by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com What started out as a mere suggestion quickly turned into a reality, and that reality, dubbed Quarantine Storytime, is now a viral hit with housebound children and parents on Facebook. Every weekday starting at noon, Mary Bruno, owner of Bruno Press, reads a storybook online from her printing shop in St. Joseph. She not only reads
Students worried graduation could be canceled
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Lauren Sip and Alyssa Gehrke of Sartell are just two of hundreds of high-school seniors who are disappointed that a graduation ceremony might be canceled due to the virus crisis. However, school officials are still not able to determine with certainty if – or what kind of – ceremony could take place. If the ceremony is
Food truck challenge menu includes more than cooking
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com There’s more to running a food truck than just what’s cooking. Sartell High School’s culinary arts students are learning how much more. Teacher Joseph Vanek led students through not only menu planning, but marketing, budgeting and hiring employees. Before the coronavirus pandemic upset the school schedule, the students’ efforts were to end with a Food Truck
St. Joseph Catholic School teachers using online options during school closure
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Due to the world-wide Covid-19 virus pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz announced on March 15 that schools would close March 18-27 for teachers and staff to develop and implement distance learning plans beginning March 30 and now extended to May 4. Many area schools have worked hard and excelled at meeting this challenge. When teachers at the
Volunteers sew safety masks for hospital use
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com During the virus crises, there are so many needs to be met here, there and everywhere, but fortunately there are many people stepping forward to fill those needs. One of them is Lori Dornberg, the long-time teacher of family-and-consumer science at Sartell Middle School. For years, Dornberg also taught a sewing class, and her sewing skills
Refugee/immigrant news: Time for caring, loving – not division
Tani waa kuu muhiim adiga. Fadlan aqri. Ogeysiis! Importante para Usted, por favor léalo. Please read! Announcements brought to you by Cultural Bridges of St. Joseph, a committee of Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization. We are dedicated to ease your transition into our community. ••• by Imam Asad Zaman Executive Director of Muslim American Society of Minnesota and Co-Founder of the Muslim Coalition
Virus precautions affect shelter animals too
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The ongoing virus crisis affects just about every human being on the planet, but it is also affecting animals and the people who care so much about them. Locally, at the Tri-County Humane Society, the good news is that – despite any gloom and doom – a “fair number” of people are still adopting animals, according
A new normal
photo by Carolyn BertschMolly Chappell, 12, of Sartell, rides a scooter alone up and down a deserted portion of Fifth Street N. on March 17. The street, which is usually a busy artery of kids streaming to and from school, is now quiet due to the school being closed and social distancing rules in effect.