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Volume 19 | Number 4
Your Community News & Information Source
April 2022
City leaders discuss State of the City Brian Zambreno
SSP Schools names new superintendent Tim Spitzack Editor
T
he South St. Paul School Board has selected Brian Zambreno as the district’s next superintendent. He succeeds Dave Webb, who has retired after holding the position for 12 years. Zambreno comes to Special School District 6 from Minneapolis Public Schools, where he was associate superintendent for the past five years. He assumed his duties on March 14. Zambreno began his career as a special education teacher at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. He later was an assistant principal at Highland Park Middle School, where he helped implement the International Baccalaureate middle years program, and dual language Spanish-English immersion program. Zambreno, who is fluent in Spanish, was also principal of Richfield Middle School for eight years. Zambreno will oversee a district that has two elementary schools, a secondary school (6-12), an alternaSuperintendent / Page 2
New design of the South St. Paul Library
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
N
ew housing, commercial development and the future of the City’s library were among the topics highlighted in the city of South St. Paul’s State of the City address in late February. Here’s a recap of key developments in the city. The Backyards multii-family housing project
Construction is wrapping up on The Yards housing development at the northwest corner of Concord Exchange and Grand Avenue. The project broke ground last year and includes 154 market-rate apartments, a pool, underground parking and other amenities. Construction will
be completed this spring and leasing is anticipated to begin in late August. The project is being developed by The Beard Group of Hopkins, which also broke ground this February on a neighboring apartment complex dubbed State of the City / Page 3
Lawshe museum to add interactive exhibit for kids Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
T
he Dakota County Historical Society is adding a new interactive children’s exhibit to the Lawshe Museum, 130 3rd Ave. N., South St. Paul. It’s working with St. Paulbased kidZibits to come up with ideas for the $150,000 project. A final design is expected this fall. The exhibit will be different than anything the historical society has done in the past, said Matthew Carter, executive director of the historical society. “We’re still in the preliminary talks of what it’s going to look like but we envision it going through the eras of Dakota County’s history, dating back millions of years and highlighting certain areas.” One idea is to provide a junior archaeological experience by hiding a replica fossil in a sandbox for kids to uncover. The replica would be of a fossil of a giant squid that is in the historical society’s collection. Other facets may focus on rural agriculture and how electricity is made. Talks of a new kids’ exhibit have been in the works for a few years but space has been limited until now. Carter said the current renovation of the museum has allowed staff to reorganize exhibits and free up 500 square-feet for the new exhibit. He is optimistic that installation will begin at the end of the year. The exhibit could open as early as next summer, depending on funding.
DCHS exhibit / Page 2
SSPPD taps departmental veteran as its next chief of police Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
T
he city of South St. Paul has had a native son leading its police department for more than two decades and the tradition continues. In early February, the South St. Paul City Council named Brian Wicke as its new chief of police. He succeeds William Messerich, who spent
28 years with the department and nine as chief. Wicke begins his new duties April 30. “I was extremely excited and honored to be chosen,” said Wicke, who was selected over two other internal candidates. “I’ve always believed in serving others and there’s no greater opportunity to do that than be police chief in my hometown, a place that’s given me so much.”
Wicke has a bachelor’s in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University and master’s in police leadership from Concordia University-St. Paul. He has been with the department for 23 years, serving as a police officer, canine handler, patrol sergeant, and most recently patrol division commander. Wicke has spent the past few months soaking in as much knowledge as possible
from Messerich, and credits him for keeping the department strong. “My short-term goal is to work collaboratively with Dakota County Social Services to expand social services in the police department,” said Wicke. “A few years ago, social service employees started working with the department to provide follow-up care for people who were in contact with a
police officer during a mental health crisis. I want to expand the program to introduce crisis response workers who will go alongside police officers on the first call when a mental health crisis may be happening.” The department’s commitment to mental health applies to its officers as well. Each officer currently Police chief / Page 2
Brian Wicke
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munity service officers, and a $7 million budget. Theft was the most prevalent crime in South St. Paul last year, although it decreased from 331 accounts to 316 from 2020. Other top categories
were 147 accounts of vandalism and 119 narcotics law violations. The former decreased by 26 accounts and the latter by 24 from 2020. The largest change from 2020 to 2021 was the
an International Baccalaureate program for grades K-12, and the first in the nation to be a K-12 BARR school district. BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) is
an educational model that trains teachers to address the academic, social and emotional needs of students. The district enrolls 3,200 students, most of whom reside in South St. Paul. Nearly half qualify for the free or reduced-price meal program. According to the Minnesota
Department of Education, graduation rates were fairly consistent from 2016 to 2020, the latest data available. They rose from 74% in 2019 to 77% in 2020. The high during the five-year period was 81% in 2018. The statewide rate is 84%.
plaque to sell as scrap metal. Metal theft has risen in recent years due to high prices for scrap metals in countries like India and China. If you
have any information on the missing plaque, contact the South St. Paul Police Department at 651-554-3300. Post 295 is seeking dona-
tions for the $30,000 renovation project. To donate or for more information, call 651-455-1505 or visit www. vfw295.org.
from page 1
receives two wellness visits with a therapist each year, and now has access to a mobile app that offers addi-
tional resources to them and their family members. The department has 31 full-time officers, three com-
Superintendent from page 1 tive learning center (10-12), early childhood and family programs, and adult basic education. District 6 is notable for being the first school district in Minnesota to have
Vets memorial plaque missing Terrance Pieper, commander of VFW Post 295, was surprised to see the photo in the March issue of the South St. Paul Voice accompanying an article on the renovation project of the Veterans Memorial in Oak Hill Cemetery. At close inspection, he noticed the monument was missing its large brass plaque commemorating local veterans. He surmises someone stole the
number of aggravated assault cases, which increased from 51 accounts to 93. Additionally, Wicke said auto thefts have continued to rise. This includes the trend of people stealing catalytic converters.
