Quad Community Press

This pair of eagles are the star of the show on the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife EagleCam. The female eagle, left, can be identified by her larger body, beak and talons. When eaglets hatch, they are covered with fluffy down that keeps them warm.

Churches at the crossroads: Faith community faces tough questions about the future

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

LINO LAKES — When Pastor Scott Jakel gave his first service at Lino Lakes Community Church in October, the congregation was excited to meet him: there was a full complement of 28 people in attendance. Jakel was surprised, to say the least.

“You’re excited at 28? I need some context here,” he said.

The church has been averaging

Centerville Lions cancel fishing tournament due to poor ice

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

CENTERVILLE — Anyone who’s been out on the frozen lakes this winter has seen the slushy, mushy mess firsthand. The ice is a little more unpredictable this year than winters past, causing the Centerville Lions Club to cancel its popular fishing tournament, which was set to take place Feb. 18 on Centerville Lake.

The decision was a matter of safety, said club president Ron Hogan. With a slushy mess on top and inconsistent ice below, having a fleet of heavy vehicles, foot traffic and holes in the ice seemed like a risky idea.

Although club leadership made the call during an early February cold snap, the rough conditions stem from much earlier in the season. The 30- and 40-degree temps since then have only cemented the decision.

“It’s one of our bigger events for the community, and it’s definitely sad we can’t put it on,” Hogan said. Donors and volunteers were lined up as usual, but the weather made the ultimate call.

Hogan said that donated materials will be saved for next year’s event instead.

“We’re sad we can’t have it, but we look forward to being back and big next year,” he said.

Poor ice conditions have afflicted lakes across the state this winter. The Centerville tournament is not the only one calling it off this year. The Little Canada Recreation Association canceled its 2023 tournament on Lake Gervais, and the organizers of several other contests across the Twin Cities and wider Minnesota have made the same decision.

Anoka County Natural Resources Specialist Quinn Palar explained some of the factors at work.

Heavy snow and rain after the lakes froze have created an insulating layer over the water. Even though temperatures dropped significantly in late January, the heavy blanket pushed down the weaker ice below, making for a slushy and inconsistent top crust.

12-14 people in the pews at regular Sunday services. This church, like thousands across the nation, has seen diminishing membership and is struggling to attract new members.

Pastor Scott Jakel joined the congregation as an interim pastor in October 2022, and will stay through June. In the meantime, he wants to help the church determine what its role is in the community and ask the hard questions about where it’s going next.

for more

a century.

SEE CROSSROADS, PAGE 9

“The thicker snow on top is insulating, so even if we do get those cold temperatures that typically would be creating several inches of ice, that cold air doesn’t reach the ice as quickly,” Palar said. “If it was just glass-clear ice, it would be much quicker to freeze.”

The lake surfaces have become more unpredictable than in other years, and the results are apparent all over the region.

“I’ve never seen so many pictures of trucks going through and just bad ice conditions,” Palar said. “There’s enough good ice on the bottom, but on top of that it’s snowy slush, with two inches of liquid water. Each time you step you drop 2 inches to the hardpack. It’s really eerie, but it’s on the borderline of what I consider to be safe conditions to be walking out.”

JACKIE BUSSJAEGER PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A painting of the historic church, which has served the Lino Lakes community

than

Hugo resident competes for $1 million prize on “Survivor”

HUGO — A Hugo resident will soon be in the national media spotlight as a contestant on the 44th season of the CBS game show “Survivor.”

Thirty-five-year-old Carolyn Wiger of Hugo was recently announced as one of 18 cast members on the long-running competitive reality series.

Wiger works as a drug counselor with Washington County and is the daughter of former Minnesota Sen. Chuck Wiger. In a media press release, she shared her reasons for wanting to join the cast of the show.

“I want to share my story,” she said. “I want to bring the hope. Addiction looks different for everybody and recovery does too. ‘Survivor’ is so much more than a game to me. It’s the human interactions, the growth and the fun! Of course, I want to be a part of that!”

Here are a few questions she answered prior to the filming of the show.

What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?

A: Overcoming my addiction and learning how to forgive, love and accept myself. Active addiction is mental and emotional torture. It took me years to realize my mistakes don’t define me. I’ve worked hard to become this person I am proud of. I know this game will break me down, but I am strong, resilient

and, most importantly I believe in myself!

What will you value in an alliance partner?

A: I know this is a game, but we are human first. My alliances will go deeper than strategy because my bonds will be real. I value authentic connections and interactions.

Favorite hobbies: Gardening, ice skating, rescuing bunnies.

Pet peeves: When people ask me if I’m sick if I’m not wearing makeup. People who make fun of what is different from them or what they don’t understand. Gel polish that chips quickly.

New UTV extends reach of fire department

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

A: Staying sober for the last 13 years and raising my son in recovery.

What is something we would never know from looking at you?

A: I eat so much candy, it’s ridiculous. I’ve had three crowns because I keep cracking my teeth from jawbreakers and atomic fireballs. I’ve fallen asleep eating chocolate too many times to count.

Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?

A: My mom and dad. My mom is the most selfless person I know. She’s my rock and never hesitates to help, even when her own needs are pushed aside. My dad dropped out of school and joined the circus. He decided to turn his life around so he went back to school, got a law degree and was elected into the Senate. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in me and pushed me to do better no matter what my past looked like.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor?

A: Because my authentic connections will win me the game!

The new season of “Survivor” will premiere March 1.

LINO LAKES – Hard-to-reach fires don’t stand a chance against the new UTV at the Lino Lakes Fire Department.

An anonymous donor presented the department with a gift of $100,000 in 2022, which was used in the purchase of the specialized vehicle. This donation was given with the stipulation that the money should be used for wildland fire protection.

The vehicle is designed to operate off-road, with tracks that can travel over rough terrain to access remote areas of the city, said Deputy Fire Director Dan L’Allier. This includes county parks and trail systems that might be difficult to reach with fire equipment.

