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Edina Realty
Phil Reinking & Kate Voller Reinking
Meet Phil and Kate Reinking, a dynamic husband-and-wife realtor team bringing their commitment, experience, and servant-hearted approach to real estate in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Phil and Kate are known for guiding clients through every step of the buying and selling process, offering an individualized and supportive experience. With a special emphasis on working with seniors, they bring patience, understanding, and expertise to help families make smooth transitions. Whether you’re considering a new chapter in your life or simply exploring your options, Phil and Kate are ready to support you with compassion and skill.
Reach out to them today at 952-217-9220 and discover how they can help you achieve your real estate goals.
About the cover
There’s a hidden gem in St. Croix Falls that sits on 1,000 acres where families can celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. It’s the Miracle at Big Rock. The event features a 1-mile-long tour with 15 themes, heated indoor holiday vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, sledding, sleigh rides and more. The event runs seven days a week leading up to Jan. 1. Big Rock is located at 1674 State Highway 87 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. For more information and to purchase tickets, go http://www.miracleatbigrock.com.
CONTRIBUTORS
Do you prefer buying the perfect present or receiving a present?
SHANNON GRANHOLM
Managing Editor | whitebearnews@presspubs.com
I always enjoy buying the perfect present for someone and seeing the recipient’s reaction when they open it.
MADELINE DOLBY
Editor | quadnews@presspubs.com
I prefer to buy my friends and family the perfect present. It makes me happy to see them get excited when opening it on Christmas!
ERIK SUCHY Staff Writer | lowdownnews@presspubs.com
I prefer to buy the perfect present rather than receive one. Seeing someone’s reaction when they get a top-priority gift always warms my heart.
LAURIE ERICSON
Designer | art@presspubs.com
I prefer giving the perfect present. Surprising someone with something unexpected makes me happy.
It’s always nice to receive a thoughtful gift, but I think I prefer finding the right gift for someone.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Stillwater singer-songwriter releases Holiday track inspired by family
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
Singer-songwriter Ella Reid finds inspiration for her songs everywhere, and in everything. In high school, the Stillwater native was in the choir under Dr. Chris Johnson. At around the age of 18, her dad bought her a guitar and she learned how to play.
“My main training was through Dr. Chris Johnson,” said Reid. “He took all of us, rowdy and kind of raw kids, and made us into (an) awardwinning choir every year.” Being a part of the group is what made Reid fall in love with music.
Reid is a graphic designer by trade, but she has always enjoyed the arts. Before becoming a musician, she had a job in San Francisco working for a real estate company designing billboards and creating art for the company.
Eight years ago, Reid moved to Austin, Texas, with her husband, Shane Hawkinson, after he relocated for his job. Around that same time, she began to write her own music.
“Once we got to Austin, I was like ‘Okay, music capital of the world. If I’m ever going to do this, it’s going to be here,’” Reid explained. She did not get another job in graphic design. Instead, she learned how to set up PA systems and plug in equipment used by musicians.
“Luckily, my husband is a bass player, and he’s tech savvy, so he was able to help me figure out some of the music stuff,” she added. The two make music in their house in Austin and have since the pandemic.
From there, Reid started songwriting and learning how to get gigs in Austin. Now, she sings and writes music full time.
Reid said she started songwriting because she felt like she had a lot to say.
“My vehicle for it (songwriting) was guitar, and I just started putting together melodies,” Reid explained. “Usually, the chorus comes first, but that’s not always the case.”
For her holiday track, “That’s a Holiday,” Reid said the song started out as a guitar riff that listeners hear at the beginning of the song. From there, she added lyrics and began to paint a picture.
“I always think of Stillwater, because that’s my hometown, that’s my home.” she explained. “It’s where I had all my most memorable Christmases.”
Reid’s holiday record, “That’s a Holiday,” was inspired by her parents. She added that she released a Christmas EP a few years that was all about “tinsel” and “very jazz hands,” but she said that is not where she’s at in her life currently.
“I’m just in a different space, which is really cool,” Reid said. “It’s (the song) more about missing people. Because I think the older that you get, It’s not necessarily about the presents and it’s not necessarily about the lights, but it’s about the people.”
Reid and her siblings do not live in Minnesota. Her siblings live in New Orleans and San Francisco, which means their family rarely spends Christmas together.
“My siblings and I are far away from our family now, and we don’t really spend Christmas together. So that gets a little sad, to be honest.”
“That’s a Holiday” is a heartfelt tribute to the warmth of home, friendship and the joy of the holidays. It paints a picture of gathering with friends and the comforting memories of loved ones. According to Reid, the record captures the longing so many feel during the holiday season as we remember those who are no longer with us while we embrace the loved ones in our lives.
The record is available to listen to wherever you stream music. For more music by Reid, go to www. ellareid.com.
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Stillwater
Celebrate the holiday season on Stillwater’s historic Main Street.
During multiple weekends throughout December, Stillwater’s Main Street and St. Croix riverfront will be alive with holiday spirit. There will be seasonal lights, decorations and a gingerbread house competition.
The Main Street boutiques welcome you to celebrate the holiday season during these three festive weekends. Hometown for the Holidays will kick off with the tree lighting Twinkle Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. Residents are encouraged to bring their family and immerse themselves in the festive spirit as twinkle lights will be handed out. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive around 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., those in
attendance are encouraged to gather at the city of Stillwater Christmas Tree. It will be lit in a ceremony featuring music and a special presentation by Mayor Kozlowski.
After the tree lighting ceremony, attendees can stroll through Stillwater to enjoy shopping and dinner at local Main Street businesses.
The second weekend will feature a scavenger hunt put on by participating downtown Stillwater businesses. Participants will have to find gingerbread ornaments spread out along Main Street. The hunt will start the morning of Friday, Dec. 13 and last until 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The winners of the scavenger hunt will get a prize.
Along with a scavenger hunt, there will be a gingerbread house-making competition held at the Water Street Inn starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Participants will have until noon to create their houses. The winner of the competition will be announced on the same day. From 2- 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Santa will be in town handing out candy canes and posing for photos.
The last holiday celebration will include a pet parade on Saturday, Dec. 21. The pet parade is part of the Furry Friends weekend. Participants are encouraged to bring their pets dressed in festive costumes. Pets of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to participate.
for
and most
unique costumes will be awarded. Afterward, attendees and parade participants can head over to Lumberjack Axe Throwing to grab a few photos at the festive photo booth to take photos with their pets. Parade participants will receive goodie bags filled with treats and items for both pets and humans. More information about Hometown for the Holidays can be found at the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce website, greaterstillwaterchamber.com/ signature-events.
Madeline Dolby
Madeline Dolby is the editor of The Quad Community Press. She can be reached
Prizes
the best dressed pet
Ella Reid’s Holiday track “That’s a Holiday” is available to listen on all streaming platforms.
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Reid’s parents decorated their house for Christmas in August to help Reid shoot the music video for her Holiday track.
