Quad Community Press

Chickadees are the champs of winter in annual Christmas Bird Count

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

They’re tiny, they’re tough, they weigh less than a gram, but this year’s Christmas Bird Count confirmed they are once again the heavyweights of winter: Black-capped chickadees.

Volunteers in the 122nd annual Audubon Christmas Bird count tallied more than 1,300 of these tiny birds on Dec. 31. This annual survey has taken place across the globe every winter since 1900, amassing a huge quantity of population data that can help scientists observe trends in bird behavior over time.

And the changes have been noticeable. Jim Howitz, the coordinator of the Northeast Suburban survey area in Washington County, keeps close track of the numbers. As with many species, birds are reacting to climate change. Minnesota has been seeing more and more species from southern regions, such as wild turkeys and red-bellied woodpeckers, and fewer of the northern finches that used to be common in wintertime.

Some species are better at rolling with changes than others. The black-capped chickadee is one of the most hardy and versatile species found in Minnesota in winter; year after year, it dominates the top of the list by sheer numbers. These birds spend daylight hours feeding as much as possible and building a store of fat—10 percent of which will disappear every night as they fall into a state of torpor and burn as little energy as possible to keep from freezing. Getting through winter is a harsh game,

but the chickadee is an efficient survivalist, using a surprisingly complex system of calls to communicate about resources and threats with other denizens of the winter world.

Chickadees and count volunteers alike enjoyed temps in the 20s and 30s during the New Year’s Eve count. Some of the chickadees even broke into their cheerful springtime calls while soaking in the sunlight.

“People enjoyed going out because the

Snowmobile club dedicates new trail to late Blacksmith Lounge owner

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

HUGO — Snowmobilers in Washington County won’t soon forget the large impact that the late George Reus had on their community. This December, members of the Washington County Star Trail Association decided to honor his memory by dedicating a new section of trail just south and east of the Blacksmith Lounge, the bar and restaurant owned by Reus that became a hub for snowmobiles over the years.

The new trail, on the south side of County Road 4, extends from Highway 61 to Elmcrest Avenue and connects to the Rice Creek Trail Association trail.

George’s daughters, Jennifer Ehlert and Georgie Gibbons, unveiled the sign that commemorates George’s contributions to the snowmobiling community in Hugo and Washington County.

Star Trail member Mike LeClaire said, “George has done a lot of nice things for the snowmobiling community over the years. When he passed, we wanted to do something that would be remembered, and show our appreciation for his generosity.”

Many snowmobilers remember how Reus went above and beyond to make the Blacksmith Lounge a welcoming place to the snowmobile community. He installed a parking lot camera so patrons could keep an eye on their sleds from inside, and installed hooks specifically meant to hold snowmobile helmets. Most importantly, he always kept the large parking lot clear and allowed trucks and trailers to use it as a park and ride location—one of few in Washington County.

Star Trail Association President John Udstuen remembers

Members of the Washington County Star Trail Association, friends and members of the Reus family and fans of the Blacksmith Lounge came together Dec. 3 to dedicate a new snowmobile trail in memory of beloved business owner George Reus, who died in March 2022.

PATRICE BOUCHARD | UNSPLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Don’t be fooled by the cute appearance: chickadees are one of the best species at toughing out Minnesota winters.

PUBLIC NOTICE MEMORIAL TRAIL: Club honors restaurant owner

CITY OF CENTERVILLE COUNTY OF ANOKA

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. on January 25, 2023 to consider, and possibly adopt the proposed assessment against abutting property for the cost of improvement (2022 Thin Mill & Overlay Project improving roadways/streets: within the Hunter’s Crossing 2nd and 3rd Additions, Pheasant Marsh 1st, 2nd and 3rd Additions, Dupre Road – from Partridge Place to a point 200’ north of Center Street and Progress Road – north of Main Street). Adoption by the Council of the proposed assessment may occur following the hearing. The area proposed to be assessed is the abutting property.

Such assessment is proposed to be payable in equal annual installments extending over a period of three (3) years, the first of the installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January, 2024, and will bear interest at the rate of five (5) percent per annum commencing November 16, 2023. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from November 16, 2023 to December 31, 2023. To each subsequent installment when due shall be added interest for one (1) year on all unpaid installment. You may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the County Auditor, pay the entire assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City Clerk. No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within thirty (30) days from the adoption of this assessment. You may at any time thereafter, pay to the City Clerk the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year. If you decide not to prepay the assessment for the date given above the rate of interest that will apply is five (5) percent per year. Partial prepayments may be made within 30 days of adoption of the special assessment.

