Local White Bear Lake skater performs in ‘Disney on Ice’
Izzi Gorowsky has been skating since she was 4 years old. Growing up, she used to practice skating at the Sports Center in White Bear Lake and at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.
Now, Gorowsky will be performing in the upcoming production of “Disney on Ice” taking place from Nov. 21 through Nov. 24 at the Xcel Energy Center.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with Gorowsky to learn more about her skating career and her involvement in this year’s production of “Disney on Ice.”
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Izzi Gorowsky, I’m 23 years old and I grew up on Coon Lake, Minnesota. I graduated from Mounds View High School in 2019. I skated at the White Bear
Lake Sports Center and Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis. Some of my other interests include traveling and exploring new cities, painting and dancing!
Q: How long have you been skating?
A: I started skating when I was 4 years old and took my first glide on the lake I grew up on. My parents keep an outdoor rink every winter. I can’t believe it’s been almost 20 years now!
Q: What made you want to try figure skating?
A: A family tradition during Christmas was to have all my cousins over to skate and play hockey. I joined in and loved it! After that, I went out on the lake to skate as much as I could! One of my very first competitions was the White Bear
Lake Holiday Open in 2009.
Q: How long have you been a part of the Disney on Ice Show?
A: I’ve been with “Disney on Ice” since 2019. Over the past 5 years I’ve had the amazing opportunity to see the world and perform in Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland.
Q: What originally made you want to try out?
A: When I was 6 years old, I went to see my first “Disney on Ice” show. I was so inspired that I would go every year when they came through town. I’ve always enjoyed the artistic side of skating, competing in events called Character Spotlight, Dramatic and Interpretive. At age 12, I started choreographing all my own programs
move and crossing roadways at this time of
high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas and don’t swerve to avoid a deer.
Residents express concerns about group home
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Residents near the Oak Shore Park neighborhood are hopeful that history won’t repeat itself.
Resident Anne Meyer, who lives in a neighboring development to Oak Shore Park, said for the past 14 months neighbors’ concerns have been growing regarding a residential foster care home located on Everton Avenue that is operated by Beacon Specialized Living. Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron explained that Council Member Becky Petryk, as well as one other constituent, reached out to him regarding the matter. Although he said he wasn’t able to comment specifically on the case due to privacy laws, he did want to provide residents with some background information on group homes and the county’s jurisdiction.
“I want the community to know and SEE GROUP HOME, PAGE 11
Izzi & Lexi: Izzi (left) and her friend Lexi (right) attend “Disney on Ice” as kids.
I’ve always been passionate about performing for an audience!
Q: Who will you be playing in the show?
A: I’m an ensemble skater, aerialist and understudy for the roles of Belle and Elsa. I’m in the high energy Opening Number of our show. I fly up to 30 feet in the air on aerial silks in the “Beauty and the Beast” segment. I’m also featured in the ensemble of “Aladdin” and a Sea Anemone in “The Little Mermaid.” Our costumes are so unique and vibrant that you won’t be able to miss me out there!
Q: What has been your toughest challenge while performing for Disney?
A: Being away from home for months at a time can be hard, but
this makes coming to St. Paul so special! I’m so excited to perform for my family and friends in my hometown!
Q: What part of the show are you most looking forward to?
A: During the “Beauty and the Beast” segment, I fly on the silk carousel. This apparatus is made up of seven aerial silks that we use to perform a team acrobatic routine. Mixing skating with flying every day is the best part of my show! I love to hear the audience cheer when we are lifted into the air to put on a fabulous dinner party for Belle! Tickets for “Disney on Ice” can be found online at www. xcelenergycenter.com/events.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
COUNTY BRIEF
Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar returns
Experience the splendor of the holiday season with Washington County’s Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24. For 31 years, visitors have begun the holiday shopping season at the Historic Courthouse. The Holiday Bazaar will feature over 30 vendors selling handcrafted goods. It offers the chance for children to meet and take photos with Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m. on both days. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the season while shopping through this historic site, decorated from top to bottom for the holidays.
The Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar is held at the Historic Courthouse on the corner of Pine and Third streets in Stillwater. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The event is family friendly and free to attend. Local food truck Egg Roll Queen will be selling food on site. All other proceeds from this event benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund and help preserve this historic landmark. For more information, visit WashingtonCountyMN.gov/Programs or contact Parks staff at 651-430-3300 or parks@ co.washington.mn.us.
Izzi Gorowsky
BY ROY HEILMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Minnesota’s firearms deer season is now under way. Tens of thousands of hunters now count the hours until they could encounter the buck of a lifetime. With a bit of luck, some will.
For those who want to know exactly how their trophy measures, a dedicated group of people are on standby to help. Organized in the mid1990s, Minnesota Official Measurers have scored many thousands of deer, elk, and moose antlers. They make themselves available yearround, at shows like the Minnesota Deer and Turkey Classic, at taxidermy shops, and by appointment in other locations. M.O.M. members are all volunteers. There is no charge, other than if an animal scores high enough to be included in a record book and the hunter wishes to have his or her trophy entered.
Jeff Olson is one of a few dozen active members of the Minnesota Official Measurers. As he scored a whitetail rack last week, Olson explained that he became a measurer almost by accident. Someone talked a friend of his into taking the
Minnesota measurers make the record books
M.O.M. class, and he said, “I’ll do it too, I guess.”
That was 2008. Olson became a M.O.M. measurer in 2009. His dedication has only grown in the years since. In addition to being M.O.M. certified for 15 years, he has been certified by Pope & Young since 2012, and by Boone and Crockett since 2014.
“To be Pope and Young, I had to go to Chatfield [Minnesota] for three days.
To be Boone, I had to go to Missoula for five days. Now they teach the Pope and Boone classes together, but it’s still five days. So it’s a commitment,” he said. “Minnesota is a one-day class. You take the measuring class, and you become an apprentice. And then we ask that you do one deer classic and three small shows in three years.”
