Road Construction

Manning Avenue update: Highway 36 closures expected throughout April

BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER

Improvements continue on the Highway 36 and Manning Avenue interchange now that road construction season has begun.

The estimated $32 million project began in the spring of 2021 to address increased traffic on Highway 36 and at the Manning Avenue intersection. A traffic study performed in 2017 and 2018 found that traffic is expected to increase at the intersection over the next 20 years. The project aims to improve safety by replacing the at-grade intersection with an interchange and removing a series of stoplights.

“There’s a safety component to removing the stoplights. You know people view stoplights as a safety feature, but they also have their own safety issues with them,” said Washington County Construction Engineer Gerritt Bangma.

After the St. Croix Crossing bridge opened, Highway 36 now operates more like an expressway, which isn’t conducive to the backups generated at a signalized intersection. To solve this issue, the project has focused on building an interchange with ramps and an overpass to help maintain the flow of traffic on Highway 36.

Last year, the bridge abutments and the bridge’s center pier were completed and the bridge beams were placed before Christmas. The project’s next major milestone will be placing the bridge deck itself, which will necessitate some temporary closures on Highway 36 this April.

A pipe will be installed to convey the stormwater collected in the ponds near the interchange. That pipe will be connected to a water reuse structure. Collected stormwater will be used to water the Applewood Hills golf course, located on the northwest corner of the interchange. The stormwater reuse portion of the project will be undertaken through a partnership between Washington County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Browns Creek Watershed District. That installation will likely require a two-week road closure this April as well.

“For the closures, we’ll do an advanced notice with signs out, and we’ll do all the social media. We're definitely big into outreach and making sure that people are expecting that there will be detour routes posted,” said Bangma.

The engineer reports that the project is on schedule and is expected to be complete by September 2022.

“It’s a great project, and it’s good to be on time,” said Bangma. “The feedback we got last year was that people were impressed with the amount of work we did get done. And we're happy with it. It’s been a successful project and we’re looking forward to wrapping it up this year.”

Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emailing lowdownnews@presspubs.com.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS | CONTRIBUTED

The map above shows the project’s planned improvement for Manning Avenue and Highway 36.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

*Athletes chosen by Press staff

Aspen Blasko

Forest Lake Wrestling

Aspen Blasko, Forest Lake sophomore wrestler, was one of the champions in the first-ever MSHSL state girls tournament. Blasko pinned opponents from Owatonna and Fridley on March 5 at Xcel Energy Center to capture the 107-pound title. She had a 34-9 record, including 7-9 with three pins against boys varsity, 22-0 with 12 pins against boys JV’s, and 5-0 with four pins against girls at the section qualifier and state. “She puts in a ton of time, wrestling six or seven times a week, chasing her goals,” said coach Joe Kunshier. “She deserves all the accolades she receives.” This was actually Blasko’s third state title; her first two came in meets organized by coaches.

Hunter Lyden

Stillwater Wrestling

Hunter Lyden, Stillwater senior wrestler, capped a 53-0 season by capturing his third consecutive state championship on March 5. Lyden beat Farmington’s Cole Han-Lindemyer 11-3 in the 170-pound finals, after advancing with a pin and 10-0 and 12-3 decisions. Lyden, 68-0 the last two years (missing most of last season with a rib injury), has signed with Minnesota. “Hunter is a fearless competitor,” Gopher coach Brandon Eggum said. “We are excited that he has chosen to wrestle for us. He has an athletic style and is always looking to score points.”

Daniel VanAcker

Forest Lake Wrestling

Daniel VanAcker, Forest Lake senior wrestler, was state Class 3A champion at 152 pounds — after placing third in the state cross-country meet in the fall. VanAcker capped a 45-4 season by pinning Anoka’s Jacob Witaker in 5:44 in the finals at Xcel Energy Center on March 5, his third pin in four matches at state. “He’s the kid who does everything right,” coach Joe Kunshier said. “He prepares correctly, he diets the right way and he works hard.” VanAcker will be a distance runner in college with the Minnesota Gophers. Josie St. Martin, Stillwater hockey sophomore forward, is already a three-time all-conference pick with 63 career goals and 64 assists. St. Martin led the Ponies (14-11) in scoring with 28 goals (eight on power plays) and 19 assists. She had 20 goals and 26 assists as a freshman, and 15 and 19 in eighth grade. “Josie has worked extremely hard to get where she currently is,” coach Mira Jalosuo said. “What separates her from other players is her competitiveness. I think she hates losing more than she loves winning. That’s one of the reasons she was able to reach the 100-point milestone only as a sophomore.”

