The Lowdown

KNS

Forest

A

owner and family operated company. Their goal is to provide

easy and stress-free way to remove JUNK! When you call and schedule you deal directly with the owners and their main focus is to provide you a more productive and efficient way possible, then just a

dumpster rental and most importantly they care and value customers knowing not everything is JUNK. Another goal KNS Junk Removal has is to keep as much out of the landfill. So, recycling, rehoming and donating as much as possible!

Let KNS Junk Removal do all the heavy lifting and call them today at 651-300-7931 or email at knsservices007@gmail. com.

Local artists featured in ‘A Pandemic Picture Book’

“The House We Sheltered In” and “The Masks We Wore: A Pandemic  Picture Book” written by Freeman NG, is a dual-volume children’s book illustrated by 13 artists. Two of these illustrators are locals — Annie Kuhn from Marine on St. Coix and Sara Nintzel from Blaine.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? How did you get to where you are today?

A. (Annie Kuhn) I grew up in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, where I read piles and piles of books. English classes were my favorites in high school, so I went to college with the intention of being an English/Creative Writing major. But I came from a very creative family. My dad had been an art teacher when I was young, and my mom was also highly creative, always crocheting, sewing, taking ceramics classes and more. At college, I found myself pulled in the direction of art, so I followed my heart. I majored in art and minored in creative writing. I then bounced around creatively. I worked as a freelance artist, costume designer, art store manager, and more before I found myself wanting to write again. So I got an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. I then spent ten years teaching creative writing, composition, and literature courses at the college level. I also own Red Bridge Editorial, an editing and ghostwriting service, and I have ten years of experience working at independent children’s bookstores. I have poetry, essays, reviews and illustrations published in books and magazines in the U.S.

A. (Sara Nintzel) Creativity and Art have always been a big part of my life.

I’ve enjoyed drawing since I was a kid and always loved children’s books. My Mom and I would take many trips to the library, and I remember studying the illustrations in the new books. I went to school for Fashion Design and currently design kids clothing for a large retailer.

Q. What drew you to being an illustrator?

A. (Annie Kuhn) I have known since childhood that I wanted to make children’s books when I grew up. While I do not recall my specific age or the book which inspired it, I do know the exact moment the idea lodged itself in my soul. I was browsing through books in the elementary school library when I spied an old favorite. I pulled the bookoff the shelf and paged through, lovingly. Then I closed the cover and held the book tightly in my hands, feeling filled with emotion and gratitude toward the author. I said

to myself, “Someday I’m going to make a book for kids that will touch someone’s life the way this book has touched mine.” I don’t know if I’ve achieved that yet, but that’s what motivates me.

Q. What inspired you during the creation of this book?

A. (Sara Nintzel) As a mom of two young boys, during the pandemic we spent much of our time at home and coming up with ways to stay busy. My artwork was inspired by them washing the dishes, this is something that would keep their attention for quite some time. They loved it! We also made a lot of window and chalk artwork as a way to spread some cheer which shows up in a couple of my illustrations.

Q. How long did it take? How was it working with 13 other artists?

A. (Annie Kuhn) This is a unique project. While picture books sometimes

Everything you need to know about the call line 988

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

It has been a year since Minnesota began to use the number 988 as the new mental health crisis hotline.

It was introduced to the state last July in hopes to help localize the new number that was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was 1-800-273TALK (8255). The Lifeline was created in 2022 by the United States in hopes to improve access to crisis services that can meet the country’s growing needs related to mental health.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The Lifeline is able to connect callers to additional local resources and community support services as needed.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) during 2022, Minnesota’s 988 Lifeline centers answered over 30,000 calls, which is a 154 percent increase from 2021. Minnesota has since then expanded its capacity

to respond to texts and chats 24/7 in April 2023 and has engaged with over 600 people through those functions.

In Minnesota, 988 calls, chats and texts are answered by five organizations: Carver County Health and Human Services, First Call for Help, Greater Twin Cities United Way, FirstLink and Mental Health Minnesota (text and chat only).

During the month of May, the MDH reported that there were 4,353 calls, 978 chat messages and 1,345 texts sent to the Lifeline.

Each 988 Lifeline Center is staffed with trained crisis specialists that are focused on promoting safety, offering emotional support, providing crisis intervention and connecting people to appropriate local resources.

In Minnesota, operators respond to around 3,600 calls and 960 texts a month.

Even though the line has increased engagement, the suicide rates in Minnesota are slowly rising each year.

The most recent data from the MDH is from 2020, which shows that from 2016-2020 there were more than 10,000 hospital visits related to

self-harm injuries (suicide attempts).

