The Lowdown

Forest Lake Area

Chamber Spotlight

WHERE BUSINESS AND SUCCESS MEET

Associated Bank – Michael Mehsikomer

It’s all about relationships, understanding the client’s needs and working with local businesses where we know the community dynamics. Associated Bank works with businesses of all sizes from start up to corporate banking, but Michael’s team specifically works with clients who have $5MM - $25MM in annual

revenues and lending needs of $500MM – $10MM. Michael and his team directly manage all aspects of their business banking relationship including lending (working

capital, expansion, owner occupied & investment real estate, acquisition, equipment finance & SBA loans and lines of credit), deposit accounts, cash management solutions and strategic advisory services. Call Mike today at 651-523-6496 or email at michael.mehsikomer@ associatedbank.com.

About the cover

SHANNON GRANHOLM

Managing Editor | quadnews@presspubs.com

I do like a good pumpkin spice latte, however, I want to enjoy them in October, not August.

MADELINE DOLBY

Staff Writer | lowdownnews@presspubs.com

Yes. Personally, I prefer the creme brûlée latte over the pumpkin spice one.

ZOEY NGUYEN

Designer | art@presspubs.com

Most pumpkin spice drinks taste so artificially sweet due to condense milk and pumpkin puree. There is no subtlety to the flavor. So, certainly, it is overrated.

Abra Kadabra Environmental Services

Since 2005, Abra Kadabra Environmental Services has operated as a family-owned business, serving Minneapolis metro residents and business owners with exceptional pest control services.

They recently added a second location in Forest Lake.

Matt Eickman and his team provide the absolute best, giving their clients peace of mind when it comes to pest control and personal safety. They have seen first-hand the many damaging effects of our local pests and are familiar with all sorts of

pests and solutions that work. They have a genuine concern about the health and hygiene issues caused by these insects and rodents. As a family-oriented team, they wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best for their family. That strong desire for excellence transfers into their business, providing the best, safest pest elimination programs for you and your family. Contact them to get started at 763-363-4470 or email at info@ abrakadabraenvironmental.com.

PAUL DOLS

Photojournalist/Website Editor | photos@presspubs.com

Yes, I’d be surprised if there was anything real about the pumpkin or spice in these drinks, so I’ll stick to a triedand-true double espresso.

TOMMY CHANDLER

Multimedia

Yes.

Results. Relationships. Resources.

651-464-3200 | ForestLakeChamber.org

Three member benefits offered by the FLA Chamber of Commerce that contribute to local business RECOVERY.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

www.presspubs.com

More than just a trail ride at Afton Arena

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

River Valley Riders was created in 1999 and is continuing to expand. The nonprofit program creates a supportive community where those with special needs can connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits. River Valley Riders offers therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage riding and hippotherapy.

Riders include children and adults with special needs who have autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other conditions. Participants gain confidence and self-esteem, build strength and improve balance while building relationships with peers and animals.

The lessons consist of four to seven riders. Each lesson is about 45 minutes long. It starts with a warm-up, then is followed by lesson activities that are adapted to the riders’ abilities and focused on their individual goals. The lesson then will end with a game such as freeze-tag, all while the rider is on the horseback. Lessons can be held in indoor or outdoor arenas.

“River Valley Riders provides equine-assisted services that help over 140 people with special needs,” said Kathy Jo Hanson, the development director for the program and a PATH-certified trainer.

There are nine instructors, over 200 volunteers and 23 horses that provide therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and physical therapy.

River Valley Riders owns two of the horses, while the rest are brought in by volunteers each night.

This year, the River Valley Riders will host its firstever open house at Afton Arena. The goal of the event is to show off the new addition made to the barn that began in 2018. Donors gave over a million dollars to help with the upgrades.

The open house will offer the opportunity to learn more about the organization and the benefits of the program. Visitors can tour the new facility, see demonstrations of the lessons it offers and meet the therapy horses.

The goal of the event is to “reach out to the community,” said Hanson. She hopes that by hosting this event, the program will be able to expand even further by gaining more donors and volunteers.

community, the great outdoors and homegrown bluegrass music within the county’s parks, which are celebrating another successful summer season.

Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket for an afternoon of enjoyment. The event is family-friendly. Food trucks will be on-site, along with other activities to enjoy.

The event is supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association.

See www.co.washington.mn.us/ parks for maps and more information on the event.

Music and much more at Lake Elmo

The Washington County Bluegrass Festival is back for another year. The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

At the event, there will be multiple bands for visitors to listen to: Blue Hazard, The Pale Ales, Chicken Wire Empire and Barley Jacks. All of the artists will offer hourlong sessions. The annual festival fuses

Bingo, live music and fireworks at Stagecoach Days

Stagecoach Day is an annual event that celebrates the small city of Wyoming, Minnesota. Not only does the event celebrate the town, but it also supports the local fire department.

There will be games, food vendors, merchants, live music, a parade and fireworks at the end of the weekend to close out the festivities.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and will start at East Viking Boulevard

She says that the River Valley Riders program “wants to grow to serve more people year-round.”

Presently, the program runs from mid-April through early November. There are hopes to expand lessons beyond November when more renovations are completed.

River Valley Riders hopes to add a stable so that 12 horses can stay at the arena all year round. The organization also plans to add a hay barn. By making these changes, lessons would be able to be yearround.

“There are so many physical and emotional benefits for our riders and volunteers from the connection with our very special horses. And also an important part of River Valley Riders … everyone is having fun. We want to share this message with the community as we look to the future to be able to serve more people with special needs,” Hanson noted.

The River Valley Riders Open House will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 10 at Afton Arena, located at 2007 Neal Avenue South, Afton.

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

and Friesland Avenue. It will go around the block.

At the intersection of East Viking and Felton Avenue, there will be food trucks and a tent. At noon, purse bingo will begin, hosted by the Forest Lake Area Athletic Association. From 4 p.m. to midnight, there will be live music on East Viking Boulevard under the tent. Other activities include a bouncy house, a helicopter landing and a beer garden.

The fireworks hosted by the city of Wyoming will be at Goodview Park and begin at 9 p.m. to close out the weekendlong celebration.

