When was the first Chisago County Fair held?

* Note - This article appeared in the 2003 Chisago County Traveler published by the STAR newspaper.

by Tesha M. Wiedemann
Special Sections Editor
Speculation abounds concerning exactly when the first Chisago County Fair was held.
According to the recently published “A History of Chisago County 1851 to 2001”, the first county fair was held in Rush City in September of 1872. However, local historian Max Malmquist, who has delved deeply into the history of North Branch while preparing to write a book, disagrees.
He points to a 1875 Chisago County (Rush City) Post article which refers to the fair in 1875 as the fourth annual fair held in North Branch Sept. 29 to 30. This is the earliest newspaper article regarding the fair, as the Rush City Post wasn’t established until 1875.
Several hundred people attended this fourth fair, which was entirely supported by local businessmen, “Yankee businessmen,” Malmquist emphasized. “The fairs were really a Yankee business venture instituted not only for celebration and fun, but with high hopes that people coming to the fair would spend money at local businesses. The fair was also an opportunity for people to buy and sell goods, including livestock.”
Malmquist continued, “One cannot appreciate the dominance of Yankees in running and participating in fair events until the names are reviewed. The officers for the agricultural society who organized the fair in 1875 were E.C. Ingalls, Dr. Wm. Bently, J. G. Ryder and J.C.A. Pickett. The winners of the horse races were Bates, Pingrey, McCutcheon and Ryan, and the winners of the baby contests were (all Mrs.) Robie, Wilcox, Brown, Wooleat, Smith, McClure, Starkweather and Chase.”
Malmquist explained that the Irish, English and Scottish Easterners who first settled in the area were businessmen who were “more culturally elite” than the poor Germans and Swedes who followed them.
Another force driving the fairs was a love of horse races. The Post mentions two French breeding stallions owned locally and purchased for $2,500 apiece, the current-day equivalent of $2 to $3 million. One of the pricey stallions was owned by Elliot Alex McCutcheon, North Branch Mayor, businessman and future owner of the first fairground property. People would come from as far away as St. Paul up to 12 days in advance of the fair in order to train their horses in preparation for the races. Horse races were also held on the Fourth of July and were later held bi-monthly.
Initially, the fair was organized by the Chisago and Pine Counties Agricultural Society. Isanti County residents were also invited to participate in early fairs. The ag society issued over 100 shares of stock, held regular meetings of stockholders, and assessed stockholders for money to build and repair fair buildings and to offer money premiums as fair prizes for contests and displays. Chisago County tax dollars did not fund the fair until the 1890s, and state agricultural society funds were not used until the mid 1880s.
Each fair adult attendee in 1875 was charged 50¢ and each child 15¢. The ag society took in $359.57 in receipts that year. The fair was typically three days in either September or October, although it was stretched to four days because of rain in 1881.
For the half-mile race in 1875, a $30 purse was available, divided into $15, $10 and $5 prizes, and for the mile there was a $40 purse. In 1881, there were four entries in the 100-yard little girls’ foot race. Miss ‘Lady’ House walked away with the 25¢ per entry purse.
In the 1870s there was no road stretching between Stacy and North Branch and North Branch and Rush City. However, the railroad was in place and the fairgrounds was located south of the station, where the present-day North Branch Municipal Golf Course is. In fact, the quarter-mile oval race track is visible today across the first and ninth golf course fairways.
Between 1875 and 1880, a 1,000-seat amphitheatre was constructed just inside the oval track, in addition to several other buildings used to house exhibits and merchandise. One year there were nine beer stands, Malmquist pointed out.
In addition to horse races, fair attendees could choose to participate in foot races and baby contests, see who could climb a greased pole fastest, and exhibit farm produce, livestock and crafts.
In 1884, a baseball field was built on the fairgrounds in North Branch, within site of the amphitheater, and baseball games were scheduled during the annual fair. McCutcheon became one of the leading players on the team.
In the summer of 1882, a strong wind storm damaged both the fair building and the amphitheater, but both were rebuilt in time for the September fair.
Much of the historical confusion circulating the fair stems from the fact that the event was moved several times in an attempt to earn more money. After losing money during the first five fairs, the agricultural society decided to hold the 1877 fair in Taylors Falls. Again suffering financially, the society voted to hold the next two fairs in Rush City, one of the largest towns in the county. It was moved back to North Branch from 1880 to 1886.
Adding to the confusion, the Post documents that additional fairs were held some years in both Rush City and Taylors Falls, Malmquist pointed out. “Rush City held its first fair in 1877 and tried to form its own society called the Rush City Agricultural Society.”  Taylors Falls also held ancillary fairs, even creating the St. Croix Valley Agricultural Society. These additional fairs were not very successful. “There was a great deal of jealousy between the businessmen of each town,” Malmquist observed.
By 1887, most of the agricultural society members called Rush City their home, and when Rush City Post editor H.B. Robie quit  the newspaper business and was elected ag society president, the fight to move the fair from North Branch to Rush City was won. There were several reasons for the move, in addition to the fact that Robie’s brother was a prominent businessman in Rush City.
First, the land that the ag society was using in North Branch was owned by Issac Bernheimer of New York City, who refused to sell the land and rented it on an annual basis to the ag society. Ag society members felt that constructing buildings on property that wasn’t either owned by the society or on a long-term lease was risky.
Also, the population in Rush City, Rusheba and Nessel was significantly larger than that of North Branch.
And so, the ag society approved jacking up the six or seven existing buildings in North Branch, sliding them to the railroad track and moving them to Rush City, where the society obtained a 10-year lease on land from the village, the land where the fair is still held today.
“There was great sadness and anger among many people in North Branch when the fair and its buildings were moved to Rush City,” noted Malmquist. In fact, North Branch businessmen tried to get a court injunction to stop the move. “It created ill will between the two cities,” Malmquist said.
In 1891, the Chisago and Pine Counties Agricultural Society disbanded and the Chisago County Agricultural Society took over control of the fair in Rush City. Malmquist surmises that the population in Pine County, which had originally been a part of Chisago County, got large enough to support a separate fair. Some historians point to 1891 as the first Chisago County Fair.
Prior to locating at the corner of Fourth Street (Highway 361) and Fairfield, the fair was briefly held in two other places in Rush City, south of County Road 7 at the Anderson property and southeast of town near where the roller rink is now, according to historian Carl Heinrich.
In addition to horse races and exhibits, airplane rides were given over the horse track in the 1930s and helicopter rides in the 1950s.

