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JL Schwieters given OK (with conditions) for next building

Tot Skates begins

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

City staff will continue to work with Victor Land Holdings LLC and JL Schwieters on possible refi nements to its landscaping plan that could provide nearby residents some relief when it comes to noise and lights.

Victor Land Holdings LLC requested a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment and site plan to construct a 43,000-squarefoot office, manufacturing and warehouse building that will be occupied by JL Schwieters for its floor and roof truss operations.

The campus development includes four phases. The fi rst phase of the development was construction of a 145,000-square-foot office, manufacturing and warehouse building. The second phase consisted of the 27,100-square-foot office/warehouse building located in the northeast corner of the site. The newly proposed building constitutes phase three, and the fourth phase is proposed to be a 12,000-square-foot office/warehouse building at the southeast corner of the property. The campus property totals approximately 15 acres.

The project would also include the

Above: Logan, 4, practices skating across the ice arena during Tots Skates, a new program offered by Centennial Community Education (CCE). From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday, tots (ages 2-5) can lace up their skates while in the company of an adult at Centennial Ice Arena, which is located on the high school campus.

Right: Leif Johnson gives his daughter, Logan, a pep talk before she bravely skates across the entire sheet of ice. Logan first tried ice skating when she was 3 years old.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

SEE JL SCHWIETERS , PAGE 13

Hardwork makes dream come true Her goal was to become an attorney, but that changed.

Sydney Mortenson, who grew up in Lino Lakes and graduated from Centennial High School in 2014, went on to earn a degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She had joined the National Guard as a high school senior, and went to basic training a week after graduating from Centennial.

The daughter of Realtors Denise and Daniel Mortenson is now a

second lieutenant (2LT), earning that rank after extensive training at Camp Ripley (Minnesota), Camp Lee (Virginia) and Camp Rucker (Alabama). The latter was flight school for 18 months, where she graduated just before Thanksgiving in 2021.

It was while training as a paralegal specialist at Fort Ripley that a Blackhawk helicopter caught her interest.

“I saw a Blackhawk flying overhead and imagined how cool it would be to be able to fly one of them,” Mortenson recalled.

“That was when my interest in aviation started.”

A call to the Guard office in St. Paul proved beneficial for several reasons— a flight in a Blackhawk, an interview for flight school and a job as a budget analyst with the National Guard. The flight, though, proved to be the deciding factor, her mother pointed out, in changing “her career path and life.”

“It was awesome,” Mortenson said, recalling that fi rst flight in a Blackhawk.

Today, she vividly recalls the rigorous training that she completed in the summer of 2014.

SEE FLYING A BLACKHAWK, PAGE 12

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Centennial High School begins offering language seals, certificates

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

“The (program) is a way of acknowledging students’ knowledge of the language.

It’s a way of showing that we value linguistic diversity in our school and community.”

certificates.

There are currently 57 languages spoken in Centennial Schools, and around 800 students enrolled in world language courses at the high school.

“The (program) is a way of acknowledging students’ knowledge of the language. It’s a way of showing that we value linguistic diversity in our school and in the community,” Hagemeister said. “Not only are the students recognized for something that they have accomplished, but also there is the potential to gain free semester credits at Minnesota state colleges and universities, so they can save money as well.”

Spanish teacher Emily Tjaden added, “There are a lot of students who are totally

students who are already signed up to take the exam.

“I wanted to take the test to kind of see where my Centennial High School five years are going to get just started taking advantage me,” she explained. “I also of a program that could have want to minor in Spanish a big impact on students’ in college, so it will help me futures. with future tests that I’ll “We are just getting have to take. It could help me started, and we are excited go further a little bit too, and about it,” said Bruce it looks good on resumes, so Hagemeister, Bilingual Seals Bruce Hagemeister that will be a big helper.”

Program coordinator and English language teacher.

In addition to the free Bilingual Seals Program Coordinator Centennial now offers college credits and a great also speak another language Minnesota Bilingual addition to a resume, the at home, and I think this Seals and World Language program can serve as a provides them an opportunity Certificates to students who motivator. to have their bilingual show required language “I think it can serve as a abilities recognized as well.” competency in speaking, really good motivator for writing, listening and students to continue studying Students in grades 10reading in languages other a second language, whether 12 can earn seals and than English. The Learning that’s by taking a world certificates for the following English for Academic language at the high school languages: Amharic, Arabic, Proficiency and Success or whether that’s continue to French, German, Hebrew, (LEAPS) Act was passed in speak their native language Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Minnesota in 2014, which at home,” Tjaden said. “I Japanese, Karen, Korean, allows districts to award know as a teacher of Spanish, Mandarin (Chinese), Oromo, I had to take several placement exams during my career and to take one in high school is a great experience and practice for doing that in college or if they need to take a professional exam as they exit college.”

For more information about the seals and certificates, visit isd12.org/ academicsactivities/ other-learningopportunities/ minnesotabilingual-seals-andThis chart breaks down the difference between seals and certificates, what level needs to be achieved and how many college credits can be earned if achieved. world-language.

Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. Students can earn up to two semesters of college credits for a certificate and three to four semesters depending on the type of seal.

Students must sign up to take the online exam by Jan. 31. The exam will be offered at the high school April 19-20. The exam takes approximately two hours. Tjaden explained that the test adapts to how the student is doing, so if the student is answering questions correctly, it will give them harder questions, and if they are answering them incorrectly, it tailors to that as well.

Senior Sydney Augustin, who is currently enrolled in Spanish 5, has been studying Spanish since eighth grade.

She is one of about a dozen

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3

Things you may not know about Martin Luther King Jr.

M

artin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the 21st century. King's tireless activism during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s improved the lives of millions of people, and his tragic assassination on April 4, 1968, marked one of the darkest days in American history.

King's oratory prowess is welldocumented.

Individuals across the globe are familiar with his "I Have a Dream" speech, which King delivered during the March on Washington less than a year before his death. Less familiar are some other notable facts about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

• If he were alive today, Martin Luther King Jr. would still be years away from his 100th birthday. King was assassinated in 1968, when he was not yet 40 years old. Born in Atlanta in 1929, King could very much still be alive today and would have celebrated his 93rd birthday on January 15, 2022.

• King survived a knife attack years before his assassination.

King was stabbed in the chest with a letter opener during a book signing event in Harlem in 1958. His assailant, Izola Curry, was ultimately deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. Though the attack did not kill him, King had to undergo intensive emergency surgery and was hospitalized for several weeks.

• King was an extraordinarily gifted student. At an age when many students were preparing to enter their sophomore or junior year of high school, King began his freshman year of college at Morehouse College.

King enrolled at Morehouse when he was 15 after the school opened enrollment to junior high students in an effort to overcome a dip in enrollment related to World War II. King passed the entrance exam and enrolled in the fall of 1944.

• King was ordained as a minister prior to graduating from Morehouse. The Baptist ministry was something of a family business for the Kings, as Martin Luther King Jr.’s father, grandfather and great grandfather were all Baptist ministers. However, King did not initially intend to follow that path. He ultimately changed course and entered the ministry at age 18, graduating from Morehouse with a degree in sociology a year later.

• Conspiracy theories surround King’s assassination. King’s assassin, James Earl Ray, was found guilty and sentenced to 99 years in prison. Authorities, including the United States Department of Justice, concluded Ray, a career criminal, acted alone. However, some, including surviving members of King’s family, believed his assassination was part of a conspiracy.

• Despite his tragic assassination in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. left his mark on the world. That legacy is even METRO CREATIVE | CONTRIBUTED more remarkable when considering the unique twists and turns King’s life took prior to his death.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be recognized on Monday, Jan, 17.

Contributed

Jury trials set for suspects in Lino Lakes homicide Jury trials have been set for a brother and sister who were allegedly involved in the homicide of a Lino Lakes man.

Melissa Madelyne Zielinski, 48, of Sandstone, was charged with first-degree murder (with intent while committing a felony) and murder in the second degree (with intent) in August 2020. Melissa’s brother, Nicholas Walter Zielinski, 44, of Hermantown, also received the same charges.

According to the criminal complaint, a Lino Lakes man came home Aug. 27, 2020, to find two unknown individuals in his residence; one was later identified by authorities as Nicholas Zielinski. After the individuals left, the man found his gravely injured 22-year-old son lying on the floor. The victim,

In addition, an outgoing text message on Melissa’s phone read, “We are going to collect some money owed to me hopefully.”

Melissa entered a plea of not guilty on the second-degree murder charge in October 2020 and another plea of not guilty on the first-degree murder charge in December 2021. Nicholas entered a plea of not guilty to the second-degree murder charge in June 2021.

Melissa’s jury trial was scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 10 (after press deadline); Nicholas’ jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31.

Shannon Granholm

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Karl Mitchell Henderson, 22, had been shot in the abdomen and was declared dead by first responders.

As the investigation continued to identify the female involved, officers spoke with a number of people who independently reported that the female was likely to be Mr. Zielinski’s sister. Officers obtained cell phone tracking information for both siblings’ phones. The tracking data shows the phone belonging to Nicholas traveling from the Duluth area to the Twin Cities on the day of the shooting; the phone belonging to Melissa was in the Twin Cities metro area that morning. Later in the day, both phones were shown to be in the immediate area of the shooting within the appropriate time frame.

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Outdoor events

anuary and February are among the greatest times to get outdoors in Minnesota. With the winter solstice behind us there are plenty of things to do with a little extra daylight. Now is the time to try a walk on a snow-covered trail, or break out the crosscountry skis or snow shoes.

An opportunity to try ice fishing is at the 39th annual Centerville Lions Club Ice Fishing contest on Centerville Lake Feb. 19. Sign up for the BEAR’ly Open golf outing Feb. 5, which supports the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Foursomes take to the course on frozen White Bear Lake and play 18 holes with a golf club, baseball or whiffle ball bat, hockey stick, tennis racket, or any other tool Publisher’s that can propel a tennis ball into the hole; and sponsors host fun games and View activities along the way.

One winter event I will always rememCarter ber was when I was photographing the Johnson candlelight ski/hike at William O’Brien State Park when I worked at the Country Messenger newspaper, which served Scandia, Marine on St. Croix and May Township. The park staff lined a trail with luminaries, there were nature demonstrations and kick sleds, and they served hot cocoa with whipped cream. Family events such as this at local parks and nature preserves, along with opportunities for beginners to try snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or kick sledding are plentiful this time of year.

Registration fees and equipment rentals are reasonable or sometimes free. At Ramsey County Park’s Tamarack Nature Center ski passes with rental are $10 per person, go to ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/tamarack-nature-center/skiing-snowshoeing. Anoka County Park’s Wargo Nature Center has snow shoe rentals for $5 a pair and cross country skis for $6. Visit the website for updates and the most accurate trail conditions at anokacountyparks.com/things-to-do. Washington County Park’s Afton State Park has snow shoe rentals for $6, but do not rent cross country skis. Visit dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/ for more information.

Think about heading to one of the Loppet events coming up, such as the Loppet Winter Festival Feb. 6, the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, or the Minnesota Nordic Ski League State meet Feb. 16 and 17 in Biwabik or Wisconsin Nordic Ski League State Meet in Cable, Wisconsin Feb. 12 and 13. The volunteer board with the Mora Vasaloppet will celebrate the 50th year Vasaloppet USA Feb. 12 and 13. Even if you’re not a participant, volunteering or being part of the energy and cheering on the racers as an observer can be a great experience.

If it’s your first time back on a snowy trail in a while, take it easy and think of it as a warm up. While you’re out, consider supporting local businesses with a beverage or lunch at one of our local establishments following your winter outing.

