by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A former plan to secure a loan with the city’s help to build a sports complex in Sartell has been abandoned, and the funds to build it have been secured by the Sartell Youth Hockey Association via private financing with city involvement, according to Sartell City Administrator Anna Gruber. Even though the City Council voted 4-1
Westlund challenges Demuth for House 13A seat
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Two women – one incumbent and a newcomer – are competing to represent the residents of Minnesota House District 13A starting in January of next year. That seat will be determined in the Nov. 3 general election. The two candidates are incumbent Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Katy Westlund (DFL-Paynesville). District 13A includes the cities of
Huntington residents voice concerns about density zoning
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Many of the residents of the Huntington neighborhood residents in Sartell spoke up to share their concerns about a major new zoning plan at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting. “Huntington,” as it’s known, is a residential area in south central Sartell, east of Pinecone Road, connected to roadways such as Heritage Drive and Roberts Road.
Carollo: Legislators must help workers find path to success
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Benjamin Carollo of Sauk Rapids, who is challenging Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) for the District 13B House seat, is fascinated by “the intersection of people and technology, how they impact each other and what problems arise as we advance as a society and a planet.” He also said he strongly believes in these difficult and contentious
O’Driscoll: Mending state deficit should be top priority
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a multi-billion-dollar state surplus to plunge to a multi-billion-dollar state deficit, and that will be the biggest challenge in the near future, said State Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell), who is up for re-election Nov. 3. “That will be the top priority during the 2021 legislative session – dealing with that large
Podi: Community center would boost students’ success
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Omar Abdullahi Podi, a candidate for the St. Cloud school board, believes a community center would provide after-school educational programs and skill learning to supplement what students learn in classrooms. Podi is one of seven candidates, including three incumbents, vying for four open seats on the school board in the Nov. 3 general election. Born in
Haws: All can reach excellence despite backgrounds
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Shannon Haws of St. Cloud, a candidate for the St. Cloud school board, strongly believes with a strong beginning and lots of support, every child can achieve educational excellence regardless of socio-economic-demographic backgrounds. An incumbent board member, Haws, 55, is one of seven candidates vying for four seats on the school board in the Nov. 3
Smith: Grow tax base to support future growth
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell City Council candidate Jill Smith said she believes one of the city’s biggest challenges is to grow the tax base commensurate with the needs of current and future residents and the city’s “top-rated” school district. Smith is one of four candidates vying for two open seats on the council, the two now held by Mike