The Citizen

Celebrating a happy 100th birthday

Maria Geneva Niemczyk claps along with some of the more than 50 family members who participated in a group happy 100th birthday singalong during a recent gathering at the Forest Lake American Legion. According to family members, she is still active and living independently. She had six children and her extended family includes 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a 3 month old great, great grandchild named Maria. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.

Residents weigh in on Highway 61 corridor

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — Washington County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the city of Hugo have teamed up and are in the middle of a yearlong study for the Highway 61 corridor through Hugo.

The study encompasses that portion of Highway 61 lying between 120th Street N., Hugo’s southern border, to 180th Street N., its northern border with Forest Lake.

The study kicked off in January and is scheduled to

White Bear Hockey association sues former gambling manager

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Due to allegedly “egregious actions” by its former gambling manager, White Bear Lake Hockey Association said it had no choice but to sue her.

“Her unlawful and tortious actions have not only intentionally and willfully harmed the association, and thereby its 800 youth who participate in its nonprofit programming, but will continue to irreparably harm the association,” read a lawsuit filed April 3 in Ramsey County District Court, six days after Christine Olson abruptly quit.

It wasn’t until after Olson’s resignation that the board of directors learned she had been planning her resignation and “the demise of the nonprofit’s gambling revenue for months,” according to the complaint. That’s when the board discovered Olson, 54, had formed her own company, Minnesota Gambling Consultants LLC, six months earlier. The company, which has the same address as Olson’s Hugo residence, is named co-defendant.

Shortly before her resignation, questionable conduct by Olson relating to a new bingo hall came to light, followed by false claims about her

be complete in January 2024. Currently, the parties are in the first phase of the study, or the “explore” stage, which is focused on understanding the corridor to identify issues and/ or opportunities that need to be addressed for the overall vision of the corridor.

“This process will inform the jurisdictional transfer process from the state (MnDOT) to Washington County, will ensure the vision aligns with city and county priorities, and will aid the city in its continued development — providing a clearer picture of what the future

hold for this important road,” said Washington County Senior Planner Maddie Dahlheimer.

Study goals include:

• Define a corridor vision that supports economic growth, community investment and longterm transportation goals while increasing safety for all users.

• Evaluate access and intersection locations onto Hwy 61 and recommend future improvements at key locations.

• Determine right-of-way needs for the corridor based on the

STUDY: Will identify issues and opportunities for Highway 61 corridor

FROM PAGE 1

needs of each travel mode (e.g., cars, trucks, transit, pedestrians, bicyclists).

• Identify pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity improvements throughout the corridor.

• Determine a financial plan and timeline for the Hwy 61 jurisdictional transfer through Hugo and Forest Lake.

“The primary goal for this study is to define a corridor vision for Hwy 61 that supports economic growth, community investment and long-term transportation goals while increasing safety for all users,” Dahlheimer explained.

The study is important for the city of Hugo in particular, as the corridor will continue to develop and see more traffic as the city’s population continues to increase.

“Understanding the vision is for Hwy 61 will aid Hugo in responsibly managing growth along this corridor, while improving long-term operations and safety of the corridor for all modes of traffic,” explained Hugo City Engineer Mark Erichson.

Dahlheimer added, “The location of Hwy 61 as the primary connection to Hugo’s downtown and as a central spine through the community, underscores the importance of this corridor in serving both city and county needs. Through this study we are not only exploring the corridor’s vision to define transportation needs locally and as a future county facility, but are also exploring the vision of how this corridor can best support the Hugo community and its continued development.”

A big part of the process is public input. Recently, residents weighed in by attending an open house at Hugo City Hall, or online via the county’s website. Approximately 100 people attended the open house and weighed in on how they travel along the corridor (vehicle, bike, walk, transit, etc.), provided key words/ phrases that describe the corridor and offered general comments.

“Many of the comments we received were related to highway operations such as access delays getting on to Highway 61 during certain times of the day, need for additional turn lanes/signals/roundabouts (and) need for additional pedestrian accommodations,” Erichson recalled. “Many of the comments reinforce what the team working on this study is also seeing along this corridor.”

Some key themes included concerns about speeds, left turns onto/off of Hwy 61, the community’s growth and pedestrian safety and connectivity. Many people who attended wanted to know when the project would be constructed. It’s important to note that the study is “step zero” to implementing improvements, Dahlheimer said. She noted that the study is to establish a vision from which future projects can be identified, designed and constructed.

There will be ongoing engagement opportunities throughout the study process, including pop-up meetings and additional open houses. Dahlheimer said the project team will accept comments at any time and community members are welcome to contact her (at 651-430-4338 or madeline.dahlheimer@ co.washington.mn.us) or provide comments online by visiting www.co.washington.mn.us/Highway61.

Next up this summer will be the “evaluate” stage, where the team will develop and evaluate corridor improvement alternatives with consideration to community priorities and traffic engineering solutions. This fall/winter, the study will move into the “define” stage, where the team will define a preferred corridor vision; compile the study report and summarize the process/outcomes; and outline the jurisdictional transfer plan, including implementation, financial and timeline considerations.

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

Washington County residents take a look at the Highway 61 corridor and point out problem areas on the map.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS Open house attendees are asked how they travel along Highway 61 whether that be by car, bike, transit or walking.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Consider making charitable contributions

Charitable contributions of money or goods may entitle individuals (and businesses) to certain tax breaks. However, it’s important to note that there are rules concerning charity and tax deductions.

Generally speaking, the United States Internal Revenue Service enables people to deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross incomes via charitable donations, but there may be limitations based on the type of contribution and the organization.

For example, contributions to certain private foundations, fraternal societies and veterans’ organizations come with lower limits.

Tax-deductible donations are those made to qualifying organizations in the year the tax return is filed, says the IRS. Qualifying organizations may include religious organizations and churches, 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, nonprofit volunteer organizations, civil defense organizations, fraternal societies, and educational institutions, among others.

Donations that are not taxdeductible include cash gifts to individuals and political contributions.

Rules may be complex, so it’s always best do discuss charitable donations with a certified public accountant for clarification.

Deductible as charitable contributions

Money or property you give to:

• Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations

• Federal, state, and local governments, if your contribution is solely for public purposes (for example, a gift to reduce the public debt or maintain a public park)

• Nonprofit schools and hospitals

Not deductible as charitable contributions

Money or property you give to:

• Civic leagues, social and sports clubs, labor unions, and chambers of commerce

• Foreign organizations (except certain Canadian, Israeli, and Mexican charities)

• Groups that are run for personal profit

• The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, CARE, Goodwill Industries, United Way, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, etc.

• War veterans’ groups

• Expenses paid for a student living with you, sponsored by a qualified organization

• Out-of-pocket expenses when you serve a qualified organization as a volunteer

• Political groups or candidates for public office

• Cost of raffle, bingo, or lottery tickets

• Dues, fees, or bills paid to country clubs, lodges, fraternal orders, or similar groups

• Tuition

Achievement in journalism I

’m always inspired to meet someone who has achieved success by hard work, determination and expanding education. There is a danger today for some college students when they graduate to expect a major position and high salary despite limited experience in the career path or profession they are pursuing.

A contrast is Angela Davis, who is host of weekday talk show MPR News. She has been with MPR since November 2018 and has a background of 25 years of television reporting and anchoring in the Twin Cities and other cities throughout the country.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Kathy and I were invited to hear her as a guest speaker at Bethel University’s School of Journalism on April 4. Her talk to the students was about her life story and the many obstacles she had to overcome. She has had to face barriers because of her color and being a woman. Today she is very capable of leading conversations and topics on how the state is changing, Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities, economic issues, education and mental health.

She made the point to be accurate, moral, ethical and slow down to get things right.

People need to listen to different points of view to learn about various jobs behind the scenes. As a result, one needs to develop a thick skin.

Newspapers need to be on social media to balance all of the misinformation. You must give yourself time to process what goes on around you to protect your spirit and joy in life. Set boundaries.

Davis is a member of local and national chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is a mother of two college students, and married to fellow journalist, Duchesni Drew. Before joining MPR she was editor at the Star Tribune.

The key message from her was to work hard, overcome obstacles, continue your education, and learn all you can about the key issues that people are struggling with.

The takeaway we left with is that she is a very persistent, professional journalist. Along the way she had to prove to every newsroom that she could do the job of being an on-air reporter.

She holds a journalism degree from the University of Maryland- College Park, which is considered one of the best J schools in the United States.

Dave Kansas, a director on the Board of the Johnson Center for Journalism at Bethel University, invited students to hear and see Angela Davis. Dr. Scott Winter is the lead staff of the Center.

Too beautiful for earth

I try to glance at the obituary page in all of our newspapers on a weekly basis. I may know someone, sometimes a relative or friend I didn’t know was ill.

When I was reading the March 15 Baldwin Bulletin, my eyes watered when I read about an infant that lived only three days and died in his mother’s arms. There was a quote, “An angel in the Book of Life, wrote down our baby’s birth. She whispered as she closed the book, too beautiful for earth.”

Another part went on to say, “Some people only dream of angels. We held one in our arms. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.”

Perhaps that struck a memory in my heart when my first wife, Joanie, and I lost our first son hours after birth in 1956.

I also look at ages of deaths to see if I’m above or below the average. Community newspapers are great at reporting this information. They clip well for scrapbooks, too.

Gene Johnson is Publisher Emeritus at Press Publications.

