The complexion of Centerville’s government will be undergoing a sea change for 2025, starting with new Mayor Nancy Golden.
Two newlyelected Council
Members Anita Rios and David Kubat and one reelected Council Member Russ Koski
will join her on the dais.
In December, long-time Public Works Director Paul Palzer retired to be replaced by two public works employees.
To add to the transitional feel of Centerville government, City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz will be leaving the city to serve as city administrator for the city of Forest Lake. The search is now on for a city administrator to replace Statz.
But first, the search for a search firm must begin.
With time of the essence, council unanimously voted to use a professional search firm to conduct the rigorous task of finding a new city administrator.
Rios, with many years experience in the human resource capacity, said the city would spend less in the long run because a professional firm would be more efficient than city staff doing the work.
“Search firms know how to do it and have the template and network in place,” she said. Rios also suggested council look at more research firms than the two that were proposed by city staff.
The city received quotes from two executive head-hunting firms, one of which proposed a $24,000 fee and the other which would accept compensation in an amount equal to 25% to 30% of the new hire’s firstyear salary. Council elected to have
Taking the plunge
The Polar Plunge event on White Bear Lake, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run, has helped kick off a season of plunges around the state for 23 years. Find more information at plungemn.org. The Polar Plunge fundraising event for Special Olympics Minnesota is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 starting at 12 p.m. Pictured above are members of the Hipp Chix team, a perennial participant of the plunge.
members of the city’s Personnel Committee find the right search firm for the city. The Personnel Committee will conduct research and interviews of other firms to see if the city can receive a deal that doesn’t give pause. As the third of three actions stemming from Statz’s resignation, council directed the Personnel Committee to start immediately in its quest to find a search firm to do all the work that comes with seeking and hiring an executive. A request for proposal (RFP) is expected to be sent out before the week was up, and the committee will review the search firms before recommending one of the
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
In Minnesota, only about 10% of the 656,420 tons of plastic that gets thrown out becomes new products, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
From the bag you go shopping with, to the cup you drink your coffee out of to how you cover your leftovers. Plastic is everywhere.
For the second year, Ramsey and Washington counties are joining forces with Hennepin County for the Plastic-Free Challenge this February. Hennepin County launched the challenge in 2021.
“(Hennepin County) invited us to join last year and we thought it was a super cool initiative. We don’t usually have many of our programs cross and touch paths, so it was a cool opportunity,” explained Ramsey County Health Educator Kaija Schlangen. “We tried (the challenge) for the first time last year and we had some great participation from residents from all three counties and wanted to continue to provide it this year as an opportunity for residents in all of our counties to learn more about their plastic usage.”
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Mark Statz
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
PLASTIC-FREE FEBRUARY: Challenge empowers residents to reduce plastics
The eco-challenge gives residents the tools and inspiration to reduce their impact on the planet and contribute to a healthy and sustainable future. Last year, 1,755 people from all three counties participated in the challenge. This year, the hope is that those participants will return, and more will join in.
“Plastics are all around us, especially single-use plastics. There is a lot of work that needs to continue to go on more upstream with governments and businesses taking more of a role with single-use plastics,” Schlangen said. “There is a lot of work that individuals can take as well to just notice how much plastic plays a role in our everyday lives and how making these small swaps at home can add up to some big impacts.”
This year, one thing Schlangen wants to focus on switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or beeswax wrap.
Residents can sign up for the challenge by joining an existing team, creating a team or “competing” as an individual.
Washington County Environmental Specialist Jess Hall says the challenge is meant to “empower residents to reduce plastics in their own lives” while advocating for change within their communities.
“It is sometimes difficult to understand how our individual actions matter, but when taken together, you can see the larger impact that reducing
plastics can have,” Hall explained.
“This challenge can help educate residents on different ways that their consumption habits contribute to our waste.”
Challenge participants to commit to various actions in eight categories,
5,200 Over 2,000 500
29,300 1, 2 or 5
people across 3 counties participated actions were completed by participants plastic straws, cups, utensils and bottles were not used pounds of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented pieces of liter were picked up pounds of plastic packaging waste was prevented minutes were spent on learning to become plasticfree are the only plastics that are acceptable in your recycling bin
including Plastics 101, At Home, Food, On-the-Go, Personal Care, Community, Kids and Pets. Actions range from watching a documentary, ditching disposable cleaning wipes, buying unpackaged produce, using a reusable mug, buying reusable bathroom products, picking up plastic litter, making the change to cloth diapers or preparing homemade dog treats.
“The goal with this challenge isn’t that you end the month and you are completely plastic-free and you’re not using plastic at all in your life. I think that would be very difficult to achieve
in the world that we live in today, but the goal is that you become more aware of the plastic that’s being used in your life and notice some simple swaps that you didn’t think of before,” Schlangen explained.
The Plastic-Free Challenge runs the entire month of February, but the hope is that its impacts reach far beyond the month. For more information, or to join, visit https://tcplasticfree. ecochallenge.org/.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
and business owners in Washington County are invited to sign up for the plastic-free challenge.
CONTRIBUTED
ONGOING
CRIBBAGE
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Yellow ribbon burger night
When: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27
Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.
Details: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network volunteers will be serving up burgers. Families of deployed military eat free. Event proceeds support military families. Contact: 651-255-1432
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-429-4413
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Jan. 30; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 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 barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CURRENT EVENTS
BEAR LEGACY BREAKFAST
When: 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22
Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union
Details: Enjoy breakfast, learn about educational programs at WBLAS, and tour the new high school and field house at the annual fundraiser for the White Bear Area Education Foundation. Free; registration required. Contact: wblaef.org
EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PIPE ORGANS
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23
Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi
Details: Bill Chouinard, Organist & Music Coordinator at St. Andrew’s, will play, demonstrate, and answer questions. A few hymns will be sung
and a complimentary buffet will follow the program. Free and open to the public; RSVP requested. Contact: 651-983-3846 or alan@ astonishme.org
GATEWAY STATE TRAIL CANDLELIGHT
WALK
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24
Where: Gateway State Trail at Stillwater Road/Wildwood Elementary School
Details: Two-mile walk on a trail lit with hundreds of luminaries. Bonfires, hot beverages and marshmallows for roasting. Leashed dogs welcome.
Contact: 651-231-6968 or Linda. Radimecky@state.mn.us.
SNOW DAY
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Try a variety of winter avtivities including snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick sledding, winter crafts and more at a family-friendly, community event.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
43RD ANNUAL JAZZ NIGHT CLUB
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union
Details: Five students bands and featured guest artist perform along with a meal by Donatellis, dancing, and swing dance lessons at 6:45 p.m.. Tickets available for dinner and dinner/dance.
Where: White Bear Lake, 250 yards out from boat launch at Ramsey County Beach
Details: Spectators welcome to watch scuba divers and visit with scuba manufacturers and vendors showcasing products and services. Register for ice diving certification. Contact: mwschoolofdiving.com/2023ice-diving-festival/events/2023icefestival
THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED
SHOW
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster, 17205 Forest Boulevard N., Hugo Details: See old sleds and support the Stillwater Snowmobile Club. Free admission for spectators. Food, drinks, and raffle tickets available for purchase.
Contact: Facebook: Stillwater Snowmobile Club
WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS FREE TUESDAY
When: Tuesday, Feb. 4
Where: All Washington County Parks
Details: Free entry and no vehicle permit required at all Washington County Parks on the first Tuesday of the month.