Lino Lakes has many areas of open land and wetlands, as well as many lakes enjoyed by recreationists in the winter.

“Being able to access our lakes and trails in the winter will greatly reduce response time to emergencies in these areas,” L’Allier said.

The machine has already proved its mettle in an emergency. Fire staff used it to extinguish a snowmobile fire near Aqua Lane in late December, and extend their thanks to the anonymous donor.

ROBERT VOETS | CBS

Hugo resident and “Survivor” contestant Carolyn Wiger.

Jackie Bussjaeger

LINO LAKES PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE DIVISION | CONTRIBUTED

The new UTV was purchased with the help of an anonymous donation to help protect the community against wildland fires.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

READ TO A DOG

When: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22

Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines

Details: Children in grades K-3 can practice reading skills in a 15 minute session with a licensed therapy dog. Registration required.

Contact: 763-324-1540

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY “500”

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Feb. 2 and 16; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

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

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

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

CONTRIBUTED

Kids and parents can explore snowshoeing together at Tamarack Nature Center.

Parent-Child Snowshoe Trek

When: 10-11:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township

Details: Go off trail with a naturalist, follow animal tracks, and discover hidden homes beneath the snow. Registration required.

Contact: ramseycounty.us

WINTERFEST

When: Through Feb. 20

Where: Stillwater

Details: Annual community-wide celebration of all things winter. Events include specials at restaurants and shops, live music, Parka Pub Crawl, bags tournament, indoor winter market, raffle, purse Bingo, drag brunch, 'Stillwater's Got Talent” talent show, and fireworks. See event schedule online.

Contact: StillwaterU.com

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST

When: 11:30-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15

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

Details: Monthly program for adults includes presentation on local natural or cultural history. Free.

Contact: 763-342-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

STEM SATURDAY: SMELLY SCIENCE

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N.

Details: Kids ages 8-12 can learn about the digestive system, test sense of smell with real foods, and make slime. No registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org/events

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20; the 3rd Monday of every month

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

Details: Monthly meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served.

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

GETTING STARTED WITH NATIVE PLANTS

When: 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N.

Details: Presentation by Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed Conservation District will introduce native plants in the area, address common misconceptions, and provide local resources to help you start your own native plant project. Registration required.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org/events

WHIMSICAL WIGS WORKSHOP

When: 6:30-9 p.m.Tuesday, Feb. 21

Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines

Details: Make a wig to be given to kids going through cancer treatment. Free; supplies provided. RSVP.

Contact: whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com

Church Directory

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo  Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org

“Because we’re

togetherplacechurch.org facebook.com/togetherplacechurch 761679

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CHORAL RECITAL

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church 1851 Birch St.

Details: Public is welcome to attend a free concert with acclaimed tenor Johnnie Felder and the chancel choir of WBLUMC to celebrate Black History Month. Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

HORSESHOES ON ICE

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18

Where: White Bear Lake VFW, 4496 Lake Ave. S.

Details: Double-elimination tournament. Sign up 9:3011:30 a.m. Contact: 651-426-4944

VIRTUAL TALK WITH JIM ROCK

When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21

Where: Zoom

Details: James Rock is a citizen of the Dakota nation and Director of Indigenous Programming for the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and presents Indigenous star knowledge in several languages to thousands annually. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org

PPP, ERTC, who CARES?

It is over now, we think.

L ast week President Biden announced that federal pandemic programs will end in May.

I watched a comedy special by Jo Koy recently where he was recalling how we all acted during the spring of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Funny stuff from sneezing in masks to hoarding toilet paper.

T he passage of nearly three years has hopefully given us some perspective. In hindsight, it all looks fairly crazy now. Then? Not so much.

Federal and state governments looked at all sorts of financial aid during lockdowns to prevent businesses closing, bankruptcies and overall social unrest from occurring.

Publisher’s

Desk

Tom Stangl

T he Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law at the end of March, 2020. The $2.2 trillion measure had provisions for individuals to receive stimulus payments, parents to receive extra funds for school age children, free lunches for school age children and many other benefits.

M any businesses qualified for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a forgivable loan program from the Small Business Administration designed to help businesses keep their employees during the pandemic. Over $800 billion was loaned and then forgiven.

A nother CARES program, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), is a refundable tax credit for qualifying employee wages. Businesses of five or more employees are able to qualify for up to $13,000 per year ($26,000 total) tax credit for 2020 and 2021 for full time employees.

ERTC was initially reserved for businesses that didn’t get PPP. However, the rules were changed and firms who previously got PPP can get ERTC. ERTC sunsets in June (maybe sooner with the recent announcement of an end to federal pandemic programs), so there is limited time for businesses that qualify to amend their tax returns and get their money.

I know many people have ethical, moral or political objections to government programs. On an intellectual level, I can understand and appreciate the objections. But pandemic relief that individuals and businesses qualify for and legally are entitled to receive for me is a different thing altogether.

T his newspaper qualified for PPP and ERTC. We have used the funds to keep people employed and the business going during some major disruptions brought on by the pandemic.

We have decided to partner with Easy Tax Credits, LLC, to help spread the work about ERTC. Easy Tax Credits, LLC is a family-owned business run by a newspaper family, the Richners, in New York. The CEO of our company has known the Richners for years and after hearing a presentation about Easy Tax Credits, LLC, we made the decision to work with the company. You have probably seen the ads in this paper and on the website for the company. We want every small business of five or more employees to get the CARES Act funding they are entitled to under the law.

W hether that means working with your payroll tax advisor or Easy Tax Credits, LLC, we hope businesses make sure they aren’t leaving money on the table. This paper does receive a commission on business referred to Easy Tax Credits, LLC. Please see the ad in the paper or visit the website.

T he COVID-19 pandemic was awful. We look forward to getting back to whatever is normal now.

