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MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - All of her life, Gina Smith has been interested in art. Now, instead of just appreciating it from afar, she is re-creating it in the comfort of her own home.

"It's a glimpse into what beauty was back then and what standards were and obviously what made a great piece of art," she explained.

Montrose, Minnesota woman uses extra time at home to recreate masterpieces

Montrose, Minnesota woman uses extra time at home to recreate masterpieces

A creative Montrose woman is using her pandemic down time to recreate some memorable scenes from artistic masterpieces.

Smith started re-making masterpieces after the Getty Museum put out a call for the public to re-stage a work of art using household objects back in March.

Since she has been working from home during the pandemic, Smith thought it would be a good creative outlet to dress up and model like the subject in this classic painting called "The Maid."

"It was of this maid like drinking and I was like that's how I feel right now during COVID," said Smith. "I'm stuck at home. I can't go anywhere. All we can do is drink right now."

Now, once a week, Smith strikes a pose, snaps a picture and posts it on social media, inspired by mostly European portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries.

But there are some modern touches like a cardboard cutout of former Minnesota Wild Nino Niederreiter's head on a stick instead of a fan or a chalkboard with “Justice for George Floyd” written on it that are clearly signs of the times.

"It's definitely not natural poses," she said. "It’s a challenge but I enjoy it."

Smith says it can be a meticulous process making sure her poses are just right. But fans of her work say the results are picture perfect.

"You feel a little dorky laying out here in these weird poses and weird put together clothing," said Smith. "But I have no problem laughing at myself and if my friends and family and co-workers enjoy it, I have no problem doing that."

Amanda Falkowski-Scott spent some of Tuesday unloading gallons of bottled water from her car, all of it donated by local companies.

The water will go to Montrose residents in need after a letter was sent out telling residents high manganese levels were found in the city’s water supply.

"When we looked at the report it said that bottle fed babies were getting up to 14 and a half times what they needed at the highest rating that we got," Falkowski-Scott said.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, "Children and adults who drink water with high levels of manganese for a long time may have problems with memory, attention and motor skills. Infants (babies under one-year-old) may develop learning and behavior problems."

"This is very concerning to me," Falkowski-Scott said. "I live here with my husband and three children. My youngest has some special educational needs, which I don’t believe were caused by the water. However, I do wonder if any of them were exacerbated by it."

[KSTP]

Megan Vass has only used bottled water to feed her 14-month-old son, and says she will now be using it for cooking too.

"We were glad we were always using bottled water when we found that out," she said.

Voss said she was happy how the city has responded to this situation.

"I was really happy with the way they responded, sent out a letter to everyone, let everyone know right away so it didn’t seem like there was any mystery behind it," she added.

City Engineer Jared Voge says cities aren’t required to test for manganese, but a change in federal guidelines has health departments now monitoring it.

"Previously, because it wasn’t tested, nobody knew that it was a concern, right," Voge said. "But now that there are some guidance values, now the city is on a path forward to address those concerns."

To remove manganese from water, Voge says a water treatment plant could be needed, at a cost of at least $5 million.

It has not yet been determined if that will be needed.

He says if residents are concerned they should get their water tested, and get a water filtration system or use bottled water.

Falkowski-Scott is hoping a public filtered spigot could go up for residents.

"I am hoping that we can get some help from companies that work with filtration and other issues to resolve this," she said.

The city is working on a report with both short and long-term plans to deal with the water situation. Voge said it should be out this summer.

Credit: Joe Nelson, Bring Me The News

After a heavy burst dropped up to 10 inches of snow on parts of Minnesota Tuesday, another round of snow is coming on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service says the Twin Cities is in the bullseye Wednesday, with several more inches of snow falling early in the morning.

This has prompted Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools to call E–learning days, while Minnesota's biggest school district, Anoka-Hennepin, is closing

Here's a look at what school districts are making changes for Wednesday.

(Updated as of 6 a.m. Wednesday)

Albany Area Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Amery Schools: E-learning day

Annandale Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Anoka–Hennepin Schools: Closed.

Atwater–Cosmos–Grove City: Starting 2 hours late.

Becker Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Belgrade–Brooten–Elrosa: Starting 2 hours late.

Benson Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

BOLD Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Blooming Prairie Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Bloomington Schools: E-learning day.

Buffalo–Hanover–Montrose Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Buffalo Lake–Hector–Stewart: Starting 2 hours late.

Burnsville–Eagan–Savage Schools: E–learning day.

Butterfield–Odin Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Cambridge–Isanti Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Cannon Falls Schools: E–learning day.

Cedar Mountain Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Chisago Lakes Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Chokio-Alberta Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Clear Lake Schools: Closed.

Clinton–Graceville–Beardsley: Starting 2 hours late.

Columbia Heights Schools: E–learning day.

Comfrey Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Dassel–Cokato Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Dawson–Boyd Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Delano Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Eastern Carver County Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Eden Prairie Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Eden Valley–Watkins Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Edgerton Public School: Closed.

Edina Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Elk River–Zimmerman-Otsego–Rogers Schools: E-learning day.

