South St. Paul Voice March 2024

Senior high-rise tenants will be temporarily displaced

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

All the residents of the 165-unit John Carroll building will have to find a temporary home in the coming months due to an approximately $8 million plumbing project set to begin in early April. Tenants will be moved in phases – with 12 to 24 units being worked on at a time – and everyone is expected to be out of their apartment for four to eight weeks. To ease the burden, the City of South St. Paul, which owns the building, is offering financial assistance to the residents. Those who stay with family will receive $500 and those who don’t will be housed free of charge in a hotel. Everybody will get a $100 grocery voucher. The project will take about a year to complete.

The high rise is designated for seniors ages 50 and older, some of whom aren’t physically able to complete the lengthy to-do list required to prepare their home for construction. Therefore, staff and volunteers from DARTS, a nonprofit agency serving seniors in Northern Dakota County that has an office in the building, will assists with the tasks and relocation. Work includes packing everything in their kitchen and bathroom in storage bins and stowing the bins in a

South St. Paul

Local family breathes new life into old homes

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Over the past two months, South St. Paul natives Louie and Annie Ramirez have been diligently working to renovate a yellow farmhouse-style home at 259 18th Ave. Through clouds of sawdust and piles of construction debris they’ve slowly seen their vision for the home come into focus and are excited to reveal it to the public. It has four bedrooms, two baths, a patio atop the flat-roofed garage and will hit the market by the end of March.

This is the latest home in the city the couple has prepared for the next generation. Over the past four years, they’ve bought and renovated 17 homes in South St. Paul and three in other nearby communities. For them, flipping a home isn’t just about turning a profit.

“We know this market because we live here, and we’re trying to keep these homes affordable,” said Louie. “Some people don’t love flippers, but these are properties that no one else is going to buy because they’re in need of a lot of work.”

Said Annie, “A lot of people don’t want to tackle projects or deal with inspections. Others appreciate not having to get rid of everything because we buy ‘as is.’”

Prior to making this their primary job, Annie worked as a house cleaning company for 20 years and Louie for his exterior con-

Louie Ramirez rennovating the home at 259 18th Ave.

struction company – LR Builders – which still operates today, although on the back burner.

The couple was quick to credit the support of the South St. Paul community for their success, saying 90% of the homes they’ve purchased to flip are from family, friends, and friends of friends.

New King Boreas hails from South St. Paul

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Steve Doody, a lifelong South St. Paulite, proudly donned the crown of King Boreas at this year’s St. Paul Winter Carnival, and although he was overthrown by Vulcanus Rex following the Torchlight Parade in early February, his duties as the ice king have only just begun. He and the other members of the Royal

Family will represent St. Paul this year at about 350 community celebrations across the country. Their mission: to spread cheer and encourage people to support their communities in whatever way they can.

“It’s an honor to be involved in the longest running festival in the U.S. and part of its history, and it’s neat to spread some joy and cheer this time of the year because I think everybody

can use it,” said Doody, who was South Wind Prince in the 2018 carnival. “The night of coronation, I attended in my South Wind Prince costume and then snuck out into a room and changed to the Boreas costume and came running up to the stage.”

Doody has been a member of the South St. Paul Lions Club for 20 years and is involved in the South St. Paul Open Foundation,

South St. Paul Educational Foundation and Inver Hills Educational Foundation. He is also a member of the South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame for his prowess in football, basketball, track and field, and tennis. He attended the University of North Dakota on a football scholarship and earned a bachelor’s in engineering. He later earned a master’s in

Record-high demand at local food shelves

Minnesota FoodShare campaign runs through April 6

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Neighbors, Inc. is among the 300 food shelves across the state participating in the 43rd annual Minnesota FoodShare campaign, an initiative of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. It challenges food shelves to see which can raise the most food and money, and the Council of Churches donates a proportionate amount of funds to each based on how much they raise. While these organizations rely on donations throughout the year, the boost is especially needed this time of year as they restock after the holidays and prepare for the busy summer months ahead. The campaign runs through April 6 and, like last year, the need for contributions is at an all-time high.

According to Hunger Solutions, a statewide anti-hunger organization, Minnesota food shelves last year saw a staggering 7.55 million visits, shattering the record of 5.75 million visits set the year prior. Last fiscal year, Neighbors, Inc. distributed more than 901,000 pounds of food to 24,870 families – a significant leap from the year prior

John Carroll building / Page 3

House flippers / Page 2

Steve Doody as K ing Boreas

The couple typically purchases homes from seniors who are downsizing, or properties that are on the market because the owner passed away. They’re typically priced in the low-tomid $200,000s and require significant work. Occasion-

ally they’re full of belongings that must be discarded. When that’s the case, the couple holds a glorified garage sale of sorts, allowing people to come through the house and fill a tote with whatever they want for $5. Then, they donate or dispose of whatever is left over. They did this at a property in January and had dozens of people salvage items.

“There are a lot of older homes in town that people have lived in for 60 years and it’s hard to build our community with young families because no one sells here,” said Louie. “It’s just how our community is…. My parents are in their late 60s and live

in a big 2-story, 4-bedroom home. But like my mom says, ‘where would I go? If I had to go buy a small rambler right now no one could afford it.’”

The most expensive house they’ve sold was a Spanish style house up on the hill on 17th overlooking the cemetery. It went for $525,000, which is unheard of in South St. Paul, according to Louie. He said homes going for $300,000 sell in a day but fewer people are in the market for [South St. Paul] homes priced at $400,000 or higher.

a card table with folding chairs.

