Bus tour provides city opportunity to evaluate how it’s doing
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Just as families have traditions they do every October — such as a visit to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch — city leaders traditionally take a bus tour. Elected officials, commission members, residents and city staff take a look at what happened this year, what’s slated for next year and often use the tour to come up with goals the council and various commissions want to
accomplish in the future.
“We like to make a lap around the city. It’s an opportunity for us to evaluate how we’re doing,” said City Administrator Bryan Bear, who narrates the tour. “We like to look at new construction, we like to talk about infrastructure. What we are all trying to participate in doing here is making sure we have a well-run, very efficient city operation and that we are doing a good job.”
The tour is typically scheduled for October, so
City Council members and members of other commissions can use it as a tool to help develop their goals for the next year, which are approved in January.
The 18th annual two-hour outing featured 22 stops, viewed from the window of a luxury coach.
Stop 1:
North Star Elementary has been operational for a few years, but the city is still trying to determine what to do with
City Council members, and members of other commissions,
tour to help them come up with goals for 2025.
May Township addresses lawsuit brought by Liberty Classical Academy
BY NEALY CORCORAN COUNTRY MESSENGER EDITOR
Liberty Classical Academy (LCA) has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against May Township for enacting an interim ordinance for a moratorium on the establishment of institutional and nonresidential uses and any facilities within the Rural Residential (RR) zoning district.
“Our attorneys officially filed the lawsuit and while we cannot comment on details, we can share that the goal of the litigation is to enforce Liberty Classical’s property rights against an arbitrary moratorium,” said LCA Founder and Headmaster Rebekah Hagstrom in a facilities update announcement.
“This litigation is aimed at correcting the arbitrary moratorium and obtaining our CUP, not quarrelling with the people of May Township. We look forward to working with the town of May to resolve this issue quickly,” she said.
Center may have the kind of celebration you seek. The center will hold its annual costume contest/ party from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26. According to Event Manager Kristin Cranmer, she expects the party’s vibe to be no different from what past attendees have seen. “I hope what people get out of it is
that it’s the best Halloween party they’ve ever been to!” said Cranmer. “It’s always been a fun tradition that people can look forward to.”
The party has been a reg-
At the Oct. 3 May Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Chair John Pazlar said, “For the folks that are here about the school, which seems to be the bulk of the crowd, we originally talked about whether or not we would have an executive session
SEE LIBERTY CLASSICAL, PAGE 7
KELLERMAN’S EVENT CENTER | CONTRIBUTED
Kellerman’s Event Center in White Bear Lake will host their 13th annual Halloween costume contest/party on Oct. 26.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
use the bus
• The city of Hugo will now be a partner in the East Metro Water Education Program (EMWREP) after being entered into the program in agreement with the Washington Conservation District. The city will be responsible for educating citizens about water resource, stormwater and ground water management to help improve water quality. A single representative for the city will also join the EMWREP Steering Committee. The representative will actively participate in the committee, the annual workplan development and other tasks as needed. The city will contribute $3,500 annually. An annual inflation adjustment of 4% will be added for year two and year three of the agreement. The Washington Conservation District will pay $16,172 as an in-kind match to the program each year. The agreement will be from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027.
• The city of Hugo and Washington County have entered into a joint powers agreement for a mass community notification system. The system will send mass notifications regarding law enforcement agencies, safety and welfare
to homes, businesses and mobile phone devices. The agreement will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. The agreement will remain in effect until one or both parties terminate the agreement.
• Election judges have been chosen for the Nov. 5 general election. The election judges will act as clerks of the election, count the ballots cast and submit the results to the county for canvass in the manner provided by Minnesota state election law.
• The council has approved a minor subdivision for the property west of Jeffrey Avenue and north of 152 Street N. Two 10-acre lots will be created from a 20-acre parcel. Both lots will eventually have future homes built on them.
• Tobacco shops will now fall under the Central Business Zoning District after council approval. Previously, tobacco shops were listed in the General Business Zoning District.
• The council approved a conditional use permit for a 900-square-foot addition to be added to an accessory apartment located at 17220 Keystone Ave. N. The applicant has stated that the purpose of the accessory apartment is to provide
care for a family member.
• The council approved an ordinance amending changes to the controlled shooting area in Hugo.
• Improvements have been made to 125th Street N., Heather Avenue N. and Upper Heather Avenue N. The improvements include reclamation and repaving of the existing pavement along 125th Street N. Heather Avenue and Upper Heather Avenue underwent entire street reconstruction. New concrete curb and gutters have been installed on Upper Heather Avenue N. and improvements were made to the storm sewer and drainage. The total projects cost just short of $2.9 million, according to Mark Erichson, city engineer, of WSB. Assessments costs were $258,500. The assessments will be paid over the course of a 10-year period at a 5.10% interest rate after council approval. A large portion of the project was paid for by city funds.
• The Water’s Edge Homeowner’s Association put in a request for the city of Hugo to consider a rental housing ordinance after a community meeting was held. The neighborhood has seen an increase in crime, such as theft. A rental
housing ordinance regulates the rental housing market, such as limiting rent increases or establishing tenant rights. Staff recommended discussing a possibility of drafting an ordinance after the first of the year with the City Council. The council agreed to consider drafting a rental housing ordinance for Water’s Edge when adopting 2025 city goals.
• There will be neighborhood meetings for 2025 street projects on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion. There are two projects that the council has identified that will take place in 2025. The Beaver Ponds neighborhood meeting will take place from 6-7 p.m. and the Duck Pass neighborhood meeting will take place from 7:15-8:15 p.m..
• A Board of Canvass meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in council chambers, to canvass the election.
• Daniel Kock has been appointed as a new commissioner on the Hugo Historical Commission.
Madeline Dolby
HUGO BITS & PIECES
WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING
CONTRIBUTED
LITTLE GOBLINS COSTUME PARTY
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Kids ages 8 and under can dress up in non-spooky costumes and enjoy crafts, games, treats, photo booth and outdoor activities. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. 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: 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
CALENDAR BRIEF
Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. 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
CURRENT EVENTS
BEAA ANNUAL MEETING AND CELEBRATION
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Where: White Bear Boat Works, 4495 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Annual meeting of the Bald Eagle Area Association includes presentation of award by Rice Creek Watershed Distirct.
Contact: baldeagleassn.org
RUN FOR THE APPLES
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Jacobson’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood
Details: 5 mile trail walk/run through the orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch. Age group awards and apple treats. Early registration incentives. Kids 1/3 mile fun run at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds support Strive scholarship program. Contact: whitebearrotary.org
Forest Lake Masons, Lions, host drive-thru
The Forest Lake Masons and the Forest Lake Lions will host a Dine-in or Drive-Thru event to support the
FALL FESTIVAL
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Celebrate fall with pioneer games, cider press, and self-guided nature activities.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
LADIES OF THE LAKE QUILTING SHOW
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 & 26; Sunday Oct. 20 & 27
Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road.
