The Citizen

Thankful artists abound

Lennar presents new concept plan for Watermark development

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — U.S Home LLC (dba Lennar) is proposing to amend housing products and lot widths in the Watermark planned unit development (PUD) land use plan.

Watermark is a 372-acre master-planned residential community consisting of 692 singlefamily lots and 172 townhome units on the northwest corner of I-35E and Main Street.

City Planner Katie Larsen explained that the total housing unit count will not change from the current total of 864; however, Lennar would like to make changes to the north end of the development to address the current housing market.

Josh Metzer, Lennar land entitlement manager, said that the company proposes to change some of its villa lots to townhomes, venture lots (45-55 feet wide) and heritage lots (55+ feet wide). In addition, it would like to introduce some 45-foot-wide lots and increase the overall public space in the development from 60.79 acres to 74.65 acres.

The reason for the changes, Metzer said, is twofold: the villa product is not performing well right now and they are seeing a higher demand from buyers who want to be in the Forest Lake School District (the development also has homes in the White Bear Lake and Centennial districts).

“We have seen a lot more interest than we thought would be interested in Forest Lake Schools,” he said. “The villa product isn’t performing well right now.”

The Planning and Zoning Board had some concerns surrounding the elimination of the villa homes, as it takes away from the variety of

Longtime insurance agent begins transition to retirement

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

A third-generation insurance agent in Hugo has finally reached the point where he just might be ready to hand over the reins.

Hugo resident and longtime Lion Mike Gallivan, owner of Mike Gallivan Insurance Agency, has sold the business to Blaine resident Joe Lofboom, owner of Lofboom Insurance Agency.

“I’ve spent a lot of years thinking about it,” Gallivan, 67, explained. “A lot of my friends are retiring at my age. I’m eligible for Social Security, and I had a retirement nest egg built up with the agency, so I figured it was time to work on slowing down and letting the younger generation come through.”

Gallivan was born and raised in Hugo on a 120-acre farm. Along with farming, insurance has long been a tradition of his family. His

grandfather was the first State Farm insurance agent north of Saint Paul. After he passed away in 1957, Gallivan’s father decided to go into the insurance business part time while continuing to be a full-time farmer. He was in the insurance industry for 40 years. Gallivan also had a cousin who was in the industry.

Gallivan graduated from Lakewood College (now Century College) in 1976 with a degree in marketing. He purchased the insurance agency

from his father in 1984. He started out offering life and health insurance policies and eventually transitioned to property and casualty (P&C) insurance.

The one thing Gallivan says sets his agency apart from others in the area is “actually knowing the customers, their needs and dealing with them on a regular basis.” He said he has always enjoyed helping people out

Santa is coming to town

Hugo residents are invited to come and see Santa from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Peder Pedersen Pavilion at Lions Volunteer Park. Families can get their photos taken with Santa, and the first 50 children will be gifted activity bags. During the event, there will be caroling by the Children’s Performing Arts Holiday Chorus and a tree lighting ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m. Toy and food donations will also be accepted for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf.

• The city is catching up on some of its overlooked pa perwork after five years, after council unanimously (4-0; Council Member Michelle Lakso was absent) approved a memorandum of agreement for floodway modeling for the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). The city recently received a notification from the Federal Emergency Man agement Agency (FEMA) that papers detailing the impacts to the flood plain following a development along 21st Avenue had not been filed. Developments to the west of 21st Avenue will pay for filing the papers, and the city will take respon sibility for filing them. “We'll be assured it's done correctly, because we're the ones in control and responsible for it,” said Mayor D. Love.

• Recently, the city of Circle Pines successfully sued Anoka County in the Minnesota Supreme Court, arguing that an appointment made by the county board to the RCWD Board of Managers violated state law. For some time, the two managers that represent Anoka County have both resided in Columbus, and a group of cities in east Anoka County has sought to have a more even-handed geographic and hydrologic representation of the county on the watershed district board. Eight cities in Anoka County located within RCWD have jointly submitted a list of five names for three-year terms to be considered for an appointment to the RCWD board of managers. The cities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Spring Lake Park will all pass resolutions supporting the candidates, even if one

GALLIVAN: Newcomer soaks up as much knowledge as he can

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when they are in a lot of pain and agony.

About two years ago, Gallivan started searching for someone to take over his agency. He had five prospects, but Lofboom rose to the top, as the two have a lot in common. They were both raised on farms and worked with a lot of the same insurance carriers.

“Overall, Joe hit the key …” Gallivan said.

Lofboom grew up in Harris, near North Branch, Minnesota, on a hobby farm. He attended St. John’s University to pursue a degree in business management.

“I don’t know if anyone really grows up and says ‘I want to be an insurance agent,’” Lofboom explained. “I knew I wanted to own a business, that was my main thing … I really like helping people, so I wanted to be in an industry that I can help people. That’s kind of our job as agents, to educate people.”

Lofboom comes from a family full of teachers, so his calling to educate

people may not be far off the mark.

Fun Fact— Gallivan actually had Lofboom’s uncle, Dennis Lofboom, as a teacher in eighth grade.

Lofboom worked for State Farm right out of college for five years. Five years later, he decided to become an independent agent and establish his own agency. ”We kept getting these leads in; somebody would call and say they had a business they needed insured, and I would have to send it out the back door to one of my independent buddies,” Lofboom recalled. “It kind of clicked one day — I’d rather be the guy that gets those, and I can do everything. And I wouldn’t have to tell any of my clients no.”

Five years after establishing his own agency, Lofboom was given the opportunity to purchase Gallivan’s agency. Gallivan helps with the commercial side of things, as well as some of the longstanding bigger accounts, while Lofboom focuses on home, auto and farm insurance.