The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $118,891.50 of which $7,286.50 is for City owned property and will be paid by the City leaving a total of $111,605 for the proposed assessment to abutting property owners. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal to district court may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The Council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable.

Under Minn. Stat. §§ 435.193 to 435.195 and City Code Chapter 33, the Council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older, one retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability, or a member of the National Guard or other reserves ordered to active military service for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is terminated for any reason provided in that law and City Code, all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Any assessed property owner meeting the requirements of this law and City Code, may, within thirty (30) days of the confirmation of the assessment, apply to the City Clerk for the prescribed form for such deferral of payment of this special assessment on his/her property.

An owner may appeal an assessment to district court pursuant to Minn. Stat. §429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk.

Teresa Bender, CMC

City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on January 10, 2023.

FROM PAGE 1

times when the parking lot was almost entirely filled with snowmobiles, trucks and trailers, but Reus always encouraged it.

“What kind of a business owner would do that?” Udstuen said. “Obviously, these snowmobilers make sure they’re having dinner there.”

The restaurant became an unofficial meeting place for members of the snowmobile club, as well as motorcyclists in the summer months. The restaurant has played host for many snowmobile shows over the years. In fact, it will host the first ever Hugo Knight Riders “BeaterCross” event on Jan. 28. For many years, Reus was a sponsor of the Star

Trail Alliance’s annual trail map. The Blacksmith Lounge is marked on the map with a large red circle and a #32, showing Reus’ sponsorship and marking it as a park and ride location.

“I want to give a special thank you to George Reus and family. We’re grateful for all they’ve done for the sport,” Udstuen said. “You get businesses that do things like that, and that’s just remarkable.”

The trail creation and commemorative signs were sponsored by the Washington County Star Trail Association, and trail maintenance is run entirely by volunteers. The association marks and maintains all snowmobile trails in Washington County.

BIRD COUNT: More woodpeckers, less waterfowl

FROM PAGE 1

weather was so much better than it typically has been,” Howitz said. “What people were seeing was what we expected to see; we didn’t have any truly unusual birds.”

Uncommon species this year included a belted kingfisher, Wilson’s snipe, and red-winged blackbirds—all birds that seem to be adapting well to changing climate conditions.

“They’ll move to where the habitat is, and do just fine with global warming,” Howitz said. “Trees can’t anticipate what they climate’s going to be, but birds probably can.”

Howitz pays particular attention to tufted titmice, a species that was plentiful several decades ago, but is only now beginning to reappear in counts in the Twin Cities area. These cute birds are recognizable by their gray feathers and tiny crest on the top of their head. The reason for their retreat from this region of Minnesota is unknown, but data collected in the Christmas Bird Count may help scientists understand over time. One tufted titmouse on this year’s count was seen begging for food from other birds, indicating it was a juvenile.

“So they’re breeding in Washington County,” Howitz said. “We’ll probably be getting them year after year now. They’re almost a perfect bird to follow people, because they breed in birdhouses and use bird feeders. There’s no reason they couldn’t

last a whole winter next to a wellstocked bird feeder.”

Woodpeckers also appear to be doing very well, thanks to the maturation of trees planted in suburban areas decades ago.

“If some of them have rotten parts and die, the woodpeckers are in good shape,” he said. “A lot of the woods along the St. Croix (River) may have been logged 100 years ago but I don’t think anyone’s logged them since. As the trees die, woodpeckers move in, select a tree where the outer inch of bark is solid, and the inside is rotten. They want it solid to deter predators. They have better nest success than other birds because high in trees and cavities, they’re reasonably safe.”

Waterfowl, however, were not as well represented in this year’s count as previous years. Howitz anticipated this effect as the Xcel Energy coal plant in Bayport is on its way to retirement in favor of sustainable energy alternatives. The plant is scheduled to close for good in 2028.

While operational, the plant vents warm water, used in the cooling process, into the St. Croix

River. This created a hotspot for ducks and other wildlife. Without that watery oasis, ducks like mergansers and goldeneyes will seek sustenance elsewhere. The plant is currently inoperative. Counters only tallied three waterfowl species this year—mallards, Canada geese and trumpeter swans.

“We used to have 500 birds there in the winter,” Howitz said. “The little fish would hit the open water and get stunned, and the birds would pick them right off.”

