About the cover
At Three Little Burdes Pony Company, Founder/Director Krystal Sieben says her company aims to introduce underserved populations to the healing properties of horse interaction and showcase how fun and confidence-building these experiences can be. The company currently operates two locations in Stillwater and Hudson, Wisconsin, with a Hugo site on its way to opening in spring. For more information, visit their website at www.givemn.org/organization/Three-Littles-Burdes-PonyCompany. See page 10 for story.
CONTRIBUTORS
Managing
I’m looking forward to getting back outside for daily walks and seeing the blooming flowers!
ERIK
| lowdownnews@presspubs.com
Snow-free biking trails!
Designer | art@presspubs.com
Color! Bright flowers, green grass, sunny skies.
Photojournalist/Website
| photos@presspubs.com
Warmth, longer days and light in the evening.
Science meets art: inside the Artist at Pine Needles program
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
At Marine on St. Croix, there is a special place for artists to tune into nature and discover where art and science meet. That location of harmony is the Artists at Pine Needles residency program.
Sponsored by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station (a department of the Science Museum of Minnesota), the program has hosted 75 different artists and writers since 2002 whose work explores where art, science and the natural world come together. These creative minds work on their projects at a cabin overlooking the St. Croix River and are aided by scientific staff from both the station and the museum.
“It’s a continuum of arts and science coming together,” said Station Facilities Manager Amber White. “The fact that we’ve had that many artists come through the program, and exponentially more who have applied who just weren’t selected, shows the importance of the connection of art and science.”
The program is open to both writers and artists of any field who lean towards environmental science and/or natural history. The program caters to emerging artists who have either not been recognized or are still working towards significant accomplishments in their profession. Additionally, they must design and lead a community outreach project, such as a workshop or demonstration, and donate work inspired by their experience at the cabin to the station within a year of their stay.
“A lot of our artists come from more of an urban setting,” said Stations Operation Manager/ Program Director Alaina Fedie. “Getting them back into nature, essentially the heart of a forest, gives them this experience of nature, quiet and peacefulness.”
Fedie added that the nature surrounding the cabin allows artists of various disciplines to utilize its sights and sounds as inspiration. “Let’s say it’s a writer; they would sit outside, listen to nature and use the wandering of their mind in the quietness to write their poetry. Photographers do what photographers do; they’re out there, morning, noon and night taking pictures of the land.”
One such artist is Gillian Jackson, whose project focused on Wycinanki, a Polish form of papercutting. Gillian applied to the residency to create a series of designs that would explore how the symmetrical patterns in Wycinanki parallel those found in nature. “This opportunity was the first time for me in an artist residency, or like putting the hat of an artist with a capital A on in a more serious way,” explained Jackson.
During her residency, Jackson based several of her Wycinanki designs on microscopic algae; to this end, Jackson relied on help from station scientists to provide her with slides of the algae for her creations. “It was really interesting to hear those parallels between my existing form and techniques in the process,” said Jackson, “like, ‘how is scientific imagery communicated and visualized.’ It’s very exciting since I am a science nerd. Being able to look in really expensive microscopes is super fun for me.”
Another artist, Steven Lemke, a professor of sculpture at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict, applied for the residency in summer 2023. Lemke, a sculptor himself, sought to design a series of model houses that, in his own words, focused on how “housing shapes our notion of place and identity.” “I’m just endlessly fascinated by how different styles of housing
take shape and become symbolic of a place and a community,” explained Lemke. “At the start of my residency, I was stunned to find that this exact same style was common all throughout Marine on Saint Croix, including in the historical image archive of the St. Croix Watershed Research Station.”
During his residency, Lemke brought bins of wooden model house parts, spending the majority of his time sanding, assembling, painting, staining and detailing. In between, Lemke took guided tours of the Jackson Meadow site, a residential neighborhood featuring uniquely designed houses, to help him create his models. “A lot of my research deals with the history of planned communities in the world and in the United States,” said Lemke, “of which Jackson Meadow is a very special example.” Post-residency, Lemke added 3D-printed components to his sculptures. “I wanted to make sculptures that interact with the gallery space in different, precarious or unusual arrangements as a way to surprise the viewer,” said Lemke.
If there is anything Fedie hopes artists can take away from the residency, it is that their work is valued. “I hope that artists walk away from their time here with the knowledge that scientists are just as curious as they are,” said Fedie. “We are childish in our own way; we are curious, we explore, we get excited about the geekiest little things that artists themselves can bond over. I hope that they walk away with the idea that any scientist will probably be more than excited and more than happy to sit down and talk about their work with them.”
The Science Museum is scheduled to host an exhibit that will feature different Pine Needles artists’ work from the 2025 residency, which will be on display from April through September.
Additionally, those interested in applying for the residency can do so at www.new.smm.org/scwrs/ programs/artist. Applications must be sent by midnight on March 2, with a follow-up notice to be sent out on April 4.
To see more of Jackson and Lemke’s art, visit their online portfolios at www.gillianadelinejackson.com and www.stevenlemke.com.
GILLIAN JACKSON | CONTRIBUTED
Artist Gillian Jackson focused on creating Wycinanki (a Polish form of paper-cutting) during her stay at the residency. Jackson’s project focused on “exploring how the symmetrical patterns in Wycinanki parallel those found in nature.”
STEVEN LEMKE | CONTRIBUTED
During his residency stay, sculptor Steven Lemke focused on creating model houses that explore how “housing shapes our notion of place and identity.”
CONTRIBUTED
The Artist of Pine Needles program invites writers and artists to unleash their creative minds at a special cabin overlooking the St. Croix River.
OUT & ABOUT
STILLWATER WINTER GALA COMMUNITY AWARDS
When: 5:30 - 10 p.m., Friday, March 14
Where: JX Event Center, 123 2nd St. N., Stillwater Details: Awards celebration honoring the community’s most outstanding achievers, presented by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Contact: 651-439-4001 or info@greaterstillwaterchamber.com
ONGOING EVENTS
BINGO AT THE CURRENT
When: 2 - 4 p.m., every Sunday
Where: Afton House Inn / 3291 St. Croix Trail S.
Details: Play Bingo and win cash prizes. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS
When: 5 - 8 p.m, 2nd Tuesday of every month
Where: Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe, 5946 N. Good Ave., Oak Park Heights
Details: Ladies’ night at Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe. Each month will feature a different cigar and drink pairing. There will be alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, all designed to bring out notes in the cigar.
Contact: 651-342-0971
DATE NIGHT
When: 4 - 9 p.m., every Wednesday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton
Details: Wednesdays are Date Night here at Swirl. Dinner includes two salads, one flatbread, two truffles and a bottle of house wine.
Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
BETTER BREATHERS CLUB
When: 1 - 3 p.m., 4th Wednesday of every month
Where: Lakeview Hospital, 927 Churchill St W., Stillwater
Details: Better Breathers Club offers the opportunity to learn ways to better cope with chronic lung disease while getting the support of others who share in your struggles. Family members, friends and support persons are
welcome. Register at www.tinyurl. com/22mwadxe.
