It’s that time of the year again when the Patriot re-visits some of the top stories we featured in the 2023 calendar year.
January
Becker High School Head Coach Dwight Lundeen was named the recipient of the 2022 AFCA®/AFCF® Power of Influence Award at the 2023 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, NC last January.
The City of Becker learned in January that the Google data center pulled the plug on their design to build a center in the Becker Business Park.
Orrock Township held its final town hall meeting for the year on Dec. 28 and said goodbye to two supervisors, Bob Hassett and Gregg Felber. Hassett lost his bid for re-election, to Anne Felber, and Gregg Felber vacated his seat after being elected to the position of county commissioner.
During Clear Lake Twp’s December 2023 meeting, Kiel Golly was introduced as the township’s new supervisor and Supervisor Gary Gray was recognized for his many years of service and wished luck with his new job as a Sherburne Co. Commissioner.
The Clearwater Legion Riders held their annual New Year’s party at the St. Cloud VA for their patients who are in treatment. During the party attendees played board games, cribbage, bean bags, and pool. Music was played and drawings were held for prizes – all participants received a prize.
February
Organizers of the Northland Reliability Project hosted an informational event at Pebble Creek in Becker in February. The project’s goal is to construct a power line which will connect the Iron Range Energy Substation to the yet-to-be-built “Big Oaks” Substation in Sherburne County.
The Becker Dance Team clinched their second consecutive trip to the state tournament in kick and jazz in February while competing in the 4AA section tournament.
Gorgeous weather translated into huge crowds that assembled last Febraury on Lake Julia for their sixth annual Ice Day on the Chain.
At Clearwater City Council’s meeting, reelected Mayor Andrea Lawrence and newly elected Council Members Travis Winkelman, James Schwinghammer, and Santos Vazquez took their oaths of office.
March
It came down to the wire, but the Big Lake Hornet gymnastics team persevered last March at the State Tournament, beating out Detroit Lakes by a mere point and a half and capturing the state title.
The Clearwater Legion was bursting at the seams last March as over 500 people came by to enjoy the area’s first all-you-can-eat fish fry of the season and admire the newly renovated facility.
Eighteen-year-old Slate Smaby of Becker High School was commissioned to emblazon a large American Flag on a blank, white wall in what used to be the truck bays for the old fire department.
A local church (SHED Church, a non-demoninational congregation) and Palmer Township officials found themselves at odds over the rental policies for the Palmer Township Hall.
Last March, Carol and Jerry Brunn were recognized for their years of service with the Becker Area Senior Center (BASC).
Visitors to last summer’s 43rd Annual 2023 Clearwater Rodeo were greeted with a pleasant surprise — more seating as new bleachers were installed!
April
Over 240 guests, volunteers, partners, sponsors and supporters of Faith In Action came together to hold a special gala in Otsego that included a dinner, silent auction, entertainment and a rundown of the organization’s mission.
Last April, Xcel Energy officials made the decision to power down the Monticello Nuclear Plant after a secondary leak was discovered to be leaching tritium tainted water into the ground.
Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) hosted a roundtable at the Becker Community Center with over a dozen Minnesota leaders and energy producers to discuss H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives late last week.
Joel Toedter, a Minnesota wrestling official and father of five Becker athletes and scholars, was inducted into the MWCA Hall of Fame at the end of April.
Becker Schools recently added new cameras to their buses, bringing the total number of cameras up to five, all in the name of ensuring the safety of Becker students.
On April 29, the owners of Ember Coffee in Big Lake held a one-year anniversay of the opening of their store in appreciation of their customers.
May
Northern Metals filed a lawsuit against the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and its commissioner, Karina Kessler, aimed at requiring all metal recycling shredders in the state to operate under more stringent pollution control standards.
The Harlem Wizards visited Big Lake last May to play an exhibition game in front of a packed gymnasium.
A fire at Clearwater Auto Parts along Co. Rd. 7 in May caused considerable damage at the business and resulted in a number of area fire departments being called out for mutual aid.
Cancer survivors and their guests gathered last May at Becker City Park to once again celebrate the joys and triumphs of their personal battles against the devastating disease.
The Becker American Legion, the Big Lake Amrican Legion and the Clearwater American Legion all held Memorial Day services to honor those who’ve served the United States in the Armed Forces.
June
Last June, the Farm Friends Barn invited kindergartners and first graders from Becker Schools to come out and plant potatoes, learn about agriculture, and have a fun time at the barn.
Carefree Country Club residents had a special reason to celebrate last June, as World War 2 Veteran Bill Friberg celebrated his 100th birthday party. Bill, along with his wife, JoAnn, and several friends celebrated the day at Rebecca’s Cafe with a delicious lunch and special birthday cake.
Becker’s newest hotspot was ready for a Freedom Days debut when Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill opened its new outside bar and patio area in June to patrons who have been anxiously awaiting the unique venue.
