Country Messenger 07.08.2020

COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

VOL. 37 NO. 10 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

MEMORIAL FOREST : Scandia City Council grants permit. PAGE 7

Residents hope to designate part of Norell Ave. N as natural preservation route

BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

A group of local residents from May Township and the surrounding area are exploring the possibility of designating a part of Norell Ave as a natural preservation route.

The road runs north and south, parallel to State Highway 95, winding its way through the rural parts of northern Washington County. The stretch of road residents are concerned about in particular runs from Square Lake Trail to County Road 4.

In January 2020 Washington County issued a request for proposal for a corridor improvement project on Norell Ave. that could mean major physical changes on the roadway, including widened lane and shoulder widths. Residents of Norell Ave. and the surrounding area believe this could jeopardize the environmental quality and the natural beauty of the land surrounding the road, as well as endanger threatened species that inhabit the property.

ELISE BOURNE | COUNTRY MESSENGER

4th of July Parade Marine on St. Croix residents celebrated a socially distanced 4th of July with a toned down version of the annual Independence Day parade.

GARY NOREN

Local residents are hoping to designate Norell Ave. N between Square Lake Trail and County Road 4 as a natural preservation route.

“The landscape through which Norell Ave. passes possesses outstanding scenic values, habitat for rare and diverse wildlife and natural features of county, state and regional significance that are well documented by natural resource agencies,” reads a

pamphlet put together by concerned residents. “These values are recognized and appreciated by the local community and by visitors who travel through to enjoy the countryside. Many of SEE PRESERVATION ROUTE, PAGE 7

May Township July Meeting If it’s not winter, it’s road repair

BY LESLIE MACKENZIE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Town engineer Mark Erichson reported that pothole repair and curb repair was completed in June, at a cost of $25,065 and then presented the bids received for repair

of 15 roads identified in the 2020 improvement plan. The Board faced a difficult decision.

The 2020 levy allocated $30,000 for road repair, but the cost for improvements will run $43,121. Seven more roadways are slated for repair in 2021, with bids amounting to $45,453.

The Board had asked Erichson to get bids for

a 2-year and a 3-year repair plan to spread out the costs but none of the bidders would do a 3-year bid because of the uncertainty of material costs. Only one bidder, Allied Blacktop, would honor their prices for a two-year plan.

In pushing for the Board to approve a transfer of funds in order to move forward

with the 2020 roadwork, Voedisch told the Board there are two things they have got to do – roads and fire safety.

“Residents expect roads to be repaired,” he said, adding that the work done this year should reduce costs next year.

The Board asked Erichson if he could SEE MEETING, PAGE 2

Staffing changes for Amery, Baldwin and Osceola offices Readers and advertisers of Sentinel Publications, owners of the Amery Free Press, Baldwin Bulletin, Burnett County Sentinel, Country Messenger and Osceola Sun, will see bylines and faces from sister offices sharing duties in other offices.

April Ziemer, editor of the Free Press, will now serve as editor of the Free Press and Baldwin Bulletin.

Jason Schulte, editor of the Baldwin Bulletin, will now serve as editor of the Osceola Sun and Country Messenger.

Casey (C.L.) Sill, editor of the Osceola Sun and Country Messenger, continues to write weekly items for the group and is taking on the marketing representative duties for the Baldwin Bulletin.

"Our team is strong and will continue to provide the coverage readers expect and deserve," said Tom Stangl, group publisher. "We've not been immune to disruptions in the coronavirus pandemic.

We are using all of our resources to give readers and advertisers the best coverage."

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JULY 8, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

MEETING: May discusses road repairs, kennel ordinance and stormwater project FROM PAGE 1

remove some of the projects from 2020 and do those repairs later.

They were told a new bid would be required and it is unclear if the companies would be willing to bid for a smaller project.

The Board moved to transfer the additional approximately $13,000 from the general fund to pay for the full 2020 road improvement plan.

The Board did not commit to a 2-year contract and will put the 2021 road improvements out for bid next year.

Dust: Erichson talked to Northern Salt about the poor performance of this spring’s dust control application. (Typically dust is reduced for 5-6 weeks but this year’s application lasted half of that time.) The Board had made a partial payment to Northern Salt in June. Erichson recommended moving forward with the 2nd application and making final payment on the original contract for work done to date. This action was approved.

Highway 3 Project/ Norell Natural Preservation Route Designation: Kevin Peterson and Wayne Sandberg,

Washington County road engineers, attended the meeting to discuss the Norell Avenue N/Highway 3 road improvement project planned for 2023. The roadwork would take place between County Highway 7 (Square Lake Trail N) and County Highway 4 (170th St. N).

A public open house (and an online open house) is tentatively scheduled for July 29 at the Town Hall. For COVID safety reasons, county staff will be doing in-person meetings with residents by appointment and they will post all materials online for two weeks for resident viewing and comment.

The county is seeking community input on safety issues and possible improvements to Highway 3. The roadway project will, at minimum, fix pavement sloughing off into a nearby pond just north of Boot Lake, and address safety concerns at a railroad crossing.

But the county has heard concerns from residents about drainage issues, a dry hydrant, and narrow shoulders posing a safety risk for cyclists.

Indeed, it was noted that the distance from the white stripe to the edge of the pavement ranged from 6” to 39” (averaging 16”). The recommended standard shoulder width for roads with bicyclists is 6’ (though 2’-3’ is common).

Resident Laurie Allman had come before the Board at previous meetings to seek support in requesting that Norell be designated a Natural Preservation Route (NPR) because of its environmental and pastoral characteristics.

Such a designation minimizes the standards for lane and shoulder width (2’ feet, but 6’ if used by bicycles), and narrows the “clear zone” where all vegetation is removed. She said the Gateway Trail will be coming through the area in future and will run near Norell.

The engineers said they believed it was premature to move forward with an NPR request and recommended waiting until public input had been received and the plan was complete.

Allman said safety is a concern to everyone, it’s not a matter of preservation over safety.

Norell runs through the Carnelian Creek Corridor, one of Washington County’s top 10 conservation priority areas.

There is a high concentration of state-listed threatened species in woodlands and small

wetlands along the road (Blanding’s turtles, red-shouldered hawks) and important habitat for sandhill cranes, otters, wild turkeys, and more. “Norell is a bright spot for native plant communities.”

Sandberg said road reconstruction standards require a 30” clearance but they do not believe the road will need reconstruction, only reconditioning, and that doesn’t require a specified clear zone.

Auditors Report Troy Gable and Dennis Hoogeveen presented the 2019 audit report. General Fund revenue of $276,670; Expenditures of $264,762.

Total revenue for the year, $25,000 more than budgeted. General Fund revenue for licenses and permits dropped by $63,497. General fund expenditure for public safety increased by $2,168; but decreased for general government costs by $72,245. No major projects paid out of the Capital Projects fund.

Stormwater Project Decision Delayed Although tax revenues were good for the first half of the year, the Board was still concerned about committing $120,000 to the Panorama stormwater project and the financial burden to impacted residents. Resident representative Greg

Glenn offered to re-poll the impacted households to assess their support for the $7,500 to $8,000 per household assessment. Glenn encouraged the Board to make a commitment so the Watershed District could move forward with seeking funding.

The Board put off a vote until the August meeting.

dogs for a business-related activity such as breeding and selling, overnight boarding, training, rehab, accessory grooming. Dogs may be owned by owner or others. Operation of kennel is secondary or incidental to primary residential use. A public hearing is required.

Application fee is $100; escrow established in small business IUP.

Kennel Ordinance Changes The township attorney submitted revisions to the township kennel ordinance (2020-02) for personal private, extended private, and small business kennels, all of which require a permit.

• A personal private kennel may house 4-6 dogs on a lot at least 2.5 acres. All dogs are owned by the occupant except those onsite for breeding purposes.

Breeding and selling of animals is secondary or incidental. Application fee is 0; escrow of $100.

• An extended private kennel may house 4-6 dogs on a lot at least 2.5 acres. Dogs may be a combination of personally owned and dogs receiving foster care, transitional care, rehab or recovery care. Such uses are incidental to the residential purpose of the property. A public hearing is required.

Application fee is $100; escrow is $600.

• Small business kennel may house 4-6

Violations • 177th Street Building Code Violation: The owner has entered into an agreement with the township to remedy the situation by July 1, 2021.

• May Avenue Alleged Animal Violation: Property was visited and determined not to be in violation.

• Atchipwe Avenue Building Code Violation: The township will be enforcing its code limiting temporary structures, like canvas buildings, to a maximum of 180 days. The Atchipwe Avenue resident and another resident on County 15 will receive a letter from the township requesting removal.

Board approved election judges The board approved concept plan for Dittman-Greenhaugh subdivision. Because this is in the shoreland district of the St. Croix River, the county has zoning authority.

