Most likely attending a friend’s BBQ that has been a longstanding tradition for many years.
About the cover
The 4th of July is just around the corner, and for those in a celebratory mood, that means a day filled with festivities, family fun and fireworks. Every year, hundreds gather at various viewing spots around Stillwater, Forest Lake and numerous St. Croix Valley sites to watch sparks fly and colors pop before their eyes. For this Lowdown edition, we take you behind the scenes of how the cities of Stillwater and Forest Lake prepare for these dazzling displays. From the initial planning meetings to the physical setup, a significant amount of time and effort is invested in ensuring these presentations run smoothly for their respective communities.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Lakes International Language Academy receives state grant
Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) has received funding from the Minnesota Department of Education’s Community-Centered Knowledge Grant for Ethnic Studies to develop courses for grades five through 12. The grant supports Minnesota schools in creating community-centered courses that explore race, ethnicity and Indigeneity through the experiences and perspectives of historically marginalized groups.
The academy’s mission is to “prepare tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language immersion and rigorous academics.” The grant
NAMES IN THE NEWS
will help expand on that mission by creating an ethnic studies curriculum, which will allow students to examine history critically, understand diverse perspectives and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
“We are honored to be selected for this grant and to deepen our work in helping students explore identity, justice and community,” said LILA Executive Director Shannon Peterson. “This funding supports our long-standing belief that all students deserve to feel seen, valued and empowered in their education.” The grant will fund curriculum development, teacher training and community collaboration to offer high-quality ethnic studies courses for the 2026–27 school year in alignment with new state legislation.
and
The Lowdown Person of the Month
Name: Flora Holmberg Residency: Stillwater
Q: What brought you out to Stillwater?
A: I’m a volunteer for the Red Cross; we’re here for people to donate blood.
Q: What’s the best life advice?
A: Enjoy life, and be good to your neighbor.
Q: What are you doing for the 4th of July?
A: Going up to the cabin with my grandkids.
Flora Holmberg
Stillwater resident Andrew Walsh recently received a scholarship from the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation. From left to right are Hospitality Minnesota CEO Angie Whitcomb, Walsh, White Bear Lake Country Inn/Rudy’s Redeye Grill owner Bill Foussard,
Morrissey Hospitality Venue Vice President Keith Reardon.
The Military Ministry of Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo, led by Sue Bethke, helped pack more than 30 boxes of treats and notes of thanks and support for the Airmen of the 133rd Airlift Wing. A total of 95 airmen will receive the packages.
MINNESOTA | CONTRIBUTED
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Lumberjack Days set for high stunts and good vibes
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Attention, Stillwater residents! Are you ready for a fun-filled weekend packed with contests, live music and community enjoyment? Look no further than the city’s very own Lumberjack Days festival. Held from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20, this year’s event features a variety of competitions and extreme sports shows.
The festival will kick off with an ice cream social from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Washington County Courthouse. Food trucks from Brick Oven Pizza and El Burrito Mercado will be on-site, along with booths from other vendors and root beer floats. Local favorites Kaat and Marv and PK Mayo Electric Trio will provide live music. All proceeds will go toward the courthouse’s restorative fund.
A Downhill Derby race will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, during which participants will race their custom-made vehicles in a mad dash to the finish line. In a change from last year’s rules— when cars needed at least three wheels and could be no longer than six feet—this year’s entries must have four wheels and a working brake. Those interested in signing up can do so at www. lumberjackdays.com/ down-hill-derby.
The festival’s annual bocce ball tournament will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday in the parking lot behind Brian’s Bar and Restaurant. Saturday will feature a four-person, 32-team double-elimination tournament, while Sunday’s event will be a co-ed, two-person, 16team double-elimination tournament. Both days will also include open courts for newcomers to try the sport, as well as kid-friendly areas where children can play. Those with questions or who wish to sign up can email nick@brianstillwater. com.
The festival’s annual parade will start at 11 a.m. and begin at the intersection of Lake and Anderson Street near Stillwater Junior High School. It will end 1.4 miles later at
annual Lumberjack Days Parade is
Cherry Street near Pioneer Park. Before the parade, Minneapolis-based magician/ comedian Magic Norm will perform for audiences at Washington Square Park from 9 to 11 a.m.
BMX stunt shows will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and noon and 2 p.m. Sunday. Featuring the return of Ride Minnesota’s Mega Jump Motivational Experience, the shows will include professional riders performing a range of stunts including 360s, tailwhips and backflips. Meet-andgreet sessions will take place after each show, allowing spectators to interact, ask questions and receive signed autograph cards from the participating athletes. For those who enjoy a little tasting with their community fun, the festival will feature a VIP tent open from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, offering a variety of spirits, beer and wine. Brands will include Vikre Distillery, Crooked Water and Lost Woods. New this year will be a first-of-its-kind Children’s Entrepreneur Market, open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. At this event, children will learn how to run their own businesses by creating and selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry, snacks and more. Parents with a young entrepreneur interested in participating can visit the market website at www.kidsmarkets.com.
Local business Game World will provide inflatable houses and games for children on the south side of Lowell Park. They will be available from noon
The festival will feature BMX stunt shows again this year. Meet-and-greet sessions with participating athletes will take place after the performances.
to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
A diverse lineup of artists will provide live music on both Friday and Saturday. Friday will feature Dave Burkhart, Mitch Clark, Stevie Monce, Lakefront and Alex Napier & Daybreak. Saturday’s lineup includes Burkhart, Clark, Daniels, Napier and Moncie with the addition of Love and Theft and Anderson Daniels.
