The Citizen

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Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee given a bit more time for plan

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The volunteer committee that has been tasked with developing a plan for the old Hopkins Schoolhouse has been granted a bit more time before it reveals what it has been working on over the last several months.

About six months ago, the City Council tasked the Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee with finding community volunteers to research what could be done to the schoolhouse and how it could be funded.

Efforts would likely save the building from being demolished. The council gave the committee a six-month deadline.

City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the group of volunteers has been meeting regularly over the past six months, but needs a bit more time.

“They have spent a tremendous amount of time working on this project to come up with a solution,” Bear said. “We (City Clerk Michele Lindau and I) think that the group has made some very good progress. They are organized; they have a plan that is not quite ready to

Hugo Estates looks to add new units, apartment building

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — Summit Management LLC has submitted several applications to the city, not

industrial

Oct.

the Centerville Elementary PTA, Cub Scout Pack 432 and Scouts BSA Troop 136

Monday, Nov. 7 at Centerville Elementary. Hands-on booths will revolve

slime

more. There will also be a chance to win

CONTRIBUTED

The Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee has two more months before it has to report back to the City Council on its plans for the old schoolhouse located off of 170th Street N. and Highway 61 in Hugo.

We

the Heavy Lifting for You!

North metro area food shelves see need continue to rise

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Many food shelves in the North Metro are seeing the number of visitors continue to increase and are struggling to keep up with demand. That’s a trend that likely isn’t going to go away anytime soon.

“What we have been experiencing has been a return of food insecurity to the levels of when the pandemic began,” said Perry Petersen, executive director of the White Bear Area Food Shelf (WBAFS). “Some of the larger agencies that we work with, Hunger Solutions, Second Harvest, the Food Group, have indicated that it’s going to get worse heading into the fall and this winter. Petersen said WBAFS has seen the need and prices go up, while financial support for the food shelf has gone down. From 2019 to 2020, the food shelf doubled its number of visitors. In 2021, thanks to the increase of federal, state and local programs that kicked in

to offer support to those in need, the food shelf saw a temporary dip in its numbers.

“We are up 36% in visitors from 2021. We are seeing similar to what we saw in 2020,” Petersen said. WBAFS has also seen a dip in financial donations. “We are about 20% below our budgeted income in donations,” Petersen said.

Due to the increased demand, the WBAFS has had to shift to a curbside program, so clients are not permitted within the building to shop. “In July, we saw 95 visits per day to the curbside programming … There is a line into our parking lot to be able to receive services.” For that reason, the food shelf is looking into adding a second location. “That would be a game-changer for us,” Petersen said.

In an effort to reach more clients, WBAFS has also expanded its delivery program. It partners with Door Dash to bring food, free of charge, to people who are unable to get to the nonprofit’s building.

During the pandemic, the two main issues were dealing with COVID-19 and all of the protocols that go along with that, as well as staffing. “Now it is really about (whether) we can get the food, if we can afford the food, and if we have the funds and facility to do it,” Petersen explained.

It has become increasingly more difficult to source food. Although the local grocery stores have been generous to the food shelf, Petersen says food available through food banks like Second Harvest and the Food Group is not as abundant as it used to be.

The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf (HGNFS) has also seen an increase in the number of families visiting the food shelf. “Our client volume is well over double what it was at this time last year,” said Chris DuFresne, president of the HGNFS. “We continue to see more clients who are employed and need help making ends meet with food due to the increased cost of food, gas, child care and home energy.”

Due to supply chain issues, DuFresne explained it has been hard to source some food items, similar to what grocery stores are facing. The food shelf has also had to purchase more food because it isn’t getting as much food through food rescue programs from its grocery store partners. In addition, the types of items available through Second Harvest and other food banks has become limited.

Sheri Hanson, president of the Centennial Community Food Shelf (CCFS) board, said CCFS has had a

hard time keeping its supply of basic needs, including eggs, milk, butter, flour and sugar. Keeping a good stock of a variety of meats and snack items has also been difficult. In order to supplement their stock, food shelf volunteers have had to shop at area grocery stores and purchase the items for a higher price tag since they aren’t always able to get them through Second Harvest or the Food Group. She added that the partnership the food shelf has with six grocery stores for food rescue has also been “a godsend.”

Hanson explained the food shelf continues to see new clients it has never served before. “Some people have had to choose … Sometimes they can’t afford the gas to get to the food shelf.” She added that the county has some transportation programs in place if people need a ride to the food shelf. CCFS also conducts a minimal number of deliveries, mainly to seniors who can no longer drive or find a ride to the food shelf.

For the first time since the pandemic began, CCFS is planning to once again offer holiday meal baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the pandemic, the food shelf had to scale back its number of volunteers, but more volunteers will be needed for the oneday distribution events later this fall and winter.

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

SUMMIT MANAGEMENT:

to high-density residential (HD) and to rezone the property from low-density multiple-family residential and general industrial to mediumdensity multiple-family residential.

A site plan and CUPs would be needed for both the 60,000-square-foot apartment building and expansion of the manufactured home community. (Manufactured homes are allowed in any multifamily zoning district with a CUP.) The applicant would also like to subdivide the property so that the apartments are located on a separate parcel. The variance asks that the apartment building be 39 feet in height, where 35 feet is allowed per ordinance.

The apartment building is proposed to be constructed on the west side of the property, near Highway 61. The density of the project would be 10 units per acre, which meets the proposed zoning district regulations.

Erin Lambert, owner of Hugo Estates, said the target market for the community is seniors and professionals. Amenities will include a community room, fitness center, in-unit laundry and underground parking.

Associate Planner Max Gort explained that it is city staff’s opinion that the applicant meets the criteria for approval of all the requests. “This will not disrupt the character of the surrounding area,” he said.

