Quad Community Press

(651) 369-7771

Centennial grad spends time abroad in ‘second home’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Since Molly Nhean was young, she has dreamed about bringing her cousins with her on a trip to Cambodia to visit her family.

Nhean, a 2018 Centennial High School graduate, was born in the U.S. but her family roots tie back to Cambodia. Her aunt, father and cousin all escaped the Khmer Rouge War in 1975, thanks to a church in Anoka that brought them

to Minnesota. She still has a lot of family in Cambodia, however.

“I’ve always dreamed of bringing my cousins over because we are just a couple years apart,” Nhean explained. “Of course that’s not easy, so I made a promise to myself that after I graduated high school and college, I would go to Cambodia.”

Nhean visited Cambodia back in 2019 after she graduated high school to donate school books,

supplies, and backpacks to a school.

“Since then, I fell in love with the country and felt so passionate for continuing to give back to the community,” she said. Her goal has always been to return to Cambodia for at least a year and become fluent in speaking Khmer. “I can understand it a little bit, but I’m not great at speaking it,” she said.

Baby Happy Hour

Every

Local band reunites after 53 years

While babysitting his granddaughter, Louie Tuccito was showing her the 100-year directory of North St. Paul High School. It sparked him to look up his old band members.

“Our band was called Freedom Train and we were around from 1969 to 1971,” Tuccito, of Vadnais Heights said. “I was curious and I missed them.”

The band included Tuccitto, drums; Donnie Frank, guitar and vocals; Lino Lakes resident Joel Carlson, keyboard; Mark Heille, bass and vocals; Mark Larsen, trumpet; Myke Golben, saxophone and keyboard; Robin Cantor, trumpet and trombone; and Dave Metz, guitar and vocals. Frank went to Cretin High School, Heille to Mounds View High School and the others went to North St. Paul High School.

Tuccitto was on a mission to reunite the band for a get together. He did some digging and made some calls. He reconnected with everyone except for Metz, who had passed away when he was 57 years old.

“I was amazed to hear from Louie who I hadn’t talked to in over 50 years, and it turns out that he lives, you know, like three miles from me,” Larsen said. “It turns out that several of us live within a three-mile radius of each other. We probably bumped into each other at the grocery store and didn’t realize it.”

Molly Nhean and her family celebrate the Pchum Ben Holiday, which honors family members who have passed away.

COUNTY BRIEFS

Roundabout to be constructed at Sunset Avenue, Main Street

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners has adopted a resolution authorizing the county to enter into a construction agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and Sunset Avenue in the cities of Blaine and Lino Lakes. The project is scheduled to begin construction this spring and be completed by fall.

The project is estimated to cost $2 million. The project will be paid for using federal funding (National Highway Performance Program Grant), County State Aid Highway (CSAH) funds and local funding sources.

County receives grant for ash tree replacement

The county has received a $500,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Shade Tree Program for hazard tree removal and ash tree replacement throughout the county park and trail system. There is no match requirement for these funds.

The project will include removing ash trees that will pose significant hazard that are not good candidates for pesticide treatment; grinding stumps of ash in manicured areas and restoring turf; and replacing removed ash trees with diverse trees in high priority areas throughout the parks.

Commissioner Look leaving board

District 1 Anoka County

Commissioner Matt Look, who has served on the board for 14 years, recently announced that he is leaving the county board. He was hired by the city of East Bethel to serve as its next city administrator.

County will participate in violent crime enforcement teams

For many years, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office has administered and participated in the Violent Crime Program that combats drug abuse and related violent criminal activities.

The county board has approved the 2024 grant contract agreement between the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $609,188.

Roundabout to be constructed at Hodgson Road, County Road J

Anoka County will enter into a contract with Ramsey County for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hodgson Road and County Road J/Ash Street in the cities of Lino Lakes and Shoreview.

Improvements include ADA improvements, trail connections and realignment and reconstruction of a portion of Hodgson Road from Emil Street in Shoreview to Rohavic Lane in Lino Lakes and County Road J / Ash Street from Grotto Street to Kent Street.

The project is estimated to cost $4,264,887. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring.

Shannon Granholm

CALENDER BRIEF

Blaine to host Easter events

The city of Blaine will host two Easter events this year. From noon to 2 p.m. March 16, children ages 10 and under are invited to meet the Easter Bunny, roast a Peep over a bonfire, participate in craft time, join an egg hunt, and pose for a photo with the Easter Bunny.

From 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 10 and under are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast and craft time, and have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny at Blaine City Hall. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3HLvK6W.

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• A public hearing for the improvements on Griggs Avenue is scheduled for the the March 21 council meeting. The project will include Griggs Avenue (between Flowerfield Road and Restwood Road) and Griggs Avenue, approximately 375 feet north of Restwood Road and Lake Drive. Improvements will include milling the pavement surface and placing a bituminous overlay with street patching and curb and valley gutters, and storm sewer repairs as needed. The project is estimated to cost $205,400.

