by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com After a steady week of class work and lots of challenging-but-fun physical activities, the boys have earned a break and are proud to put on their blue shirts and ties, and graduate. The 20 boys are participants/graduates of the St. Cloud Youth Leadership Academy. The most recent SCYLA graduation ceremony took place this past summer at the
by Dennis Dalman editorial@thenewsleaders.com A boy or girl who experiences four or more traumas in childhood will likely die at least 20 years earlier than their healthier peers. Besides dying earlier, such people generally suffer from adverse behaviors during their lives such as alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, depression, failed relationships, suicidal tendencies and trouble with the law, to name
by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleader.com Letting go of a loved one’s belongings after they pass away can be hard to face, but the added pain of having a precious, memory-filled possession stolen is something Meghan Wiebe’s family experienced Dec. 16. After Wiebe’s father, Dennis Arndt, a retired Sauk Rapids teacher, passed away, he left behind a love of the outdoors and a hand-crafted
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com A 1-year-old German shepherd at the Benton County Sheriff’s Department has lots of well-wishers – 1,300 to be exact. The dog is the department’s new K-9 patrol dog. After he arrived in Benton County from Slovakia in eastern Europe, the sheriff’s department employees asked the public to submit names for the new recruit. In just a few
by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com With an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people sexually exploited each day in Minnestoa, according to service organization Breaking Free, CeCe Terloux, a long-time advocate of forced-prostitution victims, felt the timing was right to open a shelter and transitional home called Terebinth Refuge, to benefit not only the greater St. Cloud area but much of the state.
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com The cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice continued to grow while maintaining fiscal health through the year 2016. An auditing firm praised the Rice City Council and staff for its sound financial management. A highlight of the year was the opening of the interchange at Hwy. 10 right off of Rice’s Main Street. The city also
by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com A swarm of police officers inside a department store might typically be cause for concern, but from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 20 the Sartell Police Department hosted the Shop-with-a-Cop program at the Sartell Walmart to ensure kids with extra needs were able to enjoy the gift-giving of the holiday season. Thanks to a grant the Sartell Police