Quad Community Press

Students find joyful dance grooves

Efforts for reformation of Met Council end without plan

ERIK

Attempts by a special task force to find a new type of governing model for the Metropolitan Council have yet to end as some have hoped.

Widespread disagreement and an inability to find common ground among task force members left no unanimous decision on how the reform should proceed, leaving members feeling disheartened that no action was being taken.

“This is completely frustrating,” said Washington County Commissioner and task force member Karla Bigham. “People have a right to know what standards the council should be held towards and are being better represented by those we elect.”

The task force, consisting of 17 appointed council members, was formed during the 2023 legislative session to reform the current governor-appointment-based model, which members like Bigham have argued puts forth a perception that elected members are brought on only to serve in the interest of Gov. Tim Walz and not as independent representatives of their districts/regions.

SEE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, PAGE 16

Late police officer dedicated life to helping others in profession

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

The law enforcement community has had to undergo some significant losses lately.

Two police officers and a paramedic were shot and killed in Burnsville a couple of weeks ago while responding to a call about a man who had barricaded himself inside a home with family.

James (Jim) Crawford, who was dedicated to helping officers and their families who face those exact situations, recently passed away.

The 89-year-old Lino Lakes resident was born Sept. 30,

1934, in San Bernardino, California. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years and then met the love of his life, Mary. They married in 1957. He became a passionate career policeman starting in Edina (1956), rising through the ranks from officer to sergeant. He served as the chief of police in North St. Paul (1967) and Golden Valley (1975) and then moved on to work for the Department of Corrections as an investigator. He had both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration and taught corrections at Metro State University.

In 1974, Crawford founded the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA), a volunteer organization that supports the survivors of fallen officers. Since 1974, LEMA has given over 100 Minnesota fallen officers a full law enforcement honors funeral. Before his death, Crawford remained on the organization’s board of directors.

LEMA Board President Brian Hubbard said Crawford is the “definition of a legacy for law enforcement.”

SEE

Lino Lakes resident James (Jim) Crawford will always be a legacy to the law enforcement community.

Students demonstrate some of their uninhibited dance moves during a recent Centennial High School Special Needs Prom in the Great Hall at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lino Lakes. The event, featuring dance music provided by a DJ, lunch, dessert, beverages, game rooms and a photo portrait area, was made possible with the combined efforts of high school student peer leaders, faculty and adult volunteers. Find more photos at presspubs.com.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Minnesota begins screening newborns for Krabbe disease

As technology and treatments have improved in recent decades, Minnesota has expanded its newborn screening panel to help detect more disorders. The state has now expanded its screening program to include universal screening for Krabbe disease.

“Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the country,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “Adding Krabbe disease to the long list of conditions the lab already screens for will help identify more children earlier, slow the progression of their symptoms and even increase their lifespan.”

Krabbe disease is a rare, genetic condition in which the newborn cannot fully break down certain fats. These fats build up in the body and can lead to damage to the nerves, affecting a person’s ability to eat, walk and speak. In the most severe form, infantile Krabbe disease, symptoms can progress to death within the first two years of life.

There is no cure for Krabbe disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Currently, the only treatment is a stem cell transplant, which is ideally performed before a baby identified with infantile Krabbe disease is 30 days old. Due to the importance of early treatment, the process from screening to diagnostic exams and treatment must move quickly.

Identifying infantile Krabbe disease in newborns allows families to receive early diagnosis and monitoring, education and appropriate medical care. When newborn screening identifies a baby at risk for infantile Krabbe disease, the family is referred by their doctor to metabolic specialists at M Health Fairview, which is currently the only center in the region equipped to perform stem cell transplants in newborns.

Since 1964, when Minnesota started screening for PKU (phenylketonuria), blood samples from all Minnesota newborns have been sent to MDH’s Public Health Lab for screening unless their parents opt out. The lab now screens all babies born in Minnesota for more than 60 conditions.

In 2023, the lab screened more than 60,400 newborns from across the state and recommended early intervention and treatment for conditions detected in about 400 of them. When a condition is detected, MDH contacts the child’s health care provider to discuss the result, educate them about the condition and review the recommended follow-up.

More information about newborn screening is available online at www.health.state.mn.us/people/newbornscreening/index.html.

Minnesota Department of Health

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 7; 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

VLAWMO GRANT PROGRAMS 101

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Where: Gem Lake Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Rd.

Details: Learn about drainage improvements, erosion control, alternative turf, native plantings and more, get idead for landscaping projects, and see examples. Free; register online.

Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/events

CALENDER BRIEF

Maple Syruping at Wargo Nature Center

Early spring conditions of warm days and cool nights result in sap movement in maple trees. This time of year also marks the traditional maple sugaring and syruping season in the region. Sap in the trees is mostly water, with sugar content ranging around 2-5%. Through boiling and removal of water, maple syrup is produced with a final sugar concentration of 66-69%.

Wargo Nature Center honors this regional tradition through its annual Maple Syrup Festival. This event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Participants will learn how to identify and tap maple trees, see how sap is turned into syrup, see how syrup is turned into sugar, enjoy a tasty maple treat, explore through self-guided activities and more. Registration is required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/yjcuenda to sign up.

Lunch with a Naturalist: Waterfowl

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 6

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

Details: Bring a lunch and hear a naturalist-led presentation for all ages. May include optional hike or outdoor component. Registration not required; equipment provided.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN

When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.

Details: Lakeshore Quilters will be working on their own quilting projects. Stop in to see what projects are being worked on.

SHINRIN-YOKU: FOREST BATHING

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Wargo Nature Center

Details: Learn the Japanese practice of “bathing in the forest atmosphere”, an immersive experience in nture through a gentle, guided walk. Registration information online.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES TRAINING

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12

Where: West Recreation Building, 14 W Pleasant Lake Rd., North Oaks

Details: Learn about aquatic invasives in local waters and how to become a volunteer who monitors new infestations in lakes. RSVP.

Contact: vlawmo.org/events

Top 5 at PressPubs.com:

Week of Feb. 25 – March 2, 2024

Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. Boys hockey: Bears clip Stillwater 5-1, face HillMurray for section title. White Bear Press > Sports

2. Devastating diagnosis followed by outpouring of support. White Bear Press > News

3. Zephyr hockey enjoys a hat trick of Egans. White Bear Press > Sports

4. Local company acquires Water Gremlin assets. White Bear Press > News

5. School Bus Driver Appreciation Day puts spotlight on local drivers. White Bear Press > News

LEANN MICHAEL | CONTRIBUTED

Lino Lakes increases pay to attract election judges for November

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES

— Staff at City Hall are hoping an increase in the hourly pay for election judges might attract more community members to the role for the general election come November.

