The Lowdown

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What does a perfect weekend look like for you?

RANDY PAULSON

Staff Writer | lowdownnews@presspubs.com

Sleeping in a couple of extra hours each day for sure. I’d then spend the rest of the weekend riding my bike, visiting a restaurant I’ve never been to and catching a theatre show or movie. I’d wind down each day by reading for a couple of hours.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER

Interim Quad Press Editor | lowdownnews@presspubs.com

My perfect weekend would be sleeping in a tent deep in the forest, no rain or biting bugs, spending all day hiking and exploring, and winding down around a campfire in the evening.

RANDY ROBERTS

Multimedia Consultant | lowdown@presspubs.com

Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. I’ll take a nice weekend for biking around the area trails.

MELISSA MCELIN

Production Manager | art@presspubs.com

Getting extra rest, hanging out with family, reading and creating artwork.

PAUL DOLS

Photojournalist/Website Editor | photos@presspubs.com

Stringing some days together in a secluded location near water where the passage of time is dictated by the rising and setting of the sun, not a clock.

Population, housing options on the rise in area

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

The past decade and change has been a time of growth for central and northern Washington County in terms of population and places for people to live.

Nowhere has that growth been more pronounced than in Lake Elmo, which from 2010 to 2020 grew in population from 8,069 people to 11,335.

More recently, the city’s population stands at close to 13,000 people, per U.S. Census data.

The jump in number of residents — and housing — didn’t take off in earnest until the middle of the decade, though, according to City Administrator Kristina Handt.

“We've been adding about 250 to 300 new homes each year since about 2016. Our growth really kicked off in 2015,” Handt said, adding the population spurt is because the city was connected to a regional sewer system at the urging of the Met Council in 2014.

The city went from 41 permits for new housing units in 2014 to 142 permits in 2015 and 336 permits in 2016.

“I would say we do about 250 new homes on average each year. Sometimes it's closer to 300. This past year, I think we just barely crossed 200,” Handt said.

She noted the growth has been contained to main spots: along I-94 to the south, and in the city’s downtown or “Old Village” area to the northeast along Lake Elmo Avenue and Stillwater Boulevard.

“It's not our plan to have all of Lake Elmo be developed at these high densities; we still really value the rural areas,” Handt said.

On Hudson Boulevard and east of Julia Avenue North, for instance, is the Springs at Lake Elmo Apartments building, which was completed in the past couple of years and has 300 units. Development of townhomes to the north of that apartment complex along Fifth Street North has been ongoing, and another 190-unit apartment building is in the works to the northeast of Springs at Lake Elmo.

Other new housing developments in the last decade include the Easton Village development and Northport development, each of which is west of Lake Elmo Airport on Manning Avenue and has 217 and 104 units, respectively. The Legacy at North Star housing development is situated west of Lake Elmo Avenue North and has 262 dwellings, while the Wildflower development is east of Lake Elmo Avenue with 145 dwellings.

Handt noted a shift in the types of new housing in Lake Elmo. Although most of the earlier developments were for single-family units (which also is what 82% of the city’s housing stock was as of 2017), newer developments have tended toward townhomes and apartments.

Boulder Ponds Senior Living in the south on Jade Trail and Arbor Glen to the north on 39th Street, meanwhile, provide housing for seniors, including a mix of long-term care units, single-family and rental units.

According to projections from the Met Council, Lake Elmo’s population is projected to grow to about 18,000 people by 2030 and to more than 22,000 by 2040. That slowdown in the 2030s is expected,

since much of the newly sewered areas will likely be developed by then.

Another wrinkle in Lake Elmo’s growth saga has been the need for more water supply wells, despite a limitation on groundwater use due to previous chemical contamination. The city also is prevented from placing new wells to the north because of a 2017 district court order for a residential watering ban for White Bear Lake and areas within a 5-mile radius due to low lake levels.

The water problems have, in turn, slowed down the expansion of new housing relative to what housing growth could have been.

“Many of those developers are still hanging around, and I expect to see them back here once that gets lifted,” Handt said.

She said the city itself has opted to let the market drive itself when it comes to meeting housing needs going forward.

She referenced the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2040, which provides flexibility in anticipating future development needs.

“It could be high-density residential housing, or it could be commercial or business park developments. We want to be nimble in that way in working with developers,” she said.

Forest Lake hasn’t seen quite the population surge as Lake Elmo, but has still experienced an uptick in its number of residents and housing options for them.

The county’s northwesternmost outpost grew by 2,236 people from 2010 to 2020.

Chelsea Erickson, a real estate agent with LaBelle Real Estate Group, recalled how the community had a low housing inventory even before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020.

Despite COVID-19, she said the housing market at the time was still active, as people either sought to relocate or complete improvements to their houses while stuck at home.

COVID-related supply chain issues and skyrocketing costs of building materials presented barriers to new construction, though Erickson noted new housing construction in Forest Lake is more recently “in full bloom.”

“We are still historically behind the scene when it comes to having enough housing for the demand,” she said.

Whenever a new house hits the market, Erickson typically gets calls from people asking about it or wanting to look at it before it gets sold.

“If it's priced right and there's a perceived value there, it will sell,” she said.

At the end of 2022, Erickson said the average sale price in Forest Lake was $410,947, which was up 7.5% from the previous year. Median sale price, meanwhile, was $365,000.

New construction for townhomes tends to be in the $300,000-and-under range, while new construction of single-family homes is generally $400,000 or more. A house in Forest Lake that’s on the market will spend about 35 to 45 days there, as of mid-February, making it a seller’s market.

“It's less than six months. However, are we starting to see sellers be a little bit more amenable to buyer demand?

Yep. Because the ultimate goal is to get the home sold,” she added.

Recently finished housing structures in Forest Lake haven’t just been

single-family homes; multifamily and rental units have been on the rise too.

Timber Ridge Luxury Apartments, for instance, recently completed two buildings on Everton Avenue North: One opened its doors in November and the other did so in February. Those apartment units include a mix of studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom spaces. Just to the southwest on

the market tends to pick up again. She also pointed out how each buyer is unique, and that it’s difficult to classify prospective homeowners into neat categories.

