Profiles for 2019 Winners
Duane R. Lund Award for Lifetime Achievement
Ken Klose
The Lambert Klose family moved from North Dakota to Staples in 1955. Ken attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Staples High School. He was an honor student and participated in multiple organizations and activities. He was also co-salutatorian of his graduating class.
He graduated from St. Mary’s College and began a master’s program at the University of Nebraska. This endeavor was interrupted by the Vietnam War, where he was drafted into the United States Army.
When Ken returned home, he eventually enrolled in the Photography Technical Program at the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute. He officially began his local business, Ken’s Fifth Street Photos and Frames, in 1998.
Ken Klose has had a long and somewhat complicated history in the Staples Community, as related to volunteerism. He admits that he “came late to the idea of community service.” He was a Vietnam Veteran who came home in 1971 determined not to join anything. He was successful in that attempt for a long time. But in 1986, a group of somewhat like-minded veterans decided to start a Staples Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Staples Chapter 214 only lasted 22 months before it was dissolved for lack of membership participation. Ken then reverted to his non-participatory ways until 1994.
In 1994, Ken decided to get involved in some civic activity or organization. He heard that the city had a Forestry and Beautification Board. He liked trees and knew a little about planting and pruning, so he was accepted as a member of the board. He chaired that board at various times between 1995 and 2007. The board did a long range urban forestry plan for the city and planted hundreds of trees, earning Staples a National Arbor Day Foundation designation as a “Tree City” for at least fourteen years.
Ken continued to be integrally involved in several community organizations through the years:
• Staples Forestry and Beautification Board 1994-2014
• Staples Host Lions 2001-present
• Staples Area Men’s Chorus 2001-present
• “New Highway 10” Landscape Planning Committee 2006-07
• “Old Highway 10” Turnback Committee 2008-09
• Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Awards Committee 2008-17
• Staples Community and All Veterans Park Board of Directors 2011-present
• Staples Historical Society
Ken and his wife Lani have been married for 34 years and have two daughters. Megan is a speech therapist in Sartell, Minn., and Amy is employed at Baby Steps store in Staples.
The Lambert Klose family moved from North Dakota to Staples in 1955. Ken attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Staples High School. He was an honor student and participated in multiple organizations and activities. He was also co-salutatorian of his graduating class.
He graduated from St. Mary’s College and began a master’s program at the University of Nebraska. This endeavor was interrupted by the Vietnam War, where he was drafted into the United States Army.
When Ken returned home, he eventually enrolled in the Photography Technical Program at the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute. He officially began his local business, Ken’s Fifth Street Photos and Frames, in 1998.
Ken Klose has had a long and somewhat complicated history in the Staples Community, as related to volunteerism. He admits that he “came late to the idea of community service.” He was a Vietnam Veteran who came home in 1971 determined not to join anything. He was successful in that attempt for a long time. But in 1986, a group of somewhat like-minded veterans decided to start a Staples Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Staples Chapter 214 only lasted 22 months before it was dissolved for lack of membership participation. Ken then reverted to his non-participatory ways until 1994.
In 1994, Ken decided to get involved in some civic activity or organization. He heard that the city had a Forestry and Beautification Board. He liked trees and knew a little about planting and pruning, so he was accepted as a member of the board. He chaired that board at various times between 1995 and 2007. The board did a long range urban forestry plan for the city and planted hundreds of trees, earning Staples a National Arbor Day Foundation designation as a “Tree City” for at least fourteen years.
Ken continued to be integrally involved in several community organizations through the years:
• Staples Forestry and Beautification Board 1994-2014
• Staples Host Lions 2001-present
• Staples Area Men’s Chorus 2001-present
• “New Highway 10” Landscape Planning Committee 2006-07
• “Old Highway 10” Turnback Committee 2008-09
• Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Awards Committee 2008-17
• Staples Community and All Veterans Park Board of Directors 2011-present
• Staples Historical Society
Ken and his wife Lani have been married for 34 years and have two daughters. Megan is a speech therapist in Sartell, Minn., and Amy is employed at Baby Steps store in Staples.
Outstanding Citizen
Mike Gold
The 2019 Staples Motley Area Community Foundation “Citizen of the Year” is Mike Gold.