Historically, the pay the city of Lino Lakes has given election judges depended on the type of election they were staffing.

In 2020, the City Council approved an increase in election judge pay. New rates were $12 per hour for judges and $14 per hour for head judges for municipal elections and primaries, and $13 per hour for judges and $16 per hour for head judges for general elections. The rates have

remained unchanged since that time.

City Clerk Jolleen Chaika explained that city staff recommends changing to a consistent pay rate for judges regardless of the election. The recommendation is because the requirements for judges are the same whether it is a municipal, primary or general election. They are also responsible for the same tasks.

“While the city of Lino Lakes has an adequate number of election judges to serve in the upcoming presidential nominating primary (PNP), we are still very short for the upcoming November election,” Chaika said. “Cities throughout Anoka County and much of Minnesota are struggling to staff even the

PNP. An increase in pay may aid in recruiting the election judges required to fully staff the city’s polling locations for the November election.”

The Quad Community Press previously reported on the issue back in January (see “Some counties, cities struggle to find election judges.”)

The council ultimately approved an increase in election judge pay to $15 per hour and $17 per hour for head judges for all elections.

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

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Lions collect donations for food shelf The Circle Pines – Lexington Lions Club will be at the Festival Foods in Lexington from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9 to collect food and cash donations for the Centennial Food Shelf and its Power Pack program.

Hello, and pleased to meet you

My name is Erik Suchy and I am the new staff writer at the one and only Press Publications in downtown White Bear Lake! Like many current and past writers, I take it upon myself to conform to a high set of journalism standards, ensuring I am producing the best possible content to publish each weekly issue.

Suchy’s Scoops Erik

I was born and raised in (so you may have guessed!) White Bear Lake, graduating from high school here in 2014 before taking off to Century College that same year to complete my generals. Many ambitions of future career dreams floated through my head while there, split between my then-steady objective of obtaining my associate’s degree. Unfortunately, being the unfocused youngster I was then, meant that most, if not all, were forgotten quickly, leaving me without any other specific endeavor for the time being.

“For the time being,” of course, being the key phrase.

After graduating from Century in 2018, I transferred to Metropolitan State University, where many new interests began to take shape. I initially applied to the school’s creative writing program, treating the subject of writing as a passing thought. “Easy, peasy, mac-and-cheesy,” I frequently told myself throughout my first two semesters. “All I have to do is just write a bunch of different stories to present to my professors without worrying about taking any fancy tests or pop quizzes. It doesn’t even matter if any of what I write is good, as long as I get it in on time, and POOF! A+’s across the board, here I come!”

But I was wrong. Very, VERY wrong with these beliefs for all the right reasons.

Once I began my second year, writing was gradually beginning to form as a recreational interest I started to pursue outside of the classroom. When I took it upon myself to write for fun with a laptop on one side of my desk and a cup of green tea on the other, I started small and ... poorly. My short stories made no sense content and grammar-wise. Poetry was worse; I crafted sentences and lines that sounded beautifully nonsensical at best and pretentiously half-baked at worst. Worst of all, I never realized that to become a better writer, I had to become a better READER, despite the countless times past professors had lobbied that advice my way.

So, I read. I studied. I took notes.

Then, the improvements began to take hold and reflected themselves better and better in the stories I wrote. Soon, I began to have my work published in various college magazines, both in print and online. I felt accomplished. Someone was noticing me and my efforts, and I realized this was the first step in knowing my writing had the potential to take me places.

With a year and a half left of college, I landed a part-time job writing opinion pieces on current social and political issues for my college newspaper. After graduation, I was stuck trying to find full-time writing jobs that didn’t require much experience. Most of them required significantly more achievements over a more extended period than what I had achieved during my tenure at the college paper.

After trying various unrelated jobs, ranging from early childhood development to briefly going back to retail, a freelance opportunity opened for me in November, writing news stories for Press Publications. I did this up through early February when the company offered me to join their team full-time, which I accepted and have been here since!

Besides writing, my hobbies include photography, hiking and the occasional day of fishing on whatever lake I can cast my line and lure into on a good, sunny day.

I look forward to working with such an incredible team of writers who have just as big a passion for covering local news as I do!

If you have any ideas for stories that you would like me to report on, please get in touch with me by phone or email.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publciations. He can be reached at 651-407-1229 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

TIn the spirit of love, provide nourishment to people

his has been the most bizarre winter of my life. Warm temps and no snow to speak of for winter activities such as sledding, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, tubing, sitting by the fireplace sipping some hot beverage, etc.

Movers & Shakers

Sheri Hanson

I enjoy having cold enough weather to participate in these activities.

I am missing a good Minnesota winter.

We at CCFS have been enormously blessed this past holiday season and winter by this community’s businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations and individuals with food drives and monetary donations. It has all come at a time when we have been overwhelmed by an increase in the number of shoppers utilizing our food shelf. Inflationary costs of our basic needs such as rent, groceries and gas have made their impact felt throughout this country. We are eternally grateful to be in this community with open hearts

and a desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

We have elected a new Executive Director to our board, Wendy Horvath, from Bridgewood Community Church. She has been involved with our operations for several years and brings with her a good sense of how this area, being a small community, cares deeply for each other and is willing to come together for the good of all.

We would like to welcome a new faith community to our teams, Centennial Church in Columbus Township. They are full of enthusiasm and energy, a great new addition. We are in need of a few key individual volunteers for our board and teams. Some of our board members have reached their term limits and cannot continue to serve albeit not because they do not still love the opportunity to do so. Fresh perspectives and new ideas will serve the community well as our needs continue to grow.

Minnesota Food Share Month is upon us. All donations to food shelves throughout the state will be matched from Feb. 26 through April 6. This includes food donations as well as mone -

tary donations. So, I am asking everyone to make feeding the hungry a priority this month in particular. Donations to CCFS or PowerPack can be made through our website CentennialFoodshelf.org/Donations or by mail to CCFS, PO Box 8, Circle Pines, MN 55014.

