by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com A city services app, a spruced-up downtown and an expanded city storage facility are among the changes on the horizon for the new year, according to St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz. Prospects look good for state bonding money to boost two local projects as well as federal support for affordable housing, Schultz said during a speech
Direct, absentee voting available ahead of March 3 presidential primary
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Voters don’t have to wait until March 3 to vote in this year’s March 3 Presidential Nomination Primary. Stearns County and area cities have set up options for direct voting. In St. Joseph, early voting will take place at the Government Center, 75 Callaway St. E. on the following dates: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 25 –
St. Joseph to apply for police funding
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The St. Joseph Police Department is looking to the federal government to help pay for an additional officer. The City Council approved on Feb. 18 Chief Dwight Pfannenstein’s proposal to apply for a Cops Hiring Program grant from a $400 million fund. CHP grants provide funding to hire or re-hire entry-level law enforcement officers in order
News for immigrants/refugees: New location for ESL classes
Tani waa kuu muhiim adiga. Fadlan aqri. Ogeysiis! Importante para Usted, por favor léalo. Please read! Announcements brought to you by Cultural Bridges of St. Joseph, a committee of Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization. We are dedicated to ease your transition into our community. ••• The new location for ESL classes is the St. Joseph Community Center, at 124 First Ave. SE. This
College of St. Benedict president Hinton to step down
College of St. Benedict President Mary Dana Hinton will step down at the end of the academic year to become president of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, on Aug. 1. Hinton started as St. Ben’s 15th president in July 2014. In a statement, the college cited Hinton’s commitment to making St. Ben’s a more welcoming community for all people. Her
Budget surplus, worker shortage, health, child care on legislators’ agenda
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com What to do with the state budget surplus as well as decisions on a worker shortage, lack of affordable child care and urgent health needs await St. Joseph area legislators when they return to the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11. How to manage the state’s expected $1.3-billion surplus will be on the agenda and Sen. Jeff
Buckvold plans to run for mayor
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph City Council Member Anne Buckvold says she plans to run for mayor in this fall’s election. Buckvold was re-elected to the council in 2018. She was appointed in May 2018 to fill out a vacancy created when Matt Killam resigned. Buckvold said her interest in being mayor is driven by a desire to form