by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The little metal bridge over Watab Creek stood tall for 100 years. It survived farm work and fun with four generations of Trauts but it didn’t survive a suspicious fire that burned the beams and boards. Early on the morning of July 24, Larry Traut was startled when a Sartell police officer drove into his yard
Vandals cause costly cleanups at two parks
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com A recent run of vandalism at two city parks has cost the city of St. Joseph thousands of dollars for repairs and has led to a cutback in services. Fixing damage to the restrooms at the Wobegon trailhead cost about $8,000 to repair. Vandals damaged the fixtures, electric heater, a hand dryer and power outlets. The
Primary ballot features races for sheriff, school board and state offices
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Local races on the ballot for the Tuesday, Aug. 14, primary election include choosing a new Stearns County sheriff and electing St. Cloud school district board members. For the first time in 16 years, there’s no incumbent sheriff on the ballot. Four men have filed for the office and the primary will narrow the field to
St. Joseph Council members heat up over cooling system
by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com The Aug. 6 meeting of the St. Joseph City Council started smoothly enough before Mayor Rick Schultz and Council member Bob Loso began questioning Public Works Director Terry Thene. At issue was the heating and cooling system in the new city office building in which they were conducting the meeting. The building, which houses council and
Krebsbach’s childhood passion for horses continues
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph resident Sharon Krebsbach’s passion for horses began when she was 9 years old and her father surprised her and her siblings with a horse named “Freddy.” Freddy was a paint horse who their family owned for 10 years. Growing up on a farm outside of St. Ansgar, Iowa, her childhood revolved around Freddy as
St. Stephen National Night Out goes wild
photo by Carolyn Bertsch Jacquline Poepping of Hemker Zoo opens a tub of cockroaches for a group of girls to see Aug 7 at the St. Stephen City Hall National Night Out event. They are (left to right) Maggie Shae, 7; Bryn Patrick, 5; and Rya Rudolph, 4, all of St. Stephen. photo by Carolyn BertschReese Peabody, 4, of St.
Do you love kids? the foster grandparents program wants you
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com When Sartell students return to class in a few weeks, they’ll find foster grandparents welcoming them back along with their classroom teachers. Foster grandparents assist teachers and help with instruction but most importantly they form relationships with students. Foster grandparent Penny Lundblad joined students at Oak Ridge Elementary School last January. “I love the kids,” Lundblad
BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block concert attracts 1,500
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com For the second consecutive time, the BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block concert was a big success in the huge parking lot to the south of Bernick’s Ice Arena. An estimated 1,500 people attended the concert Saturday, Aug. 4. It was the 12th annual Rock ‘n’ Block, which began originally on a lot near Pine Cone Market Place