Country Messenger 10.21.2020

COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

VOL. 37 NO. 25 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

INSIDE: Best of the Valley winners.

Stillwater School Board Candidates

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The baby fennec fox can be found in Africa. Fennec foxes are the smallest foxes in the world. When the babies are born, they weigh about as much as two double A batteries. Their ears are oversized to help dissipate heat from their bodies.

Would you, could you, with a fox?

Sustainable Safari says ‘yes’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

Do you want to hug a kangaroo, cuddle a fox, pet a porcupine or feed a grape to a ringtail lemur?

Those are just some of the many experiences guests will find at the Maplewood Mall. Sustainable Safari, formerly known as Cock-A-Doodle-Zoo, moved into the Maplewood Mall last year on Black Friday but had to shut down March 15 when the mall closed its doors because of the pandemic. The zoo is located on the second floor at the southwest end of the mall, near where Sears used to be.

Former White Bear Lake residents Bob and Mishelle Pilz, who now live in Scandia, have been in the business for around

20 years. How did he get into the world of exotic animals? “I bought a camel,” said Bob. “I found out you could get access to crazy animals legally, and it took off.”

Bob was in the real estate business until the housing market crashed in 2008, which caused him to reevaluate and dream up another career. “We started doing petting zoos.

We had tons of crazy animals.

It was like my little Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch. We started bring the animals out and no one else was doing that, so it just took off.”

Throughout the years CockA-Doodle Zoo has become well known around the state for its wildlife shows at day care facilities and schools and petting zoos at various city festivals (includ-

ing Marketfest), county fairs and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

The couple’s dream has always been to have a location, which needed to be indoors because of Minnesota’s harsh winters.

“I was walking through the Mall of America (MOA) for my daughter’s 11th birthday (she’s 21 now), and it just hit me like a baseball bat. This is where we have to go, indoors,” Bob recalled.

After several years of negotiating back and forth with MOA and some very big numbers, they decided to try out the concept at Maplewood Mall. On June 15, when the business reopened after being closed down three months, it opened with a SEE SAFARI, PAGE 2

Those who live in the Stillwater School District will have quite a decision to make when electing School Board members in the upcoming election.

Fourteen candidates applied for five seats.

However, it’s not as simple as choosing your top five candidates.

Three four-year School Board seats are expiring on Dec. 31, 2020. Those belong to Michael Ptacek, Sarah Stivland and Jennifer Pelletier. Ptacek and Stivland are both seeking another four-year term; Pelletier chose not to run again. Dawn Beavers, Annie Porbeni, Matt Onken, Katie Hockert, Philip St. Ores and Nance Purcell's names will also be on the ballot.

In July, board members Shelly Pearson and Mark Burns resigned, with their terms scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2022. Bill Gilles and Tim Brewington were appointed to fill those seats, but a special election resulted to fill the remaining two-plus years of Pearson and Burns’ terms.

Gilles and Brewington’s names are on the ballot joined by four others -- Joseph Ehrler, Beverly Petrie, Roger Ziemann and Alison Sherman.

The Messenger sent out a questionnaire to all 14 candidates to get their thoughts on the District’s past, present and future. The Messenger didn't get a response back from Purcell or Porbeni before deadline.

Candidate Q&As start on page 11.

Brookside Bar and Grill announces temporary closure The Brookside Bar and Grill announced on its Facebook page Oct. 13, they will close for the winter season, starting Nov. 4.

“Given the complexities and uncertainties of the future with COVID-19, it is our top priority to protect the health of our staff, their families, and ultimately our customers and their loved ones,” the post states.

“We have tried to navigate the unprecedented

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Marine Library Association receive Minnesota Award Some say that it’s not about what you know, but whom you know. However, any such distinctions are moot for husband-and-wife team and Marine Library Association stalwarts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher. Their latest passion project, “River Radio,” is the newest initiative to come out of an unconventional Library with a long track record for creativity.

Marine Community Library is one of only a handful of volunteer-run public libraries in the Upper Midwest.

Although formerly part of the Washington County Library system, the Library reconstituted itself as a Friends of the Library operation after budget belt-tightening threatened its closure in 2011. While small in square footage, the Marine Community Library offers most of the services available at larger and more conventionally funded libraries.

Knutson and Maher are prominent among the residents who regularly contribute their time and talents to the Library’s operations. In fact, Maher is currently chairperson of the Association’s board of directors.

Providentially, both Friends are also veterans of the radio world. After the heightening coronavirus pandemic brought normal operations to an abrupt halt in March, the pair decided to deploy their skills in service to the Library. With assistance from fellow Friends, they hatched “River Radio” – named in homage to Marine’s location along the St. Croix River.

Ingeniously, the partners realized that you don’t need FM airwaves – or even a true station – to pull off a successful radio show. They invest just a few bucks a month into a Zoom videoconference subscription, which they tap for its reliable audio recording and

broadcasting capabilities.

River Radio debuted on March 28, and new episodes have debuted weekly ever since. Featured subjects truly run the gamut, and this impressive topical diversity is matched by guest speakers’ credentials in their respective fields.

Knutson and Maher have welcomed Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, NPR/MPR senior economics reporter Chris Farrell, and award-winning folk musician John Gorka. Other guests to date have included the mayors of Marine and Scandia, University of Minnesota specialists in economics and epidemiology, and representatives from the National Park Service and varied history and culture institutions.

Unsurprisingly, given the origins of River Radio, speakers from area libraries and bookstores are also frequent guests of Knutson and Maher.

As you can glean from that line up, the program offers timely content on the unfolding COVID-19 crisis – as well as much needed diversions.

“We feel that River Radio has had great impact on the wellbeing of the Marine community, offering at least something from the Library during the continuing closure,” explained Loralee DiLorenzo, vice chair of the Marine Library Association. Onair surveys, available through Zoom to listeners who tune in live, corroborate the sentiment.

Fortunately for residents of Marine – and really, anyone in or even beyond Washington County who cares to tune in – River Radio is likely to stick around. “The Library is considering offering occasional episodes for part of the summer, and then a more regular schedule again in the fall.”

SAFARI: Scandia residents Bob and Mishelle Pilz are the owners; Safari is at Maplewood Mall met,” Harvey explained.

In addition to its new home at the Maplewood Mall, the business still offers a traveling experience wildlife show at senior centers, schools, day care and YMCA facilities etc.

Many of the cleaning protocols and business operations have not changed during the pandemic because they were already in place. In addition to the $40,000 ventilation system that cycles the air every six

FROM PAGE 1

new name: Sustainable Safaris. The business’s mission is to educate the public on planetary sustainability through the use of live animals in a safe and up-close way.

President/CEO David Harvey, who has been involved in the business since 2017, said you can’t share the sustainable message until people become more familiar with the animals.

“In the city, most of these folks have never seen a kangaroo. They couldn’t pick out a goat from a donkey,” he said.

Harvey said he has walked around the mall several times with a kangaroo and has been asked if he is carrying a reindeer, donkey, rabbit or camel.

“It’s all about education. There are some pretty cool animals that are out there, and until you can have an up-close-and-personal interaction with an animal, it is hard for somebody to be excited or want to hear a message about sustainability,” he explained. “We need to make sure that these animals are going

minutes, handwashing stations and hand sanitizer were already in use. The business has always had strict cleaning protocols in place, too.

For more information about Sustainable Safari, visit sustainablesafari. net.

Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

President/CEO David Harvey feeds a couple of emus. Harvey has been with Sustainable Safari since 2017.

to be here for their own grandkids and their grandkids.”

Bob added, “I’m a Christian, I’m a believer in Christ and I love the beginning story. It thrills me to be the steward of these animals and help create a place that is safe to learn about them and get up close to them.”

Sustainable Safari currently has around 140

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animals, not including the 206 parakeets. Some of the most popular animals include the kangaroo, Fennec fox and alligators, but there are also wallabies, raccoons, goats, alligators, lemurs, porcupines, emus, badgers, deer, llamas, bunnies, capybaras and more.

For the price of a general admission ticket, you can touch, pet, feed

and interact with almost 90% of the animals.

There are typically three wildlife shows a day. Safari tours and tokens can also be purchased for more up-close experiences, like sitting on a couch with a baby wallaby.

“I want them to have a good experience with an animal that they have never met, learn something new about an animal they have never

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Kaila Smith and her one-year-old son Dwight, of Richfield, feed a kangaroo at Sustainable Safari, formerly known as Cock-A-Doodle-Zoo. Red kangaroos are from Australia and are one of the largest marsupials living today. When the babies are born they are about the size of a jelly bean, but they can grow to be over six feet tall.

OCTOBER 21, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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PUBLIC NOTICES WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in the City of Scandia in Washington County, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the polling locations listed below for the purpose of voting for candidates of the offices specified below. The polls for said election will be open at 7:00 AM and will remain open until closing at 8:00 PM .

FEDERAL OFFICES: • US President and Vice President • US Senator • US Representative District 6, STATE OFFICES: • Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seats, 4 • Court of Appeals Judge, Seats 3, 9, 13, 15 • State Senator District 39 • State Representative District 39A • District Court Judge District 10, Seats 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43 COUNTY OFFICES: • County Commissioner District 1, • Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1, CITY OFFICES: • Mayor • Council Member SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: • ISD 831 School Board Members • ISD 834 School Board Members • ISD 834 Special School Board Members • ISD 2144 School Board Members The polling places are as follows: Precinct Name - Scandia Voting Location - Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073 Jennifer Wagenius, County Auditor Published in The Country Messenger October 14 and October 21, 2020

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in Washington County, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the polling locations listed below for the purpose of voting for candidates of the offices specified below. The polls for said election will be open at 7:00 AM and will remain open until closing at 8:00 PM. FEDERAL OFFICES: • US President and Vice President • US Senator • US Representative District 2, 4, 6 STATE OFFICES: • Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seats, 4 • Court of Appeals Judge, Seats 3, 9, 13, 15 • State Senator District 38, 39, 43, 53, 54 • State Representative District 38A, 38B, 39A, 39B, 43A, 43B, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B • District Court Judge District 10, Seats 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43 COUNTY OFFICES: • County Commissioner District 1, 3, 5 • Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1, 3, 5 CITY/TOWNSHIP OFFICES: • Mayor • Council Member at Large • Council Member Ward 1 • Council Member Ward 2 • Council Member Ward 4 • Special Council Member • Town Supervisor Seat B • Town Supervisor Seat C • Town Treasurer • Town Supervisor Seat 1 • Town Supervisor Seat 2 • Town Supervisor Seat 3 • Town Supervisor Seat 4 • Town Supervisor Seat 5 SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES: • School Board Members ISD 622, 831,834, 2144 • ISD 834 Special Election School Board Members The polling places are as follows:

Precinct Name & Voting Location Afton W-1 P-1 Shepard Of The Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001 Afton W-2 P-1 Shepard Of The Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001 Afton W-3 P-1 Shepard Of The Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001 Afton W-4 P-1 Shepard Of The Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001 Bayport Bayport Fire Department, 1012 5th Ave, Bayport, MN 55003 Baytown Twp. Baytown Community Building, 4020 McDonald Dr N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Birchwood Village City B i r c h w o o d City Hall, 207 Birchwood Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Cottage Grove P-01 C o t t a g e Grove Elementary School, 7447 65th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Cottage Grove P-02 Park High School, 8040 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Cottage Grove P-03 C o t t a g e Grove Middle School, 9775 Indian Blvd S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Cottage Grove P-04 833 School District Service Center, 7362 Point Douglas Rd E, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Cottage Grove P-05 Cottage Grove Service Center, 13000 Ravine Pkwy S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Cottage Grove P-06 833 School District Program Center, 8400 East Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove, MN Cottage Grove P-07 National Guard Armory, 8180 Belden Blvd S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Dellwood Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Denmark Twp. Denmark Town Hall, 14008 90th St S, Hastings, MN 55033 Forest Lake P-1 Forest Lake City Center, Community Room, 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN Forest Lake P-2 Forest Lake City Center, Community Room, 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN Forest Lake P-3 Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Dr, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Forest Lake P-4 Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9300 Scandia Trl, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Forest Lake P-5 Forest Lake Service Center, 19955 Forest Rd N., Forest Lake, MN 55025 Grant Woodbury Lutheran Oak Hill Campus, 9050 60th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Grey Cloud Island Twp. Grey Cloud Island Town Hall, 9910 Grey Cloud Island Dr S, St Paul Park, MN 55071 Hastings W-1 P-1 Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Hugo W-1 P-1 Hugo Fire Hall, 5323 140th St N, Hugo, MN 55038 Hugo W-2 P-2A Oneka Elementary School, 4888 Heritage Pkwy N, Hugo, MN 55038 Hugo W-2 P-2B Oneka Elementary School, 4888 Heritage Pkwy N, Hugo, MN 55038 Hugo W-3 P-3A Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave N, Hugo, MN 55038 Hugo W-3 P-3B Rice Lake Centre, Hugo Public Works Bldg, 6900 137th St N, Hugo, MN 55038 Lake Elmo P-1 Lake Elmo Fire Hall, 3510 Laverne Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Lake Elmo P-2 Lake Elmo City Hall, 3800 Laverne Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Lake St. Croix Beach Lake St. Croix Beach City Hall, 16455 20th St S, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN 55043 Lakeland Lakeland City Hall, 690 Quinnell Ave N, Lakeland, MN 55043 Lakeland Shores

St. Croix Embrace Church, 16600 7th Street South, Lakeland, MN 55043 Landfall Landfall Community Center, 2 4th Ave, Landfall, MN 55128 Mahtomedi P-1 Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Mahtomedi P-2 St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Marine on St. Croix Marine on St Croix City Hall, 121 Judd St, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047 May Twp. May Town Hall, 13939 Norell Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Newport Newport Elementary, 851 6th Ave, Newport, MN 55055 Oak Park Heights Oak Park Heights City Hall, 14168 Oak Park Blvd N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Oakdale P-1 Apostolic Bible Institute & Church, 6944 Hudson Blvd, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-2 Transfiguration Catholic Church, 6133 15th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-3 Redeemer Baptist Church, 2479 Geneva Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-4 House of Prayer Church, 6039 40th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-5 Silver Lake Methodist Church, 5399 Geneva Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-6 Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-7 Hope Evangelical Free Church, 7910 15th St N, Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale P-8 Guardian Angels Church, 8260 4th St, Oakdale, MN 55128 Pine Springs OH Anderson Elementary School, 666 Warner Ave S, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Scandia Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St N, Scandia, MN 55073 St Mary’s Point St Mary’s Point City Hall, 16491 St Mary’s Point Dr S, Lakeland, MN 55043 St Paul Park P-1 St Paul Park City Office, Council Chambers, 600 Portland Ave, St Paul Park, MN 55071 St Paul Park P-2 St Paul Park City Office, Community Room, 600 Portland AVE, St Paul Park, MN 55071 St Paul Park P-3 Heritage Park Building, 1345 Laurel Ave, St Paul Park, MN 55071 St Paul Park P-4 St Paul Park City Office, Community Room, 600 Portland AVE, St Paul Park, MN 55071 Stillwater Twp. Stillwater Town Hall, 13636 90th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Official Ballot

Judge ________

Jennifer Wagenius, County Auditor Published in The Country Messenger October 14 and October 21, 2020 CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 1. The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Military Family Books.