Josie St. Martin

Stillwater Hockey

Stillwater chamber of commerce hosts the Community Showcase

The greater Stillwater chamber of commerce will be hosting its Community Showcase on Saturday, April 9. After a 2 year pause, this event will also include a job fair to address the need to connect local businesses with the community and to fill job positions and opportunities. The Community Showcase will be held at the Stillwater Area High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) from 10 am until 3 pm.

NEW THIS YEAR! A job fair will be part of the event to encourage interaction between local businesses and the community. Exhibiting businesses who have job/ hiring opportunities will be highlighted throughout the event, with a special sign at their booth. These booths will be offering applications, on-thespot interviews and more.

This family-friendly event is FREE to attend and in addition to local business displays, will also include a variety of entertainment throughout the day, food options from local restaurants and an engaging and fun kids area.

“Attend the Community Showcase and support our local businesses, find new resources and job opportunities and have a family fun day!” encourages Robin Anthony, executive director for the greater Stillwater chamber of commerce. Event sponsors & partners include First State Bank and Trust, Image 360-Woodbury, Lake Elmo Bank, Mathnasium, Chamber Rise, Royal Credit Union, Stillwater Area Public Schools,

Chat Stillwater Gazette, The Lowdown and TwinCities.com/ Stacie Jensen Pioneer Press. Find event details at www. greaterstillwaterchamber.com.

Stacie Jensen.

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Earth Day

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Clear Lake WI. Much of the movement was sparked with the book “Silent Spring” published in 1962 by Rachel Carson. Earth Day has a different meaning to all of us considering in the 60s smog and air pollution was commonly accepted. Since its inception more than 50 years ago, Earth Day has become a movement. More than 190 countries and more than a billion people participate in Earth Day. Start your Earth Day planning for April 22. Consider planting a tree or removing an invasive one. Try out a more biodegradable soap or cleaning technique or take the next step with an organic compost pile. Consider upgrading your irrigation system to low flow heads or fixing that toilet or faucet leak. Ride a bike to work, carpool, or consider ways to increase your fuel mileage. As residents of Washington County, you live in an area surrounded by the best nature has to offer. In my time serving as publisher of local newspapers in the area, my family would often bump into Publisher’s former Vice President Walter Mondale

View and his family at the Scandia Café. Vice President Walter Mondale left his legacy

Carter Johnson on the St Croix River Valley when he signed on to sponsor Gaylord Nelson’s Wild and Scenic River bills that passed in 1968. We all have people like Gaylord Nelson and former Vice President Mondale to thank for their vision of the scenic St Croix River Valley. So this Earth Day, make a plan for your legacy, get out, volunteer and learn something new.

Spring clean up

Thank you to the 100+ local volunteers and scouts who have once again managed the Annual Lake Cleanup event on and around White Bear Lake. Event coordinator Jim Schuster said that 176 lbs of trash was removed from the ice - including a bike, a lawnmower and a propane tank. This was the 19th annual event, which began as an Eagle Scout project. It is refreshing to see this level of community support around our natural assets, from lakes and rivers to parks, trails and roads. If you’re interested in helping with these types of events, check out one of the service clubs in the area such Rotary and Lions, or get involved with the Chamber of Commerce, park commission, churches and even schools. Many of these organizations have adopted a stretch of local road or highway to clean up, or host various opportunities to help our surroundings and the environment. With regard to an immediate way you can help keep our community clean, consider raking the salt and sand off your street, taking care to pick up the waste so it doesn’t flow into the stormwater systems and pollute our lakes and streams.

Spring break

With two years of limited travel due to Covid behind us, my wife and I tag-teamed spring break this year and split up. Our daughter, Abbey, is a high school senior and our son, Kellen, is a freshman. Where did the time go? She and my daughter headed to Mexico along with more than 30 of her classmates and their families, while my son and I visited my parents in Florida. The airports were busy and TSA was hustling us through security. My new mode of travel is to carry everything in a backpack carry-on to reduce the overall travel time and wait in baggage claim. We flew Sun Country down and Southwest back to get the best airfare. We heard about flight delays due to staff shortages and we in fact waited a few hours for our flight crew to arrive. All in all I was impressed with the crew and passengers. We have seen and heard the wild things taking place on airplanes, such as people refusing to follow policies and getting into fights. Maybe passengers are getting the drift that threats, violence and mischief won’t be tolerated and can result in them getting banned from the airline.

