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EDUCATORS: Make plea for distance learning PAGE 15

BLM: Comes to Hugo

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

HUGO — Residents out and about the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 15, likely noticed a heavy law enforcement presence around town.

The presence of sheriff deputies and police officers was an effort to be prepared in case things got out of hand at the Black Lives Matter rally, scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. outside of the home of Minneapolis Police Federation President Bob Kroll. The group gathered in the Sears parking lot on Rice Street in St. Paul and

traveled to Hugo.

Washington County Sheriff’s (WCSO) Office Cmdr. Doug Anschutz said the event was not a surprise to the WCSO. “When the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the protest, we immediately developed an action plan, in addition to having a contingency plan in the event the protest grew. We had a large amount of deputies and officers on scene,” Anschutz said.

“The Sheriff’s Office took the protest seriously and was prepared SEE BLACK LIVES MATTER, PAGE 7

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A “Unity Rally,” organized by Republicans Sen. Roger Chamberlain (District 38), Donald Raleigh (candidate for state House District 38A), and Elliott Engen (candidate for state House District 38B) was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at Lions Park in Hugo as a response to the Aug. 15 protest. Despite the cancellation, a group still gathered at Lions Park last Saturday morning.

Public works price tag comes in $1M less than expected

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

SHELLI ELLIS | SUBMITTED

Lumen Ellis, 8, enjoys an apple from Applecrest Orchards in the company of her dogs Jack and Maddie.

Applecrest Orchards under new ownership

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

While searching for property for his newly established business, Chris Ellis stumbled upon Applecrest Orchards and decided it would be perfect.

Stillwater residents Chris Ellis

business and then at the same time team up on the engineering side.”

In January, Chris launched AI Grow LLC, which develops control systems for greenhouse automation.

Both businesses are full-time endeavors for Chris. He described SEE APPLECREST, PAGE 15

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SEE PUBLIC WORKS, PAGE 10

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and his wife Shelli purchased the property and business, located at 7306 24th Ave. N. in Hugo, in November 2019.

“We were looking for property, but not necessarily an orchard,” Chris recalled. “It worked out as a beautiful scenario, both to bring the orchard back to life and keep it running as a

HUGO — “All the stars aligned” for the proposed public works facility at Irish Avenue Park in Hugo.

That is how Jeff Oertel, the architect for the project, described the “fantastic” bids the city received for the project at the City Council’s Aug. 17 meeting.

“It is like all the stars aligned on us.

And why? A bit of luck, support from the council and perfect scheduling for the bidding … I am so pleased that council acted very quickly and supported this project. It allowed us to get on track right away and actually fast-track the job,” Oertel said. “I was waiting for a call from Scott (Anderson, public works director) saying because of all this nonsense going on out there the council wants to pull the project, but it never came.”

The city received 16 bids, three of which came in below $9 million. That’s more than $1 million less than the project was estimated to cost. “We have had projects pre-coronavirus period with a building cost (without the sitework) that were running $142-$145 a square foot. This project came in at $122

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AUGUST 27, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Community rallies to save Mel-O-Dee Stables

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

FILE PHOTO

A young equestrian takes a lesson in an indoor arena at Mel-O-Dee stables, one of several area facilities offering boarding and lessons.

envision the property without horses.

Reins of Love’s lease ends Nov. 30. The property is currently listed for sale on realtor. com for $995,000.

Without the funds to purchase the property, Reins of Love will not be able to fulfill its dreams in support of the equine community and community at large.

Time is also of the essence. Reins of Love not only has right of first refusal until November, it is eligible to receive significant benefits if it purchases the property by the end of September, Marx said.

When Lino Lakes resident Sarah Marrinan heard Reins of Love was in need of funds, her first thought was to take out a loan herself to help.

“I panicked when the idea of this opportunity

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If Reins of Love cannot come up enough money for a down payment and closing costs soon, the Mel-O-Dee Stables estate will be sold.

Mel-O-Dee Stables, located at 13151 Elmcrest Ave. N. in Hugo, has operated as a full-service equine facility since 1971.

The 40-acre farm has indoor/outdoor boarding options as well as indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

Last December, Reins of Love founder Cynthia Marx moved her operation from Isanti to Mel-O-Dee Stables. Reins of Love provides refuge and rehabilitation for abused equine, as well as riding lessons and therapy services. Marx has been leasing the property with intent to expand the services offered at Mel-O-Dee Stables to create an equine environment for the community, including a garden, pond, trails, picnic tables and events.

“It breaks my heart knowing that it might not happen. We are so close,” Marx said. “We want to make this a family farm. We want it to be a destination that people can come to.

These are experiences that need to be more attainable for families.”

In March, Mel-O-Dee Stables owner Donna Meline passed away at the age of 90. Before she died, Marx had several conversations with Meline about the future of the property.

“She would say things like, ‘I can’t imagine this being anything but a horse farm,’” Marx recalled, adding that she, too, could not

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR CHILD

TIM NGO | SUBMITTED

Tim Ngo, an Iraq War Army veteran, says Mel-O-Dee Stables is where he found his purpose in life. He has a deep bond with a horse named Trigger.

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Community members who live near Mel-O-Dee Stables enjoy stopping to say hello to the horses when they are out walking or biking.

going away crossed my mind. This has become a staple of our lives,” she said.

Marrinan then decided to start a GoFundMe crowdfunding. She lives in the Clearwater Creek development and has many fond memories of walking by Mel-O-Dee Stables with her two daughters to pet the horses.

Back in March, Marrinan and her daughters found out they could become volunteers for the organization; by April they were on the schedule. “I don’t know who was more pumped to scoop horse poop, me or my kids!” she said, laughing. The chores the volunteers perform are rewarding and

teach important lessons, Marrinan noted.

“Volunteering at the stables doesn’t involve much time with the horses. So much of it is fixing things, scooping poop, cleaning, washing water buckets and a few minutes of walking the horses out to pasture,” she said. “Where else is there something that instills such a work ethic and happiness? … so many people don’t know it is available, and the community could lose it. It doesn’t matter who buys it, if this isn’t their (Reins of Love) vision, I see it as a loss.”

2002 White Bear Lake Area High School grad Tim Ngo also volunteers his time at Mel-O-Dee Stables and said Reins of Love is where he found his purpose in life.

Ngo, an Iraq War Army veteran, was injured in combat and lost a piece of his skull after a grenade attack in 2004.

He was in a severe depression last fall when a friend suggested he check out Reins of Love.

He said, “I went to check it out and I ended up bonding with one of the horses” (Trigger).

“Finding something like this that is therapeutic is amazing, because I didn’t want to be one of the 22 veterans that commits suicide (each) day. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning, to be able to come out and help with the barn, bond with the horses. It is amazing what a horse can do.”

In addition to

launching Mel-O-Dee Stables’ GoFundMe page www.gofundme. com/f/save-melodeestables-fromdevelopment, Marx also started a petition on Change.org in an effort to see if neighbors truly want Mel-O-Dee Stables to continue.

“The response has been overwhelming,” she said. “They do want it to continue.”

Anyone interested in investment opportunities can contact Reins of Love at 763-200-3160.

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

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STUDENT NEWS

Gustavus Adolphus College: Hailey Campbell of Hugo.

Minnesota State College Southeast: Ryan George of Centerville.

Minnesota State University: Madilyn Newman, Kristi Peterson and Cienna Vang, all of Centerville; Calla Frank, Evan Foss, Jack Lutz, Jamison Palmer, Taylor Perrin, Molly Riley, Brittney Rilley, Marina Rodriguez, Lauryn Sicard, Kiley Smith, Shane Sullivan and Samuel White, all of Hugo.

Montana State University: Justin Blank of Hugo.

Northern Michigan University: Rachel Miller of Hugo.

St. Cloud State University: Jessica Charpentier of Hugo.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Olivia Staruck of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, community and nonprofit leadership; Caitlyn Bangert of Centerville, Bachelor of Science, biochemistry, with highest distinction; Steve Heron of Centerville, Master of Science, business, finance, investment and banking.

University of Minnesota-Duluth: Alexander Fuller of Centerville; Allison Carpenter, Bronte Gibis, Julia Hoggatt, Brandon Krekelberg, Minghao Li, Duc Nguyen, Claire Rau, Jordan Sears, Bryana Sherrick, Chase Sullivan, Rachel Taylor and Samantha Westlund, all of Hugo.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Dylan Bassett, Madison Beck, Jakob Bergeland, Blake Burnau, Luca Ciampone, Sydney Davis, John Dosch, Nathan Gabrio, Jennie Hebaus, Melanie Humphrey, Jordan Krivanek, Chloe Nelson, Amy Nguyen, Jacob Parsons, Samuel Racine, Barndon Sampedro, Sydney Shearen, Nicholas Steffen, Jenna Sundstrom, Nicholas Toensing and Elizabeth Wolf, all of Hugo; Kaitlyn Hicks, Corey Larson, Kelly Rivard and Celesthe Rodriguez, all of Centerville.

University of North Dakota: Lauren Rantz and Kelly Wahl, both of Centerville.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Charles Flatten, Jack Flatten, Ashley Glasow and Elizabeth Macken, all of Centerville; Danielle Auger, Allison Brown, Kaley Capocasa, Lydia Downs, Allison Hill, Anna Lomoro, Baillie Ollila, Erin Sullivan and Addie Zinter, all of Hugo.

WEEKLY WAG Petri is a neutered, 6-year-old Chihuahua mix. He weighs 7 pounds and is house-trained.

Petri isn't perfect, and he's not willing to admit that.

He is incredibly loving and devoted to his people, but it takes him a good chunk of time to warm up.

Petri is a titch suspicious and thinks everyone and everything is a home invader. Despite his need to be the household's 7-pound bodyguard, his fosters are actively helping him overcome his fears of new people and things. Petri really does want to please his people.

He listens well and takes treats gently. Petri loves to lounge on the couch and maintain leadership of the household (or so he thinks). Petri does great with other dogs once

Rochester Community and Technical College: Kayla Christensen of Hugo.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Hannah Bergstrom, Madison Boeke, Tori Gabrielson, Paige Gregoire, Madeline Indehar, Grace LeClaire, Cassandra Middleton, Emma Polucha, Amari Rivers, Evangeline Swanson, Zoe Welnetz and Brooke Whitney, all of Hugo.

The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced the following All-Academic Award winners and Scholastic Honor Roll recipients: Evan Lawrence of Hugo (wrestling, UW-Eau Claire); Elizabeth Macken of Centerville (volleyball, UWEau Claire); Emma Macken of Centerville (volleyball, UW-Eau Claire); Courtney Crouch of Hugo (basketball, UW-Stout).

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NAMES IN THE NEWS Carly Gerrell, daughter of Micahel and Kelly Gerrell, earned the title of the 2020 National American Miss Minnesota Preteen at the state pageant held July 27-29. She will attend the national pageant at Disney World in Orlando during the week of Thanksgiving. The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation.

Gerrell participates in competition dance at Lorenz Dance and Tumbling Studio, school theater and volleyball, and volunteers at Feed My Starving Children. This fall, she will be a sixth grader at Central Middle School.

