The Citizen

Annual ‘Night to Unite’ to take place in August

Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out, takes place the first Tuesday in August throughout the communities of Hugo and Centerville and statewide.

This year, Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at various parties through the two cities.

National Night Out is a statewide event that builds

Night to Unite Goals:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

• Generate support and participation in crime prevention and community policing programs.

• Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safetycommunity partnerships.

• Let criminals know that you are committed to keeping your neighborhood safe.

and fosters community bonds between citizens, businesses and public safety organizations, such as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Neighborhoods and public safety personnel get together for an evening to promote safe communities.

Residents might get a visit from elected officials as well as deputies from the Washington

Activity Ideas:

• Simple refreshment: Bring your favorite snack, minidonut stand, watermelon, lemonade and cookies.

• Group conversations and mixers: “Neighbor of the year” award, have an icebreaker, skill swap, photo contest and scavenger/ medallion hunt.

County Sheriff’s Office, and officers form the Centennial Lakes Police Department and firefighters from the Hugo Fire Department and Centennial Fire District.

For more information, or to register your party, visit https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us or

• Activities for youth: Bicycle parade, chalk art, face painting or a coloring contest.

• All-ages Activities: Book exchange, parade, sing-along/ karaoke, talent show and garden tour on the block.

• Contribute to your community: Collect for a food shelf, plan a fall clean up or volunteer at an animal shelter.

Madeline Dolby

Solar farms: Back to ‘drawing board’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO —  Members of the Planning Commission and City Council agree that they don’t want to enact a citywide ban on solar farms just yet, but want to go back to the drawing board to consider revisions to the ordinance.

After listening to input from residents, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council deny an amendment to its ordinance prohibiting solar farms. There are two types of solar according to Associate Planner Max Gort. “Accessory solar” means solar panels that are mounted on a roof, or a smaller system mounted on the ground. “They are not the primary land use on site. They only generate power to provide energy for things on site,” Gort said.

But a solar farm is considered the primary land use and tends to be much larger. “They generate power to be distributed offsite to customers,” he said. The proposed ban would

only apply to solar farms, not accessory solar.

“The community is still having a lot of the same negative reactions to solar farms even after some significant revisions were made,” Gort said. “Where do we want the ordinance to go from here?”

Resident John Udstuen, who lives close to the denied solar farm application off Everton Avenue, said he was not opposed to personal solar farms, but he did have an issue with large businesses coming in and operating solar farms, which he described as a “factory.” “I agree with people having a right to do what they want with their land. I’m going to have a solar panel … so I can produce income for me to live, that makes sense to me,” he said. “We have got to look into the future with these solar farms. They are a business. You are producing for hundreds of people. We can’t destroy the integrity and the future of the city.”

Resident Arnie Triemert

Centerville Lions celebrate

50th anniversary

BY OLIVIA DECKER PRESS INTERN

The Centerville Lions Club is celebrating 50 years of meaningful friendships and serving the Centerville community.

From three charter members in 1974 to 29 members in 2024, the Centerville Lions have remained a steady pillar of support for Centerville and its surrounding communities. In the last decade, the Club has donated over $120,000 to their community and Lions Foundations.

A great deal has changed since the Centerville Lions inception in 1974. The COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest catalyst of change, as it forced the club to reimagine many of their traditions and events. SEE LIONS ANNIVERSARY, PAGE 9

SOLAR FARMS: City Council, Planning Commision

said the city should ban solar farms within city limits. “Would you like a solar farm 100 feet away aiming at your house? I wouldn’t,” he said. “(Solar farms) are out in the middle of nowhere. They are not by people’s houses. They are not invading people.”

Brothers Mark and John Lutz said they are considering a solar farm project to retire from farming.

“It would create a little more revenue when we can’t farm anymore,” John said. “It would raise enough money to pay for our taxes and keep the space open.” John suggested the city not outright ban solar farms but consider each proposed project on an individual basis.

Mark added, “It is a good business model. It creates income for us. My brother and I are at the brink of retirement, and we need an income to survive. There is nothing wrong with the business. It is low maintenance. If you screen it, you can’t even see it.”

Resident Jimmie Gregoire, who lives near the existing solar farm off 165th Street, said he was not a fan of the solar farms, but would be open to them if they were run by residents and if larger land buffers were put into place. Currently, solar farms are allowed on 10-acre parcels. He suggested that be upped to “over 40 acres.”

Resident Daniel Baack is not supportive of a solar farm ban. “We need more sources of renewable, clean energy in our area. By completely paintbrush banning solar, I don’t think it is a move that is going with the rest of our area or our state,” he said. “In my view it preserves the

land. It is not development; it is not a big factory, and it is not housing … a solar farm is another source of income for someone that owns the land.”

Resident Ben Krull said he, along with the other residents of Hugo, do not want solar farms. “That has been demonstrated time and time again,” he said. “The only people I’ve heard from in Hugo that speak in favor are people that stand to gain financially, from a solar farm and people that work in the industry. Your average person in Hugo does not want this and they should be banned.”

Nathan Dull, a representative of the Minnesota Land and Liberty Coalition, said solar farms are just another type of business like a gas station or real-estate business. “From our perspective, it seems like the city might be jumping the gun going from denying a 1-Megawatt project to an outright ban in the entire city,” he said. “It doesn’t seem entirely practical to push that direction quite yet.”

Planning Commissioner Cindy Petty thought solar would be a great alternative to preserve the land. “I would like to live near a solar farm. I would not mind it versus some of the alternatives,” she said. She suggested if the city did decide to take another look at its ordinance, to consider how close solar farms can be from a resident on an adjoining property and possibly upping the acreage required.

Planning Commissioner Steve Andres said he had a problem with banning solar farms. “It just seems incongruent for a city that has done so much with water reuse and having good use and sharing of our resources

History of solar farms in Hugo

• In 2016 City Council adopts an ordinance regulating solar energy systems.

• In 2018 City Council approves its first solar farm from FastSun LLC Solar, located on 165th Street west of Henna Avenue.

• In February 2023, City Council establishes a six-month moratorium prohibiting new solar farms and directs the ordinance review

to turn our back on this potential natural resource and not using it to its fullest potential,” he said. “I think there is definitely a place for solar farms.”

Planning Commissioner Corky Lessard said, “We are trying to come up with a solution to this so we can make it work for everybody … I do think we need to go back to the drawing board and figure out what is best for the community.”

Planning Commissioner Mike Granger said he also could not support a ban, but felt the process worked the way it should have with the last solar farm proposal. “It feels like a knee-jerk reaction all of a sudden to put a ban in,” he said. “We are never going to make everybody happy.”

Planning Commissioner Matthew Derr said the commission had to think about the possible precedent it would set. “This is quite possibly one of the most passive uses of land that you can have,” he said. “If we don’t like the smell of manure, are we going

committee to study the ordinance and consider revisions.

• In June 2023, City Council extends the moratorium for another six months.

• In May 2024 City Council denies a solar farm application from Enterprise Energy LLC for a 12-acre parcel of land located east of Everton Avenue North and north of 149th Street North.

to consider a ban on horse farms?”

Ultimately, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the City Council deny the text amendment to the ordinance prohibiting solar farms, and the two bodies meet in a joint workshop to discuss the topic further.

Mayor Tom Weidt described this process as a “good exercise” and said it produced what they were looking for.