Lofboom is soaking up all of the knowledge he can from Gallivan

before he fully retires. “I’m trying to take advantage of his time as much as I can,” Lofboom said.

For more information on Lofboom Insurance Agency, visit https:// lofboominsurance.com/.

651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at

CONTRIBUTED

Longtime insurance agent Mike Gallivan (right), owner of Mike Gallivan Insurance Agency, has sold the business to Blaine resident Joe Lofboom, owner of Lofboom Insurance Agency.

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

CONTRIBUTED

COPS&COURTS

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

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

• A children's bicycle was reported found at 3:26 p.m. Oct. 1 in the area of Flay Road N. and Fondant Trail N. The complainant said he was trying to find the owner by posting on social media.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 9:31 a.m. Oct. 2 in the 7000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Another motorist was cited at 10:14 p.m. Oct. 5 on northbound Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. for speeding in a 30 mph zone. An unidentified woman was arrested for DWI at 11:53 a.m. Oct. 2 in front of a liquor store in the 5000 block of 140th Street N. after deputies were summoned to the scene of an intoxicated female in a vehicle in front of the store. On arrival at the scene, deputies found the extremely intoxicated woman behind the wheel. When she was brought to jail, she refused to take the DataMaster test for blood level content. A formal complaint has been requested.

The driver of a black sedan was cited at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 2 on eastbound Frenchman Road at Victor Hugo Blvd. for failure to drive with due care and violation of muffler and taillight regulations, after deputies stopped at the red light heard a loud popping exhaust from a vehicle taking off from the light. The suspect vehicle was seen pulling quickly away from the light and far ahead of all the other cars. When deputies finally caught up to the vehicle, its driver denied his poor driving conduct. During the stop, deputies observed that the rear lights had a dark tinted film covering them.

• A motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 12:30 a.m. Oct. 3 in the area of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. after deputies conducted a traffic stop for expired registration. Another motorist was pulled over for expired tabs at 5:12 p.m. Oct. 3 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 175th Street N. and given a written warning.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a juvenile, 14, for driving a moped on a private sidewalk to the west of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue at 4:58 p.m. Oct. 3. Although the moped was licensed, the juvenile was not, and had to dismount and wait for his parents to come retrieve him and the moped.

• A motorist was cited at 5:31 p.m. Oct. 3 at the intersection of Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for using a cell phone while driving, after deputies observed the driver using the phone while stopped at a red light. The citation included a violation for not having a driver's license in the vehicle while driving.

• Deputies assisted the Shakopee Police Department in locating a stolen vehicle at an address in the 16000 block of Elmcrest Avenue N. at 2:28 p.m. Oct. 5. The vehicle was observed parked and unoccupied on the southeast corner of the residence and impounded to be released to the appropriate Shakopee authorities.

• A resident in the 17000 block of Greystone Avenue N. at 7:22 p.m. Oct. 5 reported receiving a text from someone who used to work on her property stating she owed money for breaking windshields on an excavator. The complainant told deputies she did not break any windows and wanted it documented, in case anything further came from it.

• A motorist was cited at 11:40 p.m. Oct. 5 in the area of Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. for speeding 62 mph in a 35 mph zone and for failure to provide current proof of insurance. Another motorist was cited at 2:01 a.m. Oct. 6 in the area of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Rosemary Way N. for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for expired tabs. The driver was verbally warned for the tabs and for not having insurance on the vehicle.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. at 4:39 p.m. Oct. 6 reported his child's gymnastics school for withdrawing more money than authorized. Deputies advised the complainant about the civil nature of his case.

• A trailer was reported stolen from the 6000 block of 146th Street N. at 5:52 a.m. Oct. 7 and entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

• Deputies recovered an unreported stolen trailer belonging to the Chisago Lakes High School band at 7:42 a.m. Oct. 7 in the 6000 block of 165th Street

N. Inside the trailer was a stolen side-by-side ATV.

• At 7:54 a.m. Oct. 7, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 16000 block of Henna Avenue N. for registration that expired in June 2022 . They conducted another traffic stop at 8:16 a.m. Oct. 8 in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph zone.

• Deputies recovered an unreported motorcycle stolen from Lindstrom at 8:09 a.m. Oct. 7 in the area of 147th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. and arranged for it it to be towed to the registered owner.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:55 a.m. Oct. 8 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 39 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 135th Street N. at 11:27 a.m. Oct. 8 reported unknown persons for taking out accounts in her name from Bank of America and Flying Blue. The complainant also reported no financial loss and that she had notified all financial institutions and closed all the accounts. Flying Blue is the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, Transavia, Aircalin, Kenya Airways and TAROM.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 12:27 a.m. Oct. 9 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and found drugs in the vehicle after they detected an odor of marijuana coming from the interior.

• An unidentified motorist was cited at 5:12 a.m. Oct. 9 at Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Rosemary Way N. for driving after revocation, after she was pulled over for a missing left brake light. During the stop, deputies conducted a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check, which revealed the drive's revoked status. She was made to park her vehicle legally in the Festival Foods lot while she sought other transportation.

A driver was cited at 1:34 a.m. Oct. 10 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 170th Street N. for speeding 63 mph in a 55 mph zone, for driving after revocation and for failure to provide proof of insurance, after patrolling deputies clocked her on radar. The driver admitted to having a suspended license and no proof of insurance. An NCIC check verified that the subject had a long history of these same two violations. The driver was allowed to drive to a nearby lot and park the vehicle.

• Residents in the 4000 block of Flora Way N. at 4:40 p.m. Oct. 10 reported a scam attempt, after which they were unable to contact their bank. Deputies encouraged the complainants by assuring them it was unlikely the scammers had access to their account if they were never given the complainants' personal information. Deputies also advised the complainants on how to avoid fraud drama in the future and to call back if they

find out money had been taken.