As the owner of North Fourth Laundromat and Car Wash, Mike exemplifies what it means to be an upstanding small business owner. He always strives to provide a clean, safe environment for his customers. Since purchasing the laundromat in 2008, Mike has made many renovations and improvements to the store, including the addition of multiple giant-sized washers and dryers, and adding amenities like WiFi and Television to increase customer satisfaction.
He is also quick to address any issues that arise, posting his cell phone number around the laundromat so customers can easily get hold of him. One individual said, “I always use this laundromat when I travel up here from the cities. One time, a washing machine didn’t start after I put in my quarters. I called Mike to let him know the machine wasn’t working, but I had to hurry back to the cities. A few days later I got a letter from Mike with my quarters from the machine that didn’t work. I was amazed. How many people would make the effort to mail a customer $2 in change.”
Outside of work, Mike has generously donated his time and talents to many local events and organizations. This includes serving with the local Lions chapter and the Staples Area Men’s Chorus, volunteering for numerous events with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and participating in local theater productions, including the recent production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Of particular note, Mike recently ended his term as a board member of the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation. As the board treasurer, he led the foundation’s grant committee. During his time, the foundation awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to community organizations every year.
Mike also spearheaded the SMACF Dower Lake Project, which aims to expand the beach area at Dower Lake and improve the surrounding infrastructure for visitors. To date, nearly $30,000 has been raised for the project, largely due to Mike’s efforts. Beach goers will be able to enjoy the new docks and improved walkways this summer yet, with shade structures to follow next year.
For these and many, many other reasons, the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Awards Committee is honored to name Mike Gold “Citizen of the Year.”
The 2019 Staples Motley Area Community Foundation “Citizen of the Year” is Mike Gold.
As the owner of North Fourth Laundromat and Car Wash, Mike exemplifies what it means to be an upstanding small business owner. He always strives to provide a clean, safe environment for his customers. Since purchasing the laundromat in 2008, Mike has made many renovations and improvements to the store, including the addition of multiple giant-sized washers and dryers, and adding amenities like WiFi and Television to increase customer satisfaction.
He is also quick to address any issues that arise, posting his cell phone number around the laundromat so customers can easily get hold of him. One individual said, “I always use this laundromat when I travel up here from the cities. One time, a washing machine didn’t start after I put in my quarters. I called Mike to let him know the machine wasn’t working, but I had to hurry back to the cities. A few days later I got a letter from Mike with my quarters from the machine that didn’t work. I was amazed. How many people would make the effort to mail a customer $2 in change.”
Outside of work, Mike has generously donated his time and talents to many local events and organizations. This includes serving with the local Lions chapter and the Staples Area Men’s Chorus, volunteering for numerous events with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and participating in local theater productions, including the recent production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Of particular note, Mike recently ended his term as a board member of the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation. As the board treasurer, he led the foundation’s grant committee. During his time, the foundation awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to community organizations every year.
Mike also spearheaded the SMACF Dower Lake Project, which aims to expand the beach area at Dower Lake and improve the surrounding infrastructure for visitors. To date, nearly $30,000 has been raised for the project, largely due to Mike’s efforts. Beach goers will be able to enjoy the new docks and improved walkways this summer yet, with shade structures to follow next year.
For these and many, many other reasons, the Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Awards Committee is honored to name Mike Gold “Citizen of the Year.”
Chairman's Award
Sherry Frisk
Sherry Frisk of Motley is one of those people who is always going out of her way to be of service to others...often behind the scenes, where, especially in her earlier years of volunteering, she’s been most comfortable.
She’s often the person who’s first to arrive at a community event at which she’s serving, and the last to leave, making sure there’s nothing else that needs to be done before she heads home.
You may remember the old saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” That would be Sherry, who always seems to be on the go, doing something for her church, her family or one of the many other organizations she’s involved with. And, in addition to getting the job done, Sherry’s the sort of person who does it thoroughly and does it well...all while maintaining her friendly disposition.
“Sherry is a very compassionate and caring person,” said Fran Kokett of Motley. “She jumps right in and is there to help wherever and whenever help is needed. I am happy to call her a friend and really enjoy volunteering with her at the Motley Food Shelf, United Methodist Church and the Sprinkle and Sprout Garden Club.”
Sherry has deep roots in the community. She was born and raised on a farm in the Staples area, the oldest of nine children born to Carroll and Donna (Smith) Miller. She graduated from Staples High School in 1969, and in 1972, married Greg Frisk, a Motley Rocket she had met at a dance following a high school basketball game.
