The Citizen by Press Publications

Help celebrate 100 years

community members are encouraged to send him a birthday card. The goal is to collect 100 cards in time for his birthday party Sept. 28. Send cards to White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, 4751 US-61 N, White Bear Lake.

Local kayaker explores Minnesota lakes

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Renee Sonka likes to think she follows in her parents’ footsteps. The daughter of former canoe racers Dave and Nancy Olsen, she frequently finds herself bringing her love of the outdoors out onto the open water.

CONTRIBUTED

Renee Sonka has been adhering to a new favorite summer activity — kayaking on as many Minnesota lakes as she can.

“My dad has a deep love of it,” said Sonka. “He was also a hobby photographer as I was growing up, which led him to start canoeing. That common love of the outdoors is just as much a driving force for me.”

Born in Owatonna, Sonka has lived in White Bear Lake for 18 years. Of those 18, Sonka has devoted the past six to putting her love of nature toward a new hobby: kayaking. Here, Sonka once more highlighted her parents as inspiration for welcoming the open waters with open arms.

“I still have one of their old canoes, which originally sparked my interest in getting on the water,” Sonka said. “I started renting one in White Bear Lake about every other week, which became every week because I started loving it. After my second summer of being on the water, I realized I could own my own kayak for the same money I was

SEE KAYAKER, PAGE 16

North Metro homeowners share their yards for K-9 adventures

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Think of an Airbnb, but for dogs. That’s where Sniffspot comes in.

Dog owners are offering up their yards to other dogs.

Sniffspot’s founder, David Adams, lives with a leash-reactive and a dog-selective dog. He and his wife Rebecca were struggling to meet their

pup Toshii’s basic needs in a city environment, as there was nowhere safe to let their guards down. Inspired by the idea of making things better for dogs, Adams put up a simple website and started crowdsourcing yards. Sniffspot has grown from there. Now Sniffspot operates in all 50 states.

Lin Shurtleff lives on the border of Hugo and

Lino Lakes. She has offered up her 1-acre, fully fenced yard as a Sniffspot for about a month.

“I saw an ad on Facebook about renting out your yard. I clicked on it, and the more info I saw the more interested I got,” she explained. “It makes sense for us. (My husband and I) work from home and our dogs use the yard a good

portion of the time but it would be a nice way to earn passive income.”

She has three dogs of her own, but thought, why not share their “sniffapalooza” with other dogs who might enjoy the space, but not be able to use dog parks?

“I know there’s a lot of people that would like to go to a dog park but don’t

AMANDA ROTHSTEIN | CONTRIBUTED

More and more “Sniffspots” continue to pop up around the north metro. SEE SNIFFSPOT, PAGE 2

SNIFFSPOT: Dog owners turn

want to deal with the drama,” she said. “We have the perfect setup for it … why not share our yard with people who want to give their pups a chance to roam?” And a sniffapalooza it is. In addition to roaming the yard, dogs will encounter chickens, sheep, goats, horses, miniature horses and donkeys and alpacas.

Although many of the animals can be shy, an alpaca named Rusty is always first in line to greet new guests.

“Rusty is always up there in front making sure everything is okay. If it stays quiet enough, other animals will start coming forward,” Shurtleff explained.

Kristen Peterson drives all the way from Rosemount so her two pups, Apollo and Boone can enjoy Schurtleff’s Sniffspot. “I love being able to have a unique place where I can let my dogs off leash where they are not distracted by other dogs,” she said. “I like that it is an acre fenced with other animals that they haven’t been around before.”

Since April, they have explored five Sniffspots around Minnesota.

Centerville resident Gina Schmittdiel has offered up her fenced-in backyard to dogs on Sniffspot since 2022. She learned about it from someone at church.

“She has a dog with anxiety,” Schmittdiel said, “and she was telling me about using Sniffspot. A light bulb kind of went off.” Her 10-year-old black Lab, Pepper, is also aggressive and can’t go to dog parks or doggy day care centers.

“We have a unique, really great backyard. I thought, (Pepper) doesn’t need (the yard 24/7), so we’ll share it.”

Sniffspot is designed for private play, so only the dogs that booked as a part of the reservation are allowed in the area during the booking. Host dogs are not allowed to be in the play area when guest dogs are visiting, and time buffers are built in to ensure that guests aren’t leaving and arriving at the same time.

Tamarind Knutson, of Lino Lakes, often brings her two pups, Alaska the Samoyed and Glacier the Shiba Inu, to Schmittdiel’s Sniffspot. Knutson says she brings her dogs to many spots, but they prefer the one in Centerville because it is only a mile from their home and has an abundance of shade.

“We live in a town home. We go on a lot of hikes with our dogs, but for long off-leash experiences, we prefer going to Sniffspots. My 3-year-old dog is very social, but she only likes to play with one or two dogs at a time, so places like dog parks get very overwhelming for her.”

Knutson learned about Sniffspot online around two years ago when she saw someone asking online how they could exercise their dogs while on a road trip. “I looked to see if there were any (Sniffspots) in the area, and there were,” she said.

Glacier and Alaska especially enjoy going to Schmittdiel’s spot when it snows. “They can play to their heart’s content,” Knutson said.

White Bear Township resident Amanda Rothstein has been a Sniffspot host for about a year. She follows a couple of dog influencers on Instagram and randomly stumbled across a post about a Sniffspot one day.

“I have a dog of my own, and I’m always looking for enrichment opportunities for her,” Rothstein said about her Australian shepherd mix, Maddie.

She explained many of her guests who visit are folks who don’t have yards of their own, or they are older and not quite mobile enough to go on long walks with their dogs.

“It is a nice spot for folks to come, sit and relax and let their dogs play,” she explained. “It’s a good backyard for dogs and humans alike.”

Although she was a little hesitant to become a host at first, Rothstein said it has been an overall positive experience. Because a lot of her neighbors have dogs of their own, she is very open about the fact that visiting dogs might see other dogs.

“I always want to make sure I’m not impeding on my neighbors … I’ve been trying to balance being a good neighbor while being a good host,” she said.

To learn more about Sniffspot, visit www.sniffspot. com.

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

SNIFFSPOT BY THE NUMBERS 19,805 4,973 29,138 1,604 6,819 2,191 Dog parks of 0.5 acre or more

Dog water parks

Fully fenced dog parks

Dog hiking trails

Dog fields

Dog agility parks

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Tundra and Twinkie pose for a photo with three alpacas at a Sniffspot located on the border of Lino Lakes and Hugo.

AMANDA ROTHSTEIN | CONTRIBUTED Kiwi enjoys a Sniffspot located in White Bear Township.

LIN SHURTLEFF | CONTRIBUTED

A view of a 1-acre, fully fenced in Sniffspot in Lino Lakes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING

CONTRIBUTES

Troop 136 Outdoor Skills Night

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19

Where: St. Genevieve’s Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville

Details: The event is open to all local youth in grades 5 and up. The event, which is hosted by Scouts of Troop 136, will include Paracord bracelets, knots and rope making, team games and more.

