Country Messenger 04.08.2020

COUNTRY

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020 VOL. 36 NO. 50 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

BROADBAND EXPANSION: Council looking further. PAGE 3

‘Can’t spare a square’

Local retailers struggle with shortage of toilet paper and other essentials

BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

A woman turned heads at Dicks Fresh Market in Osceola last Wednesday as she strode down the aisle with a package of white, round rolls of plushy looking fabric under her arm. Excitement dampened as she came more clearly into view and shoppers realized all she was holding was a few measly rolls of paper towels.

Grocery stores and other retailers all across the country are struggling with supply shortages of many essential items. Hand sanitizer, bleach, cleaning supplies and most notably toilet paper have all disappeared from shelves.

“We haven’t been able to put a finger on it,” said Tim Adams, the manager of Dicks Fresh Market. “I honestly don’t know why people focused on (toilet paper) so much.”

Whatever the reasoning, Adams is now scrambling to restock toilet paper, along with

Law enforcement focused on educating citizens about COVID-19 Departments continue day-to-day operations, with added safety precautions

BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

C.L. SILL/COUNTRY MESSENGER

Single rolls of toilet paper on sale at the Marine on St. Croix General Store

many other items he’s now without. He said panic buying of these items began as soon as news of COVID-19 hit Wisconsin.

“It started right away,” he said. “Within two or three days we were wiped out.”

That’s even after Adams got a special shipment of toilet paper in anticipation of people stocking up.

“Anticipating there being a problem, we got like 8 pallets of toilet tissue in,” he said. “And before that weekend it was gone.”

In addition to toilet paper and cleaning supplies, Adams said canned food also went fast.

“Canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, noodles, soup and all that stuff,” he said.

As far as resupplying toilet paper in particular, Adams said his suppliers have not given him any specific timeframe. Not only are the retail locations out, but the wholesalers are also out.

“The pipeline is so empty that as soon as retailers get it, it’s

gone,” he said. “And it could take a couple of months to fill this pipeline back up.”

Across the river in Marine on St. Croix, the Marine on St. Croix General Store is also struggling to keep items in stock. Manager Gwen Roden said she’s been selling single rolls of toilet paper since her supplier ran out.

“We’ve actually used a restaurant supply companies in order to receive the single rolls,” she said. “And that’s SEE RETAILERS PAGE 2

Coronavirus impacts backdrop to May Township board meeting

BY LESLIE MACKENZIE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The coronavirus and its potential impacts overshadowed much of the April 2 meeting of the May Township Board, which was held online for the first time.

Supervisors and Stillwater officials discussed concerns that job losses would hamper citizens ability to pay upcoming property taxes and the potential for reduction in permits and fees.

If people become delinquent on their bill, the township will have to front the money from the town coffers. Government officials are beginning to review the potential

budget impacts of tax shortages, as well as looking for other revenue sources, such as state aid to local government.

Township board chair, Bill Voedisch, warned that some previously planned road and street projects may need to be delayed.

The Board is meeting with financial advisors to discuss borrowing for road projects, and whether to put capital improvements and park projects on hold.

The supervisors weighed these delays against the benefit of keeping private sector workers employed.

“There are a couple of roads almost beyond patching,” Voedisch

NEWS 651-433-3845 editor@countrymessenger.com

said. “This year and next year we could still patch, but the neighborhood would like to see us redo those roads.”

Stillwater Fire Department contract The Stillwater city administrator, finance director and fire chief attended the meeting.

Supervisor Pazlar explained the township’s concern both with the 24% increase across the 3-year contract, and the fact that the township received the contract after the city levy had been approved.

“We’re concerned about the

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SEE MEETING, PAGE 2

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Law enforcement departments in Minnesota and Wisconsin are happy with the response to shelter in place orders issued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most people are taking the orders seriously and not gathering in large groups, according to Polk County Sheriff Brent Waak.

“I think the community here has done an outstanding job of self regulating,” he said. “They closed our bars and restaurants on St. Patrick’s Day and we had virtually no complaints.”

The more overarching ‘safer at home’ order followed closely behind the decision to close all bars and restaurants in Wisconsin and went into affect March 25. Misinformation about the enforcement of this order is a concern for Waak, who said he has received questions about the state requiring ‘travel papers’ for people who wish to leave their homes. “(The order) specifically says you don’t need documentation to be traveling around,” he said.

SEE PRECAUTIONS, PAGE 3

Local residents offer $275,000 in matching donations for ventilators

BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

May township resident William Emison and two other area residents who wish to remain anonymous are offering to match donations to area hospitals for the purchase of new ventilator machines.

Emison worked in business development until his retirement several years ago and said he got the idea after reading an article in Forbes magazine that discussed the shortage of ventilators throughout the country.

“That bothered me,” he said. “And two Fridays ago now I woke up, opened my eyes and SUBSCRIPTIONS 651-433-3845 office@osceolasun.com

decided I wanted to be the bridge.”

Emison reached out to three hospitals in the area, Lakeview hospital in Stillwater, Minn., St. Croix Regional Medial Center in St. Croix Falls Wisc., and the Osceola Medical Center in Osceola, Wisc. to see if they would be interested in a matching grant style program.

“I said ‘I’d like you to make the decision now to buy additional equipment,’” he said.

“And we’re going to sponsor it come hell or high water.”

All three hospitals have agreed to the arrangement and orders have been placed for SEE DONATIONS PAGE 7

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College students MEETING: May Township Board face diversity as classes move online FROM PAGE 1

BY MARISSA CHAMBERLIN

Editors note: Marissa Chamberlin is a photography and journalism student at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh who is submitting articles while home from school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

College students are missing out on the experience of attending the college or university of their choice.

Going to classes is a significant part of one's learning experience and it’s important to be able to communicate and work with other students and professors.

Instead, due to COVID-19, students find themselves unable to attend face-to-face classes. They’ve been forced to leave campus and take classes online from home leading to social isolation restrictions that are not normally a part of the college or university experience.

Many students studying the arts, music, science, nursing, sports and other programs are having a hard time going from face-to-face to online classes, for some this is a first time experience. This is a big change, especially for those who are less inclined to use technology as a main part of their learning. Taking online courses that are created to be in-person courses, set up unique challenges. Often a course will have a lab or group projects that now have to be reconfigured to allow for social distancing as well as distance learning. In-person versus online learning are completely different experiences. “I am not a fan of going from face-to-face classes to online classes,� said Kayley Bruce, who attends the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. “We miss the classroom discussion and some of the campus support resources are gone.�

Bruce is especially affected by this change as a student with learning disabilities. “I had a resource called Project Success that helped me with my school work,� she said. “Now like many other students, I have to work closely with my professors about finding replacements for the lost resources I once had with face-to-face classes.�

UW Oshkosh student Chase Lowen echoed Bruce’s statement. “My opinion is that online classes aren’t as effective as face-to-face because with face-to-face instruction, you can communicate with people without having to worry about technological failure,� he said. “And even if technology does fail, there are other alternatives.�

While students and professors are faced with challenges regarding learning formats, they find they are resilient and can overcome what comes their way.

They’re all excited for everyone to be healthy and for their learning experience to go back to “normal —yet they understand there’s a new “normal� coming their way.

growth and the ability of our tax base to keep up with that, to the detriment to the rest of our budget,� Pazlar said.

