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City of Hugo will see ‘double hit’
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — The city’s taxable market value is expected to see a decrease of over $85 million next year.
City Finance Director Anna Wobse explained that the city will see a “double hit” due to market value decreases and a change to the state’s homestead market value exclusion program.
“That’s a 3% decrease. New construction added 2%, but existing properties declined 5%,” she explained. “Residential and agricultural properties saw the largest estimated market value decreases.”
For taxes payable in 2024, the maximum exclusion amount is $30,400 for properties valued at $76,000, with no exclusion for properties valued over $413,800. For taxes payable in 2025, the maximum exclusion amount was increased to $38,000 for properties valued at $95,000, with no exclusion for properties valued over $517,200.
“This increase reduces the taxable market value of the property, thus reducing the tax capacity of the property and lowering Hugo’s net tax capacity,” Wobse explained. “This also means that many residents will now be taxed
2025, PAGE 9
Star Trail Association: Clearing the way for snowmobilers
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
If you’re from Washington County and enjoy taking your beloved, rip-roaring snowmobiles through miles and miles of winter trails, look no further: the Washington County Star Trail Association has your back.
The association’s website states that its mission is to “promote, protect, and preserve snowmobiling by providing designated, safe, and maintained snowmobile trails within
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Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
11 AM - 3 PM
• Board carriage at 4th & Cook
Hearing scheduled for new cannabis ordinance
The city of Hugo’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the draft cannabis ordinance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. The ordinance was initiated by staff in response to the legalization of cannabis and hemp-related activities by the state, which authorized
local governments to register these businesses. The city’s moratorium for cannabis businesses is set to expire Jan. 1.
The ordinance lays out special event permits, requirements for specific uses and performance standards for regulating businesses. The Planning Commission will ultimately make a recommendation to the City Council.
I found the glow
Back in May, I saw a horror movie that, I’ll admit, snatched my curiosity in a way most movies usually don’t.
That movie was “I Saw The TV Glow.”
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
The film follows teenagers Owen and Maddy, who bond over watching a Buffy The Vampire Slayertype monster-hunting show. That bond, however, soon develops into an unhealthy obsession, leading them to question their realities and identities. For context, the story is more of a psychological drama than an outright horror movie. If anything, it’s real “horror” comes from Owen and Maddy, who believe their lives have no purpose and choose to waste the greater part of their younger years being obsessed with the false reality the show has to offer them. What I found so relatable about this movie is what I interpreted its main theme to be. Life is short enough as is, and you only have so much time breathing to make an impact before the sand in the hourglass runs out. What will your impact have been when you leave this Earth? A legacy of success and personal achievements, or a broken road of lost opportunities?
It’s because of this theme that I am writing this column. I have been right where Owen was for most of hist 20s: lost and scared to make anything out of myself. As much as I’ve aspired to be an excellent creative writer, hoping to be a best-selling author someday, I have hardly written anything this year outside of my job, even in the way of doing journal entries.
My aspirations, however, have not been limited to writing. I also told myself I would return to photography to take more portraits and see if they would lead me to create any fun projects I could display in a museum someday. Again, little, if any action has been taken here as well.
So what exactly went wrong? Simple: fear. I was so terrified of not succeeding in doing any of these things on the first try that I had already thrown in the towel. I wanted a quick and nonexistent way to succeed without feeling what it was like to put in the blood, sweat, and tears into doing so, all because I was so nervous about encountering failure. That is, until recently.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve felt a change come over me. I can’t explain it, but it feels like I’m taking back control of myself. I’m finding myself less on social media and more making pre-emptive plans to set up a daily writing routine and a new reading one. Additionally, I’ve re-discovered my love of portrait photography, and am reaching out to aspiring models around Minneapolis to do some fun, local shoots downtown.
Slowly but surely, I am letting go of my past fears of letting myself down. Day by day, I no longer identify as an “Owen,” too scared to face reality, shackled by a lack of perseverance. I no longer care if the first several short stories I write are garbled, plotless dreck or if it will take me longer than average to develop the writing/photography skills I would like to have.
I know who I am now.
Erik Suchy.
Aspiring novelist. Photographer extraordinaire. And a reporter at the best local newspaper in White Bear Lake.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. he can be reached at 651-407-1229 or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Goals for the future legislative session, winter is
here
Winter has arrived in Minnesota, just in time for the holiday season. For many of us this is a season of joy and fullness, as we enjoy time together and celebrate. For others, the change in season means new concerns and anxiety. As a teacher, I have seen families struggle this time of year with basic needs. While I continue to be thankful for Universal School Meals in our state, taking care of our neighbors in need is still an ongoing concern. This summer I was able to celebrate and speak at the opening of the White Bear Community Market. It’s a welcoming and necessary place that serves our community in the best way possible, more information can be found at whitebearfoodshelf.org. One of my goals this upcoming legislative session is to ensure they have the resources they need to keep the doors open. We must also invest in our
schools but also make sure funding matches our school district’s needs. As a longtime Centennial teacher, I know firsthand we need to find a solution to reduce taxpayer and education funding disparities. For years, our district’s schools have been asking for equalization in funding. This would change funding formulas to provide fair equalization, making school levies, operating referendums, and programs more affordable. I worked on this bill the last two sessions and will continue to do what I can to move it forward again.
I am also focused on public safety and meet frequently with law enforcement to hear their concerns. This year I will be introducing a bill with another ask for $300 million for public safety needs. In 2023, my bill was the first in Minnesota history to allocate public safety funds to every city, county, and Tribal Nation to be used any way local governments needed.
officer to their force, something they had been asking for a long time.
Public safety needs are also top of mind when considering mental health, domestic abuse and sexual assault. For years, I have been advocating for more resources to help victims with experiences we don’t publicly see. Unfortunately, two out of three victims of abuse stay in their abusive relationships and four in five victims of abuse do not report their attacks. Often because they have nowhere to go or can’t afford to leave.
I know our community can solve problems when we work together and not against each other. I’m proud to serve as your senator and if there’s something our office can do to help you or your family, please reach out. 651-296-1253 or sen.heather.gustafson@mnsenate.gov.
Senator Heather Gustafson represents Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Gem Lake, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Birchwood Village in the State Senate. She is Vice Chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee. Legislator
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For our community, we saw $17 million brought in to help Lino Lakes, Centennial and White Bear Lake Police Departments, as well as Ramsey and Anoka County Sheriff’s Departments. It also meant the Centennial Police Department was able to add an
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‘A
Hopeful Christmas’
At this time of year, the word “hope” is often used a lot. I hope we have a white Christmas. I hope the weather is good as we travel. I hope we do not get sick. I hope things go well with the family. I hope this person appreciates the gift I got for him or her. I hope this recipe turns out right.
Pastor’s Ponderings
Tim Heinecke
When we use the word “hope” in everyday conversation, we often use it to refer to something uncertain. We do not know if it will happen or not, but we really want it to.
Thankfully, the hope we have in God’s Word is very certain. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13) It is a fact that our God loves us, was born to save us, and He is there for us no matter what.
