The Citizen

Wildlife rehab center to construct animal nursery in Grant

GRANT – Many a compassionate Twin Cities local has taken a wounded or helpless animal to the helping hands of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville. Some of these animal patients are sick or injured and require a lot of medical care, but a lot of them are just babies found far from the care of their wild parents. These growing animals don’t need a lot of medical attention,

but they do need a lot of space— and a historic farm property in Grant is just the place for a young creature to grow up.

Phil Jenni is the former director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC), but now spearheads development of this secondary campus. A capital campaign is planned for summer of 2023, and the project is expected to break ground before the end of the year.

Taylor completes Centerville council

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Centerville City Council is whole again, after her new fellow council members voted 2-1 to appoint Dr. Raye Taylor to the seat left vacant by Michelle Lakso.

She assumed office on March 9 and will serve through 2024, unless council holds a special election prior to the November 2024 election.

Mayor D. Love and the other council members said they were pleased with the four candidates who came forward, and thanked each of them.

“We couldn’t lose,” Love said. “Great people came forward. But it was time the council made the decision to fill the seat, because you never know what might happen.”

The appointment came almost two months after Lakso formally submitted her resignation on Jan. 11. At first, council talked about trying to have Lakso’s replacement seated within a month. But the thoughtful approach turned out to be beneficial, because it allowed more candidates to apply for the position, Council Member Russ Koski said.

“It really mattered that we took our time to talk about this,” Love said. “I was ready to move forward a while ago, but I’ve had time to think.”

The Roseville campus has been in urgent need of more space for years. It was constructed in 2002 with the expectation of 10,000 patients, but by 2019 the facility was hosting more than 15,000 and still receiving new cases. At its busiest, the WRC takes in up to 250 animals in a single day.

“Seventy percent of our patients come in during the

Generous community aims to restore schoolhouse

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

HUGO — If it takes a village to raise a child, it might take a village to restore a schoolhouse as well. Luckily, the people of Hugo are up to the task as they set their sights on transforming the Hopkins Schoolhouse from dilapidated eyesore to treasured community space.

It will be a long road, but Hugo citizens are up for the challenge. Liz Cinqueonce is one of the Hugo residents working to establish a new nonprofit to manage the restoration of the property into what will eventually become the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center. The timeline for the restoration is estimated at 6-8 years, hopefully pairing the 2028 centennial celebration of the building with its grand opening.

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER | CONTRIBUTED

Baby animal season is right around the corner. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is the biggest wild animal rescue in Minnesota, and will soon be expanding its operation to care for more baby animals.

We Do the

Christ is Risen!!

Love recalled being first appointed to council straight from his position as chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission. But Taylor was appointed directly from the community and was not serving on an advisory board. Taylor comes to council as a voice from the community, Love said.

Taylor is well qualified, though she hasn’t held any city board seats, Koski said. Not being on a board could be an asset, because it shows residents they can have the opportunity to serve on council without having to be on a board. “She has a fresh view and gives council

Council members also said they appreciated the different perspective a woman would bring to city governance.

A Centerville resident for the past five years, Taylor is a veterinarian and business owner.

fresh set of eyes,” he said.

• The City Council has drafted a letter of support requesting $1.5 million in federal funding for the extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail. The project, which is estimated to cost $2 million, would connect the one-mile gap in the trail that currently exists due to the railway.

“This is a big deal for us,” Council Member Phil Klein said. “This extension would help us grow the trail system and hopefully provide more access to different areas of the county.”

• The council also drafted a letter of support to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for a Comcast broadband grant application. In the 2022 legislative session, the Legislature directed federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to be used for broadband programs, some of which are available for Border-toBorder grants.

Comcast is submitting a grant application for a project that will include four areas of Washington County: Denmark Township, Stillwater Township, Grant and Hugo. This will include providing Comcast service to 190 residents and 21 businesses located in the northeastern section of Hugo that are shown to be underserved. (Underserved is defined as less than 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds.) Washington County has allocated ARPA funds for 5% of the total project cost.

• Mike Loeffler has been promoted to public works supervisor.

• The Hugo American Legion continues to support the fire department. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to the department to be used for equipment and training.

• Denny Trooien, of Dennis Properties, has been given a bit more time to close on the first phase of the downtown Hugo project. The proposed first phase closing date is July 31, 2023, with the availability to extend with written notice to Dec. 31, 2023. Trooien continues to work on revisions to the plan and marketing.

• A policy is now in place for video cameras, security surveillance and dash cameras. Security cameras have been installed at the new public works building and Peder Pedersen Pavilion at Lions Volunteer Park, and dash

cameras are used in some of the fire department vehicles. The policy addresses access to the cameras and data, use of video and retention of video.

• The Public Works Department will purchase a new mower to replace the 2005 Toro mower, which is nearing the end of its useful life. City staff received three quotes and will purchase a Ferris zero turn mover for $15,999 using the MnDOT Cooperative Purchasing Venture contract.

• An agreement is once again in place with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS) to support programs for Hugo families related to counseling, intervention and enrichment. The city will provide approved $16,275 in financial support to NYFS.

• Low bidder Northwest Asphalt Inc. will construct the Birch Tree Ponds street improvement project this summer. The project received seven bids ranging from $1,808,834 to $2,379,132.

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 cul-de-sac.

City Engineer Mark Erichson said the project will begin no earlier than June 12 so it doesn’t interfere with school traffic and be substantially complete by Sept. 1.

• A subcommittee will be formed to continue discussions about the fire department’s future, specifically, whether the department needs a full-time chief or should maintain its current structure. The subcommittee will consist of Mayor Tom Weidt, Council Member Mike Miron and City Administrator Bryan Bear, as well as the fire chief, two assistant chiefs, one firefighter from a leadership position and one firefighter. The committee will report back to the City Council with a recommendation.

• The 17th annual bus tour has been scheduled for Sept. 30.

• The fall (Sept. 9) and spring (May 6) citywide cleanup days have been scheduled for 2023.

