by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com High school and community skiers now have a new cross country trail in Sartell thanks to a joint effort by the school district, Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota and the city of Sartell. The trail officially opened Nov. 18 after a summer of clearing brush and fall snow-making on the 1/2K trail between the the
Middle School students salute veterans
photo by Mike KnaakJohn Denney, an Army veteran and member of Sartell American Legion Post 277, carries the American flag to open Sartell Middle School's Veterans Day program. photo by Mike KnaakLynn Hanson and her sons, Samuel (left) and Joseph, receive Quilts of Valor during Sartell Middle School’s Veterans Day program. Samuel is a 2017 Sartell High School graduate and
School levy passes with clearer message
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Clear communication about the plan and more robust community support apparently turned around last year’s rejection of a school district operating levy into an approval in a Nov. 5 special election. Sartell-St. Stephen school district’s voters approved an operating levy that will raise $1.77 million for 10 years. There were 3,047 yes votes and 2,276 no
‘Veteran’ actor tries her hand at directing
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com When Grace Radeke debuted on a theater stage 10 years ago, it was as dancing cutlery. At age 7, she played a fork in GREAT Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Now 10 years later, the Sartell junior is directing other young actors in “The Rainbow Fish Musical,” opening Saturday, Nov.
Board to discuss next year’s school calendar
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleader.com Fall 2020 is a long way off but Sartell-St. Stephen school leaders are already working on the school calendar for next year. The school board plans to discuss a draft calendar at its Nov. 18 meeting and then approve a final version when the board meets in December. With a later Labor Day next fall –
Ground broken for new humane society facility
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Not to be outdone by tall people and their shovels, a black-and-white pooch named Roger dug in the dirt at the Nov. 7 groundbreaking for the Tri-County Humane Society. The crowd that gathered at the event applauded, cheered and chuckled as Roger, spurning the use of a golden shovel, used his front paws to dig, dig,
Special state grant funds school safety upgrades
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Thanks to a one-time grant from the Minnesota Legislature, Sartell-St. Stephen schools will have money for a number of safety upgrades. At the school board’s Nov. 6 work session, Joe Prom, director of Business Services, said the district will receive $135,000. The money comes from $30 million that will be split among all Minnesota school districts
Wrestling club opens opportunities for girls
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Chat with Nick Gruber for any length of time and the word you’ll hear most often is opportunity. Gruber, who coaches youth wrestling in Sartell, wants to create an opportunity for girls to have their own wrestling team instead of participating in co-ed activities. Gruber says there’s growing interest in wrestling teams for girls and women