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PUBLIC SAFETY: Firefighter’s Union starts life jacket loaner program PAGE 7
Conservation district denies request for fence, buoys BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Members of the White Bear Conservation District (WBCD) board have split opinions on whether a lake homeowner should be allowed to install a fence and buoy system, similar to what the city of White Bear Lake did at the dog beach at Matoska Park. Eighth Street homeowners Rachel and Brian Bonin, who live near the dog beach, would like to install a chain-link fence on the shore to the water’s edge with float buoys extending into the water. “They requested a fence to try to mitigate dogs
moving from the dog park area to their swimming area adjacent to it,” Chair Byran DeSmet explained. The district’s Lake Utilization Committee voted 2-2 on the request, and board members had varying opinions. “It seems to me that if the fence and the buoys the city has installed aren’t performing the ways that they are intended to perform, which is to keep the dogs on one side versus traveling to the other side, that is an issue with the city, and they should adjust their fence in some way to do a better job,” DeSmet said. Director Christopher Churchill said, “I don’t think there should be any fences … If the city is not taking care of their fences … and someone needs to put
something up to protect their property, I think they should have a right to do that.” Vice Chair Meredith Walburg pointed out that the request was to place a barrier right on the lot line, which traditionally, the district has not allowed. Director Scott Costello said, “It is the responsibility of the swimming area owner to define that, not the neighbors. If the buoys and fence that are already there aren’t containing the dogs, then adding more isn’t going to work either.” Director Mark Wisniewski said he was not in favor of the request. “I’m strongly opposed to this SEE HOMEOWNER REQUEST, PAGE 20
Local mom blooms urban flower farm BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Summer boating season tips Leading into the start of the summer boating season, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Matthew Miller shares water safety tips and best practices near the boat landing at White Bear Lake County Park. Some of the water safety tips include avoiding the consumption of alcohol while operating watercraft, minimizing distractions, making sure you have proper and working safety equipment and having enough life jackets on the boat. He says that 90% of boating deaths in Minnesota involve people who aren’t wearing life jackets. Boaters should be aware of a new law expanding training requirements starting July 1.
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You name the flower, she grows it. White Bear Lake native Gina Kieger is an urban flower farmer whose business, Backyard Flower Farm LLC, now three years in the making, continues to blossom. “The business is growing naturally in the community, and it’s nice to see everyone enjoying fresh, locally grown flowers,” she said. Kieger, a 2001 White Bear Lake grad, has an interior design background. After she and her husband Jason had infertility struggles for several years, she decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children, now ages 10, 6 and 3. With her family complete, Kieger said, “I needed a little something for me.” She was scrolling on Pinterest one day when she stumbled upon a picture from Floret Flowers, a small family farm in Washington. “I thought, ‘those are the most beautiful rose snapdragons I have ever
seen,’” she recalled. Kieger visited the business’ website and learned that the farm was situated on 2 acres. “I had no idea that you could grow that many flowers in such a small space,” she said. “I just dove into it. I love flowers, I love being creative and I know how to grow stuff … When I go in, it’s a little obsessive, but I’m all in.” As a stay-at-home mom, and with a background in retail and furniture sales, she was missing interaction with the community. In her first year, she focused on flower subscriptions. In SEE FLOWER FARM, PAGE 19
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