Alvin was born on March 9, 1944 in Freeport, MN to the late Gotthard &Gertrude (Wolbeck) Scherping. He attended Catholic school in Farming, MN. Alvin was united in marriage to Elaine R. Becker on July 7, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Long Prairie, MN. He drove milk truck for 5 years in the area along with tending to his own dairy farm at the same time. Alvin operated his dairy farm for many years north of Swanville, MN until 2005 when he began raising beef cows. In 1986 Alvin and Elaine built their own home on the farm from scratch and have resided there until his sudden death. Alvin was a very crafty man, he was an excellent welder and had a great passion for fixing and collecting John Deere tractors. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, bowling, going on four-wheeler rides, and working with wood. Alvin was a man of many practical jokes and he would play them on any of his friends and family members. He also had a large collection of hats, pens, and watches. Alvin loved and thought the world of  his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN.

Alvin is survived by wife, Elaine Scherping of Swanville, MN; children, Dianne (Dan) Fruechte of Swanville, MN, Brenda (Ken) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, MN, Connie Johnson of Knoxville, TN, Juli Anne Scherping of Swanville, MN, Alvin Jr. “Butch” (Bobbi) Scherping of Clear Lake, MN, and Karen Scherping-Hagen of Swanville, MN; brothers, Lambert (Gloria) Scherping of Little Falls, MN and Victor (Linda) Scherping of Swanville, MN; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Alvin was preceded in death by parents, Gotthard & Gertrude Scherping; sisters, Geraldine and Clara.

By TOM WEST

The Special Redistricting Panel ordered by the Minnesota Supreme Court set new legislative and congressional district boundaries on Tuesday for state elections held through 2020.

Eastern Stearns County outside of St. Cloud, St. Augusta and most of Waite Park will be in state Senate District 13. Western Stearns County will be in Senate District 12 along with all of Big Stone, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkins counties and part of Douglas County. All of Todd County will be in Senate District 9 along with portions of Cass, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties.

The new Senate Districts 9  and 12 have no incumbent residing in either district, making them open seats. State Sen. Michelle Fischbach lives in the new District 13. State Sen. Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, who currently represents western Stearns County, has been paired against another incumbent,  Sen. Gary Kubly, DFL-Granite Falls, in the new District 17.

In the House, District 9A is also an open seat with no incumbent. Incumbents residing in other area districts are as follows: District 9B – Rep. Mike LeMieur, R-Little Falls; District 12A, Rep. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake; District 12B – Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck; District 13A – Rep. Larry Hosch, DFL-St. Joseph; District 13B – Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, R-Sartell. State Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, who currently represents Todd County, has been paired against another Republican, Mark Murdock, R-Ottertail, in the new District 8B.

The districting was required under the Constitution because of population shifts revealed by the 2010 U.S. Census. Each district has to have equal population within tight limits to all other districts. Each state Senate district is comprised of two state House of Representatives districts.

Area legislative districts include the following cities and townships:

District 9A
Todd County – The cities of Bertha, Browerville, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Hewitt, Osakis, Staples, and West Union. The townships of Bartlett, Bertha, Birchdale, Burleene, Eagle Valley, Fawn Lake, Germania, Gordon, Hartford, Iona, Kandota, Leslie, Little Elk, Little Sauk, Moran, Reynolds, Staples, Stowe Prairie, Turtle Creek, Villard, Ward, West Union and Wykeham.

Cass County – The cities of East Gull Lake, Lake Shore, Motley and Pillager. The townships of Ansel, Becker, Bungo, Byron, Fairview, Home Brook, Loon Lake, Maple, May, Meadow Brook, Moose Lake, Poplar, Sylvan, Walden and Wilson.

Wadena County – The cities of Aldrich, Nimrod, Sebeka, Staples, Verndale and Wadena. The townships of  Aldrich, Bullard, Leaf River, Lyons, Meadow, North Germany, Orton, Red Eye, Rockwood, Thomastown, Wadena and Wing River.

District 9B
Todd County – The cities of Burtrum, Grey Eagle, Long Prairie and Swanville. The townships of Burnhamville, Grey Eagle, Long Prairie and Round Prairie.

Morrison County – The entire county except for the townships of Lakin and Morrill.

District 12A
All of Big Stone, Grant, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkins counties
Douglas County – The cities of Brandon, Evansville, Kensington and Millerville. The townships of Brandon, Evansville, Jolmes City, Lund, Millerville, Moe, Solem and Urness.

Pope County – The cities of Cyrus, Farwell and Starbuck. The townships of Ben Wade, Blue Mounds, Hoff, Langhei, New Prairie, Nora, Walden and White Bear Lake.

