WILD RIVER TRAILS

The search for the perfect boat

For some people it’s the magic of the water that attracts them. It could be the grandeur of the surroundings or chasing fi sh in a motorboat. For others, it’s about exploring quiet waters with a paddle in your hand. I’ve always loved the quiet sports, simple nonmotorized activities that don’t disturb nature. My son Josh, now a father of two little girls, happily married with a good job, has inherited that love.

Josh’s journey over water started out in my motorboat and then to my canoes. As an adult, he has chosen a path with kayaks. In the last 12 years he has been looking for that perfect boat that fi ts all his needs and desires. Twelve years ago, it started out with a Perception Carolina 14-footer. As Josh explained, “Kayaking started to become such a popular sport back then. In the past 12 years it’s exploded to fi t the demanding market. Today you can

Wild River fi nd anything from fast narrow kayaks to fat, wider, more stabi

Trails Jim Bennett lized crafts designed for fi shing comfortably. My fi shing styles have evolved over the years to becoming more of a minimalist. I know what I want. I don’t need all the gadgets, but I have had quite a few. Today they are only the ones I deem essential for my style of fi shing.”

Josh learned a lot from his fi rst kayak. “My Carolina was fast. It was a paddling boat fi rst and a fi shing boat second. It was my fi rst and last sit-in kayak. I got rid of it and got a sit-on-top kayak that allowed me to have a better platform for fi shing and hunting. My fi rst sit-on-top was an Ocean Trident 15 that struck a balance between fast and narrow. From there I moved to the Trident 13-foot kayak because it was just a little bit quicker and lighter.”

Then hunting waterfowl and fl y fi shing drew him. “It was time to sell the Trident and buy an Old Town Predator MX that I could set up for specialized fi shing to get into places that motorboats can’t. It had a hand-assist cord to get you standing up, and I bought a lean-assist bar that supplied a good fi shing platform but not quite what I hoped for. The Predator gave me a hunting platform that worked OK but not great. It was good for one guy and a dozen decoys, but I wanted to add a dog and another bag of decoys.”

Josh left the Predator for a lighter boat, but he still wanted a stable boat. He chose a NuCanoe Flint. “It had some nice features, but it didn’t fi t my needs. My wife Megan said that I had succumbed to America’s marketing machine.”

Now Josh is waiting for his next kayak to arrive, the Lite Tackle made by Crescent Kayaks. “It has a perfect hull design that should provide a perfect combination of paddling ease with fi shing stability. It’s quick, sporty, tracks well and is stable and maneuverable. “

After watching Josh explore a water world with kayaks for the past 12 years—he got me into my fi rst kayak—together we have explored many lakes, wetlands, rivers and the Boundary Waters, shot rapids, camped for long treks and taken in many day trips that have proved fun and full of excitement. He has also paddled Superior and Lake Michigan.

“I want to keep going. I still have a strong desire to fi sh and paddle. I want to keep fi nding special places that most people will never fi nd. I want to explore the silence, improve my stroke in the art of paddling. I have found that a paddle is the key to those special quiet places.”

Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

Don’t abuse freedoms

The First Amendment of our Constitution provides fi ve important freedoms, and they don’t deserve to be abused.

The First Amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The First Amendment protects the rights of citizens to protest the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. But looting, burning of stores and destruction of businesses is an unacceptable way to protest the About the killing of George Floyd. Protests and demonstraTown Gene Johnson tions are not new in this 200 year old democracy. The protests of the 60s ranged from the Civil Rights movement to our involvement in the Vietnam War. Subsequently, we have experienced movements for gay rights, the environment, and several other issues. We have experienced a great deal of social change because of these movements, made possible by the First Amendment.

The First Amendment allows us to speak to issues and redress government regarding its policies and legislation. The recent protests are an excellent example that there is a need for change in police culture and how we provide safety and protection of citizens.

It’s becoming clear that we may have expected police to perform too many roles. It’s also clear the training of offi cers is not adequate, and discipline and accountability are not adequate in some departments.

The protests/protestors are rightfully calling attention to this. But action by those who damage property, injure people and place economic burdens on neighborhoods should never be acceptable and distract from the goal of the protest.

Racism is so deep–seeded we haven’t been able to overcome it. In the George Floyd case, people around the world were witnesses to a crime and saw no one take immediate action when the offi cer was taking Floyd’s last breath away. Are we going to continue to be witnesses to injustice?