Thanks to Max Malmquist of North Branch for contributing to this article. Malmquist is currently writing, “North Branch Regional History: Connections, Reflections and Heritage,” from which much of this story is based.

What’s in a name? NBHS Edelstein Auditorium named after three siblings

* Note - This article appeared in the 2003 Chisago County Traveler published by the STAR Newspaper.

by Tesha M. Wiedemann
STAR Special Sections Editor
Some people are remembered for the great things they did when alive, while others are remembered for what they are still accomplishing from beyond the grave. The latter is the case of the three Edelstein siblings.
The North Branch High School auditorium carries the name Edelstein Auditorium. The name was designated in October 2002 to mark the legacy of  David, Jacob and Ruth Edelstein. None of the three ever married, but the beneficiaries of their inheritance have included North Branch High School students for the past 30 years. In the past three years, the interest from the Edelstein Family Foundation has provided $80,000 per year in scholarships to NBHS seniors, and District 138 Superintendent Bob Stepaniak “expects the money to continue as long as NBHS exists.”
At a special naming ceremony on  Monday night, Oct. 15, 2002, followed by a music concert featuring the North Branch Treble Choir, Concert Choir and Symphonic Band, Stepaniak noted, “Normally, school districts are careful about naming things because there are so many people who make contributions to schools.” But because of the Edelsteins’ “enduring legacy that will benefit students for a number of years,” the school board thought it fitting to name the auditorium after them.
The name was actually proposed by high school counselor Lora O’Hern who was inspired by a story in the Chisago County Press regarding Ruth’s contributions to the Ordway.
“This was a Jewish family living in the middle of Olsons and Johnsons who made a good life for themselves and gave back to the community,” O’Hern pointed out. “This family has done so much; we should look at honoring them… Our purpose is to inspire students.”
The Edelstein family lived in North Branch. David and Jacob were born to Samuel and his first wife, Leah, who died quite young. Samuel then married Ethel Sushan, and Ruth was born. In the early 1900s, Samuel owned and operated S.E. Edelstein, a general mercantile on Main Street in North Branch.