• An unwanted person reported for not wanting to leave an address in the 14000 block of Homestead Avenue N. at 3:05 a.m. Oct. 12 turned out to be a person who couldn't leave because the complainant was blocking the exit to the property. The complainant agreed to move out of the way, so that the suspect could pick up his belongings and leave.

• A motorist was cited for several violations at 12:56 a.m. Oct. 14 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. following a traffic stop for lane change violation and failure to maintain presence in a single lane. During the stop, deputies searched the vehicle and located several items of drug paraphernalia inside.

• Deputies on routine patrol at 3:07 a.m. Oct. 14 observed a streetlight lying on the ground in the area of Hilo Avenue and 125th Street N. No clues could be found as to why the streetlight was on the ground. Public works was advised to come take care of the light.

A resident in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 10:01 a.m. Oct. 14 reported being defrauded, after she received notification from her bank that her credit card application had been approved and from her church that her personal information had been compromised. The complainant is working with her financial institutions and has not suffered monetary loss to date.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:02 a.m. Oct. 14 on westbound Oneka Blvd. N. at Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 40 mph in a 30 mph zone by eastfacing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar.

• A suspicious occupied vehicle parked outside the complainant's residence in the 5000 block of 157th Street N. at 1:05 a.m. Oct. 15 turned out to be two neighborhood residents just chillin' and chattin'.

• Deputies conducted a DWI arrest at 1:18 a.m. Oct. 15 in the area of 147th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N.

• A motor vehicle parked at the Oneka Lake access in the 15000 block of Greene Avenue N. received a citation under its windshield wiper at 8:01 a.m. Oct. 15 for displaying tabs that expired in May 2022.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 15 in the area of Geneva Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for driving with an expired license, following a traffic stop for speeding 38 mph in a 30 mph zone.

• An eastbound motorist was cited at 8:54 a.m. Oct. 15 on 122nd Street N. and July Avenue N. for speeding 67 mph in a 50 mph zone by west-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. His citation included a fine for driving on an expired license.

Loretta Harding

Hi, I’m Randy

My body was sore when I went to bed, Tuesday, Nov. 1.

I had just finished a long day of driving, carrying and unpacking boxes, organizing furniture and — well, you get the idea.

After three years of living in northwest Iowa, I made the northward plunge to Minneapolis to live with my longtime girlfriend and become the newest staff writer at Press Publications in White Bear Lake.

I’m no stranger to Minnesota or journalism, but I am new to doing the latter in the former.

Paulson’s Ponderings

Randy Paulson

I’ve enjoyed writing ever since middle school, and my favorite classes always involved reading and writing. My first 18 years of life were spent in Grinnell, Iowa. At Grinnell High School, I was involved in debate, theatre and speech.

A creative writing class I took my sophomore year of high school is what first piqued my interest in pursuing writing as a profession.

Naturally then, I gravitated toward journalism when I began studying at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

I spent my first two years there writing for the college’s satirical publication, The Acorn, where I lampooned the official college newspaper, The Simpsonian, every chance I got. Despite that, the Simpson Student Media adviser still saw fit to let me become editor-in-chief of The Simpsonian my senior year. I guess my jokes about the “real” newspaper weren’t unforgivable.

My full-time journalism career started in May 2019 when I became a staff writer at The N’West Iowa REVIEW in Sheldon, Iowa.

I wrote about all sorts of topics in The REVIEW’s four-county coverage area: general news, school news (we covered 17 school districts), multiple city council and county supervisors meetings, politics and the 2020 elections, agriculture, business, Friday-night sports and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic.

Although “N’West Iowa” — as we referred to our coverage area — only consisted of four counties, The REVIEW news team and I were constantly on the lookout for local connections to people and events located hundreds or thousands of miles away.

My favorite example is when I wrote a feature about an opera singer who was living in Cardiff, Wales, with his wife. He reached out to our paper since he grew up in one of The REVIEW’s counties and wanted the paper to cover a historical music preservation project he had just finished.

I jumped at the opportunity to chat with him and coordinated a time to speak with him on Skype (we just had to work around a five-hour time difference).

I live for that kind of localized coverage that connects readers at home with happenings that impact them or news about interesting activities that former residents are up to.

But in the meantime, I’m eager to immerse myself in the local goings-on in and around White Bear Lake and surrounding areas and getting to know the people here.

Here are a few other stray facts about me:

• I love listening to podcasts and music, especially on my commute and long road trips.

• I’m more of a cat person than a dog person but love both animals quite a bit.

• I once helped catch a bird that somehow got loose in my previous newspaper office in Sheldon. It was a very weird Wednesday.

• I despise the cold with all my heart and can’t wait for warmer weather to arrive in the spring. But Minnesota winters aren’t too bad … right?

Publications.

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Conversations and support

With snowfall on the ground and winter quickly approaching, I want to take a moment to say thank you for helping us successfully kick off the 202223 school year, which has felt more back to the norm with athletic contests and events taking place, connections made during community meetings, and meaningful volunteer programs launching once again.

Movers & Shakers

updated strategies:

• We will create and sustain a safe, equitable and nurturing environment.

• We will promote, encourage and support students' personal learning experiences and aspirations.

• We will ensure our organization continuously transforms to fulfill our mission.

• We will establish healthy and vital engagement with our entire community.

plan to transition the building into a middle school when North Campus becomes the site of the unified high school in the fall of 2024. In Hugo, North Star Elementary opened for students this fall.