The state’s main goal for 988 is to expand access to established crisis care services, offering those in need someone to speak with, someone to come to their aid or somewhere to go if needed. Additionally, the MDH hopes to continue to build the infrastructure of the Lifeline Centers to answer the demand for calls being received.

For the future, the MDH stated that they would like to facilitate collaboration between partners across the state to improve connection to crisis services and inform partners, organizations, and the public about the 988 Lifeline. The state would like to ensure policies and practices continue to align with national standards and requirements, ensuring healthy equity, effective messaging and communication about the service, follow-up services, updating information and referral sources, as well as data collection and evaluation.

Minnesota is only one of six states that have been able to secure funding for 988 through a telecom fee.

There are a few major

factors that differentiate 988 from other crisis call lines, 911 specifically.

First, 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis responses while 911 is strictly for public safety purposes, such as dispatching emergency medical services (the police or fire department if needed). The 988 Lifeline has a nationwide network that helps route calls to national crisis centers if regional centers are busy. Another factor that makes 988 different then the 911 line is the capacity to connect to ongoing treatment.

The 988 line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round to anyone in need or to anyone who knows someone in crisis. If someone or yourself is in immediate danger, call 911.

For more information, visit www.health.state.mn.us/ communities/suicide/mnresponse/988.html .

Madeline Dolby can be reached by emailing lowdownnews@presspubs. com or calling 651-407-1226.

have writing or illustration “teams,” they are often pairs of friends or family members, such as Diane and Leo Dillon, a husband and wife illustration duo. Freeman’s vision was to capture the diverse experience of the pandemic by having a diverse array of illustration styles. I loved this idea! We had a global shared experience, but it looked a bit different in each home or region. So, he reached out to hundreds of illustrators, and I was one of the lucky few who got to sign onto this project. As I was one of the last to sign on, I created four illustrations for the book over a period of about six months. And I was amazed at how smoothly everything ran, thanks to Freeman’s awesome management skills! What message do you hope to leave with the people that read your book? That there were some positives during this incredibly challenging experience. So many people worked so hard to help make the best of a situation. Maybe gratitude is the message.

Q. Do you plan to participate in any future projects?

A. (Sara Nintzel) Yes, I’d like to. I recently attended the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators Conference in St. Paul and it was great meeting so many people passionate about writing and illustrating children’s books. Also, I’m finishing my third book, “Wonderful Being: Positive Affirmations for Kids,” with illustrated forest animals, to launch in fall 2023.

More information can be found about “A Pandemic Picture Book” on the website: https://pandemicpb.com/.

Compiled by Merrina O’Malley

COUNTY BRIEF

Campfire programs continue at Washington County Parks

Join area naturalists at outdoor park amphitheaters at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park for a variety of nature programs this summer.

Programs begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and run 60 minutes and will present live creatures, facts, and/or exhibits for hands-on family learning.

All campfire programs are free to campers and visitors with a vehicle permit ($7/day or $30/annual). Programs include a bonfire when conditions allow. Bench seating and grassy areas are available; visitors are welcome to bring camp chairs and blankets for comfort.

Carpenter Nature Center presenting raptors campfire program will be held on Aug. 12, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Campfire programs scheduled for the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park are as follows:

• Aug. 5: Carpenter Nature Center presenting Reptiles and Amphibians.

• Aug. 19: Dodge Nature Center presenting Amazing Monarchs.

• Aug. 26: Bruce the Bug Guy presenting “Bugs.”

For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email at parks@co.washington.mn.us.

For more Washington County Parks programs, events, and locations see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sarah Nintzel

Annie Kuhn

Raptor Center nurses injured eagle back to health

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN

The University of Minnesota Raptor Center staff returned White Bear Lake’s struggling eagle in addition to a new chick to the nesting site to reunite with the adults.

This young bird, which was found to have “internal trauma” according to Lori Arent, Assistant Director at the Raptor Center, was located and picked up by experienced falconer Frank Taylor who brought the eagle to Gail Buhl, the person responsible for stabilizing the dehydrated bird with subcutaneous fluids.

“Lots of times, these birds are dehydrated,” said Arent. “One of the first things you want to do is rehydrate.”

Buhl held the bird overnight in her basement triage station before bringing it into the Raptor Center the next day.

Currently, all of the new birds that the Raptor Center takes in must go through a quarantine period while being tested for avian influenza. The Raptor Center immediately placed the eagle in its quarantine space and tested it for avian influenza by taking a blood sample and mouth swab.

The bird remained in the quarantine area until the tests came back negative and staff was able to move the bird into the regular clinical hospital space.

Once the eagle was in the clinical area, Raptor Center staff was able to run more advanced diagnostic procedures on the bird, including an x-ray procedure called a radiograph.