League of Women Voters meets Sept. 14

The League of Women Voters –White Bear Lake Area invites the public to its Sept. 14 meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Two speakers will present the 2023 legislative accomplishments and progress in implementation. Lilly Sasse, Campaign Director of “We Choose Us,” will present voter rights,

voter access and election law changes. Sam Streukens, the civic engagement director of LMVMN, will present recent legislative accomplishments in climate change, firearm safety, civic education and more. Learn the details and ask questions.

More information on the event can be found at the League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake Area website at lwv-wbla.org.

Introducing the new president of the St. Croix Valley club

The St. Croix Valley Camera Club welcomes a new president. Richard Crombie will be taking over the club.

The St.Croix Valley Camera club is an all-volunteer non-profit club that conducts, promotes and supports community arts, education, photographic events and activities throughout the St. Croix Valley region in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Meetings are generally held every third Monday of the month. To find out more about the club, reach out to Crombie. He can be reached at 651728-3833 or through the website at stcroixvalleycameraclub.com.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Volunteers and a rider on a trail ride that goes around the arena. CONTRIBUTED

Brent Borgen cut the ribbon with his family, staff, DJ’s and fans at the Chamber Celebration on July 19th, 2023

A River Valley rider playing cornhole on horseback

Volunteers and a rider during a lesson outside

Local guitar enthusiast returns to Minnesota

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Todd Lunneborg has been no stranger to the Minnesota music world. After being away for almost a decade, he has returned to restart his guitar business after a seven-year hiatus.

Before he left Minnesota, Lunneborg had his own standalone shop in Andover before moving to Georgia due to a job change in the family. Now that he has returned, he wants to restart his business and build it back up to where it used to be.

“When I left Minnesota, I was super-exclusive and high-end. You had to know someone to know me,” he said.

Lunneborg worked his way into the music scene from the age of 13 and has been a part of it ever since. Over the years, he has worked with many artists you have heard on the radio. Bon Iver was just one of the artists he worked directly with, going on Iver’s second world tour as a tour tech, helping exchange guitars between songs and repairing them if needed.

“I did everything as a tour tech that I would ever want to at the level anyone could ever dream of and now, now, it’s just nice to be the Stillwater mountain bike coach and be able to see my kids before they set off to be the adults they’re kind of growing into,” Lunneborg said.

His guitar business is not new for him, but it will be new to the Stillwater area. The business will be a three-room shop that he will use to create and repair guitars.

From a young age, Lunneborg has been in the music business. He talked his way into a job at the local music store in downtown Alexandria. From the ages of 13 to 18, Lunneberg worked at the store dusting pianos, taking out the trash and cleaning guitars. He did it all without pay. Instead of a paycheck, he got to pull guitars off the wall and work by the hour.

Lunneborg grew up sitting side stage, watching his grandfather’s country dance band in the Fargo area perform at weddings and other events. He got his first guitar when he was 7 and was told he could

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

New trails added to Big Marine Park Reserve

Those living around one of many Washington County Parks can expect new trails to be added in the future. As of now, there is a parks master plan in place that dictates the future use of multiple parks.

For upcoming trails, the reserve is currently focusing on a 10-mile singletrack mountain bike trail system at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Mountain biking is currently allowed on some of the multiuse trails within the Lake Elmo Reserve. The project won’t introduce a new use to the park but will instead provide a separate, dedicated facility for those trail users.

The single-track trail is a one-way unpaved trail that is usually the width of a bike. The trail varies in difficulty and is designed to flow through park areas, following natural inclines and declines of the landscape. The singletrack trail can be used in all four seasons, primarily by mountain bikers, but can also be used by hikers and snowshoers.

By making the trail a singletrack system, the hope is to reduce existing conflicts on the shared multiuse trails at the reserve.

Washington County Public

Works plans to complete the remaining portion of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail for walking and biking that runs through Hugo. Currently, there are no future plans to expand the horse trails. Washington County did open additional horse trails at Pine Point Regional Park. Future horse

trails are called for in Big Marine Park Reserve but are not currently scheduled to be established, as land acquisitions for trails have yet to occur.

For more information regarding the plans, visit www.co.washington.

mn.us/3316/Single-TrackTrail-Planning to see the intended design information.

How to: Use the Stillwater Passport Parking app

The city of Stillwater will now require visitors to use the Passport Parking app to pay for and manage their parking in downtown Stillwater. Drivers should park where they see a Passport Parking sign or where a decal is placed, pay for parking from their phone and be on their way.

The app is very userfriendly. All one has to do is download the Parking Pass app from the app store, create an account with a mobile number or email address, park anywhere they see an app sign or decal, then pay for the parking session via a mobile device.

Users will then receive an emailed receipt at the end of their parking session. Expenses are made easy and can be managed through parking history through the app.

The city of Stillwater hopes that the app will provide an easier and more convenient way to pay for parking in the community. The city will also be able to access realtime parking insights and data to operate parking more efficiently in the future.

not keep it unless he learned a song by the next morning. He quickly learned “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and got to keep the instrument.

He had one rule growing up: he was not allowed to play his grandfather’s guitar. Every summer when Lunneborg would go visit him for two weeks, his grandfather would set out the guitar in front of his bedroom door in the mornings and put it away at night. Lunneborg never played it.

He said, “the guitar became magic when I was a kid.”

Another influence that got him into the guitar repair business was a man named Reuben, who spent his time in the basement of the music store repairing amplifiers. Lunneborg learned from him and gained his knowledge of guitar repair through tasks such as changing guitar strings.

His job evolved from cleaning to repairs to teaching lessons, and snowballed into him into an offer to start his own store.

Lunneborg attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. During his time there, he worked his way into the music scene with local Minnesota bands. He went to their shows, exchanging guitars between songs, did the stage setups and performed the guitar repairs.

At St. Olaf, they had a program called the “paracollege,” where students could create their own major. Lunneborg decided to follow that route and combined a music major with an English/ journalism major. He left the college with a major in creative music and literature.

“I kind of manipulated my way into doing what I am doing now,” Lunneborg said as he talked about his past and current experience in the music world. “That cleaning job that I talked my way into just kind of evolved into doing repairs and setups, then evolved into me being in charge of the combo, which is guitar, bass and drums department …” he added.

Along with repairing and crafting guitars, Lunneborg writes for the FretBoard Journal, which is the most popular guitar magazine in the country.

“I can’t wait to be part of the Minnesota music scene again,” he concluded.

