Minnesotans are no strangers to making the most of the chilly months, but outdoor activities are set to be more popular than ever this year as COVID-19 rages on. If you're looking for to fend off stir crazy feelings, consider the following. Washington County is full of wonders to explore, an…
Minnesotans are no strangers to making the most of the chilly months, but outdoor activities are set to be more popular than ever this year as COVID-19 rages on. If you're looking for to fend off stir crazy feelings, consider the following. Washington County is full of wonders to explore, an…
What a wild ride 2020 has been! At the end of each year, it is a tradition of the Lowdown to take a look back at memorable moments from the last 12 months. Despite the hardships of this year, there was still some good that managed to come through. Now that 2020 is coming to a much-welcomed c…
Is it possible for a business owner and a banker to launch an apparel line in the middle of a pandemic and make it look seamless? Apparently.
Adoptions and foster care placements have continued throughout the COVID-19 crisis, but both children and families are facing additional challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. Thankfully, in Minnesota there are many organizations with resources to help them navigate such challenges.
Mel-O-Dee Stables is now home to This Old Horse.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, among other things, resulted in the cancellation of several annual community events, but many of Stillwater's most cherished holiday traditions will make it through in tact and a new celebration of the season is on its way.
This year’s hunting season had more than a few unexpected variables, but among the most unusual was the weather conditions of the rifle season opener. Temperatures hovered in the 60s and 70s during the weekend of Nov. 7-9. Combined with high winds, hunters did not see many deer during openin…
At a glance, there doesn’t seem to be much connection between marine biologist Rachel Carson and literary giant John Steinbeck, Nobel-winning author of “The Grapes of Wrath.” But for Grant-based writer William Souder, finding the link was a stroke of luck.
Tiffany Goodchild had the perfect pregnancy, but after she arrived at the hospital things quickly spun out of control.
As part of a statewide listening tour, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited with business owners in downtown Stillwater. Stopping at the Uptown Curl owned by Kristy Zimmerman and The Daily Grind owned by Tim and Megan Palm, he listened to the challenges and concerns the business owners have b…
The mornings have a crispness in the air that signals fall is quickly approaching. What better way to celebrate the new season than visiting some local apple orchards?
The first legal distillery in Stillwater since prohibition is now open.
After a three-year renovation, the Stillwater Lift Bridge is once again open and operating. It reopened with little fanfare, as celebrations were canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but community leaders hope its completed construction will have a positive impact on the St. Croix …
Amid recent unrest throughout the Twin Cities comes a spark of hope in the form of tiny homes for those in need in Forest Lake.
Among the re-emergence of the hustle and bustle on the streets of downtown Stillwater, you will find a new group of curious walkers led by a guide telling the rich history of the community.
Washington County is full of natural wonders, many of which are easy to explore through its comprehensive parks system. But as more and more people flock to the great outdoors with the return of warmer weather, and in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the county’s outdoor spaces have seen inc…
Forest Lake sophomore Taylen Peterson recently came to the rescue in an emergency at Northstar Stables in Stacy.
FamilyMeans board of directors announced that Jim Kroening is named the new President of FamilyMeans. Kroening is replaced Arba-Della Beck, who started in 1996 and announced her retirement in January. He will be the fifth president since the agency was founded in 1963.
A Hugo couple wants its customers to know that living a sustainable lifestyle is easier and not as expensive as you might think.
Minnesota may be under a stay-at-home order for the time being, but its state parks remain open.
Per Gov. Tim Walz’s orders, all bars and restaurants have stopped dine-in service to curb the spread of COVID-19. That hits doubly hard for that state’s craft breweries, which are losing out on sales both in their taprooms and bars/restaurants where their brews are served.
If you’ve talked to any equestrian in Washington County, you’ve probably heard it: Washington County has the highest number of horses per capita in the state of Minnesota.
In preparation for Valentine's Day on Friday, Feb. 14, we rounded up gift selections from area businesses. Here are our recommendations for ways to say “I love you” locally.
Cabin fever strikes humans and canines alike in the dog days of winter, but the classic sport of skijoring is one way for Minnesotans and their furry friends to fight the winter blues together.
The recovery of the bald eagle has been one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history, but these majestic raptors aren’t quite out of the woods for good. Recent declines in eagle populations have some scientists asking where the biggest threats to these birds lie, and …
For the last several years, Sara’s Tipsy Pies have been a staple at the Minnesota State Fair. Now that owner Sara Hayden has opened a retail storefront in Stillwater, locals need not travel far (or wait until August) to get their fix of her handheld pies, which also come complete with a litt…
Chilly autumn mornings go great with a hot cup of coffee and a relaxing view of migrating birds--but there might be a stronger connection between that cup of coffee and the birds at the feeder than you realize.
Terry Stille has accomplished a feat that few, if any, others can lay claim to: he’s biked every public road in Washington County. And yes, that means all of them.
It may be hard to believe, but the holidays will soon be upon us, which means that we’ll be making our lists and checking them twice. Not sure what to put on your list? Look no further. We’ve rounded up a selection of unique and thoughtful items, all available at businesses in Stillwater and…
A preview of the top stories featured in the October edition of The Lowdown along with upcoming events in the Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley areas.
Jeka, Violet and Ophelia, 2-year-old Yorkshire Cross pigs, have been lucky in life and have only known love and kindness from people. Their mom’s start to life was not as happy. A breeding sow, she was rescued from the largest farm animal cruelty case in the northeastern U.S.
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