• The city’s liquor store has a new assistant manager, Gordon Lagerstrand. City Administrator Bill Petracek said that the city received about 20 applications and had five finalists for the position.

“The liquor store manager, finance manager and myself interviewed every one and felt that Gordon would be the best person to step into that role,” Petracek said.

• The Minnesota State High School League Section 4AAA softball tournament, which will be held in late May, will take place at Memorial Park.

• The city plans to purchase a Bobcat 18” Planer for $18,986 from Tri-State Bobcat.

“It will be a more efficient way of doing potholes. That’s the key. It will be another way to fill potholes better,” Petracek said.

• The council recently held a closed session to discuss “legal aspects surrounding personnel matters under investigation,” according to City Attorney Kurt Glaser.

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

Brooke Wohlrabe

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

CFD hosts fire extinguisher training

The Centennial Fire District will host a free fire extinguisher training from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at Fire Station No. 1, located at 2 East Road in Circle Pines. Have you ever used a fire extinguisher?

Utilizing a state-of-the-art extinguisher prop, this is your chance to learn how they work and get handson experience. Each class is limited to 20 adults. To RSVP, email aaron.olson@centennialfire.org.

Possible road rage shooting

BLAINE – On Feb. 24, at approximately 7 p.m. Blaine Police were called to a business in the 10500 Block of University Ave. for a report of a male who was reporting to have been shot. The male reported that as he was turning onto University Avenue from Highway 610, an occupant in a black Toyota Camry traveling behind him fired multiple shots at his vehicle.

The male sustained one gunshot wound to the lower abdomen area. He was transported to Mercy Hospital with what was considered a minor injury. Officers examined the male’s vehicle and found multiple bullet holes. Multiple casings were also located around the reported shooting. The incident is under investigation.

Northern Lights Community Reception

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Details: View the juried art exhibition celebrating 50 years in the community and visit with local artists. Show runs through March 29.

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

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

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

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

‘WHITE OUT” EXHIBITION’

When: Runs through March 2

Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.

Details: Gallery 96 hosts opening of its 2023 winter art exhibition, with more than 30 area artists showcasing paintings, pottery, photography, and mixed mediums of their interpretations of the winter theme.

Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public.

Contact: gallery 96.org

BEST PRACTICES FOR POLLINATORS WINTER WEBINAR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27-Thursday, Feb. 29

Where: Online

Details: Three days of live presentations with experts on sound land practices that promote pollinators,

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 651‐429‐7937

climate resistance, clean water and lands, and more. Registration information online.

Contact: pollinatorfriendly.org

LIFELINES GALA

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29

Where: Tria Restaurant and Event Center, 5959

Centerville rd., North Oaks

Details: First-ever fundraiser for Freedon Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit that takes veterans on fishing trips. Dinner, silent and live auction, fund-aneed.

Contact: freedomfishingfoundation.com/events

GANGSTER NIGHT AT DELLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB

When: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, March 2

Where: Dellwood Country Club, 29 E. Highway 96

Details: Take a bus tour to explore the local hideouts and haunts of 1930’s-era gangsters, followed by a special speakeasy dinner with apps, craft cocktails, and live music. Tickets required.

Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

CENTURY COLLEGE CONCERT BAND WINTER CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1

Where: Century College, West Campus Theatre, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake

Details: 50-member ensemble comprises students,  community members, and alumni. Free. Directed by Charlie Preis.

Contact: century.edu/campus-life/fine-performingarts

3 friends with a vision

It seems clear to me and in all areas of life, from family, to church, to community, to politics, to business and every organization, people who have mastered the skills of effective leadership are needed.

Recently I was made aware of Damascus Road Collaborative, which was launched in October, 2023 to help struggling American churches fulfill their God-given potential by reaching people for Christ.

About the Town

Three friends shared this burden because they have recognized American churches have stagnated in many cases and were not influencing their communities for God. They learned that 42% of pastors considered quitting in 2022. Also, among millennials 21% go to church and 66% doubt that God exists.

The three friends who founded Damascus Road Collaborative were David Clark of Stillwater, Minnesota, Paul Feiler of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Eric Bryant of Austin, Texas. They recognized that COVID significantly damaged churches, but the challenge goes deeper as pastors are discouraged. Churches are in decline, they struggle financially, and few are reaching people for Christ.

The need for effective, biblically-grounded leadership is clear. They have gone a long way toward launching their vision. Since their launch of leadership and training, they are now serving 40 pastors in Minnesota and Iowa.

There are perhaps 350,000 churches in America. Half of churches in America have an average attendance below 75 and the other half above 75 at a Sunday service. 60% are stagnant or declining, 30% are stable, and 10% are reaching people in the Christian faith.

Issues that pastors face include a heavy workload, pressure to grow, financial challenges, a sense of isolation, and dealing with conflicts.

Pastors need help and that’s where the Damascus Road Collaborative comes into play.

