The Citizen

Before we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023, it is a tradition of The Citizen look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year.

In 2022, pages were filled with a variety of news, including stories about crimes, events, schools, churches, sports, businesses, city government and

look back with PRESS PUBLICATIONS

more. Perhaps some of the most memorable stories are the ones that feature local residents— like Madison Dorn, a teacher who teaches in the same room she attended kindergarten in; or Jodie Guareschi, Hugo longest-serving female firefighter in the department’s history.

District Court finds board appointment ‘improper’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

It’s been three years since the conflict began, but there is now a resolution.

Three courts have weighed in, one of them twice, on whether Anoka County followed state statutes when reappointing a manager to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers.

“It is worth (waiting three long years) to understand that cities do have representation in this process. The statute is pretty clear about that, that the county should take into account the cities’ feelings and thoughts on board appointments,” said Circle Pines City Administrator Patrick Antonen. “Representation matters; that’s huge.”

The conflict between the city of Circle Pines and Anoka County stems back to 2019 when the county published notice of a vacancy on the board because Columbus resident Patricia Preiner’s term was expiring in January 2020. (Preiner has served on the board of

managers since 2008.)

In October 2019, the city of Circle Pines submitted a list of three nominees to the county to fill the vacancy. (The cities of Blaine, Lino Lakes, Centerville, Lexington, Spring Lake Park and Fridley also supported the city of Circle Pines’ list of nominees.) The city of Columbus notified the county that it supported Preiner for reappointment. In June 2020, the county reappointed Preiner.

Circle Pines asked the District Court to hold that the county violated the statutory process when it reappointed Preiner, while the county requested that the court uphold the county’s reappointment decision.

The District Court ruled in favor of the county in October 2020, and upheld Preiner’s reappointment. The court agreed with the county that the statute (Minnesota Statutes section 103D.551) unambiguously allows the county the discretion to appoint a manager from any city that fails to submit a list of nominees. The Court of Appeals affirmed that decision in June 2021.

In July 2022 the Minnesota Supreme Court issued its opinion, which reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals and remanded the case to the District Court for proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion.

Last week (Dec. 14), the District Court released its findings of fact, conclusions of law and and judgment. The court found that “no rational trier of fact could find that the county of Anoka truly considered whether Preiner could fairly represent the various hydrologic areas within the watershed district.” Both county appointees resided in the city of Columbus.

The District Court declared that Preiner was improperly appointed and thus her appointment should be void, effective immediately. The county was ordered to fill the vacancy on the board as soon as possible.

RCWD administrator Nick Tomczik confirmed last week that Preiner, who has served on the board since 2008, is no longer on the board, as determined by the court’s decision.

The day prior to the ruling, Dec. 13, the Anoka County Board appointed Jess Robertson, of Blaine, to the board of managers to serve for a three-year term ending on Jan. 17, 2026. Robertson was included on the last two lists of nominees submitted to the county.

“With Jess coming in, we will have a suburban voice that actually understands cities like ours and what our stormwater issues, what our clean water issues are, compared to a rural city like Columbus,” Antonen said. “It is a very complicated issue, so it took some time. We are very pleased with the decision.”

“RCWD accepts the court’s decision as well as county administration of the statutory appointment process,” Tomczik said. “The district’s good work will continue under the combined efforts of its five managers from three counties.”

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

A larger levy this year as opposed to next year

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — The City Council has resisted the urge to lower the levy to a more attractive number.

The 2023 levy and budget will be $2,919,880, a 3.7% increase from 2022.

Council was tempted to increase the levy by only 3%. That would have meant an unbalanced budget and one that would have had to be made up in next year’s budget, City Administrator Mark Statz pointed out. For every 0.7% the city cut from the levy now, that’s an extra 0.7% it would have to cover next year, he said. That would be a daring thing to do in uncertain economic times. ”We really don’t know what the future holds,” said Mayor D. Love.

It would also not be in keeping with the city’s drawing down of debt by paying now and reducing financial burdens for future years.

The city has scheduled levy buy downs until 2025 and plans that 2028 will be the last year of debt service levy,

said Financial Director Bruce DeJong. “By Feb. 1, 2029, the city will pay off all our bonds,” he said.

Because the city has more business property in the community, which is more valuable than residential property, residents will be paying less, DeJong said. More of the tax burden will be taken up by these more valuable properties. “(This year) we have a 3.7% levy increase with a 3.1% impact. But next year it might be a 3.7% increase,” DeJong said. Postponing the 3.7% levy increase also would not be in keeping with the decision by city staff to make 2023 the year to do the financial heavy lifting.

Therefore, the city’s 2023 budget is reasonable and affordable and is very responsible for the long-term health of city finances, DeJong said in his report. “The budget provides all the services the residents have come to expect and a few new ones,” he said.

“With changes in expenditures and revenues, and an increase of $121,000 in the general fund budget, offset partially by an $18,000 decrease in debt levy, we get a net tax increase of $103,000, which is roughly a 3.7%

increase,” DeJong said.

What made the levy and budget increase by 3.7%?

On the revenue side, the city is not receiving any Local Government Aid in 2023. That is some $75,000 that will be missing from the city’s coffers. The city will lose revenue from rental/liquor licenses and police state aid. To make up for a part of those losses, the city will receive about $12,000 in gambling revenue, plus $7,000 in fire relief and $3,000 in other income.

On the expenditure side, costs increased by about $56,000, most of which came from $66,767 in public safety costs for police ($42,537) and fire ($24,230). Other cuts reduced expenses by about $10,000.

Public safety makes up $1.5 million, or 50%, of the city’s expenditures, and property taxes take in $2.6 million, or 88%, of the city’s revenues.

As for the numbers that everyone is waiting to hear – the median home value for 2023 tax purposes is $359,900, up from $286,910 in 2022. Last year, in 2022, that home paid an estimated city tax of $1,418; this year, in 2023, that home will pay $1,462. This is an increase of $44, or 3.11%.

That is the 3.1% tax impact of the 3.7% levy increase. And property owners in Centerville didn’t see the budget can kicked down the road.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer with Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

COPS&COURTS

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

• A suspicious vehicle reported at 6:59 p.m. Nov. 15 near a business building in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. Circle N. turned out to belong to a customer.

• A motorist was cited at 11:48 p.m. Nov. 15 on Forest Blvd. N. and 152nd Street N. for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for making a U-turn and stopping in the traffic lane. The driver was verbally warned about the first two violations that got him pulled over.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:00 a.m. Nov. 16 on eastbound Egg Lake Road N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 47 mph in a 35 mph zone by westfacing Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Fanning Drive N. at 1:06 p.m. Nov. 16 reported that her juvenile daughter’s Instagram account had been compromised by a certain person she suspects and that the suspect has full control of her daughter’s cell phone. The nefarious activity all transpired through an email, the complainant said, before she requested extra patrol. She wanted the report to be on record.

• A motorist was cited at 9:19 p.m. Nov. 16 in the area of Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in May 2021.

THEFTS

If it’s not tied down, they’ll steal it. Even if it is tied down, they’ll steal it. Below are some of the more notable thefts reported by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office during 2022:

• An air compressor was reported stolen at 5:49 p.m. Feb. 8 from a construction lot in the 16000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

• A catalytic converter was reported stolen at 8:18 p.m. Feb. 10 from the 14000 block of Geneva Avenue N.

• A Honda generator was reported stolen at 11:11 a.m. Feb. 11 from a construction site in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd.

• A resident in the 4000 block of 159th Street N. at 4:28 p.m. Feb. 11 reported a 1099 tax form stolen from his mailbox.

• After a cell phone was reported stolen at 5:32 p.m. Feb. 16, deputies tracked the phone to the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and prevailed upon the individual in possession of it to hand it over.

• U-Haul boxes were reported stolen at 6:06 p.m. March 1 from a property in the 6000 block of 170th Street N.

• Gas station attendants in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 9:04 p.m. March 13 reported a female for stealing two cans of Red Bull energy drink.

Diesel fuel was reported stolen at 10:20 a.m. May 11 from a bulldozer in the 16000 block of Europa Avenue N.

A grocery store in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 10:34 p.m. May 16 reported a shoplifter stealing $30 worth of groceries.

• A leaf blower was reported stolen out a trailer belonging to a lawn service company parked in the area of Europa Trail N. and 130th Street N. at 9:30 a.m. May 17. The blower was later recovered in Newport.

• A business in the 5000 block of 165th Street N. at 11:26 a.m. May 30 reported a trailer and several concrete sculptures stolen, after finding the gate chain to his garden sculpture yard cut.

• A 12-foot extension ladder was reported stolen at 6:35 p.m. June 21 from the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

• An ex-tenant of a property in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N. was mailed a citation for theft, following a report at 4:16 p.m. July 1 that he took a mini fridge that didn’t belong to him from the address when he moved out. The ex-tenant did not respond to deputies’ attempts to contact him.

• A resident in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 6:20 p.m. July19 reported her key stolen by her fiance’s son.

