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HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST: See S winners and runners up PAGE 12

YMCA will vacate facility by March 1

2021 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

LINO LAKES — The YMCA plans to vacate its facility in Lino Lakes by March 1.

In an email sent out to a stakeholder group Monday, Jan. 4, Amanda Novak, senior director of New Development, announced the YMCA intends to vacate the facility a couple months.

“With your guidance and expertise, we conducted a thorough and careful review of available options and the Lino Lakes YMCA has determined it is unable to develop a sustainable operating model per the agreement with the city. According to our agreement with the city of Lino Lakes, if the facility is not operated as a YMCA recreational facility, the title reverts back to the city,” Novak wrote.

“Today the YMCA officially shared its intentions to vacate the facility by March 1. We will work closely with the city to facilitate a smooth transfer and sincerely hope to help set the stage for future successful operations of the facility within the community.”

The Lino Y announced it would not reopen its fitness and well-being center in July 2020 and has been going through the “reimagine” process with LES Architects and a steering committee to ultimately recommend programming and operating models.

The city of Lino Lakes is also currently going through its own “reimagine” process. The City Council has approved Isaac Sports Group (ISG) to complete a

This is the opening week of the ninetysecond session of the Minnesota Legislature. Members take oaths of office, elect leaders and officers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many priorities.

Learn local lawmakers priorities in Press Publication’s Legislative Preview inside.

NOW IN SESSION, page 5

LOCAL LAWMAKERS SHARE TOP PRIORITIES

Donald ld Raleigh Ralei l gh h

Roger Chamb Chamberlain h berlain l

SEE YMCA, PAGE 2

Brewery owners find it difficult to see the future If it wasn’t for government funding, customer support and the innovation of business owners, several more breweries would have closed their doors since the pandemic began.

Breweries are now weathering their second shutdown. The fi rst shutdown began last year on March 17 and lasted 2 1/2 months.

From June 10 until the second shutdown, which began Nov. 21, breweries were allowed to operate at 50% capacity indoors

OOF NEW R S! NT DISCOU

and had to adhere to a long list of guidelines. On Dec. 18 Gov. Walz revised the executive order to prohibit indoor dining but allow breweries to serve patrons outdoors. The executive order is effective through Sunday, Jan. 10.

Restrictions may be dialed back at that time or remain in place.

Press Publications spoke to the owners of HammerHeart Brewing Co. in Lino Lakes, Lakes & Legends Brewing Company in Minneapolis and Big Wood Brewery in White Bear Lake to learn more about how the pandemic has impacted the industry.

HammerHeart Brewing Co. HammerHeart Brewing Co. has been around since August 2013.

Co-owner Nathaniel Chapman said that from the very beginning of the pandemic, his business chose to be cautious.

“If there was a recommendation to do something, even before it was mandated, we did it,” he explained. “Once the first shutdown happened, that’s when we just settled into the new normal.”

SEE BREWERIES, PAGE 6

SUBMITTED

Breweries in Minnesota are weathering their second shutdown. Many of them are now open for to-go orders only.

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YMCA: City continues to work through feasibility study

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Lino Lakes City Council took the following action at its Dec. 28 meeting: • Approved the consent agenda, which included the sale of 0.689 acres (3,001 square feet) of wetland credits from Bank No. 1122 (Otter Lake) and 1.77 acres from Bank No. 1601 (Wollan) to Wetland Credit Agency Inc. for $181,929 (plus transaction fees).

Bank No. 1122 (Otter Lake) is located east of I-35E and south of CSAH 14. Bank No. 1601 (Wollan) is located west of Lake Drive and north of Main Street. • Approved the 2021-22 labor agreement with AFSCME (American Federation of State, Count and Municipal Employees), Local No. 2454. The agreement, similar to those agreements already approved by the council, calls for a 2.25% wage increase in both years and the replacement of the city’s compensation program. • Heard from Mayor Rob Rafferty, who wished everyone a safe New Year.

FROM PAGE 1

SUBMITTED

The next city council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 11.

Shannon Granholm

feasibility study for $24,000 (plus expenses) by the target date of March 21.

Lino Lakes Community Development Director Michael Grochala said the announcement was not a surprise to the city. “We were aware that this was a possibility. We are continuing to work through our feasibility study to determine our next steps, and we hope to continue working with the YMCA as we evaluate future operations of the facility,� he said.

Novak ended the Jan. 4 email in part, “We will work closely with the city to facilitate a smooth transfer and sincerely hope to help set the stage for future successful operations of the facility within the community‌ Going forward, we await the city’s response and will take part in future discussions regarding this facility’s transition.â€?

The city of Lino Lakes has two wetland banks. Bank No. 1122 (Otter Lake) is located east of I-35E and south of CSAH 14. Bank No. 1601 (Wollan) is located west of Lake Drive and north of Main Street.

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

POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer is investigating a financial transaction card fraud that occurred after the victim's wallet was taken from his vehicle in the 7300 block of Crane Drive Dec. 22. • Officers were dispatched to a gas drive-off report at a business in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South Dec. 22. Officers attempted to contact the owner but were unsuccessful. The case is under investigation. • Officers responded to assist a neighboring agency with an armed robbery that occurred in the 5900 block of Hodgson Road Dec. 22.

Officers assisted, but the suspect was not located. • Officers responded to a party with possible underage drinking in the 700 block of Main Street Dec. 22.

Upon investigating, several juveniles were cited with underage drinking. • An officer and fi re staff responded to a report of a downed power line in the 200 block of Lilac Street Dec. 23.

The road was blocked off and the fi re division was able to remove the cable from the roadway after determining it wasn't a power line.

