The Citizen

How to eat smart during National Nutrition Month

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

In a culture that’s always on the go, it can be difficult to make time to focus on nutrition. Occasional indulgent choices sometimes become consistent bad habits, but once in a while, it helps to reevaluate and make an intentional effort to choose healthier food.

National Nutrition Month, which takes place in March, was created in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to encourage the public to make informed food choices and develop healthy lifestyle habits.

Kelly Kunkel, a health education specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension, gave a few tips on how to focus more on nutrition this month.

To start, increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all beneficial ways to improve diet.

The sweetest season: Local nature centers invite public to learn about maple syrup

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

At the beginning of March, the days get warmer and the sap starts flowing. If weather conditions are just right, Minnesotans across the state will soon be hard at work producing pure maple

syrup. This March, several local nature centers will give locals the opportunity to get (sticky) hands-on with maple syrup.

Maple trees have always been popular plantings anywhere there are people. The trees are tough and grow quickly, and have showy

star-shaped leaves that turn a wonderful kaleidoscope of colors during the fall months. But perhaps their greatest treasure is the sweet, sugar-infused sap that flows below the bark, bringing nutrients to the trees as they grow.

In Minnesota, sugar camps have long been

an important tradition for Dakota and Ojibwe communities to celebrate the return of the spring and work side by side at the long task of cooking the sap down into maple syrup and sugar. One story shared by writer and scientist

SEE MAPLE SYRUP, PAGE 2

Shake Your Shamrock 5K brings out March greenery

CENTERVILLE — There’s a tidal wave of green coming to Centerville March 18. No, it’s not spring growth quite yet, but it’s still a celebration: the annual Shake Your Shamrock race.

Racers young and old will dress in their finest greens to celebrate the spirit of Shake Your Shamrock the day after St. Patrick’s Day.

Runners have the option of completing a 5K or a 7K. The 5K route takes runners out and back from St. Genevieve’s Church and along the natural scenery of Centerville Lake. The 7K route follows all the way around the lake and through the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Preserve in a full loop back to Main Street.

It’s a flat, paved course that is beginner-friendly, said race

organizer Judi Fluger. “It doesn’t require you to be able to climb huge hills and be exhausted when you’re done with it,” she said. Fluger is the owner of Midwest Multisport Races, based in White Bear Lake.

The Shake Your Shamrock race had already been part of the Centerville community for years

SEE SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCK, PAGE 16

“Another thing you often forget about is that with sugar-sweetened beverages, those calories really add up over time. You get an endless amount of pop at restaurant, and the beverage you drink is sometimes higher in sugar and calories than the meal you eat,” Kunkel said.

She also recommended eating at home.

“When you know what’s going into the food, it can be a lot healthier,” she said. “We used to really focus on the meat being the centerpiece, but you can have whole grains or plant-based products as a focus instead, and have meat more as an accompaniment.”

Many Minnesotans grew up learning that the food pyramid was the best way to balance your daily foods and nutrients. These days, recommendations look a little different. MyPlate is the name of the new model recommended by the U.S. Department of

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

MAPLE SYRUP: Enjoy the sweetness of spring at local nature centers

FROM PAGE 1

Robin Wall Kimmerer explains how indigenous Americans learned to harvest syrup by watching squirrels lap up sweet sap that welled up on injured trees.

This sense of joy at the end of winter and the chance to spend time outdoors in the spring sunlight is a big part of the appeal for many syrup makers. So is the opportunity to get active and make something with their own two hands.

Although time-intensive, the process of cooking down maple syrup is relatively simple.

Commercial producers often install collection systems that streamline the process, but for hobbyists who create smaller batches, the time spent outdoors can be valuable in and of itself.

All kinds of maples can be tapped, but sugar maples, naturally, have the highest sugar content. Other species of trees, such as birch, also produce sweet sap, but the timing for tapping them may be a little different than for maples.

Syrup-making is a friendly activity to newcomers—all it takes to get started is a little research and tools you can find at most hardware stores. Wood-fired evaporators are a popular way to speed the boiling process along, although it can still take hours to get to the right consistency. It takes about 40 gallons of raw sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.

At the end of the day, the difference in taste speaks for itself. Below are a few opportunities to try out this ageold tradition for yourself:

WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Free monthly naturalist-led program for adults of all ages. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided. Bring a lunch.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY “500”

When: 12: 45 p.m. Thursday March 16, March 30, and every 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday of each month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo

Attention all brides: Annual wedding show coming this month

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

If you are looking for a wedding show that has over 25 vendors and is easy to get to, the 38th annual wedding show is for you.

Press Publications will host its annual wedding show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the White Bear Country Inn in White Bear Lake.

FISH FRY

When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays in March

Where: St. John’s Church, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo

Details: Annual Lenten fish fry with sponsored by the St. John’s Men’s Club of the Church of St. Genevieve. Free drawing for a bike, youth ages 6-12.

Contact: 651-429-7937

LEAGUE OF WOMEN

VOTERS MARCH UNIT

MEETING

When: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9

Where: Zoom

Details: March meeting will cover the topic of Climate Change Action Plans and how it is being addresses at the the city, county, state and federal levels. Register online. Contact: lwv-wbla.org

LATIN ART IN MINNESOTA: PART 2

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Details: Evening with artists from Latin Art in Minnesota includes collaborative storytelling and conversation. Questions may be sent in advance to apenders@ whitebeararts.org. Free

with registration. Contact: whitebeararts. org

“CALENDAR GIRLS”

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, March 10-26; 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 20

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Bittersweet comedy performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre.

Tickets $10-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

SAP TO SYRUP

When: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, March 11 and 18

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township

Details: Learn all about the process of tapping maple trees for syrup during a 45-minute guided tour. Registration required for staggered start times.

Contact: ramseycounty. us/residents/parks-recreation/tamarack-nature-center

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Learn the tradi-

tion of gathering sap and cooking it down to make maple syrup and sugar. Family event includes crafts and a scavenger hunt. See registration fee online.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

20TH ANNUAL WHITE BEAR LAKE CLEANUP EVENT

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: White Bear Lake and shoreline

Details: Participating volunteer groups sign up to pick a section fo the lake to clean up. WBL Conservation District will provide bags; volunteers bring sleds and something to chop trash from the ice.

Contact: 651-269-0976

MARCH COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Where: Running Aces, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake

Details: Two shows with headliner Ali Sultan, featuring Jodie Maruska. Discount for advance tickets. Dinner option available.

Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: MAPLE SYRUPING

Details: Games begin promptly at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee will be served. All senior citizens from the area are invited. Contact: Barb @ 651-5920369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

CLOVER BEE FARM PRESENTS: MEET A LOCAL FARMER

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd N, Forest Lake

Details: Meet a farmer and learn what it takes to produce all the lovely produce you see at your local farmer’s market. You’ll learn what it’s like to be a farmer, and some techniques you can use in your own garden!

