Country messenger 12 23 15

COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

VOL. 32 NO. 34 www.countrymessenger.com $.75

MARINE DOCUMENTARIES: 'American Heart,' probes health care system. PAGE 11

Former Scandia preschooler dies in fire

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

SUZANNE LINDGREN | COUNTRY MESSENGER

The Stillwater school district has proposed closing Marine Elementary School in the 2017 school year.

Stillwater school district proposes closing Marine Elementary Oak Park, Withrow would also close

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

Following years of contentious financial and staffing cuts at Marine Elementary School, administrators of the Stillwater Area Public School Dis-

trict have proposed closing the school after the 2016-‘17 school year.

Withrow and Oak Park would also be closed if the school board approves the plan unveiled at a Dec. 17 learning session, during which Superintendent Denise Pontrelli and other administrators explained the reasoning behind the closures.

SEE ELEMENTARY, PAGE 9

City opposes to DNR muskie stocking on Big Marine Council approves budget, capital plans

BY KYLE WEAVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Chris Ness isn’t usually the first to take a side with most city issues.

An avid fisherman and a homeowner on

Big Marine Lake, the Scandia councilman sidelined his typically deliberative approach to governance last week, though, and went on the offensive against a new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources proposal to stock muskellunge in the city’s largest lake.

“The quick decision is not always the good

decision,” Ness said in criticizing both the proposal and the speed with which it has been presented.

The council went along with Ness’s urging, voting to have Ness and Councilman Jim Schneider work with city staff to compose an official letter SEE SCANDIA COUNCIL, PAGE 2

A 5-year-old girl who had attended preschool in Scandia, Jaidyn Grace Andrus, died Sunday morning, Dec. 13, in a mobile home fire in Ham Lake. The fire is believed to have started in her bedroom shortly after midnight, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear and is under investigation.

Her father, Scott T.

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Andrus, 36, succeeded after several attempts in pulling her from her bedroom, but she died at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. Scott Andrus was also hospitalized for injuries.

Jaidyn Grace Andrus had gone to Scandia Preschool for two years and had moved on to kindergarten.

“Jaidyn was more than just my daughter,” said her mother, Alecia Kees. “She was and will

Jaidyn Grace Andrus SEE ANDRUS, PAGE 2

The Christmas Story St. Luke 2: 1-20

A

nd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David.

To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they went there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him SEE CHRISTMAS, PAGE 5

Early deadlines Due to Christmas and New Year’s, the deadline to submit advertising and press releases for the Dec. 30 edition will be Dec. 23 at noon. The deadline for the Jan. 6 edition will be Dec. 30 at noon. The Country Messenger office will be closing Dec. 24 at 1 p.m., closed Dec. 25 and closed Jan. 1.

Urgent Care is open Happy Holidays from Osceola Medical Center and Scandia Clinic. As a reminder, our Urgent Care in Osceola is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. For all our hours, visit MyOMC.org/hours or call 715-294-2111.

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DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

DNR issues ice warning SCANDIA COUNCIL: Muskie stocking opposed for aerated lakes FROM PAGE 1

2016 budget

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when going onto any lake covered or partially covered with ice, especially those that feature aeration systems.

“Open water areas created by aeration systems can shift or change shapes depending on weather conditions,” said Marilyn Danks, DNR aquatic biologist. “Leaks may develop in air lines, creating other areas of weak ice or open water.”

Aeration systems are generally operated from the time lakes freeze until ice break-up in the spring.

They help prevent winterkill of fish, but they also create areas of open water and thin ice, which are significant hazards.

Look for signs Two types of signs are used to post aerated lakes: “Thin Ice” and “Warning” signs. The person who applies for the permit (permittee) is to maintain “Warning” signs at all commonly used access points to the lake. This sign warns people approaching the lake that an aeration system is operating and to use extreme caution.

The permittee must also put up “Thin Ice” signs to mark the open water area’s perimeter. Some municipalities may have ordinances that prohibit entering into the thin ice area and/or prohibit the night use of motorized vehicles on lakes with aeration systems in operation. These local regulations are often posted at accesses where they apply.

Aeration systems are inspected for safety and compliance with regulations by permittees and DNR personnel. For more information, call a regional fisheries office or the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free (888) 646-6367.

Lakes to watch The following is a list of Washington County lakes that will likely have aeration systems his winter.

Battle Creek (Mud) [Woodbury] Cloverdale Colb Goose McDonald Pine Tree Sand Shields St. Croix River (marina) White Bear

The council approved its 2016 budget and its 2016-2020 Capital Improvements Plan.

The approved tax levy of $2,257,874 represents an increase of 1.82 percent over 2015.

In so doing, the city added $40,000 to its 2016 budget for the planned Log House Landing boat ramp improvements in 2016 and $200,000 in 2017 for improvements to the landing road.

City Administrator Neil Soltis noted that while the cost of the improvements for the landing road might be somewhat unnerving, the city’s Capital Improvements Plan is not binding and will be discussed again before it goes into the budget.

Perhaps showing off some of his fiscal management chops during his first official staff report, Soltis ran through a list of cost savings he has already obtained for the city, including an $11,000 refund on the city’s property insurance and a 46 percent savings on several street lights, which he discovered Xcel Energy had been billing at an incorrect rate. That amounted to roughly a $3,000 savings, he reported.

Sign ordinance Several city residents, including Dan Willius, Karen Schik and Planning Commission Chair Christine Maefsky, spoke during the public comment period to criticize the city’s recent decision to amend its signage ordinance to allow some types of backlit, LED and/or animated business signage.

Maefsky, who spoke in her capacity as owner of the Poplar Hills Dairy Goat Farm, asked the council to reconsider the ordinance change to “‘keep Scandia’s night

skies bright with starts and not artificial light,’” a line she quoted from the city’s comprehensive plan.

The council did not respond to the comments.

Other business:

• The council approved a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement with the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District for planned improvements to the Log House Landing boat ramp. The project has already received $15,000 in support from the National Park Service and donations of concrete-and-cable planks from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The ramp improvements are estimated to cost $33,000, though engineering services for the project have not been factored in yet.

• For Scandia’s Vinterfest event to be held on Jan. 30, 2016, the council approved a special event permit for the Cub Scouts Pack 173, a permit for a fireworks display for Corey Roberts of Roberts Family Funeral Home, a Vinterfest logo and button design, and a youth hockey jamboree event to be held at Meister’s Bar & Grill.

• The council approved annual liquor licenses for Chiko’s Bar & Grill, The Scandia Creamery and tobacco and liquor licenses for the Big Marine Lake Store/Liquor. A temporary liquor license for the Scanley Cup hockey tournament for Meister’s Bar & Grill was also approved.

• The council approved a schedule of its city meetings for 2016.

The next Scandia City Council meeting will be held Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. The city’s “Annual Meeting” will be held Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.

ANDRUS: Former Scandia preschooler dies in Ham Lake fire

Names in parentheses are alternate lake names.

When there are lakes in the county with the same name as the aerated lake, the nearest town is shown in brackets.

LUTHERAN CHURCH Christmas Worship Schedule

ELIM EST. 1854

opposing the DNR plan, or at least asking that it be delayed until more public comment can be gathered.

In a four-point memorandum to the council, Ness argued that adding muskellunge — a large, aggressively predatory fish species, also known as muskies — to the 1,756-acre fishery might harm populations of existing panfish, such as bluegill and crappies. He pointed out that the DNR’s own surveys indicate low populations of ideal forage fish for the muskies and higher than ideal populations of northern pike, a predator of young muskie fingerlings.

“I fear a huge decline in the sunfish and crappie populations as a result,” Ness wrote.

Ness’s memo also raised doubts about the risk of additional boats spreading invasive species such as zebra mussels to the lake, and the popularity of muskie fishing versus other types of angling.

“Using the DNR's own criteria, I could make a case that Big Marine is a poor choice for this,” Ness wrote.

The council and a pair of city residents who spoke at the Dec. 15 meeting agreed.

“If muskies belonged in the lake, they’d already be in the lake,” said Bill Reinhardt, a lake resident who grew up fishing on the lake.

Virginia Johnson, a Big Marine Lake Association member, said she opposed the stocking and questioned whether the DNR’s plan was being pushed or subsidized

by Muskies, Inc., an organization of muskellunge enthusiasts.

Only 14 percent of all anglers are muskie fishermen and that shows the lower demand for the fish than other game species, Ness argued.

Scandia, MN

Thursday, December 24

3 & 5 pm Festive Christmas Eve Worship 11 pm Festive Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday, December 27 8 am Communion Worship 9:30 am Service of Lessons and Carols Worship

20971 Olinda Trail N. Scandia, MN 651-433-2723 elimscandia.org

COUNTRY

.com

FROM PAGE 1

forever be my EVERYTHING.” Coming from an adopted family, Kees said her daughter was the first and only blood she knew.