“They're all going to have different needs,” Erickson said.

Richard McDonough, an associate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in Stillwater, said “there’s still a ton of demand” for housing in and around the Washington County seat community, which also is a seller’s market.

“It's great to see all the people in Stillwater, not not only from a tourist standpoint, but coming out here because of all that the St. Croix Valley has to offer,” McDonough said.

Stillwater saw a modest uptick in population from 2010 to 2020 — an increase of 1,169 people — though McDonough called that growth normal.

Since most of the developable land in Stillwater has already been developed, McDonough said there isn’t as much opportunity for new construction to occur. That scarcity of developable real estate has pushed up prices. New single-family homes, for instance, tend to come in at about $500,000 or more, while townhomes fall between $200,000-$300,000.

“$200,000 to $300,000 for a first-time homebuyer for a single-family home, in some respects, is non-existent for us. We just, unfortunately, have a high price point. And that house at $200,000 or $300,000, in many cases, is a fixer-upper,” he said.

Stillwater also has demand for more rental housing and has seen a subsequent expansion of apartment options in town.

For example, real estate developer Reuter-Walton Development converted the former Chestnut Building in the 200 block of downtown Stillwater into a 61-unit luxury apartment building dubbed The Miller. It’s set to welcome tenants in May.

Ground will break for construction on another 21-unit luxury apartment edifice — Chapel Hill Flats — this spring, up the hill from the Lowell Inn on Myrtle Street East.

POPULATION GROWTH

the opposite side of 19th Street Southwest are Gateway Green Townhomes and Apartments, which were completed in 2019.

If this year is anything like previous years, Erickson predicted the housing market will slow down throughout July and August as families become busy with summer activities and take vacation. Once school starts in September,

Although the need for rental and multifamily housing is apparent, McDonough said the price of rent has also been going up. The choice of renting versus buying also entails a tradeoff: Tenants put their monthly housing costs toward rent instead of toward a mortgage and building up equity.

McDonough encouraged homeowners who may be looking to sell to consult with real estate professionals to determine their house’s value, instead of relying on online tools that give value estimates.

“Every location is unique, and every house is unique,” he said. “That's where it's important that, whoever that expert is, gives you the proper information.”

CONTRIBUTED

A crane towers over downtown Stillwater as construction is underway for a new apartment building.

New Washington County Library director talks job, future goals

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

Jacqueline Kramer recently began a new chapter in her library leadership career.

The Morrison County native became Washington County Library director at the end of January and has spent the past few weeks settling into the job, meeting library and county staff and visiting the eight library branch locations. She’s also joined the process of developing Washington County Library’s new strategic plan and learning about services the communities need.

Kramer graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2006. She later earned her master’s degree in library and information science in 2011 from St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

Press Publications caught up with Kramer to learn more about her new position and what she’s looking forward to doing in the role. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q: What interested you in the library director role and in pursuing work in the library science field in general?

Kramer: I have been working in libraries for over 15 years with more than 10 of those years in a leadership role. I enjoy strategic planning and working collaboratively with staff, community members and organizations to find the best ways to serve our community. Library science is a service profession. Library workers specialize in information service — which includes many things. Libraries help people, whether that is finding their next good read, learning how to use a computer, finding a safe space or developing and nurturing reading skills in kids. Libraries offer so much that can improve people’s lives.

Q: Do you primarily work out of one library or central office in the county, or do you travel to different libraries as part of the job?

Kramer: My office is located under-

10 years of baby birds: A look inside the nest of 2 Minnesota bald eagles

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM QUAD PRESS EDITOR

neath R. H. Stafford Library in Woodbury. However, I’m excited to visit our branches frequently and work with the incredible library staff located throughout the county.

Q: What are you looking forward to doing as library director as you get settled into the role? Do you have specific goals or priorities when it comes to overseeing and supporting the county’s many libraries?

Kramer: I am looking forward to finalizing our strategic plan and determining some goals that will guide the future of our library system. Achieving those goals will entail working closely with library and county staff, community members and partner organizations. I am excited to make connections, find innovative ways to serve Washington County communities and see the impacts of that work.

Q: What did you do for work previously?

Kramer: I worked at Anoka County Library as the assistant director for six years. Prior to that, I managed the Sweetwater County Library in Green River, Wyoming, and worked at the Minnesota Historical Society Library. My first library job was with Wilson Library at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, during my time as an undergraduate.

Q: Are you originally from Washington County? If not, how did you get acquainted with the area?

Kramer: I grew up on a farm in Morrison County but have lived in the Twin Cities metro area for around 16 years. Libraries around the metro work collaboratively on many projects and services, so while working for Anoka County I became familiar with Washington County’s library leadership and initiatives.

Q: Since you work in a library setting, is it safe to assume you enjoy reading? What kinds of books do you like to read?

Kramer: I do enjoy reading! I’m a huge fan of literary fiction, memoirs, poetry and nonfiction leadership and development titles.

Q: Outside of work, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Kramer: I enjoy paper crafting, running, baking and gardening.

Q: What’s another fun fact about yourself you’d like people to know?

Kramer: I grew up on a farm in central Minnesota, where we raised beef cattle and crops. I learned how to drive a tractor and did my fair share of picking rocks and baling hay. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

Waiting Child

Dennis,16, is a polite and soft-spoken young man. Many people describe him as cooperative, helpful, and kind. Dennis makes it point to go out of his way to do a random act of kindness for a friend or stranger every day – whether it’s lending someone a pen or pencil in class or helping a stranger while out and about. Dennis excels in school and would like to be a meteorologist and storm chaser in the future. In his free time, he likes to play Magic: The Gathering and basketball with his peers. Dennis loves food and is always down for a trip to a buffet (Pizza Ranch is his favorite!).

Makaila,12, is outgoing with a big personality! Makaila enjoys making friends and having conversations with peers and adults. She has a huge heart and is very artistic and creative. Makaila enjoys being helpful around the home, especially when it comes to caring for animals, as she dreams of becoming a vet someday. She likes to stay active and loves to spend hours at the local park. In her free time, you will find Makaila working on arts and craft projects, playing with her Pop-Its collection, completing word search puzzles, or learning a new board game. She also enjoys reading, and proudly reports that she was able to read 50 books over summer break last year.