Contact: 651-275-7300

HUGO SENIOR CLUB MEETING

When: 1 p.m. Monday, March 20 and every third Monday of each month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo

Details: The meeting will include planning future activities and monthly luncheons. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Games will be played after meeting. Contact: Barb @ 651592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

The wedding show will feature a discounted wedding dress shop with gently used donated dresses that will be resold for $10 each. All proceeds from the dresses will be donated to the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Since a wedding dress can be a large part of a wedding budget, the wedding show aims to make one’s dream dress more accessible.

“We started this last year and had a huge response,” Multimedia Marketing Director Patty Steele said. “This year, we are looking for wedding dress donations from the last five years.”

The show, emceed by Gary LaRue, will include approximately 25 vendors covering wedding musthaves like venues, catering, officiants and flowers. Many of the vendors have continued to return to the wedding show in order to keep their business local.

Local vendors have been a draw to the show over the years, but Press is excited to bring some new ideas to this year’s show, including a photo booth vendor, Scherer Photo Company.

Steele said, “Not only do we have wide variety of wedding vendors, but we are local and convenient to travel to,” which explains the popularity of the show.

“You don’t have to fight the traffic downtown on these bigger shows to find parking and fight through all the people,” Steele added. “Our vendors keep coming back because they like the quality time with the brides to have conversations about their big day.”

Tickets are available for $5, but brides attend for free. If you’d like to donate your wedding dress, contact Patty Steele at marketing@presspubs.com or 651-407-1213.

Enjoy fish fry Fridays at St. John’s Church through March.

Donated dresses give brides a chance to choose a dress without breaking the bank.

Modern Luddites

Have we reached a point where we need to pause and examine if the seemingly continuous state of disruption that rapidly evolving technology and social media appear to be creating is doing more harm than good? When we use the phones we have come to depend on and engage with social media there are powerful forces at play using video game style designs that trigger “feel good” dopamine neurotransmitter surges in our brains that reward continued interaction.

Angle of View

Paul

Dols

In a recent New York Times article titled “‘Luddite’ Teens Don’t Want Your Likes” by Alex Vadukul, a group of high school students is profiled as they promote “a lifestyle of self-liberation from social media and technology” at weekly Luddite Club meetings. Participating in an activity that the vast majority of their peers wouldn't even consider, the teens leave their phones behind when they gather for their meetings at an outdoor location.

According to Wikipedia, the term Luddite refers to a group of English textile workers who resisted the industrialization of the textile industry in the 19th century by sabotaging machinery that they thought was threatening their livelihoods. I'm probably generalizing the definition, but when I think of the term Luddite or Neo Luddite, I prefer to categorize it as someone who does not blindly accept all technological advances, but instead questions if these advances are actually improving the quality of our lives. In a podcast interview, Logan Lane, the young founder of the Luddite Club, defined the term from a contemporary perspective as someone who rejects social media, phones and “the sort of personal machine that has plagued all of us.”

As described in the article, without access to their phones the students engage in interweaving conversations, sketch, paint, read or just quietly sit and listen to the wind. Some of the participants have also reported less anxiety and improved overall well-being since joining the club. Among the books and authors that club members have a shared interest in is “Into the Wild” a 1996 nonfiction book by Jon Krakauer about Chris McCandless, who attempted to shed the trappings of mainstream society and died while trying to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. While reading the book when it was first published, I noted a similar (but far less extreme) experience that I had as a young adult along the nomadic route McCandless first took through the west and southwest before heading up to Alaska. I had recently turned 21 and decided to take the fall quarter off from school. In reality, I was heartbroken and unsure of what direction my life was going to take. I had positive memories of working for a season in Glacier National Park after graduating from high school, so I decided to take a trip back out west. Despite unexpected bills whittling my available funds down to $150 just prior to departure, I decided to hit the road anyway. Starting with an October construction job in Yellowstone National Park, I was able to work a string of temporary jobs and fund three months of travel and camping excursions into some exceptionally beautiful areas in Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I still appreciate the simplicity of traveling with just a tent and sleeping bag. Chris McCandless has sometimes been portrayed as foolish or naive but I see him more as someone who was seeking an authentic life, who could very well have survived in the Alaskan wilderness if not for the unpredictable and overwhelming power of nature.

In an example that you shouldn't make sweeping generalizations about certain age groups, I find it heartening that there is a group of young people willing to question the addictive path that our society appears to be on.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238

Update on first 50 days at Capitol

It is an honor to serve my neighbors in St. Paul. I wanted to provide an update to our community to keep transparency and accountability in my work at the Capitol as your State Representative. Since being sworn in, the legislature has been moving at an incredible speed – having passed more bills out of committee and off the floor than ever before at this point in session. It is my commitment to you that I will work across the aisle on meaningful legislation to solve problems in our community, while ensuring quality is our focus. Not quantity.

W hile we have been busy moving bills, I have also been busy meeting with members of our community, ranging from members of city councils, city administrators, childcare providers, educators, students, and many more. If you ever find yourself in St. Paul, please stop by! My office is State Office Building 345 – I would love to hear your thoughts.

I n my first 50 days, I have

• Limited to 350 words.

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been focused on returning Minnesota’s nearly $18 billion surplus to you. During the election, there was bipartisan support to fully eliminate the tax on social security. I am proud to have chief-authored a social security tax elimination bill in my first week. Unfortunately, the House has still not taken action to end this tax, nor have we passed any bills that provide tax relief. I will keep fighting to return your hard-earned tax dollars to you until the end of session.

One way I am standing up for Minnesota families and their pocketbooks is with legislation to eliminate the state sales tax on infant care items. This bill would include items such as baby wipes, cribs, changing tables, strollers, car seats, and more. Minnesota should be doing more to support parents and children, and my bill would provide meaningful relief to families during an important time. I hope to receive a hearing on this bipartisan legislation soon.

O ther bills I have offered include addressing mental health concerns for students and the fentanyl crisis. I introduced a bill to eliminate fees for Gold Star families for commemorative license plates. I am authoring legislation to provide funding for the Ramsey County Sheriff's

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES

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Department. There are two bills that I am also working on to ensure local municipalities have a voice on what transportation projects pass through their communities. All of this has been done in just the first 50 days.

I will soon be introducing a historic bill to invest in school safety. I have been listening to the concerns of teachers, parents, and students over the past year regarding safety at school. Through my work with school districts, school boards, police, safety professionals, and more, I crafted legislation that has not been seen in this state before. I look forward to introducing this bill and working with my colleagues to make sure all students are able to learn in a safe and secure environment.

I am truly blessed, privileged, and grateful to serve our community at the Capitol. Please reach out with any thoughts, concerns, or input – You can reach me by my cell at 651-2028702, or by my office line at 651-296-2365. I can be reached by email at rep.elliott.engen@ house.mn.gov.

