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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically.

First step is talking about it

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Candice Amundson spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. Once her child’s life was in danger, she knew she had to get out of that situation.

Amundson is one of the more than 10 million women and men that have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner in the U.S.

First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another throughout the month to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, and to uplift survivors by sharing their stories and providing additional resources to leaders and policymakers.

After about 10 months of dating a man, Amundson found out she was pregnant. In the

BY THE NUMBERS Minnesota

33.9% of women and 25.1% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

14 people in Minnesota were murdered in domestic violence homicides in 2018.

22,760 the number of active protection orders in Minnesota between 2006 and 2015.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Bus tour takeaways mainly touch on housing

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

If there’s a theme from the 2022 annual city bus tour, it’s that there isn’t much in the way of starter homes in Hugo. Unless you consider a home priced at $400,000 a starter.

Affordable housing is an ongoing discussion topic, said City Administrator Bryan Bear, who narrated the two-hour excursion through

Hugo thanks longest-serving woman firefighter for ‘making a difference’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — Hugo has to say goodbye to its longest-serving female firefighter in the department’s history.

Jodie Guareschi has made the difficult decision to retire from the Hugo Fire Department after 21 years of service.

“I can tell you that this decision that Jodie has made has been a really hard one for her to come to,” City Administrator Bryan Bear said. “Jodie wears her heart on her sleeve, and her heart is here with the fire department. It has been a big part of her identity for 21 years. It’s been very hard for her to give it up and say goodbye to it.”

Guareschi moved to the United States from Australia 23 years ago. She began volunteering around the community. Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. recalled Guareschi stuffing envelopes at City Hall, when she expressed a

ALEXANDRA HOUSE | CONTRIBUTED

Candice Amundson, a domestic violence survivor, shares her story and talks about how Alexandra House helped her.

desire to become an EMT. Guareschi agreed to join the firefighters going through EMT training and pay for it all on her own. But the fire department agreed to pay her way, as long as she joined the fire department. And that’s what she did in 2001. The rest is history.

“We have had several women on the fire department over the years, and none of them have gone over 20 years,” Compton explained. “Jodie has touched a lot of people and a lot of hearts in the community.”

Fifteen years ago, Guareschi responded to a snowmobile accident that left a young boy in critical condition. Over the years, Guareschi stayed in touch with him and at her retirement party, the now 30-year-old man showed up to thank her for her service and wish her well.

“Jodie is not the person that goes charging into a burning building; her strength has been more on those medical calls, and that’s where she

has taken her pride. When you listen to Jodie you can really feel how much she cares about these people that she interacts with,” Bear said. “She has a unique talent of connecting with people out there on a scene. When things have gone really bad and things are at their worst, there is Jodie to talk them through it.”

City Council Member Becky Petryk shared that several years ago, one of her neighbors had a personal experience with Guareschi that they will never forget. She said her neighbors always talked about the “beautiful, kind, compassionate firefighter” who helped them through an incredibly difficult time. “She stayed, she comforted them, she held their hands and hugged them. It was the most important thing that they had experienced from someone who was associated with the city of Hugo, ever,” Petryk said.

In addition to a certificate of appreciation from the city, Guareschi also received a challenge coin from the Department of Public Safety and

for kindness and compassion

State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“I’m thankful for leaders like Jodie giving our future females that opportunity to see a strong female in the fire service so that we don’t have those firsts anymore,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson. She added that currently less than 10% of firefighters in the state are women.

“I would love to do this job forever, but advancing years and changes in direction are telling me to get out while I’m still on top,” Guareschi said. “To my brothers and sisters, remember you will succeed if you never forget that this is not about you or the fires you fight, it is about the people who entrust you with their lives and the immense responsibility that comes with you being able to pull them away from one of the darkest moments they will ever experience.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

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CONTRIBUTED

Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. recognizes Jodie Guareschi at a council meeting. Guareschi is the department’s longest-serving female firefighter in the department’s history.

up the great job!”

COPS&COURTS

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

• A resident in the 12000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 6:00 p.m. Sept. 4 reported the neighbors for photographing him.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited a motorist at 9:10 p.m. Sept. 5 for speeding on Frenchman Road.

• A set of house and car keys were reported missing at 10:19 p.m. Sept. 5 in the 5000 block of French Drive, after the complainant misplaced them while playing at the community basketball court. He said he just wanted the incident documented and would phone deputies if his vehicle went missing. The complainant told deputies he didn’t have his vehicle’s license plate number handy and would look for his keys in the daylight.

• Deputies responding to a reported harassment restraining order (HRO) violation in the 15000 block of Emerald Drive at 8:17 a.m. Sept. 6 told the complainant that she needed to contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office since the violation was happening in that county.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 10:31 a.m. Sept. 6 reported receiving a suspicious phone call from a person claiming to be from U-Care wanting to explain insurance policies. When she phoned U-Care, she learned that the person who phoned her was not a part of the company. Deputies advised her to not to pick up phone calls from unknown parties. If it were an important call, the party would leave a message, deputies said.

• A custom trailer was reported stolen at 10:36 a.m. Sept. 6 from the 5000 block of 130th Street N.

• An abandoned USPS mail truck was reported found at 7:55 p.m. Sept. 6 in the area of Fiona Avenue N. and 125th Street N. The truck was deemed abandoned as no one was inside the vehicle. Deputies contacted the USPS to report their vehicle’s location, and a tow truck was summoned to the scene.

• A renter in the 14000 block of Irish Avenue N. at 11:40 a.m. Sept. 7 reported the lawn at his residence damaged from a suspected ATV. The complainant didn’t know when the damage could have occurred and couldn’t provide suspect information other than seeing ATV’s on the roadway from time to time.

• A resident at an unknown Hugo location at 1:19 p.m. Sept. 7 reported receiving a scam phone call telling her she had a warrant out on her and that she needed to hand over credit card information to avoid fees and the inevitable arrest. The complainant stated that the scammer was quite convincing, but she resisted providing information. The complainant must not have been convincing, because deputies checked their computer files to make sure she really didn’t have any warrants out on her.

• Deputies on routine patrol pulled over a vehicle who ran through school patrol flaggers at 7:31 a.m. Sept. 8 at the intersection of Heritage Parkway N. and Education Drive and gave the driver a tutorial on what to do when encountering the school crossing guard. Drivers need to stop and wait for the flaggers to get off the road before driving off, deputies said.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 4:18 p.m. Sept. 8 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving on the right shoulder by deputies waiting in a long line of traffic at a red light. They observed the driver pass their squad and several other vehicles by driving on the right shoulder to make a right turn. The driver, whose attitude was described as good, was aware of the reason for the traffic stop.

• Residents in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 4:24 p.m. Sept. 9 reported the neighbors for breaking part of their fence sometime during that day.

A group home client in the 17000 block of Farnham Avenue N. was cited for assault at 7:07 p.m. Sept. 9, after deputies responded to the scene of a disturbance.

• A motorist was verbally warned at 12:16 a.m. Sept. 11 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for a missing rear taillight by deputies on routine patrol, who pulled him over after suspecting he was driving impaired. After administering standard field sobriety tests, deputies determined the driver was not impaired – just missing a taillight.

• The driver of a dark-colored SUV was cited at 9:47 a.m. Sept. 11 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 146th Street N. for displaying tabs that expired in February and for insurance violations. The

driver admitted to being aware of the tardy tabs and had earlier received a written warning from deputies. But when he tried to renew the registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles, the line was too long, he said. The driver also could not provide proof of insurance, so deputies called the insurance company only to discover that the insurance the driver claimed to have in good order had actually lapsed due to nonpayment.

• An extraordinarily large bonfire in the area of 142nd Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. was reported at 12:12 a.m. Sept. 12. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arriving on scene were astonished at the magnitude of the fire and advised the homeowner to put it out. The fire was extinguished without incident.

• A license plate was reported stolen off a vehicle in the 15000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. at 9:34 a.m. Sept. 12. Deputies took the remaining plate off the vehicle and submitted a stolen plate form to the National Crime Information Center database.

• Identity theft was reported at 1:19 p.m. Sept. 12 in the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N.

• A motor vehicle was reported stolen overnight Sept. 12-13 from the 5000 block of 152nd Street N. The business next door also called in to report the vehicle theft. Total loss was reported to be approximately $700.

• Items were reported stolen from several vehicles in the 15000 block of Freeland Avenue N. at 6:17 p.m. Sept. 13.

• Deputies were dispatched out to a business in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. on a shoplifting call at 2:36 p.m. Sept. 14. Although the suspect was gone on arrival, deputies confirmed that a theft had occurred.

