River Valley Woman April 2024

BY EILEEN MADSEN Editor

of RVW I try to relate in some manner to the theme by sharing a brief personal story in this column. Case in point, this issue devoted to women who serve and protect. Unless watching a lot of TV cop and courtroom shows count, the handful of traffic tickets I’ve gotten, and being called for jury duty twice, my encounters with the law are, thankfully, pretty tame.

Making history in the city of Le Sueur is our cover feature, and first Latina police chief, Pilar Stier. Chief Stier, a native of Argentina, came to America as a teenager. And it was America that provided her the opportunity to take a lead role in law enforcement. Her penchant for wearing a Wonder Woman costume as a child ingrained her idol’s attributes of commitment to justice, peace and equality. Super heroine indeed.

As the first female deputy sheriff in Le Sueur County, Alyson Deegan is one of the few women who works out in the field. Surrounded by men in her department Aly reassures that she isn’t treated differently. But she perp walks any negativity she may encounter elsewhere by choosing to be motivated by it.

Here comes the judge. The honorable Fifth Judicial District Judge Andrea Lieser fell robe over heels with the courtroom during her law school student days volunteering with public defender offices in the Twin Cities. However, returning to southern Minnesota appealed to her, and after learning different areas of law including criminal defense, as well as prosecution, she was appointed as judge in 2021. Her priority is

giving time and attention to make well-informed decisions, as she understands the impact that makes on people’s lives. Class action.

For the record, I love courtroom dramas. So when I was called for jury duty the first time, I didn’t object. The process of jury selection was interesting and I found the courtroom itself soothing and oddly comforting. Alas, I was not selected that time. The second call to serve was far more intense. Even though I had to wait in a smallish room with 20 others, some of whom whined like it was the first day of kindergarten, it was exciting. The elimination process went on for days. When they got to me and started the interrogation—I mean, questions—they seemed particularly fascinated with the fact that I was editor of River Valley Woman and my deadline schedule. In the end I was again not chosen. Disappointing, but I guess they had their reasons, so who am I to judge?

It’s not hearsay that schools can be a dangerous place, what with hallway bullies, algebraic equations, and being forced to play dodge ball during gym. But in today’s world there are far greater threats. After the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, two women took safety into their own hands. Meg Soultz, a paramedic and police officer, and Dr. Savahanna Wagner created Rescue in Color. These easy-to-use, color-coded bleeding control kits are designed to be used by bystanders of all ages. Currently they are in 20 Minnesota schools including Blue Earth County. They aren’t kidding when it comes to saving lives. Based on all the evidence in this issue, there are some amazing women out there who serve to protect our communities. And their words are law.

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALEX ALMEDA

Making history as the state of Minnesota’s first Latina police chief, Pilar Stier takes pride in the role, which she assumed late last year. Stier, a native of Argentina, has overcome obstacles and adversity that have led her to where she is now, serving the people of Le Sueur.

Pilar came with her family to America, specifically to Orno, Minnesota, as a 15-year-old.

“My stepdad had a foster family when he had been a foreign exchange student and had kept in touch with them, and he considered them family, so we had a connection there,” Pilar said.

After the first year they moved to the Twin Cities area as her parents decided to enroll at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Pilar then finished up her high school years at Roseville High School.

“My mom had learned English through the years and considered herself fluent but when we got here, she couldn’t understand anything. It’s very different in a school setting versus being thrown into a culture,” she explained. “We were thrown into the public school system and told, ‘figure it out,’ and we did. At first I was looking at the dictionary a lot. It took me a good seven months being in the country to understand what people were saying.”

Looking back now, Pilar understands part of why the family left Argentina was to escape an increasingly poor political climate. Because her parents had connections, they felt it would be better for everyone in the states.

She acknowledges that the transition was very difficult. As a teen, she noted she was at an age that was already hard, and on top of that, she was leaving her home and virtually moving to a completely new world.

“We went from being independent and financially in a good place to depending on other people. The move was traumatizing for the kids at first but later we came to see how important it was and thanked our parents for the move. But it was hard at the time,” Pilar said.

She gradually became assimilated to her new life in Minnesota and got through high school. Pilar explained how she became interested in law enforcement.

“According to my mom, I was always interested in law enforcement,” said Pilar. “I had a little Wonder Woman outfit that I used to wear.”

Back when she was growing up, the only options in the field for a woman in Argentina was traffic control or working in the jail so Pilar had given little thought to actually becoming an officer of any kind.

“When we came to the states, I realized I now had the opportunity,” she said.

She attended Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, where she studied criminal justice, psychology and administration. However, at the time Pilar was not yet a citizen, so she also had an interest in social services. She had her green card however, which she had to have for five years prior to becoming a US citizen.

Next she went to Minnesota State University- Mankato, where she obtained a law enforcement degree. After taking her skills classes, she was able to start working as a dispatch jailer in Le Sueur County.

In 2000 she became a US citizen.

In 2002 she became a Minnesota State Trooper, and in that year there was a multi-jurisdictional academy that was federally funded. Nineteen went through the academy and five went on to the state patrol, and the rest to different agencies.

“The idea was to have everybody be trained the same way and then go to different agencies. There were three different police corps through the year,” Pilar said.

She had had a long interest in traffic patrol because one of her cousins in Argentina had been killed by a drunk driver.

“The first five years I worked the night shift in the west metro/Minneapolis area. The next five years I worked evenings in the west metro. The last 10 years I had been in the Mankato area, with five of them doing commercial vehicle inspecting,” Pilar said. 

 She noticed that she had been organically working on a five year schedule so felt like it was time for her to do something different. Pilar said that the events surrounding George Floyd in 2020 also influenced her decision to move away from being a state trooper and dealing mostly with traffic, to serving in a larger capacity.

“I had talked to my husband who is also in law enforcement and told him I was looking for something different,” Pilar said.

She had been working in the Le Sueur area for the past decade and knew many of the officers, as well as the chiefs. While she wasn’t sure she would be interested in, or able to do the job, she received a recommendation from the former chief, who reached out to her and encouraged her to apply.