Tom Stangl is publisher of Sentinel Publications, an affiliated company of Press Publications

Stop and Taste the Flowers

While many of us are familiar with the idea of creating an edible landscape using traditional food sources like currant bushes, apple trees and herbs, we might be missing out on some other culinary delights contained in our own backyards –flowers.

Gardener’s Grapevine

When you are selecting pansies for your spring planter, consider buying extras to give a pop of color and taste to your spring salads, or candy them for a delicate dessert. Both the petals and sepals of pansies are edible and have a delicate, slightly grassy flavor. Here are some other good choices for both your landscape and your plate:

1. Sunflowers: While most people know you can eat the seeds, few realize that the whole flower head is edible. Harvest the heads when they begin to droop (before seeds are fully formed), remove the outer and inner petals, and wash thoroughly. To prepare, drizzle the sunflower heads with olive oil and place them face down on

a closed gas grill. Cook at 450 degrees for about five minutes. Serve the heads in chunks and eat them like corn on the cob.

2. Nasturtiums: Do you like peppery greens like arugula?

If so, you’ll love nasturtium, which is ready to harvest after arugula and other mustard-like greens have bolted in the heat of the summer. Both the petals and the flowers can be eaten, and the flowers come in many vibrant colors to match your landscape and your salad plate.

3. Borage: This Mediterranean herb is incredibly easy to grow from seed, and both the leaves and flowers are edible. Borage tastes like cucumber and is a gorgeous addition to salads and summer cocktails with its blue or white blooms. It is best to use young leaves as older ones are hairy and not as palpable. Borage is a pollinator magnet, so leave some flowers for the bees to enjoy, too!

4. Roses: These workhorses of the flower garden are excellent additions to your afternoon tea party. Rose hips are used in preserves and teas. Rose petals are making a comeback in baking and cocktail applications via rose water, which will add sweetness and a taste undertone ranging from spicy to fruity depending on the variety. For best taste, select an heirloom rose variety since newer

hybrids are bred primarily for looks.

There are several precautions to take when using a flower for food. The most important is to be certain you have properly identified the flower. There are many resources available online and in print to guide you. Next, avoid consuming plants from florists or from areas sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. Finally, thoroughly wash all flowers or produce before serving – an insect may be trapped in that borage bloom.

For gardeners with small or non-existent yards, it is not necessary to sacrifice blooms for food or vice versa. With a little research, you can make your environment both beautiful and edible.

The University of Minnesota Extension has more information about edible flowers: https://extension.umn.edu/ flowers/edible-flowers

Mark your calendar for the Anoka County Master Gardeners' Home Landscaping and Garden Fair on April 1 and Plant Sale on May 16 and 17. Visit anokamastergardeners. org for details.

Paulette Greenberg is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener

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Publications

Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

SP TTED

Foxy is a beautiful 73-pound German shepherd mix. She arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as an owner surrender, where she was an only pet. However, she really enjoys living at her foster’s home with three other dogs. She fits in nicely and gets along great with her foster siblings and she’s perfectly okay not being the boss dog. Foxy is 3 years old. She’s playful, affectionate, smart and eager to please. She loves to play, and she likes to be around her people. Currently, her foster mom works from home, so she enjoys the freedom she has around the house.

1. A closeup of borage, an edible plant that might make a good addition to your springtime garden. — Contributed 2-3. The warm weather over the last week has brought out wildlife galore. At Wargo Nature Center, a pair of opossums took advantage of the feast waiting under the bird feeders. Opossums, the only North American marsupial, are normally nocturnal and rarely seen in the daylight. — Jackie

Bussjaeger Press Publications

Foxy is social and does well with other dogs and is great with all the new people and children she meets. She is a sweetheart and has a lot of love to give. She’s looking for a forever family and home that will give her that opportunity. If you are interested in learning more about Foxy 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.

RAPTOR LOVE: Two eagles face the trials of nesting

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM EDITOR

ST. PAUL — Hearts, flowers and chocolates are staples of Valentine’s Day for humans, but for the bald eagles on the Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam, expressions of love consist of shapely twigs and morsels of fresh fish.

February is the month when eagle parents are getting ready to produce the next generation of high-flying predators. Their teamwork as they protect the nest from predators, incubate eggs and hunt for food in the icy winter conditions are true #couplegoals.

“They tend to stay together; you could say until death do us part or until a better mate comes in,” said Lori Naumann, spokesperson for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, which manages the nest camera and livestream. “They have a stronger fidelity to the territory than they do to their partner. If they feel this is a great territory, with a great food source year round, they will defend their territory, and it is a coveted site.”

Millions of people from Minnesota and beyond enjoy an up-close view of these behaviors in real time through the DNR EagleCam livestream. The EagleCam first started in 2013, and is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.

Watching the feed, one might catch the female moving sticks around, prepping the nest for eggs that will come along sometime in mid-February. Eagle nests are massive structures, built high out of the reach of ground predators and added to year after year. The male and female know just how to divide their roles, the female incubating eggs at night while the male sits close by defending the territory.

“He’s paying attention to what’s going on in the whole area while watching over her as well,” Naumann explained. “He will jump down and they both will weave the sticks together which strengthens the pair bond, shows them the other one is a good partner, they know how to be an eagle, and they are trusted to provide food and protect the nest.”

As DNR scientists, they have to be careful not to anthropomorphize, even though fans of the eagles love to do so anyway. Members of the Friends of the Minnesota Nongame EagleCam Facebook page call the current pair Nancy and Beau.

“They are rabid followers, and they are very passionate about this particular nest,” Naumann said. “Some

Adult bald eagles are recognizable for the clean white head and tailfeathers, but it can take up to five years for an adult to grow into this appearance. Juvenile eagles will look chocolate brown with streaks of white feathers all over their bodies until they grow into mature plumage.

of the people watch the camera constantly. It amazes me how much they catch.”

There are a few privileged photographers who were aware of the nest before it had a camera in it, and they still visit the site to take photos. Each year they produce a calendar of photos that they sell to benefit the Nongame Wildlife program.

