The Citizen

Back To School

Behind the scenes

4 Minnesotans benefit from ‘robot legs’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

On Sept. 16, four Minnesota children will put on their “robot legs,” all in an effort to build awareness around accessibility and inclusion while raising money so that another child can have the experience of walking on their own.

The Kourageous Karter Foundation will host the second annual fun run/walk, but this year closer to home in Hugo rather than in St. Paul.

“It just made sense to do it at Lions Park. It is the one playground that we go to frequently, we were involved in the design of the project, and it represents access and inclusion, which is the main point of the foundation that we created,” said Kourageous Karter founder Tiffany Goodchild. “We want to showcase the (inclusive) playground … it is one of the best ones.”

Goodchild, a Hugo resident, launched a nonprofit, the Kourageous Karter Foundation, back in 2020 right before the pandemic hit. The organization’s mission is to raise money for causes that directly affect families like hers as well as to offer them resources.

The foundation gets its name from her son Karter, who was born via an emergency caesarean section after his mother experienced a spontaneous fetal maternal hemorrhage. Karter suffered a massive hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy injury (HIE). At first, the family was told Karter wouldn’t survive, then it turned into “he might not live to see his first birthday” … and then, “You can probably make a five-year plan.”

White Bear Lake

At White Bear Lake High School, Don Bosch will remain principal at South Campus, with students in grades 11 and 12, before he retires at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Carrie Barth, who is a long-serving associate principal at South Campus, will serve a one-year appointment as North Campus principal with students in grades nine and 10 for 2023-24. Principal Russ Reetz, who began in the district this summer, will serve

as the external-facing principal of the unified grades 9-12 at White

Bear Lake Area High School.

At White Bear, school teams are working to update staff and student handbooks and prepare welcome-back communications to stakeholders.

At North Campus, the site of the future unified high school, the construction of the second phase continues with the renovation of the existing building and the addition of an 850-seat auditorium and art spaces. Staff continues to plan the school day around the

ongoing construction, which will be completed when the school opens as a unified high school serving grades 9-12 in the fall of 2024. Some “behind-thescenes” tasks underway at White Bear include scheduling school picture days, planning for distribution of Chromebooks, facilitating parking passes and planning for events such as open houses and Homecoming. School teams are also working with LINK Crew

Goodchild describes Karter, 7, as a “medically complex child.” As a result of the brain injury, SEE

As local school districts gear up for the 2023-2024 school year, district staff members reflect on the preparation necessary to host students once again

CONTRIBUTED

The second annual Kourageous Karter Fun Run will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 in Hugo. Pictured (from left) are: Tiffany and Karter Goodchild, Megan and Cole Carlson and Jessie and Mitchell Starken.

Don Bosch White Bear Lake Principal

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Improved boardwalk scheduled to open in September

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

For over a year now, the boardwalk near Rice Creek Elementary School on the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes trail has been closed down due to safety concerns. Anoka County Parks staff are hopeful that the boardwalk will once again be ready for use next month.

Andy Soltvedt, Anoka County parks assistant director, says around this time last year, park keepers were doing their routine inspections of decking on boardwalks and bridges throughout the county when they noticed failure in some of the deck boards. “It was more than what should have been happening at the time,” Soltvedt explained.

A bridge inspector took a look at things and found subsurface rot in some of the deck boards. “On top, most of the boards looked okay, but once you got into guts of all of them, we were finding rot within the core of those boards,” Soltvedt said. “As a result, we closed the bridge out of concern for public safety, not knowing what the integrity of those boards would be.”

An engineer subsequently evaluated the boardwalk and recommended all the boards of the decking, approximately 1,100 feet, be replaced.

Soltvedt said the county was hopeful that it could complete the project over the winter months, but winter had other plans in store. “Due to the record snowfalls that we had over the course of the winter, our park keepers were stuck in plow trucks all winter long and really didn’t have time for a whole lot else,” he said.

This spring, the county got a contractor lined up, RAK Construction Inc., and the work began in July. While the boardwalk has been closed, a detour has been posted for pedestrians and bicyclists but Soltvedt says that unfortunately, not everyone is abiding by that.

“We are still seeing a lot of foot traffic of people

going by the closure signs. Not only is it dangerous for people to take, but it impedes the work that is being done out there,” he said. “Still use the trail, but follow those detours. It is a little bit out of the way, but it still allows you to use that trail.”

Crews are working as fast as they can, Soltvedt added.

“We know that it is a nice route for people to take. It is a great corridor for us to get reopened. We know people want to use it, and we want people to use it,” he said.

The project should be complete mid-to-late September. Once the boardwalk reopens, the county will still need to complete some cosmetic improvements, like hand railings.

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

Oneka Elementary addition ready for fall 2024

When the school year begins in September, the Oneka Elementary addition and renovation that was under construction during the 2023-24 school year will be finished. The addition contains five classrooms that were designed to allow for collaborative learning between multiple classrooms. Unique glass walls can be opened to create one large space, or they can be kept closed for a more traditional classroom feel. The walls also have the ability to be used as white boards, giving students and staff more visual writing opportunities in the classroom.

The addition also has multiple flex rooms that teachers can use for a

variety of student experiences. It will serve as our tornado/severe weather shelter area, as it is rated to withstand extremely high wind speeds. The original media center has been remodeled, with the space now opening up to the main hallway and the addition of an open small group area that can be used for breakout learning or a space for students to read and work. Two glass-enclosed small group collaboration spaces were also added inside the new learning commons space.

The project is part of the district-wide comprehensive facilities plan that was made possible through the 2019 bond referendum. For updates on projects, visit the district’s website, isd624.org/ BuildingOurFuture.

The boardwalk should be ready for use in September.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Area districts gear up for 2023-24 school year

FROM PAGE 1

members to plan welcoming activities for incoming ninth-grade students. They are working to onboard all new students, including working with families that are hosting foreign exchange students.

Throughout the summer, the grounds crew and building maintenance team members have been working to ensure the spaces are deep-cleaned and welcoming, ready for staff and students in the fall.

Mahtomedi

At Mahtomedi High School, Principal Justin Hahn highlights the fact that the month of August means preparing for workshop week, which is the week before school begins when all the teachers are back in the building collaborating and planning for the start of a new year.

Activities and athletics are also starting up in Mahtomedi, so the activities director is busy supporting Mahtomedi’s many teams as they begin the fall season.

In the Mahtomedi School District as a whole, the roof of almost every building is being replaced. At the high school, an effort is underway to replace each SMART Board, as they are over 15 years old.

One thing Hahn highlights behind the scenes is the data analysis of grades from the end of the spring semester, which allows buildingwide goals to be established based on the data and where the school wants to improve.

“We are always excited to see our students return for another year,” Hahn said. “The work we do is to support and create a love of learning that continues beyond the walls of the school.”