Details: Display of quilts made by members of local guild.
Contact: pinetreeappleorchard.com
SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 22
Where: Maplewood YMCA Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave.
Details: Free breakfast, coffee, blood pressure checks, drawings and experts on long term care, elder law and fraud prevention. Guest speakers include mayor and public safety officials.
FILL THE TRUCK AT TRUNK OR TREAT
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
Where: White Bear Area YMCA, 2100 Orchard Lane
Details: Non-scary tick-or-treating event where kids can visit decorated vehicles for candy and go inside the Y for additional activities. Donations for non-perishable food items for the food shelf requested.
Contact: catalystwbl.org
CANDY CRAWL
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Family-friendly trick-ortreating event at downtown businesses. Contact: downtownwbl.com
Forest Lake Veterans Memorial from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.
Attendees will have the choice of having a pulled pork sandwich, a mac and cheese sandwich or a brat or hot dog. Sides include chips, pop or water. The goal
SCARE IN WHITE BEAR
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Family-friendly 5K race on a torch-lit path along White Bear Lake. Costumes encouraged. Kid’s fun run at 6 p.m. Halloweenie roast, kids party, and costume contest for people and dogs follows. Registration and details online.
Contact: mmraces.com/scare-in-whitebear MAHTOMEDI PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center (Mahtomedi High School), 8000 75th St. N.
Details: Showcase of Mahtomedi school district music faculty. Ticket information online.
Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com
TRICKS AND TREATS WITH THE MIGHTY ORGAN
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28
Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi
Details: Resident organist Bill Chouinard performs concert on Minnesota’s largest pipe organ, which includes sepcial lighting and video effects. Designed for young listerners and children are invited to wear a nonvilent cosume and join a parade inside the Sanctuary. Treats served after program. Contact: 651-426-3261 or saintandrews. org
of the event is to assist with the construction costs associated with building the new veterans memorial located at Lakeside Park.
The Masonic Lodge is located at 119 SE Eighth Ave., Forest Lake.
OPINION
Wind and water powerful
Helene is now considered one of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States since Katrina in 2005. The death toll is over 250 and they are still counting. The damage is devastating to property, homes, businesses and the very infrastructure of communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Next we had Hurricane Milton on the west coast of Florida, which crossed the state doing damage to areas on the east coast. Most people in this path evacuated, reducing the death toll. The damage is expected to be high because of the heavy rain and the surge.
People have lost their homes, the power outages continue in the thousands, and drinking water is limited, especially in areas like western North Carolina.
Can you imagine being without water, food and medications? Can you imagine a 20-foot wall of water coming at you from the surges that are created by these powerful storms? What is even worse is people lost and not discovered yet. Families broken, interrupted, injured. They need rescue workers, they need supplies, and now we understand why the government program of FEMA is so important. Thanks also goes to military assistance provided. All these people, rescue workers and volunteers need our prayers and encouragement.
Through these horrifying storms, people are discovering neighbors and working together like they have never before. That’s encouraging and that’s good, but they still suffer the major losses of their homes, their vehicles, their valuables, the family heirlooms, family records and pictures of their family history. Many businesses and industries have been interrupted or destroyed. It’s hard to comprehend. It’s hard to recover and know whether life will ever be the same for them. We need to give thanks every day for our health, safety, family and friends and a Heavenly Father that is watching over us in every situation. Words in the Bible will give us comfort at times like this and give us hope.
Neighbors count
The series of hurricanes are bringing new meaning and value of being neighborly. It gets down to people helping people through the loss of lives, property, and all the grief that goes with it.
Whether we are in a storm area or right here in our own communities, how often do you visit with a neighbor? What about sharing a plate of cookies with a neighbor or two the next time you bake?
Do you have a new resident in your neighborhood? It’s a good time to welcome them and tell them about the community that you love and enjoy.
Share the local newspaper with them if they do not receive it. The newspaper is a great way to know about the community and be in contact and learn about current events and special events that are taking place.
Sometimes it means inviting them to the church you attend.
Don’t forget about those who are lonely, sometimes because of age or illness, or veterans who have served our country and are alone.
Think about ways you can be neighborly. It all goes together to build strong communities where people care about each other.
Thanks for caring and being a good neighbor.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
IMovers & Shakers
Wildwood Library celebrates history
f you’ve stopped by a Washington County library branch recently, you may have noticed a special display celebrating the County’s 175th Anniversary. October is a special time for our communities, as the first Minnesota Territorial Legislature established Washington County on Oct. 24, 1849. Originally, the county stretched all the way from Point Douglas in the south to north of Mille Lacs Lake. Today, Washington County spans more than 40 miles and is home to 468 lakes.
All Washington County Library branches are celebrating this legacy of service. Stop in to see our display, watch a video about Washington County history, and participate in a scavenger hunt full of county trivia and fun facts. If you’re interested in digging further, we’re happy to help you find information about Washington County or books written by Washington County authors.
Celebrating history is nothing new to Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi. The branch has roots going back nearly 70 years. 1956, the Willernie Women's Club founded the Willernie Village Library at the old Village Hall. Then in 1972, the library joined the Washington County Library system and was renamed Wildwood Library, a nod to the historical Wildwood Amusement Park. When the branch was rebuilt in 2020, the interior space was designed with area history in mind, including a giant glass photo of the Pippin roller coaster behind the front service desk.
We are also fortunate to have librarians from the area who are passionate about history. Librarian Amy Zeuli, who is from the White Bear Lake area and has been with Washington County Library for over 25 years, is currently assembling a photographic tour of Mahtomedi history. Visit Wildwood Library later this fall to see historical photos of the Wildwood Amusement Park and the Stillwater Street Railway. Try one of our staff recommendations this month all about Washington County and the rich history of our local towns and cities:
• Mahtomedi Memories by Alice Smith – Explore photos, stories, and memories from Mahtomedi’s past.
• Forest Lake by Justin Brink – A history of Forest Lake since its incorporation in 1874, including the community’s historical attraction of gangsters like George "Bugs" Moran and the Ma Barker gang.
• The Superior Hiking Trail Story by Rudi Hargescheimer – Tales of the 310-mile hiking trail from volunteers, original trailblazers, and dreamers of grandeur.
• In Their Own Words: The Civil War as Seen by Washington County Soldiers by Robert Goodman – The personal stories of five soldiers who were part of Company B of the First Minnesota Volunteer Regiment. This company included 101 men from Washington County.
• Looking Back at White Bear Lake: A Pictorial History of the White Bear Lake Area by Cynthia Vadnais – A collection of more than 750 images capturing the White Bear Lake area through the years.
Laura Frese is the Wildwood Library Manager.
THE CITIZEN | LIABILITY DISCLAIMER INDEMNIFICATION
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement.
The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless
the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion.
When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication.
If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs.
No specific page or position shall be guaranteed.