As a coordinator of the training classes, Olson has further insight into M.O.M. membership. He said there are typically four to six students in a class. That would tend to add up over the years. However, he said many took the class only to be able to measure their own sets of antlers, and didn’t participate
further. M.O.M. made some changes to help weed out those who aren’t interested in measuring for the public.
For his part, Olson measures around 20 to 30 deer racks a year. Typically, a handful of those occur at his home. Most of the rest are at shows, he said, where he interacts with the public and instructs M.O.M. apprentices.
Mentors like Olson pass on a great deal of insight. While following the rules and general mechanics of measuring, experience sometimes proves invaluable. After partly measuring the rack last week, for example, Olson determined he needed to classify (and thus, score) those antlers differently.
“There’s a lot more to this than you think,” he said.
Olson explained that measuring moose antlers presents routine difficulties. Likewise, he said whitetailed deer antlers are more difficult to measure than mule deer or elk. “The whitetail is the hardest one to measure, because there’s no two that are alike. Mule deer and elk are structured, so they’re always the same. A whitetail—they throw the book out.”
ROY HEILMAN | CONTRIBUTED
Measurers need to master intricacies of the methods of measuring antlers for the record books. It takes experience and dedication.
In addition to providing measuring services free of charge, M.O.M. is the keeper of Minnesota hunting records, and publishes the official record book. Olson said that after purchasing the rights, the group redesigned the hardcover book to make the layout better. “It’s real friendly for people to read. It’s a really nice record book. Our goal is to try and measure as many [animals] as we can, so our record book represents what Minnesota has to offer.”
Entering a deer into the Minnesota record book (if it qualifies) costs only $20. Olson said the record book can be purchased through the group’s website or directly
through M.O.M. measurers. The Minnesota Official Measurers website, mnmom. com, also explains the history of M.O.M., what it takes to make the record books, and contact form for anyone who might want to learn more about becoming a measurer. And if they are among the lucky few this weekend, hunters interested in contacting a certified measurer can do so through their interactive map feature.
Roy Heilman is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF HUGO PUBLIC HEARING
(Duck Pass, Palmes
and Ingersoll
Project consists of roadway reclamation and overlay and minor storm sewer improvements along 136th Street from Isleton Avenue N to the west cul-de-sac, 136th Street Circle North from 136th Street N to the south cul-desac, and 136th Street Court N from 136th Street N to the south cul-de-sac in Duck Pass; along Janero Avenue N from 122nd Street N to 125th Street Court N, 125th Street Court N from Janero Avenue to the west cul-de-sac, 125th Street N from 125th Street Court N to 125th Street Circle N, and 125th Street Circle N from 125th Street N to the north cul-de-sac in Palmes Long Lake Estates; and Ingersoll Avenue N from 122nd Street N to north cul-de-sac.
Improvements made would assess benefited properties for all or a portion of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 and pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The estimated cost of the improvement is $1.8 million. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the as sessment will be available at the hearing. The meeting will be held at the City of Hugo City Hall,14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038. Such persons wishing to comment on the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting. Comments can also be submitted in writing to City Clerk Michele Lindau prior to the meeting. Bryan Bear, City Administrator
Published in The Citizen on November 14, 2024 and November 28, 2024.
CITY OF HUGO
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Avenue N to Fiona Road N, 128th Street N from Ferrara Avenue N to Fiona Road N, 128th Street Court from 128th Street N to the north cul-de-sac, Fiona Road N from 128th Street N to Flay Road N, Fondant Trail N from the south Beaver Ponds South plat to Foxhill Avenue N, 128th Street N from Flay Road to 128th Alcove N, Foxhill Avenue N from 128th Street N to the north cul-desac, 128th Alcove N from south cul-de-sac to north cul-de-sac, 127th Street N from Fondant Trail N to Foxhill Circle N, Foxhill Circle N from 127th Street N to northeast cul-de-sac, Foxhill Avenue N from Foxhill Circle N to the south Beaver Ponds plat boundary and 126th Street the the west terminus to Foxhill Avenue N. Improvements made would assess benefited properties for all or a portion of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 and pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The estimated cost of the improvement is $1.5 million. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. The meeting will be held at the City of Hugo City Hall,14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038. Such persons wishing to comment on the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting. Comments can also be submitted in writing to City Clerk Michele
Troy A. Gunderman 1539 Meadowview Ct. Hugo, MN 55038
Defendant. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN,
To each person named above as a defendant: You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is also served upon you, states the nature and basis of the legal action.
Within 40 days after October 31, 2024 you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Burnett County Courthouse 7410 Co. Rd. K #115, Siren, WI 54872, and to Codilis, Moody & Circelli, P.C., plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 200, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. You may have an attorney help or represent you.
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Hugo will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024 to consider the 2025 Beaver Ponds Area Street Improvement Project.
The Project consists of mill and overlay improvements, spot curb and gutter replacement as conditions warrant, and trail replacement along the following roadways: Flay Road N from 129th Drive N to Fondant Trail N, Ferrara Avenue N from the south terminus to 129th Street N, 129th Street N from Ferrara
FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE: 30404
US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust PO Box 814609 Dallas, TX 75381-4609 Plaintiff, v.
If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.
Dated: October 21, 2024.
Codilis, Moody & Circelli, P.C. 15W030 N Frontage Road, Suite 200 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (414) 775-7700 pleadings@il.cslegal.com 50-24-00870 NOTE: This law firm is a debt collector. Published three times in The Citizen on October 31, November 14 and 28, 2024.
Tx 3
My husband and I recently welcomed another four-legged member into our family. Meet Tinsel, a 4-year-old shepherd mix, from FaerieLand Rescue. Although I haven’t adopted a dog from the organization before, the rescue has always had a special place in my heart because it focuses on German shepherds and corgis, two of my favorite breeds. My mother’s dog Princess, who just celebrated her 7th birthday, is from FaerieLand.