Bringing new perspective to St. Paul

Ihope you are enjoying the warm weather and the awesome feeling that comes from watching the last mountain of snow disappear from the end of the driveway.

increases total $9.5 billion. There is no reason to raise taxes by $9.5 billion when we have a $17.5 billion surplus. I will vote against any attempts to make life for Minnesotans more expensive.

of the Public Safety committee, I am working to address these issues through legislation that will:

Legislator Lingo Elliott Engen

With spring heating up, the Minnesota Legislature seems to have followed suit as we enter the final weeks of session. This is a budget year, so in the coming weeks we will be debating the various omnibus budget bills that will form the new twoyear state budget. As we vote on these bills, which often are hundreds of pages long, it’s important to note that Minnesota has a $17.5 billion surplus.

Minnesotans are facing the consequences of rising costs every day at the grocery store, gas station, and more. With such a massive surplus, I am pushing to return Minnesotans hardearned money through permanent, meaningful tax relief.

Unfortunately, this session we have seen more efforts to raise taxes, such as increased fees on car tabs or imposing additional taxes on home deliveries, than tax cuts. Current proposed tax

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My number one priority is to listen to your concerns and address those issues. In my first term as your legislator, I am focused on acting on those issues. Whether it’s supporting family budgets, student success, safety in our communities, or transparency in state government, I’ve aspired to bring a new perspective to St. Paul to solve these issues.

Making life more affordable for Minnesota’s families is critically important. That’s why I authored the “Family-Focused Tax Relief Package” to lower costs through a number of innovative policies such as:

• Infant Care Items Sales Tax Exemption. This will make infant care items, like cribs, strollers, car seats, and bottles, tax exempt.

• Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This will eliminate sales taxes on school supplies in the month of August.

• Full Elimination of the Tax on Social Security. This will support our seniors who are living on a fixed income.

Every Minnesotan should feel safe in their community, regardless of the zip code. As a member

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

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• Improve safety infrastructure in schools. My bill, the SHIELD Act, will provide $100 million in grants to ensure that our students are safe.

• Increase the penalty for fentanyl trafficking.

• Increase carjacking penalties. Our schools must be ready to equip our students with the help, resources, and knowledge they need to be the future of our community. I have worked diligently with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support students, parents, and teachers through legislation that will:

• Provide mental health resources for students.

• Fully fund special education.

• Improve our reading proficiency standards to help address the achievement gap.

• Pension reform, to recruit and retain teachers and educators. There is still a lot of work ahead of us this session. As the omnibus budget bills moves forward, I would appreciate hearing your feedback.

Rep. Elliott Engen represents District 36A. He can be reached by phone at 651-296-2365, or by email at Rep.Elliott.Engen@ house.mn.gov.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

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OBITUARY

John Olaf Christiansen

survived by wife, Alice; sons, Michael and David; daughter, Karen (David) Fontaine: 5 grandkids; sister, Linda Summerland.

Greet family 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake; prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Private interment: St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Hugo, MN.

WEEKLY WAG

JoJo was found living on the streets but, like a champ, quickly adapted to living in a home with people. It’s unknown how long JoJo was living as a stray, so it may take him some time to build trust, but once he realizes and understands you are there for him, you’ll have a friend forever. He loves the people he’s learned to trust.

JoJo is an Australian cattle dog/blue heeler mix. He weighs about 50 pounds and is approximately 2 years old. JoJo is social with other dogs, and he’s very good with the people he knows. New, slow introductions to others are always welcome. JoJo has settled in well at his foster’s home and has learned his basic commands, but he is eager to please and seems willing to learn more.

Arriving at Ruff Start Rescue from the local impound, JoJo is waiting for a family who will give him the love, time and training he needs to be his best. If you are interested in learning more about JoJo or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Pontoons on Bald Eagle for sale

A couple of years after they purchased the business, the Robinson family has decided it’s time to sell. Ben and Katy Robinson, of White Bear Township, purchased the seasonal boat rental business Bald Eagle Boat Rental in 2021 and rebranded the business as Pontoons on Bald Eagle.

In a social media post, Katy said in part, “This is a post I didn’t want to make … For personal reasons, we need to sell. Owning Pontoons on Bald Eagle is amazing and so much fun, but we needed to make a choice that was best for our family.”

Upcoming Games

April 18-23

vs. Scranton/WB Railriders

May 2-7 vs. Nashville Sounds

May 9-14 vs. Indianapolis Indians

COUNTY BRIEFS

Washington County Parks will celebrate Earth Day

Washington County Parks will mark Earth Day with a number of events in county parks Saturday, April 22. They include:

• Zumba, 10 to 11 a.m. at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. A Zumba class takes the “work” out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Space is limited, and registration is required.

• Fitness Hike, 10 a.m. starting at the Nordic Center Trailhead at Lake Elmo Park. Plan for a beautiful hike along a 3-mile, 60-minute trail and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking through nature. There will be variation of movement during the hike with some optional strength and balance challenges along the way. Wear layers, a good pair of trail shoes and join us on the trail. No registration required.

• Frisbee Disc Golf, noon to 6 p.m. at Lake Elmo Park Reserve – South Pavilion, weather dependent. A portable 9-hole frisbee disc-golf course will be set up at the South Pavilion. Parks staff will be on site for an introduction lesson to the sport, and there will be a limited supply of discs for parks users to borrow.

• Story Stroll, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Big Marine Park Reserve. Take a walk while reading a book on the Story Adventure Trail at Big Marine Park Reserve. This story stroll follows a walking path that

loops by the playground and picnic shelter. “How to Change a Planet” by Christina Soontornvat will be on display starting Thursday, April 20, and will run through May. For registration and more information on Washington County Parks locations, programs and events, see www. co.washington.mn.us/parks

County board revises ARPA expenditures

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has revised how the county will spend its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The county board has elected to direct the money to needed housing support services. The most recent revisions include a decrease to the county emergency/transitional housing capital project from $8 million to $7 million, which will allow the money to fund an increase in two other projects. The housing outreach team supervision project will increase by $150,000 to extend the term of the current staff to the end of 2024. The transitional/ emergency housing project will increase by $850,000 due to the continued need for temporary hotel sheltering, until a permanent option is developed. The increase will also fund a housing manager to prioritize and focus on the emergency/transitional ARPA housing projects. This position will allow the county to streamline housing and homeless services and increase the coordination across service providers.

County board recognizes Work Zone Awareness

Week Commissioners will recognize April 17-21 as Work Zone Awareness Week. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. NWZAW takes place across the United States, with partnerships between state departments of transportation, national road safety organizations, government agencies, private companies and individuals.

All roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange to show their support of work zone safety. Go Orange Day and NWZAW is a time to show support of the roadway safety industry, especially to the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones.

County will collect household hazardous waste, electronics

Washington County will conduct a one-day household hazardous waste and electronics collection from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in Forest Lake. The collection will be at the Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N., Forest Lake.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF HUGO CITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC HEARING

The Hugo City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 1, 2023, at approximately 7:00 pm to consider the easement vacation application from M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC, for vacation of the existing road easement lying over, under, and across that part of the North half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 28, Township 31, Range 21, Washington County, Minnesota. Full legal descriptions available at Hugo City Hall. The proper roadway easements will be dedicated for the development after the easement vacation is approved. Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Rachel Juba, Community Development Director at 651762-6304 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting.

Rachel Juba

Community Development Director

Published one time in The Citizen on April 20, 2023.

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo

Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937 761757

Masses:

CITY OF HUGO

The City of Hugo, [in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7(b)(1),] hereby gives notice of the City of Hugo’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Oneka Parkway N, Everton Ave N, and Frenchman Road. Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along Clearwater Creek from a point approximately 1700 feet upstream of Oneka Parkway N to approximately 850 feet upstream of the confluence with South Branch Clearwater Creek in addition to along North Branch Clearwater Creek downstream of Frenchman Road.

As a result of the revision, the 1% and 0.2% annual chance water-surface elevations, as well as the effective floodway, will be changed for Clearwater Creek and North Branch Clearwater Creek. Some widening and narrowing of the effective floodplains will occur as they are mapped on more detailed, more current topographic data, although any base flood elevation increases are less than 0.2ft. The effective floodway will generally be narrowed throughout the limits of the study.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. Interested persons may call Rachel Juba at 651-762-6304 for additional information from 8am to 5pm.

Published one time in The Citizen on April 20, 2023.

• Tom Smith has been promoted to public works streets lead worker. Rick Kieffer has also been promoted to the public works parks lead position. Both will begin at the maximum step of the salary matrix.

• American Legion Post 620 continues to contribute funds to the fire department. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to the department to be used for equipment and training.

• Southwind Holdings LLC, proposes to develop a 25-acre property located at the north end of Oneka Parkway. Oneka Prairie will include 59 residential lots and a public park.

The property has 3.92 acres of wetlands on site. The development will result in 0.50 acres of wetland impact, mostly for road construction and grading. Southwind Holdings plans to replace the impacts to the wetland basin though the purchase of wetland credits from an approved wetland bank.

• The city will pay CB&I LLC’s final pay request (No. 16) for $66,776 for the water tower No. 4 project.

• Parking will not be allowed on 159th Street near the new roundabout. The Shores of Oneka Lake development team is currently working on final construction plans for the Highway 61 and 159th Street roundabout project that will provide access to the development, which will be located east of the highway. The city of Hugo was successful in receiving a local partnership program grant for the project, which will require the project to be built to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) standards.

The roadway design for 159th Street will not condone street parking, as it is too narrow. The City Council has approved a resolution restricting parking along both sides of 159th Street from Forest Boulevard (Hwy 61) west to Foxhill Avenue North and from Forest Boulevard east to the future Goodview Avenue North intersection.