They have a process that involves workshops and coaching, and this process helps churches become mission-focused over a two-year period.

They invite pastors into relationships with seasoned leaders that help them apply biblical principles. Transformational leadership begins with character, requires love, self-discipline and measuring accomplishments.

They get involved in partnerships with successful organizations like the Eagle Brook Association that has trained more than 300 churches.

Pastors are responding that the practical tools are fantastic, the presenters know their stuff, and they genuinely appreciate their hearts.

There is a financial cost with this, which is approximately $5,000 per pastor, and funds are being supplied from investors and individual gifts.

They have a goal to train 200 pastors a year.

When I listened to David Clark tell about this program, I was impressed about how practical and biblically-based it is. It points out wherever leadership is needed, training and accountability must be close at hand.

What next?

In California there is a cemetery where vandals have stolen 100 of the bronze nameplates to gain recycling money.

Engravings in the granite is one way to eliminate that. Just think of nameplates of people who have died years before. There would be no family members to replace them.

Vandals even stole a large World War II plaque that had been donated by the famous boxer Joe Louis, who I remember as a kid. That was a favorite Saturday night by the radio whenever he was fighting.

Every time we turn around, there is something more disturbing in our society. Let’s all work to build respect for people and property.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice

What happened last Sunday morning in Burnsville, is a saddened stark reality of how dangerous our jobs as first responders can be. As I was introduced into law enforcement 25 years ago, it was imperative that I was aware that on any given day, during any particular incident, I could encounter life altering situations.

Cop’s

Pat Aldrich

Having the notion of these risks in mind, I, as well as other police officers in this county, proudly come to work every day to help those in need.

We as police officers have always been told to “expect the unexpected.” When I listen to citizens being interviewed on the news, I often hear statements similar to “this never happens in our neighborhood,” or “these things don’t happen in small towns.” This ideology could not be farther from reality. As with the unfortunate situation in Burnsville, we as citizens cannot assume tragic things will only happen in the “big city.” Even though our three cities of Centerville, Circle Pines and Lexington have the feel of

small-town living, our officers are continuously dealing with incidents of increased unpredictability, and these challenges we face have become more complex every day. With the population booming, dealing with people with mental health episodes have become more prevalent.

Through research, I have learned one in four people in the United States experience some element of mental illness. These maladies can range anywhere from low levels of anxiety to severe schizophrenia. As police officers, these types of calls can become extremely difficult to navigate. When people are experiencing crisis, we are expected to recognize, understand and address these challenges using our training as well as compassion and empathy. In a vast majority of these contacts, there are positive outcomes, and we are able to locate the necessary resources to help these people through their trying times. But during some contacts, people who are experiencing mental health crisis can be extremely unpredictable. Ignoring the signs of any adverse changes in behavior could create safety issues for any of the people involved in the incident. It is imperative we protect ourselves, and also the people experiencing these episodes from harm.

Every year, the Centennial Lakes Police Department pro -

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

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

limited to six letters per year and at

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be

vides crisis intervention training. Our officers are required to complete state mandated training in a variety of related topics including: mental health crisis response, de-escalation, conflict management, implicit bias, and response to persons with autism. Through our inhouse scenario-based training, our officers are often presented with diverse scenarios. Some involving extreme challenges, to allow them to utilize their crisis intervention training. Unfortunately, during some “real life” interactions, all the training in the world may not be enough to remedy scenarios involving some people’s mental health crises.

Our police officers are human, and we are doing a job that a very low percentage of people are willing to do. We possess the desire to help, continue to train to be the best at what we do, and sacrifice every day when we come to work. Please keep the families of Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge and Paramedic Adam Finseth in your thoughts and prayers, as their heroes have paid the ultimate sacrifice through their noble actions.

Pat Aldrich is a captain of the Centennial Lakes Police Department.

published. Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to

editing. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Gene Johnson

Local couple pursues active holidays

DEB BARNES SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

Randal and Deb Barnes have had bicycling adventures in Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovenia, as well as in various places in the U.S., over the past decade. Some people enjoy cruises; Deb and Randal love to see the world go slowly by from the seats of their bikes. This is the final part of a series.

Part III: The San Juan/Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island … and beyond

When we returned from our European biking adventure on the Danube Cycle Path, Randal and I decided to plan a less expensive trip closer to home, where we’d be on our own without backup. We chose the San Juan Islands in Washington State, where we have family.

There were a few facts in our favor: It’s hard to get lost on a small island, you’re never far from the bike shop (and people who can repair broken spokes) and the San Juans get 247 days of sunshine each year, on average. Randal, the quintessential planner, began perusing ferry schedules and routes for what would be almost a three-week trip through the San Juans, the Gulf Islands — their Canadian counterpart — and Vancouver Island, Canada.