“Sure, family goes far beyond blood relatives and they don’t have to be blood related,” she said, “but the connection we had was different. The first time I saw her I could look at her and say, ‘she’s mine and she’s me – there’s me in that little tiny bundle of joy!’ As time went on I saw more of a resemblance every day.”

After sending her daughter to Scott Andrus’ home on Friday, Dec. 11, Kees reported that the weekend was normal for the time of year.

“I did a lot of shopping Saturday to finish up Christmas stuff,” she said. “I went to bed as normal on Saturday night not knowing I was going to get a call of a never ending nightmare that no one wants to ever imagine.”

Because Andrus was with her father, no one knew to call Kees, except for one person, a neighbor who remembered

that Kees had lived in the house. Beause police could not identify Kees as Andrus’ mother over the phone, finding out which hospital her daughter had been taken to was complicated.

When she was finally told, “That’s where my life went to shreds and I felt I lost a part of me that can never be replaced,” she said. “Jaidyn was sleeping peacefully in her bed when something started on fire. Investigators believe it was the humidifier but it is still undetermined. Because there was not a smoke detector in her bedroom, it had to burn enough for the smoke to get out of her room and set off the alarm in the hallway.

Her dad was then alerted but a little person’s lungs can only take so much.”

Kees urges other parents to install and check fire detectors.

“If anyone gets any benefit out of any of this, it is to make sure that every detector is up to date and running so that a tragedy like this could be prevented,” she said.

“Make sure that all bedrooms have them, hallways are NOT enough.

Fire extinguishers DO expire, so check them

IN MEMORIAM A letter to Jaidyn Grace Andrus from her mother, Alecia Kees: To My Baby Girl, Mommy loves you more than you will ever know, watch over me and dance like crazy. You have finally gotten the wings you’ve wanted and maybe the lord just thought you were just too darn good to be here on earth. Fly high and I will see you as soon as I possibly can, until then I will meet you in my dreams at the merry-go-round.

Remember, like always; if you get there first you go buy the tickets!

Always & Forever, Mommy, momma and mark your calendars when they need to be replaced.”

Kees believes the best detectors are wired together.

“If one goes off, they all do,” she said. “Yes, of course when you burn the Thanksgiving turkey or the batch of cookies and the whole house goes off it is very disturbing, may make you mad, and not to mention annoying, but think of it in a way that something must be loud and annoying enough to wake you if the time arises.”

Kees reported an out-

pouring of care from the community.

“The love and support that has been giving is TRULY amazing,” she said. “I am absolutely shocked, blown away, and it has sort of changed my mind as to who we are as human beings nowadays (I was starting to have my doubts). On behalf of Scott’s family and the rest of my family, thank you everyone for everything, we cannot thank you enough for all of the support!”

& DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER

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DECEMBER 26 Christmas Bird Count On Sat., Dec. 26, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be held in the Marine and May Township area. A dozen local volunteers will be searching for birds from the north end of Arcola Trail to O’Brien State Park. Other teams will be counting in territories covering a 15-mile radius around Withrow as part of this nationwide citizen science activity. If you see any unusual winter bird species or large flocks of birds, please report them before the count day to Beth Honetschlager at (651) 433-3232.

JANUARY 7 American Heart A free screening of documentary film, “American Heart” will be held Thurs., Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd Street, Marine on St. Croix.

Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

“American Heart” gives viewers a glimpse into the remarkable lives of Thor Lem, a former political prisoner from Cambodia; Patrick Junior, a member of an oppressed

ethnic minority in Burma; and Alex Gliptis, an Ethiopian refugee suffering from PTSD, diabetes and HIV. The health care challenges they face are daunting, made more complicated by the trauma they carry from their past.

JANUARY 21 Swedish dinner Christ Lutheran Church, Marine on St. Croix’s Annual Traditional Swedish Dinner (formerly Lutefisk Dinner) will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tickets available at the door.

FEBRUARY 6

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Stillwater Snowmobile Club Vintage Snowmobile Event Stillwater Snowmobile Club’s 3rd Annual “The Older The Better” Vintage Snowmobile Event will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the Withrow Ballroom & Event Center, 12169 Keystone Ave North, Withrow, MN 55038 There is an entry fee per sled. Admission is free for spectators.

Visit stillwatersnowmobilclub.org/ for more details.

Lucia Day at Scandia Elementary Kindergarten boys at Scandia Elementary wear star boy hats while learning about the Swedish celebration of Saint Lucia.

Kindergarteners have been studying cultural customs through their International Baccalaureate unit, “How We Express Ourselves: Celebrations have unique properties that have similarities and differences.”

County Board sets 2016 budget, levy The Washington County Board of Commissioners set the county’s 2016 budget and levy Dec 15.

The board certified a proposed levy Sept. 15; after that, the board could reduce the proposed levy, but not raise it.

The board certified: • a tax levy of $93,871,900; • a Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy of $4,601,000; and • the Washington County Regional Rail Authority levy of $750,600.

The board has been reviewing the 2016 recommended budget, which will be supported by the levies, since mid-summer. The approved budget would increase the county net tax levy by 3.45 percent, to $93.87 million, and is based on the county receiving non-levy revenue of $94.1 million, plus $20 million in planned bond proceeds. The increase in the property tax levy will translate into the median valued home in the county of $240,600, assuming its value increased just more than 1 percent since 2015, having a $16 increase in its county property tax levy.

The county’s operating expenditures for the year will be $158.3 million, an increase of 3.12 percent, with capital expenditures of $44.5 million, including bond-funded projects, which will total $20 million.

Archives of the webstreamed meetings at which the board members discussed the budget are archived on the website at www.co.washington.mn.us. Budget presentations may also be viewed on the website by searching the word “budget.”

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Lucia Day at Scandia Elementary Kindergarten girls at Scandia Elementary wear “candle” crowns after learning about the Swedish celebration of Saint Lucia.

Kindergarteners have been studying cultural customs through their International Baccalaureate unit, “How We Express Ourselves: Celebrations have unique properties that have similarities and differences.”

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Scandia, MN

Thursday, December 24

3 & 5 pm Festive Christmas Eve Worship 11 pm Festive Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday, December 27 8 am Communion Worship 9:30 am Service of Lessons and Carols Worship

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DECEMBER 23, 2015

Christmas is for children of all ages

W

ell, Christmas is knocking on our doors. I hope you are ready and are able to spend time with friends and family, which is the best gift one can receive. Throughout my newspaper career, I have run the following editorial, the most famous newspaper editorial of all time, reprinted here because it fits the season.

As children grow older and wiser, parents inevitably are faced with the question, "Is there a Santa Claus?" When Virginia O'Hanlon asked that question of her parents in 1897, they suggested she write the New York Sun for an answer.

She did, and Francis P. Church, a Civil War correspondent, wrote editorial response which has Publisher an become an American literary classic. Mr. Church died in 1906. The Tom Stangl New York Sun closed its doors in 1950. Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas died in 1971 after a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in the New York City school system. However, the letter from Virginia, and Mr. Church's response, will live forever as a part of our Christmas heritage. It is still a wonderful answer to a very difficult question.

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun it's so." Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus!

It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now.

Virginia, nay, ten time ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of childhood.

From The New York Sun, September 21,1897 To our valued friends, subscribers and advertisers, best wishes for a happy holiday season - Merry Christmas!

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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HOW TO REACH US: Our offices are located at 108 Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 54020.

We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. Call: (651) 433-3845 or fax at (651) 433-3158.

TO SUBSCRIBE: office@osceolasun.com The Country Messenger is mailed to the homes of subscribers for delivery every Wednesday. One year

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Lit signs will be regulated I want to clarify couple of things that relate to the change in the sign ordinance that may help to alleviate some of your concerns.

The major change in the ordinance was to allow backlit or illumi-

nated signs and to allow LEDs or other energy savings luminaires in such backlit or illuminated signs. As a part of the sign permit review, all of these signs will need to comply with the City’s Architectural Design Guidelines.

For signs that are included as a portion of the permitting process

where a conditional use permit is required (and conditional use permits are required for a large number of uses which could have detrimental impacts on surrounding properties), the signs would be reviewed by the Planning Commission for compliance with the Design Guidelines and a recommendation made

to the City Council. The Council can then take action on the conditional use permit, which would include the signs.

The other major change in the ordinance was to allow off-premise signs at five intersections that could be categorized as gateways to the SEE LETTERS, PAGE 12

Gordons are a different breed

I

was scouting for geese when I spotted a rooster pheasant in the picked corn, then another and another. The more I looked the more pheasants I saw and after taking it all in I guessed there were over two dozen roosters and hens out picking for corn on land I had permission to hunt. I thought about going after them but an old friend, Dave Carlson coming over the following day to hunt with a friend so I let them pass. I thought to myself, “Where are they going to go?”

Dave had to cancel so I thought whom else could I invite to share this and immediately thought of Wild River bounty my nephews Eric and Gregg Bennett.