• An officer responded to a six-car property damage accident on I-35 near County Road J Dec. 23. Three of the involved vehicles had to be towed from the scene, and the other three were able to drive away. • Officers responded to a report of power lines down and sparking in the 2300 block of Main Street Dec. 23. Officers located the power line sparking and Xcel Energy was advised. • An officer responded to a personal injury accident in the 300 block of I-35W to assist the State Patrol Dec. 24. Two parties needed to be transported to the hospital. • An officer responded to a theft and damage to property report in the 600 block of Apollo Drive Dec. 25. The investigation is ongoing. • Officers responded to a report of a structure fi re involving a detached garage in the 200 block of Elm Street Dec. 26. Multiple fi re agencies responded and extinguished the fi re. • Officers were requested to assist with checking the area for a vehicle that fled from officers of a neighboring agency Dec. 26. Officers later located the vehicle near Lake

CITY OF LINO LAKES ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 2021 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS S.A.P. 210-103-003 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that bids for the construction of 2021 Street Improvement Projects will be received on-line through QuestCDN vBid™ until Friday, January 29, 2021, at 10:00am local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Lino Lakes will publicly view bids at an online bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join and enter: Meeting ID: 912 6451 6371 Passcode: 653768 The as-read on-line bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the bid opening.

The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: 14,000-19,000 SY Full Depth Reclamation 500 SY Mill Bituminous Surface 860 LF Remove and Replace Concrete Curb and Gutter 1,900 TN Type SP 9.5 Wearing Course Mix (2,B) 3,300 TN Type SP 9.5 Wearing Course Mix (2,C) 6,600 TN Type SP 12.5 Non Wear Course Mix (2,C) 12 EACH Gate Valve Bolt Replacement 10 EACH Service Saddle Bolt Replacement 550 LF 12� Driveway Culverts 750 LF 15� – 18� RCP Storm Sewer 6 EACH Catch Basin Repairs 12,000 SY Restoration – Sod & Seeding 8,200 CY Excavation – Common & Subgrade 500 SF 6� Concrete Walk 200 SF Truncated Domes The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of

Drive and Lexington and searched for the suspect. • A community service officer took a call about snowmobiles on walking paths in the area of Birch Street and Ware Road Dec. 28. Extra patrol will be provided in the area. • A stop sign was reported missing in the area of Lilac Street and Fourth Avenue Dec. 28. The public works department was notified.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer noticed a city street sign down near the intersection of Commerce Drive and 20th Avenue in Centerville Dec. 23. The public works department was notified. • Officers were dispatched to a business in the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 23 for a gas drive off report. Officers are still trying to reach the vehicle owner involved. • Police responded to a domestic assault in Circle Pines Dec. 23. A male was subsequently transported to jail.

Lino Lakes shall comply with the provisions of the statute.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $45 by inputting Quest project #7476771 on the webVLWH¡V 3URMHFW 6HDUFK SDJH The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for WKH 3URMHFW $OO RIÀFLDO QRWLÀFDWLRQV DGGHQGD DQG RWKHU %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources.

Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN. The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any bids received without explanation. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days. )RU DOO IXUWKHU UHTXLUHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ ELG VXEPLWWDO TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQV SURFHdures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

DATED: December 30, 2020 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, Lino Lakes, MN Published two times in the Quad Community Press on January 5 and 12, 2021.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 12 CENTENNIAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALL FOR BIDS Independent School District #12, Centennial Public Schools will receive sealed bids in duplicate for: Centerville Elementary Mechanical Equipment Supply – until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021.

Sealed bids will be received by the Executive Director of Business Services Centennial School District 12 – Patrick Chaffey :4707 North Road Circle Pines MN 55014 then publicly opened and read aloud. There is no agent for the receipt of bids other than the Executive Director of Business Services Centennial School District 12 – Patrick Chaffey.

• Officers responded to a business in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Dec. 26 on a shoplifting report. Officers were unable to locate the suspect. • Police conducted attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lovell Road and Lexington Avenue in Lexington Dec. 26.

The vehicle fled the scene but the suspects were located a short time later and arrested. • Officers responded to the area of 20th Avenue and Cedar Street in Centerville Dec. 27 for a motor vehicle crash involving injuries.

Upon arrival, police located the vehicle, which had gone off the roadway and collided with a mailbox. Paramedics checked out the vehicle occupants. • A cat was reported in a storm sewer in the area of Edgewood Road and Austin Street NE in Lexington Dec. 27. Police searched the area but were unable to locate the cat. • Police were dispatched to a report of a car driving recklessly in the 30 block of Central Street in Circle Pines Dec. 27. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

Bids shall be submitted on bid form provided by the Bid Documents includLQJ 5HVSRQVLEOH &RQWUDFWRU 9HULĂ€FDWLRQ RI &RPSOLDQFH IRUP 7KH FRPSOHWHG bid form shall be submitted without alterations, additions or erasures. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed marked separately “Centennial Public Schools – Centerville Elementary Mechanical Equipment - Supplyâ€? with the name and address of the bidder, Work Scope/Bid Line Number and Title being bid and the date and hour of the opening. Bids shall be delivered to: Mr. Patrick Chaffey Director of Business Services Independent School District #12

'LVWULFW 2IĂ€FH 4707 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014 /XPS VXP ELGV IRU WKH GHĂ€QHG ZRUN VFRSH DUH VROLFLWHG IURP UHVSRQVLEOH contractors specializing in, or highly experienced in this work.

Procurement of documents: Nexus Solutions Kristy Casper Phone: 612-508-5151 Email: kcasper@nexussolutions.com Bidding documents will be available on or about January 6th, 2021.

(DFK ELG RI RU JUHDWHU VKDOO EH DFFRPSDQLHG E\ D FHUWLÀHG RU FDVKLHU¡V FKHFN RU D ELG ERQG LQ WKH DPRXQW RI DW OHDVW ÀYH SHUFHQW RI the amount of the bid made payable to ISD #12 as bid security that, if the ELG LV DFFHSWHG WKH FRQWUDFWRU ZLOO H[HFXWH WKH FRQWUDFW DQG ÀOH WKH UHTXLUHG performance and payment bonds within the allotted time period after notice of award of contract.

The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or parts of bids and waive any formalities or irregularities in the bidding.