University of Wisconsin-Stout: Marissa Anton of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, early childhood education; Michael Underwood of Hugo, Master of Science, information and communication technology.

University of Wisconsin-Superior: AnnaMarie Turner of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, interdisciplinary studies.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: Britainey Gutteter of Hugo. they've made the proper acquaintance. Petri is looking for an owner who won't take any of his nonsense and has lots of patience. If you are interested in Petri, fill out an adoption application at ruffstartrescue.org.

Once your application is received, a placement coordinator will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls: Daniel Ehret of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, horticulture, with honors; Rachel Gent of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, elementary education, summa cum laude; Claire Lutz of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, dairy science, with honors; Nicole McKinney of Hugo, Education Specialist, school psychology; Elizabeth Olson of Hugo, Master of Science, education, counseling; Nicholas Olson of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, business administration, with honors; Drew Rassett of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, psychology, with honors.

The following local students graduated from a college or university in spring 2020: Bethel University: Anna Solomon of Centerville, Bachelor of Arts, graphic design; Caitlyn Moser of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, biokinetics; Kaylee Peterson of Hugo, Bachelor of Arts, elementary education, grades K-6.

Masses:

College of St. Scholastica: Brooke Engstrom of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, health information management, magna cum laude; Lauren Seme of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, nursing, cum laude.

Marquette University: Maddison Vail of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, biomedical sciences, with honors.

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Wednesday 5:30pm-6:15pm Thursday 8:30am-9:00am

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North Dakota State University: Samantha Fedorchak of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, management.

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Benedictine College: Mark Elfstrom of Hugo.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: John Hanzal of Centerville, Bachelor of Business Administration, information systems; La Moua of Centerville, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Kelly Capocasa of Hugo, Bachelot of Arts, psychology.

North Dakota State University: Megan Crompton and Clair Lovgren, both of Hugo.

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The following local students were named to the dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university for the 2020 spring semester: Bemidji State University: Elizabeth Fairbanks, Zachary Gronsberg, Abigail DeLaRosa and Benjamin Vosika, all of Hugo; Brady Evans of Centerville.

St. Cloud State University: Austin Belford of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, management.

University of North Dakota: Witeh Esoe of Hugo.

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Carly Gerrell, of Hugo, has earned the 2020 National American Miss Minnesota Preteen title and will go on to compete at the national level in November.

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AUGUST 27, 2020

Boating safety

D

id you know kids as young as 10 can starting driving a boat after they get their boater’s safety license?

Both of our kids completed their boater safety course a few years ago on a Christmas break road trip and have been driving our boats ever since, averaging 100+ hours a season. Our lakes are part of Minnesota culture. Anyone who wants to spend time on a lake, whether in a motor boat, sail boat, Personal Water Craft (PWC), kayak or paddle board, should complete a boating safety course. It is dangerous to venture out onto one of Minnesota’s lakes without understanding the fundamentals and rules of boating safety.

This summer has been especially dangerous with reported accidents.

Publisher’s the When people are new to a sport or hobby like View boating, the learning never Carter Johnson ends. Several times I have witnessed inexperienced people on boats who were stranded because they didn’t know how to operate them. Multiple times our family has pulled paddle boarders to safety after and paddling down wind and getting into trouble, or a group of kayakers trying to cross the lake on a weekend.

A few weeks ago, I saw two close calls because kayaks had formed a long single file line as a group and tried to cross open water, blocking all boat traffic. It was both dangerous and inconsiderate. Likewise, boaters have to make good decisions about their speed, when and where to tow a water-skier, surfer, wakeboarder or tuber, like avoiding busy intersections and being considerate on non-motorized watercraft and fisherman.

If you’re taking to the water, it is recommended that you read the Minnesota Boating Guide put out by the DNR. It’s also recommended everyone spend a few dollars and take the online boater safety course. It is relatively easy to complete in a few hours. You will learn the ins and outs of overtaking another boat, how to pull a water skier and what type of boats need to yield to sail boats. Do your part to make our lakes safe and enjoyable. If you’re an avid boater take time to invest safe boating practices with your friends and family.

Best of the Press Wow! What a response from our readers with more than 1,000 nominations of your hyper-local favorite establishments for the Best of the Press contest. We now need your help in casting your vote for our Readers Choice Best of the Press. Here’s how you vote: go to presspubs.com/citizen/ bestof and vote for the place with the best appetizer to the best local park. You will be able to vote once every 24 hours. Voting on the ballot will run through Sept. 10. The ballot will be in the same spot, presspubs. com/citizen/bestof. When voting closes, we will tally the results and prepare a special section of the Press to announce the winners. All winners will be announced Oct. 21. Now more than ever we need your help in recognizing the hard work of our local businesses - the life blood of our community. Help promote the institutions that make our community great by casting your votes in the Reader’s Choice Best of the Press.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

F

acing a fierce public outcry, the U.S. Postal Service is “suspending” its sudden cost-cutting moves — tossing out high-speed sorting machines, uprooting collection boxes, reducing Post Office hours and eliminating carrier overtime — that have slowed mail delivery and threatened the ontime delivery of mail-in ballots for the presidential election.

That’s all to the good, but it’s important to understand that the changes to USPS that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the current administration have in mind for after the election could permanently damage this quintessentially American institution — and citizens’ access to far more Movers & than ballots for Nov. 3.

Shakers Already, the controversy over Dean Ridings the go-slow edicts have aroused public l b t the th effects on nearly every alarm about household. These effects aren’t just theoretical: Many have experienced delayed or missing deliveries of prescription medication, paper Social Security or payroll checks, legal documents, packages of the wide array of purchases during the pandemic lockdown and more.

To these impeded services, add a vital source of local news for many Americans — the daily or weekly newspaper delivered to their mailboxes by a postal carrier.

In the public imagination, kids on bikes earning a bit of money before or after school still toss the local newspaper to the doorstep of subscribers. They were long ago replaced by adults with cars — but even that has changed at many local newspapers.

Finding the independent contractors willing to deliver before dawn is a challenge for many newspapers, and sometimes the shrinking sizes of their routes make no economic sense for the newspaper or the driver.

Newspapers discovered over the years, too, that their “alternative delivery” strategies for distributing advertising materials were becoming prohibitively expensive. The most cost-effective alternative for these newspapers is often the Postal Service.

Newspapers and the USPS over the years have had their “frenemy” moments, with publications ever alert to changes in postage rates — with their arcane distinctions such as “in-county carrier routed sorted” or “Saturation/High Density Plus/ High Density flats” — that have their roots going back to 1775 when the Post Office founded by Ben Franklin set purposely low rates so that newspapers could bring information quickly to the Colonies in the throes of revolution.

But just as the newspaper is a local

business, the local Post Offices and distribution centers are staffed not by faceless bureaucrats but neighbors and community residents. Newspapers’ partnership with the USPS has so far ensured that readers usually get their copies the same day that’s printed on the front page.

Delivering newspapers is just one of the important services of an institution that has “service” in its very name.

Unfortunately, the USPS is being treated as if it is a commercial enterprise that now “loses” money, a standard never applied to the Department of Defense, say, or FEMA. Nor has another agency, or private enterprise for that matter, been forced by law to pay upfront the cost of postretirement health benefits going 75 years into the future. The Institute for Policy Studies, a non-partisan think tank, figures this mandate costs the USPS more than $4 billion a year.

Delivering the mail, including delivering newspapers, throughout the nascent and soon to be sprawling United States was so important to the framers of the Constitution that in its Article I they empowered Congress “To establish Post Offices and Post Roads.”

With this crisis that’s been forced upon an already wounded United States Postal Service, it’s time to remind Congress that it also has a duty to sustain this vital wellspring of democracy and American identity.

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2020 • Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAID LETTER Violence, name calling shuts down peaceful community event This letter needs to be written, it needs to be read, it needs to be processed and thought about by everyone who begins to read it. Our community was going to put together an event open to all people, with no violence, with no threats, the theme to stop this divisiveness of different races, organizations and beliefs.

We had lined up speakers and messages and music for every type of diverse group of people who would have wanted to come and would have come peacefully, and who would have had the heart and desire to try and mend what has happened to our community and our country. Instead, we were met with terroristic threats, we were called KKK and white supremacists for even thinking of trying to pull together diverse cultures and races. Peacefully. Open to all. This was highly unwarranted, this was slander, this was bullying to the first degree.

In our schools, we have had many videos, meetings, lessons to the students about bullies and how to report bullying and how to prevent bullying and how to not be a bully. Why aren’t adults expected to follow these same lessons? Why aren’t adults taught this? I work in the schools, I know what’s going on, and this is infringing upon our First Amendment rights and should not have been allowed in our community.

The current legislator who represents us released a comment that a certain person’s “vulgar language” was something that should have been, and I guess was, apologized for. Not that blameless people in Hugo who were just living their lives in their neighborhood got called evil names, were terrorized, children and teenage girls got called white bxxxx, chants and threats of “Fxxx you,

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Hugo, Minnesota” was proudly shouted and there were threats of burning down the City of Hugo. There were pinata effigies made to look like targeted people, designed and used to try to beat these people’s effigies in violence.

Our event was meant to take some of the hate out of our community.

And the threats that our hosting members got while trying to put this event together was despicable, horrendous and unacceptable.

I pray that people look inside their souls and try to understand what do they really want. Do they want unity? Or do they want power over other people? And to try to trample down other people’s rights and individuality and freedom of speech? I ask you to look inside your souls, your hearts, try to find your conscience.

Is it incomprehensible that there are people out there who do want peace and unity and do not want constant hate and divisiveness?

And, we don’t need wishy-washy current legislators who refuse to address the real issue by skirting around things. Or not returning phone calls. Or not returning emails. Which is what many acquaintances and friends of mine and I have experienced with the current legislator. I am ready for a change to try to get unity back, to try to get sense and rationality back into our community. And that is not under the current leadership of our local house representative. Be strong, be honest, stand up for what you believe. And if it isn’t the current, popular stance on certain issues... be brave and follow your heart and soul.

Laurie Carlson White Bear Lake

Question for Rep. Tom Emmer As a powerful member of the Republican caucus, you have considerable influence over many legislative prerogatives. As such, we are wondering what your

plans are to address the systematic degradation of the United States Postal Service that prevails under the current management.

My spouse and I, and many of your constituents, depend on the USPS to deliver prescription drugs in a timely manner. Not only that, but many depend on the postal service to deliver important correspondence that demands timely attention. It isn't just grocery ads and birthday cards.

This assault on an American mainstay is unparalleled and must be stopped. What is your plan?

Kenneth Harris Hugo

Blankets for Bridging Cub Scout Pack 432 and Scouts BSA Troop 136 are sponsoring a blanket drive to collect blankets for Bridging, a nonprofit that empowers people to thrive in their homes.

Bridging provides quality furniture and household goods for those who are pursuing housing stability. In addition, the organization aims to provide 240 blankets per week to families in need and to Twin Cities homeless populations.