Jacob

born Aug. 7, 1893 in North Branch
died Feb. 28, 1953 in Minneapolis

 Edelsteins’ three children, David, Jacob and Ruth, attended North Branch schools. Jacob Edelstein was the valedictorian of North Branch High School’s first graduating class in 1907, which proved to be quite an accomplishment as most children did not attend school past eighth grade. He was one of three seniors.  The ceremony was witnessed by over 600 townspeople. In his valedictory address, Jacob told the school board and community, “At present, we can only thank you, but we shall live in the expectancy of rewarding you for your faithfulness and integrity.”
A classmate described Jacob as “everywhere a gentleman” and reported that he “seldom asks favors, but is always willing to grant them.”
Following high school, Jacob received a degree in engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and settled in St. Paul. He co-founded the Rap-in-Wax Paper Company and for the rest of his life served as vice president and principal owner of the company.

David

born July 6, 1895 in North Branch
died Feb. 5, 1975 in St. Paul

David Edelstein graduated from NBHS four years later. He earned a degree from the University of Minnesota, and afterwards became treasurer and later sole owner of the C.D. Robinson Company. Inc. Under his leadership, C.D. Robinson grew to be one of the largest volume sugar dealers west of Chicago.
David enjoyed the arts and was a supporter of the stage and symphony, generously contributing to the Minnesota Museum of Arts. He was a member of the St. Paul Rotary Club, the Shriners and other organizations.
David counseled ex-convicts, gave financial assistance to young people seeking a college education and supported various other community programs. It was he, who in later years, took a leading interest in the Edelstein Family Foundation.

Ruth

born July 30, 1900 in North Branch
died March 16, 1998

In third and sixth grades, Ruth Edelstein appeared in school plays to raise money to purchase a piano for the school. Following her high school graduation in 1917, Ruth attended the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. She finished her collegiate career at Cumnock School in Los Angelos, where she resumed her childhood interest in acting.
Ruth starred in several plays in a stock theater company in upstate New York, where she went by the stage name Ruth Easton. She appeared in five Broadway plays in seven years and starred in radio dramas on the Rudy Vallee Hour and the Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour. Among the plays she performed in were “Exceedingly Small”, “Privilege Car”, “Town Bay”, “Buckaroo” and “Charlie Chan”. She played opposite some of the super stars of the day, including Al Jolson, Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore.
New York critics praised her, calling her performances “thoroughly touching” and “highly spirited and excellent.”
Ruth, too, took time for charity. While in Los Angeles she participated in several charitable organizations in the area, and was a member of the 52 Association of Southern California, which provided friendship and services to men in the veterans’ hospitals.
As a gift to her brother David, Ruth established the David Edelstein Gallery as part of the Minnesota Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
Jacob, David and Ruth created the Edelstein Family Foundation  in honor of their parents. North Branch High School is one of the many artistic and educational charities that benefit from the foundation.
A plaque commemorating the Edelsteins hangs near one of the entrances to the auditorium.
Thanks to Lora O’Hern, of North Branch High School, and Tom Keller III, trustee of the Edelstein Family Foundation, for compiling the information that appears in this article.

What’s in a name? C.E. Jacobson gave his life to education

* Note: This article appeared in the 2003 Chisago County Traveler published by the STAR Newspaper.

