The Citizen

Summit Management considers apartment building

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — Summit Management LLC, the same developer that’s planning a multifamily building and the addition of more manufac tured homes in Hugo Estates, is looking for feedback on whether the various city commis sions and City Council would be interested in another apartment building near Rosemary Apartments.

Summit Management is proposing to construct a 90-unit apartment complex on the west side of a 12.96-acre property, of which 7.75 acres are buildable. The property is located to the south of Rosemary Way N. and north of Frenchman Road/CSAH 8, east of Festival Foods. The property is bisected diagonally by a 50-foot wide utility transmission line easement. There is also a significant number of wetlands on the site.

Max Gort, associate planner, explained that Summit Management requested informal, nonbinding comments on a sketch plan for the development of the property with an apartment use on land that is currently guided for commercial use. “A sketch plan is a way for an applicant to get feedback prior to formal submittal for approval,” Gort explained.

The sketch plan shows a three-story apartment building to be developed in the northwest corner of the parcel, which would be roughly across from the existing Rosemary

Area police departments use power of social media

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

These days, social media newsfeeds can be filled with a lot of negativity. However, some area police departments won’t let that stop them from using the power of the online tool for something positive. A couple of years ago, the White Bear Lake Police Department (WBPD) started posting photos of lost pets, mainly dogs, on its Facebook page in hopes of finding their owners. Chief Julie Swanson explained that the department was utilizing a provider in Maplewood to bring lost pets home too, but the facility closed down. The department then signed a new contract with St. Paul Animal Control, which was quite a bit farther away than the previous provider.

“As a result, we started posting the dogs, because

the reality is that most people go looking for their dog as soon as it’s missing,” Swanson said. “We are always looking for things to post, to have fun with the public, and just having fun with the dogs, because we all love dogs.”

The department now contracts with the Woodbury Humane Society. Before bringing lost pets there, however, the department checks to see if the pet has a microchip, tags or if the dog is licensed with the city. If all of that fails, the department will immediately post a photo of the dog and where it was found on Facebook.

On average, Swanson says the department probably sees about 30 lost dogs a year. Of those, almost all of them are reunited with their owners. In fact, she said most of the dogs are reunited with

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT | CONTRIBUTED

After a couple of puppies could not be returned to their owner, two Centennial Lakes Police Department Officers, Logan Larson and Bryan Johnson, adopted them.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Aids north metro police departments in returning lost pets

FROM PAGE 1

their families quickly. “It’s been tremendous,” she said. “It doesn’t usually take more than an hour to get a pet back to someone.”

In the rare cases that it takes a bit longer to find the owner, the department will keep the dog in its care for up to 12 hours before bringing it to the humane society. If the dog is very anxious, sick or injured, the department will transport them right away.

“Sometimes social media can take a turn with comments … People need to recognize that we all are animal lovers, we care about them and we are taking good care of them. If we had to bring them at the humane society, it’s because that’s what was best for the dog,” Swanson explained.

Centennial Lakes Police Depart

ment (CLPD) is another organization that often posts lost dogs on its social media.

“We get an unbelievable response,” CLPD Chief James Mork said. “People just absolutely go crazy for looking for lost dogs. It seems like it has worked over and over and over again.”

Although reuniting lost pets with their owners is not the department’s primary mission by any means, Mork says the department has “kind of found a niche.”

CLPD has also found that it is typically a pretty quick turnaround once word gets out.

“We realize that for a person that has a pet, that’s a big part of their family,” Mork said. “A lot of the officers are pet owners, so we are thrilled when we can get that member of their family back to the rightful owner. It’s fantastic.”

In fact, last year when CLPD posted a photo of a couple of puppies that were located in the community and the owner ended up not being interested in keeping them, two CLPD officers ended up adopting the puppies themselves. “They still have them to this day,” Mork said.

Lino Lakes Public Safety Director John Swenson said the vast majority of found dogs that the department posts on its social media have a positive resolution. In addition to the lost dog posts, the department also sees high traffic on other posts involving dogs, such a post about their K-9 Argos.

“Anything dog related just blows up,” he said.

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

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT | CONTRIBUTED

Several area police departments have found social media to be a great tool to help find the homes of lost dogs.

POLICE REPORTS

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

• Several people were arrested for undisclosed offenses at 1:45 a.m. Oct. 16 in the area of 147th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N., following a traffic stop. Although the reasons for the original arrest are unknown, passengers who tried to interfere with the arrest of the original violator were also arrested.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:02 a.m. Oct. 16 on westbound 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue for speeding 64 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. An eastbound motorist was cited at 9:26 a.m. Oct. 16 in the 12000 block of Keystone Avenue N. for speeding 66 mph in a 50 mph zone by west-facing deputies, who clocked him on stationary radar. East-facing deputies on stationary radar at 10:37 a.m. Oct. 16 cited a Minnesota motorist in the 14000 block of westbound Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 39 mph in a 30 mph zone.

• A resident in the 12000 block of Europa Avenue N. at 3:54 p.m. Oct. 16 reported a shotgun shell that went through his shed siding.

• A vehicle parked in the area of Finale Avenue N. and 147th Street N. received a citation under its windshield wiper at 7:48 a.m. Oct. 17 for displaying tabs that expired last March. Meanwhile, a Minnesota driver was also cited at 7:58 a.m. Oct. 18 in the area of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in April.

• A motorized bicycle was reported stolen at 3:21 p.m. Oct. 17 from the 5000 block of 147th Street N.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 18 in the area of westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 45 mph in a 30 mph zone by eastbound deputies in their marked squad on rolling patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar. Deputies conducted two more speeding traffic stops that day, at 9:53 a.m. in the 10000 block of 170th Street N. and at 10:23 a.m. in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. Both motorists were done for 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. A fourth motorist was cited at 10:47 a.m. Oct. 21 on westbound 170th Street N. at Ingersoll Avenue for speeding 75 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar.

• A motorist pulled over for registration violation at 6:09 p.m. Oct. 18 in the area of Geneva Avenue N. and 146th Street N. lost his pot stash after deputies detected the odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle. The driver was released, but the small amount of the leafy green substance and paraphernalia were not. They were seized to be destroyed.

• The driver of a black car was cited at 9:12 p.m. Oct. 18 in the area of Heritage

Parkway N. and Elmcrest Avenue N. for possession of 1.4 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in a motor vehicle and failure to display license plate lights, following a traffic stop for a missing rear plate light. When the plate was illuminated, deputies discovered the tabs had expired in August. During the stop, deputies detected a strong odor of pot emanating from the interior of the vehicle. The driver and passenger admitted to the presence of pot and paraphernalia in the car. After a search, deputies located a sealed bag filled with pot, along with various pipes and grinders.

• Deputies cited a motorist at 2:28 a.m. Oct. 19 in the area of Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Road for failure to provide proof of insurance. They cited another motorist at 5:14 p.m. Oct. 19 on Highway 61 at Frenchman Road for expired registration. Deputies issued a written warning to a third motorist at 6:12 p.m. Oct. 20 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. for traveling on a public roadway with expired registration. A fourth motorist was cited at 7:40 a.m. Oct. 21 in the area of Frenchman Road and Leopold Lane for registration that expired in July.

• A bicycle was reported found at 11:03 a.m. Oct. 20 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

• A motorist was cited at 4:37 p.m. Oct. 20 in the area of Egg Lake Road and Fountain Avenue N. for violation of the hands-free law, after deputies observed the driver possibly using a cell phone while driving. Deputies’ suspicions were confirmed when the driver’s conduct clearly indicated an undue amount of distraction.

• A motorist was cited for open bottle violation at 10:23 p.m. Oct. 20 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. after deputies observed a vehicle parked in a public park after hours and were given permission to search the vehicle for contraband.

• A driver was arrested for driving after cancellation at 1:16 a.m. Oct. 21 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N., following a mobile computer check for expired registration. While the squad was still rolling, the computer not only verified the vehicle was expired, but also showed the driver’s canceled status.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Ethan Trail N. at 10:55 a.m. Oct. 22 reported unknown persons for writing swear words on her driveway with sidewalk chalk. The complainant did not have any possible suspects in mind.

• Deputies at 5:27 p.m. Oct. 22 conducted a traffic stop in the area of 137th Street N. and 137th Street Court N. for excessive speed, careless driving and driver’s license not in possession.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. at 7:06 p.m. Oct. 22 reported credit cards fraudulently opened in his name after information

was used following a data leak by an unknown party.

• A resident in the 4000 block of 158th Street N. reported milk, eggs and flour thrown on her four vehicles parked in the driveway overnight Oct. 22-23. Later that morning, the complainant found empty Nature’s Touch cartons on the ground. As Nature’s Touch is a Kwik Trip-branded item, the complainant went to the convenience store and was able to locate a video of possible suspects buying these products. The vehicles weren’t damaged and were easily cleaned off, so the case was demoted to that of disorderly conduct for the suspects portrayed on the Kwik Trip surveillance video.

• Multiple victims reported thefts that occurred at the Blue Heron Grill in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 12:42 a.m. Oct. 23.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:49 a.m. Oct. 23 on westbound 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 64 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar.

• A customer of the Kwik Trip ATM in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 11:21 a.m. Oct. 24 reported withdrawing $100 and forgetting to grab the cash from the machine. Kwik Trip staff advised the complainant that they had reviewed the surveillance video, which showed a male taking the money while doing a transaction. The case is being investigated.

• An unidentified woman was arrested for first-degree DWI at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 24 in the area of Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. following a report of a possible drunk driver. Deputies located the vehicle at the registered owner’s residence and observed her in physical control of a motor vehicle. After she failed standard field sobriety tests and the portable breath test, she was taken in and refused to take any more tests.

• An eastbound motorist was cited at 1:32 p.m. Oct. 25 on 122nd Street N. and Keller Avenue N. for speeding 68 mph in a 50 mph zone by westbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked her on radar.

• A woman was arrested for assault at 10:31 p.m. Oct. 25 in the 17000 block of Farnham Avenue N.

• Citations were issued to a driver and

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

passenger at 6:06 a.m. Oct. 26 in the area of Goodview Avenue N. and Geneva Avenue N. for failure to signal a turn and for possessing marijuana in a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop for the improper signal. When deputies greeted the occupants, they detected the odor of unburnt pot and conducted a vehicle search that revealed the presence of the contraband.

• A set of old Minnesota license plates was reported found at 9:55 a.m. Oct. 26 near mailboxes at the trailer park in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. The plates were cleared from the National Crime Information Center list of stolen license plates, and were found to have simply been replaced with new plates. The finder of the plates was advised to discard them.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 10:46 a.m. Oct. 26 in the area of Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. after deputies conducted a random license plate check of the registered owner.

• A resident in the 8000 block of 120th Street N. at 12:57 p.m. Oct. 26 reported a political sign stolen.

• A southbound motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 2:21 a.m. Oct. 29 on Forest Blvd. N. and 120th Street N., after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with no front plate, no trailer plate and the rear plate of the vehicle obstructed by the trailer.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:23 a.m. Oct. 29 on Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. for displaying vehicle registration that expired in June. Another Minnesota driver was also cited at 10:36 a.m. that day on 170th Street N. and Keystone Avenue N. for displaying tabs that also expired in June.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 1:22 p.m. Oct. 29 on 147th Street N. and Foxhill Avenue N. for speeding 38 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar. He was also verbally warned for not having a valid driver’s license in his possession while driving.

• A motorist westbound on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. was cited at 2:25 p.m. Oct. 29 for speeding 72 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad, who clocked her on radar.

Loretta Harding

Centerville man dies in hunting accident

A 65-year-old man from Centerville has died after falling out of a tree stand while hunting in Crooked Lake Township in Cass County.

According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, at 2:27 p.m. Nov. 7 the sheriff’s office received a 911 call regarding a hunting incident. Deputies and first re sponders arrived on scene to learn that the male was deer hunting and had fall en out of a tree stand, possibly due to a medical issue. CPR and lifesaving efforts were attempted on scene, but the male was pronounced deceased.

Big C reoccurs

IHAVE BEEN told that men wholive long enough will get prostate cancer. The experts have even charted it. At the age of 50 you will have a 50% chance, at 60 years old a 60 % chance, at 70 years old a 70% chance, and so on. I n 2004 at the age of 68, my PSA was climbing. The family doctor wasn’t concerned. After conversations with a good friend Stan Bakke of White Bear Lake, he advised me to check into Mayo Clinic.

We did that and on Dec. 28, 2004 I had a radical prostatectomy at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Dr. Segura, the surgeon, told me after the surgery some cancer cells had escaped and they may manifest themselves in the future.

Gene Johnson

F ive years later, the PSA started to climb and I had radiation treatments at Minnesota Oncology in Maplewood. The PSA dropped dramatically. I was good for another five years when it started to climb again. The Mayo team recommended that I get a Lupron injection every 4-6 months and again the PSA went down to under 1.