Good people Help wanted signs are hard to miss throughout our community. Here at Press Publications we’re thankful for the staff who produce and package the content for our readers. Our team members are dedicated to the community and see the importance on reporting local news you can’t get anywhere else. We filled an open position during the pandemic and have recently filled a part-time position. We have a couple more to go — a multi-media representative and an entry-level graphic designer. Like many businesses in the community, finding candidates has been a challenge. We have posted our positions on sites like Indeed, Facebook, LinkedIn and the print and digital pages of this paper.

We were excited to have so many applicants-more than six solid respondents, half of whom learned about the job from this newspaper’s help wanted section. After initially reaching out to each candidate we were able to set up three interviews, one in person and two by Zoom.

It has been a while since I have done the initial calls and found the candidates qualifications are amazing. If your business is in search for good people, remember to keep your job postings in front of the local community in the pages of the Press. Local employees have less drive time and often appreciate the flexibility of being able to run home at lunch to let the dog out. Happy recruiting.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

‘Beauty is a fragile gift’

B

eauty means many different things to people. A hike on a favorite trail in Superior National Forest, holding a baby, time spent in a deer stand, good architecture, good art, or time spent with loved ones and friends.

Modern life is a constant assault on our senses and filled with distractions, but these things and activities connect us with something bigger.

Beauty has an important, necessary, and Legislator foundational role in our lives that we Lingo rarely acSen. Roger knowledge.

The Roman Chamberlain poet Ovid said that “beauty is a fragile gift.” The poet Keats famously wrote, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” The transformational nature of beauty necessarily leads to the contemplation of the Divine, the eternal. Emerson wrote, “never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.”

He went on to note, that “love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.”

Modern life has, in a way, led us to negate beauty, to deny ourselves the right to it. Look

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beautiful. “Change” for its own sake is change that is suspect, if not damaging and deserving of opposition.

Our high-tech, high-speed, instantaneous, commercial, material culture creates massive distractions and noise. It is difficult to extract ourselves from this environment and notice beauty. Indeed, it is often destroyed in the name of “progress.”

Beauty allows us an opportunity to temporarily shut out the noise and connect at a different level with ourselves, each other, and our surroundings.

Reading a good book (on actual paper), holding a baby, gazing at the stars, contemplating art, enjoying a peaceful garden, or sitting at the end of a dock on a secluded lake listening to the wind through the pines: all of these are an encounter with beauty.

Beauty is an essential part of our lives. Beauty is objective.

Beauty is good, it is humanity, it is truth. Roger Scruton suggests perhaps we have lost belief in beauty because we have lost faith in ideas. He believes if we lose beauty, we lose our humanity.

Maybe we simply need to stop and smell the proverbial roses. To allow ourselves to be happy. To be grateful for the beauty around us, seek it and hold on to it.

Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) represents District 38.

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at “modern” architecture.

Classical buildings have been ignored in favor of extremely utilitarian and tremendously unappealing structures in our major cities. We even have a local television program called “Lost Twin Cities” that documents the lost chapters of our past.

What was lost, exactly?

Specific buildings? Yes of course. But what did they have in common? Transformational beauty. A consequence of modernity is the loss of beauty.

The late English philosopher and writer, Sir Roger Scruton, maintained that beauty is not subjective but objective. He saw it as a universal need.

I agree. Scruton noted that beauty is a remedy for chaos and sorrow; it makes human life worthwhile. Beauty plays an essential role in our mind, body, and soul.

When it comes to design, Scruton suggests that if beauty is considered first, it becomes useful forever. The beautiful is its own endorsement.

A personal matter for people in the White Bear Lake area is the Metropolitan Council’s plan to run 90 busses every day through the heart of the city. While there are many reasons to oppose the bus plan, I believe the primary one is the destruction of beauty. Downtown White Bear is unique, it is personal, it is home. It is designed for people. It is

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

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Washington County Attorney Pete Orput announces retirement After 40 years in public service, Washington County Attorney Pete Orput has announced that he will not be seeking reelection when his term expires at the end of this year.

“Serving the people of Washington County has been the highlight of my career,” said Orput. “I’m incredibly proud of the important work we’ve done to significantly advance the cause of justice. We’ve markedly improved the operations of the county attorney’s office. We’ve established a veterans court. We’ve addressed the scourge of opioid addictions. And we’ve locked up sex traffickers and

murderers. Most importantly, we’ve helped victims of crime.”

Orput was fi rst elected as Washington County Attorney in 2010 and was reelected in 2014 and 2018.

Prior to becoming county attorney, he served as an assistant Hennepin County attorney in the violent crimes division of the office. He has also served as general counsel to the Minnesota Department of Corrections and as deputy attorney general in charge of the public protection section of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

In 2016, he was appointed by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton to serve on the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, where he served through 2020. He’s also vice president of the National District Attorneys Association and serves as legal counsel to the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.

Before embarking on a career in law, he was a high school history teacher and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a husband and father of three.

“I’ll leave office with a deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve, the trust the public has placed in me, and the people who have helped me along the way.”

Orput said he’s proud of the outstanding team of prosecutors in the county attorney’s office, adding that the office will remain in “exceptionally capable hands.”

His last day as county attorney will be Dec. 31, 2022.

Contributed

COUNTY BRIEFS Washington County lists holiday tree drop-off sites With the holidays coming to a close, residents may recycle trees by dropping them off at one of the available locations in Washington County. Facilities have varied hours of operation, fees and restrictions for each site. Tree stands, plastic bags, tinsel, wire, lights and all other decorations must be removed before dropoff. Private waste haulers, cities, or townships may also accept holiday trees. Residents should contact them directly for more information.

Sites accepting trees include: • Washington County: Northern Yard Waste Site, 5527 170th St. N. in Hugo; open to all residents, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No charge. For more information, call Washington County at 651-4306655 or see www.co.washington.mn.us/yardwaste.

• Forest Lake: City of Forest Lake Public Works, 843 Fourth St. SW; open to Forest Lake residents only, 24-hour drop-off through Jan. 31. No charge. For more information, call Forest Lake Public Works at 651-464-3220.

• Oakdale: City of Oakdale Public Works, 1900 Hadley Ave. N.; open to Oakdale residents only, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday Jan. 1 through Jan. 31. Cost is $3 per tree. For more information, call Oakdale Public Works at 651-730-2740.

Waller reappointed to Rice Creek Board of Managers John Waller, of Hugo, has been reappointed to the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Waller will serve a sixth term that expires Jan. 18, 2025.

Youth Services Bureau will continue to provide services to Washington County The Board of Commissioners has approved a $233,273 contract to continue using Youth Services Bureau (YSB) as a diversion service for youth in 2022. YSB offers diversion services for juveniles that would otherwise be brought to juvenile court in Washington County. These services may be accessed by referral from a variety of sources, including the County Attorney’s Office, Community Services Department, law enforcement agencies and schools.

While on diversion, a juvenile may participate in community work service, an educational program, and/or early intervention services through the YSB. Juveniles are required to make restitution to the victim and complete the diversion conditions to avoid a formal court record.

County continues work with Tubman for victims of domestic violence Washington County will continue to work with Tubman to provide services for victims and families who have experienced domestic violence, after the county board approved a $204,241 contract with the agency for services in 2022.

Tubman provides services to county residents, including shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, orders for protection assistance and community presentations. In addition, Tubman is the community point of contact for the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) program, a risk assessment tool used by law enforcement officers in Washington County.

The 2022 contract will help Tubman’s Washington County Legal Services program maintain critical service delivery for victims and families of domestic violence.

County will receive grants for protecting water resources Washington County will receive $184,000 of natural resource grants from the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The county will receive the money between the beginning of 2022 and the end of 2024.

The funds will be used for shoreland preservation, septic treatment systems, local water management and wetland conservation.

County will continue to work with Washington Conservation District Washington County will continue to work with the Washington Conservation District. The county board approved a $260,000 contract with the agency for 2022. The district provides technical assistance and educational services to promote and apply soil and water conservation practices throughout the county.

Funding is for the organization’s administrative activities and services in the areas of local water management, land and water treatment and public education.

County will receive additional funds for COVID-19 response Washington County will receive additional funds to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A $1.198 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Health will be used for COVID-19 response and vaccine implementation, to be used through Dec. 31, 2023. Funding will be used for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, initiatives to address the mental well-being of staff and volunteers, to address community recovery efforts associated with maintaining childhood vaccination rates, to promote well-child visits and to address preventative medical care, chronic disease conditions and adverse mental health impacts.

The county will also receive $200,000 from the Minnesota Department of Health for the COVID-19 Public Health Workforce, to be used through June 30, 2024. Funding will be used for infectious disease control and response staffing associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board approves 2022-26 capital improvement plan Commissioners have approved a capital improvement plan (CIP) for the county for 2022-2026. The plan includes major roadways, parks and facility projects in the county planned for the next five years, and those projects that are funded by bonds.

Roads and bridges make up 75% of the proposed projects in the five-year plan; public facilities making up 17%; and parks and land make up 8%. Funding comes from a number of sources, including county program aid from the state, intergovernmental revenue, the local option sales tax and bonds.

More than 79 projects or programs are included in the capital plan, with $352 million in planned investments in infrastructure over the next five years. Projects in the 2022 portion of the plan include the construction of an environmental center in Forest Lake and yard waste facilities in the county. Roadway projects throughout the county are also in the proposed plan.

Board adopts county redistricting principles The board has adopted principles that it will use when redistricting county commissioner districts next year. State law establishes the procedure and process for redistricting of county commissioner districts based on population figures from the federal Census.

Although it is not required, county board members wish to establish principles to guide the redistricting process. The proposed principles may be viewed on the county website at www.co.washington.mn.us by searching “redistricting.”

The county will be the last governmental entity to establish its district boundaries before the 2022 election. The schedule will be: • Feb. 15: new congressional and legislative districts set • March 29: reestablishment or redistricting of municipal precincts • April 26: new local government election districts set (county, soil and water conservation, school district, etc.)

• May 17: candidate filings open • Aug. 9 and Nov. 8: state primary and general election based on newly drawn districts.

Board approves levies, budget for county for 2022 Commissioners have approved the county’s 2022 budget and the property tax levy that will support it.

With the ongoing response to and recovery from the pandemic, the recommended 2022 budget includes a levy increase that will pay for increased costs to the county that are expected in 2022, and those that occurred in 2021.

The levy is a 5.28% increase from the county’s 2021 levy, for a levy of $120.6 million. It is expected that the levy will result in an increase for the county’s portion of the annual property tax of $25 for the average-valued home in the county, which is $318,700.

Operating expenditures are budgeted to be $204.8 million, and capital projects are budgeted to be $64.1 million in 2022.The recommended budget includes investments in the county’s technology infrastructure and information technology staff to maintain and enhance data and network security. The budget funds a fairly substantial increase in election costs for 2022 as more people vote absentee, which adds to the cost of managing an election. The budget also funds replacements in the public works fleet to ensure the ability to maintain and provide snow removal on county roads.

Attorney added to county-supported court representation Victoria Herr will provide legal representation for children in need of protection or services (CHIPS), termination of parental rights and permanency cases in Washington County. The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023. The county is required by state law to provide this representation for parents or guardians in these cases. State statute also requires reasonable compensation for the attorney. The county contracts with five attorneys for this representation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Herr will provide representation for approximately 30% of these cases within the county.

County will continue to work with Canvas Health for services Canvas Health will continue to provide services to county residents after the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.3 million contract with the agency for 2022. Canvas Health provides services to children, adolescents, adults, elderly individuals and families who struggle with aging, crises, chemical and mental health, and domestic and sexual abuse.

The changes for the 2022 contract include the elimination of some programs, the reduction of $41,500 in costs and the addition of programs for $34,868, representing an annual net decrease in costs of $6,632 from last year’s contract.