“Once I thought of the possibilities and everything that I was missing because I was no longer satisfied, I thought it would be the perfect place to find a community connection,” Pilar said.

Looking back, she had a lot of self doubt because she had never seen someone like her in the role of a chief, not a woman, and certainly not a Hispanic woman.

“My husband supported me and told me I was qualified,” Stier said. She began the role on Nov. 27, 2023.

Family: Husband Terry is Blaine police chief. He has two children, and Pilar has two as well.

Hobbies: Hunting and fishing with husband and being outdoors with family. Pilar enjoys ice fishing and has gone on a successful bear hunt. Their cabin in northern Minnesota is her favorite getaway.

Travel: She still has cousins in Argentina and hopes to visit with her children next year as she hasn’t been back since she left as a teenager.

“It’s been challenging, but awesome. A lot of women and girls have approached me. A lot of Latinos and others in a minority have approached me and that’s been good,” Pilar said.

She knows of just five other female police chiefs in the state, but noted there could be more. While she takes pride in being only one of a few, she doesn’t want the focus to be on that.

“I always wanted to say, ‘I’m one of the guys,’ but truthfully I’m not one of the guys because I’m not a guy. At this point in my career, it’s important to understand I need to embrace what I am so other girls and other minorities can see that I got here, and it’s possible for them, too,” Pilar said. “Throughout my career, I just wanted to educate myself and do different things so if I was ever promoted, it wouldn’t be because I was a woman.”

Pilar also provided some motivation and advice for women who are juggling family and a career.

“I was a single mom for about seven years. I had two kids and was working nights and rotating shifts, and struggling to make payments. My kids always thought I could do it so I had to show them that I could,” she said.

Especially when you’re different, in Pilar’s case, being Hispanic, she felt like she needed to prove herself more than a man would need to.

“My son works really hard and he’s a very smart kid, but I don’t want my daughter to question herself and whether she can do something because she’s a girl,” Pilar said. “I want to be an example because someone is watching. For sure your kids are watching.”

There are currently no other women on her staff, but Stier is optimistic they will get some. She said they do have a Hispanic and Asian male on staff so appreciates that there are some other minorities represented. Pilar feels supported by not only her family and staff, but also the larger community.

“I 100 percent believe the community is behind me. They’re supportive of law enforcement regardless, and are just a welcoming community. They were happy to have me and have something different,” she said.

She did acknowledge that law enforcement is a difficult field to be in and that it’s quickly changing. However she said that the community she serves has embraced the change and is open to it. Likewise Pilar is open to the ideas of the community and the staff.

Speaking more to the changes and challenges in law enforcement, Pilar said, “We’re going to evolve and make things better. Our job is to adjust to serve the community.” RVW

I HAVE A LOT OF YOUNG GIRLS COMING UP TO ME AT EVENTS SAYING, ‘I WANT TO BE A POLICE OFFICER WHEN I GROW UP,’ AND IT’S REALLY COOL TO SEE AND TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR THEM.

DEPUTY SHERIFF & ROLE MODEL

By BROOKE WOHLRABE

Alyson Deegan is the first full-time female deputy sheriff in Le Sueur County. The 25-year-old recently celebrated one year in the role and while she continues to go about her days, doing her duty, she acknowledges the spotlight on her at times and that she’s serving as a role model to the younger generation, especially to young girls.

Deegan is originally from the Saint Peter/Kasota area. She went to Saint Peter High School and admitted that she had no inkling of what she wanted to go into after graduating, but she chose to go to St. Mary’s University in Winona where she figured she’d study teaching.

“I quickly decided that education was not for me,” Aly said with a laugh. However, she enjoyed both the school and the city so she went through the list of majors and was intrigued by criminal justice and corrections.

“I kind of went into it blindly thinking it sounded cool. I had a teacher that was a Winona police officer and he convinced me into looking into the law enforcement side of things so I did,” Aly said.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree and then went to the Vermillion campus in Ely, Minnesota for four months to undergo a skills training program.

After that, she was ready to start working. Her boyfriend at the time, now fiancé, Trevor, was going to Bemidji State University, so Aly accepted a job working for Hubbard County, near Park Rapids, in order to be close to him. She spent about a year there.

“After he graduated we decided we wanted to be closer to home. I started looking for jobs and the Le Sueur County job opened up, so I took that,” Aly said.

Alyson Deegan, Le Sueur County’s first fulltime female sheriff’s deputy.

There are several dozen staff between investigations, patrol and transport. Aside from a few working in dispatch, records and as jailers, Aly is the only female out in the field. She spoke as to why she thinks there’s such a shortage of women in law enforcement.

“It’s getting better, you see more and more females coming into it, but it’s always been a male-dominated profession,” Aly said. She compared it to some other professions like construction and plumbing that are also typically male-dominated.

“There are a lot of risks that come with this job. It’s viewed as more of a masculine profession,” Aly said.

She worked with just one other woman in her last job, and looking back past that, there were about four women in her skills program. But Aly noted the program was also for those going into the National Park Service, which is where the other females ended up. Despite being the odd one out, Aly said she feels respected by both her coworkers and also the community.

“I feel supported for the most part. My department is great, I work with all guys but they’re awesome. I don’t feel like I’m being treated differently. I like the department and the community,” Aly said. She doesn’t notice a difference between the work her male colleagues do, and what she does, which she’s grateful for. Most of all, Aly said she likes being able to put on her uniform and show young kids that they can do the work if they want to.

“I have a lot of young girls coming up to me at events saying, ‘I want to be a police officer when I grow up,’ and it’s really cool to see and to be a role model for them,” Aly said.

She had two brothers and several male cousins by her side growing up so doing the work she does now, surrounded by males, doesn’t feel all that strange to her.

Now, she still spends time with her brothers and stepfather, playing in a curling league in Mankato. Aly and her fiancé also enjoy spending time outdoors and she often goes running with her yellow lab, Keela.

“I grew up doing a lot of things that wouldn’t be considered girly, but I had a good support system always telling me I could do what I wanted to, no matter what, so that’s been a great thing for me,” Aly said.

