Submitted photo
Outgoing Scandia Lions president Jim Reinitz relinquishes the official club gavel to incoming leader Judy Rydeen.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Letters will be accepted for the Open Forum for publication in the next available issue after receipt. Letters may be sent to Forest Lake Times, 146 N. Lake St., Suite 125, Forest Lake, or by e-mail to ryan.howard@ecm-inc.com. Letters should not exceed 250 words and must be signed with the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Special early deadline is noon Friday. The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters and assure that rules of libel and good taste are not violated.

The wrong target

A radical Muslim jihadist kills 49 gay clubgoers, and somehow the argument becomes whether or not law-abiding citizens should be allowed to purchase AR-15 rifles and high capacity magazines. The idiocy of this argument staggers me. Why don’t gun grabbers like Tom Obst (in his June 23 letter, “Smaller magazines, common sense”) just admit they want Americans to be unarmed sheep waiting for slaughter? The right to bear arms was granted to us by God and cannot be taken away. It cannot be limited like speed limits because driving is not a right guaranteed in our Bill of Rights. It wasn’t written to guarantee my right to hunt. Personal protection is part of this right, but do not doubt that it was specifically included because the right of the people to defend themselves against an overreaching government was paramount to the founders. Please stop ignoring the gorilla in the room that our government failed and allowed a radical jihadist to perpetrate this. Radicalized Muslims are the problem. Why has the government, whose primary task is to protect America, been allowed to avoid any blame that should be pointed directly at them and not at some scary-looking black rifle? I am sick and tired of people trying to restrain my liberty every time someone does something terrible. We live in a free country, and with that freedom come risks — risks that I am willing to take versus living in a country that fits Mr. Obst’s liking.

Brad Kriss
Forest Lake

The Wildlife Science Center in Columbus may have longer than its initial July 15 deadline to move its nearly 100 animals – including a number of endangered wolves – off-site to a new home in Linwood. However, Executive Director Peggy Callahan said that regardless of the move-out date, raising funds for the transition as soon as possible is paramount.

Meanwhile, the center remains open to the public, though Callahan said the negative attention surrounding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ notice of termination of the WSC’s lease earlier this year has caused the center to lose valuable revenue, opportunities and visitors.

On Jan. 5, the WSC received a letter from the DNR explaining that the department was terminating the lease for the center, which currently sits on DNR property in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. Though the lease was set to expire naturally in March 2017, the letter said that unless the WSC addressed a number of department concerns – primarily related to the condition of the center’s on-site office building, which is not open to the public – the DNR would cut the lease short in July. Callahan disputes most of the issues raised in the letter and has said she believes the DNR is trying to force her off the property so it can add to the nearby department facilities; however, the DNR has said no such plans are imminent.

Earlier this month, however, Callahan said that discussions with the DNR have been favorable enough that the department might let the WSC move out next March after all, provided that the center follows a few steps like demonstrating that the office building is safe (Callahan would also be prohibited from bringing her several domesticated dogs on-site while she works).

“The conversation is that they’re going to extend it,” she said.

DNR Wildlife Section Chief Paul Telander confirmed that the removal of the dogs and the assurance that the office building is up to local health and fire codes were the two primary factors the DNR was concerned about resolving in order for WSC to finish its lease — an outcome he said the DNR wanted to achieve.

“We do have a few other points, but those are certainly the main two,” he said.

Telander was not sure when the DNR would make a final decision, saying that the department was waiting to hear from WSC. With July 15 only about two weeks away, he said it was important to reach an agreement soon.

“I’m hoping we would hear something in the next week or so,” he said.

The WSC owns some land in Linwood where Callahan said the center will ultimately be located, but whether the move comes in July or next year, she stressed that the center needs funds to move soon. Of the center’s fund target of $500,000, about $167,000 has been raised, including $100,000 from an anonymous donor. Front loading donations is important, said Callahan, because before the animals can move to Linwood, their new homes need to be built – a process the center hopes to start this month.

“We need to have this done by snow fly,” Callahan said.