Contact: 651-430-4786 or jenny.j.kratochvil@lakeview.org
FREE WINE TASTINGS
When: 6 - 8 p.m., every Friday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton Details: Free wine tastings with family and friends. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
WILD RIVER RUNNING
When: 6 p.m. every Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. every Friday Where: 224 Chestnut St. E, Stillwater Details: Group runs from Wild River Running. All paces and abilities welcome with distances typically ranging three to six miles. Coffee and cold cereal served after Friday morning group runs. Tuesday evening will occasionally rotate locations. Contact: 651-342-2741 or info@ wildriverrunning.com
MOVIES AT MATT’S
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday Where: 413 Nelson St. E., Stillwater Details: Nostalgia movies shown at the lounge at Matt’s Basement. Movies announced on social media the week prior. All tickets come with popcorn with variety of seating options available. Contact: www.instagram.com/ mattsbasement/
STROLLING ACCORDION
When: 8 p.m. every Friday - Sunday Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave., Stillwater Details: Enjoy strolling accordion performances through the Gasthaus dining rooms every weekend throughout the year. Contact: 651-439-7128
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TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR
When: 5 - 6 p.m., 1st Wednesday of every month
Where: The Lowell Inn, 102 2nd St. N., Stillwater
Details: Chat with local favorite mystery authors. This month’s featured authors are Allen Eskens of “The Quiet Librarian” and Joshua Moehling of “A Long Time Gone.” Tickets can be purchased online at www.tinyurl. com/bdeydtv. Presented by Valley Bookseller. Contact: events.valleybookseller@ gmail.com
BINGO NIGHT AT BROOKSIDE
When: 7 - 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, March 19
Where: Brookside Bar & Grill, 140 Judd St., Marine on Saint Croix
Details: Join for Bingo Night as part of the grill’s Win It Wednesdays. Play multiple bingo games to get your chance to win some cash.
Contact: 651-433-1112 or info@ brooksidebarandgrill.com
RAFFLE NIGHT AT BROOKSIDE
When: 7 - 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, March 26
Where: Brookside Bar & Grill, 140 Judd St., Marine on Saint Croix
Details: Join for Raffle Night as part of the grill’s Win It Wednesdays. Enter multiple raffles for multiple chances to win meat packs from Grundhofer’s, purses, cash and more.
Contact: 651-433-1112 or info@ brooksidebarandgrill.com
2025 FASTENFISCHSPEZIAL
When: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, Friday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28
Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave., Stillwater
Details: Come together at the Gasthaus on Aschermittwochen (Ash Wednesday, March 5) and every Friday during Lent through and including Karfreitag (Good Friday, April 18) for the restaurant’s Lenten fish special. Meal includes three pieces of Kabeljau (cod) served alongside Kartoffelbrei (mashed potatoes) and Krautsalat (coleslaw).
Contact: 651-439-7128
CURRENT EVENTS
COMMUNITY CRAFT SUPPLY SWAP
When: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 1
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake Details: Drop off leftover craft supplies and pick new ones to replenish your stock. All materials in good condition will be accepted, apart from aerosols, hazardous materials, food containers or open cans of paint or glue.
Contact: 651-275-8500
‘GLORIA!’
When: 3 - 5 p.m., Sunday, March 9
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St. N., Stillwater
Details: Trinity Lutheran Church presents one of Antonio Vivaldi’s bestknown compositions, the Gloria and Hildigunnur Rúnarsdóttir’s Mass of Guðbrandur, for four voices, chorus and orchestra. Tickets can be purchased online at www.valleychamberchorale. org/tickets.
Contact: 651-430-0124 or vccstillwater@ aol.com
insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No
IMPROVE GUT HEALTH & REDUCE INFLAMMATION
When: 6:30 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 11
Where: Stronger Wellness and Nutrition, 5805A Neal Ave. N., Stillwater
Details: Learn about gut health relates to chronic inflammation in your body and different food sensitivities. Register online.
Contact: wellnessgal@yahoo.com
CANDLE MAKING EXPERIENCE
When: 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Sunday, March 16
Where: Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia
Details: Learn how to design your very own candle. No previous experience is necessary. Registration can be done online at www.tinyurl.com/3umzh7kc. Registration includes a custom 14 oz candle and over 50 fragrance oils options. Contact: 651-433-3311 or info@ rusticroots.wine
ST. PATRICK’S DINNER
When: Saturday, March 15, Sunday, March 16
Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave., Stillwater Details: Dinner will include corned beef and cabbage. Call 651-439-7128 for reservations. Contact: 651-439-7128
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
When: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19
Where: Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia Details: Open to all cribbage players of any skill. Format will be singles, three games per player. Free to play with the chance to win first and second-place prizes. Players must bring their own cribbage boards and deck of cards. Contact: 651-433-3311 or info@ rusticroots.wine
WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER
When: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20
Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley St. S., Stillwater Details: Annual Washington County Historical Society (WHCS) Dinner and Meeting. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for social hour, followed by dinner at 6:30. Meeting will begin at 7:30, followed by Speaker Colonel Dan Patton of World War II Round Table. Cost for dinner and program is payable at door. Public is invited and welcome, but must make reservations.
Contact: 612-439-2298 or emily. krawczewski@wchsmn.org.
LAKES AREA EXPO 2025
When: 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, March 29
Where: Maranatha Assembly of God, 24799 Forest Blvd. N., Forest Lake Details: Features family-friendly activities and the opportunity to learn about many local businesses and organizations as attendees visit each booth. Will also fature host a variety of exhibitors and activities including craft and direct sales booths. Contact: 651-464-3200 or chamber@ flacc.org
specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
VINTAGE VIEWFINDER
A postcard from the early 1900s shows a streetcar parked in front of the Union Depot in downtown Stillwater. According to the Washington County Historical Society, the building, built in 1886, was one of the few buildings in Stillwater to fall during the “Urban Renewal” movement of the 1960s. Railroad passenger service ended in 1927 and the building housed a variety of cafes and businesses until it was demolished in March 1960 to make room to build the Hooley Supermarket. An architectural feature on the current Water Street Inn building was inspired by the tower on the original depot.
What makes a great kitchen gardenlocation, location, location
Creating the kitchen garden of your dreams begins with selecting the best location. There are four key priorities to consider before choosing the perfect spot for your kitchen garden: sunlight exposure, water proximity, convenience and aesthetics.
Gardener’s
Grapevine
Crystal Crocker
Of course, the top priority is as much sunlight as possible. Aim for at least six hours per day. Some plants prefer more such as tomatoes and peppers and some will grow with less such as herbs and greens. Be sure to take note of the sun, as it will move higher and lower throughout the seasons to ensure that your plants get the maximum sunlight they need. We live in the Northern Hemisphere so place the garden on the southern side of tall structures such as the house, tree line or fences.
Consistent water is a key priority to your success. Nature’s water is best but is not always dependable, and hand watering over a distance
can become a burden. Place your garden near a spigot, rain barrel or, if possible, connect to a formal irrigation system.
The investment in irrigation is worth it.
The priority of convenience is where I break away from the conventional thinking for location. My priority for growing a kitchen garden is to use it every day in my cooking and meal prep. For me, success in the garden means it is close to the house for keeping an eye on growth, weeds, pests and ultimately for harvesting.
Conventional thinking says keep it hidden or at the farthest part of the backyard in case it gets messy, overgrown or looks unkept. This is actually the way to ensure that very thing happens.
The final priority in my top four is aesthetics. If the kitchen garden is going to be steps from the kitchen door, then it needs to look beautiful and fit in with the home and surrounding landscape. Look for a natural spot such as a side yard along a fence or as an extension of an existing structure such as a deck or patio. My garden is actually in the front yard and I love when the arched trellis is full of sugar peas and cherry tomatoes. If designed properly, a kitchen garden in the French tradition
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has a myriad of colors and shapes that intermingle herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables. “It’s a beautiful thing.” – quoting from Martha Stewart. In addition to the top four priorities, there are a few other items to consider: size, time and money. Many enthusiastic gardeners end up with too much garden to handle with too little time to care for it. I recommend creating a master plan that starts small and allows for expanding over the years as time and money allow. Time in the garden is a precious commodity, a rejuvenating experience with nature. Once established and if close to the house, a garden only requires five to 10 minutes a day. There is an initial monetary investment in starting a garden which can add up quickly, yet that should not deter you from the long-term benefits a garden can provide. The best investment being nutrient dense food for better energy and health is worth every penny!
