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Gina Horkey,
Personal Trainer with Undermuscled
About the cover
The district is made up of seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one
CONTRIBUTORS
SHANNON GRANHOLM
Managing Editor | quadnews@presspubs.com
My favorite subject in school was English. I loved writing and reading.
MADELINE DOLBY
Editor | lowdownnews@presspubs.com
Surprisingly, my favorite subject was Chemistry. I really liked doing the labs and chemical equations.
LAURIE ERICSON
Designer | art@presspubs.com
My favorite subject was any course having to do with literature.
Relationships. Resources.
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My favorite subject was physics. I appreciated that there were tangible connections to the science and the things we see and experience in everyday life.
TOMMY CHANDLER
Multimedia Consultant | lowdown@presspubs.com
My favorite subject was gym.
Minnesota Music Hall of Fame welcomes Marine man
BY MATT ANDERSON OSCEOLA SUN
Marine on St. Croix resident Brian Wicklund is well known for his prowess as a musician in the Midwest and beyond. The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame now contains Wicklund’s name as a member.
Wicklund is being recognized for his talent in Folk and Bluegrass.
Wicklund was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1965 and settled with his family in St. Peter, Minnesota in 1970. He found interest in the violin at a young age, taking lessons at just seven years old. When he was nine, his mother brought home a Flatt and Scruggs record to use for a research paper about country music in an anthropology class. He fell in love with the sounds of bluegrass which would be a staple in his career as a musician growing up.
Wicklund’s father taught himself to play the banjo and the father-son duo started going to Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association events in the Twin Cities where they connected with other fiddlers who encouraged and informally taught him.
“I would go everywhere with a portable cassette recorder and record people that were better than me and learn their stuff,” said Wicklund. “And then some of those jam sessions turned into a band that my dad and I were in, in Mankato. From 13 years on, I was playing clubs with my dad’s band. Then I found some other teenagers that were also playing and started another band called Bluegrass Connection, which won the Minnesota State Fair.”
From then on, Wicklund’s career in music would grow into what it is today. He would eventually graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College, after which he was asked to join Minnesota’s premier bluegrass band, Stoney Lonesome. His seven-year tenure with the band would bring him around the world, including hundreds of performances across the United States, Canada and Japan. The band performed several times on the radio show, A Prairie Home Companion and released four albums.
From 1995 to 2010, Wicklund toured as a sideman
for a number of groups including the Judith Edelman Band, Kathy Kallick Band, Chris Stuart Band and Lorie Line’s Pop Chamber Orchestra. In 2010, he began to focus on songwriting and founded his own progressive bluegrass band, the Barley Jacks featuring his own original music. They have toured throughout the Midwest and released three albums.
After years of success touring, writing music, putting out albums and teaching others how to play the fiddle, it’s no surprise Wicklund gained plenty of recognition in Minnesota, throughout the Midwest and beyond. After gaining enough notoriety, he was officially inducted to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2024.
“It was completely out of the blue,” said Wicklund. “I didn’t know that that was coming or that it was kind of in the works, so it was a very pleasant surprise.”
He attended the induction ceremony with his wife and parents with four other inductees from 2024. Though he didn’t prepare an acceptance speech, he said his thanks, brought his fiddle on stage and played the audience the Red Wing Polka. After all was said and done, Wicklund felt the experience was a bit surreal.
“It’s surprising and humbling and amazing that I’m in the Hall of Fame and I’m not dead yet,” he laughed. “I’m a little stunned and very grateful.”
After continuing to tour all over, Wicklund comes back to his home in Marine on St. Croix. Years before he settled down in the city, he imagined himself living there. Now that it’s homebase for the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame recognized musician, there’s no place else he would rather be.
“When I was in Minneapolis and I would hit the road, there were so many places I would go to that I would think, ‘This would be a great place to live,’” Wicklund said. “And then since we moved to Marine, I am always so happy to come back home. I’ve been all around and there really isn’t any other place I’d rather live than Marine, that’s for sure.”
Matt Anderson is the editor of the Osceola Sun, a sister publication of the Lowdown.
Riverway educator releases guide to St. Croix Valley wonders
Residents and visitors alike know that the St. Croix Valley is chockfull of natural wonders and hidden gems. This summer, readers will get a closer look at the many highlights of the riverway with the publication of “Exploring the St. Croix Valley,” a comprehensive guidebook to the scenic St. Croix Riverway and its nearly 8,000-square-mile watershed.
Author Angie Hong is a Stillwater resident who has spent years doing just what her book title describes. Since 2006, she has worked as an education specialist for the Washington Conservation District. She also serves as coordinator for the East Metro Water Resource Education Program, a local government partnership with 30 members in Washington, Ramsey, Chisago and Isanti counties. Hong frequently writes for local news outlets about conservation topics. Below are a few questions and answers about her book.
Q: How long have you lived and worked in the St. Croix Valley, and how did you come to be there?
A: I started my current job in 2006, fell in love with the area, and moved to Stillwater in 2011 when I was pregnant with my son Charlie. A lot of people assume I’m a lifelong Minnesotan, but I actually lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, California and Wisconsin as a child.
Q: What was the research and writing process like?
A: I’ve been writing a weekly column about water and conservation issues since 2006, so I’ve collected a lot a stories over the years. Once I had a rough outline for the book, I cherry-picked content from some of my favorite pieces and then continued building out from there. I also thought it was important to include other people’s stories and perspectives in the book, so I interviewed numerous people who live and work in the St. Croix Valley.
Q: What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most fun?