• Four juveniles were reported at 5:08 p.m. Aug. 3 at Oneka Ridge Golf Course for taking golf carts without paying before driving off to play golf. Golf course management identified the youths through their license plate. Deputies made contact with all parties who agreed to pay for the carts. The golf course said they didn’t want to press charges and agreed to the settlement of reimbursement.

• Deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 10:36 p.m. Nov. 16 in the area of Education Drive N. and Heritage Parkway N., following a traffic stop for driving after suspension and failure to maintain a single lane.

A westbound motorist was cited at 9:52 a.m. Nov. 17 in the 14000 block of Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar.

• A license plate was reported found at 10:43 p.m. Nov. 17 in the 8000 block of 140th Street N.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:06 a.m. Nov. 18 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 130th Street N. for displaying vehicle registration that expired in February, after deputies conducted a random license plate check.

• Deputies dispatched out to a report of damage to property at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 18 in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way learned that a neighbor was doordinging the complainant’s vehicle multiple times.

• East-facing deputies on stationary patrol cited a westbound motorist at 11:00 a.m. Nov. 18 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 64 mph in a 55 mph zone, after clocking the vehicle on radar at 73 mph. The driver admitted that he was going too fast. Deputies cited another driver for

BEST EXCUSES

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR THE REASON Here is a repertoire of reasons you can use when Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies approach you after some indiscretion on your part. With few exceptions, these excuses won’t do you any good, but here are some examples from 2022, anyway:

• An Arizona motorist was cited at 9:28 a.m. Jan. 31 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Generation Avenue N. for speeding 43 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted to traveling 45 mph, and his attitude was described as good.

• A Minnesota woman was cited at 10:13 a.m. Feb. 4 in the 7000 block of westbound 137th Street N. for hands-free cell phone violation, after deputies on patrol observed her dedicating her right hand to the phone held up to her ear and not the steering wheel. The motorist said she was talking to her sister.

• A motorist was cited at 7:04 p.m. Feb. 4 on Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for expired registration of six months or more, after deputies spotted the vehicle in a gas station parking lot displaying tabs that expired last June. The driver initially told deputies he paid for the tabs online, but when deputies advised him the tabs were still expired, the driver admitted he had lied. Not only that, he admitted he had no reason for not updating the tabs.

• A westbound driver was cited at 12:43 p.m. March 21 in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. for speeding 55 mph in a 35 mph zone by eastbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted to going too fast, but said he thought the speed limit was the speed he was going.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 10:37 a.m. March 29 in the area of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 39 mph in a 30 mph zone by deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. The driver told deputies he didn’t know how fast he was going.

• A westbound motorist was cited at 7:48 a.m. May 3 in the area of Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 79 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted to speeding 40 mph. For not trying to minimize his speed, the driver’s attitude was described as “good”.

• The driver of a white sedan was cited at 4:38 p.m. May 26 in the area of northbound Oneka Parkway N. and Farnham Avenue N. for failing to stop at the sign. The motorist admitted to running the stop sign and said she was running late for a veterinarian appointment.

• The driver of a silver sedan was cited at 8:02 a.m. May 27 in the 15000 block of Falcon Circle N. for failing to stop at the stop sign on northbound Oneka Parkway at Farnham Avenue. The driver admitted to rolling through the stop sign, saying he was running late for work after shopping at the grocery store.

speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone at 12:55 p.m. Nov. 18 on Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N., after clocking him on radar at 47 mph.

• A resident in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road at 4:32 p.m. Nov. 18 reported a scam attempt with no money lost.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 10:05 p.m. Nov. 18 in the area of Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. for driving with blue headlights and an unilluminated rear license plate.

• A resident in the 5000 block of 159th Street N. at 1:50 p.m. Nov. 20 reported the catalytic converter stolen off his son’s vehicle sometime during the previous week.

• A motorist was cited at 9:13 p.m. Nov. 22 on Fenway Avenue N. and 140th Street N. for speeding 68 mph in a 45 mph zone.

• An eastbound motorist was cited at 8:01 a.m. Nov. 23 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 64 mph in a 55 mph zone by westbound deputies, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 73 mph. A westbound motorist was cited at 1:12 p.m. Nov. 23 on 125th Street N. and Goodview Avenue N. for speeding 45 mph in a 40 mph zone by eastbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 60 mph. The driver admitted to speeding 57 or 60 mph. The driver’s attitude was described as “good”.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:33 a.m. Nov. 23 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road for displaying registration that expired in April.

SUSPICIOUS

• A suspicious vehicle reported at 1:38 a.m. Jan 2 in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. Circle N. turned out to be unoccupied and snow-covered.

• A suspicious male asleep in his vehicle at 2:34 a.m. Jan. 3 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. turned out to be a visitor to town for some classes who couldn’t find a hotel room until the following evening. Deputies offered resources and assistance, but the subject declined them.

• A suspicious male reported at 7:02 a.m. Feb. 1 for occupying a vehicle in a clinic parking lot in the 14000 block of Everton Avenue N. turned out to be the HVAC contractor about to start work at 8:00 a.m. Deputies advised the clinic staff of the “all clear”.

• A suspicious panel van reported occupied and running at 8:10 p.m. Feb. 7 in the 4000 block of Victor Path turned out to be a male driver who was resting before a long drive back across town.

• A suspicious occupied vehicle observed by deputies on routine patrol at 1:10 a.m. March 2 in front of a closed business the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. turned out to be the cleaning crew contracted by the business.

• A suspicious parked truck reported at 5:20 a.m. March 14 in the 17000 block of Greystone Avenue N. running with its lights off turned out to be a suspicious vehicle indeed, after deputies located the vehicle and began a low-speed pursuit of the vehicle. Due to road conditions in the area, deputies were unable to catch the vehicle. However, when deputies returned to the reported area, they saw that the suspicious truck had returned and was driving up to a house and turning around. When deputies showed up, the vehicle drove into a field and became stuck in the snow. Deputies advised the complainant they would be conducting extra patrols of the area and awaiting any more suspicious truck reports.

• A suspicious vehicle reported in the 5000 block of 126th Street N. occupied by a crying female at 7:43 p.m. March 14 turned out to be a motorist inside her broken-down vehicle having difficulty getting assistance.

• A suspicious electrical hazard reported at 8:58 p.m. April 12 in the area of Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. turned out to have likely been a lightning strike, as there was bad weather in the area, after deputies searched and were unable to find the hazard

• A “stolen” vehicle pulled over at 2:28 p.m. April 21 on Highway 61 at 147th Street N., after deputies on patrol received a stolen plate hit on their computer, turned out not to have been stolen, because the license plate number in the system had been entered in error.

Loretta Harding

Once again in 2022, alert citizens get the shoutout for reporting suspicious activity around them. Occasionally, they’re rewarded with catching a crime in progress, and at other times are rewarded with the opportunity to feel relieved. As always, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies appreciate watchfulness from their citizens.

‘Skoltastic’

Being a Minnesota Vikings fan is not easy sometimes. After witnessing many heartbreaks in past games, nothing could have prepared me for the biggest comeback in NFL history.

Noelle’s Notes

Noelle Olson

I was driving to a friend’s house to watch the game between the Vikings and Indianapolis Colts. When I got into my car, the score was 0-3. Before I knew it, the score was 0-33 before halftime. I was listening to Paul Allen on KFAN and couldn’t believe how the Vikings could have gotten themselves into such a pickle. How embarrassing. When I finally got to my friends house, people were telling me how bad it was. Being true Vikings fans, we continued to watch the game and endure the suffering that we’ve been used to all of these years. However, the impossible happened.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins said cornerback Patrick Peterson told him at halftime that the defense would stop the Colts and all he needed to do was get five touchdowns. Easy, peasy right? Not that easy, but not impossible for Kirk and his offensive weapons — Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and K.J. Osborn.

I f you watched the game, you know what I am talking about. Winning that game in overtime was amazing. The Vikings aren’t a perfect team, in fact there is no perfect team in the NFL. Parity, turnovers and penalties can change the game immensely. Mental toughness is key for players and play calling is essential.

W hen I watched ESPN the next morning, I was surprised that the top story was not the biggest comeback in NFL history but the Buffalo Bills coming back to beat the Miami Dolphins. What the heck! If this would have been Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, or Aaron Rodgers pulling off the biggest comeback ever, it would have been the top story in sports media and they would be praised. Cousins doesn’t get the credit he deserves from the national sports media. Some sportscasters call him and the Vikings a “fraud.” I recall Kansas City coming back from a lot of games the year they won the Superbowl. In fact, they were down by quite a bit at the Superbowl and came back to win the game. It’s very frustrating.

T here is something special about the team this year. I’m not saying they are going to win the Superbowl but they are special. They have a great locker room and play as a team. Watching Cook being interviewed by KFAN’s Ben Leiber after the game says it all. Cook thanked the fans for sticking around and gave credit to all of his teammates for the comeback win. Leiber was so excited as well. It’s just so great to watch this team this season.

Even if you’re not a football fan, you can take a lesson from this game. Never give up no matter what obstacles are in your way. All you can do is try and you might be surprised by the outcome. For better or worse, I will always be a Vikings fan through the good, the bad and the ugly.

