vote. See pages 6-11.
2024 Voters’ Guide
readers can learn more about
From best hamburger to best teacher, there are hundreds of winners and finalists named by readers as tops in their field in the 2024 Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest. According to America’s Newspapers, eight out of 10 newspaper readers vote in national or state elections. More than 50,000 votes were cast by readers in five Best of the Press contests SEE WINNERS,
Local food shelves face difficulty with financial donations
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
A growing concern is building among the White Bear Lake, Hugo and Centennial food shelves. Financial donations aren’t keeping up with demand, which creates a challenge as they strive to meet the needs of those in the community who are experiencing food insecurity. Now, they are looking to their communities to help turn things around.
At the White Bear Area Food Shelf, Executive Director Perry Petersen said the most significant challenges they faced have risen due to the increased
need that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our donations have kept pretty steady for us,” said Petersen. “However, the growth of donations and support has not been able to fill the gap due to the big increase in need. It’s a considerable amount between where we were as an organization to where we’re at now.”
Petersen said the food shelf has seen steady growth in both the number of people visiting the food shelf as well as financial donations for several years. This has led to plans by the organization to open a second
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
DONATIONS: Greater financial support needed to keep up with demand
location to address the increased need for services. The food shelf’s Community Market, located next to Normandy Park Education Center, opened earlier this year.
However, the food shelf’s increased capacity to serve people has also come at a time when inflation has driven up food prices and the cost of living, which Petersen said has made it harder for people to donate finacially to the food shelf. “The gap for us has not necessarily been food donations, but monetary ones that we need for funding and to buy healthy food for our clients,” said Petersen. “We want to encourage people to have access to fresh foods, such as frozen meats, dairy and fresh produce.” The cost of food has likewise created a sizeable gap in the organization’s budget. Peterson reports that a 24% increase in financial support is needed to help the White Bear Area Food Shelf meet the need for the coming year. “The price of (purchasing) food has shot up more than we anticipated. Our donations have grown incrementally, but not at the rate of the need or the cost of food,” he said.
Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf
At the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, Building Director Chris Dufresne also noted a steep drop in donations over the past two years. “Our financial donations are down 53% compared to how they were in 2022,” said Dufresne. “Food donations for us are also down 34%.” Dufresne noted that, unlike the White Bear Area Food Shelf, the Hugo organization saw decreased need for food due to the financial assistance residents received from the government during the pandemic.
Dufresne also highlighted inflation and the rising cost of food and building expenses as contributing factors to the food shelf’s budget challenges. “What people need to understand is what it takes for a food shelf to operate these days because of the expense of the building,” said Dufresne. “We have electric and utility gas bills, just like everyone else. We’re also finding that because food donations are down, we have to purchase more food.” Dufresne also noted that the
food shelf also has had to account for an increase in the cost of labor. “When we started prior to the pandemic, we were at two part-time employees,” said Dufresne.
“Since then, we’ve increased to about four to five part-timers.”
Dufresne said he wants to let people know that despite the shortage in donations, the food shelf is here for those who need help. “I want to encourage people to come to us if they need our services,” said Dufresne. “We would like the community’s help during these challenging times. While financial donations are the best way to get the biggest bang for the buck, we still welcome fresh food from those who can donate to us.”
Centennial Food Shelf
Centennial Food Shelf Director Sheri Hanson said their food shelf is experiencing similar difficulties, and highlighted the increase in food prices as the reason for decreased financial donations. “I think a good part of it is how expensive all of our basic needs of groceries have gone up,” said Hanson. “That includes (donors) having to feed their own families, which means they have less to share with charities.”
Like White Bear, the Centennial Food Shelf received an incredibly high number of donations during the height of the pandemic before donations decreased in 2022. “We were amazed at how much money was coming in and how many food donations were coming in,” said Hanson. “In 2022, we saw a drop in financial donations and clientele.”
One reason visits to the Centennial Food Shelf may have dropped is that it is no longer serving as many people outside of the community. Hanson stated that during the pandemic, the food shelf was giving bags of government surplustype food to those outside their service area in order to tackle food insecurity. “We would give them a basic package, but we wouldn’t give them all of our nonperishable items because we could not keep up with our inventory,” said Hanson. She said the food shelf has returned to focusing efforts in its own service area. “We give them the basics
and tell them where they can go in their own area, and keep the items available for those in our community.”
Despite the drop in financial donations, Hanson said that the Centennial community has been very generous with food donations. “Our community is wonderful,” said Hanson. “They come through with donations, food drives and local churches, all of which help bring them in.”
Those interested in making a financial
donation to the White Bear Area Food Shelf can go to whitebearfoodshelf.org. Donations to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf can be made online at hugofoodshelf.org/give/ or by mail to Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, P.O. Box 373, Hugo, MN 55038. Financial donations to the Centennial Food Shelf can be sent online at givemn.org/ organization/Centennial-CommunityFood-Shelf, or by mail to Centennial Food Shelf, P.O. Box 8, Circle Pines, MN 55014.
Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf Director Chris Dufresne said that
have seen
drop in both food and financial donations since 2022.
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS PRESS
Dozens of family, friends and community members gather to celebrate Jerome “Jerry” Saunder’s 100th birthday at the Good Life Senior Living facility in Hugo. Saunders is a WWII navy veteran and piloted a troop landing craft to the shore at Omaha beach during the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He and his wife Marilyn, 97, have been married more than 77 years.
Young Life offers teens a place to belong
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
After five years in the making, Centennial Area Young Life has finally become a reality.
Young Life Club will meet every other Monday at 7:27 p.m. in the community room, located at 100 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines.
A committee of volunteers has been in place since 2019, but then the pandemic hit, explained Committee Chair Robin Balck. (See “Young Life coming to Centennial area” Quad Community Press, Sept. 24, 2019.)
Founded in 1941, Young Life is an ecumenical Christian ministry committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children through the friendship and influence of caring adults. Young Life exists in over 100 countries and prides itself on knowing more than 2 million children by name.
Earlier this year, Jess Drayer was hired to serve as Centennial Young Life’s area director. Drayer graduated from Centennial High School in 2018. So far, she has a team of five volunteer leaders involved who range in age from college students to their 50s.
She says Young Life can be summed up in one word — relationships. “Peer leaders will be going to football games, showing up at school plays, going to speech team meets and just becoming kind of part of the fabric of the environment that kids are in, jumping into their worlds,” Drayer explained. “Showing up on kids’ turf, being in their world with them and then being there to support them in the hard times and celebrating the good times.”
Young Life is also about fostering meaningful relationships with peers.
“Our hope is that kids can find a place where they can belong …” Balck said. “Kids that don’t feel connected can come and meet new friends and build a community of support ... Instead of feeling lost and like their problems are too big, they have people they can talk to and reach out to.”
In addition to the regular club meetings, Young Life also hosts a variety of events. Over the summer, the club hosted a bonfire, pool party and a meal at a local restaurant. Most recently, the group met at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park in Centerville for a “color war.”
This October, the club will host a fundraiser for adults to raise money (see info box for additional details). In November, Young Life will bring a group to a Young Life camp called “Castaway Club” in Detroit Lakes. There will be
another opportunity for Young Life participants to attend a weeklong camp at another Young Life Camp somewhere in the U.S. this summer. Currently, there is only a high school chapter, but the hope is to expand to serve the middle school population as well.
For more information about Centennial Area Young Life, visit cayl.younglife.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
IF YOU GO:
What: CAYL Trivia Night Fundraiser
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Trappers Bar & Grill, 6810 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 9/29/2024 Metro
Details: Join Centennial Area Young Life for its first-ever Trivia Night. Teams of 10-12 will put their brains together to compete against other teams. Trivia questions will be on a variety of topics. At the end of the evening, guests will get to hear more about the work that Young Life is doing in the Centennial area. Teams are encouraged to wear a team costume. To register, visit https://mn110.younglife.team/trivianight2024. Contact: jessdrayeryl@gmail.com
Washington County ready for voting for Nov. 5
Washington County’s Vote Centers are open, and the absentee voting period has begun ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. The county expects high voter turnout, and voters are encouraged to understand their options to cast their ballot and make a plan that fits their schedule.
week beginning 9/29/2024 Metro
Voting early by mail
Eligible voters can vote early by mail by requesting an absentee ballot.
The absentee voting application is available online at https://mnvotes.sos. mn.gov/abrequest/index. To request that a paper application be mailed to you, call Washington County Elections at 651-430-6790.
• Return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.
Voting early in person
Absentee ballots may be dropped off with an election official at any of the Vote Centers during operating hours.
Voting in person on Election Day
There are many ways to vote in the Nov. 5 general election — voting early by mail, voting early in person or voting in person on Election Day. Information on registering to vote and voter rights can be found at WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ Elections.
For absentee ballots to count, remember this important information:
• Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.
Voters will be able to begin voting early in person from Sept. 20 to Nov. 4 at the following four Vote Centers:
• Headwaters Service Center, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake.
• Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater.
Polling locations will be open in Washington County Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters may find their polling location and other election information at www.mnvotes.gov.
• You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary.
• Cottage Grove Service Center, 13000 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove.
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 9/29/2024 Metro
• Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury.
The Washington County Election Division may be reached at 651-430-6790 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Washington County
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week
Young Life is an ecumenical Christian ministry. The next meeting will be on Oct. 7 in the community room, 100 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines.
Recently, the group met at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for a “color war.”
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Currently there is only a high school chapter. The hope is to add a middle school chapter too.
Beyond the lens
As a staff writer for Press Publications, the stories I frequently write have opened my eyes to the importance of local journalism in society. As a dedicated reporter, I would encourage the public to subscribe to our papers to keep themselves involved in what is happening across our coverage areas. While keeping readers informed of events, meetings and compelling human interest stories, Press Publications allows readers to take a break from the national and global news hubbub. As a former creative writer, my foray into local news has been fantastic and speaks to my overall writing passion. Having recently participated in the Bald Eagle Art Crawl, I encourage our loyal readers to subscribe to Press Publications today, attend next year’s crawl and spread the word about community bonding and local journalism.
But it isn’t just my journey as a writer that I want to stress the importance of having a direct change in how I view the world. Having pursued photography for five years, I don’t always believe in happy accidents creating the best shots I’ve ever taken. The first “good” picture I ever took (now sitting comfortably in my portfolio) came from pure luck, and in true cliched fashion, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 2014, and I was starting my first fall semester at Century College after graduating high school. One of my first classes was a photography course; during one lesson, our teacher instructed us to go outside and test out the various Nikon cameras we could borrow. Not understanding much about shutter speed, composition or lighting, I noticed a single raindrop hanging on a blade of grass; curious, I bent down, pointed my lens forward and clicked.
The result, while fascinating, was only a by-product of curious happenstance. Beautiful and frame-worthy, yes. But I lacked foresight, much less the questions I needed to ask myself before I hit the shutter button: What did I want to take a picture of? How did I want to frame/light it? Edit it in post-production to look more enticing? They weren’t there, and neither were the answers. It wasn’t until five years later that I decided to try again.
In 2019, I bought a Nikon D60. I took more care in preparing my photos beforehand, such as shooting from better angles, using proper camera specifications and editing the results into what I deemed “eye-poppers” for my audience to wow over. While I no longer have these images in my portfolio, I still consider it a critical step in the evolution of my photographer’s journey.
2022 brought new gear and opportunities to bring my work before new audiences. The following year saw dozens of photo galleries accepting my work for display across the country, with a few even making their way into Budapest, Hungary! Throughout these years, my choice of subjects for each photo varied: one would be an abstract blur of several people, and another would be a few hanging lights off a friend’s porch, shrouded in darkness. The State Fair even featured one of the former kinds of pictures at Fine Arts Center last summer! I was growing not just in audience but in skill, too.
