The Citizen by Press Publications

YEAR IN REVIEW 2024

Before we say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025, it is a tradition of The Citizen to look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year. In 2024, pages were filled with a variety of news, including stories about crimes, events, schools, churches, sports, businesses, city government and more. Perhaps some of the most memorable stories are the ones that feature local residents— Like miracle baby Everett Engen who was born 12 weeks early and weighed 3 lbs 10 oz, or Jeff McLean who is trying to find his new normal after he was in a workplace accident. And we can’t forget when Bald Eagle Lake was removed from the impaired waters list.

SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGES 10-13

New environmental center opens for north side of county

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

In 2025, the North Environmental Center in Forest Lake is expected to serve more than 40,000 customers with an anticipated collection of 600,000 pounds of electronics and 750,000 pounds of hazardous waste. Construction of the $18.3 million facility began in September 2023. The center

is now open to residents of Washington, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties.

“There are some folks on this side of the county that could have to drive 45 to 50 minutes, and we knew that that was a barrier,” explained David Brummel, director of Washington County Public Health & Environment. “Our goal was to have equity across

the county in the availability of these environmental programs. Certainly, this puts everyone in the county within 25 minutes of an environmental center … It’s about making that environmentally responsible choice the easy choice. So, we want to make this easy and convenient.” Washington County

Center

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

Commissioner Fran Miron (District 1) added, “The North Environmental Center is a prime example of our commitment to convenience, accessibility and sustainability for the residents of northern Washington County … This facility saves residents time, gas and effort.”

Washington County’s South Environmental Center is located in Woodbury. The North Environmental Center, located at 6065 Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake, offers residents a second location to drop off items that don’t belong in the trash like household chemicals, batteries,

electronics, recyclables and food scraps.

Funding for the $18.3 project came from the Washington County solid waste fund balance, which must be spent on solid waste plan strategies. Money for the fund is generated by the county environmental charge (CEC), a 35% charge on all trash-hauling services. Ongoing operations costs will be built into the Public Health & Environment department budget. The project also received $440,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for dedicated space within the North Environmental Center for emergency response.

Congressman Pete Stauber described the center as a “blueprint” for other counties. “You have led in a way that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and is needed,” he said. “You are going to see many centers (like this), not only around Minnesota but around the country.”

Items accepted at the North

Environmental Center include hazardous materials, electronics, household sharps, recyclables and food scraps. The center also features a free product room, where residents can find usable products such as latex paint, household cleaners, automotive fluids, lawn and garden products and books.

“With all due respect to our partners Hugo and Woodbury, we are happy to no longer bring you our trash. We are happy to have this facility now in our own backyard,” said outgoing Forest Lake Mayor Mara Bain. “As a city, we are especially thankful to be out of the yard waste compost business, and we all look forward to this facility’s great

The North Yard Waste Site located in Hugo has been permanently relocated to the center in Forest Lake. (The city of Hugo has yet to determine what will happen with that site.) Residents can drop off leaves, grass clippings, brush and other yard waste.

Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce

Chair and City Council Member Leif Erickson described the center as a “tremendous asset” to the community.

“We’re so grateful for the work that was put into it by staff, by leaders to bring this to fruition,” he said. “As a local area chamber, we are excited to see the development that is happening in this community.”

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Director of Resource Management and Assistance

Division Dave Benke spoke about the convenience the facility will offer to many.

“That’s one thing that you really have to have for people. Convenience has become so ingrained in our lives that you can’t go more than half a mile and expect people to follow you there. You know they’ll take the shortest path to something and sometimes that’s not always the best kind … ” Benke said. “To have a facility like this where you can drop off just about everything that you realize you don’t need anymore. I think it’s really important to make sure that that happens.”

Ramsey County also started construction of a new Environmental Service Center in fall 2023. The center, located at 1700 Kent Street in Roseville, is set to open April 1. For more information about the North Environmental Center, visit WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ EnviroCenter or call 651-275-7475.

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

Environmental Coordinator for Washington County Public Health & Environment Adam Fredrick shows off where hazardous materials are sorted at the new Washington County North Environmental Center. At right, are some of the collection bins used to collect hazardous materials like ammunition and Sodium hydrosulfite.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Hugo Fire station to see refresh

The City Council has given the OK for the Hugo Fire Department to spend up to $25,661 on improvements to the fire station.

According to Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr., fire department leadership has been brainstorming ways to fill a need with daytime response for emergency calls. Over the past year, the fire department has had luck filling daytime response with firefighters who work from home.

“We have allowed firefighters some space within our offices at the fire station to work. By allowing firefighters the space at the fire station to work, it helps the fire department gain more daytime firefighters and a quicker response in the event of an emergency call,” he said.

Over the last several years the city of Hugo has been making updates to the fire station, which was built in 1999. The next project will update the open office area, paint common areas, install a drinking fountain with a drinking fountain/ bottle filler, and clean carpets. The city of Hugo will also provide USB hubs, dual monitors and other necessary equipment for firefighter-provided computers to function in the office environment.

Stillwater felon charged with illegal possession of explosives, ammunition

A Stillwater man has been indicted and charged with possession of unregistered firearms and possession of

explosives, firearms and ammunition.

According to court documents, on Nov. 2, Wayne Robert Lund, 46, illegally possessed eight destructive devices not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He was also found in possession of explosives and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Because Lund has prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Anoka counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms, explosives or ammunition at any time.

The indictment charges Lund with one count of possession of unregistered firearms, one count of possessing explosives as a felon, one count of possessing firearms as a felon and one count of possession of ammunition as a felon. (An indictment is merely an

allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.)

He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Dec. 11. He was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Oak Park Heights Police Department; the Stillwater Police Department; the Saint Paul Police Department; the Saint Croix County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service. United States Department of Justice

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The stars told the story

More than 2,000 years ago the stars pointed to a revolution that was about to take place on earth. Astrologers, though we don’t know their names, followed the stars to see the newborn king in Bethlehem. They went to Herod, the king, and he didn’t know about it so they continued following the bright star until they found Jesus in Bethlehem. Herod went about sending a decree that male babies up to two years old should be killed.

About the Town

From my youth until this day, I feel it is important to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. However, today it is so woven with commercialism we hardly grasp the meaning. We need to know more about the life of Jesus.

Today we celebrate in many different ways. Dinners with family and friends, gift exchanges, and for some it’s travel time.

Since the ‘70s, we have taken our family to the Festival of Christmas concert at Bethel University. We did that again this year. Bethel was celebrating the 68th festival in the Great Hall at the Arden Hills campus. It’s a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. Following the concert was a beautifully prepared Scandinavian buffet.

Throughout the concert my eyes got a little teary having 20 of our family members surround us. I think of the memories of Kathy teaching in the Bethel music department and the opportunity I had to serve on the Board of Regents for more than a decade.

Christmas memories

Memories are wonderful to reflect on. The first memorable Christmas gift was a farm set from my Uncle Ed and Aunt Myrtle Olson, my mom’s sister. I must have been three or four years old.

Another memorable gift was an American Flyer passenger train with the introduction of the S gauge two-rail toy train. That prompted building a large layout in the basement in 1946 at the age of 10.

Over the years memories continued, being married at the age of 18 to Joan Ostrom, building our own home in White Bear Township, and losing our first child at birth. Thankfully, Julie was born in good health a year later.

I worked at the Press above the Getty building at the age of 16 and continued until the age of 20 when the opportunity came to buy our first newspaper in Atwater in west central Minnesota. Then we purchased the paper in Olivia and I eventually came back to buy the White Bear Press and other newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Making up wonderful memories are the many friendships, a growing family, and opportunities to serve community organizations as well as National Newspaper Association work. Another big highlight was serving on board leadership at Bethel University. We have had 28 foreign visitors live with us and have been able to travel to over 75 countries in the world and consult in several under-developed countries in Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

Merry Christmas, readers

Kathy and I hope you have cherished memories that will be with you for years to come. Enjoy the special traditions that you have come to enjoy. Find ways to help to those less fortunate. Take time to be with those you love and be charitable with your resources. Don’t forget our heritage, our democracy, and pray for our nation and world leaders.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Truly stronger together, happy holidays

TMovers & Shakers

D. Love

he holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect and give thanks. Thanks for the numerous blessings we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. We have the freedom of choice. The freedom to share our voice. The freedom to choose our religion and celebrate Christmas. I am thankful to our founding fathers for establishing these freedoms and to the men and women who have sacrificed so we can maintain them. We also have the freedom to serve. When we hear the word serve, certain images may come to mind; those who serve in the armed forces, those who serve in public safety capacities, we may even think of those who choose

to work in the service industry. I am grateful for each and every person who applies their trade in one of those categories. I want to recognize those who choose to serve in other capacities. I am inspired by those who have a passion for serving our youth, Sunday School teachers, schoolteachers, scout leaders and coaches. Generation after generation individuals’ step into these critical roles and make a lasting impact on our society. Being involved in local politics, I notice and want to thank those who step forward to serve on boards, committees and commissions. These individuals give countless hours behind the scenes collaborating, planning and working towards the common good of their individual cities. Here in Centerville, we have a Lions Club whose very mission is to serve. Every person is a volunteer and throughout the year they have an immeasurable impact on our city, for that I offer a deep and

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES

sincere thanks. I want to thank our elected officials, especially at the local level, these individuals step forward to serve their fellow citizens in an effort to provide safety and community. I feel so humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve my community for the past 20 years. Serving the City of Centerville as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, a City Council Member and as Mayor has been an experience I will always treasure. I thank you for your trust and your support throughout my time in office. Please know my gratitude runs deep! Prayers for a festive holiday season and a very Merry Christmas. We are truly Stronger Together!

