Forest Lake Lowdown

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OUTHOUSE ARCHAEOLOGY: Bottle-seekers dig up history PAGE 3

Birds of a weather migrate together

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bald eagles are one of many species whose habitats will be shifting as a result of worldwide climate change.

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

MARINE ON ST. CROIX — We may not be able to see the levels of CO2 in our atmosphere, but we can see the birds in our backyard. A presentation at the Marine Community Library on March 17 took a close look at the ways that bird behavior indicates changes in the climate, changes that aren’t always obvious in our day-to-day lives.

Don Arnosti is the conservation policy director for the Izaak Walton League, which promotes conservation of the natural world. His presentation began with a demystification of climate change and the results of the U.N. Climate Change Conference that took place in Paris in 2015, and moved on to the ways that birds have been indicating the changes in global climate in your own backyard.

“They’re everywhere, and they are sensitive indicators to what is going on the earth,” Arnosti said.

For birds, survival is all in the timing.

Arnosti said that the gradual changes won’t be too tough on short-distance migrants, such as chickadees, cardinals, waterfowl and other birds.

The most alarming change is to the lifestyle of the long-distance birds, which spend their winters in tropical climates and rely on the length of the day to tell them when to return north. Unlike the short-range migrants, these birds have no idea that spring has come early, and they may return to find that some of their major food sources are no longer available. For example, neotropical warblers depend on a large caterpillar population to feed themselves and their young.

“One pair of evening grosbeaks can eat up to 50,000 caterpillars during breeding season,” Arnosti said.

But since the weather has warmed up sooner than these birds were expecting, those caterpillars have already retreated into cocoons, which is not a food source for the birds.

SEE BIRD BEHAVIOR, PAGE 12

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

LILA students visit Mount Everest via Google Expedition, an upcoming app for Android devices.

Students ogle through goggles on Google virtual tours

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

FOREST LAKE — Sitting in a common area at Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) upper school, students gazed in wonder at the icy slopes of Mount Everest. Each student had goggles strapped to his or her face, and each was experiencing their first venture into a Google Expedition—an educational journey to the corners of the world that can’t be reached by school bus.

“Expeditions is a virtual reality platform built for the classroom,” claims Google.com. The company has been offering free trials of this app to schools around the world before it becomes widely available in fall 2016. There are more than a hundred destinations to choose from. Here’s how it works: an Android device is situated horizontally in a pair of goggles that block out distractions. The destination is controlled with a tablet device, navigated by the class instructor.

Students can look up, down and in every direction to view an immer

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Students can take virtual tours of more than a hundred world locations.

sive scene, and teachers can follow along with talking points highlighted by the app.

Almost all of the students at the upper school were able to participate along with their social

studies, language or earth science classes in curriculum-themed adventures across the planet.

“Most were tied into something SEE GOOGLE GOGGLES, PAGE 12

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A group of local musicians gathers for the Forest Lake American Legion’s Sunday night old-fashioned jam session.

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FOREST LAKE — American Legion post member Richard Doyle has high hopes for the musical tastes of the Forest Lake community. For example, he’d like to see more of them turn out to hear old-fashioned tunes at the Legion’s regular Sunday night jam sessions, which are free and open to the public.

However, audiences are small at these Sunday night sessions, which have been happening on and off for the last 20 years.

“It started out as country music and had some pretty darn good local Minnesota bands,” Doyle said.

“Right now it’s just solo local musicians. It’s not like a big band.”

However, the Legion regularly invites local band Sweet Memories to perform at other events. The members of Sweet Memories occasionally participate in the regular jam session, Doyle said, but it’s usually just a hodgepodge of locals.

“Guitar, that’s what it is mostly,” Doyle said. “There are a few harmonica players as well. Right now it’s just kind of a ‘whoever shows up takes over and does what’s necessary to be done’. It’s very informal.”

Drummers, brass players and keyboardists also add their melodies to the group setting. When the sessions first started, Doyle said they were more aimed at coun-

try music, but the genres have evolved to include folk, blues and oldies, or whatever the musicians feel like playing. Doyle referred to the genre as “old-time” jam sessions. Audience members are welcome to come in, take a seat and have a meal or a few drinks.

IF YOU GO: WHAT: Country Jam Sessions WHEN: Every Sunday, 6:30-9 p.m.

WHERE: Forest Lake American Legion “Audience members usually like to order a pizza from the kitchen, so it’s a good place to eat and enjoy music as you’re eating,” Doyle said.

From time to time the group hosts a few notable local musicians, but usually the Sunday night sessions are a very casual affair, fun for musicians and audiences alike.

“Admission is free and the food is good,” Doyle said.

“How can you beat that?”

To learn more about events at Post 225, visit www. post225.com.

Festival Theatre to bring “The Grapes of Wrath” to life on stage ST. CROIX FALLS, Wisconsin – As part of The Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, an ensemble cast from St. Croix Festival Theatre will be performing “The Grapes of Wrath” based on the novel by John Steinbeck adapted by Frank Galati at Franklin Square Black Box in St. Croix Falls. The play follows the story of the Joad family as they are forced from their family farm in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and migrate to California in search of work, sustenance and a means of survival.

“There is an immense amount of emotion in John Steinbeck’s novel, and Frank Galati has captured the epic journey and beautiful prose in an effective, inspiring adaptation for the stage,” said Jaclyn John-

son, director of the play. “Festival Theatre, as I have come to know it, prides itself on its approach to storytelling through theatre, utilizing strong production elements, fantastic talent and creative artistry.”

The play “The Grapes of Wrath” was adapted by Galati in 1988 and debuted at Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago that same year. In 1990, it was performed at The Cort Theater on Broadway and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play.

The “The Grapes of Wrath” will open Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Square Black Box, 125 N. Washington St., St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, with performances continuing until April 24. Tickets are $26 for adults and $13.50 for

youth and can be purchased online at www.festivaltheatre.org or by contacting the box office at 715-483-3387. For opening night, a free trolley ride with live fiddle music will take theatre goers from Stillwater to St. Croix Falls. The trolley will leave ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater at 6:15 with stops in Marine and Scandia. The ride is free but seating is limited and advance registration is required by calling ArtReach at 651-439-1465. Visit www.valleyreads.org for dates and times of The Big Read events hosted throughout the St. Croix Valley.

From press release

APRIL 1, 2016

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Bottle collectors are a different kind of ‘head’ hunter

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

EAU CLAIRE, Wisconsin — With winter easing off, Mark Youngblood is beginning another season of digging for valuable artifacts buried in the most unusual of places—turn-of-the-century privy sites.

Once you get over that “yuck” reaction, most people recognize that his unique excavation operation serves an educational and historical purpose—and it’s totally sanitary, thanks to approximately a century of natural decomposition.

Youngblood collects, trades and sells bottles and other artifacts he has uncovered, items that were often tossed into the pits when broken or emptied by former residents. He has conducted digs all over the Midwest, but prefers to move into western Wisconsin to search for new dig sites because the area was established earlier and often yields more finds than Minnesota properties. Any house that has been around since 1910 or earlier, he said, is a likely candidate for hiding evidence of an old privy somewhere on its ground. Youngblood said he has gotten pretty good at spotting the sites—small depressions in the earth often indicate the spot, and houses often have more than one.

Youngblood is from White Bear Lake, where he is self-employed as a scrap metal dealer. He said his passion for finding historical artifacts really began when he discovered an old dump in Dellwood, and he’s been collecting ever since. All of his spare time is spent digging for buried treasure—and he wasted no time in getting started in 2016. He said he’s already conducted four digs this year.

Youngblood said he digs “until we get to the bottom,” which is usually around seven to nine feet into the earth. Families, often with kids, will come out into the yard to watch as Youngblood and his dig partner Brian Mann unearth artifacts that haven’t seen the light of day in a century or more. Many kids have done school projects on the excavations, and they always get an A, Youngblood said.

When it comes to buried treasure, the more local the better, Youngblood said.

Pieces that are intact are also more valuable—the ones that are broken are shoveled back into the hole at the end of the day. At his March 19 dig in Eau Claire, he and Mann hoped to find bottles embossed with the names of local brewing companies. Embossed bottles are especially valuable, as they give some indication about the origin and use of the product contained inside. These details imbue the objects with a local history that increases their worth. Youngblood estimated that only 10-20 percent of the bottles he uncovers are embossed.

The finds reveal lives of a totally different era—one without modern plumbing, one with a diversity of local factories and one where waste was an entirely different concept.

“One of these holes might’ve lasted a couple of years,” said Youngblood’s dig partner Brian Mann. “That’s not really that much trash—today it would be full in a week.”

This particular dig revealed an excessive number of blue bottles labeled

XXX |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

More unusually-shaped bottles, especially ones with embossed lettering, are more valuable than others.

Bromo Caffeine, a popular medication to cure headaches. The sheer number of bottles led Mann to conjecture that a former resident had possibly suffered from a form of bromism, which results

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Top: Brian Mann is seven feet deep in this former privy in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Below: Broken bottles, plates, vases and other items are tossed into the dirt pile and buried again when the hole is filled.

from long-term consumption of bromine.