It was then that the bird was found to have internal trauma.

“It must have had some type of collision,” Arent said. “It had a little bit of blood internally, outside of the organs.”

What the bird needed now was simply time to recover from the internal hemorrhaging under supportive care including fluids and food to keep the eagle in good health during its recovery process.

On July 9, the bird was medically cleared for re-nesting, and rehabilitation staff started to get in contact with the homeowner as well as Taylor to devise

The young eagle was sprawled on the ground, unable to move when Taylor found it. Taylor believes that it may have tried to jump the nest before it was fully ready to fly.

a plan to get the eagle back home. The Raptor Center wanted to make sure that the adults were still in the nest and that it was a safe environment for the eagle to return to.

Both adults remained in the nest and it was found that there was another chick in the nest that the parents were currently nursing.

According to Arent, the Raptor Center knew that this pair of eagles was a traditional breeding pair and a pair that had been using the nesting site for years.

“They’re pretty loyal to it,” Arent said.

“We weren’t as concerned about returning the original chick because that bird knew the area, it had a mental image of that.”

In addition to the original chick, the Raptor Center possessed another eagle at the time that it could not reunite with its original parents and saw a potential opportunity to release it with a new set of parents because it was very similar in age to the original chick.

“We brought that one with us just in case the situation would allow us to potentially foster a second bird there,” Arent said.

The Raptor Center decided to return the eagle in the evening of July 14 because that would allow the eagle to immediately reunite with its parents.

“A little bit before dark, typically, they’re not going to want to move or fly very far,” Arent said. “They want to start

40th reunion

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.

Submitted by Foster Adopt Minnesota, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.fosteradoptmn.org

looking for a place to settle down for the night, so that’s why we took it back then versus the middle of the day.”

Eagles tend to be at their most active in the morning when they are vocal and hunt. They rarely move around in the dark at all.

This situation turned out to also be quite ideal to release the other chick because the nest was located on an island and that made it difficult for a bird to leave unless it was fully flighted.

John Arent, Lori’s husband, and seasoned falconer, helped the staff strategically place the two birds into an area that would encourage them to stay put that night.

The birds were placed in an area with tall grass rather than an open area that would have enticed the birds to move around a little more.

According to Arent, eagles and all raptors, for that matter, are great parents and will adopt ones that are not their own.

“As long as the chick stays in the area

and food begs, it has to respond appropriately to the presence of adults,” Arent said.

It is verifiable by the Raptor Center that the original young eagle left the nest before it was ready to fly due to the growth of its feathers when it was found.

Although this can be verified, there are still a variety of different reasons that this happened to the bird.

According to Arent, it is possible that when there are a number of different birds in one nest, the young ones can start flapping their wings to build their flight muscles and can possibly simply be pushed out by another bird in the nest. It is also possible according to Arent that the high winds during that time could have pushed the flapping bird out of the nest.

“There are so many reasons why a chick can come out early,” Arent said. “It does seem like whatever happened, he was not able to land very gracefully, and somehow he collided with something, whether it was the ground or a tree on his way down, and that’s probably how he got that internal trauma.”

Arent says that if anyone finds an injured bird, to call the Raptor Center immediately so the bird can have the best chance it can at survival.

For more information on the Raptor Center, visit https://raptor.umn.edu/.

Sebastian Studier is an intern at Press Publications. He can be reached by calling 651-242-2775 or emailing intern1@ presspubs.com.

Upcoming Games

PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

am the newest staff writer for Shoreview Press and The Lowdown. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May with a degree in English-Creative Writing and a minor in communications. At St. Thomas, I juggled both academics and being on the track team all four years. As a junior, I spent the whole year designing and editing the student literary newspaper — The Summit Avenue Review — with nine other fellow students. My next great adventure is graduate school, where I am studying Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing.

my focus started to shift from gymnastics to track. I did both sports till I was fifteen when I ultimately had to pick between them. Track won by a landslide. I attended Forest Lake High School where I graduated in 2019. I also spent my four years on the track team, I gained multiple All-Conference and All-State titles and walked away with two school records.

‘Little House’

W

hen I was growing up, every Monday night my sisters and I would gather around the TV to watch our favorite show — “Little House on the Prairie.” It premiered on NBC in 1974 and ended in 1983. The show was one of the most watched shows on television. Today, the show is still popular spanning generations of fans.

Noelle’s Notes

Noelle Olson

Set in the late 1800s, the show follows the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the Ingalls family—Charles, Caroline, Mary, Carrie and Laura (later adopted children Albert, James and Cassandra)—who settle down Walnut Grove, Minnesota on the banks of Plum Creek. I tend to think that Scandia and Stillwater was like Walnut Grove in those days.The townspeople are a big part of the show. Mrs. Oleson is the rich snob, her daughter Nellie is the “mean girl” (mainly because she was raised that way) and you have the beloved Dr. Baker, Rev. Alden and school teacher Miss Beadle among others who come and go throughout the series.