To address that issue, the police department hosted an event last summer in partnership with Footh Auto, where they marked people’s catalytic converters and offered general safety tips.
DCHS exhibit
from page 1 The historical society received $10,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation and the Apple Valley American Legion to cover the cost of design and development. In March, it applied for a $128,000 grant from the Royal Credit Union Foundation to cover the rest of the project. It should hear back in late April or early May if that grant is awarded. “We expect excitement throughout the community to see this renovated space and interact with this new, hands-on exhibit that a lot of county organizations aren’t able to pull off,” said Carter. “This will be the same quality of exhibit that you could go to at the Children’s Museum. Our goal from here on out is that any new exhibit we do is going to have that hands-on, interactive component that children can identify with.” The museum is closed through October as the building undergoes a $1.2 million renovation. The long-time Old Town exhibit is being eliminated and will be replaced with new exhibits. One notable attraction under consideration are three 6-foot-long replicas of Northwest Airlines planes hanging from the high ceiling. Additionally, the elevator is being replaced and improvements are being made to office and research spaces.
“I’m sorry, I must have misplaced your paperwork.” “Your credit report isn’t back.” “Your income hasn’t been verified yet.” Don’t be fooled by excuses. What appears to be a delay could be discrimination. According to the federal Fair Housing Act, it’s illegal to consider race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or family status in rental, sales, lending or homeowner’s insurance decisions. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Law, it’s also illegal to discriminate based on one’s creed, sexual or affectional orientation, marital status or receipt of public assistance. If you suspect unfair housing practices, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline 1-800-669-9777, 1-800-927-9275 (TTY), or MN Dept. of Human Rights at 651-296-5663. Sponsored by the Dakota County CDA and the US Dept of HUD
The South St. Paul Voice is published monthly and distributed to 8,500 homes and high traffic businesses in South St. Paul. Publisher & Editor: Tim Spitzack Copy Editor: Leslie Martin Staff Writers: Jake Spitzack John E. Ahlstrom
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The Backyards. The building will be similar in look and feature 111 units of marketrate apartments, a rooftop deck, underground parking and more. The exterior will include artwork showing historic landmarks of South St. Paul and the Mississippi River.
Economic Development The City is working with Capital Partners to create a large industrial complex near the Wakota Bridge that could create 250 jobs and $50 million in property tax revenue. The project, called Wakota Crossing, will include three or four industrial-office warehouses totaling more than 500,000 square feet. Work is expected to begin this summer. Beck Enterprises recently purchased a 2-acre vacant site on the southeast corner of Hardman Avenue and Hardman Court, in the BridgePoint industrial park. This spring they will
begin construction on a new 28,000 square-foot facility for their transportation technology work. It’s a big expansion for the company, which has operated from a 3,500 square-foot space for the past 20 years. The former Kaposia Convenience Center at 1214 Southview Blvd. will be transformed into a Holiday gas station this summer, following the retirement of the current owners. Linn companies will expand the building by almost 50%, add new fueling infrastructure and a car wash. Work is expected to begin this spring. South St. Paul Animal Hospital is relocating after nearly 100 years in the same location. This summer, the company will build a new 12,000 square-foot commercial building on the west side of Concord Exchange, across from Rihm Kenworth. The hospital will use the majority of the space and also rent to other tenants. In 2021, Bremer Bank
constructed a 7,500 squarefoot branch at 633 S. Concord St. The company is now working with True North Investments to develop a plan for what to do with its former building.
Library The South St. Paul Public Library, celebrating its 100th anniversary, will see big changes this year. The library is now part of the Dakota County system and in January the County approved creating the schematic design for a new library building at 7th and Marie Avenue. The 16,000 square-foot building will feature a large community room, conference and programming rooms, study rooms and a reading garden. BKV group of Minneapolis is the architect of the $6 million project. A final design is expected to be presented in June and bidding will start this summer. Construction is expected to begin in the fall. Library Director Kathy Halgren said celebratory events will be held throughout the year, including a block party in June during Kaposia days.
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Infrastructure Road work on Concord Street between Wentworth and Annapolis will begin in May. The project is part of the overall reconstruction of Concord Street. Work includes adding sidewalks and trails to both sides of the street and updating the water main and sewers. Work will be completed this fall. Planning will begin soon on a new water treatment plant to replace the city’s well number three site. A recent study showed unacceptable levels of radium in the water
at the site. Radium, which is unsafe for cooking or drinking, behaves similarly to calcium and is deposited in body tissue and bone.
City Hall The South St. Paul City Hall is being remodeled this summer. Built in 1953, the building is now undergoing a $3.6 million renovation. Wold Architects is managing the project and created a final design in February. Renovations include updating the main service counter, expanding office and
administrative space in the police department, consolidating the community development and engineering departments, fixing the roof of the fire department’s apparatus bay, updating the staff lounge and fitness room, and adding new carpeting and technology in the council chambers. Construction is expected to begin in April or May and take about six months to complete. City Hall was last renovated in 2007. The community development department was updated in 2012.
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South St. Paul HRA The Church of St. John Vianney wishes you a most blessed Easter full of joy!
New Building Opening this Fall!
