Toys for Tots page 2
Saturday, December 12, 2020
First round of dosing to start by year’s end BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – About nine months after the first case of COVID-19 hit Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz announced there is light at the end of the tunnel. Within the next two weeks, shipments of coronavirus vaccines could reach some of Minnesota’s healthcare providers, Walz said at a press briefing Dec. 8. Though unconfirmed, 183,400 total doses are scheduled to be in Minnesota before the end of the month, with the state expecting first doses administered before year end. Walz said it is likely the schedule changes, noting the federal government determines delivery dates, not his office. “We’re here today on a day that didn’t even seem possible when we started,” Walz said. “The idea that there would be a vaccine available for widespread distribution that would help us start to break the back of this novel coronavirus and start to move us back to normalcy, that’s where we are today.”
Vaccine page 3
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 166, No. 36
Trees from Toots brings joy to Good Shepherd Family donates decor in honor of Louise Erickson, who survived the coronavirus at 97 BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – At 97, Louise Erickson beat the odds. The Sauk Rapids resident survived the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, surprising medical professionals and her family. Isolated in her room at the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids, Erickson had the comfort of a little tree. As the lights twinkled, her spirits began to lift, and the hope of Christmas shone brightly.
Erickson page 3
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Family members of Louise “Toots” Erickson – Geri Thomas (front, from left), Tuck Appleberry, Jessica Petersen, Greta Appleberry; (back, from left) Loren Appleberry, Jen Appleberry, Kathy Hendrickson and Jeff Erickson – hold pre-decorated Christmas trees they gifted to residents of Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. The Trees for Toots project aimed to bring joy to residents of the care center, who are isolated due to COVID-19.
Buerkle, Bauerly, Peschl combine for 38 years of experience Outgoing county commissioners reflect on service BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER
Editor’s note: This article is one article of a four-part series regarding the transition of roles on the Benton County Board of Commissioners. Look to upcoming issues for interviews Beth Schlangen, Jared Gapinski and Scott Johnson, newly-elected commissioners who will be sworn in Jan. 5, 2021. FOLEY – As a county commissioner, there is not a lot of glory. For many residents, the only time they think about their commissioners is during tax season and maybe
PUBLIC NOTICES
Coronavirus vaccines scheduled to reach state within weeks
What’s Happening page 7
• Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 13 • Probate Notice - Zipp - pg. 12 • Benton County Truth in Taxation Public Meeting - pg. 10 • Benton County Adoption of Final 2021 Budget and Levy - pg. 13
during the election. But a commissioner’s day-to-day consists of reading through informational packets, a glut of monthly meetings, fielding calls from sometimes disgruntled residents and bringing their best ideas to the table. Benton County Commissioners Spencer Buerkle, Jake Bauerly and Warren Peschl have embodied what it takes to be a commissioner. Their wealth of experience – 38 years – has been a valuable asset to the county. But come 2021, the board will have only eight years of experience between commissioners • Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Notice - pg. 13 • Public Hearing Notice of Property Sale - pg. 12 • Probate Notice - Koprek - pg. 12 • Notice to the Creditors of the Claimants - pg. 12 • Watab Township Notice of Filing - pg. 12
Steven Heinen, Ed Popp and the first-time commissioner-elects. “You take the seriousness of it and be thankful because this is the greatest position you can be in as an elected official,” Buerkle said, who declined an offer to run for higher office years ago. “There is no better (elected office) as far as I’m concerned.”
Commissioners page 4
OBITUARIES • Eugene “Gene” Leszczynski
ST R
Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
Page 2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Christmas Coloring
NEWS
Generosity through
gaming
PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Drew Bienusa stands in front of a Sauk Rapids Fire Department pickup truck containing toys Dec. 5 at the Sauk Rapids Fire Hall in Sauk Rapids. Bienusa, a notable Twitch streamer, bought and donated over $3,000 worth of toys for the fire department’s Toys for Tots Drive.
Christmas RECIPES CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI
INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 1 orange (sliced) 4 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon cloves 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 3 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer over low heat, uncovered, and enjoy your holiday home scent. Please be sure to check the water level periodically and add more if it starts to get low.
ELF CRACKER COOKIES
INGREDIENTS Cookie Cracker: 1 box club crackers 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup crushed graham crackers 1/2 cup butter 1/4 milk
FROSTING: 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup butterscotch chips
INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE CRACKER COOKIES: In a 9x13 pan, place a single layer of club crackers. Set aside. In a medium saucepan combine your sugar, brown sugar, crushed graham crackers, butter and milk. Stirring constantly, bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once bubbles form a ring around the perimeter of the saucepan stir for another 2 minutes before removing the pan from heat. Once removed from the heat continue to stir for 1-2 more minutes. Your sauce will begin to look like caramel. Next slowly pour your sauce over the single layer of club crackers in your 9x13 pan. Promptly place a single layer of club crackers over the caramel mixture. TO MAKE THE FROSTING: In a microwave safe bowl or a dutch oven (whichever you have the best success in melting chocolate) combine your peanut butter, semisweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Melt this mixture until smooth. Once smooth slowly pour over your cracker cookies. Chill for 1 hour before cutting to serve.
Sartell native Bienusa raises money through streaming BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – On Dec. 8, Drew Bienusa and his parents strolled into the Sartell Walmart armed with a considerable amount of money and a mission. They left with six carts of toys. The hefty purchase was for a good purpose, as Bienusa, a Sartell native, donated the items to the Sauk Rapids Fire Department for their annual Toys for Tots Drive Dec. 5 at the Sauk Rapids Fire Hall in Sauk Rapids. “The whole point was to support the local kids, the local families, the kids that are less fortunate than I am or we are, whatever it may be,” he said. “They’ve been dealt the wrong hand and being able to help, it’s an amazing feeling.” While Bienusa was the one who purchased the toys and dropped them off at the fire hall, the contribution was possible through the work of hundreds of people. Bienusa, a video game livestreamer on Twitch, raised over $3,300 by playing Call of Duty: Warzone, a pastime that became his full-time job during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I never, ever would have thought I could build a platform that could raise over $3,000,” Bienusa said. Becoming a successful streamer is extremely challenging. Thriving in the online e-sports industry requires a content creator to be interesting and engaging, and Bienusa has
achieved that through his compelling gameplay. He has been picking up kills on Call of Duty games since he was a child and has worked his way up national and world leaderboards to become one of the franchise’s most distinguished players. “I think just being competitive has a big part of it,” he said. “I always wanted to get better and improve. I kept chasing leaderboards and that was always something I wanted to do. I wanted to be on the top of the list.” Bienusa has logged over 72,000 kills on Warzone, good for 13th in the world, and the 2014 Sartell High School graduate has also won 16% of the games he has participated in, placing him in top 1% in that category. He often throws himself into Call of Duty tournaments, earning large cash prizes as a notorious competitor. However, despite his uncommon skill and prowess, it took the recommendation of friends for Bienusa to pick up streaming. “My friends were like, ‘You’re really good. You have a personality. You can be funny. Why don’t you stream?’” he said. “If you’re gaming and you’re really good, people want to watch you get better or be entertaining.” When he started streaming, Bienusa was a server at Jimmy’s Pour House in Sauk Rapids. However, he quickly
garnered an audience through his flashy plays online and dedicated himself to the craft as a fulltime streamer. Bienusa’s schedule was one-dimensional: wake up, play video games and entertain his growing supporter base, sleep and repeat. However, after becoming a Fortnite personality and continuing his active routine, he grew weary of it. The games, originally a hobby for Bienusa, were no longer giving him the same thrill. “I started serving at Jimmy’s Pour House so I could enjoy the games again, not worrying about the numbers, playing just to play,” he said. “Once COVID-19 hit, everything closed, and that’s when I started full-time again, chasing those leaderboards, playing in big tournaments and it steamrolled from there.” For Bienusa, the pandemic was almost a blessing in disguise, a second chance at making his Twitch-partnered career an enjoyable one. He has not looked back; the area gamer is streaming close to 300 hours a month, giving his 88,000 Twitch followers a consistent presence that matches his Call of Duty showings. Bienusa’s continued growth as a familiar face on Twitch and social media culminated in a chance to do something impactful for a coronavirus-altered Christmas. He caught wind of the Toys for Tots Drive through a friend, and decided this would be a great time to utilize his popular status for a great cause.
