Minnesota’s gubernatorial election of 2014 is 18 months away but already, some Republicans are flexing their muscles as announced candidates or as potential candidates for the GOP nomination. DFL Gov. Mark Dayton has already indicated he will seek re-election.

Two Republican candidates have already emerged. Wayzata businessman Scott Honour was the first to announce three weeks ago. Current Hennepin County Commissioner and former state legislator Jeff Johnson made his grand announcement before family and friends May 12 at the Hamel Community Hall, near his residence in Plymouth.

With the Minnesota Legislature still in session, several potential candidates for governor are waiting until their lawmaking business is finished for this session.

The field of candidates was narrowed several weeks ago with the announcement by three potential candidates choosing not to seek the governor’s chair. Former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman, 2010 unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer and U.S. Rep. John Kline, Second District, each has announced an intent not to run for governor in 2014. Third District Congressman Erik Paulsen recently announced that he would not be seeking the governor’s chair or a seat in the U.S. Senate currently held by Al Franken.

Former Speaker of the House, Rep. Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove, said he is “not ruling anything out” when asked about whether he is considering a run for governor in 2014. “I’m focusing on the session right now and will start thinking about future plans when the session is over,” he explained.

Senate Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, answered the question of whether he will run for governor with three words: “Thinking about it.”

Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, carried the Minnesota Vikings stadium legislation during the 2012 session. She has been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor. “I’m trying to get through the session but it’s out there and I will do something, yes or no,” Rosen said.

Often outspoken Sen. David Thompson, R-Lakeville, says he is considering a run for governor and hopes to announce his decision the first few days after the session ends. He said he owes it to his constituents and to “the good folks of Minnesota” to declare his intentions soon after the session is completed.

Thompson sounds like a candidate when he attacks the record of Gov. Mark Dayton. “He is taking us in the wrong direction,” Thompson said. Many states are doing what Dayton is doing, increasing taxes and increasing the cost of government, Thompson said. He used the states of Illinois and California as examples.

Speculating on major issues to come into focus during the 2014 campaign, Thompson said education is always an issue and should be an issue. “There is a gap between the higher performing districts and those not getting the job done for students,” Thompson said. A healthy economy and providing jobs and opportunity must also be addressed in the campaign for governor, Thompson said.

Thompson said he was “shocked” at the degree DFLers are going after low income and middle income folks with more taxes. He said the governor and the DFL Party talk about targeting the rich but instead, “they are taxing everybody.”

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, a former legislator, has also been mentioned as a possible GOP gubernatorial candidate.

Scott Honour

Candidate Honour, 44, is a native of Fridley. He and his wife Jamie and their three children currently reside in Wayzata.

His father was a pilot for Braniff and lost his job due to the company bankruptcy. Honour later worked for his father, who started a boatlift company. “I learned about hard work, overcoming obstacles, and persevering when things aren’t going well,” Honour is quoted as saying on his campaign website. Honour earned degrees in business and economics and pursued a career in the private sector. He helped grow a firm that focused on fixing troubled businesses.

Honour has been involved in starting many small businesses, one with his brother in the operation of natural gas filling stations. Honour said he drives a natural gas pickup truck that runs 90 percent lower emissions than gas at the refill pump. “We think there is a great opportunity to expand natural gas as a vehicle fuel source,” he said.

Job creation is a priority for Honour. He said he has created a lot of jobs and understands what it takes to create jobs. That’s why he wishes to bring the equation to the governor’s office, he said. Honour once bought a shutdown pulp mill in Cosmopolis, WA and built the business by adding 200 jobs.

Concerned about the direction of the state, Honour said an economic foundation is at the center of his priority lists. “I think we have to make some major changes to get ourselves back on track,” Honour said. He believes he has the leadership abilities to affect change and to create value.

Honour said the fact he is not a career politician resonates well with many state residents. “I’ve had experience in a combination of skills and can figure out what the problems are and then come up with a plan to solve the problems. That’s what I’ve been doing in business for 20-plus years.”

The fact that the state has the lowest minority graduation rates in the country worries Honour. He is also concerned about seeing jobs and taxpayers leave the state. “Our minority employment rates are also the highest in the country,” he said.

Honour said Minnesota does have many great incentives to attract businesses to the state. “They are not choosing Minnesota and that’s the game we want to get in,” he said.

Honour is buoyed by the leadership of the Republican Party, now chaired by Keith Downey. He also has added former party chairman Pat Shortridge to his consulting staff. “I’m really focusing on aligning the party on a message of how we create economic opportunity for everyone in the state, how we have a positive growth if we make the right choices and how we help improve education,” Honour said.

Honour said he wants to be a leader who listens and will be inclusive on the issues. “We have a big opportunity as Republicans to really drive forth the economic message of opportunity and we will see Republicans winning the next election,” Honour predicted.

Jeff Johnson

Candidate Johnson, 46, is a veteran of seven years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He is a native of Detroit Lakes and currently resides in Plymouth with his wife Sondi and two sons.  Last fall, Johnson was elected to a second term as Hennepin County commissioner. He was unopposed.

Johnson, a graduate of Georgetown University Law School, is owner of Midwest Employment Resources of Plymouth. Employment law is his specialty.

During his years in the House, Johnson was in the Republican majority serving with a DFL Senate. “This opportunity helped me learn to work with people who don’t always agree with you,” Johnson said. As a House member, he said he was pleased to have recorded accomplishments in eminent domain, meth legislation, tort reform and identity theft prevention.

Johnson said it is still possible to get things done in politics even though there are disagreements. “I have been able to take conservative and free market principles and turn them into law,” he said.

Johnson promised his wife he would only serve six years in the Minnesota Legislature. He unsuccessfully sought the Minnesota attorney general’s office in 2006. “I knew it was a longshot but it was a great experience,” Johnson said.

Political challenges still appealed to Johnson and he decided to run for Hennepin County commissioner in 2008. “My objective is to help make county government more acceptable and more results based,” he said.

A run for governor even crossed Johnson’s mind when he was in the Legislature. He said the time is right now and his family is on board with his decision. Raising money for his campaign is an immediate goal. Johnson said he has faith in the strong Republican leadership led by chairman Downey.