The show is loosely based on the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and dealt with conflicting issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, financial struggles and racism. The show also was very emotional at times and in almost every episode, it’s hard not to tear up. A friend of mine used to call it, “Little Ball Baby on the Prairie.” It’s funny because I caught him watching it a few times and guess what, he had tears in his eyes.

I don’t have a favorite episode because they are all so good. Here are three of my favorites.

“If I Should Wake Before I Die”

A woman named Amy Hearn is about to celebrate her 80th birthday and she wants to see her children. She decides to “fake her death” and have a funeral in place of a birthday party. Hearn states that it’s OK for someone to miss a birthday or a holiday but heaven forbid you miss a funeral. She wanted to see her children when she was alive, not when she was dead. This made sense to me because when children leave the nest, they go off and live their own lives. Our busy schedules keep us from spending time with the elderly people in our lives and someday it might be too late.

“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”

Madeline’s Mail

Madeline

I grew up in Wyoming – the city, not the state. It is a quiet, small town just about an hour north of the Twin Cities. My family has lived in the same house since before I was born. We have never moved, nor do I think we ever will. I lived the typical small-town life. I went to elementary school two miles down the road from my house, I played with my older sister and the kids that lived next door, and my favorite place to hang out was the Dairy Queen which was a quick bike ride away from where I lived.

My childhood was consumed with ice cream, friends, school, and sports. I did gymnastics from the ages of four to fifteen. From the age of eleven, I spent twenty- four hours at practice each week perfecting my salute and pointing my toes till my feet hurt. When I turned thirteen,

After I graduated from college, I spent my first month of summer reading ten books, moving out of my college apartment and trying to learn how to golf. At the beginning of July, I joined the Press Publications team to grow as a writer. They are the perfect fit for me. Everyone is passionate about what they do, and it reflects in their work. I am at my desk from Monday to Friday and spend my weekends sitting on my front porch trying to finish yet another book on my never-ending “to-be-read” list or visiting my friends in the cities.

But first, how did I get here?I have always had a passion for storytelling and writing. It has been something I have enjoyed since I was in elementary school. During my free time, instead of messing around with the cute boys in my sixth-grade class, I would sit in the reading corner trying to finish a book before time was up. My diary was filled with poorly written stories. It still is. But I know that these experiences I have had growing up, in college. and at Press Publications will be invaluable to wherever I end up.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing lowdownnews@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1226.

THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines

• Limited to 350 words.

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

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• 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.

• 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.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

must be accompanied by factual verification.

This one is an emotional roller coaster. Charles and Caroline are devastated to learn that their eldest daughter Mary is going blind. Charles struggles to find the words to tell her. Mary soon goes blind and feels sorry for herself. She is sent away to a school for the blind where she learns to accept her blindness. Back in Walnut Grove, the town is dying and people are being forced to pack up and leave. Charles tells his friend Jonathan Garvey, “Life is a funny thing. If you would have told me a couple of weeks ago that the mill was shut down and the grange was collapsing, I’d be the most upset man you ever saw. Now, I don’t even care. It doesn’t mean a thing. I just wonder how much our lives are spent worrying about things that just don’t mean anything.”

“The Legend of Black Jake”

This is a light hearted and funny episode involving two dim-witted bank robbers, a kidnapping and a man with a black hood. Mrs. Oleson’s husband Nels is kidnapped and the robbers/kidnappers send her a ransom note (I think $100) which she refuses to pay. Needless to say, Nels is not happy. He feels his life is worth more than $100. The events throughout the episode will make you laugh. I know I did.

I saw an interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls on the series. She said the keys to the show were four things — compassion, community, faith and love.

So, if you need a little comfort in your life, tune in to “Little House.” I guarantee you won’t be disappointed (just keep a box of Kleenex nearby). The show has been in re-runs since the series ended, can be streamed on Peacock and has never been off the air. That is truly an amazing feat.

Noelle Olson can be reached by emailing lowdownnews@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1229.

letters

•

Lowdown INBOX AUGUST 2023 THE LOWDOWN 5 www.presspubs.com

WHATS NEW

STILLWATER MAP LEARN ABOUT THE STORE

1 Blades Barbership is joining Bellissima Salon

Where: 222 3rd St S, Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 651-414-1350 or 651-303-3233

Website: http://www.jbellissimasalon. net

Bellissima owner Janelle Haskins and Blades owner Al aka “Blades” have decided to join together into one salon. Haskins has been in the industry for 23 years. Al has been in the industry for 30. Both are excited to bring their passion to Stillwater.