D. Love is the outgoing mayor of Centerville.

• Limited to 350 words.

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at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

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Gene Johnson

Letters received

Hello, children!

Thank you for sending your letters to old Santa! It was great fun reading them! But a “fart gun?” Seriously? Well … maybe.

I read all the letters. Thank you for sending them to the The Citizen, they’re great resources for old Santa.

I enjoyed reading your requests and be assured that I will talk to my helpers

HUGO BITS & PIECES

As of Jan. 1, the city of Hugo will have a new sergeant. Sgt. Joe Zerwas (right), who has served the city for 12 years, will now lead a countywide investigations unit. Sgt. Matt Wieland has worked for the sheriff’s office full time since 2001 and was promoted to sergeant in 2010.

• Starting Jan. 1, the city of Hugo will have a new council member. Ben Krull, who won the November election with 54.43% of the vote, will represent Ward 2 in January. Outgoing Ward 2 Council Member Phil Klein will serve as a member of the Planning Commission, taking Corky Lessard’s seat following Lessard’s resignation. (See full story in this week’s issue.)

• Council Member David Strub will take over Klein’s spot on the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee.

• A total of $175,615 in delinquent water and sewer (utility) bills will be certified to the county auditor for inclusion on the tax rolls. That figure represents a slight increase of 0.7% from the amount that was assessed the prior year.

• The fee schedule for 2025 is now in place. City staff annually reviews the schedule of fees, rates and charges and recommends changes to the council. Changes were made in the areas of development, public works and utilities. For a full breakdown, visit the city’s website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us.

and we’ll see what we can do. Thank you for all the well wishes to Mrs. Claus and the elves, too! They all said, “thank you!”

Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the elves wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! With warmest wishes,

Santa Claus North Pole Workshop North Pole

• In 2025, the salary matrix will be adjusted by 5% to grant step increases to those employees who have not yet reached their pay grade maximums. Eleven of the city’s 26 full-time employees will receive step increases. According to Finance Director Anna Wobse, the net aggregate dollar increase is $153,570 and the overall budget for employee wages will increase by 5.6%.

• Six refuse haulers will serve the city of Hugo in 2025, including Gene’s Disposal, Maroney’s Sanitation Inc., Ace Solid Waste Management, Walters Recycling and Refuse, and Waste Management.

• Tobacco and liquor licenses are also in place for 2025. Licensees include Blacksmith Lounge, Wild Wings of Oneka, On the Rocks Wine/Spirits, Blue Heron Grill, Kwik Trip, Sal’s Angus Grill, Oneka Ridge Golf Course, Hugo American Legion Post 620, Festival Foods, Mottaz’s Bottle Shop, MGM Wine & Spirits of Hugo, Amian American & Asian Bistro, Red’s Savoy, Speedway and Hugo Tobacco.

• The city continues to pay its bills for the Lift Station No. 12 project. Most recently, the council agreed to pay $70,346 to C.W. Houle Inc. (pay request no. 5) for work certified on the lift station through November.

• Richard and Marilyn Sinclair can now construct a fence within a drainage and utility easement on their property located at 5351 129th St. N.

• The Hugo Fire Department will host its annual banquet Saturday, Jan. 18, at Hugo American Legion Post 620.

• The meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, has been canceled due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• The council has scheduled its annual goal-setting workshop for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6.

Shannon Granholm

Forest Lake women indicted In Medicaid fraud conspiracy scheme

A 13-count indictment charges three defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering of proceeds derived from fraud. According to court documents, between March 2018 and July 2024, Shawn Ashley Grygo, 37, of Forest Lake, Shantel Rene Magadanz, 34, of Stacy and Heather Lynn Heim, 46, of St. Paul devised and carried out a health care fraud scheme to systematically overbill for drug and alcohol treatment services. The defendants used an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center called Evergreen Recovery, Inc. to defraud Medicaid and other health care programs by billing for treatment that was not provided, services that were not eligible for reimbursement, and billing for treatment services clients were required to attend as a mandatory condition of remaining in free housing provided as a kickback. According to court documents, to maximize the amount of fraudulent Medicaid claims, the defendants used free housing in Evergreen-controlled “sober” homes as a kickback to induce clients to enroll and remain in Evergreen Recovery treatment so that the defendants could use those clients’ names and identifying information to overbill Medicaid. To induce Medicaid-eligible patients to enroll in the program, the defendants

recruited people from homeless shelters and encampments, residential drug treatment programs, and county probation offices looking for places to put people being released from jail. As part of their conspiracy scheme, the defendants told clients at intake – and repeatedly throughout their stay –that their entitlement to free housing was contingent on their attendance at least five group counseling sessions per week and a weekly individual session with their primary counselor. If a client’s attendance fell short of the requirement, the defendants and others threatened clients with being locked out of free housing and having their belongings put on the curb, all in order to compel utilization of services. The conspiracy scheme also involved fraudulent practices designed to facilitate overbilling for group counseling, one-onone counseling, and treatment coordination services. As part of their scheme, the defendants created and caused to be created electronic health record chart entries weeks or months after the purported date of services. Grygo, Magadanz and Heim are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud. Grygo is also being charged with three counts of money laundering. The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. United States Attorney’s Office

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville

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 | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

COPS&COURTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited a motorist at 5:35 a.m. Nov. 17 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. for failure to possess a valid driver’s license, following a traffic stop for no turn signal.

• A suspicious neighbor reported for burning leaves at 9:53 p.m. Nov. 17 on 145th Street N. and Finale Avenue N. turned out to be tending a bonfire made of wood, and not leaves.

• A suspicious vehicle reported for being behind Dominos in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. after hours at 12:24 a.m. Nov. 18 turned out to be the closing employee.

• A hunter reported a resident in the 13000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 7:34 a.m. Nov. 18 for letting her dogs out while he was hunting, as part of an ongoing issue. The complainant has been in contact with the Department of Natural Resources.

• Oneka Elementary School in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N. at 10:19 a.m. Nov. 18 reported a parent for leaving verbally aggressive messages over the phone and in email messages about her displeasure with enrollment paperwork not transferring from the St. Paul School District. The school had experienced similar misconduct from this parent in the past where she screamed at people. The school is now looking into issuing a trespass notice.

• A motorist was cited at 4:13 p.m. Nov. 18 on Forest Blvd. N. and 170th Street N. for failure to show a valid driver’s license, following a traffic stop for a nonfunctioning brake light and taillight.

• After receiving a report of theft from motor vehicle Nov. 19 from the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N., deputies received another call from the complainant that the missing item had been found at 2:12 p.m. Nov. 19.

• Deputies cited a motorist at 4:35 p.m. Nov. 19 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for failure to provide a valid driver’s license or proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for driving on the shoulder of the road.

• An eastbound motorist was reported for damaging a fence in the 14000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. at 2:02 p.m. Nov. 20, after his front left wheel and tire came off, flew across the homeowner’s lawn and hit the fence. Deputies spoke to the driver, who agreed to pay the repair bill for the broken slat of the fence.

• A motorist was cited at 5:42 p.m. Nov. 20 on Frenchman Road for driving after suspension, following an equipment traffic stop.

• A suspicious group of people reported at 12:27 a.m. Nov. 21 for loading items from a construction site on 157th Court N. and Granada Avenue into a van turned out to be the flooring company cleaning up from their job.

• The grace period for violating the city’s winter parking ordinance was observed during the wee hours of Nov. 21, after four vehicles received written warnings under their windshield wipers. The first warning was laid down at 2:21 a.m. in the 4000 block of Valjean Blvd. N., the second at 2:35 a.m. in the 4000 block of Fable Hill Parkway N., the third at 2:39 a.m. at the same location and the fourth at 3:18 a.m. in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N.

• A motorist reported herself at 7:57 a.m. Nov. 21 for sliding off the icy roadway on Oneka Parkway N. and 147th Street N. and hitting a fire hydrant, then a light pole and, finally, a tree. The fire hydrant survived the collision, but the light pole and tree did not.

• A resident in the 17000 block of Keystone Avenue N. at 8:01 a.m. Nov. 23 reported receiving a prank phone call about a crash with zoo animals getting loose in the area. The complainant had received several similar calls in the past. When deputies contacted the owner of the phone number from which the prank call originated, the person denied making the call.

• Deputies received three complaints of Christmas tree lights being cut overnight Nov. 22-23 from the 5000 block of 130th Lane N., 5000 block of 131st Street N. and 6000 block of 131st Alcove N.