“The developer has done a good job with the overall site plan and the general design of the building … Staff finds that the proposal meets all the requirements necessary for the city to approve the applications as outlined in the City Code,” Gort said, adding that the applicant will be required to meet some conditions outlined in the resolution.

request

During the public hearing, one resident wanted to know which trees would be preserved and which ones would be removed. Lambert said they would try to preserve as many trees as possible on the apartment site, and said she hoped to keep all the existing trees near the manufactured homes.

Another resident wondered whether a fence or some type of wall would be installed to screen from the single-family homes adjacent to the property (151st Street N). She shared that she has had some issues with residents of Hugo Estates trespassing on her property, and has had to call the police before. Jamie Scheerz, on-site property manager, said that was the first she had heard of the issue, but said they would take care of it.

Vice Chair Scott Arcand said, “I think that they worked hard on the plan and that it actually fits in nicely with that area and creates a nice transition with the manufactured homes and apartment

complex. I don’t have anything negative to say.”

Commissioner Matthew Derr noted that along Highway 61, “the aesthetic improvements that they have made over the past five to 10 years are substantial … it definitely seems like the new ownership has really taken this to heart and they are offering a great product.”

Chair Bronwen Kleissler said, “I felt like it was a good use of the property. The property is kind of an odd shape and kind of in an in-between spot, and I think that they did a nice job overall.”

Summit Management’s requests will now go to the council for consideration at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs. com.

Waiting Child

Ambreyah, 16, is a vibrant and outgoing teen who loves socializing with peers and adults. She has an artistic personality and enjoys drawing and writing. She also enjoys watching TV and movies and dressing up to participate in cosplay. Ambreyah likes animals (especially reptiles) and is open to all kinds of pets. She has tried horseback riding and really enjoyed it. Ambreyah’s favorite foods are sushi, Chinese food, and popcorn. An ideal family for Ambreyah would be a two-parent household with no other children in the home.

Following adoption, Ambreyah would need to remain in contact with her grandmother and siblings. Only families living in Minnesota are being considered at this time.

Give

of

November 10th Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 10AM - Noon 4742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

November 10th White Bear Senior Center 2PM 2484 East County Rd F, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

November 10th Woodbury Central Park 6PM 8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury, MN 55125

November 11th Walk-ins at White Bear Senior Center 11:30-3PM 2484 East County Rd F, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

November 12th Jimmy’s Food and Drink 10AM, Noon, and 2PM.* 1132 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

Here is an architect’s rendering of what the three-story, 54-unit apartment building could look like.

Here is an architect’s rendering of what the 16 new manufactured homes could look like in Hugo Estates. The new products are proposed to feature attached garages.

Shifting perceptions of reality

The question of why we don't digitally alter the content of the editorial photos printed in our newspapers was raised during a recent impromptu discussion concerning cover photo options for one of our publications here at the Press. While I was considering my answer, publisher Carter Johnson responded with “journalistic integrity.”

A current TV commercial for the latest Google Pixel phone illustrates the chal lenges of truthful documentation and preserving journalistic integrity in this rapidly evolving technological and moral landscape. In a scene shot at an oceanside beach, a camera feature that can remove unwanted elements from photos is demon strated. The unwanted elements happen to be all of the other people at the beach; so a busy beach scene is suddenly trans formed into a deserted background for a selfie, perfectly capturing a moment that never was. I suspect the marketers view this feature as a positive selling point, but I find the flippant act of wiping those pesky people out of the photo with an algorithm unsettling at best and alarming at worst.

Angle of View Paul Dols

This is certainly not a new development in the history of photography, but now this type of manipulation has never been easier or more accessible. I wrote about this subject back in 2013, following accusations that the World Press Photo of the Year for spot news was somehow faked. In a turnabout to what usually has occurred in past controver sies like this, the expert opinion revealed that the image, while showing signs of the post production process, was not faked. The original raw file taken by the photographer was compared with the prize-winning jpeg and all of the pixels were found to be in the same place. The controversy surrounding a dramatic, prize winning photo helped raise awareness about our shifting perceptions concerning the ongoing and varied digital depiction of reality. It was also an example of the continuation of techniques and practices that have been evolving since the introduction of the photo graphic process more than a century ago.

A lot has changed over the past decade, but the history and fundamentals of photography are still valid. I was in school at the beginning of the digital revolution while film was still predominantly used in journalism. At this time the negative served as the original “file” source of visual information. As the technology evolved into digital, I per sonally made the decision to follow Associated Press rules and not alter news or feature photos beyond lightening and darkening, color correction and removing dust spots; essentially processing and cleaning the images up for effec tive presentation. Without that experience or guidance, I can see how someone might not think twice about creating an enhanced view of reality — because the technology so easily enables them.

An image forensics expert was used to verify the au thenticity of the World Press Photo of the Year. Now with evolving digital technology moving into the creation and manipulation of sound and video files, the experience and expertise of these experts is needed more than ever to help verify that a connection to reality is maintained in the im ages we're seeing online, broadcast and published in print.

One of the roles of journalism is to document and present the world as it is, not a curated presentation meant to im press your online friends or promote a false representation of oneself. No matter how sophisticated the technology be comes, I believe it still comes back to the fundamental act of telling the truth. Unfortunately, it appears to be getting increasingly difficult to figure out the difference between what's real and what's fiction in this ever changing world.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238 or photos@ presspubs.com.

Pink Patch Project raises awareness for breast cancer

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Citizens across the nation wear pink and participate in activities to join in the fight against breast cancer. This year, the CDC reported the most common form of cancer is breast cancer. In the United States alone, over 264,000 women and 42,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer per year.

Like many others, my fam ily was affected by breast can cer. In 2017, as I was starting my law enforcement degree, my grand mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. My family and I would often join my grandmother during her chemotherapy treatments to keep her company and help pass the time. It wasn’t until then that I truly understood the hardships of this disease.