We planned to catch the ferry in Anacortes, Washington, and visit Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands for two nights each. Then we’d hop an

international ferry to Vancouver Island and ride north to Swartz Bay to stay on Canada’s Galiano and Salt Spring islands. Next, we’d hit the Lochside Trail and ride south along the east coast of Vancouver Island to Victoria, pedal the Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke for the night, and backtrack to spend a handful of days exploring Victoria before taking the Black Ball Coho ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Port Angeles in the U.S. It was a short hop on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get to Port Townsend. However, there things got dicey: how to get back to Anacortes from Port Townsend? In the end, we booked a one-way ride on a whale-watching boat, which docked at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island; we’d phone for a ride and catch the ferry back to Anacortes and complete the circle. It was a great plan.

On bike-friendly and laid-back Lopez Island, we biked to Shark Reef Sanctuary and saw the sea lions. On Orcas Island, our goal was to enjoy the view from Mt. Constitution, which rises 2,000 feet up. (We rode partway up on our bikes, then secured them at Cascade Lake and hitched a ride with a friendly local to the top.) We rented mopeds for our full day on big San Juan Island, where we toured the lavender fields and learned to shuck oysters. Rustic Galiano is 17 miles long — and hilly. We rented mopeds again so we could visit some of the far-flung sights: Bellhouse Provincial Park, Active Pass, and remote beaches. On Salt Spring Island, we caught the big Saturday Market in Ganges Harbour and rode 6.5-miles uphill to enjoy the Sunday music event at Salt Spring Vineyards. Our longest ride of the trip was from Swartz Bay to Sooke, a total of 80 km on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The Lochside and Galloping Goose trails are incredibly well signed, and the views of the sea are spectacular. Victoria is a wonderful city to visit. We rode our bikes along the waterfront; toured Fan Tan Alley and Beacon Park; took an Eat/Drink/Pedal tour on our own bikes to sample the wares of many different shops; saw a play; and had high tea at the Empress Hotel (my idea). Yes, it was a complicated itinerary, but the ferries ran on schedule, the weather was fantastic, we met many friendly people and we saw a lot of natural beauty.

It’s really difficult to distill a biking trip into a few paragraphs; many of the high points that we remember are not things that people usually recall about a vacation. For example, “Kayak Man” tried to board the ferry to Salt Spring Island pulling his handmade kayak, which was full of his camping gear and bungie-corded to

a skateboard. The perplexed ferry folks finally charged him $2, the going fare for a biker. Then there was the agent at U.S. Customs in Port Angeles who eyed our bicycles and screaming yellow jerseys and simply asked whether we had ridden on the Lochside Trail and seen the sow with her piglets. (We had.) “I’ve got to get back there,” he said, and handed us back our passports. We’ll never forget the warning sign along the trail (“bicyclists yield to pedestrians, everyone yields to bears”). The locals refer to the laid-back pace of the islands as “island time.” Island time suited us just fine; we like languid vacations that match our pedaling speed.

Since that island adventure, we’ve ridden from Lake Itasca to the Twin Cities (we were supposed to bike to St. Louis, Missouri, but the Mississippi flooded that year); Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Antwerp, Belgium; Dinan to Bayeux (France), our first trip on e-bikes through hilly country; Ljubljana, Slovenia, through Triglavski National Park to Trieste, Italy; Prague, Czechia, to Dresden, Germany on the Elbe Cycle Route; and Copenhagen, Denmark, to Gothenburg, Sweden, on the new National Kattegattleden Cycle Path. In tiny familyrun inns, we often have been the only guests; biking takes you to out-of-the-way places and provides out-ofthe-ordinary experiences.

The two of us plan to continue to ride bikes in new countries as long as we are able. E-bikes are readily available in Europe, as are touring companies that can offer everything from guided group rides to self-guided rides with backup. (Our backup promptly replaced the wheel bearing that went out in Brittany; we were back on the road in no time.) Another advantage to booking with a touring company is they can transport you over the 18 percent grades in a van and let you ride downhill! But you don’t have to shell out for tickets overseas; there are opportunities here in the U.S. for biking vacations. If you’re willing to drive, you can bring your own bicycles. We’re considering riding the Erie Canalway Trail (360 miles!) from Albany to Buffalo, New York. There are also easy, bike-friendly routes in Canada, often along rivers or canals. (Check out the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.)

A bicycling vacation may not be for everyone, but we love the pace, the views, and the great night’s sleep we get after biking and sightseeing for hours. Happy riding!

Deb Barnes is a former managing editor for Press Publications. You can contact her at news@ presspubs.com or call 651-407-1200.

- The proposed improvements include the reconstruction of the roadway from Main Street to the boat launch including the beach and boat launch parking lots, adjacent trails, and the Centerville Lake access.

Design and Engineering plans are being prepared for the proposed reconstruction. Construction is antcipated to begin with the park closed in mid-April 2024. The park will reopen in the end of May 2024 and construction is antici-

pated to conclude in fall 2024.

For project updates visit www.anokacountyparks.com/news-and-information or contact Danielle Sanborn at 763-324-3426.

Published three times in the Quad Community Press on February 13, 20, and 27, 2024.

