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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 VOL. 19 NO. 7 www.readthecitizen.com $1.00

CENTERVILLE: Real estate prices and valuation rise PAGE 6

Study looks at accountability, transparency

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

PAUL DOLS | PRESSPUBLICATIONS

‘Elvis’ visits Good Life Senior Living Steve Rosa interacts with audience members during his costumed performance of Elvis Presley songs at Good Life Senior Living in Hugo. His performance was part of a back to the ‘50s themed day that also featured a diner-style lunch, activities and vintage fashions from the era. See more photos online at presspubs.com.

The Council of Metropolitan Area Leagues of Women Voters (CMAL) recently released an 111-page report that dives into how transparent county governments are in the seven-county metro area. Although there are some similarities, there are certainly differences in how things are done from county to county, the report concludes.

In 2020, CMAL voted to conduct a study that would focus on the visibility, accountability, civic engagement and intergovernmental relations of the seven counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington).

The study will assist CMAL’s member leagues in adopting a position on metroarea county governments. CMAL last evaluated the transparency of metro-area counties in 1975.

The study committee followed a two-part strategy. The first part consisted of reliance on county websites to develop answers to a list of questions concerning the visibility, accountability, civic engagement and intergovernmental relations of county government. The second part consisted of interviews with county officials and/or staff to answer the questions that could SEE STUDY, PAGE 14

Several local churches serve up the perfect fish fry Local churches are not about to give up the recipe to the perfect fish fry, but community members are welcome to stop by, try the fish for themselves and speculate as to why the Lenten Friday fish fry is so good.

In Hugo, the St. John’s Men’s Club is serving up the “World’s Greatest Fish Fry” with fresh Icelandic cod made to order at the Church of St. Genevieve.

“This is our 20th (year) of fish fries, and after a couple of them, we were able to find the best (fish) we could. We’ve gotten many compliments since,” said Men’s Club member Bill Courteau.

Courteau says the perfect fish fry means having the right cut of fish, but to get that crispy goodness,

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it all comes down to a special beer batter breading.

The men’s club has also installed three new fryers, which cook the fish extra fast so each serving is made to eat right away. That was about all Courteau could share without giving any cooking secrets away.

To complement the fish, the St. John’s Men’s Club is serving boiled baby red potatoes and french fries from a well-researched recipe that’s supposed to mimic McDonald’s fries. St. Genevieve’s will also have mac and cheese, coleslaw and hearty oatmeal raisin cookies to finish off the meal.

“It’s all picked to complement the fish,” said Courteau.

St. Genevieve’s fish fry will be from 5-8 p.m.

March 25, and April 1 and 8 at Fortin Hall, 14383 Forest Boulevard North in Hugo. Guests can choose to dine in, or pick up a meal to go.

SEE FISH FRY, PAGE 7

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MARCH 24, 2022

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Council receives updates on building activity, county

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The city’s building department continues to stay busy.

Every year, it is a tradition for each of the city’s departments to visit the City Council to update them on the previous year’s activities. Most recently, Community Development Assistant Emily Weber shared 2021 highlights.

Forty-five planning applications were submitted, including variances, conditional use permits, sketch plans, planned unit developments and more.

That number is slightly down from the record high of 55 applications in 2020.

Residential building permits remain at an alltime high, right on pace with 2020. There were 189 single-family home permits issued last year and 60 multifamily permits. (The 60 multifamily permits were issued for five of the Hugo Gardens buildings.

The project is now complete with seven buildings total.)

The median home price for a newly constructed single-family home in 2021 was $498,000. The median home price for previously owned homes was $325,000.

Building inspectors performed 6,310 inspections on new homes, structures, commercial/ industrial construction and other miscellaneous inspections in Hugo and Scandia. The city of Hugo had to hire an additional building inspector to keep up with demand.

As of February 2022, Weber said the city had 197 single-family lots and zero multifamily lots available for construction.

Residential projects in motion include: Rice Lake Reserve 2nd Addition; The Meadows at Hugo Oneka Place 5th Addition; Adelaide Landing 6th Addition; and Oneka Lake Townhomes. Coming down the pipeline will be Shores of Oneka Lake.

The city of Hugo has approximately 202,710 square feet of non-residential projects in motion, valued at $38,475,519. Projects include: Eagles Landing, a luxury storage-unit complex; Schwieters building no.

7; North Star Elementary School; the Hugo Public Works Facility; and Lions Park improvements. The city hopes that the downtown Hugo project (Denny Trooien) on Egg Lake will move forward.

Foreclosures have fluctuated slightly over the years, but have generally been declining since 2010.

There were only two foreclosures within the city in 2021.

Washington County update

Each year, District 1 County Commissioner Fran Miron visits the council to provide updates.

The county’s interim northern yard waste collection site in Hugo, which opened in 2019 on 170th Street N., continues to be successful. Miron explained the site’s operations have been extended through 2023 to allow time for the permanent site of the environmental center (which will accommodate yard waste) to be developed in Forest Lake.

The county’s food scraps drop-off program continues to be popular among residents. In 2021, the program collected 273,128 pounds of food scraps from residents.

A project that remains a top priority for the county is addressing a missing trail connection (at Fenway Boulevard and 130th Street to the south county line) along the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Miron explained that there is currently a feasibility study underway. Next steps will be to finalize design and develop cost estimates, he said, as well as to gain county board and council support.

The project is listed in the county’s 2022-26 capital improvement plan for 2026.

County residents should be prepared to see changes on their property taxes. Miron explained that the market value increase from 2022 to 2023 is estimated at 21.1%. The increase in median value for residential homes is expected at 20%. The value of new construction in Washington County is estimated to be $988.1 million in 2023.

“This change in residential value is increasing substantially, but it is also creating a shift in property taxes, because we are not seeing the same increases in industrial/commercial properties,” Miron explained. “What that means, then, (is) as the levies for the various taxing authorities get spread out, more of that is going to be placed on the values of residential homesteads, so we need to be cognizant of that. Even with a flat tax rate, homeowners are going to see some significant tax increases because of that shift in property tax that is occurring.”

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

This chart shows the breakdown of residential building permits issued over the last 10 years. There were 189 single family home permits issued last year and 60 multifamily permits.

This chart shows the total number of planning applications submitted within a year. In 2021, the city of Hugo had 45 total applications, which included variances, conditional use permits, sketch plans, planned unit developments and more.

This May, a one-year study for the Highway 61 corridor will launch. The study will update the strategic vision for the corridor through Hugo and Forest Lake and will plan for the jurisdictional transfer of the corridor from MnDOT to the county.

Miron said the process will include public engagement, and a consultant will be brought on board in the next month or so.

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

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HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • Deputies arrested an unidentified person on undisclosed charges at 2:25 a.m. Feb. 13 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. after a suspicious vehicle was observed at the Kwik Trip.

• Suspicious grinding noises and a suspicious male occupying a vehicle behind a barn in the 14000 block of Homestead Avenue N. were reported at 3:17 a.m.

Feb. 13 during a period of ongoing civil issues. The complainant was concerned that the male in the vehicle was allowed to be on the property and that the grinding noises were possibly caused by the theft of a catalytic converter. Deputies checked the shed and found that nothing, including a catalytic converter, appeared to be missing.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 3:50 p.m. Feb. 13 reported a license plate stolen, after being notified by a neighboring agency that the plate was used in a gas drive-off. The plate was not recovered, and it is unknown when or where the plate was stolen.

• A suspicious male associated with a previously reported incident was reported lurking around a business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 4:57 p.m. Feb. 13 and making staff feel uncomfortable.

• A vehicle involved with a telephone pole was reported at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the area of 130th Street N. and Goodview Avenue N. The entangled vehicle had left the scene by the time deputies arrived.

• A family elder in the 15000 block of Empress Avenue N. was reported at 10:04 p.m. Feb. 13 for making inappropriate comments on social media to the complainant’s son and young friend.

Deputies gave free counseling to the subject who was inexperienced in the ways of chat platforms about what constituted above-board communication.

• A wallet was reported left behind and possibly lost at 3:58 p.m. Feb. 14 near a business in the 13000 block of beginning 3/20/2022 Fenway Blvd. N. • A suspicious vehicle reported at 8:31 p.m. Feb. 14 parked outside a residence in the 5000 block of 129th Street N. turned out to be a suspicious vehicle that deputies dealt with one year earlier. The vehicle drove away as soon as deputies were summoned.

• A motor vehicle was reported stolen at 8:31 p.m. Feb. 15 from the 5000 block of 129th Street N. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:28 a.m. Feb. 16 on westbound Egg Lake Road N. and Foxhill Avenue N. for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone by eastbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted only to 40 mph.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 8:11 a.m. Feb. 17 in the area of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 41 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who

Metro

clocked him on radar. The driver closely identified his own speed to be 40 mph.

• After a cell phone was reported stolen at 5:32 p.m. Feb. 16, deputies tracked the phone to the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and prevailed upon the individual in possession of it to hand it over.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 1:12 p.m. Feb. 21 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. on an older model sedan with a windshield so significantly cracked that it obstructed the driver’s view. No citations were issued, however.

• A Minnesota woman was cited at 8:12 a.m. Feb. 22 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation after deputies conducted a computer check of a vehicle. The driver identified herself as the registered owner and admitted to not only knowing her license status had been revoked, but that she should not have been driving.