Wazlawik reflects on time serving at the State Capitol

I’m deeply grateful to our community for the trust you’ve placed in me as I’ve served as your State Representative for the past four years. Last year, I decided to step aside at the end of my term, which wraps up in a few weeks. Serving in the Minnesota House has been an honor and I am proud of the work that we’ve accomplished.

line.

Legislator Lingo Ami Wazlawik

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is passing the nation’s first trichloroethylene (TCE) ban. When our community learned that we were exposed to high levels of TCE from the Water Gremlin facility, I worked with community members, including many of you, to pass legislation banning the use of this carcinogenic chemical in the State of Minnesota. While it was my name on the bill, the true credit goes to those community members who told their stories and helped get this legislation across the finish

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As a former childcare professional, I fought to improve access to affordable, highquality childcare for families across the state. We successfully expanded access to childcare for children with disabilities, supported family childcare providers, improved childcare regulations, and incentivized early educators to stay in the field. Despite the progress we’ve made, significant gaps in childcare access persist, particularly in Greater Minnesota. When businesses can’t bring on employees because potential hires can’t find or afford childcare it limits the economic prosperity of communities and our state.

I’m hopeful that my successors will make the bold investments necessary to tackle this problem.

Serving as Vice Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee provided me the opportunity to play a vital role in advancing legislation to protect our air, water, soil, and habitat. Along with TCE, we also banned the use of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down

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in the environment and accumulate in the human body. PFAS – which have been found in East Metro groundwater –may cause cancer and related diseases. Preventing these chemicals from getting into our waste stream can save time and taxpayer dollars.

Much of my work at the legislature has been focused on vulnerable populations in our state. I’m proud to have carried legislation to help survivors of sexual assault get justice, improve access to swimming lessons for low-income children, provide additional funding for hunger relief organizations and tutoring programs, and more.

As I leave public office, I encourage everyone to remain involved and engaged with your state government. The work done at the Capitol is bigger than any one legislator, and we can all impact the change we want to see. I hope you will be part of that change.

Ami Wazlawik represents District 38B in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She can be reached at 651-296-3018 or rep. ami.wazlawik@house.mn.

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Noelle Olson is the Editor of the Shoreview Press and North Oaks News

POLITICAL BRIEF

Get to know your legislators

What

are the issues

the state of Minnesota faces in 2023? What are the top three priorities of our local legislators at the state Capitol, and what legislation do they plan to support this coming session? These questions, among others, will be the focus of legislative interviews with Sen. Karen Housley, Rep. Patti Anderson and Rep.

Auxiliary invites chili makers and tasters to annual contest

The Hugo American Legion Post 620 Auxiliary will host its 2ndAnnual Auxiliary Chili Contest and Bake Sale fundraising event on Sunday, January 22.

Contestants may bring a crockpot of red chili to the banquet hall by noon, along with a $30 entry fee.

The contest will be judged by local dignitaries. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded for red chilis

Josiah Hill of District 33. The interviews will take place from 10:15 a.m. to noon Jan. 14 at Wildwood Public Library, located at 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. Constituents will be given the opportunity to engage in conversations with their elected representatives. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area.

only. People’s Choice prize also awarded from all contest entries and fees.

Chili Tasters can sample the chilis and vote for People’s Choice award from 1-2 p.m. for a $5 fee.

To register as a contestant call the bartender at the Hugo American Legion at 651-255-1432 by Monday, January 16.

American Legion Post 620 is located at 5383 140th Street North, Hugo MN 55038.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Key Automotive under new ownership

Key Automotive, located in Hugo, is under new ownership. New owner Matt Frederick

Associated Eye Care now open

LINO LAKES — Associated

has served as the automotive shop’s lead mechanic for the last nine years. He resides in North Branch with his wife and two children.

Eye Care is now up and running in its new building, a short drive from its former location in Hugo.

Key Automotive is located at 14797 Forest Boulevard, snuggled between the Speedway Gas Station and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

The new building is located at 2380 Rosemary Way.

Sheriff’s Office

will begin upgrade of community pager system

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will begin upgrading the pager network that activates firefighter pagers and outdoor warning sirens.

Washington County has deployed a network of transmitters in a very high frequency (VHF) band that activates the system, which has 11 sites that transmit simultaneously to provide countrywide coverage, along with a

backup site.

The current transmitters were installed during the original buildout between 2006-2008 and have been discontinued by the manufacturer. The replacement will use spare parts interchangeability. The Sheriff’s Office will begin phase 1 of the upgrades to the paging system, which would replace all VHF transmitters and include installation.

The cost of this phase is estimated at $448,400.

Meet Briella, or Bella for short. Bella is a sweet, friendly, curious, intelligent and playful young lady. She’s approximately 3 years old and arrived at Ruff Start Rescue after being found as a stray in Texas.

It’s obvious Bella was a family pet at one time because she knows her basic commands and is house-trained. She’s not fond of her crate and has done very well being left in the house while her foster runs quick errands. She’s a Carolina dog/shepherd mix and weighs about 40 pounds. Bella

loves to play with her squeaky toys and play tug.

Her foster says Bella’s ears are like antennas because they twitch in the “cutest” way as she listens to everything in her surroundings. Bella is good with all family members and she is social with other dogs. She loves to go on walks and go for car rides. Bella would do great with an active family and in a home with a fenced yard where she can run and explore.

If you are interested in learning more about Briella 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.

CHURCH BRIEF

New Life will host blood drive

New Life Lutheran Church in Hugo will host a Red Cross blood drive from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. To sign up to be a donor, visit redcrossblood.org. New Life Lutheran Church is located at 6000 N. 148th St., next door to Hugo Elementary.

CONTRIBUTED

Associated Eye Care has moved from Hugo to Lino Lakes. The business recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new building, located on Rosemary Way near the border of Hugo and Lino Lakes.

JANUARY

Hard work makes dream come true

Her goal was to become an attorney, but that changed. Sydney Mortenson, who grew up in Lino Lakes and graduated from Centennial High School in 2014, went on to earn a degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She had joined the National Guard as a high school senior, and went to basic training a week after graduating from Centennial.

The daughter of Realtors Denise and Daniel Mortenson is now a second lieutenant (2LT), earning that rank after extensive training at Camp Ripley (Minnesota), Camp Lee (Virginia) and Camp Rucker (Alabama). It was while training as a paralegal specialist at Fort Ripley that a Blackhawk helicopter caught her interest.

JL Schwieters give OK (with conditions) for next building

City staff will continue to work with Victor Land Holdings LLC and JL Schwieters on possible refinements to its landscaping plan that could provide nearby residents some relief when it comes to noise and lights.

Victor Land Holdings LLC requested a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment and site plan to construct a 43,000-square-foot office, manufacturing and warehouse building that will be occupied by JL Schwieters for its floor and roof truss operations.

The campus development includes four

FEBRUARY

Siblings guilty in Lino Lakes murder

A brother and sister have been found guilty of murder for their roles in a robbery that left a Lino Lakes man dead in August 2020.

Nicholas Zielinski pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2022, to one count of second-degree intentional murder (not premeditated). His sister, Melissa Zielinski, was found guilty by an Anoka County jury Feb. 3, 2022, of three counts of aiding and abetting murder.

Melissa Zielinski was charged in September 2020 with aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder (not premeditated). In November 2021, a grand jury indicted her on aiding and abetting first-degree intentional murder while committing aggravated robbery. A third charge was added before jury deliberations

as a lesser-included count of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder. After approximately three hours of deliberation, the jury found her guilty of all charges.

(On March 23, Melissa Zielinski was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Based on a plea agreement, Nicholas received a sentence of nearly 19 years in prison.)

Lino Lakes woman spreads kindness via rocks

Cheryl Heilman was waiting at a bus stop when she looked down and saw a strangely colorful rock. It piqued her interest, so she turned the rock over to discover a label with information to a community she didn’t know existed.

It’s all a part of an effort to make people smile by leaving behind decorated rocks, often called kindness rocks, in random locations for people to stumble upon. Since discovering the community three years ago,

phases. The first phase of the development was construction of a 145,000-square-foot office, manufacturing and warehouse building. The second phase consisted of the 27,100-squarefoot office/warehouse building located in the northeast corner of the site. The newly proposed building constitutes phase 3, and the fourth phase is proposed to be a 12,000-squarefoot office/warehouse building at the southeast corner of the property. The campus property totals approximately 15 acres. The project would also include the extension of 140th Street to the parcel’s west property line.

White Bear Township unveiled as Hockey Day 2023 host

It’s official: Hockey Day in Minnesota for 2023 will be hosted by White Bear Township. It was announced during Fox Sports North’s coverage of Hockey Day 2022 held in Mankato.

White Bear Township was unveiled as the 2023 host by former Gopher hockey players John Anderson and Ryan Carter, opening up their coats to reveal Bears jerseys.

Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan in White Bear Lake, led the successful bid for Hockey Day in June 2020. Roberts played hockey for Forest Lake, and his father, Mick, was a center in White Bear Lake’s region runner-up team in 1958. He wanted to find a way to “get involved in the community,” and with his hockey background, he decided to throw the town’s hat in the ring for Hockey Day Minnesota.