T he following September my PSA went from 1 to 6 in four months. The rule of thumb is if it doubles in a year you need to give it serious attention. In October I had a Choline PET scan and an MRI at Mayo. It was clear the cancer had come alive in the lymph nodes in my lower abdomen. After consulting with Dr. Choo in oncology and Dr. Kwon, an immunologist at Mayo, it was recommended I start a series of 25 radiation treatments and this time begin taking an Xtandi capsule for a period of time until the PSA drops to an acceptable level.

W hy do I share this in a community newspaper column? Men can be fearful of dealing with health issues. When this first occurred, I wrote three columns and I had men coming into my office to discuss their situation and what they might expect. Some of them said their wives wondered why they were going to a newspaper publisher for medical answers. A lot of times doctors have not gone through the experience. I thought the more I could explain, the more helpful it might be.

Little did I know the column would travel worldwide through different sales and industry representatives. Many of them told me how they made copies of my columns and shared it with friends who were having similar experiences.

So that’s why this column is a reminder to men that you don’t have to die from prostate cancer if you take care of it early.

Over the last 20 years there have been a lot of advances in treatments and especially in robotic surgery that was just being tested when I had my prostatectomy. New drugs have also become available.

I want to be an encourager and recommend that men tackle the issue immediately when they know about it. Some hospitals in the world today treat it by freezing and some by radiation only.

Do we ever clear cancer from our bodies? Yes, I think there are some instances where it’s true, but I also think that cancer has ways to outlive various treatments. Am I an authority on it? Not at all.

T he bottom line is to get more than one opinion. Take an action, don’t delay. Be thankful for the advancement of medicine.

Our bodies were created by our Heavenly Father as living temples. The Holy Spirit can provide comfort and healing. The Bible is filled with many promises. Give thanks for every experience. It will build your endurance.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Thank You: ‘Look forward to returning to normal life’

Ihave been blessed and honored to represent and serve this state and community in the Minnesota Senate for twelve years.

Running for public office never crossed my mind – never. I have always been a passionate believer in freedom, liberty and empowering people. And I have always been passionate and cared deeply about this state and country. That is probably why some friends asked me to run in 2010.

feeling a deep sense of respect and purpose, and being inspired to do good.

During my time in the Senate, I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and learn amazing things. The noise and messy business of politics clouds memories and creates obstacles. Nonetheless, working together we did accomplish good things for the community and state.

disastrous, unpopular bus line to White Bear Lake. Finally, I authored and passed legislation to protect kids and lemonade stands from overzealous government regulations.

A ll of that said, it can be a tough job and there were times when you question your own sanity; “is it worth the price?” It takes a toll on your family; they feel it and bear the weight and stress as well. We live in the community, and not behind gates and walls.

Legislator Lingo

Senator Roger Chamberlain

I hadn’t been to the Capitol since the fourth grade. From the first day when I was sitting in the Senate chamber during orientation, I was overwhelmed and awed. The Capitol is a magnificent and beautiful building; a gem in this state. The building inspires as much as the quotes on the walls. You cannot read the quotes and serve in that building without

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P rotecting White Bear Lake and groundwater, banning cancer-causing chemicals, creating and protecting jobs in Hugo, making significant progress for kids with Dyslexia, and improving the way we teach reading. Just as important, we provided funding to begin addressing the dangers of too much screen time and social media for kids.

A s tax chair, we passed the first middle-class tax cut in years, began to lower taxes on social security income, and gave relief to farmers and small businesses. As K-12 education chair, we passed the biggest mandate-free funding increase in ten years and worked to empower parents and educators. Working together we stopped the

T he level of discontent in the community is, to say the least, unsettling. But that is human nature I suppose. There is still a lot of beauty in this world and many reasons to be grateful – a newborn baby, a sunset on the lake on a summer evening, an old bookstore, or an old pub.

T hank you! I was blessed to serve for 12 years. I made a lot of friends and we accomplished a lot. I look forward to returning to a normal life with my family.

G od’s peace and blessings to all of you!

Roger Chamberlain served as the Minnesota Senator for District 38. He did not win re-election to represent District 36.

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Journalist

About the Town

Ready to answer the call

I had just pulled in to drop off aluminum cans in the Hugo Fire Department can cage for its equipment fund last week when I was followed by a car that rapidly drove in behind me. The guy in the car parked at the station and ran inside. During the short minute or so that I was emptying two bags of aluminum cans, three more cars pulled quickly

COUNTY BRIEFS

Highway 96 will become county roadway

The 9 miles of Highway 96 that are in Washington County and connect Dellwood, Grant, Stillwater Town ship and Stillwater will become a Washington County roadway after the county board approved the transfer from the state to the county. Plans for the transfer, which is called a turn back, have been in the works since 1994, and are included in the county’s long-term plans.

Between 3,700 and 7,600 vehicles use the roadway each day. It has a posted speed limit of 45 to 55 miles per hour. The roadway comes with a need for upgrades to provide better pedestrian facilities and intersection improve ments, and to correct drainage issues.

The county will receive $14.46 million from the state in 2023 to make the im provements when the county manages the roadway. After the transfer, the county plans to perform a corridor study in 2025.

Bolton & Menk will complete Highway 61 study

Bolton & Menk will complete a Highway 61 corridor visioning and ju risdictional transfer study for Wash ington County for $249,724. The city of Hugo will pay $50,000 of the cost of the study.

The long-term vision for the high way within Washington County is for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to turn jurisdictional control of the roadway to Washington County.

However, prior to that occurrence, the county will develop a jurisdic tional transfer plan that will outline key improvements, timing, costs and limitations to guide the transfer of

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

into the lot. Every driver of every car RAN, not walked, inside the station. In the time it took me to walk back down the can cage steps, close the back of my car, get behind the wheel and buckle up, I saw the ladder truck pull out ahead of me, sirens on, to head north on Hwy. 61.

Later, I told my husband that I was very thankful this Thanksgiving for our fire department. We’ve

the highway to the county. The study is also an opportunity to establish a common vision for access, right of way and future roadway design for the highway. The highway carries be tween 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles each day and has speed limits that range from 35 to 55 miles per hour.

County board sets salaries for administrator, board members

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has set the 2023 sala ries for the county administrator and for county board members.

Administrator Kevin Corbid, who has been the county administrator since the end of January 2020, will have a salary of $205,079, a 4.5% in crease, for 2023. County commission ers will receive a salary of $75,025, a 3.5% increase, in 2023.

Commissioners will also receive an equipment and technology stipend. A recent policy change provides com missioners with the same devices, software and security measures used by employees. This approach will allow the county’s Information Tech nology Department to support and maintain protection for the devices the commissioners use, including pro viding call support and remote access support.

County homestead applica tions due Dec. 31

Property owners who have had a change in ownership and/or occu pancy and whose property is eligible for homestead classification should contact the county to file a home stead application on or before Dec. 31. Homestead classification will affect

Adelaide Landing display returns for 3rd year

Community members are invited to come and see 30 houses decorated to a Christmas song, book or movie in the Adelaide Landing development. Lights will be on every day from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. As you drive around the neighborhood try to guess the song, book or movie and then scan the QR code in front of each house to see if you got it right. The display, now in its third year, serves as a fundraiser for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. To donate, visit https:// www.hugofoodshelf.org/give . Santa will also make appearances on select days. For more information, visit the “Adelaide Landing Exterior Illumination” Facebook page.

Hugo fire hosts Stuff the Truck

The Hugo Fire Department will host its annual Stuff the Truck food and toy drive from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The event will be held at three different locations — the Hugo Fire Station (5323 140th St. N.), Festival Foods (14775 Victor Blvd. N.); and Arcand Park (13324 Fondant Trail N.). All of the items collected will be given to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. Community members can also drop off items at donation bins at various businesses throughout the community as well as City Hall and the Legion through Dec. 2.

Legion to host Sip n’ Shop Craft Show

Hugo American Legion Post 620 will host a Holiday Sip n’ Shop Craft Show from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. The banquet room will be filled with crafters and vendors, and attendees can also enjoy food and beverages at the restaurant/bar.

lived in Hugo for 37 years, and we’ve seen a lot of change, much of it for the better. But this has never changed: we have neighbors here who are ready to drop whatever they are doing and answer their pagers. I thank them all. We are a stronger community for their willingness to serve.

Deb Barnes, Hugo

the amount of property tax paid in 2023, and it may affect eligibility for a property tax refund.

Contact Washington County on or before Dec. 31 to file a homestead application if one of the following applies:

• You purchased a property in the past year and you, or a qualifying rel ative, occupy the property for home stead purposes on Dec. 31, 2022; or

• You, or a qualifying relative, occu py a property for homestead purposes on Dec. 31, 2022, and the property was previously classified as non-home stead. A qualifying relative for home stead purposes depends on the type of property. For residential property or agricultural property with a house, a qualifying relative can be a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, broth er, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece of the owner or a spouse of the owner. This relationship may be by blood or marriage. For unoccupied agricul tural property, a qualifying relative can be a parent, child, grandchild or sibling of the owner or of the spouse of the owner.

Centennial Fire District hosts Santa parade

The Centennial Fire District will once again hold its Santa Parade in Centerville beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. To participate, have ready any nonperishable food and new, unwrapped

Washington County’s electronic homestead application can be found at www.co.washington.mn.us by searching “homestead application.” For additional information or ques tions, call Washington County at 651430-6175 and ask for the assessment support division.

Klinnert honored for lifetime achievement award

Commissioners recently recognized Yvonne Klinnert, senior communi cations specialist for the county, for receiving the Minnesota Associa tion of Government Communicators Scott Pengelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Klinnert received the award from the government communica tors association. She has worked for Washington County since 2009, and concentrates on external communica tions, working with the county’s news releases, newsletter, website and so cial media posts. Previous to working for Washington County, she served as a reporter and editor at a number of community newspapers.

toys you would like to donate. As Santa makes his way through your neighborhood, say hello, and firefighters will take the donations. If you are unavailable during the parade, place donations by your mailbox with a sign that reads “Santa Parade donation.” All donations will be given to the Centennial Community Food Shelf.

CONTRIBUTED

Yvonne Klinnert, senior communications specialist, is honored by the Washington County Board of Commissioners for receiving the Minnesota Association of Government Communi cators Scott Pengelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Klinnert is pictured with commissioners Gary Kriesel, District 3; Lisa Weik, District 5; and Wayne Johnson, District 4; Fran Miron, Dis trict 1; Tina Elam, communications manager; and Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2.

School board moves forward with maintenance project bonds

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Facility maintenance projects in the White Bear Lake Area School District are getting their next round of funding, this time to the tune of $34 million.

The school board unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue general obligation facilities maintenance bonds totaling $34,505,000 at its meeting Nov. 14.

The bonds are the latest in a series of bonds that are set to be distributed over several years to fund the district’s long-term facility maintenance projects.

Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said during the meeting these bonds were factored into the original tax impact statement before district voters passed the $326 million Building Our Future bond referendum for broader district facility changes in November 2019.

The $34 million bond issuance will fund various updates at the high school’s North Campus. Those will include accessibility upgrades related to sinks, counters, drinking fountains, doors, restrooms and the elevator. Other maintenance improvements will consist of mechanical, plumbing and electrical infrastructure replacements.

The maintenance work will occur over the next several years, according to Wald.

“We have a pretty aggressive 10-year plan to address the maintenance of our buildings. The significant amount of maintenance of the 17 buildings that we operate — it’s almost impossible to tackle it all,” Wald said.

“We’re happy that within our Building Our Future bond referendum, we’re able to tag some of those deferred maintenance projects. Our buildings should be in pretty good shape for a good long time.”

School board Chair Jessica Ellison referenced page 108 of the meeting packet, where the bond’s maintenance projects are listed on the right side under the fiscal year 2023 box.

“These are the things that we don’t always see on a day-to-day basis but that need to be done. These types of bonds will help us do things like drinking fountains, installing a lift in a choir room and all of the things that are listed here,” Ellison said.

At its Dec. 12 meeting, the school board will meet with Shelby McQuay of Ehlers & Associates Inc. to go through the presale report for the bonds. The bonds will be sold in early January.

Another facilities-related item the board OK’d was accepting three bids for improvements for South Campus’ athletic fields.

The selected bids totaled $492,750 and consisted of the following:

• $111,450 to Kilmer Electric Co. Inc. of Minneapolis for electrical work.

• $288,800 to Rachel Contracting Inc. of St. Michael for site clearing and

earthwork.

• $92,500 to Mauer Company of Saint Paul for site fencing.

The ballfield projects include improvements to the three existing softball fields and the addition of two baseball fields. He referenced a rendering showing a bird’s-eye view of what the athletic fields would look like following the project.

“All the ballfields will have fencing and dugouts. Between the baseball and softball fields, you see a sidewalk and that’s new. That’ll allow access to all the ballfields and handicapped accessibility to all of the fields,” Wald said.