In 2019, I started my law en forcement career as a community service officer with the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department (LL PSD). In 2021, I was promoted to a sworn police officer, my dream job. During my police field training, several themes emerged as I was being trained by the most profes sional and experienced officers on the department. Those themes

were: community, compassion and service. I developed a passion for connecting and interacting with the individuals I crossed paths with on a daily basis.

I first learned about the Pink Patch Project in October 2021 while in field training. The Pink Patch Project is a national public awareness campaign amongst law enforcement and public safety agencies where personnel wear pink uniform patches to raise awareness for breast cancer. I saw several agencies across Minnesota donning and selling pink patches to aid in the fight. I was so inspired by these agencies that in my free time I drove from department to department to collect these pink patches.

After completing field training and starting my solo police career, I began pondering how LLPSD could embody those themes that stuck with me throughout train ing. I finally landed on an answer: What better way to give back and connect with our community than to join the Pink Patch Project ourselves?

In January of this year, I began designing a pink patch for LL PSD personnel to sport during breast cancer awareness month. After partnering with Lino Lakes Volunteers in Policing (LLVIPS), our very own pink breast cancer awareness patch was born. Police and Fire personnel were given the opportunity to purchase the patches to wear on their uni forms during the month to raise awareness and spark conversa

tion amongst our community. On October 1st, we began selling the patches to the public. All of the proceeds from the LLPSD Pink Patch Project will be donated to The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. Let me just say, our community and personnel did NOT disappoint!

As of Oct.10, our police patches were completely SOLD OUT and fire patches were not far behind. As a first year participant, this amazing turnout left LLVIPS members and I shocked and be yond grateful. Another expedited order was placed for more patches and my excitement in the project has continued to grow. As of today, LLPSD has collected almost $5,000 in donations.

I am beyond excited and eager for what’s next in all things pink patch! I want to thank our com munity for their overwhelming support in this project.

LLPSD will continue selling patches in person at the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department through the end of the month. The patches will remain available yearround at https://www.gnhnow. com/donate. In addition, LLPSD will continue to accept donations for The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and patches will be sold at all LLPSD events. Even though October is ending, the fight against breast cancer is not!

Sam Bergeron is an officer with the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department.

Cops Corner Sam Bergeron

HUGO BITS & PIECES

• The Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network continues to distribute care packages to deployed soldiers. The network recently hit the milestone of 80,000 pounds of items shipped.

• Joseph Hinzman will serve as the city’s administrative intern.

• The city shouldn’t see any more bills for the new public works facility; council approved the final payment of $482,307 to Ebert Construction. The city has also finished paying its bills for the materials and storage building at the public works facility by making the final payment of $37,860 to Ebert Construction.

• Now that the feasibility study is complete, a public hearing for the proposed 2023 street improvement project in the Birch Tree Ponds neighborhood has been scheduled for Nov. 21. The project will include the partial reconstruction of Fountain Avenue (north of Egg Lake Road); 135th Street, 135th Court, 128th Street, Foxhill Avenue, Geneva Avenue, Freeland Avenue, Freeland Court and stub streets.

A mill and overlay will also be completed on Fountain Avenue from Egg Lake Road to the southern culde-sac.

The project is estimated to cost $2,113,700. Assessments will cover approximately 32% of the project; the other portion will be funded by the city. Benefiting property owners in the partial reconstruction area should expect to be assessed $4,100 (per unit), and residents in the mill and overlay area should expect to be assessed $2,100 (per unit).

A neighborhood meeting for the project will take place in January 2023. The council will consider approving plans and specifications and advertising for bids in February. If the project moves ahead, construction would begin in June with completion in September. An assessment hearing would be held in October 2023.

• The Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee has two more months to present a plan to the City Council that is “reasonable” and “implementable.” (See full story on pages 1&16.)

• Commissioner interviews have been scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, with applicants for the various city commissions.

• The city will once again host its Santa Party this year; however, it will be at a new location. The party is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Lions Volunteer Park. The event will include a lighting ceremony to reveal the holiday lights throughout the park.

• Members of the council and city staff plan to attend the annual holiday party Dec. 15.

• The council approved pay request No. 2 in the amount of $612 to Iseler Demolition Inc. for the demolition of water tower No. 2.

• The Everton Avenue Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) has been updated. In January 2002, the council adopted the AUAR as part of the Everton Avenue Neighborhood Study. Minnesota Rules 4410.3610, Subd. 7, requires the document be reviewed and updated every five years until all development in the study area has received final approval. The last update to the plan was in October 2017. All required agencies have commented and no revisions are required.

The next City Council meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 at City Hall.

• The city is taking a preemptive step to protect the pocketbooks of its taxpayers, city officials said, after council unanimously approved Interim Ordinance No. 128, a one-year moratorium on new or expanding medical facilities. Council completed the action in just one reading and also authorized a summary publication to get the ordinance on the books quickly and to allow the public a quick read of the notification.

The ordinance comes as a reaction to industry movement involving certain medical facilities by tightening the ordinance and zoning code to take on any issues regarding the potential abuse of the city’s public safety infrastructure, City Attorney Kurt Glaser said. It has not gone without notice that some medical facilities have been changing their business model to combat understaffing issues by calling 911 and using public safety personnel in surrounding communities to cover the workload. The cost for the fillin staff is usually borne by the taxpayers of the community and not the medical facility, Glaser said. In the meantime, city staff will recommend that the Planning and Zoning Commission study whether the city should impose conditions, such as requiring medical facilities to submit a staffing plan, before the facilities can operate in the city. The city wants to have a defense in place against potential abuses in the event new medical facilities begin operations, which explains the urgency of the ordinance, he said.