The popularity of the nest cam skyrocketed during the pandemic. Naumann said people were looking to connect with nature and keep themselves entertained at home. When the chicks hatched in March 2020, there were viewers from 150 countries and all 50 states. The stream is used frequently in school curriculum and in spaces such as care centers and meeting rooms, where it adds a touch of the wild. Recent research has even suggested that exposure to livestream wildlife cameras can help improve quality of life and promote a deep love of conservation in viewers. Eagles have bounced back to healthy numbers since they were dangerously threatened by hunting and chemical pollutants in the mid-1900s, but these birds are a charismatic face for the Nongame Wildlife Program, which works to conserve other threatened species in Minnesota.

Sometimes, it seems that people love eagles more than eagles love each other. The EagleCam is not always family-friendly viewing, and the DNR gives a warning that the lives of wild eagles can often be brutal and difficult to watch.

Many chicks don’t make it through the difficulties of life in the nest. Eggs usually hatch a few days apart, resulting in varying sizes between siblings, and it’s rough to be the littlest. Siblings have been known to peck at each other and even push each other out of the nest. In some cases where food was in short supply, eaglets and even adult eagles have eaten the weakest member of the aerie.

Adults face many challenges as well—in recent years the territory has been in a shakeup as first one male disappeared, then another, with avian influenza as the suspect.

Not to mention, eagles like to eat some things that

people consider cute and fuzzy—and sometimes when they arrive in the nest, they aren’t quite dead yet.

“It’s usually very bloody and gruesome,” Naumann said. “But viewers who have been watching a long time get accustomed to that, and they get excited when food comes into the nest. It’s tough to watch sometimes, but one of the things is that people have realized that this is nature. They’ve become a little bit more accustomed to it.”

If all goes well, EagleCam viewers can expect eggs to arrive sometime in mid-February. After that, the parents will incubate the eggs for about 35 days. In March, there should be a few fluffy nestlings opening their beaks wide to accept deliveries of bits of fish and animal protein from their hardworking parents.

The exact location of the nest is kept secret to protect the birds from disturbance, but anyone can swing by the nest virtually. Visit the EagleCam at www.dnr. state.mn.us/features/webcams/eaglecam/index.html.

Nowacki is CHS

Triple-A nominee

Eli Nowacki, who has made his mark as a placekicker and vocal music leader, is Centennial High School’s boy nominee for the Triple A Award, a Minnesota State High School League program honoring seniors for academic, athletics and arts achievements. Nowacki was a Star-Tribune All-Metro pick for his field goal, extra point, and kickoff abilities. He’s the choir captain and made all-conference and all-state in choir, along with two years of cabaret singing (a charity event). He holds a 3.972 grade-point-average.

Nowacki is also active in National Honor Society,

Eli Nowacki

mentors an elementary student, and plays on the boys club volleyball team. He hopes to play college football (as yet undecided which college) and major in business with a finance emphasis.

are laid a few days apart, which means some eagle chicks start off with an advantage of being larger than their siblings.

Eagle pairs work together to feed and raise chicks, taking turns in the nest.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers responded to a report of a delayed hit-and-run accident in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Feb. 1. The caller reported the damage was very minor and a suspect license plate was given. The investigation is active.

• Officers responded to the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville for a gas drive-off theft Feb. 2.

• Officers responded to the 9000 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington for a delayed burglary report Feb. 2. The case is still active.

• Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Lake Drive and Firebarn Road in Circle Pines on a report of a personal injury accident Feb. 2. Officers assisted the injured party and took information for a report.

• An officer observed suspicious activity on the 7000 block of 20th Avenue in Centerville Feb. 5. A traffic stop was conducted and, ultimately, one male was arrested.

• An officer observed traffic violations at Lake Drive and Woodland Road in Lexington Feb. 6. The vehicle was stopped and ultimately searched, and drug paraphernalia was found and destroyed.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 800 block of I-35E Jan. 31. The adult male driver was arrested and booked at jail for driving after revocation and speeding. The vehicle was towed to Twin Cities Towing.

• An officer responded to the 700 block of Town Center Parkway for a fire alarm Jan. 31. Upon investigation, the officer learned the alarm was activated by construction dust.

• An officer responded to a narcotics-related situation in the 7800 block of Century Trail Jan. 31. Two juveniles were interviewed, and one was charged for possession of a controlled substance.

• An officer responded to a

report of a hit-and-run accident in the 600 block of Market Place Drive Jan. 31. The officer collected information but was unable to develop a suspect at that time. The investigation is ongoing.

• While on patrol, an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 6300 block of I-35E Feb. 1. After an investigation, the driver was arrested for driving while impaired and booked at the Anoka County Jail.

• While on patrol in the area of Main Street and I-35E Feb. 1, an officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The adult male driver was subsequently arrested and booked at jail for driving after cancellation inimical to public safety and speeding.

• Officers responded to a report of a structure fire in the 7900 block of 20th Avenue Feb. 2. Multiple fire agencies responded and extinguished a garage and vehicle fire.

• An officer received a phone call report of a trespassing incident that occurred at a private construction site in the 200 block of Hammerly Court Feb. 2. Officers sent a letter to an adult male informing them they were trespassed.

• Officers responded to a private residence on report of an assault Feb. 2. Officers investigated the incident and cited an adult male for fifth-degree assault.

• An officer observed an unknown male who appeared to be tampering with the front door of a house in the 6700 block of Timberwolf Trail Feb. 2. The officer made contact with the male and learned it was the homeowner conducting maintenance.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 800 block of Main Street Feb. 3. The driver was subsequently arrested for DWI and booked at jail.

• An officer received a call of a disorderly male at a hotel in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Feb. 3. The officer investigated and later charged the male with disorderly conduct.

• Officers responded to a report

of a possible vehicle fire in the 8000 block of Lake Drive Feb. 3. It was found to be a vehicle idling with heavy exhaust. No problems were found.