• A suspicious male, tattooed on his neck and arms, was reported at 2:47 p.m. Sept. 14 for looking into a vehicle in a driveway in the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. without trying to gain entry.

• An unidentified male was arrested for DWI at 6:23 p.m. Sept. 14 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N., following a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration.

Residents in the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. at 9:16 a.m. Sept. 15 reported items stolen from their Winnebago while it was at the shop undergoing repairs.

• Deputies arrested a driver in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 5:51 p.m. Sept. 15 for an undisclosed violation and cited his passenger, also for an undisclosed violation.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:07 p.m. Sept. 15 in the 4000 block of westbound Frenchman Road for careless driving and failure to obey a semaphore, after deputies observed a dark-colored sports car approach the red light, signal and turn right without stopping. During the traffic stop, deputies detected the odor of alcohol coming from the interior and observed the driver’s watery, bloodshot eyes. When the driver admitted to consuming alcohol, deputies conducted field sobriety tests that produced a blood alcohol content of 0.078. Though the driver was not legally intoxicated, he was intoxicated “in fact” and called for a family member to drive him home from the traffic stop.

A motorist was arrested for driving on a canceled license for unsafe behavior at 2:06 a.m. Sept. 16 in the area of Flay Avenue N. and 140th Street N., following a traffic stop for a turn signal violation.

• A resident in the 4000 block of 126th Street N. at 2:08 p.m. Sept. 16 reported an internet scam. Deputies advised her not to click on pop-up ads, because most of them are scams. They further advised her that if something seems too good to be true, then it usually is.

• An unidentified male, but one known to deputies, was arrested on multiple warrants at 3:16 p.m. Sept. 16 in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Eminence Avenue N. at 1:34 a.m. Sept. 17 reported unknown persons for ringing her doorbell multiple times.

• A juvenile was reported at 9:16 a.m. Sept. 17 for riding a dirt bike in a wetland area owned by a homeowners association in the 15000 block of Falcon Circle N. The youth’s parents were contacted and asked to help encourage safer behaviors. The complainant was advised to contact the HOA regarding possible bylaw infractions.

• A Minnesota woman was cited at 10:32 a.m. Sept. 17 in the area of Leopold Lane and eastbound Frenchman Road for driver’s license restriction violation and a moving violation, after deputies pulled over her pickup truck for failing to signal a left-hand turn. The driver submitted temporary driver’s license papers and admitted that her own vehicle was disabled due to an interlock device. This was why she was driving another person’s vehicle to go to work, she explained. The driver parked the vehicle legally at the scene and called for a ride.

Loretta Harding

Happy Fall from the staff at

Dental

651-762-8911 centerville@applecw.com

OPINION

Vote the future

EA RLY VOTING IS now underway in Minnesota and the in-person Election Day is Nov. 8, 2022. Minnesotans have a good record of election turnout and credibility at the polls. The key is for voters to be informed. Our news staffs have been working hard to provide you voter guides with the candidate’s views on a number of key issues. Please take advantage of these guides and review them before going to the polls or voting early.

Everyone has their own priorities, but here are my issues of concern for Minnesota that need to be addressed:

• Violent crime needs to be reduced. It is increasing in many areas of the state, especially in Minneapolis.

• Solving the shortage of workers.

• Reduce the state financial surplus without rebates. Cutting state income tax rates is preferred.

• Abortion, now basically a state issue.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

• Medical, hospital and prescription costs are too high.

• We need more affordable housing throughout the state.

• Food affordability or money for lowincome families.

• We need more transparency in curriculum in our public schools.

• T he rising cost of higher education. We need to redevelop vocational education.

• More competent auditing of state government programs.

On the national level:

• I nflation must be brought under control. High inflation raises the cost for food, fuel and electricity.

• T he increasing global dangers of the war in Ukraine and China’s threat to Taiwan.

• L ack of compromise and civility in Congress. They have forgotten who elected them.

• Excessive spending and increasing the national debt.

• Reduce trend toward more government control. I ncrease the percentage of people in the labor force, which has been declining over the past 20 years. Capable jobless people need to get off their butts and get a job to share in the cost of government.

• I llegal immigration is out of control. Congress needs to pass a coherent immigration policy. We need better immigration processing, education, and safety.

• Our infrastructure is deteriorating. We need to fix our highways, bridges and the electric grid.

• We need to rebuild our middle class.

• Our two major political parties are too polarized and dominated by the extreme wings of their parties. We need more independent voters.

OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, especially the Internal Revenue Service, is behind in reviewing tax returns and answering taxpayer questions.

T he government also knows there are leaks in the system. They are going to make a renewed emphasis on auditing and recovering taxes that are due. They see an opportunity here, and they may be right, to gain needed revenue for all the new programs that have recently been approved.

High income earners and corporations are regularly audited. This time it appears that middle class and lower will be the focus. If you don’t think growing inflation is hitting your budget, think about what the extra costs will be connected with audits.

YOU MIGHT BE surprised on your next air travel when boarding passes might not be required for airport security. The TSA staff is now using credential authentication technology to scan drivers’ licenses or other government identification. Maybe that will save time and reduce the lines at check in.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Adding structure to enhance your landscape design

Ou r first foray into landscaping occurred more than 30 years ago and consisted of traditional spireas, mugo pines and dogwoods, all surrounded by landscape rock. As we learned more about gardening, we wanted to make our yard stand out. After consulting with a local designer, we learned more about the concept of structure, and how adding simple objects like trellises and raised beds can add height and interest to the landscape.

Gardener’s Grapevine Nyle Zikmund

Our structure journey started with a simple fence. This provided a focal point, demarcation, and a foundation to build on. Since then, we have added trellises, a garden bridge, raised planters, and an arbor. Each of these additions had a purpose, usually related to plant needs, but we also thought about how a structure could add beauty, height, or color to tie in the surrounding landscape. I am comfortable working with wood and building things; if you don’t have these skills,

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you can work with a landscaper (or handy friend) to create your own structures. The internet has many great resources to help you find design ideas, and some sites provide step-by-step instructions and supply lists, too.

I f you like the challenge of building things, here are some tools and materials that I recommend:

• A table saw, power miter box, jigsaw and good drill are important for accurate cutting and fastening. Mechanical fasteners in stainless steel, if possible, work great. Adhesives tend to lose cohesion in our extreme thaw and freeze cycles.

• Brazilian Ipe wood (a renewable hardwood) is ideal for trellises and nonplanter structures. It is extremely hard and requires sharp tooling. Cedar is a less-expensive alternative, requiring staining every other year.

Ipe oil is a commercially available finish that does an excellent job of sealing wood and protecting it from the elements.

• P rofessional grade treated landscape timbers work well for structures that will hold soil and water, such as raised beds.

T he trellises were the simplest of our projects and took only

a few hours to build, but they made the most visible impact. Providing structure for our languishing clematis allowed it to climb and spread, and we have been rewarded by an unprecedented influx of pollinators and hummingbirds. Our arbor and bridge gave us the opportunity to amend the soil and introduce additional plant species, which also benefit the pollinator ecosystem.

A s our structure adventures continue, we often find new projects to enhance our landscape. Instead of staking our hydrangeas to protect them from the wind, we plan to build another fence that will offer both physical support and an aesthetic focal point.

W hether you spend just a few hours on a simple trellis, or you build multiple garden structures as we have, you’ll find that adding visual interest to your landscape can be both beneficial and beautiful.

T he University of Minnesota Extension has several resources for home gardeners who want to learn more about landscape design. For more details, visit: https://extension.umn. edu/lawns-and-landscapes/ landscape-design.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2022

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Zoey Nguyen Designer art@presspubs.com

Luecken Circulation circ@presspubs.com

Paul Dols Photo Journalist

Nyle Zikmund is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

HUGO BITS & PIECES

• The city of Hugo, along with cities all around the world, recognizes October as Toastmasters Month.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization’s membership exceeds 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Local chapters include White Bear Lake and Lino Lakes.

• Hugo American Legion Post 620 continues to make financial donations to the Hugo Fire Department. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to the department to be used for equipment and training.

• Roger Clarke has resigned from the parks commission. Clarke served on the commission from June 2003 through December 2012 and again beginning in May 2017. The City Council plans to hold interviews for vacancies on city commissions in November.

The Premier Banks proposal continues to move forward. Most recently, the council approved a rezoning, conditional use permit (CUP), site plan and two variances.

Premier Banks plans to construct a 4,500-square-foot-building with a drive-thru on the 0.76-acre

PAID LETTER

Takes his responsibility seriously

parcel located at 5616 147th St. N. The property has been rezoned from Future Central Business (FCB) to Central Business (C-1) to accommodate the commercial use. The CUP will allow for the drive-thru entry point to be located within 200 feet of residentially-zoned properties. One variance will allow for a reduction in vehicle stacking space in the drive-thru lane, and the other variance will allow for the drive-thru access point to be located on a residential street.