• Door-to-door solicitors were reported for plying the neighborhood in the 5000 block of 135th Street N. at 6:17 p.m. Nov. 23. Residents in the neighborhood of Flay Road N. and 130th Street N. also reported door-to-door solicitors.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 6:53 p.m. Nov. 23 in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for speeding, failure to provide proof of insurance, and loud exhaust after deputies on patrol paced the vehicle speeding along at 75 to 85 mph in a 55 mph zone. The vehicle emitted loud exhaust noise accompanied by cracking and popping when accelerating and decelerating at intersections. While deputies were trying to view the driver’s insurance information on his cell phone, the driver ripped the phone out of the deputy’s hand, became belligerent and yelled throughout the entirety of the traffic stop.

• A renter in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 24 reported her landlord for coming to her residence unannounced and for texting her, calling her and banging on her door. While Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were talking to the complainant, the landlord also called in with questions about what to do when a tenant doesn’t answer. At 12:28 p.m. Nov. 27, a caller told deputies he was the property manager and significant other of the owner of a residence in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. and wanted access to the home to do winter maintenance after giving the tenant 24-hour notice of arrival. The tenant told deputies the property manager never provided full 24-hour notice and has been harassing her since she moved in on Jan. 1 as part of an ongoing civil issue between the parties. Deputies advised the tenant about how the harassment restraining order (HRO) process works.

• A suspicious solicitor plying the neighborhood in the 5000 block of Fenson Court N. at 1:57 p.m. Nov. 24 turned out to be an employee of Xcel Energy providing an information flyer to residents about a new water system available in the area. No sales were being conducted.

• A motorist who received a citation at 8:21 p.m. Nov. 24 on Egg Lake Road and Foxhill Avenue N. contacted deputies at 8:24 p.m. Nov. 24 at the same location with questions and wanted to be seen regarding the citation.

• A suspected domestic in progress reported at 8:24 p.m. Nov. 24 from the 4000 block of Evergreen Drive turned out to be merely a noise complaint.

• A son at 8:25 a.m. Nov. 25 reported a possible scam having been conducted against his mother in the 12000 block of Fondant Trail N. after employees of a furnace company appeared have tampered with her previous furnace to induce her to buy a new furnace due to safety concerns.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Flora Way N. at 11:45 a.m. Nov. 25 reported an email from a suspect demanding money, threatening that otherwise he would expose him to his family and friends.

• A motorist was issued a written warning at 4:09 p.m. Nov. 25 in the 4000 block of Frenchman Road for not moving over for deputies conducting a traffic stop. Another motorist was cited at 4:43 a.m. Nov. 26 on Forest Blvd. N. at 147th Street N. for speeding 49 mph in a 35 mph zone.

• Suspicious people reported for being at a business in the 4000 block of Frenchman Road at 10:02 a.m. Nov. 26 turned out to be employees.

• A suspicious swan swimming on open water in a pond near 152nd Street N. and Keystone Avenue N. is now on record for the activity, after having been outed at 10:16 a.m. Nov. 26. The swan was not injured and appeared to have been minding its own business.

• Suspicious knocks on a garage door in the 15000 block of Goodview Trail N. reported at 1:31 p.m. Nov. 26 may have been actually caused by Xcel Energy and construction at work in the area.

• A former roommate in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 1:32 p.m. Nov. 26 was reported for leaving voicemails blaming the complainant after his computer was hacked. Deputies advised the complainant on the HRO process.

• A driver was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance at 1:38 a.m. Nov. 27 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. following being pulled over for a license plate light out. Deputies advised the driver that he could get the citation dismissed if he produced insurance papers in a timely manner.

• A woman was cited and trespassed from Festival Foods in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 11:16 a.m. Nov. 27 after she was caught leaving the store with a cart full of grocery items and more items stuffed into her purse. Employees persuaded her to go back to the store and wait for deputies’ arrival.

• A motorist on a sign-and-release warrant was pulled over at 9:10 p.m. Nov. 27 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road for expired registration, but was not arrested on the warrant. A new court date was provided instead.

• Residents in the 12000 block of Foxhill Avenue N. at 4:43 p.m. Nov. 29 requested that deputies conduct a welfare check on their Xbox friend in Pennsylvania, who disappeared from the complainant’s headset to the accompaniment of booms and crashes.

As deputies were explaining why they could not run over to Pennsylvania to check on their friend, the friend returned to the headset.

Loretta Harding

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

651-407-1200 | presspubs.com

North Metro residents rev up the racing scene with passion, speed and singing

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Speed, singing and sportsmanship; those are the three s-words that make up the lives of Wyoming residents Kevin, Eli and CC Kramer.

Eli, now 19, has been passionate about racing fast for as long as he can remember. This love took him from racing BMX bikes at only 3 years of age to competing in multiple side-by-side races throughout many different states. CC, 11, has been singing since she started practicing at 5 and is now dedicated to singing the National Anthem at past and upcoming races her brother has/will be participating in.

“For Eli, I enjoy watching him do what God made him to do,” said Kevin, CC and Eli’s father. “I like to think he came out of the womb with a steering wheel and handlebar in his hands; he was born to race. For CC, I love seeing how she gains confidence every time she sings. She was a bit nervous to start, but now she’s bold and confident.”

Eli, for his part, says that his love of motorsports has always been with him. “I’ve liked it pretty much ever since I was born,” said Eli. “I had a small electric ATV (all-terrain vehicle) when I was younger, and I just wanted to race something.”

Eli’s first race, when he was just 3 years old, took place at Rehbein Arena in Lino Lakes, an indoor BMX racing track that, while since permanently closed, is still a memory he recalls 16 years later. In his own words, Eli described the event as “a bunch of little kids on tiny bikes on a dirt course.

“It was nothing super fast,” Eli added. “But we were all pretty competitive.”

Eli continued to compete in BMX and dirt bike races until 2020, when a newfound interest in sideby-side racing prompted him to switch to the latter for competitive racing. This switch also prompted Kevin to form a side-by-side racing team for Eli to participate in: Kramer Motorsports.

“Racing was kind of just a hobby for us when we were doing BMX and dirt bike racing,” explained Kevin. “But when Eli got into side-by-side, that triggered us to start Kramer Motorsports. I could see it was getting more serious, and we wanted to run it more like a business.”

Since helping form Kramer Motorsports, Eli has taken to competing in 25 side-by-side races per year across five different states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and California. Of these 25 races, 16 of them were in the Amsoil Champ OffRoad Series, a short-course off-road racing series, while the remaining are smaller race series not run by Amsoil. These additional races include the Iceman 500 in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, the SRX Off-Road Ranch IRACE Series in Poplar, Wisconsin, Hay Days National in North Branch, and the MacLeod County Fair Races in Hutchinson.

Some of Eli’s notable racing wins include winning the 2024 Iceman 500 in the Pro-Stock category, second place at the 2022 2nd Place Hay Days National in Pro-Stock, Runner-up at the 2024 2024 SRX Off-Road Ranch in Pro-Turbo and third at the 2023 Hay Days National.

But in the Kramer family, it isn’t just speed and aerodynamics that make up the trio’s core. For CC, 11, her biggest hobby is singing. “I watched a lot of people having fun singing, and I kind of just wanted to be like them,” said CC. She officially made her debut singing the National Anthem at the July ERX Off-Road National in Elk River this past summer and will also be singing at the ERX Snocross

National on March 8 and at next summer’s ERX OffRoad National (both held in Elk River) on July 13.

In addition to singing, CC has also performed on stage in different plays, including the leading role in “Ashti’s Journey to Jazz” at Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake, which was held in July. Kramer will also perform in the center’s production of “Alice In Wonderland” next February at Forest Lake High School. “I would like to sing in front of everybody,” said CC, who said she hopes to see herself singing on Broadway someday.

For the 2025 racing season, Kevin says that Kramer Motorsports will jump from racing at the amateur level to professional, where they will compete against the best races and race teams nationwide. Eli will be racing in the Pro SxS (sideby-side) class. Although he has racked up his fair share of awards in past racing seasons, he and Kevin maintain that it is never the physical prizes they receive that motivate them to do well.

“We don’t view losing as bad,” said Kevin. “We try to say, ‘If we didn’t win a race, we don’t say we lost. We say that we learned. It’s also a learning opportunity, and we think about something we could have done differently or better. I think that

perspective has helped, because when you get to this level, the competition is so intense that it’s hard to be on the podium every week. That’s why we don't consider it losing, but learning.”

Kevin said that he thanks both God and Kramer Motorsports sponsors for allowing them to keep racing. These sponsors include PleasureLand RV Center, Blake Drilling, Meyer Contracting, Up North Retreats, Chick-fil-A, Black Label and Co., Polaris RZR, Keizer Aluminum and I Am Second. More information on Kramer Motorsports and the Amsoil Champ Off-Road Series can be found on their official websites at www.kramermotorsports.com and www.champoffroad.com, respectively. More information on the races not associated with the Amsoil Champ Off-Road Series can be found at www.iceman500-race.com, www. srxoffroad.com, www.haydays.com and www. mcleodcountyfair.com.

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.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

CC, Eli and Kevin Kramer are three Wyoming residents who have dedicated themselves to competitive racing and singing.