1R ELG PD\ EH ZLWKGUDZQ IRU D SHULRG RI IRUW\ ÀYH GD\V DIWHU ELG RSHQLQJ without consent of the Board of Education.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #12 CENTENNIAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CIRCLE PINES, MN Published two times in the Quad Community Press on January 5 and 12, 2021.

JANUARY 5, 2021

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

3

Department of Health seeks input on vaccine sequencing health officials work with a wide range of partners to distribute the first small shipments of COVID-19 vaccines to health care workers and long-term care residents and staff (in “Phase 1a” of vaccine distribution), they continue planning for the larger shipments of vaccine expected in the coming weeks and months.

Minnesota is following federal recommendations to start vaccine distribution with the people who are most likely to get COVID-19 and those most at risk of serious complications. Minnesotans can provide feedback about part of this process to the

state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group. The advisory group includes health care experts from across the state who review guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) about who should get the vaccine first, and make detailed recommendations for how to apply the guidelines in Minnesota to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Minnesotans may provide feedback about how to implement ACIP’s guidelines in Minnesota through the MDH website: Minnesota

ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE ALLOCATION ADVISORY GROUP: • MDH convenes the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group after new federal recommendations have been made that need to be adapted for Minnesota, as well as any time they need to provide information to the group.

• MDH identifies advisory group members in consultation with the governor’s office and other advisory group members.

Initial members were convened in September, and more members were added in December as the group moved to consider recommendations for the next phase of vaccine allocation (Phase 1b). New members brought expertise in ethics, health equity, economics, and labor and industry.

• The advisory group’s goal is to have equitable distribution of the limited COVID-19 vaccine supply in a way that has the most significant positive impact on health.

• Agendas and minutes from advisory group meetings will be posted to the website by early next week. Going forward, meeting minutes and agendas will be posted within a few days of each meeting of the group.

• The advisory group is made up of statewide representatives of leading care providers; bioethicists; state, local and tribal public health representatives; health care associations; and health care experts serving diverse community groups.

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Group, whose advice will be informed by public feedback.

The group met Dec. 30 and will meet again Jan. 11 to discuss the distribution of vaccine for frontline essential workers and Minnesotans age 75 and older (in “Phase 1b” of vaccine distribution). The

group will deliver its final recommendations to Gov. Walz. Public feedback submitted via the website by 5 p.m. Jan. 7 will be provided to the advisory group ahead of its Jan. 11 meeting.

From press release

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COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group.

Ultimately, Gov. Walz makes the final decisions about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. But those decisions are based on advice from public health experts at MDH and the Vaccine Allocation Advisory

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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced it is seeking Minnesotans’ feedback on how to continue progress toward the goal of distributing the initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine in a way that saves the most lives and puts the state on a path to ending the crisis brought on by the pandemic as quickly as possible.

The limited initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine means there is not enough for everyone who needs it.

The state must therefore determine a process that ensures fair, equitable and effective distribution of the vaccine. As Minnesota

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Greeting gifts

T

HE NEW YEAR is underway and we hope and pray the pandemic will end soon.

Vaccinations are underway but it will take several months before the majority of the population has been treated. It may be necessary to use masks for the next two years. They will reduce the spreading of other diseases as well.

SKIP THE RESOLUTIONS and set realistic goals for yourself and family.

Couples can make their list separately and later compare them and discuss more ideas.

Vacation plans, books to read, added education, home projects, retirement plans, volunteer work and health and wellness plans can all enhance the quality of life’s purpose.

MY NIECE AND her About the husband moved from Ocala, Florida to Union Town Lake near Fertile, Gene Johnson Minnesota. This was a major loss to us at Thanksgiving time in Florida. Cynthia is an excellent cook and especially a pie-baker. Feeling a little nostalgic I called them at their lake home and expressed my disappointment of not being with them for Thanksgiving. Lo and behold, three days before Christmas Perkins restaurant delivered a lemon meringue and cherry pie to our marina in Ft. Myers. Kathy and I were delighted and the pies were excellent.

THIS WAS THE fi rst Christmas in 52 years that our family was not together. Gifts arrived by mail, Zoom conversations took place with each of the children, grandchildren and great grand children, and emails, cards, letters and phone calls kept us in contact with family and friends.

A few days before Christmas a large box of Scandinavian taste treats arrived from Rushford, Minnesota, compliments of our daughter, Stephanie, and son-in-law, Chuck. It included lefse, anise cookies, lingonberries, hard tack, flatbrod and Nordic sweets. This heightened my desire for Lutefisk. Thus, the search began. A small Scandinavian shop in Ft. Myers saved the day and we came home with two packages of Lutefisk, approximately four pounds.

Full of excitement I called friends to plan the day of the feast.

OUR CHILDREN HAVE advised us to answer the unidentified phone calls with “good morning” or “good afternoon” instead of the usual, “hello.” It trips up their automated answering service and causes delay of their message. When the pause occurs just hang up. So far it hasn’t prevented them from calling back.

GOOD FRIENDS STAN and Karen Smith sent some worthy advice in their Christmas greeting card this year. 1.

2019: stay away from negative people.

2020: stay away from positive people.

2. Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands? 3. I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

4. Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask and asking for money. 5.

The spread of COVID-19 is based on two things: a. how dense the population is, and b. how dense the population is.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

T

his year’s legislative session is set to begin on Jan. 5 and will be the fi rst in many years that I will not have the honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve you and your family in St. Paul, and I hope that you feel your interests and the interests of our area have been well represented during my time office.

Legislator inThank you to those of you that Lingo have shared Linda Runbeck your hopes and concerns with me by traveling to St. Paul and, in some cases, inviting me into your homes and businesses. Hearing your stories has made this job all the more rewarding.

I have especially enjoyed my time working on transportation issues including reforms at the Metropolitan Council that would make this sprawling bureaucracy

more responsive to taxpayers.

2020 has been especially difficult as the state, nation and the world has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s response. Thousands of Minnesotans have lost their lives because of the virus and millions have had their lives upended due to government-mandated shutdowns of schools, businesses and restaurants.

