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COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

VOL. 34 NO. 44 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

OLYMPICS: Afton's Jessie Diggins wins gold, carries flag at closing ceremony. PAGE 2

‘Electricity of Life’ Marine library presents T.H. Harbinger

bring new items to support the nonprofits.”

Volunteering is a great way for youth and adults to develop compassion for those in need, meet their neighbors and, perhaps, learn a new skill. At the One Stop Donation Drop, there will

Join Marine Community Library for a free author talk on Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m., at the historic Marine Village Hall.

T. H. Harbinger, author of “The Electricity of Life: A historical novel based on the true story of Otto and Viola Schmitt and their role in winning World War II and establishT.H. Harbinger ing a medical device industry,” will explore the story of how Otto and Viola Schmitt invented a crucial technology that helped win World War II, then went on to establish the field of biomedical engineering in Minnesota.

The author became aware of Otto and Viola Schmitt while working at the University of Minnesota and became fascinated by their story. Otto’s life-long goal was to create a valuable and lasting impact for society. Viola was committed to contributing to science, not just in supporting her husband. They both worked in the secret government laboratory on Long Island during World War II. Harbinger has worked for Boeing, Honeywell, the University of Minnesota, and John Deere, and has been involved with more than 100 new product developments. He has 20 patent awards and has published more than 50 technical papers ranging on topics related to electromagnetics,

SEE SERVICE FAIR, PAGE 2

SEE HARBINER, PAGE 2

SUBMITTED

Scandia IB World School Concert

The fifth graders at Scandia Elementary IB World School performed "Seasons of Song" for the school and their families on Thursday, Feb. 15. The students wrote the script and did the art work for the concert. Each student had a role in the program.

City offers parks committee ‘proactive’ funding Council endorses School Forest initiative

BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Scandia’s Parks and Recreation Committee now has a budget.

The Scandia City Council last week approved a budget transfer of $100,000 to the city’s Parks Improvement Fund.

Previously only funded by park dedication fees collected after subdivisions

are created, the fund had been carrying roughly $20,000 of debt, created when the city pre-funded the parking lot improvements at Lilleskogen Park and the Scandia Veterans Memorial.

Recently, though, the council has discussed giving the committee some funding to work with to stimulate more long-range parks planning.

Councilman Steve Kronmiller formally proposed the transfer to allow the committee to be “more proactive and less reactive.”

Kronmiller noted that the city had

carried over a $400,000 surplus from 2017 after a stellar year in collecting building permit fee revenue.

The city is also contemplating the sale of a city-owned lot on Goose Lake. The lot is not viewed as viable for a possible park or public lake access.

“In my mind, this allows the parks committee to plan,” City Administrator Neil Soltis said.

Council members Chris Ness and Jim Schneider, though, felt the transfer SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 2

Teens from Forest Lake-Scandia Leo Club will host service fair

Make a difference in your community, state, country, and world at the Forest Lake-Scandia Leo Club’s One Stop Donation Drop + Blood Drive.

This event will support 26 nonprofit organizations on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center.

“We are excited about the One Stop Donation Drop and Blood Drive because it gives children, teens and adults an opportunity to work together to support the community,” said Sophia Nienaber, the Forest Lake-Scandia Leo Club’s Secretary.

The Leo Club is a program for 12-18 year olds who help

Lions Clubs as well as do their own service projects.

Olivia Nienaber, the Leo Club’s Treasurer added, “Our service fair has lots of ways to help those locally, in Minnesota, and throughout the world. It’s going to be a great way for the community to do some spring cleaning to find gently-used items as well as

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Afton’s Jessie Diggins carries U.S. ag at Olympic closing ceremony ASSOCIATED PRESS

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — Jessie Diggins, who won the United States' first-ever cross-country skiing gold medal last Wednesday with teammate Kikkan Randall in the team sprint freestyle race, was selected as the U.S. flag bearer for Sunday night's closing ceremony at the PyeongChang games.

Diggins grew up in Afton and is a graduate of Stillwater Area High School. Business owners and residents of Afton are making plans to honor their hometown hero, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

City Council member Bill Palmquist said the city will declare a “Jessie Diggins Day� once a date can be arranged.

Rebecca Nickerson, owner of Selma's Ice Cream Parlor, said she

plans to release a special ice cream flavor or two in conjunction with the celebration.

They might be called “DigDiggins gin' for Gold� or “Diggin' in for Jessie Diggins.�

Dozens of yard signs that read “Afton Cheers for Jessie Diggins — Go for the Nordic Gold'' have sprung up around town since the start of the Olympics. “Everyone is just super-proud and couldn't be more excited and happy for her,� Palmquist said. “Looks like we are going to have to add something to our ‘Welcome to Afton’ signs. ‘Home of Olympic gold medal-winning Jessie Diggins’ sounds good to me.�

Selma's reopens March 23 after

a winter break. But don't expect the new flavor _ maybe with a red, white and blue base, maybe with a gold one — until Diggins can make it back home, Nickerson said. “I guess ideally we'd like to have her have the first taste of the flavor first before we dole it out to everyone,� she said.

Diggins finished in the top six in each of her four Olympic events before Wednesday's sprint relay. “When Jessie swung into that final straightaway, I think everyone in my family was like, ‘Oh, my God! She's going to win,’� said Kris Hanson, Diggins' coach at Stillwater Area High School. “There was no way she was going to let herself come up short. She took off and did that beautiful lunge, and we just went completely nuts. All of us had tears in our eyes.�

COUNCIL: Parks and Recreation committee budget FROM PAGE 1

wasn’t immediately necessary. “It’s just a knee-jerk reaction,� Ness said. “Leave the money where it is and if they come up with something, we’ll fund it.�

The appropriation was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Ness and Schneider voting against.

School Forest program The council agreed to support the Forest Lake School District’s efforts to create a School Forest program at Scandia Elementary, utilizing Lilleskogen Park and some land west of the park.

In order to create such a program, the city, the school and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would have to sign on to a joint powers agreement.

The School Forest would be used by Scandia Elementary School students across a variety of curriculum areas, including art, science, environmental education, math and even music.

There are currently 132 such School Forests in the state. “This offers (the school) a range of already-developed curriculum for the school to use,� Soltis said.

Other business: • The council approved a five-year Street Reconstruction Plan and issuance of a $4.5 million bond. With the bond funding, the city plans to reconstruct nearly onefifth of the city’s “poorâ€? and “very poorâ€? rated roads in 2018, with an additional 37 percent of the city’s “fairâ€? rated roads being improved in 2020-

2022. The city will pay about 3.2 percent interest on the bonds, on average.

The bond issuance now enters into a 30-day “reverse referendumâ€? phase in which city residents may object to the issuance by petition. • The council approved an Annual Operators Permit for Tiller Corporation’s continued operation of its Scandia Mine at 22303 Manning Ave. City Planner Sherri Buss noted that the company had again met or exceeded all its conditions of operation in 2017. • The council declined to purchase a replacement for its 2008 Ford Ranger pickup as recommended by Public Works Director Adam Hawkinson. Noting that the Ranger is used as a light duty “parts runner,â€? the council encouraged Hawkinson to re-prioritize

One Stop Donation Drop + Blood Drive 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

HELP support 26 non-profits by bringing items to donate (gently used or new): onestopdonationdrop.blogspot.com/.

DONATE blood: redcrossblood.org/ .

Use sponsor code LEOS in the search box.

DO service projects: plant milkweed seeds for monarchs, knit hats for newborns, tie quilts for youth with life-threatening medical needs, color pictures for people in nursing homes, and make no-sew hats for pediatric cancer patients.

The next Scandia City Council meeting will be held March 7 at 6:30 p.m.

FROM PAGE 1

sensors, electronic designs, control circuitry, software development, and management of technology.