In the middle of the ballfields will be four new batting cages and storage buildings. The latter will be built by White Bear Lake Area High School pupils through the Career Pathways program.

The work on the ballfields is scheduled to mostly be finished next summer.

In other action, the school board:

• Approved two proposals for course

changes for the 2023-24 school year. The first is changing advanced placement microeconomics to instead be a college-level principles of microeconomics course through the University of Minnesota. A White Bear Lake teacher would lead the course, so students would have concurrent college enrollment and earn four college credits. The other course change was to streamline the enriched and general social studies courses in seventh and eighth grades.

• Approved a resolution to canvass results of the Nov. 8 election to renew the district’s capital project levy authorization. Of the 28,938 votes cast for that ballot question, 17,231 voted in favor and 11,707 voted against.

• Established polling places for 2023.

• Approved school board policies 301-306, 422-423, 520 and 522523. The policies are related to administration, the superintendent, policy implementation, administrator code of ethics, employee-student relations, student surveys, student sex nondiscrimination and policies incorporated by reference.

• Received a presentation from Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, regarding the 2021-22 World’s Best Workforce Summary and Achievement and Integration Progress Report. Key findings included:

• 9% of preschool students need intensive early literacy support, an improvement from a target of 25%.

• 53.1% of third graders meet or exceed Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments reading scores.

• 20% of students in the class of 2022 have completed four college and career readiness classes.

• The 2021 graduation rate for the district was 91.3%; it was 97% for the high school.

Fentanyl test strips aim to save lives

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

Fentanyl test strips are a harm-reduction tool to prevent a drug overdose and are legal to possess, carry and distribute in Minnesota.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is driving an increase in drug overdose deaths, both nationally and in Minnesota.

Overdose deaths in Minnesota involving synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased by 81% — 298 to 539 deaths — from 2019 to 2020.

Ramsey County Public Health has a syringeexchange program at Clinic 555, located at 555 Cedar St. in St. Paul, where individuals can get free fentanyl strips.

“I really believe these test strips are saving lives,” said Jessie Saavedra, opioid prevention coordinator for Ramsey County Public Health. “People are taking time and slowing down by checking their drugs and are not in a rush to do them.”

Saavedra started working in the syringe exchange

program at Clinic 555 in 2018.

“At that time we were giving them out, but very scarcely,” he said, “mainly because we weren't seeing fentanyl in the streets as much as we started to see in 2019 and 2020.”

According to Saavedra, in 2021 more people were asking for fentanyl test strips at Clinic 555 because they knew fentanyl was beginning to show up in more of the drugs they were using.

“Most of the drugs that are being sold on the street are laced with fentanyl and, unfortunately, when they are using the drugs, they are getting used to the fentanyl,” Saavedra said. “That's what's so scary about this, and that's why having these fentanyl test strips as a harmreduction tool is helpful. It's not the answer, of course, but it's just another tool.”

Saavedra noted that xylazine, a drug used as a horse or cattle tranquilizer, is becoming more common.

“It's not as prevalent here in Minnesota as it is in Chicago or Pennsylvania, but it is here,” Saavedra said. “If you're using fentanyl cut with xylazine, it makes the fentanyl last longer. It's a totally different kind of high and it makes you pass out. And the worst part is that Narcan (overdose reversal medication) is not effective on xylazine.”

He continued, “The particles are so small in fentanyl and xylazine that it doesn't take much to overdose on.”

Saavedra said he estimates that Clinic 555 distributes approximately four to five packs per day. “If you see 30 people, probably 90% of those individuals are going to take

the test strips.”

Fentanyl test strips detect the presence in both opioids and nonopioids, but may not detect all fentanyl. Their accuracy is dependent on how people use the test strip.

“They are not as accurate as they could be, but they are if you use them right,” Saavedra said. “For example, if someone is using a baggie to put their dope in and they're only testing the right side of the baggie, the fentanyl could be on the left side of the baggie.”

According to Saavedra, fentanyl test strips are being developed to be more accurate. “Hopefully, when that new technology comes out, it's the same cost or cheaper, and we can get those out to individuals just like we're doing now,” he said.

“If we could give out magic pills to get everybody to stop

using, that would be ideal,” Saavedra said. “Access to treatment and access to care is the number one thing that is the best tool for anybody.”

The 555 Clinic is open from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Free fentanyl test strips can also be accessed from one of the providers listed below:

• Steve Rummler

Hope Network, https:// steverummlerhopenetwork. org/.

• Rainbow Health Syringe Service Program, https:// rainbowhealth.org/ community-resources/ syringe-exchange/.

• North Point Health and Wellness Syringe Service Program, https://www. northpointhealth.org/harmreduction-testing-services.

Laura Perkins, public information manager for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, said Washington County does not distribute free fentanyl test strips at this time.

Anoka County Communications Director Erik Thorson said he is not aware of any organization in Anoka County providing free test strips.

CONTRIBUTED

This rendering shows what the student entry side of the building will look like at the new addition at White Bear Lake High School’s North Campus. At the latest school board meeting, the district also OK’d an intent to issue maintenance project bonds for existing facilities.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION | CONTRIBUTED

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

There's a hidden gem in St. Croix Falls that sits on 1,000 acres where families can celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. It's the Miracle at Big Rock.

The holiday event kicked off last year and brought in more than 40,000 people from Wisconsin to Minnesota. The event features a 1-mile-long light tour with 15 themes, heated indoor holiday vendors, food trucks, Santa photos, sledding, sleigh rides, s’mores, fireworks, crafted cocktails and popup guests.

The event runs seven days a week from Black Friday to Jan. 1.

“We call it a holiday experience,” said Teresa Hansen, who bought the property with her husband Brad in 2018. “When we came up with the idea, I said I wanted it to be a cross between a Hallmark Christmas movie and Disney World.”

Visitors are treated to 15 different themes throughout the property.

• Frozen land – Based on the movie “Frozen”

• Santa's workshop

• North Pole

• Enchanted Forest

• RGB Tunnel

• S'mores land – 35 fire pits for making s'mores

• Candy Cane Lane

• Woodland creatures – Displays of random animals on the property

• Whoville – Where the Grinch lives

• Barnyard animals

• Frosty's sledding hill – Free sleds

• Veterans and first responders area

• The barn

• Classic Christmas

• Nativity scene

“I worked every day last year at the event, and every time I went outside I got goose bumps and I was smiling instantly,” Teresa said.

Brad said many people have asked, “Why did you do something like this?”

“When people come out here to experience this, they experience the Old World flavor of a place like this that pours family out of it,” Brad said.

“It's 100% about family.”

The sprawling property includes a historic barn, three family cabins, a clubhouse, a boathouse, caretaker’s house and large garage. It also boasts handcrafted trout ponds, a lake, deerfilled woods and 22 miles of trails.

The Hansens are entrepreneurs, having managed many businesses over the years including restaurants, bars and a gas station. They lived in Linwood, Minnesota, for years before moving to Big Rock. Teresa graduated from Forest Lake High School and so did the couple's children — Josh, Justin, Jeremy and Becky.

Once the property was purchased, the family went to work, renovating the barn and cleaning out the buildings with the ultimate goal of hosting weddings and events.

After completing renovations on the barn, Big Rock Creek began hosting weddings and events in 2019.

The 19 current campsites are being expanded to 110. The three cabins also accommodate guests, along with the five yurts and geodesic dome being built to feature a glamping experience, set for completion in 2024.

Now, the Hansens are focusing on this year's Miracle at Big Rock holiday festival. Brad said they are expecting 80,000 visitors this year and can't wait to meet them.

“I had thousands of people coming up to me last year saying, 'Oh my God, it really is a miracle,'” Brad said. “It really is a miracle.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, go https://www. miracleatbigrock.com/.

• Big Rock is located at 1674 State Highway 87 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

• Drive-thru night hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays

• Walk through night hours, 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays

• Free parking

•

• Monday, Dec. 5: Miracle toy drive

• Thursday,

•

•

•

•

MIKE LUFHOLM | CONTRIBUTED

The second annual Miracle at Big Rock will be held through Jan.1 at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

MIKE LUFHOLM | CONTRIBUTED

Map of Miracle at Big Rock.

ROSEMARY PLACE: Summit Management requests feedback on sketch plan

FROM

Apartments, which are located at 4628 Rosemary Way N. Access to the development would be from Rosemary Way at the northwest and northeast corners of the proposed parking lot. Parking for residents would be provided through a combination of 70 detached garage stalls and 170 surface parking spaces.

Mark Lambert, of Summit Management LLC, said the project would be similar to the Arbor Ridge development in Forest Lake. “We have found a real strong demand for smaller units that are modestly priced,” Lambert said, adding that another way to describe the project would be “workforce housing.”

Lambert wanted to know whether the commissions felt this would be an appropriate use for the site.

“My opinion is that this is probably a better residential piece, because the commercial is already out in front,” he explained, referring to a local day care and health clinic. “Frankly, I have kind of given up on commercial … What do you guys think? Does this feel like a good use for this location? Is this something that might make sense?”

The Economic Development Authority generally agreed that a multifamily residential use on the property may be more viable than commercial uses, since the visibility is not great, and that the existing commercial uses along CSAH 8 do fulfill the vision of the city for that corridor.

Planning Commissioner Cindy Petty said, “Personally, I don’t mind the apartment building. I think it is a good fit right across from Rosemary Apartments. You’re right by your clinic, day care, Festival Foods, a restaurant. It would be a great place to live and hit up all of those places.”

A couple of planning commissioners said if the development comes back for formal approval, they would like to see more walkways connecting the residential development to the already existing commercial corridor along CSAH 8. The primary concerns raised by the commissioners were the proposed wetland impacts, vehicle circulation through parking lots and proposed access points, and the

CORRECTION

compact nature of the site design.

In general, the council was supportive of the sketch plan and did not have an issue with the proposed zoning.

“I applaud your interest and persistence. It sounds like you have got a lot of time and energy into putting something together,” said Council Member Mike Miron. He added it would be nice to have pedestrian connections from the residential area to the existing nearby businesses.

Council Member Phil Klein said, “I like the design as it is. I think you’ve done a nice job with it overall. It looks nice.” He added that although it would be nice to have underground parking as opposed to the garages, he didn’t think it was realistic for the site.

Council Member Dave Strub said he would like to see more discussion happen regarding a possible park in the area. “Ninety units … that’s going to put some pressure on our parks and open space,” he said. “I’m concerned about creating a little hot spot of needs for parks and open space.”

Lambert explained that there might be an opportunity for a park or open space area on the east side of the site,

and suggested his next stop

Mayor Tom Weidt said a traffic study to evaluate some of the straightaways within the development would be a good idea, but he generally liked what he was seeing so far. “You

have an interesting site to work with there, and if you can bring something unique to it and make it a little extra special, that would be great too.”

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

In the Nov. 17 issue of The Citizen, the Centerville Snippets contained an error. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23, but was canceled because it is the eve ning before Thanksgiving.

Waiting Child

Ronald,13, is friendly, playful, and inquisitive. He enjoys telling jokes, making connections with others and asking questions to get to know them better. Ronald likes listening to music and some of his favorite artists are Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen. If a Michael Jackson or Prince song comes on, you will see likely see him dancing and singing along. Ronald likes playing basketball and video games, assembling LEGO sets, playing on the playground, and building things. When Ronald takes things apart, he really tries to understand why the thing works or is put together the way that it is. He is also interested in magic and spending time outdoors. Ronald would like to be a police officer when he gets older. His favorite colors are blue and green, and his favorite food is pizza. He also really likes McDonald’s and Culver’s. Following adoption, Ronald would need to maintain contact with his brother and other birth family members. Only Minnesota families are being considered at this time.

Tidbits

One streak ends and another streak begins. Our 12day streak of cloudy weather came to an end on Nov. 19 only to be followed by a 10-day sunny streak. The sunny and dry streak covered the Thanksgiving Day, period making (it for those who traveled) a worryfree experience. As with all streaks, they come to an end. Clouds and snow moved in on Tuesday as did some cooler temperatures.

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

Submitted by MN Adopt, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.mnadopt.org.

756759

to discuss the sketch plan could be the parks commission.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Summit Management has requested feedback on a sketch plan for an apartment building to be known as Rosemary Place. Here is an archi tect’s rendering of what the three-story building could potentially look like.

Due to the high water table on the site and some other complications, the developer Summit Management is proposing row-style garages.

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.

ONGOING EVENTS

Hugo Senior Citizens Play ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 15 and 29; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

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

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

Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater

Details: Celebrate the lighting of the tree with twinkle lights and visit with Santa, followed by music and fireworks. Free family event. Contact: DiscoverStillwater.com/ events

Hometown Holiday

When: Saturday, Dec. 3

Where: Forest Lake City Center and Lakeside Memorial Park

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

‘A Christmas Story’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays through 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

Hometown for the Holidays

When: through Dec. 31

Where: Downtown Stillwater

Details: Free family events happening every weekend through Dec. kick-off with Black Friday shopping deals at downtown shops and restaurants; also include Wintertime in Stillwater Lights Show, costumed Victorian carolers, caroling Biercycle tours, holiday tea events, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, New Years Eve ball drop, and more. See schedule and details online.

