Country Messenger 03.03.21

COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

VOL. 37 NO. 44 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

NEWS: Townships to hold annual meetings March 9. PAGE 8

Legacy Amendment funds will help protect river

Holmgren looking to shatter more social barriers

BY JASON SCHULTE EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

Mikayla Holmgren has been looking to shatter social norms as a woman with Down Syndrome.

Her past accomplishments include: • The first participant in any state Miss USA pageant with Down Syndrome.

• Speaking in front of the Minnesota House and Senate to help pass a bill relating to those who have Down Syndrome.

• Addressing the Pennsylvania Congress as part of the Down Syndrome Awareness Act and at the United Nations with Holy See. Holmgren is looking to break even more barriers as she recently submitted a video to Sports Illustrated to be part of their Swimsuit Issue.

In her 60-second video, she explained why she would be a great candidate.

“Sports Illustrated Swim has been such a champion of the diversity of beauty,” she said. “Now is the time to include someone like me. I’m a dancer, model, public speaker and a college graduate…All women deserve to be celebrated.”

The 26-year-old Marine on St. Croix native, who graduated from St. Croix Prep in 2014, said the decision to apply was an easy one.

“To have more inclusion, more awareness around the world,” she said. “To impact people around the world.”

She submitted her tape last month. There was no

BY GREG SEITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) recently announced $12.3 million in grants to improve water quality around the state. The funding is provided by the Clean Water Fund, which gets one-third of the proceeds of a statewide sales tax approved by voters in 2008.

A significant portion of the grants will support projects in the region that drains into the St. Croix River. Some of the projects will benefit lakes and tributaries, while others will directly affect the river.

“Throughout Minnesota, local government staff and private landowners are collaborating with the state to make meaningful progress toward improving water quality,” said John Jaschke, executive director of BWSR. “These grants are a key component in ongoing efforts to keep our water clean and our lakes, rivers and streams healthy.”

The grants for the St. Croix basin total nearly $1.5 million dollars spread across seven projects spread from Pine County in the north to Washington in the south. Local watershed districts and local partners will do the work.

Little Comfort Lake Phosphorus Reduction Implementation

individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Before COVID-19 hit, she worked in childcare at the Stillwater YMCA. Besides education, dance has been a high priority in her life.

Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District $354,600 The proposed project addresses phosphorus reductions to Little Comfort Lake, a 36-acre impaired lake that is hydrologic ally connected to Comfort Lake. While the phosphorus improvements of this project are directly for Little Comfort Lake, it also reduces phosphorus to Comfort Lake. The proposed projects include implementation of a variable height weir to impound water in a large wetland complex, a series of beaver dam analogs along the School Lake outlet channel to Little Comfort Lakeland an in-lake alum treatment. These projects are expected to remove 80 pounds/year of phosphorus loads from the east wetland impoundment, 60pounds/yr of phosphorus from the School Lake outlet channel improvements, and 56 pounds/yr of phosphorus from the in-lake alum treatment. This is a total load reduction of 206 pounds/yr, which will achieve the remaining reductions needed for Comfort Lake to be removed from the impaired waters list.

SEE HOLMGREN, PAGE 2

SEE AMENDMENT, PAGE 2

COURTESEY OF FACEBOOK

Mikayla Holmgren recently submitted a video to Sports Illustrated to be part of its Swimsuit Issue. Holmgren, 26, is a Marine on St. Croix native.

word if she was selected as of last week.

The feedback about her submission is catching nationally. She’s been interviewed by Twin Cities media outlets and will be interviewed by Minnesota native and former Fox News person-

NEWS 651-433-3845 editor@countrymessenger.com

ality Gretchen Carlson for People TV in the near future, said mom Sandi.

Education has been a big part of Holmgren’s life. She graduated from Bethel University’s B.U.I.L.D. program and received a two-year certificate program for

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HOLMGREN: Speaker, dancer FROM PAGE 1

“I’ve been doing it since I was six years old,” she said. “It’s a full-time passion.”

She choreographs her own dances, and competes at many competitions and for special events. She was a member of her college dance team and has performed in front of thousands of attendees at both the Best Buddies Organization Annual Conference and National Down Syndrome Conference.

Holmgren entered her first pageant in 2015 when she won the Minnesota Miss Amazing Junior Crown. She wanted to

do another one and entered the Miss Minnesota USA in 2017, setting the precedent. She won two awards that evening: The Director’s Award and the Spirit of Miss USA Award.

“I think she’s pretty amazing,” Sandi said. “She was born with a medical issue and not given much hope on what she could accomplish and she’s outdone them.”

Mikayla said she wants to write a book about her life so far and what she still wants to accomplish.

“It will be about following your dreams,” she said.

Speaker series to feature Dakota People of St. Croix River Valley CONTRIBUTED

Conversations of the Valley, the long-running speaker series hosted by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, bring a slate of experts and thought leaders to the Zoom format. The theme for this season’s presentations is “Racial Justice: Listening and Learning.”

A reckoning on race re-

lations is how many in the media have characterized events and responses that people have experienced or witnessed in the past year.

Conversations of the Valley aims to take what can sometimes seem like far off voices in the national media and brings those voices closer to home.

This third presentation in the popular series takes

place 12-1 p.m., March 17 and will focus on Indigenous Communities of the St. Croix Valley region. There is no fee. The guest is Gwen Westerman, an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate and the Cherokee Nation.

Registration is now open at www.scvfoundation.org.

AMENDMENT: Grants totaling $12.3 million to improve water quality around the state FROM PAGE 1

2021 Priority Implementation Targeting Lawrence Creek, Dry Creek, and Direct Drainage to the St. Croix River

Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District $250,000 The St. Croix River escarpment has been a focal point for the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District over the past eight years in a multi-phase targeted plan to reduce phosphorus and sediment loading to the St. Croix River and Lake St. Croix. Through this

application, the focal area will be sub watersheds in the rural area, which are upstream of the escarpment, or drain directly to the St. Croix River. Lawrence Creek and an unnamed direct drainage stream are the County’s only listed trout streams and are Regionally Significant Streams for pollution reduction. A minimum of 20 projects will reduce the phosphorus loading by at least 140 pounds/ year and sediment loading by at least 140 tons/ year.

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Bone Lake Northeast Wetland Restoration Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District $171,200 The Bone and Moody Lake drainage areas are the headwaters of the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District northern flow network, and as such, their water quality sets the stage for downstream waters, many of which are impaired. This project proposes to remove accumulated phosphorus-rich sediment from the northern portion of a wetland directly adjacent to Bone Lake that had a history of receiving direct livestock manure runoff from the dairy farm barnyard located on the same wetland. This project is estimated to reduce watershed phosphorus loads to Bone Lake by 15 pounds/yr. Modest phosphorus reductions to Bone Lake are needed to maintain its recent achievement of state water quality standards and remove Bone Lake from the impaired waters list, making this a statewide priority lake.

2021 Goose Creek Watershed TMDL Implementation Chisago SWCD $250,000

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East Rush Lake, West Rush Lakeland Goose Lake are impaired for excess nutrients and have some of the lowest water quality in Chisago County, yet they are also some of the most heavily used for recreation. Projects have been prioritized by their potential reduction in total phosphorus loading per year and will be targeted in that order to achieve the greatest reduction per project. The goal of this grant is to provide technical and financial assistance in the Goose Creek watershed for the targeted implementation of at least20 practices to reduce watershed runoff phosphorus loading to Goose, East Rush, and West Rush Lakes and the St. Croix River by a minimum of 140 pounds/year.