Dennis and Makaila prefer a home with pets. They will do best with caregivers who can provide structure and routine. Following adoption, Dennis and Makaila need to maintain contact with their older sibling.

ST. PAUL — If all goes well, viewers who tune in to the Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam this month can expect to see a few fluffy nestlings opening their beaks wide to accept deliveries of bits of fish and animal protein from their hardworking parents.

Millions of people from Minnesota and beyond enjoy an up-close view of these behaviors in real-time through the DNR EagleCam livestream. The EagleCam first started in 2013 and is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.

Eagle nests are massive structures, built high out of the reach of ground predators and added to year after year. The male and female know just how to divide their roles, the female incubating eggs at night while the male sits close by defending the territory.

“They tend to stay together; you could say until death do us part or until a better mate comes in,” said Lori Naumann, spokesperson for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, which manages the nest camera and livestream. “They have a stronger fidelity to the territory than they do to their partner. If they feel this is a great territory, with a great food source year round, they will defend their territory, and it is a coveted site.”

As DNR scientists, they have to be careful not to anthropomorphize, even though fans of the eagles love to do so anyway. Members of the Friends of the Minnesota Nongame EagleCam Facebook page call the current pair Nancy and Beau.

“They are rabid followers, and they are very passionate about this particular nest,” Naumann said. “Some of the people watch the camera constantly. It amazes me how much they catch.”

There are a few privileged photographers who were aware of the nest before it had a camera in it, and they still visit the site to take photos. Each year they produce a calendar of photos that they sell to benefit the Nongame Wildlife program.

The popularity of the nest cam skyrocketed during the pandemic, Naumann said people were looking to connect with nature and keep themselves entertained at home. When the chicks hatched in March 2020, there were viewers from 150 countries and all 50 states.

The stream is also used frequently in school curricula and in spaces such as care centers and meeting rooms, where it adds a touch of the wild. Recent research has even suggested that exposure to livestream wildlife cameras can help improve quality of life and promote a deep love of conservation in viewers.

Eagles have bounced back to healthy numbers since they were dangerously threatened by hunting and chemical pollutants in the mid1900s, but these birds are a charismatic face for the Nongame Wildlife Program, which works to conserve other threatened species in Minnesota.

Sometimes, it seems that people love eagles more than eagles love each other. The EagleCam is not always family-friendly viewing, and the DNR gives a warning that the lives of wild eagles can often be brutal and difficult to

watch.

Many chicks don’t make it through the difficulties of life in the nest. Eggs usually hatch a few days apart, resulting in varying sizes between siblings, and it’s tough to be the littlest. Siblings have been known to peck at each other and even push each other out of the nest. In some cases where food was in short supply, eaglets and even adult eagles have eaten the weakest member of the aerie.

Adults face many challenges as well—in recent years the territory has been in a shakeup as first one male disappeared, then another, with avian influenza as the suspect.

Not to mention, eagles like to eat some things that people consider cute and fuzzy—and sometimes when they arrive in the nest, they aren’t quite dead yet.

“It’s usually very bloody and gruesome,” Naumann said. “But viewers who have been watching a long time get accustomed to that, and they get excited when food comes into the nest. It’s tough to watch sometimes, but one of the things is that people have realized that this is nature. They’ve become a little bit more accustomed to it.”

The exact location of the nest is kept secret to protect the birds from disturbance, but anyone can swing by the nest virtually. Visit the EagleCam at www.dnr. state.mn.us/features/ webcams/eaglecam/ index.html.

12

Dennis,16 Makaila,

CONTRIBUTED

Jacqueline Kramer

MINNESOTA DNR NONGAME WILDLIFE PROGRAM | CONTRIBUTED

This pair of eagles are the star of the show on the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife EagleCam.

Birding for mental health

Although the robin gets folkloric fame for being the harbinger of spring, anyone who watches birds closely will be a little more excited by the species I saw on a recent drive though the farm fields—the horned lark. These little songbirds look like quite a character, with a black face mask, butter-yellow throat and two tiny “horns,” or raised feathers known delightfully as plumicorns.

Getting in Tune

PPP, ERTC, who CARES?

It is over now, we think.

Last week President Biden announced that federal pandemic programs will end in May.

I watched a comedy special by Jo Koy recently where he was recalling how we all acted during the spring of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Funny stuff from sneezing in masks to hoarding toilet paper.

The passage of nearly three years has hopefully given us some perspective. In hindsight, it all looks fairly crazy now. Then? Not so much.

Federal and state governments looked at all sorts of financial aid during lockdowns to prevent businesses closing, bankruptcies and overall social unrest from occurring.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law at the end of March, 2020.

Tom Stangl

The $2.2 trillion measure had provisions for individuals to receive stimulus payments, parents to receive extra funds for school age children, free lunches for school age children and many other benefits.

Many businesses qualified for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a forgivable loan program from the Small Business Administration designed to help businesses keep their employees during the pandemic. Over $800 billion was loaned and then forgiven.

Another CARES program, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), is a refundable tax credit for qualifying employee wages. Businesses of five or more employees are able to qualify for up to $13,000 per year ($26,000 total) tax credit for 2020 and 2021 for full time employees.

ERTC was initially reserved for businesses that didn’t get PPP. However, the rules were

• Limited to 350 words.

changed and firms who previously got PPP can get ERTC. ERTC sunsets in June (maybe sooner with the recent announcement of an end to federal pandemic programs), so there is limited time for businesses that qualify to amend their tax returns and get their money.

I know many people have ethical, moral or political objections to government programs. On an intellectual level, I can understand and appreciate the objections. But pandemic relief that individuals and businesses qualify for and legally are entitled to receive for me is a different thing altogether.

This newspaper qualified for PPP and ERTC. We have used the funds to keep people employed and the business going during some major disruptions brought on by the pandemic.

We have decided to partner with Easy Tax Credits, LLC, to help spread the work about ERTC. Easy Tax Credits, LLC is a familyowned business run by a newspaper family, the Richners, in New York. The CEO of our company has known the Richners for years and after hearing a presentation about Easy Tax Credits, LLC, we made the decision to work with the company.