Toys for Tots page 3
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | Page 3
Vaccine
from front
Expected not to survive, considering her age, Erickson spent 17 days in the COVID-19 unit before recovering from the virus. She is now enjoying her tree and poinsettia, gifts from her granddaughters. The colors that fill her room remind her of scenes from downtown at Christmas time. Erickson’s neighbors at the Good Shepherd are enjoying scenes of Christmas as well. To celebrate their grandmother’s survival and to bring hope to others this Christmas, Jessica Pettersen and Jennifer Appleberry organized Trees from Toots, a giving project named after Erickson, whose nickname is Toots. Appleberry and Pettersen purchased and decorated 156 mini pre-lit Christmas trees for nursing home residents. They gifted 75 trees to the Good Shepherd Community last Sunday. Another 81 trees went to nursing homes in Coon Rapids and Minneapolis. The idea arose from compassion visits the sisters were granted when Erickson’s prognosis was bleak. “They didn’t think she would make it, so they let us come in to see her,” Appleberry said. During the first visit, Erickson told her granddaughters all she did all day was stare at four bare, white walls in her room. “That broke our hearts,” Petersen said. The sisters decided to bring some cheer to Grandma on their next visit. They brought her a mini pre-lit tree, a poinsettia and other Christmas decorations, along with coffee and a slice of apple pie. “When we walked into her room, her eyes lit up, and as we began to put up the tree, with Christmas carols in the background,
from front
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Louise “Toots” Erickson admires a tree and poinsettia, gifts from her granddaughters, in her room at Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. To the amazement of her family, Erickson survived COVID-19 at age 97.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Louise “Toots” Erickson with her granddaughters Jen Appleberry (left) and Jessica Petersen. After visiting their grandmother during a compassion visit, the two organized a drive to lift the spirits of those in congregate living.
you could see her spirits lifting,” Petersen said. Appleberry agreed. “I think she had the will to keep fighting it,” she said. The two will not forget the smile on Erickson’s face and how, in that moment, the grim circumstances surrounding her illness seemed to dissipate. “The joy that little tree brought to our grandma will stay with us forever,” Petersen said. Soon after that joyous moment, reality struck. The sisters saw the social impacts of COVID-19 firsthand.
Toys for Tots from page 2
“As we left, we walked by other seniors in their little white rooms, just laying there, in total isolation, and it was so hard to see,” Petersen said. Once again, they decided to take action. “After I got home, it got me thinking, ‘Why can’t we put little Christmas trees in other people’s rooms? Maybe that little tree would send that same burst of joy through your room like it did for our grandma. Maybe it would let you know people care and that you are being thought about and prayed for,’” Appleberry said.
Appleberry, owner of Appleberry’s Attic, a craft studio in Anoka, used her business network to garner donations. People donated mini trees and monetary donations for trees. Erickson’s children and grandchildren, along with other family members and friends, came together to make the project a success, Appleberry said. Adorned with garland and either a star or poinsettia, each tree was decorated by someone who went shopping with a care center resident in mind. A handwritten Christmas card accompanies each tree, which has been prayed over, Petersen said. “On behalf of our residents, Good Shepherd is so grateful for the wonderful and very gracious donation of decorated Christmas trees from the Erickson family,” said Jodi Speicher, vice president of sales and marketing at Good Shepherd Community. “Their generosity has blessed many people this holiday season.” Erickson’s family used a U-Haul to transport 75 trees to the Good Shepherd Dec. 6. Although they could not see their mother and grandmother that day, they took comfort in knowing she, and hopefully other residents, are looking at their little trees and smiling.
Sauk Rapids
LIQUOR
Vaccination is not going to be a state mandate, Walz said, but he encouraged Minnesotans to pursue immunization as a valuable resource to return to normalcy – as well as sticking with other mitigation measures like social distancing and mask-wearing. When it comes time to distribute the vaccine, the state is emphasizing three guiding principles: immunization for impact, equitable distribution and access, and transparency. Walz said it is important to maximize immediate health benefits and reduce death and severe illness by starting with those most susceptible to the virus as well as those who care for them. He also said, in regards to access, that everybody who wants to be vaccinated will receive one over time. The first group of vaccine recipients – healthcare personnel and long-term care residents – were prioritized by risk of infection, risk of severe morbidity and mortality, risk of transmitting the virus to others and risk of negative societal impact. Because there will not be enough doses coming in December to cover the entire first phase of vaccinations, – around 500,000 people – Minnesota Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresman said the state had to subcategorize the first group of recipients. After the first subgroup of healthcare workers and long-term care residents are vaccinated, essential workers like teachers, farmers and law enforcement come second in the first phase, and adults over the age of 65 and with high-risk medi-
cal conditions are third. Even with successful vaccines possibly just six months away from reaching the general public, Walz likened them to a water hose putting out a roaring blaze. The water hose, he analogized, is an effective tool to extinguish the flames, but the enormous fire that is the pandemic is difficult to eradicate. “It’s unbelievable that these vaccines are 95% effective in what they do, but at the spread that we have right now, the experts are predicting that by the time we get six months out and we have the vast majority of people with the vaccination, we’ll have 160,000 more deaths,” Walz said, urging caution at the outset of good news. Dr. Jill Amsberry, a pediatric physician from CentraCare in St. Cloud, said even though the state is experiencing extraordinary and unprecedented times, vaccines have been around for a long time, and they only work when everybody comes together. Amsberry served on the state’s vaccine distribution advisory group. “The end of COVID is out there,” Walz said. “It’s just going to take some patience. It’s going to take some cooperation. It’s going to take some adjustments as we go along, but, Minnesotans, you’ve come this far. Let’s end this thing strong. Let’s get this thing right. Let’s look out for our neighbors.”
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NEWS
Bells Two Hearted $ 99
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$ 99 $ 99 For three days, the hard-working Bienusa raised mon- Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm • Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm • Sunday 11am-6 pm 12 pack cans ey by participating in Call of Duty loadout challenges and a viewer provided donations on the condition that the former Sabres athlete do push-ups. Castello Miller High Life & DEALS OF THE MONTH “They were the worst push-ups you’ve ever seen, Del Poggio Miller High Life Light but after that, he donated $150 dollars right there,” Stella Artois 24 pack Moscato Bienusa said. “We reached a goal every single day, & Stella Cidre $ 99 99 cans & bottles 24 pack cans $ 750 ml which was $1,000, $2,000 and then $3,000.” & bottles 12 pk. bottles & cans On the day of the drive, Bienusa pulled up to the LIQUOR $ 99 fire hall alongside his parents to drop off their huge $ 99 supply of toys, loading them into the back of a pickup E&J Captain Black Velvet truck owned by the Sauk Rapids Fire Department. Brandy Morgan The experience has left him with an increased sense Dark Horse Whisky 1.75 L of purpose, a capability to provide generosity behind All Varieties Rum Josh Cellars a monitor. 750 ml 1.75 L $ 99 All Varieties 750ml $ 99 9 “After this, I plan on doing many more things 1.75 L in the future to help whoever, wherever,” he said. “I $ 99 $ 99 $ $ 99 99 want to keep on moving forward.” Y O U R F U L L S E R V I C E L I Q U O R S TO R E « 312 B E N TO N D R I V E N. « 320-251-4185
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NEWS
Page 4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Engineers begin evaluation of Watab roadways Results to be presented in January
Watab approves fire contract with Rice City will charge Watab $27,571, plus hourly fees, in 2021
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Evaluation of Watab Township roadways is underway. The board received an update at its Dec. 7 meeting. Kevin Kruger, project engineer for the township with WSB, reported the firm has started to inspect and evaluate township roads through a pavement management program designed to determine the best course of action for each roadway. Through pavement forensics and routine inspections, the program will help Watab prioritize the needs of bituminous township roads and create a plan for maintaining, rehabilitating and reconstructing them. A pavement management software program called PAVER is being used to record and calculate the conditions of the roadways, specifically the level of distress. Each road is given a pavement condition rating between 0-100, with 100 being a road in perfect condition, with no distress, and 0-40 being a road in poor condition, with a lot of distress (e.g. potholes, cracking). With that rating, they can determine the best course of action for each road. Two of the roads that have been evaluated through the pavement management program are Sucker Creek Road and Sharon Place. Both roads were rated poorly and are good candidates for reconstruction, Kruger said. Sharon Place received a pavement condition rating of 20 out of 100. “It’s actually one of the lowest scores I’ve ever seen,” Kruger said. Johnson agreed. “It’s very narrow,” she said. “It’s got water issues galore. It’s got pavement issues galore.” Supervisors learned that local road improvement grants are available through the state. The legislature upped township allocations from $750,000 to $1.25 million per project. The grants are offered without cost-share requirements, and applications are due in early March. Criteria would include safety improvements and increasing capacity of the road, which the supervisors thought would be a welcomed upgrade on Sucker Creek Road, frequently traveled by Rice Contracting and Development Services. “That main road needs to be a 10-ton road,” Johnson said. The township would have to pay WSB to complete the grant application and do preliminary engineering. With $1.25 million up for grabs, per project, Johnson said it would be worth the investment. “We definitely need to apply,” she said. The board unanimously approved hiring WSB to apply for a grant that could be used for Sucker Creek Road, Sharon Place and potentially other roads identified by the pavement management program. The road-rating project is expected to be completed this month, according to Kruger. Results should be presented to the board in January.
