Sauk Herald reporter's blog - keeping you connected

House Representative Torrey Westrom announces bid for Senate District 12 seat

2012-02-25T22:38:00.004-08:00

First elected to the Legislature in 1996, Representative Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake, Dist. 11A) announced this weekend that he is running for the new, open Senate District 12 seat.

From 1997 to Jan. 2003, Westrom served a very rural district along the western edge of Minnesota whose largest city was Morris (pop. 5,000). Beginning in 2003, Westrom's new district included Morris but also a large portion of the city of Alexandria. After the latest redistricting, Westrom's hometown of Elbow Lake has now been placed in an open senate district whose largest cities include Morris, Breckenridge, Albany, Glenwood, Melrose and Sauk Centre.

One consequence of Westrom's decision to make a bid for the senate is that the new House District 12A will now be an open seat, with no incumbent legislator living there besides Westrom.

More on this will appear in next week's Sauk Centre Herald newspaper.

Senator Franken staff will be in Freeport next Tuesday to talk farm policy

2012-02-24T08:14:00.002-08:00

Senator Franken staffers will be talking about the federal farm bill with area farmers and other interested individuals next Tuesday in Freeport at 2 p.m. at the Charlie's Cafe meeting room.

The U.S. Senate will begin debating the farm bill in the next few weeks.

Sauk Centre hires new high school counselor

2012-02-21T19:31:00.001-08:00

The Sauk Centre high school will have a new guidance counselor beginning on March 1. At tonight's school board meeting, the open position was filled out of a field of nine candidates.

Read more in this week's Sauk Centre Herald.

Minnesota's new political lines for the next 10 years have been released

2012-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

One quick point.

Congressman Collin Peterson will still represent this area in Washington, D.C. There was a possibility he would be re-districted into an all-Northern Minnesota district, and the Pope County and western Stearns County area would be stuck in an all-Central Minnesota district spanning from the Dakota to Wisconsin borders.

Another update can be found here: http://www.saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=13816

It is unclear at this point if Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen lives in the new District 12 or is in the new District 8, which includes Otter Tail County and the city of Fergus Falls.

Read more on this in the Feb. 23 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

New legislative maps will be posted on Tuesday morning

2012-02-20T13:29:00.001-08:00

Follow this link to see what the new political lines will look like locally and across the state of Minnesota:

http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=4469

More coverage of the issue will appear in this week's Sauk Centre Herald.

An exciting change is coming to Jimmy's Pizza in Sauk Centre

2012-02-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

Jimmy's Pizza in Sauk Centre, located next to Gerard's Sports Bar and Dining, will get a facelift and a name change later this afternoon.

Check back later at www.saukherald.com to see more.

Here's the link to see a photo of one of the two new signs: http://saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48

Meeting watch: School board work session is on Monday, Feb. 20

2012-02-10T22:20:00.001-08:00

A workshop session on the issue of outdoor facility upgrades will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, by the Sauk Centre school board. It is an official school board meeting, so members of the public are invited to attend and listen. Public input won't be taken, as it's simply a period where school board members are able to talk about the issue and pass along what the public has been saying about it since the Jan. 30 vote was taken to move forward with the project.

The following night, the regular meeting of the school board will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Sauk Centre American Legion hosts National Commander

2012-02-08T08:29:00.001-08:00

Retirement of the American Colors following the program and speech by American Legion National Commander Fang Wong...

Meeting watch: regular meeting of the Sauk Centre School Board is next Monday

2012-02-03T10:09:00.001-08:00

The first of two regularly-scheduled school board meetings in Sauk Centre is next Monday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office meeting room. One interesting item on the agenda is a report from Superintendent Brooks on the "school advertising" idea where private businesses would pay the district to put up advertising within the school buildings. (i.e. = on student lockers)

Holdingford has been a part of this advertising program for at least the past year.

Other items on the agenda include further information on the facility improvement process and integration inter-district plan approval (integration aid).

Video clip from last night's City Council stormwater utility workshop

2012-02-02T12:48:00.001-08:00

City engineer Keith Yapp explaining a few points on the storm water utility idea...

Medical problems continue for Elrose couple hit by Minnesota State Patrol officer

2012-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

In reference to the couple included in the article at the following link:
http://www.saukherald.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=13512&SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48&S=1
Today the Herald learned from a member of the Uhlenkamp family that Ernie is suffering bleeding on his brain and cannot walk without the use of a walker. We have already been following up on the matter, including trying to learn what the outcome of the State Patrol investigation of the accident was, and what type of reprimands have followed for Trooper Gregg Gerhartz. Keep in mind, that type of information is not flowing freely or easily from the Minnesota State Patrol or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Long Prairie-Grey Eagle faces a shocking budget deficit

2012-02-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Projected revenue for 2012-2013 at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle schools is $10,031,542.

With current staffing levels and salary rates, their projected expenses will be $10,787,451 next year.

Those figure represent a seven percent budget deficit. Crazy! I've never seen a budget deficit in a small school as big as $755,000. The biggest I recall is around $600,000 at West Central Area schools back in 2009.

To illustrate how severe the situation is at LP-GE, their enrollment has dropped by 23 percent since 2007-2008. That year they had 1,220 students, while today they stand at an enrollment of 935.

Potential athletic cuts include their entire golf program, as well as an incredible amount of teachers.

Not good.

Meeting watch: regular school board meeting is next Monday

2012-02-01T13:20:00.001-08:00

The first of two regularly-scheduled school board meetings in Sauk Centre is coming next Monday, Feb. 6. Last summer it was set up for Feb. 7, but that's "caucus" night in Minnesota so that won't work.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the district office board room.

Noteworthy from the "Parents United for Public Schools" website

2012-01-31T20:25:00.001-08:00

"Our children cannot go back to grade school and get another education when times are better and we all have more to give. When the playground is empty and the children are gone, either we will have sacrificed for them, or we won’t."

The website is: http://www.parentsunited.org

Extra-curricular facility upgrade proposal passes

2012-01-30T16:15:00.001-08:00

A little after 6 p.m tonight, the Sauk Centre school board voted 7-0 to have the district administration move forward to study and implement plans for upgraded outdoor facilities at the school campus. A host of details are yet to be ironed out.

Much, much more on the issue will follow in this week's Feb. 2 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald. Don't miss out!

Local politicians to host town hall meeting next weekend

2012-01-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

Rep. Paul Anderson (left) and Senator Joe Gimse are shown in this file photo from a June 2011 "Eggs and Issues" meeting at Jitter's Java Cafe.