Contact: scoutmaster@troop136mn.com

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

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

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

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: Alice at 651-429-4413

WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays through Oct.

Where: Clark Street between Second and Third Streets

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

Deputies search for person of interest following assault, homicide

HUGO — A woman is dead, and an active search is underway following an assault at a residence in Washington County Monday, Sept. 16. At approximately 5:55 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a home on the 15900 block of Ingersoll Ave. N. for an initial report of an unknown medical situation. Upon arrival,

CURRENT EVENTS

MATA ORTIZ POTTERY SALE

When: Sept. 18-21

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, Details: Shop hundreds of one of a kind pieces of pottery from Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Get first dibs at presale event Sept. 17, tickets required. Contact: whitebeararts.org

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19

Where: Circle Pines Fire Station, 2 East Road

Details: Free fire extinguisher training hosted by the Centennial Fire District. RSVP to aaron.olson@ centennialfire.org.

Contact: (651) 792-7900

FALL FESTIVAL

What: Lexington Fall Festival

When: Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21

Where: 9055 South Highway Drive, Lexington

Details: Lexington’s annual Fall Festival will feature a car show, bounce houses, vendors, food, live music, fireworks, a visit from the Weinermobile and more. For more information, visit https://www.facebook. com/annuallexingtonfallfestival

‘JOIN OR DIE’ SCREENING

When: 10 a.m. Saturday Sept. 21

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19845 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Screening of the documentary that explores why people should join clubs and how democracy is dependent on community-building activities. Participants will also learn more about local organizations who will be at the event.

Contact: washcolib.org

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP DAY

When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21

Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd. Details: Free community festival with live music and entertainment, vendor market, demos, car show, kids activities, Bingo, food trucks, beer garden and fireworks show.

Contact: whitebeartownship.org

JO PROUTY BOOK SIGNING

When: noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: The Argyle Moose, 14755 Victor Hugo Blvd, Suite 100, Hugo

Details: Join the Argyle Moose for another local author book signing. Jo Prouty wrote a book about her dog, “The Love of a Dog.”

Contact: 651) 348-2081 or hello@theargylemoose.com

deputies discovered a 68-year-old woman with severe traumatic injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

Authorities are seeking Trevor Joseph Wunderlich, 45, as a person of interest. Wunderlich is described as 6’1”, approximately 225 lbs., with blue eyes, a bald head and a beard. He was last seen near the 14800 block of Hwy 61 wearing black/grey shorts and no shirt.

Wunderlich is considered dangerous, and it is unknown if he is in possession of any weapons. Anyone who sees Wunderlich is advised not to approach him and to contact 911 immediately.

More information will be released as it becomes available. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the investigation.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

Lutheran Church LCMS

Worship 9:00 AM SS/Bible Study - 10:30 AM messiahlutheranmn.com • 651-464-6842

Worship - 9:00 AM SS/Bible Study - 10:30 AM • 651-464-6842

Mass with us!

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

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

To advertise here, call Randy at 651-407-1212 or email lowdown@presspubs.com

Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaper). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 612/332-8844.

$326 million investment

We’re back in the swing of things with schools in session. It’s great to see the energy around town, in the classroom and on the fields.

Publisher’s View

As students try to figure out the layout of the school, classroom dynamics and settle into class with new teachers, many in our area are experiencing the benefit the state’s largest levy that was approved in 2019. The $326 million transformation of District 624 is amazing, with students once again being together at the new unified high school. As a former Bear, I’m happy to see these improvements being made around the district.

Carter Johnson

Students and teachers are not the only ones trying to figure out the lay of the land. Changes from new entrances, road construction and the rerouting of traffic can be messy. Our police department, MnDOT and neighbors of the new high school are reacting to the changes. District 832 students, families and community members are also experiencing some pains from road construction and traffic congestion through Mahtomedi and Willernie. There are reports of students who have been seen flying through neighborhoods, rolling through stop signs and driving recklessly. It’s a good time to remind student drivers about those complaints and concerns. As our cities and police departments work to improve safety, you might have noticed increased patrols on busy streets and crosswalks near the schools. I have heard about speeding tickets ranging from $130-200 – and think about what that does your insurance premium. Teachers, faculty, parents and students need to be considerate of the new traffic patterns through neighborhoods. We all need to remember to be patient and keep an eye out for students walking to school and other pedestrians. This also goes for parking to attend events local athletic fields. This has brought more congestion in terms of street parking and reports of people walking on private property. All of this takes time to sort out. As one of our friends mentioned, it great to see activity around falls sports season and our community. We all just need to slow down and plan to take extra time coming and going.

Political civility

Another election is upon us. For many years our team of journalists have produced one of the most complete candidate profiles for our readers. Our annual Voters’ Guide will be distributed in the paper at the end of this month.

As the local producer of news, our primary focus is on local issues and topics - “hyper-local,” we call it. During a presidential election year, national topics often make their way onto our pages through letters to the editor. While we always support community debate and dialogue through letter to the editor, there are so many other media outlets that cover the national scene. Let’s keep our sights on the local issues that aren’t covered by any other media. It would also be nice to bring back civility to our election process. Let’s also bring it back to our school board and city council meetings. Remember our local elected officials are your neighbors, friends, people you might have to sit next to at church or your kids sporting event, or maybe even your future in-laws. This time of year, community members are weighing in with all kinds of opinions along a broad political spectrum. What everyone has in common regardless of their political views is they want the best for their families and the community they live in. They just disagree on how to get there. If you have something to say in a letter to the editor, try to do it in a way that is respectful to others

Carter Johnson is publisher at Press Publications.

Practical steps to support pollinators

As the vibrant colors of summer fade and the crisp air of autumn settles in, it’s time to prepare your garden and yard for the upcoming winter months. It’s important to consider the needs of pollinators when deciding what to cut back and what to leave. Here are some practical steps to guide you through the process:

Garden Talk

1. Cut back diseased or pestinfested plants

Remove diseased or pestinfested plants, including annuals that have finished their life cycle and affected perennials, to prevent disease and pest spread.

2. Leave seed heads and stems for pollinators

Consider leaving some perennials standing until spring. Plants like asters, goldenrod, and milkweed provide essential habitats for overwintering pollinators. Leave the seed heads of plants like coneflowers, blackeyed Susans, and sunflowers intact. Many pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, rely on plant stems and seed heads for shelter and food during the winter months. Additionally, hollow or pithy stems of plants like wild bergamot, elderberry, and Joe-Pye weed can serve as nesting sites

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

• Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $45 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

• Letters for or against a candidate

for solitary bees. According to the Xerces Society, cut the stems to varying heights from 8”-24.”