Other projects still in process include Oneka Elementary, which began last month, and Central Middle School, which is in the design phase. The future conversion of Sunrise Park Middle School to become a multi-use facility that houses District Offices, Early Childhood, Transition Education Center (TEC) and the Senior Program is also on the horizon.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak

Much of the conversation in the district this fall has been related to the Capital Projects Levy Renewal that passed with 59.5% approval. We appreciate that community members took time to learn about the renewal and ultimately approved continuation of essential funding for our district.

Support has also been shown by those who have given their time to participate in formal conversations about the district’s future through Strategic Plan Action Teams that met throughout the fall. The original team that launched the process this summer reconvened to confirm the plans developed by family, staff and community representatives around the four

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Student-centered Foundation of Success elements, developed by a fifth team, were also discussed as the team identified skills and competencies vital to students’ eventual postsecondary success and engagement. A Strategic Plan update will be provided to the School Board soon.

Our School Board also continues to hear periodic updates of the Building Our Future facilities process. As we work toward completing the district-wide projects, which are scheduled to be completed through the 2024-25 academic year, the changes to the district’s landscape are hard to miss.

The list of completed facilities projects has grown to include the Transportation Facility, Area Learning Center, and additions at Birch Lake, Lakeaires, Lincoln, Matoska, Otter Lake, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementaries. An addition at WBLAHSSouth Campus is part of the

CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES

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The unified high school project is also moving along, with current ninth and tenth grade students moving into the new 3-story classroom addition at semester break so renovation work can take place in the existing building. Before the extensive work in the original portion of the building begins, we will host a communitywide event in January to allow students, families, grads and community members the opportunity to “walk the circles” of North Campus one last time. Watch for additional information to be shared about this fun Circle Back event. We are in the midst of a great year, and I’m excited to have you be a part of it!

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, is superintendent of White Bear Lake Area Schools.

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Brianna Luecken

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Randy Paulson is astaff writer at Press

The nearly 600 members of White Bear Lake Area Educators know that strong schools are the foundation of vibrant, thriving communities. We are honored to serve our students and their families and are deeply appreciative of the community’s recent show of support for our work as educators. The resources provided as a result of the capital projects levy renewal will allow us to continue to provide high-quality learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners for years to come. Thank you for your valuable investment in our collective future.

Grateful Thanksgiving

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a common thing to say is “Happy Thanksgiving.”

There is certainly nothing wrong with this because we genuinely want others to have a happy Thanksgiving. We also acknowledge and realize that this is not always a happy time of year. Perhaps you are missing a loved one this holiday season. Perhaps you are suffering or someone you care about is going through a hard time. There are many reasons why we may not feel happy at this time of year.

Pastor’s Ponderings Tim Heinecke

Psalm 100 starts out with “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.” Our joy does not come from feeling happy. Our joy comes from knowing that our God is faithful through good and bad times.

While we want others to be happy this Thanksgiving, we all have a lot to be grateful for. What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

OBITUARY

Virginia “Jo” Weston

Virginia “Jo” Weston, age 87, of Hugo, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on October 23, 2022.

A professional seamstress for 40+ years, Virginia also sewed as a hobby. She was an avid bowler and bingo player, enjoyed gardening, adored her grandchildren and was a lottery scratch-off ticket aficionado.

She is preceded in death by husband of 58 years, Arthur “Wes” and son, Ken. She is survived by daughter, Michelle (Kim); grandchildren, Avery and Evan; sister, Janet Kamer; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held 4-6 PM Friday, November 18, 2022 at the American Legion in Hugo, MN. Virginia was a HUGE sports fan, so we ask attendees to wear their favorite MN sports team attire - preferably the Twins. (Those in Packers gear may be refused at the door, ha.) We invite everyone who knew her to join us and celebrate her wonderful life.

2022 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS

SENATE DISTRICT 36

Roger Chamberlain (R) 47.13% (20,838 votes)

Heather Gustafson (DFL) 52.81% (23,348 votes)

SENATE DISTRICT 33

Karin Housley (R) 52.80% (23,092 votes)

Nancy McLean (DFL) 47.16% (20,624 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 36A

Susie Strom (DFL) 48.57% (11,063 votes)

Elliott Engen (R) 51.39% (11,705 votes)

HOUSE DISTRICT 33A

Patti Anderson (R) 55.40% (11,694 votes)

Hanna Valento (DFL) 44.55% (9,404 votes)

CENTERVILLE MAYOR D. Love 96.24% 1,381 votes) CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Michelle Lakso 50.28% (981 votes)

Darrin Mosher 47.62% (929 votes)

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD #12

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD #12 SPECIAL ELECTION

Kara Schmitz 47.77% (6,241 votes)

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Paul Donna 18.24% (3,472 votes)

Kevin Donovan 16.31% (3,104 votes) Jenny Peterson 20.05% 3,816 votes)

Kevin Hiniker 15.96% (3,038 votes)

Andrew Meyer 15.91% (5,217 votes)

Gloria Murphy 21.49% (7,045 votes)

Tom Knisely 22.55% 7,395 votes)

Laura Gannon 18.92% (6,203 votes) Jessica Schwinn 19.83% (6,501 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.

Erika Jagiella Hugo Vice-President White Bear Lake Area Educators Local #7286

Tim Heinecke is the pastor at New Life Church - Lutheran (LCMS) in Hugo.

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• The city of Hugo has received an application for the biannual auto dismantling license for Mike Brandt, dba Auto and Truck Parts. As a require ment of the license, city staff conducts an annual inspection of the auto dismantling company for compliance with city, county and state code. On Oct. 31, city staff completed the inspection and found it to be in compliance with city code as well as county regulations.

