In addition to its weekly flower farm market on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. this summer, T and Nae have launched “gentle yoga” at the Hugo farm Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 29. The 60-minute class of gentle movements is designed for all skill levels. The farm is located at 15815 Elmcrest Ave. For more information, visit tandnae.com.
Come 2025, the County Road J and I-35E interchange could look drastically different than it does today.
County Road J from Centerville Road to Otter Lake Road – including the interchange with I-35E –is scheduled for reconstruction in 2025.
Ramsey County is leading the project in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Anoka County, White Bear Township, North Oaks and Lino Lakes. Two watershed districts, the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Vadnais Lake Water Management Organization are also involved.
The existing I-35E and County Road J interchange –and the surrounding area – has safety, congestion, and access issues that impact pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
Additional development is expected near the interchange in the next five years, which will increase traffic and worsen safety issues.
Three areas are targeted for improvement include:
• The I-35E and County Road J interchange.
• County Road J from Centerville Road to Otter Lake Road.
• Centerville Road from County Road J to North Ash Street.
“A major reason for the project was we wanted to make that a full interchange and then also provide better pedestrian accommodations crossing the
SEE INTERCHANGE, PAGE 2
HUGO — The City Council included funds in the 2023 budget to allow for a full-time fire chief, and that may just happen.
The council has directed city staff to move forward with creating a job description, position profile and salary structure for the position, which will ultimately need to be approved by the council.
“This has been a discussion that we have been having now for quite some time,” said City Administrator Bryan Bear. Mayor Tom Weidt added, “This is a big decision that we have been wrestling with for quite a while. It is a
decision that you never know exactly when the right time is… I certainly want to be on the side of history of doing it when it is a little early rather than too late.”
Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. said that he is the fourth fire chief to bring the need of a full-time chief forward to the council.
Back in March, the city created a subcommittee to discuss organizational changes within the Hugo Fire Department and whether there was a need to hire a full-time chief.
Currently, the fire department operates as a part-time, paid-on-call department with no full-time staff.
The subcommittee consisted of Mayor Weidt, Council Member Mike Miron and five representatives from the fire
$5 OFF ANY purchase of $25 or more
department. A couple of firefighters assisted with surveying the firefighters and gathering research for the committee.
Bear explained the subcommittee considered five options:
• Keeping things as they are
• Sharing services (with neighboring departments/cities)
• Hiring a full-time chief
• Doing more (adding more services)
• Improving response time by converting to a full-time department.
The committee spent the most time on the keeping things as they are option or hiring a full-time chief, Bear said. Some concerns raised by firefighters for keeping the department the way it is revolved around availability and
time commitment. There was a concern the department could handle nonemergencies that were administrative in nature.
“We have done a good job over the years spreading out the work to 11 different positions on the department. All of our fire officers are doers, and give it their all until they can’t. Then unfortunately the time comes and something has to give, and we typically loose good people due to the amount of work they are tasked with,” Compton Jr. explained. He added, “Our department does a great job at responding to emergency calls, and the scheduled things we do. It’s the unexpected things that come up that
SEE FIRE CHIEF, PAGE 6
FROM PAGE 1
interstate,” said Project Manager Joey Lundquist of Ramsey County. “We talked with quite a few of the big businesses right there, they have people coming from the north that will appreciate being able to get off there versus having to get off up at County Road 14 and come down.”
The project is estimated to cost $20 to $25 million. Lundquist said at this point, the project is fully funded, with funds coming from regional solicitation money, MnDOT and local participation (cities/counties).
Up to this point, there have been multiple opportunities for community engagement. From December 2021 to January 2022, an online comment map was up and running on the project website for community members to offer feedback on safety, pedestrian and bicyclist access, congestion and access to businesses and neighborhoods.
A virtual open house was also held in September 2022 along with a StoryMap, which allowed the community to comment on the eight design concept alternatives being considered.
Lundquist says up to this point, many of the comments the county has received are from people who do not like roundabouts. The county also received a lot of comments about avoiding the conservation easement that runs west of 20th Avenue and north of County Road J.
“In the first round of the StoryMap we were look-
ing at a few options that bisected that (the conservation easement) We definitely got feedback that people didn’t like that,” she explained. “So, the option we are left with we are trying to just make it in the corner versus impacting it significantly.”
At this point, “alternative 1” has been selected as the preferred plan to proceed with preliminary design and a more detailed analysis. According to the project website, this plan performed better than others based on technical evaluation criteria, MnDOT and county assessment, public feedback and the goal of minimizing impacts to the environment and areas protected by a land trust.
“(This option) had the most support from everybody,” Lundquist said. “It works well with the conservation easement, and it should move traffic well. Everybody seems to be on board with it as being the best option.”
The preferred plan would involve one bridge over I-35E and four roundabouts.
“I think the way the project is recommended, resolves all issues and provides a long desired full north and south access to I-35E,” said Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert. “The roundabouts will eliminate wait times, and keep traffic moving, while mitigating speed issues and safety concerns on Centerville Road. It’s a good plan.”
Residents were given an option to weigh in on the plan at a recent open house.
White Bear Township resident Marla Amborn
For more information and project updates, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/content/county-road-jand-i-35e-interchange-open-house
lives on Otter Lake Road. “There is a lot of traffic as it is right now on Otter Lake Road and certainly this will create more… I like to ride my bike and walk our dog along there,” she said. “The Otter Lake area is designated as a regional park, but it doesn’t seem to me that the way this is being designed takes that into account.”
She added that she did think the roundabout option would make sense on the Centerville side in front of the businesses, but she didn’t think it would be necessary on the Otter Lake side.
Mary Osterlund of White Bear Township said she was not in favor of the preferred option. She questioned whether there was enough space to make roundabouts.
“I think the least intrusive, the least amount that can be done to improve the situation but not impinge on all of the land around it is what I would be in favor of,” she said.
Linda Meyer, of White Bear Township, said, “It’s been a long time coming … it’s time.” She said she was especially looking forward to being able to hop right on the freeway instead of having to drive to County Road 14 every time she wants to get on the interstate.
Lundquist explained that the project is still in the preliminary design phase. “We have worked through a lot of stuff to get where we are at,” she said. “We think we are on the right track.”
The project team is working on completing the Interstate Access Modification Report currently, which needs to be betted by MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The plan is to start final design this fall, with final design plans ready at the end of 2024. They are aiming for construction in 2025.
Community members will likely have another opportunity to weigh in on the project over the winter with another open house.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN
Installation of AI sorting technology to remove recyclables including food scraps and organic-rich materials found in waste has been completed at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy (R&E) Center.
The new technology is estimated to divert annually a total of 60,000 tons of valuable material from landfills or incineration toward recycling, which is enough recyclables and food scraps to fill Allianz Field three times.
The enhancements were funded in part through the 2020 Minnesota State bonding bill.
The AI technology is the first step to begin a food scraps pickup program, which will be free to all citizens in Washington and Ramsey counties. Participating citizens will receive green compostable bags to deposit their food scraps and will throw away the green bags with their normal trash.
Once the waste arrives at the R&E Center, AI technology will extract the green food scrap bags from the rest of the waste and will be sent to industrial compost facilities to be turned into soil products.
Soon, according to R&E facility plans, food scrap bags and organic-rich materials will be processed through anaerobic digestion which will create renewable natural gas and valuable products for the community such as fertilizer and soil amendments.
Both Ramsey and Washington counties have been a part of the R&E since the 1980s. In 2016, the two counties purchased the R&E Center before
passing waste designation ordinances which required all waste in the two counties to be collected at the R&E facility.
R&E Board Chair and Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt has been with the R&E facility from the beginning and thinks the new food scraps pickup program represents a big step forward in utilizing the resources available in waste.