Contact: washingtoncountymn. gov/492/Parks
CITY OF HUGO ORDINANCE 2025-538 AN ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA AMENDING CHAPTER 10 -ANIMALS, ARTICLE II - DOGS
WHEREAS, the City of Hugo amends the number of days a dog will be impounded from ten (10) days to five (5) days, to align with MN State Statute 346.47 SEIZED ANIMALS.
THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Hugo does hereby amend Chapter 10 -ANIMALS, Article II - DOGS to change the number of days an animal will be impounded from ten (10) days to five (5) day in the following sections:
Sec. 10-27 Redeeming animals (1) and (2)
Sec. 10-34 Dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs (l)a and (l)c
Sec. 10-35 Quarantine, determination, and appeal procedures ( 4)f
SECTION 2. Severability. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any part of this Ordinance to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect any other provision of this Ordinance not specifically included with that judgment.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect January 6, 2025.
ADOPTED BY THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 6, 2025.
Tom Weidt, Mayor; ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk
Published one time in The Citizen on January 23, 2025.
CITY OF HUGO
SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2025-539
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 ORDINANCE RELATING TO AND REGULATING CANNABIS AND CANNABIS BUSINESSSES WITHIN THE CITY OF HUGO:
Chapter 90 ZONING AND LAND USE, Article I IN GENERAL, Article II ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT, Article IV ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS, and Article VI REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC USES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS have been amended. The amendments create framework for zoning and registration of cannabis businesses within the city. Definitions for cannabis businesses and related items have been created. The special event permit requirements were amended to add criteria for cannabis events. The NS and C-1 zoning districts have been amended to allow cannabis retailers as permitted uses and retail sales oflower-potency hemp edibles as accessory uses. The BP and I-3 zoning districts have been amended to allow cannabis microbusinesses, cannabis mezzobusinesses, cannabis cultivators, cannabis manufacturers, and cannabis wholesalers as permitted uses, retail sales for microbusinesses and mezzobusinesses and cannabis delivery services as accessory uses, and medical cannabis combination businesses as conditional uses. All cannabis businesses will be required to register with the city after receiving state license approval, and before commencing operation. The ordinance establishes a process for registering cannabis businesses and associated fees. General performance standards for all cannabis businesses were created, along with performance standards for each specific cannabis business type.
Please note this title and summary of this Ordinance clearly informs the public of the intent and effect 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 6th day of January, 2025.
Tom Weidt, Mayor; ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk
Published one time in The Citizen on January 23, 2025.
CITY OF HUGO SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2025-540 AMENDING THE 2025 CITY OF 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
Public comments
WPublisher’s View
Carter Johnson
ith the first of the year meetings our cities, counties, townships and school boards are swearing in the newly elected officials. These elected officials are crucial in carrying out the tasks from annual budgets, ordinances, zoning and planning issues, appointments, improvements, discussing current issues and preparing for future trends. Now that they are in place, I challenge our residents to participate, get involved, and get to know these elected officials. Residents tend to get more involved once they buy a home and have kids in local schools. It is important to be civil in your dialogue and concerns if they arise, and remember there is a learning curve for people serving in these roles.
If you are passionate about what is happening in local government or schools in your community, get involved. Try by voluneering with a entry-level position in the classroom or lunchroom, or on a park or planning commission and over time, you will learn how to navigate situations and better understand how to help make the needed decisions for the community.
Residents can also get involved by attending meetings and being part of the public comment process. Most cities use a three minute rule, where those addressing the city council or school board are limited to speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes. In some cases, you are required to register or submit a request prior to the agenda being published or posted. In other areas it’s as simple as arriving early and signing in to participate in the public comment period. If you want to participate, find out what your city or school board's rules are on public comment. It's never fun to sit through a two-hour meeting to find out you don't get a chance to be heard.
I understand why city councils and school boards have had to ratchet down the public comment period because some groups and residents have taken advantage of the process by shouting, taking up too much time or having too many people talking on the same topic and wasting time. Most public meetings if done right should be no more than 60-90 minutes. While these measures to maintain order may be necessary, they have also created barriers to an open and transparent operation. It might be time to go back to open public comment and make it easier for residents to be heard.
Without a doubt, the school districts had to put in the hardest measures to prevent public comments, because public comments became so disruptive the board couldn't get anything done.
I believe the majority of our local elected officials are doing a good job and work hard to listen and to be engaged, but they have also had to protect themselves and their time from some unruly individuals and inefficient processes. The process for public comment needs to be reevaluated and be more welcoming. The members of the public who are commenting also need to be respectful. Informing the public about projects to come in the next few years can be helpful in getting consensus. As your local newspaper, we also have a role in keeping the public informed of the actions taken by local government bodies.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf thanks community for unwavering support
Our community continues to amaze! Heading into the end of the year, we were projecting our first budget shortfall in our history. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we were able to close the gap for the year! This means we can continue to focus on serving our neighbors in need.
Here are some of the incredible stats from this year:
• 1,186 families served (Note: A family served three times, for example, counts as three in this statistic)
• 146,636 pounds of food distributed to our neighbors in need
• Over 28,000 pounds of food collected from generous shoppers at Festival in Hugo and Cub in White Bear Lake
• 120 children who had a brighter holiday thanks to the Hugo Fire Department, Centennial Fire District, Centerville Fire, and Centerville Lions who collected toys from the community
• Over 2,000 pounds of turkeys
• Limited to 350 words.
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and hams provided to families during the holidays thanks to the Hugo Lions Club
• 190 meals provided to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas
• 75+ incredible volunteers who make all of this work possible
• $20,971 provided from local churches
• $48,750 contributed by local organizations, such as Lions clubs, American Legions, VFWs, and more
There are so many generous community members, churches, organizations and businesses to thank that we cannot list them all. You know who you are, and we want you to know we greatly appreciate you!
Here to help
The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf serves all of ZIP code 55038, including Hugo, Centerville, portions of White Bear Lake and portions of Lino Lakes. We are here to help anybody in need in a dignified and confidential manner. If you, or somebody you know, needs help, reach out to us by email info@hugofoodshelf. org, phone 651-528-6224, or text (763) 607-6060. Proof of need is not necessary.
How you can help
Financial donations: Financial contributions are in need throughout the year. We can purchase up to 10 times as
THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
much for a $1 through our food bank relationships compared to what any of us can purchase at the store. Donate online at hugofoodshelf.org/give or by mail, Hugo Food Shelf, PO Box 373, Hugo, MN 55038. We especially appreciate monthly recurring donors, it’s easy to set up recurring payments on our website hugofoodshelf.org/give. Food donations: Pre-packed food bags with the items needed most are available for purchase at Festival in Hugo and Cub Foods in White Bear Lake. Pick up a bag, pay for it with your groceries and leave it in the donation bin near the exit. At Festival Foods, you can also purchase Green Bucks at the register. The funds are put on a gift card for the food shelf to purchase fresh produce for our clients.
Volunteering: The food shelf relies on volunteers. Whether it’s sorting donations, packing food boxes, or helping with distribution, any help is valuable. Go to www.hugofoodshelf.org/getinvolved/volunteer to sign up and to receive more information.
Thank you for the continued support of our very generous community!