The couple usually works on two homes simultaneously, and each takes a month or so to complete. They do most of the work themselves, including flooring, trim, and bathroom and kitchen remodeling. They work with their close friend Karen Mahaffey, a retired realtor, to complete necessary paperwork. Electrical, plumbing and other critical jobs are handled by local professionals. When staging the homes for open houses, they use their own furniture and therefore at some point almost every month their own family eats dinner on

The husband-wife duo brings the public along on their house-flipping journey by regularly posting before and after photos of homes and other content on their social media. Their followers get a glimpse of stories that may be funny or unnerving. On one account, they entered a mansion and found two potbelly pigs quite at home in the living room. Another time, Louie was running from a bat flying around in the basement and banged his head on a low stairwell ceiling.

Annie said perhaps their funniest story is of the time they were picking up cabinets from an acquaintance in St. Paul to use for one of their projects.

“We were bringing pieces of the cabinet to the truck and suddenly heard gunshots and people yelling, and this was kind of when things were unsettled around town,” said Annie. “We both started running back to the home and the owner was standing at the doorway laughing. She said, ‘it’s Memorial Day and they’re doing a tribute down the street.’ We were taking

Over the past four years, Annie and Louie Ramirez have

cover, and she’s just laughing at us…. We laughed so hard leaving there.”

The couple has learned a lot over the past four years and can now step into a home and know almost instantly if it’s viable to flip. It’s also become a family affair. They have three kids

– Owen, 22; Lily, 19; and Millie, 16. Owen and Louie both have a realtor’s license, and Owen has been working on projects with his parents for over a year now.

To follow the Ramirez house-flipping journey, find them on Instagram @annie_ramirez1.

John Carroll building

from page 1

corner so the space can be sealed off for asbestos abatement. The city also hired an additional temporary building caretaker to assist with relocations, the first of which is expected to begin May 10, and DARTS staff will be at the hotel a few days per week to serve those living there. To inquire about lending a hand to seniors, contact DARTS at 651-455-1560 or info@ darts1.org.

The plumbing system, which dates to 1974 when the building was constructed, will be fully replaced. Today, its piping is significantly corroded, has many leaks, and the system has low water pressure. Other updates to the building are also part of the project.

“All the cabinets, kitchen

and bathroom flooring, bathtubs, faucets, lighting, and walls are getting renovated,” said South St. Paul Public Housing Program Manager Tiffany Greene. “The ADA units are also going to be made compliant. Since the building was built, code has changed on doorway measures and other requirements.”

Finn Daniels Architects completed engineering work for the project in spring 2022. Last fall, Frerich Construction was awarded the $5.67 million construction bid and VCI Environmental Inc. was awarded the $837,800 asbestos abatement bid. About 55% of the project is being funded through a forgivable loan from the Minnesota Hous-

ing Finance Agency and the remainder through Housing and Redevelopment Authority funds.

The neighboring Nan McKay high-rise has 133 units, and its plumbing system was replaced in two phases – in 2011-2012 and 2014-2015. Looking ahead, the John Carroll building will need an electrical upgrade and roof replacement in the next few years. This work is part of an initiative to address aging city-owned infrastructure, including the public works facility, fire station #2, well water treatment facilities, buildings of the Northview Pool and Splash Pool, and the old American Legion library. Last year the city hired BKV Architects to complete a City Facilities Master Plan to evaluate the condition of the facilities and it’s expected to wrap up by the end of March.

The John Carroll senior high-rise at 300 Grand Ave. W.

ommunity

FoodShare campaign

from page 1

when it distributed 774,000 pounds of food to 17,600 families. The organization’s goal during this campaign is to raise 350,000 dollars/ pounds of food. Donations may be dropped off at the lower level of Neighbors Inc., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, and financial donations can be mailed to Neighbors, Inc. 222 Grand Ave., South St. Paul, or given online at neighborsmn.org.

Those seeking to visit the food market must make an appointment at neighborsmn.org or by calling 651455-5000.

“[This year] Neighbors increased the level of hunger relief services nearly four times over as compared to pre-pandemic,” said Executive Director Dawn Wambeke. “On Monday mornings, we begin scheduling appointments for the week and by noon the appointments are full. We hear this scenario repeated from local hunger relief partners and

statewide. The painful reality is that families are going hungry…. The pandemic exacerbated preexisting social and economic disparities that existed prior to the emergence of COVID-19. In addition, the extra COVID-19 services and financial support has been ending. The rising cost of living postpandemic has also greatly impacted the critical need for basic needs services such as food.”

The city of South St. Paul regularly helps Neighbors, especially during the FoodShare campaign. The theme of the city’s annual 55075 (its zip code) food drive this year is “We can give more in 2024.” Food collection barrels will be at City Hall, schools and other places throughout the community. The City’s goal is to raise 55,075 pounds of non-perishable food items or dollars – $1 equals one pound – for Neighbors, Inc.

“People are extremely

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grateful for the nutritious food they receive from Neighbors,” said Wambeke. “Community members access our hunger relief services for the first time for so many reasons. Just a few include: loss of job, rising cost of living, underemployment or unexpected health issues. We know that accessing hunger relief programming can be a humbling experience and Neighbors strives to provide the highest dignity services for the community we are honored to serve. We start with a focus on accessibility and meeting individuals where they are at.”

Neighbors’ hunger relief services include its weekly supplemental food, emergency food, chef-prepared meals and home delivery. The food shelf is stocked with a wide array of proteins, culturally specific foods, fruits and vegetables, milk and essential items such as toilet paper and toothbrushes, and people are able to select items as they would at a grocery store.