Recently, I have concentrated on shooting portraits. I have met most of these people through a Facebook group called “TFP Minnesota Photographers and Models,” which connects aspiring photographers and models throughout the Twin Cities to meet up and do portrait shoots for fun. Through these shoots (and making these connections), I feel I have cemented my niche as to what kind of photography I intend to pursue from this point forward. As a photographer, it is my duty to discover stories of finding the unknown within the known.
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.
OPINION
A salute to a World War II vet
It’s a rare privilege to befriend a World War II veteran. It seemed a shame not to share some of his stories.
After being drafted and pulled out of high school in 1943, his preference was the Navy over the Army. There was just one remaining obstacle to the Navy, and it was on a piece of paper the sergeant was holding, “What’s the number on the page?”
“Number? There are no numbers on that page, just a bunch of dots.”
“You’re colorblind son. Get in that other line over there.” And with that, my friend Ken’s service in the Navy ended and his Army service during World War II began.
His life as a soldier started in Ft. Callan, California where he lived in a big, open barracks, trained as an anti-aircraft gunner and endured Army food. One of the first things you learn about Ken is that he’s a vegetarian and a picky eater. Army food was a challenge then, but if you are color blind it’s hard to know what you are eating. So, when other soldiers went into
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town on the weekend, Ken would take their Kitchen Patrol for a dollar here and there. That was a source of spending money and an opportunity to stock up on food he could actually eat.
When it came time to deploy, the need for anti-aircraft units had subsided since the Allies had achieved air superiority in Europe. As a result, the soldiers in his unit shipped as individuals to wherever they were needed. Ken deployed after D-Day but took a similar route to France; the Queen Mary to Scotland, trains overland to England and a landing craft to France.
Once in France, he joined the US 3rd Army and saw “some action,” the details of which we’ll not go into. As the lone new guy everywhere he went, he had to cope with some detachment from the teams that had trained together, but this detachment did offer some protection. Take the case of the 17-year-old medic whose parents gave him permission to join the military. He was killed instantly by a German sniper who put a bullet through the middle of the red cross emblem on his helmet, a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention. A loss like that of an acquaintance is bad enough, but it has to be a little less difficult than were he a close friend.
From there Ken went on to various units where he was a scout, military police and helped to run both a P.O.W. camp and a displaced persons camp. There was also an ornery general, a dog, a house, a Christmas tree and some potatoes, but we’ll leave those stories for later.
By the time Ken and I were talking about his history for this column, we’d known each other for some time and I’d heard many of the stories already which he openly discussed. During those recent discussions he mentioned the “action” in France shortly after he arrived in Europe. This was new for me, so I asked him if he’d been part of that action. He hesitated just long enough for me to realize my error and I quickly told him I didn’t need the details. That hesitation was a plain reminder for me of the realities of war; they never leave you. Ken is now a fit 99-year-old who’s been a widower for some time and is also an accomplished stained-glass artist. He’s been training me in his craft during our weekly visits. It’s an honor to spend time with him but we’ve also become friends, and I really enjoy our time together.
Paul Lundh is a longtime resident of Centerville and a periodic columnist for The Citizen.
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The Corner
Paul Lundh
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
WINNERS: Best of
FROM PAGE 1
including The Citizen, White Bear Press, Vadnais Press, Quad Community Press and the Shoreview Press, which may make these contests the largest in the region. Votes were tallied using a reputable platform, which is also used by the largest media outlets in the country.
Community newspaper readers turn out to be one of the largest voting blocks for the Best of the Press contests. Those who care to read community newspapers care about local businesses; shop locally; follow school, city, township and county news; and vote. Voters chose Good
Neighbor Days as the “Best Celebration/ Festival” and the “Best Outdoor Event;” Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster was voted “Best Chicken”; and Dunn Brothers was voted the “Best Coffee House.” See the winners tab inside this issue for all of the winners and finalists. Results can also be viewed online at presspubs.com/citizen/ bestof.
Have a category you would like to see added to the contest? Readers can share possible categories for next year’s contests and thoughts about the edition at media@ presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
HUGO CITY COUNCIL CIP WORKSHOP
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HUGO CITY COUNCIL has scheduled a workshop to discuss Street Capital Improvement Projects on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Oneka Room at City Hall. Published one time in The Citizen on October 3, 2024.
Charlene Gail Wunderlich
Age 68 of Hugo. Passed away on September 16, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, William “Skip” Wunderlich; father, Roger Isaak; stepfather, Vernon “Bud” Peterson and sister, Sandra (Karl) Lundeen; Survived by son, Christopher (Lena) Wunderlich; mother, Josephine Peterson; siblings, Michael Isaak, Patricia (Harvey) Corey, Karen (Bradley) Kent; nieces, nephews, other relatives & many friends. Charlene was a loving mother, wife, sister, and daughter who loved her family very much. Everyone she met knew her to be a very kind and caring person. She was easy to talk
WEEKLY WAG
Jackie is a sweet and playful pup who is waiting for a second chance. Through no fault of her own, only because she is a puppy and required extra attention that her previous adopters were unable to properly provide, Jackie was gracefully returned and is available for adoption. Jackie is a sweet girl who is still learning to
to, approachable, and genuinely cared about anyone she met. Charlene was known to make up songs about the tasks she was doing, reflecting her great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit. She had a tireless work ethic and was devoted to her work running a dog boarding & grooming business. She loved all animals, especially dogs. Charlene was a God-fearing Christian woman and put her faith into practice every day helping and improving the lives of the people around her. Charlene was a wonderful mother and provided her children with a good upbringing. She was a great role model, always gave great advice and guidance as well as moral support to her children. W hen Charlene wasn’t busy giving her all to her family and friends, she enjoyed spending time collecting Tammy dolls, a hobby that reminded her of her own wonderful upbringing and her beloved mother and sisters. She also collected Redwing pottery that she proudly displayed in her home. A celebration of Charlene’s life will be held from 5-8 PM Thursday, October 17th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake.
trust. She is a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you, you will have a fur partner for life. Jackie is a Labrador retriever/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, and she weighs about 44 pounds. She is just over a year old and is house-trained and kennel-trained. She is social with other dogs and good with people. Jackie knows her basic commands and would do
well in a formal training program. She would also do well in a home with another dog. Jackie likes to go on walks, and she likes to play with her toys. If you are interested in learning more about Jackie or adopting her, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue. org.
WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING
Oktoberfest
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N, Hugo
Details: The Stillwater Flea Market will host Oktoberfest at the Hugo American Legion. The event will include a variety of vendors as well as food and music. Contact: info@rsgdevelopment.com
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct 3; The 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo 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
WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, through Oct. 29
Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets
Details: More than 50 vendors selling produce, plants and flowers, baked goods, meats, jams and jellies, dog treats and more.
Contact: whitebearlake.org
CURRENT EVENTS
2024 FALL FESTIVAL
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 4-6
Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds
Details: Carnival, live music, haunted house, food vendors, kids activities, pumpkins, craft vendors, beer garden, costume contest. Ticket information online. Contact: anokacountyfair.com/p/fall-festival2024
FOREST BATHING
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrinyoku, with a certified guide. Registration information online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Hugo Fire Station, 5323 140th St. N
Details: The event will include a Kids Fun Run, bounce house, k-9 demonstration, National Fire Sprinkler Association demonstration, Smokey the Bear, fire prevention poster contest, popcorn, raffle baskets, fire engine rides and more.
Contact: 651-762-6362
FALL FAMILY OUTDOOR EXPO
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Golden Lake Park, Circle Pines
Details: Free event hosted by Centennial area Scouting and outdoor groups includes activity stations including paracord bracelets, Lego Derby, model rockets, outdoor cooking, fire skills, nerf archery, and more. Contact: troop136mn.com or cubpack432.com
HARVEST HOWL
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Road NE, Stacy
Details: The day will feature presentations by Remarkable Reptiles, the Working Dog Pack and the Wildlife Science Center staff with owls, hawks and falcons. Listen to wolf howls while you wander through the center observing and learning about gray wolves, red wolves, Mexican wolves, coyotes, foxes, black bears, cougars, bobcats, raccoons, reptiles and raptors.
Contact: peggy@wildlifesciencecenter.org.
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: SKULLS
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
SCANDIA HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR
When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Scandia
Details: Tour 12 private homes and cabins in Scandia, including hand-hewn log cabins; a river cottage in historic Otisville; and a 1970s prairie house overlooking the St. Croix River. Tickets must be purchased by Oct.6.
Contact: sha.cbo.io
HAUNTED HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS
When: Various times, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 14-29
Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St. Details: Tour Stillwater by trolley with live actors telling true stories of the city’s haunted past. $42 ticket includes tour, cocktails, movies, scavenger hunt, bonfire, s’mores, and prizes.
Contact: 651-280-7299 or mywahooadventures.com
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center
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
VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
Patti Anderson (R)
Age: 58 City of residence: Dellwood
Occupation: I currently serve as the State Representative for District 33A.
The district is in Washington County and stretches from Willernie on the south to Forest Lake on the north.
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles: I am a businessperson who has served in a variety of elected and appointed roles throughout my career including as a commissioner under Governor Pawlenty and as the Minnesota State Auditor.
Jake Ross (DFL)
Age: 22
City of residence: Forest Lake
Occupation: Accountant
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• Member of Minnesota Department of Education’s School Safety Technical Assistance Council
• Board Member and Treasurer of Jeremiah’s Hope for Kindness (a small nonprofit organization that does bullying prevention work)
• Economics Tutor and Peer Advisor at Gustavus Adolphus College
Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?
A. My first priority is lowering the cost of living, which is out of control. With my background in economics and accounting, I’ll do everything I can to make our state more affordable. I’ll work to
Janelle Calhoun (DFL)
Age: 48
City of residence: Lino Lakes
Occupation: Former nonprofit director
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
•Executive Director at Rein in Sarcoma
•Local community volunteer
•Active in church (Living Waters)
Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?
A. Robust education for every child.
Funding Centennial School District more fairly, bringing the funds our district receives into parity with other similar-sized districts. Supporting teachers and administrators so they have the tools they need to be successful.
Quality health care that doesn’t leave anyone bankrupt. As the daughter of two pharmacists, I am acutely aware how important accessibility and affordability of health care is. Our system is failing
Elliott Engen (R)
Age: 25
City of residence: Lino Lakes
Occupation: State Representative, formerly Prosecution Assistant and NGO coordinator.
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
•State legislator
•Special Olympics Minnesota
•School safety policy leader
Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?
A. Having just completed my first term serving you in the Minnesota house, I can say with sincerity and certainty, that under full Democrat control, the state government existed to serve itself and the political class instead of you- the voters we are elected to serve.
When I’m out at the doors, I’m hearing from our neighbors
STATE REPRESENTATIVE,
Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?
A. Minnesota is on an unsustainable path. Under the DFL trifecta, the state budget grew 40% with our $17 billion surplus spent and taxes raised by $10 billion dollars. The cost of living has risen significantly, and Minnesotans are struggling to pay their own bills. We must reduce spending and repeal at least the new taxes foisted on our residents by the DFL.
Last year there was a DFL bill to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. That bill didn’t pass because there were a handful of Democrats who were opposed but there is already an effort to try again. I will work tirelessly to make sure a Sanctuary State bill doesn’t pass here in Minnesota.
Finally, we need to support our police and public safety officers. It’s been clear the progressive push to defund our police has been an abysmal failure. Minnesotans must be safe from violent crime.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
cap more prescription drug prices, make health insurance more affordable, and make sure that Minnesota’s passed ban on junk fees is effectively implemented and enforced.
My second priority is cracking down on fiscal irresponsibility. I’m not afraid of numbers, I know how to scrutinize details and spot problems. I’ll fight to make our state government more efficient. I’m endorsed by Julie Blaha, our State Auditor - she’s working hard to catch abuse of taxpayer dollars, and she knows that I will too as a state legislator.