“We really view the solid waste that comes here as a resource,” Reinhardt said. “When we purchased the facility, we made a commitment that we were not going to just continue to do the same old same old, we wanted to move waste up the hierarchy, and this program is a really big part of that. We have valuable resources within the garbage, I know that sounds kind of silly, but there’s a lot of energy that is in what we throw out.” R&E receives trash produced by over 800,000 residents and 70,000 businesses in the two counties. It includes trash from the Minnesota State Fair and the State Capitol and this facility processes 13% of the state’s trash. According to Joint Leadership Team member and Ramsey County division Manager Michael Reed, roughly 20% of the trash collected in Ramsey and Washington counties is food waste.
The food scraps collection program, currently in its initial pilot stage was launched in select neighborhoods in Maplewood, Newport, Cottage Grove and North St. Paul in April.
Reed says that within the next few years, the program will roll out to all the residents in Ramsey and Washington counties.
The goal of the counties is to be at 40% or 127,000 household participation at the five-year mark after the program is available to every household. At that time, the facility expects to collect around 30,000 tons of food scraps annually from residents, which will help the counties move toward the state of Minnesota’s 75% recycling goal by 2040.
With the program still in its pilot phase, the AI sorting machines are still working to improve each time they sort through waste. Currently, the machines are at a 75% compliance rate with the materials the machines are picking out. The machines must get to a compliance rate of 94% when picking out the food scrap bags, to be accepted at a composting site.
“Ultimately, the material from this facility that’s collected from the food scraps program is going to be composted in the short term and then move toward anaerobic digestion in the long term to
CONTRIBUTED
Once the AI machines reach their goal of 94% compliance, the food scrap bags will qualify for composting. The R&E is hoping and is currently working to create an anaerobic digestion facility in Shakopee to send the food scraps there and create renewable biogas.
create renewable biogas,” Reed said.
According to facility manager Sam Holl, the facility hopes to begin using the food scraps for anaerobic digestion in mid-2026 at a proposed future facility in Shakopee to create renewable natural gas from the scraps.
Reinhardt continues to see the impact that the improvements in the waste industry can have on the environment.
“I really love this industry, I really love garbage,” Reinhardt said. “The reason that I say that is because each and every one of you, everybody around us, every decision you make, has an impact on the environment.”
Sebastian Studier is an intern at Press Publications. He can be reached by calling 651-242-2775 or emailing intern1@ presspubs.com.
When I was growing up, every Monday night my sisters and I would gather around the TV to watch our favorite show — “Little House on the Prairie.” It premiered on NBC in 1974 and ended in 1983. The show was one of the most watched shows on television. Today, the show is still popular spanning generations of fans.
Set in the late 1800s, the show follows the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the Ingalls family—Charles, Caroline, Mary, Carrie and Laura (later adopted children Albert, James and Cassandra) —who settle down Walnut Grove, Minnesota on the banks of Plum Creek.
Noelle Olson
The townspeople are a big part of the show. Mrs. Oleson is the rich snob, her daughter Nellie is the “mean girl” (mainly because she was raised that way) and you have the beloved Dr. Baker, Rev. Alden and school teacher Miss Beadle among others who come and go throughout the series.
The show is loosely based on the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and dealt with conflicting issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, financial struggles and racism. The show also was very emotional at times and in almost every episode, it’s hard not to tear up. A friend of mine used to call it, “Little Ball Baby on the Prairie.” It’s funny because I caught him watching it a few times and guess what, he had tears in his eyes.
I don’t have a favorite episode because they are all so good. Here are three of my favorites.
“If I Should Wake Before I Die”
A woman named Amy Hearn is about to celebrate her 80th birthday and she wants to see her children. She decides to “fake her death” and have a funeral in place of a birthday party. Hearn states that it’s OK for someone to miss a birthday or a holiday but heaven forbid you miss a funeral. She wanted to see her children when she was alive, not when she was dead. This made sense to me because when children leave the nest, they go off and live their own lives. Our busy schedules keep us from spending time with the elderly people in our lives and someday it might be too late.
“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”
This one is an emotional roller coaster. Charles and Caroline are devastated to learn that their eldest daughter Mary is going blind. Charles struggles to find the words to tell her. Mary soon goes blind and feels sorry for herself. She is sent away to a school for the blind where she learns to accept her blindness. Back in Walnut Grove, the town is dying and people are being forced to pack up and leave. Charles tells his friend Jonathan Garvey, “Life is a funny thing. If you would have told me a couple of weeks ago that the mill was shut down and the grange was collapsing, I’d be the most upset man you ever saw. Now, I don’t even care. It doesn’t mean a thing. I just wonder how much our lives are spent worrying about things that just don’t mean anything.”
“The Legend of Black Jake”
This is a light hearted and funny episode involving two dim-witted bank robbers, a kidnapping and a man with a black hood. Mrs. Oleson’s husband Nels is kidnapped and the robbers/kidnappers send her a ransom note (I think $100) which she refuses to pay. Needless to say, Nels is not happy. He feels his life is worth more than $100. The events throughout the episode will make you laugh. I know I did.
I saw an interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls on the series. She said the keys to the show were four things — compassion, community, faith and love.
So, if you need a little comfort in your life, tune in to “Little House.” I guarantee you won’t be disappointed (just keep a box of Kleenex nearby). The show has been in reruns since the series ended, can be streamed on Peacock and has never been off the air. That is truly an amazing feat.
Noelle Olson is editor of the White Bear Press. She can be reached at 651-407-1229 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Gardening encourages kids to form connections with nature, learn about responsibility and patience, and acquire valuable life skills. By nurturing their love for gardening, we are sowing the seeds for a greener future and raising a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Here are some practical ideas to help you get started on your gardening adventure with kids: Create a kid-friendly garden space
Designate a specific area of your yard or allocate containers for the children’s garden. Make sure the space is easily accessible and safe for them to explore. Consider using raised beds or vertical gardening options to maximize space and make it easier for children to reach the plants.
Let them choose Involve your children in the planning process by allowing them to choose the plants they want to grow. Provide them with a selection of age-appropriate plant options and let their preferences guide the decisions. This empowers them and encourages their active participation in the gardening process.
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To maintain children’s interest and enthusiasm, opt for plants that have a shorter growing cycle. Fast-growing vegetables like radishes, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes are great choices. Herbs such as basil and mint are also quick to grow and can be used in the kitchen later, adding a culinary element to the experience. Looking for flowers? Zinnias and marigolds germinate quickly and are low maintenance.
Make it hands on
Children love to get their hands dirty! Allow them to experience the tactile nature of gardening by involving them in activities like planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, and watering plants. Encourage them to feel the texture of the soil and explore the various parts of the plants.
Teach environmental stewardship
Use gardening as an opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for the environment. Explain the benefits of composting and recycling and involve them in creating a compost pile. Discuss the significance of pollinators and how to attract them by planting flowers.
Incorporate learning activities
Make learning fun by incorporating educational activities into the gardening experience. Create a scavenger hunt where children search for different types of leaves, insects, or specific plants. Introduce
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them to the concept of measuring by asking them to track the growth of plants over time. Engage their creativity by encouraging them to keep a garden journal or draw and paint the plants they observe.
Celebrate harvest time
When it’s time to harvest, involve children in picking the ripe produce. Let them taste the fruits of their labor and encourage them to create simple recipes using the harvested vegetables and herbs. This not only reinforces the connection between gardening and healthy eating but also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride. Remember, the key to successful gardening with children is to keep it enjoyable and age appropriate. Be patient, embrace their curiosity, and celebrate their achievements. Gardening together fosters a love for nature, instills valuable life skills, and creates lasting memories for the entire family.
Do you have yard and garden questions? Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics are held at Bunker Hills Activities Center on Wednesdays through Aug. 16 from 6 - 8 p.m. Ask a Master Gardener Online is held the first Tuesday of each month, through December, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Visit anokamastergardeners.org for more information.
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• After a property owner at 6908 Oak Circle requested approval from the city to install 60 feet of draintile/piping to direct stormwater away from their home while also proposing to participate in the city’s Stormwater Utility Cost Share Program, council discussed the viability of the program. Council took no action in changing any part of the program, except to consider making changes in the future.