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Watab Town Board approved a two-year contract for fire protection services with the city of Rice at the township’s Dec. 8 meeting. Per the contract, effective Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2022, Watab will pay the city of Rice $27,571.21 for firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue in 2021, and another $29,080.71 for these services in 2022. The annual payments will be made in two installments, due June 30 and Dec. 31 each year, of $13,785.60 in 2021 and $14,540.36 in 2022. The basis for the annual payments is 2.6% of Watab’s tax capacity. Julie Fandel, Rice city clerk, said the city used tax capacity records for years 2020 ($1,060,431) and 2021 ($1,118,489) from the Benton County Treasurer-Auditor’s Office to ensure the figures are accurate. “Because we have technology we didn’t have before, we get to use more current numbers,” Fandel said of tax capacity rates. The township had previously used the tax capacity base from 2017. Current tax capacity numbers, generated by the county, are up for Watab, from $932,000 a couple years ago, according to treasurer Deb O’Keefe. The current fire contract, which expires at the end of the year, is for $23,996.82. In addition to the annual payments, the city bills for each fire call or rescue run to Watab, including false alarms and non-highway rescues. The city charges $350 for the first hour or fraction thereof and $300 for each additional hour or fraction thereof. A change was made to billing for medical calls in
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 Sauk Rapids Herald (USPS 21690) is published weekly, 52 times a year, by Star Publications, 2 2nd Ave S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651. Second-class Postage paid at Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 2nd Ave S, Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651.
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an effort to make them easier to understand in terms of charges and what services were rendered, Fandel said. Medical calls were reduced $50 and will now be billed by the half-hour or fraction thereof. Medical calls will be billed $150 for the first halfhour, plus $150 for the next half-hour. Canceled calls will now be charged $150 instead of $300, Fandel said. Board chair Julie Johnson commended the new billing structure, saying the $50 fee reduction for medical calls will be appreciated by residents, as most of these calls are lift assists. She said the canceled call fee will be easier for residents to accept. “It’s a good thing for our residents,” Johnson said. “I’m excited about that change.” Supervisor Bill Little agreed. “I want to thank them for lowering the price,” Little said. “That doesn’t happen very often.” The city of Rice bills Watab for individual fire, rescue and medical calls. Watab then bills residents. The township can place unpaid fees for these services on property tax bills. The township has had some instances where residents who have been billed for service have denied the fire department came to their residence. Fire chief Scott Janski said written reports can be provided to substantiate those calls. If outside resources, such as a backhoe, are requested by the fire department officer in charge and deemed necessary to extinguish a fire, these expenses will be the responsibility of property owners in Watab. The positive discussion came after previous tension regarding fire service in Watab Township a couple years ago, when the town-
ship considered other options for service. “We have a really good working relationship with the fire department and with the city of Rice, and it took a lot of work to get us there,” Johnson said. “It’s been a nice change.” The next Watab Town Board meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 2021. In other board news: – Referencing a letter to the editor printed in the Dec. 5 edition of the Sauk Rapids Herald, a Watab resident asked the supervisors to explain how they made an October decision about the snowplowing contract. The resident said the decision “cost us taxpayers an additional $2,000 a year.” The letter, written by Todd Waytashek, accused the township of ignoring advice to award the contract in August and again in September and then throwing out bids deemed too high and rebidding the contract before finally awarding a contract at $2,000 higher than the original low bid. Waytashek also accused the board of breaking rules by taking action at a work session, which he said is not permitted, and then trying to cover it up by altering the minutes. Johnson defended the allegation that the township violated Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law. “ A n y meeting outside a regular board meeting is a special meeting,” she said. Referencing language from the Minnesota Association of Townships, which she said she discovered months ago, she said a town board can call a meeting whatever they want – a work session, an emergency session, budget meeting, etc. – but it is considered a special meeting during which the board is allowed to take official action, so long as it is posted with a three-day advance notice. In this case, a notice was posted seven days in advance of the Oct. 20 work session. In regard to the quotes, Wollak said the first two
quotes they received were too high, so they reposted for bids, hoping quotes would be lower next time, though that was not the case. “Yep, it went up $2,000,” Johnson said. … “We followed proper procedure, per Mike Couri (township attorney). We did follow proper procedure not to read the bids in public. Steve renegotiated those, got new bids, and we accepted the new quote.” Wollak added, “We thought we could get it cheaper. We took a chance, and that’s what happens. We took the lowest bid of the two after we threw the first ones out.” Johnson said their decision did not cost the township anything because they had not agreed to the lower quote originally submitted. “We always had coverage,” Johnson said, disputing claims that re-bidding the service resulted in the township being without someone to clear the roads. Wollak agreed. “(Marson) said he’d take care of it; if he didn’t get the contract, he’d bill us by the hour,” he said. “He even came, without anyone asking, and plowed the (town hall) parking lot.” A resident in the audience noted that Pirates Cove was not part of the snowplow coverage area the last time the contract was bid, so a $2,000 increase is not much. – Approved an $800 bid from Rice Contracting and Development Services for tree clearing on 107th Street. Heavy snow in October accumulated on trees along the road, making it difficult to plow the road. Neighbors asked that the roadway be cleared of obstructive trees so the plow truck can properly clean it. Letters will be sent to landowners. – Hired WSB to update an ordinance regarding regulations for stormwater permitting and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The update is required by the state.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | Page 5
Commissioner from front
hard for him to give up, but he looks forward to traveling more with his wife and spending more time purcommissioner-elect, Beth Buerkle, the chair of the board, was first elect- Schlangen, on running a suing the many things he ed in 1986, taking office successful and well-earned enjoys outside of government, like retriever field the next year and lasting campaign. trials, where he travels “I’m excited about through 1993. He then around the counsuccessfully ran for elec- Benton County’s try training dogs. tion again in 2008 and will future and what “I have alserve Benton County to the it can be if things ways appreciated are managed end of 2020. Bauerly was his insistence on first elected to the board properly,” Baufollowing a discieight years ago, serving erly said. “It’s plined process to two full terms, and Peschl rewarding to see accomplish counthat you can actuwas elected 12 years ago. ty business, espeThe three men each ally make a difcially the county initially ran for unique ference. EveryJake Bauerly budget,” Headley reasons, highlighting the body’s cynical of said of Buerkle. government, but ideological diversity on the “He understands board, but they also shared we have a lot of that having solid a common goal: lowering good people there finances means trying to do the taxes. adopting good right thing for the “It was educational, budgeting pracinspiring, challenging and right reasons.” tices, then folBuerkle and rewarding,” Bauerly said lowing them conlargely of his time a commissioner. Peschl sistently.” shared the sentiBauerly, a business Peschl said owner, said he ran for ment of a frugal election because Benton mindset. Paying Spencer Buerkle he often had to put his farm secCounty was the sixth high- down debt, lowond to his job as ering taxes and, est taxed county in the state commissioner. – 30% higher than Stearns in turn, catalyzWhile he is exciting a more robust and Sherburne counties. ed to spend more “(Commissioner Bau- tax base was top time on his farm, of mind. Buerkle erly) injected new ideas he also thinks it is into how we do things here said one of the about time to get at Benton County,” said things he is most a few younger Monty Headley, county proud of from his people with diftime in public ofadministrator. “Sometimes it’s easy to fall into fice was bringing Warren Peschl ferent ideas on the board. He comfortable routines, so down taxes to a was happy to see it was good to have him competitive rate. It was an Commissioner-elect Scott inch-by-inch process that is challenge us on how we think and how we go about not yet finished, but he was Johnson win election for happy with the ground he his district because, Peschl county business.” Fiscal responsibility and other commissioners said, Johnson is conservawas key to Bauerly, and made in meeting their fis- tive-minded and will likely keep a close eye on the throughout the years, he cal goals. Together, they mobi- county’s finances. stuck to his mantra that, “Commissioner Peschl “We can pay people more lized the idea that tax inchallenged us to always creases should not exceed or we can pay more people, but we can’t really do increases in tax capacity, an think about the real issues both” – a phrase he coined incentive for commission- of our county residents that emphasized his frugal ers to bring in more people and find ways to make philosophy. Speaking of and businesses while keep- county government work for them,” Headley said. which, he was also proud ing taxes low. “We’re committed to “I will always appreciate that he and other board Peschl’s members voted the word the area, and I wanted to Commissioner quiet and unpretentious continue that commitment “frugal” into the county’s to the citizens,” Buerkle way – a fine person to work mission statement. Bauerly, who sought said, who got married, with these past 12 years.” Peschl also offered reelection this year but started a business and esadvice to the new commistablished a connection came up short in the final tally, planned to serve within the community in sioners. He thinks it is imhalf of his next term be- Sauk Rapids, a big part of portant they learn the ropes and keep their ears wide fore leaving the board. his constituent base. open, especially because Buerkle’s role as comNow exiting the board two years before he planned to, missioner, in which he this will be the three new he congratulated the new served in five decades, is commissioners’ first time holding a county board seat. “When I first got on Community Ed Corner the school board, one of the Dress your own snowman family kit people up there said you Start a new winter tradition for the family with a can’t learn a lot with your kit that contains everything a well-dressed snowman mouth open,” Peschl said. needs: button eyes, a carrot nose, pieces for a mouth, “Sometimes you got to a knit cap, a pipe and more. Hot chocolate and marsh- take it all in for a while and mallows included. After registration you will be noti- learn the ropes. You always fied when the kit is ready for pickup. learn something.” Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. This fun bundle comes with a cozy blanket, two pairs of socks, treats, four bookmarks, and two K-5 level books. You choose books from a variety of titles when you pick up the kit. After registration you will be notified when the kit is ready for pickup. Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. To register or for more information on programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www.isd47.org/ce or 320-258-1577.