My final priority is focusing our spending on what really matters. I’ll work to make sure that core priorities like education, infrastructure, and public safety receive strong and consistent investment.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. Listening to what constituents have to say and then acting on those concerns is the most important job state legislators have. Right now, I’m out knocking on hundreds of doors in our district each week to introduce myself to people and ask what they want from our state legislature. If I’m elected, I will continue to be out in the communities that make up District 33A as much as I possibly
Minnesotans every day. We have the responsibility to make sure everyone gets the care they need without devastating financial consequences.
A clean, resilient environment, for the next generation. The natural beauties of our district are public treasures. The time is now to invest in smart, sustainable infrastructure to keep our community prepared for the future. The deployment of new, advanced green technologies would be a priority of mine should I be elected. We also need to get serious about protecting and preserving our water.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. Good communication, and listening is a priority of mine. Our diverse communities deserve a leader who listens, one that gets into the community and talks directly to our neighbors. I show up, and I will show up as your representative– board meetings, community cookouts, church events, and public forums. I am a people person, one of my favorite things on this campaign has been getting to know our community and the people who are integral to it. I want to be a leader that is not only reachable, but is proactive to engage our neighbors in important decisions. I love this community, my
that their top concerns are lowering the costs that are pushing family budgets to the brink, restoring educational excellence, and restoring public safety, including school safety.
That’s why I introduced legislation to directly address these issues in my first term like the SHIELD Act to ensure that our schools are the safest in the nation and other bills that eliminate sales taxes on infant care items and back to school supplies, fully and finally end the state taxes collected on Social Security income for our seniors, and hold criminals accountable.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. As your State Representative, my door is always open to constituents, especially if and when their perspective differs from mine. This is key to the legislative process - I made a point to collaborate with legislators on both sides of the aisle in my first term in order to best represent the interests of our district, and I will continue to do that if given the privilege to continue representing you in a second term this November.
I also prioritize talking directly with voters so I can learn about what matters to them. I will have held nearly 20 town halls and local
To vote in Minnesota you must be:
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• A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days.
A. Communication is important, especially during these difficult times. My door has always been open and I send out weekly email updates during the legislative session to district residents. If reelected, I will continue to hold town halls across the district to seek input on policy decisions from the citizens I represent.
Q. If elected, what legislation do you plan to support during your term and why?
A. As I stated above, we must repeal the new delivery, sales and gas taxes passed by the DFL last session along with getting the state budget back to a reasonable level. Minnesotans can’t afford to keep sending their hard earned money to the government.
We also must continue to focus on K-12 education and get our children back on track. Between the school shutdowns during covid and the DFL focus on non-classroom spending and politicizing our schools, our children have greatly suffered. Minnesota went from one of the best K-12 systems in the nation to average at best these past six years. This is not acceptable.
can. I’ll also be willing to meet with anyone from our district who wants to talk to me. I especially want to hear from people who disagree with me about particular issues. Feel free to email me at JakeRoss4MN@gmail.com if you have anything you’d like to talk about!
Q. If elected, what legislation do you plan to support during your term and why?
A. If I’m elected, I plan to support legislation to reduce the cost of living and invest in our core priorities: education, infrastructure, and public safety. I’ll support legislation to cap more prescription drug prices, encourage more housing supply so that we can reduce rents and allow more people to buy homes, and make sure that every family can afford child care. I’ll also be a strong supporter of continuing to address our current underinvestment in educationthe legislature has made some progress on this over the last couple years, but inflation-adjusted education funding is still on an overall downward trend over the past couple decades. We need to fix this problem if we want to get student achievement back to where it should be. Finally, I’ll work hard to finally get an infrastructure bonding bill passed, and to make sure that the state continues to invest in local first responders.
neighbors, and all the voices that make our district so special. Q. If elected, what legislation do you plan to support during your term and why?
A. Minnesota is in a strong position to become a leader in green technology and manufacturing. We have an internationallyrenowned research university, a strong community of organized skilled tradespeople, and millions in Federal grant dollars earmarked for state investment in clean technology and infrastructure. It will be a priority of mine to support this industry, create new, family-supporting jobs in this field, and deploy emerging green tech to public buildings like schools, police and fire stations, that will be not only better for our environment and our future, but will also save us energy costs.
Another priority of mine will be to see that the state infrastructure bill is passed. This historically bipartisan bill includes urgently needed investments in wastewater treatment facilities, bridges, trails, fire departments and other local government needs. I was disappointed that my opponent did not support it and the legislature failed to pass it this year.
meet & greet events by November because of how critical it is to hear directly from our neighbors on key policy issues. One other tool I use to hear directly from constituents is the Priorities Survey that is available on my website.
Q. If elected, what legislation do you plan to support during your term and why?
A. If given the opportunity to continue serving you in St. Paul, I will continue to ignore the political noise and introduce legislation that directly addresses the issues that matter most. For example, I will re-introduce the SHIELD Act to make our schools the safest in the nation. I will also author legislation that helps our local schools prioritize student achievement and focus on fixing our reading proficiency rates which are currently leaving 50% of kids unable to read at grade level. I’ll also support a package of bills authored by my Republican colleagues in the House that will help clamp down on the rampant fraud we’ve seen in the state government over the past few years. There are too many bills and important issues to mention in this answer, so I encourage you to read about what I accomplished in my first term on my website, ElliottEngen.com.
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.
• Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote.
‘2024 Voter’s Guide’, League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake Area
Fran Miron Age: 70 City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Dairy & Crop Farmer
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Washington County Commissioner
– District 1: 12 years (Current Vice Chair)
• Washington-Ramsey County Recycling & Energy Board: Current Chair
VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
• Mayor & Councilman, city of Hugo: 20 years
Q. What are your top three priorities for the county?
A. I support quality public services, innovation, and leadership by working closely with local governments on issues of economic development, environment & natural resources, and public transportation. Maintaining sound and sustainable fiscal policies, investing in roads & bridges, preserving open spaces, and water quality are my priorities as I continue to serve the residents of
Nancy Golden
Age: 54
City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Midwest manager in the specialty pharmaceutical industry
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
Not provided
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. Revise the downtown master plan, with an eye towards smart and thoughtfully managed growth that does
D. Love
Age: Not provided City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Claims team manager –State Farm Insurance/ Centerville Mayor List 3 most recent civic involvement roles: I taught Sunday School at Eagle Brook Church. My wife and I announced the parade for several years. I coached youth basketball and football. I coached high school football for 5 years. I was a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, I have been on the City Council for 16 years, serving as mayor for five years. I served on the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for 12 years and the Executive Board for five years where I was honored to serve as president.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. Economic development: We have had positive trending with business growth and housing. As we continue to grow, we are called to be strategic in our plans making sure the city develops with an
Washington County as commissioner. During my time on the county board, we have made significant investments in public safety and technology. By making improvements in County technology infrastructure, prior to the pandemic, we were well positioned to meet the needs of a changing work model. Residents and businesses can now access County resources they need remotely, and this technology will increase efficiency for years to come. Having been involved in local government for nearly 30 years, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. Real success in government can only come about when there is a shared vision and effort to work together. Transparency and trust are critical to a unified goal, and I believe strongly in the need to engage the public in the decision-making process. As a County Commissioner, I place a high value on our citizen advisory committees, such as our Extension and Audit groups. I deeply care about the opportunities Washington County can provide for the next generation. Washington County’s progress is critically coupled to the success of our communities. I will remain committed to work with each of the communities that I represent
CENTERVILLE MAYOR: ELECT 1
not rely on multi-story, high-density developments.
Deeper community engagement and citizen involvement in future planning efforts.
Ensure that our business and entrepreneurial community has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. Collaboration with our residents is key to addressing Centerville’s needs and desires. Events that have unfolded here over the past several months have demonstrated how important it is to bring citizens into discussions about our future, and too many of them feel left out or as if their voices don’t matter. I will implement initiatives that encourage open dialogue, such as “open mic” periods at every City Council meeting to give residents the opportunity to speak on any topic, and regularly scheduled
eye on today as well as focusing on our future citizens.
Public safety: We spend over 50% of our budget making sure our citizens are safe and well taken care of. We are consistently assessing our model to determine if it remains the best model for us. With any change, we strive to determine if we will be able to maintain our high quality.
Community engagement and parks: We have many pathways to reach our citizens and are always searching for new innovative ways. We have saved money for park improvements but rising costs have pushed us behind. We are developing plans to make Centerville a place we are continually proud to call home.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. Public Involvement: We have established many forms of communication which allows for involvement. We have a website, a mobile App., a newsletter which comes with the water bill and social media which includes Face Book and Twitter. We have an email listing of citizens and business owners which receives frequent updates. We have a reader board in front of city hall. We also utilize our local newspaper to reach as many citizens as possible. We are always open to new ideas to make connections with our community members. My number and email address are also
and encourage residents to contact me on issues of concern. I have brought this experience and leadership to the county board, and I hope residents have benefited from my service. I would ask for the opportunity to continue to work on your behalf.
Q. What can the County Board do in the next five years to help the county prosper?
A. County government should promote the health, safety and quality of life of citizens by providing accessible, high-quality services in a timely and respectful manner. We maintain trust through responsible use of public resources, accountability, and openness of government. I will take a leadership role on the county board to continue to create comprehensive strategies to retain & expand businesses and jobs. Washington County is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. As current chair of the Recycling & Energy Board, and as chair of the Lower St. Croix Water Policy Committee, I’m passionate about the responsible management of all of our resources. Maintaining sound and sustainable fiscal policies has earned Washington County the highest bond rating possible. Washington County enjoys the second lowest tax rate in the seven county metro area. As a County Commissioner, I am committed to this philosophy as we work toward creating prosperity.
Anita Rios
Age: 62
City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Talent management consultant, part-time; retired from a 35-year career in public higher education
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles: Served on several national/regional boards and received numerous service and leadership awards.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
community engagement forums, where citizens can chat one-onone with city leaders and staff.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. The City Council can and must work collaboratively with residents and local businesses to ensure that we are pursuing a development vision that will enhance, not diminish, the history and character of our community. The current downtown master plan is nearly 20 years old and stagnant; it has not produced the promised results. Revising that plan and rezoning those properties accordingly will make space for new opportunities that are a better fit for the area. Smart, well-considered growth will enhance our community’s greatest assets – our spectacular lakes, parks and trails – and ensure that Centerville remains a great place to live, work and visit.
listed on the website which allows any citizen to reach out to me directly. We plan to review our downtown plan and soon after that our Comprehensive plan. We will invite members from the public to join the committees and we will also have planned public forums to share updates along the way.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. As a council over the next five years, we will take the opportunity to engage the members of the public while also applying the knowledge and expertise of our advisers to make the best decisions for our city today and tomorrow. We have to establish plans strategically then have the commitment to see the plans through to fruition. We have to consistently review the plans to make sure they remain fresh and future focused. As opportunities present themselves, we have to be open, flexible, welcoming and professional. We have to listen to our citizens and use their feedback to make the best decisions for the entire community. We have to work with our schools to make sure they remain vibrant and healthy. We must make sure our public safety departments are well run and focused on providing friendly service and protection. We must continually recognize we are STRONGER TOGETHER!
CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL : SPECIAL ELECTION: ELECT 1
A. Rework Downtown Centerville Master Plan: My top priority will be to rework the outdated, failed downtown master plan and engage with residents to envision how we can capitalize on Centerville’s
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distinctive assets --its history, its lakes, parks, trails, and homegrown businesses, so that all future growth preserves our small town’s charm and character.
Increase opportunities for citizen engagement: I will advocate for increasing opportunities for citizen engagement and involvement in all future planning efforts, such as quarterly town hall meetings and facilitated discussions so that everyone who wants to have a voice can be heard.