In 2022, the statewide

March FoodShare campaign raised $9.81 million and 5.44 million pounds of food. Last year, numbers increased to $11.2 million and 6.23 million, respectively.

The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches was founded in 1905 with the mission to unite people of faith and serve people in need. In addition to hungerrelief services, it offers programs and services in youth development, senior support and more.

Second Harvest Heartland launches new initiative

Second Harvest Heartland, the nation’s thirdlargest food bank and one of the biggest nonprofit organizations in the state, recently announced a new “moonshot” initiative designed to cut hunger in half

for all Minnesotans by 2030. Dubbed “Make Hunger History,” it consists of preventing food insecurity by advocating for investments that will cut costs of other basic living expenses, better tracking of its progress using its new data and analytics team, and seeking extra funding in this year’s legislative session to bolster the existing emergency food network. For more information, visit 2harvest.org.

“The demand for hunger relief programming has exceeded capacity for many, many years and we have not yet come close to meeting demand,” said Wambeke.

“We know that this will take the entire community and a wholistic systemic movement to truly address the multitude of causes that result in food insecurity. Neighbors is committed to

partnering with Second Harvest Heartland to support their goal to cut hunger in half by 2030…. Neighbors is working hard to integrate our hunger relief programming and financial empowerment services as one step to help lift communities out of poverty.”

Neighbors Inc. established its financial empowerment center in 2021 to guide families out of poverty by providing financial coaching, financial education classes and access to other supportive services. For more information, visit neighborsmn.org.

The Open Door Food Pantry will host a food distribution event 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 20, at its mobile food pantry at Kaposia Education Center in South St. Paul. For more information, visit theopendoorpantry.org.

Neighbor’s Inc. food shelf allows people to select items as they would at a grocery store.

from page 1

finance from the University of St. Thomas and has been a financial advisor for Edward Jones in South St. Paul for 20 years. Maggie, his wife of 36 years, is also a South St. Paul native. They have three adult children, Steve, Megan and Sam.

Doody said one of the main reasons he accepted the call to be king was to be surrounded by the energy of the other people chosen to be Winter Carnival characters, each of whom is a dedicated volunteer in their respective community. Additionally, he has fond memories of attending the carnival’s ice palaces as a kid and even has a King Boreas coin from 1953. He recalled how his grandmother, who worked at O’Gara’s in St. Paul for 26 years, often came home with black smudge and other traces of the Vulcan Krewe. The Vulcan Krewe is noted for wearing smudge on their faces – and transferring it to others. His mother is an avid and longtime seeker in the carnival’s annual medallion hunt.

“The big mantra with the Winter Carnival is that it’s been around since 1886 and is ‘the coolest celebration on earth,’ but each person that becomes Boreas develops a mantra,” said Doody. “I’ve decided on, ‘Service and

unity in the community, one snowball at a time.’”

Doody has already used the powers bestowed upon him as king to bring the cast of Winter Carnival characters back to his hometown to show some respect for other residents who have been part of the Carnival. He “knighted” Kaposia Elementary teacher Megan Frantzen – a former South Wind princess – in front of her classroom of students, and made a playful visit to Tom Leonard, co-owner of Fury motors and a former King Boreas.

For the uninitiated, the Royal Family personifies winter and the Vulcan Krewe summer, and their playful battle for control at events throughout the Winter Carnival symbolizes the changing of seasons. The Royal Family consists of King Boreas, Aurora the Queen of Snows, and the North, East, West and South Wind princes and princesses. This year’s Queen of Snows is Jennifer Westerhaus, a Chaska resident with roots in St. Paul. Past King Boreases from South St. Paul include Bob Carter, Greg Kuntz and Tom Leonard. For more information on the Winter Carnival, visit wintercarnival.com.

City accepting proposals for former library property

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Despite the stylish look and modern amenities of the newly opened Kaposia Library, South St. Paul city staff haven’t forgotten about the city-owned American Legion library down the street that served the community well for nearly 100 years. Following the grand opening of the new county-owned library, city staff were planning to launch a robust public engagement initiative to garner feedback about how the community prefers to repurpose the old library. Unfortunately, an unforeseen speed bump has

forced the city to make a decision about the building’s future sooner than expected.

A year ago, city staff worked with state legislators to apply for a $175,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to study options for repurposing the building. The funding came through in July 2023 but it was discovered that the grant’s language doesn’t allow the funds to be used for a study. Rather, it must be used on “hard costs” such as repairing critical infrastructure. There’s no timeline for when the funds must be used and staff considered a few different plans, including complet-

ing the study using city funds.

It was ultimately decided to put the building and property up for proposals from the private and nonprofit market. Staff will review proposals in the coming months and the City Council will ultimately decide the building’s fate.

It should be noted that a previous study found it would cost $4.42 million to address deferred maintenance items at the property through 2032, including $1.82 million in critical deferred maintenance items that are recommended for replacement by 2026. Big ticket items include boiler and roof replacement, and significant exterior brick restoration.

A rts & Entertainment

Fitzgerald Theatre

10 Exchange St. E. St. Paul 612-338-8388

first-avenue.com

Cat Power performs a song-for-song recreation of Bob Dylan’s 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert, 8 p.m., Friday, Mar. 1. From $59.50.

MN Children’s Museum

10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Wild Kratts: Creature Power is the featured exhibit through May 12. Explore the secret lives of animals in habitats around the planet and go on a mission to foil a villain’s nefarious plans.

