PINE CITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 VOL. 130 NO. 50 www.pinecitymn.com $1.00
WORKING FOR SANTA: Pine City kids respond to Santa’s ‘Help Wanted’ ad. P17
City levy up 3.74% BY HENRY FISCHER NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM
The Pine City Council listened to property owners and reduced its 2016 levy to an effective increase of 3.74 percent. At last week’s truth in taxation public hearing, several residents voiced concerns about sharp increases in the total levy figures on their preliminary 2016 property tax notices, thanks, in part, to higher real estate values. Mark Nisley, a former Pine City
Council member, said his total property tax bill (including city, county and school district levies) is going up 30 percent, not including improvements to his property. “What you’re doing here does have an effect,” Nisley said, encouraging city officials to do everything they can to minimize the financial impact on property taxpayers. Council Member Brian Scholin pointed out that if property values stayed the same during the past SEE CITY, PAGE 13
Man sought in Kwik Trip theft STAFF REPORT NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM
MIKE GAINOR | THE PIONEER
Rudolph is one really tall reindeer! Pine City’s Dec. 7 Christmas Carol parade was full of music, lights, and one enormous reindeer courtesy of Jeff’s Outdoor Services. More parade and Holiday Madness photos on Page 28.
The Pine County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man involved in a Dec. 4 theft from the new Hinckley Kwik Trip. According to a news release from the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was involved in a theft from the Kwik Trip store office in Hinckley at around 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. As seen in the photo released by the sheriff’s office, the suspect is a white male with short brown hair, and was wearing a black hooded jacket and green baseball cap at the scene of the crime. Any member of the public recognizing this man is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 320-629-8380.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The suspect was photographed leaving the Kwik Trip on Dec. 4 after the theft occurred.
Christmas lights come up in Pine City BY JOSH PALMER NEWS@PINECITYMN.COM
Even from inside their house near the Pine City Country Club, Brian Trantanella and his son Elwood know exactly when their hard work pays off: the lights come up. For the first time, Brian and Elwood (or “Woody,” as he likes to be called) displayed colorful lights and decorations across the front of their house in order to celebrate and stimulate Christmas spirit.
While a common practice for many Pine City families, the lighting of the lawn marked the beginning of a new tradition for the Trantanellas. “My bride-to-be said that she wanted Christmas lights,” said the elder Trantanella. “I told her it might take a while, but we’re going to catch up to the Griswolds.” Being that it was their first year setting up Christmas lights, he wasn’t about to purchase
Opportunity Knocked and I MOVED!!!
JOSH PALMER | THE PIONEER
SEE LIGHTS, PAGE 13
Laser displays have joined traditional Christmas lights in Pine City.
I am GRATEFUL....
I am GRATEFUL for every client that calls me and asks for my representation I am GRATEFUL for the trust and loyalty you give to me. I am GRATEFUL for your business and your many kind referrals.
THANK YOU! MERRY CHRISTMAS - AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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