Rep. Elliott Engen represents District 36A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

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• To submit a letter, e-mail it to citizennews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Congressman needs a geography lesson

Regarding your elected representatives— namely, our Washington Representative for the 8th Congressional District. If you voted for a Republican representative in Washington and you live in the southern portion of the newly revamped 8th District, I encourage you to look into your representation when you get a chance. What I found is disturbing at best—our Representative, Mr. Pete Stauber seems to be unaware that he is representing some of us. His website, and response letters all refer to the importance of his representation of the northeastern portion of Minnesota. Well, I’d like to point out that cities like Cambridge, Wyoming, Lindstrom, Chisago City, North Branch, Hugo and the area down to just north of Stillwater are certainly NOT in northeastern Minnesota. Mr. Stauber does not seem to be familiar with the map of his district, if he were, I guess he would be referring to it as the 8th District, and not northeastern Minnesota. I encourage you, if you voted Republican in the last election, to have a look for yourself at the website and maybe send Pete a note reminding him that he is supposed to be representing all of those who voted for him, not just the northeastern part of the state.

Jerry Sullivan, Hugo

COUNTY BRIEFS

County will transfer historical firearm to Camp Ripley museum

Washington County will transfer an Italian Breda Model 30 machine gun, which is a World War II historical weapon of the Italian Army, to Camp Ripley Military Museum. The weapon was seized by the Sheriff’s Office in 2015 as part of a criminal investigation. It is inoperable with the action and breech being welded closed prior to confiscation. The item is contraband and cannot be legally owned by a civilian as it was not registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The criminal case that caused the seizure is now concluded and the gun was forfeited according to state law, as it cannot be legally owned by a civilian. The Sheriff’s Office has since registered the item with the ATF under government ownership provisions.

The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum traces its beginnings to 1976 when the Military Historical Society of Minnesota was organized for the express purpose of establishing a state military museum. The Minnesota Department of Military Affairs agreed to provide facilities for the museum at Camp Ripley in northwestern Minnesota.

County will be reimbursed for Big Marine Park Reserve addition

Washington County will receive up to $649,594 from the Metropolitan Council to reimburse it for land the county purchased in 2018 in Scandia to add to the Big Marine Park Reserve. The purchase of the property at 14621 Margo Ave. was approved by the county board in November 2018 for $866,125, including recording fees and taxes. The Metropolitan Council payment will cover 75 percent of the purchase price. The county is required to put certain restrictive covenants on the land.

CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• The citizens of Centerville will have to wait for at least one more council meeting to learn the identity of their next new council member, after council tabled action on appointing a replacement for former Council Member Michelle Lakso, who resigned Jan. 11. Although the city has four strong candidates and interviewed them prior to the meeting, council members wanted more time to discuss the interviews. In the meantime, Mayor D. Love said the door still remains open for additional candidates to swoop in at the eleventh hour and put their names forward. All new candidates will also be eligible for an interview before the decision is finally made at the March 8 meeting. The appointed council member will serve until a special election is held to fill Lakso's seat.

The vacancy on the City Council is still open, but is closing fast. March 8 might be your last chance to join the council, which meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Call City Hall at 651-429-3232 with questions.

• The city will continue to save money for its developers by combining erosion control and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit inspections, after council completed its only other action of the evening and extended a joint powers agreement with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) for erosion control inspection services. In 2021, the city and RCWD entered into an agreement allowing RCWD staff to act on the city's behalf as they conduct their project site erosion control inspections. This agreement helps the city fulfill its duties under the MS4 at very low cost and eliminates duplicate efforts, City Administrator Mark Statz said. City staff and RCWD staff have concurred that the first year and a half of the program have gone very well for both parties, Statz said.

Statz urged council to continue this relationship through the 2023 construction season, and council agreed. Most of the hourly costs for inspection, which are less than paying a consultant for this

WEEKLY WAG

Tulula loves Minnesota and the snow, and she is anxiously waiting to find a loving forever family and home here in the tundra, where she can thrive and be her best. Tulula is a 3-year-old husky mix and weighs about 60 pounds. She is playful, affectionate, eager to please, intelligent, even-tempered, gentle and goofy. Tulula loves everyone she meets and she is social with other dogs. She is house-trained and knows her basic commands. Surprisingly, however, Tulula is not a super high-energy dog like huskies are typically known to

work, are passed on to developers, he said. In July 2021, the consultant typically handled the inspection duties at a rate of around $130 per hour. Under the RCWD erosion control inspection program, the RCWD billed the city at $44 per hour. The win-win enterprise has reduced costs for the city's developers and increased revenues for the RCWD.

• Vacant advisory committee seats are also still available. The Parks & Recreation Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers, and the Planning & Zoning Commission meets on the first Tuesday of the month, at the same time and place.

• While still enjoying a winter filled with heavy snowfalls and dangerous ice, everyone in the city is also looking forward to summer! Preplanning for Music in the Park is ongoing, as Committee Member Brian Peterson is working to secure performers and bands for this year's series. The performances will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, June 13 through 27, July 11 through 25, and Aug 8 and 15, at Hidden Spring Park. Check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark.

• Dates for Main Street Market have been set, and vendors are signing up. The dates for Main Street Market events are scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 6 through Aug. 10. July 13 will be part of Fete des Lacs; July 20 is Ladies' Night; Aug. 3 is Kids' Night; and Aug. 10 is Pet Night.

• Check out the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/CentervilleMainStreetMarket for more information.

• Fete des Lacs has been set for July 11-16. Visit its website at http://fetedeslacs.org for current information.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta

B. Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications.

be. She does like a winter walk and she’d do well in a home with a fenced yard where she can explore and play, but as much as she likes the outdoors and the snow, she also likes just hanging out, snuggling and cuddling with her people in the nice, warm house. And she melts for belly rubs. If you are interested in learning more about Tulula or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo

Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937 761757

Masses: Sunday 9:30am & 6:30pm Wed 6:30p, Thurs 8:00a Fri 8:00a, Sat 4p

Reconciliation: Wed 5:30-6:15p,Thurs 8:30-9:00a

Communion: Tues 10a

Police respond to shooting in Stillwater

The Stillwater Police Department handled an active shooter case in an apartment building located at 22255 Orleans Street West over the weekend. Officers were dispatched to the building for an unknown medical situation on the afternoon of Saturday, March 4.

Officers were quickly informed that the caller was screaming and that there were multiple reports of gun shots inside the complex. Dispatch also advised that an individual stated they had been shot.

Prior to police arrival, the suspect shot many rounds inside and outside of the location, hurting several individuals.

Police later learned the suspect had several extended magazines to be utilized in a handgun.

Upon officers’ arrival, they were confronted by a man in the parking lot with a handgun who began shooting at them. At least two squad cars were hit by gunfire. Officers then returned fire, incapacitating the suspect. The officers immediately began lifesaving measures.