To think even when I was a kid it was considered a pure luxury to fly and people dressed up. Today many people hardly dress at all. They wear flip flops or go bare foot or wear pajamas. We have enjoyed flying the low cost airlines when it makes sense, however, we have also had experiences where it pays to fly with the larger carriers who offer more flight options to get you to your destination when there are cancellations or delays. Direct flights are the best when you can do it. We’ve learned to always wear socks, and pack a few snacks, chewing gum and an empty water bottle to refill after going through security. A phone charger cord is a must and charging stations are now everywhere at the airports. We’ve found in-flight movies require either corded headphones or smartphone connected headphones and app. Remember to consider those around you when choosing a movie, as it can be embarrassing to watch something violent or racy. With spring break in full swing, remember to pack light, be patient, be thankful and have fun.

6THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com APRIL 2022

“ANNIE JR.”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 & 8; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2 & 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 3 & 10 Where: Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake Details: Timeless story about an orphan’s quest to find her parents performed by student actors with Children’s Performing Arts. Contact: childrensperformingartsmn.org

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 1; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2; 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3 Where: Grace Church, 432 11th Ave. SE, Forest Lake Details: Grace Community Theatre performs Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s musical about Maria and the von Trapp family. Tickets $10 online. Contact: gracechurchfl.net/grace-communitytheatre

NOODLES FOR NORTHWOODS

When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2 Where: Forest Lake VFW, 556 12th St. Details: Annual fundraiser for Northwoods Humane Society includes pasta dinner, silent auction and wine pull. Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs.org/ fundraising-events/noodles

MAHTOMEDI A CAPPELLA SHOWCASE

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th Street N., Mahtomedi Details: A cappella performed by male and female groups, including Mahtomedi High School’s Zephyr Express, local college groups, The Sweet Adelines and The North Star Chorus. Tickets $20/adults, $15/seniors, ad $12/students. Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries.org

JENNIFER GRIMM SINGS JUDY GARLAND

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 Where: Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Jennifer Grimm and her 12-piece band perform Judy Garland classics. Tickets $35 general admission. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

STORIES OF SKY FATHER AND EARTH MOTHER WITH JIM ROCK

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, April 4 Where: Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton Details: UMD faculty member Jim Rock tells how ancestors used the moon, earthen architecture and turtle shells to predict astronomical events. He will also share stories about the snake mound formerly found in Afton and other significant places along the St. Croix River. Registration recommended. Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org

ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES

When: 4:30-5:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 & 13 Where: Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater Details: Lower-intensity, easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. $10/person; class size limited. Contact: co.washington.mn.us

SHOUT IT OUT! STILLWATER DUELING PIANOS

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 7 Where: Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Sing along to classics, Top 40 and everything in between with Kevin and Nick of Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos. Tickets $60-$75 include drink and appetizers. Fundraiser for the Stillwater Rotary Club. Contact: eventbrite.com/e/shout-it-out-stillwatertickets

SPRING CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 9; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 10 Where: Forest Lake Middle School, 21395 Goodview Ave. N. Details: More than 100 crafters and vendors. Contact: rsgdevelopment.com

BELGIAN WAFFLE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 9 Where: Lakes Floral Gift & Garden, 508 Lake St. S., Forest Lake Details: Fundraiser for the Forest Lake Lion’s Club. Tickets $7 in advance or $8 at the door. Contact:e-clubhouse.org/sites/forestlakemn/ Details: Live local entertainment, local food, kids games and activities, exhibitors from local businesses and organizations and job fair. Free and open to the public. Contact: 651-439-4001 or greaterstillwaterchamber.com

3RD ANNUAL STATEWIDE STAR PARTY

When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, April 9 Where: Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton Details: Members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society will offer moon and stargazing at the observatory. Guided night hikes, hot cocoa and cookies, star and lunar activities for all ages, campfire. Free family event. Contact: 651-436-5189 or belwin.org

PAINT N’ SIP

When: Two sessions: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 10 Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N. Details: Create an original piece of artwork following at 2-hour acrylic painting class led by Joyful H’Arts Studio. $40 per session; register at the Legion. Food and beverages available for purchase. Fundraiser for the Hugo American Legion Auxiliary. Contact: facebook.com/pg/ AmericanLegionPost620/events

BOOK DISCUSSION: “AN AMERICAN SUNRISE”

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, April 11 Where: Bayport Public Library, 582 N. 4th St. Details: Discuss the nationally best-selling volume of poetry by Joy Harjo, the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States. Contact: 651-275-4416 or bayportlibrary.org

CONVERSATIONS OF THE VALLEY: “THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT”