Other exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.”

Tickets are $14.95. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required and tickets are limited. The next free date is March 3.

MN History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org

“Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow” is a new exhibit featured through June 9. It follows Black advancement from the end of the Civil War through World War I and features art, artifacts and photographs highlighting Black resilience and resistance in that time.

“The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz” is featured through June 9. Explore Schulz’s roots in Minnesota and his role as the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip and its beloved cast of characters.

“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts that show how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.

Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors

and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.

History Theatre

30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323

Historytheatre.com

“A Unique Assignment,” March 16-April 7. Following the Ole Miss Riot of 1962, a young second lieutenant in the Army is tasked with protecting the University of Mississippi’s first African American student. A relationship is forged as they navigate the political and social segregation of the Civil Rights movement. Tickets start at $25, with discounts for students.

Landmark Center

75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225

landmarkcenter.org

Third Coast Percussion performs a courtroom concert, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29.

KidsJam: Third Coast Percussion , 10:30 a.m., Feb. 29 and March 1. Learn about other cultures through music, dance and interactive activities. Geared toward ages 5-12. Free, but regis-

“Hairspray” is showing March 12-16 at the Ordway Center.

tration is required.

Urban Expedition: Brazil, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Mar. 10. Enjoy authentic music, food, dance and crafts. Free.

Ballet Tuesday, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 12. Ballet Co.Laboratory performs excerpts from their repertoire. Free.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration , 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 16. Held in partnership with Irish

Arts Minnesota, this event features regional and local Irish musicians and dancers, Celtic vendors, Irish cuisine, and children’s crafts and entertainment. $7-9.

An Irish Day of Dance, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Mar. 17. View a handful of Irish and Celtic performances. Produced by the Irish Music and Dance Association.

MN Museum of American Art

350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571

mmaa.org

“Together,” is a new exhibit on view March 28-Oct. 13. It consists of mixed media artwork created by 10 Minnesota artists with the help of their children.

“Hazel Belvo: For Love,”

B ack in Time

From Fleming Field to infinity and beyond

Tim Spitzack Editor

Our country’s earliest days of space exploration required men of unparalleled courage willing to do the unthinkable, and few were more daring than Joseph William Kittinger II, who rode a high-altitude balloon to the record-breaking height of 96,784 feet to test how humans reacted to the harsh conditions found high above the clouds. The launch took place from Fleming Field in South St. Paul on a beautiful summer day in 1957.

Kittinger, an officer in the United States Air Force, was a test pilot involved with Project Manhigh, a military project that took men in capsules attached to heliumfilled balloons to the middle layers of the stratosphere between 1955 and 1958. The purpose of the program was to investigate how humans reacted physically and psychologically to time in space, and to study design principles for space capsules. Winzen Research Inc. of Minneapolis was awarded the contract for construc-

Luther Memorial Church

315 15th Ave N 651 - 451-2400 luther-memorial.com

• St . Augustine ’s Catholic Church 408 3rd St N 651 - 45 5 - 1302 holytrinitysspmn.org

• First Presbyterian 535 20th Ave N 651 - 451-6223 fpcssp.org

• Woodbury Lutheran Wakota Ridge Campus 255 W. Douglas St. 651-739-5144 woodburylutheran.org

• South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist 140 6th Ave N 651 - 455-0777

• Grace Lutheran Church

1 49 8th Ave S 651 - 451-1035 grace-ssp.org

tion of the balloon and the capsule, which presumably explains why the flight occurred in the Twin Cities.

Six unmanned flights were conducted before Kittinger floated into the stratosphere.

The capsule itself looked like a tall tin garbage can wrapped in tinfoil. It was made of aluminum-alloy and measured eight feet in height and three feet in diameter. To determine if Kittinger could handle being in such tight quarters, he was locked in the capsule for 24 hours during his training to test for claustrophobia. The capsule, which had six portholes, was attached to a 40-foot parachute, which in turn was connected to the balloon. Kittinger controlled the balloon’s flight by operating a valve that controlled the release of helium gas into the balloon to increase or decrease its rate of ascent.

The details of launch day on June 2, 1957, will surely elicit claustrophobic anxiety for many a reader. Kittinger’s day began in the middle of the night, when he entered the capsule at 12:30 a.m. It was sealed and for the next three hours the ground crew

conducted pre-flight preparations on the capsule and its equipment. They loaded it onto a truck and arrived at Fleming Field at 4:20 a.m. There, they installed flight equipment and inflated the balloon. At 6:23 a.m. the ballon was released from its launching pad and slowly climbed to its ceiling altitude of 95,200 feet, with Kittinger trailing behind in the minuscule capsule.

While in flight, Kittinger drifted throughout the Mississippi River Valley, first into western Wisconsin, then back into Minnesota. He communicated with the ground crew through a VHF transceiver, but that soon broke. Some 20 minutes into the flight, Kittinger told the ground crew he was going to check other channels on the VHF communications equipment. As he turned the channel selector knob, something broke within, leaving him unable to transmit voice communications for the remainder of the journey. From that point on his only transmissions were made by using Morse code over the capsule’s physiological

and altitude telemetering HF transmitter.

There was another problem as well. Soon after the launch, the capsule’s internal pressure wasn’t properly responding to the change in altitude, and at 8:07 a.m. Kittinger reported that his liquid oxygen supply was down to two liters. Concerned for his safety, at 8:54 a.m. ground control ordered him to start his descent. Despite the volatile situation, Kittinger was not pleased with the orders. Using Morse code, he quipped, “Come up and get me.”