Eli poses beside his side-by-side vehicle at the 2024 Bark River International Raceway in Bark River, Michigan. This race is part of the Amsoil Championship Off-Road Racing Series.

Eli has been performing an average of 25 side-by-side races since switching to the sport in 2020.

CC, 11, has been singing since she was 5 years old, and made her first appearance singing the National Anthem at the July ERX Off-Road National in Elk River this past summer.

PUBLIC NOTICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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

ADOPTING THE 2025 CITY OF HUGO FEE SCHEDULE

NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS

HOURS.

The City of Hugo City Council does ordain the following:

Section 1. Findings. Pursuant to Minnesota Law, the City of Hugo City Code, and upon a review of a study conducted by City staff, a fee schedule for City services and licensing is hereby adopted for the following: 2025 FEE SCHEDULE

Businesses Licenses

Non-Business Licenses & Permits Building Permits

Building Related

Demolition Related Development Fees

Local Government Unit (LGU)

Forest Bathing

When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative session of the Japenise practice of shinrin-yoku, with a certified guide. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

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

CURRENT EVENTS

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29

Where: Patriots Tavern, 145 New England Place, Stillwater

Details: Hike through Liberty Village. Contact: stpaulhike.com

LAKE LINKS ASSOCIATION WINTER STROLL AND OPEN HOUSE

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center

Details: Enjoy hot cider, treats, displays and hear about the progress on the trail and the Streetcar Park renovation, then take a stroll along the newly lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Drawing and door prizes.

Contact: lakelinks.net/post/january-3-winter-strolland-open-house

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: OPOSSUMS

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Having a community event in the future? Contact us today to submit your event to What’s Happening. Call 651-407-1200 or email calendar@presspubs.com

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Jan. 2; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

CITY BRIEF

Current Centerville City Administrator moves to Forest Lake

The city of Forest Lake will

COUNTY BRIEFS

have a new City Administrator after nearly a year of searching. The council unanimously agreed to hire current Centerville City Administrator Mark Statz, after

County board makes appointments to advisory groups, watershed district

The Washington County Board of Commissioners made two appointments to advisory groups and a reappointment to a watershed district.

The appointments are:

• Eric Linner to the Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee as a District 1 Representative for a term that starts Jan. 1, 2025, and expires Dec. 31, 2027.

• Karissa Goers to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a partial term that starts Dec. 18, 2024, and expires Dec. 31, 2026.

The reappointment is:

his interview on Wednesday, Dec.18. Statz was appointed at the city’s administrator in 2017. He will begin his position in February.

The county regularly enters agreements with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. which outlines the relationship between the two parties for funding, staffing and in-kind services. The agreement supports 4-H program activities in the county.

• John Waller, city of Hugo, to a seventh term that begins Jan. 19, 2025, and expires Jan. 18, 2028, as manager on the Rice Creek Watershed District.

Nexus Family Healing continues providing emergency youth shelter services

Commissioners renewed a contract with Nexus Family Healing to provide emergency youth shelter services at Aspen House Youth Shelter. The contract, not to exceed $815,000, is for a two-year term that starts Jan. 1, 2025, and expires Dec. 31, 2026.

In 2021, the county board approved a one-time capital expenditure to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to partner with Dakota County to acquire a property in Mendota Heights to be used for Aspen House Youth Shelter. The facility will be licensed as a Children’s Residential Facility. Washington County entered into a contract with Nexus Family Healing on Aug. 2, 2022, as a service provider. The contract with Nexus Family Healing was set to expire Dec. 31, 2024.

In July 2024, Dakota County released a request for proposals for youth shelter support services and maintenance of shelter site, and selected Nexus Family Healing to continue as the service provider for Aspen House Youth Shelter.

County board approves funding for 4-H programs

Commissioners approved an agreement with the University of Minnesota Extension Service to fund and staff 4-H programs and services.

The agreement for 2025 includes 3.75 full-time equivalent (FTE) of extension educator, 4-H youth development and Master Gardener volunteer program coordinator. The program coordinators are employees of the university and are co-located within the Department of Public Health and Environment. In addition, the county supports one 0.8 FTE administrative support specialist position. The total Washington County cost for these services for 2025 is $420,000.

The term of the agreement is for three years, from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027. The local position prices for each FTE have been established by agreement between the University of Minnesota Extension and the Association of Minnesota Counties. The annual adjustment of costs for the program coordinator is 3%.

County board accepts public health grant

funding through 2029

Commissioners approved a five-year grant agreement providing funding to Washington County Public Health and Environment (PHE). The two grants are the local public health grant and the foundational public health responsibilities grant. The approved grant agreement is for Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029, and funding in the first year totals $849,248.

The local public health grant provides funding to community health boards to meet statutory responsibilities under the Local Public Health Act. PHE will use the funds to address areas of public health responsibility and essential public health services. The foundational public health responsibilities grant provides funding to community health boards to ensure the foundational areas and capabilities of local public health are met. Both grants are state grants administered by the Minnesota Department of Health through this fiveyear grant agreement. Funding is awarded annually through grant amendments, which will be reviewed and approved by the director of PHE.

Novalee is a smart, confident and energetic young lady who is ready to join a loving and active family. She is a Great Pyrenees/border collie mix and weighs 31 pounds. Novelee is approximately four months old. She arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas, where she was found abandoned with her mother and littermates. All are doing well and are ready to go to loving forever homes. Novelee loves attention and she is very playful. She really enjoys being outside where she can

roam and explore. So, a home with a securely fenced yard would suit her well. She would also do well as an addition with another friendly, playful dog, who could help acclimate her to the house routine and help expel her boundless energy. Novalee is friendly to everyone she meets, and she has a lot of potential. With patience and loving guidance, she will make a wonderful addition and companion to an active person or family. If you are interested in learning more about Novalee 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.

JANUARY

Year in Review 2024

Developer pulls out of Downtown Hugo project

The Downtown Hugo project is no more. Developer Denny Trooien, of Dennis Properties LLC, has decided to quit moving forward with the project that was proposed for the Egg Lake property directly across from City Hall. He was proposing five buildings totaling approximately 63,000 square feet on the 4.2-acre property.

The project has been in the works since August 2019.

3 brothers a part of ‘fire family’

There are not one, not two, but three brothers who have volunteered to serve their community by joining the Hugo Fire Department (HFD).

The Albertsons — Darek, 31, Steve, 28, and Cory, 26 — grew up in Withrow and attended Stillwater Public Schools. Darek and Steve joined the department in December 2021 and Steve joined a year later. Darek and Steve have completed their probationary training and Cory will finish his in December 2024.

FEBRUARY

Year in Review 2024

Beginning of a new era for Liberty Classical Academy’

About $20 million — That’s what Liberty Classical Academy (LCA) will need to accomplish its vision of one single campus it can call home.

LCA leases space at the Church of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake. Two years ago, it purchased Withrow Elementary School, located at 10158 122nd St. N in Hugo, and built an approximately 2,000-square-foot addition.

Disney on Ice allows north metro skater to evolve

White Bear Lake native Sydney Berrier, 23, stars as Raya from “The Last Dragon” in the Disney on Ice “Magic in the Stars” show.

For many figure skaters, starring in a Disney on Ice show is a far-fetched pipe dream that likely will never happen. But for White Bear Lake native Sydney Berrier, it’s a reality.

MARCH

Year in Review 2024

Centerville welcomes new junior council member

Goodview Estates project sees new developer, name change

The residential development formerly known as Goodview Estates has a new developer, and will now be known as Watercrest of Hugo. Artemis Development Company LLC requested the approval of two final plats and development agreements for property located west of Goodview Avenue and south of Egg Lake Road (CSAH 8). The first phase will plat 30 single- family lots and the second phase will include 29 single- family lots.

helped vividly illustrate some of the past and present challenges Black students encounter in our society.

Berrier will perform in the role of Raya from “The Last Dragon” in the Disney on Ice “Magic in the Stars” show Feb. 9-11 at the Target Center. Berrier started skating when she was 4 years old because she wanted a skating dress. She grew up skating at the White Bear Sports Center.

is a music technology educa-

Students showcase talent and tenacity

Along with sharing MC duties with Christine Atilada, Miriam EliasJuma performed an interactive spoken word segment titled “Black Woman: A Program.” Held in conjunction with Black History Month, the event performances

tor at Harmony Learning Center in Maplewood. The school, which is a part of District 622, serves students in grades K-12 who have emotional or behavioral disabilities or who have experienced severe trauma.

Earlier this year, she was named to Yamaha’s 40 under 40 list. Now, she is being recognized as the 2024 Teacher of the Year by Technology in Music Education (TI:ME).

Bald Eagle may be removed from impaired waters list

Since 2002, Bald Eagle Lake has been one of the many lakes included on the state’s impaired waters list. That just might be changing.

Bald Eagle Lake is one of seven lakes slated for possible removal from Minnesota’s impaired waters list. White Rock Lake, located on the edge of Hugo and Scandia, is also on that list.

Committee continues to achieve milestones

The members of the Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center Committee continue to look to the future of the historic building, located on the northwest corner of 170th Street N and Highway 61.