For now, council will authorize city staff to work with groups of property owners, not single property owners, to resolve private drainage issues where possible by constructing drainage facilities in public easements. The city will contribute 25% of the costs, with the property owners agreeing to be assessed 75% of the costs. The city will contribute a maximum of $10,000 per year using money from the Stormwater Fund. The property owner portion will be paid for by voluntary special assessments paid over a maximum five years at a 4.5% interest rate. Council may one day consider raising the interest rate to 5% or the maximum amount to $20,000.
With the Oak Circle drainage project still calling for a council decision to formally deny or approve the property owner’s waiver of an assessment hearing, council once again tabled action of this item, which had been tabled from the July 14 meeting
• The city will fix rusted areas on the water tower that were recently discovered when the tower was being cleaned. While they were working, the cleaner, Kangas Tank Restoration, noticed many rusted areas without paint in a two-foot area around the tower. Some spots were pitted, they said. The consultants said that repair work would extend the longevity of the tower, and proposed sanding and repainting the area with epoxy primer and finish coat for $11,800.
Kangas said the rest of the paint on the tower looked in very good condition. A second quote was obtained for the work described, but was significantly higher. The work will be paid for with money from the Water Fund.
• Council approved three encroachment agreements through the consent agenda process. The first, at 7206 LaValle Drive, was for underground drain tile; the second was at 1805 Laramee Lane for a boulder type retaining wall and the third was at 1872-73rd Street for a fence. All three projects occurred within within the city’s right of way/drainage and utility easements and required approval from the city.
• One of two open seats on the Parks & Recreation Committee has been filled, after council formally approved the appointment to Ashley Fuchs to that vacant seat. Fuchs attended the July 5 committee meeting, participated in the interview process and attended the most recent Main Street Market. One seat on the committee now remains open. The Parks & Recreation Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Meanwhile, the Planning & Zoning Commission still has two open seats. The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, also at City Hall.
• Public Works Technician James Huisenga has been given a raise, after council approved a step increase from grade 6/step 5 to grade 6/step 6. Huisenga was given a satisfactory performance review by his supervisor, and his pay will be increased by $1.41 per hour, effective on the date of his employment anniversary. The cost is a budgeted expense from the General and Utility Funds.
Loretta Harding
If you are an active person or have an active family, and you are looking for a companion that can keep up with you, then meet Owen. Owen, according to his foster, is the most fun, loveable, occasional ball of chaos, that you will ever have the pleasure to know. Owen is about two-and-a-half years old. He is a Pit Bull Terrier/Bull Terrier mix and weighs about 45 pounds. He is social with other pets, with kids, and he is friendly towards everyone he meets. Owen is house trained and knows his basic commands. He is very smart and a quick learner. Owen is playful and eager to please. He is goofy, likes to play with his toys, enjoys swimming and likes to play fetch. Owen has a high energy level and would do well in home with another active dog. When he’s not busy, Owen is a very affectionate lap dog and likes to chill with his people.
If you are interested in learning more about Owen 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.
July 25-30 vs. Toledo Mud Hens
August 8-13 vs. Louisville Bats
August 15-20 vs. Indianapolis Indians
puts the strain on our fire officers, especially the fire chief.”
The subcommittee also heard of the importance to establish a “farm system” and hire a chief from within. The farm system would have pathways for firefighters to enter into leadership positions, and hiring from within would allow for the department to retain its culture it has worked so hard to create.
“The fire department has come a long way and a lot of people are proud of how that department operates, including myself, and we don’t want that culture to change,” Bear explained.
Weidt said he was comfortable with moving forward with a full-time chief.
“It is a big step for the city, it’s a big step for the fire department,” he said. “We have a great fire department right now. I think they do a great job in our community and I want to keep it that way and make sure that the firefighters who come in have a path to grow and prosper within the fire department
CITY OF HUGO HUGO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING NOTICES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HUGO CITY COUNCIL has scheduled the Midyear Budget Workshop for Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the Hugo City Hall Council Chambers.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there is potential of a quorum of the HUGO CITY COUNCIL at the annual Kids ‘n Biz Festival on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9-noon at the Oneka Elementary School.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the HUGO CITY COUNCIL has rescheduled the annual Citywide Bus Tour from September 30 to Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. Location TBD.
Published one time in The Citizen on July 27, 2023. CITY OF HUGO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 2023-525
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HUGO CITY CODE CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE II - DOGS, SECTION 10-32 - NUISANCES
THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Hugo does hereby amend Chapter 10, Article II, Section 10-32 of the Hugo City Code to delete the following: Delete subsections 10-32 (2) Notification of authorities, 10-32 (3) Second complaint, and 10-32 (4) Failure to correct.
Section 2. Severability. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any part of this Ordinance to be invalid, such judgement shall not affect any other provision of this Ordinance not specifically included within that judgment.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and publication according to law.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Hugo, Washington County, Minnesota this 15th day of May, 2023.
Tom Weidt, Mayor
ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk
Published one time in The Citizen on July 27, 2023.
CITY OF HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 7:00pm in Hugo City Hall to consider the minor subdivision request from Joseph and Lisa Gadbois, 8860 152nd Street North, Hugo, MN 55038. The request is to subdivide a 20-acre parcel located at 8860 152nd Street North into two 10-acre parcels. The property is generally located east of Irish Avenue North and north of 152nd Street North and is legally described as The west one-half of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 14, Township 031, Range 21, Washington County, Minnesota. Full legal description available at Hugo City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Max Gort, Associate Planner at 651-762-6311 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting.
Max Gort, Associate Planner Published one time in The Citizen on July 27, 2023.
14725 Victor Hugo Blvd |Hugo 8001 Lake Drive Lino Lakes License number 03934-007
License number 03934-008
and not just come in and be unable to learn, grow and take on responsibilities within the fire department.”
Miron said it took him a while to be comfortable with making the recommendation to council.
“My biggest concern going in was to try to maintain the structure that we currently have, our paid-on-call fire department, which largely amounts to a volunteer department,” he said. “I don’t think that moving forward with this recommendation is going to solve all of the challenges that the fire department has … I think this structure is going to look a lot different than what we see today in other places but it was done with the objective to maintain the current paid-on-call structure for as long as the city can retain it while bringing up future leaders.”
Council Member Becky Petryk said she appreciated the fact that the city wants to hire from within for the chief and other leadership positions.
“The creation of a full-time fire chief position will take the burden off the part-time staff. It will
• Kevin Kriegshauser no longer works for the Hugo Fire Department. He decided to retired from the department after he relocated outside of the city. He was hired in May 2010.
• American Legion Post 620 continues to donate to the Hugo Fire Department. Most recently, the legion donated $500.
• The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has received a grant to purchase new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and wants to donate four used AEDs to the Hugo Fire Department.
• The lump-sum pension will increase by $300 a year, after a request came in from the Hugo Fire Relief Association. The organization’s bylaws have also been updated.
• The city’s moratorium on the sale, distribution and manufacturing of THC products is set to expire next month. The council has decided it will enact a new year-long moratorium that prohibits cannabis businesses. (See full story in this week’s paper.)
S & S Real Estate Holdings, LLC has applied for the final plat for the last additions (7th and 8th) of Adelaide Landing located along 130th
also allow the fire chief the time to work more collaboratively with other city of Hugo departments, the sheriff’s office, M Health Fairview Ambulance and area fire departments,” Compton Jr. said. “Working efficiently and effectively within the administrative responsibilities will also allow the fire chief more time to focus on the paid-on-call firefighters and their needs. By having the time to dedicate properly to the needs of the fire firefighters, the fire department and the community will help preserve the paid-on-call fire department in our community for years to come.”
The item will likely come back before the council in August.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Street. The developer now has the OK to begin on the remaining six lots in the 7th Addition and one lot in the 8th Addition.