He holds a MS degree in Physics from the University of Wisconsin.

He currently is a visiting scholar at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana in the Business School. He is developing new courses and researching the Management of Innovation, primarily related to software technologies.

He has authored a series of short stories that are part of the “Only in Fargo� series and short stories after living in Germany. He is currently specializing in historical fiction works based on scientists and their impact to society.

SERVICE FAIR: Teens FROM PAGE 1

be hands-on activities where people of all ages can learn to make fleecetied blankets for youth with life-threatening medical conditions, make mats from plarn (plastic yarn) for those who are homeless, color pictures for seniors who are homebound or in nursing homes, and knit hats on round looms for newborns. From 10 a.m.

to noon, the community can plant milkweed seeds to take home and grow to help monarchs the spring and summer.

The group encouraged area residents to join them for a fun and meaningful day of giving.

For more information, visit: https://onestopdonationdrop.blogspot. com/ or contact Sophia Nienaber at sophianienaber@icloud.com .

Event beneďŹ ts 26 organizations The organizations benefiting from and/or participating in the One Stop Donation Drop include: • African Library Project • American Red Cross • The Baby Blanket & Hannah’s Arms • Bridge for Youth • Butterflies from Janie • Children’s Hospital • Christ Lutheran Church • Christian Community Homes and Services • Color-a-Smile • Community Homestead • Fairview Lakes Medical Center • Feed My Starving Children • Forest Lake Lions Club • Gammelgarden Museum • Lions Gift of Sight • Lions International • Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation • National Marrow Donor Program • Northwoods Humane Society • Osceola Medical Center • Pine Ridge Reservation • Project Linus • Scandia Farmers Market/Green Grocery Shares • Scandia-Marine Food Shelf • Scandia-Marine Lions • Wildlife Science Center

Tenant will continue to lease house in Marine on St. Croix from county

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Scandia Community Center

and possibly replace one of the city’s plow trucks instead. “To me, we’ve got too many vehicles over there now,â€? Schneider said. • The council accepted a $22,507.05 bid from Northern Salt, Inc., to provide calcium chloride dust control on the city’s gravel roads. • The council appointed Dan Squyres and Jan Hogle to serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Scandia Planning Commission. • The city will issue a Request For Proposals for land assessment services, following a request from the city’s current assessor, Chase Peloquin, to increase the annual fees by about $4,000 per year.

HARBINGER: Library

A tenant in a house in Marine on St. Croix owned by Washington County will continue to lease the house after the County Board renewed the lease Feb. 20.

When Washington County acquires land for regional parks, the houses located on the land are typically leased until the land is

needed for park purposes. Revenue received from rental of the houses supplements the fund for the maintenance of the properties.

Washington County acquired the house in Marine on St. Croix, in 2008, and a tenant has been leasing the house since that time for $1,000 per month.

No increase is proposed for this lease extension. In addition to rent, the tenant pays for utilities and sanitation and performs routine maintenance, including lawn care and snow and ice removal.

The lease was extended to Feb. 28, 2019.

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FEBRUARY

at the historic Marine Village Hall. Free. Join T. H. Harbinger, author of “The Electricity of Life,” will explore how Otto and Viola Schmitt invented a crucial technology that helped win World War II, and then went on to establish the field of biomedical engineering in Minnesota.

Food drive

For the past five years, Heritage Embroidery and Design has partnered with Valley Outreach Food Shelf to restock the shelves in the spring and summer months to fight hunger in Minnesota.

Throughout February, shoppers receive halfoff retail items with a non-perishable donation or $1 minimum contribution made in-store. Each year, contributions continue to outperform the previous year.

February 2017 efforts nearly doubled that of 2016 with 1,008 pounds of food items donated and $1,200 contributed. Visit the websites of Valley Outreach or Heritage Embroidery and Design to check the list of most wanted items.

ONGOING Stillwater support group for families

FEBRUARY 28 Big Marine Lake Association annual meeting The Big Marine Lake Association will hold its annual meeting on February 28, 2018 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center. Financial reports will be reviewed, budgets approved, Board members will be nominated and elected, status of invasive species in Big Marine and statewide will be reviewed, including a presentation of the Association’s eradication efforts. Status of various grants that support the Association’s work will also be discussed. Invasive species treatment plan for 2018 will be offered for approval.

The Scandia Community Center is located at 14727 209th Street North, Scandia.

MARCH 2 Evening Owl and Snowshoe Hike

Join us to explore the woods under the full moon at Warner Nature

ANN RINKENBERGER

Man donates 20th gallon of blood Jeff Peterson reached 20 gallons at the Scandia-Marine Lions Red Cross blood drive Friday, Feb. 16. A total of 45 pints was collected at the drive, which took place at Christ Lutheran Church. The next local Lions drive will be June 15, 2018, at the Scandia Community Center.

Center. Meet our resident barred and eastern screech owls before heading out on a night hike, 6 to 9 p.m. Pre-registration required; there is a fee. *We will hike if snow levels are low.

MARCH 3 Maple Syruping Day Celebrate the syruping season by spending an afternoon at our sugar bush at Warner Nature Center. Learn about the history of syruping and the whole process from sap to syrup. There will be demonstrations, family-friendly activities, crafts, tree taping, boiling and refreshments, 12 to 4 p.m. There is a fee.

MARCH 8

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FFI: 715-294-2657

DFL East Metro Senior Caucus Ramsey County Sheriff Jack G. Serier will be the featured speaker at the Thurs., March 8, meeting of the DFL East Metro Senior Caucus, 11:30 a.m. at Sgt. Pepper’s Bar and Grill (930 Helena Ave. N., Oakdale). Serier will speak on “Public Safety and Immigrants.” All are welcome to attend. Participants buy their own lunch and are eligible for a door prize.

Writers Group A writers group meets at Osceola Public Library, 5-7 p.m.

Art sale and silent auction

The Dead Pigeons

Art sale and silent auction to benefit the Lakes Area Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack this spring. Almost 20 artists will be represented. Sat., March 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., March 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosanna Lutheran Church, MN 97, Forest Lake.

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Houdeks. FFI: www.facebook.com/TFSundayMusic or call (651) 240-0125.

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MARCH 22 Electricity of Life Join Marine Community Library for an author talk on Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m.,

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. The group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Stillwater Library, 224 Third St. N., in Margaret Rivers Room A. Please use the Third Street entrance and free parking ramp.

FFI: Call Marie or Bob at 651-770-1436.

Alcoholics Anonymous Beginning Jan. 22, a group will meet Mondays, 7 p.m., at Elim Lutheran Church, Scandia, in Room LL2 (lower level 2). Enter through the preschool door.

Tri-County Seniors (50+) DFL Luncheon Meeting (Eastern Anoka, Southern Chisago, & Northern Washington County’s) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (First Tuesday of each month) Vannelli’s By The Lake Restaurant - Broadway & 55 - So. Lake Street. Forest Lake, MN 55025 For more information email: ckgenz@msn.com or call 763-227-7536.

4 COUNTRY MESSENGER

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Should you wet that whistle?

S

cientists estimate you can live for about a week without it, if the weather isn’t too hot.

It’s one of the most abundant things on the planet but is often in short supply. The average person uses from 80 to 100 gallons of it a day.

I’m referring to water, the figurative and literal wellspring of life.

Last week a water leak in the municipal supply in Amery, the community where I live, caused the entire community to be without water for several hours. The public works department, working for seven hours through the early hours of the morning, was able to find the leak and restore water to of the community.

Publisher much The leak occurred around 2:30 in the morning, so people getting Tom Stangl up for work and school discovered that they were without water. At my house, like many others, we awoke fearing that our pipes had frozen. When we learned the scope of the problem, we began realizing just how much water we use and how much we take it for granted.