Shannon Granholm

CORRECTION

In the Feb. 23 edition of the Citizen, the article “Hugo City Council Snippets” on page 11 mistakenly printed outdated information about the city seeking public works seasonal

employees for summer 2023. The starting hourly wage is actually $16 per hour, not $13 as reported. Press Publications regrets this error.

Jimmy Carter in hospice

Ihave fond memories of our 39th president of the United States that goes back to 1977 when he was elected. I was included among six publishers of community weeklies from around the United States to visit with President Carter in the Oval Office to share conditions of the state of the country from a small town perspective.

About the Town

It was an awesome, almost speechless, experience. I had voted for this president for his fundamental character and Christian principles. He set out to make government competent and compassionate. As we all remember, it was a time of inflation and a difficult time to meet those high expectations.

Another part of our favorite memories includes visiting Plains, GA, while our daughter, Stephanie, spent a year with Habitat for Humanity in nearby Americus, GA. We would visit with Stephanie and go to the president’s church in Plains and sit in on the service as well as his Sunday school class. We were even there on his 70th birthday and had a family picture taken with him.

Gene Johnson

Jimmy Carter was perhaps most significant following his presidency for his leadership in world peace and conflict mediation throughout the world.

He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Carter is the author of 32 books, and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA.

It was February 18 this year that President Carter decided to spend his remaining time at his home with his family and receive hospice care at the age of 98.

High school hockey tournament

The Minnesota state boys high school hockey tournament this year was exciting as ever. Mahtomedi won over Warroad 6-5, but it took a double overtime after three periods. Charlie Drage scored with a minute and 20 seconds to go in the third period to tie the game, which brought the teams into overtime.

Jonny Grove made the winning goal in the second overtime. The Zephyrs also won the State Class A title in 2020.

Now there is energy and excitement in our basketball programs.

Signs of spring

Potholes are everywhere, the days are longer, and American robins have been spotted but they may not have migrated. The first commercial tow, Niel Deal, arrived in Winona on March 8. This is considered a normal time.

Thank you, Carter

To my surprise, my son’s column recently pointed out my 87th birthday. As a result of that and people’s internet reminders of birthdays, I had a wonderful period of greetings, emails, letters, gifts and calls. It is proof of friendships, Press readership and a community that cares. God is good.

Gasoline prices

Gas prices are creeping up again. That’s part of our inflation problem. I think it’s unfortunate that our government policies are pushing us prematurely to electric vehicles when we have so much oil and natural gas in our country.

It’s an expensive program to get charging stations set up along the highway systems, but even more costly for individuals when they live in apartments and condos. Our automobiles have become more efficient with their engines and reducing weight, thus adding miles per gallon.

I think we should continue to research new energy concepts and phase them in gradually and voluntarily, and not use legislated deadlines like California. The American people aren’t stupid. When they see that it’s practical, they will consider hybrid electric cars and full electric vehicles that can get to 400 plus miles before recharging.

Gene Johnson is Publisher Emeritus at Press Publications.

Supporting District 33A families

It is an honor to represent my neighbors in District 33A which includes the cities of Mahtomedi, Willernie, Hugo, Dellwood, Grant and Forest Lake. I look forward to serving you over the next two years, and I hope to hear from you often. I serve on the Taxes and Education Finance Committees, as well as the Legislative Audit Commission, where I chair the Audit Subcommittee. As a small business owner and former State Auditor, I know that Minnesota has a lot of work to do to make our state more friendly to families and job creators.

Minnesota has a $17.5 billion surplus. A surplus of this magnitude shows that government is taking too many of your hard-earned tax dollars. We must return this historic surplus to our families in the form of permanent, meaningful tax cuts including a full elimination of the tax on social security.

As you may know, the Governor is proposing a mix of tax increases, rebate checks, various

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“credits,” a partial elimination of the tax on social security, and fee increases. I strongly believe we should not be increasing taxes or failing to provide a full elimination of the social security tax when we have a $17.5 billion surplus.

Republicans recently released our own “Give It Back” tax plan which provides $13 billion in permanent tax cuts and one-time rebates.

Here is what we included in the proposal:

• One-time rebate checks using $5 billion of the state’s surplus funds and $3.5 billion for a onetime child tax credit available for two years. The checks are estimated to be $1,250 for single filers, and $2,500 for joint filers.

• Full elimination of the tax on Social Security for a cost of $1.26 billion to provide 472,902 Minnesotans with an average tax reduction of $1,277.

• $3 billion in permanent income tax relief by reducing both the first and second tier rates by 1% each to 4.35% and 5.8%, respectively. Minnesota currently has the second highest starting tax rates in the entire nation, levying a minimum 5.35% tax for the lowest earners. These reforms would provide tax relief to working Minnesotans who can least afford the current rates.

• An adjustment of the homestead market value exclusion,

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which would give $35 million a year in relief.

Now is the time to provide our families with permanent and meaningful tax relief, which is needed when budgets are stretched thin by rising costs of gas, groceries, and energy bills. I hope by the end of session we have provided all Minnesotans with this much needed relief.

I am also pleased to report that I was able to secure additional funding for the trail around White Bear Lake. The project was included in the bonding bill which passed the House at the beginning of March. The Lake Links Trail is an important part of our community, and I am happy that we are one step closer to finishing this project.

I am always here to listen to your concerns and assist in any way I can. Feel free to reach out to me at rep.patti.anderson@ house.mn.gov or by calling me at 651-296-3018. If you are ever in St. Paul, please stop by my office! I look forward to hearing from you as we work this session to return the surplus and support our local community.

Patti Anderson is the Minnesota House Representative for District 33A.