Even if our other “hopes” do not happen this Christmas season, the “hope” we have in Jesus’ love for us will never change. This is why we can have a Merry Christmas! If you are looking for a church home to celebrate with this Christmas, we invite you to join us! On Christmas Eve, we have a 7 p.m. candlelight service. We will also have a separate Christmas morning service at 9 a.m. For more information, check us out online at www.newlifehugo.org.
Tim Heinecke is the pastor at New Life Church –Lutheran in Hugo.
WEEKLY WAG
Duke is a 2-year-old Australian cattle dog/ blue heeler/pit bull terrier mix who is affectionate, curious, obedient, intelligent, and eager to please. He weighs about 37 pounds and knows his basic commands.
Duke is food- and treat-motivated, and he is always eager to learn more. His foster says it’s fun to train and watch Duke learn. Duke is social with other dogs and although he can be a bit shy at first, he is friendly to everyone he meets, even children. Duke is housetrained, leash-trained and crate-trained. He likes to run and explore, so a forever home with a securely fenced yard where he can roam and satisfy his curiosity would be best. He is playful and would do well in a home with a companion dog.
OBITUARY
Cynthia Thienes (Momsen)
January 18, 1959 –November 19, 2024
Cindy Thienes of Hugo, MN went to glory after a short battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 65. Cindy’s life exuded love for others. She put others first in her thoughts, prayers and acts of service. She was full of energy and enriched the lives of all who were blessed to know her, especially her many children and grandchildren whom she doted upon. Even in hardships, like during her cancer diagnosis, she approached life with gratitude and a heart of joy. Her many passions included gardening, beekeeping, cheering for her grandchildren, sewing,
Duke arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the Lone Star to North Star Program. If you are looking for a happy, young, lovable, energetic companion, then Duke is waiting for you. If you are interested in learning more about Duke or adopting him, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
enjoying nature and traveling with Jim, her loving husband of 27 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends! She passionately led many endeavors, including almost 20 years as the head of Safeway Driving School, joyfully serving at Eagle Brook Church and Bible Study Fellowship. She is survived by her husband, Jim, sisters, Terry (Paul) Whitcomb, Pam Turnbell, and children Shannon (Eli) Rupnow, Nick (Jamie) Jerry, and Lynnette (Aaron) Ankrum and Matt Thienes, Kali Cooper, and Nate (Natalie) Thienes as well as 18 grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grandma T” or “Grandma Cindy”: Abby, Sam, Clay, Ezra, Lily, Mercy, Boaz, Tirzah, and Isaac Rupnow; Levi, Ruby, Olive and Jonah Jerry; Ariel and Gemma Ankrum; Sterling Thienes; and Halie and Jordan Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Jeanne Momsen, and brothers Joe (Rita) Momsen and Mike (Lucy) Momsen. In lieu of flowers, memoriams can be sent to KTIS.
• The city has three new probationary firefighters (who have completed all phases of the hiring process) — Dalton Brauner, Emily Piper and Christian Bieniek.
• Thanks are in order to the Hugo Fire Department, and several other agencies, that responded to the fire at Wilson Tool (see more information on page 24.)
“The owners are very grateful for the effort that you put in to save their business. They are back up and running with the majority of their business intact and functioning now again,” Mayor Tom Weidt said. “Without your help that day and night, they wouldn’t be working, and they are one of our largest employers in town. I couldn’t be prouder of what you guys have done and how you performed that night.”
• The Hugo American Legion continues to donate pull-tab proceeds. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to the fire department for equipment and training.
• The city continues to pay its bills for the 125th Street and Dellwood Ridge neighborhood street project. For pay request no. 5, the city will pay $396,465 to Dresel Contracting Inc. for work certified through October.
• The city plans to purchase a Caterpillar 305 mini excavator for $75,436 from Ziegler. In the past, public works has either rented an excavator or borrowed one from White Bear Township to
best access ponds, inlets, outlets and stormwater ditches through residents’ yards to clean and maintain the infrastructures. Money is available in the stormwater fund to cover the purchase.
• Plans and specifications for the 2025 street projects will be prepared and are expected to come back to the council for approval in February. The 2025 Beaver Ponds area street improvement project consists of roadway milling and paving, spot curb replacement and trail replacement improvements. The estimated project cost is $1,543,300. Duck Pass, Palmes Long Lake Estates and Ingersoll Avenue N. will also see roadway reclamation, paving and minor storm sewer improvements. The estimated project cost is $1,820,900.
• The ribbon-cutting for the new Washington County Environmental Center has been rescheduled to 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16.
• City Council members will attend an emergency and disaster training offered by Washington County Emergency Management from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday Dec. 16 at City Hall.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Shannon Granholm
HUGO BITS & PIECES
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. swears in firefighters Cory Albertson (top), Tom Robinson (middle) and Jen Verplaetse (bottom).
Shopping extravaganza promotes downtown businesses
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Businesses in downtown Mahtomedi and Willernie are joining forces to hopefully bring in more foot traffic while hosting community-friendly events.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, several businesses will participate in “OH, DEER! Christmas is near! Shopping Extravaganza.”
“We want to promote our downtown and make sure the community knows who is down there,” said Elishia Robson, owner of Lakeside Floral. “Our downtown has suffered a lot … There has been a lack of business due to the road construction. I want us all to succeed, and I know it has been hard for everyone.”
As a business owner, Robson said she is always searching for new things to do to “try to create a buzz.”
She was planning to host an event in November right before Thanksgiving and found out some other neighboring
businesses were also planning to do an event around the same time.
“I thought, why don’t we try to piggyback off of each other and that might create a little more excitement,” she explained. She started asking around, and businesses jumped in.
“It kind of all snowballed,” Robson recalled.
Despite not-so-great weather, the November Ladies Night event was a hit.
“It was the first crappy snowfall night, and we all were thrilled with what came about on Wednesday night in downtown Willernie,” Robson said. “There was a really fun buzz about town.”
Kayla Winter, the manager at Wildwood Tavern, added, “We would have been way slower if we didn’t have that going on … It ended up being a great night.”
Angela Shield, events coordinator at St. Croix Saddlery, said the event brought in a lot of first-time customers.
“We got a lot of people that didn’t realize we were more than just a horse supply store. They didn’t realize that we had so many other things, from heated vests to dog supplies and crafts, mugs, jewelry … Shield explained. “People were surprised that we cover more than just stuff for the horse community.”
Katie Pogalz, a co-owner of the Dugout Bar, said the November event was “really fun” and she is hoping to “continue to partner with all the businesses each month moving forward.”
Next up is the OH DEER event later this week, and plans are already in the works for a family-friendly event in January.
“It’s such an important event for us to have, because it brings people into the store and we get to meet people, so it is a winwin,” Shield said.
The December event will focus on shopping. As customers visit the different participating
plant your own
and cookies during the Dec. 12 Shopping Extravaganza.
businesses, they can collect stamps on their passports. If they get enough stamps, they will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket.
“We are trying to cross ourselves together,” Robson said. “We want to let the community know that we are here, and we are not going anywhere. Come support us.”
The January event, Winterfest, is scheduled for
OH, DEER! CHRISTMAS IS NEAR! SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
When: Various times Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Downtown Mahtomedi, Willernie Details: Come out to downtown Mahtomedi for all your Christmas shopping. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with your friends. There will be special events, pop-up vendors and specials all around town.