Johnson said he cannot win the election with only Republican votes. “We need votes from independent voters and fiscal conservative Democrats,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he believes he is the best Republican candidate fitting the role of a fiscal conservative who can excite the base and get other people involved in government. He said he has a strong electoral base in Hennepin County.

Fiscal responsibility and education are two issues to be addressed during the gubernatorial campaign in 2014, He will focus on making sure government is spending money wisely and responsibly and in ways that produce results. Growing the economy is of utmost concern for Johnson. More jobs are needed in the private sector, he said.

Johnson is against any additional taxes and says he has never voted to raise any tax. Asked about signing a tax pledge, he said he has quit signing pledges.

Johnson has been closely watching the Legislature this session. Looking at the issues, Johnson does not support any of the proposed budgets; he does not favor restricting rights of gun owners; he believes traditional marriage should be law and he does not support an increase in the minimum wage.

Gov. Dayton has not shown much leadership, Johnson said. “He had a golden opportunity to fundamentally reform the tax code this past year with an all-DFL Legislature but he did not do it,” Johnson observed.

Johnson said he has talked to all potential Republican candidates and said one of the main objectives of any of the candidates will be to gain name recognition. “None of us are well known,” he said.

DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said the party’s internal polling shows Dayton with good marks. A KSTP poll recently showed him with a 45 percent approval rating, significantly higher than that of the Legislature.

The two announced Republican candidates represent the extremes in Minnesota politics, Martin said. He called Johnson a quintessential politician. “We don’t begrudge ambition but when you have blind ambition as he does, there’s something that’s wrong there,” Martin said. “Then, you have another guy, Scott Honour, a wealthy businessman who has done very well for himself but the reality is that it’s tough for guy who drives a Bentley and goes around Lake Minnetonka in his yacht, to relate to ordinary Minnesotans,” Martin said.

Martin believes Dayton is in a good position for re-election but since the election is a year and a half away, he said anything can happen and the DFL Party is not taking anything for granted.

Steven Schier, political science professor at Carleton College, said the 2014 race for governor could be competitive because Gov. Dayton’s polling numbers at this time are far from secure. He said he believes Dayton is potentially beatable with much depending on the state of the Minnesota economy in the fall of 2014.

Public reaction to hikes in taxes and spending likely to be agreed upon by the governor and Legislature will have a big impact on the election, Schirer said. Schirer predicts main issues of the 2014 campaign for governor will be the state economy and the actions of the DFL legislature and governor in 2013-14.  Tax and spending increases, gay marriage, unionization of child care workers and increases in the minimum wage will likely be discussed during the election campaign, Schirer said.

Howard Lestrud can be reached at howard.lestrud@ecm-inc.com

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(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE PHOTO) The North Branch girls track team is off to State competition after winning the Section 7AA True Team meet. The team includes SherahLynn Linkert (100m hurdles, 300m hurdles), Rhianna Rinke (3200m run), Mikayla Johnson (pole vault, 100m dash, 4×100 relay), Madison Kunshier (400m dash), Gina Amundson (high jump), Kadie Mattson (high jump), Crystal Snaza (discus throw), Cathie Larson (discus), Jessica Stendhl (100m hurdles, 300 meter hurdles), Cassie Kunshier (200m dash, 4×200 relay, 4×100 relay) and Katie Burnside (pole vault). The 4x200m relay team, consisting of Linkert, C. Kunshier, M. Kunshier and Mattson, took second place and made the State Honor Roll with a time of 1:48.64. The Class AA State True Team meet is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Stillwater High School. Photo supplied

The Viking girls track and field team is going to the Section True Team State Meet after taking the Section Championship last week.

The team racked up 416 points to place ahead of Hermantown (393), Chisago Lakes (382.5), Cloquet (377), Grand Rapids (363), Hibbing (278), Mora (256.5), Proctor (218.5) and Pine City (203.5).

Leading the way for the girls was Sherahlynn Linkert winning the 100m and 300m hurdles.

Rhianna Rinke ran her personal best (11:24.77) in the 3200 meter run to cross the finish line first.

Mikayla Johnson won the pole vault, placed fourth in the 100m dash and ran a leg in the 4×100 relay that came in third.

Katie Burnside placed second in the pole vault, while Madison Kunshier came in third in the 400m dash.

Gina Amundson and Kadie Mattson placed third and fourth, respectively, in the high jump.

The girls discus duo consisting of Crystal Snaza and Cathie Larson took second and fourth place.

Jessica Stendhl ran in her first varsity meet and took fourth place in the 100m hurdles and eighth in the 300m hurdles.

Cassie Kunshier finished fourth in the 200m dash and had a spot on the 4x200m and 4x100m relay teams.

The 4×200 meter relay team (Linkert, C. Kunshier, M. Kunshier, and Mattson) took second place and made the State Honor Roll with the time of 1:48.64.

“I am so proud of the girls taking first place at True Team,” said coach Norm Nagel. “The girls are looking forward to the State True Team Meet in Stillwater. We haven’t been there in years. It was nice to finally catch Grand Rapids and Chisago Lakes. The girls have been working really hard in practice. The younger athletes are really stepping up and giving our team some depth.

“That is what the True Team is all about. Everyone scores points for their efforts. One of the goals for the girls was to go to State True Team, and they accomplished it. I was really happy with the results of our second outdoor meet. We need to start preparing for conference next week and then sections and pray for nice weather,” he added.

The Vikings boys accumulated 380 points to place ahead of Cloquet (377), Hermantown (292.5), Proctor (272.5), Hibbing (214.5) and Pine City (167); and behind Grand Rapids (416.5), Chisago Lakes (391.5), Mora (385.5).

Arik Steele took first in both the 110m and 300m hurdles and was part of the third place 4x100m relay team.

Levi Kolke crossed the finish line first in the 400m dash, as well as took fourth in the 200m dash.

The 4×200 meter relay team consisting of Kolke, Matthew Marrin, Brandon Thauwald and Rance Ashley took first place and made the State Honor Roll with a time of 1:33.93.

Thauwald came in second in the high jump, while pole vaulter Connor Utschinski, jumped a personal best of 10’6”.

