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VOL. 49 NO. 30 www.vadnaisheightspress.com $1.00
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: Brings together lawmakers for session update PAGE 2
Outgoing Vadnais Heights Fire Chief reflects on tenure
Mother’s Day In honor of Mother’s Day Sunday, May 11, Press Publications asked local mothers, “What is the favorite thing your child has ever said to you?”
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Kristin Keating,
Mary Healy,
“Mom, you’re so lucky to have me!” – DJ
“I know all your tricks.” – Kyle
Vadnais Heights
After serving more than 30 years in two departments, outgoing Vadnais Heights Fire Department Chief Chris Hearden is officially retiring. Now stepping away from work and into a life of retirement and leisure, Hearden says he is ready to take his new chapter one step at a time. Despite his decades of service, Hearden admits he never planned to become a firefighter and initially started at a Minneapolis-based printing company. “I never thought of it as a child. I never knew anyone who was a firefighter.” One day, according to Hearden, a fire broke out in the building; after watching the city’s fire department contain and put out the blaze, he began to have a career change of heart: “I went, ‘Wow, that’d be a cool job. How do they do that?’”
Lino Lakes
“Stupid gem store.” – Garrett
SEE FIRE CHIEF, PAGE 24
Kristina Sherrett,
Mary Peterson,
“I can’t go to bed, mom. I just love you so much and want to hug you all night long.” – Natalie
“You make my heart beep so fast.” – Solomon
White Bear Lake
Community ‘shows up’ for Willow Lane Elementary students
Lino Lakes
Casandra Palkovich, Lino Lakes
“Momma, you scared me and made my heart BEEP!” – Jace
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
My mom said, “James, look at the front loader.” James said back,“No, that is a skid steer, you can tell by the very powerful hydraulic engine.” – James
It’s not every day that elementary school students learn how they can make an impact in their community while also learning skills they will one day need to be productive members of society. Willow Lane Elementary has two longstanding programs that aim to do just that — The Minnow Tank and Donatelli’s “takeover.” Community Outreach Coordinator Leigh Anderson says both programs demonstrate the power of connection. “None of these programs would exist without the amazing folks in our communities,” she said. “These people show up for our children at Willow Lane. There are over 100 volunteers who are a very important part of the Willow Lane Village.”
“Mom, you’re my best friend!” – Ziya
Polly Dolby, Forest Lake
“If I can’t have this threelegged dog, I don’t even want a dog.” – Maddy
Shannon Granholm, Hugo
“I love you too!” – Royce
“Flippin’ powder (drinking fountain)” – Emma
SEE WILLOW LANE, PAGE 9
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