News

Editor’s note: Christine Fenske and Stacie (Smith) Lienemann trained for the Boston Marathon together for months, but nothing could have prepared them for what happened Monday, April 15, 2013.
Stacie is the daughter of Linda and Terry Smith of Benson. Her husband, Phil Lienemann, is the son of Steve and Barb Lienemann of Morris. They live in Cottonwood where Phil is the principal of Lakeview School and Stacie is also employed at Lakeview School as a paraprofessional. Stacie is a 1995 Benson High School graduate.

A proposed $300,000 dike to be constructed to protect northwest Benson from flooding was unanimously rejected by the city council Monday night.

It would have likely meant assessments against property owners in the Hawleywood addition whose homes were within the 100-year flood plain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) in 2008.

Half the cost of the project would have been paid by the assessment with the balance paid by a $150,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Those funds will now most likely be returned to the state.

Icy conditions Sunday night caused a transformer on Utah Avenue across from the federal farm agency offices to catch fire, breaking the pole. The City of Benson will be shutting off power to the north side of Benson from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday to make repairs. The fire caused parts of north Benson to be out of power Monday morning.

Just as we were seeing brown lawns and black fields, just as a hint of spring was appearing, 6 inches of snow blanketed the Benson area. With high temperatures nearly 20 degrees below average, it feels more like early March than April.

KSTP On the Road host Jason Davis was in Benson last week to do a story on the 80th year of the Johannessen family serving the people of the area the best in baked goods, cookies, candies and pies.

Three generations of the family have owned the business with a fourth generation coming up.  The story should air in the coming months.

by Reed Anfinson, Editor, Publisher

For over 100 years the Swift County-Benson Hospital has served the people of the area. Friday night the SCBH Foundation will celebrate that century of service at its annual Emerald Eve fundraising event.
The theme of the foundation’s 18th annual fundraising event is titled  “Celebrating a Century of Caring.” Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will be used to purchase a replacement analyzer for the new laboratory, which is part of the hospital remodeling project underway, according to CEO Frank Lawatsch. The project includes construction of a new clinic.

By Reed Anfinson, Editor, Publisher

Nearly 50 people gathered in the Benson Fire Hall Saturday morning to learn about the proposed construction of a dike around the northwest corner of the city.

It was also the chance for citizens to ask questions about the dike plans as well as give the Benson City Council their thoughts about whether the $300,000 dike project was needed or an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money.

Based on the input it gathered Saturday, the council will be voting at its meeting Monday whether or not to proceed with a dike. That public meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers across from the utility billing counter.

Background on flood designation

In August 1984, FEMA placed Benson in what it then called its Flood Zone C.

By Reed Anfinson

$650,735 In Proposed Cuts

2013-14 school year

Reductions                                         Savings

Capital outlay                                                   $100,000

      Delay roof work

      Delay computer lab purchases

      Delay other possible expenditures

Delay bus purchase                                            $85,000

The school district has been on a rotation of buying a new bus every other year. That keeps the fleet in good shape. However, Westrum said he thought the district could delay a year since its most recent bus purchase was made the end of last year and that new bus only has one year of service on it.

English teaching position                                   $73,800

First Evangelical Free Church;
Easter Egg Hunt March 30

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages three through sixth grade Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Evangelical Free Church, 900 13th St. S. in Benson (south edge of town). There will be an egg hunt whatever the weather -- rain, sun, or snow. Candy, special prizes,and Easter handouts will be given out to the children, as well as door prizes for all age categories.  Have fun and hear the story of Easter told using Resurrection Easter Eggs!

by John Fragodt, Monitor-News Staff

Two of Benson’s entries to the VFW District 5 writing contest placed very high.  In the Voice of Democracy Essay contest, BHS senior Jessica Mooberry (left) placed second in the district contest and received a cash prize of $100 along with a plaque from the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 5.  In the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest, sixth-grader Eric Hoium (right) placed first in the district contest and received a cash prize of $150 along with a plaque from the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 5. 

In addition, Eric’s essay has been forwarded to the Minnesota Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to continue in the statewide competition.  Should his essay be judged best in the State of Minnesota, he will receive an award at that level and his essay would go on to national competition.