From Aug. 24 through Sept. 4, community members can donate a blanket to a collection bin at the Centennial Lakes Police Department (lobby or the St. Genevieve Parish Center in Centerville (entryway). Porch pickup for blankets in Hugo, Centerville, Lino Lakes, Circle Pines can also be requested by emailing PR@cubpack432.com.

Scouts are looking for blankets that are new or gently used of all sizes (throw, twin, full, queen, king), all types (quilts, afghans, duvets, comforters, throws, bedspreads); and a variety of patterns and materials for all ages. Blankets that have dirt, stains, rips, odors or animal hair should not be donated.

County will conduct household hazardous waste collections

Questioning our leadership I would like to take a minute to comment on what has been going on in my hometown of Hugo.

First, I am not against protesting for a cause that you believe in, that is your right and you should use it.

Recently though a democratic-endorsed candidate from St. Paul came to Hugo and protested in front of Bob Kroll’s residence, he spoke profanities to and in the presence of innocent children, accused Mr. Kroll of being a part of the KKK and also threatened to burn Hugo down.

How is this socially acceptable?

And how is this sort of behavior going to make people want to vote for you? Also, even though his behavior was not illegal how is it that our local elected leaders chose not to come out and speak against these threats?

If you are truly for all of the people I would think you would not allow for these sorts of threats to go seemingly unnoticed. This makes me seriously question what sort of leadership we have in place.

Sophie Volt Hugo

Washington County will host three household hazardous waste collections this fall, two in Forest Lake in September and one in Hugo in October.

Satellite 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 household hazardous waste and electronics.

Fall events will include: • Forest Lake Transit Center, 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 19 • Hugo Public Works Garage, 6900 137th St. N., 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3.

Setting up a small-business website Get started with your small business website through an online course from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. The course, offered by Washington County Library, will teach participants how to register their new business with the state and choose a corresponding domain name from a domain name provider. Discuss crafting a mission statement, configuring WordPress, choosing a design theme, using a plug-in, how to choose a logo and how to brand your business.

The workshop is funded by MELSA and will be presented by Keer Keer Creative. Please register online at WashCoLib.org/ Events, or by calling 651-275-8500.

Fall events at 7 Vines 7 Vines Vineyard is hosting an outdoor car show with live music, wine and food Sunday, Aug. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Other events are planned at the vineyard through October, including a FallFest with What Not Boutique and other vendors from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 15, and a Harvest Pick the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27. For a full schedule of events, visit 7vinesvineyard.com.

Legion to host blood drive

COUNTY BRIEFS County board will consider county cross-country ski pass The Washington County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing Sept. 15 to consider revisions to the county’s fee schedule to allow the implementation of a Washington County specific cross-country ski pass beginning this winter.

The hearing will be held during the county board meeting at 9 a.m. Sept. 15 in the county board room of the Government Center in Stillwater. Washington County has been part of the Great Minnesota Ski Pass since 1980. Creating a county cross-country ski pass will reduce an administrative burden for county staff, maintain revenue, create a lower barrier to entry for new skiers, and allow more flexibility in county operations.

Washington County residents may apply for rent, utility assistance Help is available for qualified Washington County residents who are unable to pay rent and utility costs due to pandemic-related income loss. The county has received $3 million in federal CARES Act funding to pay current and past due rent and utilities including gas, electric and water. Although there has been a temporary hold on evictions, full payment of rent is required, and landlords may evict tenants with past due rent after state and federal restrictions on evictions are lifted.

Residents may qualify for CARES assistance if they: • currently earn less than 80% of the area median income, determined by household size • are a Washington County resident • have past due rent, utility costs or are experiencing homelessness • lost income due to COVID-19 that has not been replaced by unemployment or other assistance.

Residents who wish to apply for assistance may call the Washington County Community Services Department at 651-430-6570, email CSRA@

co.washington.mn.us or use the fax number of 651430-6515. Renters are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure assistance is received in a timely manner and before funding runs out.

Sheriff’s Office will add investigator to work on mental health response The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will add a full-time deputy sheriff investigator to address mental health crisis responses. The three-year position is partially funded by a $125,000 federal grant administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. and is to be used between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023. The county board accepted the grant and approved a required $182,400 local match for the three-year grant. The deputy sheriff will work collaboratively with county social workers.

County will use federal CARES funds to keep elections safe Washington County will use funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to ensure the health and safety of in-person voters and election officials. The county board approved the use of the funding and the request to the Secretary of State on Aug. 4. The county will receive $218,118, and almost half will be shared with cities and townships. State law outlines the categories for which the funds can be used: ensuring the health and safety of election officials and in-person voters; the purchase of sanitation and disinfectant supplies; public outreach to outline social distancing guidelines; preparation for increased absentee voting, including voter education materials, printing, and postage; training local election officials in preparation of new polling place locations; and purchasing an electronic roster system. The grant requires a 20% financial match for eligible expenditures.

The Hugo American Legion will host a Red Cross blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. Please make an appointment by visiting redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

OBITUARY

William (Bill) Pl Willi Playle l Born in Brownsdale, Minnesota on Nov. 26, 1937 to Forrest and Imogene Playle, Bill passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family following a six-month illness.

Bill worked for American Can Company for over three decades and was always helping others when he was not at work. He was the true handyman and had never met a job he could not do. He will be truly missed by his family and friends for his wry sense of humor and gentle spirit. He was known to be a man of few words but when he spoke it was meaningful.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Playle, his son Scott (Shelly), daughters Penny Beattie (Dennis), Stacey (Eric) Opsahl, and Tracey (Troy) Tokheim. His grandchildren; Kathyrn Joy Smith (Kevin), Elizabeth Griner & Myles Lucero, Meghan (Nate) Carter, Rebecca Griner, Luke Opsahl (Mel Johnson), Logan Opsahl Jackson (Zach), Elijah Opsahl (Gabby Vetsch), Hannah Lewis, Bryan Lewis, Kyle Tokheim, Christine Franklin, Cody Tokheim. His brother-in-laws; Eugene (Judy) Back, and Keith (Norma) Back, sister-in-law Mona Back and nieces & nephews; Dee (Joe) Valenti, Kristi Kordewick, Kurt Playle, Darin (Angela) Playle, Amy Back, Adam Back (Nicole), Vicky (James), David (Marge) Back, Mike (Mandy) Back, Shelly (Pat) Blanton, and Tim Back. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Imogene and Forrest, brother Gerald (Betty), brother- in-laws Allen and Gary Back Memorial Service and scattering of his ashes on Smith Lake near Garrison Minnesota will occur at a future date to be determined.

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THE CITIZEN

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AUGUST 27, 2020

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

kept mowing his lawn, deputies advised the complainant that they could not entertain such an issue.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. reported the window of his motor vehicle damaged overnight July 22-23. Nothing was reported taken.

• A Minnesota motorist westbound on Heritage Parkway N. at Empress Avenue N. was cited at 4:26 p.m. July 23 for speeding 38 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar.

• A suspected violator of a domestic abuse no-contact order who was reported at 10:04 p.m. July 23 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. turned out not even to be the perpetrator at all, nor were any of the people at the address of one of the protected parties.

A box of doorknobs was reported stolen overnight July 23-24 following a burglary of a new house under construction in the 4000 block of Ethan Trail N. • Three paint sprayers were reported stolen at 6:32 a.m. July 24 following a burglary at a house under construction in the 12000 block of Hilo Court N. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 7:47 a.m. July 24 on eastbound 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N. for speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph zone by westbound deputies, who clocked him on radar. The driver would admit to only 65 mph.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:12 a.m. July 24 on westbound 170th Street N. at Keystone Avenue N. for speeding 67 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies, who clocked him on radar.

• The driver of a white sedan was cited at 3:34 p.m.

July 24 on Everton Avenue N. and 122nd Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance, stop sign violation and driving with open container of alcohol in the vehicle, after he was pulled over for running the stop sign. He was released to a sober driver.

• A suspicious set of file marks on an aluminum screen door in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. reported at 9:11 p.m. July 24, turned out to be inconsistent with any kind of forced entry. The complainant reported that she had returned from vacation and just noticed the marks one week after returning. Extra patrol was requested.

• An unidentified person was arrested on a gross misdemeanor domestic assault warrant at 8:39 p.m.

July 25 in the 14000 block of Generation Avenue N. • A suspicious female reported to be hiding behind an electrical box in the area of Falcon Circle N. and Oneka Parkway N. at 3:17 a.m. July 26 when deputies drove by turned out to be just a female hiding behind an electrical box. She said she did not need any assistance.

A resident in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. at 9:34 p.m. July 26 reported his neighbor for stealing his land. Deputies advised the complainant that a property line dispute did not constitute theft. When the complainant then asked deputies to supervise the neighbor to make sure he

• Cash, an iPhone charger and a Bluetooth auxiliary cord were reported stolen overnight July 26-27 from a motor vehicle in the 5000 block of Evergreen Drive N. There are no suspects.

• Two juveniles observed by deputies at 1:29 a.m. July 27 hiding behind a piece of construction equipment in the area of Fondant Trail N. and 131st Street as they drove by on their construction check were apparently just meeting up to hang out. Although deputies found a bottle of Malibu in the backpack of one of the females, the 13-to-14-year-olds were both sober.

They were transported home and made to explain themselves to their parents.

• A male was reported for soliciting door to door in the 5000 block of 128th Street N. at 8:22 p.m. July 27 without a permit. The male admitted to not having a permit due to the cost and amount of time it takes to get one. Deputies verbally warned the male and advised him to stop selling for the night until he gets a permit.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop at 1:46 a.m. July 28 on an unidentified motorist on Frenchman Road at Everton Avenue N. for driving conduct, resulting in an arrest for DWI, narcotics and paraphernalia.

• An harassment restraining order (HRO) was issued at 2:39 a.m. July 28 in the Kwik Trip parking lot in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. after deputies on patrol conducted a license plate check that showed the registered owner to have an outstanding warrant.

• Items dumped behind Festival Foods in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. were reported at 7:42 a.m. July 28.

Employees removed most of the junk, except for a Ready Whip cooler and other garbage on the side of the road.

• An unidentified motorist was cited at 2:31 a.m. July 29 on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for driving after revocation after they were stopped for no rear license plate light.

• A resident in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. reported eggs and mustard thrown at her home’s exterior and mustard thrown at her vehicle overnight July 28-29.

The complainant managed to remove most of the ingredients off the home and vehicle.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Geneva Avenue N. reported his vehicle keyed in multiple areas overnight July 28-29.

• A project manager at 2:47 p.m. July 30 reported a ventilation system stolen from a new home under construction in the 4000 block of Ethan Trail N. • A resident in the 8000 block of 170th Street N. at 5:36 p.m. July 30 reported his mailbox damaged, possibly by an unknown passing vehicle. The complainant had reported a similar incident a few years ago but didn’t think the incidents were related.

an outgoing renter with a 30-day notice to leave for going through the file cabinets in her house and carrying an item out of the bedroom.

The activity was captured on camera, and the landlord wanted deputies to speak to the perpetrator about returning the item and not causing further problems in the house.

