The Citizen

Look PLACE _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ State, Zip ________________________________ 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110-2764

Credit union, eye clinic win Best Place to Work

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

City limits can get a bit complicated around here. Perhaps that’s why a Lino Lakes business won the Best Place to Work in The Citizen’s Best Of Contest, while a Hugo business won the Best Place to Work in the Quad area’s Best Of Contest.

Each year, Press Publications hosts its Reader’s Choice Best of the Press Contest, asking locals to pick their favorites, ranging from breweries to area businesses and everything in between. All in all, the Best Of Contest (in all markets) saw 28,920 nominations for the ballot in 2023 compared to 14,744 in 2022, an increase of 96%. In 2023, 332,539 votes were cast compared to 294,616 in 2022, an increase of 12.8%.

Rising to the top in the Best Place to Work category for the Quad contest is Heartland Credit Union, while Associated Eye Care took top spot in The Citizen contest.

The Best of the Press

Hugo Fire hosts open house

The Hugo Fire Department (HFD) will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will include a Kids Fun Run at noon. There will be visits from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, M Health Ambulance and the Department

New tax district for Centerville Lake?

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

CENTERVILLE — Around the new year, residents/taxpayers who live along Centerville Lake will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal to establish a water management district.

Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Lake and Stream Program Manager Matt Kocian explained that the watershed district, along with the Centerville Lake Association (CLA), have been talking about water quality issues on Centerville Lake for the

past couple of years, as conditions continue to deteriorate.

“(According to our) water quality monitoring data, things have been getting a bit worse over the past couple of years,” Kocain said. “That’s concerning to us, obviously, it’s concerning to the residents who live on Centerville Lake, the Centerville Lake Association, Anoka County Parks and everybody who uses the Rice Creek Regional Park there.”

The main problem is algae blooms, which are driven by excess nutrients in the water, primarily phosphorus. The beach at the adjacent Rice Creek Chain of Lakes regional park is regularly

closed due to health concerns from blue-green algae.

“We want to get an (alum) treatment because it is so bad. It’s not safe for dogs, it’s not safe for kids,” said CLA President Barry Stoffel.

Kocian said that RCWD has performed several diagnostic studies to try to determine where the excess phosphorus is coming from. “These studies are saying that a good portion of the excess phosphorus is just being recycled inside the lake. So, the sediments or the mud at the bottom of the

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

• After a brief mourning period following the death of Council Member Steve King, council took its first steps in moving forward by formally declaring a vacancy on council and going about looking for someone to fill his shoes. There will not be a special election. Instead, council will interview and appoint a candidate to fill the remainder of King’s term, which expires Jan. 1, 2025.

The city has important business to take care at the end of the year and needs a full council. Therefore, council has created a timetable for the process. Interested parties may submit an application to City Hall until noon on Oct. 20. Ideally, council will then interview candidates at the Oct. 25 work session and be prepared to appoint a candidate to take the oath of office at the Nov. 8 meeting. If the timing works out as planned, the new

council member will be assigned to a commission or committee prior to the the Dec. 13 meeting when the final budget and levy must be approved.

Mayor D. Love thanked Steve King’s family for their years of dedication to the City Council. “He will be missed,” Love said.

• The city will need to go back to the drawing board to get a business up and running in the vacant property at 1737 Main Street. F&M Holdings, parent company for Guys and Dolls Salon, requested that the purchase agreement they signed on March 16 be canceled. The city will refund the nominal earnest money of $1 and wait for another buyer. This cancellation opens up the space for the city to negotiate with other entities, City Engineer/ Administrator Mark Statz said. The city’s Realtor has a potential buyer he believes will want to enter into

a purchase agreement in the near future, he said. Love wished the Guys and Dolls group well in their future endeavors.

• Two liquor establishments in town have re-upped for 2024, after council approved a 2 a.m. license renewal for S&B Center Corp. (dba Kelly’s Korner) at 7098 Centerville Road. Council also approved a 2 a.m. license renewal for J&V Summit Corp. (dba Southern Rail) at 7082 Centerville Road.

• The property owners at 1655 Lakeland Circle will now be able to build a 12-by-16-foot accessory structure in their rear yard in the city’s right-of-way/drainage and utility easement on their property, after council approved the encroachment agreement.

• The leaves have not yet completely fallen, but we can still think about the snow falling. And when

that happens, it will be time for Christmas in the Park, sponsored by the Centerville Lions and the Centennial Fire Department. Council approved a special event permit requested by the Centerville Lions for this free event, scheduled to take place at LaMotte Park from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. This is the day the community will gather to enjoy free food, mingle with Santa and his elves and ride in a horsedrawn trolley. The organizers will collect nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Hugo American Legion Annual Booyah!

25% OFF Red, Green and Black Seedless Grapes

Loretta Harding

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

BEST PLACE TO WORK: Lino Lakes, Hugo businesses are winners

Heartland Credit Union

Heartland Credit Union’s history dates back to 1939, but the name change didn’t come about until 1996 when the credit union merged with Land O’ Lakes Credit Union. Today, Heartland Credit Union (HCU) has branch locations in Hugo, Inver Grove Heights, New Prague and Arden Hills (for Land O’Lakes employees/retirees). The Hugo location, which has five employees, opened its doors in February 2021.

Hugo resident and Branch Manager Amanda Barghini has worked for HCU for 3 1/2 years, but she has been in the financial industry for 20 years. Although she hasn’t been with HCU for very long, she says it’s a great place to work.

“From our leadership, it trickles down to create the culture. The culture is very inclusive and empowering,” she explained. “We are a small enough organization where everyone knows each other … Everybody is committed to the same goal, and it shows in our culture.”

She likes how HCU still has that “small-town” feel while still being able to provide all the same services as a large financial institution. “We are able to partner with people in ways that feel small-town, but still has a lot of big momentum behind it,” Barghini said.