2. The address of the principal place of business: 8362 Tamarack Vlg. Ste 119-106, St. Paul, MN 55125.

3. The complete name and street address of all persons conducting business under the assumed name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Elva Resa Publishing LLC, 8362 Tamarack Vlg. Ste 119-106, St. Paul, MN 55125.

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: Karen Pavlicin.

Dated October 15, 2020.

Filed with the State of Minnesota.

Published in The Country Messenger October 21 and October 28, 2002

President and Vice-President Vote for One Team

Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence Republican

Joseph R. Biden and Kamala Harris Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente and Darcy Richardson

Green Party

Karla Bigham

write-in, if any

United States Representative District 6 Vote for One

Tom Emmer Republican

Tawnja Zahradka

State Offices

Brock Pierce and Karla Ballard

Alyson Kennedy and Malcolm Jarrett Socialist Workers Party

Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy "Spike" Cohen Libertarian Party

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Roger Chamberlain Republican

Justin Stofferahn

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E L P M A S State Senator District 39 Vote for One

Josiah Hill

Kevin O'Connor Oliver Steinberg Jason Lewis Tina Smith

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

State Senator District 43 Vote for One

Doug Daubenspeck Grassroots – Legalize Cannabis

Bob Zick

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Legal Marijuana Now

Tyler Kistner

Mary Giuliani Stephens

Angie Craig

Susan Kent

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Kris Fredrick

Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

Vote for One

Elliott Engen Ami Wazlawik

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State Representative District 39A Vote for One

Republican

Ann Mozey

Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

State Representative District 39B Vote For One

Joe Garofalo Republican

Shelly Christensen Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

State Representative District 43A Paul Babin

Brenda Eklund City Clerk

Notice is hereby give that the Public Test of the Optical Scan Tabulating Equipment, to be used at the Primary Election on Tuesday November 3, 2020, will be conducted in the office of the City Clerk at 121 Judd Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 9:00am. This test is open to the public.

Dated this 14th day of October, 2020.

Lynette Peterson City Clerk

Dated: October 16, 2020 Published: Country Messenger, October 21, 2020

Published: Country Messenger, October 21, 2020

State Offices

County Offices

State Representative District 53A

County Commissioner District 1

Vote for One

Vote for One

William A Johnston

Andrew J. Tjernlund

Tou Xiong

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Fran Miron

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

Republican

State Representative District 53B Vote for One

County Commissioner District 3 Vote for One

Kelly Jahner-Byrne

Gary Kriesel

Steve Sandell

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Scott "Cutter" Junker

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

Republican

State Representative District 54A Vote For One

County Commissioner District 5 Vote for One

Keith Franke

Lisa Weik

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Anne Claflin

Michelle Clasen

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

Republican

State Representative District 54B Vote for One

Tony Jurgens

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 1 Vote for One

Republican

Kelsey Waits

Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

Bob Rosenquist

E L P M A S write-in, if any

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 3 Vote for One

John Rheinberger write-in, if any

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor District 5 Vote for One

write-in, if any

write-in, if any

State Representative District 43B Vote for One

Republican

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

CITY OF MARINE ON ST. CROIX NOTICE OF PUBLIC TEST FOR OPTICAL SCAN

Diane M. Blake

Republican

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

State Senator District 53

Adam Charles Weeks Republican

Republican

Peter M Fischer

write-in, if any

Vote for One

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. a Public Accuracy Test pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 206.83, will be conducted for the November 3, 2020 General Election, at the May Town Hall located at 13939 Norell Avenue North.

Published: Country Messenger, October 21, 2020

Vote for One

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

United States Representative District 2

Donald Raleigh

Republican

Charles "Chuck" Wiger

write-in, if any

Vote for One

Democratic-Farmer-Labor write-in, if any

Legal Marijuana Now

State Representative District 38A

Bob Dettmer

write-in, if any

Republican

United States Senator

write-in, if any

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Karin Housley

write-in, if any

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Republican

State Senator District 38

Independent

Socialism and Liberation Party

Republican

State Representative District 38B

write-in, if any

Independent

Gloria La Riva and Leonard Peltier

Vote for One

Gene Rechtzigel

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Kanye West and Michelle Tidball

State Senator District 54 Leilani Holmstadt

Independence-Alliance

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker

State Offices

Vote for One

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST TOWNSHIP OF MAY WASHINGTON COUNTY

Instructions to Voters:

United States Representative District 4

Betty McCollum

Published: Country Messenger, October 21, 2020

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

Susan Sindt Republican

Jennifer Wagenius, County Auditor

State General Election Ballot Washington County, Minnesota November 3, 2020

Federal Offices

Grassroots – Legalize Cannabis

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public accuracy test of vote counting equipment to be used in the November 3, 2020 General Election will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082.

FOR THE CITIES OF: City of Grant and City of Forest Lake and City of Lakeland and City of Landfall and City of Oakdale and City of Pine Springs and City of Woodbury WASHINGTON COUNTY If you would like to witness this demonstration, you are welcome to do so at the above-mentioned location.

Linda M. Tibbetts Town Clerk/Treasurer Town of May

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Scandia will conduct a Public Accuracy Test of the DS200 Vote Tabulator and Automark equipment to be used for the November 3, 2020 General Election. The test will be conducted on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th Street, Scandia, MN. Interested parties are encouraged to attend. All in attendance must wear a face covering.

Instructions to Voters:

Federal Offices

WASHINGTON COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

Dated this 21st day of October, 2020.

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST OCTOBER 27, 2020

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

Republican

COUNTRY

St Ambrose Church of Woodbury, 4125 Woodbury Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129

State General Election Ballot Washington County, Minnesota November 3, 2020

Judge ________

Grassroots – Legalize Cannabis

Visit us online:

Stillwater W-1 P-1 First United Methodist Church, 813 Myrtle St W, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-1 P-2 St Paul Lutheran Church, 605 5th St S, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-2 P-3 Ascension Episcopal Church, 214 3rd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-2 P-4 Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-3 P-5 Stillwater Readiness Center (Armory), 250 Mary Knoll Drive, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-4 P-7 Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1616 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN 55082 Stillwater W-4 P-8 Lily Lake School, 2003 Willard ST W, Stillwater, MN 55082 West Lakeland Twp. Oak-Land Middle School, 820 Manning Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 White Bear Lake W-4 P-2 WBL Alternative Learning Center, 2449 Orchard Ln, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Willernie Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Rd, Willernie, MN 55090 Woodbury P-01 Woodbury Baptist Church, 6695 Upper Afton Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-02 Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-03 Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-04 Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-05 New Life Academy & Church, 6758 Bailey Rd, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-06 Bailey Elementary School, 4125 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-07 King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-08 St John Lutheran Church, 1975 St John’s Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-09A Brookview Elementary School, 11099 Brookview Road, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-10 Central Park, 8595 Central Pk Place, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-11 Lake Middle School, 3133 Pioneer Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-12 Valley Crossing Community School, 9900 Park Crossing, Woodbury, MN 55125 Woodbury P-13A Liberty Ridge Elementary, 11395 Eagle View Blvd, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-14 Five Oaks Church, 4416 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-15 East Ridge High School, Cafeteria, 4200 Pioneer Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129 Woodbury P-16

Jordan Herzog Republican

Leon M. Lillie

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Antonio Nerios

Veterans Party-Minnesota write-in, if any

.com

Vote front and back of ballot

Vote front and back of ballot

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COUNTRY MESSENGER

OCTOBER 21, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

Just treats, please

J

ust a little over a week to the scariest night of the year. No, not Election Night, silly. Halloween!

This year is perfect for trick or treaters of all ages — Halloween is on a Saturday!

No worrying about getting home and school or work the next day. Indulge in candy or more adult fare with no worries about immediate consequences.

Oct. 31 was one of the few times of the year where children could get free candy, no questions asked.

Halloween on a Friday or Saturday night as a child was the best.

We knew we had more time to forage for candy in neighborhoods far from home. We usually used a pillow case or paper shopping bag for trick or treating and there was Publisher plenty of room in those for a great deal of candy.

Tom Stangl If the bag got too heavy or unstable, we would go home to dump it out into a roasting pan or mixing bowl and immediately head back out to collect more candy.

As a kid who trick or treated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, my parents didn’t need to worry about kidnapping, x-raying treats or run in with Satan worshippers. It was understood we would be out for hours getting as much candy as we could haul.

In fact, it was pretty much standard operating procedure for us to be out of the house and out from under our mother’s feet for as long as possible. In the town where I grew up, they blew the fire whistle at noon, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. so we had a built-in alarm clock to make sure we were home for lunch and supper.

Of course in those days, we turned the clocks back before Halloween so it was dark when we began trick or treating. I still believe it was wrong to delay the return of Standard Time until after Halloween. Much of the fun for me as a child was imagining what lurked in the bushes as I went from door to door, begging for candy.

I recalled there were several homes that had an adult hiding in the shadows, ready to leap out and terrify trick or treaters. I remember one year when an adult got struck by a frightened teen. I think the adult took the rest of the night off.

It’s hard to tell what trick or treating will look like this year. In many ways, it is a pandemic friendly activity. It is done outdoors and for the most part away from other people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says participating in oneway trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard) is considered moderately safe.

I can recall coming up to a house that did this one-year on Halloween, leaving some treats on the porch. The danger in this arrangement (especially if no one is home) is being anyone but the first person to arrive. My friends and I took much of the small amount of candy that had been left on the porch before quickly departing into the dark.

As we get closer to Halloween, let’s think of ways to keep the fun and keep safe as well.

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

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

COUNTRY

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Something to be proud of

T

his week’s issues of both the Osceola Sun and Country Messenger have plenty for the reader to sample (We like to think they always do, but this week more than normal).

For those of whom you haven’t voted yet, both papers are running a Voter’s Guide in which candidates running for school board, local city council or state races answered questions on a variety of topics.

We didn’t want to make them all about COVID-19, because everyone (including myself) Editor is sick of tired of reading Jason Schulte talking, or hearing about it. At the same time, when one topic has engulfed and dominated like COVID-19 since March, how can you not?

We hope you peruse and read their answers. We also hope you come away from reading them at least a little bit informed about the candidates you want to vote for.

The second additional helping

is the final results of the Best of which the public voted for earlier this fall.

I’m not going to give away any results in this space. Just to let you know the final results are in a special section.

Our bosses were happy with the results from year one in doing something like this. Like everything else, mistakes were made, and all can learn to make year two better than year one.

A career like no other Growing up in central Minnesota there were a couple of staples in our house. One of those constants was the radio was always turned to WCCO-830. Which meant a couple of things I still remember to this day: • The Cannon Mess on afternoons during the week.

• The Sports Huddle with Sid Hartman and Dave Mona on Sunday mornings.

Both were must listens, especially The Sports Huddle. Hartman would get guests from all over the country (it still amazes me how he became friends with George Steinbrenner and Bobby Knight) and then the insults he would throw at

callers were just amazing.

Overtime, as I read more about Hartman and the career he had before I started listening and the career afterwards, how can you not be impressed. One got the feeling he would live forever.

That’s when scouring through Twitter Sunday afternoon when I found the news he had passed away at the age of 100, I was a little in shock. Yeah, he was 100, but the man was still working, turning out columns for the Star Tribune and still appearing on WCCO Radio.

What a career he had and what a life he led.

Trivia This question came across a trivia website which I received periodic emails from.

Which U.S. state ignored Prohibition? A)Massachusetts B) Oklahoma C)Maryland and D) South Dakota.

For no reason other than my gut, I choose South Dakota. The correct answer was Maryland.

According to history.com, “The state’s many immigrants cherished drinking as a part of culture – and their legislators agreed.”

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

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

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

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

for or against a ballot measure, party or candidate as paid advertising announcements. The fee is $25 minimum for up to 250 words and 10¢ each additional word.

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subject to editing and are not guaranteed publication.

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OCTOBER 21, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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WILD CHOW

THE POSTSCRIPT

Pheasant Hunting Opener starts with a bang

H

unting season is upon us at the Erickson household.

That means there will be decoys laying by the front door. Bright orange jackets and hats lining the coat rack. The dog will be covered in burs and my hunters will be asking me to cook what they’ve harvested.

I’m happy to oblige. I love wild game. Duck, pheasant, grouse, and goose—I will eat them all. Cooking with wild game really gets my recipe creativity flowing more than any other type of food.

Most recipes for farm-raised meats do not substitute well with wild game. Most wild game birds Columnist and other wild game have very distinct flavors and textures.

Lisa Erickson Which forces me to come up with something new.

I would never use duck in a recipe that calls for chicken, but pheasant is one of those rare birds that actually tastes similar to chicken. Notice I said similar, but not exactly.

