JUNE 2022 www.presspubs.com
Fire engines from 1954 line up in front of the historic fire department.
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THE LOWDOWN
A historic photo depicts the Stillwater fire crew in 1887.
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Stillwater Fire Department celebrates 150 Years BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER
After the Great Chicago Fire devastated another growing Midwestern city, the citizens of the burgeoning city of Stillwater decided they couldn’t risk a similar disaster. As a lumber town, Stillwater had a significant risk of fire. On May 28, 1872 — 150 years ago — the Stillwater Fire Department was formed. “There were a number of citizens who approached the City Council saying they needed to form a department. They moved forward with an organization plan, and 92 people signed up right away to be part of the department,” said Stuart Glaser, Stillwater’s current fire chief.
Advances in technology of the department was the The first official meeting today have protected “Stillwater Steam Engine of the Stillwater Fire firefighters with improved Company No. 1,” named after Department was held shortly navigation systems, better a steam engine that was afterward on June 3, 1872. gear and respiratory transported from New York to This year, the Stillwater protection. While Fire Department technology has evolved will celebrate the “I’m extremely humbled over the years, so has sesquicentennial of and honored to be a part of the role of the fire the department with department. Today a ribbon-cutting at this department. No other the fire department the fire station on the helps with emergency same date, June 3, department can say they preparedness, assists from noon to 1 p.m. protected the birthplace of in emergency medical “We’re recognizing and performs it’s a big milestone for Minnesota as a state. It all situations technical rescues, any department,” said water and dive Glaser. happened here in our city.” including rescue and civil support. The Stillwater As for what’s next Fire Department is Stuart Glaser for the department, the oldest organized Stillwater’s fire chief Chief Glaser sees the fire department in Minnesota. The steam engine city continuing to grow as a Washington County. As one was a major technological regional destination and as a might expect, it’s seen a lot of place for new residents. With change over the last 150 years. advancement for the time. “It was all pretty more city events and activities The first official name revolutionary,” said Glaser.
Washington County Library kicks off summer programs Washington County Library’s summer programs for kids, teens and adults begin this week and continue through Saturday, Aug. 20. Summer is traditionally a busy time at libraries, where extra activities while school is out can help encourage reading and neutralize summer learning loss for kids and teens. These programs and activities also encourage library users of all ages to become lifelong readers and learners. Through the Summer Adventure program, kids ages 0-11 can read, learn, listen and explore with an alien friend, Zorb. This flexible program can be tailored to each children’s interests and learning needs. Teens ages 12-18 can Level Up! their summer with a video gamethemed program that promotes literacy of all kinds, including reading, crafting, cooking and gaming. Adults can get in on the fun too. With the 10,000 Experiences at Your Library program, participants can explore the community and take home a snazzy prize.
For each program, participants complete activities on a game card, then return their game card to the library to collect a reward. Each person who completes a game card will also be entered in a drawing for the chance to win grand prizes like activity kits, Washington County Parks passes, puzzles and more. Library staff are also planning expanded programs and entertainers inside and outside the library. Popular performers visiting Washington County Library this summer include: Snake Discovery, the Great Brodini, the Jolly Pops and more. Librarians will also visit Washington County Parks, host storytimes at local library branches, share take-home activity kits, and more. All programs are free and open to the public, although some require registration. For additional information, including a complete schedule of summer events, visit a Washington County Library branch or connect online at www. WashCoLib.org. Contributed by Washington County Library
on the horizon, the need for a well-equipped fire department continues. June 3’s celebration and ribbon-cutting will acknowledge Stillwater’s long history of firefighters who have worked to keep the city safe for the last 150 years and will continue their effort for safety well into the future. “I’m extremely humbled and honored to be a part of this department. No other department can say they protected the birthplace of Minnesota as a state. It all happened here in our city,” said Glaser. Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emialing lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
Stargazers spot Super Flower Blood Moon BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER
The impressive color of Mid-May’s Super Flower Blood Moon caught the eyes of many stargazers who may also have been inspired by its equally impressive name. The eclipse lasted about 5 hours and 19 minutes, beginning during the evening of May 15 and ending early in the morning, May 16. As for its lengthy name, that can be broken down into three parts. The term “supermoon” comes from how large the moon appears to us here on Earth. According to NASA, a supermoon is defined when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger than normal. The term “flower moon” refers to the full moon’s names that are typically assigned during that particular month. April has a “pink” moon, May has a “flower moon” because it coincides with the blooming flowers in spring, and this month’s full moon will be the “strawberry” moon. As for the term “blood moon,” the portion of the eclipse where it gets this name lasted a total of 1 hour and 24 minutes for those of us in the metro area. The moon temporarily appears red because light from the sun reflects
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May’s Super Flower Blood Moon lasted one hour and 24 minutes in the metro sky.
on the moon, and the color shows up as red because long wavelengths like red and orange can pass through the atmosphere. The red right is refracted around the earth, hitting the moon to make it appear red. As for the next total lunar eclipse, you’ll have to wait until Nov. 7 of this year, but that eclipse likely will have a shorter name. Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emialing lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
