White Bear Press

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 VOL. 120 NO. 39 www.presspubs.com $1.00

EXTRA PATROL: Cop involved in fatal shooting lives in Vadnais PAGE 9A

Electric pedal power

Dellwood couple gives glowing endorsement BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR

When husband Skip bought Marge Johnson an electric bike in April, she called it "the best gift I never wanted." Now she wouldn't part with it. And neither would Skip, who bought an e-bike for himself after suffering several strokes last March. Both are longtime bikers, Marge said, but because of health problems, Skip thought he'd have to give up a favorite activity. "I was weak after recovering from the strokes and I couldn't keep up with my riding group," he recalled. "The electric bike had real appeal. When I need something extra, I get an electric assist." The Dellwood couple, both in their mid-70s, now ride constantly. Two weeks ago they bicycled the Mesabi Trail in northern Minnesota. They ride the Gateway Trail at least twice a week and often hit the road to Stillwater for lunch. "I couldn't do that without the e-bike," Skip noted. The battery-powered bicycle is not a scooter. Users still have to pedal, but when the battery is switched on, pedaling becomes much easier. It comes in handy for some of Stillwater's notorious hills. Judicious use of the battery can extend its life to 70 miles before a recharge, the Johnsons said.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Skip and Marge Johnson have been putting a lot of miles on their electric bikes this summer. They can literally take off from their home in Dellwood and connect with bike routes and trails throughout the area.

SEE ELECTRIC BIKES, PAGE 8A

‘Owen’s Crusade’ bicycle benefit to aid young cancer warrior BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR

A young boy fighting for his life will be the recipient of this year's Tour De Bar benefit, set for Saturday, Aug. 6. It's the 28th year for the fundraiser that every year chooses someone who will most benefit from the generosity of its participants. Proceeds are raised through apparel sales and raffle tickets that this year go to Owen Meyer, a 6-year-old with brain cancer. Owen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, called pilocytic astrocytoma, on Feb. 23. He has undergone chemotherapy and surgery at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and was just selected for a clinical trial that could shrink the tumor. Before the diagnosis, Owen's parents, Cherlyn and Tim Meyer, both White

Bear Lake grads, noticed a change in his vision, decreased function in his right hand and aggressive behavior. It was discovered that a golf-ball-sized tumor located above the brain stem was pressing on his optic nerve, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This affects his vision, his right side (mostly his right hand) and ability to manage stress and emotions. Therefore, he has aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable outbursts. The tumor is located in an area so precarious that if surgeons attempt to remove it, it could leave Owen paralyzed. Tour Chairman Mike Shearen said funds raised will help support Owen and his family with the escalating medical expenses. Owen has three other siblings at home who help support him. SEE TOUR DE BAR, PAGE 8A

SUBMITTED

Cherlyn and Tim Meyer in the hospital room with Owen last February. At the time, Tim shaved his hair to match his son. Eventually the entire family shaved their heads as a show of solidarity — even mom.

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