Quad Community Press

Reeling in relief: ‘All about conversation and connections’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

An area nonprofit continues to refine its offerings so that it can have a deeper impact on veterans.

A lot has changed since The Freedom Fishing Foundation was started by veterans Jim Flermoen, Eric Anderson and Joe Scavo in March 2017. (See “Nonprofit gives veterans something to look forward to.”

“We were flying by the seat of our pants when we put this together,” said Flermoen, a Lino Lakes resident.

In the organization’s early years, the focus was taking as many veterans as possible on a fishing trip, but Flermoen says the foundation has come to focus on quality over quantity.

“It has turned out to be so much better than what we were doing originally,” Flermoen reflected. “If you are doing too much you get burnt out, and it was costing the foundation too much to try to do all of those trips … The quality wasn’t there, and the veterans weren’t quite getting what they needed out of it.”

On average, the Freedom Fishing Foundation takes 50 to 60 veterans out on trips each year. The foundation hires a guide and makes sure to have a board member or ambassador (veteran) on board.

“It makes it easier for them to open up and have fun, and they have a much better chance of catching a fish,” Flermoen explained.

Trips take place on local lakes, but Freedom Fishing Foundation has also taken veterans on trips to Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake of the Woods. Veterans are also able to bring a spouse or child with them too.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for so many people; it is so much more than just going out in a boat one day and fishing,” Flermoen explained. “I have had so many veterans that have broken down at the end and said, ‘Thank you, I’ve never experienced anything like this.’”

SEE FREEDOM FISHING, PAGE 7

Capturing Easter joy

City feels the bulldozer

That road is the one on which higher government, such as the state Legislature or unelected agencies, try to take power away from municipalities and counties.

Recently, the power creep has turned into the power leap, following an illuminating day on Capitol Hill.

City officials, including Junior Council Member Avery Sauber, had an eye-opening experience during City Day on the Hill. In addition to meeting their representatives at the state Capitol, the delegation from Centerville were gob-smacked to find that the Legislature had put forth bills to preempt local zoning control.

In a stated attempt to solve the state’s housing crisis, both chambers of the Legislature are working on passing HF4009, SF3964 and SF3980 to eliminate the ability of municipalities to zone for single-family housing exclusively. If they are passed and signed by the governor, the bills would take effect in July.

SEE CENTERVILLE, PAGE 12

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

So far in 2024, the Freedom Fishing Foundation has received nearly 70 applications from veterans for fishing excursions.

CURRENT EVENTS

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MEETING

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 26

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N.

Details:  Guild members who participated in the Panel Challenge or the Friendship Block exchange will show their completed projects and the Special Program Committee will judge and distribute prizes. $5.00/visitor.

MINNESOTA SOLAR: SAVING GREEN BY GOING GREEN

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.

Details: Kyle Poston, Residential Solar Project Developer for Cedar Creek Energy, will speak about solar energy options for homeowners.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0327

NATIVE NATIONS 101

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28

Where: Zoom

Details: Learn more about how Tribal governments work and the nations represented in the White Bear Lake Area with a program from the Native Governance Center. Free; registration required.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

NOURISH!

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 28

Where: willow Lane Elementary, 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Make community connections and enjoy a free community feast with items from vegan to carnivore using the Marnita’s Table model of Intentional Social Interaction. Sponsored by Many Faces; childcare, interpreters, and transportation help provided. RSVP.

Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/nourish

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERAN’S DAY

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 29

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Honor Vietnal Veterans and their families for the service and sacrifice. Event features presentation by the VFW 1782 Color Guard, the Nathan Hale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Army Specialist 4th Class Daryl LeMire. Coffee and treats served. Registration appreciated.

Contact: 651-653-3121

EASTER EGG HUNT

When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 30

Where:  St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes

Details: Outside egg hunt for kids ages 3 through 6th grade (weather permitting). Prizes, crafts, and refreshments. Free; register by March 22.

Contact: sarak@saintjosephsparish.org

Easter Egg Hunt

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30

Where: Golden Lake Park, Circle Pines

Details: Annual hunt sponsored by the Lions, Centennial Fire District and Lexington Fire Department.

I opened my dog grooming business in March of 2022 and revenue was steady for the first three months.

We spent most of our advertising dollars in the local White Bear Press from the day we opened. Once we achieved a little repetition and recognition in the Press our revenue began to spike in the fourth month (doubling from month three!).

We achieved and exceeded our customer base and revenue targets in the first six months and exceeded them going forward.

While there are many factors that contribute to revenue growth it is vitally important for a new business to connect with the local community.

The White Bear Press was the perfect platform to accomplish awareness and educate the local community about our services.

The staff at the White Bear Press took care of designing our ads and recommending how we focus our advertising. Their guidance was very effective and instrumental in our success!

Thank you from all of us at Haute Dog Spa!.

– Dennis Countryman, Haute Dog Spa 651-492-1888

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center

Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center

If you are a fan of big dogs and gentle giants, then Austin is your fan. Austin is a Great Pyrenees/Labrador retriever mix. He is 4 years old and weighs just under 80 pounds. Austin arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Houston, Texas, and he’s loving the North Country. He especially loves his foster’s big, fenced backyard, where he can roam and play at his leisure. A forever home with the same setup would suit him well.