• Planning Commissioner Mike Granger is the newest member of the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC). The ORC reviews new ordinances and amendments, as directed by the City Council, and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission. The ORC consists of two City Council members (Mike Miron and Phil Klein) and three Planning Commissioners (Granger, Bronwen Kleissler and Scott Arcand).

• The ORC will review the city’s solar ordinance and

eventually make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The council has established a sixmonth moratorium on the development of new solar farms so that the city can evaluate whether changes are needed to its ordinance. The City Council and Planning Commission agree that some changes are necessary, and referred the matter to the ORC for further discussion. The item will eventually go to the Planning Commission for a public hearing, and then to council.

• Discussions on the Fable Hills bridge and the Forest Road bridge continue. City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that the Fable Hills bridge has a timber deck that has damaged boards that are falling off. It also has some steel corrosion due to the treated timber. Since the bridge is only 20 years old and has a local planning index (LPI, measurement of the bridge condition on a 100-point scale) of 74, funding sources are limited. Funding sources become available at an LPI of 60 or lower. Erichson said city staff will continue annual inspections of the bridge.

The Forest Road single-lane bridge just west of Forest Boulevard is more than 100 years old and has significant concrete spalling and exposed rebar. Erichson said the bridge needs to be replaced for safety reasons and is eligible for state bridge bonds due to its LPI rating of 43. Bridge bonds would cover 100% of the construction costs of the bridge itself, but minor approach work and engineering would not be covered. Engineering for the new bridge must be complete so that when funds become available, the shovel-ready project can move forward.

Council Member Dave Strub suggested the city begin by conducting a traffic study to determine how heavily used the road is. Mayor Tom Weidt agreed.

• The Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District Board has announced there are three terms that expire on June 21, 2023. State statute requires that the county board select members from a list of persons nominated by the townships and municipalities within the district. Residents are asked to contact City Hall if they are interested in serving on the watershed district board.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

The Forest Road bridge is in need of replacement. The singlelane bridge is more than 100 years old and has significant concrete spalling and exposed rebar. The bridge needs to be replaced for safety reasons, according to City Engineer Mark Erichson.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

City staff continues to monitor the condition of the Fable Hills bridge, which has a timber deck with damaged boards that are falling off. It also has some steel corrosion due to the treated timber.

• Centerville has revitalized City Hall and will now revitalize its parking lot, after council approved the contract with Vetter’s Electric Inc. for $38,200 to install exterior lighting. Money from the street fund will finance the project. City staff will apply for a grant of up to $10,000 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to offset the costs. If the city is unsuccessful in receiving a grant, staff will resubmit an application at the next grant cycle. If the city is ultimately unsuccessful at receiving a grant, the city will still move forward with the project and finance it using city funds. The new lights are expected to increase safety outside City Hall and will be in the “downcast” style to avoid unnecessary light pollution and nuisance for the neighbors. Council included an additional $2,000 contingency to add outlets to the poles.

• Now that the city has refreshed its existing logo and researched when and how the new logo can be used, city staff has drafted a logo use policy for council’s review. The draft logo policy will also be reviewed by the city attorney for suggested modifications. The policy will include guidelines such as trademark restrictions; items for sale, such as polos and coffee mugs; a standard application form to use the logo; forbidden uses and more.

• The city has extended its recycling contract with Republic Services, changing the period of the contract. Instead of three years, the city will extend the contract for 3.5 years to synchronize with its financial year, which runs from January through December. Formerly, the contract synchronized with Republic Services’ contract, which followed the fiscal year

of July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

• Centerville will join more than 170 mayors from across 46 states and the District of Columbia to lead the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger by signing the pledge to demonstrate support of this initiative. The campaign aims to ensure that every child has healthy food every day.

• Centerville has proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month. The Fair Housing Act, enacted on April 11, 1968, and enshrined into federal law, prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin and disability.

• Employees of the Board of Water and Soil Resources will have a parkout in the City Hall lot, in which their vehicles will be well secured under the proposed new lighting in the lot. Agency employees requested permission to allow two or more of their state-issued cars to park in the lot overnight throughout the summer. The park-out will allow them to complete their field visits in the north metro without having to commute to St. Paul to retrieve their vehicles. Staff recommended permission, seeing it as an opportunity to show true partnership with state counterparts, City Administrator Mark Statz said.

• During City Hall renovations last year, a bullet-resistant glass at front desk was added, as well as a Kevlar-lined dais and panic buttons at strategic locations. However, a modern control panel was purposefully left out so that city staff could evaluate how all the new features functioned in the new space. Now the city is ready to install a new, modern control panel, along with

a security camera system. Council approved the contract with Safeguard Security Inc. to install the new security features with ongoing maintenance at an annual cost of $1,058 (or $59.90 per month). Money from the general fund for City Hall expenses will be used. These last additions should complete the building’s upgraded security and fire safety systems, Statz said.

• The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce is planning the second annual Senior Expo for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, after council approved a special event permit on private property. Both the Centennial Lake Police Department (CLPD) and Centennial Fire District (CFD) plan to attend the event. Last year’s inaugural event was described by the public and vendors alike as well planned and well attended.

• The residents of 1765 Partridge Place received approval for a special event permit to host a live band in their yard for a graduation party this spring. The music event will run from 7-9 p.m. The Murillo graduation party is scheduled for 2 to 9:30 p.m. June 17, subject to health, safety and nuisance documents received and a thumbs up by the CLPD and CFD.

• The city has accepted two Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grants, based on the recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Committee. The committee directed city staff to submit two separate $3,000 grant applications for consideration. One of the grants will be used to purchase a bicycle repair station to be installed on the trail leading into and out of the Anoka County Regional Park portion of Laurie LaMotte Memorial

Park. The other grant award will be used to install two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant water bottle, drinking and pet water stations. The drinking fountain at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park has been repeatedly vandalized and was removed from the exterior of the building last year. One of the new water stations will be installed there, and the other will be installed near the parking lot/trailhead of Acorn Creek Park.

• Performers at city events will appreciate the new sound equipment used for Music in the Park this year, after council followed the Parks & Recreation Committee recommendation to purchase new audio equipment to replace the aging city audio equipment. The new equipment is expected to cost $3,000 to $4,000 and will be funded from a recent $1,000 Kwik Trip donation and from the parks and recreation fund. The new equipment will consist of one digital audio mixer, two 8-inch speakers, two stands for speakers and boxes for carrying and protection. The outdated equipment may be sold or used as backup for other events, such as Fete des Lacs or Skate/Sled Nights.

• Another vacancy has opened up on the Planning and Zoning Commission, following the resignation of Commissioner David Kubat. Council formally accepted his resignation and declared a vacancy on the commission.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

LAWSUIT: Hockey Association complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty

compensation and disregard of board directives, causing the relationship to deteriorate, alleged the complaint filed by attorney Janel Dressen, Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan PA.

Among the allegations was interference with the 55-year-old association’s relationships with its gambling partners, vendors, employees and members, as well as using confidential information to benefit Olson in a new position designed to take away the association’s gambling business.

Her unlawful conduct, the lawsuit goes on to allege, includes destruction of association property (kept in her home office) such as business records, contracts and emails that were deleted immediately before she resigned.

The complaint alleges that Olson has been making defamatory statements about the association and its board, including claims that the association is violating gambling laws and providing false information to members, online and otherwise.

“While the association believes these assertions by her are false, any alleged gambling violations would be the result of her actions and failures to fulfill her numerous fiduciary obligations to the association as gambling manager,” the suit claims.

The 22-page complaint alleged that Olson did not comply with the association’s conflict of interest policy that she herself implemented for all gambling employees. That allegation was explained further in regard to the

had been approved at the May 2022 board meeting based on an expense sheet that had accompanied the business plan.” Nevertheless, the board discussed ways to increase her salary.

Gambling provides huge revenue for the hockey association. A 2021 audit shows the association generated almost $32 million in revenue, $4.7 million in net revenue and $871,300 in profits. Under Olson’s management, 2022 gambling profits decreased to $680,300, despite an increase in revenue.

In January, 2023, Olson obtained bids for electrical contracting work for the new bingo hall. She received three bids, which ranged from $40,000 to $50,000 and which, according to the complaint, were, “upon information and belief, obtained from her friends and/or friends of her husband, thereby constituting a conflict of interest.”

The complaint alleges that Olson was receiving inflated bids, so concerned board members reached out to other contractors as a check and balance on the bid process, which upset Olson and led to her claiming that the board was violating the association bylaws when, in fact, the board was taking action to appropriately fulfill its fiduciary duties to the organization.

“Shockingly, in comparison to the bids Olson received, the board received electrical bids around $14,000 for the same work,” the complaint says.

Although allegedly Olson was told by the board that the company could not proceed with the excessive bid, she informed the board the $44,000 bid had already been accepted.

Olson was also directed not to have her husband do any construction work at the bingo hall, but he allegedly did anyway.

At the Feb. 8 board meeting, Olson “falsely accused the board of being ‘denied payment’ for her work and for not following the association bylaws.” She “conveniently” ignored the reason for the directive to stop work at the bingo hall and “falsely claimed,” according to the complaint, “that the association would potentially lose $500,000 to $1 million in sales because of the board’s actions.”

Stated in complaint

new bingo hall adjacent to Jimmy’s Food and Drink.

The bingo hall was projected to earn profits of $600,000 per year, which would be used to lower the “significant” fees charged to youth hockey participants. As gambling manager, Olson was responsible for overall control of its operations. In June 2022, the complaint says she started demanding additional compensation for managing the hall. Nothing was approved and the matter didn’t come up again until December, when Olson again demanded a salary increase. At the time, she was making $129,000.