Christmas Masses Seating will be limited this year for Christmas Masses at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids and Annunciation in Mayhew Lake. For that reason, go to sacredheartsaukrapids.org for reservations or by calling the Parish offices.
2020
RF49-3B-RB
Snuggle is real bundle
The outgoing commissioners also detailed some of the challenges facing Benton County in the near future. Uncertainty with the pandemic topped the list of challenges for Bauerly, Buerkle and Peschl, but they also thought issues in east St. Cloud, road and bridge construction, and challenges resulting from economic circumstances could be a hurdle for the newly-elected leaders. “My dad was a commissioner in the ‘50s and ‘60s,” Bauerly said. “He worked hard for the county, and I believe I did too. … I hope I served the constituents well. I sure tried hard and gave it my best shot.” Buerkle is also confident about the transition of power. “I was glad I could serve the people,” Buerkle said. “Benton County is well-served. We have good employees and department heads. It’s well run, so I think the (public) can understand that their services are going to be delivered. … Residents and constituents can be proud of their county government and welcome the new commissioners on.” Headley reflected on what the three outgoing commissioners’ leadership meant for him, Benton County employees and the county as a whole. He said the county will miss them and wish them well going forward. “For all three board members, I can say I will always admire their willingness to step up and seek public office,” Headley said. “… Commissioner Buerkle, Commissioner Bauerly and Commissioner Peschl have all been great board members, trusting staff to do their jobs and giving us the guidance and leadership we needed.” The new commissioners – Schlangen, Johnson and Jared Gapinski – have been attending county board meetings in preparation for their terms.
OBITUARY
Eugene ‘Gene’ Leszczynski
Eugene Leszczynski, age 80, of Sauk Rapids, passed away at his home Dec. 6, 2020, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Gene called the Sauk Rapids-Rice area his home for the past 47 years. Born Dec. 12, 1939, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Stanley and Bernice (Grzys) Leszczynski, he grew up in Mosinee, Wisconsin, and was a graduate of Mosinee High School. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1958 to 1961. Drawing on his experience as a cook in the Marines, he went on to follow in the food service field. He was the food service manager at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and later the food service manager for the employee cafeteria at the Minneapolis Star Tribune Newspaper in Minneapolis. In 1973, he went into business with a partner and opened Little Johns Pub in the Crossroads Shopping Center in St. Cloud. He was there until closing the business in December 1991. Gene enjoyed his conversations with his customers and always had a story to tell. Eugene always loved the outdoors. He enjoyed his summers at his RV camper in Longville, fishing the surrounding lakes. He also enjoyed several trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe area. He deer hunted for a number of years near Blackduck in northern Minnesota. Eugene is survived
Eugene ‘Gene’ Leszczynski
by his loving wife, the former Lois Beyeris, whom he married Jan. 16, 1965, in Waukegan, Illinois, his daughter, Suzanne Murphy (Joe) of Becker, and his son, Michael of Sartell. Sibling survivors include his older brother, Richard Leszczynski (Rose) of Mosinee, Wisconsin, his younger brother, Ronald Leszczynski (Barbara) of Rothschild, Wisconsin, and his sister, Joanie Zastrow (John) of Weston, Wisconsin. Surviving grandchildren include Matthew Leszczynski (Rachel) Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nolan Bettermann, Plymouth, Samantha Murphy, Becker, and Chase Murphy, Becker. Surviving greatgrandchildren are Lydia Leszczynski, Grace Leszczynski and baby girl Leszczynski due in April. Great grandson, Carsen Leszczynski preceded Eugene in death in 2014. There are to be no funeral services. A family memorial service will be at a later date in 2021 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Many thanks to Eugene’s hospice team for their loving care and concern.
R-50-1P
“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
30th annual City of Sauk Rapids
Lighting Contest
Sponsored by Manea’s Meats and the Sauk Rapids Herald All entrants are located within Sauk Rapids city limits. The following addresses were submitted prior to Dec. 11, with one day remaining to enter the contest. Judging takes place Dec. 11-13 and will be announced in the Dec. 19 issue of the Sauk Rapids Herald.
1101 10th Ave. N. 466 9 ½ St. N. 17 Seventh Ave. N 38 Fifth Ave. S. 42 Fifth Ave. S. 312 Fifth Ave. S. 212 Summit Ave. S.
1031 Fifth St. S. 1036 Strawberry Lane 1025 Strawberry Court 1000 Brook Court 1021 Hillside Road 3104 Mayhew Lake Road NE 2593 Olive Lane
Page 6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Music producer to give guitars to local youth One thing I’ve discovered about music is that it connects us all. If you don’t play an instrument or sing, you listen to music. We celebrate with it, mourn with it, entertain with it and put kids to sleep with it, among many uses of this univerEXPRESSIONS BY EL sal language. Country music star BY ELLARRY PRENTICE Kenny Chesney said this about music: “No matter how you were brought up, no matter what your religious background or political beliefs, people still love to sing along with somebody.” Music is more than something I listen to; it’s a lifeline sometimes. When I think about all the lemons I’ve been handed in this life, I am certain I could not have survived painful times without music, especially by artists whose lyrics I resonate with. Introspective songwriters such as Taylor Swift, Marshall Mathers and the late John Lennon have been good at making lemonade. My appreciation for music has deepened during my friendship with a local songwriter and music producer, Greg Michael Huberty of Sauk Rapids. A longtime country singer and multiinstrumentalist, Greg has been a musician for 20 years. Before becoming a full-time music producer, he performed country music shows with musical groups including the Greg Michaels Band, which he founded in 2005, and released a solo album that spring-boarded his tunes to radio play. Four years ago, his career shifted to an emphasis of music producing, audio engineering and song writing, which earned him a Midwest CMA Award earlier this year. Although he misses the stage sometimes, Greg has enjoyed being the man behind some impactful songs that have rendered success in the lives of artists in Minnesota and beyond, including Sailor Jerri, from the Milaca-Foley area. Music they have co-written and produced has received national acclaim and was played on the national CMA Awards show last year. What I like about Greg is that he doesn’t strive for fame, instead focuses on the impact of his musical endeavors. He used to give guitar lessons to people in central Minnesota and has had students visit his music studio to learn about audio production and engineering. Sharing his love of music with young people who have similar dreams and ambitions is one of the things he enjoys most. Greg has decided to give away two guitars, one acoustic and one electric, to local youth to foster their passion for playing music. He recognizes that some families may struggle to purchase a guitar and that the economic impacts of COVID-19 have further hindered those music-making dreams. “Music was so powerful for me growing up. It is fun; it gave me drive and goals to reach. It opened many doors I wasn’t expecting,” Greg said of a career that has come full circle. “It isn’t cheap getting into instruments, and I realize that there are families and kids out there that just can’t afford to get into guitar or different aspects of music.” Youth ages 10-17 from Sauk Rapids who don’t have a guitar and are interested in one from Greg’s studio are asked to write a short letter – five or six sentences – about why they love music, why they aspire to play guitar and what kinds of songs they would like to play if they receive a guitar. Letters will be accepted through the end of January and should be emailed to greg@gregmichaelhuberty. com with the subject line “Guitar.” The email should include a parent’s name and phone number they can be reached at. “I’ve been fortunate to have been given a lot of help along the way growing into an amazing music career as a producer/singer/songwriter,” Greg said. “I hope this can make an impact on a couple kids’ lives and give them an amazing outlet. There is so much that can happen going forward from learning just one chord when we’re given the opportunity.”
