St. Croix Valley Lowdown

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FILM FESTIVAL: St. Croix conference expands PAGE 2

Governor’s water summit explores policy ideas

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Lt. Governor Tina Smith moderates a panel of experts.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Board member Mike Ptacek questioned the board’s procedure before the proposal was put to a vote and passed, 5-2.

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

ST. PAUL — On Saturday, Feb. 27, Governor Mark Dayton invited environmental experts, state and local legislators and concerned citizens to participate in a summit about water quality, conservation and sustainability throughout the state.

Dayton addressed a crowd of hundreds at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront before attendees split into focus groups to discuss issues surrounding sustainability, preserving iconic waterways, problems in the wastewater infrastructure and more.

“What we really need is to establish an ethic of clean water practices,” Dayton said. “I urge you, and I ask you, to spend today establishing our ethic: that clean water practices are every Minnesotan’s responsibility. That anything less is unacceptable. And that it’s achievable if all of us do our part.”

Facilitators in each focus group took notes about the discussions, which were collected to be condensed and presented to Gov. Dayton by an advisory committee. Each group was asked to identify clean water practices that are already working, as well as barriers to creating a more sustainable model. Groups collected suggestions about what the Dayton administration should focus on in regard to clean water in Minnesota.

One of many issues identified was in creating a better system of education about water quality.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation has recently SEE WATER SUMMIT , PAGE 12

Board says ‘yes’ to BOLD

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

STILLWATER — The Stillwater School Board met once again on March 3 to vote on the contentious BOLD (Building Opportunities to Learn and Discover) proposal following months of parent protests calling for an alternate way to save money without closing three elementary schools in the northern part of Washington County.

A 5-2 vote ensured that Marine, Withrow and Oak Park elementary schools will be closed at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. This decision comes in the wake of a writ of mandamus filed against the district by Stillwater parent Melissa Douglas, in addition to papers that were served to the district by the BOLD opposition group 834 Voice several weeks earlier.

The meeting, which lasted five and a half hours, ended in tears for some. The hearing was preceded by a listening session during which nearly 50 parents and interested parties had three minutes each to deliver their opinions, findings and interpretations of the proposal and the actions of the board throughout the process. Some delivered eleventh-hour solutions in hopes that the board would reconsider. Some intimated there may be conflicts of interest among members of the school board. Many argued that the proposal itself was based on inaccurate research and was being enacted too quickly to ensure good results.

Board member Mike Ptacek agreed openly with these

“0% ng ci Finanable” Avail

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Marine parent Greg Seitz speaks out against BOLD.

sentiments, stating that he was also skeptical of the lack of options and the rushed procedure in pushing BOLD to a vote.

“There are so many little things that bother me procedure wise,” he said. “Most districts do not operate this way.”

SEE LOCAL SCHOOLS CLOSE, PAGE 12

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St. Croix conference features speakers and film festival

STEVE WHITAKER | SUBMITTED

Charlie Coyle Visit Wild Player Charlie Coyle visited Whitaker Buick GMC in Forest Lake to meet with fans and sign autographs on Saturday, Feb. 27. Coyle is the spokesperson and a customer of Whitaker Buick GMC.

RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN — A conference on the St. Croix River will take place at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on March 22 and 23. The St. Croix Summit has been expanded to two days for 2016, and will feature experts on numerous topics presenting information about the health of the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Also new this year, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, featuring movies focused on nature, outdoor adventure and environmental issues, will be presented on the evening of March 22.

All who are interested in the river may attend, learn, ask questions and share their passions and knowledge. The event is presented by the St. Croix Basin Team, the interstate and inter-agency group working on environmental issues in the watershed, and the St. Croix River Association.

“We really want to gather river lovers and resource managers together to provide abundant learning opportunities about the St. Croix, and hopefully leave them inspired and more knowledgeable,” said Monica Zachay, water resources steward at the St. Croix River Association and a member of the conference planning team.

This year's theme for the summit is “Resiliency in Action: Communities and Resources.” Speakers will share their expertise and insight on everything St. Croix, ranging from K-12 education to phosphorus reduction strategies to invasive species management.

More than 10 films will be screened during the Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Junior’s Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday evening. Attendees can buy a Klean Kanteen stainless steel pint cup at the event and get a free drink ticket; they also may join the St. Croix River Association at a discounted member rate.

The feature film is called “Paddle for the North.”

It follows six young men on a 900-mile, two-month canoe trip down the Peel River and other rivers in Canada’s Far North.

Registration is available at www.stcroixriver association.org.

From press release

Podiatrist– Foot Specialist Foster Homes Needed for Cats and Dogs

Dr. Christopher Phillips Medical and Surgical Management of the Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine

You can make a difference in the life of a rescued animal. St. Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue (Forest Lake) needs volunteers to provide short-term in-home care for friendly dogs and cats until they are adopted. Fostering can last from a few days to several months.

Treatment of Adults and Children with Foot Conditions

♥ Volunteer fosters provide the love.. ♥ St. Francis will provide all food, supplies, and medical care.

• Ingrown Toenails • Arch & Heel Pain • Bunions • Hammer Toes • Senior & Diabetic Foot Care • Arthritic Feet

We need you to provide daily care, exercise, socialization, and love.

If you are interested call

612-387-4869

or visit our website

www.stfrananimal.org

4653 White Bear Pwky White Bear Lake, MN 55110

651-426-3995 www.WhiteBearFootAndAnkleClinic.com

Complete accounting services for individuals and businesses

• Tax Returns • Tax Planning • Financial Reports • Retirement Planning • Estate Planning • Business Consulting We accept VISA and Mastercard Serving the Valley since 1984

James M. Honsvall, LTD. Certified Public Accountant 1815 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-4424

www.HonsvallCPA.com

SUBMITTED

Concept drawing of the Scandia Veterans Memorial.

Brick orders open for Scandia Veterans Memorial The Scandia Veterans Memorial Committee announces that construction of the memorial will begin in June. Plans are to build the Veterans Honor Wall first. Those wishing to purchase a personalized brick to honor a veteran or a current serviceman/woman for the honor wall are encouraged to do so now. Orders for the first personalized brick installment should be in by May 1. The committee hopes to have these installed by July 4.

This memorial, which will be located in Lilleskogen Park, seeks to honor all U.S. military veterans as well as those who are currently in service. The memorial is the Scandia community’s tribute to service men and women as well as a sign of the community's deep appreciation and gratitude for the freedoms that it

enjoys. Those who have served at any point in are eligible to be honored with their names included permanently at the memorial.

Completion of the memorial is expected during 2016. For more information on the memorial, go to www.scandiamarinelions.org/foundation/veteransmemorial A benefit to help with the memorial costs is set for May 21. The first annual Memorial Benefit and Motorcycle Ride will be held at Meister's in Scandia. Any additional proceeds will be donated to the Veterans Support Fund in the Scandia-Marine Lions Foundation. More details will be coming soon.

From press release

MARCH 11, 2016

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Forest Lake churches, businesses band together to feed the hungry

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

FOREST LAKE — Hosanna Lutheran Church is preparing to host the first-ever Lakes Area Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) Mobile Pack this April. The goal: $38,000, 750 volunteers, community unification and 150,000 meals prepared for children living in poverty in locations across the globe.

FMSC, based out of Coon Rapids, offers its mobile pack events for organizations to host meal-packing events on their own sites. In this case, Hosanna Lutheran Church will serve as the space where hundreds of volunteers will assemble and package easy-to-prepare meals, with help from the many hands of the Forest Lake community and beyond.

Last year, members of Hosanna had the opportunity to participate in a mobile pack in Shoreview. Hosanna Lutheran Church Pastor Linda Friesen said that the church had been approached by FMSC to begin hosting mobile packs of its own, since there were no other mobile packs routinely taking place in that area. Friesen said that Hosanna had initially planned to wait a few years before hosting a mobile pack, but excitement for the event was so intense that the church decided to go forward immediately with plans to host.

“We just so embraced it that we thought, ‘What about doing it this year?’” Friesen said. “It got put on the fast track. Church council recommended that we secure community partners and they said, ‘Let’s do this.’”

Margie Schmidt, who serves on the Hosanna steering committee, said that the preparation process has been a new experience for the church.

“FMSC has done this a lot of times, but of course they have to adapt to the location, so we’ve been working with them on how many tables we could have, how many people we need; so that’s what we’re working on now,” she said. “ We’re also making signs to thank the businesses who are donating things as well. So we’d love to see more people from the community go on our website and volunteer. We have cute little jars that can go into businesses to collect change; there are quite a few ways businesses can participate.”

But as Schmidt said, it’s not a big church. The host site has to purchase all the materials that go into hosting

SUBMITTED

A Hosanna Lutheran Church family attends a FMSC Mobile Pack in 2015.

the mobile pack, and members of Hosanna knew that they couldn’t do it all on their own—so they arranged to partner with other local churches, businesses and at-large members of the community to put together one big, community-building event.