• Mike Atkinson can keep stockpiling material on his property located on the south side of 147th Street between Irish and Hyde Avenue for another two years. His permit expired in August. For the past several years, the site has been used to stockpile material, while no mining activity has taken place. When the permit was renewed in 2012, the council allowed the Atkinsons to move forward with the mining permit renewal process without all the conditions being met until the time mining operations began again, due to the cost of meeting those conditions.

The requirements not being met are to biannually provide a topographic map of the site, calculation of stockpiled material, amount of granular material left on site to be mined, and a reclamation plan.

City staff has found very minimal activity on the site to require that those conditions be met for the renewal of his permit. The renewal was approved provided that all the requirements be met once mining activity begins again.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the 140th Street extension project. Most recently, the council authorized pay request No. 2 for $190,596 to Miller Excavating Inc. for work certified through Sept. 15. The project is substantially complete, as only some punch list items remain.

• The city has also begun paying its bills related to the Oneka Parkway project. The council has approved pay request No. 1 for $583,565 to North Valley Inc. for work certified through Sept. 15. The first phase is complete, significant work on the second phase has been completed and work on the third phase (the traffic signal at Oneka Parkway and Frenchman Road) has begun.

• Water Tower No. 2 has successfully been removed. The council has signed off on pay request No. 1 for $79,515 to Iseler Demolition Inc., as well as a change order, which authorized a deduction of $3,573 from the contract price for the city of Hugo to restore the site per the specifications with an independent contractor.

communities demonstrates she is not serious about important issues that impact all of us.

Finally, a politician who doesn’t “go along to get along.” That politician is Sen. Roger Chamberlain, and we’re lucky we have a leader like this.

In early September, Sen. Chamberlain issued a report on his committee’s findings on the fraud in food programs for kids administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In his report, he brought to light the appalling failures at the agency that led to $250 million in fraud, the largest COVID relief fraud in the nation — the only such fraud, reported to date, in the entire nation.

Last spring, after 200 FBI agents executed search warrants across the state, Chamberlain’s committee held three public hearings in the Senate K-12 Education Committee and zeroed in on MDE’s stunning failure to do its fiduciary duty.

What Chamberlain’s committee uncovered was eyeopening. While MDE employees said they suspected fraud, they did almost nothing to identify and prevent any of the theft. They conducted “desk audits,” then even stopped doing that. They approved reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of meals served from vacant storefronts and third-floor apartments.

The U.S. attorney used the word “staggering” to describe the amount of fraud and how it was carried out. Nonetheless, MDE apparently missed all of it. MDE actually said its process worked. The fraud went on for 11 months. It began in May 2020 and continued until April 2021, when MDE finally notified the FBI.

Indictments have been brought against 47 defendants, who claimed they were serving food to needy children but instead were buying houses, luxury cars, resort property in Kenya, jewelry and international vacations.

Fraud was allowed due to laxness in government oversight. Thankfully, we have a state senator like Sen. Chamberlain who takes his responsibility seriously and is determined that on his watch, the bad apples will be rooted out.

Steve Gerlach Circle Pines

Wanting safe communities and protecting families is not a “Trump talking point.” Clearly, Ms. Gustafson is quick to judge, unwilling to listen and highly partisan. She is not someone who can be trusted to fairly represent this community or this state.

Allen Thomsen Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Elections do have consequences

Minnesota elections come down to this obvious fact: Democrats now run for office claiming to support a strong economy, world-class schools, safe communities and law enforcement.

However, if they win office, do DFL/ Democrats actually support a strong economy, world-class schools, or safe communities/law enforcement?

Democrats/DFL as office holders do not actually support our economy, children’s education, safe communities and law enforcement. We now have high inflation and prices, surging crime due in part to illegal aliens and drugs, well-financed but failing public schools as in reading test scores, and much more.

All five state executive offices up for election this year are now occupied by Democrats: for example,

• Assessed property owners for the Oneka Parkway improvement project have until Nov. 15 to prepay their assessment in full without interest. Following that date, it will be sent to the county to be collected with property taxes over a five-year period with an interest rate of 4.25%. (See full story on page 11.)

• Dennis Properties LLC Downtown Hugo continues to move forward. The council has now approved a preliminary plat and planned unit development to subdivide and master plan the property to allow five buildings comprising a total of approximately 63,000 square feet.

Council Member Dave Strub wondered whether the first phase of the development would be able to stand on its own if for some reason the second phase wasn’t able to be built for a while.

Developer Denny Trooien responded, “Maybe, maybe not. It kind of depends … What I will emphasize is that the city would be retaining the northerly lots. It is not like we just do the one and say goodbye. We are in discussions exactly how that phasing goes. We are very proud of the building that we are proposing. We are not just skimping in terms of some of the other site amenities.”

Shannon Granholm

Walz, Ellison, Simon and Blaha. How are they doing for Minnesotans? Minnesota is obviously being moved backward by Democrats.

Gaslighters have learned to skillfully manipulate voters with lies. Remember when riots, arsonists and looters were regularly called “mainly just peaceful protestors?” Our eyes saw the truth on the news! They really are gaslighters.

The fact that most Democrats even hide from debating Republicans is another strong indication of gaslighting. Most do not attempt to justify their radical policy failures. For example, Minnesota Public TV scheduled debates were cancelled at the last minute by Democrats Walz and Simon.

Don’t be gaslighted by radical leftists who campaign wearing “Pro-America” clothing.

The weekly letters in this column are full of examples recognizing this reality.

Most Democrats have become subtle, manipulative and dishonest gaslighters.

The outstanding public servant, state Sen. Roger Chamberlain (SD 36), faces such an opponent, as do Rep. Donald Raleigh (HD 38A) and candidates Elliot Engen (HD36A) and Heidi Gunderson (HD 36B) for Minnesota House of Representatives.

Trust your instincts and avoid voting for gaslighters! Vote Republican.

Brian Davis

Lino Lakes

PAID LETTER

Public safety is not a talking point

By now, voters should be aware that DFL candidate Heather Gustafson has a history of not being happy with the Vadnais Heights City Council. As a citizen and resident, she had her own agenda and used her organization (VH4Change) to berate those who didn’t agree with her. Despite what you might think about her grievances or her tactics, she is clearly not a serious person and shouldn’t be representing us in the Legislature.

In the fall of 2020, when she was again fighting the Vadnais City Council, the agenda of the meeting included the topic: “Law and order and protecting the suburbs from riots.”

In response, in a Twitter post @HeatherHGus, she referred to the agenda item as “Trump talking points.” Such a partisan and flippant attitude toward safe

Nancy L. Shaw

Age 75 of Hugo, MN

Nancy leaves behind her husband Steve of 55 years, and their children, Kim (Darren) Shockey, Troy (Joy) Shaw, Corey (Heather) Shaw, and Abby (Jon) Brown; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; sibling, Gary (Linda) Sigler.

She was preceded in death by her father, Owen Sigler and mother, Shirley Sigler.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Interment at Oak Park Cemetery, Columbus, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Nancy’s name to The Baby Blanket, a local ministry of St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church that helps mothers, children and families in need. The Baby Blanket boutique provides clothing to pregnant mothers, infants, and children and equips families in need with essential baby items such as car seats, cribs, and more. To donate, please visit: https://secure.myvanco.com/YNAA/ campaign/C-Z0B7

PUBLIC

CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Precinct

W1-P1 Hugo Fire Station, 5323 140th St N, Hugo,

W1-P2 Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave N, Hugo, MN

W2-P3

Park Building, 5224 Upper 146th St N, Hugo, MN

W2-P4 New Life Church, 6000 148th St, Hugo, MN 55038

W3-P5 Hugo Public Works Building, 8220 140th St N, Hugo, MN 55038

Hugo W3-P6 Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St N, Hugo, MN 55038

20,

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 Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. in preparation for the General Elec tion to be held November 8, 2022. Interested residents are invited to attend.

Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on October 20, 2022.

BRIEF

Young adult authors headline library events

Washington County Library will host authors Karen M. McManus and Junauda Petrus for Teen Lit Takeover, a program that brings popular young adult authors and events to local libraries.

Karen M. McManus will join Washington County Library virtually on Oct. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. McManus is the author of the “One of Us Is Lying” series, which has been turned into a television show on Peacock and Netflix, as well as the standalone novels “Two Can Keep a Secret,” “The Cousins,” “You’ll Be the Death of Me,” and “Nothing More to Tell.”

Local author Junauda Petrus will also join the library virtually on Nov. 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Petrus is the author of “The Stars And The Blackness Between Them,” winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award.

