The Lowdown by Press Publications

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THE

Lowdown

December 2020 Vol. 08 No. 12 readthelowdown.com | $2

’TIS THE

Season

Holiday traditions continue through pandemic | 8

COVID-19

OUT AND ABOUT

JOHN STEINBECK

NEW TESTING SITES OPEN | 3

LOCAL EVENTS | 9

BIOGRAPHY BY AREA AUTHOR | 18

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PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

9 | Out and about:

13 | Kourageous Karter:

Area events this month

The boy who lived

10 | Wild Mountain Ski Patrol:

18 | Mad at the world:

Welcoming youth

New Steinbeck biography

About the cover A crowd gathers around a Christmas tree in downtown Stillwater during the lighting ceremony that was part of a Twinkle Party celebration last December. See more on page 8.

CONTRIBUTORS | What is your favorite holiday tradition? ADAM HENSCHELL |

ELIZABETH CALLEN | Editor

art@presspubs.com Every year, my parents, brother and I all watch ‘A Christmas Story,’ I think I can reenact the entire movie at this point.

lowdownnews@presspubs.com Watching Muppet’s Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve.

RANDY ROBERTS |

SHANNON GRANHOLM | Lead Editor

Multimedia Consultant

quadnews@presspubs.com Going to look at Christmas lights.

lowdown@presspubs.com Just being with family.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | Contributing Writer

PAUL DOLS |

Photojournalist/Website Editor photos@presspubs.com My favorite holiday tradition is finding toys and games for the youngest members of our family and seeing their reactions.

Publisher Carter Johnson

Marketing Director Patty Steele

Lead Designer

Advertising Randy Roberts

Lead Editor Shannon Granholm

jackiebussjaeger@gmail.com Taking time to spend with friends and family: especially making holiday cookies and desserts together!

Editor

Photographer/ Photo Editor

Production Designer

Elizabeth Callen

Paul Dols

Adam Henschell

Contributors

Design Manager

Jackie Bussjaeger

Zac Hoppe

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DECEMBER 2020

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1st COVID-19 spit testing site now open in east metro

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

East metro residents seeking a more comfortable alternative to the COVID-19 nasal swab test can now fi nd one locally. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has opened a saliva testing site in St. Paul at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium (175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul). As of Friday, Oct. 30, the site is open and ready for patients. It is the fi rst saliva testing site in the Twin Cities metro and the seventh in the state. Testing is free to all Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test, including those who are asymptomatic, according to an MDH press release. “Minnesota is seeing an alarming jump in COVID-19 cases, and neigh-

Participants will self-administer the saliva test by spitting into a funnel attached to a small tube and so should avoid eating, drinking, chewing or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before testing. Results will be provided by email within 24 to 48 hours. Due to high expected demand, testing in St. Paul will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Participants will be asked for health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance companies; if a person is uninsured, however, the state will cover the cost to keep testing free for everyone. “We're pleased this hub will open in St. Paul and offer another fast, easy way for people who live and work in the east metro to get test-

ed,” said Ramsey County Board Chair Toni Carter. “The new site expands and complements Ramsey County efforts to reach underserved populations through the low-barrier testing we have been offering at Aldrich Arena and at other sites with our community partners.” The state's fi rst saliva testing site opened Sept. 23 in Duluth. Since then, sites have opened in Winona, Moorhead, Brooklyn Park, Mankato and St. Cloud. Three additional sites are set to open in the Twin Cities metro area within the coming weeks. Those tests will be processed locally, according to MDH, at a new saliva testing lab in Oakdale. For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit https:// www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ coronavirus/testsites/saliva.html

State adding antigen test results to online COVID-19 data are sufficiently accurate when used to test people without symptoms. “Federal officials have embraced antigen tests and are aggressively encouraging states and institutions across the country to use them,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “We believe it’s a good idea to add this equipment to our toolkit as long as we keep the information in proper context. Our goal is to work with long-term care facilities and others who’ve received these devices to make sure they are used in the most accurate and effective manner, and to learn more about this testing method as we go.” MDH Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann welcomed the new testing tool while also emphasizing that testing is part of a comprehensive COVID-19 response that includes the tried-and-true prevention measures. “It is very important to understand that testing — even rapid testing — is not a substitute for other preventative actions,” Ehresmann said. “Tests can have false positives or negatives, and people can develop illness after they are tested. Even as we continue to expand our testing capacity in Minnesota, people still need to continue to socially distance, wear masks, avoid crowds, wash their hands and stay home if sick.” Antigen tests were first approved for use by the FDA in May, and CSTE updated the case definition for COVID-19 in August to include antigen testing and considering them a probable case. MDH received laboratory reporting of the fi rst antigen test results in June. The data on antigen testing shown on the MDH website will be added to the information the department currently reports. Total tests, total cases, total cases

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by county and test positivity will be broken out by PCR/confirmed and antigen/probable. Demographic data on cases will continue to be combined and include antigen test results. The initial posting will include antigen testing data going back to Sept. 1. MDH cautions that with the new testing devices going out to many facilities not as accustomed to reporting disease data to public health officials, there may be some initial challenges with timely and thorough reporting to the department. To help reduce the chance of delays and inaccuracies, the department is developing a robust set of guidance for those using antigen testing equipment. Submitted

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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced today that it will begin posting on its website COVID-19 cases detected using new antigen testing equipment approved by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. In posting these cases, MDH is following the guidance of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) – the independent professional body that determines case definitions for the country. CSTE guidance subsequently affirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that someone who has a positive antigen test for COVID-19 should be considered a probable case. The guidance comes amid reports that the antigen tests have lower accuracy than the “gold-standard” polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test process. However, the cases will receive the same level of case investigation and follow-up as cases confi rmed using the PCR test. Antigen testing is a technology used to determine whether someone is actively infected with COVID-19, just like the lab-based PCR tests that to this point have been the primary testing systems used in the COVID-19 response. One advantage of antigen tests is that they generate results more quickly than the traditional PCR method. Another advantage is that they can be used by providers who do not have a full laboratory set up to do testing. Even with these advantages, there are some drawbacks. Antigen tests are not considered to be as reliable as PCR tests. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided large numbers of antigen tests to long-term care facilities to conduct the frequent testing required by the federal officials, but it is not clear whether the antigen testing devices provided to states by the federal government

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boring states are seeing even worse. The good news is that Minnesotans have it in their power to make things better if everyone does their part,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a statement. “Testing is a key part of our strategy, and we've made great progress in removing obstacles to testing thanks to strong partnerships across the state. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing helps us slow the spread of COVID-19 and move us closer to the day when we have safe and effective vaccines.” The saliva test, like the traditional nasal swab, is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which detects the virus's genetic material. The MDH says it has the same effectiveness rate as a nasal swab but is generally more comfortable to take.

