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SENATE BILL: ‘An attack on state’s environmental laws’ PAGE 9
DNR follows orders while cities worry about water BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Preparing for area lake cleanup duty Volunteers search for trash on the frozen surface of White Bear Lake during a previous lake cleanup event. Volunteers will again be scanning the shoreline and surface of the lake for discarded items Saturday, March 12, starting at 10 a.m. The event began back in 2004 as an Eagle Scout project for Boy Scout Troop 89’s Andrew Schuster, and since then has become an annual event. At previous events, volunteers have gathered for a briefing at Bellaire Beach prior to heading out onto the Lake. Contact jschust64@gmail.com for more information.
ST. PAUL — A new analysis released by the DNR shows that to maintain a court-ordered protective elevation of 922.0 feet for White Bear Lake, pumping limits must be set at 55 gallons per person per day for residential use. That assumes no population growth. According to the DNR, which manages groundwater appropriation permits, the new number leaves high-volume water users like schools, hospitals, hotels and farming high and dry. The notice to permit holders prompted state Sens. Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) and Roger Chamberlain (R- Lino Lakes) to author a new bill: SF3055. Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood) also signed on. The legislation, explained Housley, allows municipalities within 5 miles of the lake (the boundary set by a district judge in 2017) to continue to operate under a water supply plan approved by the DNR before 2021
in conjunction with their 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The bill will not allow for another lawsuit to be filed under the same statute used in the original lawsuit, added Housley, that was brought by the White Bear Lake Restoration Association against the DNR almost a decade ago. It’s important to recall stipulations of the 2017 decision favoring the lake association. Included in the judge’s order was a stipulation that an irrigation ban be enforced when the lake drops below 923.5 feet. In addition, permittees are required to develop a per capita water use plan that reduces per person use to 75 gallons per day. The DNR is also required to analyze the volume of authorized water pumped from the aquifer for permit holders within 5 miles of the lake, and to evaluate the impact of that use on water levels in order to set a collective annual withdrawal limit. Those stipulations have been stayed to this point to allow permit SEE SENATE BILL, PAGE 13
4 Seasons owners make tough decision to close doors The historic 4 Seasons of Mahtomedi is closing its doors. Owners Brandon Bevins and Austin Bevins took over the restaurant in September 2019 with big plans to spruce up the diner and bring a casual dining experience to folks in the community. But like many restaurants, 4 Seasons became yet another casualty of the pandemic. Barely six months after opening, the restaurant industry received shutdown orders March 17, causing the 4 Seasons owners to pivot their business model to takeout and delivery services only. “We were met with a global pandemic and revenue losses because of it, but we’re very appreciative for the support,” said Brandon. “Takeout was amazing for the first six months of shutdown. The community really rose up.”
road construction on Minnesota State The brothers had to learn to Highway 244 this summer is anticipated adapt to changing health and safety to keep some customers from being able requirements throughout the pandemic to dine at their restaurant. and focused their energy on keeping With these obstacles in mind, the their customers and employees safe. Bevins brothers decided it was time to The pandemic is still not over, and like close things down. other restaurants across the country, “We have determined that due to 4 Seasons is seeing major supply chain circumstances delays and poor “I appreciate all the support that beyond our quality in produce items. we’ve gotten, and when times were control, we will closing our “Prices are going tough people were still helping out be door permanently up. It’s about an at the end of the extra $40 to $60 where they could.” day Wednesday, per case of bacon, Austin Bevins March 30,” the which means owners said in a we’re paying Owners of the 4 Seasons statement. almost 50 cents per Until then, 4 Seasons will stay open, slice of bacon, and that’s just not viable preparing all of their loyal customers’ for us,” said Brandon. favorites. The owners started to see some red “I appreciate all the support that we’ve flags pop up at the end of December gotten, and when times were tough and into early January. They knew people were still helping out where they prices were going to increase and that could. I don’t blame anyone who couldn’t inflation wasn’t ending soon, and
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afford to go out,” Austin said. As for what’s next for the brothers, it’s hard to know what direction they’ll take since they both have a passion for the restaurant industry. For Austin, he’s not sure exactly what’s next but is still thankful for the support his restaurant has received in the meantime. Similarly, Brandon admits that the pandemic has been an emotional time and has taken a lot out of him personally, but he knows he wants to spend more time with his family. “I’ll always love restaurants,” said Brandon. “But maybe this is a good time to change directions.” As the two say farewell to their restaurant, they want to give one last resounding “thank you” to their customers and hope that they continue to support other Mahtomedi businesses. Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emailing lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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