Both events will be hosted via Zoom.

Participants can register online at WashCoLib. org/Events to receive instructions and a link to join the event.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF HUGO

ORDINANCE 2022 - 516

AN ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA

AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY CODE TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED 5616 147TH STREET NORTH

THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS:

Section 1. Amendment of the City Code. Chapter 90 of the City Code of the City of Hugo, Minnesota, is hereby amended by changing the classifica tion on the City of Hugo Zoning Map to Central Business (C-1) with respect to the property legally described as follows: Granger’s Addition Lot 5 Subdivision CD 35278, Washington County, Minnesota.

Section 2. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage. ADOPTED BY THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 3, 2022.

Tom Weidt, Mayor

ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk

Published one time in The Citizen on October 20, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO HUGO CITY COUNCIL

CANVASSING BOARD

The Hugo City Council will meet as the Canvassing Board on Tuesday November 15, 2022, at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Hugo City Hall to certify the results of the November 8, 2022, General Election. Anyone inter ested is invited to attend.

Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on October 20, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 7:00 pm in Hugo City Hall to consider the following requests:

A request from Xcel Energy, 414 Nicollet Mall, Mezzanine, Minneapolis, MN 55401, for a site plan, conditional use permit amendment, variance, and easement vacation, for the property located at 13620 Fenway Blvd. N. The site plan and CUP amendment is for the expansion of the training facility and construction of a 70,000 square foot building. The variance is for the height of the training poles to the 105 feet, where 50 feet is allowed by ordinance. The The property is generally located south of 140th Street and west of Fenway Blvd N. and is legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, and Lot 1, Block 1, Roy Molitor 2nd Addition, Washington County, Minnesota.

A preliminary plat and PUD request from Southwind Holdings, LLC, LLC, 5615 150th Street N #192, Hugo, MN 55038. The proposal is for a develop ment of approximately 59 residential lots on approximately 20 acres of land. The lots are proposed to be approximately 65 feet wide. The property is gen erally located at the north end of Oneka Parkway and North of Empress Ave. N.and is legally described as part of the northwest ¼ of the southwest 1/4 of Section 7, Township 31, and Range 21 Washington County, Minnesota. Full legal description available at Hugo City Hall.

Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Rachel Juba, Community Development Director at 651-7626304 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting.

Rachel Juba, Community Development Director

Published one time in The Citizen on October 20, 2022.

Arborist

City of Hugo Sample Ballot

CITY OF HUGO SAMPLE BALLOT

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Area organization provides ‘roadmap to safety’

person that wasn’t me,” she said.

beginning of the relationship she says he was verbally abusive, but never physically abusive. “It started out as name-calling,” she recalled. “But then it turned into control. He started controlling the finances, wanted control of where I was, what I was doing.”

Once Amundson’s child was born, she says he started being physically violent toward her, but never their son. “He would pull my hair, try to grab me, throw things and would yell and scream,” she recalled.

She said the final straw was when he not only tried to strangle her, but less than a week later also tried to strangle their child. “I wasn’t pressing any charges at that time because I was afraid of what would happen if I did that, especially with his criminal history,” she explained. Her abuser was eventually sentenced with a felony for attempted strangulation and received a penalty of 60 days in jail.

It took Amundson many years to work up the courage to share her story with those she was close to and to seek help. “My body couldn’t take anymore of being in ‘flight’ mode. Blood pressure pounding, jumpy with every noise, nightmares and becoming a

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

She confided in some people she was close to, who ultimately told her about Alexandra House, an organization that empowers victims of domestic and sexual violence and inspires social change through education, support and advocacy.

For eight months, Amundson attended a therapy program. Alexandra House was also able to provide her other resources along the way, like helping her terminate her lease early with no penalties so that she and her son could stay safe.

“They were there for me whenever I needed it. I can’t imagine where I would be without them,” she explained. Amundson said Alexandra House really helped her to understand and recognize healthy relationships and how to spot red flags and abusive behaviors. In addition, she also learned to cope with victim shaming.

Alexandra House Director of Mission Advancement Tina Bronson says the pandemic has exacerbated relationship abuse. “Minnesota domestic and sexual violence programs are reporting record numbers of people reaching out for services, and those who reach out for services are reporting more severe violence, complex family needs and

• Ordinance Amendment #126, Second Series –Chapter 111 – Liquor regulations, will encourage other businesses to come to town, said City Attorney Kurt Glaser. In its second reading, council removed the part of the City Code requiring liquor establishments to be at least 500 feet away from any school. This ordinance becomes effective on its adoption and publication. Council conducted the first reading on Sept. 28.

• Readers of the city’s legal newspaper will be spared “months of reading”, as Council Member Steve King put it, after council approved a summary publication of Ordinance Amendment #125, Second Series – Stormwater Management. The changes were approved at the Sept. 28 meeting in one reading, due to reporting deadlines, but the city forgot to include the summary portion, City Administrator Mark Statz said. As a full summary publication was extremely lengthy, city staff thought it appropriate to issue a summary publication, provided the summary text clearly informed the public of the city’s intent with the ordinance. A 12-page story in newspaper print would have been very costly to the city and time-consuming for the public, Statz said.

• The city is still trying to work out exactly who will determine whether trees in the city that are diseased, dead or merely pretending to be dead will be cut down. Therefore, after a lengthy discussion, council tabled action on Ordinance Amendment #127, Second Series – Chapter 91 –Nuisance & Abatement (2nd Reading). Ultimately, changes to the ordinance will streamline it to eliminate mention of specific diseases and remedies. This item will be brought back to council for action, after city staff prunes the language in the ordinance for its improved overall health. That trimming of language will lay the foundation for either the public works director or a professional arborist to make determinations as to whether a tree stays standing or heads to the log pile.

• After a brief presentation from City Clerk Teresa Bender about available funding, council approved the 2023 agreement for the Anoka County Residential Recycling Program. The city has requested SCORE funding beyond the base funding of $17,055, with the goal of obtaining

increased mental health issues,” Bronson said. “At the same time, domestic and sexual violence’s most tragic outcomes — murder and severe injury — are on the rise.”

Several of Alexandra House’s programs have seen a significant increase in service requests. For example, calls to the 24-hour helpline were up 20% in 2021 from 2020.

Amundson offers the following advice for people who may find themselves in a similar situation: “Find somebody that you can trust, and talk to them and ask them for help, because I’m sure that person would like to do nothing more in the world than to help you. It might be somebody you least expect … That’s the first step, just start talking about it.”

People who have been affected by domestic, sexual or relationship violence are encouraged to call Alexandra House’s 24-hour helpline at 763-780-2330.

“A misconception is that our helpline is only for abuse survivors; however, our helpline is for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors — anyone who is a concerned person wanting to support victims/survivors but may not know how best to do that or if what they are witnessing is abuse

more park containers for garbage and recycling and taking advantage of of additional recycling opportunities for cleanup day. The total amount the city is asking from Anoka County is $41,672. Mayor D. Love assuaged concerns about use of taxpayer money by noting, “It’s money that Anoka County already has and is going to spend. We’re just making sure we get our piece of the pie.”

• The city is being sued, and they like it that way. R&R Leasing (Rehbein Commercial) is moving property lines around on its own property with the goal of combining lots that it owns within the city. Property lines throughout Centerville determined by surveyors 150 years ago don’t exactly line up today. City staff spotted this problem with Rehbein’s lots at the corner of 21st and Main Streets and required Rehbein to use this legal action of suing the city as a condition of their development agreement. This legal action that notifies the city and county will allow Rehbein to combine lots, Glaser said. Ultimately, these lot combinations will facilitate future development of the site. The city attorney has examined the title to this property and has confirmed that the city does not have any issue or objection to this action by Rehbein. “We asked them to sue us,” Glaser said. In order to save money for all parties, it is best if the city voluntarily defaults by not answering this lawsuit. This course of action is also agreeable to Rehbein legal counsel, he said.

• A large portion of the city has been paved over this year, Statz said. Along with the completion of new developments around town, the city has conducted paving work of its own and will now pay for them. Council approved Request for Payment #1 in the amount of $429,868.98 to Bituminous Roadways, Inc.for 2022 Thin Overlay Program and City Hall parking lot improvements, using money from the Street Capital Fund. This payment will cover all work through Sept. 30.

• The property owner at 7257 Brian Drive in the Center Hills 3rd Addition has been given the green light to build a wooden fence, after council approved an encroachment agreement for the fence, which will

• encroach on the city’s drainage/utility easement in the rear and side yard.