The 2023 yearend stats show that CCFS served 5149 families, gave out 254 holiday baskets, and distributed 367,774 pounds of food. We received 139,546 pounds of donated food and $140,038 in monetary donations. We make up the difference of what we give out and what we receive by applying for grants and purchasing food from Second Harvest Heartland and Festival Foods for our Holiday Basket needs. By being a 100% volunteer organization, we put all of the donations we get toward getting food and maintaining our appliances and space. Thanks to all of you in this community for your most gracious generosity in taking care of our neighbors in need.

Sheri Hanson is the president of the CCFS Board of Directors.

•

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

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.

Support State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill

Every year, the United States saves millions of lives and helps create a better, safer world for everyone — and we do it for a mere fraction of our federal budget.

Development and humanitarian assistance makes up less than 1% of the budget but supports programs and policies that improve lives and livelihoods for millions of people. These are programs that fight HIV/AIDS, ensure children don’t die from preventable diseases, advance educational opportunities for women and girls, promote job opportunities and economic growth and more.

We know foreign assistance works. Thanks in large part to U.S. contributions, more than one billion fewer people are living in extreme poverty today than in 1990. This progress is incredible — we must ensure it is lasting. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing conflicts around the world, and the continued impacts of the climate crisis have sparked the first increase in people living in extreme poverty in decades.

That’s why I’m going to Washington, D.C., to make sure Representatives Tom Emmer and Betty McCollum and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith maintain this critical American legacy by supporting at least $61.7 billion in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill, including no less than $4.4 billion specifically for development assistance. Investment in foreign assistance is not only the right thing to do, it is also in our country’s best interest by creating a safer and more stable environment for all.

Wesley Horton Circle Pines

Randall D. Roberts

Age 57, of Hastings, MN, passed away suddenly on February 28, 2024. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, on November 12, 1966, to Rick and Linda (Lockhart) Roberts, Randall’s journey led him across the Midwest until his family settled in Marshall, Missouri when he was in the fifth grade.

Randy had a love for sports, participating in baseball and basketball. During his school years, he found joy in playing trumpet in the marching band, basketball, and golf, and he graduated in 1985. He pursued higher education at North East Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO, graduating in 1989 with a degree in journalism.

Fate intervened when Randy met Beverly Richardson while vacationing in London, England. The two became inseparable and married on June 16, 1990, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Rachel and Danielle, who pursued their interests with passion.

Randy took great joy in supporting his daughters in their pursuits, from Rachel’s involvement in marching band and show choir to Danielle’s dedication to basketball and soccer. He was a dedicated father, finding fulfillment in coaching Danielle’s traveling soccer and basketball teams. Randy also devoted his time as a Sunday school teacher and was an active member in the Woodbury Days Committee.

He cherished attending concerts with Beverly and indulging in culinary delights at the state fair. Randy had a deep love for the Kansas City Chiefs, in addition the Royals, the Atlanta Braves, as well as local favorites like the Vikings, Twins, and Wild. Engaging in fantasy football and baseball brought about spirited competition with his brother Robin and father Rick.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

JANUARY 8, 2024

(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-7926010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, MN; January 8, 2024. 1. Call to Order Acting Chair Bettinger called the Organizational Meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call The following members were present: Bettinger, ex-officio Holmberg, Knisely, Murphy, Schwinn, Linser. Member Johnson was absent. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Murphy, seconded by Linser. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Election of Officers Chairperson - Board member Bettinger nominated member Knisely for the office of chair. Being as only one member was nominated, the acting chair declared that Knisely be elected as chair by acclamation and directed the acting clerk to so record in the minutes. Vice Chairperson - Board member Knisely nominated member Linser for the office of vice chair. Being as only one member was nominated,

administration, found to be up to date, and no revisions need to be made at this time. No School Board action is required. 9.2. Approval of School Board

Meeting Schedules: 2023-2024 Board Meeting Schedule for Remainder of School Year and 2024-2025 Board Meeting Schedule. Motion to approve the remainder of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 School Board Meeting Schedules with a change in the May 6, 2024 meeting date to May 13, 2024 by Murphy, seconded by Bettinger. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Adjourn Motion to adjourn by Bettinger, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn at 6:47 p.m.

Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 5, 2024. CENTENNIAL

JANUARY 8, 2024

(Abbreviated—full minutes

Professionally, Randy built a successful career in journalism, starting as a sports editor in Excelsior Springs, MO, and progressing to become editor in Richmond, MO. His journey led him to the Hastings Star Gazette, where he made significant contributions as editor before transitioning into sales. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Press Publications in White Bear Lake.

Randy was a beloved figure in the lives of many. His infectious spirit and genuine kindness had a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He shared a strong bond with his golf league and close friends, including Darin Kerns, Joe Stockmann, Greg Meier, and Paul Kennedy.

Randall D. Roberts is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Lois Roberts, and Everett and Dorothy Lockhart, as well as his father-in-law, James Richardson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly; his daughters, Rachel (Emmett) and Danielle (Tommy) Roberts; his parents, Rick and Linda Roberts; and his brother, Robin (Sara) Roberts; uncle, Reg (Roleene) Roberts; aunt, Gwen (Dan) Silhacek, and aunt, Cheryl (Rusty) McCune; sister-in-law, Linda (Russ) Sulivan, sister-in-Law, Jeanne Richardson; mother-in-law, Lillian Richardson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a multitude of beloved relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family to establish a scholarship in honor of Randy’s life.

A visitation was held from 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 15th St W, Hastings, MN 55033, with a visitation 1 hour prior. Burial at Lakeside Cemetery at 1:00 pm in Hastings, MN, following the reception at the church. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Board to order at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, ex-officio Holmberg, Murphy, Schwinn, Johnson. Members Linser and Bettinger were absent. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda with the addition of agenda item Communication by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 4-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Public Forum: None. 6. Consent Items 6.1. Approval of Minutes. 6.2. Approval of Monthly Disbursements. 6.3. Approval of Personnel Items. 6.4. Approval of Family and Student Advocates Contract Settlement. 6.5. Approval of Individual Contract Settlement. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures by Johnson, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 4-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Curriculum 7.1. Approval of Flexible E Learning Day MOA - Motion to approve the Flexible E Learning Day MOA by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 4-0-0. Motion carried unanimously.8. Resource Management 8.1. Overview of Human Resource/Business Office Restructure Plan and Approval of Positions - Motion to approve the Human Resource/Business Office Restructure Plan with the addition of the Human Resources Manager position and restructuring of the Finance and Accounting Manager position to Controller by Johnson, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 4-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 8.2. Adoption of Resolution Directing the Administration to Make Recommendations in Programs and Positions and Reasons Therefore - Motion to adopt the Resolution Directing the Administration to Make Recommendations in Programs and Position and Reasons Therefore by Schwinn, seconded by Johnson. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Murphy, Schwinn, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 8.3. Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution - Motion to adopt the Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Murphy, Schwinn, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Supplemental Items 9.1. Approval of Sick Leave for Preschool Teachers

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer was dispatched to a city park in the 2200 block of Tart Lake Road regarding damage to property Feb. 20. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer took a delayed report on a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Lake Drive and Elm Street Feb. 20. The officer took a statement from the reporting party and the investigation is ongoing.