County continues crisis response unit work

Washington County will receive $273,511 from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to extend the work of two social workers who are part of the county’s Crisis Response Unit. Washington County applied for the funds to extend the work of two social workers as part of the county’s Mobile Crisis Stabilization services. These positions have been funded by county American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, which will end Jan. 31, 2024. The state funds, which are also ARPA funded, will pay for the positions through June 30, 2025.

Highway 96 now part of county’s state aid highway system

Highway 96 from state Highway 244 to state Highway 95, which was transferred from the state to Washington County in May, is now officially part of the county’s state aid highway system. To use state aid funds on this roadway, the road needs to be established as part of the state aid system. To do that, resolutions from the local cities and townships along the roadway and a resolution from the county board were required. The resolutions from the cities of Dellwood, Grant and Stillwater and Stillwater Township have been approved, and the board’s adoption of the plan was the last step in the process.

POLITICAL BRIEF

League recaps legislative accomplishments

Centennial

In the Centennial School District, over 50 new teachers have been hired, and staff members are preparing to hire over 60 new support staff.

Through the month of August, Centennial High School is preparing for fall activities and athletics, conducting Peer Leader training, and hosting a Fall Kick-Off for students. All Centennial schools are preparing for the return of students beginning Sept. 5.

In the fall, Centennial students will have access to a new multipurpose room at the Centennial Area Learning Center, which will allow more flexibility; new tennis courts at Centennial Middle School; and a renovated playground at Golden Lake Elementary School, thanks to funding from the Golden Lake PTO/PTA and the city of Circle Pines.

Mounds View

At Mounds View High School, Principal Rob Reetz says that the administrative team has been working through the summer months to write up the annual school improvement plan and get the school ready to open to families after Labor Day.

The Mounds View High School improvement plan for this year consists of academic and connectedness goals and strategies. One large focus from Mounds View staff concerns “building strong classroom communities and increasing engagement”.

County begins review of 2024 budget

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has begun its review of the county’s 2024 budget. The board will hear presentations from each county department by Sept. 5. The budget recommended by the Office of Administration is for a 3.95% levy increase, to $131.5 million. Current estimates show that the 3.95% levy increase would lead to a nearly 7% reduction in the county’s tax rate; the owner of a median-valued home in the county would see a county property tax increase of approximately 1.5%. It is anticipated that under the recommended budget the owner of a median-valued home in the county, which is valued at $417,000, and which saw an 8% value increase from 2023 to 2024, would see a $15 increase in the county portion of property taxes for 2024.

The increase in the value of commercial property, the addition of new construction to the county’s tax base, and a moderate increase in the levy is expected to result in a reduction in the tax rate. While the county board will continue to review the recommended budgets through fall, a number of nonlevy components of the county’s 2024 budget have yet to be determined. The Minnesota Legislature made a number of programming and funding changes during its session earlier in the year,

The League of Women Voters (LWV) – White Bear Lake Area invites the public to its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave. Two speakers will present the

Reetz believes that phones are a proven distraction and that they have a major impact on student’s mental health, detract from meaningful engagement in learning activities and don’t serve to deepen peer relationships.

“Having a better approach to engaging and reconnecting kids while limiting access to their phones is a major initiative for us this school year,” Reetz said.

Mounds View will also implement a “multitiered system of supports for students who demonstrate lagging skills academically, socially or behaviorally.” This system will include both in-class and out-of-class interventions that are measurable and aligned with best instructional practices.

“While we have incredible access to college credit-earning courses for many students, we can predict that as many as 15% of ninth-grade students are unlikely to finish their first year of high school with a GPA high enough to gain entry into Anoka Ramsey Community College courses as a sophomore,” Reetz said. “Our school improvement plan aims to ensure access for these 80-plus students, while also working to ensure they experience a school to which they feel they belong unconditionally.”

Much work has gone into professional development that helps teachers build a healthy and positive classroom environment and culture, along with strategies that increase student talk (dialogue with one another). Nine new teachers will join the Mounds View staff and are being onboarded by teacher leaders.

Deans have been working in August to connect with every ninth-grade student and family as part of Mounds View’s commitment to an effective transition from middle school. Gretchen Zahn, associate principal, is working along with the team of eight deans on the master high school schedule to ensure class sizes are balanced and right-sized.

“My message to students and families is that this is their community school,” Reetz said. “We want families to feel heard and valued and to take pride in what remains an excellent school.”

and the county continues to await more information on how those changes will impact the work and budget of the county.

In addition, the county has yet to negotiate wage and benefit settlements with its union employees for 2024. Personnel costs comprise the largest expense in the budget, which adds some budget uncertainty until the contracts are final.

Another factor that will impact the 2024 budget is the inflationary cost of materials and supplies. All budget presentations may be found on the county website. Archived livestreamed meetings may be found on the county website at www.co.washington.mn.us/ countyboard. Budget documents presented at the workshops may be found at www.co.washington.mn.us/ budget.

Household hazardous waste, electronics collection Sept. 9

Washington County will conduct a one-day household hazardous waste and electronics collection from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, in Forest Lake. The collection will be at the Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N.. Enter from the Headwaters Parkway and Forest Road North. One-day collections bring the services offered at the Washington County Environmental Center closer to residents, making it more convenient and practical for them to recycle and dispose their electronics and household

2023 legislative accomplishments and progress on implementation.

Lilly Sasse, campaign director of “We Choose Us,” will present the voter rights, voter access and election law changes via Zoom. Sam Streukens, the civic engagement director of LWVMN will

hazardous waste. Confidential document shredding will be available at the event.

County invites public to learn about assistive voting devices

Washington County has received new assistive voting devices that will be used in coming elections. Those devices will be on public display for demonstrations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on usual business days through Sept. 22 at the county Government Center, located at 14949 N. 62nd St. in Stillwater.

The OmniBallot device replaces the AutoMARK equipment that was available in previous elections. State law requires that assistive voting devices be available in every polling place, including early voting sites. These devices give voters privacy and independence if voters cannot, or choose not, to vote using a pen.

Voters may mark their ballot on the OmniBallot through a touch screen, a navigation pad or a button device. Headphones will also be available to voters to listen to the candidate and question options on their ballot. The devices will be on display in the Public Records Room of the Government Center. Residents who wish to see the devices may check in at the Property Records and Taxpayer Services counter on the first floor of the Government Center and request assistance from the elections staff.

present the legislative accomplishments in climate change, firearm safety, civic education and more. Registration is not required, but those who plan to attend are encouraged to fill out the form at https:// bit.ly/LWVWBL2023. Those who plan to participate virtually will then be sent a Zoom link.

Justin Hahn Mahtomedi Principal

Tom Breuning Centennial Principal

COUNTY BRIEFS

Rob Reetz Mounds View Principal

End of summer

Every year around this time I start thinking, “Where did summer go?”

Another wedding anniversary and birthday are now in the books. My family vacation to Wisconsin Dells has come and gone and most of the city festivals have already happened. W here has the time gone? Can we hit pause or rewind? I can’t believe it’s already State Fair time. Before we know it, the school year will be here and it will be the season of pumpkin spice lattes.