Lake St. Croix Small Communities Urban Phosphorus Reductions Phase II Middle St. Croix River WMO $158,000 This project will address stormwater discharge from a 1,852 acre pipe shed that is directly discharging to Lake St. Croix. This will be done through the installation of targeted stormwater treatment

best management practices prioritized in the Lake St. Croix Direct Discharge Stormwater Retrofit Analysis. The goal of this project is to reduce urban pollutant loading to LakeSt.Croix by at least seven pounds of phosphorous, one ton of sediment and one acre-foot of stormwater per year through the installation of up to 15 Low Impact Development stormwater best management practices.

2021 Sunrise River Phase II Lower St. Croix CWMP Implementation

Knife River Clean Up

Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District $200,000 The Sunrise River subwatershed has been identified as the top source of phosphorus loading to Lake St. Croix. Due to the large size of the Sunrise River subwatershed, the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District has implemented a phased approach to prioritize and target the next smaller size subwatersheds within the larger Sunrise River subwatershed. This application targets the North Branch of the Sunrise River subwatershed, which receives runoff from both rural and urban areas. A Stormwa-

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ter Retrofit Assessment is underway to identify the best locations for stormwater projects, including rain gardens, vegetated swales; pervious pavement, infiltration basins, and iron enhanced sand filters.

Priority will be given to projects closest to the river and its tributaries.

At least 10 conservation projects will be installed, preventing at least 50pounds/year of phosphorus and 50 tons/ year sediment from entering the river.

Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District $70,000 Targeted projects include pasture management practices and streambank erosion protection practices including livestock fencing exclusions with the option of providing alternative watering facilities and/ or enhancing buffer strips in pasture stream corridors. These projects are well supported by the members of the Knife Lake Sportsman’s Club and the Knife Lake Improvement District and are estimated to reduce sediment and phosphorus by eight tons per year and 40 pounds per year, respectively.

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League of Women Voters March Unit Meetings

Forest Lake man dies in collision A Forest Lake man died Feb. 24 in a semi/car collision.

The Minnesota State Patrol reports a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado driven by Victor Ludwig Falkner, 86, Forest Lake, was southbound on Highway 95 and Pilar Road near Scandia.

Falkner crossed over the center-

line and struck a semi driven by Aaron Lee Unruh, 43, Roosevelt, Minn., head-on.

Falkner was pronounced dead.

Unruh was uninjured. The accident happened around 3 p.m.

The accident is still under investigation.

The League of Women Voters - White Bear Lake Area will hold its March Unit Meetings on Zoom.

This month we will re-examine the Voting Rights Act. The now-named John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 aims to restore the full protections of the original, bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was last

reauthorized by Congress in 2006, but gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013.

The St. Croix Valley Unit meets 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 10. The White Bear Lake Unit meets 7 p.m., Thursday, March 11. The Mahtomedi Unit meets 7 p.m., Monday, March 8, and the North Oaks Unit meets 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 10.

Interested persons are urged to contact unit leaders in the White Bear Lake, North Oaks, Mahtomedi or St. Croix Valley areas to find out how to join a unit meeting. Visit the LWVWBLA website at www.lwv-wbla.org Program – Unit Meetings page for contact information.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION; NOTICE OF ANNUAL TOWN MEETING; NOTICE OF BOARD OF CANVASS TOWNSHIP OF MAY WASHINGTON COUNTY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified voters of the Town of May, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, that the Annual Election; Annual Town Meeting; and Board of Canvass will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. In case of inclement weather, the Election, Annual Town Meeting, and Board of Canvass may be postponed until March 16, 2021.

NOTICE IF HEREBY GIVEN, that the Election will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Any voter who has not registered may do so at the election before voting. The Election will take place at the May Town Hall located at 13939 Norell Avenue North.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that one three (3) year term of Office of Town Supervisor is to be filled at the March Annual Election.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Town Annual Meeting will be held at approximately 8:15 p.m. virtually via ZOOM (link posted at www.townofmay.org) to do any and all business proper to be done at said meeting Official Ballot

when convened. During the annual meeting, time will be allowed for public comment on all permitted uses in the Township, including Conditional Use Permits, Mining Permits and any other permitted uses. The Board of Canvass will meet immediately following the Annual Meeting to certify the official election results.

Zoom Link for Annual Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91487319573?pwd=bVJ0MjdYYy9WQit0REdKS3V5VEJhQT09 Meeting ID: 914 8731 9573 Passcode: Annual Call In: 1-312-626-6799, Meeting ID: 914 8731 9573, Passcode: 172950 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a May Township resident intending on voting at the Town Annual Meeting needs to register with the Town Clerk before said meeting to secure voting rights.

Dated this 8th day of February, 2021.

Linda M. Tibbetts Town Clerk/Treasurer Town of May Published in The Country Messenger February 17 and March 3, 2021

Town Election Ballot Town of May March 9, 2021

Judge ________ Judge ________

Instructions to Voters:

To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this:

Town Offices Town of May Town Supervisor Vote for One

Steve Magner Write-in, if any

Summary of Proceedings Washington County Board of Commissioners January 26, 2021 Present were Commissioners Fran Miron, District 1; Stan Karwoski, District 2; Gary Kriesel, District 3; Wayne Johnson, District 4; Lisa Weik, District 5. Board Chair Weik presided.

Commissioner Reports – Comments – Questions Commissioners reported on meetings and other events that they attended. Please see archived web streaming of the board meeting for full commissioner reports at www. co.washington.us, under “County Board”.

Community Services - Authorize the Deputy County Administrator to approve the grant agreement with the MN Department of Human Services for the Emergency Solutions grant in the amount of $473,225.

General Administration Approval of the following actions: - Resolution No. 2021-012, extending the COVID Sick Leave benefit.

- Authorize permanent use of fund balance in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 to fund lump sum wage increases included in 2021 collective bargaining agreements.

- Reclassification of the Coordinator to the County Administrator position to a supervisory position.

- Board correspondence was received and placed on file.

Human Resources Approval of the following actions: - Contract No. 13923 with NEOGOV covering the new employee performance management system, the continuation of the applicant examination system, and job openings advertising with GovernmentJobs.com.

- Executive (closed) session to discuss strategy for negotiations with bargaining units that have contracts that expired at the end of 2020.

Public Health and Environment Approval of the following actions: - Approve licenses for the use of real property for the collection of household hazardous waste.

- Director Lowell Johnson reported on COVID-19 vaccination priorities and process updates.

Public Works Approval of the following actions: - Resolution No. 2021-013, accept Metropolitan Council Grant Agreement SG-14294.

- Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 11791 with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $167,160 for the County State Aid Highway 19

(Woodbury Drive) Mobility and Safety Improvement Project.

- Board workshop for a presentation of the Square Lake Special Recreation Feature Master Plan.

- Board workshop for a review of Gold Line Joint Development project for a new county service center.

Sheriff’s Office - Approval of Resolution 2021-014, agreement with Summit Food Services LLC to provide food services for the county jail.

A complete text of the Official Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Commissioners is available on the county’s website: www. co.washington.mn.us, under County Board, or for public inspection at the Office of Administration, Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN. Published in The Country Messenger March 3, 2021

Summary of Proceedings Washington County Board of Commissioners February 2, 2021 Present were Commissioners Fran Miron, District 1; Stan Karwoski, District 2; Gary Kriesel, District 3; Wayne Johnson, District 4; Lisa Weik, District 5. Board Chair Weik presided.

Commissioner Reports – Comments – Questions Commissioners reported on meetings and other events that they attended. Please see archived web streaming of the board meeting for full commissioner reports at www. co.washington.us, under “County Board”.

Accounting and Finance Approval of the following actions: - Principal Accountant Carl Jacobson presented the 2019 annual financial audit highlights and summary.

- Mr. Jacobson presented the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for the county’s 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

- Senior Accountant Shanna Fulkerson presented the GFOA 2018 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR).