• An officer observed a male using a tool to gain access to a vehicle in a parking lot near Centerville Road and County Road J Feb. 20. The officer confirmed the male’s ownership of the vehicle and found there were no problems.

• An officer was dispatched to a motor vehicle property damage accident in the 8000 block of Lake Drive Feb. 21. The officer documented the incident and the parties involved were provided with a case number.

• Officers responded to a vehicle fire in a parking lot in the 600 block of Apollo Drive Feb. 21. The fire was extinguished prior to arrival, and the

vehicle was towed from the parking lot at the owner’s request.

• An officer received delayed information regarding a property damage crash at the intersection of Ash Street and Bald Eagle Boulevard Feb. 22. The officer collected the information, which was documented in a report.

• Officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of Orange Street for a possibly suicidal female Feb. 22. The resident was ultimately arrested for second-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a report of an individual claiming to be law enforcement in the 6800 block of 21st Avenue South Feb. 23. The officer determined the individual was from another law enforcement agency and there were no problems.

• An officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-35E Feb. 24. The vehicle fled from the officer, ran a red light and turned off its headlights. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense near Lake Drive and Hodgson Road Feb. 24 and found the driver showed signs of impairment.

The driver failed field sobriety testing and was arrested for DWI. The driver was later charged with DWI-related offenses.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 900 block of Main Street Feb. 24 and a male passenger was arrested for narcotics possession. The female driver was released from the scene and the male was booked into jail on controlled substance charges.

• An officer responded to a theft report involving a cell phone in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Feb. 25. The officer found a theft had not occurred, but that the phone had been accidentally left in an Uber. The officer was able to get the Uber driver to return to the location and turn the phone over to the owner.

• An officer assisted another law enforcement agency on a vehicle rollover in the 1000 block of I-35W Feb. 25. The driver was found to have minor injuries and was subsequently arrested for DWI. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

• An officer observed someone had ille-

gally dumped items on the side of 24th Avenue Feb. 25. The information was forwarded to the public works department for cleanup.

• An officer observed a suspicious male while on patrol in the 600 bock of Birch Street Feb. 25. The male was provided with a courtesy ride to a gas station in a nearby city.

• An officer stopped a vehicle that was driving around a closed business in the 7600 block of Village Drive Feb. 25. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and later booked into jail for the DWI offenses.

• Officers responded to a home in the 6700 block of Partridge Place on a report of a burglary Feb. 26. Officers found the garage of the home was broken into and a dirt bike was stolen. Officers documented the scene and began an investigation that is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 7100 block of Lake Drive Feb. 26. An adult male was cited for possession of an open package (marijuana) and a seat belt violation.

Local baker launches in-home microbakery

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

She is a chemist by weekday and a baker by weekend.

Julie Sorensen officially launched her microbakery, Julie’s Handmade Sourdough, this year out of her home in Hugo. She has always loved cooking and described herself as the cook of her family.

“I enjoyed baking, but I never tried bread,” she explained. “Then 2020 hit, and we were all stuck at home.” While in quarantine, Sorensen started watching videos on how to make sourdough bread, and she thought she would give it a try. One thing she learned is that bread making would require patience.

“I started baking bread and I failed a whole lot for six months,” she said. “My husband called them ‘my little UFOs.’ They were flat, dense, little hockey pucks. They were awful.”

She stuck with it, and eventually she had “big, fluffy, delicious bread.” She was making more bread than her family could eat, so she started giving it to friends and her friends started telling their friends about it. People started to ask her if she sold it, and she thought, why not? Her husband also runs a small business grinding stumps, and she said they are always looking for a side income. She officially got her cottage license at

the beginning of this year so she could start selling the bread she makes out of her own kitchen.

Why sourdough? Sorensen says it is her favorite kind of bread. She is interested in gut health, and says sourdough can be great for people who have gluten intolerance because it contains natural fermented yeast.

“I’ve always had stomach issues … It is a very good natural way to get gluten in your diet without upsetting your stomach,” she explained.

Sorensen makes her sourdough by hand. The only ingredients are flour, water, salt and sourdough starter (flour and water). “It is 100% just bread. There are no preservatives,” she said.

Currently, she is making loaves with a variety of flavors. They include jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon sugar, cinnamon raisin, chocolate chip, rosemary olive oil garlic, and onion cheddar. Her husband also requested dill pickle cheddar, so that’s her newest flavor.

If she doesn’t have a flavor, Sorensen is always willing to try it. She explained she has a customer who buys from her weekly who is from Norway, and she requested a bread with a bunch of different seeds in it. “I let my customers tell me what they want. If they want it, I can try it out and make it for them,” she said.

Although she is limited with what she

Waiting Child

is allowed to bake and sell under her cottage license, she can also sell bagels, brownies and cookies.

As for her process and how she makes sourdough, Sorensen is an open book. “I like getting to know people and introducing them to sourdough. A lot of people don’t know the difference between that and regular bread … I love teaching them about sourdough.”

Sorensen’s day job is as a chemist at Sherwin Williams. She said it has been a bit challenging to balance along with being a mom and her new breadmaking business, but she has that down to a science, too.

“I only bake on the weekends,” she explained. What people might not realize is making sourdough is a long process — it can take two to three days.

This spring, she plans to attend some craft/bake sales. If the business continues to do well, her dream is to purchase a bread oven.

Julie’s Handmade Sourdough does not have a website just yet, but can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Custom-

ers who are interested in ordering can contact her via Facebook. There, they will find an order form that they can fill out and arrange to pick up bread from Sorensen’s home.

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

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Julie Sorenson has launched her own microbakery out of her home. She serves handmade sourdough to customers in Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Hugo, Forest Lake and White Bear Lake.

An introduction to electric vehicles

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

“I started in 2015, with a BMW i3 and 83 miles of range,” said Brian Anderson, a member of the Electric Vehicle Association and the Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners Group. Since then, Anderson has traded his i3 for a 2020 Tesla Model Y. His wife, Karen, currently drives a 2020 Chevy Bolt.