According to the complaint, “Olson falsely claimed that her compensation

Olson told the board part of her job was doing “what is in the best interest of White Bear Lake Hockey’s charitable gambling.”

“Unfortunately,” the suit states, “she was not acting in the best interests of the gambling operations for the association, but was instead acting out of self and conflicted interest.”

Despite her alleged behavior, the board approved a salary increase to $140,000, with a 3.5% return from the bingo hall going forward to “smooth relations with her.” That was around March 13. Olson was set to become one of the highest-paid gambling managers in the state, yet she wanted more, insisting no one would work for what was being offered.

The day after her March 28

resignation, Olson allegedly accessed the association Facebook account to post a status update, falsely claiming that WBLAHA-sponsored bingo was canceled at two locations. Olson also allegedly sent an email to gambling operations employees, disparaging and accusing the board of violating bylaws and gambling control board rules and statutes, without providing specifics. She announced that the hockey association was losing some of its locations and called the employees to a special meeting at Jimmy’s to “inform them of what is transpiring.”

She told them she was working for a St. Paul nonprofit called Merrick Community Services (not to be confused with Merrick Inc.) and that she had already recruited four of the association’s partners to follow her and had four to five opportunities for new locations. That statement, according to the complaint, evidenced her significant breaches of fiduciary duty to the association and its conflict-ofinterest policy.

The employees had until April 10 to decide whether to follow her.

The subject and content of the emergency meeting ultimately revealed how long Olson had allegedly been working behind the association’s back while she was still employed as an officer.

The association also claims it received signed identical form letters from its partnering restaurants and bars seeking to terminate gambling operations. “Not only were the letters identical, but they are also dated March 27, 2023 — while Olson remained an association employee,” read the

Hockey association issues statement

The following statement to membership was posted on the very Facebook page started by a group vocal about its concerns:

As we navigate our charitable gambling situation, we would like to update you as the process evolves.

As of today, we are extremely happy to announce our partnerships with Doc’s Sports Bar, Beartown Bar and Grill, White Bear Bar, and Jimmy’s are intact and will continue to grow. We would like to extend a big thank you to these

establishments for their years of support and continued partnerships with WBLAHA.

Please take the time to show your thanks and support to all these establishments for their loyalty.

Negotiations with Saks Sports Bar are still underway, and we will update our association once a final decision has been made.

Fiesta Cancun, we would like to thank you for your years of support. We hope to continue to grow our long-standing relationship in the future.

As a community, we are thankful for these partnerships past and present.

A sincere Thank You to our wonderful charitable gambling staff. We appreciate your dedication and patience as we get back on track.

Our community is strong and united, and supporting WBL Youth Hockey is the main goal.

Thank you all, updates on our progress will follow accordingly.

complaint.

“Upon information and belief, Olson either told the bar owners what to put in their termination letters or she prepared the letters for them, all while still an officer and employee of the association.” (See the association’s statement for update on the partnerships.)

The complaint contains six counts against the ex-gambling manager: breach of contract, breach of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with businesses, unfair competition and, lastly, civil theft for allegedly destroying, deleting or unlawfully possessing and retaining association property. The association is asking for damages in excess of $50,000 for each count, except the last. That amount is to be determined at trial.

Also noted, the association intends to file a motion to amend the complaint to seek punitive damages “at the appropriate time.”

The plaintiff is asking the court to prohibit the defendant from soliciting any current association employee and/ or otherwise employ such employee to compete against the association’s gambling operations or to interfere with any entities with whom the association has any gambling business or relations. They are also asking the defendant pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and all other relief the court deems just and equitable.

Olson has 21 days to respond to the complaint.

Reached by telephone to ask if she wished to comment on the complaint, Olson replied, “No comment.”

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Pull-tab rules are posted at the charitable gambling kiosk located at Bear Town Restaurant.

Despite Olson’s alleged behavior, the board approved a salary increase to $140,000, with a 3.5% return from the bingo hall going forward to “smooth relations with her.”

COPS COURTS • &

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

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies received a report of identity theft at 10:07 a.m. March 13 from the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 3:03 p.m. March 13 on Highway 61 just south of 130th Street N. for passing on the shoulder and displaying expired registration. During the traffic stop, deputies detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver and vehicle owner admitted to having pot in the vehicle, and a search was conducted. After a small amount of pot was located, the driver was released with a warning about the pot.

• A complainant from an unknown Hugo address at 3:28 p.m. March 13 reported buying a truck from a dealer without coming away with the title or the truck.

The complainant also couldn’t remember the plate number of the truck and didn’t know where the truck went. After the complainant suggested the vehicle had been taken by the dealership, deputies advised him that it was a civil matter between him and the dealership.

• An unnamed vehicle parked in the 14000 block of Generation Avenue N. received a citation under the windshield wipers at 2:41 a.m. March 14 for violating the city’s winter parking ordinance.

• A wallet from the 13000 block of Europa Trail N. was reported lost at 12:56 p.m. March 14.

• A homeowner in the 12000 block of Homestead Drive N. at 3:10 p.m. March 14 reported a possible burglary, upon finding three unlocked windows and a battery missing from the alarm system after contractors were at the residence. Deputies advised the complainant to contact the alarm company to verify that the system was working normally.

• A westbound motorist was cited for speeding 42 mph in a 30 mph zone at 8:01 a.m. March 15 on Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar.

• A woman in the 4000 block of 162nd Street N. at 2:47 p.m. March 15 reported being harassed via phone and social media by another female.

• A resident in the 8000 block of 152nd Street N. at 8:03 a.m. March 16 reported receiving threats from a middle-aged male in Africa to release explicit photos he sent online to a person he thought was an adult female. The ransom to escape the extortion was $500. Deputies advised the complainant about his options.

• A Hugo woman was arrested without incident on a felony Otter Tail County body-only warrant for fifth-degree controlled substance crimes at 8:03 a.m. March 16 in the 7000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. After she was transported to jail, she was turned over the WCSO staff for booking.

• Deputies deployed their drone at 10:07 a.m. March 16 to assist the Hugo Public Works Department in the 5000 block of 125th Street N.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. at 3:32 p.m. March 16 reported being defrauded via the Xcel Energy scam, after he divulged credit card information to the scammer. Deputies advised the complainant to secure all his accounts and to use credit monitoring services.

A Minnesota motorist was cited at 5:06 p.m. March 16 in the area of Goodview Avenue N. and 145th

COPS COURTS • & COPS&COURTS

Street N. for driving after revocation, failure to provide proof of insurance and for not displaying a front license plate, after deputies, who knew the vehicle and its owner, conducted a traffic stop for the absent front plate. The driver admitted to all of the violations.

• A parent in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. at 8:44 p.m. March 16 reported TikTok bullying.

A motorist pulled over for vehicle registration violations at 9:59 p.m. March 16 in the area of Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway was arrested for narcotics crimes.

• A suspicious male reported at 1:01 a.m. March 17 at North Star Elementary School in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be a motorist just taking pictures of his vehicle (with the ambiance that only a school building backdrop in the wee hours could provide).

• Vehicle tampering was reported at 8:53 a.m. March 17 in the 4000 block of 159th Street N. A resident in the 5000 block of 157th Way N. at 5:51 p.m. March 17 reported a Verizon wireless account created in his name that he didn’t authorize. No monetary loss was noticed at the time of the report.

• A suspicious male reported at 7:43 a.m. March 18 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be an aspiring nature photographer setting up a place to take pictures of deer.

The photographer lived within the park and was not committing any violations.

• An older male driving a gray Chevrolet Cruze in the area of Goodview Avenue N. and 130th Street N. was reported at 10:50 a.m. March 18 for following the complainant home and yelling at him. The complainant said that the male also hit his right leg with the passenger side of his vehicle before fleeing. The complainant suffered no injuries and said he only wanted the incident documented.

• A resident in the 5000 block of Farnham Drive N. at 1:54 p.m. March 18 reported her neighbor for threatening her when he warned her that she didn’t know what he was capable of whenever she lets her dogs out.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 2:53 p.m. March 19 reported losing approximately $49,000 to a bitcoin scam through Bitfract. Bitfract provides a platform for the exchange of digital assets through digital wallets.

• The manager of a group home in the 5000 block of 127th Street N. at 10:38 a.m. March 20 reported a resident used another resident’s bank card to purchase items online.

An unnamed male was arrested for DWI at 2:31 p.m. March 20 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N., after Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an intoxicated male in a vehicle.

• A father in the 5000 block of 157th Street N. at 4:39 p.m. March 20 reported his daughter for accidentally pocket-dialing 911 while she walked home from the school bus. After the father said

his daughter was scared about being in trouble, deputies reassured her father that no one was in trouble at all. Deputies then explained their policy of addressing abandoned 911 calls. Deputies usually call back on the number for a welfare check, because attackers often interrupt their victims trying to call 911 for help during domestic violence episodes.

A Minnesota motorist was cited at 5:35 p.m. March 21 in the area of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in October, after deputies on patrol observed a vehicle they had stopped one month earlier for the same violation.

The motorist was also stopped six months ago for the same violation, making a total of three traffic stops for the same violation he didn’t take care of.

The driver said he was gifted the vehicle more than six months earlier, but had lost the title. A computer check confirmed the driver’s claim, but he was still cited.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:51 p.m. March 22 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 130th Street N. for driving after revocation, no license plate lights and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, after deputies on patrol couldn’t see the license plate of a vehicle driving on the centerline. A computer check during the traffic stop showed the driver revoked with ignition interlock restriction. The driver had to arrange for a ride from a valid driver.