Fairmont Area Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Faribault Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Farmington Public Schools: Closed, flex learning day.

Foley Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Forest Lake Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Glencoe–Silver Lake Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

GFW Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Glencoe–Silver Lake Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Granada–Huntley–East Chain Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Hancock Public School: Starting 2 hours late.

Hastings Schools: E–learning day.

Hiawatha Academies: Closed.

Hinckley–Finlayson Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Howard Lake–Waverly–Winsted: Starting 2 hours late.

Hutchinson Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Inver Grove Heights Schools: Closed.

Ivanhoe Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Jackson County Central Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Janesville–Waldorf–Pemberton: Starting 2 hours late.

Kenyon Wanamingo Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Kimball Area Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

KMS—Kerkhoven Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Lac Qui Parle Valley Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Lake Crystal–Wellcome Memorial: Starting 2 hours late.

Lakeview School District: Starting 2 hours late.

Lakeville Area Schools: Closed, flex learning day.

Le Sueur–Henderson Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Lester Prairie Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Litchfield Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Lynd Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Maccray Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Madelia Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Mankato Area Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Maple River Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Marshall Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Martin County West Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Medford Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Melrose Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

McIlroy Public School: Starting 2 hours late.

Mid-State Education District: Starting 2 hours late.

Milaca Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Milroy Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Minneota Public School: Starting 2 hours late.

Minnehaha Academy: Closed.

Minneapolis Public Schools: E–learning day.

Minnetonka Schools: Closed.

Montevideo Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Monticello Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Mora Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Morris Area/St. Mary's: Starting 2 hours late.

Mounds View Schools: Closed.

Mountain Lake Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Murray County Central: Starting 2 hours late.

New London-Spicer Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

New Prague Schools: Closed.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

New Richmond Schools: Closed.

New Ulm Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

North Branch ISD 138: Starting 2 hours late.

Norwood Young America Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Onamia Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Orono Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Ortonville–Big Stone: Starting 2 hours late.

Osceola Schools: Closed.

Osseo Schools: E-learning day.

Owatonna Public School District: Starting 2 hours late.

Paynesville Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Pine City Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Plum City Schools: E-learning day for grades 3-12.

Princeton Schools: E–learning Day.

Redwood Area Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Renville Co West: Starting 2 hours late.

Richfield Public Schools: Closed.

River Falls Schools: Closed.

Rockford Schools: E–learning day.

ROCORI Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Rosemount–Apple Valley–Eagan: Closed.

Royalton Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Rush City Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Sartell–St. Stephen School District: Starting 2 hours late.

Sauk Centre Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Sauk Rapids–Rice: Starting 2 hours late.

Sibley East: Starting 2 hours late.

Siren Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Sleepy Eye Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Somerset Schools: E–learning day.

South St. Paul Schools: Emergency flex learning day.

South Washington County Schools: Closed.

Springfield Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Spring Valley Public Schools: E–learning day.

St. Clair Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

St. Cloud Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

St. Francis Area Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

St. James Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

St. Michael/Albertville Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

St. Paul Public Schools: E–learning day.

St. Peter Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Swanville Public Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Tracy Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Tri–City United Schools: Closed, blended learning day.

Truman Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Wabasha–Kellogg Schools: E–learning day.

Waconia Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Waseca Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Watertown–Mayer Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

Waterville–Elysian–Morristown: Starting 2 hours late.

Wayzata Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

West–Central Area Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan: Closed.

Wheaton Schools: Starting 2 hours late.

White Bear Lake Area Schools: Closed.

Willmar: Starting 2 hours late.

Yellow Medicine East: Starting 2 hours late.

Toss on a chunky sweater and grab your boots, fall is here.

MINNEAPOLIS — Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than pulling on your favorite pair of boots and heading to an apple orchard?

We rounded up 11 orchards, based on viewer and KARE 11 staff recommendations, that are worth a stop before the flakes start to fly this winter.

It's not just an apple orchard, this Minnesota destination offers free live music, food fresh from the grill and honey, syrup and desserts at their gift shop.

Luceline is located at 2755 Rose Avenue, Watertown MN 55388. The orchard is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for certain concert days.

Get more information about hours and availability from their website.

Apples, a corn maze, a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch and more are waiting at this orchard just northeast of the Twin Cities. Pine Tree Orchard has a wide variety of activities, weather permitting, of course, for the whole family to check out.

Pine Tree is located at 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Hours at the orchard are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since many of the outdoor activities rely on pleasant weather, the orchard recommends you call (651) 429-7202 before you stop out.

Find more information about their programs and offerings at their website.

U-pick apples, unlimited hayrides, season passes and more are all available at this orchard located just west of the Twin Cities. Their season passes are $20 for adults and $14 for those over 65-years-old or under 12-years-old. (Go twice and it pays for itself!)

Minnetonka Orchard is located at 6530 County Road 26, Minnetrista, MN, 55364. Hours at the orchard are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Find more information and a full list of activities they offer at their website.