• New state-of-the-art facility • Free public charter school St. Paul City School is building a new facility one • Small class sizes (25 or fewer) block west of the capital at University Ave. W. and • Full day pre-school and kindergarten Marion St. We will have Pre-K through grade 12 under • Emphasis on community one roof! The new building features state-of-the-art • Environmental Ed / Experiential classrooms, gymnasium, green space/playground, Learning programs cafeteria, community space, and a community center. • Free school busing in St. Paul for We're now enrolling. Call today or enroll online! Pre-K-12th grade • Free breakfast & lunch available To learn more and schedule a tour Served 4:00-6:30• Special p.m. education services Call 651-225-9177 or visit www.stpaulcityschool.org • English language learning services • School culture that emphasizes relationships, community building, leadership and character growth. 215 University Ave. W., St. Paul
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Please join us for prayer & reflection on this most sacred weekend. Holy Thursday - April 14
Holy Saturday - April 16
Good Friday - April 15
Easter Sunday - April 17
Mass of the Last Supper, 5 p.m. Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.; celebration of the Lord's Passion immediately following
Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.
Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
St. John Vianney Church For more information, call 651-451-1863 or visit www.sjvssp.org
840 - 19th Ave. N., South Saint Paul 651-451-1863 | www.sjvssp.org South St. Paul Voice - April 2022 - Page 3
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A section championship game for the ages John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer
T
here were four good reasons for the citizens of this village to wake up in a celebratory mood on the morning of March 17: (1) For starters, they were gifted a 48-degree sunshinefilled afternoon. Let the spring meltdown begin! (2) For the first time since 2019, corned beef and cabbage lovers were able don their green, congregate in large numbers and partake of all of the wonderful tomfoolery associated with St. Patrick’s Day. (3) Also, for the first time since 2019, college basketball fans were able to patronize saloons across the nation to cheer on their favorite teams, consume an adult beverage or two and watch their brackets disintegrate. (4) And finally, the South St. Paul High School faithful, from ages five to 95 were accorded an opportunity to squeeze into the school gym and propel their Packers to a victory that would secure a spot in the State Basketball Tournament for the first time in 52 years. I was unable to satisfy my craving for corned beef, but I did get an opportunity to watch three hours of March
Madness with my fellow basketball junkies at the B52 in Inver Grove Heights. And I got home just in time to witness Mother Nature dispose of the menacing ice dam that had graced the driveway. And suddenly it was time to satisfy my #1 priority for the day: attend the Class 3A Section 4 championship game between the DeLaSalle Islanders and our Packers. It was my fervent hope that the game would add an exclamation point to one of the most magical prep sports stories I have had the pleasure to cover. After an 11-0 start to the season, the Packers lost their head coach. He was replaced by the JV coach, 34-year-old Darren Edwards. He embraced his job to the fullest and guided his team to an unblemished 26-0 regular season. Ranked #3 in the final state poll, the Packers beat St. Paul Harding 69-29 and St. Thomas Academy 8977 to reach the championship game. The #4 Islanders, meanwhile, dispatched Highland Park 81-63 and Como Park 91-57 to join the fray. The day before the game, I got the opportunity to talk to Edwards. He is a great interview – confident, articulate and to the point.
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“We know that DeLaSalle is a solid, well-coached team that has been there before and will bring it to us,” he said. “Our kids are chomping at the bit, but our goal is to take the same approach we have taken all season: stay focused, stay calm and don’t let our emotions get too high or too low.” When the Packers have played in close games, he explained, the team has leaned on its senior leadership to get the job done. He closed on this note: “I reminded our team yesterday that all of us are aware that DeLaSalle has a basketball program with a rich tradition. Do we want them to punch another hole in their legacy belt or has the time come for us to create a legacy of our own?” “Geez,” I said. “Maybe you should’ve saved that one for your pregame speech tomorrow night.” And we shared a laugh. On game day, my son and I left the house for South St. Paul 45 minutes ahead of the 7 p.m. start time. All I could say when we approached the school was “uh,oh!” Flocks of folks were walking toward the school entrance and there were no parking spots within three blocks. When we reached the door, there
was this sign: TONIGHT’S GAME IS SOLD OUT. THERE ARE NO WALKUP TICKETS AVAILABLE. When we turned the corner to head home, we discovered the Northern Dakota County Town Square Television truck adjacent to the school. Fortunately, we were able to stream the game at home. The gym seats 1,500. I could detect no open seats and there were plenty of folks standing in the corners. The student sections were screaming at a high pitch and exchanging zany pleasantries. Appropriately, the Packers’ Alonzo Dodd scored the first bucket. The game was extremely physical from the outset. There were numerous charging fouls and ferocious play under the bucket at both ends of the court. The Packers grabbed an early 7-4 lead, but DeLaSalle’s star, Nasir Whitlock, nailed a couple of 3-pointers and the Islanders went on a 22-9 run to take a 26-16 lead. Undaunted, the Packers, fueled by two 3-pointers from Devin Newsome, fought back and went on a 20-5 run of their own. Capped off by a lengthy 3-pointer by Dodd at the first half buzzer, the Packers
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feet behind the center court line. The ball hit the back of the rim and caromed out. From 50 feet, Dodd was within a couple of inches of sealing a trip to the Target Center. Dodd, the only Mr. Basketball candidate who has not yet signed a Letter of Intent (Gophers?) scored 34 points and Devin Newsome added 22 for the Packers. The two accounted for 56 of the team’s 67 points. Nasir Whitlock posted 32 points and center Brandon Hoban added 10 for the Islanders. Dodd, Newsome, Shawn West-Zimpel, Keon Moore, Kaiden Moua and the Harmon twins – Tay and Tre – are seniors. The Class of 2022 has indeed started a legacy of its own. I am a proud citizen of the West Side of St. Paul, but I must admit that over the course of my 12-year career as the sports editor of this newspaper, I have grown fond of covering the exploits of South St. Paul High School sports teams. I’ve forged relationships I hold dear, and I’ve become a Packer fan – not of those green and gold bums in Green Bay, but the athletes in this lovely river town who don the maroon and white.