For a full list of events and sponsors and to purchase festival-themed apparel, visit the Lumberjack Days website at www. lumberjackdays.com. Purchase VIP tickets for the festival’s musical performances at www.lumberjackdays. com/tickets.
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs. com.
Behind the sparks: How 2 cities plan Fourth of July fireworks
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
If you’re like most Fourth of July merrymakers, odds are you’ll watch fireworks to close out a day of celebrations. But have you ever wondered about the planning process behind most fireworks displays?
In Forest Lake, the city’s annual display is a collaboration between the city and American Legion Post 225. Organizing each year’s show typically begins with fundraising efforts, which usually start in late fall the year before the show.
“We always either want to stay the same budget or go up in budget to make a better show,” said Post Finance Officer Ashley Venburg. “We start fundraising about October through the winter; we’ll do fundraisers and send out donation letters to businesses.”
The cost of the shows is split between the city and the Legion; the fireworks are stored in a warehouse in Becker. Meetings take place every few months to review planning status and coordinate with the city’s fire department, police department and public works to keep efforts on track. In the days leading up to the show, the fireworks are picked up from Becker while the city brings six barges onto the lake near Lakeside Memorial Park. Each barge holds racks on which fireworks are loaded for launch.
“We have to nail them all together,” Venburg said. “There’s a script we have to follow as to where each little mortar goes into each shell or each tube. Our city fire inspector or chief will make sure we have a fire extinguisher and everything else. From there, we load all the shells into the tubes. Because we can’t wire by the public boat launch, we get pushed out in the middle of the lake and then we start wiring it up.”
In inclement weather, Venburg said the show will go on if it’s raining but will be postponed if there’s lightning. “Rain doesn’t do anything to the shells,” she said. “All of them are encased in plastic wrap; when we’re done putting them in their tubes, we cover them with Saran Wrap and
they’ll just launch right through it. If there’s lightning, then it depends on how far away it is. If it’s within five miles, we will cancel the show.
In Stillwater, the planning process typically begins in the spring, when the city works with a pyrotechnics company to find a launch location and secure contracts. Other Fourth of July events are coordinated through city administration. The city’s fire department generally receives the shell size and count of all fireworks when the contract is approved. According to the department, some of the biggest setup challenges arise from both the shell size and count.
“Shell size is the determining factor as far as calculating fallout area and safety zone designation,” said City Fire Chief Stu Glaser. “That also goes for coordinating safety boats on the day of the event as well as coordinating traffic movement throughout the city and working with local, state and county police and the public works department on traffic flow.” Multiple permits are required to shoot fireworks. They include an official launch permit, required by the state fire marshal. Pyrotechnic operators must be licensed and registered with the marshal. Because the fireworks are launched from a barge in the St. Croix River, a surface water event permit is needed from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Event information must also be sent to the U.S. Coast Guard, because the river is a navigable waterway and serves as a border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In cases of rain, the show may be postponed or canceled. However, the fire department says rain isn’t the only factor that can affect a show. Dry weather or drought conditions, wind speed and direction, and localized flooding may also affect whether the show moves forward.
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com
ASHLEY VENBURG
Fireworks for the Forest Lake Fourth of July show are shot from a barge in the middle of the lake. The show is held annually at Lakeside Memorial Park.
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Stillwater’s
returning this year, full of community fun, competition and live music.
OUT & ABOUT
ONGOING EVENTS
BINGO AT THE CURRENT
When: 2 - 4 p.m., every Sunday
Where: Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S.
Details: Play Bingo and win cash prizes. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
TREAT YOURSELF TUESDAYS
When: 5 - 8 p.m., Second Tuesday of every month
Where: Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe, 5946 N. Good Ave., Oak Park Heights
Details: Ladies’ night at Sodie’s Cigar & Pipe. Each month will feature a different cigar and drink pairing. There will be alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, all designed to bring out notes in the cigar. Contact: 651-342-0971
LAKE ELMO ROTARY CLUB MEETING
When: 7 - 8 a.m., 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month
Where: Lake Elmo Inn, 3442 Lake Elmo Ave. N.