Chris DuFresne is the board president of the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Citizen must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to citizennews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Movers & Shakers
Chris DuFresne
Fight against tobacco flavors
Imagine you’re a high school student today. As you navigate through your classes and busy schedule, you can’t help but notice an epidemic happening all around you: tobacco, nicotine and vape products. Walking past bathrooms, you can smell the sadly familiar, slightly sweet, thick vapor following you down the hallway. When you try to use the bathroom throughout the day, you may find it difficult to find one that isn’t huddled with youth who are difficult to get past.
This is the average high school experience today, but it doesn’t have to be. Tobacco and vape companies disproportionately target youth and young adults with their enticing flavors and childlike products, like blue raspberry, strawberry blow pop and cherry, as well as thousands of others.
It is unfair and unjust that the young people of today continue to be targeted by big tobacco, and we don’t have to sit on the sidelines as it continues to happen.
Vadnais Heights has taken a monumental step in the fight against tobacco flavors in late 2024, and to continue making headway we need support from people like you. Moving forward with preventative action to keep young people from becoming addicted is vital. I know that a change like this is needed, to improve the lives and well-being of my community and peers and make life as a high school student more enjoyable.
WEEKLY WAG
• The city has a new council member. Ben Krull, who won the election in November, will represent Ward 2.
• The city will continue its partnership with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) to provide counseling, intervention and enrichment opportunities to families. According to Director of Operations Jessie Everts, from 2023 to 2024, NYFS saw a 48% increase in clients served and the number of appointments booked has more than doubled.
The city will pay NYFS $17,671 in 2025 for youth diversion services.
• There is a vacancy on the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA). Former member Neal Arcand chose to serve on the Park Board instead. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Mayor Tom Weidt and Council Member Krull serve as the council representatives on the EDA.
• The city has made its annual appointments for 2025. Some include: WSB as city engineer; Landform as city planner; Dave Snyder of Johnson & Turner as city attorney; Baker Tilly as financial advisor; and The Citizen as the legal newspaper. For a full list of appointments, visit the city’s website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us.
• American Legion Post 620 continues to contribute to the Hugo Fire Department. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to the fire department to be used for equipment and training.
ordinance relating to the impound of animals to mirror state statute. Minnesota state Statute 346.47 on seized animals only requires an animal to be impounded for five days, not 10 days as previously stated in Hugo City Code. According to the owner of Companion Animal Care, the longer hold period exposes animals to unnecessary stress of waiting at the impound before being sent to a foster rescue. In addition, longer holds cost the city additional impound fees for unclaimed animals.
• The City Council has adopted a new ordinance relating to cannabis. (See full story in this week’s paper.)
• The City Council has canceled its second meeting in January due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The council’s annual goalsetting workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at City Hall.
• Washington County has requested the city hold its annual Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the Oneka Room at City Hall.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
Rosy is a sweet, smart and zestful young girl who is ready to join a loving and active family. She is a Shar Pei/ Labrador retriever mix and weighs 48 pounds. Rosy is just over a year old. he arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as an owner surrender. Rosy thrives in the company of others. She is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone she meets. She is house-trained and crate-trained. Rosy knows her basic commands and would do well in a formal training program. She is intelligent, eager to please and is treatmotivated to learn all she can. Rosy is very playful. She likes to play fetch and plays well with her toys. She also likes to go for walks and for car rides. During her downtime, she is affectionate and likes to snuggle with her people. With patience and loving guidance, she will make a wonderful addition and companion to an active person or family.
If you are interested in learning more about Rosy or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
BUSINESS BRIEF
• The city has changed its
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
Linus’ Pet Haven opens, welcomes pets
Alexandra House, located in Blaine, has opened a new program known as Linus’ Pet Haven. Located at the same location, it is an addition to Alexandra House’s Emergency Shelter program and is designed to provide safety and support for survivors of domestic violence and their pets.
The addition includes new renovated pet-friendly units and outdoor pet relief spaces.
Alexandra House in Blaine is located at 10065 Third St. NE.
Forest Lake Menards serves as drop site for food shelf
The Menards located in Forest Lake will now serve as a drop site for a local food shelf until the end of March 2025. Donate nonperishable food items such as cans of soup or boxes of cereal. Menards is located at 22800 Everton Ave. N. Tax help for seniors
AARP TaxAide Services will once again be available at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church. Appointments are required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Appointments will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning Feb. 10 until Tuesday, April 15. Appointments can be made by calling 651-653-3122 beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27. The phone line will be staffed from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Voicemails will be returned, and volunteers request that callers leave only one voicemail and do not call the church. South Shore Trinity is located at 2480 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Gianna Bell Hugo
PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS City Clerk Michele Lindau administers the oath of office to new Hugo City Council Member Ben Krull. Krull will serve as the council representative for Ward 2.
New City Council Member Ben Krull poses for a photo with his family at his first official council meeting after being sworn in.
CONTRIBUTED
Alexandra House recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Linus’ Pet Haven.
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies on routine patrol in the 14000 block of Evergreen Avenue N. at 2:53 a.m. Dec. 1 left a citation under the windshield wipers of a vehicle parked in violation of the city’s winter parking ordinance. Deputies on routine patrol overnight Nov. 30-Dec. 1 cited two more vehicles for violating the winter parking ordinance on Geneva Avenue and 138th Court N. Deputies cited a multitude of parked vehicles overnight Dec. 2-3 on Garden Way (four), Arbre Lane (two) and Jardin Avenue (four). The number of illegal parkers dwindled as the nights wore on; only four additional citations were issued for the rest of the week.
• Residents in the 15000 block of Finley Avenue N. reported a burglary overnight Dec. 1-2, during which a wallet was stolen. A vehicle in the garage was also rummaged through, and a garage door opener was used.
• A resident in the 5000 block of 159th Circle N. reported his vehicle rummaged through overnight Dec. 1-2; nothing was stolen. Another resident in the 5000 block of 159th Circle N. reported her vehicle rummaged through overnight Dec. 1-2; nothing was reported stolen.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 12:54 a.m. Dec. 2 in the 4000 block of Frenchman Road and cited the motorist for driving after revocation. A second motorist was cited at 4:44 a.m. Dec. 2 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for an undisclosed moving violation and obstructed license plate.
• An automobile was reported stolen at 6:34 a.m. Dec. 2 from the 5000 block of 159th Circle N., after a wallet and keys were taken from inside the residence.
• After deputies followed up with a complainant in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. about an incident at 8:05 a.m. Dec. 2, she became irate and hung up on deputies when they advised her she needed to report the incident to the White Bear Lake Police Department.
D eputies recovered a stolen vehicle at 8:16 a.m. Dec. 2 on 159th Court N. and 159th Street N. The Jeep Wrangler appeared drivable and was seemingly undamaged. The vehicle’s owner arrived from Forest Lake with their extra set of keys and took possession of the vehicle.
Kwik Trip employees in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 3:31 a.m. Dec. 3 reported marijuana located in the store. Deputies took custody of the pot to be destroyed.
• A motorist on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. at 3:34 a.m. Dec. 3 was cited for driving without a license, driving after revocation and for displaying expired registration, following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs. The driver also admitted to not having current proof of insurance, which may have been a source of the revocation in the first place.
• A motorist with a temporary license plate received a written warning at 7:20 a.m. Dec. 3 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for failure to move over for emergency vehicles on the shoulder. Deputies said the motorist had two open lanes to choose from but did not give space for emergency vehicles dealing with a vehicle on the right shoulder.