Symptoms of bromism can include psychosis, seizures and delirium, and Bromo Caffeine was even implicated as a factor in the infamous Lizzie Borden ax murders, although no link between the drug and her behavior was ever established.

Most of the findings are bottles and broken ceramic plates and cups. Young-

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Left: A fragment of a bottle embossed with the name of an Eau Claire brewery.

Right: Assorted bottles, including an ink bottle and several blue Bromo Caffeine containers.

blood said that some of the most unusual items he’s encountered have been bones, pieces of dolls and dentures.

“We’ve found it all,” he said.

The Midwest, said Mann, is an unusual place to be collecting historic glass.

“You go out East or West and the bottle hobby is totally different,” he said.

He said that Eastern states have a large market for collectors, while Western ones have scarcer finds, which drives their value up. In Minnesota and western Wisconsin, the biggest value comes from the most local finds. A point of pride for Youngblood is always the embossed bottles from local breweries, such as Walter’s Brewing Company in Eau Claire. He said that Stillwater is also a good place to find some of these early brewery artifacts, although dig sites there tend to be a little less spectacular because the city ran a waste removal service known as “dipping” for many years.

Youngblood said that he digs approximately 100 holes a year, and that digging the hole itself is never a bore. The toughest part, he said, is securing permission from homeowners to dig up their yards.

Youngblood is always looking for the opportunity to explore a new site, and he may even knock on your door if he notices a likely spot on the property. To contact Mark Youngblood about exploring your property for hidden treasures, call 651-329-0815.

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APRIL 1, 2016

Who is watching you?

T

his past Christmas, drones were among the top-selling gifts. My son has been saving his money to buy a drone with a camera that could be flown First Person View (FPV) since his birthday last fall. FPV means you control the drone’s flight with an iPhone or iPad by viewing the image from the camera. I was amazed at the quality of the photo and video images it produces.

We checked the drone with our luggage on our recent trip to Florida, with the idea of documenting our trip with some footage from a new perspective.

Each day we downloaded photos and video to create slide shows we would watch that night.

At my in-laws condo in Cocoa Beach, Publisher’s we launched the drone to get video of the beach. Our few-minute flight took View video of the beach, ocean and an overview of the condo and grandpa waving Carter Johnson back at the camera. It wasn’t long before we received a loud knock on the door. A disgruntled resident and former condo association president explained that drone-flying was against the condo rules and against the law. We apologized and said we would stop future flights. We researched local laws on drones and found there weren’t any; however, we saw that the guy had a point. We may not have been breaking any laws, but launching it so close to a residential condo building didn’t show common sense on our part. Though it wasn’t our intention, for all the other condo residents knew we were snooping on them.

It could be a little weird to be enjoying morning coffee on your balcony and see a drone hovering in front of you. Or maybe worse, accidentally crashing it into someone’s window. And while most people who live on the beach have binoculars or even telescopes they could use to gawk at sunbathers, I can see that the drone is potentially more invasive to one’s privacy.

I loved the idea of a helmet-mounted cameras that hit the market a few years ago and the thought of recording ski runs or a whitewater rafting trip. But I was creeped out standing next to someone fi lming my kids and I while aboard the ski tram. It’s common knowledge that you can’t use a smartphone boasting high definition video and photo capabilities in restrooms or locker rooms, just like you shouldn’t fly a drone near someone’s home or windows. There are so many commonplace devices now that can take photo and video footage, and we need to teach common sense and some etiquette.

The Federal Aviation Administration has created some rules for flying model aircraft like a drone. They include never flying above 400 feet and remaining clear of obstacles, and keeping the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times. Of course you cannot interfere with manned aircraft operation, so don’t fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying. Don’t fly near people or populated areas. You also can’t fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs. If you are careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft. The FAA also provides YouTube videos on safe model aircraft operation at FAA.gov.

If you’re interested in learning to fly a drone, start with a small indoor unit that might run around $49$100 and slowly work your way up to the higher-end models. These can cost anywhere from $300-$2000 depending on the size and camera quality, and can be purchased at local hobby stores, Best Buy or Target. Connect with someone who is currently flying to mentor you, and study the rules and regulations. Flying these units outside and above trees adds another level of challenge, and just be courteous to the property owners around you during your flight. We don’t want to write about accidents or someone shooting down a drone.

Last year in Kentucky a man shot down a drone when he thought it was spying on his 16-year-old daughter sunbathing in the backyard. And more recently there was a near-miss when a drone crashed on a ski course, barely missing the racer. Technology is progressing quickly, helping to bring prices down. Drones are here to stay and offer another perspective for photographers.

Fly safe and have fun.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Needed: New tools to protect Minnesota seniors against financial fraud

T

he Minnesota Commerce Department recently came to the aid of an older woman who had met a man on a wellknown dating website. We weren’t breaking up a romance. We were stopping a crime.

The man claimed to be a Minnesotan living overseas and he told a heart-rending story, preying on the woman’s generosity and ultimately persuading her send him tens Movers & to of thousands of dollars through Shakers a series of money Mike Rothman orders and wire transfers.

Her financial institution grew concerned about these unusual withdrawals and transactions, especially when they noticed multiple individuals gaining online access to her account from outside the United States.

Even though she believed this man would marry her, the financial institution got the woman’s permission to call our agency. An investigator immediately went to her house and proved to her that she was being scammed, saving her from even greater financial losses.

Unfortunately, this Minnesota woman’s story is not unique.

Instead, it is just one among our many cases and a distressing reminder that seniors are often targeted by crooks and fraudsters.

It also highlights how financial service providers are uniquely

positioned to help identify and stop these crimes on the front lines.

According to the Investor Protection Trust, one out of every five persons over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial swindle.

One recent study estimated that older Americans are defrauded out of nearly three billion dollars each year.

The threat of senior financial fraud is expected to grow as the senior population itself grows. In Minnesota, the number of people age 65 and over will double between 2010 and 2030.

As the state’s consumer protection agency, the Minnesota Commerce Department is proposing legislation to collaborate with the state’s financial service providers and institutions to help protect older adults against financial abuse.

Because of their long-standing relationships of trust with older clients, they are able to serve as a first line of defense to spot and stop financial crimes. But current law limits the actions they can take to protect their senior clients.

Endorsed by AARP Minnesota and with State Sen. Kevin Dahle and State Rep. Leon Lillie as chief authors, the Minnesota Safe Seniors Financial Protection Act would provide new tools to state-regulated broker-dealers, investment advisers and financial institutions, including banks, credit unions and other financial businesses such as money transmitters.

First, Minnesota would join 24 other states in requiring companies to immediately report to authorities when they have a reasonable belief

Mike Rothman is the Minnesota Commerce Commissioner.

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of financial exploitation against a senior or vulnerable adult.

Second, they would be allowed to notify and work with a victim’s family members to intervene, unless the family member is a suspect.

Third, pending an investigation, they could delay for a limited time the withdrawal or transfer of funds from a victim’s account if they reasonably believe it may result in financial exploitation.

Finally, by acting in good faith and exercising reasonable care, they would be immune from administrative or civil liability for the required reporting, family notification and delayed transactions.

Financial exploitation takes many forms, from classic Ponzi schemes with fraudulent investments promising “guaranteed” profits to fake sweepstakes and lottery scams that claim to offer a valuable prize but insist on an upfront payment.

The common denominator among these predatory practices is that they aim to separate seniors from their hard-earned savings. It is a threat that requires an “all hands on deck” response from those in a position to prevent and stop these crimes against seniors.

If anyone has questions or concerns about a potential fraud or scam, we encourage them to contact our Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@ state.mn.us or by phone at 651539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota).

Gene Annis................................ Sports Desk sports@presspubs.com

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UP NORTH 2016 DOG AND CAT CLINIC

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday, April 2 Where: Wildlife Science Center, 5463 W. Broadway Ave., Columbus Details: Get pets a check-up at a full-service mobile vet clinic while enjoying the resident animals.

Contact: wildlifesciencecenter.org

KNITTING CRASH COURSE

When: 2-4 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 2 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Children 11-18 can get a quick first lesson in knitting. Needles and some yarn provided.

Register on library’s website.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or co.washington.mn.us/ library

BOWL 4 LIFE

When: 4-7 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 2 Where: Split Rocks Event Center, 5063 273rd St., Wyoming Details: Support SADD and suicide prevention efforts in the schools at this event that includes bowling, pixxa, lazer tag, bingo, karaoke, prizes and more.

Contact: hs.forestlake. k12.mn.us

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday, Apr. 4 Where: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1250 South Shore Dr., Forest Lake Details: All blood types needed.

Contact: 800 RED CROSS or redcrossblood. org

UCARE FOR SENIORS

When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 5 Where: Forest Lake VFW, 556 SW 12th St. Details: Informational meeting about Medicare health plan options.

Register in advance.

Contact: 877-523-1518

ADVICE FOR YOUR DEVICE

When: 7-8 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 7 Where: Wyoming Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Wyoming Details: One-time sessions to learn how to download library eBooks and eAudiobooks on a smartphone, tablet ot eReader. Registration required; ages 12+.

Contact: 651-462-9001

TRAUMATIC LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

When: 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Apr. 7-May 26 Where: Forest Lake Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N Details: Specialized grief support groups for individuals who have survived a homicide, suicide, accidental death or overdose, to move through grief process with others who have experienced the same type of loss. Free, but registration required.