The Stillwater fire contract fee is $131,239 for 2020 and increases to $145,299 in 2021 and $161,497 in 2022. The levy for 2021 has already been approved and cannot be changed.

Stillwater city administrator, Tom McCarty, explained their yearly financial audit is released in June of the following year, later than the lead time needed by the townships with which they have contracts. They don’t have a solution to this problem.

Pazlar asked them to consider a longer contract, which would allow the townships to plan better.

The increase includes a portion of the cost of the new fire station, as well as training costs for new firefighters and wage increases. Stillwater did a wage analysis in 2016-2017 and wages were raised to bring firefighter pay in line with comparable employees around the state. Also, public safety workers’ compensation costs and insurance costs increased.

The Stillwater administrator said while he couldn’t guarantee costs would go down in the next contract, he would expect that contracts going forward would be more in line with the normal cost of operations – a 3-4% increase, not a 9-10% increase.

FEMA grant award for 2019 ood damage May township received a grant for $72,462 from FEMA to cover the cost of flood damage to gravel roads in the spring of 2019.

citizen concerned about internet Citizens have complained about poor coverage or lack of access to the internet. “We looked into this a couple of years ago and tried to apply some pressure [to existing providers] but we have no way to compel action,� said supervisor Pazlar.

The township lacks the population density to make expansion attractive.

Supervisors had also talked to Midco (the service provider in Marine) and asked them to extend their service for another half mile or quarter mile. “The numbers they came back with were staggering -- $2,000 to $4,000 a household,� Pazlar said.

Pazlar said the Federal COVID assistance fund has some money targeted toward broadband buildout. The township could look into getting on the list for a grant. Supervisors also suggested residents create a petition to see if they can get action.

violations No progress was made to resolve the building violation at 13003 177th St. While the homeowner cited the coronavirus stay at home order as the reason for lack of action, the supervisors believe a letter or phone call would motivate progress toward a resolution.

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Dog owners are failing to pick up their dog’s waste when visiting the public park. Town staff will research the cost of signage with plastic disposal bags and a garbage can for disposal.

bee business ordinance and complaint

Nature’s Nectar appeared at the last board meeting to request permission to sell bees from their home. The Board amended the town code to allow small business permits on residential property as an interim use, provided that the use is clearly secondary and incidental to residential use. And further, that limited activities dealing with agriculture are acceptable and not in conflict with the rural residential character of the town.

A May resident complained the bee sale days shouldn’t take place because of the COVID risk, but the Board did not agree. Nature’s Nectar explained people will stay in their vehicles and they will put the packaged bees into the trunks for them. There will be no direct person-to-person contact.

sewer contract amendment Supervisors met with the MPCA in February, prior to planning a community meeting this summer to explain a Nitrogen Mitigation Plan and needed work on the sewer system. Because of the low number of users on the system, it’s possible that May Township could qualify under Rule 44-20d to operate with a permit under Washington County, rather than the MPCA. This would raise the nitrogen target, reduce monitoring needs, and likely reduce costs.

In order to qualify, the township needs to assess the daily effluent flow rate for 90 days, and then monitor weekly for 9 months. The sewer company has provided an adjusted contract that increases costs from $3,800 to $10,569. This increase is only for 2020 while the increased monitoring is being done.

If the township does not qualify to switch its permit, it could be looking at pre-assessments to fund work that would begin in three years. This would increase costs beginning in 2020 for the 83 users on the township system. The township could apply for a low interest loan, and if it were to get on the MPCA’s Project Priority List, it may qualify for grants.

roadway concerns The township will be sampling the gravel at 130th and Keystone, as well as 121st, after complaints about gravel quality. Township staff called the dust control company last year after receiving more calls than usual about dust control application. Staff suspect the truck applying the liquid applied too much, paused in certain locations, or applied it too soon after rainfall. The township needs to work with the applicator to ensure it’s done properly this year.

RETAILERS: Shortage of essentials FROM PAGE 1

what we’ve got right now.�

Roden said outside of a few items, they’ve been able to keep everything in stock. “We’ve been able to keep our shelves pretty full,� she said. “The only thing that we really have

difficulty getting ahold of is rubbing alcohol, sanitizers of any kind, toilet paper and eggs.�

Since she’s unable to get them from her normal supplier, Roden used a restaurant supply company to purchase eggs as well. The eggs were delivered in bulk and Roden has had to crowd

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source egg cartons from customers to package the eggs for sale.

She said when her normal supplier does get shipments of needed items in, they generally go to large retail stores first, before being delivered to smaller businesses like the Marine General Store. “The smaller the business, the less you get,� she said.

Even with supply shortages, Roden said the business is doing well for now. “It’s almost like summer business,� she said. “It’s not crazy, but it’s steady.�

Roden said continuing to have steady business during this uncertain time has been incredibly helpful. “I’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who comes in and shops,� she said. “It’s kept us alive.�

APRIL 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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& Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, all gatherings of 10 or more are being curtailed.

If there is an event you were attending, please call to see if it is occurring. The Out & About page will return when this restriction is lifted, hopefully soon.

PRECAUTIONS: COVID-19

Scandia looking for another broadband expansion grant COVID emergency declared; Appeals hearings cancelled

BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FROM PAGE 1

Waak continued to say the Sheriff’s department is not enforcing any travel restrictions, but are simply continuing the work they do on a regular basis.

“We’re going about business as usual,” he said.

“If we stop a car it’s because we’ve developed legal grounds to stop it.”

Minnesota enacted a shelter in place law shortly after Wisconsin. The state’s order was issued March 25 and went into affect March 27. Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry said his department is handling the situation in much the same way as Wisconsin. They are receiving regular calls from citizens concerned about large groups congregating, but are focusing on educating the groups they come into contact with, rather than issuing citations.

“We’ve had those calls. Whether it’s businesses or it’s people that are in large groups out in public,” he said. “What we’re doing is attempting to make contact with those that are in violation and mediate it through education, simply talking to them about the Governor’s orders.”

Starry said so far this tactic has been very effective.

“So far that has mediated the majority of these calls,” he said. “If that does not work certainly there is an enforcement piece (of the order) and a citation that could be issued, but we’ve not had that and certainly hope that our citizens will simply comply as we go forward.”

Starry said he’s very impressed with the response from Washington County residents, especially considering how fast the situation has been changing.

“It’s been a short period of time and everyone’s trying to adjust to that new normal,” he said. “So far the public has been great.”

Washington County has 51 positive cases of COVID-19 as of April 3, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Enforcing the law in an area with active coronavirus cases is difficult, especially when that means being in close proximity to people and entering their homes. But Starry said they have to maintain their regular presence in the community.

“Sometimes we don’t have a choice, we have to go in,” he said. “That’s the nature of our job.”

Washington County deputies have been issued personal protective equipment (PPE) but have also been given sanitizer and cleaning supplies to keep themselves and their workspace clean.

“We want to make sure our employees, their families and those that we are entrusted to care for are taken care of,” he said.

Across the river in Wisconsin, local police departments are implementing much of the same safety procedures. Osceola Police Chief Ron Pedrys said his officers are doing their best to be cognizant of the situation and maintain social distancing.