The committee accomplished several of the goals it set for 2023 and will continue to pursue some of those while pursuing new goals for 2024.

Hugo resident named TI:ME Teacher of the Year

A Maplewood music technology educator from Hugo is bringing music education into the 21st century while making a name for herself in the music technology industry.

Gillian Desmarais

CONTRIBUTED

(Pictured from left:) Cory, Darek and Steve Albertson all serve on the Hugo Fire Department. The three grew up in Withrow and graduated from Stillwater Public Schools.

CONTRIBUTED

White Bear Lake native Sydney Berrier, 23, stars as Raya from “The Last Dragon” in the Disney on Ice “Magic in the Stars” show.

CONTRIBUTED

Gillian Desmarais

CONTRIBUTED

The Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center Committee continues to make progress on the old Hopkins Schoolhouse in Hugo. Here is a rendering of what the building might look like in the future.

CONTRIBUTED

The Centerville City Council started off the new year by officially welcoming a new junior council member to City Hall by administering the oath of office to Avery Sauber.

CONTRIBUTED Music, dancing and spoken word performances were part of the recent Black Student Union Showcase event held in the White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus auditorium. The event performances, held in conjunction with Black History Month, helped vividly illustrate some of the past and present challenges Black students encounter in our society.

APRIL

Year in Review 2024

Local vet meets urgent need with Twin Cities 1st stand-alone clinic

Local veterinarian Dr. Liz Sitter is hoping she can fill a need in the north metro.

The Marine on St. Croix resident recently opened Aurora Urgent Veterinary Clinic in White Bear Lake, which is likely the first stand-alone pet urgent care in the Twin Cities.

Military families share journeys of sacrifice, resilience

At the age of 11, Kate has attended six different elementary schools.

Kate is one of the more than 16,000 children in Minnesota who have at least one parent currently serving

MAY

Year in Review 2024

in the military. April is Month of the Military Child. Started in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, the Month of the Military Child allows Americans to celebrate military children for their service on the homefront and in their communities.

Leah Meyer, of Lino Lakes, has served in the Air Force for 18 years and has been deployed three times. She is a mother of three — Charli, 13, Kate, 11, and Henry, 7. She currently serves as the commander of the Air Force ROTC at the University of St. Thomas.

Hugo man seeks new normal after ‘horrific’ work accident

CONTRIBUTED

Hugo resident Jeff McLean spent three weeks in the hospital after a workplace accident. He has now undergone four surgeries, all related to the amputation of both his legs below the knee. He is now back home, but may need a fifth surgery.

Jeff McLean hung on for dear life on the edge of a large industrial shredder for 52 seconds before help arrived. If it weren’t for that help, Jeff likely wouldn’t be alive.

The 54-year-old from Hugo is trying to find what his new normal will look like for himself, his wife Jamie, and their sons Kyle and Brady now that he is a double amputee.

Jeff has worked at Rohn Industries in

JUNE

Year in Review 2024

Get to know the Good Neighbor

And the 2024 Good Neighbor of the Year goes to .... Tim Tanberg. He has lived in Hugo since 1995.

When Lion Katie Riopel called up Tanberg to share the news, Tanberg said he couldn’t believe it. “I was blown away. I didn’t know how to react. I kind of got emotional,” he recalled.

Liberty Classical Academy expansion moves forward in Hugo, stalls in May Township

Liberty Classical Academy has unveiled its immediate plans for the first phase of its expansion in Hugo and its hopes for the second phase in the future.

Neighbors continue to share their concerns and opinions on the proposal to both the city of Hugo and May Township.

Liberty Classical Academy is seeking approval of a site plan and conditional use permit (CUP) for an approximately 33,500-square-foot building addition to the existing school and associated parking on the property located at 10158 122nd St. N. There are stormwater management facilities and septic systems that are proposed to be located in May Township. (Liberty is requesting a CUP in May Township for these associated services.) The school owns approximately 37 acres in Hugo and 45 acres in May Township.

Bloomington for 23 years. Last month, he was operating an industrial shredder, which can be plagued by paper jams, often referred to as paper bridges. He was attempting to relieve a paper bridge when he fell in.

Judge releases findings for appropriation permits

After months of waiting, a judge has weighed in on the appeals made by several cities in the north metro regarding the White Bear Lake level lawsuit.

Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman issued his Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order regarding the amendments made several years ago by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to some area water appropriation permits.

The cities are still evaluating what this ruling will mean for them and their residents, but they are happy to see the irrigation ban will not continue.

Solar farms: City Council chooses to take 2nd pause

For the next six months, no new solar farm development applications will be accepted by the city.

For the second time, the City Council has approved an interim ordinance that establishes a moratorium on new solar farms.

Charli (left), Henry and Kate Meyer, of Lino Lakes, are military children. Their mother, Leah Meyer, has served in the Air Force for 18 years.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Hugo American Legion Post 620 hosted its 2nd annual Legion Family Day Saturday, April 27. The event included a rib contest, bloody Mary bar, bake sale, raffles, bouncy house, duck pond and fire engine. A special ceremony also honored and recognized veterans and the accomplishments of the Legion family.

Legion Family Day

CONTRIBUTED

This year’s Good Neighbor is Tim Tanberg.

This map shows the boundaries of the city of Hugo and May Township.

JULY

Year in Review 2024

Local couple shares rollercoaster birth journey

Everett Engen was born 12 weeks early and weighed 3 lbs 10 oz.

Just as fast as you can blink is about how fast Everett Engen made his entrance into the world at 3 lbs 10 oz. Everett, son of Faith and Elliott Engen, was born 12 weeks before his due date.

Grand marshal dedicates himself to community, safety

From several Life Saving Awards to Officer of the Year, Jon Krueger can now add another item to his list of accomplishments — Grand marshal. Jon Krueger, a retired corporal of the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD), has been selected as the 2024 Fete des Lacs Grand Marshal.

AUGUST

Year in Review 2024

Centerville Lions celebrate 50th anniversary

The Centerville Lions Club is celebrating 50 years of meaningful friendships and serving the Centerville community.

From three charter members in 1974 to 29 members in 2024, the Centerville Lions have remained a steady pillar of support for Centerville and its surrounding communities. In the last decade, the Club has donated over $120,000 to their community and Lions Foundations.

A great deal has changed since the Centerville Lions inception in 1974.

Two

autistic teenagers spread joy through popcorn

Friends Josiah Cullen and Jared Long have different interests, but what brings them together is spreading joy to others.

Cullen and Long met at ages 5 and 7 as patients at

SEPTEMBER

Year in Review 2024

the Partners In Excellence Autism Therapy Center in North St. Paul. Cullen lives in Hugo, while Long lives in Cottage Grove. Both are autistic and nonverbal, communicating by writing on letter boards. It wasn’t until Josiah’s 18th birthday party last October that the genesis of Kernel’s of Joy finally occurred.

Powr Hockey aims to empower girls on, off the ice

Two local hockey moms hope their new brand will empower girls, both on and off the ice.

Kristy Swenby, of Blaine, and Michelle Schlipp, of Centerville, both grew up blocks away from each other in Circle Pines while they were in elementary school. Both are Centennial graduates.

A couple of years ago, the two were talking in the middle of hockey season about how there seemed to be a lack of equipment that was specifically designed for female players, and the idea for Powr Hockey was born.

North metro homeowners share their yards for K-9 adventures

Think of an Airbnb, but for dogs. That’s where Sniffspot comes in.

Dog owners are offering up their yards to other dogs.

Lin Shurtleff lives on the border of Hugo and Lino Lakes. She has offered up her 1-acre, fully fenced yard as a Sniffspot for about a month.

Alexandra House’s ‘passion project’ becomes reality

Press Publications shared survivor Candice Amundson’s story about domestic violence a couple of years ago, but there is one story that has yet to be told — the story of an English bulldog named Linus.

Centennial Fire District welcomes home Engine 1

It’s not every day that a fire department gets to push a new engine into its station.

The newest addition to Centennial Fire District’s (CFD) fleet is a 2024 Rosenbauer know as Engine 1.

The engine, which was built in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, features a 1,000-gallon water tank and has a pumping capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute.

Assistant Chief Matt Montain says the district was lucky to secure the truck for $560,000, even though most engines run more than $1 million.

Amundson never sought shelter because she didn’t want to leave Linus behind. wasn’t going to be an option to leave him.” One day, Amundson went to Alexandra House’s campus in Blaine and had a vision of making the shelter pet friendly.

Linus’ Pet Haven will be a full-service pet refuge that can house six pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) while the family seeks housing for themselves or other temporary care for pets.

OCTOBER

Year in Review 2024

of family, friends and community members recently gathered to celebrate

97, were on hand to greet visitors during the event that featured shared stories, singing and birthday treats. The couple has been married more than 77 years.

NOVEMBER

Year in Review 2024

Local skater performs in ‘Disney on Ice’

Izzi Gorowsky has been skating since she was 4 years old. Growing up, she used to practice skating at

DECEMBER

Year in Review 2024

Star Trail Association: Clearing the way for snowmobilers

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 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.

