A retired lifelong resident, Ron Hurd, recalls how the paper mill played a role in the town’s formation and daily life. He mentions that until the early 2000s, Sartell remained a relatively small town, with the paper mill its largest employer. The mill provided high wages, becoming the primary employment and community development source. It also facilitated the formation of Sartell’s fire department, highlighting its central role in economic and civic life. The mill’s significance extended beyond employment. It sponsored local sports teams and other community activities, creating a tightly knit community culture centered around the mill. Hurd’s anecdotes underscore this relationship, recalling how he and many other local youths worked parttime at the mill while attending high school. The employment provided good money, allowing them to purchase new cars and enjoy a level of financial comfort uncommon for their age. Al Patton, another retiree and former employee, shared similar experiences. He highlights the demanding yet rewarding nature of working at the mill while balancing school responsibilities. Despite the challenges, the financial benefits were substantial, providing a sense of economic independence and stability for young workers. SHIFTING FOCUS AND GROWTH As the town grew, especially in the 2000s, the focus shifted. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum notes that the housing boom significantly contributed to Sartell’s expansion, leading to a population of 20,000.This period marked a strategic shift towards diversifying the city’s economic base, moving away from reliance on the paper mill and DeZURIK, another primary industry leader that calls Sartell home. The devastating fire in 2012 that destroyed the mill was a turning point, after which the healthcare sector emerged as the leading employer in the community. NeTia Bauman, CEO and President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, emphasizes the city’s efforts in diversifying its tax base. The strategic pivot involved significant residential growth and the integration of healthcare-related services, such as senior housing. This diversification stabilized the economy and spurred new development and 133 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 SARTELL , MN
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