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Family owned and operated since 1958, this orchard has more than just apples on the agenda. They are also a large egg producer, raising "happy, healthy and free range. They began as a small family farm and when the fourth generation son returned from college he decided to expand beyond dairy. The orchard/farm boasts 20 acres and 7,000 trees with all different variations of Minnesota bred apples. Food attractions include, caramel apples, apple pies, Apple Chips, Apple Butter and apple cider. So pretty much everything apple.

Brand Farms is located at 18605 Biscayne Avenue West, Farmington, Minnesota, 55024. The farm is open Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Find more information regarding what Brand Farms has to offer here.

A lot of people know Sever's for their corn. They may not have apples but they have just about everything else. As a destination that attracts more than 100,000 people every year, they offer things like jumping pillows, a giant slide, corn pit and of course a "massive" corn maze. This year's Sever's Fall Festival will also include live shows for their many attendees to enjoy.

Sever's is located at 3121 150th Street West, Shakopee, MN, 55379.

For more information on what the Fall Festival has to offer as well as other events they will have throughout the rest of this year, click here.

Aamodt's prides themselves on acquiring the Minnesota's newest apple variety, "First Kiss." Along with a pick-your-own apple option the also are home to Saint Croix Vineyards. Wine-tasting and wine-making tours are offered as a bonus to your apple-picking experience.

The apple farm is located at 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN, 55082. Their Apple Barn is open everyday of the week 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

For more information visit their website.

This family-run orchard located just outside of Buffalo has fall fun activities for the whole family, including a variety of apples to pick from. They include Sweet Tango, Honey Crisps and Zestar. Deer Lake Orchard also boasts a 100-year-old barn that is available to book for your next event!

They are located at 1903 10th Street SW, Buffalo, MN 55313. They are open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information click here.

In 1983, "Apple" Jack Kelly famously pick apples from his over 250 trees to sell, and soon planted more. Now, Apple Jack Orchards in Buffalo boasts over 10,000 trees and over 29 varieties of Minnesota apples. There is also a bakery, corn maze, and the opportunity to pet some farm animals!

They are located at 4875 37th St SE, Delano, MN 55328. They are open Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information click here.

From apple and pumpkin picking, to barrel runs and giant tube slide, Emma Krumbee's Apple Orchard and Barn has fun and activities for the whole family! There are 10 varieties of apples to choose from and more than 6,000 dwarf apple trees.

They are located at 311 E Enterprise Dr, Belle Plaine, MN 56011. They are open Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information click here.

This farm has both apple and raspberry picking, among other fall activities that have fun for the whole family. Among the variety of apples to choose from is one called "State Fair," which was introduced in 1977.

They are located at 1951 Englund Rd SW, Alexandria, MN 56308. They are open Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, click here.

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Along with the obvious, Fall Harvest also offers live music, tire climb, hay bale mountain and much more. Located four miles west of Delano, they offer a multitude of different "rides" from their Classic Red Train Ride to Cow Train Rides. There are a couple other fun alternatives like "apple cannons" and "pedal carts" that are only available on the weekends.

The orchard is located at 345 County Road 30 SE, Montrose MN, 55363. They are open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

For more information or a full apple list, click here.

YOUR PHOTOS: Fall color around Minnesota

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Lindsey Paulsen

Mississippi River bank in St Paul Credit: Sheldon Berkowitz

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Newswatch 16's Jack Culkin tells us about efforts to change what some call an outdated ordinance in Montrose.

MONTROSE, Pa. — In Montrose, one issue has been pecking at members of the borough council raising chickens in the neighborhood.

Something Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Roy Williams says is not feasible for many people due to the current ordinance.

"The size of the lots in town other than a handful of them makes it difficult with the way it's written now for them to be able to have chickens," said Williams, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer.

The ordinance allows people in Montrose to have chickens at their homes if there is a minimum of fifty feet between property lines.

Now, people want to change it.

Over the past few weeks, the council met with community members about adjusting the property line requirement to allow more people to have chickens in residential neighborhoods.

Council Vice President Edward Herd is on board with updating the ordinance.

"Instead of fifty feet, maybe ten feet, ya know, something that would allow the common properties in town to have chickens as well, which I see," said Edward Herd, Montrose Council Vice President.

Now one of the main reasons people want to bring chickens into residential homes is to provide economic relief, but one business says that even starting up can get costly.

"Fence, coop, chickens, buying the chickens, buying the animals, buy the feeders, buy the waterers. There is an initial cost to that; that is a fair amount," said Guy Parrish, owner of Montrose Feed & Supply.

Montrose Feed and Supply owner Guy Parrish dealt with these startup costs when his family got their chicken coop.

Although it helped lighten the grocery bill a bit, his daughter Katie Lamphere believes owning animals like chickens needs to mean more than just saving a couple of bucks.

"Like having animals is not get rich quick it's an investment and you kind of do it because you love it. You love the animals. You love knowing where your food comes from," said Katie Lamphere, Montrose Feed & Supply Manager.

The decision of whether to ease regulations on chicken ownership in the borough of Montrose has yet to be decided.

The issue will be brought up at the next borough council meeting on August 15th.

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