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2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Saturday, April 29, 2023
Sauk Rapids teen charged with murder Faces up to life in prison if convicted
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Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
Vol. 169, No. 4
of marketing
Longtime DECA director looks back on 4 decades of providing direction BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
When John Rasmussen roams the halls of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School or keeps an eye on the concession stand run by his DECA students, A Sauk Rapids teen is fac- the salutations from students are almost always ing murder charges after he the same. allegedly ran over and killed “Hey, Razz.” a 70-year-old man April 21. Rarely did anyone say, “Hello, Mr. RasmusAuthorities have charged sen.” This was not a measure of disrespect for 16-year-old Israel Muyaya their teacher and marketing mentor. Quite the Madimba with rst- and sec- opposite, actually. ond-degree murder after the “I always told them I’d respond to ‘Razz,’” man, who was found unresaid Rasmussen, who has been with the district sponsive at the scene, died at since fall 1984. “I hope it’s a term of endearthe St. Cloud Hospital. ment. It’s worked well for me. It’s helped me conThe man was identi ed nect with kids in a less formal way.” by the St. Cloud Police DeRasmussen taught marketing at SRRHS for partment as Norbert John 36 years and is in his 40th year with the school’s Olmscheid, of St. Cloud. DECA program. He was recognized for his four Madimba appeared in decades of leadership at the Minnesota State district court April 24. If DECA Career Development Conference in March found competent to stand in Minneapolis – a distinction he humbly chalked trial and convicted, Madimba up to longevity. could face up to life in prison Rasmussen page 3 for the crime. Minnesota court rules authorize the state to charge 16- or 17-year-old persons alleged to have committed murder in district court. The rst-degree murder charge alleges Madimba acted with premeditation, planning the criminal act, while the second-degree murder charge claims Madimba acted with intent but without premeditation. Criminal proceedings have been suspended in the case until competency hearings can take place. A hearing has been scheduled for July 24. Bail for Madimba is set at $1 million with conditions and $2 million without conditions.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
John Rasmussen gives an enthusiastic thumbs up after accepting his award for 40 years of service to the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School DECA program at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 25 in Orlando, Florida. Rasmussen started with the school’s DECA program in fall 1984.
All for a
smile
Volunteer work deems Wahl as Citizen of the Year BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
When David Wahl was announced Citizen of the Year April 19 in a surprise visit from committee members and supporters, he was rendered speechless. Wahl was convinced something was wrong; he could not possibly win the award because, after all, he lives just outside city limits. His unassuming personality is just one reason why Wahl was selected as the 2023 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year. He will be recognized at 6 p.m. Monday, May 8, during the Sauk Rapids City Council meeting, which takes place at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARLA ELNESS DESIGN
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Dennis Wahl is the 2023 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year. Wahl will be recognized at the May 6 Sauk Rapids City Council meeting at the government center. • Benton County Cemetery Meeting Notice - pg. 15 • Mortgage Foreclosures (2) - pg. 14 & 15 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Work Session Minutes - pg. 14 • Sauk Rapids-Rice School Reg. Board Meeting, March 27 - pg. 15 • City of Sauk Rapids Reg. Meeting Minutes, April 10 - pg. 14 • Assumed Name - pg. 14 & 15 • Benton County Planning Commission Public Hearings - pg. 14 • Benton County Development Code Hearing - pg. 15
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