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PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF MINNESOTA MINNESOTA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION Minnesota Statutes Chapter 322C The individual(s) listed below who is (are each) 18 years of age or older, hereby adopt(s) the following Articles of Organization: Article 1. Limited liability company name: Equity Builders LLC. Article 2. Registered office and agent(s), if any at that office: Tong Xioing, 8619 W. Point Douglas Rd. S., Ste. 220, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

Article 3. Perpetual.

Article 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: Tong Xiong.

Dated June 26, 2020.

Filed with the State of Minnesota.

Published in The Country Messenger July 1 and July 8, 2020 WASHINGTON COUNTY 2020 COUNTY BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION JUNE 16, 2020 Commissioner/Chair Fran Miron called the 2020 Washington County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Present are Commissioner/Chair Fran Miron, Commissioners Lisa Weik, Wayne Johnson, Stan Karwoski, Gary Kriesel, and Deputy Administrator/Auditor-Treasurer Jennifer Wagenius. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kevin Corbid and Property Records and Taxpayer Services Director Debra Ledvina and Deputy Director Joanne Helm.

Commissioner/Chair Miron welcomed all attendees and explained that the purpose of the meeting is to review the 2020 classification and valuation concerns of the property owners that brought their appeals before the Board.

Deputy Administrator/Auditor-Treasurer Wagenius administered the oath to the Washington County Board of Appeal and Equalization members. The required swearing-in form was signed and notarized.

County Assessor Bruce Munneke introduced the assessment staff in attendance. He gave a recap of the 2020 assessment, summarized the Local Board and Open Book meeting appeals, reviewed the appeals format for tonight’s meeting agenda and stated that there are no State increases this year. This year, due to Covid-19 property owners were given an option to attend via WebEx. Eleven properties are on the meeting agenda. There are no walk-ins to add to the appointment list. A synopsis of each case is below.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 1 Martin Romain PID 34.030.20.31.0193 City Oak Park Heights Land 257,000 Building 263,600 Total 520,600 Martin Romain appeared before the Board via WebEx stating that the value of his property is too high. He presented a packet which referenced one property that sold and two properties that are currently listed for sale.

He feels he overpaid for the property by $100,000 and the value should be $450,000-$470,000. This information will be reviewed by the Board and staff.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 2 Donald Selbitschka PID 30.029.21.42.0024 City Oakdale Land 105,000 Building 174,600 Total 279,600 Donald Selbitschka appeared before the Board via WebEx stating that the value of his property is too high due to the current economic effects of Covid-19. It was explained that the 2020 values are based on the sales that occurred between October 1, 2018 and Sept 30, 2019 and that any market adjustments due to the current economic condition will be considered for the next assessment year. He referenced a property at 6547 23rd St N which has a sale pending. It was explained that this sale is outside of the

sales period that was used when establishing the assessment year 2020 values.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 3 Randi Torgerson PID 28.030.20.44.0067 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 227,100 Total 667,100 Randi Torgerson appeared before the Board stating that the value of her property is too high, her house is older, she has a small tuck under garage, and her house and deck are smaller than the comparables. It was explained that all differences in the homes have been adjusted for. No additional documents were presented.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 4 Kathleen Newman PID 28.030.20.44.0066 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 241,200 Total 681,200 Kathy Newman appeared before the Board via WebEx stating that the value of her property is too high, she has problems with her basement, the garage is small and the house is old.

She stated that she did not receive the county comparable sheet prior to the meeting. Staff will sent it as soon as possible. No additional documents were presented.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 5 Derek Olson PID 28.030.20.44.0068 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 244,800 Total 684,800 Cory Buettner appeared before the Board on behalf of the property owner Derek Olson. He stated that the land value of the property is too high due to the small lot size. He noted that the five properties brought before the Board all have the same land value and they all had the same land value increase despite size differences.

It was explained that there is no size adjustment on lots that are less than one acre. Also, adjustments due to size difference are not substantiated by market sales. No additional information was provided.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 6 Ronald Nelson PID 28.030.20.44.0101 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 151,900 Total 591,900 Ronald Nelson appeared before the Board stating that the land value is too high. He also stated that his lot is below street level so a lift station is required to get the sewage from his house to the street. No additional documents were presented.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 7 Cory Buettner PID 28.030.20.44.0069 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 316,300 Total 756,300 Cory Buettner appeared before the Board stating that the land value of the property is too high due to the small lot size. He noted that the five properties brought before the Board all have the same land value and they all had the same land value increase despite size differences. It was explained that there is no size adjustment on lots that are less than one acre. Also, adjustments due to size difference are not substantiated by market sales. No additional information was provided.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 8 Gregory Genz & Kathleen Burke PID 35.028.22.44.0010 35.028.22.44.0026 35.028.22.44.0028 City Newport Land 55,200 109,700 2,700 Building 0 323,400 0 Total 55,200 433,100 2,700 Total Value 491,000 AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 9 Roderik Negus PID 04.032.20.33.0010 City Scandia Land 191,500 Building 92,700 Total 284,200

Roderik Negus appeared before the Board stating that the value of his property is too high. He stated the Local Assessor Pat Poshek thoroughly reviewed his property in 2019 and reduced the value at that time. In July 2019 a tornado brought down several large trees which still need to be cleaned up, the septic system failed and drained into the basement so it needs to be gutted, the chimney is crumbling and water is coming in and the foundation is leaking. He feels the lake quality on Bone Lake has deteriorated. No additional information was provided.

Did Not Appear AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 10 Roderik Negus PID 05.032.20.14.0007 City Scandia Land 239,500 Building 193,100 Total 432,600 Roderik Negus appeared before the Board stating that the value of his property is too high. He stated the Local Assessor Pat Poshek thoroughly reviewed his property in 2019 and reduced the value at that time. Since then the deck is crumbling and someone fell through it, the siding is falling off, he had ice dams this winter so the roof is leaking, and it has poor insulation so the pipes freeze. He feels the lake quality on Bone Lake has deteriorated. No additional information was provided.

Did Not Appear AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 11 Stan Koch & Sons Trucking Inc. PID 20.027.21.14.0004 City Cottage Grove Land 1,003,000 Building 997,200 Total 2,000,200 The Board recessed at 6:49 pm.

The Board reconvened at 7:09 pm.

The Board confirmed that the property owners for appeal number 8 and 11 had not arrived. Chair Miron stated that since all appeals have been heard and it is after 7:00 p.m. a motion can be made to recess this meeting.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to recess the meeting. It was seconded by Commissioner Weik. The motion carried.

All County Board members signed the County Board Certification form.

The first meeting of the 2020 Washington County Board was recessed at 7:15 pm.

WASHINGTON COUNTY 2020 COUNTY BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION 2nd Meeting - June 23, 2020 Commissioner/Chair Fran Miron called the second meeting of the 2020 Washington County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to order at 11:33 a.m. Present are Commissioner/Chair Fran Miron, Commissioners Lisa Weik, Wayne Johnson, Stan Karwoski, Gary Kriesel, and Deputy Administrator/ Auditor-Treasurer Jennifer Wagenius. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kevin Corbid and Property Records and Taxpayer Services Director Debra Ledvina and Deputy Director Joanne Helm.

The following cases were reviewed.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 1 Martin Romain PID 34.030.20.31.0193 City Oak Park Heights Land 257,000 Building 263,600 Total 520,600 The owner is contesting the current value of $520,600. He purchased the property in August 2019 for $570,000.

The property is a unique penthouse with a panoramic view in three directions. Staff recommends no change.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 2 Donald Selbitschka PID 30.029.21.42.0024 City Oakdale Land 105,000 Building 174,600 Total 279,600 The owner voiced concerns about the effects of the current economic conditions, Covid-19, on his value. County Staff will monitor the potential impact on value in the next assessment year.

Staff recommends no change.

Commissioner Karwoski made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Weik seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 3

Randi Torgerson PID 28.030.20.44.0067 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 227,100 Total 667,100 Staff reviewed the site values of all five Broadway properties as compared to current sales and feels equalization of the land has been obtained. Staff previously offered a $25,000 reduction to the building value. Staff also reviewed the county records regarding the attached tuck-under garage and recommends an additional $9,000 reduction in building value. Staff recommends the value be reduced to $633,100.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 4 Kathleen Newman PID 28.030.20.44.0066 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 241,200 Total 681,200 Staff reviewed the site values of all five Broadway properties as compared to current sales and feels equalization of the land has been obtained. Staff previously offered a $25,000 reduction to the building value. Staff recommends the value be reduced to $656,200.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 5 Derek Olson PID 28.030.20.44.0068 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 244,800 Total 684,800 Staff reviewed site values of all five Broadway properties as compared to current sales and feels equalization of the land has been obtained. Staff previously offered a $25,000 reduction to the building value. Staff recommends the value be reduced to $659,800.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 6 Ronald Nelson PID 28.030.20.44.0101 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 151,900 Total 591,900 Staff reviewed site values of all five Broadway properties as compared to current sales and feels equalization of the land has been obtained. Staff previously offered a $25,000 reduction to the building value. Additionally they recommend a $20,000 reduction is the land value due to the low elevation of the lot and the need for a lift station to remove the sewage from his house to the street. Staff recommends the value be reduced to $546,900.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 7 Cory Buettner PID 28.030.20.44.0069 City Stillwater Land 440,000 Building 316,300 Total 756,300 Staff reviewed site values of all five Broadway properties as compared to current sales and feels equalization of the land has been obtained. Staff previously offered a $25,000 reduction to the building value. Staff recommends the value be reduced to $731,300.