• The city has a little more time to reconsider whether it wants to take part in an expensive treatment of Pelter and Centerville lakes. Matt Kocian, Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) lead scientist, gave a presentation about water clarity on the two lakes and the phosphorus and algae levels that render the lakes murky. Kocian has been working with the Centerville Lake Homeowners Association regarding its desire to complete a phosphorus sequestering project, which could culminate in aluminum sulfate (alum) treatment. The alum treatment project will cost roughly $1 million, but would be

eligible for a clean water fund grant, the next round of which is expected to start in July 2023. A water management taxation district would potentially need to be established and managed by the RCWD to be used to fund part of the alum project. Contributions will be sought from project partners that include the RCWD, Anoka County, Lino Lakes, Centerville and St. Paul Regional Water Services. Alum was deployed in 1998 in Centerville Lake. This small dose provided benefits for 15 years, but its efficacy has worn off, Kocian said.

• The Economic Development Authority (EDA) welcomed new board member Chris Swenson at its Oct. 19 meeting, but is still looking for volunteers to fill an upcoming vacancy. The EDA meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers. Call City Hall at 651-429-3232 with any questions.

• The Parks and Recreation Committee, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers, also has an open seat available. Please call City Hall at 651-7927933 with any questions regarding the opening.

• Save the date for the city’s upcoming Veterans Day ceremony, scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Nov. 9 at City Hall. Then stay for the council meeting!

• The design for the city’s mobile app has been approved, and CivicPlus is in the final stages of preparing the app for release, said Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis.

• Council adjourned the regular council meeting to continue the work session started earlier that evening. Topics included refuse and recycling, an apartment development proposal, review of the interview process for committee candidates and the policy dealing with requests for proposals for professional services.

The council next meets at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at City Hall, 1880 Main St., following the Veterans Day ceremony.

The esti mated cost of the improvement is $2.1 million. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment

be available at the hearing. The meeting will be held at the City of Hugo City Hall ,14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038. Such persons wishing to comment on the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting. Comments can also be submitted in writing to City Clerk Michele Lindau prior to the meeting.

Bryan Bear, City Administrator

Published two times in The Citizen on November 3 and 17, 2022.

Shannon Granholm

Loretta Harding

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

COPS&COURTS

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:

• A suspicious vehicle reported parked outside an apartment complex in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 12:39 a.m. Sept. 18 turned out to be a homeless man asleep in his vehicle. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies advised him to move his vehicle to a nearby parking lot and provided phone numbers for resources that could help him.

An unidentified motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 18 in the 13000 block of Europa Trail N. following a traffic stop for poor driving conduct.

• A motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 2:32 a.m. Sept. 18 at the intersection of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N., after deputies on routine patrol observed his vehicle roll through a stop sign and pulled him over. During the traffic stop, deputies ran the driver’s information through their squad-issued mobile computer and found his status. The subject summoned a valid driver to pick him up, and his vehicle was parked off the roadway.

• The driver of a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was cited at 10:03 a.m. Sept. 18 on Frenchman Road at Oneka Parkway N. for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for no license plates and a temporary license in the rear window. On running vehicle information, deputies discovered the driver’s status. The driver, the owner of the vehicle, said that when he had been charged with DWI, his plates were impounded, and he didn’t know how to apply for new ones.

• A credit card in poor condition was reported found at 2:44 p.m. Sept. 18 in the middle of the road in the 12000 block of Ferrara Avenue N. After deputies couldn’t locate its owner in the Department of Vehicle Services system, it was placed into property.

• The driver of a vehicle with a large blue floral lei suspended from the rearview mirror was cited at 1:25 p.m. Sept. 19 in the area of 120th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for equipment violation and failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for the dangling lei. The driver, who was the registered owner, was unable to provide proof of insurance. When she called her insurance company, she learned there was no coverage for the vehicle to begin with.

• Deputies issued a citation at 4:12 p.m. Sept. 19 in the 8000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding. They issued another citation for speeding at 3:51 p.m. Sept. 21 in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. At 8:02 a.m. Sept. 22, they conducted a traffic stop in the 7000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 73 mph in a 55 mph zone. Another motorist was cited for speeding at 10:43 a.m. Sept. 24 in the 6000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N.

• A resident in the 7000 block of 180th Street N. at 4:43 p.m. Sept. 19 reported giving her Social Security number and debit card information to a scammer who told her they were from Xcel Energy. She realized she was the victim of a scammer after she noted attempted charges on her debit card. She suffered no financial loss, however.

• A business in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. at 10:32 a.m. Sept. 21 reported a male who said he was interested in purchasing the land next to the business and wanted to know the owner, before refusing to go away. Deputies arriving on scene

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advised the male that he could find the owner at the county plot map site online and to please leave the business.

• An ex-husband in the 5000 block of 180th Street N. at 7:39 p.m. Sept. 21 reported his ex-wife for sending texts threatening to get him evicted. When deputies advised him to block the number and email address, the complainant said he just wanted them to talk to the ex-wife. Deputies advised him they had already done that.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:40 p.m. Sept. 23 on Forest Blvd. N. and 165th Street N. for driving after revocation, after deputies pulled him over for tint on all windows so dark that the interior of the cab could not be seen. Because of the behavior of the vehicle’s occupants, an odor of marijuana coming from the car and the driver’s argumentativeness, deputies requested additional squad cars for backup. The driver was also cited for the window tint, which was metered at 34% light filtration, where 50% is mandatory.

• Two individuals reported at 5:29 a.m. Sept. 24 for going through a neighbor’s car in the 6000 block of 150th Street N. before fleeing on foot turned out to be a possible figment of the complainant’s imagination, after deputies arriving on scene found the vehicle locked, undamaged and exhibiting no signs of having been gone through at all.