“I’m really excited that several different religions are coming together,” Schmidt said. “I’m very bothered by the discussion happening nationally about criticizing and blaming other religions, and I think it’s a perfect time for many religions to come together and do something very positive together.”

Friesen said they toyed with names—at one point calling themselves the Forest Lake Mobile Pack— but once Elim Lutheran Church from Scandia was in the mix, the group officially became the Lakes Area Mobile Pack. Members of Forest Hill United Methodist and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, both located in Forest Lake, are also set to participate in the event.

Schmidt said that an event that

brings organizations together with a common goal is especially important in a time of such political divisiveness.

“I think that people need an external focus when things are difficult, and I think that this political scene has been very difficult,” Schmidt said. “People need something positive to go toward, and this has been that for us. We’re an average, middle-class church, and this is something we can really sink our teeth into and make a big difference.

It really has brought us together and given us something to work toward.”

Even with the help from other churches and organizations, the process hasn’t been completely easy.

When Friesen expressed her concern about raising enough money to an anonymous donor, he or she offered to match a donation of up to $5,000. This “$5,000 Challenge” was announced to the Hosanna congregation on Feb. 21, and the final results were announced last Sunday.

The congregation raised a total of $23,681.94. With the addition of the

$5,000 match, the total came out to $28,681.94.

“It’s our dream that we would love to make this annual event,” Friesen said. “We knew this first year that it would be a lot of hard work on behalf of Hosanna because people don’t know about it, they’re uncertain. We knew Hosanna would have to carry larger part of the burden, but this last week has materialized a lot of people stepping up from the community. If you can’t do it this year, we would love for you to consider helping us next year.”

The mobile pack will take place at Hosanna Lutheran Church (9300 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake) on April 1-2. At press time, Friesen reported that of the 750 available slots, about 200 remained to be filled, leaving plenty of room for anyone interested in volunteering their time to join with the community and help feed the hungry.

Visit www.hosannaforestlake.net/fmsc-mobile-pack to register to volunteer or to donate.

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The Lowdown is direct-mailed to homes in Washington County and zip code 55092. It can also be found at more than 100 rack locations! If you know someone who would like to receive it, they can ‘Say Yes!’ online at www. readthelowdown.com or by calling 651.407.1247.

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The impact of paperboys

I

n this week’s paper a letter to the editor commends the work of one of our neighborhood kids, Angelo, who is operating his first business - a paper route.

The letter-writer said his newspaper carrier came to his door with a bunch of flowers he was giving away just to make people happy. It is gestures like this that makes our community great.

Time and time again the people we meet and consult with in the newspaper world are shocked to learn we still have a youth carrier program.

There just aren’t many community weekly newspaper groups who use youth carriers. Paperboys (and girls) throughout the country have been replaced by the postal service, which many ways is easier to manage and Publisher’s in more cost-effective. So why do we keep doing it? The answer is, because View of kids like Angelo. I bet once a week Carter Johnson since I’ve been publisher, I meet someone who shares memories of being a newspaper carrier as a kid, many crediting it as the beginning of a successful career. Delivering the weekly news is an opportunity for a kid to have a first job that builds responsibility and entrepreneurial skills while providing them an opportunity to make a little extra money. When we hear stories like Angelo’s, it reminds us how important the carrier program is and why we are committed to it.

If you live in a neighborhood where your newspaper is delivered by a carrier, you should know you are among the very few such households in the country. It takes a community to make the carrier program work; first, a community that supports the work through subscriptions and second, parents who believe that having a weekly responsibility is still an important learning experience for their child.

Thank you for your support, and I also want to thank the current carriers and the former carriers who have delivered Press Publications products. Carriers deliver in the blistering cold, wind and rain and do it with a smile even when their friends are doing something more fun.

Subscriptions It’s fun to hear stories about how lives are being touched in our community by the stories and other information we print in the newspaper. From the inspiring feature stories about local people to life-changing events like Relay for Life, we get to shed light on the people and organizations who make this community great. A staffer shared a story about meeting a couple from Washington County who, upon learning he worked for our weekly newspaper, were anxious to tell him how they go through the community events section in the paper every week and choose at least one thing to do.

A few years ago our Hugo editor covered a story about a Met Council water meter that resulted in the cities of Hugo and Forest Lake receiving more than $2,000,000 in refunds for overages charged. Over the years parents have told us that their child thought they were famous when they saw their photo in the paper. These stories remind us of the importance of a local news organization. It’s our job each week to inform our readers about events and activities; help them understand what is happening in their local government; hold local governments, officials and institutions accountable; celebrate the achievements of students, athletes, and residents; provide a forum for residents to share their opinions and participate in community dialogue; report what is happening with businesses and the local economy; and to entertain readers with feature stories. Some people even pour through the paper each week to get the police reports. Twice a year we ask our readers to support your local newspaper with a subscription. Your subscription helps ensure the news and information that matters to you continues to be available to you every week, in print, online and on your smart phone. Please fill out your subscription envelope today or subscribe online at www.presspubs.com.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Beware of spring break scams

A

s winter drags on and spring break inches closer, a sunny vacation becomes all the more attractive. Many people are eager to trade cold weather for sunshine and the relaxing sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Spring break usually means a week of fun and sun; however, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota ® (BBB) warns people to plan ahead to avoid scams and Movers and common vacation Shakers pitfalls.

Scammers Better Business commonly target students looking Bureau to find great deals online by offering enticing vacation packages at unrealistically low prices.

That’s why it’s important to do your research fi rst. If you haven’t planned a vacation before, BBB (bbb.org) is a great resource for finding travel agencies that are reputable and dependable.

Here are some additional tips to help ensure a worry-free vacation: Plan ahead. The early bird gets the worm. Allow yourself the time to research hotels, flights, and area where you’re staying. Typically, the earlier the reservations are made, the better the deals you will find and the lower the risk of your favorite destination being

Scammers commonly target students looking to find great deals online by offering enticing vacation packages at unrealistically low prices. booked solid. Making reservations in advance also locks in rates and prevents you from paying higher prices later during prime spring break season.

Be alert for travel scams.

Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices that are too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money.

Do your homework. Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website and visit bbb.org for free Business Reviews. If you’re using services like Airbnb or VRBO to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you’re considering.

Get the trip details in writing. Before making final payment, get all the details of the trip in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels. Also review and keep a copy of the airline and hotel’s cancellation and refund

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota can be contacted at bbb.org or 651-699-1111.

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The Lowdown is a continuation of the Forest Lake & St. Croix Valley Press.

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policies, as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or vacation website – such as Travelocity or Priceline - you’re using.

Consider travel insurance.

Travel insurance is designed to cover such things as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

There are different levels of coverage based on what type of plan you purchase. Ask a lot of questions, and always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not.

Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.

If you’re not a planner and decide to set off on a spring break vacation on a whim, there are still ways you can protect yourself. First, inform a family member or friend of your itinerary and contact information. Second, take a map. People rely heavily on smartphones and GPS and it’s better to be prepared for anything in the case of technical difficulties or if you’re going through an area with poor reception. Finally, avoid traveling alone. Use the buddy system and stick with your friends. Use hotel safes to store extra cash and keep any valuables under lock and key.

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

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COMEDY SHOW

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12 Where: Running Ace’s TECH TALKS “Laugh Your Ace Off” When: 7 p.m. ThursComedy Club, 15201 Zuday Mar. 10 and Mar. 24 rich St., Forest Lake Where: Wyoming Details: Headliner Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Jeff Bergs with Chris Maddock and hosted by Wyoming Angelo Vescio. Tickets Details: One hour sessions at the Wyoming $15 in advance; $18 day of show.

Library covering varContact: 651-925-4600 ious technology topics and websites with a brief or runaces.com overview followed by hands-on experience.

TEN PIGS TRAVELING Ages 12+. Registration TRUNK SHOW is required in person or When: 2-2:45 p.m. Sunby phone. Topics covered day, Mar. 13 are Facebook (Feb. 25), Where: Hardwood Twitter (Mar. 10) and Creek Library, 19955 Apps for your device Forest Rd. N., Forest (Mar. 24).

Lake Contact: 651-462-9001 Details: Author and illustrator Derek Anderson will read his book, COMEDY SHOW ‘Ten Pigs’, lead a reenFUNDRAISER actment, sketch, sing When: 7:30 p.m. Friand more. For families day, March 11 Where: Running Aces, with kids up to age 6. No registration required.

15201 Running Aces Contact: 651-275-7300 Blvd. Columbus Details: Second annual show supports the STOP SMOKING Hugo Good Neighbors THROUGH GROUP Food Shelf. Headliner is HYPNOSIS Tommy Thompson, 2010 When: 6:30-9 p.m. finalist in World Series Thursday, Mar. 14 of Comedy. Tickets $40.

Where: Central LearnContact: Darin Carling Center, 200 SW 4th son at 952-220-3870 St., Forest Lake Details: Quit smoking of chewing immediately GADGET GURU without withdrawal, When: 1-2:30 p.m. Satcravings or gaining urdays, Mar. 12 & 26 weight. See hypnosisWhere: Hardwood clinic.net for questions Creek Library, 19955 about hypnosis.