General Administration Approval of the following actions: - January 19, 2021, County Board meeting minutes.

- Deputy County Administrator Jan Lucke presented the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the county’s 2020 budget.

- Board workshop for an update on the county’s Local Small Business Grant Program.

- Permanent use of fund balance for continued COVID-19 pandemic-related expenditures in the amount of $933,400.

- Permanent use of fund balance to fund the county food, pools, and lodging license grants, thereby allowing the full $5 million in state funds to be used to fund grant applications received from for-profit and non-profit businesses, and to direct staff to extend the deadline for this program.

- Deputy County Administrator Jan Lucke provided a legislative update that included the 2021 legislative schedule.

Human Resources - Approval of the tentative agreement for 2021 collective bargaining agreement with the Assistant Washington County Attorney’s Association.

Public Works Approval of the following actions: - Resolution No. 2021-015, to establish County State Aid Highway 28.

- Amendment to the Metropolitan Council Grant Agreement No. SG11400 to increase the awarded amount to the grant by $37,994.68.

- Metropolitan Council Grant Agreement No. SG-14928 in the amount of $831,038 for Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Central Greenway Regional Trail and Pavement Improvements.

- Board workshop for an update on the progress of the MOVE Washington County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

A complete text of the Official Proceedings of the Washington County Board of Commissioners is available on the county’s website: www. co.washington.mn.us, under County Board, or for public inspection at the Office of Administration, Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN. Published in The Country Messenger March 3, 2021

State of Minnesota District Court Washington County Tenth Judicial District Court File Number: 82-FA-21-504 ALBERT DARNELL IVORY Notice of Issuance of Emergency (Ex Parte) Order for Protection by Publication (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 8)

In the Matter of CHARITA HENRENE IVORY vs ALBERT DARNELL IVORY To Respondent: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an Ex Parte Order for Protection has been issued in this case. You may request a hearing if you contact the court administrator’s office within 12 days of the date of publication of this notice. You may obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order for Protection and the form to request a hearing from the court administrator’s office at the following address: Washington County District Court 14949 - 62nd St. N; PO Box 3802 Stillwater MN 55082 Failure to request a hearing or to obtain a copy of the Ex Parte Order will not be a defense to prosecution for violation of the Court’s order.

Dated: February 25, 2021 Annette Fritz Court Administrator Published in The Country Messenger March 3, 2021

Summary of Advertisement for Washington County Requests for Proposals are being solicited until 3:00 p.m., March 18th, 2021, for 2021 Construction Services for Washington County.

Go to: http//www.co.washington. mn.us/bids.aspx for further details.

Published in The Country Messenger March 3, 2021

Summary of Advertisement for Washington County Requests for Proposals are being solicited until 3:00 p.m., March 18th, 2021, for 2021 Construction and Surveying and Staking Services for Washington County.

Go to: http//www.co.washington. mn.us/bids.aspx for further details.

Published in The Country Messenger March 3, 2021

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MARCH 3, 2021 www.countrymessenger.com

Nothing to see here

I

f you believe the hype, it appears the war about digital privacy is heating up.

For nearly as long as the internet has been around, businesses have been observing what we do online. Have you ever noticed what happens after you do a Google search for a product or service? As if by magic, ads for what you were looking for begin appearing on websites you visit.

Is this magic? No, it’s computer programming telling advertisers you were looking for their product and collecting a fee for delivering an ad to you.

Some will argue we live in a free market economy, after all. AdPublisher vertising has been around nearly as long as the invention of the Tom Stangl first product that was ever sold.

Advertising helps you understand products and services and ultimately improves your life.

Others will counter that what you look at online should be private and the only way it should be accessed is with a search warrant.

Both of these examples are the extremes, the truth should lie somewhere in between.

As trillion-dollar businesses have developed on advertising and tracking behavior, it makes sense that someone would come up with a business plan to appeal to those who don’t want to be tracked.

Apple Computer is positioning themselves as the guardians of privacy. The newest version of their iPhone operating system is set to contain additional privacy protections that will amount to users being tracked only with their implied and direct consent.

Seen by some as the most egregious company to track behaviors, Facebook is fighting back against this new feature offered by Apple.

Apple makes its money by selling its hardware: iPhones, iPads, iMacs and Apple Watches. Facebook gives away its programs and makes money marketing the behaviors of its users. Both companies do quite well in their respective “lanes,” but Apple’s new operating system has the potential to directly impact the revenues of Facebook. The chief executive officers (CEOs) of both companies have been trading barbs about the other.

“Right now, users may not know whether the apps they use to pass the time, to check in with their friends, or to find a place to eat, may in fact be passing on information about the photos they’ve taken, the people in their contact list, or location data that reflects where they eat, sleep or pray,” Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said in January at the Computers, Privacy and Data Protection conference.

“Apple’s new prompt is designed to present a false trade-off between personalized ads and privacy; when in fact we can provide both,” a Facebook spokeswoman said. “Apple is doing this to self-preference their own services and targeted advertising products.”

Search giant Google, who owns the Android operating system that competes with Apple, was working to comply with the changes for its apps, and advising customers they could see “a significant impact to their Google ad revenue on iOS” after the change.

I don’t believe any of these companies truly are on our side when it comes to privacy. It’s simple to want to have protection and much more difficult to understand how to get it. A very good rule of thumb to follow is if a product is free to use, you (the user) is the product that is being sold.

In the end, we all need to advocate for ourselves.

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.

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HOW TO REACH US: Our offices are located at 108 Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 54020.

We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. Call: (651) 433-3845 or fax at (651) 433-3158.

TO SUBSCRIBE: office@osceolasun.com The Country Messenger is mailed to the homes of subscribers for delivery every Wednesday. One year

Live from New York

T

he Peacock streaming service has given us middle-agers an opportunity to relive a wonderful part of our past: Every season of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

In an endless debate similar to Pop vs. Soda, Chevy vs. Ford, Red vs. Green, Fountain vs. Bubbler, the eras of Saturday Night Live can spark that same amount of emotion.

For me, there’s no debate: I started tape recording the show in my early teens and watch usually the next morning.

Editor It was the era Jason Schulte of Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and Phil Hartman.

The sketches were so memorable: Wayne’s World, Matt Foley, Frozen Cavemen Lawyer, Farley and Patrick Swayze auditioning for Chippendales, Carvey as President George H.W. Bush, then Hartman as President Bill Clinton. I

know I’m forgetting even more.

“Weekend Update” with Kevin Nealon as he played the straight man to character such as “Operaman” and “Cajun Man” (portrayed by Sandler), “Bennett Brauer” (portrayed by Farley) and David Spade’s “Hollywood Minute”.

They were so much fun, you couldn’t miss an episode every week.

When they left, my interest in the show started to decrease.

Sure, I would watch a Will Farrell episode every now and then along with watching when Tina Fey would impersonate Sarah Palin, but it just wasn’t the same.

In my humble opinion, today’s SNL is headlined by the “Weekend Update” duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che. That’s a must-watch every week. The rest of the show?

Pass.

Online viewing As the calendar turned to March and the start of the third month of 2021, here is a quick look at the top stories Messenger readers viewed the most for February.

• Gov. Walz joins states across U.S. in ordering flags flown at half-staff to honor COVID-19 victims.

A news release from Gov. Tim Walz’s press office, stating flags at state and federal buildings will be flown at half-staff in honor of COVID-19 victims.

• Scandia’s Tavern granted liquor license.

The Scandia City Council granted a liquor license to owners Dao Hoang and Kevin Vu, the new owners of Scandal’s Tavern, which will be located in the former Brookside Pub building.

• The senseless, brutal death of man’s best friend A letter to the editor from 2008 about the death of a man’s pet dog.

