by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Clear communication about the plan and more robust community support apparently turned around last year’s rejection of a school district operating levy into an approval in a Nov. 5 special election. Sartell-St. Stephen school district’s voters approved an operating levy that will raise $1.77 million for 10 years. There were 3,047 yes votes and 2,276 no
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com When Grace Radeke debuted on a theater stage 10 years ago, it was as dancing cutlery. At age 7, she played a fork in GREAT Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Now 10 years later, the Sartell junior is directing other young actors in “The Rainbow Fish Musical,” opening Saturday, Nov.
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A music shop known as Barrett’s Music had its grand opening Nov. 9 in the building that housed for seven years a previous music shop, Riff City Guitar, at 708 Elm Street E. in St. Joseph. Barrett’s Music is owned by Sartell residents Micah and Jeanine Barrett. Long-time music enthusiasts, music teachers and musical performers, the
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleader.com Fall 2020 is a long way off but Sartell-St. Stephen school leaders are already working on the school calendar for next year. The school board plans to discuss a draft calendar at its Nov. 18 meeting and then approve a final version when the board meets in December. With a later Labor Day next fall –
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com Not to be outdone by tall people and their shovels, a black-and-white pooch named Roger dug in the dirt at the Nov. 7 groundbreaking for the Tri-County Humane Society. The crowd that gathered at the event applauded, cheered and chuckled as Roger, spurning the use of a golden shovel, used his front paws to dig, dig,
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Thanks to a one-time grant from the Minnesota Legislature, Sartell-St. Stephen schools will have money for a number of safety upgrades. At the school board’s Nov. 6 work session, Joe Prom, director of Business Services, said the district will receive $135,000. The money comes from $30 million that will be split among all Minnesota school districts
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Chat with Nick Gruber for any length of time and the word you’ll hear most often is opportunity. Gruber, who coaches youth wrestling in Sartell, wants to create an opportunity for girls to have their own wrestling team instead of participating in co-ed activities. Gruber says there’s growing interest in wrestling teams for girls and women