“We do social distancing whenever possible,” he said. “In some instances where you have to arrest somebody or there’s a physical or violent encounter obviously that kind of goes out the window.”

Pedrys said it’s important that people know his department is still enforcing traffic as they normally would.

“With a lot of people out and about everyday we want to make sure the motoring and pedestrian traffic is safe,” he said.

Both the Polk county and Washington County jail facilities have also heightened safety protocols and improved cleaning efforts in order to keep employees as well as inmates safe during the outbreak.

Any resident booked into the Washington County jail will enter a quarantine area and will remain there for two weeks, unless their court ordered stay is shorter than that amount of time.

“One thing that we don’t want to have happen is this (outbreak) getting into our jail,” Starry said.

“So we’re trying to limit as much of the outside coming into our jail as we can.”

As Starry and the rest of the law enforcement in maintaining the law.

“I want to be clear, we are still enforcing the law,” Starry said. “Certainly those that need to be arrested throughout the county, the police agencies and sheriff’s office are arresting those individuals.”

Fresh off receiving $510,000 to expand broadband internet service earlier this year, the City of Scandia is looking for more.

The Scandia City Council last week agreed to provide a letter of support to Midco Communications encouraging the company to apply for a second Minnesota Border-To-Border Broadband Development Grant. The council also earmarked $165,000 in capital improvement dollars for its 2021 budget as the local matching portion, should the grant be approved.

“We need to keep the momentum going,” said council member Patti Ray, who serves on the city’s Internet Action Committee. “Good internet service is as important as good roads and good schools to our city.”

The council has been considering ways to expand broadband service in the city for the better part of three years. After exploring several options, including a fiber-to-the-premises proposal that was ultimately deemed too expensive, the city partnered with Midco late last year in seeking and receiving the grant.

“I think this is a winning formula,” council member Steve Kronmiller said. “Midco has been a good partner and there are lots of opportunities (for expansion).”

Robert Wilmers, an Internet Action Committee member, agreed.

“It makes a lot of sense to work

with them and not miss a beat,” he said.

COVID plans In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the council approved a resolution declaring a local emergency. The resolution enables the city’s emergency manager, Fire Chief Mike Hinz, to take actions or make certain purchases, such as buying masks or other supplies, which would normally need council approval. The resolution also allows the city to be eligible for disaster relief funding, should it be needed.

The resolution will stay in effect until the council or mayor rescind it.

Hinz noted the fire department continues to monitor daily the recommendations of county and state health officials in planning for the pandemic. The department currently has adequate medical supplies on hand, he said.

“If this goes very poorly, we will deplete our supply rapidly,” Hinz said.

Noting the inability to hold in-person meetings and the infeasibility of hearing appeals in an online format, the council also agreed to cancel its Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting scheduled for April 6. The decision effectively leaves the appeals to be heard by Washington County for this year.

Scandia residents who wish to appeal their land valuations may do so by calling the Washington County Taxes Department at (651) 430-6175.

draft of a lease agreement with the Scandia Heritage Alliance for the south T-ball field site, on which the group has proposed to re-erect the former Hilltop Water Company barn. The lease will be on the city’s April 21 agenda for formal approval.

The Heritage Alliance has asked the city for a 99-year lease on the site for $1 per year and has proposed a five-year period in which the group can prove its ability to fundraise and write grants for the project.

Heritage Alliance representatives reported soil borings recently completed at the site indicate it will be suitable for construction.

“It looks like the site works just fine,” said John Herman, an attorney and a volunteer for the group.

Other business • The council declined to purchase a new tractor and ditch mowing attachments, citing a possible decline in the economy.

The city will push the purchase out into 2021 and keep its existing ditch mowing unit in operation for another year, which might cost up to $10,000 depending on maintenance and trade-in value.

The city had budgeted $131,000 for the new tractor. The vote was 4-1 in favor, with councilman Jerry Cusick objecting to the deferment.

• The council agreed to spend up to $7,000 to improve the city’s computer network infrastructure and security.

The next Scandia City Council meeting will be held April 21 at 7 p.m.

Heritage Alliance lease The council reviewed a final

Springtime temporary road, trail closures on state lands MN DNR

Spring thaw and saturated soils from heavy rainfall last fall are negatively impacting road and trail conditions on state lands, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This may affect Minnesotans who live near these areas and use these roads for essential

travel or to get outdoors near their homes.

Several roads and trails in state forests, state parks, recreation areas, and wildlife management areas are closed temporarily because they are not firm enough to support vehicle traffic without causing damage. Depending on weather conditions, the temporary

closures could remain in effect until sometime in May. Details about road and trail closures are available at mndnr. gov/closures.

“We ask that people use good judgment, obey the closures, and check the DNR website for updates,” said Dave Schuller, state land programs supervisor for the DNR’s Forestry Division.

Users should pay particular attention to state forest road closures.

Forest roads and trails are listed individually, rather than listing a general road closure for the whole forest. Roads that can handle vehicle traffic will remain open but may be restricted by vehicle weight. Signs SEE ROADS, PAGE 8

4 COUNTRY MESSENGER

www.countrymessenger.com t g

APRIL 8, 2020

2020*

S

unday is Easter, a time of celebration and renewal for Christians who mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. It’s one of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar and affirms the faith of followers of the promise of eternal life.

Easter is also a time for family dinners and egg hunts. During my childhood it was one of the few times of the year we received candy, so I have very fond memories of coming down Easter morning to find a plate of candy. There were six children in my family, so a paper plate worked quite well in place of a basket.

Easter, like many things recently, will look very different for many families. With the coronavirus pandemic necessitating stay at orders, we are all looking at Publisher home different ways to be together, but not together.

Tom Stangl Technology has helped, with the internet and smartphones allowing many to see and hear each other. Technology has become more and more entwined in our lives to the point it has become an encumbrance to many, a virtual “buttinski,” limiting the ability of some to communicate directly with others.

With folks being forced to stay home, the internet is a connection to work, school, shopping, church and loved ones. But even with the entire virtual world at our fingertips, we long for human interaction.

But much of this will be delayed by necessity.

The length of time of social distancing appears to be an ever changing target as the rates of infection change daily and as more is learned about the virus and potential treatments.

When you look at records in sports or history and there is something out of the norm, it is noted by an asterisk *. The mark means you need to look to the bottom of the page to learn what’s unique about the listing.

2020 will be the king of the asterisk.

Schools closed. Public gatherings restricted, then all but outlawed as public health officials try to get ahead of the pandemic. Professional hockey and basketball end their seasons, the NCAA basketball tournament is cancelled. Winter high school sports tournaments are cancelled. Spring high school sports are delayed as officials hope social distancing will slow the rate of infection.

The Summer Olympics are delayed a full year.

That’s a lot of asterisks for the sports record books, with more to come.

I’m sure you all have personal and professional events in your life that will now have an asterisk as well. Easter Sunday 2020 will be one of them for sure.

It should be noted that in some literature, curse words are published with some of the letters substituted with asterisks. You can still make out what the words are, it just makes them seem a little less vulgar.

I think we all probably have a few words we are feeling about the current situation that could use some asterisks.