You have probably seen the ads in this paper and on the website for the company. We want every small business of five or more employees to get the CARES Act funding they are entitled to under the law.

W hether that means working with your payroll tax advisor or Easy Tax Credits, LLC, we hope businesses make sure they aren’t leaving money on the table. This paper does receive a commission on business referred to Easy Tax Credits, LLC. Please see the ad in the paper or visit the website.

The COVID-19 pandemic was awful. We look forward to getting back to whatever is normal now.

Tom Stangl is publisher of Sentinel Publications, an affiliated company of Press Publications

• Submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

Horned larks are early nesters, and many are in the process of making their northward migration back to their summer grounds in the northern U.S., Canada and as far north as the Arctic Circle. Even though we’re in for heavy snow this week from the sounds of it, it’s an encouraging sign to see these birds, reminding us spring is not too far away.

This time of year is especially rough for many of us. It’s a time when our mental health is often at its worst. Limited daylight and hours stuck inside contribute to seasonal depression, and the effects ripple through the other sectors of our lives.

Recently I’ve been learning a lot about how spending time in nature can benefit mental and physical health. Many people notice they just feel better in natural spaces, but there’s actual scientific research to back it up.

I’ve noticed a lot of mental (and physical) health benefits from my favorite hobby: birding. When I’m stuck in a bad mood or stressed, birding can redirect my attention. It requires close observation of my surroundings, which gets me out of those unpleasant thought spirals in my head. In some instances, it becomes almost like meditation—fully engaging the senses and rooting me in the present moment.

It can also be motivating when you don’t feel like doing much, allowing you to engage in your surroundings in a playful way. Some people even get competitive, keeping extensive lists of what birds they see and where. If you’re new to it, there are many free resources such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Merlin Bird ID app that can help you identify the birds you see.

I’ve enjoyed using eBird, an app that lets you track bird observations and share them to a wider database that is sometimes used for population research. It’s a way to participate in citizen science while also appreciating the beauty in the here and now. The app will even tell you where the “hotspots” are in your community, and what birds have been seen there lately.

Once you have a handle on it, birding adds a new and exciting dimension to anywhere you go. Travel becomes more interesting. Even locations that seem unappealing—sewage ponds, for example—become the scene of intense observation.

It isn’t always easy or accessible to spend time outdoors in the winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy nature. Keeping a bird feeder in your yard is one way to keep a close eye on wildlife from the comfort of your own home. Recent research has suggested that even watching a livestream wildlife camera can provide some of the same effects as actually spending time in nature.

If the winter blues are getting to you as we push through these final weeks of winter, take a page out of my book. Take a moment to notice the birds around you. It might change your routine and add some brightness to your day.

THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

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be accompanied by factual verification.

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• Deadline is

Publisher’s Desk

Jackie Bussjaeger is Interim Editor of the Quad Community Press

Jackie Bussjaeger

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Horned lark in a snowy field.

STILLWATER MAP LEARN ABOUT THE STORE

1 K&J Catering

Where: 5920 Neal Ave. N., Stillwater

Contact: 651-770-6110

Website: k-jcatering.com

About Us

K&J Catering is a full-service catering company. We service events throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area. K&J Catering has been family owned and operated since 1984. We specialize in affordable, buffet-style catering.

2 Caribou Coffee Drive-up

Where: 2051 Washington Ave., Stillwater

Contact: 651-390-8100

Website: ocations.cariboucoffee.com/us/mn/stillwater/2051-washington-

ave

About Us

Our Caribou Coffee location at 2051 Washington Ave. is a premium coffeehouse featuring high-quality, handcrafted beverages and all-day breakfast items. Delight in classics like freshly brewed hot coffee, iced lattes and mochas made with real chocolate, vanilla and caramel. Enjoy signature to Caribou Coffee espresso drinks: Turtle Mocha, Caramel High Rise® and Mint Condition Mocha®. Plus, find delicious food offerings including a variety of high-quality breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and snacks to fuel life’s adventures. This location features mobile ordering, indoor seating and a drive-thru window. Download the Caribou Coffee app, for easy ordering, menu information, store hours and to get the most out of the Caribou Perks® experience.

3 Details Barber Lounge

Where: 1421 Stillwater Blvd, Stillwater

Contact: 651-430-7066

Website: www.detailsbarberloungemn.com/stillwater-booking

About Us

Please join us as the Chamber welcomes us to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on March 20! At Details, we strive for perfection, not only in the haircuts but also in our client experience. Everyone is welcome at Details: the young, the not-so-young, men and women. We offer all of the latest trends as well as a traditional hot towel straight-razor shave. When you come through the door, you can feel the difference. You are home!

4 Carlson Dental Group

Where: 1701 Curve Crest Blvd Suite 100, Stillwater

Contact: 651-401-1177

Website: www.stillwaterbeautifulsmiles.com/

About Us

At Carlson Dental Group, you’ll discover right away that Drs. Sarah Carlson and Michael Rohlf bring unique skills, advanced education and particular talents to the practice while sharing the same genuine passion for providing comfortable, friendly patient care that has given families new reasons to smile. Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 4-5 p.m. March 23.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

*Athletes chosen by press staff

Jacob Aho Lexi Karlen

Forest Lake Wrestler Stillwater Basketball

Jacob Aho, Forest Lake senior wrestler, is ranked No. 5 in Class 3A at 120 pounds heading into the post-season. One of the leaders of an 18-4 team, Aho has a 28-4 record and nine pins. He has placed fourth at state the last two years. He holds a career record of 130-28, including 36-6 as a junior. “Jacob’s biggest attributes are his athleticism and speed,” said coach Joe Kunshier.

Lexi Karlen anchors the Stillwater basketball team that’s 20-3 and ranked No. 9 in Class 4A. The 6-foot senior is averaging 16.9 points and eight rebounds, shooting 52%, equally capable at driving, posting up and hitting jump shots. “Lexi plays great defense,” adds coach Tim Peper. “She is able to guard her own girl and protect the rim to cover up any mistakes that we might make defensively.” Karlen averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds as a junior, and 9.6 points and 8.6 rebounds as a sophomore. She has signed with Minnesota-Duluth.

