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95 8th Ave SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Next to Music Connection Arts & Outdoors Scene in Washington County FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 4 www.presspubs.com $1.00 CITY COUNCIL: Airport hangar will be repaired, with conditions PAGE 18 Silver Harmony Singers return to Forest Lake

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Mystery TV series films in nearby communities

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Snowy owls seen around the metro this year

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Page 16 Members of the choir performed old-time favorites and Christmas classics at the Forest Lake Community Center. FOREST LAKE — The gents sport red suspenders, the ladies wear red scarves, Three new police officers and all of it adds a touch of class to the sworn in performances of the Silver Harmony Singers. Featured Events The Silver Harmony Singers returned to the Forest Lake Community Center Out East Dec. 1 to present a show full of holiday spirit. This group of singers performs at Ugly Sweater Get Together churches, senior living facilities and ser- vice organizations all around the north- When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 east metro, and has helped raise funds for Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St. N., the food shelf. Stillwater The group shared Christmas music and old-time favorites, sometimes featuring Up North costumes and a dash of choreography. Friday’s performance included a few ‘The Happy Elf’ patriotic numbers, old-time classics and a number of holiday songs to get the crowd When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 2 and 7 in the Christmas season mood. p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Forest Lake High School Upcoming performances include: • Norgard Court Apartments, 1807 Ger vais Court E., Maplewood, 2 p.m. Dec. 8 See pages 6&7 for • Wavery Gardens, 5919 Centerville JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Road, North Oaks, 2 p.m. Dec. 11 event details The Silver Harmony Singers are based in White Bear Lake, but bring their enthusiasm for music to communities all around the northeast metro. Jackie Bussjaeger

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NEWS ADVERTISING CIRCULATION CLASSIFIED PRODUCTION 651-407-1229 651-407-1200 651-407-1234 651-407-1250 651-407-1239 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] classifi [email protected] [email protected] 2 THE LOWDOWN DECEMBER 8, 2017 www.presspubs.com Former Grand Garage Theatre owners fi lm murder mystery TV pilot

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER EDITOR

MAHTOMEDI — The small river town of Confl uence may be fi ctional, but a few familiar faces and places will make it seem right at home to residents of the northeast metro. Confl uence is the setting of the new TV series “Un- dercurrent,” a murder mystery with a comedic twist. The show was written and produced by Bick Smith and directed by his wife Cynthia Schreiner Smith. The couple has a long history of theatrical involvement in the region. The characters of “Undercurrent” are an offbeat en- semble partially based on people Bick met while work- ing in television news in upstate New York. He mulled over his ideas for more than 20 years before he fi nally wrote “Undercurrent,” which he called a comedy with a darker edge. “It’s a mystery, but a comedic mystery,” Bick said. “It’s a formula that isn’t out there much. Originally, it was sort of like we took ‘Barney Miller’ and combined it with ‘Twin Peaks.’ That’s the kind of the direction we’re going in.” The lead character is Joe Samuel, a mild-mannered former police chief who has returned to his hometown to settle down. But he can’t escape the action even at home—the newly elected mayor, who is a former love SUBMITTED interest of his, drags him into trying to fi x the corrup- Cast and crew of “Undercurrent” fi lmed in a Mahtomedi coff ee shop in July. tion in her city. He hires two assistants: a rage-fi lled and self-centered former actor (who Bick said is loosely based ing a number of locations in Lilydale, Mendo- on a sportscaster he once knew), and a former hairdress- ta, the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, New Hope er turned technician. and Oakdale, the show includes several northeast metro Bick said he started writing scripts in college, and locals in the cast and crew. eventually went into theater. He tried his hand at the Mike Shaw, a longtime actor with Lakeshore Players, acting industry in Los Angeles and in television news on plays the role of the corrupt chief of police Larry Spink- the East Coast, but wound up in doing ra- ter. Shaw has know the Smiths for years, after he met dio. In the ‘90s, a visit to a Stillwater theater introduced Cynthia when they were cast together in a Lakeshore him to Cynthia—not long after, they got married and production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” He also performed bought the Grand Garage Theatre together. at the Grand Garage Theatre. “She likes to tell people I was saving “I’ve played in lots of live theater money to move back to L.A. and she ended productions, and with my voice and ap- up keeping me here,” Bick said. pearance I’m always cast as a villain or SUBMITTED In addition to running the Grand Ga- policeman,” Shaw said. “I’ve played lots Actor Bill Williamson as detective Joe Samuel, with Heidi rage Theatre, Bick worked at KLBB radio and lots of policeman: smart, dumb, Fellner as Marjorie Steen, the mayor of Confl uence. station. He said he had been working on crooked. Just about all of them. I’ve creative writing projects heavily in the last never done one that’s quite like this.” he was interested in auditioning for “Undercurrent.” 10 years. In 2011, he and Cynthia produced The character’s name, Shaw re- “My heart just kind of exploded,” Langan said. “When “Gangsterland,” a short feature about Min- marked, is supposed to be a little clue I went into the audition, I did not think I was going to get nesota’s gangster history. about what kind of person he is. it because I hadn’t auditioned in forever.” Bick and Cynthia both have a fascination “He’s a police chief in his early 60s As it turned out, Langan scored a role as a character with the world of bootleggers and outlaws, who’s always been a tough bean,” based on one of the infamous Barker brothers of the so it’s no surprise that gangsters feature Shaw said. “The river town is his own Barker-Karpis gang. in the pilot episode. The couple volunteers bailiwick, his personal franchise. He’s “It was so much fun,” Langan said. “The writing of at the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, not the kind of guy who’s been troubled the show is fantastic. For my big day I got to be in a car giving ghost and gangster history tours. by police ethics. He’s becoming eccen- chase and run down a beach and bury some stuff in the It’s appropriate, then, that one of their fi lm SUBMITTED tric, creeping from not too ethical to sand. It was a very hot day, but there’s something about locations is in Mahtomedi, which was well The promotional artwork for possibly corrupt.” the dynamic energy when you’re on a shoot for TV or known for gangster activity during the “Undercurrent.” Chief Spinkter doesn’t take kindly to fi lm where everyone’s coming together to make art or Prohibition era. the mayor hiring a team of private inves- cool stories.” Far from an underground speakeasy, fi lming took tigators to do his job. The fi rst episode of “Undercurrent” is now in the place at the Ox and Crow coffee shop on Mahtomedi Ave- “It is an eccentric part; (it’s) a lot of of fun. He’s tough post-production process. Once the fi rst episode is cre- nue in July (at that time known as Coffee Cottage). and mean, but he’s also vulnerable. Deep down he’s get- ated, the team will produce another in order to pitch to “We were kind of looking for different locations for a ting a little confused about things. So he’s maintaining streaming outlets. The fi lm currently has a fundraising cafe scene,” Bick said. “The folks at Four Seasons said everything you need to maintain to remain supreme law campaign online at www.indiegogo.com/projects/un- you should try that coffee shop, so we went there and enforcement offi cer in a small town.” dercurrent-tv-series. Visit the link to learn more about met (owner) Mara Crombie. Immediately she said ‘Yeah, The show also features Jeffrey Langan, who works as a the series. come on in.’ It’s a nice cozy place, and it had good light, production assistant and also gets to exercise his acting which is always important to the director of photogra- chops as a villainous character. Langan is a graduate Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the Forest Lake and St. phy. We spent a full day shooting with some of the main of Mahtomedi High School, and met Bick while he was Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 people in our cast.” working part-time at the White Bear Lake YMCA, where or [email protected]. The pilot was fi lmed over six days in July, in multiple Bick was a member. They connected over a mutual inter- locations around the Twin Cities. In addition to featur- est in media production, and Bick later asked Langan if WE PAY CA$H FOR YOUR CANS 3¢ PER LB ON ALL NON-FERROUS MATERIAL! Not good with other offers. 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BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER are taking care of their shoes more EDITOR than people used to 15 years ago,” he said. “They’re resurrecting classics.” STILLWATER — A fourth-generation George said he was sad to see Spike’s Twin Cities business is now putting its Shoe Repair in Stillwater decide to best foot forward in a new Stillwater leave its location in Valley Ridge Mall, location. Arden Hills business George’s but also saw the perfect opportunity to Shoe Repair has recently opened a new once again extend the family business. store in Stillwater’s Valley Ridge Mall “The Stillwater location has been off of Highway 36. restocked with more new products The George family story is one of and refreshed with a clean new look,” challenges, successes and complete George said. devotion to the family trade. Shoes have George’s Shoes offers around 20 been the George family business since different brands of men’s and women’s 1905, said owner Ron George. Although footwear, and also does custom and George never met him, his grandfather repair work. Accessories and tools for began the family trade making boots in DIY shoe repair are also available from a northern mountain village in Leba- the store. The business is well respect- non. ed among many Twin Cities institu- George’s grandfather Joseph followed tions—George said that sometimes his brother to America, leaving their it does work for theater companies families behind and sending money and touring performers at some of the SUBMITTED back home they earned from the busi- state’s biggest venues. In the past, this Owner Ron George, center, with daughter Melissa and son Luke. ness they started in Macintosh, South has included shows by Madonna and Dakota. Although Joseph wanted his Neil Diamond. family to save up in order to join him in Today, George works alongside the U.S., Joseph’s father took the money his son Luke and daughter Melissa, and instead used it on his daughter’s making their trade a fourth-generation wedding. Without money, George’s fa- family business. ther asked around if anyone could loan When asked what makes George’s them the money to go to America, and Shoes stand apart, George replied that were able to make the journey, thanks it is the quality that employees put into to the generosity of one kind old man. every project. Even then, the family’s troubles “As far as services go, we’re pretty weren’t over. When they went through good sticklers about quality, getting U.S. customs, George’s father was it done right, making the customer accepted into the country due to his happy,” George said. “Our goal is to tell ability to speak not only English but them what we can do for them. Every French and Arabic. However, George’s day we’re talking amongst ourselves, aunt was turned away for her poor En- how to handle this (or that). There is al- glish skills. The family was able to talk ways stuff that comes in that’s just dif- SUBMITTED customs agents into letting her into the ferent, there’s always something new, A historic photo of George’s Shoes, which has been around since 1905. country. but we like challenges. If it isn’t worth Together again, the George family it, we’ll tell (customers) if they should continued to expand. The oldest chil- throw it (the shoes) in the garbage.” dren had only gone to school through George has been repairing shoes third grade in Lebanon, so as teenagers since he was in high school, and his had to attend fourth-grade classes with passion for the work is still as strong much younger classmates in the U.S. as ever. He estimates that at any given “It was a tough time because they time there are 200-300 pairs of shoes Congratulations! were an 18-year-old and 16-year-old, waiting for repairs, and he puts in having to go back to school to third about 100 hours a week making them grade, plus be foreigners,” George said. look and feel just right. The family business began to gain The George family legacy has re- Allen & Susan Hoppe steam, and a new location was estab- mained strong over the years. George lished in Selfridge, North Dakota. said he had a customer in Arden Hills George’s father met George’s mother on who told him that she grew up in 2017 Fall Subscription Campaign Winner a trip to St. Paul, “and the rest was his- Macintosh, and that she’d seen that the Free coffee for a year and a Toro snowblower! tory,” George said. They moved to the George family was included prominent- Twin Cities and continued to run the ly in a recently published local history shoe store until the ‘70s, when George book. and his brother took over. George’s Shoe Repair is located in George’s Shoes went through an ex- Valley Ridge Mall, 1350 Frontage Road pansion in the ‘90s, when several loca- W., Stillwater. Learn more about the tions were established around the Twin business at www.georgesshoes.com, or Cities. Times changed, and eventually call the store at 651-636-1312. A grand the family business was downsized to opening will be held Dec. 14 and 15. its current Arden Hills main location, although it retained several drop-off Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the sites around the Twin Cities. Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Low- Now, custom shoe work is undergoing down, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 a resurgence, George said. or [email protected]. HUGO EQUIPMENT COMPANY “A lot of the working younger crowd

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS The winner of the 2017 Fall Subscription Campaign, Allen and Susan Hoppe, receive free coff ee for a year and a Toro snowblower. Thank you to all of our Subscribers!

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SUBMITTED www.presspubs.com A George’s Shoes employee performs custom work in the Arden Hills workshop. 651-407-1200 4 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com DECEMBER 8, 2017 National dilemmas