People came from all over Clearwater to visit Isla Madden’s lemonade stand in town as the eight-year-old donated all proceeds to the Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud.
July
The Compassion Connection (TCC) was the grand recipient of nearly $1,800 donated to the organization by the Amy Chmielewski, American Family Insurance Agency in Becker last July.
Former Sherburne County commissioner, Tim Dolan, faced identity theft and forgery charges after he allegedly tampered with his ex-partner’s business and personal finances.
In a little over two weeks, Allison Hunsley completed her mural painting on the side of the building of Third Rail Bar and Grill in Big Lake.
Becker graduate, Jada Soltau, was accepted into Ithaca College in upstate New York for her singing prowess.
Jason Graaf of Becker retired from the military on June 1, 2023 after serving 30 years in the armed forces.
A new sport is on the rise in the area: Pickleball. The easy-to-learn sport is one of the fastest rising in the nation and is especially popular among snowbirds.
Long-time Becker residents Brad and Doreen Novak celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family during a reception at Jack and Jim’s Event Center in Duelm.
August
Grace Lutheran Church in Becker hosted Cally Logan, an author and US History teacher from Richmond, VA where she spoke on her love for the Lord and shared how one can rest confidently in the identity God gives to people.
Clearwater’s first ever Heritage Days Festival was a smash hit last year, with people enjoying all the numerous activities happening all over town throughout the five day event period in August.
Emmy award winning journalist Liz Collin stopped by the Palmer House in August for the latest installment of her tour to publicize her 2022 book, They’re Lying: The Media, The Left, and The Death of George Floyd.
In August, Becker’s longtime head girls Cross Country and Girls Track coach Trish Reimer-Kealy, was honored as one of eight finalists for the National Coach of the Year Award at the organization’s convention held in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Three of a Kind’s 12th annual motorcycle run and fundraiser in Clearwater as held to raise money for the Eagles Healing Nest in Sauk Rapids.
September
Pebble Creek hosted the 19th Annual Global Action Golf Classic last September in which 49 golfers participated. The event was held to raise support for Ukrainian Christians to help orphans, refugees and families affected by the war.
Hope Lutheran Church in Orrock, MN, celebrated its 150th birthday on September 17.
Lois Mass of Clear Lake (of Lois’ Breads) began selling her bread items just outside of the Becker Spine Clinic in Becker for several summer months and in September was granted permission to do the same at Bill’s Family Foods.
Last September, just before the Becker/Providence Academy football game, the Becker community gathered at the new artificial turf stadium at Becker High School to unveil the name of the new arena (Dwight Lundeen Stadium).
Big Lake native Beau Lastavich rocked the stage with his Nashville-based band “True Villains” on “America’s Got Talent.” Lastavich, the lead singer and his True Villains band performed a cover hit songs and originals to advance to the semi-finals on the popular TV show.
October
Xcel Energy hosted their annual community breakfast last October. The community breakfast allows leaders in local cities, townships, schools, and law enforcement to hear speakers from Xcel discuss the happenings of the last year, and plans for the company moving forward.
Becker’s Bobby Lee won his Legacy Fighting Alliance match against Lucas Clay last Fall, capturing his 14th professional MMA win.
During their September meeting, Wesley Benson approached the Clear Lake Twp. Board to update them on the gaga pit he built at the township park for his Boy Scouts Eagle project.
Five drug task force officers and a 64-year-old man were injured in an exchange of gunfire last October near Princeton as officers served a search warrant at a property in rural Minnesota. The suspect, Karl Thomas Holmberg, and all officers were expected to survive.
November
A brand new Kwik Trip fuel station and convenience store is planned for the corner of Rolling Ridge and Bank Street in Becker — directly across the street from the McDonald’s Restaurant.
The Big Lake Winter Farmers Market kicked off their event, Nov. 18 with plans to run it during the winter months at Big Lake City Hall.
Long-time local resident Janet Boettcher passed away last November, leaving behind a legacy of community service to the Becker area.
Becker 2017 graduate Daisy Kent is one of 32 young ladies vying for the love of Joey Graziadei, a 28-year-old tennis pro originally from Pennsylvania, but has since moved to Hawaii in the upcoming TV Show called The Bachelor.
Project 12-04 hosted a concert featuring Emmy Award Winner Shaun Johnson with his signature big band brand of music. The concert is meant to benefit and raise awareness for children with genetic disorders and their families.
Clearwater’s new Veteran’s Memorial Park was dedicated on Veteran’s Day. The new park is located near Riverside Park between Co. Road 75 and Bluff Street.
December
The Becker City Council designated the Becker Community Center (BCC) as the new polling location for 2024 and beyond.
Over 40 speakers greeted Becker Middle School students Tuesday afternoon for the annual career day event.
The church basement ladies (and gentleman) at Glendorado Lutheran Church in Clear Lake hosted a Lutefisk dinner in December. They have been serving up Scandivian fare at their annual lutefisk, ham and meatball dinner for the past 28 years.