Triple jumpers, Jack Klun and Max Southbloom, took second and fifth respectively.

“The boys really surprised me at True Team,” said Nagel. “The boys were only 31 points behind first place winner Grand Rapids. We narrowed that gap quite a bit from last year. We are getting some nice depth from the underclassmen and some nice results from our upperclassmen. This was also the second outdoor meet of the season.

“We need to get more consistent in our field events. I see a lot of improvement we can make only of the weather will allow us. I’m really excited to see the boys at conference this year because I believe we will have quite a few All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention this year compared to only two last year,” Nagel explained.

Only the first place team in each Section True Team Meet (no individuals) qualify for the State True Team Meet. The North Branch girls track and field team will compete at the State True Team Meet in Stillwater at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

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Lindsey Williams aided in the Tigers’ victories last week with her bat. Photo by Victoria Dahlin

Even with a hectic week of three double headers the Rush City softball team still found a way to win five of the six games, landing them in first place in the race for the Great River Conference Championship.

Leading the Tigers offensively were Taniel Schellbach and Kayla Forcier with two hits each. Also collecting hits were Miranda Anderson, Abby Scherer, Lindsey Williams, Chesney Grant and Hannah Pavek.

Crossing the plate for runs were Forcier, Williams, Grant, Pavek and Sydnie Sybrant.

Mackenzie Sherrill pitched five and 2/3 innings striking out eight, walking three and giving up 10 hits and six runs.

“I knew Isle would be tough, as they did not lose a conference game last year. They have many good players back, and they are well coached,” coach Kim Erdman said. “When two good teams get together, you usually get a good ball game, and the fans got two good games today. We had the first game in our grasp, up 5-2 and three outs away from the win, but Isle put together four runs in the last inning to win 6-5. Both teams played very good defense, and both pitchers pitched well.”

After a short break, the second game started with the Tigers slated as the home team.

Isle jumped to a quick 3-0 lead and then extended it to 5-1, but the Tigers got their bats rolling and erupted for eight runs to take a 9-5 lead.

Isle answered with one run and three more to tie it 9-9 until the Tigers scored seven runs to go up 16-9. The Huskies could only muster one more run, and the Tigers took the second game 16-10.

Anderson went three for three with a walk, two triples and a home run. Collecting two hits were Grant and Scherer, while Emma Peterson and Sybrant each got a hit.

Grant and Anderson had three runs, while Scherer, Schellbach and Williams each had two. Crossing the plate once were Taylor Youngblom, Pavek, Sybrant and Peterson.

Sherrill pitched the first two and 2/3 innings striking out four, walking two, and giving up five hits and five runs. Grant came in and pitched three and 1/3 innings striking out six, walking two, and giving up three hits and five runs.

“We could have easily hung our heads and given up after a heartbreaking loss,” said Erdman. “Chesney did an outstanding job coming in to pitch. Mack had pitched eight innings total and went deep in the count on a lot of batters, so she was getting a little tired. Chesney didn’t miss a beat and step and threw well.”

The next day the Tigers visited neighbor rival Braham for a double header and crushed the Bombers 22-0 and 14-5.

Chelsey Mell, Scherer and Grant each had three hits; Anderson and Sybrant had two; and Forcier, Schellbach and Pavek each added one.

Forcier had four runs, Anderson three, while Mell, Pavek, Sybrant, Williams, Grant and Scherer each had two. Scoring one run were Kiawna Forcier, Tara Sarago and Youngblom.

Sherrill pitched the first three innings striking out three with no walks and one hit, while Youngblom pitched the next two innings striking out one, walking one and not giving up a hit.

“They got plenty of run support as the Tigers racked up 11 runs in the first inning in route to a 16-hit, 22-0 win,” Erdman said. “I was a little concerned we may be a little down after a huge double header up in Isle, with two intense games. The girls did not let that happen, starting out strong right away, with the first five girls scoring. I am so pleased with our effort. The girls are going all out, no matter what the score, to get an out.”

The Tigers’ bats stayed hot for the second game, pounding out 15 hits.

Schellbach ripped four hits, while Scherer, Grant, Williams and Sybrant got two. Kayla Forcier, Pavek and Mell each added a hit.

Scherer had four runs, while Anderson, Grant, Williams and Schellbach had two. Sybrant and Pavek were each good for one run.

Sherrill pitched five and 1/3 innings striking out five, giving up seven hits, five runs, and walking one. Grant came in to pitch the last 2/3 inning striking out one.

“The girls kept up the intensity that they had from the first game and worked hard from the first pitch,” Erdman said. “I was pleased with our defensive play and our aggressive base running. Braham has been a good rival through the years, and it is nice to come home with two wins.”

The winning streak continued when Ogilvie came to visit for a double header, and the Tigers tamed the Lions 23-12 and 9-2 on a chilly Thursday.

Ogilvie came out swinging to take a quick 4-0 lead before the Tigers even stepped up to the plate.

However, Rush City answered with four runs of its own to tie it up and continued to swing the bats well with 15 hits while drawing 15 walks for the game.

Schellbach collected four hits, while Anderson and Scherer had three. Kayla Forcier had two hits, and Williams, Pavek and Mell rounded off the hitting with one.

Anderson scored four runs, while Kayla Forcier, Scherer, Grant, Williams and Schellbach all had three. Sybrant had two runs, while Youngblom and Pavek finished with one.

Sherrill pitched all five innings for the win.

“The weather had an affect on the pitchers,” Erdman said. “Mack rarely walks more than one or two in a game, and she had seven this game.”

Before the next game, it was agreed upon by both coaches to make it a five inning game instead of the regular seven innings.

Forcier and Pavek each had three hits, followed by Scherer and Grant with two, while Taylor Youngblom, Mell and Williams had one hit.

Kayla Forcier scored three runs while Scherer, Emma Peterson, Grant, Williams, Pavek and Mell each scored once.

Sherrill continued pitching and finished at four and 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts, three hits, two walks and one run. Grant came in with one out in the last inning and faced six batters, striking out two, walking three and allowing one to reach on an error.