I do love fall, but it never lasts long enough. And I HATE what comes after fall. I do have some things to look forward to this fall and winter though. This fall, I’m looking forward to the Sunflower Festival at Waldoch Farm, Fall Fest in Lexington and the Withrow Car Show.

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

Each fall my family and I always have to visit the apple orchard, specifically Applecrest orchards in Hugo, Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake or Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater.

My dogs, Frosty and Twinkie’s, birthdays are also this fall. Frosty’s birthday is Oct. 26 and Twinkie’s birthday is Nov. 16. We always celebrate with presents and pupcakes. I’m really praying that Frosty is still around for her 10th birthday. (See dog update below for more info.)

Something readers can look forward to this fall is finding out the results of our Readers’ Choice Best Of the Press Contest. Winners will be announced in a special publication in October.

This winter, the main thing I’m dreading (and looking forward to at the same time) is my son Royce’s first birthday the day after Christmas. That will be quite the milestone for him and our family. I’m especially looking forward to watching him devour a smash cake.

Dog update

If you read my previous column you probably recall that both of my dogs have had quite the year. Frosty, 9, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM) and Twinkie, 5, had to have her left eye removed.

DM is a disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. It acts similarly to Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), in humans.

It has been so heartbreaking to watch my once able-bodied German shepherd not be able to go up and down stairs and to fall over doing simple things like going to the bathroom or eating her food.

Every day her condition seems to get worse and I’m not sure how much longer her body will let her make it. She can no longer do the things she so loved to do like playing fetch, going for long walks or swimming.

We do have a doggy wheel chair to help her get around when she is outside of the house, but our split-entry home has too many steps for a wheel chair to work. She still seems like a happy girl but I dread the day when she no longer is.

Thankfully she is not in pain, but it must be scary having your feet fall out beneath you all the time.

Twinkie, who was diagnosed with neurogenic dry eye, didn’t have any luck with any of the eye drops we tried. Right after Royce was born, she developed an ulcer on her eye, so we had to remove her eye before it ruptured or we would have lost her.

Twinkie didn’t skip a beat thankfully. The worst part was coming off anesthesia and having the incision heal. But she was back to her sassy self almost immediately and doesn’t seem to notice the loss of her eye at all.

Dear time, please slow down. Please and thank you.

Safety of our students top priority

As the summer days draw to a close and the first bell of a new school year rings, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone of the importance of pedestrian and traffic safety. The safety of our students is a top priority, and it requires the cooperation of everyone on the road to ensure that our children arrive at school and return home safely. With the hustle and bustle of school buses, children riding bikes, and the increased foot traffic around schools, it’s imperative for both drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant and aware of the laws and guidelines designed to keep everyone safe. School buses are designed to be one of the safest modes of transportation for our children, and it is estimated that over 20.5 million elementary and secondary school children ride buses to and from school each day. However, this safety can be compromised when drivers ignore the stop arm and flashing lights, making one of the most critical aspects of back-to-school

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safety understanding and obeying Minnesota’s school bus stop arm laws.

B efore stopping to pick up or drop off students, the school bus will signal their stop by flashing yellow or amber lights. Once the bus comes to a complete stop, red lights will activate and the stop arm will extend, indicating that all traffic – regardless of direction – must come to a complete stop. It is crucial that drivers stop for the yellow lights, not race around them to try to get past.

Failing to stop for a school bus stop arm is not only against the law but could have severe and irreversible consequences. For decades, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has assigned a dedicated deputy to investigate all reported school bus stop arm violations throughout the county. Violating school bus stop arm laws can result in hefty fines, the loss of your driver’s license, or even jail time if a child is injured or killed.

O ff the bus, many children ride their bikes to school or cross streets to get there. Whether walking or riding, it’s crucial for both children and drivers to understand and practice safe habits. Parents and guardians can play a vital role in educating their children about proper bicycle safety, including wearing helmets, using appropriate hand

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signals, and riding on designated bike paths whenever possible. When children need to cross streets on their way to school, they should be instructed to use designated crosswalks or pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Teach them to look left, right, and left again before crossing and to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen.

A s drivers, we bear a significant responsibility for the safety of all road users. Children may not always be aware of traffic rules or the dangers of the road, and it’s our responsibility as drivers to exercise patience and caution, especially in areas with bus stops. Remember to slow down, eliminate distractions, stay alert, and obey all traffic laws. The well-being of our community’s youngest members depends on each one of us making responsible choices on the road, and together, we can ensure that our children’s journey to school is a safe and happy one.

D eputy Samantha Mancini has been a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy since 2017 and has investigated stop arm violations since 2018. She is assigned to the patrol division and is a diver on the Water Recovery Team and Field Training Officer (FTO).

ELECTION

SEASON 2023

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• Now that is legal to possess and enjoy, note that there are certain parameters to that in each city. Centerville joined many municipalities in wasting little time to revise Chapter 91 of an ordinance prohibiting its use in public places. Although people may use pot on their own property, they may not smoke in parks or roadsides. As recommended, the ordinance was adopted after the first reading, without a second reading, by unanimous vote of the council and will take effect on its adoption and publication. Unlike other cities, however, Centerville didn’t prohibit tobacco use in public places at the same time, in order to get the ordinance on the books immediately. City staff thought that the discussion about whether to include a prohibition against tobacco might delay the marijuana prohibition ordinance from passing. The reason for the public space ban on pot is to protect the public from second smoke and other consequences of intoxication. Until January 2025, cities can enjoy a moratorium on marijuana sales, while dispensaries and licensing infrastructure are set up around the state. The moratorium period will give cities time to learn what works and provide an opportunity to tweak their ordinances, City Attorney Kurt Glaser said. “It’s important to protect the public,” said Mayor D. Love.

• The Centerville public will be glad to know that their Centennial Lakes Police Department is fully staffed with 16 officers, (although two of them are still in training), said Chief James Mork in his CLPD Annual Report presentation. The department hired a half dozen staff members in 2022 and expects to hire approximately the same number in 2023. However, challenges to keep fully staffed are the new normal, as in nearly every jurisdiction, he said. The department experienced five vacancies in 2022, and the number of calls officers could respond to were lower, as a consequence, Mork said. The annual report is available at the city website at www. centervillemn.com.

• Looking toward its other public safety responsibilities, council approved the Centennial Fire District (CFD) proposed 2024 budget. Centerville’s share of the budget is $375,264, and will use funds from the General Fund Levy, along with $51,300 from the Public Safety Funds Allocation to pay for the contribution. Total CFD revenues and expenditures for 2024 are set at $855,402, an increase of $150,093 or 21.3%

• City staff and citizens have noticed a decline in water clarity of Centerville Lake in recent years. Algae blooms are common and occasionally

severe. It is generally understood that internal phosphorus loading (fertilizer) is a major contributor to algae blooms. The city and its citizens are anxious to restore water clarity to their lakes, and council approved a letter of support for the Centerville Lake Water Quality Project toward this goal.

