REGIONAL REPORTRothsay, Minn.

PAGE 42014 March Edition

January 13, 2014Board of Education Reorganizational

and Regular Meeting

The Board of Education of Rothsay Independent School District 850 held its Reorganizational and regular meeting on January 13, 2014, in the District Meeting Room at the school. Kevin Brenden, Vice-Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Board members John Reber, Justin Phillips, Chad Larson and Dave Zimmerman also were present, as were Superintendent Warren Schmidt, Principal Staci Allmaras and District Secretary/Bookkeeper Diane Haugrud. Jim Boyce was absent.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Zimmerman made a motion to approve the agenda; Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Brenden called for nominations for Chairperson. Reber nominated Boyce. No further nominations were made so Larson made a motion that nominations cease and that the clerk cast a unanimous ballot for Boyce. Reber seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Brenden called for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Larson nominated Brenden. No further nominations were made so Reber moved that nominations cease and that the clerk cast a unanimous ballot for Brenden. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Brenden called for nominations for Treasurer. Zimmerman nominated Reber. No further nominations were made so Larson made a motion that nominations cease and that the clerk cast a unanimous ballot for Reber. Phillips seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Brenden opened nominations for Clerk. Reber nominated Larson. No further nominations were made so Reber made a motion that nominations cease and that the clerk cast a unanimous ballot for Larson. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Larson moved to approve the full minutes of the regular and special December 10th and 18th meetings; Phillips seconded this motion, which carried on vote. The school mailer and the Rothsay Regional Report will publish the minutes.

Following discussion Reber made a motion, which carried on vote following Larson’s second, to approve the financial reports and to authorize the fiscal agent for ISD 850 to pay accounts payable and hand payables in the following amounts: General Fund - $91,535.94, Food Service - $6,016.02, Community Service - $225.00, Building Construction – $478,501.75, Storefront - $2,904.01,

Rothsay ISD #850 School Board Minutes

total - $579,182.72. The student activity account balance is $64,188.91.

Schmidt gave the Superintendent’s report.

• Nothing to Report.Allmaras gave the Principal’s report.• Students had “Spirit of Giving”

week right before Christmas and it went really good.

• The testing schedule is out and is also posted on the Website.

No Preschool ReportThe Activities Director Report will

be addressed later in the meeting.Both the Certified and Non-Certified

Committees held negotiation meetings and have tentative agreements in place.

Enrollment is at 260.Greg Crowe from Ehlers was present

and reviewed the second bond sale. After discussion, Larson moved to approve the Amended Resolution Awarding the Sale of Bonds. Director Reber seconded this motion and a roll call vote was taken. Those voting in favor: Zimmerman, Phillips, Larson, Reber and Brenden. Those voting against: None Upon vote the motion was passed.

The Vice-Chair asked if anyone wanted to switch the committee positions they presently hold. They are to notify the Superintendent with such request. The committees will be finalized at the February board meeting.

Reber moved to establish Rothsay Board of Education expense allowances and salaries for calendar year 2014 at donated pay, mileage at the IRS rate and the minute taker salary at their hourly rate of pay. Larson seconded this motion, and it carried on vote.

Larson moved to approve authorizing the Bookkeeper to make electronic transfers among accounts as needed for cash flow including the Imprest Fund, which will be overseen by the Business Manager. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Reber moved to adopt a resolution directing the administration to make recommendations for possible reductions in programs and positions and the reasons therefore. Larson seconded this motion. Voting in favor: Reber, Larson, Phillips, Zimmerman and Brenden. Voting against: None. Motion carried. Adopting this resolution annually provides the legal basis for any action the District might take because of possible budget cutting or other issues.

Phillips moved to approve the renewal of the Village Family Services contract at a cost of $900.00 for the 2013-2014 school year. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

The Football Field Score Boards will be tabled until the February school board meeting. The board will address the two

companies at the MSBA Convention.Zimmerman moved to approve

Taylor Fuhs teaching contract to full time. Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Larson moved to approve the Master Agreement for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 as negotiated. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote. Reber and Phillips abstained. Vice Chair Brenden voted for motion.

Reber moved to approve the purchase of the On-line Elective Curriculum for the Industrial Technology classes at a cost of $2,300.00. Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Larson moved to approve the Technology Coordinator Job Description as presented. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Reber moved to approve the contract with LCSC for help with the Technology Plan for the new facility. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Phillips moved to allow the City of Rothsay to use the Multi-Purpose Room at the school for Council Meetings and to waive the fee. Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Larson moved to allow the Superintendent to request the City to re-zone the recently purchased property for the construction of our new facility. Reber seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Reber moved to approve the Joint Powers Agreement to establish a teacher evaluation program. Zimmerman seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

The new facility changes and budget will be tabled to another meeting as some of the changes requested are not included.

