Nancy, Joe Pilarski, Tammy Bennet, and Shawma Schreifels and her son, Anthony Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim, February 13, 2002; and her grandparents. Obituary, Guest Book and Video Tribute available online: www. williamsdingmann.com R-21-1B
swimming and much more. He was a wonderful cook, making sausage, smoking turkeys, gardening and canning and loved to work with his hands. He was truly the salt of the earth, a wonderful father and grandfather, was loving, generous, and had a great sense of humor. Keith was proud of his accomplishments in life. He fought with dignity during his battle with cancer. Keith will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife, Cathryn of Sauk Rapids; daughters, Chantal of St. Paul, Amanda (Corey) Krejce of Woodbury and Meghan (Brent) Johnson of
Hastings; grandchildren, Lyla, Wyatt, Sylas, Mylo, Grace, Lucy, Max and Emily; dogs, Khloe and Binnie; brother, Ron (Lori) of Sartell; and sister, Lynn (Jeff) Snyder of Sauk Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Steven. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or CFCsyndrome.org in honor of his grandson, Wyatt. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at https:// www.williamsdingmann. com R-21-1B
He served his country in the United States Army and continued service to his fellow community and comrades at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center for 37 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids and had a strong faith. Keith loved spending time in the great “Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.” outdoors, taxidermy, hunting, fishing, camping,
Rita Ann (Trutwin) Kampa
Mass of Christian Burial will be private for Rita Ann (Trutwin) Kampa, age 95, who passed away May 17, 2020, at Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman will officiate and burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sauk Rapids. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Rita was born June 13, 1924, in Royalton to Francis and Frances (Marshik) Trutwin. She married Aloys Michael Kulzer June 11, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rice. They lived in Sauk Rapids
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 5
Rita Ann (Trutwin) Kampa
and had six children. Rita married Raphael Kampa (Pat) April 23, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. They lived in Sauk Rapids and had four children. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Christian Mothers, and was a den
mother. Rita was a resilient woman who enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid sewer (wedding gowns), upholstress, and painter. She liked reading and playing Scrabble. Rita loved the outdoors including gardening, bird watching and traveling to visit her kids. She enjoyed cooking, especially desserts, and could whip up a pie in 10 minutes. Preceded in death by parents, Francis and Frances (Marshik) Trutwin; husbands, Aloys Kulzer and Raphael Kampa; siblings, Raymund, Regina Brooks, Mary Parent, Josephine Kaeter, Claude, and Joseph Trutwin; and children, Glenn and Keith Kulzer.
Survived by siblings, Theresa Silvernail, Victor and Francis Trutwin; children, Louise (Steve Wilson), Darwin (Marcia Schaefer), Miles (Becky England), and Wayne (Sue Zwick) Kulzer, Raphael (Kathy Wolter), Russ (Erin Guthrie), Robin (Phillip Bautch), and Rodney (Geri Fitzpatrick) Kampa; 30 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. A special thank you to Good Shepherd Community Moonlight Bay for all the wonderful care given to Rita. Obituary and guest book available online at https://www. williamsdingmann.com R-21-1B
Ann L. Wheeler
Services will be private for Ann L. Wheeler, 87, of Sartell, who passed away May 15, 2020, at Country Manor Health Care Center. Burial was at 1 p.m. May 18 at Macville Cemetery in Hill City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Ann was born March 24, 1933, in Aitkin to Conrad and Fannie (Gorsuch) Angermo. She married Harry Wheeler June 7, 1951, in Hill City. Ann had many occupations throughout her life including working as a chef at many restaurants, the St. Cloud Times and Child Care Choices. She was most proud of her work as a security guard at Sartell Paper Mill. Ann loved gardening, being outdoors, traveling and sewing. She was a tough woman that always persevered through life’s challenges. Ann always provided for her family and was helpful and kind to everyone she knew. She
Ann L. Wheeler
was a great mom, raising six children and many more neighborhood kids as well. Survivors include her children, Brent (Linda) of Grand Rapids, Todd (Lori) of Foreston, Tamara of St. Joseph, Connie (Jaime) Nelson on Sauk Rapids and Chad (fiancée Nikki) of Grand Rapids; 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry in 1985; son, Jesse and infant grandson, Jeremy. Obituary and guest book available online at https://www. williamsdingmann.comR-21-1B
Marilyn D. Beitz
A celebration of life will be at a later date for Marilyn D. Beitz, 79, of Rice, who passed away at her home May 19, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Burial will be at Langola Cemetery in Rice. Arrangements are entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Marilyn was born March 21, 1941, in St. Cloud to Emmerid and Sarah (DeLong) Beack. She grew up in the St. Cloud area and married Robert Beitz May 10, 1963, in South Dakota. The couple made their home in Rice, raising three children. Marilyn was an incredible homemaker and worked various jobs throughout her life, but most notably, she worked at the Alamo Bar in Rice for many years, which brought many friendships into her life. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Marilyn also loved going to We Fest every year, trips to the ocean, going camping and heading to Mission, Texas, for the winter months. She liked to keep busy and loved being outside. Marilyn was happiest when she was at home with those she loved and was friendly, feisty and a natural caregiver. People
Marilyn D. Beitz
gravitated toward her. She will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, ability to socialize easily with others and her great hugs. Survivors include her loving husband, Robert “Bob” of Rice; daughters, Michelle Beitz-Demery of Tennessee and Lisa (Tom) Anderson of Sauk Rapids; son-in-law, Scott Nelson of Brainerd; brothers, Charles “Charlie” (Starr) Beack of Waite Park and Leslie “Les” (Gena) Beack of St. Cloud; sisterin-law, Lucille “Lucy” Beack-Palmer of Rice; grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Sarah, Cody, Tyler, Drew, Rilie, Maggie and Taylor; and great grandchildren, Landon, Brayden and Aliya. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Julie Nelson in 2011; and brother, Melvin Beack. Obituary and guest book available online at https://www. williamsdingmann.comR-21-1B
Page 6 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Lawn irritants commonly called weeds
When our lawns green up, weeds also appear. Dandelions feed pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, because these plants are rich in pollen and nectar. So, some gardeners allow them to grow. However, GREEN & GROWING one website stated dan- IN BENTON COUNTY delions are the second BY LINDA G. TENNESON choice for pollinators to visit. In other words, pollinators will land on dandelions only if better sources of food are not available. The dandelion’s bright yellow color and serrated leaves stick out on our lawns, and most of us prefer to grow other flowers to feed pollinators. Digging dandelions up with a garden knife will remove their tops and slow these plants down, but unless their long tap roots are removed, they will return. White clover spreads by above ground runners and is sometimes grown to feed livestock. It does provide food for pollinators, blooming all summer long. While white clover can be removed by hand pulling the plants, the seeds will survive, so new plants must be removed each year. Maintaining a healthy, well-fertilized lawn will help the desired grass to crowd out white clover. Creeping Charlie is a low growing plant with little round leaves and tiny purple flowers in the spring. The plant likes moist shaded areas. Some gardeners tolerate it, and others intensely dislike it. The plant does not contain much nectar or pollen to feed pollinators. Creeping bellflower is a plant that will grow 1 foot or more tall with lilac colored blooms that hang downward. At first glance it appears to be nice to look at; however, I made the mistake of letting it grow and regret it. Creeping bellflower spreads by underground rhizomes, and even if it is mowed regularly and not allowed to bloom, it still spreads. Its wide leaves are noticeable in a lawn. There are other kinds of bellflowers from the campanula family that behave better, such as Canterbury bells. Individual crabgrass plants were apparently named because of their resemblance to crabs. While the plant technically has a flowering stalk, it is the wide-spread green leaves that are most noticeable and objectionable in a lawn. Like other weeds, it may be removed by hand and, as an annual, will not return in the same year. It is less labor-intensive to apply a preemergent chemical in the spring to prevent crabgrass from getting started in the first place. Quackgrass is another pest that spreads by underground rhizomes. Neither crabgrass nor quackgrass have noticeable blooms in the lawn, but because the width of their leaves are so different from the usual lawn grasses, they are considered unsightly. All these plants are difficult to remove by hand and any tiny bit of root left in the ground may grow to produce a new plant. Repeated hand digging, covering the ground with a tarp for several weeks to kill all vegetation or a chemical application are required to eradicate these irritants. If herbicides are used to eradicate them, gardeners must, by law, read the chemical container labels for the correct application method and safety directions. Gloves, long sleeves and pants plus closed heel and toe shoes will help keep these chemicals from becoming skin irritants. Sprayed chemicals should be applied on days with no wind to prevent damage to desired plants. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
Each day has enough trouble of its own