“I think it would be a good idea to hold a workshop with the Planning Commission, give it another once over and then move forward an ordinance that we have given multiple opportunities to the residents of Hugo to comment on,” he said. “I think we will continue to have feedback when we have these projects come up.”

A date for the joint workshop had not been scheduled as of press time.

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

3. The Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network provides

serves food to more than 500 soldiers and their families at Camp Ripley’s Family Day. Pictured (from left) are: Tim Krouth, Joan Kacz, Sharon Schmidt, Chuck Haas, Natalie Nelson, Denise Harrington, Don Nelson and Stephanie Hurt. — Chuck Haas, contributed

4-6. Another Centerville Fete des Lacs is in the books.

I Am That I Am: Understanding my role as a newswriter

Feb. 12, 2024, will forever be a turning point in my career achievements. It is the day I officially joined the Press Publications team as the new reporter/writer for all things White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Birchwood, Grant, Gem Lake, Pine Springs, Willernie and other cities in our coverage area. It is a day I was bursting to scream to the clouds and beyond, “I made it, Ma!” and to a lesser extent, “I feel like king of the world!”

Suchy’s Scoop

Erik Suchy

Even after five months, I still don’t refer to my news writing position as a job. But why should I? I believe referring to a job as a job only puts it in the context of labor, not enjoyment. A good job makes you feel at home. As the saying goes: “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Press Publications has never been what I would call a job. It’s a home away from home that feels like a community; I trust, get along, and joke with my fellow writers as I would with my own friends. I feel connected to a greater world of information I love writing about, a hub of stories waiting to be told. And I consider myself just the man for the job. But as with any other place of work, there are always obstacles to navigate. In the broader scope of a newsroom, there is never such a thing as a structured day. In that sense, the most significant change I am still getting used to is always being on my toes when new stories break. This usually requires me to tear away from my current work to report and write about new ones. As someone used to structured workdays, this latest change is an obstacle for me in its own right.

That’s not to say I haven’t gotten used to new kinds of structured ideas before. On my first day here, the notion of AP style was alien to me. As someone with a creative writing background, I only knew writing to be creative and unstructured in the context of writing short fiction. What did it mean to capitalize some words while shortening others specifically? Why am I not allowed to use punctuation here while doing it over here? That said, it took me a few weeks to gain an understanding of using AP style for my stories.

Here is where the main point of these new experiences I have adjusted to comes into focus. In time, I have learned. I love being a part of the Press Publications team so much that I want nothing but to learn. The desire to submerge myself into a line of work I have wanted to be involved in since college has helped me get to where I am. And in time, the element of being busy with new story leads coming through the newsroom at any moment is one I will adapt to as well. Time, for what it’s always been worth, is still on my side.

Thank you for your support as I continue to grow as a journalist. If you have story ideas don’t be afraid to reach out. Email me at whitebearnews@presspubs.com or call me at 651-407-1229.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publications.

Food shelf in need of support amid rising demand

TMovers & Shakers

he Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, a crucial resource for over 100 households per month in ZIP code 55038, is continuing to experience a notable increase in demand. With the cost of living on the rise and more families finding it challenging to make ends meet, the food shelf is asking for community support to continue helping those in need. Rising need In the past year, the food shelf has seen a continued rise in the number of households, from those who are employed and need help making ends meet, to those who are senior citizens or disabled. Through the end of May, we have served 16% more families that the same period last year. So far this year, food donations are down 9% and financial contributions are down 3%.

For many, the food shelf provides more than just

• Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

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• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $45 fee. Please call 651407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

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groceries; it offers a sense of relief and support. We have served many families who have needed help during job transitions and unexpected expenses. The food shelf provided them with essential food, helping them manage during a tough period. Here to help

The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf serves all of ZIP code 55038, including Hugo, Centerville, portions of White Bear Lake and portions of Lino Lakes. We are here to help anybody in need in a dignified and confidential manner. If you, or somebody you know, needs help, reach out to us by email info@hugofoodshelf.org, phone 651-528-6224, or text 763607-6060. Proof of need is not needed.

How you can help

With shelves running low and resources stretched, the food shelf is asking for the community’s help. Here are some ways residents can contribute:

Financial donations: Financial contributions are in most need because we can use the funds to purchase up to 10 times as much for a $1 compared through our

food bank relationships. Donate online at hugofoodshelf.org/give or by mail, Hugo Food Shelf, PO Box 373, Hugo, MN 55038. Food donations: Pre-packed food bags with the items needed most are available for purchase at Festival in Hugo and Cub Foods in White Bear Lake. Pick up a bag, pay for it with your groceries and leave it in the donation bin near the exit. At Festival Foods, you can also purchase Green Bucks at the register. The funds are put on a gift card for the food shelf to purchase fresh produce for our clients.

Volunteering: The food shelf relies on volunteers. Whether it’s sorting donations, packing food boxes, or helping with distribution, any help is valuable. Go to www. hugofoodshelf.org/get-involved/ volunteer to sign up and to receive more information.

Thank you for the continued support of our very generous community!

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

THE CITIZEN | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

candidate will qualify as paid letters.

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• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not

be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.

• Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

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

• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

• The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov.5 election will be printed in the Oct. 17 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.9 .

• To submit a letter, email news@presspubs.com or mail/ deliver it to Press Publications.

Chris DuFresne

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Dine, Dance and Donate

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1

Where: American Legion Post 620 Details: Proceeds from the event will go to the Alzheimer’s. Association’s programs and reasearch. Tickets include a sit-down meal, access to a live music performance featuring country artist Jay Allen and a silent auction. Contact: For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Dine, Dance, & Donate.”

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

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

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 13 through July 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Community summer festival with 200+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Avenue of the Arts on June 13; History Night June 20, and White Bear Lake Area Schools June 27. Contact: marketfestwbl.com

CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET & WATER SKI SHOW

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 18-Aug. 22

Where: Next to Centerville Elementary, 1721 West View Ave.

Details: Shop among local artisans, pick up produce from a neighborhood farmer, enjoy live music and grab a bite to eat from a food truck before walking to the nearby Bald Eagle Water Ski Show that starts right after the Market. Weekle theme nights. Contact: facebook.com/CentervilleMainStreetMarket

MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 22 through Sept. 28

Where: Veterans Memorial Park

Details: Local growers, artisans, community resources. Contact: mahtomedimarket.wixsite.com/mahtmarket

WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, June 28 through Oct.

Where: Clark Street between Second and Third Streets

Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week. Contact: whitebearlake.org

CURRENT EVENTS

TOWN HALL TALK: HISTORY IN THE TREES WITH JIM LANE

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23

Where: White Bear Town Hall, Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Road.

Details: Learn to read the stories of individual trees by understanding basic tree physiology and by analyzing tree ring data with Mahtomedi High School life science teacher Jim Lane. Free. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

ANOKA COUNTY FAIR

When: July 23 through July 28

Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3200 St Francis Blvd.