A: The best part about writing the book was exploring “new to me”
destinations. I had a running list of places I wanted to visit and, for the most part, I just hoped that a story would somehow unfold once I got there. Usually, it did! For example, one Saturday, my son and I drove over to the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Preserve in East Bethel in the hopes of seeing bison. We didn’t, but instead stumbled upon a northern prairie skink in the outhouse, which was equally exciting. A few weeks later, I told my husband I wasn’t sure when I’d be able to get up to Balsam Lake. He looked at his phone and said, “Well, it’s Friday night and it looks like there are a couple of supper clubs there, why don’t we drive there for dinner?” We ended up having the best night — sunset, deer, cheese curds, lake view — the whole package. The hard part was stitching everything together so that the book is functional but also tells a story. I want people to be able to pick it up as a reference when they’re looking for a new place to hike or kayak, but the book also has a strong underlying
Brian Wicklund is cemented in Minnesota music history after being inducted into the state’s Music Hall of Fame.
ANGIE HONG | CONTRIBUTED Educator and author Angie Hong at the St. Croix Boom Site.
OUT & ABOUT
CURRENT EVENTS:
2024 WALDFEST
When: Noon- 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2
Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave. N., Grant
Details: Event includes a nail driving game. Free, outdoor event.
Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St., Stillwater Details: Free car show on select Wednesdays during the summer. See vintage, classic, street and hot rod automobiles.
Where: Scandia Community Center Parking Lot, 14727 209th St. N.
Details: Local farmers market held every Wednesday afternoon. Contact: www.scandiafarmersmarket.com
SCANDIA TACO DAZE
When: Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Throughout Scandia Details: Day-long event that includes tacos, art and crafts vendors, children’s games, a pickleball tournament, car show and much more. Hosted by the Scandia/Marine Lions Club. Contact: scandiamarinelionsclub@gmail.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, South Pavilion, 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Details: Annual festival that fuses community, the great outdoors and homegrown blue grass music. Bring your own lawn chair or blankets. Food trucks on site. Free. Vehicle permit required to enter the park. Contact: 651-430-8370
FIX IT CLINIC
When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury
Details: Bring your broken items in. Volunteers will help you troubleshoot and repair them for free. First come, first serve basis. Three item limit. Contact: 651-275-7475
Details: Production put on by The Zephyr Theatre. Contact: www.stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org/ home/#events
STAGECOACH DAYS
When: Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Intersection of East Viking Blvd. and Felton Ave., Wyoming
STILLWATER FARMERS MARKET
When: 7:30 a.m.-noon, every Saturday through Oct. 19
Where: Veterans Memorial Parking Lot, 3rd and Pine St., Stillwater
Details: Local farmers market held every Saturday beginning June 8 and runs through October. The farmers market is a weekly event that brings the community together and features local fresh produce. Contact: bfriendt@comcast. net
Bayport Derby Days: Let the duck race commence
Details: Parade begins at 10 a.m. Other activities include games, live music, food vendors and more. This event supports the local fire department. Contact: 651-464-3200
Details: Hosted by the Bayport Community Action League. Weekend filled with events throughout the town of Bayport. Contact: bcal55002@gmail.com
RANDY KOPESKY FIELD OF BANDS
When: Noon- 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N.
Details: Event to help local veterans, service members and their families. There will be live music beverages and vendors. Contact: fieldofbands.com
LOG RUN HALF MARATHON
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Downtown Stillwater
Details: Four races: Half marathon, 10 mile, 10K and 5K. Final event of the season in the Run Stillwater race series. Contact: www.runstillwater.com/stillwaterlog-run/
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Lily Lake Park, 1208 S, Greeley St., Stillwater
Details: Washington County will sponsor this one-day household hazardous waste collection event.
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N.
Details: Over 200 vendors, food trucks, a farmers market and more. Contact: www.rsgdevelopment.com
ARTS IN THE PARK
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; 10 a.m.-
4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Town Square Park, Afton
Details: Over 90 vendors showcase their fine arts, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, photography, sculptures and more. There also will be food and two days of live music.
Contact: exploreafton.com/art-in-the-park/
FOREST LAKE MASONS SUNDAY BRUNCH
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Forest Lake Masonic Lodge, 119 Eighth Ave. SE.
Details: Attendees have a choice of pancakes and sausage or a European breakfast wraps. Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Forest Lake Area Children’s Fund. Contact: forestlakemasons.com
The citizens of Bayport will be able to float hundreds of rubber ducks down Perro Creek at Bayport Derby Days, Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 as a way to celebrate their community.
The first Derby Days took place in the summer of 1956, which marked the 100th anniversary of when the first three settlements along Lake St. Croix formed the city of Baytown in 1856. In 1922 those settlements came to be known as Bayport.
It was not until 2004 that the weekend long celebration came to be as we see it today.
A small group of community members decided to resurrect Derby Days of the 1950s and repurpose it to a modern-day celebration. That group would later become the Bayport
Community Action League (BCAL), which is now the official organizer of the event.
The name “Derby Days” comes from the original celebration’s series of horse shows and pony rides that took place at the Washington County fairgrounds in 1956. Since then, rubber ducks replaced horses and the city has added activities like fireworks, live music, a medallion hunt and a party in Perro Park.
The BCAL has branched out to local organizations, like the Lions Club to help out with the celebration.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Derby Days.
Madeline Dolby
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Residents purchase their ducks for the duck race at Perro Park. The winner receives a cash prize.
Derby Day volunteers hand out free ice cream to children at Lakeside Park.
VINTAGE VIEWFINDER
In 1931, 30 years before
Columbus.
Making a difference for students
I’ve been an educator for more than 30 years, and there is nothing quite like the anticipation and promise of a new school year. In the past few days, we’ve welcomed 8,200 students back to school. They have been greeted by nearly 1,000 outstanding employees - from teachers and paras to cooks and custodians - all of whom take their role as educators very seriously. This year, our staff is more committed than ever to our mission to inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in every student.
We have spent the past several months preparing for a successful year. We’ve hired more than 60 new staff members, brought in several new building and district leaders and set plans in place to drive improvement across the district.
We are focusing on key areas
that will have a lasting impact on our students and our community.