3. Prune trees and shrubs sparingly

Pruning trees and shrubs in the fall helps maintain their shape and health. However, be cautious not to over-prune, as this can stress the plants and remove potential habitats for pollinators. Focus on removing only dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth while preserving habitats. Many trees and shrubs are best pruned in late winter or early spring when dormant.

4. Mulch garden beds with care

Applying a layer of mulch to your garden beds provides insulation and protects plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Use organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips, and spread it evenly around your plants. Be mindful not to cover the base of plants too thickly, as this can create a barrier for pollinators. Also, leave some bare patches without mulch since some ground-nesting bees would have difficulty going through thick layers of mulch.

5. Prepare the lawn with pollinators in mind

The U of M Extension recommends mowing the grass to a height of 3 inches and leaving the clippings on the yard. As the

clippings decompose, they will minimize runoff and improve soil quality. Aerate the lawn to improve soil drainage and reduce compaction. Use grass and clover to overseed any bare or thin areas in the lawn. The clover will attract beneficial pollinators and improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Over 300 of Minnesota native bees are ground-nesters, so leaving a few bare patches in the lawn would be helpful to them.

6. Plan for spring with pollinators in mind As you complete your fall cleanup, take some time to plan for the next gardening season. Make notes of what worked well and what didn’t in your garden. Consider new plants or design ideas that support pollinators, such as planting native flowers and creating habitats. Proper planning ensures a successful and enjoyable gardening experience.

By following these practical steps, you can ensure that your garden and yard are wellprepared for the winter months while also supporting pollinators. Fall cleanup not only promotes the health and beauty of your yard and garden but also sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing landscape in the spring. Email questions to the Master Gardeners at: wcmg@umn.edu

Kim Ury is a volunteer with the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

THE CITIZEN | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

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

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

Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.

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

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writing campaigns are paid letters.

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

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

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

Kim Ury

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC

sessment on his property.

CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS

2024 125TH STREET AND DELLWOOD RIDGE

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET PROJECT SAP 224-102-001

To Whom It May Concern:

Notice is hereby given that the City Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, to consider and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment against abutting property for the 2024 125th Street and Dellwood Ridge Neighborhood Street Project. Adoption by the City Council of the proposed assessment may occur at the hearing.

The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $258,500.00. Such assessment is proposed to be payable in equal annual installments extending over a period of 10 years, the first of the installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January, 2025, and will bear interest at the rate of 5.10% per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until December 31, 2025. To each subsequent installment when due shall be added interest for one year on all unpaid installments.

A property owner may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the county auditor, pay the entire assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City of Hugo. No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from adoption of this assessment. A property owner may at any time thereafter, pay to the

HUGO BITS & PIECES

• Speedway, located at 14815 Forest Blvd. N, has a new owner, Muntasir Elisa. Hugo Gaz LLC purchased the business and has a new tobacco license in place, which allows the business to offer retail sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Under its previous owner, the business had the same license, but licenses are not transferable.

• The Hugo American Legion will host Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 5. The event features a craft show. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend.

• Ducks Unlimited Roseville Chapter 209 will conduct bingo and a raffle Oct. 6 at Sal’s Angus Grill, located at 12010 Keystone Ave. N.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the 159th Street and Highway 61 roundabout project. Most recently, the council authorized a payment of $36,209 to Arnt Construction Company for work certified through August.

• Mike Atkinson’s two-year mining permit has been renewed for his property located on the south side of 147th Street between Irish and Hyde Avenue. The permit was set to expire in August.

For the past several years, the site has been used to stockpile material; no mining activity took place. When the permit was renewed in 2012, the council allowed Atkinson to move forward with the permit

BUSINESS BRIEF

Evergreen partners with Save the Boundary Waters

Evergreen’s third apparel launch is set to happen Oct. 4. One of the highlights of this launch will be a Boundary Waters hoodie, a collaboration with Save the Boundary Waters.

“Our goal with this collaboration is to raise awareness about the devastating proposed sulfate copper mining in Ely, Minnesota,” said Evergreen owner Lucas Chong. “We hope to shed light on this critical issue through our platform and product.”

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW), which leads the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, was formed in 1996 to continue working to protect the Boundary Waters and other wild places against ever-increasing public and commercial pressures so that the area’s wild character remains intact for future generations. In September 2013, the national coalition, called the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, was formed to create a national movement to protect the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining. It is led and funded by NMW.

WEEKLY WAG

Willadeen, also known as Willa, is a sweet, sassy and charming young lady. She is a 2-year-old cattle dog/golden retriever mix and weighs about 46 pounds. She is a beautiful girl with a soft, creamy colored coat.

Willa is social with other dogs and she is friendly to everyone she meets. She is crate-trained, leashtrained and house-trained. Willa is playful and intelligent, and she is learning her basic commands. She likes car rides and playing with her toys.

Willa does have a high energy level, so she would be a great

City of Hugo the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year. If a property owner decides not to prepay the assessment before the date given above the rate of interest that will apply is 5.10% per year. The right to partially prepay the assessment is not available.

Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The City Council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable.

An owner may appeal an assessment to district court pursuant to Minn. Stat. 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or City Clerk within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within ten days after service upon the Mayor or City Clerk.

Under Minn. Stat. 435.193 to 435.195, the City Council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is terminated for any reason provided in that law, all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Any assessed property owner meeting the requirements of this law and the resolution adopted under it may, within 30 days of the adoption of the assessment, apply to the City Clerk for the prescribed form for such deferral of payment of this special as-

renewal process without all the conditions being met until the time mining operations began again, due to the cost of meeting those conditions. (The requirements not being met are to biannually provide a topographic map of the site, calculation of stockpiled material, amount of granular material left on site to be mined and a reclamation plan.)

City staff found very minimal activity on the site to require those conditions be met for the renewal of his permit. The permit was approved with the condition that all requirements in the permit be met when mining activity resumes.

• Residents Brooke Feyen and John Finney can construct a fence within a drainage and utility easement located on property at 16180 Finale Ave. N. now that an encroachment agreement is in place.

• The 125th Street/Dellwood Ridge neighborhood street improvement project is nearing completion. The council recently declared the cost to be assessed; a public assessment hearing has been set for the Oct. 7 council meeting.

Back in April, the city of Hugo awarded the contract to Dresel Contracting Inc. The total project cost is $2,877,000. The portion to be assessed is $258,500.

Shannon Granholm

Chong, a senior at Centennial High School, launched the clothing brand Evergreen in February to encourage youth to go outside. (See “Centennial High School student uses apparel brand for ‘head start’ into real world,” Quad Community Press, July 23.) For more information about Evergreen, visit https:// evergreenapparel.org.

partner for someone who is active and looking for a walking, jogging or hiking companion. Additionally, since she is still learning her basic commands, Willa would do well in a formal training program. Being playful and smart, Willa likes to play games and do activities that include mental stimulation. Willa arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. If you are interested in learning more about Willadeen or adopting her, fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org.