Commissioner Kriesel made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Miron seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Did Not Appear AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 8 Gregory Genz & Kathleen Burke PID 35.028.22.44.0010 35.028.22.44.0026 35.028.22.44.0028 City Newport Land 55,200 109,700 2,700 Building 0 323,400 0 Total 55,200 433,100 2,700 Total Value 491,000 The three parcels listed are on the Mississippi River. The property owner did not appear before the Board but provided one page of an appraisal which shows a value of $512,400. No addi-

tional information was provided. Staff recommends no change.

Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

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. mn.us, under “County Board”.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 9 Roderik Negus PID 04.032.20.33.0010 City Scandia Land 191,500 Building 92,700 Total 284,200 The Local Assessor worked with the owner on establishing a baseline value in 2019 which takes into consideration the property owners concerns with the building. The owner also has concerns with the water quality of Bone Lake and the negative effect on the market value. The increase in value was based on current sales on Bone Lake. Staff recommends no change and will monitor possible water quality effects on future value.

Commissioner Miron made a motion to accept staff recommendation. Commissioner Kriesel seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Community Services Approval of the following actions: - Recognition of the 2020 Washington County Family Child Care Provider of the Year, Brenda Ewy, of St. Paul Park.

AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case 10 Roderik Negus PID 05.032.20.14.0007 City Scandia Land 239,500 Building 193,100 Total 432,600 The Local Assessor worked with the owner on establishing a baseline value in 2019 which takes into consideration the concerns with the building.

The owner also has concerns with the water quality of Bone Lake and the negative effect on the market value.

The increase in value was based on current sales on Bone Lake. Staff recommends no change and will monitor possible water quality effects on future value.

Commissioner Miron made a motion to accept staff recommendation. Commissioner Weik seconded the motion.

The motion carried.

Did Not Appear AY 2020 Estimated Market Value Case11 Stan Koch & Sons Trucking Inc. PID 20.027.21.14.0004 City Cottage Grove Land 1,003,000 Building 997,200 Total 2,000,200 The property owner did not appear before the Board. Staff revived the information the owner provided. Staff recommends no change.

Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept staff recommendation.

Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Assessor Munneke directed the Board to the Valuation and Classification list of staff recommendations included in their packet. It is a list of properties where the appraisers met with the owners after the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization and owners who requested an appointment at the County Board Appeal and Equalization, the appraiser met with the taxpayer and was able to resolve the issue.

Each item on the list was reviewed.

Commissioner Weik made a motion to approve the list as submitted. Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried.

All County Board members signed the County Board Certification form.

Commissioner/Chair Miron thanked the staff for all the hard work involved with this process and that it is appreciated. He also thanked Commissioner Kriesel and Auditor-Treasurer Wagenius for all the additional time spending reviewing the above cases.

Assessor Bruce Munneke recognized Al LaBine who will be retiring before the end of the year. He has been with the county for 21 years, he has been an asset to the County and will be greatly missed.

Auditor-Treasurer Wagenius made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Karwoski seconded the motion. The motion carried. The 2nd meeting of the 2020 Washington County Board was closed at 12:25 pm.

Published in The Country Messenger July 8, 2020 Summary of Proceedings Washington County Board of Commissioners June 2, 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

General Administration Approval of the following actions: - May 12, 2020, County Board meeting minutes.

- COVID-19 Accommodation Policy.

- Authorize $250,000 in 2020 contingency funds to pay for emergency expenses related to COVID-19.

- County Administrator Kevin Corbid reported there is no board meeting scheduled on June 9, but requested a board workshop only on June 9.

- Workshop Only meeting scheduled on June 9, 2020. No official county business or votes will take place during Workshop Only meetings.

- A resolution declaring a Local State of Emergency for the safety and protection of life and property was issued on May 30, 2020, by County Administrator Kevin Corbid and Board Chair Fran Miron.

- Board correspondence was received and placed on file.

Property Records & Taxpayer Services - Board workshop to review assessment year 2020 local appeals and adjustments in preparation for the County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting.

Public Health & Environment - Approval of comment letter to Lower St. Croix One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee in response to their Draft Plan.

Public Works - Approval of Agricultural License Agreement No. 13445 with Mike Slater.

Sheriff’s Office Approval of the following actions: - Law Enforcement Tier One Membership Agreement No. 13451 with the Health and Emergency Response Occupations (HERO) Center.

- Joint Powers Agreement No. 13455 with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase and use of an armored multi-terrain rescue vehicle.

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 July 8, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF MARINE ON ST. CROIX PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, July 28, 2020 7:30 pm, Village Hall, 121 Judd Street

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. to consider a variance for an accessory building for Dan Willenbring at 400 Tanglewood Lane.

Details are available at the City Office during regular office hours.

Dated this 1st day of July, 2020 By: Suzanne Dammann, Assistant City Clerk Published in The Country Messenger July 8, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF MARINE ON ST. CROIX PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, July 22, 2020 7:30 pm, School Property, 550 Pine Street

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Marine on St. Croix Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the proposed ShortTerm Rental Ordinance. Details and copies of the draft ordinance are available at the City office during regular business hours and the City website.

Dated this 1st day of July, 2020 By: Suzanne Dammann, Assistant City Clerk Published in The Country Messenger July 8 and July 15, 2020

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JULY 8, 2020

Summer adventures and grape Tang

I

f you believe the weather forecast, it looks like we will be in for another scorcher this weekend. Temperatures are slated to climb into the mid to upper 90s, with high humidity.

When I was in high school, one year we put on a production of “Damn Yankees” as the fall musical. I recall the main character, Joe Boyd, who lives in Hannibal, Missouri, going on about how boring (and hot) his hometown is in the summer.

He talks about people waiting on their porches for Canada to kick open the back door and let some of the cool, dry air come their way.

I recall many summers as a child waiting for that fictional “door” to open just a crack to give us some relief from the heat and humidity. It didn't happen too ofbut we learned that a box fan Publisher ten, used in an open window properly (blow out during the day, in at Tom Stangl night) could do wonders.

Summertime was the time to spend all sorts of time with neighborhood friends.

You have to remember that this was before cable TV (heck before widespread color TV), cell phones, personal computers and home video games (unless you were a millionaire).

We would get on some tangent, whether it was playing the card game Spades or swimming and diving in the municipal pool, and literally run it into the ground. There was one summer when we played pickup games of baseball on what seemed to be nearly a daily basis. There was another summer when grape flavored Tang came out. We drank so many pitchers full of the drink that we later learned that food coloring has a way of passing through the body relatively unscathed.

Sometimes, we developed rather grandiose ideas, like building a raft out of empty oil drums to float down the small creek that ran through my hometown. This particular plan grew in scale until we realized that we would need to weld the raft together and carry the several hundred pound craft a half mile to a creek that was so shallow you could walk across it without getting your knees wet.

Needless to say, this particular plan did not come to pass.

I recall spending the night with a friend during the summer. We snuck out of the house at 2 a.m. to see what was going on in town. Having never been out and about at that hour of the morning, we were unsure of what we might see. That was the allure of the adventure. Would we see a murder?

Car accident? Drunks?

We went downtown and saw absolutely nothing but a deserted downtown.

No crime, no drunks, nothing but the closed stores and no cars. After making a second round of the four block downtown (just to be sure) we bought a can of pop and returned home.

That was our big adventure on a warm summer evening.

Childhood, like summertime, passes far too quickly. I'm sure you all have memories or stories like these. It's often fun to share these with your children, for no other reason than to let them know that you too, once were a kid.

Enjoy the hot weather, but take it easy on that grape Tang. Sure, it tastes good now, but trust me, you won't like it later.

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

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

COUNTRY

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Arena of consequence

I

wouldn’t generally consider myself to have had a white trash upbringing, although I was born in a trailer court.

I was raised mostly middle class, even if it was toward the lower end of that spectrum. Mom and Dad didn’t drink, I always had new clothes and we never went hungry. They had very little money, but Dan and I never knew it. What was even more impressive was Mom and Dad never tried to act like they were rich, a malody most common among those who wish they had more. We had a healthy does of Irish realism mixed with a touch of Swedish class.

But one day a year we threw out the books and went full on hillbilly — And that day was the forth of July.

To this day there’s something Editor about the early July heat that makes C.L. Sill me want to blow something up. I’m not sure where our redneck obsession with the 4th began, but I imagine it had something to do with my dad. You see, above all things, Dad is a master instigator. If someone is going to initiate an inside joke or rearrange the thanksgiving fruit basket centerpiece into some kind of phallic shrine, it’s going to be Dad. He pushes boundaries, a trait I’m most proud to have inherited. And no holiday’s boundaries are more ripe for a nudge than that which combines grilled meat and high explosives.