Members and guests of the Becker Chamber of Commerce gathered last month at the Patriot and Steil Insurance offices to celebrate Christmas with a meal, appetizers, beverages and strong camaraderie.
The Sherburne County Board last month recognized Imholte Farms in Clear Lake as the Farm Family of the Year.
County
There were some major accomplishments in Sherburne County in 2023.
The county continued its commitment using ARPA funds to help expand broadband throughout the area by partnering with local jurisdictions and state grant money.
In the previous December, the county board had approved over $735,000 in ARPA funding for projects in Elk River and Clear Lake/Haven townships. Then in January they approved another $285,000 in ARPA funding for three broadband projects by Midco in different areas of the county.
The first project in Blue Hill Twp. provided access to 23 parcels with a total price tag of $134,000. The county’s share was $71,000.
The second was a project in Livonia Twp. that the county contributed $161,000. That project provided acess to 67 parcels.
The third project provides access to nine parcels in Orrock Twp. at a total cost of $88,000, with the county contributing $53,000.
The board followed that in February with two letters of support for projects in Elk River/Big Lake and Clear Lake Twp.
In June, the board approved $15,200 in ARPA funding for broadband infrastructure to the Sherburne County Fairgrounds property,
In September, they approved another $180,000 in ARPA grants to help fund two more broadband projects in Clear Lake and Livonia Twp. The combined projects will serve 378 properties.
Parks & Trails
Improving county parks and trails was high on the list of priorities in 2023.
In April, the board approved $125,000 in ARPA funding to fix access issues in Island View Park.
The project, slated for 2024, will widen the lanes of travel, increase visibility and provide drainage features that prevent the formation of gullies. Sherburne County Parks Coordinator Gina Hugo said there are steep side slopes, drainage issues and low visibility on the road that provides access to the lower 28 acres of the park.
The board approved another $162,000 to pave the expanded parking area at Grams Park, and approved a contract for restrooms at the park.
In June, the board approved $100,000 in ARPA funds for deconstruction and salvage of old buildings on the site of the county’s new 430-acre park on Big Elk Lake, located just south of the Briggs Lake chain of lakes. The park has areas of historic Native American Heritage throughout.
Hugo said the site has 32 buildings in various states of disrepair, 29 of which are slated for removal.
In August, the board approved the use of Ash Revenues in the amount of $149,357.36 for Tribal monitoring during that same deconstruction project. The state historic preservation office and the office of the state archaeologist require Tribal monitors and a professional archaeologist to be on site for the duration of the deconstruction project.
The board approved a contract with T.E.I. for the Phase I building deconstruction at the park in the amount of $99,075.00. They also approved a professional services agreement with the Mille Lacs Band Tribal Historic Preservation Office for Tribal monitoring associated with the Phase I building deconstruction at the site. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will provide a Tribal monitor and the Band’s archaeologist to work with the Upper Sioux Tribal monitor for the project. The total cost of services is set not to exceed $104,533.00.
In addition, the board accepted a $280,000 grant award from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to be used for natural resource restoration and enhancement of the Big Elk Lake Park landscape. Plans include establishing an additional 110 acres of native prairie and enhancing 11 acres of oak savanna, which is an important step in rehabilitating the land, improving habitat, protecting water quality, and improving park aesthetics.
In November, at the recommendation of the Big Elk Lake Parkland Development Committee, the board agreed to honor the Native American history and name the park “Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park.”
The name is based on a description of Lilly Creek and the Elk River inletting into Big Elk Lake (Two Inlets) and the name of the lake in both Dakota (Bdé Heḣáka) and Ojibwe (Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans).
Tax Base
The board also helped increase the future tax base by approving tax abatements to help companies locate or expand in the county. In May, they approved a tax abatement for Beaudry Oil & Service, Inc. to construct a 25,000 square-foot lube shop and warehouse facility on a 12.84-acre site in Elk River with a total project cost of $4.3 million.
Beaudry was awarded an abatement of $5,525 for 10 years.
Later that month the board awarded a $35,220 abatement for CMP Attachments LLC, which manufactures attachments for skid steers, excavators, tractors and plows. The company was established as a home-based business in 2007 and moved to Clear Lake in 2014. The abatement will be used to help offset the cost of a 10,000 sq. ft expansion.
Organics
In August the board gave its approval to solicit request for proposals (RFPs) to conduct a feasibility study for a source-separated organics recycling facility.
The county has been looking for ways to reduce the amount of material being landfilled, and removing organics from the waste would help that cause.
Then in October, they approved HDR to conduct the feasibility study with a not-to-exceed price tag of $49,160.
Budget and Levy
Finally, at their final meeting of the year, the commissioners in a split vote, adopted the 2024 budget and levy in the amount of $130,335,817 and $60,355,133 respectively, which amounts to a 3.25% increase from 2023.