OUT & ABOUT
ONGOING EVENTS
WELLNESS MONDAY’S
When: 6- 8 p.m. Every Monday
Where: Local Luxury Medspa, Hotel Crosby, 232 Main St., N., Stillwater
Details: Yoga, wine, hot tub and a certificate for a massage or facial. Grab some friends or a significant other and sign up for some relaxation. Contact: 651-323-2555
TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS
When: 5-8 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of every month
Where: Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe, 5946 N. Good Ave., Oak Park Heights
Details: Ladies’ night at Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe. Each month will feature a different cigar and drink pairing. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, all designed to bring out notes in the cigar. Contact: 651-342-0971
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Classic holiday story performed by Lakeshore Players. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
Details: Enjoy the lighting ceremony at the Scandia Community Center, Gammelgarden Museum and Elim Lutheran Church.
Contact: 651-433-5053
LIGHTING OF THE GREEN
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Where: Village Green Park, 400 3rd St. N., Bayport
Details: Join the Bayport Community Action League for the annual Lighting of the Green. The Stillwater High School Vagabond Choir will perform at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the holiday lights in the park will be lit and Santa will arrive shortly after. Contact: bayportcommunityactionleague.com
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Gammelgarden hosts coffee parties in December
The Gammelgarden Museum will host Jul-themed Annie’s Swedish Coffee Parties at various dates this December. Those who are interested in attending will be able to choose between two parties on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21. The first party will be from 10:30 a.m.-noon while the second party will be from 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. on each of those Saturdays. Attendees will experience three courses of food along with coffee and tea. The three courses include breads, meats and cheeses and desserts. The party will take place in the upper level of the Welcome House
MIRACLE AT BIG ROCK
When: Through Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls
Details: Drive-thru Christmas light tour, food trucks, vendors and artisans, sledding, carolers, s’mores, fireworks, cocktails, visit with Santa and more in a Winter Wonderland setting. See schedule and ticket information online. Contact: miracleatbigrock. com
Where: George Washington Room, Lowell Inn, 102 2nd St. N., Stillwater
Details: Join scrappy Dickensian orphans Edmund and Martin as they present their own version of “A Christmas Carol.” Purchase tickets online in advance.
Contact: tinyurl.com/5b4kpntd
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 East Broadway, Forest Lake
Details: Food and craft vendors, bonfires and s’mores, a petting zoo and more. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:45 p.m.
Details: Downtown transforms into a winter wonderland with horse and wagon rides, strolling carolers, Christmas tree lighting, an artist gift market, children’s crafts, bonfires, food, drinks and more.
Contact: aftonmnarea.com
INVISIBLE WOUNDS SIP & SHOP
When: 2- 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Invisible Wounds Project, 840 South Lake St., Forest Lake
Details: Buy Holiday gifts made by the IWP woodshop. There will be samples from local wineries, breweries, Distilleries and Caterers. Purcahse tickets online.
Contact: IWProject.org/sipnshop
LIGHT UP LAKE ELMO
When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Downtown Lake Elmo
Details: Gather downtown to light up Lake Elmo this holiday season. Join the community for activities, meeting Mrs. & Mr. Claus and a tree lighting ceremony. Free to the public. Contact: connectlakeelmo.org/events
(Valkommen Hus) at the museum. It will be decorated for the holiday season. Register by calling the Butik at 651-433-5053. Advance registration is required; the event is not appropriate for children under 5.
The Gammelgarden Museum is located at 20880 Olinda Trail N., Scandia.
Burgers for the Troops at the Hugo American Legion
On the fourth Monday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Hugo Yellow American Ribbon Network volunteers will be serving burgers at the Hugo American Legion. Event proceeds will
Where: Red Rock Elementary, 3311 Commonwealth Ave., Woodbury
Details: Features over 120 crafters and vendors. Contact: www.rsgdevelopment.com or facebook @ stillwaterfleamarket
TREE LIGHTING TWINKLE PARADE
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Chestnut Plaza, downtown Stillwater
Details: Part of the Hometown for the Holidays series. Bring your family and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as twinkle lights are handed out for the tree lighting ceremony later in the evening. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com
LIGHT UP OSCEOLA
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Mill Pond Park, Osceola, WI
Details: Celebrate the Holiday season with festive lights and more.
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater
Details: The Valley Chamber Chorale will perform a variety of holiday music at “Christmas at the Courthouse.” Tickets may be purchased online. Contact: valleychamberchorale.org
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS WITH RIVERSIDE SWING BAND
When: 4:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix
Details: Enjoy an evening of music, laughter, stories and memories with The Riverside Swing Band. Music will be performed from The Nutcracker and other holiday hits. Tickets can be purchased online. Contact: contact@frostedglasscreative.com or 651300-9474
HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS GINGERBREAD
CONTEST
When: Saturday, Dec. 14- Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Main Street, Downtown Stillwater
Details: Part of the Hometown for the Holidays series. Participate in a scavenger hunt featuring hidden gingerbread ornaments spread out among participating Main Street businesses. Includes a gingerbread house making competition that morning.
Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com
SCANDIA EVENING ADVENTURE
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
Where: Scandia businesses
Details: Ladies’ Night Out event with various specials, food, and libations offered at local businesses.
Details: Roaring bonfire, guided night hikes, live music, prairie labyrinth, and cookies and cider in a warming tent.
Contact: belwin.org
FURRY FRIENDS PET PARADE
When: Saturday, Dec. 21
Where: Main Street, Downtown Stillwater
Details: Part of the Hometown for the Holidays series. Bring your fury friends dressed in their festive best. Prizes awarded to the best dressed and most unique costumes.
Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com
support Military Families. The Hugo American Legion is located at 5383 140th St. N., Hugo. Cash or check is accepted.
Hugo Yellow American Network hosts ‘Shop with a Cop’
The Hugo Yellow American Ribbon Network is partnering with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to host a Christmas shopping extravaganza and pizza party for children from 10 families of deployed service members. The event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Walmart in Oak Park Heights, 5815
Norell Ave. N. Children ages 9-14 are eligible to shop. To register, email charles.haas27@ gmail.com.
CONTRIBUTED
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will participate in “Shop with a Cop” on Thursday, Dec. 12.
VINTAGE VIEWFINDER
Introducing the Good Energy Garden column
IGardener’s
Grapevine
Crystal Crocker
often get this question, “What is a Good Energy Garden and why should I have one?” The simple answer is it’s a kitchen garden, just a few steps from your door to provide fresh herbs and all the greens your family can eat. Greater still, it can provide beans, peppers, squash, cucumbers and many other fresh fruits and vegetables in the height of their season as well as preserving for the winter. However, a Good Energy Garden is much more! The greatest reason is for health, well-being and happiness.
Growing up in Iowa, my dad always planted a backyard garden and taught me how to enrich the soil and make the most of a small plot of land. Having a garden became a way of life! As a wife, mother and now grandmother, I’ve lived in many places across the country and always made it a priority to plant a kitchen garden. It created self-sustainable living through my garden.