Forest Rd. N., Forest Contact: 651-982-8110 Lake or flaschools.org/ce Details: Drop in or sign up for a 15-30 minute session to get help SENIOR SURF DAY with small electronics When: 1-3 p.m. Tuesand gadgets. Call to day, Mar. 15 register.

Where: Hardwood Contact: 651-275-7300 Creek, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Free class for DR. SEUSS seniors to learn computBIRTHDAY PARTY er and internet basics.

When: 12:30-2 p.m.

Contact: 651-275-7300 Saturday, March 12 or co.washington.mn.us Where: Wyoming Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., MICROSOFT EXCEL Wyoming 2010 IN THREE PARTS Details: Games, crafts When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. and more in celebration Tuesdays, March 15, 22 of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. & 29 Free for all ages and no Where: Hardwood registration necessary.

Creek Library, Forest Contact: 651-462-9001 Lake or ecrlib.org Details: Volunteer

Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of Feb. 28 – March 5

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

1. BFF: Basketball friends forever. White Bear > News 2. Centennial boys basketball team combats cancer.

Quad Community Press > Sports 3. Mobile home park takes Lexington to court. Quad Community Press > News 4. Readathon topped off with cherries. White Bear Press > Featured 5. Mother’s letters gave addicted son a dose of reality.

White Bear > News

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.

instructor offers threepart course. Register for all three sessions.

Contact: 651-275-7300

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

When: 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Mar. 15Apr. 26 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Learn an ancient practice that leads to better self-knowledge and self-management skills that makes life richer. $49, registration required.

Contact: 651-982-8110; flaschools.org/ce

THIRD TUESDAY NIGHT ADULT BOOK CLUB

When: 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Title selected is ‘Five Days at Memorial’, by Sheri Fink. Read the book and join the discussion. No advance sign-up necessary.

Contact: 651-275-7300

SALSA, MERENGUE & BACHATA DANCE WORKSHOP

When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 15 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Learn the basics of three dance styles. $29/person or $39/couple.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

DOG GONE READING WITH BELLA

When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Children in grades K-7 can read aloud to a therapy dog.

Call to sign up for a 15 minute session.

Contact: 651-275-7300

THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT ADULT BOOK CLUB

MARCH 11, 2016

BABY SHOWER

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

Thursday, Mar. 17 and 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Mar. 18 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Parents of infants can play with toys, sing songs, experience movements games and learn about ECFE. Take home a packet of resources and gifts. Free.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

WYOMING LIBRARY THURSDAY EVENING BOOK CLUB

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 17 Where: Wyoming Area Geise Memorial Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Wyoming Details: Read the book ‘The Aviator’s Wife’ by Melanie Benjamin and join the discussion. No registration required.

Contact: 651-4629001

SUBMITTED

‘Move the Pack’ fundraiser with Ann Bancroft WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 12

THE HONEST MAGICIAN

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

Friday, Mar. 18 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Nick The Honest Magician performs a show for people pf all ages. Ages 2+, $10 per family. Registration required.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

ELEMENTARY YOUTH NIGHT

When: 6:30-8:30 Friday, Mar. 18 Where: Southwest Jr. High School cafeteria, 943 SW 9th Ave., Forest Lake Details: Volleyball, Basketball and swimming, bingo, pizza and snacks for kids in grades 4-6. $10.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

LEGO MANIA!

When: 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, Mar. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Title selected is ‘Juliet’s Nurse, by Lois Leveen. Read the book and join the discussion.

No advance sign-up necessary.

Contact: 651-275-7300

When: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, March 19 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Lego builda-thon for kids ages 6 and up. No registration necessary.

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

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

Thursday, Mar. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Duo plays unique Scottish and Irish music with Celtic harp and wind instruments. All ages.

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

When: 2-4p.m. Sunday, Mar. 20 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Dive into family history and discover a world of genealogy databases.

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

WHERE: Knights of Columbus Hall, 1910 S. Greeley St., Stillwater

DETAILS: Polar explorer Ann Bancroft will share stories of outdoor adventures in a fundraiser to help the Wildlife Science Center move resident animals to their new home. $50/ ticket; seating limited.

CONTACT: wildlifesciencecenter.org/ upcoming-events

ADULT & PEDIATRIC CPR/AED

When: 6-10 p.m. Monday, Mar. 21 Where: Central Learning Center, 200 SW 4th St., Forest Lake Details: Learn to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age.

Certification valid for two years.

Contact: 651-982-8110 or flaschools.org/ce

FARE FOR ALL

When: 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 23 Where: Forest Lake VFW, 556 SW 12th St. Details: Open to everyone to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen meat packages at a discounted price. Cash, credit cards and EBT accepted.

Contact: fareforall.org

AARP TAXAIDE

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

STALK YOUR ANCESTuesdays and WednesMAGIC OF CELTIC MUSIC TORS WITH SHERRI: days, through April 15 GENEALOGY DATABASES WITH WILLOW BRAE Where: Forest Hills

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

OUT EAST ‘ANYTHING GOES’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12; and 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 13 Where: Stillwater Area High School Auditorium, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N, Oak Park Heights Details: Spring musical about a stowaway aboard an ocean liner from New York to London. Tickets $5/students; $6/seniors and $10/ adults, available during school hours or 45 minutes prior to the show.

Contact: 651-351-8109

LADIES NIGHT OUT

When: 5-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Mar. 10 Where: Downtown Stillwater Details: Shop local retailers for specials, fashion and decorating tips, appetizers, drinks and more.

Contact: 651-342-1386 or www.mainstreetstillwateriba.com

TEEN TECH MAKER FEST

When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Mar. 12 Where: Stillwater Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Teens will have a selection of tech projects to try or see demonstrated. Activities

MARCH 11, 2016

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THE LOWDOWN

Anderson as he reads his book ‘Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure’ to children up to age 6 and their families.

WCHS NEW VOLUNTEER Contact: 651-275-4338 INFORMATION or stillwaterlibrary.org

crafts and refreshments. $5/person at the gate.

Contact: 651-433-2427 ext. 15

MEETING

When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 19 Where: Warden’s House Museum, 602 N. Main St., Stillwater Details: Anyone passionate about preserving and sharing local history is invited to learn about volunteer opportunities through the Washington County Historical Society.

Contact: 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org

THOSE BEAUTIFUL BLUEBIRDS!

FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Shake Your Shamrock

When: 1-3 p.m., Saturday, March 19 Where: William O’Brien State Park, Cty Hwy 95, Marine on St. Croix Details: Program on attracting bluebirds, establishing bluebird trail, how to build a nestbox.

Contact: 651-433-0500 or www.dnr.state.mn.us

SPRING GARDENING PROGRAM

When: 1 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 26 Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Details: Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Washington County, event includes presentations and educational materials and resources.

Free; no registration required.

Contact: master gardenersinwashington co.org

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

Contact: 651-439-7434

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Minnesota and exotic locations, and the ‘HMS Erebus’ shipwreck.

Contact: umsatshow.org

FRIENDS AND FAMILY FUN DAYS

When: 10:30 a.m.-close Saturday, Mar. 12 and Sunday, Mar. 13 Where: Wild Mountain, 37200 Wild Mtn Rd., Taylors Falls Details: Free ‘never-ending’ ski and snowboard lessons with a lift ticket. Join lesson any time between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Print coupon online.

Contact: 651-465-6365 or wildmountain.com

ST. PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 13 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Mozart, Schubert and Rameau selections performed.

Contact: 651-291-1144

GARDEN U

When: 8:30 a.m.Saturday, Mar. 19 beer compliments of Kelly’s Korner Where: Hudson House WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, RED CROSS Bar after race. Participants receive Grand Hotel, 1616 CrestMarch 12 BLOOD DRIVE T-shirt and commemorative pint view Dr., Hudson When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Details: Gardening Tuesday, Mar. 22 WHERE: Kelly’s Korner, Centerville glass. topics include gardening Where: River Market for each season, small Community Coop, 221 N. DETAILS: Fifth Annual St. Pat’s CONTACT: water features and JapaMain. St., Stillwater Day 5K, 8K and Kid’s 1/3K walk/ www.shakeyourshamrock5K.com nese gardens, hosted by Details: All blood run. Race starts 11 a.m. Free green St. Croix Valley Master types needed.

Contact: 800 RED STILLWATER ART GUILD Gardeners Association. $35 fee includes lunch.

CROSS; redcrossblood.org GALLERY EXHIBIT Pre-register.

WILD ONES ST. CROIX When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. include Makey Makey, are welcome.

Contact: 715-549-438 Monday-Saturday; and Lego Stop Motion AniOAK SAVANNA MEETING CLAY WITH Contact: bethlehem or stcroixvlymga@ noon-5 p.m. Sundays, mation, Brush Bots and When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, SILLIE MILLIES star.org pressenter.com Scratch Programming.