• Franconia 2021 Inaugural Write-In Residence program Franconia Sculpture Park announced four accomplished writers were part of the inaugural Writers-In-Residence program.

Jason Schulte can be reached at editor@countrymessenger.com.

LETTER GUIDELINES Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are cer we oncise (400 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area.

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 be printed.)

Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Country Messenger’s coverage area. One letter per author may be

subscription in Washington County is available for $26, two years is $45.

A subscription outside Washington County is $31 for one year, $55 for 2 years.

NEWS ITEMS: editor@countrymessenger.com News releases of general interest must be at our office by Friday noon to be considered for publication.

submitted every 30 days.

Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter.

Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Letters may be emailed to: editor@countrymessenger.com no later than noon Friday the week preceding publication.

Election endorsements

The Country Messenger accepts election letters endorsing or advocating for or

PLACING AN AD: sales@osceolasun.com Display advertising must be in the Country Messenger office by noon Friday. An advertising representative will gladly assist you in preparing your message. Classified ads must be in the office by noon Friday also.

EVENTS/PUBLIC NOTICES: office@osceolasun.com Deadline is noon Friday. Submissions

against a ballot measure, party or candidate as paid advertising announcements. The fee is $25 minimum for up to 250 words and 10¢ each additional word. Like other letters to the editor, the writer’s name, address and phone number are required. Phone numbers are not published. The Country Messenger has the right to reject letters which don’t meet publishing standards and will determine if the letter qualifies as a paid endorsement. Paid letters will be identified with a label and may or may not appear on the opinion/letters page.

subject to editing and are not guaranteed publication.

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MARCH 3, 2021

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WILD CHOW

THE POSTSCRIPT

That is not cheese!

M

y dad loved all cheese.

He would go crazy over a new cheese and insist I try it. Some cheeses were drool-worthy and others had me running for my life.

I’ll never forget the day he brought home a brick of Limburger.

My dad had just arrived home and a new smell was floating into my room. This was nothing new.

He’d been sharing his food adventures with me since I can remember. But this smell was like no other.

My dad was a police officer. On his evening break, at 8 pm, he’d grab some food from an ethnic restaurant or the cheese counter and bring it home. I was the only one in my family willing to try anything he brought home and I cherished these Columnist moments with my dad.

I’d hear the front door shut and Lisa Erickson wait for my room to be enveloped with the smell of whatever he was eating—my room was next to the kitchen. I’d sneak out of my bed and tiptoe into the kitchen and crawl up on his lap and he’d give me bites of his dinner. We did this in silence. If my mother heard, I’d be sent right back to bed.

The night of the Limburger cheese, the smell that crept into my room was not food. It was more like someone with really stinky feet had taken off their shoes in the car and stuck them on the vent—a horrid smell! A dirty rotten foot smell.

I peeked around the corner and into the kitchen and there was my dad hunched over a piece of foil paper with a small brick of cheese, sliced onions, and some rye bread. But where was the horrible smell coming from? His shoes were on? No one else was there. I was puzzled, but I wanted cheese.

Before the Limburger incident, my dad brought home a brick of Havarti cheese and giant lavash crackers. He broke the cracker into pieces and cut thick slices of Havarti on top and baked them in the oven. They were luscious, rich full of buttery goodness. I declared it was my new favorite cheese.

Thinking my dad was eating Havarti, I made the quick dash to his lap. There was a pause—he didn’t offer me anything. I pointed at the cheese. He cut a piece and handed it to me. I took one whiff and ran screaming from the room, “That’s not cheese!” and spent the next five minutes washing the smell off my hand.

It took me a long time to get over the Limburger cheese incident, but it was also the moment when I realized cheese is amazing. I’m still not a fan of Limburger and know there are worse smelling cheeses out there like Grayson or Epoisses (which is banned from public transit in France), but Havarti remains one of my favorites. It’s comfort cheese. Cheese you eat when you want something easy and melty.

Cheese that reminds you of butter.

Heavenly “Buttery” Havarti Cheese Crackers

24 water crackers or lavash crackers (I use Carr or Lahvosh) 1 lb. Havarti cheese, sliced into 24 pieces Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, fresh dill or pickles, sundried tomatoes, green olives, and artichokes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper and place 12 of the crackers (or break the lavash into smaller pieces) evenly spaced out. Top with a piece of cheese and any optional toppings and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Cool slightly and serve. Repeat with remaining cheese and crackers.

Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. You can find more recipes by emailing her at wildchowrecipes@gmail.com.

Request for Proposal (RFP) The Osceola School District is seeking RFP’s for carpet replacement projects at the High School, Intermediate School and Middle School. This project is scheduled for the summer of 2021.

A complete RFP is located on the District web page or contact: Bob Schmidt, Director Buildings & Grounds 715-294-4603 Direct schmidtb@osceolak12.org email RFP’s are due by March 12, 11:00 am 2021

Travel Fantasies

I

know I am not the only one having travel fantasies.

My husband, Peter, and I were not planning to do a lot of traveling in the past year. That was our plan, and we certainly made good on it. We didn’t realize at the time that, “not a lot of traveling,” would mean a bi-weekly trip to the grocery store. Like a lot of folks, we’ve been tracking how many months we’re getting on a gallon of gas.

Now, howevColumnist er, traveling is Carrie Classon sounding better all the time.

My parents are also making travel plans. Over the past year, they decided to sell the little cottage they have in Florida. Instead, they have a list of places they’d like to take their RV. “There are too many other places we want to go!” My mother explained.

A year of sitting in their cabin has made them realize how many places there are to see and how little time there is to see them.

It’s true. A year of sitting and watching the months fly by makes a person realize how quickly the

time passes. Sometimes, without the normal milestones, I completely lose track of time. I’ve caught myself glancing out the window with a feeling of panic, looking at the trees to give me a clue what season it is. (I am embarrassed to admit this—but now I have.)

Peter’s oldest sister, Shelley, lost her husband to Alzheimer’s early in the pandemic. She’s now living with her son and daughter-in-law, waiting for a return to something like normal before finding a place of her own. She missed the trip to Norway two years ago; where Peter and a bunch of his older cousins all went to the small town his grandfather emigrated. We met the Norwegian relatives who still live there, and they were unbelievably welcoming. It’s a sweet town, nestled in the mountains, sitting on a river, miles away from any major city.

“I think we should go back,” I told Peter. “And I think we should bring Shelley.” Peter liked the idea.

So, the next day, we called up Shelley. She had just gotten home from a dental appointment and had a sore mouth.

“Shelley! You are coming with us to Norway in September 2022!”

I held my breath, but I didn’t have to wait long.

“OK!” she said.

And, yes, it is more than a year

and a half away, but it still feels wonderful to have a plan to go somewhere other than the grocery store. Just thinking about seeing a new landscape fills me with excitement.

Later in the day, I went for the hike I take every afternoon. It seems as if I’ve seen every tree along the way, noticed every rock, and as I walked, I thought how nice it would be to hike in completely unfamiliar surroundings.

But just as I was thinking this, I stopped and looked at the tree directly in front of me, caught in the afternoon light. I don’t remember ever really looking at it before.

It’s a beautiful tree, in a forest of beautiful trees, and I have walked by it thousands of times without giving it a second look.

“You are a beautiful tree,” I told it (just in case it was listening).

Norway will be wonderful, I am sure. And I am sincerely looking forward to more travel in the coming year. But as I stood before that one beautiful tree, I promised myself I would try to pay more attention to the place I am visiting now—right here, today.

Till next time, Carrie Carrie Classon’s memoir is called, “Blue Yarn.” Learn more at CarrieClasson.com.

WILD RIVER TRAILS

Take a Chance, Hope for the Best!