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DRIVE UP TO GO Grace Lutheran Church • WELS 149 8th Ave. S., South St. Paul 651-451-1035 Pastor Thomas Hartwig Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Lenten Services 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Every Friday through April 15 Serving Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Baked and/or fried fish, potato, vegetable, cole slaw, roll and dessert.
Maundy Thursday Services 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Grilled cheese or spaghetti available as non-fish option
Good Friday Service 6:00 p.m.
Please enter order lines off of Humboldt Ave. onto Robie St. Maps address 497 Humboldt Ave., St. Paul
Easter Sunday 9:00 a.m. Page 4 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2022
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took a 36-31 lead into the locker room. Tay Harmon opened the second half with a 3-pointer to stretch the Packer lead to 39-31. But Whitlock took over the game for the Islanders with three 3-pointers and suddenly, with 6:59 to go in the game, DeLaSalle led 5950. The “never say die” Packers went to work on defense. After consecutive steals by Dodd the Islander lead was narrowed to 65-64. After a very questionable foul called on Tay Harmon – his fifth of the game with 25 seconds to go – Whitlock added two free throws and the lead was 67-64. Newsome missed a 3-point shot, but Dodd came up with the rebound and turned it into a 3-point play when he was fouled on the put back shot. It was 67-67 with 14 seconds to go. Unfazed, Whitlock took the inbounds pass the length of the court and he nailed a 15-footer to give the Islanders a 69-67 lead. The Packers used their final timeout with 3.5 seconds left on the clock. Not surprisingly, the inbounds pass went to Dodd who took three or four strides and let fly with the basketball 10
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Girls hockey team makes record 16th appearance in the State tournament John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer
Submitted photo
On to the State tournament! The Packers celebrate their section championship victory.
L I B R A R Y
E V E N T S Call 651-554-3240 or visit www.southstpaul.org/library
Book Club, 7-8 p.m., Thursday, April 14 at the library, with a virtual option on Zoom. The title is “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker. For more information, visit tinyurl. com/SSPbookclub. Jumpstarting Creativity, 6-8 p.m., Monday, April 18. Learn creative exercises, brainstorming techniques and writing habits that inspire confidence to explore your ideas and free your imagination. Presented by Loft Literary Center. Registration required. Geared for adults. To register, call 651-554-3243 or visit www.southstpaul.org/library. Hot Air Balloon art, 4-4:50 p.m., Wednesday, April 20. Youth ages 5-11 are invited to design and create colorful hot air balloons. Registration required.
The Annual Giant Egg Hunt, sponsored by South St. Paul Lion’s Club and South St. Paul Parks and Recreation, will be held 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 16 at Kaposia Park, 1028 Wilde Ave. This event for ages 1-8 features candy, prizes, a petting zoo and a visit with the Easter Bunny (from 9-10 am). The South St. Paul Police Department will be there with pastries and coffee, while supplies last. The egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp. No registration is needed for this free event. For more information, call 651-366-6200. Parks and Recreation is offering many youth opportunities this summer, including field trips and camps (sports, fitness, theater, preschool, etc.). For more details, visit www. southstpaul.org or call 651-366-6200.
In our crystal ball assessment last month, we reminded our readers that the South St. Paul girls hockey team had lost three of the last four section championship games by one goal. We thought it was time for that jinx to come to an end – and indeed it did. The Packers won three consecutive games to open the postseason. They defeated Two Rivers/St. Paul 5-1 in the section semi-finals, Chisago Lakes 4-2 in the section final and Luverne 3-1 in the state quarterfinals. South St. Paul faced #1-ranked Warroad in the
state semi-finals, losing 5-0. The score was 1-0 going into the third period. Goaltender Delaney Norman and defensemen Lilie Ramirez and Lily Pachl were most responsible for holding high scoring Warroad to just one goal on 16 shots in the first two periods. “The girls followed our game plan perfectly and we thought we had a chance to spring the upset,” said head coach Dave Palmquist. “But Warroad has a great team and the floodgates opened in the third period. We left it all on the ice and what a great experience it was for our kids to get back to the state tournament.”
Bremer celebrates its new SSP branch South St. Paul community and business leaders gathered with Bremer Bank employees for the recent ribbon cutting ceremony of Bremer’s newly-built South St. Paul branch, which offers a drive-thru, employs 15 and includes space for future expansion. Construction began in May 2021, and the building opened for business on January 31, 2022. The branch has the same address as the bank’s previous building: 633 Concord St. S.