• The city has amended its Capital Improvement Plan. City Engineer Mark Erichson said, “This last year was very damaging to our roadways.” He added every three years staff evaluates pavement ratings, but since this year was not a rating year, the staff had to rely on the experience of the public works crews.
“Some roads that were far up on the list got surpassed by roads that weren’t even on the list,” Erichson said. The plan is as follows:
– 2024: Heather Avenue and Upper Heather Avenue, 125th Street
– 2025: Jardin Avenue, Fable Hills (Elmcrest to Bridge), Farnham Avenue and 130th Street, Garden Way, Arbre Lane, Poets Green, Beaver Ponds (129th Street, 128th Street, Ferreram, Fiona, Flay, Fondant)
– 2026: Heritage Parkway and Ingersoll Avenue
– 2027: Fenway Avenue and 140th Street
– 2028: Duck Pass (136th Street, Circle and Court), Janero Avenue, Hyde Avenue and Irish Avenue
• The council will need to approve a job description for the new full-time fire chief position at a future meeting. (See full story in this week’s paper.)
• The midyear budget workshop has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30.
• The city has decided to reschedule its 2023 citywide bus tour, after the Hugo Business Association scheduled its Kids ‘n Biz event for the same day. The tour is now scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7.
• City Administrator Bryan Bear will represent the city of Hugo on a committee to develop a comprehensive plan ensuring sustainable water resources in the metropolitan area. Bear explained the committee was established and allocated $2 million from the Legislature for work through 2027. The committee will consist of the Metropolitan Council, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health, PCA, Metropolitan Water Advisory Committee and area cities impacted by the White Bear Lake area lawsuit.
Shannon GranholmIf every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports the following incidents:
• A suspiciously young male walking along a sidewalk near the intersection of 130th Street N. and Goodview Avenue N. at 3:07 a.m. June 15 -- long after curfew – was stopped by deputies but the youth turned out to be 18 years old and eligible to be out after curfew. Deputes moved on while the male continued walking.
• The driver of a blue sedan was cited at 9:00 p.m. June 16 on southbound Highway 61 at 145th Street N. for a window tint violation, after deputies on patrol noticed the vehicle without a front license plate and tint so dark the cab could not be viewed. The driver admitted he was driving his father’s car, had no front plate and knew the tint was too dark.
A check of the driver’s license showed a prior conviction for tint violation. The motorist was also verbally warned about no front plate. Deputies conducted a DWI arrest at 10:33 p.m. June 16 near in the area of Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N.
• A westbound motorist was cited at 12:04 a.m. June 17 on 170th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for speeding 78 mph in a 55 mph zone by deputies on patrol who clocked the vehicle on radar.
• The driver of a gray sedan was also cited for tint violation by deputies at 6:47 p.m. June 17 on Highway 61 at 140th Street. The tint on the front windshield and side windows were so dark the occupants could not be seen.
Deputies’ tint-o-meter registered the light emission at 10%, where 50% is the standard. The driver and registered owner told deputies he had brought the vehicle already in that condition. The driver also received a verbal warning for the dark plate cover and object suspended from the rearview mirror.
• A motorist driving without license plates was arrested on outstanding warrants at 1:44 a.m. June 18 near Fenway Avenue N. and 140th Street N., following a traffic stop for the absent plates. During the stop, deputies also cited the driver for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance.
• Deputies pulled over a driver for no light on the rear license plate at 9:20 p.m. June 18 on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. While speaking with the driver, deputies noticed the odor of burnt marijuana, and a search produced a partially used marijuana cartridge. The driver was released with a warning for equipment violation and no driver’s license in possession.
• A sewer cover on 159th Street N. and Oneka Parkway N. was reported missing at 9:39 p.m. June 19. A citizen covered the gaping hole with a piece of wood, and the public works department was notified.
A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:16 a.m. June 20 in the 5000 block of westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol
At 1:22 a.m. July 16, officers with the Forest Lake Police Department responded to 95 Broadway Avenue W for a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle. The victim, Darisha Tela Bailey Vath, 17, of Stacy, was located in a municipal parking lot and lifesaving measures were attempted by officers, EMS and fire personnel on scene. The victim tragically succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead
who clocked the vehicle on radar at 41 mph. The driver was also verbally warned for a handsfree phone violation because deputies observed him with a cell phone up to his ear. Deputies described the driver’s attitude as only fair.
• Another Minnesota motorist was cited for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone at 6:40 a.m. June 20 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at Freeland Avenue N. by east-facing deputies who clocked her on radar at 44 mph. This driver, whose attitude was described as good, also had a cell phone up to her ear and received a verbal warning.
• A third Minnesota motorist was cited for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. at 6:58 a.m. June 20 by deputies on stationary patrol who clocked the vehicle at 47 mph. “The driver admitted to going too fast and came in hot,” deputies said. His attitude was also described as good.
• Deputies on disposal patrol received a report of a found discarded needle with a brown liquid inside at 11:03 a.m. June 20 from the area of Heritage Parkway N. and Elmcrest Avenue N. They seized the needle for public safety and disposed of it properly. While patrolling the 16000 block of Fenway Avenue N., deputies located a deposit of yard waste along with a small pile of trash. They summoned the public works department for pickup.
• A purse was reported stolen at 6:06 p.m. June 20 from the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. Miscellaneous items were reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway in the 6000 block of 144th Street N. at 10:54 a.m. June 21. No suspects or video surveillance were available.
• A Kidamento camera and Patagonia fanny pack containing miscellaneous items were reported found at 1:49 p.m. June 21 in a park in the 5000 block of Upper 146th Street N. Deputies collected the items and entered them into evidence.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took possession of a Kidamento camera and a Patagonia fanny pack containing miscellaneous items that were found at 1:49 p.m. June 21 in the 5000 block of Upper 146th Street N. The items were then entered into evidence.
A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:05 a.m. June 22 in the 6000 block of westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol who clocked the vehicle on radar at 41 mph.
• Deputies assisted a man moving out of his home in the 13000 block of EuropaTrail N. at 11:06 a.m. June 22, after his wife would not let him retrieve his belongings. While on scene, deputies oversaw the well- being of everyone involved, and the husband got some of his property out of his home so that he could stay elsewhere.
• Neighbors were reported for drinking then getting into a dispute over lawn care at 3:52 p.m. June 22 in the 16000 block of Harrow Avenue N.
• A suspicious vehicle parked close to an address in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 11:51 a.m. June 23 turned out to be parked there legally. At 3:52 p.m. June 25, the complainant again reported the legally parked vehicle for being in that spot for a week.
at the location by EMS personnel.
The driver of the Mazda 3 passenger vehicle Dylan Robert Simmons, 20, of North Branch, was located at the scene and is charged by the Washington County Attorney with third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide. The suspect and victim knew each other.
Forest Lake Police officers were assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, Wyoming Police Department, Chisago County Sheriff’s Office, Washington
County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This is an active and ongoing investigation at this time.
The Forest Lake Police Department reports that Desiray Kappes, previously reported as a missing person, has been found healthy and is cooperating with investigators. Further information is not available, as it is an on-going investigation.
• Deputies assisted the Pine County Sheriff’s Office at 9:27 p.m. June 23 in the 8000 block of 140th Street N. in recovering a stolen vehicle that had been involved in a pursuit. During the traffic stop, the driver advised deputies that the vehicle was sold and had never been registered.
• The driver of a silver sedan was cited at 8:15 p.m. June 24 on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for speeding 47 mph in a 35 mph zone by deputies on stationary patrol on Forest Blvd. N. at 146th Street N. During the traffic stop, deputies noticed a small toddler in the back seat who was not in any type of child restraint. The citation included penalties for child restraint violation.
• A tree was reported down and blocking the road near in the area of Elmcrest Avenue N. and 129th Street N. at 7:52 a.m. June 25, following an overnight thunderstorm.