Y

ou’d think that with all the cold weather we had in February that we’d have good ice to drive on lakes until the 4th of July. I get excited about late season ice fishing, warm sunshine, fish go on feeding binges. I wasn’t able to get out on the ice that much this winter but I was out with the recent warmer temps.

I just about had a heart attack when I saw the ice conditions at the ramp drive on. Talk about bad ice! It looked scary.

I’ve only witnessed one vehicle break through the ice at a ramp years ago. That ramp is loaded with springs and open water nearby drivers nervous at seaWild River making son’s end. It looked sketchy when we drove out and a few hours later Trails when we decided to leave there was a submerged full sized truck Jim Bennett at the only ramp on the lake. The driver was sitting on the hood of the truck; a frantic looking woman was on shore, her cell phone in hand. I was in a smaller sized Toyota Tacoma and my son Josh was right behind in his full sized Ford F150.

I decided right away that I wasn’t going to stop.

I punched it. There was no other option. When I drove out on the lake I noticed how bad the ice at the

TO THE EDITOR Vote for Magner Dear fellow citizens of May Township, It’s election time again in May Township and Steve Magner will be on the ballot for May Town Board Supervisor. Steve and his

Osceola

family moved to May Township in 2002 and in 2004 Steve volunteered to serve on the Town’s Planning Commission, where he still serves. In the past Steve showed interest in serving on the Town Board and when I decided that 24

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ramp was so I did a quick mental recon of the ice.

There is only one launch on this lake so we had no other options. I thought I could get around the submerged truck far enough away but close to him and not bust through and still be far enough away from the open springs to not become a fish crib!

Josh expected me to stop and make a plan so needless to say he was getting more nervous as I kept going accelerating all the way. His customized truck was bigger than mine, sporting BIG TIRES, a pair of sky roofs and all the fancy paint that made his classic F150 cool. The guy on the hood of truck looked up as we approached and I saw terror in his eyes as I was headed right at him, picking up speed.

The woman on the phone froze as her chin dropped down enough to nearly swallow her phone. I’m sure they thought it was the end of the world as they knew it.

At the last minute I cut to the right to avoid his submerged truck, hit the brakes and turn back to avoid the open waster springs, hoping the ice was good. I made it and kept on driving! Looking back in my rear view mirror I saw Josh had made the same maneuver, following the old man’s lead. He was right on my tail. We had both came in hot and hit the ground running and just kept on going right passed the tow truck. We had fish to clean!

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

years was it for me, I asked Steve to consider running this time.

Steve has been employed by the City of St. Paul since 1990, and now serves as Manager of Code Enforcement, Department of Safety and Inspections. Steve

brings a skill set to the Town Board that will be very helpful.

Over his long service on the Planning Commission, Steve has shown himself to be thorough in his SEE TO THE EDITOR, PAGE 6

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Governor Walz: State to vaccinate 70% of seniors by end of March before expanding vaccine eligibility As more vaccine arrives in Minnesota, Governor lays out path to vaccinate all Minnesotans CONTRIBUTED

Governor Tim Walz announced today that Minnesota will remain focused on vaccinating most of the state’s seniors before expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Walz issued guidance to vaccinate 70% of adults 65 years of age and older before expanding eligibility, and aims to reach this goal by the end of March.

The directive is the latest commitment of the Walz-Flanagan Administration to vaccinating seniors and keeping them safe.

The state has made tremendous progress in vaccinating our most vulnerable population. As of Thursday, Minnesota has vaccinated more than 43% of Minnesotans aged 65 and over. Severe illness and death in our long-term care settings have plummeted as we vaccinated these most at-risk Minnesotans: deaths are down 97% from their November peak, and cases are down 89%.

“We set out to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans, and we are honoring that commitment. Older Minnesotans have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are focused on making sure they get vaccinated and keeping them safe,” said Governor Walz. “These vaccines work — we can see that in the plummeting cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in long-term care facilities around our state. We will continue working with a robust network of providers to vaccinate all Minnesota seniors who need the most protection against COVID-19 right away.”

Nearly 90% of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota have come from those aged 65 and over. In January, following relaxed federal guidance, Governor Walz directed healthcare providers to begin vaccinating this group of Minnesotans, ensuring maximum impact for the small number of vaccines the state receives each week.

The state has built a network of providers to get shots to seniors, including healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, retail pharmacies, local public health, and state-run community sites to provide vaccination

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coverage for the whole state.

“While we still have far greater demand for vaccine than supply, we are taking critical steps each and every day to provide shots to every Minnesota senior in every community— no matter their personal circumstances,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “As we move through these phases of expanded vaccine eligibility, we will continue to immunize for impact and ensure equitable distribution and access across the state.”

“COVID-19 has taken a tremendous toll, but the progress we are making against it is very encouraging,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “Every day we are getting closer to the end of this pandemic thanks to these safe and effective vaccines and the hard work of so many Minnesotans. To protect and build on this progress, it is important to get vaccinated when you have the opportunity. It’s also important to continue doing our part to limit the spread of the virus by masking, social distancing, staying home when sick, and getting tested when appropriate.”

Once 70% of the state’s seniors have received the vaccine, Minnesota will expand eligibility based on underlying health conditions and workplace exposure risk. Based on current projections, the next group of Minnesotans eligible for a vaccine will begin getting them in April, and every Minnesotan should be able to get a vaccine by this summer.

The state has developed an expansive infrastructure for vaccinating

efficiently and equitably, and every Minnesotan who wants a vaccine will have the opportunity to get one as supply increases in the coming months.

Anticipated timelines for phases are subject to change as vaccine supply from the federal government is adjusted in the coming weeks. Details on these vaccination phases are available on the COVID-19 Response website’s Who’s Getting Vaccinated page.

Information about how those groups will get vaccinated will be shared in the coming weeks. All Minnesotans should sign up for the Vaccine Connector to stay informed on their eligibility and get connected to vaccine opportunities once they become eligible.

Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine still far exceeds supply: the weekly supply of vaccine allocated to Minnesota is less than a single percentage point of the number of doses needed to vaccinate all Minnesotans. As we await more vaccine supply from the federal government, Minnesotans need to remain vigilant by wearing a mask, social distancing, getting a test if they have symptoms, and staying home if sick.

“One year into this pandemic, I want to thank Minnesotans for their incredible work rising above and beyond the challenges presented to them and supporting their friends, family and neighbors through one of the most difficult times this state has ever seen,” continued Governor Walz. “We can see the finish line and we have the roadmap. I know we can get there together.”

TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 5

understanding of the issues, and fair in his judgments and decisions.

He’ll make a fine Town Board member.

Even though Steve is

running unopposed, I ask that you get to the Town Hall and vote.

Write-in campaigns have happened before and we need to be diligent.

Thank you for considering Steve Magner

in the upcoming May Township Election.

Most cordially, Bill Voedisch Outgoing Board Chair

SF

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MARCH 3, 2021

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DNR now accepting applications for Minnesota State Parks library program

OBITUARIES

Steve Welsch Steve Welsch of Ramsey, Minn., died Feb. 20, 2021.

He was 39.

Steve was a proud Army veteran, the fifth generation of veterans to serve from his family. He served in Iraq, Kosovo and Germany.

Steve worked as the Senior Engineer at Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) and was the Lead Engineer pertaining to the 911 phone lines. His biggest passion was computer technology and was also passionate about movies, videogames, guns and the outdoors.

He is survived by parents, Tom and Lynnette; brothers, Erich (Anna), Nick (Joanna); nieces and nephews, Aleksandr, Dmitry, Hayley, Gabby (Hanna), Ayden, Maddy; former wife, Amber Mix; and her children, Kylee and James Mix; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be March 2 at 6 p.m. with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

A celebration of his life for his 40th birthday will be held in May at his parents house in Scandia. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family for donation to veteran causes.

