by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com It’s one of the saddest sights along roadways: crosses, flowers and memorabilia “planted” in a ditch where a loved one died in an accident. However, such memorials are also a cause for public safety. That is why the Sartell City Council passed an ordinance at its Dec.9 meeting regarding roadside memorials. In a memo to the
Is climate change coming? It’s here!
Sometimes, when I hear the words “climate change,” I laugh. I laugh not because climate change is funny; it’s the unfunniest topic of all. I laugh because some people choose to ignore what’s happening right in front of their noses. That is part of the humor in a true story brother-in-law Kurt told me years ago. One scorching summer afternoon,
Public hearing to involve end to dog-license requirement
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The city of Sartell is considering dropping the requirement for dog licenses, and that proposal – along with some other proposed changes to the city’s animal ordinance – will be the topic of a public hearing at the Jan. 13 Sartell City Council meeting. In a memo to the City council, city staff stated, “The city
Facebook videos encourage ‘Shop Sartell’
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A series of six videos have been posted on the Sartell Facebook page featuring businesses in the city, all of them with the hopes that people will shop locally – not just during holidays but all-year ‘round. The Shop Local, Shop Sartell effort is going well, according to Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum, who told the City
IT contract with school district works well
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The city of Sartell has been contracting for information-technology expertise from the Sartell-St. Stephen school district to the tune of $1,250 per month. The contract is more than paying for itself, according to information provided to the City Council from city staff. The cost savings come from a wide variety of services – a huge gamut
‘Clumsy’ dancers become ballroom dazzlers
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com When Steve and Nancy Streng of St. Joseph took their first hesitant dancing steps five years ago, they felt clumsy, uncoordinated, unsure of themselves. Their earnest but awkward efforts exhausted them physically and mentally. But that was before they slowly but surely developed what’s known as muscle memory, a term to describe that magic transition when
Fostering animals ‘best experience ever,’ says Trisko
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com As a foster dog, Tukker the sheltie was virtually deaf. One day, his foster “parent,” Jenna Trisko of Sartell, let Tukker go into the back yard along with her own family dog, Shyla. Later, she yelled for the dogs to come back in, but she soon realized Tukker couldn’t hear her voice. Shyla, the miniature Australian
Jaxson ‘the Elf’ eager to visit Manor residents
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Five-year-old Jaxson Yager is eagerly counting the days until Christmas so he can dress up like an elf and once again bring hugs, kisses and holiday cheer to the elderly residents of Country Manor in Sartell. In recent years, Jaxson has become something of a beloved “mascot” for residents and staff at the senior-living facility. Like