by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A basketball court will stay where it is in a park at The Wilds neighborhood in Sartell, according to an announcement on the city’s Facebook site. That court became a subject of controversy, with questions of racial overtones, last month at the June 22 City Council meeting. One council member, Mike Chisum, strongly opposed moving that
Board members react to school equity issues
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell-St. Stephen school board members offered somber and serious reactions to the June 24 listening session on education equity during a work session July 8. “When I left that night, I was embarrassed that this was going on in our district,” board member Lesa Kramer said. “Our community does not deserve excuses why something hasn’t been
Baltes retires at St. Francis Xavier; new pastor appointed
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com The end of June and beginning of July was a momentous, memorable week for the Rev. Tim Baltes, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. After nine years of service to that church, he retired, officiating over his last Mass and also celebrating his July 1 birthday. Parishioners gave Baltes a drive-by send-off celebration,
Family’s July Fourth parade marches on
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com For Roger Zimmer, it’s just not the Fourth of July without a parade. So when this year’s St. Joseph parade was canceled because of the coronavirus, Zimmer, 84, was devastated to hear he would miss a Fourth of July parade probably for the first time in his life, according to one of his daughters, Sherrie Klein.
Buzzing in for a local treat
photo by Carolyn BertschJulianne Fauske and her son Greyson, 4, both of Sartell, purchase honey, fresh onions, and seasoned pretzels June 22 at the Sartell Farmers Market.
Country Manor begins new visit rules
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com For people who live in assisted living and long-term care facilities, visits from friends and loved ones are very important and help add excitement to their days. After having been restricted from these visitations because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Country Manor/Woodcrest of Country Manor residents, patients and tenants are happy they are now able to visit
City Council acts on recreation, entertainment ideas
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph City Council members focused on three outdoor recreation and entertainment issues at the July 6 meeting. The council approved two ventures and tabled a third idea. After a successful event on June 27, St. Joseph resident Carl Berg asked the council to approve two more craft vendor events – one for Saturday, Aug. 1,
Summer fun at Kraemer Lake
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com A good way to cool off on a hot and humid summer day in Central Minnesota is to “go jump in a lake.” During an 87-degree day on June 25 several St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club members took advantage of the club’s beach at Kraemer Lake. While their mothers visited in the shade, three children,