UP TO $1,200 IN REBATES AND UP TO $975 IN LOCAL UTILITY REBATES on a

System.**

Furnace or AC Service as low as $121. Add $54 for each additional piece of equipment

at the same time.***

AREA RESOURCES

• Alexandra House: www. alexandrahouse.org; 24-hour helpline 763-780-2330

• Northeast Youth & Family Services: nyfs.org; White Bear area, 651-429-8544; Shoreview, 651486-3808

• St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center: center@saintandrews. org or 651-762-9124

• Solid Ground: 651-773-8401; info@solidgroundmn.org

• Violence Free Minnesota: www.vfmn.org

• Minnesota Day One : www.dayoneservices.org; crisis line, 1-866-223-1111; Crime victim support line, 1-866-385-2699

• Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA): www.mncasa.org; info@ mncasa.org; 651-209-9993

or what resources could they share with someone,” Bronson said.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

• Not to be confused with the League of Minnesota Cities, of which Centerville is also a member, MN Small Cities advocates specifically for more than 700 small cities with populations under 5,000. Centerville will join that organization and pay a membership cost of $1,860, using money from the General Fund.

• The city continues to search for a volunteer to serve on its Parks &Recreation Committee. Call City Hall at 651-792-7933 with questions regarding the opening. The Parks & Recreation Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers.

• It must be that time of year, as council juggles meeting dates to steer around the upcoming election and holidays. Council added a special meeting for 6 p.m. Nov. 16 to canvass election results. Council canceled the scheduled the Nov. 23 meeting and work session because it falls on the day before Thanksgiving, as it does every year. Because it is skipping the November work session, council added a work session prior to the Dec. 14 meeting. Although council didn’t cancel the second meeting in December, as is usual practice, expect that action within the next couple of months. As always, if emerging issues occur, council can always call a special meeting.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26 at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

Prepare for power outages today

A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Reactions mixed on student loan reduction plan

BY ABE WINTER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The White House recently released state-by-state data on how the Biden Administration’s plan for student debt relief will benefit borrowers in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Check out these estimated numbers in Minnesota: 729,700 would be eligible for student debt relief up to $10,000 and 416,000 Pell borrowers would be eligible for $20,000 in relief. Minnesota numbers pale in comparison to states such as California (3.549,300 and 2,340,600) and Texas (3,323,200 and 2,306,700).

President Biden states, the plan is aimed at giving working and middle-class Americans more breathing room by providing the funds to the borrowers. The Biden Administration expects that more than 40 million borrowers are eligible for its student debt relief plan, and nearly 20 million borrowers could see their entire remaining balance discharged.

The plan has met with considerable opposition even though the numbers may sound good for those with student loan debt.

The administration believes the student debt relief plan will help borrowers and families recover from the pandemic and prepare to resume student loan payments in January 2023. Nearly 90% of relief dollars will go to those earning less than $75,000 per

year – and no relief will go to any individual or household in the top 5% of incomes in the United States.

By targeting relief to borrowers with the highest economic need, the Administration believes these actions are also likely to help narrow the racial wealth gap. Nearly 71% of Black undergraduate borrowers are Pell Grant recipients, and 65% of Latino undergraduate borrowers are Pell Grant recipients.

Jasmine Whebbe, who graduated in 2017, is making payments on her student loans. She has a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in animation but is working as at a retail clothing store.

Whebbe, who is married and has an infant son, is emphatically in favor of the debt

reduction plan. “I don’t see how anyone could be against student loan forgiveness,” the 28-year-old said. “I only qualify for $10K in forgiveness under the current plan and that doesn’t even come close to half of what I still owe in loans.”

She added, “It’s absolutely criminal that we are able to sign up for that level of debt as a literal teenager not even legally able to drink. With the cost of living skyrocketing faster than minimum wage could even dream of covering, milestones like owning a home that generations before me were able to attain are so intangible towards people my age.”

Mary Beth Vanyo, 63, said two of her three children took out student loans. One has repaid the loan in full and the other is paying his off. “I don’t mind people who have been

working hard to pay off their loans get some relief,” she said. “I think it depends on their circumstances. Maybe there’s legitimate reasons they aren’t able to pay off their loans.”

Some borrowers with federal student loans that are held by private lenders are now ineligible for the Biden administration’s debt relief if they haven’t already applied for consolidation, which allows federal student loan borrowers to combine multiple loans into one.

Ron Kimmel, 66, was quick to voice a strong opinion against Biden’s plan. “I think it’s unconstitutional, to take our money and give it to people who don’t need it,” he said.

“They have a college degree … they should have a good income and greater job stability because of their education.”

Kimmel said he was the oldest of six children in a family that would be considered “lower class laborers.” “There was no way they could send me to college,” he said, adding that one way to help with college funds is the Armed Services GI Bill.

He said the $1.6 billion that is proposed for the loan reduction plan “is just going to increase inflation, which we’re all going to have to pay for.”

For more information, visit StudentAid. gov/debtrelief.

CONTRIBUTED

Americans have mixed feelings about President Biden’s plan for student debt relief.

SARAH & RILEY ELLEFSON ROYAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS

CONDENSED

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE

Patti Anderson (R)

SENATE

Karin Housley (R)

McLean (DFL)

Susie Strom (DFL)

(R)

Heather Gustafson (DFL)

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Dance Factory hosts Boo Bash

The Dance Factory, located at 1423 Lake St. South in Forest Lake, will host a Boo Bash from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The family-friendly event will include a Trunk-or-Treat, spooky house, glowing dance room, pumpkin decorating, games, food trucks and more. Tickets are $5 a family. For more information, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.dancefactorymn.com.

Dream of Wild Health receives funding from Social Impact Fund

Dream of Wild Health, a Minneapolis nonprofit that operates a teaching farm in rural Hugo, is one of three businesses/nonprofits in the Twin Cities area to receive

a grant through the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Fund. The goal of the program is to sustainably address and improve social determinants of health. The total grant funds total $440,000.

Lakes 1 Stop headed for new ownership

Lakes 1 Stop, located at 7090 21st Ave. in Lino Lakes, may be under new ownership soon. Holiday Stationstores may be in the process of purchasing the business. City Planner Katie Larsen said she wasn’t sure where the purchase stands at the current time, but did confirm she has reviewed some sign plans for a Holiday station.

SEE

Oneka Parkway improvements: Residents still have questions

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — Now that two of the three phases of the Oneka Parkway improvement project are nearly complete, work has begun on the new traffic signal at Oneka Parkway and Frenchman Road.

Residents who live along the project now know how much they will be responsible to pay via city assessments, but still want to know what the final amount will be once the homeowners association’s portion of the assessment is passed on to residents.

The improvements included mill and overlay of the existing pavement section of Oneka Parkway from Frenchman Road (CSAH 8) to 149th Street; reconstruction of Oneka Parkway from 149th Street to Heritage Parkway; construction of turn lane improvements on Oneka Parkway from Frenchman Road to approximately 400 feet south, and construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Oneka Parkway and Frenchman Road.

The total project cost is $2.6 million. About 14% of the project will be paid for by assessments, and the city will pick up the rest. State aid funding and county funding are also involved for a portion of the project. Eight hundred and sixty-three units will be assessed $422. The homeowners association (HOA) is also being assessed $15,949 for the clubhouse frontage. Assessments total $381,485.

During the assessment hearing, seven residents addressed the City Council.

Richard Hogan explained that in addition to this $422 assessment, his monthly HOA dues are currently $315 a month. “That $15,000 for the clubhouse is also going to drizzle

down to us property owners,” he said.

Michelle Wolf echoed Hogan’s comments. “We are paying let’s just say $500, then charging a bunch of money to the association, which is going to eventually come back to me and everybody else that lives here. Doesn’t that feel like double dipping a little bit?”

Debra Schreiner said she felt more people and entities should be assessed for the project, as it isn’t just Waters Edge residents who utilize that roadway. “My concern is that this is being put on the association and not other houses … Any household that has a student that attends Oneka Elementary School should also be assessed, because they also benefit from this road; the buses that use this road should also be assessed. I feel like this assessment is 100% not fair to be put on the association.”

John Bredemus said he has lived in a lot of communities that have redone the street in front of his property and never been assessed. “Why did Vadnais Heights not charge me? Why did Anoka not charge me, but Hugo is?” He added, “I see it as a money grab. I will pay it and move on.”

Rick Bieniek wanted a further breakdown of exactly what state funds, county funds, gas tax funds etc. were being used for the project. “Many people are concerned about the costs beyond what we have to pay (in assessments) just being residents of the city. I’m trying to grasp that.”

City Attorney Dave Snyder explained to the residents that every city handles the assessment process a bit differently, but the process is guided by Chapter 429 of the state statutes. “Some cities pass along 100% of the cost and others do a portion,” he said. “The bulk of this project cost is being spread to other people, not the

people that front on the roadway. This is probably an example of one of the broader areas of city participation in costs like this.”

