Rockville City Council member Jeff Howe has made it official. He filed to run for representative of District 13A. He filed his paperwork May 22 to mark the start of his campaign for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Howe is a veteran of the Minnesota National Guard with more than 33 years of experience. He has served
Verso blast kills one, leaves Sartell in shock
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Investigators are marshalling forces, trying to determine what caused an explosion that killed one employee and injured five others on Memorial Day at the Verso paper mill in Sartell – a plant where many St. Joseph residents have worked during the past century. Jon Michael Maus, 50, of Albany, died in the explosion. Five other employees
Warm weather prompts reminders about safety
No one can deny that warm weather is much nicer than the brutal winds of winter. Even though the presence of rain appears to be a constant this spring, the occasional 80-degree days here and there are a nice reminder that summer is just days away. Warm weather can be so inviting it is important to remember how to not
Is Opinion Page too opinionated?
It’s always perplexing and a bit amusing when some readers call the Newsleader Opinion Page “too opinionated.” After all, it’s not called the Opinion Page for nothing. Some other readers like to criticize Opinion Page writers for being “too one-sided” or “too partisan” or “too negative” or “unfair and irresponsible.” When letter-to-editor writers or angry callers use those terms, they
City’s monument commemorates 150-year-old conflict
by Rosie Court St. Joseph Historical Society Minnesota’s heritage is rich in historical and cultural events. To preserve these events, monuments were constructed throughout the state at designated sites. Located in St. Joseph near Centennial Park is a monument built in 1941 by the federal Works Project Administration. The structure commemorates a blockhouse erected as a defense to protect settlers
City to apply for funding to restore monument
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com The uncertainty is over. The monument located near Centennial Park is eligible for funding from the Legacy Amendment to assist with preservation efforts. The St. Joseph City Council voted 5-0 to apply for the funding May 17. The estimated cost of the project is about $25,000. The application is due June 1. City staff had been
Council votes on land split for McDonald’s
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com Residents could see a slight glow from golden arches as early as this summer after a recent vote by the St. Joseph City Council. While plans to bring a McDonald’s restaurant to St. Joseph are in progress, council members voted 5-0 May 17 to allow the splitting up of land so development of the business can
Downtown beautification efforts to begin
by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleafers.com A volunteer effort to help beautify the city’s downtown recently got a stamp of approval from the St. Joseph City Council. Elected officials unanimously approved the addition of hanging flower baskets at intersections along Minnesota Street and College Avenue, St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens said. Volunteers will reimburse the city about $5,500 for the project.