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DECEMBER 2020

Deer hunting y 14-year-old son and I recently traveled to Clearwater, Minnesota to hunt deer on a friend’s farm. Across the upper Midwest, hunting is a rite of passage along with the annual fishing opener. In Wisconsin, employees often request two weeks off at the time of hire. Hunting family traditions run deep - from work weekends at the hunting camp doing chores such as splitting wood that will fit just right in the cast iron stove, to scouting the land for the perfect place to set up the stands. Deer hunting is a time for family and friends to be together in nature, to bond and share stories. This was our second hunt together, as basketball tournaments often pose a conflict. After being spooked opening morning by a monster buck who ran up behind us our fi rst year, this time we were overwhelmed by the number of deer. In a slug zone, we are required to use slugs that are fi red from what traditionally called a shotgun, Publisher’s is versus a rifle. The slugs come with limitations on the distance one can View accurately shoot. The two guns we Carter Johnson used are roughly accurate to 70 and 150+ yards. Sighting in a gun and knowing its limitations is crucial when choosing to properly harvest a deer. Without a range finder, thinking of distance in terms of a football field can help. In the zone, we hunted we could take a doe or buck. My guess is it is overpopulated and the DNR is trying to thin it out the herd. We chose our stand after looking at weather conditions and wind direction. We were up at 5:05 a.m. As we walked into the darkness my heart was beating as the sounds in the field and woods came alive. As we settled in, the sunrise turned into “Sweet Tart” red and pink. Every bunch of grass or sticks in the distance looked like a deer silhouette. My heart raced as Kellen and I traded off different sightlines. A few deer appeared in the distance, but they didn’t have antlers. Then a four-point buck showed up trotting along the horizon. As he circled us at more than 250 yards out, he ended up coming in right next to the stand. Kellen took aim at this moving target, clicked off the safety, and the buck stopped for a split second only to jump a pile of sticks and trot off. It takes a split-second reaction. It was awesome to see the buck and to be out hunting with my son and my friend. It doesn’t matter that we didn’t get a deer - it was an experience. In my lifetime, I have good memories of hunting at my grandparents’ home but can’t remember a time when we were hunting in blaze orange shirts. This could have been the warmest deer opener on record. I know we will be thinking this year about how the freezer could have used a few packages of breakfast sausage and sticks. With the two-week season, I wish everyone a memorable and safe hunt. May the safe hunting traditions be passed on for generations. I would love to see hunter safety training back in the classrooms - though I suppose at this point it would just be great to see kids in the classrooms again. Non-hunters out walking in the woods or an area that allows hunting need to be on the lookout this time of year. Always remember to wear at a minimum a blaze orange hat and keep any pets on a leash. It’s wise to have your pet outfitted with a blaze orange collar or vest, too. Did you know that it is illegal for dogs to chase deer? Hunter safety is required for hunters; the non-hunting public also needs to know where the risks are. People often wander into unsafe situations, frustrating a hunter while putting themselves at risk. With sherpa all the fashion rage this season, can you imagine what a person tying their boot or shoe on a trail might be mistaken for? During the hunting season, let’s make hunter safety education a priority.

Losing man’s best friend miss my dog Teal. It’s awfully quiet and lonely around the house with her gone. Teal had to be put down last month after 13 great years together. I know I’m not alone with these thoughts. Dogs often become family members and Teal achieved that level over her life. Teal left a mark on many people. She never barked and she did a great rug imitation. By that I mean you never knew she was in the house. If she wanted your attention she would come and sit down beside you and look up at you with those big brown eyes. You couldn’t help scratch her behind the ears. Wild River but When friends or family would stop by they’d ask where Teal Trails was fi rst. She never jumped up on anyone. She even had a fan Jim Bennett following away from home. I used to do seminars, putting on dog training and waterfowl hunting programs on stage. I used Teal and she performed like a pro. Commanding her with just hand signals she performed fl awlessly amazing spectators. She was the same in the field. She’d even retrieve woodcock and fur critters that most dogs never will. 13 years ago I let Teal sleep with me as a single man but after getting married she’s had her own bed for the last 10 years. That was hard on both Teal and me but what’s a guy to do? My wife Nancee’ shed way more tears than I expected and had a long good bye with Teal that day. 12 year old son Brady had wet cheeks that

needed drying as did I. I put Teal down myself having years ago learned the best method that my fi rst great dog Bing forced me to do. Bing hated veterinarians. Who can blame him? He had to be muzzled to get his rabies shot. I talked to a couple doctors and learned that a well placed bullet is faster and more humane than a lethal injction when necessary. That day with Bing I carried him to his favorite duck hunting pond and was amazed when we had a flyby of ducks and geese as the sun set that would be Bing’s last memory at his favorite spot where he rests today 30 odd years later. Teal’s favorite thing was pheasant hunting so that morning my son Josh and I went out shot a nice rooster that would be her last moments. After a retrieve that Teal struggled with her balance, weak and a large benign growth on her abdomen. It was fun to see her ears perk up again and watch her sense of accomplishment as delivered the rooster to hand. Then we sat down together and I awaited the right opportunity. Her passing was immediate, followed by a tail wag as she was now free of the pain and suffering that brings about these times. At the same moment the sun came out for the fi rst time in a few days, a deer appeared and Teals daughter Briar flushed a big rooster pheasant as if on cue. It’s very lonely here at the house, the rug is empty as is a piece of my heart. Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

THE LOWDOWN | LETTER GUIDELINES • Limited to 350 words. • Submissions must include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters. • Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. • Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject

matter will not be published. • Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. • Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must be accompanied by factual verification. • All letters are subject to editing. • Deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication. • To submit a letter, e-mail it to lowdownnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

THE

Lowdown

Your guide to the Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

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DECEMBER 2020

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Forest Lake: Husnik, 5 newcomers join Stillwater school board Valento win council seats, BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

Five new faces will join the Stillwater Area School Board next month. Katie Hockert, Matt Onken and Annie Porbeni were elected to four-year terms on the school board, replacing current board members Jennifer Pelletier, Michael Ptacek and board chair Sarah Stivland. Ptacek and Stivland both ran for re-election; Pelletier did not. Of the eight candidates running for the three open four-year terms, Hockert received the most votes, at 17,020, or 19%. Porbeni followed with 15,846,

or 17.7%, then Onken with 15,788, or 17.6%. Beverly Petrie and Alison Sherman won the special election for school board members. They will the two open seats left by the resignations of Shelley Pearson and Mark Burns, which Bill Giles and Tim Brewington Of the six candidates

Beverly Petrie

who ran for the twoyear seats, Petrie received the most votes at 16,707, or 29%. Sherman received 16,481, or 28.6%. All five newly-elected board members will be sworn in at the board's fi rst meeting in January.

Alison Sherman

Bain re-elected as mayor BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

One new face will join the Forest Lake City Council next month while two familiar faces will return. Sam Husnik and Hanna Valento won the two open seats on the Forest Lake City Council during November's elections. Of the four candidates who ran, Husnik came in fi rst, with 4,718 votes (31.1%). Valento was second, with 3,932 Mara Bain votes (25.9%). Both will serve four-year terms, through 2024. Husnik was fi rst elected to the City Council in 2016. He currently serves on the Airport Commission, Economic Development Authority and Fire Board, as well as a liasion to the Forest Lake Area School District. Valento, a Legislative Staff Attorney for the Milles Lacs Band of Objibwe, is a newcomer to the council. She has cited business growth, government transparency and a sustainable environment and infrastructure as her major priorities. Sam Husnik Mara Bain will serve a second term as mayor after running for re-election unopposed. She was fi rst elected mayor in 2018 after serving on the City Council and currently serves on the Economic Development Authority, Finance Committee, Fire Board and Personnel Committee. She is also a liasion to the Human Rights Commission and the I-35 Task Force. Bain will serve a two-year term, through 2022.

Hanna Valento Annie Porbeni

Matt Onken

Katie Hockert

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

*Athletes chosen by press staff

Caleb Kasa

Lexi Huber

Forest Lake Football

Stillwater Soccer

Caleb Kasa, Forest Lake senior quarterback, passed for six touchdowns and ran for six more, helping the Rangers post a 3-2 record in the pandemic-shortened season. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior completed 39 of 76 passes for 596 yards with just three intercepted, and ran 44 times, netting 150 yards.