“Many times, Mack gets stronger the more innings she pitches,” Erdman explained. “This was a perfect example. She pitched very well.”

The Rush City softball team is first in the Great River Conference with a 10-1 conference and overall record.

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Keanna Belau took first place in the 100m dash at the Section True Team Meet and came in second at the Ron Jensen Invitational. Photos by Victoria Dahlin

Last week the Tiger track and field teams competed at the Section 4A True Team Meet and the Ron Jensen Hinckley-Finlayson Invitational where Max Maher set a new meet and school record in the pole vault.

On May 7 the boys accumulated 811.5 points at the True Team Meet to place second ahead of 14 teams.

Maple Lake totaled 920.5 to win the meet where only the first place team and no individuals go on to the State True Team Meet.

Taking firsts individually for Rush City were Demario Peterkin (100m dash), M. Maher (pole vault) and the 4x100m relay team (Collin Franklin, Dan Johnson, Matt Mallinger, Peterkin).

Coming in second were Peterkin (200m dash), Luke Maher (pole vault) and the 4x200m relay team (L. Maher, M. Maher, Franklin, Mallinger).

Rounding off the top three in third was Johnathan Mielke (discus throw).

Zeth Langworthy placed second in the 300m hurdles, long jump, high jump, as well as third in the 110m hurdles at the Ron Jensen Invitational last week.

“It was a spectacular meet,” said coach Mike Vaughan. “A meet with 16 teams, and our boys finish second to a very good Maple Lake team who are defending True Team State Champions. Our boys fought hard all day and performed at a high level despite the lack of meets going into this big meet. I was very proud of their efforts.”

The Tiger girls team scored 513.5 to come in seventh out of 15, with Maple Lake winning with 937.

Keanna Belau was the only Rush City girl to place in the top three and crossed the finish line first in the 100m dash.

“The girls ran very well despite missing key individuals,” said Vaughan. “I was proud of their finish and their never quit attitude. They need more meet experience.”

The boys racked up 113 points to win the Ron Jensen Invitational last Thursday ahead of Hinckley-Finlayson (91), Mora (89), Moose Lake/Willow River (83), Pine City (61), Braham (35), East Central (30), Siren (25), Aitkin (16), Barnum (13) and Legacy Christian Academy (2).

M. Maher vaulted over 13’ 10 3/4” to win the pole vault and set a new meet and Rush City school record.

Max Maher flew over 13’ 10 3/4” to win the pole vault while setting a new Ron Jensen Invitational and Rush City school record last Thursday.

Also placing in the top three with firsts were Peterkin (100m dash) and the 4x100m relay (Hunter Leigland, Peterkin, Johnson, Mallinger).

Taking second were Zeth Langworthy (300m hurdles, long jump, high jump), L. Maher (pole vault) and the 4x800m relay team (Kevin Nelson, Garret Larson, Brandon Sykes, Kyle Nelson).

In third were Langworthy (110m hurdles) and the 4x400m relay team (Jesse Rasmussen, Dillon Mohr, Peterkin, Leigland).

“We performed solidly despite people competing in events they do not usually compete in,” said Vaughan. “We are sore, tight and injury plague, but still manage to win the meet.”

The girls tallied up 53 points to finish fifth ahead of Aitkin (33), Barnum (32), Siren (30), Braham (26), East Central (24) and Legacy Christian Academy (0); and Moose Lake/Willow River (113), Pine City (101), Hinckley-Finlayson (85) and Mora (61).

In the top three were Alecia Meier (shot put) and Belau (100m dash) coming in second.

Placing third were Courtney Arvidson (long jump, triple jump) and the 4x100m relay team (Raven Keehbler, Sydney Fulcher, Sydney Manske, Belau).

“Some of the girls’ performance showed dramatic improvement, and it will be interesting to see how they step it up at the GRC meet,” said Vaughan.

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Ashley Novak, who took second with 402 pins in the girls singles PI division, was a member of the Viking team that tied for first place against Fergus Falls. Photo by Greg Hunt

The North Branch adapted bowling team has completed its regular season and is headed for the State championships.

On May 3 the team competed against Fergus Falls at JJ’s Bowling Lanes in North Branch.

The CI (cognitive impairment) team, with members Jade Anderson, Chad Bauman, Dakota Burgeson, Joy Edyvean and Ashley Novak, scored 1,516 to tie their opponents.

In CI boy singles Burgeson scored a 371 and Bauman, a 362, while being uncontested.

In the girls division Novak took second with 402 pins; Anderson, fourth (374); Edyvean, fifth (369) and Cheyenne Underdahl came in sixth with 338.

Charles Otto won the boys PI (physical impairment) division by rolling a 374.

For the girls Chelsea Knutson racked up 437 pins; Tayler Dyrda, 421 and Alana Stahley, 378, while being uncontested.

“Something happened in this match that hasn’t happened before in my tenure as coach,” coach John Grund said. “We tied with them. The CI teams had the exact same pin count. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a PI team or any PI girls bowlers.”

Last Friday the PI team tallied up 1,566 pins, while Anoka totaled 1,672.

Knutson took second place in girls singles with 409 points, while Dyrda was fourth (403) and Stahley fifth (374). Charles Otto placed third in boys singles with 380.

The CI team knocked down 1,502 pins to Anoka’s 1,796 pins.

Burgeson came in fifth (392), and Bauman tied for eighth (381) in boys singles.

In girls singles Edyvean placed 11th (365); Novak, 12th (364); Underdahl, 13th (359) and Anderson 14th (351).

“We did a good job against Anoka, which has a team of 35 bowlers compared to our team of 10,” Grund said.`

The Viking adapted bowling teams will be competing at the State championships at Brunswick Zone in Brooklyn Park beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17.

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Nick Pilz got the 11-1 win against Fridley. He also contributed in hits and runs during last week’s games. Photos by Victoria Dahlin

The North Branch baseball team won two out of four games last week, as they makeup previously postponed games.

North Branch had no runs, three hits and no errors, while Totino-Grace had four runs, six hits and one error.

On May 7 Duluth East came to town and fell 9-4 to North Branch.

