The Lowdown

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WHERE BUSINESS AND SUCCESS MEET

Twin Cities Taskers

You have tasks. We get them DONE!

Now who doesn’t love that?

Introducing Twin Cities Taskers

- a home, lifestyle and business concierge service.

Twin Cities Taskers was founded on the idea that life is too short to sweat the small stuff!

Co-owners Angie & Nikki both experienced losing a loved one within the last few years; for Nikki, it was her Mother-in-Law, and for Angie, it was her significant other. Going through the rollercoaster of life, they decided they needed to help

those with the anxieties & overwhelming feelings of trying to keep up with everyday life, especially when the unexpected happens.

My favorite Halloween costume as a kid was probably one of the Disney princesses, although I can’t remember which one.

MADELINE DOLBY

Staff Writer | lowdownnews@presspubs.com

Results.

Nestled in the quiet suburb of Wyoming, Minnesota Meadows on Fairview is a vibrant community catering to older adults through a variety of living options designed to fit you or your loved one’s individual lifestyle. Residents' days are filled with fun and engaging activities,

"Life throws us different curve balls every day, and we are here to save your day!" Some services include but not limited to organization/ de-cluttering, household management, personal assistant and business services. Connect with them today! Call them at 651-705-9097 or email info@twincitiestaskers.com.

When I was around five or six, I had a costume as one of the Dalmatians from 101 Dalmatians because it was one of my favorite childhood movies. I wore it every Halloween until I grew out of it at around the age of nine.

Evelyn Duvall

Designer | art@presspubs.com

Witch

PAUL DOLS

Photojournalist/Website Editor | photos@presspubs.com

Meadows on Fairview

while our seasoned and tenured staff is always on hand to offer any additional support if required. Surrounded by gorgeous landscaping and an abundance of nature, Meadows on Fairview provides a warm inviting atmosphere both inside and out. Some Living options include

Forest Lake Area 651-464-3200 | ForestLakeChamber.org

independent living, assisted living, memory care and transitional care. Interested in learning more? You can contact them at 651-982-6228 to see the different option available and what would work best for you or your loved one.

Relationships. Resources.

Don’t remember a favorite. My brothers and I were focused on covering territory, so using coffee grounds to create beard stubble, we dressed as hoboes and carried pillowcases for maximum candy collection.

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

Stillwater art festival will feature over 180 artists

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

This upcoming October marks the 46th annual Rivertown Fall Art Festival in Stillwater. The event takes place in Lowell Park. It goes through the weekend of Oct. 7 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. This year, the art festival will feature more artists than ever before.

The Rivertown Fall Art Festival is one of the bigger art festivals in the Midwest. People from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa come to visit.

“People love it because it is right on the banks of the St. Croix,” said Stillwater Chamber of Commerce member Stacie Jensen.

The festival takes place along the banks of the St. Croix, which allows visitors to have an amazing view of the river. They’re also only steps away from downtown Stillwater where they can explore the multiple boutiques, restaurants and galleries after viewing the different booths.

Over 180 artists will be featured at this year’s art fair, it will be the most vendors the Rivertown Art Festival has ever seen.

Artists showcased at the event handcraft specialty items such as jewelry, ceramics, photography, fiberworks, paintings, pottery and other categories.

“Jewelry is one of the big pieces,” said Jensen. “We have a lot of painting and photography.”

“Wood seems to be kind of growing in the last few years,” she added. Along with wood, mixed media has been growing in popularity as well.

Culinary art is a new category to this year’s art festival. Visitors can purchase locally made honey and cocktail mixes from artists’ booths.

A new feature visitors can expect is a free ride from various parking spaces to the festival and back again.

The Stillwater trolley will act as a

shuttle to bring visitors to and from the art festival. Since parking is so limited downtown, the trolley will provide easy access and parking options. The shuttle will run from 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. each day of the festival and make frequent trips to the different pickup spots located around Stillwater. Each loop will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

“It is kind of a fun thing, especially for tourists, to be able to hop on the shuttle and be able to ride downtown and back,” Jensen said.

As well as handcrafted art, visitors can expect entertainment during festival hours.

There will be live music, roaming

entertainment such as an animated scarecrow, roaming quartets, giant bubbles and live acrylic painting.

Food trucks will be on site, as well as a beer garden that will feature local breweries and brews to enjoy while walking through the festival booths. The Rivertown Fall Art Festival is

family friendly and free to the public. More information on the event can be found at the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce website.

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

New haunted scenes and trails added to Halloween’s favorite hayride

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

During the daytime, Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, Minnesota, is like any other pumpkin patch. There are endless pumpkins available to pick and fun family-friendly activities to participate in. On the property there are ziplines, superslides, an animal farm, a pumpkin patch and plenty of fallthemed photo opportunities.

As the sun goes down, however, Pinehaven Farm transforms into a haunted attraction. The Dead End Hayride brings nightmares to life through a thrilling world of horror.

The Dead End Hayride sits on Pinehaven’s 160 acres of sprawling forests, pumpkin fields and farmland. Pinehaven originally was a Christmas tree farm but transformed into a pumpkin patch in the mid-1960s. Now, it is home to the Dead End Hayride, which has become one of Minnesota’s most haunting Halloween attractions.

The attraction is split into three features. Attendees will begin their journey on a haunted hayride before they are dropped off at the entrance to several haunted scenes they have to make their way through. Finally, they go through a haunted cornfield.

A scene that visitors will experience is the Sandsflat Prison. It is a part of the haunted house portion of the hayride. Attendees will go through the scene and have a true “death row experience.” The individual will start by going through a church and end their journey in the morgue.

One can also expect to go through a few more scenes in the prison. The bathroom scene and the prison cell block are pieces of the experience as well.

The Dead End Hayride has expanded over the years, and this upcoming season is no different.

“The hayride has extended their common area by adding a new stage that will provide additional live entertainment and stage shows,” said Paige Faymoville, Pinehaven’s events operation manager.

The merchandise booth has doubled in size. Inventory and merchandise options have been extended. “There also will be several new large photo opportunities for people to enjoy when they attend the hayride,” she added. In addition to an expanded common area, there will be changes made to the hayride.