Greg’s career, first as a Navy pilot and then as Captain with American Airlines, entailed several moves for the Frisk family, including Florida, Sicily, Maryland and Illinois.
Along the way they welcomed four children to their household...their twin daughters Alisa and Erin were born in Frankfurt, Germany (while Greg was stationed in Sicily); their son Ryan was born in Milton, Fla.; and son Patrick was born in Pax River, Md.
She started volunteering partly for something to do, Sherry said, adding that Greg’s career as a pilot took him away from home quite a bit. The kids kept her busy when they were younger, but when they left home, she got bored and went to work part-time at a nursing home in Illinois. It was a job she enjoyed and one that would be a catalyst for her being open to volunteer opportunities down the road.
The Frisks moved back to Minnesota in 2012, making their home in Motley along the Long Prairie River. She’s very happy to be back, Sherry said, adding that she loves the Minnesota seasons and has enjoyed becoming a part of the Motley and Staples communities once again. “Both of them seem like hometowns to me,” she said.
Since returning to her old stomping grounds, Sherry hasn’t wasted any time getting involved. “I believe in supporting our local community,” she said. Sherry’s a member of the Motley United Methodist Church, where she does countless volunteer jobs, including co-chairing their spring and fall dinners, where at least 200 people are served at each event. She is treasurer of the Motley Historical Society, president of the Motley Public Cemetery, serves as secretary of her church’s ministry council and is a hospice volunteer.
She is also the secretary for the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce, and has served on committees for both June Fest in Motley, and Railroad Days in Staples.
Sherry was also very involved in a program at Motley-Staples Middle School where adults helped students learn math skills by playing cribbage with them. Sherry was the one who helped round up adult volunteers and helped with coordinating the program, which was well received by the teachers and students.
Aside from spending time with her family (she and Greg have nine grandkids they love to help out with), Sherry said she is most passionate about her volunteer work with the Motley Area Food Shelf, of which she is the Director. There are so many people who have needs, Sherry said, and she is happy to do what she can to help. “I also have great volunteers (at the food shelf) so if I’m not able to be there, I know they will take care of things.”
Being a volunteer has been a great way to get to know others in the community, Sherry said. “I’ve met a lot of wonderful people,” she said. She has also found volunteering to be very rewarding in so many different ways. “Knowing we have made someone’s life a little better when they come to the food shelf...seeing a person smile when you compliment them...or when I’m leaving a resident’s room and they ask when I will be back. It’s the little things that brighten my day and their day.”
Outstanding Youth
- Macy Judd
Macy is the daughter of Michael and Tonia Judd, the granddaughter to Alan and Shirley Judd and Randy and Jeanette Evans, and older sister to Connor, Griffin and Ella.
Macy was involved in all music avenues offered by SMHS. She played flute in the band, she played violin in the orchestra (where she graduated to lead violinist), and she sang in choir and chamber choir. She loved the connection, or sense of family, that you get practicing and performing with the same group of people. In addition to music, Macy participated in speech where she placed 8th at state last spring in the poetry division. She also was a football cheerleader last fall. She has also served the community with Paint the Town, teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school at her church, and working with her grandma at Curves. What most of us will remember about Macy, however, is her skill and passion for acting that she has displayed on the stage. The production of “Oklahoma!”, directed by Matt Olsen, was the show that really sparked her interest, but every production since we’ve seen her get better and better. She was the perfect Dorothy in the summer Lamplighter production of “Wizard of Oz”, giving Judy Garland a run for her money.
Macy will be attending the University of MN – Duluth with plans to get a BA in theatre with an acting emphasis. No doubt we’ll be able to say, “We knew her when…!”
Macy has been inspired and fully supported in everything she does by her parents and extended family. She loves their good hearts and fully believes they are responsible for shaping her into the person she is today. Other people that she has been inspired by are Matt Olson and Janessa Iverson. Of Matt, she says he went out in search of more learning, learned a bunch and then came back to share it with his community – something she really would like to do as well. Janessa has been a great actress to emulate and has also shared tips with Macy to help her become a better actress.
To Staples-Motley students of the future, Macy has this to say, “Get involved. Step out of your box and try everything – even if it’s for just a little while. When you find your passion, stick with it.” For sure, Macy has taken her own advice, as she is one, outstanding youth! Because, because, because, because, because…because of the wonderful things she does!