I’ve been following Tinsel’s rescue story since she arrived at the rescue last January, a month after we had to say goodbye to our beloved Frosty who had degenerative myelopathy. Tinsel was rescued from a reservation. Shortly after her arrival, it was discovered that she was pregnant. She had her puppies, and her puppies were all adopted, but she was still waiting patiently for a home she could call her own.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
In mid-October the rescue posted on its social media that Tinsel was still available and looking for her “furever” home. She stole my heart from the minute I saw her. But my husband Patrick and I already have our hands full with a toddler and two other pups. I kept trying to find reasons why it wouldn’t work: What if she doesn’t’ get along with our dogs? What if she doesn’t like an unpredictable one-and-a-half year old following her around everywhere? What if she doesn’t like going to car shows? But then I started thinking … What if she does? What if the mama in her loves looking out for my little boy? What if she does get along with Twinkie and Tundra and they become best pals? What if she does like riding around in a VW bus and going to car shows and dog-friendly events?
I asked my husband if we could have her and he said, “I’m not saying no, but there is a lot we would have to figure out.” Unbeknownst to my husband, I decided to meet up with her with my son Royce to see how she would do and she did great. Then I met up with her again at a local park to see how she did with the pups and that went well too. I told him about it right after. He eventually warmed up to the idea of trying it out to see how it goes. Then he met her and fell in love too like I knew he would.
We agreed to foster Tinsel with the intent of adopting her. It took less than a week to know she was going to fit into our family just fine.
I can’t help but feel like she was meant for us. Something about her just drew me to her and I knew we had to have her. That happened with Tundra too. Too perfect to pass up.
I can’t explain it because there have been several other dogs who have crossed my social media feed that I thought were adorable, but I never had the urge to figure out how to make them a part of our family. Perhaps our sweet angel Frosty sent her to us.
One day while I was working, Tinsel sat down beside me and placed her paw right over my hand on top of the paw print ring I have made of Frosty’s ashes. If that’s not a sign I don’t know what is.
I never thought we would have three dogs again, but it sure is nice to see a shepherd in our home again. Twinkie, Tundra and Tinsel sure is a tongue-twister though.
Shannon is the managing editor at Press Publications.
Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf forecasting budget deficit for first time in history
The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf is looking forward to helping our community again this holiday season with the support of so many amazing people and organizations in our community. We have continued to see a strong need for our services this year. So far in 2024, we have served more than 2,800 of our neighbors in the 55038 ZIP code.
Movers & Shakers
Chris DuFresne
While the need remains high, we are seeing donations decline significantly. Financial donations are down 53 percent and food donations are down 34 percent compared to two years ago. The result of increased demand paired with declining donations, means we are forecasting a budget deficit
for the first time in the history of the food shelf.
Fortunately, due to our reserves, we have been able to meet the need, but we know that can’t last forever. Your support this holiday season is an essential piece to ensuring we can continue serving the 100 families in our community who rely on us for food assistance.
How can you help your neighbors in need this holiday season?
• Donate securely online at hugofoodshelf.org/give or by mail by sending a donation to Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, PO Box 373, Hugo, MN 55038.
• Support the Hugo Fire Department and Centennial Fire Department toy and food drives. All items collected benefit local families and help them have a great holiday. Watch The Citizen, Facebook and community flyers for more details. Items or gift cards for teenagers are in most need.
THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Purchase holiday meals at Festival Foods in Hugo—pick up a pre-packed holiday meal and leave it at the exit.
• Pickup pre-packed bags of food at Cub Foods in White Bear Lake and leave them in the bin at the exit.
• Become a regular ongoing volunteer with us by completing the volunteer form on our website hugofoodshelf.org or call us at 651-528-6224.
Need help making ends meet? We are here to help with a confidential and discrete experience to get you the food you need. Email us at info@ hugofoodshelf.org, text us at 763-607-6060, or call us at 651-5286224.
Thank you for helping ensure that are neighbors in need are able to get the help they need this holiday season.
Chris DuFresne is the board president of the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf.
• Limited to 350 words.
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at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
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• Deadline is 5 p. m., Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Fighting oppression is hard
My feelings on Veterans Day are complicated as a white woman veteran. I joined the Army National Guard at 17, young and naive. Didn’t join to be patriotic but I knew it would take me places. Helped pay for college leading to a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to help others. I met my hubby and have a beautiful family.
When called up for Desert Storm, I was terrified but also proud to serve. The most meaningful moments during my service were interactions with women. In Saudi Arabia, they conveyed awe and longing to be independent. In Kuwait, it was fulfilling to see the celebration of their liberation and I’m proud that I played a part. But the oppression of women was hard to see and struck me as tragic.
I became more patriotic and proud that women were equal in the US. But recently Veterans Day is more complicated knowing many women are harmed (and dying) from fewer health care options, hearing the loud voices of hate, feeling the high levels of misogyny, and listening to the silence from some that is painful to witness. It’s hard to admit that I was naive thinking we were better than this after witnessing oppression of women so long ago.
It’s also really painful to know we will once again have a commander in chief that disparages military service including my veteran heroes, POWs, and Gold Star Families. My heart aches for Ukraine. They are fighting hard to keep their freedom and doing their part to keep communism at bay. My heart also aches for Gaza as they want their freedom to live a good life. Israelis should be able to exist without fear also.
So many issues arise from oppression as our spirit craves freedom and self-actualization.
Losing naivety is hard when reality falls short of long preached ideals, but wisdom is the replacement. That wisdom makes me eternally grateful to all veterans (and non-veterans) that have and still fight to make “a more perfect union” as I now realize fighting oppression is hard, very, very hard.
Kim Samrock Hugo
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Gammelgarden hosts coffee parties in December
The Gammelgarden Museum will host Jul-themed Annie’s Swedish Coffee Parties at various dates this December. Those who are interested in attending will be able to choose between two parties on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21. The first party will be from 10:30 a.m.-noon while the second party will be from 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. on each of those Saturdays.
Attendees will experience three courses of food along with coffee and tea. The three courses include breads, meats and cheeses and desserts.