EDITORIAL
Did Watab do anything wrong? Well, after nearly a two-year hiatus that. In the case of the township, these from this column, I decided to show my meetings are scheduled each year after the face again. annual meeting in March. A special meetThis was supposed to be a pleasant, new ing is any meeting that falls outside that year surprise for the readers who missed regular schedule with the exception of an me. But, I decided I couldn’t wait this week. emergency meeting that can be called at I had too many unanswered questions that, any time if a matter requires immediate frankly, I lost sleep about. consideration. The Minnesota Association Being an editor of a local newspaper of Townships goes on to advise that emercan be a difficult job. There are relationgency meetings be reserved for matters of MY SLEEVE public health and safety. ships that need to be nurtured in order to BYON NATASHA BARBER Special meetings need to be posted pursue and cover the stories that are im(not necessarily published) with a three portant to our readership. Some of those relationships are with government officials – the same days advance notice of the meeting, and the posting needs to include details on the date, time, place and people we are to hold accountable as a free press. A letter to the editor came across our pages last purpose of the meeting. Emergency meetings require Saturday that questioned the actions of the Watab no notice, and if matters other than the emergency are Township supervisors. The letter pointed to action discussed or acted upon, the minutes must be detailed. The Watab Township Clerk posted the notice of taken at a work session and the altering of minutes and seemed to imply these decisions were unacceptable. the Oct. 20 work session seven days in advance on Now, I go to a lot of public board meetings. In the Oct. 13. The notice was distributed via the township’s five years I’ve been at the Sauk Rapids Herald, I’ve electronic mailing list and includes the date, time, attended well over 200. Yet, there are always things place and item for review: snow plow quotes 2020-22. A look back at the minutes from this meeting and to learn, and after reading the letter to the editor, I decided to find out whether the supervisors did anything residents will see the meeting is entitled a special meeting, but they will also see detail of the discussion wrong. My short answer is no, but I’m no lawyer. That’s and action that took place within five minutes. I called why this piece is written on the opinion page just like the township clerk, who has been in her position for that letter to the editor. However, I will take some time about nine months, and inquired about the minutes to explain why I think the actions of the town supervi- reflecting the terminology change from the originally posted work session. Without hesitancy she informed sors and staff are substantiated. Governing bodies often use the term work ses- me the change was made because following the meetsions or workshops but in regards to Minnesota’s Open ing she learned work sessions are meetings – similar Meeting Law, there is no such thing. These gatherings to the information I discovered above. Although the gathering may have been clearer of public officials – no matter the label – are meetings and subject to Minnesota Statute Chapter 13D. with the words special meeting listed at the top of the The state recognizes three forms of meetings – regu- posting, Watab Township posted the meeting in adlar, special and emergency. I didn’t find the term work vance and listed the items to be discussed. So, it seems session in state statute, and when reviewing opinions to me their bases are covered, but I’ll let you make from the Minnesota Department of Administration: your own decision. I’ve always appreciated letters to the editor for Information Policy Analysis Division, I found opinions often first established whether a work session was bringing to light new ideas and engaging our readera regular, special or emergency meeting before mov- ship. In this case, we may have all learned a few new things. ing further. What are the rules about meetings? Statute goes into detail, but a regular meeting is just
Xeriscaping Xeriscaping is a garden term spring blooms, followed by peonies and you may have heard and wondered hollyhocks. The butterfly bush and seabout. The name comes from Greek dum will provide fall color. Other familiar “Xeros” meaning dry. Xeriscape garplants are also drought tolerant, such as the dening refers to water-wise gardening, ninebark shrub with its purple leaves and using drought tolerant plants. However, conifers such as the ground cover type of this style of gardening does not mean juniper and mugo pine. Many annual and converting your lawn to gravel and cacperennial flowering plants such as baptus plants. Xeriscaping is based on the tista, catmint, coneflower, Russian sage, principals of sound landscape planning salvia, verbena portulaca, marigold, blanand design, smaller amounts space for ket flower and panicle hydrangea are also GREEN AND lawn grass, using plants that use water GROWING IN BENTON candidates for xeriscape gardens. Several efficiently, irrigation that does not waste varieties of daisies and both the annual geCOUNTY water, soil amendments, mulches and BY LINDA G. TENNESON ranium and perennial version, also known maintenance. It is a way of reducing the as cranesbill, will survive with low moishomeowner’s water bill and adapting to changes in ture, along with many kinds of ornamental grasses. our climate. Herbs such as thyme, sage and oregano are also on the Areas with minimal rainfall benefit from this kind drought tolerant list, along with milkweed which is of gardening. Irrigation when needed is best done with attractive to the monarch butterfly. soaker hoses and drip systems, which place water For those who want to keep their lawns, changing right at soil level so little of it is lost through evapora- the kind of grass may solve the problem. Kentucky tion. Plants with the same water and light needs may blue grass which is used in many urban lawns is not be grown next to each other. Watering in the early drought tolerant. However, the turf-type tall fescue morning or evening instead of at mid-day when the grass is better adapted to low moisture conditions. sun is more intense reduces the chance that water will Tall fescues also grow better in shade. North Dakota not reach the plant roots. Plus, mulch placed on top State University has an excellent article on the variof the soil will keep moisture from evaporating and ous types of fescue grasses that will grow well in this reduce weeds. Soil tests available from the University area and includes creeping red fescue which has narof Minnesota will reveal whether any fertilizers or soil row deep green blades and is used in golf greens as amendments may be needed. Aerating the soil by pok- well as in lawns. The Cindy Lou variety will spread ing small narrow holes may break up soil compaction through underground shoots and can fill in bare spots and increase the amount of water that can be absorbed. in a lawn. Xeriscaping is a project that may be done in Various websites or reference books have lists of stages with small areas of the garden converted each plants that will do well in low moisture conditions. year. With some research and planning, a garden that is Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota colorful all season long but is also drought tolerant Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor. is possible. For example, forsythia and lilac provide
EDITORIAL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | Page 7
Outside yourself I feel like helping someone. I want to do the time to do it. Reach a stopping point? Keep something. What can I do? Thoughts start it going after supper or the next day. There are swirling, ideas start forming, but they’re all neighbors and elderly in nursing homes receivscattered. In walks a child or spouse or paring nothing right now. ent. “Bing,” interjects from our phone, and Sartell has its most beautiful Country the thoughts dissipate. Lights Festival to date. Grab a group of friends Often, this is what happens when we and go for a walk. Here’s your challenge: Ask feel an urge to reach out and do something someone who either can’t drive themselves (a good. But what is that something? teen without a license or an elderly who does Looking at the big issue is overwhelmnot night drive), and patiently walk at their BY FAITH ing, but beginning to zoom in on smaller is- BYLIFE MERCY NYGAARD pace asking good questions and listening well. sues makes it easier to choose one and start This can be a group or a one-on-one, and do it there. It’s such a lie that we must stay stuck more than once before the new year. Let them inside our homes, but before we figure out how to reach know they can call or text anytime. out of our four walls we must first break out of ourselves. Live streaming church has become a convenient As I close my eyes, I can see a room full of mid- way to be able to hear the message and live chat during dle schoolers and 15- to 18-year-olds. Then, next to them the service. Might I be so bold to challenge you to invite are college-aged kids. Then, the young families, single someone into your home to watch it with you? Logically, or with a mom and dad and those with grandparent faces think about it. If we can ask ourselves if we’ve been out and beautiful sparkling silver and white hair. of the country, felt any symptoms and take our tempera“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your tures before heading into a waiting room at a clinic, or heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This pack closely in line while shopping for presents, we ceris the first and greatest commandment. And the second tainly can be inviting small groups into our homes. Now is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” you can get a biblical message and provide someone “On these two commandments hang all the law and the who has been isolated the opportunity to fellowship. prophets,” proclaimed Jesus. Do you struggle talking to teens? Here’s your chalHow can we help others, reach them and connect lenge: Grab their number or their mom’s, ask if you can with them as we feel the desire to out of the overflow of buy them a latte, smoothie or hot chocolate from a local our love for God? Why should we? coffee shop, making distant learning more cozy. When More news stories are being written about suicides they say yes, bring it to them, asking them to meet you in during the pandemic every day. The suicide national data the driveway to chat for a cold minute. Here you can ask base research is so slow that we won’t know the rising how they are doing and check in that they are making trend of suicides as a result of forced and fear-driven iso- connections and they know you care about them because lation for more than a year from today. But you and I can of the warm beverage you brought them. Let them know act now. And let’s make it really easy. they can call or text you anytime. Christmas cards are more relevant than ever this You have no power in their response. You can’t year, but I challenge you to write something handwrit- make them write you back, say yes to one-minute chats ten. You can use a sharpie on a photo card and picture the in the driveway or get them into your home for a church faces you are sending the card to and write the shortest livestream. But they will know someone is thinking of (or long) memory of them. them and willing to put forth effort which shows you Here’s an example: “Henderson family, remember care. These simple acts of kindness will go farther than when our whole family stayed at your house? I miss you will ever know. The saying, “If you want to change the kids being little, and we miss you. Have a beautiful the world, go home and love your family,” is one of my Christmas!” favorites. I would like to add to it given our current criHere’s another example for someone who is an ac- sis. If you want to change the world and you are home, quaintance: “I am thinking of you as I write this, and I love God, love others as Jesus loved us and teach your hope we can get to know each other more in the near fu- family to get outside themselves. How easy it is to help ture. I am praying you feel near to Jesus this Christmas.” others starting with a smile, a card, a hello and letting Trust me, this is attainable. You just have to set aside others know they have a friend in you.