They not only loved pheasant huntTrails ing, but they love dogs too and each Jim Bennett owns Gordon setters. The Gordon

setter originated in Scotland in the early 17th Century. They are a beautiful black dog with tan trimmings and were used by Duke Alexander of Gordon in the 19th century and became very popular. Not only would they point live game with an outstanding sense of smell, they would even point toward the fallen bird and retrieve it to the hand of the hunter.

A dog of great stamina that because of its coat and strong nature will hunt in bad weather and retrieve in both land and water. But they are generally not a fast worker when compared to pointers so they lost much of their popularity. The Gordon makes a good one-man hunting dog and with a variety of characteristics including great family dog, guard dog, watch dog, tracking, pointing, and retrieving that make them a good overall hunting dog.

And that is just what I wanted to see because it had SEE BENNETT, PAGE 8

LETTER GUIDELINES Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are concise (350 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area.

All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verification. (Addresses and phone numbers will not

subscription in Washington County is available for $26, two years is $45.

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NEWS ITEMS: editor@countrymessenger.com News releases of general interest must be at our office by Friday noon to be considered for publication.

be printed.) Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to the Country Messenger’s coverage area.

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

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The Country Messenger welcomes readers’ suggestions for news stories as well as their comments on stories that have been printed.

News releases should be typed and include appropriate contact information.

They will be printed as space permits in the first issue possible. There are no guarantees that news releases will run.

subject to editing and are not guaranteed publication.

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

Tom Stangl, Publisher Suzanne Lindgren, Editor Eric Buelow, Graphic Design Teresa Holmdahl, Advertising Barb Wetzel, Office Assistant Carrie Larson, Circulation Manager Michele Merritt, Distribution Manager

DECEMBER 23, 2015

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Simple recipe for kindness: Smile and say “Merry Christmas”

T

he other day I was at one of those super mega stores that sells groceries and everything under the sun. I was picking up some things for brunch. My plan was to get in and out quick— silly me. If you have ever been to one of those stores you know what I’m talking about. I needed bacon and English muffins— that’s it. Fast and mega store do not go together. They should be called Super-giant-get-lost-for-a-day-withcrabby-people-store.

At Christmas time those stores are even busier. People were everywhere Wild Chow and they didn’t look happy. I know I didn’t either. I thought, “This is supLisa Erickson posed to be the happiest time of the year and here we all are acting like a bunch of Scrooges.” When I finally found the bacon, I paused and noticed people’s carts as they passed by.

At that moment I was the only person with a basket with just food. Most carts were over flowing with

items that looked like gifts. One guy with a bike carefully placed on top of other toys and games was frowning. An older lady wearing a heavy winter coat pushing a cart full of children’s clothes and boxes of Legos topped with a giant box of powdered sugar doughnuts kept sighing. Carts were piled high with gifts, yet no one smiled.

I had a deja vu moment as the story of the little match girl popped into my head. My sister and I used to watch it on TV around Christmas every year. It was one of those stories that would make you cry and feel sad for the rest of the day—but worth it. It’s about a little girl who sells matches. She is afraid to go home to her abusive father because she hasn’t sold any matches. It gets unexpectedly cold on the night of New Year’s Eve. She wanders the empty streets barefoot looking in windows admiring the families gathered around their dinner table until she sits down and starts lighting matches to warm herself. She remembers that her grandmother was the only one who showed kindness and love to her. I won’t spoil the rest

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FROM PAGE 1

in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Iying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them in heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. ~~ -John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

of the story for you. You can find it online. It’s by Hans Christian Anderson The story reminded me to smile and to remember those who may not have any place to go for Christmas or receive any loving kindness from anyone. As I meandered my way to the check out, I made it my goal to smile at everyone—it was a simple way to show kindness at that moment. It worked! Everyone I smiled at smiled back! I got a little bolder and said, “Merry Christmas!” They said it back too! I was amazed at how I was able to give the gift of a smile. Such a simple gesture, but powerful.

When I got home I kept thinking of all the people in my life that I could check on to make sure they had some place to go for the holidays and they wouldn’t be sitting home alone. I also thought of people I could bring some Christmas cookies to or drop off a small gift that says, “I’m thinking of you.”

Let’s spread some cheer! It’s not that difficult, just smile and say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Email Lisa Erickson: wildchowrecipes@gmail.com.

XCEL ENERGY’S RATE INCREASE REQUEST

PROPOSED CHANGES FOR MONTHLY ELECTRICITY BASE RATES

Xcel Energy has asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) for a three-year increase in electricity rates. For 2016, the requested increase is for $194.6 million, or about 6.4 percent. For 2017, Xcel Energy requested an additional $52.1 million, or about 1.7 percent. For 2018, Xcel Energy requested an additional $50.4 million, or about 1.7 percent. The total increase requested for the three-year period is $297.1 million, or about 9.8 percent. (Xcel Energy has also offered an option for a five year rate plan.)

This chart shows the current and proposed electricity base rates for each customer type.

While the MPUC reviews Xcel Energy’s request, state law allows Xcel Energy to collect higher rates on an interim (temporary) basis. The interim rate increase for 2016 is $163.7 million or about 5.5 percent over total current rates. This appears on customer bills as an interim rate adjustment. It is calculated from a change to the “Basic Service Charge,” “Energy Charge,” and, if applicable, the “Demand Charge.” The interim rate adjustment is billed as a 7.75 percent increase, or about $5.06 per month, for a typical residential customer using 675 kWh. Because Xcel Energy is requesting a multi-year rate plan, it also requested an increase to the interim rate starting January 1, 2017. If approved, the company will provide additional details before this increase happens.

The MPUC will likely make its decision on the overall rate request in 2017. If final rates are lower than interim rates, Xcel Energy will refund the difference. If final rates are higher than interim rates, Xcel Energy will not charge customers the difference.

WHY IS XCEL ENERGY ASKING FOR AN INCREASE? Xcel Energy’s last request for a rate increase was in 2013.

Xcel Energy continues to invest in maintaining and upgrading its system. A multi-year rate plan provides customers more predictability and rate stability for a longer period of time than is achievable under a single year rate request.

HOW WILL THE RATE CHANGE AFFECT MONTHLY BILLS? The proposed rate increase will affect individual monthly bills differently depending on electricity use and customer type. The proposed rate increase mainly affects the “Basic Service Charge,” “Energy Charge,” and, if applicable, the “Demand Charge.”

These charges cover the cost of providing electric service to our customers, representing about 70 percent of your total bill. This rate increase does not affect the Fuel Cost Charge.

WHAT IS XCEL ENERGY DOING TO CONTROL COSTS?

AVERAGE MONTHLY BILLS Average monthly kWh usage

Customer type

544

$71.11

$4.20

$7.92

$9.24

$102.82

$6.04

$10.71

$12.59

Energy-Controlled (Dual Fuel)

1,050

$82.58

$3.87

$3.70

$4.90

923

$112.24

$6.41

$6.04

$7.95

Small General Service Small General Time-of-Day Service General Service General Time-of-Day Service Peak-Controlled Service Peak-Controlled Time-of-Day Service

1,417

$147.06

$7.89

$11.45

$13.91

17,014

$1,677.48

$89.86

$103.54

$130.74

168,653

$13,535.11

$667.95

$879.51

$1,081.99

66,550

$8,200.22

$467.83

$524.81

$670.09

582,250

$56,211.88

$2,961.60

$3,768.58

$4,681.73

Small Municipal Pumping Municipal Pumping

658

$82.89

$4.80

$4.88

$6.31

4,826

$557.31

$31.53

$32.88

$42.40

Note: Proposed lighting rate changes vary according to the type of lighting. The proposed final increase is 15.9 percent for full service street lighting, 8.6 percent for energy-only street lighting service, and 11.2 percent for residential and commercial protective lighting.

MONTHLY CUSTOMER CHARGES

ENERGY (PER KWH) AND DEMAND (PER KW) RATES

Current

Proposed 2017

Proposed 2018

$8.00

$10.00

$10.20

Energy: Summer (June- Sept)

9.395 ¢

10.865 ¢

11.085 ¢

Overhead line – electric heating

$10.00

$12.00

$12.24

Energy: Winter (Other months)

8.040 ¢

9.285 ¢

9.473 ¢

Underground line

$10.00

$12.00

$12.24

Energy: Winter – electric heating

5.819 ¢

6.394 ¢

6.524 ¢

Underground line – electric heating

$12.00

$14.00

$14.28

Energy: Summer

8.787 ¢

9.655 ¢

9.851 ¢

Small General

$10.00

$12.00

$12.24

Energy: Winter

7.432 ¢

8.076 ¢

8.240 ¢

Small General Time-of-Day

$12.00

$14.00

$14.28

Energy: On-Peak Summer

15.123 ¢

15.443 ¢

15.756 ¢

General

$25.75

$25.78

$26.30

Energy: On-Peak Winter

12.280 ¢

12.118 ¢

12.364 ¢

General Time-of-Day

$29.75

$29.78

$30.38

Energy: Off-Peak Summer

3.015 ¢

4.420 ¢

4.510 ¢

Peak-Controlled

$55.00

$55.00

$56.11

Energy: Off-Peak Winter

3.015 ¢

4.420 ¢

4.510 ¢

Peak-Controlled Time-of-Day

$55.00

$55.00

$56.11

Energy

3.201 ¢

3.619 ¢

3.692 ¢

Demand: Summer

$14.07

$15.79

$16.11

Demand: Winter

$9.96

$11.09

$11.31

Energy: On-Peak

4.482 ¢

5.158 ¢

5.263 ¢

Energy: Off-Peak

2.233 ¢

2.487 ¢

2.537 ¢

Demand: Summer

$14.07

$15.79

$16.11

Demand: Winter

$9.96

$11.09

$11.31

Customer type Residential Overhead line

Small Commercial

Commercial and Industrial

Xcel Energy’s current and proposed rate schedules are available at: Xcel Energy

Small General Time-of-Day

General

General Time-of-Day

Select 15 in the year field, enter 826 in the number field, click on Search, and the list of documents will appear on the next page.