• Employees of Festival Foods in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 11:12 a.m. Aug. 3 reported a counterfeit bill passed at the store. There are no suspects. On the morning of Aug. 4, however, deputies were dispatched back to the scene on yet another report of a counterfeit bill. Employees advised deputies about a third $100 fake bill passed by the same suspect. Now, after the store’s surveillance video company captured the latest attempt, a white male, approximately 60, has been unmasked.

But wait – during the evening of Aug. 4, a fourth counterfeit $100 bill was reported presented at a business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. • A bag containing a drill, battery and charger and valued at $150 was reported stolen at 4:07 p.m. Aug. 3 from a 2008 Chevy Aveo in the 17000 block of Henna Avenue N. after the door lock of the vehicle was punched out.

• A camper reported stolen at 8:59 p.m. Aug. 3 from the 16000 block of Elmcrest Avenue N. turned out to have been repossessed. Deputies stated that dispatch had not informed them of the repossession until after they had spent time looking for the vehicle. The owner did not know the vehicle had been repossessed until after deputies advised him.

• Suspicious males reported at 12:26 a.m. Aug. 4 in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. turned out to be juveniles just having returned from hockey practice and checking out the home of a mutual friend that had been destroyed by fire. Deputies advised the juveniles that curfew was almost upon them and that they should head home.

Loretta Harding

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

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• A two-tone green sedan was reported stolen at 7:42 p.m. July 30 from the employee lot of an assisted living facility in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 5:59 a.m. July 31 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 38 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol. Another Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:30 a.m. July 31 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 40 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol.

• A fight between two males was reported at 5:38 p.m. July 31 on Forest Blvd. N. at 165th Street N., before they drove away from the area in a northerly direction.

• A resident in the 6000 block of 151st Street Court N. at 11:00 p.m. July 31 reported his house egged.

• A landlord in the 15000 block of Foxhill Avenue N. at 12:50 p.m. Aug. 1 reported giving

POLITICAL BRIEFS

Hugo and Lino fire now have mutual aid/auto aid in place

Candidate filing period closes for city councils

Are you ready for November 2020?

The Hugo and Lino Lakes fi re departments have entered into a mutual/auto aid agreement.

The Hugo City Council and Lino Lakes City Council approved the agreement earlier this month.

Auto aid response occurs on a structure fi re only. Under that scenario, neighboring jurisdictions are automatically dispatched at the same time as the primary responding fi re agency is dispatched. Mutual aid is assistance that may be requested through the dispatch center by the primary fire agency when additional resources are needed to adequately address the response needs.

Auto aid enables jurisdictions to leverage partnerships to improve response times and resource deployment.

The candidate fi ling period for city council seats closed Aug. 11.

For Centerville, D. Love will run unopposed for the mayor seat. Council Members Steve King and Russ Koski will be on the ballot unopposed, along with Michael Dufault and Darrin Mosher (special election) for another seat.

In Hugo, Mayor Tom Weidt is running unopposed, as are Council Member AtLarge Mike Miron and Council Member Phil Klein, who represents Ward 2.

The White Bear Lake Area League of Women Voters invites the public to attend its September general meeting online at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. The meeting will consist of an online discussion about elections, election security and mail-in ballots with former State Elections Director Joe Mansky. The talk is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required at www.eventbrite. com. Choose “League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area MN” or “Answering Election Concerns.”

Registrants will receive a Zoom invitation shortly before the program.

AUGUST 27, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer responded to a report of a burglary in the 6700 block of 21st Avenue Aug. 6. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers were dispatched to a personal injury crash near I-35E and County Road J Aug. 7. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene and handled the investigation.

• Officers were dispatched to check on a suspicious vehicle in the area of Carl Street and Century Trail Aug. 8. Officers investigated and found three juveniles out past curfew. The juveniles were charged with a curfew violation and released at the scene.

• An officer responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Apollo Drive and Lake Drive Aug. 9. One driver had minor injuries and was transported by ambulance and the other driver was cited for a semaphore violation.

• Along with firefighters, officers responded to a dumpster fire at a residence in the 6300 block of Ware Road Aug. 10. The fire was put out; it is unknown how it started.

• An officer responded to a damage to property report in the 1400 block of Snow Goose Trail Aug. 11. The officer learned an unknown person(s) broke a window out of a vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers took a report regarding obscene behavior in the area of Hodgson Road and Baldwin Circle Aug. 11. After further investigation, it was determined that the involved party would be trespassed from the location, as the complainant did not want to pursue charges.

• Officers received a phone call report

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regarding a stolen vehicle in the 6100 block of Partridge Court. The case is currently under investigation.

• A business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive reported receiving a counterfeit bill Aug. 13. An investigation with the Secret Service is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a restaurant in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road on a disorderly conduct report Aug. 13.

A customer was trespassed from the property for harassing an employee.

• An officer responded to the 2200 block of Deer Pass Trail, where several pieces of mail from various addresses were left in the roadway Aug. 14. The mail was returned to the owners with information on identity security and victims were asked to make a report if something had been stolen.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Aug. 15 and detected marijuana odor in the vehicle.

The passenger admitted to having marijuana in the car. The driver was cited for no proof of insurance and the passenger was cited for small amount of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

• An officer received an anonymous report that ATV’s were using a paved walking trail in the area of Black Duck Drive Aug. 16. Extra patrol was requested.

• Officers responded to a call of a disorderly male at a business in the 7500 block of Apollo Drive Aug. 16. Two involved parties were subsequently trespassed from the business.

• A community service officer received a phone call about a bear sighting from a resident in the 8100 block of Fourth Avenue Aug. 17. The caller was given tips on how to keep bears out of their yard.

The Centennial Lakes Police reported the following incidents: • An officer noticed vandalism to the roadway along Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Aug. 9. There are no known suspects at this time. The public works department was notified about the damage for cover up.

• A resident in the 3600 block of Restwood Road in Circle Pines reported his mailbox had been struck, possibly by a vehicle Aug. 9. There are no known suspects at this time.

• Officers responded to the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 10 regarding a disorderly conduct report. The reporting party advised that the suspect urinated on his vehicle and ran from the scene.

The reporting party advised that he has video footage of the incident. The case is pending.

• Officers located juveniles vandalizing trees at a residence in the 7000 block of Cottonwood Court in Centerville Aug. 11. The juveniles were warned for vandalism and curfew violation. Parents picked up their juveniles from the scene.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct report in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 12.

• An officer was dispatched to a report of a runaway juvenile in Centerville Aug. 12.

• Police responded to the 200 block of Cobbler Court in Circle Pines Aug. 14 for a damage to property report.

The caller said an unknown suspect slashed a bike tire at his residence.

The estimated damage is $100.

• Police were dispatched to the 3900 block of Lovell Road in Lexington Aug. 14 on report of property damage.

• A missing person report was made for an adult female who was last seen in the area of 20th Avenue and Deer Pass Drive in Centerville Aug. 14.

Officers continue to work the case, which is still under investigation.

• Police were dispatched to a possible hit-and-run property damage accident that occurred in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 15.

• Officers were dispatched to a report of vandalism in Blaine near the border of Lexington Aug. 15.

• Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Galaxy Drive in Circle Pines Aug. 15 for a neighbor dispute. Officers returned again to mediate the situation Aug. 17.

• Police responded to a business in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 17 on a trespassing issue. The caller advised that an adult woman was soliciting people for money in the area. Officers subsequently located the female and advised her to cease soliciting or be trespassed from the business.

• Officers responded to the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Aug. 17 on a theft report. Upon arrival, officers found that several Amazon boxes had been opened and riffled through. The estimated loss is $200.

• Police were dispatched to the 9500 block of Dunlap Avenue in Lexington Aug. 17 regarding a missing yard sign.

BLACK LIVES MATTER: Unity Rally canceled, crowd shows anyway FROM PAGE 1

speech.

“Furthermore, Mr. Thompson chose to admonish the men and women wearing the Sheriff’s Office uniform that were present to protect all citizens in this instance. We stand by the deputies that serve Washington County on a daily basis and are proud of their self less and honorable service.”

Comments were made on social media that protestors were jumping on cars. Anschutz said that the WCSO did receive a report of people jumping on cars, but deputies in the area determined that that did not actually happen.

He said there were no arrests; however, one person was cited for falsely reporting a crime. A person believed to be a participant in the protest alleged that he was assaulted by someone in the neighborhood.

“Our investigation determined that to be untrue, so he is being charged,” Anshutz said. “We have been working with both the County Attorney’s Office and the City Attorney to determine if any other criminal charges are appropriate related to the conduct of any of the participants that attended, (and) our investigation and review by the attorneys is ongoing.”

A “Unity Rally,” organized

by Republicans Sen. Roger Chamberlain (District 38), Donald Raleigh (candidate for state House District 38A), and Elliott Engen (candidate for state House District 38B) was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at Lions Park in Hugo as a response to the Aug. 15 protest.

Event f lyers stated, “Recently outsiders came to the city of Hugo to protest the police and said some very negative things about our city and its people. Let’s show the rest of the state that the people of Hugo respect the police, love our

country and welcome all views.”

The day before the protest, Chamberlain posted on social media, “I am sorry to report that our calls for peace and our planned unity rally in support of our community have been met with threats and potential for violence,” he said. “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, and for the safety of Hugo residents, Saturday’s unity rally in Hugo has been canceled.”

Despite the cancellation, a group still gathered at Lions Park last Saturday morning. Anshutz estimated there were around 100 people in attendance and said there were no issues. He descried the gathering as “very uneventful for the sheriff’s office.”

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

GRANT WHITAKER | SUBMITTED

Hugo resident Grant Whitaker took this photograph with a drone of a Black Lives Matter rally outside of Bob Kroll’s home in Hugo Aug. 15.

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for it. Our top priorities were to ensure public safety and protect private property while allowing people to exercise their First Amendment rights.”

The WCSO requested assistance from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Lake Police Department, Lino Lakes Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol.

According to Anschutz, he estimates there were around 150-200 people in attendance at the rally. He would not say if any roads or intersections had to be temporarily closed, but he did mention that the protestors used “road guards” to help facilitate their caravan’s progress to Hugo.

The State Patrol monitored intersections near Highway 61 and I-35E in case traffic became a problem while participants were arriving and leaving Hugo.

Comments, photographs and videos from the event quickly began circulating on social media.

St. Paul DFL House candidate John Thompson has since received criticism for his words and actions at the event, for which he has apologized.

In a press release, Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry and County Attorney Pete Orput wrote, in part, “John Thompson spoke and chose divisive, hurtful and inf lammatory rhetoric to include berating children who were present. We have both received much communication regarding what was said. After investigation, the comments made by Mr. Thompson, though grossly inappropriate, do not violate any felony statute. We will continue further review of any other violations of state law or city ordinance, while allowing for First Amendment protected

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THE CITIZEN

AUGUST 27, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

1,500 questions about classrooms opening

BY SARA MARIE MOORE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Teachers say they have about 1,500 questions for district administration and the school board regarding students being in the classroom a couple days a week this fall.

Tiffany Dittrich, president of the White Bear Lake Teachers Association, reported on the questions she received at the Aug. 10 school board meeting. The association had recommended distance learning only this fall, but the board voted on a hybrid model at a special school board meeting held earlier this month. The association expressed concern about the capacity of facilities

to meet strict safety requirements.