She also enjoys working for a company that cares about its employees as well as the community. Barghini said that in addition to providing a good work-life balance, HCU gives back to the communities it serves by requiring employees to volunteer for at least eight hours a year.

“There is a strong connection between what we do here in the office and what we do out in the world and trying to make sure that we are connecting with as many people as we can,” she said.

Financial Service Officer Jennifer Madison has worked at HCU for 18 years. Before transferring to the Hugo branch, she worked in Inver Grove Heights and Arden Hills. She loves her job so much that she is willing to commute almost an hour every day from Braham.

She says that one of the reasons she’s enjoyed her job at HCU is the other employees, including upper management. “They are very supportive and they want to see you succeed,” she said. Madison said she also enjoys all the relationships she has built with members throughout the years.

She explained that upper management is always willing to step in when they are short-staffed, and will help out where they can. “At another credit union I worked for years ago, the CEO just sat in his office … we were below him,” she said.

AT HCU, Madison said that everyone is supportive. “It feels like a family away from your family,” she noted.

Financial Services Officer Kim Brockman has worked at HCU for about a year and a half, but she’s been in the industry for 15 years.

“My co-workers and management are really nothing I’ve experienced before. There is a lot of care for us and our members,” she said. “It is a different feel, it is very welcoming.”

The thing that sets HCU apart from other institutions is the level of service, she explained. “The level of service we can provide, and the care that we put into things makes a big difference.”

Associated Eye Care

For over 50 years, Associated Eye Care (AEC) has been committed to providing care for patients of all ages. Today, AEC has six locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including: Lino Lakes, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, New Richmond and Baldwin.

Before opening its new location in Lino Lakes, the clinic was located about a block down the road in Hugo; before that, it was located in Forest Lake.

Physician David Park, a resident of North Oaks, joined AEC 26 years ago. After finishing his residency at the University of Minnesota, he had a few options for employment in the Twin Cities but was attracted to AEC’s patient-driven approach.

“I was impressed with the diligence and integrity that was evident with each patient encounter.

When I met the rest of group during the interview process, it was pretty clear that it’s not just lip ser vice to say ‘put patient care first’; it was fairly clear that this was a core value for the group,” he recalled.

“I feel blessed, and I love my job. I enjoy coming to a workplace that shares my core values of how we treat patients. I do believe that how we treat our patients trickles down to how we treat our employees and have a culture satisfying not just for the physicians but for everyone.”

He says AEC has never shied away from keeping up with cutting-edge technology.

“Ophthalmology is likely one of the most technolo gy-dependent surgical subspecialties in medicine, so having a commitment to staying on the cutting edge of advancements is really important, but it is not neces sarily easy or cheap,” Park said. “Starting as a young physician to now being one of the senior partners, it is satisfying to see how much the practice has grown and yet we still strive for high-tech, high-touch patient care with each person.”

In the end, Park says, it’s all about hiring the right people.

Do you think you are employed at the best place to work? If so, be sure to send in a nomination for next year’s Best of the Press contest and don’t forget to vote daily.

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

Heartland Credit Union located in Hugo was voted the Best Place to Work in the Quad Community Press Best of the Press Contest. Employees are required to put in at least eight hours of volunteer work each year.

to

in The Citizen Best of the Press Contest. The business used to be located in Hugo, but then moved about

across

What journalism means to me

To me, journalism has always meant relaying the truth to the public, no matter what that takes or what that looks like.

Journalism means leaving any and all preconceived notions or unconscious biases out the window. It’s transparent. In my reporting assignments, I always strive to paint a picture in the mind of the reader. I don’t want the reader to feel like they are reading a story and being distracted by the way I write.

Sebastian’s Script

As a reporter, I believe that it is your duty to write in a manner that brings the reader right into the story. No opinions, no extraneous details, just the story and what it is like to witness the story firsthand. I strive to put the reader in my position as if they were witnessing the happenings for themselves.

It is important for people to support real journalism because the industry of journalism has the power to keep people informed on the happenings in their communities. Journalism also has the power to keep public officials and public happenings in check. People need to know what is going on in their communities so they can be citizens that make informed decisions. A community without communication and information is a community destined to fail.

Sebastian Studier

It is important for the public to look for real journalistic reporting rather than believing everything they see on social media. Social media is a platform that is internationally structured to grab attention. This causes misleading information and misleading quotes to be in the public eye, right in the hand of the reader, on their phone screen. Social media is extremely popular and is in the hands of many people. Misinformation can be spread quickly on any social media platform and people can easily accept untrue information as fact. All people have a voice on social media, and many people use that voice to spread incorrect information.

I think that journalism is changing. Many people say that journalism is dying, but would not go that far. Print journalism is becoming less popular, there is no doubt about that. Online journalism is where the industry seems to be moving and where companies need to start moving their content. Journalism is by no means dead, as some people say. It’s changing. We just need to learn to change with it.

T he obvious question one may ask as they consider a subscription is why would anyone pay for a free paper? Let me share what your paid subscription does. First, it offsets the rising cost of newsprint.

Your subscription also helps offset some of the costs of keeping top notch staff and reporters who provide our readers a newspaper rich in content. Finally, paid subscriptions subsidize the cost of delivery, allowing the paper to be available to everyone in the community who wants it.

We need your support through a subscription more than ever. In many of our markets we have limited participation among readers, yet we know regular readers enjoy our product. Again, thank you to all our past supporters who have been with us through the ups and downs.

I f you have read or learned something that was beneficial to your family or life in our community in the past month, I would like to ask you to subscribe today by calling our office, filling out the envelope or flyer that was stuffed in all of our newspapers or subscribe online at www. presspubs.com. Thank you for your consideration.

S ebastian Studier is a contributing writer at Press Publications.