Josh Benolken and Kari had two runs, while Nick Pilz, Jordan Franklin, J. Pilz, Linder and Naggatz each had one. Ethan Fairbanks and Linder hit two, while Cody Knobbe, N. Pilz, J. Pilz, Benolken, Naggatz, Franklin and Kari all had one hit.

Jared Axberg faced 18 batters and allowed two earned runs, one hit and struck out five.

Blake Jorgenson faced 13 and allowed two earned runs, two hits and struck out one.

Jake Pilz aided in the Vikings’ victories last week with solid hitting performances.

North Branch had nine runs, 11 hits and one error, while Duluth East had four runs, three hits and two errors.

Up next May 8 was a trip to St. Louis Park where the Vikings brought home a 6-5 loss.

Zack Sundly, Fairbanks, Linder, Naggatz and Knobbe had one run each. Michael Hensch had two hits, while Matt Solberg, J. Pilz, Linder, Knobbe, Naggatz and Kari added one hit each. Hensch had two RBI, while Fairbanks, Solberg and Naggatz all had one.

Kari pitched to 18, allowing three earned runs, six hits while striking out one.

Solberg faced 12 batters and allowed three earned runs, five hits and struck out one.

North Branch had five runs, eight hits and two errors, while S. Louis Park had six runs, 11 hits and one error.

After a day off North Branch hosted and defeated Fridley 11-1 last Friday.

Michael Naggatz was a force for the Vikings in hitting and pitching last week.

Naggatz had two runs, and Tyler Dolin, J. Pilz, Benolken, Fairbanks, Axberg, Hensch, Knobbe, Kari and Schmitz were all good for one. Fairbanks, Knobbe, Hensch and Schmitz got two hits, while N. Pilz, Benolken, Linder and Kari had one.

Fairbanks had one RBI, while Benolken and Linder added one each.

N. Pilz faced 19 batters and gave up no runs, allowed three hits and struck out one. Linder pitched to nine allowing one unearned run, one hit while striking out three.

North Branch had 11 runs, 12 hits and two errors, while Fridley had one run, four hits and five errors.

“It’s been a good week for ball,” coach Steve Christensen said. “We’ve played good games all week — very fun and exciting games to be a part of. The student athletes are really responding to the schedule. Next week will be a test as well. A few players have had a very good couple of games at the plate, including Jake Kari and Micheal Naggatz. Our pitchers have performed well, too. Jared Axberg threw four great innings on Tuesday versus Duluth East, with Blake Jorgenson finishing it up.”

The North Branch baseball team is 1-3 in the North Suburban Conference and 4-4 overall.

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Megan Carlson contributed many hits and runs to the six games played last week. Photos by Victoria Dahlin

The rescheduling of postponed softball games left the North Branch team with a strange schedule this past week, which included games against two different opponents on the same day.

On May 6 the Vikings faced host Robbinsdale Cooper and were shutout 1-0 in a pitcher’s duel.

North Branch was able to collect seven singles, two by Kaylee Lofboom and one each from Emily Trunk, Sydney Meuller, Erin Kvam, Megan Carlson and Katy Trunk.

E. Trunk pitched all six innings giving up the one run on four hits; she walked two and struck out three.

North Branch had no runs, seven hits and one error, while Robbinsdale Cooper had one run, four hits and no errors.

“We were not able to get a hit in the few chances we had with runners in scoring position (0 for 6),” coach Ron Trunk said. “The Hawks pitcher did a good job of changing speeds and had good movement on her pitches. We had a solid day in the field.”

On May 8, the Vikings traveled to Totino-Grace and brought home a 3-2 victory.

Pitcher Kaylee Lofboom got the win against Totino-Grace last week. She also added to the hits and runs in games played last week.

The Vikings scored when Mikayla Carlson reached on an error by the Eagles. She advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Meuller and scored on a single by Keri Berggren.

North Branch made it 2-0 when E. Trunk led off with a single, advanced on a sac bunt by Mikayla Carlson and scored on a misplayed ball off the bat of Meuller.

The Vikings got an insurance run when Kvam reached on a single.

Lofboom scored all the way from first when a single off the bat of Megan Carlson got by Totino-Grace.

The Eagles rallied and scored two, but pitcher Lofboom got two big strike outs to finish the game. Lofboom went all seven innings to get the win, giving up two earned runs on six hits, walking none, while striking out two.

North Branch had three runs, six hits and one error, while Totino-Grace had two runs, six hits and four errors.

“North Branch made several outstanding plays in the field to take hits away from TG,” R. Trunk said. “The story of this game was defense. We had two great plays at third by Kari Berggren, a diving catch in left field by Syd Meath, a great catch at shortstop by Megan Carlson and solid play at second base by Syd Meuller and did the little things like hitting the cut to hold runners. Kaylee did a super job against a team that has hit the ball well.”

The team then faced Princeton and Cloquet May 10 at Princeton.

The Vikings let an early 10-3 lead get away in a 13-11 loss to the Lumberjacks.

Cloquet got three, but the Vikings exploded for 10 with singles from Casey Hovland, E. Trunk (2), Meuller, Berggren, Kvam and Megan Carlson.

The Lumberjacks got right back in tying the game 10-10.

North Branch took the lead with a single by E. Trunk, followed by a double by Mikayla Carlson. But Cloquet was able to score three times to make it a 13-11 final.

E. Trunk started for the Vikings and went three innings, while Kvam took the loss going four innings of relief.

North Branch had 11 runs, 13 hits and two errors, while Cloquet had 13 runs, 19 hits and one error.

Next up the Vikings mauled the Tigers 10-1 in a night game.

The Tigers scored first, but the Vikings tied it when Kvam reached on a walk, pinch runner Meath advanced to third on a double by Lofboom and scored on a ground out by Megan Carlson.

North Branch made it 5-1 in the third when singles by E. Trunk, Mikayla Carlson and Meuller were followed by doubles by Berggren and Lofboom.

The Vikings added a run in the fourth and two runs in both the fifth and seventh.

K. Trunk got the win going all seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, while walking one and striking out four.

North Branch had 10 runs, 12 hits and no errors, while Princeton had one run, four hits and one error.

“It was nice to bounce back in the second game after letting the first one get away,” R. Trunk commented.

