2025 April - Spring NewsletterDedicated to Rural Community Values
City of Scandia
Scandia Community/
Senior Center
14727 209th Street North
Scandia, MN 55073
Phone: 651.433.2274
Fax: 651.433.5112
E-mail:
mail@ci.scandi&mn.us
Hours: Mon. thru Fri.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Like uRn k I.,the
most Up -to -Date Infomsation
City Council.
St- Kronmiller Mayor
651.53&0094
Mike Lubke
715.429.0786
Jerry Cusick
651.433.5865
Jim G ibble
651.303.8306
Kinten Libby
651.470.5644
Regular Council Meeting:
Third Tuesday. 7:00 1!—
Council Work Session:
First Wednesday. 6:30 P.m.
Planning commission:
First Tuesday. 7:00 P.m.
01K St
We MorelL City Administrator
Brenda Eklund. City Clerk
Veronica Korby. Treasurer
Bee Stignani, Office Assistant
Chad- Fischer.
Director of Public Works
Mike Hinz. Fire Chief
Amanda Johnson, Attorney
Eckberg Lammers
Ryan Goodman, Engineer
Bolton & Menk
TI Hofer, Planner. Bolton & Menk
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Scandia, MN
55073
EDDM
Household
Scandia, MN 55073
Community Calendar, April 2025 - September, 2025
April
• April 9, 7:30 a.m. Scandia Business
Breakfast, Community Center
• April 10, 6:30 p.m., Friends of Scandia
Parks and Trails event, Expansion of Big
Marine Park Reserve, Community Center
• April 12, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny&
Toy Swap, 8-11 a.m., Community Center
• April 14, 5 p.m., Board of Appeal and
Equalization, Community Center
• April 22, 11 a.m., Third Anniversary
Celebration with Mellerud, Sweden,
Community Center
• April 27, 1 pm., Earth Day shrub give-a-
way and information, Friends of Scandia
Parks & Trails, Hay Lake Park Pavillion
May
• May 3, Opening Weekend,
Gammelgarden
• May 7 and 14 3-6 p.m., Farmers Market
Plant Sale, Community Center Parking Lot
• May 26, Memorial Day, Office Closed
• May 29-31, Community Wide Garage Sale
For more information and a City meeting
calendar, see the Website
www.citvofscandia.com
See Community Calendar online for Foot Care
Nurse Services available in the Community
Center
June
•June 2, 1-7 p.m. Blood Drive, Scandia
Marine Lions, Community Center
• June 4, 3-6 p.m., Scandia Farmers
Market Opens, Community Center
• June 19, Juneteenth, Office Closed
• June 28, Midsommer Day,
Gammelgarden
July
• July 4, Independence Day, Office
Closed
August
August 5, 6-8 p.m., National Night
Out, Community Center
August 13, 3 p.m. Scandia Family Fun
Day, Community Center— 6p.m.
Lilleskogen Park
• August 16, Spelmanstamma,
Gammelgarden
September
September 1, Labor Day, Office
Closed
• September 6, Taco Daze Festival
For Gammelgarden events, see:
cvcvw. gamm elgardenm use um.or
For Scandia Marine Lions events, see:
www.scandiam arine/ions.oro
VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1 APRIL 2025
A twice -yearly publication forresidents of the City of Scandia, Minnesota
Message from the Mayor g Y G''
hk��
As we look forward to spring and summer, please join me in recognizing several �� - 'AV LTT�
notable staffing milestones. Mayor Christine Maefsky retired after 8 years, and two
fresh faces joined the City Council: James Gribble and Kirsten Libby. The City of
Scandia also welcomes new Treasurer, Veronica Korby, bidding farewell to Colleen Firkus, after 29 years of faithful
service. Scandia is a great place to live and work as evidenced by the longevity of other staff members celebrating
significant anniversaries this year: Brenda Eklund-21 years, Jeff Anderson-15 years, and Brenda "Bee" Stignani-
5 years.