The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
Laura Frese
About the Town
Gene Johnson
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
PAID LETTER
ACT candidates
Please join me in voting for Scott Arcand, Brian Cern and Angela Thompson (ACT) for ISD 624 school board. These days, a “good” school district isn’t just about excellence in teaching and in varsity sports. It’s about safe, supportive and inclusive schools. It’s about cutting-edge technology for both students and staff. It’s about forward-thinking, holistic and globally aware planning. ACT candidates will ensure our schools are part of such a “good” district.
How do we know this? Arcand and Thompson each already have nearly five years’ experience on the school board. Their proposals and votes demonstrate again and again that they act in the best interests of our students, parents, educators and community. Cern is co-founder and a member of Northstar Elementary PTA, former member of the Hugo/Oneka PTA and a parent of a NorthStar elementary student.
ACT candidates are either teachers, parents or both. They understand school finances and how to balance the district’s budget without harming instruction, including special education services and career education. They promote transparency in government and seek common ground and overlapping perspectives when differences arise. They are collaborative, collective and community-driven.
During our 34 years in ISD 624, my family and I have tracked the ups and downs of the district, over superintendent changes, through financial woes and more. We appreciate the integrity and strong fundamentals that Arcand and Thompson have already been contributing and are confident that Cern will join them in these positive and productive efforts.
A recent letter writer asserted that our district needs board members who are not teachers. What?! Teachers are exactly the board members who will keep their focus on teaching and learning — the core and essence of excellence. The smarts and dedication of teachers, parents and students are what define a school as not just “good,” but “great.” ACT candidates embody these “great” qualities.
Review the candidate profiles in the Press Publications Voters’ Guide. Arcand, Cern and Thompson embody hope and strategic energy. I invite you to join me and my family in voting for these ACT candidates.
SCHOOL BRIEFS
Need a new mattress?
The Centennial Middle School and High School choir program will host a high-end mattress sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, in the west cafeteria at the high school. In addition to mattresses, sheets, pillows, bean bag chairs, massage products, box springs and bed frames will also be for sale. Teachers, military personnel, police officers and firefighters will receive a discount. All of the proceeds will support
WEEKLY WAG
King is described by his foster as malleable, loyal and loving. His foster also says that King is the smartest dog in the house. King loves his toys, his people and his routine. He is almost 2 years old and weighs 81 pounds.
King is a pit bull terrier/American pit bull terrier mix. He is playful, affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. King is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone he meets. He is housetrained and knows his basic commands, and he has good manners.
As previously stated, King loves his routine, which includes breakfast, a nap, playtime, lounging while his foster works, an afternoon or evening walk, and then heading back on the couch.
King arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound and he is anxiously waiting to join a loving family and home. He would fit in perfectly as an only dog or as an additional member of a pet family. If you are interested in learning more about King or adopting him, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue. org.
HIRING
THE CITIZEN | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
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.
Full-time or Part-time Heavy Truck Mechanic at MID-COUNTY TRUCK CENTER
Mid-County Truck Center a full service, well established truck repair center on Hwy 212 in Cologne, MN is seeking beginner or experienced repair technicians. Full-time and part-time hours with wage based on experience. For more information visit midcountycoop.com/mechanic-job to apply contact Bill at (952) 466-3721 or billr@midcountycoop.com
710 Lake St W, Cologne, MN 55322
Christina Ogata Hugo
the choir program. For more information, email jenwright@isd12.org. Centennial hosts Kindergarten
Preview Day
Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.” Letters for or against a candidate 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.
• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable source.
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 letter-writing 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.5 election will be printed in the Oct. 17 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.9 .
• To submit a letter, email news@presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.
HIRING
Full-time or Part-time Heavy Truck Mechanic at MID-COUNTY TRUCK CENTER
Mid-County Truck Center a full service, well established truck repair center on Hwy 212 in Cologne, MN is seeking beginner or experienced repair technicians. Full-time and part-time hours with wage based on experience. For more information visit midcountycoop.com/mechanic-job to apply contact Bill at (952) 466-3721 or billr@midcountycoop.com 710 Lake St W, Cologne, MN 55322
truck repair center on Hwy 212 in Cologne, MN is seeking beginner or experienced repair technicians. Full-time and part-time hours with wage based on experience. For more information visit midcountycoop.com/mechanic-job to apply contact Bill at (952) 466-3721 or billr@midcountycoop.com
710 Lake St W, Cologne, MN 55322
Is your little one starting kindergarten in fall 2025? Centennial Schools invites you and your future kindergartner for a peek into kindergarten from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. See isd12.org/enrolltoday/kindergarteninformation for details and to register for the event. MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 10/13/2024 Metro
• 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
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If
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
- 9:00
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville
Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaper). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 612/332-8844. Thank you.
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 9:25 p.m. Sept. 1 cited a motorist on Highway 61 north of 170th Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance and not having an ignition interlock device on the new vehicle, following a traffic stop for failure to update the vehicle title.
• Residents in the 4000 block of 158th Street N. at 1:49 a.m. Sept. 2 reported juveniles for knocking on their door, uprooting a lawn sign and leaving it elsewhere in the yard.
• Residents on the 4000 block of Elm Drive N. at 2:57 a.m. Sept. 2 reported people knocking on their front door and garage door. A piece of furniture had also been left on the porch, as part of “back-to-school” night out finale.
• Residents in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. at 5:47 a.m. Sept. 2 reported two vehicles with string wrapped around them and broken glass leading to their unit. The broken glass turned out to be paper clips, which may have been sorely missed at the imminent start of school.
• More worrisome reports from the last night of summer activities included a complaint from the 15000 block of French Drive N. at 2:30 a.m. and again at 4:30 a.m. Sept. 2 when the complainant heard a loud bang on the front of her townhouse.
Deputies surmised that her front door had been kicked, but saw no evidence of it. A second report at 8:00 a.m. Sept. 2 from the 5000 block of Evergreen Drive N. involved a front door kicked in and its frame badly damaged. At 12:34 p.m. residents in the 4000 block of Evergreen Drive N. also reported the front door kicked in and door frame damaged.
• A fourth report of house kicking came at 8:38 a.m. Sept. 2 in the 15000 block of Foster Drive N., after the garage door was kicked in and interior supports damaged.
• A biker riding in the 14000 block of Fitzgerald Avenue N. at 1:38 p.m. Sept. 2 reported finding seven credit cards, a Kwik Trip card, a Minnesota instruction permit and a Social Security card.
• A longboard reported stolen from the 4000 block of Evergreen Drive N. at 1:56 p.m. Sept. 2 turned out to have been left in the back seat of a vehicle.
• Juveniles were reported throwing things at a residence in the 15000 block of Foster Drive N. at 11:21 p.m. Sept. 2.
• Two residents reported forced entry to their garage service doors Sept. 3, the first at 12:35 p.m. in the 4000 block of 163rd Street N. and the second at 12:56 p.m. in 16000 block of Fairoaks Avenue N.
• An American flag was reported stolen from in front of a home in the 6000 block of 150th Street N. at 9:08 a.m. Sept. 3.