The suspect was transported to Regions Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

COPS COURTS • & COPS&COURTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:

• A vehicle parked in the 4000 block of Valjean Blvd. N. received a citation under its wiper blades at 2:28 a.m. Feb. 3 for violating the winter parking ban. At least seven more vehicles parked throughout town received the same gift for the same activity during the wee hours of Feb. 3 and Feb. 4.

This apartment complex is in close proximity to a residential area as well as several youth recreational facilities that were at capacity at that time. Initially many described this as an “Active Shooter-Type” situation.

“The situation could have been much worse, if not for the response of our officers,” stated Police Chief Brian Mueller in a press release. “Because our officers used force during this incident, we have asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to complete a through, independent investigation.”

The Stillwater Police Department would like to thank the responding agencies for their help during this incident; Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oak Park Heights Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Bayport Police Department, Woodbury Public Safety Department, Stillwater Fire Department, Lakeview EMS and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Stillwater Police Department

• A resident in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. at 7:13 p.m. Feb. 3 reported seeing an unknown person on camera inside his house. The complainant returned home before Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene and cleared his own house.

Nothing is reported missing.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:00 a.m. Feb. 4 on westbound 170th Street N. at Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 64 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 73 mph. The driver admitted to speeding.

• A vehicle reported stolen at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be the complainant’s son, who went to unknown places with the car and hadn’t yet returned at the time of the report.

Deputies advised the complainant that no crime had been committed, and she was dealing with a civil matter.

• Another complainant pitched an entirely different attitude at 2:15 p.m. Feb. 4 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N., after deputies advised him that his missing/late vehicle was not a criminal stolen vehicle case, but a civil matter. When the complainant started yelling and swearing at deputies, they hung up on him.

• Deputies cited another vehicle at 3:10 a.m. Feb. 5 in the area of Falcon Avenue N. and 159th Street N. for violating the winter parking ordinance.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 7:44 a.m. Feb. 5 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 74 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar.

• A motorist was cited at 5:14 p.m. Feb. 5 on Oneka Parkway N. and 147th Street N. for undisclosed offenses, following a traffic stop for littering.

• A resident in the 13000 block of Geneva Avenue

N. at 8:40 a.m. Feb. 6 reported receiving a Chase credit card in the mail that she didn’t apply for. The complainant told deputies her personal financial information had been compromised after a background check was performed on her through Eagle Brook Church. The complainant is working with Chase to cancel the card and has not lost money.

• Theft from motor vehicle was reported at 10:16 p.m. Feb. 7 in the 4000 block of Victor Path after the complainant noticed her vehicle had been gone through. Some items were missing.

• An argumentative motorist was cited at 8:12 p.m. Feb. 8 on Generation Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for driving after suspension, failure to provide proof of insurance, no license plate lights and no brake lights, following a traffic stop for no rear license plate lights. And when the subject pulled over and stopped, no brake lights went on. The driver, who was not the registered owner of the vehicle, was surly on contact and failed to provide any kind of identification and admitted being suspended.

• A motorist was cited for speeding 61 mph in a 45 mph zone at 10:37 p.m. Feb. 8 on Forest Blvd. N. and 152nd Street N. During the traffic stop, deputies detected the odor of unburnt marijuana coming from the passenger compartment. A vehicle search yielded a vape pen containing a 2-gram THC oil cartridge, which deputies immediately seized. The driver was verbally warned about the contraband.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:48 p.m. Feb. 9 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for speeding 74 mph in a 55 mph zone by northbound deputies on routine patrol. During the traffic stop, deputies smelled marijuana, to which the driver admitted having a small amount. Deputies found and seized the pot and paraphernalia. Due to the driver’s cooperation, he was released with only a citation for speed.

• An adult male was arrested for undisclosed offenses at 9:34 p.m. Feb. 9 in the 5000 block of 142nd Street N.

• Residents in the 17000 block of Forest Road N. at 8:54 a.m. Feb. 10 reported the Ace garbage truck for hitting and damaging their mailbox. Deputies advised the complainant to contact the garbage hauler about the incident.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 11:49 a.m. Feb. 10 called the authorities on the Hugo Estates Management over a disagreement with parking rules. Deputies advised the complainant to contact their attorney or work out the civil issue with management.

Waiting Child

kindness for a friend or stranger every

whether

lending someone a pen or pencil in class or helping a stranger while out and about. Dennis excels in school and would like to be a meteorologist and storm chaser in the future. In his free time, he likes to play Magic: The Gathering and basketball with his peers. Dennis loves food and is always down for a trip to a buffet (Pizza Ranch is his favorite!).

Makaila,12, is outgoing with a big personality! Makaila enjoys making friends and having conversations with peers and adults. She has a huge heart and is very artistic and creative. Makaila enjoys being helpful around the home, especially when it comes to caring for animals, as she dreams of becoming a vet someday. She likes to stay active and loves to spend hours at the local park. In her free time, you will find Makaila working on arts and craft projects, playing with her Pop-Its collection, completing word search puzzles, or learning a new board game. She also enjoys reading, and proudly reports that she was able to read 50 books over summer break last year.

Dennis and Makaila prefer a home with pets. They will do best with caregivers who can provide structure and routine.

Following adoption, Dennis and Makaila need to maintain contact with their older sibling.

Dennis,16 Makaila, 12

Loretta B. Harding

• More than 1,750 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center on Dec. 18, 2022. Among the recipients were Michel Justen of Circle Pines (B.S. in neurobiology and psychology, graduated with distinction); Jacob Brewer of Hugo (B.S. in biology); Lily Jansa of Lino Lakes (B.S. in industrial engineering); and Joshua Rauch of Lino Lakes (B.S. in biological systems engineering).

• More than 9,800 University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) students were named to the dean's list for the fall semester. Students so honored included Lily Her of Blaine and Monique Moore of Blaine.

• Ian Berger of Hugo was named to the University of Mississippi's fall 2022 dean’s honor roll list.

• Thomas Juhl of Lino Lakes was among the students on the Minnesota North College dean’s list for fall semester 2022.

• The following local students have been named to the dean’s list at Drake University: Britt Kjorlien of Circle Pines, Joey Frattalone of Hugo, Taylor Mcaulay of Lino Lakes and Ella Peterson of Lino Lakes.

• The following students are ranked among the top 2% of students in their college at Iowa State University: Claire Skogen of Centerville, Ivy College of Business; Peter Marshall of Hugo, College of Engineering; Joseph Cassidy of Lino Lakes, College of Business; and Amanda Kufner of Lino Lakes, College of Engineering.

Recycle • Return • Reuse

Was someone in your family a past carrier for Press Publications?

Please return the carrier bag to our office as we have the next generation of Carriers starting their first business.

Drop it off at Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or call 651-407-1200 and we can schedule a pick up.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

The basics of consumer credit

A strong credit score is an undeniable asset for consumers. A strong standing in the eyes of potential creditors can save consumers money on relatively short-term expenses like vehicles and longterm purchases like homes.