Samantha Ernst Cash Jaeger Forest Lake Gymnastics Stillwater Alpine Ski

Samantha Ernst, Forest Lake junior gymnast, ranks high on the state honor roll heading into sectionals. Her top scores rank fifth in allaround (37.575), fourth on vault (9.6), eighth on bars (9.5) and 10th on beam (9.45). She joined the Rangers this year after competing in the Flyaways club previously. “Vault is probably her strongest event, where she does a layout tsukahara, which has a 10.0 start value,” coach Lindsey Perron said. “Sami is an exceptionally hard worker, always willing to try new things and perfect the skills she already has.”

Cash Jaeger, Stillwater junior, placed second in the state Alpine Ski meet on Feb. 14, with times of 36.13 on the Red run and 38.50 on the Blue for a total of 114.63, just .3 off the lead, at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. He paced the Ponies to a third-place team finish. Jaeger was the Section 7 champion with a time of 1:11.93, also at Biwabik.

Wyoming Dental

A smile tells a thousand words, at Wyoming

Denal they is a dedicated team to giving you high-quality dental care. They offer a full range of dental services, so all of your family’s needs are met under one roof. Their goal is for you to leave our office with a memorable and enjoyable dental experience, which is their welcoming and

compassionate staff will do everything they can to make you feel right at home. Dr. Matt has been providing quality dentistry in Wyoming since 2020, happy to

welcome patients from the nearby areas as well, including Forest Lake, Hugo, Stacy, North Branch, Chisago Lakes, Lindstrom, and East Bethel. If you are looking to brighten and enhance your smile, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them today at (651) 4625150!

Sunrise Draperies

Need a change? Not sure where to begin?

The choices are overwhelming, Heather and the team at Sunrise Draperies can help!

Instead of diving into a sea of fabric choices

Heather can help design a window treatment that compliments the existing design of your

room. Whether a new construction home, updating existing window treatment, assisted living buildings or hotels. Offers Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Valances, Draperies, and pillows custom made in Forest Lake. Reach out to them today at 651-429-2250.

CONTRIBUTED

The Science Behind Keeping Our Lakes Healthy

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Join water monitoring experts from the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District to learn about the current health of lakes, factors used to determine that health rating, and various citizen science programs available to residents. Registration required.

Contact: 651-675-7300

ARTIST TALK WITH RANDY HOYT

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2

Where: ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St.,

Stillwater

Details: Discussion with artist of current exhibit “Capturing Time.” Free.

Contact: artreachstcroix.org

WINTER GALA AND AWARDS

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 3

Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St. N.,

Stillwater

Details: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce annual fundraising event honors local leaders and includes live music, mingling, silent auction and raffle.

Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com

MASON DIXON LINE

When: 3:30 & 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4

Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St.

Details: Two shows featuring country music's biggest hits. Ticket information online.

Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

DRIVER DISCOUNT PROGRAM

When: 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 8

Where: Community Thread, 342 5th Ave N., Bayport

Details: Four-hour refresher class provides drivers with latest safety information and updates about laws and technology so they can receive a discount on insurance. Registration required.

Contact: 888-234-1294 or driverdiscountprogram.com

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY

When: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8

Where: Zoom

Details: Join researcher Jon Quijano to learn about the people who have called the St. Croix Valley home for thousands of years. Free.

Contact: wchsmn.org

GUIDED BIRD HIKE

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: Big Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N.

Details: Learn to identify the birds

that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. Trail conditions vary. Free with parking permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington. mn.us/parks

STILLWATER WINTER FARMERS MARKET

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater

Details: Shop for locally-grown produce, baked goods, artisan foods and confections, and handicrafts.

Contact: facebook.com/ StillwaterMNFarmersMarket

JOHN GORKA IN CONCERT

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix

Details: Library fundraiser features nationally-touring folk singer. Tickets include dessert; available online. Contact: marinecommunitylibrary.org

COMMUNITY SING A LONG

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12

Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St.

Details: Singer, songwriter Ann Reed and pianist and accordionist Dan Chouinard will lead a community singalong in celebration of the Academy Awards, including a selection of show-tunes and popular music. Free; RSVP requested. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

INTERNET BASICS

When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest lake

Details: Workshop to help participants navigate browsers, search engines, and websites.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

FARE FOR ALL

When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 14

Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W, Stillwater

Details: Public can purchase food at a discount through a curbside delivery model.

Contact: 763-450-3880 or fareforall.org

CLOVER BEE FARMS PRESENTS: MEET A LOCAL FARMER

When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 18

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest lake

Details: Meet a farmer and learn what it takes to grow the produce you see at a farmer's market in your own garden. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

WHITE BEAR LAKE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

WOMEN WALKING

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 18

Where: Belwin Conservancy Hilltop Classroom, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton

Details: Seasonal refreshments and centering exercises, walking meditations in the woods and prairies, and bonfire. Registration required. Contact: belwin.org/events

STILLWATER'S MOST INFAMOUS LADY

When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21

Where: Zoom

Details: Learn about “Red Nelle” Mandeville, a businesswoman who hired women to entertain local lumberjacks. Free.

Contact: wchsmn.org

WILDLIFE SHOW

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23

Where: Stillwater Public Library

Details: Sustainable Safari show includes natural history discussion and hand-on experience with 5 different animals. Free; registration required. Contact: stillwaterlibrary.org

TRAVEL SHOW

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23

Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater

Details: Learn about vacation experiences with Landmark Tours. Free; registration encouraged. Contact: 651-439-7434

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

When: March 7 p.m. March 24, 25, 26, & 31; 7 p.m. April 1 & 2; 2 p.m. March 25 & April 1

Where: Grace Church, 432 11th Ave. SE, Forest Lake

Details: Grace Community Theatre

Production. See ticket information online.

Contact: gracechurchfl.net/gracecommunity-theatre

SMOKED TURKEY BOOYAH DRIVE THRU

When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26

Where: Forest Lake Masonic Lodge, 119 SE 8th Ave.