• An unidentified adult female was arrested at 9:52 p.m. March 22 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for undisclosed offenses, after she was pulled over for speeding.

• Deputies arriving at North Star Elementary School in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for a DARE presentation at 12:32 p.m. March 23 observed a gray sedan parked near to students playing outside. The vehicle fled immediately after the squad appeared. Teachers immediately flagged down deputies to advise them of suspicious activity surrounding the gray vehicle.

• A motorist was warned at 9:04 p.m. March 23 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road about possessing marijuana in a vehicle, after deputies conducting a traffic stop for faulty equipment smelled pot in the vehicle. The driver admitted to having a small amount of it, along with a grinder, and a quick search yielded both. Deputies seized the items and entered them into evidence to be destroyed.

• Deputies on patrol in the area of Fenway Avenue N. and 142nd Street N. at 12:38 a.m. March 24 conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and cited its driver for having no permanent or temporary license plates.

• A driver with a commercial driver’s license was cited at 10:31 a.m. March 24 on eastbound Greene Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for speeding 41 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar. The driver admitted to speeding one mile over the limit because he thought the speed limit was 40 mph. The driver’s attitude was described as good.

Loretta Harding

Fish Fry season serves over 3K meals

St. John The Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church in Hugo had another great Fish Fry season during the first six weeks of Lent. Members served over 3,200 meals.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Bill Courteau poses for a photo with the boy bike winner Lucas Rehr.

Bill Courteau of the Men’s Club presents Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf President Chris DuFresne with a $1,000 check. The funds were raised through a raffle at the Fish Fries.

Centennial Community Food Shelf: Bill Courteau of the Men’s Club presents Centennial Community Food Shelf Sheri Hanson with a $1,000 check. The funds were raised through a raffle at the Fish Fries.

Bill Courteau announces the girl bike winner — Violet Newschwander.

Answer these Earth Day trivia questions correctly for a chance to win FREE Pizza provided by Pizza Man. Any ties will be an additional drawing for winners.

1. In what year did the first Earth Day take place?

2. Which was the first book to set the stage for society to change in becoming more environmentally aware?

3. Earth Day’s date was chosen because it falls between which two events on college campuses?

4. True or False: In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed on Earth Day?

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5. True or False: In the USA, There are comprehensive, national standards regarding environmental education

6. Approximately how many people participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the world’s largest secular observance?

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Adopt A Drain for Earth Day

Stormwater does not get cleaned before entering lakes and streams. When water flows off streets and into storm drains, it carries dirt, leaves and other pollutants that impact the quality of the water. You can take care of your storm drain by sweeping and raking leaves, sand and dirt, trash and other debris to allow water to flow easily and cleanly down the drain.

Participants in the metrowide AdoptA-Drain program adopt, name and clean storm drains in order to protect water quality. Consider adopting a drain for Earth Day. To adopt a drain, visit www.adopt-a-drain.org to find a storm drain in your neighborhood.

Maplewood Mall hosts Earth Day event

The Maplewood Mall will host an Earth Day event featuring local sustainable vendors from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 29. The event will also feature a theatrical performance by Mixed Blood Theatre at 2 p.m. and Earth arts and crafts.

Anoka County seeks volunteers for ‘Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge’

Anoka County Parks is taking part in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge this spring and is seeking volunteers to help improve the quality of the river by removing refuse from its banks.

There are two opportunities to volunteer:

April is...AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

The shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month reflects input from autistic and other community leaders, including members of the Association of University Centers on Disability who are advancing support, research, evidencebased interventions, inclusiveness and advocacy for the human and civil rights of all people with autism spectrum disorder / developmental disabilities (ASD/DD).

Autism diagnoses are growing, both for children and adults. In December 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that one in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Over 7 million people in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum. Autism affects people from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic standings. The numbers stress the urgent need for equitable access to diagnostic evaluations and early interventions that have a significant impact on lifelong outcomes.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.

People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are different from most people. Their appearance may not set them apart from others, and their abilities can vary significantly. Some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

ASD begins before the age of 3 and can last throughout a person’s life. Symptoms may improve over time. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones

• 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22 ––Mississippi West Regional Park, 13900 Traprock St. Ramsey.

• 8 :30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 –– Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. A volunteer work group from Medtronic will be present at this cleanup.

Call 763-324-3413 to RSVP to one or both cleanup events and for more information. Attendees are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and gloves. Anoka County Parks will issue garbage and recycle bags to separate and recycle waste. Parks Department staff and equipment will be present at these events to address the removal of any large or hazardous items. Participants in these events can share their experience on social media: #winneristheriver.

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks on Earth Day

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will waive vehicle permit fees at all 75 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 22. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the vehicle permit requirement at those locations.

In addition to being a Free Park Day, April 22 is also Earth Day. Several state parks are offering Earth Day events. Find details about these events and others on the state parks event calendar (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar).

For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage (mndnr.gov/ freeparkdays) or contact the DNR Information Center by emailing info. dnr@state.mn.us or by calling 888-6466367.

until around 18 to 24 months of age then stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had. As children with ASD become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with others, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job. They may come to the attention of healthcare providers because of anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which occur more often in people with ASD than in people without ASD.

Approximately 1 in 5 young adults with autism will interact with a police officer before the age of 21. Individuals with disabilities, including those with autism, are five times more likely to be incarcerated than people without disabilities. Police interactions lead to more injuries and fatalities within this population, largely due to lack of training and the improper use of excessive force.

Up to 85 percent of autistic adults with a college education are unemployed, and over 70 percent of adults with autism are underemployed or unemployed. Given the current labor shortage, employers could benefit from expanding their pool of applicants through inclusive hiring practices.

The Autism Society offers a series of fact sheets and brochures to educate first responders and partners with businesses to offer learning opportunities, resources and connections to the wide network of autistic individuals in the workforce to support inclusive workplace missions.

More information can be found at https://autismsociety.org/ and https://www.cdc.gov/

EARTH DAY BRIEFS

Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. And since stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important for people to arm themselves with knowledge so that they recognize when stress rears its ugly head.

Stress Awareness Month, founded in 1992, happens each April. The month serves as a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of

April is Stress Awareness Month

stress, successful coping strategies and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in society.

It’s important to learn some strategies for coping with this particular silent scourge.

4 STRESSFUL FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Stress can help — sometimes

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “stress can motivate

people to prepare or perform and might even be lifesaving in some situations.”

• It’s sickening — literally

People under stress – especially those prone to chronic stress — are more susceptible to a variety of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease.

• Stressed? Here’s why

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the five factors most often cited as a source of

stress were money, work, family, economic outlook and relationships.

• America’s highest and lowest stress states

A report on WalletHub found that the most stressed-out states in America are Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia. The least? Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah.

Hugo sees increase in structure fires, calls

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The fire department is seeing an increase in calls, including an increase in structure fires.

“2022 was an incredible year for structure fires,” Chief Jim Compton Jr. told the City Council while he presented the annual report.

In 2021, the city of Hugo didn’t have any structure fires; in 2022, however, that number rose to seven. Compton didn’t have any guesses as to why that was. Calls were also up 7% from 2021, a trend that the chief says will likely continue. “Call volume will likely continue to increase due to continued growth within the city,” he explained.

In 2022, the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) responded to 380 calls compared to 355 calls in 2021. The breakdown included: 166 rescue calls, 90 alarms, 66 fire and service, 31 motor vehicle accidents and 27 mutual aids. The department saw an increase in smoke alarm and carbon monoxide calls in 2022, but a reduction in calls for gas leaks. In 2022, HFD responded to 47 smoke alarm calls and 32 carbon monoxide alarms compared to 29 and 10 calls in 2021, respectively. Gas leak calls went from 22 calls in 2021 to 11 in 2022.

Compton guessed the increase in alarm calls was due to the age of houses in the city.

“We continually try to reduce the number of (alarm) calls through public education,” he said. “Alarms are only good for eight to 10 years, and then the sensors start to fail.”

Most calls came in during the summer months (May through August), which is not uncommon.

“The summer is busy. People are out doing stuff. It’s dry, kids are home,” Compton explained.

Most of the calls (53%) came during the daytime

hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) followed by the interval of 6 to 10 p.m. (27%). Wednesdays were also the busiest day of the week for calls.

Going into 2023, the fire department continues to have discussions regarding the need for daytime response and staffing models as well as the possible implementation of a full-time chief position. Ambulance service

Kevin Kane, the supervisor for M Health Fairview Ambulance Operations, also visited the City Council to provide stats for 2022. He was accompanied by his K-9 partner, Clayton.

In 2022, M Health Fairview received a total of 4,963 requests in its northern region, which includes the city

of Hugo, compared to 4,913 in 2021.

M Health provided mutual aid 475 times in 2022 while it requested mutual aid 172 times, compared to 2021 figures of 312 and 264, respectively.

Council Member Mike Miron wanted to know whether EMS, like many other professions, was experiencing a worker shortage. Kane said that M Health Fairview, along with ambulance providers across the nation and the health care industry as a whole, are indeed experiencing a shortage.

“(However,) we find ourselves in a good position at the moment,” Kane said, adding that this is evidenced by how many times the agency responded to the need of mutual aid versus requesting mutual aid.

