by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Due to the world-wide Covid-19 virus pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz announced on March 15 that schools would close March 18-27 for teachers and staff to develop and implement distance learning plans beginning March 30 and now extended to May 4. Many area schools have worked hard and excelled at meeting this challenge. When teachers at the

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Holly Nelson, Kennedy Community School librarian/media specialist, once again enticed students to read during I Love to Read Month in February by decorating the school’s library/media center. She did this by turning the library/media center into a place that supported the ideas and dreams of the main character from this year’s One District One Book, “Cleo

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com When Rich Schwegel decided to step down as chairman of the Joetown Rocks July 3 concert after chairing it for more than 14 years, a trickle of questions and rumors began circulating in St. Joseph about whether or not there would be a concert this year. After two new volunteers, Dean Budde and Bruce Bechtold, stepped

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Six students from St. Joseph Catholic School participated on Feb. 11 in the St. Cloud Morning Optimist Kids Speak Out speech event at the Great River Regional Library, St. Cloud. These students included sixth-graders Saima Velline, Catherine Colberg, Cecelia Weldon, and fifth-graders Scott Stephens, James Hanauska and Henry Dullinger. Fifth-and sixth-grade students are invited to this

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Kennedy Community School Student Council members and Ambassadors have been busy filling their leadership roles to organize projects to help fill area needs around St. Joseph. Activities these students have been busy organizing this year include competing to collect for a food drive where they donated 364 items to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf, collecting

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Excitement was in the air as students, faculty and staff at St. Joseph Catholic School celebrated Catholic Schools Week Jan. 26-31 with a variety of activities. Once, again, the theme this year was “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The week included themed days, fun activities, prayer and a service project. Fourth-grade teacher Theresa Fleege coordinated

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com St. John’s University senior Joey Stock, who is a designated hitter/pitcher for the college’s baseball team, was recently named 2020 D3baseball.com Preseason All-America honorable mention. The Preseason All-America team is selected from previous years’ All-American and All-Region nominations. “The chance to be named a preseason All-American is definitely a great opportunity,” Stock said. “It is awesome