But I don’t think every asterisk has to be a bad thing. Sometimes, they have positive connotations, like when new records are set or landmark events occur. In our everyday lives, firsts are happening.

Parents are spending more time than ever with children, pets are being appreciated more than ever. So while 2020 may have a lot of negative connotations, we need to focus on the positive ones.

They are worth noting with an asterisk as well.

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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Good things to come

I

’ve started to struggle a little with this pandemic in the last week.

The odd-ness of the world we’re living in is very frustrating. It seems like the story changes every day and I can’t tell if we’re underreacting or overreacting — and either way it’s maddening.

The uncertainty of it is most frustrating. We’re all anxious to know things —know how bad the virus will get, when it will peak, what kind of shape the economy will be in when it’s all over, blah, blah, blah.

We’re in limbo right now. If this were a story in the Bible we’d be in purgatory, awaiting our fate.

I feel a little guilty saying that.

Complaining about my life being Editor difficult while I still have food in my belly and a warm place to sleep C.L. Sill at night is downright ignorant.

When we were kids my dad loved to say “some people don’t have food” whenever we’d complain about pretty much anything. We rolled our eyes at the time but as an adult that saying has really left its mark on me. I know how good I’ve got it and try my best to never take that for granted.

So with Dad’s words ringing in my ear (I just realized that makes him sound like he’s dead — he’s not) I’ve been biting my tongue all week, trying not to complain about my still mostly amazing life.

Although she hasn’t mentioned it, I’m sure Erin ap-

preciates my effort. She thinks I complain too much as it is, virus or no virus. She says I’m always telling her what’s wrong with the world, and for the most part she’s right. I can arm-chair quarterback with the best of them and she puts up with my “this is the way things ought to be” soapbox rants that even the dogs won’t listen to.

Erin is a hairstylist at A la Mode salon in Hudson, so she’s been laid off for about three weeks now. I wasn’t sure how she’d handle losing her job, even temporarily. But she’s been wonderful about it and is doing her best to keep busy.

When she is working, she puts in a lot of evening hours, so we sometimes don’t get to see each other much depending on her schedule. As difficult as it is to have her not working, I’ve realized one of the unintended benefits of coronavirus is getting to spend a lot more time together.

Erin is wildly funny, which might come as a surprise to people who don’t know her very well.

She has this goofy, self-deprecating sense of humor that can run the gamut from witty to slapstick. I’ve always loved how genuinely she can make me laugh, and we’ve sat on the couch or at the kitchen table and laughed more in the last month than we have in a long time. We’ve been working the house together, cooking together, doing everything together. In that regard this pandemic has been an incredible gift.

Naturally there’ve been a few arguments here SEE SILL, PAGE 5

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The Country Messenger (USPS 005-172) is published weekly by Sentinel Publications, 108 Cascade Street, P.O. Box 248, Osceola, WI 54020. Periodicals postage paid at Osceola, WI 54020. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Country Messenger, P.O. Box 96, Scandia, MN 55073.

Tom Stangl, Publisher C.L. Sill, Editor Eric Buelow, Graphic Design Elise Bourne, Advertising Barb Wetzel, Office Assistant Carrie Larson, Circulation Manager Rick Brandt, Delivery

APRIL 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

5

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Stuck in the “Vanilla” Twilight Zone

I

’ve had a really hard time writing the last couple weeks. I feel like I have nothing to say or any worthwhile advice on cooking. It’s hard to come up with a new recipe that will inspire people to cook when you don’t feel like cooking yourself.

I know I’m not alone, because my Instagram or Facebook feeds are filled with bland recipes.

Vanilla cake, bread, plain doughnuts, cinnamon rolls with vanilla frosting, vanilla cheesecake, rice crispy bars, chicken and rice, and pasta with bland cream sauce. I even called my brother for help and asked him what he was cooking for dinner. He was making creamed tuna on toast! What happened to all the green salads, vegetables, and chocolate? Go look for Wild Chow yourself—it’s weird.

Before I got laid off, a coworker Lisa Erickson said, “It’s like waking up and every day is Friday the 13th on the Twilight Zone.” Yes, it is. Come out of it we must. There is nothing wrong with baking and cooking bland or comforting foods. I love them, too. At some point we will be back to craving vegetables and chocolate, but until then vanilla cake and with vanilla sauce it is.

THE POSTSCRIPT

Daisy Crosses the Street

M

y desk faces the window and that is where I spend most of my time.

I spend about as much time at my desk as I do in my bed which is, conveniently located about thirty feet away. It’s a pretty short commute and there’s rarely traffic.

Occasionally, my husband Peter might be coming or going from the bathroom, but that’s about it.

Once a day, I Columnist take a walk in Carrie Classon the woods but the rest of my time is spent sitting at my window. My life used to seem kind of odd— and sometimes a little lonely— but it appears I was a trendsetter.

Now, it seems, everyone is working from home.

I read how different people like to orient their workspace in different directions and how this says something about us.

There are apparently people who can’t stand the idea of having their back facing traffic (as I do) I guess because they worry someone might sneak up behind them.

(Peter is not that sneaky.)

There are people who like to

be in the middle of the room and others who like pinning down a corner. I like to face the window and see out as far as I can— which isn’t all that far, but I can see the sidewalk on both sides of the street and that keeps me entertained all day.

Mostly, it’s dogs I am watching and lately there have been more to watch.

People are walking their dogs as never before. I am sure the dogs are puzzled and delighted.

Whereas it used to be this chore that was done quickly early in the morning or late at night, (“Come on, Rex, let’s get this over with!”) Now more walks are happening in the middle of the day and, as often as not, the whole family comes along and makes an event out of it.

Happy dogs are leading the pack with mom, dad, and a couple of kids in tow. The dog is saying, “This is so great! Everyone came on my walk with me!”

One dog in particular I’ve been watching for lately. Her name is Daisy and she’s an old dog. Her owner comes jogging by himself at mid-day. He doesn’t run fast, but he runs too fast for Daisy so, later in the day, he goes for a walk with Daisy. Daisy is very stiff. She stops a lot. She spends a lot of time sniffing things. (I’m pretty sure she’s just resting when she does this.) I watch for

Daisy every day, making her slow progress down the sidewalk.

Yesterday, I just couldn’t help myself. Daisy and her owner were walking by on the far side of the street. I went downstairs and called out, “Daisy! How are you, Daisy?” Daisy froze in her tracks. Daisy’s vision isn’t that great but her hearing is fine.

To my surprise, Daisy’s owner unclipped her leash.

Daisy slowly made her way across the deserted street and over to my side of the sidewalk.

“Hey, Daisy!” I said, when she finally made it. I pet her gray muzzle and she licked my hands.

I looked across the street to her owner. He’s a quiet, retired fellow.

“Thank you,” I said. “Thanks for letting Daisy say, ‘hello.’”

“No problem,” he said.

“How’re you doing?” I asked.

“We’re doing fine,” he told me.

“We are too,” I said.

“You better go now, Daisy.” And Daisy crossed the street again to her owner.

As the arthritic dog limped back across the street, I no longer felt I was alone at all.

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

When is it time?

