by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com The investigation of Jacob Wetterling’s 1989 abduction and killing “went off the rails” from the beginning and the sheriff at the time, Charlie Grafft, lost control of his investigation to the FBI in the first few weeks. That’s the judgment of current Stearns County Sheriff Don Gudmundson. Before releasing more than 47,000 documents on Thursday, Sept.
St. Joseph council candidates answer tough questions
by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com There are three people running for election to the St. Joseph City Council in the coming Nov. 6 election. They are Dale Wick, Brian Theise and Anne Buckvold. Wick and Buckvold are both incumbents while Theisen is running for election for the first time. Wick has served for 16 years on the council. Buckvold was appointed
Meemken still going strong at 90
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com If 70 can be considered to be the new 65, then Judy Meemken, 90, could be an example of the new 85. Meemken, who turned 90 Sept. 6, continues to stay very active with various projects she is involved with. She is a Sacristan and sings in the choir at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Meemken
St. Joseph fire bell restored with help from volunteers, donations
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com If you are driving past the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall and happen to notice that the fire bell looks a little shinier, you would be correct. With help from some generous people, the bell got a facelift this year. St. Joseph Historical Society president Andy Loso said the bell was in great condition, but the
Bishop from India visits St. Joseph Catholic School
by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com Bishop Sebastian Thekethecherial from Kerala, India, visited students at St. Joseph Catholic School on Sept. 27. For the past few years, fifth- and sixth-graders at the school have sponsored a family from India through the WE SHARE program run by Dave and Kathy Rennie from Bloomington. Kathy Rennie is originally from St. Joseph. This year, the
‘Crooked Hinges’ to open Oct. 11
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A repurposed furniture and décor business dubbed Crooked Hinges will open Thursday, Oct. 11, in St. Joseph. The shop is in an older, cozy, redesigned house, at 38 Birch St. E. (on the frontage road right across Hwy. 75 from the hardware store). Crooked Hinges will be open only four consecutive days each month – every
Millstream drums up fun
photo by Carolyn BertschGreg Tacheny of St. Joseph keeps tempo on a steel pail in a drum circle Sept. 30 at the Millstream Art Festival. photo by Carolyn BertschJeannine Meyer of Ham Lake and her granddaughter Olivia Meyer, 8, of Sartell, share a bag of popcorn Sept. 30 at the Millstream Art Festival in St. Joseph. photo by Carolyn BertschA
Happy faces at Harvest Festival
photo by Carolyn BertschTomoko Rebeck of Sartell and her daughters Sara, 7, and Aki, 11, work together on a pumpkin craft Sept. 21 at the St. Joseph Farmers' Market Harvest Festival. photo by Carolyn BertschWith her face freshly painted, Ellie Gucinski, 4, of Sartell, enjoys the petting zoo Sept. 21 at the St. Joseph Farmers' Market Harvest Festival. photo by