The party will take place in the upper level of the Welcome House (Valkommen Hus) at the museum. It will be decorated for the holiday season. Register by calling the Butik at 651-433-5053. Advance registration is required; the event is not appropriate for children under 5.
The Gammelgarden Museum is located at 20880 Olinda Trail N., Scandia.
Burgers for the Troops at the Hugo American Legion
On the fourth Monday of every month from 5-8 p.m., Hugo Yellow American Ribbon Network volunteers will be serving burgers at the Hugo American Legion. Event proceeds will support military families.
The Hugo American Legion is located at 5383 140th St. N., Hugo. Cash or check is accepted.
Hugo Yellow American Network hosts ‘Shop with a Cop’
The Hugo Yellow American Ribbon Network is partnering with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to host a Christmas shopping extravaganza and pizza party for children from 10 families of deployed service members. The event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12. at the Walmart in Oak Park Heights, 5815 Norell Ave. N. Children ages 9-14 are eligible to shop. To register, email charles.haas27@gmail.com.
CONTRIBUTED
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will participate in “Shop with a Cop” on Thursday, Dec. 12.
HUGO BITS & PIECES
• The city plans to submit a letter supporting the reappointment of Manager John Waller to the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. Waller’s term is set to expire on Jan. 18, 2025. Waller recently visited a council meeting and asked the council to consider supporting his reappointment.
• The Hugo American Legion continues to donate to the fire department. Most recently, the council approved a donation of $1,000 from pull-tab proceeds to be used for equipment and training.
• The city has heard some concerns regarding accessing the 1,820-acre Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Access is currently provided along Manning Trail; however, some are looking for easier access to the western portion of the WMA. In doing so, individuals are accessing the WMA from Keystone Avenue N. Keystone Avenue N. is a single-lane access serving three properties in that location, and is not constructed to a width that would support parking on either side of the roadway.
The Hugo Fire Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office have indicated there are public safety concerns with vehicles parking along the narrow roadway. To mitigate concerns, they will restrict parking along Keystone Avenue N. north of County Road 57.
• The city has finished paying its bills for the already-constructed roundabout on Highway 61 at 159th Street N. The most recent payment is for $21,974 for work certified through September. The punch list of items is now complete.
• The city plans to purchase a Felling FT-10 I lawn mower trailer from Road Machinery & Supply for $14,100. The city currently owns two Felling FT-10 lawn
SCHOOL BRIEF
mower trailers for transporting riding lawn mowers, weed whips and leaf blowers. The two trailers have and continue to serve the city well with a seasonal staff of up to six employees.
This year, the council approved the hiring of seven seasonal employees and the purchase of an additional mower to maintain city parks and public buildings. Public works found that with the additional seasonal and full-time employees cutting grass, it was lacking enough trailers to keep all the crews mobile.
City staff will order the trailer this month and likely take delivery of the trailer in April or May 2025.
• Andrew and Amber Michels, 7605 128th Street North (Parcel A), and Nellis Engen c/o Christian Engen, 12870 Henna Avenue North (Parcel B), have requested approval of a property line adjustment between two properties, both of which are large lots occupied by single-family homes.
Parcel A is 9.97 acres in size and Parcel B is 20.04 acres in size. The proposed adjustment would add 1.79 acres to Parcel A, making it 11.76 acres in size and making Parcel B 18.25 acres in size. The council ultimately approved the property line adjustment.
• Dauda Swaray and Lucella Kepe can construct a fence within a drainage and utility easement on their property located at 16190 Europa Ave. N. now that an encroachment agreement is in place with the city.
• An auto dismantling license for Mike Brandt of Hugo Auto and Truck Parts will be renewed. As a requirement of the license, city staff conducts annual inspection of the auto dismantling company for compliance with city, county and state codes. The inspection was completed last month, and the business was found to be in
Contractor completes new storm shelter at Oneka Elementary
Kraus-Anderson (KA) has completed a renovation at Oneka Elementary School, located at 4888 Heritage Parkway North in Hugo. Designed by Wold Architects and Engineers, the two-story, 18,000-square-foot long-term facility maintenance project included a new 12,000-square-foot storm shelter and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering upgrades.
compliance with city code and county regulations.
• Public hearings are scheduled for Dec. 2 for the proposed 2025 street improvement projects. The Beaver Ponds area project consists of roadway milling and paving, spot curb replacement and trail replacement improvements. The total estimated project cost is approximately $1,543,300. Funding for the project will be provided through assessments to benefiting properties, county funds and city street funds.
The Duck Pass, Palmes Long Lake Estates and Ingersoll Avenue N. project consists of roadway reclamation, paving and minor stormwater improvements. The total estimated project cost is approximately $1,820,900. Funding for the project will be provided through assessments to benefiting properties, county funds and city street funds.
• Now that Halloween is over, it is time to schedule the annual Santa Party and tree lighting for 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Lions Volunteer Park.
• A reminder to residents that the Hugo Fire Department is hosting its annual toy and food drive through Dec. 7.
• Council members will attend an emergency and disaster training through Washington County Emergency Management in December, January or February. The 2.5-hour course will be provided by county Emergency Management Director Joe Kelly and Minnesota Homeland Security.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
complete.
“The weather in Minnesota is unpredictable, and the addition of the storm shelter ensures that students are safe and secure, regardless of the conditions thrown our way throughout the seasons,” said Kent Henry, Kraus-Anderson’s project manager. Construction began in September 2023.
CHURCH DIRECTORY Find
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
- 9:00
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
CONTRIBUTED
The renovation at Oneka Elementary School in Hugo is now
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies on night patrol cited a vehicle parked on Fairoaks Avenue N. at 12:30 a.m. Sept. 30 for a double infraction — parking on the wrong side of a city street with tabs that expired in July.
• A suspicious and illegal ATV reported for zooming around the neighborhood in the 4000 block of Emmit Drive N. at 10:23 a.m. Sept. 30 was found by deputies parked in a garage while legally registered.
