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NEW BUS ROUTE IN CITY’S FUTURE: Driver not required PAGE 10A
State investigates air emissions from township manufacturer BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Cheers for the sunshine and relative warmth Matt Marek cheers on his animal costumed teammates (reflected in his sunglasses) as they make their way through the tennis ball golf course set up on White Bear Lake during the annual BEAR’ly Open benefit for the White Bear Lake Area Emergency Food Shelf Saturday, Feb. 2. They were among the hundreds of participants enjoying the sunshine and relatively balmy temperatures that coincided with the event — following the subzero plunge into the polar vortex last week. Find more photos on page 1B.
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Department of Health (MDH) are investigating possible community exposures to an industrial solvent used by Water Gremlin, Inc. The White Bear Township company makes fishing sinkers and battery terminal posts, operating under a MPCA air quality permit to control air emissions from its production process. Water Gremlin informed the MPCA Jan. 11 that its carbon absorption equipment was not functioning properly and as a result, was emitting too much trichloroethylene (TCE) into the air. Three days later, Water Gremlin voluntarily shut down part of its process at MPCA's request. The agency is investigating the extent and magnitude of the emissions and working with the health department to understand potential health impacts. TCE is a solvent used to degrease metal parts during manufacture. According to a joint press release from MPCA and MDH, you can't see or smell TCE, in most cases. Breathing TCE, especially at high levels or over long periods of time, can cause negative health effects. A map of the area potentially impacted by the emissions shows a 1.5-mile radius from Water Gremlin, Inc., 4400 Otter Lake Road. About 5,500 people live withSEE EMISSIONS, PAGE 8A
Polar vortex prompts emergency shelter, impromptu wedding BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS EDITOR
The couple had a marriage license, but were still saving up to pay $120 for a justice of the peace to marry them. Steve and Reyn Martin, who live in their car, were chatting with volunteers at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church’s emergency shelter in Mahtomedi during the polar vor-
tex Jan. 29 when the topic of their future marriage came up. “I said Pastor Mike could do it,” said Jenny Mason, executive director of St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center. Another couple at the shelter volunteered to be their maid of honor and best man. They picked out clothes from the resource center’s free clothing store. The officiant, Lead Pastor Mike Carlson, bought them flowers.
Church staff made bouquets and invitations. A church staff member made rings out of wire and beads. Joe Holmberg, church communications director, volunteered to take photos. Musicians volunteered to play for the wedding. They were married the next day with about 30 staff and volunteers in attendance. A cameraman from SEE SHELTER, PAGE 8A
JOE HOLMBERG | SUBMITTED
About 30 people attended Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Reyn Martin’s wedding, held during the polar vortex when St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church created an emergency shelter.
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