“Two-thirds of the hayride trail has been relocated and revamped with new scenes,” said Faymoville. “We have a new farm scene on the hayride as well as our new vampire castle ruins.”

The vampire castle ruins feature Gothic-style buildings. Visitors enter the scene through an archway that looks like the entrance to a grand castle.

“It’s the first thing you see, so we wanted to really give it the big, over-the-top entryway to kind of let people know what’s about to happen.” said Brad Bays, the hayride’s head scenic artist.

The hayride will go through crumbling archways, pass by a run-down church and a vampire or two.

Sets are made from foam and are handcarved or made by a computer numerical control machine. The structures are then painted to give them a realistic look.

“We have also updated the military set in the cornfield portion of the hayride,” Faymoville said.

The Dead End team has added over 100 new props and animatronics across the show to add to the fear factor.

Tickets to the haunted hayride can be purchased online at thedeadendhayride.com or at the door. The attraction is open Thursdays through Sundays, plus Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 30- 31. Pinehaven Farm is located at 28186 Kettle River Blvd. N., Wyoming.

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

The Stillwater Trolley will serve as a shuttle to and from the festival grounds.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Rivertown Fall Art Festival in Stillwater will take place on the banks of the St. Croix River.

The festival will feature over 180 artists.

Local family welcomes 2 new exchange students

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Cheryl Heilman and her husband Mike, of Lino Lakes, are hosting two exchange students for the 2023/24 school year through the Nacel Open Door exchange program.

Ava, who will turn 17 in February, is from Germany. Anna, who turned 17 at the end of August, is from Hungary.

After the Heilmans served as a host family from 2015-2018, the school in their district that worked with Nacel closed and combined with Hill-Murray. At the time, the family found it too far for them to drive, so they discontinued hosting students.

In 2021, the Heilmans moved to Lino Lakes and decided to host students once again. The couple used the Nacel Open Door exchange student program to be paired with their current students.

“We always kept saying we should host or we could have a college student live here,” said Cheryl Heilman. “All these different possibilities kept going through our minds. Then we started seeing stuff about how Nacel is still looking for people and thought we could do it again.”

Nacel Open Door is an exchange program that offers two main programs. Students can come to study in the United States for various lengths of time. They can attend school for the entirety of the school year, attend a private school for multiple years or do the short-term

academic program, which lasts anywhere from one to five weeks.

American students can also study abroad through the program.

Ava and Anna are both attending Forest Lake High School. Ava will be

at the high school until the end of the school year, which concludes in June. Anna will leave in January. The girls arrived in Minnesota on Aug. 31.

“The students who come are backed by their home countries,” said

Heilman. “Their teachers have to write letters of recommendation, (and they must) have excellent grades and standing within their home country’s school to even be allowed to participate in the exchange program,”

she added.

Ava and Anna have to take certain classes while they attend Forest Lake High School.

The Minnesota state department that regulates host programs asks that exchange students take

an English course for an entire year as well as history or some form of a civics course to learn about American government.

Both girls are planning to sign up for extracurricular activities throughout the school year as well.

“Ava plays the flute, and she will be in the marching band for football games,” said Heilman. Ava also would like to sign up for tennis, downhill skiing in the winter and lacrosse in the spring.

Anna is planning to sign up for volleyball this school year.

The Heilmans have introduced the girls to various events in Minnesota like the State Fair, and they have visited the Mall of America and Minnehaha Falls. The family hopes to be able to go to a sporting event such as the Vikings or the Twins.

“Overall, hosting an exchange student is very rewarding and benefits everyone involved,” said Heilman. “The students get a broadened education here in the United States and the family gets a blessing of opening up their hearts and homes to these students.”

More information about the Nacel Open Door program can be found on its website at www. nacelopendoor.org or by calling Cheryl Heilman at 612-245-4605.

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

Little Hot Hands carries on late husband’s legacy

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Many people in the north metro are familiar with the name “Chef Hot Hands,” but they might not have heard of “Little Hot Hands” just yet.

Esmerelda Jiles is the wife of Larry Jiles Jr., who was also known as Chef Hot Hands. He was one of two people killed in a shooting on Dale Street in St. Paul in February. Chef Hot Hands, originally from St. Paul, moved to Hugo when he was 13 and graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 2006 with a dream of opening his own restaurant.

Before his death, Chef Hot Hands had been operating a restaurant and catering business in downtown Centerville. That business has since closed its doors and a salon now resides there, but Chef Hot Hands’ name continues, thanks to his wife, who lives in Stillwater.

For the past couple of months, Esmerelda has been operating Little Hot Hands, inspired by both Larry and their 6-year-old daughter, Brialee. “She’s my Little Hot Hands. She would always tell Larry, ‘I want to cook something’, ‘Dad give me some work,’” Esmerelda explained, adding that Brialee loves to cook and also enjoys hot things, just like her dad did.

Customers may not know that Esmerelda was very involved in the Chef Hot Hands operation. She did a little

bit of everything, including decorating the restaurant space and shopping for ingredients, and often served as a taste tester for Larry.

“I was always in the kitchen watching him. He would move so fast,” Esmerelda recalled. “We would laugh and fight. It was everything in there. It was really fun. I miss that time.” She says she learned a lot from Larry.

After Larry’s death, Esmerelda says she lost herself for a while. She was working at Culver’s in Stillwater, but that wasn’t cutting it. The bills were piling up.

“I thought, ‘How am I going to do this? ... This is too much for me,” she said. “I had to do something.”

So, to support her family and continue her husband’s dream, she bought a little pink trailer and started making

and selling mini donuts and churros. Her menu has continued to evolve, and she now is known for tamales, walking tacos, fajita hot dogs, waffles and Elotes (Mexican street corn, mayonnaise and cheese).

Esmerelda has been overwhelmed by the support of former Chef Hot Hands customers and the community at large. She attends the Stillwater Farmers Market every Saturday, and continues to visit Applecrest Orchards and T & Nae Flower Farm, both of which are located on Elmcrest Avenue N. on the border of Hugo and Lino Lakes. She is also dabbling in catering.