Businesses participating
LAKESIDE FLORAL INC.
Lakeside Floral Inc., located at 109 Wildwood Road, will host a “plant your own Christmas Garden” from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to planting, there will be local pop-up vendors.
DUGOUT BAR
The Dugout Bar, located at 96 Mahtomedi Ave., will host a Christmas wine tasting from 6:30
to 8 p.m. RSVP is required for the wine tasting. RSVP by noon the day of the event. Visit https://tinyurl. com/5bemzd4n.
From 5 to 9 p.m. attendees can shop new Dugout/Mahtomedi swag and shop at pop-up vendors including: Chopper Mill, Baked Bliss, Permalinx Jewelry, Tailgate Spices, LilyBelle HatCo, Hearth Home Co and The Wild Thimble.
WILDWOOD TAVERN
Happy hour will run from 3 to 6 p.m., and there will be a meat raffle from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a bite to eat while visiting a couple of pop-up vendors.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took two vehicle-on-deer accident reports, starting with a report at midnight Nov. 10 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N., followed by another report at 2:29 p.m. Nov. 12 on Keystone Avenue N. and Lynch Road N.
• A motorist was cited at 12:36 a.m. Nov. 10 on Oneka Parkway N. and Frenchman Road N. for three failures to signal a turn and registration that expired last May, following a traffic stop for failure to obey a traffic control signal.
• Deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 12:47 a.m. Nov. 10 on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N., after they conducted a random license plate check on the registered owner, who was found to be revoked. During the traffic stop, the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment and was made to get out of the vehicle to perform standardized field testing and a portable breath test. The result was a 0.12 blood alcohol content.
• A motorist was cited at 2:19 p.m. Nov. 10 on 122nd Street N. and Keystone for undisclosed traffic violations; another motorist was cited for the same violation at 7:25 p.m. Nov. 10 in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N.
• An adult male was arrested on a warrant without incident at 9:10 p.m. Nov. 10 in the 4000 block of 149th Street N.
• An unbelted motorist was cited at 3:00 a.m. Nov. 11 on 149th Street N. and Fairpoint Drive N. for the violation. When questioned why he was unrestrained, the driver stated the belt was broken. Another motorist was cited at 3:09 a.m. Nov. 11 in the 5000 block of 149th Street N. for failure to stop at a stop sign.
Saturday, Jan. 25. The family fun day will include special events, pop-up vendors, crafts and activities for the whole family around town. Find the event on Facebook for more details.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
350 DEGREES BAKERY & THE WILD BEAN
From 4 to 7 p.m. the two businesses, located at 88 Mahtomedi Ave., will team up for a Christmas Party. Attendees can decorate cookies, watch Christmas movies, enjoy cocoa bombs and more. There will also be a seasonal flight of drinks and cookie pairings and a raffle.
ST. CROIX SADDLERY
St. Croix Saddlery, located at 310 Stillwater Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for shopping. From 4 to 7 p.m., customers can shop from a few pop-up vendors and enjoy a cup of cocoa or cider.
JESSIE TOMME SALON
From 4 to 8 p.m. customers can stop into Jessie Tomme Salon, located at 92 Mahtomedi Ave., for a goodie bag
• After a juvenile was reported at 12:22 p.m. Nov. 12 for not going to school in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N., deputies located the juvenile, who originally agreed to go back to school. After the youth walked away and sat under a pine tree, deputies picked him up and carried him into their squad so he wouldn’t be hit by a car and transported him to school. The student cooperated and stayed at school the rest of the day.
• Residents in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road at 4:00 p.m. Nov. 12 reported unknown neighbors for shooting firearms. Deputies quickly advised the complainant that, according to the city’s designated shooting map, the houses in question were not violating city ordinances.
• After residents in the 14000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. called at 5:14 p.m. Nov. 12 to get law enforcement to pick up their child from a grandparent, deputies quickly advised the complainants that they needed to do that themselves.
• The source of a noise disturbance reported at 6:07 a.m. Nov. 13 from the 4000 block of Evergreen Drive N. turned out to be an alarm clock.
• Theft of county property was reported at 9:22 a.m. Nov. 13, after the County Road 57 sign went missing from its post on 152nd Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue N.
• A vehicle parked in the field approach spot in the right of way for County Road 57 in the 15000 block of Keystone Avenue N. at 10:01 a.m. Nov. 13 received a citation under its windshield wipers for unlawful parking on the highway.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 1:11 p.m. Nov. 13 in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N. for displaying tabs that expired in June. The driver said she didn’t know the tabs were expired.
• A resident in the 14000 Hyde Avenue N. at 10:50
and to be entered into a raffle for an Aveda gift basket. Warm cookies and cocoa will also be available.
YES WEALTH MANAGEMENT
From 3 to 5 p.m. children can take a coloring break at YES Wealth Management, located at 6 Mahtomedi Ave.
GORDY’S STEAKHOUSE
Stop into Gordy’ s Steakhouse, located at 301 Stillwater Road, for a seasonal shot and treat yourself to an evening night cap.
FRIGAARDS BAR
From 3 to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight, enjoy happy hour. Trivia will start at 7 p.m. and Frigaards swag will also be available for purchase. Frigaards is located at 307 Stillwater Road.
a.m. Nov. 15 reported receiving a phone call from someone telling him he had a warrant for his arrest. When the scammer asked for banking information, the complainant hung up the phone without monetary loss. Deputies advised the complainant about this common scam and to spread the word to educate his peers.
• A van with a trailer reported at 5:14 p.m. Nov. 15 for partially blocking the roadway in the 15000 block of French Drive N. turned out to belong to someone helping a homeowner move items. Deputies spoke to an “extremely intoxicated” male on scene and told him not to drive the vehicle. Sober parties on scene were advised to move the van immediately after the job was done.
• A concerned neighbor in the 15000 block of French Drive N. at 5:58 p.m. Nov. 15 reported an “extremely intoxicated” male at the scene of deputies’ earlier parking call for getting into the driver’s seat of a van to drive away with children in the back seat. The complainant updated deputies that a female had taken over in the driver’s seat, but that they were arguing while en route. When deputies located the vehicle on westbound 149th Street N., the vehicle immediately turned to go eastbound when the driver saw the squad car. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and issued a verbal warning for no taillight on their trailer and failure to provide proof of insurance.
• The summer of doorbell ditching may be at an end due to inclement weather or perhaps the aftermath of a complaint at 11:32 p.m. Nov. 16 in the 4000 block of Emmit Drive N. Deputies located the youths, who were cooperative and apologetic. After the parents were contacted, the juveniles were taken home.
Loretta Harding
Elishia Robson, owner of Lakeside Floral, plans to host
Christmas Garden and 350 Degrees Bakery & The Wild Bean will host a Christmas party with a flight of seasonal drinks
Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit wins top awards at National Patrol Dog Field Trials
CONTRIBUTED
The 80-acre property is located north of the park’s entrance road, in the southeast corner of Manning Avenue N. and 180th Street N. and is adjacent to the Veteran’s Campground on Big Marine Lake. The property owner approached the county with an interest in selling the land. The county board determined that the purchase fits the conditions outlined in the Big Marine Park Reserve Master Plan, originally adopted in January 1989 and updated in 2010.