The Rice Creek Watershed District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are studying ways to remove Centerville Lake from the list of lakes in crisis and are applying for a grant in cooperation with the lake homeowner’s association and the Anoka Conservation District. The letter of support will not commit the city to having to provide funding. Once Centerville Lake has been improved and removed from the list of troubled lakes, the goal is to then advocate for the removal of Peltier Lake from the list.

• The city’s water tower will be well coated and also display the new logo the next time it is due for repainting, after council approved the water tower coating inspection contract for $3,200 to KLM Engineering. The project will use money from the Water Utility Fund. In 2019, the city contracted with KLM to have the paint on the city’s water tower inspected. The inspection report found the tower’s coatings to be in good condition and recommended at five-year reinspection. After city staff recently found issues with the coating system that required repair, staff considered moving the re-inspection up one year. The upcoming inspection will examine the strength of the coating system and its viability for an overcoating project (as opposed to stripping off the old paint and reapplying primer and new paint). Another goal of the inspection report will be to estimate the cost and timing of the recommended re-coat. The inspection is expected to help city staff budget for the project and make decisions pertaining to changes to the city’s logo.

• Visitors to Eagle Park will be glad to know that their wishes will be fulfilled, after council approved the purchase and installation of a park bench facing the play structure. The Parks & Recreation Committee had received several requests to add an additional bench to Eagle Park. During their meetings, the committee discussed cost, installation and need of a new bench at that location. To help with the decision making, the Kwik Trip and Centerville Lions made recent donations that could offset the costs of the new bench. City staff might still also reach out to several residents who have shown an interest in donating to the same installation. The city will spend no more than $2,000, using money from the Parks Capital Fund.

WEEKLY WAG

Evie is an American pit bull terrier mix. She is just over a year old and weighs about 40 pounds. Evie is playful and affectionate. She has an abundance of wiggles when she is with her people, and she likes meeting new people. She is very friendly.

Evie knows her basic commands, she is leashtrained and she likes to

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go on walks. After a nice long walk, Evie loves to cuddle.

She is intelligent, likes to learn new things and is always eager to please her family. Evie is gentle, even-tempered and a bit goofy. She likes going on car rides, playing with her toys, swimming, and playing fetch. Evie is house-trained, cratetrained and social with

• Due to the changes in the current economic environment, it has gotten more difficult for municipalities to purchase vehicles through the state contract system. The uncertainty has come at a time when the city is scheduled to replace three of its pickup trucks. Staff requested council approval to replace two Chevrolet 2500 pickup trucks and a Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck with a utility body and plow. The state bidding system is currently closed and is planning to re-open Sept. 1. Last year, the ordering window was only one day, City Administrator Mark Statz said. Staff has sent a request for pricing to the dealer for Chevy trucks. The dealer is waiting to hear back on pricing and how many trucks GM motors will allot to the city. Council gave staff authorization to move forward in a timely manner when the ordering window opens. As city staff doesn’t have quotes, they now have permission to buy if these vehicles are within 20% of the prices listed on the Capital Improvement Projects spreadsheet.

• Homeowners on Widgeon Circle and Oak Circle still won’t know whether the city will implement the Backyard Drainage Projects Policy to subsidize drainage work on their properties, after council tabled action on amendments to the policy. After three meetings of discussing this item, council was not yet ready to take action on potentially allowing single homeowners to receive a $5,000 subsidy from the city. Other changes to the proposed amendment address interest rates and other logistical issues with the program. The proposed maximum annual cost to the city as a result of a policy change would be $20,000, using money from the Storm Water Utility Fund. Glaser also suggested additional wording to the amendment to put the city on stronger legal ground. Love said he was involved in city government some years ago when the policy was first drafted. “I’m not for individual property owners taking part in this program; it was put in place for groups,” he said.

As a result of council tabling the amendment to the Backyard Drainage Issue Cost Participation Policy, council also tabled action for the two properties involved, as they were contingent on navigating potential changes to the policy. Action on city participation, encroachment and assessment agreements for the Widgeon Circle and Oak Circle properties will have to wait until a future meeting.

other dogs.

Evie is a wonderful young girl who is ready to find and settle in with a loving forever family.

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

Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible. CONTRIBUTED Evie

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Celebrate

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

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

Loretta Harding

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

COPS&COURTS

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

• A black wallet was reported found at 5:48 p.m. July 12 near Forest Blvd. N. and 165th Street N. Nothing of apparent value was found inside, including a contact name. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies entered the wallet into property.

• A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. reported a shoplifting incident at 8:51 p.m. July 12.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Education Drive N. reported himself for lending his vehicle at 9:16 p.m. July 12 to a friend who is a known alcoholic. The complainant said he had also left the garage door opener to his home inside the vehicle. The friend then began texting the complainant using vulgar language that the complainant didn’t care for at all. Although the friend didn’t threaten the complainant, the complainant told deputies that if the friend entered his home by using the garage door opener, he would shoot the friend.

Deputies strongly advised against that as a solution.

• Deputies cited a vehicle at 12:35 a.m. July 13 for parking on a city street near Farnham Avenue N. and Fanning Drive N. where prohibited. The vehicle received the citation under the driver’s side windshield wiper.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle without license plates at 2:36 a.m. July 13 near Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. and found it under the operation of a juvenile without a driver’s license. All occupants of the vehicle were under 18, and none had a driver’s license. In his possession, one of the juveniles had an e-cigarette, which was was seized and placed into evidence to be destroyed.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 7:24 a.m. July 13 on eastbound Oneka Lake Blvd. and Greene Avenue N. for speeding 40 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle at 40 mph.

The driver’s attitude was described as good, after he admitted to speeding 48 mph.

• An abandoned vehicle with a flat tire was reported at 9:31 a.m. July 13 for having been parked for quite some time on 138th Street N. and Flay Avenue N.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Elmcrest Avenue N. at 4:52 p.m. July 13 reported juveniles for riding dirt bikes on his land. Deputies advised the complainant to find out who the juveniles were and report back, as well as to post “no trespassing” signs on his property.

• Two unidentified people were arrested at 1:07 a.m. July 14 on Highway 61 at 165th Street N. for driving a stolen vehicle, after deputies on patrol observed the vehicle with no rear license plate. When the vehicle turned into a closed business, deputies conducted a traffic stop and discovered the vehicle’s status on their mobile data computer.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 9:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary

patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 42 mph in a posted 30 mph zone. The driver admitted she was speeding and was late for work. Deputies cited another motorist on Forest Blvd. N. and 150th Street N. for an unknown violation at 10:48 p.m. that same evening.

• A suspicious male standing in a driveway in the 4000 block of Emmit Drive D. at 11:07 p.m. July 14 turned out to be a man standing in the wrong driveway who was waiting to see a friend at a different address.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:16 a.m. July 15 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for displaying tabs that expired in May, after a mobile data computer check confirmed the expired status. The driver admitted that he knew the tabs were expired and that he didn’t have proof of insurance. He received a verbal warning for the lack of insurance proof.