Crystal Crocker is a Stillwater resident and longtime gardener. If you have gardening questions, reach out to her at 952-240-4648 or GoodEnergyGarden@gmail.com.
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For friendship’s sake, let’s ban cell phone bans
Last August, I wrote an article on how different school districts in our coverage area would tackle cell phone use in class. Five months later, I find myself revisiting this topic for a different reason.
In discussing this, I want to momentarily speak on behalf of my past teenage self. In high school, I will admit that struggling to concentrate in class was not limited to autism alone. I was often guilty of pulling out my phone and sending a few random texts here and there when I should have been paying attention to whatever x1 + x2 / y2 meant (no, I don’t know if this equation is real or not).
Suchy’s Scoop
However, if I can defend myself, my reasoning would be relatable amongst anyone my then-age. I wanted to maintain connections with whomever I was lucky to befriend. Connections that were both hard to make and rare to find. Keep this sentiment in mind; it will come into play later on.
Erik Suchy
I want to clarify that I do not condone texting during class for any reason. A classroom is a designated distraction-free learning-only zone. However, one approach I have seen in some schools to moderate this is to ban all cell phone use in school, whether it’s in class, passing time or lunch. This is a procedure that, in my opinion, should be overturned immediately.
The justifications I have heard for these bans, one that goes into effect as soon as a student walks through the doors, apparently have more to do with class use versus passing time and/or lunch. According to teachers, students can use computers to research information and don’t necessarily need phones to do this. While valid from a classroom perspective, what is the reason for banning it during lunch and passing time?
Perhaps a concern is that a student will get so distracted from using it during passing time that they might class. That’s also valid, but isn’t that why we have bells to indicate when passing time is over, let alone teachers standing outside classrooms to tell them this? This was the case when I was in both middle and high school. Even if students were on their phones during this time, they still understood that this bell or teacher-led reminder told them they needed to get to class.
Another potential worry is that bonding via phone doesn’t offer the same personal connectivity as a face-to-face conversation. Once again, I’m sure there is plenty of truth to this. But let’s take a step back and re-consider this “issue” beyond its face value. The scenario is that two or more friends want to make plans to hang out outside of school. One could say that they can make plans in person. Great, but what if their school schedules don’t match up, giving them little to no time to meet up and do this? What if one friend doesn’t even go to the same school as the other? One of them is out of the country? The list can go on. Plus, isn’t it also a given that once they meet up in person, they will likely be communicating face-to-face for the duration of their hangout?
Passing time and lunch are valuable times for students to text friends and maintain connections through their phones. If schools say it is crucial for students to make friends early on in life, why can’t texting during these periods be one of them?
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1229 or email at lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF MINNESOTA STREETCAR MUSEUM
‘A
Lumberjack Lodge returns with new features, modified hours
The Lumberjack Lodge in Stillwater has new features for the whole family to enjoy. While the lodge will still include axethrowing, owner Sara Jesperson said that the number of pits has been reduced from six (five indoor, one outdoor) to two (one indoor, one outdoor) to accommodate new features such as foosball, backgammon and shuffleboard, among others. The lodge also has four ping-pong tables for Ping Pong for Parkinson’s, a national
program that supports those who have that disease. These tables will be reserved for program members on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Additionally, the lodge’s Wednesday to Friday opening hours have changed from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Stillwater restaurant closes three years after re-opening
The Dock restaurant, which overlooks the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater, has officially closed. Initially known as the Dock Cafe, the restaurant was closed for two years following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic before reopening under new owner Jim Koch (owner of Gio’s and Portside) in June 2022. While no reason has been given for the closure, the restaurant, in a press release, thanked customers for its support and “creating unforgettable memories on the river.”
“Stillwater, you are truly the best,” a post on the restaurant’s website stated. “This place holds so much history and heart, and we can only hope the next chapter for The Dock is just as incredible.”
If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.
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mowing to maintain landscapes with precision. When winter hits, Ground Force is ready with reliable snow removal services to keep properties safe and accessible. Learn more about their full range of services at GroundForceMN.com. Schedule Your Lawn Maintenance Services Today! Call (612) 221-8420.
“ADifferent Man’ now on Max
Different Man” arrived on the streaming service Max this month. Overlooked during its theatrical release last fall, the film’s second life at home means viewers can finally check out one of my favorites of 2024.
Deep Focus Review
Brain
Eggert
In a Golden Globe (but not Oscar) nominated performance, Sebastian Stan plays Edward, whose face is covered by benign tumors. After an experimental procedure gives him a conventionally attractive appearance, he resolves to take on a new persona: the generically named Guy, a successful real estate agent. However, Guy/ Edward’s unrepairable self-image persists, giving way to a terrifically weird, head-spinning film.
Soon, he meets Oswald, played by Adam Pearson, an actor with real-life neurofibromatosis. Despite his disfigured appearance, Oswald exudes confidence and charisma, much to Guy’s frustration and jealousy. From this setup, writerdirector Aaron Schimberg’s mindbender explores themes of identity and self-perception with darkly comic and surreal touches.
“A Different Man” earns comparisons to “The Substance,” another 2024 release that grapples with doubles, body transformations, and how self-image comes from a psychological rather than physical state. Critiquing the entertainment industry’s unreasonable beauty standards for women, Coralie
Fargeat’s heightened body horror extravaganza earned star Demi Moore an Oscar nomination for her bold performance. But I found its characters and heavy-on-style visuals superficial next to “A Different Man.”
Schimberg’s film becomes more complex and hilariously metatextual when Guy’s former neighbor, a narcissistic playwright (Renate Reinsve, excellent), pens a drama about Edward. Feeling ownership over the role, Guy auditions to play his former self, only to lose the role to Oswald in an ego-shattering development.
The material’s unpredictable atmosphere can switch from funny to disturbing to tragic in an instant. Schimberg captures these wild tonal shifts with nimble 16mm cinematography and a haunting score by Umberto Smerilli. But “A Different Man” shines because of its writing and performances.
Though he often disappears into his roles (see “The Apprentice” or FX’s “Pam and Tommy”), Stan has never been better, capturing Edward’s unraveling, nervous energy that transforms into Guy’s hollow confidence. Pearson, meanwhile, brings humor and depth to Oswald, an intriguing foil.
“A Different Man” isn’t quite as popular as “The Substance.” However, I think it’s a superior film. Schimberg structures the story like an onion and peels away its many layers, revealing a sublimely intricate character study and sharp commentary on how beautification cannot heal a wounded sense of self.
Washington County resident Brian Eggert is a film critic and founder of the Deep Focus Review. His work can be found online at www.deepfocusreview.com .
The Lowdown Person of the Month
Name: Martha Sather Residency: Grant
Q: What brought you out to Stillwater today?
Results. Relationships. Resources.
A: I’m meeting my friend Chris for a walk.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about spring?
A: I love spring for the “newness.”
Q: What is the best life advice?
A: Just be where your feet are.
Compiled by Erik Suchy
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Martha Sather
Former ‘Survivor’ contestant forms alliances on ‘The Traitors’
seen locally, helping those who, like her, have struggled with addiction by doing pep talks and guest speaker-led sessions.
