Jan. 8 edition
A stolen St. Cloud police car was left abandoned at Millstream Park in St. Joseph Jan. 7. The suspect fled on foot and was later arrested hiding at a nearby home. On Jan. 7, St. Cloud police were called to Kwik Trip at 6250 CR 120 in reference to a suspicious person. According to the report, an officer located the man in the parking lot and identified him as 25-year-old Alexander James Butcher. Butcher was cooperative and nothing criminal had occurred, so he was not in custody. The officer who had been speaking with Butcher outside the store stepped inside the store to speak with an employee. At that time, approximately 7:30 p.m., Butcher entered and stole the squad car. Stearns County Dispatch Center was able to track the squad car GPS. The report notes the vehicle at times was traveling at a high rate of speed on Veterans Drive, then South on Highway 15, and then west on Third Street. The vehicle went through Waite Park and then toward St. Joseph where it eventually stopped in the Millstream Park area at 725 CR 75.
On Dec. 22, Murray Allen Dirks, 44, of St. Joseph, was convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for disseminating pornographic work. This was his fifth conviction.
Jan. 22 edition
A free, online tutoring service is here to help students make the grade as distance learning during the pandemic has exacerbated trying to understand daily lessons and homework. Around Cloud Tutors, which launched Jan. 11, is an online service to provide tutoring to St. Cloud area students at no charge. Tutoring is available in three languages – English, Somali and Spanish – including for students with special needs or those needing post-secondary advising.
After weeks of uncertainty, the St. Joseph Food Shelf will open its doors in a new location Feb. 8. “This community has been unbelievable for us in the 11th hour,” said Julie Gravgaard, co-coordinator of the St. Joseph Food Shelf, as she shared the new address at 18 Birch St. E. With the sale of the former Kennedy building in December, the St. Joseph Food Shelf needed to find a new home.
St. Joseph City Council approved preliminary and final plats for the St. Joseph City Hall addition Jan. 19. The resolutions approved splitting existing parcels adjacent to the former Kennedy building and city hall into three separate parcels. City Hall will have 1.3 acres, Little Saints Academy, the new owner of the Kennedy building, will have a 4.3-acre parcel. The remaining 8.3 acres are reserved for a park and community center.
Feb. 5 edition
At the Jan. 19 St. Joseph City Council meeting, Police Chief Dwight Pfannenstein reported officers were dispatched to 3,826 calls in 2020, an increase of 16 percent from the previous year. Pfannenstein noted this was the first time in his 20 years of service that bars and restaurants were shut down, schools were on remote learning and large outdoor events and parades were cancelled due to restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. “While some would think this would result in peace and quiet in the world of the police, we saw quite the opposite,” he said. When asked about the types of incidents that may have led to the increase of 523 more calls, Pfannenstein said he couldn’t be sure, but he hopes to know by the end of February, or March at the latest. The record-keeping system currently used is outdated.
In January, three St. Joseph firefighters retired after collectively amassing nearly 100 years of service. Keith Simon retired Jan. 1 after 20 years of service, Jim Marthaler retired Jan. 2 with 43 years of service and Randy Torborg retired Jan. 10 with 32 years of service.
Young entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways of selling Girl Scout cookies in the COVID-19 era. Beginning Feb. 16, people can order Girl Scout Cookies for pickup or delivery on Grubhub.com or through the Grubhub app as traditional selling methods are limited for the second season in a row.
Feb. 19 edition
Melted cheese oozes over crisp crust and down the wall at Sliced on College Avenue in St. Joseph from a new mural painted by local artists Austin Saatzer, Grace Kuebelbeck and Adam Spaeth in February.
St. Cloud school district students in grades six through 12 return to in-person learning full time March 10. When the announcement was made at the Feb. 3 school board meeting, Superintendent Willie Jett noted the historic moment. “Our secondary schools have not been in person like this since last March,” he said.