“There are about 300 million internal combustion engine vehicles today,” said Anderson, “and 4 million electric vehicles.”

Today, only around 1% of total vehicles on the road are electric. Those individuals who drive an electric vehicle spend 48% less on energy costs than those who have a conventional vehicle. Anderson’s presentation showed that electric vehicles cost their owners about 10 cents per mile in energy costs, while conventional cars cost around 32 cents per mile.

What makes electric vehicles different from conventional cars is the lack of a proper engine. Electric vehicles rely on a battery motor. The motor only consists of two main parts: the stator and the rotor.

Being much smaller than a gasoline engine, electric motors are typically located between the wheels they propel. A simple gearbox and half-shafts directly connect the motor’s rotor to the wheels. For rear-wheel electric vehicles, the motor is in the back — vice versa for front-wheel electric vehicles. Most all-wheel drive vehicles have a battery at each axle.

There are two main types of vehicle engines. There is an internal combustion

engine, which can be found in standard, conventional cars as well as some hybrid vehicles. An internal combustion engine runs on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, biodiesel, or ethanol, and produces the most fossil fuel emissions. A hybrid vehicle has both an internal combustion engine and a smaller battery motor for the driver to utilize.

The second type of engine can mainly be found in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Plug-in hybrid vehicles have both a conventional engine and a battery motor. They mainly rely on a batterypowered motor, but drivers can use the conventional engine if needed. An allelectric vehicle relies solely on a battery motor.

Depending on the wattage of your charging port, charging can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 40 hours. Most electric vehicle refueling can take place in your garage, but electric vehicle owners may also charge their vehicles at a public charging station. There are three different charging levels: Levels one and two have alternating current connections. Level one generally has about 120 volts. Level one charging can be done from inside your garage and works with any standard household United States power outlet.

A level two current connection has anywhere between 240-280 volts of power going into the car’s battery; the energy transfers to the car through a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) connector. An SAE connector is a twoconductor direct current connector that is commonly used for electric automotive applications or motorcycles.

Level three charging refers to direct current charging, and the voltage and power level are specific to the car. The most familiar outlet used with this level of charging is the SAE combined charging system (CCS). The SAE CCS has two additional direct power contacts, making it the quickest way to charge your electric vehicle. Temperature and speed affect the efficiency of all cars, but since electric vehicles use most of their available energy, they are affected more in cold weather.

Current lithium-ion batteries can lose up to 50% of stored energy when the car is exposed to below-zero temperatures. Vehicle owners can avoid this by plugging in the battery and warming it through the car’s software. It also can be avoided by starting the car with a full battery every day if the car can be plugged in overnight.

The charging ports can provide a different number of kilowatts. The basic home level, or level one, contains only around one kilowatt of power. At level one, your car will receive a full battery charge in two days or up to 50 miles in range overnight. Level two charging has eight kilowatts available and can recharge the battery to completion overnight. The last level, the third level, is the quickest charging available. The charging ports can contain anywhere from 50 to 350 kilowatts. Your car will receive a full charge in 15 to 50 minutes. Sales of electric vehicles are growing much faster than that of internal combustion engine vehicles. Currently in Minnesota, there are 761 public charging stations available for electric vehicle drivers.

In total, there are currently over 49,000 public charging stations in the United States. These charging station types range from level two to level three. In 2020, Tesla had 830 different direct charging locations across the United States; there were 2,955 third-party direct charging locations.

“Since earlier this year, automakers and charger manufacturers have adopted Tesla’s North American charging standard,” said Anderson. “In the near future, by 2025, everybody will be able to use every charging station.”

Tesla may have installed the lowest number of public charging stations across the U.S., but because the electrical outlets at those stations are highly adaptable, Tesla’s charging stations are very popular.

Currently, two-thirds of the electric vehicles in the United States on the road are Tesla. The Tesla Model Y is the “best-selling car on the powertrain this year,” Anderson said. The Model Y is the best-selling electric car available on the market.

In Minnesota, there are currently around 35 different types of electric vehicles for sale. These vehicles have a range of anywhere from 114 to 520 miles with a median range of 260 miles before the battery needs to be charged.

More information on electric vehicles can be found on Anderson’s blog at https://letsgo0.com. His blog also lists other websites that provide information about electric vehicles.

An electric vehicle’s battery motor consists of two main parts: the stator and the rotor. PHOTOS

SPORTS

Cougar skaters foil Maple Grove, earn state berth

The Centennial Cougars are state tournament-bound after tripping top-seeded Maple Grove 5-2 in the Section 5AA hockey championship game Thursday evening in Elk River.

Centennial takes a 19-7-1 record into the state tournament. Maple Grove, which beat the Cougars 4-2 in a conference game, finished 21-7.

The Cougars are seeded No. 3 at state and will open against Cretin-Derham Hall on Thursday, 1 p.m., at Xcel Energy Center.

“This team has truly bought into the TEAM philosophy and it paid off,” coach Ritch Menne said. “The boys played an intense game while staying disciplined in all aspects.”

No. 2 seeded Centennial struck twice on power plays a minute apart in the second period to open a 3-1 lead. Heath Nelson scored at 2:40 after a tripping penalty. Nick Carls scored at 3:38 (Harper Searles assisting) after a high-sticking penalty.

Nelson also scored in the first period. Searles and Joey Hemr found the net 12 seconds apart in the third period. at 10:04 and 10:16, for a 5-1 lead.

Centennial had a 41-30 edge in shots with Cody Easton making 28 saves. Lucas Bursch and David Kukkonen

each got one past him.

This will be Centennial’s fifth state tournament. The 2004 team was state champions. The other trips were in 2013, 2014 and 2018.

Menne said the team started building up confidence that they could make state after the holiday break.

They were 4-4-1 in December.

“In January, we went 9-0-1,” he noted, “and  then we beat White Bear Lake at start of February, so knew we had a good chance.”

Right after that, the Cougars lost three straight hard-fought games, to

Cougars’ Akpan places 3rd in state girls tourney

Nora Akpan, Centennial sophomore, earned third place at 130 pounds in the state girls wrestling tournament on Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.

Akpan opened with a pin in 5:27 over Ava Dillon of Redwood Valley, then lost in the semifinals to the eventual champion, Riley Myers of Eastview 12-0. In the third-place match, Akpan pinned Jovanna Volker of Nashwauk-Keewau-

tin/Greenway in 3:11.

