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Baumann to lead Town Square TV
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
On May 12, lifelong South St. Paul resident and former city mayor Beth Baumann will take over the reins as executive director at Town Square Television. She succeeds Jodie Miller, who held the mantle for 31 years. Baumann is leaving behind a long career in the banking industry to guide the next chapter of the 5-channel nonprofit cable station. However, she won’t be treading new ground in the nonprofit arena. She has been board chair of the nonprofit Neighbors Inc., and a board member at a handful of other nonprofits, including the South St. Paul Educational Foundation and South St. Paul Futures.
The Town Square board of directors approached her about the position last fall, attracted by her background
Baumann / Page 4
South St. Paul
Four options surface for future aquatics center
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
Northview Pool and Lorraine Splash Pool are both at the end of their useful life and the South St. Paul City Council is developing plans for a new aquatic facility to be built somewhere in the city, with a final recommendation slated to be made by the end of the year following additional community feedback. A feasibility study completed by a consultant last year estimated that building a new outdoor aquatics center would cost about $7 million, and an indoor facility $11 million. The Parks Master plan has two primary options for the future of the aquatics program: replace
Northview Pool and make updates at the Lorraine Splash Pool or consolidate both at a new aquatics facility at Lorraine Park. A parks referendum is expected to be on a future election ballot and, if passed, would support the creation of the new facility. In fact, four referendum options may be on the ballot, each proposing a different plan.
An open house held in March laid out what those options could be. Each would also pay for immediate repairs and improvements to any park that would be losing an existing pool.
Referendum option #1 - Build a new indoor aquatics center at Jefferson Park, and a
/ Page 2
Sportsman’s Guide closes; employees left in flux
Tim Spitzack Editor
In mid-July, Sportsman’s Guide will vacate its longtime headquarters and 430,000-square-foot warehouse at 411 Farwell Ave. in South St. Paul and consolidate its distribution centers in Minnesota and Wichita, Kan., into a new single 543,000-square-foot facility in Greenfield, Ind., near Indianapolis. All five salaried and 52 hourly employees at the South St. Paul warehouse were given the option to move to Indiana or receive a severance package. For those choosing not to relocate, Sportsman’s Guide has partnered with Atlas Staffing, Inc. to help them find another local job. In addition, Dakota County’s Dislocated Worker Program offers free assistance in helping displaced workers find work or explore other career opportunities. Assistance is also available at the Workforce Center at 1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul, and careerforcemn. com/westsaintpaul. Information sessions are held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Crecera Brands, the parent company of Sportsman’s Guide, is currently looking for office space in
Local bakery Albright’s Delights expands
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
Decadent pastries crafted with mouthwatering layers of buttery dough and stuffed with sweet fillings are just a short drive away, and soon there will be more to go around.
South St. Paul residents Danae and Ryan Albright recently signed a lease for a commercial kitchen in the
5th Avenue Plaza shopping center, which will allow them to bring their home bakery, Albright’s Delights, to the next level. Since last August, the two have been spending long evenings kneading dough and baking and decorating treats from their home kitchen. Now they’ll be able to make much larger batches and expand their menu. Some may remember Al-
bright’s Delights from local farmers markets last summer, and they will once again be vendors this year.
The bakery specializes in kouign-amann (pronounced queen ah-MAHN), a finicky French pastry made with extra fatty butter and often filled with cream cheese and fruit. The name means “butter cake” in Breton, the Celtic language of the Brittany region of France.
“We use raspberry jam from a local vendor from the farmers market called Utecht’s [Home Grown Pork],” said Danae. “They are also a small business and it’s really good. We like to stuff kouign-amann and danishes with cream cheese and the raspberry jam and then put raspberries or strawberries on top. The plain is also really good and some people ask for that.” She added that
the butter they use is also local, from Hope Creamery in Hope, Minn. It has a slightly higher fat content than standard butter and gives pastries their rich taste and signature flakiness.
Originally, the duo wasn’t sure how the exotic-sounding kouign-amann would be received but, to their delight (so to speak), customers raved and created such a demand that it became their
sole product for a while. Making the pastry was especially time consuming without commercial equipment because the “lamination” – mixing butter into dough – had to be done by hand. Now they have equipment for that and just need to coat thin sheets of dough with butter and sugar and
Beth Baumann
Northview Pool, photo by South St. Paul Parks and Recreation
from page 1
basketball court, skate park, restroom building and playground at Northview Park. This $13.3 million option would add about $134 to the annual property taxes of a median value home of $283,000.
Referendum option
#2 - Build a new outdoor
aquatics center at Northview Park, and pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, new restroom building and skate park at Lorraine Park. This $9 million option would add roughly $190 to the annual property taxes of a median value home.
Referendum option #3 -
Build a new outdoor aquatics center at Jefferson Park; a basketball court, skate park, restroom building and playground at Northview Park;
and pickleball courts at Lorraine Park. This $9.5 million option would add approximately $95 to the annual property taxes of a median value home.
Referendum option #4 -
Build a new outdoor aquatics center at Lorraine Park, and a basketball court, skate park, restroom building and playground at Northview Park. This $9.2 million option would add about $92 to the annual property taxes of
a median value home.