Washington County Parks ski pass Remember to purchase your Washington County Parks ski pass. Washington County grooms ski trails when conditions allow at Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Skiers must purchase a Washington County ski pass online at https://washcoparks. usedirect.com/WashCoWeb/Default.aspx, at a pay station, or at a park office.

Nordic Rocks Ski rentals are also available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. These introductory level crosscountry skis come in youth and adult size and are worn over a traditional winter boot. As part of the rental package, adjustable poles are included.

Upcoming parks vehicle permit photo contest The 2023 parks vehicle permit will feature Square Lake Park. The photo contest will open later this year, but photos can begin to be captured for those wanting to highlight the winter scenes around Square Lake.

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THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com dth iti

JANUARY 13, 2022

HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following incidents: • Drag racing was reported at 12:37 a.m.

Nov. 28 in the 6000 block of 151st Street Court N. • Suspicious vehicles reported in the 15000 block of Fenway Avenue N. at 1:55 a.m. Nov. 28 turned out to be occupied by four juveniles who had just toilet-papered a home in the area.

Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies identified the juveniles, warned them and informed their parents.

• Threatening text and Facebook messages between neighbors in the 6000 block of 151st Street Court N. were reported at 8:10 p.m. Nov. 28 after the complainant's guest drove too fast past the other neighbor's house.

Deputies advised the complainant to ignore the messages that stated there would be “hell to pay.”

• An unidentified male was arrested for violating an active order for protection (OFP) at 8:22 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue, after deputies responded to a verbal domestic in the area and located the male leaving the scene in his vehicle.

• Three thefts by various means were reported Nov. 29. At 10:22 a.m., theft from motor vehicle was reported in the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. At 12:07 p.m., theft was reported from the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. At 10:47 p.m., a resident in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. reported being swindled.

• A resident in the 6000 block of 165th Street N. at 1:43 p.m. Nov. 30 reported a trailer stolen from his property.

• Sexual harassment was reported at 5:02 p.m. Nov. 30 at a fitness center in the 14000 block of Mercantile Drive N. • A resident in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 8:04 p.m. Nov. 30 reported losing $18,316.48 to fraud.

• A female was arrested at 9:26 p.m.

Dec. 1 in the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. for violating an OFP after the complainant reported her for repeatedly contacting him.

• A suspicious vehicle reported at 4:02 a.m. Dec. 2 in the 4000 block of Fable Hill Parkway N. turned out to be inoperable. After a private tow was ordered, deputies advised the driver he would be charged a fee by the towing company.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Prairie Trail N. at 8:54 a.m. Dec. 3 reported her husband for moving money into the money market without consulting her. Deputies advised the complainant it was a civil matter and that she should contact her bank or an attorney.

• Catalytic converters were reported stolen at 11:34 a.m. Dec. 3 from vehicles in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. • A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Boulevard N. at 7:49 p.m. Dec. 3 reported an unruly patron with a weapon. On arrival, deputies learned no weapon was involved but that a patron had removed a habitual disgruntled guest after some minor shoving activities. When deputies spoke to the subject, he said he was upset at the wait time for his chicken wings and also upset due to the discovery of a family illness.

Furthermore, he said he would welcome frequent welfare checks from deputies.

• A suspicious vehicle occupied by two people reported at 2:47 a.m. Dec. 4 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

turned out to be a couple having adult relations in the front seat. Deputies advised them to take their activities elsewhere.

• A suspicious occupied vehicle reported at 3:20 a.m. Dec. 4 in the parking lot of the Rosemary Apartments in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. turned out to belong to a tenant of the complex.

• Residents in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. at 9:25 a.m. Dec. 4 reported packages stolen from outside their home.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 1:10 p.m. Dec. 4 in the area of 141st Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation, after deputies on stationary patrol conducted a random license plate check of a speeding driver and learned he shouldn't have been driving anyway. He was verbally warned for speeding 43 mph in a 35 mph zone. A valid driver on scene drove the subject and his vehicle away.

Loretta Harding

BIZARRE DAYS Editor’s note: This is a continuation of incidents that were reported in last issue of 2021. Due to space limitations, The Citizen was not able to print all of the recap in one issue.

Bizarre days in the lives of Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents in 2021: • A porta-potty and its heater in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. were reported vandalized at 8:49 a.m. Nov. 30 after the heater cord had been cut.

• A wallet was reported lost in the neighborhood of the 5000 block of 159th Court N. at 9:36 a.m. Nov. 30. The complainant said his law enforcement badge was in the lost wallet.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 12:24 a.m. Dec. 3 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for using his cell phone while driving, after being pulled over for having the front passenger headlight out. During the traffic stop, deputies observed the driver’s cell phone between his legs with the screen still illuminated and showing a page from the Tinder online dating app.

• The driver of a gray pickup truck was cited at 3:37 p.m.

Dec. 17 on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Mercantile Drive N. for displaying tabs that expired in September. The driver and registered owner admitted to knowing the tabs had expired, but was trying to get to the DMV to update the vehicle’s registration. Later, he admitted to not even trying to make an appointment at the DMV. • Employees of a convenience store in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N at 8:19 p.m. Dec. 24 were reported for not allowing a customer with an expired driver’s license to purchase tobacco products. Deputies advised the complainant that it was not a law enforcement matter, and that the establishment was legally allowed to refuse service as its prerogative. It was also the complainant’s prerogative to pursue civil litigation.

• A Wisconsin driver was cited at 5:08 p.m. Jan. 6 on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in January 2020 and for failure to sign up for a Minnesota driver’s license after living in the state for the past five years.

• A resident in the 6000 block of 177th Street N. at 2:42 p.m. Jan. 18 reported an unknown male for showing up at her door that morning and yelling at her for being on his property. After a neighbor gave the complainant the male’s contact information, she requested that deputies discuss the incident with him. The male said he would contact sheriff’s office deputies directly the next time there was an incident — if there was a next time.

• A suspicious male was reported sitting alone at 5:23 p.m. Feb. 2 in the passenger seat of a vehicle parked outside a health clinic in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N., even though workers at the clinic stated there were no patients in the clinic that the male would be waiting for. He turned out to be just that. Deputies verified that the male’s daughter and her mother were indeed inside the clinic for an appointment. The subject said he didn’t join them because he was not feeling ill.

• Employees at a gas station in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 10:14 p.m. Feb. 2 reported a man for habitually passing counterfeit money at the store. When deputies contacted the subject, he was released with a warning, as he had not tried to pass fake money during that transaction. He was also released with a warning about driving to the gas station without a valid driver’s

license. The male thanked deputies for their leniency.

• A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 12:55 p.m. Feb. 9 reported declining service to a female who entered the store smelling like alcohol and clad in a sports bra. A sober party on scene drove the female home.

• A resident in the 13000 block of Goodview Avenue N. at 12:54 p.m. Feb. 10 reported snowmobilers for speeding through the area, knocking over a post and disturbing his cows. Deputies advised the complainant to call when the snowmobiles were next in the area, so that deputies could identify them.

• A resident in the 4000 block of 173rd Street N. at 7:49 p.m. Feb. 11 reported receiving a package delivered by Amazon addressed to his residence, but to no one who actually lived there. Inside the package he found cheap sunglasses and a starfish ornament. Deputies advised the complainant to contact Amazon or the USPS. • A resident in the 4000 block of Empress Way N. at 11:03 p.m. Feb. 14 reported that her vehicle had water poured over it and was now frozen solid. The complainant reported no damage to the car, but deputies advised her to wait until the car’s ice had melted to check again for damage.

• A resident in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 8:22 p.m. Feb. 22 reported his snowmobile stolen after he let his brother’s friend drive the vehicle home for safekeeping. Unbeknownst to the complainant, his brother and the friend were not speaking to each other, and now the complainant can’t get his snowmobile back. Deputies advised the complainant of the civil nature of the incident and provided instructions on how to proceed.

• A mom in the 15000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 3:11 p.m. March 3 reported her son’s friend for borrowing his enclosed trailer to transport items to a storage unit and not returning it. Her son told deputies he didn’t appreciate their interference in the matter and told them to get off the property. He advised them he would take care of the situation from that point, as he alone knew how to get in touch with his friend.

• An abandoned bicycle was reported found at 2:30 p.m. March 4 in the 14000 block of Francesa Avenue N. Deputies told the reporter they would pass on the information to Hugo public works to pick up the next day. At 4:14 p.m. March 4, the complainant who’d called in earlier reported deputies for not responding, because the bicycle was still there. Deputies went out to gather up the bike to be placed in the public works garage. The bike came back clear, with no stolen status.

• A resident in the 5000 block of Fairpoint Drive N.at 6:49 p.m. April 27 reported his mother for taking his butane from his room. Deputies quickly advised the complainant that as he is a minor, his mother has the right to make household rules and to confiscate his items.

• A mysteriously misplaced headstone was reported at 8:48 p.m. May 19 in St. John the Baptist Cemetery on 147th Street N. and Finale Avenue N. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a grave marker laying on the steps of a statue and notified St. Genevieve Church about the tombstone and the family name on it.

• A male was asked to leave the Kwik Trip in the 14000

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block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 4:20 a.m. June 7 after he created a disturbance by accusing other patrons of stealing his phone. Deputies found no evidence at all that any theft actually occurred.

A mailbox in the 6000 block of 165th Street N. was reported burned down at 10:20 p.m. June 7, following a brush fire in the overgrown ditch behind the mailbox.

Witnesses said they heard a boom that was louder than a gunshot, but didn’t pay any further attention to it.

There are no suspects, and the postal inspector was notified.

A resident in the 12000 block of Europa Avenue N. at 6:46 a.m. July 2 reported waking up that morning to find roofers removing shingles from his roof. Deputies intervened to mediate the situation.

Neighbors in the 5000 block of 141st Street N. at 3:49 p.m. July 13 were reported for disagreeing over the shared gutter system on their townhome. Deputies advised all concerned that the matter was a civil issue and that they’d all need to work together to figure out a solution. No law enforcement action would be taken, deputies told them.

A resident in the 15000 block of Finley Avenue N. at 5:23 p.m. July 15 reported an investment firm for intentionally not letting him get his money out. Deputies advised the complainant about the civil nature of the incident and provided a case number.

A resident in the 14000 block of Generation Avenue N. at 2:36 p.m. July 25 reported unknown persons for climbing onto her deck with a ladder and cutting all the bulbs off two strings of lights.

Deputies were dispatched out to the area of Forest Blvd.

N. and 140th Street N. at 8:41 p.m. Sept. 6 on a report of several juvenile males riding bicycles with their pants down and exposing themselves. Deputies were unable to locate the Lord Godivas.

A suspicious male with a flashlight was reported for moving around in a house under construction in the area of Fletcher Lane and 137th Street N. at 4:50 a.m.

Oct. 20. When deputies located the male in the port-apotty in front of the home, he said he was scrounging in the dumpster, as “they sometimes throw away good stuff.” Deputies advised the subject he was on private property and to leave the area.

A male was cited at 8:53 a.m. Oct. 20 in the 4000 block of Elm Drive N. for violating a no-contact order after he phoned the person who had the order out against him on FaceBook Messenger an hour earlier. The subject said he did call, but that it was an accident. Later that day, the victim reported the previous violator for calling him twice more that day, which resulted in deputies issuing yet another citation.

Loretta Harding

JANUARY 13, 2022

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

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'TIS THE SEASON FOR THE REASON The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents involving excuses for bad driving behavior in 2021 — along with the occasional display of candor: • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 11:12 a.m. Nov. 28 at eastbound Egg Lake Road N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone. The motorist advised Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies that the speed limit in the zone was 40 mph.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 1:07 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 69 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies on patrol, who clocked him on radar. The driver said he didn’t realize how fast he was going because he was trying to find an address in Hugo.