“I can see the love. The support means a lot to me, and people make me smile after everything,” she said. “When I’m there, I forget about everything.”

Larry’s dream was always to have a little restaurant in his name. Now, Esmerelda says that is her dream, too. She hopes to one day have her own restaurant called “Little Hot Hands.”

“I’m happy with how far I’ve come with this, but sometimes you cry and think this was something Larry would have loved,” she said. “Sometimes it is hard to keep going, but I know he would say, ‘I’m so proud of you.’”

The Heilmans welcome Anna and Ava at the MSP airport (from left to right: Anna Kovács, Mike Heilman, Cheryl Heilman and Ava Hummel)

Ava (left) and Anna (right) tour Forest Lake Area High School.

Cheryl welcomes Anna to Minnesota.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Heilmans have introduced the girls to various Minnesota events, such as the Minnesota State Fair. .

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Stillwater resident Esmerelda Jiles brings her little pink food truck to area events and businesses.

www.presspubs.com

VINTAGE VIEWFINDER

Fall foliage and fishing

A detail from a wall-sized photo of the Bronson-Folsom store in 1910 that is part of The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread: The Grocery Revolution in Washington County, one of the exhibits currently on display at the Washington County Heritage Center. The exhibit follows the evolution of food distribution and features some of the contributions of Hooley family members, who had generations of experience in the food business and started Cub Foods in 1968. The name “Cub” originally stood for Consumers United for Buying. The exhibit also makes note of current area grocery stores, including Kowalski’s, which is celebrating 40 years of operation and expansion since its start at the site of a former Red Owl store in St. Paul. Find heritage center hours and location at wchsmn.org/museum/heritagecenter/.

Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah!

Hockey is a staple in Minnesota. We are literally called the state of hockey. There is a whole day in January dedicated to the sport.

As a kid, I never watched hockey. I didn’t have a real interest in it. The rules were too confusing for me to learn and I thought it was a bit stupid that the winning team would only win by a goal or two rather than 10 or more.

not that hard to understand. But I played along because I thought it would make me cool and everyone had the idea that I was this crazy hockey fan because I went to Mariucci Arena every weekend.

It wasn’t until I was a freshman in college that I really got into the games. I finally asked my dad what icing and off-sides meant during a Gopher game because I was tired of still not knowing what they meant after four years.

season. If I am at a track meet and missing the first period, my dad will text me constant playby-play updates so I know what is going on. We have followed our favorite players all the way to the NHL, leading us to slowly becoming Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild fans.

Noelle’s Notes

Noelle Olson

Fall is my favorite season. Every year I look forward to the Minnesota Vikings and a possible playoff run for the Minnesota Twins. But most of all, I look forward to fishing. Recently, I went up to Onamia to fish on Mille Lacs Lake. I haven’t had much luck there as far as fishing goes and I call it the “Dead Sea.” I usually try and fish there at least once a year. I went out on a four-hour launch recently and didn’t even have a bite (hence the “Dead Sea” comment). However, the launch was entertaining. I was with a friend of mine and it’s always interesting to meet other people on the launch. It’s fun to watch other people catch fish. Someone caught the smallest walleye I’ve ever seen. To be honest, it looked like a minnow. But I was surprised how many larger walleyes were caught. It’s been years since I’ve seen that many walleye caught over 20 inches in Mille Lacs. I should note that Mille Lacs has a possession limit of one walleye between 20-23 inches or one longer than 28 inches. All other walleye must be immediately released. Personally, I like the smallmouth bass in the lake. They are great fighters and I seem to have better luck at catching them. But not this day.

Madeline’s Mail

Madeline Dolby

I didn’t find it very entertaining at the time. When I was 15, my dad got season tickets to the Minnesota Gophers men’s hockey team. My mom didn’t have an interest in going and my dad knew I had some interest in hockey from going to hockey games in high school. I played along because in reality, I didn’t have an interest in the game but more what the players looked like.

During high school, I went to a few games mainly because I had a few guy friends on the team and went for the social aspect of it. I would sit in the front row with my best friend and pretend to know what was going on. Honestly, at the time, I had no clue what icing or off-sides were. Which, looking back now, is embarrassing considering it is

After that game, I bought a sweatshirt, grabbed one of their posters and hung it up in my bedroom at home. Once I learned the rules and grew up a bit, I stopped worrying about who the cutest player on the team was and actually worried about how well they played. One would say I became a crazy, super fan.

Since freshman year, I have not missed a Gopher Hockey game since, home or away. My dad and I have gone to almost every single home game at 3M. We have sat in the same seats, bought a malt cup between the second and third period and always take a selfie to send to my mom.

The Gophers have become “our team.” We will sit on the couch in the basement wearing our matching sweatshirts and watch every away game together. We will go over the home game schedule at the kitchen table and talk about the upcoming

Around our birthdays at the beginning of November, we have a “birthday” game where we go out to eat before-hand and celebrate our birthdays with just the two of us and our favorite group of boys.

The first game of the season is on Oct. 13 against my alma mater, the University of St. Thomas at the Xcel Energy Center. You won’t find me sitting behind the Tommies goalie, but the Gophers goaltender wearing the same sweatshirt I got four years ago singing the Minnesota fight song.

If you told me at 15 that I knew the University of Minnesota’s fight song by heart or have spent a majority of weekends chewing my fingernails waiting for a game-winning goal, I would have told you that you were crazy because girls like me do not like hockey for the game, they like it for the players.

But Minnesota, hats off to thee! Hockey season is finally upon us.

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

THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines

• Limited to 350 words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must

There was a young woman on the launch who did something I had never seen before in my over 50 years of fishing. She was sitting at the back of the launch boat and had just caught a small walleye. After her boyfriend took off the fish, she lost control of her fishing pole. I was looking at her and all of a sudden I saw her pole slowly slip from her hands and go into the water. I didn’t say anything but my friend said, “Captain, we have a pole overboard.” She didn’t panic but softly said to her boyfriend, “I just dropped my pole in the water.” He told her not to say anything. I couldn’t help but laugh. The “captain” was too busy in the front of the boat and didn’t know this had happened. If you’ve never been on a launch at Mille Lacs, the boats are pretty big and have plenty of room for people to move around freely. Needless to say, he never knew a fishing pole was missing when we left the launch.