Taco Daze Craze in Scandia

Taco Daze is back for another year at the Scandia Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the ScandiaMarine Lions Club website, the daylong celebration has been a part of the community since 1975. It was begun to help raise money to build a tennis court for the Scandia Tennis Association. The celebration continues, and funds other Lions Club projects.

In the first year of Taco Daze, a fish fry was held outside Meister’s Bar and Grill. The following year, the club held a brat feed. The next year, tacos were sold, solidifying the event that has brought the community together for more 48 years. The tennis courts were paid for after the first five years, but the community kept the tradition going.

A parade was added in 1982; when the new Scandia Community Center was built, the event moved to that location.

The all-day event is a major source of income for the Scandia-Marine Lions Club, funds that the group invests back into the community. Over the years, money from the event has gone to pay for fencing around the tennis courts, playground equipment and amenities around the community.

This year, the theme is Tomte Taco Daze with Everything Swedish.

According to the Daily Scandinavian, “The Tomte is an essential part of Scandinavian folklore. He’s a little gnome of sorts, dedicated to one home or farm, looking out for the animals and children of the place, pattering about at night, unseen, to check on everyone’s welfare.”

Taco Daze has become bigger and better each year, with the addition of other community activities and opportunities. At various locations in downtown Scandia, visitors can take a trolley to different locations to participate in activities.

Gammelgården will have its Running

of the Meatballs along with tours of the museum. Scandia Parks and Recreation plans to host a pickleball tournament. 4-H will provide children’s games and a bouncy house. The Scandia Fire Department is on hand with trucks and its firefighter waterfall competition.

Along with various other activities, there will be vendors and a variety of food options along with the famous tacos.

Meister’s will continue to supply bouncy houses for children and live music for adults. Meister’s also will host Lions bingo on the lawn. There have been multiple themes throughout the years at Taco Daze. This year, Scandia celebrates its little Tomte, and all the people who “patter about” the community at odd hours to enrich people’s lives and check in on their welfare.

The front of one of Todd Lunneborg’s acoustic guitars.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Lunneborg will be bringing his guitar repair talents back to Minnesota.

Madeline Dolby

Tomte is an essential part of Scandinavian folklore.

INBOX

More than just a trail ride

Ever since I was about seven years old, I have rode horses. I used to ride with my uncle, my aunt or my dad when he was brave enough around my aunt and uncle’s property till my butt got numb. When I wasn’t riding, I was out in the pasture leading around my miniature pony, Maisie, till my hands were rubbed raw from the lead rope.

The end of summer is coming

Every year around this time I start thinking, “Where did summer go?”

A nother wedding anniversary and birthday are now in the books. My family vacation to Wisconsin Dells has come and gone and most of the city festivals have already happened.

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

Where has the time gone? Can we hit pause or rewind? I can’t believe it’s already State Fair time. Before we know it, the school year will be here and it will be the season of pumpkin spice lattes.

I do love fall, but it never lasts long enough. And I HATE what comes after fall. I do have some things to look forward to this fall and winter though. This fall, I’m looking forward to the Sunflower Festival at Waldoch Farm, Fall Fest in Lexington and the Withrow Car Show.

Each fall my family and I always have to visit the apple orchard, specifically Applecrest orchards in Hugo, Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake or Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater.

My dogs, Frosty and Twinkie’s, birthdays are also this fall. Frosty’s birthday is

Oct. 26 and Twinkie’s birthday is Nov. 16. We always celebrate with presents and pupcakes. I’m really praying that Frosty is still around for her 10th birthday.

(See dog update below for more info.)

Something readers can look forward to this fall is finding out the results of our Readers’ Choice Best Of the Press Contest. Winners will be announced in a special publication in October.

This winter, the main thing I’m dreading (and looking forward to at the same time) is my son Royce’s first birthday the day after Christmas. That will be quite the milestone for him and our family. I’m especially looking forward to watching him devour a smash cake.

Dog update

If you read my previous column you probably recall that both of my dogs have had quite the year. Frosty, 9, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM) and Twinkie, 5, had to have her left eye removed.

DM is a disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. It acts similarly to Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), in humans.

It has been so heartbreaking to watch my once able-bodied German shepherd not be able to go up and down stairs and to fall over doing simple things like

Madeline’s Mail

going to the bathroom or eating her food.

Every day her condition seems to get worse and I’m not sure how much longer her body will let her make it. She can no longer do the things she so loved to do like playing fetch, going for long walks or swimming. We do have a doggy wheel chair to help her get around when she is outside of the house, but our split-entry home has too many steps for a wheel chair to work. She still seems like a happy girl but I dread the day when she no longer is.

Thankfully she is not in pain, but it must be scary having your feet fall out beneath you all the time.

Twinkie, who was diagnosed with neurogenic dry eye, didn’t have any luck with any of the eye drops we tried. Right after Royce was born, she developed an ulcer on her eye, so we had to remove her eye before it ruptured or we would have lost her.

Twinkie didn’t skip a beat thankfully. The worst part was coming off anesthesia and having the incision heal. But she was back to her sassy self almost immediately and doesn’t seem to notice the loss of her eye at all.

Dear time, please slow down. Please and thank you.

Shannon Granholm is the managing editor of the Lowdown and can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs. com.

THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines

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At the age of 10, I finally got permission to ride on my own. My uncle allowed me to ride around in the quonset. I stayed out there well past sundown just learning how to steer the horse on my own. When I was about 16, I got to go on trail rides with my cousin. We would only go for about thirty minutes, but it was the most relaxing 30 minutes of my life.

Those trail rides quickly became a part of my routine when I went up there. Once, we were gone for two hours. No phones, no distractions, just quiet conversation.

It seems silly to think that riding a horse changes your mind and muscle connection, but it does. After every ride, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. All my problems seemed to wash away when I was in the saddle.

When I heard about River Valley Riders in Afton, I knew I had to do a feature story on them. They are an organization that helps those with disabilities through horseback riding and carriage rides. After talking on the phone with the director, learning more about the program and their mission. I knew I had to see it for myself.

I got the chance to visit the River Valley barn and see a lesson for myself. I rearranged my schedule and made my way down on a sunny Tuesday. As I made my way down the driveway, a smile was on my face the whole time because I was so excited. I love horses and I love the mission behind River Valley Riders. It was the best of both worlds.