2 Union Art Alley

Where: Union Alley, Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: info@unionartalley.com

Website: https://www.unionartalley. com/

Owned by Sara Jespersen, owner of The Lumberjack and Heather Rutledge, director of ArtReach St Croix, the Union Art Alley has truly created a unique space that celebrates the power of street art to transform and inspire others. The mission of the Alley is to provide a platform for local street artists to showcase their talent, and to create a vibrant and ever-changing space.

3 Walleye Willie’s

Where: 14375 60th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 651- 571- 3431

Recently opened in December by William Isaacson, the tackle shop offers a variety of rods, reels, bait and bobbers. The shop also offers coffee and doughnuts to customers on weekends and even has a small lounge area for anyone who simply wants to come in and hang out.

4 River Pines Counseling

Where: 105 New England Place, Suite 150 Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 651-478-2141/ info@ riverpinescounseling.com

Website: http://riverpinescounseling. com

River Pines Counseling was founded by a father/daughter duo, Rod and Darcy Stivland, in 2022 with a vision to create a nature-inspired and boutique-style mental health therapy option for adults seeking support with life changes and challenges.

5 Stillwater Modern Denistry

Where: 13331 60th St. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082

Contact: 651-352-4629

Website: https://www. stillwatermoderndentistry.com/ We offer all the latest dental exams, cavity filling, dental crowns, veneers, bridges, professional teeth whitening, and more. Patients under a tight budget can take advantage of the flexible financing options available with low monthly minimums to keep the treatment they need affordable.

6 The Miller Apartments

Where: 200 Chestnut St. Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 651-237-2950/ themiller@ mydmco.com

Website: https://themillermn.com/

These new apartments are located in the heart of downtown Stillwater. The Miller offers vibrant and modern living in a historic setting with views of the river and a short walk to downtown life.

7 Chiroway

Where: 2510 Curve Crest Blvd W, Suite B, Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 877-442-4476

Website:  https://chiroway.com/ locations/stillwater-chiropractic-care/ ChiroWay of Stillwater provides affordable and locallyowned chiropractic care in the area. Services are affordable and great for individuals and whole families.

8 Lift Bridge Nutrition (New Ownership)

Where: 1431 Stillwater Boulevard, Stillwater, MN 55082

Contact: 651-342-0523/ liftbridgenutrition@gmail.com

Website: https://www.liftbridgenutritionstillwatermn.com/

This company is committed to building a healthy and happy community. Lift Bridge Nutrition serves aloe shots, energizing teas, health shakes and a variety of pre-post workout blends that provide an easy way to stay healthy and fit! Hours are from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. MondayFriday and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays.

LAKE MAP LEARN ABOUT THE STORE

FOREST

1 Bubble Time

What: Boba tea

Where: 145 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN

55025

Contact: 651-464-9046

Website: N/A

It is a perfect choice for both those who like traditional milk tea flavors and for those who have a taste for fruits. There are many popular bubble tea flavors that you must try

2 Living Well Boutique/Be Well Nutrition

(Recently Moved)

What: Gifts, Jewelry / Wellness Shakes & Teas

Where: 132 Lake St S, Forest Lake

Contact: 651-231-5007

Website: https: N/A

Health coaching and the best protein smoothies, energizing teas, and protein oatmeal, and coming soon, protein pancakes waffles, mug cakes, donuts and muffins. Also a variety gifts, jewelry and more.

3 Pizza Pub

What: Restaurant

Where: 8241 N Shore Trail, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Contact:

Pizza Pub has been serving Minnesotans our award winning pizza since 1976!

Word of mouth spreads fast when you’ve got the best tasting pizza in town! Pizza Pub has always been focused on quality since day one in our very first store. We have always believed that you deserve our very best. By utilizing the freshest and highest quality ingredients and producing our own signature sauce and pizza dough in house, we are able to deliver that award winning pizza to your home or table every time

4 Simple Cuts

What: Haircuts

Where: 1500 Lake Street South, Suite 105

Contact: 651-964-0304

Website: www.simplycutshair.com

We provide efficient and affordable haircuts for the whole family whether it’s young children, teens, men or women. For those who have a hard time with haircuts or may be on the spectrum if there is anything that would make the experience more comfortable or if there is something that might be difficult to handle give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you or your child to make the haircut more comfortable.

Washington County Fair: The place to be in 2023

The Washington County Fair has been bringing fun to all ages since 1871. The fair kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 2, and ends Sunday, Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds located at 12300 North 40th Street in Stillwater.