March 5 edition
A warm-weather meltdown followed by a sprinkling of snow were a nice mix for St. Joseph’s first Snowfest. The week kicked off with a medallion hunt. By the fifth daily clue, the medallion was found by Bruno, Ann and Ruben Theisen. Approximately a dozen people showed up for what turned out to be a moonlight hike through Millstream Park Feb. 27. Two days of above-40 temperatures eliminated the need for snowshoes, but the campfire raged on. Then, the overnight snow gave a fresh coat of powder for an afternoon of sledding at Memorial Park Feb. 28.
Those 60 and older in St. Joseph are welcome to pick up free frozen meals at Resurrection Lutheran Church, enough meals to last seniors one month. This is an ongoing program, set for every month. The frozen meals distribution is a program made possible by Catholic Charities. It is partially funded via a contract with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging as part of the national Older Americans Act.
Kevin Kluesner was sworn in March 1 as the newest member of the St. Joseph City Council. He was appointed following interviews Feb. 18 with eight candidates vying for an open seat following the resignation of council member Anne Buckvold in January.
March 19 edition
St. Joseph has some serious street cred when it comes to food and beverage in the United States. Two local establishments have been recognized on a national stage for being the best. Krewe walked away with Midwest Living magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2021. Milk & Honey Ciders was among the finalists in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 2021 for best cidery.
At the Feb. 17 St. Cloud school board meeting, the 2021-22 academic calendar was approved with staggered start dates, new distance-learning days and the end of what many Minnesotans have known as “snow day” make-up days.
In August 2020, Rebecca Grosz was named the first female sergeant of the Waite Park Police Department. A little over six months into her new role, this St. Joseph native shared a bit about her work, including how effective communication skills are more valuable than use of force in her line of work.
April 2 edition
“If you can get under the sweet steam and get a whiff, it’s worth it,” Shelly Carlson said to 14 guests standing outside the Wildwood Ranch sugar shack in St. Joseph on March 28. Visitors came from Avon, Clear Lake, Freeport, Paynesville and St. Wendel for one of several tours this season to learn about the maple-syrup-making process that has been part of the Carlson and Honer families for 40 years, and a part of Wildwood-Kraemer Lake County Park since 2007.
When the team at Milk & Honey Ciders received an email from USA Today in February notifying them of being chosen as a nominee for their 10 Best Readers’ Choice award for Best Cidery, they were completely floored.
This spring, the people of St. Joseph will be able to park it in a whimsical community parklet on Minnesota Street. What is a parklet, you might ask? A small seating area or green space created as a public amenity on or alongside a sidewalk in a parking space.
April 16 edition
For the second year in a row, the streets of St. Joseph will be quieter July 3. JoeTown Rocks has been cancelled again as a COVID-19 safety precaution.
Members of the St. Joseph Parish Quilt Group gathered at Heritage Hall Monday to put the finishing touches on their masterpiece, the “Bad Habit Brewing” quilt.
All things considered in a pandemic, St. Joseph is doing OK. In an interview prior to Mayor Rick Schultz’ annual state of the city address to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce April 14, he talked about how COVID-19 impacted this small town.
April 30 edition
The sidewalks of St. Joseph are typically lined with lawn chairs and blankets every July 4 as thousands of local residents and out-of-towners make their way to Minnesota Street for the annual parade. This year, a decision will be made on whether or not the parade marches on by May 15.
If one positive thing came out of the pandemic, it’s an appreciation for outdoor dining, and the city of St. Joseph is acknowledging that with a new temporary ordinance extending outdoor service for some businesses.
At the April 19 St. Joseph City Council meeting, the future Jacob Wetterling Recreation Center took a step toward becoming reality. The council approved a motion to seek proposals for design and construction services.