The calculated tax increases (expected to last for 20 years) are based on no other funding sources secured for the project. However, the city is already seeking state grant funding, and, if awarded, the tax increases could be lower. Northview Pool, built in 1956, and Lorraine Splash Pool, built in 1993, are both scheduled to open June 13. Attendance has been about 10,000 a year between the two facilities since 2022. In 2001, voters rejected a twopart referendum that would have spent $3.3 million to build a new full-sized pool at Lorraine Park and $1.1 million to renovate Northview Pool. Consequently, Lorraine Park no longer has
a full-sized swimming pool and Northview Pool has been kept running using short-term maintenance solutions on a year-to-year basis. It has been losing 6,000 to 12,000 gallons of water per day due to cracks in the failing concrete shell.
The South St. Paul City Council adopted its new park system plan last fall, laying out improvements to be made at parks across the city over the next two decades. Top priorities for the next five years are replacing the playgrounds at Grandview Park, Jefferson Park and Spruce Park; replacing the playground and parking lot at Kaposia Park; replacing the playground and
planting trees at Veterans Field; replacing the parking lot, boat ramp and trail at the DNR boat launch; and planting trees at Kaposia Landing.
Playground replacements are expected to happen first. The City applied for a matching grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to help cover costs for a new accessible playground at Lorraine Park. It expects to know at the end of June if the grant is received. If awarded, construction on the estimated $368,000 project could begin this fall or in spring next year. The project includes planting 20 trees and creating additional access trails.
Albright’s Delights
from page 1
layer them by hand. Some orders can be rushed in as little as hours but generally take a day to be prepared.
“I think people love it because it’s flaky, but they can also see that it has many layers,” said Danae. “We coat our molds with butter and sugar so the outside and base gets caramelized. It’s a little crunchy and then the inside is soft, and it tastes really good with the butter and sugar.”
In addition to kouignamann, the bakery offers croissants, Danishes, caramel cinnamon rolls, German chocolate cakes and more. The new kitchen is fitted with high-grade refrigerators that will allow the owners to start offering cheesecakes and other cold products. The significantly larger ovens allow them to pump out about four times
the number of batches they could produce at home. The kitchen also has an array of other more efficient equipment, including a commercial-sized dough shaker and mixer, which will free up time for the couple to concoct new creations. Be on the lookout for an almond chocolate croissant and cinnamon roll made with croissant dough to come soon. Orders can be placed by call, text or email, and an ordering form is coming soon to the business website.
Delivery is offered in South St. Paul and West St. Paul.
“We are excited to offer more products and increase the production of the pastries and baked goods,” said Danae. “I always wanted to have a bakery…. At first, we didn’t know how much people would be interested in our products, but our
Sportsman’s Guide
from page 1
the Twin Cities for its headquarters, which houses 109 employees. Crecera Brands operates three retailers of outdoor gear, sporting goods and golf supplies: Sports -
man’s Guide, The Golf Warehouse, and BaseballSavings. com. Sportsman’s Guide was founded in Golden Valley in 1977 and has operated in South St. Paul since 1992.
customers have really liked them. Most of them are returning and many are South St. Paul residents.”
Danae is a native of Mexico and moved here to attend the University of Minnesota, where she’s currently pursuing a Ph.D. in mathematics. Her parents operate multiple crepe restaurants in Mexico, and baking has always been a form of relaxation for her.
Ryan, a full-time accountant who grew up in Eagan, is an avid self-taught baker. After getting warmed up in their new kitchen, they may explore opening a brick-andmortar storefront. For more information, call 612-6851661 or visit sites.google. com/view/albrights-delights.
The West St. Paul farmers market begins June 6 and is held Fridays 8 a.m.-noon; the Inver Grove Heights market begins June 8 and is held Sundays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; and the South St. Paul market starts June 11 and is held Wednesdays 2-6 p.m.
It once had retail space but now strictly sells online, offering gear for hunting, fishing, shooting sports and camping, as well as military surplus, apparel, tools and other products.
While South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis was disappointed to hear the
news, it did not come as a surprise. He said Sportsman’s Guide approached the city a few years ago with their intention to consolidate and find suitable office space.
“South St. Paul does not
have the type of office space they need,” said Francis, “but we worked with them and DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) to
keep them in South St. Paul, or at least in Minnesota.” Sportsman’s Guide leases the space, so the move will not affect the city’s tax base, he added.
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South St. Paul residents Ryan and Danae Albright specialize in kouignamann, a finicky French pastry made with extra fatty butter and often filled with cream cheese and fruit.
Baumann
from page 1 in government and finance.
“I was thinking about retiring from corporate America and wanted to do a job that I would enjoy and have passion around,” said Baumann. “She [Miller] was great at what she did, so there are big shoes for me to fill. It’s going to be a challenge, especially in the environment we’re in right now, but I am up for it and am excited to get started.”
Baumann will oversee a 12-member team and host of volunteers working with the Northern Dakota County Cable Commission, the nonprofit’s parent organization. First and foremost, she will be focused on securing government funding, sponsorships, donations and other forms of revenue. She’s joining at a time when
the funding model for local cable stations is in flux and the threat of losing local television coverage altogether is very real.