Each passing day risks the permanent closure of businesses that are staples in our communities. Shuttered businesses, often similar in product mix to others deemed essential, have thrown thousands of individuals' futures into unending gloom.

No one should discount the seriousness of COVID-19 for the elderly and those with significant underlying health conditions. The risk is real for these individuals. That said, after almost a full year of data, it is clear that the vast majority of individuals that get COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and will fully recover. We cannot completely shut down society, destroy our economy,

and permanently stunt the educational trajectory for millions of students in response.

Put simply, the cure cannot be worse than the virus itself.

While my time is coming to an end, it is my sincere hope that the 2021 legislature will finally end Gov. Walz’s peacetime emergency powers and restore the legislature’s constitutionally prescribed role as a coequal branch of government.

Anyone in public service knows there is a balance that needs to be struck between public and private life. The decision not to seek another term has been difficult because of support from constituents who have supported my work. Being your voice at the Capitol is an awesome responsibility, and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

Donald Raleigh was elected in November to serve District 38A and will be sworn-in in early January. Donald will do an outstanding job representing our area and I am proud to hand the baton to him.

Yours in liberty, Linda Runbeck

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NOW IN SESSION: Quad area legislators share priorities for 2021 FROM PAGE 1

Representative Donald Raleigh, District 38A

Senator Roger Chamberlain, District 38 (R)

Phone: 651-775-1687 Email: rep.donald.raleigh@housemn

Phone: 651-296-1253 or 612-940-7677 Email: Contact Sen. Chamberlain using the form available at senate.mn/ members/email-form/1187

We have a daunting task to accomplish in 2021 at the legislature.

We have a budget that must be balanced and a deficit that must be brought under control. I know I am speaking directly to each of you when I say that we are already taxed too much here in Minnesota. With that, it is irresponsible to suggest that we should raise taxes even further to address the deficit. We must work to stop wasteful spending, remove the onerous burdens on our businesses, and ask this question of every bill that comes before us: Is this Constitutional, and does it serve the greater good of all Minnesotans?

And we must end the constitutionally abhorrent overreach of the Emergency Powers of Governor Walz. I do not believe that previous generations of Minnesota Legislators envisioned a situation where the lawful application of the need for an executive power is extended past the immediacy of an emergency to construct a governorship that usurps the oversight of our legislature.

Power, like taxes, is hard to wrest back once it is implemented.

We must not allow a crisis to be the reason we forgo our form of government. We cannot allow a single executive to thwart the constitutional oversight of our legislature and the well and trusted process of allowing our citizens to have a say in their government. We must not allow the will of the people to be cast aside for the simple convenience of speed. If we allow this, we are no longer a government of, for, and by the people.

Government is slow and ponderous.

It should be. It allows the time for contemplation, for testimony, for impassioned pleas from those that will be helped or harmed by the authority of our government. A government that is backed by the crushing weight of fines, penalties and yes, the removal of our liberties through incarceration.

My number one priority for the upcoming session is to return our government to the people. If we can not do that, nothing else matters.

As the incoming chair of the Senate’s Education Committee, my agenda this year will be focused on improving the way we deliver education. Minnesota has long prided itself on having one of the best education systems in the country.

But that system is not working for many Minnesotans — especially low-income families and families of color. In fact, as of 2019 barely more than 50% of students are meeting math standards and 58% are meeting reading standards. That’s a failure. We have a moral duty to do better.

Here is where we start: Reopen schools immediately. We have to get kids back into the classrooms right away. The governor’s plan moves too slowly and doesn’t include all students. The evidence is overwhelming that schools are safe, kids will be safe, schools are not meaningful spreaders of the virus, and that distance learning is devastating to students.

Focus on improving childhood literacy — achieve 90% proficiency in five years!

We have to get these kids on the right track at an early age. That means recommitting

WEEKLY WAG

BUSINESS BRIEF Sydnee is a spayed, 3-year-old terrier mix who weighs 55 pounds and is house-trained. She goes by many names, including The High Snuggler, Lady Pillow Stealer and Miss Snacks-O-Lot. She’s all about the snuggles and loves to give kisses to her humans. She will keep you warm right through the bitter cold of winter. Sydnee gets along well with other dogs with a proper introduction, but cats she can do without.

Sydnee has a great love for food and fi nds it highly motivating. In the mornings, she dances around excitedly for her meal, but then again, who doesn’t? Sydnee has a passion for squeaky toys and loves to boop them. She is a great companion and will be a loving addition to a new home. If you are interested in Sydnee, please fi ll out an adoption application at ruffstartrescue. org. Once your application is received, a coordinator will contact you as soon as possible.

SUBMITTED

COMMUNITY BRIEF

ourselves to improving literacy by third grade.

We are ready to give educators what they need and want. We have a plan.

Opportunity scholarships for disadvantaged students. We need to give every student an equal opportunity to succeed; we need to empower parents and educators. There is overwhelming support in minority communities for this change. People want choice and self-determination. It will liberate parents and educators and vastly improve outcomes.

Listen to parents, teachers and families.

This will be first, second, third and always. My job is to represent kids, parents and teachers. My job is not to represent bureaucrats and political professionals.

One of my biggest priorities for the upcoming session is to hear from fewer lobbyists. Instead, our committee will listen to more parents and families who are being failed by existing policies, as well as more teachers on the ground who have to operate under the guidelines we give them.

BBB invites businesses to apply for Torch Awards The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota recently announced a call for entries for its highest honor — the Torch Award for Ethics. The award recognizes outstanding companies in Minnesota and North Dakota for their display of exemplary ethics, whether it comes to customers, employees, vendors or community members.

BBB's mission is to create an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other, and its representatives love nothing more than seeing that mission in motion through businesses that are equally committed to high standards of trust and integrity.