Contact: 651-266-5674 or survivorresources.org

11TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURES

When: 5:30-8 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 8 Where: Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trl. Details: Free, familyfriendly educational event designed to increase understanding of and appreciation for the many cultures that make up the Forest Lake Area School District. Activities for all ages, including games, art, storytelling, music, crafts, dance, and food samples. Open to the public.

Contact: hs.forestlake. k12.mn.us

LYME DISEASE: LITTLE BUG BIG PROBLEM

When: 10-11 a.m.

Saturday, Apr. 9 Where: Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9300 Scandia Trl., Forest Lake Details: Presenter Ann Myre, a Scandia resident and founder

Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of March 20 – 26

Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. Refugee, Mahtomedi grad aims for NBA. White Bear Press > Sports 2. Trial date set for White Bear Lake lawsuit. White Bear Press > News 3. Youth finds work and a friend. Shoreview Press > News 4. New record for ice out on White Bear Lake. White Bear Press> News 5. If White Bear Lake goes down, so might dock numbers in bay. White Bear Press> News

on the Minnesota Lyme Association will gives an informational talk about minimizing the risk of being bitten by a tick and getting a tick-borne illness.

Contact: rgmyre@ frontiernet.net

ADULT COLORING CLUB

When: 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 13 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: All supplies provided. Come any time during the meeting. No registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300

WINE FOR THE WOLVES

When: 6:30-9 pm Fri., April 15 Where: Vannelli’s by the Lake, Forest Lake Details: Fundraiser for Wildlife Science Center includes dinner, winetasting, silent auction, raffle.

Contact: 651464-3993 or www. wildlifesciencecenter.org

FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Community Showcase WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., April 10

AMERICAN LEGION SENIOR DANCE

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Apr. 15 (and the 3rd Friday of every month) Where: Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake Details: Enjoy mature music and camaraderie. $6 per person includes lunch.

Contact: 651-464-2600

WHERE:

Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N., Oak Park Heights

DETAILS:

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 16 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Re-write a story line. Ages 12+.

Registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300

RUNNING ACES COMEDY SHOW

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

WRITING FAN FICTION

When: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 16 Where: Running Aces ‘Laugh Your Ace Off Comedy Club”, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake Details: Comedy show with headliner Isaac Witty, featuring Dave Johnson and hosted by John Russell. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 day of show.

Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

PRESCHOOL SPRING STORYTIME

When: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesdays, Apr. 5-May 10 Where: Wyoming Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Wyoming Details: Children ages 3-5 and their siblings can listen to stories, fingerplays and make new friends.

Contact: 651-462-9001 When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 15 Where: Forest Hills

home and garden vendors, connect with the community at this event sponsored by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

CONTACT: greaterstillwater chamber.com/communityshowcase

Local exhibitors, including

Methodist Church, 1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake Details: Free tax preparation for seniors and low-income residents, by appointment only.

Bring a photo ID, Social Security card and income, expense and health insurance documents (if obtained through Mnsure).

Contact: 651-675-7126

AARP TAXAIDE See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area.

APRIL 1, 2016

When: 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month Where: Cherrywood Pointe, 231 W. Broadway, Forest Lake Details: Receive information, ask questions, and receive support from others facing the same issues.

Caregivers welcome.

Contact: 651-464-2709

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

When: 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Children preschool through kindergarten age and caregivers hear stories, sing songs, and watch finger plays to encourage early literacy skills.

Contact: 651-275-7300

FAMILY STORYTIME

When: 10:30-11 a.m.

Saturdays Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: For children ages 2 and up and their

families. Stories, songs and fingerplays.

Contact: 651-275-7300

OUT EAST CROIX CHORDSMEN’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY SPRING CONCERTS

When: 3 & 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 2 Where: Stillwater Area High School,5701 Stillwater Blvd. N., Oak Park Heights Details: Six Quartets and the Chordsmen perform “One Song at a Time”.

Tickets $15 reserved,$10general admission.

Contact: 651-308-5775 or stcroixvalleychapter.com

WOMEN’S READING CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Apr. 4 Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 5th St. S., Stillwater Details: Program about women of St. Paul Lutheran Church sharing experiences of mission trip to Tanzania. Guests welcome.

Contact: 651-439-9366

55+ DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5 Where: Bourwell’s Landing, 13575 58th St. N., Oak Park Heights Details: 4-hour refresher course for seniors who want to

maintain a 10% discount on car insurance. $22; registration required.

Contact: 888-234-1294 or mnsafetycenter.org

GUIDED FITNESS HIKES

When: 9-10 a.m.

Thursday, Apr. 7 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: 60-minute hike includes warm-up and fitness challenges along the way. Trail routes include a mix of turf, gravel, grass and paved.

13 and older.

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

WOMEN’S BUSINESS BRIDGE

When: 7:45-10 a.m.

Friday, Apr. 8 (and the 2nd Friday of every month) Where: Mallards on the St. Croix, 101 5th Ave. S., Bayport Details: Networking opportunity for women in the Stillwater area. $10 Chamber members; $20 non-members includes light breakfast, coffee and program.

Contact: wbbconnect. com

SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER

When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 10 Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 490 4th St., Bayport Details: Free community meal. All are welcome.

Contact: bethlehemstar. org

APRIL 1, 2016

www.presspubs.com

on a self-guided tour of 13 open studios.

Demonstrations and art for sale. Affiliated with Artists del Norte and the Anoka County Arts Alliance.

Contact: nascrawl.org

WOMEN AND MONEY: TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

When: 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 5 Where: District Center, room 201, 4855 Bloom Ave. Details: Women can learn six steps to take control of their money and achieve financial security. Registration required.

Contact: whitebear. ce.feepay.com

RAISING SPIRITED CHILDREN

FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Rotary Strive Scholarship Race WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 2

WHERE:

Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S. White Bear Lake

run along White Bear Lake.

Registration is $25 before March 28; includes an event t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Strive Scholarship Inc. Fund.

CONTACT: DETAILS: 5K Run/walk and 5 mile

651-653-1230 or whitebearrotary. org

When: 6:15-7:45 p.m.

Tuesdays, Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26 Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, room 109, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave Details: Explore what it means to be spirited, effective parenting tools, and how parenting styles can influence spirited children. Sliding fee; registration required.

Contact: communityed. mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

MORAL ACTION IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

COMMUNITY LEADER SERIES

When: 11:30-1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 13 Where: Gartner Studios Penthouse, 220 E. Myrtle St., Stillwater Details: Presenter Greg Gartner, Gartner Studios, discusses the topic ‘Go big or go home- thinking big by staying small’. $20/chamber members and $30/non-members includes pizza and salad lunch. Registration required by April 8.

Contact: 651-4394001 or Debbie@ stillwaterchamber.com

VALLEY CHAMBER CHORALE: HOPE LIVED

When: 7:30 pm Sat., April 16; 3 p.m. Sun., April 17 Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 114 Fourth St. N., Stillwater Details: Concert is a journey through folk music from around the world, with guitars, penny whistles and other ethnic instruments joining the choir.

Contact: 651430-0124 or www. valleychamberchorale. org

Social Security card and income, expense and health insurance documents (if obtained through Mnsure).

Contact: 651-439-7434

STILLWATER ART GUILD GALLERY EXHIBIT

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sundays, through Mar. 31 Where: Stillwater Art Guild Gallery River Room, 402 N. Main St., Stillwater Details: Features acrylic and oil painters Margaret McBride and Barry Smith; Gary Thomas, cabin art; and Dan MacKenzie, photography.

Contact: 651-689-0149 or artguildgallery.com

ACORN ADVENTURES

When: 9:30-11 a.m.

Tuesdays Where: Warner Nature Center, 15375 Norell Ave. N., Marine on St. Croix Details: Class for children ages 1-5 incorporates outdoor and indoor activities around a monthly theme. $15 per session.

Contact: 651-433-2427 or warnernaturecenter.org

Contact: scvalleyrunners@gmail. com

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

When: 10:30-11 a.m.

Wednesdays Where: Stillwater Library, storytime room, 224 Third St. N. Details: Children through kindergarten age and caregivers hear stories, sing songs, and watch finger plays to encourage early literacy skills.

Contact: 651-275-7300

NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY SAP TO SYRUP

When: 1-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 2 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township Details: Tap a maple tree, collect sap, visit the evaporator, see how the final syrup is made and taste the final product. Join for one or all three days. $7/person, registration required.

Contact: 651-407-5350 or ramseycounty.us

AARP TAXAIDE

When: By appointment, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mondays and Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, through April 13 Where: Community Thread, 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater Details: Free tax preparation for seniors and low-income residents.

Bring a photo ID,

ST. CROIX VALLEY RUNNERS-TRAINING RUNS When: 8 a.m. Saturday mornings Where: Meet at Brown’s Creek Park, Neal Ave. and McKusick Rd. Details: Group is looking for runners planning to run a marathon to join them on long runs.

NORTH ARTISTS STUDIO CRAWL

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 2 & Sunday, Apr. 3 Where: 13 studios throughout Anoka County; see website for locations Details: Explore the works of nationally and internationally recognized local artists

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 5 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Great Hall, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Join meteorologist and business owner Paul Douglas in a solutionfocused discussion at the intersection of faith, environment and economy.