Contact: DiscoverStillwater.com/ events

St. Paul Hiking Club

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: Festival Foods, 2671 E. County Rd. E, White Bear Lake Details: Hike around Century College, through two cemeteries, and on residential streets, Treats follow at Donatelli’s.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

‘Holiday Inn’

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays,

Dec. 1-24

Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater Details: Irving Berlin’s classic musical on stage. Reserved seating; Cash bar. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

Santa’s Train Shop

When: First three weekends in Dec. Where: Minnesota Transportation Museum, Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Paul Details: Music, vendors, games, snacks, caboose rides and Santa. Reservations required. Contact: trainride.org

Members’ Exhibition Reception and Holiday Party

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.1 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: View works on display, visit with artists, and listen to live music. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org

Twinkle Party and City Tree Lighting

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

Details: Annual community event with family-friendly activities and tree lighting. Contact: ci.forest-lake.mn.us/283/ Hometown-Holiday

Santa’s Fire Engine Parade

When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 throughout neighborhoods in Circle Pines, or 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 throughout neighborhoods in Centerville.

Details: To participate, have any nonperishable and new, unwrapped toys you would like to donate ready. As Santa makes his way through your neighborhood, say hello, and firefighters will grab the donations. If you are unavailable during the parade, place donations by your mailbox with a sign that reads “Santa Parade donation.” All donations will be given to the Centennial Community Food Shelf. Contact: (651) 792-7900

Laptop for beginners

When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Fancy Pawz Nail trims and bathing services by appointment! Robin Udstuen | owner 15190 Everton Av. North, Hugo, Mn. 55038 651-485-9774 tcdistributing@msn.com Free Pupcake with Every Appointment.

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PET SERVICE DIRECTORY For The Love of Dogs - and Canine Community All our locations donate 10% of profits annually to support pet adoptions and health, in partnership with Secondhand Hounds. Book Now! Call 651-492-1888 to speak with a stylist and set your appointments. 995 Wildwood Rd, Mahtomedi • 651-492-1888 • hautedogspa.com 651- 429-5433 KTK9.COM

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ALLAN & NANCY BOUCHER

JOHN & MARY HOLEMAN

TOM WEIDT

MJ The Critter Sitter Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services Owned & Operated by a Veterinary Technician with 20 years experience in animal care - Insured & Bonded - Veterinarian Recommended -References available Let us give your pets the love & attention they deserve while you’re away!

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KATIE’S K9 Obedience School Puppy Classes Private Lessons Manners Please Phone Consults Radio Show 612-807-7850 www.mjthecrittersitter.com

Kristy Miron, of Hugo, has achieved the Excellence in Agriculture Award and will advance to represent Minnesota at the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition, held during the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention Jan. 6-10 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Miron achieved the award at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation’s (MFBF) 104th annual meeting Nov. 17-19 in Bloomington. Miron is a member of Washington-Ramsey County Farm Bureau and currently serves as the Young Farmers & Ranchers chair. She and her husband Paul raise three children on their family’s dairy farm.

WAG

Petunia, or Tunie, as she is called by her foster, is a sweet, gentle, young lady who is looking for a permanent Velcro friend.

Tunie is a 2-year-old Staffordshire terrier/bull terrier mix. She weighs about 65 pounds, loves everyone she meets and is social with other dogs.

Tunie knows her basic commands and is obedient and eager to please. She loves her people and wants to be around them at all times. Additionally, Tunie loves her squeaky toys and is very self-entertaining when her people are busy. But when you’re not busy and if you’re up for the challenge, Tunie likes a good tug-rope competition, too.

While on walks, small critters like squirrels and rabbits are her triggers, and she likes to chase cats,

so continued training and a home with no cats may be best. If you are looking for an affectionate, intelligent, sweet companion, then Tunie is waiting for you.

If you are interested in learning more about

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Petunia or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

CONTRIBUTED

Kristy Miron recently received the Excellence in Agriculture Award. CONTRIBUTED Petunia

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Shavers named director of educational equity and achievement

The White Bear Lake Area School District has announced that Brenton Shavers has been chosen to serve as the district’s director of educational equity and achievement.

Previously, Shavers served as the executive director of Northeast College Prep (NECP), providing overall school and district leadership, implementing the school’s strategic plan, collaborating to embed equity-focused practices and working with the school board.

Prior to his time at NECP, Shavers served in leadership positions in Owatonna Public Schools and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Much of his career was also spent with Waterloo Community Schools, where he began as an elementary teacher and later served in the roles of assistant principal, principal and athletic director. His experience also includes time implementing alternative educational programs and credit recovery for youths in the juvenile justice system.

“We look forward to having Brenton lead our educational equity and achievement team. His experience and passion for serving students will be key to strengthening collaborations that have been built throughout the district and to forging new ones,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “We are excited to see the continuation of this important work as we serve each of our families to ensure their students find success.”

The Paper Clips perform at Oneka Elementary

The Paper Clips, a professional trombone quartet, recently visited third, fourth and fifth grade music classes at Oneka Elementary. One of

the musicians, Chris Allen (pictured in the black T-shirt), is a 2010 White Bear Lake Area High School graduate. The group played several songs for students, demonstrated different instruments in the trombone family and how to play them.

SARAH

Brenton Shavers

CONTRIBUTED

The Paper Clips perform at Oneka Elementary School in Hugo.

HUGO BITS & PIECES

• The city will have three new probationary firefighters (Tom Robinson, Cory Albertson and Jennifer Verpaletse) as of Dec. 5.

• New members have been appointed to the Parks, Recreation, and Ope Space Commission and Planning Commission after the council interviewed 10 interested candidates for vacancies. The council appointed Michael Kelly (term expires Dec. 31, 2024) and Mike Granger (term expires (Dec. 31, 2026) to the Planning Commission, and Valerie Boyd (term expires Dec. 31, 2024) to the parks commission. Jim Compton Sr. was also appointed to serve as an alternate on the parks commission. Parks commissioner Meredith St. Pierre has also been appointed the chair of the parks commission, following Roger Clarke’s resignation.

• The Hugo Fire Department continues to receive donations from the Hugo American Legion. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 from pull-tab proceeds to be used for equipment and training purposes.

• Xcel Energy has been given the green light to expand its training facility located at 13620 Fenway Boulevard N. (See full story on page 10.)

• The Hugo Fire Department now has a grant agreement in place with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for $5,000. The DNR is in need of local fire department assistance

in suppressing wildland fires. The grants are available for the procurement of fire suppression equipment and training of fire departments in techniques of fire control. A local match of 50-50 is required for this grant.

• The council has ordered the project and authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for the Birch Tree Ponds improvement project in 2023. The project will include the partial reconstruction of Fountain Avenue (north of Egg Lake Road); 135th Street, 135th Court, 128th Street, Foxhill Avenue, Geneva Avenue, Freeland Avenue, Freeland Court and stub streets. A mill and overlay will also be completed on Fountain Avenue from Egg Lake Road to the southern cul-de-sac. The project is estimated to cost $2,113,700. Assessments will cover approximately 32% ($672,900) of the project; the other portion will be funded by the city. Benefiting property owners in the partial reconstruction area should expect to be assessed $4,100 (per unit), and residents in the mill and overlay area should expect to be assessed $2,100 (per unit).

During the public hearing Nov. 21, a few residents expressed their concerns regarding people speeding in the area and treating stop signs as yield signs. Other residents inquired about the timing of the project and whether the city should wait until

construction is complete on nearby developments. Another resident requested the city evaluate whether additional street lights would be needed in the area. Another resident wanted to make sure that the proposed assessment rate would not change between now and October. City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that even though the council will likely discuss changing its assessment policy in the future, the assessment rates for this project would not change.

The council will likely consider plans and specifications and advertise for bids in February. If the project moves ahead, construction would likely begin in June, possibly May, with substantial completion expected in September. An assessment hearing would be held in October 2023.

• The city’s various commissions, and most recently City Council, have now weighed in on a sketch plan for a 90-unit apartment building to be known as Rosemary Place. (See full story on pages 1 and 8.)

The City Council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at City Hall.

Holiday WORSHIP

Shannon Granholm

Xcel Energy looks to expand training facility

HUGO — Xcel Energy is seeking approval of a site plan, conditional use permit (CUP) amendment, variance and easement vacation to construct a two-story building as well as an additional outdoor training facility at its existing training facility located within the Bald Eagle Industrial Park.

The original site plan and CUP were reviewed and approved in 2012, amended in 2017 to allow for a 12,000-square-foot building addition, and again in 2021 to construct additional training facilities. A variance was also approved to allow for the construction of training transmission poles, which were higher than the 50-foot maximum height allowed by ordinance.

Xcel Energy is proposing to construct multiple new training facilities at the property they have named the Hugo Training Center (HTC). The outdoor facilities are an extension of outdoor training transmission lines as well as a new training substation. The transmission lines will feature four different lines,

ranging in height from 43 feet to 105 feet. The training substation will simulate real-life substations at five different voltages, and will be built on an approximately 1.65-acre gravel pad with a galvanized steel perimeter fence. The new transmission lines and the substation will both be nonenergized, minimizing hazards to both employees and surrounding properties. The applicant estimates that the project will be completed by the end of 2023.

The second proposed project is a twostory, approximately 32,000-squarefoot building which will house relocated training activities that previously took place in Minneapolis. The building will include laboratories and classrooms. The applicant projects that a significant amount of employee traffic will use the building during peak training event times.

The City Council ultimately approved the applicant’s requests last week.

Granholm

Shannon

Xcel Energy has been granted approval of a site plan, conditional use permit (CUP) amend ment, variance and easement vacation to construct a two-story building as well as an addi tional outdoor training facility at its existing training facility located within the Bald Eagle Industrial Park

Here are some architect’s renderings of what the new building and outdoor training facility may look like.

However, this ice isn’t safe to walk on, and the water underneath is dangerously cold.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds everyone to be extremely cautious around the water and, with children at home, to talk with them about the risks of cold water and ice.

While ice is never 100% safe, ice in the early stages of formation is particularly dangerous. Falls through the ice or into open water at this time of year can turn tragic quickly, and each year result in serious injuries or deaths.

Parents and guardians need to be especially vigilant about watching kids and ensuring children’s innate curiosity about the water and ice doesn’t put them at risk.

“Kids, and people who haven’t experienced winter in Minnesota, may not have enough knowledge to mitigate the risks associated with cold water and early ice,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director. “Talk to your kids, talk to your neighbors—we all have a role to play in keeping people safe as the winter season gets underway.”

Anyone who recreates on the ice should wait until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice before walking out onto it. Other tips for staying safe around cold water and on the ice include:

• Wearing a foam life jacket or flotation suit.

• Not going out alone—and letting someone know about trip plans and expected return time.

• Carrying ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure.

• Checking ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.

• Bringing a cell phone or personal locator beacon.

• Inquiring about conditions and known hazards with local experts before heading out.

For more information about staying safe on the ice, including thickness recommendations for various types of activities, see mndnr.gov/icesafety.

For more information about surviving a fall into cold water, see mndnr.gov/ coldwater.

Department of Natural Resources

As temperatures continue to drop and lakes begin to freeze, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering some tips for staying safe around the cold water and on the ice.

Christmas Market will bloom at 21 Roots Farm

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

GRANT — Harvest season has concluded at 21 Roots Farm, though the hard work of its farmers will soon be on full display to visitors during a two-day shop ping event.

The acreage in Grant is hosting a “European Christmas Market” shopping event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

“We've been growing things all season long. This is just a way to al low our farmers with de velopmental disabilities to be able to sell them,” said Brittany Wiitala, one of the co-founders of the farm.

“We could have sold little things here and there, but we really wanted them to show case their skills, and they've been hard at work.”

The market will take place inside a building at the farm, where var ious stations will be set up with the products for sale. A bonfire will keep the space warm, and guests can also enjoy hot drinks and snacks while they peruse the market.

The market items will include a mix of farmmade products — such as wildflower honey, spicy honey, goat milk soap, wreaths, popcorn, farm-dyed scrunchies and greeting cards that feature photos of the farm — and knitted and crocheted gifts made by farmers, their friends and families.

“They're nice gifts that people could gift for the holidays to friends and family,” said Amy Pe terson, the farm’s other co-founder.

Guests also will be able to meet the farmers and explore the property during the market event.

Wiitala and Peterson purchased the farm in fall 2018 and began its operations the following May. Each of them pre viously had experience working with people with disabilities and wanted to find a way to do so in a nature-based setting.