• Deputies assisting the Centennial Lake Police Department on issuing a warrant, possibly related to an unpaid parking ticket, at 3:35 p.m.

Feb. 23 on Frenchman Road declined to take the subject into custody on locating him. Instead, they advised the subject to take care of his parking ticket immediately.• A resident in the 5000 block of 143rd Court N. at 6:31 p.m. Feb. 23 reported the neighboring children for playing outside on her property.

• Deputies cited a motorist at 10:04 a.m. Feb. 24 in the area of Fenway Avenue N. and 125th Street N. for driving after revocation after performing a random license plate check on a vehicle. A quick check of the driver’s face showed him matching the photo description of the registered owner on file.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Evergreen Avenue N. at 8:29 a.m. Feb. 17 reported the other driver with whom he was involved in a December accident for calling him and threatening to come to his home. Although fault had not been established, the “other” driver told the complainant he was upset the complainant had told police he didn’t see his car before the accident. Deputies spoke to that other driver, who confirmed he called the complainant but never offered or threatened to go to the complainant’s house. Deputies advised the subject not to have any contact with the complainant.

To be on the safe side, deputies also advised the complainant to block the other party’s phone number and provided a case number.

• An unknown motorist was cited at 3:32 p.m. Feb. 17 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. for equipment violation.

• Deputies conducted two welfare checks, the first at 7:48 p.m. Feb. 17 in the 6000 block of 151st Street N. for noises in the basement and doors slamming, even though the complainant lived alone and wasn’t • A suspicious vehicle driven by a person who got out expecting anyone. The complainant got out of there to ring doorbells was reported at 9:23 p.m. Feb. 24 in and met deputies at a gas station. After deputies the 5000 block of 131st Court N. cleared the residence, the complainant returned home with peace of mind.

• At 10:38 a.m. Feb. 18, deputies took a report of mysterious footprints in the snow circumnavigating a residence in the 12000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. The complainant also reported the trespasser for looking into windows and trying the back door, resulting in a request for extra patrol.

• Threats between sisters in the 4000 block of Empress Way N. were reported at 3:49 p.m. Feb. 19.

• Deputies conducted a warrant arrest traffic stop in • An annoyed motorist was cited at 10:20 a.m. Feb. 19 which citations were also issued at 5:49 p.m. Feb. 25 in the area of Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway in the 6000 block of 150th Street N. N. for registration that expired in June, after being • A male was reported for going around the 5000 block pulled over for no front license plate. While alerting of 142nd Street N. at 6:11 p.m. Feb. 25, knocking on Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies that doors and soliciting.

MDAN tostop run TIME, beginning 3/20/2022 she foundads the traffic to beONE “so annoying,” the the •week Deputies reported finding two sisters in their subject provided them an expired insurance card driveway in the 4000 block of Valjean Blvd. N. at from 2020. She was, however, able to provide current midnight Feb. 26. One of the sisters was highly proof of insurance. intoxicated and not wearing any shoes and the • An elderly couple flagged down deputies on patrol other was trying to get her into the house. Deputies in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:40 a.m. assisted the sisters, but reported couldn’t identify Feb. 20 to alert them about an attempted email either of them: one was severely intoxicated and the scam. Although no financial loss occurred, deputies other had her hands full just trying to take care of advised the couple to closely monitor their finances her sister. and notify their email provider about possible • A motorist was arrested and cited for suspicion of phishing scams.

DWI at 11:14 p.m. Feb. 26 in the area of 120th Street • An eastbound motorist was cited at 10:43 a.m. Feb. N. and Forest Blvd. N. after deputies observed him 20 on Egg Lake Road N. and Goodview Avenue N. failing to maintain a single lane. The subject was for speeding 53 mph in a 35 mph zone by eastbound booked and released to a sober party with citation in deputies in their marked squad, who clocked him on hand.

MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the radar. As the driver admitted to going too fast, his attitude was described as “good.”

Loretta Harding

The driver admitted as much and that he knew he was revoked. His attitude was described as “very good.”

• A motor vehicle theft in progress was reported at 3:17 p.m. Feb. 25 in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. When deputies arrived on scene the vehicle was gone, and so was the reporter.

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we

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OPINION

THE CITIZEN

www.presspubs.com

MARCH 24, 2022

Spring break

W

ith two years of limited travel due to Covid behind us, my wife and I tag-teamed Spring Break this year and split up. Our daughter, Abbey, is a high school senior and our son, Kellen, is a freshman. Where did the time go? She and my daughter headed to Mexico along with more than 30 of her classmates and their families, while my son and I visited my parents in Florida. The airports were busy and TSA was hustling us through security. My new mode of travel is to carry everything in a backpack carry-on to reduce the overall travel time and wait in baggage claim.

We flew Sun Country down and Southwest back to get the best airfare. We heard about flight delays due to staff shortages and we in fact waited a few hours for our flight crew to arrive. All in all I was impressed with the crew and passengers. We have seen and heard the wild things taking place on airplanes, such as people refusing to follow policies and getting into fights. Maybe passengers are getting the drift that threats, violence and mischief won’t be tolerated and can result in them getting banned from the airline.

To think even when I was a kid it was considered a pure luxury to fly and people dressed up. Today many people hardly dress at all, wear flip flops or go bare foot, or wear pajamas. We have enjoyed flying the low cost airlines when it makes sense, however, we have also Publisher’s had experiences where it pays to fly with the larger carriers who offer more flight View options to get you to your destination when there are cancellations or delays.

Carter Johnson Direct flights are the best when you can do it. We’ve learned to always wear socks, and pack a few snacks, chewing gum, and an empty water bottle to refill after going through security.

A phone charger cord is a must and charging stations are now everywhere at the airports. We’ve found in-flight movies require either corded headphones or smartphone connected headphones and app. Remember to consider those around you when choosing a movie, as it can be embarrassing to watch something violent or racy. With Spring Break in full swing, remember to pack light, be patient, be thankful and have fun.

World’s best airports It’s nice that the Twin Cities has added an another airline. Allegiant Air is the 18th carrier serving MSP airport, which is a benefit. We can be thankful that MSP ranks as one of the nicest, cleanest airports around.

The shopping and restaurant options are great, too. It ranks in the top 10 of more than 5,000 airports in the U.S. According to Travel and Leisure magazine our airport ranks 7th behind Portland, Oregon; Savannah/Hilton Head, South Carolina; T.F. Green International, Rhode Island; Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International in Mississippi; Indianapolis International; and Tampa International. According to Skytrax, the top airports in the world are Hamad International Airport in Qatar which was ranked in 2021 as number 1, Tokyo Haneda International Airport as 2nd, and Changi Airport Singapore as 3rd.

Spring Clean up Thank you to the 100+ local volunteers and Scouts who have once again managed the Annual Lake Cleanup event on and around White Bear Lake. Event coordinator Jim Schuster said that 176 lbs of trash was removed from the ice - including a bike, a lawnmower, and a propane tank. This was the 19th annual event, which began as an Eagle Scout project. It is refreshing to see this level of community support around our natural assets, from lakes and rivers to parks, trails and roads. If you’re interested in helping with these types of events, check out one of the service clubs in the area such Rotary and Lions, or get involved with the Chamber of Commerce, park commission, churches and even schools. Many of these organizations have adopted a stretch of local road or highway to clean up, or host various opportunities to help our surroundings and the environment. With regard to an immediate way you can help keep our community clean, consider raking the salt and sand off your street, taking care to pick up the waste so it doesn’t flow into the stormwater systems and pollute our lakes and streams.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Distributed and mailed bi-weekly in: Hugo • Centerville • Lino Lakes P.O. Box 393 Hugo, MN 55038 www.ReadTheCitizen.com DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements appear in Press Publications’ publications, including print and other digital formats.

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H

Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf offers safe for community

ave you noticed the price of food these days? How about the cost to heat and power your home?

And of course, gas prices too! These challenges are affecting the vast majority of us and are especially impacting those who were already in need of assistance before prices Movers & went up.

If you find yourself, or Shakers someone you Chris DuFresne know, is in need of food,

the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf is here to help.

Getting help with food can allow you to redirect funds for rent, electricity, heating and gasoline.

At the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, we strive to create a confidential, caring and dignified experience for those who need help for a little while, or a longer period of time.

Signing up to get assistance is easy and private, just send us an email (info@ hugofoodshelf.org), call us at 651-528-6224, or text us at 763-607-6060. We serve anybody who resides in the

55038 ZIP code regardless of income, employment status, immigration status, etc.

Clients sign up for a time to shop and can come in to select the specific items they need most. We carry fresh items such as produce, meats and dairy to help you and your family eat healthy. We also have personal care items since we know how expensive they can be too.

We are a safe place—it is OK to seek assistance during challenging times. We are here for you.

Chris DuFresne is the president of the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf.

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES at least four weeks must • Submissions containing Wednesday of the week prior • Limited to 350 words. lapse between publication. libelous or derogatory to publication.

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Publications coverage Bloom Ave., White Bear • Repeat letters by the same verification. area.

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• All letters are subject to writer about the same • Letter writers are limited editing. subject matter will not be to six letters per year and published.

• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Carter C. Johnson ...........................Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson .................Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm ............ Managing Editor citizennews@presspubs.com Patty Steele ..................Director of Sales & Marketing marketing@presspubs.com Production artmanager@presspubs.com

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CORRECTION

POLITICAL BRIEF Assistant Anoka County attorney enters race for county attorney Assistant Anoka County Attorney and Criminal Division Chief Wade A. Kish has that he will enter the race for Anoka county attorney in 2022. County Attorney Tony Palumbo has announced he will retire at the end of his term (2022).