When I was a kid we blew everything up. Washing machines, trash cans, microwaves. I distinctly re-

member driving to a neighbor’s house to pick up an unwanted chest freezer for the sole purpose of blasting it to pieces (from the inside) with a homemade black powder canon — she blew up real good.

Our hillbilly holiday extravaganza knew no bounds. We shot bottle rockets at a discarded lazy boy recliner until it went up like burning man. We loaded lead fish weights into that same homemade canon and shot them through the side of our tree house. We packed spent CO2 cartridges with pyrodex and threw them at each other like hand grenades until one of my friends caught a piece of shrapnel in the side and had to get stitches (Dad actually didn’t know about that one).

Mom and Dad turned us loose on the 4th of July.

We were wild animals, kids in their purist form.

There was no micromanaging, no helicoptering.

They weren’t stupid. Mom and Dad knew exactly what we were doing, but they let us do it anyway.

They put us in an ‘arena of consequence,’ to steal yet another phrase from Steven Rinella. We made our own mistakes -— burned fingers, blew up mailboxes, got shot in the side of the head with roman candles.

It was wonderful.

I try very hard not to preach, and I hate when people start a sentence with “kids today.” Every generation thinks the one behind it will ruin the world. I don’t think that about Gen Xer’s (or whatever they’re called), but I do relish the fact that I grew up in a time that was just a little more wild than the world is SEE SILL, PAGE 11

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I really like dessert

D

essert is the best part of dinner.

I don’t make dessert as often as my mother did. She made dessert for every dinner. It didn’t matter if we were having hotdish or steak, we always had dessert. She baked homemade brownies, cookies, pie, cake or something special all year long.

I know it’s not the healthiest to have dessert every day. I try to make dessert at least once a week. It’s a struggle. I still crave something sweet after dinner.

A couple years ago, I was making a chocolate cake from scratch for a catering job. I wasn’t paying attention, and the cake fell in the middle when the oven was accidentally opened. I was not happy. The cake was unsalvageable.

A long time ago, I learned from Wild Chow a dear older lady friend, that there Lisa Erickson are no mistakes only new creations when I comes to cooking.

Over the years, I’ve had lots of mishaps in baking.

Unless they were burnt beyond repair, they were made into something else.

I make this cake now not because of mistakes, but because its good and fun to make. I bake the cake ahead of time and store them in the freezer and thaw it out when I’m ready to make it.

It’s also the perfect summer treat. Not only does it taste amazing, it looks fancy and makes guests feel special, and it’s a cold treat on hot summer days!

THE POSTSCRIPT

Dog stories

M

y husband, Peter, and I miss having a dog. I see a lot of dogs on the trail during my daily hike, and so Peter (who is always full of good ideas—usually about things I should do) suggested I carry dog treats.

Dog treats have changed my life.

When I see a dog approaching me on the trail, I say, “Can I give your dog a treat?”

Now and then Columnist someone will say, “No, she doesn’t Carrie Classon need one.” These dogs look to me like they might have a different opinion.

But most dog owners are delighted to let their dog have a treat. “Are you supposed to do something?” I ask the dog, and the owner will say, “Sit!” or “Shake!” and the dog will do a trick. Sometimes the dog offers a paw or sits before she is asked to.

“Yeah, I’m supposed to do a trick.

I know the drill.”

There are two border collies who barked at me every day as I walked by. I asked if I could give them a treat. No more barking.

Now I could go rob their house if

I wanted to—as long as I brought treats.

Occasionally, an owner will tell me their dog is fussy and might not like the treat. This is usually not the case. (Peter ordered topnotch treats, and dogs love them.)

But there is always an exception.

“Can I give your dog a treat?” I asked a family.

“He doesn’t like dog food,” the father answered.

“This is a special dog treat,” I assured him.

“He doesn’t like dog treats, but you can give it a try!”

The dog ran over, put the treat in his mouth, spat it out, and walked away.

“He’s very particular,” his owner said. “He likes chicken livers.

But they are so smelly!”

“Chicken livers!” I thought. “I’m not carrying chicken livers!”

Another man with two dogs told me that the larger one wouldn’t want a treat but the small one, Taco, would. I offered Taco a treat. Taco sniffed it for several moments and declined. The big dog came over and ate it in one gulp.

“I believe your dogs are trying to make a liar out of you,” I told the man. He agreed.

Then I met Wallace. Wallace is a sweet old dog who has to take thyroid medication every day. He was going to be euthanized until his

owner, Mike, adopted him. “His medicine costs more than mine!”

Mike told me. “But Wallace makes sure I get a walk every day.” I gave Wallace a treat. He let it drop to the ground and looked at me, expectantly.

“Oh. He always gets two treats—of different kinds—then he chooses between the two,” Mike explained.

“I’m sorry, Wallace, I only have one kind of treat!”

Wallace looked at me like he didn’t think I was doing a very good job of this treat distribution business, but he ate it anyway.

I have met rescue dogs who are so shy I have to give the treat to their owner before they will eat it.

I have met dogs who refuse to do tricks and say, “Just give me the darned treat and cut out the nonsense, would you?” I love them all.

Now dogs recognize me and tug on their leashes when they see me. I still miss having a dog but now, by the time I get home, my little treat bag is empty and I am filled with dog stories.

“Dog treats!” Peter says.

“Wasn’t that the best idea ever?”

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

Do tree frogs really change color?

The New Modern Ice Box Cake Roll

1 box chocolate cake baked according to instructions ¾ to 1 cup half & half until cake is moist, but still thick ½ cup chocolate chips, melted 1 cup cream cheese (8 oz) ½ cup butter, divided 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, divided 2 tsp vanilla extract, divided ¼ cup cocoa powder ¼ cup hot espresso or strong coffee In a large bowl, crumble the chocolate cake you baked ahead of time. Mix with the half & half. Stir in the melted chocolate chips. Roll out to approximately 10 by 14-inches between 2 sheets of plastic wrap.

In a large bowl, mix ¼ cup butter and cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the 2 cups of the powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Beat until smooth on medium speed until creamy. Spread over the rolled-out cake. Start rolling up the cake from the wide side (14 inch) keeping the roll tight and snug as you roll the cake up and set on a serving platter.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt ¼ cup butter and the cocoa powder together; about 15 seconds. Add 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla; and add espresso. Stir until smooth and pour over the cake.

Allow frosting to set. Dust with powdered sugar.

Refrigerate until firm. Serve immediately and keep any unused portion refrigerated.

Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. For more recipes, you can email her at wildchowrecipes@gmail.com.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – DULUTH The following students were named to the spring semester Dean’s List. Marine on St. Croix: Tessa Johansen.

Scandia: Spencer Boyd, Zachary Halley and Chase Lundholm.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – EAU CLAIRE The following students were named to the

spring semester Dean’s List. Scandia: Payton Huberty, Benjamin Kampfer and Charles Kampfer.

MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO The following students were named to the spring semester Dean’s List. Marine on St. Croix: Brett Leick, Honor List; Emma Schaefer, Honor List.

S

ummer has come. It didn’t just walk in but instead strutted in and kicked the door down.

Stifling heat, excessive rain and flooding hit us like a gut punch. So now fishing in a boat is more like being broiled on a grill over hot coals.

Rains have washed out roads, taken lives and resurrected lost wetlands in farm fields all around.

Despite all of this I made it out in between storms in my boat a few times. There I noticed how many boats had Bimini tops. Stay dry and in the shade.

What a concept.

I picked up a new, used boat a while back, a Blue Fin Sportsman that had been customized into a fishing machine and sold at a great price. It had a Bimini top but it was in need of repair with a broken support rod in a very supportive position. My wife Nancee’, a very handy decided to take it apart and Wild River woman clean it up. She also liked the idea of shade and dryness. Nancee’ loves Trails to fish like I do and she knows how Jim Bennett to catch fish. Unzipping the Bimini I noticed a small tree frog inside. It didn’t seem to be afraid. Nancee’ spotted three more and was amazed by their color that so matched their location. That’s when one tiny frog hopped down onto a rhubarb leaf, flattened itself, changed color and practically disappeared. Nancee’ strained to see it. She asked me how it did that and I didn’t have any answer then.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, “When seeking out mates, frogs like humans, will often alter their appearance. While humans are generally content to do up their hair and don flattering clothing, amphibians on the make take a more radical approach; they change the color of their skin.”

The Smithsonian article continued saying that not all tree frogs can truly change colors. Those incapable of changing colors are termed monochromatic while those who do change color at some point in their life cycle are called dichromatic. Monochromatic will ring a bell with photographers who used SLR cameras in the past. Ansell Adams used monochromatic film to create some of the greatest black and white photos ever taken in Yosemite.