Heilman estimates she has decorated and hidden approximately 500 rocks.

Hugo seeks ‘champion’ for Hopkins Schoolhouse’s future

One of the City Council’s goals for 2022 is to finally figure out what to do with the old Hopkins Schoolhouse, which has sat vacant for more than 40 years. The one-room school is located on the northwest corner of 170th Street N and Highway 61.

The city has a decision to make it can either do nothing, or restore, or demolish the building.

Ultimately, the council directed the Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee to take six months to see if it can find community members who would be willing to step up to research the project further and ultimately find a funding source.

Tot Skates begins

Steve

Senior Living

interacted

during

questions

Residents who live in the Waters Edge Community have had their first look at plans for the upcoming street project and would like some questions answered.

The Oneka Parkway project is proposed to include partial street reconstruction from Heritage Parkway to Farnham Avenue (includes both intersections); urban roadway mill and overlay from Farnham Avenue to Frenchman Road (CSAH 8); and the addition of a northbound rightturn lane at Frenchman Road. City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that Washington County has agreed to move up the installation of a new traffic signal at Oneka Parkway and CSAH 8 to 2022. The signal was originally slated for 2024.

Centerville council considers further renovations to City Hall

The City Council is considering whether it should put another $475,000 into its City Hall/fire station.

After several council conversations, City Administrator Mark Statz compiled a list of top priorities, all of which include improvements at City Hall. If the council so chooses, the improvements would constitute the third phase of renovations at the city campus.

Interior improvements to City Hall would likely cost approximately $225,000. One project could include punching the hallway from City Hall through to the fire station to provide easier access between the two sections of the building. Other improvements could include the addition of a conference room and break room.

Exterior improvements would likely cost an additional $250,000, and could

Winter snow sports sampler

Nearly perfect winter weather, with sunshine and moderate temperatures, drew hundreds of local residents outside to the Snow Day event at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes for a variety of outdoor activities, including kick-sledding, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. The recent event was sponsored by the Anoka County and Blaine Parks and Recreation Departments.

include parking lot improvements as well as lighting and landscaping upgrades. A memorial in front of City Hall has also been considered, to be located where the flagpole currently sits.

Real estate prices and valuations rise

Yes, Virginia, real estate prices in Centerville are going up.

Whether buying or selling, property owners active in the real estate market probably have experienced one or two involuntary raised eyebrows over the past year. The trend of people paying high dollar for properties is not unique to Centerville, but is happening throughout the county, across the state and even throughout the nation.

Residential values in Centerville are up between 17% and 30%, depending on which of the nine classification groupings a home belongs.

2022 proposed street project, residents have

FILE

Logan, 4, of Circle Pines, practices skating across the ice during Tot Skates, a new program offered by Centennial Community Education (CCE).

‘Elvis’ visits Good Life

Rosa

with audience members

his costumed performance of Elvis Presley songs at Good Life Senior Living in Hugo. His performance was part of a “back to the ’50s” themed day that also featured a diner-style lunch, activities and vintage fashions from the era.

FILE Sydney Mortenson, a 2014 Centennial High School grad, recently graduated from flight school and now holds the rank of second lieutenant. She currently works at the Minnesota State Army Aviation Office in St. Paul, where she supervises the state’s aviation budget, handles flying mission requests and flies missions as needed.

Centennial’s

Longtime owner of

passes away

Blacksmith

Since 1981, community members have grown accustomed to walking in the doors of the Blacksmith Lounge to be greeted by longtime owner George Reus, who would crack jokes and pour complimentary drinks.

Reus, 75, of Hugo, passed away March 26 after a short battle with pneumonia. Reus owned the Badger Lounge in St. Paul for 11 years before he struck a deal with owners Gene and Marion Peltier to purchase the Blacksmith in 1981. (Gene’s father, E.O. Peltier, had been the local blacksmith in Hugo for many years.) Reus worked with a couple of partners over the years who came and went. Eventually, his daughters Georgie Gibbons and Jennifer Ehlert became co-owners alongside him.

Almost ‘go time’ for new public works facility

Despite some delays caused by ongoing supply chain shortages, the public works department has begun its transition from the old facility on 137th Street N. to its new building on 140th Street.

Dirt started moving on the project back in September 2020. The public works department should be fully operational

in the new building by the end of the first week of May, according to Public Works Director Scott Anderson.

Returning soldiers make up for lost time at Welcome Home Hunt

For a hunter, being stuck 7,000 miles away from your stomping grounds during hunting season is more than just a bummer. Add to that the absence of your family and the life-threatening challenges of war, and you can imagine the experience of the local members of the Minnesota Army National Guard who were stationed overseas for the last year.

Fifty of those soldiers got a do-over of their missed hunting season through the Welcome Home Hunt, organized by the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network at the Wild Wings of Oneka hunt club.

County assessor seeing ‘sticker shock’

By now, Hugo residents and other Washington County residents have likely had the initial property market value “sticker shock” subside slightly after receiving their tax statements for 2022 and proposed taxes for 2023.

For 2022, 99.4% of county residents have received a valuation notice indicating an increase in their property value. When it comes to residential properties, Hugo had one property that decreased in value; 22 properties whose values stayed the same; one property that saw a 1 to 5% increase; three properties that saw a 5.1 to 10% increase; seven properties that saw a 10.1 to 15% increase; and 6,391 properties that saw over a 15% increase.

Washington County saw an increase in median residential value of 21%, Anoka County saw a 23% increase, Ramsey County 13% and Hennepin County 16%.

Remembering the fallen

Don’t forget to honor veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day.

FILE

Centennial inducts 5 into Hall of Fame

Five members of the Centennial community now make up the Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

This year’s inductees include Jill Becken, Elizabeth Eaton, Brian Hegseth and Jane McDonald for Distinguished Service, and Mark Mattson for Distinguished Alumnus. The Hall of Fame, established in 2013, honors alumni and individuals who have made a significant impact on Centennial Schools. The Hall of Fame has two categories: Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service.

The big reveal

After months of being known as “Project Banjo,” the identity of a new development in Centerville has been revealed.

An Amazon Distribution Center will be developed in the Fairview Second Addition, after the Centerville City Council unanimously approved several key documents in one action. The key documents are the preliminary plat, the final plat, a conditional use permit (CUP) for a planned unit development (PUD), a developer’s agreement and a resolution in city ordinance that encompasses all the above documents.

Shores of Oneka Lake: M/I Homes received approval for 218 units

Over the years, the City Council and various commissions have reviewed several informal concepts, or sketch plans, for developments on property located adjacent to the west side of Oneka Lake. Previous sketch plans included proposed developments named “Del Webb” and “Oneka Shores.”

City Planner Rachel Juba explained that the

Madison Dorn has always loved school, but she never imagined that she would have the opportunity to return to her elementary school to teach in her very own kindergarten classroom.

Dorn graduated from Centennial High School in 2018. She then attended Bethel University and graduated in December 2021. A year later, she accepted an offer as a kindergarten teacher at Centerville Elementary.

Retiring Legion commander recognized for being community servant

The man who is credited with turning American Legion Post 620 around from near foreclosure to being one of the top charitable gambling sites in the state has handed over the reins.

Hugo resident Greg Burmeister has served in the role of commander for seven years. He has been a member of an American Legion for 50 years.

The mayor and City Council recognized Burmeister and presented him with a certificate. Legion members, community members and firefighters all showed up to thank him for all he has done for the Legion and community.

previous projects were significantly larger and included additional property to the south and north of 165th Street. Per the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City Council unanimously approved a preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) general plan for a residential development to be known as The Shores of Oneka Lake. The project is proposed to be built in four phases.

The developer is M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul LLC, and the 136.66-acre site (approximately 96 of those acres are buildable) is located north of Goodview Avenue and east of Highway 61. The

Good Neighbor Days: Somewhere new in ’22

addition to carnival rides, there was also a variety of games for all ages to enjoy.

preliminary plat includes 218 residential lots and 10 outlots. The housing types are proposed to be a combination of single-family homes, villa homes and twin homes.

Hugo

CONTRIBUTED

Longtime Blacksmith Lounge owner George Reus recently passed away at the age of 75. Reus still loved the restaurant’s chicken even after 41 years.

Centerville Elementary: Student becomes the teacher

Hall of Fame has five new inductees. They are (from left) Brian Hegseth, Elizabeth Eaton, Mark Mattson, Jane McDonald and Jill Becken. (Navy veteran and Centennial grad Derek Hookom accepted the award on his friend Mattson’s behalf, and Jill Becken’s husband Pete Becken accepted the award on Jill’s behalf.)

CONTRIBUTED

Centennial grad Madison Dorn now teaches in the same room where she attended kindergarten. At the beginning of her career at Centerville Elementary, she did a job shadow with her kindergarten teacher, George Burr, who has since retired.

FILE The public works department should be fully operational in the new building on 140th Street by the end of the first week of May, according to Public Works Director Scott Anderson. See more photos inside.

CONTRIBUTED

M/I Homes is proposing to build 218 residential lots and 10 outlots north of Goodview Avenue and east of Highway 61.