Though the center has a fundraising page up online at tinyurl.com/z88ae38, there are other ways for friends of the WSC to help. Pet supply chain Chuck & Don’s has selected the WSC as one of the organizations benefited by the business’s annual Raising Awareness campaign, which lasts through July. Supporters of the WSC can buy a balloon from participating Chuck & Don’s locations (including the Forest Lake site at 1960 W. Broadway Ave.) or take their animals in for a dog wash or a nail trim. The WSC has also set up a program for donors wishing to “sponsor” a single animal’s move to the Linwood location, and Callahan noted that the center will gladly accept in-kind donations like lumber, nails or volunteer building services.

“We have a number of small projects, small enclosures … and we’ve had Scouts build them before,” Callahan said.

The WSC’s quest for funds has been a series of ups and downs, with the organization’s needs almost filled in full when the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill in May that included the complete financing of the WSC’s move with funds appropriated from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (which primarily deals with money collected through the Minnesota State Lottery). Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill but nixed the funds, among other parts of the bill, in a line-item veto. A spokesman for Dayton said that the governor is not against the move but objected to the fact that the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources didn’t recommend the appropriation.

“These line-item vetoes do not reflect my lack of support for these projects; rather, they underscore my conviction that the Legislature must work with its citizen councils, not against them,” Dayton’s letter explaining the vetoes read in part.

Callahan said she believed the veto may have been political retribution against District 31B Rep. Tom Hackbarth, a Republican who co-authored the bill and added the section about the WSC (Dayton is a Democrat who has been critical of the priorities of GOP lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative session, which ended last month). Hackbarth did not respond to a request for comment. Callahan was hopeful that the WSC would be able to make its case for state funding for the move again soon and urged center supporters to contact their local lawmakers and Dayton’s office.

Callahan is convinced that one barrier to the WSC getting the revenue it needs is negative attention from around the time of the lease termination letter, which she said has convinced some locals that the center is closed or unsafe for visitors. In reality, the center is still open and receiving visitors and campers, and Callahan pointed out that the majority of the issues listed in the DNR’s letter (with the exception of the domesticated dogs, which will soon no longer be on the property) pertain to factors that affect neither the WSC’s visitors nor the animals it cares for.

“We absolutely try to make noise about it, but I’m convinced that’s why our summer camp registration is so low,” Callahan said, adding that the bad press surrounding the lease termination caused a film company to cancel a contract to shoot at the center. By making comments that adversely affect the WSC’s income, she added, “(DNR leaders) have been a roadblock in us getting out of here.”

Summer camps allowing kids to learn more about the animals at the WSC are still open for registration, and the center is still available for field trips and other visits. Callahan loves teaching young visitors about another side of science as they observe the center’s wildlife.

“You don’t have to wear a white lab coat,” she said. “You can work with mountain lions and wolves and still be a scientist.”

As for the future home of the WSC, Callahan said preparations at the Linwood location will begin shortly.

“We’ll be throwing some steel in the ground soon,” she said.

Learn more about the WSC by visiting wildlifesciencecenter.org or by calling 651-464-3993.

Stephen Reeder, age 54 of Blanding, Utah formerly Forest Lake, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2015 in Blanding. Steve passed away after falling and hitting his head while outside doing chores. Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had a love of the outdoors that included hunting, fishing, skiing and the mountains which led him to live in Utah for many years. A portion of his ashes has been spread at his favorite fishing spot on the Green River in Utah. He is preceded in death by his brother, Mark and father, Ron. Survived by his mother, Lanora Reeder; siblings, Colleen (Stephan) Wilhelmi, Brian (Mary) Reeder, Sharon (Steve) Myers; other family and friends. Graveside Services will be conducted with full military honors at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Online condolences may be made at www.mattsonfuneralhome.com. Cards and memorials may be directed to Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 343 N. Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Residents in Randall know how to have a good time and like to get everyone involved.

Randall’s July 4 celebration is one example. While the event features a car show, a beverage garden, rides, games, food vendors and fireworks, it also features a unique event — bed races.

Teams of five people dress up and decorate a bed, put it on wheels and race down East Sixth Street, putting sleepy racers to bed one at a time, until the winner remains.

It’s not all that easy to win, since team members not only have to push the bed down the track, but have to stop, run around the bed, and before heading back to the finish line, two have to switch pajamas, all at a pace to ensure a win.