North Branch hosted both Columbia Heights and Chisago Lakes last Saturday.

Kvam pitched on 14 hours rest and threw a five inning 11-1 no hitter over the Hylanders.

The Vikings fell behind 1-0 in the third, but then got five unearned runs when three Hylander errors combined with hits from E. Trunk, Meuller, Kvam and hit batter Berggren put the team ahead for good.

North Branch added six more on hits by Trunk, Mikayla Carlson and Lofboom that combined with hit batter Meuller, a walk to Berggren and some poor fielding by Columbia Heights.

Kvam struck out four and walked just one batter.

Finally the tired team faced the Wildcats and lost 11-8.

Playing their fourth game in less then 24 hours the Vikings fell behind 6-0 after two innings giving up five unearned runs.

North Branch was able to get a run when Hovland reached on an infield hit, moved to second on a wild pitch, advanced on a ground out and scored on a passed ball.

Chisago Lakes extended its lead to 9-1, but the Vikings mounted a rally when walks by E. Trunk, Mueller, Berggren and Kvam were combined with singles by Mikayla Carlson and Megan Carson and a bases loaded triple by Lofboom.

That made it 9-7 going into the last two innings, but in the end Chisago Lakes was able to add two runs, while North Branch could only manage a single run.

Lofboom took the loss for NB going all seven innings, giving up 11 runs (six earned) on 15 hits; she walked one and struck out three.

North Branch had eight runs, seven hits and three errors, while Chisago Lakes had 11 runs, 15 hits and no errors.

“We battled back in the game, but we really dug ourselves a big hole early with poor defense,” R. Trunk said. “We’re looking forward to a day off. The girls have really handled the crazy schedule quite well, but we are all (coaches and players) looking forward to a more normal schedule this week.”

The North Branch softball team is 5-5 in the North Suburban Conference and 7-7 overall.

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Junior catcher Brandon Koehnle helped the Tigers beat Isle 8-5 thanks to his hitting and patience at the plate. Photo by Victoria Dahlin

The Tiger baseball team last week defeated both Isle and Braham in keeping the team close to the top of the conference.

On May 6 the team traveled to Isle and outscored the Huskies 8-5. Brandon Koehnle had a double, RBI and a walk. Coltin Malchow had three RBI, while Blake Cook walked four times. Brett Koehnle had two hits, and Dalton Folkema had one.

“The Tigers overcame some sloppy defense (six errors) and scratched out another win,” said coach Kevin Smith. “We were given 13 walks and managed five hits to outscore the Huskies. (Eric) Erdman had 11 strikeouts with only four walks to keep us in the game. Nick Kost played very well at third base making two run-saving plays on hard ground balls.”

The Tigers then traveled to Braham on May 7 and brought down the Bombers 8-1.

Cole Anderson and Folkema each had two hits and two runs. Isaiah Morris had one hit, one run, one RBI and a walk. Cook had a hit and a walk, while Erdman had a hit and a run.

“The Tigers overcame a shaky defensive start to the game and came up with eight hits in the win,” Smith said. “The big blow was Coltin’s grand slam home run in the third inning. Coltin had a fantastic game with a total of five RBI. We had a 1-0 lead, and we went up by five with his big home run. The boys were energized, and Isaiah pitched very well giving up the only run in the final at bat on a sacrifice fly ball. He had seven strikeouts giving only four hits to the Bombers. We still need to play better on defense, but we are taking advantage of the opponents’ errors and getting timely hitting.”

The Rush City baseball team has a 5-1 Great River Conference and overall record.

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The team began competition April 29 with the conference mid-season, which normally takes place half way through the season, and carded a 338 to take fourth place.

John Buboltz and Nick Kress both shot a 79, while Joey Courtright and Regan Nelson carded an 85 and 95, respectively. Rob Hansen and Austin Callahan each carded a 96.

“This spring has been crazy,” coach Ryan Minke said. “Our first time on a golf course this spring was the mid-season conference tournament at Bunker Hills. The boys played well for it being our first time playing.”

On May 4 the Vikings finished 12th at Forest Hills.

Buboltz and Kress both scored an 83, with Cole Pearson finishing with a 97; Callahan, 100; Hansen, 101; and Zach John, 114.

“It was cold, and the scores reflected the conditions,” Minke noted. “Two of our top golfers were gone, but a couple of other guys got to move up and get some experience playing against some of the top teams in the state and did a great job.”

The team carded a 156 to tie St. Francis for second place ahead of Totino-Grace (157), Chisago Lakes (160), St. Louis Park (161), Spring Lake Park (176), Cooper (191) and Fridley (194) at the Minneapolis Golf Course, where Benilde-St. Margaret’s scored 141 to win the May 6 meet.

Buboltz shot a 34 and Kress, a 38, while Nelson and Courtright both carded a 42. Hansen scored a 45, and Austin Callahan, a 52.

On May 7 the team shot a 170 to earn second place at Majestic Oaks

Kress carded a 40 and Buboltz, a 42, while Nelson and Courtright both shot a 44. Hansen earned a 52, and Pearson, a 57.

“We played in some tough windy conditions,” Minke said. “The boys played pretty well.”

Finally last Thursday the Vikings carded a team score of 339 to come in sixth at Victory Links.

John Buboltz and Regan Nelson shot an 81, Nick Kress, an 83, and Rob Hansen, a 94.

“We were at Victory Links in some cold and windy conditions,” Minke recalled. “We have a tough spring, but the boys continue to be positive and work hard. We are improving each time out and are excited for the conference tournament. The teams to beat are Spring Lake Park, Totino Grace and Benilde-St. Margaret’s. North Branch and Chisago Lakes have been playing well and could be in the mix as well.”

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Janice Elkerton led the Vikings with a season best 49 in the conference meet at Victory Links in Blaine. Photos submitted by Dave Ambers

After a disappointing debut April 29 at Bunker Hills, the North Branch girls golf team played better May 2 at Columbia Golf Course and May 7 at Victory Links.

The team carded a 222 to tie Chisago Lakes for eighth place behind Spring Lake Park (175), Benilde-St. Margaret’s (184), St. Louis Park (188), Irondale (191), St. Francis (192), Totino-Grace (200) and Fridley (207).