Lexi Huber, Stillwater, senior soccer forward, was a Star-Tribune’s all-Metro first team pick after leading the Ponies to a 130-1 record, conference and section championships, and the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A. Huber tallied 21 goals and nine assists, and finished her career with 48 goals. She will continue her career at University of St. Thomas, following her mother, father and brother as a college soccer player.

Madison Fagerland

Gora Gora

Forest Lake Diving

Stillwater Soccer

Madison Fagerland capped her senior season as a Forest Lake diver by capturing the Section 7AA championship, racking up 414.30 points, in October. Fagerland was section runner-up as a junior and qualified for the state meet. In her sophomore year she placed eighth in the North Dakota state meet.

Gora Gora, Stillwater senior soccer forward, was one of 23 players named to the Class 2A all-state soccer team by the coaches association. Gora led the Ponies in scoring with 13 goals and five assists. They finished 10-2-2 and placed second in the conference before winning Section 4AA. Gora had two goals in 4-0 semifinal win over North St. Paul and assisted on the lone goal in a 1-0 finals win over Park.

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6 THE LOWDOWN

DECEMBER 2020 www.presspubs.com

2020 Lowdown area election results U.S. SENATOR

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 4

Tina Smith (DFL, incumbent)

Jason Lewis (R)

Betty McCollum (DFL, incumbent)

48.7%

43.5%

63.2%

29%

(1,567,147 votes)

(1,398,317 votes)

(245,576 votes)

(112,655 votes)

Kevin O’Connor (Legalize Marijuana Now)

Oliver Steinberg (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis)

Gene Rechtzigel (R)

Susan Stindt (Legalize Marijuana Now)

5.9%

1.8%

7.6%

(190,110 votes)

(57,153 votes)

(29,498 votes)

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 6

MINNESOTA STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 39

Tom Emmer (R)

Tawnja Zahradka

Karin Housley (R, incumbent)

65.7%

34.2%

53%

47%

(270,901 votes)

(140,851 votes)

(29,246 votes)

(25,941 votes)

MINNESOTA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 39A

Josiah Hill (DFL)

MINNESOTA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 39B

Bob Dettmer (R, incumbent)

Ann Mozer (DFL)

57.8%

42.1%

50.4%

49.5%

(15,499 votes)

(11,275 votes)

(14,018 votes)

(13,781 votes)

Shelly Christensen (DFL, incumbent)

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1

Joe Garofalo (R)

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 3

Fran Miron (incumbent)

Andrew Tjernlund

Gary Kriesel (incumbent)

65.2%

34.5%

70%

30%

(16,845 votes)

(8,901 votes)

(20,357 votes)

(8,423 votes)

AFTON MAYOR

Scott “Cutter” Junker

BAYPORT MAYOR

Bill Palmquist (incumbent)

Susan St. Ores (incumbent)

96.2%

82%

(1,593 votes)

(1,060 votes)

BAYPORT CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

AFTON CITY COUNCIL, WARD 1

Robert Dickie

Connie Carlson (incumbent)

62.1%

37.3%

44%

28.9%

(293 votes)

(176 votes)

(891 votes)

(591 votes)

Annie Perkins (incumbent)

Ethan Gilmore

AFTON CITY COUNCIL, WARD 4 Trischa Heitman-Ochs

26.9% (551 votes) Randy Nelson (incumbent)

SPECIAL ELECTION, STILLWATER AREA SCHOOL BOARD (ELECT 2)

99% (395 votes)

FOREST LAKE SCHOOL BOARD (ELECT 4)

Beverly Petrie

Alison Sherman

Bill Giles

29%

28.6%

16.2%

(16,707 votes)

(16,481 votes)

(9,355 votes)

Tim Brewington

Joseph Ehrler

Roger Ziemann

Gail Theisen (incumbent)

Julie Corcoran (incumbent)

Jeff Peterson (incumbent)

14.3%

5.9%

5.7%

26.2%

25.8%

24.9%

(8,257 votes)

(3,398 votes)

(3,284 votes)

(14,110 votes)

(13,594 votes)

(14,301 votes)

Robert Rapheal (incumbent)

22.3% (12,183 votes)

STILLWATER AREA SCHOOL BOARD (ELECT 3) Katie Hockert

Annie Porbeni

19%

17.7%

17.6%

(17,020 votes)

(15,846 votes)

(15,788 votes)

Dawn Beavers

Michael Ptacek (incumbent)

Sarah Stivland (incumbent)

12.1%

11.7%

11%

(10,839 votes)

(10,469 votes)

(9,821 votes)

Philip St. Ores

KEY:

Election Victor

Not Elected

Note: Bar length is a visual representation only, and not meant to depict the percentages listed. Election results are still unofficial as of press time, Nov. 23.

Matt Onken

5.7% (5,121 votes)

DECEMBER 2020

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2020 Lowdown area election results BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP, TOWN SUPERVISOR SEAT 1

COLUMBUS MAYOR

Richard Weyrauch

Jesse Preiner (incumbent)

99%

53.1%

46.6%

(983 votes)

(1,378 votes)

(1,209 votes)

BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP, TOWN SUPERVISOR SEAT 2

Dave Povolny

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

Christopher McLaughlin

Robert Busch

99.2%

27.4%

27%

(1,231 votes)

(1,212 votes)

Pat Clearence

Jody Krebs

(951 votes)

Sue Wagamon

BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP, TOWN SUPERVISOR SEAT 5

John Hall (incumbent)

23.1%

22.2%

(1,034 votes)

(997 votes)

FOREST LAKE MAYOR

99.3% (960 votes)

LAKE ELMO MAYOR Mara Bain (incumbent)

97.4% (8,251 votes) Charles Cadenhead

Justin Bloyer

54.4%

45.4%

(3,667 votes)

(3,060 votes)

FOREST LAKE CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2) Sam Husnik (incumbent)

Jeff Holtz

Hanna Valento

31.1%

25.9%

(4,718 votes)

(3,932 votes)

Eric Langness

Tim Miller

Katrina Beckstrom

36%

32.4%

(3,595 votes)

(3,237 votes)

21.6%

21%

(3,280 votes)

(3,194 votes)

Matthew Howe

OAK PARK HEIGHTS MAYOR

31.1% (3,106 votes)

MARINE ON ST. CROIX MAYOR Tim Miller

Mary McComber (incumbent)

Kevin Nyenhuis

52.7%

47.2%

(1,263 votes)

(1,130 votes)

Glen T. Mills (incumbent)

50.1%

49.7%

(262 votes)

(260 votes)

OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2)

MARINE ON ST. CROIX CITY COUNCIL (ELECT 2) Mike Runk (incumbent)

Lon Pardun (incumbent)

Wendy Ward

32.8%

29.1%

(315 votes)

(280 votes)

William Miller (incumbent)

Larry Martin

28.7%

9.1%

(276 votes)

(87 votes)

49.4%

(1,625 votes)

(1,592 votes)

STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 2

David Junker (incumbent)

98% (2,193 votes)

STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL, WARD 3

Laurance Odebrecht (incumbent)

99.1% KEY:

Election Victor

Not Elected

Note: Bar length is a visual representation only, and not meant to depict the percentages listed. Election results are still unofficial as of press time, Nov. 23.