March 15 When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. through Mar. 31 Where: Stillwater Contact: 651-275-4338 Where: FamilyMeans, Tuesday, Mar. 22 BOOKS ARE US Art Guild Gallery River or stillwaterlibrary.org Where: Stillwater LiWhen: 7 p.m. Monday, 1875 Northwestern Ave. TRANSPORTATION AT Room, 402 N. Main St., S., Stillwater brary, 224 Third St. N. THE CROSSROADS: ARE Mar. 14 Stillwater Details: Group hosts WE READY? Details: Children in Where: First United BUNNY BUDDIES Details: Features monthly meetings on na- grades 2-5 can create a When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 Methodist Church, 813 When: 7-8:30 p.m. acrylic and oil painttive plants and landscap- little frog from polymer Myrtle St., Stillwater p.m. The 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Mar. 22 ers Margaret McBride ing. White Bear Lake clay using the ‘MillefioDetails: Bring book Saturdays of the month, Where: Guardian and Barry Smith; Gary re’ technique. RegistraAngels Church, 8260 4th including Saturday, Mar. 12 recommendations to the artist and printmaker Thomas, cabin art; and Emily Gray Koehler tion required.

March meeting of the St. N., Oakdale Where: Stillwater Dan MacKenzie, photogpresents a narrative of Contact: 651-275-4338 Details: Free panel Library, storytime room, American Association raphy. her artistic work with or stillwaterlibrary.org of University Women discussion about what 224 Third St. N. Contact: 651-689-0149 plants. Social hour and (AAUW). Guests and can be done to invest Details: Young readrefreshments at 6:30. potential members welin transportation, the ers can read aloud to a GUIDED FITNESS HIKES or artguildgallery.com Contact: 651-275-0526 come. opportunities in Washtherapy bunny. Sign up When: 9-10 a.m. ThursContact: 651-735-0751 ington County, and what at registration desk. days, Mar. 24 NEIGHBORHOODS the legislature is doing.

Contact: 651-275-4338 Where: Lake Elmo CONVERSATIONS Contact: andreak@ or stillwaterlibrary.org Park Reserve, 1515 Keats OF THE VALLEY FARE FOR ALL NEARBY tlcminnesota.org Ave. N., Lake Elmo When: 4-6 p.m. TuesWhen: 11:30 a.m.-1 Details: 60-minute day, Mar. 15 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 16 CHOCOLATE fitness hiking program MARCH 2016 Where: The Grand Where: Stillwater Junior ‘NOISES OFF’ ST. CROIX SUMMIT AND includes warm-up and Banquet Center, 301 S. FILM FESTIVAL When: 1-5 p.m., SunHigh, 523 W. Marsh St. When: 7:30 p.m. Frifitness challenges along 2nd St., Stillwater days, Mar. 13, & 20 Details: Open to evdays and Saturdays, and When: Tuesday, Details: Guest speaker the way. Ages 13+. Free Where: Various eryone to purchase fresh 2 p.m. Sundays, through Mar. 22 and Wednesday, Meg Heaton, a local jour- with vehicle permit. inns/B & Bs throughout fruit, vegetables and Mar. 20 Mar. 23 Contact: 651-430-8370 nalist with the Hudson the St. Croix Valley frozen meat packages at Where: Lakeshore Where: University of Details: Enjoy a a discounted price. Cash, Star Observer, discusses or co.washington.mn.us/ Players, 4820 Stewart Wisconsin-River Falls parks ‘Community Journalvariety of chocolate credit cards and EBT Ave., White Bear Lake Details: 2-day conferism: writing news while delectables while touraccepted.

Details: Ticket $18ence features experts ing the historic inns and Contact: fareforall.org living it’. $17 includes $23. Performance full of on numerous topics LEGO LAB lunch and program. Regwineries of the St. Croix shocking surprises and presenting information When: 4:45-5:45 p.m. ister in advance.

Valley. Check website for IMAGE EDITING raucous humor. about the health of the Thursday, Mar. 24 Contact: scvfoundetails and reservations. ON THE CHEAP Contact: 651-426-3275 St. Croix River and its Where: Stillwater LiContact: 651-998-0185; or lakeshoreplayers.org dation.org/conversawatershed. Wild and When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesbrary, 224 Third St. N. tions-of-the-valley www.innsofthevalley.

Scenic Film Festival feaday, Mar. 15 Details: Details: Lego UPPER MIDWEST com Where: Stillwater Litures movies focused on build-a-thon for kids MAPLE SYRUPING DAY ages 6 and up. RegistraSCUBA & ADVENTURE nature, outdoor advenbrary, 224 Third St. N. SECOND SUNDAY When: Noon-4 p.m.

SHOW ture and environmental Details: Discover the tion recommended.

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

SUPPER Saturday, Mar. 19 basics of photo editing issues, and will be held Contact: 651-275-4338 When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Where: Warner Nature or stillwaterlibrary.org Saturday, March 12 and learn about some of at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. Center, 15375 Norell Ave. Mar. 13 Where: Ramada Hotel 23 at Juniors Bar in Rivthe top web-based and PIGGY PALOOZA N., Marine on St. Croix Where: Bethlehem Bloomington, 300 E. er Falls; $10 in advance, desktop applications, When: 10:30 a.m. FriDetails: Learn the hisLutheran Church, 490 American Blvd. Bloomincluding Picasa, Gimp, $15 at the door. Register day, Mar. 25 tory of maple syruping 4th St., Bayport ington online. and Flickr’s Avery. RegWhere: Stillwater and see the process firstDetails: Free. comDetails: Exhibitors, Contact: stcroixriveristration required.

Library, hand. Family friendly munity meal includes speaker presentations, Contact: 651-275-4338 association.org Details: Join author activities, log tapping, Turkey chili, breaddemonstrations; explore or stillwaterlibrary.org sap boiling, spile making, and illustrator Derek sticks and dessert. All caving and diving in

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SUBMITTED

Congratulations Ponies on a great season!

These local businesses are proud to support Stillwater Hockey!

Stillwater, MN

Upper Cut Tree Service

Wedge & Wheel

Paul McCarthy, Agent 11200 Stillwater Blvd N. | 651-748-900 www.mccarthyagency.com

MARCH 11, 2016

&

www.readthelowdown.com

THE LOWDOWN

Community shows support for Stillwater Boys at the State Hockey Tournament

Top photo: Members of the Stillwater Area High School boys hockey team face a cheering section filled with students and local residents, above, following their Minnesota State HIgh School Hockey Tournament quarterfinal victory over Farmington Thursday, March 3 at Xcel Energy Center.

At right: Luke Manning shoots the puck past the goalie during the 4-1 victory over Farmington in the first round of action.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Stillwater players celebrate a goal at Xcel Energy Center. After advancing in the first round, the Ponies were defeated by Wayzata High School (the eventual state champion) in a semifinal game that was not decided until the final seconds of regulation play.

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SCHOOL BRIEFS

T

Students work on constructing robots that provide a variety of services.

SUBMITTED

Top left photo (from left): Mason Stream, second grade and Chris VanHeel, sixth grade. Top right photo (from left): Hailey McElmurry, second grade and Kayla Tibbetts, sixth grade. Bottom photo (from left): Chris VanHeel, sixth grade, Haleea Babcock, sixth grade and Kendra Zalusky, second grade.

Columbus students share love of reading As part of I Love To Read Month in February, these sixth-grade students partnered up with second-grade students for a special reading and popcorn event at Columbus Elementary School.

Forest Lake hockey player honored with Herb Brooks award Kaitlyn Van Tassel, a resident of Lino Lakes and senior at Forest Lake Area High School, was awarded the Herb Brooks Award, an honor given at the Minnesota State High School League state hockey tournament to a student who exemplifies courage, integrity, work ethic and love of hockey.

Van Tassel is a six-time letter winner at Forest Lake Area High School, earning 60 points in her senior year with 28 goals and 32 assists. She was awarded all-conference honors for the past three years in the Suburban East Conference and has 176 career points. Van Tassel will play hockey at Bethel University next year.

Forest Lake seeks Hall of Fame nominees Forest Lake Area Schools is seeking nominees for both the district Hall of Fame and the Forest Lake Area Schools Arts & Athletics Hall of Fame.

The deadline to submit a nomination is March 18.

Nomination forms for both halls of fame, and other information, are available on the district website at www.flaschools.org. Nominations may be submitted in person, by U.S. mail or by email.

Y

Stillwater boys hockey

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of the

Noah’s spectacular goal in overtime lifted the Stillwater boys’ hockey team to a 1-0 victory over HillMurray in the Section 4AA championship final matchup at Aldrich Arena. It earned the Ponies a berth in the state tournament.

MAPLEWOOD

T TOYOTA

Within their automation and robotics course, teams of eighth-grade students at St. Croix Catholic School are busy designing, building and programming robots that are intended to provide specific services to help people in need. The students’ robots will incorporate printed 3-D parts for robots. This will underscore for students how the design of a specific part will lead to successful assembly and operation of a completed robot.