Torch Awards applicants must be in good standing with the BBB, but accreditation is not required to compete for an award. For-profit businesses of any size — owned or operated in Minnesota or North Dakota — are eligible. A panel of independent judges will decide the award finalists and recipients. Winners will be announced live at the virtual BBB Torch Awards for Ethics ceremony on Friday, May 7. To learn more. or to submit your company's application, visit BBB.org/Minnesota/TorchAwards.

COUNTY BRIEF

Centerville Lions ice fishing contest canceled

Grant funds available to businesses, nonprofits affected by pandemic

The Centerville Lions Club has announced that it will not host the 39th annual Centerville Lions Ice Fishing Contest this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The event usually occurs in February on Centerville Lake.

The Minnesota Legislature passed a relief package aimed at helping workers and businesses that were most adversely affected by the recent executive order pause on many in-person services. As part of that package, $112 million will be directed through county governments to help struggling businesses and nonprofits. Anoka County was

allocated just under $7 million for grants, which are now available to qualifying businesses of all sizes and 501c3/501c6 nonprofits.

Businesses or nonprofits applying for this funding must meet several criteria.

They must be physically located in Anoka County and have incurred a financial hardship due to COVID-19. They also must be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State. COVID-19-impacted freelance or organized musicians or

performing artists in Minnesota who work or reside in Anoka County are also eligible to apply for these grants, as are area chambers of commerce.

Applications will be reviewed on a fi rst-come basis; all applications will be processed by March 15. Priority will be given to applicants impacted by Executive Order 20-99 and those that did not receive a CARES Act grant. To apply for funding, or learn more about the requirements, visit anokacountysuccess.org.

Church Directory Find the church that fits your needs St. Mark Lutheran Church

1 North Road, Circle Pines 763-784-2558

1st Worship 8:45

“Growing Together in God’s Love to Serve Others”

We have re-opened our Church

Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am Reserve your spot at www.mystjoes.me 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015

St. Mark will be closing the building until further notice. In the meantime, please join us for worship and devotion on our website or Facebook page.

Church is not a place; it is who we are. Once we realize this, we can be the church anywhere.

Pastor Mollie Dvorak • stmarkcp.org – ELCA

Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

677388

To make changes or to advertise here, call at 651-407-1200.

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JANUARY 5, 2021 www.presspubs.com

BREWERIES: Looking for success within the boundaries

FROM PAGE 1

HammerHeart Brewing Company co-owner Nathaniel Chapman says the business is losing over 50% of its profit every week.

“We have had a lot of people coming out.

People have been super supportive,” Chapman said.

Lakes & Legends Brewing Company

Circle Pines resident Derrick Taylor celebrated his five-year business anniversary last month. Although he couldn’t stage a special event, the brewery made a special beer that’s available for purchase.

Immediately after the fi rst shutdown, the business saw a dramatic decline in revenue. “Tuesday is usually our best day of the typical work week, and we have made probably 20% of what we typically make on a Tuesday. That was just a sharp decline in revenue, and then it just continued from there,” Taylor recalled.

The business is down over 60% in taproom revenue and down 25% in distribution (to other bars, restaurants, liquor stores).

Taylor said it has been challenging to try to plan for 2021 and beyond.

“It is difficult to try to predict what is going to come up ahead of us,” he explained. “It is tough to plan on what we can and cannot do, not only the fun stuff like marketing and releasing new beers and products, but the

Home of “Top Ten Thursdays”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Lakes & Legends Brewing Company owner Derrick Taylor, Circle Pines resident, said the business is down over 60% in taproom revenue.

lease and defer rent payments; it received PPP funding and was able to restructure its Small Business Association (SBA) loans and also received a grant from Hennepin County.

“Those things give me a lot of positivity and hope that we are going to be able to make through the next six months,” he said. “I think it is going to be a long six months ahead.

We are going to have to innovate, stay hungry and be careful with our spending, but I am positive we’ll be able to get through it.”

Taylor said he is grateful for the support his business has received, especially from his Blaine and Circle Pines neighbors who regularly put in very large orders for him to deliver to them.

Lakes & Legends is currently open for to-go orders and delivery (once a week). Of course, customers can also purchase gift cards and merchandise. Visit lakesandlegends.com/ for more information.

Taylor encourages everyone to continue supporting small businesses. “The major

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financial planning is so difficult … It is really difficult to see the future and make decisions.”

The other side Taylor needs to think about is the people, both his staff and his customers.

“I use the term ‘space and grace’ around here quite a bit. I ask my team and customers to remember to give everybody space and grace and to know that we are not fi ring on all cylinders right now and that’s okay, it is OK to not be OK,” he said.

“As Americans, and Minnesotans especially, it is in our DNA to work hard and to figure it out, and so the pandemic is extremely challenging.”

One thing that has helped the brewery weather the pandemic so far is innovation.

The Lakes & Legends business model changed several times in 2020 and will continue to evolve in 2021. It’s had to change staffi ng and rethink purchases. The business added delivery options and installed a new point of sale system for a more digital experience. “It is adapt or die. You really don’t have another choice,” Taylor said.

A few key things have helped the taproom stay alive. Lakes & Legends was able to work with its landlord to restructure its

Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9am to 10pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm

Part time and full time programs available Homemade meals and field trips • Learning activities Large, indoor muscle room • School preparedness Infant and toddler programs available

689005

Throughout the entire pandemic, Chapman said the guidance the business has received from the state has been “straightforward.”

“We always agreed with the guidance,” he noted. “At any point, we have never had qualms with it.

“The whole thing has been frustrating, but we agreed with it so we never had issues navigating what we could or couldn’t do, because we always erred on the side of caution,” he said. “We were never trying to push the boundaries of the gray areas.”

Out of all the different phases, Chapman said operating indoor service at 50% capacity was the toughest.

Although a majority of customers were understanding of the protocols in place, it was evident that a select few customers were frustrated with the guidelines.

“As a brewery, our number one goal is to make people feel welcome and comfortable, and by default we weren’t able to do that … It took a toll on our staff.”