When: noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 Where: Online Details: Speaker series hosted by the St. Croix Valley Foundation presents an online series about “Placemaking” – how intentionally fostering an attachment to place can impact a town’s economic growth, help to attract and retain residents, and build thriving communities. Jennifer Hughes, National Endowment for the Arts and Laura Zabel, Springboard For The Arts, are presenters. Free, but registration required. Contact: scvfoundation.org

THE LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS

When and Where: Good Friday, April 15. Noon at Church of St. Peter, 2600 Margaret St., North St. Paul; 3:30 p.m. at St. Jude of the Lake Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi; 7 p.m. at Presentation Church, 1725 Kennard St., Maplewood Details: The Servants of the Cross group re-enacts the Passion of Jesus Christ. YouTube presentation avaialble for those unable to attend in person. Freewill offering welcomed. Contact: servantsofthecrossmn.com

GENEALOGY TOPICS: THE 1950 CENSUS

When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 16 Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. Details: On April 1, 2022, the 72-year restriction on the 1950 census will expire and the census will be released to the public. Class will demonstrate how to do a locational search in the census. Searches will be demonstrated using Ancestry - Library Edition, FamilySearch.org and other online tools. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.com

LIBRARY FRIENDS SPRING USED BOOK SALE

When: 10:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21; 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, April 22; 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd St. N. Details: Book lovers and bargain hunters will find low cost books while supporting the library. Bag sale all day Saturday. Contact: washcolib.com

JINGLE DRESS: A PANDEMIC-INSPIRED HEALING TRADITION

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Dr. Brenda Child will discuss the tradition of healing that has spread among many tribal nations in the last century. Part of NEW Big Read in the St. Croix Valley/ Contact: 651-433-2820 or artreachstcroix.org/ bigread Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail Details: Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering to help clean up the grounds at the park. Lunch and guided tour provided. Contact: franconia.org

TRASH DASH

When: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23 Where: Lily Lake Parking Lot, 1208 S. Greeley St., Stillwater Details: Spend an hour outside helping keep the community clean by picking up litter and trash. Bring reusable gloves and a trash bag. Familyfriendly event. Contact: sustainablestillwatermn.org

BLACK TIE BINGO

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 23 Where: Grand Banquet Hall, 301 Second St. S. Details: Fundraiser for Community Thread includes appetizers and dessert, mystery prize wall, photo booth and five games of Bingo. Additional cards available for purchase; cash bar. $90/ticket. Contact: communitythreadmn.org

HONKY-TONK JUMP

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23 Where: Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Swingin’ Texas dance hall music in the tradition of Bob Wills and other early honky-tonk legends. Tickets $25 general admission. Contact: 651-342-1542 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

WARDEN’S HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 24 Where: Warden’s House Museum, 602 North Main St., Stillwater Details: View the newest exhibits and enjoy refreshments. Guides, but no tours. Contact: 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org

A NIGHT OF DOCUMENTARIES PRODUCED OR CREATED BY NATIVE WOMEN

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 29 Where: Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: View two short films: “Sisters Rising” about survivors of sexual assault fighting to restore personal and tribal sovereignty; and “Without a Whisper-Konnon-Kwe,” the untold story of the influence of indigenous women on the women’s rights movement. Free and open to the public; registration required. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.org

ST. CROIX VALLEY ANNUAL POTTERY STUDIO TOUR & SALE

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8 Where: Upper St. Croix Valley, self-guided tour Details: Visit seven pottery studios with guest potters from around the country on a self-guided tour; items for sale. Contact: minnesotapotters.com

ECOMMERCE AND SELLING ONLINE

When: April 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. Where: Online Details: Get started selling your product or service online! Learn more about WordPress, eCommerce and payment platforms like PayPal. This online workshop will be presented by Keer Keer Creative. Registration is required. Contact: WashCoLib.org/Events or 651-275-7300

PETITE CONCERTS: CHERRY BLOSSOM

When: Thursday, April 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Hardwood Creek Library Details: Join this fun-filled musical experience and respond to classical music together. For ages 0-5 with a parent/care giver. Registration is required. Contact: WashCoLib.org/Events or 651-275-7300

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

When: Tuesday, April 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. Where: Online Details: Learn the ins and outs of using four social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) and why social media accounts boosts Search Engine Optimization. This online workshop will be presented by Keer Keer Creative. Registration is required. Contact: WashCoLib.org/Events or 651-275-7300

THE ART OF METAL TOOLING

When: Wednesday, April 13 from 5 to 6:30 P.M. Where: Hardwood Creek Library Details: Work with artist Gustavo Boada to learn the techniques of metal tooling and create a beautiful silver foiled picture. All supplies will be provided. For ages 11-18. Contact: WashCoLib.org/Events 651-275-7300