• A juvenile was reported at 11:19 a.m. Sept. 24 in the 4000 block of Education Drive N. for operating a dirt bike on the roadway. Deputies contacted the juvenile and advised him that dirt bikes were not allowed on the public road. He understood and brought the dirt bike home.

• A Florida man was cited for driving after suspension at 9:04 p.m. Sept. 24 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road, after Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed his vehicle with Minnesota plates cross the double yellow line on Forest Blvd. N. and fail to stop at a red light before turning right. During the stop, when deputies noticed the odor of marijuana in the car, the driver admitted to using it recently. Following a vehicle search, deputies found pot, but not enough to be measured. The driver called for a valid ride and was warned about failing to obtain a driver’s license within the required timeline.

• A disorderly male refusing to leave was reported at 12:40 p.m. Sept. 25 at the VFW in the 5000 block of 140th Street N. In the presence of deputies, the business requested the male not return, and in return, the male agreed he wouldn’t return. He refused to identify himself to deputies, stating that he was participating in a public demonstration.

• A motor vehicle with a purse left inside was reported stolen at 12:49 p.m. Sept. 25 from the 4000 block of Victor Path N. A Minnesota motorist was verbally warned by deputies who were northbound on Highway 61 at 7:57 p.m. Sept. 26 in the area of 147th Street N. and Flay Avenue N. about failing to display headlights and taillights on her vehicle between sunset and sunrise. The driver said she didn’t know her lights were off.

A suspicious vehicle reported at 8:10 a.m. Sept. 27 in the 8000 block of 152nd Street N. turned out to be a driver waiting for a ride because his license had been revoked. Deputies’ night shift had noted the presence of the vehicle at that location. It is

unknown, however, whether the driver had been waiting for a ride all night after being pulled over for driving after revocation during deputies’ evening shift.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 130th Way N. at 11:35 a.m. Sept. 27 reported receiving multiple calls to bring money and bitcoin to a scammer. The complainant brought neither.

• A suspicious woman reported for stealing a motor vehicle from the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 1:31 p.m. Sept. 27 turned out to be a woman who accidentally got into the wrong car that looked exactly like her vehicle. When she realized it was not her vehicle, she quickly brought it back to its owner.

• A suspicious person reported at a residence in the 15000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. at 3:08 p.m. Sept. 27 turned out to be a contractor spraying insects.

• A driver with a poor attitude was cited at 2:39 a.m. Sept. 28 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 180th Street N. for driving after suspension, after he was pulled over for turn signal violation and failure to stop at a stop sign. During the traffic stop, the driver admitted to being suspended, a fact deputies discovered simultaneously on their computer files. They also discovered the driver’s long history of driving after suspension during their DVS review. The valid passenger was authorized to drive the vehicle from the scene.

• A northbound motorist was cited at 11:29 p.m. Sept. 28 in the area of 137th Street N. and Fiona Avenue N. for speeding 78 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 61.

A Wisconsin man was arrested on a Pierce County, Wisconsin, warrant at 11:57 p.m. Sept. 28 in the area of Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road following a traffic stop for driving after revocation. The subject was described as cooperative with deputies and jail staff.

• The driver of a vehicle with Minnesota plates was cited for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance at 6:22 p.m. Sept. 29 in the area of Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road, following a traffic stop for extremely dark tint on all windows, including the front windshield. After being pulled over, the driver handed deputies an identification card instead of a driver’s license and no insurance card at all. Although the vehicle emitted an odor of marijuana, deputies couldn’t find enough of it to be measured. The driver admitted that the windows were too dark and was also cited for 5% window tint where a minimum light filtration of 50% is the standard.

• A motorist was cited for an undisclosed traffic violation and served a short-form harassment restraining order at 12:38 a.m. Sept. 30 in the area of 147th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N.

• An intoxicated female was reported at 12:11 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Blue Heron Grill in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for trying to purchase electronic pull tabs with her credit card. When employees asked her about her plans for getting home, she told them, “Don’t you worry about it!” Deputies arriving on scene addressed the subject, who was trying to order an Uber, and advised her to be respectful to the driver.

Cayenne loves to go on walks, and she would do well in a home with a fenced yard where she can spend quality time outside exploring. She’s not a cuddler, snuggler or even a lap dog, but that might change with the right forever family.

If you are interested in learning more about Cayenne Pepper 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.

Loretta Harding

K-9 Kirk will be transferred to handler in retirement

The ownership of Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Kirk will be transferred to handler Sgt. Paul Stenglein. The Sheriff’s Office retired K-9 Kirk from active duty last month. The terrier/lab mix was adopted in 2017 from the Animal Humane Society in Woodbury. He was immediately put to work to serve the residents of Washington County as a drug detection K-9 with his handler, Stenglein, who was recently promoted to sergeant. Stenglein has agreed to accept ownership, liability and medical care for Kirk during his retirement at no cost to the county.

Sheriff’s Office will receive $200,000 enforcement grant

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive $203,425 in an enforcement grant for 2023 from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The grant will be used to reimburse overtime costs associated with traffic enforcement, including impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, “move over” laws and seatbelt enforcement.

The overtime cost will cover work performed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Stillwater, Bayport, Woodbury, Forest Lake, Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park. The Sheriff’s Office will be the fiscal agent for the grant, which is effective through Sept. 30, 2023. The grant does not have a matching requirement.

Stumpner named Correctional Supervisor of Year

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Stumpner was recently named the 2022 Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA) Correctional Supervisor of the Year at the MSA Jail Administrator’s Conference in Brainerd. Stumpner was hired as a correctional officer in 1999 and was promoted to correctional sergeant in 2010. He worked as a shift sergeant and administrative operations sergeant, and is currently the program unit sergeant.