Consumer credit is so influential in the lives of the average person that it pays to have some knowledge of what it is and how individuals can use it to their advantage.

Who issues consumer credit?

Consumer credit is typically issued by banks and retailers. One common question consumers have is who owns credit cards, which are among the most recognizable and widely used forms of consumer credit. Many credit card companies, including Visa, are now publicly held companies after years of being owned by banks. However, many major

banks, including Capital One and Bank of America, issue credit cards as well.

What is a credit score?

According to the credit reporting agency

Equifax®, a credit score is a three-digit number which represents an individual consumer's credit risk. Credit risk refers to the likelihood that a borrower will pay their bills on time. Scores are typically between 300 and 850, and the higher the score, the more creditworthy and less risky a consumer is in the eyes of creditors.

How are credit scores calculated?

Three different consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), including Equifax®, determine credit scores. That's why it's not uncommon for a single consumer to have

three different scores. Those scores should be similar, and if they're not it's likely that one or more CRA reports has an error or errors. A host of variables are considered when determining a credit score, and these include:

· Payment history

· Credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit used versus the total available credit

· Types of credit accounts a consumer has. This includes revolving credit accounts, like consumer credit cards, and installment accounts, which include mortgages and auto loans.

· Credit history length

· Frequency of credit inquiries (numerous inquiries in a short period of time generally lower a consumer's credit score)

So why is a credit score so important?

Credit scores are so significant because they can cost or save consumers a substantial amount of money. Consumers with poor scores, which are generally considered scores between 300 and 669, may not be eligible for auto or mortgage loans and may only be able to secure credit cards with high interest rates. By contrast, consumers with scores considered very good to excellent (740 and above) generally get more favorable interest rates on sizable purchases like cars and homes, which can save borrowers tens of thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.

Agriculture that can help you find the right balance in your meals.

MyPlate recommends making half of your plate fruits and vegetables, making half of your grains whole grains, eating varied proteins, and moving to low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt.

“We don’t eat off of pyramids, we eat off of plates,” Kunkel said. “It helps to make that visual for the consumer. Oftentimes our meals are combinations of food groups, like if we have a stir fry, it doesn’t fall neatly into those categories.”

Nutrition is more than just what you eat—your whole lifestyle is involved. Physical activity is one important element in staying healthy.

It’s good to be aware of snacks and beverages you might consume outside of regular mealtimes, Kunkel said. Some of the lattes and frappuccinos we enjoy are packed with upwards of 500 calories and tons of sugar.

“Calories eaten while standing in front of the TV still count,” Kunkel said. “We can finish a bag of potato chips without realizing we did so. It helps to put it into a bowl or into a cup, so when you’re done, you’re done. A snack is an extension to your meal day, so try to keep it at three meals and three snacks.”

As spring approaches, many are thinking about losing weight in time for the summer season. Dieting can help, but Kunkel advised that people should use their common sense when choosing a diet to follow.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she said. “Make sure you research the diets you’re planning. I recommend the MyPlate diet; it’s very manageable. The Mediterranean diet is another choice that is well-researched.”

A diet shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive, Kunkel said, and she recommends talking with a health provider or dietitian when looking for the best fit for your health.

Probiotics, found in fermented foods, are becoming a popular way to nurture the microbiomes in our stomachs. This area of nutrition is still being researched, but probiotics are thought to help with many stomach and immune conditions. Foods that contain probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and yogurt.

“If one type of food is not something you like to eat, try different kinds of fermented foods and serve it with foods that you do like,” Kunkel said. “If you don’t like kombucha by itself, maybe you add mineral water to it. Kimchi might not be something you like on its own, but you do like it in a stir fry. Making a Greek yogurt smoothie with berries and spinach is great way to start the day.”

Eating healthy requires fresh foods, which not every household can afford. There are many community resources, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, to households that face food insecurity. The Minnesota Food HelpLine (1-888-711-1151) can help connect people with resources available to them.

“It costs more to eat healthy, but it’s also an investment in your health,” Kunkel said. “Not everybody has access to the food they need to eat. Eating well shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be something everybody can afford.”

The HelpLine can direct people to community meals and food shelves that keep fresh produce and lean meats in stock. It can also help get them started on receiving SNAP benefits.

Communities are also combating food insecurity with initiatives such as community gardens that turn empty lots into places where people can grow their own produce.

Find recipes, information, resources and more this March at www.eatright.org, www.reallifegoodfood. umn.edu, www.hungersolutions.org or www.myplate. gov.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE | CONTRIBUTED

The MyPlate approach to healthy eating puts emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, varied sources of protein and more whole grains during mealtime.

THAN K YOU GOD, ST MARY AND ST JUDE FOR FAVORS GRANTED

405 Moving Sale

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is se eking a staff writer to join its awardwinning team As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial conten t and layout for our newspapers, website and social media page s. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings ta king photog raphs assisting with the layout pr ocess, coordinating, writin g occasiona l ed itorial columns and ma intaining a positive relation ship with the commun ity at large. We are lo oking for a ca ndidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and gr eat at time managment. Candida tes sh ould have a degree in journalism (or a relate d field) and have rele vant experience

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews @pressp ubs.com

Imag ine cruising the St Croix River this spring in a 25.5' Bayliner Cruiser. The Saratoga will make memories! Grill steaks or impossible burgers, the sky is the limit!

Boat has Refrigerator, Sink, Grill, 2 batter ies, Marine radio, hardtop, full canvas,new power, 26 0hp, 5.7 MerCruiser $7500. Located at Wolf's Marina in Stillwater Must se ll due to ski accident 612-599-1729

Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

MOVING SALE!

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE

Yamaha CPL130 Digital Piano w/bench & songbooks. $1200 b/o 651-653-7389

The City of Circle Pines is offering exciting job opportunities this summer.

FROM BOATWORKS APARTMENT BUILDING, WHITE BEAR LAKE

Must sell by Feb 20th! Call or Txt Nicki: 651-261-7340

Golden Lake Concession Stand Attendants

MOVING SALE!

FROM BOATWORKS APARTMENT BUILDING, WHITE BEAR LAKE

MOVING SALE! Green side chair, very good condition, $50. Glass & metal high top table w/4 upholstered metal chairs, brown upholstery, excellent condition, $250.

Must sell by Feb 20th! Call or Txt Nicki: 651-261-7340

Let’s talk or txt!

Nicki, 651-261-7340

The City of Circle Pines is looking for seasonal Concession Stand Attendants for Golden Lake Park. Individuals will work approximately 20-30 hours per week. Individuals will be responsible for park groundskeeping, selling concessions, operating a cash register, cleaning and stocking shelves. Pay is $16/hr. Must be 16 years or older to apply.

ark Maintenance Worker

P

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO PATTY STEELE AT MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM OR CALL 651-407-1213

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

The City of Circle Pines is currently looking for seasonal park employees. The individuals will perform various types of manual labor, groundskeeping, operate light equipment, such as lawn mowers, and work on various projects in the park system. Position pays $17/hr. Work hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Applicant must be 16 years or older.