ERE WE ARE in another holiday season. While the temperatures were below normal in October, they have Hbeen above normal in November. There is some ice around the edge of the lakes, but slow to snow. It’s a beautiful season with all the decora- tions outdoors and indoors. Holiday dinners and parties and fundraising events are in full swing. Nonprofi ts are busy with their letter writing, emailing and in some cases phone contacts. It’s the time of year to be generous, but also to be cautious that the organizations you are funding About the do not spend more than 20 per- Town cent for administration. JOURNALISM IS MAKING Gene Johnson a comeback with all the investi- gative reporting on sexual mis- behavior, men overpowering women and major entertainment, media and political personalities going down in fl ames. So much of it are accusations, but it’s also time to recognize and eliminate this inappro- The Minnesota goodbye: priate behavior. Justice needs to prevail and it looks like the courtrooms will fi ll their calendars. Journalists get fi red. Politicians seem to fi nd Welcome the coming and speed the parting guest a way to hang on, hoping voters will forget. We are in a period of reeducating public be- et ready! a crock-pot style meal that can “Regrets only” means that you havior. For a long time Hollywood and Wash- The holidays are fast ap- be served anytime. If no offer of contact them if you cannot go, ington were off limits for media on sexual be- proaching and that means, dinner has been made, then the otherwise they will plan on you. havior. There was presidential candidate Gary Gin Minnesota, there’ll be guests need to grab a bite to eat If the invitation says cocktails at Hart on the motor yacht Monkey Business some very long goodbyes. so they don’t arrive starving. 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., you never who challenged the media to report his private Our family is notorious for Hosts should have everything arrive prior to 6 p.m. but you may and semi-public activities. They did. Now this extended fanfare when guests ready so that they can greet the arrive 10 to 15 minutes after the behavior has come out of the closet and women announce they’re leaving. First guests at the door. This is import- stated hour. If you’re running ant because it’s here, at the front late, please phone the host. Din- will fi nally get proper respect. Men will learn stop is the kitch- en where we put door, where you set the stage for ner should not be delayed more that groping is not appropriate, as well as lock- together a good- a warm welcome. Always have than 15 minutes for the tardy ar- er room language and forced favors. ie bag of extra something hot and cold available rivals. Guests should stay at least Every story has two sides. Men haven’t treats for them to offer to drink and a snack if one hour after dinner so that it started to report women who have been sexu- to take home. dinner is not served right away. doesn’t appear you’re “dining and ally aggressive in the marketplace. However, Then as we go to During the stay, a guest should dashing.” Don’t bring pets, chil- national statistics say only 17 percent of men get the coats, we conform to the schedule of the dren or extra guests unless they have experienced that. get side-tracked host and help clean up after them- have been specifi cally included in Education, self-control and everyone acting Everyday with the latest selves and also with family meals. the invitation. in a responsible way on how they treat peo- photos of little When the day of departure has Cocktail parties ple must be top of mind. Men, how would you Etiquette Suzie. Then we’re been stated, then don’t delay and If a cocktail party is held want your wife, mother or your daughter to be Julie Frantz in the hallway, ask for another day. “Speed the between 6 and 8 p.m. that means treated? It should not be any different with the close to the door parting.” you can stop by during that time men and women you come in contact with. when we have one Holiday dinner guests period and you should stay about CONGRESS IS WORKING through an last story to share. Then fi nally The invitation should be sent one hour. Guests can come and go income tax reduction plan which is their at- out the door, but it doesn’t end far enough in advance that freely at this type of gathering. tempt to bring back US corporations’ overseas there. We’ve been known to follow invitees can plan according- I really am trying to shorten assets. The high corporate taxes have brought guests down the street, waving ly. The more formal the event, up my goodbyes, but some habits this about in a very competitive world market- frantically, as they try to “get out the further out the invitation die hard. So, if you happen to be place. of Dodge.” should be sent. For holidays, it’s my guest this holiday season, just It’s like overhauling our medical insurance Out of town guests good practice to send invites four factor in the extra time of a good program. Who knows what the results will be The host determines when the weeks in advance. The invitation ole “Minnesota Goodbye.” of the grinding process? guests can arrive and when they should include: who is invited, Simplifying the tax code and rates is an need to depart. As the guest, it is what type of gathering it is, date, Julie Frantz is the founder ideal objective. After all, we live with the code their responsibility to get them- time, location, and R.S.V.P, which of Everyday Etiquette, a Twin containing four million words. selves to the host’s front door at means “please respond.” Guests Cities-based business whose St. Thomas University economics professor the time they have requested. should respond within 24 hours mission is to bring an awareness John Spry suggests that a sound tax poli- If the host has offered to have a either ‘yes’ or ‘no’; and if yes, only of civility to the community. cy should promote economic effi ciency and meal at their arrival, because of severe illness or death should She’s on the web at www. growth, equal taxation of equally situated possible delays, it’s best to have keep them from that obligation. everydayetiquette.com. people and simplicity. Minnesota and the federal tax code do not follow these principles. THE LOWDOWN | LETTER GUIDELINES Maybe we are at a juncture where we need to think of term limits in Washington so that • Limited to 350 words. letters per year and at least writer about the same subject editing. new political leaders better represent main- • Submissions must Include four weeks must lapse be- matter will not be published. • Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday stream America. a full name, address and tween publication. Exceptions • Submissions containing libel- of the week prior to publication. At the next election time, just remember daytime phone number for may be made for rebuttal ous or derogatory statements • To submit a letter, e-mail it to your vote counts, but you will have to know verifi cation. letters. will not be published. lowdownnews@presspubs. what candidates stand for. • Letter writers must live, work • Due to space limitations, let- • Submissions containing facts com, fax it to 651-429-1242 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. or have another connection to ters that don’t address local not previously published in the or mail or deliver it to Press Press Publications coverage issues are not guaranteed Press must be accompanied Publications, 4779 Bloom Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus area. publication. by factual verifi cation. Ave., White Bear Lake, MN of Press Publications. • Letter writers are limited to six • Repeat letters by the same • All letters are subject to 55110.

The Lowdown is direct mailed through COPYRIGHT© 2017 BY the US Postal Service for guaranteed delivery. Carter C. Johnson ...... Publisher Patty Steele .....DIrector of Sales & Marketing [email protected] [email protected] PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. The Lowdown is a continuation of the Material may not be reproduced in whole Published bi-weekly Fridays Forest Lake & St. Croix Valley Press. Greg Workman ...... Production Manager or part in any form whatsoever. by Press Publications, Inc. www.ReadTheLowdown.com Gene Johnson ...... Publisher Emeritus Mailed Subscription Rate: [email protected] [email protected] 4779 Bloom Avenue 651-407-1200 News ...... 651-407-1229 In county & zip code 55092: FREE Jackie Bussjaeger ...... Editor Evelyn Ecklund ...... Circulation Advertising ...... 651-407-1200 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Out of county: $26 for 6 mo. [email protected] [email protected] Circulation ...... 651-407-1234 Offi ce Hours: MNA 2014 Classified ...... 651-407-1250 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday AWARD-WINNING Gene Annis ...... Sports Desk Production ...... 651-407-1239 NEWSPAPER [email protected] FAX ...... 651-429-1242

6 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com DECEMBER 8, 2017

UP NORTH Held the 3rd Friday of thors. No registration every month. $6/person required. This month’s includes lunch. Cash bar. election is ‘The Late- ‘THE HAPPY ELF’ Public welcome. homecomer: A Hmong When: 7 p.m. Friday, Contact: 651-464-2600 Family Memoir” by Kao Dec. 8 and 2 and 7 p.m. Kalia Yang. Saturday, Dec. 9 VIRTUAL REALITY Contact: 651-275-7300 Where: Forest Lake DEMONSTRATION or washcolib.org High School, When: 4 p.m. Monday, Details: Musical writ- Dec. 18 ten by Harry Connick, Where: Hardwood OUT EAST Jr., performed by local Creek Library, 19955 actors. Tickets $13 and Forest Rd. N., Forest HOMETOWN FOR $16 at the door. Lake THE HOLIDAYS Contact: masquers Details: Participants When: Weekends, theatre.org will use the library’s through Dec. 30 new virtual reality Where: Throughout LUCIA DAGEN AT equipment to explore downtown Stillwater GAMMELGARDEN underwater sea scenes Details: Month-long When: Breakfast at 6 or paint 3-dimensional celebration with events & 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. objects. No registration and shopping specials 10 necessary. at various businesses Where: 20880 Olinda Contact: 651-275-7300 throughout Stillwater. Trail, Scandia or washcolib.org Strolling carolers, Vic- Details: Morning torian Wagonette rides, Swedish prayer ser- THIRD TUESDAY NIGHT and Biercycle caroling SUBMITTED vice followed by Lucia ADULT BOOK CLUB tours; strolling Santa Jul Fest breakfast and When: 6:30-8 p.m. both Sat. and Sun. See Warden’s House Museum Holiday Event program; marks the Tuesday, Dec. 19 website for opportuni- beginning of Swedish Where: Hardwood ties to have breakfast or Christmas season. Creek Library, 19955 lunch with Santa a vari- WHEN: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, DETAILS: Meet with local authors Contact: 651-433-5053 Forest Road N., Forest ous local restaurants. Dec. 9 while sampling sweets and treats or www.gammelgarden Lake Contact: www.main and listening to holiday music. museum.org Details: Read the book streetstillwateriba.com WHERE: Warden’s House Museum, and join the discussion. 602 N. Main St., Stillwater CONTACT: 651-439-5956 or www. CATHARTIC COLORING This month’s selection is VALLEY CHAMBER wchsmn.org FOR CREATIVE ADULTS “The Wonder” by Emma CHORALE CONCERT When: 6:30-8 p.m. Donoghue. No advance When: 8 p.m. Friday, Wednesday, Dec. 13 sign-up necessary. Dec. 8; 4 and 8 p.m. Where: Hardwood Contact: 651-275-7300 Saturday, Dec. 9; 3 p.m. Contact: stillwater for 4. Proceeds support UGLY SWEATER Creek Library, 19955 or washcolib.org Sunday, Dec. 10 library.org or occasions Valley Friendship Club’s GET TOGETHER Forest Rd. N., Forest Where: Washington withcharacter.com programs for people with When: 8 p.m. Friday, Lake THIRD THURSDAY County Historic Court- disabilities. Compli- Dec. 22 Details: Drop-in adult NIGHT ADULT BOOK house, 101 Pine St. W., COOKIES WITH SANTA mentary holiday treats. Where: JX Event coloring club. All sup- CLUB Stillwater When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Contact: 651-808-8603 Venue, 123 2nd St. N., plies provided. When: 6:30-8 p.m. Details: “Old-Fash- Saturday, Dec. 9 or valleyfriendshipclub. Stillwater Contact: 651-275-7300 Thursday, Dec. 21 ioned Christmas” Where: Valley Ridge org Details: Musical guest or washcolib.org Where: Hardwood themed choral concert. Mall, 160 Frontage Rd. Tim Sigler. Cover free Creek Library, 19955 Tickets available online W., Stillwater COMMUNITY THREAD before 9 p.m., $5 after. COMEDY SHOW Forest Road N., Forest in advance or at the door, Details: Free photos ANNUAL HOLIDAY Contact: one23events. When: 7:30 p.m. Thurs- Lake $42/adults; $37/students with Santa, games and PARTY com day, Dec. 14 Details: Read the book and seniors. entertainment by the When: Noon Wednes- Where: Running Aces and join the discussion. Contact: 651-430- Curio dancers. Open to day, Dec. 13 ‘Laugh Your Ace Off’ This month’s selection is 0124 or valleychamber the public. Where: Community Ongoing Comedy Club, 15201 Zu- ‘Miss Peregrine’s Home chorale.org Contact: 612-250-3990 Thread, 2300 Orleans St., rich St., Forest Lake for Peculiar Children’ or curio.dance@gmail. Stillwater Details: Headliner by Ransom Riggs. No ad- GUIDED MORNING com Details: Meal and mu- MENTAL HEALTH David Harris, featuring vance sign-up necessary. BIRD HIKE sic of the season by the SUPPORT GROUP Andrew Wegleitner, and Contact: 651-275-7300 When: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. HOLIDAY CRAFT Stillwater High School for Families hosted by Rick Logan. or washcolib.org Saturday, Dec. 9 AND GIFT SHOW Vagabonds. Registration When: 6:30-8 p.m. the Tickets $15 in advance; Where: Lake Elmo When and Where: required. 1st and 3rd Mondays of $20 day of show. MINNESOTA Park Reserve, 1515 Keats 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Contact: 651-439-7434 each month Contact: 651-925-4600 BOOK CLUB Ave. N. Dec. 9 at Oak Glen Golf Where: Stillwater or runaces.com When: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Details: Learn to Club, 1599 McKusick Rd. CHAMBER 101 Library, 224 Third St. N., Wednesday, Dec. 27 identify birds that call N., Stillwater When: 9-10 a.m. Thurs- Stillwater SENIOR DANCE Where: Hardwood the area home and Details: Two levels of day, Dec. 14 Details: Free support When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Creek Library, 19955 contribute to citizen unique crafters and ven- Where: Just for Me group led by trained Dec. 15 Forest Road N., Forest science data collection dors. Free coffee. cookies Spa, 110 S. Greeley St., facilitators for family Where: Forest Lake Lake by completing bird count and music. Stillwater and friends of individu- American Legion, 355 W. Details: Monthly book surveys with a guide. Contact: 715-557-1785 Details: Presentation als living with a mental Broadway club to read and discuss Free with parks permit. or rsgdevelopment.com for new and seasoned illness. Details: Enjoy mature books set in Minnesota Open to all ages; minor Chamber of Commerce Contact: 651-770-1436 music and dancing. or by Minnesota au- must be with an adult. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS members, and those con- or namimn.org Contact: 651-430-8370 PARTNERSHIP sidering membership, or co.washington.mn.us/ BREAKFAST on how to get the most BINGO Top 5 at PressPubs.com: parks When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. out of a Chamber mem- When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 bership. Registration Wednesdays Week of November 26 – December 2, 2017 LOST SLIPPER Where: KC Hall, 1910 required. Where: Stillwater Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read ROYAL STORY TIME Greeley St., Stillwater Contact: 651-439-4001 Knights of Columbus, the full versions of these most-visited stories When: 10:30 a.m. Details: All-you-can- or greaterstillwater- 1910 S. Greeley St. Saturday, Dec. 9 eat breakfast supports chamber.com Details: Doors open at 1. Shoreview mom grieves in light of eternity after fatal Where: Stillwater Options for Women in 6 p.m. Open to the public; crash. Shoreview Press > News Public Library, 224 the St. Croix Valley. CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY must be 18 to play. Con- Third St. N., Stillwater Adults $8.50; children PARTY AND LUNCH cessions available. 2. Endurance Fitness works out for water. Quad Details: The Midnight 5-12 $5; under 5 free. WITH SANTA Contact: 651-430-3274 Community Press > News Ball Princess revisits Food Shelf donations When: 11:30-2 p.m. the heartwarming accepted. Open to the Saturday, Dec. 16 3. No backpedaling here: Southern segment of White adventure of her lost public. Where: The Heights NEIGHBORHOODS Bear Lake trail moving forward. White Bear Press > slipper with help from Contact: 651-430-3274 Hall, 5880 Omaha Ave N. NEARBY News the audience, her quirky Stillwater HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 4. Auto store employee pulls handgun on robbery stepsisters, and her Details: Free family trusty Royal Historian AND FUNDRAISER event includes magic ‘THE GREAT GATSBY’ suspects. White Bear Press > News during this interactive When: 1-4 p.m. Sun- show with Magic Norm When: 7:30 p.m. 5. Students move and groove in math class. White Bear story time. The princess day, Dec. 10 at 11:45 a.m., lunch, pho- Thursdays, Fridays and Press > News and her stepsisters will Where: Alchemy Arts to booth, balloon artist, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sun- be available to meet and Studio, 5620 Memorial face painting, activities days, Dec. 7-17 greet their guests and Ave., Stillwater and gifts. Sponsored by Where: Lakeshore See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the take pictures following Details: Walk-in and the Stillwater Elks 179. Players, 4820 Stewart White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, story. Royal attire create a fused glass or- Contact: 651-210-2477 Ave., White Bear Lake Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and welcome. nament. $10 for 1 or $32 Details: Adaptation of The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area. DECEMBER 8, 2017 www.presspubs.com THE LOWDOWN 7

