Throughout the summer there will be a variety of programs and activities for kids of all ages.  Stop by the Rush City Public Library and pick up a flyer listing all the activities and the program guidelines.  Teens may also participate in their own summer reading programs.  Ask for details at the library.

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Proceeds will be donated to the Leah Hillesheim Health Care Scholarship Fund. Cyclists, runners and inline skaters will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the walkers who start at 9 a.m.

Participants receive T-shirts and enjoy free refreshments while doing their events. Distances are flexible, as cyclists may choose to go as far as North Branch and back via the Sunrise Prairie Trail or stop and turn around anywhere in between. Walkers enjoy a pleasant walk in the Wyoming neighborhood.

The registration fee is $13 a person. A family registration for three or more from the same family is available for $27 (limit three T-shirts). Additional shirts are available for $7 at the event. A family unit must include at least one adult. Wheelchair participants are welcome. Helmets are mandatory.

Registration forms are available at the Fairview Lakes Medical Center information desk (5200 Fairview Blvd.), local Fairview clinics, Forest Lake Cycle & Skate, Trail Cycle, The Yellow Bus in Forest Lake or www.bwrr.zapevent.com.

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North Branch Lions donated the money for the local EMS organization to purchase five fairly expensive, specially designed medical bags, which make their work easier and more productive.  EMS explorers shown here with two of the bags came to the Lions meeting recently to thank them.   Shown left to right: Lions President Chris Thoma, Alex Schoonover, Jake Petrik, Catherine Eaton, Emily Lawrence, Melissa Lindgren and Lion Secretary Alex Bates.

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Residents of the Rush City School District must register in person and pay $40 on the day of sign-up. Nonresidents may sign up this day in person at a $45 cost.

Sessions/classes are on a first come basis for residents and non-residents. Registration forms must be filled out completely on June 1.

Session I swimming lessons are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m June 17-21 and June 24-28. After sign-up, children will be notified by mail the time slot for their particular swimming level. Lessons include a pre-school level and levels 1-6; classes last 40 minutes.

A maximum of 150 students per session may participant. Swimming lesson fees are non-refundable. Registration forms are available at www.rushcity.k12.mn.us (click on Community Education).

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Michelle said that in order to understand heart rot, you must understand a little bit about the wood within a tree trunk.  Trees have several different kinds of wood within their trunk.  Sapwood is composed of living cells that move the sap through the tree, store extra energy, close off wounds, and actively fight invading microorganisms.   Other trees form a second type of wood known as heartwood at the core of their trunk.  Heartwood cells are dead cells that serve primarily to add structure support to the tree.

They contain a number of toxic chemicals that protect the heartwood from wood decay fungi.  How well chemicals protect heartwood varies from tree to tree.  Trees like cedar and redwoods are so effective at defending against wood rotting fungi that their wood is highly valued for use in wood products like lumber.

Heart rot can cause decay in both heartwood and sapwood.  Many different fungi can cause heart rot and are often seen on rotting logs, on dead trees, as well as on living trees.  The mushroom, shelf fungi, and other interesting fungal structures that emerge in wet weather are spore-producing structures of the fungus, and are generally known as basidiocarps.  If they are observed on a live tree, it indicates that there is rot within the tree.

Heart rot fungi are not aggressive and are unable to infect a tree through intact bark.  The fungi take advantage of wounds from lawn mowers, weed whips, fire scars, deer rubbing, rodent chewing, frost cracks, broken branches and other injuries invading the sapwood and heartwood.

Trees often survive many years with heart rot and can go unnoticed because the tree can continue to grow with no symptoms of disease or decline in the canopy.  The decay caused by many heart rot fungi progresses very slowly, often at a rate of about three inches a year.

A tree with signs of heart rot does not need to be removed immediately, but should be examined to determine how structurally sound it is.

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Photo by Derrick Knutson

The North Branch Post Office would like to thank everyone who donated food during the Stamp Out Hunger food drive Saturday. North Branch residents donated 2,171 pounds of food. Stacy residents donated 1,635 pounds of food. Here, North Branch Post Office employees pose with the sizeable haul of goods Monday before it was brought to the North Branch Food Shelf.

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Rhubarb should be planted in an area where it receives full sun, and where the soil is well drained. Most gardeners plant it at the edge of their gardens.  The area should be worked up so the soil is loose for a depth of at least two feet.  Add in plenty of garden or kitchen compost or composed manure to increase organic matter.  The soil pH is not as important with rhubarb; acidic, neutral or alkaline soil can support a good crop.

Established rhubarb plants will become quite large, so each plant should be allowed a three-square-foot area.  Plant it early in the spring. Since the roots are fleshy with buds, or eyes, plant the eyes two inches below the soil surface.  Proper watering will enhance good production and growth.  Soak the soil thoroughly once a week to a depth of one inch during the growing season.