What’s Happening Saturday, Dec. 12, 2-4 p.m. – Candy Cane Lane: Christmas Bag Giveaway. While supplies last. Drive through the circular route to receive a bag of candy, stickers, craft and coloring pages. Masks will be worn and safety and health precautions will be taken. Petra Lutheran Church, 1049 First Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Monday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Meal Distribution. For people ages 60 and older. No cost to participate. All clients must complete a registration form. First Presbyterian Church, 340 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud. Monday, Dec. 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Meal Distribution. For people ages 60 and older. No cost to participate. All clients must complete a registration form. Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 County Road 2 S., St. Joseph. Monday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m. – Benton Rapids. Visit www.redcrossblood. County Board Meeting. Benton org or call 1-800-733-2767 for an County Board of Administration appointment. Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6-7 p.m. – Tuesday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to noon Living Waters Food Shelf Dis– Living Waters Food Shelf Dis- persal. Living Waters Lutheran persal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Rapids. Friday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m. – Benton – Living Waters Food Shelf DisCounty Regular Meeting. Benton persal. Living Waters Lutheran County Board of Administration Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. – Fireplace Zoom Chat with St. Nicholas. Hosted by the Morrison County Historical Society. St. Nick will read the classic tale, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore and talk with those in attendance. Parents, guardians and caregivers are welcome to join their children. Free and open to the public but registration required. Call 320-632-4007 or email staff@morrisoncountyhistorical. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – Ben- org to register. ton County Special Meeting. Approval of 2021 final budget and Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. – levy. Benton County Board of Ad- Youth Chorale of Central Minministration Building, 531 Dewey nesota Holiday Concert “All is Well.” Virtual concert will include St., Foley. a collaboration with the St. Cloud Wednesday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to String Quartet. Free admission on2 p.m. – American Red Cross line at www.youthchorale.org. Blood Donations. Discovery Church, 700 18th St. N.W., Sauk Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. – Benton County Truth in Taxation Meeting. Benton County Board of Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley. Public comment welcome on the proposed 2021 budget and levy. Information at www. co.benton.mn.us or by contacting the county administrator at 320968-5000. Comments can also be emailed to info@co.benton.mn.us or mailed to 531 Dewey St., Foley.
BREAK CROSSWORD
1. Skateboarders love them 6. Popular sports podcast (abbr.) 9. Former Ohio State great Michael 13. Not dirty 14. Earth goddess (Greek myth.) 15. A Spanish river 16. Pig meat (French) 17. Famed astronomer 18. Floating ice 19. Broadcast 21. Aquatic mammals 22. Some are bath 23. Hip hop trio 24. NY Giants’ #56 25. Small European viper 28. Neither 29. Multiple Tony-winner Rivera 31. Loud noise 33. Second year high schooler 36. “__ in comparison”
38. Golf score 39. Raise 41. Pastas 44. Easily manageable 45. Fathered 46. Pouch 48. Institute legal proceedings against 49. News organization 51. Unruly group of people 52. Fasten or secure 54. Sheets of glass 56. Doubled 60. Foolish person 61. Rooney and Kate are two 62. Small, rich sponge cake 63. Advice or counsel 64. Large wading bird 65. Famed British physicist 66. Narrow ridges (Swedish) 67. Field force unit 68. Lying face downward
1. Proof of purchase (abbr.) 2. Soap ingredient 3. Blackbird 4. Single steps 5. Tin 6. Books have lots of them 7. Made of fermented honey and water 8. You can get it in a bed 9. Room for communal meals 10. Early Syrian kingdom 11. Provokes dry amusement 12. Use with “thou” 14. Mollusk 17. Grain storage units 20. Not a car, not a truck 21. Ooze 23. N. Vietnamese ethnic group 25. Tennis pros group 26. Something that’s not what it’s purported to be 27. E. Indian trees
29. Beloved December holiday 30. Regions 32. Metric unit of length 34. Peter’s last name 35. Beige 37. 18-year period in astronomy 40. Where golfers begin 42. Basketball stat (abbr.) 43. Frocks 47. Soda comes in it 49. On approval 50. Trims by cutting 52. Small finch 53. Language Bura-__ 55. Nothing 56. Imbecile (British) 57. Tropical Asian plant 58. Abba __, Israeli politician 59. Small freshwater fish 61. Indicates position 65. Data processing
Sponsored By:
ST R
Publications
TIMOTHY J. VOS Territory Manager 561 Railroad Avenue Albany, MN 56307 Office: 320-845-2700 • Cell: 320-492-6987 Fax: 320-845-4805
Call to Advertise!
tim@saukherald.com tim@albanyenterprise.com
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | Page 9 (Left) Sarah Woeste, director of music and liturgy, assists Logan Kiffmeyer during a song Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. Mallets can be used to strike the handbells to create a sound in addition to the traditional movement that rings the bell.
FOCAL
(Left) Anna Woeste rings a handbell during practice Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. The Sacred Heart Parish tie-dyed the traditional white gloves for the kids handbell choir a couple of years ago.
point from page 8
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Maria Dombrovski rings two handbells during a practice session at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids Dec. 8. In a handbell choir, the people come together as one instrument ensemble, each responsible for playing individual notes in a musical piece.
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Cutline
Jill Kiffmeyer, liturgy and music associate, directs the kids handbell choir Dec. 9 in Sauk Rapids. In the ensemble, 14 students come together to perform the musical pieces.
We Are Looking For Our Next Team Member! Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc., a founding Distributor of Hunt Brothers® Pizza is looking for our next Team Member!
Lee Riedel (front) practices “Joy to the World” Dec. 8 in Sauk Rapids. The Sacred Heart Ringers were instructed to use large round movements when ringing the handbells.
Candidates applying must have a clear MVR, criminal background, be able to obtain a DOT certification for a minimum of one year and live within 45 miles of the warehouse. Overnight travel is required with this position. To apply, please visit: www.pizzawholesaleoflexington.com
Leading the
Uriah Cook
Grade: 12
Parents: Dean Cook and Jessica Cook Accomplishment: Played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Sauk Rapids-Rice radio production of “A Christmas Carol.”
Leading the Storm is
Sponsored by: How do you make a difference at school? I try to be a positive person, and I try to help people who are struggling in my school by being there for them when they need someone to be. Which teacher has impacted your education most? Mr. Mick. He cares so much about each of his students and his job, and he tries his hardest to bring the best out of each and every one of us. He will forever have my respect, gratitude and thanks.