Details: This year’s fair will feature a carnival, live music, food, a variety exhibits and much more. For a full schedule of events, visit anokacountyfar.com Contact: 763-427-4070 or Anokafair@aol.com

DINE TO DONATE

When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, July 29

Where: Mc’s Taphouse, 617 Apollo Drive, Suite 140, Lino Lakes

Details: MC’s Tap House will donate 10% of all sales from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, July 29 to the Lino Lakes Volunteers Public Safety first Guns N Hoses Golf tournament, which will be held at Chominix Golf Course in Lino Lakes Aug.23. For more information, or to register, visit https://birdease.com/ GNHgolf2024. Contact: (651) 982-2323

FOREST BATHING

When: 9-10 a.m. Friday, July 26

Where: Wargo Nature Center

Details: Experience an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku with a certified guide. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

RELAY FOR LIFE-WHITE BEAR LAKE

When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School North Campus Stadium, 5040 Bald Eagle Ave. Details: Family friendly activities including food trucks, entertainment, games, meaningful moments, and walk to celebrate cancer survivors and remember loved ones.

Contact: ascevents.org

CAMPFIRE TALKS WITH A NATURALIST

When: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, July 27

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground Amphitheater

Details: Family-friendly naturalist-led presentation on Loons. Free. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

FAMILY FISHING FUN

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve

Details: Spend time as a family outdoors and learn basic fishing skills. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

CENTERVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30

Where: Hidden Spring Park, Centerville

Details: This week’s concert will feature Grunge Unplugged

Contact: Facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark NEIGHBORHOOD PLANT AND RAINGARDEN TOUR

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30

Where: Locations provided upon RSVP

Details: Tour local yards with a variety of waterfriendly landscaping strategies, including raingardens sedge groundcovers, bee lawns, and more. Two stops, attendees drive independently.  Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/events/ neighborhood-tour3/

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR

When: July 31-Aug. 4

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 North 40th St., Stillwater

Details: The Washington County Fair has been bringing fun to the Twin Cities region and beyond for 153 years. This year’s event will feature a variety of grandstand events as well as a carnival, live music a talent competition and more. On Wednesday, July 21 senior day will feature Elvis, AKA Brad Boice. Contact: 651.436.6009 or fairinfo@ washingtoncountyfair.org

WEEKLY WAG

If you are looking for a sweet, chill companion for leisurely walks and movie night snuggles, then Valentino is the perfect gentleman for you. Valentino is a calm, friendly, middle-aged fellow and is social with other dogs and other people. Valentino is between 7and 8 years old. He is a Corgi/Rat Terrier mix and weighs about 38 pounds. He is crate trained and leash trained and he likes to be with his people. Valentino is quiet and gentle. He has some spark, however, and he does like to play. Valentino is also very treat motivated and is happy to learn and obey when there is a reward in hand.

He is a handsome guy and would make a wonderful companion

CORRECTION

In the last issue of The Citizen, it stated that voting for the Best of the Press Contest ends Sunday, Aug. 4.

for someone, or to a loving family, that is home more than they’re away. Valentino arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the Lone Star to North Star Program.

If you are interested in learning more about Valentino or adopting him, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org.

It should have stated voting ends Sunday, Aug. 25. We apologize for the error.

Upcoming Games

July 23-28 vs. Omaha Storm Chasers July 30-August 4 vs. Iowa Cubs

CHURCH DIRECTORY

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

COPS&COURTS

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

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

• The driver of a black SUV was cited at 8:28 a.m. June 8 on eastbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 38 mph in a posted 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad who clocked the vehicle on radar at a high rate of speed. At 5:40 p.m. that same day, deputies cited a motorist for speeding on Egg Lake Road N. and Goodview Avenue N.

• A credit card and Carnival card were reported found at Good Neighbor Days in the 15000 block of French Drive N. at 9:40 a.m. June 8. Deputies located the owner through the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services and returned the credit card.

• Deputies arrested a motorist at 1:10 a.m. June 9 for undisclosed offenses on Forest Blvd. N. and 130th Street N. following a traffic stop for speeding.

• Another motorist was arrested for DWI at 1:57 a.m. June 9 on Egg Lake Road N. and Geneva Avenue N., following a traffic stop for failure to maintain the lane. On contact, deputies noticed signs of impairment and noted the vehicle smelled of an alcoholic beverage. Although the driver submitted to standardized field sobriety tests, he refused to submit to a portable breath test. The driver was then taken into custody and booked into the Washington County jail.

• A parked vehicle was cited at 7:53 a.m. June 9 in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in March. A Mobile Data Computer (MDC) check confirmed the vehicle’s status.

• Food items and a red Kwik Trip bag were reported stolen at 12:10 p.m. June 9 from the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N.

• A motorist was cited at 9:21 p.m. June 9 on Everton Avenue N. and Victor Path for driving after suspension and failure to wear a seatbelt, following a traffic stop for no taillights.

• A resident in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road reported a window to a vehicle broken in overnight June 9-10.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Fairoaks Avenue at 8:56 a.m. June 10 reported receiving a letter from a medical company she had never used that wanted information. Deputies advised the complainant that the letter was a scam and to just throw it away.

• A black sedan occupied by juveniles was reported for dropping fireworks out the window as they passed through the 8000 block of 122nd Street N. at 2:39 p.m. June 10. The fireworks exploded and started a fire in the ditch which deputies had to put out with a fire extinguisher. Deputies were called away from their firefighting duties to attend to another brush fire down the road, which was reported at 2:56 p.m. in the 12000 block of Heather Avenue N.

As with the previous brush fire, passersby said the black sedan with the juveniles dropped the fireworks out the window.

• Juveniles using the community pool in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 6:33 p.m. June 10 reported their unlocked bikes stolen by other juveniles. However, the theft victims won the bike possession dispute and ended up getting their bikes back.

• Residents in the 12000 block of Goodview Avenue

at 6:47 p.m. June 10 reported their mailbox destroyed by unknown persons.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 12:18 a.m. June 11 reported the business lights near his home for being too bright. Deputies advised the complainant to contact the city. At 11:09 p.m. June 13, the complainant again phoned deputies to ask for available case numbers of previous complaints about the lights along the business district, and deputies provided them. At 9:32 p.m. June 14, the complainant again reported the lights at Premier Bank for being too bright and warned deputies about the health hazards of light pollution leading to sleep interference. At 11:59 p.m. that same evening, the complainant reported the lights on the building across the street for being to bright, as part of an ongoing issue. Deputies advised the grateful complainant about the types of actions law enforcement are legally able to make.

• A motorist in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 11:35 p.m. June 11 was cited for speeding 69 mph in a 55-mph zone.

• Residents in the 16000 block of Empress Avenue N. at 2:39 p.m. June 12 reported their homeowners’ association for not paying the bill for service done to the irrigation pumps, resulting in the irrigation company holding the pumps hostage.

Fortunately, the complainants have a rainy summer on their side, because deputies punted on this civil issue.

• A male was reported for walking along eastbound 140th Street and Hyde Avenue N. at 5:57 p.m. June 12, in danger of being hit by a vehicle. The male was walking in safe fashion, but deputies offered him a ride anyway, which he declined. Later on, the male was still walking along the road, only in a rainstorm this time, and accepted the second offer of a ride. At 10:00 p.m. that same evening, deputies were dispatched out to check on the welfare of another person walking on the side of the road at 130th Street and Isleton Avenue N. Deputies batted 0.333 that evening in giving lifts to pedestrian after this walker refused a ride.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies tagged a parked vehicle at 5:22 a.m. June 13 in the 4000 block of 158th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in May. Another vehicle was received a ticket at 10:34 a.m. June 13 in the 5000 block of 126th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired also in May. A third vehicle was cited at 1:29 p.m. June 14 on Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Goodview Avenue N. for tabs that expired in December 2023. Vehicle No. 4 was cited at 8:31 a.m. June 15 in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N. for tabs that expired in May 2023; Vehicle No. 5 was cited at 9:25 a.m. June 15 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for September 2023 tabs, and Vehicle No. 6 was cited at 10:19 a.m. June 15 in the 14000 block of Finley Avenue N. for May 2024 tabs. A mobile computer data (MDC) check confirmed the registration status of all the vehicles prior to ticketing.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 7:51 a.m. June 13 in the 14000 block of Goodview Avenue N. for speeding 34 mph in a 30-mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol on Oneka Lake Blvd. at Geneva Avenue N., who clocked the vehicle at 39 mph. The driver admitted to going 45 mph.