Details: Join for the Lake Elmo Rotary Club’s meeting every Wednesday. Please RSVP your attendance to Liz Niehaus, Secretary (lmjohnson3@ hotmail.com) the Monday prior to the meeting. Contact: lmjohnson3@hotmail.com
DATE NIGHT
When: 4 - 9 p.m., every Wednesday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S. Details: Wednesdays are Date Night at Swirl. Two salads, one flatbread, two truffles and a bottle of wine. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
BETTER BREATHERS CLUB
When: 1 - 3 p.m., 4th Wednesday of every month Where: Lakeview Hospital, 927 Churchill St. W., Stillwater Details: Better Breathers Club offers the opportunity to learn ways to better cope with chronic lung disease while getting the support of others who share in your struggles. Family members, friends and support persons are welcome. Register at www.healthpartners.com/about/ classes-events/. Contact: 651-430-4786 or jenny.j.kratochvil@lakeview.org
FREE WINE TASTINGS
When: 6 - 8 p.m., every Friday
Where: Swirl Wine Club inside the Afton House Inn, 3291 St. Croix Trail S. Details: Free wine tasting. Contact: 651-436-8883 or info@ aftonhouseinn.com
WILD RIVER RUNNING
When: 6 p.m. every Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. every Friday
Where: 224 Chestnut St. E., Stillwater
Details: Group runs from Wild River Running. All paces and abilities welcome with distances typically ranging three to six miles. Tuesday evening will occasionally rotate locations. Contact: 651-342-2741 or info@ wildriverrunning.com
MOVIES AT MATT’S
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday
Where: 413 Nelson St. E., Stillwater
Details: Nostalgia movies shown at the lounge at Matt's Basement. Movies announced on social media the week prior. All tickets come with free popcorn with variety of seating options available. Contact: www.instagram.com/ mattsbasement/
Details: Enjoy strolling accordion performances through the Gasthaus dining rooms every weekend throughout the year. Contact: 651-439-7128
YOGA IN THE PARK
When: 6 - 7 p.m., every Thursday
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Details: Connect with nature through yoga under the open sky. People of all skill levels 14 and older (minors must be accompanied by an adult) are welcome. Attendees must bring a mat and water. Register online at www. washingtoncountymn.gov/Yoga. Contact: 651-430-8370 or Parks@ WashingtonCountyMN.gov
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
When: 6 - 7:30 p.m., every other Wednesday Where: Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia Details: Open to players of all levels. Format will be singles, three players per game. Prizes awarded for first and second place. Players must bring their own board and a deck of cards. Contact: 651-433-3311 or info@ rusticroots.wine
ARTS IN THE PARK
When: 5 - 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 22, 29 Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 East Broadway Ave., Forest Lake Details: Gather at Lakeside Memorial Park for a dose of local fun, food and live entertainment. Featuring Farmer’s Market, unique local vendors and rotating live music. Contact: 651-464-3200 or chamber@flacc. org
STORYTIME TROLLEY
When: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., every Saturday Where: Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St. N., Stillwater Details: Trolley ride around Stillwater for children featuring on-board storytime. Participants will be treated to a snack after the ride. Tickets can be purchased online at www. stillwatertrolley.com/storytimetrolley/. Contact: 651-430-0352 or stillwater. trolley@gmail.com
CURRENT EVENTS
LIGHT A SPARK
When: 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 4
Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd St. N.
Details: Annual Fourth of July extravaganza hosted by the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. Featuring live music, dinner, cash bar and games followed by fireworks. Tickets can be purchased at www. stillwaterlibraryfoundation.org/lighta-spark. Contact: 651-504-2350 or splf@ stillwaterlibraryfoundation.org
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
When: 10 p.m., Friday, July 4
Where: Lakeside Park, 95 E. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake
Details: Presented by the city of Forest Lake and American Legion Post 225. Come celebrate the Fourth of July with a dazzling fireworks show from Lakeside Memorial Park. Contact: 651-464-3550
Lumberjack Days
When: Thursday, July 17 - Sunday, July 20
Where: 100 Main St., Stillwater
Details: Annual festival full of tradition, thrilling competitions, live music and community fun. Events include a parade and competitive activities such as Downhill Derby, BMX stunt shows, bocce ball tournament and medallion hunt.
Contact: www.lumberjackdays.com/contact/
MICK STERLING PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF VAN MORRISON
When: 5:30 - 9 p.m., Thursday, July 10
Where: Stillwater River Boats, 525 Main St. S.
Details: Dinner cruise and concert on the St. Croix River, provided by musician Mick Sterling performing the hits of Van Morrison. Tickets can be purchased at www.tinyurl. com/46mj6v5b.
Contact: 651-430-1234 or info@ stillwaterriverboats.com
SUMMER HOT SAUCE FEST
When: Noon - 6 p.m., Saturday, July 12
Where: Lift Bridge Brewery, 1900 Tower Dr. W., Stillwater
Details: Enjoy the brewery’s annual hot sauce festival, featuring various hot sauce companies, including 1788 Seasonings and Enchanted Forest Foods. Port Belly’s food truck will be on site.
Contact: 888-430-2337 or info@ liftbridgebrewery.com
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE
When: 6:30 - 9 p.m., Saturday, July 12
Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley St. S., Stillwater
Details: Unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery. This month’s theme is “1990s Mall Opening.” Tickets can be purchased at www.tinyurl.com/ mr2hutcp.
Contact: 651-430-3274 or events@ stillwatereventcenter.com
PLANT IDENTIFICATION CLASS
When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sunday, July 13
Where: Forest Lake Health Hub/ Acuworks, 255 7th Ave. NW
Details: Presented by herbalist Heather Mashuga. Learn to identify local flowers and create your own herbal tincture. Register through Christine Trejo-Monson at acuworksmn@gmail. com.