As humans continue to change their surroundings, the birds will no doubt change right along with us.

KEVIN MANLEY | CONTRIBUTED American robins are more common in winter than you think. There were 155 on this year’s count.

COPS&COURTS

New sheriff and chief deputy take office

Sheriff Brad Wise became the 18th sheriff of Anoka County at a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Former Sheriff James Stewart hosted the ceremony, and Judge Sean Gibbs administered the oath.

Wise was raised on a farm in western Minnesota (Madison) until his family moved to Coon Rapids when he was in the seventh grade. He graduated from Coon Rapids High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Augsburg University, and later a Master of Arts in leadership from the University of St. Thomas. His professional life began working in management in the hotel industry. Along the way, he became personally acquainted with police officers and changed his career goal to law enforcement. Wise’s first public safety position was with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management,

where he worked in communications. He then transitioned to police work, first for the city of Robbinsdale as a patrol officer and eventually for his hometown, Coon Rapids. For the next 27 years he

served the citizens in a variety of roles including patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant and investigative captain. In 2011, he was appointed Coon Rapids Police Chief, a position he held until he retired in 2022.

“The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is a proud organization of professionals committed to excellence. I am grateful and proud to be elected the next Anoka County Sheriff and will continue to build on what is great,” Wise said. “My devotion to service, accountability and action will only continue to ensure Anoka County citizens receive only the best.”

After Wise was sworn in, his first act was to administer the oath of office to new Chief Deputy Paul Ireland. Ireland began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a patrol officer with the Coon Rapids Police Department and advanced through the department as a patrol

sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol captain and support services captain.

In 2019, he retired as the deputy chief of police, working under then-Police Chief Brad Wise. Ireland obtained a Bachelor of Science in law enforcement from Mankato State University and completed the School of Police Staff & Command from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

"I served the citizens of Coon Rapids for over 30 years and retired just before some of the most trying times for our nation,” Ireland said. “I believe my time away from law enforcement will give me the perspective needed to be an asset as I begin this new chapter. I look forward to serving the citizens of the county, and I will strive to uphold the historically excellent standards and reputation of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.”

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lake Drive and Albert Avenue in Lexington on Dec. 28. The officer had probable cause to search the vehicle, and a verbal warning was issued.

• Officers were dispatched to a location on East Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines in response to a report of fraud Dec. 28. Officers took information regarding a theft of $1,000 through fraud. The case is currently under investigation.

Officers responded to a theft report in the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines on Dec. 28. Upon arrival, officers determined that an unknown suspect removed several Amazon packages from a locked common area in the building. The estimated loss was $500.

• An officer observed a order for protection violation in Circle Pines on Jan.1. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

• An adult male driver was arrested for DWI after an officer stopped him for a traffic violation near the intersection of North Highway Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington on Jan. 2.

• On Jan. 3, an officer conducted a warrant attempt in the 10 block of Oak Lead Lane in Circle Pines. The adult male suspect was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant and for fleeing in a motor vehicle, an incident that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022.

Officers received a phone call from the Circle Pines area Jan. 3, reporting criminal sexual conduct. The case is currently active.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers responded to a living facility in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway on Dec. 27 for a disorderly conduct complaint. The incident was doc-

umented and the city attorney will be reviewing the case for charges.

• An officer responded to a two vehicle property damage accident on Dec. 27 at Lake Drive and Park Court. One driver had a minor injury but refused transport by ambulance. Both vehicles were drivable, and one driver was cited.

• An officer responded to a deer strike accident in the 300 block of Maine Street on Dec. 27. The incident was documented and the driver was provided a case number.

• Officers received a report of a verbal argument between an Uber driver and a customer in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway on Dec. 27. Officers arrived, spoke with the driver and found the customer had already left the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer was dispatched to the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South for a theft of fuel on Dec. 28. The officer investigated the incident and the driver returned to pay for their fuel.

• A community service officer assisted the driver of a vehicle that was blocking the intersection at Lake Drive and Apollo Drive Dec. 28 due to a flat tire.

• An officer received information related to a drug case in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Dec. 28. The officer investigated and determined the case was past the statute of limitations and criminal charges could not be brought against the suspects.

• On Dec. 28, an officer answered questions over the phone concerning the snowmobile trail system in the city.

• An officer responded to a delayed hit and run report from a business in the 900 block of Ash Street on Dec. 28. The officer documented the incident. No suspect information is available at this time.