In

LEANN MICHAEL | CONTRIBUTED

Handahl family selected for grand marshal

At this year’s Fête des Lacs celebration, the Handahl family — Zach, Hilary, Tristan, Hudson and Walker — will preside as grand marshal.

Lonni Olson, a member of the Fête des Lacs Planning Committee, said the family was selected because they had a house fire Feb. 1. The community came together to give them clothing, school items, furniture and monetary donations. This

AUGUST

Summer Music in the Park series continues

Members of the Dakota Clover band, including Thia and Don Casanova and Ray Johnson, play during an installment of Music in the Park.

year’s festival theme is “Centerville Strong,” so the committee found it fitting for them to serve as parade grand marshals.

From pupcakes to cupcakes

Hugo resident Robin Udstuen started her home bakery business, Sugar Fairy, back in August 2018. Because one small business wasn’t enough to tackle, she decided to take on another venture, a dog grooming home business.

New park name will recognize those who give back

As construction of Lions Park nears completion, some more decisions need to be made. Specifically, the names of both the park and the new pavilion.

Ultimately, the council approved the name Lions Volunteer Park. The council also approved naming the pavilion after Peder Pedersen.

Fete des Lacs

And that’s a wrap. Another Fete des Lacs is in the books and soon planning will begin for next year’s celebration. This year’s summer festival included events like Music in the Park, Public Safety Night, Centerville Elementary Open House, kickball and cornhole tournaments, reworks, parade, car show, Bark Party, Paddle des Lacs and more.

Cities prepare to take action on new THC law

It is now legal in Minnesota to sell certain edibles and beverages infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis ingredient extracted from hemp. The law, which took effect July 1, limits the sale of CBD and THC products to persons 21 and older.

Several city administrators said the new law surprised everybody. Cities have three options:

Take no action; implement local regulation; or enact a moratorium to study the law in detail.

If cities desire to further regulate CBD and THC products within their jurisdiction, they will need to work with their city attorney to adopt local regulations.

Organic farm celebrates 150 years

Good Organics Farm, also known as the Cardinal farm, is the 2022 Anoka County Family Farm of the Year.

The Lino Lakes farm, which has been in the family since 1866, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The original family owners of the farm came to the United States from Canada. Butch Cardinal now runs the family farm with his sons, Hunter and Logan, who are the sixth generation of the family to farm the land.

Valuable learning tool

FILE

Sparks

Hugo family hosting ‘Race for Robot Legs’

Tiffany Goodchild says watching her child walk for the first time with the help of technology was such a powerful experience, she is hoping to make that experience a reality for other families.

The Hugo resident served on the design committee for the new all-inclusive playground at Lions Volunteer Park, and now hopes to continue momentum and move onto the next mission, which is sponsoring a set of “robot legs” for one child.

Goodchild launched a nonprofit, the Korageous

Karter Foundation, back in 2020 right before the pandemic hit. The organization’s mission is to raise money for causes that directly affect families like hers as well as to offer them resources.

Centerville decides to ‘roll the dice’ on 2022 projects

CENTERVILLE — In a decision that likely could have gone either way, the City Council has decided to move forward with a couple of projects for 2022.

In August, the council took a pause to evaluate whether it should move forward with parking lot improvements at City Hall and a thin overlay project after bids came in considerably higher than expected.

Ultimately, the council voted 4-1 to award the construction contract to Bituminous Roadways Inc. for both projects. The contractor has not yet specified when work will begin, but the projects will both be completed this construction season.

Downtown Hugo project moves ahead to council

For many years, motorists have driven by the vacant Egg Lake property across from Hugo City Hall and wondered if redevelopment plans would ever come to fruition.

The City Council will consider a project known as Downtown Hugo Oct. 3, after the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the council approve a preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) general plan.

The developer, Dennis Properties LLC, proposes five buildings totaling approximately 63,000 square feet on the 4.2-acre property, located on the east side of Highway 61 in downtown Hugo along Egg Lake.

Bones, bags and beer

FILE

fly as members of the Hugo Fire Department use a power saw to cut into the metal side of a donated school bus during a recent training exercise. It was the first time the department had access to a school bus to use as a training tool for firefighters to practice a variety of extrication methods.

CONTRIBUTED

The Handhal family: Zach and Hilary and their three children (from left) Hudson, 9, Tristian, 12, and Walker, 6, will preside as this year’s grand marshal. Also pictured is their dog Presley. After the family had a house fire the community came together to give them clothing, school items, furniture and monetary donations.

FILE

Hugo resident Robin Udstuen, who owns a home bakery called Sugar Fairy, is starting up another business — Fancy Pawz.

FILE

The Hugo Lions Club will host its third annual Backyard Ribfest Sept. 24 at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The event, which is usually held during Good Neighbor Days, was moved to the fall due to its size and the fact that the Lions Club was spread too thin during the weekend. Twenty teams of ribmasters will each cook 12 racks of ribs. Judges will include Hugo Mayor Tom Weidt, Washington County Sheriff Deputy Chris Majeski and Hugo resident and mayoral candidate Jimmie Gregoire.

CONTRIBUTED

Karter was the first child in the state of Minnesota to have a Trexo Robotics Gait Trainer of his own. The Korageous Karter Foundation will host a Race for Robot Legs Sept. 24 in hopes of sponsoring one set of “robot legs” for a family.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: First step is talking about it

Candice Amundson spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. Once her child’s life was in danger, she knew she had to get out of that situation.

Amundson is one of the more than 10

million women and men that have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner in the U.S.

Going old-school: A look at Washington County’s one-room schoolhouses

Washington County hosted a reunion on Sept. 24 at Hay Lake Museum welcoming all former students who attended any one-room schoolhouse in the county to reminisce about their early days.

Hugo thanks longest-serving woman firefighter for ‘making a difference’

Hugo has to say goodbye to its longest-serving female firefighter in the department’s history.

Jodie Guareschi has made the difficult decision to retire from the Hugo Fire Department after 21 years of service.

Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee given a bit more time for a plan

The volunteer committee that has been tasked with developing a plan for the old Hopkins Schoolhouse has been granted a bit more time before it reveals what it has been working on over the last several months.

About six months ago, the City Council tasked the Hopkins Schoolhouse Commit-

tee with finding community volunteers to research what could be done to the schoolhouse and how it could be funded. Efforts would likely save the building from being demolished. The council gave the committee a six-month deadline.

City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the group of volunteers has been meeting regularly over the past six months, but needed a bit more time. Bear didn’t give many specifics about the plan, but said it involves transforming the schoolhouse into a heritage center, and its possible use as a recreation hub. Ultimately, the City Council asked the committee to report back around Dec. 31.

Thankful artists abound

Here are some of the many entries Press Publications received for the Thanksgiving contest. Children ages 3 to 10 were invited to submit a drawing that depicts their perspective of the Thanksgiving holiday. Winners included Genevieve Strehlow, 6, of Mahtomedi; Evelyn Wald, 10, of Blaine; and Amelia Derkey, 6, of Dellwood.

building near Rosemary Apartments.

Summit Management is proposing to construct a 90-unit apartment complex on the west side of a 12.96-acre property, of which 7.75 acres are buildable.

The property is located to the south of Rosemary Way N. and north of Frenchman Road/ CSAH 8, east of Festival Foods.

The property is bisected diagonally by a 50-foot wide utility transmission line easement.

CONTRIBUTED

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

Summit Management considers apartment building

Summit Management LLC, the same developer that is planning a multifamily building and the addition of more manufactured homes in Hugo Estates, is looking for feedback on whether the various city commissions and City Council would be interested in another apartment

There are also a significant number of wetlands on the site.

Xcel Energy looks to expand training facility

The City Council has approved a site plan, conditional use permit (CUP) amendment, variance and easement vacation for Xcel Energy to construct a two-story building as well as an additional outdoor training facility at its existing training facility (Hugo Training Center) located within the Bald Eagle Industrial Park.

The outdoor facilities are an extension of outdoor training transmission lines as well as a new training substation. The transmission lines will feature four different lines, ranging in height from 43 feet to 105 feet.

Hugo Estates looks to add new units, apartment building

Summit Management LLC has submitted several applications to the city, not only to expand the manufactured home community along Highway 61 but to construct an apartment building.

The long list of applications includes a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, site plan, conditional use permits (CUPs), variance and subdivision for a three-story apartment building (54 units) and the addition of 16 manufactured homes on property located at 15135 Forest Blvd. and 15057 Forest Blvd. The property is 7 acres in size.

The training substation will simulate real-life substations at five different voltages, and will be built on an approximately 1.65-acre gravel pad with a galvanized steel perimeter fence. The new transmission lines and the substation will not be energized, minimizing hazards to both employees and surrounding properties. The applicant estimates that the project will be completed by the end of 2023.

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

District Court finds board appointment ‘improper’

It’s been three years since the conflict began, but there is now a resolution.

Three courts have weighed in, one of them twice, on whether Anoka County followed state

statutes when reappointing a manager to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers.

Last week, the District Court released its findings of fact, conclusions of law and and judgment. The court found that “no rational trier of fact could find that the county of Anoka truly considered whether (Patricia) Preiner could fairly represent the various hydrologic areas within the watershed district.”