Side Chair – Very good condition. $100

Side Chair – Very good condition. $100

Public Works Maintenance Worker

Centennial Utilities/City of Circle Pines is currently looking for summer seasonal employees for the Public Works Department to perform various types of manual labor and operate light equipment. Applicant must be 18 years or older. Work hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Position pays $17/hr.

Applications for Positions

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please send applications to Chandra Peterson, Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle. If you have questions, please call 763-784-5898 or email cpeterson@ci.circle-pines.mn.us.

High-top Metal and Glass Table with 4 Upholstered Metal Chairs – Excellent condition. Bought at HOM Furniture, 2017. $350

Now

•

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKERS POSITIONS

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance

Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day).

Salary range from $14.00 /hour to $18.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday –Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org.

NOW HIRING DRIVERS

Guaranteed minimum salary up to $20 per hour depending on shift

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

Housecleaners Needed! Up to $18/hr READ THEN RECYCLE!

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

SEASONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT

MAINTENANCE WORKER

•

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

•

Learn

PRESS

Staff Writer

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $16.00/hr. to $18.00/ hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at HYPERLINK "http://www.ci.mahtomedi.mm.us" www. ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deputy Clerk

Birchwood Village is hiring a PT Deputy Clerk for 20-30 hrs./wk. at $20-$30 per hr.

The position includes PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefits. Job duties include processing financial transactions, permits, and providing administrative support. Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or public administration preferred but not needed. Requires technical ability in bookkeeping and/or accounting, effective communication and customer skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. A full job description and application materials can be found at www.cityofbirchwoodvillage. com. Applicants should complete the Application and Background Check Release and send, along with a resume and cover letter, to info@cityofbirchwood.com or mail to City Hall at 207 Birchwood Ave, Birchwood MN, 55110. EEO

The city of Birchwood Village is committed to building a diverse, welcoming and respectful workforce. We seek and welcome candidate applications from historically underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) women, LGBTQ+, and those living with disabilities as well as veterans.

THE BEST PLACE YOU’LL EVER WORK!

Pastor Seth Perry launches Lenten mental health campaign

BY NEALY CORCORAN COUNTRY MESSENGER EDITOR

SCANDIA — Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. The three main things people focus on during Lent are prayer, fasting and giving.

This year, Pastor Seth Perry, of Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia, invites others to join him in giving up the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Perry recently launched a Lenten mental health campaign called “Give up the Stigma.”

Throughout the 2023 Lenten season, the campaign will feature online and in person opportunities for churchgoers, lay leaders, clergy and the community to participate in dialogue about where faith and mental health intersect.

For 13 years, Perry has successfully treated his mental health diagnosis of bipolar type 1, but he often asked himself, “Why, as a pastor, have I never felt comfortable and safe sharing my diagnosis with my congregation?”

“If I feel uncomfortable sharing this part of myself, then the folks in the pews must also feel uncomfortable as well,” he said.

On Feb. 22, 2023, Perry disclosed his mental health diagnosis to his congregation and publicly by posting a video on YouTube and Instagram. By going public, his hope is “to enter into a valuable dialogue of empowerment and support.”

“I experienced my own struggles beginning in my teenage years. I was diagnosed at the age of 17. I should have sought treatment but didn’t, because I was resistant,” said Perry.

“So, I’d say from the age of 15 to about 29, I went untreated. When I finally started to get well, I had a balanced approach to my mental health. Instead of just focusing on talk therapy and medication, I was also part of a church.

“When I first started my journey, being a part of the faith community, being supported by the church really helped me, it allowed me to access hope.

The church can offer help in ways that are different from counseling and psychotherapy.”

Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Perry received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. He also attended Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon, where he received a Master of Divinity (Mdiv) degree.

In 2019, Perry was ordained at the Alberta synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. After his ordination, he served the people of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Prior to his ordination, Perry was a youth worker for the city of Vancouver. He also spent four years as a support worker and chaplain at Edgewood Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and served as an addictions counselor at Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre.

Perry has been at Elim Lutheran Church since August 2022 and brings the experience he’s developed through his own mental health struggles, his youth work and community service to his ministry.

“When I decided to become pastor, I thought that my mental health was a liability, so I didn’t talk about it, and that frightened me. It raised awareness as to how I stigmatized my own mental health diagnosis,” he said.

“Ultimately, that was not true. It took me a while to understand that because I suffered with my own mental health issues and learned how to manage crisis, I have access to compassion for people. I know what that looks like to be at a low point in life. I know what that feels like.”

Perry believes that he was called to ministry to serve people with compassion and grace, both inside and outside the walls of the church.

“I could have been therapist or a counselor,” he said.

“But the door seemed to open for pastoral ministry because of how my own spirituality and faith assisted me

Weekly Outlook

Weather Tidbits

Frank Watson

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

The snow just keeps on adding up. I totaled 6.2 inches this past Sunday and Monday, bringing my season total to 74.1 inches. While it seems this snow will be around forever, we stand a very good chance of it all of it melting before the end of the month. It does seem like a monumental task considering we have over 15 inches of snow cover. The sun is strong and the days are getting warmer. Meanwhile, I still have friends who are embracing the snow.

Note: Free Pi Day pie! Purchase a Watson Weather Calendar on March 14 at my office and receive a free Pie from Eat at 5th and Banning. Details at WeatherManWatson.com.

‘Give up the Stigma’ Lenten mental health campaign

In-person and online opportunities

• In-person opportunities will be every Wednesday during church service at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Devotions and reflections spoken at these services will focus on mental health. These topics will also be incorporated into Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Every Wednesday, following the 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. service, Elim Lutheran church will serve soup. “It’s a great place for anyone to come, eat and be in a safe environment. We are a very welcoming community,” said Perry.

through dark times.”

“For anyone struggling with or suffering from mental health issues, it can feel helpless, and it can feel hopeless. I suffered for a long time. There were times it felt like there was no end in sight, but I reached out and I kept reaching out.”

“By learning how to manage my mental health, I learned how to enjoy life. Now I get to experience all the wonderful things that it has to offer. I am so grateful for that,” said Perry.

For more information:

A website has been created for the project: www.giveupthestigma.com

A hashtag has been created for the campaign: #giveupthestigma

Videos will be cross-posted to his YouTube channel and Instagram @ giveupthestigma

YouTube Launch Video: Local pastor Goes Public with his Bipolar Diagnosis this Lent — “Giving up the Stigma” of mental health at church.

To view the video, visit https://youtu. be/na8gSskyiss

• Online opportunities will be available through the church’s website, Instagram and Facebook page. Pastor Seth Perry will be regularly producing videos and answering people’s questions about mental health, his personal journey, others people’s mental health and church life.