“Stay safe,” said the governor. By now, can relieve us of our self-sufficiency, teach I have had nine friends and several acquainus as disciples ready to learn and willing tances confirm they have or had COVID-19. to be guided by his yoke – not merely to All but one, the one having underlying asthreceive something. ma issues and is placed on a ventilator, have This is what the Rev. David Guzik recovered and have returned to good health. conveys that Mathew 11:28-29 is relaying No one will ever know how our nation to us by Jesus saying, “Take my yoke upon would have succeeded if it were left to carry you and learn from me.” on as we personally saw fit. The here and Jesus was not concerned about people now looks glim, different, lonely and despercomplaining their burdens in arguments for LIFE BY FAITH ate as we are governmentally enforced to fol- BY MERCY NYGAARD their right to their freedoms or calling out low physical distancing orders. Each day’s weaker Christians as fools. He followed up troubles are amplified at this time. God, in his infinite with, “For I am gentle and lowly in heart.” He exempliwisdom, included 60 Bible verses about obeying civil fied servanthood and would rather serve bearing with government and authority. He also included everything the scruples of the weak as Paul tells us we ought to we need in his instruction to get through this time and in Romans 15. “We then who are strong ought to bear what is to come. with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourThis is not our home (Hebrews 13:14). Find grace selves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, (Hebrews 4:16). Give grace through your speech leading to edification. For even Christ did not please (Ephesians 4:29). Make every effort to live at peace himself; but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those and live holy and set apart (Hebrews 12:14). They will who reproached you fell on me.’” know we are Jesus’s disciples by our love for one anRomans 15 continues: “For whatever things were other (John 13:34-35). God will give to us as we need written before were written for our learning, that we (Mathew 6:25-34). through the patience and comfort of the scriptures Now, let me string this together which is true, wise might have hope.” and noble instruction. This is not our home, so while We are always in a hurry even through the stay safe we are here, find grace, give grace, make every effort to orders. We want to hurry through this to save our livelive at peace and live set apart from the world – loving lihoods rather than to dig deep and search what God others, not worrying about what the future holds. would have for us to grow in him during these times. Can we plan? Yes, of course. Proverbs tells us a Often the purposes of God seem to be delayed, but they wise man thinks ahead; a fool does not and even brags always are fulfilled. The goal is to glorify God, and we about it. Notice, it did not say a wise man wrings his accomplish that goal by having unity in our thinking hands in worry over the uncertain future and what it and speech. Bearing one another’s burdens, Romans will mean if there is not food on the table or clothes on 15:5-6 finishes with, “Now may the God of patience our backs. Proverbs exhorts, “Look to the ant, do not and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one be a sluggard.” Do not fold your hands and expect the another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with government to provide everything for you. Find work one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of where ever possible. But, first and foremost, always our Lord Jesus Christ.” seek the Lord and his kingdom before anything, then If you are hurting right now, let Mathew 11:28-29 all these things will be given to you. be like honey on your lips. “Come to me all you who I am so sorry for everyone who is struggling labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. through the stay-safe order. I have so much compas- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am sion for your businesses and the heavy-laden demands gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your imposed by our governing authorities in order to oper- souls.” ate. I am heart-broken over the fevers, the struggles of Today has enough troubles. Worrying about tomorbreathing and aches your loved ones and you are ex- row will not add one hour to your life. Each day, seek periencing. There is not one ounce of the real and raw first the kingdom of heaven, and then your needs will emotions you are feeling that God does not feel him- be added onto you (Mathew 6:25-34). self. He has filtered all momentary suffering through his hands and is eagerly waiting for our surrender so he
This village rose to the challenge
The conclusion of 2019-20 school ibility, hard work and dedication. It has year is near and what an interesting not been easy, but this is what we do – year it has been. The year started much we teach and serve students and families, the same as year’s past; the first day of and we did. school, warm fall days, academic and However, for most parents, guardextracurricular activities, homecoming, ians, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and conferences, concerts, winter break, the family friends teaching core and elective 100th day of school, and then everything curriculum is not what you are used to changed March 15. The governor issued doing, but you did. the emergency executive order to close SUPERINTENDENT’S Thank you for facilitating your stuschools and preparations for distance dent’s distance learning while working CORNER learning began. remotely from home or in an essential BY AARON SINCLAIR District staff, parents, extended famifield, and while maintaining your home lies, area businesses and the communities of Sauk – cooking, cleaning, bath time, grocery shopping and Rapids and Rice banded together to support students family time. Whether you supported one or multiple and families. students, whether you supported students in elemenThere is a famous African proverb, originating tary classes, secondary classes or a combination of from the Nigerian Igbo culture which states, “Oran a both, you are amazing, and we thank you for your azu nwa,” or translated, “It takes a (community) vil- diligence, patience and grit. lage to raise a child.” This could not be truer today. District staff, students and families have learned Since mid-March, teachers, paraprofessionals, many new things, adapted quickly and pushed the administrative staff, drivers, custodians, food service, boundaries of their comfort zones. No question, there coaches and district administration have worked tire- was discomfort and stress but this village rose to the lessly to adapt in-person learning and personal con- challenge and that is something to be proud of. nections to happen remotely. We could not be prouder We look forward to the 2020-21 school year, and of or have asked for a better team to take on this chal- hope we can teach, serve and make personal conneclenge. tions in person. Thank you to all district staff for their extra flexEnjoy your summer. Stay safe and stay well. 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 E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com words and to the point, and be submitted by 10 a.m. Friday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.
Letters to the editor welcome
EDITORIAL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 7
Parents, children should be aware of online predators
Last month, I wrote about the dankeep electronic devices in an open, comgers we all face online due to criminals mon room of the house. seeking to use COVID-19 as a smoke– Check your children’s profiles and screen for their crimes. This month, I what they post online. want to specifically talk about the dan– Explain to your children that imgers facing our children as they are onages posted online will be permanently line. on the internet. Cybercriminals are aware children – Make sure children know anyone and teens are spending more time online who asks a child to engage in sexually due to distance learning in their schools KEEPING BENTON explicit activity online should be reportand social distancing measures limiting ed to a parent, guardian or trusted adult COUNTY SAFE r activities outside the home. Of particu- SHERIFF TROY HECK and law enforcement. lar concern are child sexual predators – Remember victims should not who may try to use this increased online presence of be afraid to tell law enforcement if they are being children as an opportunity to lure victims into their sexually exploited. It is not a crime for a child to criminal behavior. Online predators routinely lurk send sexually explicit images to someone if they are on social media sites popular with children. Their compelled or coerced to do so. goal is to cultivate an online relationship with a child While it is not uncommon in today’s world they can exploit to obtain graphic images or even, for children to have friends whom they only know in rare cases, an in-person meeting with the child. through online contacts, make sure your children These predators almost universally begin their con- maintain a healthy skepticism about these onlinetact with children by pretending to be another child only friends. Children need to know how easy it is or young adult. The criminal will do their best to for someone to pretend to be something or someone gain the trust of the victim and exploit that trust to they are not while online. Children need to know convince the victim to send them graphic images. that online friends are not the same as the friends If the criminal cannot convince the victim to vol- they know from their community, and they should untarily provide images, the criminal may work to be more careful about what personal information obtain embarrassing information the criminal can they share with online friends. Most importantly, use as leverage to extort graphic images from the children need to be able to talk to an adult in their victim or threaten the victim or the victim’s family if life if someone on the internet makes them feel unthe victim refuses to comply with the criminal’s de- comfortable. mands. Many of these predators are skilled manipuThe connections we gain by using technology lators and can leave any child or teen feeling like and the internet are important, especially in today’s they have no choice but to comply. Involved parents world. Electronic devices and social media can be are a child’s best defense against these online preda- great tools for keeping children connected to their tors. The FBI recommends parents take the follow- school, friends and family. However, like other acing steps to safeguard their children against online tivity our children engage in, we need to explain exploitation: the rules and cautions of online interactions to keep – Discuss internet safety with children of all them safe. ages when they engage in online activity. For more crime prevention information and – Review and approve games and apps before safety information, visit the Benton County Sheriff’s they are downloaded. Office website at https://www.co.benton.mn.us/211/ – Make sure privacy settings are set to the strict- Crime-Prevention. You can also like and follow us est level possible for online gaming systems and on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNSheriff for electronic devices. regular updates and crime prevention messages. – Monitor your children’s use of the internet and
BREAK CROSSWORD
Letters to Editor
Protect your neighbors, wear a mask David Leslie, Sauk Rapids Pandemic behavior restrictions are annoying or worse. I know this because relief at having them eased (combined with spring fever) has unhinged some of us. I had to shop at Coborn’s recently. Most shoppers were not wearing masks or observing safe distance. I counted eight people in a row who passed too close to me and were not masked. I guess people do not think they might have the virus. But we do not always know if we have it. And, the odds are not as good as you might think. All you have to do is look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics for counties to know people in Sauk Rapids are more likely to have the virus than people in St. Paul. People in St. Cloud are more likely to have it than people in Minneapolis. The store is doing its part. Coborn’s has posted signs, has marked safe distances in some places and has all employees wear masks. Employee masks are not there to help employees. They are there to protect you. They protect you
from an employee who might not know they are sick. They do not protect the employees from you. So, if you do not wear masks you endanger employees. These employees are called essential workers and front-line heroes. Kind words do little good if your unmasked adventure for groceries sends one of them to the morgue. Our president has called this a war. If so, careless shoppers are like the people whose loose lips sank ships in WWII. Careless shoppers also endanger other shoppers. They endanger the shoppers who were thoughtful enough to wear a mask to protect you (not themselves). It is not always possible to maintain distance in the aisles. Masks mitigate this problem only if both shoppers are masked. On my last grocery adventure there was a little old lady in the store, old and frail, wearing a mask to protect you from her. You should return the favor. Go ahead and get crazy once you spring outside. But in crowded places, protect your neighbors.