After an appraisal was completed, the county and the property owner agreed to a purchase price of $1,865,000. The purchase will be paid for with Land and Water Legacy Program funds, and the county will submit a request to the Metropolitan Council to reimburse the LWLP fund for 75% of the cost. County requests MnDOT speed studies on county roads and highways
Commissioners approved a request to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to perform speed studies on several county roads and highways.
County board expected to adopt 2025 budget in December
The Washington County Board of Commissioners conducted a public meeting on the county’s 2025 county property tax levy and 2025 budget Nov. 26.
After a presentation on the proposed budget, several residents spoke at the meeting and tax assessors were available to answer questions. Commissioners set a preliminary property tax levy to support the proposed 2025 county budget Sept. 24. The board also adopted a proposed budget for next year.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was awarded first place for Department Team in the 2024 United States Police Canine Association National Patrol Dog Field Trials held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in October.
The K-9 teams that participated and represented Washington County were:
• Deputy Chris Majeski and K-9 Jake
• Deputy Brandon Yetter and K-9 Huck
• Deputy Nate Thienes and K-9 Goose
• Deputy Josh Liebenow and K-9 Viking
At the field trials, 67 of the best K-9 teams from around the U.S., representing 13 different states, were in attendance. With Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit’s first place award for Department Team, the unit has won back-to-back National Championships. Deputy Yetter and K-9 Huck were also awarded the Individual National Champion for the second year in a row.
The county’s K-9 teams also won several individual awards in many of the events. Nate Thienes and K-9 Goose placed fourth, and Josh Liebenow and K-9 Viking placed 10th individually overall. This was a major accomplishment once again for the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, whic
County will continue to provide emergency housing for residents experiencing homelessness
Washington County will continue to provide emergency housing to residents experiencing homelessness after the county board extended a contract with an area hotel.
The county will extend the contract through Dec. 31, 2025, and add $660,000 in 2025 to secure rooms for emergency housing.
Washington County has provided emergency housing to residents experiencing homelessness since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, using a hotel with private rooms and onsite support services. The county has secured funding from state and federal grants to keep the program operational.
The contract amendment will continue to fund the current capacity of 20 rooms, with additional rooms as office space for the contracted service provider and other wrap-around services as needed.
County will receive funds to fight aquatic invasive species
Washington County will receive $134,041 in 2025 to fight aquatic invasive species after the county board requested the allocation from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
In the 2014 state legislative session, a county aid program was created to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota lakes and rivers. The funding distributions associated with the county aid program are based on the number of watercraft trailer launches and watercraft trailer parking spaces. Washington County has 24 watercraft trailer launches and 354 trailer parking spaces. Big Marine Park Reserve will expand with 80-acre property acquisition
Washington County’s Big Marine Park Reserve will expand by 80 acres after commissioners approved the purchase of a property adjacent to the park.
The county’s request to MnDOT is to perform engineering and traffic studies to determine the reasonable and safe speed limits for the following highway segments:
• County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 11 (Otchipwe Avenue N./Fairy Falls Road N./Boom Road) from CSAH 96 (Dellwood Road) to CSAH 7 (Square Lake Trail N.) in the city of Stillwater and Stillwater township.
• CSAH 12 (75th Street N./Myrtle Street W.) from CSAH 15 (Manning Avenue N.) to CSAH 5 (Owens Street N.) in the city of Stillwater.
• CSAH 14 (Stillwater Blvd./34th Street) from Stillwater Way N. to 100 feet east of Omaha Avenue N. in Baytown Township.
• CSAH 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) from CSAH 10 (10th Street N.) to 470 feet north of 32nd Street in the city of Lake Elmo.
• CSAH 29 (Hilton Trail) from TH 36 to CSAH 12 (Stillwater Road) in the cities of Pine Springs and Mahtomedi.
• CSAH 33 (Everton Avenue N.) from CSAH 32 (220th Street N.) to CSAH 2 (West Broadway Avenue) in the city of Forest Lake.
h has become a nationally recognized team.
County to expand mental health care services with additional grant funding
Washington County has received $3,453,216 in grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for 2025 and 2026, which will allow the county to expand its mental health care services.
The Adult Mental Health Initiative (AHMI) and Community Support Program grant fund allocation to the county is $1,290,390 more than the previous grant cycle due to a new allocation formula implemented by DHS as part of a statewide AMHI reform.
The additional funds will support innovative projects such as a new Mental Health Outreach Van Program and allow for the stabilization of core mental health services that require additional support due to growth and increase in community needs. County will continue to work with Washington Conservation District
Washington County will continue to work with the Washington Conservation District to provide technical assistance and educational services to promote and apply soil and water conservation practices throughout the county. The county board recently approved a $305,568 contract with the agency to pay for services for 2025.
Board adopts 2025 county fee schedule
Commissioners have adopted the 2025 county fee schedule. Changes to the fee schedule updated any fees that may have changed due to guidance from state departments that determine eligibility for services, or removed fees that may no longer be relevant, such as fees for data that are now available online at no cost.
Licensing fees with the Public Health and Environment Department are increasing by 3% to offset the cost of inspections and technology. New to the fee schedule are cannabis and hemp retail registration fees, which include a cannabis/medical cannabis business initial registration fee of $500 and renewal fee of $1,000 and a hemp business initial registration and renewal fee of $125.
After setting the preliminary levy, the board may reduce it when it sets the final levy on Dec. 17, but the board cannot increase it. The certified preliminary property tax levy payable in 2025 is $140,479,200. The board also set a levy for the Regional Rail Authority at $660,000 and the Land and Water Legacy Program at $1.2 million, the same as in previous years.
The preliminary levy is an increase of 5.9% over 2024. The county tax rate will remain stable with recent years, increasing slightly from 22% in 2024 to 23.7% in 2025. A decline in existing home values in 2025 contributes to the increase in tax rate. Since 2020, the county’s tax rate has fallen a total of 5.2% and Washington County remains below the average for property tax rates in the metro area.
The budget includes expenditures of:
• $277,177,100 in operating expenses
• $64,672,300 in capital investments
• $17,441,400 in debt service
The difference between what the levy supports and what the budget calls for in revenue will be provided by funding from other sources, including state County Program Aid. That is funding from the state Legislature designed to reduce local property tax levies while providing support for local programs.
The county will also receive additional state aid to boost public safety services, housing assistance and library and public health programs.
Elements that shaped the proposed budget include changes in service delivery to residents, including expanding the county’s coordinated response team that responds to mental health crisis service calls and opening two new county facilities, including the North Environmental Center in Forest Lake and Central Service and License Center in Woodbury. The county is also planning capital investments in 2025 for the Emergency Housing Services Building, county facility upgrades, electric vehicle charging station installation, road construction and park improvements. Population growth in the county is requiring additional services in libraries and other programs that provide direct service to residents. Inflationary pressures for salaries and wages, fuel for vehicles and the increased cost of construction of buildings are also influencing budget requests.
With the proposed budget, the county would maintain the same ratio of five employees per 1,000 residents, the same as the past several years. All budget presentations may be found on the county website. Archived livestreamed meetings may be found on the county website at WashingtonCountyMN.gov/CountyBoard. Budget documents presented at the workshops may be found at WashingtonCountyMN.gov/Budget.