Exchange students value experiences while in Minnesota

Multiple exchange students in the Forest Lake Area School District are looking forward to all the experiences Minnesota, and the United States, has to offer them during the calendar school year.

From attending the Minnesota State Fair to attending a Forest Lake High School football game, the students are looking forward to many more experiences for memories that will last a lifetime.

Jessie Fielder will be hosting her second exchange student, Eva Biasetto, from Belgium. Cheryl Heilman and her husband Mike will host two exchange students for the school year Janne Mook, from Düsseldorf, Germany, and Gabriel Comin from Florianopolis, Brazil.

the Sports Center in White Bear Lake and at the Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.

Now, Gorowsky will be performing in the upcoming production of “Disney on Ice” taking place from Nov. 21 through Nov. 24 at the Xcel Energy Center.

Centerville spurs to action to address safety issues after accident

An accident involving a motorcyclist launched into a day care playground at 1980 Center Street has resulted in immediate action from adults in Centerville to address safety issues.

Following public commentary and ensuing discussion, the Centerville City Council directed city staff to waste no time in erecting a concrete jersey barrier along Center Street, to seek school safety.

Hugo joins list of cities to become a GreenStep City

The city will soon join more than 149 cities that are mindful of sustainability.

The city of Hugo has long prided itself on water conservation and other sustainability efforts but has never gone out of its way to receive “bragging rights.

The Minnesota GreenStep Cities program helps cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The continuous improvement program is based on a menu of 29 optional best practices.

Santa Party

Press Publications invited students from a local day care and Oneka Elementary School in Hugo to create their own front page in honor of Thanksgiving. Learn more about the students, what they are thankful for and what they plan to make for Thanksgiving.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Dozens

Jerome “Jerry” Saunder's 100th birthday at the Good Life Senior Living facility in Hugo. Saunders is a WWII navy veteran and piloted a troop landing craft to the shore at Omaha beach during the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He and his wife Marilyn,

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Children in Hugo flocked to the Peder Pedersen Pavilion to meet Santa at the Hugo Santa Party event.

Izzi & Lexi: Izzi (left) and her friend Lexi (right) attend “Disney on Ice” as kids.

andArts Culture2024

EMERGING ARTIST: YAHAIRA NOK-CHIDANA

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In sixth grade, Yahaira NokChidana played Violet Beauregard in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a role played by a white actor in both movie versions. “A woman came up to me with her Black daughter,” Nok-

Chidana recalled, “and she goes, ‘… I just wanna thank you because she doesn't see people who look like her doing the things that you do.’” This past November, Nok-Chidana, now a senior, took center stage as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde,” the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.

“I think that people don't really understand what a privilege it is to

be able to look in media or to look around you and see people who look like you,” Nok-Chidana stated. While she believes that people of color should also have new stories and original roles, Nok-Chidana acknowledges the situation is not that simple. “We are still ingrained in our past and we still carry it with us. So I think that being able to see a person of color play a traditionally white role—It’s a way for us to see how things can be or how things could have been.”

The role of Elle Woods was not simply given to Nok-Chidana, though. Since sixth grade, she has earned a spot in eight White Bear productions and two all-state choirs. Last year, she won the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Award for Best Supporting Actress in White Bear Lake Area High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” This summer, she was a finalist in the Minnesota State Fair’s Talent Show. Still, though Elle Woods has long been Nok-

Chidana’s dream role, she was aware of the questions people would ask should she get the part. Part of the power of Nok-Chidana’s performance, then, came from underestimation. “Her story lies within not just the experience of what it's like to be a girl, but also like what it's like to be a person of color,”

DAN JONES MAKES HISTORY INTERSECTIONAL

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Creative Director Dan Jones frequently drives past an intersection near his house: Cedar Avenue and Dennis Lane. Cedar Avenue, Jones figured, was selfexplanatory. But who was Dennis?

Thoughts like these drove Jones to investigate the history of the White Bear Lake area street signs. At 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Jones will present the fifth annual installment of the Historical Society’s “What’s in a Name?” series at the White Bear Lake Library.

Each past installment has focused on a different neighborhood: Downtown White Bear, Ramaley Park to Gardenette, or Podvin. Last year’s presentation started to cover Bald Eagle Lake. “We literally hugged the lake for the most part,” Jones explained. “That’s why I was like, ‘The next one we're calling Bald Eagle Revisited and Historic White Bear Township.’”

In his presentations, Jones ignores the obvious street names, mainly flora and fauna. Seemingly mundane names, though, may surprise. Elk Street, one block east of Division Avenue, for instance, used to host an Elks Club. This leads Jones to talk about the cultural meetings there and at the nearby Bald Eagle Depot in the 1930s.

Many streets’ stories also prove handy for drivers today. Traveling up Highway 61, drivers can easily clock County Roads B through F, then much later, County Road J. Where are G, H, and I? Jones explains that Ramsey County built these roads one mile apart from one another. County Road G exists; we just know it as Highway 96. County Road H is Ninth Street, crossing Podvin Park before meeting Central Middle School. County Road I starts in Moundsview, but three different lakes interrupt it before it becomes Buffalo Street. What, then, to call the unaligned-to-mile-marker exchange from Centerville Road to Bald Eagle Boulevard? Ramsey County went with H2.

Jones also offers glimpses into a parallel history that might have been. In 1939, the town considered land between Highway 96 and Ninth Street (County Roads G and H, respectively) for a regional US aviation center, 25 years before the Lindbergh Terminal. Imagine MSP airport stretching from Lincoln to Birch Lake Elementary.

Ultimately, Jones believes the “What’s in a Name?” series makes history personal for locals. He remarked, “You might put it on your Christmas card address or return label … I think it's a way to bring history into our neighborhood.”

To watch part one of “What’s in a Name?” Visit the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society’s Facebook page, at fb.watch/wyXxYbWBw0/.

MEET DAVID HAMILTON: CPA INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With executive director experience from Youth Farm to the Cedar Cultural Center, David Hamilton has extensive expertise coming aboard as Children’s Performing Arts’ interim executive director. Hamilton will be at the helm for the next several months as CPA’s board looks for a someone to fill the position permanently. What can, or should, a leader accomplish in such a short period?

“Usually, they come into an organization and they fix messes,” Hamilton explained before stating this is not the case with CPA. “My immediate impression of CPA is that it's a very strong impact organization in the community. I really love the work CPA does. The programming is great,

and there's a very strong passionate staff.” Hamilton specifically praised CPA’s low-cost admission options and funding to address inclusivity. Instead, Hamilton hopes to provide illuminate possibilities on where CPA could go next. “Eight hundred kids participated in performances, camps, classes and workshops this year … We know that we have certain revenue programs that are doing better than others, should we be focused more on the educational one?” he offers as an example.

He also commented on a possible

future for intentionally diverse programming. “So a challenge that happened post-George Floyd was that some foundations just asked every single organization to present their racial equity or DEI statement,” Hamilton said. While Hamilton stressed that having such a statement is a fine goal, he believes organizations and communities need to communicate to find a pledge that is supported, real and important. “Of course, you have to sometimes push people, but it has to be done in a learning way, in an engaging way that people can accept. Otherwise, it's not going to be successful.”

Hamilton will be rooting for CPA’s success, whatever path they choose, because of the mission, programming and staff. “That's what makes it easy to be involved with such an organization,” he concludes. “I really want to see a success and have no doubt that that will

Nok-Chidana explained. “People are doubting you because of what you look like. Just because she is blonde doesn't mean that she's dumb … I have felt her story throughout my life. And I think that Elle's story is a story that can relate to so many people no matter who you are.” She, along with her director, Wendy Suoja, bet correctly—all six performances sold out.

Going forward, Nok-Chidana is headed to college, then to Broadway. Such a lofty dream seems not just plausible, but likely for Yok-Chidana because she has already received the most crucial advice, the advice that gave her the courage to try out for Elle Woods. “My mom, she always says, ‘Remember Yahaira, you have the talent inside you already, you just have to show people it.’ I think that we spend so much of our lives trying or waiting to be something or to be someone, when we could realize that we are somebody already.”

JANUARY EVENTS

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA

CHASE & OVATION: A SALUTE TO THE MUSIC OF PRINCE

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater

Date: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5

Details: Chase has been traveling North America performing the music of Prince live in concert for the past 16 years. Fans of the show include many of Prince’s former bandmates and family members who all give Chase & Ovation the highest marks for reproducing Prince’s music “the way it is meant to be played, heard, and felt.”

SLEUTH MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Location: White Bear Lake Library

Date: 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8

Details: Guess what the collection noun is for a group of bears? A sleuth. Every month members read any book on the same theme and discuss their selections with each other. This month’s theme is Freedom/Your Choice.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: 1–3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11

Details: Bundle up embrace the magic of winter with our annual, festive Winter Open House. Outside, brave the elements and watch St. Paul Winter Carnival award-winning ice sculptor John Njoes take a chainsaw to a block of ice to create an intricate work of art. Inside, make a macramé keychain take the clay wheel for a spin and more!