Events

In partnership with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Elim Lutheran Church will host a special event in March:

• Creating Caring Faith Communities 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday, March 26

This event is an opportunity to learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes and five things each of us can do to make Minnesota a better place for people who experience a mental illness. This class is for faith communities interested in learning about mental illnesses and helping to change attitudes toward mental illnesses. Elim Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 20971 Olinda Trail N., Scandia

$1.00 PressWhiteFORPOSTA iatricdentistry.com

Watersheddistricshedslighton2020budget SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR UGO After council member ssedconcernswith proposed watershed district budget, citystaff invitedthe district attend CityCouncil meeting. Theproposed budget the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix WatershedDistrict (CMSCWD)was broughtupby Councilman Chuck HaasattheOct. meeting. “Ireceived email fromthe district talking abouttheir upcomlevy.Theyare having levy ear,whichwillaffectthe taxpayers eastern Hugo. Their capital projectsare going from$79,000 over$600,000,they have lakemonitoring program that goingfrom $29,000 almost $80,000,”Haas explained. “They areappointedfolksthathavetax authority responsibilityan thinkthat whatevertheyare doing overthere,theyare taxing excesHaasthen asked

SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR With list service projectsthat could surprisethat Army veteran Township resident,isno stranger coverage Press Publications newspapers. Numerous articleshavebeen published abouthim,allwiththe common theme service. Loeks served theArmy’s 3rdRanger Battalionfrom1988 1992andwas deployed invasion Panama and Desert Storm. Servinginthe militaryis tradition Loeks’ family. “Since was yearsold, justknewthatthatwaswhat would

citycould nvitethe district administrator andboard managers

Loekswill recognizedwithan awardlaterthis month. Loeksis 2019Wilbur Thomas Community Service Award recipient.The award presented annually HealthPartnersteam memberswho strive improve theircommunities through outstanding volunteer service.Loeks, WhiteBear hasbeen lifelong dreamofmine continue that(tradition)andto serve country,”hesaid.“It wasn’t somethingtha youthought about

family, wasjust whendoyouleavetodoit. took

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military specifi Army.Uponleaving military, Loeks movedto Denver pursuehis dream becoming police cer. After waiting morethan yearonthe waitlist getinto theacademy,he decided moveback Minnesota, where workedinthe business worldfor15 years. “Ididn’tfeellike wasmakinganykind difference. had

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daythat nothing wasdoing therewas making difference all,”Loeks recalled. Eight yearsago, switched careers andbecame emergencyroo chnician Regions

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PrincipalLori Mosser,who passionate about running andapproached about starting theprogram

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inspiresgirls grades3-8 recognizetheir inner strengthand celebrate whatmakesthem unique. Trained coaches lead small teams through curriculum thatincludes dynamic discussions, activities andrunning games.Over course the10-week program, participants develop essential skills helpthem navigatetheir world and establish alif appreciationforhe tness.

future BYSHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR HUGO Students grades 3-5atOneka ElementarySchoolarenotonly preparing complete 5K,butare developing essentiallifeskillstohelpthem navigate challengesthey mightbefacingnoworinthe future. This the rstyearthat Oneka Elementary School hasparticipated the Girls theRun program. nonprofi organization

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REASONS TO PROMOTE: YOUR BUSINESS IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Pastor Seth Perry

A Forest Lake, Minnesota based Commercial and Residential full service remodeling, repair and construction company. Servicing

New headache for Bear hockey: Gentry ousts them 5-1

GIRLS BASKETBALL

A stellar White Bear Lake season ended with a 51-47 loss to Stillwater in a duel of top-ten teams in the Section 4AAAA semifinals at home Saturday evening. The Bears finished 22-5. Alexis Karlen, powerful 6-foot senior post, led Stillwater on both ends, scoring 17 points while defensively making the lane a no-scoring zone for the Bears. Amy Thompson added 13 points and Elise Dieterle 11 for the Ponies (23-5). Most of their points came in the paint. The Bears, needing 3-pointers to win, hit two early while taking a 13-6 lead, but only two more the rest of the game. Addi Post led with 14 points, mostly on gutsy drives. Jordyn Schmittdiel had 13 points and Heidi Barber 11. The Bears’ defense and rebounding were good enough to win, with Blessing Adebisi especially strong on the boards. The Bears beat St. Paul Central 70-18 Tuesday, scoring the first 35 points of the game. Seventh-grader Sarah Poepard had 13 points, Anna Sommerhaus 11, and Schmittdiel 10.

BOYS BASKETBALL

After winning their last four games by a total of eight points, White Bear Lake heads into playoffs with an 18-7 record, seven straight wins, and a No. 2 seed, their highest in at least two decades. “We’ve been well-tested these last four games, and that should help us in close games in the playoffs,” coach Gregory Burke said. “There weren’t any game-winning shots; we had to make defensive stops at the end of each of them, and we did.” In the final week of conference play, the Bears beat Cretin-Derham Hall 58-55 Monday with Wyatt Hawks scoring 22 points, Jack Janicki 19 and Jack Misgen 10; beat Mounds View 75-73 Tuesday as Janicki sank 26 points, Hawks 18, Jeremy Kolb 12 and Misgen 10; and beat Park 66-65 Friday with Janicki netting 23 points and Hawks and Misgen 15 each. In the Suburban East, No. 6 ranked East Ridge finished 17-1, No. 12 White Bear Lake 15-3 and No. 15 Stillwater 13-5 for the top three spots. That’s the same order they’re seeded in Section 4AAAA. The Bears will host Woodbury on Wednesday, and if they win, will have another home game Saturday against Stillwater or St. Paul Central. Game times are 7 p.m.

WRESTLING

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

There’s now not one, but two, high-powered neighborhood hockey entities in White Bear Lake’s way. The Bears’ usual section Section 4AA finals clash with Hill-Murray didn’t happen this year because five-year-old Gentry Academy tumbled the top-seeded Bears 5-1 in the semifinals Wednesday evening.

“No excuses. We didn’t play very well and they took advantage of our mistakes,” coach Tim Sager assessed. The Bears finished 20-6. “I am very proud of our team and what they accomplished — a 20-win year and a conference championship,” he said.

Sager acknowledged

frustration with now having two schools in the section playing by different rules: “Until the MSHSL creates an even playoff field, these schools will have greater advantages recruiting student athletes from all over when the public schools have to stay within the school district boundaries. The charter schools even have ‘billet families’ so kids from out of state can live with them.”

The Stars (19-9) played probably the best game against the Bears of any opponent all season but playoff-savvy Hill-Murray cooled them off Friday night. The Pioneers (14-131) won 3-0 for their 33rd section title and fourth in a row. The Bears scored 19 seconds after face-off

at Aldrich Arena, on a shot by Grady Gallatin swooping past the the net, but the Stars and goalie Anthony Zolezzi turned away their next 33 shots. Gentry quickly erased the Bears’ lead with goals by Reese Shaw at 2:04 and Ryder Betzold at 4:52. The Stars expanded the lead with missives by Max Vonklingraeff and Easton Rooney in the second period and Eli Bailey in the third.