Movers & Shakers

Dean Ridings

Americans have more media options than ever. We are inundated with stories, memes, videos and promotions 24 hours a day. Most of us are on social media, which is built to provide an endless feed of content to keep us glued to our screens. And unfortunately, misinformation is prevalent and much of that content isn’t factchecked, verified or professionally produced. The result is that we’re not always shown what we need to know, or the information that is most likely to impact our lives. That’s where local newspapers come in. Your local newspaper takes a different approach.

National Newspaper Week is a good opportunity to recognize the commitment that local newspapers make to the communities they serve. Your local newspaper is just that – local. It hires reporters who are trained to provide reliable information about the issues that matter most. Whether it’s the latest happening from the local school board, changes in real estate zoning, high school football scores or a review of that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try, newspapers deliver

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

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

Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $45 fee. Please call 651407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

what’s important to you.

Your local newspaper is far more than just print. In the everchanging media landscape, local newspapers have evolved to true multi-channel content providers. From websites to apps, emails, newsletters, video and podcasts, local newspapers are delivering news in innovative ways. As a reader, you get to choose when and where to get the news you need, and no matter the method, can always be assured what you’re reading is credible and reliable.

A lthough the format or device readers use to connect with their local newspaper might vary, it’s clear that newspapers are relied on as the source for local news. A recent national study conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures shows that 79% of Americans use local newspapers to stay informed about their communities and depend on them to feel connected and to decide where they stand on local issues and to find places and things to do. Further, six out of 10 American adults use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy.

It’s clear that local newspapers are vital to healthy communities.

I n spite of the new ways to connect with your local newspaper, it’s true that the newspaper industry is facing significant challenges. Rising costs, national competitors and the impact of Big Tech companies using newspapers’ content without

compensation have all impacted your local newspaper. Now, more than ever, we need their commitment to journalism’s core values. As we recognize National Newspaper Week, let’s focus on the vital role that newspapers play, and consider how we can support them. Subscribing or advertising in your local newspaper not only supports the newspaper but is also an investment in your community.

On a national level, the Community News and Small Business Support Act (HR 4756) has recently been introduced in Congress. This bill would provide local newspapers with financial support for their newsroom employees, and would go a long way to providing your newspaper with support for the reporters and photographers that are sorely needed. Encourage your members of Congress to support this bill!

W hether you access the content from your local newspaper in print or online, remember that it is produced for you. And behind the articles, columns, and images your newspaper produces is a team of local residents who are committed to making your community stronger! Join me in thanking your local newspaper –during National Newspaper Week – for the good work it does to keep your community informed.

D ean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2023

Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.

Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification. Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.

Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer.

Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters. Letters reprinted as part of letterwriting campaigns are paid letters.

All letters are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

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

The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 7 election will be printed in the Oct. 19 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.11.

To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-4291242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

This week, and every week, newspapers are for you

A win-win situation

Human-caused climate change

I read Rep. Pete Stauber’s latest newsletter regarding electric vehicles. He criticized EVs for losing power in cold weather. Yes, they do lose power in cold weather. But 50% is an extreme, and engineers and scientists are working on improving battery performance in cold weather. He also criticized the Biden administration for the lack of lithium and mineral mining in the U.S. It is true that we look to other countries for lithium and other minerals, but deregulation and deregulation of mining is not the answer. And anyway, Rep. Stauber voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which contained incentives to boost production of mineral mining.

If we engage in a race to the pollution bottom with China by deregulation and fast-tracking mining, we will go against everything that makes this country great. Stauber implies that we become

more like China in that the government should ignore the will of the people. He says regulating the availability of gas-powered engines is ignoring the will of the people, but fast-tracking mining projects also ignores the will of the people. Finally, as to the cost of electric vehicles, that will come down as they become more available. Seems like an oversimplification, but that’s how the free market works, as Rep. Stauber should know. Rep. Stauber seems to just be a naysayer. There will be difficulties on the road to addressing the very real dangers of human-caused climate change. But we can’t continue to look at these difficulties as total roadblocks. Human-caused climate change currently does have, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our way of life in Minnesota if every attempt to deal with it is blocked.

Will Perry Hugo

Pastor Ponderings Tim Heinecke

Everybody wants to be in a win-win situation. This makes sense because it is no fun being

WEEKLY WAG

in a lose-lose circumstance. Unfortunately, we all have times where we feel like the “deck is stacked against us” and we are “fighting an uphill battle.” One thing that makes these difficult situations more bearable is having someone to back you up. When you have someone “in your corner,” it makes even the most terrible

Frida is just over a year old and still a puppy at heart. She’s outgoing, smart and a very quick learner. Frida already knows her basic commands and is eager to learn so much more. Frida, an Akita/Shiba Inu mix, arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from another local shelter. She weighs about 45 pounds and is leash-trained and house-trained.

situations more endurable.

The Apostle Paul knew this. Around AD 60, he was imprisoned in Rome and wrote a letter to his friends in Philippi. He said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

(Philippians 1:21) Paul goes on to explain how he didn’t know if he was going to live or die. While this may seem

She’s obedient, affectionate, sometimes goofy, likes to play with her toys, and likes to go for car rides. Frida likes to go on walks but she also likes to run around outside, so a home with a securely fenced yard would be a great environment for her. Frida is social with other pets, and she likes everyone she meets. When she’s done running, playing and

like a lose-lose situation, he saw it as a win-win because God was backing him up and was “in his corner.”

Our difficult situations are so much more bearable because God is there for us no matter what. With God “in our corner,” life is a win-win situation!

Tim Heinecke is the pastor of New Life Lutheran Church in Hugo.

walking, Frida likes to snuggle beside her people and take a nice nap.

Frida is a happy little girl and is looking forward to giving her new forever family all of her kisses. If you are interested in learning more about Frida or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org.

Once your application is received, Ruff Start

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

Bring pets for special blessing

St. Stephen Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church will team up for a Blessing of the Animals event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct 7. All leashed or crated pets are welcome, including dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, fish, reptiles, insects, farm animals and even stuffed animals. This community event will be held at Wedgewood Park, 211 Wedgewood Drive, Mahtomedi. For more information, visit StStephenWBL.

Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

COPS&COURTS

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

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

• An unidentified male was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Aug. 20 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. on a Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) warrant for probation violation.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 6:27 p.m. Aug. 20 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N.

• Deputies assisted the Lino Lakes Police Department at 12:07 a.m. Aug. 22 by arresting a suspect on a warrant in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N.

• A business in the 16000 block of Forest Blvd. N. reported a burglary overnight Aug. 21-22, during which a computer, business checks and paperwork containing employee information was stolen.

• Two bursts of rapid gunfire were reported at 5:18 a.m. Aug. 22 coming from a sedan that had stopped in the middle of the roadway near Elmcrest Avenue N. and Jardin Avenue N. before driving off at a normal rate of speed. When deputies called the complainant back to report their lack of success at finding a victim, poached wildlife or casings from the gunfire, or the sedan involved, the complainant reiterated that he could see the flash from what he believed to be a firearm out the vehicle’s window. Deputies asked the complainant to call back if he saw the vehicle again.

• A resident in the 13000 block of Europa Court N. at 7:31 p.m. Aug. 22 reported her husband for taking her computer. Deputies advised the complainant that her issue was a civil matter.

• An attempted blackmail scam was reported at 11:38 p.m. Aug. 22 in the 15000 block of Empress Avenue N.

• The seller of a pickup truck was reported for keeping the $300 down payment for a sale that fell through at 10:46 a.m. Aug. 23 in the 9000 block of 180th Street N. When deputies chatted with the seller, he advised them that some of the accusation details were untrue and promised to refund the $300. Deputies concluded that no crime had been committed.

• Deputies were left scratching their heads at 12:45 p.m. Aug. 23 after trying to assist a state trooper from Nevada in checking the welfare of two parties in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. First, deputies learned from a neighbor that the couple had up and moved to Nevada, and their Hugo address was no longer valid. When deputies tried to pass this information on to the Nevada authorities by phone, all they got was a shrieking fax machine on the other end for their efforts.

• A resident in the 5000 block of French Drive N. reported receiving death threats on Facebook (Meta) Messenger at 1:50 p.m. Aug. 23. Deputies referred the complainant to the Minneapolis field office of the FBI for follow-up.

A Florida motorist was cited at 9:33 a.m. Aug. 24 on eastbound 140th Street N. at Finale Avenue N. for stop sign violation after deputies on patrol observed the vehicle northbound on Fenway Blvd. N. turn right at 140th Street without stopping at the stop sign.

• Deputies answered a report of criminal damage to property at 4:33 p.m. Aug. 24 in the 16000 block of Europa Avenue N. and, on arrival, determined that a burglary had occurred.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

6 injured after school bus crash

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department responded to crash at 2:57 p.m. involving three school buses and a pick-up truck on Elm Street between Lakeview Drive and Sunset Avenue Sept. 28.

There were six injuries of occupants of the

• After a group of juveniles was reported at 10:03 p.m. Aug. 24 for being in the park in the 5000 block of Upper 146th Street N. after hours, deputies arrived on scene to remind them of curfew hours with regard to the park.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Education Drive N. at 7:33 p.m. Aug. 25 reported that in the early morning hours of that day, an unknown suspect kicked her front door a few times. The complainant told deputies she thought juveniles who were recently causing problems in her neighborhood and greater surroundings could be responsible.

• A mattress was reported dumped in the middle of the road on 170th Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue N. at 8:03 p.m. Aug. 26. Deputies moved the mattress out of the middle of the road and notified the Hugo Public Works department they had a pickup opportunity when business hours came around.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 9:08 p.m. Aug. 26 on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road N. that resulted in the arrest of one of the vehicle’s occupants.

• A reported disturbance in an apartment unit in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. featuring screaming and yelling came about because a daughter was upset that her father raised his voice to tell her to go to bed at 2:22 a.m. Aug. 27, and screamed back at him.

• A dog in the 15000 block of Foster Drive N. was arrested at 6:30 a.m. Aug. 27, after Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched out on a report of the dog biting its owner.

As medics arrived on scene to treat the injured owner, deputies and their backup help “paws’ed” to come up with a plan to maneuver the dog into the back of the squad to make the scene safe. After several minutes of struggle and several different approaches, the dog was finally secured in the back of the squad and handed over to animal control.

• Deputies cited a motorist at 1:06 a.m. Aug. 28 on Heritage Parkway N. and Empress Way N. for failure to maintain the lane.

• An unidentified motorist was cited at 1:43 a.m. Aug. 28 on 147th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop for obstructing traffic and lane violation.

• A son was arrested at 3:01 a.m. Aug. 28 in the 6000 block of 138th Street N. for violating an order for protection (OFP), following a report of a male on the complainant’s front porch holding a rock. After deputies investigated the incident, they found out the male was the complainant’s son, who was violating the OFP.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 4:08 p.m. Aug. 28 reported his ex-girlfriend for borrowing his vehicle and not returning it. When deputies spoke to the ex-girlfriend, she said she would return the vehicle to the complainant later that evening after work. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 12:34 a.m. Aug. 30 on Forest Blvd. N. and 165th Street N.

POLITICAL BRIEF

and issued a written warning for speed.

• A bicycle was reported found at 7:53 a.m. Aug. 31 in the 6000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. After deputies alerted the Hugo Public Works Department, its director came to collect the bike.

• A vehicle parked on Finale Avenue N. at 147th Street N. received a citation under its windshield wiper at 10:36 a.m. Sept. 1 for displaying tabs that expired in June, after deputies confirmed its expired status.

• An ex-boyfriend received a phone call from deputies at 11:23 a.m. Sept. 1 saying his ex-girlfriend in the 15000 block of Emerald Drive didn’t want any further contact with him after she reported him for sending her multiple unwanted phone calls and texts.