Both county appointees resided in the city of Columbus.

The District Court declared that Preiner was improperly appointed and thus her appointment should be void, effective immediately. The county was ordered to fill the vacancy on the board as soon as possible.

Candice Amundson, a domestic violence survivor, shares her story and talks about how Alexandra House has helped her.

CONTRIBUTED Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. recognizes Jodie Guareschi at a council meeting.

CONTRIBUTED

In between their studies, students had plenty of time for recess.

CONTRIBUTED

The Hopkins Schoolhouse Committee has two more months before it has to report back to the City Council on its plans for the old schoolhouse located off of 170th Street N. and Highway 61 in Hugo.

CONTRIBUTED

Summit Management LLC has submitted several applications to the city of Hugo.

Cougar swimmers 2nd in Blaine Invite, win 2 duals

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Centennial swimming squad placed second of nine teams in the Blaine Invitational on Dec. 17. Top three teams were Hudson, Wisconsin with 509.5, Centennial 319.5, and Blaine 279. The Cougars have also won their last two dual meets.

At Blaine, Max Scheurer won the individual medley (2:00.88) and breaststroke (57.57), lowering his school record in the latter.

George Atkinson was third in the backstroke (1:00.86). Ben Condon was fifth in both the 50 free (24.59 and 100 free (52.78). Placing seventh were Joseph Murray in the 50, Alex Larkin in butterfly and Ben Schuhbauer in 500 free. Tyler Celotta was ninth in diving.

COUGAR SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS HOCKEY

Centennial took a 2-0 lead but could not hold off Maple Grove and lost to the Crimson 4-2 at home Tuesday evening. Maple Grove is 6-2 and Centennial 4-3-1. Brock Carls scored for the Cougars in the first period and Drake Ramirez made

The medley relay placed second with Atkinson, Scheurer, Larkin and Condon. The 400 free relay placed third with Condon, Schuhbauer, Murray, and Atkinson.

On Tuesday, the Cougars nipped Blaine 93-91. Event winners were Atkinson (200 and 500 freestyle), Isaac Nguyen (IM), Celotta

(diving), Scheurer (100 free), Larkin (backstroke) and the medley relay and 200 free relay.

The Cougars beat Anoka 101-82 on Dec. 15 with first-places from Scheurer (200 and 500 free), Atkinson (IM and butterfly), Condon (100 free), and all three relays.

Bear girls clip Ponies, Cougars, stand 8-1

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake has powered its way to an 8-1 record heading into the holiday break and was No. 12 in the Class 4A rankings.

The Bears handed Stillwater its first loss, 76-69, led by Jordyn Schmittdiel with 21 points. Blessing Adebisi added 15 points, Addison Post 12 and Abby O’Brien 11. Stillwater (6-1) was led by Amy Thompson with 20 points. Stillwater made 21 of 24 free shots and the Bears made 23 of 32.

The Bears stymied Centennial 5546, holding the Cougars to their lowest total of the season and 19 under their average. Schmittdiel netted 14 points, Post 13 and Adebisi nine. Centennial is 3-5, against a strong schedule. Marisa Frost led the Cougars with 14. The Bears showed tenacious oneto-one defense and made numerous steals.

Forest Lake (2-5) almost pulled an upset but the Bears prevailed 59-57. Schmittdiel sank 17 points and Heidi Barber 14. Sarah Poepard, the first

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS HOCKEY

GYMNASTICS

the Crimson a 3-2 lead in the second period and Ty Paterfield nailed the last goal in the third. Cougar goalie Gavin Schahn made 27 saves on 31 shots, and Maple Grove’s Jack Roach 31 saves on 33 shots.

The Centennial gymnasts won their first three dual meets but sustained their first loss on Tuesday evening. Elk River/ Zimmerman had the top two or three in each event and outscored the Cougars 137.40 to 128.25. Kylee Nelson placed third all-around with 33.20, behind two Elks, Sydney Martin and Jaelyn Sorenson. She placed fourth on vault (8.50) and floor (8.625), and fifth on bars and beam. Amelia Gannon tied Nelson for fourth on floor. Jenna Simso was third on beam (8.375) and fifth on vault (8.45).

Previously, Centennial

defeated Blaine/ Andover, Coon Rapids and Champlin Park.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Centennial/Spring Lake Park did not have a game this past week and headed into the holiday break with an 8-2-1 record. They will skate in the Breck Holiday Tournament Dec. 27-29. Lauren O’Hara leads the Cougar scoring with 16 goals and seven assists for 23 points, followed by Grace Laager (4-1115), Jaycee Chatleain (3-9-12) and Noelle Hemr (7-4-11).

Bruce Strand

White Bear Lake is 6-2 after winning two of its last three games. Special-teams goals were rampant in the first two of those. In a loss to Eastview 6-4 the Lightning (6-2) went 4-for-6 on power plays while the Bears were 2-for-5 plus a shorthanded goal. Bears goals were notched by Charlie Olsen (even strength and short-handed), Grady Gallatin (power play) and Nolan Roed (power play). Joe Belisle made three assists. In the Bears’ 5-2 win over Forest Lake (1-5), Gallatin and Roed scored short-handed and Belisle on a power play, while Blake Eckerle and Roed scored even strength. The Bears trailed 2-0 against TotinoGrace but stormed back to win 5-3 with Aiden Welch, Devin Willett, Olsen, Brady Borgestad and Noah Driscoll notching a

seventh-grader to play varsity for longtime coach Jeremy Post, added nine points. Cassidy Pitzl hit 17 for the Rangers (2-5).

goal apiece. Leo Gabriel made 32 saves.

ALPINE SKI

The White Bear Lake boys placed eighth of 26 teams and the girls 12th of 21 teams in the season-opening Wild Mountain Invitational in Taylors Falls. Garrett Jungmann placed 12th among 172 boys, followed by Angus Levins in 36th place, Cooper Feirn 52nd and Dylan Christopherson 57th. The Bear girls top four was Ella Skeie in 29th place, Maddie McNerlin 41st, Mia Haskins 58th and Josie Guidinger 61st. The Hastings boys and Minneapolis Washburn girls were team champions.

GIRLS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake (2-8) lost its last two outings before the holiday break, to Roseville/Mahtomedi 3-1 with Amanda Smythe scoring, and to Mounds View/Irondale 3-1 with Ava Johnson scoring (short-handed). Bear goalie Maya Marston

stopped 54 of 59 shots in the two games.

BOYS SOCCER

Four White Bear Lake players made the all-Suburban East Conference list — senior defender Eli Treichel, senior defender Teagan Giese, senior mid Ryan Dufresne and junior goalie Kyle Christensen. Treichel was named team MVP. Honorable mentions went to senior forward Charlie Olsen, junior mid Eli Simanek, sophomore mid Ben Watson and senior mid Porter Drost. Top scorers were Olsen (eight goals, two assists) and Dufresne (five goals, three assists). Christensen had an .845 save percentage and 1.16 goals-against-average. Other team awards went to freshman mid Gionni Pescosolido (rookie), junior forward Evan Boxrud (most Improved) and Dufresne (BEAR award). The Bears were 8-6-2 overall and 4-4-1 in conference.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Addison Post (right), leading a fast break, bounced a pass past Centennial’s Autumn McCall and into the hands of Jordyn Schmittdiel (24), who sank a layup.

Bruce Strand

CONTRIBUTED

Displaying medals from the Blaine Invitational were eighth-grader Sawyer Celotta, senior Ben Condon, eighthgrader Benno Schuhbauer, junior Talen Greeson-Stormoen and senior Max Scheurer.

• The 2023 fee schedule is set, after council conducted a public hearing and approved annual updates to the schedule. This year’s updates include changes in stormwater charges for commercial/industrial/multifamily housing, sewer charges and electrical inspection fees.

• The snow is now covering the new road work completed this past summer, and the city is cleaning up the formalities of the Minnesota Chapter 429 special assessment process. Council must declare the amount to be assessed for the project, which it did at $650 per adjacent lot, and direct the city clerk to prepare the assessment roll, which she has done. The streets involved in the project include those within the Hunter’s Crossing 2nd and 3rd Additions, Pleasant Marsh 1st, 2nd and 3rd Additions, Dupre Road from Partridge Place to a point 200 feet north of Center Street, and Progress Road north of Main Street.

• As part of the above Chapter 429 process, council must hold a second hearing on the 2022 thin overlay program and City Hall parking lot improvement project. This second hearing is known as the assessment hearing, where the public is invited to give input into the amount of proposed assessments on the project. The date of the hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at City Hall.

• The city tries to compensate its nonunion staff as well as its union staff by mimicking the labor union’s contract in many respects, Statz said. This year’s cost of living adjustment (COLA) is 3% for union employees, and so it will also be for nonunion staff, after council adopted the 2023

nonunion pay and benefits plan. Included in the plan is a table of hourly rates for seasonal employees.