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Pause this Memorial Day Betty Freihammer, American Legion Post 254 secretary On this Memorial Day, the members of the Sauk Rapids American Legion Auxiliary Post 254 would like to express our sincere appreciation to and remember the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. We invite everyone to pause today, Memorial Day 2020, to remember those who have fought for
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our freedoms. We also thank those who continue to protect our country whether here or abroad. We admire your courage and appreciate your sacrifices. Help us to honor and support them by displaying the American flag and wearing your poppy. God bless America.
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Page 8 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Benton County Board
NEWS
SRR to host County discusses COVID-19, drive-in graduation establishing purchasing department BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School class of 2020 will graduate Tuesday in the school parking lot. The district will host a drive-in commencement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. May 26. SRRHS Principal Karl Nohner made the announcement at the May 18 school board meeting. While the ceremony will be different due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district aims to keep many traditional aspects of the ceremony. Speeches from valedictorian Gavin Fuchs, salutatorian Ryan Burgardt and staff speaker, language arts teacher Brenda Foy, will be included. Graduate names will be read and there will be a presentation of the class of 2020. Each graduate is limited to one vehicle. Planning and prepa-
ration for this event has been in conjunction with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education and feedback from a survey sent to graduates and families, according to a district release. A stage, screen and speakers will be used to deliver student and staff speeches. Audio will be broadcast on WJON to ensure all vehicles are able to hear the proceedings. The ceremony will be live-streamed for families and friends not in attendance. Following the ceremony, a processional led by law enforcement will take place on Second Street North, Sauk Rapids. The school is also planning a firework display at 9:30 that evening at the high school. In other board news: – Superintendent Aaron Sinclair said the district is waiting on further guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health in regards to how to facilitate summer programming, such as community education, KidStop and Kids Club.
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Focus on contact tracing, fiscal policy BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Contract tracing and fiscal policy were the highlights of the Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting May 19. In what has become a staple of county board meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole Ruhoff, public health supervisor, and Jim McDermott, emergency management director, provided updates and gave commissioners a chance to ask questions about the county’s pandemic response. McDermott said the county has pushed out protective equipment and critical supplies to long-term care facilities and group homes. He said the county has a 55-gallon drum of bleach for disinfecting and multiple gallons of hand sanitizer to be utilized after the county opens its doors to the public. The industrial-size purchases paint a picture of longevity – that the virus is going to be here for a while and the county needs to be prepared for the long haul, McDermott said. McDermott thinks the state is waiting to see how reopening impacts infection and mortality figures, which will help determine when and
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Ruhoff said it could lead to businesses’ demise if the county makes known which have been identified as COVID-19 cluster areas, but also noted the balancing act between the public’s right to know and staying within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements, more commonly referred to as HIPPA. “Keep up the good work,” Buerkle said. “Sounds like you got a handle on this.” In a potential move that would allow for more fiscal freedom for county department heads, county engineer Chris Byrd said, in talking with about 18 county engineers, some boards allow department heads to enter into contract agreements up to a set amount of money without county board approval. In larger metro counties, department heads are allowed to approve up to $100,000 purchases; smaller counties allow up to $5,000. The proposal in Benton County is to allow department heads to enter into agreements up to $10,000. Instead of bringing it to the county board, usually the highest fiscal management and policy making board on the local level, some counties, such as Stearns, have established purchasing departments. County Administrator Monty Headley said the board’s decision likely will not materialize for a few months. In other board news: – Commissioners approved a lease agreement with the Foley American Legion Post
298 to construct and maintain a veterans memorial on the county’s courts facility property. The agreement states the Legion is responsible for all costs associated with the construction and future maintenance of the site. Because the Legion is maintaining a portion of the county’s sidewalk for cracks or item replacement on the memorial site, the county is not charging rent and committed to plowing snow from the sidewalk. – Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck submitted the sheriff’s office annual report for 2019. He said a lot of it is technical information best suited for nighttime reading but mentioned a few important points. Heck said, overall, Benton County has a significantly lower crime rate at 27% beneath the state average. He said there were more than 15,000 incident crime reports generated, an increase from last year with the majority of ICRs generated from traffic infractions. “Overall, I think when you look back at 2019, it was a good year for Benton County,” Heck said. – Department of Development Director Roxanne Achman talked about the potential for an Amnesty Days cancellation, which is scheduled for June 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Although most people would be in their vehicles, Achman said her concern is the comfortability of Allied Waste employees, who also work at the event, to haul residents’ personal items.
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how people can return to normal life. “It looks like we’re going to be dealing with this COVID-19 for the next eight to 12 months until they get some kind of vaccine or treatment,” McDermott said. Ruhoff said the next step is contact tracing which the county initiated last week through public health staff with help from the state. “We’re trying to identify clusters of the outbreak and understand how the virus is spread,” Ruhoff said. When the county’s public health sector confirms a positive COVID19-case person had come into contact with another person for an extended period of time, staff calls the person who might have contracted the virus for symptomatic monitoring. They offer suggestions for quarantine, getting tested or tips on how to stay safe going forward. “It is hit and miss, I will tell you,” Ruhoff said. “Some people are really good at calling back and some people it’s really hard to find a phone number.” With contact tracing, Ruhoff said the county identified COVID-19 clusters at businesses, although she was unable to say publicly which businesses those are due to federal health information privacy legislation. Commissioner Spencer Buerkle inquired as to whether people should know which businesses have been identified as potential hotspots so shoppers can stay away for the time being, but announcing the information publicly could lead to legal issues.
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Ceremony will honor class of 2020
Page 10 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 11
Sartell-Sauk Rapids-Rice Leadership paves the way SSRR girls lacrosse coach eager for 2021
LACROSSE Storm’n Sabres Girls lacrosse seniors
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of young women they are. They are so talented, and I know their futures are bright. Their leadership and love for the sport will be missed.” Summerville said the seniors’ leadership, dedication and hard work helped shape the program into what it is today. As a young program, the girls lacrosse team continues to grow in talent and participation. Summerville had goals of continuing team bonding while improving skills. The goal of winning games and earning playoff depth were important to Summerville and the team. These goals carry over to 2021. As the program continues to grow, Summerville knows the talent and dedication will continue with this year’s senior class as a strong example. “We want to be able to compete at the highest level,” Summerville said. “With being a fairly new program, we are looking forward to the 2021 season already.”
What will you miss most about the sport? Bunde: Seeing all my teammates and playing the game. Kramer: Gearing up to play goalie and playing with my team. Lahn: Game days with the girls. Whether it was long bus rides together or dancing during warmups, I will
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always cherish the special bond we had. Combining two schools could be difficult, but for us, it was easy. There was something special about this team that made it so rewarding to be a Storm’n Sabre. Lundgren: The teamwork on the field and seeing everyone pull together and do their job when it really counts for an awesome win in the end of a close game. Those games were the best. Magedanz: The thrill of a close game, and the whole team coming together to give our all. Martin: The competitiveness of the game and the team atmosphere. It is so fun celebrating our accomplishments as a team and working together to better not only yourself but the team as a whole. Myhrwold: Playing with my friends and teammates because we have so much fun together. Thompson: Being with the team. I love we combine with Sartell, and I have created friendships that will last a long time through the game. Timmer: The competitive aspect of being in the game.
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What is your favorite lacrosse memory? Bunde: Our first game last year against Moorhead. It was a beautiful day, and we took a big win. Kramer: Stopping at Dairy Queen after an away game. Lahn: When we came back from a multi-goal deficit against St. Cloud to win within the final minute of the game. Lundgren: My first goal freshman year on an 8-meter shot. Magedanz: The team bonding practices. It was so fun to connect and learn more about one another. Martin: The game against Tech last year. It was a super close game, yet we were able to pull ahead and take the win. It was also fun because I knew some of the girls from Tech, and playing against them was so much fun. Myhrwold: My first goal in my first varsity game. Thompson: Last season, when we beat our St. Cloud rivals 10-9 at a home game. Timmer: Stepping in for goalie for a half having never played goalie before.
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Leah Summerville has been a part of the Sartell-Sauk Rapids-Rice girls lacrosse program for the last two years as an assistant coach, but she was particularly excited for the 2020 season as it would have been her first as head coach of the varsity team. Instead, that career shift and the team’s season is postponed to 2021. “I am disappointed we had to cancel our lacrosse season, but the safety and health of all players, coaches, fans and referees is important to us and we understand the decision,” Summerville said. This year’s team was led by nine seniors – attackers Kylie Bunde and Annette Lahn, goalie Brooke Kramer, defenders Emma Lundgren, Lexi Magedanz, Lilly Timmer and Alexa Martin, and midfielders Meleah Myhrwold and Morgan Thompson. “I am heartbroken for the seniors I have gotten to know so well over these last few years,” Summerville said. “I will miss the senior class and the special group
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NEWS
Page 12 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Some meetings may take place by phone or teleconference. Please consult with the respective agency. Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day. Private ceremonies are being conducted by the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 298, and Rice American Legion Post 473 due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns and restrictions. Tuesday, May 26, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters A-F. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, May 26, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters G-M. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.