• An eastbound motorist was cited at 9:48 a.m. July 15 on Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Greene Avenue N. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 40 mph. The driver admitted to going 35-40 mph.

A third-party damage to property was reported at 4:31 p.m. July 15 in the 12000 block of Europa Avenue N.

• A suspicious vehicle reported at 9:31 p.m. July 15 for casing the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. turned out to be a lost Door Dash delivery driver out on a call.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 1:16 a.m. July 16 at Rosemary Way N. and Elmcrest Avenue N.

• A vehicle parked on Europa Court N. and Europa Trail N. received a citation under the driver’s side windshield wiper at 10:58 a.m. July 16 for displaying tabs that expired in May, after deputies confirmed the vehicle’s status on their mobile data computer.

• Juveniles were reported for being on the roof of the school in the 14000 block of Francesca Avenue N. at 3:47 p.m. July 16.

Although deputies didn’t find any juveniles, they advised the caller about opportunities for extra patrols.

• A motorist was cited for speeding at 3:22 a.m. July 17 on Forest Blvd. N. and 152nd Street. Deputies issued three citations for undisclosed offenses on July 18: at 4:26 a.m. on Forest Blvd. N. and 125th Street N.; at 6:00 p.m. on Forest Blvd. N. at 140th Street N.; and at 6:22 p.m. on Forest Blvd. N. at 145th Street N.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:05 a.m. July 17 in the 9000 block of eastbound 170th Street N. for speeding 76 mph in a 55 mph zone by west-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 76 mph. The driver admitted to speeding only 70 mph.

• A resident in the 12000 block of Homestead Drive at

8:12 p.m. July 17 reported finding a piece of bone and multiple small sections of carpet on his property.

• A storm that rolled through during the evening of July 19 was reported for knocking a tree down along the southbound lane of Jeffrey Avenue and 170th Street

N. and for knocking the lights out at the intersection of Highway 61 and 120th Street N.

The Hugo Public Works Department was advised.

• A dog was reported at 6:26 a.m. July 20 for biting a male who was merely walking by an address in the 8000 block of 121st Street N. The victim received a puncture wound in the hand.

• A resident in the 5000 block of Farnham Drive N. reported identity theft at 2:10 p.m. July 20 after receiving a card in the mail and an inquiry for a credit card application.

• A stroller was reported abandoned at 8:56 p.m. July 20 in the 15000 block of Freedom Drive N.

• A northbound motorist was cited at 6:04 a.m. July 21 in the 5000 block of 159th Street N. for stop sign violation after deputies on patrol observed the vehicle turn right off Oneka Parkway N. onto 159th Street N. without stopping at the posted stop sign.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 7:39 a.m. July 21 in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 40 mph.

• Residents in the 5000 block of 170th Street N. at 5:57 p.m. July 21 reported a package stolen from the residence. Although the packaging was located, the contents were missing. The license plate number retrieved from surveillance video did not match the vehicle description, indicating that one or the other may have been stolen.

• Suspicious activity reported at a storage unit in the 5000 block of 152nd Street N. at 12:43 a.m. July 22 turned out to be two individuals putting their vehicle into the storage unit after hours. Deputies advised the people that they needed to conduct their storage business during business hours. The business owner had requested extra patrols due to recent suspicious activity. At 3:53 a.m. July 22, more suspicious activity was reported at the same storage unit, as multiple parties were at the storage unit after posted hours. Deputies told those people to leave as well.

• Deputies pulled a vehicle over at 9:54 a.m. July 22 for stop sign violation in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N.

Loretta Harding

Woman dies in White Bear Lake

Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a woman struggling in White Bear Lake near Dellwood Beach in Birchwood Village around 10:20 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. The sheriff’s office confirmed the death of a 45 year-old female from Birchwood Village. They are investigating the incident.

beginning 8/20/2023 Metro

At that early hour, rides were arranged for all the juveniles.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Dream of Wild Health celebrates 25th anniversary

Dream of Wild Health will celebrate its 25th anniversary Sept. 15. Since 1998, this organization has worked to restore the health and well-being of Native people through promoting education of traditional foods, medicines and lifeways, and through making healthy Indigenous food accessible to Native families.

Dream of Wild Health began as a farm program at Peta Wakan Tipi. In 2000, the organization experienced a transformative moment when Cora Baker, a 94-year-old Potawatomi woman and renowned “seed saver,” generously donated her lifetime collection of seeds. This invaluable collection, including seeds that were over 300 years old, comprised a rich diversity of corn, beans, squash and plant medicines. Since then, they have been planting seeds in the soil, in the community, in the world of Native nonprofit organizations and in the lives of Native youth.

After acquiring its 10-acre farm in Hugo in 2004, the organization introduced a Native youth leadership program empowering children and teenagers to learn about growing and cooking tasty, nutritious and traditional foods. The youth work directly with crops from seed to table, and gain a deep understanding

Dream of Wild Health in Hugo is celebrating 25 years.

of Indigenous food systems as they learn about food through Indigenous lifeways.

As of 2023, Dream of Wild Health boasts a collection of over 200 seed varieties, ranging from the Oneida white heirloom corn to Hopi black beans and Lakota squash. The organization plans to expand its impact through an additional 20 acres of land, which was

recently added, and has begun construction of a teaching kitchen; an outdoor pavilion; a large greenhouse, and incubator space for new Native farmers.

Dream of Wild Health will host an anniversary celebration Sept. 15. Indigenous appetizers will be served and guests will hear from those most impacted by the organization and tour the farm. Dream of Wild Health is located at 16085 Jeffrey Ave. N.

Hugo Feed Mill celebrates 100

CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Hugo Feed Mill & Hardware recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a two-day celebration.

ROBOT LEGS: Fun run raises awareness for accessibility and inclusion

FROM PAGE 1

he has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a feeding tube; he is also nonverbal. One technology Goodchild and her family will be forever grateful for is the Trexo Robotics Gait Trainer or, more simply, “robot legs.” Karter was the first child in the state of Minnesota to get one back in January 2020.

A man from Canada created the robot legs for his nephew, who had cerebral palsy and was told he would never be able to walk. The family continues to see progress and many benefits from using the device.

Christopher Schlemmer, 10, of Forest Lake has had his robot legs for a year. Christopher’s mother, Melissa Schlemmer, explained that he has congenital disorder of glycosylation, also known as PMM2.

“When he was born, we were under the impression that he was typically healthy. We had no idea that he had this underlying condition,” she said. “It wasn’t until (he was) a few months old that we thought something wasn’t right.” Christopher was not gaining weight the way he should have, and he had low muscle tone. At the age of 9 months old, a bunch of tests revealed he had PMM2.

Christopher is more severely affected than many of his peers who have PMM2. He is nonverbal and struggles with gross motor skills.

Melissa is happy that she decided to make the investment in robot legs for Christopher, as she has seen some improvement. “The therapists have said using it on a consistent basis has improved his endurance; he is able to go longer hours in therapy and he is not

as tired out. It has improved his trunk control/strength and his head control,” she said.