• A resident in the 4000 block of Emmit Drive N. at midnight Dec. 4 reported being bitten on
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Avian influenza on the rise around Minnesota
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRCM) has been closely monitoring a new variant of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has been affecting global wildlife for the past four years. Cases are on the rise as the virus mutates and birds flock for the winter. Birds suffering from influenza are often spotted on the ground, lethargic, stumbling and twisting their necks around. Residents must carefully remove the bird while wearing gloves and a face mask if they come across a bird exhibiting these actions. The bird should be placed in a disposable box disinfected with bleach
the finger by her dog because the bathwater in which she was bathing the dog was too hot.
• Residents in the 4000 block of Garden Way N. at 5:16 p.m. Dec. 5 reported approaching a suspicious vehicle parked outside their house to ask them to move their car. The driver hopped out of the car and confronted the complainant before leaving. Deputies located the vehicle, identified the driver and took a statement.
• A motorist was cited at 3:05 a.m. Dec. 6 on Forest Blvd. N. and 130th Street N. for not having a driver’s license and failure to provide proof of insurance, after being pulled over for equipment violation. A second motorist was cited at 5:33 a.m. Dec. 6 on Elmcrest Avenue and Rosemary Avenue N. for speeding 62 mph in a 40 mph zone.
• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:45 p.m. Dec. 6 on Jody Avenue and 122nd Street N. after deputies were dispatched out to a motor vehicle accident during which his vehicle had crashed into a parked work truck.
• Subway store employees in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. at 7:02 p.m. Dec. 6 reported people for entering the store to take bags of completed orders that they hadn’t ordered from the “to go” shelves. Deputies advised the employees to ask the individuals if they ordered the food, but not to confront them. Their next strategy was to observe the vehicle the suspects leave in and report the license number and description to the WCSO.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited four vehicles overnight Dec. 8-9 for violating the city’s winter parking ordinance. One citation each appeared on vehicles parked in the 14000 block of Everton Avenue N. and in the 5000 block of 143rd Court N. Two citations appeared under the windshield wipers of vehicles parked in the 4000 block of Provence Way N. One of the recipients of a Provence Way citation phoned at 8:43 a.m. Dec. 10 with questions about the citation, and deputies gave advice about the reason for it, how to pay and how to contest it. A total of seven vehicles were cited during that week.
• A resident in the 5000 block of 140th Street N. at 10:56 a.m. Dec. 8 reported the front license plate of his pickup truck sprayed with black paint, such that the letters and numbers could not be read. In addition, the entire passenger side of his truck was keyed, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the paint. The complainant suspects his ex-girlfriend.
• A motorist was cited at 7:10 a.m. Dec. 9 on Goodview Avenue N. and Goodview Trail N. for driving with a burnt-out headlight and for failure to signal a turn. Another driver was cited at 3:37 a.m. Dec. 10 on Victor Hugo Blvd. and Frenchman Road N. for expired registration. During the stop, the driver said she didn’t have the vehicle insured and received a citation for that violation as well.
• A westbound motorist in the 4000 block of 162nd Way N. at 1:03 p.m. Dec. 11 reported himself for running over and fatally injuring a dog. After the driver revealed that he was traveling at 15 mph before hitting the unleashed dog while it was running across the street and not on its property, deputies assured him he’d broken no laws.
• A vehicle was reported stolen at 4:24 p.m. Dec. 11 from the 7000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. As the complainant was not the registered owner, the case was forwarded to the
after use and brought directly to the center. Removing these sick birds from the wild can help save lives by preventing the spread to other birds and mammals, including humans, that can contract the virus.
Hugo fire receives unique call for service
At approximately 8 p.m. Jan. 14 the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) responded to a call for service from a local horse stable. Due to cold temperatures, the stable’s water lines froze. The HFD responded to the scene and brought the horses clean drinking water via a tanker. “When we arrived and started
investigations unit.
• A woman unwanted in the 4000 block of Empress Way N. at 4:15 a.m. Dec. 12 was arrested because she actually was wanted in Anoka County, after she phoned 911 to state that her friend kicked her out of the house and she was now homeless. Before arriving on scene, deputies conducted research and discovered the suspect had a warrant out for her arrest. On deputies’ arrival, the subject and her friend were in the middle of an argument, and the homeowner wanted her gone.
• A suspicious package thief reported at 7:48 a.m. Dec. 12 in the 14000 block of Evergreen Avenue N. turned out to be the delivery driver who was actually dropping off a package to the house. Deputies confirmed with the homeowners that nothing was taken.
• Residents in the 7000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at 1:52 p.m. Dec. 12 reported their phone and Google account hacked and said that the real Geek Squad needed a case number to proceed further to restore the account. No money was reported lost at the time of the report.
• A suspicious vehicle roaming around the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 3:00 a.m. Dec. 13 turned out to be a dog owner who had lost her two dogs and was out looking for them. Deputies helped, and the two dogs were located.
• A motorist was cited at 9:06 p.m. Dec. 13 in the 8000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 68 mph in a 55 mph zone.
• A motorist on a private road at Elmcrest Avenue N. at 1:40 p.m. Dec. 14 reported a blonde woman driving a black sedan with unknown plates for running into the right rear of her bumper. When the complaint started walking over to obtain the suspect’s insurance information, the perp fled the scene.
• A resident in the 14000 block of Geneva Avenue N. at 1:48 p.m. Dec. 14 reported his checking account compromised, after two packages that he didn’t order turned up at his house.
• A resident in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 1:49 a.m. Dec. 15 reported boys for tagging her son’s car with an Orbeez launcher. Later, the boys drove by the house and tagged the front area of the home. Fortunately, the water soluble paint caused no permanent damage.
• Deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 2:26 a.m. Dec. 15 on Highway 61, just south of 159th Street N., following a traffic stop during which standardized field sobriety testing was conducted.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:14 a.m. Dec. 15 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. for displaying vehicle registration tabs that expired in September. The driver admitted he forgot to get new tabs. A vehicle parked in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 8:45 a.m. Dec. 16 received a citation for displaying tabs that expired in February 2024.
• An out-of-state motorist was arrested at 10:08 p.m. Dec. 15 on Highway 61 and 134th Street N. for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop in which a vehicle without a front license plate was seen driving on the shoulder of the road. Because the motorist had already been convicted of the two offenses, a citation was just not adequate enough.
Loretta Harding
pumping water into the troughs the horses started coming and drinking. It was cool when they basically lined up to get a drink. We filled two heated troughs in the riding pens and many buckets in the stable to get them by
for the night,” recalled HFD chief Jim Compton, Jr. “It felt good to do something like that, as it is much different than what we normally do. Definitely a unique call for service.”
PHOTOS BY HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT | CONTRIBUTED
Hugo Fire fills troughs for horses at a local stable on Elmcrest Avenue.
Hugo display earns Holiday Lights Contest victory
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
At the age of 7, Grant Ulrich is already known by many as a “Christmas enthusiast,” as he has developed a passion for all things Christmas.
“His room is over the top … He has got a Christmas village, and he has like four strands of lights in his room,” said Grant’s mother, Amelia.
Grant is the winner of Press Publication’s Holiday Lights Contest for his display outside of his home in the Diamond Point East neighborhood in Hugo.
“He pretty much took care of everything that was not on a ladder,” said Grant’s father, Matt.
For the past 10 years or so Matt says the family has decorated for Christmas. After a neighbor decided to move to the country, they acquired his holiday decorations.
“He had a pretty extravagant display,” Matt explained. “It was all synchronized to music … We kept it going.” Matt added that he tries to have a “special bonding” activity with each of his children, and putting up Christmas lights is his and Grant’s.