However, over the years my ‘why’ for having a garden shifted from wanting fresh seasonal tomatoes, lettuce and
• Limited to 350 words.
veggies, to a more important reason of experiencing the healing power of good energy from the garden. Yes, you read that correctly, a garden can provide healing energy. I have learned this firsthand dealing with my own health challenges with an autoimmune disease. Since there are growing reports of toxins trickling into our food supply and affecting our health, I’ve felt a greater need to share my knowledge.
Here are my top reasons for why I garden (but there are many more):
• Growing organically in rich soil without toxic chemicals
• Experiencing the joy, energy and miracle of growing plants with my children and now grandchildren.
• Touching soil releases serotonin in the body, a calming chemical.
• Growing plants increases self-esteem.
• Walking among plants eases anxiety.
• Getting dirt under the fingernails improves gut health.
• And my latest reason why is to help others experience the happiness of gardening too.
In addition to this list, I love the beauty of a garden and design them to be inviting. It should be a source of pride and beckon one to linger and enjoy nature. A garden is not just an outdoor space—it’s an extension of your home, a living, breathing room that offers
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new experiences every day. Your garden can be designed to reflect your personal style, becoming a sanctuary where you connect with nature, enjoy your morning coffee, entertain guests or spend quality time with family. By treating it as another room, you create a versatile, enriching environment that enhances both your home and your lifestyle.
You may be wondering why I’m starting a garden column in the fall when everyone has closed up their gardens for the winter. We live in Minnesota after all! Actually, this is the time to start planning for spring, whether you are wanting to start a new garden, update your current garden or looking for advice to address some growing concerns. Many don’t realize that Minnesota has three growing seasons, spring, summer and fall, as well as growing indoors for the winter. In the next column, I will begin sharing how to plan for the 2025 garden, what to plant each season and how to get a more abundant harvest.
I love helping grow gardeners, not just gardens! Let’s grow a garden together!
Crystal Crocker is a Stilleater resident and longtime gardener.
THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines
• 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.
A recap of the past year
Icannot believe that 2024 is almost over. It feels like only two short months ago I was gathering articles, snippets and photos for the “2024 Year in Review” special section to run in the Lowdown. In the last year, a lot has happened: I started graduate school, my sister got engaged and I reached my goal of reading 27 books. I read close to 60, almost double what I had intended.
Madeline’s Mail
Madeline Dolby
Last December, I wrote about Christmas traditions that my family has latched onto over the years. Those traditions still stand strong. On top of our traditions, we are trying new things to incorporate into our routine. Last year, my mom bought us all paint by the numbers to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My dad and sister painted a moose, my mom painted a Christmas tree and my sister’s fiancée created a winter bird landscape. Of course, I painted a girl holding a large stack of books. My sister planned a bunch of odd winter-themed games for us to play leading up to opening our presents. It was a very eventful, and busy, Holiday season. We even did a Secret Santa among the five of us.
Currently, I am in the process of helping my sister plan her wedding. It is so exciting to say that. She is getting married in less than year and her venue is absolutely beautiful. I am not heavily involved in the planning process, but my sister is always sending me things here and there on social media about ideas for her special day. I like to say I am her “wedding advisor” even though I do not know much about wedding planning.
Now time to talk about one of my favorite subjects: books. Every year, I make a reading goal for myself. I try to focus on reading a book series every year, one year I read the whole Harry Potter series in one month. On top of that, I chose a genre to read more of. In the past, I have focused on reading more creative nonfiction novels or self-help books. And lastly, I set a number of books I want to read. Last year, I set my goal for 20 books, which I easily surpassed. The same with this year.
Most of my reading gets done in the summer and over the holidays. During the summer, I read about two to three books in a single week. In January, which is when I have a month off of school, I can consume anywhere from five to seven books. If you have any book recommendations, please do not hesitate to send them to me. I love when family, friends and readers recommend books to me. I will read everything and anything.
For next year, I will have to increase the number of books I read by a landslide. I am going to try and tackle the “Game of Thrones” series by George R.R. Martins. One of my favorite television shows is “House of Dragon,” so it only seems fitting. Another trilogy I want to tackle is called “Prelude to Dune,” which covers the backgrounds of the Dune characters leading up to the universe’s main plotline.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season. May it be merry and bright!
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
A tinsel decorated Christmas tree is part of a photo taken in the Holcomb family home in Stillwater around 1920. The limits of the photographic technology at the time are illustrated by the motion blur of one of the family members, a result of the long exposure time (by today’s standards) required to make a photo.
WHATS NEW
STILLWATER NEW BUSINESSES
1. Vitality Wellness
What: Wellness
Where: 5525 Memorial Ave. N., About: Infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy. Contact: 651-964-6848
Blaze Credit Union joins Stillwater community
Blaze Credit Union recently joined the Stillwater community. The business began in 1931 and serves nearly 250,000 members through 28 branch locations. Blaze Credit Union provides financial guidance and encouragement along life’s journeys.
Blaze Credit Union celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. The business is located at 1801 Market Drive in Stillwater.
21 Roots Farm receives grant from Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club
21 Roots Farms received a $10,000 grant from the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club to support its pipeline-to-employment programs for farmers with developmental disabilities. The grant has facilitated the acquisition of innovator tools, including YearRound Grow Towers, which help extend Minnesota’ growing season. These aeroponic systems enable the farmers at 21 Roots Farm to cultivate 84 plants indoors throughout the year.
The grant also funded a new utility vehicle and a
2. Animal Voice Advocacy
What: Non-profit
Where: Stillwater, MN
About: Animal nonprofit that advocates for wild and domestic animals. Contact: animalvoiceadvocacy.org
FOREST LAKE NEW BUSINESSES
1. Zoukmaya (Now Open)
What: Latin American Restaurant
Where: 131 Lake St. N.
About: With a one of a kind experience in Forest Lake, we are excited to announce we are open all 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Indulge in our new refined culinary odyssey with Latin American Flare, Flavors and Fine Dinning Lakeside. Contact: www.zoukmaya.com
2. Papa Johns Pizza
What: Pizza Delivery Where: 843 West Broadway Ave.
About: The secret to success is much like the secret to making a better pizza - the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Our pizza family is as hungry for perfection today as we were when we first opened
our doors more than 30 years ago. And we’re driven to be the best at making innovative new products and recipes. Contact: 651-466-0900
3. Dance Tech Studios
What: Dance School
Where: 146 Lake St Suite 100
About: Offering classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary and more! Dance Tech Studios has been providing quality dance education to students of all ages in a safe, supportive and fun environment for over 25 years
Contact: www. dancetechstudios.com
4. Stiller Auto Glass
What: Auto Glass
Where: 880 SW 15th Suite N.
About: Stiller Auto Glass is a
glass door reach-in refrigerator to keep products fresh for customer pickup. The refrigerator will also serve the farm’s needs for its large-scale program, volunteer and fundraising events help on-site.