Each team of students chooses a real-world challenge that is meaningful to the team. For example, some teams are considering tackling problems that elderly face while living on their own, while others are considering designing robots to address specific physical challenges. The school will invite local designers to come in and work with the students, observing the students’ work and discussing designs with them. Students are utilizing VEX kits to design and build their robots, RobotC to program the robots and Autodesk Inventor and the school’s 3-D printer to print parts that are compatible with and enhance the robot’s ability to complete the specified task.

This project will be included in the eighth-graders’ digital portfolios as the science element of their Created for Greatness virtuous leadership formation experience, a formal leadership formation program of St. Croix Catholic School. Students will demonstrate an understanding that technology can help meet, but never eliminate, the obligation as human beings to serve others through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. For more information, visit the school’s website, www.stcroixcatholic.org or visit the upcoming Coffee and Conversation on March 14 at 10:30 a.m.

From press release

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Students design robots to help people in need

D Duncan had an outstanding Section tion 7 meet for the Forest Lake boys swim and dive team, helping them to the a tteam crown. The Ranger junior was ssecond in the 200 individual medley in 1:57.86, earning a berth in the state meet. st

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MARCH 11, 2016

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MARY’S WIGS

Located on Beautiful Bald Eagle Lake

Spotlight on Business

• GREAT SELECTIONS OF WIGS AND WRAPS • FREE TRIMMING

Call for Private Appointment 651.429.0296 OR 651.731.6894

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Owner Mary Solberg believes that personal service is one of the reasons her clientele keep coming back to her.

There are many reasons for wearing a wig; you could be losing your hair due to cancer treatment, your hair could be thinning as you add years to your age, or you might be suffering from a scalp disorder. Maybe, your busy schedule just doesn't allow you the time to style your hair everyday.

Whatever the reason, you can find the wig that fits your need at Mary's Wigs.

Mary Solberg, owner of Mary's Wigs, has been helping her clientele look and feel better about themselves for more than 40 years.

"I started selling cosmetics and wigs around 1977," said Mary, "but a little over a year ago, I decided that I would focus on wigs."

Mary's Wigs offers four top lines of wigs: Raquel Welch, Eva Gabor, Aspen, Henry Margu and Jon Renau.

"I only sell synthetic wigs because they are lighter and easier to care for," said Mary. "With synthetic wigs, all you need to do is give then a shake and put them on. Unlike hair, you only need to wash a synthetic wig every other week or so."

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ABOUT SPOTLIGHT Spotlight on Business is an advertising opportunity for businesses in the St. Croix Valley. In addition to ads run, advertisers also receive a special center article featuring news and information about their company written by a professional writer.

THE LOWDOWN

Finding a wig at Mary's Wigs is fairly simple. You make an appointment. Mary measures your size. You select a style and color. Mary will even customize your wig by trimming and thinning the wig so it looks great on you.

At Mary's Wigs, you'll find long, medium and short wigs in straight or curly/wavy styles that are available in colors to complement your skin tone.

"I have quite a few styles and colors of wigs in stock so there's a good chance I'll have what you want," said Mary. "If I don't have the exact wig you need, I can order it and have it in about four to five days."

Mary's Wigs also offers accessories such as shampoos, conditioners, wraps and turbans.

Mary's Wigs is located on beautiful Bald Eagle Lake and only accepts appointments Monday thru Saturday. To set up a personal one-on-one discreet consultation, please call Mary's Wigs at 651-731-6894 or 651-429-0296.

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MARCH 11, 2016

LOCAL SCHOOLS CLOSE: BOLD proposal passes FROM PAGE 1

Parent Julie Casserly felt that Ptacek was one of the only members who actively listened to parent responses.

“The thing that was distressing is that we all sat through hours of testimony, and [the board] whipped out their typed speeches,” Casserly said. “Not a change. Mike Ptacek didn’t do that; he said ‘I listened to you, I thought about it, here’s what I think.’”

Casserly, an attorney with two children at Marine Elementary, criticized the board during the hearing for its failure to disclose potential school closures in the plan for the new elementary school that was presented to the Minnesota Department of Education. Casserly said that absent those disclosures, the Department of Education could not properly determine if building a new school was appropriate. She also noted that the same information that was used to justify building a new elementary was the same data used as a rationale to close three other schools due to excess capacity.

Some parents spoke in support of the proposal for its ability to offer more services to children who might not currently have access, but they also questioned the rushed procedure.

Before voting, more than one board member spoke of the tremendous courage it takes to make an unpopular decision. They cited a devotion to help all children within the district as their reason for going forward with the proposal.

The Lowdown reached out to School Board Chair George Hoeppner for comment but was unable to make contact by press time.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Writ of mandamus

A writ of mandamus is an order from a superior court to a subordinate government official ordering that official to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion that is within the realm of their public or statutory duty.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Nearly 50 parents, educators and Stillwater locals addressed the board in a listening session prior to the vote.

WATER SUMMIT: Minnesotans explore sustainability FROM PAGE 1

launched a new initiative toward education with its Master Watershed Steward certificate. When the Environmental Protection Agency requested proposals for innovative ways to protect natural resources, the St. Croix Valley delivered this new program.

The summit addressed a timely issue, taking place only days before a study about the water quality in Central Minnesota was released by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This report addresses the contamination of groundwater sources, which provide drinking water for three out of four Minnesotans. The MPCA found that more than 60 percent of groundwater sampling wells contain nitrate levels beyond the safe drinking standard.

Lt. Governor Tina Smith later moderated a panel of experts from water-related industries on the topic of Water, Business and Stewardship. The panel included George Barclay of Dow Water and Process Solutions, Anita Foster of Mosaic Company, Ryan P. Godfrey of Tonka Water, Raj V. Rajan of EcoLab and Philip M. Rolchigo of Pentair.

Many agreed that part of creating real action toward clean water is by incentivizing clean water practices. As Rajan pointed out, the major concern facing businesses is that adapting to clean water standards should not make them lose their competitive advantage.

The panel was asked to point to

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A crowd of hundreds listen as industry experts discuss conservation.

examples of successful water practices that are already in action. Rolchigo mentioned the partnership practice between the Minnesota Twins and Target Field that collects and treats rainwater to clean the stadium, saving an average of 2 million gallons of water per year and preventing contaminated water from flowing into the river. This model exhibits the same kind of efficient water reuse that many participants agreed

they would like to see applied in various situations throughout the state.

Dayton has not yet announced a response to the information gleaned at the summit, but the summit got the ball rolling on public input and collaboration between organizations on the issue of clean water in Minnesota.

A program like the St. Croix Valley Watershed Steward certification is only one of many examples of how the push

toward sustainability may manifest itself in the future.

For additional resources about clean water in Minnesota and information about the summit, visit www.pca.state. mn.us/water-summit. For information about the St. Croix Valley Master Watershed Steward program, visit www.stcroixstewards.org.

MARCH 11, 2016

THE LOWDOWN

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Skiers pitch in for bone marrow transplant

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

BURNSVILLE — Around 80 skiers turned out at Buck Hill in Burnsville on Saturday, Feb. 27 for a “SnowflakeFundRacer” to raise money for a bone marrow transplant for a fellow skier.

Among the skiers was Jack Callahan, a ninth-grader, who races on the Forest Lake Area Ski Team. Jack’s mother Jeanie Callahan, who took him to the race, brought the fundraiser to the attention to the Forest Lake skiers since she first heard about the medical situation of one of her coworker’s daughters, Hannah Kiresuk.

Hannah, 20, raced for the Roseville downhill team and the Buck Hill USSA throughout high school. When she was 16, Hannah was diagnosed with a rare condition called myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis causes a weakening of skeletal muscles. Because the disease is so rare, most of the treatments are experimental, said Hannah’s mother, Teri Kiresuk. As a result, insurance will not cover a bone marrow transplant, and the family is determined to raise $500,000 to pay for the procedure, enlisting the help of friends, family and a supportive network of ski teams and organizations throughout the state.

“We sent out the fundraiser flyer to all high school coaches in [the] conference, all the coaches know each other,” Teri said. “We also sent out emails to all of our ski team family at Buck Hill, so they spread the word as well.”

Jeanie, as a Forest Lake ski parent and a coworker of Hannah’s father, is among that network. Although she and Jack were the only ones from Forest Lake to attend the fundraiser, other members and parents of the Forest Lake team have donated to the online campaign. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association, which also helped to sponsor the race, runs the online fundraiser for the procedure Hannah needs.

Currently, Hannah undergoes three plasmapheresis procedures (which extract blood and replace plasma cells) per week, as well as monthly chemotherapy treatments. This is not a cure, Teri said. These procedures treat some of Hannah’s symptoms, but they they leave Hannah periodically exhausted.

An expensive bone marrow transplant is required to be able to take the next step, which could push the disorder into remission.

Hannah’s sister Elizabeth, 15, also races on the Roseville team and is a USSA skier at Buck Hill. Roseville was among the many teams that participated in the fundraiser race. The race raised around $4,000 to put toward Hannah’s fund.