Contact: acuworksmn@gmail.com
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
When: 5 - 8 p.m., Thursday, July 17
Where: Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater
Details: Enjoy ice cream and root beer floats with family, friends and neighbors and listen to live music. All proceeds from sales will benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund. Contact: 651-430-8370 or Parks@ WashingtonCountyMN.gov
SHAKESPEARE ON TOUR: HAMLET
When: 6:30 - 8 p.m., Friday, July 18
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Details: Join for an evening production of Hamlet by the Starling Shakespeare Company. Guests encouraged to bring camping or lawn chairs. Event is free with a vehicle permit. Contact: 651-430-8370 or Parks@ WashingtonCountyMN.gov
LAKE FEST STREET DANCE
When: 6 - 10 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Where: Mallards Restaurant, 220 Lake St. N., Forest Lake
Details: Presented by Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce. Community street dance featuring live music, food and beverage booths. Contact: 651-464-3200
CONFIDENTIAL PAPER SHREDDING
When: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 24
Where: North Environmental Center, 6065 Headwaters Pkwy., Forest Lake Details: Free confidential paper shredding for Washington County residents/businesses. Proof of residency is required to participate. Full list of rules can be found at www. tinyurl.com/bde8k8ns. Contact: 651-275-7475
BOOK FAIR FOR GROWN-UPS
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, July 27
Where: Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia Details: Book fair featuring books from both new and established authors. Vendors from Valley Bookseller and The Loft Literary Center will be featured, as will meet-and-greets with local authors, including Rosetta Peters and Amelia Reigstad. Contact: 651-433-3311 or info@ rusticroots.wine
LITTLE EXPLORERS: WATER WONDERS
When: 10 - 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 28
Where: Sally Manzara Nature Center, 10000 Stillwater Lane N., Lake Elmo
Details: For campers aged one to five. Dive into the world of pond life and learn about different Minnesota lake creatures. Register online at www. tinyurl.com/dv34y82j. Contact: 651-408-2838 or info@sminclake-elmo.org
VINTAGE VIEWFINDER
IMAGE COURTESY OF ST. CROIX COLLECTION
In a photo dated July 4, 1911 — more than 20 years before the first Lumberjack Days celebration was held in Stillwater — boaters accompany a pair of lumberjacks who appear to be practicing their balancing skills on a log in the St. Croix River. According to the Washington County Historical Society, the first Stillwater Lumberjack Days celebration was held in 1934 as a way of honoring the few remaining real lumberjacks. After a hiatus of several years, the current version of the Lumberjack Days celebration was resurrected in 1968 by Bob and Diane Thompson, in partnership with downtown business leaders.
Pests, pollinators and a living fence
TGardeners
Grapevine
Crystal Crocker
here is nothing more magical and fulfilling than growing your own garden ... until the uninvited guests show up. I am not talking about the surprise visit from relatives or friends who plan to stay, enjoying your hospitality and feasting on your harvests. That is what gardeners love to do! I’m referring to the garden pests that think you have planted breakfast, lunch and dinner just for them! There are so many different pests that sometimes it can feel overwhelming. However if you have followed my previous articles for planting a kitchen garden, then a good defense is already in place. This includes a location that provides plenty of sunlight, convenience from the house for regular tending and watering and intensive planting to protect the soil adding herbs that repel pests and flowers that attract pollinators.
There are many online recommendations and well-marketed products promising a quick fix to our pest problems, but don’t give in to them. Remember, we are growing our own gardens for a reason: to maintain soil and plant health without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. That is the garden-to-table lifestyle! A kitchen garden is organically grown, working with nature and natural methods, which may take a little extra effort but is well worth it. The first defense against pests is you. Since your kitchen garden is
close to your back door or, in my case, my front yard, a quick daily visit to harvest the contribution for the next meal allows you to keep an eye on things, preventing any small problem from becoming a big one. For example, take a few extra minutes to trellis up the tomato vine, prune damaged leaves, add extra worm castings or kelp fertilizer and gauge the need for water.
Here are a few other suggestions for growing without pesticides:
• Plant pollinator-friendly plants in the beds, such as Zinnias, Snapdragons, Globe Amaranth and Marigolds to attract bees and beneficial insects.
• Herbs are a great deterrent to several varieties of pests, so plant them all around the edges of your garden beds.
• Chives, oregano and rosemary repel slugs, aphids, cabbage worms and mosquitoes.
• Sage is good for repelling cabbage moths, flea beetles and carrot rust flies.
• Plant marigolds and calendula in the beds to trap crops to distract the pests such as cabbage worms and asparagus beetles. Nasturtium is another excellent trap crop for aphids, which I plant in a corner of the beds since they can grow quite large.
• Prune away any leaves that touch the ground or are affected by pests.
• Grow vertically on trellises whenever possible. This promotes airflow, keeps plants off the ground and reduces rot.
• Add compost often to keep plants happy and healthy.
• Cover crops such as cabbage and
lettuce with netting or light cloth like wedding veil to keep pests out.
• Make garlic spray as an insect repellent. Blend three bulbs of garlic, one quart of water, and a drop of dish soap; apply once a week.
For larger pests such as squirrels, rabbits and deer, larger measures may be necessary to keep them at bay. Some gardeners have the means to install eight-foot fencing to surround the garden. However, there is another option that works with nature, which is planting a living fence. What is a living fence, you may ask? It is a three-to four-foot-wide border around your garden, tightly planted with a variety of native plants that repel pests and attract pollinators. Plant a variety of native grasses, bushes and flowering pollinator plants; mix in a few evergreens for winter interest. The use of native perennial plants works as the first line of defense and will be there year after year. They also tolerate the winter weather and are easy to maintain. Here is a starter list that I have used: Rudbeckia, Yarrow, Baptisia, Salvia, Echinacea, Coreopsis, Bee Balm, Big Bluestem grass and Boxwood.
Pests are part of a gardener’s life, so take every defensive measure using work-with-nature, organic methods; remembering the best defense is a good offense. For more information, check the Goodenergygarden.com website or contact me at goodenergygarden@gmail.com.
