by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell High School’s graduation rate took a slight dip in 2019, but still remained well above the state average. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, 96.5 percent of students graduated in four years, compared with 83.7 percent statewide. The Sartell score dropped from 98.2 percent in 2018. Compared with other area districts, Sartell ranked behind
Graduation gap still exists between white students, black students
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com St. Cloud’s two public high schools improved their four-year graduation rates in 2019, but there’s still a significant gap between white students and black students. At Apollo High School, the overall graduation rate was 79.4 percent, compared with 77.4 percent a year earlier. At Tech High School, the overall graduation rate was 81.4 percent compared with
Borgerding urges, ‘Become friend of Wobegon Trails’
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Little did Cliff Borgerding realize in the 1970s that a railroad bed one-half mile from his home in Avon would someday become a bicycle trail he would come to know and love. At that time, Borgerding worked for the Fingerhut company in St. Cloud, with lots of employees that commuted from cities to the west: Sauk
Lions donate to send Explorer to state competition
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com The Y2K Lions recently donated $400 to the Stearns County Explorer Post 250 to help fund expenses for an Explorer to attend the April 24-26 state competition in Rochester. St. Joseph resident Stearns County Deputy Sheriff Brian Theisen attended the March 11 Y2K Lions meeting to discuss the program and accept the donation. Theisen is one
Mayor asks for community support
by Ryan Fitzthum Sartell mayor As businesses and residents are reeling from the effects of Covid-19, the city of Sartell is taking a stance on support and encouragement. Sartell mayor Ryan Fitzthum has asked the community to join together and use #SartellSupport to show community connectedness and support during this time. “I have spent the past few days connecting with
Sartell schools gear up for distance learning
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The Sartell-St. Stephen school district is making plans for distance learning when students return from spring break on March 30. Sartell-St. Stephen school board members met with community leaders March 15 to begin working out details on implementing the governor’s order to shut down schools and plan for the coronavirus epidemic. The Sartell district, along with
Schools to serve grab-and-go meals
The St. Cloud school district Food and Nutrition Services will provide all district families with drive-thru and pickup free meals for the children in their family while the schools are closed. Only parents/guardians/students may pick up food. Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult to receive food. Grab-and-go bags, including a lunch and snack for the day
Sartell schools make plans for closing schools, distance learning at emergency meeting
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell-St. Stephen school board members met with community leaders Sunday night to begin working out details on implementing the governor’s order shutting down Minnesota schools during the coronavirus pandemic. The Sartell district, along with St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids-Rice and area Catholic schools, will close for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16. The Sartell discussion centered