• A motorist was cited at 5:26 p.m. Sept. 30 on Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. for speeding and for poor driving conduct. Another motorist was cited at 12:10 a.m. Oct. 1 at the same location for speeding 54 mph in a 35 mph zone.
• After deputies took a report of a suspicious male in the 5000 block of 149th Street N. at 10:33 a.m. Oct. 1, they advised the complainant they had multiple suspicious males to choose from, as there were multiple landscaping companies working in the area.
• A resident in the 8000 block of 140th Street N. at 10:45 a.m. Oct. 1 made a follow-up call regarding an RV abandoned on his property. The resident has been looking for someone to help get the vehicle off the property. In his original call on Sept. 26, the complainant said he had entered into a verbal agreement with a person he believed to be the owner for rent to be paid on the RV. The rent was never paid, and the complainant has been unable to make contact with the owner. When the complainant said he would hook up the RV and dump it somewhere, deputies quickly advised him of the Minnesota dumping statute. The complainant called deputies twice more that day about the same issue, perhaps still seeking their blessing to dump it, presumably while having yet to tow the vehicle.
• A resident in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. at 12:16 p.m. Oct. 1 reported receiving a call from an unknown number that was not listed as being from Xcel Energy, stating in poor English that the complainant’s power would be turned off if she didn’t pay over the phone. The complainant promptly hung up and reported the scam for the record.
• A complainant from an unknown address at 1:26 p.m. Oct. 1 reported receiving a phone call from persons claiming to be from the “U.S. Court” in Washington State and stating they were investigating a crime. If the complainant hung up on them, a warrant would be put out for his arrest, they said. When deputies described his call as a popular scam circulating at present, the complainant said he hung up and blocked the number without divulging anything.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 6:42 p.m. Oct. 1 on Elmcrest Avenue and Heritage Parkway N. and cited the driver. Another motorist was arrested for DWI at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. The driver of a grey sedan was issued a written warning for cell phone use at 9:03 a.m. Oct. 2 on eastbound 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N., after deputies yielding to her in the roundabout at 170th Street N. and Highway 61 observed her careening through the roundabout
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Hugo Fire hosts annual food, toy drive
The Hugo Fire Department will once again host its annual food and toy drive for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. From now until Dec. 6, donations can be dropped off at several locations around town, including: the fire station, Festival Foods, Blossom Bridge Child Care, Hugo City Hall, Hugo American Legion, Nystrom and Associates,
one-handed with a cell phone in the other hand.
• Lino Lakes Police Department officers handed over a suspect arrested on multiple warrants at 2:49 p.m. Oct. 3 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N., and WCSO deputies transported him to jail without incident.
• A Minnesota motorist eastbound on Egg Lake Road N. and Geneva Avenue N. was cited at 9:16 a.m. Oct. 4 for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone by westbound deputies, who clocked the vehicle on radar. The driver admitted to going 45 mph and displaying tabs that expired in February.
• Extra patrol was requested from the 15000 block of French Drive N. at 10:32 p.m. Oct. 4 after juveniles were reported for knocking on doors in the area.
• A vehicle driving erratically with a tree sticking out of it was reported at 10:56 p.m. Oct. 4 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. Deputies couldn’t find the vehicle, but the Lino Lake Police Department did and conducted a traffic stop in Lino Lakes.
• A resident in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 10:36 a.m. Oct. 6 reported suspicious activity on her Apple phone that said an Apple device was following her. Deputies assisted the complainant in looking for a possible Apple AirTag on her vehicle, without result. The complainant said she’d follow up with Apple and keep looking.
• A stop sign at the intersection of Farnham Avenue N. and Oneka Parkway N. was reported at 11:11 a.m. Oct. 6 for having done a face plant. Deputies left a message with the Public Works Department to put the sign back up.
• An child’s bicycle with a broken chain was reported at 11:58 a.m. Oct. 6 for being abandoned at the side of the roadway in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N.
• A report of gunshots at 9:12 p.m. Oct. 6 in the 5000 block of 131st Street N. turned out to have been fireworks going off. Deputies, who didn’t locate any gunshots, didn’t locate the fireworks either.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies at midnight Oct. 7 issued a traffic citation on 137th Street N. and Greystone Avenue N. They issued another traffic citation at 7:53 a.m. in the 5000 block of 152nd Street N. At 11:50 p.m., a motorist was cited for speeding 79 mph in a 55 mph zone on Forest Blvd. N. and 170th Street N.
• A vehicle reported stolen at 5:38 a.m. Oct. 7 from the 5000 block of French Drive N. turned to have actually been towed by the complainant’s homeowners association (HOA). At 7:46 a.m. Oct. 9, another vehicle was reported stolen, this time from the 5000 block of French Drive N. And again, the vehicle was towed by the complaint’s HOA for parking in a no-parking area.
• Let the hunting wars begin. A resident in the 13000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 7:47 a.m. Oct. 7 reported a hunter for calling her the B-word. After the complainant admitted to yelling and swearing at the hunter, deputies advised her not to yell at people with guns in the future.
Deputies further advised the complainant that the hunter was legally hunting.
• A hunter in the 12000 block of Homestead Drive N. at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 7 reported a property owner for harassing him and interrupting his hunt.
Wiseguys Pizza & Pub, Water’s Edge Community Center, Carbone’s Pizza, Heartland Credit Union, Verizon Wireless and North Country Auto Body. Neighbors are also invited to “stuff the truck” with donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Festival Foods or the fire station. The biggest need is for items for girls ages 10 to 17. For more information, call 651-762-6362.
Deputies advised the hunter not to yell at the other party, which was a better option than using his gun, but it was still not a good option.
• A Sunset Lake resident at 11:21 a.m. Oct. 11 called with duck hunting questions, after which deputies explained them to her.
• A theft was reported at 2:14 p.m. Oct. 7 from the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. After surveillance video footage was given to deputies, the case was forwarded to the deputy in charge of the investigation.
• Residents in the 14000 block of Generation Avenue N. at 5:46 p.m. Oct. 7 reported their son for stealing money and wanted it documented in case the stealing got worse.