They typically begin to put up decorations the weekend before Thanksgiving. Last year was when Grant started to get involved, but this year was the first year that he really got into it, Amelia said. “(Grant) was out there every day for a week.”
Shortly after the display was up, a windstorm came through and Matt and Grant had to go back out and fix some things. Grant also helped put up lights at his grandmother’s house.
Grant said the most challenging part of the display was pounding the stakes into the ground.
The Christmas tree is Grant’s favorite part of his display.
“It has a remote that controls it. He keeps track of the remote,” Matt explained. “He keeps it in his pocket every day. Brings it to school.”
Amelia explained that the family drove around to check out the other displays in the contest and Grant did not think he would win. When Grant heard the news he had won, he was excited and couldn’t stop saying “I won, I won!”
She added that Grant would also get excited when he saw motorists slowing down outside so they could check out his display.
So, what did Grant ask for this Christmas? More lights and displays to add to his yard next year. Perhaps he will rise to the top of the displays again in next year’s Holiday Lights Contest.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Grant Ulrich, of Hugo, is Press Publications’ Holiday Lights Contest winner. Learn more about the other winners on page 16.
Council approves cannabis ordinance as recommended
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Just because the City Council has adopted its cannabis ordinance doesn’t mean there can’t be changes made to it in the future.
That is the message that both the Planning Commission and City Council shared with Hugo landowners and business partners Dean Anderson and Beau Ryan, who were seeking to operate a microbusiness on their property located on 177th Street.
Anderson and Ryan have visited both city government bodies now to share their opinions, ask questions and request that the city consider an amendment to the ordinance that would allow a cannabis microbusiness in an agricultural district via a conditional use permit, versus confining that use solely to industrial and commercial areas.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the council approve the ordinance as drafted by city staff (See “Planning Commission recommends cannabis ordinance as ‘starting point’” Jan. 9.) The council was set to approve the item until Anderson requested the item be pulled off from the consent agenda for more discussion.
“We have met with Rachel (Juba) and Max (Gort) several different times and ran different things by them … We feel like we have listened to what others have said. We put together an amendment … We felt it was in line with the vision for Hugo 2040,” Anderson said. “If there are things you are concerned about, at least give us an opportunity as a new industry to answer those and foster communication.”
Anderson requested a “path forward”
or a “concrete answer” and reasoning on why the council decided to go that route.
“It is a crop just like anything else … We don’t view it any differently than a bunch of greenhouses down the road from us that are doing the exact same thing just with a different plant,” Anderson explained. “We are looking for the opportunity to come to some sort of middle ground and grow Hugo together.”
Weidt responded, “The ordinance can change down the road, and if there is a desire from the public … If the situation evolves down the road, as it has with other items, there is an opportunity to change ordinances all the time.” He added that if that was the case, the ordinance would go before the Ordinance Review Committee, similarly to what is currently happening with the solar ordinance.
Resident Josh Wickander also spoke and urged the council to be as strict as possible when it comes to cannabis. He said he grew up in Minneapolis and moved to Hugo to “get away from drugs.”
“I struggle with this ordinance in its entirety,” he said. “I understand the state said you have to do something … Whatever you put into this ordinance, you need to shop this more than you do alcohol; you need to police it more than you do alcohol. This is not a problem that is going to go away.”
The council chose to adopt the ordinance unanimously.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
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Exploring the Art of Printmaking With “The Fine Print”
Something new and bold will be making its mark on White Bear Center for the Arts’ Exhibition Hall starting this February. “The Fine Print” brings the diverse world of printmaking into view through a brand-new exhibition. Featuring works from emerging and established printmakers from around Minnesota, the show will highlight a broad range of printmaking techniques.
Unlike previous group exhibitions, “The Fine Print” is a medium-specific show, selected through an open call for entries. “We want to celebrate artists that primarily do printmaking in their career and expose the community to a new process of art,” explained Exhibitions Manager Karna Holub.
The open call attracted 127 submissions, resulting in a 56-piece show curated by experienced Twin Cities printmakers Christopher Alday, Genie Hien Tran, and Edson Rosas. “There was a pretty solid variety of techniques used in the pool of submissions,” said Christopher, who typically works in screenprinting and letterpress printing. The curators’ vision while choosing pieces for the show? “To highlight what can be done and created with printmaking,” he said. Each piece they chose offers a unique perspective on the craft, showcasing the different styles and techniques nestled under the umbrella term of printmaking.
For those curious to learn more about printmaking, the
exhibit will also give visitors a chance to engage with the medium through special interactive components. Visitors can become familiar
with different types of printmaking like lithography, woodcut, etching, and screen printing, and even make their own print to take home. In
The Hidden World of Words at WBCA
Walking into an art center, you might expect to find students crafting clay pots and dipping paint brushes into watercolor palettes. But what about a group of writers studiously scribbling away? More and more over the past two years, the classrooms at White Bear Center for the Arts have been home to groups of writers as they experiment with their chosen art form: writing. This is thanks in large part to Amber Guetebier. In her less than three years as a writing teacher at WBCA, Amber has cultivated a vibrant, inclusive space, making WBCA a place where writers of all ages and stages can grow, thrive, and most importantly have fun while doing it.
Since 2022 when Amber began teaching writing classes, her vision for WBCA’s writing program has started to take shape, grounded in the belief that writing is just another art form. It’s a creative entity that requires space, time,
typical WBCA style, there will be corresponding classes that people can take if they feel inspired by the exhibit.
Taught by none other than fellow curator Edson Rosas, Reduction Relief Printing will teach students the safe carving techniques and color theory needed to create a relief print. There is a session for adults, as well as one for teens.
Karna hopes that “The Fine Print” will inspire future exhibitions that explore other specific artforms while continuing to push the boundaries of what WBCA visitors can experience in its exhibition spaces.
The Fine Print will be on view in the WBCA Exhibition Hall from February 8-March 27.
and dedication as well as community.
“There’s something magical about a group of writers when they find their people,” Amber said. “To know they’re not alone in a cabin in the woods, but if they wanted to be, the other writers would get it.”
In the last year, she’s engaged over a hundred students in her classes, whether it’s through a casual writing session, discovering their voices at events like
Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events:
Artistic Essentials: Still Life in Pastel
White Bear Center for the Arts
February 14-16, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM
Learn to paint
Writer’s Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Community, or putting their nose down for a writing intensive. Keith Harrower, a writer who has attended writing classes at WBCA for over five years attests to the power of the writing community that Amber has built.
“Amber has created a safe space for writers of all levels and ages,” he said.
“[She] is dedicated to making each writer feel welcomed and respected for their
simple still-life set-ups in pastel by discussing design, composition, painting fundamentals, and the importance of accurate drawing.
Studio Social
White Bear Center for the Arts
February 19, 6:00-9:00 PM
Drop in for a casual evening of crafting. Paint pottery, enjoy refreshments, take part in a simple printmaking activity, and meet new people! This is a perfect event for those who want an evening of art without the pressure of a formal class.
Misery
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
abilities. This safe environment nurtures a flourishing writer’s community right here in White Bear Lake. It is amazing and fun to be a part of.” Some of her Writer’s Well students, Jo Prouty and Terri Kaiser, have even grown to be instructors themselves, teaching a class on self-publishing this spring.
As more students and teaching artists join the ranks, Amber is excited to see what the writing program will evolve into. “Every teacher brings a new perspective to aspects of writing and this allows us to look at our writing from a new place,” which is important because, as she said, “the best writers never stop writing and they never stop learning.”