Crystal Crocker is a Stillwater resident and longtime gardener. If you have gardening questions, reach out to her at 952-240-4648 or GoodEnergyGarden@gmail.com.
Allow me to introduce myself I
am CJ Wrzesien, a summer intern at Press Publications.
I recently graduated from Bethel University with a major in communication and a minor in journalism. While at Bethel I worked as a sports reporter for our student newspaper The Clarion, where I covered a variety of different sports including, baseball, football, hockey, volleyball and soccer. My other on campus job was working for the Bethel athletic department as a student communication assistant. As a communication assistant, I attended numerous Bethel athletic events and worked at the scorer’s table and in the press box, keeping stats and also writing game recaps.
CJ’s Chatbox
CJ Wrzesien
On a more personal level, I grew up and spent the majority of my life in Orlando, Florida where I lived until I graduated high school. After graduation I moved to Shakopee with my mom and twin sisters, where I began attending classes at Normandale Community College. After three years of working part time and attending community college, I completed my associates degree and decided to transfer to Bethel. Through high school and even well into community college I never knew what career I wanted to pursue. But I did cultivate a love of sports and in particular watching sports from a young age, and I knew that I was a good writer. Eventually I made the decision to combine the two and began pursuing a degree in communication and journalism in my second year at Normandale. I discovered my passion for writing and covering sports at Bethel. Including the final game of Bethel’s longtime Head Football Coach Steve Johnson’s 30-year career. I was able to make the trip for the Royals playoff game against the University of WisconsinWhitewater and that was the story where I knew that I wanted to keep writing about sports. All of those experiences writing for The Clarion and going to games has helped me find my passion for writing and storytelling. I plan to keep using those skills that I have developed over this summer at Press Publications and continue to develop them further.
This summer at Press Publications I will be able to apply what I have learned working in sports and at The Clarion on a variety of different news stories. Having the opportunity to cover a wide variety of stories will help me develop my skills as a writer, while also allowing me to interact with different people and places that I otherwise would not have the chance to.
This will be my second journalism internship, after spending last summer as an intern at the Dakota County Tribune. In addition to interning at Press Publications, I will also be working as a scout for Prep Network, covering their basketball tournaments and writing about high school prospects.
Working in the news department at Press Publications will give me an opportunity to tell a variety of stories and get firsthand experience in a real-world newsroom. I look forward to telling stories about the local community and getting to know more about the area and the people who live here while also gaining experience that will help me grow both personally and in my career.
CJ Wrzesien is a news intern at Press Publications.
THE LOWDOWN | letter guidelines
statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Lowdown must be accompanied by factual verification.
FOREST LAKE
White Pine Coffee
Say hello to White Pine Coffee—a mobile coffee company bringing fresh, flavorful brews to Forest Lake and beyond! Whether you’re grabbing a cup at a local event or booking their truck for your next gathering, White Pine Coffee delivers quality, convenience, and community in every pour. Rooted in a love for great coffee and local connection, they’re all about fueling your day with something special. Follow their journey and find out where they'll pop up next at: https://www.facebook.com/wpcoffeemn
|
Three member benefits offered by the FLA Chamber of Commerce that contribute to local business RECOVERY.
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Isabella Dowdall, a Forest Lake junior third baseman, went 5-for-10 with three home runs and six RBIs in the state tournament June 4-5 in North Mankato as the Rangers won two of three and finished third. For the season, she hit .477 with seven home runs, 25 runs and 28 RBIs for the Rangers, who finished 24-2.
Ryan Stanek, a Stillwater junior golfer, placed 15th in the Class 3A state meet June 10-11. He shot 75 and 73 for a 148 total at Bunker Hills. Stanek, a varsity player since seventh grade, qualified for state by placing sixth in Section 4AAA at Bunker Hills with a 73-74-147.
Chris Vue had an excellent season in the back row for the Forest Lake volleyball team. The 5-foot-5 senior libero led the Rangers in digs with 237 - the second-best total was 75 - in serve receives with 177, and in serving percentage at .924. He also recorded 16 service aces.Forest Lake finished 6-12 in its first year of Minnesota State High School League-sanctioned boys volleyball.
Track and Field
Sylvia Boyum, a Stillwater junior, won the Class 3A state championship in the shot put with a throw of 41 feet 2 1/4 inches - a big improvement from last year when she placed ninth at 38-7 1/2. The 5-foot-9 thrower also won the conference meet with a throw of 42-7 1/2 and the section meet with 42-8 1/2. Forest Lake Volleyball
Isabella Dowdall
Ryan Stanek
Forest Lake Softball
Stillwater Golf
Chris Vue
Sylvia Boyum
Berken prides on creating custom-made baked goods for all sweet lovers to enjoy.
Little Sweeties Bakery: Fresh bakes, local love
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
For Kali Berken, baking has been a part of her life since childhood. Today, she has brought that passion into a full-fledged business out of her Forest Lake home.
At Little Sweeties Bakery, Berken prides herself on creating custom-made baked goods for anyone, including cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, and other mouth-watering edibles from her kitchen. For her, her recipes are designed to put a new spin on pastry classics in terms of flavor and appeal to those in the mood for classic-tasting treats.
“I like to keep in the trend, but I also like to throw in things that maybe nobody’s ever heard of, like a maple bacon cupcake. It’s a cinnamon cupcake with maple buttercream frosting, and then I top it with some bacon. You don’t normally hear that; it’s something different, but it’s actually really, really good!”