Bed races take place at 1 p.m. Monday, July 4.

But the fun really begins the day before, Sunday, July 3, when the Randall Car Show, sponsored by the Randall VFW, is on display from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Dancing in the streets commences at 8:30 p.m. July 3, behind Gosch’s Grocery Store, from the Erwin Wise Pavilion to the Bingo Park parking area. All the while, a beverage garden will be provided by the Randall Area Lions.

Rides and games will keep the kids busy, and food vendors will satisfy appetites.

The evening of July 3, fireworks begin at dusk, shooting from the softball field at Dr. S.G. Knight Elementary.

Monday, the Randall Fire Department sells hot dogs or brats and sides, starting  at 10 a.m. at the Fire Hall, and the parade starts at 11 a.m.

After the parade, kids can enjoy duck races at the bridge on East Fourth Street and Bingo Park, an open house will be held at the Fire Hall, until 3 p.m., when the winner of the $10,000 raffle will be announced.

All afternoon rides, games and food vendors will be set up at Bingo Park.

The pilot of a small plane received minor injuries July 1 when his single-engine plane crashed on southbound Interstate Highway 35 in Wyoming.

The crash happened around 10 p.m. near the Viking Boulevard bridge. Traffic was closed for roughly two hours as the plane was towed and the scene investigated. No one else was hurt in the incident.

The Minnesota State Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Lakes International Language Academy has been recognized by charter school authorizer Volunteers of America of Minnesota in all three annual school review award categories: school academic excellence, school finance, and school board governance.

Each award is based on professional analysis of information from the Minnesota Department of Education, monthly school board minutes, school financial reports, annual school reports and audits, and other information provided by the eighteen charter schools authorized by VOA-MN. The process is intended to help ensure “transparent and accountable oversight of authorized schools,” according to the reports filed by Dr. Charles A. Speiker for the VOA-MN.

LILA Chief Financial Officer Julie Lundgren explained that only the “best of the best” are selected for these awards.
“Our information, operations, and reporting becomes a model for other charter schools,” she said in a press release. “We’re proud to share our practices and innovative approaches, as that’s at the heart of the charter school movement.”

Stephanie Olsen, VOA-MN Senior Manager, serves as primary contact for LILA. She presented the awards to Director Shannon Peterson and Executive Director Cam Hedlund.

Submitted photo
On June 16, Masonic Charities presented Forest Lake resident Elizabeth Blount with the Legacy Scholarship worth $4,000 per year for four years. Pictured is Blount and Dave Olson, past Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota and member of Forest Lake Masonic Lodge 344.

Submitted photo
On June 6, Forest Lake Masonic Lodge 344 presented $1,000 scholarships to Joseph Alberg and Heather Claussen. Representing Lodge 344 was Mike Schultz. An additional award was given to Daniel Matskiewicz, not pictured.

Actors from the Cromulent Shakespeare Company perform a scene from “Much Ado About Nothing” as part of the June 21 Arts in the Park series at Lakeside Memorial Park. The troupe played to a large crowd of locals.

The Scandia City Council voted 4-1 at its June 21 meeting to leave the Forest Lake Cable Commission. The two remaining cities, Columbus and Forest Lake, are still mulling their options.

The Scandia vote came after weeks of city representatives broadcasting that the municipality would likely end its participation in the commission, which operates Lakes Area Television. As part of the commission’s governing agreement, Scandia will still contribute franchise fees for a couple of years unless the commission is dissolved before then. Mayor Randall Simonson and multiple council members have said that the commission doesn’t present enough of a benefit to Scandia residents, many of whom don’t even have the option of purchasing cable service.

“I just think it is something that is underutilized and is past its time,” Councilman Bob Hegland said.

The lone no vote was Dan Lee.

“It is a great access and extremely enlightening and enables kids to have access to the media that they would never have,” he argued. “I just think it’s a great thing.”

While Columbus and Forest Lake representatives have expressed interest in continuing to film government meetings even if the commission is disbanded, the future of tapings in Scandia is unclear. Simonson told The Times in May that he doesn’t believe the council holds the taping of meetings in high priority.