Senator Joe Gimse and Representative Paul Anderson will host a town hall meeting with area citizens next weekend in rural Sauk Centre. The meeting will be hosted at the Lynx National Golf Course from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. For more information, contact Gimse at 651-296-3826 or Anderson at 651-296-4317.

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre regular twice-monthly city council meeting is on Feb. 1

2012-01-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Sauk Centre city council will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Feb. 1. A few items on the agenda, which is fairly light, include:

An airport commission report that includes discussion from the Jan. 23 Airport Board meeting about long-range planning and the impacts of the CAPX 2020 powerline
A report from the Great River Regional Library Association
Authorization to staff to submit a grant proposal for the airport

The biggest item related to city affairs takes place at 5 p.m. next Wednesday, when the city council will hold a workshop regarding the proposed stormwater and sewer utility. It is a meeting open to the public.

At the Minnesota Newspaper Association convention today

2012-01-26T08:50:00.001-08:00

Just learned...roughly half of the newspaper industry (journalists) use videography in their work. At the Sauk Centre Herald, we've been regularly including videos in our journalism since January 2009. Back then it was limited to sports videos.

Videos became more widely used in the newspaper industry in 2011, mainly due to the explosion in popularity of small, inexpensive, hand-held videocameras.

Meeting watch: special Sauk Centre school board meeting is next Monday

2012-01-25T21:14:00.001-08:00

Coming on Jan. 30 (Monday) at 6 p.m. is a special school board meeting to continue discussion and possible take action on a proposed set of improvements and renovations to Sauk Centre's outdoor facilities at the public school campus.

Don't miss out on this week's Herald, which has a feature article on the topic.

Meeting watch: special city council meeting is next Wednesday

2012-01-25T12:11:00.001-08:00

Prior to the regularly-scheduled Sauk Centre city council on Wednesday, Feb. 1, the council will hold a workshop to review the Stormwater Utility proposal at the city hall council chambers. This special workshop will begin at 5 p.m. and is open to the public.

Special school board meeting draws a wide variety of responses

2012-01-25T01:27:00.000-08:00

You don't want to miss out on this week's Jan. 26 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald, which includes a feature article outlining more details to the proposed extra-curricular facilities upgrades, including its funding, timeline and potential scope of the project.

I've got some video from the meeting that people can listen to if they couldn't make it to the meeting. A couple clips will be posted at the videos page of the Sauk Centre Herald website at www.saukherald.com

The issue will be revisited on Monday, Jan. 30, for a 6 p.m. special board meeting when further decisions may take place.

Below, one clip from the meeting...

The board decides to hold off on making a decision tonight...

Meeting watch: special school board meeting is Tuesday night

2012-01-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night this week (Jan. 24) at 7:30 p.m., a special Sauk Centre school board meeting will be held at the 10-12 grade media center in the high school. The lone item on the agenda is the proposed extra-curricular facility renovations and upgrades for the school campus.

A couple weeks ago in the Jan. 12 issue, the Sauk Centre Herald published a feature article written by Bryan Zollman outlining the project and possible funding sources. As of now it's purely an idea, and the school board is actively seeking input from the public to weigh the pros and cons of the project.

Public input will be allowed on the topic. Superintendent Brooks will go into detail on the background of the project, highlight the input and efforts of the Sports Boosters while also giving a second overview of the project as he did during the Jan. 17 board meeting.

Two thumbs up in Sauk Centre!

2012-01-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

I have to give two big thumbs up to John Wiese Ford in Sauk Centre as I'm waiting in the customer lounge for an oil change to a Sauk Centre Herald company vehicle, our hybrid Ford Focus SUV. I opened up my netbook to get some work completed, and lo-and-behold, a notification popped up showing that wireless internet was available.

A few clicks later I was online, via their free, wireless internet.

After visiting with one of the employees at John Wiese Ford, I learned that they've had wireless internet available to customers for well over a year. We discussed other spots in Sauk Centre that have free, wireless internet. This was the quick list we came up with, which probably is not a complete list by any means: McDonald's, Main Street Coffee, John Wiese Ford and Jitter's Java Cafe.

http://www.johnwieseford.com

Important details to point out

2012-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

When an employee of the Sauk Centre school district turns in a letter of resignation, the school district cannot post the "job opening" until the school board had voted to accept the resignation.

For the record, since the Tuesday night school board meeting, a job posting has been listed online for a high school guidance counselor and at the district office.

Here's a thought: what would happen if the Herald published confidential employee information from the school district and put the school in a position where it has to defend itself against a lawsuit?

It's great that people in the community are showing concern and asking questions of the school. In fact, that's fantastic. A couple reminders are necessary, though: if the school says "we can't release that type of information" or "we can't answer that question" they are actually saying "legally, we can't tell you that"...finally, if something is not included in a Herald article, that doesn't mean it won't eventually be in a story or that the Herald isn't trying to find out.

What you can be certain of is, we're not about to rush things into a newspaper article without verifying every part of it or hearing both sides of an issue. I've done a couple "rush jobs" on past articles and it's nothing to be proud of. We all have to learn our lessons from past mistakes!

One arrest made on Tuesday at the Palmer House

2012-01-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

One guest staying at the Palmer House was arrested by the Sauk Centre police department without incident during the day on Tuesday, Jan. 17. No one was harmed during or before the arrest was made.

Further details will be posted at the Sauk Centre Herald website at 6 p.m. tonight.
www.saukherald.com

**Update at 5:52 p.m...a brief story on this matter has been posted to the Sauk Centre Herald website at the following link:
http://saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=13718

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre city council meeting is tonight

2012-01-18T11:56:00.001-08:00

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight at city hall.

A number of reports will be given on the Planning Commission, EDA, CVB (incl. annual report) and a Personnel/Finance report.

Action items include the storm water utility issue. The specific action that will be discussed is when to set a workshop session to review the Stormwater Utility proposal.

Under informational items, the details of an opening on the HRA board will be announced.

Further details on the meeting will be published in the Jan. 26 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

For those interested...mark your calendars on Jan. 24

2012-01-17T23:44:00.001-08:00

Tonight's (Tuesday's) actual Sauk Centre school board meeting was dominated by a lengthy presentation by Superintendent Brooks regarding proposed extra-curricular facility upgrades. Board members posed questions to Brooks about the project.