To me, pheasant is more flavorful than chicken and in certain dishes, pheasant will make the dish taste even better.

Recipes that have high amounts of fat from either butter, cheese, or heavy creams will lose the “chickeny” flavor because the fats coat your taste buds making it harder to detect the mild flavors of chicken.

I love pot pies, but they require a lot of time to make and even more baking time. I’m always trying to find shortcuts in the kitchen. This recipe was one that caught my husband’s attention when I was rambling off ideas for a new recipe last week.

It’s easy and there’s no additional bake time, but it has all the flavors and warmth of a pot pie. If you do not have access to pheasant, you can always use chicken—it will still taste amazing.

If you would like more information about cooking with pheasant or other game birds, head over to my website www.wildchowrecipes.com

Easy Pheasant (or Chicken) Pot Pie Soup Serves 4

4 tbsp. butter 1 cup red potatoes, cubed ½ cup onion, minced 2 celery stalks, sliced thin 2 carrots, chopped ½ cup flour ½ - 1 tsp. salt Pepper to taste 5 cups homemade pheasant broth or chicken broth 1 cup cooked pheasant or chicken breast meat, chopped 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup half and half 1 ready-made pie crust,

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Roll out pie crust on a lightly floured surface.

Cut it into ¼ inch strips. Make a lattice by alternating each strip over and under each other. With a round cookie cutter, cut out 4-8 circles. With a lightly floured spatula, place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crusts begins to lightly brown. Cool and set aside.

In a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the potatoes, onion, celery, and carrots; cook and stir for 10 minutes. Add the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute and slowly add the broth. Increase heat, and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Stir in peas and chopped meat. Return to a simmer and cook for 2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the half and half. Ladle 2 cups into each bowl and top each bowl with a pie crust lattice.

Serve immediately.

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

COUNTRY

Nothing happening “I’m hunkering down,” Rebecca told me.

I know what she means. My friend, Rebecca, just returned from a road trip she made after a lot of careful consideration. First her mother was sick. Then she fell and broke her hip. Rebecca’s mother is ninety and she did not seem to be getting better. Rebecca decided she needed to go visit her.

Rebecca and her daughter drove across three states the visit. ReColumnist for becca said it was a wonderful trip Carrie Classon and she bonded with her daughter as never before. Her mother is doing a little better now.

“She’s still ninety. But she knows I love her,” Rebecca said. That was the purpose of the trip, after all.

I was a little jealous of Rebecca, I’ll admit. My husband, Peter, and I have gone exactly nowhere—unless a trip to the dentist counts.

Even going to the dentist was kind of exciting. It felt like some sort of exotic escape, not simply an occasion to have the plaque chipped off my teeth. I suspect I talked too much to the dental hygienist who had a job to do that was not made

easier by my chatting.

But I won’t be going back to the dentist in a while and, like Rebecca, I’m hunkering down. Peter and I still visit his sister, Lori, who is fighting cancer, so we are being particularly careful. It’s getting cold, people are moving indoors, and there doesn’t seem to be much reason to expect anything will change anytime soon. I think my whole notion of what constitutes a special occasion is shifting.

Another friend, Yvonne, comes by with her dog, Remington, at least once a week. She used to just stop, when she was walking by and, if I saw her, I’d come out and give Remington a treat and we’d catch up. Now she rings the doorbell.

“Remington!” I holler at the top of my lungs.

Remington goes crazy with excitement and I come out and sit on my front steps and chat with Yvonne. Sometimes Peter joins us.

He tosses goldfish crackers to Remington who, since the start of the pandemic, has really improved his catching skills and now routinely catches six out of six goldfish that Peter tosses.

“Great job!” Peter tells the exuberant dog. “I think you’re ready for the circus!” Remington is proud, I can tell.

Yvonne and I will chat for up to a half an hour, or whenever Remington gets too bored and impatient to

stand another minute, and she always promises to come back soon.

I don’t remember get-togethers like this being so important before. But they are terribly important when we are all hunkering down.

I hear a lot of people talk about how we will remember the times we are living through now. Some of the predictions are far-reaching and world altering and industry changing and they could be right.

But I think I will remember playing games with Remington, and looking forward to Yvonne’s next visit, and reading to Lori on her deck, and watching the moon rise with Peter—with nowhere to go, and a fading memory of where we would go if we could.

We are all hunkering down now and, while I’m sure the world will get larger and more exciting again, right now it is quiet and small, and I am learning to appreciate the small and quiet things.

I called up my mom, whom I haven’t seen in almost a year. “Nothing happening here!” I tell her.

“Nothing happening here either!” she responds. And that seems to be okay.

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

WILD RIVER TRAILS

Boundary Water Brookies

M

y paddle cut through the water like a sharp knife pushing the light Kevlar canoe along at a brisk pace. A strong south wind caught my back like a sail and tried to lift off my cap with each stroke. I was following my friend Eric Duffy and his 11 year old son Max in their 3 man canoe. Eric asked me to come along and be a spare tire in case of an emergency. “If something would happen to me I don’t want Max to end up bird food or bear bait.” Eric’s brother in law John Kadlec was on his first trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, as we paddled downhill with the wind.

Eric had been waiting to take Max along on this trip for three years Wild River but poor weather had denied him the perfect trip weather we had this Trails year. I was happy to go along and be the spare tire but as Usual Eric Jim Bennett had sweetened the pot talking about big Brook Trout! He had shown me pictures of big male brook trout with hooked jaws or kypes as well as fat female’s fish all in brilliant fall spawning colors.

We paddled through scenery off a post card until we hit the shoreline for one short portage to the only campsite on Eric’s secret brook trout lake.

Eric knows much of the BWCA like the back of his hand; his family has a cabin across the road from the BWCA. It’s his love of fishing and all things wild

and free that propel him along. Setting up camp was smooth as silk.

The fishing was all I could have asked for. Not only was the lake loaded with brook trout but their fight was there too. For me it’s the color of a spawning brook trout that rings my bell. I’ve never seen a fish as beautiful as a brook trout in spawning color. The only living creature to compare in beauty is a male wood duck.

Eric makes all of his freeze dried lightweight camping food at home from scratch. Of course it was only fitting that Max caught the biggest trout on this trip, a nearly 20 inch female brookie. I had a big male brookie follow right up to the boat to turn away at the last minute vanishing back into the crystal clear waters from whence it came.

The trip back was a fight against those same winds that sailed us to our destination 2 days earlier. There was no glide and slide against this bullying winds and whitecaps that fought us at every stroke as if we were paddling up hill. Worn out we arrived back at the outfitters camp and Eric and his group headed home for work and school. I planned on staying a little longer to enjoy the trip a bit more living in a tent and cooking overran open fire. I know Max is looking forward to next year’s return trip as much as I. Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

TO THE EDITOR Not voting for SCEA candidates After a few years of drama and two years of recovery, voters in our neck of the woods know just how much of an impact our elected school board representatives have. I was disappointed to learn that district teacher unions, specifically St Croix Education Association (SCEA), chose to endorse a slate of candidates that have been openly hostile to the northern part of the district, critical of the necessary removal of

former superintendent Pontrelli and finance director Hoheisel, and advocates for mega-schools under the guise of equity. The SCEA endorsing candidates hasn’t been typical, but the president of SCEA is Josiah Hill, and this year he is running for state senate as a challenger to Karin Housley (SD39). More curious still is the record of one of the endorsed school board candidates, Annie Porbeni (née Brisibe). Recently she posted on Facebook that Woodbury should secede from

ISD 834 and take its tax dollars with it. She also posted that residents in the northern part of the district are “racist”, go to “Walmart”, are “ignorant clowns” and “born, bred, live, and die in one place. Idiots.” Does Ms. Porbeni even know anyone in the northern part of this district? Finally, Ms. Porbeni wrote an article nine days after the horrific attacks of 9/11 and blamed America for it, calling our nation a “trainer of terrorists” and claiming that all presidents since WWII

should be impeached.

Porbeni’s words are divisive and dangerous.

Hill’s union has shown a serious lack of judgment.

I will not be voting for Hill for Senate, nor Porbeni or any of the SCEA-endorsed candidates. I will however be voting for Ptacek, Stivland, Brewington, Gilles, and Beavers and I hope you will, too.

Charles Anderson Marine on St Croix

Paid endorsement

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COUNTRY MESSENGER

OCTOBER 21, 2020 www.countrymessenger.com

Remember to vote Nov. 3 MARINE CITY COUNCIL Larry Martin, Bill Miller, Lon Pardun, Wendy Ward Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office if you are the incumbent.

MARTIN: Age 81. Hometown: Galesburg, Illinois. Education: Galesburg public schools. Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa B. A. in political science, organ and church music 1962. University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, Master of Fine Arts degree in organ 1966. Church pastoral musician (organist-choral director, pianist) 1958-present Residential real estate sales 1972-2005, broker and agency owner 1978-2005 MILLER: I’m 57 years old. I’m married to Leanna, and have two adult children, Jonah and Kaleb. I’m currently a Community Banking President, Minnesota Metro CCF Bank. I’m a 30-year Bill Miller resident of Marine on St. Croix, and currently serving as a Councilmember for the City of Marine on St. Croix for the last 18 years. I’m a retired 22-year volunteer Firefighter/EMT achieving the rank of Assisting Fire Chief for the City of Marine St. Croix. I’m also a current member of the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, Committee Chair and STRIVE member.

I enjoy hunting, St. Croix River, sailing, camping, film, travel and spending time with family.

PARDUN: I am 64 years old and have lived in Marine since 1996. I grew up in Blaine, MN, joined the US Navy after high school and was a construction manager for most of my career. I am now an assistant Veterans Service Officer in Washington County, a job I thoroughly enjoy. I have been a council member since 2012 and was active with the fire department for 16 years.

WARD: I’m 56 years old and White Bear Lake is my hometown. I have a BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and a Masters Degree from the School of Architecture and College of Design from the University of Minnesota in Heritage Conservation and Preservation. I also have a certificate in Land Use and Environmental Planning from the University of California, Davis.

2015-Current: Land Use Consultant.

2015: Working with the Red Wing Port Authority, (the economic development agency for MN cities along the Mississippi river) I lead an unprecedented, public -private partnership initiative to develop a downtown revitalization strategy for Red Wing’s downtown core.

2014-2015:Executive Director for a Main Street program in Red Wing.

2008-2014: Executive Director, Preservation Napa Valley If you are a challenger, describe why you are running. If you are an incumbent, explain what led you to run and how close are those objectives to being accomplished.

MARTIN: A lot of affected people feel the council needs new blood, new people.

I am running with their encouragement. I believe I was first in town to speak of ethical and health implications of cell tower placement. Minnesota open meeting law not always observed. Governor’s man-

date on Covid ignored with June Council meeting. Planning Commission works in lofty isolation, does not respond to citizen letters.

MILLER: My priority, in my continued service as a council member is and still will be public safety, fiscal responsibility, and communication, protection of our valuable local resources, and the health and well being of our entire community.

But it is my firm belief that we need to be sure that overall spending, improvements, expansions and modifications serve the ‘greater good’ of the entire community.

I am proud of our past achievements: • Addressing the closure of the elementary school and taking positive steps to ensure that a school remains in our town, purchasing the school property and green space after 4 years of contentious negotiations and closing on a 1MM property without raising taxes.

• Managing the complexity of the CSAH 4 project to the benefit of citizens with attention to safety concerns, storm water and cultural and natural resources is another.

• The positive steps taken to address overall storm water management in town and the conveyance of DOT property in the downtown area establishes positive future opportunities.

• The planning and now implementation of the Judd Street Revitalization project that is currently on budget and on schedule • 15 years of level budgets with capital projects funded without having the city issuing bonds for debt or raising taxes A thorough and complete comprehensive plan update the addresses our current needs and priorities of the Village, I personally represented the council and presented the update to the Met Council and we received rave reviews for a town our size.

PARDUN: I ran for council in 2012 because I saw a need for infrastructure in Marine to be addressed; a group of citizens were putting forth a plan to improve downtown that would have had a terrifically high price tag, our city engineer estimated it between 3.5 and 4.5 million dollars. I thought we should look at our entire infrastructure needs not just downtown. Working with the Mayor and current and past council members I put forth a comprehensive infrastructure program for all roads, 201 septic system, and storm water system development. We are in the midst of a very productive time in our city regarding all of the items mentioned previously. This did not happen overnight, planning has been ongoing for years and we are not bonding for any of these projects. I am proud of the approach we used, applying for and received grant funding for the downtown project of over 1.2 million dollars of the total project costs of 1.8 million dollars. This project is more comprehensive than the original vision as it encompasses the Arch Culvert repair as well as ADA compliant sidewalks and storm water infrastructure including treating Highway 95 runoff before it enters the Mill stream. We have a capital improvement plan for roads through 2040 and have upgraded our 201 Septic system for the future. All, again without bonding our future! I believe that is impressive and would like to continue to be proactive with infrastructure.

WARD: I’m running because I know we have something truly special here in Marine, from our Wild and Scenic river, to our prairies, forests, wetlands and

bluffs. Much of our lumbering history can still be seen and felt, as well as a rich Indigenous history that precedes 1839.

I want to use my skills in preservation planning, economic development and environmental and land use planning to more thoughtfully steward this town into the future, where new ideas and voices are respectfully heard and considered as we collaboratively plan for long term prosperity.

What is your opinion on the relationship a Mayor and a City Council should have?

MARTIN: I favor the weak mayor, strong council form of city government, which we have. See National League of Cities definition.

MILLER: At a local Village Level it is crucial for council, mayor, and all city staff, communicate and work as a team I would like to state for the record that I am personally witness to an incredible work ethic and a heartfelt motivation to serve and act in the best interest of the citizens, village and the community as a whole. The Mayor and entire council has worked hard to continue to operate with transparency in every aspect of city business, we also strive to communicate and to actively listen to each and every citizens input and opinion, our meeting attendees enjoy a unique open forum at the pleasure of our honorable Mayor that is quite different that most meetings of a city council.