Dated this 4th day of September, 2024. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Michele Lindau, City Clerk City of Hugo Washington County, Minnesota Published one time in The Citizen on September 19, 2024.

CITY OF HUGO

ORDINANCE 2024-533

AN ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY CODE TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED SOUTH OF ROSEMARY WAY AND WEST OF EVERTON AVENUE NORTH THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of the City Code. Chapter 90 of the City Code of the City of Hugo, Minnesota, is hereby amended by changing the classification on the City of Hugo Zoning Map to Medium Density Multi-Family Residential (R-5) with respect to the property legally described as follows: OUTLOT B, FRENCHMAN PLACE 2ND ADDITION Section 2. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage.

ADOPTED BY THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL ON AUGUST 19, 2024. Tom Weidt, Mayor ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on September 19, 2024.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Copper wire theft

A city of Hugo public works employee noticed that copper wire was missing from 12 streetlamps around Frenchman Road and Forest Boulevard North Sept. 11. It is unknown when the theft occurred. The incident remains under investigation. See more public safety briefs on page 6.

COPS&COURTS

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

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

• Residents in the 6000 block of Oneka Lane Blvd. N. reported someone banging on their door at 1:37 a.m. Aug. 4.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of disorderly conduct at 11:43 a.m. Aug. 4 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. While deputies were on scene, employees of the businesses stated they wanted a truck and camper to leave the premises due to their taking up most of the parking spaces. When deputies asked the owners of the camper to please leave, they left in cooperative fashion.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 8:27 p.m. Aug. 4 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. and issued a citation to the motorist for unknown offenses. Deputies cited a motorist on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. at 1:01 a.m. Aug. 7 for violating the terms of his instruction permit.

• A suspicious driver reported slumped over the wheel of her vehicle in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 7:45 a.m. Aug. 5 turned out not to be intoxicated, but an exhausted worker just finishing her night shift and needing a nap while waiting for a friend.

• A resident in the 6000 block of Goodview Trail N. at 1:25 p.m. Aug. 5 reported the neighbors for pointing a security camera right at his backyard, as part of an ongoing issue. The complainant also said the camera was taking pictures of his children in the backyard and asked deputies to make the neighbor remove the camera and stop taking pictures. The neighbor agreed to move the camera, but said he was frustrated with the complainant. Both parties talked about taking out harassment restraining orders against each other.

• Residents in the 14000 block of Fitzgerald Avenue N. at 7:26 p.m. Aug. 5 reported an acquaintance for stealing their medication while staying at their home.

• Deputies mailed a citation to the trespasser of a business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 9:52 p.m. Aug. 5.

• Delivery vehicles were reported at 5:26 p.m. Aug. 6 for speeding on a driveway in the 12000 block of Janero Avenue N. Deputies advised the complainant to contact the delivery company directly.

• A resident in the 6000 block of 146th Street N. at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 7 reported someone for using his name and job title to send false emails to co-workers to request money.

• Four juveniles reported at 1:18 a.m. Aug. 8 for causing a disturbance in the 15000 block of Europa Avenue N. were advised to return home as it was after curfew.

• A motor vehicle was cited at 9:42 a.m. Aug. 8 on Empress Way N. for displaying tabs that expired in May. When the registered owner arrived at the vehicle just as deputies were tagging it, they advised him to get new tabs and see the hearing officer.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Area fire departments participate in training

On Saturday, Sept. 14, area fire departments conducted a live fire training on a home set to be demolished near Pontoons on Bald Eagle in Hugo.

The homeowner granted fire crews permission to use the structure for training. Fire crews from Hugo Fire, M Health Fairview, Washington County Dispatch, Lino Lakes Fire Department and Mahtomedi Fire Department were able to conduct many fire attack evolutions and garage fire training.

• A motorist was cited at 4:34 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Festival Foods parking lot 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for failure to provide proof of insurance, after deputies responded to the scene of an accident at the intersection of Victor Hugo Blvd. and Frenchman Road.

• A suspicious pickup truck reported in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 11:41 a.m. Aug. 9 turned out to be a person working to repair a garage door for the homeowner.

• Deputies were called out to the 14000 block of Fitzgerald Avenue N. at 12:24 p.m. Aug. 9 to remove a peddler from a property. They advised the solicitor to pick up his goods and leave.

• A juvenile was reported at 4:37 p.m. Aug. 9 for lying on a pile of wood chips in the 14000 block of Francesca Avenue and being in danger of succumbing to a potentially collapsed wood chip pile.

• A motorist on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. was cited for open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle at 8:57 p.m. Aug. 9, following a traffic stop for no front license plate during which deputies noticed the can of alcohol that still contained liquid.

• A sinkhole was reported in the middle of 124th Street N. at Falcon Avenue N. at 11:02 p.m. Aug. 9. Deputies placed traffic cones in the sinkhole.

• Deputies conducted four traffic stops on Aug. 10. The first traffic stop took place at 10:38 a.m. in the 5000 block of 130th Street N. The second took place at 3:44 p.m. on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. for expired registration and resulted in a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance. The third took place at 5:51 p.m. on Elm Drive and Education Drive and resulted in a citation. The fourth took place at 6:54 p.m. on Isleton Avenue N. and 130th Street N. for distracted driving, after deputies came upon a vehicle in the ditch.

• A motorist in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. was arrested on a warrant at 2:48 p.m. Aug. 11, following a traffic stop for same.

• A suspicious vehicle reported loitering at 11:46 p.m. Aug. 11 near the intersection of 170th Street N. and Keystone Avenue N. turned out to be occupied by people stopping to gawk at the Northern Lights.

• Motor vehicle tampering was reported at 2:34 a.m. Aug. 12 in the 15000 block of Finley Avenue N., after two would-be thieves were seen on a video doorbell. One of the subjects opened the door of the vehicle and appeared to realize cameras were trained on him and fled. The residents said nothing had been damaged or taken from the vehicles.

• A motor vehicle was reported stolen at 3:02 p.m. Aug. 12 from the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. The vehicle’s information was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

• An electric scooter was reported found by personnel of a business in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. and turned over to deputies for safekeeping.

• A resident in the 6000 block of Goodview Trail N. at 6:35 p.m. Aug. 12 reported her soon-to-be exhusband for accessing her Venmo account and taking money out.

• A wallet was reported stolen at 7:25 p.m. Aug. 12 from the 6000 block of 152nd Street N.

• A motorist at the intersection of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road was arrested for DWI at 7:55 p.m. Aug. 12 following a motor vehicle accident.

• A suspicious fire reported at 8:25 p.m. Aug. 13 on Sunset Lake turned out to be a male tending an illegal fire to cook his food. Deputies advised the

male to finish eating and vacate the city public lake access.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 8:41 p.m. Aug. 13 reported a neighbor for cursing at him after he told the neighbor to slow his vehicle down.