• On Dec. 29, an officer took a fraud report in the 600 block of Marshan Lane. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a possible single vehicle

personal injury crash in the 500 block of Ash Street on Dec. 30. No injuries were sustained, but the adult male driver was arrested for third degree DWI and DWI with an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. The driver was later booked at the Anoka County Jail.

• Officers and fire units responded to a snowmobile fire on a trail in the area of Aqua Lane on Dec. 30. Fire personnel put out the fire. No one was injured.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 100 block of 35-W on Dec. 31. After stopping the vehicle, the officer located drug paraphernalia within. The driver was issued a citation for the violations.

• An officer responded to a report of water spraying from a fire suppression sprinkler system on the side of a residence in the 100 block of Mustang Court on Dec. 31. The officer assisted in turning the water off after determining a pipe had been damaged after freezing.

Officers responded to a report of a rollover motor vehicle accident on 35-E Dec. 31. A driver and passenger were injured and were transported to an area hospital. The officers assisted Minnesota State Patrol with the accident scene.

• On Jan. 2, an officer responded to a secure juvenile holding facility where staff members located contraband in the room of a juvenile male. The juvenile male will be charged for the offense.

From press release

PHOTOS BY ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | CONTRIBUTED

Newly elected Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise (left) and (right) Anoka County Chief Deputy Paul Ireland.

Back in Beartown

They say you can’t go home again. In a lot of ways it’s true—so many things have changed since I last sat at a desk at Press Publications.

Getting in Tune

Bussjaeger

Last time I was here, I hadn’t yet held wild birds in my hands, hiked more than a hundred miles on the Ice Age Trail, or obtained my graduate degree in environmental studies. And, of course, I also hadn’t yet lived through a global pandemic. Before I left to pursue my degree in 2018, I was the editor of the Forest Lake and St. Croix Valley Lowdown publications. Afterward, I spent a few exciting field seasons demolishing buckthorn, seeding native prairies, leading nature camps and writing the odd freelance story for Press even when I was living in the mountains of Missoula, Montana.

Now, I find myself sitting in as the interim editor of the Hugo Citizen and Quad Community Press—normally the territory of our managing editor Shannon Granholm. A big congratulations is due to Shannon and her husband Patrick—their son Royce Raymond Granholm was born Dec. 26. While Shannon takes the next few months off to recover and adjust to motherhood, I’ll be covering the Quad and Citizen desk.

It didn’t take TOO much arm twisting to persuade me to come back to Press once again. White Bear Lake is where I was raised, and coming back to Press Publications is a homecoming in many ways. But Press Publications is so much bigger than just the White Bear Lake community.

When you work at a newspaper, you get to do a little bit of everything, and take part in the community in ways you might not always experience as an average citizen. My time at Press is filled with unique memories created by the incredible human desire of people striving to help each other, create a healthy place to live, and have a lot a fun while they’re at it.

Some of my best memories include painting storm drains with the volunteers for the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District, meeting wolves at the Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, and quietly watching sandhill cranes and waterfowl in the lowland ponds of Hugo. A few times I cut down buckthorn with VLAWMO at Vadnais Heights City Hall, and once I helped middle schoolers unhook crappies on the ice of Centerville Lake. Just a few weeks ago I joined members of the Marine on St. Croix community for one of my favorite events of the year—the Christmas Bird Count, by now a holiday tradition in my life.

It is both familiar and strange to return to this corner of the world and reconnect with so many people and places. As the interim editor of the Quad and Citizen, I will have the pleasure of getting to know some areas of the community that are newer to me.

The world is a little different now, but the human drive to form communities worth living in is as daunting and wonderful a task as always. It will be an exciting prospect to experience it together over the next few months.

Winter Wonderland

As I sit here all comfy and cozy looking outside, sipping a cup of Chai, with the fireplace blazing and a prayer shawl on my lap the snow is falling on my already snow laden trees, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.

Movers & Shakers

Sheri Hanson

Looking back on 2022, I feel that overall the year was good to us at the Centennial Community Food Shelf. We lost some old friends and yet were able to make new ones as our community opened to social gatherings and public outings.

I think I can safely say that none of us miss the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. I revel in this sense of freedom and inclusiveness. I shall never take for granted my family and friends, and the ability to freely intermingle with others again.