• Residents in the 4000 block of 149th Street N. at 4:07 p.m. June 13 reported a theft from their garage sale.

• A motorist was arrested on warrant at 10:19 p.m. June 13 on Forest Blvd. N. and 120th Street N., after being pulled over for equipment violation.

• A slumper was arrested at 8:05 a.m. June 14 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N., following a report of a person asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle in a business parking lot. The subject was

suspected of driving while under the influence of methamphetamine and methadone.

• A motorist was cited for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. at 3:51 p.m. June 14. Another motorist was cited at 10:00 p.m. June 15 on Forest Blvd. N. and 165th Street N. for an undisclosed traffic violation.

• An adult male was arrested for assaulting a staff member at 5:14 p.m. June 14 at a facility in the 5000 block of 129th Drive N.

• In animal news around Hugo, a suspicious snapping turtle was reported for being up to no good in the middle of the roadway at 12:42 a.m. June 16 in the 4000 block of Prairie Trail N.

The snapper walked into the weeds of its own volition and didn’t need to be forced off the road. At 10:54 p.m. June 20, a motorist westbound on 170th Street N. and Elmcrest Avenue N. reported a southbound deer for leaping out of a ditch and being struck by the left front of her vehicle. The result was considerable damage to the vehicle and no damage to the driver or the deer.

• A son at 1:18 p.m. June 16 reported his dad in the 12000 block of Everton Circle N. for taking his money for safekeeping, as part of an ongoing civil issue.

When the son asked deputies for advice, deputies advised him they were not allowed to dispense legal advice. When the complainant reported harassing behavior, deputies advised the son on how the Harassment Restraining Order process works.

• A swarm of juveniles was reported at 8:40 p.m. June 16 for throwing water bottles at vehicles in the 5000 block of Evergreen Drive N. At 9:03 p.m., deputies were dispatched once again to the water bottle throwing scene, but to no avail.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 9:28 p.m. June 16 reported that the lights from a neighboring business were still excessive and wanted it documented that nothing was done about his earlier complaints.

• A father in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at midnight June 17 reported his son for stealing his packages. Deputies advised the complainant that they were dealing with a civil matter.

• Suspicious flashlights reported at 12:08 a.m. June 17 at the neighbor’s house in the 12000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. turned out to be the exterior lights on the neighbor’s house.

• Car shoppers have been causing consternation in the city during the past reporting period, starting with a resident in the 15000 block of French Drive N. who reported having an argument at 3:31 p.m. June 17 with people in a BMW looking to purchase a vehicle in the neighborhood. When the complainant approached the vehicle to advise them about HOA rules against selling vehicles in the community, he was met with push back that included vague threats about the BMW crew returning to beat the complainant up. A resident in the 9000 block of 122nd Street N. at 6:58 p.m. June 21 reported a group of unfamiliar men coming to her address about a vehicle her brother may or may not have been selling over FaceBook Marketplace. When she asked the men to leave, they left at such a slow pace as to be intimidating.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Oneka Parkway N. at 4:09 p.m. June 17 reported her husband for placing a tracking device in her car.

Loretta Harding

COUNTY BRIEF

County receives national awards for monarch butterfly habitat conservation efforts

Washington County’s Public Works Department received two national awards for protecting and growing monarch butterfly habitats. The awards were presented to county staff by the Monarch Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances Program (MCCAA), a voluntary program aimed at protecting and growing monarch

butterfly habitats within roads’ rightof-way.

The county received the Biggest Adopter Award given to partners with the most acres using adopted conservation measures. The county also received the Highflyer Award given to partners with the highest percentage of adopted acres above their 2023 target.

The Public Works Department plans to continue participating in this program to help establish, restore and maintain the monarch butterfly population in Washington County.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Legions hosts ‘Dine, Dance and Donate’

Hugo American Legion Post 620 will host Dine, Dance and Donate from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Proceeds from the event will go to the Alzheimer’s. Association’s programs and reasearch. Tickets include a sit-down meal, access to a live music performance featuring country artist Jay Allen and a silent auction. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Dine, Dance, & Donate.”

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF HUGO CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HUGO CITY COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 5, 2024,

PROPRIETARY FUND STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES AND CHANGES IN FUND NET POSITION FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA PROPRIETARY FUND STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

We

7/21/2024

LIONS ANNIVERSARY: Volunteers take pride in helping their community

FROM PAGE 1

Fifty years marks a turning point for the Centerville Lions as they figure out where they fit into society’s “new normal.”

“We’ve had to change our policies to meet the needs of now,” says Lion Nancy Johnson. “We’re really trying now to cater to all generations.”

Lions Clubs International is a historic organization with long-standing traditions and rules. President Lawlis said not only the Centerville Lions Club, but Lions Clubs internationally are becoming more responsive to newer generations of Lions.

Lions are asking “how do we want to mold our club?” said current president Mel Lawlis. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be with all the international rules and how it’s always been.”

While some of the traditions and requirements of being a Lion are shifting, the spirit of being a Lion certainly is not.

People who join the Lions “aren’t just looking for recognition,” said Johnson. “These people have to really want to give. Not get paid for it, but just the pride of doing it.”

When asked about her favorite part of being a Lion, Johnson got emotional.

“You see what your hard work and what your money is going towards,” said Johnson. “It’s just the pride that you do these things simply to help others.” Johnson spoke highly of the friendships and experiences one takes away from being a Lion. For example, in 2026 she will travel to Hong Kong for the International Lions Convention.

“You can meet so many inspiring people and you lift each other up to let each other know you’re valuable,” said Johnson.

It’s easy to say everyone could benefit from the values and experiences associated with Lion membership.

“It’s about kindness, and it’s about treating others with respect,” said Johnson. “You’re making a differ-

SCHOOL BRIEF

Northeast Metro 916 welcomes new executive director of special services

Northeast Metro 916

Intermediate School District has appointment Dave Haveman as the new executive director of special services. In the

ence for someone else. If you’re gonna do it, do it. If you’re gonna be in it, be in it.”

Centerville Lions can be found hosting or helping at a multitude of community events such as Fete des Lacs summer festival, ice fishing contest on Centerville Lake, Trick or Trunk and Christmas in the Park. These are in addition to their continuous support and funding of local entities and families in crisis.

The Club celebrated their 50th anniversary at their annual Cadillac Dinner event this spring. Johnson said the Cadillac Dinner is a “great time for us to recognize all of our partners that help us do what we do… so we made that kind of into a birthday party celebration.”

At the event, the Lions debuted a 50th anniversary banner, which will hang at each of their events in 2024.

For many Lions, the highlight of the celebration was Lion Ron Hogan’s acceptance of the Melvin Jones

role, Haveman will oversee all special education services.