• With summer mischief now over and school matters at hand, a student was reported for boarding a school bus in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N. at 7:43 a.m. Sept. 3 and brought to school when it was not yet in session. The activity bus returned the student.
• A resident in the 16000 block of Fairoaks Avenue N. at 1:44 p.m. Sept. 4 reported ordering an item from eBay that appeared to be an old explosive. The St. Paul bomb squad arrived to take the item for examination.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop on 137th Street N. and Flay Avenue at 5:18 p.m. Sept. 4 and arrested a male with a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert out on him.
• A motorist was arrested on a Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office gross misdemeanor warrant at 11:26 p.m. Sept. 4 on Forest Blvd. N. and 146th Street, following a traffic stop for expired registration.
• An unsecured home under construction in the 4000 block of 163rd Street N. at 8:56 a.m. Sept. 5 was reported entered, and its wood subflooring used as a latrine.
• Deputies on patrol on Forest Blvd. N. at 125th Street N. at 4:16 p.m. Sept. 5 took a report from a mom whose kindergartener did not get off the school bus. When deputies contacted the school, the child was found in the care of a teacher, after failing to board the school bus at all.
• A male yelling and hitting mailboxes in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. was reported at 11:21 p.m. Sept. 6.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding at 4:16 p.m. Sept. 5 on Forest Blvd. N. and 125th Street N. A second motorist was cited for speeding at 1:16 a.m. Sept. 6 in the 5000 block of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. A third motorist was issued a traffic citation at 4:10 p.m. Sept. 6 on Forest Blvd. N. at 130th Street N. Two more motorists received traffic citations on Sept. 7.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies left a citation under the windshield wiper of a vehicle parked on a city street displaying tabs that expired in August at 9:36 a.m. Sept. 8 in the 6000 block of 145th Street N. They cited another vehicle in the 15000 block of Enfield Avenue at 11:32 a.m. Sept. 11 for displaying April 2023 tabs.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:57 a.m. Sept. 8 on Forest Blvd. N. and 150th Street N. for texting on a cell phone while driving, after deputies on patrol observed the subject with his head down, looking into his lap while underway. The inattentive driver was also verbally warned about the expired tabs on his license plate.
• A resident in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 12:31 p.m. Sept. 8 reported the neighbors for smoking pot. Deputies advised him of the new laws rendering such an activity legal, but that there were civil remedies available.
• Resident in the 13000 block of Europa Court N. at 6:58 p.m. Sept. 8 reported receiving a phone call from an individual threatening to kill them. The complainants were so fearful for their safety they made a recording of the threatening phone call. The suspect was located by another agency and arrested.
• Deputies were dispatched out to a disturbance in the 12000 block of Fenway Avenue N. at 12:22 p.m. Sept. 9, after one neighbor complained to the other neighbor about smoke from their campfire entering their home. Deputies advised
Grass maze now open
New Life Lutheran Church grass maze is now open to anyone at church or in the community. The maze is in the tall grass behind the playground equipment. There are small white crosses near the entrance and exit. The maze is designed to go in by the left cross and out by the right cross. Stop by anytime to have some fun outside.
the complainant that people having a fire while being in possession of a fire permit was not illegal.
• Another motorist was cited for using their cell phone while driving at 1:04 p.m. Sept. 9 on Forest Blvd. N. A third motorist was cited for cell phone use while driving on Forest Blvd. N. at 147th Street N. at 4:29 p.m. Sept. 11, after being stopped for phone use and a brake light out. A fourth driver was cited for cell phone use while driving at 11:34 p.m. Sept. 13 on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road, after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was all over the road.
• An abandoned boat was reported found at 5:27 p.m. Sept. 9 in the middle of the lake in the 12000 block of Ethan Avenue N. and brought back to the finder’s home. Deputies assisted in locating the owner of the boat, who then realized it had been tampered with.
• A bomb threat was reported made via TikTok at 10:19 p.m. Sept. 19 in the 14000 block of Geneva Avenue N.
• A Wisconsin motorist was cited for speeding 39 mph in a 30 mph zone at 8:13 a.m. Sept. 11 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Goodview Avenue N. by eastbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked the vehicle. The driver received a verbal warning for expired tabs and admitted to traveling at 40 mph.
• Copper electrical wire was reported stolen from 12 streetlights on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. at 9:57 a.m. Sept. 11.
• Graffiti was reported on port-a-potties in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:06 a.m. Sept. 11.
• Residents in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue N. at 10:31 a.m. Sept. 11 reported a single bullet piercing the outside wall of their home and becoming embedded in another wall. A month ago, the complainant reported a bullet coming through the house as well.
• Deputies dispatched out to a road rage incident at 1:24 p.m. Sept. 12 on Oneka Parkway N. and Farnham Avenue N. spoke to both involved parties and learned that the driver of a BMW brake-checked the car behind him on Frenchman Road because it was following too closely. The other driver said the BMW had cut them off before brake-checking them. The trailing driver then confronted the BMW driver at an upcoming intersection.
• A motorist on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. was cited for driving after revocation at 4:10 p.m. Sept. 12, after deputies conducted a random license plate check of the vehicle.
• A driver on Frenchman Road was cited at 6:51 a.m. Sept. 13 for seatbelt violation, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for failure to maintain the lane.
• A female known to deputies was arrested on a warrant at 4:19 p.m. Sept. 13 on Rosemary Way N. and Everton Avenue N. Deputies also arrested another person on a warrant at 5:48 p.m. Sept. 14 in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N.
• Resident in the 5000 block of 130th Way N. at 12:32 p.m. Sept. 14 reported receiving a scam email with a street view of their address. Deputies advised the caller of a new and popular scam used by many. The caller did not give out any money or information.
• Juveniles were reported for playing ding-dongditch in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 8:46 p.m. Sept. 14, which was at earlier hours, now that school has started.
Loretta
New Life hosts Trunk and Treat
New Life Lutheran Church will host a Trunk and Treat from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. The event will include candy, face paint, bounce house, photo booth, popcorn, apple cider and a grass maze. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors. Attendees should plan to bring a nonperishable food
item to donate to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. The church is located at 6000 148th St. N, Hugo. For more information, call 651-429-1975 or visit newlifehugo.org.
Harding
CHURCH BRIEFS
A grass maze is open to the public this fall at New Life Lutheran Church in Hugo.
LIBERTY CLASSICAL ACADEMY: Wants to resolve things ‘amicably’
FROM PAGE 1
to discuss the lawsuit and update the board on the progress and events so far, but I think we decided that having an executive session may be premature … “We know that the lawsuit has been filed, we are in the process of reviewing that and making initial contact with counsel … and because we have come to the conclusion that we are at a point of not having a meaningful update and this issue is still in process, we will push the (executive session) to another meeting,” he explained.
Township attorney Dave Snyder added, “It is certainly the board’s decision to have an executive session to discuss the matter of Liberty Classical Academy versus May Township. There is no material update for you … There was a piece of litigation filed about approximately a week and a half ago. In any event, it is all preliminary … and we will update you as things unfold.”