Some of the recent business comings and goings in Scandia include: The Har Salon closed after 8 years in the
community. Scandia Tobacco is moving into a new location in the Scandia Plaza II building. The Osceola Medical
Center begins construction on a new Scandia Clinic soon. The Scandia Mercantile closed after 12 years. Washington
County opened a new North Environmental Center and moved their North Yard Waste Site.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is going to study what Scandia business owners would like the City to
do to help drive revenue to them and make them more sustainable. If you own a small business in Scandia, we want
to hear from you! Please send us an email at mail(a),ci.scandia.mn.us with your contact information and thoughts.
Also, consider attending the next business breakfast on April 9th to network with other business owners and learn
things we already have in place to help you. The EDA and Tourism Committee sponsor these breakfasts several
times a year.
Please check out the calendar at the back of this newsletter for upcoming events. Other ways to see what's
happening in Scandia are found at www.cityofscandia.com, as well as "City
of Scandia, Minnesota" Facebook and NextDoor accounts. 4th Annual
Steve Kronmiller, Mayor, All
•
City -Wide Garage Sale
s.kronmiller(a�ci.scandia.mn.us ��` ` `�
The 4"' Annual City -Wide Garage sale
aeia
CITIES
be Thursdaydentsa
r�SISTER
May31l dbusi uses
May 316'. All residents and businesses
Scandia 41 r Mellerud
are encouraged to register their
Three Cheers for Three Years:
garage sale to be included in the
digital map. Registration is free at
Third Anniversary Celebration
— citvofs candia. com/G araoe Sale,
or contact staff during regular business
Get ready for an unforgettable as our Swedish friends share an energetic
hours for assistance (651) 433-2274.
celebration of friendship and music as we recap of their recent trip to Scandia
Please register by Friday, May 2"d and
mark our third anniversary of connection during the 2024 Taco Daze celebration.
mark your calendars to both sell and
between Scandia and our sister city, Plus, enjoy an entertaining look back at
shop!
Mellerud, Sweden! our own Swedish escapades from 2024,
Inside this issue:
Join us at the Scandia Community Center making this event a true fusion of cultural
on Tuesday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. for a exchange and fun.
Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia
2
lively 45-minute celebration full of music After the ceremony, the celebration
Watershed News
2
and dynamic performances. "rolls" on with a traditional Swedish Fika.
The celebration starts with enchanting Enjoy a spread of delightful Swedish
Parks & Recreation News
2
performances from the renowned pastries and the famed Smorgastarta
Unexpected Company Chorale and from (sandwich cake), thanks to the generous
Website Announcement
2
Sweden, celebrated folk musicians, sponsorship of Security State Bank, and
Public Works News
2
whose melodies promise to sweep you on the Scandia-Marine Lions. It's the perfect
a cross -continental musical adventure. opportunity to relax, mingle, and toast to
Scandia Fire
3
Adding an extra dose of charm, our very many more years of shared joy and
Waste & Recycle
3
own 3rd-grade stars from Scandia cultural exchange.
2025 Assessments
3
Elementary will dazzle you with their Mark your calendars and join us for an
sweet, spirited renditions —proving that unforgettable, fun -filled celebration of
Spring Burning Restrictions
3
sometimes the best surprises come in friendship and togetherness.
small packages! We can't wait to see you there!
Scandia Maine Lions & 2025 Taco Daze
3
Experience a burst of excitement
Community Calendar
4
Page 2 1 Gammelgarden
Established in 1972, Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia fiber arts
Museum of Scandia honors the and NAMI
Swedish immigrants who founded the Mindful Creations support group listings.
community and celebrates the story of all The museum has also expanded its resource
immigrants to their new land. With eight library to include board & card games, and
open-air museums throughout Minnesota, books in English and Swedish for use on-
Gammelgarden Museum is the only one of site. A free Little Library has been installed
this type in Washington County. Focusing on in the parking lot. Opening weekend is
history, art, culture, and agriculture, May 3, 2025.
Gammelgarden is the singular open-air
museum devoted to preserving, presenting, https://crammelcrardenmuseum.orcr/
and promoting Swedish immigrant heritage
in the United States. The museum has new Ti
free programs including clubs for books, (_jOoA, ��
Parks & Recreation News SpThe 0 City of Scandia will
- Warming House at the Community Center opens launch an updated website
for the cycling season on April 11'—water-bottle on Monday, April 7, 2025.
filling fountain available inside and Bike Fix -It Consider sleuthing around
Station outside. the new site, and give
- Earth Day —TOY SWAP during the Lion's feedback —
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, on Saturdil mail
ay, Apr(aDci.scandia.mn.us
12", 8-11 a.m., bring gently used, still working, all
pieces included toys appropriate for ages 1-5.