Details: Pick up a large to-go bowl and support the Masons fundraiser for the Forest Lake High School Clay Target team.

Contact: forestlakemasons.com

VINTAGE VIEWFINDER

PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A studio assistant poses for a photograph in the carefully arranged office space and studio of Stillwater Area photographer John Runk sometime around 1910, when he opened the new business space in downtown Stillwater. Runk was dedicated to documenting the historic changes he was witnessing in the area and along with the extensive number of photographs he took, he also promoted a service of restoring and duplicating old photos — if he was also allowed to keep a copy for his historical archives. Find more information about upcoming Washington County Heritage Center events and exhibits at https://www.wchsmn.org/museum/heritagecenter/.

OUT & ABOUT: CONTINUED

VIETNAM VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26

Where: American Legion Post #225, 355 West Broadway, Forest Lake

Details: Public event to honor Vietnam Veterans.

Contact: post225.com

NEA BIG READ IN THE ST. CROIX VALLEY

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30

Where: ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St.,Stillwater

Details: NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley 2023 kicks off with opening exhibitions of “Roz Chast: Upper West Side Meets Upper Midwest” and “Art on Caregiving, Aging, Death and Dying.”

Contact: artreachstcroix.org

SPRING CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 1 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 2

Where: Forest Lake Middle School 21395 Goodview Ave. N.

Details: Food, crafters and vendors.

Contact: rsgdevelopment.com

END IN MIND'S ART OF DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS WITH CATHY WURZER

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 2

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St. N., Stillwater

Details: Learn about artist-driven tools to help people have difficult conversations about illness, death and dying. Free; advance registration required. Contact: 651-439-1465 or artreachstcroix.org

Sustainable Safari

Thank You for helping to make the 2nd annual World Snow Sculpting Championship a huge success! It was SNOW much fun! Thank You to the City of Stillwater, the steering committee, businesses, volunteers and community members! Save the date, January 17-21, 2024!

Thank YOU Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Media Partner

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Snowfall Sponsors

Snowman Sponsors

Frosty Friends

Around the Lakes

We’re Forest Lake’s original grooming shop, operating since 1989. Petstyles is celebrating 25 years of ownership by Kari Halvorson. Your pets are like family to us. We remain 100% committed to your pet from start to finish. It’s all we do and we make your pet look and feel its best! Always have and always will! Be sure to check out our photos of happy clients on Instagram/Facebook

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is se eking a staff writer to join its awardwinning team As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial conten t and layout for our newspapers, website and social media page s. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings ta king photog raphs assisting with the layout pr ocess, coordinating, writin g occasiona l ed itorial columns and ma intaining a positive relation ship with the commun ity at large.

We are lo oking for a ca ndidate who is an efficient writer passionate about local community news and gr eat at time managment. Candida tes sh ould have a degree in journalism (or a relate d field) and have rele vant experience

To apply, please send resume cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews @pressp ubs.com

Imag ine cruising the St Croix River this spring in a 25.5' Bayliner Cruiser. The Saratoga will make memories! Grill steaks or impossible burgers, the sky is the limit!

Boat has Refrigerator, Sink Grill, 2 batter ies, Marine radio, hardtop, full canvas,new power 26 0hp, 5.7 MerCruiser $7500. Located at Wolf's Marina in Stillwater Must se ll due to ski accident

612-599-1729

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

NOW HIRING DRIVERS

Guaranteed minimum salary up to $20 per hour depending on shift 651-653-9845 4687

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO PATTY STEELE AT MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM OR CALL 651-407-1213

(651) 494-9252

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKERS POSITIONS

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance

Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day).

Salary range from $14.00 /hour to $18.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

651-653-7389

MOVING SALE!

Green side chair, very good condition, $50. Glass & metal high top table w/4 upholstered metal chairs, brown upholstery, excellent condition, $250.

MOVING SALE!

FROM BOATWORKS APARTMENT BUILDING, WHITE BEAR LAKE

Seeking people who take pride in their work, have a strong work ethic and can work independently

Applications are available Monday –Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org.

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

Nicki, 651-261-7340

Must sell by Feb 20th! Call or Txt Nicki: 651-261-7340 Side

Let’s talk or txt!

Deputy Clerk

Birchwood Village is hiring a PT Deputy Clerk for 20-30 hrs./wk. at $20-$30 per hr. The position includes PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefits. Job duties include processing financial transactions, permits, and providing administrative support. Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or public administration preferred but not needed. Requires technical ability in bookkeeping and/or accounting, effective communication and customer skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A full job description and application materials can be found at www.cityofbirchwoodvillage. com. Applicants should complete the Application and Background Check Release and send, along with a resume and cover letter, to info@cityofbirchwood.com or mail to City Hall at 207 Birchwood Ave, Birchwood MN, 55110. EEO

The city of Birchwood Village is committed to building a diverse, welcoming and respectful workforce. We seek and welcome candidate applications from historically underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) women, LGBTQ+, and those living with disabilities as well as veterans.

Print & Web

Our creative design department produces advertising & internet materials for our newspapers and regional shopper in East Central Minnesota.

As a graphic designer you will work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. Must have the ability to manage multiple projects and the ability to work creatively to conceptualize and design effective ads while meeting our quality standards. You must possess excellent design & communication skills.

Desired Skills: A two-year degree in graphic design & experience preferred. Must be proficient with Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite. Web ad design and newspaper ad/print ad design experience is preferred. We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package.

Send Resume to: Jeff Andres Kanabec Publications 107 S. Park St., Mora, MN 55051 or email jeff@northstarmedia.net

The City of Circle Pines is offering exciting job opportunities this summer.

Golden Lake Concession Stand Attendants

The City of Circle Pines is looking for seasonal Concession Stand Attendants for Golden Lake Park. Individuals will work approximately 20-30 hours per week. Individuals will be responsible for park groundskeeping, selling concessions, operating a cash register, cleaning and stocking shelves. Pay is $16/hr. Must be 16 years or older to apply.