MISERY

Location: Lakeshore Players Theater

Date: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24—Sunday, Feb. 9

Details: A heart-pounding play based on the novel by Stephen King, “Misery” is a 100-minute thrill ride with no intermission. Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. Annie forces Paul to write her a new novel as if his life depends on it… and it does.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Council recognizes longtime member for years of dedication

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The City Council will look a bit different going into the New Year. Council Member Phil Klein, who has served on the council for 16 years, will say goodbye to the council and hello to the Planning Commission.

“I wish this was a swearing-in ceremony instead of a last meeting,” said Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron. “You have been a servant to the community. You served with the right intentions for all 16 years you have been here. None of it has been about you; it has always been about service to the community.”

Klein, who has represented Ward 2, has also been a member of the city’s Economic Development Authority. In addition, he has served on the Land Use Advisory Committee and the Metro Area Supply Commission (Metropolitan Council) and as a committee member of the White Bear Lake Legislative Work Group.

“You have been extremely important to the city,” Mayor Tom Weidt said. “You have always been dedicated to the city and wanted to do what’s best.” Weidt added that Klein was instrumental in many decisions and projects over the years, including water reuse and Lions Volunteer Park.

“You have made a lot of difference in this town, and you have overseen a lot of change,” Weidt said. “I appreciate everything you have done. We are going to miss you … You are a valuable asset to the community.”

“You have been totally unselfish … You never failed to return a constituent’s phone call,” recalled Council Member Becky Petryk. “You served on many extra

committees that people don’t even realize; you have donated a lot of time to this city. You made a positive contribution and made the city of Hugo better.”

Council Member Mike Miron thanked Klein for serving as a mentor when he first joined the council in 2015. One thing Miron said he will remember is how Klein never failed to ask the question, “What can we do better?” while the council was out at events like Night to Unite.

“You always took that feedback to heart and worked to implement it,” Miron said. “I hope we can all take from Phil’s example and ask that question.”

Council Member Dave Strub added, “Thank you for setting the bar high. You made it look easy.”

Weidt wrapped up what he called a “love fest” by encouraging Klein, and others, to continue volunteering for their community.

“I want you to know that you have done a great job. You left the city in a better spot than you found it,” Weidt said.

Council Member Ben Krull will take over representing Ward 2 in January. Klein will serve on the Planning Commission for the remainder of Corky Lessard’s term, which runs through December 2026. Lessard recently resigned.

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

Locals keep close eye on sky for bird count

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Now in its 125th year, the Christmas Bird Count is a tradition that began as a conservation measure, but has evolved into one of the longestrunning citizen science projects in history. For many in Minnesota, it has become a yearly tradition and a way to get outdoors and enjoy the winter landscape—and wildlife. When the Christmas Bird Count started in 1900, it was a time when Christmas “side hunts” were a popular part of holiday celebrations. People gathered for the holidays would challenge each other to take their firearms outdoors and bring home as much furred-and-feathered game as possible. Conservationists proposed a less lethal alternative: a bird census to count as many birds and bird species as possible rather than kill them. This has led to more than 100 years of consistent data collection that can provide insight into changing bird populations.

The National Audubon Society is the organizer for this yearly event, which began in the U.S. but now ranges from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America. The count window takes place between Dec. 14, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2025. It’s up to the local organizations to choose which day they will perform the count. This year the Northeast Suburban will count on Dec. 28. Each count area is a designated circle 15 miles in diameter. These circles are designed to capture a snapshot of the bird populations within the area. Every bird that is heard and seen within this area will be recorded and submitted to the National Audubon Society’s database. The long history of these count circles allows researchers and curious bird enthusiasts to observe patterns of population change over time.

Jim Howitz is the count coordinator for the St. Paul Suburban Northeast count circle, which centers on Withrow and includes parts of Washington and Ramsey County.

“It’s a really good way of tracking the birds that we have that don’t

migrate to South America,” Howitz said. “It doesn’t really tell us anything about orioles or grosbeaks, but the south has been reporting a lot of hummingbirds. That wasn’t true 30 years ago. Some are ruby-throats that don’t bother to cross the Gulf of Mexico. Others are birds from the West that their navigational apparatus is screwed up, and they end up in Texas or Florida. Those are places they could spend the fall and maybe the winter. It’s really interesting from an evolutionary standpoint, because these are birds that should be dead. But they’re coming back year after year and presumably reproducing. You can pick up trends like that that are of scientific interest.”

Although many birds have migrated away from Minnesota for winter, the volunteer counters never quite know what they will find when they set out on count day.

“So much depends on the weather,” Howitz said. “We’ve had a very wet summer and a dry fall, and I expect the usual trends that have been going on for the last 10 or 20 years to continue. Some of the less hardy birds like robins, bluebirds and titmice, especially, should show up in pretty decent numbers.”

Last year’s mild winter allowed a lot of waterfowl to stay deep into the winter season; Howitz expects the freeze this year to concentrate waterfowl in small areas of open water.

The number of woodpeckers observed on the count has grown over the years, likely due to maturing trees planting in suburban neighborhoods, Howitz said. However, open country birds such as horned larks, common redpolls, and snow buntings have become less common.

With warming winter conditions, Howitz expects to see more southern species making their way northward in the coming years. Tufted titmice, for example, have been showing up more and more often.

“The St. Croix Valley is a good place to look for them and other things like Carolina wrens. Eventually, mockingbirds should begin showing

up more and more on Christmas counts. They’re all birds that do well with people. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be showing up more often.”

Now that we have freezing conditions, most of the regular migratory birds should have disappeared by this year’s count, Howitz said. Red-winged blackbirds, for example, may have stayed late to take advantage of the warm autumn but should be gone by the time of the count.

If you are interested in participating, you can visit the National Audubon Society website and type in “Christmas Bird Count” to view count circles, contact your local count coordinator and view past year’s data. Anyone interested in participating in the Northeast Suburban count circle can contact Jim Howitz directly at 763-783-3521 or jlhror@aol.com. Bird feeder data is also welcome. Those who live within a count circle and would like to stay home and watch feeders on count day can contact their count coordinator to learn the protocol for collecting feeder data.

One of Minnesota’s year-round residents, the Blue Jay, appears frequently on Christmas Bird Counts.

PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | CONTRIBUTED Tufted titmice are a species that has been increasingly observed in Minnesota bird counts, and will likely grow in numbers over the coming decades, according to count coordinator Jim Howitz.

Downy woodpeckers and other woodpecker species have been increasing in number, according to local bird count data.

Hugo Mayor Tom Weidt (right), and the rest of the council, honor Klein (left) for all he has done for the city during his time on the City Council.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRAMHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron (right) presents outgoing City Council Member Phil Klein with a Community Service Award for his 16 years of service to the city.

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CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

• In November 2023, staff proposed to transfer $300,000 from each of the water and sewer funds for a total cash infusion into the equipment fund of $600,000. Due to project changes in the past year, the city can make the equipment fund solvent with a $250,000 transfer and annual transfers of $60,000. The water and sewer funds will each contribute $100,000, and the stormwater fund will contribute $50,000. Starting in 2025, the water and sewer funds will contribute $25,000 each annually, and the stormwater fund will contribute $10,000. Council unanimously approved this transfer schedule.

• Council approved the 2025 pay and benefits plan contract for nonunion employees. Changes in the contract mirror the 3% increase to the pay schedule, ranges and steps approved for IUOE Local 49 union members. The benefits contribution will remain the same as 2024 at up to $1,200 per month, which covers health insurance, HSA contributions, short- and long-term disability, dental, vision and AFLAC plans. The resolution also includes separate compensation for part-time and seasonal employees. The changes take place in January.

• The last meeting of the year is the usual time to renew tobacco and liquor licenses for businesses in the city. However, two of the businesses failed tobacco and/or liquor compliance checks. Main Street Liquor Barrel at

1874 Main St. failed both tobacco and alcohol compliance checks and sold tobacco and alcohol products to an undercover minor. Centerville Tobacco at 1869 Main St. failed the tobacco compliance check and sold tobacco to an undercover minor. City staff deemed it important to alert council of these violations prior to consideration of the tobacco and liquor license renewals.

When the violation cases and penalties have been resolved, Main Street Liquor Barrel and Centerville Tobacco Plus LLC will have their tobacco and liquor licenses renewed. Liquor and tobacco licenses have also been renewed for NY Liquor (off-sale and tobacco); Wiseguys Pizza & Pub (onsale & Sunday liquor) and CenterMarket (tobacco and 3.2 liquor), subject to successful background checks.

• Council held the first reading of the cannabis ordinance at its Dec. 5 meeting, as well as a discussion. Cities must accept cannabis sales but can set the ground rules in advance of the expected statewide rollout in January. The draft ordinance would establish a framework for licensing, registering and regulating adult-use cannabis businesses in Centerville. Council has now passed the second series ordinance on cannabis sales, along with summary publication by conducting the second reading. On publication, the ordinance officially takes effect.

• After council approved the light display policy, the city has received

several requests to add days and celebrations to the policy. Therefore, some revisions were made to the policy, to which council gave approval. The policy sets a standard of procedure for requesting decorative lighting of municipal facilities and reserves to the city the sole right to refuse any external decorative lighting requests. For example, the city has added Trunk or Treat with a purple and orange color scheme; Halloween with the same color scheme; Thanksgiving week with brown, orange and red; and Christmas with green and red. The default colors are those in the city’s logo: white or blue and green.