Sauk Rapids-Rice High School announces
top 10 Class of 2020 to graduate 314 students
Tuesday, May 26, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters N-R. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, May 26, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters G-M. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.
Madeline Bittman
Ryan Burgardt
Gavin Fuchs
Grant Hiltner
Emma Johnsen
Hillarie Markfort
Alexandra O’Brien
Morgan Paulson
Megan Wahlin
Holynne Zeilenga
Tuesday, May 26, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Meeting will take place by teleconference. Contact city hall for access. Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Class of 2020 Commencement. A private, family-only ceremony will take place with a processional along Second Avenue North in Sauk Rapids following the ceremony. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, May 27, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk RapidsRice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters N-R. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, May 27, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk RapidsRice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters S-Z. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Thursday, May 28 – Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Last Day of School.
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SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School has announced its top 10 students of the class of 2020. Madeline Bittman is the daughter of Dan and Julie Bittman, of Sauk Rapids. She is involved in Minnesota Honor Society (president), Storm Leaders, math league, Link Crew, Students Against Destructive Decisions and prom committee. Bittman participates in girls soccer and is a diver for the girls swim and dive team. Outside of school, Bittman volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and works as a bank teller at American Heritage Bank. In her down time, she enjoys going to the lake with her family and being outside. Bittman plans to pursue a career in engineering at the University of WisconsinMadison. Ryan Burgardt is the son of Cindy McMillan, of St. Cloud, and Curt Burgardt, of Monticello. Burgardt has
been an active member in band, choir, jazz band, marching band and pit orchestra. Other school activities include student council, Green Team, Link Crew, Minnesota Honor Society and winter guard. Outside of school, Burgardt volunteers at the St. Cloud Hospital and loves to binge watch reality TV. Burgardt will be attending the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. Gavin Fuchs is the son of Jon and Kristen Fuchs, of St. Cloud. He has always enjoyed school, especially making lifelong friends. Fuch’s school activities include cross-country, track and field, student council (treasurer), DECA (president and district representative), math league (cap-
tain), Minnesota Honor Society, principal’s cabinet and Green Team. In his down time, Fuchs enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing ping pong, golfing, boating, running and playing video games. Fuchs will be attending the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he will be majoring in neuroscience and minoring in pharmacology and Spanish. His long-term goal is to become a surgeon. Grant Hiltner is the son of Chad and Karla Hiltner, of Sauk Rapids, and the late Nicole Hiltner. He has been an active member of DECA where he has qualified for the national competition for the past two years. He is also a member of Minnesota Honor Society and volunteers at the TriCounty Humane Society. Outside of school, Hiltner enjoys reading and running. Hiltner plans to pursue a degree in biomedical science at St. Cloud State University. Emma Johnsen is the daughter of Brian and Camille Johnsen, of Sauk Rapids. She has been on the soccer team for five years and is a senior captain. She is also involved in Green Team, Link Crew, Minnesota
Honor Society, Storm Leaders, prom committee and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Outside of school, Johnsen works at Target and Dairy Queen. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Johnsen will be attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She is considering majors in occupational therapy or biomedical engineering. Hillarie Markfort is the daughter of Bill and Kris Markfort, of Sauk Rapids. She has been active in Project for Teens, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Minnesota Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Revive, Link Crew, drama, principal’s cabinet, band, jazz band and Storm Leaders. Markfort’s favorite activities have been being part of drama and the culinary management team. When she is not in school, Markfort enjoys volunteering at her church and grabbing a cup of coffee or going to a movie with friends. Markfort will be attending Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, to pursue a degree in youth ministry. Alexandra O’Brien is the daughter of Keith and Kristi O’Brien, of
Top 10 page 13
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 13
Police Report
Benton County Public Health works to slow the spread Agency initiates contact tracing BY NICOLE RUHOFF BENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SUPERVISOR
Local public health departments are ramping up efforts in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Central Minnesota. Benton County Public Health began conducting case and contact investigations – the practice of contacting someone who has tested positive and then tracking down other people they may have come into contact with while they were contagious – for lab confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Benton County residents. Across Minnesota, testing has increased to nearly 5,000 COVID-19 tests daily,
with the number of new cases in Benton county ranging from one to over 10 per day. Case and contact investigation can take time. With the limitations in staffing capacity at the local and state levels, we are sharing this work with the Minnesota Department of Health. The goal of case investigation and contact tracing is to limit the spread of infection within a community. In addition to limiting transmission, case and contact investigation helps public health identify clusters of outbreaks and will help further the understanding of the COVID-19 virus. We have been offering resources and support to community partners and local businesses to help keep employees safe. We are also helping to identify clusters of cases and assist in supporting their response. In conducting this work, public health departments prioritize protection of information of those who test positive, and they adhere to state and federal law, including federal law that
Sauk Rapids Police Department activity May 11 1702 hrs: Officers received a report of ducklings stuck in the storm sewer at the intersection of Fourth Avenue North and Daniels Court. Animal control was dispatched to assist as well, but upon arrival, Statewide COVID-19 officers noted a citizen was rescuing the ducklings. May 13 1532 hrs: Officers received a complaint of numbers as of May 21 a bike missing from the 100 block of Benton Drive 173,556 Minnesotans tested North. Officers spoke with apartment management 18,200 Confirmed positive cases and received video surveillance. The incident is be12,488 Recovered patients ing investigated. 2,380 Total hospitalized May 17 1833 hrs: Dispatch received a complaint of 566 Hospitalized on Thursday someone shopping at Coborn’s in a dinosaur costume. 229 ICU on Thursday Officers were advised, but no crimes were committed. 809 Deaths Incidents: 25 assists, 17 various calls, 16 suspicious activity reports, 12 medical calls, 8 welfare checks, 8 Benton County has confirmed 152 cases of COVID-19 with two deaths related to the disease. disturbances, 7 human services reports, 6 911 calls, 6 driving, 5 animals, 4 traffic stops, 4 alarms, 4 civil, 4 property, 4 thefts, 4 ordinances, 3 assaults, 3 domesrestricts the release of have been hospitalized, tics, 3 permits, 2 child, 2 accidents, 2 controlled submedical information, to and there have been two stances, 2 utility problems, 2 fires, 2 guns, 2 suicidal protect patient data. The confirmed COVID-19 persons and 2 burglaries. information collected deaths. during the interview will As the state conRice Police Department activity only be shared with pub- tinues to reopen, we may May 14 2047 hrs: Officers were dispatched for a lic health staff working see a rise in numbers. dryer laying in the left lane of Highway 10 near the on COVID-19 response. Case and contact inves- County Road 2 exit. Upon arrival, the owner had reOutreach to peo- tigations are critical. turned, and officers helped the driver load and secure ple who have been infect- People who have been in the dryer. ed gives public health the close contact with some- Incidents: 13 various calls, 7 assists, 3 traffic stops, opportunity to provide one who is infected with 3 special events, 2 traffic hazards and 2 harassments. essential service delivery, the virus are at high risk or connections to the ser- of becoming infected or vices and support a CO- spreading the virus to VID-19 client may need. others. Benton County’s Public health first lab confirmed case needs the community’s MISCELLANEOUS was March 15. As of help; it is important com- FOR RENT May 19, there have been munity members answer 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Moving Must Sell - New 141 lab confirmed cases the call. wall mounted electric Apartment in Sauk in Benton County. The Public Health fireplace with heater, bar Rapids Off Hwy 15, age ranges have been will continue to work stools, stainless steel quiet building. $725 heat from under 1 to 98 years hard on this effort and microwave, rocking chair, included. 320-420-1037. old. Multiple people help slow the spread. mirror. Call 320-309RF-20-3B
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Rice. Her activities include track and field, volleyball, Link Crew, Minnesota Honor Society, principal’s cabinet and DECA. O’Brien is the president of DECA, which is her favorite high school activity. Outside of school, she loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing in her hammock. She is an avid reader and napper. O’Brien plans to pursue a degree in neuroscience at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Morgan Paulson is the daughter of Bruce Paulson and Jennifer Thorsten, of Rice. She has been involved in many activities but her passion falls within the fine arts programs. These activities include speech team (captain), drama, band, choir and the music listening contest. Paulson also participated on the girls swim and dive team, Minnesota Honor Society and Storm Leaders. In her down time, she likes trying new things, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music. Paulson will be attending North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in pharmacy with a minor in economics. Megan Wahlin is the daughter of Steve and Lisa Wahlin, of Sauk Rapids. Her school activities include Minnesota Honor Society, Storm Leaders and prom committee. Wahlin is on the Storm dance team where she was a two-year captain as well as a member of the choreography team. Outside of school, Wahlin volunteers at the Good Shepherd Memory Loss Cottages. She has also enjoyed various shadowing experiences at the St. Cloud Hospital through the Health Careers Internship Program. Wahlin is working to obtain her nursing assistant certification, and she plans to major in human physiology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she will follow a pre-medical track. Holynne Zeilenga is the daughter of Randy and Marie Zeilenga, of Sauk Rapids. Her biggest passion in high school has been being a member of the girls swim and dive team. Swimming has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. It has been a sport with highs and lows that has taught her the power of perseverance. Zeilenga will be attending Winona State University to major in nursing.