• The driver of a white sedan was cited at 9:30 p.m. Nov. 28 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street for displaying registration from July 2020. The registered owner said she already knew the registration had expired and admitted to being pulled over for the same reason and given a warning a month earlier.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 10:01 a.m. Dec. 4 on 170th Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue for speeding 69 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted to speeding and said his vehicle was new.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 11:04 a.m. Dec. 12 on westbound 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N. for speeding 85 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies, who clocked him on radar and observed him driving in the wrong lane. The driver admitted to speeding and stated that he was passing another vehicle.

• The driver of a white sedan was cited at 6:54 p.m. Dec. 16 on westbound 140th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for stop sign violation, failure to provide proof of insurance and various registration violations, after deputies on patrol observed her “completely disregard the stop sign” at Flay Avenue N. and 140th Street N. The driver told deputies her vehicle wasn’t functioning property when she attempted to stop. She also told deputies she purchased the vehicle from the current registered owner on Nov. 1 and has the title somewhere, but she had yet to transfer the title into her name. She did, however, admit that the vehicle had not been added to her insurance policy since the day of purchase.

• A motorist was cited at 4:00 p.m. Dec. 30 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in July. The driver admitted to putting off the renewal.

• A motorist was cited at 3:46 p.m. Jan. 2 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for displaying registration that expired in June. The driver said he knew the tabs had expired, but could not get to the DMV during the past six months due to his work schedule.

• A motorist was cited at 8:26 a.m. Jan. 28 in the 5000 block of easabound 130th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in April 2020. The driver told deputies that “my dad is typically on top of this stuff.”

• A Minnesota driver was cited at 10:44 a.m. Jan. 28 on northbound Highway 61 at 148th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in October 2019, after deputies noticed the tardy tabs on a vehicle parked at the Speedway gas station. The driver told deputies that the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend and showed them 2020 tab stickers in the middle console. As those tabs were also expired, the citation stands.

• An uncooperative male was cited at 12:44 p.m. Jan. 28 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road for displaying tabs that expired in April, after being pulled over for a broken left taillight that was covered with tape. The driver explained the taillights by saying he was coming from the shop, though he didn’t indicate which shop. The male also said he tried to “mail things in” for the tabs, but due to COVID, he didn’t have current tabs. After the male became belligerent and threatened to phone a relative who works for another local agency, deputies received an emergency call and tossed the ticket into the vehicle to respond to the call.

• Deputies cited a driver at 1:03 p.m. Jan. 29 on Henna Avenue N. and 170th Street N. for tabs that expired in June. The driver said she thought she had bought them.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad cited a driver at 8:55 a.m. Feb. 7 on eastbound Egg Lake Road N. and Goodview Avenue N. for speeding 50 mph in a 35 mph zone.

The driver admitted to speeding only 40 mph.

• A Minnesota driver was cited at 9:32 a.m. Feb. 13 on 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in October 2020. The driver said he was unaware the tabs had expired.

• A northbound driver was issued a written warning at 10:18 p.m. March 27 on Forest Blvd. N. and 137th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in October. The driver stated she was unaware they were so expired because she usually receives a reminder in the mail and didn’t this time. She said she’d renew the tabs immediately.

• A woman was cited at 6:20 p.m. April 6 on Forest Blvd.

N. and 152nd Street N. for displaying tabs that expired last August. The driver told deputies she knew that tabs were expired and took responsibility for not taking the time in the past seven months to update them.

• The driver of a black SUV displaying green registration tabs from 2020 was cited at 3:59 p.m. June 7 on Geneva Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for the tardy tabs and title violations, after deputies discovered he was not the registered owner of the vehicle, even though

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he had bought it more than one year ago. The motorist told deputies he had not changed the title or updated the tabs due to COVID and that he had a lot of work to do at the DMV, but was too busy to go there or make an appointment. After the long explanation, the driver was eventually able to at least produce proof of insurance.

A Michigan motorist was cited at 10:28 p.m. June 17 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. for displaying tabs that expired in February and for providing proof of insurance that expired in 2019. The subject stated he had switched insurance companies but could not provide any documentation, or any proof of insurance at all from the new company, even after contacting their customer service line. The male also had a non-extraditable felony warrant for assault with a weapon out of Michigan.

A Minnesota motorist was cited at 11:41 p.m. June 25 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. for speeding. When deputies first spotted the vehicle and turned on it, the driver pulled into a nearby park and tried to leave in the opposite direction. Deputies turned on the vehicle again and forced the traffic stop. The driver said he behaved that way because he was from Minneapolis.

A show dog owner was cited at 7:16 a.m. July 17 on eastbound 170th Street and Jeffrey Avenue N. for speeding 77 mph in a 55 mph zone by westbound deputies, who clocked her on radar. The driver admitted to speeding because she was late for the show dog trials.

• A northbound driver on Keystone Avenue N. and 140th Street N. was cited at 3:02 p.m. July 24 for speeding, after deputies observed him traveling over the centerline. The driver admitted to wobbling and blamed eating as his distraction.

The driver of an older-model Chevrolet pickup truck was arrested at 9:34 p.m. Aug. 12 on Elmcrest Avenue N. for driving an uninsured vehicle and for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia in a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop for expired registration. The driver could not produce proof of insurance, but claimed current coverage through a large company. However, deputies verified with the company that the vehicle had not been insured for more than eight months.

A Minnesota motorist was cited at 1:08 p.m. Sept. 4 on 140th Street N. and Flay Avenue for engaging in a cellular phone call while operating a motor vehicle, after deputies on patrol observed the driver pass their marked squad while talking into a black cell phone she held in her hand. After the driver admitted to the violation, she said it was a brand new phone and that she hadn’t acquired an earpiece yet.

Loretta Harding

SCAMS AND FRAUDS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following scams and frauds during 2021: • A resident in the 6000 block of 150th Street N. at 8:34 p.m. March 1 reported being stopped from buying gift cards by Forest Lake Target employees who recognized a scam in the making. However, the complainant did provide scammers with her Amazon credit card information. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies advised her to contact Amazon to cancel the card on which charges had yet to be made.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 4:08 p.m. March 3 reported meeting someone online at a dating website called Plenty of Fish. That person persuaded the complainant to purchase more than $7,000 worth of Apple products and AT&T services. She willingly did so, but later realized it was a scam.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. at 10:10 a.m. March 5 reported that a male with an accent and claiming to be from AOL informed her that her account had been hacked. The complainant gave the caller information about her computer, which he was supposedly able to fix. When the male asked for $200 via check mailed to an address in New Jersey, the complainant complied. The reporter then had her bank stop payment on the check.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 130th Way N. at 11:11 a.m.

March 10 reported an attempted Publisher’s Clearing

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF Plane crashes in Forest Lake At 3:08 p.m. Jan. 1, the Forest Lake Police Department responded to a report of a small aircraft that had crashed in the swampy area southeast of the I-35 and Highway 8 intersection. Forest Lake Fire also responded.

The pilot and lone occupant of the aircraft was located and was found to be uninjured. The crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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House scam. The complainant’s mother recognized the scam and hung up the phone without engaging the caller.

A resident in the 7000 block of 170th Street N. at 4:25 p.m. March 12 reported receiving a phone call from a party claiming to be from Direct TV wanting to upgrade boxes due to COVID-19. The caller possessed information about her provider account and asked for $224 from the complainant. The complainant provided only the last four digits of her Social Security number before calling Direct TV to verify that it was a scam.

A Hugo resident at an undisclosed address reported being contacted at 5:50 p.m. May 11 by a party claiming to be from the WCSO and stating a warrant had been taken out on her, in an attempt to get her to pay money.

She did not pay, but contacted the real WCSO instead.

A Hugo resident from an undisclosed address at 1:46 p.m. June 21 reported receiving a letter in the mail referring to a retirement account created on her husband’s behalf. The complainant advised Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies she had been in contact with the state of Minnesota to advise them of the fraudulent activity. Deputies advised her to continue working with the state.

A resident in the 5000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at 12:22 p.m. June 30 reported receiving several scam calls per day since she started a new home build in town.

The recent scam calls allege that her husband would be

cleared of felony charges if the couple paid out funds to the scammers. So far, the complainant has not experienced any actual loss.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 157th Street N. at 2:14 p.m. Oct. 6 reported receiving a scam phone call request that registered “Police Officer” on the caller I.D. The caller asked if the complainant would donate money to the police officer association. When the complainant asked the scammer to send information about the charity, the scammer hung up. No money or information was released.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Fondant Avenue N. at 3:14 p.m. Nov. 22 reported receiving an “obviously fraudulent” phone call suggesting she had a warrant out in her name. Because the scam attempt was so obvious to the complainant, she did not provide personal information or money and hung up the phone.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Fairoaks Avenue N. at 11:26 a.m. Dec. 4 reported receiving a letter from a fake Right to Life organization located in Northfield that asked for a donation. The complainant, who did not send any money, said she discovered the organization sending her the letter was a scam.

Loretta Harding SEE WHEW! THAT’S A RELIEF, PAGE 8

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

[Think GREEN] If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

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THE CITIZEN

JANUARY 13, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

Continued from page 7

WHEW! THAT’S A RELIEF! Vigilant Hugo residents reported the following suspicious circumstances to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2021 that turned out to be harmless: • Two occupied vehicles reported at 12:33 a.m. Jan. 7 for being parked in a lot in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N. turned out to belong to parties enjoying Netflix and chilling.

• A suspicious male walking around clad in shorts at 4:56 a.m. Jan. 14 in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. turned out to be a local man walking to the gym. The caller was suspicious only of the time of day and the subject’s clothing choice.

• A vehicle parked on the side of the road in the 7000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at 6:37 p.m. Jan. 17 turned out to belong to a driver who said she’d lost her keys in the woods while walking her dog and was trying to find them. An outside party brought spare keys to her.

• A pickup truck turning up in a private driveway in the 12000 block of Goodview Avenue N. at 10:03 p.m. Jan. 25 turned out to belong to a family member, in a vehicle that the complainant didn’t recognize before he called deputies, but did recognize once deputies arrived. The family member had arrived to take care of their horses.

• A vehicle driving slowly through the neighborhood near 147th Street N. and Geneva Avenue N. at 10:13 p.m. Feb. 17 turned out to belong someone living in the neighborhood.

• A suspicious couple and surplus male hanging out at the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 4:31 a.m. March 4 turned out to be the same suspicious couple and spare male who told deputies at an earlier traffic stop that they were waiting for a ride.

Deputies advised the trio that their time to continue to wait for a ride was now up and they needed to leave.

They did so without incident.

• Signs of a burglary reported at 9:46 a.m. March 7 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be the result of the complainant’s failure to secure his fence property.

• A vehicle reported at 9:58 p.m. March 7 for leaving its lights on for the past 14 hours in the 17000 block of Henna Avenue N. turned out to be “obvious decorative yard lights” as observed from the street.

• A vehicle occupied by three juvenile males reported for pulling into a driveway in the 9000 block of 130th Street

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at 5:32 p.m. March 9 and getting out and waiting, turned out to be youths who accidentally went to the wrong address to wait for a car sale. The complainant’s husband contacted the youths and coached them on why their behavior was not a smart thing to do.

A suspicious vehicle was reported at 7:54 a.m. April 1 in the 5000 block of 149th Street N. The complainant said she was unaware of the intention of the individual who was driving, but wanted to report it.

Two occupied vehicles reported at 1:52 a.m. April 3 parked in Blacksmith’s lot in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be occupied by stargazers.

Deputies advised both occupants of the complaint and both left, lest they be suspected of perpetrating thefts reported recently in the area.