Chuck Dougherty (incumbent)

50.4%

(2,231 votes)

8 THE LOWDOWN

DECEMBER 2020 www.presspubs.com

’TIS THE

Season

Holiday traditions continue through pandemic COURTESY OF DISCOVER STILLWATER

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, among other things, resulted in the cancellation of several annual community events, but many of Stillwater's most cherished holiday traditions will make it through in tact and a new celebration of the season is on its way. This year, the city of Stillwater, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Discover Stillwater Convention and Visitor Bureau have partnered to Wintertime in Stillwater — a month-long series of festive activities centered on downtown Stillwater. The hope is to provide a much-needed dose of holiday cheer to area residents while also supporting the city's numerous small businesses, many of which have been hit hard by the pandemic. “COVID-19 has brought on huge economic challenges within our business community, and we know that wintertime adds additional challenges,” a press release reads. “The city of Stillwater has a beautiful historic downtown Main Street, and with more wintertime additions and holiday lights, downtown Stillwater will become more of a year-round destination for tourists and the local community.” When the annual 4th of July fireworks display was cancelled this summer, Stillwater officials decided to redirect those funds to lighting up Main Street with a new display, and building owners have signed a threeyear lease for the building lights initiative. The city has also obtained permission from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to light up the south side of the Historic Lift Bridge that spans the St. Croix River. The new festive lights come just in time for the holidays and the Wintertime in Stillwater celebration. Throughout the month of December, Stillwater. Cherished traditions like carriage rides, caroling and the lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree will be held again. Other new ideas under consideration include a fat tire bike rally, a downtown ice skating rink, hot air balloons, a European ice castle and a mini ice castle maze, in addition to outdoor fi repits and boot hockey games. A full calendar of events can be found online at discoverstillwater.com. “This has been a long time coming,” said Mayor Ted Kozlowski. “We are more than excited to do what we can during this pandemic to help our business community and provide some

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Visitors stroll through a light tunnel in downtown Stillwater last season. City officials are planning to add more lights in downtown Stillwater to add a much-needed dose of holiday cheer.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Panda keeps the beat for the Teddy Bear Band.

experiences and beauty to our town in the wintertime.” Local business owners have banded together to raise funds to light up the new Chestnut Plaza area and Pedestrian Plaza, and a GoFundMe page has been created for those interesting in donating to the new community collaboration. Visit gofundme.com/f/ Winter-In-Stillwater for further details. Public health guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be enforced through all events. For more information about Wintertime in Stillwater, visit greaterstillwaterchamber.com and/or discoverstillwater.com.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Visitors to the Twinkle Party last year show off their wearable lights.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Holiday fireworks in Lowell Park capped off the celebration.

DECEMBER 2020

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able for donors. Make an appointment in advance. Contact: 800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES When and where: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Perkin's Restaurant, 1045 County Road E, Vadnais Heights; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake; 1-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at St. John in the Wilderness Church, 2175 1st Street, White Bear Lake Details: The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Prizes available for donors. Make an appointment in advance. Contact: 800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Guided Bird Hike When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Nordic Center, 1515 Keats Ave. Details: Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science

WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Jan. 9 Where: Tamarack Nature Center parking lot, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township Details: Local farmers and vendors with items including veggies, eggs, cheeses, micro greens, meats, maple syrup, jams, jellies, sauces, sauerkraut and other ferments. Also gift options such as hand crafted soaps and local specialty goods. Contact: forksinthedirt.com

COVID SAFE PICTURES WITH SANTA When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 Where: Forest Lake Masonic Lodge, 119 8th St. SE, Forest Lake Details: Santa and his reindeer (mini

data collection by completing bird count surveys with the guide. Registration required. Free with park permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us/parks

horses) will be in an area where families can drive through and take photos with them in the background; or Santa will photo-bomb in a socially-distanced manner. Free; donations to Lakes Center for Youth and Families will be matched by the Masons. Contact: forestlakemasons.com

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES When and where: 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at Fath Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake; 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at Rockpoint Church, 5825 Kelvin Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 107 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 at the Scandia Community and Senior Center, 14727 209th St. N.; noon-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 407 S. 5th St., Stillwater Details: The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Prizes avail-

When and where:8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Perkin's Restaurant, 1045 County Road E, Vadnais Heights; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake; 1-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 at St. John in the Wilderness Church, 2175 1st Street, White Bear Lake Details: The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Prizes available for donors. Make an appointment in advance. Contact: 800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org

FROST FEST @ FRANCONIA When: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, Details: Weekend-long holiday market and bazaar with gifts by local artisans and vendors, and ice skating rink. Contact: franconia.org

CATCH THE SPIRIT When: December 5 and 12 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Support local small businesses. Shopping and restaurant specials, holiday lights, strolling Santa, food drive. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake. com

THE LOWDOWN

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEETING When: Mahtomedi units meets 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7; White Bear Lake unit meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 Where: Zoom Details: Discussion of the 2020 Election. See website to register. Contact: lwv-wbla.org

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEETING When: North Oaks unit meets 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 Where: Zoom Details: Discussion of the 2020 Election. See website to register. Contact: lwv-wbla.org

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEETING When: St. Croix Valley Units meets 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 Where: Zoom Details: Discussion of the 2020 Election. See website to register. Contact: lwv-wbla.org

ANNUAL SANTA PARADE When: 7:15-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 Where: Living Faith Church, Lexington Ave. and North Rd., Circle Pines Details: Annual Santa Parade Tour with the SBM Fire Department. Nonperishable food items will be collected for local food shelves.

Help during the holidays: Where to go or volunteer BY ELIZABETH CALLEN EDITOR

As the holidays approach each year, many people turn to volunteering as a means of sharing the spirit of the season. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of many annual outreach efforts, the need is still there, perhaps even more so than before.

ing meal of turkey, sides and all the traditional fi xings. For more information, including reserving a meal, call 651-621-6280 or visit www. moundsviewschools.org/foodshelf. Shoppers, drivers and other volunteers are also needed throughout the holiday season. Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is located in the Silver View Strip Mall, 2544 Mounds View Blvd. (formerly County Hwy. 10) in Mounds View.

Meals on Wheels The usual Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels program at Cretin-Derham Hall has been canceled this year. Most Meals on Wheels member programs will be delivering meals to elderly and disabled people earlier in the week to ensure that they have a meal for the holiday. However, Community Emergency Services Meals on Wheels will be open and operating on Thanksgiving Day and is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to clients. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie LaPointe at mlapointe@ cesmn.org.

Lutheran Social Services Lutheran Social Services provides safe housing for youth experiencing homelessness throughout the Twin Cities metro. The organization is asking for food, hygiene and housing supplies, which can be dropped off through a “no-contact” method. Individuals and groups can also sign up to support a young person through annual Sponsor a Youth Holiday Gift program. For more information, visit www.lssmn. org/services/youth-homelessness/ twin-cities.

Union Gospel Mission Ralph Reeder Food Shelf The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, a program of Mounds View Public Schools, is offering a Thanksgiv-

Union Gospel Mission's annual free Thanksgiving food distribution is still a go for 2020, as is its Thanksgiving meal. The meal will be held

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, in the Men's Campus Chapel (435 E. University Ave., St. Paul). All are welcome, and no RSVP is required. For more information, visit www.ugmtc.org.

Salvation Army is also asking for volunteers to assemble boxes of food and basic necessities for clients. For more information, visit www.salvationarmynorth.org/twin-cities/ volunteer.