• Owners of 12776 Goodview Ave. N. can now construct a 1,500-square-foot accessory building for the storage of vehicles, after the council approved a variance. The variance will allow the accessory building to be placed in front of the principal build ing relative to the street.

• The city continues to pay its bills when it comes to the ongoing 2022 Oneka Parkway improvement project. Most recently, the council approved pay request No. 2 for $1,005,383 to North Valley Inc. for work certified through Oct. 21. Substantial com pletion has occurred on all phases of the project. Punch-list items and signal work at Frenchman Road/Oneka Parkway remain.

• Peterson Companies will also be paid $351,149 (pay request No. 7) for the downtown improvement/ Lions Park project for work certified through Oct. 31.

• Hugo Estates (Summit Management) has re ceived several approvals for the expansion of the manufactured home park (16 additional homes) and the construction of an approximately 60,000-square-

foot apartment building. Approvals include: a Comprehensive Plan amendment, site plan and conditional use permits, variance and minor subdi vision.

• The city will purchase 15230 Greene Ave. N for $145,000. The 0.46-acre property is currently owned by the Bruce A. Bernin Trust and was recently listed for sale. It is located immediately south of the city-owned future park property on Greene Avenue that was previously purchased from and leased back to the Bernins.

The Parks Commission feels the residential lot would give flexibility in locating the park entrance, simplify utility connections and provide a better buffer between the park and the residential neigh borhood. The Parks Commission recommend pur chase of property through the special park fund. If it is not possible to incorporate the property into the master plan of the future park, the residential lot could be sold in the future.

The city has also agreed to pay $62,500 to Arnt Construction to demolish the buildings located on the property.

• The Hugo Fire Department will replace its brush truck, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler, with a 2023 Ford F350 Super Duty from Midway Ford Commercial Fleet and Government Sales for $54,535. The vehicle is in cluded in the city’s 2023 budget. Due to the current market conditions and shortage of parts worldwide, the department has been advised by Midway Ford that the vehicle could take six to eight months or even longer to receive after order. Consequently, Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. is requesting approval now in order so the vehicle can be received in a timely manner in 2023.

• Ten community members applied for vacant positions on the city’s commissions. Interviews were held earlier this week and appointments will be made soon.

STUDENT NEWS

The following students made the dean’s list at a college or university:

University of Minnesota-Duluth: Brandon Davis, Bronte Gibis, Tierney Hjelmberg, Riley Jones, Mitchell Landsberger, Zachary Osmek, Lucas Polucha, Connor Schauer, Samantha Westlund, Daniel Wetherby and Mason Wistrcill, all of Hugo; Alexander Fuller, Brooke Harvey, Aidan Reilly and Isabel Thiner, all of Centerville.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HUGO PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Hugo will hold a public hear ing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 to consider the 2023 Birch Tree Ponds Area Street Improvements.

The project is located in the Birch Tree Ponds Area which includes partial road reconstruction on the following roads.

• Fountain Avenue North (South of Egg Lake Road) - mill and overlay

• Fountain Avenue North (North of Egg Lake Road)

• Foxhill Avenue North

• 138th Street North

• Geneva Avenue North

• 135th Street North (terminate to west of 5815 135th Street North) –including 2 stub streets

• 135th Court North

• Freeland Avenue North

• Freeland Court North

Mill and Overlay improvements are proposed on the southerly segment of Fountain Avenue North. Improvements made would assess benefited proper ties 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 esti mated cost of the improvement is $2.1 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 Lindau prior to the meeting.

Bryan Bear, City Administrator

Published two times in The Citizen on November 3 and 17, 2022.

The Hugo Snowmobile Club and the Rice Creek Trail Association have submitted their respective snowmobile trail applications for the 2022-23 snow season.

Shannon Granholm

CONTRIBUTED

The Hugo Lions have donated $5,050 to the Washington County Dive Team. The funds were raised from the Lions’ Ribfest event, held earlier this fall.

COUNTY BRIEF

County board reviews proposed budgets for water management agencies

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has reviewed proposed budgets for 2023 for the county’s water agencies. Among them is the Washington Conservation District (WCD), a local unit of government dedicated to soil and water conservation. Its mission is to enhance, protect and preserve the natural resources in Washington

County. Staff works with residents, water management organizations, the county’s seven watershed districts and state and local partners to provide education, water and conservation practices monitoring, technical assistance, conservation practices maintenance, aquatic invasive species prevention and other activities. Annually, the WCD receives $260,000 from Washington County for core services. Its annual budget is just more than $2.6 million.

• November 29th Key’s Café and Bakery 10AM, Noon, 2PM* 504 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101

• November 30th Walk-ins at Cub Foods 2PM – 5PM 1059 Meadowlands Dr, White Bear Lake, MN 55127

• December 3rd Jimmy’s Food and Drink 10AM, Noon, 2PM* 1132 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

• December 5th Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 1PM – 4PM 4742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

‘We belonged:’ Cougars go 2-1 at state, place fifth

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Everybody wants a good one to quit on. The Centennial volleyball team capped its memorable 2022 season with a pair of state tournament victories last week, and a consolation championship trophy —fifth place — to bring home.

The Cougars lost their Class 4A quar terfinal to Lakeville North, the eventual runner-up, on Wednesday, and bounced back to defeat Stillwater on Thursday and Chaska on Saturday, all by 3-1 scores, at Xcel Energy Center, finishing 27-5.

“We absolutely were satisfied,” said Andi Koslowski, who rattled off 50 kills and was named to the all-tournament team. “It’s one thing to make it to state, but it’s even cooler to come in fifth and go 2-1. The team excelled all season, and we’re all so happy to finish with a win.”

In their school’s third state tourney, and first since 2010, the Cougars ended a season with a victory for the first time in program history, coach Jackie Rehbe in-Manthey noted.

