Mark Welch of Sartell is part of a team that plunged into ice-cold lake water recently, raising $1,655 in pledges for Special Olympics Minnesota. The team’s fundraising goal year was $1,500. Welch is the boyfriend of MaryBeth Munden of St. Joseph, who has raised money for many years for the Special Olympics. Munden, Welch and their two other team members
Sartell KB team set for state meet
The Sartell Knowledge Bowl will compete for statewide honors April 10-11 at Cragun’s Resort near Brainerd. The five-member team placed second March 20 during the regional meet at Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell. Coached by teacher Luke Walker, the varsity team is comprised of Sam Chappel, Adam Dullinger, Curt Koopmeiners, Gopi Ramanathan and Quinn Skoog. Buffalo placed first at the
First ‘Fare for All’ is a huge success
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com The parking lot filled early and cars lined the road as people arrived at the first “Fare for All Express” food program held March 17 at Resurrection Lutheran Church. People arriving at the door were greeted by organizer Mary Plafcan who handed them a number. They were directed past the Tri-Cap information table to learn about services
O’Driscoll hopes to boost de-escalation training
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) would increase training funds for police who could find themselves in de-escalation crises with returned military veterans. O’Driscoll’s bill calls for increasing the amount of de-escalation training funds from $50,000 to $100,000. It would cover training costs at three police-officer schools in Alexandria, Fond du Lac and
Annual birdhouse event draws a crowd
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com The back room of the American Legion in St. Joseph was filled with the sounds of shuffling boards, electric drills and lots of chatter March 17 at the 21st annual St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club birdhouse-building event. Al Kalla, chairman of the event, said they had a very good turnout. Kalla was busy helping Charlene
Public Works report reveals lots of fun facts
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell has 96 miles of public streets, 27 miles of bituminous trails, 40 parks, 1,112 fire hydrants and three water-pumping plants. Those are just some of the interesting fun facts within the 2013 annual report of the Sartell Public Works Department presented to the city council at its March 24 meeting. The report gives an outline
Council denies Legends’ expansion request
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com On a 3-2 vote, the Sartell City Council nixed a variance request by “Legends of Heritage Place” because of concerns about intrusion in a wetlands area. The decision happened at the March 10 council meeting. Members Steve Hennes and Sarah Jane Nicoll voted for the variance; members Amy Braig-Lindstrom, David Peterson and Mayor Joe Perske voted
Farmers’ Winter Market held at Resurrection Lutheran Church
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com The St. Joseph’s Farmers’ Market held its second-to-last indoor Winter Market March 14 at the Resurrection Lutheran Church fellowship hall. About 10 vendors were set up in the hall. Those vendors offered a variety of produce from storage, such as farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads and baked goods, mushrooms, sunflower oils, meats, maple syrup, dried herbs, herbal tea, pottery,