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Benton County lagging in residents vaccinated Ranks second worst across Minnesota BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Throughout the state of Minnesota, which consistently ranks among the top five states in percentage of vaccines used, only one other county ranks worse than Benton County in the percentage of population that has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. At 20.2% of Benton County residents vaccinated, only neighboring Sherburne County has a worse percentage at 20.1%, and Isanti County is only slightly better at 20.9% vaccinated. No other county in the state falls below 25%, and Cook County leads the state at 61.2% vaccinated. “That’s what we want to ask,” said Sam Hageman, Benton County Public Health Supervisor. “Why aren’t people getting it?” Benton County has 5,658 people who have completed their vaccine series, and 8,107 with at least one dose.
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 167, No. 1
Leading from the front
Fast recognized with one of retail produce industry’s highest achievements BY TIM SPEIER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Getting a job in high school is not something many 16-year-olds put much thought into, but for Shawn Fast, that first job turned into a life-changing career. Fast is the produce manager at Coborn’s in Sauk Rapids. He took the position at the store in 2018 after working in the industry at various stores and locations for 25 years. On March 19, his hard work and dedication was recognized as Fast was named a recipient of the 2021 Retail Produce Manager Award.
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Shawn Fast (fourth from left) is surprised by his Coborn’s team – Emily Coborn (from left), Coborn’s vice president of fresh merchandising; Jim Maus, Coborn’s Sauk Rapids store director; Jordan Haukos, Coborn’s Sauk Rapids assistant store director; Rick Parker, Coborn’s district manager; and Doug Weikert, Coborn’s director of produce and floral – March 19 as Fast is announced a recipient of the 2021 Retail Produce Manager Award by the United Fresh Produce Association. Fast is one of 25 managers in the nation to be recognized.
Bentrud prepares to join Army’s highest ranks Senior awarded scholarship to become commissioned officer
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Jared Bentrud has always aspired to earn a college degree. Now, he is also an aspiring leader. Bentrud was leaving Sauk Rapids-Rice High School when he got a call that changed the course of his life. A senior, he learned in February that he has been accepted into the Reserve Officer Training Corps, a college program that will prepare him to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. “I was super excited,” said Bentrud, the son of Dave and Beth Bentrud of Sartell. Bentrud was awarded a four-year Army ROTC scholarship that will cover his tuition and provide $10,000 toward room and board each year. In co exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post college career, ex he will commit to serving in the military after graduation.
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Jare Bentrud, a senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, has his sights set on Jared bec becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Bentrud was awarded a fouryea year scholarship from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps that will prepare him for a leadership role as one of the Army’s highest ranks.
OBITUARY • Lorraine T. Carlson
PUBLIC IC NOTICES ES
Saturday, April 10, 2021
• City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 12 • Mayhew Lake Township Assessment Notice - pg. 12 • Probate Notice - Anderson, Kathryn - pg. 12 • Probate Notice - Anderson, Emil - pg. 12 • City of Sauk Rapids/Minden Township Joint Planning Board Public Hearings (4) - pg. 12 and 13 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, March 16 - pg. 13
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