While Berken’s baking skills began in elementary school, she would find success while attending White Bear Lake Area High School, and later on with the birth of her daughter. “I made my mom’s wedding cake when I was a freshman. For my daughter’s first birthday last January, I made her a Dancing Fruit Cake, which is a YouTube baby show. Everybody was raving about how good it tasted and how pretty it was, and I should consider doing it more full-time.”
By this time, Berken worked as a director for a child care center in Forest Lake. After quitting to spend more time with her daughter, she started Little Sweeties Bakery fulltime, admitting that doing so was a difficult obstacle to overcome.
“Quitting my full-time job to do this has been a big challenge. That’s why I started out small, and I’m hoping to venture one day to open an actual bakery here in Forest Lake or White Bear.”
Swimmer’s itch: The what, the why and the what to do?
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
During the summer, one can expect hundreds, if not thousands, of eager swimmers flocking to the beaches across Minnesota to take a refreshing dip. However, they may inadvertently pick up an uncomfortable, if not painful, skin rash that requires extra treatment.
All of Berken’s treats are custom-made from scratch with unique flavors for certain items. For cupcakes, these include maple bacon, Biscoff cookie butter, strawberry crunch and mocha. Cookie flavors range from Fruity Pebble, s’mores, cookies and cream and cheesecake-stuffed snickerdoodle.
According to Berken, the cupcakes are usually one of her best-selling treats. “They really like the strawberry cupcake ones…the cake pops are always a popular item, especially for kids’ birthday parties. It’s an easy, fun little different dessert that people can take.”
Berken also sees Forest Lake as a prime spot to sell baked goods, noting that she sees few bakeries in the area. “I noticed that there’s not really local bakeries around here, so I wanted to find something that we don’t really have; something different than just a Walmart or Target cupcake. You can come get some homemade, locally made treats for fun, a baby shower, graduation, birthday party, you name it!” For future plans, Berken is mainly focused on spreading the word that Little Sweeties Bakery is open for business; however, she also hopes to expand into her own shop someday. “Right now, I’m just trying to get my name out there because this is brand new, and not everybody’s on Facebook. I want to build up this clientele and make good connections with people in the community here.”
You can learn more about Little Sweetie’s Bakery at facebook. com/littlesweetiesbakery and on Instagram at @littlesweetiesbakery. To see a full menu of bakery items and place an order, visit the company’s website at www.bakesy.shop/b/ little-sweeties-bakery. com.
Staff Writer Erik
Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs. com
That rash is called “swimmer’s itch,” also referred to as “cercarial dermatitis.” Typically, it is caused by an allergic reaction to parasites found in freshwater lakes and ponds, although it can also be contracted in saltwater environments. These parasites are called Schistosoma, a type of flatworm that lays its eggs in duck feces. After they hatch, they move on to find a new host, primarily by infecting freshwater snails and developing into a larval flatworm form called Cercariae. When a swimmer comes into contact with the larvae, the latter burrows under their skin, leading to the development of the titular rash.
“They attempt to bear into our
Swimmer’s itch symptoms:
• Tingling, burning and/or itchy skin
• Small red pimples/blisters developing on skin
How to prevent swimmer’s itch:
• Don’t swim in areas where it is a known issue.
• Apply water-proof sunscreen.
How to treat swimmer’s itch:
• Apply anti-itch lotions or cold compresses.
• Take Epsolm salt or baking soda baths.
• Spread baking paste on affected areas.
CALENDAR BRIEFS
itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction from parasites in freshwater lakes and ponds.
here is the typical cycle for how these parasites develop in these bodies of water.
skin, and in that process, they don’t survive,” said Don Eaton, an aquatic invertebrate biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “But in that process, we have an allergic reaction to these tiny worm larvae.”
The most common symptoms of swimmer’s itch are persistent itching and the development of small, red pimples and blisters on the skin. Symptoms can take up to 12 hours to develop and, while it is not contagious, can last for a week or slightly longer. Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention and can be treated through various means.
Some of the most common and effective methods involve applying anti-itch lotions to the affected areas, as well as using cool compresses, bathing in
Lake Elmo Park Reserve to host raptor presentation
Lake Elmo Park Reserve will host a presentation on raptors from 7 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 2, presented by the Wildlife Science Center in Stacy. The presentation is part of Washington County Parks’ Campfire Program series, in which naturalists present live creatures, facts or exhibits for hands-on family learning.
All Campfire Programs are free to campers and visitors with a vehicle permit. Weather permitting, the events include a bonfire. Bench seating and grassy areas are available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own camp chairs and blankets for added comfort.
Those with questions can call Washington County Parks at 651-430-8370 or send an email to parks@ co.washington.mn.us. A full list of park programs can be found online at www.WashingtonCountyMN. gov/Parks.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is located at 1515 Keats Ave. N.
Paddleboard programs coming to Square Lake Park
For those who love the open water, new paddleboarding programs are coming to Square Lake Park. Yoga lovers need look no further; from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on July 8 and 22, a sunset stand-up paddleboard yoga class will take place at the park. After a brief introduction to paddleboarding basics, participants can enjoy gentle movement and mindful stillness on their boards during the sunset. Daytime classes using the same teaching structure will occur from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on July 19 and Aug. 2.