• Deputies arrested a male on a warrant at 2:10 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Speedway station in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. after they hunted him down with warrant in hand and observed him entering the station. When deputies went into the station to arrest him, an employee advised them that the suspect had scooted out the back door. Deputies couldn’t locate him outside, but later found him hiding inside an employee closet at 2:54 p.m.

The suspect was summarily arrested and his motorcycle towed because it was blocking gas pump No. 3.

• Trespassing was reported at 2:11 p.m. Sept. 1 in the 5000 block of 128th Street N. A suspicious vehicle observed by deputies on patrol at 1:35 a.m. Sept. 2 in a business lot in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be a driver just wanting to pull over to use his phone to avoid texting and driving.

• Property damage was reported at 4:23 p.m. Sept. 2 in the 12000 block of Isleton Avenue N. A verbal dispute between a landlord and tenant was reported at 5:48 p.m. Sept. 2 in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. Deputies arrived on scene to separate the parties and attempted to mediate the discussion into a peaceful resolution. However, parties agreed to meet again at 10:00 a.m. the following day. Several vehicles were reported ransacked overnight Sept. 2-3 in the 14000 block of Cosette Way N. The complainant was unsure whether anything was taken, but a garage door opener was missing from his work vehicle. The complainant did add that several people had access to the work vehicle and may have been in possession of the opener, so he didn’t know if it was actually stolen.

• A suspicious male in a black Dodge Durango was reported at 1:51 p.m. Sept. 3 for driving around the park in the 5000 block of Upper 146th Street N. and looking into vehicles.

• Deputies offered extra patrol after a resident in the 14000 block of Cosette Way reported a suspicious vehicle driving by their home at 6:12 p.m. Sept. 3 and photographing the cars in their driveway. The complainant obtained photos of the vehicle and the temporary tag that was on it.

Loretta Harding

school buses. One of injured parties was transported to the hospital via ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries and the five other injured parties were released to parents at the scene.

The driver of the pick-up truck reported minor injuries but was not transported via ambulance from

the scene.

The Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Division has been requested to inspect the commercial vehicles (school buses) that were involved in this incident. Police staff will review all available information as part of this on-going investigation.

In-person absentee voting for local general election open in Washington County

In-person absentee voting for the local general election is now open at four vote centers in Washington County. Within The Citizen’s coverage area, residents in Stillwater Area Public Schools District 834 have a special election this year.

See the county’s website to learn about eligibility requirements and how to

fill out an absentee voting application at www.co.washington.mn.us/3441/Voting.

There are also sample ballots on the website.

The voting centers are at:

• Washington County Government Center: 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater.

• Central Park, Lower Level: 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury.

• Cottage Grove Service Center: 13000 Ravine Parkway S., Cottage Grove.

• Headwaters Service Center: 19955 Forest Road N.,

Forest Lake.

On election day, Tuesday, Nov. 7, polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As long as you’re in line by 8 p.m., you can vote, even if you do not reach the front of the line until after 8 p.m. Find your polling place at https://pollfinder.sos. state.mn.us. Find more information about the election on the Secretary of State’s website at MNvotes.gov.

Front Row: Assistant Fire Chief Colin Emans, Rick Gregoire, Jason Palmquist, Tim Olson, Allysa Nadeau, Jake Jorgenson, Jennifer Verplaetse, Gina Duncanson, Deputy Fire Chief David Jensen, Tom Robinson. Back Row: Ross Hoernemann, Brian Esch, Darek Albertson, Mark Koll, Tom Kaspszak , Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr., Jimmy Roettger, Ryan Nadeau, Steve Albertson, Matt Drew, Brian Kindelberger, Cory Albertson. Not pictured: Bob Bieniek.

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

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

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

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

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: No meeting in October; the 3rd Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Monthly meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served.

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

Come Out To The Country!

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo

Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: 651-429-4413

SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 10

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: More than 30 vendors with produce and food items, artisan crafts, entertainment and activities.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

FALL FRIDAYS AT THE FILLEBROWN

When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.

Details: Take a self-guided tour of the 1879 lakeside cottage and enjoy refreshments on the porch.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

SENIOR CENTER OPEN HOUSE

When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 6

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E. County Road F

Details: Learn about weekly activities, Meals on Wheels, travel opportunities, screenings and foot care clinic. Visit with vendors and shop at the Craft Corner. Free.

ROCKTOBERFEST

When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: River Siren Brewing Co., 225 Main St. N., Stillwater

Details: Beer, German-inspired cuisine, and live music at the brewery and in the parking lot. Free admission.

Contact: riversirenbrewing.com

LAKE WOBEGON BRASS BAND FALL CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Scouts host Fall Family Outdoor Expo

Centennial Area Scouts will host the Fall Family Outdoor Expo from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines. The familyfriendly event for all ages will feature model rockets, games, putt and chip golf, archery, remote control cars and drones, outdoor cooking demonstrations, obstacle course, fishing activities

Rd., Mahtomedi

Details: Concert program features a variety of works composed and arranged for the brass ensemble, including a narrated performance of Aaron Copland’s iconic and timely ‘Lincoln Portrait.’ Free and open to the public.

Contact: lwbb.org

HUGO OKTOBERFEST CRAFT SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.

Details: Indood and outdoor crafts show with 70 vendors, outdoor grill tent, beer and Bloody Mary tent, and outdoor games.

Contact: rsgdevelopment.com

FALL FAMILY OUTDOOR EXPO

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Golden Lake Park, Circle Pines

Details: Free event for families to experience what Scouting has to offer. Exhibits include games, model rockets, archery. Monkey bridge, putt and chip golf, RC cars and drones, outdoor cooking demo, obstacle course, fishing, and survival skills demo. Free.

Contact: bit.ly/falloutdoorexpo23

SHAPESHIFT DANCE COLLECTIVE

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N.