CITY OF LEXINGTON

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Notice is hereby given that the Lexington City Council will meet in the Council Chambers, 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN, at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, to consider the making of the 2024 Street Improvements, an improvement on Griggs Avenue between Flowerfield Road and Restwood Road; and on Griggs Avenue between Approximately 375 feet North of Restwood Road and Lake Drive by milling the surface and placing a bituminous overlay with street patching and repairs to the concrete curb and valley gutters, and storm sewer repairs as needed, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is such properties abutting, adjoining or otherwise provided access and served by the aforementioned streets. The estimated cost of the improvement is $205,400.

A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the

hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement

CONTRBUTED

‘Freedom Train’: Getting the band back together

FROM PAGE 1

Cantor lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has a PhD in Graduated from Macalester College and has a PhD in physics.

“It was just amazing talking to Louie and it was just like it was yesterday,” Cantor said. “We hadn’t seen any each other for so long and him making contact out of the blue was really pretty special.”

When Cantor came to Minnesota for a visit, the group met at a restaurant in Vadnais Heights.

“We ended up staying there for four hours,” Tuccito said.

“Getting together with everyone and seeing them after all these years was just amazing,” Cantor said. “It’s unusual to meet people you haven’t seen for 50 some odd years and you can just pick up where you left off and have no ill will or problems with those people.”

Tuccitto was the youngest member of the band and a self-taught drummer. “These guys were all big shots and I played trumpet and tuba and asked me, ‘Do you want to try out for a band? I said, ‘I have driver’s ed.’”

Press Publications asked each surviving band member if they could play together again, what song would it be. The answers are as follows.

•Larsen — “I Can’t Quit Her” by Blood, Sweat & Tears

•Tuccitto — “”But It’s Alright” by J.J. Jackson

•Frank — “Ride My See Saw” by the Moody Blues

•Carlson — “You’ve made me so very happy by Blood, Sweat & Tears

•Heille — “Time Has Come Today” by the Chamber Brothers

•Cantor — “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” by Chicago

•Golben — “Lady Slipper” by Myke Golben

“My favorite song was one I composed for the band called “Lady Slipper” and it was a saxophone solo

song, so naturally, playing my song was always a huge pleasure,” Golben laughed.

Larsen noted the band performed well together.

“I don’t recall there ever being any problems regarding what songs to play and that kind of thing … everybody was always kind of on the same page,” Larsen said. “Myke Golben and I played together in another band prior to Freedom Train and Robin and I sat side by side in middle school and high school band for six years so we knew each other well.”

Heille recalled mixed feeling reuniting with the band since he hadn’t a relationship with them for over 50 years.

“It was kind of an interesting thing, but the feelings were happy, and I missed those guys,” Heille said. “Suddenly we were all back together and it was nostalgic.” Carlson recalled how the band was caring and helpful to one another.

“We just had feeling from the heart and it just felt genuine,” Carlson said. “I can’t remember anybody having an ego. There was always just a feeling of trying to help one another have their best musical outcome.”

Frank grew up in Shoreview and is in the Tom Petty cover band Free Fallin. Both he and Golben are inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“It was great seeing everybody and talking about the good old days,” Frank said. “Talent-wise we played above our fighting weight and this band had a little pizzazz to it.”

Since the reunion, the guys in town have reconnected and have met for barbeques, dinner and went to a Wild game. Tuccitto noted they are planning another reunion March 8.

“Getting us all together again has meant so much to me,” Tuccito said. “I was the baby and these were my big brothers. Even today when I ride with them, that’s exactly how I feel.”

WEEKLY WAG

Meet Tilly, the TV star! Tilly recently appeared on a local Twin Cities morning television program’s “Meet Your New Best Friend” segment. Tilly was a wonderful representative for Ruff Start Rescue and all rescue organizations. She is just one of so many rescue pets currently in foster care who are anxiously awaiting their forever home.

Tilly, a 1-year-old pit bull terrier mix, weighs about 35 pounds. She is social with other dogs and friendly with all the people she meets. Tilly is house-trained, crate-trained and leashtrained. Tilly knows her basic commands and is always eager to please. She is intelligent, eventempered and playful. During her downtime, Tilly is affectionate and likes to be a lap dog. Her foster says Tilly is so sweet and loves to be around her people at all times. She even follows them around the house. Tilly would be a wonderful addition to a loving forever family. If you are interested in learning more about Tilly 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.

have not advertised my

services previously, but thought I would give a Call A Specialist ad a try. Since it started publishing, my phone continues to ring with job requests. I have been kept busy for several weeks and anticipate many more jobs coming from the paper and word of mouth. Advertising is well worth the money I spent.

–

(Front row from left) Freedom Train band members meet after 53 years. Mark Larsen, Louie Tuccitto and Joel Carlson. (Back row from left) Robin Cantor, Myke Golben, Mark Heille and Donnie Frank. Carlson is a Lino Lakes resident.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer responded to a delayed road rage incident near Elm Street and Second Avenue Feb. 13. The incident was mediated and documented.