Park Maintenance Worker

The City of Circle Pines is currently looking for seasonal park employees. The individuals will perform various types of manual labor, groundskeeping, operate light equipment, such as lawn mowers, and work on various projects in the park system. Position pays $17/hr. Work hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Applicant must be 16 years or older.

Public Works Maintenance Worker Centennial Utilities/City of Circle Pines is currently looking for summer seasonal employees for the Public Works Department to perform various types of manual labor and operate light equipment. Applicant must be 18 years or older. Work hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Position pays $17/hr.

Applications for Positions

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Please send applications to Chandra Peterson, Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle. If you have questions, please call 763-784-5898 or email cpeterson@ci.circle-pines.mn.us.

County will continue household hazardous waste collections in communities

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently approved agreements with county communities to allow the county to conduct household hazardous waste collections in those communities during 2023.

Saturday, April 22, Mahtomedi Middle School Ball Fields Lot; participants should enter at 8100 75th St. N., Mahtomedi.

• Stillwater – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 20 and Sept. 23, Lily Lake Ice Arena, 1208 S. Greeley St., Stillwater.

Pawesome ! Pawesome !

tions, the Washington County Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Drive in Woodbury, provides residents with a free and convenient disposal option for household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables all year round.

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A

Staff Writer

Pawesome ! Pawesome !

• Forest Lake – 8 a.m. to 2

p.m. Saturdays, May 6, June 3, and Sept. 9, Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N., Forest Lake.

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you

It is open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

receive $1,185,822 to support the delivery of crisis response services to adult and child residents of the county after the county board accepted the funds from the state Depart ment of Human Services (DHS) last month. The grant will support services through 2024.

in 2024.

• Add an additional case aide to provide administrative support within the response unit.

• Establish new peer specialist/family partner services.

Six one-day weekend household hazardous waste collections are planned for 2023, in spring and fall. One-day collections bring the services offered at the Washington County Environmental Center closer to residents, making it more convenient and practical for them to recycle and dispose their electronics and household hazardous waste. The agreements allow the county to use sites owned by others to conduct household hazardous waste collections.

Events planned are:

• Mahtomedi – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Confidential document shredding will be available at all events. The Environmental Center will also provide paper shredding and electronics recycling at the Cottage Grove Clean Up event from 7 a.m. to 3

p.m. Saturday, May 6.

In addition to the satellite collection events, six dates have been set for confidential paper shredding at the Washington County Environmental Center.

All events are from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. They will be Wednesdays, April 19, May 24, June 21, Aug. 2, Sept. 27 and Nov. 8.

In addition to one-day collec-

The center accepts household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables. The center also has a free product room, in which residents may browse the shelves and take home previously owned products such as paint, stain, automotive supplies, household cleaners and other products. All items taken to the Environmental Center are inspected to determine if they are usable products.

County will receive $1.1 million for crisis response work

Washington County will

The DHS, through a collabo ration of its Behavioral Health Division, was awarded funding for adult and children's mobile mental health crisis response services. Legislation from 2021 appropriated additional funds to assist mobile crisis teams to expand services and strengthen the state's mobile crisis infrastructure to staff 24-hour mobile crisis lines and be able to take more calls.

Crisis services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The grant will pay for services through Dec. 31, 2024.

READ THEN RECYCLE!

Additional dollars provide funding to:

• Support Crisis Response Unit staff and positions funded by federal dollars that will end

Grant will help county explore possibility of family resource center

Washington County will use a $74,763 grant from the Sauer Family Foundation to explore and assess the potential for a Family Resource Center in the county.

The funds will be used to analyze relevant data to focus on geographic areas most in need of services, foster engagement and conversations with families and community providers that would work with the county, and visit active Family Resource Centers in Minnesota, such as the one in Scott County and other jurisdictions that may be further ahead in this work.

Century, Sesquicentennial Farm applications due soon for 2023

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

When family-owned farms turn 100 years old, they can be formally honored for the achievement through the Minnesota Century Farm recognition program.

Agriculture producers can apply to be recognized as a

Crops or main product: Feed grain and hay

Location: 12694 50th St. S., Afton

Year of original purchase by family: 1877

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Grains, corn

Location: 8124 147th St. N., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1892

Original number of acres: 120 Crops or main product: Oats, hay, corn

Lake Elmo

Location: 10190 47th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1864 (Sesquicentennial Farm)

Original number of acres:

104.90

Crops or main product: Hay, corn, wheat

Location: 3501 Jamaca Ave. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1909

Original number of acres: 120 Crops or main product: Hay, corn, oats

Location: 8291 15th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1853 (Sesquicentennial Farm)

Original number of acres: 80 Crops or main product: Corn, soybeans

2023 Century Farm owner by March 6 by visiting fbmn.org/ Minnesota-Farm-Bureau/ In-Action/Century-and-Sesquicentennial-Farms.

The annual program, jointly sponsored by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and the Minnesota State Fair, is open to Minnesota families whose farms will be 100 years old by the end of 2023.

The farm must be family-owned and must have stayed within the family continuously throughout a century, even if the family hasn’t resided on the farm continuously. Eligible farms also must be at least 50 acres and be currently involved in agriculture production.

Century Farms will receive commemorative signs and a certificate signed by the presidents of the State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau and the state governor.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau similarly recognizes farms that are 150 years or older through its Sesquicentennial Farm program. Such farms get a commemorative certificate signed by the governor, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, as well as an outdoor sign.

Several Century Farms and a few Sesquicentennial Farms are located within The Lowdown’s coverage area of central and northern Washington County. Here is some quick information about those farms based on their Century and Sesquicentennial Farm application documents publicly available on the Minnesota Farm Bureau website:

Afton

Location: 12610 40th St. S.,

Afton

Year of original purchase by family: 1860

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Dairy

Location: 13791 40th St. S.,

Afton

Year of original purchase by family: 1861

Original number of acres: 320

Location: 13305 15th St. S., Afton

Year of original purchase by family: 1884

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Oats, corn and alfalfa

Location: 4216 St. Croix Trail S., Afton

Year of original purchase by family: 1885

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Corn and beans

Forest Lake

Location: 19435 Granada Ave. N., Forest Lake

Year of original purchase by family: 1892

Original number of acres: 160

Crops or main product: Dairy

Hugo

Location: 5297 145th St. N., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1865

Original number of acres: 60

Crops or main product: Laying hens

Location: 17442 Keystone Ave., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1876

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Corn, oats, hay and dairy

Location: 18879 Jeffrey Ave. N., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1877

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Corn, hay

Location: 8112 157th St. N., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1878

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Corn, hay, oats

Location: 15335 Homestead Ave. N., Hugo

Year of original purchase by family: 1887

Original number of acres: 100

Crops or main product: Corn, oats, alfalfa, dairy

Marine on St. Croix

Location: 17977 St. Croix Trail

N., Marine on St. Croix

Year of original purchase by family: 1867

Original number of acres: N/A

Crops or main product: Dairy

Location: 19520 Oxboro Ave.