May 14 edition
St. Joseph Women of Today will hold a free kids’ bicycle and helmet safety event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 15 in Melody Park off Ironwood Drive in Pleasant Acres
Following Gov. Tim Walz’s announced lifting of restrictions on outdoor gatherings beginning May 7 and indoor gatherings beginning May 28, St. Cloud school district released updated plans for end-of-year activities for Apollo High School. For prom Saturday, May 15, students are now allowed to have two spectators at the grand march at 7:30 p.m. Prom immediately follows the grand march and ends at 11 p.m.
May 28 edition
The St. Joseph Lions Club voted at their May 18 meeting to hold the Fourth of July parade this summer. The parade has been put on by the St. Joseph Lions Club since 1964. Ken and Mary Stommes have been parade co-chairs for the last 10 years. The parade was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 safety restrictions.
On May 3, St. Joseph City Council approved a new permanent ordinance for outdoor dining and sidewalk cafes designed to streamline the approval process while maintaining standards of the city’s character and expectations.
Anyone interested in keeping calm and carrying on this summer need look no further than outdoor yoga sessions throughout St. Joseph.
June 11 edition
St. Joseph residents asked questions and expressed concern at the June 7 city council meeting during the public assessment hearing on 2021 street and utility improvements totaling more than $3.5 million
St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau has a new strategic plan to introduce more people to the small-town warmth and big city cool that is affectionately known as JoeTown.
Too much of a good thing? No way. The annual Millstream Arts Festival typically held in September is transitioning to a weekly event Mondays throughout the summer in St. Joseph.
June 25 edition
Members of the city council and the Jacob Wetterling Community Center focus group met June 16 to listen to four architectural firms propose their ideas for the much-anticipated community center.
The creators of Art and Science Kits for children are seeking donations to continue their enrichment programs throughout this summer.
A new women’s clothing and accessory boutique, Hudson & Company, opened June 18 in the beautifully restored corner building at College Avenue and Minnesota Street in St. Joseph.
July 9 edition
Tuesday evening at the City Council meeting it was announced that council member Brian Theisen had put in his resignation.
The decision of which architect firm is going to head the Jacob Wetterling Community Center is drawing to a close. At the July 6 council meeting it was announced the community center committee had made its final decision. However, there are still some concerns within the city council that need to be addressed.
July 23 edition
After shovels were passed around, the Traut family broke ground July 15 for construction of their company’s St. Joseph location.
Sitarah and Kristopher Gjerme of St. Joseph are starring in GREAT Theater’s musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” The musical will be presented at the new Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park. Kristopher plays a knight and a lord, and Sitarah plays Maria, the fairy godmother
Luke Miller of St. Joseph is not only a respected teacher at the Sartell Riverview Intermediate School but is also owner and operator of Quicky Trees LLC, a tree farm on the outskirts of St. Joseph.
Aug. 6 edition
At Monday night’s council meeting a decision was approved for which architect firm would head the Jacob Wetterling Community Center.
The St. Joseph City Council officially welcomed its newest council member Jon Hazen at Monday night’s council meeting. Hazen will replace Brian Theisen, who resigned earlier this summer for personal reasons.
On Aug. 26, lifelong St. Joseph resident Taylor Notsch showcased graphic design pieces and clay jewelry artwork at Millstream Night Market Mondays. Not only has Notsch lived her whole life in St. Joseph, she also attended the College of St. Benedict where she majored in communication.
Aug. 20 edition
On Aug. 14, the St. Joseph Joes amateur baseball team played a tough game against the Sartell Muskies. The results of the game determined whether the St. Joseph Joes would move on to the state
tournament.
St. Joseph’s population grew by 7.5 percent during the last decade, according to data from the 2020 Census released Aug 12.
Sept. 3 edition
On Aug. 18, St. Cloud school board voted six to one to mandate masks while inside district buildings and using district transportation. The mandate went into effect Aug. 23.
After 38 years on Route 2, Mark Glatzel retired from the St. Joseph Post Office, finishing his career Aug. 27.