Dittrich said 260 teachers sent her 1,500 questions over the weekend about the district’s capacity to safely bring students back into the classroom. She gave a curated list of 100 questions, seven pages long, to the district. There was not time to share the questions during the public forum portion of the meeting, when the board takes public comments.

She said she hopes the district can address the questions before the start of the school year to assure safety, consistency and quality.

A custodian, Brian Reibe, also gave his own comments about concerns with school buildings reopening. He said the extra cleaning, if done

according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, could make for 13-hour days. He also said he thought it would be difficult for teachers to enforce students to wear masks and social distance.

The White Bear Lake Teachers Association held a rally at the district center Aug. 24 (after press deadline). Karen Hogen, Association government relations chair, said the rally was an effort to get their questions answered.

Editor’s note: White Bear Lake Area Schools has decided to push back the start date of the 2020-21 school year to Sept. 14.

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(651) 429-3899 • northcountryautobody.com 5451 140th Street • Hugo, MN 55038

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Mark Aanenson has joined Galen Carlson in the ownership of North Country Auto Body & Mechanical. Galen has owned North Country for 27 years. Mark has worked with Galen the entire 27 years.

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Mark Aanenson and Galen Carlson

651-770-7000

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9

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

COME TASTE OUR FAVORITE PICKS FROM MIDWEST VINEYARDS & BREWERIES

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LOCAL WINERY EVENTS Love Join the Club

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*Note: Events are subject to change or be cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Please call or visit the websites or Facebook pages, for the most up-to-date information.

DATE

New Winery & Tasting Room in Scandia, MN

EVENT

TIME

August 28 Dinner by the Vines

6 p.m.

August 29 Andrew Spreck & Robert Colberth 1 – 4 p.m.

offering approachable, flavor-forward wines with a local touch

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Belle Vinez

August 30 Vintage car show &

1 – 4 p.m.

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651-436-2010

August 30 Acoustic Sunday

1 – 4 p.m.

Dancing Dragonfly

3291 S. St. Croix Trail, Afton, MN

August 30 Reggae Sundays Live

4 – 8 p.m.

Roma Restaurant

August 30 Music: Mississippi Mud

1 – 4 p.m.

7 Vines Vineyard

September 5

Music: TBA

1 - 4 pm

Saint Croix Vineyards

September 6

Acoustic Sunday

1 - 4 pm

Dancing Dragonfly

September 11

Art at the Winery

6 - 8:30 pm

Dancing Dragonfly

September 12

Music: TBA

1 - 4 pm

Saint Croix Vineyards

September 13

Acoustic Sunday

1 - 4 pm

Dancing Dragonfly

CRAFT BREWERY & TAPROOM IN THE HEART OF WHITE BEAR LAKE COMMITTED TO QUALITY BEER

September 19

Music: TBA

1 - 4 pm

Saint Croix Vineyards

September 20

Acoustic Sunday

1 - 4 pm

Dancing Dragonfly

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September 26

Music: TBA

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August 30 Music: The Flannel Brothers 1 – 4 p.m.

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10

THE CITIZEN

AUGUST 27, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Back to school supply list: masks, gloves, goggles, gowns

BY SARA MARIE MOORE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This year’s White Bear Lake Area Schools’ supply list (provided by the state and district) includes rubber gloves, face shields, face masks, eye goggles and protective gowns to protect students and staff from the COVID-19 respiratory virus.

Students and teachers will receive two reusable masks each and custodial, health, nutrition and special education staff will wear more protective gear as needed. The district has 50,000 disposable masks on hand.

White Bear Lake Area Schools plans to have a hybrid learning plan for all students this fall due to the COVID-19 virus that has been spreading through the country and state since last spring. Students did distance learning last March-June.

Like all districts statewide, the district was given decision power by the state but also given guidance by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education. Districts were guided to pursue an in-person, hybrid or distance-learning model based on the number of COVID-19 cases per 10,000 county

residents, over the last 14 days.

In mid-July, Ramsey County had the highest case count of the three counties the district serves at 19.65 per 10,000 residents.

“That puts us in that borderline for that in-person learning for elementary students and hybrid learning for secondary students, and the next category would be hybrid learning for all students,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak at a special school board meeting held Aug. 7.

If there were 20 cases per 10,000 residents, the state would recommend a distance-only model.

The school board decided students in all grades will rotate in the classroom two days a week Monday through Thursday.

Board members expressed how difficult the decision was. “This has been a very, very trying time,” said Vice Chair Kim Chapman. “I think there are tremendous issues on each side of this and a tremendous amount of valid points,” he said.

One school board member, Jessica Ellison, voted against the decision. She stated she is concerned about families that need their children in school for their livelihood, as herself, but said teachers and staff are concerned about the hybrid

model. She said it would be better to start a distance-learning model rather than hybrid because if case numbers increase in the county, then a distance-learning model would need to be employed.

Having some students doing virtual education from home each and some in the classroom will reduce classroom sizes enough to social distance, said Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. All students will do independent distance learning from home on Fridays.

All families can choose only distance learning if desired. An August family survey shows about 20 percent of families so far plan to choose distance learning.

The district will have new cleaning protocols. High-touch areas will be cleaned through the day and every evening a deep cleaning will be done, said Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available throughout the building. New air filters will be installed, and exhaust fans will run 24/7.

“The balancing act between our public safety needs and our need to educate our children is really the balancing act we are

Students or staff experiencing these symptoms should not attend school: • New onset of cough • Shortness of breath • Fever of 100.0 degrees F or higher • Chills • Muscle pain • Sore throat • Loss of sense of smell or taste • Gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting or nausea trying to work with here, and it is very challenging of course,” Wald noted. “It is an evolving situation and we continue to follow the science.”

Buses will run at 50% capacity but parents are encouraged to drop off their students. Students will not be universally screened for symptoms at school; however, parents are encouraged to screen their children prior to arrival. There will be kits at schools to screen students who appear symptomatic and a place to seclude them for the day.

A June survey about the issue by White Bear Lake Area Schools had about 6,000 respondents.

In-person learning was preferred by about 65% of respondents. About 22% preferred a hybrid model and 13% distance learning. If in-person learning was not an option, 77% preferred a hybrid model.

PUBLIC WORKS: ‘All the stars aligned for new building’ a square foot. That is a substantial amount of money (in savings),” Oertel said.

It is especially important that the bids came in low, because many unexpected challenges came up during the design phase. Oertel said they had challenges with the site, including soils, placement of the water supply well and power supply to the site.

In 2019, the council approved a facility needs study for the Public Works Department and approved the 2020 budget, which allowed for either the expansion or relocation of the public works facility, currently located at 6900 137th Street N., just west of Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The study concluded that the best option for the city would be to build a new, approximately 60,600-square-foot building on approximately 10 acres of 125-acre Irish Avenue Park.

The council ultimately awarded the $9,253,560 contract, which includes the base bid and six alternates, to Ebert Construction Aug. 17. The salt storage building, materials storage bins and landscaping still need to be bid.

“This started as a way to improve our current building, and then it quickly turned into the realization that that was not a good use of taxpayer dollars,” Mayor Tom Weidt said. He noted that council saw a new building as “a reasonable way to get the city set up to be able to provide the services it is going to need to provide in the future.

“This building sets up the city and future councils and future taxpayers to have a building that they can continue to use for decades to come,” Weidt said.

Council Member Becky Petryk said, “I was a person you kind of had to scrape off the floor when the first cost estimates came in. I am delighted that the bids have come in the way they have.”

Council Member Mike Miron said, “This is one of those projects that is going to serve the community for decades to come, and you only get one shot at it to try to do it the right way.” He added, “This was probably one of the more robust conversations we have had as a City Council for a long time, and I think it was through that conversation and dialogue that we did settle in on good path forward.

I appreciate our ability to have that conversation and to

SUBMITTED

A rendering of the new Hugo public works facility, which will be constructed at Irish Avenue Park.

look out for the taxpayer and that eye toward the future and how we can make an investment in our community that is going to set us up for a long, long time.”

Anderson said city staff will now work through the contract with the general contractor. He said he is hopeful the site grading work will begin in September. The project should be complete in October 2021.

As for the current public works building, City Administrator Bryan Bear confirmed that White Bear Lake Area Schools is interested in buying the building. The two parties are working on a purchase agreement.

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

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FROM PAGE 1

AUGUST 27, 2020

www.readthecitizen.com

CENTERVILLE CITY CALENDAR Sept. 1: Sept. 2:

11

HUGO BITS & PIECES

Planning & Zoning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Special meetings are posted in the City Hall lobby. Public notices are now published in The Citizen; read them at www.presspubs. com (click on Public Notices).

HUGO CITY CALENDAR Aug. 27: Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

LINO LAKES CITY CALENDAR Sept. 2: Sept. 3: Sept. 8: Sept. 9:

THE CITIZEN

Park Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.

EDAC meeting at 8 a.m.

City Council work session at 6 p.m.

Planning & Zoning Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.

DEBRA NEUTKENS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Water Tower No. 4 project is nearing completion. The water tower is located behind the well house on 125th Street, near Oneka Ridge Golf Course and the Fox Meadows development. The contractor is currently blasting and painting and the project is scheduled for completion in midOctober.

The Hugo City Council took the following action at its Aug. 17 meeting, held via teleconference: • Heard from Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Administrator Mike Isensee, who provided an overview of what the district has accomplished and some of its goals for the future. Isensee explained that he was following up on his promise to improve communication between the district and the council.

He said the district is in the beginning stages of developing its 10-year management plan and has received 340 survey responses from property owners within the district.

“The top concern we are seeing is aquatic invasive species,” he said. Other concerns, he noted, included pollutants, groundwater quality and flooding/water fluctuation. “We want to continue protecting water quality, increase our efforts or reshift some strategies for doing more and better work in aquatic invasive species prevention and control and continue ensuring that our lakes, rivers and streams are clean.”

• Received an update from City Administrator Bryan Bear, who said the EDA is scheduled to meet to discuss the possibility of using some of the city’s CARES Act funds for business grants. The council will consider that item at its Sept. 8 meeting.

• Approved an agreement with Washington County for an election grant for $6,130. The county received funds through the Secretary of State for election costs and is distributing the dollars to municipalities. The funds can be used for personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies, additional election judges and social distancing measures. Bear noted that any funds that the city does not use will go back to the county to be used for absentee ballot costs. Mayor Tom Weidt said he heard great comments from residents who chose to vote in person for the primary election. “It was a good setup. It was a good trial run for the general election.”

• Promoted Tim Olson, William Lusk and Jake Jorgenson to firefighters. All three individuals have completed the necessary probationary training and requirements.

• Approved pay voucher No. 12 for the Water Tower No. 4 project for $175,218 to CB&I LLC. City Engineer Mark Erichson said the contractor is currently blasting and painting and the project is scheduled for completion in mid-October.