Salvation Army

Twin Cities Mutual Aid

The Salvation Army expects to see a greater need for its services this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Free meals will be served at the Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis (1010 Curie Ave.) on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas. All shifts for Thanksgiving Day are full, but those who are interested in being added to a backup list can call 651-746-3426. Volunteer servers are still needed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals. The

The Twin Cities Mutual Aid Project maintains an online map to help people fi nd and distribute essential items. The group tracks the supplies available, supplies needed and volunteer opportunities at more than 200 sites throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. For more information about the project, visit www.tcmap.org. The map itself can be found at www.twin-cities-mutual-aid.org.

BUSINESS BRIEF Help for businesses affected by pandemic Xcel Energy is offering help for its business customers that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. If your business saw an electric load decrease of 25% or more in electric demand as a direct result of the pandemic, you may qualify for a 25% discount on the base energy and demand charges on your bill through March 31, 2021. To fi nd out more details or apply for the discount, contact your Xcel Energy account manager or call the Business Solutions Center at 800-481-4700.

10 THE LOWDOWN

DECEMBER 2020 www.presspubs.com

Wild Mountain Ski Patrol welcoming infusion of youth BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

During a meeting of the Wild Mountain Ski Patrol in October of 2017, assistant director Mike Haberman noticed a preponderance of silver and white hair among the patrollers. All that “snow on the roof” got Haberman thinking. A year earlier, 15-year-old Izzy Vazquez had asked to join the group, due to her strong interest in health care and love of skiing. The aging patrollers were delighted with the skills and zest she brought to their operations. So, why not try find a few more Izzys? “It was then that I began a dialog with Jeff Olsen, our patrol director, about bringing in young people to our patrol,” Haberman said. After a few texts and dialogues on the project, the duo decided to go ahead. They started to brainstorm it in January of 2018 and got moving with two Open Houses for young adults that fall for the purpose of recruiting teenagers. Young Adult Patrol currently has 10 members, supervised by Brad Peterson of the Wild Mountain group. “Young Adult Patrollers develop not only emergency skills,” said Haberman, who supports the group along with Jeff Olsen and Craig Johnson. “They also develop greater confidence, leadership, quick problem solving, seamless teamwork skills and a deeper understanding of collaboration.” Along with helping people, YAP members get credit for volunteer hours for their National Honor Society requirements, college credits, college admission, and a season pass. Wild Mountain Ski Patrol has over 100 experienced skiers and snowboarders who receive training in advanced first aid and rescue skills. The YAP takes the same training as the adult members — an 80-hour Outdoor Emergency Care course (first aid) and a 70-hour Outdoor Emergency Transportation course (ski and snowboard skills, evacuation via toboggans and chairlifts).

BRIAN MADISON | SUBMITTED

Young Adult Patrol members Sam Ward (left) of Mounds View and Taylen Peterson (right) of Forest Lake practiced their toboggan handling skills this past February with Ilsa Bastiaens of Mahtomedi on the sled as the “patient.”

YAP members, said Peterson, “inject the Wild Mountain Patrol team with renewed excitement and energy.” Wild Mountain still holds two Open Houses each fall to find more of them. Peterson, who has served on “high-calibre” teams at 3M and the University of Minnesota Medical Center, said the kids get to learn from an extraordinary team of talented, experienced people, such as Cheryl Runde, teaching outdoor medical skills. About Vazquez, Haberman said, “Her brilliance, skill and maturity made her a template and role model for those to follow. She brought validity to the fact that young adults are quite effective on our patrol.” The St. Paul resident is now 18 and remains with National Ski Patrol. Following in Izzy’s ski tracks are current members (listed with their high schools) Taylen Peterson of Forest Lake, Claire Landberg and Samuel Ward of Mounds View, Ilsa Bastiaens and Alex

James of Mahtomedi, Tyler McDrew of Centennial, Jackson Runde of Princeton, Miles Hanson of Andover, and two who preferred not to be named. James and Bastiaens, who are cousins, were invited to join by an uncle who’s a patroller at Afton Alps. “I loved the idea and agreed without a second thought,” said James. “I have been ski racing for many years and have seen the patrollers around, and I was very excited to join them.” Helping people, learning new skills, making new friends, and getting discounts on passes and gear make it worthwhile, James said. The testing was “nerve-wracking” but made him ready to patrol. “I will continue to learn as I go, knowing no one else is better prepared (than patrollers) to save the day.” Landberg joined because she’s fascinated by medicine and loves to ski. She was recruited by Cheryl Runde after the medical instructor treated her for a knee

injury in December of 2018, and eagerly accepted. “As I went through rigorous training to become a certified patroller,” Landberg said, “I found that I have a strong passion for it and I really hope I can patrol out West in the future. I’ve also met some of my best friends through the program.” Her highlight was the day she passed her outdoor emergency transport test, earning eligibility to take toboggans down the hill. While celebrating with the customary snacks and a mini-party, a serious injury occurred to a skier. “Me and the other YAPs, who were all present, got to throw on our jackets and work together on treating the patient. It was really cool working side-by-side for the first time after training together for almost a year. It was a very rewarding end to the patrol season.” Her main hope for the program is getting more teens to patrol and more ski areas to start or expand YAP programs. McGrew, 15, an Alpine skier who loves being “on the hill” in any case, said he joined YAP to absorb experience in the medical field. “I have not decided a career path but I see the benefits that you gain from things such as basic life support or CPR and first aid skills.” His favorite experience so far was the skills test-out day which he found “helpful and fun.” Taylen Peterson, Brad’s daughter, had an emergency rescue situation at Northstar Stables in Stacy this summer where she was able to help a woman she saw suffering from a seizure on a picnic table, surrounded by panicked adults. Peterson moved the woman from the table to the ground (so she wouldn’t fall), checked for neck injuries (none), and lifted her head to open her airway, while speaking with a 911 operator after the Northstar owner handed her the phone. A helicopter arrived but was not needed by that point, and the woman was driven to the hospital by EMT’s. “The owner kept thanking me and asking me how I knew so much,” she said. “I told her I’m a ski patroller.”

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CONTEST Press Publications seeks Christmas light contest entrants Do you have an outdoor masterpiece that has taken days of preparation? Is your holiday set up the talk of the neighborhood? Then, this contest is for you. Press Publications will host a Christmas light contest this holiday season. It will cost $10 an entry. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Please email photos of your display, an address and any relevant information to quadnews@presspubs.com. To arrange payment, please call 651-407-1200. Readers will vote for the best light display the week of Dec. 14 and the winner will be announced the week of Christmas. The winner will receive a surprise prize.

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The 5th annual Winter Gala is an opportunity to bring our community together, recognize community leaders & celebrate! An evening to shine the light on and to honor our community.

Reserve an independent living apartment by December 31st, receive $500 off for January, February, March!*

Community awards in 9 categories will be presented at the 2021 Winter Gala Community Awards Celebration. Outstanding businesses and leaders (large & small) Educator Chamber Ambassador Community Volunteer Community Hero Non-proďŹ t organization Youth Visionary and a Special 2020 Vibrancy Award to honor an individual or organization that has exempliďŹ ed leadership, community and resiliency in the face of a global pandemic.