The midway will be back with carnival rides. There will be many exhibits including arts, quilts, woodworking, goats, cows and more. Horse lovers can enjoy a horse show and there will be plenty of food.

Live bands this year on the Craft Brew Haus stage are as follows:

• 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 4: Heartbreaker

• 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 5: Them Pesky Kids

• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 6: Firewater Gospel Choir

• For motorsports enthusiasts, the fair will have a truck pull, motokazie, demo

OBITUARY

derby and tractor pull

• The Washington County Master Gardener volunteers will have daily demonstrations and hands-on activities at the Fairest Garden. According to the fair Facebook page, the bag

Karen Freed

76, passed away on July 13, 2023 from the fast moving effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh brought joy to everyone she met.

Karen Jo Bennett was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 1, 1947 to Rose Marie (Boehm) and Paul Clement Bennett. She & her father were very proud of their Danish heritage, including his birth name: Herluf Poul Debel Klokker. She traced her Danish family heritage back to her great-great grandfather Count Christian Johan Frederik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig (1789-1856) and enjoyed being a Countess.

Karen lived in Edina until marrying Larry Schroeder. Several years later,

SCHOOL BRIEF

River Grove is growing full speed ahead

tournaments will look slightly different this year as there will be tournaments for both prizes and money. The bag tournaments will be at noon on Sunday. Signup for the tournaments will begin at 11 a.m. at the Craft Brew Haus.

they moved to Columbus, MN. During this time, she worked as a grocery clerk in Forest Lake. After Karen and her second husband, David E. Mattson were married, she worked as a restaurant server and then chiropractic assistant. They then owned Hardwood Construction & Hardwood Handlers, which built and sold houses and processed lumber for building materials suppliers.

Karen and John Freed blended their families when they were married in 2001 and lived in Columbus, MN. The two of them enjoyed spending winters at their home in Travelers Rest near Dade City, Florida with many good friends.

She was active in the Lakes Area Business Association since its inception in 1994, serving as its secretary. She enjoyed getting to know other Forest Lake business owners who worked toward a better business climate together.

Karen enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting, camping, horseback riding, walking and cutting wood. She was proficient with firearms and enjoyed teaching gun safety to girls.

It was always special to get family together to make the Prussian heritage

For more information and a list of events, go to https:// washingtoncountyfair. org/.

Noelle Olson

River Grove School’s new home base is on the north end of downtown Stillwater and will be a springboard to new opportunities. Renovations of the Zephyr Theatre building — now the Manitou Fund Education and Arts Center — are underway. The architectural firm MSR Design is developing a versatile building that will fit the school’s needs. The interiors feature light-filled spaces with a natural, soothing color palette and state-of-the-art functionality and security. The location provides access to many local natural spaces immediately adjacent in Stillwater and in the greater St. Croix River Valley area, historical sites and community partnerships. At River Grove, students engage in both indoor and outdoor environments to expand their learning opportunities.

recipe for kasnip and to play Shanghai Rummy. Karen loved celebrating holidays, especially hosting the annual Labor Day party. She & John enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Denmark to trace Karen’s familyheritage and a cruise to Alaska.

Karen loved to sing and dance at Travelers Rest and enjoyed leading a Bible study there for several years. For nearly 20 years she worked at From the Heart Bible and Gift store and was blessed by its service to the community. The owners, Barb and Mike Nowicki and her coworkers, were close friends in Christ. Karen’s strong Christian faith was very important to her and she is now in her special room in Heaven as the Bible promised.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, John and her wonderful children, Steve (Wendy) Schroeder, Michelle (partner Peter Gaylord) Schroeder, and Rob (Mindi) Schroeder and David P. (Jessica) Mattson. Her 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren brought her so much joy. John’s children, Josh (Jenny) Freed, Becky (Corey) Brown and Matt (Pippin) Freed, and his 8 grandchildren were also such a blessing.

WHITE BEAR LAKE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

Its project-based model regularly gets students out of a traditional fourwall classroom setting. Our communities and the natural world around us become settings for reading and writing, math, science, art, history, music, physical education and other curriculum subjects. Using grade-appropriate strategies, River Grove students use a stimulating, hands-on, multifaceted approach to create a presentation or performance, or investigate a question or problem. A project example might include using math and science skills to build and place birdhouses in a natural area, studying which placements are most successful, and writing poems about the birds who live there. Expanding to art, the students might create watercolor sketches about the birds, trees or other animals around them or collect materials from the area to make a nature collage.