That’s not to say there haven’t been some naysayers in her life, but Aly chooses not to let them get her down. She’s motivated by it instead.

“I’ve had people tell me a girl shouldn’t be doing this job. And those are the people I want to prove wrong and prove that anyone can do it,” she said. RVW

THERE ARE A LOT OF RISKS THAT COME WITH THIS JOB. IT’S VIEWED AS MORE OF A MASCULINE PROFESSION.

Aly and her faithful companion, Keela, a yellow lab. The two enjoy running outdoors together.

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By CHRISTINE NESSLER

Born and raised in southern Minnesota, Fifth Judicial District Judge Andrea Lieser is dedicated to giving back to the community she loves through her commitment to providing thorough determinations, her dedication to Drug Court, her mentorship of pre-law students and her recruitment of law professionals to our area.

Her path to the Fifth District Court has helped her to provide well-rounded experience to each case she hears in her courtroom or chambers.

Judge Lieser graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) in St. Peter with a political science degree. After taking a gap year to study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and work for the federal government, she applied to law schools in Minnesota, landing at William Mitchell College of Law, which is now Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Throughout law school, Judge Lieser was able to practice law.

“The Minnesota rules of student practice basically let you be a mini attorney under the supervision of a licensed practicing attorney,” said Judge Lieser.

She gained valuable experience volunteering with public defender offices in the Twin Cities. It was during that time that Judge Lieser says she fell in love with the courtroom.

Right after she graduated from William Mitchell, Judge Lieser took a job as a law clerk in Hennepin County. For Lieser, seeing the model of Hennepin County was especially helpful. However, southern Minnesota was calling Judge Lieser home. She transitioned back to her hometown to work for a solo practitioner until he was appointed to the bench. This gave Judge Lieser incentive and opportunity to open her solo practice with a part-time public defender contract.

From there, Judge Lieser worked for a Mankato law firm for two years, learning different areas of law.

“Criminal defense was always a part of my career in some way, shape or form, but when I worked for the local law firm, I was able to immerse myself into a lot of other transactional areas of law,” she said. “It was wonderful exposure and I worked under a phenomenal attorney who was a great mentor to bestow on me all of his years of experience and level-headedness.”

When there was an opening in the Fifth Judicial District public defender’s office, Lieser took the opportunity to be back in the courtroom. After five years she took a prosecutor position in her hometown. This transition took place in the spring of 2020. 

 Her current position as the Fifth Judicial District Court judge was created through the legislature in the summer of 2021. Judge Lieser was appointed that fall and has been in that role ever since.

Many attorneys practice in one or two areas of law, but a judge has to be knowledgeable in all areas of law. Her experience in various areas of law has been beneficial as a district judge, since, according to Judge Lieser, she sees anything that walks in the courtroom door from adoptions to evictions to felony level offenses.

“Every job change I went through was a natural progression into a new area of law,” said Judge Lieser. “It allowed me to see a lot of different areas of the law and witness a lot of attorneys and how they practiced.” Judge Lieser’s experience spans from bankruptcy, criminal defense, child support, family law, estate planning, and probate. Even so, she realizes when she needs to spend more time brushing up on areas in which she is less familiar. Having a solid team in place makes a big difference in these instances. Her team includes her court reporter, her law clerk, court administration staff, and her fellow district court judges in Blue Earth County. Lieser says it’s invaluable to walk down the hall and discuss cases with her four fellow judges.

“That’s a wonderful thing about this position,” said Judge Lieser. “Folks are extremely collegiate and offer their help. It’s truly a phone-a-friend and you have someone that can talk through a situation with you.”

For Judge Lieser, there are many benefits to being a Fifth District judge. She appreciates the opportunity to continue to learn different areas of law and to be able to serve Blue Earth County.

“This is a really unique area in that we have some elements of a bigger city, and we’re still a college town, and we’re still a very large agricultural area,” said Judge Lieser. “I enjoy that variety and it’s something very unique to southern Minnesota, specifically Blue Earth County.”

What Judge Lieser says she enjoys most is the people, and the honor of being invited into their stories, as she puts it. She understands people come to the courtroom during some of their most challenging or most wonderful times and takes seriously the honor of bearing witness to those moments. She strives to make her courtroom an environment of respect and kindness.

“While I cannot control how someone may feel when they walk into the courtroom for their hearing or trial,” said Judge Lieser. “I do hope everyone leaves the courtroom feeling respected and heard.”

The five Fifth Judicial District Court judges are assigned an equal share of the cases that are filed into the courts. On any given criminal calendar day, which is typically the heaviest court calendar, an individual judge can see as many as fifty to seventy-five cases.

That’s where chamber days come into play. These days, judges spend their time working in the office on research, writing orders or making determinations. This means reading all the pleadings and motions, being aware of the issues raised, and being familiar with all statutes and rules upon which she’s being asked to make a determination. Judge Lieser aims to give each case the time and attention needed to make well informed determinations, because she understands the impact of her decisions on the lives of those people in her courtroom.

“My hope is that I serve the Fifth Judicial District well and individuals will know their case was taken seriously, and was given the deference and attention it deserved,” said Judge Lieser. “They deserve to have a judge that is fully informed as to every aspect that is possible for me to know.”

Since August 2022, Judge Lieser has also been the judge for Drug Court in Blue Earth County. The mission of Drug Court is supporting drug and alcohol offenders through rehabilitation and recovery. With quick intervention, Drug Court is to help break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction, and crime.

“Drug courts are a major contributor to lowering recidivism. Drug courts are the highest level of supervision for individuals who are chemically dependent and on probation. The approach is to assist the whole person rooted upon a treatment-based model. It literally saves lives and

ensures safety and sobriety within our communities,” said Judge Lieser.

As with all people who walk into Judge Lieser’s courtroom, she feels honored to know the participants in the Drug Court program and to watch their success unfold.