• Officers responded to a report of a multiple-vehicle personal injury crash in the 500 block of Birch Street Feb. 3. Officers arrived and provided aid to a driver suffering from a medical emergency. No other motorists were injured, and information for insurance purposes was provided to all drivers.

• Officers responded to a report of a personal injury crash in the 6900 block of Lake Drive Feb. 3. It was determined the call was an automated signal sent by a smartphone in error.

• An officer responded to a report of an injured deer in the caller’s yard in the 900 block of Birch Street Feb. 4. The deer was dispatched and a possession permit was issued to a community member for the deer.

• An officer was dispatched to a phone call report regarding damage to property in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue Feb. 4. The officer documented the incident; the investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive for suspicious activity involving two males Feb. 4. An officer stopped the vehicle they were in and arrested the driver for several offenses.

• Officers responded to a request to check the welfare of a male whose mother had not heard from him in two weeks Feb. 5. It was found the male likely changed cell phone numbers. The information was passed along to the caller.

• An officer responded to a report of a catalytic converter theft in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Feb. 5. The officer documented the theft, and the investigation is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a license plate violation in the 500 block of Birch Street Feb. 6. The officer impounded the plate and provided the driver a temporary permit.

Law enforcement investigates explosion

EAST BETHEL — On Feb. 6, at approximately 8:25 a.m., Anoka County Emergency Communications began receiving reports of an explosion in the area of Viking Blvd. NE and Greenbrook Drive NE in the city of East Bethel. Anoka County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded along with the East Bethel Fire Department and located what appeared to be an explosion scene at a home under construction in the 2800 block of Viking Blvd. NE. Emergency personnel discovered that three people were trapped in the home and initiated rescue operations with the assistance of the North Metro SRT (Special Rescue Team). Allina Paramedics and Life Link EMS also responded to the scene. All three victims are adult males and all three were transported to HCMC. One was transported by air ambulance and two were transported by ground ambulance.

The victims in this incident have been identified as: Keith Hyovalti, age 35, from Oak Grove; William Swanson, age 47, from Zimmerman; and James Wells, age 47, from Coon Rapids. All three victims remain in the care of the Hennepin County Medical Center. Per the Hennepin County Medical Center, all three victims are in stable condition.

The cause of the apparent explosion is under investigation by the East Bethel Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Anoka County Fire Investigation Team and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. From press release

AT&T MOBILITY, LLC

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications facility on an existing water tank located near 760 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines, Anoka County, MN 55014. The modifications will consist of the collocation of antennas at a top height of 124 ft above ground level on the existing 151 ft tall water tank. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6123000477 - KRC EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or at (470) 512-5385.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on February 14, 2023.

CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Circle Pines City Council will hold a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the Circle Pines City Hall.

The purpose of this meeting will be to vacate a Right-of-Way/Easement for a proposed street located at 2 and 4 Pine Drive South, Circle Pines, Minnesota.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disabled individual may contact City Hall one week in advance by phone at (763) 784-5898, or TDD (763) 231-2617; or in writing to request

Fiddler on the Roof

Join us for the live musical theatre presentation

March 24, 25, 26, 31

April 1 and 2, 2023

Tickets are now available for purchase:

https://www.gracechurchfl.net/gracecommunity-theatre

362

Misc

Imagine cruising the St. Croix River this spring in a 25.5' Bayliner Cruiser. The Saratoga will make memories! Grill steaks or impossible burgers, the sky is the limit! Boat has Refrigerator, Sink, Grill, 2 batteries, Marine radio, hardtop, full canvas,new power, 260hp, 5.7 MerCruiser $7500. Located at Wolf's Marina in Stillwater. Must sell due to ski accident. 612-599-1729

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WANTED: ALL 19 70S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Cash in exchange. Se ll now while prices are high! Ca ll Dan at 612/720-2142

The City of Mahtomedi is accepting Letters of Interest to fill a recently vacated City Council seat. The City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. and occasionally for Work Sessions or Special Meetings. The term of this appointment will expire at the end of 2023.

If you are interested in serving the community in this capacity, please send a Letter of Interest to: City of Mahtomedi, c/o Scott Neilson Administrator, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or email to sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Letters of Interest will be accepted until Friday, February 24, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. with interviews scheduled the week of February 27, 2023. Please direct questions to Scott Neilson at 651-426-3344.

NOW HIRING DRIVERS

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Misc

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate adv ertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion bas ed 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 adv ertised in this newsp ap er are av ailable on an equal oppor tunity bas is 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

Weekly Outlook

Weather Tidbits

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On our group run this past Sunday, friend Dan asked, “Is winter over?” I said, “yes.” Well at least the worst of the cold is now behind us. Highs in the 30’s and lows, for the most part, will stay above freezing. Of course another runner friend calls this “fake spring,” where we’re teased with 40’s but there is still a good 7-8 weeks of winter-like weather ahead. Whatever, I’ll take this mid-winter thaw over what we’ve been having and enjoy it. Are you like me and have 6-7” of ice along your roof line?

I’ve never seen it this bad.

Note: My 2023 weather calendar is available at Lake Country Bookseller in Downtown White Bear Lake or visit WeathermanWatson.com to order. Thanks for your support!

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PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO PATTY STEELE AT MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM OR CALL 651-407-1213

LOCKSMITH

We are a small family-owned business/ commercial hardware distributor. Looking for locksmith experience or exp. working with different key manuf. and cylinders.

Exp. with key schedules and bitting lists. Would be pinning cylinders, cutting keys, creating key schedules, talking to bldg. maint. to determine best type of key system. Good organization and communication skills.

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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.

MAHTOMEDI

VOLUNTEER FOR CITY COMMISSION

The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the Finance Commission. The Commission serves as an advisory body making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.

If you are interested in serving the community in any of this capacity, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344 for an application form. Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Applications will be taken through March 1, 2023.