Rhubarb plants are often acquired from another gardener who is dividing his or her patch.  If you do get plants from someone, be sure they are healthy so you are not planting diseased plants in your patch.  I often tell the story that we bought a potted rhubarb plant from Ralph Peterson when he had the nursery in Lindstrom many years ago. I planted it in the shade and too close to a building.  It sat there for a few years and did nothing.  Finally, I dug it up, took an ax and chopped it up into eight pieces.  I planted those pieces into what is now a healthy rhubarb patch.  My only mistake was that I planted the pieces too close together.  If your old patch is not doing well, you may want to replace at least part of it every so often.

Insects are not generally a problem, but if rhubarb curculio or stalk borers are eating holes into the crown and stalks, they may be managed by controlling the weeds around the patch, especially the weed curly docks, which carries a virus that occasionally infects rhubarb and causes abnormal growth, loss of vigor or unusual leaf coloration.  If the plant appears to be infected with a virus, it’s best to remove it from the garden and start over.

Rhubarb plants require a lot of organic matter and large amounts of balanced complete fertilizer. Top dress with a well-rotted manure in the fall.  In the spring an early application of organic matter will give the plant a jump-start.

Don’t harvest new plantings for two years, as it will weaken the plant.  To prevent injury to the plant, pull the stalks rather than cutting them.  Eat only the stalks, as the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic.   They are not deadly but can make you quite sick.

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Residents of the Rush City School District must register in person and pay $40 on the day of sign-up. Nonresidents may sign up this day in person at a $45 cost.

Sessions/classes are on a first come basis for residents and non-residents. Registration forms must be filled out completely on June 1.

Session I swimming lessons are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m June 17-21 and June 24-28. After sign-up, children will be notified by mail the time slot for their particular swimming level. Lessons include a pre-school level and levels 1-6; classes last 40 minutes.

A maximum of 150 students per session may participant. Swimming lesson fees are non-refundable. Registration forms are available at www.rushcity.k12.mn.us (click on Community Education).

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Sanding and salting the roads during Minnesota winters is necessary for safe driving, but it can leave a pile of salt-laden sediment on roadsides in the spring.  As melt water and rainwater run down streets, it carries this sediment to a storm drain and then to the nearest lake or stream.  The influx of salty, muddy water can damage fish and wildlife habitat and harm the fish themselves.  Take a bit of time to sweep or shovel up as much of the sand from the roadside as possible and dispose of it in a garbage can or at a proper dumpsite.  Be careful of traffic; stand in your yard rather than the road as much as possible.

The grass is already greening up and it’s almost time to mow.  If you use fertilizer on your lawn, follow these important instructions.  Buy fertilizers without phosphorus (on the bag, make sure the middle number is 0, such as 10-0-10).  Only use the recommended amount; more is not better.  Plants can only use a certain amount, and anything more than that is wasted.  This excess washes off your lawn and makes its way to surface water, where it contributes to algae blooms and fish kills.  Never apply fertilizer over a hard surface like the sidewalk or driveway, and make sure fertilizer doesn’t spray into the street.  If it does, sweep up the fertilizer pellets and put them back on the lawn.  If you live on a lake, avoid using fertilizer at all within 50 feet of the shoreline.

If you are doing household spring-cleaning and need to dispose of any chemicals (pesticides, cleaning chemicals, oil, etc.), take these items to the Chisago County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  Never dump them down a storm drain, in a ditch, or in the woods!  The HHWF is located at 39649 Grand Avenue in North Branch.  It is open Mondays, noon to 7 p.m., and the last Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Call 651-237-0912 for more information.

If you have any questions about water-smart spring yard cleanup, contact the Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District at (651) 674-2333.

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Photo supplied

The Midsummer Candidate experience has begun.  The candidates had a pizza party for the kickoff event for 2013.  The candidates have attended an image/etiquette clinic at the Legion Hall and a hair and makeup clinic at Caryl and Co.  They have many more events and fundraisers planned now until the Midsummer Coronation June 21.  Watch for their events and fundraisers to support the program.  The Ambassador program is need of volunteers as well as coordinators. Those interested in being involved with the program can call Julie at 651-270-3950 or email juliesolle@yahoo.com.

Front row: Erin Mae Skoglund, Madeline Alden, Emily Carlson, Erin Engstrom Back row: Erynn Grayce Downey, Ashlee Kay Bauer, Sara Stefonick, Sarah Romo, Lizzie Anderson, Kaitlyn Johnson. Not pictured: Paula Kay Mohn and Mikayla Carlson.

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Jessica Salo and Jonnie Pangerl

It is with joyful hearts that Jeff and Kim Salo of North Branch and Jeff and Sharon Pangerl of Rock Creek announce the engagement of their children, Jessica Salo and Jonnie Pangerl.

Jessica is a 2007 graduate of North Branch and a 2011 graduate of St. Cloud State University.  She is currently attending St. Cloud for her Masters Program.  Jessica is employed as a teacher with the Pine City School District.

Jonnie is a 2005 graduate of Pine City.  He is currently employed as a Hydro Excavator with Davids HydroVac.

A June 8, 2013 wedding is planned at Panola Valley Gardens in Chisago City.

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Photo supplied

Ecumen North Branch recently recognized its 2013 volunteers of the year.

Right: Jeff Autey poses with his volunteer of the year plaque.

Below: Dave Nelson and Jerry Youngquist were also honored for their volunteerism. Here, Diane Youngquist steps in for Nelson.