“Their commitment to sobriety and a whole new way of living is a difficult road to walk with such a debilitating disease,” said Judge Lieser. “Watching folks make the changes, reunite their families, obtain stable employment and housing and see the change inside themselves is truly remarkable and a real honor to witness.”

Judge Lieser is typically busy volunteering with the activities of her three children, but when she has time, she enjoys giving back to her alma mater, GAC, by giving presentations to pre-law classes and mentoring students interested in law.

“Information and knowledge are power,” said Judge Lieser. “The more questions you can ask and the more information you can gather, then you are empowered to make those decisions.”

From her first science fair experience in fourth grade, Judge Lieser thought she would be a doctor when she grew up. Part way through her pre-med undergrad she realized the medical field wasn’t for her. Fortunately, she had a mentor early on who helped her fall in love with a different kind of science—political science.

“I had a phenomenal professor who I enjoyed so I just kept taking more of his political science classes,” said Judge Lieser. She realized law was her real passion and changed her major to pre-law. Now as a mentor, she can help other students as they navigate the possibilities of their futures.

Not only does Judge Lieser enjoy giving back to her alma mater, but she also sees the need for more attorneys and law clerks in Greater Minnesota, and the importance of recruiting quality candidates to our area. According to her, many law school graduates go to the Twin Cities for their careers.

“We have a lot of legal work to do in Greater Minnesota,” said Judge Lieser. “Southern Minnesota is a phenomenal place to live. It’s a great place to have a work life balance and to raise a family as well. Hands down we have wonderful communities and school districts to support families here.”

Judge Lieser also makes southern Minnesota a great place to live with her commitment to the people she serves as a Fifth Judicial District judge, a Drug Court judge, and through her passion for mentoring prelaw students and recruiting quality law candidates. RVW

Advice for anyone interested in law.

• Try to connect with as many lawyers as possible and spend a day with them or job shadow with them.

• Visit the courthouse and watch and observe a trial in the courtroom.

• See what the day-to-day practice of law really looks like.

• The more exposure you get, the better the opportunity to see what fits for you, and what intrigues you.

Decompressing after a day in District Five

• Listening to a good podcast.

• Setting her phone on silent.

• Blasting out some good music.

• Getting up to date on the news of the day.

• Baking.

• Gardening.

Wanna aw y? get

By ????

MEG SOULTZ &

SAVAHANNA

WAGNER RESCUE IN COLOR

Meet Meg Soultz and Savahanna Wagner, two Plymouth residents, who have taken school safety into their own hands with Rescue in Color, a Twin Cities-based company that takes a practical, innovative approach to bleeding control in schools across Minnesota. Rescue in Color offers simple, color-coded bleeding control kits designed to be administered by bystanders of all ages and walks of life.

Soultz, a paramedic and police officer, and Dr. Wagner, a doctor of internal medicine, launched Rescue in Color following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde that killed 19 students and two teachers.

“After the catastrophe in Uvalde, we decided that we couldn’t waste any more time in finding alternative solutions to save lives and devoted all of our spare time to Rescue in Color,” said Dr. Wagner.

“Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma, but with easy access to the

right equipment, we believe a lot of these deaths can be prevented. That’s the mission of Rescue in Color.”

Dr. Wagner and Officer Soultz know through experience that in many emergencies, minimally trained bystanders can make the biggest difference in saving lives. The color-coded kit is designed with simple—yet crucial—elements that make it readily accessible, including a magnet on the back so it can hang from metal doors or desks, and easy-pull bidirectional zippers that can be opened with a single pull. The color coding guides the user on how to treat different injuries, and the equipment isn’t plastic wrapped or otherwise sealed, making it simple to access when every second counts.

“We know how much every second counts in an emergency, so it is crucial for people to have easy access to needed equipment to save lives,” says Officer Soultz. “Our goal is for all the schools in Minnesota to have the equipment they need to stop uncontrolled bleeding until paramedics can arrive, whether that be a result of a violent event or an accident.”

Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soultz

Inspired by bleeding control kits commonly used by paramedics and first-responders, Officer Soultz and Dr. Wagner channeled their experience in emergency medicine and first-response to retool their kits and make them readily usable for bystanders.

“Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, which is why it was a no-brainer to add Rescue in Color kits to our schools,” says Mark Westerburg, Superintendent of the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School District near Mankato. “No one ever dreams of something like this happening in their children’s school, but with these kits, we can feel safer knowing that we have the right equipment to allow our staff and students to give lifesaving care in an emergency.”

The kits are in approximately 20 Minnesota schools including those in Robbinsdale, Blue Earth County, Carlton County, and Olmsted County. Similar to the presence of AEDs in public places, more schools are expected to stock their classrooms with kits as a part of a comprehensive school safety plan, especially as the issue of gun violence continues to impact school safety. In fact, some states have passed laws requiring bleeding control kits be available in schools.

To learn more about Rescue in Color, visit their website at www.rescueincolor.com and Instagram page.

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While trying to find some new and exciting information on berries, a little research revealed some interesting facts about berries. For instance, there are “true” berries (avocados, barberries, currants, gooseberries, grapes, pineapple and tomatoes) and “false” berries such as blueberries, cranberries and huckleberries. What most of us think of as berries are actually “berrylike” compound fruits such as blackberries, boysenberries, loganberries, mulberries, raspberries and strawberries. Who knew?

The folate in blackberries may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and as an added bonus helps maintain healthy hair. The rich blue-black color

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Add strawberries, mozzarella, basil, oil, salt, and pepper to pasta in large bowl. Toss to combine. Top with pecan salad topping. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; toss to coat. If desired, add additional balsamic glaze to taste.

BLACK BERRIES STRAW BERRIES

FINANCIAL HELP WHERE TO TURN FOR

The topic of this month’s issue is “Saving, Spending, and Investing.” As an attorney whose practice focuses on banking law, I see all too often the consequences of someone who is not able to save and invest. This isn’t necessarily for lack of trying or as simple as overspending. One of the most common reasons for filing bankruptcy is a serious medical illness or unexpected job loss. For people who find themselves in this position, it is important to keep in mind some key advice.