JERENE ROGERS CITY CLERK

ella neous

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Frank Watson

CROSSROADS: Lino Lakes church rethinks its role

The church’s history stretches back nearly 150 years in the Lino Lakes area, beginning as a series of preaching circuit riders who traveled by horseback. It has held many names over the course of its history, and recently underwent another change, from Gethsemane United Methodist to Lino Lakes Community Church. The change was one measure to appeal to the broader community.

“Sometimes churches like this one with such a long history can get a bit into a rut of doing things a certain way,” Jakel said. “If we have changing times, changing cultures, but a church that won’t change, people are not attracted to that.”

A Gallup poll from 2020 found that 47 percent of Americans are members of a religious organization— falling below the majority since the first Gallup poll of this kind in 1937. Then, 73% of Americans belonged to some kind of religious organization.

The poll found that membership correlated strongly with age: 66 percent of U.S. adults born before 1946 belong to some faith community, but only 36 percent of millennials can say the same. Declines in church membership are also smaller among political conservatives, married adults and college graduates.

Although Gallup found that seven out of 10 Americans are affiliated with some type of organized religion, the number of them who have formal membership in a faith community has been declining.

There are many factors at work, not least of them being the struggles of holding regular services during COVID-19 quarantines. Churches scrambled to become accessible in a time when people were not comfortable gathering in large groups.

Politics have played a role as well, especially surrounding pandemic precautions. Some members of the church community took health safety very seriously, and others not so much, causing friction and potentially driving longtime attendees away.

“Some churches struggle to have civilized conversations around politics and theology differences,” Jakel said. “If they have a church where there’s arguing and not a careful, calm, humble listening, people want to avoid conflict at church too, just like they stop attending other groups that are too political or too filled with rancor.”

The overarching United Methodist Church caused controversy when it formally declared that it would not allow members of LGBTQIA+ community to become clergy or to be married in the church. The Minnesota United Methodist community, however, ruled in support of LGBTQIA+ clergy at its most recent conference, and gave individual churches the option of administering ceremonies according to their own values.

“I’m not sure you’d get consensus in this church on whether they want to be progressive or opposed to that, but that’s one of the issues sort of in the background that we’re not really talking about,” Jakel said. “Although I do make it very clear that everyone is welcome and we need to be loving toward people, even if you don’t agree with their lifestyle or their identity and how they present themselves.”

In addition to controversy, Jakel noted that changing cultural norms have left little free time, making it more difficult than ever for Americans to devote time to faith practices.

“We have to be very clear of our intention to move forward, because we can’t just hope for better days, hope young families come, hope people will show up by good advertising,” Jakel said. “We know we have to recommit, revitalize and almost reengineer how we do church.”

The first step is a conversation within the congregation about the direction going forward. Jakel anticipates 10-12 weeks of what he calls a Conversation at the Crossroads: regular meetings to discuss the interests of the current membership and what it will take to keep Lino Lakes Community Church afloat.

“If we as a congregation honestly say we don’t have the people, the money, the energy to do this, we’re going to close,” Jakel said. “If we chose to do that, that would be the choice of leaders here. Nobody wants the church to close. The conversation we’re having at the crossroads is not how to close the church, it’s how to be clear about our future.”

Jakel has brought his personal philosophy of deep personal connection to the congregation during his time there.

Many people are struggling with feelings of alienation, isolation, anxiety and depression—he sees the church as a space where people can connect and work to provide solutions to problems in the community.

Along with membership, Lino Lakes Community Church has seen a reduction in the types of programs that serve the community. For around 30 years, the church was home to a child care center, which has been sitting unused since October.

“We’re not actively engaged in ministry in the community like we used to be and like we need to be,” Jakel said.

A 2017 Gallup study found that those who attend church mainly go for sermons, as well as youth programs, community outreach and volunteer opportunities.

“If we reach out and have this be a welcoming, friendly, inspiring and joyful place, people come to that,” Jakel said. “We’re going to be curious about our future. Being afraid and doubling down on doing things the way we’ve always done them is not going to work for us.”

Presidents' Day Trivia

Celebrated each year on the third Monday in February, Presidents' Day honors all U.S. presidents. The origins of the holiday lie in the 1880s, when George Washington's birthday, Feb. 22, was celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays in order to give workers a number of long weekends throughout the year. During the debate on the bill, it was proposed that Washington's birthday be renamed Presidents’ Day to likewise honor Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12.

To test your knowledge of America's 46 presidents, check out the quiz below:

1. Which president was a classically trained pianist and played four other instruments?

2. How many presidents never went to college?______________________________________

3. Who was the first president to travel by railroad?_____________________________________

4. Who was the oldest president to be inaugurated? _________________________________

5. Which president hated his painted portrait so much that he eventually burned it?

6. Which president was the first to ride in a car to his inauguration? ______________________

7. Which president was the first to hold a televised news conference? ___________________

8. Which president signed legislation creating Medicare? ___________________________

9. Which president was a famous movie star?

10. Which president was the first to fly in an airplane? _____________________________________

“We know we have to recommit, revitalize and almost reengineer how we do church.”

– Pastor Scott Jakel

Lino Lakes Community Church

1. Richard Nixon. 2. Nine. 3. Andrew Jackson. 4. Joe Biden. He was 78. 5. Theodore Roosevelt. 6. Warren G. Harding.

7. Dwight Eisenhower. 8. Lyndon Johnson. 9. Ronald Reagan.

10. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Flohaug returns to state in Alpine

Centennial freshman Jordin

Flohaug qualified for the state meet in Alpine Skiing, for the second straight year, at the Section 7 meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

The Cougar girls placed fourth and the boys placed eighth among 19 schools. They are coached by Derrick Taylor.

Flohaug, who was a skier before she started first grade, placed eighth individually and will return to Biwabik on Tuesday for the state meet.