• Approved a variance request for 6930 170th St. N. Lori Shuman applied for a variance from the Shoreland Overlay District setback requirements for a proposed detached deck. The request was for a 90-foot setback from the ordinary high-water (OHW) mark of Horseshoe Lake, where 200 feet is required. The council also

• •

•

• •

granted a variance request for 6900 170th St. N. for Pamela Oman, who requested that an accessory building be set back 120 feet from the (OHW) mark of Horseshoe Lake; 200 feet is required.

Approved a conditional use permit for a boat rental business at 4444 129th St. N. See business briefs in this week’s paper for more information.

Approved several resolutions for Victor Land Holdings LLC for a 27,100-square-foot office/warehouse building to be occupied by Schwieters Companies. See full story on page 14.

Held a public hearing on drainage and utility easement vacation for Hugo Gardens Apartments. Hugo Garden Apartments LLC requested a vacation of the existing drainage and utility easement located over Outlot B, LaValle Fields, on property west of Lions Park. New drainage and utility easements will be placed on the lots at the time the final plat is recorded.

The council also approved a final plat and development agreement for the project. A representative of the developer requested the council specifically add language to the development agreement stating that the developer would not be assessed for any 147th Street improvements, since it has agreed to pay for the improvements to Finale Avenue. The city has included the 147th Street project in its five-year capital improvement program (CIP) for next year.

City Attorney Dave Snyder said he did recommend adding that guarantee in the agreement. “We are not in a position to say that it would not be assessed to the developer at this point,” he said. Community Development Director Rachel Juba then explained that city staff had sent a letter informing the developer that the 147th Street project had been added to the CIP, and that the plan identifies funding sources for the project.

“Our intention is that they were not going to be responsible for 147th Street,” she said.

Received bids and awarded a contract for the new public works facility. See full story on pages 1 and 10.

Heard from Council Member Chuck Haas, who reported that the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network (BTYRN) received its largest single donation to date for $20,000 from the Hall Family Foundation to support the 34th Military Police Company during a yearlong deployment to Guantanamo Bay. The donation is in honor of Spc. Sam Leedom, who died in a tragic car accident July 16. The Leedom family also directed memorials amounting to $1,600 to the Hugo BTYRN.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 8, via teleconference.

Shannon Granholm

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS The Centerville City Council at its Aug. 12 meeting took the following action: • Approved the developer's agreement for Old Mill Estates 2nd Addition. A few months ago, council approved the final plat for this development but did not approve the developer's agreement.

In the meantime, progress was delayed due to the onset of COVID-19. The developer, Elmcrest Vistas LLC, used the delay to study the housing market and secure financing. Now the developer is ready to move to phase 2 and begin construction of the infrastructure for the 2nd Addition. The work wwill take place this fall, with the exception of the final lift of asphalt, City Engineer/ Administrator Mark Statz said. The developer has paid the sewer access charge (SAC) of $41,400, water access charge (WAC) of $33,000, stormwater access charge of $32,038 and the park dedication fee of $63,000, Statz said.

• Conducted the first reading of an ordinance dealing with the width and location of driveways. If this action looks familiar, it's because council passed the driveway ordinance four weeks ago but immediately found a problem with it, Statz said. Staff noticed a contradiction in the language regarding the prohibition of driveways from setbacks and easements. The intent was to allow driveways in the setbacks and in easements via encroachment agreements. The 5-foot setback to the property line should remain, as it has been a part of the city's ordinance for some time, he said.

• Approved accessibility improvements in some of the city’s parks. Following a recent parks accessibility audit, Public Works Director Paul Palzer found acces-

sibility deficiencies. Public Works elected to take care of these deficiencies as soon as possible as the cost to do so is still reasonable. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessible routes to city facilities. The corrections involve a few small areas of trail connections to add to the system. City staff solicited quotes to pave some access paths needed to mitigate accessibility issues, and council awarded the contract to Mueller Asphalt in the amount of $10,584 for the construction of trail improvements.

Funding would amount to $10,584 with monies from the street and trail fund.

• Approved pay request No. 4 to A-1 Excavating in the amount of $424,975.54 for the Downtown Street and Utility Improvements.

• Passed a resolution electing to participate in the Local Housing Incentives Account Program under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act for calendar years 2021 through 2030.

Although the city has already completed the latest version of the Comprehensive Plan, it is resubmitting its housing goals above and beyond what is required in the Comprehensive Plan to be eligible for some of the $23 million in grant dollars. “We care about housing stock and our tax base,” Statz said, “so we do have affordable housing in town, with the need for it not as great in Centerville as in other towns.”

• Approved the waiver of assessment appeal for water service connections at six properties: 1724 Heritage St., 7048 Progress Road, 7072 Progress Road, 7082 Progress Road, 7085 Progress Road and 7059 Goiffon Road. The property owners recently connected to city water and have

been assessed for the improvements in various amounts, around $14,000 or so.

They have waived the right to object to the assessments.

• Proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every year, the month of October is so recognized throughout the country. Cities and counties take the opportunity to honor this cause and make their communities aware of the importance of ongoing work to create a violence-free community.

Alexandra House partners with communities in Anoka County to promote awareness of domestic violence.

• Heard the Administrator/Engineer's Report from Statz: • Centerville businesses that committed to participating in the Blue Sign program include Kelly's Korner, Korner Express, Wiseguys Pizza and CenterMart. The Economic Development Authority's program provides a 75% participation in the costs for the first year of having the businesses' logos placed on the blue signs on I-35E. • The Planning and Zoning Commission was presented with a concept plan for a three-story, 96-unit apartment complex on commercially zoned land between 20th and 21st avenues, north of Main Street. The project would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning. If the developer chooses to pursue these land use requests, a public hearing would be scheduled to receive community input on the proposal.

• The contractor for the 20th Avenue Mini Storage was scheduled to begin utility installation on Aug. 11.

• The developer of Bay View Villas (at the former Waterworks site) continues to

work on site cleanup, restoration and landscaping. A meeting was held with the neighboring property owners to lay out the construction of their driveway access onto the new LaValle Drive.

• A developer was looking to build a 50unit apartment building, potentially with an affordable housing component.

Staff shared information on downtown parcels for sale and on those that may be conducive to redevelopment.

• A market researcher approached city staff, interested in the number of senior living facilities in development or construction approached city staff.

• After canceling the originally scheduled citywide cleanup day due to COVID-19, staff has made some technology investments to reduce person-to-person contact. A preliminary date of Saturday, Oct. 10, has been set for the rescheduled event.

• All utility work on the 2020 Downtown Street Utility Improvements project is complete except for the installation of new water services to residences. Paving

by Labor Day is possible.

• The Parks and Recreation Committee has one open seat and is looking for a candidate. Apply for the position on the city's website at centervillemn.com.

• Normally scheduled for Aug. 4, a new Night to Unite date has been set for Oct. 6.

• A member of the Centennial Police Department staff has tested positive for COVID-19; a paid, on-call member of the Centennial Fire District has tested positive for COVID-19 and a member of Centerville city staff has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Loretta Harding

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

12

www.presspubs.com

THE CITIZEN

Boats & Accessories '94 Johnson E scow for sale, Symmetric spinnaker (not converted), (2) full sets of sails/spinnakers , travel ready trailer, raced at Bald Eagle in 2019, $1800 or BO, 651-895-0570 Boat Trailer, new tires, bearings, lights, spare tire. $400. 612819-1651 Port-A-Boat 2014, Folds to 4”, weighs 108 lbs. 4 swivel seats, Oars. Like new $1200. 612-819-1651 Two Hobie Mirage Kayaks w/Trailer, $6,000. 651-426-1227

Lost & Found PRESCRIPTION GLASSES clear lenses, blk frame, brown case; found near Cup & Cone Aug. 5. Call 651-407-1250 READER GLASSES pink with blk floral design on frame; left at Press Publications, outside front door.

Call 651-407-1250

Free items FREE large solid oak computer station.

VERY HEAVY. Lots of storage. Will need 2 men to move it.

Very good condition.

651-426-1218

Hauling/ Moving

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

Scrap metal appliance pick up 651-329-0815

Vehicles Wanted

Home Improvement A HANDYMAN Lrg & sm jobs 612-751-8336

Tools BAND SAW 14” B&D Gd cond on stand $350. 651-493-0838 CENTRAL VAC SYS 1½hp Grizzly industrl $300. 651-493-0838

For Sale

Want to buy

Many Great Items for Sale. Call for Info.

651-429-3492 New children's book by local authors. “Teddy & Oso Adventures” Follows 2 teddy bears on family adventures.

Avail at Amazon.com.

Solid Oak Banquet Tble, no leaves. 8' L x 42” W; $50 ....

651-429-3994 VHS TAPES, 22 of Dean Martin's TV variety shows. MAKE OFFER!651-482-9029 Vintage Magazine Issues made famous

by Hugh Hefner in Leather Wrap Binder.

Price listed or b/o.

1956: 8 iss. $25 1957: full 12 iss.$30 1958: 9 iss. $25 1959: full 12 iss. $30 1960: full 12 iss. $30 Call 651-482-5986

Real Estate CARS WANTED • Cash Paid • Free Towing Call Swede's Towing, LLC (651) 462-5513 (612) 269-2706

Estate Sales Everything Must Go! One day, Th 9/3 8a-6p Items throughout house, 7108 Sunset Ave, Lino Lakes.

20 WOODED ACRES on GG in Polk Cty, WI near Bone & Half Moon Lakes $50k firm. 651-430-1002 FARM w/ LAKESHRE 30 min to city in Stacy, Trade for home + CD. 651-488-0561 Delisle.

Lakeshore

AUGUST 27, 2020

• Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment •

We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment.

White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651-224-4947

Assistant County Engineer Full Time Manage and direct the engineering design staff, construction engineering staff, Highway Maintenance staff, Consultants and Contractors in delivery of the Transportation Improvement Plan; Coordinate the transportation planning, engineering, traffic and maintenance sections for seamless and effective operations of the department.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in Civil Engineering; 10 years of progressive experience in highway design and/or constructions engineering. 8 years of progressive experience supervising public related engineering projects. 5 years of progressive experience in supervision and management of transportation staff.

Minnesota Professional Engineer License. $38.09 to $51.75 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us

by August 31, 2020.

Garage Sales Artist Fused Glass & Moving Sale. Lots of new art glass & interesting moving items to be sold. Cash only.

Aug. 29 – 9-3pm front yard. 201Edgecomb Dr., Mahtomedi HUGE MULTI-FAM HH itms, boys & girls clthng, toys, pls-sz clthng 8/26,27,28,8am 2416MayfairAveWBL MULTI-FAMILY – DWNSZNG! EVERYTHING MUST GO! APPLE WATCH,1yr old. Baby/ children's items; infant-toddler boy'sclothes;furniture; hseholditems;puzzles; Aug. 28–29, 9am – 6pm 1445 Whisperwood Trail, WBL Something For All! Tools, antiques, furn, collectibles, etc.

Thr-Sat, 8/27-29 9-5 2341 Blomquist Ave VH Block Long 36003700 Arcade St N, 3600-3700 Ctrville at CR E. 8/29 from 9-4p

Mbl Hm in Assc Ful frn Amery,WI Lk Wapo $83K 651-324-7036

• Employment • Employment • Employment •

Maternal Child Health Nurse Full Time & Part Time Desired Qualifications: BSN and Public Health Nurse Certificate: no weekends, nights or holidays!