Most importantly, don’t ignore your creditors in hopes they will go away; because they won’t. It is important to continue to speak with and work with your creditors to figure out how to handle outstanding debt. Generally, creditors will work with you on adjusting payments or forbearing on collecting for a short period of time if you are proactive, open and honest about your financial situation. This is as simple as picking up the phone, calling your creditor and asking whether the creditor is willing to discuss alternative repayment terms. However, when creditors do not hear from a borrower after sending default letters, the creditor has little choice but to move forward with the next step in the collection process, which is usually a lawsuit to enforce the debt. Unfortunately, if the creditor files a lawsuit, it becomes public knowledge and can affect other aspects of your financial situation.

When you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, review your income and expenses to see what you can afford to pay creditors. Be honest with yourself about what you truly can or cannot afford. Also, be honest about what is a need, and what is a want in your budget. To help with this process, consider reaching out to a family member, friend or mentor who you trust to help review your financial situation, budget and spending.

If you aren’t comfortable reaching out to a family member or friend, reach out to a non-profit credit counselor to assist you. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute, the Department of Commerce has posted a document on the department website that includes the contact information for nonprofit organizations located in Minnesota that provide credit counseling services to debtors. The credit counselor will help review your budget and financial goals and work with you to create a personalized financial action plan. The plan will help you to pay down your debt and put you one step closer to saving and

investing, thus putting you closer to a more secure financial future. Do be mindful of debt relief scams. Generally speaking, one sign of a debt relief scam is that the person or company offers to help get rid of your debt but first requires you to pay them a fee. Frequently, borrowers pay the fee and then never hear back from the debt relief company. If this happens, you should file a complaint with attorney general in your state. Many states have requirements that these types of credit service organizations or debt management companies need to be licensed with the state. Before sending money to a company who promises to get rid of your debt, check to see whether it is properly licensed as required in your state.

Be smart about maximizing your assets. Look at the value of the things you own and determine what they are worth to you, whether you need them or whether you can sell them. Additionally, think about whether you can sell your assets and replace them with something cheaper. For example, people frequently let their house go into foreclosure when they cannot afford their mortgage payments. This is common even when their home is worth more than they owe against it. Instead, people should consider taking steps to realize the equity from the home. If your home is worth more than you owe, but you cannot keep up with the monthly payments, consider selling the house before foreclosure occurs. Doing so may allow you to pay the lender what it is owed and get some money in your pocket for your next living situation, such as an apartment security deposit and first month lease payment.

Finally, if you try all the above and still feel that you cannot make ends meet and keep your head above water, talk with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options. It doesn’t mean you have to file bankruptcy, but it will help you to see your options. Meeting with a bankruptcy attorney sooner rather than later will give you information so that you can make the best educated decision on how to proceed.

JENNIFER LURKEN Partner Gislason & Hunter LLP

READY TO BE FREE? TOBACCO

Stopping smoking, vaping or using tobacco products is one of the very best things you can do for your health and your family.

According to the American Lung Association, tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. with more than 480,000 people dying every year from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoking impacts every organ of the body and causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis. Secondhand smoke also affects our loved ones and can lead to stroke, lung cancer and heart disease.

While vaping is new to the scene, the American Lung Association reported that e-cigarettes and vapes produce a number of dangerous chemicals that can result in acute lung injury, COPD, cause asthma and even lung cancer. The chemicals included as ingredients are not FDA tested or approved. Secondhand vapor is also harmful to our loved ones.

As a family medicine provider, I understand that quitting smoking or vaping is not easy. In fact, data shows that 70 percent of people who smoke want to quit and 60 percent of those who vape want to quit. You don’t have to do it alone. And remember, it may take more than one try to quit for good.

Minnesota’s FREE cessation program – Quit Partner – can double your chances of quitting smoking, vaping and chewing with a combination of professional support and quit medications. The program offers one-on-one coaching, 24/7 support, and quit medications including patches, gums and lozenges that contain nicotine. You choose whether you want coaching and support through e-mails, text or phone.

Start your journey to being tobacco free by visiting QuitPartner.com or calling 1-800-Quit-Now.

Quit Partner’s Getting Ready to Quit Page offers some really great tips to get started:

Find Your Reason to Quit: Think about all you will gain from quitting such as better health for you and your family, food tastes better, more energy, less coughing. Then write down your reasons to help you stay motivated.

Calculate your savings: Use Quit Partner’s savings calculator to estimate what you are spending on tobacco products.

Benefits start minutes after you quit: 20 minutes after you quit smoking, blood pressure drops and pulse slows. In 2-12 weeks, lung function improves. In 4-36 weeks, coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath goes down. As weeks turn into years, your risks for cancer, heart and lung disease go down dramatically!

How to Make a Quit Plan: Quit Partner advises picking a quit date, thinking about the types of support you may need and tell your family and friends that you’re planning to quit and ask for their support. Think of situations when you want to use and ask how you can replace or avoid tobacco. Identify things you can do when you feel the urge. Double your chances of quitting by joining Quit Partner for coaching, 24/7 support and a free, 2-week supply of quit medications.

Above all, lean on your healthcare provider. They are there to support you in your journey to be tobacco free and improve your health.

ELISSA KARELS, APRN, DNP, FNP-C Mankato Clinic North Mankato Family Medicine

Author Laura Murray

Spreading Kindness Through Reading

Greater Mankato Area United Way has teamed up with Capstone on its newest early literacy initiative focused on spreading kindness as well as the love of reading.

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s picture book, The Kindness Booth, is published by Capstone, a leading educational publisher of children’s books, literacy programs and K-5 digital solutions based in North Mankato. The book follows a group of friends who set out to make the day brighter for their neighborhood through acts of kindness.

Geared toward grades PreK-2, The Kindness Booth was written by Greater Mankato Area United Way Director of Operations & Communications Laura Murray and was illustrated by Italybased Andrea Boatta.

