by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Two women – one incumbent and a newcomer – are competing to represent the residents of Minnesota House District 13A starting in January of next year. That seat will be determined in the Nov. 3 general election. The two candidates are incumbent Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Katy Westlund (DFL-Paynesville). District 13A includes the cities of
Handbags of hygiene
photo by Carolyn BertschMembers of the St. Joseph Women of Today fill handbags with hygiene products Sept. 14 at Millstream Park in St. Joseph. They are (left to right) Frances Nelson and Charity Hunter, both of St. Joseph; and Rubi Delgato, St. Cloud. The club will donate 30 handbags to AnnaMarie’s Alliance.
Podi: Community center would boost students’ success
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Omar Abdullahi Podi, a candidate for the St. Cloud school board, believes a community center would provide after-school educational programs and skill learning to supplement what students learn in classrooms. Podi is one of seven candidates, including three incumbents, vying for four open seats on the school board in the Nov. 3 general election. Born in
Haws: All can reach excellence despite backgrounds
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Shannon Haws of St. Cloud, a candidate for the St. Cloud school board, strongly believes with a strong beginning and lots of support, every child can achieve educational excellence regardless of socio-economic-demographic backgrounds. An incumbent board member, Haws, 55, is one of seven candidates vying for four seats on the school board in the Nov. 3
Absentee voting begins Sept. 18
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Absentee voting begins Sept. 18 for the Nov. 3 general election. Because of the current pandemic, residents who wish to vote by absentee are encouraged to request an absentee ballot online at mnvotes.org, according to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office. To vote absentee by mail: Voters apply for an absentee ballot online at mnvotes.org or contact
Haffner appointed city administrator
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Therese Haffner is St. Joseph’s new city administrator after the City Council approved her appointment at its Sept. 8 meeting. She replaces Kris Ambuehl who resigned to take a position in the private sector. Haffner has served as the city’s Community Development director for four-and-a-half years and she served as interim city administrator while a search
Property taxes could go down next year
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The final numbers aren’t set yet, but St. Joseph residents could see a decrease in their property tax bills next year. Finance Director Lori Bartlett updated City Council members on preparations for the 2021 city budget at the Sept. 8 meeting. The council needs to set a preliminary levy by Sept. 30. Uncertainty over the impact
Council OKs water main extension
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Construction of a water main extension near 20th Avenue SE will go ahead after the St. Joseph City Council approved on a split vote the project’s assessments and low bid at its Sept. 8 meeting. The approval came after a public hearing on the project, which will pay for a construction of a looped water main