• Council passed a resolution by a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Steve King was opposed) supporting the extension of the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council ( JLEC) Levy. The JLEC is a group of elected officials and chief law enforcement officers from across Anoka County who meet quarterly to cooperate on countywide projects that impact public safety. In 1970, a state statute was passed that authorized a public safety levy imposed by the Anoka County Board for public safety projects, such as the CAD dispatch system and records system that the JLEC first approves. This statute was set to expire by the end of 2023 and has been extended until Dec. 31, 2033.

• The city renewed its membership in the Rural Water Association at a rate of $300 per year in time for the 2023 renewal deadline. The organization provides technical and professional support, as well as organized equipment sharing and micro-loan programs. Funds for the dues paid will come half from the water utility fund and the sanitary sewer utility fund.

• City administration reports that Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis has successfully completed her annual performance review and will increase her pay grade one step to Grade 8, Step 7, effective on her anniversary date of Jan. 1, 2023.

• The city attorney reports that Statz has also completed a successful job performance review, and his salary will be increased to $129,375,

effective Jan. 1, 2023. Because the city administrator is an “at will” employee without a written salary or step structure, the city uses a written employment contract to set forth the terms and conditions of his employment. Funds for the city administrator salary are drawn from the general fund.

• The city approved an encroachment agreement for a 4-foot galvanized chain-link fence through the city’s drainage/utility easement in the rear yard of 6907 Sumac Court.

• Council approved a revised site plan for the Amazon Fulfillment Center to include electric vehicle charging stations. The approval includes recommendations from the fire chief and encouragement to council to work with Amazon to evaluate the benefit of new firefighting equipment specifically designed to put out electric vehicle fires more efficiently.

• It’s the time of year to renew tobacco and liquor licenses. The Kwik Trip was granted new 2022 tobacco and 3.2 off-sale licenses. Kwik Trip also had those new licenses renewed for 2023. Corner Express renewed its tobacco license, and Wiseguy’s Pizza renewed its on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses.

• The 2022 General Election is just over, and now the city must formally designate its polling places for 2023 by Dec. 31. The polling place for Precinct 1 will again be located at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road for all elections during the 2023 calendar year.

• Council approved pay request No. 3 in the amount of $72,195.16 to Bituminous Roadways Inc. for work on the 2022 thin overlay/City Hall

parking lot project.

• The Parks & Recreation Committee and city staff have been discussing the impact of emerald ash borer on city trees for several months. A first step in this endeavor will be to inspect the trees. Council approved a quote from Rainbow Tree Care for $2,230 to inventory the trees in open spaces of city parks. The bill will be paid from the park maintenance fund. The inventory will provide groundwork to determine species, age and health of existing trees.

• The committee hats worn by council members in 2023 will look much like those they wore in 2022, after council discussed committee appointments. Appointments to committees such as chief or deputy weed inspector will be finalized at the first meeting of the new year.

• Council is bringing back the Junior Council Member program for 2023. Following an interview prior to the regular meeting, council appointed Rowan Shaw as 2023 junior council member. Council also voted 4-1 (Council Member Darrin Mosher was opposed) to make the junior council member a normal part of appointment listing and to provide a $50 stipend for each meeting attended, payable at the end of the junior council member’s term. Outgoing Junior Council Member Danny Peterson will be paid at the same rate, retroactively.

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

• Annually, the finance department reviews all delinquent utility bills. The council then adopts a resolution to certify delinquent utility bills to the property tax rolls. According to Finance Director Anna Wobse, delinquent utility bills total $147,833 (or 4.6% of the total amount billed in the last four calendar quarters), a slight increase from the 3.9% that was subject to assessment the prior year.

• Fees have been set for 2023. Some of the changes from 2022 include room rental fees as well as water meters and utility hardware fees.

• Fourteen of the city’s 27 full-time employees will receive step increases for 2023. As a part of the 2023 budget, the council agreed to adjust the city’s salary matrix by 4.5% and to grant step increases to those employees who had not yet reached their pay grade maximums. The net aggregate dollar increase is $146,258, and the overall budget for employee wages will increase by 6.3%.

• The city of Hugo has entered into an agreement with the state of Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 161.36, the city of Hugo is required to enter into an agreement with MnDOT for the agency to act as Hugo’s agent in accepting federal funds on the local government’s behalf for the construction, improvement or enhancement of transportation financed either in whole or in part by the Federal Highway Administration.

• A final plat and development agreement are now in place for the Shores of Oneka development. M/I Homes Minneapolis/St. Paul LLC, requested approval of a final plat in order to plat 50 lots and 11 outlots on the parcels located north of Goodview Avenue and east of Highway 61. The lots meet the minimum lot standards and requirements outlined in the regulations for The Shores of Oneka Lake planned unit development (PUD).

An agreement for culvert maintenance for a ditch crossing with the Rice Creek Watershed District has also been approved. As part of the Shores of Oneka development, a ditch crossing is required that will include the installation of a culvert under a public

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Senior driver discount program offered

The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will offer 55-plus driver discount courses in January. A fourhour refresher course will be from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Forest Lake Senior Center, located at 767 SW

street. The ditch crossing is required to be reviewed and permitted by the RCWD. M/I Homes submitted its plans to RCWD and has been given conditional approval. One of those conditions of approval is a maintenance agreement with the city of Hugo for the culvert since it is under a public street and will be part of the city’s public infrastructure system. The city has similar agreements with the RCWD for other culverts and bridges.

• The Planning Commission has recommended the City Council approve a preliminary plan and PUD rezone for Oneka Prairie. Southwind Holdings LLC is requesting approval of a preliminary plat and PUD for a residential development. The property totals 24.23 acres. The preliminary plat includes 59 single-family residential lots and 7 outlots. The PUD general plan will be for all 24.83 acres of the property and is proposed to be rezoned from Future Urban Service (FUS) to PUD. The property includes 3.92 acres of wetlands for a total buildable acreage of 20.28 acres. The net density for the development is 2.9 units per acre, which meets the density requirement for the land use.

Attorney Patrick Doran, representing property owners Lee Ann and Glenn Steffens, shared some concerns the Steffens have regarding the proposed roadway design for the development and requested a meeting with the city engineer and city staff. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that city staff would be happy to sit down with the Steffens to discuss/work through those concerns. City Planner Rachel Juba added that once the development gets to the final plat level, the developer will submit more construction plans that further detail the roadway design. The council ultimately approved the request.

• Those who are planning to rent a room in a city building will now need to include a bit more information on their facility rental application. Application additions include increased reporting on the envisioned event and changes to the agreement for assumption of responsibility and waiver of liability section.

Fourth St.; and an eight-hour firsttime course will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 at the Rick Doyle Memorial Ball Field/Stacy Lions Club, located at 30395 Forest Blvd.

A Minnesota Highway Safety

•

5 to 7 p.m.

• The council has scheduled a goal-setting session for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at City Hall.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at City Hall.

& Research Center certified instructor will update you on defensive-driving tips, changes in laws, vehicle technology and traffic safety. Completion of an eighthour course qualifies drivers for a savings of up to 10% on their auto

insurance. To maintain the discount, drivers must complete a four-hour refresher every three years. For more information or to register, visit www. driverdiscountprogram.com or call 1-888-234-1294.

Loretta Harding

A reminder that residents who live in the Birch Tree Ponds area should plan to attend a neighborhood open house from

Thursday, Jan. 5, at the public works building to review plans for the proposed 2023 improvement project and ask questions.

Shannon Granholm

HUGO BITS & PIECES

CONTRIBUTED

The Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network, along with Director of Communications for the Minnesota National Guard Colonel Ed Suarez, recently took time at a Hugo City Council meeting to recognize the Vadnais Heights business Fresh Paint as the top sponsor of Burger Night in 2022.

651-219-2123

Collection Inventory Specialists

FULL TIME

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society seeks two Collection Inventory Specialists (CIS) to inventory the Society’s 3D object collection. For full position description and qualifications, please visit whitebearhistory.org. This is a grant funded, temporary, project position with a scheduled ending date of November 30, 2023. $19/hour, average of 35 hours/week.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Sara Hanson, Executive Director, WBLAHS, sara@whitebearhistory.org or PO Box 10543, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

651-490-5082

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

Now Hiring

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

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

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

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

PARTS RUNNER - SHOP HELPER

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

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

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

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

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet

at

White Bear Lake Area Schools OKs final tax levy for 2023

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The White Bear Lake Area School District’s proposed property tax levy for 2023 is a net increase of $4,812,817, or 8.4%, compared to the 2022 levy.

The vast majority of that uptick — $4,545,299 — comes from an increase in the district’s debt service fund. The debt service fund payable in 2022 was $23,672,582, while the proposed amount for 2023 is $28,217,881.

Of that $4,545,299, however, $3,072,563 is voter-approved debt service, which was scheduled in the district’s 2019 bond referendum. Meanwhile, $1,780,651 of the additional debt service fund will go toward long-term facility maintenance and $29,432 to accounts for prior-year adjustments. Finally, a reduction of $337,346 was factored into the 2023 debt service fund total.

The total proposed property tax levy for 2023 is $62,009,875.34, which the school board certified for final approval at its Dec. 12 meeting. The tax levy for school district taxes payable for 2023 is at a rate of 33.12%, which Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald said is below the estimated tax impact approved in the district’s 2019 Building Our Future bond referendum.