Due to the “cord-cutting” trend – people canceling their cable TV subscriptions in favor of wireless streaming services – broadband internet companies such as Comcast and CenturyLink are paying cities less in franchise fees. Currently, cable companies are required to pay a 5% franchise fee and a 2.25% public education government fee on their video production revenue to cable commissions, which supports local programming and covers costs of staffing, equipment, and the repair and maintenance of public rights-of-ways. Those fees have supported local cable since the 1970s. While fees
have already dwindled in recent years, losing them entirely would be a significant blow to Town Square and other nonprofit cable providers.
The Equal Access to Broadband Act, a bill that would restore lost franchise fees, was brought to the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives last year but no action was taken. Baumann is hopeful it will pass this year. The bill would also ensure that broadband internet service is made available to every home in every city in the state no matter how difficult it is to install. Those in opposition say the proposed fees will be passed along to streaming service consumers, which would ultimately raise internet costs.
The Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators is heading up the bill in partnership with The League of Minnesota Cities, which represents 800 member cities. Sen. Matt Klein (District 53, DFL) and Rep. Rick Hansen (District 53B, DFL) are co-sponsoring the
bill and other local legislators have pledged their support, including Sen. Sandra Pappas (District 65, DFL) and Rep. Mary Frances Clardy (District 53A, DFL).
Former Town Square executive director Jodie Miller and South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis both testified in support of the bill before the House Commerce Committee last year.
“We are thrilled to have found a candidate with Beth’s unique combination of deep knowledge of this community and strong experience,” said NDC4 Commission Chair Mickey Kieffer in a statement. “We thank retiring executive director Jodie Miller for her 31 years of leadership at NDC4 and Town Square Television, and broadly throughout our state and national organizations. It would be impossible to overestimate the impact of her dedication to public service on behalf of our residents and communities.”
In addition to getting creative with new funding streams, Baumann will continue to explore new ways to grow the nonprofit’s pool of volunteers, perhaps by reviving high school or college student internships. Volun-
teers with Town Square are trained to operate a wide array of equipment, including cameras, lights and control boards. Town Square also has a production truck for covering news in the community and has worked with clubs such as Two Rivers’ Tech Warriors to help cover school programming, and organizations like The Uptake, a nonprofit news organization, to cover meetings at the State Capitol.
“We’re going to try some out-of-the-box thinking and come up with a way to give more value to the communities that we serve and the businesses in those communities,” said Baumann. “I’m excited to work with the whole team at Town Square because I worked with them when I was mayor, and I just love them. They’re very qualified and experienced and knowledgeable.”
Town Square TV began in 1987 to serve the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, and Sunfish Lake. Airing on channels 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19, it covers a wide variety of local programming including
Game of the Week [sports], government meetings, election candidate coverage, community events, concerts and its Insight 7 news show. As a public access network, anybody can visit the studio at 5845 Blaine Ave. E. in Inver Grove Heights to use its video production equipment and create their own show to be aired. Likewise, people can edit prerecorded content at the studio or submit a completed program. Programs are accepted firstcome, first-served and aren’t discriminated against based on content.
The studio features conference and office space, a recording area with new cameras, five editing suites with the latest software, portable camera equipment, newly updated control room equipment and more. Courses and workshops are held to teach people how to create shows. For more information, call 651-3526100 or visit townsquare.tv. For more information on the Equal Access to Broadband Act, which is included in the House Commerce Committee Omnibus Bill (HF4077), visit mactamn.org/Legislation.
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Engaging Youth:
Lessons from South St. Paul’s Mayor’s Youth Task Force
Youth engagement can be the heartbeat of a thriving community. When young people are given a voice, a purpose and a pathway to leadership, they don’t just benefit personally, they transform the places they live. In South St. Paul, we’ve seen this truth play out through the Mayor’s Youth Task Force, a program that predates my time as mayor but one I’ve wholeheartedly embraced since taking office. It’s a powerful example of how communities can invest in their youth, and as we approach summer – a time when school’s out and young people have more freedom –it’s worth exploring how we can build on this model to keep them engaged, inspired and connected.
The Mayor’s Youth Task Force in South St. Paul was established long before I stepped into this role and its longevity speaks to its value. Designed for students in grades 4 through 12, the task force has a clear mission: to create opportunities for
youth to contribute to their community while tackling issues like underage drinking and smoking. It’s not just about keeping kids busy; it’s about giving them a stake in the game. They’re not passive participants; they’re active decision-makers, working alongside adults to shape the future of our city. As mayor, I see this as a cornerstone of what makes South St. Paul special. Young people need more than rules and restrictions, they need a path to leadership, a chance to see themselves as agents of change. What makes the task force so effective is its focus on empowerment. These young
members aren’t just told what to do, they’re asked what they think should be done. They brainstorm activities, propose solutions and take ownership of projects that matter to them. This isn’t a new idea. Youth-led initiatives have been gaining traction across the country but in South St. Paul it’s a tradition I’m proud to carry forward. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into; it’s something you cultivate, even in middle school.
As summer approaches, the need to engage youth becomes even more pressing. Without the structure of school, young people have more time on their hands –time that can either be wasted or harnessed for good. In South St. Paul, we’ve learned a few lessons from the Task Force that can guide us, and I’d like to share some ideas that other communities might consider too. Here are three practical ways to encourage and engage youth during those long, unstructured summer months. Give them real responsibility. The task force works because it trusts young peo-
ple with meaningful tasks such as planning events, advocating for change and collaborating with local leaders. This summer, why not create youth-led projects that tap into their interests? It could be organizing a community cleanup, designing a mural for a public space, or hosting a peer-to-peer workshop on a topic they care about, such as mental health or environmental sustainability. The key is to let them lead. When young people see their ideas come to life, they gain confidence and a sense of belonging that sticks with them.