Now most people don’t care for the smell of manure or the constant horse flies buzzing around their heads—I am one of those people— but I put those dislikes aside and embraced my six-year-old self who was first introduced to a horse that seemed larger than life at the time. As I watched the lessons and saw the smiles on the riders’ faces, I realized that they enjoyed riding as much as I did growing up. They also felt a sense of calm on the horse. They feel better after riding through the barn just like I did when I was 10. I loved writing about the program just as much as I loved leading around Maisie. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed experiencing it.

A ll letters are subject to editing.

Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

To submit a letter, e-mail it to lowdownnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Madeline Dolby

CONTRIBUTED

Staff writer Madeline Dolby on Ruger before a trail ride.

THE MILLER APARTMENTS

What: Apartment building

Where: 200 Chestnut St. E, Stillwater, MN 55082

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

Website: themillermn.com

CHIROWAY

What: Chiropractor

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

Contact: 877-442-4476

Website: chiroway.com/ locations/stillwaterchiropractic-care/

SOLD WITH SKIDMORE

What: Real estate agency Contact: soldwithskidmore. com/contact-us

Website: soldwithskidmore. com

STILLWATER MAP LEARN ABOUT THE STORES

1 About Us | ChiroWay

Chiroway of Stillwater provides affordable and locally-owned chiropractic care in the area. Services are affordable and great for individuals and whole families.

2 About Us | Boba4Eva

Stop into this tea shop that offers a wide variety of different boba tea combinations, conversation and plenty of photo opportunities.

3

BLADES BARBER SHOP OPENED INSIDE

J BELLISSIMA SALON

What: Barber shop

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

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

Website: www. jbellissimasalon.net

BOBA4EVA

What: Bubble tea shop

Where: 5831 Neal Ave N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082

Contact: 651-342-2392/ sayboba4eva@gmail.com

Website: www.facebook. com/people/BoBa4Eva/100091243231920/

Do you know of a new business in the area? Tell us! Email us at lowdownnews@presspubs.com

COMMUNITY BRIEFS PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Kraus-Anderson will oversee remodeling of county Law Enforcement Center

Kraus-Anderson will provide construction management for the remodel of the Washington County Law Enforcement Center in Stillwater. The Law Enforcement Center was built in 1993 and an expansion was completed in 2009. In 2022, a long-range plan was completed and it was determined that there was a need to replace the remaining finishes and furniture, replace the life safety systems, update the design of the building to maximize the space’s flexibility and update critical systems.

The County Board approved a contract with the company at the last Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 22.

Washington County will maintain snowmobile trails

The Washington County Parks will participate in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) snowmobile trails assistance program. The county administers the program for the Star Trail Association, whereby the county agreed to sponsor the snowmobile club and act as a pass-through agency for funds from the DNR snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming grants-in-aid program. The snowmobile club cannot receive the grant funding directly. The agreement will allow Star Trail Association members to enter the county regional parks to improve and maintain 12-footwide snowmobile trails that are open to the general public for snowmobile use. The agreement allows for entry into the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Big Marine Park Reserve.

Charges amended in Forest Lake hit-andrun

Additional charges have been filed against the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in Forest Lake last month. At 1:22 a.m. July 16, officers with the Forest Lake Police Department responded to 95 Broadway Avenue W for a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle. The victim, Darisha Tela Bailey Vath, 17, of Stacy, was located in a municipal parking lot and lifesaving measures were attempted by officers, EMS and fire personnel on scene. The victim tragically succumbed

3 About Us | Blades Barber shop opened inside J Bellissima Salon

Bellissima owner Janelle Haskins and Blades owner Al aka “Blades” have decided to join together at one salon location. 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.

4 About Us | Sold with Skidmore

Sold with Skidmore is built on faith, family and integrity. With superior communication, the group focuses on teamwork with all involved to ensure the best experience for the client leading to a successful closing day. Sold with Skidmore is the experience both you and your client deserve.

5 About Us | The Miller Apartments

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.

to the injuries and was pronounced dead at the location by EMS personnel. The driver was identified as Dylan Robert Simmons, 20, of North Branch. In the days following the incident, police obtained security video from a nearby office building that captured the incident. This video shows that Simmons’ vehicle was initially parked but that he quickly drove forward in the direction of a group of approximately six bystanders, narrowly missing them. Simmons then looped around and again rapidly accelerated towards the group bystanders, this time again narrowly missing

WHITE BEAR LAKE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

them but striking the rear end of a parked vehicle. He then backed up and again lurched forward, striking and then driving over victim before leaving the parking lot.

Simmons has been charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, criminal vehicular homicide and three counts of seconddegree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Forest Lake Police officers were assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, Wyoming Police Department, Chisago County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

FRIDAY, SEPT 15

SATURDAY, SEPT 16

Medallion Hunt - $500 prize! (New clue at the Legion every hour)

Bayport American Legion Hesley Jensen Post 491

11 AM

9 AM 11 AM

11 AM - 2PM

12 AM

2PM

4 - 6 PM

5 - 8:30 PM

Duck sales - $5 per duck (Pre-purchase ducks at various locations around town)

Circus Manduahi sponsored by Bayport Public Library

Story Stroll by Bayport Public Library

Duck Derby - Cash prizes!

Pet Parade – Pre-register at 1:30 PM Prizes for all participants + drawings!

Live Music & Vintage Baseball

Food + Drinks (including beer)

Perro Park

Perro Park

Perro Park

Croixdale

Lakeside Park

Perro Park Lakeside Park

second $100 and third $50.

• The race begins on September 16 at noon at Perro Park.

7:30 PM

6 - 8:30 PM 8:30 PM

DJ + Dance

FREE Ice Cream while supplies last

Fireworks!

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park

Come watch the adorable rubber ducks race down Perro Creek. Yours could be the lucky duck that wins!

OUT & ABOUT

When: 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: St. Croix River and Browns Creek Trail

Details: Volunteer to help clean up several miles of the river and trail.

Ages 14+.

Contact: communitytreadmn.org/ signature-initivatives/river-rally

GRAPE STOMP

When: Noon - 5 p.m. Saturday Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10

WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS

FESTIVAL

When: 2-6 p.m Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, south pavilion, 1515 Keats Ave. N.