Dairy Cake with Vanilla Dream Sauce Serves 12 2 1/2 cups cake flour 2 Tbsp. buttermilk powder 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2 large eggs 1 3/4 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 ½ cups half and half or whipping cream Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, buttermilk powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In another bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer for about a minute until nice and frothy. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is thick. Add the vanilla. Alternate adding 1/3 of the dry ingredients SEE ERICKSON, PAGE 6

SILL: Good things to come FROM PAGE 4

and there about what to watch on TV or how, after 29 years on this planet, I still don’t understand that the good knives do not go in the dishwasher. But for the most part we’re having a great time in quarantine.

One evening last week I was cutting back a briar patch on the edge of our yard. Erin was sitting on the deck sanding spindles we’d taken off to refinish. I stopped for just a second and watched her work in the fading sunlight. I smiled and laughed under my breath about how

intense she looks when she’s really concentrating on something.

There was no grand epiphany or cloud-parting moment that made me realize some cliché about how wonderful my life is. It was a small moment that came and passed on a cool evening filled with signs of spring — and of good things to come.

I welcome any comments from readers. You can reach me via email at editor@osceolasun. com, by telephone at 651433-3845 or in the mail at P.O. Box 248, Osceola WI, 54020

I

’m getting a lot of calls and questions of late regarding ‘when?’ Sticking to outdoor themes, these “when questions” are an annual thing that revolve about not being too late. You never want to hear that age-old response of, “You should have been here yesterday.” Every spring the first when questions I hear are about crappies coming into the shallows. These are usually followed by when certain fish spawn. This year with an earlier spring caused by the lack of March snowstorms I’m getting questions about when is time to start planting the garden. Can I plant seeds yet? My specific when question is when are the pair of wood ducks that just walked through my yard going to nest? Hopefully right here in my yard!

Ice out crappies are always on my list. Every spring when black bottom shallow bays get hit by that warm spring sun, crappies make Wild River pre-spawn runs. Minnows and early insect hatches will draw those Trails crappies in shallows to feed and warm up. So, what are the water Jim Bennett temperatures of those bays right now? We stuck a thermometer into a small lake across from my house that holds perch, pike and crappies. We found that the shallow water temp was a balmy 28 degrees. I wondered how that could be possible and not freeze.

Earth Science reports that special circumstances come into play for that to happen without ice forming. Evidently when you have snow or ice melt occurring when night temperatures are below freezing, it can happen. Add upwellings from underground, moving springs below freezing, similar to rivers that can have water temperatures below freezing but not freeze, ice doesn’t form. Add a wind factor, sleet, snow and cold rain to get a water temperature of 28 degrees. I’m watching all of that happen from my window, Friday, April 3, after we took that water temperature.

Crappies will move into the shallows when the bays warm to a temperature above the mean lake temp, but spawning is an entirely different question. Walleye spawn first at 38 degrees, sauger 40, perch 44, northern pike 48, muskie 49, paddlefish 50, smallmouth bass 59, striped bass 60, crappie 62 with largemouth bass and sunfish above 62 degrees. Right now lakes in our region are around 40 degrees according to the USGS. When it comes to gardening, I try to get in root crops where I live in St. Croix County by April 15 and the rest of my garden by May 1, weather permitting. Onion sets can go into the ground when

NANCEE’ BENNETT

Doing a bit of research, Jim Bennett, fly rod in hand, checked out several lakes April Fools Day to see if the crappies and sunfish we’re moving into the shallows. He got fooled but it’s always better to be early than late.

night lows are above 30 degrees. Potato cuttings should not be planted until the ground reaches 40 degrees. I checked both my garden and raised garden soil temperatures April Fools Day and found both at 50 degrees.

The hardiest seeds that will germinate in soil temps in the 30s are leeks, endive, garlic, lettuce, mustard, spinach and radishes. Soil temps in the 40s will germinate seeds of beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collards, kale, peas, Swiss chard and turnips. Seeds that need a 50 soil temperature include asparagus, sweet corn and tomatoes. A 60-degree soil temperature is what you need to grow beans, eggplants, cucumbers, muskmelon, peppers, pumpkins, squash and watermelon from seed. You don’t want that water to freeze!

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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Help! I’m confined to home and going crazy

W

e’re all feeling like the world is in chaos. The kids are home when they should be at school. We can’t visit friends when we want to. We don’t want to get anyone sick, but we feel like we’re going crazy not being able to leave the house. Don’t panic. You can still get out and work in the yard. You can still start getting ready for gardening. Today I spoke with friends at Bergman’s in Clayton, Dragonfly in Amery and Columnist Abrahamson’s in Scandia and they Julie Kuehl all assured me their greenhouses are full of beautiful seedlings just waiting for warm weather so that we can fill our planters and gardens with lovely flowers and veggies. They are still figuring how the logistics of sales will be handled, but all assured me they would do their best to find a way.

With this great news in mind, let’s think about getting ready to plant. As promised earlier, here are some thoughts about planting those containers. Can containers be both gorgeous and practical?

The short answer is “yes.” If you either don’t have the space or don’t want the work involved in maintaining a large garden, why not try container gardening. Containers can be used for growing everything from the standard flowers to many vegetables.

Let’s start with the typical containers we are used to seeing – those with flowers. There are, of course, several methods to get those full, gorgeous containers you see in the garden centers.

You can purchase them already done for you – but this will come at a higher cost. They will still require the same type of watering, deadheading and nipping back that flower containers you do yourself require. If you choose to create your own containers, you need to make sure your container has good drainage. Most plants do not like their feet to be constantly wet. Decide if you want a hanging container or one that will sit on the ground or in a stand. This year I am experimenting with stacking various size containers to make a pyramid. This is done by using three larger pots (each one a bit smaller than the first).

This is one way to create a little design element to your containers.

You must also decide if your container will be placed in a sunny or shady area. This is necessary to determine the types of plants to use. Just as when we plant an in-ground garden we need to carefully read the tags to be sure our plants will play well together in our container.

I like to use MiracleGro with soil moist when I do containers.

This seems to work well for me.

Whatever type of potting soil you choose to use, make sure that your plants are kept fertilized throughout the season to keep them blooming profusely. I like

to use Soil Moist in my potting soil to help with the amount of watering I need to do during the summer. Remember not to overfill your containers with the potting mix. Allow enough room to be able to water without the water running over the edge of the container.

I follow the ABCs of planting when doing my containers. “A” plants are taller and go in the center of the pot; “B” plants are medium height for the next area and to fill out the container’s center portion; and “C” plantings are the trailers for overflowing the edges. Plants should be planted fairly close together to get that full look of the nursery planters.

When planting your container you might consider planting a container for pollinators. Use any plants in the daisy or mint families or those which produce large quantities of flowers throughout summer. Don’t forget that you can grow many veggies - such as tomatoes, bush cucumbers, peppers, and most herbs in containers.

You may want to try a combination of flowers and veggies or herbs.

Until next time keep your hands washed, your distance from others and stay safe. We’re all in this together.

Are there topics you would like to hear about? Send me an email at gardenvarietycolumn@gmail.com.

ERICKSON: Dairy Cake, vanilla dream sauce FROM PAGE 5

to the batter and then 1/2 of the half and half until combined, stirring after each addition.

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

You may not know our new name yet but we’ve been in your community for years!