Shortly before 1 p.m., Kittinger was nearly back to earth. He spotted a clearing on the bank of Indian Creek just north of Weaver, Minn., near the Mississippi around the Wabasha area. With great skill, he maneuvered the capsule over the treetops and into the small clearing, landing at 12:55 p.m. At touchdown, the balloon was released, and the capsule toppled into the shallow water of the creek. Two helicopters had already landed nearby, and crewmembers helped Kittinger

exit the capsule.

Following the flight, Kittinger was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and achieved recognition for being the first person to witness the curvature of the earth. He served in the Air Force his entire career – retiring with the rank of colonel – and accomplished other great feats as well. He held the world record for the highest skydive – 102,800 feet – from 1960

until 2012, and in 1984 became the first person to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a gas balloon. He was also a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War and was shot down on a mission. He spent 11 months in a Vietnamese war prison before being liberated in 1973. He passed away in 2022. A video of the flight can be seen on YouTube (search Project Manhigh).

Holy Trinity Catholic Church Catholic church

749 6th Ave S 651 - 455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org

• Clark Memorial United Church 779 15th Ave N 651 - 451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org

• St . Sava Serbian Orthodox church 357 2nd Ave S 651 - 451-0775 www.stsavamn.org

• Saint John Vianney Catholic Church 789 17th Ave. N. 651-451-1863 info@sjvssp.org

Worship Guide

• Sf. Stefan Romanian Orthodox Church 350 5th Ave N 651 - 451-3462 sfantulstefan.org

• St Mary ’s Coptic Orthodox Church 501 6th Ave S 651 - 455-8947 stmarymn.org

U.S. Airforce photo Kittinger in the capsule of the high-altitude balloon that rose to 96,784 feet in 1957.

Community

March roars in like a lion in Dakota County

Weather folklore from the Farmers’ Almanac says that if the start of March is eventful (roaring in like a lion), then the weather at the end of the month should be quiet (exiting gently, like a lamb).

With the start of this month being so eventful for Dakota County – as set out below – I am curious if we can expect a quiet calm for the balance of March. We’ll soon see. I will let you know in my April column.

Biggest crime bust in state history - Federal agents confirm that law enforcement in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties made the biggest fentanyl pill bust in state history when they broke up a trafficking operation that used the mail to send toy animals stuffed with the drug to Minnesota from Arizona. Local investigators in

Joe Atkins

Dakota County Commissioner

Dakota County learned of the trafficking last fall. They launched the joint effort that led to seizure of six packages containing 280,000 pills. Weighing more than 66 pounds, the haul had a street value of roughly $2.2 million. Six defendants arrested in the case will appear at a joint court hearing on March 7. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and was involved in 92 percent of all opioidinvolved deaths and nearly two-thirds of all overdose

deaths statewide. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially lethal dose. This local record-setting bust most certainly saved lives.

New county library now open - The grand opening of our new county library in South St. Paul took place February 20. Located at 7th and Marie, the Kaposia Library is largely grantfunded and dramatically more accessible than the former municipal library.

The City of South St. Paul operated its own municipal library for a century, starting in late 1922. While the new county library will bring improvements, like the aforementioned increase in accessibility, the city library that closed in December will always hold a special place for many, including me. Hats off to the city, the library staff and the volunteers who so passionately served the community for the last century.

The Wentworth Library

is next - Planning and design for needed long-term updates will soon be underway for Dakota County’s Wentworth Library in West St. Paul. Design and construction are expected to occur over the next two years.

Fines are now fictionDakota County libraries are now fine-free for all. We found fines to be ineffective. The return rate of library books and materials is the same with or without them, and the modest revenue they generate is outweighed by the time it takes library staff to compile and try to collect them. Those failing to return materials are still held responsible, with items overdue by 42 days or more being considered lost and the replacement cost of the item billed to the account.

Radon warning - Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the soil. It can accumulate in the air we breathe in our homes and decay into fine parti -

cles that damage the lungs. With 40% of Minnesota homes now registering high levels, radon has emerged as the leading cause of lung cancer for people that never smoked. For this reason, Dakota County makes no-cost radon test kits available to residents. To find out more, visit co.dakota.mn.us/ and search for “radon.”

167 years ago this month

- Hinging on the location of a marriage of two people here in Dakota County, the most consequential U.S. Supreme Court decision in history was issued on March 6, 1857. The site of the marriage of Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson in 1837 in Mendota emerged as a crucial factor in the couple’s famous anti-slavery argument to the U.S. Supreme Court two decades later. The Scotts claimed they should be declared free because they were married in a free territory. They won their case for freedom in state

court, but the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the state court decision. Historians point to the fierce, overwhelming public reaction to the decision as being key to Abraham’s Lincoln’s election in 1860, the Civil War from 1861-1865, and passage of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. To this day, the struggle for freedom by Harriett and Dred Scott stands as a defining moment in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It was a struggle they waged together, starting when the two joined hands and said “I do” here in Dakota County. Joe Atkins is chair of the Dakota County Board. He represents District 2, which is comprised of South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Commissioner Atkins welcomes input, comments and questions. He can be reached at 651-438-4430 or Joe.Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us.

We CAN Give More in 2024!