The county board is expected to approve the county’s 2025 property tax levy and budget at its meeting Dec. 17.
Washington County
Pictured (from left) are Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry, Commissioner Stan Karwoski, Commissioner Fran Miron, Commissioner Karla Bigham, Deputy Sheriffs Josh Liebenow, Brandon Yetter, Nate Thienes, and Chris Majeski, Commissioner Michelle Clasen, Sergeant Ty Jacobson and Commissioner Gary Kriesel. Also pictured is K-9 Goose.
1-2. Children of all ages stopped by to see Santa at the Breakfast with Santa event at Hugo American Legion Post 620 Sunday, Dec. 1. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
3-4. The Hugo Fire Department held its annual Stuff the Truck event Saturday, Dec. 7 at the fire station and Festival Foods. The effort collected
and $1,134 in cash donations along with a room full of toys and gift cards. — Hugo Fire Department, contributed 5-6. Children in Hugo flocked to the Peder Pedersen Pavilion to meet Santa at the Hugo Santa Party event Wednesday, Dec. 4. Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to citizennews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19; 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
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-429-4413
CURRENT EVENTS
CANDLELIGHT TOUR AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE
When: 6 & 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Guided tour of the local landmark as it’s decorated for the holidays. Cocoa and cookies served. See website for ticket information. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
WINTERFEST
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F E., White Bear Lake
Details: 20+ farmers and vendors sharing locally-grown food and crafted items and gifts. Most booths inside; firepit and hot cider outdoors. Contact: forksinthedirt.com/winterfarmers-market
Details: Community festival has included horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, strolling carolers, specials at local shops and restaurants. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com
FESTIVAL OF TREES OPEN HOUSE
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.
Details: View trees decoratied by community businesses and organizations and warm up with cocoa, treats, and activities. Sanya sighting possible. Display open to the public select hours Wednesday-Sunday through Dec. 21.
Contact: whitebearhistory.org
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD
SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Members will work on their quilting projects, all are welcome to stop by and see what they are working on.
SANTA’S TRAIN SHOP
When : 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave. E., St. Paul
Details: Ride on a caboose, take a photo with Santa, and explore the Christmas Lego Land. Guided tours, museum exhibit, food and beverages, entertainment, kids play area, and gift shop. Tickets online. Contact: trainride.org/santa.
2025: Median-valued residential home in Hugo should see decrease
FROM PAGE 1
on a lower property value.”
As an example, owners of a home valued at $389,400 would see a $36 decrease in their city portion of property taxes solely because of the change to the homestead market value exclusion program.
“Based on Washington County data, we will lose over $35 million in taxable market value because of the changes that the state made to the program,” Wobse said.
The city has historically implemented a flat tax rate policy, meaning that the city tax collected increases when property values increase, but decreases when property values decrease. In both 2023 and 2024, the city chose to deviate from that rate to allow for a decrease in the urban tax rate when properties were seeing larger value increases.
For 2025, the city will revert to the flat rate policy, which will allow an additional $850,000 to be added to the street capital improvement plan levy.
“Additional funds are needed for
roads, bridges and trail improvements,” Wobse explained. “The council felt that more funding was necessary to accomplish these projects and to be prepared for additional future needs.”
Five years ago, the city began levying funds for its street program. That amount was set at $1.16 million until this year, when it increased it to $1.66 million. In 2025, that amount will go up to $2.01 million.
“Maintaining our streets is a never-ending process. When these projects are completed, there is going to be a new list of streets to finance,” Wobse said.
A $300,000 equipment fund levy, $278,788 stormwater levy, $92,000 park improvement levy and a $29,176 firefighter relief levy are also planned for 2025. The total levy is $12,847,855, which represents a 4.29% increase from 2024.
The general fund budget for 2025 has been set at $10,119,290, which represents a $223,298 increase from 2024. Wobse said factors that contributed to the
increase included cost of living adjustments, salary matrix adjustments/step increases, inflation, Willow tree control along trails and removal of diseased emerald ash borer trees and new signs for city parks.
Wobse said it’s important to keep in mind that the city of Hugo is one of only 94 (among the 853 incorporated cities in Minnesota) that do not receive local government aid (LGA). Wobse said the reason Hugo likely doesn’t receive LGA is because the city’s tax rate is lower than the statewide average. Because the city doesn’t receive LGA, 90% of the general fund budget comes from property taxes.
“To put things into perspective, the city of St. Cloud receives more LGA than the city of Hugo levies each year,” Wobse said.
For 2024, the statewide average tax rate is 42 compared to Hugo’s 36.522. For 2025, the tax rate will be 39.190.
“Because of decline in market value and changes to the homestead exclusion
program, a median-valued residential homestead should still see a city tax decrease of around $15,” Wobse said, adding it is important to keep in mind that there are 13 tax authorities within the city of Hugo that all tax at different rates.
Wobse pointed out that many other cities charge residents additional fees for things like stormwater, streetlights, street maintenance and sales tax, but the city of Hugo does not collect those fees.
For more information on the city’s 2025 budget, visit the city’s website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Tour the trees: Festival of Trees returns for 2nd year
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Thousands of people are expected to stop by the White Bear Lake Armory through Dec. 21 to tour the trees.
It is all a part of the second annual Festival of Trees hosted by the White Bear Lake Historical Society.
“I’m excited to bring joy to people. It’s been a rough year for me,” said Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson, who just returned after a yearlong medical leave after a fight with breast cancer. “For the organization, it’s just awareness that we are there (downtown) and want to be a part of the community.”
Hanson came up with the idea last year, right before her diagnosis. Back in 2001, she said the historical society did a “tiny version” of the event when they had mini trees on display at the Fillebrown House.
“We were brainstorming (ideas) of how to use the Armory … Our big goal for the space is to have it be almost like a community center — a place for people to gather, a place where they feel welcome and at home,” she said. “We are always looking for ways to make history fun. We are constantly fighting that perception of history is dull and boring, and it is not.”
Allison Lincoln, community engagement director, described last year’s event as a “test run.” Area nonprofits were invited to participate in the one-day event as a part of Winterfest. There was a total of 15 trees. In the six hours the Armory was open, more than 3,000 people filed in to view the trees.
“I have worked my entire career in nonprofit work
(almost 10 years) and I have never once in my life had an event where I am opening the doors and being pushed in by the people that are wanting to be at that event,” Lincoln recalled. “We had people come from across the metro … Woodbury, Mendota Heights, Bloomington.”
This year, the number of trees has doubled, and the event will span two weeks. The historical society will offer an open house on Saturday, Dec. 14. The open houses will feature photo opportunities, carolers, family-friendly activities, cookies and cocoa and Santa visits. The historical society’s gift shop will also be open.
Lincoln said she is looking forward to the “controlled chaos” for this year’s event. Hanson added, “Everybody will have a chance to show off their story. We are all about stories.”
VFW Auxiliary member Deb Courts Brown said the VFW will once again have a tree at this year’s event. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get our information out to the community as a whole,” she said.