by Tesha M. Wiedemann
Special Sections Editor
The elementary school in Rush City has borne the name C.E. Jacobson Elementary School since 1983.
The renaming of the school came as a surprise to the man himself, a 17-year Rush City High School principal and 17-year District 139 Superintendent. It was a surprise organized by the school board in honor of his retirement on March 31, 1983.
The members responsible for renaming the school included chairman Harold Lind, vice-chairman Loring Nelson, treasurer Virgil Hanson, clerk Alice Meissner, Tim McKenny and Dr. William Kieper.
C. E. “Jake” Jacobson’s daughter, Cindy Koepp, remembers that her father was very pleased to discover the school was being renamed after him. “He was not one to be speechless – he always knew what to say – but he was. It really touched him,” added Cindy’s husband, Vern, current C.E. Jacobson Elementary School Principal.
Jacobson, who died on Jan. 4, 1985 of an apparent heart attack, is remembered best for the care he took of and the compassion he showed others. “He had a gentle spirit, was giving, was funny – he could be oddly funny, was genuine, very genuine, and was honest,” Cindy described.
“He cared about people. It didn’t matter if it were a former student who had challenged him as principal, acquaintances, businessmen – it didn’t matter to him,” Vern observed. Cindy added that after Jacobson’s death, “People would stop in who were rebellious in school and they’d say how much they missed him.”
Vern quoted a comment printed in the Post-Review following Jacobson’s death, “He was in a position where he could make enemies everyday, and yet he somehow avoided that… I wouldn’t say he didn’t offend people when he made decisions because he did,” Vern said. “I think people accepted his decisions if they disagreed because they knew he was doing what he thought was best for kids.”
Jacobson had a hard life growing up, according to his daughter, Cindy. His parents died young and at age 16, he moved out on his own in Superior, Wis. to finish high school. Jacobson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Superior and his master’s from the University of Minnesota.
Jacobson embarked on his teaching career in 1942  where he had also attended school, in Danbury, Wis., as teacher/principal. He followed that up with a stint as teacher/coach in Taylors Falls, before accepting a position as principal/teacher in Rush City in 1949.
Jacobson taught history and social studies in Rush City, and later, after his retirement, taught whatever was needed as a substitute in Pine City, North Branch and Rush City schools.
Cindy said it never bothered her, nor any of her siblings (Gary, Robert, Stephanie [Olson], and Nancy) that their father was principal. “It never bothered me because everyone liked him so much,” she explained. “He was a great dad. I’d see him in the hallway and he’d smile.”
In the spring of 1977, Jacobson hired a young teacher named Vern Koepp, who he then set up with his daughter. Cindy and Vern laughed, remembering, “He was a matchmaker in the 1960s and 1970s.” Jacobson always encouraged Vern to become a principal, but Vern didn’t move into that position until 11 years ago. “He would have been thrilled to know that Vern was principal,” Cindy noted.
Cindy also works in education in the North Branch School District’s first through third grade media center.
Cindy and Vern and their children, Zach, Gabe and Katie, live in rural Rush City. Jacobson’s other children live in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Son Gary and wife Karen live in Cambridge. Son Robert and Janie live in Lindstrom. Daughter Stephanie and Gary Olson live in Rock Creek and daughter Nancy lives in South Minneapolis. At the time of his death, Jacobson was the proud grandfather of nine: Jesse; Ryan; Alissa, Chris, Shannon and Brian Olson; Zach and Gabe Koepp; and Arin. Since then, the number has grown by five: Megan; Kelly and Sarah; Katie Koepp; and Thora; and there have been two great-grandchildren born: Madeleine, the daughter of Thora, and Saylor, the son of Brian Olson.
Cindy wistfully wishes that her daughter would have known her father, and the rest of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “He would have been in his glory,” she stated.
It’s not only his family, but the entire community that has felt a loss since Jacobson’s death. Over 700 people packed the elementary school gymnasium and hallways for his funeral. As Post-Review newspaper headline quoted his wife, Shirley, as saying, Jake “belonged to everybody”.
Cindy remembers, “We’d go uptown to get the mail and it’d take him an hour because he’d talk to people. He never drove. He always walked or biked.”
“He was well-known throughout the city,” said Vern. “Throughout the state,” Cindy chimed in.
The list of community activities he was involved in is many: president of the District 25 Principals Association, vice president of Central Minnesota Educational Association, life member of the National Education Association (NEA), NEA national convention delegate in 1957 and 1958, member of the Minnesota and National School Administrators’ Associations, member of the Chisago County Public Health Nursing Committee, board member of the East Central Regional Library Board, past commander of the Rush City American Legion and VFW, charter president of the Rush City Lions, past president of the Rush City Commercial Club and president of the Chisago County Cancer Society.
Jacobson was also a member of the First Lutheran Church of Rush City, serving six years on the church council, teaching Bible classes and serving as an usher. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge and was an Osman Temple Shriner.
In February 1982, he was given the Rush City Commercial Club’s Community Service Award.
But perhaps, his legacy lives on best in the yearly scholarship given in his name.
Vern and Cindy point out, “He gave his life to education.”

Community engagement focus of Wyoming Police Department

Offices seek to be approachable and partner with residents to solve crimes.

by Tesha M. Christensen

The Wyoming Police Department isn’t waiting for residents to reach out to them. Officers are actively engaging with residents and fostering partnerships as the community grows.

The department’s focus on community engagement is simple in its approach, but effective.

“I believe we already see the positive results of our community engagement,” remarked Wyoming Police Chief Paul Hoppe. “Every day people approach the officers on the street and strike up conversations, pass on information, and volunteer their time to help us police the community. 

“It’s truly a partnership that is working, and the positive energy is spreading through our community, and recognized by other communities across the state.”

OFFICERS WHO ARE APPROACHABLE

The Wyoming Police Department is working to improve the communication between the police department and the community by demonstrating the approachability of its officers.