Details: Free family-friendly festival that includes concert performances by Blue Hazard, The Pale Ales, Chicken Wire Empire and Barley Jacks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; food trucks will be on site.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us

TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR

When: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6

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

Details: Mystery lovers and authors come together for conversation and reading inspiration. The September event features author William Kent Kruger. There will be a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased online. Contact: valleybookseller.com

CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW

When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 & 20

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

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

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 & Sept. 23

Where: Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N; Lily Lake Ice Arena, 1208 S. Greeley St., Stillwater

Details: Recycle and dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste. Confidential document shredding. Contact: 651-430-6702 or co.washington. mn.us.

SCANDIA TACO DAZE

When: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N

Details: Tacos, beer garden, food trucks, kids games and activities, vendors, crafts, farmers market, car, truck and tractor show, bingo, pickleball tournament, firefighters waterball competition, Running of the Meatballs and more. Parade 4 p.m. Starwatch at the Hay Pavillion from 8- 10 p.m.

Contact: scandiamarinelions.org

RIVER RALLY

Where: Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater

Details: Grape stomps, tours, live music, food trucks, mini massages. All activities are free to the public.

Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com

RIVER VALLEY RIDERS OPEN HOUSE

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10

Where: River Valley Riders, 2007 Neal Ave. S., Afton

Details: Learn about therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with special needs. Tour the new facility, meet therapy horses, refreshments, games, face painting and door prizes.

Contact: 651-439- 2558 or rivervalleyriders.org

HARDWOOD CREEK MINNESOTA BOOK

CLUB

When: 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Wednesday, Sept. 13

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

Details: This book club meets the second Wednesday of the month to discuss books set in Minnesota or books written by Minnesota authors. No registration is required

Contact: washcolib.org/Book-Clubs

PUZZLE COMPETITION

When: 1- 4p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13

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

Details: Come be a part of the Hardwood Creek Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament. Teams of two to four people will compete to finish the same 550-piece puzzle in the least amount of time. Prizes will be awarded to the first two teams to finish the puzzle. Register online, in person, or over the phone.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib. libcal.com/event/10966673

BAYPORT DERBY DAYS

When: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; 9 a.m.8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 Where: Perro Park and Lakeside Park

Details: Live music, food trucks, games and more throughout the Bayport area. Contact: bayportcommunityactionleague.com

STILLWATER LOG RUN

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Ends at Boom Site Park, Highway 95 north of Stillwater

Details: Mostly downhill course with a 5k, 6k or 12k option.

Contact: runstillwater.com/stillwaterlog-run

25TH ANNUAL NORTHWOODS HUMANE

SOCIETY’S WALK WITH THE ANIMALS

When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Lent Town Hall, 33155 Hemingway, Ave., Stacy

Details: A 1.5 mile walk, silent auction, bake sale, raffle, dog and cat nail trimming and microchipping for purchase, food for sale, shopping and other activities for pets and humans. Contact: northwoodshs.org/ fundraising-events/25th-annual-walkwith-the-animals

NATURE TOTS: GET READY FOR FALL

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Minnesota Interstate Park, Taylors Falls

Details: Explore the outdoors with your little one through a fall-themed story, engaging activities and a hands-on craft. This program is designed for children ages 3-6 and their adults, but older or younger siblings are welcome. The program is free, but a Minnesota state parks and trails vehicle permit is required for vehicles.

Contact: mndnr.gov/ptcalendar

MARINE FALL FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Marine Folks School 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix

Details: Free community festival with artist marketplace, crafting demos by skilled artisans, children’s activities, live bluegrass music and dancing, sheepdog herding, food and raffle. Contact: marinefolkschools.org

FIELD OF BANDS

When: Noon- 8 p.m Saturday, Sept. 16

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., Lake Elmo

Details: Fundraiser benefiting veterans, service members and their families. Features live music by Arch Allies, GNO, Westside and Wayward Boyz Klub. Beer garden and food trucks; bring your own lawn chair. Ticket information can be found online. Contact: 5cityyellowribbon.com

PUPPIES & PUMPS

When: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

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

Details: Play with adorable puppies and watch a drag show. Brunch buffet and drinks. The event will support For Furever Animal Rescue. See ticket prices online. Contact: one23events.com

NEEDLE FELTED STRAWBERRIES FOR TEENS

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19

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

Details: Create your own woolen strawberries by learning different needle felting techniques to create life-size berries perfect for a centerpiece in this class for teens. Registration is required. Register online, in person or by calling. Contact: 651-275-7300 or https:// washcolib.libcal.com/event/11065609

HARDWOOD CREEK THIRD WEDNESDAY

BOOK CLUB

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20

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

Details: The Third Wednesday Book Club is an adult book club that meets the third Wednesday of every month. No registration is required.

Contact: washcolib.org/Book-Clubs

ROCKTOBERFEST

When: 5- 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; Noon5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

Where: River Siren Brewing Co., 224 Main St. N., Stillwater

Details: Beer, German-inspired cuisine and live music at the brewery and in the parking lot. Free admission.

Contact: riversirenbrewing.com

FALL LEAF ART FOR ADULTS

When: 11 a.m.- noon, Saturday, Sept. 23

Where: Minnesota Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls

Details: Use watercolor pencils on paper to discover the beautiful details in fallen leaves. This hour-long class will focus more on the process than the product. Enjoy the opportunity to relax, quiet the mind and spark your creativity. Space for this event is limited. Reserving a spot is recommended.

Contact: 651-538-4504 or jenni. websters@state.mn.us.

SUNDAY BRUNCH DRIVE-THRU

When: 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

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

Details: Drive-thru or dine in and get pancakes and sausage or a European breakfast wrap with proceeds benefiting the Forest Lake Area Children’s Fund.

Contact: forestlakemasons.com

GUIDED GLACIAL POTHOLES TOUR

When: 12 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

Where: Minnesota Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls

Details: Discover the stories hidden within scenic river views and unique geologic features as you explore with a park guide. Peek into the Bottomless Pit and marvel at the river gorge. Expect rocky terrain and short stains on the ¼-mile walk. This tour is best for ages 6 and up.

Contact: mndnr.gov/ptcalendar

STILLWATER FARMERS MARKET

When: 7: 30 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, through Oct. 28

Where: Riverview parking lot, 3rd and Pine Street, across from the courthouse.

Contact: 651-704-9996 or localharvet. org

BAYPORT FARMERS MARKET

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

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

Contact: 612-518-7110 or bayportfarmersmarket.com

Meet-and-greet: Introducing the new Lino Lakes Ambassador

Q: Why did you want to be a Lino Lakes ambassador?