It was announced that the public will have a chance to speak about the project at a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 24. (Details to be announced in this week's Herald)

No public input at tonight's school board meeting

2012-01-17T17:49:00.001-08:00

Based on what legal counsel told the school district on Tuesday morning, public input will not be a part of tonight's board meeting. The pending investigation stemming from a complaint filed last fall with the Board of School Administrators continues to gum up the process of the public giving input at Sauk Centre school board meetings.

Currently, at 7:53 p.m., Superintendent Brooks is in the middle of a very detailed overview of a proposed extra-curricular facilities upgrade. (It continued a little past 8 p.m.)

Update...the board meeting officially adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Once it was adjourned, a member of the public asked if students who originally thought they would be able to speak at the board meeting could read some prepared statements they brought to the meeting.

Board members said that would be no problem, and after quite a few exchanges back and forth between parents and board members about the data privacy rules and the lack of "public input" on board agendas, three students gave the prepared statements. They spoke highly of their former high school counselor, Bryce Zieman, whose resignation was accepted by the board earlier tonight.

**Another update...video posted at 10:21 p.m. from the meeting held earlier tonight. The consent agenda, including staff resignations, took place here...

More to follow in this week's Jan. 19 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

One addition to the school board meeting is with public input at the beginning

2012-01-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

I recently learned that a spokesperson or spokespersons for the student body have been added to the school board agenda for their Tuesday night meeting. (It begins at 7:30 p.m.) Generally, public input takes place right away at the meeting, and the school board in most cases cannot respond directly or take action on anything that's brought up during that period.

The reason is, if the board takes action on an item, in many cases they have to check their actions through the governing laws of the school. Actions can't be taken on the fly or on a whim. In some cases, they may even have to check with counsel (lawyers).

It's easy to see how complicated it is to run a school properly, balancing the issues of privacy of staff and students with the needs of taxpayers to know what's going on with their school district.

In the case of Sauk Centre, it's a district that has an annual budget of around $12 million.

As many learned last spring in Sauk Centre, if the school district does not watch its bottom line, hundreds of taxpayers and parents will show up at board meetings demanding to know what why spending wasn't kept in check against the declining revenue schools in general are facing. Last spring's actions resulted in painful budget cuts taking place, while the licensed teachers' bargaining unit accepted a hard freeze in 2011-12 and a soft freeze in 2012-13. This past fall, the principals' bargaining unit accepted a hard freeze for both 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Click on the following link to read an article that appeared in the Jan. 5 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald. It includes discussion about issues directly related to what students will be talking about at the board meeting tomorrow night...
http://saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=13698&TM=84829.41

Below, a video clip from an Aug. 30, 2011 meeting at Jitter's Java Cafe with area superintendents and a powerful Republican (Pat Garofalo) who chairs the House Education Committee...the topic was "teacher tenure reform" and includes comments from Melrose board chair John Funk who was told many years ago that teacher tenure would never be reformed...

More footage from today's Minnesota Twins Caravan stop in Sauk Centre

2012-01-16T17:00:00.001-08:00

Words to follow: watch yourself on the ice!

2012-01-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

By all means, don't let the two nights of below-zero temperatures this past week to make you think the ice is somehow safe for all types of machines to carry.

The number of ice rescues, as well as vehicles, fish houses, and ATVs plunging through the ice has been unprecedented this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Currently, as of Sunday afternoon, two snowmobilers are missing in Wright County after they have been suspected of going through the ice on Lake Charlotte near Buffalo. An All-Terrain Vehicle broke through the ice on this lake around 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

The Minnesota DNR reminds the public that four inches of "good" ice is safer than 12 inches of "poor" ice. "Poor" ice is what we have right now on our lakes; it's riddled with air pockets and in no way, shape or form is strong enough to support automobiles. This type of ice usually appears cloudy, while strong ice is clear and does not have cracks.

Please, please, don't become a victim on our lakes and risk the lives of would-be rescuers in the process!

Meeting watch: extra-curricular facilities issue is on the Sauk Centre school board agenda next Tuesday night

2012-01-14T11:01:00.001-08:00

The main item on the agenda is continued discussion of the extra-curricular activities facilities issue. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 17. The item was on the agenda for the Jan. 3 meeting, but additional information was being presented to the board members in the week following that meeting so the discussion was postponed to a special board meeting held on Jan. 9.

From the Jan. 3 school board meeting...discussion on all-day, every-day kindergarten and ECFE funding

2012-01-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

The next school board meeting is on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. One item that will appear on the agenda is continued discussion on the extra-curricular facilities improvements.

Pretty interesting and exciting news is in this week's Herald on school campus upgrades in Sauk Centre

2012-01-11T05:20:00.001-08:00

Major extra-curricular facility upgrades are being discussed by school officials, and a meeting was held on Monday night to talk about it.

Read more in the Jan 12. issue of the Herald.

Meeting watch: special school board meeting is Monday night in Sauk Centre

2012-01-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

A special school board meeting is this Monday night, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m. at the Sauk Centre district office board room. The main focus of the meeting is to discuss the extra-curricular facility feasibility study on improvements at the school campus.

Continued discussion on the topic will take place at the Jan. 17 regular school board meeting.

Hard to imagine that this is the view on January 5...

2012-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

A herd of beef cattle near Westport soak up the sun on snow-less corn stubble on Thursday this week.

From last night's council meeting

2012-01-05T21:39:00.001-08:00

A few moments from last night's dialogue between school board members and local politicians

2012-01-04T18:59:00.001-08:00

City council meeting is tonight

2012-01-04T14:29:00.001-08:00

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. A number of regular organizational items will be taken care of, items that are routine at this time of the year.

A Park Board report will also be given from that group's meeting held last night.

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre school board meeting is Tuesday night

2012-01-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

A few items on the agenda include Superintendent reports of integration programming and an update on the extracurricular facility upgrade designs. Prior to the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., a "dialogue" will take place between board members and local politicians Joe Gimse and Paul Anderson. That begins at 7 p.m.

The annual reorganization of the board will take place first on the regular meeting agenda for the board chairman, vice-chairman and clerk/treasurer.

According to the schedule, the reports by Supt. Brooks will be given at the technology center. Unspecified "old" and "new" items are on the agenda as well. On Tuesday morning, I'll try to see what some of those items entail.