Wood, silicone, metal, plastic and other toys
including large -motor -development items like
trikes welcome. Please only new'labels-on' stuffed
toys. All toys must be small enough for one person
to carry. Leftover toys will be donated to Family
Pathways. Help us reduce waste AND give a kid a
fun, new toy!
- Scandia Family Fun Day start at the Scandia
Farmers Market for a famous Midco market bag and
stroll over to Lilleskogen Park to vote on creative
stories written by Scandia Elementary School
students. Enjoy a free dinner in the park,
complements of Midco. Join your friends and
neighbors on Wednesday, August 13th, 3-7p.m.
-Community Center Tennis/Pickleball Court
Look for information on the Grand Reopening of the
Community Center tennis /pickleball courts
coming in the summer of 2025.
Carnelian
Marine St. Croix
Watershed
Are you dealing with ice heave
damage on your lakeshore
propertyP
We want to help and give you peace
-of-mind that your restoration efforts
will comply with state and local
requirements and can be completed
in a timely manner to enjoy the open
water season! Most restoration can
occur with simple notification and
without fees or permits. To simplify
notification requirements, we are
encouraging everyone to enter
basic information about the property
and ownership via this easy online
form:
tinvurl.com/2025IceHeave
Submittal of this form will be
considered the notification/
application to all entities (DNB, City,
Watershed, and WCD). Thank you
for your partnership in protecting
the shoreline and water quality of
yourlake. 1
Public Works
• Road Maintenance: Public Works
request through our online submission
staffwill be working this spring
portal (aD www.cityofscandia.com/
patching potholes and prepping
RoadReoort , We encourage you to use it
alcoming Spring is usually long awaited
areas for larger patch work this
as it helps us to serve residents of Scandia
d comes and goes too fast. Public
summer to assist areas of roadway last
more efficiently and effectively.
)rks is eager to start or continue
until a full reconstruction can take
Djects in 2025 this Spring and through
place.
If you missed any information about
a construction season.
upcoming projects, please contact City
• Tennis/Pickleball Courts: The
Hall or Public Works with questions.
we move into the Spring season, we
project will resume this spring .
uld like to share some updates with you
Public Works has two open Summer
out upcoming plans for the year.
Although there maybe some delays or
Seasonal positions available for the
obstacles during the construction season,
2025 season. A full job description
Road Construction: Shorter road
remember to give a friendlywave to the
and application is available at
sections this year have been
crews working in your area serving you.
proposed to be reconstructed west of
www.citvofscandia.com/lobs
Manning Trail: Manning Tr. Ct. Cr.,
If you notice any area of concern and We hope you all have a safe and
215"' St N, and 202itl St N.
would like to report a pothole, tree down,
Wonderful Spring and Summer this year.
%I—
or other issue; please submit a resident
Waste & Recycle
-Waste & Recycling Services —Scan is s singe Fauler, as e
Management provides waste and recycling services for all
Scandia residents. For information about 2025 rates and
additional services available, go to www.citvofscandia.com/
WMContract. WM does accept clean plastic bottles and tubs with
the symbols #1, #2, and #5. You CAN also recycle empty tin,
aluminum and steel cans, glass food and beverage containers
(clear, brown, or green,) paper, newspaper and magazines as
well as flattened, uncoated cardboard and paperboard.
- Film Plastic Recycling - Bring clean and dry plastic film
products to the collection bin in the Community Center.
Accepting grocery bags, produce bags, newspaper sleeves,
bread bags, bubble wrap and other soft film plastics ( recycling
numbers 2 and 4). A collection bin is also located in the Cenex
Federated Coop store in town.
-Volunteers! Additional support volunteers are needed to fill in
occasionally in the Film Plastic Recycling program with NextTrex.
Scandia has kept an average of 1,000# of film plastic out of
landfills each year for the last three years. Please call city staff for
more information on how you could contribute to keep this
program running, (651) 433-2274.