This year, Wiger brings her down-to-earth charm as one of the competitors in the Season 3 premiere of “The Traitors.” The show, filmed in Scotland, is a reality show where contestants become the titular “traitors,” working together to eliminate others for a grand prize. Press Publications spoke to Wiger about her time on the show and how she enjoys being herself as much as possible, whether the cameras are rolling or not.
Q: How did you get involved in this season of “The Traitors”?
what I say, and I don’t filter who I am. I have a very quirky personality, and I’m not the same as a lot of people who are very articulate, well-spoken and put-together. I wear my heart on my sleeve, I’m very emotional and I’m okay with it. I’m okay with the mistakes I make, and I think a lot of that is relatable. I spoke openly about my addiction and made real bonds on the show. I don’t ever want anybody to look at me and think that I’ve got it all together.
Q: How did you feel about the near-constant surveillance that was on the set?
beings, and this isn’t chess. I was chosen to be a traitor, and it’s like, “Everyone wants to be a traitor!” But I didn’t expect my role as a traitor to be hard. To my core, I am honest and empathetic. It’s very hard for me to do what I did, even if I don’t know who these people are. When you’re pretending to murder people, that’s the game. People put a lot aside to get there, and of course, they want to be in the game. I know it’s the game to vote people out, but being in that role of traitor, it was harder than I thought.
“I don’t think of myself as a celebrity,” said former “Survivor” contestant Carolyn Wiger. “I think of myself as someone who was on “Survivor,” was a fan favorite, and that’s really it.”
While Wiger, a Hugo resident, occasionally reflects on her past stint on reality television, she doesn’t consider herself famous. Although she previously appeared on Season 42 of the show, Wiger prefers to be
A: They (NBC) just reached out to me. This was completely unexpected, because they chose people from the world of “Survivor” in the previous two seasons, but it was people who’ve been two-time winners or played multiple times. When I got the call, I was like, “What, why me?” just because I had only played once and on a fairly new season of “Survivor.” I wasn’t expecting it.
Q: What personal qualities would you say helped you the best during your time on the show?
A: I think it was my personality. I’m very okay with being myself, and in a world where a lot of people are afraid to be themselves on TV, I don’t get scared about doing it. I don’t filter
A: I don’t care about that; they can film me all day. It’s not like “Survivor,” where they’re always right there in your business. This felt different, even though I’m very okay and comfortable with them being right there. I don’t think of myself as a celebrity, even though there were a lot of well-known people that were on there who were also traitors. Not knowing who a lot of them were helped me think, “I’m not going to act any different around you,” or anything like that, so it helped.
Q: How did you mentally prepare for the sense of psychological pressure that comes with playing “The Traitors”?
A: As far as mental preparedness, these games are always going to be very emotional for me. I never look at them as just games, and that’s how I’m able to play so well. We’re human
Q: Do you see yourself doing more shows akin to “The Traitors” in the future?
A: Absolutely; I just don’t know what. I have a loud personality, but I always tell people that I’m not an attention-seeker. I do a lot on social media that helps with my income. I do my life coaching sessions and cameos, and I’m able to stay relevant that way. “Survivor” was truly a once-inlifetime (experience), and I had never been to Scotland. These are incredible experiences where I get to meet people that I would never in my life ever meet. Who knows what’s next?
To learn more about Wiger and book sessions, visit her website at www. carolynwiger.com.
Compiled by Erik Suchy.
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Annica Blasco is a Forest Lake junior wrestler who qualified for the State Tournament with a second-place finish at 106 pounds in the Section 7/8 qualifier Feb. 14-15. Blasco is 33-4 this season and 74-19 in her career. She is ranked No. 4 at 106 pounds.
Stella Powell is a Stillwater senior who placed 17th in the state Nordic Ski Meet, earning all-state status for the second straight year with a total time of 17:10.05 at Giants Ridge. Powell was runner-up in both conference and section meets behind the state champion from Mounds View. As a junior, she was third in the conference, fourth in the section and 20th at state.
Cullen Christenson is a Forest Lake junior wrestler who recently posted his 100th win. One of the Ranger cocaptains, he is ranked No. 7 at 172 pounds in Class 3A. His record heading into sectionals was 34-10 for the season and 101-53 in his career.
Brody Dustin is the leading scorer on the Stillwater hockey team which finished second in the Suburban East Conference. The senior forward has tallied 28 goals and 20 assists for the Ponies (19-6) and had two goals and an assist in a 5-1 win at Holy Family in the last game. He has 53 goals and 60 assists in his career.
Annica Blasco
Stella Powell
Forest Lake wrestling
Stillwater nordic skiing
Forest Lake wrestling
Stillwater hockey
*Athletes chosen by press staff
CONTRIBUTED
Former “Survivor” contestant/Hugo resident Carolyn Wiger is a competitor in the Season 3 premiere of the reality TV show “The Traitors.”
Cullen Christenson
Brody Dustin
Small stories, big screens: A Q&A with Stillwater filmmaker Alex Suszko
All the world’s a stage, and if you have a camera to film it, odds are you can make something fantastic from what you capture. If there is anyone who would know that best, it would be Alex Suszko.
The 28-year-old Stillwater native has been a longprofessed fan of movies since childhood and has taken to creating his own short and feature-length movies for the last several years. Recently, Suszko’s film “Waterpark In The Winter,” cowritten with fellow filmmaker Kiele Sterner, was the recipient of the “Best Screenplay” and “Best Music” awards at the 2024 Global Nonviolent Film Festival, an online Canadian international festival presenting and rewarding films that do not contain gratuitous violence. The film follows a couple (played by Suszko and Sterner) who find their relationship challenged by the introduction of a young college girl during a weekend vacation at a waterpark.
Q: Why did you want to be a filmmaker growing up?
A: I’ve always loved watching movies and was raised on older cinema like Charlie Chaplin. I didn’t start making them until I was 18 and in my first year of college (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), because I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was considering a couple of options, like Communications and English, but I had no interest in going into anything like business or science; obviously, my biggest passion was filming.
Q: What did you learn about making movies in college?
A: It provided a good opportunity to experiment with different techniques, find my style and discover my identity as a creative director and filmmaker. There was a lot of freedom to make your own stuff. As you can imagine, your first time touching a camera, you don’t know what to do exactly with it—how to create the best image, short composition and things like that. But my viewership of movies really helped me get a head start on going into a scene and coming up with the best-looking shots. It was a matter of learning different kinds of cameras, settings and lighting, and figuring out what I could do with the resources.
Q: You made three short films, “Cold Outside,” “The Clearing,” and “First Thing,” prior to making your debut feature-length movie, “Dolwa.” How did making these short films prepare you for making your first full-length one?
A: It made me more confident as a director and developed with my creative vision. All these short films were so much smaller; “Dolwa,” when I made it, had a casting crew of 50 to 60 compared to my short films, which at most had four. It was a giant undertaking where I just jumped into the deep end and figured it out in there. As far as the creative side, knowing how I wanted to approach it visually and stylistically, the short films definitely did help me prepare for that.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the hardest and easiest thing about being a filmmaker?
A: The hardest thing is getting the resources and funding to see your vision come to life because of the limited resources you’re working on; “Waterpark In The Winter” was made on $5,000, and “Dolwa” on $15,000. It is beneficial, though, in a way to figure out how you overcome that obstacle. Sometimes, some of your best creative ideas come from having your back against the wall. The easiest thing is if you find that there are so many people that want to support your project. There’s a passionate community for film in Minnesota that really wants to support each other. Once you get involved, you can reach out to people and say, ‘Yeah, I love your idea and want to come help out.’ It’s really easy when you can have so many people like that. They’re giving their time in terms of acting, running sound and make-up, and they all come together to help bring your project to life for minimal expense.