The Sauk Centre school website is: http://www.isd743.k12.mn.us

More from last Thursday's fire at Standard Iron

2012-01-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

Some additional information on the Fairy Lake ice accident yesterday

2011-12-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

A few comments.
One, Travis Ritter had traveled over the same patch of ice on Wednesday night where his Polaris Ranger caved into the lake the following day (Thursday afternoon). On Wednesday he encountered no problems traveling over the lake on his Ranger.

The "thin ice" signs that are shown in some photos spread to the media by the Todd County Sheriff's office were added after the accident. To be clear, Ritter did not drive his Gator right between two "thin ice" signs on the lake.

Another note...over most of Fairy Lake, the ice is 10 to 12 inches thick.

Finally, as of now the ice on any section of any lake is not something you can put the utmost trust in. Tomorrow it will get even worse with rain and temps in the high 40s forecast.

Tread carefully!

Standard Iron fire is under control after response by the Sauk Centre fire department

2011-12-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

Below, a clip showing a fireman working on the dust collector that was damaged by fire today...

Members of the Melrose Fire Department added to the efforts...

Arriving at Fairy Lake right after two lives were saved

2011-12-29T14:20:00.001-08:00

Driving up to the boat access at Fairy Lake today...

Read all about it at the Sauk Centre Herald website:
http://saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=48&ArticleID=13648

**Tune in to the WCCO 10 p.m. news broadcast tonight on TV to see a news story on today's lake rescue.

The Herald got a report that a fullsize pickup truck was seen driving on Lake Minnewaska near Glenwood. The truck drove past a number of people who were on the lake near the Lakeside Ballroom ice fishing (on foot).

That's what I call, a "Wow, did that just happen?" moment.

Open skate is tonight at the Sauk Centre Civic Arena

2011-12-29T14:17:00.001-08:00

From Nicki Vogt and Sauk Centre city hall =
Open Skate Tonight at the Sauk Civic Arena from 7:30-9:00 p.m. and Open Hockey tonight at the Arena from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Also, Open Skate is on on January 2nd from 4:00-5:30. $3/person. Bring your family!

Flour mill in Freeport goes up in a wild blaze tonight

2011-12-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

A widely-known fixture in the community of Freeport went up in flames tonight.

The Swany White flour mill in Freeport caught fire at 4:30 p.m. today, and as of 7 p.m. the blaze was still not under control.

At least five area fire departments were called to battle the fire and have been fighting the blaze into this evening. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Further details and photos from the fire will be posted at the Melrose Beacon website later tonight.

www.melrosebeacon.com

Local state senators consider bid for Majority Leader in St. Paul

2011-12-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, a Republican from Alexandria of District 11, is considering a run for the Senate leadership post.

So is Joe Gimse, a Republican from Willmar of District 13.

In terms of the Sauk Centre Herald coverage area, Ingebrigtsen covers the northern one-third or so (Todd County area), while Gimse has the southern two-thirds or so (Stearns, Kandiyohi and Pope counties).

I know both of them pretty well, and I haven't had time to really consider how strong their candidacies for that lofty position are. Both come off as pretty frank, straight-shooting politicians who are down to earth and easy to talk to. Always nice qualities to see in local representatives for our area in St. Paul.

I've contacted Gimse by e-mail to find out when the vote takes place among the Senate Republican caucus. I've recently been corresponding with him regarding the fraudulent child care unionization drive.

Emergency siren placement changes enacted by city council

2011-12-22T05:16:00.001-08:00

(Video) Below is part of the discussion and information presented on the topic...

Along the lines of our local school...I turn your attention to the Glencoe-Silver Lake teachers union

2011-12-21T12:16:00.001-08:00

Click on the following link to read a column written recently by the McLeod County Chronicle's managing editor Rich Glennie.

http://www.glencoenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=8&ArticleID=28419&TM=54543.36

Demanding a 6.7% raise? Really? Quite honestly the G-SL school board should be heavily scolded for offering 4.4%, but what should they do? Negotiations are at an impasse.

I just sent off an e-mail to Rich saying "Bravo!" for his efforts to expose the bullying tactics and the complete misrepresentation of the cold, hard facts of the G-SL school district's situation. The plight of small town property taxpayers cannot be overlooked every time a group of public employees stand on the table begging for a senseless pay raise in these economic times.

What you may not know from the column is that G-SL's negotiating drama has been going on for months now. Initially, the teachers union there was demanding a whopping 10 percent raise! I'll leave you to make your own judgements on the character and judgement of their teachers union.

~RO

Sauk Centre school board chair receives Directors' Award from the MN School Board Association

2011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Mitchell and school administration at Sauk Centre were notified of the award on Dec. 9. She received this honor in recognition of completing 100 or more hours of attendance at MN School Board Association and National School Board Association-sponsored meetings and activities within a four-year period of time.

Sauk Centre ECFE fundraiser at Pizza Hut is next week

2011-12-20T13:42:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars!
A Sauk Centre Early Childhood Family Education fundraiser at Pizza Hut is being held next week Dec. 26-31. Twenty percent of proceeds will go towards local ECFE programming.

These daycare union organizers just don't get it...

2011-12-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Below are comments from a child care provider in Vermont, where the unions are also trying to organize private, in-home child care business owners.

I have told them so many times I am NOT interested in talking to them but they still show up. Last week a woman came when we were outside she started off very friendly then I asked her what she wanted and then she said she represents the union I kindly told her to leave I was not interested and do NOT come back, she kept talking. I said it again Please leave! She then tried to make small talk. I said I will say it one more time I am watching my daycare kids and need to put 100% of my attention on them and you are preventing me from my job NOW LEAVE. She then left. They'll be back again maybe next time the police will have to show up to escort them out.

I know this. If I catch wind of union organizers harassing day care providers in my area, they will become front page news in a hurry! That's not a threat, that's a promise.

Santa Claus brings his Christmas cheer to Belgrade tonight...

2011-12-16T22:15:00.001-08:00

The Belgrade Municipal Hall was filled up with families and their children tonight to see Santa Claus.

Public hearing held on Wednesday night regarding proposed 2012 Stormwater Project

2011-12-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

City administrator Vicki Willer reported information on the assessment portion of the 2012 proposed Stormwater Project.

Items included: a 3% or less interest rate; it will be a 2-year project with year one including the east/west portion and year two including the north/south portion; assessments will not show on property taxes until 2014.