A: I wanted to be an ambassador because I wanted to be someone that people could look up to and be able to help everyone in our community.

Q: What other organizations/activities are you involved in (sports, clubs, organizations, jobs, etc?)

A: I am on the Forest Lake Dance Team along with being a competitive dancer and teacher assistant at Lorenz Dance and Tumbling Studio and this year I will also be a Link Leader at Forest Lake High School.

Q: What are you looking forward to about your time as an ambassador?

A: I’m looking forward to meeting so many people from our community and from other communities all over the state and also being able to make a positive impact in our community.

Q: What do you hope to get out of your experience as an ambassador?

have grown so much just through the candidacy process and made lifelong friendships that I would have never made without this amazing program.

Vander Vegt will be joined by Lino Lakes Carley Gooder and Katie Kerr. Both Gooder and Kerr attend Centennial High School. Gooder will be a senior, while Kerr is going into her junior year this fall.

Libbie Vander Vegt, a Forest Lake Junior, is one of three Lino Lakes Ambassadors.

The Miss Lino Lakes Ambassador program was established in 2004 as part of the Blue Heron Days. Ten candidates vie for three spots. The ambassadors represent the city at various parades, coronations, volunteer events and fundraisers throughout the Twin Cities. The goal of the program is to empower young women by giving them the opportunity to be leaders, strengthen their communication skills and build their confidence.

The Quad Community Press recently interviewed the new ambassador out of Forest Lake to learn more about her and introduce her to the community.

Libbie Vander Vegt

Q: Do/did you attend Centennial High School? If so, what year are you in school or what year did you graduate? If you graduated, what are you up to these days?

A: I will be a junior at Forest Lake High School this fall.

A: I hope to better improve my public speaking and also really use my year to get out of my comfort zone and try new things.

Q: What are your plans after your time as an ambassador?

A: After high school, I hope to attend a four-year college where I can major in sports management along with a minor in dance education.

Q: Is there anything else you want the community to know about you or the program?

A: Something I think people should know is if you are thinking about joining the program, give it a try. I

FINANCIAL GOALS, MEET

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Lino Lakes Ambassadors from left to right (Forest Lake’s Libbie Vander Vegt, Lino Lakes’ Carley Gooder and Katie Kerr)

Libbie Vander Vegt is crowned as one of the 2023-2024 Lino Lakes Ambassadors

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimated there would be about 268,490 new cases and about 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer. The American Urological Association suggests men ages 55 to 69, with an average risk for prostate cancer, talk to their doctor about whether prostate cancer testing is right for them. For men with a higher risk of getting prostate cancer, which includes African-American men or men with a family history of cancer, think about talking to your doctor as early as 40-54 years of age.

The prostate and seminal vesicles are part of the male reproductive system. The prostate sits below the bladder, in front of the rectum, while the seminal vesicles are two smaller glands attached to the back of the prostate. The main job of the prostate and seminal vesicles is to make fluid for semen. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow in the prostate gland. Not all abnormal growths, also called tumors, are cancerous (malignant). Some tumors are not cancerous (benign), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and are not life threatening. Cancerous growths, such as prostate cancer, can

spread (metastasize) to nearby organs and tissues such as the bladder or rectum, or to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer stays “localized” when cancer cells are found only in the prostate or even a little bit beyond it, but do not move to other parts of the body. If the cancer moves to other parts of the body, it is called “advanced” prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is often grouped into four stages.

• Early-stage | Stages I & II: The tumor has not spread beyond the prostate. This is often called “early-stage” or “localized” prostate cancer.

• Locally Advanced | Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the prostate, but

only to nearby tissues. This is often called “locally advanced prostate cancer.”

• Advanced | Stage IV: Cancer has spread outside the prostate to other parts such as the lymph nodes, bladder, bones, liver or lungs. This stage is often called “advanced prostate cancer.”

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but researchers know many things can increase a man’s risk for the disease.

• Age: As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up.

• Ethnicity: African American men have a higher rate of the disease. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic white men.

• Family History: Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their family face a higher risk of getting the disease. Having family members with breast and ovarian cancer also raises a man’s risk for prostate cancer.

• Weight: Studies link being overweight in your 50s and later to a greater risk of advanced prostate cancer. Doctors advise keeping to a healthy weight to reduce risk.

What are the Signs of Prostate Cancer?

In its early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be urinary symptoms like those of an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A prostate cancer screening assessment tool can be found on www.urologyhealth.org under Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Basics. This information was found on Urology Care Foundation: www. urologyhealth.org.

burger & Fries (comes with lettuce, tomato, & raw onions)

Tuesday Deep fried tacos $3.00 for 1 or 3 for $8.00 or taco salad for $11.00

Wednesday $8.00 Goulash with Garlic Bread stick

Thursday $9.00 Chicken stir fry

Friday $14.00 Fish fry after 5 ( 3 pieces of fish,Fries,veggie, and a roll)

Saturday $14.00 BBQ ribs after 5 (1/2 rack , veggie, and potato)

Sunday Chef’s choice

Bella

Keaton Moey Romeo Luna

Frosty and Twinkie

Vinny and Gemma

Benny and Bexley

Rio

Sassy Jo

Wallace Mini

VIEWFINDER

The original photo from the 1901 Dance Here event in Stillwater, MN.

The recreation of the original photo taken at the 2023 Dance Here.

POLITICAL BRIEF

agreement on Aug. 1. Local nursing homes in Stillwater and Forest Lake will receive another significant one-time payment on Aug. 1, 2024.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Chamber celebrates new location for Valley Friendship Club

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Valley Friendship Club’s new location with a ribbon-cutting. The club was joined by Executive Director Karen Keenan, staff, board members, founders and members. The Greater Still Chamber Ambassadors joined in the celebration.

Valley Friendship Club is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and provide safe, accessible social opportunities while fostering friendships. The vision of the club is to create opportunities for every person with a developmental and/or intellectual disability to build enduring friendships. Its new location is at 6201 North Osgood Ave. in Stillwater.

Marine Mills Folk School will host fall festival

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN

Marine Mills Folk School will host the Marine Fall Festival, which celebrates the beauty of autumn in the St. Croix Valley, on Sept. 16. Festival activities will include an Artists’ Marketplace featuring the work of more than 50 high-end artisans; crafting demonstrations by skilled weavers, woodcarvers and others; children’s activities; live bluegrass music and dancing; food; a raffle; sheep dog herding demonstrations and more.