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Meet Lola Marie, a happy, fun and energetic young lady, who is full of affection and sloppy kisses. Lola is a 2-yearold pit bull terrier mix. She likes everyone she meets, is social with other dogs, and loves to play with any dog who will play with her. In fact, she would do very well in a home with another social, active dog. Lola arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local shelter. She weighs about 60 pounds, knows her basic commands and is house-trained. Having a fenced yard isn’t required, but would suit Lola very well. She would enjoy having a place where she could be let out to run and play. When she’s not playing, Lola enjoys curling up and cuddling on the couch with her favorite people. Lola is anxiously awaiting a semiactive family who will love her and welcome her into their family. She has a lot of love and joy to give in return. If you are interested in learning more about Lola Marie 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.

SCHOOL BRIEF

DARE program, North Star Elementary

April 1-2, 2023 Saturday: 8-5 • Sunday: 9-3 Admission: $5 • Children 12 and under: Free The 40th Annual Gun Show is held at Pine Technical and Community College in Pine City, Minnesota and hosted by the PTCC Outdoors Club. All federal, state and local firearm ordinances and aws must be obeyed Questions? Contact Christopher Keeler at christopher.keeler@pine.edu GUN SHOW Pine Technical & Community College (cash only please) 768710

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 761757

Webinar covers loons, bird feedings

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to tune in to an upcoming webinar that features discussions about loons and backyard

bird feeding Wednesday, March 29. Lori Naumann, nongame wildlife outreach specialist with the DNR, will discuss bird feeding best practices, actions people can take to benefit birds and tips for attracting different birds to feeders. The webinar is part of the

DNR’s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. The webinar is free, but registration is required. More information is available online at mndnr.gov/discover.

WILDLIFE REHAB: New Grant campus will become animal nursery

FROM PAGE 1

summer months, and those are orphaned uninjured baby animals,” Jenni said. “They require a lot of care for a long time, but not medical care. All they need is husbandry, and increasingly more space as they grow larger. It’s one thing to have a baby fox, but by the time it gets to be an adult fox it needs quite a bit of space. It needs to wild up.”

To help with the overflow, the WRC purchased a 22-acre farm on Jamaca Avenue with the intent of transforming it into a second animal care facility. A 19th-century farmhouse and several dilapidated outbuildings currently stand on the property, but these will be torn down, and their fieldstone foundations will be incorporated into a new 25,000-square foot structure specifically designed for the care and keeping of young animals.

This rehabilitation campus will have a variety of outdoor caging, including

If you find an injured wild animal (adult or infant), bring it to WRC during operating hours (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day of the year); no need to call first. During baby season, the WRC can help determine whether or not the baby animal needs to be brought to rehabilitation, so call before bringing in the young animal: 651-486-9453. Leave a message if staff cannot answer the phone; someone will call back within the hour.

Found a baby squirrel?

If you accidentally cut down a tree or branch containing

in-ground pools for waterfowl. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability in its construction, Jenni said. Clean water is particularly important.

“We use a lot of water and it’s not very clean when it comes out,” Jenni said. The facility will have a lot of pools that need to be constantly filtrated. The goal is to make this water use as efficient as possible, recycling millions of gallons of water so that the water does not go back into the ground. The facility will

a nest of squirrels, place the entire nest (or just the squirrels if nest was destroyed) at the base of the stump/tree as soon as your trimming activity has ended. Give the mother squirrel time and space to move her babies (keep away from the area, keep children and dogs away, etc.). Squirrels are industrious and keep a few fully-constructed nests in the area. The mother will most likely move the family one at a time to another tree.

You might find baby squirrels laying on the ground with no obvious injuries. If you see

also use a rain collection system.

“We won’t really be putting any pressure on the water supply,” Jenni said. “That’s a really big deal out there.”

Jenni said that the building will also use geothermal heating and cooling to maximize energy efficiency. “We think we’ll probably qualify for $1 million incentive through the new Inflation Reduction Act incentives,” he said. “It will really be a very leading-edge building.”

Unlike the Roseville location, this facility will not be open to the public. For an animal preparing to return to a wild life, the less interaction with humans, the better. The Roseville campus will remain the location for animal intake and assessment.

The WRC has been running limited operations at the Grant location since it was purchased in 2019, but the capacity will expand dramatically once

no sign of bruising or other injuries, and they are warm and dry, they should be left where they are. Giving mom a chance to retrieve her babies is important to keeping wild families together.

Any squirrels on the ground should be gently picked up and set on an old t-shirt or fleece (tiny squirrel toes can get caught on towels) to keep them off the cold ground. Place two activated hand warmers underneath the fabric. This will provide necessary warmth to the young squirrels. Do not cover the squirrels.

its able to take its next steps toward construction. Currently, the center is working on getting all the bureaucratic formalities with the watershed district, Department of Natural Resources, Washington County and other local stakeholders out of the way.

For those wondering, animals ready for release will not be turned loose from the Grant location. WRC staff work as best as they can to return animals to the appropriate habitat, where there are enough resources to support them and far enough away from humans where they won’t get into too much trouble.

“It’s a pretty quiet operation,” Jenni said. “We fit right into the community. The mayor was quoted saying we’d been good neighbors, and we hope to continue that.”

Learn more about the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at www.wrcmn. org.

If for any reason baby squirrels are still laying on the ground after four hours, or it is after 4:30 p.m., bring them to WRC.

If you cannot get to WRC before close at 6 p.m., bring the squirrels in at dusk and keep them contained and warm overnight. Set up a shoebox with air holes, line it with old t-shirt or fleece, put half the box on a heating pad set to low, and tape the lid shut. It is critical to not give baby squirrels any food or liquids to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Doors are open from 10 a.m.-6

‘It’s one thing to have a baby fox, but by the time it gets to be an adult fox it needs quite a bit of space. It needs to wild up.’

Phil Jenni Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

COPS

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

• A motorist was pulled over and summarily stripped of his vehicle’s license plates at 8:33 p.m. Feb. 10 in the area of Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road after deputies on routine patrol found the vehicle’s plates to be flagged for impound.

Deputies did help the driver coordinate a tow with Dan’s Towing, however.