Mitchell Starken, 4, of Woodbury, had an in-utero stroke attributed to an extremely rare genetic disorder called Gould syndrome, which led to cerebral palsy. Among other diagnoses, he has epilepsy. He got his robot legs in December 2022.

Cole Carlson, 6, of Hastings, has a similar story to Karter in that he was not expected to survive when he was born. He suffered a brain injury at birth, resulting in HIE, cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. He received his robot legs in October 2022.

Although some specialized clinics and hospitals have a set of robot legs,

CONTRIBUTED

it is rare for children to have them at home and in their communities because they are expensive. Families can lease a set of robot legs for $1,000 a month. After three years, if the child is still experiencing benefits from the technology, they will own the device for $36,000.

Goodchild says some good news is that Minnesota’s medical assistance program is beginning to cover the technology with waivers; however, many families are forced to choose between robot legs or other necessities like home modifications or nursing staff.

The Kourageous Karter Foundation hopes to raise $25,000 this year, which will be used to provide a scholarship for at least one child. Last year’s event

raised just over $20,000. Thirty-eight applicants applied for the scholarship, but the foundation was only able to fund one.

Although some children with robot legs may eventually be able to walk independently, many of them never will. “For Karter, that (walking independently) is not a reality,” Goodchild explained. “We use this technology because it allows him to get that experience and the medical benefits of walking.”

For more information on the event or the foundation, or to register for the event, visit https://kourageouskarter. org.

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

IF YOU GO

What: Second annual Kourageous Karter Fun Run

When: Saturday, Sept. 16. Kids’ run at 8:30 a.m.; 5K fun run at 9 a.m.

Where: Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N., Hugo

Details: The second annual run will feature a kids’ fun run/walk, 5K fun run/walk, silent auction, face painting, food trucks, bubble station and more. To register, visit https:// kourageouskarter.org/kkf-funrun-2023.

Contact: kourageouskarterfoundation@gmail. com

The Korageous Karter Fun Run will be held at Lions Volunteer Park in Hugo Saturday, Sept. 16. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, all while raising funds for the nonprofit organization that hopes to provide a scholarship to one child for a set of robot legs.

Before you wire money consider these scams

Scammers pressure you to wire money to them because it’s easy to take your money and disappear.

Wiring money is like sending cash — once it’s gone, you probably can’t get it back. Never wire money to a stranger — no matter the reason they give. If you need to send money to someone you know and trust, wiring money through companies like Western Union and MoneyGram can be a useful way to get money there quickly. But scammers also find wire transfers useful.

Scammers know that once you wire money to them, there’s usually no way to get your money back

• they can pick up your money at any of the wire transfer company’s locations

• it’s nearly impossible to identify who picked up the money, or track them down

Never wire money to anyone

• you haven’t met in person

• who says they work at a government agency like the IRS, SSA, or a well-known company

• who pressures you into paying immediately

• who says a wire transfer is the only way you can pay

Also don’t wire money to someone who tries to sell you something over the phone. Not only will you not have the same protections you would paying with a credit card, but it’s illegal for a telemarketer to ask you to pay with a wire transfer, like those with

MoneyGram and Western Union. Report them if they ask you to pay this way.

Fake check scams

Someone sends you a check and tells you to deposit it. They tell you to wire some or all of the money back to them — or to another person. The money appears in your bank account, so you do it. But the check is fake. It can take weeks for the bank to figure it out, but when it does, the bank will want you to repay the money you withdrew.

Scammers make up lots of stories to try to convince you to deposit a check and wire money:

• Scammers say you’ve won a prize and need to wire money back to cover taxes and fees.

• Scammers say it’s part of a mystery shopping assignment to evaluate a wire transfer service.

• Scammers overpay you for something you’re selling online, then ask you to wire back the extra money.

• Scammers say you got a job you

applied for, send you a check to buy supplies, but tell you to wire back part of the money.

Romance scams

Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps. They strike up a relationship with you and work to build your trust, sometimes talking or chatting several times a day. Then, they make up a story — like saying they have an emergency — and ask for money. A romance scammer might also contact you through social

media sites like Instagram, Facebook, or Google Hangouts.

Family emergency scams

You get an unexpected call from someone who pretends to be a friend or relative. They say they need cash for an emergency and beg you to wire money right away. They might say they need your help to get out of jail, pay a hospital bill, or leave a foreign country. They often ask you not to tell anyone in your family. Their goal is to trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam.

Apartment rental scams

You respond to an ad for an apartment with surprisingly low rent. Before you’ve even seen the apartment, you apply and are told to wire money — maybe for an application fee, security deposit, or the first month’s rent. After you wire the money, you find out that there is no apartment for rent, or that the scammer put their contact information on someone else’s photo or rental ad. Scammers run a similar scam with vacation rentals. Learn more about scams involving paying with gift cards and cryptocurrency — two other ways that scammers like to tell you to pay because it’s hard to get your money back.

CONTRIBUTED

• Lions Volunteer Park and the Peder Pederson Pavilion have earned the city of Hugo an Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA). Mayor Tom Weidt says, “I know this touched every corner of this building (City Hall) and Public Works; all kinds of people made that park happen … It is really an absolute cornerstone of the city now, and it turned out absolutely better than we ever could have imagined.”

• Firefighter Brandon Raschick has resigned from the Hugo Fire Department. He was hired in December 2021. Rick Gregoire has also resigned as an engineer, but will remain on the department as a firefighter. Gregoire has served on the department since December 2013.

• A moratorium on solar energy systems is no longer in place. The moratorium was in place so the council and Ordinance Review Committee had time to work through some changes to the ordinance. The changes were approved last month.

• Joshua and Jamie Wiggins will be able to construct a fence within a drainage and utility easement on property located at 6109 Goodview Trail Court.

Shannon Granholm

Legion hosts 3rd annual Vets Fest

Hugo American Legion 620 will host Vets Fest at noon Sunday, Sept. 10. The Pat McLaughlin Band will start at 1 p.m. and the Lisa Wenger Band will perform at 3 p.m. The event is free, but donations will be accepted. The Hugo Legion is located at 5383 140th Street N.

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 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

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

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress.

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

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

CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW

When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 & 20

Forest Bathing

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative walk based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku with a forest therapy guide. See registration information online. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, live music, free family-friendly festivities. Contact: cruisinonthecroix.com

CURRENT EVENTS

BIRDING BY BOAT

When: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Aug. 29

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Paddle areas most birders can’t get to and see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and upland bird species. No experience in boats or birding required. See registration information online. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

FAT TIRE BIKING

When: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground, 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Learn basic riding skills and ride off trails and in the remote areas of the park. Registration information online. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

TOTALLY CRIMINAL COCKTAIL HOUR

When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6

Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St.