“Jordin started racing with Wild Mountain D-Team when she was five. It gave our family a reason to ski each Saturday even when life got busy,” said her dad, Kelly, adding that she moved on to training with Team Gilboa at Wild Mountain and joined the Cougars in seventh grade. She also plays soccer.

“Her strong work ethic around training, and her competitive spirit, help make Jordin a fast ski racer,” Taylor said.

The Cougars also had Brooke

Halverson, senior captain, in 19th place, senior Kalli Halatsis in 37th and junior Katie Tensing 41st.

In boys competition, junior Bruce Johnson placed 27th; he was 18th after his first run, slid

Cougars’ Ruegsegger, Akpan, Franco advance to state girls wrestling

Centennial’s Jaden Ruegsegger and Nora Akpan were champions in the Section 3 and 4 tournament Saturday and will advance to the state tournament, along with Alaina Franco, a runner-up, in action at Hastings.

Ruegsegger, a senior, captured the 132-pound title among five contestants, earning her second state trip. She pinned Natalie Diaz of Sibley East in 4:11 in the finals, after getting a 45-second pin in the semifinals. Akpan, a freshman, was 138-pound champion among six contestants, beating Luverne’s Cece Rock 8-4 in the finals after getting a 56-second pin in the semifinals.

BOYS HOCKEY

Peyton Blair’s hat trick helped Centennial defeat Mounds View 4-0 last Tuesday, after which the Cougars lost a pair of high-scoring games in a busy week. The Cougars are 13-9-1 with two regular-season games left. Blair, who has 33 goals, scored even strength, short-handed, and on a power play against Mounds View (10-11-1). Casey Coenen had the other goal, Harper Searles made three assists and Easton Cody 17 saves. Elk River (10-14) outgunned Centennial

out on a turn during his second run and made a quick recovery to finish. Luke Lofgren, a senior in his first year, placed 30th. Senior Owen Crandell placed 35th and junior Tyler McGrew 44th.

7-5 on Thursday evening, led by Kole Mears with three goals. Scoring for the Cougars, who had a 3-1 lead, were Blair twice, Heyden Frank, Drake Ramirez, and Heath Nelson. Two goalies played, with Gavin Schahn nicked for four goals and Cody for two. Rosemount (12-9-1) got five goals from sophomore Christian Garrity (who has 21 for the season) and defeated the Cougar 6-4 on Saturday. Centennial had power play goals by Blair, Searles and Ramirez. Searles had two goals and two assists.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Centennial pulled off an upset against Maple Grove 37-36 at home on Tuesday, Feb. 7, beating the same team to whom they lost 63-35 on Jan. 12. “We played outstanding defense,” coach Spencer Waldvogel said. “We switched up our defense, based on if we scored or not, and it caught Maple Grove off guard all night.” Ty Burgoon led the Cougars (4-15) with 16 points. Timmy Ball added eight. Edwin Dorbor and Gannon McGuire scored nine each for Maple Grove (14-5), whose previous low was 54 points. “There was not a game-winning shot. We had to make a stop at the end and we did,” Wadvogel said. “We believed we could do it, and we executed from start to finish.” Spring Lake Park (6-13) tripped the Cougars 81-70 there

Franco, sophomore, was second of four contestants at 145 pounds as she won by pin and lost by pin in her only two matches.

Lucy Dropps, a junior, placed third of eight contestants at 126 pounds, winning three of four matches, all by pin. Ade Flaschberger, a senior, placed sixth of 13 contestants at 120 with a 3-3 record including two pins. Sophie Nurka, sophomore, was 1-2 with a pin at 235 and placed fourth among five contestants.

Thursday with Brayden Talso hitting 17 points and Kyrie Shaw and Beau Johnson 16 each. Jackson Driessen tallied 26 points and Burgoon 22 for the Cougars.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Centennial lost to conference leader Maple Grove last week, then defeated Spring Lake Park, giving the Cougars a 13-9 record, 11-4 in the conference. Maple Grove (18-3, 15-0) edged the Cougars 54-49 on Tuesday, powered by Kennedy Klick with 21 points and Audrey Kormann with 15. Marisa Frost had 18 points (shooting 8-for-14) and Jordan Metz 17 (shooting 7-for-10) for Centennial. The Cougars had some foul trouble and shot just 1-for-11 on three’s, but gave the Crimson a much better game than their first meeting (77-50). Centennial topped Spring Lake Park 62-44 at home Thursday, led by Frost with 20 points. Jordan Metz added 12 points (4-for-6 on three’s), Autumn McCall 11 points and eight rebounds, and Macey Littlefield eight. The Cougars were 15-for-18 on free shots. Bella Sutch had 14 and Taylor Bergstrom 11 for the Panthers (9-12).

WRESTLING

Centennial finished the regular season with a 15-14 record (4-4 in the conference). Seeded No. 4 in the Section

4AAA dual meet tournament on Friday at Mounds View, the Cougars face No. 5 Irondale/Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony at 5:30, with the winner most likely taking on undefeated, top-seeded Mounds View in the second round. All three rounds will be held Friday evening. The Cougars closed the regular season on Tuesday at White Bear Lake, where they defeated Mahtomedi 48-15 and Tartan 66-11, and lost to the host Bears 42-33.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Centennial/Spring Lake Park won its Section 5AA opener against Mounds View/Irondale 8-0 on Saturday. Noelle Hemr notched three goals, Lauren O’Hara two, Ella O’Hearn two, and Grace Laager one, for the Cougars (196-1). Kaitlin Groess stopped 14 shots by the Mustangs (6-18-2). The No. 2 seeded Cougars face No. 3 North Wright County in the semifinals Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Roseville Ice Arena. Top-seeded Maple Grove takes on No. 4 Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids at 5 p.m. The championship will be held Friday, 7 p.m., at the same site.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Ty Burgoon Cougar Basketball

Ty Burgoon leads the Cougar basketball team (4-15) in all categories — 15.7 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and three-pointers (31 made, 37-percent). The 5-foot-11 junior guard led a 37-36 upset of Maple Grove last week, scoring 16 points, and followed with 22 in an 81-70 loss to Spring Lake Park. Coach Spencer Waldvogel cites Burgoon as the floor general on offense and vocal leader on defense. “Ty plays with so much energy on both ends,” Waldvogel said. “He’s one of those players that makes everyone around him better.” Burgoon plays most of each game, yet consistently at a high level, said the coach: “Thats a hard thing to do.” On Centennial’s 8-3 football team, Burgoon gained 305 yards rushing and 210 passing.