Find all writing classes at WhiteBearArts.org/classes.
White Bear Center for the Arts will be hosting “Enchanted Plants: A Botanical Book Launch” on April 23 from 6:008:00 PM.Upcoming
January 24- February 9, 2025
In this heart-pounding thriller, the iconic Annie Wilkes holds her favorite writer captive until he writes her a new book. Based on the hit novel & film from master horror writer Stephen King!
Courtney Burton: Love in Every Note
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Friday & Saturday, February 14-15, 2025 - 7:30 PM
Experience the allure of classic love songs from the Great American Songbook on Valentine’s Day weekend! Courtney Burton returns to Lakeshore to celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and more.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
3 ways to find a financial planner you can work with
No matter where professionals may be in their careers, retirees may note that retirement will arrive more quickly than expected. That notion applies as much to young professionals just starting their careers as it does to seasoned workers for whom retirement is just over the horizon.
That retirement can quickly creep up on professionals underscores the significance of planning for those days when workers will no longer be drawing a paycheck. Going it alone when planning for retirement can be a risky endeavor, not to mention an unnecessary one. Financial planners can help anyone get on the road to retirement. Professionals can keep these three tips in mind as they look for a financial planner to help meet their retirement goals.
1. Recognize why you need a planner Financial planning firms provide a range of services, and individuals should identify what they’re hoping a planner can do for them prior to
individuals must identify what makes them unique and then seek a planner whose experience and specialty aligns with their needs.
seeking a financial planner, prepare a list of questions covering everything from compensation structure to the advisor’s personal approach to
find one they will be comfortable working with.
3. Inquire about fiduciary status
According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a fiduciary is an investment advisor who is obligated to choose investment products that are in the best interest of the client regardless of the impact on the fiduciary or his or her firm. That can provide investors some added peace of mind when hiring individuals who will be handling their money. However, it’s still important that individuals who hire a fiduciary pay attention to their investments. Fiduciaries are not immune to unethical conduct, and some may still make mistakes when choosing investments. It’s important that investors acknowledge that even the most well-meaning fiduciary can choose investments that don’t work out. There’s always risk involved with investing, but working with a fiduciary can help investors feel better about taking on such risk.
SEARCH FIRM: Centerville city employee takes over
firms for the city to hire.
In the first of the three actions, council formally accepted Statz’ resignation, voted unanimously to keep him on staff until Feb. 14 and agreed to pay him through that date. The city will also cover his expenses to attend the upcoming city engineer’s conference. Statz intends to honor the 60-day notice and will continue to run the city until Feb. 14. In its second action, council unanimously appointed Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis to be interim city administrator, with discussion about her compensation to follow at the next meeting. After Feb. 14, Lewis will take over Statz’s administrative duties and serve as interim city administrator.
County commissioner takes oath of office
County Commissioner Fran Miron recently took his oath of office before a Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting. Miron was reelected to a four-year term as county commissioner for District 1, serving the cities of Dellwood, Forest Lake, Grant, Hugo, Marine on St. Croix, Scandia and May Township, as well as Precinct 1 of Mahtomedi. Miron was elected to the county board in 2012. He was reelected in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Miron served 16 years as the mayor of the city of Hugo and four years as a Hugo City Council member. He has served in numerous civic service organizations, including the University of Minnesota Extension Service. He is a director on the Forest Lake Community Scholarship Foundation board. He served on a multijurisdictional transportation coalition that guided the construction of the I-35E interchange and also chaired the Hugo Economic Development Authority. He has also been involved in several agricultural organizations.
County board approves contract for website redesign
Commissioners approved a website redesign. Bright Penny Creative LLC will redesign the county’s website for $283,875. Some of the changes will include:
• Auditing the website to remove outdated and redundant information.
• Redesigning navigation menus and webpages to make it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need.
• Implementing design principles to meet and maintain federal accessibility standards. Sheriff’s Office purchasing rapid response patrol boat
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is purchasing a rapid response patrol boat from Lake Assault Boats LLC for $269,960. The purchase is funded by a Port Security Grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. The county is required to provide a 25% match in funds.
The goal of the grant program is to strengthen portwide risk management and protection of critical marine transportation system infrastructure from acts of terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies. The program provides funding to enhance maritime security capabilities throughout U.S. ports. The Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for all waterways in Washington County and is part of the area maritime security plan, providing layered security to several Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) facilities in
Although the League of Minnesota Cities provided a roster of former city administrators who could be brought in to maintain the smooth running of the city, council unanimously chose Lewis to step in. The city hired her in 2022 with the ultimate plan for her to be available to ensure continuity of operations in case the administrator is unavailable to serve.
With her three years of experience with the city, Lewis has agreed to take on this new role.
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
Mississippi River Pool 2. The Sheriff’s Office also provides security and patrol resources for Lock and Dam No. 2. The Sheriff’s Office would be the primary and coordinating agency, assisting in events such as spills, train derailments, bridge collapses and other emergencies.
Bituminous Roadways selected for County Highway 12 trail construction
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with Bituminous Roadways to construct a trail along County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 12 in Mahtomedi.
The contract, totaling $146,299, will fund the construction of the trail from Ideal Avenue to the Mahtomedi Schools entrance along the south side of the recently reconstructed segment CSAH 12.
Washington County worked with the cities of Mahtomedi, Grant and Willernie and the Mahtomedi School District to successfully apply for grant funding through the Metropolitan Regional Solicitation Funding program. This grant covers construction costs only, and requires a 20% local match.
Bids for the project were opened in December, and Bituminous Roadways was the lowest of eight bidders.
County introduces new Mobile Social Services vehicle program
Washington County’s Community Services Department is introducing a new Mobile Social Services vehicle. The vehicle is part of a county program that aims to bring mental health, substance use disorder and social service resources directly to people and communities in the county.
The vehicle will make regular stops at community sites, offering on-the-spot assistance, information, resources and referrals. The program focuses on reaching individuals who may face barriers or stigma when trying to access traditional services.
The Mobile Social Services Vehicle is a customdesigned, high-ceilinged van. Inside, the van is equipped with a meeting space that serves as both a workspace for staff and a welcoming area for individuals receiving services. The exterior of the vehicle is designed to be inclusive and inviting, reflecting the broad range of Community Services Department programs. According to the county, the program not only provides immediate access but also plays a key role in normalizing conversations about mental health and substance use, helping to break down the stigma surrounding these important issues.
The vehicle was funded by a one-time grant opportunity through the state of Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adult Mental Health Initiative. Ongoing program expenses will be funded through the Adult Mental Health Initiative grants.
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CONTRIBUTED
Fran Miron (right) is sworn into office as a Washington County Commissioner for District 1.
(From left:) Washington County Commissioners Stan Karwoski (District 2), Fran Miron (District 1), Bethany Cox (District 3), Michelle Clasen (District 5) and Karla Bigham (District 4) stand with staff from the Community Services Department in front of the Washington County Mobile Social Services Vehicle.