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Warm, windy temps make slow start for deer season Keeping CWD in check

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year’s hunting season had more than a few unexpected variables, but among the most unusual was the weather conditions of the rifle season opener. Temperatures hovered in the 60s and 70s during the weekend of Nov. 7-9. Combined with high winds, hunters did not see many deer during opening weekend. According to Minnesota DNR Big Game Program Leader Barbara Keller, the first two days of opening weekend usually have the highest harvest numbers of the season. “Those two days were 14 percent less harvestwise compared to last year, but during that latter half of firearms deer season, we were able to make up the difference,” Keller said. The latest data from the DNR website reports 157,126 total deer harvested this year, with a little more than half of that number being mature male deer. Special seasons are ongoing in other parts of the state, and so far are on par with last year’s harvest numbers. JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | SUBMITTED

Hunting during COVID-19 Although it was unclear whether safety precautions related to COVID-19 would affect the 2020 hunting season, Keller said she was unaware of any significant effects on this year’s harvest. The number of licenses purchased was about the same as last year, but Keller did notice that many hunters purchased their licenses a little earlier in advance this year. By its nature, hunting takes place in wide-open outdoor spaces, which makes social distancing a little easier to manage. “I think it’s well suited for social distancing,” Keller said. “Some folks will travel long distances to deer camp and meet with other friends and family there. I heard a couple people wondering if that was maybe not a good idea this year. We did some messaging to encourage people to social distance.”

Local butcher shops Some small butcher shops found themselves coping with the overflow from the closures of pork- and beef-producing facilities due to outbreaks of COVID-19 earlier this year. While this changed the way some

Opening weekend deer harvests were lower than average due to warm temperatures.

Minnesota businesses were able to accept wild game, Flicker Meats in White Bear Lake did not notice a large difference. Manager Jeremy Hosek mentioned that meat sales increased after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. “With the places being shut down, it actually made everybody scared to lose meat, so they came and bought a lot more,” Hosek said. “People were at home, they were eating more, they were buying more for the freezer so they didn’t have to leave home.” The warm temps on opening weekend made it a little easier for the business to manage the influx of wild deer, since harvest numbers were lower on average. The risk of meat spoilage spurred hunters to do much of their own butchering during that weekend. Flicker Meats is taking care to be as safe and sanitary as possible in its interactions with customers, offering curbside pickup for its orders.

The spread of chronic wasting disease among whitetailed deer is a top-priority problem for the DNR, which operates statewide check stations to monitor the spread of this debilitating virus. In an ordinary year, these check stations are mandatory in CWD-affected areas, but COVID-19 necessitated voluntary drop-offs for the health and safety of hunters and DNR staff. “The sampling stations can get quite crowded during opening weekend,” Keller said. This year, stations are unstaffed. Hunters in CWD management zones, control zones or surveillance areas are urged to drop off the head of deer 1 year of age or older at these stations. Hunters who have heads from deer harvested on opening weekend can still drop those heads off at sampling stations. Sampling numbers were low after opening weekend, but Keller said the numbers began to pick up during the latter half of the firearm season. “They’re still not as high as we would’ve liked,” she said. Hunters can prepare for sample drop-off by watching a CWD sampling demonstration video and consulting other resources online at dnr.state.mn.us/cwd. “Every test result, whether CWD is detected or not, is important because it shows us where the disease is,” Keller said. “We use this information to help us determine where we should target our management, keeping our efforts focused where the disease is most prevalent. It’s important for hunters to remember that even deer that look healthy can be positive for the disease.” The DNR website also includes options for sampling deer that allow hunters to keep the antlers or have the deer mounted. The self-service sampling site closest to the Northeast Metro is the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area Headquarters in Columbus. Self-service sampling is also available at Afton State Park. Several taxidermy businesses in the area, including White Bear Taxidermy, can arrange sampling by appointment if you call ahead. Visit the DNR website to see an interactive map of resources in the area where you hunt.

Introducing Chamber Bucks

ness owners live right here, in the valley, with you.

our community by supporting our local businesses.

What are Chamber Bucks?

Where do I purchase Chamber Bucks?

Chamber Bucks are gift certificates sold by the Chamber of Commerce and are redeemable to purchase merchandise, food, or service at any participating Member’s business. You can fi nd a list of participating businesses on the Chamber of Commerce website and on the brochure itself when you purchase the Chamber Bucks.

Who can buy chamber bucks? Anyone can buy them! They are great for stocking stuffers, a smart purchase for someone living out of town for someone who lives here, perfect for employers to give to their employees, great for gifts; and all while keeping the revenue flow in

Waiting Child

Why Chamber Bucks? Why not? These gift certificates will be able to be used at a variety of restaurants and for services, and products across the valley. You get to choose where you want to use

Robin Anthony is the Executive Director of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 651-439-4001 or director@ greaterstillwaterchamber.com.

Historic Afton House Inn Enjoy Holiday Take-out Meals & Wine at the Inn, CURRENT Restaurant & Swirl Wine Bar

Samuel (Sam),16, is a teen who loves everything associated with video games - Xbox, PlayStation and handheld games. He loves them all! Sam also loves to watch YouTube videos about gaming. He enjoys reading, does well academically and can be creative and artistic. Sam presents as somewhat quiet, but he won’t hesitate to belt out a country song that he loves. Sam would like to live on a farm where he could do chores and help take care of animals. He is caring and would beneﬁt from being around pets. Sam needs a family with a strong positive male role model. An ideal family would be patient, nurturing, calm and low key. A family who can provide structure, clear expectations and are open to using outside services would be beneﬁcial for Sam.

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They can be purchased in denominations of $5, $10 $20 or $100 and they do not expire! They will be available for purchase, starting December 1, 2020 in person, at the Chamber office (333 N. Main St., #202, Mainstreet Stillwater, MN) by phone (651/439-4001) or you can purchase them online at www.greaterstillwaterchamber and we can mail them to you.

them at, and what you want to buy! The mission of the Chamber is an inclusive organization that serves, advocates, and promotes the interests of businesses while enriching the life of our community. A strong economy equals a thriving community! it is critical to keep local business healthy and patronize our businesses here. Chamber Bucks is an opportunity to do just that. Learn more at www.greaterstillwaterchamber.com. Contact the Chamber office at 439-4001.

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he Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce (Chamber of Commerce) is pleased to introduce Chamber Bucks - a local gift certificate program to support our local businesses. In the current state, and ever-moving environment; this has never been more important. The Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of tracking the pulse of our Chamber business community and the impacts of Chat COVID-19 since the beginning. We need Robin Anthony our local community to keep it local by shopping local, eating local, and supporting local. Most of our busi-

DECEMBER 2020

THE LOWDOWN

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Kourageous Karter: The boy who lived BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