“Hannah was a very competitive skier before struck with this illness,” Jeanie said. “She raced against the

RACHELLE WORKMAN | SUBMITTED

Skiers of all ages were welcome to participate in the Snowflake FundRacer competition to help a former Roseville skier afford a bone marrow transplant.

Forest Lake ski team, and then her sister is currently on the Roseville team racing against us. They both are very talented skiers, so people on our team are very familiar with the name. It gets their attention, everyone knows who they are. Everyone had a connection to them, and it might touch that nerve in them that this could happen to one of our skiers.”

Hannah was able to attend the fundraiser race and visit with participants.

She had intended to race herself, with the assistance of adaptive ski equipment from Padraig’s Place, but the weather turned out to be too warm for ideal conditions on the hill.

“She had a blast at the ski event, and unfortunately was very tired afterward, so she’s been down and out, fatiguewise, through the past couple of days,” Teri said. “She lost a stuffed animal, and there’s been kind of a media push to find Hammy the Cow. She was very tired this week. She gets regular treatments at the hospital on outpatient basis, and she’ll have chemotherapy this weekend, once a month. It’s not a cure; it just helps to suppress everything.”

The day following the race, a benefit and silent auction was held at Kieran’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis. At some

point during this evening, Hannah’s stuffed animal, which has been with her for all of her surgeries, was misplaced. The search is ongoing for Hammy the Cow. So far, $63,253.76 has been raised to put toward Hannah’s transplant. There are several more fundraising events coming up this spring, starting with a Spring Snowflake Festival on March 26, which includes a pancake breakfast, Easter egg hunt and an all-day festival with food, vendors and family activities. To learn more about the upcoming fundraisers or donate to the campaign online, visit www.cota4hannahk.com.

Right: Hannah enjoys watching from the sideline.

Bottom Left: Skiers line up for the race.

Bottom Right: Hannah Kiresuk visits with the competition winners.

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Valley Outreach hosts FoodShare campaign

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STILLWATER – From parking ticket revenue to restaurant support and gift shops to pet clinics, the Stillwater community is rallying behind Valley Outreach’s food shelf for the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which began Tuesday, March 1. All month long, schools, businesses, churches and individuals will be working together to help neighbors in need.

After a huge outpouring of support and publicity last year, the City of Stillwater is once again partnering through “Food for Fines.” Throughout March, fines in the downtown parking district can be paid off with a 10-item donation of non-perishable food item.

Typically parking fines cost $15. If offenders bring the ticket in within the 10 day “grace period” for paying the fine, “Food for Fines” will be honored.

“Stillwater stepped up in a big way last year. Nobody anticipated the incredibly positive and far-reaching publicity and awareness that was generated because of it. We are thrilled they are doing it again,” said Valley Outreach Executive Director Tracy Maki. “Stillwater was the first city in Minnesota to do this and I believe they still lead the way.”

Local restaurants are in on it, too.

Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop said, “Leo’s is proud to partner with Valley Outreach for the “fill this plate” campaign. It is important to us to support our local food shelf in the St. Croix Valley. We will be donating 10% of our sales on March 14 and 15.”

John Schiltz, of the Lake Elmo Inn, is challenging his industry peers in the St. Croix Valley to energize this March effort. “All the restaurants in the valley should do the best job they can, through employees and customers, in creating awareness, raising money and bringing in food donations. We should be the leaders in helping to fill this food shelf for people in need.”

Throughout March, the Lake Elmo Inn will have cash boxes available for patron contributions.

Forget-me-Not, a gift boutique in Still-

water’s historic downtown, is offering $6,000 in matching funds on Friday, March 18. Nancy Haugen, owner of the shop, will match donations brought to the store, located at 102 Main St. North.

For the sixth year, Cedar Pet Clinic in Lake Elmo will collect pet food donations for Valley Outreach. “Knowing how important our pets are to us, we’ve been acting as a donation site for the last five annual campaigns,” said Dr. John Baillie. “During March, our consultation room fills up with bags and cans of food of all sizes and descriptions—clinic kitty Moe likes to perch up top—and at the end of the month, we send it all off to the Food Shelf for distribution. We average nearly 1,000 pounds per year. “ Other creative community support comes from Minnesota’s March FoodShare Campaign.

Each year, the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign supports 300 food shelves across the state. Valley Outreach’s effort is branded locally as “Fill This Plate;” last year, Valley Outreach distributed enough food to fill 620,000 plates.

“That number is astonishing, even to those who know our organization’s work well,” Maki said. “The 620,000 meals worth of food is significant and shows that we have need in our fairly wealthy community. We want the look of an empty plate to bring greater awareness to local poverty and the demand for food support.”

During the 31 days in March, any food and funds received become eligible for partial matching funds through the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign.

Aside from the matching opportunity, for every $1 donated, $8-$10 of food can be purchased through buying partners Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group.

Find Fill This Plate resources and information at http://valleyoutreachmn.

org/march_food_share.aspx From press release

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15

State contest seeks veteran-themed poems

JIM MORTWEDT | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Plaque at the top of Eagle Mountain, the highest point in the state of Minnesota.

Like to roam?

Consider highpointing Minnesota susceptible.

There’s an obscure Usually you drive most of pastime that you the distance, and hike the last might—for reasons few miles, mile, or hundred that include human yards, whatever. The nature—have some highpoint of Minnesota, for interest in. This example, is Eagle Mountain, pastime is another not far out of Grand Marais. excuse to get outdoors.

On the ascent—that term is It can be done in any Woods a little grandiose for most county, any park, county highpoints or any state. Any and Water Minnesota if not for this one—you cross geographic entity, in fact, and any season.

Notebook into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on foot. It’s about You tend to see the Jim a three-mile hike one way. unusual. It takes you But the vista on top includes to places you would Mortwedt Lake Superior on a clear day. not otherwise go and Something ancient in us that expands your likes a highpoint. The pagans perspective. What’s more, it can in the Old Testament did a lot of be combined with interests in whooping it up on mountaintops. history, fitness, hiking, geology, But Moses and Jesus topped the birding or a half dozen others. pagans. Moses at Sinai or Horeb.

The only recommended And Jesus put the Mount of equipment is a sturdy pair of Olives, highpoint of Jerusalem, shoes or boots, and for that on the map. Nowadays, matter there are plenty of places, highpoints are big for capitals, depending upon local terrain, radio towers, observatories, where sandals would suffice. military strongholds and more.

It’s called highpointing, this pastime. It’s disarmingly Homo sapiens is drawn to the straightforward and frequently sweeping vistas at highpoints. It quirky. To highpoint you can’t be entirely explained. We just determine the highest elevation are. in a given area, and you go there.

The surprise at Eagle Mountain That’s it. It’s often something of a when you summit is a plaque funky experience. Funky in the fi xed to a boulder that notes that sense of unconventional.

General Grant’s son, Ulysses S. People will give you a blank Grant II, was part of an 1890s look when you tell them you surveying crew that executed the highpoint. That seems to be an early mapping of the territory. incentive for highpointers, some Grant was in the company of of whom march to a different Minnesota State Geologist drummer. Thoreau, everyone’s Newton Winchell. The two put the favorite different drummer, was elevation of Eagle Mountain at a highpointer. He scrambled to 2,230 feet above sea level, without the top of Mount Washington, ascending. They also thought high point of the east in New mistakenly that there was a yet Hampshire. He bagged other higher point in those Misquah highpoints, too.

Hills. In 1961, the elevation of Of course, if you’re a highpointer Eagle Mountain was revised by a of counties in the mountain states, federal Interior Department team you are a mountain climber, too, to 2,301 feet, and declared once which I am not. and for all Minnesota’s highest This pastime also somehow point. So, oddly, the highest clicks with our innate desire to point in Minnesota is but a few collect, but not material things: miles from its lowest point: Lake lists of locations, of highpoints. A Superior. vestige of our paleo past?

By the way, mountains are Once you have gotten yourself popularly defined as having to a number of highpoints, some peaks in excess of 2,000 feet latent desire to acquire more elevation; local relief isn’t is triggered! It’s not addictive usually considered. So Rib or infectious, but it’s related.

Mountain in Wausau, Wisconsin, The curious are perhaps most falls a bit short of true

mountainhood despite its name, at 1,923 feet above sea level.

You start making a list, mentally or on paper, and pretty soon your routes to old familiar places, say the cabin, or your daughter’s college, your son’s hockey game, or whatever, have to be changed as you snag a new highpoint or two.

Just think, there are 12 metro counties. You could start there.

Someday soon I’m going to go over to Tower Drive in Woodbury.

There’s a highpoint near there to be had. That’s the highest point in Washington County. (Permission is needed on private property).

It’s great when county highpoints are named: Dakota County has Buck Hill. Wabasha County has Greenfield Hill. Many county highpoints in Minnesota are not named, and that’s another odd thing. Inevitably you will search for some nameless peak, which can make you mumble to yourself. But that’s allowed in highpointing, don’t worry.