Protests will continue to be in order but if you are protesting the state government, go to the steps of the State Capitol; if you are protesting county government, go to the County Courthouse; if you are protesting issues in your own city, go to City Hall and clearly state your issue.

America has changed but tough questions have been ignored. We’ve made some progress with equal opportunity and equal rights, but I do not think there is justice for all.

Hopefully, now is the time we no longer ignore the tough questions on racial inequality. The current protests will result in a major shift in America so there is more equal opportunity, equal rights and justice for all.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

THE LOWDOWN| LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2020 • Election season is considered to be when fi ling fi rst begins until the day of the election. • Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on • Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per inch after 350 words. a specifi c issue will be accepted as paid letters. • Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters • Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters. will have a $25 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check • All letters are subject to editing. payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.” • Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verifi cation. • We reserve the right to not publish any letter. • The deadline to submit a letter about a topic (not related to the election) is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication. • Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • The last batch of letters to be printed before the primary election Tuesday, Aug. 11 will be printed • Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. in the July 28 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 22. • Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. • The last batch of letters to be printed before the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3 will be printed • Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. in the Oct. 20 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion. • To submit a letter, email news@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail/deliver it to Press • Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Publications.

Sheriff’s Offi ce partners with Ramsey County to purchase rescue vehicle

The Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce will partner with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Offi ce for the purchase and use of an armored multi-terrain rescue vehicle.

The Washington County Sheriff's Offi ce has partnered with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Offi ce to share the expenses and responsibilities associated with the purchase, maintenance, operation and storage of an armored multi-terrain rescue vehicle called a ROOK. The equipment provides safety for offi cers, as well as the public in highly dangerous environments.

The ROOK will be accessible to both agencies locally and will also be a resource regionally. The equipment could be used for any natural disaster or other emergency which may require rescue operations in fl ooding and wind-damaged areas.

The Washington County Sheriff's Offi ce received a 2019 Urban Area Security Initiative grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety that helped to pay $110,000 of the purchase price. The remaining $13,000 was paid by forfeiture funds. The two counties will divide responsibility for the equipment based on a formula based roughly by population.

Drowning victim’s body recovered from Forest Lake

The body of a man who drowned while swimming on Forest Lake has been found. On Wednesday, June 10, divers recovered the body of a man reported missing Sunday, June 7. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce, offi cials were alerted to a water emergency at 4:40 p.m. that day, when a caller reported that a man was in the water. Fire rescue teams, along with members of the Washington County Dive Team, responded to the scene. The man’s name will be released once it is confi rmed by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s offi ce, according to a statement.

Stillwater school board, superintendent reach separation agreement

In a 5-2 vote, the Stillwater school board voted to end Superintendent Denise Pontrelli’s contract, approving a $300,000 separation agreement effective July 1. The decision came more than four years after the district’s Building Opportunities to Learn and Discover (BOLD) plan led to the closures of Withrow, Marine and Oak Park Elementary Schools, and nearly a year after the board unsuccessfully tried to remove Pontrelli in July 2019. Pontrelli was named superintendent in 2015. She will receive her $195,800 salary for 2020-21, $64,312 for the release of legal claims against the district, $29,165 of accrued unused vacation time, district health care and contributions to an annuity plan and health savings account. The Stillwater district is in the process of fi nding an interim superintendent.

‘Stuff the Bus’ provides supplies to students in need

Stillwater Area Public Schools, Community Thread and the United Way of Washington-County East are partnering for their annual Stuff the Bus initiative to provide school supplies for children in need. A list of donation requests is available online at stillwaterschools. org/district/district-news-e-news/district-news/supportstuff-bus. Supplies must be dropped off by Aug. 5. Cash donations can be made online at uwwce.org/donate and should be designated for “Stuff the Bus.” Families in need will be able to select free supplies Aug. 11-14.