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 5, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on May 5, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Jake Bauerly, Steve Heinen, Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle and Warren Peschl present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the amended agenda: add item: accept donation to Sheriff’s Office Police Activities League Fund. No one spoke under Open Forum. Bauerly/Popp unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2020 as written; 2) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2020 as written; 3) approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Council 65, representing Human Services employees, for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve two-year agreements with Attorneys Adam Brainard, Ethan Allen, Sam Young and Cathleen Gabriel, effective May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2022, for CHIPS and TPR representation, and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) reappoint Chris Byrd as County Engineer for a four-year term starting June 1, 2020 and expiring May 31, 2024; 6) approve cost-sharing agreement with Stearns County for a “Great River Park Complex” Master Plan, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) approve application renewal for County Combination OnSale, Off-Sale and Sunday Sale Liquor License for RSVP Restaurants, Inc. dba Goodfella’s Bar & Grill, 14351 – 78th Street NE, Foley, for the period June 1, 2020-May 31, 2021, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) adopt Resolution 2020-#21, accepting NG911 GIS Grant Award, and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve contract renewal with ReCollect for web and mobile services pertaining to waste collection, and authorize the Chair to sign; 10) approve St. Cloud State University Aquatic Invasive Species grant request as recommended by the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force; 11) approve Special Road Use Permit—Rice Family Fun Days—and authorize the Chair to sign; and 12) adopt Resolution 2020-#22, accepting donation to the Sheriff’s Office Police Activities League fund from Renee and Robert Bannister, and authorize the Chair to sign. Troy Heck, County Sheriff, explained that May 10-16, 2020 has been designated as National Police Week; this designation honors the men and women of our nation’s law enforcement agencies who work to ensure citizens may live their lives without fear of harm or loss. He stated that these dedicated men and women work under difficult and dangerous conditions dealing with violent, mentally ill, and dangerous individuals; Benton County is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated group of professional peace officers serving Benton County. Heck also noted that May 15th is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day; since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 19,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have been killed in the line of duty, including one member of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (Deputy Sheriff Frank McGregor was killed in a fatal car accident in 1931). Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the proclamation recognizing the men and women of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and authorize the Chair to sign. Nicole Ruhoff, Community Health Administrator, provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Benton County has 35 cases as of yesterday, including one death; models show a peak in deaths in mid-May. She stated that staff has been working on a mapping of positive cases; these areas may need additional outreach/ education to, hopefully, slow the spread in those areas. Ruhoff pointed out that staff continues to work with Stearns County and Place of Hope on an agreement for sheltering those who are homeless who may need to be isolated or quarantined; Centra Care Health has numerous patients who are hospitalized—testing capacity is increasing, leading to an increase in cases locally. Ruhoff stated that public health has been providing resources/guidance to a number of community partners who are looking at either reopening their businesses or improving their practices. She added that Centra Care Health is also setting up nine COVID support sites which should be “up and running” soon. The next item was a public hearing to consider an amendment of the Benton County Fee Schedule for Administrative Subdivisions and Simple Plats. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, explained that the Simple Plat process will replace the Administrative Subdivision (5-19.9 acres); however, the fee will remain $300.00. She stated that, additionally, the title for Administrative Subdivisions, 20 acres or greater, will become 10 acres or greater; the fee will remain $150.00. Achman added that Corrective Action and Boundary Line Adjustment will be removed completely; the fee for corrective action will be based on the process required and Boundary Line Adjustments are subject to the $300.00 fee. The public hearing was opened at 9:20 AM. With no one wishing to address the County Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:22 AM. Bauerly/Popp unanimous to approve the requested amendment to the Benton County Fee Schedule for Simple Plats and Administrative Subdivisions. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:24 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:27 AM. Bob Cornelius, Human Services Director, reported
PUBLIC NOTICES
that turnover in the Office Support unit has been an ongoing problem; this unit is the first line of customer service. He explained a new concept of reassigning Office Support to Eligibility Specialist, which would provide more flexibility by having 25+ individuals who could provide front line customer service versus 3-5 individuals at the two locations. Cornelius explained that this concept sets up nicely for case banking and implementation of a call bank/ phone tree to address phone calls upfront, a huge efficiency (less messages and less phone tag). He commented “...in light of all the COVID-19...I think there are a lot of things we will need to look at that have changed...whether or not we want to go back to what we did before...we can still do almost everything we do over the phone...do we really need to have that high profile customer service...can we accomplish more from home/phone banking...” Cornelius stated that, to offset this proposal, one Eligibility Specialist position would be eliminated through attrition in 2021 (a savings of approximately $60,000); cost to upgrade all Office Support at Grade 4 to Eligibility Specialist at Grade 5 is approximately $22,300. Bauerly questioned if this action should be done in coordination with the classification and compensation study, noting that Grade 5 may or may not be the correct grade assignment. Cornelius noted that all Office Support will be expected to incorporate all Eligibility Specialist job duties and, likewise, the Eligibility Specialist position will incorporate Office Support duties; the proper grade for the resulting Eligibility Specialist position will be examined during the classification and compensation study. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the reassignment of Office Support staff to Eligibility Specialist staff. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, reported that two bids for 2020 seasonal bituminous overlay were received; this project is for small overlays/patches at various locations around the county. He notedthat Knife River was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $675,870 (while Byrd did receive alternate bids as well from both bidders for less tonnage, this is the total bid for all the advertised quantity as recommended by the County Engineer); the bid is slightly above the Engineer’s estimate of $604,985, it is still below the 2020 budgeted amount of $690,000. Referencing the listed projects for 2020 seasonal bituminous overlay, Bauerly commented “...putting a 2” overlay on a 15-year old parking lot (public works parking lot) seems a little excessive...put more on the roads where they need it so bad...” Following brief discussion, Peschl/Popp unanimous to accept the total bid of Knife River Corporation-North Central Division ($675,870) for 2020 seasonal bituminous overlay and authorize the Chair to sign the construction contract. Byrd reported that seven bids were received for 2020 gravel crushing project; this project is to produce 30,000 cubic yards of class 5 gravel in the county-leased pit. He pointed out that Brown Excavating, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $68,700; the bid is 29.5% below the Engineer’s Estimate of $97,500 and below the 2020 budgeted amount of $180,000. Bauerly/Popp unanimous to accept the bid of Brown Excavating, Inc. ($68,700) for 2020 gravel crushing project and authorize the Chair to sign the construction contract. Byrd stated that two bids were received for 2020 pavement markings (striping); this project is to replace longline pavement markings at various locations across the county (replace striping on about 100 miles of paved county roads). He indicated that Traffic Marking Services, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $103,200; this bid is 14% below the Engineer’s Estimate of $120,000 and below the 2020 budgeted amount of $117,500. Peschl/ Heinen unanimous to accept the bid of Traffic Marking Services, Inc. ($103,200) for 2020 pavement markings/ striping and authorize the Chair to sign the construction contract. Byrd explained that the City of Sartell has inquired of the possibility of installing a sign within county owned, and maintained, right-of-way (at the intersection of Benton Drive and CR 29); the City claims that the mounting bases on the sign they are proposing are “break away” which is a requirement for traffic signs placed within the rightof-way. Byrd noted that Benton County does not have a well- defined policy on this; generally, Minnesota Statute §160.2715 prohibits erecting “advertisements” in public right-of-way (this could be construed as an advertisement, but it is a government agency). He stated several concerns—1) this request could trigger similar requests from other cities, and 2) does the proposed sign meet crash standards? Byrd stated that he would be “more comfortable” placing a sign “outside of the clear zone”. Buerkle inquired if the proposed sign would distract from other traffic signs/ signals in the area. Peschl inquired what other counties have done in similar situations. Bauerly commented “... could you get an opinion from the state aid traffic/safety engineer...that would be my recommendation...will it create any site/vision blocking...the safety component...what’s the precedent around the state...” There was consensus of the Board that they should not make a decision on this request without the advice of an “expert”; Byrd will seek this guidance and report back to the Board. Byrd provided an update on construction activities: • Spring road restrictions were removed as of yesterday. • CR 78—plans are to start paving on Monday. Bauerly commented “...it’s pretty early to be paving a new grade in the second week of May...if the subgrade starts failing, you better shut them down...you could have some quality problems...I want to go on record on that because you could have problems...” Popp inquired about