“We are thrilled to have Dave Haveman join our team,” said Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent of Northeast Metro 916.

“His extensive experience and deep commitment to special education will be instrumental in

advancing our mission to support and empower every student. We are confident that Dave will significantly contribute to our organization and the communities we serve.”

With over 27 years in the education field, Haveman has worked with traditional dis-

Fellowship Award. It is the highest award one can receive within the Lions organization.

Hogan is now the former president of the Centerville Lions. On July 1, he was succeeded by Lawlis.

“[Hogan’s] been a Lion for a long time, and he knows a lot of people, so he received that Melvin Jones Award for a reason,” said Lawlis. “He does a lot for our Lions group and our community.”

As the new president, Lawlis already has big ambitions for the Centerville Lions Club such as setting yearly goals for membership recruitment and retention as well as working more closely with schools in the community.

Olivia Decker is an intern with Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing intern1@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

tricts, charter schools, intermediate schools and non-public education programs. He has previously served as the executive director of student services for Lakeville Area Schools and the director of special services for Hastings Public Schools.

“I am excited to join Northeast Metro 916

and to work with such a dedicated team,” said Haveman. “I look forward to contributing to the continued success of our special education programs and to positively impacting the lives of our students and their families.”

The Centerville Lions Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Lion Katie Hogan smiles with former Centerville Lions president Ron Hogan holding his Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is the highest award granted within Lions Clubs International.

Dave Haveman

• The city has once again received an unmodified, or clean opinion, on its 2023 audit. “It was a very clean audit. There were no issues to report whatsoever,” said Jason Miller of Smith, Schafer & Associates.

• Allysa Nadeau will fill the fire department’s last engineer position starting Aug. 1. She recently completed a Fire Apparatus Operator course put on by Century College and passed a state certification test. Nadeau has been with the fire department since December 2021.

• Fifty-six election judges are now in place for the state primary election on Aug. 13. Each of them will all have to complete a two-hour training.

• Wilson Tool will host its annual company picnic on Friday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Aug. 10 at Hanifl Fields. The private event is for Wilson Tool employees and

their families. There will be food, beer garden and activities. Alcohol will be served and there will be amplified sound for announcements. In addition, this year they will hold a retiree bonfire for approximately 40-50 people on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that will include food, beer and seltzers and music.

• The city’s public works department will purchase a Bandit 14XP woodchipper for $64,587 from Tri-State Bobcat. Previously, the department was renting a chipper to use when doing tree trimming and tree removal along road right of ways.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the 125th Street and Dellwood Ridge street project. Most recently, the council authorized pay request No. 2 for $1,022,157 to Dresel Contracting, Inc for work certified through June. All the new storm sewer has been

completed and concrete curbs have been installed along Heather Avenue and Upper Heather Avenue. The council also authorized pay request No. 4 for the lift station (No.12) project for $81,786 to C.W. Houle, Inc.

• An open house is scheduled for the Glacial Hills Regional Trail from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 29 at City Hall. County staff will share the proposed trail alignment for public comment and answer questions.

• A reminder to residents to get out and about for Night to Unite on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The council, fire department and sheriff’s office will all be making the rounds to various parties around town. Don’t forget to register your party with the city.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at City Hall.

County provides update on Highway 61 visioning study

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Motorists and pedestrians who use Highway 61 in Washington County and would like an update on the ongoing visioning study should plan to attend the open house next month.

The study is a collaboration between the county, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the city of 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 be complete this January. Currently, the parties are in the second phase of the study, or the “evaluate” stage, which is focused on developing and evaluating corridor improvement alternatives.

“The study included data collection both quantitative and qualitative and evaluation of potential improvements,” explained Senior Planner Madeline Dahlheimer.

So far through community engagement, Dahlheimer says they have heard sevearl key themes for the long-term vision of the corridor including keeping the corridor safe for all users, maintaining the small-town feel, supporting economic development and supporting multiple modes of transportation.

Although there isn’t much change when it comes to accesses along the

IF YOU GO

What: Highway 61 visioning study

open house

When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15

Where: Hugo City Hall

Details: The public is invited to hear an update on the Highway 61 visioning study. For more information, visit www. co.washington.mn.us/Highway61. Contact: Madeline Dahlheimer madeline.dahlheimer@ co.washington.mn.us or  651-430-4338

corridor, a big change this time around comes down to right-of-way. “Throughout this process we were able to significantly reduce right of way dedication needs throughout the corridor,” Dahlheimer said.

City Administrator Bryan Bear said there was a “wrench” thrown into the middle of the process when it was determined that the corridor could be looked at as a singular transportation corridor rather than needing right of ways for the railroad and the highway.

“That’s the way it has always been, and it really caused the need for the process to slow down, but the county really showed some flexibility and understanding and willingness to look at this as a bigger picture,” Bear said.

“The result of that can’t be overstated. If you go down the corridor and com-

• 1994-Washington County Regional Rail (RRA) purchased parallel freight rail corridor to support future transit.

• 1996 - Memorandum of Understanding was drafted with the intent to transfer jurisdiction of Highway 61 from MnDOT to Washington County.

• 2007 – City of Hugo developed its downtown plan and design guidelines.

• 2008 – A four-lane corridor layout was developed by the city in collaboration with MnDOT. Study said 200 to 250-feet or right of way would be needed for future expansion.

pare the right of way needs for these two plans (2008 and 2024), what you find in the previous version is a complete demolition of every business on the east side of Highway 61 to accommodate a future highway expansion.”

He added, “The outcome of this plan is much softer than that. It maintains those right of way lines much closer to where they are now.”

Dahlheimer said another update is the addition of trail on both sides of the corridor.

The county will next move into the

• 2014 – RRA purchased parallel freight rail corridor to support future transit.

• 2017 – Locally Preferred Alternative Report identified connector bus service from White Bear Lake to Forest Lake.

“define” portion of the process to further define a preferred corridor vision, compile the study report and outline the jurisdictional transfer plan for turning the corridor in its entirety in Washington County from MnDOT over to the county.

Those interested in receiving project updates can sign up for email alerts on the project website.

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

The above graphic compares the roadway design established in a 2008-study, the county’s comprehensive plan and the most recent study layout.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

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

‘Ode to my Umi’: Celebrating Black motherhood, ancestry and the revolutionary power of rest in art

The newest exhibit in White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery, “Ode to my Umi,” honors Black motherhood and ancestral wisdom. But the curator of the show, 20232024 Emerging Curators Institute Fellow Eshay Brantley, wants to make one thing clear: this exhibit is for everyone.

Directly influenced by the women in her family who have led each other through childbirth and hard times Eshay created “Ode to my Umi” as a place for Black people to rest. “Umi to me is an enlightened being, person, or woman who is continuously encouraging others and shedding light and wisdom on those around her,” Eshay says. “Black women care, love and support everyone else, and hardly recognize the importance of doing it for themselves.” Being a young Black mother and oldest daughter of her generation before that, Eshay is familiar with the pressures and duties Black women feel towards others without an expectation to rest.

This mission translates to every artist and piece of artwork featured in the gallery. At the start of the curatorial process, Eshay broke the gallery up into three sections representing Mother, Grandmother, and Ancestor. Walking into the gallery, you step into the Grandmother section. This is represented by

interdisciplinary folk artist Namir Fearce’s photographs of Eshay and her son, a baby mobile of hair combs and mirrors decorated with cowrie shells, and Namir’s experimental film, “my baby.” Grandmother represents the wisdom that comes with life lived. “She’s raised her own kids and faced things where she can guide Mother through and better connect to Ancestor,” Eshay said. Grandmother is also symbolic of the greater Black culture. Grandmothers play a vital role in preserving cultural traditions and passing knowledge down to younger generations whether it’s through doing hair, cooking or storytelling.