He added, “It is not uncommon that a homeowner is presented with 100 cents of every project dollar … The council has some discretion in terms of how it applies that, and here they have opted to drive down the assessment cost pretty dramatically.”

City Engineer Mark Erichson added that the properties that were assessed for the project by City Hall were assessed $5,200 per unit. “So, we are looking at a pretty small amount of money,” he said. He explained that several months ago, he inquired with the HOA regarding how it planned to pass along its portion of the assessment to residents. At that time, he said, he was told the assessment would be applied across the entire

Waters Edge community. That would likely mean a one-time charge of $15 to $20. Residents should inquire with the HOA for specifics and updated information.

Residents have until Nov. 15 to prepay their assessment in full without interest before the city certifies assessments to Washington County to be collected with property taxes in 2023. Once that happens, the assessments will be paid over five years at an interest rate of 4.25%.

Residents can still prepay assessments in future years, but interest would be involved.

The traffic signal on Oneka Parkway and Frenchman Road should be operational by the end of 2022.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

DEB BARNES | CONTRIBUTED

Two of three phases of the Oneka Parkway improvement project are now complete. The third phase, the traffic signal on Oneka Parkway and Frenchman Road, should be operational by the end of 2022.

The following information is from mayoclinic.org.

Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breasts.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.

Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that 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.

Causes

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.

There are over 3.8 million

breast cancer survivors in the United States.

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.

Statistics (From nationalbreastcancer.org)

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.

Inherited breast cancer

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

• In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

• Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.

• 65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

• This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.

• There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

NATIONAL

Lions Volunteer Park continues to see high traffic now that it is open to the public. Earlier this fall, the city held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to honor Pete Pedersen, who the new pavilion is named after. Pedersen is pictured on the left, and the fitness course is pictured on the right. See more photos online at presspubs.com.

plan go up? Do you have questions?

you checked your plan recently?

is a GREAT year to do so.

Give us a call or stop in at one of our seminars:

October 24th Walk-ins at White Bear Senior Center 10AM-1PM 2484 East County Rd F, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

• October 25th Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 10AM – 1PM 742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 October 27th Best Western PLUS White Bear Lake 6PM 4940 State Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 October 28th Key’s Café and Bakery 10AM, Noon, and 2PM.* 504 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101

Upcoming Events:

Drawing Through Mia: Landscapes

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10AM-1PM

• Spend a glorious morning at Mia in this part art history, part sketching class where we explore three landscapes in Mia’s permanent collection. Register at WhiteBearArts.org/drawing

Enriching lives in unexpected ways

Interview with WBCA Board Member Heidi Brophy

White Bear Lake resident Heidi Brophy was first introduced to White Bear Center for the Arts as a guest at Heart 4 Art, the WBCA’s annual fundraiser. “At that event the program highlighted the impact the art center made on the community, and it connected with me on a personal level,” Brophy said. Not only that, but her two daughters were part of the Art in Elementary program with Mr. Kyle, which they loved.

WBCA | Contributed Heidi Brophy

sometimes very unexpected ways,” Brophy said. “Being a part of the WBCA has taught me that it is not just about creating art, but appreciating it in all its forms written, spoken, musical, through paint, clay, fiber, metal, etc. Most importantly are the people that you connect with there that make it a very open and welcome space that everyone can enjoy.”

Italian for Travelers

Oct. 24-Nov. 28; 6 Mondays, 1-3PM

• Learn basic communication skills that will allow you to interact with native Italian speakers and have a more enriching experience. Register at WhiteBearArts.org/language

PAI Opening Reception

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10AM-12PM

• In collaboration with WBCA, PAI artists have been refining their skills for over four years to learn a variety of art forms including watercolor, painting, abstract art, print and collage.

Since then, Brophy has become involved in the art center as a volunteer, board member, and donor. “I was just open to saying yes and trying things,” she said. “As much as I do it to help the art center grow and be a strong organization, I have gotten so much out of the relationships I’ve formed and the energy I get from participating.”

Brophy recently attended the opening reception for

SPRAYFiNGER at WBCA, where there were graffiti art demonstrations and an opportunity to create your own graffiti art. “It was a joy to see people of all ages enjoying the activities and sharing the beautiful space,” Brophy said. “It was the perfect illustration of why I support WBCA.”

“The art center makes it a better community for our family in the way it enriches so many people’s lives in

When thinking about the importance of art, Heidi always goes back to this quote: “Before children speak, they sing. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression.” She has saved that quote because it reminds her why the art center is important. “It speaks to our humanness of being unique and different and how we can celebrate differences and not expect people to be homogeneous and conform.”

Studio Coffee tries Plein Air

Neil Johnston is a familiar face around White Bear Center for the Arts; every Friday he facilitates Studio Coffee, a class where artists come together to drink coffee and discuss all sorts of artrelated topics. Neil recently attended the Port Wing Plein Air Painting Festival in Port Wing, Wisconsin, along with some members of Studio Coffee.

How did you first hear about it, and why were you interested in being involved?

The event was something I knew about, but didn’t participate in because I was always busy with my own work. The organizers convinced me just before Covid hit and I quickly found that I really enjoyed plein air painting. It is a good contrast

to what I do in the studio, and I really enjoy painting outside.

Can you talk a bit about how members of Studio Coffee joined you at the plein air event? What was that like?

This was interesting and a complete surprise! A month ahead of the festival, several members of studio coffee approached me about going – what a great surprise! They shared that they had reserved rooms at a hotel in Herbster, WI, and some others decided to camp. It was so nice to see familiar faces up there and share that experience. We all met up in the evenings, and for lunch to share what we had created. It was a supportive atmosphere –lots of artists sharing their perspectives, techniques, and

camaraderie. It is hard not to enjoy the outdoors and the views of Lake Superior, the place is very inspiring.

What is it about plein air painting that you’re drawn to?

I think it is the sense of moving through an environment – looking closely at how the landscape folds in to the distance. I become so aware of depth and light. It is a great challenge for me to move from my studio where I paint mostly conceptually and abstract, to a natural environment. Each time I paint, I can see how these two modes of working are more similar than different. The inclusion of plein air experiences has been a real source of inspiration for me.

WBCA | Contributed Drawing Through Mia: Landscapes

WBCA | Contributed PAI is a local organization serving people with developmental disabilities.

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Liberty Classical Academy hosts ribbon cutting

Liberty Classical Academy recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new campus, located at the former Withrow Elementary School in Hugo. The former school, located at 10158 122nd St. N, was a part of the Stillwater School District before it closed its doors in 2018. The building sat vacant until Liberty Classical Academy, which currently leases space at the Church of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, purchased the property to house its pre-K through second-grade students.

The academy is in the process of purchasing additional land neighboring the school property, which will allow the school to continue to expand its campus so one day, grades K-12 can be served on one campus.

Residents getting ready to move in to NorBella

Later this month, residents will begin to move into the new assisted living and memory care building known as NorBella Centerville, located at 2025 Michaud Way. The facility recently held a grand opening celebration and offered tours of the

building, which can house up to 40 residents, 16 in memory care and 24 in assisted living.

Hurricane Ian: ‘We are the lucky ones’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Hugo residents who rent or own homes in Florida find themselves picking up the pieces after Hurricane Ian and can’t help but compare the experience to what they went through when the tornado hit the city in 2008.

Former Hugo City Council Member Chuck Haas and his wife Marykay have spent their winters in Sanibel, Florida, for 10 years. For nine of those years, they rented. Last year, the two decided to purchase a home.

Before Hurricane Ian was even forecast, the two had already purchased their plane tickets for the end of October and planned to be out there through the end of April. As news of Hurricane Ian loomed, all they could do was watch the news from Hugo and hope for the best.

“It was forecasted to be a Category 3,” Chuck Haas said. “We knew we’d be on the edge of it. We weren’t really worried, but then about 48 hours before it hit, it made a right turn and went dead on into Sanibel and got up to a Category 5 hurricane,” he explained. “We had less than 24 hours to prepare, and that really wasn’t enough time for most people. It caught a lot of people by surprise.”

Right after the storm hit, some of their neighbors informed them that their neighborhood had 5 feet of water. “We knew right off that there was a lot of damage,” Haas explained.

Thanks to some satellite images from the Coast Guard and the National Weather Service, Haas said they were able to see that their house was still standing, but it wasn’t until the following week when they were really able to assess the damage. One of their sons drove from Minnesota to Florida to assess the damage and get to work.

Virtually everything that was in the lower level of their home was damaged, Haas reported, including their car, which is a total loss. All that remains

of the lower level now is the studs. “It gutted the lower level completely,” he said, adding that his son’s place in Sanibel had similar damage.