a project deadline. Byrd stated “...the end of May is the calendar completion date...” Bauerly added “...maybe our deadline is pushing them...I would suggest we back off the deadline to get a better quality product...ask them if you push back the deadline by a week, would they push back the paving a week...” Byrd stated “...I still feel like it is somewhat, at this point, it’s the contractor’s decision to go ahead and move in...road restrictions are off so we are not saying no...we do know that we did have some soft spots that we identified and that we are correcting...” Bauerly stated “...maybe you should send them a letter saying that we are concerned about the subgrade being a little tender yet...could you wait a week or two...then, if it does fail, you’ve got something to go back on...I just don’t want our deadline to force the issue...” Byrd indicated that he will have those discussions with the contractor, stating “we are going to protect the public investment the best that we can”. • CR 6 South of Ronneby—plans are to start this project on Wednesday (replacing entrance pipes). Peschl/Heinen unanimous to conduct a closed meeting of the County Board (at 10:08 AM) pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.03, Subdivision 1, to consider strategy for labor negotiations. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 10:20 AM. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Commissioner Popp referenced the CR 78 project, stating “...I drove CR 78 yesterday...I have big concerns putting asphalt down on that road next week...” Byrd stated that staff will set up a meeting with Knife River, commenting “...the grading contractor is out there this week...at this point, it’s the subgrade contractor’s responsibility to address any subgrade issues... Knife River is moving in their plant this week...we test it as they are building that subgrade...we have some tools at our disposal to check this before it is compromised...” Popp/Bauerly unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: May 11, Public Works; June 8, AMC District V Meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 10:38 AM to conduct a Ditch Authority meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 11:36 AM. Monty Headley, County Administrator, requested discussion, and possible direction, on whether Benton County will allow some form of property tax relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nadean Inman, Auditor-Treasurer, provided an overview of actions that other counties have taken on this subject (Stearns; Wright; Morrison; Sherburne; Kandiyohi and Crow Wing) and the pros and cons of those actions. Bauerly inquired about “cutting the penalties in half for everyone” (half of the normal penalties for late payment of property tax across the board for all classifications—May 16-June 30, July 1-July 31). There was consensus of the Board that: 1) For taxes paid between May 16, 2020 and July 31, 2020, a penalty equal to one-half of the statutorily-prescribed percentage of the unpaid tax otherwise due; 2) such reduction not apply to personal property; and 3) for taxes paid on or after August 1, 2020, the penalty otherwise imposed by law. Bauerly/ Peschl unanimous to adopt Resolution 2020-#23, A Resolution Reducing Penalties on Late Property Tax Payments Through July 31, 2020 Due to the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and authorize the Chair to sign. Administrator Headley explained that Benton County, as a signatory to the St. Cloud Regional Airport Commission authorizing resolution, appoints two County residents to the Commission; initially, the Commission will serve as an advisory group until the Federal Aviation Administration approves the transfer of the airport from the City of St. Cloud to the Regional Airport Authority. Headley noted that once approval is granted, the Commission will assume all the powers vested to it by the resolution and state law. He stated that Benton County, Stearns County, Sherburne County and the City of St. Cloud each appoint two members and then these eight appointees select a ninth member. He stated that there seems to be some desire amongst the member counties that all member counties bring together their proposed representatives and have some group dis-b cussion; however, it is ultimately up to each individuala County Board if they would rather make their own deci-C sion on their county’s appointments. Several Board mem-i bers noted possible candidates for appointment. BauerlyA suggested that these potential candidates be invited to attend a Committee of the Whole of the County Board; theP Board could then submit the names of those individuals they would like to move forward. t Headley reported that discussions have begun on pos-t sibly easing current restrictions to county facilities for greater public access and what it will take to do so safely;C the annex area of the Government Center will likely re-C ceive the most pressure to reopen first. He explained thatn the departments in the annex area agreed on the importancec of 1) having physical barriers (sneeze guards); 2) limitingo the number of people entering the facility at any given timec (station a person at the front door to meter the number of2 people entering; hand sanitizer will be available and masksb will be offered); and 3) cleaning (engage in fairly regular sanitizing of contact services during the work day throughout county facilities—this could be accomplished throughw Service Master who currently provides cleaning services
Benton County minutes page 13
2
PUBLIC NOTICES Benton County minutes page 12 for county facilities). Heinen commented “...I think in the short term it’s a good idea (hiring a cleaning company for sanitizing)...but not long term...in my opinion, we could have a couple employees doing this on a regular basis...” Headley noted that there will still need to be discussions about easing restrictions in other departments; department heads should determine what works for their individual departments. He added “...I think it’s really important to have someone at the front door...sometimes veterans will come here...we are not going to ask them to stand in line and wait 30 minutes...our veterans service officer will come get them and they won’t be part of that line situation...” Bauerly/Heinen unanimous to adjourn at 12:20 PM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-21-1B Monday, May 4, 2020 WORK SESSION MINUTES District Office Board Room/ Remote Meeting as provided by Minnesota Statute 13D.021 5:30 p.m. A Work Session of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., the Work Session was a remote meeting as provided by Minnesota Statute 13D.021. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse, and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Sinclair, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Business Services Johnson, SRRHS Principal Nohner, and PV Principal Froiland. AGENDA APPROVAL A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None WORK STUDY TOPICS ICS/Wold Update – Walter/Bagley Representatives from ICS and Wold provided updates regarding the new Pleasantview Elementary School planning and the Design Team process. 2019 – 2020 Update – District Administration provided updates regarding district facilities, spring activities, Distance Learning, and technology and materials check in. ADJOURNMENT With no further Work Session topics appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Braun, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021, the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Holthaus, Morse, Solarz and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-21-1B
City of Sauk Rapids PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to participate in a public hearing that will be held on Monday, June 8th at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center Council Chambers, 250 Summit Avenue North to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT City of Sauk Rapids PURPOSE To consider an ordinance revision that would allow electronic swimming pool covers in lieu of fences in certain situations. If the City Council resumes in-person meetings, the Council will meet in the Sauk Rapids Government Center— Council Chambers, 250 Summit Ave. N, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379. If the meeting is held electronically, public comments will be facilitated electronically. A determination on whether the City will be meeting in-person or electronically will be posted on the City website no later than June 5, 2020. Instructions for joining the meeting electronically will be posted on the City’s website no later than 10:00 am on June 8, 2020. Please contact Sauk Rapids Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us with questions or to obtain a copy of the application. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald Saturday, May 23, 2020 R-21-1B
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 15
City of Sauk Rapids PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to participate in a public hearing that will be held on Monday, June 8th at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center Council Chambers, 250 Summit Avenue North to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT All Energy Solar PURPOSE To consider an Interim Use Permit request to install a 346.68KW DC rooftop solar array at 5 Industrial Boulevard, Sauk Rapids, MN. Use permits required for solar projects in the industrial district. If the City Council resumes in-person meetings, the Council will meet in the Sauk Rapids Government Center— Council Chambers, 250 Summit Ave. N, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379. If the meeting is held electronically, public comments will be facilitated electronically. A determination on whether the City will be meeting in-person or electronically will be posted on the City website no later than June 5, 2020. Instructions for joining the meeting electronically will be posted on the City’s website no later than 10:00 am on June 8, 2020. Please contact Sauk Rapids Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us with questions or to obtain a copy of the application. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald Saturday, May 23, 2020 R-21-1B
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids at 6:00pm, on June 8, 2020, to conduct a public hearing for Liquor Licenses. This public hearing is to consider On-Sale Intoxicating License, Special Sunday License, On-Sale 3.2 Beer License, Off-Sale 3.2 Beer License, and Seasonal Outdoor Sales within the City of Sauk Rapids for the License year of July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021. If the City Council resumes in-person meetings, the Council will meet in the Sauk Rapids Government Center— Council Chambers, 250 Summit Ave. N, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379. If the meeting is held electronically, public comments will be facilitated electronically. A determination on whether the City will be meeting in-person or electronically will be posted on the City website no later than June 5, 2020. Instructions for joining the meeting electronically will be posted on the City’s website no later than 10:00 am on June 8, 2020. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the matter may also do so in writing to the City Administrator by email to rolson@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us or by letter to the address below. Inquiries should be directed to Dana Furman, Deputy Clerk, at 320-258-5303 during normal working hours or to: Sauk Rapids Government Center 250 Summit Ave N. Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 R-21-1B
SECTION 00 1000 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SAUK RAPIDS RIVERFRONT PARKS PROJECT The City of Sauk Rapids invites bids for the Riverfronts Parks Splash Pad Fountain Water Feature. The bids will be accordance with bidding documents prepared by Confluence Architects. Bids will be received for separate prime contracts managed by R. A. Morton and Associates LLC, Construction Managers. PROJECT SCOPE: Splash pad fountain water feature: 60’x40’x6” concrete ellipse-shaped splash pad with LED niche lights for the interactive jets. This feature is designed to be a recirculating, dry type system with a buried water vault and indoor mechanical room. BID DATE/PLACE OF OPENING Sealed bids will be received on or before Thursday, June 4th, 2020 @ 2:00 p.m. at the City of Sauk Rapids Government Center located at 250 Summit Avenue North Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. Bids will be publicly opened and read at that time. PROCUREMENT OF DOCUMENTS (For Copy of Plans and Specifications from Website) Copies of Bidding Documents may be obtained from the website of the Construction Manager at www.ramorton.com. Contractors Corner (lower right hand corner), click login, Bid Room, click on project. A pop-up form will come up, fill in all areas required, then submit. It will take you to the plans and specifications that can be downloaded. Contractors are responsible for own printing if needed. EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS Bidding documents are now available. Bidding documents may be examined at the following locations. R.A. Morton Construction Managers, St Cloud, MN; Confluence Architects, Minneapolis, MN; Minnesota Builders Exchange, Minneapolis, MN; St. Cloud Builders Exchange, St. Cloud, MN; Mankato Builders Exchange, Mankato, MN; Southwest Builders Exchange, Marshall, MN; Austin Builders Exchange, Austin, MN; Albert Lea Builders Exchange, Albert Lea, MN; Builders Exchange of Rochester, Rochester, MN; Mid Minnesota Builders Exchange, Willmar, MN; FargoMoorhead Builders Exchange, Fargo, ND. BID SECURITY Each bid in excess of $20,000 shall be accompanied by a bid security of 5% of the maximum amount of the bid in the form of a Surety Bond, Certified Check or Cashier’s Check. PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS Each successful prime contract bidder shall furnish a Performance and Payment Bonds in the full amount of the contract if contract exceeds $20,000. Surety must be authorized to do business in State of Minnesota.