21 Roots Farms is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities through agriculture. Its programs focus on autonomy, engagement and life/employment skills development through working the land and caring for animals using sustainable practices.
Stillwater Sunrise Rotary holds fundraiser
The annual Strike Out for Polio fundraising event, hosted by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, raised funds to combat polio as part of World Polio Week. This year, funds will provide immunization for over 8,000 children against polio. The event was held at Stillwater Bowl to raise funds and bring awareness of polio and how it affects children around the world. Sixtythree bowlers participated across 12 teams, including students from Stillwater Area School and participants from the STRIVE program at Stillwater High School.
3. Take 5 Oil Change
What: Auto service Where: 13227 60th St. N. About: Offers quick oil changes, minor repairs and other maintenance services. Contact: www.take5.com
locally owned and operated business providing all auto glass services to the Greater Twin Cities. Contact: www.stillerautoglass.com
5. Cornerstone Caregiving
What: Home Health Care Service
Where: 146 Lake St N, Suite 215
About: We at Cornerstone Caregiving are proud to provide exceptional inhome care services to this community. We cater to senior care, palliative care, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and other services to ensure comfort and well-being continually.
“Events like Strike Out for Polio are crucial not only for fundraising but for educating our community about the ongoing battle against this disease,” said Jon Stillman, Stillwater Sunrise Strike Out Polio chair.
For more information, visit SunRotary.org.
Limitless Cycling receives grant to expand equipment
and services
The River Valley Trails’ Limitless Cycling program has been awarded a grant of $50,000 from Inclusa Foundation. The Limitless Cycling program provides adaptive cycling experiences for seniors, veterans and others who can no longer access the outdoors independently.
This funding will be used to expand the program’s fleet of adaptive outdoor equipment, including the addition of Action Trackchairs, which are motorized all-terrain wheelchairs designed to traverse landscapes like trails, snow, sand and more. The grant will also be used to offer year-round services for individuals of all abilities.
For more information about Limitless Cycling, visit www.LimitlessCycling.org.
Stillwater Public Library Foundation introduces new logo
The Stillwater Public Library Foundation now has a new logo. The logo design captures the foundation’s mission to engage the community and its resources to expand the impact of the library.
The new logo features the Stillwater Lift Bridge and an open book to represent the flowing water of the St. Croix River.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski cut the ribbon at the celebration for Blaze Credit Union.
Stillwater Area High School STRIVE students participate in the Stillwater Bowl.
The Lowdown Person of the Month
Name: Pepper Garcia Residency: St. Paul, MN
Q. What brought you to Stillwater today?
A: I am here with my fiancée getting coffee!
Q: What do you have on your Christmas list that would shock other people?
A: Hope. Hope for everybody. Hope for this world and hope for everybody who seeks it. Everybody deserves hopes.
Q: Stauner Family Insurance Question of
the month: What is the best life policy?
A: Treat everybody with kindness. Even the people you dislike, treat them with kindness, because everybody deserves kindness no matter who you are.
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.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby & Tommy Chandler
PERSON OF THE MONTH
Forest Lake native named chief people and culture officer
Forest Lake native and resident Jenny Marchiniak has been appointed as the chief people and culture officer at Saint Therese. She will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies in support of the overall human resources place, overall organizational strategies and human resource operations.
Marchiniak has held key human resources-related leadership positions for organizations over more than 20 years, including Allina Health, Health Dimensions Group, Fairview Health System affiliates Fairview Ventures and Fairview
Pharmacy Services, HealthPartners, Bethel University and, most recently, as chief human resources officer for Trinity Health (North Dakota and Montana), where she led human resource initiatives and strategies for the integrated health system’s hospitals, clinics, long-term care and 40-plus specialty service offerings, supporting over 3,000 employees.
Local chefs recognized at Top Chef of the Valley competition
Multiple local chefs were recently recognized at the Valley Vine and Harvest Throwdown chef competition. The Valley Vine & Harvest Throwdown, held at the St. Paul Event Center, is an annual culinary competition that celebrates local chefs and their innovative dishes in support of Canvas Health’s mission to provide vital mental health and crisis services.
Chef Mike Willenbring of Manger Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bayport, Chef Jose Rubio of Stella’s on 97 in Forest Lake, and Chef Jim Kyndber of Stillwater Country Club in Stillwater each participated in the event and were recognized.
Secretary of State nominee
President-elect Donald Trump has named Pete Hegseth as his nominee for Secretary of Defense in his second cabinet. Hegseth is a graduate of Forest Lake Area High School, where he was valedictorian of the class of 1999.
Hugo joins list of neighboring cities to become a GreenStep City
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
The city will soon join more than 149 cities that are mindful of sustainability.
The city of Hugo has long prided itself on water conservation and other sustainability efforts but has never gone out of its way to receive “bragging rights,” City Administrator Bryan Bear explained.
“Maybe we should be proud of ourselves for some of these things,” he said. “We have not been in the position of seeking out accolades for many of the practices that we have taken.”
The Minnesota GreenStep Cities program helps cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The continuous improvement program is based on a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by city elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions from a list of four to eight actions to a 1-, 2- or 3-star level. The voluntary actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities and focus on cost savings and energy use reduction while encouraging civic innovation.
In fall 2007, Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) held regional listening sessions to discuss communitybased energy opportunities and the state’s Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. The idea of creating a free sustainable cities program that would challenge, assist and recognize cities that were “green stars” was born.
This idea was taken up by
the 2008 Legislature, which directed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Division of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and CERTs to recommend actions that cities could elect to take voluntarily. Representatives from cities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and state government agencies provided the outline for the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, which began in June 2010.
Currently, approximately 17% of Minnesota cities participate in the program. Neighboring GreenStep Cities include Forest Lake, Stillwater, Scandia, White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights.
“Its main purpose is to provide recognition
and incentives for cities that are making progress toward sustainability,” said Community Development Intern Phoebe Brown.
“The city has already made substantial progress towards sustainability.”
Brown added that if the city were to go through with documenting its existing practices, it would likely achieve steps one and two and make some progress toward achieving step three.
“There are (several) things we could get started on in order to keep the ball rolling,” Brown said.
Bear explained that one of the reasons city staff was recommending joining the program now is because of Brown’s background. “She has some capabilities to help us
through this program at this time, and we have her here,” he said. “This is a program that we can do at our own pace. There is no timeline.”
Brown has a degree in environmental studies and is particularly interested in water resource management, which is what drew her to the internship with the city of Hugo.
“The city is a local leader in stormwater reuse, so it’s exciting that GreenStep will provide recognition for water conservation and other sustainability efforts, and provide additional resources for future action,” she said.
Bear said the program would offer a way for the city to document, organize and showcase the city’s efforts.
“We have completed a whole host of activities and actions here in the city of Hugo that should qualify as very good sustainability practices, but they aren’t really organized in any format and in a program, and this could be a way for us
to share what we have done.”