Connect them with mentors. One of the strengths of our task force is the bridge it builds between youth and adults – community liaisons, city officials, and volunteers who guide without dictating. Summer is a perfect time to pair young people with mentors who can share skills and perspectives. Think about a “skill swap” program where teens learn from local tradespeople, artists or business owners, then teach something back, like how to use social media effectively. These relationships don’t just
teach practical skills, they show youth that their community believes in them. Make it fun and social.
The task force succeeds because it’s not all work; there’s room for connection and enjoyment. Summer engagement should follow suit. Host outdoor movie nights, sports tournaments or popup recreation events tailored to what young people enjoy.
In South St. Paul, we’ve seen how our youth programs, like themed playground camps and field trips, bring kids together in a structured yet relaxed way. Add a twist by letting the youth plan these events themselves, giving them ownership while ensuring they’re engaged with their peers.
Engaging youth isn’t a one-season effort. It’s a
year-round commitment that pays off in stronger communities. The Mayor’s Youth Task Force has shown us that when young people are given a seat at the table, they rise to the occasion. As mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how their energy and ideas breathe life into South St. Paul. This summer let’s double down on that spirit. By offering responsibility, mentorship and fun, we can turn those unstructured months into a launchpad for leadership. Our young people aren’t just the future, they’re the present, and it’s up to us to help them shine. The task force could not do this work without the help and guidance from the city’s community liaison Deb Griffith, also known as Mother Goose.
Jimmy Francis South St. Paul Mayor
Children’s Museum
10 7th St. W. St. Paul
651-225-6000 mcm.org
“Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice,” through May 11. Travel back in time and discover what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Dig for fossils, explore a swampy bog and oozing volcano, climb through icy terrain and more.
Exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” Tickets are $17 on weekdays and $19 on weekends. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited. The next free date is May 4.
History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org
“Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” through June 1.
This exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History features more than 100 objects that explore how young women have influenced politics, education, work, health and fashion.
“Reframing our Stories” is featured through October. The exhibit was created from a decades-old box of photographs simply labeled “Indians.” Inside the box were dozens of pictures of Native community members, organizations, activities, and events that are relevant today.
“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts that show how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.
Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17. Admission and parking are free on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
History Theatre
30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323
Historytheatre.com
“Whoa, Nellie!” May 17June 8. The whirlwind tale of a fake detective (and former child performer), whose
countless criminal exploits and penchant for male attire made her a Minnesota media sensation in the late 1800s.
From $59.
Landmark Center
75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225
landmarkcenter.org
Schubert Club KidsJam:
Making Art–A Storytelling Experience, May 1-3. Hours are noon-1 p.m. Thursday; 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday; 10-11 a.m. Saturday; and 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Three powerhouse percussive dance companies will unite in May at Park Square Theatre for the presentation of “Time Piece.”
& Culture
Sunday. Free.
Courtroom Concerts:
Elkina Piano Duo, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, May 1; PaviElle French, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, May 8. Free.
St. Paul Civic Symphony’s Mother’s Day Concert, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 11. Free.
Urban Expedition: Ethiopia, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 4. Authentic music, food, dance performances and crafts. Free.
Woodturning demonstration, 1-4 p.m., Sunday, May 18 in the AAW Gallery of Wood Art. Free.
Public Building Tour , 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m., every Sunday. Learn about the building’s history, gangster connections and restoration. Free.
MN Museum of American Art
350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571
mmaa.org
“Here, Now” features 150 artworks across media from historically significant and notable new artists. All are in the M’s permanent collection. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ThursdaySunday. Admission is free.
Ordway Center
345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 ordway.org
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Steven Copes plays Prokofiev’s First Violin Sonata, 7 p.m., May 2-3. Coleman’s Sandbox Premiere with William Eddin, May 16-18. Both from $16.
Minnesota Opera presents “The Barber of Seville,” May 3-18. From $46.
“Girls Night: The Musical,” 7 p.m., Saturday, May 10. Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out. From $54.
Schubert Club presents Accordo with Silent Film: Women in Early Cinema, 7:30 p.m., Tues., May 13. Features six movies from the collection “Cinema’s First Nasty Women” with original live music by Accordo. From $31.
The Flint Hills Family Festival, May 30-31. Headliner performances are NOOMA, an opera for babies; Japanese taiko drummers GOCOO; 2025 Grammy winners Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band; 360 All Stars and Ada Twist, Scientist. All outdoor activities at the festival are free. Indoor performances start at $8 per person. Tickets for Lucky Diaz start at $15.
Park Square Theatre
20 W. 7th Place St. Paul 651-291-7005
parksquaretheatre.org
“Between Riverside and Crazy,” May 14-June 8. Ex-cop and recent widower Walter “Pops” Washington and his recently paroled son fight to keep their rent-controlled apartment in New York City, navigating old wounds, unexpected guests and life’s unpredictable challenges. From $25.
