8 minute read
STILLWATER’S MILESTONE
from The Lowdown
Fire engines from 1954 line up in front of the historic fire department.
CONTRIBUTED
Advertisement
A historic photo depicts the Stillwater fire crew in 1887.
CONTRIBUTED
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.
The first official meeting of the Stillwater Fire Department was held shortly afterward on June 3, 1872. This year, the Stillwater Fire Department will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the department with a ribbon-cutting at the fire station on the same date, June 3, from noon to 1 p.m.
“We’re recognizing it’s a big milestone for any department,” said Glaser.
The Stillwater Fire Department is the oldest organized fire department in Washington County. As one might expect, it’s seen a lot of change over the last 150 years.
The first official name of the department was the “Stillwater Steam Engine Company No. 1,” named after a steam engine that was transported from New York to
Minnesota. The steam engine was a major technological advancement for the time.
“It was all pretty revolutionary,” said Glaser.
Advances in technology today have protected firefighters with improved navigation systems, better gear and respiratory protection. While technology has evolved over the years, so has the role of the fire department. Today the fire department helps with emergency preparedness, assists in emergency medical situations and performs technical rescues, including water and dive rescue and civil support. As for what’s next for the department,
Chief Glaser sees the city continuing to grow as a regional destination and as a place for new residents. With more city events and activities 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.
Stillwater’s fire chief Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emialing lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
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.
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 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.
CONTRIBUTED
May’s Super Flower Blood Moon lasted one hour and 24 minutes in the metro sky.
14 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com MONTH 2022
MONTHLY WEATHER OUTLOOK
Weather Tidbit: May was a nice transitional month. We finally shook off the cold that lingered through April and into the first week of the month. After the first week, the weather became a little more interesting. We finally were able to turn off the furnace and a few neighbors fired up the AC as temperatures reached into the upper 80’s on May 9. We topped off with 90º on May 12. I didn’t hear many, if any, complaints about the “heat.” There were a few memorable storms that blasted through. A wind storm on May 9 brought 50mph winds with very little rain. If you’re looking for rain, I totaled 2.58” on May 11. This rain was accompanied by strong thunderstorm winds and I noted several down large pine trees and broken limbs. A notable hail storm during the late afternoon of May 19 brought pea- to half dollar-size hail. Remember that date for future claims. The astronomical highlight was the total lunar eclipse on May 15. Sky conditions were optimal and the moon did not disappoint. See below for this month’s highlights. This brings us to the month of June. I like the trend we’re in. Warm and wet. I’m more confident on the wetter than normal June but hopefully optimistic for a warmer than normal June.
AREA NORMALS FOR MONTH
Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
Frank Watson is a local meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
SUDOKU
ACROSS
1. Brew 4. NY ballplayer 7. Rigid external covering in some animals 12. Promotional materials 15. More high-pitched 16. Widely cultivated cereal 18. Dormitory employee 19. Bad act 20. One’s mother 21. Scored perfectly 24. Space station 27. Exchange for money 30. Edible seaweed 31. Iranian city 33. Lakers’ crosstown rivals 34. Nothing 35. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 37. __ student, learns healing 39. Military official (abbr.) 41. Matchstick games 42. Gasteyer and De Armas are two 44. Distant planet 47. A type of residue 48. Punk art icon Jimmy De__ 49. Millihenry 50. Canadian media firm 52. Type of withdrawal 53. Spicy 56. Dish of minced meat or fish 61. Noted previously 63. Happily 64. “Partridge” actress Susan 65. Not present
DOWN
1. In a way, brought to an end 2. Scandalized actress Loughlin 3. This (Spanish) 4. Essay 5. Continuing indefinitely 6. Tool for lifting food 7. Partner to Adam 8. Dry white wine drink 9. Spanish be 10. Smaller quantity 11. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 12. (Scottish) island 13. Church officer 14. Large wrestler 17. Polite address for women 22. Famed Susan Lucci character “__ Kane” 23. Mason __ Line 24. Disfigure 25. Asian nation 26. Rage (Span.) 28. Khoikhoin peoples 29. Opera solo 32. Database management system 36. Similar 38. Move up and down playfully 40. Alfalfa 43. Satisfied 44. Baseball official 45. Large, flightless bird of S. America 46. Money given in support 51. Flower cluster 54. Beginning military rank 55. Russian weight measurement 56. Explosive 57. An individual unit 58. Midskirt 59. Weapon featuring balls 60. Used of a number or amount not specified 62. Unit of measurement