Q: You’re a fan of “mumblecore,” a film genre emphasizing naturalistic/improvised acting and dialogue and plots focused on young adult relationships. What drew you to this genre and why?
A: It’s an aesthetic that I found relatable because I was working with minimal resources while in college, but it’s also been one that I’ve always
enjoyed. It does reveal a very honest reflection of relationships and life experiences that can often be funny and tragic at the same time. I think it’s a really interesting dynamic to play off of and explore relationships through the lens. “Waterpark in the Winter” is the first mumblecore movie I’ve ever made.
Q: “Waterpark In The Winter” is notable for blending mumblecore and silent film genres to develop its plot. What was it about the story that you felt needed to be told this way?
A: Mumblecore has always been a style I’ve wanted to make a movie in, but like I said, I was raised on silent films. As I was thinking about ideas, I realized this has never been done before, so why not combine the two? When I was younger, I also used to take a yearly trip to Wisconsin Dells, so I knew it extremely well. I had a bunch of GoPros with me, so I thought, ‘Let’s combine all these things. I’ll take a trip down there with a couple of people, and we’ll make a silent mumblecore movie over the week.’ Much of what I write deals with younger people and career goals, so they are consistent themes in dealing with adulting and relationships in particular. Having these characters be fully developed and having nuances in their relationships and psychologies is important to me. You’ll see a lot of focus on character psychology in my films.
Q: Who are your influences as a filmmaker, and what do you like about their approach to making movies?
A: My favorite director of all time is Ingmar Bergman. His movies are psychologically rich, emotionally complex and thought-provoking, and he has an incredibly unique cinematography style. A lot of my artistry has been influenced by him. David Lynch is a big one, and I like Terence Malik a lot. What I like most about them is their philosophy that they film as opposed to specific techniques, which is to make a movie that is uniquely their own, in their own style, vision and voice, regardless if it has widespread appeal. When you take these directors with a clear creative identity, they separate themselves from the rest of the crowd because they come across as unique. That’s ultimately where I want to be as a filmmaker.
Q: Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?
A: I just finished shooting another short film called “My Little Sunflower” that’ll be premiering at the Z-Fest Film Festival in St. Michael in March. For feature length films, I have a couple of scripts in mind; it always comes down to if the funding is there. If I can save up enough to do one, I will. I also do a comedic travelogue show on YouTube called “Forced PTO,” and I’m going to make the fourth season of that coming up soon.
Those interested in learning more about Suszko and his work can do so at www.alexsuszko.com or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@alexsuszko. For more information on the Global Nonviolent Film Festival and the upcoming Z-Fest Film Festival, please visit their websites at www. nonviolentfilmfestival.wordpress.com and www.zfest.org.
Compiled by Erik Suchy.
A House Unbuilt presents new watershed awareness exhibition
From now through April 18, A House Unbuilt’s Art & Water Space presents “The Water Where We Live,” an exhibition organized by Victoria Bradford Styrbicki and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District. The exhibition is part of the company’s ongoing water stewardship initiative to raise awareness about maintaining clear water and how the public pursues this maintenance at higher municipal and state government levels. A selection of 13 works on paper will be featured, all created in response to stories and descriptions of the unique organisms living in the watershed. The company will also host a “water bar,” which features a tasting of regional drinking water sources to garner awareness of the public’s impact on local waterways. The exhibition will also feature a reception co-hosted by Megan Miller Fine Art. The event will feature an
arts/conservation dialogue from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6. The reception will feature Water Education Senior Specialist Angie Hong as a guest speaker, who will discuss her new book, “Exploring the St. Croix River Valley: Adventures On and Off the Water.”
“The Water Where We Live” will be open for viewing Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment at 337-794-8222 or victoria@ahouseunbuilt.com.
A House Unbuilt’s Art & Water Space is located at 321 Main St. S., Suite 204, Stillwater.
Household waste collection and paper shredding events scheduled for 2025
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved three licenses for household hazardous waste collection events in 2025. These events will occur from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 11. Both events
will be held at Lily Lake Ice Arena, 1208 Greeley St. S., Stillwater. The board has also selected dates for confidential paper shredding at the county’s North Environmental Center in Forest Lake. Shredding will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, July 24 and November 6. For more information about household hazardous waste collection and recycling options, please visit www.washingtoncountymn. gov/604/Environmental-Center.
Hallberg Center for the Arts presents local artist exhibition
From now through March 15, the Hallberg Center for the Arts is presenting a monthlong exhibit featuring the new artistic works of local artist Jerusha Rose Steinert. The exhibition, “The Spirit of Energy: Exploring the Abstract,” will showcase Steinert’s large-scale, horse-themed mixed-media pieces, all created with horses present during the artistic
process. According to the center, the collection reflects Steinert’s life as a horse trainer and riding instructor, where the rhythms of barn life and the connection between horses and humans serve as a source of inspiration. The exhibition has been brought to life through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council, largely thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. In addition to Steinert’s work, the center will also present the abstract art of Jeffery Hansen, whose large-scale pieces explore bold, expressive, circular shapes and similar vibrant color palettes.
The exhibition is free to attend during regular center hours, which are from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays. For questions, please call the center during regular hours at 651-272-5122 or after hours at 651-964-0189.
The Hallberg Center for the Arts is located at 5521 E. Viking Blvd., Wyoming.
Stillwater filmmaker Alex Suszko has been making movies, both short and feature-length, since he was in college.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Suszko poses with fellow filmmaker Kiele Sterner, who cowrote and starred in “Waterpark In The Winter” with him.
Nominations open for 2025 Community Involvement Awards
Community Thread, a Stillwater-based nonprofit organization, is accepting nominations for this year’s Community Involvement Awards. The organization honors volunteers and groups that deserve recognition for their contributions to Washington County. Six categories are currently open: group/family, exemplary employer, youth, outstanding, lifetime and legacy. Those who want to nominate a specific individual or group can do so at www.communitythreadmn.org/cia/. The deadline for all nominations is 9 p.m. March 13. Nominees and winners will be recognized during National Volunteer Week, April 20 to 26. Awardees will be invited to the Community Involvement Award celebration on April 24 at Community Thread in Stillwater, where they will be presented with their award and celebrated for their dedication.
Community Thread is located at 2300 Orleans St. W., Stillwater.
Enrollment open for St. Croix Valley Opera’s Summer Vocal Institute
Enrollment is officially open for St. Croix Valley’s fourth annual Summer Vocal Institute.
The institute will take place from June 15 to 21 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) Campus. It is for vocal performers aged 18 to 26 who want to learn essential tools and training for successful careers in opera and musical theater. Performers will learn a variety of different vocal and stage practices, including vocal health and wellness, audition techniques, body awareness and stage movement, song interpretation and more. The institute will culminate in a public showcase on June 21. This will feature group scene performances and solo pieces developed throughout the week. Here, participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and artistry.
The cost of attending this institute is $1,000 per applicant, which includes on-site housing and two meals each day. Those interested in applying can do so at www.tinyurl.com/4thawmff. Those with questions can contact Executive Director Obed Floan at 612-404-9265 or Info@SCVOpera.org.
Lawns To Legumes grants open to garden lovers
Any Minnesota resident with an outdoor planting space is eligible to apply for a fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant. The Lawns to Legume program
focuses on increasing habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings by providing reimbursementbased funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Residents with a yard, deck or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing a new pollinator habitat. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters. This grant is open to Minnesota residents only. Those interested in applying can do so at the Blue Thumb website at www.bluethumb.org/lawnsto-legumes/apply/.