Fiscal responsibility/accountability: I will prioritize wise decision making that keeps taxes as low as possible for Centerville residents, from city maintenance to development efforts.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. I would like to establish quarterly engagement sessions with citizens to get their input on issues the city faces. These sessions could be facilitated roundtable sessions, listening sessions and town halls. I’m vested in helping city leaders and citizens work together towards a common good, rather than in opposition.
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Currently, the Centerville City Council does a good job of holding public hearings for major developments or rezoning; however, I am interested in changing up some of the rules of engagement to make those hearings more approachable for residents who are vested in issues and have an opinion, but don’t feel comfortable speaking in public. I also believe that while the city does an admirable job in communicating through their website and the water/sewer bills, there is always room for improvement. I would look for more opportunities to get information out and to afford citizens the opportunity to participate in decisions.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. The City Council can actively engage with residents to reenvision the downtown master plan and rezone properties accordingly. The council can also actively support business development that meets the needs of its citizens, while prioritizing fiscal responsibility to keep taxes low for Centerville residents.
• Use a paper form. Download a voter registration form to print, complete, and return to your local elections office.
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VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
Russ Koski
Age: 60
City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Account manager
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
I have served on the Centerville City Council for 7 1/2 years, deputy mayor for three years, P&Z Commission liaison and alternate representative to the North Metro Telecommunications Commission.
CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL : ELECT 2
I have attended the LMC conference and workshops. I attend Anoka County Government events, learning of county plans and how they affect Centerville while building relationships with local government decision makers. I have volunteered for the city of Centerville Fete des Lacs festival parade for seventeen years. It has been my honor to serve on the Centennial Fire District Steering Committee for the past six years, three times as chairperson.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. Keep public safety in the forefront of the city council and staff. Be open to all options as we plan and prepare for the city’s future
Age: 40 City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Attorney/Owner, Zimmer Law Group Saint Paul List 3 Most Recent Civic Involvement
Roles:
• Centerville Planning and Zoning Commission (Chair) – 2021-2023
• Military Immigration Liaison, American Immigration Lawyers Association MN-DAK Chapter 2015-present
• Intelligence Officer, Minnesota Army National Guard 2008 – 2020
Garland Port
Age: 27
City of residence: Centerville
Occupation: Software engineer
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles: Not Provided
What are your top three priorities for the city?
1.Prevent high-density development and preserve Centerville’s small-town charm
Tom Weidt
Age: 57
City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Sales management
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• I have been mayor of Hugo since 2012
• Hugo Council 2008-2012
• Various city commissions 2000-2008
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needs. As public safety is approximately half of the city’s budget, it is key to maintain a high level of service.
Review future land use and development of available city properties to prevent losing the character of our community. Additional development and change are inevitable. Work to guide change and growth with a purpose that adds to and enhances our city.
Continue to attract additional businesses to the city to strengthen the tax base and provide needed goods and services. The costs of running city government, maintaining a high standard of public safety, quality streets and parks continue to escalate. As parks and trail systems are an asset to our city, they require maintenance and upgrades.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. For years, I have been a proponent of citizen participation. In my view, the city belongs to the residents that live in it. Elected officials should serve as good stewards to the taxpayers. Centerville is a great community with many creative and thoughtful people living here. The more input, ideas and suggestions, the better the outcome. Resident attendance at any public meeting is something I encourage. Participation on committees and commissions is a great way to provide input in the decision-making process. I have proposed “town hall” type events in the past and will do so if
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. Taxes: I will work to limit tax burdens on residents by strategic expansions of the tax base, careful fiscal management, and strategic partnerships for public services.
Communication: I will seek to modernize the city’s communications platforms to ensure all residents are heard on matters of public interest even if they cannot attend weeknight council meetings.
Revitalize the vision for Downtown Centerville: I will engage the council, city staff, and residents to study the long-term development goals for the city to ensure the vision works in the current economic environment and puts the interests of Centerville residents first. Q. If elected, how would you engage the public in making major decisions?
A. Modernizing the communications platforms available to the city and residents of Centerville is one of my top priorities for the city. The traditional model of public hearings, held in person on
2.Improve public safety and accountability
3.Enhance and maintain local parks and recreational facilities
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. I would actively engage the community through open forums, ensuring residents have a voice in important decisions. Transparency and communication would be at the core of every initiative.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. The City Council can promote responsible development that
HUGO MAYOR
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. Maintain access to drinking water for current and future residents. Hugo is a developing city, and we need to make sure we can provide the services and attract amenities that residents need. Manage the rising cost of our infrastructure and maintain and replace our aging network of streets.
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. I have always been fully accessible to all residents by phone, text and email. We stream our meetings live and welcome any feedback from our residents.
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reelected. This is a good platform to meet residents and business owners, to share thoughts, concerns and ideas. I feel this is a good way to involve the public in making major decisions. Building relationships within the community is important.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. Continue to reduce the tax burden on residential properties. Growing the commercial footprint will spread out the cost of running the city, lessening the burden on induvial homeowners. Fiscal responsibility is important in a smaller city with a tight budget.
Work on finding new avenues of communication with residents and businesses. Keeping people informed and listening to their ideas and concerns is paramount. Social media and continuous enhancement to the city website are great tools.
Use the city committees and commissions to continually update the city’s guiding documents and programs. Attracting business and residential developments that enhance and complement Centerville is key to future growth. Change is inevitable, however guided change with purpose is key.
Explore using tools such as joint power agreements to share in costs of services with other cities, especially with public safety. As the price of vehicles and equipment increases, JPA’s may be a good option.
weeknights, is burdensome on busy residents who have to prioritize family and work obligations over having their voices heard. In this modern age, there must be more we can do to hear the voices of all of our residents as we build for the future of this small town.
Q. What can the city council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. Centerville needs to take a carefully manage our growth as the pressures from the recent expansions in the surrounding area make our undeveloped area targets for future development. The council can review and revise land use laws to ensure that we are building the things a community needs in the places that best suit that use. We can keep the small town feel that brings residents to Centerville and makes it a great place for families while also ensuring our residents benefits from the services and tax base that a thriving commercial sector can provide.
balances growth with preserving our small-town character, invest in infrastructure to support community needs, and foster partnerships with local businesses to encourage economic vitality.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. Maintain a stable tax base and spend our taxpayer’s money wisely, so we can keep Hugo a great place to live. I am proud to be your mayor and look forward to being a part of the tremendous future of Hugo.
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David Kubat
VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
HUGO CITY COUNCIL
MEMBER AT LARGE
Mike Miron
Age: 43 City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Teacher
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• Hugo City Council - Council Member At-Large, 2015-Present
• Washington/Ramsey County Farm Bureau - President, 2010-Present
• Church of St. Genevieve - Pastoral Council Chair, 2012-2015
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. I believe in the goals the City Council has collectively developed that promote public safety, the conservation of natural resources and fiscal responsibility. Hugo is fortunate to have our fire department, the Washington County Sherriff’s Department and M Health Fairview EMS who work collaboratively to serve
Phil Klein
Age: 64
City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Financial Representative
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
I have served on the Economic Development Committee and the City Council for 16 years. I have held many leadership positions in business organizations, nonprofit organizations and my church.
• Land Use Advisory Committee –Vice Chair (LUAC-Met Council)
• Metro Area Supply Commission(MAWSAC-Met Council)
Ben Krull
Age: 48
City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Stay at home dad/part-time nuclear contractor
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Delegate to CD8 convention
• Hugo Precinct 3 chair
• Salvation Army Harbor Light Advisory Board member
residents. We have invested in public safety by adding deputies, hiring a full-time fire chief and funding the fire department’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Hugo has also been a leader in conserving natural resources, especially water. By investing in water re-use systems, we ensure that we have access to an abundant water supply for drinking and recreation. The council has also taken a strong position to protect our access to water resources.
I take seriously the responsibility and accountability that I have to taxpayers. The city is in a strong financial position, having an AA+ bond rating, which allows us to maintain and invest in infrastructure.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. As a City Council, we value citizen input. Our recent Highway 61 Visioning Study, a partnership with Washington County and MnDOT, demonstrates this commitment. The public has been involved through open houses and online comments. We’re also preparing to update our Comprehensive Plan, a crucial document guiding the city’s future. This plan addresses land use, the environment stewardship, and parks & recreation. We’ll hold
WARD 2: ELECT 1
• White Bear Lake Legislative Work Group-Committee
Member
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. 1. Water: I have been very active in keeping our community at the forefront of water policy. We have an excellent reputation for being the leaders in water conservation and water policy. I will protect our community’s right to use water that is affordable and sustainable.
2. Fiscally Responsible: I will continue to monitor closely how taxpayer dollars are being spent. Road reconstruction and maintenance are a large part of the budget. Maintaining Hugo’s AA+ Bond rating helps us receive a lower interest rate.
3. Housing: Hugo is expected to grow to 15,000 - 20,000 residents within the next 20 years. I support working with Washington County CDA in acquiring grants to provide more housing. I also support various types of new housing developments to encourage more business growth.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
Sue Linser
Age: 51 City of Residence: Lino Lakes
Occupation: North America Sales Operations Analyst, AVIRE
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• 2021-present - School Board Director, currently serving as Vice Chair
• 2022-present - Centennial Area Education Foundation Board Member
• 2014-2018 - Centennial Girls Hockey
Blue Line Club Treasurer
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. Quality education: Committing to education for everyone, fostering a positive environment, and persistently working to improve achievement among all students and continue to work on bridging the achievement gap.
Support and safety: Ensuring that students, teachers, and staff
Q. What are your top three priorities for the city?
A. My number one priority is bringing transparency to city government and making sure the people in Ward 2 have a voice in decisions being made. My second priority is ensuring growth is reasonable and supported by existing or proposed infrastructure. Finally, I will work on attracting needed businesses/services such as a 24-hour pharmacy, restaurants and grocery stores to Hugo.
Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. I plan to have monthly constituent meetings with the residents of Hugo ward 2 to understand the concerns of the residents. I will also post summaries of the city council meetings with a link to the recording of the full meeting to my Facebook page, website as
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD: ELECT 3
receive the support they need, feel secure, and maintain their mental and physical health.
Funding: Securing sufficient funding to sustain high-quality education for all students and provide essential resources and support for teachers and staff.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Funding is a major issue that our district has faced for several decades. Working with our legislators to prioritize increasing the state funding formula, making levy funding equal for all, and supporting unfunded mandates is vital to maintaining exceptional education for our students and offering the necessary resources and support for our teachers and staff. This includes funds to lower class sizes and broaden educational opportunities and experiences for all students.
Several key themes emerged from our Centennial Schools Annual Survey, but one that particularly resonated with me was the need to support our students and staff emotionally and socially. This area of growth was highlighted by parents, students, and staff alike, and it is clear that it is an issue within our district and society as a whole. Addressing these emotional and social needs is crucial
numerous meetings and open houses for public input. Additionally, the mayor and council are transparent, and we are willing to add items to meeting agendas and allow for public comment. If residents have questions or concerns, my contact information is provided on the city of Hugo website, and I hope that you will contact me.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. Hugo is an attractive community because of its traditions, open space and rural character. Our prosperity depends on holding true to these community values, while embracing new residents and opportunities. It is important that we have a plan to support growth, maintain investments, and provide sound financial planning. Through our capital improvement program, and AA+ bond rating, we are able to plan maintenance and improvement projects well in advance to minimize tax impacts. As our urban area develops, I continue to support our effort to connect neighborhoods and encourage healthy lifestyles. I was born and raised in this community, and during this time I have seen change. It will be important for the council to continue to plan and prioritize to make our community great!