In a town of our size sometimes people can feel a personal attachment to Marine and the areas of our village and that should be respected.

But we are prudent to take the, needed time, gather the talent and as much information to solve these problems in the best interest of our community.

PARDUN: I believe the Mayor and council should work together for the greater good of the entire city. I have witnessed other cities fall into a trap of small numbers of citizens attempting to push the discussion to their Lon Pardun agendas and not have the entire city in mind.

Marine is a small city, most of us refer to it as the village of Marine and we need to remember why we live in Marine. I think the reason people love it here is our community, and that includes our collaborative and deliberative way of getting things done. Some might refer to this approach as old school or” this is how we have always done it”, which can sound goofy or old-fashioned. But I believe most of my fellow residents think this is a thoughtful and responsible way to achieve our City goals. It also important to remember we are neighbors and most of us are acting in what we believe is in the best interest of Marine. Treating others with respect is paramount to good governance.

WARD: Here in Marine we have a weak Mayor system, where the Mayor works alongside the City Council.

This should be a close working relationship, where the Mayor further assists our City with ambassadorship, fresh ideas, inspiration and leadership.

What concerns do you have about the Village over the next 5-10 years (minus Coronavirus)?

MARTIN: Ethical cell tower placement at least 500 meters (1640 feet) from homes.

Affordable housing, school, fiber optic Internet, renew downtown commercial spaces, citizen involvement in government. Email me at larrymartin333@ gmail.com for science-based information about cell phone tower placement.

MILLER: We have issues we need to address and those issues and needs even in a City of 700 plus people, can at times be complex.

Going Forward I would like to see our city: • Continue to manage a schedule of roads, trail and other future infrastructure projects so we can pay as we go without having to bond for capital maintenance • Continue a reserve fund to address upcoming and future needs for city sewer and other planned and emergency infrastructure needs Continue addressing storm water management with an eye always towards stewardship of our water resources and the St. Croix River.

• Address the noise pollution, primarily from motorcycles.

• Focus on Future sustainability of emergency services and plan for the COVID-related changes in Marine.

PARDUN: That we as a city begin to take our city staff for granted. We have a small, but terrific staff. Our staff does so many things to keep our City running smoothly. The pressure is mounting on them to do more and citizens are bypassing existing procedures making more demands on staff than ever before. If we treat our staff well, I believe we can sustain services for our city with the staff currently in place. Adding staff would be very expensive and could have unintended consequences.

WARD: My top three concerns are 1) getting an active school in our Marine school building again. This is a vital issue that has impacted our neighborhoods, our downtown, our community as a whole, our coffers, and our ability to continue to attract and retain young families to Marine. 2) The cell tower is an issue we hope to have resolved in the near future. It is a priority to have reliable cell service in this stretch of the St Croix Valley so that we know medical, business and personal calls will actually go through. 3) The economic vitality of our downtown is critical. Past City Councils have had hands off approach to business recruitment, retention and assistance.

I will take a proactive position on this because we cannot afford to watch our downtown continue to go through these unhealthy cycles where too many storefronts are empty.

Can comprise work on the local government level because it sure doesn’t seem to be working at a federal or state level?

MARTIN: Cooperation, not compromise, of course.

MILLER: The pressure on a village our size to provide infrastructure, and affordable services while following the guidelines of our comp plan, coupled with keeping our budget at appropriate levels is incredible.

The majority of residents understands these challenges and appreciates the comSEE MARINE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 7

VOTERS GUIDE 2020

OCTOBER 21, 2020

COUNTRY MESSENGER

7

www.countrymessenger.com

MARINE CITY COUNCIL FROM PAGE 6

mitment of time put forth by city officials and city staff. Addressing the closure of the elementary school and taking positive steps to ensure that a school remains in our town is just one major task.

Managing the complexity of the CSAH 4 project to the benefit of citizens with attention to safety concerns, storm water and cultural and natural resources is another. Also, the positive steps taken

to address overall storm water management in town and the conveyance of DOT property in the downtown area establishes positive future opportunities. None of these has been easy but the commitment and the struggles to reach consensus or compromise on the part of the council and the commission was the only way to move each of these critical items forward. We have accomplished this extra “volunteer” workload while maintaining our regular jobs and trying

to balance our personal lives. The same applies to city staff that regularly gets caught up in adding such contentious and labor-intensive issues to their daily workload.

Graduate of Bemidji State University.

I had an early career with National Car Rental and Target in advertising, but self-employed and an employer for more than two decades in design, marketing and sales.

MILLS: The Mayor and Council should listen to each others concerns and have good discussion.

NYENHUIS: The structure and history of Marine is that the Mayor and Council are equal players in governance.

Having served in many official and unofficial ways in Marine over more than 20 years — I have a history of working with mutual respect of all involved. The same applies in this role.

PARDUN: Of course it works at the local level. I have stated we are neighbors and our disagreements have been mostly civil. There is no place for negative political activism at the local level - period.

WARD: Compromise must work at the local level because it is at this level we know our neighbors, we know each other; we see each other every day. The decisions at this level have a direct and immediate impact on our residents and our environment. We need to be welcoming, respectful, and encourage the participation of our community. It is with these combined voices that we look to find solutions.

MARINE MAYOR

Kevin Nyenhuis

Glenn Mills

Glenn Mills and Kevin Nyenhuis Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history MILLS: I am a longtime resident of Marine and I have been Mayor for over 20 years.

NYENHUIS: I’m 55 years old. Born in Massachusetts, but raised in Owatonna and Apple Valley.

If you are a challenger, describe why you are running. If you are an incumbent, explain what led you to run and how close are the objectives to being accomplished.

MILLS: I choose to run again to tackle the issues facing Marine.

NYENHUIS: Through conversation with both longtime and newer residence of Marine I was invited to consider service as Mayor. I have been engaged in many conversations since, sharing a platform of Participation, Preservation and Possibilities.

What is your opinion on the relationship a Mayor and a City Council should have?

What concerns do you have about the Village over the next 5-10 years (minus Coronavirus)?

MILLS: I have a concern about keeping the Fire Department personnel numbers up in the next five to 10 years.

NYENHUIS: The ownership of the Marine Elementary building and grounds, as well as cell tower conversation are high profile issues for the next few years, It is also important that we take a solid inventory of our city lands,

and steward them well for the generations ahead. Master planning of our parklands will be a focus. Additionally, having owned small businesses I have a hart for those that a work, employee and invest in businesses in Marine. With a long career in promotion I’ll guide conversation and bring ideas that can benefit our village core.

Can comprise work on the local government level because it sure doesn’t seem to be working at a federal or state level?

MILLS: I feel the Mayor and Council in Marine work together well.

NYENHUIS: Local voices and considerations are varied too, but the spirit of Marine is to work together. As Mayor, there is a greater responsibility to listen and to make connections between the voices that differ. There is such power in the collective energy of Marine on St. Croix and it motivates us all to give our best.

SCANDIA CITY COUNCIL

Greg Amundson

Heather Benson

James Gribble

Christopher Johnson

Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office if you are the incumbent.

on the Scandia Planning Commission and look forward to continuing my community service on the Scandia City Council.

AMUNDSON: I am 60 years old and grew up in New Brighton, MN. We have lived in Scandia for over 22 years and have raised a family here. I graduated from UW Madison with a degree in Construction Administration and a secondary focus on Commercial Real Estate including city planning. I have been self employed through most of my life and have started and own a residential construction company, a vacation rental business in Lutsen, MN and also InstaTrim Products which is our current business here in Scandia in the industrial park. I have spent the last two years

BENSON: I am 49 years old and grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota. I graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, in 1993 with a B.A. in Sociology - Criminology and Social Deviance. I obtained my law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1996, and was admitted to the Minnesota bar that same year. From 1997-1998, I clerked for a Hennepin County judge, working in the area of juvenile prosecution and child protection. From 1998-2012, I was an Assistant Washington County Attorney, and prosecuted adult felony offenses the majority of that time. Since 2012, I

Greg

AMUNDSON As a business owner in Scandia and having served 2 years on the Planning Commission.

I believe I have the experience and knowledge to serve Scandia now and in the future.

For Scandia

CITY COUNCIL

Paid for by Greg Amundson

have been an Assistant Dakota County Attorney, continuing my work as an adult felony prosecutor.

During the last two years, I have also been responsible for the civil commitment Steve of sexually dangerKronmiller ous predators in Dakota County. I am married, and have two adult sons, and a stepdaughter who is a senior in high school this year. We lived in Woodbury from 1998-2018. Although I am not from Scandia, my husband and several generations of his family are, and in 2018 we moved to Scandia, buying my husband's family home from his parents.

GRIBBLE: I have worn many hats. I was born and raised on resort in Northern Minnesota. It was a great education, making friends with people from all over the Midwest, learning customer service, and also learning to fix just about anything. I worked in logging but probably planted 10 times as many trees as I cut.

I still have many friends up north and still volunteer with a Lake Association cleaning-up day use sites and during spring fish egg harvesting.

I served 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, being deployed 13 times (to hurricanes, oil spills, floods, military operations, etc). I retired from the reserves as a Senior Enlisted Advisor in District 8 (FL - TX and the Midwest) in 2017.

My principal occupation has been working for the citizens of Washington County with the Sheriff’s Office. I have been assigned to many patrol contracts, served as volunteer coordinator, crime prevention specialist, project coordinator and many other collateral duties.

I have successfully written/obtained many private, state and federal grants. I am currently a Shift Commander on the afternoon shift in which I oversee approximately 20 officers. I retire in early 2021. Before working as a deputy here, I was the Chief of Police in Renville MN, a small fourperson department in central Minnesota.

My wife Ann and son John have lived in Scandia since 2000, first on Oak Hill,

and now on Olinda. Before living here, we lived in Bayport and St. Mary’s Point.

JOHNSON: I'm a tail-end "boomer gen" descendent of the area's first Swedish (3/4) and French Canadian (1/4) settlers.

Born and raised here, the last of our old family farm on the prairie (~ mile past the Co 4 tunnel) was sold off with the demise of so many other family farms early 1980s. However, the farm house was later bought and restored by Gov. Al Quie and is still there; the original log house is the "settlers cabin' in Marine which was donated to the city by my mother's father Irving Massicotte and is where his older brother and sister were born back in those pioneer days. I lived, traveled and studied around the world for many years since then. Today I live in Scandia on 20+ acres; land steward once again of old family farm field, pasture, woodland and wetland habitat under restoration since the first day I built our modest home there 19 years ago.

I attended Marine elementary (my older siblings started at one-room Hay Lake) then HS in Stillwater (78), but our family has always attended Elim in Scandia and were all confirmed there.

I'm a double major- double minor grad of the University of Minnesota; My masters’ work, also at UMN, has been in Business and most recently in Sustainable Horticulture & Environmental Restoration and I volunteer with several programs through the University Extension services. . The later experience is my avocation: the background for my small home based consulting business, SylvanDell). My vocation and daily work passion is in Information Technology.

I've (tele) commuted to the MetroTC the last 25 years working as a ½ IT professional with three area Fortune 100 companies.

KRONMILLER: My name is Steve Kronmiller and I am 62 years old. I grew up in Ripon, Wisconsin but have lived in Scandia longer than anywhere else.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. I earned a Certificate in Leadership from the North Hennepin Community College in 1993 and my Project Management Professional SEE SCANDIA CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 8

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certification in 1999. I spent the first 40 years of my professional career developing and delivering applications and networked systems. I recently changed careers and became the Corporate Construction Manager for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and lead construction projects all over the country.

Four years ago, I had the good fortune of being elected to serve the citizens of Scandia as a City Council Member. I care for the citizens and businesses in Scandia and hope they vote to have me continue serving them for another four years.

If you are a challenger, describe why you are running. If you are an incumbent, explain what led you to run and how close are the objectives to being accomplished AMUNDSON: I believe that my past experience in construction and also owning a business here in Scandia has provided me with a good understanding of how Scandia works and what we are going to have to deal with in the future.

BENSON: I am running for city council because I feel incredibly lucky to live in this town, which is a small and safe community, filled with kind and welcoming people. There is something really special about Scandia, and I am committed to keeping it that way. My kids are now grown, so I find myself with time and energy, which I want to commit to something important. Since making the decision to run for city council, I have really enjoyed the conversations I have had with residents about their concerns about Scandia and the future. The thing I have always loved about my job, as a prosecutor is the sense that my work makes the community a better, safer place. I believe serving on the city council will bring the same satisfaction, and I will work hard for the people in this community.

GRIBBLE: I am running for Scandia City Council because I have considerable experience and know-how relating to public issues. I am a good mediator and problem solver. Being able to work with cities around Washington County and in various jurisdictions across the U.S. has been a great leaning experience. I can bring to the table a global perspective that Scandia can capitalize on.

This is NOT to change Scandia: I believe that government should facilitate the enjoyment of one’s home. This includes respect for the existing residents whose occupation and activities has given Scandia the flavor it has today: a rural gem within driving distance of St. Paul. I respect our landowners right to profit from their lands, and controlled growth can be a very good thing, but I do not want Scandia’s residents to lose lifelong freedoms and traditions. Finally, I am fiscally conservative. Not cheap, but rather innovative and forward thinking, recognizing certain efficiencies can be realized by sticking to the basics.

JOHNSON: I'm running to bring affordable, state of the art, Fiber Broadband Infrastructure to all of Scandia and northern Washington County. With half the population in Scandia alone essentially without broadband in this time of COVID19 crisis, we need to end the fantasy of relying on the old technology and empty promises of the incumbent ISPs. Our work with local and national experts the last three years have proven beyond doubt that this FTTP infrastructure can be very affordably built within the next 18 to 24 months. Why is it so urgent and important? There are too many reasons but the largest, long term ones stand out FTTP is the last best chance we and our future generations have to save, nurture and build upon our core community assets: our friendly diverse people, our love of open spaces, our clean water & air, our farm-to-table organic horticulture,

our dark skies with continuous corridors of natural plant and wildlife habitat -- in short, everything that makes up our unique and diverse "rural character."