The Marine Mills Folk School was founded in 2018 and has a mission to enrich lives and strengthen community by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together from a folk school tradition. The folk school was originally created as a community effort to keep young families in the St. Croix Valley together in the community and fill the void left by Marine Elementary School, which closed in 2017.

The school offers adult and intergenerational classes in traditional arts and craft skills such as woodworking, fiber arts, visual arts, outdoor skills, crafts and culinary arts. A typical weekend of classes might include Build a Wooden Paddle, Expressionist Painting, Photography for Kids, Foraging, and Barn/Hex Signs. In addition to weekly classes, the school hosts free weekly knit nights and free monthly repair and mend clinics, bluegrass jams, wood carving sessions and a beginner’s bridge group.

Led predominantly by local artists from the St. Croix Valley and Western Wisconsin area, the school seeks to bring people in the community together to learn hands-on skills.

“We know that doing things with

your hands is really good for your brain, and the folk school model takes it a step further by creating community through those activities,” Communications Manager Kate Sietz said.

The school currently shares a building with Village Marine Elementary School, a charter school that recently opened in 2022. Village Marine Elementary will assist with the children’s activities at this year’s festival.

Before the debut of the Marine Fall Festival, the Marine Art Fair was very popular in the St. Croix Valley, but shut down five years ago. Sietz hopes that the festival revives some of the same traditions started by the Marine Art Fair.

“This [festival] is not to take the place of it, but we like community celebrations, and this a great way to bring artists in, which people missed because of the art fair, but then tie in our mission of teaching and passing on traditional skills,” Sietz said.

At the festival, Koru Farm will put on sheep dog herding demonstrations featuring Australian shepherds.

“The reason there’s a connection with Marine Mills Folk School is we are full of crafty people, and a ton of them work with fiber — and wool is that main fiber. It’s a way to look at what we’re using in the crafted items from a different perspective,” Sietz said. “Sheep provide the wool, which goes into our knitting and weaving projects.”

One artist that looks forward to participating in the festival is woodcarver Erik Vevang.

Vevang specializes in “green wood carving,” which uses wood that is freshly cut and hasn’t been dried. The green wood is softer than dry wood and is easier to carve with traditional hand tools. Vevang has recently focused on carving wooden spoons,

which will be available for purchase at his booth.

Vevang has been teaching at Marine Mills Folk School for its entire history, and is ready to support the school due to his appreciation of the opportunities it has given him.

“It’s a great way to support Marine Mills Folk School, which has been very generous and kind with their time,” Vevang said. “I’m just out there to support the folk school, and it’s fun to meet some of the neighbors and folks in the area as well”

The Living History Society of Minnesota, a group of enthusiasts who celebrate 18th century life, will bring children’s games and reenactments of 18th century life to the festival.

“They walk around the grounds and bring a bunch of toys and memorabilia from that time that people can use and

play with,” Sietz said. “That was very popular last year.”

North Shore Trail will bring bluegrass music to the festival throughout the entire day.

“Music is a super important component of folk schools,” Sietz said. “Bluegrass music is an open format that invites everyone to participate.”

The festival, which begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 16, takes place at Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, in Marine on St. Croix. This familyfriendly event is free and open to the public. More information on the school and the festival is available at MarineMillsFolkSchool.org.

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

Koru Farm demonstrating sheep dog herding

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

North Shore Trail Bluegrass Band

illegal

advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap,

Administrative Assistant Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.

NOW HIRING

Morning Day Shift Leadership positions available for flexible candidates.

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

NOW HIRING! ENTRY LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

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basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

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Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

watch my Podcast.

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COMMUNITY EVENT BRIEFS CONSTRUCTION BRIEFS

Bayport plans party in the park

Bayport will be having a party in Perro Park on Friday, Sept. 15. The party will begin at 5 p.m.; the band will begin its session at 6 p.m. The theme of the night will be a throwback to the ’80s. Junk FM will perform. There also will be food trucks, games and much more at the park.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, there will be multiple events scattered throughout the area. Beginning at 9 a.m., a medallion hunt hosted by the Bayport American Legion will take place. There will be an announcement every hour. At the public library from 9 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., a scavenger hunt and book sale are planned. Duck derby races will also take place at Perro Park.

Croixdale will have a pet parade, where participants will receive prizes.

At Lakeside Park, there will be live music in the evening. There will be food, drinks and dancing for those who attend. The night will close out with fireworks at the park at 8:30 p.m. More information about the event can be found at Bayportcommunityactionleague.com.

Final food event for Forest Lake Masons

The Forest Lake Masons will be holding its last food-related event of the year on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The Sunday Brunch Drive Thru or Dine In will be held at the Forest Lake Masonic Lodge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two types of breakfast will be offered. Visitors can either select a European breakfast wrap or a huge serving of pancakes with German country sausage. Either option can be eaten at the lodge or can be taken to go.

The Masons will be match funds donated at the event to the Forest Lake Area Children’s Fund, Coats for Local Kids Drive.

Stop in, say hello and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

The Forest Lake Masonic Lodge is located at 119 SE Eighth Ave., in Forest Lake. More information on the event can be found on the Forest Lake Masons’ website at ForestLakeMasons.com

Pancakes, planes and many more motors at Osceola Airport

More than 8,000 car, planes and motorcycle enthusiasts will arrive at the Osceola Airport on Sept. 9 to come together for a day of fun.

At the Wheels and Wings events at the Wisconsin riverside airport, one can attend a car and motorcycle show, a plane show and breakfast — all in one place.

The day will begin with a Fly-in Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m.

At the Car and Motorcycle show, visitors will see over 700 entries of different colors and models of motor vehicles. There will be classic cars, custom cars, vintage cars, hot and rat rods, muscle cars, imports, modern classics and many more. Cycle buffs can expect to see antique, custom and modern motorcycles. Awards will be given out for best classic, hot rod, import and modern cars, Judge’s Choice and Best in Show. The gates for the event open at 8 a.m; judging will start at 9 a.m.

Aircraft viewing runs from 8 a.m. to noon. The Air Show begins at 12:30 p.m. and will end at 1:30 p.m.

For this year’s air show, the performers will include ExtremeFlight and Franklin’s Flying Circus.

There also will be food vendors, merchants and a live band at the event. The North of 64 Band will perform.

The Osceola Airport is located at 495 North Cascade Street, Osceola.