• A suspicious vehicle parked in the Ideal Credit Union lot in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. at 2:23 a.m. Aug. 14 turned out to be someone who had just gotten off work and was eating dinner in the car.

• A business owner in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. at 6:42 p.m. Aug. 14 reported one of his company credit cards stolen.

• A resident in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 5:49 p.m. Aug. 15 reported receiving an invoice from Verizon in the mail, even though he doesn’t have the phone service, and that someone had opened an account in his name.

• A store manager in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 1:32 p.m. Aug. 16 reported viewing a video of a woman who put two boxes of cold medicine in her purse before leaving the store without paying. The manager confronted the woman at the exit and was allowed to look inside the purse but didn’t locate any of the store’s belongings. The woman had previously been trespassed from the store in 2023, and the manager wanted her trespassed again. She was mailed a trespass notice.

• Deputies issued three speeding citations, first at 8:38 p.m. Aug. 11 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue; next at 3:49 p.m. Aug. 11 on Forest Blvd. N. and 146th Street N.; and then at midnight August 13 in the 9000 block of 170th Street N.

• Cellphone use while driving is common in Hugo, as deputies issued 10 citations for that hazardous behavior during the week of Aug. 11-17.

One driver, at 2:16 p.m. Aug. 14 on Flay Avenue and 147th Street was so focused on his phone call he didn’t respond to emergency lights and siren for several blocks until he finally pulled into a bank parking lot. A motorist on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Road at 2:48 p.m. Aug. 14 argued she wasn’t using her cell phone, but later admitted to picking it up briefly to check a text. The driver of a colored pickup truck at 3:06 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. said she used her phone to look up a meeting address near the airport. A Minnesota motorist at 3:45 p.m. Aug. 14 on Forest Blvd. and Frenchman Avenue said she used her phone to discuss a death in the family that occurred three days earlier.

A would-be 11th driver avoided a citation at 12:07 a.m. Aug. 17 on Forest Blvd. N. and 165th Street N. by pulling over to use his phone and activating his emergency flashers.

• A suspicious slumper on Fanning Drive N. and Farnham Avenue N. at 2:35 a.m. Aug. 17 turned out to be a dad with his daughter asleep in their vehicle because they were locked out of their house. He had forgotten his house keys, and his wife wasn’t answering her phone.

• A motorist was cited at 6:54 p.m. Aug. 10 on 130th Street and Isleton Avenue N. for distracted driving, after deputies responded to a vehicle off the road.

Loretta Harding

Pipeline to be replaced in Hugo

Portions of a pipeline in the Clearwater Creek area in Hugo are scheduled to be replaced in spring 2024.

According to Emily Wellner of Merjent a refined petroleum products pipeline exposed within Clearwater Creek at two separate locations will be

removed and replaced with new pipeline below the bed of the waterbody using a public utility easement. Work will be located partially within the regulated floodplain and floodway, and temporary impacts to field-delineated wetlands will occur. No new impervious surfaces or buildings/structures will

be constructed, and all areas will be returned to preconstruction contours and conditions. Construction is anticipated to commence in April 2024.

Readers’ Choice Best of the Press is a tribute to The Citizen community’s best–from Arts & Entertainment, Eating & Drinking, Health & Fitness, Local, Services, Shopping to Sports & Recreation–as voted on by readers. The winners and top two finalists in each category will be revealed in October. Is your

FIREWORKS !!!

LEXINGTON FALL FEST

September 20-22, 2024 Join us on So Hwy Drive from Restwood to Woodlawn Rd

Friday September 20th 4:00 to 7:00pm Car

Saturday September 21st

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Family Fun Fest 12-6 pm

Kids Games • Inflatables • climbing Wall • Bungee Jump • Fair Food & Games • Drinks • Business/Vendor/Showcase Lexington Fire Dept Open House • Face Painting Balloon Art • Petting Zoo + Pony Rides 1 pm Bags Tourney Registration 12:30 pm

Street Dance featuring Live Music Alibi starting at 3 pm and UP South at 7-10 pm Sponsored by Cowboy’s Saloon

9pm Fireworks Sponsored by Lexington Fire Relief • Tree of Life Church Viewing

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September 22nd

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at Cowboys following the games and live music with Up South

The Lexington Fall Fest is an event that brings together local businesses and people of all

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Saving strategies for young adults

When a person is young, saving money may be the furthest thing from his or her mind. After all, this may be a time to enroll in college or trade school, make a first big purchase, such as a car, or even get married. Thinking about establishing a solid financial footing for the future can take a back seat when life is filled with so many significant events.

But it’s never too early to start saving — even when saving seems to be an impossible task. Young adults should keep saving in mind and look to various strategies that can set them up for longterm financial security.

Set long-term goals

It’s easier to save when saving is attached to specific goals. While some may aspire to retire early, establish an emergency fund or to purchase a home, others may want to save for an overseas vacation. Motivation to save can make it that much easier to do so.

Determine where you spend the most

Saving money on smaller purchases will add up over time, but to really build a robust savings, figure out your biggest expenditures and how you can cut back to pad your savings. The Logic of Money reports that the average American spends more than 60 percent of their income on housing and transportation. Figuring out how to cut costs in these categories can be a great way to save.

Use cashback apps

Young adults are tied to their digital devices. Why not make them work for you? Free cash back apps give you money back for various purchases. Ibotta and Dosh are just two cashback apps available. Some can be linked directly to a credit or debit card to have passive income deposited directly. With others, you can cash out as a direct deposit or via a payment app like PayPal.

Set aside one-third of your income

Make it a point to put away $1 for every $3 earned into a savings account, advises U.S. News & World Report. That is a good measure for establishing a rainy day fund. If you don’t trust yourself to transfer the money, have a set amount automatically deposited from your paycheck into a designated savings account.

Treat credit cards like using cash

The “buy now, pay later” option is an attractive trap to fall into. Using credit cards often is a safer way to pay merchants, because you’re risking others’ money rather than your own with a debit card. However, using credit can make it challenging to visualize what you’re actually spending. Do not purchase more than you can pay off within each billing cycle. Set account alerts on your phone to let you know when you’ve hit your budgeted credit card spending limit. Resist the urge to open and use too many cards. Young adults can begin saving early with some conventional and highly effective strategies.

PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD

Hardwood Creek Library hosts film screening of ‘Join or Die’ Explore why community makes democracy work, and connect with people and groups in the Forest Lake area at an upcoming film screening and community gathering. Hardwood Creek Library will sponsor a screening of the documentary “Join or Die” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Forest Lake YMCA, located at 19845 Forest Road N. “Join or Die” is a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. The film expands

on the work of sociologist Robert Putnam, whose legendary “Bowling Alone” research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.