KRONMILLER: I ran because after serving for 12 years on the local Watershed District Board of Managers, I wanted to get more involved at the local level. I felt Internet access was a critical objective for Scandia, so I founded Scandia’s “Internet for All” initiative during my first year. A lot has happened since then.

This month MidCo will complete their first network expansion to 25% of the people lacking access to reliable high-speed Internet. With MidCo’s help in acquiring State grants and federal funds, I believe Scandia will achieve its goal of making reliable, high-speed internet available to every home and business in Scandia while keeping taxpayers cost low.

What is your opinion on the relationship a Mayor and a City Council should have?

AMUNDSON: Extremely important.

The relationship/partnership with the Mayor is an integral part of discussions and formulating plans going forth.

BENSON: The relationship between the Mayor and the council members, and the relationship between the individual council members, must be a respectful working relationship, where all feel that they can openly express opinions and ideas.

This expression of independent ideas allows for each member to bring their own unique perspective, which is based on their own life experiences. This type of collaboration helps develop a bigger picture, in terms of solutions to problems.

In other words, a well-run council will allow for trust, respect and diversity, all contributing to better decision making.

GRIBBLE: The Mayor and Council need to be a team, but also each member should offer their own perspective and

opinion. They need to get along and focus on common solutions more than their own agenda. There may be however, points where members will not capitulate and may stand apart. Each member needs to be willing to stand up for what he or she feel is best for Scandia. I work well with a variety of people and look forward to the challenges Scandia faces. I promise to do my best for all of Scandia.

JOHNSON: Lead agreement on the goals of a common long term vision, foster collaborative open deliberation teambuilding and compromise to work through disagreements on methods and policies to achieve that vision. The Scandia mayor/council relationship, "small town model" is not like the big city "strong mayor" one.

KRONMILLER: The Mayor is the leader of the Council. We look to them for leadership and direction. However, they are also just one of 5 votes at the table.

Since it takes 3 votes to approve anything, it is imperative to not only have a good working relationship with the Mayor, but with everyone else on the Council too.

What concerns do you have about the Village over the next 5-10 years (minus Coronavirus)?

AMUNDSON: We are facing significant challenges with our infrastructure and lack of housing opportunities for young families and seniors that wish to stay in the area. In addition, we need to expand/ improve our two existing community septic systems, which are currently at maximum capacity. Scandia badly needs to provide opportunities for new small businesses to come into the area, which will help with tax revenue and add to our overall mix of defining Scandia into the future.

SEE SCANDIA CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 9

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SCANDIA CITY COUNCIL FROM PAGE 8

BENSON: My biggest concern is managing inevitable growth without changing everything that makes Scandia a great place to live. I also have concerns about basic needs, such as quality internet services and sewer. There are still households in Scandia that have internet service that is not sufficient.

There are aging sewer systems that will need replacement, and I am concerned about the financial implications of this problem.

GRIBBLE: The rapid growth that is occurring in communities very near Scandia, metropolitan real estate trends, and changes in peoples work patterns (working from home) signals an impending wave of development headed this way. The distance we are from worksites may very well vanish as online work becomes more widespread.

The question if newcomers demand that the services and amenities follow them?

Water, sewer, and Internet have all been identified, but what about emergency medical services, the quickening of transit, the pressure that the Met council will exert. I have seen other communities struggle when facing these challenges. Scandia has some aging infrastructure that must be addressed and we will succeed. Further, I feel we must approach the expansion of City liabilities with full lifecycle plans that will not shift the cost of development to current homeowners. As outlined in # 2 above, we need to be clear about why we are residents of Scandia and what we value. I am listening to what you are saying and I value our rural atmosphere.

KRONMILLER: Life-Cycle Housing opportunities are needed to attract young families and allow people wanting to downsize to do so without leaving the community.

Maintaining our roads, and sewer and water systems without costly tax

increases is a huge issue that needs to be solved in the next couple of years.

Ensuring every home and business has access to reliable, high-speed internet.

Can comprise work on the local government level because it sure doesn’t seem to be working at a federal or state level?

AMUNDSON: This is the best system we have and it does work and will continue to work albeit with a lot of frustration the past few years. Changing seats of people in office helps to bring new ideas and views on what the country and Scandia needs going into the future, which is why we have elections every 2 – four years.

BENSON: The willingness to compromise is essential in all decision-making processes, especially involving large numbers of people with different and sometimes competing interests.

GRIBBLE: So much of our country has gone sideways due to the nonstop barrage social media. Opinions frequently erupt from emotions based on partial facts or other opinions based on other opinions. I strive not to follow that path, preferring to study the facts and issues directly, talking to people first hand. Doing so almost always leads to a solution acceptable to all parties.

My second answer the question, “ Can comprise work on the local government level? “ Man, I hope so!

JOHNSON: Yes we can!

KRONMILLER: I believe openness, transparency, collaboration, and negotiation are the key skills in being a successful Council Member. The Scandia City Council has had a good working relationship all four years I have been serving and I will do my part to see it continue that way.

SCANDIA MAYOR ber of the Scandia/Marine Lions Club, on the Board of the non-profit Scandia Heritage Alliance, a member of the Welcome to Scandia Committee, the council liaison to the Tourism Committee and serve as a Scandia representative on the Marine Community Library Board.

Christine Maefsky

Randall Simonson

Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office if you are an incumbent.

MAEFSKY: I have lived in Scandia for 48 years, but was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I am 75 years old, have four children all of whom were raised in Scandia, and 11 grandchildren.

This is my 4th year as Mayor of Scandia as I was first elected in 2016. My education includes a B.A. in political science from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in curriculum and teaching from Teachers College Columbia University in New York. My career has been in farming as co-owner with my husband Vincent of Poplar Hill Dairy Goat Farm since 1972, and in K-12 teaching from which I retired in 2016 after 49 years. I have been active in community service my entire life and am currently a mem-

If you are an incumbent, explain what led you to run and have those objectives been accomplished.

MAEFSKY: I first ran for office because I was committed to the vision for the future of Scandia that is consistent with what residents have said they wanted - that Scandia remains the welcoming, historically and environmentally respectful, small-town community its residents love. Since I was elected, Scandia has achieved multiple initiatives to support those things: Good Neighbor Awards, Welcome to Scandia committee, increased internet accessibility, new businesses in Scandia, state and county collaboration for new trails, increased enrollment in the elementary school, 501c3 Scandia Heritage Alliance to preserve Scandia’s history, collaboration with Gammelgarden Museum, and the Scandia/Marine Lions Club to further residents connections and pride in the city.

What’s your opinion on the relationship between a Mayor and a City Council?

MAEFSKY: I believe that a Mayor should lead by example and create an environment of collaboration and open discussion. Since I took office, the relationship between the Mayor and City Council has been one of respect even when our opinions are different. I strive to include all council members thoughts and ideas during our discussions and before decisions are made. It is also important for the Mayor to demonstrate accessibility and open-mindedness with the residents of Scandia and encourage the same from Council members. We are public servants and I work to ensure that we are approachable and responsive to public concerns.

What concerns do you have about the Village over the next 5-10 years (minus Coronavirus)?

MAEFSKY: Improving reliable, fast, citywide Internet - with the educational, medical, and work restrictions placed on us by COVID19, the need is greater now than ever.

• Continuing our history of fiscal responsibility, • Continuing the momentum we have built during my previous terms to

accelerate bringing our roads up to high quality standards.

• Working with State legislators and the DNR to bring the Gateway Trail into Scandia, • Revitalization of the Scandia Village Center • Using economic development tools to bring to Scandia new businesses that support the small-town rural character and heritage of our community • Taking initiatives to support recognition and preservation of historic sites.

Can compromise work on the local government level? Because it sure doesn’t seem to be working at a federal or state level.

MAEFSKY: Under my leadership I believe our city council, particularly during the past two years, has shown itself to be willing to compromise to reach decisions that are best for the residents of Scandia. Within reason and although not always possible, I strive to reach unanimous decisions by encouraging indepth and respectful discussion. When this has not been possible, I believe the minority vote has without malice accepted the decision of the majority.

The Country Messenger reached out to Simonson, but he chose not to respond.

DISTRICT 39A Means Finance, Labor, Taxes, Property and Local Tax Division, Child Hood Obesity Legislative Working Group (Chair), Military Action Working Group (Chair).

Bob Detmer

Ann Mozey

Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office (if you’ve been the incumbent) DETTMER: I’m 69 years old. My hometown is Forest Lake, Minn. I received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and a MA in Education from St. Thomas University.

Teacher, Head Wrestling Coach Forest Lake School District, 34 years, (Retired); United States Army Reserve, Chief Warrant Officer CW4, 25 years, (Retired); Wrestling official for the Minnesota State High School League; Currently serving as the Minnesota State Representative for House District 39A. Minnesota State Legislator in the House of Representatives 2007 – present.

Legislative Committees Served on: Veterans Division (Chair and Lead), State Government Finance, K-12 Education Finance, Capitol Investments, Ways and

MOZEY: My name is Ann Mozey, I am 54 years of age, and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I moved to a small hobby farm with my three children in 2012, and now my parents also live near me in May TWP. I am a graduate of Minneapolis Public Schools and went to college at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, Minnesota. Following college, I was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota where I earned a Master’s in German and taught undergraduate German courses for the University of Minnesota.

I attended William Mitchell College of Law n/k/a Mitchell Hamline College of Law and graduated in 1997. While I have worked with many law firms in a variety of capacities over the years, I have predominately worked as a solo practitioner because it has always been my joy to be 100% responsive to my clients.

Currently, I am on the Citizens Review Panel for Washington County, overseeing aspects of Child Protection, Foster Care, and Day-Care Licensing. I am also on the DFL Environmental Caucus executive board working to nurture our communities and candidates to have an environmental focus and create good environmental policies for Minnesota.

Recently, I was a board member for the Washington County Lawyer’s Board, serving two terms as the Secretary with a focus on providing support and resources in the legal community and at large. Always, I have volunteered throughout my 21-year career with Tubman, and with Washington County providing assistance to those in need.

What should be the state’s role in the recovery from a pandemic?

DETTMER: Minnesota families and businesses have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of our state economy. One of our top priorities next session will be helping families and small businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and the shutdown. By safely and fully opening up all segments of the business community we can then achieve economic recovery.

Legislators must realize that the money we spend through legislation belongs to the people we serve, the Minnesota taxpayer. I would support the concept of zero-base budgeting for the many state level agencies. They would be required to submit their budget requests to the legislature starting with a zero base and justify their budget request and not assume automatic increases year after year.

All funding request must be priori-

tized as to accomplish the role of government: public safety, military, veterans, transportation infrastructure, and public education. A percentage of tax revenue collected must also be set-aside in the emergency fund account for possible natural disasters and other public emergencies. Lower taxes stimulate the economy and provide jobs. I will support meaningful tax relief for individuals, families, businesses and farms.

MOZEY: Minnesota is 86% small businesses, and we need to keep it that way. While some may not recover from the pandemic and economic fallout, one area of investment that might do well to address that issue is start-up funding.

Currently all relief is designed to prop up existing businesses with federal, state or county grants or loans. There is no money going to investments in new business ventures. And yet whenever we stand still in a fast-paced economy we are falling behind.

Universal affordable quality health care for all should be our number one priority, whether at the state or national level. Banking and credit regulations need to be revisited to address the social functions that they serve, rather than just for-profit. Currently only 31 Minnesota banks have stated that they SEE DISTRICT 39A, PAGE 10

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would step up for their customers and help bridge a path to a better day for everyone. Without national leadership, local and state governments are left to put together policies that support their communities. It does not take a rocket scientist to look around and see that in too many situations we have chosen to ignore the perils of this medical crisis, now also a social justice crisis as well as an economic crisis.

Boosting the local economy must be a priority. Funding the bonding bill is one opportunity. Unfortunately, my opponent repeatedly voted Why are your visions and plans for your District better than your opponent?

DETTMER: Throughout my adult life I have been in positions of service in our community, state and country. In our community I have served through teaching and coaching many children.

For our country I have served 25 years as a member of our Army Reserve, seeing 20 months of active duty after 9/11. I have a proven record of service, success, integrity, leadership and the ability to deal with difficult situations.

I believe I’m a person that can help

bring people together to accomplish things for the common good of this State.

Serving as a state legislator I’ve met with hundreds of constituents in community meetings, group meetings at the capitol and with individuals in homes, coffee shops and in my office at the State Capitol. Emails, letters, phone calls are also ways I involve the public.

I encourage the public to attend legislative committee meetings to testify on important legislative issues.

as a family law lawyer, has given me a strong appreciation for what people struggle with every day.

If elected, I would bring a people-centered problem-solving perspective with me to the Minnesota State House, the peoples’ house. It is time that we come together, work together and find solutions together. Leadership requires informed participation. I would be the leader to find and enact positive solutions working together and bringing our communities together.

MOZEY: Always an advocate and attorney, I am an environmentalist, a small business owner and practicing attorney with offices in Stillwater. For over 20+ years I have worked with individuals in difficult situations, giving voice and support for people-centered sustainable solutions.

I am a good communicator and a strong advocate. I look forward to investing in and advocating for our community, connecting us with a government built by the people and for the people. This past year of campaigning, across social media, at community events and through door knocking, I have engaged in as many conversations as possible about what matters to each of us. My decades of work in Minnesota

Outside of the pandemic, what are the challenges Minnesota is facing in the next 5-10 years, you would like to tackle?

mittee. I was voted Assistant Majority Leader by my colleagues in 2018. It’s truly been an honor to represent this district. Thank you.

es during COVID and now, more than ever, we need to come to the aid of these folks, so we don’t lose anymore. I have worked with both local chambers in my district and know firsthand that a strong business community is vital to supporting the quality of life in our communities.