• A southbound motorist was cited at 5:51 p.m. June 25 on Everton Avenue N. at Rosemary Way for driving after suspension and expired registration, after deputies on patrol observed the vehicle displaying tabs from March 2023. A check of the motorist’s driver’s license confirmed his suspended status.
The driver left his vehicle parked while he searched on foot for a valid driver for his vehicle.
• Financial fraud with monetary loss was reported from the 16000 block of Fairoaks Avenue at 8:01 p.m. June 25.
• A burglary in progress was reported at 5:43 p.m. June 26 in the 12000 block of Everton Avenue N.
• A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 9:56 p.m. June 26 called deputies to come and get a sister who, up until that moment, was allowed to stay at the residence. Deputies advised the complainant about how to initiate the civil course of action.
East-facing deputies on stationary patrol in the 6000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. in their marked squad at 7:15 a.m. June 28 cited an eastbound motorist for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone, after clocking the vehicle on radar at 41 mph. The Minnesota motorist said he didn’t know he was going that fast.
Theft was reported at 6:50 p.m. June 27 from the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N.
• Deputies headed to the Hugo Public Works Department building at 10:27 a.m. June 28 to pick up two bikes found earlier near in the area of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Mercantile Drive N. and brought in to HPW, because the owners had now been found. Deputies returned the bikes to their owners.
• A firearm reported missing from the 13000 block of Goodview Avenue N. at 7:30 p.m. June 28 turned out to be the result of a civil matter. An unwanted person reported at 9:40 p.m. June 28 for being in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N., from where he had previously been banned, turned out to be allowed there, because the trespass notice had expired.
• Burglars reported for stealing from the Speedway station in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. after hours turned out to be employees of the store on duty at 10:00 p.m. June 28.
Loretta HardingThe Jolly Pops will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at Lions Volunteer Park in Hugo. The Jolly Pops combine upbeat, original music with a host of children’s standards for a concert that is entertaining for both kids and adults. The performance will include music, movement, fun and possibly some puppets. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. The program is sponsored by the Hardwood Creek Library and funded with money from the Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Hockey, football, lacrosse—these topics belong on the Sports page! That is, unless Brennan Schachtner, sports photographer and 2023 White Bear graduate, is involved. Then, a winning point becomes expertly lensed art.
The word “expert” is not used lightly; Schachtner won the 2023 MN Football Hub Photo of the Year, the 2023 MN Hockey Hub Photo of the Year winner, and the Spring 2023 Balfour Yearbooks Sports Action Photo. While these accolades are built on years of Schachtner’s artistic craftsmanship, not all of those years were spent in photography.
“I have always been pretty creative,” Schachtner explains, “When I was younger I used to draw… As I got older, I started getting into creating graphics, digital images, and managing social media… which would jump me into taking photos. That began in the fall of 2021.”
Brennan’s web skills and photography passion clicked together, framing a unique opportunity: a freelance sports photography business. Schachtner’s site gallery
features shots a seasoned professional would envy: a triumphant slam dunk at a state tournament, a midair hurrah at a football game, an adorable face-off at a five-year-olds’ hockey scrimmage. WHERE did Brennan gain such impeccable style?
“I mostly learn from YouTube, other creators, and grow from
my mistakes…” Brennan reveals, “I would say my style is pretty unique to myself. All creators stick to their own editing style…”
A clear artistic voice is already tricky enough to find at such a young age, but using that ability to start a business is intrepid. Brennan will be the first to admit, however, that the
business hasn’t always been a snap.
“I have grown in many ways since beginning this. Overall, communication and social skills… Taking feedback and constructive criticism is the number one thing to figure out what I can work on to do better, and if people are enjoying what I am putting out there,” Schachtner explains.
Brennan is likely on the right course with that work ethic. Lakeville South Football has hired him for their 2023 season. Steady artistic professional work at 18 years old is, then, perhaps his greatest accomplishment. His advice on how to capture such a singular career, ironically, is universal.
“…just keep going,” Brennan encourages, “Don’t give up, even when things get hard or don’t feel like everything’s going in your way… Just get creative, be unique, and see how it turns out.”
To view Brennan Schachtner’s (truly stunning) portfolio, visit brennanschachtnerphotos.com
When I was three years old, I saw my first movie in theaters— 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. Driving up to the Hanifl Arts Center to interview the cast of Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming Beauty and the Beast production, I naturally feel nostalgic. Then a sudden downpour hits.
A little damp, I begin interviewing the cast…when the power goes out. 30 kids are on stage in pitch black. Instead or chaos, however, the emergency lights come on, and everyone is calmly sitting semicircle listening to the director.
“Everyone really wants to be here,” Molly Heil, the stage manager, explains, “There’s such a grandness to the show. There’s a castle, enchanted objects—all those magic touches.”
The “grandness” is certainly apparent—a hefty protruding balcony and zigzag staircases loom backstage—and the show’s notoriety is hardly lost on director Tami Provencher.
“This is one of those shows that’s on everybody’s checklist,” Tami gushes admirably. When asked how she makes even the smallest kid feel included, Tami gets a gleeful smile. “First, they’re the baker’s kids
doing errands… Then they’re the wolves,” she chuckles, “It’s the most adorably terrifying thing you’ll ever see! …And they’re great at all of it. I’ve worked with kids for years, and they ALWAYS surprise me.”
One of those surprises is undoubtedly Eleanor Cannon, soon-to-be eighth grader and this production’s Belle. Almost all of the other main roles went to high-schoolers, and auditions were packed. I asked why, given the steep competition, Cannon still decided to try out for Belle.
“I didn’t!” Eleanor exclaims, “I only recently got back into performing [Cannon put theatre on hold during COVID]. I just kept getting callbacks… When I found out why, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. And I had school the next day, too, so I really needed to sleep!”
Eleanor’s focus on academics is something she finds in common with Belle, and Cannon credits that love of learning, especially reading, with understanding Belle as a character.
“You see so many points of view when you read,” Eleanor reflects, “I think it’s taught me empathy.” One thing it hasn’t taught Eleanor, however, is forgiveness. “That’s where Belle and I differ,” she reveals, “If
someone kidnapped MY dad? I’d hold a grudge… Maybe that’s something I need to work on.”
Were Eleanor to look for advice in that regard, she could turn to her co-star Oliver Grawe, who plays The Beast. “I was a big bully in elementary school,” Grawe admits, “I was aggressive. It was bad until my parents got me to see someone.” I ask Oliver why he thinks he was able to overcome his anger while The Beast can’t. “He cuts himself off from everyone,” Oliver explains, “I like that sometimes, but I’m an extrovert.”
Upon learning that Eleanor’s connection to Belle is reading, Oliver smirks, “Well, I DON’T like reading, and The Beast CAN’T read, so there.” After I remind Oliver that people will have to read about the show if they’re going to see it, he laughs, then proclaims, “We’re really good. Better than anybody else who’s done it—unless you’re my parents reading this. Then, we’re humble.”
Director Tami concurs, “I think people underestimate kids—especially THESE kids. I mean, just look at them and listen!” I do. 30 kids joyfully belt out “Be our Guest” during a power outage in the middle of a storm—and I feel like I’m three years old again.
Two years ago, a storm whipped across White Bear Lake, ominously advancing towards a crowd of picnickers on the Fillebrown-House lawn. Few chose to leave, though, because they didn’t want the music to stop. Only when the band leader cut off the ensemble and urged the audience to find shelter did the attendees pack up.
“That’s commitment,” Allison Lincoln, Director of Member and Donor Services for the White Bear Lake Historical Society, observes. The storm story is just one anecdote in the storied history of Pops on the Porch, the annual music event celebrating White Bear’s old resort culture.
The 14-piece band behind this magnetism, the Moonlight Serenaders, has been doing Big-Band-era hits for Pops on the Porch since 1985!
“We love entertaining people,” says Linda Ness, the band’s history buff, “making them happy by creating new memories as well as bringing back old memories.”