Details: An inspiring story through the captivating medium of theatrical dance combining hip-hop/ contemporary movement and other dance styles, fused with old school music. See ticket information online.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

PAT DONAHUE AND THE PRAIRIE ALL STARS

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Details: Guitarist for the “Guys All-Star Shoe Band” of Minnesota Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion for 20 years plays blues, folk, rockabilly, and more.

Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

UNITED STATES MARINE BAND

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9

Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi

Details: “The President’s Own” band has toured since 1891. Free.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

and a survival skills demonstration. For more information, visit bit. lyfalloutdoorexpo23.

Free concert supports

Powerpack Program

The Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra will present “The Gift of Music ‘’ at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at St. Joseph of the Lake Catholic Church, 171 Elm St. in Lino Lakes. This concert of

familiar orchestral and choral music will include “Dry Bones,” “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” “Ukrainian Alleluia,” “Walk in Jerusalem” and “The Awakening.” The concert is free, but a freewill offering will be collected during the concert; all donations will be directed to the Powerpack Program. For more information on the Powerpack program, visit http://www. centennialfoodshelf.org/ powerpack.html.

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

Saturdays & Sundays 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. 218-624-7549

DULUTH RIVER TRAIN Fall Color Rides

CONTRIBUTED

The Hugo American Legion will host a fall craft show Saturday, Oct. 7. See calendar listing for more info.

3BR/3BA home in Hugo sits on 1.23 acres of peace & quiet and is surrounded by acres of parkland. 2 FP’s, full master bath, walk-out lower lvl, 2 sheds, beautiful neighborhood! Priced at $425,000. Call Donis Dzialo of Edina Realty at 651-214-2917 for more information or a private showing.

Ongoing Wine Club membership. See website for info. Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Winey Tour every Sat & Sun 4-5 p.m. Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Open to public Th-Su unless closed for private event Belle AmeVineyards

Sept. 25-

Oct.1 Oktimberfest party! At new location, 3429 Centerville Rd.

TAX DISTRICT: Lake association supportive of new water management district

The process for establishing a new water management district is a fairly lengthy process and defined by statute (103B.231, subds 7 and 9). It requires an amendment to the water management plan (WMP). After the district receives notice about its Clean Water Fund grant application (January 2024), the RCWD will ask its board to accept new WMP language to proceed with amendment. The amendment will go on the 60-day comment period, sent to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Met Council, and all cities, counties and conservation districts. RCWD will respond in writing to concerns. A public hearing will be held following the 60-day comment period. BWSR has up to 90 days for final review. After all that, RCWD would vote to accept the amendment. That would likely be in August 2024. The district would start collecting revenue in 2025.

“We want to continue to preserve and clean up the lake and make sure that it is a clean, safe and lake. That’s really our main goal,” Stoffel said.

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

lake is releasing phosphorus, and phosphorus is being recycled that way out of the bottom of the lake,” he explained.

A commonly used tool to address frequent algae blooms and excess phosphorus is a chemical called alumni sulfate, also known as alum. An alum treatment on Centerville Lake is estimated to cost between $850,000 and $1.3 million, depending on the selected dosing option. The project would be partially funded by project partners (city of Centerville, Anoka County) and through grant dollars.

In addition, the RCWD and CLA propose the establishment of a water management district.

“A water management district is like a special tax district that a watershed district could institute and manage for a project like this,” Kocian said.

Submitting Public Notices

Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed

Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice

Requirements

Deadlines:

White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.

Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.

Early deadlines apply on most holidays

Counties of Ramsey and Anoka

Contact: E-Mail: Call:

Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn Legals@presspubs.com 651-407-1200

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

Although the exact details are yet to be determined, Kocian said the district would likely run about 10 years, and people who live on the lake or have deeded access would then have to contribute a yearly amount that could range anywhere from $150 up to $600. Kocian says that likely 75 to 80 landowners would be affected.

“That’s a big range … that’s what we’re waiting on right now, and we’ll have more clarity on that around the new year,” Kocian said. “The big X Factor is whether or not we can get grant dollars for this project.”

Once the watershed district knows if it will receive grant dollars, it will better be able to zero in on what the cost would be to individual landowners.

Kocian said it would be similar to the process that the RCWD used for Bald Eagle Lake to fund an alum treatment around 10 years ago.

PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD

Apple Pie... oh my!

Baked Fresh Daily

Open Daily

North of White Bear Lake E. Hwy 96 on Apple Orchard Rd. Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Sept. 23 through Oct.

CONTRIBUTED

This photo was taken during a particularly bad algae bloom on Centerville Lake. Although the blooms aren’t that bad all summer, they can be quite disruptive to homeowners and recreational users.

• The city has once again received a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial planning report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 21, 2021. In order to receive the award, a city has to demonstrate a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the financial story.

• Chair Cynthia Schoonover has submitted her resignation from the Historical Commission. Schoonover was a founding member of the commission and has agreed to remain on the commission as vice chair. Brad LeTourneau will take over as chair.

• The Hugo American Legion will host an Oktoberfest

Celebration Saturday, Oct. 7.

• The preliminary tax levy for 2024 has been approved, and the final levy will be approved in December. It was the consensus of the council that the 2024 preliminary tax levy would not increase the urban tax rate. The total proposed 2024 property tax levy of $12,318,875 will keep the urban tax rate at 36.371% of tax capacity.

• Nick Heinle, owner of Prairie Homes LLC, has been given the green light to construct a window well and fence within a drainage and utility easement on property located at 14320 Grantaire Lane North. The City Council previously approved a variance to allow for the window well to encroach into the required side yard setback by an

additional 1 foot 8 inches. The fence is proposed to encroach on the easement around the perimeter of the property before it meets the rear profile of the house. The window well on the southeasterly side property line will encroach into the easement by 3 feet 8 inches. The senior engineering technician has reviewed the location of the window well and fence and is comfortable with the request.