Contact: saintandrews. org

TWO BEST GENEALOGY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET

When: 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 5 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Learn how to get the most out of two of the best resources on the internet, as well as look at the new records that have recently become available. $30/resident; $35 non-resident.

Registration required.

Contact: shoreviewcommunity center.org

YOUNG EXPLORERS CLUB-SUPER SPRING

When: 1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 7 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Children ages 4-5 can go for a hike, play a game and make a springtime craft. $4/ child. Registration required.

Contact: 651-429-8007 or anokacountyparks.com

THE LOWDOWN

2016 NORTHSTAR WATERMEDIA MEMBER EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

When: 4-7 p.m.

Thursday, Apr. 7 Where: Gallery One TractorWorks, 800 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis Details: ‘Radiance’ exhibition features nationally and internationally known watermedia artists and runs through April 30.

Gallery is open M-F, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: northstarwatermedia. com

THE NEW STANDARDS

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th St. North, Mahtomedi Details: Jazz trio reinterprets songs from a wide variety of genres.

Contact: 651269-9888 or www. wildwoodartistseries.com

AMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTERS TRAINING

When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 9 Where: Mahtomedi Middle School, room 275 Details: Kids 11+ can learn how to supervise children and infants and perform basic childcare skills. $97; registration required.

Contact: communityed. mahtomedi.k12.mn

HISTORICAL SOCIETY SCRAPBOOKING CROP

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 9 Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St. Details: Work on a scrapbook or craft of choice with friends. $30/members; $35/nonmembers includes donuts & coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks, door prizes and more. Proceeds benefit the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.

Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

HOME LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN FAIR

When: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 9 Where: Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover Details: Event includes speakers on a variety of topics and is sponsored by the Anoka County Master Gardener Program.

Registration required. $25 by Apr. 1; $30 late registration/walk-in. Bag lunches available.

Contact: 763-755-1280 or anokamastergardeners. org

10TH ANNUAL FIVE16 FILM FESTIVAL

When: 7 p.m. Monday, Apr. 11 Where: University of Northwestern, Maranatha Hall Details: Film festival features student-made

7

short films. Free and open to the public.

Contact: 651-286-7759 or unwsp.edu

‘ABOUT BOATING SAFETY’ COURSE

When: 6-9 p.m. Fridays & 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Apr. 15/16, May 20/21 & June 24/25 Where: St. Croix Marine, 16 First St., Hudson, Wis. Details: The Hudson Flotilla of the United Stated Coast Guard Auxillary offers this 8-hour course on the fundamentals of boating and safety. Completion satisfies the Wis. and Minn. operatior requirements for both boats and personal watercraft.

Contact: 612-418-0929 or trevorcroteau@aol.com

GREATER TWIN CITIES YOUTH SYMPHONIES CONCERT

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 16 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Orchestral performance by youth ages 8-18. Free and open to the public.

Contact: 651-291-1144

MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES BARBERSHOP HARMONY CHORUS

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 16 Where: Bethel University, Benson Great Hall Details: 75-man a cappella chorus and quartets perform 69th annual show “Way Out West”. Also features North Star Choir. Tickets $15-$25.

Contact: 612-927-9363 or minneapolis commodores.org

TWO RIVERS CHORALE

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 17 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd. Mahtomedi Details: Performance of Johennes Brahms ‘A German RequiemLondon Version’ featuring collaborative pianists Charles Kemper and Roderick PhippsKettlewell, soprano Catherine McCord Larsen, baritone Gerard Sundberg and timpanist David Hoehl. Free admission.

Contact: 651-493-7935 or tworiverschorale.org

EMPOWER ME!

When: 6:30-7:17 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 19 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Free interactive session on personal safety for children ages 6-12 and their parents. Presented

by Alison Feigh of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center.

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& THE LOWDOWN

www.reathelowdown.com

The Forest Lake Police Department reported the following incidents:

Arrest/Citation • An officer observed a car without plates parked in a McDonald’s parking lot on Broadway Avenue W. at 9:57 p.m.

March 19. When an officer approached the vehicle, he saw a Minnesota license plate placed on the dash, and asked the driver, a 19-year-old Blaine man, why the plate was not on the bumper. Officers ran the plates and observed that the man driving had an Isanti County warrant. The man resisted arrest but officers eventually handcuffed him and placed him in a squad car. Officers noticed that his car smelled of marijuana, and a search resulted in a misdemeanor amount of marijuana along with drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Washington County Jail.

• An assault was reported in the Walmart parking lot on 12th Street SW at 2:34 p.m. March 19. The suspect, a 44-year-old Coon Rapids man, had entered the store with two others, and was monitored by a loss prevention

employee. The suspect did not like this and a verbal confrontation ensued.

At that point, the man punched the employee and walked out of the store.

Police located the suspect at Target, where he claimed that the employee had attacked him and he had struck him in self defense. Police then determined that the suspect had Hennepin County warrant fraud checks.

The suspect was issued a citation for fifth-degree assault and transported to Washington County Jail.

• Police were called to the Forest Lake Car Wash on 12th Street SW at 10:22 a.m. March 19 in response to an alarm.

There was damage to the lock and door handle to the office door. Police located a vehicle which appeared to have the wrong license plates on it sitting in the wash bay. They found that the passenger of the vehicle, a 41-year-old Forest Lake man, had an active Washington County warrant for narcotics possession and that he had lied about his identity. He was issued a citation for a false information misdemeanor. The driver, a 28-year-old Mahtomedi man, was found to have a revoked drivers’ license and multiple failures to appear

APRIL 1, 2016

in court. A white crystal substance was found in the vehicle and tested positive for meth. Both were taken into custody and escorted to jail.

• A 23-year-old Stacy man was arrested for DUI at an address on 11th Avenue SW at 12:08 a.m. March 19. An officer on patrol noticed a vehicle spin out and fishtail, ending up in the ditch. A breath test showed a level of .10. The man was booked into jail and released to a sober party.

• An officer noticed a speeding vehicle on the 800 block of Lake Street S. at 7:57 p.m. March 17. The officer pulled the vehicle over and noticed the driver appeared to be intoxicated. A breath test was administered, with a result of .19. The driver, a 31-year-old Forest Lake man, was arrested and taken to Washington County Jail.

• Police responded to a driving complaint from a location on North Shore Trail at 12:41 p.m., March 16. Officers in a squad car followed the suspect, a 63-year-old Forest Lake woman, and pulled her over. She appeared to be very intoxicated and backed her car into the squad during the stop. She resisted a breath test and was trans-

ported to the police station, where her samples were insufficient to determine the level of alcohol she had consumed, though officers noticed an open wine sample in her purse. She was transferred to Dakota County Detox.

Theft • A Forest Lake man in the 20400 block of July Avenue N. called on March 14 to report his trailer and ATV had been stolen from his driveway over the weekend. He completed a stolen property report. The trailer was valued at $1,000 and the ATV was valued at $3,500. There are no suspects.

Other • Police responded to a report of an overturned canoe in Shield Lake at 2:22 p.m., March 20. They found that a Forest Lake man, 52, had fallen into the water. A neighbor had paddled out to the stranded man and pulled him to shore. The Forest Lake Fire Department took the man to another dock, where his wife identified him. He was transferred to the hospital.

WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEFS The following actions were taken at the March 22 Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater.

Miron will serve as board chair for remainder of 2016 Fran Miron, commissioner from District 1, will serve as the Washington County Board of Commissioners chair for

the remainder of 2016.

Lisa Weik, District 5, will serve as vice chair.

The County Board approved the appointments March 22.

Commissioner Ted Bearth, who died March 10, had been elected board chair at the first meeting in January, and Miron had been elected vice chair.

Board approves 3 major

road projects Valley Paving Inc. will construct intersection improvements at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 12 and 17 in Grant, after the board approved the contract. This Where $393,000 project includes a traffic signal and turn lanes.

The board also approved contracts for two pavement reconditioning Where projects, to be done by

Volunteers Wanted!

Where

Want to beWhere a part of the NORTHEAST METRO EXPO?

Asphalt Surface Technologies for $678,500. One of the pavement reconditioning projects will be on CSAH 17, from CSAH 12 in Grant to CSAH 14 (Old Highway 5) in Lake Elmo. In addition to replacing the pavement, the project will include culvert replacements, and signing and striping.

The second pavement rehabilitation project in the Asphalt Surface Technologies contract will be on County Road 65 in Baytown and West Lakeland townships, from CSAH 14 (40th Street) to CSAH 10 (10th Street). This year’s project will include new pavement and striping.

However, plans in the future include a complete reconstruction of the road.

Funds allocated to fight

invasive species Seven organizations in Washington County will receive funding to fight aquatic invasive species (AIS). This includes Big Marine Lake Association, $14,400; Clear Lake Association, $5,000; Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District, $43,050; Lake Demontreville and Olson Association, $9,970; Lake Elmo Lake Association, $10,000; Washington Conservation District, $74,250; and Washington County Parks, $6,000.The recommended projects will deploy several strategies across the county, including coordinated watercraft inspections; control of existing infestations; public awareness, education and outreach; early detection/ rapid response planning;

and implementing public water access best management practices.