Earth Day – It’s not just a day, it’s a movement Earth Day will be celebrated Friday, April 22. Since 1970, this day has been a catalyst for environmental action, education and change. It serves as an annual reminder to appreciate our connection to the Earth and to raise awareness of our environmental challenges. On this day, everyone is invited to participate in community-wide projects, including environmental cleanups, neighborhood cleanups, and educational activities that promote the Earth Day message. What can you do to make a difference? Here are some ways to get involved. The South St. Paul Mis-
sissippi River Beautification Project - This event is coordinated by an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 95 and will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 9, near the Spiral Bridge at Grand Avenue East and Hardman Avenue North, along the banks of the Mississippi. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Neighborhood cleanup packs - The City offers cleanup packs with trash bags, gloves, water and other goodies to individuals and groups who pick up trash in their neighborhood. The packs will be available on April 18. Adopt a Street cleanups bags are also avail-
able to those who sponsor a street. Spring Paper Shred event, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 23 at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Avenue. Recycle unwanted documents for free. Earth Day Environmental Expo, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Sunday, April 24 at Clark Grace United Church of Christ, 779 15th Ave. N. This inaugural event is hosted by the Nature of South St. Paul and Clark Grace United Church of Church. Learn about steps you can take to conserve energy, save money and benefit the community. This free, family-friendly
event will also include environmentally friendly giveaways. There are many other ways for you and your family to support the environment throughout the year, such as planting for pollinators, planting a tree in your yard, landscaping with wildflowers and native plants, not using pesticides and chemicals in your garden, conserving water, and getting a rain barrel for your garden and yard. For more ideas or activities, watch the South St. Paul Events and Activities Facebook page or contact Deb Griffith, at 651-554-3230 or Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org.
South St. Paul Voice - April 2022 - Page 5
S ample St. Paul
History Theatre
30 10th St. E. St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com
“Parks: A Portrait of a Young Artist” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays through April 10. At age 14, Gordon Parks left home for St. Paul after the death of his mother in 1926. He lived with his sister until her husband kicked him out of the house and into the streets. While struggling to survive, his mother’s words echoed in his head, “Make a good man of yourself, ’cause you have a choice. You always have a choice.” Inspired by Parks’ book, “A Choice of Weapons,” the play takes the audience into the world of young Gordon Parks, who chose to use a camera
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to fight hatred and discrimination, and became an internationally renowned photographer, composer and filmmaker. Tickets start at $35, with discounts for seniors, those under 30 years old and students. An online streaming option is available April 4-10. Streaming tickets are $25.
History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org
“Art Speaks” is on display through July. It features more than 160 paintings, sculptures and photos collected over the past 15 years and explores the intersection of art and the history of the state. “Our Home: Native Minnesota” - Learn how Minnesota’s Native commu-
nities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values, and an essential connection to home. “Votes for Women” is an online resource available on the History Center website. Learn about extraordinary women, the ratification of the 19th Amendment and more. “Black History, Black Voices” is an online resource available on the History Center website. Learn about Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to Minnesota. Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow” and “Weather Permitting.” The Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., ThursdaySunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students and $8 for children ages five to 17.
Discover Saint Paul College Tuesday, April 12 • 2-7pm
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Black Violin will perform Sunday, April 3 at the Ordway Center.
Landmark Center
75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org
“Black Sea Odyssey” virtual event is held Thursday, Mar. 31. Experience the music, dance, language, foods, costumes and arts and craft traditions of several countries from the Black Sea region of Eastern Europe. “Bandwidth Community Band Festival” is held noon-3 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Listen to marches, pop, Broadway, and jazz performed by some of the top volunteer-based bands in Minnesota. “Romanian Spring Traditions: Pottery” is held
2-3 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Darrel Trulson will teach an introduction to pottery class. Materials will be supplied and no experience is needed. ComMUSICation will present a courtroom concert noon-1 p.m., Thursday, April 7. This free series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as new musicians to the area. Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra will perform 1-3 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Enjoy the music of this oldworld string instrument in a concert of pops, classical and more. “Romanian Spring Traditions: Stitches of Love
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and Folk Music” is offered 1-3 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Learn about basic and intricate cross-stitch patterns, fabrics and threads from a century ago and experience Romanian folk music with artist Romell Alaman. “Ballet Tuesday” is held noon-1 p.m., April 12. Enjoy free ballet performances and demonstrations in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory. Dancers perform excerpts from the company’s repertoire. Jonathan Posthuma, Maria Jette, Mary Jo Gothmann and the Mill City String Quartet will perform a courtroom concert noon- 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 13. Free.
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Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2022
Saint Paul College, A member of Minnesota State
holytrinityssp.org 651.455.8557
745 6th Ave. South St. Paul
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S ample St. Paul Mark Billy, baritone, will perform a courtroom concert noon- 1 p.m., Thursday, April 21. Free. “Urban Expedition: Italy” is offered 1-3 p.m., Sunday, April 24. Free. Georgia Jacobson and Bradley Greenwald will perform a courtroom concert noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 27. Free.
MN Children’s Museum 10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 www.mcm.org
“Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails” is on display through May 8. Travel to the Island of Sodor with Thomas and his friends to solve a variety of challenges, climb into Thomas’ cab, load freight into train cars and fix Percy’s wobbly wheel. Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Backyard, Our World, Forces at Play, Super Awesome Adventures, Imaginopolis and the Tip Top Terrace. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., WedesdaySunday. Tickets are $14.95.
MN Museum of American Art 350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571 www.mmaa.org
“Mestizaje: Intermix-Remix” is on display through June 12. It is only on view from outside the Pioneer Endicott building, installed in the windows on Robert and 4th streets, and in the Ecolab entrance in the skyway. Determining one’s identity has been a constant and evolving concern for immigrants and descendants of Latin American countries living in the United States. Seven Latino artists seek to engage people and community in conversation about the complexity of defining mixed identities through newly created artworks.