• An unidentified motorist was arrested for DWI at 9:27 p.m. Feb. 10 in the 7000 block of 157th Street N. after deputies on routine patrol came across a vehicle in the trees with its airbags deployed. After suspecting its driver of DWI, deputies transported the motorist to the law enforcement center.

• Deputies on expired registration patrol throughout the city on Feb. 12 issued three citations to Minnesota drivers for this offense: at 10:15 a.m. in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 142nd Street N. for August tabs; at 12:18 p.m. in the

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5000 block of Freeland Court N. for November tabs; and at 12:34 p.m. on Forest Blvd. N. and 134th Street N. for July tabs.

• Deputies arrested a person at 11:07 a.m. Feb. 13 in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. on a Carver County Sheriff’s Office warrant for gross misdemeanor DWI.

• A Minnesota vehicle owner was cited at 7:47 a.m. Feb. 13 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 141st Street N. for displaying license plate tabs that expired in December.

• An animal owner in the 7000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. was cited at 5:24 p.m. Feb. 15 for violating one of the city’s animal control ordinances.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:14 p.m. Feb. 16 in the area of Everton Avenue N. and Frenchman Road for displaying tabs that expired in April 2022 and failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs. The driver told deputies that the vehicle was recently purchased from a family member and offered an expired insurance card. Deputies released the driver, but not the vehicle, which was to remain parked until insurance on the vehicle was brought up to date.

• The driver of a black SUV was cited at 4:23 p.m. Feb. 17 on Highway 61 and 137th Street N. for driving after revocation and for failure to provide current proof of insurance after deputies observed the woman, who was known to them for being revoked, leaving a gas station and driving away. The driver admitted to knowing she was revoked and for not having any insurance on her vehicle for two months. A computer check

confirmed her revoked status as well as a conviction for no insurance.

• Residents in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. at 1:59 a.m. Feb. 18 reported their neighbors for messing with packages that had been delivered.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:13 p.m. Feb. 18 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for failure to display current registration, after deputies on patrol observed the vehicle displaying tabs that expired in August 2021. A routine traffic stop computer check of the subject’s driver’s license showed not only the driver’s tabs in an expired state, but also previous insurance and registration violations.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 10:42 a.m. Feb. 19 issued a written warning to a motorist in the area of 137th Street N. and Egg Lake Road N. for displaying expired registration.

• Theft was reported at 8:25 a.m. Feb. 20 in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. Theft was also reported at 10:17 a.m. Feb. 20 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

• A garbage truck was reported stuck in a snowbank in the 8000 block of 157th Street N. at 9:14 a.m. Feb. 20. Deputies blocked traffic while the industrial tow truck pulled out the stuck truck.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 4:31 p.m. Feb. 20 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for failing to yield the right of way, after deputies stopped at the red light at 147th Street and Forest Blvd. N. observed her accelerating through the intersection to turn without the green arrow and almost hit another vehicle that had the right of way to go straight through the intersection. Although the driver initially stated she slid through her turn due to the snowy road conditions, she later admitted to accelerating and later realizing she didn’t have the right of way.

• A dispute was reported at 7:17 a.m. Feb. 21 in the 12000 block of Keller Avenue N. during which a female used a hammer to threaten another female.

• Residents in the 14000 block of Hyde Avenue N. at 2:00 p.m. Feb. 21 reported their mailbox damaged after being struck by a vehicle.

&COURTS

Although the complainants had a suspect in mind, that suspect denied any involvement with the incident.

• A business in the 5000 block of 148th Street N. at 2:29 p.m. Feb. 22 reported an unknown individual for driving to the west fence, getting out of a vehicle and cutting the fence twice before being scared off by a floodlight. The complainant stated that the suspect was probably planning to steal a catalytic converter.

• Residents in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. at 10:05 a.m. Feb. 23 reported a check stolen from the outgoing mail forged and cashed. Suspect information was obtained from the check.

• A snowmobile, the value of which was set at $200, was reported stolen at 11:06 a.m. Feb. 23 from the 5000 block of 134th Street N.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 146th Street N. at 6:55 p.m. Feb. 23 reported having a verbal altercation with snow removal contractors plowing snow from the neighboring nursing home and placing it in his yard. Deputies arriving on scene observed the plow marks, snow pile and resulting traffic hazard, before trying to contact the nursing home and snow removal contractor. Deputies asked the nursing home to keep their snow on nursing home property to prevent a traffic hazard and escalation of the dispute.

• Residents in the 12000 block of Falcon Court N. at 1:29 p.m. Feb. 24 reported receiving a suspicious text message containing a bill for The Urgency Room. The complainant suffered no financial loss at the time of the report.

• Residents in the 17000 block of Greystone Avenue N. at 1:00 p.m. Feb. 25 reported losing $49,700 to an internet ransom scam.

• Snowmobile operators were reported sledding off the trail and onto private property in the 5000 block of 170th Street N. at 1:36 p.m. Feb. 25.

• A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 4:36 p.m. Feb. 25 reported shoplifting as seen on surveillance video. The business wanted only to have a trespass notice issued without pressing any charges.

• An intoxicated Hugo resident at an undisclosed location at 6:39 p.m. Feb. 25 reported that the relationship with his wife was not going well and requested information on how to separate. Deputies advised the complainant that divorce was a civil matter and gave him the Washington County crisis hotline number.

Loretta Harding

WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING

UPPER MIDWEST SCUBA AND TRAVEL SHOW

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 25

Where: Mermaid Event Center, 2200 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View

Details: Event features speakers on Great Lakes shipwrecks, a 3-D shipwrecks virtual reality booth, exhibitors, and award lunch.

Registration information online.

Contact: umsatshow.org

NOODLES FOR NORTHWOODS

When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25

Where: Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave.

Details: Fundraiser for Northwoods Humane Society includes pasta dinner, silent auction, wine pull and raffles. Dinner portion of event requires advance ticket purchase.

Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs. org/fundraising-events/noodles-fornorthwoods-2

VIETNAM VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26

Where: American Legion Post #225, 355 West Broadway, Forest Lake

Details: Public event to honor Vietnam

Veterans. Contact: post225.com

LAKESHORE QUILTER'S GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 28

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Members will present information on “Three-Yard Quilts” and “The Sisters Oregon Quilt Show.” Enjoy a slideshow of the largest outdoor

CONTRIBUTED

quilt show in the world, held annually on the second Saturday of July. Contact: quiltshopcoop.com

AN INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29

Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.

Details: Guest speaker is Brian Anderson, a local engineer who has transitioned to 100% electric transportation. EV's will be on display in the parking lot at 6 p.m.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA03

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31; 1 & 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 1; Senior preview 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 29

Where: Centennial Middle School auditorium

Details: Performance by middle school students. See ticket information online. Contact: centennialtheatre.org/thewizard-of-oz/

HOME LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN FAIR

When: 8:20 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Saturday, April 1

Where: Bunker Hills Activities Center, Andover

Details: Community event hosted by Anoka County Master Gardeners features educational and hands-on classes and workshops, speakers, vendor booths and resource fair. Optional lunch available. Registration required; walk-ins accepted at higher cost. Class sizes limited. Contact: z.umn.edu/2023HLGF or anokamastergardeners.org

Lino Lakes skater Myers holds 3 U.S. records after world tour

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Greta Myers, speed skater from Lino Lakes, emerged as one of the top-ranked junior skaters in the world, and as America’s best with three national records, after the 2022-23 Senior and Junior World Cup Tours.

As the youngest of 14 skaters (seven men, seven women) on of the American senior team, Myers competed in Norway, The Netherlands, Canada, Poland and U.S. events in Milwaukee in January and the finale, the American Cup Finals in March in Salt Lake City.

“My long term goals are to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Team, and to win World Cup and Olympic medals,” said Myers, who got her start with Midway Speedskating Club of Roseville.

Myers, who will turn 19 in May, finished first in season points for Juniors with 159,815, followed by Jade Groenewoud of The Netherlands (164,820),

Aurora Lovas of Norway (167,150), Lotte Groenen of The Netherlands (168,354) and Kang Soo-Min of Korea (168,518). The next American is Thalia Staehle in 10th place.

Myers posted personal best times this season in all four of her distances — 38.75 in the 500 meters, 1:16.09 in the 1000, 1:58.11 in the 1500, 4:12.64 in the 3000, and 7:16.50 in the 5000 — and the first three of those are national junior records.

In the season-ending American Cup at Salt Lake City, March 10-12, Myers won the 1000, 1500 and 3000 races and placed second in the 500. She was the only skater with multiple golds.

After that meet, she got to come home for a while.

“I trained out of Milwaukee for most of this past season,” she said. “My home is in Lino Lakes, but I have been on the road competing and training since August and this is the first I have been home since then.”

Asked about goals, she said,

“My goals for the next upcoming season are to continue improving my skating technique and times, and to qualify for the Senior World Cup Championships.”

Myers set the 1000 and 1500 records Oct. 22-23 in the fall World Cup qualifier, placing fourth and third, respectively. She was also second in the 3000

and 5000. As the top junior female in all of those distances, she earned a spot on the 2023 Junior World Team, while also qualifying for Senior World Cup tour with Team USA.

One highlight on the Junior World Tour for Myers was becoming the first American woman in 20 years to earn a podium finish in the women’s

All-Around while placing second at the Junior World Cup on February 10-12 in Inzell, Germany, behind Angel Daleman of The Netherlands. She placed fifth in the 500, third in the 1500, third in the 1000 and sixth in the 3000.

Another highlight, on the Senior World Tour, was placing third in the B Division in the 1000 meters at World Cup six in Poland on Feb. 19.

Myers has attended Hand in Hand Montessori, Concordia Academy and Gentry Academy. She was a varsity hockey player in ninth grade with Roseville/Concordia before leaving the team in mid-season to pursue speed skating. She is currently finishing her senior year online with Gentry Academy.

“I am planning on attending college next year,” Myers said, “but am undecided whether I will join the national team in Utah and go to school out there, or continue my training and education in Milwaukee.”

Bears nip East Ridge for first state trip in 23 years

p.m. Thursday, with finals Saturday, 8 p.m. Consolation games will be 10 a.m. and noon Wednesday.

Jack Janicki led the No. 11 ranked Bears past the No. 6 ranked Raptors with 23 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Wyatt Hawks sank two clinching free shots and totaled 11 points and nine rebounds. Jeremy Kolb notched nine points, Jack Misgen eight points and six rebounds, and Sawyer Collins and Zach Nelson three points each.

In the other seven sections, all the No. 1 seeds won. “We were the only exception,” said Burke, cheerily.

East Ridge (22-7) beat the Bears 60-55 an 75-63 in conference play, thus the top seed. The Bears edged No. 3 Stillwater 52-50 in the semifinals.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake has a state tournament boys basketball team for the first time since 2000. The Bears edged top-seeded East Ridge 57-55 for the Section 4AAAA championship at Hastings to advance to the big show.

“It was a great night. What a fun game,” said coach Gregory Burke. “This group has played together since childhood. It’s great for them. Great for the community, too. It’s been a long time.

We’ve seen the hockey teams and girls basketball get to state, and now we have a boys team going. I think the girls last year, placing third in the state, really motivated the guys.”

The Bears (21-7) faced No. 3 seed Wayzata in the state tournament Tuesday at Target Center. See results online at presspubs.com.

In the same bracket were No. 2 Lakeville North vs. Buffalo. In the other bracket were No. 1 Park Center vs. Andover and No. 4 Minnetonka vs. No. 5 Eastview. Semifinals will be 6 and 8

“We felt like we didn’t give our best shot the first two times we played East Ridge,” Janicki said. “It was less about them and more about us, doing the little things right and staying positive.”

This was the biggest game of their lives after growing and playing together for many years. “Our mindset was to just go out and compete,” Janicki said. “Enjoy the moment, and stay even-keeled through good and bad. We knew we had a really good chance at doing something special the whole year.”