• An officer received a delayed report of a gas drive-off in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue Feb. 13. A suspect was identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to check the welfare of female at a business in the 600 block of Apollo Drive Feb. 13. After an investigation, the female was arrested for second-degree driving while impaired and was later booked into jail.

• An officer took an extra patrol request in the 8100 block of Rondeau Lake Road W. Feb. 13. The request was documented and patrol officers were notified.

• Officers were dispatched to a report of a three-vehicle personal injury crash in the 400 block of Ash Street Feb. 13. As a result of the accident, one of the vehicles caught fire. The fire threat was controlled, and the occupants were treated. The investigation was handled by a neighboring agency.

• Officers responded to a hit-and-run personal injury crash in the 6400 block of 20th Avenue Feb. 13. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a report of a suicide attempt in progress at a juvenile facility in the 400 block of Fourth Avenue Feb. 13. Officers spoke with the patient until an ambulance arrived and transported them to a hospital.

• Officers responded to assist officers from a neighboring agency who were fighting with a suspect while taking them into custody on Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Feb. 13. Officers assisted in restraining the suspect, who was later booked into jail for various offenses.

• An officer took a report regarding an identity theft scam in the 1300 block of Hunters Ridge Feb. 14. It was determined the victim was not out any money, and the incident was documented.

• While on patrol near 20th Avenue and 80th Street Feb. 15, an officer observed a vehicle that slid off the road and hit a stop sign. Contact was made with the driver, and the incident was documented.

• Officers responded to an erratic driving complaint near Lake Drive and Main Street Feb. 15. The involved vehicle was stopped and the driver was determined to be experiencing a medical situation. The driver was evaluated by paramedics and the medical concern was resolved. A Minnesota driver evaluation was requested in an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of the public safety risks.

• Officers were dispatched to a call reporting a domestic Feb. 15. An adult female was subsequently arrested for domestic assault.

• An officer responded to a local intersection on a report of a vehicle that ran a red light at the intersection of Lake Drive and Apollo Drive Feb. 15. The officer searched the area and was unable to locate the suspect vehicle.

• An officer handled a phone call report from a resident in the 300 block of Arrowhead Drive Feb. 16 who had received a suspicious phone call. The officer found the suspicious call was from a person who was having a medical episode in another city. The call was transferred to the correct county.

• An officer took a report from a resident in the 6900 block of Black Duck Drive who believed a ring had been stolen from a drawer in their home Feb. 16.

Officers documented the theft and entered the ring as stolen in a database. Two days later, the resident called back to let the officer know they had located their ring.

• An officer observed a male who was known to not hold a valid driver’s license driving a vehicle near Lake Drive and Main Street Feb. 16. The male was arrested and booked into jail for the offense.

• Officers received a traffic complaint on Kelly Street Feb. 16. The incident was documented.

• An officer located debris and a license plate from an apparent property damage crash that damaged city property in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Feb. 17. The vehicle was located, and the owner was notified of the damage. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to an apartment building in the 6000 block of Blanchard Boulevard where a male reported a theft from a storage locker Feb. 17. Officers documented the missing items and provided the resident a case number.

• An officer took a phone call regarding suspicious activity on Willow Pond Trail Feb. 17. The officer documented the incident.

• Officers responded to a report of a large party with underage people drinking in the 6600 block of Red Birch Court Feb. 17. The party was checked, parents were contacted and several juveniles were cited for underage consumption of alcohol.

• An officer observed a vehicle driving unsafely near the intersection of Main Street and Elbe Street Feb. 18. The officer stopped the vehicle to investigate and later submitted a Minnesota driver evaluation request form for the driver.

• Officers took a phone call report of damage to property in the 7100 block of Morning Dove Road Feb. 18. Officers documented in the incident.

• Officers responded to a domestic incident Feb. 18. An adult female was cited for underage consumption, and a juvenile female was charged with disorderly conduct and underage consumption.

• Officers and firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on I-35W Feb. 19. An adult male occupant was later transported to a hospital by ambulance for cold exposure.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for illegal driving conduct in the 1700 block of I-35W Feb. 19. After an investigation, the adult male driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and on outstanding warrants. The male was booked into jail.

• An officer received a call to contact a resident for a threat report in the 7300 block of Watermark Way Feb. 19. The caller requested the threat be documented. A report was made, and the caller was provided information regarding protection orders.

• Officers responded to a report of an unwanted male who had been trespassed from a residence in the 600 block of Highland Trail Feb. 19. The male was located, arrested and booked into jail.

• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person standing in a backyard of a residence in the 700 block of Main Street Feb. 19. Officers located a male, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant and booked into jail.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 7000 block of Centerville Road in Centerville Feb. 7.

• An officer attempted to stop a vehicle at the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Lexington Feb. 7, but the vehicle did not stop. The driver was found to have a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant. There was no pursuit, as a child was in the car.