“Time Piece” - Three powerhouse percussive dance companies will unite in May, with performances at 7:30 p.m., May 8-10 and May 15-17 and 2 p.m. May 11 and 18. Tickets are $30.
Flying Foot Forum will present “Dandelions or How to Love Your Life,” a romantic, poetic, musical and meditative extravaganza that follows life’s seasons, and “Footfall,” a soaring and stomping assortment of soulful modern folk dances set to a Nordic, Celtic, and Eastern European folk soundtrack.
Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre will premiere “Amor de Dios,” a thought-provoking dance theater performance about Spain’s “Bebes Robados,” when newborn babies were taken and given up for adoption without the birth parents’ knowledge.
Katha Dance Theatre will present “Rhythms of the Sol: A Kathak Odyssey,” which celebrates the art of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form.
RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651- 265-4800 rivercentre.org
Minnesota Bridal and Wedding Expo , 1 p.m., Sunday, May 5. A wide selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, food, honeymoon destinations and more. Free with online registration or $10 at the door.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 smm.org
“Butterfly Odyssey” through September 1. An interactive, maze-based exhibit that allows you to experience the fascinating behaviors and inspiring resilience of wild and farmed butterflies. The exhibit also examines how
tropical butterfly farming can support the local community, impact the environment and protect ecosystems around the world.
Virtual Reality Transporter, through December 2026. Use the VRT to hurtle through the cosmos at fantastic speeds, scuba dive into prehistoric seas, and join the astronauts of Apollo 11 as they moonwalk for the first time. $9.95.
Museum Nights , 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Explore museum galleries, check out special Science Live performances, enjoy food and drink, then catch an Omnitheater show.
“National Parks Adventure” Omnitheater show, through May 30. Travel back in time with President Theodore Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir as they imagine a vast national parks system.
“Stellar Tours: A Star is Born” Omnitheater show, Wednesday-Sunday. Follow the life cycle of a star through this live digital telescope show.
Tickets are $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for ages 4-17 and include an Omnitheatre show.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240
xcelenergycenter.com
“Rock Stars on Ice,” 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 21. Timeless rock classics fused with the athleticism and artistry of world-class figure skating. From $41.
Kaposia Days committee adjusts parade route, seeks honorees
South St. Paul Kaposia Days will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, and to tie-in with the “five” theme the Kaposia Days Committee has decided to move a portion of the parade route from 7th Avenue to 5th Avenue. Except for adding two additional blocks on Southview, the route will otherwise be the same as years past. The parade will start at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 27 at the intersection of 12th Avenue North and 3rd Street North and travel south on 12th Av
will be a designated Quiet Zone without sirens, music or other loud noises. For more information on the event, visit kaposiadays.org.
The Kaposia Days Committee is seeking nominations for Community Grand Marshal, Celebrity Grand Marshal and Legacy Award. The Community Grand Marshal award recognizes a South St. Paul community member, business, organization, or student who has made a positive impact on the community by demonstrating leadership, civic pride and support for others. The Celebrity Grand Marshal honors a South St. Paul community member who has made a significant
to the community through leadership, civic pride and support for others. Email your nominations to info@ kaposiadays.org.
Book donations needed
First Presbyterian Church in South St. Paul is accepting books for its annual book sale, held May 2-3. Donations may be dropped off at the church 535 20th Ave. N. (call for hours) or call 651-451-6223 to request pick-up.
Library
The following events are held at Kaposia Library, 115 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul.
May 8. Includes books, songs and activities that help develop early literacy skills.
Storytime for babies , 10:30-11 a.m., Friday, May 2 and 9.
Kaposia Book Club, 7-8 p.m., Monday, May 12. The title is “A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota” by Sun Yung Shin. For adults.
Birding for Beginners, 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6. Discover the basics of birdwatching and learn tips for bird identification, and selection and feeder setup. Registration required.
The Toonies Fun Show, 10:30-11 a.m., Thursday, May 15. A lively blend of upbeat music, puppets and
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Playing tennis develops strategic thinking and problem solving
Get Inspired
Tennis is a lifelong sport, playable at any age and adaptable from recreational to competitive levels
Get Together
Tennis builds friendships and community through its social nature
Get Happy
Tennis relieves stress by boosting endorphins and clearing the mind through focused play
Indian dance, Bharatanatyam.
Central Square
The following events are held at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul. For more information, visit communityed.sspps.org or call 651306-3632.
Free Take & Bake Meals - Free meals (single serve or to feed a family of four) are available to all South St. Paul residents on Mondays after 3 p.m. through Saturday at 2 p.m., while supplies last.
The Fare For All food program offers affordable groceries and packages of produce and meat at up to 40% off retail prices. The next date is 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, May 20. Credit, debit, EBT or cash payments only, no checks. For more information, visit fareforall.org.
Family Open swim , 12:30-3 p.m., Thursday, May 22. All ages. Ages six and under must have an adult in the water with them. $5 per person or $15 per family.
Senior Center activities for ages 55 and older
Happy Feet Walk the Square, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., second Tuesday of each month. Get some exercise by walking inside Central Square.
South St. Paul Buzz , 8:30-11 a.m., MondayFriday. Enjoy a cup of community and conversation of what’s happening around the community.
Cribbage , noon-2:30 p.m. each Monday.