In the city of Hugo, there were 1,032 total requests for medical assistance in 2022 compared to 915 in 2021. Of those calls, most of those (600 calls) were classified as “Charlie,” followed by “Alpha” (202 calls); Alpha is the least serious call and non-life threatening, Charlie is a potentially life-threatening emergency such as difficulty breathing, and Omega is the most serious, typically cardiac arrests. Most of the calls(17.7%) were psychiatric/mental health calls (17.7%; 6.3% in 2021); followed by falls (15.5%; 23.4% in 2021); and sick person (12.5%; 9.4% in 2021).

Kane noted it’s important to keep in mind that the mental health number may look a “little inflated” because EMS often responds to the same households on multiple occasions. “There is one property specifically in Hugo that brought that number way up,” he said.

The average ambulance response time in the city of Hugo in 2022 was 7 minutes and 11 seconds for emergencies, compared to 7 minutes and 14 seconds in 2021.

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

Property values rise modestly, compared with last year

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — City Assessor Mary Wells recently made her annual visit before the Centerville City Council to present the current year’s property valuations.

No one was gobsmacked this year, after being conditioned to the 25% valuation increase for taxes payable 2023.

The current total market value in Centerville for taxes payable 2024 rose a modest 5.4%, “not a dramatic spike like last year,” Wells said.

Annually, the Local Board of Appeal & Equalization in each city must hold a public hearing addressing the city assessor’s classification and valuation for each property within the city’s jurisdiction.

Property owners received mailed notice of their proposed valuation and the date of this hearing in March. However, the city could not take action to vote on any changes and establish the overall taxable value for the city following the hearing, because proper notice had not been published in the city’s official newspaper. The city was only allowed to hold the hearing, then “recess” it to a future date before taking action. Council plans to do that at the April 26 meeting and has published notice about it in its official newspaper, The Citizen. Council will then reconvene, vote on any changes and adjourn the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.

All the criteria for determining property values is based on Minnesota Department of Revenue guidance, which all assessors in the state are all required to follow, as they use same process to assess property values.

Every property in the city must be inspected every five years (a quintile review). That means that 350

properties (or 20% of the properties within the city) were inspected during the past year that ended on Jan. 2, 2023 for taxes payable in 2024. Appraisal staff also inspected 94 properties where building permits were issued for improvements, remodeling or deconstruction projects during 2022.

During the assessment study period, 97 total sales were recorded from Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. Of those processed sales, 90 were residential and seven commercial, industrial or apartment. Of the 90 residential sales, 53 sales met the criteria of “qualified sales,” according to the Department of Revenue. (A qualified sale is a sale on the open market between a willing buyer and willing seller and doesn’t include vacant lots, sales between family members or foreclosures.) These 53 sales were the basis of the valuation adjustments made to the residential properties.

The 5.4% increase in the city’s total market value was accompanied by a 3% increase in new construction, which is not included in the total market value calculation. With the large amount of construction within the city, the total market value really rose to approximately 9%, Wells said.

The 2023 assessment for the city is based on 1,667 parcels of property within the city.

The preliminary total estimated market value is $661,749,100, an increase of 9.34% from 2022.

New construction valuation in the amount of $23,497,400 made up 3.88% of the total increase.

After subtracting the new construction value, the overall city value was $638,325,700, a 5.45% increase over the previous year.

For comparison, the total estimated market value of property in Centerville five years ago, in 2018, was $411,089,500.

Residential properties in the city make up 87%

of the city’s total assessed valuation. Commercial and industrial properties account for 11%, and apartments 2% of the total valuation. Residential properties used to make up 92% of the properties, so the commercial/industrial sector has picked up, Wells added.

“For residential properties, we’re seeing a stabilization of prices,” Wells said. Although the first few months of year were flat in terms of appreciation, the spring market is now starting to fire up, with more property appreciation, she said.

The city received about a dozen calls from property owners with adjustment requests and questions that the assessor was available to answer. Evidence was also offered to support valuation. Taxpayers still unhappy with the outcome may take their case to either the Small Claims Division or the Regular Division of Tax Court until April 30. For information, www.mn.gov/tax-court.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.

Dr. Rosann Froehle

Doctorate in Chiropractic. *Acupunture

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at 5673 147th St. N. | Hugo, MN Call or text: 651•301•9199 rfroehle2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTED

Calls to the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) have steadily been on the rise since 2016. HFD received 380 calls in 2022 compared to 355 in 2021, or a 7% increase.

Upcoming events:

Heart 4 Art: Join White Bear Center for the Arts onsite Thursday, May 11.

Heart 4 Art is WBCA’s only fundraising event of the year, dedicated entirely to arts programming. Contributions ensure that access to affordable, highquality arts programs are available to all who wish to participate.

WriteNow! High School Writing Contest Student

Readings:

Thursday, May 4, 6:308:30 p.m.

Suzi Hudson finds the artist in everyone

as an artist, but he was one.” As somebody with a background in jewelry, weaving, textiles, and pottery, Suzi knew there were so many other ways to engage in the arts. “One of my first efforts was to expand our offerings and provide other ways for community members to start exploring their creativity,” she said.

Hear from the award winners of WBCA’s annual High School Writing Contest. There will be an award ceremony and student readings.

Suzi Hudson first learned about the White Bear Arts Council when she moved to the area in 1986. She and her husband Erick were both working as artists, Suzi making jewelry and Erick as a woodworker. They sold their artwork at booths in the Art Council’s annual Fair in the Fields art sale, and that first connection to the White Bear art community was made. Years later, she joined the board at a time when the arts council was almost entirely volunteerrun, and was on the board for when they changed the name from the White Bear Arts Council to White Bear Center for the Arts. After a short time on the board, Suzi got more involved in the parent volunteer program which would eventually become the Art in Elementary program. When Suzi’s children graduated from elementary school she took a break from the art center to run Lake Country

Booksellers. She went back to school for Creative Writing, and in 2004, was interested in going back to work. That’s when WBCA Board Member Jackie Reis approached Suzi and asked if she would be interested in applying for the position of Executive Director at WBCA, She said “Absolutely!”

Part of what drew her to this position at the art center was the creativity she saw in the White Bear Lake community, and the opportunity to nourish that spirit. “One thing I had noticed when I first moved here was how many people in other trades were closet artists,” she said during an interview this past December. When she went into the local auto shop, she saw the owner had welded car parts together in whimsical displays around his shop. “He was unassuming as an artist, and certainly I don’t think he would have identified

High School Visual Arts Exhibition on display soon

WBCA’s High School Visual Arts

Exhibition is an annual celebration of the creativity of young artists. High schoolers from schools across the region each year are invited to submit their artwork, in mediums from painting to photography to pottery and more.

Three professional artists act as the judges and select artwork that will be displayed on the walls of the Ford Family Gallery. This year’s show is about to be installed, with 189 pieces from 147 artists. White Bear Lake Area High School teacher Shawn Gritzmacher

encourages his students to enter the contest each year. “The annual High School Visual Arts Contest is one of the highlights of the year for myself and my students,” Gritzmacher said.

“[Last spring], after a two year hiatus, as I entered the gallery, I once again saw

Another aspect that drew her to the job was the ability to connect with local artists. “I was really interested in the whole life cycle of an artist, and I became particularly interested in what happens in the middle,” Suzi said. She was also affected by those years of volunteering at the elementary school and cultivating kids’ creativity.

“That had a really profound impact on me,” she said, “knowing how important the arts are to young people, and seeing some of the kids who seemed to be most academically marginalized really get engaged in school through the art classes.”

During Suzi’s tenure as Executive Director, the art center started doing iron pours in downtown White Bear Lake “which really put us on the map,” she said. They started offering more and more classes, moving some classes offsite to fulfill more demand. Eventually, as the need continued to grow, the art center purchased a building on Long Avenue where the center is currently

located. “It consolidated all of our satellite spaces under one roof, it gave us a gallery which we never had, and it gave us places to gather and celebrate,” she said. They soon outgrew this new location, especially with their robust clay program, and expanded the building in 2020. Suzi retired as executive director in December of 2022, leaving a lasting legacy after 18 years of leadership. A planned retirement celebration was postponed due to a snowstorm, but has been rescheduled for April 21, 2023. All are welcome to attend this celebration to honor what the art center has accomplished as a community.

Suzi’s retirement celebration will be April 21 from 6-8:30 p.m., with a program beginning at 7 p.m. Register for this event at WhiteBearArts.org.

students celebrating, parents taking photos, and students dressed as if it were prom,” he said. This year’s opening reception is being held at WBCA on Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with an award ceremony at 7 p.m.

Coach — Sean Collin Hall

Assistants — Mark Bayers, Don Cramer, Tim Casey, Bailey Thomas, Joe Kunshier

Last year — State champions, 22-5 overall, 15-3

conference

Captains —Bethany Weiss, Cierra Moore, Maddie Larrabee

Returning starters — Seniors: Weiss (C), Moore (CF), Larrabee (LF); Juniors: Hannah Tong (P), Avery Muellner (P), Maddie Muellner (RF); Freshman: Karianne Drury (C)

Other letter winners — Seniors; Aliyah Neeser (OF, IF), Chelsea Jordan (OF); Juniors: Sami Ernst (OF, 2B); Sophomores: Brie Bakke (2B), Kira Fiedler (P)

In the mix — Seniors: Lily Brott (OF), Ashley Dimond (P); Sophomores; Francie Gregor (SS), Ava Stenglein (OF), Olivia Howe (OF); Freshman: Bella Dowdall (3B)

Fast facts — Tong, Weiss, and A. Muellner were all-conference in 2022. Weiss hit .524 with 6 homers and 32 RBI. Tong posted a 10-2 pitching record and 1.00 ERA, and hit .377 with 3 homers and 18 RBI. Larrabee hit .327. Moore hit .600 in 11 games. Turnout of 68 players trying out for four teams is most Hall has ever had Coach says — Strengths are “pitching, catching, and outfield. We will be a fast team that should hit very well.”