Akpan had a 30-3 record for the season.

Alaina Franco, Cougar junior who qualified at 148 pounds, lost twice, by pins, to champion Skylar Little Soldier of Hastings and to Annabelle Gutormson of Foley. Franco finished 20-9.

Bruce Strand

Cougar girls hoops season ends in loss to Anoka

Centennial’s girls basketball season ended with a section semifinal loss to Anoka, 66-51 on Saturday.

The Cougars, who beat Duluth East 72-27 in the first round Wednesday, finished 17-11. They were section defending champions.

Marisa Frost scored 22 points for the Cougars, ending a splendid four-year career with over 1,500 points. Jordan Metz was next with seven points. For Anoka, Maddy Freking notched 17

points and Evan Eppinga 14. The game was held at North Branch.

“Anoka’s size and strength caused a lot of problems for us on both ends of the court,” said Cougar coach Jamie Sobolik. The Cougars had beaten Anoka (17-11) in the regular season, 72-67.

Against Duluth East (9-18), Frost had 15 points, Metz 12 and Molly Monson 10.

Bruce Strand

Maple Grove, Elk River and Andover, but it didn’t faze their confidence, Menne said. They’ve outscored five teams 34-7 since then.

Wins over the Bears, No. 9 ranked Rogers (5-1, section semifinals) and  No. 8 Maple Grove helped the Cougars earn the No. 3 seed.

Top scorers are Searles (24 goals, 41 assists, 65 points) and Nelson (35-2863), followed by Austin Petersen (1126-37) and Alex Clampitt (15-19-34).

STATE CLASS AA

HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Where: At Xcel Energy Center

QUARTERFINALS

Thursday

Upper bracket

1 – Edina vs. Elk River/ Zimmerman, 6 p.m.

4 – White Bear Lake vs. 5-Grand Rapids, 8 p.m.

Lower bracket

2 – Chanhassen vs. Rochester

Century/John Marshall, 11 a.m.

3 – Centennial vs. CretinDerham Hall, 1 p.m.

SEMIFINALS

Friday

Lower bracket, 6 p.m.

Upper bracket, 8 p.m.

FINALS

Saturday Championship, 7 p.m.

Third place, 4 p.m.

CONSOLATION

Where: At Aldrich Arena

Semifinals Friday, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Finals Saturday, 1 p.m.

Whiting medals (6th place) at state

Marcus Whiting, Centennial’s lone entrant in the state boys wrestling tournament. placed sixth at 285 pounds, earning a spot on the medal podium, at Xcel Energy Center.

On Friday, Whiting, a senior, defeated Chaska/Chanhassen’s Prentiss Derrick 9-2, lost to Stillwater’s Cito Tuttle by technical fall 17-0, and defeated Wayzata’s Briggs Opp 3-0.

On Saturday, he stayed alive with a 6-4 overtime win over Avaughn Dorvil of St. Thomas Academy, then lost twice, to Parker Orvik of Bemidji 3-0 and to Isaiah Wright of Champlin Park 3-2 in the fifth-place match.

Whiting, who qualified as a section runner-up, finished 39-9.

The Cougars piled together for a championship team photo after defeating Maple Grove 5-2.

Bruce Strand

MARCIA

Marcus Whiting beamed after winning his opening match Friday at Xcel Energy center.

MARCIA LOWEEN | CONTRIBUTED

Nora Akpan pinned her opponent in the third-place match.

$250 Miller Light: $150 Jose Cuervo: $300 651-248-9307

Duties

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.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such

or

Scrap

100% 3YrDryRed Oak Fireplace Cord $150 RedOakFullCord $425 Call 651-214-0718

362 Miscellaneous

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777.

S of Cty F – E of Bellaire Rte 262 – Lake Ave – E of Hwy 61 Rte 263 – N of Lake – E of Hwy 61 Rte 246 – N of 4th Ave – E of Bald Eagle Rte 632 – S of North Rd – W of Center Park Rte 274 – S of Bald Eagle – W of Hwy 61 Rte 128 – S of Cty Rd F – W of White Bear Ave Main Street Business District –downtown White Bear Lake Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers! Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246. CLASSIFIEDS 12 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com MARCH 5, 2024 PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com APPLIANCE REPAIR AUTO SERVICE Call Us Today 651-426-8700 7095 21st Ave. N, Centerville Adlautorepairanddriveshafts.com Your Complete Neighborhood Service Center Serving the area for over 27 years CARPENTRY Small Job Specialist 45 years experience 651.653.9920 / 612.816.8544 Basement Finish/Remodel Exterior & Interior Painting Doors/Windows/Siding Ceiling Textures/Roofs Kitchen Remodels/Counter Tops Decks/Landscaping Odd Jobs Bathrooms Schneider Custom Woodworks Custom CABINETRY! Free Estimates & Callbacks within 24 hours schneidercustomwoodwork.com 651-213-6638 Commercial & Residential CLEANING Household Waste Construction Debris Appliances Furniture Concrete Professionals Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios and Steps All your Concrete needs www.SCHconcrete.com 651-210-0061 Sean SCH Services CONCRETE 651.795.9736 MJ’s Concrete, LLC mjsconcretellc.com 15+ years of Experience! 651-746-4582 www.northlandlandscape.com Bonded Insured • Lic #BC638094 Custom Decks/Footing Repair Screen Rooms/Additions Garages/Roofing/Siding Aluminum/Glass/Cable Railings All Repairs DECKS Tim Copeland Construction (651) 344.1849 Lic. # BC647749 One deck at a time since 1987 LORENZ DRYWALL • CHANGING CEILINGS OVER TO KNOCK DOWNS • TAPING • SPRAYING • ADDITIONS • BASEMENTS • NEW HOMES • GARAGES No job too small! Kerry 651-653-9021 (Cell) 651-271-4221 DRYWALL Wolf Bros. Dr ywall Co. Total Dr ywall Ser vices Residential/Commercial New Const & Basement Finishes Family Owned & Operated Forest Lake Insured CALL LEE (651) 428-0229 40 yrs • Since 1979 DRYWALL/PLASTER ELECTRIC New Construction/Remodel Residential Commercial Competitive Rates ELECTRICAL SERVICES 651-307-6502 AUTO SERVICE CARPENTRY WHITE BEAR PRESS | VADNAIS PRESS | QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | SHOREVIEW PRESS | NORTH OAKS PRESS | THE CITIZEN | THE LOWDOWN CALL-A-SPECIALIST• CALL-A-SPECIALIST• CALL-A-SPECIALIST• CALL-A-SPECIALIST

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.