The approval of the final design for the new facility will be tabled until another meeting.

Public Input was heard.The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.

Chad Larson, ClerkApproved February 10, 2014

* * * *January 27, 2014, Board of Education

Special Meeting

The Board of Education of Rothsay Independent School District 850 held a special meeting on January 27, 2014 in the District Meeting Room at the school. Vice-Chairman Kevin Brenden called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Board members Chad Larson and Justin Phillips were present, as were Superintendent Warren Schmidt, Principal Staci Allmaras and District Secretary/Bookkeeper Diane Haugrud. Jim Boyce was absent.

Reaching LawmakersSenator Kent Eken, DFL Senator Al FrankenDistrict 4 U.S. Senate651 296-3205 651 221-1016sen.ken.eken@senate.mn www.franken.senate.gov

Rep. Collin Peterson, DFL Rep. Torrey Westrom, RDistrict 7 District 12202 225-2165 651 296-3826collinpeterson.house.gov sen.torrey.westrom@senate.mn

Rep. Bud Nornes, R Rep. Bill Ingebrigtsen, RFergus Falls, District 8A District 8651 296-4946 651 297-8063rep.bud.nornes@house.mn sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn

Phone Numbers And Email Addresses For Area Legislators For The 2013-2014 Session.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Zimmerman made a motion to approve the agenda; Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Reber moved to approve the new Facility Budget of $19,700,000.00 as presented. Larson seconded this motion, which carried on vote.Larson moved to approve the Building Design for the new facility as presented. Phillips seconded this motion, which carried on vote.

Reber moved to approve the non-certified contracts at an approximate increase of 4.06 and 4.11, (same as the teachers). Phillips seconded this motion, which carried on vote. Zimmerman abstained.

Zimmerman moved to approve the following committees for the upcoming year:

Budget – Larson, Reber, PhillipsLong-Range Planning - Boyce, K.

Brenden, LarsonBuildings and Grounds - Boyce,

Phillips Minnesota State High School League

– K. BrendenCertified Staff - Larson, K. Brenden,

Boyce Non-certified Staff - Boyce, Reber,

PhillipsCommunity Education Advisory -

Zimmerman Policy Review – Phillips, Larson,

ZimmermanContinuing Education – BoyceSpecial Education Cooperative -

ZimmermanLegislative Liaison – PhillipsTransportation – K. Brenden,

Zimmerman Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Representative Assembly – BoyceLarson seconded this motion, which

carried on vote.Discussion was held regarding the

usage of the present facility. A company has inquired about the elementary wing of the school which is being considered at this time. The direction the board wants to take on the older portion of the school needs to be decided. Mr. Schmidt asks that a committee be formed consisting of 2 board members which would work with the City of Rothsay on what their vision is for the gym, science room and band area. The board is to contact the school if they are interested in sitting on this committee. Mr. Schmidt also asks that we discuss the Long Range Planning at the February Board Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

Chad Larson, ClerkApproved February 10, 2014(March 10, 2014)

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New Powerhouse Owners Excited To Build On SuccessCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1a series of live band performances at the Powerhouse, which ended up being a big hit.

“We’re hoping to bring more entertainment to the area, because that’s one thing that was never tapped too much,” Satter said. “It’s something Craig and I are pushing, and people are very receptive so far.”

Along with Satter and Hesteness, the Powerhouse is operated by five employees serving drinks and a full menu including sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and weekend specials. There is also charitable gaming through the Rothsay Fire Department and off sale available.

“We offer pretty much anything, from good food to good service to gaming,” Satter said. “You can come see some entertainment and when you leave you can get off sale. We’re one of the very few bars in the area that can offer all that.”

Both Satter and Hesteness strive to keep their customers updated on bar events, and regularly update their social media pages on Facebook.

Satter considers himself a people pleaser, which seems to him a good fit for running a business that brings people together. As co-owner of the Powerhouse he interacts with customers from both near and far away.

“The locals of Rothsay have made this place their home and they support it very well,” he said “We also see traffic from Pelican Rapids, Erhard, Barnesville. And

the truck traffic from the Interstate is tremendous.”