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Black Violin will perform rope during the Thirty Years’ 7:30-9 p.m., Sunday, April War. Tickets start at $12. 3. Tickets start at $45. Sphinx Virtuosi, with Schubert Club Border CrosSing will per75 W. 5th St. form at 3 p.m., Sunday, April St. Paul 10. Tickets start at $13. 651-292-3268 Youth Voices Rising is www.schubert.org presented in-person and A digital concert series is virtually at 7 p.m., Tuesday, underway through June and April 12. The celebration available for replay for one will highlight local band week. Imani Winds will have Nunnabove, local activ- their presentation uploaded ist and spoken-word artist at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April Brittany Delaney, and the 28. Cost for a single digital Grammy-nominated vocal- concert is $10. ist, Somi. Tickets are $32 for in-person and $13 for virtual. Free for people under age 25. “The FAWK Super Show... AGAIN!” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Naomi Ko, May Lee-Yang, and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay use comedy to talk about controversial issues. Tickets start at $37. “Choosing Love,” 4-5:30 p.m., Sunday, April 24. VocalEssence and guest artists will perform several co-created original works. Tickets start at $20. Kenny Endo 45th Anniversary Tour, 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 25. Tickets start at $27. Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, 7-9:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 26. Tickets are $22. “Legends and Lies,” 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 29. Cantus and the Bach Society of Minnesota will use music to tell the story of the mischievous Till Eulenspiegel as he SPV-FLMar2022V-Eng.qxp_Layout 1 crossed a battle-weary Eu-
“The Music of Gao Hong, A Celebration of 50 Years of Making Music With Friends” will be presented at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 3. Tickets are $17, with discounts for seniors and students.
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org
“Ultimate Dinosaurs” is on display through April 10. Learn about dinosaur discoveries and scientific research of how continental drift altered the landscape of the ancient world. “Real STEM Stories” is a temporary exhibit in-person and online. Learn about professionals working in the STEM field.
“Action for Earth” is held through May. It features exhibits associated with climate change. “Science Celebration” is held 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, April 14. Take part in curated experiences to engage your senses. This event supports the museum’s efforts to use science to find solutions to climate change. Tickets are $75. Omnitheater films are “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” “Under the Sea.” Theater tickets are $9.95, with discounts for children and seniors. Museum tickets are
$19.95, with discounts for children and seniors.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240 www.xcelenergycenter.com
Bon Jovi, 8 p.m., Sunday April 3. Tickets start at $19.50. Kid Rock, 7:30 p.m., Saturday April 9. Tickets start at $26.50. John Mulaney, will perform stand-up comedy at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 23. Tickets start at $55.50.
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South St. Paul Voice - April 2022 - Page 7
B ack in Time
Your community news and information source
The Doctors Lowe Lois Glewwe Contributor
T
wo of the most wellknown personalities from South St. Paul’s history were brothers Earl and Tom Lowe, both medical doctors. Tom was born in 1894 and Earl two years later. Both graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Earl came to South St. Paul right after graduation in 1922 and opened his practice at 158 N. Concord St. Many residents from those days recalled climbing the somewhat shaky stairs to get to his second-floor office. Tom joined his brother in the practice in 1926. Earl and his wife, Anne,
Student notes University of Mississippi honor roll: Valeria Garcia
Community garden plots First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul, 535 20th Ave. N., has community gar-
lived at 341 Fifth Ave. N., while Tom and his wife, Birdie, made their home down the street at 407 Fifth Ave. N. Other physicians lived on the street, as well, and it came to be called “Pill Hill” – a reference to the original Pill Hill in Rochester, Minn., where many doctors from the Mayo Clinic lived. The brothers held positions in several medical associations and hospitals while serving as staff physicians. Earl was the industrial surgeon for Armour & Company from 1926-1964 and Tom was an instructor at several medical schools. He also worked with the meatpacking firms to provide medical care for the
workers and their families. Tom served in World War I and was active in founding South St. Paul’s American Legion post. While they shared a family practice, the brothers each had a unique approach to medical care. Tom was extremely generous with his time and financial support for families and organizations, and Earl was wellknown for making regular house calls. Both men were on call for the packing plants, and it was not unusual for a workman to show up in their office after cutting off a finger with a sharp knife while preparing meat for packaging. Fed up with trying to save these missing digits, Earl in-
den plots available for rent. Cost is $35 for a 10-by-15foot plot and $45 for a 10-by20-foot plot. The garden is operated in partnership with the Master Gardeners of Dakota County. Master gardeners teach classes and also plant a demonstration garden on site using organic
gardening methods. Volunteers also use the garden to grow vegetables for the Neighbors, Inc. food shelf. Since 2013, gardeners have donated 8,800 pounds of food to Neighbors, Inc. For more information, call 651451-6223 or visit fpcssp.org/ justice-and-witness/#garden.
Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2022
Brothers Dr. Tom Lowe, left, and Dr. Earl Lowe, had a family medical practice in South St. Paul. Earl is credited with inventing the steel mesh glove, which has saved the fingers of many meat cutters. vented and patented a wire mesh glove to protect the fingers of meat cutters. Such gloves are still commonly used at meatpacking firms throughout the world. Earl and Anne had three children: Joan, Alex and
Mary. Alex joined his father and uncle in the medical practice after graduating from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Anne died in 1945 and Earl later married Mildred Bjorklund, who had four grown
children. Earl passed away in 1964, at age 68. Tom and Birdie had one daughter, Bette. Tom lived to the ripe old age of 96. Both Earl and Tom are members of the Otto Bremer South St. Paul Hall of Excellence.