Literacy remains at the forefront of our efforts, as we aim to equip our students with the essential reading and writing skills they need to succeed. As the demographics of our district continue to evolve, we are deepening our commitment to meeting the needs of all students, working to create a school environment where every student feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential. Additionally, we recognize the importance of mental health, and we are prioritizing the well-being of our students, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.
For those of you who may not have children in our schools, your involvement in our district is just as crucial. Our schools are at the heart of our community, and the success of our students is a reflection of the people that surround them. Whether you volunteer your time, participate in school events, or simply offer words of encouragement, your contributions help create a positive
environment for our students to grow and learn. Your support also plays a significant role in shaping the future of our community, as today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.
As we move forward into this school year, we will be intentional in our actions and deliberate in our decisions. Every lesson, every interaction, and every initiative is designed to support the growth and success of our students. Our work will be purposeful, meeting the diverse needs of our students, and holding ourselves and each other to high standards.
We look forward to partnering with you to make this a year of growth, discovery, and achievement for all. Together, we can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and where our community continues to grow stronger.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our schools.
Dr. Mike Funk is the Superintendent for Stillwater Area Public Schools.
Another school year on the horizon
How is summer already over? It feels like two weeks ago I was turning in my last final for the school year and excited to enjoy another Minnesota summer. I hope everyone had a great break. Mine was eventful.
I took quite a few trips this summer. Two were “weekend getaways” and one was a week-long trip to Breckenridge, Colorado with my family. One of my weekend getaways was to my aunt’s house in Alexandria. I got to catch up with my cousins who live out of state and enjoy the lake life for a bit.
Madeline’s Mail
Madeline Dolby
The second weekend getaway was for the 4th of July. My family and I drove up to Duluth for the holiday weekend. We got there the morning of the fourth and wandered around the town till it was time to watch the fireworks from the hotel roof. The night of the Fourth, we stopped at an ice cream shop called Love Creamery in Canal Park. It was recommended to us by a local shop owner. She raved about how good the ice cream was, specifically the Goat Cheese Honeycomb flavor. I was not brave enough to try it, but the rest of my family had nothing but praise for it. Colorado was an adventure. We stayed at a rental house in the mountains. My family and I tried to spend as much time as possible outside. We went hiking, white-water rafting and explored the town of Breckenridge. It was nice to slow down for a bit. I made a goal to stay off social media as much as possible during the trip too. The last year has been a bit hectic, and I think everyone in my family needed the much-needed R and R.
This fall, I will be going into my second year of graduate school at the University of St. Thomas. Surprisingly, I am ready to go back. I am excited to see my classmates and catch up with them about how their summers went. The program is a close group. Professors are understanding, knowledgeable and are genuine people that makes class enjoyable. What I am most excited for this year is beginning my master’s project. My project consists of a 40-to-50page creative writing portfolio. My project must focus on one genre of writing and revolve around a central idea. Once my project is completed, my advisor and two other professors from the program will read through my work and provide feedback during a mini conference. There are three outcomes: pass with little revision, pass with heavy revision and fail.
For my project, I am leaning towards writing a collection in creative nonfiction, which is stories based on real life or personal experiences but with fictional characters or elements. Ever since I began writing my freshman year of college, I have gravitated towards creative nonfiction. I just have not decided on the general focus of the collection yet. There are so many possibilities, it is hard to narrow it down to just a single idea.
Not only am I excited to complete my last full year of graduate school, but I am also excited for hockey season to start. My family has invested in two pairs of season tickets this year. One set is for the University of Minnesota men’s team and the second set is for the University of St. Thomas men’s team. Once October rolls around, most of my weekends will be spent at the rink, and I cannot even begin to express how excited I am.
Madeline Dolby is an editor of the Lowdown. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
• 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.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must be accompanied by factual verification.
STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY | CONTRIBUTED
the Minnesota Vikings arrived in the form of a National Football League franchise, a Norwegian Viking boat named the Roald Amundsen traveled up the the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers before making a stop in Stillwater. According to information included with this photo from the John Runk collection, the 60-foot boat was commanded by Captain Folgero and came to America from Palos Spain on the route taken by Christopher
Movers & Shakers
Mike Funk
1. Club Pilates-Stillwater
What: Pilates studio
Where: 1451 Stillwater Blvd. N.
Contact: 651-383-8011
About: Variety of Pilates classes, including reformer classes, Exo-chair, Bosu ball, classic mat Pilates and more.
2. Blaze Credit Union
What: Financial institution
Where: 1801 Market Drive
Contact: 651-215-3500
About: Full-service financial institution. Can help you open an account and provide investment and retirement fund services.
3. Carstar Stillwater
What: Autobody repair
Where: 1912 Greeley St.
Contact: 651-245-1164
About: Offers 24/7 accident support and towing assistance. Provides dent repair, dent removal, storm damage repair and other services.
4. Lift Bridge Bookkeeping
What: Accounting
Where: Stillwater
Contact: www.liftbridgebookkeeping.com
About: Helps you custom build a financial plan best suitable for your business and its needs.
5. Wise Womxn Wellness
What: Therapy services
Where: Stillwater
Contact: info@wisewomxnwellness.com
About: Services include therapy, birth support and intuitive readings.
2 Stillwater elementary schools undergo change, others construction
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Due to housing growth and turnover, it is anticipated that Stillwater Schools will welcome in almost 1,000 new students by 2033.
The district is making room for this growth by building two new elementary schools. An addition will be added to Oak-Land Middle School, and Stillwater Area High School will receive minor updates.
Land purchased in Lake Elmo and Baytown Township will become home to the new elementary schools.
Bayport
Andersen Elementary School, located in Bayport, is currently on a 1.4-acre site. The size of the site offers very little green space for outdoor learning or recreation. The new elementary school will be located on a 10-acre site adjacent to Barkers Alps Park.
The new elementary school will be two stories and 96,000 square feet. It will have capacity for 600 students and 100 staff members. The current elementary school is more than 100 years old and near capacity. It is expected to grow by 100 students within the next 10 years.