Nearly every grooming, cleaning and food preparation requires water. I did some research in preparation for this column and I was shocked to learn just how much water I use without even thinking about it. The water estimates come from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

It is estimated that each flush of a toilet takes from 3.5 to 4 gallons of water. The new efficient toilets can get by with a gallon and a half. When you are using gallon jugs of water for everything, it is crazy to imagine using four jugs for one flush.

If you take an eight minute shower, depending on your shower head, you can use 17 gallons or more of water. A full bathtub is estimated to hold 36 gallons of water.

Brush your teeth with the water running? That’s at least a gallon of water.

Washing your face? The estimate is for a gallon of water. Shaving your face or legs? Another gallon of water.

How about running your dishwasher to clean dirty dishes? That’s about 15 gallons, much more efficient that hand washing and rinsing the dishes.

Washing a load of laundry with new efficient washers uses 25 gallons of water. Older washers use up to 40 gallons a load.

Here’s the big one: watering your lawn. Depending on the force of your hose, you can use up to two gallons a minute.

If you think of using a gallon jug to accomplish any of these tasks it seems truly daunting. You would take much of your day simply carrying water to get your personal needs taken care of and would accomplish precious little else.

It is true that we don’t know what we have until it is gone.

The brief shortage has opened my eyes to how much water I use each day. I hope that I will become more aware and wise about where and when I use water, but I probably will lapse into my old habits.

Like many things in life that are taken for granted, we come to believe we are entitled to what has been a gift.

I’d like to thank the people who make sure the water will come out of the tap when we turn on the faucet. Having safe, clean and plentiful water is a gift. Thank you.

As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@theameryfreepress. com, telephone 715-268-8101 or write me at P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI, 54001.

Thanks for reading; I’ll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.

COUNTRY

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He wants to “free the Kinni”

T

here are some who can sit along a stream, watching its subtle movements and feel life flowing in its current, wondering where all the water is coming from and where it will eventually go. As the current plays off the rocks, undercuts the banks, moves leaves and sand along the way they’ll appreciate emerging insects and trout inhaling bugs not fast enough to get away. Such is the day in the life of a trout stream and as well as a few sacred moments in the life of someone whose lifeblood flows with the current of the stream.

Maybe that’s why Michael Page, one of many people willing to speak out for dam removal on the KinnRiver feels the way he does.

Wild River ickinnic “The Kinnickinnic River is our greatest natural resource in the city Trails of River Falls. Yet the flow of this beautiful stream takes its precious Jim Bennett waters into a large tube, a penstock off the diversion dam down a steep gravity flow, increasing its speed to make electricity that is no longer needed today or will be in the future to power the city of River Falls.”

“We have a World Class trout stream that draws people to this area. The dams certainly don’t draw anyone to the city. They once did 100 years ago because the river and the dams provided energy to power mills and to create electricity when it was the only power source in the area but those days are gone. Today the dams break even. It doesn’t matter

if we buy electricity or make it, yet the dams still hold back the natural flow of this precious stream.”

Page, a lifelong resident of River Falls, part of Page Family Dentistry, is not alone in these feelings.

A vote at a water quality meeting in River Falls showed that 103 of 110 people in attendance favored removing the dam, as did a recent online vote by a margin of 505 to 95. Last week a petition for removal of the dam garnered 2,218 yes signatures to remove the dam. No one is petitioning to save the dams.

The “Free the Kinni” movement branched off Friends of Kinni, one of a group of non-profit organizations created years ago that is joined at the hip with the Kinnickinnic Land Trust. They were formed to safeguard Lower Kinnickinnic River, below the dams and the city of River Falls, to set aside lands to help protect the lower Kinni Valley and river from uncontrolled development and later the Upper Kinni. Another group, the Kiap-TU-Wish local chapter of Trout Unlimited also has a hand in the dam removal movement.

Like most kids growing up in River Falls, Michael Page started fishing the river at age 10 and is an avid fly guy today. When he looks at the antiquated photos of the huge waterfalls that originally drew people to River Falls his passion flows because the falls today are dry and silent. He is far from alone in that passion to hear the falls flowing again.

Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

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All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verification. (Addresses and phone numbers will not

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Tom Stangl, Publisher Suzanne Lindgren, Editor Eric Buelow, Graphic Design Teresa Holmdahl, Advertising Bill Ward, Advertising Barb Wetzel, Office Assistant Carrie Larson, Circulation Manager Rick Brandt, Delivery

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Popcorn

The perfect scheme

opcorn is a simple yet satisfying whole grain.

By itself, popcorn is delicious and unfussy.

Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, which makes it a great choice when trying to lose weight. The fiber in popcorn makes you feel fuller longer, which helps curb hunter. Eating a little more here means you’ll eat a little less there.

Yet health and wellness-minded consumers today look for added nutrients to boost the system. Why eat only whole grains when you can sprinkle on protein and antioxidants? Powders, herbs, ground roots, seeds and spices like turmeric, matcha, maca and chia can make your snacks more nutrient rich.

And while there’s no substitute for a balanced diet, pairing these on-trend ingredients with whole grain popcorn is a natural.

Faith Hill unknowingly inspires underdog

P

The following recipes are courtesy of the Popcorn Board, www.popcorn.org.

Maca Almond Popcorn Bars Love almonds? Then you’ll love the test of these chewy, yummy popcorn bars that boast whole grain, fiber, protein and an extra nutrient kick from Maca root.

Makes 16 bars Ingredients: 8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 3/4 cup sliced almonds 1/2 cup flaked oats 1/3 cup almond butter 1/2 cup brown rice syrup 3 Tbsp. honey 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. maca root powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

Spread almonds and oats on baking sheet; bake for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned and toasted. Let cool completely; add to bowl with popcorn.

In saucepan set over medium heat, combine almond butter, brown rice syrup, honey and salt. Stir in maca root powder until smooth and dissolved.

In large mixing bowl, pour almond butter mixture over popcorn mixture; toss gently to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan, patting down and spreading to edges. Let cool until firm. Cut into bars.

Cinnamon Popcorn Crunch Makes 12 cups

Ingredients: 1/2 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 1/3 cup chopped unsalted almonds, coarsely chopped 1/3 cup chopped unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped.

1/3 cup chopped unsalted pecans, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup coconut sugar 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup brown rice syrup 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Directions: In large mixing bowl combine popcorn, almonds, cashews and pecans.

In saucepan combine butter, sugar, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, 1/4 cup water, salt and cinnamon; bring to boil over medium neat, stirring occasionally. Cook until mixture reaches hard crack stage (295ºF).

Slowing pour syrup in thin stream over popcorn mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let cool; break into large chunks.

Tip: Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or mangoes, if desired.

When the good folks of Lennox Valley began to stir on Friday morning, many wondered if the events of Thursday evening had been a dream. Let’s face it – most of the previous six months seemed like a nightmare, so why should election night have been any different?

As coffee began brewing and phones began ringing, it was soon apparent Thursday night had not been a dream, and there were more questions than there had been just 24 hours earlier.

Did Juliet Stoughton really keep Raymond Cooper from winning the election outright, forcing a run-off? Did Earl Goodman and Marvin Walsh really get arrested for disturbing the peace after rushing the stage following the mayoral election count while shouting at the election officials?

Did anyone bail Goodman and Walsh out, or were they still sitting in the lone Lennox Valley jail cell?

Iris Long slept less than three hours, working past midnight in an unsuccessful attempt to get interviews with all three candidates. She also attempted to interview Chief Dibble, but he would have none of it. He had just prevented a riot from overtaking our peaceful Valley, arresting two of the town’s leading citizens in the process.

The Hoffbrau opened at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast, and Iris was there when Sarah Hyden-Smith and Juliet Stoughton arrived at 6:35. All three were exhausted from the events of the previous evening, but none as tired as Iris.