Forest Lake Masons accepting applications for fundraising events
The Forest Lake Masons are accepting applications from charitable organizations to participate in one of the four community support fundraising events planned for later in the year. Organizations do not need to be in Forest Lake but must be in the surrounding area to be eligible. If interested, fill out an application by emailing an application request at ForestLakeMasons@gmail.com or download the application from the group website at www. forestlakemasons.com. All applications must be sent out no later than March 15.
Granite - Porcelain 651-240-1368
9850 Hemingway Ave. S Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Meet the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District
Whether boating, swimming, fishing, or just enjoying a stroll by the shore, Minnesotans have devised endless ways to enjoy the state’s lakes and waters. However, there are many threats to healthy lakes—pollutants, nutrient overloads and invasive species, to name a few. It’s the job of the watershed district to evaluate threats and design science-based solutions to keep local water resources clean and healthy.
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) is a local government unit in a statewide network of water conservation organizations working to maintain and improve water quality. CLFLWD manages water resources within a 49-square-mile region including parts of Chisago and Washington County. This includes areas within Forest Lake, Wyoming, Scandia, Chisago City, Chisago Lake Township and Franconia Township.
A watershed is a geographic area defined by the flow of water downstream. This includes surface water that flows over the landscape, which may carry substances such as soil, nutrients and pollutants along with it. Within the CLFLWD, water flows from the highest elevation, ultimately leaving through Comfort Lake and flowing into the Sunrise River, and even farther downstream, the St. Croix River.
CLFLWD includes a staff of 11 conservation professionals who work to secure grant funding, implement water improvement projects, and routinely
monitor the health of local waterways. Science-based decisions are made by a Board of Managers, composed of five members appointed by Washington and Chisago County Boards of Commissioners. Volunteers are also an important part of District projects, participating in advisory committees, gathering water samples and hosting research opportunities such as installing zebra mussel substrate plates off their home docks.
In addition to monitoring lakes and tributaries, the District hosts an aquatic invasive species (AIS) program that reduces the spread of organisms that can harm the ecosystem, such as common carp, zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curlyleaf pondweed. Each summer, the District hires a team of watercraft inspectors who spend their days at the public boat launches, educating recreationists and helping to reduce the spread of AIS.
The District also hosts a cost-share program that offers funding for homeowners to install water quality improvements on their property, including native plantings, rain barrels and shoreline restorations. Its stormwater permit inspection program ensures that construction activities do not impact the health of nearby waters. 2024 was a significant year for the District; marking both its 25th anniversary and the removal of Bone Lake in Scandia from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency’s Impaired Waters List. Bone Lake was first added to the list in 2004 due to high levels of nutrients, leading to a lake that was full of algae blooms and degraded water quality. Within 10 years, the District implemented several wetland restorations and phosphorus removal projects on historic farmland upstream, reducing excess nutrient flow into Bone Lake. Similar management efforts will likely allow several more lakes within the district to be removed from the Impaired Waters List in 2026.
To learn more or get in contact with the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District, visit https://clflwd. org or call the Forest Lake office at 651395-5850.
How one company pioneers horse-human healing sessions
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Horses have long been known to provide a calming sensation to the humans they interact with. According to the HeartMath Institute, when both interact in a relaxed state, a horse’s heart rhythm will synchronize in conjunction with a human’s, creating a calming atmosphere for both.
At Three Little Burdes Pony Company, Founder and Director Krystal Sieben has crafted her business to illustrate this bond and create a therapeutic venture for customers, particularly those who have physical handicaps and special needs.
‘My goal … is to introduce underserved populations to the magic of being around horses and how fun and confidence-building it can be.’
Krystal Sieben Founder/Director
“We see kids who are in wheelchairs, have spina bifida or other limitations where they wouldn’t be able to get up onto a horse,” said Sieben. “My goal with the community is to introduce underserved populations to the magic of being around horses and how fun and confidence-building it can be.”
The history of Three Little Burdes is a beginning tied to Sieben’s struggles, particularly the difficulty she faced in finding help for her son, Teddy, who was diagnosed with autism in 2015. “The sad and difficult part of autism was never my son — the reaction to him was,” Sieben wrote in an article, “Healing and a Horse Named Chadwick,” for the website “Her View From Home.” “I wasn’t prepared for the isolation that came with autism, the aloneness I felt. Unkind words and unsolicited advice about this beautiful baby who I loved so deeply.” Through meeting a horse named
2022 to offer free, therapeutic experiences with
and
or without
for those
From
Chadwick, Sieben felt a shift in her sadness. Chadwick’s previous owner, a veteran with PTSD, was no longer able to look after him due to his condition. Over the years, their further interactions helped Sieben hold a more positive outlook on her isolation. “In those moments, Chadwick was doing something for me no one else could,” Sieben wrote. “He was bringing me back to myself. He was taking away my buried sadness. He was lifting the invisible weight from my heart.”
Sieben said that starting Three Little Burdes which opened at Morningstar Farm in Stillwater in 2022, was a way to give others this same healing experience for new and returning clients. The nonprofit company offers free interactions with horses and ponies. While clients cannot ride the animals (some have physical handicaps that prevent them from doing so), they can walk with, feed and brush the animals, all while Sieben maintains a safe environment for those involved. “I speak with every person before they come out for a visit to make sure that I know of any accommodations,” said Sieben. “I always assure moms who have kids with autism that
sometimes, when it’s over, there are tantrums and tears, and I let them know that that’s okay. I try to be a very understanding and welcoming person, being a special needs parent myself.”
Sieben, who is also a professional photographer, typically takes three to five photos per experience, gifting physical copies to each participating person/family afterward.
In describing Three Little Burdes, Sieben said being the mother of a son with autism helped shape her vision to cater to customers with or without special needs. “When you have one child with special needs and others that don’t, it’s hard to find family activities that everyone will enjoy,” said Sieben. “But whenever we’re at the barn, everyone enjoys it. My daughter, Ada, would hop on her pony and ride around, and Teddy is out in the open and can interact with the horses with no problem. It’s a positive for the whole family, and shaped my vision to be a welcoming place where if you have one special needs child and a typical child going to see horses, it’s fun for everyone.”
Since opening in Stillwater, the company has expanded to include
a location at Pine Meadow Farm in Hudson, Wisconsin (which opened in late 2023), and a planned spring 2025 opening at Woodloch Stable in Hugo. Each location features one horse that is specifically trained to help cater to special-needs customers. Sieben chose a Norwegian Fjord horse named Syver, stabled at Morningstar Farm, due to the breed’s reputation as a therapy animal. “They’re often used in therapy because they’re patient, calm and don’t take off like a typical horse would if it were scared,” said Sieben. “They’re really good in special needs therapeutic riding programs.”
Syver, who is 2, has been working with customers since he was 6 and is currently training to be a therapy horse.
At Pine Meadow Farm is 20-year-old Sunflower, a former lesson pony, who Sieben describes as “been there, done that, used to everything.
“She’s really good with toddlers and those with more severe special needs because of how small she is,” said Sieben. “Usually, if I have someone who hasn’t been with me before or has some limitations, I start with Sunflower because she’s like a big dog. She’s a safe intro to horses, and all the guests love her.”
For the Woodloch Stable location, Cougaroo, a former jumping horse, will be the designated animal. Now retired from jumping due to a leg injury, Cougaroo was gifted to the company by stable co-owner Ingvill Ramberg after learning of Sieben and her story. Those visiting the stable as part of Three Little Burdes will be allowed companyregulated interactions with Cougaroo. At the same time, stable-only customers will also be able to participate in riding lessons.