Council Member Mike Miron said, “It sounds like a great program to me.”
Council Member Phil Klein added, “We have been doing a lot. It looks like we have checked a lot of the boxes already; it is just a matter of filling out the forms. This could be recognition that we deserve, and if it leads to hopefully more cooperation with our legislators giving us more monies to do the things we need to do for our community, that’s a good thing.”
Mayor Tom Weidt also voiced his support for participating in the program. “I think it is a great idea … It would be good recognition for our city.”
For more information about the GreenStep Cities program, visit https://greenstep.pca. state.mn.us.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.
Pepper Garcia
MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
CONTRIBUTED
Forest Lake native Jenny Marchiniak is the new chief people and culture officer at Saint Therese.
MAPS CONTRIBUTED
Nearly 150 cities in Minnesota participate in the GreenStep Cities program.
Neighboring GreenStep Cities include Forest Lake, Stillwater, Scandia, White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights.
Press hires director of digital & multi-media sales for newspaper group
Aaron Rother is bringing years of media sales experience to his new position as director of digital and multi-media sales for Press Publications in White Bear Lake, Northstar Media in Cambridge, Kanabec Publications in Mora, and Sentinel Publications, headquartered in Amery, Wisconsin.
Most recently, Rother was director of digital sales for Adams Publishing Group’s Twin Cities group. He is a graduate of America’s Newspapers executive development program and has earned top sales awards.
““I am thrilled to join our local newspaper media group’s sales team in effort to lead and expand
our digital marketing capabilities with our local businesses and marketplace. Building relationships with businesses and partnering with them to achieve their goals through creative and proven advertising is the heart and soul of my advertising career. Our local advertising team has fantastic relationships within our local communities. I look forward to joining them to deliver cost-effective and results driven digital advertising solutions to our business community,” Rother said.
“We’re excited to have Aaron’s expertise getting results for advertisers with digital readers and traditional media readers. He is a marketing expert knowing how to package and deliver for businesses. We’re honored to have him join our team and welcome him aboard,” said CEO Matt McMillan.
Rother can be reached at aaron@ northstarmedia.net.
Forest Lake planning commissioner carves up fun creations
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
While Jesse Wagner has been serving as a Forest Lake planning commissioner since last year, he has one talent he’s carried with him for a lot longer: a knack for creating high-quality woodwork.
“What I like about what I do is that I get instant gratification when I make something,” said Wagner. “I’ve always been kind of creative.”
Wagner, a lifelong resident of Forest Lake, said he was brought into the world of woodworking at a very young age.
“Growing up, my parents worked at a lumberyard, and my dad used to build cabinets in the garage and the basement. I was pretty much exposed to it from when I was born until now.”
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
11
• Board carriage at 4th & Cook
• FREE with food/cash donation to Food Shelf, collected by the WBL Lions Club
When he was 13, Wagner made his first wood creation: a small corner cabinet out of red oak, a design that won him first place at the Minnesota State Fair.
• Warm up at the WBLAHS Festival of Trees in the Armory
• Eat! @ Banning and Fifth Soup Kitchen Saturday Benefit Dec 7th 11 AM - 4 PM
• Find an
in
After Wagner moved into his new house, he began pursuing woodworking more recreationally, even building most of his own furniture. “I made some small benches here and there,” said Wagner. “Throughout the years, I pretty much made most of the tables and furniture in the house. After I moved and realized I needed a new bed, I built my own with a headboard and dresser drawers underneath.”
Some of Wagner’s creations went to friends and family. These included a table crafted out of white oak for a friend, as well as one for the administrative office at Maranatha Church. “I also made my mom a nice pair of Morris chairs,” said Wagner. “I’ve also made multiple other tables that I’ve both given away and sold. Usually, end tables are my favorite to do.”
As Wagner approached his 40th birthday, he began to switch from solely making furniture to crafting smaller objects, such as lighted lanterns, birdhouses and charcuterie boards. At the same time, he also began to participate in different craft shows, both locally and out of state, to display and sell his products.
“I began switching to craft sales and doing smaller projects, because they were easier to sell and more fun to do,” explained Wagner. “You get to meet more people, and it’s also more difficult to bring furniture to a craft show.” It was during this time that Wagner started his own business, “Wagner Creations,” where he began to create these items in addition to occasionally creating furniture.
As Wagner made this transition, he began to set up his own woodshop in his house’s three-car garage, complete with multiple pieces of equipment. These include a band saw and table saw, as well as a miter saw, the latter of which is used to make accurate crosscuts on wood pieces with enhanced precision. Wagner also uses a ShopSabre 23 CNC router, a special tabletop system that gives its user better
stability and control over cutting wood. Other equipment Wagner uses includes a drill press with an added dust collector for cleaning up and storing discarded pieces of wood.
In addition to his regular array of lanterns, birdhouses and signs, Wagner also makes custom designs upon request.
“I do custom coat racks made from oak,” said Wagner, “and holiday carvings for Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July, or whatever people are looking for. I also do yard signs for other people that include whatever they want to have on them. I’ve done several memorial signs for animals that have died, as well as signs for horse stalls.”
Craft fairs that Wagner has participated in include the Centennial Band Boosters Holiday Bazaar, held at Centennial High School as a fundraiser for the band program. Wagner has also been featured at the Elk Pride Craft Bazaar at Elk River High School. Others include the North Branch Arts Fest at North Branch High School and various craft shows at Maranatha Church.
Wagner also planned to sell his products in person at this year’s North Branch Arts Fest, held last month, and plans to appear at the Forest Lake American Legion on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Those interested in buying Wagner’s products can visit his Facebook page under “Wagner’s Creations.” Wagner said he is creating an official business website called wagnerscreations.com, but the release date is still undetermined.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him by email at lowdownews@presspubs. com or by phone at 651-407-1229.
Aaron Rother
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Lighted lanterns and custom-made signs are among the many kinds of designs Wagner has sold at various craft fairs.
Forest Lake Planning Commissioner Jesse Wagner has maintained a nearly lifelong hobby of crafting his own wood-based creations.
Displaced pets find safety in Minnesota after Hurricane Helene
BY STACY VERDICK CASE ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
Local animal shelter Ruff Start Rescue is pitching in to help animals displaced after Hurricane Helene.
“We have a relationship with the Humane Society of the United States,” said Azure Davis, the Founder and Executive Director of Ruff Start Rescue. “They do a lot of disaster response and disaster relief work. So when things do happen, like hurricanes, tornadoes, whatever it might be, we reach out to them to see where the assistance is the most needed.”
Seven dogs and 17 cats arrived on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from hurricane-damaged shelters in North Carolina and Tennessee. “We don’t normally take cats from out of state just because there is a need here in Minnesota. But we do make an exception for disaster response.”