Kish has 22 years of experience as a career prosecutor. He has worked in the Anoka

County Attorney’s Office Criminal Division since 2004, following four years as a prosecutor in the Mille Lacs County Attorney’s Office. Kish has specialized in the prosecution of violent crimes, and has tried nearly 100 felony jury trials.

Kish, 51, lives in Centerville. For more information, visit www. wadekish.org.

A caption for one of the photos for “Hugo Business Association awards business, volunteer honors” misidentified one of the individuals in a photo. We apologize for the error.

Blue Heron Grill receives the Business of the Year Award, which honors a top company located in the Hugo area for outstanding contributions to the city of Hugo’s growth and economy.

Pictured are Assistant Manager Amy Lindberg, owner Chad Wagner and co-owner Jim Livingston.

Wade Kish

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Noodles for Northwoods

Join team to save schoolhouse

Spend an evening dining and having fun with other animal lovers while helping the dogs and cats at Northwoods Humane Society (NHS).

NHS will host a pasta dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Forest Lake VFW, located at 556 12th St. SW in Forest Lake. The fundraiser will include a pasta dinner, silent auction and wine pull. Visit https:// northwoodshs.org/fundraisingevents/noodles/ or call 651-982-0240 for more information.

The city of Hugo is looking to give the task of restoring the Hopkins Schoolhouse to a group of volunteers who are willing to take on the project. (See “Hugo seeks ‘champion’ for Hopkins Schoolhouse’s future” Feb. 24). The group needs members with a variety of skills, including leadership, project planning, grant writing, fundraising, construction or community members who are generally interested in lending a hand.

Those who are interested should plan to attend a meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23, at City Hall. For more information, visit the city’s website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/ hopkins or call 651-762-6315.

HBA will host egg hunt

The Hugo Business Association (HBA) will host an egg hunt Saturday, April 9, at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park in Hugo. The free, family-friendly event will offer two hunts, one from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and another from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Children will be given a collection bag, assigned a section (of the park) and sent out to hunt via the sound of a horn at 9:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

There will be a special section for children age 3 and under. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance.

Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Fire department hosts blood drive

The Hugo Fire Department will host a Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at American Legion Post 620, located at 5383 140th St. N. For more information, or to book an appointment, visit www. redcrossblood.org. You can find local drives by clicking “find drive” and entering your zip code.

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When she’s inside, Izzy loves to play tug with her rope. But life isn’t all play to Izzy. She likes to snuggle and she quietly cuddles up next to her foster dad while he works. Izzy will be a great companion and someone’s best friend. If you are interested in adopting Izzy and would like to learn more about 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.

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

MARCH 24, 2022

Real estate prices and valuations rise

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — Yes, Virginia, real estate prices in Centerville are going up.

Whether buying or selling, property owners active in the real estate market probably have experienced one or two involuntary raised eyebrows over the past year. “It’s been a wild year,” City Assessor Mary Wells assured the Centerville Council.

The trend of people paying high dollar for properties is not unique to Centerville, but is happening throughout the county, across the state and even throughout the nation — in places such as Virginia, Wells said.

A strong market in which property is really selling affects assessment numbers greatly, Wells said, before giving council her 2021-2022 assessment report. Values set for 2022 are the basis for 2023 taxes, she noted.

Residential values in Centerville are up between 17 and 30%, depending on which of the nine groupings a home belongs to, Wells said. The different types of homes in Centerville include townhomes, lakeshore properties and downtown properties, to name a few.

For example, to focus on a basic home in

Centerville, the citywide median residential value increased by 25.5% over the past year from $280,200 to $352,600. The average residential value increased by 23.5% over the past year from $310,000 to $383,000, Wells said.

The average is calculated by adding up all the individual values and dividing this total by the number of observations. The median is calculated by taking the “middle” value — the value for which half of the observations are larger and half are smaller.

During the past year, Centerville saw 106 total residential sales with 64 “good” residential sales used as the basis for assessment. “Good” sales exclude sales between relatives, foreclosures, new construction, estate sales and vacant land sales.

The sale of a home on Pioneer Lane was used as an example of a home sold during the strong seller’s market last year. In March 2021, the home listed for $289,900 and closed in April for a sale price of $325,000. For valuation purposes, the sale price of that home is used, rather than the listed price. Before it entered the market, that home’s estimated market value in 2021 was $277,000. Using the state-authorized calculating process that must guarantee an increase of between 90 and 105%, the adjusted sale price of that particular home becomes $362,000, and the new estimated market value

HUGO BITS & PIECES

Contributing Writer Loretta Harding can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

• The public works department currently has two vacancies after Adam Greeder and Dave Greeder were terminated following performance evaluations earlier this month. Those job descriptions have been updated to reflect the current needs of the department and the city is currently advertising to fill both positions.

• A property line adjustment will be made to two city properties located at 6900 137th St. N. and 7032 137th St. N. The properties include the existing public works building, Rice Lake Park and Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The property line adjustment will separate the existing public works facility from all fields and park facilities on its own parcel of land.

• It’s official. The city will vacate its existing public works facility located at 6900 137th St. N and now has a purchase agreement in place.

White Bear Lake Area Schools will purchase the facility and the 10-acre lot for $1 million. Per the agreement, the city of Hugo has the right to repurchase the property in the future should there be a need. The public will still be able to utilize the Rice Lake Centre (meeting room) space.

• The city now has a cooperative agreement in place with MnDOT and White Bear Area Schools for intersection improvements at Highway 61 and 152nd Street N. The district has received bids for the project, which will be funded by the school district. The improvements include the addition of turn lanes and a traffic signal. Construction is anticipated to begin in April and will be completed before school starts in the fall. Highway 61 will remain open during construction.

The agreement outlines the district’s responsibilities related to costs, construction, plans and specifications, right of way, etc. The city will be responsible for maintenance of pedestrian facilities, minor signal system maintenance and the cost of power for the signal facilities.

READ REUSE RECYCLE

of homes like it in the city is now $345,200 — an increase of 24.6%.

This new calculation means that everyone’s valuation goes up. But it doesn’t necessarily change the amount of tax that each property will pay. But it does change the tax rate, City Administrator/ Engineer Mark Statz said. “A raise in your property value doesn’t necessarily mean a raise in your taxes,” he added.

“Your value is up 25%, but your taxes won’t go up 25%, probably,” Wells said.

Last November, property owners will have received their estimated city tax bill for 2022, which doesn’t include school district, county or other taxes. The Anoka County notices with each property’s valuation will be sent out by the end of March with tax statements payable in 2023.

For appeal options, property owners are invited to contact the assessor’s office at 763-412-1966, Ext. 1, or by email at mnassessormary@gmail.com.

Residents can meet with county officials or attend the April 13 assessment meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

• Ranell and Dan Tennyson have been granted two variances for the reconstruction of an accessory building on their property, located at 12582 Ingersoll Ave. N. The first variance allows the building to be 6.9 feet from the ordinary high water (OHW) mark of Sunset Lake, where 100 feet is required by ordinance. The second variance allows the building to be 19.8 feet from the front property line, where 40 feet is required by ordinance.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the ongoing Lions Park pavilion project. Most recently, the council authorized a payment of $787,621 to Schreiber Mullaney for work completed through February. The council also recently authorized a payment of $216,130 to Ebert Construction for work completed on the new public works facility through February.

• The council will likely award a construction contract for the 140th Street Project in April.

The project will extend 140th Street approximately 600 feet to the west of Fenway Avenue.

Proposed improvements include the construction of watermain, storm sewer and street construction.

The improvements are necessary to facilitate the expansion of the Schwieters campus. Schwieters will pay $236,600 for the improvements and the city will pick up the remaining $184,100 for a total project cost of $420,700.

• The city has already scheduled the citywide bus tour for Saturday, Oct. 1. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the hope is that by scheduling the event so far in advance, more commissioners will be able to attend the event.

“We regularly fill the bus with attendees, but we would like to improve attendance from commissioners … We believe getting this on their calendars early will help with their attendance.”

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• Small-business owners with large equipment or classic car collectors in the area will note that plans to introduce a maxi-storage facility in Centerville took two giant steps toward reality after council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) and site plan review for the facility. It will be constructed on Lot 1, Block 1, in the Royal Industrial Park at 2010 Fairview Street. Council added language to the actions, along with relevant provisions to be included by the landowner in all tenant leases.

Partners Chad Anderson and Nam Ly of White Bear Lake plan to build and operate two 10,400-squarefoot buildings for maxi-storage facilities. Each building will contain eight 20-foot-by-50-foot storage bays.

• A national building supply company is coming to town, after council approved the site plan review for a building supply sales and outside storage yard at 2050/2070 Main Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously reviewed and recommended approval of the site plan for Shingle Creek Capital’s development and redevelopment of that property. On Nov. 10, council approved a rezoning and CUP for this site to allow the requested use. Those actions were made contingent on the sale of the property to Shingle Creek Capital and construction of the proposed improvements.