Karen is also survived by her sister Patty Knoblauch, mother-in-law, Dorothy Freed, and special nieces Sharon Bloom, Susan Lamb and Lee Hanson & her daughter, Shylah Maus. Good friends, Bonnie Tschida and Carol Carlson and many nieces and nephews also enriched her life as did John’s extended family. She cherished the friendship of the Bags, who were her coworkers at the chiropractic clinic for many years.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Bennett, sisters Doris Van Handel, Joyce Brommer and Janice Mueller and her previous husbands, Larry Schroeder and David E. Mattson.

Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Parmly on the Lake and the special hospice staff for their heartfelt care for Karen and her family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Maranatha Church, 24799 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake, Minnesota on Sunday, August 13th, 2023. Visitation will be at 1 PM with the service at 2 PM. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Music in the Trees

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20

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

Details: Diverse group of instrumentalists and vocalists perform in the red pine restoration. Contact: belwin.org

SUMMER TUESDAYS

When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8 & 15

Where: Lowell Park/Stillwater Riverfront Gazebo

Details: Outdoor market, live music, and movie in the park 10 minutes after sunset.

Contact: summerturesdays.com

WHAT’S THAT PLANT?

When: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Aug. 1-7

Where: Browns Creek State Trailhead, 575 Main St. N., Stillwater

Details: Stop by for a ¼ stroll with signs marking a variety of plants and flowers.

Contact: sustainablestillwatermn.org/plant-event

THE LURE OF THE PEARL BUTTON

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2

Where: Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 S. Greeley St., Stillwater

Details: Program presents the story of freshwater mussels and the booming pearl button industry in the St. Croix Valley in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Free.

Contact: wchsmn.org/event/pearls

PUPPIES & PUMPS

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6

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

Details: Play with adoptable puppies watch a drag show. Brunch buffet and drinks. Supports For Furever Animal Rescue. See ticket prices online.

Contact: one23events.com

CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR

SHOW

When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 & 23

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, live music, free family-friendly festivities.

Contact: cruisinonthecroix.com

GOPHER TO BADGER HALF MARATHON

When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Where: Start in 3 locations in Stillwater, end at Lakefront Park, Hudson.

Details: 10K, 5K and half marathon courses from Stillwater to Hudson. Shuttle service provided.

Contact: runstillwater.com

FOREST LAKE EAA CHAPTER 1638 FLY-IN AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. -12 p.m. Saturday, August 12

Where: Forest Lake Airport

Details: Enjoy a wonderful pancake breakfast while surrounded by planes of all kinds.

Contact: 651-209-9727

BRIDGE THE VALLEY BIKE RALLY

When: Start times begin at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: Chestnut Plaze, 439 Chestnut St., Stillwater

Details: Event sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club includes 5 routes with options or all skill levels. Live music and refreshements follow at Lowell Park.

Contact: bikereg.com/bridge-the-valley

EAA CHAPTER 54 FLY-IN & DRIVE-IN

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Where: Lake Elmo Airport

Details: Family-friendly event with brats and sweet corn, aircraft displays, and kids activities. Free-will donation.

Contact: chapters.eaa.org/eaa54

SPELMANSSTÄMMA

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19

Where: Gammelgarden Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail N., Scandia

Details: Outdoor gathering of Swedish fiddlers , exhibits, art fair, tours, games, parade of musicians, treats and more.

Contact: gammelgardenmuseum.org

VENDOR MARKET “SUMMER SERIES”

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20

Where: The Loft at Studio J, 214 Main St. S., Stillwater

Details: Market features local artisans, handmade goods, dessert vendors, full bar and kids activities. Contact: one23events.com

ONGOING EVENTS

WARDEN’S HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS

When: 1, 2, 3 & 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, through October

Where: Warden’s House Museum, 602 N. Main St.

Stillwater

Details: See 14 rooms decorated in the late 19th and early 20th century style on a 45-60 minute tour of the 1853 residence of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden. Contact: 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org

HISTORIC STILLWATER TROLLEY TOURS

When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily through Sept. 1

Where: 100 E. Nelson St., Stillwater

Details: 45 minute narrated tour includes views of the St. Croix River valley, lumber baron’s mansions, historic lift bridge and other features.

Contact: stillwatertrolley.com

STILLWATER FARMERS MARKET

When: 7:30am-noon, Saturdays, through October 28

Where: Riverview parking lot, 3rd and Pine Streets, across from courthouse

Details: Local organic food, vegetables, fruit, crafts and other specialties.

Contact: 651-704-9996 or localharvest.org

ARTS IN THE PARK/FARMERS MARKET, FOREST LAKE

When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, through Aug 29

Where: Lakeside Park, Forest Lake

Details: Weekly concert series, crafts, farmer’s market, food trucks

Contact: 651-209-9723 or ci.forest-lake.mn.us/192/Arts-inthe-Park

BAYPORT FARMERS MARKET

When: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, through Oct. 16

Where: Village Green, 3rd St. N., adjacent to Andersen Elementary and the Bayport Library

Contact: 612-518-7110 or bayportfarmersmarket.com

SHARON SYKORA

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic Pain Overview

Chronic pain is the most common major medical condition among adults. In the U.S. alone, chronic pain is estimated to affect over 50 million people and cost $635 billion annually, more than the annual costs of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. About 18 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain that limits their ability to complete daily activities.

