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.
Sartell woman opens ‘J-Whitty’ boutique
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Joy Landeen-Shea of Sartell has just embarked on a new adventure — opening her own business. Located in Sauk Rapids, it’s called “J-Whitty Creations and Boutique.” She decided to name the shop after her children — the “J” for Jacob, 12, the “Whitty” for the nickname of daughter Whitney, 11. Some people have asked Landeen-Shea, “Why Sauk
Christensen receives chamber’s success award
Jim Christensen, owner of Array Services Group in Sartell, is the 2012 Entrepreneurial Success Award Recipient. The award is presented annually by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and honors a business that starts out small and becomes large under the same leadership. In 1977, Christensen knew he wanted to own a business. He had worked in a variety
Chef Koster cooks meals in homes
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Some people day-dream about a fabulous chef magically appearing in the home kitchen to whip up a delicious dinner. As a long-time caterer, Nina Koster of Sartell has made that dream come true for families – many times. And now, she is about to launch her own business called “My Chef.” There will be a party
McGoldrick enters Sixth District race
Seeks DFL endorsement to defeat Michele Bachmann in November There are millions of reasons why Brian McGoldrick shouldn’t run against Michele Bachmann, but even more reasons why he is. And why he’ll win. Successful businessman and Democrat Brian McGoldrick recently announced he is seeking the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor endorsement to run for the U.S. House of Representatives this November, on behalf
Death raises questions in gun-crazed culture
The murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., has rightfully raised howls of outrage far and wide. His senseless death, hopefully, will not be forgotten. Maybe, just maybe, we can all learn something from it and start facing head-on the problems caused by this gun-crazed culture. Martin’s killer – 28-year-old George Zimmerman – was not arrested simply because he claimed