Ness isn’t just blowing smoke, either. “We were even hired to play at a nursing home, monthly, for a lady who was an accordion player for Lawrence Welk,” she fondly recounts, “Her daughter claims that we extended her mother’s life by playing for her.”
Normally, rock-stepping swing dancers
twirl around the Serenaders’ events in the Wabasha Street Caves, but Pops on the Porch is best appreciated with a meal.
“The event has always been free,” Lincoln touts, “so bring a chair, food, or a blanket!”
When questioned if people bring alcohol, Lincoln shrugs, “I can neither confirm nor deny its presence at this event.”
A speakeasy atmosphere would be appropriate, but hardly explains the event’s longevity and appeal. Pops on the Porch regularly attracts over 200 listeners.
“White Bear LOVES White Bear,” Lincoln, a Northfield transplant, states with admiration, “and the Fillebrown House is the heart of the Historical Society.” Pops on
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
INTO
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: Thursday, August 17 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate WBCA’s annual plein air competition during the community reception where you’ll hear from judge Joshua Cunningham and learn this year’s award winners.
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: 5 Tuesdays, August 1-29 6-8:30 p.m.
New to the potter’s wheel or want to revisit the fundamentals of thrown pottery? Learn the skills and process to transform a lump of clay into incredible functional forms in this intro class.
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts
When: Friday, August 11, 10 a.m.Noon
Create plein air art inspired by the Into Nature Competition in this family event. It’s perfect for grandparents and grandchildren to do together!
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
August 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.
August 20 at 2 p.m.
In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human show, playwright Heidi Schrek resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Recommended for ages 14+.
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDRENS PERFORMING ARTS
Scan to support!
Scan Me!
the Porch’s popularity, then, results from a harmony of vintage music performed at a vintage location.
“Lake Avenue is the one place that kinda still resembles the look of the 1920s.” Lincoln explains, “Close your eyes while listening to that music? You step back in time.”
To learn more about the Fillebrown House, visit www.whitebearhistory.org
To learn more about the Moonlight Serenaders, visit their Facebook page “Moonlight Serenaders of Minnesota.”
And just like that — Another Fete des Lacs celebration is in the books. This year’s festival featured fireworks, a parade, car show, Paddle des Lacs and more. Now the planning will begin for 2024.
Dr. Rosann Froehle
Doctorate in Chiropractic. *Acupunture
Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
• Injuries:
Lakes
Scannell Properties, a nation development company, is considering the possible development of approximately 325 acres located in both Lino Lakes and the city of Columbus.
The project could include up to 3.5 million square feet of industrial development. The development of the industrial park requires an environmental review under state law. While the location is covered, in part, by the city’s I-35E Corridor Alternative Urban Area-wide Review environmental document, Scannell has chosen to prepare an
environmental area wide review document specific to their site.
Community development director
Michael Grochala explained that the AUAR environmental review process will likely take six to nine months. Both cities have entered into a joint powers agreement, which establishes the process for joint review of the environmental study and responsibilities of each city. Both cities will be responsible for their individual review costs, which will be collected from the developer, and both cities will participate in a pro-rata share of review costs for the required five-year updates, again borne by the developer.
Take
DO RAD THINGS: SKATEBOARD ART
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 26
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake
Details: Kids ages 8-18 can decorate a skateboard to keep. Registration required.
Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
FREE PRODUCE MARKET
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, July 27
Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2484 County Rd. F. East
Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag. Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: 12:30-6:15 p.m. Thursday, July 27
Where: New Life Lutheran Church, 6000 148th St., Hugo
RELAY FOR LIFE WHITE BEAR LAKE
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 28
Where: WBLAHS South Campus track
Details: Speakers, luminaries, live music, kids activities, auction, and food. Fundraiser for American Cancer Society. Contact: wbrelay.org
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 17, 31; 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
HUGO SENIOR CLUB
When: 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.
Details: Monthly meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-429-4413
Free career training and help with finding immediate job openings in leading industries is now available at the Job Corps Hubert H. Humphrey campus in Saint Paul to people between the ages of 16 and 24.
Enrollment is open to young adults receiving benefits such as TANF, SNAP, and free or reduced school lunch. It is
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 15 through July 27
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with 160+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Kickoff and Kiddie Parade on June 15; History Night June 22, and Avenue for the Arts June 29.
Contact: marketfestwbl.com
CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July
6-Aug. 10
Where: 1721 West View Ave., next to Centerville Elementary
Details: Items made by local artisans, produce, live music, and food trucks. Stay to watch Bald Eagle Water Ski Show.
WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, June 30 through Oct.
Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week.
Contact: whitebearlake.org
MEDITATION SERIES: HEARTFULNESS
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 27
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake
Details: Explore the benefits of meditation with guided chair yoga nd breathing techniques. Ages 15+. Registration required.
Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
Details: Donors ages 17+ may schedule an appointment in advance online at redcrossblood.org.
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 28
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake
Details: Jason Willis will sign copies of his book “The Alchemist’s Stone.”
Contact: 651-426-0918
MARTINA THE COCKROACH AND PEREZ THE MOUSE
When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, July 28
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake
Details: Bilingual puppet performance of the most popular folk take from Cuba and Puerto Rico Free and open to all ages.
Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org
WATER GARDEN TOUR
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30
Where: Self guided tour of 10 local water gardens
Details: Tour hosted by the Minnesota Water Garden Society includes a display of aquatic plants, Koi, waterfalls, fountains, container gardens, and annual and perrenial gardens. See website for tickets and information.
Contact mwgs.org
also open to foster and homeless youth. This year, the program expedites the enrollment process for to those experiencing homelessness. Training in the summer program will give young adults the tools to get higher-paying jobs and apprenticeships. Participants can expect to train for high-growth jobs such as construction, finance and business, hospitality and health care. This program is from the U.S. Department of Labor. More information can be found on the Job Corps website jobcorps.gov or call 800-733-JOBS (5627).
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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 discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in
The Washington County Fair has been bringing fun to all ages since 1871. The fair kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 2, and ends Sunday, Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds located at 12300 North 40th Street in Stillwater.
The midway will be back with carnival rides. There will be many exhibits including arts, quilts, woodworking, goats, cows and more.
Horse lovers can enjoy a horse show and there will be plenty of food.
Live bands this year on the Craft Brew Haus stage are as follows:
• 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4:
Heartbreaker
• 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5:
Them Pesky Kids
• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6: Firewater Gospel Choir
• For motorsports enthusiasts, the fair will have a truck pull, motokazie, demo derby and tractor pull
• The Washington County Master Gardener volunteers will have daily demonstrations and hands-on activities at the Fairest Garden.
According to the fair Facebook page, the bag tournaments will look slightly different this year as there will be
tournaments for both prizes and money. The bag tournaments will be at noon on Sunday. Sign-up for the tournaments will begin at 11 a.m. at the Craft Brew Haus.
For more information and a list of events, go to https:// washingtoncountyfair.org/.
Noelle Olson
651- 429-5433
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The Hugo Feed Mill is celebrating its 100th anniversary of servicing the community.
Since opening in 1923, the mill has seen many changes in the needs of the community. Steve Marier, Hugo Feed Mill’s manager, recalls how he used to deliver coal when he was younger.
During that time, the mill mostly catered to customers living in the country. This meant they dealt with drying grains, custom combining, and farming supplies.
Soon, Marier was delivering oil, and nowadays the store caters more to hobby farmers and suburban customers.
“We’ve been able to adapt to serve our customers and our community,” he said. Along with its gardening supplies, the Hugo Mill boasts an impressive array of over 500 varieties of tomato and pepper in its greenhouse.
The store has changed over the years, but Marier’s ability to provide expertise and neighborly service has not. Upon entering the store, customers will be met with someone who knows exactly what they are talking about. Most of the time that is Marier.
As online delivery services become more popular, small businesses like the Hugo Feed Mill have continued to provide for local communities by offering things that the internet cannot.