A full-moon paddleboard class (sans yoga) will be held from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. on July 8 and from 8:15
Epsom salts or baking soda or spreading baking paste directly to the rash itself. Baking paste can be made by mixing water and baking soda until a pastelike consistency is formed. Since swimmer’s itch is more prevalent during the summer months, it is essential to take great care to prevent contracting it. Swimmers must avoid areas where there is a known problem, and they should also refrain from swimming or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found. They should also towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water. Applying water-proof sunscreen is also helpful. To learn more about swimmer’s itch, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/swimmers-itch/about/index.html.
to 10 p.m. on Aug. 9. Participants will paddle to the opposite side of the lake and watch the full moon rise, giving them a perfect opportunity to take in the night sky. Lanterns will be provided.
Those interested in attending must be at least 14 years of age and be able to swim. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. No prior experience is necessary, and equipment is provided by Brown Dog Paddleboard Co. A vehicle permit is required for this activity. For more information and to register online, visit www.WashingtonCountyMN. gov/SUP.
Square Lake Park is located at 15450 Square Lake Trail N.
Registration open for Stillwater Chamber Golf Tournament
Registration is open for the Greater Stillwater Chamber Open Golf Tournament, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4 at Oak Glen Golf Course. This year’s theme is Wild West.
Open to chamber members, guests and community members, the tournament is a great opportunity for participants to connect with all of the above. Golfers can compete either as individuals or in four-member teams. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon and is expected to conclude around 5 p.m. Dinner will be served afterward along with prizes and raffles, which will continue until 6:30 p.m.
Those interested in registering to play can do so online at www.tinyurl.com/ymheeyws. To register as an event sponsor, download and fill out the sponsor form at www.tinyurl.com/3dbyprp3.
Oak Glen Golf Course is located at 1599 McKusick Road N.
KALI BERKEN | CONTRIBUTED
At Little Sweeties Bakery, founder Kali
Swimmer’s
Pictured
Forest Lake resident finds passion in wood creations
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Ever since childhood, Forest Lake resident Alan Bakke has been interested in wood. Little did he know that this childhood fascination would evolve into a full-fledged hobby in later years.
Progressing from adolescence to high school and college, Bakke found that the wood-building tug was refusing to let go. “I’ve been playing with it since I was a kid; I’d make little farm machinery and all kinds of stuff. My grandfather made his own furniture on his farm, mainly because he couldn’t afford to buy it. I took all the wood shops I could in high school, as well as pre-college courses.”
After receiving a saw from his parents shortly after getting married, Bakke began designing furniture and paneling for his home, with most pieces taken from local lumber yards. “I started making stuff around the house; as I continued to do it, my skills got better and better over the years.”
Bakke has focused on designing wood bowls, vases and art for the past seven years using various woods, including maple, cherry and red oak, most of which is given to him from friends and family. Considering himself self-taught, his creations are based on ideas from magazines and YouTube videos. “I subscribe to woodworking magazines, read them and get ideas there. I follow about four or five turners on YouTube; I don’t copy their stuff, but I get ideas and techniques.”
Some woods, such as birch and aspen, are ones Bakke uses for family projects, including a bathroom vanity for his daughter. “They take paint better without showing grain through it,” says Bakke. “I had the enjoyment of her company in the shop. She got to learn new techniques, and got to design it exactly the way she wanted it. When it was done, she took it home and painted it, and then her husband and I installed it. It’s pretty cool.”
Several of Bakke’s creations are made from wet wood, which must be dried before the design can be finished. Bakke uses two microwave ovens inside his
Bakke frequently incorporates wood-based imperfections into the final design, such as this bowl designed from a tree burl.
shop to dry wood, allowing him to work on multiple projects simultaneously. “It usually takes a few days to get it dry; meanwhile, I can start another project and can dry multiple projects while I’m working.”
Bakke describes the process of creating wood bowls in the same way that a potter uses clay. “When I make a bowl, the art happens right under my hands, just like somebody throwing a pot on a wheel. The clay isn’t going to give them what they thought they were going to get, so they change while they’re turning it. I do the same thing with wood; I got to see what it’ll give me because it doesn’t always give me what I expect. I come in, turn and develop something that I didn’t expect, because I’m using junk wood mostly.”
These “somethings” are usually in the form of cracks at the bottom of the bowls. Other times, Bakke leaves the natural bark from the wood around the rim of the final product, called “live
for
edge.” One particular bowl amongst his collection is designed around a burl, a rounded, knobby tree outgrowth often found on its trunk or branches. “Sometimes I’ll let it sit in my shop for a long time while I look at it and try to decide,” said Bakke of these imperfections. “I have to decide how it’s going to go on the lathe and which way it’s going to be oriented.”
In offering advice to aspiring woodworkers, Bakke says the best way to start is to look at what others want: “Maybe somebody wants a coffee table
or something. Start with that, but ask for help; go on YouTube and to the furniture and look at ideas.”
Bakke is also the author of three books, “Living the Dream: Adventures in Hunting and Fishing,” “The Story of Steve Reed: Stream Guard in Alaska” and “The Book of Esther: The Story of Vic and Esther Bakke.” These books can be purchased online at www. tinyurl.com/3wkjytnw, www.tinyurl. com/2ss4d3w6 and www.tinyurl.com/ mr2phm9x, respectively.