District 12B
Stearns County – The cities of Albany, Belgrade, Brooten, Elrosa, Freeport, Greenwald, Lake Henry, Meire Grove, Melrose, New Munich, Sauk Centre, Spring Hill, St. Anthony, St. Martin and St. Rosa. The townships of Albany, Ashley, Crow Lake, Crow River, Farming, GettyGrove, Krain, Lake George, Lake Henry, Melrose, Millwood, North Fork, Oak, Raymond, Sauk Centre, Spring Hill and St. Martin.

Douglas County – All of the cities of Forada and Garfield and part of the city of Alexandria. All of the townships of Hudson, La Grand, Lake Mary and Orange.

Pope County – The cities of Brooten, Glenwood, Long Beach, Lowry, Sedan, Villard and Westport. The townships of Bangor, Barsness, Chippewa Falls, Gilchrist, Glenwood, Grove Lake, Lake Johanna, Leven, Minnewaska, Reno, Rolling Forks and Westport.

District 13A
Stearns County – All of the cities of Avon, Clearwater, Cold Spring, Eden Valley, Kimball, Paynesville, Richmond, Rockville, Roscoe and St. Joseph and the western edge of Waite Park. All of the townships of Brockway, Collegeville, Eden Lake, Fair Haven, Holding, LeSauk, Luxemburg, Lynden, Maine Prairie, Munson, Paynesville, St. Wendel, Wakefield and Zion and most of St. Joseph township except for the eastern edge. Avon Township is split with the southern part of the township in District 13A.

District 13B
Stearns County – The cities of Holdingford, Sartell and St. Stephen. All of the townships of Brockway, Holding, LeSauk, and St. Wendel. Avon Township is split with the northern part of the township in District 13B.

Benton County – All of the city of Sartell and most of the city of Sauk Rapids. All of the townships of Minden and Sauk Rapids.

Congressional Districts
All of Todd County is in the 7th Congressional District, now represented by Rep. Collin Peterson. Stearns County is split between the 6th District on the eastern side of the county and the 7th District on the west. Munson Towwnship is split between the two districts. Besides the eastern portion of Munson, the western border of the 6th District includes the townships of (from north to south, Holding, Avon, Collegeville, Wakefield and Eden Lake. The eastern border of the 7th District includes from north to south, the townships of Krain, Albany, Farming, part of Munson, and all of Paynesville.the 6th District is represented by Rep. Michelle Bachmann, but the new lines put her residence in the 4th District. Whether Bachmann will move into the district has not yet been decided.

March 22, 1962 – February 18, 2012

Frank Patrick Alexander 49, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by father Charles Alexander, and survived by mother Lois (Richard) Patch, siblings Mike Alexander, Diane (George Schieferdecker) Alexander, Peter (Julie) Alexander, nieces Katie and Ann Alexander, Eloise Schieferdecker and nephew Alexander Schieferdecker.

Frank enjoyed sailing, fishing and hunting, and loved spending time at Big Birch and Leech Lake. Dogs were his treasured companions. His many friends enriched his all-too-short life.

Special thanks to Dr. Dien and the Fairview Hospice Team, who provided treatment and comfort during Frank’s last days. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: Fairview Hospice Fund, c/o Fairview Foundation, 2344 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN, 55108.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Saturday, February 25th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at Wenner Funeral Home, 600 Red River Avenue South, Cold Spring, MN.  There will be a reception at the Blue Heron Restaurant immediately following the memorial service.

The purpose of the meeting will be to gather input and recommendations for the updating of the city’s zoning and land subdivision ordinances. The nine-month update process will include such topics as lot coverage, signage, impervious surface regulations, agricultural livestock, exotic pets and animals, garage size limitations, building design standards, permitted home occupations, and more. City residents and business owners are encouraged to attend this community meeting and share their input.

For any questions, please contact Gary Walz at the Melrose city offices.

She was born on June 11, 1944, the only child of Anton and Evelyn (Wander) Notch. She was baptized, confirmed and attended grade school in Elrosa, Minnesota.

Helen was a homemaker and caregiver throughout her life. She was a people person and loved working with the staff and clients at the Activity Department of St. Michael’s Nursing Home. Her enjoyments included fishing whenever she could. Helen moved to PioneerCare Center to be closer to her cousin and care giver, Diane and Duane Koehn of Fergus Falls.

Hobbies included sewing, embroidering, shopping, collecting stuffed animals, going out to eat, gardening and playing games such as bingo, dominoes and cards.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Anton and Evelyn along with 12 aunts and uncles.