Provide in-depth health assessments and education centered on pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, parenting, health and safety. In addition, offers assistance to families in accessing needed resources in the community. COVID-19 response: phone or virtual visits, assisting with essential needs of those in isolation or quarantine such as resources for food, shelter and medications; case investigation and contact tracing. $24.91 to $34.18 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us

by August 31, 2020.

Do you have a home, lot, cabin or commercial building to sell? We’ll buy when you want, as-is, no fees. Call Micah at 651.400.0530 PT Office Administrator Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1660 Birch Lake Ave. in White Bear Lake.

Competitive hourly wage.

Email resume to pastorjennifer @ctkwbl.org.

The Farmer's Daughter in WBL is seeking Friendly and Energetic Retail Sales Clerks to Join Our Store!

Long-term, PT, 10am – 5pm

If you enjoy working in a fast paced, customer focused environment, then we want you to come work for us!

Domino's is hiring for driver's, pizza makers and shift runners at the following locations: White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Lindstrom, Hugo and Shoreview.

Computer & retail experience helpful.

Light lifting required.

Email resume or request an application at TFDWBL@ gmail.com WHITE

KE

BEAR LA

$10 - $17/hr No experience necessary, room for advancement, part time and full time available.

Stop by the store or call Becky at 612-816-3159 to set up an interview.

HIRING WEEKEND & EVENING POSITIONS

Fun Fall Jobs Great Seasonal Jobs Full-Time & Part-Time There are many positions available for our apple season!

No experience necessary.

Positions available: Bakery Production Retail Sales It's a great job opportunity for all ages.

Day, Evening and Weekend Hours available. Apply in person.

Thurs, Aug. 27, 2 – 5pm Pine Tree Apple Orchard North of White Bear Lake East Hwy 96 on Apple Orchard Road

Family-Owned & Operated Business in the North Metro Area

JOIN OUR TEAM! GROUND CREW PERSONNEL NEEDED! Full-Time & Year-Round.

Pay is dependant on experience.

Experience is preferred, but we will train the right individual!

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

651-426-8660

www.BudgetTreeServiceMN.com

Sheriff's Deputy Full Time

Custodian Position is full-time, part of the custodian bargaining unit and based at Mahtomedi High School.

Start Date: August 31, 2020 Hours: 2:15 p.m. To 10:45 p.m.

Salary: $19.52/hour plus .40/hour shift differential after 12:00 pm Benefits: Per Master Agreement Minimum Requirements: High School education or equivalent. Prefer a high level of skill in general maintenance

Must be able to perform duties of “Sheriff” as defined in MSS 645.44 and duties of “Peace Officer” as defined by MSS 626.84. Candidates must have the ability to work various shifts and pass a background investigation and required testing. A current MN Post Peace Officers License or MN POST letter of eligibility is required with application.

One year of full-time sworn peace officer experience preferred. $27.22 to $35.30 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us

by September 7, 2020.

Qualifications: Must be able to lift 50 pounds Must have excellent cleaning skills Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in janitorial and grounds Apply online at: www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us click on Human Resources Follow directions to complete the application. Thank you!

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Mahto me di Public Schools will not discrimin ate against individu als base d on race, color, creed , religion, nation al origin, sex, marital status, pare ntal status, status with regard to public assistan ce, disability, age or sexu al orientation.

Brookdale North Oaks is Hiring Full time and Part time Certified Nursing Assistants, Med Techs, and Caregivers All positions provide direct care to residents.

The following shifts available are AM: 6am-2pm, PM: 2pm-10pm, and NOC: 10pm-6am.

Please submit all resumes to bquistad@brookdale.com, or stop in to fill out an application at 300 Village Center Drive, North Oaks MN 55127

UP TO $16/HR

Human Resources Director

Cooks, Servers & Hosts Must like people!

Full Time Duties Include: Providing department leadership, vision and strategic direction; directing the development, planning, management coordination, delivery and evaluation of Human Resources programs and benefits; developing human resources policies and oversees HR activities such as employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, training and risk management.

Desired Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or University with a Master's Degree in Human Resources, public administration, business management, or a closely related field and nine to eleven years of experience in a human resources capacity with dcaemonstrated ability in a leadership role. $47.85 to $65.14 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us

by August 31, 2020.

Accounting Clerk-AP Advertisement August 2020 The City of Circle Pines/Centennial Utilities is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Clerk. This full-time position is responsible for professional level of accounting work including preparing and processes city, utilities, fire and police accounts payable checks. Reviews and enters invoice data from vendors and accounting records to reflect appropriate payments. Also completes a variety of standard accounting transactions along with fulfilling receptionist duties such as directing calls and providing counter help to assist citizens and customers. Assist in administrative duties as needed. Minimum requirements of a High School Diploma or GED and two years demonstrated experience in accounting procedures. Degree in accounting/finance desired. Applicant should also be familiar with computerized accounting system. Salary range $23.38-$31.16. For a full position description and how to apply visit www.ci.circlepines.mn.us. Applicant must fill out a City of Circle Pines/Centennial Utilities application to be considered. Application deadline 4:30 p.m.

Friday, August 28, 2020. The City of Circle Pines/Centennial Utilities is an equal opportunity employer.

Substitute School Cleaning Team Members

Experience preferred, but

Start Date: September 2020 Salary Range/Hourly Rate: $16.00 per hr (non affiliated position) Work Week: Paid on Call (will be placed as needed and may move to other sites). Very flexible hours.

Position Summary: Performs semi-skilled work cleaning and maintaining school building interiors and exteriors, help do extra deep cleaning and sanitizing and related work as apparent or assigned.

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED. Special Requirements: Valid driver's license in the State of Minnesota.

APPLY IN PERSON!

will train best candidates!

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Email: jobs@isd624.org Website URL: http://www.isd624.org An Equal Opportunity Employer

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AUGUST 27, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

13

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14

THE CITIZEN

AUGUST 27, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Schwieters expanding campus — again

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

HUGO — Schwieters Companies would like to expand — again.

Victor Land Holdings LLC has requested approval of a preliminary plat and site plan for an approximately 22,500-square-foot office/warehouse building with a 4,600-square-foot enclosed garage and associated parking. The building, located west of Fenway Avenue and south of 140th Street on property known as the Roy Molitor 3rd Addition, would be occupied by Schwieters Companies and used for a small office area and warehouse for its residential and commercial fi nishes business, which includes products like trim, cabinets, carpentry, doors and hardware.

The building, located adjacent to an earlier manufacturing facility constructed in 2018, will be 32 feet tall, where 50 feet is permitted.

The applicant is also requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) for the campus development. The CUP shows future phases, which include two additional buildings proposed within the campus development.

Four other Schwieters buildings, including the company headquarters, are located across Fenway Avenue in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park.

Community Development Director Rachel Juba explained that the fi rst phase of the development was construction of a 145,000-squarefoot manufacturing/ warehouse building.

Phase 2 will consist of the proposed 27,100-square-foot office/warehouse building, which is to be located on the northeast corner of the site. Phase 3 will consist of a 12,000 square-foot office/ warehouse and a 45,000 square foot warehouse building, located along the northwest and southeast corners of the 18-acre site.

The applicant is only requesting site plan approval and an easement vacation for the second phase of the project.

Each new building will be required to apply for formal site plan approval for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Juba explained the council previously approved a CUP for a campus development back in 2018. Although the general location of

the proposed building remains the same, the Phase 2 building is slightly larger than originally proposed but still falls within the city's requirements for the business park district. The company has also requested an access off of 140th Street.

Chairperson Bronwen Kleissler inquired about whether there would be lighting on the north side of the building, which faces the residential area.

Victor Land Holdings representative Mark Guenther explained that there would be lighting on every side of the building, but the lighting would be dim, screened and pointed downward.

Commissioner David Fry wanted more details on the kinds of vehicles that would entering and leaving the property as well as the frequency of trips.

Schwieters Companies General Manager Jason Jones said that the building would receive three deliveries a day on average. One of those would be by a large truck and the others likely from UPS or FedEx. The Planning Commission held a public hearing Aug. 13. Two residents of the Fenway Place townhome development shared their concerns remotely via teleconference. Juba said that three other neighbors also shared their concerns by email and one resident by phone prior to the hearing. The emails expressed concerns including traffic, noise, landscaping and access points.

Bob Meyers, who lives on 141st Street, said he serves on the Fenway Homeowners Association board. He noted that although he doesn't hear much of the noise because of where his property is, he says he has heard a lot of complaints from neighbors.

“They say from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. they can hear nothing but BAM, BAM, BAM.” He said the doors on the existing building are left open during work hours, which makes it even more noisy for neighbors.

Guenther said it is clear the neighbors have some concerns on the current operation that need to be addressed, but he is not involved in that. He is involved in the proposal for the new building.

Jason Jones explained that the doors were intentionally placed on the south side of the building (opposite side of the residential

Schwieters Companies plans to construct another building to provide a small office area and warehouse for its residential and commercial finishes business.

area) and those doors will remain closed, as the products that will be made inside the building require a climate-controlled environment.

Resident Donald Jones urged the commission to put any restrictions in writing and to follow through with them. He said many promises have not been upheld.

“We were told there would be no traffic entering from 140th Street. We were told that all traffic would be from Fenway. We were told there would be no exterior storage in the building that is currently there, and there is outside storage facing us. We were told that the doors would be closed except when they were taking material in and out. We have the doors open from sunrise to sunset,” he said. “I have a buffer of evergreen trees and I hear the noise through the trees in my sunroom ... We ask that Schwieters be a good neighbor. That is all we are looking for.”

Juba explained that the previous approval did permit exterior storage on the north and south side of the building. Although the previous approval did not include an access on 140th, that was because it was not requested. As for the doors being open, Juba said she would contact the company to see if they can keep their doors closed.

Vice Chair Scott Arcand shared his thoughts. “I don't think it is reasonable for someone to say that you can't open the doors of your building

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Victor Land Holdings LLC is proposing to build an approximately 22,500-square-foot office/ warehouse building with a 4,600-square-foot enclosed garage and associated parking. The building is proposed to be located at the northeast corner of the site along Fenway Avenue, near 140th Street.

or use the streets around your complex. I don't get it,” he said.

Commissioner Matthew Derr said, “I think they have done a good job designing the building to limit the disruption to the neighborhood to the north.”

The Planning Commission ultimately voted 5-2 (Fry and Kleissler opposed) to recommend approval to the City Council.

The council approved the preliminary plat, fi nal plat, development agreement and easement vacation at its Aug. 17 meeting.

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

BUSINESS BRIEF Bald Eagle Boat Rental in process of being sold New owners Katy and Ben Robinson are scheduled to close on the purchase of Bald Eagle Boat Rental from current owner Marty Weber early next year.

The Robinsons recently requested a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment to continue operating the business, located at 4444 129th Street N. in Hugo on the north end of Bald Eagle Lake.

The seasonal boat rental business has been on the property for decades, but has had a few different owners. It is only allowed to operate between April and October.