The Three Little Burdes Stillwater location is at Morningstar Farms at 12490 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater; the Hudson location is at Pine Meadow Farm at 1181 Trout Brook Road, Hudson, Wisconsin. To learn more about Three Little Burdes, please visit www.givemn.org/organization/ThreeLittles-Burdes-Pony-Company or follow them on Instagram at three_little_ burdes.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Krystal’s daughter Ada shares a moment with Cougaroo, a former jumping horse who will be at the company’s soon-to-be-open Hugo location this spring.
Stillwater resident Krystal Sieben started Three Little Burdes Pony Company in
horses
ponies
customers with
special needs.
left to right are Ada (daughter), Krystal (mother), Beau (son), Tom (husband, center back) and Teddy (son) with their horse, Syver
Contributed by the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District logo includes the image of a Sandhill Crane, a species that nests in wetlands.
This map shows the path of water flow through the lakes and streams within the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District.
Bone Lake in Scandia was removed from the MPCA List of Impaired Waters in 2024 due to water quality improvement.
TKDA selected for county project preliminary design
Engineering and architecture firm TKDA, based in St. Paul, will provide preliminary design services for an intersection improvement project that includes County State Aid Highway 5 (Stonebridge Trail), County Road 55 (Norell Avenue), and County State Aid Highway 96 (Dellwood Road). The Washington County Public Works Department has selected the company as the preferred vendor from five firms that had previously submitted project proposals. The contract will be for $445,100, as approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The county is receiving an additional $500,000 in federal funding secured through congressionally directed spending to support the project, which will begin construction in 2027.
For more information, contact Engineer Andrew Giesen at 651-430-4336 or andrew.giesen@ co.washington.mn.us.
MnDOT agreement approved for 58th Street extension project
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a cooperative agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to allow construction work along Trunk Highway 36 for the 58th Street extension project. This no-cost
Minnesota DNR evaluates progress on deer plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has officially released a midpoint review regarding the current state of its 10-year statewide deer plan, effective from 2018 to 2028. The report, available for public review, assesses progress toward the plan’s goals, objectives and strategies and includes 15 performance metrics and associated targets.
Among the achievements identified in the review are revised deer population goals in all deer permit areas through a four-year process, an expansion of the youth deer season statewide, sampling of more than 70,000 deer for chronic wasting disease, acquisition of 28,000 acres of public land dedicated to hunting, and management of nearly 370,000 acres of public land to benefit deer habitat. Metrics that have not been yet include having deer populations in 75% of deer permit areas within the deer population goal range, achieving an annual target of 200,000 deer harvested each season, communicating about the deer hunting regulations significantly earlier in the year, and eliminating core areas of disease in the wild deer population.
The review also includes a list of emerging considerations since the plan’s adoption. These include public concerns about wolf and deer numbers, the growth of chronic wasting disease’s (CWD) footprint in the state, increased hunter selectivity in what deer they harvest and the long-term decline in deer hunter participation.
Those interested in viewing the plan online and sending comments can do so at www.tinyurl. com/2suyzu5a.
Comments can also be emailed to Big.Game. Program.DNR@state.mn.us or mailed to Minnesota DNR/Barb Keller, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Resiliency planning top priority for CLFLWD
The Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) has identified resiliency planning as a top
Stillwater building contractor pleads guilty in tax fraud case
A local contractor has pleaded guilty to one count of failure to report taxes and related wages owed by his business, Stillwater Masonry Restoration Inc. This comes following an investigation initiated by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) in December 2023 against owner Todd A. Konigson. At the time, Konigson had been reported for failing to timely pay wages to his employees in connection with a larger failure to fulfill contractual obligations owed to small businesses, churches and nonprofit organizations in and around the Twin Cities. As part of his sentencing, Konigson has received a felony sentence of three years’ probation provided he fulfills numerous sentencing terms, including paying restitution to the State of Minnesota and forfeiting his state contractor’s license.
agreement will allow the county and its construction contractor to complete tree clearing and grading within the existing MnDOT easement on the south side of Trunk Highway 36 in Stillwater. Grading will allow material to stabilize before construction and provide the city with space to extend utilities to serve future development. Project construction is anticipated to begin sometime this year.
For more information, contact Public Works Engineer Ryan Hoefs at 651-430-4336 or ryan.hoefs@ co.washington.mn.us.
Forest Lake North Shore Trail project under development
Forest Lake’s North Shore Trail is set to potentially see some big remodeling efforts coming soon. The trail, which extends from Highway 97 to Greenway Avenue on the north side of Forest Lake, is set to receive a full-depth reclamation across its entire 8-mile length. The existing asphalt will be removed and replaced by two new layers. There is currently no definitive timeline set as to when the project will start or how long remodeling efforts will take, although it is likely to begin within the current year following residential feedback, authorization and acceptance of bids.
For more information, contact the city’s Public Works Department at 651-464-3220.
priority in its latest 10-year watershed management plan. The district is currently facing flood risks due to land development and frequent storms. This has led to a reduced ability to manage flood risk. To address these challenges, district staff are gathering data to identify the areas within the district that are most vulnerable to flood risks, as well as a prioritization method for flood mitigation projects. In addition to this data, the district plans to host two workshops to understand better how flooding impacts residents and stakeholders.
For more information, visit the watershed district website at www.clflwd.org or contact Planning Coordinator Emily Heinz at 651-395-5856 or emily. heinz@clflwd.org.
BWSR accepts applications for water storage grants
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is accepting applications for water storage grants to help make landscapes more resilient to severe weather events. Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, municipalities, counties, Tribal Governments and joint powers organizations.
The BWSR established the Water Quality and Storage Program in response to the state’s more frequent and intense rainfall events. These events have negatively impacted agriculture and infrastructure, contributed to riverbank erosion and diminished water quality. The program supports storage practices throughout the state, and prioritizes projects in the Minnesota River and the Lower Mississippi River basins.
The program has approximately $3 million in grant funding this year; up to $500,000 is available to pay for modeling and conceptual design of storage practices. The remaining $2.5 million is available for final design and construction of storage practices. All applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. April 10 and must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. To learn more about how to apply for these grants, visit www.bwsr.state.mn.us/ apply.
County to embed crisis telecommunicator in response center
Washington County will embed a full-time crisis telecommunicator in the county’s Emergency Communications Response Center in 2025. The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $199,842 grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to fund the pilot position. The term of the grant agreement is from March 1 through June 30, 2026.
The pilot’s goal is to assist in meeting Travis Law mental health requirements, which directs 911 calls centers to dispatch mental health crisis teams as the primary responders to most mental health crisis calls. The pilot also aims to enhance coordination between the Sheriff’s Office and Community Services for mental health support and streamline referrals to the Crisis Response Unit and Coordinated Response Team.
Facilities Engineer
Performs work monitoring, repairing, and maintaining county buildings and grounds; conducting inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs on HVAC and boiler systems, assisting with general landscaping functions, mowing, weed whipping, performing tree maintenance, conducting snow and ice removal seasonally.
High School diploma or GED and moderate experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. Maintain a current Minnesota State Engineers License of not less than second class "C". $25.31 to $33.34 DOQ.
Apply online at www.chisagocountymn.gov by February 24, 2025.
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Picture perfect: Shutterbugs unite at St. Croix Valley Camera Club
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Whether in nature or the city, if you look hard enough in the great outdoors, you can find beauty around every corner. With a camera and adjustable lens, you’re bound to get a snapshot of that beauty you can keep forever.