“During each school book delivery/presentation, we read the book together and have a discussion about being kind,” said Murray. “We ask the first-graders, “How can you show kindness?” Some of their answers included:

• Sharing

• Being a friend when someone needs it

• If someone is lonely, I can play with them

• Helping someone when they fall down

• Helping my mom and dad

• Giving someone a hug

• Being a helper at school

• Being nice to my sister

• Taking a deep breath when I am upset

“With United Way’s focus on childhood literacy and development, I have had the long-time goal of releasing our own picture book,” said Greater Mankato Area United Way CEO Barb Kaus. “This book has a beautiful message centered on kindness, which is foundational at every age. We are thrilled to partner with Capstone on this initiative and can’t wait to see this book in the hands of children throughout our region and beyond.”

“We’re delighted to partner with the Greater Mankato Area United Way on this very special book project near and dear to our hearts. As a publisher of books for kids for more than 30 years, and as long-time partners on the United Way’s Books for Kids program, we know firsthand the impact books have on children’s lives” said Beth Brezenoff, Capstone VP of Publishing. “The Kindness Booth has themes of kindness and relationship building, and we can’t think of a more fitting partner to create this book with than the Greater Mankato Area United Way. We are honored to help fund community initiatives in Capstone’s hometown with a portion of the book’s proceeds.”

Signed books can be purchased at Greater Mankato Area United Way. Books are also available wherever books are sold. A portion of the book sales benefit Greater Mankato Area United Way.

As part of the book’s release, United Way will be hosting children’s story times, author signings and other community events throughout the year. Learn about the project and view the pdf activity kit for The Kindness Booth at MankatoUnitedWay.org/book.

About The Kindness Booth:

When Mya wakes up to a gloomy day, her grandpa asks her how she could make the day brighter. His simple question puts Mya into motion, and together with her little brother, Oliver, and neighbor Addie, she opens the Kindness Booth. Their plan is to spread some sunshine to the neighbors in her apartment complex by helping them throughout the day. But what happens when the booth gets rained out?

Mankato Area United Way CEO Barb Kraus and director of operations & communications Laura Murray.

Many

SELF-CARE ISN'T SELFISH!

“You can’t pour from an empty cup?” How about on an airplane, when we are instructed to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others to do the same? Or the futility of running on an empty tank of gas? These are examples of how we must make ourselves a top priority when it comes to our health and wellness. Burnout is a very real concept that affects many people. Burnout can be described as feeling overworked, having too little time with too many obligations, feeling exhausted and unable to catch up, irritable, frustrated, or unappreciated. This can result in a variety of negative consequences that impact our mind, body, and functioning. Stress has shortterm and long-term physical health impacts that can lead to increased mental health symptoms, physical illness, increased likelihood for disease, and has been a factor in shortening our length of lifetime.

Let’s talk about self-care ideas and how to create a sustainable lifestyle that offers balance. Self-care has many benefits to support health and wellness, which in turn allows us to best support those around us. In the society we live in today, many of us are running on “E” when it comes to our gas tanks— overworked, frequently multitasking, often going through the motions as we buzz through our day, and barely remembering what happened as we lay down to sleep. Though this may work for some people who enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle, many others become burdened with responsibilities and obligations that can become difficult to manage.

What can we do to reduce burnout and practice good self-care? Showing up for yourself each day and creating healthy habits and routines that best support your mental health is an important step. Staying hydrated (drink your water!), eating nourishing

food to support energy and focus, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, limiting time on screens and social media, spending time with others, and time with yourself. Being mindful when making decisions that are in your best interest, to set you up for success. Participating in activities that align with your values, which may include hobbies, time with family and friends, time with animals and pets, or volunteering and giving back to the community. Find what fills your heart, brings you joy, and invest your time and energy into that!

Some therapeutic mental health ideas for self-care can include mindfulness, meditation, reflection, practicing gratitude, and positive affirmations or self-love. Additional exercise-related ideas include walking, dancing, biking, strength training, and yoga, etc. When it comes to exercise or movement, anything is better than nothing! Our bodies are meant to move, which helps to maintain mobility as we age. Focus on participating in hobbies you enjoy, such as aromatherapy scents, reading a good book, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Statistics show that Americans on average spend approximately 87-93% of time indoors or traveling in vehicles, so let’s make time to get outside! Grounding is a therapeutic technique which helps to remain present in the moment, in efforts to reduce and regulate mental health symptoms. Examples of grounding can include deep breathing, savoring flavors in your mouth, scents through your nose, and walking barefoot outdoors, while remaining mindful and present in the moment. These practices can also be referred to as Earthing, when completed in nature. Ideas for Earthing can include walking outdoors, walking barefoot in the grass or sand, swimming, gardening, soaking up some sunshine, ice bathing or doing an ice plunge. These ideas may not work for all individuals, and you want to keep in mind precautions you should take when participating in these activities (sunscreen, allergies, bug repellent, weather appropriate clothing, etc.). Benefits of time spent outside can help support mood, reduce stress, improve cognitive functioning, and increase energy.

If there is one takeaway that I hope you get from this month’s column, it would be to try looking at self-care as a fundamental necessity. You are important and it is time to make yourself a priority. Stop saying no and start saying yes! Even the busiest people can manage to adjust their time to fit in 5-10 minutes in the morning, on a quick break, or at the end of the day if you choose to make it a top priority. Perhaps you recognized a few ideas in this column, and hopefully you have a few new ideas to try.

LAURA CURTIS MSW, LICSW Cedar Hills Health LLC

DON’T

SUGARIZE THAT STRESS: TOP 5 TIPS TO

WITHOUT THE SUGAR BINGE DESTRESS

Blissful Breaths:

Let each inhale and exhale become a gentle dance of tranquility. With mindful breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method, you can tap into a reservoir of calm within you, banishing stress to the sidelines.

EMBRACE DREAM

Deep, Sleep Sweet:

Tuck away your worries under a cozy blanket of restorative sleep. Cultivate bedtime rituals that lull you into blissful slumber, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

SAVOR

the Present Moment: Immerse yourself in the beauty of now with mindfulness practices. From meditation to mindful eating, let each moment unfold with a sense of wonder and appreciation, melting stress away like dew under the morning sun.