Prior to the township’s October meeting, the Pioneer Press reported that officials for LCA allege in their complaint that, “May Township’s decision to enact a moratorium on schools and facilities associated with schools was arbitrary and allege that the denial of the school’s conditional use permit (CUP) application was illegal because the moratorium is invalid. Officials for LCA also claim that May Township waited until seven days before they were required to vote on the school’s CUP application even though the town had been aware of the school’s plans for two years, and that the township violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act which protects faith organizations from zoning laws that substantially burden religious exercise, and the township violated the First Amendment by denying the school’s community’s rights to speech and assembly because it prevents (Liberty) from developing its independent, permanent location notwithstanding the CUP’s application with Town of May’s Code.”
According to Brandon Carmack, the attorney representing LCA, “A big part of that litigation we brought is driven by the fact that we have to demonstrate urgency on our side under the law,” he said. “But I wanted to express that I am working very well with Mr. Snyder, we are enjoying an amicable friendship … I think that we are on the right track, and I just want to reiterate that we are excited to continue to work with the people of May Township and town representatives to resolve this amicably.”
Brief background
In June, LCA proposed a 33,590-square-foot addition to the existing Withrow School building located at 10158 122nd St. in Hugo. The school’s proposed expansion includes a parcel of property in May Township. LCA intends to use that parcel of property for a septic system, an accessory building, a storm pond and a portion of an open recreational field. Because the property in May Township is zoned Rural Residential (RR), the use of property as a part of the school required a CUP.
On July 25, May Township held a special meeting to discuss a moratorium on nonresidential in a RR district. Following the discussion, supervisors enacted an interim ordinance authorizing a study and imposing a moratorium on the establishment of institutional and nonresidential uses and any associated facilities within the RR zoning district. During the moratorium, the township plans to study the zoning ordinance to make sure the comprehensive plan’s intent is adequately reflected in the ordinances. If not, new controls would need to be adopted. In August, May Township denied LCA’s CUP permit application.
“Given that the application is inconsistent with the terms of an ordinance currently in place which imposes a moratorium on the establishment of institutional and commercial uses in the rural residential zoning district, given the significant impact that these types of uses might have in a residential area, the board chose to deny the permit …” Pazlar had said.
At that time, Pazlar explained, “This has been a passionate issue on both sides. There seems to be unity in having a school, but disagreement on the size and location. One goal of zoning is for a community to identify how they want their community to look in the future … It has become clear throughout this process that the township’s zoning code isn’t relevant for today. The moratorium provides a window of time for the township to pause applications of this type, to better study what sorts of conditional uses are appropriate in our rural residential areas, as well as create an opportunity for significant public input, and to ensure that all allowed uses closely align with the township’s comprehensive plan, which states that commercial and institutional uses are generally not appropriate within the Rural Residential district.”
Supervisors establish length of moratorium
In September, supervisors for May Township direct-
ed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment resetting the length of the moratorium on the establishment of institutional and commercial uses in the RR zoning district from a 12-month timeline allowed under state statute to eight months.
According to Pazlar, “The board concluded that eight months would allow more than enough time to thoughtfully complete the process, while also ensuring an effective and efficient use of both staff and board member time, while minimizing cost.”
At the Oct. 3 board meeting, Supervisors approved the interim ordinance shortening the length of the moratorium to eight months, which is set to expire March 25, 2025. Supervisor Steve Magner was absent.
annual event.
the large wetland complex located next to the school. The wetland complex is owned by the school district, and the city would like to improve the value of the wetlands.
“If we can, we’re going to get wetland mitigation credits, and there’s value to those credits that we can sell either to ourselves or to others that might want to impact lower-quality wetlands elsewhere in the city for projects,” Bear explained. “If that were to happen, then we can probably build some form of a trail system through that property that connects to some of the (nearby) neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods would then connect through the school property to the Hardwood Creek Trail along the Highway 61 corridor.”
Stop 2:
The Lavalle property, located on the corner of Highway 61 and Frenchman Road, could see some zoning changes in the future. For several years now, the property owner has attempted to develop the property with no success.
“It’s a challenging property because it’s cut up with ditches, floodplains, wetlands (and) utilities, including a major sewer interceptor and other obstacles … Historically, the property has been zoned and guided for commercial. The property owner here is no different from most commercial property owners, and would like to talk to the city about converting some of those land uses to residential.”
Bear explained that the days of property owners wanting their land to be zoned commercial are gone.
“Residential is much more marketable,” Bear said. “We know that the residents of the community would prefer commercial-style development, but if the market isn’t there and the attempts have been made to sell it for those purposes, the city may be asked to make a change.”
Stop 3:
Frenchman Place Apartments, which will be located across from Rosemary
9
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Apartments near Festival Foods, will include a threestory, 89-unit apartment building of approximately 100,000 square feet.
Whether the city should allow apartments to continue to be built within city limits is a topic that has been up for discussion. “In many other suburbs, we’re seeing four-story and up apartment complexes with several hundred units in those apartment complex buildings,” Bear shared.
Stop 4:
The problem is not unique to Hugo — diseased trees. Specifically, ash trees that are impacted by emerald ash borer. Although the problem is citywide, residents will notice it when entering the Heritage Ponds neighborhood as well as the Victor Gardens neighborhood.
The city’s public works crews remove the trees over the winter on city property, parklands, common spaces and rights of way, but it is the responsibility of the homeowners to take care of trees in their yards.
“It was a big undertaking for our crews last winter, and it will be again this year this winter and probably the following winter as well,” Bear said. “The question is, what’s going to happen next? It will forever change the view of the entrance to this neighborhood (Heritage Ponds) and other neighborhoods will be like this.”
Stop 6:
The city of Hugo has long prided itself on having plenty of options when it comes to housing styles. The days of the townhome product seem to be gone, and the new popular option is a villa, or a one-level, single-family home with a homeowner’s association to take care of maintenance.
“One of the big discussion topics that we’re having here in the city of Hugo right now has to do with how we build residential development …. We’re talking about the size of single-family lots, the dimensions of those lots and what exactly can be placed on them,” Bear explained.
There has been some discussion in previous years, and there likely will be again this session, about whether some zoning authority should be legislatively removed from local municipalities like Hugo.
“We would like to control our own destiny. We think there’s a place for single-family housing and there’s also a place for all these other kinds of housing, but we don’t want to eliminate market opportunities for the housing that can get built because there’s a general overall housing shortage.”
In the Oneka Prairie development, lot sizes are 65 feet wide, whereas 80 feet is required per zoning code, and homes are 15 feet apart, where a minimum of 20 is required. “The question is, how wide should a lot be?” Bear said. “The idea within the single-family neighborhoods is to think about yard space; how does the spacing of the homes feel? Is it comfortable? Is it tight?”