LUNCH WITH A Details: Hike around Where: Dellwood NATURALIST: OWLS Maplewood Mall, and the Country Club, 29 E. When: 11:30 a.m.-1 Lake Links Trail. Hike Highway 96, Dellwood p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 is approx. 5 miles and Details: Ring in the Where: Wargo Nature lasts 1½-2 hours. Treats New Year with a country Center, 7701 Main St., to follow. music and comic relief Lino Lakes Contact: 651-770-1232 performance by Joe Den- Details: Adults 50+ or stpaulhike.org im. Open to the public at can bring a lunch, listen 8:30 p.m.; $45 includes to a natural history pre- CHRISTMAS WITH appetizers and cocktails. sentation, and possibly TONIA AND SARA $25 general admission take a stroll along the When: 6 p.m. Sunday, concert only begins at 10 trails. Free; no registra- Dec. 17 p.m. Champagne toast tion required. Where: St. Andrews and pizza bar at mid- SUBMITTED Contact: 763-324-3350 Lutheran Church, 900 night. Call for tickets. or anokacountyparks. Stillwater Rd., Mahto- Contact: 651-426-3218 com medi Simple Gifts Holiday ‘Christmastide’ Tour Details: Concert ‘WHAT’S HAPPENING’ DYSLEXIA featuring Tonia Hughes CALENDAR GUIDELINES PRESENTATION and Sara Renner. Tick- Anyone in the WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. modern fl air, featuring violin, When: 6 p.m. Wednes- ets $25 online or after community may send 20; Thursday, Dec. 21; Friday Dec. Celtic whistle and bagpipes, piano, day, Dec. 13 services. us news of an upcoming 22; Saturday, Dec. 23 acoustic guitar, percussion and Where: White Bear Contact: 651-762-9141 local event. The calendar three-part female vocals. Matinee Lake Library, 2150 2nd or Christmaswithtonia is reserved for secular WHERE: Marine-on-St. Croix Town and evening shows. Tickets $30/ St. sara.eventbrite.com community events in Hall, 121 Judd St. adults advance or $35 at the door; Details: Information or adjacent to Press $20/students 18 and under or $25 at about dyslexia for an HOLIDAY SING-ALONG Publication’s coverage DETAILS: Billy McLaughlin and the door. adult audience, present- When: 2-3 p.m. Tues- area. Priority is given to his group of musicians perform ed by Erin Florin, NP. day, Dec. 19 free or affordable events traditional hymns and carols with CONTACT: simplegiftsmusic.net Contact: erinfl orin Where: Vadnais that are likely to appeal [email protected] Heights Commons, 655 E. to a broad audience. County Rd. F Publication of events DIY NATURAL Details: Afternoon of is subject to editorial BODY PRODUCTS holiday cheer for area discretion. Due to space the lives of Jay Gatsby townwhitebearlake.com/ SHOREVIEW When: 6-8p.m. Thurs- seniors. Holiday songs limitations, there is and Daisy Buchanan is events NORTHERN LIGHTS day, Dec. 14 performed by the Chil- no guarantee whether, the only stage version VARIETY BAND Where: Wargo Nature dren’s Performing Arts when or for how long endorsed by the Fitz- JINGLE BEAR 5K When: 7 p.m. Satur- Center, 7701 Main St., Show Choir. Free. submissions will be gerald estate. Tickets When: 9 a.m. Satur- day, Dec. 9 Lino Lakes Contact: 651-204-6000 published. Submissions $22-$25/regular; $22/ day, Dec. 9 Where:Bethel Univer- Details: Discuss use- are subject to editing. seniors; $19/student. Where: White Bear sity, Benson Great Hall, ful properties of common WINTER RECREATION Please include date, Contact: 651-429-5674 Lake VFW, 4496 Lake 3900 Bethel Dr., Arden plants and incorporate SAMPLER time, location, cost, brief or www.lakeshore Ave. S. Hills them into body lotion, When: 1-4 p.m. Satur- details, and contact players.org Details: Race along Details: SNLVB’s headache salve and lip day, Dec. 23 information for each White Bear Lake. Bring annual holiday concert balm. Ages 15+. $20/ Where: Wargo Nature event submission. ELF JR.-THE MUSICAL a food item/toy for with special guests Min- person; registration Center, 7701 Main St., Submission deadline When: 7:30 p.m. Fri- White Bear Food Shelf. nesota Boychoir and Don required. Lino Lakes is Wednesday prior to days and Saturdays and Registration begins at 7 Shelby. Carriage rides Contact: 763-324-3350; Details: Sample a the following weeks’ 2 p.m. Saturdays and a.m. All runners re- at 6:15 p.m. Tickets $10 anokacountyparks.com variety of activities publication. Call 651-407- Sundays, through Dec. ceive a Santa hat, jingle purchased from a band including kick sled- 1226 with questions. 10 (No show Friday, Nov. bells and t-shirt. Award member or $13 online, at AUGUSTANA COLLEGE ding, snowshoeing, and Online: 24) ceremony and optional Shoreview City Hall or CHRISTMAS VESPERS cross-country skiing. www.press Where: Ashland breakfast buffet to follow at the door. When: 7 p.m. Friday, All ages. Registration pubs.com/calendar Productions, 2100 White at VFW. Contact: 651-470-5625 Dec. 15 required; $7/adult, $5/ Email: Bear Ave., Maplewood Contact: jinglebear or tickets.bethel.edu Where: St. Andrews child. calendar@presspubs. Details: Story of an run.com Lutheran Church, 900 Contact: 763-324-3350 com orphan raised as an elf CHILDREN’S Stillwater Rd., Mahto- or anokacountyparks. Mail: performed by local stu- SECRET HOLIDAY SHOP PERFORMING medi com Press Publications dents. Tickets $13-21. When: 9-11 a.m. Satur- ARTS SHOW CHOIR Details: Holiday per- Attn: Calendar Contact: ashland day, Dec. 9 PERFORMANCE formance features choirs NEW YEAR’S EVE 4779 Bloom Ave. productions.org Where: Lino Lakes When: 2 p.m. Sunday, and orchestra. WITH JOE DENIM White Bear Lake, MN Senior Center, 1189 Main Dec. 9 Contact: 605-274-5320 When: 8:30 p.m. Sun- 55110 EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS St. Where: Lakeshore or www.augietickets.com day, Dec. 31 MARKET Details: Children can Players Theatre, 4820 When: 4-9 p.m. Friday, shop on their own for Stewart Ave, White Bear HOLIDAY CRAFT Dec. 8; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. family and friends. Wide Lake AND GIFT SHOW Saturday, Dec. 9; noon-6 variety of gifts priced Details: Interactive When:10 a.m.-4 p.m. p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 $.50-$12 including jewel- singing and dancing Saturday, Dec. 16 and Where: Union Depot, ry, coffee mugs, knick- experience for children Sunday, Dec. 17 214 4th St. E., St. Paul knacks and toys; and in grades 5-12. Where: Lakeside Ele- Details: Vendors volunteers available to Contact: 612-327-4849 mentary, 10345 Wyoming selling holiday decor, help with shopping and or childrensperforming Ave., Chisago City todays events online crafts, clothing, toys, wrapping. Registration artsmn.org Details: Crafters and artisanal food products not required. vendors, holiday music or post your own at: and more in an open-air Contact: 651-982-2400 BREAKFAST WITH and photo booth. market. Entertainment or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us MR. AND MRS. Contact: 715-557-1785 www.presspubs.com/calendar includes, Santa, rein- SANTA CLAUS or rsgdevelopment.com deer, and musician; WINTER FARMERS When: 8 a.m.-noon seasonal food offerings MARKET Sunday, Dec. 10 LIVING NATIVITY and drinks. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where:Lino Lakes When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. 4779 Bloom Ave. Contact: uniondepot. Saturday, Dec. 9 American Legion Post Saturday, Dec. 16 & 23 White Bear Lake, MN org/holiday Where: Tamarack Na- 566, 7731 Lake Dr., Circle Where: St. Stephen 651-407-1200 ture Center, 5287 Otter Pines Lutheran Church, 1965 WINTERFEST - Lake Rd., White Bear Details: Breakfast E. City Road E., White WHITE BEAR LAKE Township event for kids and fami- Bear Lake When: 11 a.m.-2:45 Details: Sip Hot Apple lies and photos. Details: Live Nativi- p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 9 Cider from Pine Tree Contact: 651-783-0055 ty scene performed by & 16 Apple Orchard as you or post566.com Fools for Christ, live Where: Abbott Paint shop locally sourced animals and petting zoo. and Carpet, 2223 4th St., fresh produce, meats, NACHITO HERRERA Family activities and White Bear Lake cheeses, soups, breads, AND HIS TRIO church open house. Details: Horse-drawn preserves, nuts, spice When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Contact: 651-777-1107 carriage rides 11 a.m.- blends and more. Free Dec. 10 or www.ststephenwbl. 2:45 p.m.; Photos with reusable BearPower bags Where: Chautauqua org/fools Santa 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at to the fi rst 100 shoppers, Fine Arts Center, 8000 Total Collision & Automotive Repair the Medicine Chest. “Chomp” the BearPower 75th St. N., Mahtomedi ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB Events free with dona- mascot will be on site Details: Jazz per- When: 2:30 p.m. Sun- Gift Cards Available! tion to the White Bear 10:30 a.m.-noon. formed by famed Cu- day, Dec. 17 Area Emergency Food Contact: facebook. ban-born pianist. Where: Bruentrup Shelf. com/forksinthedirt Contact: wildwood Farm, 2170 County Rd. D, 125 County Rd F • Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 Contact: www.down artistseries.com Maplewood 651-483-4055 • www.fairwaycollisioncenter.com &

8 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com DECEMBER 8, 2017 Forest Lake volleyball coach earns Head Coach of the Year award

FOREST LAKE — Forest with a win versus Grand Rap- When asked what has been women and teaching life Lake Area High School Girls ids,” Alm said. the best part of coaching at lessons along the way, watch- Head Volleyball Coach Sherri The Rangers ended their Forest Lake, Alm gave all the ing where life leads them Alm has been awarded the season with a 21-8 record praise to the group of young after high school, has been Section 7AAA Head Coach of while also going down in the women with whom she gets to the most rewarding expe- the Year award by the Min- record books as the Section work. rience for me,” she said. “I nesota Volleyball Coaches 7AAA Champions. Alm was “We have fantastic kids and also have the best assistants. Association. very happy with the perfor- are proud to represent Forest Their knowledge, support and Alm received emailed word mance of her team during the Lake High School and the friendship help tremendous- of the award upon the team’s season and state tournament. community.” ly.” arrival to the Section Final “We are so very proud of the Alm said the most reward- Alm received her official match on Nov. 4 against character, attitude, and work ing aspect of her tenure, Section 7AAA Head Coach Grand Rapids, informing her ethic of this team and pro- however, has been getting of the Year plaque at the that they would be announc- gram,” Alm said. “We have to stay so involved with the state tournament banquet ing the honor before the talent and fantastic senior great sport of volleyball and on Nov. 8. match. leadership, especially from sharing her knowledge with “I felt honored and yet extra captains Clara Olson and athletes year in and year out. From press release SUSUBMITTEDBMITTED pressure to come through Olivia Gadberry.” “Working with the young Sheri Alm SCHOOL BRIEFS

Columbus celebrates reading with 1st-graders Columbus Elementary’s fi rst-grade class celebrated the week of Nov. 13 by enjoying various books selected by special guest readers. The goal of the week was to help expand the knowledge and imaginations of the students while listening to special guest readers who read from these favorite books. Special guests included Superintendent Dr. Steve Massey, school psychologist Jessica Paschke, Head Columbus Custodian Chad Chelgren and Principal Neal Fox.

Scandia students build bridges with MnDOT The third-grade class of Scandia Elementary met with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) engineer Scott Larson on Nov. 9 to learn how to build bridges. The lesson was in accordance with the IB unit, “Complex Systems Affect Nature and Society.” During the building process, students each played one of four roles: builder, safety inspector, project manager and parts supplier. Through the process, the students and Larson used metal girders, wooden dowels, washers, nuts and bolts to build bridges that would support a SUBMITTED student who would crawl through it. Superintendent Dr. Steve Massey reads to fi rst-graders at Columbus Elementary. 2 SAHS teachers honored at journalism convention Stillwater Area High School teachers Laurie visionary thinking, and demonstration of concern for Hansen and Rachel Stein were honored at the National students, staff and taxpayers. Hoeppner, who has served Scholastic Press Association Convention in Dallas. on the school board since 2007, was cited for helping Hansen, who teaches language arts and yearbook, was guide the Stillwater school board team through very the recipient of the Journalism Education Association trying times while always keeping his focus on student Master Journalism Educator award. In order to earn achievement. Hoeppner will receive his award during the certifi cation, she had to show evidence of advising a luncheon at MSBA’s annual Leadership Conference in and teaching for at least fi ve years, taking the Master January. MSBA is a private nonprofi t organization that Journalism Educator exam, and completing a project to provides cost-saving programs, management support, show her journalism expertise. Her fi nal project was a board training, advocacy, research and referral for magazine article on anniversary yearbooks. Minnesota’s public schools. Steil, who teaches language arts and newspaper, earned her Journalism Education Association Journalism Educator certifi cation as well. She had to demonstrate at least fi ve years of teaching/advising and take an exam addressing journalistic writing, editing, graphics, design, and legal and ethical considerations.

Stillwater student wins essay contest Fatima Menawa of Stillwater Area High School was honored at BestPrep’s Educational Forum as a winner of a statewide essay competition based on former SUBMITTED Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and NFL Hall of Larson and the third-graders of Scandia place their com- Famer Alan Page’s keynote address, “Tomorrow’s pleted bridge across two tables. Leaders … Why Character Matters.” Thomson Reuters and BestPrep co-sponsor the essay competition. Menawa was present with other top 20 students who were recognized from more than 400 essay submissions. These essay winners were invited to a private reception with Justice Page at the Educational Forum in St. Paul. The students could meet Justice Page and participate in a question-and-answer session with him. When asked about the role of character development in her education, Fatima wrote, “Character is the root of everything. A person’s belief and morals are what drives them through life and gives them a purpose. A purpose, a conviction can do so much in the way of success and how a person contributes to society.”

School board chair named to All State School Board Stillwater Area Public School’s board chairperson George Hoeppner has been named to the 2018 All State School Board, which is the Minnesota School Boards SUBMITTED Association’s (MSBA) most prestigious award. The SUBMITTEDSUBMITTED Students and Larson construct their bridge using various Student crawl through their completed bridges. award recognizes board members for strong leadership, materials excellence in boardsmanship, communication skills, DECEMBER 8, 2017 THE LOWDOWN 9 www.presspubs.com Downtown Christmas tree

BROWN’S CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT stands tall in Lowell Park NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 6:30 p.m., the Brown’s Creek Watershed District Board of Managers will hold two public hearings to receive comments on the District’s proposed rule changes and minor amendment to the ten-year Watershed Management Plan. BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER and Missy Hause donated Public comment will be taken to help BCWD ensure that the proposed EDITOR the tree, which was har- rules are fully protective of water resources without creating excessive admin- istrative costs or placing an undue burden on those subject to them. Com- vested from Silver Creek ments on specifi c provisions in the proposed rules and how they may apply STILLWATER — Sway- Tree Farm in Stillwater. in practice are most useful. Similarly, criticisms are most valuable when ac- ing in the high winds, Silver Creek owner Tom companied by a suggested alternative regulatory approach. Public comment will also be taken on the proposed minor plan amend- the 40-foot white fi r be- Polasik was also present, ment, which addressed inclusion of the Brown’s Creek Conservation Area gan to topple dangerously in addition to Mike and Management Plan implementation, inclusion of a partnership with the City close to the electric wires Anissa Raleigh of M.J. of Stillwater to address an existing drainage issue, removal of the septic re- placement cost-share program, and removal of four specifi c projects that have in Lowell Park before Raleigh Trucking, who been determined to be infeasible along Brown’s Creek. quick work by J.G. Hause helped install the tree. The public hearings will be held at the Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Construction workers Also on site were Coun- Ave, Stillwater, Minnesota. Anne Maule Miller, Secretary, Browns Creek Watershed District and a few helpers got the cilman Mike Polehna, Published one time in The St. Croix Valley Lowdown on December 8, tree back on track. Mayor Ted Kozlowski 2017. For the fourth year in a and the mayor’s wife, row, Stillwater construc- Rachel. tion company J.G. Hause donated the downtown Jackie Bussjaeger is Christmas tree, which the editor of the Forest was erected in the park Lake and St. Croix Valley Nov. 28. The tree was Lowdown, and can be decorated the next day, reached at 651-407-1229 or JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS and lit during the annual lowdownnews@press- Representatives from J.G. Hause Construction, M.J. Ra- Twinkle Parade on Dec. pubs.com. leigh Trucking and the city of Stillwater pose for a photo 2. in front of the newest festive addition to Lowell Park. J.G. Hause owners Jeff