I'll get other information posted over the weekend on this issue. Also, an article on this will appear in the Dec. 22 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

This was pretty neat...Sauk Centre elementary students' greetings for local Iraq War soldier

2011-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

One of the Minnesota's largest school districts settles a new contract for its teachers with a whopper of a raise

2011-12-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

The Dec. 7 issue of the Pioneer Press reported that its teaching unit of 2,100 teachers in a district of 27,500 students won a new contract (after negotiating with the school board) that is worth an increase of 4.1 percent over the last 2-year contract that expired in July 2011.

As they say on Saturday Night Live...really? A 4.1% raise? Really?

Who's paying for that?

Sauk Centre Knights of Columbus nativity display along Highway 71

2011-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

It's located just south of Mortgages on Main on Highway 71 in Sauk Centre...on Tuesday night this week, the Knights of Columbus held a Blessing Ceremony for the display...

Just heard this...Jimmy's Pizza is moving to the current Amigos location

2011-12-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

The move will take place on December 27...Jimmy's owner Mike Olson is hoping to move out of the current location that morning and be ready to take orders for pizza at the new location that evening.

Sauk Centre city counil holds Truth in Taxation hearing tonight

2011-12-07T17:01:00.001-08:00

No members of the public voiced dissent or agreement on the proposed 2012 budget.

It doesn't slow down around here...city council meeting is tonight

2011-12-07T12:56:00.001-08:00

A somewhat intensive agenda is on tap for tonight's Sauk Centre city council meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Truth in Taxation hearing will precede the meeting's regular agenda. This is a time that members of the public will be able to voice their opinions on spending and taxes within the city.

Items on the main agenda include: (1) a contract for support of Summer Rec programming (2) adopting the 2012 budget and 2012 levy (3) renew a lease agreement for the Senior Dining site (4) approve amendment to the Local Improvement Policy.

A reminder will also be announced on the upcoming Public Hearing on the 4th Street Project on Dec. 14.

Sauk Centre principal association settles contract with school district

2011-12-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

The Sauk Centre school board just agreed to a new 2-year contract with the Principals Association, covering the three principals at the school district. The salaries were frozen, and in the second year a small increase will be given for health insurance and severance coverage.

The basic guidelines the school board wanted to follow was that the agreement would be similar to what was ratified with the teachers union last May. The one key difference is that in "Year One" the teachers and principals groups both take hard freezes with no increase in pay, while in "Year Two" the teachers will get a "soft freeze" with corresponding increases in salary due to "years of service" and "lane changes" from additional professional development coursework. In "Year Two" the principals group will continue with a hard salary freeze with no increase in salary.

Below, video from the meeting tonight...be sure to crank up your speakers!

School funding from the state will continue to be a problem for District 743, probably at least for two more years...so this is definitely good news for all parties involved. I've seen it happen twice at St. Cloud school districts...the teachers get a pay freeze while administration sees their salaries increase.

The meeting was brief and lasted about 45 minutes.

Child care unionization vote is stopped...for now

2011-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Ramsey County District Judge Dale Lindman stopped the upcoming child care unionization vote that was set to take place over the middle of December. Ballots were to go out to child care providers who were registered to accept state reimbursements for low-income families as of Oct. 15, 2011.

An injunction has been filed on today's ruling on behalf of the unions. The hearing for that injunction is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2012, and the vote on unionization is halted at least until the injunction is granted or thrown out.

Representative Mary Franson of House District 11A praised the many child care providers who spoke out on the issue and organized opposition to the unionization effort, including the many deceptive ways SEIU and AFSCME were going about their push to create a union of independent, licensed child care providers across the state.

The topic has set off one of the hottest debates in all corners of the state. After the story was posted to the Star Tribune website a little after noon today, 69 comments have already been posted by readers only four hours later.

Some very ill-informed comments are circulating that today's events somehow stop workers from organizing and pushing for unions. That couldn't be further from the truth.

The other very ill-informed idea that is being passed around, including by Governor Dayton himself, is that the state subsidy is somehow for the child care providers themselves. In fact, it is a subsidy that reimburses child care providers for children of low-income families. In no way does it create an "extra layer" of a state-business relationship due to the subsidy. It is simply a subsidy for the said low-income families! I cannot emphasize how very troubled I am that Dayton cannot figure that out.

Quite honestly, it is a sad day in America for the union effort in general. I fully support the right of workers to unionize on their own behalf. I would strongly urge unions to organize in an "above-board, truthful and honest" manner, though!

Franson noted that the issue will most likely be a political talking point for union officials in 2012, based on statements made at union website pages such as the SEIU: http://www.kidsfirstminnesota.org/2011/12/05/statement-regarding-ramsey-county-hearing

Sauk Centre school board meeting agenda for Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. next week

2011-12-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

Tentative AGENDA (subject to change)

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Truth-In-Taxation Hearing

IV. Reports
A. Superintendent
1. Ext. Cur. Facility Feasibility Study/Improvements
2. MSHSL - WCC
3. Summer Recreation

V. Old Business
A. 2011 Payable 2012 Levy Adoption
B. Master Contract Sauk Centre Prin. Assn. Recommendation

VI. New Business
Community Educ./Act. Dir. Contract Recommendation
Program Budget Resolution
VII. Consent Agenda
A. Minutes of November 9, 2011
November Hand Payable Bills
Regular Monthly Bills
District Level Improvement Plan (DLIP)
Summer Rec. Memo Acknowledgement
VIII. Other

IX. Adjournment

A link to the Child Care Freedom organization's website

2011-12-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.childcarefreedom.com
The group is having a rally at the Capitol on Saturday. Visit their website to learn more about it.

Here is the direct link to their page describing the Saturday rally, which is at noon: http://www.childcarefreedom.com/childcare-freedom-rally

Click at this link to view what child care unions look like in other states around the U.S...I'll let you make your own judgements on what has been done in those states.
http://www.childcareunioninfo.com/child-care-unions-in-other-states.html

A note from the Minnesota Child Care Union Information website...fraud being committed across the state by union organizers

2011-11-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

Passing this along...
Providers are reporting that union organizer are out door knocking to ensure a "YES" vote. Unfortunately, the message providers are receiving when they indicate they are opposed is a mixed bag or UNTRUE and UNETHICAL information. Some organizers are telling the provider that if she does not vote yes, she will no longer be able to accept children on the subsidy program, or if they are if they are not interested in the union, they can just throw their ballot away. These incidents are being documented and reported. If this or other information you find questionable is told to you, please contact us at childcareunioninfo@gmail.com and Mr. Josh Tilsen, Commissioner, Bureau of Mediation Services immediately. josh.tilsen@state.mn.us, 651-649-5421.
Source: http://www.childcareunioninfo.com

Please, by all means, if you get a ballot, please vote "yes" or "no" on the issue depending on what you think and return the ballot by Dec. 20 in order to have your voice counted!