POLITICAL BRIEF

Request an absentee ballot

The online application for absentee ballots is now open. By fi lling out the online application, you can have your ballot for the August primary, and the November general election mailed to you. To complete the application online, you must: • Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota • Provide an email address • Provide your identifi cation number: MN-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of your Social Security number

Apply online at https://bit.ly/2yjtMLg. You may also print out a paper absentee ballot application and return it to your local election offi ce. You can apply for a ballot any time during the year, except the day of the election. Make sure to leave time for election offi cials to mail your ballot and for you to return it on or before election day.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Summer compost hours

The city of Forest Lake’s compost site seasonal hours run April 11 through Nov. 27. The compost site is located at 20001 Forest Blvd. North; Forest Lake residents can drop off leaves/grass clippings and brush up to 3 inches in diameter at no charge (be prepared to show proof of residency). Through Oct. 5, the hours will be 1:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Margie Horning, longtime Stillwater Sunrise Rotary member, received the Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service Award for continuous active service. Most recently, she was the manager for the Rotary District 5960 COVID-19 Disaster Response grants program. The program was aimed at helping local Rotary Clubs fund needs such as food insecurity help, tables for a pop-up food pantry, iPads for hospitals and nursing and assisted living homes, face shield masks for fi rst responders, meals for essential workers, child care scholarships for children of essential workers and many more. Stillwater Sunrise along with the Noon Rotary Club, as part of its COVID-19 initiative, contributed $1,000 each to Valley Outreach and Meals from the Heart.

COUNTY BRIEFS

Photo contest open for parks annual will be used to prevent seed set and vehicle permit the following herbicides will be used Those who have been snapping photos to spray mowed area: Escort XP, in Washington County Parks can Milestone VM and Liberate. submit those photos to the county; Property owners who do not want some submissions will be used on their roadside sprayed or mowed, and the county’s annual 2021-2022 parks are willing to take responsibility for pass. The photo contest from last controlling and eradicating noxious year highlighted Pine Point Regional weeds on the adjacent roadside, Park; a photo submitted by Jessica may visit the Washington County Manor won the contest. This year, North Shop at 11660 Myeron Road Washington County will highlight in Stillwater Township to obtain Lake Elmo Park Reserve, as it turns signage, or call 651-430-4300. Be 35 in 2021. If you have photos that prepared to provide an address, the you would like to submit from Lake nearest cross street, and a description Elmo Park Reserve, submit them of where “do not spray” signs will be to parksphotos@co.washington. located. mn.us. Photos will be accepted for consideration until Oct. 2. Standup paddleboarding, yoga

offered at Square Lake Park

Spot mowing and spraying for Standup paddleboarding (SUP) noxious weeds begins is a water recreation and total

Washington County staff will be body fi tness opportunity that will spot mowing and spraying for noxious be offered in Washington County weeds on the more than 220 miles Parks this summer at Square Lake of rural county roadsides June 15 Park. SUP Sunset Paddle (guided through July 27, and again in October. paddleboarding) will be from 7 to This is being done to help comply 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays June 9 through with Minnesota State Noxious Weed Aug. 11. Saturday SUP - yoga classes law administered by the Minnesota (guided yoga on the water) will be 9 to Department of Agriculture. Mowing 10:15 a.m. June 13 through Aug. 15.

Waiting Child

Adrian, 14, is a charming and intelligent teen who enjoys drawing, watching movies and reading books. He also loves Marvel and DC superheroes and Legos. Adrian does well in a structured environment with clear expectations as well as an incentives-based approach. Adrian would do best with a family where there are no younger children. A family who has teenagers or young adults who have already been launched would be a good fi t for Adrian. He needs a family who will stick with him. Only families from Minnesota are being considered at this time.

Classes are $35 per person. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets. Vehicle park permits, $7 daily, and $30 annually, are also required. The park is at 15450 Square Lake Trail N. north of Stillwater. Class size is limited and registration is required. Participants must be at least 14 years old and able to swim. Dress for water activity and the weather.

The program meets at the boat launch at the park. Program dates are subject to change due to severe weather (high wind, heavy rain, lightning). In the event of a weather cancellation, participants will receive a refund. For updates or to register, see the Washington County website, co.washington.mn.us, and search “SUP” and register online.

Washington County begins reopening to in-person services

Washington County has begun the reopening of some county buildings and in-person services by appointment. Services that can be provided remotely will still be done remotely; if remote services are not possible, services by appointment may be used.

The Government Center in Stillwater and the Forest Lake service center will be open. However, residents arriving at the buildings should have appointments for inperson services. Appointments may be made through the county’s website at co.washington.mn.us or by calling county offi ces at 651-430-6000.