SAMANTHA WENDT Generational Restorative Health Mentor Empowered by Nature Wellness Center

In the whirlwind of our busy lives, stress often creeps in as an unwelcome visitor, disrupting our peace of mind. When the pressure mounts, it’s all too easy to seek solace in sugary delights for a fleeting sense of comfort. Yet, the toll it takes on our well-being can be staggering. But do not worry! A world of healthier alternatives is waiting to soothe your soul without the guilt of a sugar binge. Dive into these top 5 tips to reclaim your serenity and conquer stress with grace:

FUEL

Your Body, Nourish Your Mind:

Transform stress-busting into a delightful adventure with regular exercise. Whether it’s a morning jog, a rejuvenating yoga session, or an evening stroll, let movement be your ally in the quest for inner peace.

CONNECT

Converse, Conquer: Strengthen your armor against stress by forging bonds with kindred spirits. Share laughter, tears, and everything in between with friends and loved ones, knowing that you’re never alone in your journey to serenity.

So, the next time stress comes knocking, don’t let it lure you into the sugary trap that only amplifies your stress. Instead, embark on a voyage of self-discovery with these inviting tips, and watch as stress melts away, leaving behind a trail of serenity and joy.

CALLING THE PET POLICE

NICOLE LUECK, CVT MN Valley Pet Hospital Mankato

Your animals have an entirely different set of laws than we humans. What’s an annoyance to us is a true crime to them.

For instance, it’s 4 am and your cat is whispering in your ear that she is hungry. She has tried sharing her hunger pains by pawing, yowling and collapsing on the floor. But you have continued to neglect her and deny her needs. Your dog has told you his bowl is empty while you’re unpacking groceries and making supper for screaming children, but you have refused to give him supper right now! In this moment you have not listened to the cries for help, and failed to realize the emergency that is occurring.

Your dog has spent endless, thankless hours on the back of the couch looking out the window. They have provided your home with security not even matched by cameras as they can see things that are not even there! But their alert system is no match for the pizza man as he sees the threat, but is not afraid to break the law. The countless crimes of trespassing has your dog’s mind spinning and working overtime.

You have spent time in the kitchen cooking a gourmet meal. Your dog has chosen to spend quality time on the rug under your feet so you do not feel alone while you cook. In the end you sit down to enjoy your meal with no thought to share with your trusty sidekick.

Your dog has found chicken bone and your cat has found some yarn. They are so excited about this opportunity and then you up and steal their newest prized possession. No explanation, just took it. A misdemeanor is not a low budget crime!

Your pet has been an only child and suddenly you return home with a new sibling. They were not forewarned. They were not asked if they would like to share their favorite bed, toys, food bowls and attention. You have imprisoned them with a crazy roommate that gives them no space. As their jailer, are you sure they have separate spaces and no weapons at their disposal?

Although these “broken laws” seem unforgivable to your pets, here are true emergencies that occur all too often.

Pets are responsible for fires all the time. Candles can catch a tail or curious face quickly turning your cinnamon-applesmelling home into a charred fur scent in the blink of an eye. Electric cords are inviting for puppies, cats, rabbits and any other animals. Keep these cords tucked away or covered. Place covers on the stove knobs so dogs trying to reach food don’t accidentally ignite a burner, risking a fire. It is also smart to put a sign up in the window that states how many pets are in the home. Firemen recommend putting this by the front door window facing out.

Don’t leave your pet outside unattended. All it takes is a quick bunny to sprint across the street and your pet to chase it. Getting hit by a car is a very real danger and an all too common accident. It is also a smart idea to keep an emergency kit in your car for your pet. This kit could include a leash, gauze, Kwik Stop for bleeding, Ace bandage, thermal blanket and a pair of socks.

Heat stroke is another common emergency in dogs as well. It’s easy to underestimate how long you have been out in the sun. Remember your dog can only cool off by panting, so when they are tired and hot it can be hard for them to recover. Be sure you have water on hand and don’t exercise your dog when it is above 85 degrees. When in doubt, get your pet to a vet clinic as soon as possible.

Even though our “crimes” in their eyes occur regularly, the situations listed above are far more detrimental than a grumbling tummy. And while pets may call the authorities on us if they could, it’s still up to us to do everything we can to keep them safe.

YOU’RE

ENJOY

FROM OUR CATERERS,

FOR PURCHASE.

Don't worry about bustles or dancing with a giant skirt, brides are enjoying the freedom the mini offers!

THE LOOK

The next few years will see more interest in detachable sleeves – giving brides multiple (and flexible) looks in one.

More twists on tradition will come in the form of split skirts, adding a sexy (and fun) spin on the classic wedding dress.

Textural, threedimensional flowers are a delicate embellishment that add interest to gowns.

A sculptural element added to the traditional ball gown silhouette, resulting in classic dresses with a modern flare.

A square neckline is a contemporary take on a traditional bridal neckline. They are flattering on all shapes and sizes!

Contemporary alternative to a long veil –adding some length and drama to a bridal look for the ceremony.

Gold is a newer color addition that we expect to see for years to come.

The 10 Biggest Bridal Trends For 2024 courtesy of countryandtownhouse.com. Photos by Samantha Paap Photography

JOYCE DEWITZ

Rejoyce Bridal Amboy

2024 Women of Distinction Honorees

2024 Rising Star Award

Women of Distinction Event Honorees to be Spotlighted April 25, 5:30pm at theCapitol Room, St. Peter.

and a

counseling and student

the program

in 2011. Karen

for Mankato Area Adult Basic Education (ABE) for 10 years and is celebrating her 30th year of employment with Mankato Area Public Schools this

spring. Throughout Karen’s 30-year leadership journey with Mankato Area ABE, the program has grown and expanded significantly from basic GED and ESL classes, into college and career pathway opportunities that help adults enter careers that sustain their families. She is fully invested in advancing educational and career pathway programming so adult learners at Lincoln Community Center receive top-notch

Dr. Danielle Scott

Shelley Schultz

Karen Wolters grew up in rural Madison Lake, attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1994,

master’s degree in

personnel

has been

coordinator

Megan (Bull Bear) Schnitker

Karen Wolters

Saarah Hassan Sabina Alhag

education, are well-connected to their community and have the resources they need to fully enjoy life as they advance their careers in Mankato. Karen’s mission is to lead by example with integrity and passion; to foster a work culture that celebrates diversity, embraces change, practices forgiveness, and provides a sense of belonging and hope for the future of ALL adult learners.