Why are your visions and plans for your District better than your opponent?

DETTMER: The support of Health Care Reform to help push down the cost of premiums by strengthening the individual market and allowing for-profit HMOs to increase competition and lower rates.

The passing of legislation that will increase public safety supporting our first responders of our Law enforcement, Fire, EMT services and reduces traffic congestion by prioritizing the fixing of roads, bridges and essential infrastructure.

schools and good environmental policy go hand in hand that we have an opportunity to address these most important issues of the 21st century.

It is on these most important issues that my opponent and I differ significantly. The incumbent has consistently voted against funding our public schools. And, he does not believe that government should take a role in curbing climate change, and uses oxymorons like “clean coal,” I would be a steward of our natural world. All of my opponent’s votes have been in favor of either obstructionism or corporate profit over what is healthy for our children and the land, water and life on this planet. Here is a summary of his recent record: • In 2020, playing partisan games with our Minnesota State Constitution, he voted to block environmental funding ($64.2 mil. from gambling proceeds) even though the voters had already approved such funding. (HF4554) • Repeatedly and currently he is blocking the bonding bill, which includes many wastewater and clean water projects in Minnesota. (HF2529).

Now also blocked in the Minnesota Senate.w

MOZEY: Investing in our public

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 39A

What should be the state’s role in the recovery from a pandemic?

Josiah Hill

Karin Housley

Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office (if you’ve been the incumbent).

HILL: My name is Josiah Hill. My wife Emily and I are raising our three daughters—Grace (9), Cleo (5), and Quinn (4)—in Stillwater. I am a Stillwater native and I teach in the English department at my alma mater—Stillwater Area High School. I have been elected by my 550 education colleagues to serve 6 consecutive 2-year terms as our local education association president.

I have a BA in English from UW-Madison, a MSE in Secondary Education from UW-River Falls, and an Ed. D in Educational Leadership from Hamline University. I am seeking my first term in the Minnesota Senate.

HOUSLEY: I’ve been married to my husband, Phil, for 35 years. I’m 56 years old and we have four grown children and three grandchildren. I’m a small-business owner (real estate) and have owned Housley Homes since 2003.

I graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Both of my parents were schoolteachers and our children graduated from Stillwater High School. We live in Stillwater and I have been involved in the community through various nonprofit organizations, veterans’ groups, church and chambers of commerce. I was elected in 2012 to the MN Senate. For the last four years I have been the Chair of the Family Care and Aging Committee.

Taking care of our most vulnerable, our seniors, has been a huge passion of mine, especially a high priority during COVID. I’ve passed many bills that were signed into law to help protect the elderly. I have worked across the aisle as more than 70% of my bills are co-sponsored by a democrat. I am also an active member of the Commerce Committee, the Jobs and Economic Growth Committee, the Education Committee and the Veterans Com-

HILL: The COVID19 pandemic did not break our systems, but it certainly exposed the weaknesses throughout.

Whether we’re looking at affordable housing, equal access to health care, child care options or disparities in educational opportunities, the pandemic clearly showed what we all knew: many of our citizens are living without a safety net. I believe government exists to improve people’s lives and in a time like this should serve to keep people safe and marshal opportunities and resources to help everyone. I believe that when everyone is helped, all of our lives improve.

Specifically, the government can help ensure access unemployment benefits, credits for childcare, expanded housing assistance, low interest loans to small businesses and grants to support payrolls. We can make sure our citizens can access health care, and that we can provide the most up-to-date information to best address this crisis.

HOUSLEY: From the beginning of the pandemic, we knew that our seniors were going to be the most at risk of losing their lives to COVID19, especially those in our senior living facilities. I have been critical of the state for NOT prioritizing our elderly. Over 70% of our deaths due to COVID have been in these facilities, but the Department of Health has not allocated nearly enough resources to our senior homes. They still aren’t keeping up with testing our caregivers and residents of the congregate care homes, yet they are providing free testing to anyone wanting a test on public street corners. This is wrong.

I’ll continue to be the voice for these seniors who have been in complete isolation for more than seven months.

Going forward, we MUST make our seniors the top priority. As far as opening our economy, small businesses are our state’s foundation. Listening to these job creators about where the state can help is needed. Whether it’s lowering taxes, removing unnecessary regulations, streamlining processes or small business loans, it should all be on the table. We’ve lost a lot of small business-

HILL: Simply put, I know the residents of my district better than my opponent. Her record shows that she’s been more concerned with party loyalty than her constituents’ needs.

She is simply out of touch with the needs of common Minnesotans. I have been deeply involved in education and worked directly with families across our school district. Form more than 18 months, I have been in countless living rooms and coffee shops (pre-COVID), and then so many online events, where I’ve met and talked with the residents of the district. I’ve heard them talk about their concerns and fears. Even as the wealthiest among us have continued to experience economic prosperity, many more have found themselves struggling and becoming increasingly insecure.

My plans will focus on how to improve the lives of my neighbors and for Minnesotans across the state. While I am running with party endorsement, I will be a fair and open-minded advocate for all Minnesotans, not simply those who support and/or donate to my party.

HOUSLEY: A top priority for me is to bring law and order back to our state.

I am honored to be endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officer Association. Residents need to know that our streets and communities are safe. When the City of Forest Lake was attempting to dismantle their police department, residents asked me to help, and I did. When talking with our residents, safety is at the top of everyone’s minds. I also sit on the Education Committee and making sure that we provide our kids, our state’s future, with the best education possible, is a priority of mine - part of that is getting broadband out to every home! The kids have really struggled during this pandemic without access to good internet.

I have helped to organize stakeholders and got funding (with more coming) to get these broadband lines out to the underserved.

Outside of the pandemic, what are the challenges Minnesota is facing in the next 5-10 years you would like to tackle?

HILL: The next decade is critical on a number of fronts, and failure to act will have ramifications for decades to come.

First, we have to improve our responses to climate change. That means supporting alternative energy, investing in new infrastructure, re-evaluating transportation plans and protecting Minnesota’s natural resources. We must think long term; if we fail to protect our environment (water, air & soil), then it won’t matter if we managed some short-term financial gains. Our children deserve better.

Speaking of our children, we must do better in supporting public education. Despite our strong commitment to public education, Minnesota leads the nation in a racial achievement gap and our disparities in funding across the state are almost tragic. All of our children deserve the highest quality education possible, regardless of race, income, ethnicity, identity or ZIP code.

We simply must do better in supporting education from pre-K to college level.

Every dollar we invest in education returns four dollars to our economy. A refusal to fully fund education hurts all of us, and I will be a tireless advocate for education.

HOUSLEY: Like I said, taking care of our seniors is my passion and it will be my mission for as long as this district will have me. There are so many issues that our seniors face, from financial exploitation, to taxed Social Security, to affordable housing, to abuse or neglect.

I’ve worked very hard to pass landmark legislation to protect our most vulnerable if they live in a congregate care setting, but the work isn’t done. There is much more to do, and it will always be a top priority. Also, another problem facing Minnesota is the growing need for more people in our workforce. Not every person needs to go to a four-year college to start a career. We need to help kids find a career path and encourage programs at our technical and vocational post-secondary schools for well-respected careers. Those will be priorities for me in the next 5-10 years, along with keeping our taxes low, our roads and bridges safe, health care affordable and our police and fire departments fully funded.

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STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD

Dawn Beavers

Tim Brewington

Joe Ehrler

Bill GIlles

Katie Hockert

Give a little background information about yourself, including age, hometown, education, job history and how long you’ve been in office (if you’ve been the incumbent).

BEAVERS: My name is Dawn Beavers and I am 46 years old. I am originally from Smyrna, GA and currently live in Baytown Township. I am a former high school teacher and assistant principal. I taught in four different school systems with widely diverse populations. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and a teaching certificate. I received my master’s degree in educational leadership. This is the first time I have run for any form of political office.

Social Work and Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota. Teaching Licensure in Special Education from Minnesota State University Mankato.

Masters in Differentiated Education from Concordia University St. Paul.

Work History: Social Worker from 1997 - 2003 (Olmsted County). Special Education Teacher/Site Lead from 2003 - 2016 (Rochester Public Schools, South Washington County Schools, Northeast Metro Intermediate District 916). Academic Dean from 2016-2018 (Moundsview Public Schools). Education Coordinator from 2018 - Present (Northeast Metro Intermediate District 916). This is my first time running for public office.

BREWINGTON: Hello, my name is Tim Brewington and I am running for one of the 2-year seats on the Stillwater Area School Board and I would be honored to have your support. I am 48 years old and live in Woodbury with my wife of 25 years and family. I am a proud parent of twin girls that graduated from the district in 2019 and of a son with special needs currently in the district. I am seeking a seat on the Stillwater Area School Board to highlight the unique challenges of students with special needs and their families. Currently, I serve as a commissioner on the Parks and Natural Resources Commission in Woodbury and I am a founding member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee for the Public Safety Department of Woodbury.

PETRIE: I am 68 and retired. I was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa. I worked as a writer and editor for newspapers and magazines before deciding to stay home when my children were small.

I volunteered in the schools and served on various District 834 task forces. I worked on—or led—every successful operating levy renewal effort since the early 2000s. In that time, I helped raise more than $1 million for enrichment projects in Stillwater Area Public Schools.

EHRLER: My name is Joseph (Joe) Ehrler; I graduated from South St. Paul High School, Augsburg College (now University) in Minneapolis (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science), the University of Vermont (Master of Public Administration) and William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline, Juris Doctor). I worked for several electric utilities doing revenue and sales forecasting. For the last 20 years, I have consulted with tax-exempt organization nationwide on compensation and benefits. I am a licensed attorney in Minnesota and a registered financial representative (Series 7 and 63), I am licensed in life and health in all fifty states and will be completing my property and casualty licensing this fall. I am 54 years old.

GILLES: My name is Bill Gilles and I am running in the 2-year Special Election for ISD 834 Stillwater School Board.

I am a 44 year-old resident of Stillwater.

I received my Business degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Notre Dame. I have 20 years of experience in non-profit management and have owned a Landscaping business for the last six years. I was given a temporary appointment to the school Board in early September and I am running to fill the final two years of that term.

HOCKERT: I’m Katie Hockert and I’m running for a four-year seat on the Stillwater Area School Board. I am originally from Milwaukee, WI and have lived in the district since 2012. I have twins in elementary school who are keeping me quite busy with distance learning. I am a former high school history teacher and worked in the Madison Metro School District from 2005-2012. Since moving up here, I have found part time work as a tutor for National History Day in the St. Paul Public Schools, as a tutor then director of Education at Sylvan in Woodbury, and most recently as an AVID tutor in South Washington County Schools.

ONKEN: Age: 45. My hometown is Slayton, MN. Education: Bachelors in

PTACEK: I was Born and raised in Kenosha, WI. I have BS in Political Science and History, MS in History and Education, PhD in Educational Administration University of Wisconsin-Madison. I was a classroom teacher for 18 years, taught “Principles & Practices of Secondary Education” University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I was also a principal and associate principal for 15 years.

I’ve been a School Board member for 12 years; one year as chair, three years as vice chair, and three years as clerk.

SHERMAN: My name is Alison Sherman. I am 46 years old and was born in Albert Lea, MN. I am running for one of the two-year school board positions. I have a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. I am a former account executive and marketing consultant and now work as a part-time educational assistant. For the last 15 years my family and I have lived in Woodbury. I have been active in my sons’ educations volunteering in the classroom and for PTA events. I also participated in one of the district’s Bridge to Excellence committees. I currently serve on the board of the high school speech and debate booster program. During my son’s time at Lake Elmo Elementary I realized the decisions that most impacted schools were made by the school board. With that realization, I have been engaging in board and working group meetings for several years now. In an attempt to inform and engage community members I started summarizing meetings over two years ago ST. ORES: Bayport resident 20 years, age: 62, Education: Political Science, Economics, Computer Programming and Operations, MBA, formally trained in M+A, SEC licenses, Head of IT since age 32 in global medical device and advanced technology firms leading transformational change programs – retrained and educated 300,000 over my career. Very experienced in distance learning and Learning Management Systems.

STIVLAND: I am an educator at heart and have always been a curious learner.

My husband and I started Bluestone Physician Services, a successful medical care company here in Stillwater in 2006, and we have three children who attended and graduated from Stillwater

Matt Onken

Mike Ptacek

Bevery Petrie

Allison Sherman

Area Schools. I received my bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies from St. Olaf College, and have a Gifted Education Certificate from Hamline University. I have been proud to serve my first Sarah Stivland Phil St. Ores Roger Ziemann term on the school board for this amazing school district. I love this community and the their experiences, and I was shocked at incredible history and natural beauty of how many were having similar issues. this scenic river valley.

My daughter adores her teachers, and her teachers are clearly fond of her. The ZIEMANN: Retired teacher, principal few examples of instruction I witnessed and school board member. Began teachshowed a very competent teaching ing in 1970 (you do the math on my age). professional who expertly navigated the Graduated from Fairmont High School lessons and curriculum. in 1966. (Fairmont is town of 10,000 in far I was confounded - what was going southern Minnesota.) Graduated from wrong?

Gustavus Adolphus College with BA in So, I hit the books and started digging English and Education. Graduated with into the research and science of reading.

MS and Spec. in Administration from On the one hand, I found that the science Winona State University. of reading is pretty much settled. We know how reading works and we know If you are an incumbent, what made you how to provide instruction. On the other want to run and have those objectives been hand, much of the instruction we use accomplished. If you are a challenger now, in the schools is not consistent with the what led you to run? science of reading.

We have bright students; we have BEAVERS: I decided to run for school capable and professional educators – board because I wanted to help the stuwhat we need is reading instruction that dents in our district. I have a passion for works. And that is why I’m running. the education of the students we serve.