A majority of the exterior of the school will be brick. The gym and the stair towers will be precast concrete. The media tower and cafeteria will have curtain walls, with large glass windows.
The interior will reflect elements of nature. Areas will highlight water, woods, rock and sediments. There will be raised tile to reflect waves and soft textiles to reflect the feel of grass. Carpet patterns will reflect sediment erosion.
On the first floor, there will three wings that will be designated for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, first and second grade. The first floor will have special education classrooms. The second floor of the building will be for third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Common areas will be on each floor that can be utilized for large group
learning or a media center classroom.
“One of the things that has changed dramatically in the last decade with schools is the idea of making them a nice place, an aesthetically pleasing place,” said Paul Aplikowski, from Wold Architects.
“Designs like this are really meant to spark joy, which makes it a place people want to be.”
Long-time Bayport resident Cheryl Corrigan asked about how solidified the building and construction plans are.
“I know this discussion has been going on for quite some time,” she said. “But I’ve heard multiple times that the decision hasn’t been made, yet it feels like it really has with the amount of investments.”
She also raised questions about student enrollment and traffic for city staff to consider.
“Where in the school district are these children coming from?” Corrigan asked. “How many more vehicle trips will be associated with those additional students versus what we have today?”
A traffic study was completed. It showed that
during the peak morning and afternoon hours, traffic would not be heavily affected. One entrance to the school would be located off of Stagecoach Trail. It would serve as the primary access point for staff, visitors and would serve as the parent pick-up and drop-off area. A second entrance will be at the existing Bakers Alps Park. This access point will be intended for buses and utility vehicles only for the school.
Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo Elementary was originally built in 1920. In the next decade, the school is expecting enrollment to grow by more than 200 students. The school sits on a 12.8-acre site.
The new elementary school would be able to accommodate up to 1,100 students and would offer a dual language program, focusing on Spanish.
On the first floor, a music classroom, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grade will occupy the space. Two gyms and the cafeteria will be on the main level. Like the elementary school in Bayport, it will feature a learning commons area. On
the second floor, there will be classrooms for third, fourth and fifth grade.
Similar to the school located in Bayport, materials used around the facility will reflect the town’s history.
According to Aplikowski, the architecture of the school will focus on prairie landscapes, drawing inspiration from the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Sunfish Lake and the Wildflower at Lake Elmo.
“The whole building is kind of the prairie,” said Aplikowski. “We have trees, places we feature some sort of element in contrast to the prairie. We also bring in some of the sky. The cafeteria has a cloud-themed to it.”
The new Lake Elmo Elementary will be located on
47 acres of land at the corner of Lake Elmo Avenue, and Tenth Street NE., in Lake Elmo. Oak-Land Middle School, also located in Lake Elmo, will undergo changes. Additional classrooms will be added to accommodate future growth in enrollment. Construction will include a new gymnasium. The existing gymnasium will be turned into a new media center and common area for students to utilize during the school year. Construction on all the projects will begin in the spring. The new spaces are expected to open for the start of the 2026 school year.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Lowdown. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or lowdownnews@ presspubs.com.
RENDERINGS CONTRIBUTED
The new elementary school, in Bayport, will share a plot of land with Barkers Alps Park.
A rendering of what the entrance would look like to the Bayport elementary school.
The media commons at Bayport Elementary.
A rendering of the new Lake Elmo elementary school.
2 3
AUTHOR Q&A: Story of renewal
FROM PAGE 3
theme of change and transition. The St. Croix watershed is a beautiful place, full of natural wonders, but is also very different than it was 150 years ago. So, environmentally, there is a story of destruction and renewal that will hopefully continue into the future.
Q: What kinds of discoveries did you get to make along the way? Do you have a fun fact or two you can share?
A: You might be surprised to learn that there is an elk herd in northern Wisconsin — I was! I also think people will be blown away when they canoe or kayak the Namekagon River for the first time. The water is crystal clear, and the whole river changes so much from one mile to the next.
Q: What might readers be surprised to learn from this book?
A: I think people might be surprised to learn how large the St. Croix watershed actually is. You think about the St. Croix Valley and popular river towns like Hudson and Stillwater, but the watershed actually extends north almost as far as Lake Superior and includes 8,000 square miles of forests, prairies, wetlands and lakes as well.
Q: What is your approach to connecting people with nature and with conservation?
City of Lake Elmo searches for name for new city park
A: I like to highlight conservation success stories, because there really are a lot of them! I also think people forget how super awesome and cool nature can be, even if you’re only exploring an hour away from home. There are mushrooms that look like stars, underwater insects that turn into dragonflies, and colonies of bryozoans that look like giant boogers in the water. When people start tuning into the details around them, they usually get excited and want to learn more.
Q: What do you most hope people will take away from reading this guide to the St. Croix Valley?
A: First, I hope they’ll be inspired to get outside and start exploring new destinations in the St. Croix region. But also, I hope they’ll walk away feeling like they’ve built a connection with this place. Almost like, “Hey—I know the St. Croix Valley. That’s a friend of mine!”
Q: What projects are you most excited for in the St. Croix Valley’s future?
A: I’m very interested to know what will become of the Allen S. King plant in Oak Park Heights after it gets decommissioned in 2028. There are also dam removal projects happening on the Kinnickinnic River, Kettle River and other tributaries that are making it possible for sturgeon, freshwater mussels and other wildlife species to reestablish. Off the water, there is a lot of land protection and habitat restoration work happening — it’s really exciting. I see places that were cornfields 20 years ago, and now they’ve been reclaimed as prairies where you can hike or go bird-watching. And, with so many new multiuse trail systems, it’s also easier get around on bikes. Plus, I’m very inspired by how much positive change I’ve seen just in the short time I’ve been working here. We’ve delisted several lakes in Washington and Chisago counties in the past two years, and I see more and more people rewilding their yards. Yes, there are plenty of challenges, but mostly I feel excited to watch the restoration and renewal continue.