Fall foliage

Fall colors are starting to emerge in the St. Croix Valley. I live in St. Croix Falls and immediately noticed the leaves starting to change color while driving home recently on Highway 95. It really is a spectacular sight when those leaves are at their peak. It inspires people to drive for miles just to look at the splendor of color before they fall to the ground. What we don’t think about is whether we have to rake or leaf blow them into a fire or a bag. When I lived in Ohio, we had to bring them to the curb and the city picked them up. That was really nice because we had a lot of leaves. My kids loved jumping into the pile of leaves when they were young. What child doesn’t? I know I did. Honestly, I don’t like the work but it’s what we do every year when we have trees in our yard. And if you have a cabin, it’s extra work. But I believe it’s worth it to have trees and it’s a great way to get together with my kids and family. It goes by much faster when you have a lot of rakes working. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a great resource on its website to see when the peak colors will arrive in a town near you.

Noelle Olson is editor of the White Bear Press. She can be reached at 651-407-1229 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

be accompanied by factual verification.

• All 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 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

IMAGE COURTESY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FOREST LAKE FORD

What: Ford Car Dealership

Where: 508 15 St. SW., Forest Lake

About: Build in process

LIVING WELL BOUTIQUE/ BE WELL NUTRITION

What: Health food and gifts

Where: 132 Lake St. S., Forest Lake

Contact: 651-231-5007

PIZZA PUB

What: Pizza restaurant

Where: 8241 North Shore Trail, Forest Lake

Contact: 651-395-2212

Website: mypizzapub.com

4

KEEP IT UP TUTORING

Where: Forest Lake

Contact: 651-260-5094

Website: keepituptutoring. com

5

KIDS VS. BIKINIS

BLAINE BROTHERS TRUCKALINE

What: Truck and trailer repair and maintenance

Where: Hornsby St. NE., Columbus

Contact: 763-786-8863

Website: blainebrothers.com

FOREST LAKE NEW BUSINESSES

1 About Us | Living Well Boutique/ Be Well Nutrition

Protein smoothies, energizing teas and protein oatmeal. Protein pancakes, waffles, mug cakes, donuts and muffins coming soon. There also is a variety of gifts, jewelry and more available.

2 About Us | Pizza Pub

Pizza Pub has been serving Minnesotans their award winning pizza since 1976. By utilizing the freshest and highest quality ingredients and producing their own signature sauce

and pizza dough in house, Pizza Pub is able to deliver award winning pizza to your home and table every time.

3 About Us | Forest Lake Ford Build in process

4 About Us | Keep It Up Tutoring

Keep It Up Tutoring was created to provide academic support for Kindergarten through fifth-grade students in a way that best supports each learner. We aim to create a safe learning environment for students to take risks, use new skills and grow their confidence. Whether your child needs a little bit of help or intense intervention, we’ll support them in finding reading, spelling and writing success.

5 About Us | Kids vs. Bikinis

What: Fitness classes

Where: Forest Lake

Contact: hello@ kidsvsbikinis.com

Website: kidsvsbikinis.com

Whether you are looking to lose weight for the first time (or the very last time), a customized, actionable place could save you from constantly chasing your weight loss goals. It’s not just another miserable, restrictive diet.

6 About Us | Blaine Brothers TruckAline

TruckAline specializes in full-service frame, suspension and alignment services with fully accredited technicians that get every job done right. From suspension work, brakes, springs and even DOT inspections, these professionals have the training and experience to handle your repair and maintenance needs quickly and

correctly every time.

STILLWATER NEW BUSINESSES

1 About Us | Crisp and Green

Enjoy a variety of different salads, grain bowls, acai bowls and smoothies.

2 About Us | BoBa 4Eva

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

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

Waiting Child

Jarell,15, is energetic, athletic, caring, and personable. He is a gifted athlete who especially excels in football but is also talented at basketball and soccer. Jarell's favorite subjects in school are PE and Art. When not in school, he enjoys playing video games. Jarell values his friendships and loves hanging out with friends.

Jarell would do best with calm caregivers who can support him in his interests. It would benefit him to remain in the greater metro area, preferably in a diverse community. Jarell enjoys participating in church activities that are child focused and likes animals.

Following adoption, Jarell will need to maintain contact with his siblings, some extended family members, and his former foster family.

Only families from Minnesota are being considered at this time.

BOBA 4EVA

What: Bubble tea shop

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

Contact: 651-342-239 / www.facebook.com/people/ BoBa-4Eva/100091243231920/

CRISP AND GREEN

What: Healthy restaurant

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

Website: crispandgreen.com

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

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomes River Pines Counseling to the community

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomes local business River Pines Counseling to the Chamber and the community with a ribbon cutting.

The event took place at 105 New England Place, Suite 150 in Stillwater with owners Dary Stiyland and her father Rod Stiyland along with healthcare industry partners, personal supporters, Great Stillwater Chamber ambassadors and staff. River Pine Counseling offers both professional counseling and physician & leadership coaching programs. To learn more information, one can reach out by calling 651-383-6054 or emailing info@ riverpinescounseling.com

Square Dance Lessons offered in Forest Lake

The Jolly Promenaders Square Dance Club of Forest Lake is offering square dance lessons at the United Methodist Church, 5459 E. Viking Boulevard, Wyoming. Lessons are from 6 to 8 p.m. for 12 weeks.

Contact Jocelyn at 763-381-7130 or Kay at 612-590-7133 for cost and additional information

Lowdown Person of the Month

Name: Jeffrey Tessier Residency: Forest Lake

How long have you lived in the Forest Lake Area?

I grew up three miles away from here on our family farm. If you walk into Forest Lake High School, the very first thing you’ll see written in stone is my father’s, Joseph W. Tessier. He was chairman of the school board.

What is the most exciting thing you’ve done this month?

What I’ve done this month is that I went and saw Everclear in Duluth. The band was a very popular band back in my day.

Do you have any special talents?

I still play French Horn. I was actually in the Forest Lake marching band in high school, but we went to Pasadena for the City band and that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

Stauner Insurance Question of the Day: What is the best policy?