Tiffany Goodchild had the perfect pregnancy, but after she arrived at the hospital things quickly spun out of control. “It was a whirlwind. We decided to schedule a C-section, then it turned into an emergency C-section. When (Karter) was born, my husband (Kole) hadn’t even made it into the room, it happened so quickly,” said the Hugo resident. When Karter was born June 26, 2016, he was not breathing. Karter had lost 80% of his blood in utero, which was later determined to be caused by a spontaneous fetal maternal hemorrhage. Because he lost so much blood and was oxygen-deprived, he developed a brain injury called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow. “We were told, ‘He is going to have no quality of life, there is no hope, there is no chance; when do you want to remove life-support?’” Goodchild recalled. “It was so devastating. I was in such shock and grief.” Goodchild and her husband were told that Karter would be dependent on machines and that he would never be able to open his eyes, cry, swallow, eat, breathe, see, hear or walk. They were told their only option was to remove life support. Five days after Karter was born, he was taken off life-support. “I was holding him when they ripped the tubing out of his body. They said it could be seconds, minutes, hours … but the only outcome they gave us was death,” she said. “Minutes turned into hours and we were so thankful to have time. We didn’t understand that dying is a process, we thought he was going to stop living at any moment. For two days, we were just on eggshells, we wanted to soak up every second with him. It didn’t feel real.” Karter remained stable for two days. At that time, the couple was given the option to remain in the hospital or take the baby home for hospice care. Although it was a tough decision, the Goodchilds decided to bring Karter home. “I remember holding him in the back seat as my husband drove and thinking ‘don’t die, don’t die,” Goodchild recalled. After one week at home, Karter’s eyes opened, and he started crying and screaming. Goodchild recognized the signs that her son wanted to eat, so she called their medical team to see if she could feed him. She was told she could try it, but Karter might not be able to swallow and could choke and die. She was also told that feeding him could prolong their hospice efforts. “As a mom, my instincts were screaming to feed him. Now that I have reflected and I understand what happened to us, essentially the team was convincing me to starve him to death. That is essentially how he would die, he would just not get nutrition and his body would fade away and that would be the end,” Goodchild explained. “As a mom, if he doesn’t want to eat, I’m not going to feed him, but if my baby is screaming and wants to eat, I want to feed him. “It was so excruciating as a mom to try to figure this all out.” Goodchild followed her instinct to feed him, and he ate. Karter graduated from hospice care at 6 months of age, but the couple was told he might not live to his first birthday. Just before his first birthday, Karter was no longer able to eat and became dependent on a gastronomy tube. “Once we made it to Karter’s first birthday, we were no longer focusing on his death, we were focusing on his life. We are going to give him the very best life possible, and so that has really been my mission as his mother, and for our entire family,” Goodchild said. “We had to undo a lot of the trauma. It took a lot of work on our end, reeducating ourselves, finding the right professionals to help us understand what all of this meant.” Goodchild became determined to be a resource to other mothers who found themselves in a similar situation.

NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP | SUBMITTED

Tiffany and Kole Goodchild hold their newborn Karter after he is removed from life support.

SUBMITTED

Karter had to spend several days in the NICU.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: For more information about the Kourageous Karter Foundation, or resources, visit kourageouskarter. org/. To follow Karter’s journey, you can find him on Facebook by searching “Kourageous Karter.”

HOLLY GRAMS | SUBMITTED

A recent family photo of the Goodchild family. Pictured are Kole, Gabby, Karter, Maddie and Tiffany.

Giving back to other families She launched a nonprofit organization called the Kourageous Karter Foundation. “I had all these aspirations and ideas, and then COVID-19 hit,” she said. Though Goodchild has not been able to pursue many of the mission projects she has in mind, she has posted a robust collection of resources on the nonprofit’s website for families who are trying to navigate through similar journeys. “I feel like my purpose now is to help other moms who are in my boat,” Goodchild said. “I feel the most empowered when I am connecting with other families and helping, and the only way I know how to do that is to share what I have learned.” Kole added, "Many people were there for us when we needed it the most. Now that we are further along in our journey, and this has become more of a normal part of our everyday lives, it's important to make a positive impact on those who may be just starting theirs.” One project Goodchild plans to accomplish this year is paying for photographs for a family. “We had a photographer who came to the NICU and took photos of (Karter) every day. She captured every single moment, and (the photos) are something I cherish. We didn’t know how much time we had. It was such a blur.” Goodchild recalled. Another mission of the nonprofit is to create an all-inclusive playground nearby. Goodchild has agreed to be a part of the recently formed stakeholder group to help design and plan for the playground upgrades at Lions Park in Hugo.

SUBMITTED

Karter is pictured with his sisters, 3-year-old Gabby and 6-year old Maddie. Karter’s journey inspired his mother, Tiffany Goodchild, to launch a nonprofit dedicated to helping families like her’s.

“If you find yourself raising a child with a severe neurological condition, we want to be a place of hope and encouragement. We want to make sure that you feel like you are not alone, you are seen and there are so many great organizations and resources out there,” Goodchild said.

Fast-forward Karter is now 4 years old. Although some of the things the doctors predicted came true (Karter can’t walk, can’t talk and can’t eat), they failed to mention that he could live.

“It has not been easy at all. It has been really hard, in fact … There are so many wonderful things about him,” Goodchild said. Karter is a brother to Maddie, 6, and Gabby, 3. “He gives us the gift of perspective every day. I wish I could cure his injury … I wish I could take all of that away. But he absolutely has quality of life, he absolutely has a purpose here.” Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.

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• Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Jobs That Fit Your Lifestyle! Part-time • Flexible Hours • Fun People • Child care ($10.50-12/hr) • Explorers instructor - distance learning+activities ($15-17/hr) • Farmers Market coordinator ($14-16/hr)

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We have immediate DAYTIME career opportunities. Now scheduling interviews. Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of ﬁre apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable mobile on-site mechanics to join our team. Technician's responsibility includes all aspects of onsite emergency vehicle/equipment repair, maintenance, and testing. **Fire apparatus and ﬁre pump training provided.** Job Requirements: Trade school preferred, experience and personal tools. Pre-employment physical and drug screen required.

Must obtain DOT certiﬁcation and a CLASS B/ CDL/ with Air Brake and Tanker Excellent Beneﬁts: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms and tool insurance provided. Go to our website to apply, or call (651) 786-4463

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To apply and for a complete list of job descriptions please visit our website at www.shoreviewmn.gov/jobs Hurry!!! These positions are open until ﬁlled!

The City of Shoreview is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and encourage all qualiﬁed candidates to apply.

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CROSSWORDS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Partner to “oohed” 6. Relaxing places 10. Humorous monologue 14. Simple elegance 15. Bearable 17. Disobedience 19. Express delight 20. Gov’t attorneys 21. Wake up 22. A type of band 23. Remain as is 24. Turfs 26. Battle-ax 29. Volcanic crater 31. The mother of Jesus 32. One’s life history 34. “Rule, Britannia” composer 35. Doubles 37. Jacob __, American journalist 38. House pet 39. S. African river 40. Broad sashes 41. Establish as a foundation 43. KGB double agent Aldrich __ 45. Part of a book 46. Taxi 47. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour

49. Train group (abbr.) 50. Frames per second 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal from a federation 58. Guitarist sounds 59. Greek war god 60. 2,000 lbs. 61. Helps escape

CLUES DOWN 1. Currency exchange charge 2. River in Tuscany 3. Breakfast dish 4. Defunct European currency 5. Upper class young woman 6. Part of a purse 7. Self-contained units 8. Boxing’s GOAT 9. Legislators 10. Flightless birds 11. U. of Miami’s mascot is one 12. Floating ice 13. Low, marshy land 16. Seldom 18. Lyric poems 22. Law enforcement agency (abbr.) 23. Full extent of something

24. __ Claus 25. Naturally occurring solid material 27. Acquired brain injury behavior science (abbr.) 28. Thirteen 29. Partner to cheese 30. Member of a Semitic people 31. One thousandth of an inch 33. Former CIA 35. Most lemony 36. Engage in 37. Small Eurasian deer 39. Provisions 42. All humans have them 43. Swiss river 44. Storage term (abbr.) 46. Famed Broadway lyricist Sammy 47. Dutch colonist 48. Full-grown pike fish 49. Egyptian sun god 50. Flute 51. Flew off! 52. Scottish tax 53. Young women’s association 54. Populous Brazilian city 55. Malaysian Isthmus 56. Pointed end of a pen

