by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Steve Soyka has gone from learning about the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office as a teenage Explorer three decades ago to his election as sheriff on Nov. 6. Soyka, 49, defeated Waite Park Police Chief Dave Bentrud to become the county’s first new, elected sheriff in 16 years. He’ll assume his new duties on Jan. 7. In
Community Center ready for pickleball action and more
by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com After years of hoping and wishing, the establishment of the St. Joseph Community Center is finally taking shape. The first recreational sport laid out in the new center are two pickleball courts. Now what’s needed are people to use them. When the city took over the care and maintenance of the old Kennedy Elementary School, there
‘Festival of Nativities’ set for 2 days
Nativity displays from around the world will be displayed soon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids. Residents from the greater St. Cloud area will be involved in the Festival of Nativities. The free events are open to everyone and will take place from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The festival will feature
Nov. 16 St. Joseph people
Stephanie Cofell of St. Joseph has been elected to the Board of Directors at Folk Alliance Region Midwest, a regional chapter and affiliate of Folk Alliance International. Cofell will be serving a three-year term beginning February 2019. Folk Alliance International is a nonprofit organization that sponsors an annual conference as an industry focal point for folk music and dance, based in
Nov. 16 Sartell people
Two Sartell students are studying abroad during the fall semester 2018 through the Center for Global Education at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University. Dean Amundson, son of Charmin and Ben Amundson, is studying in the Austria program. Amundson is a junior social studies/secondary education major. Matthew Immelman, son of Pamela and Aubrey Immelman, is studying in the Chile program. Immelman
Nov. 14 Sartell police blotter
If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the Sartell Police Department at 320-251-8186 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320-255-1301, or access its tip site at tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a crime. This information is submitted by the Sartell Police Department. Nov. 7
Senate, sheriff top races for St. Joseph voters
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com A special election that will decide which party controls the Minnesota State Senate and a wide-open race for Stearns County sheriff are key races for St. Joseph voters in the Nov. 6 general election. In the Senate race, Republican Jeff Howe and Democrat Joe Perske are competing for the District 13 seat vacated by longtime Sen.
Fundraiser planned for St. Joseph man with ALS
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com After successful surgery for a non-cancerous brain tumor, Chris Stoeckel thought everything was fine. For three months. Then new symptoms appeared. His legs collapsed and his knees gave way. When he worked at his computer, he had a hard time focusing and he’d be sweating. “I couldn’t figure out why,” Stoeckel said. “Doing the dishes, I