Forest Lake couple launch Minnesota Frost & Flame BBQ
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
A new Forest Lake-based barbecue business is ready to make a big impact around Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Andrew and Tasha Perry are the masterminds behind Minnesota Frost & Flame BBQ, which promises bold flavors and savory, mouth-watering homemade barbecue for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re starting this as a side project right now,” says Andrew. “I’ve always had a passion for food and barbecue in particular. We messed around like a lot of people during COVID times, perfecting different recipes. Every time I’d serve food to people, they said, ‘This is the best barbecue we’ve had, you need to start selling this.’”
But what sets Minnesota Frost & Flame BBQ apart from so many other businesses? According to Andrew, the answer lies in where the seasoning and sauces are sourced.
“We get scoffed at competitions when people hear ‘Minnesota barbecue’ because they think, ‘Texas is the capital of barbecue.’ Texas barbecue to me means salt and pepper. We use seasoning spices and locally sourced things, like maple syrup and local honey, to add flavor to our dishes. Texas barbecue itself is delicious. I think it’s all great, but some of the flavors and the options that we bring to the table are very unique and wouldn’t be ‘traditional barbecue.’”
These options, in question, include a wide range of locally named briskets, thighs and wings for barbecue lovers, as well as side dishes. These include Golden Gopher Chicken Pulled Thighs, Lake Superior Brisket Flat, Mighty Mississippi Baby Backs and Frost and Flames Famous MinneMac.
These names extend to not just the company’s dish-
es, but also their sauces; the titles reflect each flavor.
“Minnesota Nice Barbecue sauce is our primary sauce,” says Andrew, “all the way up to North Star Gold, which is mustard-based. We have our Hot Dish Hellfire, which is our spicy sauce. All of them have ties directly to Minnesota and Minnesota roots.”
The couple partners with several local businesses for ingredients used in seasoning and sauces, including St. Croix Valley Foods and Olive Branch in White Bear Lake. Andrew and Tasha also rely on several different wood types to smoke their dishes, which Andrew says is done to separate itself from traditional southern barbecue.
“We use a lot of apple wood. One of the things that we got back from our samplings is that many people don’t like deep smoke or some of the traditional southern barbecue that uses hickory or mesquite wood.
We use local oak, typically white oak, which is a very different type of wood being used in this. Our wood comes from a farm in Askov, and we also purchase from local people or do storm cleanup to help the community and to take the wood. A lot of our stuff is from apple, and we’re constantly trying to source apple trees for drying and for using.”
However, pioneering great barbecue dishes isn’t the only direction in which Andrew and Tasha want to take their business. Maintaining a steadfast commitment to the environment is also a top priority. “It’s really important that we get compostable containers,” said Tasha. “It’s crucial that we’re limiting our impact on garbage and other things that can end up in a ditch, because we’re going to be outside. Anything compostable is super important; we want to make the impact as small as we can since everything is going in the to-go box.”
While providing a strong community impact remains Andrew and Tasha’s top priority, bigger plans are in the works as their business grows.
“We’d love to bring Minnesota Frost & Flame to the State Fair with some of our signature dishes,” says Andrew. “We’ll call that our five-to-10-year plan. We really appreciate the opportunity to serve the community; that’s really what we want to drive home. We, the idea of bringing people together around food. Every event has food, and we like what we can bring to people when they come together. I think we’re excited to see where this goes.”
To learn more about Minnesota Frost & Flame BBQ and request catering services, visit its website at www.frostandflamebbq.com.
Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-4071229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com
PHOTOS BY ERIK SUCHY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Forest Lake resident Alan Bakke has found a passion
designing wood creations out of his home.
ANDREW PERRY | CONTRIBUTED
Minnesota Frost & Flame BBQ is a new barbecue business created by Forest Lake couple Andrew and Tasha Perry. They are pictured here with their children, Madeline and Jack.
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July 3 Music: Mark Starry
July 3 Music: Noah Burnett
July 5 Red, White & Sangria!
July 6 Acoustic Sunday: Billy Johnson 1-4
July 6 Red, White & Sangria! 11 am-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards
July 6 Music: Gary LaRue 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 9 Gary LaRue & Band 7 Vines Vineyard -ticketed event
July 9 Cribbage 6 pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 10 Trivia Night 6:30-8 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 10 Music: Sarah VanValkenburg 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 11 Soccer Shots 5-7 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 13 Acoustic Sunday: Locklin’ Road 1-4 pm
July 13
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Music: Josh Quinn 2-5 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 16 Music: Jennifer Grimm 4:30-7:00 pm 7 Vines Vineyard and Joe Cruz
July 17 Music: Noah Burnett 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 17 Farmers/Artisans Market/Music 4-7 pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 18
Soccer Shots 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
July 18 Art at the Winery 6-8:30 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery -floral arranging
July 18 Dueling Pianos in the Pergola! 6-9 pm 7 Vines Vineyard
July 19
Wicked Wine Run-Tickets sold St. Croix Vineyards through Wicked Wine run
July 20 Vine & Vinyasa 9-10 am Belle Ame Vineyard
July 20
Acoustic Sunday: Tim Fast 1-4 pm
July 20 Music: Steve Poynter 2-5 pm
July 22 Billy McLaughlin 7 pm
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Vines Vineyard
Vines Vineyard -ticketed event
July 23 Cribbage 6pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 24 Trivia Night 6:30-8 pm Dancing Dragonfly Winery
July 24 Music: Maddie Forsythe 5-8 pm Belle Ame Vineyard