85 Seventh Place East, Suite 500

651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782

Small General

Web: https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling/search.jsp

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Phone:

Proposed Proposed 2017 2018

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Phone: 651-539-1534 or 1-800-657-3710

121 7th Place East, Suite 350, St. Paul MN 55101

Current

Web: xcelenergy.com/rates (see previous instructions) Phone: 1-800-895-4999 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401

SUBMIT COMMENTS

U.S. Mail:

Customer type Residential

HOW TO LEARN MORE

Visit mn.gov/puc, select Speak Up!, find this docket (15-826), and add your comments to the discussion.

Proposed 2018 final monthly increase

800

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR REVIEWING XCEL ENERGY’S REQUEST?

Online:

Proposed 2017 final monthly increase

Residential – Underground line service

Note: For 2018 rates, Xcel Energy proposed a 2.026 percent General Rate Surcharge instead of an increase to the per kWh energy rates and the per kW demand rates. If approved, this will be applied to rate components specified in the “General Rate Adjustment Surcharge Rider” to service provided beginning January 1, 2018.

The MPUC will hold public hearings and accept written comments about our rate request. Customers and others will be able to comment on our rate request at the public hearings. You may add verbal comments, written comments, or both into the record.

Notice of the public hearing dates and locations will be published in local newspapers, included in monthly bills, and at: xcelenergy. com/rates, select “Minnesota” in top right-hand corner, select “Rates” then select “2016 Minnesota Electric Rate Case”

2016 Interim monthly increase

Residential – Overhead line service

• Providing energy conservation options. This helps customers manage energy use and save money on their bills. This also helps to delay generation investments.

• Reviewing and monitoring our business to minimize operating and maintenance cost increases.

• Operating power plants efficiently.

• Using a variety of fuel sources to manage costs and protect the environment.

The MPUC, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Office of the Attorney General-Residential Utilities and Antitrust Division, public interest groups, and large commercial and industrial customer groups will investigate our proposal.

Current monthly cost

St. Paul, MN 55101 Citizens with hearing or speech disabilities may call through their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

IMPORTANT Comments will be made available to the public on the MPUC’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The MPUC does not edit or delete personally identifying information from submissions.

www.xcelenergy.com © 2015 Xcel Energy Inc.

6

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

Letters to Santa

Santa needs help at the North Pole!

Please tell him why he should hire you to help him with the presents, the reindee r, managing the elves or even to give Mrs .

Claus a hand with her duties.

Scandia Marine Lions

Christ Lutheran Church 150 Fifth Street Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

www.clcmarine.org

651.433.3222

OPEN 7 DAYS • MON-THURS: 8am-8pm / FRI-SAT: 8am-9pm/ SUN: 8am-7pm

www.scandiamarinelions.homestead.com

21240 Olinda Trail North • Scandia, MN (651)433-4668

L ifelong B ank ing S tar ts H ere

NMLS #403366

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

www.olsonsinthepink.com

21260 Olinda Trail N. 651-433-5167 www.scandiaheating.com

Marine on St. Croix 651-433-2424 120 Judd Street

Scandia 651-433-2265 Scandia Plaza

Chisago Lakes Forest Lake 651-257-4141 651-464-1033 Hwy. 8 & Co. Rd. 14 Hwy. 61 & 97

www.themarinebank.com

DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER www.countrymessenger.com

Peace, joy, and thanks to all of you this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Our Home to Yours We couldn’t have come this far, without the support of good people like you.

Insurance • Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health

Insurance For All Your Needs JoAnn Buse & Jane Dreyer - Agents Call us for a quote! 651-433-5753

Heating and Air Conditioning

651-433-4500

Inc.

Season’s Greetings Merry Christmas to you and yours. We wish you all the best, and we look forward to seeing you soon in the New Year!

WITH OUR GRATITUDE AT THE HOLIDAYS Ross and Adam Brunfelt Your Local L l Real R l Estate E t t Agents!

A t !

651.433.3333 • www.TheBrunfelts.com

Visit us online:

COUNTRY

.com

7

8

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

BENNETT: A different breed FROM PAGE 4

been a few years since I last hunted behind a Gordon. We started working along a huge marsh and grassland adjacent to the same picked corn where I had seen all the pheasants the day before. Gregg and his Gordon, Dash, went into the wet marsh while Eric and his dog, Chase, worked a little bit more to the inside of the grass. And did these dogs work and cover ground!

Soon they were locking up on birds but when flushed they all turned out to be hens.

Moving to another location, my old buddy Jon McCorckle walked with me and my Labradinger, Teal, at a 60-yearold pace! From a hilltop we watched these dogs work 10 acres of prairie grass in minutes as those two younger men worked hard and fast to keep up with their dogs. These were not the slow methodical dogs I had read about, nor were they the slower dog, Max, that my brother Dick had introduced our family to Gordon Setters with.

Neither Jon nor I would even attempt to keep up with those dogs unless we were on horseback, a common practice with far ranging pointers or setters.

But if they locked up on point close by I would gladly move up to shoot the locked down rooster!

In the end we broke up and headed in different directions as we all were on different time schedules. Jon and I, along with son Josh, headed for some smaller cover while Gregg and Eric hit another spot and managed to take a rooster. And so did Josh and I when his Labradinger, Cubbie, got on a hot scent and put up a rooster so close that Josh held back before the bird ranged out far enough and folded up with a nice shot. I had to miss a big rooster on an easy shot before I too dropped a nice bird flying with the wind a ways out, along with half dozen or more hens.

Both Cubbie and Teal made nice retrieves to hand.

It was a fun day, watching different breeds of dogs hunt as differently as night and day but in the end it didn’t matter. All four of us love our dogs, and love to watch them work and that’s what made it all so much fun!

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

CAROL SEEFELDT

Pancakes and Santa Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves visited the Scandia Community Center on Saturday morning during the Scandia - Marine Lions Community Breakfast. More than 300 breakfasts of sausage, eggs and sweet rolls were served. Most people were happy to see Santa and give him their list of wishes. However there were a few unhappy ones like these one-year-old twins. A new feature this year was the provision of a 3-inch diameter button with photos of the children (and a few adults, too!) on Santa’s lap.

Folks Like You...

Are one of a kind!

y p p a H

! s y a d i l o H

s of g n i m rim t e h t l l n. a o s u a o e y s g y Wishin merry holida g up our year a very for brightenin ts.

Thank

you

isi

ur v o y h t i w

1257 State Rd. 35 • St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-3040 20021 St. Croix Trail • Scandia, MN • 651-433-2431 2100 Tower Dr., Stillwater, MN • 651-439-2140

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With wishes warm and bright to all our friends and neighbors at this festive time of year.

DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER

9

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ELEMENTARY: Marine, Oak Park and Withrow schools listed in closing recommendation tions outlined by the district’s executive finance director, Kristen Hoheisel.

“This proposal helps us long term in that savings is brought back to the district,” she said.

The savings would be used to fund the shift from junior high to a middle school model and support other student services.

Before choosing Marine, Withrow and Oak Park elementaries, administrators looked at the effects of closing various schools in the district, according to Superintendent Pontrelli.

“We looked at multiple sites,” she said. “We looked at every individual school … small schools together, big and small schools.”

“Consolidating school build-

FROM PAGE 1

Sending those students to other schools in the district would balance class sizes and provide access to specialized staff such as nurses, psychologists and tech support, they said.

“Address should not determine access,” offered Rachel Larson, director of personalized learning and former principal of Marine and Withrow elementary schools.

“In a nutshell, our schools are not in the right place,” Superintendent Pontrelli repeated in various forms throughout the session.

The closures would save the district roughly 1.2 million annually, according to projec-

ings is an incredibly difficult thing to talk about,” wrote Superintendent Pontrelli in an email to parents prior to the learning session. “But we cannot ignore the fact that we are spending more money than we need to and we are providing an inequitable education to our students.”

Although administrators have named the schools, they have yet to work out the details of where the displaced students would go.