“We are really fortunate. We have got people in our neighborhood … their siding is gone; their roof is gone.”

As soon as they can, Chuck and Marykay plan to return to Florida. They have rented an apartment in Fort Myers for the time being in the same complex as their son and his family.

“We are going to rent that for a couple of months until we can get into our place, and then start fixing it up,” Haas said. “We are very grateful that our damage was relatively minor. We could still live there if we had to. Our hearts go out to the people that have lost their entire home.”

There are similarities with the 2008 tornado, Haas said, noting that “It brings out the best in people.” He added that many people continue to reach out to them to offer their good wishes and support.

Hugo Lion Pete Pedersen has owned a timeshare at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island since 1996. Typically, he spends about seven weeks there in February and March. Pedersen said he is not really certain about how their unit fared because they haven’t

been able to access the resort and are relying on property management to relay information.

“They have said that they are going to give us a weekly update on what is going on as soon as they gain some understanding of what the units look like. They can’t really tell us much,” said Pedersen. “We just are not anticipating anything at least for a month, because it’s going to take a fair amount of time to rebuild.” Right before press deadline, Pedersen received communication that the resort will be closed until next September.

Pedersen still plans to visit Florida this January but has made arrangements to spend some time in another town.

Retired Hugo firefighter and current city of Hugo employee Jodie Guareschi has owned a place with her husband in Port Charlotte for about five years. Once temperatures get cold, her husband heads there, but she usually remains in Hugo to continue her role on the fire department and with the city. She does make frequent trips to visit, because much of her job can be done remotely.

The Guareschis were at their home in Port Charlotte when Hurricane Ian struck. “We were standing at the windows watching … I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jodie recalled. “I don’t scare easily at all, I’m a firefighter, but this gave me a little

bit of a pause.” She added, “It’s an absolute travesty and there is nothing you can do. You have to stay there and just watch everything. You start to think, ‘Oh my gosh, we should have done this’ … but it’s too late.”

Part of their home’s roof was damaged as was their lanai. In addition, their boat fell off the lift and went into the water. Despite the damage, she says they are “one of the lucky ones.” The damage was erratic, similar to that caused by the Hugo tornado, Guareschi said — some houses were completely destroyed, while others fared okay.

“The tornado was a terrible, terrible tragedy, but there were many young families who could get up, shake it off and start again. But when you are 75 years old, it’s terrifying to start over …” Guareschi explained. “They have worked all their lives for this. They have raised their families; they have saved their dollars; and they are standing there among this rubble of dreams, and it’s gone.”

After election season, Guareschi plans to join her husband again in Port Charlotte to escape the cold temperatures and continue to pick up the pieces the storm left behind.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

If you’re thinking the recent cold temperatures are not normal for this time of year... well, you’re right. Highs in the mid 30’s usually are the normals for mid and late November. Upper winds were straight from the Arctic and if this had been January, we’d be talking about lows in the -20’s! As it is, we’re still in November and a nice warm-up is on the way.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Centerville Mayor D. Love welcomes NorBella to the Centerville community during a recent grand opening celebration.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Liberty Classical Academy celebrates its new campus at the former Withrow Elementary School.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

Frank Watson

WeathermanWatson.com to PREORDER my 2023 weather calendar. Thanks for your support!

JODIE GUARESCHI | CONTRIBUTED

Retired Hugo Firefighter Jodie Guareschi and her husband’s boat fell off the lift during Hurricane Ian. Because the lift was meant to withstand winds of 120 mph but peak wind gusts hit 155 mph, their insurance won’t cover the damage.

CHUCK HAAS | CONTRIBUTED

Hugo residents Chuck and Marykay Haas’ winter home in Sanibel, Florida suffered extensive damage on the lower level from Hurricane Ian. Their car is a total loss.

BUS TOUR: Hugo

Hugo’s residential and rural areas. Council and commission members, elected officials, church leaders, school principals and members of the fire department were along for the informative tour, held annually in October.

Commissioners use what they’ve learned on the tour to develop goals for the upcoming year, which are presented to City Council for approval. “It’s an important process that drives our work,” Bear explained. “We use the tour to see how we’re doing as a city. Are we doing the right things?”

Zoning is a big part of the discussion. “We’re not sure we can solve the affordable housing crisis through zoning,” Bear said. “As time goes on, houses are getting more expensive no matter what we do.”

As evidenced from the bus window, Hugo is growing at a rapid pace. Housing developments continue to sprout up with new, three-car garage homes selling for $500,000 and up, even on narrow, 65-foot lots.

“They sell quickly,” Bear pointed out, noting that the City Council has been flexible in approving developers’ requests for narrower lots to see what the result will be. “It does not result in more affordable homes,” he observed. “The market influences the cost of housing. How narrow can we go? That’s an interesting question for us.”

Despite a fairly diverse housing product, the city is grappling with ways to provide affordable alternatives.

“If you can’t afford a $400,000 starter home, what other options are there?” asked Bear. “Good people are prevented from moving here or are moving out of the community because they can’t find the right product.”

That right product might be apartment complexes. “Market realities are apartments are the new housing form for what people can afford,” Bear said. “The scary idea of the changing face of Hugo and what that might mean is something we need to talk about.

“We have to ask, ‘do we want multifamily development, and what should it look like?’ How will apartments fit into our land use plan and zoning guidelines? Those discussions are coming. City zoning rules are not set up for large apartment projects.”

Several apartment proposals were part of the Oct. 1 tour. Those and other points of interest viewed from the bus window (see map for corresponding number) include:

• Lions Volunteer Park (1). A new name, a new park. The new events center, named after consummate volunteer and Lion Pete Pedersen, will seat about 130 people for parties, receptions and special events.

Sidenote here: The park led to a new roadway to the west, an extension of 147th Street, that connects to Oneka Parkway.

• Premier Bank (2). The bank will be moving out of the Speedway gas station and into its own, new building on the corner of 147th and Hwy. 61. The green house on the corner will be razed. The project required rezoning.

• Hugo Estates Mobile Home Community (3). Formerly Twin Pines Trailer Park, its new owner has made positive changes to the property, which had a history of crime and neglect, Bear said. Junk and debris were removed, as were old, ramshackle trailers. “The owner is proposing to expand, which is unusual,” Bear said. The mobile home park offers “the most affordable housing type that exists.”

Expansion involves two parts: 16 to 18 double-wide units with two-car garages that will sell for about $200,000 on nearby vacant land and a new 53-unit, three-story apartment building north of the park. The project application will go before the Planning Commission soon.

• Shores of Oneka Lake (5). Construction should start next year for 218 units, including singlefamily units, one-story villas and twinhomes. The neighborhood will plug into city parkland with a nature preserve on the former Bernin property. A roundabout will be built at 159th to access the area, which is east of Hwy. 61. Future apartments (by others) are shown on the concept plan.

• Highway 61 visioning (6). “A question we hear a lot. ‘What will happen to Hwy. 61? Is it going to be expanded?’ The answer is ‘maybe,’” Bear said. “Bottom line, the road is not a priority to the state. They see 61 as a main arterial for the city and county. They want to give the road to the county, which will never accept it unless it comes with a bunch of money to make improvements.”

Sidenote here: Another issue is the 100-foot trail corridor along the highway. That corridor is preserved for future transit needs. Those needs have been altered now that the Met Council adjusted the corridor. It was to go through White Bear Lake with future extension to Hugo.

“Now it’s not going to White Bear Lake, and we don’t know about a corridor to Hugo,” Bear said. “That is a significant change to the way we have planned our city. We planned to accommodate future transit needs. That may dramatically change our thinking. So, one vote triggered by a resolution from a different city has an impact well beyond that city to our region.”

• Oneka Prairie (7). This proposed residential development south of 165th Street would be served by the Metropolitan Council sewer line that runs beneath Fenway Avenue. That line is the focus of development to Oneka Prairie. The project goes to the Planning Commission in November.

Sidenote here: A gravel road, Everton Avenue, will be paved as the first northerly outlet to this part of the city.

• 165th and Elmcrest (8). Another challenge will be how to pave 165th without making property owners on the road pay 100% of the cost. “We are looking for alternative finance methods to pave the road,” Bear said. “Creation of infrastructure and timing is always important to planning residential developments

as they come north. We like to spread costs to developers, not to taxpayers.”

Elmcrest is another heavily used gravel road that needs paving. Eventually, the route will veer through Lino Lakes and connect with Otter Lake Road at Anoka County Hwy. 14 (Washington County Hwy. 8 in Hugo) by McDonald’s.