CLASSIFIEDS
City of Centerville Now Hiring
Rink Attendant – Centerville
The city of Centerville is hiring rink attendants to start immediately. Job duties include opening and closing the warming house, light shoveling, light custodial work and communicating with city staff. Hours are evenings, weekends and holidays, through the outdoor ice season. Applicants must be 16+. For a complete application, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com
Public Services Technician
The city of Centerville is hiring a Public Services Technician. The position is a general labor position within the City’s Public Works Department. Duties include maintenance of sewer, water and stormwater infrastructure, plowing snow on city streets, maintaining public buildings and parks, and other related tasks. Sewer and Water system operator licensure, as well as a commercial driver’s license is required or may be obtained within one year of employment. For a complete application and more details on the job requirements, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com
Cougar swimmers compete in state true-team
Centennial defeated Osseo 103-69 on Thursday evening, improving to 3-0. Then they participated in the state true team meet, for the first time, Saturday.
Event winners against Osseo were Isaac Nguyen in the 200 free (1:57.66) and 500 free (5:29.04), Benno Schuhbauer in the medley (2:05.28) and breaststroke (1:04.80), Blake Thorson in diving (162.6), Caleb Cregan in butterfly (58.75), and Grant Page in backstroke (1:00.88).
The Cougars swam at the true team meet at the University of Minnesota,
COUGARS SPORTS BRIEFS
ALPINE SKI
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CSLP) girls won a NWSC meet Thursday, marking the second time in three meets they have beaten defending champion Blaine, at Trollhaugen. “Exciting news from the Alpine program,” Coach Derrick Taylor said about the first-place finish. He added, “Temperatures hovered around freezing with little to no wind, making for an idyllic night to cheer on our racers.” CSLP has a one-point lead with two meets to go. Hailey Peterson placed fourth and Gwen Halverson sixth to lead CSLP. Hadley Goochey was 13th, Anna Crandall 17th, Sofia Anderson 23rd, Ella Nelson 24th and Vivian Struve 32nd. The CSLP boys placed fifth. Caleb Nelson placed 10th, Devon Cunningham 22nd and Ryder Quinn 29th. WRESTLING
Wrestling three straight days, the Centennial Cougars won six of seven matches last week. They beat Andover 35-28 and Park Center 44-20 at Andover on Thursday, Mankato West 70-10 and Totino-Grace 44-22 on Friday at home, andHopkins 54-10 and Minneapolis Roosevelt 59-11 at the Bloomington Kennedy tournament Saturday, where they lost to No. 10 ranked Hastings 36-30 and finished third. The wins
having qualified with second place in their section. Missing five athletes due to illness, the Cougar finished 12th of 12 teams, which they anticipated, Coach Pete Crawford said.
“The boys sure got to see some fast swimming at this point in the season,” the Coach said. “All in all, it was really a good experience for the boys swimming with the best teams in the state.” Schuhbauer swam season bests in placing 18th in the individual medley and 22nd in backstroke.
Bruce Strand
over Andover, Park Center and Totino-Grace raised their conference record to 5-1. The Cougars are 11-5 overall.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Centennial got 27 points from Autumn McCall and defeated Park Center 71-53 there Monday evening. Sydney Schmitz added 14 points and Kaylin Green 11 for the Cougars (9-6). Lyric Singleton tallied 27 points for Park Center (2-11). The Cougars lost to Rogers 69-66 on Wednesday. Alexa Juntunen scored 21 for Rogers (7-8). McCall sank 22 points, Sydney Sears 11, Kate Lee 10, and Sydney Schmitz and Clare Pullman eight each.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Centennial lost to Park Center 54-48 at home Monday evening and to Rogers 71-51 on Wednesday, each time missing scoring leader Jackson Driessen due to an injury. The Cougars beat Assumption 76-49 on Saturday. Tristan Hanson sank 24 points against Park Center. Marshawn Carlvin had 12 points and Hanson 10 against Rogers. Dylan Bachmeier scored 21 for Rogers.
Bruce Strand
Editor’s note: See more sports online at presspubs.com.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Elise Dieterle
White Bear Lake Basketball January 23, 2025
Elise Dieterle has been a welcome addition to the White Bear Lake basketball team after transferring from Stillwater for her senior year. The 6-foot-1 forward leads the Bears (107) in scoring with 14.6 points per game and is rebounding strongly. In a recent four-game win streak she had games of 30 and 20 points. “She has been our most consistent and reliable offensive player all season,” coach Jeremy Post said. “Her presence has to be accounted for by the other team at all times.”
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110
651-426-5254
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Zephyr icemen in ‘steep learning curve’ season
It’s a rare season below .500 for Mahtomedi with a very young roster this year. Last week, the Zephyrs beat South St. Paul 6-0 at home, lost to firstplace St. Thomas Academy 5-1, and tied Two Rivers 3-3. The Zephyrs are 5-10-2 overall.
“We have a hard working team this season. Because they are young and lack experience, it has been a steep learning curve for us,” said coach Jeff Poeschl, who went over 500 wins last season. “Our goals, objectives, and philosophies remain the same as any other year; we intentionally play the most rigorous schedule as possible, trusting that we will be battle tested
and prepared for a deep run in the playoffs.”
Scoring against SSP were Mac Appert (twice), Devin O’Donnell, Cody Loida, Winston Wright and Shey Sorenson. Wes Strub stopped 21 shots. Zach Zins had the lone goal against St. Thomas Academy (14-2). Against Two Rivers, Brock Gutterman scored in the first period and Winston Wright scored twice in the third period to give the Zephyrs a 3-2 lead. Two Rivers got a late power play goal to force overtime. Strub made 31 saves.
Raiders repel Bear skaters for Suburban East Conference lead
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake had a chance to take the Suburban East lead but Cretin-Derham Hall fended off the Bears 2-1 in before a huge crowd at TCO Sports Garden.The Raiders are now 9-0 and the Bears 8-1-1 in conference.
The Bears (10-3-2 overall) led 1-0 on a power play goal by Blake Eckerle, assisted by Jack Stanius, at 6:17 of the first period. CDH goalie Owen Nelson stopped their other 18 shots. John King pulled the Raiders even in the second period and Max Bennett gave them a 2-1 lead 9:44 into the third period. Bear goalie Leo Gabriel made 21 saves.
The Bears edged Roseville Area 2-1. They gave up a short-handed goal but their next two power plays resulted in goals by Stanius (assisted by Eckerle) and Nash Roed (Eckerle and Tanner Olsen), all in the second period. Gabriel made 21 saves.
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Abby O’Brien scored 26 points, leading White Bear Lake to a 56-45 win over Cretin-Derham Hall at home. The Bears (10-7) then lost to Stillwater 58-35. O’Brien, senior forward, scored 13 points in each half against CDH, hitting four 3-point shots. Chloe Theissen scored 12 points, Addison Post seven and Elise Dieterle six for the Bears (10-6). Sage Gilbert scored 21 for the Raiders (8-6). The Bears made eight 3-pointers and were 8-for-15 on free throws. Stillwater (11-4) was led by Annika Peper with 20 points and Lia Buckhalton with 12. Dieterle sank 14 points and Thiessen 10 for the Bears.
BOYS BASKETBALL
While Bear Lake lost a high-scoring affair to undefeated, top-ranked Cretin-Derham Hall 99-86, then lost to Stillwater 66-57. Montef Dixon and Jojo Mitchell each scored 27 points and Ty Schlegel 26 for CDH (12-0). The Bears (4-7) almost kept up, with Korey Raheem hitting 22 points, John Johnson 20, Colin Piper 11, and Rithy Sain eight. Both teams had their high game of the season. Against Stillwater, Johnson had 18 points and Piper and Raheem 10 each. Piper nabbed eight rebounds.
on two goals by Stanius and one each by Evan Newlander, Noah Norman and Eckerle. Will Distad and Roed made two assists each.