Penny Bingo, 1-2:30 p.m. each Monday.
Woodcarvers Group , 9-11 a.m. each Tuesday. Bring your own tools and supplies.
Line Dancing , 10:3011:30 a.m. each Tuesday. Dance to a variety of music genres.
Craft Day, 1-3 p.m. each Tuesday. Socialize with other crafters or learn a new hobby.
500 card games, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. each Wednesday and Friday.
Hand and Foot card games , 1-2:30 p.m. each Thursday.
Free lap swimming for Senior Center members ages 65 and older 7:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; and 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday. Senior center membership is $12 a year.
Plant sale
The South St. Paul Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 1900
Burma Lane, South St. Paul. The sale features perennials, heritage vegetables, herbs and garden accessories.
Memorial Day Parade
A South St. Paul Memorial Day parade and program will held Monday, May 26. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. program at South St. Paul Secondary. The parade route was not finalized as of press time. After the program at the high school, the South St. Paul Lions Club will host a free hot dog picnic in cooperation with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Northern Dakota County Chapter. For more information, visit southstpaul.org.
Color Run
The City’s 2nd annual Color Run will be held Saturday, May 3 at Kaposia Landing, 800 Bryant Ave. The 5K run/walk is open to all ages and features music, interactive activities and more. The 5K run begins at 9 a.m. and the kid’s one-loop run at 10 a.m. Safety glasses and chalk are included in the $10 registration fee. Proceeds support the city’s parks and recreation programming. Register ahead of time, or at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, call 651-3666200.
Meeting dates
The South St. Paul City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month in the council chambers at City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N. For agendas and city council member contact information, visit southstpaul.org or call 651554-3284.
The Special School District 6 School Board meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month. For agendas and school board member contact information, visit sspps. org or call 651-457-9400.
The South St. Paul Lions Club meets at 7:15 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month (SeptemberMay). Locations vary. For more information, visit ssplions.org.
South St. Paul Southwest Lioness Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Fireside Lounge, 1288 S. Robert St., West St. Paul. This group of women serves the community through fundraising and volunteering.
Local Lemon Lemonade Stand is open for business It’s lemonade season and the South St. Paul Local Lemon Lemonade Stand is
open for business.
The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force has created a portable community lemonade stand that can be reserved for a fun summer activity or a fundraiser. Here’s how it works. The stand can be reserved by any South St. Paul community group, business, organization or family for a morning, afternoon or during the week depending on the availability. It’s portable and easily fits into the backseat or trunk of a vehicle.
Included with the stand are 100 cups, 100 napkins and the container for making and serving lemonade. All you need is to provide the lemonade and treats for a successful and fun event.
The City of South St. Paul will help advertise your event on the South St. Paul Parks, Recreation and Events Facebook page. In return for the use of the stand, the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force asks for a pay-it-forward donation to purchase supplies for the next user.
The Local Lemon was instrumental in raising money to restore the Lucy statute that now stands in front of the Dakota County Kaposia Library, as well as for a Special Olympics fundraiser, a ribbon cutting event on Concord Street, Disco Bingo during Kaposia Days and the South St. Paul Halloween Podkin Patch. It was also used to celebrate the anniversary of The Coop restaurant as well as at the South St. Paul Farmers Market. To reserve the Local Lemon
stand or for more information, contact Deb Griffith at community affairs at Deb. griffith@southstpaul.org or 651-554-3230.
The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is looking forward to seeing the South St. Paul Local Lemon around town this summer, including during Disco Bingo at Kaposia Days. Speaking of Kaposia Days, the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force will be hosting the Annual Children’s Parade and Disco Bingo this year. Kaposia
is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and the task force will be assisting with events alongside the Kaposia Days Board of Directors.
Luther Memorial Church
315 15th Ave . N . 651 - 451-2400 luther-memorial.com
• St . Augustine ’s Catholic Church
408 3rd St N 651 - 45 5 - 1302 holytrinitysspmn.org
• First Presbyterian 535 20th Ave N 651 - 451-6223 fpcssp.org
• Woodbury Lutheran Wakota Ridge Campus
255 W. Douglas St. 651-739-5144 woodburylutheran.org
• South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist
140 6th Ave N 651 - 455-0777
• Grace Lutheran Church
1 55 8th Ave S 651 - 451-1035 grace-ssp.org
Worship Guide
“And
6th Ave S 651 - 455-1302 holytrinitysspmn.org
779 15th Ave N 651 - 451-7278 clarkgraceucc.org
• St . Sava
2nd Ave . S . 651 - 451-0775 www.stsavamn.org
• Saint John Vianney
789 17th Ave. N. 651-451-1863 info@sjvssp.org
• Sf. Stefan Romanian
Neighbors, Inc.
Dawn Wambeke Executive Director
Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 1862, Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. This victory strengthened Mexico’s resistance movement against the French. Since then, Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated across Mexico and the United States. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has morphed into a celebration of the rich culture that Mexican Americans have contributed to this nation.
The United States and Mexico share a 2,000-mile border. In 2023, Mexico was the United States’ top trading partner of over $800 billion. Here in Minnesota, we see the positive impact the Mexican culture has had on our state through their strong economic impact, rich traditions and delicious cuisine.