Residents who visit county buildings will fi nd county staff will be wearing masks when moving inside county buildings; members of the public will be asked to wear masks when in county buildings and during interaction with staff, and social distancing measures will be in place. Residents may make appointments for service and license centers at co.washington.mn.us/ scheduleme. The Washington County Library continues to provide curbside and locker pickup of materials, and computer access by appointment. Find more information on the library’s website at washcolib.org.

Free Product Room moves outdoors

The Free Product Room at the Environmental Center in Woodbury has moved outdoors. Free products such as paint, stain, automotive products and household cleaners will be available during operating hours, weather permitting. Rain cancellations will be posted on the website (co.washington.mn.us/604/ Environmental-Center). Social distancing measures are in place for the safety of staff and other customers. Residents are also encouraged to wear cloth face coverings.

Input wanted on bike and pedestrian plan

Washington County is creating a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and is seeking citizen input. This plan will address the future of a countywide bicycle and pedestrian network, building off of the existing network of sidewalks, trails and on-street facilities. For more information about the project to date, visit co.washington.mn.us/bikepedplan. Contact Emily Jorgensen at 651- 430-4338 or emily.jorgensen@ co.washington.mn.us with questions about this survey or about the project.

Washington County Fair canceled

The board of directors for the Washington County Agricultural Society voted to cancel the 2020 Washington County Fair, which was to be held July 29 – Aug. 2, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made based upon careful consultation with the county and other organizations, the diffi culty of monitoring and enforcing social distancing requirements, and the health and safety of the community, the fair’s vendors, carnival, staff, fair supporters and exhibitors. The cancellation will also preserve the fi nancial viability of the Washington County Agricultural Society to present future fairs.

The Washington County Fair board is looking forward to 2021, when it will hold its 150th fair Aug. 4-8.

Forest Lake Area High School’s FFA named one of Minnesota’s best

The Forest Lake FFA chapter was named one of Minnesota’s “Top Ten Chapters” at the annual Minnesota FFA Convention. Due to COVID-19, the Minnesota FFA Convention was held virtually.

Unfortunately, students who qualifi ed for state Leadership & Career Development events were not able to compete, but many were still able to participate in workshops. Forest Lake FFA members were able to interact with other people while still keeping their distance and watching everything happen live, all from their homes. The “Top Ten” recognition was based on an application submitted by the students, which identifi ed successful activities in the areas of Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture. The application will now be reviewed at the national level.

“The State FFA convention allows our students an opportunity to showcase their achievements in FFA,” said advisor Bob Parke. He added that the awards are “a refl ection of the support and involvement from not only our students but also our school faculty, administration and our community members who work to support our Forest Lake FFA Chapter in all that they do. Together, we partner to exemplify the FFA motto of ‘Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.’”

In addition to being one of the state’s “Top Ten Chapters,” the Forest Lake FFA was one of the fi nalists for the Model of Innovation Award. This award recognizes chapters for having programs that are unique, that help students grow as leaders, and are genuine. These activities are “models” for other chapters to follow to inspire them to create their own unique events.

The Forest Lake FFA also entered the Minnesota FFA Agricultural Literacy Challenge and placed fi rst by educating 8,345 people. The Agricultural Literacy Challenge encourages FFA Chapters to educate people of all ages about agriculture. It can range from activities that tell children about where their food comes from, to educating adults about the different career fi elds within agriculture.

Individual members also received top honors during the convention. Senior Maria Anderson, junior Rebecca Anderson and junior Benjamin Desrosier earned their Minnesota FFA degree. This degree is the highest award that the Minnesota FFA Association can bestow upon its members. To be eligible for the Minnesota FFA degree, students must have earned and invested at least $2,000 from his or her own efforts. Each recipient must have completed a minimum of two years of classroom instruction in an agricultural, food and natural resources education program. Additionally, seniors Abigail Youngman, Gracie Gregoire and Autumn Huddleston were highlighted as they have chosen to pursue careers in agricultural education.

All of the Forest Lake FFA chapter highlights can be replayed at forestlakeffa.org. Submitted

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Celebrating the 4th of July amid the COVID-19 pandemic

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

For only the second time in its 97-year history, the Forest Lake 4th of July parade has been canceled.