A. I would continue to support neighborhood meetings regarding road reconstruction projects, neighborhood park projects, development projects, as well as citizen comments at the regular scheduled city council meetings. I believe that citizen input helps define what the residents want in their neighborhoods and overall community. I am always available to answer residents’ concerns by telephone, email or in person. My contact information is listed on the city website.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. I will continue to support new businesses coming to our community. As our community grows, it will be vital that we have more retail, commercial and manufacturing in our community. I will continue to focus on reasonable regulation and fees to support businesses and home construction. Ensuring our roads and bridges are safe and well maintained is a priority. Providing up to date parks/ trails for residents to enjoy as well as maintaining a sound fiscal oversight on city expenditures are additional priorities.
well as to Hugo Nextdoor. Finally, I plan on starting a constituent newsletter and keeping my website and Facebook page updated with major issues and developments coming before the city council. This will allow time for thoughtful input from people affected by any planned changes/developments.
Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?
A. Increase constituent involvement. Bring in New businesses. Insure that infrastructure supports ongoing growth.
for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for the Centennial community.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. School funding is complex, and our Executive Director of Business Services plays a key role in guiding the board through the intricacies of finances and budgeting. This process begins in September and concludes with final approval in May/June, providing ample time to ask questions, review data, and make informed decisions. Our current budget will guide us as we start planning for the 2025-26 school year.
As an incumbent, I’m proud of our board’s commitment to directing resources into classrooms and supporting students and staff. We effectively managed COVID relief funds by using them strategically, avoiding significant cuts by limiting their use to one-time needs and continuing the funds allocation for balancing elementary classroom sizes through general funds.
We recognize that, like all school districts, we will continue to face financial and budgetary challenges. However, I am confident that we will continue to be prudent and effective stewards of our funds.
Centennial School District #12 serves 36,526 residents in the communities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino Lakes. Centennial serves around 6,500 students with approximately 900 teachers and support staff at five elementary schools, the middle school, high school, Early Childhood Center, Centennial Area Learning Center and Pines School.
VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
Craig Johnson
Age: 61 years
City of residence: Lino Lakes
Occupation: Independent personal insurance agent
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
I have filled various roles in leadership for organizations including the following:
• Current Centennial School Board Clerk.
• Donating my time to an educational nonprofit, Best Prep, for the past eight years.
• Volunteered with the Lino Lakes Beyond the Yellow Rib-
Heidi Hansen
Age: 53
City of residence: Blaine
Occupation: Preschool teacher
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• Volunteer teacher at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church for the past 15 years
• Served nine years on the Centennial Lakes Little League Board of Directors and four years as a league representative
Laura Gannon
Age: 44 City of residence: Circle Pines
Occupation: Principal Software Systems
Engineer
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Girl Scout Troop Cookie Manager (2023 - present)
• Centennial Theatre Boosters Volunteer (2023 - present)
• Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair Middle School Judge (2022)
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. A safe environment is paramount to improving the quality of our children’s education. When children speak of having adequate cover while using the restroom during class time in the event of an active shooter event, we as a society could be doing better. Our
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD: ELECT 3
bon and was a past president.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. Student Achievement. COVID was definitely a distraction. We must reconnect students with success, by focusing on the basics of education, without the distractions. Continue to spend our district funds wisely. Provide the best education programs, regardless of the limits to our district funding. Work to improve our state legislative funding with our local and state representatives. School safety. Be prepared. Be diligent. Incidents can happen anywhere and at anytime.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Providing more educational opportunities for students that could include options for post-secondary, direct-to-workforce, manufacturing, medical services and/or technology. Addressing achievement gaps. Where are they at? Why do they exist? How do we improve? How committed are we to make the improvements?
• Youth Softball Coach
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. Students wish to be seen, heard and valued. As a school board member, I will advocate for ALL students.
It is my goal to help prepare students for their future by improving literacy, math and science skills.
Additionally, it’s important to me to strengthen mental health supports for all students.
And, as safety is a high priority, I fully support school resource officers in our schools.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Nationwide, the marked decline of math and reading scores continues to be the result of the pandemic.
students should have an equitable education, where kids with special needs get the support needed to have a successful education and career path as well as challenging students who need a more rigorous curriculum to remain engaged in learning. Maintaining the College Prep Pathway and the Manufacturing Pathway is essential to giving our children choices for their futures. We need to give our kids the tools to succeed when they move on from K-12, which requires evidence-based teaching methods, evidence-based science, history that is accurate and honest, as well as the nuts and bolts of civics.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Bullying and physical violence is a major issue in the Centennial School District. Our children have had an unprecedented life experience that has affected their mental health and development in so many ways as well as lead to a dearth of empathy and acceptance for one another. There would be less bullying if our children felt more secure to be themselves and had more empathy and acceptance for others. We need to look at providing more services and programs to guide and help our
Scott Arcand
Age: 60 City of residence: White Bear Township
Occupation: Teaching and Learning Specialist
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Ramsey County League of Local Governments - Past President
• White Bear Lake Area Schools - School Board, Clerk
Mental health is a significant issue that must be addressed, inside and outside the classroom. This is for both staff and students! Culture among educators, parents and students. Build respect and togetherness.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and proposed budget for your school district?
A. With our legislative funding inequities and our significant reliance on homeowners for taxes, given a limited commercial tax base, we have had to find the most sound and economic ways to address how we fund increasing needs from within our general fund. We have to be focused on spending in our classrooms (educators and students), while also being mindful of the maintenance of our buildings and infrastructure. Moving forward, we should be focused on a situation where Centennial Schools is able to address a reduction in classroom sizes, proactively maintaining school safety and continuing to support efforts to monitor our student’s mental health.
Here in the Centennial district, our students’ scores have rebounded well, however there is still work to be done to get back up to pre-pandemic scoring percentages.
This requires our primary focus to be on academics, not activism. Let’s keep politics out of the classroom and prioritize learning.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. Due to funding inequities, Centennial Schools receive less state funding than other districts of similar size, forcing the district to meet growing needs with less money. This requires sound fiscal management and a need to prioritize spending.
I support the district’s efforts to right size operations, reduce class sizes where limits are being reached, as well as prioritizing student mental health resources.
children grow past the disadvantages they have had so they can be capable, kind, empathetic, and productive citizens. I want our kids to not just survive the pandemic, but to thrive despite the collective time of discord we all experienced.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. Looking at the current budget for Centennial School District could give one some pause that the deficit created was about thirty percent of the total budget expenditures for this coming school year, however, the rationale for this deficit (which was long-term facilities maintenance projects, the voter-approved operating referendum plan, food service capital projects, debt service advanced refinancing, trust fund retirement payments, and internal service fund inflation adjustment) was reasonable. This school year’s deficit was ten times the previous year’s deficit and reflects how inflation has affected our district over the past year. The proposed budget for next year will not start to be discussed until December, however, I would like to see more granularity in the budget, so that we can better see where our spending is going and determine what adjustments are needed.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS BOARD: ELECT 3
• White Bear Lake Area SchoolsSystems Accountability Committee Member
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. My top priority is to create safe and supportive schools where every student has the opportunity to excel academically. High
Brian Cern
Age: 50 City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Broker - Employee Benefits
List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
• President & Co-Founder: North Star
Elementary PTA
• Vice-President Hugo/Oneka PTA
• Teaching Artist with Children’s Performing Arts and Blue Water Theatre
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. My top three priorities for the school district are:
levels of stress can greatly impede a student’s ability to learn, so it’s essential that we support both our students and teachers. Another key focus is expanding our career pathways. Given the increasing costs of post-secondary education, it’s vital for students to have a clear plan for their future after high school. Lastly, I aim to strengthen our connections with the community, as a strong partnership between schools and the community is crucial for achieving success.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Creating safe and supportive school environments that enable every student to excel academically is crucial. However, funding and budget constraints are ongoing challenges, as current financial support is not keeping up with inflation and special education requirements are not fully funded. Additionally, recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff, particularly from underrepresented communities, remains a significant issue. We must also work to address the disparities in academic performance
To improve access for all students, regardless of socio/economic background.
To continue the development and implementation of training programs for students who are not pursuing college post-high school.
To maintain a safe and secure learning environment so that all students are provided opportunities to explore career options and ensure those opportunities are given equally and without prejudice for the exchange of ideas, and development of a strong character.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. A major issue facing the school district is access. Let’s use food insecurity as an example. The number of families that would have otherwise qualified for free and reduced lunches but for breakfast and lunch are now provided at no cost to students and families is staggering. Providing equal access to meals eliminates
White Bear Lake Area Schools at a glance
among different student groups.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. I have strong confidence in both the current and proposed budgets. The White Bear Lake School District has been very prudent in managing its finances. Since 2003, the district has faced rising costs without corresponding funding to keep up with inflation. Currently, our per-pupil funding is $7,251. If funding had been adjusted for inflation, it would now be $8,637. This shortfall translates to $11,206,315 less in funding available for running our schools. The School District is facing a projected $1,750,000 budget adjustment for the 2025-26 school year. As we address this challenge, my top priority is to safeguard the classroom environment and ensure that cuts do not affect instruction or special education services. I advocate for a thorough review of all programs and services to determine which ones most effectively enhance student outcomes. Additionally, Engaging stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and build support is crucial.
one of the many areas of uncertainty that permeates our student’s lives. But access is bigger than that, the school district needs to provide a safe and supportive environment in which all students are respected regardless of demographics and background.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. These are tight purse-string times for everyone. The district has an obligation to the taxpayers to continue to be transparent in how funds are being invested. Through open houses, public meetings, direct mail, and other communication with district residents and families, it is imperative to continue to share not only budget changes but also performance metrics and successes. Alternatively, it may be beneficial for the school district to explore seeking grant or endowment funding streams to support specific budgetary line items such as programs, curricula, training, or materials.
White Bear Lake Area School District #624 serves all or parts of Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township. The school district, with a total population of approximately 63,000 residents, serves nearly 9,000 students PreK-12. The district also offers adult basic education, community education classes, recreation offerings and a senior program.
Tim Klecker
Age: 40
City of residence: White Bear Lake
Occupation: Certified Financial Goals
Coach List 3 most recent civic involvement
roles:
VOTERS’ GUIDE 2024
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS BOARD: ELECT 3
I have helped out at a local Marketfest booth for the last number of years and helped to increase awareness around the state of our school system. For the last couple of years, I have regularly attended the local school board meetings and have provided a fair analysis of where we are headed. My children are on the archery team at WBL, and we participate in fundraising and volunteer work at local business establishments.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. 1. The education, development, growth and overall wellness of
Dan Skaar
Age: 64
City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: Semi-retired, consultant
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
Much of my volunteer time has been pro-bono work with a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping parents, children and K-12 schools address the adverse impacts of social media on child development. I have done pro-bono work helping small businesses including my daughter’s business. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteer through the organization.
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. First, we need to focus on education in our strategic plan to improve academic proficiency and reverse the trend of students leaving our district. While the board sought community outreach for the plan, the board did not go far enough. Today, with a mission statement of over 50 words, 12 beliefs, over 50 learning attributes
Angela Thompson
Age: 50
City of residence: Hugo
Occupation: ICWA Guardian ad Litem (4th District) List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Current school board member who is a liaison to Willow Elementary & the Area Learning Center. Committee member on the AIPAC (American Indian Parent Advisory Committee), Policy Committee, and the Systems Accountability Committee.
• NASW Social Work Advocacy Week - Student Advocate
• Hugo/Oneka Lake Elementary PTA Vice President & President
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. 1. Foster a welcoming environment where students, families, staff, and community members from all backgrounds can come together to create the future of our district.
2. Advancing academic performance district-wide by empowering educators as experts in their field and equipping them with the necessary resources to implement research-based
Scott Smith
Age: 60 City of residence: White Bear Township
Occupation: Marketing Manager
List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:
• Manitou Days Parade Marshall
• Weekly volunteer at Union Gospel Mission
• Director of Volunteers at Eagle Brook Church
Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?