SUBMISSIONS Each successful “Prime Contract” bidder shall furnish signed contract agreements, certificate of insurance, W- 9 form, payment and performance bonds, listing of suppliers/subcontractors and schedule of values within ten days of receipt of contract and/or upon notification acceptance of this bid. Failure to adhere to this project requirement may result in the rejection of the Contractor’s bid and forfeiture of the bid bond. WAGE RATES Prevailing wage requirements are not required. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS The bidder acknowledges the rights of the owner to reject any and all bids, accept any bid, waive informalities in bids submitted, and waive minor discrepancies in bidding procedures, as deems to be in its best interest. Each bidder agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Construction Manager, the Architect and respective employees, arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation or recommendation of any bid. Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of Forty Five (45) calendar days immediately following the date of receipt of bids. STATE SALES TAX It is the intent of the Owner to take advantage of their tax-exempt status as a Minnesota Public Corporation to exclude state sales tax from material only bids and contracts. Refer to Section 002900 Work Scopes for bid division descriptions of bid packages that are material only and are not to include state sales tax. All material and labor or labor only bid packages shall include state sales tax. By their signature on the Bid, the bidder warrants and guarantees that they have included in the bid the amount of all Excise and Use Taxes which they are liable to pay under laws of the State of Minnesota for materials and equipment required to complete the Work. ADDENDUMS It shall be the responsibility of any and all bidders to check on the Construction Manager’s website to acquire all addenda before submitting a bid. OTHER ISSUES Direct communications regarding drawings or specifications on this project to Jake Coryell Confluence Architects, phone (612)-333-3702 X 501, Jcoryell@thinkconfluence.com or Terry Minarik Confluence Architects, phone (612)-333-3702 X 506, Tminarik@thinkconfluence.com Direct communications regarding bidding procedure & schedule on this project to Preston Euerle of R. A. Morton Construction Managers, phone (320) 223-6240, prestone@ramorton.com or Larry Bomstad of R. A. Morton Construction Managers, phone (320) 223-6244, LarryB@ramorton.com END OF SECTION 00 1000
R-21-1B
NEWS
Page 16 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Benoit family celebrates milestones in an all-in-one salute PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Allie Benoit dons a cap and gown prior to a celebration hosted by her grandparents May 15 in Sauk Rapids. The Sartell High School Class of 2020 graduate turns 18 in June and leaves for military service shortly after.
Prom, graduation, birthday, military send-off are wrapped into one Friday night BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Spring took its toll on the class of 2020. Across the state and with concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, many missed out on high points that seem to define the culmination of one’s high school career. Proms were canceled or postponed. Athletic and fine arts activities suspended then scratched. Commencements were altered to drive-in family-only
events. With one milestone moment crossed off after another, one Sauk Rapids family took matters into their own hands. Ken and Peggy Benoit hosted a small gathering at their home to celebrate their oldest granddaughter, Allie Mae Benoit. Allie, a member of the Sartell High School class of 2020, is the daughter of Jessie Krogstad and Scott Benoit. After graduating from high school May 30, she will turn 18 June 15 and leave for the
News Briefs
Riverside parks closed for summer SAUK RAPIDS – Due to the planned improvements for Southside and Sauk Rapids Lions Sunset parks, the city of Sauk Rapids have officially closed the area for the remainder of summer. For a full list of city parks, visit https://www.cisauk-rapids.mn.us.
Benton County DMV remains closed FOLEY – Benton County’s Department of Motor Vehicles and driver’s license office remains closed to the public. The county is working to prepare its offices for reopening to the public. All other departments are open by appointment. Call 320-968-5000 or visit the county website at https://co.benton.mn.us for more information.
Brandon Theisen
• New Construction • Residential 5747 411th Street • Rice, MN 56367 • Commercial Cell: 320.266.3949 • Industrial btheisen@saukrapidselectric.com • Audio/Video R11-e3wB-TV
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United States Army June 30. Given gathering restrictions, her family has no idea whether they will have the opportunity to see her off, so about 25 family members gathered at Ken and Peggy’s home May 15 to celebrate the young soldier. “It brings a lot of happiness, knowing they go out of their way to do something like that for me since we can’t have these things at school,” Allie said. With a black, gold and white roaring ’20s style decorations adorning the room, family members performed a grand march to “Pomp and Circumstance” before partaking in photos and a meal. A bubble machine, background music, photo stations and fountains set the party scene. Peggy said her grandchildren took the lead on organizing and decorating the event to show Allie support. “I am so excited to be able to spend this time with Allie,” Peggy said. “It’s something you can never get back. It’s in the moment whether it be a good time for it or not. … I feel bad that (these kids) are going through these times right now, and they don’t get the excitement
and the pleasure and the things they’ve wanted and waited for, for 12 years. It’s a big step in their life, so to be able to make that happen, just means the world to me.” Prior to donning her prom dress, Allie took graduation photos in cap and gown – items she received late that afternoon in the mail. “I just wish her the world, and I know tonight, after all is over and done, she is going to be elated that we had this time together to make it as special and as bonding as it can be,” Peggy said. While placing her senior year of high school on pause for the last 2.5 months, Allie will now press play as she prepares for active duty in Fort Benning, Georgia. “I’m ready for it; it’ll all be worth it,” she said.
Scott Benoit escorts his daughter Allie during a grand march at his parents’ home in Sauk Rapids May 15. About 25 family members gathered to throw an all-in-one – prom, graduation, birthday and military send-off – party for Allie.
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Ken and Peggy Benoit, of Sauk Rapids, walk through a decorated birchwood archway as part of a grand march May 15 at their home in Sauk Rapids. The celebratory walk signified the beginning of an all-in-one party the couple hosted for their granddaughter Allie Benoit – a class of 2020 graduate.
Page 18 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SPORTS
Emotional summertime absence Post 254 reacts to Legion baseball cancellation BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Gone are the summer nights at the ballpark, the thrill of the cracking bat or the adrenaline rush from sliding across home plate ahead of the tag. When the Minnesota State High School League canceled the spring sports season April 23, high school baseball players across the state were hopeful for a chance on the field for Legion summer baseball. Those hopes were crushed when the cancellation of the Minnesota American Legion Baseball summer season was announced May 9. “We just have to live with their decision,” said Paul Wippler, head coach of the Sauk Rapids Legion Post 254 baseball team. “I am very disappointed the season was canceled. You cannot replace the at-bats and the fielding opportunities that come with playing the game.” Post 254 was one of 357 teams signed up to play this summer, making Minnesota the largest state in the nation for participation. This is the first time the state has canceled a season since 1926. For high school seniors and underclassmen alike, missing the summer season is emotional. For many seniors, it was the last season they were eligible to play with Post 254 due to age. For underclassmen, it
Brady Pesta catches a fly ball July 2, 2019, in Sauk Rapids. Due to COVID-19, Pesta was unable to have his final season of Legion baseball and hopes to be granted eligibility next year.
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PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Derek Durant pitches July 8, 2019, at Bob Cross Field in Sauk Rapids. Durant has been practicing and training on his own due to the cancellation of spring high school and summer Legion baseball seasons.
is missing key development time as well as college recruitment opportunities. Andrew Wollak, junior catcher, has plans of playing baseball at the next level. “It really throws a curve in the recruiting process,” Wollak said. “It will be interesting to see what approach scouts take with no season this year.” Wollak and Landon Lunser, junior pitcher, have been getting together in small groups with other teammates to work on throwing, hitting and fielding. They plan to continue training together in whatever way they can, putting in the work to ensure they are in shape for the 2021 season. “The cancellation makes me feel pretty upset, and I feel the decision came too quick with the season having not even started for almost a month,” Lunser said. “There are places around town that can be open with hundreds of people inside and have that considered safe, yet two baseball teams and some parents and fans can’t be spread out enough throughout the field. It’s like a kick to the throat knowing we won’t be able to get out on the field and be with the boys under the lights.” Brady Pesta had been doing a substantial amount of throwing to keep his arm in shape while hoping he would get a chance to play. Instead, his baseball career has ended abruptly. Pesta hopes to be eligible to play with the team next summer.
