by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The latest Covid-19 case numbers have not dropped enough to allow Sartell-St. Stephen schools to change plans for reopening schools, Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert said Thursday, Aug. 27. When classes begin Sept. 8, pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students will attend in person while students in grades six through 12 will follow a hybrid model, alternating in-person instruction with
Ritter defends city/private plans for athletic complex
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Feedback by some Sartell residents about the city helping fund the Scheels Athletic Complex is unfair and unfounded, said Chad Ritter, president of the Sartell Youth Recreation Center. Ritter spoke to the Sartell City Council meeting during the public forum portion of the Aug. 10 meeting. Some critics of the city-private funding plan to build the
Newly remodeled school ready for middle school students
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The year-long remodeling of the former high school for Sartell Middle School students is done. The remodeled 1993 building will serve about 950 students in grades six through eight. “We’re excited to get everybody back in the building,” Principal Laura Arndt said. An in-person open house will be from noon-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2. Families will
Produce stand offers free fresh vegetables
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Free fresh vegetables are being offered for people in need, thanks to a partnership between the Sartell Community Garden members and the Celebration Lutheran Church’s Free Community Store. Gardeners are donating fresh-harvested vegetables to the church, which places them on a display stand on the church grounds at 1500 Pinecone Road N. People who need fresh
Humane Society’s new home is the cat’s meow
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Its first home was a repurposed old gas station that sometimes flooded with rain. But now – nearly a half century later – the Tri-County Humane Society has just moved into its third home – a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. The old gas-station locale, on Lincoln Avenue in east St. Cloud, was just a stone’s throw to
CMCU offers high-tech options
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Central Minnesota Credit Union’s new Sartell branch features first-of-its kind technology that gives customers more options for managing their money. The branch’s lobby features two large digital kiosks that provide information about the credit union’s services. A few feet away, an interactive ATM does more than just pump out cash. If you leave your debit card
Thank you for sharing your stories
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Thank you for sharing your stories After having had the honor of writing and sharing your stories for the St. Joseph and Sartell Newsleaders for more than 10 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to my consistent stories. Perhaps, in the future, I will write an occasional story. I want to thank everyone
Forum speakers criticize equity audit decision
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Six people spoke during the open forum portion of the Aug. 17 Sartell-St. Stephen school board meeting criticizing the board’s failure to support an equity audit. The six speakers included students, parents and community members. High school student Eva Hess described her reaction to the decision as “disappointed and frustrated,” opinions voiced by the other speakers.