Bruce Strand
GIRLS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake scored three first-period goals and beat a good Forest Lake team 4-2. The Bears are 6-13-2 and the Rangers 11-5-4. The Bears then lost to Cretin-Derham Hall 7-2. Against Forest Lake, Madelyn Lee started it with a shot into the upper right corner of the net, Lily Howard sniped from the top of the left circle into the same spot, and Grace Bailey made it 3-0 with a shot in traffic that went through the five hole. Forest Lake’s Abigail Sklavenitis scored twice in the second period. It remained 3-2 until an empty-netter by Amanda Smythe. Macie Marston made 16 saves. Smythe and Lee had the goals against CDH (11-6-3).
WRESTLING
White Bear Lake placed seventh of 17 teams at Park Center’s tournament. Christian Carlson (17-6) was 133 pound champion, beating Tomas Ochocki of South St. Paul 4-1 in the finals. Indiana Kane placed third at 114, Galvin Nathanson placed third at 139, Samuel Mortenson placed fifth at 160, Mason Magnuson placed sixth at 215, and Nikolai Milligan placed seventh at 127. The Bears, with multiple forfeits due to illnesses, lost dual meets to Mounds View 68-6 and Forest Lake 61-12.
Bruce Strand
PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Caleb Cregan churned to first place in the butterfly against Osseo.
Isaac Nguyen won the 200 and 500 against Osseo.
The Bears won 5-1 over Grand Rapids (12-4)
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Blake Eckerle (left) and Jack Stanius celebrated Eckerle’s goal that opened the scoring against Cretin-Derham Hall.
• At the first meeting of the year following an election where a majority of council has been newly elected, a batch of new name plates must be printed and a slate of new council members must be sworn in. The only council member not taking the oath of office at the Jan. 8 meeting was Darrin Mosher. Nancy Golden took the oath of office for her two-year mayoral term. Council Members Russ Koski and David Kubat took the oath of office to begin their fouryear terms, and Anita Rios for her two-year term.
Junior Council Member Sophie Wynn took the oath of office and began her one-year term.
• Following a discussion, council unanimously approved the proposed list of council member appointments for 2025, with a few changes. Koski will step off the personnel committee with Golden and Rios will join City Attorney Kurt Glaser to serve on that committee for 2025. Council also approved the list of committee and commissions, adding James Carciofini to the Planning and Zoning Commission, after he was appointed at the commission’s Jan. 7 meeting. One of the city’s two local newspapers, the Quad Community News, was again appointed as the city’s official newspaper of record. Per Statz’s suggestion, the city will likely name Kelly Schlegel of Stantec as the interim city engineer.
• The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) provides support services to its member cities and stays on top
of emerging issues by offering advice and guidance, sample ordinances, policies and RFPs. The League’s staff includes attorneys, human resources specialists, former administrators and many other professionals with a wide range of expertise and experience. On recommendation of staff, Centerville renewed its membership in the League. The membership dues for 2025 of $5,182 will be a budgeted expense from the general fund. The city’s dues are based on its population of 3,993, according to the 2023 state demographer and Metropolitan Council estimates.
• At the beginning of each year, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) asks each member city to decide if they want to waive the Minnesota state statutory liability limits. And each year, every city elects not to waive the tort liability limits. The liability limits are $500,000 for an individual claimant and $1.5 million for all claimants for a single incident. If the city were to waive the tort limits, its liability increases to $2 million per claimant per incident. As in past years, the city opted not to waive the tort liability limits.
• The LMC hosts the “City Day on the Hill,” an annual event that includes seminars and round-table presentations on topic issues during the morning. Often, the governor and top legislators will address the attendees. The afternoon is reserved for oneon-one meetings with legislators. Cities may also request meeting times with their state senator or representative. The city will pay the $125 fee for each attendee, using budgeted expenses from the general fund. This year, City Day on the Hill will be held March 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in St. Paul.
• Late last year, city staff discovered that an employee had been overcharged $676.40 for dental insurance for most of the year, because neither the city nor the employee noticed the error. Staff and the employee have agreed that a reasonable non-cash settlement of the error would be to compensate the employee with additional paid time off in the amount of 16 hours. The union to which the employee belongs agreed with the settlement.
• The council made several changes to the organizational structure of city staff, most importantly those related to public works employees. The position of public works director was eliminated, and two new positions were created. Public Works Foreperson and Public Works Technician/ Building Official will now be under the union contract. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will outline the particulars of the new positions and modify the union contract to add these positions without formally opening the union contract for renegotiation. City staff and Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, have agreed on the language contained in the MOU.
DNR seeks comments to shape offerings at new Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites people interested in the new Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to share their thoughts on what amenities and opportunities they’d like to see at the WMA in the future.
Located in Washington County, Keystone Woods WMA was established in October 2024 and offers 1,820 acres of public land, including woods, wetlands, prairie grasslands and small lakes.
“Because it’s so close to the Twin Cities metro, Keystone Woods has the potential to offer expanded amenities and opportunities that aren’t typically available at our other WMAs,” said Gretchen Miller, Minnesota DNR Central Region wildlife manager. “We’re excited to hear the public’s thoughts and explore what recreation and outreach ideas would work well within our WMA system.”
The Minnesota DNR will host two public events where staff will give an overview of the Keystone Woods property and its history, discuss potential opportunities on the WMA and answer questions.
• The council has approved both the Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the LaLonde property at 1687 Westview Street and the request to rezone the land to P-1 Public to allow the Centennial School District to purchase the property for school purposes. City staff then submitted the Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning request to the Metropolitan Council, which formally accepted them. Now, the city is required to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Second Series Ordinance, which they did unanimously, while waiving the second reading. In a separate motion, council rezoned the property to P-1 Public. Council waived the second readings because the closing date for the property has been set for Jan. 15. Demolition of the house will soon follow.
• Council passed a resolution In Memoriam to honor the contributions to the city by Centerville resident Lisa Roemeling. With the support of her family, Lisa Roemeling opened Carbone’s Pizza in the city in 2016. Since then, her business has been a mainstay of important community events, such as Main Street Market, Music in the Park, Trunk or Treat and Fete des Lacs. Throughout the years, her outgoing personality and passion for providing residents of Centerville great food made a positive impact on the community. City staff said Roemeling was always the first to participate in any local event showcasing Carbone’s and the importance of community involvement. Golden agreed to present Roemeling’s family with the resolution.
An online meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, via WebEx. A link to join the webinar is available online at mndnr.gov/wmas/ keystone-woods-wma.html.
An in-person public meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N.
Comments can also be submitted by completing an online survey at engage.dnr.state.mn.us/embeds/ projects/7944/survey-tools/24496; emailing northmetro.wildlife@state. mn.us; calling Keystone Woods staff at 651-539-3324; or mailing Keystone Woods WMA public input, 5463-C West Broadway Ave., Forest Lake, MN 55025.
The DNR will accept public feedback on Keystone Woods WMA through Sunday, March 2. For more information on the Keystone Woods WMA, visit mndnr. gov/wmas/keystone-woods-wma. html.
Department of Natural Resources
Loretta Harding
PHOTOS BY LORETTA HARDING | CONTRIBUTED
Outgoing City Administrator Mark Statz administers the oath of office to new Mayor Nancy Golden.
Nancy Golden, Russ Koski, David Kubat , Anita Ross and Sophie Wynn recently took the oath of office.