Chapman said if it wasn’t for government funding — both a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and a grant from Anoka County — his business would not be open. The funding has allowed the brewery to keep its full-time staff. He said it is crucial that his business receives a second round of support from the government.

“I absolutely have to get those. If I don’t, it really puts me at risk.

We are losing over 50% of our profit every week,” he said. “Over the course of the last nine months, that’s a ton of change that we have lost.”

HammerHeart is currently open for to-go orders only, as well as merchandise and gift cards. Visit hammerheartbrewing. com for more information.

7761 Lake Dr., Ste. E, Lino Lakes • 651-786-2286 • www.patacakemn.com

corporations, the big box stores, they are going to be just fi ne; they are thriving right now, but it’s the small businesses … Those are the places that may not be around this spring or summer,” he said.

“Support the places that you like going to.

A meal once a week or even once a month, is likely the difference of them making it through this or not.”

Big Wood Brewery

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN SHOREVIEW EDITOR

Big Wood Brewery is doing its best to stay afloat throughout the coronavirus crisis, but restrictions have made for a challenge unlike any other the team has faced in its decade-plus long history.

The pandemic has led to a series of unforeseen problems for the beer industry, said Sales Manager Jamey Worley, an aluminum can shortage being among the biggest.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically decreased draught beer sales, as breweries cannot sell kegs to restaurants or pints to taproom patrons at the same rates as pre-pandemic.

As lockdowns and social distancing guidelines confi ne people to their homes, more and more consumers have been purchasing cans of beer to drink at home.

With a fi nite amount of aluminum to manufacture those cans, the supply chain has proven unable to handle the increased demand, and so the industry is bracing for a shortage. Local craft breweries like Big Wood have been hit the hardest by the can

crisis, as they generally have fewer resources and less leverage with metal suppliers.

At the same time, Big Wood is facing a deficit due to an excess of beer that it has not been able to sell.

“Just think about how precious our resources were when we were operating at 50% capacity outside and 25% inside. Then, we were forecasting to have beer going out into the marketplace,” Worley said. “It took all our resources to buy the stuff to put it into, and now it’s out there rotting …. You think about the waste there and you’re like, ‘You’re kidding me.’ It’s not like we have money to spare right now.”

Worley said that Big Wood will continue to comply with state restrictions, though she and the rest of the team worry about their future. So far, the support of loyal customers has helped them weather the storm.

Big Wood offers free delivery to homes within a 10-mile radius of the brewery with a $20 minimum order and $10 delivery to homes outside of that radius with a $30 minimum. Delivery is free for all orders over $50. Growlers can also be purchased online and picked up at the brewery, located at 2222 4th St., White Bear Lake. For more information, visit bigwoodbrewery.com.

The brewery owners can’t wait to return to the fun part of the industry. They look forward to the days when their taprooms are at 100% capacity and they can once again host special events, offer samples and attend beer festivals.

JANUARY 5, 2021

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

7

Area preschool offers outdoor learning Given some of the challenges of reopening schools during the pandemic, Abiding Branches Cooperative (ABC) Preschool in Lino Lakes has turned to using the outdoor environment as an integral part of its approach to early childhood education.

The staff at ABC Preschool embraced the new outdoor curriculum at the beginning of the school year as a means of attending to the needs of young children for in-person learning while addressing COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Director Karen Wind has envisioned a nature-themed preschool for many years that she and her team are now able to fully realize. “We have found a silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is the use of our outdoor learning environment,” she said.

ABC Preschool has been around since 1977 and was the first parent cooperative preschool in Anoka County. It is National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited and has a four-star rating with Parent Aware.

ABC Preschool took is taking advantage of the outdoor spaces at both of its locations in Lino Lakes (Living Waters Lutheran Church and St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church) to maintain a healthy, nurturing, interactive and fun educational environment for the students. ABC staff designed outdoor activities and playbased learning to help children develop critical early learning skills such as large and small motor development, selfcontrol, conflict resolution, self-esteem, listening and speaking, early reading and math skills and problem-solving.

Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards state that for preschoolers, play and exploration are the most meaningful ways for children to acquire skills and knowledge as well as to practice skills and refine understanding of new concepts. The children at ABC Preschool experience nature first-hand as they spend time outside, playing and learning in all kinds of weather.

A recent report from Natural Start Alliance reveals that outdoor, naturefocused preschools have grown 25-fold over the past decade.

“Once you see the children so engaged in their learning, it’s easy to see why outdoor preschools have grown in popularity in recent years,” said Wind.

Playing and learning outdoors has benefits for both young children and educators. Time spent outside can lead to better physical and mental health. Most noticeably, studies have noted that sustained outdoor education leads to physically healthier children, improved sensory skills, longer attention spans, increased opportunities for social interaction and collaboration and improved sleep quality.

ABC Preschool staff make sure to share the outdoor activities and accomplishments with the children’s families throughout the day with photos and videos.

Parents are excited to see their children exploring their

surroundings, being curious and finding joy in the outdoors.

ABC Preschool plans to continue using the great outdoors long after the pandemic has passed. “The children, staff and families are engaged and happy with the lifelong connection they are making with the beauty of nature.”

From press release

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Abiding Branches Cooperative (ABC) Preschool in Lino Lakes is making use of its outdoor space at both of its locations

Waiting Child Alexa,16, is talkative and outgoing and enjoys the company of adults. She is helpful with chores and projects. Some of her favorite foods are pizza, Mexican food and chocolate. Alexa likes to dance to Hip Hop, listen to music, read, and play electronic games. She is also very athletic and likes all sports, especially football. Alexa is also very artistic and likes to make jewelry and other crafts as well as paint and draw. Alexa is open to both rural and city living and would do best in a small family setting.

Alexa would do well in a structured home that portrays patience and understanding.

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

687856

Following adoption, Alexandria would need to maintain contact with her two younger brothers.

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18 Thank You May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Adored, Glorified, Loved & Preserved throughout the world, now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Worker of Miracles, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, please pray for us. Amen. Say 9 X a day for 9 days & promise to publish.