The VFW’s patriotic tree will feature a special VFW 125th anniversary ornament surrounded by other ornaments that tell the VFW story and acknowledge all the things they are involved with, such as Relay for Life, the food shelf, toy drive etc.
“We are trying to highlight some of the things that we do throughout the year that people might not even be aware of,” Courts Brown said.
Lion Sue Hunt says “the pressure is on” for the club’s tree this year, as its tree won first place last year.
Lincoln explained, “Their tree embodied their organization. They put a lot into it, and I’m pretty sure I came in daily to see a change or addition made to the tree.”
In addition to businesses and organizations, a couple of municipalities, including Birchwood and White Bear Township, will have trees at the event.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) will once again host the voting for the event. When attendees walk into the event, they will be given a ballot and asked to select their favorite tree. The winner will be announced at the end of the Dec. 14 open house.
For more information about the Festival of Trees, visit https://whitebearhistory.org/events/festival-of-trees-2024.
IF YOU GO
What: Festival of Trees
When: Dec. 7-21, various hours from Wednesday through Sunday. The next open house is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. Details: The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society invites you to be part of the second annual Festival of Trees, featuring 30 trees decorated by area businesses and organizations. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the historical society. Freewill donations accepted.
Contact: 651-407-5327
Dear Santa I whant a desk and I whant a Fonko Pop collection. I whant takis and I whant V-bucks. And I whant a kiten. And I whant color pastels. And I whant a Greek Myth book. And I whant a N plush from Glich. Then I whant a water proof camera. And I whant movie views for fazbeard and plush. And I whant a X-box and I whant a ruby necklace. And I whant a tv. And I whant a keyboard that lights up. And I whant a bike with no training wheels and I whant a bonnie plush. And I whant sower candy’s in my stoking. And I whant a poster.
From Axel
Dear: Santa, im sorry for, cussing, being rude, its because I just keep getting stresd from my finger. I want a cat for the family. I want the curces plus cfnda and iphone 16. I want diminds from msm. Ill be good. Can I also have my own YouTube channel with coo subscribers.
From pretzel the champion ptc.
From: Ayden
Necratbee 8 plush
Rory Santa, maiteimi, fsonicith eh I would like!
BEYBLAOEX!
PIXEL PET
NERF CROSS BOW!
RCCREEPER!
FART GUN!
GODZILLA SONICS QUI Bobs a spong
Thank you
Dear Santa,
Will you please help people who are sick or hurt to feel better and will you also help poor people get money to buy food for the holidays and have proper clothes for the cold weather. That;s the big thing but other things I would like are a hover bored, cotton candy and a very happy holiday for everyone!
Letters to Santa
From: silas
Dear Santa, I wan an Agility blaster and X box series X console college football 25 X box. Razor scooter and dudes shoes, size 6 T-shirts. Merry Christmas, Santa
Dear Santa, I want a Glitter Girls Bluebell Doll and a Wild Republic Cuddlekins Eco Jumbo Axoloti and a Littlelest Pet Shop Play Set Bitzee Magicals Pet Rainbow Loom Treasure trove and a gumball machine maver I have been super good this year.
Sylvie Arola
Dear Santa for crhist-mass I would like to have
1) Hoverborad - go cart
2) fortnite Vbucks
3) Vidio games
4) pegs for “new bike”
5) mini Stanly
6) phone
7) chrome book for home
8) lap-top
9) personal computer
10) a good Christ mas
11) new friend for rowdy
Sincerely, Scotty
Dear Santa I want
1) hover board go cart attachment
2) fortnite vbucks card
3) Dog man big gim begins Book 13.
4) a new freande for rowdy/new dog
Chip is a good elf and really good hider.
From JT to Santa
Dear Santa, I would really like a Barbie airplane and a Barbie Dreamhouse. And a KIDS motorcycle. What I really want are tu-tus and skirts.
Love, Junie (Age 4-1/2)
To Santa Mini cavases
Easy bake oven Mini stuff but not mini vetsel
3D printer Polaroid camera
Dear Santa,
For crismas I would like a Panda stuffy, a watch, a under water camera, a icy machine, a harry potter necklace and a electric scoter and that is it. And by the way how did elfie get in side our house last night? hope you stay warm!
Viv
Dear Santa, I been good all year. All I want for Christmas is to be with my frend HANK!!
Phil
P.S. Also a whale for tubber time.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Finly. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year:
Merry Christmas!
Dear Santa, I hope you come this year! Here is some things I would like . . . Dog man: Bio Jim begins #13 book Hotel Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins Book Dog man and cat kid book Dog man mothering heights book Shredderman #1 by Wendein van Draynen Scarefy squirrel visits the doctor by Melanie Watt Dog man mission impawsible video game on Nintendo switch Thank you and have a merry Christmas Santa!
Miles
Dear Santa, I would like a Barbie suitcase, Squishmellow, Unicorn squishy Natalie, age 4
Dear Santa, I would like a changing color cars and a not wheels track and a new squishmellow.
Love, Eian, age 6
Dear Santa, I really want a Ronaldo soccer jersey for boys. Dolanus remote control transform robot, RC cars contolns, better ies, off button. Technic off-road race buggy buildable car, cowboy boots. Dirt bike, please.
Andrew
Dear Santa, I really want a Lego technic Ford Mustang. Seed champions 2023 McLaren, super sport car building kit, a Christmas shirt, please. Love, August
Dear Santa, how are you doing? I am good. ������ I want ohora nalis, a pair of flare pants, color of orange, a pack of Squishy. Thank you from Zoey. I am 8. You are the best!
Dear Santa, How are you? I am doing good. For Christmas, I would like anything that is Paw Patrol. Especially anything that has Sky.