Throughout her career, Shelley Schultz has been very active in her community as a volunteer. She has served on the organizations of Jaycee Women, Women of Today, and most recently with Zonta International on the local, district and international level. She will be co-chairing a newly established International committee during the 2024-2026 biennium to help newly established Zonta clubs. Shelley has embodied her values through her leadership in Zonta International, a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. In her continuing service to the Mankato Zonta Club as President, Shelley tripled membership post pandemic and recruited Mankato’s first woman of color and first male member. This accomplishment has broken barriers to benefit full membership in Zonta now and in future. As governor of the multi-state Zonta District 7, Shelley worked to stop human trafficking and establish laws against child marriage below the consenting age of 18 with no exceptions in all states. Shelley worked with the Minnesota Legislature and also traveled to Washington D.C. as an advocate for proactive laws protecting the lives of girls. Shelley believes our work is not done until women’s rights are equal on all playing fields and our voice is at the table when all decisions are made!

Danielle Scott , Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Program, leading the efforts in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which includes leading the Diversity & Inclusion Fellows programming, aimed at recruiting/ retaining graduate students of color. She teaches courses such as Culturally Responsive Practices, DEI Seminar, Cultural Humility, and Counseling. Dr. Scott also taught Introduction to Communication Disorders at a local federal women’s prison through the MSU Scholars Serving Time Program. She was recently selected as the recipient of the 2023-2024 Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award by the MSU Mankato Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. At MSU Mankato, Dr. Scott was awarded Diversity Champion by the Office of Institutional Diversity, and the Presidential Coin for her engagement in equity and inclusion work across the university. This year, Dr. Scott served as co-chair for the 48th Annual Michael T. Fagin Pan-African Student Leadership Conference, hosted by the division of African-American Affairs. She is a board member of the Mankato Youth Place, and provides support to MY Place through bringing in the Rec N’ Read program. Dr. Scott’s life work has been to dismantle barriers first in public schools for children of color who have disabilities, and now at Minnesota State University, Mankato as a faculty member. She has made Black students and students of color on campus feel valued and seen and has been a safe space for them as well as also allowing white students a space to learn and grow.

Raised in south central South Dakota, Megan L. BullBearSchnitker embodies the spirit of her heritage as a proud member of the Kiyaksa Band of Oglallas of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Megan’s parents diligently imparted Lakota teachings and traditions alongside their commitments to work and education. From an early age, Megan was captivated by the healing power of plant medicine. Inspired by the stories of her elders, and driven by an innate curiosity, she delved into research, cultivating an understanding of the natural remedies

provided by Unci Maka, or Mother Earth. Megan’s rich familial heritage serves as the cornerstone of her entrepreneurial journey, a path she embarked upon with the encouragement of her husband. With the founding of Lakota Made LLC, Megan has transformed her lifelong practices into a thriving business, crafting small-batch products rooted in cultural stories and ancient knowledge. Lakota Made stands as a testament to Indigenous resilience and ingenuity, a woman-owned enterprise dedicated to sharing the natural bounty of Unci Maka with the world. Each meticulously-crafted product reflects Megan’s dedication to quality, with ingredients that are not only safe, but deeply nourishing for people of all ages. Megan exemplifies the timeless spirit of Indigenous entrepreneurship, blending tradition with innovation to create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Rising Stars

Saarah Hassan is one of the general organizers for West’s Moving Our Futures Forward (MOFF) club. Saarah has helped organize Denim Day, raising awareness of sexual assault and teen dating violence; a mental health discussion panel; a HER drive to raise money and collect donations for homeless youth, particularly young women and access to feminine hygiene products; and a poverty awareness event with a food and monetary donation drive. Saarah’s greatest accomplishment was pioneering a first-ever culture and diversity week at Mankato West that was held in February. As a minority and the daughter of immigrants, Saarah wants both the school and the greater Mankato area to value the experiences and contributions that people of color have made in our community.

Sabina Alhag came to the United States from South Sudan when she was a child. Sabina’s bio on the Life-Work Planning Center website, where she works, states: “Our journey from Sudan was filled with rule-breaking and lawlessness. Through that experience and my own experience of being an immigrant and a victim of discrimination, I have learned resilience, tolerance, and the importance of hope. People tell me that I have a way of seeing who they are; I hope this helps me to help them.” Through Sabina’s lived experiences, she provides insight and wisdom to other women and girls on how to deal with racism and move forward to thrive, despite daily and extraordinary obstacles. Sabina works as a self-sufficiency counselor with Life-Work Planning Center, helping women build skills such as building self-confidence, identifying interests, values, and strengths, and increasing their ability to communicate assertively.

Advancing Racial Justice Grant Awardees

In addition to the awards above, YWCA Mankato is honoring four incredible individuals with $1,000 grants to support them and their work towards eliminating racism.

2024 Advancing Racial Justice Grants

Ciree Cox

Megan (Bull Bear) Schnitker

Quinn Rassbach

Saarah Hassan

River’s

HAVESAprilMust

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Bold, distinctive, and meant to be seen. Our drapery, pillows and Roman shades come in hundreds of lush premium fabrics. During the month of April & May, Blinds & More is giving away a free pillow with every custom drapery order. Call Blinds & More today!

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At C&S Supply we stock interior and exterior paints and stains from True Value as well as brush-on and spray paints from a variety of manufacturers. We carry a wide selection of step stools, step ladders and extension ladders. To help you make your next paint project a success, we can supply you with rollers, brushes, trays, drop cloths and most anything else you might need for your painting project. Ask us to match your colors with our color match computer.

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