RobertsFamilyFH.com, 651-464-4422.

Minnesota’s townships to hold annual meetings on Township Day Democracy is alive and well in townships CONTRIBUTED

Minnesota’s 1,781 townships will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 9. Known as Township Day, these annual meetings are held every year on the second Tuesday in March. Residents of the townships will meet to voice their opinions about local issues with other township residents and also vote

directly on their annual tax levy; direct democracy in action. Citizens attending annual meetings also often discuss and vote on other local issues. In addition, many of the state’s townships will hold their township officer elections on Tuesday’s Township Day. “Township Day 2021 will still ensure a direct voice to residents of townships, with COVID precautions in place.

Some townships will SEE TOWNSHIPS, PAGE 12

MN DNR

Libraries in low-income communities eligible for free park permits to loan to patrons.

Minnesota libraries in low-income communities may qualify for a new program that provides free state park permits for these libraries to loan to patrons.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will provide the permits, which library patrons can check out for seven-day periods beginning in June.

The program is limit-

ed to libraries serving in low-income communities, but library patrons can check out the free state park permit regardless of their individual circumstances.

“The DNR is excited to launch this new partnership with Minnesota libraries,” said Erika Rivers, director, DNR Parks and Trails Division. “The DNR wants to ensure all Minnesotans can enjoy the benefits provided by the great outdoors, and this program helps expand access to people who could not otherwise

afford a state parks permit.”

Minnesota libraries in areas that meet one or both of the following two income-related criteria are eligible to apply: Forty percent or more residents participate in free and reduced-priced school lunch programs.

Residents’ median household income is $58,000 or less.

Additional information: Program overview and application is available online (link is external).

Applications from libraries will be accepted through Thursday, March 18.

Applicants should email completed applications to margaret. krueger@state.mn.us (link sends email) or mail to: Margaret Krueger, DNR Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039.

For more information, contact margaret. krueger@state.mn.us (link sends email) or call 651-259-5703.

Governor Walz announces 2021 youth skills training grants CONTRIBUTED

Last week, Governor Tim Walz announced the 2021 Youth Skills Training grants—a total of eleven partnerships across the state to develop and implement paid-learning opportunities for students 16 years of age and older.

The grants are part of a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Youth Skills Training (YST@DLI) program, which was signed into law in 2017 with bipartisan support to create and provide employment training for student learners ages 16 and older in high-growth, high-demand occupations.

“Youth Skills Training grants give Minnesota students handson training in the high-demand fields of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care, and information technology,” said Governor Walz. “Our state needs talented professionals in these highgrowth fields, and these innova-

tive partnerships create career pathways for younger Minnesotans while powering our future.”

“Minnesota’s students are our future, and by focusing on hands-on training, safety, real-world experience, the Youth Skills Training program sets our students up for career-long success in fields that are growing fast,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

“These grants allow high schools, businesses, and community organizations to work together to train students and create skilled workers for their communities,” said Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Roslyn Robertson.

YST@DLI grants will be awarded to the following eleven partnerships, which will receive and split $1 million in funding.

The partnerships represent over 30 school districts and more than 80 employer partners in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care, and information technology.

• American Nursing and Technical Institute • Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota • Burnsville Public Schools • Eastern Carver County Schools • Elk River Area Schools • Hibbing Public Schools • Hutchinson Public Schools • Marvin Windows • Southeast Service Cooperative • White Bear Lake Area Schools • Winona Area Chamber of Commerce Grants can be used to create programs, recruit students and employers, provide training, transport students, and pay for student certifications.

Twenty-five local partnerships throughout the state applied for this fourth round of grants.

These partnerships involve more than 70 school districts and 146 employers in five different industries. A fifth round of grant applications will open in fall 2021.

AREA CHURCHES Ascension Episcopal Church

Forest Hills United Methodist Church

Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church (LCMS)

Osceola United Methodist Church

St. Croix Valley Friends Meeting

214 North Third Street N, Stillwater (651) 439-2609 • www.aechurch.org Rev. Marilyn Baldwin Rev. Daniel V. Pearson, Interim Rector Mindy Boynton, Christian Ed/Youth Nancy Whipkey, Director of Music

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

25402 Itasca Avenue Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-462-3535 / lordofthelakes.org Pastor Craig Bertram

306 River Street Osceola, WI (715) 755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com

Stillwater (651) 439-7981 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Fifth & Laurel Streets

The Baha’i Faith

722 Seminole Ave. Osceola Pastor Mark Barlow “The Cure for the Common Church” e-mail: info@gracechurchosceola.com www.gracechurchosceola.com or call (715) 294-4222 or (715) 755-3454

Maranatha Church Chisago Lakes Campus

River Valley Christian Church

10963 Lake Blvd. (Hwy 8) Chisago City (651) 257-8605 Pastor Bill Headley

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

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

Elim Lutheran Church Scandia (651) 433-2723 www.elimscandia.org Interim Senior Pastor Lamont Koerner Associate Pastor Meredith McGrath Sunday Services: Follow website link to watch services online.

Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) Forest Lake (651) 464-3323 886 North Shore Drive Pastor John Klawiter

Grace Church

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

Lakes Free Church www.lakesfree.org Lindstrom (651) 257-2677 29620 Olinda Trail N. Senior Pastor Jason Carlson, Associate Pastor Stephen Moore

Osceola Community Church 2492 Education Dr., Osceola, WI Larry Mederich, Pastor (715) 417-0608 • www.occconnect.org

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 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 201 North Adams St., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 Rev. Kelli Clement www.scuuf.org

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

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Father John Drees Three miles north on Hwy. 95 from Hwy. 97. West on Redwing 1/4 mile.

St. Joseph Catholic Church 490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, MN (651) 465-7345 Father John Drees

St. Joseph Catholic Cluster Osceola (715) 294-2243 Rev. Andy Anderson

Trinity Lutheran Church (WELS) Osceola (715) 294-2828 300 Seminole Avenue

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

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MWF 8-5, Tues. 10-7, TH. 8-noon

www.stcroixeye.com

UNIQUELY GENERAL Open Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

If you can dream it, we can build it!

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

ST. CROIX TIRE & AUTO SERVICES: TIRES, BRAKES ALIGNMENTS, STEERING & SUSPENSION, ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS Jim Campeau, Owner ASE CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIAN 2145 U.S. Highway 8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

PH. 715.483.3257 FAX 715.483.3270

Office located at 546 WI-35, Osceola, WI Former Viebrock Construction Building

Áoorplan: Cimmaron Way

Paul Smith • 651-400-0014 call/text duenorthhomesllc.com • paul@duenorthhomesllc.com

Indoor air quality experts 24 Hour Service 21260 Olinda Trail N.

651-433-5167

DRY CLEANING

www.scandiaheating.com

Osceola leaners

Professional Dry Cleaning & Laundry. Full Service Cleaner!

ONE HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE ALTERATIONS OF ALL KINDS • ZIPPER REPAIR/REPLACEMENT Drycleaning • Shirt Laundry • Leather Cleaned • Wedding Dresses

USE OUR DROP BOX 24 HOURS A DAY! 715-294-3323 • 345 220th St. • Star Prairie, WI Justin Taylor • ASE Certified Brakes • Tires • Batteries • Wheel Alignments • Shocks & Struts Engines • Transmissions • Diesel Repair

Drop locations at Family Fresh in New Richmond, Balsam Lake Hardware in Balsam Lake, St. Croix Laundry in St. Croix Falls and Horse Creek Store.