“When it comes to policing, the police and the community are in it together; the police department is not an external entity but rather part of the community,” stated Chief Hoppe. “It’s important that the community recognizes the police as guardians of the community working in tandem with our residents and businesses to control crime in our community and improve the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Wyoming.” 

He added, “By improving the communication, trust, and transparency we build effective partnerships to better understand the community’s needs and to solve community problems together.”

Chief Hoppe recognizes that everyone in the city -- whether they be elected officials, community members, business owners, or police department staff -- are invested in making the city of Wyoming a positive place to be. This positive energy and sense of community pride contribute to a great community.

SPYING TRENDS TO STAY AHEAD OF CRIME

To support its community engagement policy, Wyoming created a new crime analysist position.

Lauren Studer joined the department in December 2017.She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Hamline University. Prior to joining the Wyoming Police Department, she worked as an office assistant at Patent Law Firm in Minneapolis. She also worked for the Center for Homicide Research as a homicide researcher.

Studer will support the department’s proactive model of intelligence-based policy in three ways. She will assist investigations with case assembly, disseminate crime trend data to patrol; and assist administration with statistical research and accountability factors.

Like most suburban communities, crimes that occur most often in Wyoming are larceny/theft and auto theft, according to Chief Hoppe. “From there we see a fair amount of drug violations (excluding marijuana), DWI violations, and financial transaction fraud cases,” he said.

In 2016 the department addressed 372 crimes, and in 2017 officers managed 361.

REGIONAL CRIME ISSUES

As the metro area expands and communities such as Wyoming experience increased amenities and jobs closer to home, it also means that the population increases. As Wyoming is absorbed into the expanding metropolitan area, crime trends are no longer localized, but rather regionalized, explained Chief Hoppe.

“We begin to experience trends that expand beyond our city limits involving perpetrators from other communities who are victimizing multiple communities,” he said. “They become regional problems.”

Wyoming is already seeing perpetrators involved in criminal activity in the city who are involved in similar activity in Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, Hennepin, and St. Croix counties. 

“Most counties operate on separate records management systems so the cross-reporting becomes more problematic,” Chief Hoppe observed. “A crime analyst helps break through some of those barriers by collaborating with their counterparts in other organizations, and identifying similarities across jurisdictions to develop useful criminal intelligence to proactively combat crime issues locally.”

Through the new crime analyst position, Studer will develop useful regional and local information that can be disseminated to patrol officers as intelligence briefings. The department will also develop suspect and vehicle information related to crime trends.

Officers can then proactively target potential crimes and areas of potential problems. This will help them deter or prevent crimes before they occur and develop creative solutions.

Citizens may opt to stay updated emergency situations or critical community alerts by signing up for CodeRED notifications on the police department web site. CodeRED is a secure government emergency communications notification portal. Examples of alerts include: evacuation notices, missing child reports, police activity notices, and more.

Printed in the 2018 Forest Lake Community Guide.

Running Aces: affordable night out for any budget

by Tesha M. Christensen

Count on family-friendly fun at Running Aces Harness Park just off the I35 exit in Columbus. Admission to the park is free, and when you pair that with the various discount days offered, it is an affordable night out on any budget.

Horse racing at Running Aces is different from the Thoroughbred racing found elsewhere in Minnesota. It’s much more fast-paced, with only 10 to 15 minutes between each race. As soon as one race is done, there are more horses on the track warming up for future races, so kids and guests are always entertained by what is happening on the track.

This year’s racing season begins in mid-May and runs through mid-September with racing on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays at 6 p.m.

Live programs list the leading drivers and trainers in the early pages of the program. Noting the top five drivers and trainers at a racetrack will always help drive successful wagers, recommends Aaron Bedessem of Running Aces. “Kathy Plested, Nick Roland, Tim / Denise Maier, and Gerry Longo are just a few of our leading trainers each year who plan on returning for the 2018 race season,” he added.

Running Aces attracts horse owners, drivers and trainers from across the country, and will continue to look for more barn space in the community to attract more horses to the track.

GREAT INFLATABLE RACE, OTHER EVENTS PLANNED

Monthly comedy shows, car shows, 5k races and vintage antique and craft shows give the non-gaming guest a great experience.

Running Aces prides itself on being a good community partner and working with many local organizations to create fun events for everyone.