Of course, operating a business comes with its own set of troubles, but Satter feels he and Hesteness see it as a positive challenge.

“It’s been a bit of a transition period here, but we’re getting it together pretty well,” he said. “The staff that stayed have been great, and we brought in some new people that were great as well.”

Satter currently lives in Pelican Rapids, while Hesteness resides in Fergus Falls with his wife, Bethany, placing both owners just a short drive from either bar.

According to Rothsay Powerhouse co-owner Derek Satter, one of the businesses’ strengths is the ability to offer food, drinks, entertainment, charitable gambling and off sale all in one location.

Satter said Rothsay residents have made the Powerhouse a popular local gathering spot. The bar and grill also sees customers from nearby towns and a steady flow of traffic from the Interstate.

“All we want to do at both locations is to make sure we provide quality service whenever someone walks into the establishment,” Satter said. “We always want to make sure everyone leaves extremely happy with what they received, whether it’s a band, or drinks, or food. If we can do that then we’re going to be just fine.”

The Powerhouse is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Outstanding Conservation Cooperator Selected

The Wilkin Soil and Water Conservation District is proud to announce the selection of the late Fredric “Fritz” Schuler as their 2013 Outstanding Conservation Cooperator.

Each year, the Wilkin Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) recognize cooperators for their contributions to the betterment of our natural resources. Fritz received this honor due to his outstanding stewardship efforts for his land and our natural resources.

Conservation was very important to Fritz and he was referred to as the “Johnny Appleseed” of tree planting. Over the years, Fritz planted many, many miles of field windbreaks and planted native grasses adjacent to rivers and streams that ran through his property. The SWCD staff agrees that his efforts are definitely

FREDERIC “FRITZ” SCHULER

protecting the soil from blowing and are providing valuable habitat for wildlife. It was common to see Fritz walking in his fields and looking at all the trees he’d planted. Fritz was always stopping in the office to let us know how things were looking and to make sure we had trees lined up for him to plant next year.

Fritz had a big heart for conservation and was proud of the many tree planting sites he established. These sites will be a wonderful living memorial for many to enjoy in the years to come.

As recipient of this award, Fritz will be honored at the Outstanding Conservation Cooperator luncheon at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota, on December 3, 2013.

* Notice to city Water Users Because of low frost levels, the City of Rothsay would like to

advise residents to periodically check the temperature of their cold water.

If the temperature is at 38 degrees or lower, please allow a small trickle of water to flow 24/7 and contact city hall immediately to have a public works employee sent to your residence to assess your situation.

City hall: 218 867-2254 Shop: 218 867-2740City of Rothsay

By: Skylar BuckinghamThe Rothsay High School band

and choir, directed by Heather Reber, has recently been working on solo ensemble pieces to bring to Minnesota State University of Moorhead on March 17 and 26.

The students will be performing in front of judges who will score them with a superior, excellent, good, or fair. Those who receive a superior will move on to state, which takes place at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls.

The band has put together 15 instrumental pieces, including two solos, five duets, five trios, two quartets, and one ensemble. The choir has put together 15 pieces, also, which includes three solos, three duets, one trio, three quartets, and five ensembles.

A concert has been scheduled for March 18 for the students to share their songs with the community.

Band, Choir Solo Ensemble To Perform At MSUM

M i n n e s o t a Firearms Safety Course will start on March 10. Students who wish to enroll must be 11 years old and reach the age of 12 by November 7, 2014. There is no maximum age, although the course is designed for youths up to the age of 16.

Classes will cover safe gun handling, gun safety in the home, care and storage of firearms, marksmanship and hunter responsibility.

Minnesota law specifies that all persons born after December 31st, 1979 and all hunters 12 to 15 years old, applying for a hunting license must show proof of successfully completing a Firearms Safety Course in Minnesota or a state or province recognized by the State of Minnesota under reciprocity agreement. Minnesota currently has a reciprocity agreement with all 50 states and the 12 Canadian Provinces.

There will be five classroom classes and one field day class.

Minnesota Firearms Safety Course Offered March 10

Students are required to attend four of the classroom classes, pass a written test and attend the field day to successfully complete the course. Classes are scheduled for Monday March 10 and 17, Tuesday March 25 and Monday March 31 and April 7. The field day will be scheduled after the final class. The field day will be dependent on the spring melt and will be held on a Saturday.

Upon successful completion of the course students will receive a form from the instructor. The student and parent will need to go on-line and complete their certificate and pay the course fee of $7.50.