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE GOLF // GIRLS

Coach — Andrea Brischke

Assistants — Dan Forsyth, Chuck Gunderson

Last year — 3rd in conference, 2nd in section

Captains — Malia McKinnon, Hailey Stanius

Returning letter winners — Seniors: McKinnon, Stanius; Junior: Ally Hubbard; Sophomore: Bella Leonhart; Freshman: Taylor Thompson, 8th grade: Ella Brott

Fast facts— Leonhart was all-conference and all-state last year (22nd at state meet). Thompson was all-conference … Leonhart, Thompson and Stanius will play 1-2-3

Coach says — “We have a lot of returners that have a great understanding of the game, and great leadership within the program. With the possibility of a late start to the season, it’s nice to have girls with knowledge of the courses and can hopefully get us to start out strong … With how we finished Last year, and the progress I’m already seeing, we could be a contender for the SEC and hopefully be able to give Maple Grove some competition in sections.”

Coach — Matthew Schugel

Assistants — Joel Hall, Larry Underkoffler

Last year — 7th of 10 in conference, 7th of 12 in section

Returning lettermen — Seniors: Carsen Anderson, Nick Brischke, Dillon Titterud; Juniors: Riley Middendorf, Gavin Traylor; 8th grader: Dayne Diersen

Coach says — Strengths are “depth with players who could step up and play varsity.”

Coach — Bryan Rogers

Assistants — Noah Fleming, Jake Myhre, Chris Fritzinger, Gene Hagamen

Last year — 1-13 overall, 1-6 conference

Captains — Jordan Ferarro, Eli Studier, Mike Mayer, Wyatt Mate

Returning starters — Ferarro, Studier, Mayer, Mate, Zack Woutila, Cody Christenson, Wyatt Hawes, Carson Olson, Ethan Coleman, Preston Waage

Coach says — “We have an all-new coaching staff with a focus on fundamentals. We are in a rebuilding year with some good numbers coming up. Our youth program has doubled from Last year, which is building for the future. The youth and HS program has done a lot of ‘Try Lacrosse’ events over the past year.”

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE TRACK // BOYS

Coach — Andrew Richardson

Assistants —Paul Kendrick, Ron Moberg, Mark Fahey, James Moyer, Anne Fleishacker, Mike Soule, Shane Swanberg

Last year — 2nd in conference, 3rd in section, 1st in true-team section, 6th in state true-team Captains — Reid Olson, Ethan Lincoln-Montanari, Luke Heald, Jacob Mayer, Keagan Zeidler, Jake Deeb, Brayden Thompson

Returning starters — Seniors: Mayer (400, 800), Zeidler (400, hurdles), Westin Hoyt (100, 200), Heald (200, LJ), Thompson (PV), Lincoln-Montanari (shot), Trystian Miller (discus); Junior: Olson (relays, hurdles, HJ); Sophomore: Josh Henderson (HJ)

Coach says — “We should have a strong team. We have some great senior leaders. We definitely have some holes to fill from last season, but I am looking for guys to step up into those spots. We have 75 (signed up), which is a great number for us.”

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE BASEBALL

Coach — Kale Henry

Assistants — Ben Norling, Kris Carlson

Last year — 4-14 conference, 7-16 overall Captains — Jake Johnson, Remy Keis, Nolan Dumonceaux

Returning starters — Seniors: Johnson (P/IF), Keis (IF); Juniors: Dumonceaux (OF/P), Gavin Goehner (IF), Owen Waldoch (OF/P)

In the mix — Seniors: Jake Tobritzhofer (IF), Bryson Mohs (C), Marco Gallegos (IF)

Coach days — “We look to be competitive in a very difficult Suburban East Conference. We return a few starters and we look to building upon that experience. We should be an improved hitting ball club. We need to find guys to step in and pitch as we graduated our top two pitchers.”

Coach — Jenna Brown

Last year — 1-13 overall, 1-6 conference

Captains — Julia Hayek, Faith McLagan, Rylen Kissell

Returning starters — Seniors: Hayek (defense), McLagen (defense), Kate Larsen (midfield), Emma Halweg (midfield), Delaney Kuny (defense); Sophomore: Kissell (midfield); Freshmen: Abbie Sklavenitis (midfield)

Coach says — “We will still be strong on defense but will need our defense to step up and play some midfield and not be afraid to run the ball down to the attack zone … It will be a good season with some rebuilding in the attack zone and draw circle.”

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE TRACK // GIRLS

Coach — Shane Swanberg (jumps)

Assistants — Erin Kvam (sprints), John Fick (distance), Mike Soule (PV), Ron Moberg (throws)

Last year — 4th in conference, 2nd in section, 1st in true-team section

Captains — Emily McPhee, Victoria Ball, Ella Niznik, Annabelle Stang, Kylie Woods, Annika Gunderson

Other returning starters — Ellie Hanowsk, Norah Hushagen, Molly McCarthy, Alexis Fahey, Julia Legeault, Savanna Sanchez, Torrance Lucas, Makayla Miles, Maloney, Tori Ball

Fast facts — At conference last year, Niznik was 1st in 800, Woods 2nd in 300H, Hushagen 3rd in 3200 and 5th in 1600, Gunderson 5th in PV, Ball 5th in discus

Coach says — “We should have a strong distance and middle distance team. The field events could also be an important piece to our success. We graduated some pretty talented seniors. But I feel that we have some capable underclassmen to step up and fill their shoes. We should be a contender for the true team section and a bubble team for top three in the SEC.”

Will Whelan, Centennial pitcher signed by the Gophers, struck out 17 of 19 batters, allowing no hits and walking one, in six shutout innings, in a 5-1 opening win over Totino-Grace last week.

After Whelan committed to the U of M, Gopher pitching coach Ty McDevitt assessed:

“Will is a powerful left-handed arm … solid three-pitch mix: a fastball that rides, ‘slurve’ (slow curve) with downward action, and a fading changeup … Long and strong build, smooth arm action.” As a junior, Whelan was 3-4 with 40 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings while hitting .400 with three homers and 25 RBIs.

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE GOLF // GIRLS

Coach — Craig Nasvik

Assistants — Mark Misgen, Sam Stang

Last year — 5th in conference, 3rd in section

Captains — Kristina Pratt, Ivory Drusch

Returning starters — Senior: Pratt; Juniors: Drusch; Sophomores: Sydney Pfeil, Kate Harrington, Cami Bachmeier

Fast facts — Pratt, Drusch were all-conference in 2022. Pratt was a state qualifier.

Coach says — “The girls should look to better the 5th place finish in conference last year and better the third place finish from sections.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE GOLF // BOYS

Coach — Craig Nasvik

Assistants — Dalton Norwicki, Chris O’Connell

Last year — 3rd in conference, 3rd in section

Captains — Cam O’Malley, Ryan Jamieson

Returning starters — Seniors: O’Malley, Jamieson, Will Peterson; Junior: Nolan Roed;

Sophomore: Jack Stanius

Other returning lettermen — Senior: Cal Healy; Juniors: Anders Samec, Wyatt Peterson, Isaiah Berry

Fast facts — Jamieson, O’Malley were all-conference in 2022. Jamieson was state qualifier and placed 41st

Coach says — “We have a great mix of returning golfers that should lead the newcomers to compete and improve week to week. It’s not how you play in April but how you perform in the section that matters. The boys are contenders for both conference and section.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TRACK // GIRLS

Head coaches — Brianna Seibel (sprints), Hannah Hensley (jumps)

Assistants — Daniel Rossiter (throws), Abigail Furlong (hurdles), Shannon Reibow (distance), Davarus Branigan (middle distance), Alyssa Mitchell (pole vault), Jenna Powers, volunteer Last year — 3rd of 8 at section, 8th of 10 at conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Katelyn Porter (middle distance), Aveline McCabe (distance), Blessing Adebisi (sprints), Meg Ryan (jumps), Nola Hipkins (hurdles), Precious Boahen (jumps, sprints), Anna Kazmierczak (distance), Maia Nero (sprints), Amelia Nerios (hurdles), Ella Paschke (hurdles), Samantha Perez (throws), Lily Schneider (middle distance), Kamaria Newton (sprints); Juniors: Autumn Maki (sprints), Keira Windish (throws); Sophomores: Grace Bailey (sprints, middle distance), Sophie Haley (sprints), Lys D’Almeida (sprints), Alyssa Hamlin (sprints)

New facility — Bears will compete at new facility on north campus with five-lane mondo indoor field house and 10-lane outdoor track

Fast facts — At the SEC meet last year, Porter was 3rd in 800, D’Almeida 4th in 100 …. State qualifiers last year were Porter (800) and relay runners Porter, Adebisi, Bailey, Haley, D’Almeida, Hamlin, Newton and Maki

Coach says — “We have 99 athletes registered. Since the COVID season in 2021, we were seeing really reduced numbers, and we are excited to be closer to our average from pre-COVID. A lot of young athletes are putting in the work to get better. We’ve started optional Saturday practices and have been excited to see many of our younger and seasoned athletes coming in. The coaches have already noticed some really well rounded athletes who could be competitive in several different events. We’re excited to see what the season holds.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TRACK // BOYS

Coach — Tom Paulson

Assistants — Doug Hicks (sprints), Dan Kovacich (distance), Jon Pratt (throws), Robert Anderson (high jump), Mike Rausch (hurdles), Ozzie Larsen (pole vault)