Now Hiring Executive Director ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS:

The Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation seeks to hire an Executive Director to serve as the key leader responsible for working with community leaders to positively grow the foundation to have greater impact for community members and nonprofit organization partners. Candidates can read about the required qualifications for the position and apply through the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits job board website. The GWBLCF website is www.gwblcf.org.

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.

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE SEND YOUR RESUME TO PATTY STEELE AT MARKETING@PRESSPUBS.COM OR CALL 651-407-1213 CIRCULATION Part time 20 Hrs a week

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SNIPPETS

• The Centennial Confidential Unit and the district’s negotiations team have reached an agreement on the contract for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 contract years for employees. Confidential Unit employees include district office assistant, student data, teaching and learning administrative assistant, specialists and human resources/benefits.

Highlights of the agreement are:

- Add salary steps both years

- Increase in health insurance contributions by 5% each year.

- Increase sick leave sell-back to $175/day for eligible employees.

- Increase dental insurance contribution to $36.

- Increase match by $500 for 403B effective July 1, 2024.

- Introduce a new longevity schedule.

- Create a new salary table.

• Plans are underway for the Centennial High School Choir’s International concert tour to Italy in March 2025.

• The American Indian Education program continues to be successful within the district.

Currently, 172 students self-identify as Native American; they represent 64 tribal nations. For the 2023-2024 school year:

- 54% of students received a GPA of 3.0 or higher - 47% of students received an attendance award

Last year, 90% of students in the program graduated.

• March 8, families will receive information from the district regarding open enrollment and what schools their child has been accepted to. More information about the open enrollment process is available on the district’s website.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Local companies and donors were recognized at a recent the Centennial School Board meeting for supporting the launch of the Manufacturing Pathway program at Centennial High School. The program gives students the opportunity to explore career paths and options in the manufacturing industry.

Partners include: Centennial Area Education Foundation; Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association; BERMO Inc.; G & K Machining; M.C. MetalFab Inc; PackEdge; St. Francis High School (Students of Saints Manufacturing); rms Company; Twin City Fab Inc; and Twin Cities Powder Coating.

• This summer, the middle school will undergo some renovations. The board has already approved the roof replacement, but most recently signed off on the gym floor renovation for $217,740 to H21 Group. Superintendent Jeff Holmberg explained that the current floor is a composite floor, which doesn’t have as long a lifespan as a traditional wood floor. The composite floor will be replaced with a wood surface. “You can easily get 50-plus years,” he said.

• District staff will need to work to make $1.2 million in adjustments to the 2024-25 budget.

Executive Director of Business Services Patrick Chaffey explained that those revisions will come back to the board in March or April for approval.

Every three years, the district (along with all other employers)

is required by the state to submit a pay equity report. “We need to report the wages of all employees to make sure that we are in compliance in paying female-dominated employee groups the same as male-dominated employee groups,” he said. The district is compliant in all areas.

• Tables are selling fast for the annual Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) Gala scheduled for April 13 at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake. The featured entertainment will be Dueling Pianos. In addition to the in-person auction, there will also be an opportunity for people to make bids online.

This year’s Fund the Need Campaign will raise money for the district’s Manufacturing Pathway program, which will launch next year. Last year’s Fund the Need campaign raised over $40,000 for the program. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit caefoundation.org/gala.

CAEF’s spring grant cycle will remain open for applications through March 15, and grants will be awarded in April.

• The district’s spring break will be March 11-15.

• Academic awards are set for March 24 at the Performing Arts Center at the high school. Tenth grade awards will begin at 6 p.m. followed by 11th and 12th-grade awards at 7:30 p.m.

The next Centennial School Board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. March 24 in the District Office.

Shannon Granholm

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• Resident Sam Bennett is encouraging City Council members to read the book, “Missing Middle Housing.” He recently spoke during open mike to voice his concerns he has about the city lacking an identity, as well as a downtown area and walkable areas.

• The city continues to hire part-time staff for the Rookery Activity Center (RAC). Most recently, the RAC hired a guest services representative, a child watch attendant and a lifeguard.

• A couple of massage therapists can now work within the city, specifically at Lyngblomsten, after massage enterprise licenses and massage therapist licenses were granted to Loreen Freeberg and Melody Nelson. Freeberg currently operates the salon located within Lyngblomstem and offers hair services to residents, but she would like to add massage therapy services provided by Nelson.

• Lino Lakes Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will conduct a raffle April 20. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 349.166, organizations are eligible to obtain an exempt permit to conduct a raffle without obtaining a full gambling license if they comply with certain provisions.

• Rather than offering different pay to election judges depending on the type of election, the city has decided to be consistent and pay election judges the same amount no matter the size of the election. (See full story in this week’s issue.)

• Starting this week, the public safety department has a new paid-on-call firefighter. James Fisher is stationed at Station No. 1. Public Safety Director John Swenson explained that currently the city has eight firefighters at Station No. 1 and 11 firefighters at Station No. 2. (Fully staffed would be 20 firefighters at each station.)

Fisher’s hourly rate of pay will be $21.79.

The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, in the Community Room at City Hall. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• As early as this month or next, utility customers could start to see a bill that looks a little bit different than what they are used to. City Administrator Patrick Antonen explained that the utility has used the same bill format for over 20 years, and it was time for a refresh. He said the new bills will look more “streamlined” and be “easier to understand.” “It will look a lot nicer and more up-to-date,” he said.

• The Centennial Lakes Police Department finished the year (2023) under budget. “We always strive to come in under budget, and we typically do,” Antonen said. He added that even with some unexpected costs, such as the fire station roof repair, the department will be able to add $82,000 to its reserves.

• The city and utility will need to pay a bit more for audit services from its auditor, MMKR. Antonen explained that there will be a 5% increase over last year’s fee. The city audit will cost $29,285, and the utility’s audit will cost $8,860. “This is in line with what we expected for these type of services,” Antonen said. He added that many audit firms are struggling right now because there are not enough auditors.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at City Hall.

Rugged,

Centennial students presented the highlights of the American Indian Education program curriculum and activities at the February school board meeting. Stephanie Spencer is the coordinator of the program.