The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is rolling out the Annual 55075 Food Drive campaign to benefit Neighbors, Inc. This

Quilt show at Lawshe Museum

Dakota County Star Quilters are hosting their 29th annual Quilt show, “Quilt Art for the Love of It,” March 27-April 19 at Lawshe Museum, 130 3rd Ave., N., South St. Paul. This year’s exhibition will feature more than 100 quilts, and visitors can vote for their favorites throughout the duration of the show. The lecture “Growing a Voice in Quilting” by Carol Hancuh will take place Tuesday, April 9, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cost to view the show is $5. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. For more information, visit dcsq.org or dakotahistory.org or call 651-552-7548.

year’s theme is 55075 – We CAN Give More in 2024!

The need for food is as big as ever. This past January, more than 2,700 households received a combined 101,000 pounds of food from Neighbors, Inc. This included 2,300 youth, 3,800 adults and 900 seniors. It was an increase of 300 more households and 15,000 pounds of food than the month before (December 2023). These are powerful numbers for the nonprofit, which serves 100 households during their weekly Thursday afternoon food distri-

‘In God’s Hands’ art exhibit

“In God’s Hands,” a traveling art exhibition, is now on display 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays through April 1 at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave. N., South St Paul. It was created by the Great Commission Artists, a nondenominational, multigenerational network of artists based in the Twin Cities that includes professional artists and students from four different high schools. The mixed media exhibition includes 30 pieces of art and six standing banners that reflect the meaning of being in God’s hands. To view the exhibit outside of normal hours, call 651-451-6223. Larger groups should call 952-239-3884.

bution and 90 households at their monthly Saturday morning distribution. Their weekly food shelf appointments always fill up within a few hours.

We need your help to get the word out and to donate. First, we need help delivering door hangers to neighborhoods in early March. In the past, we have provided plastic bags to donate nonperishable food items, but this year we are going green and will not provide bags. We’re sure everyone has a bag or box at home to place their donation in.

Student notes

The College of St. Scholastica Duluth dean’s list: Amber Feig

University of NebraskaLincoln dean’s list: Emma Barker, Ruby Lynn Joswiak

Library events

The following events are held at Kaposia Library, 115 7th Ave. N., South St Paul. For more information, visit www.co.dakota.mn.us/ libraries or call 651-4800900.

Storytime for 2s-6s , 10:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, March 7-28. Stories and activities that help develop early literacy skills for toddlers and preschoolers. Siblings welcome. Ages 2-6. An evening group is held 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 5.

On Saturday, Mar.16, the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force and members of Neighbors, Inc. will be at Southview Center (12th and Southview) between 10 a.m. and noon to collect donations. Volunteers will also be available to pick up donations from your home. We are partnering with Knowlan’s Fresh Foods, which has food packs available for shoppers to buy and donate, and we’re working on an egg-stra special promotion to highlight the campaign. March is the month when food shelves across the state

Storytime for Babies, 10:30-11 a.m. Fridays, March 1-29. Ages 2 and under with their caregivers.

Evening Storytime for 2s-6s. Stories and activities that help develop early literacy skills for toddlers and preschoolers. Ages 2-6.

Ukulele Storytime , 6-6:45 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 19. Sing along with Ms. Rose and her ukulele. Includes puppets and movement activities. Ages 3-5 with their caregivers. Siblings welcome.

Plant a Patch for Pollinators, 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 9. Learn about seasonal planning and how to choose a species that is well-suited to your space.

Needle Felted Succulents, 2-4 p.m., Saturday,

engage in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most pounds of food and/or monetary donations. Grant money is allocated based on ranking. The generosity of donors during Minnesota FoodShare Month provides a needed boost between times of increased need. Donations of food/funds during March are critical to keeping the shelves stocked at Neighbors, Inc.

Now is the time for individuals, businesses, schools, organizations and the entire community to come together and be part of our 55075

Mar. 30. Learn the basics of needle felting, the process of sculpting loose wool with a needle. Create a no-maintenance plant to decorate your home. Registration required. Geared for adults.

Kaposia Book Club, 7-9 p.m., Monday, Mar. 11. This month’s title is “Age of Vice” by Deepti Kapoor.

Meeting dates

The South St. Paul City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month in the council chambers at City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N. For agendas and city council member contact information, visit southstpaul.org or call 651554-3284.

The Special School

Food Drive campaign. If each resident donates just 2.5 pounds of food, which equals a few cans of peas, a box of macaroni, or a box of oatmeal, we will easily make our goal of 55,075 pounds. Monetary donations are also accepted and can be made directly to Neighbors, Inc. To get involved or for more information, contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul. org. We hope we can count on you to be part of the 55075 – We Can Give More in 2024 campaign!

District 6 School Board meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month.

For agendas and school board member contact information, visit sspps.org or call 651-457-9400.

The South St. Paul Lions Club meets at 7:15 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month (September - May). For more information, visit ssplions.org.

South St. Paul Southwest Lioness-Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, 1203 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul. This group of women serves the community through fundraising and volunteering.

Neighbors, Inc.

Dawn Wambeke President & CEO

One of the original Neighbors, Inc. services, the Clothing Closet Thrift Store (222 Grand Ave. W., South St. Paul), has been a wonderful community resource for decades and benefits the community in many ways. Families in need receive high-quality, gently used clothing and household items free or at greatly reduced prices, and all community members can enjoy the boutique “thrifting” ex-

perience. Last year, we kept 62,4770 items out of the landfills. Most importantly, when you shop at Neighbors’ store, you are helping fund other high-impact Neighbors services.

Last year, Neighbors provided vouchers for free clothing and household items to 509 families, providing more than $23,000 in merchandise. Over the year, we sold more than $100,000 of clothing and household

P ostscript

Still Singing

My dad turned 90 recently, and we were all set to drive up north to celebrate his birthday.