“We’re very passionate about agriculture, but then also incorporating people with disabilities in growing our own food and just knowing and becoming experts in that,” Wiitala said.

21 Roots Farm pro vides day programming for about 22 farmers, and about 15 are there on any given day. The farmers can choose to come one, two or three times a week.

While there, the farmers help tend to the goats, sheep, alpac as, donkeys, cows and chickens. They also help plant, weed, harvest and package the numerous vegetables grown on the farm. The farm runs a community-supported agriculture program in which it distributes its produce to subscribing customers.

The farm has been able to thrive through out the past few years despite the coronavirus pandemic, since the farmers were able to work safely outside.

“We were a very new organization that didn't really have any idea how this was going to work,” Peterson said. “With the pandemic, it was like, ‘Well, let's just shift. We can adapt and move in whatever capacity we need to.’”

In 2020, the farm was able to raise funds to renovate an unfinished building on the acreage and convert it into an indoor meeting and workspace.

“That's huge to have running water and bathrooms and a kitchen meeting space — kind of like a harvest room where we’re able to pack all the boxes and har vest the honey,” Wiitala said.

The farm has reached its capacity when it comes to the number of farmers it’s able to serve, which Peterson called “a good problem to have,” and one she and Wiitala are eager to tackle next year.

“We're both excited to start brainstorming to see, ‘Hey, how can we reach more people?’

“We've done this now for a few years, and so now it's like, ‘Well, what worked? What didn't? And let's launch from there,’” Peterson said. “I think 2023 is going to be a great year for us.”

What: The Christmas Market at 21 Roots Farm

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

Where: 21 Roots Farm, 10361 110th St., Grant

Details: An abundance of farm-grown goods will be up for sale at 21 Roots Farms’ two-day European Christmas Market. Honey, soap, wreaths, greeting cards and more will populate the market booths, and guests can enjoy hot drinks and snacks as they shop. The market is open to the public. To learn more about 21 Roots Farm, visit 21rootsfarm.org or find it on Facebook and Instagram.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

21 Roots Farm, located in Grant, will hold a two-day European Christmas Market Satur day-Sunday, Dec. 10-11. The farm works with people with disabilities, who help with its operations through various programming opportunities.

Visitors to 21 Roots Farm’s European Christmas Market can browse honey, popcorn and soap products during the event set for Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10-11.

Knitted and crocheted items and greeting cards featuring photos of 21 Roots Farm will be among the items for sale at the Grant acreage’s European Christmas Market set for Satur day-Sunday, Dec. 10-11.

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

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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.

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PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

White Bear Township, in Suburban Ramsey County, is accepting applications for a Full Time Public Works Maintenance Worker position. Re sponsibilities include, but are not limited to water, sewer, streets, parks, buildings, and equipment op eration and maintenance activities. Applicants must be able to obtain a Class B CDL driver’s license, with air brake and tanker endorsements, within 6 months of employment and have a good driving record. Starting wage is $27.48/hr plus benefits. The application and complete job description is available for pickup at the Township office located at 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Min nesota 55110, or by calling 651.747.2750, or on the Township’s website at www.whitebeartownship.org. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022.

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.

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White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

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SPORTS PREVIEWS WINTER 2022

RANGERS

// FOREST LAKE BASKETBALL // BOYS

— Dan Cremisino

Last year —6-22 overall, 3-15 conference

Returning players — Owen Waldoch (junior for ward), Nolan Dumonceaux (junior guard), Reid Larson (junior guard), Westin Hoyt (senior guard), Noah Lukkason (junior forward), Steve Babcock (senior forward)

Fast facts — Waldoch averaged 19.4 points last year, Dumon ceaux 6.3

SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec. 2 — at Coon Rapids

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Blaine

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — at White Bear Lake

Friday, Dec. 16 — Mounds View

Thursday, Dec. 22 — Centennial

Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Mpls. Washburn (at Augsburg)

Thursday, Dec. 29 — TBD (at Augsburg)

Friday, Dec. 30 — TBD (at Augsburg)

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — Stillwater

Friday, Jan. 6 — at East Ridge

Wednesday, Jan. 11 — at Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Jan. 13 — Roseville

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — at Woodbury

Friday, Jan. 20 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Wednesday, Jan. 25 — Irondale

Friday, Jan. 27 — White Bear Lake

Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Mounds View

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Cambridge-Isanti

Wednesday, Feb. 8 — at Duluth East

Friday, Feb. 10 — at Stillwater

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — East Ridge

Thursday, Feb. 16 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Wednesday, Feb. 22 — at Roseville

Friday, Feb. 24 — Woodbury

Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Park

Friday, March 3 — at Irondale

Last

Returning players — Malachi McKinnon (sophomore forward), Nash Heikkila (senior forward), Gavin Goehner (ju nior defense), Wyatt Saltness (senior forward), Caden Seidel (junior forward), Gavin Willie (senior defense), Riley Midden dorf (junior defense), Gunnar Bright (junior defense), Elias Studkier (senior forward), Raymond Hauglie (junior forward) Fast facts — Top returning scorers are McKinnon (18 goals, 34 assists) and Heikkila (4-6)

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 3 — at Grand Rapids

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Duluth East

Thursday, Dec. 8 — at Mounds View

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Roseville

Saturday, Dec. 17 — White Bear Lake

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — St. Francis

Thursday, Dec. 22 — at Chisago Lakes

Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Blaine

Thursday, Dec. 29 — at Spring Lake Park

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at White Bear Lake

Saturday, Jan. 7 — East Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 12 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Saturday, Jan. 14 — at Woodbury

Thursday, Jan. 17 — Coon Rapids

Thursday, Jan. 19 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Anoka

Thursday, Jan. 26 — Mounds View

Saturday, Jan. 28 — at Stillwater

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — at Cloquet

Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Roseville

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Holy Angels

Saturday, Feb. 11 — Woodbury

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Duluth Marshall

Thursday, Feb. 16 — Park

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE BASKETBALL // GIRLS

Coach — Dave Ostercamp

Last year — 8-19 overall, 6-12 conference

Varsity squad — Seniors: Natalie Ostercamp (guard), Emily Ryan (guard) ; Juniors: Kierra Kohoutek (guard), Maddie Jerde (forward), Maddie Johnson (guard), Amelia Espelien (guard), Lauren String (forward), Liz Fearing (forward), Cassidy Pitzl (guard) ; Sophomore: Neely Rehbine (guard), Melanie Sanford (guard), Allison Siebenaler (guard), Grace Kaufman (sophomore) ; Freshmen: Natalie Krutzig, Hai ley DeReu, Aubree Hultman, Bella Dowdall

Fast facts — Players with significant varsity experience are Ryan, Ostercamp, Pitzl, Jerde, Fearing and Espelien. Pitzl was second-leading scorer with 11.8 points per game.

Coach says — “Last year we were young and very inexperi enced, and we were also navigating a coaching change, as it was my first year. This year we are young; however, we have a lot more experience …. (The players listed above) are great defensive players, and we are looking for them to increase their offensive production …. We will look to Cassidy to lead this team, as she also led us in minutes played ….We hope everyone can come out to the gym this winter and enjoy some high quality girls basketball.”

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Anoka Saturday, Dec. 3 — Cambridge-Isanti Tuesday, Dec. 6 — at Park, Cottage Grove Friday, Dec. 9 — Irondale Tuesday, Dec. 13 — White Bear Lake Friday, Dec. 16 — at Mounds View Thursday, Dec. 22 — Centennial Thursday, Dec. 29 — at Duluth East Tuesday, Jan. 3 — at Stillwater Friday, Jan. 6 — East Ridge Wednesday, Jan. 11 — Cretin-Derham Hall Friday, Jan. 13 — at Roseville Tuesday, Jan. 17 — Woodbury Thursday, Jan. 19 — Park Saturday, Jan. 21 — at Coon Rapids Wednesday, Jan. 25 — at Irondale Friday, Jan. 27 — at White Bear Lake Thursday, Feb. 2 — Mounds View Saturday, Feb. 4 — at Elk River Thursday, Feb. 9 — Stillwater Saturday, Feb. 11 — Blaine Tuesday, Feb. 14 — at East Ridge Friday, Feb. 17 — at Cretin-Derham Hall Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Roseville Friday, Feb. 24 — at Woodbury

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE NORDIC SKI

Team leaders — The boys captains and standouts are Jacob Kensy, a junior, and Ryan Houseman, a senior. “Both had great seasons last year and this year should be no different,” Fick said. Jordan Parent, a senior who made all-state last year, and has committed to skiing at Northern Michigan, is the girls team star. Parent and fellow seniors Evelyn Hudrlik and Maria Stockinger are captains.

Fast facts — The Ranger girls placed 3rd at state last year and the boys placed 7th. Parent placed seventh individually to make all-state. Hudik placed 28th and Kenny 31st.

Coach says — “The girls have a chance to podium as a team, and the boys could be top five at state. Really looking forward to the season.”

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Dec. 7 — conference at BCRP

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — conference at BCRP

Thursday, Dec. 15 — at Irondale (also Mounds View) Wednesday, Dec.21 — conference at BCRP

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — conference at BCRP Wednesday, Jan. 11 — conference at Lake Elmo Park Monday, Jan. 16 — conference at BCRP (BCRP: Battle Creek Regional Park)

Coach — Joe Kunshier

Last year — Section runner-up, 3rd place in confer ence

Returning state entrants — Parker Lyden (junior, 34-10, 5th at 113), Jacob Aho (senior, 36-6, 4th at 120), Grant Marr (soph omore, 33-7), Mark Rendl (junior, 39-12, 3rd 195)

Other returning starters — Aspen Blasko (junior, 7-9 at 113), Dayton Dale (freshman, 13-7 at 126), Cullen Christenson (freshman, 27-12 at 120), Jackson Marr (sophomore, 23-14 at 145), Trenton Frerichs (sophomore, 8-15 at 170), Hunter Gruba (junior, 19-17 at 195)

Fast facts — Captains are Aho, Lyden, Rendl ; Named all-con ference were those three plus Marr and Christenson

Coach says — “Our goal is to return to the state team tourna ment. We have good numbers in the wrestling room. Our team is experienced and hard working. Closely knit group with good leadership.”

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 — at Stillwater (also East Ridge)

Saturday, Dec. 3 — St. Michael-Albertville tournament

Thursday, Dec. 6 — Irondale, Mounds View

Saturday, Dec. 10 — Hastings tournament

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Dec. 16 — Univ. of Minnesota Invitational

Saturday, Dec. 17 — Univ. of Minnesota Invitational

Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Rumble on the Red, Fargo

Friday, Dec. 30 — Rumble on the Red, Fargo

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Roseville (also Woodbury)

Saturday, Jan. 7 — Foley tournament

Thursday, Jan. 12 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Chisago Lakes (also Big Lake)

Friday, Jan. 20 — White Bear Lake

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Cambridge-Isanti tournament

Saturday, Jan. 28 — Rochester Century tournament

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton tourna ment

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE GYMNASTICS

Coach — Lindsey Pierron

Assistants — Krista Armitage, Kacie Nelson, Robb Walrath, Gabby Walrath

Returning starters — Mackenzie Nenn (senior captain), Jadee Jones (senior, captain), Amelia Bonnett (junior, captain), Elly Stamp (sophomore), Hailey Henry (sophomore), Emma Larsen (sophomore)

Other letter winners — Rylie Halbur (junior), Julia LeGeault (junior), Makayla Miles (junior)

In the mix — Sami Ernst (junior), Ali Thordson (sophomore)

Coach says — “Last season we were plagued by injuries from the beginning. A lot of our higher level athletes were not able to compete for a good part of the season. This year, we’re hoping to keep everyone healthy. We have a great group, a good deal of depth, and a lot of potential with a couple incoming gymnasts. I think this group could do really well. We have great leadership. Kenzie, Jadee, and Amelia have a lot of varsity experience but have made a point to connect with all of their teammates, regardless of skill level.”

SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec. 9 — White Bear Lake

Thursday, Dec. 22 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Saturday, Jan. 7 — Watertown-Mayer Invitational

Friday, Jan. 13 — Mounds View/Irondale

Thursday, Jan. 19 — at East Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 26 — Woodbury

Saturday, Jan. 28 — Cambridge-Isanti Invitational

Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Stillwater

Thursday, Feb. 9 — at Roseville

Coach — John Fick

Coach

Coach — Jonathan Loo

year — 13-13-1 overall, 5-9 conference

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE HOCKEY // BOYS

SPORTS PREVIEWS WINTER 2022

RANGERS // FOREST LAKE HOCKEY // GIRLS

Coach —Andrew Richardson

Last year — 13-13 overall, 7-7 conference

Returning starters — Samantha Pool (junior defense), Malia McKinnon (senior forward), Noelle Johnson (senior defense), Maddie Monette (senior forward), Ellie Hanowski (senior forward), Ava Saxe (senior forward), Hailey Stanius (senior defense), Adria Haley (senior goalie, split time)

Fast facts — Top scorers back from last year are Pool (13 goals, 8 assists), McKinnon (9-11), Johnson (1-11), Hanowski (8-0), Monette 5-7, Saxe (3-4) ;Taylor Thompson (freshman) is starting at goalie this year.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Northern Tier

Monday, Dec. 5 — Mounds View/Irondale

Thursday, Dec. 8 — Elk River

Saturday, Dec. 10 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Woodbury

Thursday, Dec. 15 — at White Bear Lake

Saturday, Dec. 17 — Stillwater

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — at East Ridge

Thursday, Dec. 22 — Blaine

Tuesday, Dec. 27 — White Bear Lake (at Fogarty, Blaine)

Wednesday, Dec. 28 —TBD (at Fogarty, Blaine)

Thursday, Dec. 29 — TBD (at Fogarty, Blaine)

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — Roseville

Saturday, Jan. 7 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Jan. 13 — at Duluth

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — at Mounds View/Irondale

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Park

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — at Woodbury

Thursday, Jan. 26 — Cretin-Derham Hall (at White Bear Lake Polar Park)

Thursday, Feb. 2 — Anoka

Sophomores: Evan Just, Luke Metcalf, Alhaji Harris; Freshmen: Andrew Person, Dylan Larson, Tyler Cook

In the mix — Senior: Ade Flaschberger; Junior: Melvin Wallace; Sophomore: Jade Lilly; Freshmen: Logan Fu, Ayden Krone; Seventh grade: Ian Shelstad, Parker Leiter, Ryan Hansen Fast facts — Hackett, Timko were all-conference; Timko was a state qualifier; Thoennes will miss the season with a knee injury but serve as a captain Girls program — The Cougars have 10 girls, double last year’s total, with four girls tournaments on the schedule. The staff now has a female coach, Kalhea Jolly, to lead them. Ruegseg ger was HWT champion in the first-ever girls state tournament last year. Another senior leader is Flaschberger. Coach says — “We will have a full lineup for the first time in several years. We were competitive in a lot of our duals last season, even though we started down 12 points. Our room is full of new wrestlers and good athletes … We have multiple wrestlers with a shot to make the state tournament. Luke Timko, our returning state entrant, will do an excellent job as captain helping others …. Evan Just, Marcus Whiting, Joe Streff, and Owen Hackett are multiple-year starters and will have a huge impact … Freshmen Andrew Person, Tyler Cook, and Dylan Larson all put in a ton of time on the mat and in the weight room.”

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 3 — St. Michael-Albertville tournament

Thursday, Dec. 8 — Blaine

Saturday, Dec. 10 — Hastings girls tournament

Friday, Dec. 16 — Pequot Lakes tournament

Saturday, Dec. 17 — Pequot Lakes tournament

Saturday, Dec. 17 — Hopkins girls tournament

Wednesday, Dec. 21 — at Irondale (also North, Tartan)

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Champlin Park (also Chanhassen, Chaska)

Saturday, Jan. 7 — Buffalo tournament

Thursday, Jan. 12 — at East Ridge (also Mounds View)

Saturday, Jan. 14 — Zumbrota-Mazeppa tournament

Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Elk River (also Totino-Grace)

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Bloomington Kennedy tournament

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Sibley East girls tournament

Wednesday, Jan. 25 — at Anoka

Thursday, Jan. 26 — at Roseville (also Mounds View, North)

Saturday, Jan. 27 — Maple Grove, Coon Rapids

Thursday, Feb. 2 — Andover

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Pine Island girls tournament

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — at White Bear Lake (also Mahtomedi, Tartan)

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL GYMNASTICS

Coach — Karley Kissick

Assistants — Jessie Moskalik, Jess Nesen

Captains — seniors Adyson Janacek and Ashlyn Macoskey

Returning starters — Seniors: Adyson Janacek (captain), Ashlyn Macoskey (captain); Junior: Jenna Simso; Sophomore: Kylie Nelson (all-conference); Freshman: Amelya Gannon

Coach says — “I’m hoping for a season full of new skills, new personal best scores, and happy/healthy gymnasts … Nine of the girls have already been on the team together …. We have a smaller team, but as long as we can avoid injury and illness, we’ll have a great season.”

Coach — Spencer Waldvogel

Assistants — Matt Gallagher, Matt Watson, Chris Kamrath, Cory Reisdorfer, Dave Hem mesch, Collin Anderson, Drew Metz

Last year — 7-20 overall, 4-15 conference

Returning starter — Junior: Ty Burgoon (guard, captain) Other lettermen — Seniors: Jesse Simso (guard), Henry Pirner (guard, captain); Juniors: Timmy Ball (forward, captain), Will Quick (guard), Randolph Cooper (guard), Josh Lee (forward), Luke Gunderman (guard); Sophomores: Jack Dagostino (guard), Jackson Driessen (guard), Jacob Hosfield (forward)

Coach says — “Our goal is always to compete for 36 minutes. Playing hard and playing together … We took a step forward last season. With our team being as young as it is, we need to keep building our culture and foundation …. This will be one of the more athletic teams we’ve had. This group’s basketball IQ is also very high … We’ll need a few guys to step up and play bigger than they are. We have athletes who are up for the challenge.”

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 3 — Woodbury

Thursday, Dec. 8 — at Cambridge-Isanti

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Rogers

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Osseo

Friday, Dec. 16 — North St. Paul

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — at Roseville

Thursday, Dec. 22 — at Forest Lake

Friday, Dec. 30 — at Brainerd

Friday, Jan. 6 — at Blaine

Tuesday, Jan. 10 — Champlin Park

Thursday, Jan. 12 — at Maple Grove

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — Park Center

Friday, Jan. 20 — at Andover

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL HOCKEY // GIRLS

PairedwithSpringLakePark

Coach — Sean Molin

Last year — 18-9-1 overall, 6-4-1 conference, section runner-up

Returning starters — Seniors: Lauren O’Ha ra (forward), Callie Cody (forward), Hannah Thompson (defense), Ella O’Hearn (forward), Anna Jarpey (defense); Juniors: Kaitlin Groess (goalie), Noelle Hemr (forward), Ellie Newpower (defense); Sophomores: Alexis Larsen (defense), Teagan Kulenkamp (forward); Freshmen: Katie Ball (for ward); 8th grader: Jaycee Chatleain (forward), Grace Laager (forward)

In the mix — Junior: Sophie Shimabukuro (forward); Soph omore: Elsa Oberg (forward); Freshman: Paige Clauson (forward); 8th grader: Madeline Wolter (forward); 7th grader: Annabelle Buccicone (defense)

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Nov. 29 — at Wayzata Saturday, Dec. 3 — Armstrong/Cooper Tuesday, Dec. 6 — at Anoka Thursday, Dec. 8 — Mounds View Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Champlin Park/Coon Rapids Saturday, Dec. 17 — Rogers Tuesday, Dec. 27 — Gentry Academy (at Breck) Wednesday, Dec. 28 — Rogers (at Breck) Thursday, Dec. 29 — Breck (at Breck) Thursday, Jan. 5 — East Ridge Tuesday, Jan. 10 — Osseo/Park Center Saturday, Jan. 14 — at Rogers Tuesday, Jan. 17 — at Maple Grove Thursday, Jan. 19 — Cretin-Derham Hall Tuesday, Jan. 24 — at Andover Saturday, Jan. 28 — at St. Michael-Albertville Tuesday, Jan. 31 — at Elk River Thursday, Feb. 2 — at White Bear Lake Saturday, Feb. 4 —

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Anoka

Thursday, Jan. 26 — Coon Rapids

Monday, Jan. 30 — at Elk River

Wednesday, Feb. 1 — at Champlin Park

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Maple Grove

Thursday, Feb. 9 — at Spring Lake Park

Wednesday, Feb. 15 — at Anoka

Friday, Feb. 17 — Blaine

Tuesday, Feb. 21 — at Coon Rapids

Thursday, Feb. 23 — Andover

Friday, Feb. 24 — at Duluth East

Tuesday, Feb. 28 — at Totino-Grace

Friday, March 3 — at Armstrong

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL ALPINE SKIING

PairedwithSpringLakePark

Coach — Derrick Taylor

Assistants — Chris Wise, Danielle Dziedzic

Last year — Girls 3rd in conference, boys 8th

Returning starters, boys — Seniors: Eli Berg (captain), Jackson Copiskey (captain); Juniors: Bruce Johnson (captain), Tyler McDew, Seth Semmler; Sophomore: Daniel Schooley; 8th-grader: Griffey Lofgren

In the mix, boys — Sophomores: Levi Struve, Devon Cunning ham

Returning starters, girls — Senior: Brooke Halverson (captain); Juniors: Annie Trettel (captain), Katie Toensing (captain), Emily Stokkeland; Freshman: Jordin Flohaug

In the mix, girls — Senior: Kalli Halatsis; Sophomores: Gwen Halverson, Sofia Anderson

Fast facts — Flohaug qualified for state last year. Flohaug and Halverson were all-conference; The girls varsity graduat ed five starters and the boys four starters.

New pairing — Centennial has a co-op with Spring Lake Park for the first time. Owen Crandall, SLP senior, is a key addition, with years of experience on the Trollhaugen D Team.

Coach says — “One of our biggest strengths is the support we give each other, on and off the hill. Alpine skiing is a unique sport in that we must travel at least an hour to every practice and competition – sometimes three hours each way. We spend a lot of time together on the team bus, chair-lifts, and ski hills. Race nights are often quite cold. Our team does a great job supporting every athlete, from varsity to junior varsity. We consider ourselves a ski family.”

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — at Wild Mountain

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Wild Mountain Thursday, Jan. 12 — at Trollhaugen Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Wild Mountain Thursday, Jan. 26 — at Trollhaugen Tuesday, Feb. 7 — section at TBA

FILE

Pictured is Sophomore Kylie Nelson, who made all-confer ence last year.

at Blake

Coach — Chase Steffen Assistants — Jack Bergeland, Mike Williams, John Bergeland, Isaiah Bettinger, Luke Breun ing, Jeff Hackett, Eric Hotakainen, Kalhea Jolly, Tony Larson, John Noll

Last year — 10-23 overall, 1-6 conference

Returning stars — Seniors: Owen Hackett (captain), Malachi Thoennes (captain), Jaden Ruegsegger; Juniors: Luke Timko (captain), Marcus Whiting, Joe Streff;

SPORTS PREVIEWS WINTER 2022

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL BASKETBALL // GIRLS

COUGARS

// CENTENNIAL HOCKEY // BOYS

Coach

— Jamie Sobolik

Assistants — Dani Edwards, Jermaine Wiley

Last year — 19-12 overall, 15-4 conference, section champions

Returning starters — Junior: Marisa Frost (captain) ... Sophomore: Autumn McCall (post)

Other letterwinners — Seniors: Macey Littlefield (guard, cap tain), Megan Stacy (guard, captain), KJ Tharp (center), Emma Walsh (guard), Kati Anderson (guard), Maddie Skalicky (guard); Juniors: Jordan Metz (guard), Aspen Gray (guard)

In the mix — Sophomore: Emma Thompson (guard); Fresh man: Kate Lee (guard)

Fast facts — Top scorers back are Frost (10.5), who made all-conference, and McCall (7.5); Stacy is sidelined with a knee injury

Coach says — “We saw some of our younger players make great strikes the second half of last season, giving us a spark for this season. Summer action showed we can once again compete for conference and section championships …. We have all-around players who are unselfish. We are seeing a lot of team chemistry that we struggled with early last season.”

Coach — Ritch Menne (12th year)

Assistants — Varsity: Gary Tolkinen, Scott Kranz, Chris Johnson; JV: Jim Allen, Cole Gooder, Dave Bakken; Goalies: Ryan Dop; Strength: Hallie Hemric; Special assistant: Steve Kanner

Last year — 18-6-3 overall, 9-4-2 conference

Returning starters —Seniors: Peyton Blair (forward, captain), Drake Ramirez (forward, captain), Brock Carls (forward), Palmer LeMay (forward), Casey Coenen (forward), Anders Wessman (forward), Sam Menne (defense), Hayden Frank (defense), Avery Clarner (defense); Juniors: Austin Petersen (defense, captain), Harper Searles (forward, captain), Gavin Schahn (goalie)

In the mix — Juniors: Kellen Krumwiede (forward), Tanner Graczyk (forward), Alex Clampitt (forward), Heath Nelson (forward), Ty Escobedo (defense), Jake Robinson (defense), Logan Adams (defense), Maverick Harper (defense); Sopho more: Caleb Kink (defense); Freshman: Nick Carls (forward)

Fast facts — Blair and Searles were all-conference ; Top scor ers back are Blair (24 goals, 26 assists), Searles (19-28), and Ramirez (11-12); Nine of first 10 games are a home Coach says — “Very high expectation for this team, and the Xcel is always the goal. We return a lot of top-end players with very high standards. Work ethic will dictate what kind of season we have. A lot of players want to prove how good they and how good this team can be. It’s gonna be really fun to watch.”