The city councils in Forest Lake and Columbus also discussed the commission at meetings on June 20 and 22, respectively. Neither body came to a decision on how they would like to see the commission conducted in the future, and the member cities will likely discuss the matter further at commission and city meetings in the future.

In Forest Lake, commissioner and Councilman Ben Winnick argued that LATV is still providing a good service, one that is paid for not by taxpayers but by cable company Midcontinent and its subscribers (if the commission was disbanded, the city could use Midcontinent’s franchise payments for other purposes).

“I believe the people who are paying for it are receiving a benefit,” Winnick said.

Other council members favored or wanted to learn more about a proposal from the three cities’ administrators that would restructure the commission, scaling back LATV’s event coverage to a few key broadcasts and focusing more on meeting recordings.

“I think there’s more efficient ways of doing what we’re doing,” Councilman Michael Freer said.

City Administrator Aaron Parrish said he’d discussed the idea of the commission partnering with Forest Lake Area Schools, but the school district did not express interest in the idea. The lack of support for LATV by the district was criticized by multiple council members, who pointed out that LATV currently films many FLAS events. Winnick argued that the school should be partnering with LATV to allow students to learn about video production and broadcasting.

In Columbus, commissioner and Councilman Jeff Duraine agreed with Winnick’s assessment of LATV’s performance.

“I believe the access channel is a large asset to the city. … I think they do a good job,” he said.

Councilman Denny Peterson thought that reorganization would be beneficial, or even inevitable in the wake of Scandia’s exit.

“I don’t know if the cable commission can stand on its own without three partners,” he said.

Some Columbus council members also expressed dissatisfaction with FLAS’ current level of involvement with LATV.

– Terry Traver and Paul Rignell contributed to this report.

Cassie Thobe of Forest Lake recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and fininshed her college career with semester high honors.
Brooke Ewert of Marine on St. Croix recently graduated from Carthage College.
Rachel Baniecke, Brendon Cleland-Babcock, Reid Larson, Olivia Norman, Kyle Thielke, and Russell Wicklund of Forest Lake, Jospeh Steinman, Elizabeth Thorsdon,Kathryn Goodpaster, Brooke McCullough, and Samantha Moe of Wyoming, and Bridget Ecklund of Scandia earned a spot on the dean’s list at North Dakota State University.
Jennifer Zidar of Wyoming was recognized as an outstanding student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
Zack Decker of Wyoming recently graduated from Coe College.
Kassandra Carlson and Espen Rodsjo of Scandia earned a spot on the dean’s list at Montana State University.
Holly Kundel of Forest Lake earned a spot on the dean’s list at Augsburg College.
Luke Andrew Capistrant, Ashley Mae Lacher, and Rachel Hartshorn of Forest Lake, Bridget Elizabeth Eklund of Scandia, and Alyssa K. Goodpastor and Samantha Irene Moe from Wyoming, recently graduated from North Dakota State University.
Jesse Goetz and Elijah Forsblade of Forest Lake recently graduated from Blue Sky online school.
Jackson McDowell, Forest Lake, eared a place on the dean’s list at Bemidji State University.
Alexandra Bey, Forest Lake, graduated from and earned on a spot on the dean’s list at the University of Northern Iowa.

Appetizer sized menu items as well as beer and wine samples will be served from 20 local restaurants during the 10th Annual TASTE! fundraising event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 13 at Splitrocks Entertainment Center in Wyoming.

TASTE! tickets are $25 if purchased prior to the event and $30 at the door. LAYSB also offers a buy five get one free deal! Tickets may be purchased online at www.ysblakesarea.org or at Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau, Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, or Daniela’s. All proceeds support LAYSB’s teen enrichment and mentoring programs. LAYSB is a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductable to the full extent the law allows.

Linwood Township has purchased six additional voting booths so there are enough of them for the newly organized Precinct 2.

Voters in the new precinct have been notified by Anoka County of the change in polling place. Head election judge Sheila Bien told the Linwood Town Board during its June 14 meeting that 534 households are in the new precinct.

Election judges will receive their training in June and July, and most of them can receive training online. Impartial judges or at least a balanced number from each party are needed during each shift. Absentee voting begins June 26.