Stumpner most recently implemented inmate tablets and a new GPS and electronic home monitoring system, and is on the verge of implementing inmate video visitation. He has also worked as the prison rape elimination coordinator. Sheriff’s Office will continue work with DEA

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the U.S. Department of

Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Sheriff’s Office will continue to partner with the DEA to staff a task force whose focus is large-scale illegal drug operations by providing one experienced deputy to the task force through Sept. 30, 2026, and will adhere to the policy of body-worn cameras. The DEA will reimburse the Sheriff’s Office for certain overtime costs, based on the federal pay scale.

CALENDAR BRIEFS

Santa Paws returns to Northwoods

The Northwoods Humane Society will once again hold its annual Santa Paws fundraiser from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Forest Lake Senior Center, located at 767 Fourth St. SW. Community members are invited to take family, pet or any combination of photos with Santa Paws and/or Mrs. Paws. No appointment is necessary. The event will also include a bake sale, pet supply/gift sale, refreshments, nail trims and microchips. For more information, visit https:// northwoodshs.org/fundraising-events/santapaws-2022/ or call 651-982-0240.

PTA, Scouts host STEM event

Centerville Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Cub Scout Pack 432 and Scouts BSA Troop 136 will host a free community STEM event at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Centerville Elementary in honor of National Stem Day. Handson booths will revolve around architecture, ham radio, 3D printing, robotics, Lego robotics, scented slime and more. There will also be a chance to win STEM kits and prizes. For more information, visit vit.ly/22cvstem.

Having a community event in the future? Contact us today to submit your event to What’s Happening. Call 652-407-1200 or email calendar@presspubs.com

SARAH & RILEY ELLEFSON ROYAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS

CONTRIBUTED

Sgt. David Stumpner of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is honored at a county board meeting by colleagues and board members for being named Minnesota’s Sheriff’s Association Correctional Supervisor of the Year. Pictured (from left) are: Lt. John Warneke, assistant jail administrator, Sheriff Dan Starry and Chief Deputy Doug Anschutz; commissioners Stan Karwoski (District 2) and Wayne Johnson (District 4); Sgt. David Stumpner; and commissioners Lisa Weik (District 5), Gary Kriesel (District 3) and Fran Miron (District 1).

Planning commission weighs in on sketch plan

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Planning Commission have both weighed in on a sketch plan for a development known as Oneka Commons. Next up will be the City Council.

The properties are generally located in the area south of Frenchman Road/CSAH 8 and west of Highway 61. The property owner, Marvin LaValle, has signed a contact with the applicant, Peter Stalland (Oneka Commons LLC), to develop the properties. The proposed sketch plan includes eight parcels totaling approximately 92 acres. The parcels are currently vacant and vary in elevation with several constraints, including wetlands, floodplain/ floodway, ditches and the Met Council sanitary sewer interceptor.

The properties are located in three zoning districts: low-density single-family residential, general business and central business. For land use, the properties fall into three categories — low-density residential, commercial and mixed-use.

City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the applicant is showing development of eight parcels of land into separate residential and commercial lots, to be developed separately. The uses proposed are singlefamily homes, multifamily townhomes, apartments, senior housing and various commercial businesses. In discussions with the applicant, the proposed apartments would be included in the first phase.

Stalland has presented a few different options for the location of the two apartment buildings, which would likely be 70 units each and three stories in height. He said the development would be similar to Aster Meadows in Vadnais Heights. He recently

submitted a sketch plan to receive informal, nonbinding comments on the proposal to see if there was general support from the various Hugo commissions and City Council.

“This is a really important step in a process, because it is early. An applicant can get informal, comments that are nonbinding,” Bear noted. “They really help guide an applicant towards making a decision about what to do.”

Bear said that beyond this project, the commissions and council members will need to have broader discussions about commercial property and density in general, as market needs seem to be changing.

“My impression as a developer is that you have got way too much commercial. That property has been sitting there for 25 years. Every developer knows about this, and nothing has happened,” Stalland said. “The marketplace clearly, especially in the metro area, requires more multifamily housing. As a developer, you can’t buy land, pay the fees, you can’t do that at 12 units to the acre. It has to be higher density.”

The Oneka Commons proposal would break down to a density of 20 units per acre, whereas the highest density that is currently allowed in the city is 10-12 units per acre.

EDA and Planning Commission members said they would like to maintain the commercial areas that are currently planned along main corridors, like County

Road 8. Commissioners also said that they would like to see a large building located farther away from the street, rather than right next to it.

“That’s a prime piece of anything that we want us to have in Hugo. It is a crowning jewel, if you will, when you come into town, so anything on that corner of 61 and Frenchman, you want to have something of quality,” Commissioner Steve Andres said. “In my opinion, not something huge that would block everything off, but something that would blend in with what we are trying to achieve with the downtown plan.”

Vice Chair Scott Arcand said I’m not a fan of having apartments (there). I think that’s better suited for commercial stuff.” He added, “How many times have you heard ‘We like Hugo’s rural feel?’ Twenty units per acre is not rural.”

Commissioner Matthew Derr noted that if you ask residents whether they would rather see commercial development or apartments in that location, they would most likely say they prefer commercial uses. “That’s one of our main thoroughfares.”

Bear said the City Council will likely have its chance to weigh in on the sketch plan for Oneka Commons in November, but ultimately the developer will need to decide next steps.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citzennews@presspubs.com.

Property owner, Marvin LaValle, has signed a contract with Peter Stalland to develop the properties, generally located in the area south of Frenchman Road/CSAH 8 and west of Highway 61 in Hugo.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Peter Stalland, of Oneka Commons LLC, is trying to gauge feedback from the the city of Hugo’s commissions and City Council on an idea to be known as Oneka Commons. The proposed sketch plan includes eight parcels totaling approximately 92 acres. The first phase would likely include two apartment buildings with 70 units each.

Bears to end long playoff drought

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

For the first time since 2014, White Bear Lake will play in the second round of the football playoffs.

