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GET A TASTE: Food lovers turn out rain or shine PAGE 8A
Hemp: a new (old) cash crop BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
Industrial hemp is not your everyday marijuana plant. Although it looks like marijuana, hemp contains a low level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so there are no psychoactive properties. THC is the active chemical in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with smoking marijuana. About 18 hemp plants are growing in a front yard along Hwy. 96 on the north end of
White Bear Lake. They're easy to spot. In fact, the guy growing them has fielded many questions from passersby, including Ramsey County deputies, curious about the well-exposed plants. “People honk and cheer. Joggers stop and ask questions. It's been a great marketing tool,” said John Dugas, a microbiologist now working in the hemp business. Two years ago, Dugas founded an extraction company for industrial hemp called Superior Extractions on White
Bear Parkway. He processes hemp plants in his laboratory, extracting the oil to make high-purity cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. The versatile oil is used in skin creams, soap and vaping products, but mostly it serves a medicinal purpose for issues like pain management, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation. Hemp plants are the same species of marijuana but legally contain less than 0.3% THC, SEE INDUSTRIAL HEMP, PAGE 9A
DEBRA NEUTKENS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
John Dugas, left, is growing hemp plants with assistance from John Ames, who has experience in the medical cannabis industry. Their T-shirts say “Hemp Don’t Stop.”
Higher home values, higher property taxes
Fish schooling At right: St. Jude of the Lake student Daelan Hinderks pours a cup full of fledgling Tilapia into a large holding tank at the school Friday, Sept. 13. The students took turns introducing the more than 170 fish, which were delivered to the school as part of a new aquaponics project, to their new home in the science classroom.
BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — It's tax levy time again. State statutes require municipalities to certify a preliminary tax levy to their county in September of each year. The preliminary levy is used to develop property tax statements mailed by the county to property owners mid to late November. City Council OK'd the $6.9 million proposed 2019 tax levy, collectible in 2020, at its Sept. 10 meeting. The levy funds just over half of the city's general fund operations, as well as a portion of its debt obligation. The levy amount is $563,000 higher than last year, which accounts for a $482,000 increase in the general fund budget and $81,000 increase in debt service for the 2019 street reconstruction bond. The general fund pays for public safety (almost half the expenditures), public works, engineering, parks, planning and code enforcement and general governmental expenses. The general fund is one-third of the city's entire budget but has the most impact on the levy. Expenditures are budgeted at $11.9 million for the general fund in 2020, an increase of $587,500. A major portion of the increase, or 83%, is due to personnel costs — things like health insurance, worker's compensation and a 3% wage increase. A new police officer is also budgeted next year.
Impact on property taxes
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Above: Finnley Maas pours a final pitcher of Tilapia into a circulating water tank that is part of the aquaponics system at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic school in Mahtomedi. The aquaponics system combines aquaculture, raising fish in a controlled environment, with hydroponics, growing plants without soil. In a collaborative, hands-on STEM learning experience, the students will raise both fish and vegetables that will be harvested later in the school year.
Overall, property values increased 6.9% in White Bear Lake, and totaled $189 million in market value. As Finance Director Kerri Kindsvater pointed out, the growth in residential property value increases a homeowner's tax liability. On average, home values increased 9.3% with some homes jumping 17%. Median home value for 2020 is $243,100, $20,600 higher than last year. In the case of a median home, the city tax is $467.10. SEE TAX LEVY, PAGE 9A
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