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ZONING CODE: White Bear Lake ‘modernizing’ PAGE 10
Wig coverage mandatory; many hurdles remain BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Taking some steps in a positive direction Dozens of participants recently joined VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary members for a walk in recognition of the 22 veterans who die by suicide every day. The walkers started their approximately 2.2 mile journey at the VFW at 2:22 p.m. The event was organized by Deb Courts-Brown, an officer for the Auxiliary of VFW Post 1782, to call attention to a serious subject and also to offer suicide prevention resources including when to seek immediate help from a health care provider or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans can dial “1” after 988 to be connected to a person specifically designated to help veterans. Find more information at vfwpost1782.org/suicide-awareness.html.
“It’s a long time coming,” Kim Schoonover said. The owner of Indulge Salon, Spa and Wigs in White Bear Lake is referring to the Health Supplemental Budget and Policy bill, which now requires private health insurance companies to cover the costs of hair prosthetics (wigs) for people who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. Previously, alopecia (hair loss) was covered, but not when it was caused by cancer treatments. “A lot of clients don’t know about it. There's something missing in the system … somebody is not telling their patients that this is a possibility,” Schoonover explained. “I'll meet with them, and I'll say, ‘Have you checked with your insurance?’ and I get this blank stare.” She estimates that about half SEE MINNESOTA WIG COVERAGE, PAGE 9
Bacchus family mission continues to thrive BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Almost four years ago, Randy and Heather Bacchus’ son, Randy Bacchus III, tragically took his life in Colorado while suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis. Since then, both parents have made it their mission to spread awareness of the dangers of marijuana and THC usage. Today, neither that mission nor the drive behind it has changed its meaning or slowed down. “The fact of the matter is, marijuana is not good for you,” said Randy. “It’s legal for those 21 and older. We like to get out and educate people because we feel it’s that important.” Their son struggled significantly with learning, anxiety and impulse control, and began using marijuana at age 15. “School wasn’t his favorite thing,
but he studied really hard and at the end would always come out with good grades,” said Heather. “He was artistic, creative and hard-working.” After he began using, both parents noticed a stark change in his behavior. This continued after he moved to study at the University of Colorado Boulder, which Heather described as “lots of ups and downs, anger, threats. We were trying to love him and support him, but he became paranoid, delusional and had these grandiose behaviors. What we didn’t know was that it was psychosis.” Following many attempts at rehabilitation, as well as career changes (including an attempted rap career), these ups and downs culminated with a text sent to Heather at 1:26 a.m. July 17, 2021: “My attitude with the music and everything has been way too self-righteous. I’m done with the music. I’m quitting weed for good
CONTRIBUTED
The Bacchus family. From left daughter Anna, son Randy, daughter Brooke, mother Heather, father Randy and daughter Sabrina.
SEE BACCHUS FAMILY, PAGE 15
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