Thank you, Amie (3)
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Olivia. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year: Stuffed Zebra Noisy Cow Firetruck Book
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Olivia
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Lucille. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year: Curious George Books Squish Mallow Daniel Tiger Legos Cookie Stampers
Art Kit
Wooden Castle Figurines Yo-yo
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Lucille
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Sisu Dragon Raya
Raya
Unicorn Doll
Barbie Doll
Makeup
Vacuum Shop
Remote Control Car - Pink and Purple
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Finly
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Charlie. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year:
Hulk
Thor
Iron Man
Captain America
Falcon
Legos
Scooter
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Charlie
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! For me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jensen. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year:
New Marble Track
Classic Sonic
Classic Knuckles
Classic Amy
Squishy Eyeball
Squishy Brain
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Jensen
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Hunter. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super great if you could bring me these things this year:
Car
Truck
Candy Cane Toy
Scooter
Train toys
Legos
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Hunter
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! For me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Amelia. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super great if you could bring me these things this year:
Rollerblades
Ice skates
Santa toy
Barbie
Puzzles
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Amelia
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Rowan. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year:
White and blue striped skateboard
Legos
Trucks
Spy glass
Dinosaur book
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Rowan
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Audrey. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of
Letters to Santa
White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super good if you could bring me these things this year:
LOL dolls
Sheep that toots
Puppy in a kennel
Magna Tiles
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Audrey
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Ada. I am 5 years old! I live in the great town of Hugo. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year:
Pink Roller Skates
Pink Squish Mallow
Pink Hammock
Barbie
Art Kit
Paint Kit
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Ada
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Kenzie. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of
White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really nice and it would be super great if you could bring me these things this year:
New Books - Kitty Cat
New Bike
Princesses
Magna Tiles
Unicorns
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Kenzie
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Addison. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of Hugo. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year:
Light up Beast toy (Beauty and the Beast)
Star
Jack in the box
Purple Roller Skates
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Addison
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Reid. I am 5 years old! I live in the great town of Hugo. This year I’ve been really nice and it would be super fun if you could bring me these things this year:
Race Track
Giant Lego Set
Remote Control Car
Science Experiments
Basketball Hoop
Piggie and Gerald Books
Glow in the dark things
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Reid
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Will. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of Hugo. This year I’ve been really nice and it would be super great if you could bring me these things this year:
Werewolf Costume
Monster Truck
Sweatshirt that says Monster Jam
Duplos
Legos
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Will
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Elsa. I am 5 years old! I live in the great town of Mahtomedi. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year:
Rainbow Rollerskates
Duplos
Trampoline
Barbie Santa Hat
Ring Toss
Snow Globe
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Elsa
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Leo. I am 5 years old! I live in the great town of White Bear Lake. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year: Electric Scooter Pet Snake Ninja Turtle Mask
Art Kit
Knee Hockey Stick Squish Mallow
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Leo
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Ethan. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of Vadnais Heights. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year: Fastest Motor Bike Toys with batteries Legos
A little car to drive in Pet Turtle Doggie Book
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Ethan
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Dear Santa Claus, My name is Charlie. I am 4 years old! I live in the great town of Birchwood Village. This year I’ve been really good and it would be super nice if you could bring me these things this year: Strawberry Mints Fan
Owl Puzzle
Legos
Thank you! You’re the best Santa ever!
Charlie
P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus and the elves Hi! for me.
Bera santa, I have been year, this I want for cristmas
More monster trucks
Nerf guns
Kt kats
Monster play set
iPad apple red clngunboa mistury mudders
race car play sets rc Frum Joey
Dear Santa I have been good this year. This is what I want for Christmas.
Every single Minecraft diamond level
N series pinpoint nerf gun
Sonic charaacters
A good gaming computer
Thank you for the presents Santa.
From, Wally
Dear Santa
One thing I want for Christmas is a X shot and Legos. I love you.
From: Jakobi
Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is, new shoes.
P.S. I hope you can find are house!! Are door is greenish blue.
From, Quinn
Mara Christmas List
Mama Chicken puffed feathers with babies
Lakeshore Learning Clubhouse
Trang Projector
Paintable rocks
Eva’s Christmas List
Purple frog
Moma frog
Dada frog
Purple poopy butt
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EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92
COUNTY STAR TRAIL ASSOCIATION: For snowmobilers, by snowmobilers
Washington County.” The entire trail system is 140 miles long, reaching from Cottage Grove to Scandia, and extends through various cities such as Afton, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Grant and Hugo, among others.
According to association President John Udstuen, the trail system’s uniqueness is that it provides riders with many paths to travel outside Washington County to different cities, states and countries. “We are what we call the last way out of the cities and snowmobile north,” said. “That’s why we’re so protective of it. From where we’re at in Washington County, I can go from here to Duluth. We run all the time to Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and I go from here to Canada on my group trails. If we ever lost Washington County, there is no real way out.”
These trails are called “corridor trails,” designated specifically for snowmobiles to travel on. They serve as connectors between other towns, cities and parks and are DNR-protected. According to Udstuen, one such trail is located in Hugo and is simply called “Corridor Trail No. 42,” which
snowmobilers can take to go north. “I know it goes way past Hinckley,” said Udstuen, “and this thing will take you as far as you want. I don’t know where it stops dead at.”
One of the most popular routes, in Udstuen’s opinion, is the section of trail that goes around Lake Elmo Park Preserve, which he says will give snowmobilers a unique feeling. “We have a trail that runs around the lake, which makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the country,” said Udstuen.
“We have a warming house there, also.”
Typically, warming houses are small, heated shelters located along snowmobile trails where riders can stop at and warm up. There are currently three warming houses located around the trail system: in Lake Elmo, Cottage Grove and Grant.
Udstuen says that the association has plans to build a fourth house next to Big Marine Lake. “We’re going to be building that probably next summer,” said Udstuen.
According to Udstuen, the planned warming house comes after a six-year process for the association to utilize the trails around Big Marine Lake for snowmobiles. “There’s no motorized vehicles allowed to go through Big Marine Lake Park Reserve,” said Udstuen. “All those people who live on that lake have been saying for years that they want legal access off the lake with their snowmobiles, and they have never had access to it. It was a struggle to get permission to run the vehicles through, and there was a lot of work to be done, so to get the trail in was a process.”
Further improvements have been made to the aforementioned Lake Elmo Park Reserve trail loop, which originally did not form a complete circuit throughout the area. “That’s taken us about five years also,” noted Udstuen. “That trail will officially make a complete loop this year, so we’re pretty excited about that.”
Most of the association’s funding comes through charitable gambling, which goes toward buying tractors and other equipment to keep the trails in shape. The association has four sites in Stillwater that conduct charitable gambling, the largest of which is
located at Carbone’s Pizza on Osgood Avenue North. “We knew that without charitable gambling, the state of snowmobiling for Washington County was in a lot of trouble,” said Udstuen. He noted that while the association does receive money from the DNR to operate, none of the funds received go toward buying new equipment. “All of this is achieved through charitable gambling, which gets people feeling alive and excited that they don’t see this thing dying.”
However, not all money earned through charitable gambling goes directly to the organization; the association is also a frequent donor to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf and White Bear Lake Area High Schools. “We’ve done some stuff for fundraising for people who have been really sick,” said Udstuen. “We try to give about 10 to 15% of what we earn outside of snowmobiling.”
The DNR mandates that all trails around Washington County must be open from Dec. 1 through April 1, and while Udstuen maintains he has never seen a trail closure, he says the association would still take preemptive measures in case something were to happen that would lead to a trail closure. “We would do something if a tree fell down or if there was some kind of catastrophic issue that happened with one of the landowners,” said Udstuen. “If there was a snowstorm,
where you’ve got wind blowing and plows trying to throw all the snow out, we’re going to jump in and try to groom the trails.”
On the association’s future, Udstuen hopes to continue to uphold snowmobiling as a great community sport for all to enjoy. “The future of this sport, so long as I am sitting at the helm, will be to continue to spread the word of what snowmobiling means to the community,” said Udstuen. “We will continue to get trails to deliberately go into businesses, so our snowmobilers are spending money at them. We will continue to let people know that we provide income for cities and continue to paint the story that we’re providing income. We are a family sport and a volunteer group that costs taxpayers no money whatsoever.”
Those interested in learning more about the Star Trail Association, or to see a complete map of the trail system, can visit its website at www.startrail. org.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email him at lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
Frank Watson
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Washington County Star Trail Association preserves snowmobiling by providing safe and maintained trails within Washington County.
John Udstuen is the current president of the Star Trail Association.
Notable win, cancer event for Bear gymnasts
BRUCE STRAND
SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
White Bear Lake gymnasts had an eventful first week as they edged Stillwater 130.825 to 129.850 and placed fifth in their annual home invitational where they had a special event — “Stick it to Cancer”.