With frogs it’s all about mating. The males in monochromatic groups get the most attention from the ladies who have the most striking hues. The dichromatic tree frogs are the most remarkable of all according to Ryan P. Smith author of the Smithsonian Magazine Article stating, “They change color every mating season but then revert back to their old selves.”

Think back to early spring when the spring peepers and tree frogs started singing from every little wetland and tree out there. Their calls echoed con-

stantly, but more so in the evening. Another tree frog researcher, Ryan Bells, wrote on Wiley Online Library that large breeding aggregations precede the color changes. Although not fully understood it seems that in tropical lineages color is retained in some temperate species and lost in others. The bright color changes increase the reproduction success in the massive horde of mating frogs distinguishing males from females to help the process along but the bright color of the males also attracts predators. The most successful species get colorful only for a short time during breeding and then shut down color displays to survive. That explains the frog’s actions on the rhubarb leaf.

So how do tree frogs change color? No one knows for sure. Herpetologists, those studying amphibians state that their understanding of the physiological basis and function of that trait in frogs is limited.

Researchers admit that these projects need more researchers in the field. What is known is that tree frogs exist on every continent except Antarctica.

About 30 species live in the United States. Special adaptations like toe pads aid in their climbing and allow them to climb on glass and broad leaves like rhubarb or Bimini tops. Adult tree frogs are insectivores eating flies, ants, crickets, beetles, moths and small invertebrates.

Some frogs hatch from eggs as miniature adults but more emerge as tadpoles. Tree frogs are quite long lived, up to 15 years in captivity and 5-9 years in the wild. My experience with tree frogs has shown two color changes that range from various tones of grey to green. Looking at a tree frogs habitat those colors obviously make the most sense with grey hues of tree bark and green leaves on trees.

SEE BENNETT, PAGE 7

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6 COUNTRY MESSENGER

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...and shells when we go to the seashore.

We are going to look for sand dollars...

Newspaper Fun! www.readingclubfun.com

Kids: color stuff in!

Annimills LLC © 2020 V16-27

Do you know what invertebrates are? They are animals that have no backbone. They may live in water, air or on the land. There are nearly two million kinds of invertebrates.

3

Ocean Invertebrates!

4

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

5

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Deadly!

Many creatures of Can you Read the clues to fill in the crossword: 2 S snail C the oceans grab, unscramble 1. I can have up to 40 arms! I pry open shells crab T bite or sting. Some the letters and eat the scallops, clams and oysters inside.

1 to name the have poisons.

2. I look a bit like a large coin. Do you see a “flower” invertebrates? when you look at me? Those are rows of breathing holes.

E 9 L I J sea urchin 3. I move sideways and burrow in sand or hide between E S L sand dollar rocks. My pincers protect me! jellies ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ sea star 4. I am headless, but I know the secret of making a grain 7 10 of sand into a pearl. I have a two-part, hinged shell.

8 Wo 5. We chew tunnels in sand and eat tiny pieces of This w! oyster squid animals and plants! invertebrate lives in the He’s 55 worms octopus deepest part of the 6. When I am shy, I pull my head and foot into my shell. feet long! ocean. It may have no 7. I have an exoskeleton (hard shell outside body) 11 backbone, but it puts up and am a scavenger, eating the remains of animals. a giant battle! lobster sponges 8. I can change color to protect myself. I am “well armed” and I wrap myself around my prey.

It has the 12 9. I have 8 arms, and 2 tentacles that are longer It is largest eyes of and retractable, which I use to catch prey! the any animal in Eek! largest 10. We stick to rocks. Divers harvest, people use for bathing, cleaning. the world.

This of all can’t 11. I am round with long, pointed spines that protect me from l invertebrates. be gita enemies and help me move along the sea floor. i D E good!

FRE Book 12. We look like umbrellas floating gently ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ c i G N in the water – but we might sting you!

Com IA 6

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Visit readingclubfun.com for a FREE “Let’s Camp” puzzle set and a FREE copy (for the first 100 readers) of the “Chip n’ Fish” comic book by award-winning artist Matt Ryan

2

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15

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14 13

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31

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51 50 43 42 P = Purple 52 49 5 W = White 41 53 44 T = Tan 40 B = Blue 54 48 6 39 45 47 55 46 56 57 38 7 8 37 58 33 34 32 35 36

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11 24

26

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4

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B P B T T T T T B B T P T T T B B T B T T T T P T P T T P T P T P B T T P T T P P PT P T P W W P W W B W W W WW B WW W W W W B B B B W W W B B B B W W W B B BB W B B BB W W B B W B W W W B B B B B B W B W B BB W W B B B BB W B B TB T B B B B P B B BB T B B B B B B B P B B B B BB B B P B B B B B B B B B B

Did you know that the sea creatures we used to call jellyfish and starfish are not fish?

They are now called “jellies” and “sea stars”!

Follow the color key to see one:

3

18

25 22

Floating Around

I’m a flatworm!

P

Sliding Around

B

I can be found sliding in the ocean, in your garden or right here.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ U I S DQ

SEE ANSWERS, PAGE 8

JULY 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

7

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Better Place Forests granted permit

BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

One hundred and twelve acres of undeveloped Scandia woodlands will soon be preserved forever as what may be Minnesota’s first-ever “conservation memorial forest.�

The Scandia City Council last week granted a conditional use permit to Better Place Forests to install and operate the memorial forest on land between Big Marine Lake and Fish Lake, north of Lakamaga Trail.

Council member Patti Ray

expressed enthusiasm for the project because of its plan to preserve the forest and “keep Scandia’s spaces open.� “I’m excited to see them come to our community,� Ray said.

The memorial forest, which operates somewhat like a cemetery, promises to ensure that the tract of land would stay forested and undeveloped permanently.

Instead of selling traditional burial plots and gravestones, the company dedicates trees within the forest with small memorial markers and accepts cremated remains to be mixed

with the soils beneath the dedicated trees.

Improvements to the site would be limited to a 1,500 square foot welcome center with bathrooms and 20 parking spaces.

Better Place Forests is a start-up company based out of San Francisco. The land is currently owned by Janice Riermann.

The company has already launched a webpage at Betterplace-scandia.com.

Other business: • The city office will be get-

ting a minor upgrade should funding through the federal CARES Act be received. The council approved a plan to apply for grant funding to install a walk-up service window in the Scandia Community Center building entryway. The window would allow city staff to safely interact with the public while limiting the possibility of exposure to coronavirus.

A doorbell/intercom system to alert city staff to members of the public needing assistance is also being considered. • The council approved a plan and $1,880 budget for an Early

Migrating Bird habitat project to be installed by Scandia resident and 4-H member Olivia Nienaber. The project includes planting native trees and bushes that have winter-retaining fruit and early-spring blooms.

Plantings would be done at the Erickson Ballfield and Hay Lake Park. The council also approved $500 for the purchase of a water trailer to be used by city staff and volunteer groups in maintaining the plantings.

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

PRESERVATION ROUTE: Norell Avenue home to unique species, natural beauty FROM PAGE 1

these features are highly sensitive, and could be degraded or destroyed by road design standards not appropriate for this setting.�

Designating the road a Natural preservation route could minimize any intrusive roadway designs. Natural preservation routes look to maintain the natural integrity of sensitive areas, while at the same time ensuring roads are kept up to safety standards. “Natural preservation routes are designed for roads that have qualities like Norell Ave.,� said Laurie Allman, who’s helping organize the resident group. “Special unique features, rural character and scenic values.�

Other areas in Washington County that have been designated as natural preservation routes include County State-aid Highway 21 and the eastwest section of County State-aid Highway 18

GARY NOREN

Norell Ave. N will undergo a corridor improvement project that’s set to begin in 2023 and cost $6.7 million.

within the City of Afton.

Allman said residents aren’t hostile toward the corridor improvement project, but that they just want to make sure the environmental significance of the area is taken into account by Washing-

ton County as the project design goes forward. “The county might propose really context sensitive designs for the project,� Allmann said. “So I don’t see it as adversarial, it’s more like we’re asserting what mat-

BENNETT: TREE FROGS

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

is slated to begin in the summer of 2023.

The 3-mile portion of Norell Ave. residents would like designated as a natural preservation route intersects the Carnelian Creek Corridor,

'/ 0,!#%3 $/ 4().'3 !ND NEVER FRET ABOUT YOUR PET

FROM PAGE 5

As I was finishing this column I went outside to let my dogs out and what do you think was on top of the table umbrella on our patio? Yup it was a tree frog and it was an off color of greenish grey, same color as the umbrella. I know that most frogs begin hibernation in early autumn.

That makes sense now that I think about it.

Imagine tree frogs on maple trees as fall colors advance with all the reds, yellow and orange leaves on trees. If I was a tree frog I’d hibernate early too!

ters to the people of this community and making sure that’s part of the balance.�

The project is currently being developed by Washington County and is projected to cost $6.7 million. Construction

which is part of a cluster of conservation priority areas in northern Washington County, and is part of a Regionally Significant Ecological Area, as identified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Some of the at risk species that inhabit this area include Blanding’s’ turtles, a state-listed threatened species and Red-Shouldered hawks, a state-listed ‘special concern’ species.