The best policy is to live your best life ever.

Lowdown Person of the Month is a new feature in the paper and online. To watch a video of the interview, go to the Lowdown Facebook page or to the Press Publications website.

Madeline Dolby and Tommy Chandler

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

Stillwater Soccer

Vlime has scored 12 goals and made four assists in the first nine games of the season, which has helped the No. 5 ranked Ponies stay undefeated at 7-0-2. Vlime has hat tricks from the two most recent games. Both games resulted in wins. One over Hastings 8-0 and the other Irondale 5-1.“He is a talented dribbler and has an eye for the goal.” said Coach Jake Smother. Vilme notched 13 goals and nine assists on last year’s 17-2, state runner-up team. In three years as a starter. Vilme has helped the Ponies post a 40-5-4 record.

Maddie Reed

Reed earned two Suburban East Conference swimming records in their recent meet against East Ridge — 1:05.28 in the breaststroke and 1:50.22 in the medley relay (with Norah Naatjes, Jayla Petersen and Annie Gritters). Reed has a personal best in the breaststroke of 1:03.94, which is the record at a school with a great swim tradition. As a junior, Reed won the section meet in the breaststroke, individual medley, medley relay and 400 free relay. She reached the state finals in all four events. “Dedicated athlete, great team leader,” coach Brian Luke said.“She understands what is required to be successful.” Reed has committed to the University of Cincinnati.

Forest Lake Cross Country

VanAcker’s highlights this season include placing third out of 338 runners in 19:33 at the St. Olaf Showcase in Northfield and fifth out of 90 runners in 19:11 at Anoka’s Steve Hoag Invitational. In eighth grade, VanAcker was ninth in the Suburban East Conference and 48th at state in cross country. She placed eighth in the 1600 at the state track and field meet in 5:08.27, making her number 4 all-time in the event. “Anna has an outstanding work ethic, and is progressing well,” coach John Fick stated. “I expect to see her on several podiums over the next few years.” An example of her determination: she lost a shoe at a recent meet and finished the 5,000 yards with one shoe.

Howie Johnson

Johnson has emerged as a destructive force as a sophomore at defensive end for the Forest Lake football team. Johnson, 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, made two solo quarterback sacks and shared a third sack last week as the Rangers handed Mounds View its first loss 24-8. He also blocked a punt (recovered by his brother Gunnar) to set up a touchdown. In three games, Johnson has logged 13 tackles for loss and five sacks, and 22 tackles total, for the Rangers (2-1). Coach Brad Beeseck calls Johnson “the most dominant defensive lineman in the state and a tireless worker and great teammate.” He became a starter as a freshman on a 7-3 team.

Colin Vilme Anna VanAcker

Stillwater Swimming

Forest Lake Football

*Athletes chosen by press staff

PHOTO BY TOMMY CHANDLER

Jeffrey Tessier is the Stauner Insurance Lowdown Person of the Month.

ONGOING EVENTS:

STILLWATER FARMERS MARKET

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

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

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

Contact: 651-704-9996 or localharvest.org

WARDEN’S HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS

When: 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Oct. 28

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

Details: See 13 rooms decorated in the late 19th and early 20th century style on a 45-60 minute tour of the 1853 residents of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden Contact: 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org

9TH ANNUAL NORTHSTAR WATERMEDIA

NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION

When: 9:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Mondays- Saturdays; noon- 5 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 28

Where: The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson

Details: 80 selected paintings by regional and national watermedia artists

Contact: northstarwatermedia.com/extentions and www. thephipps.org

DEAD END HAYRIDE

When: 7- 10 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; 7 p.m.- midnight, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31

Where: Pinehaven Farm, 28186 Kettle River Blvd. N., Wyoming

Details: Experience a haunted hayride, house and corn field. One of the best haunted houses in the United States.

Contact: thedeadendhayride.com.

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GUIDED TOURS

When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, through Jan. 31

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third St., Stillwater

Details: There is a short introductory video followed by a tour of the courtroom, 1900s county jail and exhibitions. Hear stories of the building’s construction and the people who worked there.

Contact: 651-272-7075 or discoverstillwater.com

CURRENT EVENTS:

DOG GONE READING

When: 4:30- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4

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

Details: Children ages 5-13 can practice their reading skills by reading with a certified therapy dog and its trainer. Registration for a 15-minute appointment is required. Register online, in person or by calling.

Contact: 651-275-7300

TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR

When: 4:30- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4

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

Details: Mystery lovers and authors come together for conversation and reading inspiration. The October event features Joshua Moehling. Cash bar. Purchase tickets online.

Contact: valleybookseller.com

2ND ANNUAL HISTORIC GROUNDS COFFEE TASTING

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 7

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

Details: Features coffee from local coffee shops. Ticket information can be found online. Contact: 651-439-2298 or wchsmn.org

www.presspubs.com

ROCKTOBERFEST

When: 5- 11 p.m Friday, Oct. 6; 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; Noon- 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: River Siren Brewing Co., 225 Main St. N., Stillwater

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

Contact: riversirenbrewing.com

CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY READS MORRIS MICKLEWHITE AND THE TANGERINE DRESS

When: 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

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

Details: Join performers from the Children’s Theatre Company for a special reading of Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino. This 30-minute interactive story theater session is for kids 4-10. Registration is not required.

Contact: 651-275-7300

RIVERTOWN FALL ART FESTIVAL

When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8

Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St., Stillwater

Details: Features over 150 artisans showcasing specialty hand-crafted items, including artists of all kinds: ceramic clay, culinary arts, drawing, fiber works, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, pottery, wood and more.

Contact: 651-439-4001 or communications@ greaterstillwaterchambers.com

SHAPESHIFT DANCE COLLECTIVE

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N.

Details: An inspiring story through the captivating medium of theatrical dance combining hip-hop/ contemporary movement and other dance styles, fused with old school music. See ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

THE RUMBLE IN THE FOREST

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Believers’ Boxing Gym, 24799 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake

Details: There will be a barbeque, raffles and prizes for those who attend. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the boxing bell rings at 6:00 p.m. See ticket information online.