• At recent work sessions, various options were explored to enhance the aesthetics of the City Hall campus. Due to the high costs of most projects, staff revisited the idea of a stormwater reuse system that added environmental components and ultimately decided on an irrigation system utilizing a stormwater reuse system. Grant funding for up to 50% of the costs may be available from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), and city staff sought authorization to apply for these funds. Council gave staff the go-ahead to apply to the RCWD for a stormwater reuse system at City Hall Campus. The cost of such a system is approximately $90,000, to be financed with $45,000 in grant money and $45,000 in city funds taken from the stormwater utility fund.

• The council has approved a rezoning request and comprehensive plan amendment to re-guide the LaLonde property at 1687 Westview Street from Central Business/Mixed Use to Public/ Semi-Public Use. A comprehensive land use amendment requires a signed resolution from the council to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council, so council took care of that housekeeping item by approving the signed resolution.

• When Head Election Judge Shirley Sundquist turned over the ballots and voting equipment to Anoka County late Nov. 5, her duties in that capacity ended for good after 24 years. Council unanimously issued a proclamation recognizing her service after she retired to give eager election judges that opportunity.

• Public Works Foreman Tedd Peterson has been serving the city for 25 years and was recognized for it. Council unanimously issued a proclamation honoring his service. Peterson has been heavily involved in stormwater pond maintenance, street construction and drinking water compliance, and has been winning awards for the quality of the city’s water.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

Large levy increase accompanies debt service decrease

BY LORETTA B. HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — Citizens will see a large levy increase for 2025 but have been promised a major debt service decrease for next year and the elimination of debt service altogether within five years.

The total 2025 levy of $3.2 million increased by 7.7%, compared with the 2024 levy of $3 million. The general fund budget of $3.4 million increased 2.8%, compared with the 2024 general fund budget of $3 million.

The reasons for the increases are twofold. The city’s expenditures increased by some $93,000, and its revenues decreased by some $192,000, Finance Director Bruce DeJong said.

Not only does the city have to match that $93,000 in additional expenses with an equal amount of revenues to balance the budget, but it must also do so with revenues that come from somewhere else, such as increased levy dollars.

Some reasons for expenditure increases for 2025 include $44,900 in

employee cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and step increases; $29,456 in Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) budget increases; and $17,633 in the fire contract, park maintenance and other increases.

At the same time, the city lost a substantial amount of non-tax revenue that it relied on in 2024, such as the one-time state public safety grant and other state grant monies totaling $171,186. Due to its growth, the city is now excluded from the Local Government Aid (LGA) formula and will not receive the $25,315 it relied on in the past.

With the absence of $192,601 in nontax revenue and the $93,637 increase in expenditures amounting to 2.8% of the total budget, a $286,238 levy is needed to balance the budget for 2025.

The city’s expenditures pay for public safety (police, fire and building inspections) at 48.4% of the spending pie. Running the government takes up 21% of the spending pie; public works, transfers out to fund equipment replacements, and street improvements make up the rest.

Property tax money makes up 87.8% of the revenue pie; licenses and fees contribute 5.65% and fines and forfeitures bring in less than 3%.

The good news for property owners is that debt service has decreased by $53,488. The city will pay $254,850 in debt service for 2025, compared with $308,338 in 2024. The last year the city will pay for debt service will be 2028, with the bond being entirely paid off in 2029, DeJong said.

The levy increase of 7.7% is substantially higher than the five-year average annual increase of 3.7%. However, the levy increase for 2026 is expected to return to numbers the city enjoyed for the past five years, DeJong said.

The 2024 median home value of $351,550 increased by 3.36% to $363,350 for 2025. The estimated city taxes for this median property increased by 1.41% from $1,388 in 2024 to $1,407 for 2025. DeJong called it a modest increase, thanks to all the commercial properties added to the city’s tax rolls. He did caution property owners that their “mileage may vary” because not every home enjoys the exact median home value scenario due to all the vari-

ables, such as home additions/remodels, where not all homes increase by the same amount. Home valuation uses a formula that is based on home sales in 2022-2023. Starting in October 2022 with the start of the home sales period, until property owners pay their taxes in May 2025, the property tax evaluation cycle is a long process, DeJong said. The cycle includes homes being valued by the city assessor in January 2024; followed by hearings before the Board of Equalization and Appeal in May 2024; submission of the preliminary budget in September 2024; the scheduled truth-in-taxation hearings and adoption of the final budget and levy in December 2024; and, finally, property taxes due in May 2025.

After no members of the public spoke at the public hearing, council unanimously adopted the 2025 general fund budget and levy.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls win opener

Bear skaters win 2 more, lead SEC at 5-0

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

White Bear Lake boys hockey is 5-0 in the Suburban East and 6-1-1 overall after defeating Forest Lake and Roseville Area last week.

The Bears have the early SEC lead with Cretin-Derham Hall and Stillwater each 3-0 in second place through Thursday.

The Bears went overtime to beat Forest Lake 4-3 with Blake Eckerle delivering the game winner just 22 seconds after the faceoff. Jack Stanius and Will Distad assisted. Eckerle also had a power play goal.

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi tripped Columbia Heights 73-39 at home, led by 6-foot7 sophomore Willie Roelofs with 28 points. Noah Carlson added 12 points, Mark Graff 10 and Hank Roelofs eight. Mahtomedi is 4-1 and Columbia Heights 2-5. In Mahtomedi’s 93-49 win at New Life Academy, Willie Roelofs notched 19 points (shooting 9-for-11), Kellen Johnson 17, Joe Sevenich 14 points off the bench (4-for-7 on three’s), Graff 13 (and nine assists) and Carlson 13 (3-for-4 on three’s).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi’s 45-game winning streak in Metro East Conference games was snapped by Hastings 56-54 at Hastings. Keagan McVicker led Hastings (4-2) with 22 points. Anna

Also scoring are Stanius (short-handed) and Tyler Lalonde. Will Distad assisted on three goals. The Bears had a 36-14 edge in shots but the Rangers (2-5) were 2-for-4 on power plays with Colton Horak and Nate Peterson getting them. Horak had two goals.

The Bears downed Roseville Area 5-2, sparked by Stanius with two goals (one of them short-handed) and two assists. Also scoring were Eckerle, Distad and Nash Roed (empty net).

Leo Gabriel saved 19 of 21 shots. Jacob Villela and Grant Jakoboski scored for the Raiders (5-4).

Greene had 17 points and Sarah Poepard 15 for the Zephyrs, now 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference.

BOYS HOCKEY

Delano (5-2) handed Mahtomedi a 4-1 loss. The Tigers blanked the Zephyrs (3-6-1) until Laken Decker scored with 2:18 left in the game.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi blanked Mounds View/Irondale 3-0 at home.

Annie Tanner, Sophie Martin and Rylee Bogren (power play) had the goals for the Raiders (6-3-1). Lily Peterfeso made 19 saves for the shutout.

Bruce Strand

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) girls alpine team won the first Northwest Suburban Conference meet of the season on Tuesday at Wild Mountain, with Blaine second and Northwest Alpine third.

The CSLP boys placed fourth out of four teams behind Northwest Alpine, Blaine and Chisago Lakes.

“This is our girls first win since I started the head coach position in 2021, and perhaps their first win for a

few years prior to that,” Coach Derrick Taylor said. Last season, the girls placed second behind Blaine in all five conference meets. On Tuesday, they outscored the Bengals 600 to 584. Taylor credited the team’s depth and hard work. Hailey Peterson placed sixth, Gwen Halverson 11th, Anna Crandall 14th, Eleanor Nelson 15th, Simaya Anderson 21st and Vivian Struve 22nd. Leading the CSLP boys were Calen Nelson in 14th place, Ryden Quinn 27th and Griffen Lofgren 29th.

CONTRIBUTED

Leather & Laces kicks off competition season

Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team’s season is officially underway.

The team recently competed at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, placing first in it the open adult vision.

Leather & Laces practices at Polar Arena in North St. Paul and is coached by Andrea Hall. Team members

range in age from 19 to 46. Skaters hail from Hugo, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Roseville, Minneapolis, Lakeville, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Moose Lake and Zimmerman among other cities.

The team is now preparing for the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships in

Kalamazoo, Michigan Jan.29 through Feb. 1.

The team will host a beer bash fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Roddy’s Bar, located at 2543 7th Ave. E, North St. Paul. There will be raffles for two grand prizes, a pair of Gopher football tickets for the home opening game and a one-night stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Blake Eckerle

White Bear Lake Hockey

December 25, 2024

Blake Eckerle, who will play Division I baseball, is also a hockey standout for White Bear Lake. Last week, Eckerle scored the overtime game-winner in a 4-3 win over Forest Lake, his second goal of the game, then netted the first goal of a 5-2 win over Roseville Area. The senior forward has eight goals and five assists in eight games for the Bears (6-11). He missed much of last season with injury but returned for the section playoffs and played a key role in the Bears reaching the state tournament. A catcher and infielder in baseball, Eckerle is committed to Utah.