Outstanding Organization
Staples-Motley Bus Drivers
Front: Charlie Rockler, Mike Auger, Dale Misner, Ken Rubel, Rita Weishalla, Karen Zetah, Julie Pearson.
Middle row: Stacey Sterriker, Kandi Bartylla, Jim Rollins, Denise Trettel, Chuck Holst, Norma Elvine.
Back Row: Craig Otteson, Pat Trettel, Gary Sampson, Jeff Spandl, Scott Engebretson, Paul Johnson, Chris Dobson, Huck Holst, Gary Trout.
Not pictured: Jeff Sterriker, Trisha Folkestad, Jim Greig and Doug Roberts.
The Staples-Motley School Bus Drivers have been a quiet contributor to the safety and well being of the children they serve. They deserve recognition as the Organization of the Year for a job well done.
Even before buses are picking up children, the drivers begin with a bus inspection. After that they pick up students and are the first, friendly welcome to the school. At the end of the day, they deliver children wherever they need to go. They may be going or coming from parents, grandparents, day care providers, friends, or neighbors’ homes. The students’ destination often changes each day, but with the help of the school secretaries, they manage to deliver them safely.
The drivers and bus coordinator constantly communicate with each other through radios, so it is a group effort. If a bus has mechanical trouble, there is another driver (or two or three) who is on their way to help. If a driver gets stuck behind a train, another bus will come help so students aren’t late. Because of this constant communication, they can check why siblings are on two different buses, double check students’ destinations, or even remind students to go to after-school piano lessons.
Their driving record has been commendable, and they are always looking out for the safety of the children. If they go to drop off a student, and it looks like no one is home, the driver often checks and sometimes keeps kids on the bus route until a parent has been reached.
The driver’s day doesn’t necessarily end once the kids are home from school. First off, the buses often need cleaned at the end of the day. Then drivers are on duty to take kids to extracurricular activities, but many drivers make a point to go to students’ activities just to be there and support them. Also, they often volunteer to drive without pay in order to keep costs down.
Most bus repairs and maintenance are done right at the school bus garage, and the buses are kept in good repair. A state bus inspector mentioned that Staples Motley buses are especially well cared for. The bus coordinator takes pride that every bus will pass inspection the first time it is inspected.
The men and women drivers in this district have an impressive safety record. They have gone over and above to care for our children. A sincere “thank you” and public recognition is well deserved.
Front: Charlie Rockler, Mike Auger, Dale Misner, Ken Rubel, Rita Weishalla, Karen Zetah, Julie Pearson.
Middle row: Stacey Sterriker, Kandi Bartylla, Jim Rollins, Denise Trettel, Chuck Holst, Norma Elvine.
Back Row: Craig Otteson, Pat Trettel, Gary Sampson, Jeff Spandl, Scott Engebretson, Paul Johnson, Chris Dobson, Huck Holst, Gary Trout.
Not pictured: Jeff Sterriker, Trisha Folkestad, Jim Greig and Doug Roberts.
The Staples-Motley School Bus Drivers have been a quiet contributor to the safety and well being of the children they serve. They deserve recognition as the Organization of the Year for a job well done.
Even before buses are picking up children, the drivers begin with a bus inspection. After that they pick up students and are the first, friendly welcome to the school. At the end of the day, they deliver children wherever they need to go. They may be going or coming from parents, grandparents, day care providers, friends, or neighbors’ homes. The students’ destination often changes each day, but with the help of the school secretaries, they manage to deliver them safely.
The drivers and bus coordinator constantly communicate with each other through radios, so it is a group effort. If a bus has mechanical trouble, there is another driver (or two or three) who is on their way to help. If a driver gets stuck behind a train, another bus will come help so students aren’t late. Because of this constant communication, they can check why siblings are on two different buses, double check students’ destinations, or even remind students to go to after-school piano lessons.
Their driving record has been commendable, and they are always looking out for the safety of the children. If they go to drop off a student, and it looks like no one is home, the driver often checks and sometimes keeps kids on the bus route until a parent has been reached.
The driver’s day doesn’t necessarily end once the kids are home from school. First off, the buses often need cleaned at the end of the day. Then drivers are on duty to take kids to extracurricular activities, but many drivers make a point to go to students’ activities just to be there and support them. Also, they often volunteer to drive without pay in order to keep costs down.