• The Bald Eagle Sportmen’s Association, located at 6557 125th Street, can continue to operate after the council approved its annual special use permit.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the 2023 street improvement project in the Birch Tree Ponds neighborhood. Most recently, the city paid $904,147 to Northwest

Shannon Granholm

The City Council poses for a photo opportunity at a recent City Council meeting to recognize the city and its finance department for receiving a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association.

County Attorney’s Office receives grant for victim services

The Washington County Attorney’s Office will receive $140,000 from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, for ongoing services to victims of crime. State law mandates victim notification of events in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. State and federal funding for personnel costs associated with victim and witness services has been in place since 1990 in varying amounts. This grant, which is through the state, includes federal funding only. No local match is required.

County will work with agencies to provide services

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved contracts with Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties and Solid Ground to provide services to people with disabilities and housing instability to be able to live in the community. The grant will pay for services through March 2024.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services distributed Federal Medicaid Assistance

Percentage funds to current recipients of the state-funded Community Living Infrastructure Grant. Washington County received $1,552,500

County board receives Triple Crown awards

The county board was presented with awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), representing the “Triple Crown” for financial reporting. The awards are for:

• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Of the 87 counties in Minnesota, 17 received the award.

CONTRIBUTED

Washington County commissioners with county staff from accounting and finance and budget analysts from the Office of Administration accept awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), representing the “Triple Crown” for financial reporting.

from the grant. The county will subgrant $485,000 to Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties to distribute as direct assistance and to provide additional staff to administer direct assistance in the Washington County community. The county will also subgrant $668,500 to Solid Ground to provide direct assistance to county residents.

• Award for the 2021 Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR). The PAFR is designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public. Of the 87 counties in Minnesota, five received the award.

• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2023 budget. The budget document is submitted to the GFOA and goes through peer reviews to determine if the quality of the document meets the nationally recognized standards for effective budget presentation. Of the 87 counties in Minnesota, five received the award.

The GFOA’s Triple Crown recognizes governments who have received all three of these awards.

Real. Local. News.

If

If you are reading this right now, please support community journalism with a subscription at Press Publications. Thank you to our loyal subscribers.

If you are reading this right now, please support community journalism with a subscription at Press Publications. Thank you to our loyal subscribers.

Pheasants Forever Seasonal

599-1729

BUYING SIGNS: Beer and liquor The more the better. We can't pay reta il, but will pay a fair price and we pay cash. Contact Don 651-334-9118 One stop shopping Offers an array of different contractors from yard work, handy man repairs, junk removal, carpenter painter electrician,etc. Ryan, 651-303-8053

EQUAL HOUSING

HorizonTreadmill,3yr w/extras651-653-9665

Annual

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

J o i n O u r Te a m ! Hiring PT assembly workers in White Bear Lake at Snuggle Me Organic.

Mon-Fri. Flexible Hrs; Send Resume to: becky.k@makeheroes.co

Membership Service Associate Seasonal Fulfillment – Temporary Position

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are the nation’s leading upland wildlife habitat conservation organizations. Duties: pick, pack, & ship merchandise orders, operate various postal meters, coordinate inbound & outbound shipment of premiums, manage fulfillment lists, ability to lift up to 40lbs+, etc. Located in White Bear Lake. Application deadline is Open Until Filled.

For more info & to apply: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

NOW HIRING! ENTRY LEVEL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator - Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients - Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS: - 12-25 hours per week

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

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

quilts, knick knacks furniture artwork & more Cash only.

Birchwood Village is hiring a PT Treasurer for 20-30 hrs./month at $25-$30 per hr. The position is responsible for overseeing finances for Birchwood Village, to include maintaining accurate books and providing detailed reporting with on-going updates to council. The work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor/ City Council. The position includes PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefits. For more information, please see the full job posting at cityofbirchwood.com.

NOW HIRING

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

ACCOUNTING CLERK / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION

White Bear Township is accepting applications for an Accounting Clerk / Administrative Assistant position in the Finance Department. General accounting, administrative duties and light reception are the cornerstones of the position. Other duties include processing accounts payable and accounts receivable, cash receipts, utility billing, and assisting with greeting customers, answering phones, filing, copying, word processing, assisting the general public and contractors with applications, permits, and inspections. Must have good analytical skills, ability to operate office equipment and have knowledge of computer operations and programs including Word, Outlook and Excel. Must have commitment to serve public, positive attitude, demonstrate initiative and have the ability to collaborate with others, work independently and take on new tasks. Salary range from $28.38/ hour or higher DOQ plus an excellent benefits package.

For more information and to apply; visit the Employment Opportunities section of the Town’s website: www.whitebeartownship.org. Send Resume and Town application by October 12, 2023.

Now Hiring

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

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

Desired Skills & Experience:

High school diploma required.

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

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

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1. St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty, led by King Boreas, Leo Lewis attended the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network September Burger Night to recognize community volunteers for their support of our military members and their families. Pictured (from left) are: Roger Clarke, Cindy Petty, Joan Kacz, Cathy Arcand and Kerrin Ptacek. — Chuck Haas, contributed

2-3. Despite a rainy forecast, approximately 200 cars still showed up to the 15th annual Withrow Car Show. Bernice (pictured in photo No. 4), a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi, took Best in Show. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

4-5. The Invisible Wounds Project hosted its annual Shawn Silvera Memorial 5K, Cruise for Heroes and Freedom Fest Concert. When all was said and done, the events raised approximately $80,000 for the nonprofit organization. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

6. Youth from New Life Church – Lutheran in Hugo recently picked up the trash along Frenchman Road to help take care of the community. New Life sponsors Frenchman Road as a part of Minnesota’s Adopt-AHighway program. — Tim Heinecke, contributed

THE MARKETPLACE

Bears lead Raptors 42-29 in interrupted game

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake broke into the win column, 42-29 over East Ridge, in a freewheeling football game played over two nights. The Bears were sparked by Kesean Lipscomb’s 190 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and a trio of big plays by Isaac Kigabendi.