It was close all the way. East Ridge had three players with 14 points each: Alex Mattes, Parker Wellmann, and Charlie Bern.

The Bears took a seven-point lead. The Raptors surged within 55-53 in the final minute. The Bears missed a free shot with 10 seconds left but Hawks snagged the rebound, got fouled, and hit both free shots for a 57-53 lead. The Raptors got their last basket just before the buzzer.

“It was nerve-wracking, but we had the lead, and my coach and teammates had confidence in me,” said Hawks, who’s made about two-thirds of his freebies for the season. “I just went up and made the shots.”

The availability of the 6-foot-8 Hawks was crucial for the Bears, after an illness sidelined him for the first section game and limited his time in the second game.

“We never directly found out what (the illness) was,” Hawks said. “I had to take a week off to not give it to my teammates. I was over the sickness, but my endurance was still a little off. I had to sub out more often. I was really tired against Stillwater. It was better against East Ridge.”

White Bear Lake had not won more than one playoff game since 2000, usually losing in the first round. They did get one playoff win last year. So, advancing to state after 23 years is something to savor.

“It’s very exciting,” Hawks said. “We’ve all been friends forever and always working for this opportunity. It’s a great feeling.”

Janicki said he’ll be “excited to see the White Bear Lake community in downtown Minneapolis” rooting for the Bears.

USA SKATING | CONTRIBUTED

Greta Myers, 18, in action with Team USA on the 2022-23 world tour.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Jack Janicki held the section trophy aloft while the Bears and their schoolmates celebrated.

LISA SIDDONS | CONTRIBUTED

Wyatt Hawks sank two free throws with 10 seconds left to give the Bears a four-point lead.

Upcoming events:

Northern Lights

Community Reception

Thursday, March 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the artwork of the artists featured in the 49th Annual Northern Lights Juried Art exhibition. Hear from the judges and stay for the award ceremony starting at 7 p.m.

By Nicky Torkzadeh

Go Figure! SelfDirected Life Drawing

Studio

4 Thursdays, April 6-27, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Have you always wanted to try life drawing? Are you looking for a regular session to get some figure drawing practice in? Try Go Figure, a life drawing class offered by WBCA. For 3 hours every Thursday, you’ll have time for a student-led experience of like-minded artists studying the human form in poses ranging from 3 to 30 minutes.

Beginning/ Intermediate

Handbuilding

4 Wednesdays, April 5-26, 6-8:30 p.m.

Looking for fun, freedom and flexibility in clay?

Explore the three ceramic techniques of handbuilding: pinch, slab, and coil building and an understanding of the handbuilding process from start to finish.

There’s a New Bear in Town

Robin Tost is a renowned artist and sculptor who currently resides in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, and grew up right here in White Bear Lake. Her work reuses found objects and pieces of metal, giving new life to these discarded pieces.

Tost is loaning one of her metal sculptures Spirit Bear, also affectionately known as Ursula Major, to White Bear Center for the Arts, which will be displayed temporarily at the art center. For Tost, the process of creating Spirit Bear was inspired by her connection with bears. “I’ve always liked bears,” she said. “I grew up on White Bear Lake, and there are lots of them around where I now live. Occasionally they spend time at my house, destroying my bird feeders and cooling off in my

tiny pond.”

“Ursula Major started when I was flat on my back, recovering from ankle surgery,” Tost said. “I was going crazy with nothing to do,” so she made a small bear out of wadded-up newspaper and masking tape. She took this model to her blacksmith friend who made the frame out of steel rods. Tost then covered this frame with her metal quilting. “This was the first truly round 3-dimensional thing I’d made, and it turned out that every

single piece of the quilting needed its own paper template.”

To ‘sew’ the metal squares on, she poked wire through drilled holes back and forth for every single stitch. “I spent a lot of time with my head inside her frame,” she said.

The sculpture is inspired by spirit bears, which are a rare subspecies of black bear found in British Columbia, and which have white fur.

“I was taken by the fact that they’re genetically the same as my local black bears,” Tost said. “I started thinking about bears in mythologies and lore. They are ubiquitous, often seen as teachers and keepers of knowledge.” You can find Spirit Bear now on display in the atrium of White Bear Center for the Arts, so stop in and say hello!

Imagine Art Youth Summer Camp has a Fresh Format

This June through August, White Bear Center for the Arts is offering youth art programs known as “Imagine Art.” These classes, taught by local professional artists, are for all students in grades 2-12.

and so much more. Brand new Intergenerational Fridays finish off every Imagine Art camp week, with hands-on projects, storytelling, movement, and art gallery-themed activities for kids and their families. For students in grades 9-12, WBCA is offering teen pottery classes throughout the summer with classes like Luminary Forms and Character Sculptures, among others, for a fun summer full of clay.

“My son has benefited tremendously from Imagine Art classes at WBCA,” parent Amber Guetebier said. “Every summer, they are a creative touchpoint for him to express himself and be exposed to new points of view, artistic and otherwise. His uniqueness is celebrated, something every kid should have a chance to be part of.”

Learn more and register for these classes at whitebeararts.org

Students can take week-long camps, offered as either full or half days Monday through Thursday, and explore painting, sculpture, writing, the outdoors,

WBCA is excited and fortunate to be a part of the Minnesota Summer Academic Enrichment Program (SAEP) for a second year, offered

through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. This program provides stipends to cover the cost of tuition for low-income students in grades 3-11 to attend Imagine Art summer classes for youth. Any family that qualifies for free/ reduced lunch, or is able to demonstrate the State standards of financial eligibility, may receive up to $1000 in Imagine Art scholarships.

Alternatively to the state program, WBCA is able to offer up to three scholarships per student over the summer for anyone who needs them. Critical philanthropic support from the Joan and Oliver Washburn Family Fund as well as the estate of Diane Roth ensured Imagine Art remained accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Find more information and browse Imagine Art classes go to WhiteBearArts.org/imagine-art.

“Ursula Major”

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Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any

City of Hugo Position Vacancy Notice

SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS POSITION.

The City of Hugo is currently accepting applications for a seasonal public works employee. This position is responsible for assisting the public works department in a wide variety of tasks including: park, street and utilities maintenance. This position will exist from May through September and will not exceed 40 hours per week. The rate of pay is $16 per hour. Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Applications are available at City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Av. N., Hugo, MN 55038, 651-762-6301 or on the City’s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Applications must be completed and returned to City Hall by 4:00 p.m., March 24, 2023.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Emma Walsh Centennial Girls Basketball

Emma Walsh, Centennial basketball guard, closed her career on a high note, playing in the state tournament and notching 27 points in three games to help the Cougars go 2-1 and place fifth. The quick 5-foot-9 senior averaged 7.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals for the season and made 24 three-pointers. “Emma brings us additional speed in the back court. She has an ability to get to the rim, and extend the defense with her 3-point shooting,” said coach Jamie Sobolik, adding that she was also one of the team leaders in pre-season, organizing participation in an acceleration program.

“Your Financial Partner”

4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com | 651-429-4531

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

SEASONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $16.00/hr. to $18.00/ hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at HYPERLINK "http://www.ci.mahtomedi.mm.us" www. ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Publications

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKERS POSITIONS

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary range from $14.00 /hour to $18.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday –Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org.

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING

A Staff Writer

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

NOW HIRING DRIVERS

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4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

SCHOOLHOUSE: Community works together

FROM PAGE 1

The committee envisions five major uses for the site: historical displays, education displays, community engagement and leadership programs, a meeting space and a significant stop along the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.

But it takes more than a strong interest in history and community to get a big project like this one done. Doug Amundson and his son DJ Amundson are the owners of Precise Exteriors, a roofing and siding business that provided some muchneeded repairs at Cinqueonce’s home. She asked whether the pair would have an interest in restoring the schoolhouse’s roof, and the answer was a resounding yes.

“It’s history, that’s why I want to get involved,” Amundson said. “This is my community. It’s very important to get that done, and the city agreed and allowed them to take the next steps. It shouldn’t be demolished. Originally the city was thinking it would take a million and a half dollars to get this done; I kind of laughed because I know what things cost.”

Amundson and his team got to work last fall to make the roof temporarily watertight using heavy-duty tarps. Their next project, once the winter weather has relented, will be to fully redo the roof, using materials that match the ones already existing on the schoolhouse as closely as possible. What’s more, they did the project at no cost other than materials, and have offered to do the same for the permanent roofing.

The schoolhouse also has a brick chimney that has seen better days—at some point, it was struck by lightning, scattering bricks everywhere. Amundson reached out to Rusty Pastorius, owner of Sealant Technicians, who would have the know-how to fix up the chimney.

Pastorius and his son Zach, both longtime residents of Hugo, have also offered their services free of labor charges.

Pastorius has previously worked for the city of Hugo, and remembers being called to board up the schoolhouse at times when mischievous kids would break in.

“It’s a cool old place, and I thought it would be really neat if they saved it,” he said. “It’s good to see somebody’s interested in preserving some of Hugo. All the old icon buildings I grew up with have disappeared off the map. There’s nothing left downtown anymore. It’s good to see something staying that we can preserve.”

Cinqueonce has also made connections with Northern Bedrock Group, an organization that trains youth in historic restoration and preservation. This organization will be doing an onsite assessment to choose a feature of the schoolhouse suitable for them to work on in the near future.

“There’s a really cool herringbone soffit underneath the roof, and it’s a unique pattern and that’s not work that Rusty or Doug does,” Cinqueonce said. “One of the roadblocks now is the snow. We need to get up there and continue working on the assessments for the next steps.”

At the same time, the group will be working on a fundraising effort, trying to increase awareness of the restoration and gather community support in whatever ways they can. There will be an outdoor community cleanup day coming up this spring, once the weather is a little nicer.

The project is meaningful to many in the community who want to see Hugo’s history preserved and protected.

“I think just in general in Hugo we don’t really have very much like history and heritage of the area,” Cinqueonce said. “Every community

should have something reflects the past. It’s important and what we do today really does matter down the line. As soon as we can get actual improvements done at the site, it’ll make it more real for the community.”

She also expressed gratitude for the generous attitude of the community, and the resourcefulness of its people.

“It’s a snowball,” she said. “The only reason we connected with Rusty is because Doug knew Rusty. Everybody knows somebody. I know the figures that came out of the assessment were really large, but if we take a ‘stone soup’ approach to it, we can do it for a lot less than projected because of the generosity of businesses and community members.”

Learn more about the historic schoolhouse at https:// hopkinsschoolhouse.org.

WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEFS

Schaefer receives 30 Under 30 designation

Connor Schaefer, senior planner for Washington County Public Works, was recently named by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as a 30 Under 30 winner.

Parks & Recreation magazine’s 30 Under 30 honors young park and recreation professionals who are making profound impacts in their communities and the field of parks and recreation.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners congratulated Schaefer on his award at its meeting March 7. He has been with Washington County since 2016, and over the years has been the primary planner working with the county’s parks division. S

The magazine noted that Schaefer leads projects to improve Washington County’s growing park and trail system, including master plans, policy initiatives and project funding. Schaefer also works to connect communities of underrepresented populations, specifically people of color, first-generation immigrants, people with disabilities, low-income community members, and adults ages 65 and older by tailoring engagement strategies to meet the needs and goals of the project and community. He also designed a new funding approach to help park agencies address equity issues in parks and trail systems. Award winners are selected based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Impact on the agency’s community and service population.

• Contributions to the professional development of the field of parks and recreation.

• Innovative ideas, programs or research in the field of parks and recreation.