To allow for that lot flexibility, the Oneka Prairie developer provided additional amenities, including what Bear describes as a “pocket park” designed for children ages 2 to 5. The park wasn’t included in the city’s neighborhood parks plan, but the city takes over the park once the developer is finished constructing it.
Stop 7:
As early as 2025 or 2026, the area of Elmcrest Avenue, 165th Street and Otter Lake Road could look very different. Currently, the city of Lino Lakes is planning to extend Otter Lake Road from where it ends near McDonald’s to Heritage Parkway. That intersection will likely see design changes, although that has not yet been finalized.
Otter Lake Road continues to the north and becomes Elmcrest Avenue and turns into gravel. “All of that vacant land on the on the west side of Hugo in Lino Lakes is going to develop. That’s the reason they’re building the road,” Bear explained. “It will likely not be big box retail development … It is more likely to be something else. Think big warehouse distribution centers, truck traffic, employment centers, things like that.”
Bear explained that the city of Hugo will likely have to consider making a rural paved section of roadway on Elmcrest (to 170th Street) to accommodate the additional traffic. “We do not want Otter Lake Road to dump extra traffic on Elmcrest. Elmcrest already takes two to three times the amount of traffic that a gravel road can handle.”
Similarly, the city will likely have to come up with a solution for 165th Street as development is approaching. “Once we start putting residential streets out to this road, the road will not be able to handle the traffic that begins to dump out onto it. So, it needs to be improved,” Bear said. “If we paved this gravel road and we assessed property owners … the assessments would be quite high, and it would likely compel property owners to develop their land
because they would not otherwise be able to afford the assessments. It’s a very difficult discussion.”
Per the city’s comprehensive plan, 165th Street is ultimately supposed to be a collector street, or a major roadway that would route motorists back to Highway 61 and to Elmcrest Avenue.
“It may end up being a rural section overlay just to handle the traffic in the meantime until the future, fully urbanized section could be constructed,” Bear said.
Stop 8:
Washington County’s temporary brush removal site on 170th Street will soon shut down, as the county is nearing completion on its Northern Yard Waste site in Forest Lake. The grand opening is slated for December. The city will ultimately have to decide what it wants to do with the yard compost site.
Stops 10 & 11:
Within the Shores of Oneka development is where residents will once again find that villa-style housing product. Initially, developer M/I Homes was planning some duplexes but abandoned that idea and switched to the villa product due to market demand. “They have told us the idea of doing duplexes is a market bust,” Bear said.
The development will also be home to an “alternative style” of apartment known as Garden Apartments/Oneka Fields, which will include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. Five 12-unit apartment buildings are planned.
Improvements are also planned along the lakeshore. “Oneka Lake is a fantastic water body and underappreciated here in Hugo,” Bear said. “Instead of extending lot lines to the lake (like the DNR would like to see), the city asked the developer and succeeded in obtaining a pretty special public corridor along a pretty neat lake.”
A public chipped-rock walking trail exists today along the lake, but eventually boardwalk will be installed for all to enjoy.
Stop 12:
Next up on the city’s playground replacement plan is Oneka Lake Park in 2025. The equipment there is over 20 years old.
“The neighborhood has a direct influence on what ends up happening within those neighborhood parks,” Bear said. “Those that would like to participate, that input directly matters in the outcome of those neighborhood parks.”
A neighborhood meeting for residents to provide input on what they would like to see in the park will likely happen this spring.
Stops 17-20:
In 2025, the city is looking at undertaking three street projects: one on Janero Avenue, one on Ingersoll Avenue and one in the Beaver Ponds neighborhood.
Neighborhood meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Lions Volunteer Park. The meeting to discuss street improvements in the Beaver Ponds development area will be held from 6-7 p.m. Duck Pass and Palmes Long Lake Estates developments and the Ingersoll Avenue North neighborhood will be held from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m.
Whether the city is doing enough to keep up with streets will continue to be an important item of discussion.
“The City Council recently adopted a preliminary tax levy, which is a little bit higher than what they might have originally expected it to be … They did that because they wanted to have a robust discussion on the streets program,” Bear explained. “The question is whether we’re keeping up with the needs of street reconstruction in the city of Hugo … The question for the council is whether we can keep up, with the tax levy that we have, or whether we will start to fall behind.”
Assessments in the city of Hugo for street improvements currently range from about $2,100 per unit up to $5,200 depending on the type of project. Bear, a White Bear Township resident, said he had his street partially fixed this year and will be assessed $8,000.
“It is my belief that the city of Hugo is very fair in the assessments that we collect from our residents and the participation in street projects,” Bear said. “As we work on and worry about how to fund future street improvement projects, you can guess that we’ll look at that and determine whether we’re at the right rate for our assessments as they move forward.”
For anyone interested in learning more, maps and other information on the 2024 tour are available on the city website at https://miweblink.metro-inet.us/ hugopublic/
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Homes are under construction in the Oneka Prairie development. The developer was granted some flexibility for smaller lot sizes in turn for some amenities like the “pocket park” pictured below.
The bus tour began at North Star Elementary, which opened in fall 2022. Principal Dan Schmidt talks about the school’s cafeteria and library design.
City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the vacant land on the west side of Hugo in Lino Lakes will be developed. That is why the city of Lino Lakes is currently planning to extend Otter Lake Road from where it ends near McDonald’s to Heritage Parkway.
• Property owners at 7214 LaValle Drive can move ahead with a second driveway access after the council granted a variance. City Code does not allow a second driveway access, except on corner lots, and — even then — only in certain circumstances. The second driveway access on LaValle Drive would simply connect to an existing driveway remnant that had been in place before the Bayview Villas Development driveway was installed, and which leads to a tuck-under-garage in the rear of the home. Following the development of Bayview Villas, this piece of driveway into the garage became “orphaned” and could be accessed only by driving on the grass from the new driveway. The homeowners were seeking to make this connection from the street by using the second driveway. The Planning and Zoning Commission held the required public hearing and recommended approval of a variance for a second driveway connection to the roadway with seven findings of fact and four conditions.
• Property owners of 1812 Laramie Lane can construct a boulder retaining wall now that an encroachment agreement is in place. The property owners wanted to build a boulder retaining wall in the rear, southwesterly corner of their parcel, which will be placed within the two-foot setback from the western property line and within the city’s right-of-way and its drainage and utility easements.
• It is liquor license renewal time for two establishments in town. Both bars were seeking to renew their 2 a.m. liquor licenses, even though they close before 2 a.m. JV Summit Corporation, dba The Southern Rail at 7082 Centerville Road, renewed its 2 a.m. license for on-sale alcoholic beverage gross receipts of more than $100,000, but not more than $500,000. S&B Center Corporation, DBA Kelly’s Korner at 7098 Centerville Road, renewed its 2 a.m. license for on-sale alcoholic beverage gross receipts of more than $500,000.
• St. Genevieve Church at 6995 Centerville Road will host Bingo Night on Nov. 16, after council approved their Charitable Gambling Permit.