Allman said the scenic qualities of the road, in addition to the unique wildlife, make Norell Ave. a special place for both residents and visitors. “People drive the road because it’s beautiful, and no matter how wide the road is there will be these big vistas of farm fields,� Allman said. “But what you might lose is the intimacy and the beauty of a country road.

There’s something worth protecting here.�

SUPERHERO SCREENING DAYS

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During Superhero Screening Days, your child’s annual well child check will be a blast with superhero staff and activities, car seat checks, face painting and more.

For kids aged 3-10 who haven’t had a preventive visit in the last 12 months.* *Well child checks are usually covered by health insurance.

Contact your insurance provider for more information.

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SUPERHERO SCREENING DAYĆŤ July 14 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Osceola Medical Center

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2600 65th Ave. Osceola, WI 715-294-2111 | MyOMC.org

8 COUNTRY MESSENGER

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Ocean Invertebrates!

4

O ___ c ___ t ___ o ___ p ___ u ___ s ___

3

1

7 L 8 O C T O P U O L B L 11 S E A U R C H I T R E R 12 J E L L I E

I am a

Purple Striped Jelly

Floating Around J e l l i e s

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

5 O W Y C O 2 S R S E A S T A R M E B A R 9 S Q U N D 10 D

S ___ n ___a ___i ___l ___

Sliding Around

I’m a flatworm!

Answers

6 S N A I D L

G ___ i ___ a ___ n ___ t ___

S P O N G E S

S ___ q ___ u ___i ___ d ___

This can’t be good!

CLUES ACROSS 1. Cyprinids 6. Icelandic literary works 10. Break in half 14. Japanese mushroom 15. Have offspring 17. Not feeling well 19. A very large body of water 20. Witch 21. Behemoth 22. Speak negatively of 23. Absence of difficulty 24. Pampering places 26. Drives 29. Truck that delivers beer 31. Makes 32. A team’s best pitcher 34. __ Carvey, comedian 35. Seas 37. S. American plants 38. Time zone 39. Deviate 40. No longer are 41. Moving in slowly 43. Patrick and Glover are two 45. Living quarters 46. Taxi 47. Pancake made of buckwheat flour 49. Swiss river 50. Not happy 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal 58. Give way to anxiety 59. Greek war god 60. 2K lbs.

61. Word of farewell CLUES DOWN 1. __ ex Machina 2. WWII diarist Frank 3. Concluding passage 4. Supplement with difficulty 5. Title of respect 6. Cubic measures 7. Remnant 8. __ Jones 9. Salts of acetic acid 10. Long, upholstered seat

11. Capital of Okinawa Prefecture 12. A one-time aspect of Egyptian sun god Ra 13. Prefix denoting “in a” 16. Propels upward 18. What we are talking about 22. Prosecutor 23. Employee stock ownership plan 24. He brings kids presents 25. Burmese monetary unit 27. Hurries 28. Injury remnant 29. Tooth caregiver 30. Elvis backup singer Betty Jane 31. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan 33. Midway between east and southeast 35. Most excellent

36. Heat units 37. Possess legally 39. Food items 42. Skeletal structures 43. Challenge to do something bold 44. Blood type 46. Sammy __, songwriter 47. Farmer (Dutch) 48. Clare Booth __, American writer 49. Piers Anthony’s protagonist 50. Malaysian coastal city 51. Hairstyle 52. NY-based department store 53. Geosciences organization (abbr.)

54. Brazilian city 55. Niger-Congo languages 56. Gesture

JULY 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

9

www.countrymessenger.com

Among the heartbreak of COVID-19, two survivors find sanctuary CONTRIBUTED

With an Oversupply of Pigs, an Iowa Pig Farmer Partners with Farmaste Animal Sanctuary to Provide Two Piglets with a Forever Home COVID-19 has spread rapidly throughout meat packing plants in the region, forcing multiple processors to stop or slow their production lines. Pig processing plants have been particularly hard hit, including the JBS facility in Worthington MN, leading to a sudden oversupply of pigs. This emergency led to an unlikely partnership between a pig farmer in Northwestern Iowa and Farmaste Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit sanctuary for abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals that advocates for increased plantbased eating.

Upon hearing of the oversupply and potential euthanasia of healthy pigs, Farmaste’s Founder

Kelly Tope reached out to pig farmers in area to better understand how the sanctuary may be able to help. She was eventually connected to a farmer who wanted to join forces to make a difference – however small it might be given the scope of the problem. After a 90-minute phone call they had an agreement, he would surrender two piglets to Farmaste. While he hadn’t yet had to euthanize animals, he had been watching the census of pigs climb – both at his own farm and his neighbors’.

He had been working with the local farming community to find creative answers and was happy to consider an unorthodox solution - sending pigs to the local sanctuary. On Memorial Day, Farmaste volunteers made the 9-hour round trip drive from Lindstrom, MN to pick up the precious cargo – two six-week old piglets now named Charlotte

and Phoebe. “We are so grateful that he made the decision to surrender Charlotte and Phoebe into Farmaste’s care,” said Ms. Tope. “While we disagree about many issues related to animal agriculture, we were able to respectfully come together to make this terrible situation a little bit better.”

Life has gotten a whole lot better for Charlotte and Phoebe who now live at Farmaste’s 79-acre facility in Lindstrom, about 40 miles Northeast of Minneapolis. They will spend their days rooting in the pasture, wallowing in the pond on property, and getting lots of love and belly-rubs from volunteers and visitors alike. They will receive high-quality veterinary care for the duration of their lives, which is typically 10-12 years at farm sanctuaries. The piglets share the sanctuary with Farmaste’s other residents – 20 rescued goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and

one sassy barn cat. Part of Farmaste’s mission is to share the stories and personalities of their residents, to help the public come to see farm animals as unique individuals worthy of better lives.

Charlotte and Phoebe will have their story told for years to come – both as a message of hope and an inspiration to improve the lives of pigs in honor of those who weren’t lucky enough to make it to a sanctuary.

With continued community support, Farmaste will be able to provide a safe and caring home for many more animals in need. Farmaste Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to offer rescue, rehabilitation, and a lifelong safe haven to abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals.

Visit www.farmaste.org to meet the animals and learn more about Farmaste’s farm tours.

Planned Mille Lacs walleye closure implemented to protect fall fishing MN DNR

Beginning July 1, Mille Lacs Lake is closed to walleye fishing for the month of July, with the anticipation of a fall walleye season ahead.

Working with local anglers and the community in March, the Department of Natural Resources determined a July closure would provide the best chance for walleye fishing this fall by reducing walleye mortality when water temperatures are the warmest.

“Even with the good walleye fishing Mille Lacs anglers have experienced this year, we have not exceeded our allocation and we don’t expect to,” said Brad Parsons, the DNR’s fisheries section manager.

“We know many people really enjoy fall walleye fishing and we heard

from folks that this was their priority. So we made plans this spring for the July closure to reduce the potential for an unplanned closure in the fall.”

In addition to not targeting walleye, Mille Lacs Lake anglers cannot use most live baits for any species in July. The exceptions are sucker minnows greater than 8 inches in length for targeting northern pike and muskellunge and wax worms for panfish and perch.

The closure and live bait ban is the result of record ice fishing pressure this past winter that resulted in a harvest of almost 30,000 pounds of walleye. July was selected for the closure because it’s generally the period when warm water temperatures cause the highest rates of hooking mortality.

An unplanned closure would be triggered if the state reaches its share of the safe harvest amount agreed upon by the state and eight Ojibwe nations that have treaty fishing rights on Mille Lacs. Through May 31, state-licensed anglers had harvested 34,718 pounds of their 87,800-pound walleye allocation for the 2020 season.

Catch-and-release walleye fishing is scheduled to re-open on Saturday, Aug. 1, and continue through Monday, Nov. 30.

Mille Lacs continues to offer anglers excellent northern pike, bass and muskellunge fishing.

More information on Mille Lacs Lake is available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.

Boat responsibly: wear a life jacket The Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to be safe on the water this Fourth of July weekend and any other time you're on the water.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, drowning is the top cause of death in most recreational boating fatalities, and the majority of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. In 2019, 79% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Most people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water.

Being safe no longer means donning a cumbersome preserver. You can

find lightweight and stylish options at your local marine supply retailer or even online. New varieties include belt packs and other low-profile jackets that are easy to move in, and come in many sizes, styles and shapes for every person and every sport. There are even ones for pets.

Boaters should take a boating safety education course before getting on the water. Learn more about the life jacket best for your sport – boating, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks – here.

Be ready for the unexpected – Always wear your life jacket.

Important Reminders •All vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) must have at least one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.

• All vessels 16 feet or more in length must have one USCG-approved throwable personal flotation device on board that is immediately accessible.

• Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.

• Sailboarders and windsurfers are exempt from the life jacket requirement but are highly encouraged

to wear one.

• Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway in an open vessel on federally controlled waters.

All life jackets must be: • In good and serviceable condition, which means no tears, rips, broken straps or snaps; • Readily accessible, which means you can put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency; and • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size.

A strange time

E

verything we do has to be done differently. Wearing a mask in public, keeping distance, avoiding crowds and no hugging.

Graduation this spring has been different for everyone. It wasn’t normal and we had to work hard to celebrate.

For Father’s Day we planned an outdoor picnic and asked the family to bring their own food and beverages. Some chose not to come, but for those who did it became a meaningful time to catch up with each other. We met one great-grandchild for the first time.

I TRIED MY hand at pickle ball and the old legs just didn’t keep me in balance.

I guess I’m going to have to check in with a therapist.

COVID-19 HAS TURNED Owner life upside down. The highGene Johnson ways are less crowded as people are either working from home or not working.

As a result the speed has increased so when accidents occur, they are more severe.

THE DEMONSTRATIONS THAT continue are more peaceful, yet shootings and deaths continue to be on the rise in Minnesota.

THE LEGISLATURE DISMISSED from special session with little legislation approved. We can’t expect to change everything all at once, but why not focus on a few key issues and get them passed?

LAW ENFORCEMENT IN many areas of the country, including our own Twin Cities, appears to be unjust, inhumane and very discriminatory. Perhaps our police departments are expected to handle too many different issues beyond their training and competence. Accountability is so important in whatever endeavor we participate in. It sure seems like something is falling between the cracks on that issue.

There must be some better models that could be researched and considered.

Perhaps the police department is just too big. There are always critical masses for effectiveness in whatever the business profession or government service required.

GRADUATES - WHATEVER LACKED in your graduation celebrations, you are faced with a troubled world and we are looking to you for leadership and ideas.

Don’t overlook the values of our nation and that of your parents as they brought you to this point. Remember we need liberty and justice for all.

Set goals, have mentors, be generous, serve others…this is a good idea not only for graduates, but for all of us.

Give thanks daily for those who have helped you along the way and find opportunities to learn about the many cultures of this world.

Remember, life is a classroom where you learn continuously regardless of age. Build friendships, nourish them, reach out, engage, take a chance.

I PURCHASED MY first newspaper at the age of 20 in Atwater, a western Minnesota agricultural community with a population of 900. Atwater had a blacksmith shop across from the newspaper office where Carl Tagtow would hammer out plow shares and repair all kinds of farm equipment. On the wall was a placard with an Indian philosophy that went something like this: Never criticize another man unless you have walked a mile in his shoes.

The name of the newspaper was the Atwater Herald, but when a couple farmers would stop by to say hello or I met them at the coffee shop, they would always refer to the newspaper as the “Atwater Spreader” and then they would jokingly ask me if I stood behind it. They were referring to the manure spreader that farmers used to fertilizer their land. The manure more than likely came from the dairy barns.

The newspaper’s purpose has been to be truthful, sincere and humble in presenting the community back to itself through stories, editorials and photos.

It’s been a wonderful and challenging experience. Friendships have grown immensely. Wisdom and memories have been planted deeply and faith in mankind to do what’s ethically correct comes through.

10 COUNTRY MESSENGER

www.countrymessenger.com

AUTO BODY

JULY 8, 2020

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Certified Public Accountants Accounting • Taxes • Payroll • Business Consulting

715-294-2165 Osceola, Wisconsin - Hwy. 35 south of town

AUTOMOTIVE

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

LAW OFFICES

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

LOCAL SHOPS

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

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

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

BEAUTY

TROWBRIDGE PLUMBING

BEAUTY COUNTER Game changing personal care products free from harmful ingredients

Residential - Service - Remodel

• Skincare • Cosmetics • Bath & Body • Sunscreen • Family

JACKIE WYLIE Consultant sunflower4@frontiernet.net order online: beautycounter.com/jackiewylie

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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

651-433-4500

INSURANCE

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

Mike Trowbridge

REAL ESTATE

NOAH INSURANCE GROUP

UNIQUELY GENERAL

trowbridge_plumbing@hotmail.com

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

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

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

EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

Bill Schifsky Custom Trailer Mfg. SINCE 1972

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

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

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

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

LAWN & SPORT

To advertise in the Business Builder: 13 week minimum Call 651-433-3845 for more info.

Servicing all major brands Lawn & garden, mower service.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS 21240 Olinda Trail N., Scandia, MN Saturday 8 a.m. - noon Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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

651-433-4668

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

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

VETERINARIAN

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

651-433-3666

JULY 8, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

11

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SILL: Arena of consequence FROM PAGE 4

today.

I often think of the experiences my children will have and how toned down they might be compared to my childhood, just as my upbringing was toned down compared to my father’s. We seem to be on an upward trajectory of mediocrity, brought on by

melotonin producing play dates and soccer camps.

Kids should be wild and free, somewhere between Dennis the Menace and the Lord of the Flies. Let them scrape their knees, throw dirt clods and shoot bottle rockets at each other. They’ll thank you for it later, even if at the time they think they’re pulling the wool over your eyes.

COUNTRY

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

23

102

300

454

Free Items

Services

For Sale

Storage Rent

FREE: Dark brown '70s china hutch with lights. 612-759-2778.

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.

Erickson piano service. Bryan Erickson Tuning-RegulationRepair 715-463-5958 \ 507-475-2584

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

715-755-3377

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.

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.

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

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.

ALLEN FARM

* MOVING SALE *

at Peterson Plants

21396 Olinda Tr N Scandia Park in the ball park.

July 8, 4-7 p.m.

July 9 - 10, 9 to 5 p.m.

July 11, 9 a.m - noon Antique/vintage/women’s clothing/HH/misc. items.

Thursday, July 9 • 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, July 10 • 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 11 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

570 280th St, Osceola, WI 54020

MOVING SALE

STUMP GRINDING AND REMOVING 800-282-8103 • 715-417-0303

“SERVING YOUR AREA”

July 9, 10, 11 8 am - 4 pm 10450 202nd St N

Scandia

• Reliable • Professional • Insured • Free Estimates

Employment Specialist Sentinel Publications, publishers of the Amery Free Press, Baldwin Bulletin, Burnett County Sentinel, Country Messenger and Osceola Sun, is looking for an outgoing, detail orientated person to help businesses find employees.

Our five newspapers, websites and dedicated jobs board, applylocal.jobs, reach over 60,000 each week.

Our employment specialist deals with businesses and organizations in Burnett, Polk and St. Croix Counties.

Hourly wage and commission; health, dental, vision and life insurance; paid time off; 401k available.

Sales and customer service preferred, but will train the right person.

SEND RESUME TO: Tom Stangl, Group Publisher Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 • Amery, WI 54001 tstangl@theameryfreepress.com

Color COPIES available at

The Sun

COUNTRY

108 Cascade Osceola

Visit us online:

YARD SALE

! Everything Must Go !

FIND US ONLINE!

ATTENTION STUDENTS Lake Management, located in Marine on St. Croix, MN, seeks summer workers to perform aquatic improvement services. Candidates will receive all neccessary training and licensing.

Experience with boats/trailers and GPS systems beneficial but not required. If you wish to apply or have questions regarding the position, please contact Mike at:

Sales Manager Sentinel Publications, publishers of the Amery Free Press, Baldwin Bulletin, Burnett County Sentinel, Country Messenger and Osceola Sun, is looking for an outgoing, detail orientated person to help our sales team succeed.

Our five newspapers, websites and dedicated jobs board, applylocal.jobs, reach over 60,000 each week.

In addition to advising and guiding our sales team, the sales manager will have accounts and help with regional buys.

Salary and commission; health, dental, vision and life insurance; paid time off; 401k available.

651-433-3283

SEND RESUME TO: Tom Stangl, Group Publisher Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 • Amery, WI 54001 tstangl@theameryfreepress.com

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED TO BUY

MISCELLANEOUS

BOILER OPERATOR/ HVAC TECHNICIAN The primary responsibility of this position is to operate the boilers and cooling plant equipment in a manner that provides a constant reliable volume of steam and chilled water to meet campus needs, as well as maintenance of related equipment. Minnesota First Class Grade B High Pressure Boiler License required. This is a full-time bene t eligible position. To view complete job description and to apply, please visit https://hr.cord.edu EOE/ AA. Criminal background check required.

WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not. Titled or not. Prices will fall soon. Sell now while prices are high! Call Dan at 612/720-2142

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

WANTED 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not, no title okay! Get cash and make some room! Always paying more! Call Mike at 320/420-7675

MISCELLANEOUS

MOBILEHELP America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety and peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call today! 855/610-5151

ENJOY 100% PERFECTLY TENDER and guaranteed! 20 main courses plus get 4 free burgers. Order the Butcher’s Bundle - only $69.99. Call 844/331-1614 mention code: 61086TVG or visit w w w. o m a h a s t e a k s . c o m / d i n n e r 3 9 7

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

DIRECTV SWITCH & SAVE! $39.99/month. Select all-included package. 155 channels. 1000s of shows/movies on demand. Free Genie HD DVR upgrade. Premium movie channels, FREE for 3 months! Call 877/350-0094

DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 channels! Add high speed internet for only $19.95/month. Call today for $100 gift card! Best value & technology. Free installation. Call 855/562-4309 (some restrictions apply)

FARM EQUIPMENT LOW CROP PRICES HURTING FARM INCOME? Lease hunting rights and get paid.

Strong hunter demand. Call the pros today: 866/309-1507 Promo code: 195 w w w. B a s e C a m p L e a s i n g . c o m Your ad here!

Only $279 to reach a statewide audience of 1.7 million readers!!! 1-800-279-2979

12 COUNTRY MESSENGER

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JULY 8, 2020

SHERIFF’S REPORT Marine on St. Croix

JUNE 22 At 6:35 p.m. a boat stop was made on the St. Croix River.

JUNE 27 At 5:55 p.m, a dispute was reported, unknown location.

City of Scandia

JUNE 17

At 12:54 p.m. a civil matter in the 18000 block of Layton was reported.

At 4:40 p.m. a follow-up was needed in the 19000 block of Larkspur.

At 5:44 p.m. suspicious activity in the 14000 block of Scandia Trail was reported.

At 6:16 p.m. a driver on Scandia Trail and Meadowbrook was stopped for a traffic violation.

At 7:47 p.m. a suicide attempt in the 15000 block of Scandia Trail was

reported.

At 7:57 p.m. a complaint about traffic on Scandia and Manning Trails was received.

At 8:48 p.m. theft was reported in the 21000 block of Penfield.

At 10:17 p.m. an accident in the 13000 block of Scandia Trail was reported.

At 11:07 p.m. a driver on Scandia and Manning Trails was stopped for a traffic violation.

At 11:12 p.m. an alarm sounded in the 14000 block of Oakhill.

JUNE 18 At 9:41 a.m. a complaint about an animal in the 20000 block of Olinda was received.

At 10:45 a.m. a civil matter in the 22000 block of Perkins was reported.

At 1:07 p.m. an officer assisted another agency in the 15000 block of Scandia Trail.

At 3:19 p.m. a complaint

about traffic in the 23000 block of St. Croix Trail was received.

At 8:30 p.m. an officer assisted another agency in the 15000 block of Scandia Trail.

At 9:29 p.m. suspicious activity in the 12000 block of Scandia Trail was reported.

At 10:11 p.m. a medical need in the 13000 block of Scandia Trail was reported.

JUNE 19 At 2:01 p.m. an officer assisted another agency on St. Croix and Scandia Trails.

At 2:21 p.m. a neighbor dispute in the 18000 block of Layton was reported.

At 9:24 p.m. a medical need in the 19000 block of Quinnell was reported.

JUNE 20 At 7:11 p.m. a complaint about traffic in the 19000 block of Manning was

reported.

At 8:08 p.m. a civil matter in the 15000 block of Quality was reported.

JUNE 21 At 9:55 a.m., a welfare check was made at the 18000 block of Parade Ave. N. At 12:29 p.m., a boat was stopped on Big Marine Lake.

At 454 p.m., theft was reported on the 14000 block of 237th St. N. At 8:14 p.m., a driving complaint was reported on Scandia Trail N/Manning Trail N.

JUNE 22 At 2:13 a.m., a suspicious person/activity was reported on St. Croix Trail N./Scandia Trail N. At 11:43 a.m., a driving complaint was reported on 185th St. N./Manning Trail N. At 5:52 p.m., a traffic complaint was reported at

189th St. N/Layton Ave. N. At 6:21 p.m., a parking violation was reported on Mayberry Trail N. At 6:44 p.m., a 911 hang up was reported on St. Croix Trail N/220th St. N. At 10:29 p.m., an accident was reported on Scandia Trail N/Manning Trail N.

JUNE 23 At 2:22 p.m., a suspicious person/activity was reported on the 21000 block of Quarry Ave. N. At 4:35 p.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 12000 block of Mayberry Trail N. At 9:47 p.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 12000 block of Mayberry Trail N.

JUNE 24 At 12:29 a.m., a suspicious person/activity was reported on the 14000 block of Scandia Trail N. At 4:43 p.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 22000 block of Lofton Ave. N.

JUNE 25

Spotlight on Area Businesses Scandia Heating & Air Conditioning Scandia Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing quality service, repair and installation for over 45 years. Scandia Heating works on all makes and models. Whether it’s a furnace, boiler, in-floor heating, geo thermal, heat pump or garage heating, they have you covered.

At Scandia Heating they believe in customer service and practice it every day. From standing behind repairs, to installing brand new systems, Scandia Heating has the knowledge and experience you need to give you peace of mind year round.

“System tune-ups should be done on a yearly basis,” owner JR West said. “We want to catch the small problems before they become big ones.”

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a service call, he noted.

Scandia Heating tries to make each new “We provide 24 hour repairs, 7 days a week, installation as pleasant of an experience as possible. including after hours emergency service. We try our Contact Scandia Heating & Air Conditioning at best to provide same day service during busy times 651-433-5167, or stop by the office at 21260 Olinda of the year. During peak season we don’t go home Trail N., Scandia. until the work is done.”

YOUR RESOURCE FOR FINANCIAL EDUCATION Heidi Gemuenden, AAMS®

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

Financial Advisor

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

21260 Olinda Trail N.

651-433-5167

www.scandiaheating.com

COUNTRY

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

Scandia Office • 651-433-5753

Call us for a quote!

Jane Dreyer & Katie Giefer

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

Inc.

12450 Morris Trail N Marine-On-St. Croix

651-433-4500

Certified by M.P.C.A.

www.olsonsinthepink.com

Heating and Air Conditioning

Member SIPC

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

At 6:28 p.m., trespassing was reported on the 23000 block of Paris Ave. N.

JUNE 26 At 5:34 a.m., a suspicious person/activity was reported on the 23000 block of St. Croix Trail N. At 6:26 a.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 12000 block of Mayberry Trail N. At 7:42 p.m, a boat stop was made at the swing bridge.

At 8:47 p.m., a suspicious person/activity was reported on the 11000 block of 218th St. N. At 9:06 p.m., trespassing was reported on Lofton Ave. N./218th St. N.

Town of May

JUNE 16 At 8:52 p.m. a 911 line was abandoned on Squarer Lake Trail and Partridge.

JUNE 17 At 7:09 p.m. a boat was stopped for a violation at Arcola Bridge.

JUNE 18 At 7:11 a.m. a complaint about a driver on Manning and 170th was received.

At 3:31 p.m. a 911 line was abandoned in the 11000 block of Square Lake Trail.

At 7:30 p.m. an alarm sounded in the 14000 block of Ostlund.

At 9:36 p.m. a complaint about an animal on 170th and Manning was received.

JUNE 19 At 6:19 a.m. a complaint about an animal in the 15000 block of Manning was received.

At 9:33 a.m. an incident in the 12000 block of Quail was reported.

At 2:38 p.m. trespassing on Arcola Bridge was reported.

At 4:27 p.m. a medical need in the 10000 block of

176th was reported.

At 6:56 p.m. public assistance was needed in the 14000 block of Kirby.

At 10:24 p.m. a complaint about an animal on 177th and May Avenue was received.

JUNE 20 At 10:24 a.m. lost property was reported at Square Lake Park.

JUNE 21

At 11:37 a.m., an accident was reported on 13000 block of Norell Ave. N. .

At 2:45 p.m. indecent exposure was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 4:32 p.m., a traffic complaint was reported on the 14000 block of St. Croix Trail N. At 5:97 p.m., a traffic complaint was reported on May Ave N/170th St. N. At 8:05 p.m. a traffic complaint was reported on Manning Trail N/Square Lake Trail N. June 22 At 5:15 p.m. a 911 hang up was reported on the 12000 block of 170th St. N.

JUNE 23 At 1:23 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 1:38 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 1:48 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 1:56 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 2:04 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N. At 3:04 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 17000 block of Manning Trail N. At 3:10 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 17000 block of Manning Trail N. At 3:24 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 17000 block of Manning Trail N. At 3:34 p.m., a park incident was reported on the 17000 block of Manning Trail N. At 9:37 p.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 14000 block of St. Croix Trail N.

JUNE 24 At 2:14 a.m., a noise complaint was reported on the 12000 block of St. Croix Trail N. At 2:44 .m., a noise complaint was reported on the 14000 block of St. Croix Trail N. At 1:25 p.m., a parking violation was reported on the 15000 block of Square Lake Trail N.

JUNE 25 At 1:48 p.m., a fraud/ scam was reported on the 14000 block of 122nd St. N. At 7:22 p.m., a watercraft complaint was reported at the Square Lake Boat Landing.