Contact: www.believersboxing.com

UNITED STATES MARINE BAND

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9

Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi

Details: “The President’s Own” band has toured since 1891. Free to the public.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP

When: 3- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11

Where: Washington County Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury

Details: Visit the Free Product Room at the Environmental Center to browse for free, pre-used costumes. Donations are not required to receive a costume; costumes will be limited to one per child.

Contact: 651-430-6026 or yvonne.klinnert@co.washington. mn.us

NIGHT HIKE

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

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

Details: Bring your friends and family for an evening hike along the lit trails of Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Breathe in the crisp autumn air, view the stars, observe the local wildlife and soak in the quiet serenity of the night. Meet outside of the Nordic Center or hike the trails on your own. The program is free with a valid Washington County Parks vehicle permit.

Contact: www.co.washington.mn.us/parks

FOREST BATHING

When: 9- 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

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

Details: Experience the ancient wellness practice of Japanese forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), which includes immersion in the natural setting to reduce anxiety and enhance focus. Register online.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us/parks

PUPPETS IN THE PARK HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE

When: 1- 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer

Details: Experience a hayride or self-guided walking tour through the 50-acre sculpture park where visitors will view large-scale puppets interacting with contemporary sculptures. There will be fun and family-friendly activities such as a mask-making workshop, pumpkincarving, face-painting, performances and a Halloween

GUIDED BIRD HIKES

When: 9 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Big Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N, Marine on St Croix

Details: Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and weather. Hikers should meet at the playground parking lot.

Contact: 651-430-8370 or parks@co.washington.mn.us.

candy scavenger hunt

Contact: franconia.org

PUMPKINMANIA

When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center and Veterans Park, Mahtomedi

Details: A community-wide event with pumpkins and painted pumpkins for sale, games, crafts, food, fire trucks and more.

Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us.

HARVEST FEST AND GIANT PUMPKIN

When: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday Oct. 15

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

Details: One of the largest pumpkin weigh-offs in the Midwest, pumpkin drop, pumpkin regatta, live music, beer and wine garden, vendor market and kids activities.

Contact: harvestfeststillwater.com

BLACK & WHITE MOVIE NIGHT — HALLOWEEN EDITION

When: 7- 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18

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

Details: Viewing of the 1962 psychological thriller of ‘Carnival of Souls.’ There will be free popcorn and a discussion of the film.

Contact: 651-439-2298 or wchsmn.org

FALL CLOTHING EVENT

When: 9 a.m.- noon, Friday, Oct. 20; 9 a.m.- noon, Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Lakes Free Church, 29620 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom

Details: Gently used clothing and outerwear for men, women and children for fall and winter will be available. A small fee will be charged.

Contact: 651-257-2677 or www.lakesfree.org.

HOME FOR LIFE FALL COLORS DOG WALK

When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27

Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St., Stillwater

Details: Family-friendly event showcasing Stillwater and the beautiful river valley through a dog walk to take place when the fall colors are at their peak. Participants will join for a dog walk along the 4.7 mile St. Croix Crossing Trail Loop, followed by a buffet lunch, program and entertainment

Contact: homeforlife.org

TRICK OR TREATING ON MAIN STREET

When: 1- 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: Downtown Stillwater

Details: Families can trick or treat at more than 45 Main Street businesses displaying a sign in the window.

Contact:greaterstillwaterchamber.com

MAHTOREADI

When: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30

Where: Chautauqua Theatre, Mahtomedi High School, 8000 75th St. N.

Details: The 21st annual event features author Marcie Rendon and her book “Sinister Graves.” The event includes a book signing, presentation and a Q&A.

Registration is required.

Contact: mathomedi.ce.eleyo.com

TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR

When: 4:30- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1

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

Details: Mystery lovers and authors come together for conversation and reading inspiration. The November event features author Mindy Mejia. Cash Bar. Tickets available for purchase online.

Contact: valleybookseller.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

COMMUNITY EVENT BRIEFS

Franconia will host its first Halloween Hayride

The Franconia Sculpture Park and the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater will team up to host Franconia’s first-ever Puppets in the Park Halloween hayride from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.

Visitors can experience a hayride or a self-guided walking tour through the 50-acre sculpture park, where there will be large-scale puppets interacting with contemporary sculptures. In addition, there will be other fun and family-friendly activities. There will be a mask-making workshop, pumpkin carving, face painting, performances and a Halloween candy scavenger hunt.

More information on the event can be found at franconia.org.

Licensed Care Provider Workshop

Washington County residents who are interested in becoming a licensed family child care provider in the county may take the first step and view an orientation meeting through Teams from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

Basic information for licensing will be discussed. Attendance is required at one of these meetings before a license can be issued. There is no fee for the informational meetings.

Registration is required by Oct. 5. Registration can be completed on the county’s website at www. co.washington.mn.us by searching “child care licensing” or by calling 651-430-8307.

Special gatherings of the Stillwater City Council

There will be special gatherings of the Stillwater City Council for Fire Prevention Week at the Stillwater Fire Department located at 250 Maryknoll Drive N., Stillwater on the following dates:

• 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3

• 7- 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11

• 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

There will be council members present at these events; however, no official business will be conducted.

Those with questions or needing further information should contact the city clerk’s office at 651-430-8800.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Sculpture Park welcomes new executive director

The Franconia Sculpture Park has a new executive director.

The preeminent, artist-centered sculpture park announced that Alex Legeros will serve as the new executive director of the art park.

Since 2019, Legeros has been the development and communications director at the White Bear Center for the Arts and has a decade of experience working in the arts and cultural institutions.

“The experiences and experimentation happening at

After-school classes will be offered at Zephyr Theatre

The Zephyr Theatre is partnering with River Grove Elementary to extend beyond the school day. Zephyr Educational Programs will continue as part of River Grove’s curriculum and will now be offered after school.

River Grove students are welcome to enroll in after-school storytelling classes that will encourage students to create and collaborate. These classes will be offered after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday. For more information, email education@ stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

Take part in a Halloween costume swap

The Washington County Environmental Center is hosting a Halloween costume swap. Costume drop-off will end Oct. 10. If you plan to donate your old costumes, bring clean, gently used children’s costumes. Donations will be accepted in the drivethrough lane and inside the main entrance of the Free Product Room.