SEE WASHINGTON COUNTY BRIEFS, PAGE 15

Ukrainian medical professionals visit White Bear Lake

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — In the cluttered lab deep in the heart of Century College, an “I Stand With Ukraine” sticker adorns a red toolbox as a delegation of Ukrainian visitors gathers around an odd assortment of brightly colored prosthetic limbs. Century professor Joanna Kenton answers questions as a translator follows her words a beat later in Ukrainian.

These five Ukrainian delegates serve essential roles in Ukraine as the nation’s war with Russia enters its second year. This exchange was made possible through the Open World program organized by the Congressional Office of International Leadership (COIL) and Global Minnesota. Normally, these international exchanges are not so dire. But the conditions have made this program into a stepping stone for Ukrainians and Americans who want to do their all to care for those most impacted by the brutality of war.

“Knowing each other on a human level a bit more not only creates learning, but it creates the possibility for innovation and creates the possibility for all of us as a globe to get along a little bit better and support each other,” said Global Minnesota President Phillip Hansen.

The delegation of five included experts on prosthetics and physical therapy as well as health care policymakers. The group included Olena Kulchytska, advisor to the Minister of Social Policy; Yurii Melnyk, physical therapist; Oleksandr Popenko, technologist and prosthetics engineer; Olha Shchehliuk, senior resident of the Rehabilitation Department for Patients with Amputat-

ed Limbs; and Iryna Tkach, prosthetist and orthotist technician.

Members of the White Bear Lake Rotary Club hosted the delegates during their stay. Each delegate was invited to share some of their experiences at the Rotary Club meeting.

Melnyk described his patient load increasing from 7-8 people a day to 20 or 30. Shchehliuk described the experience of working as a physician in a military hospital as the occupation set in—in her hospital, a baby was delivered during the bombing and shooting by Russian forces. The hospital was destroyed, and the medical staff had to redistribute to other places where they were needed.

“That’s why we are here. We have a lot of experience, but we want to be better for our patients,” Schchehliuk said.

Russian attacks have targeted many hospitals and medical facilities in Ukraine as a brutal military tactic to weaken morale and display ruthlessness. Thousands of civilians have suffered and been killed since the war began.

“This country is constantly bombarding our cities, they target civilians, they use genocide against people in my country,” Tkach said with the aid of an interpreter. “This is what we have to go through right now. Ukraine currently is fighting not just for its own future but for the future of the entire civilized world. It’s the 21st century, and anti-vessel rockets are not supposed to target civilian houses.”

Each delegate expressed their gratitude for the hospitality of the Rotarians and Minnesotans who have hosted and supported them, and to the many professionals willing to share an open exchange of knowledge. Tkach said

through an interpreter that it is a great pleasure to see Ukrainian flags on the houses of Americans.

During their stay, the delegates were able to connect with Dr. Yakov Gradinar, a former Ukrainian who now lives in the Twin Cities and has started the Protez Foundation, an organization that serves Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the war.

“The Ukrainian system is overwhelmed right now,” Gradinar said. “It’s very important for us to help as much as we can and bring people over to show them our support and remind our Americans that war is going on. We cannot forget to support and help as much as we can.”

The White Bear Lake Rotary has hosted homestay guests before through this program, but until now, all of the guests were from Russia. It is a strange twist of fate how the tides have turned—Rotarian Greg Bartz commented on how strange it is to have friends still in Russia while the war rages on.

Century College was an important stop for the group, as it is one of only 12 colleges in the U.S. that have a robust prosthetics and orthotics program. The delegates toured the department and met with faculty and students, asking questions in a mix of English and Ukrainian and taking many photos.

During their stay, the delegates also made connections with some of the other premiere medical facilities in Minnesota. In addition to Century College, they were scheduled to see the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the Limb Lab and Wiggle Your Toes in the Twin Cities and NovaCare Rehabilitation in Crystal.

The hope is that the lines of commu-

nication will remain open between these world-class professionals, and that the open exchange will promote progress as both nations fight toward a brighter future.

CONTRIBUTED

The roof and chimney which show damage from a lightning strike, will be the first improvements on the schoolshouse.

The Ukrainian delegates share their experiences with the White Bear Lake Rotary club.

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Century College professor Joanna Kenton gives the delegates a tour of the fabrication lab.

County will receive funds for community-based mental health care

Washington County will receive $265,157 from the federal government to enhance home and communitybased services for those with mental illness after the county board accepted the grant March 14. The money will be used to pay a dedicated adult mental health coordinator and to purchase a vehicle that will be used to help individuals access services.

The money is to be used to build community-based mental health service infrastructure that responds to the unique needs and circumstances of the community. The funding is being allocated to adult mental health initiative regions by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to enhance, expand or strengthen the program. The grant will be used through March 31, 2024.

Sheriff’s Office receives grant

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive $20,000 from the Marathon Community Investment Programs for wellness initiatives, after the county board accepted the grant March 14.

The grant will fund psychoeducation for Sheriff’s Office staff that allows for individual meetings with

a clinician in a structured and protected way. The individual sessions will go over stressors of the job that are inherent with the risks associated with the law enforcement profession and provide resources to employees to mitigate and navigate the effects of high levels of stress.

Crack sealing in county set for 2023

Northwest Asphalt & Maintenance will perform crack sealing on various roadways within Washington County this summer after commissioners approved a $259,521 contract with the company March 14. The crack sealing will be done on approximately 32 miles of county roads throughout the county. Work is planned for May.

Crack sealing is maintenance that seals the cracks in road surfaces. This reduces the amount of water that can infiltrate the road base, which reduces freeze-thaw damage. Crack sealing is performed annually within the county.

Northern Environmental Center update

Washington County is building a second Environmental Center to make it easier for residents to reduce waste, reuse and recycle. The facility will be located in Forest Lake near the intersection of Headwaters Parkway and Highway 61. Services at the

center will include:

• Hazardous waste and electronics drop-off

• Self-serve recycling

• A free product room

• A co-located yard waste site

• Space for environmental education and activities

The county released a request for bids to acquire building materials in February and will begin construction later this year.

2023 Summer Camp Directory