Details: Mystery lovers and authors come together for conversation and reading inspiration. Sept. event features author William Kent Krueger. Cash bar. Tickets online. Contact: valleybookseller.com

Submitting Public Notices

Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements

Stephanie Schutta, of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), recognizes the city of Hugo with an Award of Excellence for the completion of Lions Volunteer Park and the Peder Pedersen Pavilion at a City Council meeting.

Labor

Holiday Early Deadline

Wednesday, Aug. 30 @ 2

651-407-1250

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 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 violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777.

NOW HIRING! ENTRY LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time.

As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients

- Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines

-Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS: - 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

Now

Administrative Assistant

Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents. Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

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Centerville author publishes book inspired by 50 years of journal entries

Roberta Wirth-Feeney is a resident of Centerville. She graduated from Mariner High School in White Bear Lake in 1974. At the young age of 10, she started journaling. Now, all of these years later, her journal entries — along with the work of her favorite author, Jack London — inspired her first book, “Looking for Martin Eden: The Diaries of Roberta Wirth-Feeney.”

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.

A.  Dad's company transferred him to South Bend, Indiana, when I was a toddler. I loved growing up within walking distance of Notre Dame. I was going into ninth grade when my family moved back to White Bear Lake, as dad was transferred back to work as general manager and vice president at Metcalf Moving. My childhood was completely separate and severed from the rest of my life. There was no ability to see my childhood home and friends, nor to play my violin in a school orchestra. Synchronistically, my oldest daughter, after earning her Ph.D., was hired by Notre Dame as a professor in neuroscience. We kind of came full circle.

I took advanced math and science classes at White Bear High School and Mariner High School in what would be called STEM classes today. My claim to fame was being in the first graduating class of Mariner, class of 1974. I next earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota. My first child was born the first day of my junior year. I only missed the first week of classes. She was 2 when I graduated. I next took her to grad school with me, where I earned a master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas. My husband and I had bought a small stucco house in Birchwood the last year of our marriage. I owned it alone for about 20 years and subsequently bought a new, larger model house in Centerville 25 years ago. Two of my three kids graduated from WBLAHS, despite us living in Centerville, so I never felt I'd left White Bear Lake.

Q. This is your first book. Why did you want to become an author?

A. I've always had in the back of my mind to write books someday. I started keeping journals when I was 10 and wrote in them as if I was writing short stories. I read

COMMUNITY BRIEF

MDA seeks input before 2024 legislative session

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is gathering ideas for the 2024 Minnesota legislative session. Farmers, food

businesses and others impacted by food and agriculture systems are invited to share policy and program suggestions. The department is hosting two virtual public input sessions in addition to an online form (www.mda.state.

books continually. My favorite author was Jack London. His semi autobiography, “Martin Eden,” inspired me to not only write but to seek adventure, travel and never give up.

I did technical writing in my career as a biologist for the MPCA, writing the state's first yard waste and solid waste compost book, and articles in “Bicycle Magazine.” For fun, I wrote children's books to entertain my three kids. I retired after 33 years at the MPCA just as the pandemic hit, and used my isolation to reread my journals. My book was the result.

Q. Where did the inspiration for your book, “Looking for Martin Eden,” come from?

A. My inspiration came from two things — my need to use the body of writing I'd acquired in my almost 50 journals and from Jack London, who used his experiences in his short stories and novels.

Q. What should readers know about this story?

A. I use journal entries in my book starting at age 10 up until the time I retired with the arc being how Jack London influenced my life, including my interest

mn.us/2024-legislativeideas) for written submissions open through Sept.1. The two sessions are on Zoom. Participation is free, but registration is required. The sessions are:

• Monday, Aug.21 from noon – 1 p.m. Register at https://tinyurl. com/mu6jhk6j

• Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 5 – 6 p.m. Register at https://tinyurl. com/3hppz62u

in composting, my love interests and my need to hit the adventure path. I had a past-life regression at age 40 that included a Jack London vision. My book imagines traveling in space-time to view the events of my life. I've been fascinated by physicists (starting with Einstein) stating that the past, present and future exist simultaneously. Events in the past don't sail past us and disappear forever. They just exist in a different part of space-time or the block universe.

Q. Tell us about the process of writing and publishing this book. How long did it take you?

A. I spent about a year rereading and ruminating over all my journals. Writing and deciding what to include and what to leave out took about six months. Publishing took another six months. But I've really been writing this book for 50 years.

Q. What do you hope readers will gain from reading this story?

A. I hope readers will keep journals, if they already don't, and go back occasionally to reread them. It gives your life perspective. If I could be an example to someone who, like me, was a victim of domestic abuse or who had unplanned pregnancies, I wish I can give them hope and let them know everything will turn out all right, as it did for me.

Q. Where is the book sold?

A. The book is available for preorder on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble. The e-book is also available on Amazon. The book is also available at Lake Country Bookstore in White Bear Lake.

I also plan on signing copies I'm purchasing at some later event.

Q. Do you have any plans for future works?

A. I'd like to try my hand at fiction next. I also hope to publish my children's books I've written. and a script I wrote on the life of Jack London. My dream is to have the Cohen Brothers make my script into a movie. I know they're fans of Jack London.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

DEATH NOTICE

Centerville City Council Member Steve King unexpectedly passed away Sunday, Aug. 20. Mayor D. Love said, “It is truly a shock for us as a council and as a city. His thoughts and insights were well respected, as he put in a lot of time researching… He put in many years of serving on the council.” The council will need to appoint someone to serve the remainder of his term (January 2025).

CONTRIBUTED

Centerville resident Roberta Wirth-Feeny published her first book.

The impact of a coach: former Mariner athlete reflects on championship

JANE HAMMERSTROM HOFFMAN SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

The following article was written by Jane Hammerstrom Hoffman as a memorial to former White Bear Lake cross-country coach Lyle Helke, who died on Aug. 3 in Marine on St. Croix.

My twin sister came home from track practice one day in the spring of 1976, her sophomore year, raving about a coach she adored, Lyle Helke. I scrutinized her praise in my cheerleading uniform, having spent one year as a Dolphin cheerleader in a role I wasn’t suited for. My glam outfit and heavily laden makeup struck a bell in my head, wondering if I could be successful in this sport that seemed to cause mesmerization of others by a single-minded coach.

My junior year, I joined the illustrious Mariner Cross Country Team, in the fall of 1976. Women’s distance running was on the rise. In the public eye, besides local favorites like Gary Bjorkland and Dick Beardsley, there were also women to admire like Greta Waitz from Norway and Mikki Gorman. An untouchable runner named Kitty Ho was on our team that year and seemed to be the runner to emulate. Lyle Helke, our coach, would follow us in his compact car, which I believe was a Gremlin, while we ran the streets of South White Bear. He would yell out split times and encourage us on the way. He always wore a white Adidas jacket with dark stripes down his shoulders, Nike shoes and half-calf crew socks. In his sense of Zen calmness, he would rattle off parables that half sunk into our heads and slowly morphed us into strong believers in our self. We took fourth that year in cross-country, and I was only the fifth-best runner on the team, my twin often beating me, which I did not like.