During the days between the primary and general elections, the township’s sign ordinances are suspended to allow form campaign signs. Voters in Linwood vote in the 6th congressional district and for state representative for District 31B.

Fire updates

Fire Chief Darryl Ballman told the board that the Linwood Fire Department still has no news about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The department is a joint applicant with the Forest Lake Area School District.

Seven firefighters are completing additional classes to qualify as EMTs. When these individuals complete training, there will be 22 firefighters with EMT certification in the department. Burning restrictions have been lifted, but permits are needed for fires other than recreational ones.

The board authorized Fire Department retirees’ participation, along with the recently restored four-wheel-drive vintage fire truck, in several upcoming local parades, including the July 4 parade in Forest Lake and an Aug. 6 parade in Stacy.

Other business

According to Supervisor Bob Millerbernd, Jaime Schurbon, water resource specialist for the Sunrise River Water Management Organization, inspected the carp barriers installed in the Sunrise River as it drains from Typo Lake. They are not quite complete, but Schurbon is not too concerned. He is working with the maintenance employees to set up maintenance plans for these structures.

Renovation on the Senior Center and Town Hall is progressing. Millerbernd requested that those working on the project maintain a clean work site. Fire inspection went well. There may need to be more frequent inspections because alarms are disconnected until the whole renovation is completed.

Supervisors are financially compensated for meetings they attend as committee liaisons. Meetings related to social media, township communications and website maintenance were declared eligible meetings for which the liaison qualifies for this compensation.

Supervisor Ed Kramer noted that at the next recycling Saturday, the Youth Service Bureau youth will be touring the facility.

The recycling also promotes accepting household items, utensils, blankets, etc. to donate to Bridging, which assists those who need household items.

In other business, the board:
– Learned that as the result of a grant application submitted by senior coordinator Dawn Cash, Linwood Township was awarded a $30,000 Community Development Block Grant to purchase a new van.
– Learned that new signs are up on the Windswept Prairie portion of the Linwood Community and School Forest. Signs were constructed by programs in Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

The third in a series of five golden tickets hidden inside Wonka chocolate bars has been discovered by Forest Lake resident Avis Tetrault.

Tetrault brought her chocolate bar home after purchasing it at Cherry’s Ice Cream Parlour on Lake St. Tetrault brought the bar home and let it sit for a week before her sweet tooth got the better of her. She was thrilled to open the chocolate bar and find a golden ticket.

Tetrault traded in her golden ticket for two free tickets to one of the performances of “Willy Wonka, The Musical,” which are held at 7 p.m. every Thursday to Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays July 7 to 24 at Forest Lake High School. Tetrault will also receive a photo opportunity with the cast as well as a signed show poster. All golden ticket winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a gift basket of items donated by the businesses who are selling the “Wonka” chocolate bars. Those businesses include Cherry’s Ice Cream Parlour, Cherrywood Pointe, Downtown Interiors, Dance Tech Studios, Pizza Hut, Punch Out Gaming, Roxy’s Total Image, Salon Belleza, Scandia Pizza, Stewie’s Subs, The Little Bit Shop, Vannelli’s By The Lake, Waldoch Farms, and Yellow Bus Children and Misses Shoppe.

Additional information, including ticket ordering information, can be found at www.masquerstheatre.org.

The Saint Croix Fat Cat Triathlon is a paddle, run and bike event created by Ross Brunfelt and presented by the Scandia Marine Lions Club. It purports to be one of the finest routes in the Midwest and July 9 will be its third installment. This year, racers will convene to the St. Croix River valley from areas as close as our hometowns of Scandia and Marine and from as far away as areas like Topeka, KS and Fargo, ND. Their ages vary from 12 to 75 years old and racers take part either individually, in tandem with a partner (paddling together in one watercraft and then running, biking individually) or as part of a three-person team where each takes one leg of the race.

Last year the overall men’s champion was Alex Reich with a time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 37 seconds, while Ana Pratt took home the women’s title with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes and 10 seconds. The course is approximately 20 miles beginning with a 3.5 mile paddle on the St Croix River from Log House Landing south around Greenburg Island and finishing near the boat landing in William O’Brien State Park. Racers then begin their challenging 5.5 mile run along the river, up the main hill and through beautiful sections of the Park’s trail system exiting the NW corner, then following Oxboro Ave. and Old Marine Trail around Sand Lake to the Lions Park. From there they mount the saddle and pedal 11 miles on a scenic route in and around Long, Big Marine, Fish, Hay, and Sand Lakes finishing back at Lions Park with a short foot sprint after dismounting.