I would like to represent our 18 comHOCKERT: Education is changing munities and work to improve student around us this year and we need forward achievement throughout the district. I thinkers who reflect on the past and are have lived in four states and two counwilling to make improvements to benefit tries. This allows me to offer a unique our future. We cannot afford to continue perspective to our district. on a path that is steering us into wasteful spending, litigation, and buyouts.

BREWINGTON: I believe that the Our tax dollars are too valuable and School Board should be a reflection of need to be focused back in the classroom. the diversity that exists in the commuAs a student of history, I understand the nity. When I speak of diversity, I am not value it holds in preparing us for the fujust referring to racial diversity, but also ture. Our district has been through so diversity of thought, experience and much pain in recent years, we cannot alperspective. Any organization that lacks low our families to endure any more indiversity has blind spots. Blind spots stability. My focus if elected would be on are aspects of issues that one may miss efforts to prepare and support a levy and because of lack of experience and perbond for 2021 so that our district mainspectives. Blind spots make it difficult to tains financial stability in the immemake well- informed decisions that also diate future. I am also very concerned blind you from unintended consequencby the pressing needs of overcrowded es. Currently the Board has a blind spot elementary schools in the southern part when it comes to the BIPOC population of our district. Plans to address these and special needs families. In September needs in a timely manner have been of this year I was appointed temporally thwarted by the current board and left to the School Board because of resignathe staff to find “creative spacing” to abtions. I am seeking to continue on the sorb the pressure themselves. The board Board to bring my unique perspective as promised but has yet to deliver district a person of color and a parent of a child wide boundary changes to address the with special needs. burdens on southern schools. We need leaders who will take action now.

EHRLER: I choose to run for school board for two main reasons. First, the ONKEN: I’m running for a four year chaos that the board has brought about position on the District 834 school over the last two to four years is unacboard because its time to build a better ceptable. Second, I believe my education board. The current board majority has and background brings to the board a made a number of fiscally irresponsible perspective that is missing, especially decisions including the separation with with the resignations that occurred Superintendent Pontrelli when she only earlier this summer causing the need had one year remaining on her contract. for two seats to be filled with a special Many of their recent decisions seem to election. be part of an agenda that has very little to do with the students of our district. It GILLES: I have been following the is time to move forward, putting stugoings-on of the school district as a dents and equity first, and the only way concerned parent for several years, but to do this is by electing a new board. there is a moment that pushed me from PETRIE: I have been concerned about being a concerned parent – to being a the direction of this board in the past candidate for school board. two years, and I don’t believe decisions My oldest daughter – a 2nd grader - is have been made in the best interests of having a real hard time learning how students or taxpayers. For instance, I to read. My daughter loves books, has did not agree with the decision to oust been read to all of her life, and is bright, the superintendent, at a cost of $300,000, curious, and eager to please her teachers. She was a perfectly willing, capable, in the middle of a pandemic, and over and eager student, yet couldn’t learn how the objections of 80% of teachers and all to read.

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STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD FROM PAGE 11

principals. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective that is fortified by my experience and intimate knowledge of the district. I believe we need to get back to data-driven decision-making that puts kids first but keeps in mind that funding is limited.

PTACEK: Twelve years ago when I originally ran for school board I wanted to make a difference. That same desire and drive moves me now. My knowledge and extensive experience equip me in the “know how” and ability to achieve meaningful results.

Two examples of recent achievements include: • Leadership role in bringing Project Lead the Way to District 834 and St. Croix Catholic School with no initial District 834 cost; and • Key role in a “Quality Compensation” bill which brought approximately $1.4 million additional funding annually to District 834 SHERMAN: I am running because I believe what is best for students has gotten lost in recent school board decisions.

I hear over and over from people that they want their tax dollars spent educating students, they want decisions made based on data not emotion, they want our teachers and staff to feel respected, they want a school board that understands its governance and oversight role, and they want leadership by example. We have an opportunity to put a divisive past behind us, to come together and look forward to realizing the potential we have to do better for all students. We have one chance to get it right for students. The board can accomplish this by focusing on its job of establishing a forward-looking vision and creating a strategic plan that places the district in the best possible position to achieve its goals. I am ready to work collaboratively with all district stakeholders to make this happen for all students.

ST. ORES: My executive experience in transformational change, distance learning and learning management systems honed over 30 years in re-educating 300,000 employees makes me uniquely qualified. Excellent financial/ budget management, superior managerial/accounting controls and excellent team building skills are needed by the District at this time – I have all the above.

A world-class education provided to our young is why I am running.

STIVLAND: I have had a life long passion and commitment to education, and I want to see transformation in how we teach and learn. We are experiencing a technological revolution worldwide and we want our children to be fully prepared for the new ways of doing almost everything today. I am so proud to be a part of improving our schools and to be working hard to ensure that every student receives a top notch learning experience.

We have had some challenging times here recently, but I believe that we are on the right path of improvement, and that through honest communication and trustworthy leadership, great things are happening for our schools!

Excluding COVID-19, what are some of the challenges the District is facing right now and how would you like to tackle them?

BEAVERS: The district must hire a new superintendent in the next nine months. We need to ensure the person hired shares the community’s values and will work well with the school board, no matter who is elected each election cycle.

Secondly, I think the overcrowding in the south must be addressed. We must expand Brookview Elementary and rebuild Lake Elmo Elementary. Finally, I think we are going to face a challenge trying to pass an operating levy and building bond in 2021. The new board must earn the trust of the voters and show that they can use the taxpayer’s money responsibly.

BREWINGTON: The greatest challenges we face is restoring unity, maintaining fiscal stability and hiring a new Superintendent. To restore unity in our district I am committed to listing, seeking to understand, speaking the truth and accepting the truth even if I don’t like the source. Recent events in our district have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability with the finances in the district. We need to reauthorize our operating levy soon and I am concerned that this will not happen if we have not restored trust. This goal requires that we hire a highly competent and experienced Superintendent with input from the community. I am committed to providing opportunity for all voices and viewpoints to be considered as we reset our district for success.

EHRLER: It is hard to look past COVID-19 because it is accelerating issues that the board will have to face in the next few years such as potential reduced funding from the state and declining enrollment. I see the shift of the school age population south of Highway 36 as a large challenge for the district.

What used to be a district made up of the City of Stillwater and surrounding rural areas has evolved into a district with multiple population centers and, like the rest of the state, an increase in diversity of the population.

GILLES: We need to improve reading instruction, address the growing population in the Lake Elmo part of the district and we need to bridge the divides and rifts that plague our district.

HOCKERT: Our district is in a precarious situation right now having lost three of our top administrators since the COVID-19 shutdown began in March.

Compared to other neighboring districts where COVID is the central challenge because of its unprecedented impact on education, our school board has been unwaveringly focused on investigations and buyouts. As a parent whose children was sent home in March and is still working from home, it is clear that our current board is not focused on the future or even the present. The biggest challenge right now is trying to draft a levy and bond proposal this year with an interim superintendent who does not know the needs of the district as a whole, nor can she assess the district because we are so far from normal this year.

Furthermore, all her resources are being used to address the challenges unique to running dual educational models this year, neither of which will be sustainable once we no longer receive emergency relief aid. And yet our levy still expires next year, leaving us with a $12 million shortfall if it is not renewed. In this context, spending $300,000 to buyout the superintendent in the last year of her contract while the pandemic still raged seems an unnecessary gamble with the long term stability of our district. I know this question asked to exclude COVID, but we are in crisis this year and we are only beginning to feel the educational impact of both the pandemic and our board’s risky actions. We need leaders who are nimble in the present with their focus on planning for the future. The stakes are just too high right now.

ONKEN: The newly elected board will be facing a number of challenges including the hiring of a superintendent, the upcoming renewal of the operating levy and a potential building bond to alleviate overcrowding at Lake Elmo Elementary and Brookview Elementary. The hiring of the superintendent may be the easiest of the three items listed, however the new board will need to determine if a search firm is needed.

As for the renewal of the operating levy it will be important for the community to know what is at stake. If the levy is not passed, programs will need to be cut.

The new board will then need to consider the Community Development Team (CDT) recommendations and determine if a building bond is needed. Lake Elmo

Elementary is no longer a suitable building for students and Brookview Elementary is over capacity. To help meet our equity goals, the new board will need to discuss the CDT recommendations and craft a building bond the community can support.

PETRIE: We must hire a new superintendent, we must persuade the community to renew the operating levy that expires at the end of 2021, and we must address the overcrowding in the south end of the district. All of these require a similar approach. I believe board members need to reach out to all the various constituencies in our district in a focused, open-minded effort to determine what the community wants its schools to be.

PTACEK: Continued financial accountability The amount requiring prior board approval for administrative expenditures was lowered from $100,000 to $50,000. Board members now receive disbursement reports the Friday before being asked to approve them. In the past, individual board members had to take the initiative to review disbursements.

Higher expectations and resulting practice regarding administrative transparency and disclosure have significantly changed. Closely monitor and improve student achievement. All students need proficiency in basic skills, knowledge, and understandings to survive and thrive in their future. However, I am dismayed by the number of students, who don’t display that competence. For example a significant number of our third graders are not displaying reading proficiency.

This is vital, and we must do better. Staff is already working very hard. We need to work smarter. We must all do better?

SHERMAN: There are several priorities for the board to address in the near term. Every decision requires community engagement and a focus on the academic needs of students. Superintendent Hire – The board will be responsible for hiring a new superintendent. This decision needs to be done inclusively with input from all key stakeholders. My son who is a junior at the high school has had six superintendents during his time in the district. Stability in district leadership is a characteristic of high achieving school districts. Making this decision with a long-term vision is imperative. Operating Levy –The board will request at least a renewal of an operating levy in 2021. The board must work with the community to ensure the levy facilitates the programming and services the community most supports. Bond – Based on data, a facility review committee recently analyzed the needs of all district buildings. The results need to be discussed and decisions need to be made about what priorities ought to be pursued both in the short- and longterm so students are served equitably across the district.

ST. ORES: Given my managerial experience the past business issues/problems will be solved in less than 90 days.

Unifying the community is needed, this will take awhile. The real issue is to establish academic excellence. Academic excellence and resiliency in a competitive world is THE priority.

STIVLAND: In the coming year, the board will be responsible for hiring a permanent Superintendent. Additionally, in November 2021, the community will be asked to support an operating levy renewal and most likely, a bond for facilities as well. As most people are aware, Lake Elmo Elementary, over one hundred years old, needs to be replaced.

It is our largest elementary building, and it does not serve our students very well.

Every student deserves to learn in an excellent environment that encourages creativity and exploration, learning and growth. It will be critical that we are laser focused on student learning as we endure the effects of the pandemic, and as we emerge on the far side of it. This has caused such an upheaval for everyone, as we are trying to create and learn new

ways of conducting so many aspects of our daily lives, in real time. This is no small thing. Many of the innovations we are seeing will continue long past the time the pandemic is over. A significant portion of our community is thriving with online learning, for example, and district administrators are working on developing this as a permanent option for families. As we follow the trajectory that has been cast, we must ensure that a high level of rigorous and engaging work is being offered for students, so that they are fully prepared for their future, whatever that may be.

ZIEMANN: At present, the current board lacks the ability to apply critical thinking skills to problems. It reacts out of person emotions with an agenda against experts, including teachers.

More specific issues include passing an operational levy and settling employee contracts.

What are your thoughts or opinions in general on how the District handled/ operated reopening plans and how they’ve gone so far?

BEAVERS: I believe that we should work to open schools as much as possible, while still allowing families that are uncomfortable to fully learn from home. Our youngest learners should be in the classroom as much as possible. I am glad that our middle school students finally get to start seeing their teachers in person on Oct 12. Our teachers are exhausted because they are teaching both online and in person. Some of our students are not succeeding with the hybrid model. I would propose a model to give more students the ability to go to school full time as long as the county numbers are low. This would include students for which this model was not working and/or families that needed extra support.

BREWINGTON: Like most people, I agree that from an educational standpoint, “in-person” learning is best for kids. However, given the fact the COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Washington County, I have great concern about the safety of our students and staff with the hybrid model that has been presented. As a parent, I have decided that my son will do 100% distance learning.

My son has special needs and actually did better with distance learning. However, I am fully aware that this was not the case for many students in the district and parents want them to have in-person learning. I would feel more comfortable with providing students who cannot do distance learning (i.e. some special needs students with disabilities and other circumstances) and then having distance learning for the students where it is possible. Overall I commend the administration, staff and teachers for the exorbitant effort to provide high quality education during these unprecedented times.

EHRLER: I believe the school board made the correct decision to start the year in a hybrid model. The health and safety of the students - as well of the teachers and staff - needs to be the first priority this year. I am disturbed by some on the current board who are arguing for a faster reopening of the schools despite the evidence that the spread of COVID-19 is, at least, not controlled and, at worst, accelerating.

GILLES: On the one hand, I think that Interim Superintendent Lansfeldt did a nearly impossible job implementing the Hybrid model for the Fall. I appreciate the herculean efforts of her team to pull it off. However, as a parent of a 2nd grader in the Hybrid model, the at home portion is creating a great deal of stress and emotion. There is simply too much screen time and reliance on parents to complete the lessons. I’ve only been on the School Board a month, but I am already taking SEE STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD, PAGE 13

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the lead in reforming the at-home portion of the Hybrid Model.

HOCKERT: After a summer focused on investigations, lawsuits, and administrative buyouts, parents were asked to choose between hybrid and distance learning models this year with no plan in place or clear idea of how school would look for either model and newly hired administration at the helm.

Shortly after, the teachers came forward saying they did not feel comfortable returning to school under the hybrid model for numerous reasons and were wholly ignored. Parents were frustrated with the hybrid option for different reasons as they struggled to find childcare options for three days a week.

Since reopening, I have heard continued frustration from many parents in our district as well as others from neighboring districts. No one has figured out the magic formula for education this year, but our most recent enrollment numbers show an alarming trend. Numbers have dropped in every single school this year with lowest decreases occurring in the schools that are most pressed for space.