The Great Inflatable Race returns on April 28. During this obstacle fun run, contestants make their way through a series of giant inflatable obstacles spread throughout the racecourse. “This fun but challenging race will not only leave you smiling, but sweating, as well!” promised Bedessem. 

The Vintage Antique show will return in October.

Look online for nightly promotions for the race season.

CLOSEST CASINO TO TWIN CITIES

Long accustomed to driving north to get to the cabin, Minnesotans now turn their cars north for evening entertainment. Friendly staff and the intimate, smoke-free facility makes Running Aces the most comfortable and fun casino in the area, and the one closest to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Gaming is available 24/7.

Running Aces offers a cutting-edge, Las Vegas-style card room with year-round Simulcast wagering and no commission or ante on any game. The card room has a warm elegance with all of the hottest games, including $1 Blackjack, Pai Gow, 3- and 4-Card Poker, all limits in Texas Hold’em and more.

FISH FOR TROUT, DINE ON SITE

Trout Air built a strong presence in the area from 1965-1998, and Running Aces has brought back the nostalgia and traditional favorites they once had. 

The Trout Air Fishing Experience gives people a true Minnesota experience without all the hassle. Catch the fish then let staff clean and cook it just the way you want it! Or, opt to take home the fresh fish. No fishing license required, and the fish are always biting.

Enjoy a cold drink or your fresh trout at the new outdoor Pub on the Pond.

Trout Air Tavern restaurant has a downtown Minnesota taste, and selection of local favorites with the pricing and service of a great neighborhood restaurant. The open feel of the restaurant paired with gaming sets it apart from anything in the area.

Trout Air Tavern uses a variety of locally sourced ingredients. Fill your appetite every day with the famous Trout Air Recipes, a Sunday Breakfast menu, and an expanded beer selection.

Last year’s new menu was very well received by guests. The Trout Air chef created many new favorites that spin off traditional recipes, such as the Tator Tot Hot Dish, that is made with steak bites.  New items added in fall 2017 include Chicken and Waffles and Smoked Pheasant Pot Pie, and more are coming once the race season begins.  

A new bar area in the Atrium is coming this year, and a buffet option will be offered on race nights.

While there, keep a look out for the original wood art piece entitled “Minnesota Grown.” Artist Leah Bedford used pieces of wood that were donated or repurposed, including some that came from wine barrels and planks from the old city hall in Columbus.

UPCOMING HOTEL, ROAD CONSTRUCTION

This spring, Running Aces will break ground on a five-story, 120-room hotel.  Rooms will overlook the track.

“There is a lot of potential for our land to develop even more, and to bring some of the goals the comprehensive plan for the city of Columbus has,” commented Bedessem. “We will continue to modify what we offer to our guests to make sure we are the premier choice when people think about entertainment options in Minnesota.”

Also this year, I-35, the 97 bridge and the frontage road will all be going through major construction, which will pose some hurdles for the north metro. Running Aces staff will make sure guests are informed of construction updates.

“It has been fun to continue to grow through the years and be able to expand our offerings,” said Bedessem. “We have been able to develop great relationships with all of our guests because of the personal experience we can give everyone.”

Printed in the 2018 Forest Lake Community Guide.

More homes, apartments being built in Forest Lake

City balances identity change from cabin country to emerging suburban community

by Tesha M. Christensen

People continue to be drawn to the Forest Lake area, settling into a variety of new apartments and single-family homes being built throughout the city.

“2017 was a robust year for residential development in the multi-family department,” observed Forest Lake Zoning Administrator Donovan Hart.

Local developer Gaughan Companies broke ground on a 102-unit apartment building, with ground floor retail, on the site of the former city hall within Forest Lake’s downtown. Lighthouse Lofts at 220 Lake St. N. will be a five-story apartment complex when complete. It replaces the 76-year-old City Hall was empty after city officials, police and firefighters moved into the new, high-tech Forest Lake City Center in December 2014.

In all, 104 permits were pulled in the city for multi-family units, up from 73 in 2016 and 36 in 2015.

City officials expect multi-family housing construction to remain strong in 2018.

After opening a 73-unit building that was fully leased in September 2016, Stillwater-based Summit Management is in the final stages of city development review of another 73-unit apartment building. It is expected to break ground this spring. Arbor Ridge Luxury Apartments is located on 8th Street S.E., just north of Scandia Trail/Highway 97.