What is your favorite part about the musical? What is the best musical you have ever been Seeing and interacting with people for the first part of? “Legally Blonde,” although my favorite Who has been a mentor to you? Once again, I have time since the coronavirus pandemic hit. production will always be “Little Shop of Horrors.” to say Mr. Mick. He is a positive beacon in a place where many kids have a hard time finding any positivity. He Tell us about your role in the musical. I played What other activities are you involved in at provides hope to those who need it and helps them Ebenezer Scrooge, the main protagonist of the school? Choir. however he can. I strive to be like that. story. I got to play the bitter, Christmas-hating man, and I used my voice, to the best of my ability, Why is it important for you to be involved in What is your favorite meal, movie, social media to portray what Mr. Scrooge went through that school activities? Because it is the biggest way and song? My mom’s meatloaf and mac ‘n’ cheese I connect with new people. If I see someone in a with broccoli, “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the fateful Christmas Eve. program like drama, then I already know at least one Sith,” Snapchat, and “What Comes Next” from the of the things they like, and it is a segue into getting musical “Hamilton.” to know them better.
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NEWS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Page 12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notice NOTICE TO THE CREDITORS OF AND CLAIMANTS AGAINST CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC., that: 1. The corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution pursuant to Section 302A.721, Minnesota Statutes. 2. The corporation has filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State a notice of intent to dissolve. 3. Said notice was filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on December 8, 2020. 4. All claims by creditors or claimants must be in writing and must be filed with Ray Skolberg, CEO, Carlson & Lyter Distributing, Inc., %Greg Kummer, Security State Bank & Trust, 2202 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336 5. All claims by creditors or claimants must be received by March 26, 2021. Any creditor or claimant who fails to file a claim on or before March 26, 2021, and all those claiming through or under the creditor or claimant are forever barred from suing on that claim or otherwise realizing upon or enforcing it except as otherwise provided in Section 302A.781, Minnesota Statutes. CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC. By: /s/ Ray Skolberg Its: CEO R-50-4B
Police Activity Report Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 Sauk Rapids Police Department Dec. 1, 7:06 p.m. – An unknown individual gained access to city hall at 250 Summit Ave. N. and into the police department lobby, leaving a parking citation on the front counter. No officers were in the building at the time, but the subject called dispatch to inform them the citation was there.
Dec. 1, 8:53 p.m. – Officers provided assistance to the Benton County Sheriff’s Department. Blocked traffic on River Road Northeast near Riverview Loop due to multiple downed power lines. Officers took a witness statement, located an alcoholic beverage can near the scene and took inventory of the suspect vehicle where multiple guns, ammunition and a homemade suppressor were found. Officers assisted Dec. 5, 2:48 p.m. – A caller reported a suspicious until Xcel Energy arrived and Collins Brothers Towparty who took a package from the doorstep of an ing took the vehicle. apartment building across the street from his home. Law enforcement collected information should a vic- Incidents: Agency assists 9, miscellaneous calls 8, tim of theft come forward. records checks 7, traffic stops 7, total zero deaths 3, welfare checks 2, warrants 2 and suspicious activity Incidents: Administrative citations (winter parking reports 2. violations) 41, miscellaneous calls 22, medical calls 19, assists 15, civil complaints 14, suspicious activ-
Public Notices
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PROPERTY SALE TO ALAN L. BERNDT AND LYNN M. BERNDT The Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, gives notice that it will hold a public hearing on January 5, 2020, at 6 p.m., or as soon after that as can be heard, at the Sauk Rapids City Hall Council Chambers at 250 Summit Avenue North, in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota to hear all persons present regarding the HRA’s proposed sale to Alan L. Berndt and Lynn M. Berndt of the real property, located in the City of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, identified as Parcel No. 19.00562.00, legally described as follows: Lots 11 and 12, in Block 58 of the Village (now City) of Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Minnesota excerpting therefrom the right of way of the Northern Pacific Railway Company. Also, the Vacated Northerly 15 feet of Fifth Street North lying Westerly of the Alley running through said Block 58 extended Southerly and Easterly of the Railroad right of way, Benton County, Minnesota. R-50-1B
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PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 05-PR-20-1817 NOTICE OF AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, FORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In Re: Estate of
PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON IN DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION Court File No: 05-PR-20-1981 ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS RH50-1B-JF
Rice Police Department
Dec. 3, 10:23 p.m. – Officers heard people making noises near Pleasantview Elementary School on Sixth Avenue North. Law enforcement responded and observed up to eight juveniles being monitored by an adult at the playground. Parent advised she brought the children to the playground to release energy because there was no school Dec. 4.
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ity reports 14, thefts 14, vehicles 14, welfare checks 10, disturbances 7, traffic stops 8, animals 5, child 3, human services reports 3, unwanted persons 3, warrants 3, 911 calls 2, alarms 2, escorts 2, extra patrols 2, harassment reports 2, lift assists 2, property 2, suicidal persons 2 and warnings 2.
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NOTICE OF FILING FOR TOWNSHIP ELECTION
Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Watab Township, Benton County, state of Minnesota, that filing for Township office will be held for a 2-week period beginning: December 29, 2020 through January 12, 2021 Affidavits of Candidacy shall be filed with the Town Clerk by appointment between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm from December 29, 2020, through January 12, 2021 In addition, the office of the Town Clerk will be open from 1:00 pm on January 12, 2021 Filing will close on January 12, 2021, at 5 pm Filing fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of filing. Offices to be filled at the March Annual Election are: Treasurer for 2-year term Supervisor for a 3-year term Absentee voting will be at the Clerk’s Office of the Town Hall on March 9, 2021 between the hours of 10 am and 12 pm December 10, 2020 Kathy Sauer, Clerk Watab Township R-50-1B
James Leander Zipp, Decedent. It is Ordered and Notice is given that on January 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. a hearing will be held in this Court at Foley, Minnesota, on a petition for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of decedent’s heirs, and for the appointment of Joseph Zipp, whose address is 5729 Spruce St., St. Cloud, MN 56303, as personal representative of the decedent’s estate in an unsupervised administration. Any objections to the petition must be raised at the hearing or filed with the Court prior to the hearing.
If the petition is proper and no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with The full power to administer the decedent’s estate, including the power to collect all assets; to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes, and expenses; to sell real and personal property; and to do all necessary acts for the decedent’s estate. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4)
months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT Dated: 12/1/2020 /s/ Robert J. Raupp Judge of District Court Dated: 12/1/2020 /s/ Nicole Kampa Court Administrator Deputy Sam V. Calvert Calvert Law Office 1011 2nd ST N STE . 107 St. Cloud, MN 56303 320-252-4473 attorney for petitioner
Lloyd Allen Koprek, a/k/a Lloyd A. Koprek, Deceased. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of January, 2021, at 8:00 a.m., a hearing will be held in Benton County District Court, Foley, Minnesota, for the probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated February 16, 2018, and for appointment of Janet L. Koprek Renn whose address is 111 Imperial Drive #110, West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118,
as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in unsupervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, a personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said person-
al representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: December 4, 2020 /s/ Michael S. Jesse Judge of District Court /s/ Sue S., Deputy Court Administrator Joseph S. Mayers KELM & REUTER, P.A. Attorney No. 0295747 1287 2nd Street North, Suite 101 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1423
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NEWS/PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | Page 13
Pulse on People
Crime & Public Safety
Dense fog factor in two-vehicle crash
ST. CLOUD – A Rice woman was hurt in a two-vehicle collision Dec. 6. According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement was dispatched to a crash at County Road 1 and 390th Street in Brockway Township, which is approximately 2 miles north of the city of Sartell, around 7:30 p.m. that day. Stearns County Deputies arrived on scene and found one vehicle, driven by Jacob Halverson, 34, of Rice, and occupied with his two children, ages 5 and 3. They had been traveling northbound on County Road 1. The other vehicle, driven by Debra Schmitz, 68, of Rice, had been traveling eastbound
on 390th Street. The vehicles collided near the intersection. Halverson and his two children were treated by Mayo Ambulance and released from the scene. Schmitz’s vehicle rolled over, and she was trapped inside and had to be extricated by St. Stephen Fire & Rescue. She was transported by Mayo Ambulance to St. Cloud Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Dense fog is believed to be a factor in the crash. The St. Stephen Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene.
