COUNTRY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
VOL. 36 NO. 31 www.countrymessenger.com $.75
SECRET AGENT FROM MINNESOTA: This month in history. PAGE 8
Still on Olinda: Heritage Alliance pitches new location for old barn
Enchanting Forest returns to Marine
BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM
An historic building that once stood in downtown Scandia may have found a new home just down the road from its original location on Olinda Trail. Scandia city officials last week tentatively agreed to give the Scandia Heritage Alliance a 50-year lease of several acres of city land south of the Scandia City Hall and Community Center where they might someday reconstruct the former Hilltop Water Co. Water Tower Barn. Alongside the barn, the group would build a 160-180 seat outdoor amphitheater, a 3,500-square-foot Scandia Arts and Heritage Center and a walking trail system connecting the site with other Scandia locations. The plan calls for the group to pay just $1 per year for the land. Peter Hilger, an architect who worked with the group on the
After a highly successful event last year, the Marine on St. Croix City Council approved the reemergence of the “Enchanting Forest” Nov. 30. Roughly two dozen trees can be purchased and decorated in Gazebo Park to support Small Business Saturday in the community. “Last year went really well,” said City Council Member, Gwen Springsteen Roden. “We had people come out from the cities specifically to see the Enchanting Forest. Then, they came to our stores and did some shopping, so it was exactly what we had hoped for.” Roden is spearheading the project this year and hopes to accomplish the same goals that were set during the first event. “We’re looking to encourage people to come into Marine and patronize our businesses here,” she said. “Things slow down in the business world in Marine during the winter, so this event gives people a destination and helps our community during Small Business Saturday.” Trees are available for purchase by community members who will then decorate and display them in Gazebo Park until December 31. Last year,
SEE BARN, PAGE 2
COURTESY SCANDIA HERITAGE ALLIANCE
The Hilltop Water Co. Water Tower Barn as it stood prior to 2014, when it was disassembled board by board and put into storage. The Scandia Heritage Alliance has proposed a new site for the barn on Olinda Trail, just south of the Scandia Community Center.
Scandia City Council Honors Robin and Randy Leiter with Good Neighbor Award CONTRIBUTED
Scandia Mayor Christine Maefsky presented a Good Neighbor Award Proclamation to local residents Rob and Randy Leiter at the November 19, 2019 city council meeting. Roderik Negus, who wrote how the Lieters are always willing to mow neighbors’ lawns, clean up leaves, remove snow, and generously share their garden vegetables, nominated
Robin and Randy for the award. Maefsky described how the Leiters assisted their neighbors with clean up from the July tornado, and graciously hosted a wedding reception in their yard when the neighbor’s property was devastated by the storm. Maefsky expressed thanks and appreciation to Robin and Randy for their many qualities of being Scandia Good Neighbors.
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COURTESY ROBYN DOCHTERMAN
Mary Whitaker of the Wednesday Women’s Group decorating their tree during last year’s Enchanting Forest in Marine on St. Croix.
SUBMITTED
Mayor Maefsky (left) presented Randy (center) and Robin Leiter (right) with the Scandia Good Neighbor Award Nov. 19 at the City Council Meeting.
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Marine Garage, HWY North Gift Shop, Marine Library, St. Croix Chocolate Company and other businesses all decorated their trees with their own special flair. Marine Garage had an “automotive décor” with oil funnels, brake rotors and an oil filter “star” on top. Others decorated in a more classic design. This year will be filled with more cleverly decorated trees and extra goodies from local businesses. SEE FOREST, PAGE 2
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