“I can’t say today what the boundaries and attendance area [will be],” said Hoheisel.

“We have to work through the nuances of travel time for the students and how each building is set up. … We’ll be coming forward with that. This is

the first step.”

Whether the district would actually save $1.2 million is unknown. As school board member Mike Ptacek pointed out, the projected savings could be impacted by students whose parents choose a different option for their children.

“Not all people think big elementaries … are particularly effective,” he said. “The bottom line is how many students do you lose? … You say you’ll have a $1.2 million reinvestment. Suppose you lose 50 kids, 100 kids, 150 kids?”

Although she didn’t answer directly, Superintendent Pontrelli addressed the matter later in the session – also alluding, it seemed, to the plans of Marine parents to start a

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charter school.

“We’re hoping our programs and our schools are strong enough so that they want to be in our district instead of going elsewhere,” said Pontrelli.

“We all know charter schools and private schools have their challenges also. I would argue that they don’t have a lot of the strong programs and teachers that our programs do.”

The school board will hear a formal version of the recommendation Jan. 7 and is expected to make its decision Feb. 11.

Residents may weigh in on the proposal at hearings to be held Jan. 26, 27 and 28.

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Hope your Holiday

“Adds Up” to a Joyous Season Bring your children in this New Year to open a Piggy Bank Savings Account

HERE’S TO YOU! At Christmastime we’re filled with cheer, When we recall the folks who’ve stopped by here– So as we lift our glass today, We wish you a happy holiday!

Your Friends at

L ifelo ng Ba nking S t ar t s H e r e

www.themarinebank.com Marine on St. Croix 651-433-2424 120 Judd Street

Scandia 651-433-2265 Scandia Plaza

Chisago Lakes Forest Lake 651-257-4141 651-464-1033 Hwy. 8 & Co. Rd. 14 Hwy. 61 & 97

140 Judd Street•• Marine on St. Croix, MN 651-433-1112•• www.brooksidebarandgrill.com

10

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

Thinking globally, acting locally

COUNTRY

L

Greetings

At this special time of year, we’d like to share our thanks and best wishes with our valued customers and friends. Happy Holidays!

“Your Complete Septic System Maintenance Professionals”

Smilie’s Sewer Service

651-433-3005

With Warm Regards At Christmas

ast week, global leaders celebrated the new Paris Agreement, calling it bold and a turning point. But scientists and environmentalists were quick to point out its faults. Was it a victory, a sham, a bit of both?

President Barak Obama said the summit’s success was “a powerful signal that the world is firmly committed to a low-carbon future.” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called the climate agreement, Editor in which negotiators Suzanne Lindgren agreed to keep warming “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), “ambitious and balanced.”

And in light of numerous failed attempts to come to any kind of international agreement at all, they’re right.

George W. Bush withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol in 2001, calling it an “unrealistic and ever-tightening straightjacket.”

At the climate conference in Copenhagen in 2009 (Obama’s first), negotiators failed to reach even non-legally-binding pledges of the kind established this year in Paris.

But the Paris Agreement drew ire from scientist James Hansen, former director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, who called the agreement a “fraud” consisting of “worthless words.”

For him, taxing greenhouse gas emissions in every nation is the only way to bring emissions down fast enough to avoid most serious effects of climate change.

“There is no action, just promises,” he said of the Paris Agreement. “As long as fossil fuels appear to be the cheapest

fuels out there, they will be continued to be burned.”

Hansen – who presaged much of the current climate conversation in the late 1980s – believes more than half the world’s cities are threatened by rising sea levels, displacing people in the hundreds of millions worldwide.

Gavin Schmidt, Hansen’s successor at NASA, was more forgiving of the agreement, calling it a “necessary first start.” Initial pledges didn’t match the scale of the problem, he said, “but people find out that it’s actually easier to do these things than they first feared.”

To be fair, many of the world’s leaders also acknowledged that the agreement was only a start.

“Even if all the initial targets set in Paris are met, we’ll only be part of the way there when it comes to reducing carbon from the atmosphere,” said Obama. “The problem is not solved because of this accord.”

If countries follow through with their pledges, Earth is on course to warm 2.7 degrees Celsius.

I find it encouraging that, locally, people have been building networks for decades with intent to steward the earth, enrich community and deliver nourishing food. Farms such as Big River Farms CSA give locals a chance to see sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices at work. They also build the kind of community we will need if basic needs can no longer be met by the usual routes of supply. And from Scandia to Stillwater, members of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby are building relationships with U.S. legislators and asking for policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

These efforts are a relief because, as far as I’ve been able to ascertain, our SEE LINDGREN, PAGE 13

We Wish You a Beautiful Season

Come and see our whole new look!

We hope each day of this special season brings peace, joy and light to your heart.

Your visits have certainly made our year merry and bright.

Thank you for your continued support and friendship!

C Frost, Sue Charpentier and Abby Lamb Chris

A ll we want for Christmas is the chance to thank all of you who have brought us so much joy this past year. Your friendship and support mean a lot to us. Happy Holidays!

21260 Olinda Trail North • 651-433-5167 www.scandiaheating.com

"The warm & friendly salon that truly cares" 21080 Olinda Trail N • Scandia, MN • 651 433-5302 www.scandiahairdesign.com

DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER

11

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SUBMITTED

Anonymous Santa In the spirit of Christmas more than 20 agents from RE/MAX Synergy spent $3,615 shopping for Anonymous Santa on December 8. This Saturday, Dec. 19, a donation of $2,000 will be given to Willowbrook Church for food to go to needy families. The funds for these donations are made possible by the 50 plus agents and staff who participate in RE/MAX Synergy Muske Company Community Support Foundation. Since its inception in 1995, Community Support has generated over $500,000 for local families in need.

‘American Heart’

Scandia Marine Lions

NEW MEMBER SOCIAL Tuesday, January 12 7 p.m. at the Scandia Community Center 14727, 209th Street Scandia, MN

Merry Christmas CHRIS NEWBERRY

A still from “American Heart,” which screens Jan. 7 in Marine.

POPPYSEED PHOTOGRAPHY

American Heart” director Chris Newberry.

Health care, immigration examined in documentary A free screening of documentary film, American Heart will be held at the Marine Village Hall on Thurs., Jan. 7 at 7 p.m.

This is the fourth in a series of six documentary film nights presented by the Marine Film Society and the Marine Community Library* to be shown the first Thursday of each month through March. Each film in the series is free and open to the public. The filmmaker for will be present for a discussion following the film.

About the film “American Heart”

gives viewers a glimpse into the remarkable lives of Thor Lem, a former political prisoner from Cambodia; Patrick Junior, a member of an oppressed ethnic minority in Burma; and Alex Gliptis, an Ethiopian refugee suffering from PTSD, diabetes and HIV. The health care challenges they face are daunting, made more complicated by the trauma they carry from their past.

See a trailer at http:// w w w. a mer ic a n he a r tfilm.com/about.html. * This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Tom Our Aace To Yours How sweet it is serving good people like you!

We appreciate your visits this year and look forward to seeing you again, soon!

16440 Lake Blvd. (Hwy. 8) Center City, MN 651-257-1566 • www.specialtycheese.com Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 8-5 Fri. & Sat. 8-9 • Sun. 8-5 CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

12

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

LEGALS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

Regards and thanks for being concerned, Neil Soltis Scandia City Administrator

FROM PAGE 4

community.

The off-premise signs will require a conditional use permit and follow the same process as referenced above.

In the Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority meetings that I have attended, the appearance of off-premise signs at the community gateways has been paramount.

The sign on 243 going into Osceola has frequently been referenced as an example of a sign that lets residents and visitors know that they have arrived. In terms of internally lit signs, I have referenced the monument signs at Osceola Medical Center along 35 as examples of well-done internally lit signs that are very visible to the traveler seeking that location.

In short, yes there can be horrible internally lit signs; however, I believe that there are review processes in place to minimize the potential and, most importantly, from my limited time here in Scandia, my sense is that how the community presents itself is very important to all involved.

1. The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Tilus 2. The address of the principal place of business: 17805 Foxhill Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038.

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: C. Mogren Inc., 17805 Foxhill Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038.

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 withthe applicble 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: Cheyenne Moseley.

Dated December 1, 2015.

Filed with the State of Minnesota.

Published in The Country Messenger December 16, 2015 and December 23, 2015

FIND US ONLINE! COUNTRY

p.s. In your travels if you see what you feel are great examples of gateway signs that would fit in Scandia, please take a photo and send them to me to share. A funding source for the conceptual design of community gateway signs would help if any of you are aware of such resources.

Signs point to business I want to respond to Dan Willius’ thoughtful letter of last week relating to the sign ordinance in Scandia. He and I are active members of the St Croix River Assn, and I value very much his opinions on environmental issues. But, as a former chair of Scandia’s Economic Development Authority, I also bring a second perspective.

The ordinance appears to be needlessly overbroad.