“There’s a need in the community for us, and we certainly need your community support,” said Marier.
The mill will celebrate its anniversary on Aug. 11 during normal store hours and Aug. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Merrina O’Malley can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.
Hugo Feed Mill & Elevator Co. is owned and operated by the Marier Family, long-time residents of Hugo. The Mill was a country grain business in the 1930s grinding local grains and manufacturing cattle, hog and poultry feed for the many small farms in animal agriculture. Being located next to the railroad tracks, the mill sold coal by the tons to heat residential homes and businesses.
Steve
Another yearlong moratorium on the sale, manufacturing and distribution of cannabinoid products in Hugo is enforce after recent Hugo City Council action.
A current moratorium is set to expire Aug.15.
City administrator Bryan Bear says the moratorium would allow city staff to evaluate what sort of regulations, if any, made sense for the city.
“That legislation was really lacking a legitimate regulatory structure and it left a whole lot of questions,” Bear said.
Earlier in 2023, the legislature legalized the sale and possession of cannabinoid products including cannabis products, low potency hemp edibles, other related things.
As of Aug.1, adults 21 years and older will be able to possess marijuana with certain restrictions.
A new agency, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), will be created and will be responsible for making rules, setting policy, developing draft model ordinances, and exercising regulatory authority over the industry.
OCM will need to have all of that complete by Jan. 1 2025, when the sale of products will be allowed.
“Similar to the discussion that the council had a year ago, the city will benefit from this work being done before making decisions,” Bear
explained. “Just know that there is a lot of work on the regulatory process that is yet to come.”
Bear said the moratorium would not include the sale of low-potency hemp edibles that were legal per the 2022 legislation.
“This is obviously a new and unique topic for us to deal with and we want to make sure that we handle it correctly,” said Mayor Tom Weidt. “The terms are very similar and confusing…”
Council Member Mike Miron wanted to make sure that the moratorium would not prohibit a resident from their own personal use of cannabis products, medical cannabis products or growing cannabis for personal use. Bear said it would not.
The City Council decided to implement the 12-month moratorium after holding a public hearing. During the hearing, only one resident spoke who wanted to know if existing businesses (liquor stores) that could now legally sell some products would be impacted and Bear said they would not.
Over the next year, city staff will continue to study the regulation of cannabis and coordinate with guidance from OCM. In the future, Bear said the council will need to have discussions and possibly make some updates to its personnel policy for employees.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
CONTRIBUTED
Hugo Feed Mill began as the place to conduct business in the agriculture-based economy of the area, and as farmland yielded way to housing developments over the years, Hugo Feed Mill changed to meet the needs of the town’s new residents. The few remaining local farmers still depend on the Mill for agriculture chemicals, seed, equipment, grain sales, and supplies, but Hugo Feed Mill offers a broad range of products for busy homeowners and hobby farm enthusiasts.
Perseverance is Skylar Dahl’s favorite word. They could put her picture next to it in the dictionary. Born with two club feet, Dahl refused to accept limitations placed on her. She played soccer and basketball in grade school until the pain in her feet forced her out. Then she discovered rowing. This spring, the 2021 Centennial graduate helped the University of Virginia rowing team capture the Atlantic Coach Conference championship and place 10th in the NCAA meet as a sophomore.
Also eligible for Paralympic rowing, she’s in a group that won a meet in Paris in July and will compete in the World Rowing Championships in Serbia, Sept. 3-10, trying to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
“I was built to compete,” Dahl declared, in a film she put out last November called “The Power of Perseverance and Why it Matters” to share her story and perhaps inspire others. The film can be viewed at YouTube.com/watch?v=OVve86pKC58.
To make the film she teamed with Uncut, an organization that spotlights student/athletes’ lives outside their sport, especially those with a unique personal story. “I received an incredible amount of support and positive feedback,” she said.
Dahl was born with bilateral club feet (both in her case; in some babies it’s just one) meaning that the bones are out of the standard position. Typically, the front half of the affected foot turns inward and the heel points down.
Her early childhood was marked by surgeries, casts, braces, specialized footwear, physical therapy and trips to the Children’s Hospital. Her situation improved.
“By the age of three I was walking without casts or braces,” she said. “At that point I was wearing braces only at night.”
Dahl expressed great appreciation for all the help and encouragement she received from doctors, nurses, and therapists, but one thing rankled her a bit.
“Too much time was spent setting low expectations for me and my athletic future,” Dahl said in the Perseverance film. Such assessments “became fuel for me.”
Starting in second and third grade, she tried soccer, then basketball, but suffered broken bones in her feet competing in both sports.
X-rays showed her out-of-place bones rubbed together and eventually cracked. She played both sports for five years until “the pain came too great to enjoy those sports any longer.”
CONTRIBUTED
Centennial graduate Skylar Dahl will compete in the World Rowing Championships in Serbia, Sept. 3-10, trying to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
After reluctantly giving up the sports that “I had become pretty good at during my early years,” she found her true niche in the competitive world when she was a freshman — with an assist from her nextdoor neighbor in Circle Pines, Nancy Jannik.
“Nancy recommended I try a sport that doesn’t put so much pressure on my feet. She recommended rowing.”
Jannik grew up in South Carolina and her family was all involved in rowing, which is popular in the southeast. Dahl was intrigued.
With her parents Andy and Kari, she visited Jannik’s hometown in the summer of 2018 and checked out the rowing club, where she “hopped into a boat” and learned the basics. That was all it took. Back home, she joined Twin Cities Youth Rowing. Minnesota has a thriving rowing community, she said, despite the climate.
Rowing appears to be an upper body sport, but, the 5-foot-10 Dahl points out, most of the power is actually generated from the legs. Still, rowing took the strain off her vulnerable feet. The rowers’ feet, in both collegiate and para, are secured in built-in shoes on the angled footboard.
Dahl walks normally, which you can see in her film, but she had to give up running of any kind after her soccer and basketball ventures.
A meet and greet event with Olympic sailor
Lara Dallman-Weiss will be held at the White Bear Yacht Club on Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. All WBYC members, sailing families, and supporters are invited to attend to learn about her Tokyo 2020 Olympics experience and her Paris 2024 campaign.
Dallman-Weiss is a Shoreview native who grew up sailing on White Bear Lake. As previously reported by the Press, she began her sailing career with lessons at the White Bear Sailing School in an Optimist Dinghy. She later raced X-boats at the White Bear Yacht Club, became an instructor at the White Bear Sailing School (WBSS) and went on to race at Eckerd College, the Inland Lake Yachting Association and other high level sailing venues.
Dallman-Weiss’ new partner is Stu McNay. Paris 2024 will be the first Olympic Games where the formerly gender-split 470 sailing class will become a mixed class.
For more information about Dallman-Weiss, visit www.teamusa.org/us-sailing/athletes/Lara-Dallman-Weiss. To learn about how to support her Paris 2024 campaign go to www.larasails.com.
“I have learned to walk in a way that is comfortable for my feet. And in general, my walk looks basically like everyone else,” she said. Her doctors “strongly recommended” to avoid running due to the likelihood of re-injury.
While competing with Twin Cities Youth Rowing throughout her years at Centennial — where she was Student Council president, and active in National Honor Society — Dahl and her team had enough success for her to be a good prospect for college rowing.
Aiming high, she enrolled at Virginia, a powerhouse under longtime coach Kevin Sauer. Virginia has won 21 of the last 22 Atlantic Coast Conference titles and has placed in the top 10 at nationals the last five years.
In this year’s nine-team ACC meet, May 13 in North Carolina, Virginia won four of the five races. Dahl rowed on the Cavaliers’ No. 2 unit that came from behind to edge Duke for first place. At nationals, May 28 in New Jersey (won by Stanford), there were three races. Virginia’s top team placed fifth, Dahl’s foursome placed 10th and their third unit took 11th.