• Suspicious activity around a suspicious vehicle reported in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 2:58 a.m. Oct. 8 turned out to belong to the owner of the property, who was cleaning out his garage.
• A vehicle parked in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road received a citation under the windshield wipers at 5:52 a.m. Oct. 8 for displaying tabs that expired in August.
• Residents in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:09 a.m. Oct. 8 reported items dumped on their property.
• Both occupants of a vehicle on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street were arrested at 3:22 p.m. Oct. 8 after deputies on patrol spotted their vehicle bearing expired registration and pulled them over. Deputies doing traffic stop computer research learned that the license plates did not match the vehicle.
• A motorist was cited for speeding and driving on the shoulder in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 5:56 p.m. Oct. 8.
• A vehicle was reported for pointing its headlights into a home on Goodview Avenue N. and Goodview Trail N. at 10:10 p.m. Oct. 8.
• A speeding motorist was cited at 12:36 a.m. Oct. 9 on Forest Blvd. N. and 137th Street N. for using a wireless communications device while driving and for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for speeding and failure to maintain a lane.
• A motorist received a verbal warning at 7:53 a.m. Oct. 9 on 159th Street N. and Oneka Parkway N. after crossing guards reported the vehicle for driving through the intersection when they had stopped traffic for children to cross the street.
• Residents in the 7000 block of 125th Street N. at 5:21 p.m. Oct. 9 reported someone with a mower for damaging the internet and cable box. The complainant wanted the report on record in case the cable company stated they damaged the box when they hadn’t.
• Deputies cited a motorist at 8:18 p.m. Oct. 9 on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. for driving after revocation. They cited another motorist at 10:26 p.m. that day on Goodview Avenue for driving with young children in the vehicle without a child restraint system, following a traffic stop for a license plate light out. At 7:52 p.m. Oct. 10, deputies cited a third motorist for speeding on Farnham Avenue N. and Oneka Parkway N. A fourth motorist was cited at 1:00 a.m. Oct. 11 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. for speeding 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.
• Tools were reported stolen from a business in the 5000 block of 130th Street N. overnight Oct. 9-10.
• A suspicious vehicle reported in the 14000 block of Irish Avenue N. at 8:53 p.m. Oct. 10 turned out to be Northern Lights gawkers.
Loretta Harding
Pumpkin recycling in Washington County
One of the best ways to dispose of pumpkins is through composting. It’s sustainable, and can enrich your garden soil. Pumpkins that end up in landfills have a hard time breaking down because landfills function to store material and don’t have much oxygen to allow organics to decompose properly.
When it is time to throw away your pumpkins this fall, drop them off at the food scraps drop-off dumpster at the Washington County Environmental Center, 4029 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury. Pumpkins must be free of glitter, paint, wax and candles.
WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING
CURRENT EVENTS
OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE, RESTORING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
When: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14
Where: Maplewood Library board room, or Zoom
Details: Don Arnosti, longtime environmental consultant and leader, will report on a new coalition of over 16 communities and other groups from different parts of Minnesota called “People Not Polluters”. Event hosted by the League of Women Voters- White Bear Area. Register online. Contact: lwv-wbla.org
101 COMPUTER TECH HELP
When: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 14
Where: Ramsey County Library –White Bear Lake, 2150 2nd St.
Details: Individual basic computer
STUFF THE TRUCK
When: Through Dec. 6
Where: Drop-off locations include: the fire station, Festival Foods, Blossom Bridge Child Care, Hugo City Hall, Hugo American Legion, Nystrom and Associates, Wiseguys Pizza & Pub, Water’s Edge Community Center, Carbone’s Pizza, Heartland Credit Union, Verizon Wireless and North Country Auto Body.
Details: From now until Dec. 6, donations can be dropped off at several locations. Neighbors are also invited to “stuff the truck” with donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Festival Foods or the fire station. The biggest need is for items for girls ages 10 to 17. Contact: 651-762-6362.
and technology help is now available by appointment at the White Bear Lake Library! Staff will help with your basic technology questions including email, working on resumes or documents, mobile devices, e-books and social media. Contact: Call 651-724-6007 to schedule your 30-minute help session
FAMILY STORYTIME
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
Where: Ramsey County Library –White Bear Lake, 2150 2nd St.
Details: Join us in-person for stories, songs, and rhymes designed to enhance your child’s early literacy skills. Appropriate for ages 2-5. No registration is required. Contact: (651) 724-6007
WILDWOOD LIONS BLOOD DRIVE
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
Where: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi
Details: Sign up online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS
FOREST BATHING
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative session of the Japenise practice of shinrin-yoku, with a certified guide. Registration information online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
HARD WATER ICE FISHING EXPO
When: Nov. 16-17
Where: National Sports Center, 1750 105th Ave. NE, Blaine Details: Latest gear, seminars, demos, Clam Ice Fishing Pros and kids trout fishing pond. Contact: nscsports.org/ hardwaterexpo
CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater Details: See the courhouse decorated for the holidays and shop 30+ vendors selling handcrafted goods. Photos with Santa from noon-2 p.m. both days. Food truck on site.
Contact: WashingtonCountyMN. gov/Programs
ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 nd 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 6201 Osgood Ave. N. Details: Fair-trade handicrafts, foods, toys, clothing and more. Contact: alternativegiftmarket.org
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
• The property owners at 1811 Laramee Lane received approval for an encroachment agreement to build a four-foot black, ornamental steel fence in the rear and side yards. The fence will encroach on the city’s right-of-way/drainage easement on the western side by 9.33 feet, on the rear by 19.61 feet and on the east side by 4.33 feet. Council granted permission to encroach on these three sides.
• The city has two emergency warning system sirens, currently provided by Embedded Systems. The 2025 contract proposal with the company will not increase over what the city is paying right now. Although there are a limited number of companies that perform this
type of work, city staff shopped around anyway, but did not receive any competitive responses. Therefore, the city will continue to pay $49.97 per month to Embedded Systems, with Public Safety-Emergency Management funds.