Capturing these moments is at the heart of the St. Croix Valley Camera Club, a group founded by Mike Chrun, whose passion for photography and the outdoors continues to inspire members. “It’s quite informal and very friendly,” said Chrun. “We don’t take it seriously. It’s just a good way to share photographs.”
Established in 2014 by Chrun and two friends, the club initially grew from their desire to share their photographs, discuss their experiences and learn from each other. “The club was established in January 2014, but we’d been meeting since 2013,” explained Chrun, whose initial love for sports photography transitioned to nature later on. “Being an outdoorstype person, my friends and I were interested in the same thing, and in general discussions, the three of us would share photographs. One day, we wondered if there were other people in the area who had those same interests and if we could form a club.”
Although initial meetings were held
at the Chisago Lakes Area Library (with an attendance of 12 at the first gathering, according to Chrun), the club later moved to the Chisago County Government Center, growing to a membership of 70 photographers and averaging an attendance of 30 to per meeting.
Of the club’s success, Chrun emphasized that its non-competitional atmosphere sets it apart from other photography groups in the Twin Cities.
This is partly due to its affiliation with the Twin Cities Area Council of Camera Club, which encompasses 15 other clubs (the St. Croix Valley Club included) in cities such as Mankato, Minnetonka and others. “Some of these clubs had a photo contest every month where they would bring in a judge to rate photos,” explained Chrun. “It was very competitive, and we decided we didn’t want our club to do that. We were all at the same stage of liking to take photographs but not knowing what we were doing compared to somebody who was an accomplished photographer.”
Dick Crombie, who has headed the club since Chrun stepped down in 2023, said that another unique aspect is the group challenging other photographers to step outside their comfort zones.
“We use club assignments and guest speakers each month to challenge people to step out of their specific
subject area of interest,” said Crombie. “Then we share the unique perspective they bring because of their special interest in that view of the subject area. We’ve really focused on attracting people to be members not based on their existing technical skills, but their willingness to learn from others.”
The club frequently participates in various local shows and exhibitions. These include the Karl Oskar Days Festival in Lindstrom, which holds a photography show at the Chisago Laks Chamber in July, frequently displaying member-submitted photographs.
“That’s probably our most successful one,” added Chrun, noting the show sees an average of 250 to over 300 people.
Other events include a month-long show at Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake, a Photo of the Month displayed at Northwoods Roasterie in Lindstrom and hosting different photo shoots and programs at both adjacent Interstate State Parks in Taylor Falls, Minnesota and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. As part of the Twin Cities Area Council of Camera Club, the club will also participate in the Spring Break for 2025, a Twin Cities club-sponsored annual event that includes speakers, a vendor area to visit throughout the day, photo opportunities and door prizes. This
year’s event will be held on April 5 at Mounds View High School.
Of the club’s current challenges, both Chrun and Crombie have cited a dip in membership due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to find ways to attract younger members. “It really made an impact,” Chrun said of the pandemic. “I think a lot of people got out of the habit of attending. We’re sort of aging out and not getting new people to replace us. I think under Dick, it’s under great leadership and going in the right direction.” Chrun added that while current attendance is around 20 to 25 per meeting, he hopes to see it increase to pre-pandemic numbers of 30 to 40.
“It’s not that there aren’t young individuals interested in photography of all ages,” added Crombie. “Today, with the advent of high-quality lenses in cell phones and drones, the ability to take a wider variety of images is an exponential change from people who captured an image and had to go through many steps to get it processed and shared with others. We’re going through a radical change in photography because these clubs and organizations are populated by people who started with film, not digital photography, and are trying to make that transition.”
The St. Croix Valley Camera Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the Chisago County Government Center, 313 N. Main Street, Center City. For more information and a complete list of upcoming events, visit their website at www. stcroixvalleycameraclub.com.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him by email at lowdownnews@presspubs. com or by phone at 651-407-1229
MIKE CHRUN | CONTRIBUTED
A shot of majestic waves crashing at Split Rock Lighthouse. CONTRIBUTED
The St. Croix Valley Camera Club was originally founded in 2014 by local nature photographer Mike Chrun. He is pictured here with his wife Dorothy.
Cool down, power up: Practicing cold water therapy
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
What comes to mind when you think of improving yourself mentally and physically? Exercising? Reading a good book? For Chisago City resident Johnnie Schmidt, his method involves something more based in the water—and several degrees colder.
“It’s about self-empowerment,” says Schmidt. “It’s about awe and being out there every day. Usually, I’m out there for two to two-and-a-half hours sometimes.”
That method is called cold water therapy, also called cryotherapy, which involves using cold water to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. For Schmidt, it is a practice that includes these and some mental benefits. “It’s about separating my mental craziness from my body,” Schmidt adds.
Schmidt, who is originally from Litchfield, said his love of cold therapy was an interest he admits came from curiosity, starting with a video from Swedish YouTuber Jonna Jinton. “I saw her do it, and there was something so beautiful and peaceful about the whole thing,” said Schmidt. “Plus, she had this awesome saw.”
After buying this saw, used primarily by ice fishers to cut holes for spearing, angling and sight fishing, Schmidt’s next move was to use it to cut out a 2-foot hole into a lake of his preference—which happened to be none other than White Bear Lake.
Rather than discarding the excess ice, Schmidt arranged these chunks around the hole. “It was sort of honoring what comes out of the lake,” he said. “The only other option is to slide it under the ice. You can only do it if you cut it so long. As water circulates around, it all sort of erodes, and because of how it’s sloped, when you shove it under it tends to come right back in.”
In describing cold water therapy, Schmidt said he often sees the process as experiencing it without considering the temperature. “When it comes to the self-empowerment side of it, it’s about experiencing it not as cold,” he said. “If you’re only thinking about that water as a temperature, it’s more of a sensation, like a cold shower, which is kind of miserable. You have water droplets hitting you everywhere, and it’s not very comfortable. If you can quiet
yourself in a cold shower, that’s one thing. When you go into that ice water, it’s one sensation, which is what’s so amazing about it.”
According to Schmidt, cold water therapy often comes with its own challenges, especially beginning with the hole’s setup. “It’s a lot of work,” Schmidt said of using his saw to cut out the hole.
“By the time I’m going into that hole, I’m soaking in steam. I have to bring an entirely different change of clothes for when I get out, because everything I’ve worn is frozen by the time I get back into it. Mentally, though, doing it is a huge depression killer. When you come out of it, the dopamine high you get from it comes on and builds slowly, then keeps growing throughout the day. It’s multiple times higher than what you get from cigarettes, one that’s actually beneficial and healthy.”
For warmer, ice-less weather, Schmidt practices cold water therapy in a specially-built chest freezer in his house, modified to include both water and a thick layer of ice over the top.
Schmidt is a member of the Lake Johanna Ice Dippers, a social group of cold water enthusiasts that meets at the titular lake in Arden Hills on Sundays from November through April. According to Schmidt, this group frequently sees newcomers join, which allows him to guide them through being a first-time lake-dipper.
“The reaction your body is going to want to have is to tense up,” said Schmidt, who recommends that newcomers should be in the water for no longer than two minutes for their first
dip. “The first 15 to 30 seconds is where you kind of freak out. Even if you’re in for just 15 seconds and come out, you’re still going to feel great, and you’ve accomplished something.”
Schmidt said that he also tries to pursue mental and physical relaxation through other means. However, none come quite as close as pursuing cold water therapy, first and foremost.
“Meditation and yoga are important things. But I find that during the winter, ice-dipping covers a lot of that. So that’s always going to be a part of me.”
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email at lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