Some cleaning up on recent Youtube clips

2011-11-30T12:18:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted some of these and wanted to get them up for viewing before I turn the page on the calendar to December!

From Veterans Day on Nov. 11...

**This one is pretty interesting...Representative Mary Franson is explaining a scene from last week's House Commerce Committee child care unionization hearing in St. Paul. She's retelling what Josh Tilsden with the Bureau of Mediation Services said under oath. He told those in the audience he was warned not to be "too chatty" about details of the unin drive. (Don't give the public too much information, it may make us look bad.)
Click and listen below...

...and finally, a clip from the musical in Sauk Centre on Nov. 20...

Michigan ended their child care union in March of this year

2011-11-29T16:30:00.001-08:00

Click here to read the full story: http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/14689

Background information from New York on day care unionization

2011-11-29T09:46:00.001-08:00

In Oct. 2009, the state determined that it would seek to implement legislation on behalf of the unions that represent the child care workers (UFTCSEA) to collect "fair share payments" from providers who have chosen to not join one of the aforementioned unions. The unions have argued that they are entitled to collect this funding because they have fought for, and represented all, child care workers, regardless of whether they are unions members or not.

Numerous links to follow to learn more about child care unionization

2011-11-27T09:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.resourcesforchildcaring.org/index.cfm?page=unionsprimer#howcanunionsorg

...and http://freedomfoundationofminnesota.com/leaked-memo-adds-fuel-to-concerns-over-child-care-union-debate

A number of Republicans in Minnesota are offering or supporting legislation that would ban the use of child care subsidy money from going to union coffers. The movement is spearheaded by Lake Elmo Republicans Sen. Ted Lillie and Rep. Kathy Lohmer:
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-minneapolis/rep-lohmer-to-afscme-seiu-ccap-money-stays-with-the-kids

Again, the more I learn about this issue, the more I am amazed at the fact that the issue is still alive.

According to the Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA), Dayton doesn't have the authority to call for a vote because in-home child care providers are independent contractors, not government employees. The only time Gov. Dayton would have the authority to issue an EO to hold a unionization vote is if the people are public employees.

Source: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 179A defines a public employer as the state of Minnesota or other local political subdivisions. The law also defines public employees as those appointed or employed by a public employer. Under current law, a self-employed, home-based child care provider would not be a public employer or a public employee.

Other points to consider: the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association already lobbies on behalf of child care providers across the state, and their annual dues are similar to what the monthly dues will be for this new child care provider union! The MLFCCA website is http://www.mlfcca.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=2

Governor Dayton stated to media recently the following statement which says very clearly that he thinks all 11,000 child care providers in Minnesota should vote on the issue = "If there is going to be a decision made, we’ve talked about...having an election that would be conducted by, for example, the Bureau of Mediation Services so it would be done fairly and responsibly and allows all the people who would be affected by that decision to have a say in it. I’m not going to dictate the outcome of that."

Why would he sign an executive order that bans almost 7,000 in home child care providers from voting on the issue?

We can look to California, where Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat, vetoed similar child care unionization legislation because of its excessive cost. California, like Minnesota and almost every other state is experiencing severe budget deficits as far as the eye can see.

What I don't understand is, why would Gov. Dayton and the unions push for something that is only tarnishing the image of unions across Minnesota? That's like trying to remodel your house by setting it on fire!

Epic fail!

Link to view Governor Dayton's executive order granting a vote for day care unionization

2011-11-25T11:51:00.001-08:00

Click below to download a PDF file outlining the executive order:
http://mn.gov/governor/images/EO-11-31.pdf

One troubling part to the Dayton's executive order is on page two.

I have underlined sections where statements or positions are made that appear to be fraudulent. I am in the process of outlining a clear, concise case for calling these positions fraudulent. I'll admit...I am quite troubled by these developments. The more I learn, the more unbelievable it sounds to me!

Parts of the executive order on page two read as follows: "Whereas, unions AFSCME and SEIU have claimed in writing that a majority of licensed family child care providers desire to be represented for the purposes of negotiating their relationship with the State; and

Whereas, in light of the foregoing, a labor dispute exists concerning the right of family child care providers to organize for the purpose of representation in their dealings with the State; and

Whereas, it is essential that a fair and transparent election among licensed family child care providers proceed before the State shall certify or conduct meetings with any representatives of family child care providers.

Once again, as I asked a few days ago on this blog...if any child care provider is in favor of unionization, I would gladly entertain your thoughts and ideas on the issue to include in an article. I wouldn't have to use your name either. I simply need to hear the "pros" on the idea of unionization.

My two cents: Gov. Dayton's executive order is discriminatory, considering that child care providers who did not have C-CAP (state subsidy) children in Sept. 2011 are unable to vote. Is Governor Dayton trying to suggest that the 6,400+ providers who can't vote on this issue won't get any benefit from joining the union? Why not let them vote on joining if unionization is a good idea?

An interesting comment at the Star Tribune, regarding a story about day care unionization

2011-11-24T07:25:00.001-08:00

The comment goes this way:
First of all, if you don't have children in day care or are not expecting to have children, this isn't your concern. Once again the GOP is trying to get "everyone" involved, back off. I have children in day care and I do see how the larger centers really exploit the workers, which leads to poor care and unsafe conditions. As a parent it would be nice to have a third party representing the workers, instead of the workers encouraging me the customer to be complaining to management when there is substandard care being given, like reduced staffing that doesn't meet state requirements, etc.

Town Hall meeting takes place tonight in Alexandria on the day care provider unionization issue

2011-11-22T18:27:00.001-08:00

Below, Rep. Mary Franson conducts dialogue with those attending the meeting at Traveler's Inn in Alexandria...

Not everyone in the Sauk Centre Herald coverage area may be familiar with Representative Mary Franson of Alexandria. She's a first-term Republican representing House District 11B in St. Paul who is a former licensed daycare provider by trade. Naturally, the issue of unionizing child care providers is an issue near and dear to her heart. District 11B includes areas such as West Union, Round Prairie and Osakis in our coverage area.

One interesting part of the evening was when she spoke about the child care provider who currently works with her three children in Alexandria. Rep. Franson brought up a joke she mentioned while in St. Paul that got picked up by the Star Tribune in a Sept. 20 article.