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Despite the challenge of high winds, a crew of helpers pa- A festive construction cone warns passersby on the Brown’s tiently lifted the 40-foot white spruce into place in Stillwa- Creek State Trail of the danger of the unsecured tree in Still- ter’s Lowell Park. water’s Lowell Park. 651-429-5420 AUTO & TRUCK PARTS & CYLINDER 16615 N. Forest Blvd. (3 Miles North on Hwy 61) Hugo, MN HEAD SERVICE CARS, PICKUPS & JUNKERS ** WANTED ** WE ARE A STATE LICENSED & BONDED AUTO DISMANTLING, RECYCLING FACILITY. YOUR TITLES & VEHICLES PROPERLY HANDLED TOP DOLLAR FOR COMPLETE CARS BROUGHT IN ST. CROIX FOREST VALLEY Sara Scalia Brieja Parent LAKE

Stillwater sport Forest Lake sport Sara Scalia of Stillwater is scorching the nets for 27.2 points per game Brieja Parent, Forest Lake after fi ve games and recently became sophomore forward, scored the the Ponies’ career scoring leader. The game’s lone goal in the third Week* 5-foot-10 junior guard in her fourth Week* period as the Rangers beat varsity season has 1,267 points, osen by press staff osen by press staff Stillwater 1-0 on Nov. 25, then passing the record of 1,258 by Alena Martens (Class of 1998). Deadly on assisted on four goals in a 7-3 win

of the three-pointers, drives to the hoop of the over Park on Nov. 28, helping her *Athletes ch *Athletes *Athletes ch *Athletes and free throws, she’s had games of No. 5 ranked team stay unbeaten 33 and 34 points in wins over Como at 4-0-2. Parent had nine goals Park and River Falls, respectively. She and 11 assists as a freshman on averaged 9.2, 16.3 and 17.9 points in her fi rst three seasons. last year’s state tournament team. Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer! MAPLEWOOD Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer! MAPLEWOOD Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2017 TOYOTAT Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2016 TOYOTAT Athlete 651-482-1322 Athlete 651-482-1322 maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com 10 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com DECEMBER 8, 2017 Reel talk Weather tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Don’t Miss! Good Worth a Look Forget it Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in “COCO” (PG) (3.5) 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 [THEMATIC ELEMENTS.] WeathermanWatson.com. — When a music-loving, shoe-shining, 12-year-old Mexican boy (voiceover by SUNRISE / SUNSET Anthony Gonzalez) who lives with his WEATHER TIDBIT WEEKLY AVERAGES shoemaking parents (voiceovers by Jaime Well who can complain? It was a nice run of two spectacular DEC. 8 - 14, 2017 Camil and Sofía Espinosa), grandmother Fri Dec. 8 7:38 4:31 weeks of mostly sunny, dry and warm weather. Here we are (voiceover Renée Victor) and great- into the fi rst week of December and we’re still waiting for our High 27° grandmother (voiceover Ana Ofelia Sat Dec. 9 7:39 4:31 fi rst signifi cant snowfall. About the only place you can fi nd Low 12° Murguía) who do not permit music in the household, decides to borrow the guitar Sun Dec. 10 snow, as of this past weekend, is in the of %Sun 39% 7:40 4:31 the state. Mild zonal Pacifi c fl ow has kept the Arctic Low north of his idolized musician (voiceover by PCP 0.33” Benjamin Bratt) during the Mexican Mon Dec. 11 7:41 4:32 of the Arctic Circle, but that Low is expected to drop south holiday Día de Muertos in this colorful, over Hudson Bay and that usually means cold for us, generally family-oriented, entertaining, humor- fi lled, 3-D, star-studded (voiceovers Tue Dec. 12 7:42 4:32 below normal. We’ll get a taste of winter here for the next few by Edward James Olmos, John weeks, and with any luck some snow to go with it. Ratzenberger, Cheech Marin, and Wed Dec. 13 7:43 4:32 Gabriel Inglesias), 109-minute animated NOTE: musical, he ends up in the Land of the Thu Dec. 14 7:44 4:32 My 2018 Weather Calendar is now available. Go to Dead where he meets his relatives who WeathermanWatson.com for ordering and places to purchase. help him return to the land of the living Or give me a call at 651-206-5364. aft er meeting another mischievous musician (voiceover by Gael Garcia Bernal). “JUSTICE LEAGUE” (PG-13) Crossword [SEQUENCES OF SCI-FI VIOLENCE AND ACTION.] Fun Fact — When the evil, power-hungry, At birth, a Dalmation is ancient, axe-wielding Steppenwolf creature (Ciarán Hinds) threatens to always pure white. plunge the Earth into darkness and chaos in this love-it-or-hate-it, action-packed, entertaining, disjointed, wit-dotted, predictable, 3-D, star-studded (Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Amy Adams, J. K. Simmons, Robin Wright, Connie Nelson, Amber Heard, Bill Crudup, David Th ewlis, Joe Morton and Richard Cliff ord), 121-minute thriller fi lled with two-dimensional characters and over-the- top special eff ects, superheroes Batman Did you know? (Ben Affl eck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Superman (Henry Cavill), Aquaman (Jason Lizards communicate by Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller), and a cyborg (Ray Fisher) join forces to try and doing push-ups. prevent three powerful, mysterious boxes from merging together, which would allow the enemy and his minions to decimate Earth.

“THE POLAR EXPRESS” (G) (4)

— A re-release of Robert Zemeckis’s soon-to-be classic, computer-generated, 100-minute, 2004 animated fi lm based on Chris Van Allsburg’s novel Sudoku about a young boy (Tom Hanks) whose belief in Santa Claus is rekindled on Christmas Eve when he meets a conductor (Tom Hanks) and a ghost (Tom Hanks) on a magical train to the North Pole that takes him to meet Santa Claus (Tom Hanks) and all his elves. CLUES ACROSS 1. Relating to male organ 1. Package 2. Indicates position 3. Covers with frost “THELMA” (NR) (3) 7. Wear away 13. Joins a leaf to a stem 4. Makes a soft murmuring sound 5. Wood [SUBTITLED] 14. Worsen 16. Promotes international coopera- 6. Type of fuel — Aft er a Norwegian biology student (Eili Harboe) 7. Confused in her freshman year in Oslo who grew up with her tion (abbr.) 17. Your folks 8. Where you go at night devoutly religious father (Henrik Rafaelsen) and disabled 9. Canadian fl yers mother (Ellen Dorrit Petersen) has psychogenic seizures 19. Publicity and then fi nds herself strongly attracted to another 20. Moves up 10. Type of birch tree student (Kaya Wilkins) in this unusual, quirky, dark, 22. Dept. of Labor 11. Beloved Welsh princess unpredictable, 116-minute supernatural fi lm, she learns 23. Physicist Enrico 12. Coated that she has dangerous, powerful supernatural abilities that 25. Whitney and Manning are two 13. Smooth substance of crushed she inherited from her grandmother (Vibeke Lundquist) 26. Human foot (pl.) fruit that cause her to harm people around her when she 15. Improves intellectually becomes anxious and stressed. 28. Coral is an example 29. Extended error correction 18. A sign of assent 30. Small amount 21. Island-based Italians “WONDER WHEEL” (PG-13) (2) 31. Dash 24. Pragmatic 33. The greatest of all time 26. Peter’s last name [THEMATIC CONTENT, INCLUDING SOME SEXUALITY, 34. Middle Eastern country 27. A bag-like structure in a plant or LANGUAGE AND SMOKING.] 36. Ravine animal — Wonderful cinematography and shallow characters 38. Cup-like cavity 30. Mexican city dominate Woody Allen’s overly melodramatic, unevenly 40. Chemical substances 32. Sir Samuel __, Brit. statesman paced, 101-minute fi lm in which the life of a migraine- 41. Extremely stupid behavior 35. Summer Olympics were just prone, stressed-out, 39-year-old waitress (Kate Winslet) 43. He built Arantea here working at a clam house on Coney Island who has a young, “I am prepared for the worst, but 44. Beverage beloved by Brits 37. Fiddler crabs troubled arsonist son (Jack Gore), is turned upside down 38. Southern military academy hope for the best.“ when she begins an aff air with a handsome, wannabe- 45. Cereal plant 47. Signal 39. Tumors playwright lifeguard (Justin Timberlake) aft er which the 42. Speaks incessantly sensuous, estranged daughter (Juno Temple) of her carousel 48. A bar bill -Benjamin Disraeli operator husband (Jim Belushi) suddenly shows up aft er 51. Comedienne Faris 43. Sacred sound in Indian religions she leaves her gangster, racketeering husband with Mafi a 53. Preface to a book 46. Transactions hit men (Steve Schirripa and Tony Sirico) hot on her trail 55. Stores grain 47. Et-__ in the 1950s. 56. In a way, medicated 49. Reminders 58. Small island (British) 50. Doesn’t interest WENDY SCHADEWALD 59. An Indiana-based hoopster 52. Norse gods Th e preceding fi lms were reviewed by Wendy 60. Measures width of printed 54. Canola is one type Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities fi lm critic matter 55. Beloved sportscaster since 1986. To see more of her fi lm reviews, log on to 61. Riders use this to transport goodsCraig www.shortredheadreelreviews.com 64. Once more 57. Irish mother goddess 65. Thin layers 59. Daddy 67. Says again 62. Press against lightly 69. Cleans thoroughly 63. Sound unit 66. Master of Ceremo- 70. Warnings nies CLUES DOWN 68. Morning ©1986 through 2017 by Wendy Schadewald DECEMBER 8, 2017 THE LOWDOWN 11 www.presspubs.com Spotlight on Business

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BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER regretted the amount of misinfor- “We should have had a meeting light industrial. EDITOR mation that was spread through the every week for the last year to dis- Bituminous Roadways Inc.’s propos- community while the proposal was cuss putting a blacktop factory in the al has encountered opposition from COLUMBUS — The Columbus City under discussion by city officials. middle of a freeway district when we many residents inside and outside of Council decided at its Nov. 20 meet- Jesse Preiner, a member of the already have that over in Lino Lakes,” the community. Some individuals in ing to approve a zoning amendment Columbus Planning Commission, Preiner said, referring to Lino Lakes the crowd became disorderly after that would allow construction of an presented his report to the council Blacktop, Inc. the council’s decision, and the mayor asphalt plant in the city’s light in- but shared that he did not believe the The zoning amendment was devel- called for them to be removed. dustrial district. Prior to council’s construction of an asphalt plant was oped by city staff after Bituminous “We would love to leave because action, an asphalt plant was not a right for Columbus. Roadways Inc., an asphalt paving there’s so much slime in this room, permitted use in this district. He also felt that there was a lack of company out of Mendota Heights, we’ll slide right on out,” said one The council voted 4-1; Mayor Dave communication between the Planning applied to construct a new asphalt attendee. Povolny voted against the amend- Commission and City Council during plant within Columbus city limits on ment. Povolny said he thought that the course of discussion on the topic. Freeway Drive. Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the the matter could have been investi- He said he was confused by the may- Now that the city has made it per- Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Low- gated more thoroughly by a special or’s suggestion that a special commis- missible to build such a plant in the down, and can be reached at 651-407- commission composed of a combi- sion should have been established, light industrial district, council will 1229 or [email protected]. nation of people who did and did not since the city’s Planning Commission consider the company’s application. support the plant’s construction. He was already looking at the proposal. The site under consideration is zoned Magnolias Wool Shop features hand-dyed wool and atmosphere of fun

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER EDITOR

MAHTOMEDI — Locals might be surprised to learn that the lower level of Lila and Claudine’s Yarn Shop is frequented by hookers — rug hook- ers, that is. Laughingly referring to themselves this way, these crafty ladies spend hours working on wool rugs and other projects in the comfort of Magnolias Clothing and Wool Shop. The shop moved into the lower level in August, after owner Paulette Wentzlaff had to move her shop in Hudson when the building was sold. Went- zlaff is a resident of Osceola, Wisconsin. She said she is excited to be in the new location, where she is more central to the cities. “This whole block is women-owned businesses, so it’s just a really great neighborhood for me,” she said. “I felt at home right away.” In addition to hosting classes, Wentzlaff sells her home-dyed wool, textile craft tools and a clothing selection. She began dyeing her own wool when she took up rug hooking as a hobby, but noticed that it was diffi cult to fi nd the supplies she wanted. “I grew up with my mother really into fi ber (she was a quilter),” Wentzlaff said. “Textiles was a really fun thing for me to explore.” She taught herself how to do it by buying wool fabric by the bolt and dyeing it at home. Her bright colors and mottled patterns are particular favorites with customers. PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS “People like that for the more contemporary Stacks of hand-dyed wool line the walls at Magnolias in Mahtomedi look,” she said. “People are just looking for more color now, it seems, when they’re decorating. Play- ing with color is really the best part of the whole thing for me,” Wentzlaff said. Since some people are allergic to wool, Wentzlaff also dyes nylon, which can be used for rug hook- ing in the same way wool is used. In addition to textiles, Wentzlaff carries Ameri- can-made, fair-trade and European clothing. She carries a full range of sizes, and looks for comfort- able designs. “There’s something here for everybody,” Went- zlaff said. “I really search for cuts that are fl at- tering on all body types, and I look for good fi bers that drape well—good cottons and linens. And I really believe in not having any sweatshop stuff, I only have American-made, fair trade or Europe- an-made.” Wentzlaff also hosts classes and informal group meetings at the location. Wool applique is another shop specialty—Went- zlaff sells hand-dyed threads from Germany for just this purpose. Classes cover different tech- niques, stitches, different fi ber threads, combina- tions of stitches and more. “It is unlimited, really,” Wentzlaff said. “People PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS are wanting to do more handwork; people want to Magnolias Clothing and Wool Shop owner Paulette Wentzlaf Owner Paulette Wentzlaff shows off some of the textile make things. The rug hooking and the wool appli- and Jean Bartel display a dyed wool appliqué that Bartel projects completed in the wool shop. que, there’s no machines needed, everything can created at the shop. be done by hand.” and is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wentzlaff keeps current on styles and expertise hands,” she said. “It’s relaxing, it’s calming, it’s a Wednesdays-Fridays, 10-4 p.m. Saturdays, and by attending educational retreats each year. She little meditative. The colors, too. It’s like having a closed Sundays and Mondays. said sometimes it’s fun just to be a participant bouquet of fl owers in front of you.” instead of the leader, and fi nds the activity re- Magnolias can be found online at www.magno- Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the Forest Lake warding. liaspaulette.com, or reached by phone at 651-429- and St. Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached “There’s a grounding to working with your 9773. The store is located at 86 Mahtomedi Avenue, at 651-407-1229 or [email protected]. DECEMBER 8, 2017 THE LOWDOWN 13 www.presspubs.com Council puts a damper on downtown cigar shops