It can be narrowed as it seeks to expand opportunities for signage. No one want signs, e.g. at 97/95 or bordering our beautiful Lilleskogen Park and the future Veterans Memori-

Sudoku Puzzle #3852-M

3

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5 8

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© 2009 Hometown Content

Medium

Answers © 2009 Hometown Content

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1

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Scandia is at a critical tipping point. The city has lost two businesses in the last few weeks, and at least one more is thinking of moving out of town. Other businesses are up for sale. The question becomes how many more can we lose before the city ceases to be “a city.” What’s the balance we want to maintain between a truly rural natural environment and one that accommodates the local businesses that provide the services we desire?

How do we avoid the “death spiral” that has crippled so many small Minnesota communities?

I don’t mean to imply that signage is the only issue facing Scandia’s businesses. Far from it.

I know that my former colleagues on the Scandia EDA are working hard to develop a business-friendly environment that still preserves our treasured rural heritage. So I urge the city to figure out a way to narrow the sign ordinance but not add one more reason for another local business owner to say “I’ve had enough….”

Tom Triplett Stillwater

CLUES ACROSS 1. Teletype (Computers) 4. Loose-fitting sleeveless garment 7. They __ 8. Extinct Turkish caucasian language 10. Tall N Zealand timber tree 12. Piedmont city on the River Gesso 13. Burl __, storyteller 14. Made up of 50 states 16. Not or 17. Given a monetary penalty 19. Unnilpentium 20. ISU town 21. Equality for everyone 25. A lyric poem with complex stanza forms 26. Actress Farrow 27. Scottish caps 29. Gobblers 30. __ Lilly, drug company 31. Process an animal hide 32. Describe in perfect detail 39. 1000 calories 41. American National Bank (abbr.)

42. MN 55121 43. Everyone 44. Substitute 45. Rubber, marching or head 46. Dance Latin rhythm 48. Inside of 49. A way to let know 50. Morning moisture 51. Point midway between S and SE 52. Sales messages CLUES DOWN 1. Duty 2. Whatchamacallit 3. A citizen of Yemen 4. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 5. Nickname 6. One seeded fruit (alt. sp.)

8. Fiddler crabs 9. Troughs of bricks 11. Exploiter 14. Atomic #104

Facebook, dialog and accuracy I read Aundrea Kinney’s article on page 1 of the Dec. 16, 2015 edition of the Messenger regarding the Marine Council and Facebook. Councilman Mowery stated something to the effect that on the Marine Facebook page someone posted a 30 percent levy increase and that “the poster did not know what they were talking about.”

On the second row of the 2016 Washington County Proposed Tax Form the portion of my property tax going to Marine increased by 30 percent (i.e. proposed increase of $978 for 2016 vs. 2015’s actual tax of $3,233). So in fact, Marine residents are not off base. The town had proposed a 22.3 percent levy increase and as this number gets worked through the system (i.e. combined with changes in a house market value assessment) it can increase further, and likely did for many residents as house values have continued to rise in Marine in 2015 even for homes without any added improvements.

I disagree that the Marine Facebook page had much to do with at-

tendance at the Truth in Taxation meeting.

The concern of the majority of the residents in attendance was due to the council proposing a large increase in the tax levy and the residents wanting to understand the reasons for it. In fact as documented by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the percent increase in the proposed Marine levy was the 25th largest percent increase in the state out of 852 cities. Here is the link: http://www.revenue. state.mn.us/propertytax/Pages/ptlevies-16p. aspx The Marine Facebook page is a great way of engaging the public, sharing information, and enabling greater accountability.

Brian Mader Marine

[Ed. Note: For verification, Mr. Mader submitted a photo documenting the proposed change to his property tax. The Messenger chose not to publish the photo, but the numbers have been noted correctly, above.]

15. Italian ice-cream 18. Algerian dinar 19. Consume 20. Macaws 22. Insignificantly small 23. Tooth caregiver 24. Direct toward 27. Bluish green 28. Caliph 29. Faucet 31. The bill in a restaurant 32. Capital of Tocantins, Brazil 33. Explosive 34. The most abundant of the rare-earth group 35. Japanese sock 36. Kampala is the capital 37. Raged 38. Provides with property 39. Miniature racing vehicle 40. Signs 44. Express pleasure 47. Bridge-building degree

3 2 9 5 1 6 8 4 7

8 1 7 4 9 3 6 2 5

Sudoku Solution #3852-M

9 8 2 6 5 4 3 7 1

4 6 1 3 7 9 5 8 2

5 7 3 2 8 1 9 6 4

DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER

13

www.countrymessenger.com

Turn lanes planned for Highway 97, County Road 91

OBITUARIES

Jaidyn Grace Andrus Our precious angel drifted off to heaven too soon on Dec. 13, 2015.

Jaidyn Grace was a kindergartener at Parker Elementary in Elk River.

She loved the color pink, horses, hunting and fishing.

She will be forever missed by her mother, Alecia Kees (Jeremy Hinton); father, Scott Andrus; grandparents: Verona Kees, Peggy Andrus, Curt and Betty Kees, Delphia and Kurt Hinton; aunts and uncles: Scott Kees, Ron and Teresa Kees, Kathy and Craig Laffrenzen, Shannon and Eric Gustafson, Rob and Danaye Andrus, Jared and Debra Hinton; her favorite cousins, many other loving family members and friends.

Her great-grandmother Theone Kees welcomed her to heaven.

We will always treasure and remember Jaidyn’s infectious belly laugh, outgoing and animated personality. She will be dearly missed by everyone she touched.

Funeral services were held Friday at Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Dec. 15 for the construction of turn lanes at Highway 97 and County Road (CR) 91.

The project includes the construction of dedicated left and right turn lanes on Highway 97 at the intersection with CR 91 and Lofton Avenue in Scandia.

There are now shared left turn/through lanes and shared right turn/ bypass lanes on Highway 97, both eastbound and westbound. The proposed left turn lanes will remove stopped vehicles from through traffic,

therefore reducing the potential for rear-end crashes at the intersection.

This project is a partnership with MnDOT and the City of Scandia. It is estimated that the project will cost $659,828, with $593,400 coming from state funds and $66,428 coming from the county. The county was selected to receive funding for a portion of the project cost through a cooperative agreement. With the agreement, MnDOT has the authorization to participate in the cost of construction and construction engineering associated with the project.

COLOR COPIES

Available at: The Sun 108 Cascade Osceola • 715-294-2314 Lifestyle Choices for Seniors…

“Your Life, Your Style”

Dedicated to showing residents they are truly special and deserving of quality care.

• Skilled Nursing Facility with spacious rooms and a homelike setting to entertain family and friends.

• Hearthside Assisted Living offers assistance with activies of daily living in a community-like setting.

• Transitional/Short-term Rehabilitation available for recovery following surgery or illness.

LINDGREN: The Paris agreement FROM PAGE 10

municipal governments are not anticipating or pursuing solutions to problems like food or water shortages that are projected to accompany even a 2-degree-Celsius shift. These volunteer leaders have much to worry about already, but

it seems like a good time to at least begin examining future problems.

The power of government, local or national, is that a single action can affect the lives of many.

That we might be thankful for the agreement established in Paris should not stop us from demand-

Christian Community Home of Osceola

ing more – locally, nationally and globally.

2650 65th Ave., Osceola, WI 54020 • 715-294-1100 www.cchosceola.org

I welcome your responses to this editorial column at editor@countrymessenger.com.

Call today to learn more or to schedule a tour!

AREA CHURCHES Ascension Episcopal Church

Forest Hills United Methodist Church

Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church (LCMS)

Osceola United Methodist Church

St. Joseph Catholic Church

214 North Third Street N, Stillwater (651) 439-2609 • www.ae-church.org Rev. Marilyn Baldwin Rev. Buff Grace, Rector Rev. Brenda Hoffman Mindy Boynton, Christian Ed/Youth Nancy Whipkey, Music Sunday: 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, no music 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, with music

Hwy. 97 at County Road 34 S.E. Forest Lake (651) 464-5249 Pastor: Rev. David Werner www.foresthillsumc.net 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship

25402 Itasca Avenue Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-462-3535 / lordofthelakes.org Pastor Craig Bertram Regular Worship 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Communion First and Third Sundays 9:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Class

306 River Street Osceola, WI (715) 755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com Sunday: Worship 10 a.m.

Fellowship at 11 a.m.

490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, MN (651) 465-7345 Sat. Mass 5:30 p.m.

Sun. Mass 7:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy Days 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Maranatha Assembly of God

Lake Elmo (651) 430-9950 5900 Lake Elmo Avenue N. (Hwy 36 & County Road 17) Pastor Jon Neitzel, Teen Pastor Greg Hamm Children’s Pastor Karen Hynes Sunday Worship and Childrens’ Church 9:30 a.m. Nursery available.

Saturday Worship and Children’s Church, 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Teen Service 7:00 p.m.

The Baha’i Faith For information about Baha’i Faith or times and places of meetings call (651) 433-3686.

