by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com As part of an ongoing public-private partnership, the City of Sartell will release $795,000 in half-cent sales-tax funds to continue developments in Pinecone Central Park, which include parts of Phase 1.2 and Phase 1.3 projects. On a vote of 4-0 (council member Sarah Jane Nicoll was not present), the city council approved that action at its
Perske speaks up for community center
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Sartell Mayor Joe Perske wants to take a city community facility from the back burner and put it very near the top of a city wish list. In the past, even before he was on the council, Perske often emphasized even though a community center was at or near the top of residents’ wish list, it
Verso plant closing sad on so many levels
There was a sinking feeling at Sartell City Hall on the afternoon of Aug. 2. It was eerily silent, and everyone held their breath just before the long-anticipated announcement came, but the announcement certainly was not one that anyone wanted to hear. Verso Paper Co. Vice President Lyle Fellows announced the Verso plant in Sartell will be closed forever. It
Old objects can unlock time instantly
Rarely do I stop at a garage sale — not unless I practically collide with one. I have enough “stuff” and no room for any more. The other day, however, while driving home, something told me to pull up curbside at a garage sale just up ahead. I’m glad I did. I spied a treasure in a pile of books
Verso gets bills for response expenses
The Verso paper mill in Sartell owes a minimum of $350,000 to all the emergency responders who helped in the week-long aftermath of its May 28 explosion and fire. Ninety-three fire departments throughout the state, in one way or another, responded to the disaster. Up to this point, about two-thirds of those departments have billed Verso. The Sartell-LeSauk Fire Department
Hopes dashed at press conference
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com When the bad news was delivered Aug. 2, Steve Hennes was sitting right next to several Verso workers and their family members at Sartell City Hall. Hennes, a Sartell City Council member, said he was holding his breath, holding out hope that Verso might rebuild. Then a Verso official, without any fancy introduction, announced the blunt
Five file so far for school board
So far, five people have filed for positions on the Sartell-St. Stephen School Board. The deadline for filing is Tuesday, Aug. 14. Filings opened July 31. Who fills those seats next year will be decided at the Nov. 6 general election. Those who filed are Christopher Condon for a four-year term, Krista Laurich Durrwachter for a four-year term, Michelle Meyer
Governor visits Sartell again
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota assured displaced Verso workers that they will be eligible for at least a near year’s-worth of unemployment benefits. Klobuchar, along with Gov. Mark Dayton, paid another visit to Sartell Aug. 3, the day after it was announced Verso would close its doors in Sartell. They held a press conference at Sartell City Hall, attended