According to MN Compass, Minnesota is home to more than 370,000 Hispanic or Latino residents – about 7% of our total population. After Minnesota’s White and Black communities, Hispanic and
P ostscript
The tornado
My friend Wally and I have a fractious relationship. This is no secret.
Wally has said he thinks optimistic people like me are self-deluded, always looking for reasons to be happy when there is a lot to worry about and not much to celebrate.
Wally used the metaphor of a tornado. He said people like me would be down in the storm shelter right beside him but would ignore the destruction the tornado left behind.
“Do perpetually positive people even hear themselves?” he asked. “How
Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com
nice that must be! To see the world in ways it might or should be while ignoring how it is. To look for the rainbow while ignoring the flood!”
Wally got me so irritated that I wrote a whole book about a character he inspired. Since I didn’t figure I could ever change Wally’s mind, I wanted to create someone just like Wally who believed he had the world’s worst luck and that looking for things to be grateful for was an act of willful ignorance. I wrote the book and shared it with him and, to his credit and my astonishment, he wasn’t angry with my depiction of him at all. He was tickled that something he’d said inspired me. Wally keeps on inspiring me. He has some interesting observations about life and thoughts about how optimism might fall short. It’s taken me much longer than it should have to realize that
Latino Minnesotans make up the third largest population group. While Mexican Minnesotans make up more than two-thirds of this group, it also includes people from other heritages, backgrounds, and ancestries, including Puerto Rican, Ecuadorian, Salvadorian, Guatemalan, Cuban and Colombian.
The Hispanic and Latino community is the highest single demographic served by Neighbors, and we strive to provide culturally relevant services including culturally specific foods, hiring bilingual Spanish speaking staff in our food shelf, thrift store
Wally makes some very good points.
Optimism can be clumsy. It can be ham-fisted. Disappointment, grief, setbacks, bad news and failures are all very real, and the optimist’s impulse is to sweep them under the rug in record time.
“Where is the upside? What is the lesson? How can I learn from all this?” the optimist asks. Wally finds this annoying, perhaps with good reason because somewhere between the time the tornado strikes and the optimist goes looking for the rainbow, maybe there’s a moment that optimists tend to forget.
We forget to say we’re sorry.
{ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES }
DARTS , a nonprofit organization serving seniors in Dakota County, offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. To volunteer, contact 651-234-2254, volunteer@darts1.org, or visit dartsconnects.org.
Dodge Nature Center, a nonprofit environmental education center in West St. Paul, is seeking volunteers to assist with community events, land management and environmental education. For more information, call 651-455-4531 or visitdodgenaturecenter.org.
Dakota County offers volunteer positions in community corrections, environmental resources, the Historical Society, library, parks, public health, the sheriff’s office and social services. For more information, call 651-438-4435 or visit co.dakota. mn.us and search “volunteer.”
Neighbors, Inc., a social service agency serving northern Dakota County, has a number of volunteer opportunities to assist local residents, including work with the food shelf and thrift store. For more information, call 651-455-5000 or visit neighborsmn.org.
CommonBond Communities seeks
and financial empowerment center, and partnering with Prepare and Prosper to provide free onsite tax services at Neighbors with bilingual staff and volunteers.
In May, our boutique thrift store will celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There are many benefits to thrifting, including finding high quality items at a fraction of the retail price, helping the environment and saving money all while supporting Neighbors’ mission.
Wonderful Cinco de Mayo festival celebrations are happening throughout the Twin Cities, including
St. Paul’s Fiesta on the West Side, starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3 on Cesar Chavez Street between Robert Street and Highway 52. Festivities include a parade, car show, softball tournament, live music, an authentic “placita” market and delicious Mexican food. Local restaurants will also host specials and entertainment throughout the weekend. As always, I would love to connect. You can reach me at dawn@neighborsmn.org or 651-272-1135. Stay connected with Neighbors at neighborsmn.org, Facebook and Instagram.
Wally is worried about his future and the future of his children and grandchildren. When I tell him all this worrying isn’t getting much done he gets angry and, really, I don’t blame him. Because I skipped a step. I skipped the step between the tornado and the rainbow.
Today, for a change, I remembered.
“Oh, Wally,” I said, “you always seem to think I’m scolding you when I try to cheer you and encourage you. I care about you. Do you not get that? I worry about you and want you to be happy.”
“Thank you,” Wally said. “Thank you so much.”
And I realized that he really didn’t know this.
volunteers to assist children and teens with their academic skills, homework and discovering post-secondary school and career opportunities. For more information, visit commonbond.org/volunteer or contact volunteerservices@commonbond.org or 651-291-1750.
Minnesota Reading, Math Corps is seeking tutors to serve in St. Paul public schools. For more information or to apply, visit visit readingandmath.org/locations/ minnesota or contact 612-206-3030.
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is looking for Safe at Home volunteers to
I get impatient with Wally’s ruminating and doomsaying and daily dose of gloom. I want to remind him of all the things he has to be grateful for.
But I forget to tell him that I care. I forget to say I’m sorry he is troubled. I don’t acknowledge how he feels. I jump right from the tornado to the rainbow.