Ten years ago, Josh Schmitz decided to do something special for his mom’s cousin, (who was actually more like an aunt) and was battling cancer. He got together with some family and friends and
contacted the Relay for Life to see how they could help. Having been riding motorcycles since he was 19, Schmitz decided a great way to earn money for his team would be to start a poker run. That was
back in 2012, and the tradition has continued.
Sept. 17 edition
The St. Joseph Catholic School has a new principal. Sara Michaelson joined the faculty of the elementary school on Aug. 25. Michaelson has a background in education and leadership. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she graduated from East Anchorage High School.
Food trucks, shopping and music is what will greet you if you attend the second annual St. Joseph craft fair. St. Joseph residents Meghan and Carl Berg started the event last year when all their usual fairs had been canceled due to Covid.
During his student years at Concordia College in Moorhead, Chad Johnson, now a St. Joseph resident, developed a passion for “giving back” and helping others, especially through non-profit agencies.
Oct. 1 edition
When students returned to Kennedy Community School Sept. 9, fewer students were in the hallways due to lower enrollment this year.
An old house in St. Joseph once owned by Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict will become a new home for a family in need this summer.
Numerous people gathered to enjoy the German style festivities Sept. 25 at St. Joseph’s Rocktoberfest. It wasn’t unusual to see men wearing their traditional lederhosen while the women donned their dirndls. The crowd was lively while the Bavarian Musikmeisters kept the music going.
Oct. 15 edition
A book written by Liz Fiedler of St. Joseph is a perfect tribute to the memory of her husband who died so suddenly and to his little daughter to whom he loved to read storybooks.
When it comes to three generations of Joseph John O’Connells (that’s right – I, II, III), it can truly be said, “They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”
When it comes to health and wellness, Brenny Transportation takes care of its employees.
Oct. 29 edition
Kennedy Community School was the school in focus at the Oct. 20 St. Cloud school board meeting.
A press released recently stated the public is invited to visit the Southwest Beltline Corridor Study website to learn more about potential corridor alternatives. The study website will have a narrated presentation available for review as well as the opportunity to complete a community survey and share comments on an interactive study map.
St. Cloud school district Superintendent Willie Jett announced he will not be seeking contract renewal when his current contract expires June 30, 2022.
Nov. 12 edition
Laurie Putnam has been named the new superintendent for St. Cloud school district, a role she will assume July 1, 2022, pending contract negotiations.
Plenty of fixings for a complete Thanksgiving family dinner will be available at a Fare for All distribution event from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.
If you have yet to attend one of Mary Bruno’s open houses at her studio, you may want to add it to your list of things to do. When you walk into the studio in St. Joseph the first thing you are greeted with is a welcoming smile and a “hey buddy.”
Nov. 26 edition
To meet Brother Paul-Vincent is to understand what it’s like being in the presence of a kindred spirit. Brother Paul has been a Benedictine monk at the St. John’s Abbey since 1993. In 1995, he started teaching and directing theater at St. John’s Preparatory School. Before that, he spent 13 years working in a circus. During that time, he did magic tricks, swallowed fire and was a puppet master, among several other job duties.
Thanks to generous contributions and lots of volunteers, the Faith Feeds program, based in St. Joseph, cooked more than 1,000 Thanksgiving dinners to serve to people in the area on Thanksgiving Day.
The holidays are here and as we begin to slowly emerge from the isolation that COVID 19 forced us into, some of our community traditions are starting to come back. On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, WinterWalk will return to the St. Joseph area and this year you’re not going to want to miss it.
Dec. 10 edition
What does rye whiskey have to do with kittens? Well, just go ask Jeremy Blankenship, a distiller of rye whiskey, who – with two partners – owns Stearns American Distillery in Avon. Blankenship is always eager to share facts and legends of the old days – especially the old “moonshine” days of the 1920s and 1930s in Stearns County.
The return of the St. Joseph WinterWalk brought out some of that Holiday cheer we may have been missing throughout the last year.