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Totino-Grace

Saturday, Dec. 3 — White Bear Lake Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Blaine

Coach — Pete Crawford Assistants — Kevin Setterholm, Lee Raihle (diving), Greg Belting (volunteer)

Last year — 7th in conference, 5th in section

Leaders — Seniors: Max Scheurer, George Atkinson, and Tyler Celotta are captains; Scheurer placed 6th in the state in breaststroke and was all-conference; Atkinson and Ben Condon (a senior) had strong section meets and should build on that; Alex Larkin (a junior) will contribute to a couple relay teams that could make state.

Coach says — “This is going to be a fun season. I see us chal lenging to be one of the top teams in conference and sections … With 45-plus members, depth will be our strength … We have some very talented young swimmers.”

Diving coach — Lee Raihle, who started his coaching career at CHS years ago, is back on the staff and should be a big help, said Crawford: “I think he is the best dive coach in the state. He has great experience coaching many top state contenders over the years.”

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 10 — conference relays at Anoka

Thursday, Dec. 15 — at Anoka

Saturday, Dec. 17 — Coon Rapids Invitational

Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Champlin Park

Thursday, Jan. 12 — Osseo

Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Andover

Thursday, Jan. 26 — Maple Grove

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — NWSC crossover, TBD

Thursday, Feb. 2 — NWSC crossover, TBD

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Nov. 26 — Chaska (at Hamline)

Tuesday, Nov. 29 — Lakeville North

Friday, Dec. 2 — at Stillwater

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Totino-Grace

Friday, Dec. 9 — Armstrong

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — at Rogers

Thursday, Dec. 15 — at Osseo

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — White Bear Lake

Thursday, Dec. 22 — at Forest Lake

Wednesday, Dec.28 — Eagan (at Eastview)

Thursday, Dec. 29 — TBD at Eastview

Friday, Jan. 6 — Blaine

Tuesday, Jan. 10 — at Champlin Park

Thursday, Jan. 12 — Maple Grove

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — at Park Center

Friday, Jan. 20 — Andover

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — at Anoka

Thursday, Jan. 26 — at Coon Rapids

Monday, Jan. 30 — Elk River

Wednesday, Feb. 1 — Champlin Park

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — at Maple Grove

Thursday, Feb. 9 — Spring Lake Park

Wednesday, Feb. 15 — Anoka

Friday, Feb. 17 — at Blaine

Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Coon Rapids

Thursday, Feb. 23 — at Andover

COUGARS // CENTENNIAL DANCE TEAM

Saturday, Dec. 10 — Hermantown Tuesday, Dec. 13 — at Duluth East Friday, Dec. 16 — Roseau Tuesday, Dec. 20 — Maple Grove Thursday, Dec. 22 — Champlin Park Thursday, Jan. 5 — at Spring Lake Park Saturday, Jan. 7 — Coon Rapids Thursday, Jan. 12 — at Andover Saturday, Jan. 14 — at Blaine Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Armstrong/Cooper Saturday, Jan. 21 — Rogers Thursday, Jan. 26 — at Champlin Park Saturday, Jan. 28 — at Maple Grove Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Osseo Saturday, Feb. 4 — at Anoka Tuesday, Feb. 7 — at Mounds View Thursday Feb. 9 — Elk River Saturday, Feb. 11 — Rosemount Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Blake Thursday, Feb. 16 — Andover

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE WRESTLING // BOYS

Coach Craig Nasvik (34th year)

Assistants — Donny Longendyke, Dane Bates, Jon Schellenberger, Jeff Isaac, Jon Arreguin

Last year — 15-15 overall, 4-6 conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Tyler Brock (captain), Porter Drost, Evan Eliason, Jack son Halko (captain); Juniors: Zach Carnes (captain), Kesean Lipscomb, Dov Nathanson; Sophomores: Christian Carlson, Isaac Kolstad, Porter Cleary, Gabe Kessel, Noah Ludwig, Charlie Woodcock.

Other lettermen — Sophomores: Theo Pax, Levi Arvig; Fresh man: Vin Nathanson.

Also in the mix — Junior: Joe Volk; Sophomores: Ryan Kinde and Sam Mortensen.

Fast facts — Kolstad and Carlson were all-conference.

Coach says — “Obviously, the way we wrestle today counts, but we need to be at our best come February. We have a solid nucleus from last year with opportunities for young wrestlers to step up and contribute. We need to challenge each other to come every day with the grit and attitude to improve.”

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 Cretin-Derham Hall, Park Friday, Dec. 2 — Champlin Park, Grand Rapids

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 3 — at Forest Lake

Wednesday, Dec. 7 — at Armstrong Saturday, Dec. 17 — at Totino-Grace Saturday, Jan. 21 — at St. Michael-Albertville

Saturday, Dec. 3 — Woodbury tournament Friday, Dec. 9 — Brainerd tournament Saturday, Dec. 10 — Brainerd tournament Wednesday, Dec. 14 — Mounds View, Woodbury Wednesday, Dec. 21 — East Ridge, Chisago Lakes, Hopkins Thursday, Dec. 29 — Rogers tournament Saturday, Jan. 14 — Champlin Park tournament Friday, Jan. 20 — at Forest Lake

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Park Center tournament

Saturday, Jan. 28 — South St. Paul tournament

Friday, Feb. 3 — Maple Grove tournament Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Centennial, Mahtomedi, Tartan Thursday, Feb. 9 — at Cambridge-Isanti (also Farmington, Irondale)

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE HOCKEY // GIRLS

Top scorers back — Domschot (10 goals, 4 assists), Hofeld (7-12), Dawe (8-6). Eight of the first nine games are away.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Nov. 15 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Thursday, Nov. 17 — at Orono

Saturday, Nov. 19 — at Woodbury

Friday, Nov. 25 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway

Tuesday, Nov. 29 — at East Ridge

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Roseville/Mahtomedi

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — at Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Dec. 9. — at Hastings

Wednesday, Dec. 14 — at Roseville/Mahtomedi

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Forest Lake

Saturday, Dec. 17 — at Mounds View/Irondale

Wednesday, Dec. 21 — Park

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — Woodbury

Saturday, Jan. 7 — at Stillwater

Tuesday, Jan. 10 — East Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 12 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — at South St. Paul

Friday, Jan. 20 — at North St. Paul/Tartan

Saturday, Jan. 28 — Stillwater

Thursday, Feb. 2 — Centennial/Spring Lake Park

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Mounds View/Irondale

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE SWIMMING

Coach Jake Mueller (13th year)

Assistants — Tia Quirk, Annette Crews, Elijah Heggernes, Dave Mueller

Returning regulars — Seniors: Logan Mor rison (captain), Amarre Zalazar (captain); Juniors: Dylan Grudem, Brayden Kolb, Jacob Pierce, Calvin Weier; Sophomores: Mason Noren, Tony Parada Romero, Angelo Roman, Ethan Vander Veer; Freshmen: Benedict Hoefer, Finnian McVeigh.

Fast facts — Romero and Zalazar were all-conference last year; Hoefer, Kolb, Pierce, Vander Veer and Weir got honorable mentions. Romero is a two-time state qualifier in diving.

Coach says -- “We have a lot of returning swimmers and have added many new swimmers and divers. I am expecting one of the largest teams I have coached, hopefully over 30 athletes. It looks like we are finally getting some depth in all of our events. Hoping we have swimmers and divers make it to state this year.”

FILE

Pictured here is sophomore Autumn McCall.

Coach — Sarah Austin

Assistants — Caitlin Schuler, Kati Stratioti, Sally Vijums, Cecilia Sanvick, Stella Luikart Captains Elliana Austin, Sydney Claseman, Brenna Person, Lauren Scheurer

Coach says — “We hope to place in the top of the Northwest Suburban Conference, finish in the top three of our sec tion tournament and advance to state …. We have strong leadership and great veteran dancers who are hard workers, motivated, and positive role-models to new members.”

Coach — Elsa Shorey Last year — 6-18-1 overall, 2-9-1 conference

Returning regulars — Seniors: Maya Marston (goalie), Celia Spence (forward), Annika Norman (defense); Juniors: Gabby Hofeld (forward), Hailey Dawe (defense); Sopho mores: Talia Domschot (forward), Amanda Smythe (forward), Ava Johnson (forward), Lily Howard (forward), Maddy Belisle (defense); Freshmen: Madelyn Lee (forward), Olivia Simpkins (defense); 8th grad ers: Kendall Roeser (forward), Elaina Hosfield (forward), Lyla Beck (defense).

SPORTS PREVIEWS WINTER 2022

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE HOCKEY // BOYS

Coach — Tim Sager (21st year)

Staff — Associate head coach Chris Anderson, assistants Sean Padden, Thomas Delaney, Steve Henry, Brandon Wahlin and Derek Simon (goaltending)

Last year — 16-11 overall, 10-3 conference Returning starters — Seniors: Joe Belisle (defense, captain), Brady Borgestad (forward, captain), Grady Gallatin (defense, captain), Aiden Welch (forward, captain), Charlie Olsen (forward), Michael Delaney (defense), Kyle Gib son (forward), Devin Willett (forward); Juniors: Nolan Roed (forward), Aiden Akins (defense), Vinny Villella (forward). Fast facts — The Bears will host Hockey Day Minnesota and face Hill-Murray in the feature game Jan. 18. Top scorers back are Roed (19 goals, 21 assists), Welch (15-15), Borgestad (1414), Olsen (13-12), Belisle (7-18) and Gallatin (4-15). Eight of the first nine games are on the road.

Coach says — “We should be very sound defensively, return ing three of our four defensemen. We have five senior for wards with a lot of experience. We graduated both goalten ders, but we have some excellent prospects. Our expectation is to improve every week through hard work and to be ready for the playoffs. Should be a fun group to watch as they are very skilled.”

SCHEDULE

Friday, Nov. 25 — at Duluth East

Saturday, Nov. 26 — at Hibbing

Saturday, Dec. 3 — at Centennial

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — at Stillwater

Thursday, Dec. 8 — at Roseville

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Eastview

Saturday, Dec. 17 — at Forest Lake

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — at Totino-Grace

Thursday, Dec. 22 — at Rosemount

Thursday, Dec. 29 — Mounds View

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — St. Cloud Tech

Thursday, Jan. 5 — Forest Lake

Saturday, Jan. 7 — Tartan

Thursday, Jan. 12 — East Ridge

Saturday, Jan. 14 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Thursday, Jan. 19 — Woodbury

Friday, Jan. 20 — Grand Rapids

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Chanhassen

Saturday, Jan. 28 — Hockey Day Minnesota vs Hill-Murray in White Bear Township

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — at Champlin Park

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — at East Ridge

Saturday, Feb. 11 — Stillwater

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — at Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Feb. 17 — at Blaine

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE BASKETBALL // GIRLS

Coach — Jeremy Post (17th year)

Last year — 22-10 overall, 14-4 conference, section champions, third place at state

Returning starters — Junior: Heidi Barber (forward); Sophomore: Abigail O’Brien (guard).

Other returning lettermen — Seniors: Blessing Adebisi (center), Ava Post (forward); Junior: Jordyn Schmittdiel (forward); Sophomore: Addison Post (guard). Fast facts —Top scorers back are Schmittdiel (5.7 points per game) and O’Brien (5.1).

SCHEDULE

Friday, Nov. 25. — Waconia (at Hamline)

Saturday, Nov. 26 — Bloomington Kennedy (at Hamline)

Tuesday, Nov. 29 — at Mahtomedi

Thursday, Dec. 1 — Eagan

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — at Mounds View

Friday, Dec. 9 — Park

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — at Forest Lake

Friday, Dec. 16 — Stillwater

Tuesday, Dec. 20 — at Centennial

Thursday, Dec. 29 — Byron (at Rochester)

Friday, Dec. 30 — Rochester Century (at Rochester)

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — at East Ridge

Friday, Jan. 6 — Roseville

Wednesday, July 11 — Woodbury

Friday, Jan. 13 — at Cretin-Derham Hall

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — Irondale

Friday, Jan. 20 — Mounds View

Wednesday, Jan. 25 — at Park, Cottage Grove

Friday, Jan. 27 — Forest Lake

Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Stillwater

Friday, Feb. 10 — East Ridge

Thursday, Feb. 14 — at Roseville

Friday, Feb. 17 — at Woodbury

Wednesday, Feb. 22 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Friday, Feb. 24 — at Irondale

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE GYNMASTICS // GIRLS

Coach — Kelly Rivers (8th year)

Assistants — Sarah Crist, Bailey Nelson, Kyle Nelson

Returning letter winners — Seniors: Lydia Brophy (captain), Elaera Knutson (captain); Juniors: Rachel Proffitt (captain), Gracyn Lehner; Sophomores: Josie Mlejnek (captain), Naadiya Charpenter, Kylie Collings, Addy Mueller; 8th grader: Nora Pratt.