On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category four hurricane with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. Helene dropped an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rainfall, which caused historical flooding leaving millions without power and hundreds dead or missing. Because of the unprecedented nature of the storm shelters in the southeast were caught off guard and scrambling to find shelter for the animals in their care displaced by flooding. One of the worst affected shelters was the Unicoi shelter in Tennessee. “They got hit really hard,” said Davis. “They had major flooding and had to move like 100 animals out of there.”
Other shelters in the surrounding areas of Tennessee and the Carolinas were in the same situation, so Unicoi turned to The Humane Society of the United States. “They took the dogs and put them in Baltimore in temporary housing for this last month or so. It’s a temporary housing like a big pole barn type thing with wood chip bedding.”
On Oct. 22 the animals were transported from Baltimore to Fort Bend, Indiana where volunteers from Ruff Start Rescue picked them up to transport them to their offices in Princeton. From there Ruff Start enlisted the help of foster families to take and care for these animals. Ruff Start will work to help these animals find a “fur-ever” home.
Davis expects a second round of animals from hurricane damage areas to arrive later. “We want to give them time to find their owners. So there will be a second round in probably the next couple of weeks if they still haven’t been claimed. That’s when those shelters in those states will send them to rescues and need help, probably more than ever, honestly. Because they’re still just trying to get things together and assess their needs and the damages. So these next two to three weeks, I think we’ll see the aftermath. When the media dies down, but that’s when the most help will probably be needed.”
Commitment to helping animals
In 2010 when Davis, a lifelong resident of Isanti County, was 23 she spotted a Pitbull named Hope that was emaciated and running out of time at an Ohio shelter. Davis decided to rescue Hope and so began Ruff Start Rescue.
“I always joke that the animals find me, not the other way around, and that it was just my calling. It’s just always been part of my life. Since I was a very little girl, growing up on 50 acres with stray animals showing up and trying to network them to find homes.”
Davis still finds strays roaming Isanti County, “it’s like every few months, I don’t know what’s going on. I’m loaded up in my car, driving around, and it’s like, okay, where are the owners?” These days she’s more prepared to help locate families. “I have a microchip scanner I drive around with and I try to reunite people with their dogs.”
When she speaks, Davis’ love for animals is clear. In building Ruff Start she has created a
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Invasive plant species found at Pioneer Park
Japanese hop, also known as Humulus japonicus, was recently discovered at Pioneer Park and the surrounding neighborhood in Stillwater. This vine is listed as “prohibited-eradicate” on the Minnesota Noxious Weed List. It can grow 30 feet per year and release thousands of seeds each fall. Left unchecked, the Japanese hop vines will crawl, climb and often kill off native vegetation. Seeds are
place where animals can be sheltered in caring environments. And if she can, she wants to help keep pets with their family. “We work with the community to help keep pets in homes. So if somebody needs food or they’ve fallen on hard times, we try to provide the community and especially the local food shelves with supplies and food when we have a surplus. No food goes to waste basically.”
Ruff Start Rescue has a mission to “improve animal welfare in communities through adoption, education, and providing resources for people and pets.” They are growing every year and Davis has big plans for increasing their reach in the community.
“Eventually we want to offer some discounted veterinary care to the public. We’re not quite there, but that is in our goals.”
They hope to reach those goals through fundraising efforts like their annual Give to the Max campaign in November. “That’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year we’re specifically raising money to put an addition on our building here at Ruff Start to be able to help with rescue surgeries like spay and neuter, but then also more space for the community, for food, and those supplies that we get donated, because we’re just out of space. We’ve had to turn some away which kills us because we know that we can find good homes for it and there’s a need for it. So we’re adding 1200 square feet. On Give to the Max Day we’re trying to raise $225,000 that day.”
Community help for hurricane response
Community members who are looking for a way to help with the cats and dogs coming in from Hurricane Helene are encouraged to reach out to Ruff Start with financial donations if they can. “We always need monetary donations to help with their vet coverage and transport. Especially in preparation for the next round because we drive
dispersed by wind, water and birds.
This is the first known occurrence in Washington County. If you see this plant in Stillwater, report it to Andrew Coyne, Natural Resources, at 651-430-8836 or acoyne@stillwatermn. gov.
USPS holiday shipping and mailing deadlines announced
To assist customers with their preparations for the upcoming busy
down and meet them, and it all adds up.”
For those who don’t have financial resources to donate consider donating your time and talents. Their website lists many jobs that they could use help with to keep things running smoothly including remote volunteer positions. “A lot of people forget about the back end operational costs, you know, or the maintenance and wear and tear on our transport vehicle. We don’t have a lot of coverage from that. So if there’s businesses or individuals that can help us with those things to make these transports possible, that’s always a need and we’re always looking for more drivers, and help when the transports come in. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities, especially if people have experience with veterinary care if they’re vet techs, or if they’re good on computers. There’s a lot of opportunities where we need more volunteers.”
You can sign up to volunteer on their website at: ruffstartrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/
All of the animals brought here from Hurricane Helen are available for adoption on their website as well.
Stacy Verdick Case is an editorial assistant for the Isanti-Chisago County Star, a sister publication.
holiday shopping and shipping season, the U.S. Postal Service is providing 2024 holiday shipping and mailing deadlines to allow for the timely delivery of cards, letters and packages by Dec. 25.
2024 USPS holiday shipping and mailing deadlines:
• USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 18
• F irst-Class Mail (including greeting cards): Dec. 18
• P riority Mail: Dec. 19
• P riority Mail Express: Dec. 21
Stillwater Township reminds residents of winter safety
Stillwater Township reminds residents that winter burn permits will be issued once there is a sustained 3 inches of snow cover. These permits allow burning 24 hours a day, which differs from regular DNR permits. All fires greater than 3 feet wide, 3 feet long and 3 feet high require a permit.
To request a permit, contact Community Service Officer Mark Caroon at 651-706-4102.
Ruff Start Rescue of Princeton took in 17 cats (including this kitten named Huck)and seven dogs from Unicoi County Animal Shelter after they were rescued by the Humane Society of the United States.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Unicoi County Animal shelter in Erwin, Tennessee was flooded when Hurricane Helene dropped from five to over nine inches of rain on East Tennessee in a 24-hour period.
A volunteer from Ruff Start Rescue helps outfit Sadie, one of the dogs rescued from historic flooding from Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, with a new harness and leash.
AGING GRACEFULLY AGING GRACEFULLY
Simple ways to lessen your financial load after 50
By the time people reach their 50th birthday, many have begun to imagine what their life in retirement may look like. Though data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of people working into their 70s increased significantly during the first two decades of the 20th century, the vast majority of professionals still call it a career sometime during their 60s. Retirement may still be a long way off for people who are 50 or in their early 50s, but around this time thoughts of what retirement could be compel many people to seek ways to reduce their financial load in anticipation of the day when they will no longer be working. Cutting back doesn’t need to be complicated, and the following are some simple ways for individuals 50 and over to save money.