“The scenery of Scandia says it all,” Brunfelt said in a press release. “Regardless of the awesome volunteerism, business sponsors, music and food, it’s that scenery that most participants comment on and ultimately brings them back each year.”

The race is unique in that it routes through both a National and State Park system that are widely recognized.

“Ultimately, we’d like to grow the event, but only to a sustainable point,” Brunfelt said in a press release. “We never talk about becoming the largest event, but only how can we tweak things each year to provide the participants the ultimate experience.”

This year it appears the race is on pace for around 180 racers and Brunfelt believes that perhaps some year they will have to cap entries.

“Time will tell, you know, there are so many different races and events around the Twin Cities each year; we’re just one of those many choices,” he said in a press release. “We are different than many in that we’re 100 percent volunteer-run and I think that also resonates with people. Not only do they get an enjoyable experience, the money they pay to raise goes right back into the communities and Lions causes after expenses are paid.”

Information about the event can be found on Facebook and www.stcroixfatcat.com. The race is held annually the second Saturday of July beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is approximately $60-80 depending on when and whether you sign up with partners. Cost includes two meals, a racer shirt, chip timing and a chance at some prizes drawn by bib number. Canoe/kayak rentals are available through registration site.

The July 12 Forest Lake Arts in the Park festivities will feature entertainment by the bluesy soul jazz rock outfit Jorgensen-Tagg. The band, formed in 1998, has been recognized by peers and critics alike as one of the Twin Cities’ best original bands. Incorporating blues, soul, jazz and rock into a unique style the band calls Americana Soul, the Minnesota Music Awards has twice awarded the group Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, and Album of the Year. Kurt Jorgensen and company are currently working on the band’s ninth album.

Jorgensen-Tagg has played countless shows and outdoor festivals and often opens for national acts which have included Joe Cocker, Lynyrd Skynyrd , The Guess Who, America, The Little River Band, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Double Trouble, and more.

Music will start at 6:30 p.m. at Lakeside Memorial Park. Locals are encouraged to stop by the park early as the farmers market begins at 5.

Blood drive competition
The Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce will be competing against the Chisago Lakes and North Branch chambers in a series of blood drives July 12 to 14. The Forest Lake event will take place on July 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Lakeside Memorial Park. Visit MBC.org/searchdrives and type in code 4424 to sign up for the Forest Lake drive.
Senior Dance
The Forest Lake VFW will host “Our Dance Place“ for seniors from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday
Class reunion
The FLHS class of 1946 will hold a 70th reunion at noon July 13 at Vanellis. Guests are asked to RSVP by calling 651-464-3065.
Toughman
Toughman Minnesota will be held July 24 at the Paradise Park in Chisago City. The event begins at 7 a.m. and features half iron and sprint triathlon courses. The youth triathlon will be held July 23 in Paradise Park starting at 9 a.m. To register, visit dutrirun.com, active.com or call 920-574-2972.
Class reunion
The FLHS class of 1991 will hold a 25-year reunion at 7 p.m. July 30 at Vanellis. Email Kelley.Walhof@genmills.com with questions.
Karate tournament
The International Karate League will hold its family-friendly annual tournament featuring rookie talent all the way up to renowned champions at 8 a.m. July 23 at Maranatha Assembly of God, 24799 Forest Blvd. Participants must be invited to compete.
Class reunion
The Forest Lake class of 1976 will hold a 40 year reunion July 30 at Split Rocks Entertainment Center in Wyoming. All classmates are asked to send name, email and address to forestlake76reunion@gmail.com to receive email updates or call Jaime Theobald at 913-271-6818 with contact information.
Bingo
The Forest Lake Lions will host a purse and merchandise bingo at 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at Friars. Cost is $26 for a 13 game packet.

Photos by Ryan Howard
Drummers in the Forest Lake Area High School Marching Band groove together during the Forest Lake Fourth of July Parade.