By spring track, I was giving Kitty Ho a run for her money. She finished fifth at State that year in the mile, and was ninth in the same event, 5 seconds behind.

Beginning our senior year, Lyle was more than just a coach. He determined the steps of my summer workout and five months in advance before the state meet had already given us mental conditioning to win the championship. That’s right. The fact was not conditional. It was a prophetic goal he outlined, not a half-baked desire. Lyle gave us chants to say in our mind like, “I am, I can, I will.” He asked us to visualize the state meet and its very difficult course by the University of Minnesota golf course. He told us to be in the lead before we hit the

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Rogan nabs Chomonix title for 5th time

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Alex Rogan came from behind in the final nine to capture his fifth Chomonix Golf Club championship on Sunday.

Rogan shot 39-38-77 in 90-degree heat Saturday and 40-35-75 on a pleasant Sunday, 80 degrees with a breeze, for a 152 total to win by two strokes. The former Centennial (five times all-conference) and UW-Eau Claire golfer, now 25, notched his first club title at 16. Carter Korkowoski, another ex-Cougar golfer, was runner-up with 74-80-154. Korkowski, 21, led by four at the turn Sunday but couldn’t hold off Rogan.

forest, which narrows the footrace. Our team finished in five of the top 10 places at Regions that year, which got us into State. I ran 11:40 on the Goodrich course, leading the team, and all the other four runners, including my twin, ran under 12 minutes for 2 miles. We looked like the team to beat coming out of Region 4.   However, when we got to State that day, the course was more difficult, the race was harder and I only finished 12th out of team runners. It was one of the worse races I had all season. The scoring got mixed up and we had to stand in line until the places were recounted. Donna Gathje dropped out ill from Rochester Lourdes; if she had not, we would have lost. The White Bear Press took a picture of Angie King, Joan Hammerstrom (my sister) and me running all together. Although it was tough, we pulled out as State Champs. Lyle converted an individual sport to a team sport and developed a conscious thread of knowing where our teammate was at all times. I tried hard to be in front and maintained that position but wanted to pull off State for his sake.

Despite the glory day statistics, Lyle Helke changed my life forever. I always thought of myself as an athlete first and able to succeed at anything I put my mind to. He provided necessary parenting and confidence building that I needed that was sometimes lacking in my personal life. I looked to him as the beacon that infused me with capability and success. His design for success went beyond the trophies, but the result transformed me from fifth on the team to first in the state in one year, including a first-place win at the Gold Country Classic mile and fifth-place win at the state track meet 1978 in the 2 mile.

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Brandon Lee placed third with 78-77-155. Jack Sabian was fourth with

71-76-157. Tying for fifth were Eric Pearson with 80-78-158 and Carter Anderson 81-77-158. Nick O’Neill, who was champion the past two years, faded on Sunday and placed sixth with 78-83-161.

Charges amended in Forest Lake hit-and-run

Additional charges have been filed against the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in Forest Lake last month.

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 at the location by EMS personnel. The driver was identified as Dylan Robert Simmons, 20, of North Branch. In the days following the incident, police obtained security video from a nearby office building that captured

Dave Hoehl won the Senior Flight, shooting 7981-160. Brian Bole placed second with 87-85-172. The first flight winner was Dave Hensel with 77-79156.

the incident. This video shows that Simmons’ vehicle was initially parked but that he quickly drove forward in the direction of a group of approximately six bystanders, narrowly missing them. Simmons then looped around and again rapidly accelerated towards the group bystanders, this time again narrowly missing them but striking the rear end of a parked vehicle. He then backed up and again lurched forward, striking and then driving over victim before leaving the parking lot.

Simmons has been charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, criminal vehicular homicide and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

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.

The leader group scanned the fairway as they started the final round on Sunday. From left were Nick O’Neill (defending champion), Alex Rogan (this year’s champion), Carter Korkowski (second place) and Brandon Lee (third place).

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CONTRIBUTED

Lyle Helke coaching Roberta Munyon, Jane Hoffman, and Kim Martilla in White Bear Mariner track in 1978.

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Chronic Pain Overview

Chronic pain is the most common major medical condition among adults. In the U.S. alone, chronic pain is estimated to affect over 50 million people and cost $635 billion annually, more than the annual costs of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. About 18 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain that limits their ability to complete daily activities.

Pain is considered chronic if it has lasted for three months or more. Though causes can vary, chronic pain is generally the result of an injury, illness, or nerve damage. It can present itself in many different ways, but among the most common conditions that cause chronic pain are sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, post-surgery pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Severity of pain can range from a constant nuisance to so painful that simply wearing a sock can be excruciating.

The good news for chronic pain sufferers is that our understanding of these pain conditions has advanced dramatically in recent years and substantial research has produced some incredible treatments capable of providing long-lasting, highly effective relief.

Pain Medications

When administered and managed responsibly, pain medications can help manage certain chronic pain conditions. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications can be enough, while in more severe or unusual cases, prescription pain medications may be recommended.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves performing low-impact exercises, stretches, and specific movements to increase strength and improve mobility throughout the body.

This enhanced strength and overall functionality allows your body to cope with physical stressors more effectively and can result in pain relief, especially

when paired with other services. Physical Therapy is unique in that it can be completed in-office or virtually.

Injections

Many chronic pain conditions can be successfully treated with injections. A medication containing a numbing agent (anesthetic), an anti-inflammatory (steroid), or a combination of both, is injected near the nerve, joint, or tissue causing the pain. The medication bathes the affected area, reducing symptoms and relieving pain.

Injections are brief, outpatient procedures that can provide several months of pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, the painful nerves are ablated (burned) using heat generated by radio waves. Special, hollow needles are placed at the site of the nerve and thin electrodes are inserted through the needles. A special machine generates radio wave energy, and the electrodes deliver it to the nerve(s), ablating them. This breaks up the pain signals coming from these nerves, providing relief.

Nerve ablation is a brief, outpatient procedure that requires minimal recovery time and generally provides between 6 and 12 months of pain relief.

Intrathecal Pain Pump

An intrathecal pump is an implanted device that automatically introduces medication directly into the body's cerebrospinal fluid. This direct infusion bypasses natural process in the body that may stop other kinds of medication from passing into the brain. As a result, intrathecal administration can offer fast and effective results while reducing the negative side effects commonly associated with oral pain medications.

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced pain treatment that uses electricity to block pain signals. A small battery is implanted in the lower back and connected to thin leads that are placed next to the painful nerves. The battery generates mild electric pulses, which the leads deliver to the nerves, "stimulating" them. This electrical stimulation blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, resulting in significant pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgical procedure that can provide many years of effective pain relief.

Relieve Your Pain, Renew Your Life

Chronic pain can be an exhausting, debilitating condition. But now more than ever, pain sufferers have ample opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, schedule an appointment with your local pain clinic and learn how they can help you get back to being your very best YOU!

Contributed by Twin Cities Pain Clinic.