The Robinsons are asking the city to clean up and revise the existing conditional use permit to remove conditions that are no longer applicable and to change the mix of boat types they propose to rent to the public. The changes to the CUP will bring the number of allowed rentable rowboats from 17 to four. The change will also allow the rental of six pontoons instead of two. The Robinsons have also requested to extend the dock length from 200 feet to 250 feet. A list of conditions that would allow the city to purchase the property was also removed from the amended CUP. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the request at its Aug. 13 meeting and there was no public comment. The commission unanimously recommended approval of the updated CUP. The City Council also approved the item at its Aug. 17 meeting.

AUGUST 27, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

15

Educators make plea for distance learning

BY KATIE LEIBEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — On Monday, Aug. 24, educators and their loved ones gathered in a socially distanced manner before the school board meeting to request that distanced learning start off the school year.

Supporters dressed in “red for ed” to show solidarity with educators who feel unsafe returning to school with a hybrid model this fall.

“Our most recent survey of White Bear Lake Educator (formerly the White Bear Lake Teachers Association) members shows that 74% of 468 respondents would choose distance learning because it is the model that offers the greatest safety and consistency and the highest instructional quality as we start the year,” said Tiffany Dittrich, a teacher in District 624.

Educators sited safety, consistency and high-quality learning as reasons for wanting to start the school year off with a distance learning model. They noted that multiple school districts near White Bear Lake have decided to go this route.

“We would love if Dr. (Wayne) Kazmierczak and the board members came forward with a different proposal like many of the surrounding school districts like Mounds View, North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale and Roseville that have decided to start off with distance learning for a few weeks and then transition into hybrid learning once they’re ready,” said teacher Karin Hogen.

Currently the schools are planning a hybrid model of return this fall, but educators argue that they are being thrown into this without a plan.

“On Aug. 10, I shared a list of over 100 questions regarding safety and quality instruction with district leadership and the school board. As of today, a majority of those questions remain inadequately answered or unanswered,” Dittrich said.

“Some of our questions are, ‘how are we going to support our students of color? How are we going to support our students without access to the internet?’” said Erika Jagiella, a special education teacher at Otter Lake Elementary. “We have tons of questions about how the buildings work without air conditioning, more so safety questions than how daily things work with our students.”

Teachers pointed out that managing social distancing and mask wearing for all students in the packed

Educators and their loved ones gathered outside of the district center to request the school board consider starting the 2020-21 school year distance learning. Educators held signs promoting distance learning and voiced their concerns with the district’s current hybrid model.

hallways and schools, even in a hybrid model, would be difficult.

“We can have all of the PPE and all of the sanitation measures that we need, but unfortunately it comes down to how students deal with that, how students do that. And of course, we’ll teach them, but in the mean time we know there are students who are going to forget, there are students who are going to challenge it. We know that there are some who might accidentally make the wrong move and put everybody at risk,” said Claire Luger, a special education teacher at Central Middle School.

During the event, board member Deborah Beloyed came outside before the meeting to hear from concerned teachers.

One woman had tears streaming down her face as she begged the board member to switch to distance learning for the safety of herself and her family.

When asked to comment, Beloyed declined and referred all questions to Board Chair Don Mullin.

“I think this is an important issue because I think that school, first and foremost, needs to be safe for every single person in the building, and I think that if there is an increased risk at all of someone getting sick then we are not doing our job of supporting families as we need to,” said Kristin Chase, a teacher at Central Middle School.

Bernie Burnham, the Vice President of Education Minnesota, came to the event and spoke on the

KATIE LEIBEL | SUBMITTED

One teacher dressed as a rat in reference to Dr. Fauci’s quote that students and teachers returning to school this year would be similar to lab rats. See more photos online at presspubs.com.

issues the educators were facing.

“We know educators want nothing more than to be back in their classrooms with their students, however; in these times with so much uncertainty we must ensure the safety and well-being of all,” she said.

The group at the event asked community members to join White Bear Lake Area Educators in a commitment to help protect the community.

“I’m excited to share with you today a way we can all get involved: Bears protect Bears. Coupled with the work being done in our schools, this initiative ensures safety and consistency for every Bear throughout this year. Join us in committing to habits that mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Dittrich said.

They are asking community members to hang up a sign in their windows and commit to wear a mask in public places, socially distance, wash hands, and stay home at any sign of symptoms.

“I think the community needs to know that we, no matter what as teachers, will teach our students, but we just want to make sure that we’re not spreading it further to the community,” Jagiella said.

Jagiella also pointed out that as a special education teacher, she has many

students who are vulnerable and social distancing may be something that they don’t understand yet.

“One of the most important things is starting the year off with distance learning for all, and then once we see cases go down in our tri-county area, move back to a hybrid model when it’s safe, when we know it’s something we can control in our schools,” Luger said.

Organizers emphasized that this event was not meant to be a protest, but more of an education and unity event. One teacher noted that although this pandemic feels long, in the whole scheme of things it is short term.

“Why would we risk any Bear in the community?” said Joanna Trudgeon, a teacher at North Campus High School.

“Why would we risk any life because we are so eager to return to something that’s unsafe because we want it to be back to the normal that we’re used to? We need to wait a little longer so everybody in this community is safe.”

Although multiple nearby districts switched to distanced learning for the first few weeks of school until cases of the virus start to decline, it is unclear if White Bear Lake will follow suit.

APPLECREST: Stillwater couple continues family orchard legacy FROM PAGE 1

Applecrest Orchards as the “family business” and AI Grow as the “office” or “day job.” Applecrest Orchards has one full-time employee, a few volunteers and, currently, an intern. AI Grow has six employees.

Shelli is the creative director for the orchard, as her graphic design and photography skills have been put to good use.

Applecrest Orchards has been around since 1985 and had a few different owners. The 10 1/2-acre property boasts about 1,400 trees surrounding an 1884 farmhouse. Chris and Shelli purchased the orchard from Dave Graetzer, who bought the property back in 2003.

Chris explained that as part of the purchase, Graetzer agreed to serve as a mentor for the fi rst season. Although the property is under new ownership, there are no big changes in store for the fi rst year of operation.

“We want to pick up where

Dave left off,” said Applecrest volunteer Rachel March. “We are not trying to recreate the wheel; we are just trying to continue with the family orchard experience.”

Chris added, “We want to put a lot of emphasis on community. We are very proud and honored to be here. Everyone we have met has been extremely supportive, so we want to deliver for them.”

Customers will fi nd 33 varieties of apples at Applecrest along with pears, heirloom pumpkins and squash, frozen apple pies, caramel apples, jams, jellies and more.

In addition to selling goods from Minnesota businesses, customers can also purchase house-brand treats, as Shelli obtained her cottage food license.

The business will open to the public for a soft opening Aug. 29 and a grand opening Sept. 5.

Customers can stop by from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends

SUBMITTED

Applecrest Orchards is now owned by Stillwater residents Chris and Shelli Ellis. The couple purchased the business and property in November 2019, so this is their first growing season.

or by appointment. The plan is to also have food trucks at the orchard on Saturdays.

Applecrest Orchards has a presence at the Shoreview Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays (through

Oct. 13) and the White Bear Lake Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays (through Oct. 30).

For more information about Applecrest Orchards, visit applecrestorchards.com. For

more information on AI Grow, visit aigrowllc.com.

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

16

THE CITIZEN

AUGUST 27, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

AROUND TOWN 2.

3.

1.

6.

4.

1. This photo of a butterfly was taken near Bald Eagle Lake earlier this month. —Ellen Witzel, submitted

5.

2-3. These chalk drawings were spotted in the Waters Edge Community in Hugo. —Becky Magnuson, submitted 4. This photograph was taken of a little farm off of Elmcrest Avenue, just south of 170th Street N in Hugo. —Andrea Lynch, submitted 5. Bentley Jachymowski and his sister Cienna were riding bikes when Cienna accidentally called the police. Bently was thrilled when a deputy from the Washington County Sherriff’s Office decided to pay him a visit anyway. The deputy helped Bentley find and rescue toads in their driveway. —Jackie Jachymowski, submitted 6. Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network volunteers packed up items for the 34th Military

7.

Police Company. Pictured (from left) are: Joan Kacz, Amy Van Dyke, Alex Van Dyke, Barbara Connolly and Max Van Dyke. The care package items were purchased with a donation from the Hall Family Foundation in memory of SPC Sam Leedom and a memorial from the Leedom Family to honor their son’s service and support his unit during their deployment. —Chuck Haas, submitted 7. The Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network recently accepted a flag, certificate of authenticity, letter of thanks, unit patch and command coin from Hugo native, Major Eric Neutkens for the network’s enduring support of his helicopter Medivac unit while they were deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan; Eric is the son of Hugo residents Paul and Debra Neutkens; both of whom are volunteers for the network. —Chuck Haas, submitted

Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to citizennews@ presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.

TURF & GARDEN TIPS AUGUST 2020 NEED HELP? GOT PROBLEMS?

Steve Marier

In each edition of The Citizen we will share tips to help you acheive your lawn and garden goals.

We will cover timely lawncare, crabgrass & weed control, aerating and overseeding your lawn.

HUGO FEED MILL

GARDEN

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common question at harvest time is “When are my peppers and tomatoes ripe?” The general answer is go by color and feel. When they are not hard, but slightly soft. But also know what color your peppers and tomatoes mature to. Some vegetables have various colors; for example, bell peppers can be eaten green, but are much sweeter when they fully mature. Most people pick too early, especially with peppers.

Now harvest is in full swing and you are inundated with vegetables.

How do we preserve them to get through the next year? There are many different ways to preserve your vegetables - freezing, canning, pickling, and dehydrating. Salsa is a popular way of canning as well. Check the U of M Extension for information on food preserving methods at extension. umn.edu/food-safety/preserving-and-preparing

LAWN

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146th St. N.

Cty

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Hwy 61

PRESENTED BY:

HUGO FEED MILL & HARDWARE Family Owned Since 1923

674813

f you fertilize only once per year (low maintenance), then late August is the time to do it. Apply your fall fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. We recommend Hugo Feed Mill’s brand 25-0-15, with slowrelease nitrogen for a longer feeding period.

We recommend keeping grass 3 to 3 1/2 inches tall with regular mowing.

This is still true until more moisture becomes available as fall approaches.

Remember that gradually lowering cutting height (think 1/2 inch increments or one notch change at a time per mowing) is best for the grass.

Are you having problems with dandelion, creeping Charlie, clover and other broadleafs? Now is the best time to apply broadleaf weed control products like SpeedZone, T-Zone and Weed Free Zone. Fall growing conditions allow for better uptake of the herbicide, resulting in excellent weed control. A Fall treatment will give you fewer pesky weeds next spring.

5582 146th St. N. | Hugo 651-429-3361 hugofeedmill.com

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Sunflower Walk

Waldoch Farm changed its Sunflower Festival to a U-Pick Sunflower Field and Walk, which kicked off last weekend. Attendees will have to sign up for two-hour timeslots and purchase tickets online. The 6-acre sunflower field is equivalent in size to six football fields. In addition to many photo opportunities, attendees can also take home some blooms too.