Emily Carlson led the team with a 53, while fellow junior Sarah Harris came in with a 54. Sophomore Janice Elkerton hit a 56, junior Hannah Gomes, a 59, and sophomore Grace DeVault, a 61.

“With this spring’s seemingly never ending winds howling from the north, the Vikings averaged three to five strokes fewer per nine holes,” said coach Dave Ambers. “The biggest improvement came from Sarah Harris (who’s) been struggling with her swing this year. Hopefully this nice round will help her regain some confidence.”

Sarah Harris showed
improvement coming in with a 54 at Columbia
Golf Course in Minneapolis.

The team totaled 228 to finish last at Victory Links, while Benilde St. Margaret’s (172), Spring Lake Park (173) and St. Francis (175) came in at the top of the conference meet.

Elkerton led the Vikings with a season best of 49.

“The conditions were the best we’ve seen this season,” Ambers said. “The sky was clear, the wind was light and the course was in the best shape of all courses we’ve played. Still, as a team we didn’t take advantage of the conditions. Janice is showing improvement with every round. We were missing a couple of regulars for this meet, and junior Maddie Alden (58) and eighth grader Ruth Elkerton (60) filled in. Both girls did a nice job, and their scores were good enough to count in the final total. We started slowly last year, too. Let’s hope we continue to improve as we did in 2012.”

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Brooke Roalson will be at the Chisago County Senior Center May 15, 11 a.m., to give a short informational presentation on the basics of Medicare; come educate yourself. Those with questions can meet with Roalson later that afternoon. Roalson can be contacted at 651-200-8641.

Plant sale

The Rush City Garden Club’s annual plant sale will be held May 16, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Rushseba Town Hall, just north of Rush City on Forest Blvd.  Come early for the best selection.

Senior polka

Florian Chmielewski is leading a “Lets Polka! Senior Dance” class May 16, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Chisago County Senior Center, 38790 6th Ave., North Branch. Cost is $5 per person.

Audubon bird walks at Wild River 

Experts from the Wild River Audubon Chapter will lead two bird walks at Wild River State Park this spring.  The first walk begins at 7:30 a.m., May 18.  The second walk begins at 8 a.m., June 8, during the Park’s Seegwan celebration day.  Meet at the boat landing for each walk.  All levels of birders are welcome to join in the fun and adventure.

Spring wildflower walk

A spring wildflower walk has been planned May 19, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Wild River State Park. Meet at the visitor center. Wildflower enthusiast and orchid surveyor Rubin Stensing will lead the walk. Distances of walks vary depending upon audience. Registration is not required. This is a free program, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required to enter the park. This permit can be purchased at the park entry office for $5 a day or $25 a year.

WEI open house 

The Women’s Environmental Institute, 14715 River Road, North Branch, will be having an open house May 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those who attend can partake in miniature horse cart rides, dances around the May Pole, a plant sale, free plant giveaways, scavenger hunts, nature walks and more.

All are welcome.

For more information, email wei@w-e-i.org or call 651-583-0705.

Heritage Fest 

Florian and Jerry Chmielewski and Lorren Lindevig will be playing music for listening and dancing pleasure at the Sons of Norway Annual Heritage Fest May 21, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center.

Admission will be by advance ticket sale only. Get tickets from a Sons of Norway member; the price is $15. Call 651-674-8164 or 651-257-3314 to purchase tickets.

Native pride dancers

Larry Yazzie, a member of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa/Meskwaki, will be at the Chisago Lakes Area Library May 21, 4 p.m., for an educational program.

He and his troupe will perform at the Chisago Lakes High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. the same day.

Tonic Sol Fa performance

East Central Regional Library is presenting Tonic Sol Fa at North Branch Area High School May 22, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is a free concert. Seating is limited; once the auditorium is full there will be no exceptions.

Four-hour defensive driving courses

A pair of four-hour defensive driving refresher courses have been scheduled at the Chisago County Senior Center, 38790 6th Ave., North Branch, 1 to 4 p.m., May 23 and June 18. Cost is $5 per person.

Youth ATV safety training class

A youth ATV safety class is scheduled May 25. Registration is 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Chisago County Fairgrounds in Rush City. The fee for the course is $15, collected during registration that day.

The test starts at 9 a.m., followed by the written and driving test.

Make checks payable to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Participants must supply their own, 90 cc-plus ATV.

Participants must complete a safety CD before the course.

The CD is available free of charge by calling the DNR Information Center at (888) 646-6367 or (651) 296-6157, or the Safety Training Office at (800) 366-8917.

North Chisago Historical Society meetings

On June 4, 7 p.m., the society will meet at Rushseba Town Hall; the mayors of Rush City, Harris and North Branch will be guests at this meeting. The informal discussion is open to the public and NCHS members. The discussion will center on the sharing of a common interest in Old Highway 61 as it relates to heritage tourism.

On July 2, 7 p.m., at Rushseba Town Hall, the society will have its potluck supper.

Joel Karlsson from Sweden will provide the entertainment. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

Senior Center garage sale

The Chisago County Senior Center garage sale is planned June 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donations are needed; clothing will not be accepted.

Chisago County Senior Center
fundraising raffle

The Chisago County Senior Center will have a fundraising raffle the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month now until Aug. 28. Tickets are $5 each.

Winners receive $50 and their names stay in the raffle pool for all 12 drawings, regardless of how many times they win. Those who enter need not be present to win.

Stop by the senior center, 38790 6th Ave., North Branch, to purchase tickets.

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Photo by Derrick Knutson

If North Branch Area Middle School eighth grader Conrad Almedinger someday makes it onto Jeopardy!, he’ll likely sweep the categories that have to do with geography.

At the Thursday North Branch Area Public Schools School Board meeting, Almedinger was recognized for winning the middle school’s geography bee in December, and qualifying for the Minnesota Geography Bee at St. Cloud State University.

He held his own during the competition in April, answering six of eight questions correctly, but didn’t advance to the next round.

“We are very proud of his efforts and what he did,” Geography Bee Advisor Lori Blomquist said. “Just making it to state is quite an accomplishment.”