• When the ground finally dries out this spring, users of the Laurie LaMotte ballfields should enjoy better drainage throughout the season after council approved a request by the Centerville Lions for drainage improvements at the fields. The Parks & Recreation Committee unanimously recommended that council accept the contract bid of $5,100 from Bryan Rock for 150 tons of aggregate lime to resolve issues associated with irrigation, drainage and securing of bases. Repairs will be made to the baseball backstop at a later date at the discretion of the city’s public works director.

• Residents can already think ahead to graduation season, as council

has approved an application to use Hidden Spring Park all day June 5 for a graduation party. The applicant will pay a user fee of $25 and provide the city with the food truck vendor’s certificate of insurance naming the city as an additional insured for the event.

• The Quad Area Senior Wellness Program gained approval from the city after council approved a special event permit on private property.

The Senior Wellness Expo will take place at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19.

• Council was expected to wait until the March 23 (after press deadline) meeting to act on a resolution supporting housing and local decision-making authority after tabling this item. Several draft bills attempting to preempt cities’ sovereignty in forming their own housing and zoning laws are in various stages of review at the Minnesota Legislature. Council is thinking of formally voicing opposition to these bills.

• The city website is about to look a lot different and will likely be easier to use after council started the ball rolling to contract out for its redesign. Following a recap of the project, during which three provider quotes were discussed, city staff was asked to conduct further research into finding ways to reduce the cost. In her updates, Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis verified that the city could not use the state contract system for website design services.

However, website design financing is ARPA-eligible. City staff also negotiated with one of the bidders, CivicPlus, to reduce costs by some $10,000.

• By approving the contract with CivicPlus, the city will pay $26,700 for the first year of website and mobile app services and $12,000 for each of the second and third years of services. Following that period, the city will renew the contract each year, Lewis said. Staffing and costs will be financed through the city’s general fund.

Loretta Harding

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF Sheriff’s Office receives grant to manage emergencies The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will receive $113,080 from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to cover personnel costs for the

Washington County Emergency Operations Center staff. The Emergency Management Performance Grant provides financial assistance for the administration of local emergency management

programs, which meet state and federal requirements. It requires a 100% match from the county.

MARCH 24, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

THE CITIZEN

7

FISH FRY SEASON: ‘All about camaraderie with a side of fish’ FROM PAGE 1

Over in Lino Lakes, volunteers at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church are pan-frying and baking their Friday fish dinners with the help of St. Joseph’s Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus. Cod is also the fish of choice at St. Joseph’s, which sports a unique breading to go with it.

“It has its own recipe. A cook of ours prepares it and all the breading, but he doesn’t tell us what’s in it. We’ve seen him put stuff in it, and we just cook it,” said Don Hohm of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Club.

Now in its 12th year of fish fries, the men’s club has found that folks like the choice of pan-

fried or baked fish.

“It’s pretty evenly divided what people want. The baked is healthier, but the pan-fried is really, really good. Even the panfried is healthier than the deep fry. We soak them, then dry them with the added steps to the pan fry,” said Hohm.

To go with the fish, St. Joseph is serving tomato basil soup and homemade desserts.

“Being a good Catholic, you can’t have anything with meat in it,” said Hohm.

The men’s club is expecting over 200 people to attend the fish fry. Both Catholics and nonCatholics alike have appreciated the good food and good company

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on Friday night.

St. Joseph of the Lake will serve fish from 5-7 p.m. March 25, and April 1 at 171 Elm Street. Take-out and dine-in options are available.

As for the secret to the best fish fry in town? Hohm says it’s all about the camaraderie within the community, with a side of good fish.

Many other area churches have popular fish fries all throughout the north metro, so be sure to get out and try them while you can.

Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-4071226 or emailing lowdownnews@ presspubs.com.

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MARCH 24, 2022

Girls basketball: Cougars charge ends with two losses at state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial’s first-round opponent in the state tournament was not only physically imposing but also red-hot from three-point range. An almost unbeatable combination.

The No. 12 ranked Cougars lost to No. 5 St. Michael-Albertville 69-58 at Williams Arena on Wednesday in the Class 4A quarterfinal, then lost to No. 8 Shakopee 69-53 in the consolation round Thursday at Concordia-St. Paul. Both opponents were red-hot on three-point shooting.

The Section 7AAAA champions closed out the season 19-12.

“It was really fun to be out there.

I am so proud of how far we have come,” said Sydney Kubes, a veteran of last year’s third-place team, after the STMA game.

Coach Jamie Sobolik said the goal was to get a “big win” at some point, against one of the top-ten teams.

“Did we do that? We came close,” he said. “The biggest we got was probably (No.14 ranked) Elk River in conference.”

However, what will be most memorable about this team was their recovery from a 3-8 start. They went 16-2 from then until the state tournament.

Top-ranked Hopkins emerged as champion, as fully expected, beating STMA 72-56 in the finals Saturday night. Those were the top two seeds.

STMA 69, Cougars 58

STMA (24-8) drilled 14 three-pointers in 30 attempts while out-rebounding the Cougars 37-32 and making 14 steals.

“They are a hard team to match up with,” said Sobolik. The Cougars talked

about needing to disrupt the Knights perimeter shooting “but they have such a quick release.” And with STMA’s size, speed, and strength across the board, against a Cougar lineup with just one six-footer, it was an uphill battle.

Still, the Cougars kept battling back. Sydney Kubes led with 14 points and seven rebounds, sinking four 3-pointers. Camille Cummings and Marisa Frost each netted 12 points.

Frost made four steals.

Centennial had a strong first half, erasing a 22-11 deficit to take a brief lead, and trailed by just 31-28 at the break. However, STMA gunned ahead by as much as 19 points in the second half.

For the Knights, junior guard Tessa Johnson shot 6-for-10 on three’s and totaled 24 points. Sophomore guard JaKahla Croft was 5-for-10 on three’s and totaled 19 points. Senior guard Emma Miller dished out nine assists while scoring 15 points. Junior post Piper Carlson pulled down 13 rebounds.

Centennial …....... 28 30 — 58 St. Michael-Alb. …. 31 38 — 69 Centennial— 22-52 FG (7-27 3FG), 7-13 FT, 32 rebounds, 18 turnovers, 9 fouls …. Scoring: Autumn McCall 7 (7 reb, 3 blk), Sydney Kubes 14 (7 reb), Haley Mulberry 4, Camille Cummings 12 (3 reb, 2 stl), Marisa Frost 12 (3 ast, 4 stl), Grace Pullman 5, Macey Littlefield 4 (4 reb), Kjerstin Tharp 0 (3 reb) …. 3-pointers: Kubes 4, Frost 2, Pullman 1 St. Michael-Albertville — 26-60 FG (14-30 3FG), 3-7 FT, 37 rebounds, 17 turnovers, 13 fouls …. Scoring: Lauren Hoselton 4 (4 reb), Piper Carlson 4 (13 reb), Tessa Johnson 24 (3 stl), Emma Miller 15 (6

NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | CONTRIBUTED

Marisa Frost drives against STMA’s Lauren Hoselton.

reb, 9 ast), Ja’Kahla Craft 19 (4 reb), Ava Haus 3…. 3-pointers: Johnson 6, Craft 5, Miller 2, Haus 1

Shakopee 69, Cougars 53

Nicole Maenke pumped in 24 points for Shakopee (27-5) on almost perfect shooting: 6-for-6 from the field, four of them 3-pointers, and 8-for-10 at the line.

Olivia Pawlicki added 16 points and four trifectas.

Shakopee had won their section final on three-point shooting, then went 1-for-18 in a state quarterfinal loss to Roseville, but got their longrange touch back against Centennial, going 12-for-20. They also owned the backboards 34-19.

Cummings scored 17 points and Kubes 13, each in the final game of a two-year tenure as starters on tournament teams. Frost had 11 points.

“Shakopee has plenty of strong shooters, and we didn’t do a good job of getting out on them,” Sobolik said. “We

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Haley Mulberry tries to get a shot off while guarded by STMA’s Piper Carlson.

helped on defense either too early, too long, or when help wasn’t needed.”

Centennial .…… 21 32 — 53 Shakopee …….. 32 37 — 69 Centennial — 18-50 FG (8-20 3FG), 5-13 FT, 19 rebounds, 12 turnovers, 16 fouls ….Scoring: Sydney Kubes 13 (7 reb, 2 ast), Haley Mulberry 2 (2 ast, 4 stl), Camille Cummings 17 (2 ast, 3 stl), Autumn McCall 7 (3 stl), Anna Perron 1, Marisa Frost 11 (3 ast), KJ Tharp 2, Macey Littlefield 0 (1 reb), Grace Pullman 0 (1 reb) … 3-pointers: Kubes 3, Cummings 1, Frost 3 Shakopee — 20-39 FG (12-20 3FG), 17-22 FT, 34 rebounds, 18 turnovers, 12 fouls … Scoring: Nicole Maenke 24 (5 reb, 3 stl), Olivia Pawlicki 16 (4 reb), Kate Cordes 8 (5 reb, 4 ast), Mitchell Maya 1 (5 ast), Jasmyn Hale 6 (6 reb, 8 ast), Caa Ross 14 … 3-pointers: Maenke 4, Pawlicki 4, Cordes 2

Zephyrs poised to soar next year The future looks bright for a young Mahtomedi girls basketball team that had a 14-game winning streak this year and won their conference crown.

The Zephyrs finished 19-8 with a section semifinal loss to Hill-Murray, whom they had beaten twice during a 14-0 Metro East Conference season. They were ranked No. 12 in Class 3A. Five of their top six scorers will be back and two are in junior high. The junior varsity was unbeaten in conference.