The middle of the gallery space, the womb of it all, is Ancestor, made up of work from installation artist and designer Bayou Bay, and poetry from Donte Collins, the inaugural

Upcoming Events

Into Nature Kick-Off

White Bear Center for the Arts

Saturday, July 27, 1-3

P.M.

Come celebrate nature on WBCA’s beautiful campus! Join us for the kick-off extravaganza to experience many ways to bring your creative self outside, including writing and movement. There will be demos celebrating nature in which all are welcome to participate. Watch

youth poet laureate of St. Paul. Anchored by the word ‘ancestor’ painted in purple on the right wall, and surrounded by Bayou’s affirmation mirrors, the presence of Black heritage lives in the space. Personified in part by Bayou’s “Grandmother Coat,” a white windbreaker covered in patches stands next to a poem dedicated to his mother. Reflected across the ‘ancestor’ wall is Donte Collins’ “Love Poem: Nocturn,” a sonnet in conversation with Annie Lee’s iconic portrait of a Black woman struggling to get out of bed on a Monday morning, “Blue Monday.” “Donte’s poem and ‘Blue Monday’ really show us how rest is revolutionary,” Eshay said. “Rest is love and care, rest is a warm blanket in winter, rest is okra stew on an empty belly. Rest is so necessary but we ignore it.” The chairs and benches

in the space put that to practice for people to realize that rest doesn’t have to be the total surrender of sleep or lying down, but just being wherever your feet are.

Traveling further into the gallery, the back purple wall houses Precious Wallace’s “My Them” collection. Precious is a self-taught graphic designer and one of the only female artists in the exhibit. “That was intentional,” Eshay said. In our patriarchal society, there are often expectations of women to cater to men. “I wanted to represent Black men who can also create a space for Black women and folks to be able to sit and just be.”

Precious’s work is representative of Mother. Her vibrant pop-art prints take on this fierceness and boldness that is often required of Black women in the world. One piece in particular stands out to Ehsay. The piece “My Them” hangs on a standalone wall illustrating a woman facing forward with rows of

plein air painters do “quick paints” and make your own landscape drawing using pastels. Easels will be available for painting and drawing throughout the festivities (please bring your own art materials).

The OK Factor

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Lawn Sunday, Aug. 11, 1 P.M.

Join us for a fun afternoon with the new-classical duo, The OK Factor. Tickets are pay-whatyou-want, but reservations are required. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket.

women behind her. “This feels like my life,” she said. “Oftentimes I can switch this woman out for any woman in my family and I know there is a row of women behind her.”

“Ode to my Umi” is largely made for Black women to find a safe space of rest, where nothing is expected from them, and to see themselves reflected in the work. “Ode to my Umi” still exists for everybody, because as Eshay sees it, everyone benefits from Umi. “Everyone benefits from her as a secretary, as a friend, as a nanny, as a house cleaner. Black women have shaped a lot of things in American culture and a lot of the time, her praise goes unnoticed.” There can be those who come into the gallery and say “This isn’t made for me.” Or ask, “Why was I excluded?” Or, it can be a place to say, “What can I learn here?” Ask yourselves, what does it feel to be amongst work that doesn’t center your identity? And though your identity isn’t being centered, how can you find yourself in it? The lesson is for everyone, step into the gallery and think of a Black woman you can pay homage to.”

“Ode to my Umi” is a partnership between Emerging Curators Institute and White Bear Center for the Arts. The exhibit is on display in WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery now through Aug. 2.

Fabulous Florals

White Bear Center for the Arts

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 16-18, 1 A.M.4 P.M.

Take a class where painting meets collage at Fabulous Florals with returning visiting artist, Elizabeth St. Hilaire! For three days in August, Elizabeth will teach students a unique figurative collage technique: hand-painted papers and collage technique. There will be an emphasis on developing form using light, shadow, and directional ripping–very similar to traditional painting techniques.

• Arrests (82) and accidents (31) in Centerville are up from last year, but citations (250) and traffic incidents (2,227) are down, according to the 2023 Annual Report delivered by Chief Deputy Bill Jacobson from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Chief Jim Mork of the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD). In the Centennial Lakes CLPD year-inreview, the Mork noted 3,403 calls for service last year out of a total of 10,247 for the agency. The CLPD Centennial Lakes jurisdiction, the overall has a population of which is 11,565. Centerville’s contributed a population of is 3,921.

Among severe crimes, the occurrence of theft was the greatest with 31 reports in Centerville out of an agency-wide 74 theft reports. Centerville produced 11 fraud reports out of 30 agency-wide reports. For less severe crimes, DUI was the most reported incident with 51 DUIs in Centerville out of an agency-wide 114. In fact, DUI was by far, the most reported type of criminal incident in Centerville in 2023, followed by theft at 31. The CLPD Centennial Lakes issued 42 gun permits in Centerville and responded to 276 medical calls and 69 domestic disputes. For a more complete report about your community service officers and better context on calls to service, visit the city website at www.centervillemn. com.

• Council has approved the 20242025 Strategic Plan, which remained largely the same following the June 24 work session. At the work session, council was provided with an update

to the 2024-25 Strategic Plan and discussed modifications including Priority #1 and also discussed the costs associated with revising both the Master and Comprehensive Plans. Discussion also centered around obtaining public feedback from the public during the revision period of both plans, adding an ethics policy and working with the Planning and Zoning Commission. Staff incorported revisions to the plan based on council feedback.

• Visitors walking up to City Hall this winter will have help in not avoiding falling down walking up to the facility, after council following council approved approval the expenditure of $13,500 for a new handrailing, as part of ongoing improvements. Council will take longer to ponder boulevard irrigation, the other half of business pertaining to City Hall add-on’s improvements.

City Administrator Mark Statz said he had plenty of has ideas to step up efforts to create a more aesthetic “front yard” for the city and will being bring those ideas back to council at an upcoming meeting. These two projects are part of postproduction touch-ups. “Now, we’re picking away at bits and pieces not included in the original remodel of City Hall,” Statz said. City staff recommendsed the city spend $31,600 from the General Fund to complete the handrailing and boulevard irrigation projects.

• Three developers in the city have asked for the return of security deposit money, following the successful completion of their

projects. On staff recommendation, council approved a full release of deposits from Rehbein Commercial (Michaud Way between the Kwik Trip and Norbella homes) and Rehbein Industrial/Sutton Transportation (the cul-de-sac cut through to 21st Street for Amazon and the short Fairview Street extension to 21st Avenue) For both developments, all punch list items have been addressed, and the developers have received a full release of their permits from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). The two-year warrants for the projects were set to expire on July 12, and no warranty issues have been identified. On staff recommendation, council released only a partial refund of $20,000 to Old Mill Estates developers. All punch list items have been addressed, but the developer is still working with the RCWD to finalize their permit, as not all building sites in the project have been developed. The city will grant a full release of the security deposits on the RCWD’s approval of the final wetland delineation.