We at CCFS have had a full year of using our renovated space, allowing our shoppers to make their own choices as to which foods would best serve their families. Thanks to our Executive Director, Jennifer Parent, we have received multiple grants and generous donations

from Connexus Energy and many others, allowing us to add coolers and freezers to our space and increasing the amount of perishable food we can offer. Because the availability of some food products has been a challenge for us as well as the community, our Purchasing Team, Rosie Schwartz and Wendy Horvath, have expanded our sources beyond Second Harvest Heartland this past year. We are now members of Food Group and resource items at Festival and Sam’s Club. With the scarcity of some items comes increased demand and cost. Thanks to the wonderful support from this community, we have been able to continue to offer our shoppers a broad variety of food and personal items including some food for pets.

As with most things during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had put our Holiday Basket Program on hold. I am happy to say that we were able to start distributing our Thanksgiving Baskets this past November and the Christmas Baskets in December. We made some adjustments by hosting in our own CCFS space in the lower level of Circle Pines City Hall. Although we had less space for shoppers waiting to receive their baskets, we were able to offer cookies, coffee and hot cider to alleviate the chill. Everything ran smoothly with many volunteers helping the shoppers fill their baskets then getting it to their

vehicles. During the Christmas Basket distribution we were able to offer winter clothing thanks to Paula Lang and All Season’s Rental for the tent.

We have implemented a new software program called Pantry Saver to streamline our check-in process and reporting for Second Harvest. We have been training and setting up this program all fall, and we are now fully utilizing it as of Jan. 1. We are able to move the shoppers into the pantry space much quicker. Now if only the shopping could move as quickly it would be perfect. The main problem slowing us down right now is that we run out of carts and need to wait until they are returned from the earlier shoppers. I am saddened to share that this past month we had 3 of our shopping carts not returned to the CCFS building. We have ordered some replacements but are praying that whomever has them will return them as soon as possible. These are costly and we would rather spend our resources on food than carts.

May 2023 continue to bring good friends and neighbors together for the prosperity of this community. I know that I am forever grateful to be a part of this generous and caring community.

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Sheri Hanson is the President of the Centennial Community Food Shelf Board of Directors

Jackie Bussjaeger is the Interim Editor at Press Publications.

Jackie

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• A new mayor and two new council members will join established Lexington council members Brandon Winge and Diane Harris. The Jan. 6 City Council meeting opened with the administration of the oath of office to Mayor Gary Grote and new council members Kim DeVries and Robert Benson.

• The council has filled vacancies on city boards and offices. These include:

- Brandon Winge as representation on the Planning and Zoning Board

- Robert Benson as representation on the Identity Theft Committee

- Diane Harris as representation on the Park Board

- Kim DeVries as alternate representation on the Anoka County Fire Protection Council

- Diane Harris as vice-mayor

• A little bit more taxpayer money will go toward storm sewer maintenance due to an updated fee schedule resolution for 2023. The city hired MSA Professional Services to conduct a stormwater rate study and is in the final stages of updating its fee schedule to comply with the recommendations. Last year, the utility fee for storm sewer maintenance was raised halfway to the recommended level, and in 2023 it will finally be at its full recommended level at $20.81 per equivalent residential unit (ERU).

• The city will be keeping a closer eye on what and how much, exactly, is flowing into stormwater drains following an MS4 stormwater discharge management audit by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The city approved an updated stormwater management resolution with new language that will put the city’s management regulations in accordance with the requirements of the state of Minnesota. The update will include additional training for city offices and agencies such as law enforcement

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

A call for preschoolers to participate in Playschool

Parents/guardians of children ages 3-5 are invited to enroll their child in Cougar Cubs Playschool this spring. Children will be engaged in a variety of learning activities such as art, music, science, math, literacy and sensory and language development. These activities will be planned and implemented entirely by Centennial High School Child Psychology II students. A light snack will also be provided each day.

Dates: March 16-May 26 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays)

Please note that there are a few dates when Cougar Cubs will not meet due to school breaks/altered schedules. There will be no Playschool on March 24 and 31; April 4 and 7; and May 19.

Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cost: It's FREE!

Location: Centennial High School East Building

To reserve a spot in this program, please contact Megan

and fire departments.

• To stripe or not to stripe? In 2023, the Centennial Lakes Little League will be offered two options from the city when it comes to painting Memorial Park Ballfield. Either the city’s public works department will continue to paint the fields during game season, or the Little League can find an independent organization to provide painting services. The city estimated the cost would be $2,892. These options were approved and will be presented to Centennial Lakes Little League for its response.