The Bears held off the Anoka Tornadoes 28-23 at home after opening a 28-9 lead, in the first round of the 32-team Class 6A state tournament.

“It felt good. In this 6A playoff format, any playoff win is special,” said Ryan Bartlett, the Bears coach since 2012. “We basically start in the section semi finals, so it is competitive from round one on.”

The Bears (7-2) rushed for 318 yards to stay in front of Anoka (1-8), which scored two late touchdowns to close the gap. The Bears had beaten the Tornadoes 45-20 on Oct. 7.

The Bears will play at Lakeville South (72) on Friday. The No. 4 ranked Cougars beat Burnsville 52-6.

Read highlights of the White Bear Lake/Anoka game online at presspubs.com.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

The Bears Varsity Competition Cheerleaders are headed to Nationals. The team competed at the Universal Cheerlead ers Association 10,000 Lakes Regional Competition held at Minnetonka High School, and earned scores high enough to receive a bid to the National High School Cheerleading Cham pionship held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando in February 2023.

Front row l-r: Trisha Johnson, Holly Anderson, Addi Andrekus, Kate Krey; middle l-r:Ali Carnes, Katelyn Kaehler, Presley Manship, Hailey Lukas, Kayla Longhenry; back row l-r: Tessa Shaffer, Maddie Hood, Keira Keese, Natalie Steensland, Ame lia Ahrens, Angelina Marino. Not Pictured: Sammie Sherrick.

Zephyrs rumble past Raiders, reach section finals

The Mahtomedi Zephyrs, well-rested after a first-round bye, defeated Cretin-Derham Hall 44-10 on Saturday in the Section 5AAAA semifinals.

The top-seeded, defending champion Zephyrs (8-1) will host No. 3 St. Paul Central (5-5) in the finals on Friday at 7 p.m. The

Minutemen reached the finals beating Mound-Westonka 42-0 and Minneapolis North 26-0.

The Zephyrs ran wild for 415 yards, averaging 11 yards per attempt. That started with a 98-yard drive, all on the ground, for the first touchdown, an eightyarder by Cole Saenger.

Corey Bohmert racked up 247 yards and touchdowns of seven,

68, and 30 yards, giving him 24 for the season. Alec Mahoney had 64 yards in five carries.

Quarterback Charlie Brandt scored on a 25-yard run and threw a touchdown pass on his lone completion, 23 yards to Andrew Breien.

Sebastian De La Torre turned in the Zephyrs’ best kicking performance of the season, 5-for-6 on

conversions plus a 26yard field goal.

Mahtomedi limited Cretin-Derham Hall (2-8) to 215 net yards. Nolan Harris notched a 17-yard touchdown run for the Raiders. Aidan Macke kicked a 39-yard field goal. Myles Bollinger completed 10 of 19 passes for 113 yards with one interception, by Will Harris. Nolan gained 70 yards in 12 carries.

Cougars stampede past Park 41-24 in playoff opener

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Centennial Cougars rode a relentless ground game to a 41-24 win over Park of Cottage Grove in their Class 6A state playoff opener Friday evening.

The Cougars, who rushed for 378 yards, are 7-2 with five straight wins.

They will host Edina (4-5) next Friday. The Hornets beat Blaine 35-28.

Marcus Whiting led with four touchdowns and 141 yards on 21 carries. The junior defensive lineman who had fullback duties added three games ago scored on runs of one, one, 10 and 19 yards.

Daylen Cummings ran 12 times for 69 yards and a one-yard touchdown,

while completing five of six passes for 78 yards. Ty Burgoon toted 13 times for 73 yards, with a 10-yard touchdown, and caught two passes for 64 yards.

Park unleashed two big scoring plays in the first quarter — a 78-yard pass play from Sam Berrey to O.T. Omot, and a 97-yard run by Derrick Brown — and led 14-7 at the first stop.

Brown added a 10-yard touchdown run later and totaled 149 yards in 17 carries. Berrey hit 13 of 23 passes for 264 yards, with Omot snagging four for 143 yards.

Centennial had its highest point total of the season while giving up the most points in any of their seven wins. They also gave up 24 points in a 24-17 loss to unbeaten Maple Grove.

Corey Bohmert, Mahtomedi halfback, is averaging 10.8 yards per carry this season, rolling up 1,736 yards in 161 attempts while reaching the end zone 23 times. The 5-foot-10, 177-pound senior rushed for 247 yards Saturday in a 44-10 playoff win over Cretin-Derham Hall, with touchdowns of seven, 66 and 30 yards. That was Bohmert’s fifth 200-plus yard game of the season. He also has a kickoff return touchdown. The Zephyrs are 8-1 and ranked No. 6 in Class 5A heading into the section finals.

Strauss Skates & Bicycles

Corey Bohmert

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED

Mahtomedi’s JP Johnson (left) and Cody Dvorak wrapped up CDH’s Theto Hatley.

Marcus Whiting carried Park’s Eddie Hallowanger over the goal line for one of his four touchdowns.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Chris Heim eluded an Anoka tackler on a four-yard touchdown run for the Bears.

Herbs

If every person takes one small

of the environment,

collective effort will change the planet.

Hugo Senior Citizens Play ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Nov. 3 and 17; 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.

WHAT’S HAPPENINGREAD REUSE RECYCLE

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

Drop-in 55+ Fitness Classes

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress.

Contact: Barb @ 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@ yahoo.com

Nature Play: Cryptic Camouflage

When: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Kids ages 2-5 can learn about animals through activities and a story. Registration required; $5/child, $3/adult.

Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

NE Metro Rotary Open House

When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3

Where: White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61, White Bear lake

651-407-1200

Details: Learn about the satellite club of WBL Rotary, which meets once a month and focuses on community service. Hors d’oeuvres served and cash bar. RSVP. Contact: nemetrorotaryclub@gmail.com

Senior Center Craft Corner Fall Boutique

When: 9 a.m.- 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov 5

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Shop the fall holiday boutique for unique home crafted items by local seniors. Home and holiday decor, mittens, hats, scarves, kitchen items, art jewelry and more! Also a bake sale.