In Para rowing, the classes are PR1 (for rowers whose function is upper trunk only), PR2 (full trunk) and PR3 (full trunk and lower body). Rowers in PR1 and PR2 must use a fixed seat, In PR3, they use a sliding seat like in club and college rowing.
Dahl is assigned to PR3. She earned her spot on the PR3 mixed four plus coxswain team at a twoweek selection camp in New Jersey.
The group placed first in the Para Rowing Regatta to Paris on July 9, comfortably ahead of teams from Italy and France, in two races at Vaires-sur-Marne, France.
Other members were Ben Washburne of Connecticut and Saige Harper, Alex Flynn and Emilie Eldracher, all of Massachusetts. They’re now gearing for the meet in Serbia, the first opportunity for crews to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games. Another opportunity will be held in May of 2024.
“Her college coaches have been extremely supportive,” said Andy Dahl, “of her dual ambition of being a top NCAA D-1 rower as well as an international Para rower.”
Dahl, who is majoring Psychology, with a minor in leadership, was named to the ACC All-Academic team.
Addressing what drives her, Dahl said, “Being a competitive athlete is special.” Her film’s purpose, she said, was “To ignite unlimited potential of all women and girls.”
PAUL DOLS
Dallman-Weiss is the first sailor in the history of the White Bear Lake Yacht Club to compete in the Olympics.
CONTRIBUTED
Versatile sailor Trevor Taylor skippered The Robinson (W-2) for the first time July 17. Taylor races sailboats multiple nights a week on White Bear Lake, Bald Eagle and Lake Minnetonka.
A-boat race results
Race results posted late last week show Lee Alnes and crew took first in both A-boat races on White Bear Lake. Second went to Van Johnson and crew in W-9 in Race One and Larry Pardee in W88 in Race Two. Race officer John Weiss described the sailing conditions as “nice, with a west northwest wind at about 7 puffing up to maybe 14 miles an hour.”
The following students were named to the Dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring 2023:
College of St. Scholastica: Megan Carlson and Sara Vlasich, both of Hugo; Morgan Letourneau of Centerville.
Hamline University: Alex
Bege, Hailey Laurent, Marko
Vukomanovich, Natalie Sicora, Sailor Brown, and Tou Chang, all of Hugo; Maddie Kennedy of Centerville.
Iowa State University: Claire Skogen of Centerville; Mason Boehlke, Peter Marshall, Lindsey Reyes, Lauren Sather, Grace Spindler, and Tristan
Tuttle, all of Hugo.
Marquette University: Lauren
Grundfeldt of Hugo.
Milwaukee School of Engineering:
Torin Larson of Hugo.
Normandale Community College:
Jessica Heinzen of Hugo.
North Dakota State University:
Margaret Gaida, Anna Lundeen, Parker Rogers, and Breleigh Smith, all of Hugo.
Ridgewater College: Amber
Mrozinski of Hugo.
Rockford University: Zachary
Centers of Hugo.
South Dakota State University:
Lauren Eckerle, Anah Flor, Annika
Hanson, Megan Neubeck, and Maxwell Pieper, all of Hugo.
St. Cloud State University: Sydney
Radebaugh of Hugo.
University of Minnesota-Duluth:
Brandon Davis, Avery Hall, Tierney
Hjelmberg, Riley Jones, Mitchell
Landsberger, Joshua Lee, Tristian
Lehner, Brynn Miron, Zachary
Osmek, Lucas Polucha, Taylor
Printon, Lauren Schmid, Madison
Schroeder, Morgan Stein, and Reece
Wickland, all of Hugo. John Devries, Alexander Fuller, Aidan Reilly, and Michael Thompson, all of Centerville.
University of North Dakota: Kaitlin
Hazel of Centerville.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire:
Taylor Bangert and Drue Harvey of Centerville; Danielle Auger, Lucia
Hauge, Katherine Hoffmann, Kierstin Larson, and Erika
Whitney, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Cassidy Klemann of Centerville, Hannah Meyer of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Hunter Belting, William Donna, Callie Jahnke, Megan Mader, Alec Rautenberg, and Leah Staruck, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh:
Kya Lohmann of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville: Joey Boyd of Centerville and Connor
Keintz of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Alicia Plowe of Centerville; Jillian Andress, Jake Ball, Shiloh Forner, Megan Goodreau, Madelyn Lessard, Rose Lutz, Michael Schmitz, Olivia Thompson, and BreeAnn Volk, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Steven’s
Point: Grace Torma of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Stout: Jack Rupert, Tyler Crowson, Cara Hicks, Martin Jorgenson, Niamh Sass,
Kelia Siebenaler, Mackenzie Torma, Alex Wilson, and Kyra Wilson, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Superior: Morgan Lehrke-Schultz of Hugo. Winona State University: Jared Carlson of Centerville; Kimberly Hoffmann, Luci Koller, Nicholas Koller, Ashley Loken, Brooke Nelson, Jenna Simonson, and Sara Spears, all of Hugo.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Spring 2023:
College of St. Scholastica: Claudia Constock of Centerville, Bachelor of Arts, health humanities, with honors; Julie Skildum of Hugo, Masters in Education.
Marquette University: Julia Solberg of Centerville, Bachelor of Arts, interdisciplinary international affairs. Minnesota State University-Mankato: Madilyn Newman of Centerville, Bachelor of Science, psychology, cum laude; Andrew Foss of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, marketing; Evan Foss of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, magna cum laude; Calla Frank of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, aviation, magna cum laude; Alicia Reed of Hugo, DNP, nursing practice; Amanda Runestrand of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, RN Baccalaureate completion, magna cum laude; Paige Shafer of Hugo, Associate of Arts, liberal studies; Sydney Shearen of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, psychology, magna cum laude.
St. Cloud State University: Jenna Glasow of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, special education, academic and behavioral strategist, cum laude; Kari Sawyer of Hugo, grduate certificate, community education director.
University of Iowa: Caitlin Wallace of Hugo, Bachelor of Business Administration, marketing.
University of Minnesota-Crookston: Sawa Yang of Centerville, Bachelor of Science, health management.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Maria Anderson of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, horticulture; Anna Lutz of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Katherine Peine of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, stage and screen arts, senior merit; Emma Polucha of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, biomedical and health science, business administration; Michael Schmitz of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, business administration, senior merit; Max Vancil of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, business administration.
University of Wisconsin-Stout: Kacey King of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies, with honors; Cecilia Knudsen of Hugo, Bachelor of Fine Arts, graphic design and interactive media; Talley Kohler of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Kaiya Larson of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, business administration.
Winona State University: Olivia Thomas of Hugo, Bachelor of Arts, elementary education, magna cum laude; Anthony Jorgenson of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, nursing, cum laude
Friday August 11th Specials
Hours open: 7:30 am – 6 pm
• 8 – 10 am
Free Caribou Coffee & Donuts*
• 11 am – 4 pm
Katie from Katies K-9 and My Talk 107.1 Radio Show
• Noon – 2 pm
Free Savoy Pizza*
• 3 – 5 pm
Free Hanks Root Beer Floats* Register for Door Prize value over $100+.
Saturday August 12th Specials
Hours open: 7:30 am – 5 pm
• 10 am – 4 pm
Bouncy House Castle
• 10 am – Noon
Michelle Bruhn Author of Small Scale Homesteading Q&A
• 11 am – 4 pm
Katie from Katies K-9 and My Talk 107.1 Radio Show
• Noon – 2 pm
Free Hotdogs, Chips & Water*
• Noon – 3 pm Free Grilled Sweet Corn* Register for Door Prize value of $100+.
Friday & Saturday
• Hugo Feed Mill 100 Anniversary 5 gl. Bucket Special. 20% off hardware item(s) that fit in the bucket. See store for details.
• Free Knife Sharpening
• Free Vendor Samples
• Vendor and Manufacturers specials
• Bargain Room up to 75% off items. We will be serving Popcorn all day Register Friday and Saturday for 100 days of door prizes. 1 winner per customer.
