The third-graders lay flat on the floor, looking up at the dome, 160 feet above. What did they see, the tour guide asked? “Stars” the children said as they examined the inner dome of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. The star-filled dome represents the vastness of the universe, encouraging us all to “reach for our stars,” the guide suggested
Primary endangers voter privacy, participation
With the New Hampshire primary and the Iowa caucuses finally counted, the 2020 presidential primary season is in full swing. The Democratic front-runners look to be Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Following closely behind is our state’s own Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden trail farther behind. Donald Trump, with no major
Feb. 12 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. Feb. 4 12:20 a.m. Traffic stop. Victory Avenue. An officer witnessed
Council sees revised arena expansion plan
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com A newly revised plan for expansion of the Bernick’s Arena was presented to the Sartell City Council at its last meeting. The presenter was Chad Ritter, president of the Sartell Youth Recreation Center, also known as the Bernick’s Arena. Ritter said that after many listening sessions in recent months with the Sartell City Council members, the
Sartell leaders aim for careful growth
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum says most residents will be satisfied if the number on the city’s population signs don’t need to be changed for two years. That sentiment sums up city leaders’ strategy for development and growth. They are looking for careful, consistent growth. Recent state data predicts that Sartell’s population will grow from about 18,000
Fun multiplies at PME Math Night
photo by Carolyn BertschShannon Mohs, of Sartell, sets up a giant checker board Jan. 24 with his son, Julian, 8, at Math Night at Pine Meadow Elementary School. photo by Carolyn BertschFriends, Reagan Kimble (left) and Grace Magnuson, both age 8, of Sartell, react as a Mathnasium volunteer helps them play "Number Detective," Jan. 24 during Math Night at Pine
School Forest opens doors to outdoor classroom
by Mike Knaak editor@thenewsleaders.com Many students need to hop a bus for a chance to learn in a forest or prairie. But starting next fall, students at Riverview Intermediate School will find the forest right outside the door. The outdoor classroom is now possible after wooded land west of the school was designated a School Forest by the Minnesota Department
Degiovanni: partnerships, people, enliven Sartell
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com People then and people now are what Mary Degiovanni enjoyed most and still enjoys about her longtime job serving the city of Sartell. Degiovanni announced she will retire as early as July after 16 years as a city-staff employee. She was financial director and city administrator, and for numerous years held both of those jobs at