In addition to Putnam, the film features interviews with fans and scholars like Pete Buttigieg, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and researcher Priya Parker. The film also profiles inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country. After the screening, participants can meet with local organizations like Forest Lake Community Education, Forest Lake Area Good Samaritans, Northwood Humane Society and more to learn about community groups in the area. There will also be sessions of “speedy hobbying” to help attendees connect with each other over shared interests and community activities.

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impa ired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844.220.9501 today!

your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impa ired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844.220.9501 today!

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I BUY OLD MUSIC and concert po sters, movie posters lobby card s and photos, and pre-1970 comic books. 213/944-9601 streetsof2024@gmail.com

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Wanted to Bu y WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES

Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612.72 0.2142

Garage sale on Saturday September 21st, 9am-3pm includ ing many items such as tools, ladders, drills, table saws log splitter, and many more items. Call 414.510.5557 for more information.180 Wildwood Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN

Garage sale on Saturday, September 21st, 9am-3pm includ ing many items such as tools, ladders, drills, table saws log splitter, and many more items. Call 414.510.5557 for more information.180 Wildwood Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 2

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings

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

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

• The Centerville City Council has revised the playground equipment replacement plan approved at the previous meeting. The council previously approved a 15-year plan to upgrade the city’s five playgrounds, based on a Parks and Recreation Committee recommendation. The plan laid out the replacement of all five city park playgrounds over the course of 15 years, at a total cost of $1.42 million. The parks committee also recommended council seek ways to expedite the plan where possible due to the deterioration of some of the equipment. Council then added a $100,000 infusion of funds to the equipment replacement fund.

The revised plan devised by city staff between meetings pushes the Laurie LaMotte Park playground equipment replacement project to the top of the timetable and allows vendors to propose both traditional and adaptive play equipment in one cohesive playground. The $427,000 LaMotte project, now scheduled for 2025, will be funded with $300,000 from the capital equipment replacement fund and $127,000 from the park dedication fund. The city further amended the playground plan by moving the moving Royal Meadows equipment replacement project back to 2030. Council added an extra major repair cost of $45,000 to LaMotte Park.

The council then recognized the need to replace playground structures across the city and voted to spend $100,000 to start work immediately. The council transferred $100,000 from the general fund balance to the inadequately funded equipment replacement fund to pay for replacing the playground structures.

• The newest member of the Parks & Recreation Committee is Deanna Loomis.

• The Parks and Recreation Committee has had extended discussions about creating places of prominence in Centerville that can be enjoyed in all four seasons, as part of the city’s strategic plan. Cornerstone Park at 1670 Main Street offers the city an opportunity to accomplish that goal, as people enter the city from the west. The committee has been studying various options for the center of the decorative circle in the middle of the park, which would include a Fiore tree, a memorial wall, a public art piece or historical monument. The committee unanimously recommended the city install a Fiore tree (a metal sculpture of a flower-bearing tree) for the decorative circle, and form a subcommittee to study placing other more significant memorials in that spot. The Fiore tree will not exceed $25,000 and will use money from the park dedication fund. After a lengthy discussion, council unanimously approved the Parks and Recreation Committee recommendation. The Fiore tree is a comfortable middle ground in terms of an investment, City Administrator Mark Statz said, and a great starting point, said Council Member Terry Sweeney.

• The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for Iron Valley Equipment at 7137 20th Ave. Iron Valley Equipment is a heavy equipment sales, parts and service center catering to municipalities and contractors. The plan was submitted for commission review because its need for outside storage exceeds what is allowable in the City Code. City staff concluded that Iron Valley inherited conditional use permit rights for

that extra outside storage that has been in place for more than 20 years from the auto repair shop previously located on that site. The site plan includes additional landscaping and buffering, and there are two conditional use permits that run with the land. Commissioners unanimously recommended council approval with the addition of three trees on the north side of the property to enhance buffering. The number of proposed trees is now up to 10.

• The third annual Trunk or Treat meet-andgreet event is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Centerville Elementary School south end parking lot. Local businesses will be participating in the event along with the Centennial Fire District, Centennial Lakes Police Department, MHealth Fairview and the city’s Public Works Department. Trunk or Treat will follow the seventh annual Centennial Community Education Halloween Hustle 5K, which is a fun run. Costumes are accepted, wellbehaved animals are allowed and kids are invited to join in the half-mile kids’ turnaround.

• State Senator Heather Gustafson attended the meeting to let the city know what she will be trying to move forward during the upcoming Legislative session and answered council questions. Gustafson said she would advocate for equalization funding to relieve property owners of the entire burden for financing schools; advocate for school infrastructure funding (Centennial schools need new roofing); introduce a new $300 million bill for public safety; and move to allocate funding for cities according to population to spend on public safety. Some of the topics council members asked Gustafson about include statewide rules pertaining to cell phones in the classroom; college housing and tuition costs; local control of planning and zoning; land confiscation in the Upper Red Lake area; mining in northern Minnesota; the high cost of housing; local government aid; the need for market homestead credits; and Centerville’s founding of the junior council member program.

• A resident applied for and received a special event permit to hire a live band in the 1700 block of Dupre Road on Sept. 28 from 3-6 p.m. to host a private neighborhood get-together with friends. Approximately 60 people have been invited.

• The Centerville City Council has a longstanding tradition of canceling the regular meeting that falls during the week of Thanksgiving and the second meeting in December. That second December meeting this year falls on Christmas Day. Council discussion on this topic revealed that sometimes the remaining December meeting has been laden with approximately 20 agenda items and has turned into a marathon. Deeming it easier to cancel a meeting on the fly rather than set up a meeting in similar fashion, council maintained the end-ofyear tradition by canceling the Nov. 27 and Dec. 25 meetings and tentatively scheduled a third meeting for Thursday, Dec. 5, with the option to cancel that meeting if the agenda is light. Work sessions were also scheduled for the Nov. 13 and Dec. 5 meetings.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2024

6:56 7:186:57 7:166:58 7:14 6:59 7:12

weather tidbits!

Fire district seeks volunteers to pack meals

The Centennial Fire District (CFD) seeks 80 volunteers to pack meals Saturday, Oct. 26, at CFD Station No. 3, located at 1880 Main Street in Centerville. Forty volunteers are needed for each of two shifts, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. It is all a part of Meals from the Heart, a nonprofit organization that brings people together for meal-packing events that provide relief to families facing hunger in local neighborhoods. The meals will then be distributed to local food shelves. To donate, or to sign up to volunteer, visit mealsfromtheheart. org/centennial. For questions, contact Dorothy Radermacher at 651-295-9093 or Todd King at 651-829-3232 (ext. 1).

Submitting Public Notices

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

Contact: E-Mail: Call: Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn Legals@presspubs.com 651-407-1200

4779 Bloom Ave., WBL, MN 55110 www.presspubs.com, 651-407-1200 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Believer’s Boxing Gym puts on night of fights

Believer’s Boxing Gym in Forest Lake will host “Rumble in the Forest” Saturday, Oct. 12. Attendees can expect a night of action-packed fights.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the first fight starting at 6 p.m. There will also be a cash raffle and entertainment. Believer’s Boxing Gym is located at 24799 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake. For more information, call 651-464-3564 or visit www. believersboxing. com.