A vehicle in the parking lot of Paragon Paving in the 5000 block of 165th Street N. with its lights on at 12:02 a.m. April 5 turned out to belong to a sleeping male who contracts with the business and has a standing agreement to be allowed to sleep there overnight in his vehicle because he lives in Wisconsin. The arrangement allows him to be at work in a timely manner on Monday mornings.

Suspicious people reported for walking around a construction site in the area of Fenway Blvd. N. and 134th Street N. at 4:25 a.m. April 13 wearing high-visibility jackets and hard hats turned out to none other than the actual construction workers assigned to the site. They had even driven up in marked construction vehicles and were wearing logo-stamped vests and hats. Deputies said they didn’t even need to report to the scene to figure the situation out.

A burglary in progress reported at 10:22 p.m. May 14 at an unoccupied townhome in the 4000 block of 149th Street N. turned out to be a daughter of the resident coming to retrieve her belongings while he was out of town. However, her father revealed that she was not supposed to be at his residence at all, which is why she didn’t have access. Deputies sent the daughter home to the custody of her mother.

A suspicious male reported for standing in the shadows in the area of Goodview Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at 12:10 a.m May 15 turned out to be from out of town and waiting for a ride. To add to the red flags, a party had just broken up nearby and guests were fleeing on foot. The male agreed he looked suspicious,

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and volunteered to stand under the street lamp until his ride arrived.

Two vehicles reported at 2:31 a.m. May 16 in the 15000 block of French Drive N. turned out to belong to a resident teen in one of the cars with two of her friends so that she wouldn’t wake her family. Deputies found no indication of drug use or illegal activity.

A pink ice cream truck driven by a possible male sex offender at 7:30 p.m. May 18 in the area of Glenbrook Avenue N. and 147th Street N. turned out to have been driven by a female when deputies spotted it the next day. The complainant thought the male truck driver may have been associated with a predatory offender, according to a Facebook post he had read last year.

An occupied vehicle reported parked outside a closed business in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 9:45 p.m. May 18 turned out to belong to local people having simply left their house to have a conversation away from other family members. Deputies advised the parties to park at an open business or at their actual residence.

At 1:59 a.m. July 10, a resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. reported the neighbor for pumping noise into her mobile home. However, deputies arriving on the scene observed the noise inside her trailer was not musical, but mechanical.

A vandal reported in an earlier complaint for damaging strings of decorative lights in the 14000 block of Generation Avenue N. at 9:37 p.m. Aug. 12 turned out to be a squirrel, after the complainant set up a game camera on her deck and captured the varmint on video footage.

A vehicle driving around at 2:27 a.m. Aug. 13 on Fondant Avenue N. and Lower 147th Street N. turned out to be a driver learning to drive a manual transmission car.

A flagpole reported broken off 8 inches above the ground at 5:48 p.m. Aug. 26 in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. turned out to have been blown apart by 60 mph gusty winds in the area, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The complainant disputed that the damage could have been done by nature, Loretta Harding

HUGO BITS & PIECES • The council has made its annual appointments for 2022. They include: - Becky Petryk as acting mayor - WSB as city engineer - Landform Professional Services as city planner - Johnson/Turner as city attorney - Baker Tilly as financial advisor - US Bank as depository for city funds - The Citizen as the official newspaper - Companion Animal Control and Otter Lake Hospital as animal control services - Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. as emergency management director - Mayor Tom Weidt and Finance Director Anna Wobse as exofficio members of the Hugo Fire Department Relief Association Board - Bronwen Kleissler as chair of the Planning Commission, and (former alternate) Cindy Petty as a

regular member (after Scott Arcand resigned) - Roger Clarke as chair and Cathy Moore-Arcand as vice chair of the Parks Commission - Cynthia Schoonover as chair of the Historical Commission - Weidt and Council Member Phil Klein as representatives on the Economic Development Authority - Weidt, Petty and Arcand as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments • The city’s tobacco ordinance has been amended to comply with state statute. Back in May 2020, state tobacco laws changed the age from 18 to 21 to purchase tobacco or tobaccorelated devices; removed penalties for underage procession, purchase and use; required compliance checks to be done by decoys between 17 and 20 years of age; and increased the

minimum penalties for a licensee or employee of a licensee who is in violation. Minimum penalties for violations have been adopted with the city’s 2022 fee schedule.

• Kalpana and Tyler Schaubschlager, who live on 128th Bay North, have been granted an encroachment agreement to allow for the construction of a fence along a drainage and utility easement.

• The city continues to pay its bills for ongoing projects, including downtown improvement/Lions Park, CSAH 8 stormwater reuse, and the public works building. The city most recently authorized payment to: - $1,506,126 to Peterson Companies for the downtown improvement/Lions Park project - $152,667 to Peterson Companies for the CSAH 8 storm water reuse project

- $409,843 to Ebert Construction for the public works facility project - $6,314 to Ebert Construction for the public works salt and materials storage project - $355,536 to Schreiber Mullaney for the Lions Park Pavilion • The council has approved a conditional use permit amendment, development agreement and assessment agreement for Victor Land Holdings LLC for the Schwieters Campus development. See full story on pages 1 and 13.

• The council has scheduled its annual goal-setting meeting for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, in the Council Chambers.

Shannon Granholm

COMMUNITY BRIEF Counties, MnDOT seek feedback on County Road J Ramsey County — in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Anoka County and the adjacent municipalities — will reconstruct County Road J between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road, including the I-35E interchange, in 2024.

Community engagement is just getting underway.

People who live, work

or commute in this area are encouraged to visit the project website at www.ramseycounty. us/residents/roadstransportation/ future-road-projects/ future-roadconstruction-projects/ county-road-j-i-35einterchange to learn more and provide their comments on an interactive map by Jan. 15. A community engagement open house will be held in early 2022.

County Road J (between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road) will be reconstructed in 2024

CONTRIBUTED

JANUARY 13, 2022

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

9

Christmas Bird Count suggests winter of tufted titmice ahead

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

TOP 10 BIRDS OF 2021

Year of the titmouse Among hundreds of crows, jays and finches observed by volunteers, a total of eight tufted titmice doesn’t seem like a whole lot. But these eight individual birds represent a growing trend in the long-term data collected by the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

The CBC is a global tradition, and is more than 120 years old. The longevity of the CBC makes it an ideal resource to study long-term trends about birds, which often reflect the conditions of their habitat. After Christmas, 44 volunteers in the Northeast Suburban count area put their eyes and ears to work to document everything on the wing in areas of Washington County and Ramsey County northeast of the Twin Cities.

How do tufted titmice play into the data? According to Northeast Suburban Count Coordinator Jim Howitz, these birds add to the growing evidence that the range of these birds is changing, possibly due to warming winter conditions.

The tufted titmouse is a larger relative of the blackcapped chickadee, with a distinctive gray coloring and small crest on its head. The bird is common in Eastern forests and is becoming increasingly common in Minnesota as habitat resources slowly shift and climatic changes take place.

“It was very satisfying for

1. Black-capped chickadee: 823 2. American crow: 519 3. Dark-eyed junco: 318 4. Rock pigeon: 302 5. Canada goose: 284 6. Wild turkey: 261 7. American goldfinch: 253 8. White-breasted nuthatch: 206 9. Blue jay: 184 10. Northern cardinal: 157

Total species: 48 Number of individual birds: 4,588

me to get them; it’s the bird I thought I would be most likely to see exploding here,” Howitz said.

CBC data tracks how bird movement changes over time. Howitz said that tufted titmice used to be more common in Minnesota, but sightings declined after the 1970s. It’s only in recent years the bird has made a noticeable comeback.

Locals can keep their eyes peeled for tufted titmice in the area. These charming birds will readily visit birdfeeders and nest in backyard birdhouses.

Solo standouts Sometimes a bird appears on the count long after it should have migrated south.

Some of these birds have managed to find a reliable food source despite harsh winter conditions. This year, CBC volunteers counted a fox sparrow, a yellow-rumped warbler and a Wilson’s snipe among the unusual birds for the season.

The Northeast Suburban count is one of only a few

areas to see snipe in winter.

Snipe are a small, secretive shorebird often found on the banks of streams and ponds.

Their long bill is specially adapted to bury deep into muddy soil in search of insect larvae and worms.

The spring-fed streams that feed into the St. Croix River often stay open through the winter, providing a refuge for the freshwater invertebrates that serve as a food source for snipe.

“They’re in the same habitat with watercress; that’s the magic spot,” Howitz said. “They’re extremely habitat-specific.”

Falcon trifecta The Northeast Suburban area is one of the few that are home to all three species of falcon found in Minnesota.

American kestrels, merlins and peregrine falcons can all be found in the vicinity of the St. Croix River, especially near the Allen S. King Power Plant smokestack, where peregrines are known to roost.

“Those are all difficult

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS | CONTRIBUTED

The Christmas Bird Count data shows a rise in the number of tufted titmice, an Eastern relative of the chickadee, seen in the Northeast Suburban area in recent years.

species to get, particularly the merlin,” Howitz said. “Falcons are such charismatic birds; it’s always a thrill to see one. This is pretty far north for them in the winter.”

Trends over time CBC data is one of the best ways to track long-term bird trends as species move between habitat zones, reflect good and bad breeding years, and follow food resources.

Howitz noted the records show that the kinds of birds that visit backyard feeders, such as chickadees,

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woodpeckers, sparrows and fi nches, are rising in numbers while open-country birds such as meadowlarks are appearing less often.

“As the suburbs get bigger and older trees, that’s good for a lot of birds,” Howitz said. “Warmer winters make it more likely to see robins, bluebirds and even flickers.”

Staff Writer Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

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JANUARY 13, 2022

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JANUARY 13, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

FLYING A BLACKHAWK: Proves ‘awesome’ for Guard woman from Lino Lakes “It was very stressful and tough to be away from home at first, but it taught me many crucial life lessons that I still carry with me today,” she said.

Soon after basic training, Mortenson attended the paralegal specialist advanced individual training at Fort Lee. Then she came back to the Minnesota Army National Guard and drilled as a paralegal at the 34th Infantry Division, where she assisted the attorneys with separation packets and legal research.

In her sophomore year at UW-Madison, Mortenson joined Army ROTC “and learned how to put my leadership and soldier skills to use. After a lengthy interview and medical qualification process during my senior year (2019), I was selected to branch as an Army aviation officer.”

Her decision to go to college in neighboring Wisconsin has made her a fan of the Badgers, who lost to the Gophers this season.

“I love the Badgers, but going to Wisconsin has made me even more of a fan of whoever is playing the Packers,” she said, adding that she roots for the Vi-

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kings. “The loss (by UW) was tough, but we'll get them next year.”

Fort Rucker proved to be quite an experience.

“Flight school was very enjoyable, but more of a vertical learning curve,” Mortenson said. “One day you are in the classroom learning about aerodynamics and the next day you are on the controls at 2,000 feet with barely any idea what you are doing.

“As time went on, my confidence as a pilot grew and my job turned into something that I love to do. I always heard ‘the day you stop learning in the cockpit is the day you should stop flying.’

I loved living close to the ocean and getting paid to fly every single day. I met some great lifelong friends; luckily, the Army aviation community is very small.”

Now 25, Mortenson loves her job and has set goals while working full-time for the Minnesota State Army Aviation Office in St. Paul, where she supervises the state’s aviation budget, handles flying mission requests and flies missions as needed.

“I would love to be given the opportunity to help out in our state as much as possible,” said Mortenson, who has two siblings — brothers Blake, 29, and Gage, 21. “Many of our missions come up during emergencies — wildfires, floods, etc., so I am excited to finally be able to fly those and assist as needed, along with missions flying around police departments, ROTC programs and static displays, and anywhere else I can share my love of aviation with those around me. I also fly fixed-wing planes as a hobby, so I'd like to get back up in the air in those, too.”