She was, after all, older than both her cohorts combined.

The run-off was a mere six days away. While it seemed

reasonable to assume Stoughton could keep her voters, it was absurd to imagine all of “Silver Tongue” Dick Bland’s supporters coming over to her side.

Plus, there were the eight votes for Mickey Mouse, Ima Goose and Ronald Reagan with which to contend.

Other than the noon to 3 p.m. time slot, the ‘Brau played music from the “three towers of country power” in Springfield. Jessie, ‘Brau waitress, couldn’t tolerate Raymond Cooper more than three hours each day, even if his voice was only heard during commercial breaks and during “Swap Shop” outside of his “Renderings with Raymond” time slot.

As they contemplated Juliet’s next move, they could hear Mark Chesnutt singing in the background: “It’s a little too late, she’s a little too gone.

She’s a little too right, I’m a little too wrong.

Now would be the time to change but it’s a little too late.”

It was then Jessie pulled up a chair from the adjoining table and placed it at the end of the trio’s booth. Jessie was, after all, the first person to suggest Juliet run for office, so she felt she had a right to be a part of the election team.

“You know,” Jessie began, “I wasn’t always a waitress.”

Juliet and her friends sipped coffee as they listened respectfully.

“I used to own the diner on Highway 11.”

Iris, who had been editor of the Hometown News for as long as anyone could remember, spoke up. “That’s right. I had forgotten that. It was so long ago.”

“Yes, 27 years to be exact,” offered Jessie.

“What happened?” asked Sarah.

“I had three children and a husband back then. I realized I could either own a diner, or I could be happy, but I couldn’t do both.”

“But don’t you regret giving that up?” Juliet asked.

“Well,” Jessie paused for a moment before continuing, “I realized some people are born to run businesses, and some people just don’t have the stomach for it.

That was me.”

“What are you trying to say, Jessie?” Iris inquired. “That Juliet doesn’t have the stomach to be mayor? That she should just give up and let Raymond Cooper win?”

“I’m not trying to say anything,” Jessie offered with her local drawl. “I’m just telling a story.”

At that moment, another song began playing: “All my life I’ve been pleasin’ everyone but me. Waking up in someone else’s dream.”

“Faith Hill,” noted Jessie, “seems like the happiest person in the world. But when she sings a song like that, you realize it hasn’t always been easy for her.”

With that, the group stopped talking and listened as Faith finished her song. Juliet realized for much of her life, she had been living someone else’s dream. She also knew those days were past.

“It’s going to sound crazy,” Juliet said, “but I know what I’m going to do.”

Learn more about the Good Folks at LennoxValley.com.

Ready, set, read: ‘Into the Beautiful North’

A

press release rolled into our office in late January about this year’s NEA Big Read.

“Keep a look out for ‘Into the Beautiful North’ by Luis Alberto Urrea,” it read. “Copies of the book will be popping up in Little Free Libraries, coffee shops, tap rooms and laundromats throughout the lower St. Croix Valley this month, courtesy of ArtReach St. Croix as part of this year’s NEA Big Read.”

NEA, if you’re wondering, stands for National Endowment for the Arts. Our Big Read is one of many across the nation funded by the agency, which also offers materials to support programming and outreach in connection with events.

Under the auspices of the Big Editor Read program, ArtReach St. Croix Suzanne Lindgren gathers residents of the valley into something akin to a book club for about a month each year. One of the local outreach efforts is the Read & Release program, which is what the press release was about.

But just two sentences in, I’d already given up on reading the book. Although Big Read events don’t start in earnest until April, I was sure my chances of making it through by then were pretty slim. I don’t think I’ve actually read a book since I was pregnant, and lately Strummer’s naps have become less predictable.

Besides, as any parent can attest, there is almost always some kind of work to take care of while he’s asleep. I had taxes to file, for goodness sake!

Then I found out ArtReach was organizing an event in alignment with the Civil Conversations Project, an initiative of the “On Being” broadcast.

The project is an experiment. At the same time, it is an invitation for us to find respectful ways to talk about highly charged issues in a vitriolic time. To truly listen. To treat each other as people first and put differences of opinion second. To hold ourselves to a higher standard.

So, just like that, I decided I had to find a way to read “Into the Beautiful North.” I realized I had a decent shot of making it through the audio version, and started listening last week.

The book, as you’ve probably inferred, is about migration. But it’s probably not the story you’re expecting. It’s playful, and the writing is bold and humorous. More importantly, it is a path to a larger conversation that will be happening this spring.

Keep your eye on the paper for more about the Civil Conversations event. For now, all I know is it’s set for April 24 at the Watershed Cafe.

And on May 3, “On Being” host Krista Tippett will interview the book’s author, Luis Alberto Urrea.

Another reason to read and, eventually, to listen.

I welcome your response to this editorial column: editor@osceolasun.com.

COUNTRY

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U.S. Biathlon Team takes sixth at Winter Games The U.S. men’s biathlon team earned sixth place in the 4x7.5-kilometer relay last Friday at the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang.

It’s the best Olympic relay finish for the U.S. since 1972, when the American team took sixth in Sapporo, Japan.

Leif Nordgren of Marine on St. Croix skied the final leg of the race for Team USA. He and his teammates, — Nordgren Lowell Bailey of Lake Placid, New York, Sean Doherty of Center Conway, New Hampshire, and Tim Burke of Paul Smiths, New York — finished just 3 minutes, 50.2 seconds after the winning team. Sweden took gold with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, 16.5 seconds. Norway captured the silver and Germany, bronze.

“As a team we can be proud of that, even though we were hoping for more,” Nordgren told Team USA.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | COUNTRY MESSENGER

Scandia Fireman’s Ball Top: The Undergroove got the crowd moving with covers and original songs. Left: Firefighters Ben McCarty, Chris Majeski and John Hagen worked the raffle room. Right: Emcee Travis Loeffler draws a winning ticket during the first round raffle.

OCHF Grant Funds Available Osceola Community Health Foundation is pleased to announce that grant applications are being accepted from eligible organizations to support health related programs. The foundation accepts grant requests from nonprofits that serve our community and is interested in requests that address physical health issues of obesity

and tobacco use, and mental health issues of depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse prevention. The board reviews grant requests on a quarterly basis with deadlines of March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. For more information and applications go to MyOCHF.org.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | COUNTRY MESSENGER

Marine Oscars Gala goers walked the red carpet at Marine’s Oscar party, a fundraiser for the winter documentary series, last Saturday evening.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | COUNTRY MESSENGER

CLIMB Theatre visits River Grove

Bridget of CLIMB Theatre and her colleague, Grace (not pictured), visited River Grove elementary Feb. 15 to teach students about bullying.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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City council honors Scandia Home Delivered Meal Program 2017 fish, game and trapping licenses expire Feb. 28 Minnesota fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for 2017 expire Wednesday, Feb. 28, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Licenses for 2018 are now available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense and by telephone at 888665-4236. All 2018 fishing licenses become effective Thursday, March 1. New licenses are required for 2017 hunting and fishing seasons that continue past Feb. 28.

This year license fees increase by $3 for a resident individual angling license, and fees also increase for other license types including deer hunting licenses, sports licenses and lifetime licenses.

License fees support the ongoing work of DNR fish, wildlife and enforcement staff to conserve, enhance and protect our waters, fields and forests.

“Thank you to all who purchase a license. License fees pay for the work we do and the dollars go directly toward improving fishing and hunting opportunities in Minnesota,” said Steve Michaels, DNR licensing program director.

Customers who purchase online via a smartphone won’t receive a conventional paper license.

Instead, they’ll receive a text message or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers. A printed copy of the text or email also can serve as proof of a valid license.