• After the city’s Health Care Savings Plan for its employees was rejected by the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), city staff is proposing modifications that meet the MSRS requirements. In addition, city staff streamlined its Earned Sick and Safe time last January to include all part-time employees who work at least 80 hours per year, then reconsidered to exclude most election judges and temporary employees. That
policy will also be revised, and council approved both those modifications.
• Council unanimously gave city staff authority to apply for a Community Futures Technical Assistance grant from the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program through the University of Minnesota. The program provides technical assistance to communities interested in shaping their future in “compelling, realistic, practical and implementable” ways. If the city is awarded the grant, experts from the University would guide the community through a civic engagement planning process and help Centerville identify project funding oppportunities. These
funding sources included once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities from the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, as well as other existing federal and state funding sources. The application deadline is Nov. 15, and the engagement process takes nine to12 months, City Administrator Athanasia Lewis said.
• Council adjourned to closed executive session, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05,subd.3(a), to evaluate the performance of the city administrator.
Loretta Harding
CLASSIFIEDS
Deadline
GROUP HOME: Neighbors worry about future
be assured that this situation is no longer an issue. It has been resolved,” Miron said at a recent City Council meeting. “Any sense of a lack of safety is a concern for a community, and for the county as a whole.”
Miron shared that Beacon is licensed to operate home care in Hugo for a couple more years. Group homes are protected both under state and federal laws.
“Community homes are licensed for adults and kids to live with the extra support of staff through community services at the county level. Homes are owned or leased by the providers. It’s a higher level of care than a foster home but not as high a level of care as an institutional facility,” Miron explained. “The purpose is to keep individuals in a home in the community and to let them live normal lives.”
The county’s role is to assess whether a home meets the minimum safety standards laid out in administrative rules and state statute. If there is a reported violation, the county investigates and makes a recommendation to the Department of Human Services, the state agency that handles licensing actions, sanctions, suspensions or terminations.
“We have certain rules, guidelines, rules that we all follow and this certainly was done in this case,” Miron said. “This is a very unusual circumstance. I want you to feel assured
and let the residents of the neighborhoods here feel assured that their voices are heard. Their concerns are taken seriously. This should no longer be an issue here, but we also need to know that these homes are licensed, and they continue to operate within our neighborhoods.”
Meyer shared some examples of what neighboring residents to the home have witnessed and experienced and asked some questions of the council and staff.
“We believe as a community we have exhausted all of our resources, and we are asking the council to take any and all necessary action to ensure that (history) does not repeat itself,” Meyer said.
She detailed several incidents, including a minor child needing to be rescued multiple times from Bald Eagle Lake.
“If we see the child coming our way, we are to go inside, take shelter, shut the garage door, roll up the car windows, lock the car doors … If the child is on our property, we are to lock all doors, windows, gates, fences …” she said. “It is a helpless feeling to stand by and witness these things and not be able to render aid. It is obviously traumatic for this minor child, the community and the community’s children who witness it.”
Meyer said that as of Sept. 19 the child is no longer in the home, but she, as well as other neighbors, worry about
the future management of the property and residents who may be placed there.
“It is almost a miracle that this child didn’t drown in the lake, get hit by a car or get injured somehow,” she said. “We as citizens here are just trying to do the right thing and we are trying to get this child and the future children and residents who might live there proper and safe care.”
Meyer added that the residents are in no way opposed to the location of the group home but want to make sure that better care is provided to its residents. Moving forward, she wants to know how residents can remain in the loop about the operation of the group home, how neighbors would be notified and what plan the council has moving forward to ensure that there aren’t any issues with this particular group home, or others, within the city.
“This is something that doesn’t happen here on a regular basis, so it is very out of our realm of what the council and city covers. A lot of people are handling this that are out of this building, town and even county,” Mayor Tom Weidt said. “The investigation and control of the provider in this house will be assessed in those different areas at the county and state level … The city has a very limited role. We cannot bar these houses from existing.”
City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that years ago, the
city did have zoning authority over group homes and where it chose to locate them. However, that power is no longer in the city’s hands.
“The city does not have any regulatory authority over where they locate. At one point in time, this would be a zoning matter. But as happens from time to time, zoning authorities are stripped from cities, which happened in this case,” he said. He added that there is no requirement in state statute for notification of new residents, so as residents come and go to group homes, the city doesn’t necessarily know about it.
As far as a plan goes, Bear said that in the past, city staff has had discussions with both the property owner and the company operating the home and they would be happy to go down that path again.
“If we learn something, we are more than happy to share that with residents,” Bear said. Bear thanked the residents for their “tremendous amount of work” to try to get this situation figured out. “I want to let the neighborhood and residents know that you have done a very good job as being advocates for the neighborhood,” he said.
As of press time, Press Publications did not hear back from Beacon Specialized Living.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.
Frank Watson
2024 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
HOUSE DISTRICT 36A
Janelle Calhoun (DFL)
(12,714 votes)
Engen (R)
(14,999 votes)
(15,260 votes) WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
(22,547 votes)
KEY:
Election Victor Not Elected
Note: Bar length is a visual representation only,and not meant to depict the percentages listed with 100% accuracy. The percentages and total votes next to the name of the candidate are correct based on vote count.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE RESULTS
STATE
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
50.88% (1,653,744 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
46.66% (1,516,346 votes)
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
53.28% (90,325 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
44.40% (75,270 votes)
CENTERVILLE
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
44.51% (1,127 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
53.36% (1,351 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 1
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
48.35% (1,087 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
49.64% (1,116 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 2
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
45.76% (729 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
52.17% (831 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 3
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
45.28% (1,306 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
52.67% (1,515 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 4
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
40.73% ( 290 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
58.01% (413 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 5
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
40.99% (951 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
57.41% (1,332 votes)
HUGO - PRECINCT 6
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
40.20% (398 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
58.28% (577 votes)
READ • REUSE • RECYCLE
If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet. 651-407-1200 | presspubs.com
State soccer honors for Bear trio; 6 make all-SEC
Three White Bear Lake girls soccer seniors were named to all-state teams and six were named all-conference after the Bears’ 14-1-2 season that ended with a crucial injury and one win short of the state tournament.