“Very proud of our finish in the state tournament, and proud of how they played against Lakeville North,” the 20th-year coach reflected. “The girls

were not intimidated by them, and were able to take a set off of them.

“We proved to anyone that doubted us that we belonged in the state tourna ment and can compete with, and beat, some of the best teams.”

The finale against Chaska was a season highlight for the Cougars as they kept scrambling from behind against a skilled, hard-hitting team.

“The team played with a lot of mental tenacity to recover from multiple defi cits,” Rehbein-Manthey said. “I think this group of seniors took it upon them selves to keep their season going.”

Doing just that were seniors Koslows ki, Mattie Petersen, Ingrid Noha, Makayla Speed, Cassi Sosinski, Alyssa Draheim, Ash McClellan, Ashley Fried man, Grace Christensen, Annie Richts meier, and Sam Gerten.

Wayzata repeated as Class 4A champi on, beating Lakeville North 3-0. Other champions were Marshall, Cannon Falls and Minneota.

Lakeville North 3, Cougars 1

The Cougars lost the first game 25-19 and pulled even 25-23 before the Pan thers’ speed and skills around the dial

took over, 25-12 and 25-20. “Probably the fastest tempo offense we’ve come up against. Trying to get two blockers on them was hard,” Rehbein-Manthey said.

Emily Ramsay led North with 18 kills. Rayna Christianson and Sydney Carl son added 11 each and Carlyn Holland nine. Their 5-foot-11 setter Ava Blascziek made 43 assists.

Koslowski drilled 15 kills in 43 at tempts from the left side. Elena Hoecke logged eight kills and three blocks, Sos inski seven kills, McClellan 26 assists and two kills, and Petersen and Noha each 13 digs and two aces.

The Cougars rallied from an 11-6 deficit to win game two. They caught up at 16 on a Koslowski’s kill off a block. They made it 18-16 when McClellan, who was serving, scurried up to drop in a tip. Another Koslowski crosscourt missive made it 19-16. They went ahead 24-20, gave up three points, and got the clinch er on Hoecke’s stuff block.

Cougars 3, Stillwater 1

The Cougars prevailed 27-25, 16-25, 2519, 25-21, led by 6-foot-3 freshman Hoecke with 16 kills and five blocks (three solo). Koslowski added 14 kills and Sosinski

11. McClellan supplied 45 assists and two aces.

“Elena had a great match. She and Ash were connecting well,” said Rehbe in-Manthey. “When we can get her es tablished in the middle, it really opens up the rest of our offense.”

The Cougars were digging with aplomb as Petersen made 29, Friedman 12, McClellan 11 and Koslowski 10.

Makayla Speed had four blocks (two solo) and Koslowski two solo’s. For Stillwater (24-8), Tori Liljegren notched 18 digs and 12 kills, and Emily Elletson 14 kills.

Cougars 3, Chaska 1

Koslowski blasted 21 kills and made 21 digs, leading the Cougars in the gritty 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-18 victo ry. “We have been working all season on finishing sets, because in past seasons, we had struggled,” she said, “and that really paid off against Chaska. We all stayed calm and collected.”

The Cougars trailed 22-17 in game one but surged to win 25-23, capped by a Koslowski kill. Down 24-21 in game two, they pulled ahead 25-24 but could not nail it down and the Hawks won 27-25. The Cougars trailed 17-11 in game three, caught up at 19-19 on Petersen’s ace, and pulled it out 25-22 with Hoecke slamming down the clincher.

No such suspense in game four. Cen tennial played with high confidence, pulled away 14-7, and held that lead, fired up by three kills on Chaska over passes, two by Noha and one by Speed, down the stretch.

Sosinski made 10 kills, Hoecke eight, Noha seven and Speed three. McClel lan supplied 30 assists and Noha nine. Petersen made 16 digs, Noha 14, and Friedman 11. Sosinski made five blocks, Speed and Hoecke four each and Dra heim two.

For Chaska (24-8), Ella Christ made 18 kills, and Avery Rosenberg and Sasha Board 14 each. Katrina Thompson made 45 assists.

GIRLS SOCCER

Two White Bear Lake sophomores, forward Jenna Maloy and midfielder Becca Smith, were named to the Coaches Association All-State Team. Maloy led with 14 goals and made five assists. Smith led with 13 assists. Five Bears were named to all-Suburban East: Maloy, Smith, senior forward Sydney Johnson, junior for ward Cami Bachmeier and sophomore defender Abby O’Brien. Getting honorable mentions were Emma Merriman, senior midfielder; Anna Marie Millard, junior defender; and Gabby Hofeld, junior midfielder. Bachmeier and O’Brien had six goals each. Team awards went to Maloy (offensive player), O’Brien (de fensive player), Madeleine Thompson (most improved),

Elizabeth Wallek (top rookie), and Hofield and O’Brien (iBear Award).

TENNIS

Six White Bear Lake players were named to the allSuburban East Conference team. They are seniors Alex Reiland, Alexina Erickson, Mia Haskins, and Kaylee Zimmerman; and sophomores Tally Domschot and Ellia Groneberg. Getting honorable mentions were Ella Skeie, Anna Sommerhause, Nicole Murphy, and Sabrina Thompson. Team awards went to Zimmerman (MVP), Annika Norman (most improved), and Domschot (Athena). The Bears were 14-8 overall and 7-2 in conference.