A. Return to academic excellence; safety, order & respect; transparency in leadership. First, academic excellence. Grade-level proficiencies have declined for years beginning well before 2020. I am running to ensure the district is focused on improving student academic outcomes in alignment with the values of the community. Second, safety in the classroom. I will prioritize funding to support front-line educators. I will advocate for the consistent application of consequences with fair implementation to help restore order
our students must be our first priority, and yet our proficiencies are in decline. As a board member, my focus will be on implementing better practices to increase these scores and promote an open and collaborative relationships between teachers and parents.
2. Mental health has also become an increased issue withing the school-age environments. While I believe in the overall wellness and care of our students, we need to make sure they’re being provided with the proper guidance and practices to address issues of mental health and strengthen resilience in the face of adversity.
3. Safety continues to be a primary issue for parents and students. With the presence of SROs and the moral guidance of our teachers, we need to focus on providing safe learning physical, mental, and emotional environments for our students.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. There is very little transparency with what is happening behind closed doors. School board meetings often share very little with the public as far as where we are with our district goals … and that’s because we don’t really have goals, at least not ones that are well-formulated with measurable action plans. Without this—without a clearly defined trajectory—how can the board, the
– the strategic plan is too cluttered, too complex to be an effective tool – simplify the plan around education. Second, bring back transparency, truth and trust between the community and the school district. Policies around public comments need to change to be more welcoming for parents and the community. Third, safe and peaceful schools. One of the biggest concerns of parents and teachers is disruptive behaviors in schools. It’s impacting teacher job satisfaction and student satisfaction. We need to balance effective discipline with the rights of all to have an education in a safe, peaceful environment.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Enrollment and academics. With better academics and more focus on education, we can retain our students and parents in our district. Enrollment and funding go hand in hand, with less enrollment, our district gets less funding from the state creating more pressure to increase property taxes. Over the last six years, we have lost over 800 students (91 more in 2024) to open enrollment and more to nonpublic school alternatives. Our academic proficiency declined again in 2024 according to the MDE Report Card. With our new facilities, especially high school, we must improve academic
educational practices that meet state standards.
3. Expanding educational opportunities and resources to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century students and the educators who support them. Enhancing our Career Pathways Programs to ensure every student graduates with a career they can be proud of, offering both livable wages and long-term satisfaction.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. Funding issues are a significant concern in our district and public school districts across the state and country. Federal tax dollars comprise roughly 2% of our district’s budgeted revenues. If our state-funded per pupil rate had kept pace with inflation since the ‘02/’03 school year, we would have an additional 11 million dollars in our general funds. We can and must do better, which means advocating for changes at the state and federal levels. Increasing property taxes is not the only way to fully fund public education systems.
Addressing the academic loss that has occurred, strengthening the resources our schools need to help our students overcome this learning loss, and addressing their mental health needs. Our district leaders and experts in education have been actively working to address these needs since the COVID pandemic changed our
and respect for staff and school facilities. I will support policies that will provide resources for our teachers that will allow them to focus on what they do best. Third, transparency – every program should have clear and measurable student-based outcomes reported consistently and reviewed frequently to allow for corrections over the measured time period. I will be a liaison between residents and the administration to ensure that the communities concerns are heard and addressed.
Q. What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?
A. The district has a strong foundation and a history of being able to provide an excellent education, however recent academic performance trends are a major issue. The continuing decline in reported academic proficiencies in reading, math and science are concerning and indicate that the district is struggling to perform in the primary task of educating our students and preparing them for post-secondary success. There are many factors involved here and we need to be realistic in the approach to correcting this trajectory as quickly as possible. These results lead to the second major issue facing the district – declining enrollment projected over the next three years. We need to understand the reason that parents are making other choices for their students – opting for open
superintendent, the principles, the teachers, and ultimately the students have any hope of taking part in a successful educational experience that equips them for future opportunities? Adult agendas should never be put above student outcomes.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. Budgets often come down to one key thing: priorities. And those priorities are made clear by the overall vision and mission the school system chooses to adopt. While WBL residents voted 57% in favor of a $326 million bond to renovate the new high school in 2019, our proficiency scores have dropped an average of 15% in that same timeframe, bringing us down to just above the Minnesota average (by less than half a percent). We seem to be more focused on putting our money towards creating a community center rather than a community of learning. Declining scores often lead to lower student morale as well as a decline in enrollment, which ultimately leads to less funding. Financial decisions should be focused on needs over wants. As a member of the school board, I promise to always approach budgeting decisions in this way, placing student outcomes above adult agendas.
performance and address the trend of declining enrollment to secure future state funding. We need better returns for our tax investments – better academics and keeping our students in our district. As a former CEO, collaborating with schools across the USA, I understand how to get better returns on our money and make WBL Schools a beacon of excellence.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. With declining enrollment trends and the debt service costs on the recent $326 million bond, our current and proposed budgets will need to be sharply focused on 1) the effectiveness of academic programs and 2) the efficiency of the costs to deliver the academic results. Declining enrollment means less money for our schools, now and into the near-term until we reverse the trend. In these situations, as a former CEO, I have found that zero-based budgeting is a useful method to justify every budget dollar in the context of our core mission - education. Additionally, it provides clarity to the board and public where the tax dollars are being spent and why they are being spent. With sound leadership, we can work through tough budget matters as a team – we can improve academics and be more efficient with our budget dollars.
world. Ensuring they can continue the hard work they have already implemented and are currently collecting data on is crucial in ensuring our district moves forward in education rather than going backward.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. General education fund revenues have remained stagnant for over two decades, not keeping pace with inflation since the 2002 - 2003 school year. This gap in funding significantly impacts our ability to provide the necessary resources for our classrooms, staff, and student programs.
In addition to this shortfall, our district also faces substantial cross-subsidy shortfalls. These mandated programs, such as special education, require us to divert general fund dollars from other essential areas to make up the difference for these crucial academic services. As a result, many of the district’s programs and initiatives face insufficient funding, putting additional pressure on our students and staff.
The time is now to increase advocacy at the legislative level. We must fight for equitable and sustainable funding models that ensure every student can access a high-quality education.
enrollment, private/charter or home school. Finally, disrespect of authority, lack of meaningful consequences and cultural distractions in the classroom are detrimental to the overall teaching and learning experience.
Q. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
A. The preliminary budget for 2024-25 is projected to be a 2.6% increase over the previous reporting period and is planned to be over operating expenses by $800,000. This is reflective of responsible financial planning and is showing improvement from prior reporting periods. The district is also planning to meet the 8% Unassigned Fund Balance as required in School Board Policy #714 to ensure financial stability. The concern I have is the projected enrollment numbers from 2025 and beyond. Currently, the district is forecasting a 3.6% decline in enrollment from the 2023-24 to 2026-27 school years. This continued decline if not corrected could have serious future financial implications. The school board should be proactive in conducting an intensive review of existing programs and expenditures to determine their effectiveness and understand how to increase their productivity to ensure they are adding value in the pursuit of positively contributing to student academic outcomes.
Election day is Nov. 5.
Vote early by mail or in person from Sept. 20 through Nov. 4.
care of themselves. The class will meet online via Zoom from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays, October 14, 21 and 28 and Nov. 4, 11 and 18. Any caregiver of an older adult living with a chronic condition (diabetes,
pressure, cancer, hypertension, etc.) is welcome to attend. Caregivers will improve self-care practices and their ability to manage emotions as well as increase their confidence in coping with the demands of caregiving.
Visit https://yourjuniper.org/Classes/Register/4518 to register by Oct. 4. Contact Lisa Brown by at 651-632-5320 or by at caregiving@lyngblomsten.org for questions.
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:
• A commercial property in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. was reported vandalized overnight Aug. 26-27, during which a front window and inside door window were smashed. Multiple tools were discovered stolen from the garage area.
• A landlord in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at midnight Aug. 27 reported mailbox vandalism to several mailboxes during the past month. Renters told Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies that they’ve each had multiple incidents with their mailboxes. The first occurred on Aug. 10, and the most recent on Aug. 24, where the mailbox completely disappeared.
• A Hugo resident from an unknown address at 10:47 a.m. Aug. 27 reported a male of undisclosed identity for calling and texting her excessively. After the complainant blocked the suspect’s number, he would call from an unknown number. When deputies spoke to the suspect, he denied doing anything.
• Deputies cited a motorist at 3:55 p.m. Aug. 27 on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for expired registration. At 4:34 p.m., another motorist was cited on 140th Street N. and Finale Avenue N. for texting and driving and failure to produce a driver’s license.
• The suspicious unoccupied vehicle spotted by deputies on patrol at 9:22 p.m. Aug. 27 in the 5000 block of 120th Street N. turned out to belong to an employee cleaning and closing the shop.
• An Amazon delivery driver at 8:09 p.m. Aug. 27 reported hitting a deer in the 8000 block of 140th Street N. Both participants in the crash ended up at the side of the road. The vehicle sustained minimal damage, but the deer wasn’t so lucky.
• A driver on Goodview Avenue N. at 132nd Street N. at 10:38 a.m. Aug. 28 was issued a written warning for speeding. At 6:47 p.m. Aug. 29 a different driver was cited for speeding in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. A third driver was cited at 6:00 p.m. Aug. 30 on Keystone Avenue N. and 170th Street N. for texting while driving, as well as speeding while engaging in these activities. The fourth driver was cited at 6:39 a.m. Aug. 31 on Elmcrest Avenue N. for driving after revocation and failure to completely stop at a stop sign. A fifth driver was cited at 7:11 a.m. Aug. 31 in the 4000 block of Frenchman Road for failure to even slow down for a stop sign.
• Three juveniles were reported at 6:53 p.m. Aug. 28 for yelling and being obscene in the 15000 block of French Drive N., as part of an ongoing issue. Deputes advised the complainant that avoiding the area would
Hugo man charged in homicide
HUGO — A woman is dead, and her son is in custody 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. after receiving an open-line 911 call. Telecommunicators could hear a woman moaning and a male voice shouting in the background. Upon arrival, deputies heard a struggle inside and entered the home, where they found 45-yearold Trevor Joseph Wunderlich leaning over his mother, 68-yearold Charlene Wunderlich. Charlene Wunderlich was observed to be badly bruised and groaning in pain. Deputies attempted to subdue the suspect with a taser, but he broke free and fled from the residence.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Charlene was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Law enforcement agencies from across the metro area assisted in the manhunt, which continued overnight and into Tuesday, Sept. 17. Just before 11 a.m., a citizen
minimize escalation.
• A resident in the 6000 block of Oneka Lake Avenue at 9:07 p.m. Aug. 28 reported a small table thrown at their door.
• A resident in the 4000 block of 159th Street N. at 12:16 p.m. Aug. 29 reported a fraudulent account opened in another state, after she checked her credit score.
• A resident in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 1:10 a.m. Aug. 30 reported receiving two phone calls from an unknown number that she believed to be her friend’s ex-boyfriend and wanted to know how to obtain a Harassment Restraining Order.
• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 1:25 a.m. Aug. 30 on Egg Lake Road N. and Geneva Avenue N., after deputies on patrol conducted a license plate check and initiated a traffic stop for expired license. They also observed the motorist commit lane violations, such as crossing the fog line. On contact, the driver showed signs of impairment and was made to submit to standard field sobriety texting. Not only was he driving with a blood alcohol content of .196, but had two children in the vehicle, including an infant who was not secured in a child restraint.
• Suspicious people reported around the Oneka Lake boat landing at 5:48 p.m. Aug. 30 turned out to be people just out with their dog.
• Deputies at 1:44 a.m. Aug. 31 took custody of a male arrested on warrant in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. The subject had originally been arrested on a WCSO warrant by the Lino Lakes Police Department.
• A case of cat throwing was reported at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 1 in the 15000 block of French Drive N. The complainant stated that the cat did not look in any kind of distress, however. And who knows what individual cats like for amusement, anyway.