Last year, Gentry lost to Hill-Murray 7-2 in the semifinals. In 2021, they were Class 1A state champions, pummeling all 19 opponents, including Mahtomedi 7-3 in the section. The Gentry Academy girls were Class 2A state champions this season. They were Class 1A runner-up in 2021.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK AJ McCleery

AJ McCleery makes an impact on both ends of the court for Mahtomedi’s 22-3 basketball team. “His defensive effort is the key to our team defense, and he runs our plays well,” said coach Keith Newman about the rugged 6-foot-1 senior guard.McCleery had two double-doubles (totaling 22 points and 23 rebounds) in road wins last week. He’s averaging nine points this year after averaging 11.8 last year and making all-conference. McCleery coaches in the youth traveling program and “he puts in the same work ethic and seriousness” as the does on varsity, Newman said. In the fall, McCleery is a standout soccer defender, named all-conference and coaches association all-state second team.

“Your Financial Partner”

White Bear Lake’s Aiden Akins (12) and goalie Leo Gabriel could not prevent Gentry’s first goal as Reese Shaw (right) knocked it in with Ryder Betzold assisting.

White Bear Lake’s two state tournament entrants exited early Friday. Isaac Kolstad (32-15) lost his lone match at 120 to Lane Karsten of Owatonna 12-0. Christian Carlson (35-17) at 126 lost by technical falls to Ian Schultz of St. Michael-Albertville and Maverick Mueller of Waconia. ‘Both Isaac and Christian should learn from this journey,” coach Craig Nasvik said, “and be that better prepared for next year as they both are only sophomores.”

Zephyrs’ Newman notches 300th win

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Keith Newman, Mahtomedi boys basketball coach, notched his 300th victory on Feb. 28 when the Zephrys won 64-51 at Tartan. The eighth-grade math teacher currently has a 301166 record in 16 seasons, with three conference champions and one state tournament team. “I have been blessed to coach many great players over the years,” said Newman, adding that he’s been assisted by George Palke his whole tenure. He said he feels fortunate to have coached two sons (both their teams reached section finals) and expressed appreciation to “very supportive families” and to dedicated

BRUCE STRAND

White Bear Lake’s Aiden Akins (12) and goalie Leo Gabriel could not prevent Gentry’s first goal as Reese Shaw (right) knocked it in with Ryder Betzold assisting.

BRUCE STRAND

BRUCE STRAND

Keith Newman followed the action during his 300th win last week.

youth association volunteers. “I have loved coaching in Mahtomedi,” he said.

in the future?

SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCK: Race will bring St. Patrick’s Day spirit to Centerville

before Fluger started organizing it. She isn’t sure how it originally got started, but thought race organizers had approached Kelly’s Korner Bar about hosting postrace awards at the restaurant. The management at Kelly’s accepted wholeheartedly, and the pub has been the heart of the race every year since.

“It ends up being so much fun. Everybody knows Kelly’s makes the best onion rings in the world,” Fluger said. “It’s a really great relationship.”

Fluger has been organizing races in the White Bear Lake and surrounding area for more than 20 years, and started Midwest Multisport Races in 2019. Previously, the organization was run by her business partner who wanted to cater to elite competitors, but Fluger’s vision was a little different.

“I completely rebranded,” she said. “I wanted a fresh start and a new clean look. My focus is trying to get more people from the community involved and active. It’s a way to be healthy, bring their kids and make it accessible to everyone.”

Fluger fell in love with running while she was in college studying for a law degree. After graduation, she realized that she wanted to lean into her creative side, and found a passion for event planning.

“I love throwing a party. This is the most natural way for me to transition into something I love,” she said. She was also aware of health conditions in her family history, and wanted to do something to keep up a healthy exercise practice. Organizing and participating in races was a perfect fit.

“I have never looked back, and I really want to see people out there doing the same thing,” she said. Different races come with different rules, but many of them, Shamrock included, are casual and open to beginners, and even allow strollers and dogs on the route.

“I love to see kids come out and run it,” she said. “A group Moms on the Run comes out, and they’re hilarious. I think one of things I like about this race is people aren’t so serious.”

Shake Your Shamrock is the definition of the type of community race Fluger strives to host, especially for first-timers who might be curious what a 5K is all about. Most people are already capable of completing a 5K just as they are, although there are some good online training programs such as Couch to 5K that can help with preparation.

“Do what you have to do to get yourself ready, but when you come here, have fun,” Fluger said. “It’s not to be miserable, it’s to have a good time.”

It is March, so the weather is unpredictable. Some winter running conditions are possible, but for the most part, Fluger said the trails are usually clear for running by the time Shake Your Shamrock comes around. A professional photographer will be on-site to capture the spirit of the day. Runners 21 and older receive their first beer at Kelly’s free of charge.

“Most people stick around until three in the afternoon,” Fluger said. “It’s a good day of just plain fun.”

March is... COLORECTAL CANCER MONTH

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. One in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime.

• Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, letting doctors take action to prevent the disease. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. All men and women without a family history of CRC should begin screenings at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.

If you have certain risk factors, you may need to be screened earlier than 45.

Do you have a family history of CRC or polyps?

Get screened at 40 or 10 years before the age at which your immediate family member was diagnosed.

Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms.

Symptoms list

• A change in bowel habits

IF YOU GO:

What: Shake Your Shamrock 5K and 7K

Where: Sign-in at Kelly’s Korner Bar, 7098 Centerville Road When: 11 a.m. March 18

Details: https://www.mmraces.com/ shake-your-shamrock\

Live a healthy colon lifestyle

Know your risk factors and family history. Most importantly, listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right or changes, take control and speak to your doctor.

• Eat fiber (fruits and vegetables). Drink plenty of water. Take in whole grains. Drink low-fat or fat-free milk.

• Including diarrhea, constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool or finding your stools are narrower than usual Persistent abdominal discomfort

• Such as cramps, gas, or pain and/or feeling full, bloated or that your bowel does not empty completely

Rectal bleeding

Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool

• Weakness or fatigue

Can also accompany losing weight for no known reason, nausea or vomiting

• Eat lean proteins (chicken, turkey) instead of processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meat).

Reduce excess sugar and fried foods. Limit alcohol intake.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Don’t smoke.

• Exercise regularly. Monitor bathroom habits for any changes. Early signs of cancer often do not include pain. It is important not to wait

before seeing a doctor. Early detection can save your life!

(This information is from Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://www.ccalliance.org)

FILE

Bonnie Stauffacher’s dogs Murphy and Riley accompanied her along the 7K route around Centerville Lake.

FILE Runners participating in the 5K route of the Shake Your Shamrock run Saturday, March 14 head toward the finish line.

FILE

Shake Your Shamrock runners wear various shades of green and other accoutrements in recognition of St. Patricks Day as they begin 5K and 7K routes.