One person injured in Watab Township crash
ST. CLOUD – A St. Cloud man was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital Dec. 3 after
receiving injuries in a twovehicle collision. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Melvin Luethmers, 85, received non-life-threatening injuries after the vehicle he was driving came into contact with the rear of another vehicle on Highway 10 in Watab Township around 5:30 p.m. Both vehicles were traveling westbound near mile marker 165. The vehicles ended up in the westbound lanes of the highway. The driver of the second vehicle, Paul Jude, 64, of Chaska, was not injured. The Rice Police Department, Rice Fire Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene.
News Briefs
Bankruptcy court approves diocese reorganization
ST. CLOUD – The Minnesota Bankruptcy Court approved a plan Dec. 3 for reorganization jointly submitted by the Diocese of St. Cloud and the creditors’ committee of clergy abuse survivors. The plan provides for a $22.5 million trust to compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse. The funds will be made up of insurance coverage settlements ($14 million); property sales, including the St. Cloud Children’s Home ($5.25 million); and contributions from parishes and a line of credit ($3.25 million). The plan also includes non-monetary protocols for the protection of children. “I again want to apologize on behalf of the church to the survivors of clergy sexual abuse,” Bishop Donald Kettler said. “Coming forward took a great deal of courage. The church failed them,
and I hope this helps them to move further along the path of healing and peace. I remain committed to ensuring the church does everything it can to prevent sexual abuse.” The Diocese of St. Cloud filed a voluntary petition June 15 for relief under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code after the diocese and abuse survivors reached agreement in May on a framework for a resolution of all clergy sexual abuse claims against the diocese and area parishes. The order confirming the diocese’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan is available on a special reorganization webpage at www.stcdio.org/ reorganization. The webpage includes other reorganization-related information, such as public statements, legal documents, frequently asked questions, a list of clergy likely to have abused minors, how to report abuse and safe environment resources.
Public Notices NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: November 21, 2006 MORTGAGOR: Kevin D. Johnson, a single person and Kirk J. Paulson, a single person. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for EquiFirst Corporation its successors and assigns. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded November 30, 2006 Benton County Recorder, Document No. A344022. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Home Equity Asset Trust 2007-2 Home Equity PassThrough Certificates, Series 2007-2. Dated July 24, 2017 Recorded August 1, 2017, as Document No. A424211. TRANSACTION
AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE I D E N T I F I C AT I O N NUMBER ON M O R T G A G E : 100200100108493218 LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: EquiFirst Corporation RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. M O RT G A G E D PROPERTY ADDRESS: 6248 135th Avenue Northeast, Foley, MN 56329 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 08.00402.00 L E G A L DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 31, Township 37, Range 28, Benton County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton O R I G I N A L PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $206,250.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID
BY MORTGAGEE: $228,246.69 That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: January 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within twelve (12) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07. TIME AND DATE TO
VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on January 19, 2022, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07. M O RT G A G O R ( S ) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE:None Dated: November 12, 2020 U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee USSET, WEINGARDEN AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 38 - 20-002612 FC THIS IS A C O M M U N I C AT I O N FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-47-6B
Students to perform in college Christmas service
ST. PETER – Gustavus Adolphus College will host its annual Christmas in Christ Chapel worship service virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rice resident Mikayla Zaske and Sauk Rapids resident Megan Morris participate in the service. The service, which was recorded in late October following rigorous COVID-19 safety regulations, will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Following the debut of the video, the 2020 Christmas in Christ Chapel worship service will be available for on-demand viewing. In the midst of a pandemic and ongoing social discord, Christmas in Christ Chapel’s theme, “Healer of the Nations,” Come, will proclaim God’s healing presence made manifest in the salvation story, renewing mind and spirit through life-giving music, dance, spoken word and visual arts. Visit gustavus.edu/ccc to learn more or watch the livestream.
Public Notices
Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Public Notice December 4, 2020 The Board of Education will convene for a regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, December 14, 2020. The District’s Truth in Taxation Hearing will commence at 7:00 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom on Monday, December 14, 2020. Due to the declared health pandemic, the public is being provided an alternative to attending the hearing in person to make comments/pose questions regarding taxes levied by the School District. The public may make comments and/or pose question through the following email now through the end of the Truth in Taxation Hearing on December 14, 2020 - SRR_Truth_in_ Taxation_Questions@isd47.org Comments/Questions will be addressed in a timely manner during this period and will be included in the Truth in Taxation hearing presentation on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-50-1B
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING “Adoption of Final 2021 Budget and Levy” December 16, 2020, 9:00 a.m. Benton County Board Room AGENDA 9:00 - Spencer Buerkle, Chair - Call to Order - Pledge of Allegiance - Roll Call 9:01 - Monty Headley, County Administrator - Consider the Final 2021 Benton County Budget and Levy 9:10: - Adjourn Meetings by Telephone Effective immediately, the Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Ditch Authority/ Economic Development Authority may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Board members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the County Board, or the County Attorney, or the County Administrator will be present during meetings at the County Board’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely. Benton County Board of Commissioners/Benton County Economic Development Authority/ Benton County Ditch Authority Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/834170141 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 834-170-141 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/834170141 R-50-1B
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SPORTS
Page 16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Vikings climb back into the playoff picture If the regular season ended today, the 6-6 Minnesota Vikings would be in the NFC playoff field. That’s truly impressive
considering the team started 1-5 and has been missing their most impactful defensive player (Danielle Hunter) for the entire sea-
son. No one is going to say the last handful of games have been pretty, especially last Sunday’s 27-24 home victory over the 1-11
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Jacksonville Jaguars. But, a win’s a win, and the Vikings will take every one of them they can get at this point. It seems to me like the Vikings always seem to rise or sink to the level of their competition. I know that isn’t some complicated statistical analysis, but it’s overwhelmingly true. The Vikings can lose by one point on the road against the 8-4 Seahawks or march into Lambeau and upset the 9-3 Packers in a closely-contested game, but they’ll also lose at home by three to a pathetic 3-9 Cowboys squad or sweat out a butt-ugly overtime victory over the Jaguars. I guess the one thing you can bank on as a Vikings fan is every game is going to be exciting in its own way. The Vikings now control their own playoff destiny. Their last four games are at the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, home for the free falling 5-7 Chicago Bears, at the 10-2 New Orleans Saints and at the 5-7
SPORTS COLUMNIST BY ANDY THAYER
Detroit Lions. If the Vikings win all four of those games, they will make the playoffs. If they go 3-1, they almost assuredly will make it as well, but that would involve upsetting either Tampa Bay or New Orleans on the road. A 2-2 finish would make things complicated but not impossible. The addition of a third wild card playoff team in each conference this season is likely going to work in the Vikings’ favor this year barring a total collapse. I see two huge keys for the Vikings in their critical final four games. One is getting a healthy Eric Kendricks back in the lineup as soon as possible. In addition to his sideline-tosideline run stuffing abilities, he’s also the team’s best linebacker in pass coverage, and he primarily guards opposing teams’ tight ends. His absence was clearly felt against Jacksonville, with tight end Tyler Eifert catching six passes on six targets and consistently moving the chains for the Jaguars. Kendricks would be even more important against Tampa Bay, where he’d almost assuredly be covering future hall-of-famer
Rob Gronkowski for most of the game. Kendricks missed Wednesday’s practice, which is not a great sign for his availability this Sunday, but he has not been ruled out yet. The second key for the Vikings is going to be finding a way to spell running back Dalvin Cook. I completely understand the team’s entire offense revolves around Cook and the running game, but Cook’s 38 touches on Sunday was the most by an NFL player in two full years. That is not a sustainable workload for a running back who has some durability concerns and has clearly lost some explosiveness as he deals with a nagging ankle injury. Backup Alexander Mattison was not available last Sunday due to an appendectomy, but the Vikings still need to find a way to effectively pace Dalvin Cook over these next four games. We saw what happens when he is out of the lineup during the team’s 40-23 home loss in week 6 to a thenwinless Atlanta Falcons team. Losing Cook would be a death knell for this Vikings season. After a brutal start, the Vikings have somehow battled their way back into playoff contention. It is a testament to the team’s resiliency that they have been able to come this far. They’ve won five of their last six games, and they will need to continue to play winning football if they want to finish what they have started.
Newspapers still top choice for local news! People prefer newspapers for their local news over TV and internet, according to a survey conducted for the National Newspaper Association.
For community news, local newspapers beat the internet by 3-1.
The reason people stick with their local paper is because they want to know about what is going on in their community.
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