Christ Lutheran Church 150 Fifth Street, Marine (651) 433-3222, office ext. 10 Pastor Joel Martin Sunday Worship 8:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.

Kid’s Church during 9:45 service.

Wednesday Life Night schedule: Community Supper at 5:15 p.m.

Faith formation classes for all ages at 6:30 p.m.

Elim Lutheran Church Scandia (651) 433-2723 www.elimscandia.org Senior Pastor Scott Westphal Associate Pastor Meredith McGrath Sunday Worship: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in Sanctuary Christian Education for all ages: 8:45 a.m.

Tuesday Word & Sacrament Worship 6:30 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) Forest Lake (651) 464-3323 886 North Shore Drive Pastors: Rev. Philip Peterson, Rev. Paul Brown Sunday Worship: Traditional, 7:45 & 9:00 a.m.

Praise Service: 10:30 a.m.

Grace Church 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola Pastor Mark Barlow Amy Germain, Day Care Bety Greydanus, Office Manager “The Cure for the Common Church” e-mail: info@gracechurchosceola.com www.gracechurchosceola.com or call (715) 294-4222 or (715) 755-3454 Sunday: Praise and Worship Service 9 a.m. with Children’s Church Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School 10:45 a.m.

Christian Child Day Care Monday-Friday 5:30 am – 6 p.m.

Hosanna Lutheran Church (ELCA) Living, loving and serving as Jesus did... so that all may know him.

9300 Scandia Tr. N. Forest Lake (651) 464-5502 www.hosannaforestlake.net Linda Friesen, Lead Pastor Jen Collins, Associate Pastor Sept-May Worship Schedule Sunday 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

In Great Hall (lower level) Wednesday (thru Apr) 6:00 p.m. in Garden Chapel (upper level)

Lakes Free Church www.lakesfree.org Lindstrom (651) 257-2677 29620 Olinda Trail N. Senior Pastor Richard Stanghelle, Associate Pastor Jason Carlson Sunday Worship 9 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9 & 10:30 a.m.

10963 Lake Blvd. (Hwy 8) Chisago City (651) 464-3131 Pastor Bill Headley Worship service 10 a.m.

Wednesday Clubs 6:30 p.m.

Osceola Community Church 2492 Education Dr., Osceola, WI Larry Mederich, Pastor (715) 417-0608 • www.occconnect.org Sunday Worship 9 a.m. with provided Nursery Kids Church 9:30 a.m.

Meeting in home groups throughout the week. Call for details, 715-294-4332.

Osceola Medical Center Spiritual Care

2600 65th Avenue, Osceola, WI www.myomc.org/specialtyserv_1chapel.php 715-294-5645 fax: 715-294-5712 email: alan.hagstrom@myomc.org Chapel open daily for meditation.

River Valley Christian Church

St. Croix Falls United Methodist Church Upper St. Croix Parish 300 N. Adams St. • (715)-483-9494 Pastor Carolyn Saunders Pastor MIke Brewbaker Sunday Service 10 a.m.

St. Croix Valley Friends Meeting Stillwater (651) 439-7981 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Fifth & Laurel Streets Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Childcare available.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Franconia (651) 465-7345 Sunday Mass: 9 a.m.

Father Frank Wampach Three miles north on Hwy. 95 from Hwy. 97. West on Redwing 1/4 mile.

St. Joseph Catholic Cluster Osceola (715) 294-2243 Rev. Andy Anderson Saturday Mass: St. Joseph’s, 4 p.m.

St. Anne’s, Somerset 5 p.m.

Sunday Mass: Assumption, East Farmingon 8:30 a.m.

St. Anne’s, Somerset 8 & 10 a.m.

St. Joseph’s, Osceola 10:30 a.m.

Call for weekday mass and reconciliation schedules.

Trinity Lutheran Church (WELS) Osceola (715) 294-2828 300 Seminole Avenue Sunday Worship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School/Bible Class: 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday worship: 7 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church Stillwater (651) 439-7400 www.trinitylc.org • 115 North Fourth Street Pastors: Dan Poffenberger & Stephanie Vos, Saturday Evening Worship: 5 p.m.

Sunday Worship: 9 a.m Traditional; 10:30 a.m. The WALK Contemporary Worship Children’s Learning, Sunday 9 a.m. and on Wednesday 6 p.m.

Wednesday 7:15 p.m. “The River” Youth Worship

14

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015 www.countrymessenger.com

DNR seeking watercraft inspection interns for 2016 season The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking intern watercraft inspectors for the 2016 boating season. Inspectors are stationed at public accesses on lakes and rivers infested with aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. “We’re looking for enthusiastic young adults interested in doing important

AUTO BODY

environmental conservation work,� said Adam Doll, DNR watercraft inspection program coordinator.

Watercraft inspectors inform and educate the public about aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to Minnesota waters. Inspectors make sure boaters are following Minnesota’s “Clean, Drain, Dispose� invasive species laws. They also inspect watercraft

FUNERAL HOMES

to prevent potentially infested boats from entering the water. Other duties may include assisting with access posting, conducting invasive species plant removal and other natural resource projects.

Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license, be enrolled in a natural resources or related program and be eligible to receive college credit

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

for the position. Applications are open until all positions are filled.

To view a complete job description or apply online go to http://tinyurl.com/ zvlfcem or contact Adam Doll at (651) 259-5056 or adam.doll@state.mn.us with any questions.

LAWN & SPORT

Bill Schifsky Custom Trailer Mfg.

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

TRAILERS/REPAIR SINCE 1972

. 3HORE $RIVE &OREST ,AKE -.

0HONE 6IEW FAMILY TESTIMONIALS AT WWW MATTSONFUNERALHOME COM &OREST ,AKE S ONLY FUNERAL HOME OWNED ENTIRELY BY LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

651-433-5167 www.scandiaheating.com

Servicing all major brands Lawn & garden, mower service.

Aluminum Utility Trailers Mobile Displays • Ground-Up Construction TRAILER REPAIR Axles • Couplers • Wiring • Brakes Aluminum & Steel Welding 651-257-5340 www.customtrailers.biz • Scandia, MN

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

21240 Olinda Trail N., Scandia, MN.

AUTOMOTIVE

651-433-4668 555 Centennial Drive SW Forest Lake, MN 55025 FULL SERVICE GAS AUTO REPAIR

651-464-4422 robertsfamilyfh.com

12450 Morris Trail N Marine-On-St. Croix 651-433-4500

651-433-2038

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SPRINGBORN

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

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

651-439-1519

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

American Community Builders INC. Dan Froiland, Contractor LIC. #3601

Celebrating our 42nd year Call us for your remodeling and new construction projects

Open Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Marine Cafe

Coϋee, Espresso • Latte • Tea • Breakfast & Lunch Specials Fresh-Baked Pastries & Croissants • Dine-In & To-go

41 Judd Street Marine on St Croix, MN 651-433-0140 • themarinecafe.com Monday: Closed Tuesday – Friday: 7 am – 3 pm Saturday & Sunday: 8 am – 4 pm

INSURANCE

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

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Master in WI & MN • Insured & Bonded

715-294-3712 WI LIC. #636613 • MN LIC. #CA02211

ƒ”Â? Čˆ ‘Â?‡ Čˆ —•‹Â?॥ 715-416-3022

Originator NMLS# 283764 Mortgage Works, Inc NMLS# 284133

"Let Me Do The Shopping For You"

Call 651-426-4455 • 433-4774

email: teri@mortgageworksmn.com

PLUMBING TROWBRIDGE PLUMBING

VETERINARIAN

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

651-433-3666 WEDDING

Residential - Service - Remodel trowbridge_plumbing@hotmail.com

Mike Trowbridge

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

"ĂƒViÂœÂ?>ĂŠ-Ă•Â˜

651-433-3318

ELECTRICIANS

Eliminate Electric Bills

INC.

www.springbornheating@usfamily.net SINCE 1952. Licensed. Bonded. Insured.

THE ORIGINAL PRETTY GOOD GROCERY

CONSTRUCTION

WORKS Teri Zoch

Professional Mortgage Services

Ask about our rebates and Ànancing

S LAR ENERGY

www.energysolution.com MORTGAGE

HOURS: M-F 7:30 to 6 • SAT. 8 to 5

COMPLETE AUTO SERVICE CENTER We will not be undersold

MORTGAGES

SOLAR POWER

#ASCADE

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

JEWELRY

Markgraf Mechanical, Inc.

GOLD DUSTER'S

Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning www.markgrafmechanical.com 651-433-3714 or 651-238-9480

STORAGE PLACE AN AD IN THE

JEWELRY & PAWNBROKERS 280 S.W. 15th. St. Forest Lake, MN Hours: T-Sat. 10 to 6 651-464-4442

Scandia Self Storage Heated or Cold Space Available from 5x10 to 10x40 Hwy. 97, Ozark Ave. N.

Scandia 651-433-4150

BUSINESS BUILDER 13 week minimum Call 651-433-3845 for more info.