Last year — 2nd of 10 in SEC, 2nd of 8 in Section 4AAA, 10th in state

Captains — Bennett Gilson, Jack Koivisto, Seth Olson, Tolu Oyekunle, Jontay Vaulx, Luke Williams

New facility — Bears will compete at new facility at north campus with five-lane mondo indoor field house and 10-lane outdoor track

Returning starters — Seniors: Gilson (TJ, LJ, HJ), Oyekunle (hurdles), Vaulx (sprints), Nate Tobeck (distance), Rayshaun Brakes (LJ, sprints), Vatel Henderson (TJ, HJ), Olson (LJ, sprints), Imeleyo Stanton (throws), Koivisto (throws), Eli Leafblad (PV); Juniors: Caleb Anderson (sprints), Keith Johnson (sprints), Williams (distance), Ian Cran (PV),Tommy Cao (PV); Sophomores: Matt Hunter (throws), Nate Asiedu-Mensah (hurdles), Isaac Kolstad (distance)

Fast facts — Turnout of 135 athletes in grades 9-12 is the most ever. At SEC last year, Gibson was 2nd in LJ, Anderson was 4th in 200, Williams 4th in 1600 and 3200, Oyekunle 4th in 110H and 300H, Gibson 4th in HJ and LJ, Henderson 4th in 3J

Coach says — “We will have an outstanding team this spring. Can be better than last year. Much deeper.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TENNIS

Head coach — Paul Kolenich

Assistant — Jeff Fretwell

Last year — 4-5 record

Captains — Travis Domschot, Brock Moor, Derrick Thomas

Returning starters — Will Fleming (1S), Derrick Thomas (2S), Andrew Kolenich (3S), Colton Knutson (4S), Travis Domschot/Brock Moor (1D), Grady Gallatin (3D)

Fast facts — Whole singles lineup returns and half of doubles lineup. Fleming, Thomas, Kolenich, Domschot, and Moor were all-conference

Keith Johnson

SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2023

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL LACROSSE // GIRLS

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL LACROSSE // GIRLS

Head coach — Hailey Berg

Head coach — Hailey Berg

Assistants — Alana Bordeaux, Hannah Backman

Assistants — Alana Bordeaux, Hannah Backman

Last year — 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference

Last year — 13-3 overall, 10-2 conference

Captains — Callie Cody, Anna Jarpy, Elizabeth Clough

Captains — Callie Cody, Anna Jarpy, Elizabeth Clough

Returning starters — Seniors: Ella O’Hearn (attack/midfield), Callie Cody (attack), Anna Jarpy (attack/defense), Elizabeth Clough (defense), Mallory Hafferman (midfield/defense); Juniors: Peyton Brezney (goalie), Noelle Hemr (midfield), Karly Lacis (midfield), Maria Waller (defense); Sophomores: Ella Weist (attack), Avery Sauber (defense); Freshman: Makenzi Munger (attack)

Returning starters — Seniors: Ella O’Hearn (attack/midfield), Callie Cody (attack), Anna Jarpy (attack/defense), Elizabeth Clough (defense), Mallory Hafferman (midfield/defense); Juniors: Peyton Brezney (goalie), Noelle Hemr (midfield), Karly Lacis (midfield), Maria Waller (defense); Sophomores: Ella Weist (attack), Avery Sauber (defense); Freshman: Makenzi Munger (attack)

Fast facts — O’Hearn tallied 61 goals last year, tied for thirdmost in the state, and has 144 goals in her career. Cody had 46 goals last year, second on the team

Fast facts — O’Hearn tallied 61 goals last year, tied for thirdmost in the state, and has 144 goals in her career. Cody had 46 goals last year, second on the team

New coach — Hailey Berg, a 2018 graduate of CHS who joined the staff the next year, takes over as head coach. She succeeds Gary Nelson, who started the program and was the only coach the Cougars ever had

New coach — Hailey Berg, a 2018 graduate of CHS who joined the staff the next year, takes over as head coach. She succeeds Gary Nelson, who started the program and was the only coach the Cougars ever had

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COUGARS // CENTENNIAL LACROSSE // BOYS

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL LACROSSE // BOYS

Coach — Seth King

Coach — Seth King

Assistants— Calvin Waddle (defensive coordinator), Jack Steele, Nick Truen, Joe Tuzinski, Sam Orth, Zach Badeau

Assistants— Calvin Waddle (defensive coordinator), Jack Steele, Nick Truen, Joe Tuzinski, Sam Orth, Zach Badeau

Last year — 15-4 overall, 4th place in state tournament, 10-1 conference champs, section 7 champs

Last year — 15-4 overall, 4th place in state tournament, 10-1 conference champs, section 7 champs

Captains— Reese Littlefield, Cooper Larson, Brol Scherman

Captains— Reese Littlefield, Cooper Larson, Brol Scherman

Projected Impact Players— Seniors: Kai Hermodson (midfield), Reese Littlefield (defense), Cooper Larson (midfield); Juniors: Brol Scherman (attack), Logan Adams (attack)

Projected Impact Players— Seniors: Kai Hermodson (midfield), Reese Littlefield (defense), Cooper Larson (midfield); Juniors: Brol Scherman (attack), Logan Adams (attack)

New coach — Seth King, after two years as assistant coach, takes over as head coach with Jon Beach stepping down after a long tenure. King was an all-conference defenseman for White Bear Lake. He was head coach one season at Roseville. Fast facts — Scherman was the points leader last year with 36 goals and 28 assists. Logan Adams had 19 goals. Littlefield was third in ground balls with 46. Two non-conference games this year are Mahtomedi (H) and Benilde-St. Margarets (A).

New coach — Seth King, after two years as assistant coach, takes over as head coach with Jon Beach stepping down after a long tenure. King was an all-conference defenseman for White Bear Lake. He was head coach one season at Roseville. Fast facts — Scherman was the points leader last year with 36 goals and 28 assists. Logan Adams had 19 goals. Littlefield was third in ground balls with 46. Two non-conference games this year are Mahtomedi (H) and Benilde-St. Margarets (A).

CONTRIBUTED

Senior Anna Jarpy is a returning starter for Centennial lacrosse.

CONTRIBUTED

Senior Anna Jarpy is a returning starter for Centennial lacrosse.

Looking fo r a roommate, I am a nonsmoker, educated, no kids under 25 working loca lly (WBL). Have 2 tiny adult dogs Willing to help with housework, cooking, ch ild care (in the evenings). Please reach out at smile4glo @y ahoo.com w/ contact information.

St Paul Clown Club looking for new members! Training is Provided. Meetings

2 nd Thurs of mo nth, 6:30pm @Galilee Lutheran Church, Roseville. Find us on Facebook or text 651-230-3445

sewing mach ine, fitness equipment dolls Dutch/German CD s, and more!

CASH or Venmo only

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

52

Automobile

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

369

Want to Buy

2011 Toyota Sienna XLE loaded, low mileage est. 110K, rear DVD player all accessories, great condition garage kept, spent many winters in Florida. Services by Maplewood Toyota all records available. $14,955 (612)-599-1729

CCW Spring Jewelry & Craft Sale

The St Odilia C ouncil of Catholic Women is holding a Jewelry & Craft Sale

Huge selections of costume jewelry, fabrics, a nd glassware items will be priced to sell & must go! Quilts, blankets, baby items & more - handmade by CCW crafters Sale dat es:

*Saturday April 29 -noon to 6:30 p.m.

*Sunday April 30 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. St Odilia Church, 3495 N. Victor ia, Shoreview, MN 55126

NOW HIRING!

Admin Assistant 32-35 hrs/week Able to multi-task and handle variety of jobs, including correspondence. Call 651-271-5985 to set up interview;immediate or send resume to: bill@ whitebearcountryinn.com

Part-time Public Works Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a part-time public works employee to assist the public works department in regular maintenance and repair work associated with the city’s parks, buildings, streets, and utilities. The position is 20-30 hours per week – flexible hours. A high school diploma and a valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential.

Applications available

Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Salary Range: $17.05-$18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792. Position is open until filled.

NOW HIRING!

Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator

White Bear Township, located in the Northeast Metro, is accepting applications for the position of a full time Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator. Applicant will execute a wide spectrum of administrative and office support responsibilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that Township policies, procedures, ordinances, legal requirements, and agreements are completed, followed up on, and/or updated as needed. Manages daily, weekly and monthly organizational and procedural duties as required and/ or requested by the Town Board and its Boards and Commissions. Performs in-house legal tasks in conjunction with the Township Attorney’s oversight. Performs a variety

of administrative and support duties to ensure legal compliance and effective operation of the Township’s office functions.

Education and/or experience requirements are as follows: Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of five years of experience in a Public Administration support role; or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Hiring range will be $65,542-$69,846. The Township provides health and retirement benefits.

Please apply through our applicant portal at the Township’s website: http://www.whitebeartownship.org/jobs.aspx

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who complete their application by noon on April 24th.

We enjoyed a 7-day period of fantastic weather from April 8 to 14. Temperatures during this period were in the 60’s, 70’s and 4 days in the upper 80’s. People were out in droves. Roam, the local bike shop in Downtown White Bear, reported a brisk business as we took advantage of this summer-like weather (without the humidity). Of course what followed was not so pleasant. This past weekend we experienced a 50º temperature drop. Sunday bore the brunt of the return to winter with 3-4” of snow. I didn’t see much, if any, snow on the roads. Snow collection was limited to lawns and patio furniture. The forecast calls for slow climb back to near normal temperatures.

Vineyards & Breweries