Pain is considered chronic if it has lasted for three months or more. Though causes can vary, chronic pain is generally the result of an injury, illness, or nerve damage. It can present itself in many different ways, but among the most common conditions that cause chronic pain are sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, post-surgery pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Severity of pain can range from a constant nuisance to so painful that simply wearing a sock can be excruciating.

The good news for chronic pain sufferers is that our understanding of these pain conditions has advanced dramatically in recent years and substantial research has produced some incredible treatments capable of providing long-lasting, highly effective relief.

Pain Medications

When administered and managed responsibly, pain medications can help manage certain chronic pain conditions. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications can be enough, while in more severe or unusual cases, prescription pain medications may be recommended.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves performing low-impact exercises, stretches, and specific movements to increase strength and improve mobility throughout the body.

This enhanced strength and overall functionality allows your body to cope with physical stressors more effectively and can result in pain relief, especially

when paired with other services. Physical Therapy is unique in that it can be completed in-office or virtually.

Injections

Many chronic pain conditions can be successfully treated with injections. A medication containing a numbing agent (anesthetic), an anti-inflammatory (steroid), or a combination of both, is injected near the nerve, joint, or tissue causing the pain. The medication bathes the affected area, reducing symptoms and relieving pain.

Injections are brief, outpatient procedures that can provide several months of pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, the painful nerves are ablated (burned) using heat generated by radio waves. Special, hollow needles are placed at the site of the nerve and thin electrodes are inserted through the needles. A special machine generates radio wave energy, and the electrodes deliver it to the nerve(s), ablating them. This breaks up the pain signals coming from these nerves, providing relief.

Nerve ablation is a brief, outpatient procedure that requires minimal recovery time and generally provides between 6 and 12 months of pain relief.

Intrathecal Pain Pump

An intrathecal pump is an implanted device that automatically introduces medication directly into the body's cerebrospinal fluid. This direct infusion bypasses natural process in the body that may stop other kinds of medication from passing into the brain. As a result, intrathecal administration can offer fast and effective results while reducing the negative side effects commonly associated with oral pain medications.

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced pain treatment that uses electricity to block pain signals.

A small battery is implanted in the lower back and connected to thin leads that are placed next to the painful nerves. The battery generates mild electric pulses, which the leads deliver to the nerves, "stimulating" them. This electrical stimulation blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, resulting in significant pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgical procedure that can provide many years of effective pain relief.

Relieve Your Pain, Renew Your Life

Chronic pain can be an exhausting, debilitating condition. But now more than ever, pain sufferers have ample opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, schedule an appointment with your local pain clinic and learn how they can help you get back to being your very best YOU!

Contributed by Twin Cities Pain Clinic.

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,

Part-Time Bookkeeper

Pulstar, Inc., White Bear Lake, MN

Bookkeeping and Administrative duties including company ledger, process payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, receipt of goods and reconciling invoices.

Small businesses with less than 10 employees

• Utilize Sage 100

• 20 hours per week onsite

• $20-$25 per hour based on experience

Send Resume to strategiclemay@gmail.com

PET MEMORIAL

The death of your beloved pet leaves a heartache no one can heal. Their love leaves a memory you immortalize forever by publishing a special tribute as an Obituary or in Memoriam. Share your cherished thoughts so they live on forever.

and assisting the sales team with new ads for potential clients

- Follow a schedule with overlapping deadlines

-Work with editors to produce a vibrant

JOB DETAILS:

- 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55-5:30 varies by season

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

If

1 column x 3” ad. Your obituary will appear in our classified section under “Pet Obituary.” Your ad will appear in the White Bear Press, Vadnais Heights Press, Quad Press, Shoreview Press, The Lowdown and The Citizen. Call our Classified Department 651-407-1250 or email classified@presspubs.com

Toro Power Broom

Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro profession al series $3,750 61 2-599-172 nine

can watch my Podcast.

trained staff. If you’re currently looking to hire a professional concrete company, we invite you to contact us now for more information. We truly care that you receive the absolute best services possible, and that’s why we’ll do everything in our power to make sure that your ultimate vision comes to life.

We’re Forest Lake’s original grooming shop, operating since 1989. Your pets are like family to us. We remain 100% committed to your pet from start to finish. It’s