I’m pretty sure Wally will continue to regularly irritate me, and I will do the same for him. I’ll continue to remind him that things might not be as bad as he assumes and he’ll remind me, in my endless quest for sunshine, that it’s important to recognize the hurt and fear that come with the tornado. Till next time.
provide home safety and accessibility modifications for low-income older adult or disabled homeowners in St. Paul and Dakota County. For more information, call 651-776-4273, email volunteerservices@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org or visit rtmn.org/get-involved/volunteers/. Volunteers of America is looking for volunteers age 55 and over to assist children who are struggling with homework and reading. To volunteer or receive more information, contact 952-945-4 400 or visit voamnwi.org.
Neighborhood House in St. Paul is looking for volunteers to assist in the food shelf, with tutoring, youth services and other areas. For more information, call 651-789-2524 or visit neighborhoodhousemn.org/volunteer/.
Lutheran Social Services has a vareity of volunteer opportunities in the Twin Cities, including meal preparation at LifeHaven Transitional Housing and Safe House Emergency Youth Shelter, phone help for people in crisis, and providing groceries for homeless youth. For more information, visit lssmn.org.
Keeping Dakota County safe Emergency response, traffic safety, and Homeland Security updates
This month I want to highlight an exceptional emergency response that averted a potential disaster in Dakota County, provide an important update on immigration and homeland security enforcement, and share a list of the top 10 county road intersections with the highest crash rates – along with the proactive steps we are taking to make our roads safer.
Emergency response prevents disaster on Highway 52 - If you ever wanted to see the top-notch training and collaboration of our Dakota County first responders in action, look no further than the major propane leak that occurred along Highway 52 in Rosemount on March 19. Initially reported as a possible brush fire, emergency crews quickly identified the true hazard – a dangerous propane leak from a pipeline. Officials from multiple agencies, including Dakota County Emergency Manage-
Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner
ment, the Sheriff’s Office, the Dakota County Special Operations Team and Dakota 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators, sprang into action to protect public safety. To minimize risk, authorities immediately shut down Highway 52 from Highway 42 to Coates, while Dakota County’s specialized teams worked with Flint Hills Resources to contain and depressurize the leaking propane line. Two nearby families were swiftly evacuated as a precaution and Dakota County authorities deployed a tethered drone and an air monitoring system to closely track the situation. Dakota 911 telecommunicators coordinated all emergency communications,
ensuring seamless response efforts. Within six hours authorities deemed the area safe and the highway was reopened. While we hope to avoid crises like this, it is good to know that when the most challenging emergencies occur we have the personnel, skills, training and partnerships in place to effectively respond and protect public safety.
Immigration & Homeland Security enforcement in Dakota County - A constituent recently reached out with concerns about unmarked vehicles conducting surveillance in their residential neighborhood. Such activity can be unsettling, especially in a neighborhood with many young families and seniors. After looking into it, I confirmed that the law enforcement presence was part of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of ICE that targets transnational crimes like drug smuggling and human trafficking. When operating in Dakota County, HSI notifies our Dakota 911 dispatch center of their general location but does not disclose specific addresses or operational details. Current-
ly, their focus is on individuals with violent criminal offenses who face deportation, and they prioritize surveillance and controlled arrests, often outside residences. While these operations are now drawing more media attention, they are not new to our area. Importantly, if any situation poses a risk to public safety, the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement will take appropriate action to inform and protect residents.
Making our roads safer: top 10 crash locations in Dakota County - Each year our Dakota County traffic team carefully reviews crash data to identify safety concerns and guide road improvements. A key part of this effort is calculating the Crash Rate Index (CRI), which considers crash frequency, traffic volume and comparisons to similar intersections statewide. This data-driven approach helps us determine where safety improvements are needed most. The most recent list of the top 10 crash locations includes some of the busiest intersections in the county. Our traffic safety team is actively working on solutions
for these high-risk areas. Additionally, intersections are ranked based on the severity of crashes, with injuries and fatalities being the key factors. I was pleased to see that not a single intersection in my commissioner district (South St. Paul-West St. Paul-Inver Grove Heights) cracks the top 10 for severity anymore. Only the intersection of Oakdale (County Road 73) and Lothenbach in West St. Paul comes close – at #13 – and we have a fix on its way for that location. Staying vigilant, staying safe - From emergency response and law enforce-
ment to road safety, Dakota County remains committed to protecting residents and improving our communities. If you have concerns, questions or suggestions, I encourage you to reach out. Your input helps shape the decisions that keep our county safe and thriving. Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights. He welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns, or questions, contact him at Joe.Atkins@ co.dakota.mn.us or 651-4384430.
Acacia Park Cemetery
Established in 1925, the 75-acre park offers a pristine beauty and strategic location that was recognized by our state’s earliest settlers. Pilot Knob, the plateau on which Acacia Park is situated, was an early 19th Century viewing point for such frontiersmen as Zebulon Pike and Josiah Snelling. Our beautiful cemetery is conveniently situated on the Pilot Knob plateau above the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in Mendota Heights. We are proud of our majestic scenery and natural environment that is uninhibited by upright monuments, which creates a stunning park-like setting. We have provided quality, personal service to families since 1925. We offer the following options to our families:
• Sections specifically designed for casket or cremation burial
• Convenient no-interest pre-payment plans for three years
• No-obligation information and tour of the cemetery grounds
• Markers, vaults, vases and urns for purchase
• Newly developed cremation gardens
• Serving all faiths