• Following a loud music complaint in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 8:42 p.m. Sept. 1, deputies arrived on scene and heard music playing, which is a departure from the normal, when they so often stand with hand to ear straining to hear any kind of music at all. On this occasion, they heard gentle music playing from a vehicle that had a person working underneath it. The music wasn’t violating any ordinance, especially since it could barely be heard by the person under the car. Deputies spoke to the mechanic, in case they were the source of the complaint, just to ask what they were doing, what the ballgame score was or whether they were enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Loretta
Harding
South St. Paul High School and the South St. Paul Open Foundation cordially invite you to attend the 2024 South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday, October 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. South St. Paul Secondary School, Auditorium 700 2nd St. N., South St. Paul, MN 55075 Roys Andrews – Class of
in the 9800 block of 152nd St. N. noticed a person matching the description of the suspect in their yard and called 911. Deputies immediately responded and arrested Trevor Wunderlich without incident.
Court documents stated that Wunderlich has been charged with a second-degree murder charge in the death of Charlene.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the investigation.
Stillwater correctional facility staff exposed to synthetic drugs
At 7:44 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, a staff member at the Stillwater Correctional Facility responded to a report of an incarcerated man smoking an unknown substance in his cell. The staff member experienced an adverse reaction that included lightheadedness, nausea and an increased heart rate.
The staff member was taken by ambulance to Lakeview Hospital. Separately, but in the same housing unit, an incarcerated man threw a container of unknown substance from his cell that landed near staff.
In total, nine staff were taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The Department of Correctional Office (DOC) of Special Investigations is actively investigating to determine what the substance was and how the contraband is being introduced into the facility. An incarcerated man who was caught smoking the substance told investigators he had smoked a stronger than expected dose of synthetic K-2. While investigators have not completed testing for the specific substance from this incident, recent investigations have identified the presence of MDMB-4en-PINACA, soaked into paper and dried. PINACA is an indazole-based synthetic cannabinoid that is often purchased online and can be introduced into the facility through the mail.
The Minnesota DOC and corrections agencies across the country are using a range of strategies to mitigate the introduction of these substances through the mail, including scanning mail through machine detection processes and, most recently, by initiating a pilot project whereby nearly all mail is photocopied.
address, phone, e-mail to: Marinerclassof1975@yahoo.com 816305
of September 22 – 28, 2024
Steinmueller, Gebeke added to Bears Hall of Fame. White Bear Press > Sports
• The city of Hugo has received funds from the state. These funds will need to be accounted for separately from other established funds for tracking and reporting purposes. A new revenue fund will be created and named State Revenue Fund after council approval.
• The council approved the preliminary 2025 tax levy. The proposed 2025 tax levy is $12,847,855. The general operating levy will be $9,140,036. The street capital improvement program levy will be $2,010,000. According to the latest Washington County data, the median value of a home in Hugo is $389,400, a 5.01% decrease from last years proposed median value.
• Multiple streets in Hugo will be included in a
feasibility study after council approval. Improvement projects will include Beaver Ponds Area Street, Duck Pass, Palme’s Long Lake Estates and Ingersoll Avenue. According to Mark Erichson, city engineer, these streets are in the greatest need for improvement based on road ratings. Staff will notify residents within these areas and coordinate early information meetings about the proposed projects. City staff also request that the 2025 projects be handled with separate public improvement processes due to different types of improvements and different geographical locations. Projects will be combined at the bidding stage. Erichson said the initial meetings, and feasibili-
RATE INCREASE NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR CENTERPOINT ENERGY MINNESOTA CUSTOMERS
CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas has requested approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to increase natural gas distribution service rates in 2024 and 2025. The requested increase is approximately 6.5% or $84.6 million for 2024 and approximately 3.7% or $51.8 million for 2025. The requested increase will add about $5.91 to a standard monthly bill of a residential customer in 2024 and an additional $2.58 to a standard monthly bill of a residential customer in 2025.
CenterPoint is requesting this rate change to accommodate the increased expense to operate, maintain and deliver natural gas through our distribution system. CenterPoint continues to make meaningful investments to support the advancement of low and zero-carbon technologies and maintain the safety and integrity of its natural gas distribution system that benefits our customers and communities. These investments include infrastructure projects to replace or upgrade existing pipelines, provide safe and reliable service and comply with federal pipeline regulations. The MPUC may either approve or deny the requested changes or may approve a lesser or greater increase than was requested for any customer class or classes of service. The MPUC will likely decide on the requested rate increase by early 2025. If final rates are higher than interim rates, customers will not be charged for the difference during the time the customer is billed for the interim rate. The customer may be charged for the difference between a lower interim rate and a final higher rate beginning on the date that final rates are ordered by the MPUC.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Administrative Law Judge Ann O’Reilly will hold four in-person public hearings and two virtual public hearings so that customers have an opportunity to comment on the company’s request. Any CenterPoint customer or other person may attend or provide comments at the hearings. You are invited to comment on the adequacy and quality of CenterPoint’s service, the level of rates or other related matters. You do not need to be represented by an attorney. The hearings will begin at their scheduled time and end after everyone present has had an opportunity to comment or ask questions.
Public hearings schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 20246 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 20246 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 21, 20246 p.m.
Hennepin Technical College 9000 Brooklyn, Blvd, Room 193/195 Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren St., Room A Mankato, MN 56001
University of Minnesota Urban Research and OutreachEngagagement Center (UROC) 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Room 105 Minneapolis, MN 55411
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 20246 p.m. Central Lakes College 501 W. College Drive, Room C236 Brainerd, MN 56401
Friday, Oct. 18, 20241 p.m. Virtual Webex
Thursday, Oct. 24, 20246 p.m. Virtual Webex
Bad weather? Find out if a hearing is canceled – call (toll free) 855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/puc. Virtual Public Hearings
Public hearings have been scheduled as follows to be held via video conference. Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at 6 p.m Attend by Internet Connection (Audio and Video)
To join the virtual hearing using a computer, tablet or smart phone, where you will have audio and video capability, go to: https://minnesota.webex.com. In the gray box where it says,“Enter Meeting Information,” type the Event Number below for the public hearing date you are attending:
2496 344 9575
Password: CPE# (2730 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Directions for Commenting Through Webex
• Log on 5-to-15 minutes before the hearing begins. You will be asked to join the hearing through a Webex application or through a plug-in for your web browser.
• Enter the Event Number shown in the box above.
• Then, enter your name, email address and an event password (if required). Click “Join Now” to be granted access to the virtual hearing.
• When you enter the hearing, your microphone will be muted. If you would like to ask a question or comment during the meeting, use the chat function to send a message to the meeting moderator. You will be placed in the queue to comment. When it is your turn to comment, your name will be called and your line will be unmuted. You will be able to ask questions or comment on the proposal.
Attend by Telephone (Audio Only)
You do not need internet access to join the hearing by telephone. However, you will only be able to hear (not see) the speakers. You will still be able to comment and ask questions. Use the information in the box below to call into the hearing. You will be asked to enter the access code for the hearing:
ty study, will commence later this fall.
• A city of Hugo bus tour will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5. City staff and officials will visit multiple areas in Hugo that have been a topic of discussion within the last year.
• The Hugo Fire Department will host an open house 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Hugo Fire Station.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
If you would like to ask a question or comment during the hearing, press *3 on your telephone. You will be placed into the queue to comment. When it is your turn to speak, the last few digits of your telephone number will be announced by the moderator and your line will be unmuted, allowing you to be heard by all participants.
Public Hearing and Process Information
Administrative Law Judge Ann O’Reilly will preside over the public hearings and will provide the Commission with findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations after the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing.
The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public input on the proposed rate increase. At the public hearings, interested persons have the opportunity to: (1) ask questions of the utility and agency staff; and (2) offer verbal and written comments on the merits of the proposed rate increase. Members of the public may participate without needing to intervene as a party. Representation by legal counsel is permitted but not required.
Please note that the public hearings will end when all attendees present have had the opportunity to comment and all other business has been concluded. You are encouraged to join the meeting at the scheduled start time to be placed in the queue to comment. Commenters will be called in the order they enter the queue. Therefore, it is best to arrive at the beginning of the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted during the comment period beforeand after the public hearings. Follow the instructions below to provide written comment.
Contact Ashley Marcus at 651-201-2192 or ashley.marcus@state.mn.us if you have questions on how to participate or have trouble accessing the public hearing remotely.
WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
You can still submit comments even if you do not attend a public hearing. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 20, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
• Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the close date.
• Comments received after the comment period closes may not be considered.
How to Submit a Written Comment
Written comments can be submitted via: (1) the Commission’s eComments website; (2) electronic mail; (3) U.S. Mail; or (4) facsimile. To learn how to submit a written comment, visit mn.gov/puc/, select “Get Involved” from the dropdown menu at the top of the page and then select “Public Comments and How to Participate.” This will take you to the Commenting in a PUC Docket page, where you will find a list of ways to comment. Be sure to reference PUC Docket Number 23-173 in the subject line of your comment.
If you do not have access to the internet, you may send or deliver your comment to: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7th Place East, Ste. 350 St. Paul, MN 55101
For assistance in submitting comments, or if you have questions, contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at:
Phone: 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782
Email: consumer.puc@state.mn.us
Be sure to reference Docket Number 23-173
Important: Comments can be reviewed by the public on the MPUC’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The MPUC does not edit or delete personally identifying information or any other information from comments received.
EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
The purpose of the evidentiary hearings is to allow CenterPoint, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Minnesota Office of Attorney General – Residential Utilities Division and parties who have formally joined the contested case, to present testimony and to cross-examine each other’s witnesses on the proposed rate increase.
Formal evidentiary hearings on CenterPoint’s proposal will be held on Dec. 18, 19, and 20, starting at 9:30 a.m. each day. The evidentiary hearings will be held in Public Utilities Commission Small Hearing Room, 121 7th Place, St. Paul, Minnesota. The parties may stipulate to some witnesses appearing via Microsoft Teams.
The parties shall arrange with Commission staff to obtain a video conference link. Members of the public who wish to attend the hearing may do so in person. If they would like to attend virtually through Teams, they may request an electronic invitation by contacting Judge O’Reilly’s legal assistant at michelle.severson@state.mn.us. If you wish to formally intervene in this case, as a party to the litigation, you must serve and file a Petition to Intervene, pursuant to MN Rules. 1400.6200.
TO LEARN MORE
Current and proposed rate schedules for CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas are available at:
CenterPoint Energy 505 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612-372-4727 or 800-245-2377
Web: CenterPointEnergy.com/RateCase
Minnesota Department of Commerce 85 7th Place East, Suite 500
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651-539-1534
Web: https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling/search.jsp
Select 23 in the year field, type 173 in the number field, select Search and the list of documents will appear on the next page.
The MPUC is asking customers to comment on CenterPoint Energy’s request for a rate increase. Send comments to the MPUC’s Consumer Affairs Office (CAO) or contact the CAO for assistance with submitting comments:
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782
Email: consumer.puc@state.mn.us
Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may call through their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.
Hugo Fire Station 5323 140th St. N. Kids Fun Run starts at noon! Free goodies will be handed out!
Other things to look forward to: Bounce house, K9 demo, National Fire Sprinkler Association demo, Smokey the Bear, fire prevention poster contest, free popcorn, various raffle baskets, including a birthday party and a ride to a Hugo school in a fire truck, and more! Hotdogs, chips, and bottle water will be available for purchase
From Left to right back row: Tom Robinson, Matt Drew, Brian Esch, Ryan Nadeau, Brian Kindelberger, Cory Albertson, Steve Albertson, Kyle Anderson, Jen Verplaetse.
From Left to right front row: Jake Jorgenson, Gina Duncanson, Allysa Nadeau, Jason Palmquist, Colin Emans, Jim Compton, Jr., Ross Hoernemann, Darek Albertson, Rick Gregoire.
Not pictured: Bob Bieniek, Tony DeLaRosa, David Jensen, Tom Kaspszak, Tim Olson, Jim Roettger.