He’s a hard one to buy a present for. My dad does not need more things. He likes using the things he has until they are completely worn out. He already has a line of slippers on his top shelf, queued up for when the pair he’s wearing is threadbare. He wore his last pair of hiking boots until his socks showed through. Besides, he said “No presents!”

So, my sister and I decided to give him music. Barber-

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

shop music was her idea. My sister and I went over to my parents’ next-door neighbors to talk to Rod about barbershop quartets. “You won’t find any,” Rod

items. We are so grateful for the widespread community support that makes this possible. Clothing donors, store volunteers, and shoppers are all essential to the thrift store’s success.

I want to stress that all community members are encouraged to come and shop. You will find vintage thrift clothing and designer brands for women, men and children. We also have a beautiful assortment of dishes, glassware, bedding and more. Items are clean and in good condition. As with all of Neighbors’ services, the Clothing Closet Thrift Store is fueled by the time and energy of many generous volunteers. Our volunteers process donations, run the cash register, ensure that clothes are clean, and even polish shoes, sew on buttons and repair ripped seams.

Here is what one of our

told us. “Barbershop is dead.”

Rod would know. He’s been involved in community groups of all kinds and keeps track of these things. We were trying to come up with some other kind of music when our party plans hit another snag because of another event happening right around Dad’s special day.

My brother-in-law, Pepe, recently received a call to work as a pastor. Pepe entered the seminary at 60 years old, deciding that, no matter how late it might be, this was the thing he was meant to do. The ordination was a celebration of his new life, and no one wanted to miss it. But it fell on the morning after my dad’s birthday. Since both were

Clothing Closet Thrift Store volunteers had to say. She herself had “swallowed her pride” some time ago to use Neighbor’s food shelf and receive clothing vouchers.

“Now that I get to volunteer in the Clothes Closet, I see how happy other people are to score amazing low-price deals. I see the smiles on the faces of the generous donors. This is really what the world needs more of. I feel like Neighbors is one big family of staff, volunteers and the community.”

When you shop with us, your purchases help fund our high dignity basic needs and empowerment services. As revenues at the Clothes Closet Thrift Store grow, we will be able to expand our Hunger Relief programming, build social capital and stability by connecting individuals to community resources, support more

once-in-a-lifetime events, we had to move the birthday party to my condo in the city so everyone could make it to the ordination the next morning.

“Maybe barbershop is not quite as dead in the city,” I suggested to my sister, and I checked online to see.

The first group I called would have loved to sing, but their bass was in for a cardiac procedure and wasn’t supposed to exert himself for 24 hours. “It’s nothing serious,” said the tenor who took my call. (But you’d expect a tenor to say that.)

The second group answered my call in Florida, where two of the members were, while the remaining members were in the Midwest. “Too bad,” the leader

families at holiday time, and serve more people in need of financial empowerment services (jobs, training, budgeting, credit building/ repair and home ownership services).

I’m excited to share that over the next year, we will be evaluating the feasibility of expanding the Clothing Closet Thrift Store and its impact. Potential goals include a larger retail location, easy drive-up for donations, and expanded evening and weekend hours. Our hope is to begin accepting larger quantities of clothing as well as more varied household items and furniture. Increased revenues will enhance Neighbors’ mission by allowing us to expand services and deepen our impact for those we are honored to serve. In addition, revenues will allow Neighbors to increase the amount

said, “but I’ve got another name for you.”

The third group said they would love to come and sing. And I was over the moon.

When they arrived, I understood why barbershop music was on the decline. One member was four years older than my dad. But they drove through a snowstorm to make it to the party and, when they came in, my dad was very surprised.

They sang for about half an hour and, at the end, they invited my dad to come up and sing bass in “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” And he did. I watched my dad singing and was so happy we were able to do this – to celebrate with our dad on the day of his birthday, and hear barbershop music while

of free clothing and household items we provide for the community.

I am extremely grateful for the community’s long-standing support of our Clothing Closet Thrift Store. Please know that your generous support of Neighbors mission – from donations of clothing/household items to shopping, food donations and gifts of money to sharing your time and talents – brings hope to individuals in our community in countless ways every day. I hope to see many first-time shoppers here soon. Follow the Clothes Closet Thrift Store on Facebook or Instagram to learn about our promotions and sales.

I would love to connect with anyone wanting to learn more about Neighbors. Contact me at dawn@neighborsmn.org, 651-272-1135, or just stop by.

there were folks still singing it.

I escorted the quartet down to the elevator afterward and thanked them again for coming out on such a snowy night.

“I think we should do one more,” the bass suggested.

And, right outside the elevator doors, they began singing the 1932 show tune “Don’t Blame Me.” The setting might not have been the most romantic, but the acoustics were perfect. Those barbershop singers brought tears to my eyes.

I thought of how wonderful it was to spend this time with people we care about and to remember how fortunate we all are, at least for this day, to still be singing.

Till next time.

Tips for hiring a remodeler

The first step in hiring a contractor is to find one best suited to your project. Start by searching the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at nari.org, where you can search by specialty and zip code. You can also research names and background of qualified remodelers that may have been supplied by neighbors and friends to verify licensing and certifications. Here are the most common types of contractors:

Design-Build - A design-build firm offers quality design and construction services within the same general company. Because a design-build contractor understands job costs as well as design concepts, the entire process is engineered to fit your budget and vision right from the beginning.

Remodeling - Many home improvements do not require professional design services. Projects like porch con-

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munication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do

struction, roofing, siding and window replacement can be handled successfully by experienced professional contractors with an intimate knowledge of materials and methods.