“Exploring the St. Croix Valley” is available to buy from the University of Minnesota Press. Visit https:// www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/ books/exploring-the-st-croix-rivervalley to learn more. You can also find Angie Hong on TikTok or Instagram at @mnnature_awesomeness.
The City of Lake Elmo is seeking the public’s input on naming a new park. Nearly 30 acres of new park land was acquired by the city. The park will contain nature walking trails throughout the area. The park is expected to open in 2025. Suggestions for the new park and the city’s naming policy can be found at www.lakeelmo.gov/departments/ parks/park_naming_policy.
SCHOOL BRIEF
Multiple Forest Lake students receive scholarships
More than 160 students from the Forest Lake Area have received scholarships from the Community Scholarship Foundation (CSF). For the last 51 years, the CSF has helped the community support continuing education for all Forest Lake residents. The CSF awarded nearly $300,000 to students with the help of donors. For the full list of donors, one can go to www.flacsf.org.
Lions, Tacos and Dalas the focus of Scandia Taco Daze
Every summer, Taco Daze draws together the heart of the Scandia community in a one-day celebration. This year’s theme is “Lions and Tacos and Dalas, Oh My!” and will be hosted by the Scandia-Marine Lions Club.
The festival will take place all day on Saturday, Sept. 7 throughout various locations in Scandia.
The day-long celebration has been a part of the community since 1975 to help raise money to build a tennis court for the Scandia Tennis Association. In the first year of Taco Daze, a fish fry was held outside Meister’s Bar and Grill. The
following year the group held a brat feed. The next year tacos were sold, solidifying the event that has brought the community together for more 48 years.
It is the Lion Club’s major source of income, which the group invests back into the community. Over the years, money from the event goes to pay for fencing around the tennis courts, playground equipment and other amenities around the community.
Taco Daze has become bigger and better each year with the addition of other community activities and opportunities. Visitors can take a trolley to different locations throughout Scandia to participate in a. variety of activities.
The Scandia Parks and Recreation is planning to host a pickleball tournament. There will be a beer garden from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center. Food trucks will be onsite from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Scouts will be selling tacos from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gammelgården will have its Running of the Meatballs, a scavenger hunt and tours of the historic buildings on site.
Meister’s will have bouncy houses for children and live music for adults. They also will have Lion’s Bingo on the lawn beginning at 1 p.m.
Madeline Dolby
ANGIE HONG
“Exploring the St. Croix Valley,” from the University of Minnesota Press, launched in July.
The theme for Scandia Taco Daze will be “Lions and Tacos and Dalas, Oh My!”
The Marine Fall Festival celebrates community and art with an Artists’ Marketplace, hands-on demos, live music, children’s activities, food and more.
The Marine Fall Festival celebrates community
The Marine Fall Festival will be 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Attendees are invited to drop in and enjoy a variety of activities at the free festival located on the grounds of the Marine Mills Folk School.
COUNTY BRIEFS
Washington County Parks put on photo contest
Visitors who have been taking photos in Washington County Parks have an opportunity to submit those photos with the possibility of them being used on the county’s annual 2025/2026 parks permit.
The PATH grant funds activities to provide street outreach and case management to individuals experiencing homelessness and who are diagnosed with serious mental illness and/or a substance use disorder.
Washington County Community Services Department has been a recipient of the PATH grant for over 10 years.
Celebrating community and art in the St. Croix Valley, festival activities include an artist marketplace with more than 70 artisans, children’s activities, live bluegrass music, a raffle, sheep dog-herding demonstrations, food and beverages and more.
This year, Washington County will be highlighting all county parks. Submit up to three of your photos to be considered through Oct. 7 to ParksPhotos@ co.washington.mn.us. The winner of the contest will receive a free Washington County Parks vehicle permit.
The Marine Mills Folk School is located at 550 Pine St., Marine on St.Croix. More information can be found online at MarineMillsFolkSchoo.org.
The new Treats Trail will include nine different sweet shops located throughout Stillwater. Treats Trail: A sweet adventure comes to Stillwater
Stillwater has a new culinary experience for visitors and residents, the Treats Trail. The trail will feature nine local establishments known for
their treats. Some shops a part of the trail is Nelson’s Ice Cream, the Ice Pop Shop, MN Nice Cream, Candyland and more.
For more information, and a downloadable map, visit DiscoverStillwater.com. Some businesses on the map are seasonal.
County receives grant for homelessness
Washington County has received a $373,963 in grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH).
Washington, Ramsey counties take over 1-mile stretch of Century Avenue
The Washington County Board of Commissioners are now in agreement with the State of Minnesota to transfer a one-mile segment of Century Ave. N., from the state to Washington and Ramsey counties. The counties will take over jurisdiction from the state of Trunk Highway 120 (Century Ave.) from Interstate 644 to County State Aid Highway 12, also known as Wildwood
Road. The transfer of this segment has been planned for over 20 years. Under the Transfer Agreement, the State of Minnesota will pay Washington County $10,500,000, as Washington County is acting as the fiscal agent for the counties. These funds will be used for capital improvements to the roadway and operating costs. Upon agreement execution by all parties, the transfer will be effective in spring 2025.
County Board appoints watershed district manager David Bakke, of Scandia, will serve a second term as manager of the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District after being appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The term is set to begin Sept. 24, 2024 and will expire on Sept. 23, 2027.
County board recognizes VFW Scout of the Year Riley Symicek is the VFW Scout of the Year. Symicke was honored with the award by Washington County Commissioners for his Eagle Scout project, where he and volunteers assembled 60 backpack “care kits.” These kits were then distributed to people experiencing homelessness. Symicek and volunteers gave backpacks to those in need at Listening House, a day shelter in St. Paul.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
CONTRIBUTED
VFW Scout of the Year Riley Symicek grabs a photo with his award and the Washington County Comissioners.