The win over Stillwater was their first in many years. “Stillwater has been a very dominating force for a long time but their numbers are lower this year,” Bear coach Kelly Rivers said. “So this was an exciting win for the girls.”
Stillwater’s Liberty Quast won all-around with
35.775. White Bear Lake’s Amelia Ahrens was second with 34.400, Addy Mueller third with 33.750, and Josie Mlejnek fifth with 30.550.
Ahrens won balance beam (9.325) and floor exercise (8.85) while Quast won vault and bars. Mueller was third on vault (8.575) and bear (8.535). Also contributing to the team score were Josie Mlejnek, Naadiya Carpenter, Maddie Erickson, Brielle Runningen, Cleo Jurkovich and Grace Mueller.
At the invitational, the Bears honored Mlejnek and her mother, Cristina, who recently completed 16 rounds of chemo for breast cancer. It was a surprise for Cristina.
Top-ranked skaters rack up 3 wins
The Centennial/ Spring Lake Park girls hockey team, now ranked No. 1 in the state, rolled up three more wins last week.
The Cougars are 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Northwest Suburban Conference after handing No. 6 ranked Andover its first conference loss 3-1 on Saturday, Dec.7. They beat Rogers 7-0 on Tuesday and Elk River/ Zimmerman 8-0 on Thursday.
The Cougars outshot Rogers 23-1 in the first period with Josie Kellzenberg, Grace Laager and Mia Sutch scoring. Sutch scored again in the second
period along with Ayla Specht and Lillian Renslow. Teagan Kulenkamp scored in the third. Celina DeWandeler made eight saves for the shutout.
Scoring against the Elks were Kulenkamp (two), Ella Perrault (two), Laager (two), Erica Meade and Brooke Ueland. Kulenkamp, Annabelle Buccicone and Sutch each had assists on two goals. Kaia Welland made 12 saves.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Autumn McCall
Centennial Basketball
December 12, 2024
Autumn McCall, in her fourth season on the Centennial basketball team, has sparked the Cougars to a 3-1 start. The 6-foot-2 forward is averaging 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 blocks. When the Cougars handed Blaine its first loss 47-45 last week, she had 18 rebounds, five blocks and 12 points. “Autumn is a special talent,” Coach Jamie Sobolik said. “She can move and handle the ball like a guard and still be a great post player. She can also defend all five positions.” McCall, who currently has 827 career points and 756 rebounds, has signed with St. Thomas, a Division I team.
“We honored her and others who have been affected by breast cancer throughout the meet,” Rivers said. “It was amazing to see all nine teams come together and wear pink in support.”
The Bears scored 135.95, six points above their Stillwater score. Mueller was fourth all-around(35.25), fourth on floor (9.10), and sixth on bars (8.70). Ahrens was fourth on bars (8.85) and sixth on floor (9.0) and beam (8.8). Grace Mueller was ninth on floor (8.80) and Mlejnek 10th (8.75).
Cougar wrestlers up in numbers, goals
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Centennial wrestling team has a dozen returning lettermen from an 18-13 team and good numbers overall with 45 boys and nine girls, Coach Chase Steffens reports.
The Cougars opened on Saturday, Dec.7 placing seventh out of 13 teams in a Coon Rapids tournament. Meanwhile, four Cougar girls won their divisions, which had four entrants each.
“The lineup is looking very solid as a majority of varsity starters are returning from last year while we will be filling the lower weights with young talent,” Steffen stated. “We are going from building numbers and tradition to now establishing an expectation of excellence with tough, hard-working kids.”
Centennial’s returning boys starters are Ian Shelstad, Leeton Guggenberger, Parker Leiter, Logan Gu, Jaden Lilly, Jack Ruegesegger, Evan Just, Andrew Person, Luke Metcalf, Tyler Cook, Aiden Ford and Dylan Larson. Fu and Cook had 30plus wins last year.
Steffen said quite a few in this year’s lineup have a chance to reach state. He added that Marcus
SPORTS BRIEF
BOYS HOCKEY
Centennial lost to a pair of ranked teams last week but made a stirring rally to win their conference game 5-4 in overtime at Osseo on Thursday after trailing 4-1 in the third period. Nolan Border got the game winning goal 1:54 into overtime, assisted by Gavin Cunningham, on a power play. Cunningham scored in the first period and assisted on three goals. The third-pe-
Whiting’s podium finish (top six) at state last year gives the program something to build on. Middle schoolers brought up to varsity are Evan Linn, Evan Boesch, Jack Grygelko, Chase Sundseth, Ben Johnson, Carter Stuckey and Ryan Hansen.
At Coon Rapids, Cook placed second at 215 pounds, reaching finals with a pin and 13-2 decision. He lost by tech fall to a No. 1 ranked Mahtomedi wrestler. Lilly placed fifth at 133 with a 4-1 record and four pins. Placing fourth were Ford at 285 and Boesch at 107, each going 1-2. Rugesegger was 4-1 and placed fifth at 145. Placing sixth were Fu (3-2), Grygelko (2-2) and Larson (2-2). Boesch and Grygelko are seventh graders.
Heading the girls roster is returning state entrants Nora Akpan, who was third at state last year, and Aliana Franco. There are eight girls events on the schedule. Placing first at Coon Rapids were Akpan at 126-131 with three pins, Samantha Dougherty at 131-136 with three decisions, Emily McDonald at 136-147 with two pins and a 12-1 decision, and Frank at 148-160 division with two pins and a 6-5 win.
riod goals came from Nick Carls, Joey Perzichilli and Joey Hemr, who tied the score with 1:37 left. The Cougars outshot the Orioles 42-23. No. 9 ranked Wayzata beat the Orioles 7-2 on Tuesday, peppering goalie Easton Cody with 62 shots. Cooper Daikawa and Perzichilli scored. No. 1 St. Thomas Academy blanked the Cougars 6-0 on Saturday.
Bruce Strand
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Ella Perrault had two goals in the Cougars’ 8-0 win over the Elks.
The Bears, in pink, surround Cristina, Josie Mlejnek’s mom, for their “Stick it to Cancer” day.
Hugo fire responds to fire at Wilson Tool
Just after 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 the Hugo Fire Department (HFD), and several other agencies, were called to a commercial fire at Wilson Tool near 130th Street and Farnham Avenue N in Hugo.
Initially, HFD received auto aid from Forest Lake, Centennial, Lino Lakes and White Bear Lake Fire Departments, along with M Health Fairview EMS and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
*Servicing
Upon arrival, there was smoke showing from multiple areas of the building. Fire crews worked for hours, and when fire breached the roof, more help was called in from
Stillwater, Mahtomedi and Vadnais Heights Fire Departments to assist with roof operations. An air boat from Forest Lake was also called in to ventilate the large building. Crews were able to contain the fire and salvage the office area and important electronics. A bus from Metro Transit was called in to assist with keeping firefighters warm
during their breaks. All employees made it out safely and no injuries were reported.
The fire started in the machine shop area of the building and spread to the roof. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the building is under investigation. Wilson Tool fed the firefighters, who were on scene for nine and a half hours.