THURSDAY 4 PM
FRIDAY NOON
THURSDAY 4 PM
651 -407 -1250 classified@presspubs.com (Earlier deadlines for Holidays)
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!
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EQUAL HOUSING
South St. Paul High School and the South St. Paul Open Foundation cordially invite you to attend the 2024 South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, October 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. South St. Paul Secondary School, Auditorium 700 2nd St. N., South St. Paul, MN 55075
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I BUY OLD MUSIC and concert po sters, movie posters lobby card s and photos, and pre-1970 comic
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
ap er are available on an equal tunity basis
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BUSINESS BRIEF
Blossom Bridge Child Care is officially open and serving families in the Hugo Area. The center, which is located at 5525 141st St. N in Hugo in the former St. Croix Saddlery building, recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening.
Blossom Bridge Child Care provides a loving and enriching environment for children from infancy through Pre-K. The center’s hours of operation are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Blossom Bridge’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment where every child’s potential is celebrated and cultivated through experiential learning with a play-based approach. initiatives.
COUNTY BRIEF
County board sets preliminary levy
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has set the preliminary property tax levy at $140,479,200 for 2025, which represents an increase of 5.9% over 2024. The county tax rate will remain stable with recent years, increasing slightly from 22% in 2024 to 23.7% in 2025. A decline in existing home values in 2025 contributes to the increase in tax rate. Since 2020, the county’s tax rate has fallen by a total of 5.2% and Washington County remains below average for property tax rates in the metro area. The county had the third-lowest levy per capita in Minnesota. It also had the second-lowest tax rate in the seven-county metro area in 2024, meaning that a similarly valued property would be taxed at a higher rate in every other metropolitan county but one, Dakota.
The board also set a levy for the Regional Rail Authority at $660,000 and the Land and Water Legacy Program at $1.2 million, the same as in previous years.
It is anticipated that under the preliminary property tax levy, the owner of a median-valued home that had a median decrease in value in the county would see a $24 increase in the county portion of property taxes for 2025, or a 2.6% increase from 2024. The median value home is valued at $412,000 in pay 2025, which includes the median decrease in value of 2.7% from 2024.
The board also adopted a proposed budget for 2025. The budget includes expenditures of:
• $277,177,100 in operating expenses
• $64,672,300 in capital investments
• $17,441,400 in debt service
The county board will conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget and levy at 6 p.m. Nov. 26. The board will adopt the final budget and property tax levy for 2025 Dec. 17. The levy may be reduced, but it cannot increase.
New day care center opens in Hugo
TOMMY CHANDLER PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Cougars show flaws, firepower in win at Osseo
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial Cougars posted a 36-14 win at Osseo on Friday evening, improving to 3-2 for the season.
Caleb Melser bulled for 85 yards in 21 carries with touchdowns of two and one yard, Ben Clauson busted a 10-yard touchdown run, Isaac Belinske-Strauss passed to Kellen Binder for an 18-yard score, and backups Brody McNamara and Finn Wold connected for a 30-yard touchdown during a wild final minute.
Osseo (1-4) rolled up 174 yards rushing and 177 passing but the Cougars were in control throughout.
“Too many mistakes,” groused Cougar coach Mike Diggins, listing some faulty executions on offense, missing tackles, a fumble on a handoff, missed blocks, and often not meshing with each other. “But, there were good things, too, and, like I told the kids, a win is a win, so enjoy it,” Diggins said. “But we have to play better than that against teams we have coming up, or we’ll lose.”
The Cougars rushed for 111 yards in the first quarter and led 14-0 after drives of 65 and 80 yards were capped by Clauson and Melser touchdowns.
Belinske-Strauss (3-for-4 for 55 yards) hit Binder for an 18-yard touchdown on a screen pass, and Clauson
for a two-pointer. Belinske-Strauss netted 42 yards on nine keepers, including a 23-yard gain. Brady Haffemen added 42 yards on five totes and Tanner Dittrich 28 on six carries.
Diggins said Belinske-Strauss still has a ways to go but likes the progress the junior quarterback is making in the crucial task of running the option offense. “He is showing flashes. He’s pitching the ball better and making some good throws.”
Osseo quarterback Wes Kranz completed 11 of 25 for 177 yards with two interceptions. He hit Iggie Cooper touchdowns of 32 and 26 yards, the latter pulling the Orioles within 22-14. Michael Criswell gained 61 yards in six carries, including a 29yard gain.
Centennial’s Alhaji Harris and Justin Driver intercepted passes. Harris made an end zone pickoff and returned it 64 yards but 30 yards were taken away due
to a pair of penalties (illegal block, unsportsmanlike conduct) on the play. Driver was also 4-for-4 on extra points, and his looping, hard-tohandle kickoffs had Osseo starting from the ten, nine, and 18-yard lines. With a minute left, the Cougars were in runningout-the-clock mode with first down at the Osseo 30 and a 29-14 lead. However, Osseo used their last time-out, as if to say, Hey, we can still win this one. Centennial’s response was, Oh, really? Diggins had McNamara throw long to Finn and it went for a touchdown. “They called that time-out,” shrugged Diggins.
Kranz kept on chucking and got his team to the three-yard line with a long toss to Kalen Blanchette, but the Cougars stopped them there on four downs as time ran out. “Nice goal-line stand at the end,” Diggins said.
Dandy in doubles, Zephyrs conference champs
Mahtomedi tennis wrapped up the Metro East Conference championship with victories over Hastings and South St. Paul, each by 5-2. The Zephyrs, coached by Nathan Tretsven, went 7-0 in conference.
The Zephyrs were 21-0 in doubles in conference, led by Mallory Langer and Katherine Smith going 6-0 together at the top spot. Smith was 7-0 overall, with Langer posting one win at 1-singles.
Molly Moffitt was 7-0 at 2-doubles including 5-0 with Greta Munson. Berkley Blaisdell
ATHLETE
was 7-0 mostly at No. 3, including 5-0 with Amber Schaefer. In singles, Alayna Bartylla was 4-3 at No. 1, Lily Carlson 5-2 at No. 2, Annika Winke 3-2 at No. 3, and Ellis Krause 5-2 at 3 and 4.
The second-place team was Hill-Murray, whom the Zephyrs beat 4-3 despite losing 1-2-3 singles.
Mahtomedi takes a 13-8 overall record into Section 4AA this week.
Bruce Strand
OF THE WEEK Caleb Melser
Centennial Football
Caleb Melser, Centennial junior fullback, emerged as the workhouse in the Cougar attack after all the offensive stars of last year’s state champion team graduated. At 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, he’s mainly a straight-ahead runner so far, bashing the defense for the tough yards, scoring eight touchdowns in five games for the 3-2 Cougars while carrying 104 times for 418 yards. “Caleb is the dude for us. He always runs hard,” coach Mike Diggins said. “He’s quick. He’s fast. He’ll get better at making cuts. He’s not the biggest kid, but he’s really tough.”
Nice gain from Spain for Bear
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake is enjoying its best girls tennis season in many years, and one of the reasons is a tennis player who arrived unannounced in August and has won nine of her 11 matches.
Martina Chocarro, an exchange student from Madrid, Spain, is 6-1 at 3-singles, playing behind senior co-captains Ellia Groneberg and Tally Domschot in the normal lineup. She’s 1-1 at 1-singles, losing to a Forest Lake state qualifier, Lucy Saari (respectably, 6-2, 6-3) on a day when the Bears loaded up doubles and won 4-3.
The Bears beat Stillwater 5-2, Roseville Area 6-1 and CretinDerham Hall 6-1 last week, with Chocarro posting three wins, to finish 7-1 in the Suburban East for second place behind Mounds View, which went unbeaten for the seventh straight season. The Bears are 13-3 overall with 11 consecutive wins heading into sectionals.
“We saw Martina’s name on the roster, and didn’t know who she was,” said Marla Menne, head coach. Menne was absent due to a health issue on the third day of practice when Chocarro showed up. “I got text messages from my assistant saying that she was going to be in the varsity lineup,” Menne said.
Chocarro missed five matches while the coaches waited for the MSHSL to clear her. In the last 11 matches, Menne says “she has been a great addition to our team, very solid at No. 3, and she is so lovely to have around, always smiling.”
Chocarro smiles a lot because she is glad to be here.
“I’ve dreamed about the U.S. since I was about three years old,” she said. “It’s like I’m living in a movie. When they told me I was going to Minnesota, I was not happy at first, because I don’t like the cold, but it has been very good.”
It’s hardly her first time overseas, though. “My parents love to travel. We’ve been to all the continents except Australia.”
In Spain, Chocarro played tennis individually with a club in weekend tournaments, as European schools don’t have
team sports. Playing on a team for the first time is uplifting, she said, especially when she loses a set and gets pep talks from teammates, something she never had before. Another thing she enjoys about the USA: “I like football! I like to watch the games.”
Chocarro’s favorite classes are fashion design, language arts and biology. She’s a bit wary of the approaching winter. “I don’t have clothes. I’ll have to buy some.” Her American parents are Kelly and Sean Kennedy of White Bear Lake.
The Bears are seeded No. 2, behind Mounds View, among 15 teams in Section 4AA, and will open Thursday, hosting Centennial, St. Anthony Village or St. Paul Johnson.
Cougar netters finish
6-4 in conference
The Centennial tennis team won its last two conference matches, over Totino-Grace on Tuesday and Spring Lake Park on Thursday, both 5-2, finishing 6-4 in the Northwest Suburban. They lost to champion Maple Grove 7-0 on Monday.
The Cougars capped the regular season 9-8 overall and are seeded seventh of 15 teams in Section 4AA. They will host St. Anthony or St. Paul Johnson on Tuesday, and play again Thursday if they win.
Lauren Klein, a junior who’s
played 1-singles for three years, won her match in both victories. So did Isabel Yang at 3-singles, Jenna Orcutt/Hanna Lofgren at 2-doubles, and Tiffany Lee/Claire Olson at 3-doubles, including a 7-5, 7-6 (12-10) squeaker vs. SLP. Medha Abdiappen pulled out a 4-singles duel against T-G by 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 10-7. Emma Thompson at 3-singles, and Sophie Wynn/Ella Nelson at 1-doubles, won against SLP.
Bruce Strand
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Linemen including Henrik Hiltner (54) and Sam Ward (53) fired out as Isaac Belinske-Strauss handed off to Caleb Melser.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Martina Chocarro has bolstered the Bear lineup as a strong 3-singles player.
3
AROUND TOWN
1. Youth from New Life Church – Lutheran recently picked up the trash along Frenchman Road. Twice a year, New Life volunteers clean up Frenchman Road through the Adopt A Highway program. Tim Heinecke, contributed
2. Many of the neighbors in the Waters Edge community in Hugo, under the leadership of LaRae Weber, chipped in to place a memorial bench along the sidewalk in honor of Laura Tveit. She passed away in June at the age of 75. — Ken Harris, contributed
3. The Hugo Business Association hosted its annual breakfast event featuring guest speakers Mayor Tom Weidt, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joseph Zerwas and Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. The event was held at the Blue Heron Grill. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
4-5. Shoot for the Troops: One hundred and sixty shooters attended the recent Shoot for the Troops event at Wild Wings of Oneka in Hugo to raise funds for military member and their families. — Chuck Haas, contributed
6. A local teenager held a muffin sale to raise funds for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. The sale raised $1,600. Also pictured is Chris DuFresne, president of the food shelf. — Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, contributed
7. After beekeeping for three years, Hugo resident Phil Klein harvested 6 gallons of honey. Contributed 8. The stairs on the Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center have been restored, thanks to Brad’s Catch Basin Repair LLC, which donated the materials and services for the project. — Contributed 9. The Hugo Lions recently raised over $5,500 for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf by hosting its annual golf tournament. — Hugo Lions, contributed