Costume shopping day will be from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, in the Free Product Room of the environmental center. Browse for free, used costumes. Donations are not required to receive a costume; costumes will be limited to one per child. More information on the costume swap can be found at co.washington.mn.us or by calling 651-4306026. The Washington County Environmental Center is at 4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury.

Scary stories featured at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn while sitting around a campfire listening to family scary stories from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the Nordic Center in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

There will be apple cider and marshmallows to roast, children’s crafts and an opportunity to take a self-guided hike along the lit trails afterwards if you are feeling adventurous. The trails will be open until 9:30 p.m.

The event is free with a Washing vehicle permit pass. No reservations are required.

The Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at 1515 Keats Ave. N., in Lake Elmo. More information can be found at www.co.washington.mn.us/parks.

Discover Stillwater launches its annual photo contest for October

Submissions are now being accepted for the 2023 Discover Stillwater Photo Contest. Contestants can show off the best pictures of their recent travels to downtown Stillwater, the riverfront and the surrounding area.

Photos from all seasons, landmarks, river life, boats, bike trails, patios, shops and more are encouraged to be submitted.

Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 20. The public will be encouraged to vote for their favorites after the submission deadline.

Winners of the contest will receive prizes and recognition on social media. The first place winner will receive a Stillwater Staycation prize package. The second place prize is $200 and the third palace prize is $100.

More information, along with the link to the entry form can be found at DiscoverStillwater.com.

Lakes Free Church hosts fall clothing event

The Sharing Shop, a clothing store, located at Lakes Free Church is having its fall clothing event at 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 20 and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 21.

Gently used clothing and outerwear for men, women and children suitable for fall and winter have been gathered. A small fee will be charged. All the money is used to fund Lakes Free organization Moms of Preschoolers.

Lakes Free Church is located at 29620 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom. To learn more about The Sharing Shop, call Lakes Free Church at 651-257-2677 or visit the church’s website at www.lakesfree.org.

Franconia are exciting. Over more than 25 years, Franconia has developed a notable role in our local and national arts ecosystem. I can’t wait to be part of this web of talented, visionary and remarkable people. Through a focus on core strengths and mission, I envision Franconia’s growth will leverage resources for improving operations, stewardship of Franconia’s unique prairie, and to continue to deepen enriching, innovative and healthful experiences for artists and visitors alike,” said Legeros in a press release.

There is a rumble in the Forest

The Believers’ Boxing Gym in Forest Lake is hosting a boxing event on Saturday, Oct. 7. There will be a barbeque, raffles and prizes for those who attend. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the boxing bell rings at 6 p.m.

Ticket prices depend on age. Tickets can be purchased and more information on the event is available at www.believersboxing. com. The Believers’ Boxing Gym is located at 24799 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake.

WHITE BEAR LAKE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

For nearly four decades now, the U.S. has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.

One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.

But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. It’s necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer and what’s normal for you so you can take action if there are any changes in your breasts or underarm areas.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that

1 in 8

feels different from the surrounding tissue

• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

• A newly inverted nipple

• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

•Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.

Doctors know that breast cancer

occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.

Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.

Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do.

It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment. Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.

A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.

Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.

This information was found on www.nationalbreastcancer.org, www. mayoclinic.org and www.komen.org.

women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

$7.00 6oz 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

Sunday Chef’s choice

County board sets public hearing on youth access tobacco ordinance

The Washington County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing for proposed revisions to the Washington County youth access to tobacco ordinance on Oct. 3.

The hearing will be held during the board’s regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board Room of the Government Center at 14949 62 St. N., Stillwater.

Minnesota state laws have set the local retail tobacco regulations across the state. This law was changed in 2020 and is already in effect throughout the state. The changes have included raising the minimum age for tobacco purchases to 21 years of age and increasing the administrative fine amount for retail tobacco violations.

The county’s proposed revisions to the ordinance will:

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Washington County introduces naloxone access points

Washington County now has three naloxone access points that provide free naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips at service centers in Forest Lake and the Government Center in Stillwater.

At any of the naloxone access points, members of the community may pick up naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips anonymously and for free — no insurance or personal information is required.

County leaders hope that the initiative will save lives. In addition to directly

• Update the ordinance language so the related statute changes are reflected

• Increase the minimum tobacco sales clerk age to 18 years old

• Increase the minimum license suspension time frame for repeated violations.

Current retail tobacco license holders in the cities and towns within Washington County have been notified about these proposed ordinance revisions and were invited to ask questions or provide comments to the board.

The public hearing is required as part of the ordinance amendment process.

For more information, contact Caleb Johnson, the community/ environmental health program manager, at 651-430-6680.

increasing access to lifesaving tools, this initiative will also normalize naloxone as a public health resource, helping to reduce stigma related to substance use.

The kits may be found at the Public Health and Environment offices at: Forest Lake Service Center, 19955 Forest Road N., and the Government Center, 14949 N. 62nd St., Stillwater.

More information on the program can be found on the county’s website at www.co.washington. mn.us/NAP.

Preliminary levy set by Washington County board, proposed budget for 2024

At the most recent Washington County board meeting, a preliminary property tax levy was set to support the proposed 2024 county budget. The certified proposed property tax levy payable in 2024 is $132,715,000. The board also set a levy for the Regional Rail Authority at $660,000, the same as in previous years.

The recommended levy would be an increase of 3.95% over 2023. The combination of an increase in the value of commercial property in the county, the addition of new construction to the county’s tax base and a moderate increase in the levy would result in a reduction of the county tax rate by an estimated 7.3%.

The board adopted a proposed budget for 2024. The budget includes the expenditures of:

• $289,427,300 in operating expenses.

• $59,236,100 in capital projects.

• $15,346,300 in debt service.

The board will follow a budget calendar through early December, which will include:

• Oct. 3: Review the county’s fiveyear capital improvement plan.

• Nov. 14: Conduct a public hearing on the five-year capital improvement plan.

• Nov. 21: Conduct a final workshop on the budget and levy proposal.