Area husky rescue has ‘lifelong commitment’
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Huskies can be escape artists, diggers, runners, anxious and stubborn, but one Minnesota dog rescue has stepped up to make sure they find the right home and don’t end up in shelters.
“We are a breed-specific rescue and take on a breed others may see as difficult or hard to manage,” said Julie Maset, event coordinator for Adopt A Husky Minnesota. We focus on taking in purebred huskies from local shelters or owner surrenders as we have found many end up in shelters as strays. We are small but mighty.”
Amanda Paulson, president of the Adopt A Huskie board, says huskies have traits that often frustrate owners and cause them to give up.
“So many people like the breed because of their looks but they don’t realize the maintenance with grooming, escaping, digging,” she explained. “They are opportunists, any chance they get they will run, and by the time you’re inside getting your keys to go find them there a mile away.”
Paulson first began volunteering with Adopt A Husky, Inc. (based out of Illinois) back in 2003 after she saw a flyer at a dog park saying the rescue needed volunteers and foster homes.
Her first dog was a husky, and she just so happened to have a 1-year-old husky at the time. “I could see there was a need,” she recalled.
Fast forward to 2018 and a group of volunteers in Minnesota was growing. Paulson led the Minnesota chapter of the rescue into creating its own entity.
Over the years, well over 150 Siberian huskies have been through Paulson’s doors. “I have had a revolving door of foster dogs throughout the years,” she said.
The Blaine resident currently owns a 3-year-old female husky named Nori. “Her litter came into the rescue and at the time I had a 14-year-old male, but I wasn’t planning to add another one at that time, but it was love at first sight,” she recalled. “I was a foster failure.” She is also fostering a soon-to-be 3-year-old named Teddy. Teddy was returned to rescue after being adopted out to a home in Minneapolis. “The busy environment of the city was
CONSTRUCTION BRIEFS
stressful on him, and he has some separation anxiety,” Paulson explained.
Thanks to Prozac, Teddy is doing great and much calmer.
Maset has been with the rescue for seven years. She discovered the rescue after she found out about a “Husky Huddle” group on Facebook. “I met some other volunteers who talked about the rescue with such passion that I thought I’d check it out. And I’m glad I did,” she said.
Maset’s pack includes Abby, an 8-year-old German shepherd/ husky mix, and Stacey, a 6-yearold cattle dog/husky mix.
She also lives with her sister Carolyn’s dog Ruby, an almost 2-year-old golden retriever.
The Masets have fostered 33 dogs so far, eight of those through Adopt A Husky Minnesota. They are also involved in the Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest.
“The first foster I took was a girl named Moon. She was a retired sled dog that was so friendly and got along great with other dogs,” Maset said. “When she first came to my home, she wasn’t crate trained but after watching the crating and habits of my dogs, she started to learn the routine and by the time she found her forever family, she was 100% crate trained.”
“We also fostered a one-eyed husky we named Willie, one-eyed
Housing developer invests in Stillwater
Standard Communities, a national multifamily housing investor and developer, has made its first investment in Minnesota. It acquired Rivertown Commons, a 96-unit community for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Stillwater.
Standard completed the acquisition in partnership with the Washington County Community Development Agency and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Huntington Bank provided the tax credit equity.
The transaction is capitalized at $27.8 million. Located at 212 2nd Street North in Stillwater, the affordable senior community was built in 1978 and previously renovated in 2007. It features one and two-bedroom units. Standard plans around a $9 million renovation to
Willie. He was a hit when we had a booth at the Renaissance Fair and loved the attention,” she said. “He had his quirks, but with the support of (the rescue), we were able to work through them and find his home.”
Adopt A Husky Minnesota has approximately 120 volunteers and about 25 of those are very active, according to Paulson. Currently, the rescue has approximately 10 foster homes. The rescue is urgently in need of both volunteers and fosters.
Paulson explained it has become difficult to “man” all the events the rescue has a booth. The rescue also relies on volunteers for transporting dogs, completing home visits and helping to vet adoption applications.
“It seems to be a statewide thing with all rescues, not just us,” Paulson explained. “Everybody’s struggling, donations are down, adoptions are down, volunteerism is down. It’s kind of like the perfect storm.”
Maset added, “We need foster homes urgently. There are so many huskies in Minnesota shelters that aren’t being claimed by their owners.”
All Adopt A Husky Minnesota dogs are placed in foster homes until they are adopted, because the organization does not have a
Rivertown Commons, which includes adding a second elevator and upgrading various building systems.
Lake Elmo Trailhead undergoes improvements
Bituminous Roadways, Inc., has been selected to provide services for the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Eagle Point Trailhead improvement project.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,278,402 contract with the company earlier this summer.
The project includes a pavement mill and overlay along the entrance road from County State Aid Highway 10 to the Eagle Point Parking Lot, a 49-parking space expansion and pavement rehabilitation of the parking lot and the construction of a permanent restroom facility.
building or homebase. The rescue not only provides food, collars and leashes, but also crates and any necessary medical care. When dogs come into rescue, they are microchipped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for things like heartworm. If necessary, dental work and even orthopedic work can be done.
“We have a lifetime commitment to our dogs,” Paulson said. “We take great pride in the vet care we provide our dogs. We don’t cut corners, which can happen sometimes.”
Maset said she has met some “pretty amazing” people through the rescue. After her sister’s dog Moe passed away, the group came together and sent them a plaque with his picture on it along with some wind chimes in his honor.
So why a husky? Although they can have some negative traits, as does any breed, they also have a lot of positive ones.
“They like to be with their family. They are a great companion,” Paulson said. The breed is great for people who have an active lifestyle and are seeking “adventure buddies.” Paulson added they are often good with children and described them as comedians.
For more information about Adopt A Husky Minnesota, visit www.adoptahuskyminnesota. org.