• Litigation is pending between the city and the city of Blaine regarding interconnected water and sewer systems. The City Council entered a closed session at the end of its Jan. 6 meeting permitted under statute dealing with client-attorney privilege. A discussion of personnel matters under investigation also took place during this closed session.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 19, at City Hall.

Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart retires

At the completion of his third term as the 17th sheriff of Anoka County, Sheriff James Stuart officially retired effective Jan. 3. After serving as a Marine, Stuart spent most of his 30-year law enforcement career with the sheriff’s office as he advanced through various ranks and responsibilities. During his tenure as a supervisor and as a command staff member, he was responsible for the supervision and oversight of patrol, field training operations, K-9, honor guard, and civil process units. He oversaw the Office of Professional Standards, the SWAT team and, later, the Patrol and Administrative Divisions before being elected as sheriff in 2011.

“To serve a career alongside the selfless public safety professionals at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office has been an honor,” he said. “They remain second to none. Then to be able to spend three terms as the elected sheriff of the county is a unique privilege that I will never forget. The people of Anoka County have been incredibly supportive, and I greatly appreciate the many partnerships and friendships that have developed. As I leave office, I feel richly blessed and grateful.”

Piechowski at mpiechowski@ isd12.org(link sends email) for more information and a registration form.

Registration deadline is Feb. 24.

Meet new friends in 2023

North Suburban Neighbors Club, a nonprofit friendship organization for women in the northern suburbs, invites prospective members to a coffee event at 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Shoreview Community Center-Fireside Lounge.

NSNC provides opportunities for members to become acquainted with others in the community through friendship, goodwill and fun. Activities include coffees, eating out, programs and events, book club, movies, community service and more. Learn more about North Suburban Neighbors Club Group on Facebook or call or text Ellen at 651-247-9601.

The Shoreview Community Center is located at 4580 Victoria St. N.

Get to know new legislators

Constituents of Senate District 36 will have an opportunity to participate in legislative interviews with Senator Heather Gustafson and Representatives Brion Curran and Elliott Engen. The program sponsored by the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area will be held from 10:15 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21, at the White Bear Lake Library. The local legislators will discuss the issues faced by the state of Minnesota in 2023, their top three priorities and the legislation they plan to support in the coming session. Constituents may also engage in conversations with their elected representatives.

Senate District 36 includes the communities of Birchwood, Centerville, Circle Pines, Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township.

Stuart has been a member and leader of multiple organizations. He served as president of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, vice-president of the National Sheriffs’ Association, secretary/treasurer for the Joint Law Enforcement Council and on the executive committee for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Sheriff Stuart also serves as a board member for The Frontline Foundation, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge and Play to Your Strengths. Despite retiring as sheriff, Stuart remains committed to advocating and supporting public safety efforts across the state of Minnesota and the country. In March, Stuart will begin his next professional chapter as the executive director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association. Staff of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office thank Sheriff Stuart for his commitment to providing the best possible services to the Anoka County community, state of Minnesota, and law enforcement profession.

Lucy Lou, or just Lucy, is a sweet 1-year-old German Shepherd/Labrador mix. Her favorite activities are playing, cuddling and napping, in that order. And although she weighs 55 pounds, she thinks she’s a lap dog. Lucy is intelligent, obedient, affectionate, goofy and eager to please. She is cratetrained, house-trained and leash-trained, she knows her basic commands and she is social with all people and other animals, including cats and farm animals. She is a fantastic young lady

with a heart of gold and love for all. Lucy likes going for car rides, going for walks and playing fetch. She would also do well in a home with a securely fenced yard where she can run and explore. And, because she is so social, she would do well with a play buddy. If you’re looking for a wonderful lifetime companion, then Lucy is waiting for you. If you are interested in learning more about Lucy Lou 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.

WEEKLY WAG

Lucy Lou

From press release

ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | CONTRIBUTED Former Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart.

Jackie Bussjaeger

CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mayor Gary Grote takes the oath of office at the Jan. 5 Lexington City Council meeting.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

City of Willernie Maintenance Superintendent Job opening MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT, one person department for a small city. Must have a H. S. or g e.d.; Class D sewer license, Class D water license or the ability to obtain. At least one year experience in sewer-water field preferred, and general knowledge of street equipment and building facilities. Full time position. Would be on call 24/7, operate under a yearly budget,

$60,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Job description and application on line at www.Willernie.Org, or can be acquired at Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, Minnesota Mon-Thur. a. m. 9-12, or call for an appointment (651) 429-2977. Application deadline February 10, 2023.