HRA will issue bonds for employment training center The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of a nonprofit facility bond to support an employment training facility for ESR Inc., formerly East Suburban Resources.

ESR submitted a nonprofit facility revenue bond application to refinance and rehabilitate a commercial building it operates in Forest Lake.

The building and property, solely occupied by ESR, will be renovated to better serve the therapeutic and work space needs of its consumers.

Lake Elmo swim pond to be renovated

We areWherelooking for people who would like to volunteer on May 1st, 2016 11am-4pm Please call Patty Steele at 651-407-1213 for more details.

APR 12-17 6 5 1 . 2 2 4 . 4 2 2 2

ORDWAY.ORG O RDW Photo: Matthew Murphy

New Look Contracting Inc. will renovate the Lake Elmo Park Reserve swim pond this spring.

Workers will replace the aging pond infrastructure and add amenities and better accessibility.

The project will reduce the maximum depth of the water from 6 feet to 4 feet, replace the liner on the bottom of the pond and the pipes that carry water in and out of the pond, and replace “skimmers” that filter the water to keep it safe.

Improvements include more shade trees, sidewalks and benches, as well as accessibility in parking areas, accessible picnic tables, and a hard-surfaced, zero-depth entry into the pond. Work is expected to be complete by August.

Check the Washington County website at www. co.washington.mn.us for information on the pond’s spring opening.

& APRIL 1, 2016

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THE LOWDOWN

9

Golf course roundup

SCHOOL BRIEFS

With spring officially underway, area golf courses are opening soon if they haven’t already. Here is a sample of area golf courses.

Chomonix Golf Course, Lino Lakes The Chomonix Golf Course offers a “North Woods” and is located in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve (700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes). The 18-hole course offers challenges to golfers of all abilities. The driving range is open already from sunrise to sunset and a date has not been set for the opening of the golf course; however, it will open very soon.

SUBMITTED

Manitou Ridge Golf Course, White Bear Lake

Southwest teacher shares skills with African classrooms Larry Underkoffler, an art teacher at Southwest Junior High in Forest Lake, recently traveled to Kapengoria, Kenya to teach at the Daylight School for preschool through eighth-grade students. He brought with him almost 180 pounds of art supplies for the students, along with coloring books that had been designed and created by seventh-grade students in his classes at Southwest. During his trip, Underkoffler was able to teach art to students in every classroom of the school, most of whom had never had an art class before. Larry Underkoffler and the first-grade class at Daylight School in Kapengoria, Kenya hold up the coloring books that were designed and created for them by seventh-grade students at Southwest Junior High.

American, Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program. The College will receive $300,000 each year for five years to focus on career and technical education for students from Hmong, Karen, Laotian and Vietnamese immigrant backgrounds. The college serves large populations of students from Southeast Asian refugee communities.

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651-482-1322 maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com

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The Island Lake Golf and Training Center is located at 1000 Red Fox Road, Shoreview. The nine-hole course has beautiful landscapes, water on seven of the holes and a driving range as well as mini-golf. The course and driving range are already open, weather permitting.

Indian Hills Golf and Country Club, Stillwater The Indian Hills Golf and Country Club, which is located at 6667 Keats Ave N, Stillwater, is an 18-hole course with a par of 72 for men and 74 for women. The course has a moderate amount of trees and water as well as a picturesque backdrop.

It is a private club and there are openings for memberships. Both the driving range and course are already open from roughly 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Century College awarded education grant

Sixth-grade students from Emily Stegmeir’s classroom at Scandia Elementary orchestrated a schoolwide service learning project recently where they collected health care supplies for homeless families in St. Paul. This is the 16th year that students have collected the supplies, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, hair brushes and lotion. This year the students collected more than 500 pounds of supplies and delivered them to St. Joseph Hospital/HealthEast in St. Paul. The students also toured the Listening House and HealthEast Homeless Clinic. Scandia sixth-graders display their collection of personal care items just before delivering them to the HealthEast Homeless Clinic. In the front row (from left: Terek Tomas, Joe Gemuenden, Lydia Ross, Samantha Hayek and Ian Schaefer. In the back row (from left) are Blake Johnson and Xavier DeWolfe.

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Students at Wyoming Elementary’s School Age Care and Sonic programs participated in STEAM-themed clubs this winter. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, and the students were able to choose from four clubs: Balls and Tracks Building, Stop Motion Movie Making, Building Challenges, and Math-Centered Art Activities. Following their work, the students hosted a Sweet STEAM Showcase before school, where parents, staff, teachers and board members toured exhibits of STEAM-themed projects.

The Oneka Ridge Golf Course is located at 5610 North 120th Street in Hugo. The 18-hole course features excellent greens, practice putting, driving range and chipping greens. Both the course and driving range are already open and carts are available, weather permitting. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Island Lake Golf and Training Center, Shoreview Scandia youth deliver health care for the homeless

Athletes

Wyoming students present STEAM projects

Oneka Ridge Golf Course, Hugo

The Dellwood Country Club located at 29 East Highway 96 Dellwood. The 18-hole championship golf course is a good balance of challenging beauty and relaxing fun. The club offers a variety of memberships including golf, athletic and dining. The driving range is already open and the course will open up on Wednesday, March 30. Both will be open from 9 a.m. until sunset.

Memberships are still available. The current promotion is free guest passes for 2016 with purchase of golf membership.

Forest Lake st students dents are Histor History Da Day winners inners Kate Mahonen, Lily Pope, and Emme Olson represented Forest Lake High School at Regional History Day in St. Cloud. They were all winners in their respective categories and will represent Forest Lake again at State History Day this May. Travis Bailey (left), Tyler Blackburn (center), and Sam Cierzan (right) display the building project they created with a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) at Wyoming Elementary.

The Manitou Ridge Golf Course, located at 3200 North McKnight Road, White Bear Lake, is situated on one of the highest points in Ramsey County, Manitou Ridge. The 18-hole, par 71 course has challenging greens and panoramic vistas of the Twin Cities area. Both the driving range and golf course are now open. The course is open from 8 a.m. until one hour after sundown. Times may be adjusted due to weather conditions.

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11

Senior facility moving too fast, says Stillwater City Council

BY JULIE KINK CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BART SWAB | SUBMITTED

A black drum provides great sport and fine eating for anyone’s table. They can get very big in Florida’s brackish waterways.

Paddling Florida’s Wild Waters As soon as I picked up the rod from the rod holder on the kayak, I felt the power. This fish had picked up a big chunk of crab and was not about to stop. The rod was doubled over; we had heavy super line and an offset circle hook, so I knew the fish had a good hook set. When the line broke, I felt that despair anglers know when a big fish has gotten away.

I looked at my Florida fishing guide, who was shaking his head too. “The Wild River black drum in this Florida estuary can get over 40 inches,” he said, “and they Trails can really put up a fight. That’s probably what you had on.” I trusted my guide, Jim Bennett Bart Swab of St. Augustine. He had put me on redfish and big black drum right away, and we were catching fish constantly and having fun doing it.

The tide was going out and the fish were moving, so it was time to relocate. We paddled back down the channel and across the huge shallow waters. Along the way we tried a little sight fishing, where Bart tied our kayaks together off the trolley system with the Jackson Kraken kayaks. Swab was standing up in the stable but fast kayak to spot fish for me to cast to, but cloudy weather and wind cut his visibility to nothing.

Paddling up a river with a current off our bow and a tide pushing from the stern was challenging until Bart buried the anchoring pole into the mud. Soon we were into fish.

A flounder was the first to take the big shrimp bait.

This unique fish is dark green on one side and nearly white on the other. Born with eyes on both sides of its head, over time both eyes end up on the same side of its head. When the flounder seeks its prey, lying on its white side with its camouflage green side up, both eyes on top help it ambush its victim.

Striped drum and sea trout were active as we fished.

Overhead, giant white pelicans soared as they came in to feed in the shallow waters of Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. Various shore birds, rails, gulls and ducks whistled through the air as we broke for lunch. Bart was full of good stories and his ideas about nature, wildlife, the environment and how places like this needed protection were fun to talk about.

After lunch we pushed further upstream and ran into large areas of beds of oysters, clams and mollusks that interlock to form reefs on rocks and logs and anything else left in the water long enough. These beds provide nooks where small creatures can live and big fish hide. About this time, when I was lost in thought, another big fish hit. I saw the line moving and tried to catch up on the reel but this fish was moving faster than any fish I had ever seen in my life. By the time I caught up with the fish it was already gone. Bart thought it may have been a big snook.

Podiatrist– Back at the launch, Bart Foot Specialist filleted our fish and talkDr. Christopher Phillips ed more about the pristine Medical and Surgical areas we had explored Management of the that day. You could tell Foot and Ankle how much he loves the Sports Medicine area and his job. Besides working as fishing guide Treatment of Adults and Children he also takes people on with Foot Conditions “Eco Tours,” and I had • Ingrown Toenails experienced both.

• Arch & Heel Pain Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

STILLWATER — Neighbors of a $60 million senior care living facility proposed near Long Lake on Stillwater’s western edge say the development is too large and moving too fast.