Sidenote here: Big box stores are no longer the expectation for the I-35E/14 quadrant. “Those aren’t happening anymore,” Bear stated. “Centerville just approved an Amazon distribution center next to the Distribution Alternatives warehouse. That is what is being built.”

• Meadows of Hugo (10). Located north of water tower No. 3, this development is a “very different housing product,” Bear noted. Single-story units are on one side of the street, two-story units are on the other side. The land is guided for townhomes, but that product is no longer desirable, he said. The market is for detached units. The two-story units are called “carriage homes” and sit on 44-foot-wide lots. They are skinny, with twostall garages. Homes here range from 1,300 to 2,300 square feet and, despite the narrow lots, sell for $400,000 to $500,000.

• Rosemary Apartments (11). The sidenote to this stop involved land across the street from the 45-unit apartment building. The vacant property is slated for commercial development, but that hasn’t happened. A developer is preparing a concept plan for an apartment complex, which will require a zoning change.

• LaValle property (13). The cornfields on this former farm may become apartments. Zoned commercial, the land has been for sale for a long time. A concept plan shows a large apartment building with mixeduse commercial, such as auto repair, gas station, car wash — the kinds of things people use, Bear said.

• Xcel Energy training center (15). The city has an application from Xcel to expand its training center. The vacant site would become the main facility for substation training with a large indoor center for nuclear

training. It would bring people from everywhere, creating demand for restaurants and lodging, Bear said.

“Hugo would be the hub for all their training activities.”

• Public works facility (23). The new building carved from Irish Park is the base of operations for all city infrastructure. An aside: The only fire hydrant in rural Hugo is here. Washington County sheriff deputies also keep office space in the facility.

Sidenote here: A two-sheet hockey facility is being discussed for the 125-acre park.

• Downtown Hugo (24). City Council was to consider a proposed development next to Egg Lake at its recent meeting, after press time. Primary tenants would be restaurant owners in the pedestrian-friendly development. The next step is finalization of the purchase agreement.

Water is city’s biggest issue

As the bus rolled through old and new developments, Bear pointed out adjacent stormwater ponds that provide millions of gallons of water to irrigate lawns and boulevards.

“Water availability,” he said, “is the biggest issue facing the city of Hugo.

“It’s an issue facing the entire Northeast metro. No one is sure drinking water from the ground will always be an option. We all get our water from the ground. That supply is being restricted through court order and by actions of the DNR. Permits that we’ve relied upon are being changed. The city has appealed those changes. Reasons for restrictions are due to the theory that water pumped from the ground impacts surface water bodies such as White Bear Lake.

“We are trying to work our way through that,” said the city administrator. “Our belief is the city of Hugo uses drinking water more responsibly than anyone in the state. We have great conservation measures and using stormwater for irrigation is still a key part of our strategy. The reduction in water use as we employ more of those measures is dramatic — more than 50 million gallons of drinking water saved. At the same time, the city is expanding. Met Council guides our growth. We need to somehow accommodate that under the potential of restricted water supplies. The discussion is not over. We want everyone to know it is still a very significant issue.”

PET

TTORNEY AT

J. KELL

DEBRA NEUTKENS

PRESS

Hugo City Administrator Bryan Bear narrates the two-hour bus tour, which started in 2004. This

tour listed

Press,

Press, Shoreview Press,

Lowdown and The Citizen.

School district pushes for capital projects levy renewal on November ballot

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

The White Bear Lake Area Schools District (WBLAS) is asking voters to consider a capital projects levy renewal on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The capital projects levy originated in 2003 and was renewed in 2013.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Tim Wald said the levy has supported the acquisition of technology and related services, musical instruments, textbooks and other curricular needs.

“We are asking voters to renew it again for taxes payable 2024 to 2033,” Wald said. “That levy is expiring, and without renewal, the district will lose $2.6 million in revenue annually.”

The funds will be used in the following ways:

Safety and security: The capital projects levy allows the district to maintain and increase safety and security measures and equipment throughout the district.

• Technology and related services: The capital projects levy allows the district to provide classroom

CHURCH BRIEFS

technology, software and computers for students. Related services include the maintenance of equipment and technology staff.

• Textbooks, curriculum materials and equipment, and musical instruments: The capital projects levy allows the district to purchase textbooks, curriculum materials and equipment, and musical instruments according to the district’s curriculum replacement cycle.

• Transportation: The capital projects levy allows the district to purchase buses and vans to maintain its fleet for student transportation.

“We look forward to using those funds to support communication systems for first responders when they come to our building, as well for our staff within the building,” Wald said. “The current levy is 2.208% times the net tax capacity of the district. So this is based on a tax rate, not on a perstudent funding level.”

According to Wald, in order to maintain and update those systems over the next decade and respond to changing needs, a reliable funding

source is necessary.

“School safety and security is a complex issue for school districts, and it has become even more complex since the last time our levy was voted on,” Wald said. “As our safety and security risks evolve very quickly, so must our ability to pivot and update those safety and security systems. We look forward to using those funds to support communication systems for first responders when they come to our building.”

The operating levy in White Bear Lake is in place from 2018 to 2027. According to Wald, the current levy provides funding at the level of $1,326 per student.

“These funds can be used for any operational expenses across the district, and we rely on our operating levy to keep our class sizes low,” he said.

Wald said if the capital project levy doesn’t pass on Nov. 8, a gap in funding would require financial planning in safety and security, classroom technology, equipment, curriculum, instrument materials, and buses and vans to maintain the

New Life cleans up, offers free grass maze

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-A-Highway program.

This fall, New Life is also hosting its annual grass maze to encourage community members to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. The church has mowed a grass maze on the north end of the property. Anyone is invited to stop by anytime to walk through this free maze. The maze is in the tall grass behind the playground equipment. There are small white crosses

near the entrance and exit. New Life is located at 6000 148th St. N. (next to Hugo Elementary).

St. Genevieve will host annual gift expo

The Church of St. Genevieve in Centerville will host its annual gift expo from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Parish Community Center, located at 6995 Centerville Road. The event will feature a variety of vendors as well as a silent auction, hourly door prize drawings and cinnamon rolls for sale. All of the proceeds will go toward St. Genevieve’s Faith Formation Program.

fleet for student transportation.

“Essentially, that would kick the investment down the road, because these things will eventually need to be invested in if the levy is not renewed,” Wald said.

In a recent survey, Wald noted that 89% of residents in the district stated they believe the community receives good value from its investment. Also, 80% of residents believe the district spent past referendum revenue responsibly.

“The district has also taken advantage of favorable interest rates, saving taxpayers nearly $500,000 for the next two years in interest rates,” Wald said. “The levy renewal will not increase current taxes.”

Shoreview Press Editor Noelle Olson can be reached at shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1229.

ou

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From,

10/21 Art at the Winery/Painted Wine Bottle 6-8 pm

Dancing Dragonfly

10/22 Vinyasa Yoga Class 10-11 am Rustic Roots

10/22-23 Winery Tour & Tasting Noon-3 pm Rustic Roots

10/23 Music: Billy Johnson 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly 10/23 Music: Steve Poyner 2:00-5:00 7 Vines Vineyard 10/25 Tuesday Trivia w/ Ryan 6:30-8 pm Rustic Roots 10/29 Halloween in the Vineyard 10 am – 8 pm Dancing Dragonfly 10/29 Vinyasa Yoga Class 10-11 am Rustic Roots 10/29-30 Wine-O-Ween Noon-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards

10/29-30 Winery Tour & Tasting Noon-3 pm Rustic Roots 10/30 Music: Tim Cheesebrow 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly 10/30 Music: Paul Berger 2:00-5:00

7 Vines Vineyard 11/2 Charcuterie Workshop: The Board Loon 6:30-8 pm Rustic Roots

Vinyasa Yoga Class 10-11 am Rustic Roots

Wine & Canvas Painting Party 3-6 pm St. Croix Vineyards

Music: Billy Johnson 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Tuesday Trivia w/ Ryan 6:30-8 pm Rustic Roots

Stand-up Comedy Night 7-10 pm Rustic Roots

Cheese & Chocolate Weekend Noon-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards

Vinyasa Yoga Class 10-11 am Rustic Roots

Holiday Market Noon-5 pm Rustic Roots

Music: Tim Fast 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Art at the Winery/Paint & Sip 6-8 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Songwriting Workshop w/ David Roth 1-3 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Vinyasa Yoga Class 10-11 am Rustic Roots

Music: Tim Cheesebrow 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Tuesday Trivia w/ Ryan 6:30-8 pm Rustic Roots

Small Business Saturday

Vines Vineyard

Music: Vinnie Rose 1-4 pm Dancing Dragonfly

Music: Steve Poynter 2:00-5:00

Vines Vineyard