715-294-3634 M-F 7:30-5:30 • Sat. 8:30-Noon

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

651-433-4500

10

COUNTRY MESSENGER

MARCH 3, 2021 www.countrymessenger.com

HOME LOANS

LOCAL SHOPS

ROOFING

Your #1 choice for Home Loans

• New Home Purchases • Construction Loans • First-Time Home Buyers • Rural Development • Investment Properties • FHA & VA Loans • Home Refinances • and More!

NEUMANN ROOFING

Learn more at: MidWestOne.bank NMLS# 757146

Stefanie Fountain 304 Cascade Street Subject to credit approval.

• Osceola, WI

SFountain@MidWestOne.com

715.381.2077

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

INVESTMENTS Stocks.

Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds.

Thomas J Klugow, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

206North Cascade 307 Cascade St, STE 200 Osceola,WIWI54020 54020 Osceola, 715-294-1614 715-294-1614 www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Remedies for This and That: bulk herbs and spices, bath and body products, household products, baking products, handcrafted teas and jams, vintage gifts and products made by local and area artists.

21060 Olinda Trail, Scandia, MN

PLUMBING

To advertise in the Business Directory: Call 715-294-2314 for more info.

Member SIPC

TROWBRIDGE PLUMBING Residential - Service - Remodel trowbridge_plumbing@hotmail.com 651-707-2528 Fax: 651-213-0070

Mike Trowbridge

We clean gutters.

715-220-0053 • 715-294-1662

SEPTIC SERVICES Home Sales Septic Inspections

Sewer Service 715-755-4888

Septic Pumping Roto Rooting Toilet Rental

Septic Tank Risers & Covers Pipe Camera Viewing, Locating, Jetting Luxury Restroom Trailer Rentals

TAX SERVICES

INSURANCE

OPEN YEAR ROUND TO MEET YOUR TAX NEEDS

NOAH

BOOKKEEPING, PAYROLL, SELF-EMPLOYMENT, RENTAL, BUSINESS, NON-PROFIT & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

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

Licensed in Wisconsin WOWRA CERTIFIED POWTS EVALUATOR

24 Hour Emergency Service | New Construction & Remodeling

715-410-9972 | osceolaplumbingllc@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

SAINT CROIX FALLS OR 715-483-9711

GRANTSBURG 715-463-2066

TRAILERS/REPAIR

Bill Schifsky Custom Trailer Mfg. SINCE 1972

HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE • FARM • AND MORE

Phone: 715-256-8286 • Text Line: 715-202-2873 Email: service@crexinsurance.com www.crexinsurance.com

LAWN & SPORT

Ross and Adam Brunfelt Your Local Real Estate Agents!

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

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

LAW OFFICES

VETERINARIAN

651.433.3333 • www.TheBrunfelts.com

SCANDIA VET CLINIC

651-433-4668

21240 Olinda Trail N., Scandia, MN

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

Call us today for a free market analysis of your home!

Servicing all major brands Lawn & garden, mower service.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

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

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

Unlocking Doors to Your Future!

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

651-433-3666 WATER Trust the Water

WHERE LEGALITY MEETS PRACTICALITY Legal services in the areas of real estate, wills and trusts, probate, business transactions, petroleum.

Office 651-487-1208 (ext. 1) • Fax 651-487-0662 kirsten@libbylawoffice.com • 21060 Olinda Trail, Scandia, MN

Experts®

2200 Pioneer Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54858 715-234-8819 or Box 3, Milltown, WI 54858 715-825-3550 or Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-2019

1-800-657-4754 Just say “Hey Culligan Man”

Call 1-800-Culligan or visit culligan.com

To advertise in the Business Directory: Call 715-294-2314 for more info.

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

MARCH 3, 2021

COUNTRY MESSENGER

11

www.countrymessenger.com

23

102

102

454

Free Items

Services

Services

Storage Rent

HAVE SOMETHING TO give away? Run three weeks, nonbusiness related for FREE. 15 words or ess. Must be from the area. To place an ad call 715-294-2314.

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.

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.

58 Trucks/Vans/ SUVs

05 Mercury Monterey MiniVan $999. (612)816-8544.

102 Services

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

352

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

715-755-3377

Home/Office 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.

455 Want to Rent Looking to Rent Pasture for Cattle.

Paying Top Dollar Text or Call 612-366-3472

COLOR COPIES

FULL-TIME PLUMBER Full-Ɵme employment available for a dedicated, dependable & qualiĮed individual within our residenƟal & light commercial service plumbing staī. PosiƟon includes compeƟƟve wage, company vehicle and full union beneĮt package. Previous experience preferred, but training is available for qualiĮed individuals.

Pay based on experience (up to $40.50/hr.), hours include on-call rotaƟon on nights & weekends.

HELP WANTED

J & S General Contracting is seeking quali¿ed applicants to ¿ll the following openings:

108 Cascade

Osceola

• Flatwork Concrete Laborers or Finishers Wage dependent on experience and skill level.

Commercial drivers license and clean driving record is a plus. Must be able to work within a team environment.

Apply in person at our Osceola ofÀce location, 651 State Road 35.

For further information call 715-294-2748

FULL-TIME VILLAGE CLERK/TREASURER VILLAGE OF CENTURIA

HAND-BUILT PADDLE ASSEMBLY Looking for self-motivated individuals with a love for the outdoors to join the Branches production assembly team. Seasonal positions available immediately with the possibility of full-time permanent employment.

REQUEST A TOUR OR APPLY AT bendingbranches.com/careers or email elsie@bendingbranches.com

Administrative Assistant Amery, WI

• General Laborers • Property Maintenance

Visit us online:

Hiring Seasonal Part-time & Full-time Positions

Position Announcement

• Heavy Equipment Operators

available at

The Sun

Contact Tim at 715-246-2660 or email info@countrysideph.com

EOE

The City of Amery, population 2,856, is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant.

This position performs tasks as needed at City Hall including but not limited to: website maintenance, financials, elections, cash handling, and other public facing tasks. This position reports directly to the City Administrator.

The Village of Centuria, population 946 is accepting applications for a Clerk/Treasurer. This is a fulltime position with excellent pay and bene¿ts.

This position will have a minimum starting wage of $18.00 per hour. This is a full time, benefit eligible position with the City.

This position is responsible for the statutory operation of the Village including, but not limited to overseeing election administration, payroll processing, utility billings, tax preparation and collection, village accounting, budget planning, and records management. This position requires attendance at evening meetings.

This position requires computer literacy and the ability to constantly interact with the public. For a complete list of position duties, responsibilities and requirements, please see the Job Description available on the City’s website located at: www.amerywi.gov.

An ideal candidate for this position will have a high level of integrity, demonstrate strong leadership skills, be pro¿cient in computer programs, be able to manage multiple projects, and be an excellent communicator. This person will exercise independent judgement, initiative and discretion.

Please mail or deliver letter of interest and resume.

Village of Centuria, 305 Wisconsin Avenue, PO Box 280, Centuria WI 54824 centuriavillage@ lakeland.ws by March 19, 2021. Submittals made after the deadline may be considered until the position is ¿lled.

A pre-employment application with resume must be completed and submitted. First review of application materials is: March 23rd, 2021. The position will be open until filled. Applications are available (M – F) 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at City of Amery Municipal Building located at: 118 Center Street West. Please call to obtain the application. (715) 268-7486. You may also obtain the application on the City of Amery’s website located at: www.amerywi.gov.

Please send application materials to: City of Amery, Attention: City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer, Patty Bjorklund, 118 Center Street West, Amery, WI 54001.

You may also apply online at: www.amerywi.gov.

The Village of Centuria is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Amery is an Equal Opportunity Employer Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Northwire, Inc. is looking for great people to join our production team. A Full-time position is available in the following areas:

EXTRUSION OPERATOR 3RD SHIFT 12PM-8AM 3rd shift pay including shift differential starts at $18.00 with potential up to $20.00 within 9 months based on experience and technical level.