Architect/Designer - Major remodeling projects require construction drawings for defining a contract and procuring permits. In cases where your professional remodeler does not provide design services, you may wish to seek the assistance of a professional architect, preferably one with extensive remodeling experience.

Interior Designer - Interior design consultants are trained to deal with more than the furnishings and finishes that go into a space and make it look wonderful. They help you to see the big picture (form and function) as well as balance your aspirations, functional needs and budget.

so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability and frequency of communication that is expected.

By Kirsten Partenheimer and Shannon Gerving of Minnesota Housing

If you’re a homeowner, you likely have a list of home improvements. Some are needed repairs, like replacing an aging roof or furnace, while others are passion projects, such as updating a kitchen or refinishing a basement. Making a list is easy but figuring out how to pay for improvements may not be. That’s where Minnesota Housing’s Fix Up Loan Program could help.

The Fix Up Loan Program is available statewide. Homeowners may apply for a secured loan up to $75,000 or an unsecured loan up to $30,000. Secured loans are backed by collateral or assets (like a house) while an unsecured loan is not. The loan can be used for a wide range of projects, including refinishing hardwood floors, installing new windows and siding, removing trees, adding a garage, making accessibility or energy-efficiency

improvements, and more.

Fix Up stands out among home improvement financing options due to its fixed interest rates, longer repayment terms and affordable monthly payments. One feature is that homeowners with little to no equity – such as someone who recently bought a house – may potentially qualify.

For one St. Paul lender, a Fix Up loan helped her clients make needed improvements to their recently purchased home. It was not their dream home, but it was close. It was in their price range, and the inspector said it had “good bones.”

The homeowners hired an electrician but did the rest of the work themselves. They ripped up the carpet and refinished the hardwood floors, painted and made updates to the kitchen and bathroom. They used the Fix Up loan to pay the electrician, rent tools and purchase materials. The Fix Up program also allows homeowners to pay for work already in progress or recently completed. This was wel-

come news for a homeowner visiting our booth at the Energy Design Conference & Expo community event in Duluth. Two months earlier his furnace stopped working. He paid to fix it with a highinterest credit card. However, he was happy to learn that the repair could qualify for a Fix Up loan. Since his furnace was replaced within the time allowed, he could use the funds to pay off the furnace on his credit card.

Our Fix Up Loan Program has helped thousands of Minnesotans. To learn if the program can work for you, or to find a Fix Up participating lender, visit mnhousing.gov and search “Directory.”

In connection with Single Family Division loan programs, Minnesota Housing does not make or arrange loans. It is neither an originator nor creditor and is not affiliated with any lender. The terms of any mortgage finance transactions conducted in connection with these programs, including important information such as loan fees, the annual percentage rate (APR), repayment conditions, disclosures, and any other materials which are required to be provided to the consumer are the responsibility of the lender.

ome Improvement

Design trends for 2024

Looking to make a change to your home or yard in 2024? Here are the latest design trends, according to Houzz, a remodeling website.

Interior colors - Warm neutrals are in, like beiges, creamy off-whites and rich browns. Deep tones such as burgundy, mustard and browns are also popular. Blue appears to be the accent color for 2024.

Woven textures - Furniture with accents in cane, rattan, grasscloth and other woven materials.

Kitchens - Incorporate ‘old’ elements such as brick, clay tiles, rustic wood and arches. Natural and stained wood cabinetry is in, particularly walnut, quartersawn oak and rift-sawn oak. Backsplashes made with tile, and a slab of stone or quartz behind the range.

Bathrooms - Vanities with stained wood rather than painted white. Showers with bold tile walls, multiple shower heads, steam options, low-curb and curbless entry for greater accessibility and

heated benches. Outdoor spaces - Small screened-in porches, backyard patios and front porches for intimate gatherings. Add a fireplace or fire pit, bar or outdoor TV.

Natural gardens - Meadow-like gardens feature native plantings that attract wildlife and pollinators, add visual appeal and don’t require high maintenance. Garden paths and patios made with pavers spaced apart to allow grass to grown between them.

Energy efficiency - Upgrades in insulation, solar, battery backups, car-charging equipment, heat pumps, natural ventilation and air filtering.

Top tips to prepare for a renovation

Whether you are planning to add a fence or deck to your backyard or an extensive remodel to your home, this guide will help save you time, money and headaches on your project. The tips are provided by the Minnesota Chapter of the National As-

sociation of the Remodeling Industry.

Research - Taking time to research projects on the internet and nari.org will provide a good sense of what is involved regarding cost, scope of work, return on investment and material options. You should also research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

Long-term plan – To ensure your project is worth the investment, consider how long you will stay in your home and how your neighborhood and family structure might change over time.

Set your budget - Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. Share your budget with your remodeler.

Finding professionals

- Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and spend time researching the recommended individuals or companies online. Professional remodelers take

their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interacted with past clients and peers.

Ask the right questions

- Ask your professional remodeler about their educational background, training, experience, specialties or past issues with clients, and

how the remodeling process will work.

Verify your remodelerCheck the information you receive, including references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify. If you are undertaking a large project, you might want to request a visit to an active client’s jobsite and talk to the homeowner.

Review contracts word by word - A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review contracts carefully and ask questions about terms or items they don’t understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

Keep design in mind -

Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use websites such as Pinterest. com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas.

Make your selectionsDeciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons that project timelines get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

Create a communication plan - A common downfall in remodeling is lack of com-

Renovations / Page 11

Photo: Metro Creative Graphics