Knowledgeable local agents working with regional and national carriers serving all of Western WI.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and inserted toothpick comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the sauce.

Vanilla Dream Sauce 3⁄4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 Tbsp. cup cornstarch 2 egg yolks 3 Tbsp. butter 2 cups whole milk

2 tsp. vanilla In a saucepan, mix the sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly, until thick and smooth; about 7-9 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Add egg yolks while whisking quickly. Return to heat and bring to a low boil. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and butter.

Cool slightly and serve warm spooned over Dairy Cake.

Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. You can find more recipes at www.wild-chow.com or email her at wildchowrecipes@gmail. com.

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APRL 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER www.countrymessenger.com

DONATIONS: Local residents offer to match $275,000 for ventilator machines to hospitals “These are our neighbors.”

Emison said conversations with hospital officials solidified the need to help out.

“They are doing everything they can to get their equipment ready and everything else possible,” he said. “It’s going to be a big hurdle for them.”

Bob Wolf, the director of community engagement at the Osceola Medical

FROM PAGE 1

additional supplies. Emison is ready to match up to $275,000 in donations.

Emison said he and his wife Tina have given to organizations regularly in the past and they feel especially compelled with this pandemic hitting so close to home.

“The need is right here,” he said.

Center, said they’re incredibly thankful for Emison’s generosity.

“This offer from Bill, is a wonderful offer,” he said. “No doubt about it.”

Wolf said the community at large has been very supportive of the hospital as it readies for COVID-19 to impact the local area.

“We’ve been experiencing tremendous support from the community

already,” he said. “That support is an amazing thing for the health of our community.”

Emison echoed that statement, and said the chance to give back at a time like this is an incredible opportunity.

“Giving — if it’s a buck or a million bucks, it’s a joy,” he said. “This is our legacy right now, it’s happening right in front of us.”

...Easter egg hunts in our back yards!

We’re really excited about having...

Newspaper Fun! www.readingclubfun.com

Kids: color stuff in!

Annimills LLC © 2020 V16-14

“Hoppy” Easter!

chocola

te

I enjoy delivering Easter baskets. People say that I am as quick as....well...a bunny! I have strong back legs that allow me to jump as high as three feet and as far as nine feet.

See if you can read the clues below to fill in this week’s puzzle about me and a couple of other favorite “Easter” animals. Hop to it!

12 children

10 4 1

rabbit

3

Germany 2 5

life

6 cards

baskets

bonnets 11

9

chick

8

1. The Easter Bunny is a young ________ .

2. No one is sure how the Easter Bunny started his work, but it is thought that he “hopped” across the ocean with the people who came to America from ________.

3. It is believed that the first bunny-shaped treats were made out of pastry and _______.

4. Today, milk, dark or white ________ bunnies are a favorite treat at Easter.

5. Many families hard-boil, dye and decorate ________ to eat or to hunt at Easter.

6. The Easter Bunny delivers ________ full of treats to children for Easter morning.

7. Easter baskets began with children leaving their hats or ________ to be filled with treats by the Easter Bunny.

8. The Easter Bunny hides colored eggs for ________ to hunt!

9. Another popular Easter animal is the soft, yellow, peeping ________.

Yay! I get 10. On ______ they are often shown popping to help with the out of eggs or sitting in baskets. eggs this year.

11. A woolly, soft, white baby ________ or kid is often shown as a cake.

12. Baby animals are signs of new ________ in the springtime.

lamb

eggs Whe 7 w!

sugar Gosh! I don’t like to complain, but shouldn’t we be the ones who get to deliver the eggs?

There are four sets of eggs that are exactly the same.

Can you find and circle the 2 identical eggs in each set?

Lo o I c k wh an at do !

Have You Ever Seen? A Basket Full of Fun and Surprises!

In Australia, some families are choosing this chocolate animal for Easter celebrations rather than a chocolate rabbit. This animal is native to Australia whereas the rabbit is not.

Wild rabbits were brought to Australia by settlers for food. Rabbits have grown in large numbers and compete with this animal for food. About the size of a rabbit, this animl carries its young in its pouch. What is it?

What kinds of treats might the Easter Bunny put in baskets to delight children on Easter morning?

Unscramble the letters to fill in the blanks. s c 1. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ and coloring book r a n y o

__ __ __ __ __

5. story __ __ __ __

libyb

What on Earth is that? Hey, it’s me in chocolate!

2. small toy car or __ __ __ __ __

k!

Quac

k cr t u

3. __ __ __ __ __ tickets m e v o i 4. __ __ __ __ __ book m o c c i o o b k 6. box of __ __ __ __ __ c a k l h 7. stuffed __ __ __ __ __ __ n l m a i a 8. rubber __ __ __ __ b l l a 9. jump __ __ __ __

o r p e

Find and M A circle these C R favorite V C Easter candies B in the basket: L O 1. malted eggs 2. cream-filled eggs 3. marshmallow chick 4. chocolate bunny 5. jellybeans

R E Y C A I W Z

S A N V P E O I F

H M N O W J I U S

M F U D O E N N G

A I B S Q L F O G

L L E P R L D R E

L L T O U Y S G D

O E A I G B U N E

W D L Q F E I J T

C E O W U A B I L

H G C E S N R O A

I G O N I S Q W M

C S H F E O I

K M C R

SEE ANSWERS, PAGE 11

7

8 COUNTRY MESSENGER

APRIL 8, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

ROADS: Restrictions

PUBLIC NOTICES

MN DNR

Spring thaw and heavy rains are impacting trail and road closures on state land FROM PAGE 3

will be posted at entry points and parking lots.

Closure information is updated on the website every Thursday by 2 p.m. However, closure signs may be in place before the website is updated. Users should also be aware that the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many DNR operations. While there have not been any road or trail closures due to COVID-19 at this time, users should regularly consult the DNR COVID-19 webpage (mndnr.gov/covid-19) for the latest information.

Road and trail closure information is also available by contacting the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us, 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157, (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday).

For information on roads and trails on county land, contact the county directly.

Visit us online:

Answers

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 1. The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Stained Glass by Spoulin.

2. The address of the principal place of business: 9424 Dunes Ln., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

3. The complete name and street address of all persons conducting business under the assumed name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Crafty Dads LLC, 9424 Dunes Ln., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

4. I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities, I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath: Chad Stein.

Dated March 25, 2020.

Filed with the State of Minnesota.

Published in The Country Messenger April 1 and April 8, 2020 CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 1. The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Embroidery Dad. 2. The address of the principal place of business: 9424 Dunes Ln., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

3. The complete name and street address of all persons conducting business under the assumed name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Crafty Dads LLC, 9424 Dunes Ln., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

4. I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities, I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath: Chad Stein.

Dated March 25, 2020.

Filed with the State of Minnesota.

Published in The Country Messenger April 1 and April 8, 2020

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 10, 2020 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 Miron 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”.

General Administration Approval of the following actions: - February 11 and February 25, 2020, County Board meeting minutes.

- Resolution No. 2020-021, appoint Washington County Deputy Administrator Jennifer Wagenius as the County Auditor-Treasurer.

- County Administrator Kevin Corbid presented a revision in the county’s 2020 Legislative priorities platform related to the transit capital taxing district. Mr. Corbid reported on other legislative items such as responses to coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding for county projects.