• The third annual Trunk or Treat is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Centerville Elementary School south end parking lot. Local businesses will participate in the meet and greet event, along with the Centennial Fire Department, Centennial Lakes Police Department, M-Health Fairview and the city’s public works department. Trunk or Treat will follow the 7th Annual Centennial Community Education
Halloween Hustle 5K, which is a fun run. Costumes are accepted, well-behaved animals are also allowed, and kids are invited to join in the half-mile kids turnaround.
• The CFD, in partnership with Meals from the Heart, will host a meal packing event, from 8:30 a.m. to a.m. Oct. 26 at Fire Station #3, next door to City Hall. Volunteers will be packing 20,000 meals for food pantries in the Centennial School District area. Anyone interested in hosting a meal packing event of their own can learn more at https://mealsfromtheheart.org/.
• The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) is seeking a resident of Centerville or a bricks-and-mortar business owner in Centerville to fill a vacancy currently on the board. The board meets every third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The EDA provides programs that attract and retain businesses for the benefit of the city. For information about becoming a part of this dynamic team, please contact Athanasia Lewis, staff liaison to the board, at alewis@centervillemn.com.
• City staff has been working with state officials and contractors to submit a final grant application to receive the Solar on Public Buildings grant. The project would place solar panels on City Hall and the fire station, which would be capable of supplying up to 40kW of AC power to City Hall. Excess power will be pushed to the power grid. The project’s estimated costs are around $120,000 with 60% of the costs covered by the grant, 30% by a federal tax rebate and the remaining 10% from city funds. The city should recover its investment within just a few short years in a drastically reduced electric bill, City Administrator Mark Statz said.
• The Amazon delivery center recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. City Staff were invited to a party and tour of the facility.
• Get set to attend a public hearing at the Nov. 12 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting regarding zoning regulations for cannabis sales.
• Be sure to vote, whether by mail-in ballot, in-person absentee ballot or in-person on Nov. 5 Election Day. Statz said that approximately six people per day have been voting early and may do so until Election Day itself.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23 at City Hall, 1880 Main St.
2 Hugo residents charged with drug possession in separate cases
Two Hugo residents have been charged with separate drug possession charges.
Amanda Jensrud, of Hugo, has been charged with third-degree possession of 10 grams or more of a narcotic drug other than heroin. According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 9:16 a.m. on June 2, 2021, officers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a residence located in the 15000 block of Ingersoll Ave in Hugo. During the search, officers located a female, later identified as Jensrud, sleeping on a bed. Under the bed, officers located a purse that had a plastic baggie with what was later determined to be 21.386 grams of methamphetamine. If found guilty, she will serve 20 years in prison or pay $250,000.
Taylor Posavad, of Hugo, has also been charged with third-degree drug possession for 3 grams or more of heroin and 5 grams or 25 dosage units of fentanyl. Posavad faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for a first controlled substance conviction.
According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 21, 2023, Woodbury police officers responded to a “slumper” call at a gas station located at 9910 Norma Lane in Woodbury. The reporting party said that there was a vehicle parked at the gas pumps and the two occupants were either asleep or unconscious. The complaint said that there was a female in the driver’s seat and a male in the passenger seat. Officer Marc Olson, who was first on the scene, saw multiple pieces of tinfoil in the vehicle, all of which had a burnt residue on them.
The complaint read that Posavad was the driver of the vehicle. She admitted to Officer Olson that she
had smoked fentanyl approximately three hours earlier. Posavad was showing symptoms typical of someone being impaired by an opioid. She was arrested. During a search incident to arrest (SITA), Officer Olson found a pill container in Posavad’s possession. According to the complaint, there were 28 pills identified to contain fentanyl. In her purse were 11 more of the same pills.
Posavad is also being charged with a DWI for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance.
Hugo man convicted of criminal sexual conduct
Stephen Mcnair, 40, of Hugo has been convicted of a gross misdemeanor for criminal sexual conduct. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a criminal sexual conduct report on June 2, 2021, concerning an 11-year-old victim and her mother’s boyfriend (Mcnair) who lives with them. According to the criminal complaint, the victim said Mcnair touched her inappropriately over her clothing while giving her massages on multiple occasions dating back to 2020. Mcnair admitted to frequently giving the victim massages, including on her thighs and butt. He told detectives that if the victim ever told him to stop, he would “stop immediately.” A social worker spoke with Mcnair’s sons, who said their father never intended to touch the victim “in that way” and if it happened, he was drunk. Mcnair was originally charged with two criminal sexual conduct felonies, both of which were dropped. He was convicted of fifthdegree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail. Along with a domestic no-contact order, he will also have to serve four-years of probation and be subjected to random searches of his electronic devices.
Loretta Harding
Rebels’ big rally stuns Cougars 29-20
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Unable to hold a 20-point lead, the Centennial Cougars lost to Champlin Park and red-hot quarterback Preston Thielke 29-20 at home Friday evening.
“We broke down, and could not get things rolling again,” assessed coach Mike Diggins about his team cruising to a 20-0 lead but not finishing the job. Both teams are 3-4.
In the first half, Isaac Belinske-Strauss threw a touchdown pass to Kellen Binder from 35 yards and capped another drive with a four-yard touchdown run, and Justin Driver booted field goals of 30 and 26 yards, the latter set up by Belinske-Strauss’s 48yard run.
Then Thielke and the Rebel offense kicked in.
The agile 6-foot-4 senior hit Preston Mentros for a 31-yard touchdown on the last play of the half. He went deep again to
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Luke Gilk for a 41-yard score just after halftime, after which Centennial lost a fumble at their 22 and Thielke hit Jeremiah Schaefer from there for a touchdown on a screen pass, taking a 21-20 lead. With 2:45 left in the game, Thielke scored on a sneak and hit Preston Mentzos for a clinching twopointer. The Rebels shut down the Centennial ground
game in the second half. The Cougars got most of their 230 ground yards in the first half. BelinskeStrauss gained 107 in 13 carries and Brady Haffeman 47 in 11. In the second half, Max Johnson had a 53-yard catch and Marshawn Carlvin a 22-yarder but the Cougars had no scoring threats. Belinske-Strauss was 4-for-11 for 112 yards with one interception.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Addison Kemper
Centennial Volleyball
Addison Kemper, 6-foot-1 junior, emerged as a force at middle blocker this year for the Cougar volleyball team. “She has been on fire all season, and really came out strong against Hopkins,” said coach Nicole Christensen, about a win last week where she logged nine kills in 12 attempts with no errors, three aces and three blocks. Through 25 matches, Kemper had 147 kills, 33 aces and 19 blocks. “She has exceeded our expectations,” Christensen said. “We love when players want the ball and work hard to do their job.”
WAY TO GO!!
CITY
times in The Citizen on October 17 and 31, 2024.
