by Heidi L. Everett editor@thenewsleaders.com Stearns County will be awarding approximately $3 million in grants to businesses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related requirements to slow the spread of the virus in Minnesota. St. Joseph Community Development Director Nate Keller said this is exciting news. “We strongly encourage all to apply regardless if you have or
Stolen squad car abandon in St. Joe
by Heidi L. Everett editor@thenewsleaders.com A stolen St. Cloud police car was left abandon at Millstream Park in St. Joseph Jan. 7. The suspect fled on foot and was later arrested hiding at a nearby home. On Jan. 7, St. Cloud police were called to Kwik Trip located at 6250 County Rd. 120 in reference to a suspicious person. According
Get your ski on and more at county parks
by Heidi L. Everett editor@thenewsleaders.com Stearns County Parks and the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota are challenging you to cross country ski (or hike or snowshoe) this month. “This year has been a challenge for everybody,” said Sarah Weed, parks operations coordinator for Stearns County Parks. “One of our annual events, the Moonlight Ski, usually occurs the first weekend
Cancelled wedding provides gifts to others
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The pandemic put the kibosh on the original wedding plans for Breana Buettner and Jordan Lenz, but it resulted in 300 meals for people in need. The couple, who now live in St. Joseph, planned a big wedding for Dec. 12 at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course dining hall in Sartell. They paid a $2,500 deposit for
Food need continues at CLC Community Free Store
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com For many months, they have provided food, comfort items and – just as important – hope to COVID-positive households in quarantine, to families where a father had lost his job, to single mothers whose work hours have been cut back and to homeless families housed in motels. “They” are the numerous donors and many volunteers of
Despite tragedies, Held and son keep plowing on
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Now that he’s lost both of his legs, Tim Held of Sartell guffawed with a deadpan chuckle after he said, “Well, I won’t be running any more marathons.” Tragedy has crept into Held’s life all too often in the last half decade, but he plows right ahead because he has no time for moping or self-pity.
Kindergarten enrollment opens soon
by Heidi L. Everett editor@thenewsleaders.com Kindergarten enrollment for the St. Cloud School District begins Jan. 25 for students who will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2021. Continued safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic are shifting how enrollment is processed for the 2021-22 academic year. Families and caregivers will have three ways to enroll. The first enrollment option is
St. Joseph predatory offender goes to prison
by Heidi L. Everett editor@thenewsleaders.com On Dec. 22, Murray Allen Dirks, 44, of St. Joseph, was convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for disseminating pornographic work. This was his fifth conviction. Dirks was initially convicted for actions in May and June 2016 in which he engaged in electronic communication relating or describing sexual