In the mix Sophomore: Cleo Jurkovich; 8th graders: Tay lynne McMahon, Grace Mueller

Coach says “This is going to be a rebuilding year. We have a very young team so our goal is to get these girls working hard and become acclimated to high school gymnastics, which is different than competing in club gymnastics. They lift each other up. We have some talented seniors and juniors who are going to help the younger girls.”

SCHEDULE

Friday, Dec. 9 — at Forest Lake

Thursday, Dec. 15 — Roseville

Thursday, Dec. 22 — at Park, Cottage Grove Thursday, Jan. 12 — East Ridge

Thursday, Jan. 19 — Cretin-Derham Hall

Tuesday, Jan. 24 — Stillwater

Thursday, Feb. 2 — at Mounds View/Irondale Thursday, Feb. 9 — at Woodbury Saturday, Feb. 11 — SEC meet at Forest Lake

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE BASKETBALL // BOYS

Coach Gregory Burke (2nd year)

Last year — 15-13 overall, 10-8 conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Jack Janicki (guard), Wyatt Hawks (forward/center), Jack Misgen (guard), Jeremy Kolb (guard).

Other returning lettermen — Seniors: Jack Setterlund (guard), Jontay Vaulx (forward, guard), Joshua Doghor (forward), Zach Nelson (forward), Vatel Henderson (forward); Juniors: Sawyer Collins (guard), Austin Gibson (forward).

Fast facts — Janicki averaged 24 points, Hawks 12.2, Misgen 9.0 and Kolb 8.3 last year. Janicki has 1,435 career points. The Bears are ranked 13th in the preseason.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Eagan Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Forest Lake Friday, Dec. 16 — at Stillwater Tuesday, Dec. 20 — Spring Lake Park Thursday, Dec. 29 — Minnetonka (at Hamline) Friday, Dec. 30 — Duluth East (at Hamline) Tuesday, Jan. 3 — East Ridge Friday, Jan. 6 — at Roseville Wednesday, Jan. 11 — at Woodbury Friday, Jan. 13 — Cretin-Derham Hall Tuesday, Jan. 20 — at Mounds View Wednesday, Jan. 25 — Park Friday, Jan. 27 — at Forest Lake Thursday, Feb. 2 — Stillwater Friday, Feb. 10 — at East Ridge Saturday, Feb. 11 — Edina Monday, Feb. 13 — at Maple Grove Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Roseville Friday, Feb. 17 — Woodbury Wednesday, Feb. 22 — at Cretin-Derham Hall Thursday, Feb. 23 — at Wayzata Friday, Feb. 24 — Irondale Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Mounds View Friday, March 2 — at Park, Cottage Grove

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE NORDIC SKI

Coach — Doug Cran (3rd year)

Assistants — Jenna Powers, Hayden Weddell

Last year — Boys 5th in conference, 8th in section; girls 7th in conference, 7th in section

Returning starters, boys — Senior: Ian Ot taviani (captain); Juniors: Ian Can (captain), Tanner Hoel (captain), Jake Weierke, Evan Boxrud; Sophomore: Andrew Klier; Freshmen: Caleb Cran, Joe Rogers; 8th grader: Logan Fotsch.

Returning starters, girls — Seniors: Madie Bystrom (captain), Morgan Grund (captain), Megan Ryan (captain). Sopho mores: Ami Nachtsheim, Tessa Walton, Kate Dery. Freshmen: Irene Bakke, Lydia Moore, Grace Reeves.

Fast facts — Ryan, Nachtsheim, Hoel and Klier were all-con ference last year. Only one girl and three boys graduated, so there are many experienced skiers. Still, it’s a fairly young squad — just three senior girls and no juniors, the other 15 being 10th grade and younger and just one senior boy.

Coach says — “Goals are to finish in the top half of both Section 4 and Suburban East Conference, for both the girls and boys.”

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Dec. 7 — at BCRP

Tuesday, Dec. 13 — at BCRP

Thursday, Dec. 15 — at Eagle Valley

Wednesday, Dec. 21 — at BCRP

Tuesday, Jan. 3 — at BCRP

Wednesday, Jan. 11 — at Lake Elmo Park

Monday, Jan. 16 — at BCRP

Thursday, Jan. 19 — at Irondale

Thursday, Jan. 26 — at Hyland Park Reserve

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — conference at BCRP

Thursday, Feb. 2 — conference at BCRP

(BCRP: Battle Creek Regional Park)

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE ALPINE SKI

Coach — Fred Feirn

Assistants — Kelsey Gronhovd, Joe Levins, Andrew Peterson

Last year — boys 4th, girls 5th in conference

Girls lineup — Seniors: Ella Skeie (captain), Mia Haskins (captain), Madeline McNerlin … Juniors: Lucy Guidinger, Stella Christianson, Addison Media, Eli Reigstad …. Sophomore: Eva Haskins .… Freshman: Josie Guiding … 8th grader: Leyla Tice

Boys lineup — Seniors: Garrett Jungmann (captain), Dylan Christopherson (captain), Jet Feirn … Junior: William Luther … Sophomores: Harrison McNerlin, Robbie Dresen, Max Florin, Matthew Hodge … Freshman: Cooper Feirn, Angus Levins In the mix — 8th graders: Trevor Klier, Ian Telsrow, Nicholas Thompson, Reid Golda

Fast facts — Jungmann was a state qualifier last season … The Bears will host White Bear Lake/Wild Mountain Invita tional on Dec. 16.

Coach says — “The boys team placed fourth in the conference last season and should be even stronger this year. The girls team is looking very solid … We have some fast returning middle school racers who will rotate into the varsity lineup and also compete in JV races … We’ve had a great start to the season and have been able to train on snow at Wild Moun tain already. The coaching staff is excited and ready for the season.”

SCHEDULE

Not ready at this printing

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE WRESTLING // BOYS

Coach Craig Nasvik (34th year)

Assistants — Donny Longendyke, Dane Bates, Jon Schellen berger, Jeff Isaac, Jon Arreguin

Last year — 15-15 overall, 4-6 conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Tyler Brock (captain), Porter Drost, Evan Eliason, Jackson Halko (captain); Juniors: Zach Carnes (captain), Kesean Lipscomb, Dov Nathanson; Soph omores: Christian Carlson, Isaac Kolstad, Porter Cleary, Gabe Kessel, Noah Ludwig, Charlie Woodcock.

Other lettermen — Sophomores: Theo Pax, Levi Arvig; Fresh man: Vin Nathanson.

Also in the mix — Junior: Joe Volk; Sophomores: Ryan Kinde and Sam Mortensen.

Fast facts — Kolstad and Carlson were all-conference.

Coach says — “Obviously, the way we wrestle today counts, but we need to be at our best come February. We have a solid nucleus from last year with opportunities for young wrestlers to

step up and contribute. We need to challenge each other to come every day with the grit and attitude to improve.”

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Dec. 1 Cretin-Derham Hall, Park

Friday, Dec. 2 — Champlin Park, Grand Rapids

Saturday, Dec. 3 — Woodbury tournament

Friday, Dec. 9 — Brainerd tournament

Saturday, Dec. 10 — Brainerd tournament

Wednesday, Dec. 14 — Mounds View, Woodbury

Wednesday, Dec. 21 — East Ridge, Chisago Lakes, Hopkins

Thursday, Dec. 29 — Rogers tournament

Saturday, Jan. 14 — Champlin Park tournament

Friday, Jan. 20 — at Forest Lake

Saturday, Jan. 21 — Park Center tournament

Saturday, Jan. 28 — South St. Paul tournament

Friday, Feb. 3 — Maple Grove tournament

Tuesday, Feb. 7 — Centennial, Mahtomedi, Tartan

Thursday, Feb. 9 — at Cambridge-Isanti (also Farmington, Irondale)

Cougars volleyball leaders, honors listed

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Centennial volleyball team that placed fifth in the state tournament had three players named to the allNorthwest Suburban Conference team and five honorable mentions. The Cougars were 27-5 overall and 6-2 in conference.

Named all-NWSC were senior libero Mattie Petersen, senior outside hitter Andi Koslowski, and freshman middle hitter Elena Hoecke. It was Petersen’s second all-conference award. Getting honorable mentions, all seniors, were hitters Ingrid Noha and Cassi Sosinski, setter Ash McClellan and defensive specialist Ashley Friedman.

Team awards went to Hoecke (Most Outstanding), Koslowski (Offensive Threat), Petersen (Best Hustle and Best Defense), McClellan (Best Server), and Friedman and senior

Cougar skaters clip Rangers, Elks, Champlin Park/Coon Rapids

Centennial/Spring

Lake Park has won four straight games after an opening loss to No. 5 Maple Grove. The No. 9 Cougars outscored their last three opponents 14-3.

The Cougars beat the Forest Lake 4-1 Rangers at home Nov. 17. Katie Ball, Jaycee Chatleain, Lauren O’Hara and Ella O’Hearn punched in the goals, Sophie Shimabukuro supplied two assists, and goalie Anna Peterson stopped 22 shots.

Against Elk River in a 3-1 win at home Nov. 19, O’Hara and Alexis Larson scored on power plays and Chatleain even strength, all within seven and a half minutes in the second period. Kaitlin Groess made 27 saves.

O’Hara and Noelle Hemr each pumped in three goals in a 7-1 win over Champlin Park/Coon Rapids in Coon Rapids on Nov. 22. Grace Laager closed the scoring on a power play, and Groess made 22 saves.

assists,

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake sank nine 3-pointers on the way to a 65-46 win over Waconia to open the season, then defeated Bloom ington Kennedy 63-25, both at Hamline. Against Waconia, Jordyn Schmittdiel tallied 14 points, Blessing Adebisi 12, Abby O’Brien 11 and Anna Sommer hause seven. Six players sank three’s, led by O’Brien with three and Sommerhause two. Against Kennedy, ten players got into the scoring column, led by Schmit tdiel with 15 and Sommerhause with 14.

BOYS HOCKEY

Third-period goals by Charlie Olsen and Joe Belisle lifted White Bear Lake to a 5-3 win over Duluth East, and the Bears capped the season-opening northern trip with an 8-1 rout of Hibbing-Chisholm. At Duluth, Olsen notched two goals and Jack Stanius and Borgestad had one

SPORTS BRIEF

each. Michael Delaney made two assists and goalie Leo Gabriel stopped 21 shots. At Hibbing, Aiden Welch pumped in three goals and assisted on four others. Nolan Roed also had the hat trick, along with two assists. Will Distad and Olsen had the other goals, Stanius made four assists, and goalie Colin Thompson made 19 saves.

GIRLS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake picked up its first win, 4-1 over Hibbing/Chisholm. Amanda Smythe and Ava Johnson each scored on power plays for the Bears (1-4) late in the first period. Smythe found the net again in the second and Lily Johnson closed the scoring in the third. Maya Marston made 20 saves in the shutout. Johnson made two assists. The Bears lost at Grand Rapids-Greenway 5-2. Hailey Dawe and Zoe Timmons had the goals.

Education foundation hosts alumni basketball tournament

The Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) is teaming up with the Centennial High School (CHS) basketball teams, Alumni Association and Chain of Lakes Rotary Club to host the first Centennial alumni basketball tournament on Saturday, Dec. 17, in the CHS West Gym. There will be two coed divisions, competitive and recreational. Teams should plan to register by Dec. 3 to guarantee team entry. Concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase during the tournament and general admission for spectators is free. For more information, or to register, visit caefoundation.org.

Makayla Speed (Most Improved). Team leaders were as follows: Kills: Koslowski 311, Hoecke 283, Sosinski 201, Noha 99, Speed 68, McClellan 63. Assists : McClellan 672

Riley Diebes 178. Aces: Hoecke 62, McClellan 46, Noha 32, Petersen 31. Serve percentage: McClellan .961, Friedman .928, Noha .917, Koslowski .916. Digs: Petersen 417, Noha 250,

Koslowski 246, McClellan 188, Sosinski 167. Blocks: Hoecke 72, Speed 60, Sosinski 42, Koslowski 30

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Cougar kill leader Andi Koslowski celebrated a game-ending kill at the state tournament with (from left) Ingrid Noha, Ash McClellan, Elena Hoecke and Ashley Friedman.

Bruce Strand

JON NAYMST/NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | CONTRIBUTED Noelle Hemr, shown here in an earlier game, notched three goals against Champlin Park/Coon Rapids.

Aiden Welch, White Bear Lake hockey forward, had a seven-point game as the Bears (2-0) defeated Hibbing-Chisholm 8-1 on Saturday. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior tallied three goals and made four assists. Welch is a third-year varsity regular with 24 career goals and 32 assists. He is also a pitcher on the baseball team. “Aiden has worked extremely hard in the off season to prepare for this season,” coach Tim Sager said. “He is a very unselfish player. He has a tremendous shot and really sees the ice well.”