BY JULIE KINK how allowing the use would have required ping, lodging and have would just kind of open of mill and overlay CONTRIBUTING WRITER downtown fulfills the tobacconists seeking disposable income that the door for everybody. work. purpose of the zon- to operate downtown the other businesses We don’t have the The Stillwater City STILLWATER — Still- ing code to promote to apply for a condi- in downtown Stillwa- standards to back up Council next meets at 7 water offi cials decided public health, safety tional use permit and ter would love to see.” assurances it would not p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at last week that down- and welfare. He noted to meet performance They provided manu- have a negative impact City Hall, located at 216 town Stillwater is not that the applicants are standards, including facturer’s information on public safety and Fourth St. N., Stillwater. the place for cigar shops. responsible owners limiting sampling to on an air purification health.” Council nixed a with a sound plan, “but a self-contained room system that would request by father-son if you open the door to equipped with an air scrub the air and cir- In other business, Podiatrist– team Scott and Luke one, you open the door exchange system. Air culate it four times per the council: Sodergren to add zoning to the next one and the quality would have hour to ensure outgo- • Learned the Main Foot Specialist language allowing cigar next one. ... A zoning to meet state health ing air is clean. Street steps may be open Dr. Christopher Phillips shops and sampling text amendment to me standards both inside Mayor Ted Kozlowski as early as mid-Decem- Medical and Surgical rooms in the downtown is real sweeping, and if and out. said he doesn’t smoke ber, according to Public Management of the district after citing it doesn’t really pro- In their applica- cigars but doesn’t mind Works Director Shawn Foot and Ankle concerns about air mote the welfare and tion, the Sodergrens the smell. Though he Sanders; Sports Medicine quality. The Soder- safety of the communi- described plans for loved the idea of diver- • Authorized the grens currently oper- ty—that’s a standard an upscale, destina- sifying the retail mix preparation of a fea- Treatment of Adults and Children ate Sodie’s Cigar Shop that we have to apply.” tion-type shop with downtown, the mayor sibility study for 2018 with Foot Conditions in Osceola, Wisconsin, The city currently a sampling room and had strong concerns street improvements, • Ingrown Toenails • Arch & Heel Pain and would like to open allows tobacco shops large walk-in humidor. about the risk of smoke to include Curve Crest • Bunions • Hammer Toes another shop at 209 in the business park They noted that typical seeping onto Main and Industrial boule- • Senior & Diabetic Foot Care Main Street South. area near Highway premium pipe and ci- Street. “As operators, I vards as well as other • Arthritic Feet Councilman Tom 36, but not the cen- gar smokers tend to be think you guys would commercial and residen- Weidner, who said he tral business district affluent, middle-aged do a good job,” he told tial streets, totaling 1.7 4653 White Bear Pwky is a frequent cigar downtown. The ordi- people “who enjoy the Sodergrens. “It’s not miles of street recon- White Bear Lake, MN 55110 smoker, questioned nance, if approved, restaurants, shop- you I’m worried about, it struction and 3.8 miles 651-426-3995 www.WhiteBearFootAndAnkleClinic.com

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BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER and bond with friends, the club can also help its mem- EDITOR bers develop life skills. “Veiled within all programming are social skills, STILLWATER — It’s never a boring Friday night at fi ne motor skills, gross motor skills, nutrition and the Valley Friendship Club. importance of getting exercise,” Kane said. “It’s not Currently, the club has around 150 members, young just a social club, it’s social and educational. But we people of all abilities, from around the St. Croix Val- veil everything so that it’s all fun.” ley. In addition to regular hangout times, the club gets Susan Kane was inspired to begin the club when out and about in the community. In the past, activities she dropped off her son at a play date. Her daughter have included martial arts in the park, snowshoeing Hannah, who has developmen- at Sunfi sh Park, dances at the high tal disabilities, was still sitting school, art programming and walk- in the backseat and said “I got ing the Gateway Trail. nothing.” Ideally, Kane said the club would Kane questioned her daughter, like to get a van to be able to trans- who explained that unlike her port a large group. Right now, the brother, she didn’t have any- club relies on Metro Mobility and thing to do that night. She began school district buses to help members crying. Kane thought about how get to the Hub. young people with disabilities “Every year we’ve done a commu- don’t have the same after-school nity service project, like tie blankets social opportunities as many of for Lakeview and (make) cards for their peers, and how it is such Holiday Hope,” Kane said. “It’s im- a vital part of the middle school portant to show the community that and high school experience. our membership can give back.” She hated seeing her daughter Assumptions about people with so unhappy, and decided to do disabilities can be damaging, espe- something to change that. cially to young people who just want Valley Friendship Club re- a chance to make friends and contrib- ceived nonprofi t status in 2010, ute to their community. but it wasn’t until Oct. 6 of this SUBMITTED “We have just been growing and year that it had its very own Members of Valley Friendship Club blossoming,” Kane said. “The fi rst space. The group used to meet gather during hangout time, playing year we did 45 events, and now we’re SUBMITTED in the Lake Elmo Regional Arts games. close to 90 a year. So we’ve really Foosball is one of several fun after-school activities off ered Center, which the Lake Elmo City grown since 2010.” at The Hub, which holds an open hangout time 2:30-5:30 Council decided to demolish this VFC will have a Christmas Party on p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. year in order to expand a city baseball diamond. Dec. 22, and a New Years Party on Dec. 29. Valley Friendship Club was looking for a new home, Learn more about Valley Friendship Club at www. and found one on Memorial Avenue N. with the help valleyfriendshipclub.org. The Hub is located at 5620 and more. The Pop-Up Market will run Dec. 2-10 from of a donor who contributed the fi rst year’s rent. Memorial Ave. N., Suite C, Stillwater. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Special Products is located at This new space is known as The Hub. Valley Friendship Club is also involved in two up- 5600 Memorial Ave. N., Suite 1, Stillwater. “It’s a wheel, it’s the core, it’s the heart, it’s the coming holiday events: •Alchemy Arts Studio will host a holiday open center, and that’s what we’re hoping to be,” Kane said. • Special Products LLC will host its third annual house and fundraiser 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Attend- “(We want) to bring in people of all abilities. It’s not annual Pop-Up Holiday Gift Market, which is big- ees can walk in and create their very own fused glass just for people with disabilities, but for all.” ger and better than ever this year. The market will ornament for $10, or four of them for $32. Proceeds The Hub offers a fun hangout space two days a feature handmade products created by people of all support Valley Friendship Club. Alchemy Arts Studio week after school, and on Friday nights for movie abilities from Valley Friendship Club, St. Croix Trail- is located at 5620 Memorial Ave. N., Stillwater. or game night. Club members can enjoy a pool table, blazers Equestrian Team, Hoppel Poppel Breads, Still- dartboard, video games, karaoke machine and much water Area High School 18-21 Transition Programs, Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the Forest Lake and more, all of which was donated by VFC supporters. Daniel’s Desserts and Special Products. Gifts include St. Croix Valley Lowdown, and can be reached at 651- Besides giving each other an opportunity to connect ornaments, decorations, greeting cards, festive treats 407-1229 or [email protected]. – Find it – Around the LakE HEALTH INSURANCE MART Keeping up in Health Insurance Health Insurance Mart, owned by Barry and Val companies have changed their product offerings retirement, we are here to help you explore your Sutherland, has been doing business in Scandia, to re ect what consumers seem to be looking for options and make the process less confusing. Minnesota, in the historic Schmitt Mall, since in today’s market. All of these changes can lead If you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to 1989. The eld of health insurance has evolved to confusion for the consumer and the need to drop in. 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BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER EDITOR considered a bill in 2014 to ban the practice, but the bill did not pass. The Arctic beauty of the snowy owl, The locations of sightings are some- with its black-spotted white feathers times closely guarded to avoid attract- and piercing yellow eyes, has captivat- ing a large number of people with ed human imagination for so long that cameras and binoculars who might the owl is depicted in early European disturb the birds. cave paintings. It’s not surprising, “Because they’re young birds and then, that this mysterious animal is snowy owls are coming from places causing such a stir this year, as Minne- with few or no people at all, often they sotans notice an increase in the num- are quite naive about people,” Weiden- ber of snowy owls visiting the state. saul said. “They can be approached A population boom such as this one much more closely than most owls, and is known as an “irruption,” and sci- they can seem tame. Because they’re entists are still trying to understand so beautiful, people want to get close, all of the elements that cause it — and so people often do get too close. We the effects that stem from it. Snowy ask people to respect the owl, respect owl irruptions happen around every distance. Just because you can get 4-5 years, and are thought to be caused close, please don’t. Every time you by a good summer breeding season fl ush it and move it, it uses energy. It’s in the Arctic. Many of the owls seen not good for them to get bumped from in Minnesota are young ones that are perch to perch. When they’re not both- spreading out to explore after leaving ered by people, they stay in one place their Arctic home for the fi rst time. and conserve energy.” COURTESY OF STEVE BROSTE | SUBMITTED Scott Weidensaul is a founding The owls often hide during the day Photographer Steve Broste saw this snowy owl in Hennepin County this year. member of Project SNOWstorm, a to avoid the attention of any other non-governmental organization that would-be attackers. Larger birds such tracks snowy owl movement across the as eagles have been known to hunt and nation. The project began after a prom- harass owls, and crows will mob them inent irruption four years ago, when “a in large groups to try to scare them tsunami of white owls came fl ooding away. out of the Arctic,” Weidensaul said. “Depending on where they are, they The project uses data from GPS could get fl ushed into traffi c,” Weiden- transmitters that are attached to wild saul said. “If (the owl is) moving owls, as well as reports from the bird around a bit, that’s probably an indica- observation website eBird. tion you’re too close and should back “Looking at Minnesota, there are a off.” lot of reports in and around the Min- “The trouble with snowy owls is they neapolis-St. Paul area, which is not have so little fear of people, they can surprising because there are more ob- easily become habituated to people. servers there,” Weidesaul said. There They think, ‘There’s my lunch ticket.’” have also been a high number of snowy Once birds are not afraid of humans, owl sightings along the coastlines of they spend more time in human-fre- Lake Superior and in the farmland in quented areas, leaving them suscepti- the southwest of the state, where the ble to injury from cars, predators and wide-open country resembles the fl at possible danger from other humans. Arctic tundra. There are respectful ways to observe “They’re more nomadic than migra- snowy owls: Minneapolis-St. Paul In- tory, and while many will come south ternational Airport is known to attract again, they don’t all do that every win- snowy owls every year, since the large, ter,” Weidensaul explained. “Some of fl at airfi eld resembles the owls’ home them will go north for the winter and territory. As long as you don’t get too spend the winter on permanent sea ice, close, Weidensaul said it’s okay to go COURTESY OF STEVE BROSTE | SUBMITTED feeding on sea ducks.” Weather and look for reported owls such as this one. Snowy owls may behave a little diff erently than other owl species, since they have very wind conditions can affect the birds’ “As long as it’s not staring at you or little fear of humans due to their isolation in the far north. destination each year. trying to get away from you,” he said. There are a few misconceptions “Watching from a vehicle is great about snowy owl irruptions, Weiden- because they can’t see you and don’t winter behavior continues to hold new behavior they might do as adults in the saul said. Many people assume that notice you. A lot of the problem is not surprises. Arctic. That was really a cool discovery the owls are on the move because they observers; it’s airplanes. (The owls) are “We think of them as feeding on we got really excited about.” have run out of food sources in their at serious risk for getting hit by planes, small mammals like lemmings, which Even for Weidensaul, the magic of usual habitat. On the contrary, these and are a risk to planes themselves.” is true in summer, but many that win- seeing a snowy owl never goes away. owls are usually healthy and well fed. When possible, wildlife authorities ter on the coast feed on ducks, grebes, “They belong to another world,” “A small subset of folks that are and airport managers trap and relocate loons and other waterbirds. Some adult Weidensaul said. “You’re not going to convinced these birds need help, and owls like these to prevent harm to the owls are known to winter in the Arctic look out your window and see a polar that’s not true,” Weidensaul said. animals and damage to the planes. on sea ice. When the Great Lakes froze bear strolling down the street, but “Some photographers have a tenden- In addition to tracking owl movement, over, a number of owls moved out onto (these owls) bring a piece of the Arctic cy to toss live mice out (to attract the Project SNOWstorm is also studying the frozen surfaces of Ontario and Erie with them.” bird), which is increasingly frowned the levels of mercury found in the and spent weeks at a time on the ice. Learn more about Project SNOW- on.” snowy owl populations. At high enough When we watched satellite images of storm at www.projectsnowstorm.org. Known as “owl baiting,” this practice levels, mercury could compromise the ice, we realized they focused on is controversial among birders and the birds’ reproduction or even their areas where prevailing winds were Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the photographers. behavior. cracking the ice apart, and they were Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Low- This phenomenon created so much Over the years of working with the feeding on gulls and waterbirds. So down, and can be reached at 651-407- tension that the Minnesota Legislature snowies, Weidensaul said the owls’ these owls were sort of practicing 1229 or [email protected]. Guided morning bird hikes continue Dec. 9 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

LAKE ELMO — A rotating schedule of bird hikes continue in Washington Under park locations, fi nd a county map with park contact information; search County Parks: the next one will take place 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at “guided bird hikes” on the county website for more information. Lake Elmo Park Reserve, meeting at the Nordic Center Foyer. Parking is avail- The hikes will traverse turf, gravel and paved trail, depending on trail condi- able at the Nordic Trailhead Lot. tions. Participants should bring binoculars and dress for hiking and the weath- Learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute er. This program is free with a parks vehicle permit ($7/day or $30/annual) and to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys with the is open to guests of all ages and abilities. ADA accommodations can be made as guide. The surveys collected will assist the county’s natural resources team needed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund For questions, call 651-430-8370 or email at [email protected]. grant. For Washington County park locations, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks. From press release &

16 THE LOWDOWN www.reathelowdown.com DECEMBER 8, 2017 2 found dead in Scandia home

SCANDIA — A Scandia man and woman were found viduals inside the residence, Chief Deputy B. Mueller Offi ce is not seeking any suspects in this death investi- dead in their home Sunday night in what is being wrote in a press release issued this morning. The two gation and there is no threat to the public. According to reported as an apparent murder-suicide. were identifi ed as Melissa Seefert, 65 years old, and Mueller, no other information is available at this time. At 9:56 p.m. Nov. 19, the Washington County Sheriff’s Clarence Seefert, 66 years old. Offi ce received a call requesting deputies check on the The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Suzanne Lindgren, Country Messenger Editor welfare of residents on north Olinda Trail in Scandia. was summoned to assist in processing the crime scene. Upon arrival, offi cers discovered two deceased indi- A weapon was located on the premises. The Sheriff’s Forest Lake welcomes 3 new police offi cers

