by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com What will change when the Sartell Community Center becomes staffed and managed starting in May by the Sartell-St. Stephen school district’s Community Education Program? The changes will likely not be apparent because the center will still be owned by the city, and the school district’s input to the center will be an enhancement of what has
New pool or splash pad at Watab Park?
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Plans for the Watab Park wading pool have hit a snag, although the snag might just morph into an opportunity, depending on what Sartell residents decide they want. The Sartell City Council wrestled with new details about the plans at its Feb. 25 meeting. The presenter at the meeting was Nick Nowacki of a Big Lake
Citizen of Year Nordmann starts new business
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sonia Nordmann, Sartell Citizen of the Year, is starting out 2019 with vim, vigor, hard work and determination. She opened a new business in early November. At 234 Pinecone Road S., it’s called Sartell Vibe, a smoothie-and-juice bar that promotes good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Nordmann was named Citizen of the Year by the Sartell Chamber
Council approves waiver for hockey benefit concert
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com At its last meeting, the Sartell City Council approved a special permit and waiver of fees for a party/fundraiser dubbed “Hairball Concert” set to take place from 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Bernick’s Arena. The event is a fundraiser sponsored by the Sartell Youth Hockey Association. While the concert is planned as an outdoor
Celebration project awarded contract
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The much-discussed and long-awaited Celebration neighborhood drainage-improvement project was awarded a work contract by the Sartell City Council at its last meeting. Landwehr Construction of St. Cloud was the low bidder at $424,173, which is within the city’s budget and considerably less than a previous project estimate of nearly $500,000. Throughout the years, there have been
Snow-removal crew gets council kudos
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The Sartell Public Works Department employees and its director, John Kothenbeutel, received high praise from the Sartell City Council for their round-the-clock effort at snow removal from streets and public parking lots. At the Feb. 25 council meeting, Mayor Ryan Fitzthum and council member Brady Andel praised the Kothenbeutel and the work crews for the mammoth
School Community Ed. to operate city center
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com As of May 1 this year, the Sartell-St. Stephen school district’s Community Education program will operate, manage and staff the Sartell Community Center. The Sartell City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the school district for that purpose. The school district also voted unanimously to approve the partnership
Schwartz has keen eye for rescuing critters
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Kylie Schwartz seems to have an inborn gift and a keen eye for finding abandoned or abused critters in desperate need. While driving recently on CR 4 near Gilman in Benton County, the 18-year-old St. Joseph woman saw a Walmart plastic bag in field stubble at the edge of the road. The bag, she noticed, seemed