• Officers received a report of criminal sexual conduct in Centerville Feb. 7.

• Officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington for a suspicious person. The person was not located, but officers made a report.

• An officer responded to a report of theft from motor vehicle in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue in Centerville Feb. 8.

• The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office referred an illegal weapons purchase case to CLPD. The case was forward to the county attorney’s office for review.

• Officers were dispatched to East Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Feb. 9 on a report of stalking. Officers took information regarding a possible harassment issue and advised they would provide extra patrol in the area.

• Officers were dispatched to the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington Feb. 10 on a report of damage to property.

• Police were flagged down by a male in a gas station parking lot in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville Feb. 10. The male stated the police were being called on him.

• Officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of Centerville Road in Centerville Feb. 11 on a report of a stolen license plate. Officers documented the incident and entered the plate as stolen.

• Police responded to the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Feb. 11 on a report of damage to property.

• Officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington Feb. 12 for shots fired. The case is under investigation.

• Police responded to a domestic dispute in Circle Pines Feb. 12. An adult male was subsequently arrested for DWI.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Shepherd Court in Circle Pines Feb. 14.

• Officers responded to the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville Feb. 16 on a report of disorderly conduct.

• Damage to property was reported in the 7100 block of 21st Avenue North in Centerville Feb. 16.

• Police were dispatched to the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Feb. 18 on a report of harassment.

Scrap meta l appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

100% 3YrDryRed Oak Fireplace Cord $150 Re dOakFullCord $425 Ca ll 651-214-0718

Safe Step 833/966-3882

SWITCH TO DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Mu ltisport pack included for a limited time! Hurry, ca ll for details: 855/562-4309

TIMESHARE CA NCELLATION EXPERTS Wesley Financia l Group, LLC Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees ca ncelled in 2019. Get free informational pa ckage and lear n how to ge t rid of your time share! Free consultations Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855/534-9138

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

NOW HIRING

Morning Day Shift

Leadership positions available for flexible candidates.

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

CIRCULATION

Part time

20 Hrs a week

Duties include: Circulation calls; Help maintain customer information and routes; Work with youth and adult carriers.

Please send your resume to AR@presspubs.com

Seasonal Public Works

Maintenance Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a seasonal Public Works Maintenance employee (20-40 hours/week), to assist in regular and recurring maintenance, installation and repair work associated with the City’s parks, streets, utilities, and buildings. The position starts before Memorial Day and ends after Labor Day (start and end time is flexible). Position pays $18.00/hour. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential. Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Position is open until filled.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI SEASONAL FULL TIME

EMPLOYMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/ move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $18.00/hr. to $20.00/hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (subject to change, between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary range from $17.00/hour to $20.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org. No application deadline; open until positions are filled.

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS:

Rte 114 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of Bellaire

Rte 122 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of McKnight

Rte 123 – S of Cnty Rd F to W of McKnight

Rte 124 – N of Birch to E of Hazel

Rte 125 – N of Cedar to W of McKnight

Rte 232 – N of 96 to W of 2nd Ave

Rte 235 – S of 4th St – E of Otter Lake Rd

Rte 262 – Lake Ave – E of Hwy 61

Rte 284 – S of Otter Lake – W of Otter Lake Rd

Rte 294 – N of 96 – E of Portland

Main Street Business District – downtown White

Bear Lake

WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not. Will pick up. Cash in exchange Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142

Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

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

Cougar cagers close NWSC with 2 home wins

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

It’s been a tough season for Centennial boys basketball but the Cougars closed conference play last week on a high note with home-court wins over Spring Lake Park 69-64 on Wednesday and Elk River 61-52 on Friday.

Spring Lake Park (14-11) had won five straight, including an 81-80 upset of No. 2 ranked Park Center.

“It was the best all around defensive game we put together all year,” coach Spencer Waldvogel said. “We threw a couple different defensive looks at them, switching up on a lot of possessions and hoped to slow the game down a little bit.”

The win over Elk River (4-20) came on Senior Night.

“It was great to get a win on Senior Night,” Waldvogel said. “Something that hasn’t been done at Centennial in about 10 years.”

The Cougars finished the regular season 8-18 overall and 4-13 in the Northwest Suburban. After closing the schedule a week earlier than a lot of teams, the Cougars will have a two-week break before starting Section 7AAAA on March 6.

Against Spring Lake Park, Ty Burgoon netted 20 points, Jacob Hosfield 15, Jackson Driessen 13, Tristan Hanson nine and Jack D’Agostino eight. Brock Remme sank 28 points and Andrew King 21 for Spring Lake Park.

“We had contributions from everyone down the stretch,” Waldvogel said, “and really did well hitting our free throw shots at the end of the game to seal it.”

Against the Elks, Burgoon tallied 22 points and Tyler Mabry with 19. “Tyler caught fire for 19 points on six made three-pointers,” Waldvogel said. “He has worked so hard all year and deserved to have a game like that.” Max Spanier led the Elks with 18 points.