God Bless. BG THANK YOU GOD AND ST. JUDE FOR FAVORS GRANTED

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451 Rentals/ Commercial 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.

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Application Engineer Vadnais Heights, MN This individual will seek out and understand the customer’s needs and propose and explain how Nexen products can resolve their needs, and provide them with good value, performance and quality.

Responsibilities include responding to questions and providing product information to customers, making decisions regarding application and service recommendations, and generating sales resulting from customer contact over the telephone, and customer visits (20%-50%). Will lead the conversation with customer support teams and engineering in response to customer requests for special or modiďŹ ed products.

Requires a four year degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering or other related Technical Degree, with related work experience preferred. Strong depth of knowledge of physics, power transmission and motion control is desired. Must have proďŹ cient computer skills, strong analytical skills, and effective interpersonal and communication skills. Strong background with Solidworks is desired. This is a quick commute to the northern suburbs. We offer an excellent salary and beneďŹ ts package. If you are interested in joining a dynamic and forward looking company, and have a positive and enthusiastic approach to work e-mail a resume to:

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CNC Machinist Webster, WI WORK FOR THE BEST! Nexen is located in the lake country of Northwest Wisconsin.

QualiďŹ ed candidates will have a 1 or 2 year Technical College Diploma in Machine Tool, and be skilled with the latest CNC equipment. Nexen has 80 CNC machines, small lot sizes, and state of the art processes and scheduling. Strong interpersonal, problem solving and teamwork skills are needed. We offer a great salary and beneďŹ t package. If you are interested in joining a dynamic and forward looking company, and have a positive and enthusiastic approach to work, e-mail, fax or send a resume to:

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Senior Procurement Coordinator Webster, WI Nexen is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control components, power transmission and web tension control products. Responsibilities will include strategic planning, logistics and management of assigned supply chain activities. Purchases materials and services including but not limited to castings, steel, bearings, machined components, springs, friction facings, electronic components to support production, while ensuring that cost, delivery, inventory and quality targets are met. Negotiates agreements that secure key business points. Audits and monitors supplier performance. Participates in development of strategic supplier partnerships, and generates and leads key supplier initiatives. Provides expertise and support to Design Engineering and Plant Personnel. Sources and processes prototype materials and MRO requisitions.

Human Resources Nexen Group, Inc. 26837 Industrial Avenue Webster, WI 54893 Fax (715) 866-6350 machinist@nexengroup.com

Requires a bachelor’s degree in business, management or engineering and 5-8 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent. Requires excellent strategy, interpersonal and communication skills. Must be able to read technical drawings, have effective computer skills, excellent analytic and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and demands.

ISM and APICS CertiďŹ cations preferred. We offer an excellent salary and beneďŹ t package. If you are interested in joining a dynamic and forward looking company, and have a positive and enthusiastic approach to work e-mail a resume to:

Equal Opportunity Employer

procurement@nexengroup.com Nexen Group, Inc. 26837 Industrial Avenue Webster, WI 54893 Equal Opportunity Employer

JANUARY 5, 2021

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PET SERVICE DIRECTORY MAKE EVERY DAY

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PARTLY CLOUDY Wed Jan. 6 34°/ 20°

PARTLY CLOUDY Thu Jan. 7 31°/ 21°

7:51 / 4:48

7:50 / 4:48

PARTLY CLOUDY Fri Jan. 8 27°/ 20°

PARTLY CLOUDY Sat Jan. 9 27°/ 18°

7:50 / 4:49

7:50 / 4:50

Day & Eve Appts.

PARTLY CLOUDY Sun Jan. 10 26°/ 16°

PARTLY CLOUDY Mon Jan. 11 26°/ 17°

7:50 / 4:51

7:49 / 4:53

PARTLY CLOUDY Tue Jan. 12 27°/ 13° 7:49 / 4:54

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Weather tidbits

WEEKLY AVERAGES JAN. 6 - JAN. 12, 2020 High: 24° | Low: 8° | %Sun: 47% | PCP: 0.27�

Our recent snow activity at the end of last year has brought our seasonal snow total to 30.5". I've totaled slightly less, 24", in my back yard. With temperatures on the mild side, people of all ages have been taking advantage of the snow and great ice conditions for skating. With our upper air ow split (with a jet to the north and to our south), our ow overhead is somewhat stagnant. Consequently we've been experiencing foggy mornings. With light winds the fog is slow to clear and lift, but when it does the sun sure feels good.

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

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Oneka RooďŹ ng, Inc. 40+ Years in the RooďŹ ng Business Oneka RooďŹ ng, Inc. is family-owned, Minnesota rooďŹ ng contractor that specializes in residential rooďŹ ng for the Twin Cities metropolitan area, primarily in the northern suburbs. The owner, Greg Brigley, comes from a family of roofers. In 1923, his grandfather established a well-known St. Paul rooďŹ ng company which was handed down to Greg’s father. When his father retired, Greg’s brother took over the business and in 1999, Greg decided to open his own company. Owner Greg Brigley has been in the rooďŹ ng business for over 40 years! He is familiar with all aspects of rooďŹ ng and desires to please his comers by providing outstanding service. Choose Oneka...you won’t be disappointed!

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Pandemic gives unexpected boost for ‘safe place’ golf courses

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Golf courses during the pandemic year of 2020 lost most of their tournaments and other moneymaking events, but still stayed solidly on the fairway financially.

That is because golf, an outdoor sport where participants don’t have to mash together, is considered a relatively safe activity. A huge number of men and women otherwise cooped up much of the year eagerly took advantage.

“We almost doubled the number of rounds from our best previous year,” said Dellwood Country Club general manager Dennis Countryman. “The golf course was a great place for members to get away from the stress of dealing with COVID.” Several revenue streams declined steeply — such as hosting weddings, swimming pool use and special golf events — but the amount of golf being played exploded. Countryman predicted next year will also be very good.