Customers are encouraged to update their customer record online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense.

Adding an email, while not required, allows the DNR to send important hunting and fishing information, and gather input through surveys.

More information about how the DNR spends license dollars can be found at mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork.

Scandia Mayor Christine Maefsky presented a Good Neighbor Award Proclamation to the meal drivers and coordinators of the Scandia Home Delivered Meal Program at the February 20 city council meeting.

The Scandia Good Neighbor Award honors individuals, businesses and civic groups who, in big or little ways, make our community a better place to live.

The Scandia Home Delivered Meal Program provides personal,

Get information on being a licensed Fahrner Asphalt Sealers will child care provider do crack sealing projects in county this summer

Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC, will perform road crack sealing on Washington County roads this summer, after the County Board approved a $184,450 contract with the company Feb. 20.

Crack sealing is a maintenance process that seals cracks in roads. This reduces the amount of water that can infiltrate the cement and road base, which reduces freeze-thaw damage. Reducing the freezethaw damage helps to slow down road degradation.

Prolonging the life of the road helps to preserve the financial investment in the road and extends the amount of time until the next reconstruction is needed. Crack sealing is done annually on various roadways, county park roads, and parking lots throughout the county. This year’s schedule includes work at Point Douglas Park, Big Marine Park Reserve, and the county’s Environmental Center, along with several roadways.

This year, Stillwater Township will also have crack sealing performed as part of the county's project on all its township roads, and the County Board approved a cooperative cost share agreement with the township for its crack seal improvements.

Work will be done from late April to May, over the course of three to four weeks.

Washington County residents interested in becoming a licensed family child care provider in the county may take the first step and attend an orientation 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 8.

Meetings are in Lower Level Conference Room 14 in the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater. Use the parking on the west side and enter the Government Center, which is at 14949 N. 62nd St. N. Basic information regarding the family child care program and requirements for licensing will be discussed. Attendance is required at one of these meetings before a license can be issued.

Call Annie Walton at 651-430-6539 to register.

The meeting is free.

home-delivery of fresh, affordable meals to homebound Scandia residents in need. The local service began a few years ago when the Meals on Wheels delivery program lost its funding. Scandia Café owner Holly Kaufhold offered to continue to provide low-cost, fresh meals while Sally Dalluhn offered to serve as volunteer recruiter and coordinator for the program.

The Scandia Home Delivered Meal Program functions entirely

with volunteers including current meal drivers Laura Grunzinger, Shellie Kolden, Marlys Johnson, Denise Zauner, Ron & Joyce Leslie, Marlin & Gwen McCurdy, Vernon & Cathryn Hollman, and Gary Amundson.

Mayor Maefsky stated that “this program provides homebound residents with more than good, fresh meals but also with a friendly face at their door to talk with and someone to quick-check their well-being.”

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Wagenius named Outstanding Member of the Year by county officers association

PUBLIC NOTICES

SAND LAKE AERATION WARNING: An aeration system creating open water and thin ice will begin operating on Sand Lake, South of Scandia in Washington County, Twp32.R20.S26 on or after February 24th, 2018. Weather conditions may cause the areas of thin ice and open water to fluctuate greatly. Stay clear of marked area!

Published in The Country Messenger February 21 and February 28, 2018

Minnesota FFA Alumni to hold 12th annual conference The Minnesota FFA 2018 Alumni Annual Conference will be held Saturday, March 3, at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)located in Rosemont. Alumni members from across the state will gather to attend educational leadership workshops, exchange ideas, share lunch and listen to keynote speaker, Tony Dahlman, an inspirational speaker and storyteller. Tony was an FFA member of the Dassel-Cokato FFA Chapter. Conference is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by an optional tour of DCTC. The mission of the Minnesota FFA Alumni Association is “to secure the promise of FFA and agricultural education by creating an environment where people and communities can develop their potential for premier leadership, person growth and career success.”

For more information and registration, visit the alumni website at www.mnffaalumni.org.

SUBMITTED

Jennifer Wagenius, Washington County Property Records and Taxpayer Services Director, was honored by the Minnesota Association of County Officers with the Outstanding Member of the Year Award Feb. 14. She is with the County Board at its meeting Feb. 20, commissioners Stan Karwoski, District 2, and Lisa Weik, District 5, Wagenius, and commissioners Fran Miron, District 1, and Gary Kriesel, District 3.

Jennifer Wagenius, director of the Washington County Department of Property Records and Taxpayer Services, was honored by the Minnesota Association of County Officers (MACO) with the Outstanding Member of the Year Award Feb. 14. The award was given in recognition of distinguished service to her community,

Answers

county and the Minnesota County Recorders Association. Minnesota County Recorders Association President Michelle Cote presented the award to Wagenius at the 2018 MACO Annual Conference at the Bloomington DoubleTree.

Wagenius has been an active member of the Recorders Association for many

CLUES ACROSS 1. Shaded inner regions 7. Overlapping part of a garment 13. Type of smartphone 14. Fall apart 16. Football’s big game (abbr.)

17. Crocodilian reptile 19. Of I 20. Swamp plant 22. Sun can help you get one 23. Hops, __ and jumps 25. Cuckoos 26. Small cavities in rocks 28. American traitor 29. Tooth caregiver 30. Popular fish 31. Ottoman military leader 33. Anger 34. Fish of the mackerel family 36. Some people can’t eat it 38. Amer. Revolutionary War battle 40. Misleading ads 41. Atomic number 76 43. A type of castle security 44. Sunscreen rating 45. Very fast airplane 47. Vigor 48. 007’s creator 51. __ and that 53. Indicating silence 55. Brown and gray rail 56. Nocturnal insects 58. Make an incision 59. Norwegian village 60. Commercial 61. Criminal 64. Northeast 65. Clouds of gas and dust in outer space 67. Mysterious things 69. One who won’t be forgotten 70. Starts over CLUES DOWN 1. Straighten 2. Gives medical advice (abbr.)

3. Touts

years. Wagenius was hired

by Washington County in 1999 as the Assistant County Recorder and has led the recording function for the county since 2006 when she was promoted to the Division Manager of Property Records. Part of her role is being a leading expert in the statewide county recorders group and working with the

4. One’s job 5. Afflict in mind or body 6. Proofed 7. Capital of Angola 8. Social insect living in organized colonies 9. Ones who are financially compensated 10. Jacket 11. Electron volt 12. Tuned 13. Syrian leader 15. Reduces 18. Congress’ investigative arm 21. Make uneasy 24. A fake 26. Any thick messy substance 27. Goad 30. Titan 32. Continental Congress delegate for NY

Minnesota Bar Association and the state Legislature on any changes to the recording statutes and processes.

Wagenius served as president of the County Recorder Association in 2015, then as president of MACO in 2016. MACO is the umbrella organization that includes auditors, treasurers, and recorders.

35. Peyton’s younger brother 37. Fiddler crab 38. Delivers the mail 39. Liliaceous plant 42. Mountain Time 43. Where wrestlers work 46. Secured 47. Dog breed 49. Where rockers perform 50. Nostrils 52. Express doubt 54. Pointer 55. Slang for sergeant 57. Selling at specially reduced prices 59. Six (Spanish) 62. Holds nonperishables 63. Between northeast and east 66. Exist 68. Meitnerium

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners will host Garden U The St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners Association is hosting Garden U on Saturday, March 17 at the Hudson House located off Hwy 94 at Carmichael Rd, exit 2. On-site registration starts at 8:30. The fee ($40 ) includes lunch and speaker handouts.

Pre-registration can be done by mailing a check payable to SCVMGA to Barrette-SCVMGA at 1358 County Rd V, Houlton, WI, 54082. Questions can be directed to 715-549-6438 or stcroixvlymga@pressenter.com or go to http://scvmga.weebly.com for more information.