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER in front of you shortly,” Peterson said. EDITOR Mayor Ben Winnick then came forward and led each offi cer in their oath of offi ce. FOREST LAKE — Three new police Brown is a graduate of Forest Lake offi cers were sworn into the Forest Lake Schools and worked for three years with Police Department at the City Council’s the Wyoming Police Department prior to Nov. 27 meeting. joining the Forest Lake police. He former- Police Chief Rick Peterson introduced ly served with the U.S. Army. new offi cers, Josh Brown, Ashlee Glem Glem is a graduate of North Branch and and Tom Coulter, to the council and mem- worked part time for the Woodbury Po- bers of the audience, explaining that they lice Department as a Community Service were the three out of more than 130 candi- Offi cer. She is currently in the Minnesota dates that made the cut. Applicants took National Guard. two written exams and were interviewed Coulter is a graduate of Forest Lake and subjected to physical agility tests be- who served 22 years with the Blue Earth fore each underwent a background check, County Sheriff’s Offi ce. He is excited to physical exam and psychological exam. return to his hometown and serve the The offi cers started serving on the force citizens of Forest Lake. Oct. 30. They are currently serving in a fi eld training program capacity, which Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the will continue through the end of the year. Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Low- JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS “I could not be more proud of these down, and can be reached at 651-407-1229 Mayor Ben Winnick swears in, from left, Josh Brown, Ashlee Glem and Tom Coulter. three police offi cers who will be standing or [email protected]. FOREST LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The Forest Lake Police Department reported the • A 41-year-old Brooklyn Park man was arrested • A neighbor in the 4800 block of 210th Street N. called following incidents: when he tried to shoplift a power generator from the police at 6:10 p.m. Nov. 15 to report that a motorcy- Forest Lake Menards at 8:26 a.m. Nov. 14. cle trailer was missing from his neighbor’s house, Arrest/Citation • Forest Lake offi cers engaged in a vehicle pursuit on which he was keeping an eye on while the neighbors wintered elsewhere. • Police were called to the McDonald’s parking lot on Scandia Trail N. at 1:43 p.m. Nov. 13 when a vehicle Broadway Avenue at 6:06 p.m. Nov. 17 in response to without plates was pulled over. The vehicle then left a domestic situation. Witnesses had seen a man and the location at a high rate of speed. Other squads Other a woman conducting a custody exchange. Some ar- joined in the pursuit and chased the car up Highway • Police were called to help subdue a disruptive cus- guing took place, and while the woman was trying 61 and onto Highway 8. After hitting stop sticks, tomer at Wendy’s at 8:05 p.m. Nov. 18. When police to remove children from the man’s vehicle, the man the vehicle lost its front driver’s side tire. One of talked to the store manager, they learned that the began backing up his vehicle. He then got out of the the squads conducted a PIT maneuver, forcing the 37-year-old Stacy man had ordered a sandwich with- car and aggressively pulled from from his vehicle, suspect vehicle into the ditch, where it rolled over. out onions, and had received onions on it. He was punching her in the side of the head and throwing Chisago Fire arrived and assisted in removing the upset and threw the onions at the drive-thru win- her to the ground. The 31-year-old North Branch driver and passenger. The driver was a 26-year-old dow, then drove off. Ten minutes later, he returned man was arrested for fi fth degree domestic assault man with no permanent address with a revoked and entered the store, yelling and swearing at staff. and transported to Washington County Jail. driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest from He was asked to leave three times and refused. After the Department of Corrections. He was treated • Police investigated a welfare check request for a car another 15 minutes, the man did leave the store, for head pains before being transported to jail on that was parked in the Kwik Trip parking lot on and police located his vehicle in the Home Depot charges of felony fl eeing, the Department of Correc- 208th Street N at 8:43 a.m. Nov. 14. A male party ap- lot. Offi cers approached him, and he admitted to tions warrant, driving after revocation and posses- peared to be sleeping in the car, which was running, throwing onions at the drive-thru window because sion of stolen property. and when police knocked on the door, he shrugged he is allergic and specifi cally asked for no onions. them off. The man appeared to be under the in- • A 26-year-old Minneapolis man was arrested for He said that this occurred six other times and he fl uence of some type of drug. The offi cer opened DWI after he was pulled over for speeding on Broad- was sick of it. Police advised him not to return to the the door of the vehicle and pat searched the male, way Avenue at 1:23 a.m. Nov. 23. restaurant. locating two glass pipes with white residue in his • A 37-year-old Blaine man was arrested for fi rst • An attempted break-in was reported at EcoFun Mo- front pocket. He was arrested for possession of drug degree DUI when he was pulled over for a moving torsports at 8:55 a.m. Nov. 23. No entry was gained, paraphernalia. He also had two active warrants for violation on Broadway Avenue at 11:06 p.m. Nov. 27. but there was damage to the lower portion of the en- his arrest, and his driver’s license was suspended. try door, and a black baseball cap was left on scene. Upon searching the vehicle, an offi cer located an Theft After reviewing security video, a 21-year-old Forest eyeglass case that contained a substance that later Lake man was located as a suspect. tested positive for meth. The suspect was transport- • A vehicle was reported stolen from the AmericInn ed to jail. on Broadway Avenue at 11:14 a.m. Nov. 19.

STILLWATER POLICE REPORTS

The Stillwater Police Department moved from house but were not used was taken to Lakeview, where he was Other reported the following incidents: in the altercation itself. The 59-year- later discharged. Ultimately he was old male was taken into custody for transported to Washington County • At 2:19 a.m. Nov. 27, Stillwater police Arrest/Citation three Washington County warrants, Jail. responded to the area of Water Street and fi fth degree assault. The 29-year- and Main Street in downtown Stillwa- • A 45-year-old Oakdale woman was • At 6 p.m. Nov. 20, police were called to old was also charged with 5th degree ter, for a report of an injured person arrested in the area of Owens Street Stillwater Boulevard and Croixwood domestic assault. laying in the street. Upon arrival, and Myrtle Street at 3:41 p.m. Nov. 23 Boulevard for a report of an accident. they found an intoxicated 31-year-old when she ran a stop sign at a high rate • At 10:15 a.m. Nov. 22, Stillwater police Offi cers ultimately determined a driv- Oak Park Heights man with a punc- of speed. She was booked at Washing- were called to an address on Park- er involved, a 28-year-old Marine on ture wound to his back. He said he ton County Jail for careless driving. wood Lane for a unknown situation. St. Croix woman, was responsible for had fallen but couldn’t explain when A report described a 32-year-old male the accident. She showed signs of in- • At 2:42 a.m. Nov. 23 police responded or where it was. Police later did fi nd who was bleeding, with possible toxication and was transported to jail. to an address in the 800 block of Fifth fresh blood located on a wrought iron lacerations. When police arrived, A breathe test was administered, with St. S. for a two-person domestic as- fence near the Stillwater Lift Bridge. the 32-year-old male appeared to a result of 0.18. She was booked and sault. A 59-year-old Stillwater resident The man was taken to Regions Hospi- be extremely intoxicated and was charged for second degree DWI, and and his 29-year-old son were involved tal and treated. uncooperative. He was cleared by she had two previous DWI violations in a verbal altercation. The fi ght medics on scene, but he was arrested in the past 10 years. became physical. Weapons were re- for obstruction of legal process and he &

DECEMBER 8, 2017 www.reathelowdown.com THE LOWDOWN 17 Lake Elmo home destroyed in fi re

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER EDITOR

LAKE ELMO — At around 4:30 a.m. Nov. 24, fi refi ghters were called to a major house fi re in Lake Elmo. A family of six was able to escape the home unharmed, but their two dogs unfortunately did not make it out of the house. Kristoffer Breien, his wife Amy, and their four chil- dren want people to have an emergency plan in case of an unexpected fi re such as this one, and especially to consider placing window ladders on multiple-story homes. COURTESY OF JUDD SATHER | SUBMITTED COURTESY OF JUDD SATHER | SUBMITTED Lake Elmo Fire Chief Greg Friends and family inspect the home for retrievable belongings. In an ironic twist of fate, the fi rewood in the home was unburned. Malmquist said that the Washington County Sheriff’s gusting, so the wind was not for the fi re to burn the house Sather also established a just a get-together in the fami- Department arrived fi rst on our friend,” Malmquist said. In down. At this time, the cause website, www.breienfamily. ly’s honor. the scene and reported fl ames addition to the sheriff’s depart- of the fi re is undetermined. org, to help support the family The Breien family could not coming out the front door. ment, Lake Elmo Fire, Mahto- Friend of the family Judd with anything they might need be reached before press time. By the time Lake Elmo Fire medi Fire, Stillwater Fire, Sather shared that the family while they fi gure out what to Department arrived, the fam- Bayport Fire, Lower St. Croix is temporarily staying in a do next. Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor ily was safely out of the house, Valley Fire and Woodbury hotel. He visited the site of the A get-together will be held of the Forest Lake and St. Croix and the fi re fi ghters went into Fire assisted in controlling the home with the family and took at his downtown business, JX Valley Lowdown, and can be defensive mode. High winds blaze. Firefi ghters were able to a few photos of the damage— Event Venue, from 5-11 p.m. reached at 651-407-1229 or low- made it diffi cult to control the prevent the fi re from spread- ironically, a stack of unburnt Friday, Dec. 15, but Sather [email protected]. fl ames. ing to nearby homes. fi rewood still sits among the wanted to make it clear that it “The winds were 12 mph and It took less than an hour wreckage. is not a benefi t or fundraiser, Stillwater police department undergoes remodel

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER parked outside the station. EDITOR “Police cars now have thou- sands of dollars’ worth of very STILLWATER — It was a technological equipment— long wait for the Stillwater computers, everything else,” police, but improvements to Gannaway said. “They were the department’s offi ces at City exposed to the elements and Hall are fi nally close to comple- now they’re indoors, so essen- tion. tially we’re safeguarding the On Nov. 20, the Stillwater taxpayer’s investment.” Police Department held an Gannaway said the remodel open house of its new facilities, also aims to honor the depart- which include a new lobby with ment’s past, with artifacts a historical display; private collected from throughout conference rooms; a new foren- its history such as outdated sics space; new, more spacious protective gear, weaponry, evi- workspaces for offi cers; a dence-gathering kits and more. training and education class- “If you look at our squad cars, room; adjustable desks and an they’re new, modern SUVs,” enclosed garage. Gannaway said. “Those origi- As Police Chief John Gan- nal offi cers, they were on foot naway noted at the open house and on horseback. Imagine do- JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS event, a lot has changed since ing that through the hills and Offi cer Dave Wulfi ng with K-9 Sgt. Chris Felsch gives a tour of the Stillwater Police Department interi- the department began in 1854, valleys at 30 below zero. Those Buzz inside the newly remodeled or. Here, he leads a tour group through a conference room intended to be when the entire department were tough, tough offi cers. We offi ce space at the Stillwater Police used for work on big investigations. consisted of fi ve offi cers. pay homage and remember, Department. “So when they were formed, because our mission is still the they defi nitely didn’t have a same — protect and serve the meet with other staff, and you facility like this,” Gannaway citizens of Stillwater.” see these offi ces that we used to said. “They were in a building Mayor Ted Kozlowski also have, it just wasn’t a good work downtown, it was the upstairs, spoke at the event, saying he environment. And realizing there were fi ve offi cers. I’m didn’t realize the amount of how tough their job is, it really sure they didn’t have a cere- hard work that goes into being made sense that they would mony, they probably gave them an offi cer on the force until have a comfortable, profession- their nightsticks or whatever he became a member of City al working environment. They rudimentary basic equipment Council and worked directly do a great service for our town, they had, and probably told with police. so I couldn’t be happier with them to get to work.” “Growing up in Stillwater, the result.” The department has since you have a vision of what After these words were evolved into a modern profes- our offi cers do on any given shared outside the building, sional law enforcement agen- day, and it’s cats in trees, and offi cers then gave tours of the cy—the challenge was keeping saving ducks from the sewers new facility. While the building their offi ces up to the task. The and all of those things,” he is substantially complete, there new lobby is safe and secure, said. “But … you realize really are still a few unfi nished areas, with a large training area quickly, in talking to all of such as the forensics room. that can be used not only for our offi cers and our chief and These areas will be completed Stillwater police, but other law sergeants and everybody, that in the near future. enforcement departments near- they’ve got a really tough job. JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS by for joint training sessions. This is tough anywhere, espe- Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor Cutline: Members of the Stillwater City Council, Stillwater Police Depart- A new evidence processing and cially with the climate we have of the Forest Lake and St. Croix ment, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Washington County storage room will make orga- today with police work and Valley Lowdown, and can be Sheriff ’s Offi ce gather for a photo outside the remodeled police depart- nization easier. One especially public safety and everything reached at 651-407-1229 or low- ment. valuable improvement is the we’re trying to do. So when I [email protected]. parking garage for the squad would come downstairs and I cars, since the cars used to be would meet with the chief or 18 THE LOWDOWN DECEMBER 8, 2017 www.presspubs.com Airport hangar will be repaired, but will not accept new tenants

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER retain an affordable space for tenants, location charges, the math just doesn’t fi nal segment of the council meeting EDITOR but would force the city to invest in a work and we need a different solution.” was closed to the public pursuant to structure that will likely incur more “As long as the building is there the Minnesota statute that recognizes FOREST LAKE — The city of For- costs and repairs in the future. and structurally sound, I’m fi ne with attorney-client privilege. est Lake will provide repairs to the By allowing the tenants to stay, the continuing their leases on,” said Mayor Daniel A. DePonti airport’s Hangar city will not have to provide costly relo- Ben Winnick. “I do believe that demand In other action, the City Council: E, months after it was damaged in a cation benefi ts for the current lessees. for the airport’s going to pick up.” Swore in three new Forest Lake storm, the City Council decided Nov. However, the city will not take any new He said ideally, the leases would be police offi cers. 27. tenants in the hangar, which will even- handled by a private organization rath- Approved an agreement with AEM A recent Airport Commission meet- tually leave an unused structure on the er than the city, but for the time being, Financial Services to continue to per- ing identifi ed three options for the airport property. it was the best option for the city. form fi nance director duties for the city. council to pursue: complete the re- “I think that leaving a space empty “The cost in administration and Adopted the 2018 meeting calendar, pairs, demolish the structure or keep there is not a good idea,” Councilman everything else far exceeds what we’re which will remain the same; the coun- the structure as it is and modify the Sam Husnik said. “I’m totally against getting from it,” he said. “It’s costing cil will meet in regular session every lease. The commission recommended this idea of leaving a space empty when us more than the revenue we’ll ever get other Monday night at 7 p.m. the fi rst option, which was discussed somebody vacates it.” from it.” Thanked city staff, especially Parks at this meeting. “I’m open to a longer-term conversa- Bain made a motion to retain Lonsky Director Jamie Muscha, for a great tree The council also discussed this at tion about a longer-term rental solution Construction for hangar repairs, using lighting ceremony at Lakeside Memori- its last workshop, where the gener- at the airport,” said Councilwoman insurance proceeds provided by the al Park on Nov. 26. al consensus was that the hangar Mara Bain. “We have an opportunity Minnesota League of Cities Insurance The Forest Lake City Council next should be repaired, but tenants now to make some repairs using some Trust, “with the understanding that meets at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4, at the should not be replaced in the hangar insurance funds to do that. I think there’s no additional leases provided,” Forest Lake City Center, 1408 Lake St. once their leases expire. Leases are we should do that, but I’m concerned she said. S., Forest Lake. month to month and remain in place on continuing the trail of leases and The motion passed 3-1. Bain, Winnick until either the city or tenant termi- continuing to build new leases until and Councilman Ed Eigner voted for Jackie Bussjaeger is the editor of the nates it. we have something that is longer term. the motion, and Husnik voted against Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Low- The low bid for the repair from The simple economics just don’t line it. Councilman Mike Freer was not in down, and can be reached at 651-407- Lonsky Construction was $44,134. up, given that relocation charge. If that attendance. 1229 or [email protected]. The option was presented to the relocation charge didn’t exist, I would The city is now facing pending liti- council with the point that it would say as-is, rent it away, but with those re- gation related to the airport, and the