Maple Grove fends off Cougars 21-14

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial gave No. 3 ranked Maple Grove a battle Friday night but lost to the Crimson 21-14 at home after leading by seven twice.

The Crimson (3-0) broke a 14-14 tie with 11 minutes left when Chuck Langama sprinted 21 yards down the sideline.

Centennial led 7-0 and 14-7 in the first half on Caleb Melser touchdown runs of two and 35 yards, and extra points by Justin Driver.

Maple Grove’s Kaden Harney responded with a twoyard touchdown run and a pass to Dylan Vokal for a nine-yard touchdown, the latter with 18 seconds left in the half.

One of the metro area’s most talented and experienced teams, Maple Grove had won its first two games over Osseo 55-7 and Champlin Park 42-14. Last year, when Centennial went 12-1 and won the state title, their lone loss came at Maple Grove, 41-28.

Melser gained 109 yards in 24 rushes and quarterback Isaac Belinske-Straus had 77 in 17 carries. Ben Clauson intercepted a pass. Josh O’Shea forced a fumble and recovered it.

For the Crimson, Harney hit seven of 12 passes for 133 yards, with Vokal catching four for 66. One 54-yard gainer to Reggie Williams set up a touchdown. Langama carried 22 times for 130 yards.

Cougar volleyball wins 3 of 7 in busy week

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Zephyr soccer teams riding high

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Both Mahtomedi soccer teams are ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 2A. The Zephyr boys were 7-0 before losing a duel of unbeatens to No. 1 Blake 3-0. The Zephyr girls are 7-1-1 with five straight shutouts.

Centennial volleyball started a busy week with a marathon five-game match against unbeaten Anoka there Monday evening. The Cougars pulled that one out 25-20, 21-25, 18-25, 25-19, 15-13, then looked “exhausted” the next night in a three-game loss to Roseville Area.

Wirkkala made 19 digs and Ella Hoenstern seven blocks.

Against Anoka, Elena Hoecke made 17 kills, eight blocks and 14 digs. Emma Peterson added 15 kills and Addison Kemper 13. Emerson Jennings made 27 assists and Gracie Meuwissen 21. Aubrie

“Great match. Both teams really came to play,” Cougar coach Nicole Christensen said.

Roseville thumped the Cougars 25-20, 25-16, 25-8, led by Logan Cregan with 13 kills. “It was rough, and I believe they were exhausted from the day before,” Christensen noted.

The Cougars (6-6) rested up until the end of the week when they had five matches Friday and Saturday in Burnsville, winning two of them. Sartell beat the Cougars 25-23, 25-19, and New Prague beat them 23-25, 25-23, 15-6. The Cougars then defeated Osseo 25-23, 26-28, 15-11 and Elk River 25-14, 21-25, 15-10. Edina beat the Cougars 25-21, 25-16 in the finale.

In the tournament, Hoecke tallied 43 kills, 37 digs and six aces. Kemper had 26 kills and Peterson 25. Emerson Jennings put up 97 assists. Wirkkala made 39 digs and Peterson 38. In the win over Elk River, Nora Lieser delivered nine kills and Lily Sang 20 digs.

Izzy Sipe led a pair of wins by Centennial Cougar girls soccer last week, delivering four goals. A 5-foot-4 senior forward who can score with either foot, she has five goals and two assists in six games for the Cougars (3-3). Sipe pumped in a team-leading 15 goals as a junior on a 13-2-1 team. She is a fourth-year starter on teams that have gone 50-9-1.

The Zephyrs boys tripped Tartan 2-1 with Mason Kipp and Gavin Maas finding the net, and Hill-Murray 5-1as Brayden Fuerst tallied three goals, and Kipp and Riley Burke one each. Finn Hemenway stopped 17 of 19 shots in the two games. Blake, state runner-up last year and 8-0-1 this year, took a 3-0 halftime lead on the Zephyrs and shut them out in the high-profile game.

The Zephyr girls blanked Tartan 4-0, Hill-Murray 2-0, and Shakopee 3-0. They have yielded just four goals in nine games, losing only to White Bear Lake 2-1.

Against longtime arch rival Hill-Murray, the Zephyrs got second-half goals by Aynslea Ulschmid on a penalty kick after a handball penalty and Emily Muetzel on a header off a corner kick from Olivia Thiele. Jacque Worden got the shutout with five saves.

Scoring against Tartan were Ulschmid, Alli McCleary, Anneliese Ulschmid and Allie Rippentrop.

Bear gridders 0-3 after loss to Woodbury

White Bear Lake lost to Woodbury 28-13 at home, due largely to costly mistakes, falling to 0-3.

The Bears gained 329 total yards to 257 by Woodbury (2-1), but had one drive halted at the three-yard line, gave up a touchdown after two straight 15-yard penalties, and gave up another touchdown after a fumble by the punter at their own 10.

Bear quarterback Tomi Animasaun passed for 232 yards, completing 16 of 28 with no interceptions. He missed on a fourth-down pass from the three on their opening drive.

Animasaun gained 35 yards on nine runs. Nate Tvedt led with 43 yards

on 14 totes. Levi Aarvig scored on a one-yard run that capped an 80yard drive.

Easton Miles caught five passes for 113 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown and a 36yard gainer when he alertly snagged a ball tipped by a defender. Ben Lockwood caught six passes for 73 yards, and Andrew Kolenich three for 35. Woodbury’s Emmett Snuggered passed for 170 yards with touchdowns to Dominic Ebensteiner (31 yards) and Nolan Freymiller (10 yards). Snuggerud had a pair of one-yard touchdown runs.

Bruce Strand

JON NAMYST CONTRIBUTED

Evan Just (4), Josh O’Shea (left) and Riley Johnson (right) wrapped up Crimson quarterback Kaden Harney.

BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED

Addison Kemper smashed the ball through a double block for a kill at Anoka.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Parker Maas (10) of the Zephyrs jousted with a Blake player for the ball.

Jessica Turtle Creates a Community Mural at WBCA

This summer, White Bear Center for the Arts collaborated with celebrated public artist and WBCA teaching artist Jessica Turtle to create a communitydriven mural installation. It’s in the name, but you wouldn’t believe the connections made over a community mural. Over the course of five days, Jessica was joined by over 100 people to paint on WBCA’s 14 x 43 foot, east-facing wall. The motley crew included artists, students, WBCA staff members, board members, writers, and even a group of morticians.