- Mr. Corbid reported the County Attorney’s Office Annual Report was provided to commissioners.

- Board correspondence was received and placed on file.

Property Records and Taxpayers Services - Board workshop to review assessment year 2020/pay 2021 property valuations.

Public Health and Environment - Director Lowell Johnson reported on the county’s efforts regarding COVID-19.

Public Works Approval of the following actions: - Resolution No. 2020-020, waive daily permit fees, allowing free entry into Washington County Parks on April 25, 2020, in honor of the 50 year anniversary of Earth Day. - Change Order No. 3 for Contract No. 12838 with Action Fence Inc. in the amount of $660 for work on the Wildwood Library project.

- Contract No. 13303 in the amount of $399,250 with Alliant Engineering Inc. for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 33 (Everton Ave N) Pedestrian and Safety Improvement project.

- Contract No. 13267 in the amount of $158,890 with LinnCo Inc. for the

COUNTRY

.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Canadian law enforcers 5. Actor Idris 9. Cut or bruise 11. Vegetables 13. Aircraft delivery 15. To make obsolete 16. Things similar to those already noted 17. Columbus is a famous one 19. Age group 21. Denotes nature of sound 22. Klutz 23. Uninteresting 25. Computer manufacturer 26. 2,000 lbs.

27. Genus of seabirds 29. Emerges 31. Baseball stat 33. Witnesses 34. Observed 36. Satisfy 38. Former OSS 39. Small Eurasian deer 41. Wife of Sparta’s king 43. Ballplayer accessory 44. Temporary cessation of breathing 46. Where construction workers ply their trade 48. Arguments that justify a religious doctrine 52. Thick cloud of tiny water droplets 53. Widens 54. Detection 56. Period of inactivity 57. Tomato and vodka are two 58. Greek war god 59. Urinates CLUES DOWN 1. Churned 2. Seal bottles 3. Million barrels per day

(abbr.)

4. Meat from a pig (French) 5. Within 6. Walk in a slow pace 7. Cries 8. About Andes 9. Fishermen use it 10. Expresses delight 11. Shouts 12. Feudal agricultural laborer 14. Sailboat 15. Small Eurasian willows 18. S. American native people 20. Extreme disgust 24. Nonsense (slang) 26. Produce male reproductive cells

CSAH 21 (Stagecoach Trail) Culvert Replacement project.

- Contract No. 13244 in the amount of $10,505,829 with S.M. Hentges & Sons Inc. for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Rd) Woodlane Drive to CSAH 13 project.

- Cooperative Agreement No. 13187 for construction cost share with the City of Woodbury for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Rd) Woodlane Drive to CSAH 13 project.

- Maintenance Agr. No. 13188 for maintenance with the City of Woodbury for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Rd) Woodlane Drive to CSAH 13 project.

- Permanent use of fund balance in an amount not to exceed $700,000 from the Road & Bridge Capital Projects fund for the CSAH 18 (Bailey Rd) Woodlane Drive to CSAH 13 project.

- Board workshop to review potential options for joint development of a West Central Service Center.

Sheriff’s Office Approval of the following actions: - Grant Agr. No. 13295 with MN Department of Public Safety in the amount of $322,980 for sex trafficking investigations.

- Accept the 2019 State of MN Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant Agr. No. 13300 in the amount of $33,596.

- Amend Grant Agr. No. 12519 with the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of $10,000.

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 April 8, 2020

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28. Computes 30. Pop singer 32. Weds secretly 34. Having two poles 35. Yankee hero Bucky 37. Building 38. Per __, each 40. Six (Spanish) 42. Makes amends 43. Scoundrels 45. Baseball’s best pitchers 47. Some are scrambled 49. Emit coherent radiation 50. Singer Redding 51. Break 55. Institute legal proceedings against

APRIL 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

9

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Safety is paramount around late ice, open water Anyone on the ice should have ice picks and a whistle with them, and all people who recreate near water should tell someone where they’re going and when they plan to return.

Given their innate curiosity about ice and water, children are especially vulnerable.

Adults should ensure kids stay away from ice or open water unless they’re accompanied by a responsible adult.

People who go fishing, which is one of the outdoors activities Gov. Tim Walz highlighted in his “Stay at Home” executive order, should fish waters close to their home.

Anglers should share a boat only with people in their immediate household, and maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet between them and other anglers whenever launching their boat or while on the water.

MN DNR

As the winter-to-spring transition unfolds, the way people experience the change in seasons will be a little different this year. But while we stay close to home for our outdoors time and practice social distancing, one thing remains the same. People must put their safety first, especially around lakes and rivers where the ice conditions vary around the state. With many lakes and rivers now ice-free, and the ice where it remains getting weaker by the day, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers remind people to be especially vigilant.

“Ice conditions can be dangerously deceptive this time of year, and people should either stay off altogether or check its thickness frequently with a chisel as they’re walking out,” said Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “If they’re around open water, people need to know the consequences of a fall into cold water can be tragic.”

Falling into cold water causes people to gasp involuntarily and inhale water. Even strong

swimmers can be incapacitated quickly. Wearing a life jacket – whether on late-season

ice or near open water – gives people a fighting chance to survive a fall into cold water.

For additional information about ice safety, visit mndnr. gov/icesafety. See mndnr.gov/ safety/boatwater/cold-water. html for tips about staying safe in cold water.

Keep drones grounded this spring wildfire season MN DNR

Flying a drone can be a lot of fun—but it can be downright dangerous during a wildfire, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

A drone has invaded the airspace above a Minnesota wildfire in each of the last four years. Such interference with fire operations is dangerous for firefighting aircraft, firefighters on the ground and the public. It is also illegal: Federal law prohibits interfering with firefighting operations, and that includes flying a drone over a wildfire.

With this spring’s wildfire season occurring in the midst of Minnesota’s COVID-19 response, a drone flight near fire is simply additional stress for the statewide emergency management system. Darren Neuman, the DNR’s wildfire aviation manager, likens a drone above a wildfire to a car blocking a fire en-

gine on the highway. "When a drone is spotted, our pilots have to land.

When aircraft land, our ability to fight the fire slows. Drones create a reckless ripple effect,” he said.

The reason drones pose such a problem is because they fly at roughly the same altitude as wildfire suppression aircraft. Even a small drone can cause a fire-fighting helicopter to crash if the drone makes contact with the aircraft.

To protect firefighting aircraft, temporary flight restrictions may extend over a 5-mile radius of a wildfire. Even if temporary flight restrictions are not in place, there may be penalties if drones are caught near wildfire.

No photo or video is worth the risk. Keep drones grounded near all wildfires.

For more information about drones and wildfires, log onto the National Interagency Fire Center.

MN DNR

A Fire Boss aircraft drops retardant over a wildfire.

AREA CHURCHES Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, all gatherings of 10 or more are being curtailed. Please call to see if church services are being held in some capacity.

