by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com No one likes to think of a child going hungry or being shamed for not having money in his or her lunch account. Unfortunately, that’s the public concern in some school districts, as seen in recent headlines across the United States and even within our own state. But thankfully, in the central Minnesota school districts of
Stearns honored for solar-power developments
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com Stearns County was honored with a “Silver” designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. A massive solar-energy “garden” was recently installed near St. Joseph, and solar-panel installations are becoming as common a sight as telephone poles in area landscapes. Stearns County, as
Winter Extravaganza brings families together
photo by Carolyn BertschRocco Dale, 3, of Sartell, poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 10 during the Winter Extravaganza event at the City of St. Stephen. photo by Carolyn BertschThe Hengel family of Sartell works on gingerbread ornaments Dec. 10 at the Winter Extravaganza event at St. Stephen City Hall. From left to right are twins Benjamin and Natalie,
Robotics students return with heaps of honors
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell fourth- and fifth-grade students came away with armloads of honors from the Vex IQ Robotics competitions that took place at St. Cloud’s Apollo High School and in Princeton earlier this month. The Sartell Middle School teams consisted of three teams comprised of fifth-graders, and the teams excelled beyond their expectations at Apollo – with first-,
Held wishes bullies would stop, but they don’t
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com All that 10-year-old Tom Held wants is to be treated as if he matters, so that other kids don’t just stand there and do nothing when he is bullied – or just as bad, join in the taunts and laughter. The teasing started when he was a kindergartner. A heartbreaking home-made video featuring Held has gone
Cofell’s concert blend of Christmas cheer
by Patric Lewandowski news@thenewsleaders.com The holidays come with all types of traditions, from caroling to cookie making. One St. Joseph tradition is entering its ninth year: the Dave Cofell Christmas Show at Local Blend. “It started small nine years ago but it has really grown,” said Dave Cofell, founder and host of the Christmas show. “The Local Blend didn’t have