PREVIEW STILLWATER PONIES STILLWATER PONIES STILLWATER PONIES STILLWATER PONIES WRESTLING SWIMMING ALPINE SKI GIRLS BASKETBALL

Coaches — Rich Keller Coaches — Brian Luke L ke SCHEDULE Coaches — WillieWilli Taylor T l (head), Brian Reier, Tom (head), Carrie Madline, DECEMBER (head), Tess Green, Kevin Wendt, Tim Hartung, Karl Bill Kalciem, Stewart Dec. 19 5 PM @ Wild Mountain Anderson, Sherm Danielson Knothe, Matt Onken Rivall Dec. 22 9 AM @ Wild Mountain Last year — 11-16 overall, 5-11 Last year — 20-8 overall, 8-0 Last year — Conference and JANUARY conference conference, champs of confer- section champions, fourth Jan. 4 3:30 PM @ Powder Ridge Captains — Rachel Houle (sr ence and section place at state Jan. 9 5 PM @ F), Elizabeth Ogren (sr F) Captains — Jared Christian Captains — Jack Stack (sr, Jan. 13 9:30 AM @ Giants Ridge Closer look — Scalia averaged (sr), Kevin Thole (sr), Trey Kruse (so) sprints), Jon Busse (sr, backstroke, IM), Jan. 16 5 PM @ Wild Mountain 17.9 points last year … Two freshmen starters Other letter winners — Javon Taschuk (so), Matt Payne (sr, flyer), Robert Niemann (sr, Jan. 19 9 AM @ Buck Hill are Benning and Pratt (a transfer) Reid Ballantyne (fr), Jeffrey Robinson (jr), freestyle) Jan. 23 5 PM @ Afton Alps Other letter winners — Sara Scalia (jr G), Corstian Riesselman (fr), Thomas Riessel- Closer look — All-staters back are Busse (5th Jan. 26 2:30 PM @ Afton Alps Megan Lampright (jr G), Tori Chute (jr G), man (jr), Josh Piechowski (so), Will Gleason in IM, 3rd in backstroke) and Riemann (2nd Jan. 30 5 PM @ Afton Alps Megan Lamplight (jr G), Grace Cote, Delaney (jr), Thomas Flores (jr), Colin McCarthey (jr), in 500 freestyle) … Returning all-conference Wagner Will Harter (jr), Porter Estenson (jr) are Busse, Riemann, Joseph Saldin, Zach FEBRUARY In the mix — Allison Benning (fr C), Alexis In the mix —Jacob Andreachi (so), Luke Auleciems, Aidan Bloomquist, Johann Noer, Feb. 6 5 PM Sectionals @ Giant’s Ridge Pratt (fr G), Amber Scalia (8th G) Bethke (so), Gavin Dunbar (so), Eli Wilson Jared Brandt and Josiah Fick Feb. 14 TBD State Tournament Coach says — “I think our program has (so) Coach says — “I believe this team will do an improved. We are still young with only two Returning champion — Ballentyne was excellent job. We want to repeat as confer- STILLWATER PONIES seniors. With experience and growth of our state 106-pound champion last year ence and section champions.” yyoung players, I expect us to be competitive Coach says —“We do not have a lot of depth NORDIC SKI in all our games.” so we need to stay injury-free.” SCHEDULE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE DECEMBER Dec. 14 5:30PM vs. White Bear Lake DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER Dec. 16 12:30 PM @ Woodbury Dec. 12 3:45 PM @ Battle Dec. 8 7 PM @ Forest Lake Dec. 9 9 AM @ Prior Lake Creek Dec. 12 7 PM vs. Woodbury JANUARY Dec. 19 3:45 PM @ Como Park Dec. 14 7 PM vs East Riidge Jan. 4 6 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 15 7 PM vs. Roseville JANUARY Jan. 9 6 PM vs. Roseville JANUARY Dec. 19 7 PM @ Park Jan. 6 TBD @ Farmington Jan. 11 6 PM @ Woodbury Jan. 3 3:45 PM @ Battle Creek Dec. 22 7 PM vs. Tartan Jan. 11 7 PM vs. Mounds View Jan. 18 6 PM vs. Mounds View Jan. 9 3:45 PM @ Lake Elmo Park Reserve Dec. 27 7:15 PM @ Cambridge-Isanti Jan. 13 9 AM vs Multiple Schools Jan. 20 2 AM hosting True Team Jan. 11 3:45 PM @ Battle Creek JANUARY Jan. 18 7 PM @ Forest Lake Jan. 24 6 PM vs TBA @ U of M Aquatic Center Jan. 15 10 AM @ Battle Creek Jan. 2 7 PM vs. Minneapolis South Jan. 25 7 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Jan. 25 6 PM @ East Ridge Jan. 18 3:45 PM @ Como Park Jan. 5 7 PM @ East Ridge Jan. 27 10 AM @ South St. Paul Jan. 23 3:45 PM @ Lake Elmo Reserve Jan. 9 7 PM vs. White Bear Lake FEBRUARY Jan. 31 10 AM @ Battle Creek FEBRUARY Feb. 1 6 PM @ Park Jan. 12 7 PM @ Mounds View Feb. 1 7 PM @ Park Feb. 8 6 PM @ Forest Lake GOOD LUCK PONIES! Jan. 16 7 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Feb. 3 9 AM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Jan. 20 2 PM @ Princeton Feb. 8 7 PM vs. Roseville HAVE A GREAT SEASON Jan. 23 7 PM vs. Forest Lake Jan. 26 7 PM @ Woodbury Jan. 30 7 PM @ Roseville SPORTS PREVIEWS COMPILED BY FOR MORE SCHEDULE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: FEBRUARY GENE ANNIS AND BRUCE STRAND WWW.GOPONIES.ORG/PAGE/2920/MN Feb. 2 7 PM vs Park Feb. 9 7 PM vs. East Ridge

We fi x Ball gloves Supporting Luggage/Jackets/Zippers the Stillwater Now Stocking Darn Tough Community and Smartwool socks, Deer skin gloves & mittens SCHOENECKER Hours: Mon. & Tues. 8 am - 6 pm family owned Wed. 8 am - 4:30 pm Collision Specialists13601 60th St. N. • Stillwater Thurs. & Fri. 8 am - 6 pm www.jerrysautodetail.com 1350 Frontage Road West (651) 439-9340 | [email protected] 651-439-4796 • www.georgesshoes.com PREVIEW DECEMBER 8, 2017 wwwwww.presspubs.com presspubs com THE LOWDOWN 19 STILLWATER PONIES STILLWATER PONIES FOREST LAKE RANGERS FOREST LAKE RANGERS BOYS HOCKEY GIRLS HOCKEY BOYS BASKETBALL BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING Coach — Matt Doman Coaches — Lee Gillespie Coach — Dan Cremisino Coaches — Joseph Mau (head), Dick Waskey, Deb Last year — 24-4 overall, 15-1 (head), Nate Wagner, (head), Kale Henry, Dave Welch (diving) conference, section runner-up, Matt Simcik, Callie Dahl, Ostercamp, Ben Hoidal conference champ Amanda Cartony Last year — 19-10 overall, Captains — Ben Chatwin (sr), Overview — Start-over year Last year — 9-15-2 overall, 10-6 conference, section Connor Klein (sr), Liam Hunter as last year’s squad had 15 se- 6-8-2 conference runner-up (jr), Logan Thomas (jr) niors, including the top 10 goal Captains — Olivia Knox (sr G), Captains — not yet chosen Other letter winners — scorers and goalie …. No other Maya Tokanovich (sr F), Ava Returning lettermen — Cooper Berg (sr F), Christian Andre (jr), Will Chatwin (so), Alec information available at press time. Tokanovich (sr F) Connor Hale (sr F), Steven Colon (sr G), Dylan Jankowski (so), Andrew Jensen (so), Max Other letter winners — Grace Arkell (jr D), Corcoran (sr G), Roman Notch (sr G), Zach True (8th), Levi Waskey (8th), Brady Jarosz SCHEDULE Lexi Ligday (so D), Sophie Schuster (so D), Halley (sr F), John Schrader (jr G), Hunter (8th), Riley Jankowski (8th) DECEMBER Tara Naugle (jr D), Lauren Einan (so F), Haley Damon (jr G) Closer look — B. Chatwin was all-state last Dec. 9 7:30 PM @ Mounds View Eder-Zdechlik (so F), Lauren Gella (s F), Han- Closer look — Rangers added Manny Jingco year in 50 free (4th place) and 100 free (7th) Dec. 14 7:30 PM vs. Park nah Affolter (jr F), Morgan Wohlers (fr F) (sr G), transfer from Stillwater, where he … A. Jankowski made state finals in two re- Dec. 16 3:30 PM @ Roseville In the mix — Alaina Tanski (so F), Lexi Huber averaged 20.6 points last year …. Top scorers lays that placed 4th and 8th …. Other section Dec. 21 7:30 PM vs. Woodbury (fr F), Annie McGuire (fr F), Meredith Parry back are Schrader (10.5) and Berg (7.1) finalists were Klein, L. Hunter, W. Chatwin, (so D) Coach says — “Manny Jingco is a talented and R. Jankowski in two swim events each JANUARY Closer look — Einan is top scorer back (7 guard who can score multiple ways … We are and Jensen in diving Jan. 5 7 PM vs. Duluth East goals, 8 assists) … Knox had .923 save per- athletic and can score quickly and in bunch- Coach says — “A significant portion of the Jan. 6 7:30 PM vs Forest Lake centage es. We have the ability to defend the court team has been training in the off-season, Jan. 9 7:30 @ White Bear Lake Coach says — “We are a young team, build- in multiple ways with a mix of defenses. We so I think we will be poised to make another Jan. 11 7:30 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall ing our experience, and I really like our energy will look to run at every opportunity … We run at a Section 7AA championship … We are Jan. 13 7:30 PM @ East Ridge and enthusiasm so far. Our goaltending have players who have high expectations for very young. This will be an opportunity for Jan. 18 7:30 PM vs. Mahtomedi will be very strong with Olivia Knox returning our team and love to play basketball … We younger swimmers and divers not only meet Jan. 23 7:30PM @ Park … Our inexperience has shown at times but have talented individuals but will need to expectations set by (last year’s seniors) but Jan. 25 7:30 PM @ Eden Prairie this group loves to compete, so as the season blend together to make us a great team.” improve on it. I am really excited about the Jan. 27 3 PM vs. Roseville progresses we look to make improvements.” future of this team.” FEBRUARY SCHEDULE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Feb. 1 7:30 PM @ Woodbury DECEMBER Feb. 3 3 PM vs. White Bear Lake DECEMBER Dec. 8 7 PM @ Blaine DECEMBER Feb. 7 7 PM @ Forest Lake Dec. 9 3 PM vs. East Ridge Dec. 15 7 PM vs. Woodbury Dec. 9 9 AM @ Minnetonka Feb. 10 3 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 14 7:30 PM @ Roseville Dec. 19 7 PM vs. Mounds View Dec. 21 6 PM vs. Park Feb. 13 7 PM @ St. Thomas Academy Dec. 16 3 PM vs. White Bear Lake Dec. 21 7:45 PM vs Cambridge-Isanti Dec. 28 9 AM @ Grand Rapids Feb. 15 7:30 PM vs. East Ridge Dec. 20 7:30 PM @ Park Dec. 28 TBD @ Lakeville North Feb. 17 3 PM vs. Holy Family Dec. 22 7:30 PM @ Mounds View JANUARY JANUARY Jan. 4 6 PM @ Woodbury STILLWATER PONIES JJANUARY Jan. 5 7 PM @ Roseville Jan. 9 6 PM @ East Ridge JJan. 2 7:30 PM vs. Hastings Jan. 9 7 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Jan. 11 6 PM @ Roseville BOYS BASKETBALL JJan. 4 5:30 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Jan. 12 7 PM vs. Park Jan. 13 1 PM @ Duluth East JJan. 6 3 PM vs. Woodbury Jan. 16 7:15 PM @ St. Francis Jan. 18 6 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Coach — Brady Brad Hanigan JJan. 9 7 PM @ Forest Lake Jan. 18 7 PM @ East Ridge Jan. 20 9 AM True Team @ Northdale (head), Jordan Peter- Jan. 11 7 PM @ Edina Jan. 20 2:30 PM @ Duluth East Jan. 25 6 PM vs Stillwater son, Jon Christensen, BJ Jan. 18 5:30 PM vs. Mahtomedi Jan. 23 7 PM vs. Stillwater Jan. 27 1 PM @ Cambridge-Isanti Letourneau Jan. 20 7:30 PM @ East Ridge Jan. 26 7 PM vs. White Bear Lake Last year — 3-23 overall, 1-15 Jan. 23 7:30 PM vs. Roseville Jan. 30 7 PM @ Woodbury FEBRUARY conference Jan. 27 7:30 PM @ White Bear Lake Feb. 1 6 PM vs. Mounds View Captains — Tommy de St. Jan. 30 7:30 PM vs. Park FEBRUARY Feb. 8 6 PM vs. Stillwater Aubin (sr F), Nate Shikenjanski FEBRUARY Feb. 1 7 PM vs. North (jr G), Evan Parker (sr G), Trent Attwood (jr C) Feb. 3 7:30 PM vs. Mounds View Feb. 2 7 PM @ Mounds View In the mix — Devontae Hatcher (sr C), Josh Feb. 9 7 PM vs. Roseville Lorenson (sr F), Josh Lorenson (sr F) STILLWATER PONIES Feb. 13 7 PM vs Cretin-Derham Hall Coach says — “Over the offseason, we have Feb. 16 7 PM vs. Park come together as a team. Our cohesion is GYMNASTICS Feb. 23 7 PM vs. East Ridge extremely improved and I look forward to Feb 27 7 PM @ Stillwater SCHEDULESCHEDULE seeing where that can take us … We do not have great length, but we can make up for DECEMBER MARCH that deficiency by playing smart and working Dec. 14 6 PM vs. Mar. 2 7:15 PM @White Bear Lake hard as a cohesive unit both offensively and Cretin-Derham Hall 1280 W. FRONTAGE ROAD, most importantly defensively.” Dec. 21 6 PM vs. HIGHWAY 36 STILLWATER, MN White Bear Lake SCHEDULE SPORTS PREVIEWS COMPILED BY 55082 PHONE: 651-571-3160 JANUARY DECEMBER Jan. 4 6 PM vs. Park GENE ANNIS & BRUCE STRAND WWW.JOHNSONFITNESS.COM Dec. 11 7 PM @ Mahtomedi Jan. 6 6 PM Stillwater Invite @ Gustavus Dec. 13 7 PM vs. Rogers Adolphus Dec. 15 7 PM @ Roseville Jan. 11 6 PM @ East Ridge Dec. 19 7 PM vs. Park Jan. 13 9 AM @ Lakeville North Dec. 21 7:15 PM vs St. Michael-Albertville Jan. 18 6 PM vs. Woodbury Dec. 28 4 PM @ Buffalo vs Monticello Jan. 20 11 AM @ Park Dec. 29 6 PM @ Buffalo Jan. 25 6 PM @ Forest Lake JANUARY FEBRUARY Jan. 5 7 PM vs East Ridge Feb. 1 6 PM vs. Mounds View 50% OFF Jan. 9 7:15 PM @ White Bear Lake Feb. 8 6 PM @ Roseville More Than Just Auto any service at your fi rst visit Jan. 12 7 PM vs. Mounds View Feb. 12 6 PM Conference @ Park [email protected] | www.stillwaterglass.com 5951 Norwich Avenue North Jan. 16 7 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall 1709 Greeley St. South, Stillwater, MN 55082 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • 651-439-3201 Jan. 20 3 PM @ Moorhead STILLWATER PONIES Ph: 651-439-9441 • F: 651-439-9121 www.waxingthecity.com Jan. 23 7 PM @ Forest Lake Jan. 26 7 PM vs. Woodbury DANCE TEAM Jan. 30 7 PM vs. Roseville Here’s to a Great Season! Sales • Service • Parts & Accy’s SCHEDULE FEBRUARY Feb. 2 7 PM @ Park DECEMBER Dec. 21 6 PM @ Park GARDY’S Feb. 9 7 PM @ East Ridge Feb. 13 7 PM vs White Bear Lake JANUARY Dairy Foods USA SPORT CENTER Feb. 16 7 PM @ Mounds View Jan. 16 6 PM @ www.gardyssportcenter.com Feb. 20 7 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Forest Lake Invite 4041 Highway 61 White Bear Lake Hwy. 36 & Norell • Box 190 651-439-2689 Feb 27 7 PM vs. Forest Lake 651-426-1633 Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 Joel Thomas

