by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph seniors Reid Nydeen and Derek Steichen were recently named the St. John’s Prep School Triple A Award (Arts, Academics, Athletics) recipients. Each year, the Minnesota State High School League recognizes high-school seniors from member schools who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in fine arts. Nydeen is the daughter of
Hommerding’s nursing skills touch many
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph resident Brenda Hommerding isn’t a person who likes having everyone’s attention focused on her, but she is a person who likes to focus her attention on other people. Especially if that means helping them when they need medical care. Hommerding has spent the past 32 years working as a nurse in the Medical Oncology
Cold weather necessitates Catholic Schools Week changes
by Cori Hilsgen news@the newsleaders.com The cold weather, which closed many schools Jan. 29-31, changed the timing of a few activities which were planned for Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph Catholic School. “Although we had three days canceled during Catholic Schools Week, we will reschedule the planned activities,” principal Karl Terhaar said at the end of the week. “Students really
Celebrating Valentine’s Day traditions
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on Feb. 14 each year, will be here soon and several area residents are looking forward to continuing their holiday traditions. These residents commented about their traditions. Anne Buckvold, St. Joseph City Council member and school mental health counselor, said she usually makes Danish Frikadellar, which is meatballs with ground beef
Kennedy hosts first Academic All-Stars Breakfast
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Middle school students at Kennedy Community School who achieved six “As” or more during the first trimester of school were recently recognized for their hard work and efforts. Ninety sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders at the school were recognized Jan. 4 for their academic excellence during the school’s first Academic All-Stars Breakfast. Principal Laurie Putnam said 98
Park Board seeks new members
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com If you are someone who enjoys spending time in any of the St. Joseph City parks, maybe you would be interested in becoming a park board member to help with park planning. The St. Joseph Park Board, which is an advisory board serving the City Council, is seeking new members. City Administrator Judy Weyrens said the
Kennedy VEX Robotics gearing up for competitions
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com VEX Robotics students at Kennedy Community School have been busy gearing up for competition. Robotics students competed Jan. 5 at the Sartell Sabres VEX Turning Point Tournament in Sartell. Two Kennedy teams won two awards presented by VEX judges after judges’ interviews. The sixth-grade girls team won the VEX Robotics Energy Award and the sixth-grade boys
A sweet deal: Donations match lemonade sales to raise $2,600
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell fourth-graders Lila Meyer and Taylor Drexel-Gainsforth and fifth-grader Violet Meyer recently sold lemonade to raise funds for hungry children. They, along with parents Nicole and Kenny Meyer and Sara and Curt Draxler-Gainsforth, are members of Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell. After Lila, Taylor and Violet raised a total of $36.50, Nicole suggested they donate the