by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Construction of a water main extension near 20th Avenue SE will go ahead after the St. Joseph City Council approved on a split vote the project’s assessments and low bid at its Sept. 8 meeting. The approval came after a public hearing on the project, which will pay for a construction of a looped water main
School leaders closely watch Covid case rates
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com With Sartell-St. Stephen schools set to open Sept. 8 using a mix of in-person and hybrid learning, school administrators are closely watching the Covid-19 case numbers in Stearns County. “The best we can do is encourage our neighbors, particularly this Labor Day weekend, to keep masks on and social distance,” Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert told school board
Police, firefighters move to space designed for the future
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell police officers and firefighters are finding more space, new technology and a design for the future in their new home on Pinecone Road. Not all the boxes have been unpacked and a few details need finishing, but both departments are now operating out of the new Public Safety Facility. In addition to more space –
Ground broken for new arena in Sartell
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com After several years of planning, fine-tuning and fundraising, a groundbreaking ceremony took place Aug. 26 in Sartell for a new sports arena – a private/city partnership project. As attendees looked on and applauded, a long row of participants turned over spadefuls of dirt on the site of the project, just south of the Bernick’s Arena in
Sartell chalk artists share joy with others
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com On the morning of Aug. 31, the day dawned with such beauty that Maureen Putnam of Sartell decided to take time to smell the roses, so to speak. She gathered together a small group of art enthusiasts to share their talents – and plenty of joy – by creating a huge chalk mural. It was also
Council approves downtown streetscape plan
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com A proposal to improve the look of downtown St. Joseph moved ahead when the City Council approved the final plan and bidding for the streetscape project. The improvements include repairs to the existing street-scape on the south side of Minnesota Street from Chapel Lane to First Avenue NE. The work includes replacing pavers, tree planters, benches