-The North Environmental Center in Forest Lake is open!
Located at 6065 Headwaters Pkwy, residents can drive through
and drop off items that don't belong in the trash. Items like
household chemicals, batteries, electronics, recycling, food
scraps, and more are accepted. There is a Free Product Room
located inside the Environmental Center where residents may
browse the shelves and bring home products such as paints,
stains, automotive fluids, and household cleaners. Learn more
and view hours at www. WashCORecycles. com/EnviroC enter
-Scrap Metal is a recycling superstar - it can be recycled
repeatedly without losing quality. Pipes, auto parts and other
large metal items should NOT go in standard recycling bins, as
they can damage processing equipment. Instead, take these to
dedicated scrap metal facilities.
We are hiring THREE new members! If you or someone - More Recycling News—www.cityofscandia.com/Recycle
you know lives or works within 8 minutes the Scandia Fire
Hall, and might be
interested or want to i 2025 Assessments
learn more, go to
� Washington County has released the 2025 assessment
www.ScandiaFire.com �� information for the City of Scandia. The Market value of all
... illli or call us at 651-433- - taxable properties in Scandia increased by 3.8% from the
43831 Assessor 2024 assessment. The breakdown of Market Value change is
Applications are due Patrick Pushek as follows: 232 parcels decreased 25-1%, 1110 parcels
April 11"'. '; 'i i '0 decreased 1-0%, 1058 parcels increased 1-10%, and 181
parcels increased 10-25%. If you have questions, you are
Spring Burning Restrictions encouraged to contact Patrick Poshek, the City's
Assessor, at 651.430.0360 or attend the Local Board of
The DNR has announced spring burning restrictions are in effect Review & Equalization meeting on Monday April 141h 2025 at
until further notice. Burning permits for brush or yard waste are
restricted. 3'x 3' recreational campfires are allowed. For more 5-6:00 pm at Scandia Community Center,14727 209th St N
information, go to www.citvofscandia.com/BurnPermit (listed on your valuation notice)
Scandia Marine Lions & 2025 Taco Daze hiss are still being served. In honor of
this (milestone) anniversary, the Scandia
The Scandia-Marine Lions Club is made volunteer ophthalmic personnel. A drop- Marine Lions are requesting submissions
up of members from, in, and around the box is located in the Scandia Plaza of fond memories of Taco Daze which can
communities of Scandia and Marine on St. parking lot. Aluminum cans are also be sent to prezesmlions.com.
Croix. We work together on numerous collected at the local Cenex gas station.
events to serve and donate back to the The Lions also sponsor community events, If you are interested in joining a club
local community. such as Taco Daze and breakfast events. whose motto is We Serve, please check
out our website, come to a meeting, or
In 2024 the Scandia Marine Lions This year is the 50'h anniversary of Taco talk to one of us when you see us around
ollected 3,500 pairs of glasses which will Daze. From a tennis court fundraiser in town. /
be distributed worldwide by 1975 to the present-day extravaganza, httos://www.scandiamarinelions.org/
Apply today! _
Scandia Fire and Rescue
}� Scandia Fire and Rescue responds to all Medical, Auto,
and Fire -related calls in our service area.
0 We pay for each member to become a Nationally
Registered EMT and complete the Fire 1 and 2 courses
0 There are no shifts or members living at the hall. We
respond from our homes to calls we are available for.
}� Regular training occurs three evenings per month.
}� We are paid for calls we respond to and attended
trainings. An additional firefighter pension is provided
upon vestment/retirement.
}� Access to additional benefits/perks.
}� All firefighters have separate 'full-time' careers/lives,
this commitment is in addition and upon availability.
If you call 911 in our response service area, we will be
there, often beating the Sheriff or Paramedic to your call.
We have:
• a boat for water rescues
• a dive team for dive rescues
• an inflatable raft for ice rescues
• a UTV for farm/woods rescues
• a brush truck for grass fires
• water tenders for water supply
• engines for large fires
• jaws of life for auto calls
• a rescue truck for medical calls
• LOADS of hand tools and small engine tools for
everything from downed tree removal, to confined
space entry, to vehicle stabilization, to wedding ring
removal.
No matter the call, we have the tools and the PEOPLE to
respond quickly and effectively!