Survivor include aunts and uncles, Margaret Scheunemann, Alquin Wander, Hank (Sherry) Wander, Rose (Arnold) Jonas along with numerous cousins and a host of very special friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 21 from 12 to 2 p.m., at St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Sauk Centre

Service: 2 p.m., Tuesday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Sauk Centre

Clergy: Father Todd Schneider

Interment: St. Paul’s Catholic  Cemetery,  Sauk Centre

Arrangements By: Faith & Hope Funeral Home of Fergus Falls
Online Condolences & Video Tribute: faithhopefh.com

It’s not because they want to roll back the child labor laws. It’s because they realize that in the high-tech economy of the 21st century, the jobs will go to the adequately educated — and the odds of achieving that status grow longer for every day that a child is unready to learn from that first day of kindergarten.

A 2009 Minnesota Department of Education study found that half of the state’s 5-year-olds are not ready to learn when they hit the school house door.

Many believe that it is up to the schools to get those children in a learning mode, and that they can recover. The results say otherwise.

A study by the Pearson Foundation found that 73 percent assume they will acquire the needed skills in elementary school, but the fact is, by third grade only 70 percent of Minnesota kids are reading at grade level. Our teachers are making improvements in the lives of many, but almost a third are lagging behind by third grade.

Why is this so and how can we close the gap? First, statistics show that 41 percent of all U.S. births now occur out of wedlock. Some like to blame other races for the problem, but, since Stearns and Todd counties are mostly white, you should know that even among white non-Hispanic Minnesotans, the out-of-wedlock rate is 26 percent.

Many single parents battle heroically every day to care for their children and make ends meet. Nevertheless, those without an education face long odds of rising out of poverty or providing a better chance for their children to be successful in life.

A Feb. 10 article in the New York Times reports that  a study scheduled to appear this year in the journal Demography found that in 1972 Americans at the upper end of the income spectrum were spending five times as much per child as families at the low end. By 2007, that gap had grown to nine to one.

But the gap isn’t just about income. The Times article quotes another survey that found affluent children under age 6 spend 1,300 more hours in places other than their homes, day care centers or schools than low income children do. What’s more, affluent children under 6 spend 400 more hours on literacy activities than low-income children.

The race begins that first day of school, and some kids start out by the curb and others start in the library.

In Stearns and Todd counties, the Census Bureau says, 12.9 and 14.9 percent of the citizenry respectively live below the poverty level compared to 10.6 percent statewide. Among residents over 25, 89.9 percent in Stearns and 85.8 percent in Todd are high school graduates compared to 91.3 percent statewide. I daresay that lower graduation rate is a major contributor to the higher poverty rate.

What can be done? Long-term, it seems obvious, it would help if we did more to encourage young people to get married before they have children.

Unfortunately, the insane welfare policies implemented in the 1960s that paid out-of-work moms more if they had more children and cut their welfare check if dad was contributing to the household income, means that, in some cases, families are now in the fourth or fifth generation without stable male and female role models. Mentoring and early childhood/family education programs are working to overcome that, but with the out-of-wedlock birth rate still in the stratosphere, more needs to be done.

In the short term, however, we need to address the question of what an impoverished parent can do that will make a difference in their child’s school success.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the importance of creating a workforce that is successfully educated without regard to income, has recently introduced an interesting Web site that helps parents, grandparents and other care-givers determine if their pre-schooler is on track to be ready to learn on that first day of school. Amy Walstien, the Minnesota Chamber’s director of education and workforce development policy, explaining the Chamber’s involvement, said that pre-school education is “one of the most efficient investments we can make.”

You can find the Web site at http://www.IsYourChildReady.com.

Many people believe that if a child knows the alphabet and can count to 10 on Day One that they are ready to learn. Any kindergarten teacher will tell you that there’s much more involved. It’s also about social and emotional skills. Can they sit still long enough to learn? Can they follow a multi-part direction like, “Go to the kitchen and get a fork and then come back and have some pie.”

The Web site tells parents of children as young as 2 years if the child is developing normally in all areas.

If your child is on track, that’s great. But if not, help is available. The state has a Web site, Minnesota Parents Know, that offers parenting tips and will answer most parents’ questions. It can be found at http://parentsknow.state.mn.us/parentsknow/index.html.

Those who have concerns about their child’s development after doing the Is Your Child Ready evaluation, should call the state Help Me Grow office at (866) 693-4769. For 3- and 4-year-olds your local school district will provide a free early childhood screening to test learning, vision and hearing.

Everyone wants their child to succeed in life. Increase the odds by doing everything possible to make sure yours is ready to learn on that first day of kindergarten.

Tom West is the editor and general manager of the Peach. He may be reached at (320) 352-6569 or by e-mail at tom.west@ecm-inc.com.