A public hearing on concept approval and rezoning, which would allow developers to move ahead to purchase the property but would still require final approvals, was held March 22. City officials took testimony but postponed a vote and continued the hearing till April 5, noting complaints from several residents that the March 22 hearing fell during spring break when they would be away.

Proposed for a 50-acre site on County Road 12 just east of Rutherford Elementary School, Croix Bay would feature around 250 units providing a broad range of services including memory care, assisted living and a wide variety of independent living styles. Developers Ebenezer Senior Care and Northland Real Estate Group say the plan may include a café, bookstore or day care to integrate seniors into the larger nearby community.

A smaller senior care facility was approved for a 5.67-acre portion of the site in 2014, but was never built.

Darren Lazan of Landform Professional Services, planning firm for Croix Bay, said the previous project wasn’t a good fit for Stillwater. He said increasing the density, enlarging the units, providing more amenities and building three to four stories in some sections will preserve natural areas and allow almost two-thirds of the raw site area to remain almost untouched.

The larger of the two buildings, Lazan said, would provide below-grade parking allowing res-

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wski invited comments from the audience, and several residents spoke in opposition. Discussion of possibly limiting the size and number of vehicles parked in side yards or backyards in particular drew fire. Rob SanCartier, who circulated petitions opposing the restrictions, told the council the people are against more regulation. “They don’t want it.”

Councilman Tom Weidner, who with Councilman Mike Polehna voted against dropping the ordinance, called it shortsighted to be influenced by a “vocal minority,” adding, “There are people who want regulation. Those are the people who indicated there is a problem.” Weidner said he would favor restricting side yard parking to improved surfaces, limiting it to three vehicles outside the driveway, and limiting length of vehicles to 31 feet.

In other business, the council: Heard from Brad Glynn and Erin McQuay, The Locals, that plans for Lumberjack Days July 15-17, 2016 are on track. Volunteers are needed; watch www. lumberjackdays.com for updates and info. (Yes, the city got the festival name back).

Formally approved city participation in the 2016 River City Sculpture Tour.

Received a petition from Olive Street resident Tom Murphy signed by 85 percent of property owners opposing planned street improvements because of the high assessment rate.

Noted that spring burning restrictions are in place — no burning brush piles, per the DNR. Approved the sale of $6.5 million in general obligation capital outlay bonds and $2.5 million in general obligation tax increment refunding bonds.

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idents to access the terrace, pedestrian paths and natural features of the lake. That building would have an elevation of three stories on the front entrance facing Highway 12; its backside, adjacent to Long Lake, would exceed three stories to allow for the walkout design, he explained. Limiting the height to 35 feet would eliminate one-third of the units, tipping the scales, Lazan added.

Building height was one of the concerns frequently expressed by residents.

“I’m all for development and I love the idea of that parcel of land being developed,” commented Bradley Bush. “But one big issue is scope. When you’re looking at a building the size of Target and Walmart combined being plopped into a residential area that has very limited traffic, you have issues … Do we want to give them everything they ask for on a timetable so that they don’t have to negotiate more with the community? Why give up all your chips in the beginning?”

Throughout two hours of discussion and a number of emails, residents voiced concerns about potential traffic, noise and loss of views of the natural area formerly known as Jackson Wildlife Management area.

Lazan responded that the next step would be to develop sight line studies and prepare more detailed plans. He emphasized that residents will be included.

A Croix Bay Facebook page has been set up to gather input.

Meanwhile, after almost six months of struggling with a possible yard parking ordinance, the council dropped the issue, voting 3-2 to forego adoption of the ordinance. Though public hearings were held earlier, Mayor Kozlo-

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GOOGLE GOGGLES: Expeditions allow for interactive lesson plans FROM PAGE 1

they’re currently learning about,” said Nancy Hawkinson, the teaching and learning coordinator for the upper school.

Earth science students visited the sandstone rock formation known as the Wave in Arizona to view the effect of centuries of wind erosion, Spanish language students strolled through Spanish-speaking countries and Chinese language students trekked across the Great Wall of China.

One of the social studies lessons focused on a day in the life of a student in a Syrian refugee camp.

“A big part of who we are is taking action, with a global significance,” Hawkinson said. This means that classes explore ways to solve world problems.

LILA’s fifth-graders are currently working on their exhibition projects, which take the form of a mock European Union Council.

“Each student is assigned a country, and they have to give a statement about whether or not they’ll accept the Syrian refugees and why,” said social studies teacher Erin Maher. Maher also mentioned that students had explored the living conditions of tenement housing in New York.

“It was very surface level today, but it could be something that students can engage with on a deeper level,” Hawkinson said. “You can pause, put down the goggles and have a discussion.”

Acquiring Google Expedition equipment is not in LILA’s immediate plans, said Hawkinson, but it’s definitely something that the school would be interested in.

“It’s possibly something we can continue on with if we get creative with funding,” she said. She also said the school may soon be exploring the idea of holding a collection drive for used Android devices, which would allow the school to construct its own goggles.

This sample session used both Google Cardboard goggles and the sturdier red View-Masters.

“Is there a long-term goal? At this moment, no,” Hawkinson said. “But we’re always looking for ways to enhance learning, and technology is a great way to do that.”

To learn more about the Google Expedition app, visit www.google.com/edu/expeditions.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

BIRD BEHAVIOR: Climate change affects avians FROM PAGE 1

“They’re going to come up here and their food sources won’t be where they expect them to be,” Arnosti said. “Those are the kinds of birds that have trouble adjusting to climate change. They just assume it’s going to be the same as it always has.”

Arnosti also made mention of the popular DNR Eagle Cam, which provides livestream video from inside a Minnesota eagle nest. Right now, the eagles are successfully tending three chicks, but many watchers were extremely concerned about how early the eagle at this nest laid her eggs. When the eggs appeared in late January, the DNR provided a notice on its Eagle Cam Update page that this pair of eagles has laid eggs unusually early in the past, and that viewers shouldn’t worry. Although the eagles lost one brood to harsh weather a few years ago, every brood they have raised since then has been successful.

“This year they laid eggs in January and did just fine,” Arnosti said. “They’re making adjustments.

They figured it out.”

The birds are laying eggs earlier because the warm winters make it possible for them to raise chicks earlier. Spring is coming early for eagles, and this behavior is one example of the way that birds have been subtly reacting to the changes in their environment.

Arnosti explained that Minnesota is “a land of ecotones,” or transition areas between different types of habitats. Within state borders lies the most northeastern boundary of the great prairie, the southernmost boundary of Canadian boreal forest and the JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS western boundary of hardwood forest.

Don Arnosti of the Izaak Walkton League speaks at Marine “Small changes in climate mean that something Community Library.

that’s just barely hanging in there is going to retreat,” Arnosti said. “You won’t see these changes as quickly elsewhere, because we are at the edges of these areas.”

While the heartland of these territories might remain unchanged for years, the edges found in Minnesota will begin to change shape as colder weather shifts farther north, along with the bird populations that inhabit those places.

“If you’re attuned to plants you can begin to see some of those changes, and they’re happening within a lifetime,” Arnosti said.

Climate change won’t be bad for all birds, Arnosti said. The more adaptable, short-distance migrants like cardinals may find it easier to forage in warmer year-round conditions. Approximately two thirds of birds are expected to have trouble adjusting, while one third will thrive. To Arnosti, these signs are obvious indicators that change is taking place, whether people accept it or not.

“The birds are changing; they’re not debating the causes,” Arnosti said. “That pair of eagles is pulling off broods. We have a lot of people in denial. They don’t want to listen to the birds. They don’t want to look out their window.”

The next presentation in the series will focus on solar power. The event is set to take place on April 7 at 7 p.m. To learn more about Marine Community Library events, visit www.marine communitylibrary.org.

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Winery savors Steinbeck with ‘Grapes of Wrath’ event

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

ST. CROIX FALLS, Wisconsin — While there are many stately homes and buildings in the St. Croix Valley, only one of them is actually a castle— Chateau St. Croix Winery in St. Croix Falls. Chateau St. Croix frequently holds free music festivals and art shows. This month it will host a “Grapes of Wrath” reading and actors from Festival Theatre as part of the St. Croix Valley’s Big Read—and where better than a vineyard?

The castle is based on the actual home of a French musketeer, whose flag is displayed in the main hall. The tasting hall depicts a 14th century style, with suits of armor, carved wooden chairs and reclaimed beams from farms around the area.

“We’ve brought the Midwest into the Old World idea,” said Matthew Scott, the winery’s general manager.

Scott oversees the winemaking process at Chateau St. Croix. Scott worked as the curator of the Bell Museum of Natural History for awhile before he set out to do “something totally different.”

Wine was something in which he’d always been interested, so it made sense for him to pursue winemaking in the St. Croix Valley.

The dark stone tasting hall leads into a brighter banquet hall, styled in 17th century décor with a collection of paintings from a local artist hung on the walls. The winery features a different artist about every month or so. Scott said the winery actively tries to host free community events, since its goal is not to be an exclusive facility, as some wineries are.

“That’s not our philosophy; the events are to add on to our ambiance,” Scott said.

Scott said that part of the appeal in winemaking is the history that comes along with it. The upcoming Big Read event is just one example of the way that wine plays into a historical vein. Winemaking dates back centuries, playing different roles in different cultures, with hundreds of techniques and practices involved.