Waiting Child

Ethan,15, is polite, kindhearted, and gets along with peers and adults easily. When first meeting Ethan, he can be reserved. Once he gets to know someone, he loves to make them laugh by telling jokes or playing pranks. Ethan has an awesome sense of humor. He is the first to stand up to a bully and ensure that others are always treated fairly and equally. Ethan has a love for gospel music and watching Monster High, Winx, and Disney movies. He really enjoys going to school; especially his jewelry making class. Ethan also enjoys swimming and going shopping. Ethan participates in softball, soccer, and floor hockey. Ethan enjoys all animals, but he is not a fan of spiders or snakes.

Ethan needs a family who can provide a lifelong commitment to him.

Following adoption, Ethan will need to maintain contact with his siblings.

Washington County builds new environmental center

The construction of a second county environmental center is planned near Highway 61 and Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake. The project is set to begin in September 2023 and has an anticipated opening date in late 2024.

The new center will provide more equitable disposal options for residents in the northern part of the county. Residents can dispose of household chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, used oil, batteries and other items that do not belong in the trash. There will be self-serving recycling of cardboard, scrap metal, mixed recycling and food scraps also to be offered at the new site.

Additionally, the Washington County Northern Yard Waste site, which is currently located in Hugo, will move next to the new environmental center in Forest Lake.

County Road 65 finally reopens after two weeks

The culvert replacements have been completed on County Road 65 (Oakgreen Avenue). The rolling closures that have been occurring for the last two weeks have come to an end.

Crews will continue to work at the culvert crossings. This will include paving at the culvert locations, as well as turf restoration around the culverts.

Upcoming work includes paving in select areas on the east side of the road to prepare for 2024 works. The shoulder will be widened. As part of this widening, a few driveways were temporarily modified and will be reconstructed as part of the 2024 construction. The remainder of 2023 will be used for the relocation of private utilities. Gas relocations have already been completed.

Special Photo Feature

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

welcomes new leadership class

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the Leadership in the Valley 2023-24 class of participants. This is the fifth year of Leadership in the Valley and will be the largest cohort, at 32 participants.

Members of the cohort will begin their journey with a welcome reception and kick-off day on Sept. 13 and 14.

Leadership in the Valley is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month and explore a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, class discussions and demonstrations and more. Topics addressed at these meetings include agriculture, government, economic development, health and wellness, education and other topics.

For more information on the event and Leadership in the Valley program, please contact the Chamber office.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Warden’s House Museum site manager named

The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce that the new Warden’s House Museum site manager is Heidi Heinze of River Falls, Wisconsin.

Following the resignation of the previous site manager, the Historical Society held a two-month search for the next person to guide the Warden’s House Museum. Executive Director Brent Peterson noted, “It is important to find the right person to oversee this important historic building. Much of the history of our community, county and state is in this museum, making it one of the most significant historical structures in the Midwest.”

Heinze’s background includes 10 years as the site manager of the Octagon House Museum in Hudson. She also has been on the River Falls Historic Preservation Commission for 13 years, many of them as commission chair. She earned a bachelor’s degree in American History at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and completed an internship with the Goodhue County Historical Society in Red Wing, Minnesota.

This is not the first time Heinze has been at the Warden’s House; she was a volunteer guide for several years before the pandemic closed the museum. She has also volunteered with the Pierce County Historical Association in Bay City, Wisconsin, working with the collections and exhibits.

The Warden’s House Museum is located at 602 N. Main Street, Stillwater, and is open Thursdays through Sundays with tours at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. This year, the Warden’s House turns 170 years old: it was constructed in 1853, five years before Minnesota became a state!

Stop in, welcome Heinze to the Warden’s House Museum, and wish her well. Special tours can be arranged by calling the museum.

For more information about the Washington County Historical Society, call the Historical Society at 651-439-5956 or email at information@wchsmn.org.

St. Croix Valley Orchestra welcomes 2 new members

The St. Croix Valley Orchestra is excited to announce two new musical leaders to the orchestra’s leadership team.

Matthew Poon will join as the new musical director. He brings an impressive array of musical credentials to his role, and has a degree in music performance from McMaster University and a doctorate in music theory from the University of Toronto. Poon has cultivated a strong foundation in both performance and academia. His previous experience leading multiple orchestras has allowed him to hone his skills as a dynamic and engaging conductor.

Joining Poon in this new leadership team is Zachary Bartsch, who will take over the role of associate director. He teaches grades 5-12 as instrumental music teacher at the Prairie Farm School District and also previously taught for four years at the Hillsboro School District.

Bartsch has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with an ongoing pursuit of a masters of music in music education degree from Concordia College, Moorhead.

Heads up: Afton native honored for upcoming birthday

Afton, Minnesota native Jessie Diggins will be honored at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

The bobblehead features

the Minnesota native recordbreaking Olympic cross-country skier. Diggins is the most decorated American crosscountry skier of all time.

Diggins began skiing at the age of 4 and has appeared in three Olympic Games. In her second appearance in 2018 in South Korea, Diggins and teammate Kikkan Randall won the United States’ first-ever cross-country skiing gold medal at the Winter Olympic in team sprint. At the end of the Games, she was the flag bearer for the United States in the closing ceremony. As Diggins approached the finish line, announcer Chad Salmela jubilantly called out “HERE COMES DIGGINS!” at the end of the stunning victory.

At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Diggins won silver in the 30k freestyle and the bronze medal in the individual sprint to become the first American to win an individual Olympic medal in a cross-country sprint. She made her debut in 2014 in Sochi and has a best finish of eight in the 15k skiathlon.

Diggins will receive her own bobblehead in the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate her 32nd birthday and achievements. Her birthday is on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Diggins.

Upcoming Games

August 29-September 3 vs. Columbus Clippers

September 19-24 vs.

Heidi Heinze

Zachary Bartsch

Matthew Poon

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Minnesota native Jessie Diggins will have her own bobblehead at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

PHOTO BY TIM PALM

Main Street in Stillwater during the “Dance Here” event on Saturday night.

Ongoing Wine Club membership. See website for info. Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Winey Tour every Sat & Sun 4-5 pm Two Silo Winery Ongoing Open to public Th-Su unless closed for private event. Belle Ame Vineyard

Sept. 3 Wine and Canvas Painting Party 3-6 pm St. Croix Vineyards

Sept.