· Address unsecured debt
Unsecured debt, which can include credit card balances and medical bills, tends to carry higher interest rates than debts that carry a collateral requirement. According to the Federal Reserve, roughly 12.5% of individuals over 50 still have student loan debt, which is another type of unsecured debt. If possible, people over 50 should pay off these debts immediately or make their best effort to pay extra each month so they are paid off as soon as possible.
· Pay in “cash.” It’s not enough to simply pay off unsecured debt like consumer credit. It’s also important to stop accruing additional debt. Individuals over 50 should resist the temptation to use their credit cards, instead paying with cash or debit cards. Credit card debt is often characterized as a problem for young consumers,
but a 2021 report from ValuePenguin found that the median credit card debt among individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 was higher than it was for consumers aged 35 to 44. Paying in cash, whether it’s with paper currency or a debit card, ensures you’re not digging yourself into debt.
· Reexamine your housing situation. Adults 50 and over who purchased their home in their late 20s or early 30s are likely nearing the maturity date on their mortgages. If so, paying a little extra toward the principal each month will help you pay off that mortgage a good deal earlier than if you keep paying the same amount you’ve been paying for years. Though paying extra money each month may not seem like reducing your financial load, it will do so considerably over time. For example, the financial experts at Wells Fargo note that individuals with a fixed-rate mortage loan of $200,000 at four percent can cut the term of that loan by more than 4.5 years by paying as little as $100 extra each month toward their principal. Homeowners over 50 who have already paid off a significant percentage of their mortgage loans could reach maturity much sooner if they start paying more toward principal now. Since housing costs are many people’s greatest expense, removing a mortgage payment from your financial ledger by the time you reach 55 could create significant financial flexibility as you get closer to retirement.
Washington County commemorates 175th anniversary at Historic Courthouse
The Washington County Board of Commissioners marked the county’s 175th anniversary with a special board meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater. Board Chair Stan Karwoski, District 2, thanked county staff for their continued commitment to public service, spoke about the historical significance of the Historic Courthouse and honored Commissioner Gary Kriesel, District 3, for his 20-year tenure on the county board.
County board reappoints county assessor
Commissioners selected and reappointed County Assessor Lisa Young to a new term beginning Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2028. Young has served as the Washington County Assessor since Dec. 2022. The county assessor is selected and appointed because of knowledge and training in the field of property assessment and taxation.
County board makes appointments to Workforce Development Board
Nicole Linscheid and Jolly Jackson have been appointed to the Workforce Development Board. Both
Square Lake Park receives improvements after board approval
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $113,145 bond grant agreement with the Metropolitan Council to improve the facilities at Square Lake Park located in Stillwater. Current facilities at the park require repairs and upgrades to meet the current and future community expectations, including upgrades related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Funds from the approved bond grant agreement will be used toward the design and construction of the following improvements at Square Lake Park:
• Rehabilitation of existing restroom facility.
• Parking improvements.
• Implementation of trails and corresponding wayfinding to provide additional recreational opportunities for park visitors.
• Beach and fishing pier improvements.
• Boat launch and picnic area improvements.
Linscheid and Jackson will serve partial terms as business representatives. Leinscheid will serve until Dec. 31, 2026. Jackson will serve until June 30, 2025.
Washington County unveils planned Emergency Housing Services Building
Washington County officials and the county’s Community Development Agency have unveiled a new Emergency Housing Services Building. The facility will be located on the south end of the county’s Government Center campus in Stillwater and will be the county’s first permanent short-term emergency housing facility for adults without children experiencing homelessness. The building will be two stories and 30,000 square feet, featuring 30 living units with private bathrooms, an onsite computer lab to aid in job search and workforce development, a kitchen and shared dining area, storage space and parking. Through added around-the-clock staffing, residents will also have access to various services such as economic assistance, social service support, transportation assistance and health and wellbeing support. The Washington County Community Development Agency is serving as the project’s developer. Construction is slated to begin this fall, with an expected completion by the end of 2025.
Board approves bond grant agreement for St. Croix Bluffs project
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park will undergo improvements after county commissioners approved a $400,000 bond grant agreement with the Metropolitan Council to improve the hilltop shelter area.
Improvements have not been made to the shelter since the county acquired the property in 1996.
The playgrounds in the park are 24 years old. The hilltop facilities are heavily used and require repairs and improvements to continue to host large gatherings. Trails within the park can be improved to mitigate erosion and accessibility issues.
Grant funds will be used to improve the play structure, build a new restroom facility, make lighting improvements to the pavilion and resurface the tennis court. Site prep will begin in 2024. Construction will be completed in spring 2025.
Eastern Highway 96 corridor study underway
Washington and Ramsey counties, in partnership with MnDOT, are studying the eastern Highway 96 corridor. The study will focus on the 10-mile segment of Highway 96 between Highway 61 in White Bear Lake and Highway 95 in Stillwater.
The purpose of this study is to better understand existing conditions and corridor needs to help develop a long-term plan for improvements.
Specific study objectives are to develop a deeper understanding of corridor needs and opportunities through a data collection effort, build in technical understanding by gathering stakeholder and public input on corridor conditions and needs, build support for proposed improvements, and consider pedestrian and bicycle needs, safety improvements and the conditions of general assets, among other items.
The agencies expect the planning phase to take 12-18 months. The project is expected to conclude in spring 2025. For more information and updates about the study, go to www.co.washington.mn.us/ Highway96Study.
CONTRIBUTED
The Washington County Board of Commissioners celebrated the county’s 175th anniversary at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater.
CONTRIBUTED
(Left to right) Washington County Commissioners Michelle Clasen, Gary Kriesel, Fran Miron, Stan Karwoski and Karla Bigham break ground on the county’s Emergency Housing Services Building.
CLASSIFIEDS
Washington County puts on December Fix-It Clinic
IF YOU GO:
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake
Washington County will host a Fixit Clinic on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bring up to three broken items to a clinic and volunteers will help you troubleshoot and repair them for free. Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash.
CORRECTION
In the November edition of the Lowdown, the section titled “Athletes of the Month” contained an error. It should
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Sheriff’s Office receives funding from grant program
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $116,794 grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
The funding is from the 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program. It provides financial assistance for the administration of local emergency management programs that meet state and federal requirements. This grant will provide funding to the Sheriff’s Office to cover personnel costs for the Emergency Management staff for the period of Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
Washington County Opioid Council awarded settlement grants
Eight community-based projects related to the opioid crisis were awarded a total of $519,898 by the Washington County Opioid Settlement Council in the first round of settlement grants.
Do not bring any commercial tobacco products, guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon, gas powered tools and oversized items to the clinic.
The county is also looking for volunteers with skills in electronic repair, sewing and woodworking to help at the clinics. For more information, email Jessica.Hall@co.washington. mn.us.
The clinic will be at the Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake.
Accepted items include:
• Antique radio
• Blender
• Clothing and other textiles for mending (must be clean and dry)
• DVD player
• Flashlight
• Hair Dryer
• Paper shredder
• Remote control
• Sewing machine
• Telephone
• Toys
have said “Margaret Sand.” We apologize for the error.