I’ve been to a number of state highpoints too, in addition to Minnesota’s Eagle Mountain. The Wisconsin highpoint, Timm’s Hill, is in Ogema. There’s a walkup tower and a great view. The Illinois highpoint is a cornfield but I “bagged” it anyway.

Michigan’s is great and you can drive to the top of Mount Arvon in the UP. When I did, I was stopped by an overhanging branch with a scrub grouse perched on it. I rolled down the window and the bird stared at me from 20 inches!

Audubon says the scrub grouse is also called the “fool hen.” This is an animal that allows humans to approach it. That is foolish. This is the sort of thing that happens to highpointers.

In South Dakota the peak is a true peak and about 8,000 feet above sea level. Harney Peak is in or very near Custer State Park and is completely hikeable.

It’s the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains and featured in many of South Dakota’s TV ads.

Gorgeous place.

Here’s the best summary I’ve seen of highpointing: it’s a quirky excuse to roam. Good summary, but it’s more than that too. See for yourself. Start collecting highpoints.

ST. PAUL — In recognition of the Month of the Military Child and National Poetry Month in April, U.S. Senator Al Franken announced that he is hosting his fifth annual poetry contest for Minnesota students. The theme of this year's contest is "Celebrating the Veteran in My Life."

“There are thousands of students all across Minnesota who have seen or experienced the sacrifices veterans and their families have made for our country,” Sen. Franken said. “Some of them are children of current service members, while others know men and women who have served. This poetry contest will allow students to honor those veterans and to put into their own words what those sacrifices have meant to them.”

The contest is open to all students in Minnesota grades K-12, with three age categories: Kindergarten to fifth grade; sixth to eighth grades; and ninth to 12th grades. Students can celebrate any veteran or active military member, including a relative, family friend or neighbor who has had a positive impact on their lives.

Winners will be chosen in each age category. Those selected will receive an invitation to attend a reception at Sen. Franken’s St. Paul office. Guests include Sen. Franken; Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Larry Shellito; Minnesota Poet Laureate Joyce Sutphen; Minnesota National Guard Major General Rick Nash and Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. Top winning poems in each category will be framed and displayed in Sen. Franken’s offices in St. Paul or Washington, D.C. The overall winner in each age group will receive an autographed book by famed Minnesota author Garrison Keillor.

If you or someone you know wishes to participate in the poetry contest, submit a poem

by April 19, 2016 to poetry@franken.senate. gov or by mail to: Office of Sen. Al Franken c/o “Poetry Contest” 60 Plato Boulevard East, Suite 220 St. Paul, MN 55107 Participants may submit only one poem, no longer than 250 words. Each entry must include the name of the child, the parent/guardian’s name, a phone number, and the name of the child’s school. Clearly indicate the participant’s age category.

From press release

Stillwater investment advisor pleads guilty SAINT PAUL — Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced that a Stillwater man has pleaded guilty to stealing from the clients of his investment advisory business.

Levi David Lindemann, 40, was indicted on Dec. 22, 2015, on one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. He pleaded guilty to the entire indictment against him before U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to his guilty plea, between 2009 and 2014, Lindemann owned and operated Gershwin Financial, Inc., an investment management company that did business under the name Alternative Wealth Solutions (AWS). Through AWS, Lindemann provided financial planning and asset management services, and sold insurance annuities and investment products to clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He used AWS to solicit investor funds from approximately 50 investor clients. He encouraged his clients to surrender their retirement accounts to him so he could invest funds on their behalf.

Instead of investing their money as promised, Lindemann used the funds to pay personal expenses, convert the investments to cash for his own use, purchase an Infiniti QX56 sport utility vehicle and make Ponzi-type payments of promised returns to other investors. According to his guilty plea, Lindemann took steps to conceal his fraudulent activity and lull his clients by creating counterfeit secured notes and providing them to investor clients as proof of their investment.

From press release

16

&

THE LOWDOWN

www.reathelowdown.com

The Forest Lake Police Department reported the following incidents:

Arrest/Citation • An employee at SuperAmerica on Broadway Avenue W reported a suspicious male refusing to leave the store bathroom at 1:39 a.m., Feb. 29. Officers persuaded the individual to open the bathroom door, and observed that the male was eating beef jerky and appeared to be heavily under the influence. It was found that the man, a 46-yearold from Columbus, had not paid for the beef jerky and he was arrested for theft. As police were escorting the man to the squad car, he intentionally hit his head on the car twice, causing a dent.

Theft • Managers at the Wilcox Chevrolet Cadillac on 19th Street SW reported at 3:09 p.m. on Feb. 27 that a security video showed a suspect, driving a silver Ford Taurus, drive into the lot and attempt to steal tires and rims off the cars. He was unsuccessful. The plates did not match the vehicle in the video.

Police are investigating.

• A break-in and theft was reported at Koppy Motors of Forest Lake at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 27. Sometime during the night, the backyard gate had been crashed through and a trailer with a Bobcat was stolen. The vehicle used to breach the fence gate appeared to have been stolen from the business across the street due to its fence having been crashed through.

• A burglary and theft was reported at the Forest Lake YMCA on Forest Road N. at 6:53 a.m., Feb. 26. The manager reported that sometime during the night, a

suspect came into the construction site through an unlocked gate and stole approximately $20,000 worth of tools and equipment.

Lightbulbs had been removed from the entryway during the theft. The manager reported that the suspect seemed to know where high-dollar items were located, and mentioned that a construction employee had been fi red the day before and was very upset. A glove and small flashlight were found on the ground at the scene.

• An employee at the Forest Lake Walmart on 12th Street SW reported a possible shoplifting incident at 2:58 p.m., Feb. 23. An unknown male came into the store wearing a blue associate vest, loaded two high-value TVs into a cart and attempted to push them out the door. He passed all points of sale and was outside of the store before being confronted by the store greeter. When confronted, the suspect left the TVs and departed in a vehicle that looked like a blue Chevy Suburban. A similar individual had been reported at other Walmart stores; officers sent an investigative referral for a crime alert to identify the suspect.

Other • Officers noticed a large gathering of pickup trucks in the parking lot of the Office Max on 12th Street SW at 1:16 p.m., Feb. 28. It appeared that there was some kind of event being set up at that location. Police made contact with someone who said that the group, the “MN Truck Mafia,” had permission from the Office Max manager to meet in the parking lot. Police provided the group with a printed copy of the outdoor entertainment ordinance and how to apply for a permit, and told

MARCH 11, 2016

the group to vacate the property.

Most of the truck drivers complied without incident, but officers noted that “some left at a high rate of speed with loud exhaust.”

check for herself and said she would call back, but she never called back.

Other

The Stillwater Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Three juvenile boys were caught smoking cigarettes on Mulberry Street W. at 9:05 a.m., Feb. 22. The incident was referred to the Youth Service Bureau.

• At 10 a.m., Feb. 23, a 43-year-old Bayport woman reported a Craigslist scam where she was sent a check to purchase an item, and the check was in an amount more than the item was worth. The alleged buyer requested that the complainant cash the check and return the overage.

She believed it was a scam and contacted the police, who informed her it likely was a scam.

• At 12:45 a.m., Feb. 24, an officer on patrol noticed a vehicle legally parked on the 2800 block of Lake Drive that appeared to have fresh damage. The officer made contact with the vehicle’s owner. The vehicle had, in fact, been struck while parked, and the suspect vehicle failed to stop or report the incident.

No suspects at this time.

• Police provided assistance to a person parked in a ramp in the 200 block of Chestnut Street E. on Feb. 27. The sign on the ramp said that cars could be parked there until 6 p.m., but it was 5 p.m. and the gate was down, so the vehicle was stuck inside the parking ramp.

• A woman on the 12100 block 87th Street N., reported at 4:58 p.m., Feb. 28 that on the previous day, a bear had been on her deck and knocked her bird feeder down.

Theft • At 12:29 p.m. Feb. 22, a 75-yearold Stillwater man reported that someone had filed taxes in his name.

He had reported it to the IRS and he needed a case number from the police so he could file the appropriate paperwork. Local police are unable to investigate these types of crimes because the IRS does not share that information.

• A package was taken from an address on the 900 block of Northland Avenue sometime on Feb. 22. A 52-year-old Stillwater woman reported that a package had been taken from her mail and opened. The packaging was left behind, and the item inside, which was medical device valued at $55, was missing. The carrier confirmed the envelope had been delivered intact, so between that time someone had entered the mailbox and opened the item.

• On Feb. 24, the Lexington Inn and Suites on Washington Avenue reported that 55-inch television had been taken from a hotel room.

The room had been rented by a 38-year-old Blaine woman, and hotel employees apparently witnessed this woman and another man loading the television into a vehicle. Police are investigating.