A former hockey player and huge fan of the Minnesota Wild, Mortenson is happy to be back in her home state.

“I'm very glad to be home, around the people who are so supportive of my career,” she

Sydney Mortenson is one of two women in her class.

said. “I have missed playing hockey and snowboarding, so I've got a lot of catching up to do.”

And what message would she have for young people who might be interested in following her path?

“Anything worth doing will not be easy,” she said. “It took a long time to get to branch aviation and even longer to get to flight school. Find something you love to do and dive right into it. Hopefully, your career can become your passion and you will look forward to coming into work.”

Contributing Writer Abe Winter can be reached at 651-407-1200 or by emailing news@presspubs.com.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sydney Mortenson is pictured with her parents Denise and Daniel Mortenson.

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FROM PAGE 1

JANUARY 13, 2022

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

13

JL SCHWIETERS: City will continue to work on landscape, noise mitigation

Hugo opts into opioid settlement The city of Hugo has thrown its proverbial hat in an opioid litigation ring, agreeing to be part of a national multi-billion-dollar settlement. Hugo has joined a multistate coalition in a settlement with the three largest opioid distributors, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and

McKesson, and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

An executive summary addressed to cities and counties from the state attorney general’s office indicated that the settlement resolves investigations and lawsuits against the named companies for their role in the opioid crisis. If fully adopted, the distributors will pay $22.8 billion over 18 years and Johnson & Johnson will pay $5 billion over 10 years.

The manufacturer will also be prohibited from selling or promoting opioids for 10 years.

Most states already joined the settlements, but for the agreements to become effective, a “critical mass” of cities and counties needed to sign on by Jan. 2. Other area cities opting in to the settlement include White Bear Township and Vadnais Heights. As Attorney General Keith Ellison explained, the state will be eligible to receive more than $296 million over 18 years. Up to $222 million of that will be paid directly to cities and counties as soon as April 2022.

p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13.

Registration is available online at redcrossblood. org/givemore or by calling 800-RED-CROSS.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

Press Publications seeking Valentine’s Day stories Press Publications wants to hear your greatest love stories— anything worthy of a Nicholas Sparks novel to a blind date gone right will do! This is your chance to tell the community how you charmed your way into

2482 County Road F East in White Bear Lake.

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CHURCH BRIEF New Life Church hosts blood drive New Life Church in Hugo will host a blood drive from 12:30 to 6:30

Districts offer COVID-19 testing for students, staff White Bear Area Schools and Mahtomedi Public Schools are offering a COVID-19 testing site for students and staff in a rented space near the Normandy Park Education Center, located at

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Progress continues at the Rookery Activity Center The city of Lino Lakes still plans a “soft” opening of the Rookery Activity Center (RAC), formerly the YMCA building, April 1. Public Services Director Rick DeGardner recently provided some updates, including the news that an aquatics director for the facility would likely be approved by council this month. He also mentioned that the hope is that by March 15, membership signups will be possible via an online platform.

The state testing site is no longer in operation at the site, which allowed for made possible the necessary renovations to transform the former Y into the RAC.

can work four 12-hour days and have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. If the company were to change that, many employees would not be able to enjoy their weekends off and would lose out on overtime. He mentioned he would be willing to talk to employees about trying to close car doors more quietly, but they would still need to turn on their car lights when arriving or departing.

The council directed city staff to evaluate potential landscape options that could help mitigate both noise and lights from the campus to the adjacent residential areas.

“This is always a very difficult thing when you have two types of land uses butted up against each other. The good news is, I think Schwieters is one of those companies that will do what they can to try to mitigate the effect on neighbors, but they still have a business to run and they have a right to do business on land that they own,” Mayor Tom Weidt said.

“Of all the things that could be built here, I think this is a good company to construct on this property.”

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50-plus years of marriage or were pleasantly surprised by a secret admirer. Submit your meet-cutes, your golden anniversaries and anything else that makes you and your boo go “awww” to quadnews@ presspubs.com or leave a voicemail at 651-407-1227.

CHURCH DIRECTORY Find the church that fits your needs Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Education Hour for All Ages, Worship and Bible Study are also available through our YouTube Channel The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?

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extension of 140th Street to the parcel’s west property line. The City Council agreed with the Planning Commission’s recommendation and unanimously approved a site plan, conditional use permit (CUP) amendment, development agreement and assessment agreement for the project at its last meeting.

However, the council took it one step further, and added one more condition to the approvals after hearing feedback from residents who live in the Fenway Place development adjacent to the Bald Eagle Industrial Park.

In addition to moving the location of a dumpster at its existing building (No. 2) and agreeing to not leave garage doors open when it is not a necessity between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., Schwieters will be required to work with the city on possible landscaping improvements to not only help with car lights from employees entering and leaving the site, but to also mitigate noise during overnight hours.

Blake Schwieters, who manages the manufacturing operation, told the council the dumpster has already been relocated. He also said he talked with his manufacturing team, which has agreed to refrain from emptying wood dumpsters between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

He said he was also willing to see if there was anything else the company could do in terms of landscaping to reduce the impacts on the nearby residential area.

Bill Mahre, who spoke on behalf of residents of the Fenway Place

For example, if a door is left open in the middle of the night, rather than calling the cops that night or waiting until the next morning to call City Hall, Bear suggested Schwieters provide a contact so residents can call the minute the problem occurs so a shift manager or supervisor can take care of it.

“We have been through this quite a bit with relationships between property owners, especially commercial/industrial owners and residential owners,” Bear said. “I think we have got good people here that want to be good neighbors. For this to work effectively, they need to talk to each other.”

The other concern is lights from employees’ cars at 4 a.m. when the shift changes. “When employees are leaving, all of their lights will be shining into the Fenway Place neighborhood,” Mahre said. He suggested the company consider putting in a berm or 15-foot-noise wall similar to what you would see along a freeway.

“We have to be conscious of the residents that are here … because some of them were here first,” Mahre said.

Resident Chrisann Jones requested that Schwieters consider changing its 12-hour shift (4 p.m. to 4 a.m.) so the residents don’t have to deal with lights and car doors slamming in the wee hours of the morning.

Schwieters said the shifts are structured that way so employees

neighborhood, said, “We understand that there is a balancing act between residential and commercial. We are not here to sit here and try to say this shouldn’t go through. We understand that it is important for our community in the bigger scope.”

Residents’ biggest concern is the noise. Mahre said when a previous building on the campus was built, residents were told they were going to have a “Sherwood Forest” to provide a buffer from the campus. “We ended up with Charlie Brown Christmas trees over there. We aren’t mitigating noise,” he said.

He said he appreciates the steps JL Schwieters has taken so far, such as not having the garage doors open from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., but wanted to know what residents can do if that doesn’t happen. “What happens when it doesn’t occur the way we are talking about? How do we define success at that point? Do we call the police? Do we call up the mayor? What do we do at that point?”

City Planner Rachel Juba explained that the city does not perform active code enforcement; rather, the city pursues enforcement on a complaintdriven basis. Residents can call City Hall, and a city staff member will then investigate, have conversations with the property owner and take necessary steps to make sure conditions are being followed.

City Administrator Bryan Bear suggested Schwieters provide contact information to the residents so the neighbors can work together to find a solution. If that doesn’t work, he said, the city will step in to do what it can.

718109

FROM PAGE 1

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Sudoku

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THE CITIZEN

SUNNY

JANUARY 13, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

PARTLY CLOUDY

CLOUDY

Weather tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Last week’s snow totaled 6.2” in my back yard as compared to over 11” at the airport and it fell at a pretty good time, generally between Friday afternoon to just after midnight Saturday. This weekend was just beautiful with the white snow, stunning blue skies and perfect outdoor temperatures for getting out. Friends Dan, Chris and Sandy were able to try out their snowshoes in the fresh powder. With the craziness that is Minnesota , Thursday’s forecast calls for near 50º and rain. It will be an interesting day. Side note: My 2022 weather calendar is out! Check my website for more info. WeathermanWatson.com or call me at 651.206.5364.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area.

Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson. com.

STORM

SNOW

RAIN

Weekly Outlook WEEKLY AVERAGES DEC. 15 - 21 Wed Dec. 15 53°/ 20°

Thu Dec. 16 24°/ 16°

Fri Dec. 17 29°/ 12°

7:44 / 4:32

7:45 / 4:33

7:46 / 4:33

Sat Dec. 18 20°/ 8°

Sun Dec. 19 29°/ 18°

Mon Dec. 20 21°/ 6°

Tue Dec. 21 20°/ 9°

7:46 / 4:33

7:47 / 4:34

7:47 / 4:34

7:48 / 4:34

SUNRISE/SUNSET

High Low %Sun PCP

26° 11° 42% 0.26”

FOUR SEASONS AIR SPECIALISTS, INC. www.4seasonsairwbl.com | (651) 426-5254

Crossword

CLUES ACROSS

1. They look out for kids 4. Play 7. Water (French) 8. Prayer leader 10. Small constellation 12. __ Carta: influential royal charter 13. Pressure unit 14. Extrasensory perception 16. A symbol of “Aloha” 17. Portion of the small intestine 19. Psychedelic amphetamine 20. Very long period of time 21. British overseas territory 25. Cereal grain 26. Car mechanics group 27. Wish harm upon 29. At a specific prior time 30. Peyton’s younger brother 31. UK fi refighters’ union 32. Carroll O’Connor’s screen partner 39. Popular show honoring musicians 41. Basics 42. Honk 43. Trent Reznor’s band 44. Patti Hearst’s captors 45. Long-legged wading bird 46.

Specialized biological grouping 48. A coin goes in it 49. Of the wind 50. One-time measure of length 51. A very large body of water 52. River in NE Scotland

CLUES DOWN

1. Boston hoopster 2. A type of bribe 3. SE England county 4. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

5. “Hotel California” rockers 6. Italian province 8. Mischievous child 9. Popular street name 11. Boxing promoter Bob 14. Snakelike fish 15. Break into pieces 18. The Bay State 19. Time zone 20. Port city in Yemen 22. In name only 23. 007’s creator 24. No (Scottish) 27. Baseball’s Gordon and rock’s Snider are two 28. Pie _ __ mode 29. Don’t know when yet 31. Supervises interstate commerce 32. Make a ringing metallic sound 33. Helps little fi rms 34. Pound 35. Lilly and Manning are two 36. Put on the back burner 37. Baltimore ballplayer 38. Cuddle 39. Poker stake 40. Drinks to celebrate a birth (Spanish) 44. Pouch 47. Not around

Sudokus

718509

“Experts in Indoor Air Comfort Since 1974”

Crossword

CLUES ACROSS

1. Lunar crater 7. Upstate NY airport (abbr.)

10. Fruit 12. Seventh avatar of Vishnu 13. Organism that grows without air 14. Heals 15. A book has one 16. Open 17. Twitch 18. Plant of the mint family 19. Soon 21. Witch 22. Long, mournful complaint 27. Killer clown fi lm 28. Keeps us occupied 33. Influential lawyer 34. Formation of concepts 36. Insecticide 37. Swiss river 38. Actress Lucy 39. Unit of g-force 40. Can repel attackers 41. Essential oil used as perfume 44. Cut into small pieces 45. Mexican agricultural worker 48. Best pitchers 49. Benign tumors 50. Danish krone 51. Looms above

CLUES DOWN

1. Make a map of 2. Cain and __ 3. Dried-up 4. Corporate exec (abbr.)

5. Trading floor hand gesture 6. Strongly alkaline solution 7. Yemen capital 8. Military leader (abbr.)

9. Maintains possession of 10. Afternoon show 11. Imaginary being 12. Rearrange 14. Holy person or sage 17. __ Mahal 18. Backbone 20. Brooklyn hoopster 23. Intervened 24. Extremely angry 25. Indicates position 26. Chinese surname 29. Potato state 30. When you think you’ll get there 31. __ Falls 32. Bullfighters 35. Born of 36. Small fishes 38. “Father of chemical warfare” 40. Waste matter 41. Skin disease 42. Scandinavian mythological god 43. __ and haws 44. Villain 45. Tell on 46. Difficulty 47. Not old

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

When: 12:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 Where: New Life Church, 6000 N 148th St., Hugo Details: All blood types needed.