A pug relaxes at the parade as he rack up candidate endorsements.

The Forest Lake City Marching Band made its return to the parade after an absence in 2015.

Some parade viewers picked a taller than average vantage point to watch the parade: the pedestrian bridge over Broadway.

Ashley Hult points out the passing bagpipe band to her father.

Attendees scout out a good place to watch before the parade.

Parade onlookers watch a plane flyover at the beginning of the festivities.

The Forest Lake Area School Board learned about the disparity between students from low-income households and their peers during a presentation the district’s equity portrait June 23.

Equity is defined as the quality of being fair or impartial. The presentation was given by district equity leaders Carolyn Latady and Brad Ward. In creating the equity portrait, Latady and Ward compiled data to determine what is working in the district, who it is working for, and what can be improved upon. The purpose of the portrait is to increase equity awareness, demonstrate change and growth over time, and facilitate discussion and action aimed at improving services for all students and families.

“Strategy (No.) 1 of the district strategic plan states that we must support the ability to work effectively within the context of cultural differences for all students,” Latady said. “Each strategy had an action team, and as a part of the team for strategy 1, we were tasked with coming up with an equity analysis to start looking at data both qualitative and quantitative to help look at how we are doing with all kids.”

She later added: “This portrait provides a framework for us to document and understand how our educational practices either benefit students or disadvantage students. Sometimes, if we’re not thinking intentionally, we make a decision or we put something in place that seems like a great thing for all students, but for some students maybe it isn’t.”

Last year, Latady and Ward took a look at economically impoverished students based on the number of families that qualified for free and reduced-price lunches. In creating the equity portrait, they wanted to take a second look and see where things stood. The duo highlighted this segment of their research during their presentation.

“What we learned is that it doesn’t matter who the student is; by and large students are attending classes regularly,” Ward said. “However, when you look at graduation rate, (impoverished) identified students are more than 21 percentage points lower. It jumps out at us to say, ‘What sorts of things are we doing? Are we setting up different systems that are not working? Clearly, some are not working for all students.”

To help focus the viewer of the equity portrait, Latady and Ward came up with different observations and posed questions based on those observations.

“Initially, we had different groups look at different sets of data and (drawing) their own conclusions and (asking) their own questions,” Latady said. “People got distracted by just looking at the numbers. They never got to the point of discussing what to do with the information. We learned it was too distracting to just look at numbers. Meanwhile, another year would pass and we hadn’t put any sort of safety net or new intervention in place to address these situations.”

Another important observation coming from the creation of the equity portrait was that students not receiving free or reduced lunch are achieving at a higher rate in both math and reading.

“We wondered if the curriculum was truly resonating with all students,” Ward said. “What are we asking of students outside of school? Is it supplies they can’t afford or possibly time they don’t have?”

The questions are only a few of many that were gleaned from the creation of the equity portrait. Moving forward, Latady and Ward plan to use the equity portrait data to address issues.

“Our intention, now that we’re caught up, is that this portrait will be a regular feature that we can use hopefully sometime in the first half of the school year so that we can more rapidly address some of the needs, and I think that what we also want to do is address different things,” Latady said. “Not every equity portrait is going to have this sort of layout with these data points. We will continue to report a complete picture, but then we will choose different things to highlight.”

Thus far, the results of the portrait have only been shared with administrative and teacher leader groups as well as the district curriculum instruction and equity committee members. It is possible in the future that the information will be made public via a posting on the district website. In the meantime, concerns are already being addressed.

“We brought our findings to the June administrative retreat with the idea that we would get feedback,” Ward said. “We plan to readdress the issue at the August administrative retreat to see what sorts of things are in place to combat some of the issues that we are seeing.”
Latady ended the conversation by telling the board that she feels that she and Ward are just getting into their stride.
“When we first started compiling data for the equity portrait, we put so much time and energy into doing it that I don’t know that we did a lot with it other than share the information,” she said. “Now that we have a pattern and know what data to look at and have it in a format that is easy to digest, we now need to look at what kind of framework that this feeds into so it doesn’t become just another thing to hang on the wall. I hope we can insert some pieces into strategic planning.”

UMC Pastor's Wife, Teacher, Loving Mother