“Arbor Ridge targets a more traditional multi-family market with one and two bedroom luxury apartments offering more amenities,” said developer Mark Lambert. Arbor Ridge Luxury Apartments feature high-end contemporary finishes and six open floorplans, catering to a mix of multi-generational residents. “It’s got a little different makeup – older residents who are interested in a transition from their traditional home to those who are moving into their first apartment that’s nice, luxurious, maintenance-free and still near the neighborhoods they grew up or lived in,” said Lambert.

Amenities include a massage chair room, a package concierge system, and covered parking in a detached garage, as well as both indoor and outdoor fitness areas.

Meanwhile, Kason Inc. is expected to break ground on two apartment buildings composed of 84 units within the Gateway Green subdivision, located on Wyngate Blvd. south of Menards and west of Everton Ave.

Gateway Green, a high-density, high-quality townhouse project with two 42-unit condominium/apartment buildings and another 160 + town homes, row homes and cluster cottages, is located on 25 acres.  The two three-story 98,424-square-foot residential structures will sit on 1.91 acres. A conditional use permit to construct these multi-family buildings was originally issued in 2004, but the permit expired when the work was not started.

The buildings will offer an equal number of one and two-bedroom apartments (18) with six 3-bedroom units per building.

The structures will be four levels with one level of parking and three levels of residential. There will be a community room, fitness center, and elevator. The interior’s modern appearance is appealing to both young professionals and families alike. The open kitchen design includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and shaker-style cabinets. Each master bedroom will have a large walk-in closet for added storage and convenience.

Neighborhood parks and open space are generously distributed throughout the property, conducted by well-placed and abundant trails and sidewalks. Award winning land planner, Marc Putman of Putman Planning and Design, said, “We’ve woven time-proven lessons of Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) into this new community.”

All irrigation in the Gateway Green Community, not just the Gateway Green Apartments, will be supplied by a stormwater pond in the northwest corner of the community.

Also in 2018, a non-profit developer is expected to bring forward a proposal for a 45-unit building by the airport.

SINGLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT ALSO STRONG

Single-family development also continued strong. The city issued 47% more building permits in 2017 than the previous year, according to Hart.

Most of the growth occurring is in Chestnut Creek (off of Harrow Ave.) and Headwaters (by the Lakes International Language Academy school on Fenway).

“The southwest area of the city seems most promising due to the proximity of public water and sewer service, and less acreage impacted by wetlands,” remarked Hart.

In 2018, it is likely that Ron Bastyr will apply for the final platting of the Chestnut Creek development for another 112 lots off of Harrow Ave.

Chestnut Creek features 11 different home designs with 3-4 bedrooms ranging from 1,900 to 3,057 square feet. Prices vary from $344,990-$377,990. All homes include the “Everything’s Included” features that have allowed Lennar to be the Twin Cities #1 builder 10 years in a row.

Expansive homesites overlook ponds and wetlands with lovely walking trails and city parks. Home details included features like designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances, expansive great rooms and an opportunity to add a special serenity owner’s bath.

Planning for Headwaters, west of U.S. 61 and just south of the Forest Lake airport, began more than decade ago, but fell prey to the recession. Fenway Investments signed on to develop a 620-acre planned neighborhood in 2004, with work to be done in three phases ending in 2012. Original plans called for a multi-use city core that included single-family homes, multi-family housing, senior housing, retail shops, recreation areas, a community center, walking trails and landscaping that reflective of the area’s agricultural past.

As of 2013, there were six homes, a senior housing complex, one of two planned apartment buildings, a Washington County library and service center, transit center and a couple of businesses, prompting a change in who was heading up the development. Mattamay Homes bought undeveloped residential lots from Fenway and began construction, offering nine styles of homes, each with two to four bedrooms, starting at about $245,000. Mattamay has since pulled out of the Minnesota housing market. Homes in Headwaters is now being developed by Woodbury-based firm Creative Homes.

AN IDENTIY CHANGE

The city’s population growth isn’t coming without challenges.

“The city is in the midst of an identity change from former cabin country to an emerging suburban community,” observed Hart. “Many residents flock to the YMCA and yearn for more dining opportunities, while still enjoying multi-generational families.”

However, the job growth is not matching the residential development. People commute long distances to their jobs with a mean drive time of about 30 minutes. “Time spent in the car isn’t time spent in the community with family, friends, shopping, or engaging in civic activities,” said Hart.

Despite that, people are being drawn to Forest Lake for its strong community and prime location.

