by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Fans of the state Geography Bee are still impressed by what amounts to a four-time deja vu. For the fourth time, Gopi Ramanathan of Sartell again competed at the state level last week, and – for the second time – he won it, qualifying him for competition May 22-24 in Washington, D.C. Now an eighth-grader at
Ten-year-old steps in as lead drummer for show
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com When drummer Jeff Vee had to leave town shortly before a CD-release event for songwriter Adam Hammer, Hammer didn’t have far to look for a replacement. Ten-year-old Bennett Velline, the nephew of Jeff Vee and grandson of rock legend Bobby Vee, came to the rescue. He went from being expected to play 12 bars of drums
Legislature expected to authorize referenda for sales-tax extension
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com In the past decade, the City of Sartell has collected just about $4.7 million in regional half-cent sales-tax revenue – revenue that has been used for a wide variety of city projects of a regional nature. Now, area cities are asking the Minnesota Legislature to allow voters to extend that sales tax from 2018 to 2038.
Expansion helps St. Joseph Meat Market clinch seven state awards
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com Seven gold plaques have been added to the wall above the service counter at the St. Joseph Meat Market. Last year, only one plaque was added to the wall, but the wall is now running out of space to hold the business’s many state and national honors. The St. Joseph Meat Market won seven awards this
Spring’s arrival is celebrated with open house
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com As if the smell of fresh flowers is not enough to greet customers at Floral Arts in St. Joseph, there was the added aroma of wood-fire-baked artisan bread luring visitors during a recent open house event at the business. Floral Arts hosted its first open house with the theme, “Welcome Spring,” as part of an effort
Daniels’ painting wins prestigious ‘Best of Show’
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com When Taylor Daniels’ mother woke her up from a snooze one day last week, Taylor couldn’t figure out what all the fuss was about and why her mother seemed too excited. Then, rubbing sleep from her eyes, she heard her mother say, “I think you won. Yes, you won!” Her mother was holding an invitation that
Math wiz Sura competes again at state
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com For the second time in two years, Austin Sura of Sartell once again competed at the Minnesota Math Counts competition. Sura, 14, is an eighth-grade student at Sartell Middle School. His brother, Brandon, achieved the same feat, two years in a row, when he was a student in 7th and 8th grade. Brandon is now a
Floral-shop owners want community to love them back
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Friends and business partners Jodi Wilken and Sue Mishow of Sartell are busy nearly ’round the clock, preparing their shop, “Enchanted Floral and Gifts,” for the spring-and-summer season. However, sometimes they get a sinking feeling their dream shop might be on a list of doom — the list of floral shops that have closed in Sartell.