Here is a section from that article, followed by a direct link to the article: Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, was a child-care provider for four years. She said she worries about "propaganda" children might be exposed to, including forming the phrase "tax the rich" in macaroni noodles as a craft project.

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/130244043.html

After some laughs and some back-and-forth comments with child care providers present at tonight's meeting, it is pretty clear that she was joking when she made the comment. I know the Star Tribune operates on vastly different deadlines than what we work with at the Herald, but this is definitely a case of a reporter taking something out of context, running with it, and not taking the 1 or 2 minutes required to follow up with someone about a comment made before publishing it. I would venture to say that Rep. Franson may have said many other comments against the unionization drive that would have sufficed to show her opposition to the idea that were less-sensational than this one. (But that wouldn't be tabloid-journalism, which is all too common in large-scale newspaper organizations today in my humble opinion.)

The trend I'm seeing in the immediate areas I'm familiar with in west central Minnesota is that in-home, independent child care providers are opposed to this idea. With the new I've had a chance to talk to, I have yet to talk to one who is in support of unionizing. Representative Paul Anderson of Starbuck, whose district has western Stearns County including the Sauk Centre area, has had the same results after hearing from over 25 child care providers in Pope County.

If a child care provider is in favor of this idea, I'd love to hear from them. Please send me an e-mail and give me your side of the issue, which is much too important to young families with young children to not have people with varied opinions speak about it: saukheraldreporter@gmail.com

I'm also in the process of gathering comments from child care providers who were solicited by union organizers about the issue. Regardless of what part of Minnesota you live in, I'd like to hear from you on that if you were asked by an organizer to support the unionization drive. At your request, your information can remain confidential without having your name published in an article. saukheraldreporter@gmail.com

A quick update to the issue...after some light googling of the topic, I ran across this website: http://www.childcareunioninfo.com

Another point I haven't fully explained is that the official vote for child care providers to join the union will take place on Dec. 6-7 a couple weeks from now. Only in-home, independent child care providers are eligible to vote. The total number of eligible providers who can vote is a little over 4,200. In total, there are over 11,000 child care providers in Minnesota. A majority of children who are served by non-family related child care are in larger child care centers, such as those operated in some schools and churches.

One point I am dying to find out is why only 4,200 child care providers can vote on the issue when the future negotiations that a union may enter into with the state include setting a minimum price that providers can charge families. I know personally of cases where a family and provider privately come to agreement on a lower rate than what they advertise due to a family not being able to afford the standard rate.

Would that become illegal in the future? It's one question I want answered!

From other information I've read, it seems that if in-home child care providers are unionized, it would take on the role more of a trade association than a traditional union. When one thinks of a union, you picture a group negotiating with an employer on behalf of a business's employees. In this case, they are independent contractors, so the union isn't negotiating with these business owners. Rather, the organizers of the unionization drive are framing this new "union" as a way for child care providers to negotiate with the state on regulations and state subsidy issues relating to their businesses.

If you click on the following link, you'll be able to read a letter explaining many of the pro-union points on the issue:
http://www.seiu284.org/kidsfirst/Tom_Copeland__Open_Letter_to_Family_Child_Care_Providers_in_Minnesota_on_Unions.aspx
Confused yet? Don't feel bad, because I am still confused on all of this.

House District 11B representative Mary Franson to host town-hall meeting on union drive at daycares

2011-11-21T16:06:00.001-08:00

State Representative Mary Franson (R) District 11B, will host a town hall meeting regarding the possibility of child care providers unionizing on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. at Traveler’s Inn, 511 Broadway Street in Alexandria. Franson, who is a former licensed daycare provider, represents all of Todd County and roughly the eastern half of Douglas County, including the Osakis, West Union and Round Prairie areas near Sauk Centre.

Some background information...
On Nov. 15, Governor Mark Dayton signed an executive order that authorized a union vote for thousands of state-subsidized, in-home day care providers in Minnesota. Dayton feels the best way to resolve what has turned into a contentious issue is to send it to an election.
The State Bureau of Mediation Services will conduct the election, scheduled for mid-December.
Further information will be posted following the meeting on Tuesday night.
I strongly recommend anyone interested in this issue to attend the meeting on Tuesday night in Alexandria. (I'll be there too.)

Mark your calendars! Christmas in the Park is coming to Sauk Centre on Dec. 3

2011-11-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

"Christmas in the Park" is coming to Sauk Centre from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3rd in Sinclair Lewis Park. We'll have sleigh rides, a fish house display, pictures with Santa (who will arrive via fire truck at 2:00 p.m.), hot chocolate, cider, treat bags, a bonfire, Ms. Sauk Centre royalty and the big tree lighting at dusk.

Afterwards, the Legion is providing hot dogs and BBQ's. They will also have a tree dedicated to Servicemen and Servicewomen and a drawing for a chance to win a boys' and girls' bike.

Local high school theaters in the midst of fall performances this weekend

2011-11-18T22:19:00.001-08:00

The Sauk Centre Theatre students will perform Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. There is no show Friday, and their first performance was on Thursday night. Be sure to check out the talents of our young theatre students as they perform this popular feature. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa's theater department's production of CATS runs on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Check out their full page ad on the back page of this week's Sauk Centre Herald for more information on that.

On another note...Country Cat of Sauk Centre is holding its 20th anniversary this week

2011-11-15T17:33:00.001-08:00

Check out all the details on the back page of this week's Mid-Minnesota Shopper. Or better yet, drive out to Country Cat and check out all the deals they've got going while celebrating 20 years of service to our region!

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre city council has a robust agenda for Wed., Nov. 16

2011-11-15T17:32:00.001-08:00

A lengthy agenda and a number of action items are on tap for the Wednesday meeting of the city council this week.

Passing along a note from the Sauk Centre Area Chamber of Commerce

2011-11-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Small Business Saturday! is coming to Sauk Centre on Saturday, Nov. 26. Do your shopping local and avoid the madness of Black Friday!

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday...and now we can look forward to the second annual Small Business Saturday, the day people go the extra mile to support small businesses.

Look for more on this in the Nov. 24 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

Veterans Day programs held yesterday in Sauk Centre

2011-11-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

Below, the Sauk Centre High School band performs the National Anthem while the Color Guard enters the front of the American Legion...