“Leading factors are a strong rental market, affordable land, proximity to the interstate, and a rural/urban balance that people see as a good quality of life,” stated Hart. “Affordable new home prices enable young professionals to purchase a 3-4 bedroom house with a three-car garage on a one-third acre land. That’s not approachable in many metro communities.”

Printed in the Forest Lake Community Guide.

S.A.F.E. Sundays at Como Zoo focus on endangered animals

New program helps people understand what they do locally makes impact globally

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Help polar bears this winter by turning down your thermostat two degrees.
“That amount of change in temp may seem small to us, but it has a positive impact over time,” observed Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Events Coordinator Lindsay Sypnieski.
In fact, if every American adjusted the thermostat up or down by one degree each season, it would save as much energy as the state of Iowa uses in a year.
Taking action now won’t result in an immediate stop to climate change, but new studies show that people could see the effects in about a decade, according to the Polar Bears International, an organization that Como partners with that is focused on how climate change is affecting polar bears in the wild.
Ways that people can help endangered animals is the focus of a new program at Como Park Zoo.
S.A.F.E. Sundays at Como
While Como has been a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction (S.A.F.E.) program since 2015, it began S.A.F.E. Sundays last November.
The purpose of the new initiative is “to communicate Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s effort as part of this program and engage our visitors in conversations about the animals here at Como, how we help them in the wild, and what the visitor can do to help save these animals from extinction,” explained Sypnieski.
Polar Bears will be the focus on Jan. 14, and orangutans, tigers, spider monkeys, and langurs have been discussed since the program began.
Palm oil affects orangutans
In early December, the S.A.F.E. Sundays program focused on palm oil and orangutans.

Orangutans (photo right courtesy of Como Zoo and Conservatory) are being affected by the palm oil crisis due to deforestation, habitat degradation, climate change, animal cruelty and indigenous rights abuses in the countries (primarily Borneo and Sumatra) where palm oil is harvested. A century ago there were more than 230,000 orangutans in total, but the Bornean orangutan is now estimated at 104,700 based on updated geographic range (Endangered) and the Sumatran about 7,500 (Critically Endangered).
Here in Minnesota, people can help the orangutans by “making conscious choices with our buying habits and making sure that companies we purchase items from are part of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil,” observed Sypnieski.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is working to transform the market to make sustainable palm oil the norm. The North American Sustainable Palm Oil Network (NASPON) was just established on Dec. 19. Founding members of NASPON include Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons Companies, Barry Callebaut, Blommer Chocolate Company, Conservation International, Control Union, Dunkin’ Brands, Fuji Oils, International Flavors & Fragrances, IOI Loders Croklaan, Kellogg Company, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Rainforest Alliance, and Target.
Cell phones affect gorillas
Recycle your cell phone, save the gorillas.
It may not be as simple as that, but a recycling program to collect old cell phones at the Como Zoo and other American zoos is highlighting the little-known connection between cell phone use and the survival of African gorillas.

SONY DSC

Coltan, a mineral that is used in making cell phones, is extracted in the deep forests of Congo in central Africa, home to the world’s endangered lowland gorillas  (photo right courtesy of Como Zoo and Conservatory).
Columbite-tantalite (coltan for short) is a metallic ore that, when refined, becomes metallic tantalum, a heat-resistant powder that can hold a high electrical charge. These properties are ideal for making capacitors, which are used in many electronic devices, including cell phones.
Conflict, illegal mining, and the growing bush-meat trade (the hunting of wild animals for food) have all contributed to a 70 percent population decline of the eastern lowland gorilla, according to some estimates.
Como partners with Eco-Cell, a cell phone-recycling firm based in Louisville, KY, and receives funds for each phone donated. The newer smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, can usually be reused and are worth money back. Many old cell phones cannot be reused and must be recycled. Eco-Cell recycles these types of devices properly and uses best practices regarding smelting, diversion of toxins and reclamation of precious metals.
Drop off unwanted cell phones in the collection boxes located in the Como Visitor Center and Primate Building. Collections from recycling drives can also be mailed directly to Eco-cell; contact ComoEducation@ci.stpaul.mn.us to receive shipping labels.
Upcoming programs
Plan to attend upcoming S.A.F.E. Sundays at Como. Learn about penguins on Jan. 21, lemurs on Jan. 28, gorillas on Feb. 4 and snow leopards on Feb. 11. Each program runs from 1-3pm, and you can find a full schedule online. Look for the S.A.F.E. Sundays table at the featured animal’s exhibit.