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-,
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
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
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com Cooks, bus drivers and custodians of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District announced Dec. 9 they are ready to call a strike because of frustrating labor-contract negotiations. All of the 83 employees are members of Service Employees International Union Local 284. They include custodians, grounds workers, food service, and bus and van drivers for Sartell’s five schools.
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com You forget what you wanted when you walked into a room or you misplace your keys, phone or other items. Are those considered “normal” signs of aging? Krisie Barron, a caregiver specialist from Embrace, will discuss what is considered “normal” and “not normal” aging at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at the Church of St. Joseph
by Vicki Ikeogu news@thenewsleaders.com There is no greater joy for Sartell resident Gayle Smoley than to see a young child pick up a book and start reading. “It’s the heart of it all,” she said. “If you can read and write, you’ve got it made.” For most of her adult life, Smoley has been on the front lines of many
by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com All you have to do is open a holiday home-décor magazine or step foot into the bustling Christmas aisles of any store to see the diverse spectrum of Christmas-tree styles and accessories for 2017. And whether your family leans toward the nostalgia of tradition, minimalist modern or even something a little more daring, there’s sure to be