Click here to view a video from the U.S. Flag-folding ceremony that was held at Holy Family School on Friday morning:
http://saukherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=94&SubSectionID=381&NewsVideoID=36
(You'll need to turn your speakers all the way up to hear what was said.)

Alexandria-area resident tests the waters for the House District 11B seat

2011-11-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

(Below) Bob Cunniff of Alexandria is considering a run for the House District 11B seat currently held by Mary Franson...more on this news will be posted this weekend. I got the news tip earlier today from the Occupy Alexandria group. Cunniff is shown in the purple shirt below. His wife of 34 years is a Kindergarten teacher in District 206 (Alexandria). PHOTO SUBMITTED

Franson, a Republican, is a first-term legislator from Alexandria. She is a former licensed child care provider by trade.

Three Veteran's Day programs are in Sauk Centre on Friday - plus two at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa

2011-11-10T14:53:00.001-08:00

Details on Sauk Centre's programs are at the top of page A1 in today's Herald.

B-B-E hosts a Veterans' Day program at 10:25 a.m. at the high school.

School board meeting lasts 90 minutes tonight

2011-11-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

A number of items were discussed at tonight's school board meeting. What dominated the evening was a half-hour long report and presentation given by the school district's auditor.

Did you know? The cost of the annual audit has risen to the neighborhood of $15,000.

A great share of that cost is due to countless state mandates regarding reporting of how funds are being spent at the school.

Added Thursday afternoon...a clip from the audit presentation...

Look for more on the board meeting at this blog and in the Nov. 17 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald.

Woo-Hoo! Sauk Herald's Facebook page crosses the 2,200 friend mark

2011-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

We're up to 2,204 friends at the Sauk Centre Herald Facebook page.

Click on the link to add us: http://www.facebook.com/saukherald

Passing on a note from Diversicom and DTV in Sauk Centre

2011-11-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you can't attend the state tournament volleyball matches in St. Paul this week, be sure to follow the team's progress at the Herald Sports Blog as well as with DTV in Sauk Centre.

Our link to the sports blog is: http://heraldsportsblog.blogspot.com

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre school board meeting is Wed., Nov. 9

2011-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

The regular meeting for November is at 8 p.m. at the board room on Wednesday night.

Superintendent's report items include: (1) extra-curricular facility study (2) resource training for the board of directors (3) 5-period day transition and (4) MSHSL and Melrose placement in the West Central Conference.

Old business includes an audit presentation and a closed portion of the meeting (held at the end of the other items) regarding negotiations with the Principal's Association (union).

New business includes a "bus fleet update" for transportation.

All in all, a pretty basic agenda.

Breaking: Sauk Centre secondary school to implement changes for passing time, lunch periods next week

2011-11-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

A number of changes will go into effect at the start of the second quarter of the 2011-2012 year at Sauk Centre secondary school. Starting next Tuesday, passing time between the five periods of classes will increase from five minutes to six.

In terms of the lunch periods, classes that precede the two lunch periods will rotate on a schedule for early dismissal by an amount of five minutes. The idea is to send a group of kids to the lunch room in advance of the entire group for that period to relieve pressure on the lunch lines.

Read more about all the changes in next week's Nov. 10 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald!

Also don't miss out this weekend...starting Friday, the Holiday Kickoff in Sauk Centre!

2011-11-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

All the details are on page 10 of the Oct. 30 issue of the Mid-Minnesota Shopper.

A Holiday Expo will be held at Gerards Banquet Facility this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Don't miss it!

Get your tickets ASAP! Neil Diamond impersonator performs this Saturday night

2011-11-03T21:39:00.001-07:00

Get your tickets ASAP at Gerard's Sports Bar in Sauk Centre. They cost only $5 in advance and are $10 at the door that night.

He performs this Saturday night, Nov. 5, beginning at 8 p.m.

Passing along a note from Diversicom Communications...Facebook training is this Saturday

2011-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Diversicom will host a "Facebook training" class for businesses and anyone else interested in learning about the usefulness and capabilities of operating a Facebook page for your group or business.

The meeting is on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at Jitter's Java Cafe in Sauk Centre.

Meeting watch: Sauk Centre city council is tonight

2011-11-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

A few items on the agenda for the 6:30 p.m. meeting include:
*Funding proposals for the Storm Water Project
*A possible creation of a Storm Water Utility
*Discussion and possible action on 2012 Fuel/Wash bids and Refuse hauling
*A notice of council board/committee openings

Sauk Centre Fire Dept. responds to West Union-area grain bin fire

2011-10-31T18:17:00.001-07:00

The fire call went out at about 4:30 p.m. today.

National Anthem performed prior to B-B-E vs. Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity football last night

2011-10-30T14:41:00.001-07:00

Meeting watch: Nov. 1 Sauk Centre school board meeting is moved to Nov. 8

2011-10-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

Due to the volleyball playoffs' second round match on Tuesday night (Nov. 1) in Sauk Rapids, the Sauk Centre school board meeting scheduled for that night has been moved to Wednesday, November 8.

Notice for area I-94 travelers!

2011-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, October 31, MnDOT maintenance crews will be shouldering the westbound lanes of Interstate 94 from Albany to Sauk Centre. Crews will begin working in the left lanes. Work will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily. Anticipated completion date is Friday, Nov. 4, weather permitting. This work is considered a moving operation. Motorists should plan to slow down and drive carefully when driving through the work zone.

Public meeting held last night on Sauk River Watershed District weed harvester project

2011-10-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

Sauk River Watershed District executive director Holly Kovarik reported to the Herald today on the meeting held last night regarding SRWD's weed harvester project on Big Sauk Lake.

"The city had a good showing at the meeting," Kovarik stated. "We got very good feedback from around 15 members of the public."

Further updates will follow.

Did you know?

2011-10-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

As of July 31, 2011 the city of Sauk Centre had issued 32 building permits during the month of July. During the same period in 2010, a total of 21 permits had been issued.

That figure increased to 65 as of August 31, 2011. By that day of 2010 a total of 11 permits were issued for the month of August.

In September 2011, a total of 49 permits were issued. During September 2010, a total of 25 permits were issued.

Sauk Centre Police Department honored with two awards

2011-10-24T14:48:00.001-07:00

At last week's city council meeting...

Life-saving pins awarded at Wednesday's city council meeting

2011-10-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

Read all about it in this week's Oct. 20 issue of the Sauk Centre Herald in Bryan Zollman's story on page A1. The victim who was saved who is written about in the story is in the middle of the photo below.