“We study not just winemaking, but history,” he said.

The winery works with growers

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Winemaker Matthew Scott samples a glass of a Cabernet/Marquette blend in the tasting hall of Chateau St. Croix.

throughout the St. Croix Valley. About 4 acres worth of grapes are grown at the Chateau location, but a winery of that size requires 300-400 acres to fully supply it. Scott said that one winery can have up to 25 growers, though Chateau has only 11 altogether.

“This winery chooses to use a lot of local growers, but it’s not required,” he said.

The back property is used as a festival ground. Each spring, the winery holds a free arts-and-crafts-focused festival that

IF YOU GO: WHAT: “Grapes of Wrath” performance and discussion WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Chateau St. Croix, 1998 WI-87, St Croix Falls, Wisconsin

includes food and music, which will take place on June 25. In July it hosts a jazz festival, inviting big name musicians to the vineyard with free admission. From May until October, every Saturday there is free music on the grounds.

There are a few changes in the air for Chateau St. Croix—the winery is in the process of rebranding, adopting a new label that displays an artistic sketch of the castle itself.

“Our logo is this building,” Scott said.

“If you go out to California, their winery is on their label. That’s who we are; this building is our brand.”

Another change is that its wines will once again be regularly available in Minnesota stores. Scott said that the winery had had agreements with Minnesota retailers in the past, but struggled with keeping the wine selections in stock.

“They didn’t see the way to come

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The interior tasting hall of Chateau St. Croix, which is based on a French castle that once belonged to a musketeer.

up with a core set of wines to keep in stock,” Scott said. “It’s the volume wines that should be distributed.”

Chateau will offer several wines in Minnesota stores, including a riesling, a rosé, the distinctive Chateau Rouge and more.

Scott said that while the Midwest is not known for its wines, he could see the St. Croix Valley transitioning to a well-known wine culture in the near future. He has observed the popularity of emerging wineries in Stillwater.

“The lower St. Croix is reminiscent of what Sonoma was 20 years ago,” he said.

“We’re seeing that culture happening here.”

Scott said he even hopes to see a wine trail develop in the area, where visitors could tour several wineries throughout the valley. To learn more about Chateau St. Croix, visit www.chateaustcroix. com.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Bottles of port are dipped into hot wax.

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Hudson reporter talks crime, community at speaker series

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

STILLWATER — Journalism was never in the plan for Stillwater native Meg Heaton. But it’s been 25 years since she began writing for the Hudson Star-Observer, and she shared some of her more memorable moments of community journalism as a speaker for the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s monthly Conversations of the Valley luncheon series.

The event, which took place March 15 at the Stillwater Grand Banquet Hall, was titled “Community journalism: writing news while living it.”

Heaton was born and raised in Stillwater, where she grew up on a family farm as one of eight children. She remembers a very rural, small-town setting.

“Stillwater was not the chic place it is today,” she said. “It was known primarily for the feed mill and the prison.”

Heaton attended college at UW-Eau Claire and worked in the Twin Cities for awhile before returning to her hometown to open a bookstore. At that time, a small newspaper approached her about writing a couple of book reviews, which marked her first venture into writing since college. Shortly afterward, she moved with her family to Hudson in

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER |PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Reporter Meg Heaton speaks to guests at the Banquet Hall on March 15.

1989, just after her twins were born. She began working part time for the Hudson Star-Observer, which allowed her the flexibility to care for two newborns while simultaneously exploring the Hudson area.

“It was everything I needed to know about my new hometown,” she said.

What began as an occupation soon turned into a career—one that has taken many serious turns over the years.

“The stories that to this day surprise me are the homicides,” Heaton said.

Among the more usual and fun community stories, Heaton has found herself immersed in some of the darkest stories in Hudson history, including murders, addictions, suicides and more. It started with a case of a mysterious double murder that took place in February 2002.

“We heard over the scanner that somebody was at the funeral home and they found dead bodies,” Heaton said.

Two bodies were discovered by a county medical examiner at O’Connell Funeral Home, where the victims appeared to have died from gunshot wounds. The victims had been beloved members of the Hudson community, and despite forensic assistance from state crime lab officials, there was very little evidence pointing to the murderer.

As the case began to attract wider attention from news sources across the state, Heaton said it was an advantage to be an area local reporting on the case.

She had built a firm relationship with Hudson law enforcement.

“They played it very close to the vest, except when it came to me because I was local,” she said.

Police asked the public for witnesses, any detail in connection with the murders, and the case remained unsolved for at least two more years.

“What followed could have been on ‘Law & Order,’” Heaton said.

A report that a local priest had sexually assaulted a juvenile boy sent investigators to talk with the suspect, Father Ryan Erickson. They found that Erickson also owned several weapons, including handguns similar to the type used in the 2002 murders. Upon questioning him, they found he knew certain details

of the case that had never been revealed to the public. He had no alibi for the day of the murders. Erickson denied that he committed the murders, but before police could complete their investigation, Erickson committed suicide. Heaton followed along with the case every step of the way, including a hearing that ruled that there was probable cause Erickson had been guilty of the murders.

“I will never forget that young man at the hearing who testified about the abuse,” Heaton said.

Things settled down in Hudson afterward, but not for long. Soon Hudson was looking into another dark corner of Hudson’s community—a streak of suicides and heroin abuse. The drug problem was surprising to her, since usually problems like these are centered in larger cities.

But the difficulty of addressing these problems was particularly challenging for Heaton.

“It’s always been a tough thing for newspapers to do,” she said. “When I started, I was told we don’t cover suicide.

But silence is not golden on this issue.”

As she delved into the topic in print, Heaton felt that she was tackling an issue about which newspapers had been too silent for too long.

“I remember feeling like there was a light coming into a very dark place,” she said. “We all live in the same community and we want this stuff to stop. We want it to be better, and the only way to do that is to shed light on it.”

By bringing attention to the issue, Heaton was able to help formulate a series of community forums to educate about the dangers of heroin addiction and the risk of suicide. The events drew hundreds of people, confirming that this little-talked-about problem was something that affected many locals in the Hudson area.

In addition to covering these standout hard news stories, Heaton has also covered many different beats of community news, and said she gets the greatest joy from writing her often humorous column.

“You have this opportunity to wear a variety of hats,” she said. “I get to be nosy for a living, and what could be better?”

Heaton anticipates retiring from the job sometime next year.

“I am lucky not only to work in my community, but to live there as well,” Heaton said. “It really is about the relationship that you develop with the community. That’s what gets you the story.”

The next Conversations of the Valley event will feature park ranger Jonathan Moore, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, April 20. For more information, visit www.scvfoundation.org/conversations-of-the-valley.

County will hold special election for new commissioner The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a special election to fill the District 2 commissioner seat at its meeting on March 22. The board declared a vacancy in the seat as of March 11 with the death of Commissioner Ted Bearth.

Because more than one year remains in Bearth’s term, Minnesota law requires that a special election be conducted to elect a person to fill out the remainder of the term that ends in 2018. There is no authority in law for the county board to appoint a person to fill the seat until the election, so the board will operate with four members until a successor is elected. The special election will be conducted concurrently with the regularly scheduled primary and general election in 2016. The ballot

will note that it is a special election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. Candidate filings for the special election will occur from May 17 to May 31. If more than two candidates file, a primary will be conducted Aug. 9. The general election is Nov. 8. The winner of the special election has the ability to be sworn into office once the canvass board has met and the election is certified in mid-November.

District 2 includes Birchwood, Pine Springs, Willernie, the portion of White Bear Lake that is within Washington County (Ward 4, Precinct 2), Landfall, Precinct 2 of Mahtomedi, Oakdale, and Woodbury Precincts 1, 2, and 7.

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Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

“THE BRONZE”

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Fri

April

30

6:52 7:41

Sat April

31

6:50 7:42

Sun April

1

6:49 7:44

Mon April

2

6:47 7:45

Tue April

3

6:45 7:46

Wed April

4

6:43 7:47

Thu April

5

6:41 7:49

WEATHER TIDBIT These are the winter dog days as we wait for “real spring” to arrive. March will finish about 8° warmer than normal.

I totaled 1.1” of snow for March and 33.3” for the season.

April forecast: Cooler and wetter than normal. Average: High 58°. Low 36°. Precipitation 2.95”.

WEEKLY AVERAGES APR. 1 TO APR. 7, 2016

High Low %Sun PCP

52° 31° 53% 0.51”

YEAR AGO THIS WEEK March 2015 snow totals only 2.9”. No joking! Record highs in low 80’s April 1. April 2, Ice-out White Bear Lake.

April 5, Ice-out Lake Minnetonka.

“HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS” (R) (3.5) [LANGUAGE.] — A delightfully charming, poignant, funny, star-studded (Tyne Daly, Stephen Root, Elizabeth Reaser), 95-minute film in which a quirky, scarf-wearing, lonely, sixty-something data entry clerk (Sally Field) who lives with a cat in the childhood, hoard-filled home of her recently deceased mother on Staten Island suddenly finds herself hopelessly attracted to a handsome, much-younger manager (Mac Greenfield) who was transferred to her New York City office from Los Angeles.