Shannon Granholm

a specific list of 16 approved items. As it has done in previous years, council voted unanimously (4-0; Council Member Russ Koski was absent) to direct city staff to designate all expenditures, amounting to $34,565, from Parks & Recreation and Fete des Lacs toward activities and facilities for youth. Remaining funds of $27,018 will be designated as restricted funds in the 2023 general fund financial statements.

• The Centerville Lions’ Cadillac Dinner is coming up on April 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Genevieve’s Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road. To that end, council approved a request for special event, temporary liquor and gambling permits for the event.

• The Kwik Trip is a significant presence along Main Street, after the store was built around one year ago. During that time, the city has held money for the development in escrow to ensure the developer completed public improvements as part of the purchase agreement. Kwik Trip performed the improvements, which were found

acceptable. The developer now has the right to request 75% of the security back, and the city will be giving that amount back. The city will withhold 25% of the security until the end of 2024. Council reduced the turn lane escrow to $40,449 and returned the balance of the development review escrow in the amount of $881.

• The city is seeking feedback on the proposed development at 1687 Westview Street (LaLonde Property). An open house information session is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. March 25. A memorandum of understanding was approved at the Dec. 13 City Council meeting, which outlined various facets of a potential development deal involving the use of TIF in support of a 110-unit market-rate apartment building on the site.

• A town hall open house was scheduled for March 11. However, it came to the attention of city staff that this date falls during Centennial School District’s spring break week.

To ensure that the public has ample opportunity to attend, the date was rescheduled to 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 25, at City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend, said Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis. Booths will be set up. The proposed LaLonde development will be highlighted, information on tax increment financing (TIF) will be provided and discussion on the city’s pending developments will be discussed. What building out to a population of 5,000 people would look like also will be discussed, and attendees can sign

CO NTRIBUTED

It is still only March, so the public may still have an opportunity to see “Clearopathra,” the city snowplow, in action. Centerville resident Erin Rehnke provided the winning name.

up to receive communication through more avenues. The city would appreciate input on the capital projects the public would like to see within the city’s parks, such as a new trail or monument, Lewis said. “We’d like to hear your ideas and have an opportunity to connect with you.”

• In his administrator’s report, City Engineer/Administrator Mark Statz noted “City Day on the Hill,” organized by the League of Minnesota Cities, will be held all day March 7. The day will include a one-onone meeting with both the state representative and senator.

• According to state statute, all precincts must hold an accuracy testing day prior to each of the three election days in 2024. This testing was required prior to March 5, and will be performed before the state primary on Aug. 13 and the general

election on Nov. 5. The city’s election administrator, head election judge and one member of the public attend the public accuracy testing on the DS200 and Omni Ballot marking machines to ensure that all election equipment is ready for election day. The public is welcome to attend and view the testing process.

• Super Tuesday is today, March 5, at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish — Fellowship Hall, 6994 Centerville Road from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election judges are trained and are eager to assist voters. Members of the public are urged to come out and exercise their right to vote.

• On Friday, March 23, the Metropolitan Council will host the “State of the Region” meeting to provide an overview of the greater metro region’s current initiatives, trends and econom-

ic conditions. The event will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. There will be opportunities for public input.

• The Centennial Lakes Police Department is in the final stages of hiring a new officer. With the new hire, the department would be just one open position from a fully staffed department for the first time since the pandemic. The Centennial Fire District is also hiring.

• The city’s Realtor reports that a restaurant owner has expressed interest in the Block 3 site at 1737 Main Street.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

Metropolitan Council: No clear future for governance remodel

FROM PAGE 1

Additionally, task force members had been seeking ways to pursue better transparency and accountability to the public over the council’s oversight of regional transportation planning. One example of the latter involves the council’s leadership on the ongoing near-$3 billion Southwest Light Rail transit project, which has faced heavy criticism because of delays and poor financial budgeting in recent years.

Some on the task force have favored

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Metropolitan Council was created in 1967 in response to significant challenges the region was facing, such as poor wastewater management, a privately owned bus company on the verge of failure, and fiscal disparities, which left many communities at a disadvantage in supplying essential services to their residents.

• The council planned for the economic development of all seven counties in the metro area, coordinating delivery services that no one county or city could help deliver.

• Further legislation from the council was instrumental in creating the Metro Transit Commission, the regional parks system, a tax-base sharing system, and a regional sewer

the directly elected model approach, such as Democratic Senator Scott Dibble, the latter of whom proposed a bill advocating this council reform.

Dibble stated that this system would ensure that those elected would be best suited for the job based on qualification and experience and would be more accountable to the public.

Other task force members, however, pushed for an opposite approach. One such bill, put forth by Rep. John Koznick, would continue the council’s current governor-appointed-based model,

system, all between 1967 and 1974.

• The council partners with 181 different cities and townships, seven counties, and various other government entities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to devise policies guiding further strategic growth on bettering these locations.

• The council’s primary services and infrastructure include Metro Mobility, wastewater treatment services, affordable housing and Metro Transit’s bus and rail system, among many others. The council also relies on many different sources for funding, such as state and federal funds, county property taxes and user fees for wastewater treatment and transit services.

but would stagger members’ terms and expand membership of the nomination committee.

One notable proponent of this example came from Karen Schaffer. Schaffer is the current chair of the Council of Metropolitan Area League of Women’s Voters, whose mission is to expand the knowledge and effectiveness of members concerning regional issues about Metropolitan Council governance. Schaffer testified to the task force at its Jan. 10 meeting on the topic of a government-appointed-model versus an elected-official one.

“I understand that accountability is a valid concern,” Schaffer said. “The advantage of staggered terms is that it allows you to keep people already on the learning curve about the issues the council is focusing on. It’s about our members having some historical perspective and learning about those who have previously served on the board.”

A past study by the League found that only 30% of elected officials interviewed favored the appointment of those elected officials to the council. A full 70% were against such a model, stating that officials from representative districts already work full-time

jobs to serve the interests of their respective areas, and appointing them to the council would lead to them having incompatible interests associated with serving two different constituencies.

These conflicting visions ultimately led the task force to publish a “Problem Statement” on Jan. 17, in which its members determined that there was too much widespread confusion and disagreement about who is and who should be held accountable for the MET Council’s vision, planning, execution and performance evaluation. Further recommendations in the Problem Statement stated that the Legislature should address, as per any Metropolitan Council reform or changes in governance, how the council should be accountable to the public and state and local governments.

On Jan. 27, the task force adopted several principles to guide the Legislature in considering the current reform proposals, should they be looked at in the future. No additional task force meetings are intended to take place throughout the remainder of the year.