The rigor is much higher this year, but the frustration of elementary kids navigating computers and maintaining focus during zoom calls leaves them exhausted and emotionally spent by the end of the day.

ONKEN: There is no playbook for how to handle this pandemic. The board’s decision to give students the option of a hybrid or distance model was very reasonable and is commensurate with surrounding districts. I have talked to parents who have been very supportive of the two models and I have talked to parents and students who are quite frustrated and would like to be back to school full time. I currently work in a school setting where all of our students are on a distance-learning model and many are struggling. A school provides so much more for students than academics, they are missing important social emotional learning and extra-curricular activities.

I am hopeful we will all be back in buildings sooner rather than later.

PETRIE: The district’s approach to offer the choice of hybrid or full distance learning was the right decision. Recent statistics indicating that there may be a rise in cases validate that decision.

I realize this is a hardship for many families, and I hope that new treatment options combined with the arrival of a vaccine will allow the District to get back to normal school as soon as possible. This is what all of us want.

PTACEK: The decision on utilizing a hybrid model versus a 100% distance-learning model was very difficult.

We received an overwhelming number of emails regarding this choice with a myriad of perspectives and recommendations. At the meeting we shared many conflicting thoughts. One powerful influence I received was a written copy and a video link to a letter delivered by the Green Bay school board chair. It was lengthy, well thought-out and powerfully delivered. In the end he concluded that 100% distance learning was the only safe and effective way going forward.

SHERMAN: I feel the school board’s decision to separate with the superintendent was not in the best interest of our

students and staff and hindered pandemic planning efforts. It was organizationally and fiscally irresponsible given the unknowns and additional costs associated with COVID. The board’s 6-week hiring freeze, including the critical position of assistant superintendent was also ill advised leading into an unprecedented school year. The omission of experienced leadership heading into a period when planning and communication was critical did not provide necessary stability.

These have been difficult and trying times for students, families, and staff.

There are no easy answers or quick fixes. We need to work together and listen to what our students and staff need to be successful in these unfortunate circumstances. The school district has offered as much flexibility for families as possible while following state guidance for student and employee safety. Engaging with students, families, and staff is imperative so we can strive towards the shared goal of getting back to school safely and responsibly. I would like to see more frequent and regular board working sessions around what is going well and what challenges remain unsolved so we can more thoughtfully plan, communicate, and serve students and support staff.

ST. ORES: The district needs to improve its computer-based education.

If this were in place there would have been no issues. We are only scratching the surface here. This is one of my strengths. I prefer not to point out deficiency and rather work with the staff to move forward to establish a world-class digital curriculum – in concert with teachers, administration, community and school board.

STIVLAND: This pandemic has demanded an extraordinary level of work, innovation, solution finding, and basic trouble shooting for every school district across the whole country. We are not alone in this unbelievable challenge.

Someone described this experience as feeling like trying to build an airplane while flying in it. The political overtones and confusing messaging have not been helpful. I feel that we can be very proud of the leadership from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education. They provide a significant and ongoing amount of supportive information and flexibility in their guidance, yet with clear benchmarks to follow.

ZIEMANN: So many schools in Minnesota and the Metro have or are going to on-line learning only. Stillwater needs to go to distance learning until Covid is brought under control through medication and vaccines. We cannot risk the lives of teachers and our students.

It’s been three years since the BOLD plan has gone into effect. Do you believe the goals of BOLD have been met?

BEAVERS: I do not think the benefits of BOLD have been completely realized in our district. Because we still own two of the school buildings that were closed, we have not seen those savings. The biggest issue with the BOLD closures was the way it was handled. Parents and students in the closed schools felt the process left much to be desired. I think our biggest lesson is to learn from this and acknowledge the hurt caused in this situation. Anytime we redraw boundary

lines, we must do a better job of integrating the students and informing parents.

Finally, BOLD lost the trust of many voters and may make passing a bond in 2021 very difficult. The school board must work to regain the trust of the public by being transparent and financially responsible.

BREWINGTON: The goal for BOLD was to “Build Opportunities for students to Learn and Discover.” I am unsure if achieving this goal by closing schools has produced the desired results.

EHRLER: No, I do not believe the goals have been fully met. There is much that still needs to be done.

GILLES: BOLD was supposed to save the district about $1.2M a year. The administration has never been able to account for those savings, but we know that at least 120 children left the district as a result of bold, and thus the district lost $1.2M in state aid every year. So while all of the savings are unaccounted for, we know the district has lost almost $4M in revenues due to BOLD. BOLD was supposed to improve equity in the district. Presumably a good measure of equity would be improved academic achievement, particularly amongst our diverse populations.

However, no group of students has improved their academic outcomes since BOLD was implemented. BOLD failed to live up to any of its claims and only succeeded in shutting down three great schools and dividing the community.

HOCKERT: Looking over the presentation on BOLD from January 2016, some goals appear to be met while others still fall short. Support for transitioning ninth graders into high school is successful with the help of onboarding programs like LINK crew. Also each elementary school now has its own principal and support staff available full time. Oak Park Elementary is currently being used for our Transitions program and has an upgraded media center capable of hosting board meetings once they continue in person again. The ALC may still move into that building as well so Oak Park remains a practical asset to the community. Marine Elementary now hosts a Folk School after being purchased by the city. There was an offer on Withrow Elementary, which the board rejected, so that facility has yet to be addressed. Class sizes are more equitable when compared across buildings now, however we still have significant space shortages in our southern schools as those schools all operate above their ideal capacity and continue to grow.

Meanwhile the northern schools continue to operate just under their ideal capacity even after closing the three schools in 2017. So when focused on the goal of more equitable learning experiences, BOLD definitely helped but did not completely solve the equity issue. Instead the current board exacerbated the situation when it abandoned the Brookview expansion. This went against their own Community Design Team’s recommendations as well as the demonstrated and growing need every year since it opened. The justification offered lacked any concrete educational evidence and left families frustrated and confused. I am concerned that history is repeating itself. Again we are facing equity issues that our current board has exacerbated but this time we are also embarking on the most tumultuous edu-

OBITUARIES

Carl R. Hornburg Carl R. “Bud” Hornburg of Scandia died peacefully Oct. 11, 2020, after a brief illness. He was 89.

Bud was known as the Music Man, who played the piano and provided hours of entertainment in 131 nursing homes over many years.

He was preceded in death by parents, Carl and Lydia; sister, Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Joanne “Jody”; children, Gay (Dennis) Dehning, Guy Hornburg, Gyl (Bob) Anello, Gina Schaar, Greg (Aimee) Hornburg; grandchildren, Christopher, Angela (Ryan), Kristi (Andy), Sarah, Lydia, Emilee, Zach; great-grandchildren, Parker, Lucia, Bennett, Emma, Madelyn; sisters, Lois, Elaine, Donna.

No services are planned at this time.

cational year ever. We need leaders who can learn from the past while carefully navigating us through the present with eyes on maintaining excellences for the future.

ONKEN: For transparency sake, I was a supporter of the BOLD initiative and I feel it is still a work in progress. We have not completely met our equity goals with regards to classroom size and space in our southern elementary buildings and the Oak Park Heights building is not being used to its full potential. Currently the 18-21 transition program is operating in the Oak Park Elementary building but it could use some upgrades.

The extra space at Oak Park could also be used to house the St. Croix Area Learning Center and central services, allowing the district to sell the current central services site. With regards to elementary space, the current board has not acted on the CDT recommendations, which lay out options for alleviating space concerns for Lake Elmo and Brookview Elementary. To continue the goals of the BOLD initiative, this will need to be done.

PETRIE: There is no doubt that the consolidation of schools was painful for families, and that the process could have been handled better. But the data that led to the decision has been confirmed by the significant demographic changes that have occurred in the district in the recent past. There’s significant growth in enrollment in the south part of the district, and little to no growth in the north. In addition, the growth in students of color went from 6% to 20% in the last decade, almost all of those students concentrated in the south. Some of these students are arriving in schools with challenging needs, such as not speaking English. We must put more resources into addressing the achievement gap for students of color. This is a district that was built for 10,000 students and hasn’t had more than about 8,300 since the advent of charter schools. We needed to take resources out of too-many buildings and put them into programs to help address overcrowding and the achievement gap. We may not have had the Dual Immersion program (Spanish/English) at Lake Elmo Elementary otherwise.

This helps recent immigrant students who do not speak English, while also providing an enrichment opportunity for middle-class students.

PTACEK: The 2015-16 BOLD initiative, implementation, and subsequent closing of three elementary schools had a powerful destructive impact on District 834. It divided our district, our board of education, and our communities. Lost of trust, questions about transparency, conflicting loyalties, and skepticism flourished. Many routine issues were more seriously questioned, “put under the microscope,” and motives were often questioned. Not surprisingly many of our present board members support a governing model with more direct oversight and accountability.

It probably depends on whom you ask, but no, I don’t think the goals of BOLD were met. It did not lead to a $1.26 million savings, which could be reinvested in the remaining seven elementary schools. Not when you consider that at least 120+ students left our district and enrolled at River Grove. (River Grove’s present enrollment is probably closer SEE STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD, PAGE 15

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STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD al, and/or another building bond? It remains an open question?

FROM PAGE 13

to 200 students.) In fact if you multiply the number of students lost by the minimal sum of $10,000 in state aid you quickly reach a total of $1.2+million.

A second result of BOLD was the lost of support among many voters, who still refer to the action as a “bait and switch.” Because as they see it, after the voters had supported a building bond for almost $100 million dollars, in less than six months there was a proposal to close three elementary schools. Two of the closed schools had been “Blue Ribbon” performers, and a third school had the second largest diverse student enrollment and the second highest number of students, who qualified for free and/or reduced lunches. I have been told by one neighboring superintendent that it will take at least a generation to recover the lost trust. Will these communities and/or their voters ever support a levy renew-

sive Classroom, and BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks). This has impacted students at all levels and reduced overall failure rates.

SHERMAN: Yes, I do believe BOLD has accomplished what it was intended to do. While I understand the emotions around the loss of a school, we have to make the hard decisions that are best for the most students in the district.

The basis for BOLD was simple fiscal responsibility and equity in education.

Financially, it costs considerably less to operate seven elementary schools than 10. In terms of equitable learning experiences, the first few years of BOLD have resulted in huge benefits for students. Class sizes in schools were balanced and there is expanded support for elementary students by having advocates and school psychologists or counselors in the buildings every day. In addition, BOLD led to a greater focus on social and emotional learning with Ready-Set-Go conferences, WEB and Link Crew, Respon-

ST. ORES: BOLD has shrunk to size 6 font. For whatever reason(s), BOLD has not met its goals. Closing schools is a big decision – and it should not be made on money alone. Schools are community – in my opinion - this was lost in the decision-making process.

STIVLAND: The stated goals of the BOLD plan that closed three elementary schools in our district were slippery and unclear. It is hard to know exactly why this plan was proposed and executed. However, one main theme that continues to reverberate today is equity. The BOLD plan was intended to provide equity in our district, which to me means that every child receives the amount of support they need to be successful. Because this plan caused

so much harm to our sense of hope, joy and pride in our district, I do not believe that it achieved anything good for our school district. Hundreds of our students enrolled elsewhere, taking important revenue and support for our schools with them. Any achievements in equity that have been made since 2017 have been made in spite of BOLD, not because of it.

ZIEMANN: The BOLD plan is an ongoing initiative that needs to be reviewed and evaluated fully. The Plan has not met all of its important and necessary objectives. It needs to be evaluated by an impartial task force regularly.

Editor’s Note: Some answers throughout the Voter’s Guide had to be cut to fit the space provided.

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

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Spotlight on Area Businesses Edward Jones of Marine on St. Croix Caregivers Must Also Care (Financially) for Themselves If you’re a caregiver, possibly for a loved one dealing with an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, you’re probably already facing some signi¿cant emotional and physical challenges – so you don’t need any ¿nancial ones as well. Yet, they are dif¿cult to avoid.

What steps can you take to deal with them?

First of all, you may be interested in knowing the scale of the problem. Consider these numbers from the Alzheimer’s Association: About 5.8 million Americans ages 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and in 2019, caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias contributed more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care – worth about $244 billion in services. Furthermore, about two-thirds of caregivers are women, and one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters.

But whatever your gender or relationship to the individuals for whom you’re providing care, you can take some steps to protect your own ¿nancial future. Here are a few suggestions: • Evaluate your employment options. If you have to take time away from work – or even leave employment altogether – to be a caregiver, you will lose not only income but also the opportunity to contribute to an IRA and a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. But you may have some options, such as working remotely, or at least working part time. Either arrangement can give you Àexibility in juggling your employment with your caregiving responsibilities.

• Explore payment possibilities for caregiving. Depending on your circumstances, and those of the loved ones for whom you’re providing care, you might be able to work out an arrangement in which you can get paid something for your services. And as long

as you are earning income, you can contribute to an IRA to keep building resources for your own retirement.

• Protect your ¿nancial interests – and those of your loved ones.

You may well want to discuss legal matters with the individual for whom you are a caregiver before Alzheimer’s robs them of the ability to think clearly. It may be bene¿cial to work with a legal professional to establish a ¿nancial power of attorney – a document that names someone to make ¿nancial decisions and pay bills when the person with Alzheimer’s no longer can. And whether you or someone else has ¿nancial power of attorney, the very existence of this document may help you avoid getting your personal ¿nances entangled with those of the individual for whom you’re caring.

• Keep making the right ¿nancial moves. As long as you’re successful at keeping your own ¿nances separate from those of your loved one, you may be able to continue making the ¿nancial moves that can help you make progress toward your own goals. For example, avoid taking on more debts than you can handle. Also, try to maintain an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account. Of course, these tasks will be much easier if you can maintain some type of employment or get paid for your caregiving services.

There’s nothing easy about being a caregiver. But by making the right moves, you may be able, at the least, to reduce your potential ¿nancial burden and brighten your outlook.

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

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