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Photo by Derrick Knutson

Vikings girls basketball coach Dan Schindler has 415 career victories and has spent 28 years  coaching at North Branch Area High School. He’s decided to call it a career in coaching at North Branch this year. He’ll be moving onto Chatfield Public Schools next year.

He relinquished his coaching duties, but will still be teaching at North Branch for the next two years.

During that time, he’ll be serving as the athletics director at Chatfield on the weekends and Mondays.

The NBAPS School board thanked Schindler for his years of service to the district, and Director of Activities and Community Education Brett Carlson presented him with a basketball that has his name and “400th career win” printed on it.

He reached that coaching milestone in December.

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The first was the announcement that North Branch Area Middle School Principal Todd Tetzlaff has been selected as the Capitol Division Middle School Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

We could not be more thrilled for Todd. He is an extremely effective middle school principal and is the longest tenured of our principals. His school has received two Spotlight awards in recent years and he is highly regarded in our school district and by his colleagues around the state.

With this honor, Todd becomes eligible for Principal of the Year, and we can’t think of a more appropriate choice.

Also announced this week was former Activities Director Becky Leuer’s inclusion in the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame.

What can be said about Becky that hasn’t already been said? She came to North Branch Area Public Schools straight from college and spent her entire career working for the community. She coached about every girls sport we have and served as the activities director from 2000 until her retirement in 2009.

She continues to dedicate herself to public service, acting as our energy efficiency coordinator and robotics advisor. This community has benefited from her devotion to students and education for decades.

On behalf of a grateful school district and community, I would like to offer my congratulations to both of these individuals. They have enriched the lives of too many students to count and the community is better for that. If you see Todd or Becky around town, please take a moment to thank them for their service.

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“It is very exciting for the team to be participating in the event, Becky Leuer, team leader and mentor, said. “ It is only the second state tournament and quite an honor to be selected for participation.”

Interested in joining the team next season?  The team is sponsoring a summer camp, free for students attending Chisago Lakes or North Branch, June 11 to 14, at North Branch Area High School.  Students entering grades 9-12 in the 2013-2014 school year are welcome to attend.  Contact Leuer at bleuer@northbranch.k12.mn.us or Scott Frischmon at sfrischmon@northbranch.k12.mn.us for more information, or call 651-674-1024.

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Photo by Derrick Knutson

Throughout her 34-year career, Becky Leuer has been a champion for the advancement of girls and women in sports. Right out of college she was hired at North Branch Area High School and began making her mark as a coach. She coached nearly every girls sport the school offered — gymnastics, track and field, softball and volleyball. Her volleyball teams won a combined 363 games, five conference titles, two section championships, and made back-to-back trips to the state tournament in 1993 and 1994. Leuer was chosen three times as the Region 7AA Volleyball Coach of the Year and she’s a member of the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame.

In 2000 Leuer became the activities director at North Branch. Her leadership was known at every level, from the Rum River and North Suburban conferences to the Minnesota State High School League. She served on the League Board of Directors from 2004 to 2008, the Representative Assembly, the League’s Foundation Board of Director and the Region 7AA Committee, which she chaired in 2003. Leuer twice served as president of the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association and is a member of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association 25-Year Club, which is another organization she led in 2011-2012.

Aside from managing the athletic programs at North Branch, Leuer was also a champion of the school’s robotics and dance team programs. She served as the robotics team advisor and was instrumental in the partnership between the national robotics organization FIRST and the Minnesota State High School League.

Among her many awards, Leuer has received the Region 7AA Athletic Director of the Year, the Marie Berg Award for excellence in education, and the George Haun Award for outstanding leadership and service in the coaching profession. Leuer retired in 2009.  She will be inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame May 19.

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Photo by Derrick Knutson

The North Branch Post Office would like to thank everyone who donated food during the Stamp Out Hunger food drive Saturday. North Branch residents donated 2,171 pounds of food. Stacy residents donated 1,635 pounds of food. Here, North Branch Post Office employees pose with the sizeable haul of goods Monday before it was brought to the North Branch Food Shelf.

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Rhubarb should be planted in an area where it receives full sun, and where the soil is well drained. Most gardeners plant it at the edge of their gardens.  The area should be worked up so the soil is loose for a depth of at least two feet.  Add in plenty of garden or kitchen compost or composed manure to increase organic matter.  The soil pH is not as important with rhubarb; acidic, neutral or alkaline soil can support a good crop.

Established rhubarb plants will become quite large, so each plant should be allowed a three-square-foot area.  Plant it early in the spring. Since the roots are fleshy with buds, or eyes, plant the eyes two inches below the soil surface.  Proper watering will enhance good production and growth.  Soak the soil thoroughly once a week to a depth of one inch during the growing season.

Rhubarb plants are often acquired from another gardener who is dividing his or her patch.  If you do get plants from someone, be sure they are healthy so you are not planting diseased plants in your patch.  I often tell the story that we bought a potted rhubarb plant from Ralph Peterson when he had the nursery in Lindstrom many years ago. I planted it in the shade and too close to a building.  It sat there for a few years and did nothing.  Finally, I dug it up, took an ax and chopped it up into eight pieces.  I planted those pieces into what is now a healthy rhubarb patch.  My only mistake was that I planted the pieces too close together.  If your old patch is not doing well, you may want to replace at least part of it every so often.

Insects are not generally a problem, but if rhubarb curculio or stalk borers are eating holes into the crown and stalks, they may be managed by controlling the weeds around the patch, especially the weed curly docks, which carries a virus that occasionally infects rhubarb and causes abnormal growth, loss of vigor or unusual leaf coloration.  If the plant appears to be infected with a virus, it’s best to remove it from the garden and start over.

Rhubarb plants require a lot of organic matter and large amounts of balanced complete fertilizer. Top dress with a well-rotted manure in the fall.  In the spring an early application of organic matter will give the plant a jump-start.

Don’t harvest new plantings for two years, as it will weaken the plant.  To prevent injury to the plant, pull the stalks rather than cutting them.  Eat only the stalks, as the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic.   They are not deadly but can make you quite sick.

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