Speakers at this year’s Garden U education day will focus on land and water programs protecting our ground water and gardening sustainably.

Lunch is included, as well as door prizes and the “Garden Marketplace” to browse all things garden during breaks.

The first speaker of the morning is Janine Kohn, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources statewide program coordinator for Water Education and Outreach (Project WET). Kohn works with educators, youth, volunteers and a wide array of partners around the state and country. She will be sharing information with us about healthy water systems and how individuals play a valuable role in their communities.

Kohn’s 28-year career in education led her to work as a teacher in charter schools outside Denver, Colorado. She also worked for two environmental education companies in south Florida. She has served as an education consultant for various groups and has worked with schools and non-profits around the country to create schoolyard habitats and camping/fishing programs. Her passion is working with youth and families sharing her experiences with others.

Monica Zachay is the Land and Water Director with the St. Croix River Association (SCRA). She has been with the SCRA for six years working with multiple stakeholders throughout the watershed to SEE GARDEN U, PAGE 12

Guided morning bird hikes continue with March 10 hike at Big Marine Park Reserve A rotating schedule of bird hikes throughout Washington County Parks will continue with a hike 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Big Marine Park Reserve.

Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. The surveys collected will assist the county’s Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.

It is a one-hour guided hike.

Meet at the playground, with parking in the playground parking lot.

For Washington County park locations, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks. Under park

locations, find a county map with park contact information; search “guided bird hikes” on the county website for more information.

The hikes will traverse turf, gravel, and paved trail depending on trail conditions. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and the weather.

This program is free with a parks vehicle permit ($7/daily or $30/ annually) and is open to people of all ages and abilities. ADA accommodations can be made as needed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email at parks@co.washington.mn.us.

For more Washington County Parks programs and events, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks .

County Board accepts cash, in-kind donations of almost $15,000 for quarter The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted almost $15,000 of cash and in-kind gifts for the fourth quarter of 2017 Feb. 13.

Cash donations were $7,438.68 and in-kind donations were $7,346.

The county Library received more than $2,000 in cash through memo-

rials, a study group’s donation, and general donations during the quarter, including a gift of $1,000 from Delores Sundbye. The county Parks received more than $5,000 in cash gifts, including more than $1,300 received during the fall Nooks & Crannies event, and more than $3,000 in

donations received during the Christmas at the Courthouse event in November. Other donations to the Parks were from tour donations and exhibition donations at the Historic Courthouse. The Historic Courthouse also received more than $7,000 of in-kind donations to support Christmas at

the Courthouse.

Other in-kind donations of more than $1,170 were received for door prizes for a Workforce Center Job Seeker event Dec. 1, and the Sheriff’s Office received $250 to support community engagement.

AREA CHURCHES Ascension Episcopal Church

Forest Hills United Methodist Church

Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church (LCMS)

Osceola United Methodist Church

St. Joseph Catholic Church

214 North Third Street N, Stillwater (651) 439-2609 • www.ae-church.org Rev. Marilyn Baldwin Rev. Buff Grace, Rector Rev. Brenda Hoffman Mindy Boynton, Christian Ed/Youth Nancy Whipkey, Music Sunday: 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, no music 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, with music

Hwy. 97 at County Road 34 S.E. Forest Lake (651) 464-5249 Pastor: Rev. David Werner www.foresthillsumc.net 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship

25402 Itasca Avenue Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-462-3535 / lordofthelakes.org Pastor Craig Bertram Regular Worship 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Communion First and Third Sundays 9:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Class

306 River Street Osceola, WI (715) 755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com Sunday: Worship 10 a.m.

Fellowship at 11 a.m.

490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, MN (651) 465-7345 Father John Drees Sat. Mass 5:30 p.m.

Sun. Mass 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

River Valley Christian Church

St. Joseph Catholic Cluster

Maranatha Church Chisago Lakes Campus

Lake Elmo (651) 430-9950 5900 Lake Elmo Avenue N. (Hwy 36 & County Road 17) Pastor Jon Neitzel, Teen Pastor Greg Hamm Children’s Pastor Karen Hynes Sunday Worship and Childrens’ Church 9:30 a.m. Nursery available.

Saturday Worship and Children’s Church, 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Teen Service 7:00 p.m.

Osceola (715) 294-2243 Rev. Andy Anderson Saturday Mass: St. Joseph’s, 4 p.m.

St. Anne’s, Somerset 5 p.m.

Sunday Mass: Assumption, East Farmingon 8:30 a.m.

St. Anne’s, Somerset 8 & 10 a.m.

St. Joseph’s, Osceola 10:30 a.m.

Call for weekday mass and reconciliation schedules.

The Baha’i Faith For information about Baha’i Faith or times and places of meetings call (651) 433-3686.

Christ Lutheran Church 150 Fifth Street, Marine (651) 433-3222, office ext. 10 Pastors Joel Martin and Hannah Bartos Sunday Worship 8:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.

Kid’s Church during 9:45 service.

Wednesday Life Night schedule: Community Supper at 5:30 p.m.

Faith formation classes for all ages at 6:30 p.m.

Elim Lutheran Church Scandia (651) 433-2723 www.elimscandia.org Senior Pastor Scott Westphal Associate Pastor Meredith McGrath Sunday Worship: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in Elim Sanctuary Christian education for all ages: 8:45 a.m.

Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) Forest Lake (651) 464-3323 886 North Shore Drive Pastors: Rev. Philip Peterson, Rev. Paul Brown Sunday Worship: Traditional, 7:45 & 9:00 a.m.

Praise Service: 10:30 a.m.

Grace Church 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola Pastor Mark Barlow Amy Germain, Day Care Bety Greydanus, Office Manager “The Cure for the Common Church” e-mail: info@gracechurchosceola.com www.gracechurchosceola.com or call (715) 294-4222 or (715) 755-3454 Sunday: Praise and Worship Service 9 a.m. with Children’s Church Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m.

Christian Child Day Care Monday-Friday 5:30 am – 6 p.m.

Hosanna Lutheran Church (ELCA) Living, loving and serving as Jesus did... so that all may know him.

9300 Scandia Tr. N. Forest Lake (651) 464-5502 www.hosannaforestlake.net Linda Friesen, Lead Pastor Jen Collins, Associate Pastor Sept-May Worship Schedule Sunday 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

In Great Hall (lower level) Wednesday (thru Apr) 6:00 p.m. in Garden Chapel (upper level)

Lakes Free Church www.lakesfree.org Lindstrom (651) 257-2677 29620 Olinda Trail N. Senior Pastor Richard Stanghelle, Associate Pastor Jason Carlson Sunday Worship 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9 & 10:30 a.m.

10963 Lake Blvd. (Hwy 8) Chisago City (651) 257-8605 Pastor Bill Headley Worship service Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday service 9:30 a.m.

Osceola Community Church 2492 Education Dr., Osceola, WI Larry Mederich, Pastor (715) 417-0608 • www.occconnect.org Sunday Worship 9 a.m. with provided Nursery Kids Church 9:30 a.m.

Meeting in home groups throughout the week. Call for details, 715-294-4332.

Osceola Medical Center Spiritual Care 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola, WI www.myomc.org/specialtyserv_1chapel.php 715-294-5645 fax: 715-294-5712 email: alan.hagstrom@myomc.org Chapel open daily for meditation.

St. Croix Falls United Methodist Church Upper St. Croix Parish 300 N. Adams St. • (715)-483-9494 Pastor Carolyn Saunders Pastor MIke Brewbaker Sunday Service 10 a.m.

St. Croix Valley Friends Meeting Stillwater (651) 439-7981 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Fifth & Laurel Streets Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Childcare available.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Franconia (651) 465-7345 Sunday Mass: 9 a.m.