• Dec. 7: Conduct a public meeting on proposed 2024 budget and levy; the meeting will take place after 6 p.m.

• Dec. 12: Adopt a budget and property tax levy for 2023, as well as the five-year capital improvement plan. Budget documents presented to the county board can be found at www. co.washington.mn.us/budget.

Your Local Remodeling, Custom Home

MARVIN

License: BC692167 771549

WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The following happened at the Sept. 5 Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting:

• Stephen Schmaltz of Forest Lake will remain on the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District for a fourth term, which will expire Sept. 22, 2026

• The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive $1.6 million under the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Byrne discretionary community project funding/Byrne discretionary grants program. This grant will allow the Sheriff’s Office to purchase 20 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and two river patrol

boats. The boats will be used on both the St. Croix and the Mississippi rivers.

• Rani Engineering will perform design engineering on the Central Greenway Regional Trailhead in the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

• The county board declared September as National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month creates an opportunity for every resident of Washington County to prepare their homes, businesses and communities for disasters and emergencies.

Madeline Dolby

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

Contact

Where Quality Comes First

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

10 Reasons

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

651-407-1200 presspubs.com

J o i n O u r Te a m ! Hiring PT assembly workers in White Bear Lake at Snuggle Me Organic.

Mon-Fri. Flexible Hrs; Send Resume to: becky.k@makeheroes.co

Now Hiring

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.

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

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

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients

- Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines

-Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS: - 12-25 hours per week - M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

DULUTH

Dr.

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New environmental center coming to Washington County

Washington County officials, along with partners from Forest Lake and Hugo, have taken the first step in the construction of the northern household hazardous waste and yard waste site in Forest Lake.

The center will be across Highway 61 from the Hardwood Creek Library and the Forest Lake Service Center. It will provide the same services as those provided by the county’s environmental center in Woodbury.

“I think this works so well with the other government services in the area,” said Commissioner Fran Miron, District 1. The center is in close proximity to the library, service center, YMCA and residential housing. “It’s just exciting to have good partners to work with us,” Miron said.

Residents will be able to take household hazardous waste, consumer electronics

North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix hires 1st executive director

After 14 years of primarily volunteerdriven efforts, North Woods and Waters has hired its first executive director. Monica Zachay will be joining the team of dedicated volunteers.

Zachay brings a deep knowledge of the St. Croix Watershed, along with more than 16 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, program development and implementations, funding strategies, partner and volunteer relationships and organizational growth. She has spent over 10 years working for the Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon as director of programs, working with people and organizations throughout the entire watershed. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in natural resources and has a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri. Zachay lives within the St. Croix Watershed with her husband and enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time on the river.

The Zephyr Theatre welcomes interim executive director

The Zephyr Theatre in Stillwater welcomes Jim Weckwerth as its new interim executive director. Weckwerth will take over the position after the resignation last fall of Calyssa Hall.

Weckworth lives in Stillwater and is a former interim pastor specialist for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He serves as a consultant with The Joshua Group, where he helps congregations “navigate through a changing world in a way that leads to learning and growth.” He also has been an active patron and past volunteer at the Zephyr.

Weckworth will oversee the theater’s daily operations and work with the board, staff and volunteers to continue developing the organization and prepare to hire a permanent executive director.

“I appreciate the arts as integral to being a community of fellow human beings,” Weckwerth said in a prepared statement. “In collaboration with the St. Croix Valley community, local and regional talent, and our dedicated partners, I believe that The Zephyr will continue to play a key role in building community in the St. Croix Valley area.”

Fun. Freedom. Friendship

Limitless Cycling was founded in 2019 to improve the mental and physical health of our community.

We bring piloted adaptive bicycles to seniors, veterans and those who can not bicycle independently to provide social interaction, movement and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

OPair Allows a person to transfer riders and enables use as a stand-alone wheelchair.

The Fun2Go

A double rider where the users sit beside each other. One person steers, both can pedal.

It is our vision to acknowledge and embrace the diversity of our community. We promote inclusion so that all may have an opportunity to bike while creating equity for all.

With the generosity of our volunteers, we can provide piloted adaptive bicycle rides to our most valuable community members who would not be able to do so without their help.

From Left to Right:

1st Row: Captain Chris Theisen, Assistant Chief Mike Swenson, Fire Chief Alan Newman, Deputy Chief Troy Blanchard, Captain Sean Thomas, Captain Dylan Berglund

2nd Row: Jake Grindeland, Matt Metty, Joe Houle, Jay Karels, Gavin Rice, Danny Harris, Colin Waddle, Mike Waddle, Chief Engineer Dan Mike, Nate Moats

3rd Row: John Beckman, Jim McArthur, Charlie Penn, John Wurm, Kyle Brooks, Lieutenant Nick Acker, Roy Henaman, Mike Pretzer, Chris McElroy, Darren Isaacs

Chaplain Kris Linner

Lake Elmo fire department

RIBBON CUTTING & OPEN HOUSE

October 14, 2023 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ribbon cutting ceremony, tour the new city center / fire station, check out the trucks, meet your firefighters and learn about fire safety and prevention.

New address: 3880 Laverne Avenue N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Phone: 651-747-3930

Emergency: 911

Website: www.lakeelmo.org/departments/fire/fire_department.php Facebook: www.facebook.com/lakeelmofd

Darryl Ballman Chief Jim Stockinger Assistant Chief Mike Raml Assistant Chief Andy Luedtke Fire Marshal Michael Beebe Firefighter Jason Baggenstoss Captain Tim Crea Captain Justin Hansen Captain Rob Anderson Firefighter Steve Espersen Lieutenant Bob Gorr Firefighter Cole Klingbeil Firefighter Bobby Knebel Lieutenant Andrew Kremers Firefighter Shawn McLane Firefighter

Scott Smith Firefighter Mark Sullivan Lieutenant Jason Theis Captain Erik Ullery Firefighter Dennis Young Firefighter Stevie Young Firefighter

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

Ongoing Winey Tour every Sat & Sun 4-5 p.m. Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Open to public Th-Su unless closed for private event Belle AmeVineyards

Sept. 25-

Oct.1 Oktimberfest party! At new location, 3429 Centerville Rd.