DECEMBER 23, 2015

COUNTRY MESSENGER

15

www.countrymessenger.com

PHONE: 651-433-3845 | FAX: 651-433-3158 19

352

102

Piano Lessons

Home/Office Organization

Services

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

THE SUN HAS YOUR office supplies – File folders, labels, register and other tapes, envelopes of many sizes, copy paper by ream or sheet and much more. Let us help you today, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

715-294-2314.

23 Free Items FREE Hamilton piano located in Stillwater.

You haul. 651-7695993.

HAVE SOMETHING TO give away? Run three weeks, nonbusiness related for FREE. Must be from the area. To place an ad call 715-294-2314.

454 Storage Rent Farmington Mini Storage – 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 10x25. For all your storage needs.

Now accommodating 5th wheelers, boats and campers. 715294-3078 or 1-800282-8103.

MINI-STORAGE SPECIALS: Only $25 security deposit. Three sizes available. 7'x10', 10'x20', 10'x24'. Call today for specials.

715-755-2947.

Verhasselt Construction, 3 miles north of Osceola on Hwy. 35.

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

Problems with your car insurance? Tickets? Accidents? Been canceled? Call Noah Insurance for help at 715-294-2017.

RESUMES copied for free if you have been laid off and looking for work. Stop in at The Sun, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

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

715-755-3377

Certified Surgical Technician Full time - 1.0 FTE (80 hours a pay period).

Monday - Friday, mostly day hours; dependent on department staffing needs. Monday - Thursday week night call. Friday - Monday morning weekend call. Holiday call on rotation.

High school graduate or equivalent.

Graduate of approved Surgical Technician program. One year experience in Operating Room within the last five years. Certification from an approved O.R.T. program.

BLS certification.

Tenere, Inc., is a Custom Integrator providing metal fabrication, assembly and engineering services to the high tech industry.

Tenere is located in Dresser, WI, and Osceola, WI.

1st Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Turret Lead - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder - Dresser Plant Quality Inspector - Osceola 2 Plant

Apply on line at www.firstlighthealthsystem.org Or email resume to hr@fl-hs.org FirstLight Health System 301 Highway 65 South Mora, MN 55051 320-225-3612 EOE

2nd Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder – Dresser Plant 3rd Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder – Dresser Plant

FT SERVICE TECHNICIAN St. Croix Falls location

COLOR COPIES available at The Sun

Baribeau Implement is seeking an additional Service Technician dedicated to providing customers with exceptional service, for our rapidly growing St. Croix Falls store. Duties range from routine maintenance to complete diagnosis and repair of tractors, equipment and lawn care products. Must have a technical degree or be an experienced technician. Must own your own tools and have a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving history. Baribeau Implement offers a competitive pay and benefit package.

Email your resume to: baribeau@chibardun.net or mail to:

108 Cascade St.

Baribeau Implement Company, Inc.

Osceola

1671 20-1/2 Street Rice Lake, WI 54868

Seeking FT and PT Electronic Assemblers FT Utility Worker/Ship/Rec/Inventory

Schedule a Jobs Test Today!

Call: Cheri R. (715) 268-6495 EXT. 216 For a full job descriptions please visit our website at: www.gdsiswitches.com Look us up on Facebook GDSI Switches Northwest Corner of Thompson Center 709 Keller Ave. So. Amery, WI 54001 Please: Fax# 715-268-7263-Attn: Cheri R. E-mail to: richardsc@gdsiswitches.com

Rapid growing company with great benefits.

Nice clean environment.

Opportunity for growth and advancement.

MANY GREAT EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES! Please email resume to jennifer.johnson@tenere.com or apply in person at: TENERE, INC. 700 Kelly Ave., Dresser, WI 54009 100 Industrial Dr., Osceola, WI 54020 715-294-1577, ext. 303

HELP WANTED - DRIVERS

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

CDL A DRIVERS $7,500 sign-on-bonus. Medical benefits on day 1 & $65k+ in your first year!!! Guaranteed pay. Profit sharing.

401K with company match & more!

Email resume: mnhr@mclaneco.com or call Hollie now! 507/664-3038

SELL YOUR STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 800/218-8581

DONATE YOUR CAR truck or boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3 day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paperwork taken care of 800/439-1735

GOT KNEE PAIN? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or no cost to you. Medicare patients call health hotline now! 800/755-6807

DISH NETWORK Get more for less! Starting $19.99/ month (for 12 months), plus bundle & save (Fast Internet for $15 more/ month.)

Call now 800/297-8706

SAVE MONEY! Call your local newspaper or MNA 800-279-2979 to find out how you can save money by placing your advertisement here!

STOP OVERPAYING FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. Call 800/259-1096

NOW HIRING Company OTR drivers. $2,000 sign on bonus, flexible home time, extensive benefits.

Call now! Hibb’s & Co. 763/389-0610 MCLANE FOODSERVICE: Class A Delivery Truck Drivers Wanted!

Great Pay, Home Time & Benefits. Text “CDL” to 51893, Call 262/504-1617 or email resume to careers@mclanefs.com

COUNTRY

.com

16

SHERIFF’S REPORT

COUNTRY MESSENGER

DECEMBER 23, 2015

www.countrymessenger.com

City of Marine on St. Croix

DECEMBER 13 At 5:31 p.m. an erratic driver on St. Croix Trail, south of William O’Brien Park, was reported.

At 6:21 p.m. public assistance was needed on Olinda Trail.

DECEMBER 11

At 9:08 p.m. information about an intoxicated driver came from Big Marine Store.

At 11:38 p.m. a fire was reported on Manning Trail.

City of Scandia

At 5 p.m. a welfare concern was reported on Scandia Trail and St. Croix Trail.

DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 11

At 10:50 a.m. a complaint about an animal came from Scandia Trail.

At 6:48 a.m. a medical need was reported on Olgilvie Avenue.

At 7:34 a.m. a welfare check was done on Orwell Road.

Town of May

DECEMBER 12 At 9:12 a.m. a scam was reported on Parade Avenue.

DECEMBER 14 At 3:57 p.m. a referral for child protection came from Panorama Avenue.

At 5:38 p.m. a vehicle vs. deer incident on Manning Trail was reported.

Spotlight on Area Businesses From all of us to all of you, go our warmest wishes for a simply unforgettable holiday season.

We really appreciate your business this past year and wish you the best in the coming year. Thanks!

With Best Wishes From The Whole Gang!

Olson’s Sewer Service, Inc. Olson’s Excavating Service 651-464-2082 • www.olsonsinthepink.com

CONGRATULATIONS NEWLYWEDS. GET STARTED ON BUILDING A SOLID FINANCIAL FUTURE. LET’S TALK.

Heidi Gemuenden, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Scandia Office • 651-433-5753

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

Call us for a quote!

Certified by M.P.C.A.

www.olsonsinthepink.com

651-433-5845 21190 Ozark Ave N Scandia, MN STORE HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. - Closed

JoAnn Buse & Jane Dreyer

651-433-1112 HOURS

Sun - Thurs 11 am - 11 pm, Fri - Sat 11 am - 11 pm or later

41 Years of SatisÀed Customers!

21260 Olinda Trail N.

Minnesota state parks and trails will join other states in a nationwide effort to get as many kids and adults out hiking on Jan. 1 as possible, the Department of Natural Resources said. The effort, led by America’s State Parks, will include more than 400 guided hikes in all 50 states.

First Day Hikes in Minnesota will take place at: • Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji), 10-11:30 a.m.

• Minneopa State Park (Mankato), 10-11:30 a.m.

• Scenic State Park (Bigfork), 10 a.m.-noon • Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton), 1-2:30 p.m.

• Wild River State Park (Center City), 1-2:30 p.m.

• Lake Carlos State Park (Alexandria), 1-3 p.m.

• Whitewater State Park (Altura), 1-3 p.m.

• Tettegouche State Park (Silver Bay), 1-4 p.m.

• Luce Line State Trail (Vicksburg Lane trailhead, Plymouth), 6-7 p.m.

The hikes will promote getting outdoors to burn off holiday calories, cure cabin fever and enjoy the winter landscape and wildlife.

“Research shows that spending time outdoors rejuvenates the mind and body,” said Erika Rivers, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division, “so Minnesota state parks and trails can be a great resource to anyone whose New Year’s resolution involves improving their health and fitness.”

Rivers plans to join the First Day Hike on the Luce Line State Trail, where candle luminaries will light the way.

All First Day Hikes are free, but a vehicle permit ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit) is required to enter Minnesota state parks.

(There is no charge for parking at the Luce Line State Trail.)

If there is sufficient snow, snowshoeing will be an option at the First Day Hikes. Some parks have snowshoes available in child and adult sizes; call ahead to reserve a pair.

“If a First Day Hike doesn’t fit into your family’s schedule on New Year’s Day,” Rivers says, “remember that Minnesota state parks and trails are open every day, even in winter, so come visit and hike whenever you can.”

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