Father John Drees Three miles north on Hwy. 95 from Hwy. 97. West on Redwing 1/4 mile.

Trinity Lutheran Church (WELS) Osceola (715) 294-2828 300 Seminole Avenue Sunday Worship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School/Bible Class: 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday worship: 7 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church Stillwater (651) 439-7400 www.trinitylc.org • 115 North Fourth Street Pastors: Dan Poffenberger & Stephanie Vos, Saturday Evening Worship: 5 p.m.

Sunday Worship: 9 a.m Traditional; 10:30 a.m. The WALK Contemporary Worship Children’s Learning, Sunday 9 a.m. and on Wednesday 6 p.m.

Wednesday 7:15 p.m. “The River” Youth Worship

10

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12450 Morris Trail N, Marine-On-St. Croix

651-433-4500

INSURANCE THE ORIGINAL PRETTY GOOD GROCERY Open Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

NOAH

FINANCIAL

INSURANCE GROUP Osceola • 715-294-2510 • 877-571-9315 Stillwater • 888-430-6624 www.noahinsurancegroup.com

LAWN & SPORT Servicing all major brands Lawn & garden, mower service.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS 21240 Olinda Trail N., Scandia, MN

Saturday 8 a.m. - noon Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

651-433-4668

Aluminum Utility Trailers Mobile Displays • We build Tiny House Trailers 651-257-5340 • www.customtrailers.biz • Scandia, MN

TRAILER REPAIR Axles • Couplers • Wiring • Brakes • Aluminum & Steel Welding

STORAGE

Scandia Self Storage Heated or Cold Space Available from 5x10 to 10x40 Hwy. 97, Ozark Ave. N.

Scandia 651-433-4150

VETERINARIAN

SCANDIA VET CLINIC HOURS: Monday - Friday • 8 to 5:30 Saturday • 8 to noon

651-433-3666

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

COUNTRY MESSENGER

11

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PHONE: 651-433-3845 | FAX: 651-433-3158 23

404

300

Free Items

Garage Sales

For Sale

HAVE SOMETHING TO give away? Run three weeks, nonbusiness related for FREE. Must be from the area. To place an ad call 715-294-2314.

Heated garage sale.

March 1, 2, 3, and 4.

8:30 am till 5 pm.

Lawn mowers, couches, table, home decor, adult clothing many sizes, Kids clothing many sizes, and much more. 947 190th st, Dresser, WI.

NEW BUILDING SITE For Sale - 1 and 105 acres. Country lots – Osceola Dresser area.

715-755-3377

454

THE SUN HAS YOUR office supplies – File folders, labels, register and other tapes, envelopes of many sizes, copy paper by ream or sheet and much more. Let us help you today, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

715-294-2314.

102 Services Custom Furniture refinishing, stripping and repair. Do it right, reasonably. The Cellar Door, Taylors Falls, 651-465-5551.

Erickson piano service. Bryan Erickson Tuning-RegulationRepair 715-463-5958 \ 507-475-2584 Problems with your car insurance? Tickets? Accidents? Been canceled? Call Noah Insurance for help at 715-294-2017.

RESUMES copied for free if you have been laid off and looking for work. Stop in at The Sun, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

Storage Rent Farmington Mini Storage: For all your storage needs. Now offering climate controlled units. 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 10x25. Now accommodating 5th wheelers, boats and campers.

715-2943078 or 1-800-2828103.

COUNTRY

. .com

352 Home/Office Organization

FOR SALE

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Mobility Conversion Van with fold-up ramp Silver. Clean. FWD. 115,000 miles Call 715-222-5098

COLOR COPIES

Reporter Wanted Help write the ¿rst draft of local history.

The Sun is seeking a reporter to cover the Town of East Farmington and take assignments for features, with potential for other community coverage.

The ideal candidate possesses a sharp sense for accuracy and newsworthiness, and has excellent writing skills.

The candidate must be dependable and send stories on a deadline. A background in journalism or writing is preferred, but not required.

Those interested should send writing samples and a letter of interest including any relevant experience to editor@osceolasun.com.

available at

The Sun 108 Cascade

Osceola

$14.96/HR - 1st Shift Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Safety Shoe Reimbursement | Employee of the Month Bonus | 1st Raise at 90 days | Weekly Pay Medical/Dental/Vision

$500 Retention Bonus!

Come join our Team!

The Estates at Greeley and Linden are thrilled to offer a two week sign on bonus to the first 30 certified nursing assistants and 30 nurses that are selected throughout Monarch’s organization!

Any CNA or Nurse who applies online from Feb. 14th to 28th, 2018 and becomes an employee at The Estates at Greeley or Linden will receive a Valentines special sign on bonus!!

CNA’s will receive $1,500 sign on bonus LPN/RN’s will receive $3,000 sign on bonus Visit our website at www.monarchmn.com For career opportunities and to submit an application!

EOE/AA

Willow Ridge Healthcare EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED - DRIVERS

MISCELLANEOUS

RAILROAD VEGETATION CONTROL: Full-time traveling opportunity, 60-80 hours/week, $13-$15/hour starting, meal allowance, paid lodging, health/ dental, 401(k) & paid time off. RAW, Inc. in Cooperstown, ND 888/700-0292 www.rawapplicators.com info@rawapplicators.com

LOOKING FOR LIVESTOCK DRIVERS full and part-time to haul cattle in the Upper Midwest. ELD exempt. Excellent pay and steady work. Call LenCo 651/785-8016

DONATE YOUR CAR truck or boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3-day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paperwork taken care of 800/439-1735

HELP WANTED BOWES CONSTRUCTION Brookings, SD. Available positions open: Truck Drivers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Mechanic. For complete details email v_longville@bowesconstruction.com or call 605/693-3557

MISCELLANEOUS SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 844/290-5838 A PLACE FOR MOM The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is free/no obligation. Call 844/347-2104

DISH NETWORK 190+ channels. Free install. Free hopper HD-DVR. $49.99/month (24 mos.) Add high speed internet - $14.95 (where avail.)

Call today & save 25%! 855/562-4309 STOP OVERPAYING FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS! Save! Call our licensed Canadian & International pharmacy, compare prices & get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! Call 877/210-2257 Promo Code: CDC201725

Advertise here statewide in 260+ newspapers for only $279 per week! Call 800-279-2979

has the following openings:

NOC CNA Wage based on experience

PM CNA Housekeeping To apply please call or email Melissa 715-268-8171 mmcardle@rphfcorp.com

12 COUNTRY MESSENGER

SHERIFF’S REPORT

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

www.countrymessenger.com

City of Marine on St. Croix

FEBRUARY 14 At 4:10 p.m. an assault was reported on 5th Street.

FEBRUARY 16 At 6:31 a.m. a commercial burglar alarm sounded at Marine General Store.

FEBRUARY 18 At 8:08 a.m. a driver on St. Croix Trail and Nason Hill Road who was stopped for driving after revocation provided false insurance information.

FEBRUARY 22 At 9:15 p.m. an accident with property damage

was reported on Ostrum Trail and Quant.

FEBRUARY 23 At 4:11 p.m. a concern about welfare on Nason Hill Road west of Tanglewood was reported.

FEBRUARY 24 At 7:09 a.m. a driver on St. Croix Trail was stopped for speeding, driving after revocation and having no proof of insurance.

City of Scandia

FEBRUARY 14 At 10:09 a.m. a phone scam was reported on Ozark Avenue.

At 7:17 p.m. a loose cow on Manning and Scandia Trail was reported.

FEBRUARY 15 At 5:04 p.m. theft was reported on Mayberry Trail.

At 7:21 p.m. a suspicious vehicle was reported on Scandia Trail near the school.