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Frontage Road, Stillwater, MN 55082 13999 60th St. N. • Stillwater, MN 55082 Dream Fearlessly 651-430-1515 Offi ce: 651.439.8442 | [email protected] www.dirooutdoors.com 651-439-5544 • Stillwater@anytimefi tness.com www.Stillwaterchiropractors.com PREVIEW 20 THE LOWDOWN www.presspubs.com DECEMBER 8, 2017 FOREST LAKE RANGERS FOREST LAKE RANGERS FOREST LAKE RANGERS FOREST LAKE RANGERS GYMNASTICS GIRLS HOCKEY BOYS HOCKEY GIRLS BASKETBALL CoachesCoaches — LindseyLindsey PiPier-er Coach — Todd Gutterman Coaches — Jon Loo CoachesCoaches — JenJen Wag-Wag ron (head), Carol Seuss, ner (head), John Buck, (head), Craig Muntifering, Last year — 6-18-3 overall, 3-11 Kacie Kohler, Krista Ar- Andy Richardson, Audrey conference Andrea Brischke, Renee mitage, Chris Kotys, Cori Holmquist, Chris Rupar, Hanmer Returning starters — Zach Braton. Brian Conley and Maurya Last year — 18-8-2 overall, 12- Rabbe (sr F), Dylan Fink (sr F), Captains — Val Patterson (sr), 3-1 conference, won conference Drake Best (sr D), Jacob Zowin (jr Laqua Faith Pieski (sr), Nicole Groth and section F), Dalton Saltness (jr F), Wyatt Last year — 15-13 overall, 7-9 (jr) Captains — Kayla Kasel (sr F), Kenzie Rugland Anderson (sr F), conference Other letter winners — Sofia Dodge (jr), (sr F), Sarah Schwensen (sr D) Closer look — Zephyrs return fi ve of top seven Captains — Grace VanBergen (sr G), Kat Julie Godar (jr), Sydney Nenn (so), Gabby Other returning starters — Ellen Nelson (so scorers. They are (goals-assists) Fink (10-16), Taylor (s F), Maija Tanberg (sr F) Walrath (so) D), Courtney Peterson (so D), Biz Valley (jr D), Rabbe (10-12), Saltness (10-9), Best (2-9), Zowin Returning starters — Abigail Groenweg (jr Newcomers in the mix — Reese Davis (level Rachel Golnitz (fr D), Josie Bothun (so G), Brieja (6-6), Anderson (5-6) F), Lexie Hultman (jr G), Kenzie Stumne (jr G) 7 club gymnast), Autumn Kosec, McKinley Parent (so F) In the mix — VanBergen, Tanbark, Taylor, Levitt Closer look — Rangers are ranked No. 5 in SCHEDULE Lindsey Johnson (jr G), Maddy Rice (jr G), Closer look — Pieski has been state qualifier Class AA … Top scorers back are (goals-assists) DECEMBER Abby Leach (jr G), in bars (last year), floor and beam … Dodge Kasel (33-16), Rugland (16-19), Parent (9-11) … Dec. 9 7:30 PM @ Park Closer look — Groeneweg averaged 11.9 points qualified for state in beam last year Bothun had .937 save percentage …. Defense by Dec. 12 7 PM @ Champlin Park last year and made all-conference. Stumne Coach says — “All three captains are excel- Nelson, Peterson, Valley and Golnitz keyed run Dec. 14 7 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall averaged 8.9 and Hultman 8.7. lent leaders who bring a variety of skills to to state last year …. Rangers started this season Dec. 19 7:30 PM @ Woodbury Coach says — “Our team will continue to the table … … We have a ton of talented gym- 2-0-1 with three OT games. Dec. 21 7:30 PM @ East Ridge have the same mentality we built on last nasts. They have trained over the summer Coach says — “We have four high-end defend- Dec. 27 7 PM vs. Andover year: an expectation of excellence and work- and come back incredibly strong. There’s a ers and a good goalie …. We are about 90 per- Dec. 29 7:30 PM @ Grand Rapids ing to our potential at every practice, every very positive energy in the gym … My biggest cent sophomores …. We have no super stars but drill and every game … We need to focus on concern is keeping the girls healthy. Gymnas- very deep … We are not going to give up a lot of JANUARY the things we can control and make sure tics can be hard on the body.” goals but have to fi nd ways to bury the puck.” Jan. 6 7:30 PM @ Stillwater we defend tough, rebound well, beat teams Jan. 9 7 PM @ St. Francis down the floor, and play with energy.” SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Jan. 11 7 PM vs. Mounds View SCHEDULE DECEMBER DECEMBER Jan. 13 7 PM vs. Roseville Dec. 14 6 PM vs. Woodbury Dec. 12 7:30 PM @ White Bear Lake Jan. 18 7:30 PM @ White Bear Lake DECEMBER Dec. 19 1 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 14 7:30 PM @ Andover Jan. 23 7 PM vs. Duluth East Dec. 8 7 PM vs. Stillwater Dec. 16 7:30 PM @ Woodbury Jan. 25 7:30 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 12 7 PM vs. White Bear Lake JANUARY Dec. 22 7 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Jan. 27 3 PM vs. Woodbury Dec. 15 7 PM @ Woodbury Jan.4 6 PM vs. Mounds Viewl Dec. 27 TBD White Bear Lake @ Schwan Jan. 29 7 PM @ Cloquet Dec. 19 7 PM @ Mounds View Jan. 6 6 PM @ Gustavus Adolphus Super Rink Jan. 30 7 PM vs. Park Dec. 21 6 PM vs. Cambridge-Isanti Jan. 11 6 PM vs Roseville Dec. 28-30 TBD Tournament @ Fogerty Arena Dec. 28 TBD @ Hill-Murray tournament Jan. 25 6 PM vs. Stillwater FEBRUARY Dec. 29 TBD @ Hill-Murray tournament Jan. 27 Noon @ Cambridge-Isanti JANUARY Feb. 1 7 PM vs. East Ridge Dec. 30 TBD @ Hill-Murray tournament Jan. 4 7 PM vs. Elk River Feb. 7 7 PM vs. Stillwater FEBRUARY Jan. 6 3:30 PM @ Roseville Feb. 10 7:30 PM @ Mounds View JANUARY Feb. 1 6 PM @ White Bear Lake Jan. 9 7 PM vs. Stillwater Feb. 13 7 PM vs. Irondale Jan. 5 7 PM vs. Roseville Feb. 7 6 PM vs. Park Jan. 12 7:30 PM @ Duluth Feb. 15 7:30 PM @ Roseville Jan. 9 7 PM vs. Cretin-Derham Hall Feb. 12 6 PM Conference @ Park Jan. 13 3 PM @ Grand Rapids Jan. 12 7 PM @ Park Feb. 18 5 PM Sections @ St. Francis Jan. 16 7 PM vs. East Ridge Jan. 16 5:45 @ St. Francis Jan. 18 7 PM vs. Cloquet FOREST LAKE RANGERS Jan. 19 7 PM vs. East Ridge Jan. 20 2:30 PM @ Mounds View Jan. 23 7 PM @ Stillwater FOREST LAKE RANGERS Jan. 25 7 PM vs. Park DANCE TEAM Jan. 25 7 PM @ St. Anthony Village WRESTLING Jan. 27 7 PM vs. Woodbury Coaches — Rachel Rue Jan. 26 7:15 PM @ White Bear Lake (head), Ali Clasen, Janna Jan. 30 7 PM vs. Woodbury SCHEDULE FEBRUARY Feb. 3 3 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Fitzgerald, Olivia Londo FEBRUARY DECEMBER Feb. 8 7 PM Host Sections Captains — Olivia Folske (sr), Feb. 2 7 PM vs. Mounds View Dec. 8 5 PM @ Park Feb. 10 3 PM Host Section Finals Paige Parrucci (sr), Macy Rob- Feb. 3 2:30 PM @ Duluth East Dec. 14 7 PM vs erts (sr), and Mikayla Rue (sr) Feb. 9 7 PM @ Roseville Cretin-Derham Hall FOREST LAKE RANGERS Coach says — “Since we Feb. 13 7 PM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 16-17 2 PM @ Rochester focus on being together in synchronization, Feb. 16 7 PM vs Park Exchange Club every person has to carry their own weight Feb. 23 7 PM @ East Ridge Dec. 21 7 PM vs. Hastings and make sure they’re doing their part. Our Dec. 28-29 10 AM @ Fargo, ND SCHEDULESCHEDULE captains do a great job of setting the tone FOREST LAKE RANGERS Dec. 29-30 TBD @ LaCrosse, WI DECEMBER and keeping everyone focused … We feel Dec. 12 3:45 PM confident with the routines. We’re hoping to ALPINE SKIING JANUARY @ Battle Creek keep hold of the conference for another year Jan. 4 7 PM vs. East Ridge SCHEDULE Dec. 19 3:45 PM @ Como Park and to break into the top three in our section Jan. 6 10 AM @ Foley … Our kick theme is Uno and the girls love DECEMBER Jan. 11 7 PM @ Woodbury JANUARY it! Colors look great on the floor and it really Dec. 19 5 PM @ Wild Moun- Jan. 18 7 PM vs. Stillwater Jan. 3 3:45 PM @ Battle Creek stands out as a creative dance.” tain Jan. 20 9 AM @ Cambridge-Isanti Jan. 9 3:45 PM @ Lake Elmo Park Reserve Jan. 25 7 PM vs. Roseville Jan. 11 3:45 PM @ Battle Creek SCHEDULE JANUARY Jan. 15 10 AM @ Battle Creek Jan. 9 5 PM @ Afton Alps FEBRUARY DECEMBER Jan. 18 3:45 PM @ Como Park Jan. 16 5 PM @ Wild Moun- Feb. 1 7 PM @ White Bear Lake Dec. 9 TBD @ Eastview Jan. 23 3:45 PM @ Lake Elmo Reserve tain Feb. 3 9 AM @ Cretin-Derham Hall Dec. 21 6 PM @ Park Jan. 31 10 AM @ Battle Creek Jan. 23 5 PM @ Afton Alps Feb. 9 7 PM @Mounds View Feb. 7 TBD @ Battle Creek JANUARY Jan. 30 5 PM @ Afton Alps Jan. 4 TBD @ Rogers FEBRUARY Jan. 6 TBD @ Edina Call for a tour Feb. 6 5 PM Sectionals @ Giant’s Ridge, Jan. 13 TBD @ Anoka 651-786-2286 Biwabik Jan. 16 6 PM Forest Lake Invite Feb. 14 TBD State Tournament Jan. 20 TBD @ Wayzata Jan. 27 TBD @ Mounds View rn A pla & lea ce where children can play Caring for children 6 FEBRUARY GOOD LUCK RANGERS! 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24 THE LOWDOWN DECEMBER 8, 2017 www.presspubs.com Deer hunting traditions from the ‘50s

In the early 1950s, the clothing. The wool shirts also many pull-behind Michigan Department of and knickers pants with campers, homemade truck Conservation produced a laces worn with knee- campers, old log cabins three-part video entitled high socks under calf- and tarpaper shacks. My “Buck Fever.” You can high leather boots gave oldest brother, Bob “Big fi nd it on Youtube. It’s a re- the hunter freedom to Buck” Bennett, hunted ally fun, walk and stalk stealthily in such a shack. As soon must-see, through the woods. I was as they arrived, someone old-time growing up in the era this would shoot a fawn or doe TV show. video depicts, when red for camp meat. Bob told My son was the required color me the local warden joined Josh for hunting in Wisconsin. the group for a meal and brought The old video showed good conversation, com- it to my hunters dressed in var- plimenting the group for attention ious colored plaids and getting camp meat right Wild River before solid dark colors. Hunter away — and that deer was this year’s safety was not the issue not counted as part of the Trails tradition- then as it would later harvest! Jim Bennett al Wis- become. This year, our group will consin The cars of that era were carry on many of the old Thanks- classic big-fender vehicles, traditions from a mobile givingii WWeek kd deer season. perfectly designed to haul home in the woods we The three videos took the carcass of a big buck have modifi ed to sleep six me back to my youth — home for all to see. Veni- comfortably. We won’t and I’m 66. It was when son and other wild game shoot camp meat or use hunters wore wool plaid were a large part of the straw bales, but we will clothes, safety red cloth- menu in that simpler time bring water, a generator, ing was optional and tent when most people knew have an outside biffy and camps used wood-burning food came from a farm, share good food brought stoves with bales of straw not from the grocery store from six different homes. scattered on the fl oor. wrapped in plastic. Hunt- We prefer many of the old The three videos are not ing and fi shing were major deer rifl es from the 1950s. politically correct today, recreational pursuits then, They should echo in the but much of what was and most families in the deer woods this year like displayed happened. You Midwest participated. they did when they were have to view these videos But it was the old deer new, just like in the video! tongue in cheek; after all, camps that caught my eye. it depicts hunting 70 years Many hunted from fl oor- Jim Bennett is an out- ago in video format. less canvas wall tents with doorsman who lives and Wool clothing from a stove pipe hole to vent worked in the St. Croix yesteryear is still hard the smoke; those tents are River Valley and can be to beat when it comes still used today on hunts reached at jamesben- to great warm winter out West. There were [email protected]

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