Messenger COUNTRY
Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022
VOL. 39 NO. 3 www.countrymessenger.com $.75
THE MUNCH BUNCH: Goat service removes invasive species. PAGE 6
Gammelgarden hosts naturalization ceremony BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@COUNTRY MESSENGER.COM
The Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia held a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. The event also celebrated the 164th anniversary of Minnesota’s statehood. The grounds were filled with friends and families of individuals there to receive their citizenship. Director of Ameritus, Lynne Moratzke, and other Gammelgarden volunteers were on hand to help everyone who arrived for the special event. The U.S. citizenship and immigration services describe the naturalization ceremony as, “The culmination of the naturalization process.” During the ceremony participants take an oath that swears allegiance to the United States and they receive a naturalization certif-
Marine City Council is gearing up for summer celebrations BY LESLIE MACKENZIE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
NEALY CORCORAN | COUNTRY MESSENGER
U.S. district court Chief edge john R. Tunheim delivered the Oath of Allegiance to new citizens during the naturalization ceremony held at Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia.
icate. Once the certificate is received individuals can apply for a U.S. passport and vote in
national, state and local elections. According to the U.S. courts website,
federal courts conduct citizenship ceremonies SEE CEREMONY, PAGE 2
At the May 12 Marine City Council meeting, the lineup for summer events was revealed. The summer kicks off with the fireman’s Ball Saturday, June 18. A street dance to benefit the Marine Fire Department, the dance runs from 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Judd St. Tickets for suggested donation of $9. The Fourth of July kicks off with two races; a 4-mile run and a 2-mile run/walk. Registration begins at 7:30; race at 9:15 a.m. The 4-mile race begins at Hay Lake School and ends at Marine Elementary School. The 2-mile race begins at the edge of William O’Brien State Park and ends at the Marine Elementary School. Entrance fee is $20/individual or $55/family (up to 6 people). The race is sponsored by the Marine Restoration Society. Money raised is used to maintain Marine’s public and historic buildings. For more info, see https://marine4thofjulyrace.com/. There will not be fireworks July 3. The traditional Fourth of July parade begins at noon on Judd Street, with food, music and children’s games to follow. There will be a Marine Mills community picnic, but no date has been set.
Flags half-mast in recognition of 1 Million COVID Dead
Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis said that at the request of Governor Tim Walz, the flag will be flown at half-mast Monday, May 16, in recognition of more than 1 million Americans who have died from COVID-19.
Drowning victim recovered from river identified Suleiman Ibrahim Abda Garado, 17, of Stillwater, Minnesota died on Thursday, May 12, 2022 after trying to help another teen who was struggling in the St. Croix River. According to a news release, just before 5:40 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s office received several 911 calls after a witness reported that a juvenile was drowning near the 2000 block of Riviera Avenue South in Lake St. Croix Beach. According to reports, a group of friends had gathered near the river when at
some point, one of them began to struggle in the water. Suleiman, along with several others, attempted to help the struggling teen and bring him to safety. The first team made it out of the water, but Suleiman never surfaced. The Washington County rescue dive team was on the scene inminutesof the initial call and divers immediately began searching the water where Suleiman was last seen. Once Suleiman was recovered, EMS crews began lifesaving efforts and transport-
Cell tower hearing May 23
ed him by ambulance to Regions Hospital where he later died. “The death of this young man is a devastating tragedy, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Sheriff Dan Starry. “I’m grateful for the quick response of the Washington County rescue dive team and their ability to recover Suleiman and bring peace to his family.” The official cause of death remains under investigation. Contributed
The Marine Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Monday, May 23, 7 p.m. regarding Vinco’s application for a conditional use permit for construction of a 4G cell tower at the city compost site. The hearing will be held at the Village Hall and remotely on Zoom. Comments from the hearing will be considered at the Planning Commission’s May 31 meeting. The Planning Commission is now working on 5G cellular guidelines and expects to have a first draft in June. The Commission is also working with the city engineer about historic district mapping as a result of the EV charging proposal parking area request. The Planning Commission’s new chair, Scott Spisak, asked that city committees provide quarterly updates to the Planning commission so the Commission can identify potential land use issues SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 8
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