Ascension Episcopal Church 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

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

Elim Lutheran Church Scandia (651) 433-2723 www.elimscandia.org Senior Pastor Scott Westphal Associate Pastor Meredith McGrath

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

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

Grace Church 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

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

Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church (LCMS) 25402 Itasca Avenue Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-462-3535 / lordofthelakes.org Pastor Craig Bertram

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

Osceola Community Church

Hosanna Lutheran Church (ELCA)

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

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

Osceola Medical Center Spiritual Care

Lakes Free Church

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.

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

River Valley Christian Church 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

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. Croix Valley Friends

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

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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COUNTRY MESSENGER

APRIL 8, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

AUTO BODY

Certified Public Accountants Accounting • Taxes • Payroll • Business Consulting

715-294-2165

LAW OFFICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

433 3rd Ave, Clear Lake, WI • (715) 263-4111 338 S Washington St, St. Croix Falls, WI • (715) 483-3782 OverbyFinancial.com

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

Osceola, Wisconsin - Hwy. 35 south of town

LOCAL SHOPS

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING AUTOMOTIVE COMPLETE AUTO SERVICE CENTER We will not be undersold

Alignment • Brakes • Exhaust • Shocks Plows • Tune-ups/engine diagnostics Keyless Entry and Autostarts • A/C Service

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

651-433-5167

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

www.scandiaheating.com

PLUMBING

TROWBRIDGE PLUMBING

14520 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-0403 • www.fredstireandservice.net

Residential - Service - Remodel

FOOD & BEVERAGE 12450 Morris Trail N, Marine-On-St. Croix

Great Case Discounts Your Party Headquarters

651-433-4500

INSURANCE

651-433-5845 • 21190 Ozark Ave N • Scandia, MN

NOAH

STORE HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

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

trowbridge_plumbing@hotmail.com Mike Trowbridge

651-707-2528 Fax: 651-213-0070

REAL ESTATE

Ross and Adam Brunfelt Your Local Real Estate Agents!

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

651.433.3333 • www.TheBrunfelts.com

TRAILERS/REPAIR

%LOO 6FKLIVN\ &XVWRP 7UDLOHU 0IJ SINCE 1972

UNIQUELY GENERAL

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

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

EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

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

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

A K-6, tuition-free public charter school in beautiful Wilder Forest. We get kids outside, taking learning beyond the classroom!

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

14189 Ostlund Trail N., Marine on St Croix MN 55047 info@marineareaschool.org • www.marineareaschool.org

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

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

21240 Olinda Trail N., Scandia, MN

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

VETERINARIAN

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

651-433-3666

APRIL 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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www.countrymessenger.com

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There are three sets of painted eggs that are exactly the same. Did you find and circle the 3 identical sets?

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

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Free Items

Services

Services

Want to Buy

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.

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.

WANTED!!

I am looking for a pinball machine.

Call 612-599-1729

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

715-755-3377

352 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.

454 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.

COLOR COPIES available at

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108 Cascade

Osceola

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WANTED TO BUY OR TRADE FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

Certi ed Professionals. Call 312/626-3558 or visit: RefrigerantFinders.com

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AT&T WIRELESS Two great new offers! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e on us with AT&T’s Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! Call 855/332-0464

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12 COUNTRY MESSENGER

APRIL 8, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

SHERIFF’S REPORT City of Marine on St. Croix

MARCH 23 At 6:27 a.m. a directed patrol was in place in the 17000 block of St. Croix Trail.

MARCH 28 At 12:01 p.m. public assistance was needed in the 14000 block of 197th.

City of Scandia

MARCH 22 At 4:02 p.m. welfare was checked in the 10000 block of 180th Street Lane.

MARCH 23 At 7:16 a.m. and at 8:01

suspicious activity in the 13000 block of 195th was reported.

At 8:51 a.m. a complaint about an animal in the 14000 block of 236th was received.

At 4:20 p.m. an ordinance violation occurred in the 22000 block of Olinda.

At 5:38 p.m. an ordinance violation occurred in the 18000 block of Layton.

MARCH 24 At 2:22 p.m. a disturbance in the 18000 block of Layton was reported.

At 3:45 p.m. a medical need in the 21000 block of Pomroy was reported.

MARCH 26 At 9 a.m. an alarm sounded at William O’Brien.

MARCH 27 At 6:10 and 8:51 a.m. two complaints were received from the 18000 block of Layton.

At 8:54 a.m. public assistance was needed in the 14000 block of Old Marine Trail.

At 9:33 a.m. an officer assisted another agency in the 20000 block of Quinnell.

At 11:50 a.m. public assistance was needed in the 21000 block of Ozark.

At 1:05 p.m. welfare was

checked in the 14000 block of Scandia Trail.

At 2:23 p.m. public assistance was needed in the 14000 block of 185th.

At 5:03 p.m. a 911 line was abandoned in the 20000 block of Olinda.

At 5:10 p.m. follow-up was done in the 18000 block of Layton.

At 7:32 p.m. fireworks were reported in the 22000 block of Penfield.

MARCH 28 At 4:24 and at 5:46 p.m. two follow-up calls were made in the 18000 block of Layton.

Town of May

MARCH 22 At 11:17 p.m. suspicious activity in the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail was reported.

MARCH 23 At 12:53 a.m. public assistance was needed in the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail.

At 6:22 p.m. a public works concern in the 17000 block of May Avenue was reported.

MARCH 25 At 6:11 a.m. an alarm sounded in the 11000 block of 148th.

MARCH 26 At 12:45 p.m. suspicious activity on 170th and Old Guslander was reported.

At 1:39 p.m. a medical need at Arcola Bridge was reported.

MARCH 28 At 6:54 a.m. an alarm sounded in the 14000 block of Sheffield Lane.

At 2:18 p.m. property damage in the 14000 block of St. Croix Trail was reported.

At 2:29 p.m. a disturbance in the 12000 block of Arcola Trail was reported.

SH OT Spotlight on Area Businesses Security State Agency – familiar name, small-town care With Security State Agency, you’re getting more than just a familiar name; the business has longstanding ties to the St. Croix area.

Security State Agency has been serving the community for over 90 years. The agency is located in the Scandia Plaza on Highway 97 and in offices with Security State Bank of Marine.

Security State Agency is an independent agency representing a number of insurance companies.

The agency offers auto, home, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, business, life and health insurance.

Contact one of Security State Agency’s licensed agents, Katie Giefer or Jane Dreyer, for a quote or stop in.

Security State Agency’s small-town location allows the agency to foster a personal business relationship with their clients.

Scandia Office • 651-433-5753

Call us for a quote!

Jane Dreyer & Katie Giefer

• 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

Agent

Agent

Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

12450 Morris Trail N Marine-On-St. Croix

651-433-4500

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

Contact Security State Agency at 651-433-5753.

Jeanne & Jack Matlock of Marine on St. CRoix returned from a wonderful cruise to Antarctica on March 16 after getting out of Buenos Aires just hours before they closed the borders.

140 Judd St. • Marine on St. Croix

651-433-1112 www.olsonsinthepink.com

THE LOCAL FOCUS!

Financial Advisor

COUNTRY

jdreyer@themarinebank.com kgiefer@themarinebank.com

Advertise your business in

Heidi Gemuenden, AAMS®

Member SIPC

Katie Giefer

Certified by M.P.C.A.

www.scandiaheating.com

YOUR RESOURCE FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION

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

Jane Dreyer

The

• 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

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