HALL OPERATOR 3RD SHIFT Basic Qualifications: High school diploma/GED or higher. 1-3 years manufacturing experience required. Must have mechanical aptitude, computer skills, and ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Qualified applicants must pass a drug test, background screen, and preemployment physical exam.

Northwire, Inc. offers a complete benefits package: health insurance (medical, dental & vision), vacation, paid holidays, 401(k) with employer match, disability and life insurance.

If you are interested in working with us, apply in person or send resume to Northwire, Inc. 110 prospect Way, Osceola, WI 54020 or email to HumanResources_Northwire@lemo.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ HEALTH/D.A.P.E TEACHER New London-Spicer Schools. View full job description at: nls.k12.mn.us/employment .5 SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER/ .5 SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR New London-Spicer Schools. View full job description at: nls.k12.mn.us/employment

HUNTING

GUARANTEED BUFFALO HUNTS in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Bu൵alo hunts: cows $1850, bulls starting at $3000.

605/391-4646 nvrbu൵alo@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

DONATE YOUR CAR truck or boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3-day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paperwork taken care of 844/220-9501

FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certi ed Professionals. Call 312/291-9169 or visit: RefrigerantFinders.com

DISH NETWORK $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing fast internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.)

Switch & get a FREE $100 Visa gift card. FREE voice remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE streaming on ALL devices. Call today! 855/562-4309

TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833/619-1117

4G LTE HOME INTERNET Now available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds, plus take your service with you when you travel!

As low as $109.99/mo! 844/960-4698

AT&T WIRELESS Two great new o൵ers! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e on us with AT&T’s Buy one, Give One o൵er.

While supplies last! Call 855/332-0464

Advertise here statewide in 230+ newspapers for only $279 per week!

Call 800-279-2979

12

COUNTRY MESSENGER

MARCH 3, 2021 www.countrymessenger.com

SHERIFF’S REPORT May Township

FEB. 14

At 9:32 a.m., an alarm sounded on the 12000 block of Arcola Trail N.

FEB. 16

At 3:50 p.m., a public works concern was reported on Otchipwe Avenue N./Ozark Trail N.

FEB. 19

At 7:31 a.m., an animal complaint was reported on Manning Trail N./ Lunch Road N.

FEB. 20

At 6 p.m., a fire was reported at 170th Street N./Manning Trail N. At 6:17 p.m., an accident was reported on the 14000 block of Manning Trail N.

Scandia

At 2:39 a.m., an accident was reported on the 14000 block of Oren Road N. At 5:52 p.m., an animal complaint was reported on the 10000 block of 185th Street N.

FEB. 19 At 6:55 a.m., a lockout was reported on the 13000 block of 205th Street N. At 8:02 a.m., a civil matter/dispute was reported on the 23000 block of Paris Avenue N.

FEB. 20 At 2:59 a.m., an alarm sounded on the 13000 block of 205th Street N. At 1:54 p.m., an alarm sounded on the 19000 block of Maxwill Avenue N. At 3:59 p.m., an alarm sounded on the 21000 block of Novak Avenue N.

FEB. 14

Minnesota launches youth testing campaign CONTRIBUTED

Even as more people across the state are getting vaccinated, public health officials are reminding Minnesotans that COVID-19 testing remains an important tool for limiting disease impacts and ending the pandemic as quickly as possible.

With that goal in mind the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced a new focus on testing for young people, asking families to get tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year. MDH officially launched the campaign today, which will include targeted outreach to families, health professionals, schools, and youth organizations to encourage regular COVID-19 testing.

“Over the past few months, the number of students attending in-person classes has significantly increased, with thousands more expected to return to the classroom in coming weeks,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner

Dan Huff. “With the rate of infection in decline, Governor Walz has adjusted the dials so children and young adults can resume youth sports and other activities.

To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal.

That’s why we are asking parents to make regular testing a priority for their families. Testing can help spot a single case early and prevent it from becoming many cases.”

The recommendation is for all youth returning to school, youth sports, or extracurricular activities to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. While it is not a requirement, health officials say regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.

MDH will be providing a range of online resources schools and youth organizations can send to families to encourage testing. The state has also updated its own testing resources to make testing easier to do for families.

“Testing will continue to be a critical part of our COVID-19 response for as long as there are still cases in the state,” Huff said.

“Our mitigation measures break down without adequate testing.

Even as we continue to successfully vaccinate a growing number of people in our state, we also continue to expand our mitigation testing programs for child care providers and educators.”

MDH recommends that providers and staff who are participating in the state’s testing programs continue to do so until even after they receive their second dose of vaccine. Even after an individual has received two doses of the vaccine it is important that they continue to follow all public health guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes staying home when sick, wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from others, washing your hands, following quarantine and isolation requirements, and getting tested when needed.

TOWNSHIPS: Meetings FROM PAGE 8

Spotlight on Area Businesses

Young & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning Young & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning has been helping people in the St. Croix Valley prepare for cold nights and days for 25+ years. Great advances have been made in fuel-efficient heating and air conditioning since then, and Young & Sons can help customers decide which new equipment is right for their home.

If you’ve been considering an upgrade to your heating system, let us show you how upgrading your equipment can lower your utility bills. Many of your neighbors have already upgraded their heating systems and are enjoying increased comfort, decreased utility bills, and the peace of mind that comes from a reliable heating system. Don’t wait until your system breaks down to do it!

To all of our customers who have already upgraded their system, we thank you very much for your business.

meet physically with masks and distancing, while other townships are embracing conference calls or virtual meetings. Some townships will officially start their meetings but then ‘pause’ business so that full participation can occur in fairer summer weather at outdoor meetings,” said Minnesota Association of Townships General Counsel Steve Fenske. “If you live in a township, please participate in your township’s annual meeting on Tuesday, March 9. You can find the location and time by checking the published notice in the local newspaper or by contacting the township clerk,” continued Fenske.

“Local government is alive and well at the grassroots level in townships. Voters will choose new local officers, and dedicated election judges will carry out these COVID-safe elections.

Township discussions on the annual tax levy give folks direct access to democracy. Important topics may be put on hold and continued in the summer, to include more residents than current conditions allow. On behalf of the Minnesota Association of Townships, I encourage every township resident to participate in their annual meeting,” said Minnesota Association of Townships Board of Directors President Gary Burdorf of Green Isle Township in Sibley County.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – TWIN CITIES The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Marine on St. Croix: Britta Borman andEmma Bourne. Scandia: Trevor Daniels, Kaia Douglas, Madison Douglas, Grace Halley, Dahlon Hart and Samantha Howell.

Call Young & Sons at (651) 433-4500 to schedule an appointment.

MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO

Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

12450 Morris Trail N Marine-On-St. Croix

651-433-4500 UNSURE WHETHER YOU CAN RETIRE? LET’S TALK.

Heidi Gemuenden, AAMS® Financial Advisor

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

Scandia Office • 651-433-5753

Call us for a quote!

Jane Dreyer & Katie Giefer COUNTRY

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

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

Member SIPC

Caroline Hansen of Scandia, MN, made the High Honor List for the past fall semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

• Furnaces - Boilers • Radiant In-Floor Heat • Air Conditioning • Gas/Oil/Electric • Specialist in Air Quality • Geothermal Systems • Residential/Commercial • 24 Hour Service

21260 Olinda Trail N.

651-433-5167

www.scandiaheating.com

Certified by M.P.C.A.

www.olsonsinthepink.com

Advertise your business in

THE LOCAL FOCUS! • 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

FIND US ONLINE! COUNTRY