CLUES ACROSS 1. Adequate yearly progress (abbr.) 4. Silicon Valley’s specialty 8. Gather a harvest 10. Famed mathematician 11. No (slang) 12. Students use one 13. Type of molecule 15. Play make-believe 16. Large barrel-like containers 17. Touching 18. Treats allergies 21. Calendar month 22. Single 23. Cease to live 24. Brew 25. What ghosts say 26. Geological time 27. Focus 34. Discomfort

35. A citizen of Iran 36. Trip 37. Imitate 38. Makes happy 39. Double-reed instrument 40. Body parts 41. Transgressions 42. One-time emperor of Russia 43. Time zone

CLUES DOWN 1. Used in treating bruises 2. One who cultivates a small estate 3. One who supports the Pope 4. Annuity 5. Geological period 6. Grab onto tightly 7. Kept 9. Chinese city 10. The most direct route

12. Type of tooth 14. __ kosh, near Lake Winnebago 15. Popular veggie 17. Supervises interstate commerce 19. Foolish behaviors 20. Witness 23. Gives 24. Expression of creative skill 25. A way to prop up 26. Midway between northeast and east 27. Winter melon 28. Supernatural power 29. Target 30. Threes 31. A type of poetic verse 32. They make some people cry 33. Kindest 34. Forman and Ventimiglia are two 36. A way to liquefy

MONTHLY WEATHER OUTLOOK AREA NORMALS FOR MONTH

Morning Planets: Venus Evening Planets: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune Saturn and Jupiter close together all month 12 Venus below Moon 13 Germind Meteor Shower 16 Saturn and Jupiter above Moon 23 Mars above moon

December 9 to 15 Avg. High……27 Avg. Low…… 11 Sunshine…… 44

December 16 to 22 Avg. High……24 Avg. Low…….9 Sunshine….…39

December 23 to 29 Avg. High……23 Avg. Low…… 9 Sunshine…… 41

% Daylight Hours

Precipitation 0.22

Precipitation 0.25

Precipitation 0.21

Precipitation 0.26

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.

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Weather Tidbit: It’s definitely not fun staying indoors, and unable to go about our usual business this time of year. December not only being one of our coldest months, it’s also one of our cloudiest months. Combined with the shorter daylight hours, December can seem to drag on a bit. The Winter Solstice is on Monday, December 21 at 5:02am and will mark the shortest daylight of the year. November is our cloudiest month and actually we fared pretty good in the sunshine department. We enjoyed some milder than normal temperatures in November which included five days in the 70’s. Yes, highly unusual but welcomed with record warmth. I’d like to tell you I’m optimistic that December will keep up our mild temperature trend but I think we’ll experience below normal temperatures this month. Snowfall got off to a great start in October and continued into November but really didn’t stick around. Snowfall should continue its above normal trend, and with the colder temperatures will begin to provide a nice base for those who enjoy outdoor snow activities. My Watson Weather Calendar for 2021 is out and you can order it on-line at WeathermanWatson.com. Loaded with climate and my 2021 forecast.

December 2 to 8 Avg. High……29 Avg. Low…… 14 Sunshine…… 38

10/6/20 7:55 AM

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New biography explores the rage at injustice that fueled Steinbeck’s works BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At a glance, there doesn’t seem to be much connection between marine biologist Rachel Carson and literary giant John Steinbeck, Nobel-winning author of “The Grapes of Wrath.” But for Grantbased writer William Souder, finding the link was a stroke of luck. “Mad At the World: A Life of John Steinbeck,” released this October, is Souder’s fourth book and third biography. The idea for a Steinbeck biography came while he was researching his 2012 biography of Carson, “On a Farther Shore.” While writing her own books about marine biology, Carson wanted to emulate another marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. Ricketts was a well-known writer who took a new approach to ecology, categorizing the organisms in the intertidal zone of Monterey Bay, California, by their place in the ecosystem, rather than by taxonomy alone. When Souder learned more about Ricketts, he learned about his lifelong

friendship with John Steinbeck. Each strongly influenced the other throughout their life’s work. They even embarked on a scientific expedition along Mexico’s Gulf of California together, and afterward co-authored a book about the experience, called “Sea of Cortez.” The story piqued Souder’s curiosity. Steinbeck was a rich subject of exploration, for several reasons. “If you look at his most important work, his great talent, great characteristic, was his empathy,” Souder said. Often, it was toward the displaced and dispossessed, especially migrant workers, as readers will recognize from “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men,” and throughout his other works. From start to finish, “Mad At the World” was a five-year project. Souder’s research included travels across the country to university library collections, a cassette tape archive of interviews with Steinbeck’s friends and acquaintances in Salinas, and even correspondence with living members of the family. Much of the information was gleaned from the voluminous

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collections of letters written by Steinbeck—to friends, colleagues, lovers, editors and new acquaintances. “He was able to relate to people who were living at the margins of society, who for one reason or another had sort of fallen through the cracks,” Souder said. “Steinbeck understood these William Souder people and was able to listen to them and recreate their speech and the way they thought and the way they felt. These are people other people walk past on a city street, (who) in so many ways are invisible and voiceless. He made them visible and he gave them a voice, and I think that is the remarkable feature of so much of his work.” It’s a concept that might resonate with current-day readers. “This is our continuing problem, whether it’s homelessness or race; we have a society in which far too many people have been shunted off to the side,” Souder said, “people who are easy to ignore until they’re a problem. And then, of course, once they’re a problem, that multiplies the way the deck is stacked against them.” Steinbeck’s fury at the disregard and violence toward people living at the margins of society fueled his best work. Souder’s title, “Mad At the World,” is in reference to Steinbeck’s intolerance for systemic greed and exploitation at the expense of kindness and human decency. “The way our society is organized, it relies on being able to push down and oppress a certain portion of the population,” Souder said. During the Great Depression era, Steinbeck witnessed thousands of migrant workers flooding into California from the center of the country who were looking for work harvesting crops and doing manual labor. The landowners and large farm conglomerates that hired them did everything possible to keep the workers from organizing into unions, even resorting to violence. “There was this strange equation in which the big farm interests needed these people to do the work; they needed cheap labor just like we do today. They were necessary, but they were also despised. Thought of as being dirty and disease-ridden and dishonest and disreputable. This infuriated Steinbeck.” Most of the migrant workers were

SUBMITTED

The title of Souder’s book is a nod to Steinbeck’s dismay over the treatment of marginalized members of society.

homeless, living in roadside shantytowns, ditches and even open fields. When heavy rains flooded the camps, the rising waters trapped people without food or medical supplies. Although a few organizations attempted to send aid to the desperate workers, the farm companies hired vigilante gangs to block the relief efforts. In a mad rush driven by fury, Steinbeck wrote the novel “The Grapes of Wrath” in only 100 days. “He was motivated to tell the world,” Souder said. The struggles in Steinbeck’s personal life, in contrast to his literary success, also make him an interesting subject. The writer was married three times and had two sons from whom he was estranged for much of his life. “In terms of the life he lived, he’s a deeply flawed man who had great success in his chosen career but made a mess of much of his personal life. For a biographer, that’s a valuable thing,” Souder said. And perhaps most interesting of all, Steinbeck lived and wrote through one of the most dramatic periods of change in history. The Wright Brothers launched their first successful flight around the time Steinbeck was born, and just a few months after his death in 1968, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. “He’s been dead a little over 50 years, but he’s relevant again today because of the books he wrote in the 1930s that have to do with human migration and other disasters that are familiar to us now,” Souder said.

Surprise visits from Santa to greet shoppers. Donations to the White Bear Area Food Shelf are welcomed.

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