CONTRIBUTED

The Centennial Alpine athletes assembled at Giants Ridge. Front (from left): Bruce Johnson, Annie Trettle, Kelli Halatsis, Tyler McDrew. Middle: Jackson Copiskey, Jordin Flohaug, Brooke Halverson, Owen Crandall, Coach Chris Wise. Back: Coach Danielle Dzeidzic, Griffen Lofgren, Danny Schooley, Katie Toensing, Gwen Halverson, Coach Derrick Taylor.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED Centennial’s Palmer Lemay (21) and Brock Carls (16) jousted for the puck with Elk River’s Connor Kerber.

Message in a boutonniere: How to speak in the language of flowers

ST. PAUL — Did you know that flowers can speak? Well, send messages, anyway.

Giving flowers is a traditional sign of appreciation and affection in many cultures. Around Valentine’s Day, fresh flowers become an especially powerful symbol of love.

Red roses have dominated the scene for centuries, but there are many other ways to express romance and many other emotions through floral means.

Floriography is the term for the “language of flowers,” a creative medium that can be used to spell particular messages through flower arrangements. Flowers have held symbolic meanings for as long as humans have delighted in picking them, but floriography reached a new popularity in the 1800s with the publication of several instructional guides on arrangement and interpretation.

One of the most famous was “Le langage des fleurs,” written in 1819 by Charlotte de LaTour. Flowers were a way to send coded messages, and even the hand with which a bouquet was presented, or the placement of a corsage on the person, held special significance.

For example, a red carnation is an expression of love, and a white carnation signifies truth. Combined, they represent an expression of true love. However, a striped carnation, or striped flower of any kind, often represented rejection.

The meaning of different flowers varies widely—some flowers have multiple and even contradictory meanings. Their symbolism changes with cultures and the times. Today, colors tend to convey more meaning than the type of flower. Red, for instance, expresses passion and romance, which explains its proliferation near Valentine’s Day.

Some florists get very creative with their Valentine’s Day offerings, but many opt for a simple arrangement. Dr. Neil Anderson is a professor of flower breeding and genetics at the University of Minnesota. He shared some of his insights on the floral industry and the practice of arranging and gifting flowers.

“The classic one is usually just a dozen stems of roses that are arranged

loosely in some clear glass vase,” Anderson said. “The classic thing here in America is leatherleaf fern and baby’s breath, which I just find disgusting because they’re overused. Traditionally, they are always just red, and sometimes it might be a single flower given, with a water tube so it doesn’t wilt or dry out.”

At times, corsages and boutonnieres have been popular Valentine’s Day choices, but roses in vases will last the longest.

It takes well-orchestrated timing for growers to have the mass influx of roses and cut flowers ready for the Valentine’s Day holiday, but the quantity is limited, which means the prices go up this time of year.

“Demands are higher, and growers are not able to increase production overnight,” Anderson said. “A lot of consumers don’t realize these things are from perennial plants, scheduled to be harvested for Valentine’s Day.”

In years past, many of the roses were produced within the United States, but transportation advances now allow flowers to come from regions closer to the equator, where they have the best growing conditions. Central America and Kenya are two of the biggest producers of the roses that show up in

Minnesota floral shops in February.

Len Busch Roses in Plymouth is the only remaining commercial cut flower grower in the state. Roses and other flowers grown in Minnesota are subject to the challenging weather conditions— roses are often smaller than the ones grown near the equator, as supplemental greenhouse lighting is not quite the same as the natural solar radiation in central latitudes. However, they are hardier than their southern counterparts, growing longer stems and lasting longer in a vase at home.

Valentine’s Day may be the biggest floral holiday of the year, but there are a few others on the horizon that can give you a chance to take a closer look at floriography.

There are designated birth month flowers, and some that are used specifically for celebrations, such as peonies, daffodils and calla lilies. Flowers used as a gesture of thanks include irises, sweet peas, hydrangeas and pink roses. Seasonality often plays a role—chrysanthemums often adorn a Thanksgiving table because they bloom outdoors in the fall, poinsettias complement the deep evergreen hues at Christmastime, and spring-flowering bulbs such as orchids are timed perfectly for Mother’s Day.

“All the spring flowering bulbs are typically sold at all the spring holidays,” Anderson said. “You want something springy in the doldrums.”

For solemn occasions such as funerals, lilies and gladiolas are often the flower of choice.

“But those meanings come and go,” Anderson said. “In Europe and Japan, they sell cut lily stems all the time. Here, we only grow Easter lilies for Easter. It’s very regional and based on culture, as far as what the preferences are within a state or a region.”

At a time of year when most of our outdoor greenery is buried under snow, fresh flowers offer a spot of life and color, even if it’s for no particular occasion.

“It’s just a normal human cycle with climate when you live in the 45th parallel,” Anderson said. “It’s cheery, bright colors—you think of spring. It gives us great hope.”

Students sample the literary menu at the Reading Bistro

The Reading Bistro is an opportunity to expand the students’ reading horizons while engaging them in a fun experience.

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | CONTRIBUTED Books at the “Book Tasting” are either new to the Media Center or have not been checked out for awhile. Reservations are required; students dine at the bistro during their class time.

BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE LIBRARY | CONTRIBUTED

An illustration from the book “Le langage des fleurs” written in 1819 by Charlotte de La Tour. The illustration shows lily of the valley, or “muguet,” which represents “retour du bonheur”—the return of happiness