Cassi Sosinski was the third-leading hitter for the Centennial volleyball team that placed fifth in the state tournament, finishing with a 27-5 record. The 6-foot senior outside hitter logged 200 kills, 169 digs, 19 aces and 35 blocks. “Cassi had a phenomenal last few weeks of the season,” noted coach Jackie Rehbein-Manthey. That included nine kills in the section finals and 11 and 10 in two state wins. “Cassi brings a lot of power, and she can hit over many blocks because of her height and vertical,” the coach said, adding that Sosinski is a strong blocker who “can shut hitters down one-on-one.”

Strauss Skates & Bicycles

On the cutting edge since 1887. Specializing in all things skating and cycling for over 130 years!

Concordia St. Paul baseball head coach Neil Lerner announced the addition of two local students to the college’s 2024 baseball roster. The signing class includes Leo Bustos of Mahtomedi and Jack Setterlund of White Bear Lake. Bustos, a former Zephyr, will transfer from Century College where he appeared in five and started in three games for the Wood Ducks, pitching nine completed innings and recording nine strikeouts. Setterlund, a White Bear Lake High School letter-winner in baseball, basketball and football, will enter the program as a freshman.

Catch of the Week

Mike McCormick recently caught this 45-inch muskie on a 6-pound test line while fishing for walleyes on Bald Eagle Lake. It was successfully released.

JESSICA HARRINGTON | CONTRIBUTED

The Cougars assembled for a team photo with their consolation championship trophy at Xcel Energy Center.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED Mattie Petersen fielded a serve against Lakeville North with Andi Koslowski following the ball.

Cassi Sosinski

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Nov. 17; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21; the 3rd Monday of every month

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

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

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

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28; the 4th Monday of every month

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

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

Contact: 651-429-4413

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

NANOWRIMO

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 17 & 24

Where: ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater Details: Participants can focus on their writing in the company of other writers during National Novel Writing Month.

Contact: artreachstcroix.org

PERMACULTURE, SUSTAINABLE AND REGENERATIVE GARDENING

When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16

Where: Zoom webinar

Details: Theresa Rooney, Hennepin County Master Gardener and Author of “Humane Critter Control” will introduce gardeners to the basic ethics and principles of Permaculture, and discuss what a “food forest” is. Contact: mahtomedigardenclub.org

Where: Online: bit.ly/NEMCA1117 Details: Northeast Metro Climate Action hosts discussion about renewable energy with the director of Minneapolis-based non-profit Native Sun Community Power Development.

HERE COME THE FEDS — THE HISTORY OF THE FBI

When: 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Shoreview Community Center, Details: Learn about the history of FBI investigations, corruption, and what it does today in a seminar led by Kathy Simmer. Registration deadline 5 days before class; $17/resident. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov

BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION

Details: Shopping, food trucks, live entertainment, silent auction and gift baskets, plus a puppet show, jump rope making, advent wreath building, and the Snow Fairy Gift Garden. Childcare availabe on first-come, first-serve basis.

Contact: 651-487-6700 or mnwaldorf. org

ALTERNATIVE

GIFT MARKET

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 Where: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 6201 Osgood Ave.

Details: 26th annual market includes fair-trade items including handi crafts, food, toys, clothing, and more. Contact: fpc-stillwater.org/ alternative-gift-market

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

‘RIVER

RUNS THROUGH US’ EXHIBITION OPENING

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Art Reach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater Details: Exhibit features work by oil painter Kraig Thayer Rasmussen, on view through December. Contact: artreachstcroix.org

COPYWRITING: TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

When: 5:30-7 p.m Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Seminar explores tips and traps of copywriting, including headlines, writing to sell, capturing attention, and writing challenges. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

SOLAR ENERGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17

When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 19 Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Join teacher Randy Gild ersleeve and fellow musicians for a demonstration on various instru ments and learn how to become a jammer. Join the band or go to listen. Contact: 612-440-6295 or marinemillsfolkschool.org

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Satur days; 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 18-Dec. 18. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 9; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Holiday favorite performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre. Tickets $10-$30. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

MINNESOTA WALDORF SCHOOL

HOLIDAY FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 Where: MN Waldorf School, 70 County Rd B E., Maplewood

Details: Presentation on “History of Fabrics” by Margo Krager, a quilt shop owner. $5/guest. Contact: lakeshorequiltguild@gmail. com

COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Wed., Nov. 23 Where: Running Aces, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake Details: John Bush headlines with Bruce Leroy Williams and Ethan Pederson. Tickets $25 or $30 day of show; dinner options available. Contact : 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

HUGO LIONS ANNUAL SENIOR DINNER

When : 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 Where: Hugo American Legion, Details: Annual dinner for Hugo residents ages 65+. RSVP required by Nov. 30. Contact: 651-592-0369

SARAH & RILEY ELLEFSON

Age 55+ workers needed for part time light custodial work at the St. Croix Rest Area located on I94 near Hudson.

Contact Green View at 651-639-1913

1-407-1200

Customer Service Full-time Position

Looking for an individual with good attention to details, that can work with our city Legals on a weekly basis. Also, to be able work on obits and help coordinate with family’s or funeral homes to place obits in our weekly papers. This position could have some back up in certain departments as well.

Position regiments: •

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRES EN TA TIVE

Open Positions:

Fluid Handler (6p-6a) Operator (6p-6a) Packaging Relief (6p-6a) Forklift Operator (6p-6a) Maintenance Mechanic (6p-6a OR 6a-6p)

Apply at saputo.com/careers

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any prefer en ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such prefer en ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

The City of Shoreview is now hiring a FT Senior Accountant to work in our Finance Department.

Hiring Salary Range: $72,509 – $88,150 For more info and to apply online, go to shoreviewmn.gov/jobs

Open until filled. First consideration given to applications received by November 14, 2022.