Registration available online/ Contact: 800 RED CROSS or redcrossblood.org/givemore

LET’S MAKE STUFF: DECORATIVE LIGHT SWITCHES

When: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Make a unique light switch using vintage type sketches and watercolor paints. Materials included.

Registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

ICE PALACE MAZE

When: 2-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 15 through Feb. 20 Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St. Details: Ice maze with ½ mile of twisty passages, ice slide, ice bar, hot chocolate and s’mores. Tickets in advance online-children 12 and under $12; Adults 13+ $20, Under 4 free; tickets at gate $2 more.

Contact: 651-342-1542 or icepalacemaze. com

FROZEN FLANNEL OUTDOOR CURLING AND BONSPIEL When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water Street S. Details: Outdoor curling event begins with a traditional Scottish Bagpipe procession at 9:15 a.m. Teams play for the :Golden Broom” trophy; spectators welcome.

Contact: eventbrite.com/e/frozenflannel-outdoor-bonspiel-registration

MEN’S CLUB PRIME AND WINE DINNER

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, Great Hall, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Men’s club hosts dinner with proceeds providing scholarships. Social hour at 6 p.m.. Tickets $30/person.

Contact: wdkusterman@centurylink. net

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18; the 3rd Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Short meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served. News members welcome; annual dues $10.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com

WORLD SNOW SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIP

When: Jan. Noon-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 23 Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Teams from around the world will create snow sculptures while competing for prize money and the title of World Champion. Spectators can watch, visit with teams, and vote for favorite team. Event includes social gatherings, activities and ceremonies throughout the weekend.

Contact: worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn.com

LEARN TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Introductory class for all ages includes ski rental, instruction, and skiing through the park. Registration required; $15/adult, $10/child.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT OF OUR CHANGING CLIMATE

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20

www.readthecitizen.com

Where: Zoom; tiny.cc/NEMCA0120 Details: Dr. Christie Manning, Director of Sustainability at Macalester College and a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Studies, presents research exploring people’s cognitive and emotional response to messages about the climate crisis. She will also share her own experiences and observations of how young people are coping with the stress of climate change.

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Jan. 20; the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m.

Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21-Feb. 5 Where: The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson Details: Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s classic from the fi rst cucumber sandwich on as Jack’s double life catches up with him. Tickets start at $20.

Contact: 715-386-8409 or thephipps.org

NEW YEAR, NEW VISION

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Create an artistic visual collage that will guide you to accomplish your hopes and dream and provide inspiration for 2022. Local coach Jen Bertsch will also meet with small groups or one-on-one during class. $5 fee for supplies; $20 suggested donation.

Contact: marinemillsfolkschool.org

CONVERSATIONS OF THE VALLEY: ‘MAKING THE CASE FOR PLACE’

When: noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Where: Online Details: Speaker series hosted by the St. Croix Valley Foundation presents an online series about “Placemaking” – how intentionally fostering an attachment to place can impact a town’s economic growth, help to attract and retain residents, and build thriving communities. Dr. Katherine Loflin is presenter. Free, but registration required.

Contact: scvfoundation.org SENIOR HOUSING DAY

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F Details: Free opportunity for seniors, older adults, and their adult children to research local housing options all in one location. Learn about the facility, amenities and services.

Contact: 651-653-3121 or whitebearseniorprogram.org

Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, Great Hall, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Free dance lessons at 6:15 followed by live music and dancing by Saints of Swing. Tickets available at the door $12/adult and $8/student under 21, includes two beverages.

OLYMPIC LEARN TO CURL OPEN HOUSE When: 10 a.m. -1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan 22; 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 Where: Fogarty Arena, 9250 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine Details: Experience curling by learning the basics su ch as slide, sweeping, and an overview of how the game is played.

Appetizer buffet provided. $10/person; register online or pay at the door.

Contact: fourseasonscurlingclub.com

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: 651-429-4413

PROBATES AND WILLS WITH TOM RICE

When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 Where: Zoom Details: Certified Genealogist Tom Rice explains the value of probates and wills and theur usefulness in genealogical research. Registration required.

Contact: 651-724-6001 #2; whitebearhistory.org

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Jan. 26 Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com

DEMENTIA CARE GIVER SUPPORT GROUP AND RESPITE CARE

WBCA WINTER OPEN HOUSE

When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Free family activities include clay experimentation, snow sculpting contest, dog sleds and more. Dress for the weather and art-making.

Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts. org

SAINTS OF SWING

When: 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22

17

FIRE AND ICE WINTER SOCIAL

When: noon-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, Saturday, Jan. 29, and Sunday, Jan. 30 Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Event features a variety of hot air balloons, fi repits, ice sculptures, music and more. Most activities free.

Adult Pond Hockey Tournament Friday-Sunday.

Contact: facebook.com/ fi reandicepondhockey

SNOW DAY

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Participants of all ages will have a chance to enjoy a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, ice fishing, kicksledding, fat tire biking, winter crafts, live animals, and more.

Free, but registration required.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GUIDED TOURS

When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday, through Jan. 31 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater Details: Short introductory video followed by a tour of the courtroom, 1900s county jail, and exhibitions. Hear stories of the building's construction and the people who worked there. Free; donations accepted.

Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington. mn.us/hc

WATER STREET INN'S WINTER RIVER-SIDE ICE SKATING RINK

When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through February Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S. Details: Free skating for all ages in downtown Stillwater. Bring your own skates. Schedule subject to change Contact: 651-439-6000 or discoverstillwater.com

NAMES IN THE NEWS

When: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4600 Victoria St. N. Details: Trained facilitator from Alzheimer’s Speaks leads support group as loved one enjoys activities in a nearby room. Free; registration requested by drop-ins welcome.

Contact: 651-490-4700 or shoreviewmn. gov/parks-rec/special-events

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Jan. 26 Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com

KIDCREATE STUDIO

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4600 Victoria St. N. Details: Kids ages 5-12 can explore blending as they create a mixed-media landscape featuring a glow-in-thedark Aurora Borealis. Registration required; $41.

Contact: shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/ special-events

THE CITIZEN

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Floyd Petty, of Hugo, is the third-place winner of Press Publications’ Holiday Lights Contest. Petty has decorated for Christmas for over 35 years.

Waiting Child Ronald, 11, is caring and witty. When with Ronald, you can expect him to sing, dance, play pranks, and make jokes. He describes himself as silly, funny, shy, fearless, and helpful. Ronald enjoys spending time with others and likes joking around. He has a vibrant personality and loves showing off in front of the camera. Ronald enjoys playing football, basketball, pool, and ping pong. A couple of his favorite foods are pizza and mashed potatoes with gravy, but he isn’t a fan of coleslaw, cooked carrots, or sweet potatoes. He likes superhero movies, scary movies, and Star Wars.

He enjoys participating in culturally specific activities that keep him connected with his Native American culture. Ronald okay with living in either the city or the country, and says that if he lives on a farm, he will need some boots. He loves dogs and cats. Ronald would do well in a structured home.

ICWA applies.

Submitted by MN Adopt, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.mnadopt.org.

723899

JANUARY 13, 2022

AND OUTDOORS

18 THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

JANUARY 13, 2022

Janicki joins 1,000 points club with 39-point game

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Jack Janicki joined White Bear Lake’s 1,000-point club while scoring 39 points to lead a 59-54 win over Andover on Dec. 30.

The 6-foot-4 junior guard shot 7-for-12 on threepointers and 15-for-27 overall, plus 2-for-2 on free shots, in probably the best game of his stellar career.

“It was especially rewarding to do it in a Bears jersey playing alongside the guys I’ve grown up playing with,” said Janicki. “While reaching the milestone was nice, it was even better to get a close win against a pretty good team in Andover.”

The Bears trailed by as much as 18 points in the first half but overtook the Huskies in the second half when Janicki did the bulk of his scoring.

“Jack can put his team on his back,” said coach Greg Burke. “We’ve been playing him at point guard, but we are also posting him up for a change of pace.”

Janicki, who’s averaging 25 points, tied his career high. He had 39 against Stillwater as a sophomore.

A starter since ninth grade, Janicki is the eighth White Bear Lake boy to surpass 1,000 points. The

BRENNAN SCHLACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Teammates and coaches gathered around Jack Janicki (5) after he got his 1,000th point in helping the Bears beat Andover 59-54.

record-holder is Jeff Halbert with 1,916 points in a career ending in 2002.

Janicki joins his mother as a four-digit scorer.

Stacy (Fields) tallied 1,513 points for Mounds View and was named Miss Basketball.

Asked if he might break the family record, Janicki was diplomatic: “I don’t want to disrespect my mom, but I think it’s in reach! She scored over 1,500 career points, so I’d be in pretty good company.”

Ecker eight. Jaden Morgan hit 14 points and Tre Michels 12 for Two Rivers (6-3).

35.475. Mathson won vault (9.15), beam (8.55) and floor (9.05) while Bush won bars (9.175). Kendall Hines was third in vault (8.625) and floor (8.15). Alix Fox was third on beam (8.225) and bars (7.650).

CENTENNIAL SPORTS BRIEFS Boys basketball: Zephyrs get 2 players back, have strong week Still missing two leading players, Mahtomedi almost upset unbeaten, No. 3 ranked South St. Paul there Jan. 5, falling short 72-68. They got Owen Carlson back and beat Two Rivers 61-54 Friday. Will Underwood is still out with a football knee injury.

Against SSP, junior guard AJ McCleery pumped in 27 points on layups, pull-up jumpers and 9-for-11 free throw shooting. The Zephyrs (3-3) led by as much as 12. Cole Armitage, Andrew Breien and Javan Harvey tallied nine points each and James Ecker eight.

McCleery and Harvey each snagged 10 rebounds. Kole McKeown chipped in six points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

It was nice to get James Ecker back,” said coach Keith Newman. Ecker returned from a football knee injury.

Against Two Rivers (6-3), Carlson tallied 20 points, after missing four games with a knee injury.

McCleery and Harvey each chipped in 13 points and

Girls basketball: Zephyrs get back in the win column, twice Mahtomedi snapped a four-game losing streak with a pair of victories last week, squaring their record at 6-6. The Zephyrs clipped Chisago Lakes 61-53 at home Tuesday as Sonya Potthoff netted 16 points, Zoie Centers 14, Ella Kletti 12 and Mya Wilson eight. The Zephyrs coasted 81-37 at Two Rivers (2-9) there Friday with 10 players scoring, led by Wilson with 13 points, Potthoff 12, and Kletti and Anna Greene 11 each. Mahtomedi finished 0-3 at the HillMurray tournament with a 65-56 loss to Fridley Dec. 30. Savanna Stockness scored 12, Potthoff 10 and Zoie Centers nine.

Gymnastics: Zephyrs win at North Mahtomedi (4-0) tallied 134.775 points to win against an incomplete North St. Paul lineup there Thursday.