• The city is keeping up to date with its stormwater permit paperwork, after council conducted the second reading to repeal its current ordinance, Chapter 157: Erosion Control, and adopted a new ordinance, Chapter 157: Erosion Control, along with the summary publication. After the state reissued the Construction Stormwater (CSW) permit last year, the city was required to update its Minimum Control Measure (MCM) 4 ordinances by July 31. All Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permit

holders are also required to update or revise their MCM regulatory mechanism to be at least as stringent as the CSW requirements for erosion, sediment and waste controls. The first reading of the more stringent ordinance update was held at the June 24 meeting.

• The property owners at 199573rd Street will be allowed to build a 6-foot, white, vinyl privacy fence within the city’s right of way, drainage and utility easements, after council approved the encroachment agreement. All applications, neighbors’ signatures and fees have been submitted. The building inspector has also reviewed and approved the construction of the fence five feet from the rear and side property lines.

• Public Works Technician James Huisenga will receive a raise, after council approved the step increase for him during his annual review.

• The city is preparing for the upcoming Primary Election on Aug. 13 by approving the resolution appointing election judges for the primary, as the city is required to do. Typically, if judges are trained, they will participate in all elections unless ill or experiencing scheduling conflicts. There are also additional times to add judges for upcoming elections or have emergency appointments made by the city clerk/ election administrator.

Loretta Harding

SHOOT. ANALYZE. FIT

CITY OF HUGO

NOTICE OF TESTING OF DS200 VOTING EQUIPMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Hugo will conduct a public accuracy test of the DS200 ballot scanner voting equipment at Hugo City Hall on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in preparation for the Primary Election to be held on August 13, 2024. Michele Lindau, City Clerk

Published one time in The Citizen on July 25, 2024.

CITY OF HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 7:00pm in Hugo City Hall to consider a request for approval of a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning amendment, preliminary plat, conditional use permit, and a variance for HW1, LLC, c/o Summit Management, LLC, 6770 Stillwater Blvd. N. Suite 110, Stillwater, MN 55038, for construction of a 93 unit apartment building. The subject property is located

west of Everton Avenue and south of Rosemary Way and is approximately 13 acres in size. The comprehensive plan amendment is proposed to change land use of the property from Commercial to High Density Residential. The zoning amendment is proposed to rezone the property from General Business (C-2) to Medium Density Multiple Family Residential (R-5). The preliminary plat is to subdivide the property to propose a public park on a separate lot. The conditional use permit is for the apartment use. The variance is for the height of the apartment to be 39 feet, where 35 feet is required by ordinance. The property is described as Outlot B, Frenchman Place 2nd Addition.

Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Rachel Juba, Community Development Director at 651-7626304 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 July 25, 2024.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET, LEVY AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CHARGES

The complete financial statements may be examined at City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North and on the city's website. Questions about this report should be directed to Bryan J. Bear, City Administrator at (651) 762-6320.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to present and receive comments on the District’s 2025 proposed budget and levy, which include Water Management District (WMD) local charges for the Ramsey County Ditch (RCD) 4 WMD, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the City of Shoreview, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely.

The proposed 2025 budget is $9,332,614. The proposed total levy for the District is $6,140,782. The Ramsey County Ditch 4 WMD proposes to collect charges of $94,538. RCWD, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070.

Published one time in The Citizen on July 25, 2024.

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The Washington County Fair has been bringing fun to the St. Croix Valley and surrounding areas for the last 153 years, starting in 1871. This year the fair is July 31- Sunday, Aug. 4 at the fairgrounds located at 12300 N. 40th St., in Stillwater. Fairgoers will discover multiple exhibits during the fun-filled weekend including arts, quilts, woodworking, goats, cows and more. Grandstand events will include a tractor pull, ATV show and Rice bull riding and barrel racing.

Live music will be at the Craft Brew Haus. The lineup includes:

• 7:30- 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2—The Dweebs

SENIOR DAY

Elvis to appear on Senior Day

Washington County Seniors, age 65 and older, are invited to the Washington County Fair’s annual Senior Event on from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July

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

Are you a self-motivated and detailed designer?

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Pick up an application in store at Bald Eagle Liquor for this store associate opportunity.

• 7:30- 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3—Them Pesky Kids

• 2- 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4—Firewater Gospel Choir

The bags tournament is from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Craft brew Haus. Sign up opens at 11 a.m. There is an entry fee for teams. The tournament begins at noon. The Afton Bayport Lakeland Lions Club will be hosting Bingo throughout the weekend.

For more information and a list of events, go to https://washingtoncountyfair.org/.

Madeline Dolby

31.  Elvis (Brad Boice) will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free, but attendees will need to pay the discounted fair admission price. Parking is also free at the fairgrounds. Light refreshments will be served, and fair food door prizes will be given

away.  To accommodate more attendees, this year’s Senior Event will be held under the Main Stage Tent, across from Building D. If you need further information, email cochair Margot Rheinberger at Rheinberger01@aol. com or call 651-439-4199.

White Bear Lake hosting Legion district this week

White Bear Lake Legion lost its last two regular-season games and will take a 10-13 record into the District 4 playoffs — which they are hosting this week.

The team, sponsored by American Legion Post 168, lost to Hamline Purple 16-6 at home with five starters missing, leaving them in second place in the district standings with a 7-3 record.

Hamline Purple (Cretin-Derham Hall) finished 8-2. The Bears then lost 2-0 at Totino-Grace (state Class 3A champions this year). Roman Lachenmeyer took the loss, allowing only two runs (one earned).

The Bears, coached by the high school’s junior varsity coach Matt Seiler, have been playing at full strength in most weekday games. Their second-stringers have played weekend tournaments as most of the starters play on club teams.

It’s become common in recent years for the top players to join club teams,

especially in the metro area, a situation that has depleted the Legion baseball ranks. “On club teams, there’s way more scouts watching,” Seiler said. “The players travel to tournaments around the country.”  Still, several Bears are suiting up for both club teams and Legion.

The roster includes five players from the high school team that posted a solid 13-10 record in a conference that had three of the final four teams in the state tournament. They are Lachenmeyer, right-fielder Weber, third baseman Jackson Berg, catcher Johnny Wong and shortstop Jace Lombardi.

The four-man starting rotation is headed by Lachenmeyer (3.20 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 17 innings), followed by Matt Anderson (1.30 ERA in 30 innings), Tyler Hilderman, and Brady Williams (0.73 ERA in 19 innings).

Other infielders are Anderson at first and Riley Helmberger at second.

Other outfielders are Hilderman in left, Michael Gibson in center and backup Dylan Paulson in left. Top hitters are Paulson (.370), Weber (.333, three triples), Anderson (.314, 13 RBI’s, 12 runs), and Hilderman (.318).

The Bears, Seiler said, have a strong senior-to-be class. “We should be very good next season,” he predicted. From that group, Blake Eckerle, Lombardi, Evan Newlander and Kevin Zollinger are playing for the Minnesota Icemen, while Weber, Wong, Jackson Kolb and Tyler Allshouse are playing for the Minnesota Blizzard.

White Bear Lake faces Rosetown in the playoff opener Tuesday. If they win, they face Forest Lake on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. If they lose, they play at 2:30 p.m. vs Lino Lakes or TCR. Action will continue Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Bruce Strand

Hoecke of Team USA brings home a gold medal

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

What was it like, Elena Hoecke was asked, to suit up in the red, white, and blue of Team USA?