“Our team chemistry was fantastic, on and off the court,” coach Erica Zizzo said. “A fun mix of youth and seasoned players who worked hard at practice.”

The Zephyrs averaged 66.0 points, second-best in team history, and set team records with 450

assists and 405 steals, Zizzo reported. They hit a team-record 17 three-pointers in a 90-54 win over Hastings. They shot a robust 49 percent on twopointers and 30 percent on three’s.

Five players averaged double digits in conference — senior guard Zoie Centers (13 points per game), sophomore guard Ella Kletti (12.6 ppg), junior guard Sonya Potthoff (12.6 ppg), seventh-grade forward Mya Wilson (10.2 ppg) and freshman center Anna Greene (10.2 ppg). Three Zephyrs ranked in the top five in steals: Kletti (4.2 per game), Centers (3.2) and Savannah Stockness (2.9).

Counting all games, Potthoff led with 11.3 ppg, followed by Centers (10.9), Kletti (10.7), Wilson (9.9), Greene (9.2), and Stockness (5.9), a sophomore.

Potthoff and Centers were co-captains.

The Zephyrs were 4-6 after losing their last four games in December, but went 14-0 in January and

Sydney Kubes closed her Centennial career playing in her sixth state tournament (three each in basketball and soccer).

The agile 5-foot-9 senior averaged 8.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals, and led with 50 three-pointers. She sank 27 points and seven trifecta’s in two state games.“Sydney contributes everywhere on the court, with her threepoint shooting, rebounding, and her ability to disrupt the opponents offense,” coach Jamie Sobolik said. “The final 10 games of her career she did some of her best shooting.” Kubes averaged 7.6 points and 5.9 rebounds on last year’s third-place team. A defender on three section soccer champion teams, she made all-state tourney on runner-up teams in 10th and 12th grade. CHS’ Athena Award recipient (top girl athlete), she will play Division I soccer at Nevada-Las Vegas.

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February before losing to Spring Lake Park in the next-to-last regular season game.

“We were a very new and young team, with few returning players, so it took a while to build chemistry and trust,” Potthoff said, adding that the schedule included several ranked teams.

“Coach Zizzo highly emphasized the assist-first mentality from the get-go in our first practice, to establish better flow on offense. It took a while to get our group settled in to that focus.”

All the returning varsity and JV players will join AAU teams in the summer, said Zizzo, adding that she expects to see a lot of competition for varsity minutes next season.

“The sky is the limit,” said Potthoff, with this year under their belts and so many returning players.

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MARCH 24, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

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The Citizen made it to Erbil, Iraq. Abby White is a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Officer serving at Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Area of Northern Iraq, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. She found a nice spot in the parlor to read The Citizen.

White grew up in Lino Lakes and graduated from Forest Lake

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Before After

41Member Years

www.hometownautohugo.com 15409 Forest Blvd. N, Hugo

729618

Custom Offsite Build

S P SHOP N

Event!

1st Build 2018

at 7 Vines Vineyard

Thursday March 24 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

See our new spring line of Frank Lyman & More!

2nd Build 2022

2193 4th St, Downtown White Bear SassUnique.com | 651.493.2452

Hosted by

7 Vines Vineyard

101 Hwy 96 East Dellwood

731812

A Unique Boutique

731818

PrattHomes.com | 651-429-8032

732135

Dellwood Remodel

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

Recycle Return Reuse

MARCH 24, 2022

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Was someone in your family a past carrier for Press Publications?

Please return the carrier bag to our office as we have the next generation of carriers starting their first business.

Drop it off at Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave. | White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or call 651-407-1200 and we can schedule a pick up.

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY “500” When: 12:45 p.m. March

31; the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

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

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, March 28; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: Alice at 651-4294413

‘DEATH OF A SALESMAN’ When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays

and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 3.

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Lakeshore Players performs one of the most iconic plays of the 20th century.

Tickets $25-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 731245

10

When: 7 p.m. Friday,

March 25 and April 1;

2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26 and April 2; 7 p.m. Sunday, March 27 and April 3 Where: Grace Church, 432 11th Ave. SE, Forest Lake Details: Grace Community Theatre performs Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s musical about Maria and the von Trapp family. Tickets $10 online.

Contact: gracechurchfl. net/grace-communitytheatre

DUAL-ING PIANOS SINGALONG When: 7-9 p.m. Monday,

March 28

Where: Forster’s Dugout,

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST MEN’S CLUB OF ST. GENEVIEVE’S CHURCH FISH FRY

96 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi Details: Twin Cities song leader Dan Chouinard and St. Andrew’s own Bill Chouinard will entertain the audience with fun and familiar Sing-Along songs for the crowd. Tickets $15; 12 and under free, available at the door or from a committee member in advance.

Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries. com

April 1 & 8

BLOOD DRIVE

When: Friday, March 25, Where: St. John the

Baptist, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Details: Cod, potatoes, french fries, coleslaw, mac-n-cheese, rolls, cookies, and beverages. Dine-in or takeout. Adults $13; Seniors (60 & Older) $11; Juniors (6-12) $9; Child (5 & Under) free. Free drawings for bikes and raffle.

Contact: 651-429-7937

SMOKED TURKEY BOOYAH DRIVE THRU When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30

p.m. Sunday, March 27

Where: Forest Lake

Masons, 119 8th Ave. SE Details: Pick up Booyah in a 16 oz to-go contianer and support the Forest Lake High School Clay Target team. Tickets sold the day of the event and usually sell out.

Contact:

forestlakemasons.com

When: 1 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 30

Where: American Legion

Post 620, 5383 140th St. N. Details: The Hugo Fire Department will host a Red Cross blood drive.

For more information, or to book an appointment, visit www. redcrossblood.org. You can find local drives by clicking “find drive” and entering in your zip code.

NOODLES FOR NORTHWOODS

When: 4-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 2

Where: Forest Lake VFW,

556 12th St. Details: Annual fundraiser for Northwoods Humane Society includes pasta dinner, silent auction, and wine pull.

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

Save the Date!

37th Annual

Wedding Show SUNDAY, APRIL 10

11AM - 2PM

BEST WESTERN PLUS

WHITE BEAR LAKE

New this year!

Shop our $10 donated wedding dresses First come, first served *All proceeds to a local charity

Something elegant, something classic, a variety of dresses- All fantastic!

Admission $5 per person • Brides are FREE!

Enjoy Local, Trusted Vendors | Door prizes, samplings and much more!

SPONSORED BY THE BEST WESTERN PLUS IN WHITE BEAR LAKE

Purchase tickets online at presspubs.com or call 651-407-1200 to reserve your tickets

PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

CLASSIFIEDS www.presspubs.com

MARCH 24, 2022

THE CITIZEN

Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

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Local Events

Hauling/Moving

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASS OF 1971 50TH REUNION! Saturday, May 14, from 5 to 10 pm at the White Bear Country Inn Conference Event Room, 4940 Highway 61, WBL. Ticket cost is $45 before April 30 and $50 after either online or at the door. Go to https://myevent.com/ wblclassof197150th /tickets for tickets and further information.

Scrap metal appliance pick up 651-329-0815

20

Notices Donate Your Wedding Dress – Help Brides afford a dress for their big day. Call 651-4071213 for details.

Wanted: Tall Clothes Hanging Racks Prefer rolling. Contact Patty 651-407-1213

23

Free Items Free pick up for donated small furn/HH items to Church Store 651-430-0011

451

91

91

Rentals/ Income Tax Income Tax Commercial

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is Home subject to the Fair Housing Act which Improvement makes it illegal to adA HANDYMAN Lrg & vertise “any prefersm jobs 612-751-8336 ence, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preferReasonable Tree trim- ence, limitation or disming/removal, stumps crimination.” Familial Mark 651-247-8591 status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; Want to Buy pregnant women and people securing cusWe Buy Vinyl Records tody of children under Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip 18. This newspaper We make house calls will not knowingly acby appointment. cept any advertising White Bear Lake for real estate which is Records in violation of the law.

4775 Banning Ave,WBL Our readers are herewblrecords.com 651-224-4947 by informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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160

Hire Me

• Employment • Employment • Employment • PT Server Even. & Weekends MIZU Japanese

NOW HIRING!

WE ARE HIRING

Full and part time Massage Therapists for our Circle Pines clinic.

A special advertising section for accountants and tax consultants.

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As an essential healthcare practice, we're BUSIER THAN EVER as patients seek alternatives to traditional hospital-based care.

Please send resumes to chiropracticemployment@gmail.com WE TAKE CARE OF OUR THERAPISTS!

Flexible hours Paid time off and health benefits Industry-leading wages Join us as a W2 employee

369

Serving the community for 46 years FREE 2 year review of past tax returns!

Access to discounted and complimentary: • chiropractic care • acupuncture • massage therapy • supplements

763-795-8300

• Personal & Business Tax Return Preparation

• Bookkeeping & Payroll

• Tax Planning & Projections • Estate, Trust & Gift Tax • Financial Planning

• IRS & State Audit Help

Ramsay & Associates

Certified Public Accountants 1620 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi 651.429.9111 | ramsaycpa.com

Call Classified to advertise here 651407-1250 or e-mail callaspecialist@ presspubs.com

LOOK WHAT YOU WILL GET/LEARN FROM A RUDDY’S RENTAL JOB EXPERIENCE

• Employment •

JOB DESCRIPTION: Press Publications is looking for a motivated graphic designer for a part-time or full-time position to join our team! As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and bi-weekly papers get out the door and into the hands of the local community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: - Comfortable in Adobe InDesign (CS6 + CC) with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator - Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients - Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce vibrant products JOB DETAILS: - 20-38 hours per week - M-F 7:55am - 5:30pm

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

• How to work on and Enjoy small engine & simple maintenance.

