by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com The St. Joseph City Council chose Dwight Pfannenstein as the new prospective chief of police at its June 18 meeting after wrestling with the question of whether or not the position should be posted and more applicants solicited. The final result will rest with Pfannenstein and whether he will accept the position with the conditions of
Monarch Highway partners celebrate National Pollinator Week, June 18-22
States along the I-35 Corridor, and many others, have been working to increase pollinator habitat along the corridor to increase awareness and education and have had many successes. Much work is being done to protect pollinators and increase food sources. “With the monarch population’s significant decline, it’s now more important than ever to preserve these important habitats,” said Minnesota Department
CR 4/Veterans Drive project to begin June 19
Sealcoating will now take place on Tuesday, June 19th on CR 4/Veterans Drive between 37th and 44th avenues and between Anderson Avenue and 54th Avenue. Work was originally scheduled to start Friday, June 15. Drivers can expect minor traffic delays with lane closures when the project begins.
Margaret Molus chosen as grand marshal of July 4 parade
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Margaret Molus is not a person who enjoys being the center of attention in the middle of a large crowd but instead prefers to be volunteering where help is needed at local functions. Because of her many years of helping with local causes and serving others, Molus was recently selected to be the grand marshal for
Kennedy school dedicates two memorials
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Kennedy Community School staff and students recently dedicated memorials in remembrance of two individuals who greatly impacted students and staff at their school. On May 25, they dedicated a Rain Garden in front of the school in memory of former Kennedy Community School teacher Pat Forte. The eighth-grade class, Forte’s family and friends and the school’s
Squaring up for Hopscotch
photo by Carolyn BertschWearing orange to promote gun violence awareness, a group from Minnesota Street Market takes a break June 1 to play a game of Hopscotch. In the foreground is Addie Carlson of St. Joseph. Waiting a turn is (left) Pia Lopez of Avon, and Terri Johnson of St. Joseph.
City Council accepts Police Chief Klein’s resignation
by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com It took a half hour of discussion in a closed session at the end of the June 4 regular meeting for the St. Joseph City Council to come to the decision to accept the resignation of Police Chief Joel Klein. Mayor Rick Schultz read from a prepared statement and took no questions dealing with the investigation
Acting chief Pfannenstein files for sheriff election
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com St. Joseph Police Sgt. Dwight Pfannenstein, who is currently serving as the city’s acting police chief, filed June 5 to compete for the position of Stearns County sheriff. Pfannenstein became acting chief April 19 after then-chief Joel Klein was placed on administrative leave by the city because of allegations made against him. After the city council’s