N., Marine on St. Croix

Year of original purchase by family: 1867

Original number of acres: N/A

Crops or main product: Corn, hay, grain

Location: 19860 Olinda Trail

N., Marine on St. Croix

Year of original purchase by family: 1868

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Hay, corn, small grain

Location: 18329 Manning

Trail N., Marine on St. Croix

Year of original purchase by family: 1870

Original number of acres: 70

Crops or main product: Alfalfa, corn, oats, beef

Location: 17484 Olinda Trail

N., Marine on St. Croix

Location: 11780 Scandia Trail

N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1875

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Alfalfa, corn, oats

Location: 21757 Meadowbrook Ave., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1877

Original number of acres: 120 Crops or main product: Dairy, corn, hay, oats

Stillwater

Location: 7452 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1850

Original number of acres: 160

Crops or main product: Hogs, grain, hay

Location: 1258 Stagecoach Trail N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1851

Original number of acres: 640

Crops or main product: Corn, soybeans, Hereford cattle

Location: 8040 Lofton Ave. N., Stillwater

Location: 4779 Lake Elmo Ave. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1854

Original number of acres: 160 Crops or main product: Hay, corn, pasture

Location: 9579 45th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1864 (Sesquicentennial Farm)

Original number of acres: 333 acres

Crops or main product: Dairy

Location: 9241 60th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1869

Original number of acres: 80 Crops or main product: Corn, oats, hay, dairy, beef

Location: 9109 60th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1870

Original number of acres: 129 Crops or main product: Grain, corn

Location: 9255 31st St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1875

Original number of acres: N/A

Crops or main product: N/A

Location: 9524 Stillwater Boulevard, Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1880

Original number of acres: 84.33

Crops or main product: Corn, grains

Location: 10920 43rd St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1883

Original number of acres: 115

Crops or main product: Trees

Location: 9825 47th St. N., Lake Elmo

Year of original purchase by family: 1902

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Oats, wheat, corn, hay, dairy

Year of original purchase by family: 1879

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Oats, wheat, corn, hay, dairy

North Scandia

Location: 22430 St. Croix Trail

N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1856

Original number of acres: 120

Crops or main product: Oats, corn

Scandia

Location: 21700 Parrish Road

N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1865

Original number of acres: 540

Crops or main product: Corn, soybeans

Location: 22161 Oldfield Ave.

N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1866

Original number of acres:

N/A

Crops or main product: N/A

Location: 12680 Scandia Trail, Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1869

Original number of acres: 40

Crops or main product: Small grain

Location: 15526 Oak Hill Road

N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1870

Original number of acres: 204

Crops or main product: Oats and corn for cattle feed

Location: 21617 Meadow Brook Ave. N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1871

Original number of acres: 120

Crops or main product: Dairy, hay, corn, oats

Location: 13001 230th St. N., Scandia

Year of original purchase by family: 1875

Original number of acres: 80

Crops or main product: Hay, oats, corn

Year of original purchase by family: 1854

Original number of acres: 160

Crops or main product: Cattle, grain, horse boarding

Location: 10503 117th St. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1868

Original number of acres: 80 Crops or main product: Corn, alfalfa

Location: 3741 Omaha Ave. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1877

Original number of acres: 120

Crops or main product: Bees, apples, cattle, dairy

Location: 12727 North Arcola Trail, Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1877

Original number of acres: 92 Crops or main product: Corn, hay, small grain

Location: 3369 Oakgreen Ave. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1882

Original number of acres: N/A

Crops or main product: N/A

Location: 12408 150th St. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1885

Original number of acres: 135

Crops or main product: Oats, corn, hay, beef, dairy

Location: 10381 83rd St. N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1890

Original number of acres: 85 Crops or main product: Oats, corn

Location: 10708 Arcola Trail N., Stillwater

Year of original purchase by family: 1919

Original number of acres: N/A

Crops or main product: N/A

MIRON FARM | CONTRIBUTED

The Miron Family Farm in rural Hugo was recognized as a Century Farm in 1987. It’s one of several 100-year-old farms in Washington County that have received the honor.

COLORECTAL CANCER MONTH

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. One in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime.

• Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease.

Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

All men and women without a family history of CRC should begin screenings at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.

If you have certain risk factors, you may need to be screened earlier than 45.

Do you have a family history of CRC or polyps?

Get screened at 40 or 10 years before the age at which your immediate family member was diagnosed.

Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms.

Symptoms list

A change in bowel habits

• Including diarrhea, constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool or finding your stools are narrower than usual

• Persistent abdominal discomfort

Such as cramps, gas, or pain and/or feeling full, bloated or that your bowel does not empty completely

Rectal bleeding

• Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool

• Weakness or fatigue

• Can also accompany losing weight for no known reason, nausea or vomiting

Live a healthy colon lifestyle

Know your risk factors and family history. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right or changes, take control and speak to your doctor.

• Eat fiber (fruits and vegetables).

• Drink plenty of water. Take in whole grains.

• Drink low-fat or fat-free milk.

• Eat lean proteins (chicken, turkey) instead of processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meat). Reduce excess sugar and fried foods.

• Limit alcohol intake.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke.

• Exercise regularly. Monitor bathroom habits for any changes. Early signs of cancer often do not include pain. It is important not to wait

before seeing a doctor. Early detection can save your life!

(This information is from Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://www.ccalliance.org)