“Almost surreal,” said Hoecke, who helped the U19 volleyball team win a gold medal last week in Honduras. “The only two ways you can represent your country is through sports or the military. They (coaches) talked about that a lot, and told us to be sure to soak it all in.”

The Centennial junior-to-be brought a gold medal home to Lino Lakes after the American team went 5-0 in the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championships in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 14-19.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said, “to put on the uniform and compete with such great players and coaches.”

NORCECA stands for North Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation. Team USA has won it nine times and placed second three times.  Hoecke, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, made Team USA by standing out in the National

Team Development Camp in Colorado Springs in June to earn an invitation to the national team tryouts in Anaheim, where she was one of 12 selected from 20 contestants.

Team USA won the championship game over Canada 2517, 20-25, 26-24, 25-14 on Friday. Hoecke contributed 11 points (third-best on the team) with nine kills and two aces.

Team USA won its other four matches 3-0. In pool play, they beat Cuba 25-8, 25-11, 25-21 as Hoecke tied for the team lead with nine points on five kills, two blocks and two aces; beat

Canada 25-19, 25-13, 25-15, with Hoecke contributing six kills and an ace; and Puerto Rico 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 as Hoecke notched seven points. In the semifinals, Team USA beat Puerto Rico again 25-21, 25-22, 25-16.

Manaia Ogbechie, 6-foot-3 middle blocker from California, was named the Most Valuable Player. Also among seven players on the all-star team were 6-foot-3 outside hitter Audrey Flanagan of California and 5-foot-10 setter Genevieve Harris of North Carolina.  Hoecke, committed to the

Gophers, will eventually play against Ogbechie (Nebraska) and Flanagan (Wisconsin) in the Big Ten. Keegan Cook, the Gophers coach, was one of the Team USA assistants. Jamie Morrison of Texas A&M was head coach.

It was a U19 tournament, but all the American players were 17 or 16. Hoecke is 17. “They want the team to be young,” Hoecke said, “so we can quali-

fy again for the world tournament next year. That’s what we qualified for by winning this tournament.”

The girls didn’t do any tourist stuff in the Central American nation just south of Mexico.

“It’s not the safest country in the world,” she said, “so we pretty much stayed in our hotel and focused on volleyball. We had film sessions and serve and pass practices every day.” Her parents made the trip. “Everbody’s parents were there, so that was fun. We had our own cheering section every game.”

Hoecke plays volleyball only at Centennial, having discarded her other two sports (basketball and softball, where she was a pitcher) by seventh grade to focus on volleyball. She plays for the Minnesota Select club the rest of the year.

She had finished her club season the day leaving for Colorado. “I had not been home for about two months,” she said. “So now I will have a little break, a couple weeks off, before high school practice starts.”

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Roman Lachenmeyer pitched well in a 2-0 loss to state champion Totino-Grace on Wednesday.

CONTRIBUTED

Elena Hoecke posed with her medal and the trophy for a teammate to take a photo.

Team USA assembled after beating Canada for the gold in Honduras. Elena Hoecke is just above the right corner of the flag.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

How DIY can be bad for homeowners’ bottom lines

Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects.

Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom line than homeowners may recognize.

• Permits: Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contractors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits). DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be harmful in the short- and long-

term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project. In the long-term, homeowners who did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy

(CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.

• Ancillary costs: The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in

order to complete projects on their own. Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in estimates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.

• Repairs: Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch.com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.

Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.

Wednesdays Ongoing – Trivia Night 7p – 9p

Wednesdays Keychain Cash 8:30p

Saturdays Tastings & Tours 12p – 1p

Saturdays Tasting Party 2p – 3p

Aug. 2

*Member Wine Release Party 5p - 8p

Big Wood Brewery

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Two Silo winery & Vineyard

*Bar open per usual. Separate area for members to pickup their wine, enjoy food, drink and live music: Two Square Band.

Aug. 1 Music: Nick Hensley & Brick Oven Bus

Food Truck

Aug. 1 Puzzle Night 6p

Aug. 1 Trivia – Hosted by Trivia Mafia 7p

Aug. 1 Romeo & Juliet PlayPavilion 9a

Aug. 1 Music: Sten Carlson 4p

Aug. 2 Music: Kalliah & The Blackwater & Smug Pug Food Truck

Aug. 3 Food Truck Festival 12 - 7p

Aug. 3 Music: Gary Growden 12 - 3p

Aug. 3 Live Music: Phil Berbig 1p - 4 p

Aug. 3 National Mead Day 12p

Aug. 4 Music: Cole Thomas 2p – 5p

Aug. 4 Music: Prairie Beats Band 2p - 5p

Aug. 4 Music: The Jugsluggers 3 - 6p

Aug. 6 Yoga in the Vineyard 6 - 7p

Aug. 6 Bingo 6:30 - 8p

Aug. 7 Cribbage Tournament 6 - 8p

Aug. 7 Music: Brendan Bonin 5:30p – 8:30p

Aug. 8 Taste of Hops & Vines w/Rotary club at Snail Lake 5p - 8p

Aug. 8 Board & Brush Wedding sign class 6p

Aug. 8 Music: Hailey James 4p

Aug. 9 Eagle Eye Music on the Farm 5p

Aug. 9 Hat Making Class 5:30p

Aug. 10

Aug. 10

Big Wood Brewery

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Big Wood Brewery

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

St. Croix Vineyards

White Bear Meadery

7 Vines Vineyard

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

7 Vines Vineyard

Two Silo Winery

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Brick Oven Bus Food Truck Big Wood Brewery

Live Music: Amy Finch 1p - 4 p

St. Croix Vineyards

Aug. 11

Aug. 11

Aug. 13

Music: Tyler Herwig 3 - 6p

Music: Roger Jokela Band 2p – 5p

Yoga in the Vineyard 6 - 7p

Aug. 13 Trivia with Ryan 6:30 - 8p

Aug. 14 Music: Becky Rae 5:30p – 8:30p

Rustic Roots Winery

Two Silo Winery & Vineyard

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

7 Vines Vineyard

Aug. 17 Music: Devon Worley Band Big Wood Brewery

Aug. 17 Live Music: Andrew Spreck 1p - 4 p

Aug. 15

Aug. 15

Jigsaw Puzzle Contest 6p

Music: Andy Hughes 4p

Aug. 15 Puzzle Night 6p

Aug. 15 Farmers & Artisan Market 4 - 7p

Aug. 17

Aug. 18

Aug. 18

Cider & BBQ 1p

Music: Matt & Laurel 3 - 6p

St. Croix Vineyards

White Bear Meadery

Belle Ame Vineyard

Belle Ame Vineyard

Rustic Roots Winery

White Bear Meadery

Rustic Roots Winery

Music: Gary LaRue 2p – 5p 7 Vines Vineyard

Aug. 18 Pound in Pavilion class 11a

Aug. 20 Yoga in the Vineyard 6 - 7p

Aug. 20 Bingo 6:30 - 8p

Aug. 21 Cribbage Tournament 6 - 8p

Belle Ame Vineyard

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

Rustic Roots Winery

Aug. 21 Music: Patrick Allen 5:30p – 8:30p 7 Vines Vineyard

Aug. 22 Love Your Gut Sourdough Workshop 5:30 - 7p Rustic Roots Winery

Aug. 22 Music: Noah Burnett 4p Belle Ame Vineyard Aug. 23 Saigon Delicious Food Truck

Wood Brewery Aug. 24 Live Music: