by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Not all lake algae is bad, especially the golden algae discovered recently in Little Rock Lake – an indication that the lake-river drawdown last year is now showing promise. The discovery was made in a sample of a phytoplankton colony taken from the lake at the public access just off of Hwy. 10 S. The samples
CLC Free Store combines prayer with action
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Responses from grateful people in this time of need range from heart-warming to heart-breaking, according to Jess Lundsetter, who founded a food help program in March along with four other members of Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell. Soon, they learned that so many people in the area are feeling afraid, anxious, separated, lonely and utterly uncertain
Community leaders make sure no one falls through the cracks during pandemic
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com While state and national governments tackle the big issues of controlling the coronavirus pandemic, a small group of St. Joseph community leaders is focusing on details to deliver basic services during the health emergency. About dozen leaders gather on Zoom once a week to make sure that people with housing, food and education needs are being
Home building increases in 2019
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Builders created 46 housing units in St. Joseph during 2019 resulting in 76 jobs, according to data released by Central Minnesota Builders Association. The building activity included 11 single-family homes and 35 apartments accounting for more than $3.1 million in taxes and fees. There were three single-family homes constructed in St. Joseph Township last year. In
St. Joseph Catholic School restructuring grades
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Due to a decline in sixth-grade enrollment, St. Joseph Catholic School, a pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade school, will not be offering a sixth-grade option after the 2020-2021 school year. Karl Terhaar has been the principal at the school for 13 years. He said there has been an increase in the number of students who have chosen to
Youth sports group requests city funds for athletic complex
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The Sartell Youth Recreation Center has requested $130,000 annually for 20 years from the city of Sartell toward the cost of the proposed expansion of the Bernick’s Ice Arena. The request was made during the May 11 City Council meeting by Chad Ritter, president of the Sartell Youth Recreation Center (SYRC). Ritter gave a detailed update
Search for financial director continues
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A search for a new financial director for Sartell is underway. Heidi Ostlie, the former director, announced her resignation last month in order to take a job with the city of Detroit Lakes. At the May 11 City Council meeting, member Mike Chisum said he wants to be assured that the full City Council will be
The Gates gets nod from council
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The Gates, a residential development just to the south of Blackberry Ridge Golf Course, received a go-ahead by the Sartell City Council at its May 11 meeting. The project will involve the building of 22 single-family homes in a cul-de-sac-style neighborhood. The council agreed to rezone that area from Planned Unit Development to Residential (single-family plat).