The decision was a diffi cult one to make, according to the Forest Lake American Legion, which sponsors the annual celebration. “The only other time that the celebration has been canceled was during another trying time for our country and our greatest generation,” its website states, referring, of course, to World War II.

But even in the midst of a pandemic, July 4 still comes and goes. Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the need to practice social distancing, this year will not include the traditional carnival, Bingo games or fi reworks display. However, there will still be patriotic festivities to commemorate the day. And while the streets of Forest Lake will not be fi lled with parade marchers and spectators, a new virtual parade promises to bring a similar sense of celebration and community—just online rather than outdoors.

“We are fi nding a creative way to make this parade one we will not forget,”

Now Open DAILY 11AM - 6PMDAILY 11AM - 6PM

according to the American Legion's website. This year's theme, Parade for the People: Celebrating Our Community Heroes, is an effort to recognize citizens who contribute to the collective good, both on the national and local scales. “Independence Day is a time for us to come together to commemorate our freedom as a nation, and this year, we want to also celebrate the great work of those community members who have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy during this pandemic.”

With that in mind, the Legion is asking Forest Lake residents for their contributions to the celebration. Photos of decorated homes and businesses can be emailed to forestlakeparade@gmail. com. Videos of individuals are requested as well—parade committee members said they are looking for videos that “highlight those in the Armed Forces who have protected our freedom as a nation,” in addition to ones “thanking those public safety, health care and essential workers that are striving to keep us safe and healthy during these unparalleled times.”

From July 1-4, the photos and videos will be shared on Facebook, with extra content scheduled for July 4. The parade committee says it will be “starting early in the morning for a new digital parade experience, starring you, your families and our community businesses front and center.” Surprise announcements in the days leading up to the 4th are also in store.

Parade committee members say that they hope to return to the traditional 4th of July celebration next summer, which they are aiming to make bigger and better than ever. In the meantime, though, small-scale celebrations will have to do. A backyard barbeque and sparklers might not rival the massive professional display Forest Lake residents are accustomed to seeing each year, though ringing in Independence Day in the midst of a pandemic is sure to make for a celebration to remember.

More information about this year's festivities can be found online at post225. com, as well as on Facebook at facebook. com/forestlake4thofjulyparade.

wildmountain.com

Dear Members and Community Leaders:

I am proud to say that at our fall retreat last year, the Chamber Board of Directors updated our mission statement to add the word inclusive. Our Mission. The Chamber is an inclusive organization that serves, advocates, and promotes the interest of businesses while enriching the life of our community. This year has been quite challenging in many ways, but as a community we will be stronger and better, and we will prosper. COVID-19 has brought many challenges to our business community and our personal welfare. It has invaded our lives as we know it in unprecedented ways. Our Chamber has also been greatly affected. We are committed to serving our community and keeping them safe. For this reason, we made the decision to postpone and/or cancel many of our community events which generates revenue for our operations. Our community events not only serve as staples of commerce and camaraderie in our area, drawing in thousands of people, they also bring revenue into the Chamber, which in turn allows our organization to support our community through our development, leadership and outreach programs. Even with reduced hours, our team has been working hard and long hours to bring our business community the most up-to-date information, guidance, and resources these past 13 weeks and has rallied in many ways to serve our community. The Chamber is a not-for-profit 501c(6)

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SUBMITTED

The annual 4th of July parade in Forest Lake has been canceled for the second time in its 97-year history. The fi rst was in the midst of World War II.

and unfortunately, did not qualify for business loans or the payment protection program during this pandemic. The loss of community events has negatively impacted our 2020 financials, therefore, we are starting a campaign called “Rally For Your Chamber,” Help support us, so we can continue to support you. There are three levels to choose from:

Levels of Support: Chamber Champion - $1,000 and Up gift contribution Chamber Booster - $500 Chamber Neighbor - $100

We take pride in serving the St. Croix Valley and we look forward to reopening our businesses and continuing to engage our community. If you are interested in a gift contribution to the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, please call our office at (651) 439-4001, or you can submit your gift on greaterstillwaterchamber.com. Please help support your Chamber so your Chamber can support you! Thank you for your consideration. $1,000+ Logo on our website / highest level Extensive spotlight on our social media Executive Director will put their logo on her signature block as a Chamber Champion for the rest of 2020

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Logo on our website Spotlight on our social media