• How to work locally & shop locally and not drive as far.

• How to help customers and Take pride in it and Enjoy it.

We’re Looking For: 1. Small Engine Mechanic 2. Lot/Yard Equipment Trainer & Loader 3. Counter Person Full-time / Part-time / Flexible Hours Apply in Person: 21380 Forest Blvd, Forest Lake (across from the high school) www.RuddysRental.com

Fun Fact

You can place your classified line ad at presspubs.com/ classifieds

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

daronclose@yahoo.com

Perth is Australia’s windiest city

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI SEASONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to four (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 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022 Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Shoreview Ground Maintenance Co. Hiring Men & Women Full and Part-time!

WORK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS! $16/hr with Season-ending Incentive Bonus Program Great opportunities for Students and others. You can secure employment throughout your school career and solve the yearly job search! Part-time opportunities while in school when schedule allows. Weekend work only on a voluntary basis!

Please call Bill @ 651-490-9755 or email to amilawn@aol.com to discuss opportunities and schedule an interview. “ A cut above the rest”

ASSOCIATION MAINTENANCE LLC

Shoreview, MN • 651-490-9755

Are You Awesome?

If so, come work with us at CLO

Did you know?

Your brain weights 2% of your body weight though uses 20% of all oxygen you breathe and 15% of the bodys blood supply

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS: Rt 116 - N of Cedar – E of Rt 124 – N of Birch to E of Bellaire Hazel Rt 123 – S of Cty Rd F to W of Rt 125 – N of Cedar to W of McKnight McKnight Rt 232 – N of 96 to W of 2nd Ave Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

Hiring Direct Support Staff Vaccine Choice Employer

Starting wages up to $19.00/hr.

Three Month Pay Increase Progressive Payscale Year-End Bonus, Benefits We have full-time, part-time, and relief positions For interview call Josi @ 651-237-1087 or email: Career.Development@clomail.com Apply online at CLO-MN.com

11

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

MARCH 24, 2022

WHITE BEAR PRESS | VADNAIS PRESS | QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | SHOREVIEW PRESS | NORTH OAKS PRESS | THE CITIZEN | THE LOWDOWN

THE MARKETPLACE DECKS

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Honest Work for Honest Pay

651-270-7360

T.W.Lewis Co.

LANDSCAPING

PAINTING/DECORATING

Northern Lights

RIVARD

Landscape Construction Inc. Since 1989

Paint & Stain

CALL STEVE TODAY for fresh new landscaping ideas!

• Residential & Commercial

Artisan Custom Builder Custom Carpentry and Home Improvement Services

Reasonable Rates - all jokes and laughs are free Servicing All Major Appliance Brands Major Credit Cards Accepted

AUTO REPAIR

• Custom Carpentry and Design • Deck and Pergola Specialist • Building and Remodeling • Home Renovation and Repair

651-432-0070 servicenow@twlewisco.com www.twlewisco.com Dream | Design | Build | Remodel MN Contractor Builder Lic #791222

• Auto Repair • Oil Lube & Filter Service 20 Years of experience serving White Bear Lake & Centerville - Friendly, Honest Service

651.226.4235

Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm 7137 20th Avenue North - Centerville www.facebook.com/vermauto

CARPENTRY

Schneider Custom Woodworks

Custom CABINETRY! 651-213-6638 CLEANING

6WHLQHU &OHDQLQJ //& 7KRURXJK UHOLDEOH KRQHVW DQG IULHQGO\ %DVLF &OHDQLQJV 'HHS &OHDQLQJV 0RYH LQ RXW &OHDQLQJV

)UHH (VWLPDWHV

&DOO 7;7 'DQLHOOH 6WHLQHU IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ

• New Construction or Remodeling

Tom Thill 651-433-4866

Lic. #005402

28 years in Business • Fully Insured

Free Estimates

Joe: 651-462-0697

DECK RESTORATION

SCH Services

J & G Home Interiors

Deck Cleaning & Staining

Lawn Care Contracts

We do: interior painting, stain and varnishing, Ceiling conversion to knock down, drywall repair.

Insured & Bonded

Professional - Prompt Guaranteed Results

(651) 867-2888 Code 43

Free Estimates & Callbacks within 24 hours

schneidercustomwoodwork.com

651-592-6678

www.nelsonsnorthernlights landscaping.com

• Interior/Exterior

• Drain Cleaning • Hot Water Heating • Hot Water Heaters & Disposal • Well Pump Service • New Construction • Remodeling

REMODELING

monthly or per visit

Sean 651-210-0061 www.SCHservices.net

LORENZ DRYWALL

• CHANGING CEILINGS OVER TO KNOCK DOWNS • TAPING • SPRAYING • ADDITIONS • BASEMENTS • NEW HOMES • GARAGES

24 years in business

FREE ESTIMATES

10% OFF ANY JOB WITH AD

R.P.M. Lawncare • WEEKLY MOWING • SPRING/FALL CLEANUP • FERTILIZATION • SNOWPLOWING

651-2265779

Bathrooms • Basements Kitchens • Doors & Windows Roofing & Siding

Twin Cities Premier Home Improvement Company Insured / Lic #BC105943

Bonded & Insured / Lic# BC580973

`i`ÊEÊ ÃÕÀi` NÊÊ V Ê xnä ÇÎ Accentwoodsolutions.com Accentwoodsolutions.com Call Call 651-426-8697 651-426-8697

• Affordable Tree Trimming & Removal • Stump Grinding • Hedge & Shrub Shaping • Senior & Vets Discounts

Primeau’s Tree Service Tree & Shrub Trimming/Removal

46 years of experience

Highest Quality Workmanship!

Marty Hunt & Dale Lundstrom

651-429-7077

Family owned Certified Arborist onsite!

651-773-5643

No job too small!

Kerry (Cell)

Cameron

Tree Service

(651) 775-8602 UÊ ÕÃÌ ÊW dw rking UÊ >L iÌÀÞÊEÊ Õ Ì Ã UÊ Ê iÊ,i `i } UÊ > `Þ > Ê-iÀÛ ViÃ

Sheetrock Hanging ■ Tapng ■ Interior Painting ■ Knockdown ■ Resprays

TREE SERVICE

Licensed & Insured

PAINTING/DRYWALL

■

STORM RESTORATION

Remodeling all types

NorconHomes.com

NEW HOMES • BASEMENTS • REMODELS • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Roofing Siding Windows

612-441-3888

651-238-6751

Scott – 651-426-0288

Call Jim

DRYWALL

Residential/Commercial Painting Specialists

ROOFING

SPECIALISTS

LAWN CARE

CUSTOM WOODWORKS

Commercial & Residential

>>> Free Estimates <<<

REMODELING

651-653-9021 651-271-4221

PLUMBING

WOLF BROS. DRYWALL CO.

651-877-6888

Household Waste Construction Debris Appliances Furniture

CONCRETE

Settled Concrete?

Don’t replace it, RAISE it and save $$$!

Walks • Patios • Steps • Garage Floors Aprons • Driveways • Fill Voids Free Estimates Guaranteed 612-310-1485 Ask for Jim lakesareamudjacking.com

Lakes Area Mudjacking

Total Drywall Services Residential/Commercial Family Owned & Operated Located in Forest Lake

30 YRS. EXPERIENCE • INSURED CALL LEE cell (651) 428-0229 or 290-0135

EXCAVATING

SCH Services

Sidewalks Patios Steps Driveways & More!

651.795.9736 DECKS

Since 1946

Excavating & Tear-out Asphalt Concrete Sean: 651-210-0061 www.SCHservices.net

FEED MILL

Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware Your Local Hardware Store & More

Pet Food & Supplies Bird & Wildlife Feed Lawn & Garden Supplies

651-429-3361

www.hugofeedmill.com 5582 146th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038

Custom Decks/Footing Repair Screen Rooms/Additions Garages/Roofing/Siding Aluminum/Glass/Cable Railings All Repairs 651-746-4582

www.northlandlandscape.com Bonded Insured • Lic #BC638094

Pro

L iv i

n g C o l o rs

Painting

Pro

• Professional, Residential House Painting • 35 Years Experience • Interior & Exterior • Kind, Respectful Service CONTACT RICHARD

612-394-8978

ite bear wh pl

ResidentIal CommercIal

umb

c in g in

.

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21 years and going strong!

Interior/Exterior Remodeling • Roofing/Siding • Doors/Windows • Basements • Garages • Major/Minor Remodeling • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Additions

FREE ESTIMATES

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www.allaroundremodeling.com Lic #686889

Insured • Bonded • License# BC637741

Quality Work • Reasonable Rates

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Brush & Stump Removal

651-426-8660 FREE ESTIMATE Fast, Dependable, Insured

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

- Since 1983 -

MJ’s Concrete, LLC

PAINTING/DECORATING

HEATING & COOLING

Furnace & A/C Installations and Service Licensed, Bonded & Insured 651.426.4233 cphvac.net

Interior and Exterior make overs, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Lower Level Finish-offs, Flooring, Tile setting and all kinds Gas Fireplace Installations. Door and Window Replacements, Deck and Deck Upgrades, Stone Work, Custom wood cabinetry and professional designs that will enhance your home or office. Bring in the look of rich wood with built in bookshelves, desks, and cabinets. Add a gas fireplace to warm up a room. Increase fuel efficiency by replacing your old windows or doors. Let a new kitchen or bathroom bring a new look to your home. Check out our Adirondack furniture built in our shop, of Red Western Cedar. The comfort and beauty of this furniture is a must have for your cabin or deck.