Cougar swimmers reach state in 4 events

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial will have entrants in four events at the state swimming meet after placing second in team standings at Section 7AA on Saturday in Coon Rapids.

Cougar junior Caleb Cregan advanced to state in three events. He won the backstroke in a school record 53.54. He placed second in the individual medley with 2:02.38. The medley relay team of Cregan, Benno Schuhbauer, Tyler Celotta and Joe Murray placed second in 1:42.08.

Murray is the other state qualifier with second place in the 50 freestyle in 22.20.

Team scoring was Duluth East 502, Centennial 339, Forest Lake 257, Coon Rapid 240.5, Andover 237, Anoka 214.5, Blaine 187 and

Cambridge-Isanti 126.

“We had 100% best times with all the boys competing,” coach Pete Crawford said. “I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on this team.”

Also reaching the finals were Schuhbauer, third in the backstroke and fourth in the IM; Murray, fourth in the 100 free; Sawyer Celotta, fifth in the breaststroke; Grant Page, sixth in the backstroke; Talen GreesonStormoen, seventh in the 100 free; Isaac Nguyen, eighth in the 200 free and 500 free; and Manny Poscher, eighth in the 50 free. The 200 free relay team placed third with Murray, Celotta, GreesonStormoen and Poscher.

The state meet will be held Friday/Saturday at the University of Minnesota, 6 p.m. each evening.

Cougar girls finish 3rd in NWSC, enter playoffs

Centennial girls basketball finished the regular season with a 16-10 record after splitting two conference games last week. The Cougars placed third in the Northwest Suburban with a 14-4 mark, behind Maple Grove and Andover.

The Cougars are seeded No. 2 in Section 7AAAA and will host Duluth East on Thursday, 7 p.m. The winner faces No. 3 Anoka or Cambridge-Isanti on Saturday, 4 p.m., at North Branch, in the semifinals. Andover is the top seed.

Centennial beat Spring Lake Park 74-55 at home

Wednesday as Marisa Frost and Autumn McCall each pumped in 23 points each and Molly Monson 16. For the Panthers (10-15), Raya Cassidy and Olivia Kesti sank 16 points each.

Elk River (17-9) tripped the Cougars 65-60 there Friday in the NWSC finale, reversing an earlier loss to the Cougars, behind Britta Demar and Kayla Christy with 15 points each and Joanna Talso 14. Frost netted 26 points, McCall 14 and Monson 10 for the Cougars.

Bruce Strand

Whiting earns state trip in wrestling

Marcus Whiting will be Centennial’s lone entrant in the state wrestling tournament after placing second at heavyweight in the Section 4AAA tournament on Saturday at Stillwater.

Whiting (35-7), a senior, had a bye, then nipped Mounds View’s Gavin Maxey 5-4 in the semifinals. He lost 19-3 to Stillwater’s Cito Tuttle in the championship match. Needing to win a true-second to reach state, Whiting defeated White Bear Lake’s Zach Carnes 7-1. The state individuals meet will be held Friday and Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center.

Tyler Cook (33-10), a sophomore, placed third at 189 pounds. He

Cougar skaters beat SLP, Rogers; face Crimson for section title

Centennial will play in the Section 5AA boys hockey championship game after rolling past Spring Lake Park 12-0 and Rogers 5-1 in the first two rounds last week.

The No. 2 seeded Cougars (18-7-2) will duel  No. 1 Maple Grove (20-6) on Thursday, 7 p.m., in Elk River, for a state trip. Maple Grove beat Centennial 4-2 in conference play. Against Spring Lake Park (1213) on Thursday, 10 players scored

goals. Kellen Krumwiede and Harper Searles tallied two each, and Heath Nelson, Nick Carls, Austin Petersen, Lars Goerlitz, Joey Hemr, Logan Adams, Alex Clampitt and Jake Robinson one each. Easton Cody made 14 saves for the shutout. Against Rogers (18-7-2) on Saturday, Cody made 41 saves as the Cougars cruised despite being outshot 4235. Clampitt and Nelson netted two goals each after Tanner Graczyk got the opening goal. Searles and Ty Escobedo made two assists each.

had a bye and a 6-3 win over an Irondale wrestler before losing in the finals and in a truesecond match. Logan Fu (32-16), sophomore, placed third at 121. He beat White Bear Lake’s Galvin Nathanson 4-3 to reach the finals where he lost to Irondale’s Ryan Jacobs 12-8, then lost a true-second to Mounds View’s Will Schneider by pin in 5:36. Seventh-grader Leeton Guggenberger (21-21) placed third at 114 with a 3-1 record, all pins. Placing fourth were junior Jaden Lilly (22-20) at 133, junior Evan Just (9-14) at 152 and senior Joe Streff (18-7) at 215.

Bruce Strand

JON

Tristan Hanson soared between two defenders to score

Marcus Whiting checked the clock during his 7-1 true-second win at Section 4AAA.