Photo supplied

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•Section 1 on May 6 and May 13

•Section 2 on May 7 and May 14

•Section 3 on May 8 and May 15

•Section 4 on May 9 and May 16

•Section 5 on May 10 and May 17

Leaves to be picked up must be on the boulevard in a row across the front of the resident’s property by 7 a.m. on the day of pick-up in their section. Bagged leaves will not be picked up.  The vacuum’s reach is approximately five feet from the edge of the street.

Leaves that cannot be reached with the vacuum hose will be left. No sticks, brush, tree trimmings or other material will be picked up. All piles with materials other than leaves, pine needles or grass clippings will not be picked up.

Section 1: West of I-35

Section 2: Between I-35 and County Road 30, north of Highway 95

Section 3: East of County Road 30, north of Highway 95

Section 4: Between I-35 and County Road 30, south of Highway 95

Section 5: East of County Road 30, south of Highway 95

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Art Bjorngjeld will perform Norwegian-American music on May 15 in North Branch. He also promises some cornball humor. Photo by V. S. Arrowsmith

Art Bjorngjeld will perform “Snoose Boulevard” music in a Arts Prescription (Rx) Concert in North Branch May 15, 2 p.m., at the Chisago County Senior Center.

Bjorngjeld, from the Twin Cities, will perform a variety of Norwegian-American music on the fiddle and two-row diatonic button accordion.  The show will also offer dialect tunes, and Bjorngjeld hopes to engage the audience in a dance or two.  Refreshment follows the concert.

For more information call 320-358-1220.

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Staff will be offering tours and free hors d’oeuvres.

Haven Center Counseling opened its doors as a faith-based nonprofit in July 2008 in North Branch, to “provide hope, help, and healing through quality counseling.” Haven Center now has a second facility in Cambridge, and a sister organization, Lakes Counseling, in Forest Lake. People of all ages are welcome, including individuals, couples, and families. Haven Center accepts most major insurance policies and also offers a self-pay/sliding fee scale option. Haven Center especially welcomes veterans.

Those with questions can call 651-277-4283 or visit www.mnhavencenter.org.

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The Women of Fish Lake Lutheran will prepare and serve a ham dinner in the Church Fellowship Hall following the ceremony in the Fish Lake Lutheran cemetery.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 13, and children 5 and under  eat free.  Plan to join Fish Lake Lutheran as its members honor the memories of fallen soldiers and recognize those men and women who continue to serve our country in all branches of the armed services.

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Prom-goers numbering 333 graced the North Branch Area High School gymnasium during Grand March ceremonies Saturday, May 4. Colorful dresses, classic suits and plenty of smiles made the 2013 annual, under the theme “Starlight Memories,” a memorable one.

Photos in above slideshow were taken by Jon Tatting.

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It’s that time of year again when guys and gals slip into their fancy threads and smile for the camera. At Rush City High School, it was all about prom for students and their families and friends inside the decorated theater Saturday, May 4. The theme this year was “Moonlit Memories,” and activities director Bob Schlagel once again entertained as emcee.

Experience Rush City High’s annual event in the photo slideshow posted above. Photos were taken by Victoria Dahlin.

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Take a walk down the Carley State Park Wildflower Trail during the park’s Bluebell Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Carley State Park is located in Altura (Winona County), Minn. Photo supplied

As the air warms and the landscape turns green, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages people to visit one of the state’s 76 state parks and recreation areas.

On Mother’s Day weekend, state parks will host guided wildflower walks, birding and stargazing workshops, a bluebell flower festival and more. These programs are free with a valid state park vehicle permit ($5/one-day or $25/year-round):

Here’s a look at what’s going on at area state parks:

Saturday, May 11

• “Birding for Beginners,” all ages, Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 8:30-9:30 a.m.

• “Is This Poisonous? A Plant Walk for the Curious,” Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 2-3 p.m.

Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day)

• “Wildflower Walk,” Wild River State Park (Center City, near Almelund), noon-1:30 p.m.

• “Spring Wildflower Stroll,” at Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls), 2-3 p.m.

For more information, including events at state parks outside the area and directions, visit www.mndnr.gov or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6517 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gift card for Mom

Can’t get to a program on Mother’s Day weekend because of the fishing opener or some other conflict? Then consider giving Mom a Minnesota state parks gift card.

Gift cards can be redeemed for camping, overnight getaways at camper cabins or modern suites, vehicle permits and to rent equipment such as canoes and kayaks. They also can be redeemed for apparel, outdoor-related books and other gear sold at Minnesota state parks.

Gift cards can be purchased any of three ways:

• By phone (651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 toll-free)

• Online (www.mndnr.gov/reservations)

• In person at Minnesota state parks or at the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul

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Photo supplied

The North Branch Lioness Club had its craft sale with over 50 vendors in attendance April 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch. This was the club’s first time with the venture and would like to thank the community for its support.

The club will be giving two scholarships to high school seniors with proceeds from this sale. Additional money raised will go to other Lioness Club projects.

Those who would like to learn more about the club or consider joining can contact Gloria Mechels at 651-674-7458.

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