• A 49-year-old Oak Park Heights woman called at 5:22 p.m., Feb. 27 and said her son believed his vehicle had been stolen from Stillwater Jr. High. She went to

WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEFS The following actions were taken at the March 1 Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota County prepares for 2016 bond sale The Washington County Board of Commissioners gave its approval March 1 for the first steps of the issuance and sale of $20 million in general obligation capital improvement bonds after a public hearing was held on the bond sale. The county will borrow money to fund a number of road and parks projects, and to continue developing fiber optic connections to county facilities as included in the 2016-2020 capital improvement plan. The board’s action authorizes the county's bond counsel, Kennedy and Graven, and the county's municipal advisor, Springsted, to take the steps necessary to negotiate the sale of a new bond. The winning bid will be presented to the county board to award the sale of the bonds at its April 5 meeting.

The 2016 bond sale will be used to fund:

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Sheriff’s Office to install microwave communication system The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement March 1 with Aviat Networks to install a microwave system between the Washington County Law Enforcement Center and the Allen S. King Power Plant in Oak Park Heights.

Washington County uses microwave radio to connect its tower sites. The main system is looped, so if a segment fails, traffic will be rerouted over the remaining microwave links. Washington County

PUBLICATION THE LOWDOWN FOREST LAKE

County will upgrade public safety radio system Washington County will work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to upgrade its portion of the statewide public safety radio and communications system, called ARMER. Motorola has proposed an offer to upgrade the system that will reduce the cost to both the state and local entities as part of a five-year agreement.

MnDOT will enter into a contract with Motorola for the state and local portion of the hardware costs and software upgrades. Washington County will enter into a partnership with the MnDOT to reimburse it for the county’s portion of the software and hardware upgrades.

Annual Audit Report 2015

Annual Audit Report 2015 Audit Period April 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015

had three old systems that are no longer supported, and cannot work with the Aviat core looped network.

The new system will replace those that are no longer functioning well.

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MARCH 11, 2016

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Reel talk Don’t Miss!

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.

“GODS OF EGYPT” (PG-13) (1) [FANTASY VIOLENCE AND ACTION, AND SOME SEXUALITY.]

— After the greedy, evil, power-hungry god Set (Gerard Butler) usurps the throne in ancient Egypt from his nephew Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and blinds him in this poorly acted, disappointing, silly, star-studded (Geoffrey Rush, Rufus Sewell, Elodie Yung, and Chadwick Boseman), 127-minute film filled with horrendous dialogue, a thieving mortal (Brenton Thwaites) helps the Egyptian god regain his eyesight and the throne in exchange for bringing his girlfriend (Courtney Eaton) back from the dead.

“LONDON HAS FALLEN”

(R) (3.5) [STRONG VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT.]

SUNRISE / SUNSET

WEATHER TIDBIT WEEKLY AVERAGES Spring fever is in the air as we enjoyed our first lengthy MAR. 11 TO MAR. 17, 2016 6:11 period of much warmer than normal temperatures.

High 41° 6:13 Snow banks are dwindling and most yards are fully Low 23° exposed.

Robins and the return of Canada Geese are %Sun 55% 7:17 DST** being reported. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday. PCP 0.54” 7:18

Fri

March 11

6:32

Sat

March 12

6:30

Sun

March 13

7:28

Mon

March 14

7:26

Tue

March 15

7:24 7:19

Wed

March 16

7:35 7:21

Thu

March 17

7:33 7:22

YEAR AGO THIS WEEK A dry period with temperatures ranging 15° to 20° warmer than normal, including 70° on March 15.

Crossword

— When the U.S. president (Aaron Eckhart) goes to London to attend the state funeral of the British prime minister at St. Paul’s Cathedral in this riveting, entertaining, action-packed, fast-paced, star-studded (Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, Jackie Earle Haley, and Robert Forster), 99-minute thriller, a Secret Service agent (Gerard Butler), who has a pregnant wife (Radha Mitchell) at home, ends up protecting POTUS after a revenge-fueled terroristic arms dealer (Alon Aboutboul) and his son (Waleed Zuaiter) pay out millions to assassinate multiple world leaders (Nancy Baldwin, Tsuwayuki Saotome, Mihail Bilalov, et al.).

Did you know?

The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.

“WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT”

— An insightful, factually based, well-acted, star-studded (Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina, and Josh Charles), 109-minute film based on Kim Barker’s novel “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan” in which journalist Kim Barker (Tina Fey) accepts a job as a correspondent in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she works with other journalists (Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, et al.) to cover the war.

“ZOOTOPIA”

(PG) (4) [SOME THEMATIC ELEMENTS, RUDE HUMOR, AND ACTION.]

— A colorful, family-oriented, entertaining, star-dotted (voiceovers by Alan Tudyk, J. K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, by Bonnie Hunt, Jenny Slate, Shakira, John DiMaggio, Tommy Chong, Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister, et al.), 3D, 108-minute animated film in which a tenacious, rookie bunny cop (voiceover by Ginnifer Goodwin) is challenged by the chief of police (voiceover by Idris Elba) to find an otter that has gone missing within 48 hours and with the help of a cunning, con-artist fox (voiceover by Jason Bateman) solves the mysterious case of a bunch of missing predators that have gone back to their savage ways.

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 jiffy is an actual time measurement equaling 1/100th of a second.

(R) (3.5) [PERVASIVE LANGUAGE, SOME SEXUAL CONTENT, DRUG USE, AND VIOLENT WAR IMAGES.]

17

Weather tidbits

Worth a Look Forget it

Good

THE LOWDOWN

CLUES ACROSS 1. Cathode-ray tube 4. A leglike part 8. Old world, new 11. Sec. of Def. Panetta 13. Greek god of E or SE wind 15. Supervises flying 16. In a way, bothers 19. Federal savings bank 20. Stout lever with a sharp spike 21. F.S. Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda 22. Snakelike fish 23. Scads 24. Prophet 26. Former “Daily Show” star 31. Organized crime head 34. Oil obtained from flowers 35. 2X WWE Divas Champ 38. Brine cured Canadian cheese 39. Slow oozing 41. Volt-ampere 42. Phenyl salicylate 44. European defense organization 45. Anglo-Saxon theologian 46. Doctrine 49. Soviet peninsula 51. Large long-armed ape 55. Protects from weather 56. Mops 60. Bridge expert 61. Fabric woven from goat and camel hair 62. Capital of Honduras 64. Tell on 65. Wooden clog 66. Beloved 67. Fed 68. Decays 69. Single Lens Reflex

CLUES DOWN 1. Applauds

2. Actress Zellweger 3. Obtained by addition 4. Chief executive officer 5. Flees 6. Murres genus 7. __ Wong, spy 8. Works well as a remedy 9. Tripod 10. A nautical unit of depth 12. Most populous Native Am. people 14. Genus Capricornis 17. Universally mounted spinning wheel 18. Spanish shawl 25. Macaws 27. No (Scottish) 28. Takes dictation 29. Spanish appetizers 30. The Muse of lyric and love poetry 31. Romaine lettuce 32. Alias 33. A way to beat 36. Son of Jacob and Zilpah 37. Amount of time 39. Most guileful 40. Younger US political party 43. Electrical resistance unit 45. Side way 47. Milton’s Cormus composer Henry 48. Sheep up to age one 49. Green algae 50. Capital of Morocco 52. S.E. French city on the Rhone 53. Asian nation 54. Great No. Am. RV Rally 57. Culture medium and a food-gelling agent 58. Inflamed lymph node swelling 59. Native of Edinburgh 63. Belonging to a thing

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‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”

-St. Jerome

22

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MARCH 11, 2016

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Area businesspeople honored The Hugo Area Business Association honored local businesspeople with four awards during a special presentation last week.

Members had been asked to vote for a nominee of their choice on HBA’s website over the last several months. Winners were announced Feb. 24 following the Hugo mayor’s annual State of the City breakfast at the Blue Heron.

Named Emerging Business of the Year was Micra Manufacturing, owned by Craig Benson, president. The Hugo business is a metal contract manufacturing and fabricating company located in the former Gusset Design building.

Benson, a graduate of the Naval Academy and Navy veteran, purchased the company in 2013.

The Business of the

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Receiving awards from the Hugo Area Business Association were, from left: Craig Benson, Micra Manufacturing; Kevin Johnson, Dry Tech; Steve and Joe Marier, Hugo Feed Mill; Cindy Petty for Volunteer of the Year.

Year award went to DryTech, restoration specialists for water, fire, mold and storm damage, headquartered in Hugo.

Company owners are Paul and Susan Pederson. Kevin Johnson accepted the award. He joined the company in 1998 as a technician and is now president and chief operating officer.

The Business Legacy award for 20 or more years of service to the

community went to the Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware. Owner Joe Marier and his son Steve, manager, accepted the award. The third-generation owned business started in 1925. Steve has worked there since 1969.

The fourth and final award went to Cindy Petty for Volunteer of the Year. The mother of five children and full-time registered nurse has helped with many Hugo

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organizations, including the Good Neighbors Food Shelf, HBA, Hugo Lions Club, Girl Scouts and the Lake Area Heart Safe Communities program.

She attributed her motivation to her parents.

HBA President Amy Nelson presented the awards, also thanking the official auditor Lisa Wilcox with Boyum and Barenscheer.

Debra Neutkens

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