Most bus repairs and maintenance are done right at the school bus garage, and the buses are kept in good repair. A state bus inspector mentioned that Staples Motley buses are especially well cared for. The bus coordinator takes pride that every bus will pass inspection the first time it is inspected.
The men and women drivers in this district have an impressive safety record. They have gone over and above to care for our children. A sincere “thank you” and public recognition is well deserved.
Outstanding Business
Four Legged Lodge
What started out as a business venture to fill the area need for pet boarding has turned into a labor of love for Julie Hoffman and her staff at the Four Legged Lodge. Hoffman, of Motley, has owned and operated the business since March 2006. She describes her staff as a family, and anyone who has boarded their pets at her facility can attest to the wonderful care they provide. Her manager, Nicole Dukowitz, has been her close friend since grade school. She also employs Dukowitz’ sister Charity Classen, and daughter Lynnzie, as well as pet groomer Jaime Hernandez. Hoffman stated the main priority in her business is the care and comfort of the pets she boards. She explained that once pet owners see their beloved pets are happy and comfortable at her facility they will return with their pets again. She takes great steps to make sure the care and facility are comforting to pets and her staff has interaction with them to make some feel comfortable during their stay.
The idea of opening her business came from her needs in owning her boxer, Brutus, and in speaking with her veterinarians Dr. King and Dr. Kathy Marcussen. She stated they were a great support to her and offered her encouragement to open the business. She found that there was a need for services in the Motley area and decided to go for it. At the age of 22 she opened the business and has seen her hard work and dedication pay off. Her facility has 44 dog spaces and 12 cat spaces. Hoffman stated she once over Christmas of 2007 boarded a record 73 animals. She stated that once she meets a pet she feels bad turning them away. Hoffman and her staff develop relationships with the pets they care for and love to see them return.
Hoffman credited her parents for instilling in her a drive to find a life that makes her happy and worthwhile. She stated that they were an inspiration to her and taught her to be hard-working and dedicated to what she chose to do. She grew up watching her mom groom animals and enjoyed being around them. She was also familiar with being around animals growing up around her family’s business Tri-County Livestock.
The four legged Lodge is the recipient of the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation Business of the Year Award. The business was nominated by Wanda Oberlander who is one of Hoffman’s many satisfied customers.
Pictured, from left, Jamie Hernandez, Julie Hoffman, Lynnzie Dukowitz, Charity Classen and Nicole Dukowitz.
What started out as a business venture to fill the area need for pet boarding has turned into a labor of love for Julie Hoffman and her staff at the Four Legged Lodge. Hoffman, of Motley, has owned and operated the business since March 2006. She describes her staff as a family, and anyone who has boarded their pets at her facility can attest to the wonderful care they provide. Her manager, Nicole Dukowitz, has been her close friend since grade school. She also employs Dukowitz’ sister Charity Classen, and daughter Lynnzie, as well as pet groomer Jaime Hernandez. Hoffman stated the main priority in her business is the care and comfort of the pets she boards. She explained that once pet owners see their beloved pets are happy and comfortable at her facility they will return with their pets again. She takes great steps to make sure the care and facility are comforting to pets and her staff has interaction with them to make some feel comfortable during their stay.
The idea of opening her business came from her needs in owning her boxer, Brutus, and in speaking with her veterinarians Dr. King and Dr. Kathy Marcussen. She stated they were a great support to her and offered her encouragement to open the business. She found that there was a need for services in the Motley area and decided to go for it. At the age of 22 she opened the business and has seen her hard work and dedication pay off. Her facility has 44 dog spaces and 12 cat spaces. Hoffman stated she once over Christmas of 2007 boarded a record 73 animals. She stated that once she meets a pet she feels bad turning them away. Hoffman and her staff develop relationships with the pets they care for and love to see them return.
Hoffman credited her parents for instilling in her a drive to find a life that makes her happy and worthwhile. She stated that they were an inspiration to her and taught her to be hard-working and dedicated to what she chose to do. She grew up watching her mom groom animals and enjoyed being around them. She was also familiar with being around animals growing up around her family’s business Tri-County Livestock.
The four legged Lodge is the recipient of the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation Business of the Year Award. The business was nominated by Wanda Oberlander who is one of Hoffman’s many satisfied customers.
Pictured, from left, Jamie Hernandez, Julie Hoffman, Lynnzie Dukowitz, Charity Classen and Nicole Dukowitz.