Before the board OK’d the action, Wald led a truth-in-taxation presentation and public hearing related to the proposed levy.

He noted the school district’s budget year is on the school-year cycle, meaning its budget year starts July 1; the city and county, meanwhile, start their budget years on Jan. 1.

Wald also explained the process by which school district property tax levy rates are determined and the factors that play into why a given property owner would see an increase or decrease in their annual taxes.

The only role school districts have in the process is twofold: adopting a preliminary 2023 tax levy in September, which White Bear Lake did at its work session that month, and approving the final levy in December.

The other entities involved in the process are city or county assessors, the Minnesota Legislature, the state Department of Education and the county auditor.

“The county assesses the value of each personal property that has a significant impact on the property taxes assigned to that parcel. It's important to note that the school board does not play a role in assessing the value of any properties,” Wald said.

To explain why one property owner might see an increase in their taxes and someone else might see a decrease, Wald gave a theoretical example in which only two houses existed in the district and each was valued at $100,000. In that scenario, the respective owners would split a $500 levy one year by paying $250 each. The next year, when one house’s value increased to $110,000 and the other went up to $125,000, the second homeowner would pay a proportionally greater share of the tax levy — $266 — while the first homeowner would bear $234.

Wald also gave examples of a $250,000 home’s tax burden in a scenario where no property value changes happened from 2022 to 2023: $1,300 for 2022 and $1,221 in 2023.

When factoring in 23.8% cumulative property value increases to such a home over a four-year period, however, a 2022 tax burden of $1,114 would go up to $1,221 in 2023.

A Vadnais Heights resident who lives in that city’s Precinct 2 was the sole member of the public who offered comments during the tax levy hearing. He asked why the state government couldn’t use some of its general fund budget surplus of $17.6 billion to help lower school district property taxes.

He received no argument on that point from the school board.

“We would agree with that,” replied Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak, which was followed by supportive laughter from the school board members.

Wald also addressed the matter of state funding for education in Minnesota and pointed out how the state’s education funding formula hasn’t kept pace with inflation since the 2002-03 fiscal year. In fiscal year 2022-23, the Legislature approved an increase of 2%, or an extra $135 per pupil, over the previous year for a total per-pupil allowance of $6,863.

To match inflation since 2002-03, Wald said it would require a per-pupil increase of $1,263 — 18.4% — for a total per-pupil allowance of $8,126.

In other action, the school board: • Accepted the overall bid for the Area Learning Center heating,

ventilation and air conditioning, restroom and window project as presented in the amount of $3,819,474.

• Accepted the overall bid for the Hugo Elementary HVAC project from Ebert Construction in the amount of $633,300.

• Accepted 12 Brosious Teaching grants from the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation in the total amount of $22,224.99.

• Approved the four strategies and action plan-specific results developed for the district’s Strategic Plan.

• Approved school board policies related to the following: Disability nondiscrimination; student parental, family and marital status nondiscrimination; testing accommodations, modifications and exemptions for IEPs, Section 504 plans and LEP students; public data and data subject requests; and crisis management.

• Approved a purchase agreement for property described as PID #113022430016, located in White Bear Lake.

• Received a presentation from Greg Crowe, president of Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, of a presale report related to the upcoming issuance of facilities maintenance bonds.

ONGOING EVENTS

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GUIDED TOURS

When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, through Jan. 31

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater

Details: Short introductory video followed by a tour of the courtroom, 1900s county jail, and exhibitions. Hear stories of the building’s construction and the people who worked there. Free; donations accepted. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington.mn.us/hc

WATER STREET INN’S WINTER RIVER-SIDE ICE SKATING RINK

When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through February

Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S.

Details: Free skating for all ages in downtown Stillwater. Bring your own skates. Schedule subject to change Contact: 651-439-6000 or discoverstillwater.com

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

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

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

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

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

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

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

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

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: through Dec. 31

Where: Downtown Stillwater

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

Contact: DiscoverStillwater.com/events

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Socialize with other quilters at the holiday party. $5/guest.

Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail.com

STRATEGY GAME BUFFET

When: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St. Details: Learn and play the latest multi-player tabletop strategy games, including card and board games. Grades 4-8; no registration required. Contact: 651-724-6007 or rclreads.org

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Dec. 28

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ seniors

LET’S CLAY! ARCTIC ANIMALS

When: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Dec. 28 Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. Details: Sculpt animals using oven safe clay. For ages 7-11; registration required. Contact: rclreads.org

INTRODUCTION TO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

When: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 Where: Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln., Lino Lakes Details: Entry level skiing class covers basics of Nordic skiing and time on the trail. Ages 10+; equipment provided. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

NEWS YEAR’S EVE COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Where: Running Aces Comedy Club, 15201 Zurich St., Forest Lake

Details: Shows with Headliner Mike Brody, featuring Sherlonda Sharp, and hosted by Jason Schommer. Contact: 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 Where: Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, 11980 Lexington Ave. NE Details: Hike is approx. 3 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com

Introduction to Cross Country Skiing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes. See the full listing below for more information.

SHARE YOUR STORY

When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 6 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Adults 55+ can use special recording equipment to record a story to share with family. Free; registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

FAMILY DANCE PARTY

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan 6 Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Lino Lakers 4-H club hosts party to support Anoka County 4-H Camp Salie. Carnival games, face painting, prizes, food, root beer floats, dancing to music by a DJ. Tickets $5/person. Contact: 612-750-0252

‘THE NICETIES’

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan 6 & 13; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 & 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 & 15 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Story about race, history and power. Tickets $20. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 Where: Costco, 1421 Beam Ave., Maplewood Details: Hike is approx. 5 miles on streets and trails. Contact: stpaulhike.com

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

City services and licensing is hereby adopted for the following: 2023 FEE SCHEDULE Business Licenses Non-Business Licenses & Permits Building Permits Building Related Demolition Related Development Fees Local Government Unit (LG) Fees Planning and Zoning Related Publications Public Works Related Roadway Reconstruction/Rehab Utilit Related Rentals

Miscellanieous Charges

Section 2. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be effective on January 1, 2023.

This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall; a full listing of the city’s fees is available on the City Website.

Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hiugo this 19th day of December, 2022.

Tom Weidt, Mayor

Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk

Published one time in The Citizen on December 29, 2022.

CITY OF HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING

The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Hugo City Hall to consider amendments to Chapter 10 ANIMALS, Article I IN GENERAL, Section 10-1 Definitions and Chapter 10 ANIMALS, Article II DOGS, Section 10-38 Sanitation of the City Code related to the removal and disposal of animal waste. The Hugo Planning Commission will also consider amendments to Chapter 90 ZONING AND LAND USE, Article V ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, Section 90-182 Reserved of the City Code related to the storage of salt, sand, and deicing materials.

Anyone wishing to comment can be heard at this time.

Rachel Juba, Community Development Director

Published one time in The Citizen on December 29, 2022

CITY OF

HUGO

ORDINANCE 2022-519

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGO AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY CODE TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN LAND LOCATED NORTH OF ONEKA PARKWAY AND NORTH OF EMPRESS AVENUE NORTH THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS:

Section 1. Amendment of the City Code. Chapter 90 of the City Code of the City of Hugo, Minnesota, is hereby amended by changing the classification on the City of Hugo Zoning Map to PUD (Planned Unit Development) with respect to the approximately 24.83-acre property legally described as part of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section &, Township 31, Range 21 (full legal available at City Hall).

Section 2 Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage. ADOPTED by the City Council this 19th day of December, 2022.

Tom Weidt, Mayor ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk

Published one time in The Citizen on December 29, 2022.

PREMIER BANK

NOTICE OF INTENT BY PREMIER BANK, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA TO RELOCATE A DETACHED FACILITY/BRANCH WITHIN HUGO, MINNESOTA

Notice is hereby given that Premier Bank, Maplewood, Minnesota has notified the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of its intent to relocate a detached facility/branch from 14815 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo, Washington County, Minnesota 55038, a distance of approximately 0.1 miles to 5616 147th St. N., Hugo, Washington County, Minnesota 55038. The notice of intent to relocate the detached facility was filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on December 19, 2022.

This Notice is being published in The Citizen, Hugo, Minnesota on December 29, 2022, and will be posted in the lobby at the existing detached facility. Written comments to the Minnesota Department of Commerce are not solicited and no comment period is provided for in Minnesota Statutes.

Consistent with state law, the nonconfidential part of the notice of intent to relocate the detached facility is available for review at the Minnesota Department of Commerce by contacting bank.applications.comm@state. mn.us or (651) 539-1570.

Any person, bank, or other financial institution has a right to file written communication in favor of or against the application to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Written comments should be addressed to James D. LaPierre, Regional Director, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 2100, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 not later than January 13, 2023. The non-confidential portion of the application is on file in the regional office and is available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. The lobby posting for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is for at least 15 days beginning with the date of publication.

Premier Bank 2866 White Bear Ave. N. Maplewood, Minnesota 55109

Ramsey County Minnesota Bank Charter 1735

FDIC Certificate 21714

Published one time in The Citizen on December 29, 2022.