Whatever you're looking for: custom cabinets, interior or exterior refinishing, a new kitchen or bath, windows, doors, handcrafted furniture or a custom outdoor cooking station, Accent Wood Solutions is the solution. We can help with any of your remodeling needs!

Call today for a free quote! 651-426-8697 Accentwoodsolutions.com Bonded & Insured MN Licence. # BC580973

If you know of a trusted contractor to help out other great people, please send your recommendation to callaspecialist@presspubs.com or call (651) 407-1250

MARCH 24, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

SUNNY

PARTLY CLOUDY

CLOUDY

13

THE CITIZEN

DOWNTIME

STORM

SNOW

RAIN

Weekly Outlook

Weather tidbits

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Our long-awaited period of winter temperatures finally thawed the snow and ice over the weekend. What better day to record our first 60º since November 6 than on the first day of Spring, Sunday, March 20. People were out in droves walking, biking, running, as well as those diehards still ice fishing. We lost much of our snow cover as fields really opened up. The gutters are filled with running water as crusty snow banks dwindle in size. It's hard to say we've had our last snow, but at this point late, March and April snowfalls don't last long. Nature notes: Spotted my first Red-Wing Blackbird, the ducks are back on Pepper Tree pond and the sap is flowing from the maple trees.

WEEKLY AVERAGES MARCH 23-29 Wed March 23 39°/ 30°

Thu March 24 46°/ 27°

Fri March 25 55°/ 30°

Sat March 26 48°/ 27°

Sun March 27 42°/ 27°

Mon March 28 40°/ 25°

Tue March 29 41°/ 26°

7:10 / 7:30

7:08 / 7:32

7:06 / 7:33

7:05 / 7:34

7:03 / 7:35

7:01 / 7:37

6:59 / 7:38

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

SUNRISE/SUNSET

High Low %Sun PCP

47° 27° 56% 0.56”

Did you know?

The brand Nokia is named after a place in Southern Finland

Crossword

Sudoku

Possehl Agency 57. Afflicted 59. Peep 1. Greasy powder (abbr.)

5. Rural Free Delivery60. Nellie __, journalist 61. Spiritual leader (abbr.)

62. Doctor of Education 8. Amount of time 63. Affirmative 11. Greeting 13. Form of “to be” 64. Cheek 14. Israeli diplomat 15. Outfit 16. The 13th letter of theCLUES DOWN 1. __ ex Machina Hebrew alphabet 1. Popular kids’ game 17. Deceptive movement 2. Away from wind 18. Anxious 3. Round water pot 20. Popular Letterman guest 4. Drink quickly 21. Saints’ signal caller 5. A simple type of jet 22. Intoxicate engine 25. Relationship 6. Something for nothing 30. Ask for one’s hand in 7. Painkiller 8. Siskel’s pal marriage 31. Popular Will Ferrell film 9. Strong spirit distilled in Turkey 32. Gargle 33. Warning sensation before 10. Again 12. Imitate migraine 38.

Returned material 14. Icelandic poems 19. Jacob __, American authorization (abbr.) journalist 41. Erases 23. No (Scottish) 43. At ease 24. Newborn 45. Small branch of an artery 25. Credit term 48. Mother of Hermes 26. Nonprofit research 49. Body part group in CA 50. Cavalry sword 27. Male offspring 55. Wellness chants 28. Important baseball stat 56. Helps little firms 29. A way to compel

34. Fiddler crab 35. Jewish equivalent of “Sir” 36. Every 37. Midway between east and southeast 39. Anti-slavery treaty 40. A friendly manner 41. Military figure (abbr.)

42. Area units 44. Sudden incursions 45. Expressed pleasure 46. Covered with hoarfrost 47. Job 48. Donkey 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Light dry-gap bridge (abbr.)

58. Criticize

Are you turning 65 this year?

Joins us for a Medicare Meetup!

Ask questions, get information, no pressure!

We will be at the following locations:

April 5th, 9AM-1PM

The Anchor Coffee house | Downtown White Bear Lake

April 7th, 10AM-1PM

Cub Foods Meadowlands Drive | White Bear Lake

April 8th, noon- 4PM

White Bear Senior Center | County Road F and Bellaire Ave Or give us a call to schedule an appointment or a Video Meeting:

612-747-2726 Possehl Agency

731837

CLUES ACROSS

14

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

STUDY: Dives into county government, creates platform for advocacy FROM PAGE 1

not be answered by consulting the county websites. Committee members with direct, personal knowledge also contributed information.

“This specific study was to look at how the seven county governments were doing with respect to accountability, transparency and visibility. We just wanted to see how they were doing, kind of a checkup,” explained CMAL Chair Karen Schaffer.

“The last time our organization looked at county government in the metro area was 1975 … that was one reason that our current membership was interested in looking at it, because nobody had been looking at that particular question for many years.”

According to the study report, it appears that during the intervening 46 years, the seven metro-area counties have each made substantial progress toward increasing their transparency and accountability. For example, all seven maintain robust websites and provide other online opportunities for the public to follow the activities of county government and provide input.

“The differences between counties and how they operate with — or without — community member involvement in local government is stark. There are similarities, but also key differences in how each county encourages transparency,” the report reads in part. “(The study) shows that the counties, while they of course have a lot of similarities because they are counties and they operate under state law, there’s certainly some varying local philosophies,” Schaffer said.

Washington County

Marti Micks resides in Hennepin County, but she served as one of the researchers for Washington County.

Micks said Washington County seems to operate similarly to a city council. “Their commissioners don’t all meet in committee. In Hennepin County, they meet in committee, but then it’s (mostly) the same people, who then recommend to themselves how they should vote, whereas in Washington County it is citizen advisory committees.”

She said one thing she appreciated

about the county was the abundance of information the public can find about the various advisory commissions/committees, who serves on them, what qualifications the county is looking for, etc. “That was impressive … Maybe it is the advantage of a smaller county,” she said.

Amy Mino, another researcher for Washington County, said one thing that surprised her was the number of committees that exist within the county. She agreed that Washington County does have a lot of great information available on its website and mentioned that County Administrator Kevin Corbid was very accessible and made an effort to answer their questions.

“I think they do a good job of getting a lot out there. Most of most of their information is there, most of their meetings and things are there,” Mino explained. “It’s a little hard to navigate and find it. I think that’s typical of government websites, they are not the most intuitive. But a citizen who really wants to find information can find it.”

She said she is hopeful that some of the other counties involved in the study will take a look at the report and improve some of the information they have available to citizens.

Now what?

The 19 metro-area chapters of the League of Women Voters are now meeting to review the study and decide/vote on a collective position it would like to see CMAL adopt.

“When we do a study and then take a vote on a position, then that creates an opportunity for our members to engage in advocacy. It’s a platform for advocacy, meaning public speaking, lobbying, seeking change where it’s warranted,” Schaffer explained. “If there is a particular position that we take, people can use that, saying, ‘The LWV has a specific position and we don’t think you live up to it.’”

CMAL will meet in May to decide its final position. To see the full report, visit https://my.lwv.org/minnesota/ anoka-blaine-coon-rapids-area.

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

MARCH 24, 2022

2 miles both ways: Walking distance proposal has board reconsidering budget cuts know that next year’s amount will be greater,” Kazmierczak said.

Staff agreed to reconsider the numbers given the concerns about Anyone who has walked home walking distances, and to present from school on a Minnesota winter the board with revised budget reducday will certainly remember the tions at its next meeting on April 11. experience—something that may The current proposed budget rebecome more common for students visions also included some creative in the White Bear Lake School Disreshuffling to provide relief to the trict in the coming year.

Under a revised budget proposal general fund. For example, lunchpresented to the school board at its room custodial and supervision March 14 meeting, K-5 students who would be considered under the terrilive within a 1-mile radius and 6-12 tory of the Nutrition Services fund.

Among the largest proposed restudents who live in a 2-mile radius ductions is the of their school elimination of would not be ofeight full-time fered bus transelementary portation. This school teachers, would allow the 16 full-time secdistrict to elimondary teachinate three bus ers, and 3.5 suproutes, saving port staff. The $195,000 in the district’s budget 2022-23 school advisers pointyear. ed out that these “That brings reductions would up some conrealign the school cerns for me as a Jessica Ellison with its preparent—a high Board Chair COVID class size schooler walktargets. ing 45 minutes “We have one of the lowest class to school,” said Board Chair Jessica Ellison. “It’s not ideal, and I’m just size averages in the metro in our concerned about the safety of it.” secondary programming,” said Matt Mons, director of human In 2020, the transportation policy resources. For most students, it shifted the walking distance to 1 mile for elementary students and 1.5 wouldn’t mean drastic class size changes, but it will mean a reducmiles for grades 6-12 as part of its tion in options when it comes to COVID safety plan. Since then, K-2 courses that attract fewer students. was reduced to a half-mile, grades “It’s not a consistent increase 3-4 to 3/4 mile, and grades 6-12 to 1 across every class,” Mons said. mile.