Rummage sale
church at 651-451-2400.
tact information, visit www. southstpaul.org or call 651554-3284. The Special School District 6 School Board meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, visit www.sspps.org or call 651-457-9400.
Luther Memorial Church, 315 15th Ave. N., South St. Paul, is hosting a rummage sale April 28-30. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. For more information, call Shirley at 651-455-5820 or the
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 con-
C ommunity
Your community news and information source
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Luther Memorial Church
315 15th Ave. N. 651-451-2400 luther-memorial.com •
Catholic church 749 6th Ave. S. 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org •
408 3rd St. N. 651-455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org •
779 15th Ave. N. 651-451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org •
St. Augustine’s Catholic Church
Clark Memorial United Church
First Presbyterian
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox church
535 20th Ave. N. 651-451-6223 fpcssp.org •
357 2nd Ave. S. 651-451-0775 www.stsavamn.org •
Concordia Lutheran
Saint John Vianney Catholic Church
255 W. Douglas St. 651-451-0309 concordia-ssp.org •
South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist
Worship Guide
140 6th Ave. N. 651-455-0777 •
Grace Lutheran Church 149 8th Ave. S. 651-451-1035 grace-ssp.org
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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
Education That Suits Your Student SCHOOL CHOICE DIRECTORY
Visit www.stpaulpublishing.com/schoolchoice to explore these schools and for tips on how to choose a school that best fits your student's and family's needs.
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Academia Cesar Chavez 1801 Lacrosse Ave., St. Paul 651-778-2940 | www.cesarchavezschool.com St. Paul City School PreK-12 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul 651-225-9177 | www.stpaulcityschool.org
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St. Paul College 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul 651-846-1600 | https://saintpaul.edu South St. Paul Voice - April 2022 - Page 9
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St. Paul Farmers’ Market gains national recognition Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
T
he St. Paul Farmers’ Market, was recently named one of the top markets in the nation in a USA TODAY reader poll. It came in second behind the West Palm Beach Green Market in Florida. The St. Paul market was recognized for its year-round sales and 19 satellite locations, including one in South St. Paul. There are 8,600 farmers’ markets in the nation. “That was just a thrill,” said David Kotsonas, who has managed the market for 11 years. “The fact that we were included in the top 20 was organic and really nice. I strongly believe that little successes build on each other and over time we’ve leveled up. “The number of markets we have in our network is unique,” he added. “If you include the winter markets, we have 25 locations. There’s not really another network like us.” The downtown market, at 290 5th St. E., is open yearround. The summer season begins April 23 and runs through October. Winter
markets start in November at the downtown location and in greenhouses at Bachmann’s stores throughout the Twin Cities. Typically, about 80 vendors participate at the downtown market during the summer and about 20 in the winter. The greenhouse markets each have about 20 vendors. The downtown market hosts a variety of free pro-
motions throughout the year. Most recently, it held a Superbowl event where visitors could sample chili and get the recipes of their favorites. The event also raised money and nonperishable food items for the Neighborhood House food shelf. On Mother’s Day, families can paint a pot and plant a flower, and on Halloween kids can paint a pumpkin or
a mask. The market also offers live music and cooking demonstrations. For details on future events, visit www. stpaulfarmersmarket.com. Kotsonas said he’s constantly on the lookout for ways to make the market more welcoming and diverse. For example, he recently added a vendor who makes handmade tortillas,
and another who makes “Hmong pancakes.” “For me it’s really important to constantly expand things because I’m trying to increase opportunity for the vendors, especially during the winter,” said Kotsonas. “I strongly believe in the local food movement and that local foods are healthier and better for us and our
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environment.” Despite their success, the markets haven’t been without some hardship. Last summer, vendors were affected by the drought, a labor shortage and supply chain issues, causing prices to rise. Kotsonas said the South St. Paul market is relatively small but added a few vendors last year to total 10, about half the number at the neighboring Signal Hills market in West St. Paul. Kotsonas recently applied for two grants to enhance the downtown market. One is for $20,000 to buy heaters for the winter market. The other is for $50,000 to pay for a shuttle program and add free parking spaces. Additionally, the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program, which last spring was almost cut for use at farmers’ markets, has been bolstered to double the amount of market bucks available to SNAP participants. The South St. Paul market is held 2-6 p.m. each Wednesday, June through September, at 12th Avenue and Southview Boulevard.