On the first day, WBCA visitor Randy joined in on the fun. He had been viewing WBCA’s exhibitions with his mother in early September when he spotted Jessica gridding out the mural. After inquiring at the front desk, he stopped by on the first day of painting sessions and even brought his own ladder. Much of the water lily on the mural can be attributed to him. He painted for over 4 hours. It’s for reasons like this that Jessica is drawn to community murals

versus painting alone. “It makes it much less hollow,” she said. Though she identifies as a true introvert, the aspect of connecting with people through a community project feels fulfilling to her. “It restores my confidence, how easily so many different people can come together to work on something.”

The mural, which she calls a “montage mural,” is essentially a collage of images submitted by members of the WBCA community. The prompt went like this: “As you walk around White Bear Lake, stop and take a look. What do you see that celebrates art, inspires creativity, or connects people?” Over 130 photos were submitted of art center memories, White Bear Lake landmarks, and people making art.

From those images, Jessica created

Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events:

"From Barry": The Perfect Pop Songs of the Bee Gees

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Saturday, September 14, 7:30 PM

Mick Sterling presents his love letter to Barry Gibbs in this Bee Gees tribute concert.

Welcome Home: The Legacy of Carole King

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Sunday, September 15, 2:00 PM

Michelle Foster performs Carole King's hits and hidden gems.

a design full of color, movement, and creativity suited for an art center. “As a community art center, the exterior of our building should reflect the vibrant, creative work that’s happening inside,” Creative Services Director Sara Nephew said. “We wanted a mural that tells our story — one that embodies the range of mediums we offer, and the energy and heart that defines WBCA.”

How does Jessica coalesce over a hundred photographs to create a unifying image? “I never really know how I do it,” she laughs. She set out to design an intentional communal space centered on creativity and connection. The mural features art in the form of dancers, a sketchbook, and a paint palette. It’s also peppered with elements of nature essential to the White Bear Lake community.

Star of the North Jazz Orchestra

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Saturday, September 21, 7:30 PM

Star of the North Jazz Orchestra presents "All You Need Is Love: A Big Band Tribute to the Music of The Beatles" featuring vocalist Jen Burleigh-Bentz.

Writer’s Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Community

White Bear Center for the Arts

Thursday, October 3, 6:00-8:00 PM

All are welcome to come join your fellow writers and the White Bear Lake community for an open mic night. Share your latest work, test new ideas, or simply soak in the words around you. Bring an original piece to read that is under 5 minutes. Please register online at WhiteBearArts.org

For Jessica, the call for art has always been there. She’s been making murals from a very young age, starting at the age of 12 when she painted a mural in her closet. She was always drawn to large-scale projects, but with an interest in ecological awareness, she couldn’t get over the lack of sustainability in fine arts. She was caught up with the feeling that she was always just producing more. With a community mural, you’re working on an existing structure. “I’m not adding anything and it’s being used for a bigger purpose,” she said. Her mission aligned perfectly with what WBCA was looking for when searching for artists. “Jessica was the perfect choice for this project, not only because of her past involvement as a teaching artist [at WBCA], but also because of her impressive mural work and her leadership in public art, community engagement, and activism,” Sara says. “We’ve admired her work repeatedly and knew she would bring the community's vision to life.”

Next time you spot a community project of any kind, don’t hesitate to approach it. “People are always cautious but anyone can do it,” Jessica says. Whether you have experience or not, be a part of something bigger.

“Light in Droplets” Community Reception

White Bear Center for the Arts

Thursday, October 17, 6:30-8:30 PM

With over 350 members, the Minnesota Watercolor Society is one of the largest associations of watercolor artists in the Midwest. “Light in Droplets” is a non-juried show open to all active members.

Fall Community Day

White Bear Center for the Arts

Saturday, October 26, 1:00-3:00 PM

Visit White Bear Center for the Arts to celebrate fall with a day full of art. Compete in a pumpkin carving contest, give several art mediums a try, create make-and-take art projects, hear live music, and more. Costumes are welcome!

spending to go on the lake.”

Each summer since 2021, Sonka has made it her goal to kayak as much as possible. However, when discussing how many lakes she has gone to since then, she dismisses numbers when describing her competitive edge.

“I guess I’m a little competitive to check things off a list,” she said. Additionally, Sonka said she seeks to visit as many new lakes as possible. “I’ll never get as many as my first summer, because my radius has expanded, so I’m not trying to outdo each one.”

Sonka’s first summer took her to local waters such as White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake. That same summer, she expanded her scope to Arden Hills’ Lake Johanna, New Brighton’s Long Lake, and even the self-described “oceanic” waters of Lake Superior.

“That one I did because a friend of mine lives up there,” Sonka said. “I had to trust her to navigate through many of the rip currents. That’s one lake I would never go out alone (on) to sit and enjoy nature.”

Other lakes Sonka has visited since include Forest Lake’s Big Marine Lake and Forest Lake, Centerville Lake in Centerville, and Hugo’s Oneka Lake. While on the water, Sonka said she

CALENDAR BRIEF

tries to adhere to specific, self-made trip guidelines.

“I usually paddle around the lake’s perimeter, unless it’s too large to make it around in a couple of hours,” she said. “If it’s a chain of lakes, I may go straight through the chain instead of around each one. Regarding paddling, I feel comfortable doing so in 10 mph winds and 15 to 20 mph gusts. If it’s higher than that, it gets too intense and is no longer relaxing. I also stick to lakes and not rivers because I normally kayak alone, and navigating currents takes more experience and is safer in company.”

However, Sonka feels the best takeaway from each trip is the beauty of nature itself. “The main word that pops in my head is ‘serenity,’” she said. “Sometimes it’s the water, clouds or even noticing a heron or the lilies I pass through. I feel 100% dedicated to being in the moment because the water demands my attention.”

For future kayaking plans, Sonka looks forward to treading over old and new ground. “I’d like to return to Forest Lake,” she said. “I only spent a couple hours on the lake’s west side, so I’d like to explore it more. I also want to take a day trip to explore Lake Minnetonka. The more I travel, the more I appreciate Minnesota’s

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting at Hay Lake School Museum

The Washington County Historical Society will host the 17th annual Hay Lake Beer Tasting Fundraiser and Silent Auction from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

incredible variety of lakes, whether up north, out of town, or right here in the metro and almost every community statewide.”

This year, the breweries attending are Bent Brewstillery, Bent Paddle Brewery, Castle Danger, Lift Bridge Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Rustic Roots winery and more. In addition, there will be a silent auction.

The Hay Lake School Museum and Johannes

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Erickson Log House Museum are located at 14020 195th St. N., Marine on St. Croix. Participants must be 21 years or older. Proceeds from the event benefit the Washington County Historical Society. Contact Susan Stepka with questions at 651-433-4014 or susan.stepka@wchsmn.org.

RENEE SONKA | CONTRIBUTED

Sonka has kayaked on a variety of lakes in the White Bear Lake area, which are indicated with pins on map. Lakes include: Centerville Lake, Oneka Lake, Bald Eagle Lake and Forest Lake.