Play was halted in the third quarter Friday night, due to approaching lightning and rain, with the Bears ahead 21-15, and was resumed Saturday night, with lots of action each evening. Both teams are 1-4.

Coach Ryan Bartlett cited the Bears’ running game as the key to waking up the first-team offense, which had managed just three touchdowns in four games previously. The Bears ran for 258 yards and passed for 97 with sophomore quarterback Tomi Animasaun at the controls.

“We got the run game going and the momentum just came from that on offense,” said Bartlett. About the 5-foot5, 160-pound Lipscomb, who carried 28 times and averaged 6.8 yards, the coach assessed: “He ran really hard. His feet never stopped. He was on a mission.” The Bears scored on all three drives

in the first half: Lipscomb from five yards, Avian Atkins from 22, and Lipscomb from one, the latter set up by Kigabendi’s 65-yard scamper with a short pass from Animasaun.

Charlie Berg tallied all four Raptor touchdowns, two in each half, from eight, nine, eight, and five yards. Luke Ryerse booted a 40-yard field goal that would have been good from 55.

Kigabendi, a senior, made two huge interceptions against Raptor QB Tanner Zolnosky in the second half. With the Raptors on the Bears’ 15, trailing 21-15, he swiped a pass to the outside and raced 86 yards for a touchdown, opening a 28-15 lead. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound senior stopped another drive later with an end-zone pickoff.

Lipscomb got his third TD, from 27 yards, in the fourth quarter, after his wrestling teammate Porter Cleary had a six-yard TD in the third quarter.

Animasaun, in his second varsity start, completed six of eight passes for 97 yards. “He’s poised and can move really well,” Bartlett said. Kigabendi caught three for 79 yards and Devin Mueller two for 15. Atkins had seven carries for 52 yards. Benjamin Watson was 6-for-6 on extra points with Kevin

Cougars take upper hand in girls soccer race

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial girls soccer scuttled two of their top rivals in the Northwest Suburban and emerged as the lone unbeaten in the conference last week.

The No. 7 ranked Cougars blanked No. 5 Blaine 2-0 Tuesday in Blaine and Spring Lake Park 4-0 on Thursday at home. The Cougars are 9-1-1 overall with nine straight wins, allowing just four goals in that span.

In the NWSC, the Cougars are 9-0 with two matches left. Blaine has finished conference play 10-1. Andover is 6-1-2 and SLP is 5-2-3. Centennial faced Andover at home Monday and will finish at Totino-Grace on Wednesday.

Against Blaine, Isabella Sipe got the Cougars on the board in the 39th minute, assisted by Marisa Frost. Addison Van Zee blasted a 25-yard shot just under the bar in the second half. Jordan Metz made 11 saves.

Van Zee booted two more goals against Spring Lake Park. Frost and Nora Helvig also scored. Frost made two assists and Helvig one. Metz made eight saves in the Cougars’ fifth shutout of the season.

Another reason to look forward to Thursdays!

Zollinger snapping and Heidi Barber holding.

Making tackles for loss (the only tackling stat the Bears keep) were Levi Arvig (two), Akins, Charlie Woodcock and Ty Behnken. Austin Gibson

blocked a point-after kick, and Evan Chang stopped a two-point conversion run.

The Bears will host Stillwater (4-1) Friday.

Cougars clip Osseo 35-0; game halted at half

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial had a 35-0 halftime lead over Osseo at home Friday night when the game was halted. An anticipated storm with rain and lightning arrived at the break and the teams did not go back on the field. The game was declared official.

“Our administration did a great job with preparing both teams on the weather. Both teams mutually agreed on ending the game,” said Mike Diggins, who has coached in the program for 33 yards and said he never had a game cut short before.

Dylan Cummings, senior quarterback, ran for two touchdowns, gaining 43 yards in five carries while completing four of five passes for 113 yards.

Maverick Harper also had two touchdown runs and totaled 80 yards in 11 carries. Tim Ball scored the other touchdown after blocking a

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

punt. Josh Lee caught three passes for 69 yards and Ty Burgoon one for 44. The Cougars are 4-1 and Osseo is 0-5. Centennial will play at Anoka (4-1) next Friday.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Brol Scherman

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Allie

Centennial

Mahtomedia

Brol Scherman, Centennial junior lacrosse standout, has netted 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic).

Scherman was all-conference as a sophomore with 36 goals and 28 assists. The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endto-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside shooting and crease finishing skills. Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

Allie Rippentrop has emerged as a spark plug on the conference champion Mahtomedi soccer team as a sophomore. Dave Wald, Zephyr coach, cites the 5-foot-2 forward as “very talented” and “the epitome of a team player.” Rippentrop has delivered 10 goals and five assists for the No. 2 ranked Zephyrs (11-2-1) and assisted on both goals in a 2-0 win over arch rival Hill-Murray. “She is adept at taking on opponents with the ball or finding a teammate in front of the goal,” Wald said. “Despite her diminutive stature, Allie is deceptively strong. She can hold off defenders —or turn and utilize her speed to get past them.”

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Addison Van Zee, Isabella Sipe and Katelyn Hamski embraced after Van Zee scored against Blaine.

Josh Lee (19) of the Cougars broke up a pass to Osseo’s Trey Thomas.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Kesean Lipscomb broke away from Raptor defenders for a 36-yard gain in the first quarter.

For nearly four decades now, the U.S. has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.

One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.

But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. It’s necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer and what’s normal for you so you can take action if there are any changes in your breasts or underarm areas.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that

1 in 8

feels different from the surrounding tissue

• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

• A newly inverted nipple

• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

•Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.

Doctors know that breast cancer

occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.

Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.

Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do.

It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment. Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.

A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.

Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.

This information was found on www.nationalbreastcancer.org, www. mayoclinic.org and www.komen.org.

women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.