Crossword

“THE YOUNG MESSIAH” (PG-13) (3.5) [SOME VIOLENCE AND THEMATIC ELEMENTS.] — An unusual, engaging, well-acted, 109-minute Biblical film based on Anne Rice’s novel “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt” that follows one year in the life of Jesus as a 7-year-old boy (Adam Greaves-Neal) who moves from Egypt to Nazareth with his family (Sara Lazzaro, Vincent Walsh, and Finn Ireland), where a demon (Rory Keenan) continues to follow him and is pursued by a tenacious Roman centurion (Sean Bean) per the orders of King Herod (Jonathan Bailey) as news of his miracles begin to spread.

“THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY” (R) (.5) [STRONG CRUDE SEXUAL CONTENT, GRAPHIC NUDITY, VIOLENCE, LANGUAGE, AND SOME DRUG USE.]

— Vulgar, crude humor dominates this crass, groan-inducing, sporadically funny, cameo-filled (Isla Fisher, Ian McShane, Gabourey Sidibe), 83-minute spy spoof in which a moronic, soccer-loving Brit (Sacha Baron Cohen) who has a wife (Rebel Wilson) and several unruly children is reunited with his MI-6 agent brother (Mark Strong) in London and mayhem ensues when assassins (Scott Adkins et al.) are hot on their trail as they head to South Africa and Chile to find a duplicitous executive (Penélope Cruz).

WENDY SCHADEWALD The preceding films were reviewed by Wendy Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities film critic since 1986. To see more of her film reviews, log on to www.shortredheadreelreviews.com.

©1986 through 2016 by Wendy Schadewald

Fun Fact A polar bear cannot be seen by an infrared camera, due to its transparent fur.

Did you know?

“A GIRL IN THE RIVER: THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESS” (NR) (4) [SUBTITLED] [HBO ONLY] — An excellent, disturbing, educational, Oscar-winning, 45-minute, 2015 documentary short that tells the story of 18-year-old Pakistan woman Saba, who married the man (Qaiser) she loves in Punjab only to be shot in the face and dumped in the river in a sack by her father Maqsood and uncle Muhamm in an alleged honor killing for marrying a fiancé not approved by her family, is shockingly encouraged — to the horror of the criminal investigator Ali Akbar — by her attorney, her mother, sister, in-laws and neighborhood tribal elders to forgive her attackers so that they are released from jail and then can continue to live honorably.

17

Weather tidbits

Worth a Look Forget it

(R) (3) [STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT, GRAPHIC NUDITY, LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT, AND SOME DRUG USE.] — Foul language dominates this quirky, entertaining, realistic, 108-minute satire in which a former, crude-mouthed, bronze-winning Olympic gymnast (Melissa Rauch) who lives with her concerned, widowed mailman father (Gary Cole) in Ohio, reluctantly begins to coach a promising new gymnast (Haley Lu Richardson) with the help of a smitten, Tourette’s-afflicted assistant (Thomas Middletich) to the chagrin of a narcissistic coach and former gold-medal-winning Olympian (Sebastian Stan).

THE LOWDOWN

All polar bears are left-handed.

Sudoku 5. Thick piece of something 6. Cause to absorb water 1. Birds 7. Morning 5. Quills 8. 0 degrees C. 11. Coniferous tree 9. Dull, heavy sounds 12. Type of vessels 10.

Eisaku __, Japanese Prime 16. Used for baking or drying 17. Promotion of product or service Minister 13. Tellurium 18. Many wombs 14. In an angry way 19. “On the Waterfront” actor 15. Homopterous insect 24. Air conditioning 20. Above 25. Heart condition 21. Sodium 26. Curved shapes 22. Aoris’ father (Greek myth.)

27. The 7th letter of the Greek 23. They ring receipts alphabet 27. Periods of history 28. Let it stand 29. South Dakota 29. Famous actor 30. Mammal genus 30. Mated 31. High and low are types of these 31. Scotland’s longest river 32. Potato state 33. Marsupial 33. ___ City, OK 74641 34. African nation (Fr.) 34. Connected with touch 37. Huge 35. Molding 38. Mountainous area in Puerto 36. High-energy physics Rico 37. Of I 39. Crooked 42. Canadian law enforcers (abbr.) 38. Small pieces of bread 43. Neat and smart in appearance 39. Third day in Armenian calendar 44. Intent 40. They accompany the leader 48. Reptile genus 41. 1,000 grams (kilogram) 49. A way to make full 43. Felis domesticus 50. Merchant 44. Large, flightless birds 52. Michigan 45. Felt deep affection for 53. Manifesting approval 46. Suffer death 55. Melancholic music 47. Private rendezvous 57. Massachusetts (pl.)

58. Membrane of the cornea 49. Not the winner 59. Calendar month 50. Touchdown 62. Exam 51. Ancient Egyptian 63. Commission sun god 64. Old English letters 53. Portuguese parish 54. Aromatic oil 56. Not down CLUES DOWN 60. Mister 1. Olfactory sensations 61. Barium 2. Bon __ 3. Turn up 4. Bright

CLUES ACROSS

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Stillwater gets more shuteye with expanded sleep center

BY JULIE KINK CONTRIBUTING WRITER

STILLWATER— Didn’t get a good night’s sleep last night?

You’re not alone.

Between 40 and 60 million Americans each year suffer from chronic or occasional sleep disorders, which interfere with their work, driving and social activities, according to the National Institutes of Health. What’s more, sleep insufficiency is linked to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters and medical errors. Sufferers are more likely to have chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, depression and obesity, even cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Open since 2009, Lakeview Hospital’s Sleep Center saw 446 patients in 2014, compared with 214 in 2012, according to Jenny Kratochvil, manager of Pulmonary Services at Lakeview. The hospital’s two-bed sleep lab is so busy, it’s doubling to four beds and moving into new quarters at 850 Churchill Street West, a hospital-owned building that now houses offices. With the expansion, the lab will be able to accommodate another 145 patients per year, Kratochvil said.

So is the problem growing here in the St. Croix Valley, or are we just becoming more aware of the need for zzzzz’s?

Both, says Dr. Mustafa Ucer, manager of Lakeview’s Sleep Center, which sees about 50 patients per month. “Thirty to 40 years ago, we didn’t know that sleep disorders existed at such a level. Now we have better tools for diagnosing them,” he said. Obesity is a big factor, as is growing use of sleep meds, alcohol use and drug use — “a lot of things that a century ago, weren’t there. It’s a hidden epidemic.”

Six nights and two days per week,

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The expanded sleep center is designed to make patients as comfortable as possible while their sleep habits are monitored.

Lakeview conducts sleep studies and other tests on patients seeking relief from a host of problems, which include snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, teeth grinding, leg cramping, nightmares and other difficulties. Some patients are referred by their physician; others, by their sleep partner. “Sometimes people say, ‘Why am I here? I don’t feel tired,’” Ucer explained. “Sleep is a weird area because most of the time the patient doesn’t really know what’s happening until we do the sleep study. Then we show them their study in a graphic form, they see their breathing, how their heart

rate goes down and so on. They really don’t know that they have a problem until you treat it.”

Stillwater resident Debbie Lee Magee sought help at the sleep center in 2015, suffering from a chronic cough for almost two years. Diagnosed with sleep apnea but unable to use a CPAP machine, she was fitted for a special mouth brace to help her sleep. She cautions anyone who thinks that snoring is just snoring.

“It can become a very serious health issue,” she said.

As a patient, Magee was invited to help design the new sleep center, making suggestions about conveniences and comforts that will be especially important to patients who may be anxious about the experience, such as positioning of furniture, low lighting and even how patients are greeted.

Upon referral, patients are initially

seen by a physician who reviews their symptoms and suggests next steps.

Many patients need to have a sleep study performed, requiring an overnight stay.

Tests record the person’s physical state during various states of sleep and wakefulness, monitoring brain waves, oxygen saturation, airflow and abdominal and chest wall movements. Some tests measure how long it takes to fall asleep, while others assess a person’s ability to stay awake. Analysis of results determines the plan for follow-up care, which may include home equipment such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) equipment, medication, behavioral therapy or counseling.

“We spend about a third of our life sleeping. Clearly, we can see that the brain does so many different things when you are sleeping. It’s a very active process,” Ucer said.

“We recommend lifestyle changes if necessary. Even modest weight loss helps. Also, reducing use of sedatives, alcohol, narcotic medications or stimulant medications. We hardly ever use sleeping pills or sleep aids, because we want to find and fix the problem,” he explained. “Once you treat the sleep apnea, a lot of other problems improve. A majority of patients feel so much better even after the first night using CPAP. Number one, they sleep better; number two, it prevents a lot of things from happening like cardiovascular problems.

“Most people come in and say, ‘I don’t feel tired.’ The next time they come in and say, ‘I didn’t even realize how tired I was.’ They really don’t know that they have a problem until you treat it, and then they think this is the best thing ever,” Ucer said.

March 6-13 was Sleep Awareness Week. For more information, contact the Lakeview Sleep Center at 651-254-8150 or http://www.lakeviewhealth.org/sleep.

For healthy sleep tips, visit the National Sleep Foundation, https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-tools-tips/healthy-sleeptips.

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