The News Leaders

by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Two local legislators visited Kennedy Community School Nov. 4 to learn about the school’s unique programs and hear from school leaders what state government can do to help education. Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) toured the school with Principal Anna Willhite and Assistant Principal Richmond Tweh. On a walk through school,

by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Clear communication about the plan and more robust community support apparently turned around last year’s rejection of a school district operating levy into an approval in a Nov. 5 special election. Sartell-St. Stephen school district’s voters approved an operating levy that will raise $1.77 million for 10 years. There were 3,047 yes votes and 2,276 no

by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com When Grace Radeke debuted on a theater stage 10 years ago, it was as dancing cutlery. At age 7, she played a fork in GREAT Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Now 10 years later, the Sartell junior is directing other young actors in “The Rainbow Fish Musical,” opening Saturday, Nov.

by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A music shop known as Barrett’s Music had its grand opening Nov. 9 in the building that housed for seven years a previous music shop, Riff City Guitar, at 708 Elm Street E. in St. Joseph. Barrett’s Music is owned by Sartell residents Micah and Jeanine Barrett. Long-time music enthusiasts, music teachers and musical performers, the

by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleader.com Fall 2020 is a long way off but Sartell-St. Stephen school leaders are already working on the school calendar for next year. The school board plans to discuss a draft calendar at its Nov. 18 meeting and then approve a final version when the board meets in December. With a later Labor Day next fall –

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Downtown St. Joseph will sparkle with holiday brightness for residents young and old for the 10th annual Winterwalk holiday festivities on Friday, Dec. 6. About 500 outdoor luminaries will help light the way on more than five blocks for passers-by to join in these festivities and be a part of the 6 p.m. lighting of a

by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Not to be outdone by tall people and their shovels, a black-and-white pooch named Roger dug in the dirt at the Nov. 7 groundbreaking for the Tri-County Humane Society. The crowd that gathered at the event applauded, cheered and chuckled as Roger, spurning the use of a golden shovel, used his front paws to dig, dig,

by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com At a fundraiser dubbed Tackling Poverty, three Minnesota football greats signed autographs and mixed with a crowd the evening of Nov. 11 at the Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill in Sartell. They helped raise money for an organization called Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota in east St. Cloud. The organization provides remedial academic skills and