Jim Oberton has worked with and raised bees since he was three years old when his father, Gary, purchased his first hive. Today, Jim, along with his father and brother, Will, have 2,500 honey bee hives, which produce approximately 250,000 pounds of honey a year. All their honey is shipped to a beekeepers co-op, Sue Bee Honey.

By LIZ VERLEY
Staff Writer

It has been said the honey bee produces nature’s most perfect food product.

Jim Oberton would probably agree.

Oberton, along with his father, Gary, and brother Will, own 2,500 honey bee hives that are placed around Central Minnesota during the summer and the almond orchards of California during the winter months.

Jim said, “I have been around bees since I was two or three years old. My dad was a dairy farmer. He read some books on beekeeping, purchased a couple of hives, and it grew from there.”

During the summer, the Obertons place their hives at approximately 90 different sites in central Minnesota.

Harvesting of the honey is done in August and September.  The Obertons have all the equipment necessary to extract the honey from their numerous  hives. The extracted honey in its final stage is put into 55-gallon barrels that weigh 670 pounds and are shipped to the beekeepers co-op, Sue Bee Honey. Jim said in an average year the bees produce about 250,000 pounds of honey and in a good year around 300,000 pounds.

The Obertons’ bees are of European descent. Jim said, “We raise our own queen bees. If done right, you don’t have to purchase replacement bees or queens.”

One nuisance that can become a disaster for the bee industry if not controlled is the  “Varroa mite.”

According to Wikipedia, “Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite that attacks honey bees apis cerana and apis mellifera. The disease caused by the mites is called varroatosis.”

“The mites live in the hives, but through medication they can be controlled. One way is a medicated pad placed in the bottom of the hives. There are also sprays and other medicines available,”said Jim.

The life expectancy of a honey bee is approximately six weeks. Jim said, “When the weather is warm, the queen lays her eggs and regenerates the hives. The workers work themselves hard. What is really unique is with 20,000 to 30,000 bees in a hive is they all know what to do. As they age, their job changes. They also keep their hives clean if it is a healthy hive.”

After the honey harvest is done in the early fall, the Obertons’ bees are prepared for the journey to California almond orchards.

Jim said, “We hire six or seven semi-trailers to haul the bees to California. Corn syrup is placed in the hives to serve as food when preparing the bees for the long trip. Each hive is inspected to make sure it is healthy and will make the trip safely. Will, his wife, Carmen, and daughter, Isabella, will spend about three months each winter in California placing the bees in the orchards and checking the hives regularly to see that the bees are doing well. Will has done this for several years.”

Gary and his wife, Susan, go out for a couple of weeks in the fall and Jim and his wife, Elizabeth, and children, Michael, Alexander, Elliott and Emily, will be flying out this spring to check on the bees, help prepare them for the trip back to Minnesota and take a vacation.

The bees return in April from their winter home and are placed out in their summer spots in May.

Jim said, “When they arrive back home we will take the good hives and divide them in half. We will leave the old queen in one hive and put a new queen in the second hive and the process begins all over again.”

According to Sue Bee Honey, “All Sue Bee Honey sold to consumers in the United States is 100 percent  American and 100 percent pure. Private label or store brand honey packaged by Sue Bee Honey also is 100 percent American and 100 percent pure. Sue Bee Honey is able to produce and sell only pure American honey because of its unique position as the world’s largest honey marketing cooperative.

“Its individual cooperative members, located throughout the United States, are all beekeepers with family-owned honey production operations. Together, these members produce 35 million to 40 million pounds of honey annually.”

Jim holds a degree from the University of Minnesota in agricultural economics.  “I really enjoy working with bees. The bees are  my job. I do not work anywhere else,” said Jim.

His wife, Elizabeth, said, “I think it is really nice for Jim. He loves it. It is good for our family and he is home in the winter.”

“The boys love going to work with Dad. They each have their own beekeeper suit and I would guess Emily will have one when she gets older,” she said.

Elizabeth said, “Honey is good for many uses. I make an oatmeal cookie using honey that seems to be a favorite for many.”

Jim and Elizabeth also have some honey they sell from their home, as well as beeswax for those that are interested. For more information, one may call (320) 616-6800.

Johanna Verholen instantly clicked with her host family and has been told she is very similar to her host mother. Pictured are front row (from left): Derek Bollig, Alan Gunderson holding Daniel and Jacob Gunderson. Back row: Johanna Verholen and Tina Gunderson. Not pictured: Kaitlynn Bollig.

By SARAH LIDEEN
Staff Writer

The Gunderson family isn’t new to hosting exchange  students. In December 2011, they brought in their third student, Johanna Verholen from Northwest Germany.