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Landon Lunser throws a pitch toward the plate in the first inning of a game against St. Michael June 21, 2019, at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud. Lunser is missing out on his junior season of Legion baseball due to the COVID19-related cancellations.
“I can’t even describe it,” Pesta said. “For my entire life, there has always been a next year. It’s unbearable knowing there won’t be another time I get to throw on the cleats with my friends. If I would have known I would not get a senior season, I would have taken in every moment more than I did.” Derek Durant is a senior infielder now missing out on valuable development before continuing his baseball career at St. John’s University next fall. He expects setbacks but plans to go to the field throughout the summer to train and condition. Missing out on both spring high school baseball and the summer Legion season has left Durant with individual and small-group training with his teammates rather than game experience. He has had to also alter his workouts due to not having access to exercise and weight-lifting equipment. “It is very tough not getting out on the field this year,” Durant said. “Legion ball is a great way to get some extra time on the field while enjoying the summer weather. Having no season is hard.”
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | Page 19
Racing to the
finish line
Anagnoses run virtual Earth Day competition BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – What started as a way of losing weight and becoming healthier people continued into a passion that has taken Atlas Anagnos and his wife, Meredith, across the country. From Green Lake, Wise , consin, to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the cou- ple has run in many places. “We are definitely those people who run because it’s fun,” Atlas said. “We aren’t the fastest, – more middle of the pack – but it is a fun hobby for us. We like to run, so we race a lot. For us, it’s a meditative exercise, and it allows me to spend some time alone with my thoughts or just listen to an audio book and forget about the world around me.” The Anagnoses, of Sauk Rapids, compete in races together. On average, the couple competes in about 10 races per year, many of which are half marathons, but also includes 5K and 10K races. The 2020 CentraCare t Earth Day Run events in St. Cloud was set to be their next half marathon until CentraCare announced the race’s postponement due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The event is rescheduled for Sept. 4-5, but CentraCare has also invited runners to take part in a virtual race between April 24 and May 20. “I was disappointed with the cancellation and was looking forward to it, but the virtual race was a good option,” Atlas said. “I am definitely going to participate in the run in September too. A fall race sounds like a lot of fun.” When doing the virtual run, the couple ran on separate days and in different places. Atlas chose to run April 25 on the course the half marathon would have taken him in the scheduled event. Meredith competed in her virtual run May 16 and ran near the trails and roads by Sauk RapidsRice High School with some overlap of the original course. Atlas has run the events Cetera Half Marathon three years previously, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Meredith joined him in 2019. Meredith started running
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Atlas and Meredith Anagnos stand near the finish line of the CentraCare Earth Day Run April 20, 2019, in St. Cloud. The couple participated in the CentraCare Earth Day virtual run and plan to race in the rescheduled event Sept. 4-5.
races on a promise to Atlas. “He was running the Dopey challenge at Disney, which is a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, one race on four consecutive days,” Meredith said. “He got sick and could not run his half marathon. That’s when I promised I would run a half marathon with him at Disney. Once I ran
that, I just kept racing.” Although the couple competes together, training is done separately. Atlas typically runs at 5 a.m. in the summertime before the weather gets too hot or once it is light out in the wintertime.
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The last dance solidifies Jordan’s position as greatest Throughout my experience watching “The Last Dance,” a 10-part documentary focused on the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls and the historic rise and fall of that franchise during Michael Jordan’s time with the team, I was totally captivated by the nostalgic effect of this series. ESPN and the producers of the documentary deserve massive credit for transporting the viewer back COLUMNIST to very specific places in time by weav- SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER ing together candid interviews, music, ads and an incredible backlog of previously unreleased footage that serve as a time capsule back to what many people consider the best time period in NBA history. For those of us lucky to have witnessed Jordan at the peak of his powers, this was truly a treat. However, let’s not mince words here – the primary purpose of the series, which Jordan helped produce, was to crystallize MJ’s place in basketball history as the greatest player ever. Mission accomplished. It is often difficult to compare players across eras because of significant changes to both the game itself and the bodies of the athletes who play. It would be hard to argue that Bill Russell could compete with Shaquille O’Neal physically, for instance, but few people would argue that Shaq had a better career than the Celtics legend. In these cases, it is useful to examine how thoroughly a player dominated his or her peers, and Jordan passes this test with flying colors. He completely dominated his peers for almost an entire decade. He eliminated 20 different hall of fame players from the playoffs throughout his career, won five regular season MVPs, six NBA Finals MVPs, was a 10-time first team All-NBA player, a 14-time All-Star, and the list of accolades goes on and on. While some players with long careers can sniff some of those accomplishments (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James fall into this category), no other modern player beyond Scottie Pippen can say they won six titles in six trips to the Finals, and that is the trump card in this particular debate. The documentary also provided a stark reminder of Jordan’s insane athleticism and body control. His raw athleticism, silky stroke and ridiculous talent jumped off the screen, and his skill set would immediately translate to today’s game. I do not think modern wing stoppers like Paul George or Kawhi Leonard would be able to corral him any more effectively than his contemporary peers like Joe Dumars or Bryon Russell. If you surrounded Jordan with shooters like they have done for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee or James Harden in Houston, he would utterly eviscerate any defender off the dribble in a one-on-one situation. He was also an underrated passer, and his assist totals would go through the roof when teams tried to double-team him. Remember this: Jordan averaged 31.5 points and 6.3 assists per game as a Bulls player in an era when most teams struggled to get to 90 points. If you drop that version of Jordan into the high-scoring, no hand-checking modern game, it would be like unleashing a wolf in a henhouse. Jordan’s singular focus on winning and maniacal obsession with dominating his opponents would also give him a competitive edge in today’s game. He might not endear himself to his teammates (he might actually face assault charges for some of the stuff he pulled in practice back in the day if he tried it now), but his team would absolutely be ready to compete every night. I do not think you would see MJ on a banana boat with LeBron, Wade and Chris Paul on Instagram. He is not building any super teams in Miami nor Golden State. Instead, he would be doing everything he could to eviscerate those types of players, and let me tell you, that would have been fun to watch. “The Last Dance” came at a perfect time when there have been very few solid viewing options for sports fans. It became appointment TV every Sunday night, dominating the national conversation like nothing since “Game of Thrones” went off the air. If you have not seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. If you are a MJ fan, this will be right in your wheelhouse. If you are someone under the age of 30 who thinks LeBron James is the best player ever, this series will provide you with a sound education concerning the correct answer to the NBA GOAT argument. Either way, you will be treated to 10 extremely entertaining and insightful hours from one of the best sports documentaries ever produced.
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Page 20 | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
s n o ti a l tu a r g n o C
Anagnoses from front
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“You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”. Philippians 4:13
Meredith runs in the middle of the day or at the YMCA in St. Cloud. The Anagnoses train a couple days during the week with shorter distances of 6 miles, sometimes with more speed or more difficult terrain.
Each weekend, they take part of a day to go on a longer 10- to 12-mile run. But even when they are running together on a race day, it may look a little odd. “We both have headphones in and seem to be ignoring each other,” Atlas said. “We are both so used to running by ourselves, but we have adjusted to accommodate each other, like slowing or quickening our pace and just make sure we go out, run and have fun together.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Atlas and Meredith Anagnos race in the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K run Feb. 22 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The couple runs an average of 10 races per year.
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Leading the
Tyler Summers Parents: Debbie and Bruce Summers Accomplishment: Senior member of the boys track and field team.
What is your favorite part about track? Competing and working hard to allow myself to grow and progress throughout the season beside my teammates, while cheering them on and encouraging them while they encourage me. What is your best performance to date? The Holdingford meet junior year where I threw a personal record in both discus and shot put, or the Cambridge-Isanti meet junior year where I ran a personal record in the 100 meter dash. What has been the hardest part about the season being canceled? I needed knee surgery which ended my football season early, and then I threw a big personal record during testing the first week of shot put and was looking forward to a promising competition season and leading the team. How do you prepare in the minutes leading up to performance? I put my headphones in and listen to music to get focused. I also make sure to layer up in sweats and joggers, so I am warm. I run some sprints and do some push-ups to get my blood flowing and arms warmed up. What is your favorite Storm tradition? Singing the school song after wins and hosting the mega meet.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Football and Link Crew. How do you make a difference at school? I stay focused on school while still being fully engaged in sports. I also always try to be humble and include others. Which teacher has impacted your education most? Mr. Finlayson. He was my position coach for football and also the speed and strength teacher. I took his class multiple times and enjoyed working hard and bettering myself. He gave me lots of positive encouragement while also critiquing me to make me a better athlete. What is the best advice you have ever received? From my head football coach, Phil Klaphake. His advice was to make yourself unfireable. He said whether it is on the field or at work, it is the best job security. Knowing how to play multiple positions well will guarantee you playing time and knowing how to do many things at work and going above and beyond your job title will make you a valuable employee. What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song? Steak, “Saving Private Ryan,” Instagram and “One Sixteen” by Lecrae.
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Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School