Currently, the proposed reductions Board Member Angela Thompson would still allow the district to pointed out that the reduction in maintain class sizes below the mettransportation for students within ro average. The White Bear Lake a 2-mile radius could be an equity district class size average is 24.3, issue, disproportionately affecting while the metro average is 27.5, he students from marginalized comsaid. munities.

At minimum, Mons said the dis“I would want to make sure they weren’t punished because their fam- trict wants to attract at least 20 students to most of its classes, although ily isn’t able or privileged to be able there may be a few areas of growth to say, ‘I can go to work late today that might be operating with fewer to get my kid to school,’” Thompson students until those classes can said. become more established.

Ellison asked how the budget “There are going to be some reductions might look if the maxofferings that will probably not be imum distance for secondary continuing, just because of lack of students was 1.5 miles instead of student interest. It’s more about 2 miles. Considering the district’s student choice than anything else,” goal to reduce the budget by $3.8 Mons said. million, Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak chimed in that failing Staff Writer Jackie Bussjaeger can to make cuts now may only delay be reached by emailing news@presschanges. pubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

“If we land at $3.5 (million), just

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

“That brings up some concerns for me as a parent—a high schooler walking 45 minutes to school.

“It’s not ideal, and I’m just concerned about the safety of it.”

WHITE BEAR AREA SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS • $63 million of general obligation school building bonds will be sold to Wells Fargo.

• The district has agreed to purchase the Rice Lake Centre Public Works Facility from the city of Hugo for $1 million to house the district’s grounds department. The bus garage that currently houses the department is scheduled to be demolished as part of the ongoing high school construction project.

• The district has accepted a $332,200 bid from Kraft Mechanical Inc. to replace aging galvanized plumbing pipes with copper pipes at Birch Lake Elementary School.

• North Campus will see some CONTRIBUTED

This is one of five tables included in Council of Metropolitan Area Leagues of Women Voters (CMAL) recently released report that studies how transparent county governments are in the seven-county metro area.

audiovisual (AV) project upgrades after the district accepted a bid for two projects from Advanced Systems Integration for $1,045,802.

The district will also pay ECSI Systems Integrators $131,410 for a multibuilding AV and classroom technology package.

• The school board has revised policies related to staff development, distribution of non-school sponsored materials, field trips and system accountability.

Jackie Bussjaeger

MARCH 24, 2022 www.readthecitizen.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF HUGO

NEW VOTING PRECINCTS AND POLLING LOCATIONS Every ten years following the US Census, cities are required to confirm or reestablish ward boundaries to ensure equal representation in all wards.

At their March 21, 2022, meeting, the Hugo City Council confirmed the existing wards and created some new precinct boundaries and polling locations.

These precincts and polling locations will become effective at the next Primary Election on August 9, 2022. Postcards will be sent to all registered voters in mid-July notifying them of where they vote. You may or may not vote where you have in the past. Please contact City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-7626315 if you have any questions. If a voter wishes to contest the City’s ward plan, they must do so by April 5, 2022, by filing with the District Court of Washington County.

sion request from Vincent and Julie Lutz, 15118 Irish Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038. The request is to subdivide a 20-acre parcel located at 15595 Homestead Avenue North into two 10-acre parcels. The property is generally located south of 157th Street North and east of Homestead Avenue North and is legally described as That part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 15, Township 31, Range 21. Full legal description available at Hugo City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant at 651-762-6311 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting.

Emily Weber Community Development Assistant.

Published one time in The Citizen on March 24, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

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Michele Lindau, Hugo City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on March 24, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 7:00pm in Hugo City Hall to consider the minor subdivi-

AD FOR BIDS 140TH STREET EXTENSION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bids for the construction of 140th Street Extension will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 10:00 am local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving Bids, representatives of the City of Hugo will publicly view Bids at an online Bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online Bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/ join or call 312 626 6799 and entering Meeting 950 8577 3606 and Passcode 997486 . The as-read online Bid results will be available at www.questcdn. com following the Bid opening.

The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: 1,500 CY Excavation (All Types) 500 CY Class 5 Aggregate Base 400 CY Select Granular Embankment 440 TON Bituminous Pavement (All Types) 1,150 LF Concrete Curb and Gutter (All Types) 1 LS Street Lighting 320 LF 15” RCP Storm Sewer 700 LF 8” – 12” DIP Watermain (poly-wrapped) The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Hugo shall comply with the provisions of the statute.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $45 by inputting Quest project #8159930 on the website’s Project Search page.

The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources.

Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN. The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any Bids received without explanation. No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days.

For all further requirements regarding Bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

DATED: March 17, 2022

BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Michele Lindau, City Clerk, City of Hugo, MN Published two times in The Citizen on March 24 and April 7, 2022.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

RAMSEY COUNTY DITCH 8 (RCD 8) DRAINAGE SYSTEM RECORD PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers will receive public comment under Minnesota Statutes 103E.101, subd. 4a, on proceedings to correct the drainage system record and to establish the functional alignment, dimension and grade of RCD 8. The RCWD established the option for the public to participate in its meetings either in person or virtually. The in-person public hearing will be conducted at the Shoreview City Council Chambers, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN. Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Contact staff at 763-398-3070 or tstasica@ ricecreek.org to obtain the zoom instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, one or more managers may choose to attend remotely based on their or their family’s health considerations.

An engineer’s historical review memorandum can be found online at www.ricecreek.org under “Public Drainage” or the District office: 4325 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. Questions and comments can be directed by email (preferred) to Tom Schmidt at: tschmidt@ricecreek.org, phone: 763-398-3076, or to the address above.

Published one time in The Citizen on March 24, 2022.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, WASHINGTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT FILE NUMBER 82-PR-22-570 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re the Estate of Michael Thomas Barrett, Deceased TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated 8/15/2017 has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Frances L. Barrett-Bianco 126 Malcolm Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative.

Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Dated: March 9, 2022 Pamela Kreier, Probate Registrar Paul Patterson, Court Administrator Published two times in The Citizen on March 24 and April 7, 2022.

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

MARCH 24, 2022

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Determining your debt-to-income ratio is valuable

BY ABE WINTER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

If you are concerned about having too much debt, University of Minnesota Extension suggests you determine your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

It compares the amount of money you pay toward meeting your debt commitments and the amount of money you earn in take-home pay.

By calculating this ratio, you can determine how much debt you can safely handle.

Calculating your DTI ratio simply starts with a list of monthly debt payments — only the payments made to repay a lender for money you’ve borrowed. Your monthly expenses — groceries and rent — aren’t part of the DTI. Nor is your home mortgage.

Credit card debt, auto loans, student loans, medical bills and others that require a monthly payment should be on your list.

Add up that debt and calculate your net income. Next, divide the total amount of debt payments per month by the monthly net income. You likely will get an answer that is less than one, perhaps 0.35 or 0.23. You multiply that by 100 and that determines the

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Webinar scheduled What: Managing your Money webinar When: 12:15-12:45 p.m. Thursday, April 7 Where: Online Details: University of Minnesota Extension has scheduled a webinar to provide information on managing your money and putting good advice into practice. Sam Roth, Extension financial capability educator, and Sharon Powell, Extension educator in family resiliency, will be the hosts.

Roth has extensive experience teaching individuals and families about critical life skills and decision-making.

Powell develops and teaches programs for individuals and families that feature building financial skills and building parenting and relational skills.

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percentage of take-home pay is used for your monthly debt payments.

Financial experts suggest a DTI ratio of 14% would be favorable.

Other sources say you might be able to handle double that number.

This formula can be used to plan a method of reducing debt or making a purchase using credit. An extra monthly payment might put your DTI above 20 percent. If that occurs, it might be wise to wait on that purchase until your income increases or your debt decreases.

It is recommended that you be a smart borrower so you don’t wind up with more debt than you can handle. By calculating your DTI, you can estimate the effect that taking on more debt will have on you.

January Determine retirement budget February Paying for college

March Tax review April IRA tax deadlines

A group of seniors recently discussed the DTI during a weekly breakfast gathering.

“Don’t spend more than you make,” said Jim Bruder, only somewhat jokingly. He said he remembers when it was the norm to purchase a home or property for as much as 2 1/2 times your income.

“But prices have gone up so much that you can’t say that anymore,” Bruder said.

Dick and Nancy Olen are living on their Social Security checks and her pension. “For the last six years we’ve touched nothing in our savings,” he said, adding that they are careful in their spending, which is highlighted by one holiday trip per year.

But they don’t consider it a true budget. “It’s just worked out that way,

May July Social Investment strategies August security benefits June Focus on what you can What to do in retirement control

CONTRIBUTED

By calculating your debt–to–income ratio, you can determine how much debt you can safely handle.

but we didn’t plan it that way,” Dick said. “We hope that one trip will be within our budget.“ Dick recalls purchasing a home in Boston for $60,000. A recent check revealed it later sold for $1.1 million.

“But it’s just not the price of houses,” Al Yanke said. “How much is the average price of a car or pickup these days?”

As Bruder suggested, don’t spend more than you earn. Extension will tell you that your DTI will provide the key numbers.

September November Diversify your portfolio Open enrollment October December Make an estate plan Charitable giving options

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