PARTS RUNNER - SHOP HELPER

IMMEDIATE - Full-Time employment opportunity with great benefits for a parts runner / shop helper at our Lino Lakes facility.DAYTIME HOURSIMMEDIATE OPENINGS Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable parts runner and shop helper to join our team.

Job Requirements: Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license.

Excellent Benefits: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms provided.

Go to our website to apply, www.eamservice.com or call (651) 786-4463

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

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

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

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

FROM

housing products offered within the development., Like board members, the City Council wasn’t too interested in adding smaller lots (45 feet) into the mix.

Council Member Tony Cavegn said he was okay with the addition of townhomes and liked the addition of more open space, but was not in favor of the smaller lots.

Council Member Michael Ruhland said he also didn’t like the small lots, and Council

Member Christopher Lyden said he wasn’t a fan of the addition of smaller lots or townhomes.

Mayor Rob Rafferty said he didn’t want to see more townhomes. “I’m not big on townhomes right there. We have a lot of townhomes on the other side of town,” he said. “I think we have far too many townhomes.”

Metzer said the townhomes are selling very quickly in today’s market, and suggested bumping

up the lot size from the proposed 45 feet to 50 feet. Ultimately, Metzer said he would return to council with another proposal in the future.

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

of their own residents is not on the list, Centerville City Administrator/ Engineer Mark Statz said, adding, “It's good for the city to back the list instead of being silent.” Statz said he spoke to several community members about the possibility of serving on the board, but so far, none felt they would be available to do so. Anyone living within watershed district boundaries is eligible to be on the board.

• People who didn't pay their utility bills are going to pay, one way or the other. Following a public hearing, council certified delinquent utility, garbage and nuisance abatement charges to the county for collection on the 2023 payable property taxes. “This is an annual thing we do,” said

Statz. “Unfortunately, this is the way some of the citizens pay their bills,” he added. A public hearing is part of the process, which municipalities have the authority to conduct, during which anyone on the delinquent rolls is given a chance to comment.

• The new year is coming, and the city wants to be ready in all aspects, including its fee schedule. Council conducted the first reading for changes to the 2023 fee schedule and called for a public hearing to be held at the regular Dec. 14 meeting. With any ordinance affecting land use, a public hearing should be held and the ordinance read twice — each time on a separate meeting agenda. The most notable changes to the fee schedule involve sewer and stormwater fees to better align with the Metropolitan

Council's flow charges, Statz said.

• The tornado sirens have reupped for 2023, after council approved the Embedded Systems Inc. contract renewal for monthly siren maintenance. The company has serviced city sirens for more than 25 years. The monthly fee for 2023 is $48.43 per month for the two sirens, or an annual total of $581.16, budgeted from the general fund.

• Every year, approximately 58,000 children are ordered into unsupervised contact with physically or sexually abusive parents. In the U.S., 864 children have been murdered by a divorcing or separating parent since 2008. Council passed a resolution declaring November as Family Court Awareness Month. For more information, visit www.

familycourtawarenessmonth.org.

• A new Christmas event will take place in town, after council accepted the Parks and Recreation Committee’s recommendation to approve a permit for the Centerville Lions' Christmas in the Park Event. The event will be held at Laurie LaMotte Park on Dec. 10.

• The five purveyors of liquor and tobacco around the city have also reupped for 2023, after council approved license renewals for those two products. Establishments renewed include JV Summit Corporation, dba Southern Rail (on sale and Sunday); S&B Corporation, dba Kelly’s Corner (on sale, off sale and Sunday); JJ Barrel, dba Liquor Barrel of Centerville (off sale and tobacco); Ameer’s Tobacco Shop

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS, CONT.

(tobacco) and JP’s Liquor, Wine & Beer (off sale and tobacco).

• The city will be represented in Metro Cities voting, after council authorized city staff to vote on behalf of the city in favor of Metro Cities draft policies.

Metro Cities is holding its annual policy adoption meeting on Nov. 17. One vote per member city is allowed.

• Council approved payment No. 2 in the amount of $243,409.04 from the street fund to Bituminous Roadways for the 2022 thin overlay program and City Hall parking lot improvements.

• The city held a Veterans Week ceremony prior to the meeting to honor its veterans. During the meeting, council paused to give thanks for the service provided by veterans, without whose

sacrifices the country would not be free today. The tribute was made in partnership with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and other organizations, and the city looks forward to doing it again next year, said Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis.

• Council recessed to closed executive session, pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 13D.05, Subd 3a, for the city administrator performance review.

The council next meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, to canvass the general election. The next regular council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.. 23, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

WEEKLY WAG

Bluesky is playful, affectionate, intelligent, goofy and eager to please. This 60-pound shepherd/husky mix arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from South Dakota. Bluesky, or “Blue,” as his foster calls him, is tall, lanky and has a mild, gentle personality. Blue is just over a year old and knows his basic commands, but a formal training program is highly recommended. This would be a wonderful activity and opportunity for him to learn better manners and become his best self.

During his downtime, Blue is very loving and belly rubs make him melt. Blue is social and likes all people. Although he likes other dogs, too, he does best playing with dogs his own size or larger. His play style may be a bit too much for smaller dogs. Blue is a beautiful young, active boy who is anxiously awaiting an active forever home, companion and lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about Bluesky or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will con tact you as soon as possible.

Weather Tidbits

LettersSantato

Hey kids! Don’t forget to write your letter to Santa!

Your letter might be published!

Deadline for letters: Dec. 8, 2022 Published week of Dec. 14-21, 2022

Please send a copy of your letter to: North Pole c/o Press Publications 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 OR drop it off at the BIG RED MAILBOX in front of the Press Office. 753379

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

Veterans Day ceremony

ceremony

ceremony,

veterans exhibit

installation

green lights outside of City Hall for Operation Green Light for veterans.