Tess Mathson led with 35.525 and Abbey Bush had

Boys hockey: Zephyrs, ranked 5th, rout Highland, lose to STA Mahtomedi is ranked No. 5 in Class 1A with a 6-6-1 record against a formidable schedule. The Zephyrs tied St. Louis Park (3-6-1) 2-2 Jan. 30, ending three days at Roseau with a 1-1-1 record. David Wolsfeld and Jonny Grove had the goals and Ben Dardis made 29 saves. The Zephyrs trounced St. Paul Highland Park 9-1 Friday at home with nine scorers: Jake Hodd-Chlebeck, Seth Nelson, Brent Gulenchyn, Wolsfeld, Nate Poganski, Carter Haycraft, Patrick Egan, Charlie Drage and Cory Bohmert, in that order.

Sam Harris made three assists. The Zephyrs lost to St. Thomas Academy (No. 8 in Class 2A) there 3-1 Saturday. Haycraft had the first goal (power play) but the Cadets (8-5) got three of 31 shots past Dardis.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS Boys basketball: Bears lose to No. 6 Raptors, rout Roseville White Bear Lake, back at full strength last week, gave No. 6 ranked East Ridge a battle, falling short 56-46, on Tuesday, Jan. 4, then defeated Roseville Area 91-64 on Friday, both on the road. The Bears are 6-5 overall, 2-2 in the Suburban East.

East Ridge (7-2) held Bear star Jack Janicki to six points. Wyatt Hawks tallied 19 points and Jack Misgen 10 as the Bears, down 31-21 at the half, played the Raptors even in the second half. Alex Mattes netted 23 points and Kendall Blue 13 for the Raptors. The Bears thumped Roseville (2-9) with Janicki hitting 31

points (29 in the first half), Hawks 16 and Misgen 14.

Misgen and Jeremy Kolb, both starters, missed three games, under COVID-19 protocol. During that time, the Bears had close losses to Anoka 61-59 Dec. 23 and unbeaten Mankato West 4844 on Dec. 29, before beating Andover 5954 on Dec. 30, rallying from an 18-point deficit. Janicki sank 39 points, including his 1,000th. Zach Nelson was next with eight points.

Girls basketball: Bears topple Roseville, lose to East Ridge White Bear Lake turned in its best

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game of the season and tripped No. 7 ranked Roseville Area 58-46 on Friday evening in Roseville, handing the Raiders (10-2) their first conference loss.

The Bears (7-6) dominated the second half 38-23 and kept the pace slower than Roseville wanted, coach Jeremy Post said. Lauren Eckerle delivered 16 points, Jordyn Schmittdiel 15 points and eight rebounds, and Abigail O’Brien nine points. Neveah Hughes snagged 13 rebounds, took two charges, and blocked two shots. On Tuesday, the Bears lost at home to East Ridge 47-35. Grace Knupp hit 18 points for the Raptors (7-4).

O’Brien had 13 points and Eckerle 10 for the Bears.

Boys hockey: Bears top Rangers 6-1 White Bear Lake, after not playing since Dec. 23, got back on the ice with a 6-1 win at Forest Lake last Wednesday.

Scoring for the Bears (5-4) were Brady Borgestad (two), Josh Hoover, Tyler Bishop, Aiden Welch (short-handed) and Joe Belisle. Welch, Belisle and Aiden Atkins each assisted on two goals.

Nicholas Peterman in goal stopped 27 of 28 shots by the Rangers (4-6-1).

Girls hockey: Bears end losing streak White Bear Lake snapped a nine-game losing streak by defeating Hopkins/St. Louis Park 6-2 on Dec. 30 in the final round of a Blaine tournament. Hailey Dawe got the hat trick for the Bears (313), Talia Domschot netted two goals and Gabby Hofeld one. Kendall Roeser made four assists and Grace Bailey two. Maya Marston stopped 34 of 36 shots by HSLP (5-11). Last week, the Bears lost to Blaine (8-6-2) Tuesday, 2-1, with Madelyn Lee notching the goal and Maya Marston

making 31 saves; and to Cretin-Derham Hall (11-4-2) Thursday, 6-2, with Dawe and Hofeld scoring.

Former Bear named WCHA goalie of the month Calla Frank, Minnesota State University junior from Hugo, was named WCHA Goaltender of the Month for December.

Frank, who was a fouryear starter and an allstater for Calla Frank White Bear Lake, helped the Mavericks post a 4-1-1 record in December as she stopped 140 of 146 shots, a .959 percentage, with two shutouts. For the season, Frank has an 8-8-1 record, 2.69 goals-against average, and .908 save percentage.

In her career in Mankato, she has a record of 20-26-5, a .910 save percentage and 2.69 goals-against average. The Mavericks were 9-101 through December, 5-10-1 in the WCHA.

JANUARY 13, 2022

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

19

Challenge-mode foraging: Finding wild foods in Minnesota winter

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

your rosehip tea for a more complex flavor.

Turkey tail

Minnesota is rich in edible wild foods, but it’s difficult to fi nd anything alive and growing when everything is buried under inches of snow and ice. Foraging for wild foods in winter is a bit like a scavenger hunt—it gets you outside and keeps you busy in the winter months, with the promise of a tasty reward at the end.

Below are a few wild foods you can forage even in the dead of Minnesota winter. Most of them are best prepared as tea, but what better way to warm up after a long foraging walk than with a hot mug of spruce needle or rosehip tea?

Turkey tail is a fungus that grows on decomposing wood year-round. It is a visually alluring fungus, easily recognizable by its colorful concentric stripes resembling the patterns on wild turkey feathers. Turkey tail has many health benefits, including antioxidants and prebiotics that aid in digestion. The easiest way to use these fungi is in a turkey tail tea. This can be easily turned into a warming turkey tail chai latte with the addition of a few spices and your choice of dairy or dairy substitute.

Spruce and pine needles

Watercress is a plant in the mustard family.

Watercress can be found in shallow streams of fast-flowing water, and is easy to spot from a distance by its bright green color. This plant should only be collected from clean water sources, and leaves should be washed thoroughly before consuming. The taste is similar to arugula or other peppery, fl avorful greens, and is often used on sandwiches or in salads.

Evergreens are easily identifi able all year round, and a tasty tea can be made from their needles. Make sure you can correctly identify the tree whose needles you want to collect. Most Minnesota evergreens are safe to consume, except for the yew tree, which is poisonous.

White pines and spruce trees are among the best for a tasty tea. Winter weather naturally tends to knock small clusters of needles to the ground, where they are easy to gather. Some people prefer the milder taste of young needles, but you’re not likely to fi nd these until spring comes around. The needles have a light citrus fl avor, which is complemented with honey and lemon. Pour hot—not boiling—water over the needles to get the most out of their natural vitamin C content.

Chaga Chaga is a fungus mainly found on paper birch and yellow birch trees. This fungus attacks injured but living trees, growing like a tumor from the inside. On the surface of the tree, chaga looks like a big black scorch mark, but inside, it is a burnt yellow-orange color. The interior color is a dead giveaway that you have a fungus and not simply an old burn scar in front of you.

Chaga grows very slowly. If you choose to harvest chaga, it’s best to take a chunk no larger than the size of a fi st, so the remaining fungus can continue growing. Winter is the best time to harvest, since the fungus is naturally dried in the cold winter air. The texture of chaga is hard and woody, so it should be chopped into smaller chunks and powdered with a food processor or coffee grinder. This powder can be combined with hot water or milk to make a thick, coffee-like beverage.

Cinnamon and maple syrup can add to the richness of chaga tea.

Rosehips The fruit of rosebushes sometimes stays on the branches long into the winter, providing a naturally dried source of rosehip tea. Wearing thick gloves while harvesting can prevent painful pricks from the thorny branches. The hips can be used whole steeped in a tea blend, but crushing them will release the gritty seeds and fibers inside, which no one wants to ingest.

Rosehips are high in vitamin C and can help boost the immune system—a great benefit for the time of year where seasonal illnesses are rampant. Add a little honey or mint leaves to

CITY OF HUGO SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2021-510 ADOPTING THE 2022 CITY HUGO FEE SCHEDULE NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. The City of Hugo City Council does ordain the following: Section 1. Findings. Pursuant to Minnesota Law, the City of Hugo City Code, and upon a review of a study conducted by City staff, a fee schedule for City services and licensing is hereby adopted for the following: 2022 FEE SCHEDULE Businesses Licenses Non-Business Licenses & Permits Building Permits Building Related Demolition Related Development Fees Local Government Unit (LGU) Fees Planning and Zoning Related Publications Public Works Related Roadway Reconstruction/Rehab Utility Related Rentals Miscellaneous Charges

Watercress

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Chaga fungus, which grows on birch trees in northern climates, is an increasingly trendy “superfood,” with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, among other health benefits.

Wintergreen Most people know wintergreen as a popular chewing gum fl avor, but it is a wild-growing plant in the northern regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the name implies, its leaves stay bright green even when snow is thick on the ground. Both the berries and the leaves of wintergreen are safe to consume. But there is a trick to making wintergreen tea: unlike other herbal teas, adding boiling water won’t release the strong fl avor of the leaves. Instead, the leaves should be fermented in a jar of water, covered with a small towel and placed in a warm location for several days. When bubbles start to form, all you need to do is heat the water to have a refreshing wintergreen tea.

The number one rule of foraging is never to eat anything you cannot identify with 100 percent confidence. There are many Minnesotaspecific guides to plant and mushroom identification and foraging. Smartphone apps such as Seek and iNaturalist can also give you a good start in identification, but are not always accurate and should be double-checked with a field guide or expert opinion.

It’s important to make sure you have permission to enter and harvest on the land where you plan to forage. Some items can be found right in your backyard, especially if you have a home garden. You should also be certain that the area where you plan to forage has not been treated with harsh chemicals.

Be mindful of how much you gather. Many foragers take only as much as they will use, and leave behind some wild foods for wildlife to eat, or to allow seeds to spread for the coming spring.

Rosehips are the seed pods of rosebushes, which are commonly used in landscape plantings and easy to find even in urban areas.

Turkey tail fungus is found worldwide, often growing on fallen hardwood logs in damp locations.

Staff Writer Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651407-1200.

Wintergreen grows low to the ground, but its bright colors make it easy to identify wherever it pokes through the snow.

Section 2. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be effective on January 1, 2022.

This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall; a full listing of the city÷s fees is available on the City Web site.

Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 20th day of December, 2021 Tom Weidt, Mayor Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on January 13, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2022-511 NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. SUMMARY OF AMENDED TOBACCO ORDINANCE: CHAPTER 38-HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ARTICLE III TOBACCO, has been revised to align with MN State Statute 461.12 by raising the minimum tobacco sales age from 18 to 21, changing penalties related to the sale of tobacco products to people under 21, and amending the process by which the City enforces underage tobacco use and tobacco licensing requirements.

Please note this title and summary of this Ordinance clearly informs the

public of the intent and affect of the Ordinance and conforms to Minn. Stat. § 412.191. This Ordinance shall be effective the date that it is published.

The amended ordinance is available at City Hall for review.

Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 3rd January, 2022.

Tom Weidt, Mayor; Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on January 13, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO BOARD OF ZONING PUBLIC HEARING The Hugo Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Hugo City Hall at 6:30pm to consider the variance requests submitted by Cox Contracting, LLC, 2258 3rd Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55710, for construction of a new house located on a lot east of Sunset Lake. The variance requests are to allow a front yard building setback of 19.3 feet where 40 feet is required and to allow a 22.2 foot building setback from the OHW level of Sunset Lake where 100 feet is required. The subject property is generally located west of Ingersoll Ave N and north of 122nd Street N and is legally described as Lot 25 and that part of Lot 24, lying south of the north 20.00 feet thereof, all in Block 2, Sunset Park, Washington County, Minnesota. Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant at 651-762-6311 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting.

Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant Published one time in The Citizen on January 13, 2022.

20

THE CITIZEN

JANUARY 13, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

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