Gift Expo

When: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

Where: Church of St. Genevieve Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd., Centerville

Details: Craft show with vendors, silent auction gift baskets, gift items, cinnamon rolls, and door prizes every hour. Proceeds benefit faith formation program. Contact: 651-429-7937 or stgens.org

Croixdale Annual Fall Bazaar

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

Where: Croixdale, 750 Highway 95 N., Bayport

Details: Variety of crafters, bake sale, used book sale, and lunch special for $6. Toys for Tots donations accepted.

Contact: facebook.com/CroixdalePHS

Mad Scientists Toy Lab

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Kids in grades 2-5 can design toys with wood, fabric, magnets, springs and more to build creations that scoot, fly, pounce and zoom. Free; registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

Community STEM Event

When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7

Where: Centerville Elementary,

Details: Celebrate National STEM Day with a night of hands-on activities including architecture, ham radio, 3D printing, robotics, dashbots, human heart, fossil dig, prizes and more. Guests include 3M Visitng Wizards, STEM Builders of Blaine, Centennial Robotics, Anoka County Radio Club, and Centennial Library. Free.

Contact: bit.ly/22cvstem

Northwoods Santa Paws

When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13

Where: Forest Lake Senior Center, 767 4th St. SW

Details: Annual fundraiser for the Northwoods Humane Society includes photos with Santa and Mrs. Paws for families and pets, bake sale, pet supplies and gifts, refreshments, microchips, and nail trims. See schedule online.

Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs.org

St. Joseph Christmas Bazaar

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12

Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes

Details: Unique holiday gifts, crafts, and decorations from 50+ vendors. Homemade cinnamon and caramel rolls, candies and bake sale, hot food and egg rolls.

Contact: mystjoes.me

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HOPKINS SCHOOLHOUSE: Committee ‘has made some good progress’

present, but it is coming together. I would hate to have the council review this plan before it is quite ready … A couple more months feels like the right answer.”

Bear didn’t give many specifics about the plan, but said it involves transforming the schoolhouse into a heritage center, and its possible use as a recreation hub. Bear said the toughest part for the committee has been coming up with funding sources, whether that be donors and/or grants.

Mayor Tom Weidt said he had no problem giving the committee a bit more time to continue its efforts. “I’m glad to hear that there is some progress being made and some ideas out there,” he said.

Ultimately, the City Council asked the committee to report back around Dec. 31. The council also gave its blessing for the committee to perform a temporary patch for a hole on the roof. Bear explained that the patch would involve some plywood as well as tarps. It would require ongoing maintenance and only be a “temporary fix.” The patch would be funded both via funds raised by the committee as well as an in-kind donation from the contractor who will perform the work.

Bear added that the decision to allow the patch would not influence the council’s decision on whether it decides to demolish the building.

Council Member Dave Strub suggested the committee consider some signage on site while the project is happening. He noted it could generate more interest in terms of volunteers and donors.

“If it has been sitting empty and nothing is happening and all of a sudden something is happening, you might just get some eyes on the place and be able to attract some more committee members or more sponsorship,” Strub said.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs. com..

STAY UP TO DATE

To stay up to date on the Hopkins Schoolhouse Restoration Committee’s work for the old schoolhouse, join the “Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center” group on Facebook or visit hopkinsschoolhouse.org

The City Council will allow the Hopkins Schoolhouse Restoration Committee to temporarily patch the roof to prevent further water damage to the old Hopkins Schoolhouse. Precise Exteriors LLC in Hugo has agreed to install the cover/patch on the roof for cost, saving the project an estimated $2,500.

County board approves revisions to food code ordinance

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved changes to the county’s food code ordinance, No. 145. The county proposed changes to the food code ordinance to bring it into alignment with the state code and the county’s agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health.

The ordinance includes the following changes:

• deleting or revising definitions that are redundant, unclear or outdated;

• clarifying language that is unclear or to improve readability;

• revising the variance section to include the state variance process;

• clarifying exemptions from the ordinance; and

• revising late fees for special food event applications.

Board sets 2 public hearings for Nov. 15

Commissioners will conduct two public hearings Nov. 15, one to review revisions to the county’s fee schedule for 2023 and one to review comments on the 2023-2027 Washington County capital improvement plan (CIP).

The county’s fee schedule is updated annually. All fee changes are brought to the county board for approval. By law, the fee schedule can only be adopted after conducting a public hearing.

As required by state law, the board will conduct a public hearing to review comments on the 2023-2027 CIP. During the public hearing, commissioners will hear public

comments and consider any recommended changes to the draft CIP.

The hearings will be conducted in the Board Room of the Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N. in Stillwater. The hearings will be conducted soon after the start of the board meeting at 9 a.m.

County will remove snow, ice on stretch of Highway 96

Washington County will take over the snow and ice removal on a 9-mile stretch of Highway 96 through Dellwood, Grant, Stillwater Township and the city of Stillwater this winter. The county and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) are in negotiations to transfer jurisdiction of the roadway

from the state to the county. The transfer is expected to occur next year. As part of the negotiations, MnDOT asked the county to accept snow and ice maintenance responsibilities this winter on the highway from Highway 244 to Highway 95, ahead of the proposed jurisdictional transfer of Highway 96. Adding the highway to the county’s current plow routes may result in a slight increase in the overall response time during snow events. However, the county says it will be able to provide a higher level of service to the public. MnDOT has agreed to pay $63,000 to the county for snow and ice control services on the highway. The amount is based on the county’s historical maintenance costs for similar roadways.

CONTRIBUTED

BRIEFS