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FREE Local Shuttle and Same Day Service on Most Repairs! Page 10 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2022
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Neighbors, Inc. Charlie Thompson President & CEO
Several weeks ago, Kim and I spent a weekend crosscountry skiing to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We arrived on day
one, donned our gear and snapped into our skis. After glancing at the map, we took off for two hours of skiing in what was becoming a snow
Postscript
How Things Are Done
One reason to travel is to discover all over again how things are done. My husband Peter and I are in Mexico, and I was thinking this as we stood, confounded, in front of the washing machine. It would not start. There was a dizzying array of buttons and commands. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that I actually understood what almost all the buttons meant. Unfortunately, my Spanish skills were of no use in actually making the machine start. “We need to put soap in it,” Peter advised. “I don’t think we want to put soap in it until we know we can get water in,” I replied. We continued to poke buttons and stare at the machine, completely flummoxed. The good news was that Alma, a cheerful housekeeper, would be by in three days. We would have to wear dirty clothes only for a weekend
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
and then Alma would come to save us. Peter and I stared at the machine for a few more minutes, pushed a few more buttons, then declared defeat. I decided I could air out a shirt for tomorrow. I don’t know what Peter decided to wear. Something like this happens to us at least three times a day when traveling. Two days ago we found a wonderful bakery, with shelves of pastries and rolls, and other assorted baked goods displayed on the counter. I started telling the woman who worked there which of the rolls and pas-
globe. Thankfully, on the first day, Kim took it easy on me by skiing the easier trails. Nonetheless, I still managed to fall a couple of times. During the next couple of days we spent several hours skiing. The weather was chilly and the snow was well-groomed. The skiing was enjoyable yet humbling. I would come to the top of a hill and the next thing I knew I went face first into a snowbank. This happened several times. Each time I got back up and tried again. There were even times when I simply took my skis off and
walked down the hill. Despite these challenges, we managed to enjoy our time together and returned no worse for wear. This experience exemplifies life’s journey. We start out excited for the journey. We gather the equipment we need to be successful. We chart a course and then we are off. Sometimes we fall face first into a pile of snow. Then, we get back up and try again. That is where Neighbors comes in. We are here for you when life throws you a snowball. When you have
trouble paying the bills, we help with small sums grants. When your kids are growing faster than you can afford to update their wardrobe, we help with a gift card to our Clothes Closet thrift store. When you are hungry and the high cost of groceries prevents you from filling your pantry, we are here to provide relief with food for you and your family. We’re here to help you get back up when you fall down, and we can also help you find more solid footing. We can help guide you to a more grounded place with
our new Financial Empowerment program. This program will connect you with a certified financial counselor who can assist with making a plan to improve your financial well-being and help prevent you from falling again. I look forward to going cross-country skiing again. Even if I fall, I have gained the experience to get back up. And I have the support of others around me to keep me up. At Neighbors, we know that life can knock you down. We are here to help you get back up and try again.
tries I would like and she began putting them in a bag. “Oh, but I don’t want all those!” I tried to tell her in Spanish. Under pressure, it’s a lot harder to come up with the right words to refuse an excessive number of pastries. She gave me a look that I could not quite identify and kept piling all the pastries on the counter into the bag. Finally, she finished filling the bag and handed it to a woman standing behind me, who I had not even noticed in my eagerness to buy pastries. They were her pastries. The bakery woman handed me a tray (it looked like, and I’m pretty sure it was, a pizza pan) and pointed to the
shelves loaded with baked goods, with sets of tongs conveniently located at the bottom of every shelf. “Oh.” After I apologized to the bakery woman (who clearly thought I was an idiot) and the woman with the bag of pastries (who had good reason to feel the same), Peter and I began to select a few rolls and pastries – but nowhere near as many as we thought we would have to buy a moment earlier. Late that night I started
giggling in bed. “That woman thought the gringos were going to make off with her pastries!” I said to Peter. He started chuckling. “There’s a whole lot of ways of doing things we know nothing about,” he noted. Peter is right. And that is a big reason why we like to travel as we do, living among people who live in those places all the time, embarrassing ourselves regularly while we encounter new ways – and often better ways – of doing things
we do all the time without thinking. Alma sorted out the washing in no time flat. Three buttons were all that were required to get it started. I have no idea why there were so many. They were put there to be ignored, apparently. Peter and I now have clean clothes and a nice supply of fresh bread. It feels like a major accomplishment because, actually, it is. Till next time.
“Ours is a Service of Sincerity”
“Lo nuestro es un servicio de sinceridad”
Since 1927
Desde 1927
Ken B. Peterson
Ken B. Peterson
Owner-Director
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651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com
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Tennis, off-court character development & more! Johnson-Peterson
Who: Youth ages 5-18 When: Monday through Thursday, June 20 - July 28 651-222-3220 www.johnsonpeterson.com Where: Many sites across St. Paul Cost: $150, scholarships available
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Half-Day ACE Camps
Camps will feature tennis lessons and fun off-court activities, many related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Lunch provided.
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Who: Youth ages 8-12 When: Monday through Thursday, August 8-11 & August 15-18 from 8:30am to 12:30pm Where: Arkwright Park, Eastview Recreation Center, & Carty Park Cost: $180, scholarships available For more information about our summer programs, visit www.stpaulurbantennis.org/youthprograms, email admin@urbantennis.org, or call 651-222-2879 South St. Paul Voice - April 2022 - Page 11
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Looking for a new career? Join our team!
Let’s start the conversation! Want to work for a diverse, rewarding industry? BankCherokee is looking for talented staff to handle jobs ranging from commercial lending and consumer banking to customer service, and more.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55057 32 West Mendota Road Now accepting resumes! Inver Grove Heights, MN 55057 Do you love animals and want to be part ofRoad a growing, fast-paced 32 West Mendota Follow along on Facebook for updates on animalInver hospital Grove that provides excellent care? If so, we invite you Heights, Southview Sanctuary and toMN learn55057 more! to join our team. Due to expansion, Southview Animal Hospital www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Follow on Facebook for updates on hasalong the following positions available: Southview Sanctuary and to learn more! Follow along on Facebook for updates on www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Southview Sanctuary and to learn more! Care) Veterinarian (Associate, Overnight Emergency/Urgent www.facebook.con/SouthviewAnimalHospital Veterinary Technician
Tech / Kennel Assistant Customer Service Representative
Visit our website and explore a new career in banking! www.bankcherokee.com/careers
To apply, send resume to Kparish@southviewanimalhospital.com
Coming Soon
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Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2022
Member FDIC
Southview Animal Hospital is opening Southview Sanctuary Center for Rescue Veterinary Care Clinic in early 2022, located at 32 W. Mendota Road, Inver Grove Heights. Follow along at www.Facebook.com/SouthviewAnimalHospital.