Jenna Maloy was named Class 3A Miss Soccer and Pioneer Press East Metro Player of the Year. Maloy, Becca Smith and Abby O’Brien repeated as coaches association all-state picks, each placed on the first team for Class 3A. All three were among 25 named all-state for all classes by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Maloy is signed by South Dakota State, Smith by University of Kansas and O’Brien by Northern Iowa.
Named to all-SEC were those three, sophomore mid Ellyse Oelker, junior defender Maddy Thompson and sophomore mid Kelsey Wolfe. Getting honorable mentions were seniors Navaya McCorkle and Alyssa Hamlin and junior goalie Chloe Tocko. The Bears were Suburban East champions and top-ranked in the state. After Maloy suffered a foot injury in the last game before playoffs, the Bears lost to No. 4 ranked East Ridge 3-2 in the section finals. Maloy tallied 28 goals this year and a school record 73 in her career along with 26 assists. Smith had 12 goals and 11 assists this year, and 37 and 43 in her career. O’Brien led a defensive unit that allowed only 14 goals in 17 games. Tocko posted an .870 save percentage and 0.76 goals-against-average.
CONTRIBUTED
Cougar diver has epic sectional, eyes last state meet
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Diving is an activity that more than 99 percent of us have not experienced. Almost everybody has swung a bat, kicked a ball, or shot a basket, but soaring off a springboard, twisting high in the air, aiming downward for a straight, splash-less descent into the water? Not so much.
We can only wonder what that’s like. “It’s an insane feeling,” Kate Woelfel revealed, when asked. “Especially on a new dive, or even one you’ve done a thousand times. You’re way up there, flipping in the air, and you’re thinking, this is really cool!”
The Centennial senior has been a diver since fifth grade and is one of the most accomplished Cougar athletes in an individual sport. This past weekend, in the secondto-last meet of her prep career, she had by far her best day.
In the Section 7AA meet, Woelfel clicked on all eleven dives and took the gold medal with a 472.20 score, shattering all kinds of records: her own personal best of 417.60; the Cougar record of 435.60 held since 2000 by Stacy Truman, a state champion who went on to the Gophers; and the section record of 471.85 set in 2014 by a Blaine diver.
“I feel very good about it, yes. All 11 dives were really solid,” acknowledged Woelfel. Dives that don’t go well, she said, are usually the ones when she doesn’t hit the water smoothly. All her landings Friday and Saturday were spot-on.
Woelfel already had the school six-dive record and raised it to 290.30 in a dual meet against Rogers. The 11-dive record was sort of a Holy Grail, even for a four-time state qualifier.
“That’s the one that escaped me. We don’t have a lot of 11-dive meets. I was really thinking about doing it this time,” said Woelfel. She added, “I was
really calm and collected. I just wanted to have fun and not think about this being my last section meet until the very end.”
Her best dives were a front, two-and-a-half tuck, and an inward, one-anda-half pike. Tuck means the body is folded up; pike is like a jackknife. All the dives are different, and all went well.
Beth Hanson, her longtime diving coach, cited Woelfel’s “confidence on the board; tight, clean finishes, height, distance off the board” for the high scores. “It’s the first time she was consistent on every single one. Typically, it’s half or a little more than half. I hope she can do that well again at state. I’m not sure she can repeat that.”
Woelfel will close her Cougar career in state preliminaries Thursday evening with finals on Saturday evening at the University of Minnesota. Her next team will be University of South Dakota, where she’ll pursue a nursing career.
This will be Woelfel’s third state meet and fourth time qualifying. She qualified in eighth grade, but the state meet was canceled due to the pandemic. She placed eighth at state as a freshman. She had an excellent sophomore year but was sick during sectionals. She went back to state as a junior and placed 11th. Hanson said Woelfel dived well last year, “but a lot of really good divers came out of the woodwork … I think that was a big motivating factor for her to really take this season seriously. It’s hard when you don’t have anyone to challenge you in the conference and section.”
Woelfel was a gymnast in grade school. “My mother wanted me to try another sport, a team sport,” she said. “But I picked diving, which is very similar to gymnastics, the summer before fifth grade. I loved diving right from the start.”
BRUCE
Kate Woelfel, shown here at a home meet earlier in the season, broke long-standing school and section records Saturday
She did play basketball for several years and was on the Cougar freshman team and then B squad in 10th grade. Basketball did not stick with her. The 5-foot-9 athlete couldn’t even remember the name of the position she played. “It was down under the basket. Rebounding. I was a good jumper.”
Hanson, who was a diving teammate of Stacy Truman’s, saw her own career derailed by injuries, but she stayed in the sport as a coach. Hanson was coaching on a club team and was ready to step away, due to starting a family, when Woelfel joined.
“She was a little firecracker. She got the dives right away,” Hanson said. “Anyone could see she would be something special.” When she found out that Woelfel attended school in Centerville, and thus would be a Cougar, she put off retirement. “I decided to stay and work with her. I’ve coached her for eight years now.” This coming weekend, way up there, flipping in the air, it would be really cool, for both of them, to have another meet like sectionals and earn another podium finish.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Lydia Hydukovich has made a big impact as an eighth grader on the Centennial swimming team. At the Section 7AA meet, Hydukovich advanced to the state meet in two events. She won the individual medley in 2:16.60 and placed second in breaststroke in 1:09.78. She helped the medley relay place third and the 400 free relay place fourth. In the section true-team meet, Hydukovich won the medley and took fourth in the butterfly. In dual meets, she has won a 500 free race and placed second in a 200 free.
in Coon Rapids.
Bruce Strand
Becca Smith, Jenna Maloy and Abby O’Brien posed at the coaches association all-state banquet.
he
nitely be best. Pizza is house-trained, crate-trained and leash-trained. If you are interested in learning more about Pizza or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