“With golf being such a safe place, a lot of people were introduced to golf, or re-introduced, this year.

We expect this to be the biggest increase in people playing golf since the Tiger Boom, second-only to that,” he said, referring to the surge in popularity of the sport after Tiger Woods became its biggest star in the late 1990s.

Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes had a “record year for revenue,” said Mark Johnson, golf operations manager.

Johnson reported that rounds played rose 42% over 2019, club membership increased and everything in the pro shop was sold out. Chomonix and many other clubs could not keep up with the demand for golf balls.

One member who works at Golf Galaxy told him that sales for starter sets were “unbelievable.”

“A lot of new people got into paying golf this year,” he said. “We hope that momentum carries into 2021. There are a lot of other activities people could not do this year. I hope things will open up again next year so they can start back up, which could hurt us a little.”

On the downside: “A number of our big events did not happen, and we did not get a lot of inquiries about events.”

Another feature gone most of the summer was Men’s Club, which normally has 120 participants every Thursday evening with shotgun starts. They were not able to start Men’s Club until August, and then with limited numbers. There was no revenue from after-golf socializing and dinner.

Jon Hatcher, head golf professional at Oneka Ridge Golf Club in Hugo, reports that close to 40,000 rounds were played. “It did go up,” Hatcher said.

Oneka held eight tournaments, but on a “very limited basis, on a very scaled-down version,” he

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Nick Huffman was runner-up in the Men’s Club tournament at Chomonix Golf course.

said. Asked how they fared financially overall, he said only that “it was a good year.”

Looking ahead, he said, “I think the outlook is good. 2020 brought a lot of new golfers out to the club, so any new people that are brought to the game is a positive.”

Local man’s ‘Tape Ball’ documentary accepted for film festival

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

There’s a happy place nearby where a 38-year-old guy like Joe Nyquist can step into a batter’s box, hitch up his pants, clench his jaw, take mighty swing, and hit a towering home run, over a fence.

“It makes you feel like you’re playing in the big leagues,” Nyquist said.

That’s why the White Bear Township resident spent two years making a documentary film called “Tape Ball” about the quasi-baseball experience created by the Joel Grams family at their rural home near Isanti.

Nyquist hopes to hit a homer with his first attempt at film-making, too. “Tape Ball” has been accepted for screening at the Black Hills Film Festival slated for Feb. 18-20 and he’s attempting to enter several other festivals over the next year and a half.

He got a good review already, from Joel Grams.

“Joe did a great job with the film. It was a tear-jerker for me,” Grams said. “He really captured the emotions of it.”

The term “tape ball” refers to the duct tape wrapped around a wiffle ball that makes the ball go farther when hit by a plastic bat in a playing field about one-third the size of a typical baseball park.

The Gram family started hosting ballgames 25 years ago when Grams’ four kids and their friends played pickup games ranging from four on four to nine on nine.

In recent years, with the kids grown, they still host a few dozen people for their annual Fourth of July Classic with three games over two days.

One highlight for Grams was hosting his North Branch 40th class reunion at his home, and his late-50’s friends turned back the clock to play tape ball.

“The remarkable thing about it is the culture that erupted out of this game,” Nyquist observed. “They really go to the nines with everything. They’ve got a scoreboard, a press box, announcers that come in, they’ve had a fly over. They have the national anthem. They’ve got a Hall of Fame. They took a fun little game and brought it to an amazing level.”

Joel Grams and his twin brother Jeff, now 59, grew up on a farm near North Branch, and, like many farm kids, used the open land to play ball games with friends.

Joe Nyquist

That tradition continued in the next generation when Joel’s son Derrick, along with his cousin Reggie Grams and friend Luke Anderson, were fooling around with wiffle balls and got the idea to wrap duct tape around the ball.

Joel, who designs homes and oversees their construction, loved the idea, and from that innovation sprang plans for a ballpark on his land. After taking out 30 trees, they built “Home Sweet Home Park” (named after his business) with dimensions of 100 feet down the left-field line, 150 to center and 110 to right, a home run fence, all grass except for two batters boxes and a pitchers' mound made of limestone. The bases are about 40 feet. There’s a five-foot chainlink outfield fence adorned with ad signs from local businesses.

“The games are played by family and friends, nine to a side,” Nyquist said.

“Everybody gets to play, not play to win, but let everyone have the best chance of a wonderful day. They (the Grams) are competitive and they try hard, but they never let winning come at the expense of other people’s fun in playing.”

Nyquist joined the fun 10 years ago at the invitation of Reggie Grams, a lifelong friend. He’s been a regular ever since, and approached the Grams in 2018 about making the documentary. “They were all in,” he said.

As the creative services manager for Northwest Media, Nyquist is familiar with production but had never struck out on his own before.

He spent a year figuring out how to proceed before he started filming. He has used all manner of cameras, including his cell phone. His premier achievement in the process was learning how to film

SUBMITTED

Action at home plate at Home Sweet Home Park.

with a drone, which involved earning a drone pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The result is a 65-minute film of “Tape Ball” action and interviews, narrated by himself. Permitting himself to dream a little, he said, “Oh, sure, I’d like it to be on PBS, or have Netflix pick it up.”

What he wants people to see is what the Grams family created, showing what fun a family can have by doing something together “and it doesn’t have to be a sport, it can be anything.”

The trailer for “Tape Ball” can be seen at: youtube.com/watch?v=rOe_Di-DjIo

Kissick takes over as Cougar gymnastics coach Karley Kissick is the new head coach for Centennial gymnastics, after two seasons as an assistant.

Kissick, who competed for Centennial herself, succeeds Tina Pierson, who resigned during the summer.

“I’m excited to get involved in the sport again. I have missed it,” said Kissick, whose main occupation is lead service coordinator for Star Equipment, a loading dock company.

“This year is definitely going to be difficult, as I try to navigate the duties as a fi rst time head coach and throwing Covid into the mix.”

She has a squad with nine returning letterwinners. They started practice on Monday.

Bruce Strand

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