“I grew up with exchange students, so it’s pretty natural for me,” said Tina Gunderson. “It’s a pretty big commitment.”

Verholen arrived in America in August and enrolled as a sophomore at Upsala High School. Staying with another host family, she did not join the Gundersons until December, where she was able to take part in the holidays.

In Germany, Christmas traditions vary from house to house. Verholen said that in her household back home, the Christmas tree is put up on Christmas Eve and taken down by Dec. 27. New Year’s Eve is also quite different.

“It’s a huge deal in Germany,” said Verholen.

People meet in groups and go places together to celebrate, while each house sets off their own set of fireworks at midnight. Verholen said that more people come out to celebrate the holiday in Germany than they do here.

One tradition involves throwing hot metal into a bucket of cold water to form a shape, where people then try to tell the future.

Back home, Verholen has three older brothers. Here she is experiencing a new home life with three younger boys in her host family, so it’s a change for her to be the oldest.

“She’s getting better at it though,” said Gunderson.

Verholen is finding herself fitting right in, shopping with friends and spending the night at their house.

“It feels like every weekend we’ve been running to do something,” said Gunderson.

School is different, too.

“In Germany I am done with school at 1:15 p.m., sometimes earlier,” said Verholen.

Having longer days is still new to Verholen, but she said that the school day is more fun in America, and she has favorite and not so favorite classes already.

“I really like welding and wildlife,” said Verholen, who added that American history has proved to be the most difficult as she wasn’t able to experience any of it first-hand.

Verholen will receive no credit for her time spent in America at her school in Germany and is hoping she won’t have to repeat her sophomore year.

“I’m considered being on vacation for a year. I’m just not there,” said Verholen.

This isn’t the first time Verholen has traveled far from home. She has visited Hungary, Denmark, Belgium, England and the Netherlands, which she said has been her favorite.

“I’ve only been there for day trips, but I like to go wind surfing there,” said Verholen.

Verholen is taking advantage of many sports at school since her school in Germany does not offer any. She is currently involved in dance and was also on the volleyball team.

Verholen encourages other students to travel and to get involved with an exchange program at their school.

“Just be open and try to get along with people. I always wanted to do something different, and now I have the opportunity to see everything,” said Verholen.

Gunderson also encourages families to host students.

“Don’t be afraid of having someone in your house. Don’t let that stop you. You get just as much out of it as they do,” said Gunderson.

After graduation, Verholen plans to travel to Australia where she would like to continue her education and become a pilot.

Dick was born September 24, 1936, in Ward Township, Todd County, to John & Ann (Wiersgalla) Gmyrek. He served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. Dick married Carole Heid on February 13, 1958 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Browerville. Dick enjoyed riding his Harley and visiting and drinking coffee with his friends and neighbors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dick was a lifetime farmer who had a good sense of humor and liked to listen more than talk. Dick was easy going, honest, tough and stubborn. He had a big heart for people down on their luck. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville.

Dick is survived by his children: Laurie (Joe) Ferrara of Aitkin, John (Joann) Gmyrek of Browerville, Mark Gmyrek of Browerville; sister Doris (Hank) Buhl of Fridley; 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and wife Carole.

Arrangements with Iten Funeral Home, Browerville.

Christopher A. Platz, age 38, Sartell, MN died February 9, 2012 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, St. Stephen, MN.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service Monday at the church.  Burial with Full Military Honors will be in the St. Stephen Parish Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

Chris was born March 7, 1973 in St. Cloud, MN to Arnold and Carol (Hlebain) Platz, Jr..  He grew up in Avon, MN and graduated from Albany High School and Brainerd Technical College.  Chris joined the Army National Guard in 1990 and transferred to the Air Force Reserves 934th Airlift Wing Unit serving as a Technical Sergeant.  He served on active duty at the Ali Al Salem Base in Kuwait in 2011.  Chris married Jessica Pfeil on May 22, 2008 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  He was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility, St. Cloud, MN.

Chris loved his family, the beauty of the wilderness, woods, his home and spending time hunting and fishing with his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Jessica Platz of Sartell, MN; stepdaughter, Tasha Smith of Sartell, MN; mother, Carol Hlebain of Avon, MN; father, Arnold Platz, Jr. of Avon, MN; siblings, Robert (Pam) Platz of Lake Elmo, MN; Cindy Swanson of Baltimore, MD; and Mary (Braneslav) Platz-Ivanovski of Macedonia; grandparents, Arnold Platz, Sr. of Avon, MN; Alice and Steve Hlebain of St. Stephen, MN.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Doris Platz.