CITY OF HUGO
NOTICE OF TESTING OF DS200 VOTING EQUIPMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Hugo will conduct a public accuracy test of the DS200 ballot scanner voting equipment at Hugo City Hall on Thursday,
Bears trip Raiders before 4,000 fans at homecoming
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
After an 0-5 start, things are looking up for White Bear Lake football. The Bears claimed their second straight win, 24-7 over Roseville Area before a huge homecoming crowd Friday evening. They’ll close the regular season at Osseo (2-5) on Thursday.
Tomi Animasaun completed 18 of 22 passes and the Bear defense held firm as they followed up a 24-17 upset of Stillwater with the win over Roseville, which was 3-3 coming in.
“We’ve been doing a lot of really good things. We just weren’t winning,” coach Ryan Bartlett said. “Last week at Stillwater was huge for us. This week, we were a little nervous at first.”
Over 4,000 fans flocked to the game on a pleasant
HUGO CITY COUNCIL
have been scheduled for Tuesday, October
improvements in the
Ponds
evening. The massive grandstand in the new stadium was full and many more ringed the field. “We never could have done that in the old place,” noted Brian Peloquin about the crowd. Students were allowed to storm the field and embrace the players after the game.
The homecoming crowd contributed to the Bears being a little jittery early, the coach said, with unforced fumbles and a missed field goal. “We settled in and made some adjustments,” he said, adding, “We’ve always had real good (fan) support here.”
Animasaun, behind a line providing good protection, was 18-for-22 for 218 yards. Ben Lockwood caught six for 76 yards with a four-yard touchdown. Easton Miles caught five for 81 yards with a 48-yard touch-
down. Rithy Sain snagged five for 62 yards, one for 38 yards out-leaping a defender.
With their top backs injured (Porter Cleary and Brian White), the Bears still picked up 115 yards on 29 runs. Nate Tvedt carried 11 times for 37 yards, Animasaun nine for 32 with a fiveyard touchdown, and White three for 28 before leaving the game. “We spread the ball around,” Bartlett said. “We have a lot of guys who can make plays.” Ernest Goodwin was 3-for-3 on extra points and made a 27-yard field goal after missing from 26.
The Raiders had 178 rushing yards, mainly by Javon Minor, while passing for just 32 yards. Minor had a 22-yard TD run after a long kick return by Sam Vail, tying the score 7-7. The Raiders didn’t score again. The Bears stopped Raider drives on the 10-yard line twice and they missed short field goals each time.
The Bear defense has turned in two straight solid games, starting with holding Stillwater to three points in the last three quarters. Leaders are linebackers Malik Doumbia (outside) and Levi Arvig (inside), with linemen Braydin Little and Jerold Wright and defensive back Donovan Morris also emerging as stoppers, said Dustin Holman, defensive coordinator. Doumbia logged nine tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery against Roseville. Also making tackles-for-loss were Lincoln Bacha (two), Logan Gibson and Arvig.
HUGO CITY COUNCIL
CANVASSING BOARD
The Hugo City Council will meet as the Canvassing Board on Tuesday November 12, at
to
will be held from 6-7 p.m. The meeting to discuss street improvements in Duck Pass and Palmes Long Lake Estates Developments and in the Ingersoll Avenue North neighborhood will be held from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the Peder Pedersen Pavilion.
Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on October 17, 2024.
HUGO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Hugo City Council has scheduled the annual holiday party for Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion.
Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on October 17, 2024.
HUGO CITY COUNCIL
CIP WORKSHOP
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the HUGO CITY COUNCIL has sched-
uled 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. Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on October 17, 2024.
Justin Driver (9) kicked two field goals for the Cougars, with Max Johnson(2) holding.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Tomi Animasaun launched a pass behind blockers including Charlie Racine (15) and Matt Anderson (65).
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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal
ular fixture at the center, currently in its 13th ongoing year. According to co-owner Terry Kellerman, the contest is not just an opportunity for attendees to show off their best costumes, but also to increase their chances of winning first place. “It’s quite a competition,” noted Kellerman. “I’ll see the same people come every year with different costumes. Usually, they’ll leave the previous year thinking to themselves, ‘All right, I’m going to win next year,’ so what they put on can be pretty elaborate.”
As in previous years, the party is reserved for ages 18 and older, a factor that Kellerman and Cranmer partially attribute to the lack of restrictions on what costume attendees can wear (although excessive nudity is prohibited).
For alcoholic beverages, guests can choose three locations for pur-
chases: the Alchemist and/or 4 Deuces Saloon on the lower level, and the center’s main event bar on the second floor.
“We will have Oktoberfest beers on tap in the saloon,” said Cranmer, “and guests can buy specialty cocktails over at the Alchemist.”
Despite the Halloween vibe, Cranmer said none of the three locations will sell themed drinks for the party. “We tried doing that the last couple of years, and it’s not very popular,” Cranmer admitted. A cash bar will also be available for attendees.
WildCat Combo, a classic rock cover band that has performed at each of the center’s past Halloween parties, will provide live music from 8 to 11 p.m. Throughout the night, a person dressed in a judge’s costume will go around the center and interact with guests.
According to Kellerman, this is part of the party’s
contest nomination process to see who is doing the best job of acting in character. The judge and center staff will keep a list of people they consider the best in character. In between band performance breaks, the “judge” will invite each person on the list to the stage and ask questions, by which the crowd will eliminate contestants by popular vote until the final three remain. First-place winners will receive a $100 gift card to the Alchemist, while second and third-place winners will earn $50 and $25, respectively. The center’s Halloween parties have tended to draw 200 to 300 people, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Cranmer and Kellerman, they hope to outdo this number this year. “More recently, we’ve been bringing in about 250 people,” said Kellerman. “We’d love to see that go up to 490, which is our max capacity,” added Cranmer. Tickets for the party will be sold at the door for $20 per attendee the night of the event.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him by phone at 651407-1229 or email at whitebearnews@ presspubs.com
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Two trips or one long one. Ideas? Still miss our talks and trips! My Love Always and All Ways....... Tom
on a motor powered by a solar panel. They were also tasked with trying to find ways to get the fan to speed up or slow down as well as trying to get it to spin in the opposite direction. They had to draw a diagram of their system and note their observations. White Bear Area Schools, contributed
2. Centerville Lions spent their Saturday cleaning up the area around Centerville Elementary Saturday, Oct. 5. — Centerville Lions, contributed
3. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm was able to capture this photograph of the northern lights over Hugo Thursday, Oct. 10. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
4-5. The Hugo Fire Department hosted its annual open house Saturday, Oct. 5. In addition to fire engine rides, there was also a bounce house. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications 6-7. The Hugo American Legion once again hosted Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 5. The event featured a variety of vendors, food and live music. Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
8. In art class, fourth graders at Oneka Elementary drew self-portraits. Students practiced proportional drawing using a rules, mirror and a shading technique to draw the unique features of their faces. They also studied different artists’ drawing styles to find inspiration. — White Bear Area Schools, contributed
1. Oneka Elementary fifth graders stepped outside the classroom for their amplify science lesson. In groups, student groups used