Abby is an 8-year-old German shepherd-husky mix.
can be reached at 651407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm
PHOTOS
Adopt A Husky is based out of Illinois. The Minnesota chapter began in 2018.
AGING GRACEFULLY AGING GRACEFULLY
5 ways to protect hearing every day
The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing.
People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15% of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of hearing problems increases with age.
Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations.
1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. This can set
the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss.
2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for highnoise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing.
3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead.
4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. The custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening.
5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow
and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning,
TUESDAY,
City of Marine plants trees along highway
The city of Marine on St. Croix has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) to plant trees and shrubs in the right of way along Hwy 95 in September.
This year, the city will be planting 57 small pine, fir, tamarack and spruce trees to help fill in and bring greenery to those spaces. The planting will occur near the downtown section of Hwy 95, on the east and west sides, at the far edge of MNDOT’s right of way on Saturday, Sept.14 at 9:30 a.m.
Volunteers are asked to bring a shovel and gloves. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult. If you have questions, contact Marine of St. Croix Councilmember Wendy Ward at wendy.ward@cityofmarine.org.
Field of Bands features classic rock
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network will host the Field of Bands from noon- 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Washington County Fair Grounds.
Live music will be performed by Arch Allies, Wayward Boyz Klub, Westside Band and GNO (Girls Night Out). There will be a beer garden and food trucks. Bring your own lawn chairs. The event will be in honor of Randy Kopesky. Ticket sales will help benefit servicemembers, veterans and their families. Tickets can be purchased online at fieldofbands.com.
The Washington County Fairgrounds is located at 12300 40th St. N., Lake Elmo.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill opens in Lake Elmo
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill will be opening in Lake Elmo. The restaurant will be located at 9923 Hudson Blvd. and owned by Bill Kulesa alongside his sons and family.
“Through my 29 years with the brand, it has been quite rewarding to see the impact each DQ restaurant
Women’s Business Bridge host symposium
The Women’s Business Bridge (WBB) will host Level-Up Ladies Symposium on Sept. 13 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Water Street Inn in downtown Stillwater. The event will feature keynote speakers, interactive breakout session and exclusive shopping deals.
Northwood Humane Society Walk
The Northwoods Humane Society’s Walk with the Animals will take place from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Lent Town Hall, 33155 Hemmingway Ave., Stacy.
There will be a 1.5-mile walk, silent auction, bake sale, raffle, dog and cat nail trimming, microchipping for purchase and more.
For more information, go to https://northwoodshs.org/walkwith-the-animals-2024 or call 651982-0240.
Forest Lake Masons put on Sunday Brunch
The Forest Lake Masons will be hosting a Sunday Brunch Drive Thru or Dine in from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Forest Lake Masonic Lodge.
The event will match funds from the event to donate to The Forest Lake Area Children’s Fund. For over 30 years, the fund has been providing new coats, boots and snow pants to children in the Forest Lake Area School District.
Attendees have a choice of pancakes and sausage or a European breakfast wrap.
The Forest Lake Masonic Lodge is located at 119 8th Ave. SE.
has on the individual towns they serve. I’m confident this new location will have a similar effect on the Lake Elmo community and become the new spot for residents to commemorate life’s little celebrations,” said Kulesa.
The Lake Elmo location will be the third Dairy Queen Grill and Chill owned by Kulesa. The restaurant will be open from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily.
The Lowdown Person of the Month
Name: Ana Marco Residency: Spain
Q. You said you are going to school around here, where are you going to school?
A. Yeah! I am studying at the Veterinary Medicine of School (at the University of Minnesota) doing my doctorate research.
Q. Stauner Family Insurance Question of the month: What is the best life policy?
A. As part of my job as a veterinary, my policy of life would be to take care of others, animals, be respectful and to care for animal welfare.
Lowdown Person of the Month is a feature in the paper and online. To watch the full interview, go to the Lowdown Facebook page or the Press Publications website.
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
New updates available for County Highway 12
Construction Project
A new set of updates has been unveiled for Washington County’s ongoing County Highway 12 Project. Phase 2 of the project has concluded, while Phase 3 has begun.
During Phase 3 of construction, only westbound traffic will be allowed from the middle school entrance to the west of East Ave. Eastbound traffic will be closed west of the Mahtomedi Middle School intersection to allow school traffic access. Eastbound traffic will be detoured on Highway 36 to County Highway 17 and back to County Highway 12.
County Highway 29 will be open for north and southbound traffic, but northbound County Highway 29 traffic will be unavailable to travel eastbound on County Highway 12. The intersections of County Highway 12, St. Andrews Church, County Highway 12 and the middle school will remain open.
Vehicles can go east or westbound from the middle school intersection onto County Highway 12. From the church entrance, vehicles can go westbound on County Highway 12 or southbound on County Highway 29. These new traffic control configurations will be removed once Phase 3 has been completed, which is anticipated to take six weeks.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby & Tommy Chandler
Ana Marco is the September Lowdown Person of the Month.
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF
DNR schedules online auction for confiscated equipment
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public auction for confiscated fishing, hunting and trapping equipment. The auction will include equipment that was confiscated following serious game and fish violations.
A list of equipment to be auctioned will be available about a month before each auction at hillerauction.com. The bidding catalog for each auction will be available at the Hiller Auction Service website on Oct. 3. The catalog will include a written description and photos of each item. Online bidding for the auction begins on Oct. 4. Onsite
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EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
inspection is available at Hiller Auction Service in Zimmerman on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The auctions will begin closing at 5 p.m. on Oct. 7. All equipment will be sold as-is, including all defects or faults, known or unknown. Once they’ve been purchased, items cannot be returned. Background checks are required of anyone who successfully bids for a firearm. Revenue from confiscated equipment auctions will go into the Game and Fish Fund, which is the DNR’s primary fund for delivering fish and wildlife management and law enforcement. For more information, visit mndnr. gov/enforcement/auctions
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Apply to Extension Master Gardener volunteer program
The application period to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer is now open and will remain open until Oct. 1.