The eight projects were selected by the 15-member council made up of community members from the county, professional experts across a wide range of sectors, and people with lived experience with opioids.
To be eligible for funding, projects had to serve Washington County community members and fall into one of these four categories: access; education and outreach; evidence-based treatment and interventions; and primary prevention. The selected programs were:
• Family recovery programming through Thrive! Family Recovery Resources.
• Technology and access to care through YourPath.
• Focused community education through ShelettaMakesMeLaugh LLC.
• Recover and peer support through Waymakers to Recovery.
• Hispanic/Latino community health through Wellshare International.
• Education in rural/faith communities through Elim Lutheran Church.
• Youth programming in schools through Change the Outcome.
• Support for veterans and first responders through Invisible Wounds Project.
Early Deadline
classified@presspubs.com
Couple writes book focused on difficult health questions
As healthcare professionals, Michael and Lisa White, from Wyoming, have seen that many people have not planned for illness, injury or the aging process on a daily basis. After personal experience with Michael’s mother and uncertain of her healthcare wishes, the couple decided to write a workbook for families to help answer the difficult questions that may arise during treatment and medical emergencies.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with them to learn more about their book.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Our names are Lisa White, a registered nurse at Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming, and Michael White a licensed nursing home administrator and a licensed assisted living director, working at Good Life Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hugo.
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: Through our work as healthcare professionals, we see almost daily, that people have not planned for illness, injury or the aging process. We all plan for weather, vacations but rarely are prepared to answer the difficult health and personal information questions. We also had a personal experience with this. Michael’s mother, in 2018, had an outpatient cardiac procedure that unfortunately had complications. For a year-and-a-half, her cognitive ability and inability to communicate with us left us spending numerous hours and days trying to locate her personal and health care information. We also did not know what her wishes were, and we were left guessing what she may or may not have wanted treatment for. We knew at that point, we needed to write this interactive workbook named “Family Conversations We Must Have but Do Not Want To.”
Q: Is this the first book you have ever published?
A: This is our first book that we have ever had published and it has been a big success so far.
“Family Conversations We Must Have but Do Not Want To” is an interactive workbook for family members to go through together regarding personal healthcare plans.
Q: What was the most difficult thing about writing this book?
A: The most difficult thing about writing the book was researching and determining what the most critical questions that we need to have answered are.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from it?
A: Being an interactive workbook, it allows readers to kind of “write their own story.” Each of us has our own wishes, personal and health information that is unique to us. We all plan for inclement weather, vacations but rarely do we plan for our ever-changing health and personal information. Do not wait until it is too late to start your planning.
Zebra mussels confirmed in Clear Lake
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, near Forest Lake in Washington County. The Rice Creek Watershed District staff contacted the DNR after two residents on Clear Lake reported a zebra mussel on their docks. More zebra mussels were found by the DNR during shoreline searches in the same area as the residents’ docks.
There have been new zebra mussel confirmations in Minnesota lakes in recent years that were reported by property owners and lake service providers removing docks, boats and boat lifts at the end of the season.
The DNR asks people to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage.
Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another. More information about aquatic invasive species can be found at mndnr.gov/ais. If you believe you have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species not known to be in the water body, go to mndnr. gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html.
Q: Where can people purchase your book?
A: The book can be purchased through our website familyconversations.com or through Amazon by searching the title “Family Conversations We Must have but Do Not Want To.”
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: We are very dedicated to the interactive workbook. We want to get it into as many people’s hands to help guide them. It is also very important that when it is filled out, to let your family or loved one’s known where it is located, in the event they need to rely on the information. Keep in mind that this is not a legal binding document, but it will guide your family in finding your information, reduce stress and anxiety and save time and searching.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
MARVIN
License: BC692167
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Michael and Lisa White are both healthcare professionals.
Lake Elmo beekeeper follows in
Keith Tumulty, of Lake Elmo, has been beekeeping since 2012 to follow in his father’s footsteps. In 2008, Tumulty’s father began to produce honey from two hives. Simultaneously, Tumulty began to learn about beekeeping.
After his father passed, Tumulty wanted to continue his father’s legacy of beekeeping. He expanded his father’s original two hives to 22. After expanding, Tumulty began bottling the honey and making candles with the natural beeswax, which officially started Tumulty Bees as a business.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with Tumulty to learn more about him and his business.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I am the eldest child in my family. I love to be outdoors and in nature. I was in the Boy Scouts until I was 16 years old, which is where my love for nature came from. My father was a troop leader for those 16 years, and I learned a lot from him. Since most of our extended family lives outside of Minnesota, I am very close with my immediate family.
Q: How did you get into beekeeping?
A: I started beekeeping in 2012 to follow in my father’s footsteps. My father started producing honey in 2008 with only two hives, where I started learning about beekeeping. After my father passed away, I wanted to continue his legacy in beekeeping. I expanded his original two hives to 22 hives and began bottling the honey
and making candles with the natural beeswax.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Tumulty Bees?
A: It was important for me to continue my father’s legacy and using our family’s surname, Tumulty, seemed like a great way to honor him. I chose the name Tumulty Bees to honor both my father as well as the bees that produce the products that I sell.
Q: When did you officially start selling your products?
A: I started selling my products in 2015 at the Lake Elmo Farmers Market for about five years. Then I expanded by selling at local flea markets and craft fairs around 2021. In 2024, I joined the Stillwater Farmers Market along with the Hudson Plaza 94 Farmers Market.
Q: What type of products do you make/sell?
A: Of course, I sell honey, but I also offer an array of other products as well. I sell creamed honey, lip balm, soap, beeswax, beeswax pellets, window ornaments, ornaments and 100% natural beeswax candles, available in different styles. I also sell honey dippers and spreaders that are made by a great company called Jonathan Spoon’s.
Q: What is your most popular item?
A: The honey is our most popular product; however, the 100% natural beeswax votive candles are also very popular. I am always listening to my customers and strive to provide quality products that can improve their lives.
Q: Where can people purchase your products?
A: Our products are available on our website at www.TumultyBees. com or you can find us on Facebook under Tumulty Bees. Come see us at the Stillwater Farmers Market on Saturday’s or at the Hudson Plaza 94 Farmers Market on Thursdays. We also attend many craft fairs and flea markets throughout the year, which we post on our website and Facebook. I can be contacted directly via email at tumultybees@gmail.com for any questions or for direct sales and shipments.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Back in the 1970’s, my mother started making candles as a poor college student. She poured paraffin wax, and crayons to add color, into milk cartons to make gifts for her family and friends. As the years went by, she became interested in using beeswax and refined the process using molds for various candle styles. When my father took up beekeeping in 2007, she used the natural beeswax from the hives to make her candles and taught me the art of candle making. After Tumulty Bees started, I began making and selling 100% natural beeswax candles alongside the honey.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
Keith Tumulty, of Lake Elmo, is the owner of Tumulty Bees. He began beekeeping in 2012.