FEBRUARY 16 At 6:59 a.m. a burglar alarm sounded on St. Croix Trail.

At 7:09 a.m. a medical need was reported on Perkins Avenue.

At 1:35 p.m. a driver on Oakhill Road was stopped for speeding.

At 4:02 p.m. a stop arm violation was reported on St. Croix Trail.

At 9:54 p.m. a 911 call came from St. Croix Trail.

FEBRUARY 17 At 10:38 a.m. a driver in the 18700 block of Manning was stopped for speeding.

At 11:52 a.m. loose cattle were reported on Highway 97 and Manning.

FEBRUARY 18 At 1:46 a.m. an animal concern was reported on Manning and Scandia Trail.

At 9:59 a.m. a cow in the roadway was reported on

Manning and Scandia Trail.

At 6:36 p.m. a complaint about a driving on St. Croix Trail, northbound from Oakhill Road, was received.

At 11:11 p.m. assistance was needed on 240th Street.

FEBRUARY 21 At 12:31 p.m. a medical need was reported at Eko Backen Snow Tubing.

At 3:26 p.m. a 911 caller hung up on Scandia and St. Croix trails.

FEBRUARY 22 At 10:35 p.m. a medical need was reported on Penrose Avenue at Rebecca’s Place.

FEBRUARY 23

Spotlight on Area Businesses Edward Jones of Marine on St. Croix

How Can Women Make Financial Progress?

On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Press for Progress,” and events around the world will celebrate women’s advancements in the political, social and cultural arenas.

But right here in the United States, women still face barriers to their financial progress. If you’re a woman, you need to recognize these challenges – and respond to them.

So, what are the key obstacles to financial security for a woman?

Probably the first thing that comes to mind is the gender wage gap: Women generally earn around 80 cents for every dollar men earn, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But women also face other threats to their financial security. For one thing, they are far more likely than men to take time away from the workforce to raise a family – and time away means smaller Social Security payments and significantly lower balances in 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts. And women’s roles as caretakers don’t end when their children are grown – in fact, women are twice as likely as their male siblings to end up caring for an elderly parent, according to a Princeton University study.

What, then, can you do to help ensure a comfortable retirement and achieve your other financial goals? Here are a few suggestions: • Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, take full advantage of it. Invest as much as you can afford each year, and every time you get a raise, increase your contributions. At the very least, put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

• Invest for the long term. Some evidence shows that women may be more conservative investors than men. But if you want to reach your long-term goals, you will need to consider some growth-oriented investments in your portfolio, factoring in your risk tolerance and time horizon. You may want to consult with a financial professional about the best way to invest for the long term.

• Maximize your Social Security. If your spouse is the higher earner, you may want to consider how you can use this disparity to your advantage when you collect Social Security. Specifically, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s earnings and Social Security record. You’ll want to consult your tax advisor before making any moves.

• Protect yourself from long-term care costs. More than two-thirds of nursing home residents are women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. And the median rate nationwide for a private room in a nursing home is over $97,000 per year, according to the Genworth 2017 Cost of Care Survey. Medicare generally pays very little for long-term care, so if you ever need these services, you’ll have to find other ways to pay for them. A financial professional can suggest some ideas.

As a woman, you face special financial challenges, and striving to overcome them will be a lifelong activity. But it’s worth the effort.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

At 4:20 a.m. a medical need was reported on Mayberry Trail.

At 1:31 p.m. threats were reported at the group home on Perkins Avenue.

At 2:04 p.m. a report was received of narcotics found on Scandia Trail.

At 4:49 p.m. extra patrol was requested on Old Marine Trail.

At 8:30 p.m. a driver in the 19200 block of Manning was stopped for speeding 69mph/55 zone.

FEBRUARY 24 At 1:36 p.m. a complaint about a driver on Olinda Trail northbound from 220th Street was received.

At 4:24 p.m. a snowmobile on fire on 238th and Lofton was reported.

At 5:19 p.m. a structure was on fire on Olinda Trail.

Town of May

FEBRUARY 14 At 7:03 p.m. fraud was reported on 120th Street.

FEBRUARY 15 At 9:14 a.m. a suspicious vehicle was reported on Morgan Avenue.

At 5:50 p.m. a complaint about a driver on St. Croix Trail, northbound from 152nd Street, was received.

At 5:53 p.m. a squad was towed on Lamond Trail.

FEBRUARY 16 At 4:19 p.m. an injured owl on Manning Trail was reported.

FEBRUARY 17 At 10:03 a.m. a suspicious phone call on St. Croix Trail was reported.

FEBRUARY 18 At 12:12 p.m. property was retrieved on Keller Avenue.

At 10:41 p.m. a driver on 170th and May Avenue was stopped for speeding 80mph/55 zone.

FEBRUARY 22 At 6:33 p.m. a complaint about a driver on Manning, approaching 170th Street was received.

FEBRUARY 23 At 12:22 a.m. a medical need was reported on Ostrum Trail.

FEBRUARY 24 At 12:46 a.m. a motorist needed assistance just north of 170th on Manning.

At 7:24 p.m. a wrong way driver on Manning, southbound from Square Lake Trail, was reported.

At 8:27 p.m. a verbal domestic was reported on Norell Avenue.

GARDEN U: March 17

CONGRATULATIONS NEWLYWEDS. GET STARTED ON BUILDING A SOLID FINANCIAL FUTURE. LET’S TALK.

Heidi Gemuenden, AAMS®

FROM PAGE 9

Financial Advisor

41 Judd Street Marine On St. Croix, MN 651-433-1776

Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

12450 Morris Trail N Marine-On-St. Croix

651-433-4500 Member SIPC

44 Years of Satisfied Customers!

Our Family Opening Doors For You!

21260 Olinda Trail N.

Cell: 651-308-2221 Office: 715-294-4373 jeanlundgren@gmail.com www.jeanlundgren.com

651-433-5167

JEAN LUNDGREN

www.scandiaheating.com COUNTRY

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

P.O. Box 96 Scandia, MN 55073 Phone: (651) 433-3845 Fax: (651) 433-3158

Scandia Office • 651-433-5753

Call us for a quote!

140 Judd St. • Marine on St. Croix

JoAnn Buse & Jane Dreyer

Sun - Thurs 11 am - 11 pm, Fri - Sat 11 am - 11 pm or later

651-433-1112 HOURS

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THE LOCAL FOCUS!

Forest Lake • Assistance on Insurance Claims • Courtesy Cars/Rental Cars SERVING THE AREA SINCE 1978

“Where Quality Comes First”

651-464-6477

• Reach Customers on a weekly basis • Full color on the highly visible back page of the Country Messenger • Includes a one week feature, highlighting the special details of your business Call 651-433-3815 or email sales@osceolasun.com

reduce nutrient pollution runoff, restore unique habitats, and protect critical forestlands. Zachay received a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Well acquainted with water quality issues affecting the St. Croix River, Zachay will discuss water resource and water quality issues in the St. Croix watershed, specifically how water quality is connected to our surrounding landscapes. She will also address what our biggest threats to water quality are locally.

Our afternoon speaker, Bonnie Blodgett, is a writer and journalist who specializes in environmental gardening. An avid gardener, she writes a weekly column called The Blundering Gardener for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and is a regular commentary writer for the Star Tribune. She has written five books and numerous articles for national and regional magazines.

Blodgett’s presentation will address gardeners as front line participants and ambassadors in the sustainability effort of our natural resources and as Master Gardener’s we have inherent credibility because we spend so much time learning about nature.

Blodgett will share her thoughts on how to garden sustainably in the 21st century. She will discuss the remarkable “enlightenment” going on among millennials whose passion for nutritious food is having a “bottom up” effect on how we live on the planet. She will show pictures of her own garden and she looks forward to a lively discussion among her fellow gardeners.