“Our understanding of the benefits of gardening is expanding to include personal and community wellbeing, pollinator health, the importance of climate resilient landscapes and more. Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer is a great way to invest time and energy in local activities and efforts that support healthy people and a healthy planet,” said Tim Kenny, statewide director, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Becoming a Master Gardener gives volunteers a chance to expand
their interests in areas including sustainability, local foods, pollinators and climate change. Master Gardeners also put their skills to work conserving green spaces, native plants and clean water. The University of Minnesota has trained thousands of Master Gardeners; each year, they contribute more than 185,000 hours of service in Minnesota.
Core education for the program is online and spread out over 14 weeks. To become a Master Gardener, individuals commit to complete online training and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After the first year, they commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work; many choose to devote more time to the program. To learn more about the program and apply, visit z.umn.edu/MG_info or call 612-625-9864.
Minnesota’s election system ‘is secure, accurate and fair’
BY BILL STICKELS III
ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
When people talk about “Election integrity” images of stuffing of ballot boxes, manipulating results, or other underhanded methods of fixing the elections comes to mind.
Minnesota voters, however, should feel confident of accurate election results, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
“Minnesotans should have confidence in the system because of the many checks in the system,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Deputy Elections Director Paul Linnell. “Just as important, Minnesotans should have confidence and trust in their elections because of the high-integrity public officials in their communities that make it all possible.”
Testing, testing and more testing
Besides the integrity of officials, Linnell says the state requires stringent oversight of the ballot counting machines.
“Before any electronic voting system is used in the state, it must be tested and certified by a lab accredited by the Federal Elections Assistance Commission,” Linnell said. “That testing is a rigorous process that includes examination all the way down to the source code and a tabulation process that requires no more than one error in every 500,000 ballots.”
After a machine is certified federally, the state needs to certify it. This process includes reviewing the federal testing, plus another round of testing by the Secretary of State’s Office to ensure it is accurate based on Minnesota election laws.
This testing determines, for example, if voting machines flag “crossover voting” on a primary election
ballot where voters can only vote for candidates in one party.
Additionally, the state creates test elections from all levels of government using predetermined test results to ensure the machines are 100% accurate.
Then, each precinct must perform test ballots on all precinct voting machines using actual ballots filled out with predetermined test results just prior to each election day. That test also must be 100% accurate. These tests are open to the public to observe.
After the election is concluded, each county’s canvassing board is required to randomly select a certain number of precincts for a hand-count audit of the results in the Presidential or Governor’s race, US Senator, and US Representative.
The difference between the hand count and the machine count must be less than one-quarter of one percent. If it is greater, additional precincts, and possibly all of them, must be handcounted.
“Since this post-election audit was passed into law in 2006, there has only been two instances of needing to escalate the post-election review,” Linnell said, adding both cases involved human error causing the machines to miscount.
Besides the post race audits, races with extremely close margins of victory trigger a publicly funded automatic recount, plus any recounts requested by a losing candidate. Linnell noted in almost all these recounts, the results are changed by only a few votes.
“Recounts that happen every election year have consistently demonstrated that the voting equipment is counting ballots correctly,” Linnell concluded.
Forest Lake senior joins Aquatennial
A paper trail as backup
As accurate as the machines may be, Linnell says the state has always, and will probably continue to, rely on paper ballots to double-check vote counts, especially when it comes to close election results.
“A lot of states have moved to touchscreen voting equipment, Minnesota did not go in that direction,” Linnell said. “Minnesota has always required a paper ballot. That ballot serves as the official record of the votes cast.”
Then why not just do hand counting like “the good old days” before electronic ballot counters? Linnell said the state has mandated any precinct that has been using electronic counters must continue to use them maintain a consistent process over time.
More importantly, he noted studies show electronic counters are far more accurate than hand counting.
“Case studies and tests have repeatedly demonstrated that humans, counting ballots by hand, doing repetitive tasks, are less reliable than the tested and certified voting equipment,” Linnell said.
He added the costs and the time it would take to hand-count every race would be extremely high.
Hacking the machines
Some people have voiced concerns machines may be hacked to alter the outcome of an election.
Linnell responds that besides the previously mentioned paper trail and post-election audits and recounts, the machines are not hooked up to the internet like a common computer. Therefore, there isn’t a need for antivirus or other security programs.
Even when counties are transmitting
data to the Secretary of State’s election website, hacking wouldn’t do anyone any good since that information is unofficial. Only the canvassing board’s results are final.
Ineligible voters
Others are concerned people ineligible to vote could decrease election integrity, claiming the lack of voter ID requirements allows for ineligible ballots to be cast.
Linnell admits it is impossible to determine which ballots might have been cast by an ineligible voter, but he insists the punishment for voter fraud is a severe enough deterrent. That punishment can include felony charges, fines eclipsing $100,000, and in the case of a non-US citizen voting, deportation.
As proof, Linnell brought up a study conducted by a University of St. Thomas professor that revealed only three instances of non-citizens voting over the last several decades.
Additionally, he and Isanti County Auditor-Treasurer Angie Larson state all they can do is impose the laws as they are enacted by the Minnesota Legislature.
“I can’t change election laws or statutes,” said Larson. “I have to follow them, no matter what, whether people agree with them or not. Rules, statutes, laws are going to be followed. If people have concerns about those statutes, laws, and rules, they have to go to the Legislation to change them. My role is to make sure everyone is following those laws.”
Bill Stickels III is the editor of the Isanti-Chisago County Star, a sister publication to the Lowdown.
White Bear Class of 1958 65th Year Reunion
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Libbie Vander Vegt (right), a senior at Forest Lake Area High School and former Lino Lakes Ambassador, was selected to be a part of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization beginning July 2025.