Austin is too big to be a lap dog, but he doesn’t know or understand that. He simply loves his people and being with them. And he loves attention and he likes to be spoiled. When he’s not snuggling on the couch or exploring in the backyard, Austin likes to go on walks. He is social with other dogs, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. Austin is house-trained and crate-trained, and he knows his basic commands.

If you are interested in learning more about Austin or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

COPS&COURTS

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer received a report regarding possible abuse of a vulnerable adult in the 600 block of Market Place Drive March 12. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer took a report of a dog bite incident in the 700 block of Oak Lane March 12. The officer investigated and documented the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a request from another law enforcement agency for assistance in taking an individual into custody on a court order on I-35E near Main Street March 12. The officer took custody of the individual, who was later transported to a hospital.

• An officer was dispatched to contact a resident in the 7000 block of Rice Lake Drive regarding a fraud attempt that was made by phone March 13. The incident was investigated and documented.

• An officer took a phone call from an employee of a business in the 7300 block of Apollo Court regarding possible attempted fraud March 13. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a report of possible gunshots

in the 100 block of Robinson Drive March 13. Officers checked the area, but no shots were heard and no evidence of gunshots was found.

• An officer responded to a report of fireworks being lit off near a caller’s house in the 2300 block of Delina Circle March 13. The area was checked, and no problems were found. Extra patrol in the area was requested.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on I-35E near 80th Street March 14. The male driver showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested and booked into jail for thirddegree DWI.

• An officer responded to a phone call report regarding a possible fraud in the 6400 block of Talle Lane March 14. The case is under investigation.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on I-35E near Main Street March 14. The driver was found to have two outstanding warrants and was booked into the jail on the warrants.

• Officers responded to a report of a deer that was badly injured and caught in a fence in the 900 block of Pheasant Run South March 15. Officers put the deer down and arranged for it to

be removed.

• An officer responded to a report of a burglary in the 1400 block of Ash Street March 15. The officer documented the scene and recovered a safe that was likely stolen. The safe was processed for evidence.

• An officer was dispatched to 12th Avenue and Holly Drive, where a stop sign had been knocked over March 16. The sign appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, and a new one was installed. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer assisted a neighboring agency with a hit-and-run crash in the 1700 block of Sorel Street March 16. The officer observed the suspect vehicle and stopped it on behalf of the neighboring agency. The officer identified the driver, and the investigation was handled by the neighboring agency.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for illegal driving conduct and a semaphore violation in the 6900 block of Lake Drive March 17. The adult female driver was later cited for the semaphore violation.

• An officer took a financial transaction card fraud report in the 700 block of Apollo Drive March 17. The case is under investigation.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 7700 block of Main Street March 18. The officer detected impairment and arrested the driver. After an investigation, the driver was issued a citation and released to a sober adult.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• A runaway juvenile was reported in Lexington March 13.

• Police handled an animal complaint on Inner Drive in Circle Pines March 13.

• Officers made an arrest on an outstanding warrant at the intersection of Restwood Road and Griggs Avenue in Lexington March 14.

• Police received a harassment report from the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington March 14.

• Upon investigating a driving complaint, an officer located a driver who was ultimately arrested for fourth-degree DWI and drug possession near the intersection of Lake Drive and Pine Drive in Circle Pines March 14.

• Officers responded to the 0 block of Central Street for a hit-and-run property damage accident March 15.

• Someone found a wallet in Centennial Square March 15 and brought it to the police station for safekeeping.

• Harassment was reported in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington March 15.

• Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Sorel Street in Centerville March 16 for a dog that was hit by a car. Officers notified the dog’s owner.

• Police responded to the 1700 block of Heritage Street in Centerville on report of a burglary March 27.

• Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Twilight Terrace in Circle Pines March 18 on a report of theft. The case is inactive, pending suspect identification.

• Shoplifting was reported in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville March 19. The case is under investigation.

• Police responded to the 7000th block of 20th Avenue in Centerville March 19 on a report of a person attempting to steal a vehicle. Witnesses followed the suspect and identified him to police. The suspect was ultimately arrested for tampering with a motor vehicle.

CAEF. 11.3. NE Metro 916. 11.4 SEE. 11.5. District Committee Reports.

12.Superintendent Report 13. Informational Items 13.1. Dates to Note. 14. Adjourn Motion to adjourn by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn at 7:47 p.m.

Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk

Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 26, 2024.

CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

SCHOOL BOARD

He is risen

Can you imagine the confusion the Sunday after crucifixion when Mary Magdalene and two others discovered the tomb that Jesus’ body had been placed in was empty? In amazement, they went and told Peter and John who then ran to the tomb. Later the resurrected Christ appeared to Mary and later to his disciples.

To the Christian community, based on recorded biblical accounts, the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life it brings was completed as prophesized hundreds of years before.

Somehow baby chicks and bunnies became Easter symbols. Families celebrate with dinners, chocolate bunnies, beautifully decorated eggs, and some will attend church as a tradition of Easter.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

The Bible points us to the new life Jesus gives us. Easter life starts the moment you are forgiven. I John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. He never says that if we confess our sins, he will remember them and make us feel guilty.

“He is risen” is a wonderful statement that Jesus has defeated death. Belief in Him gives us the opportunity to share in eternal life with him.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ that we celebrate at Easter means that God the Father will give the Holy Spirit to believers. He sent the promise of the Holy Spirit to continue his work on earth. All this means that Christ’s earthly ministry continues today through his people in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.

Happy Easter to all.

Newspapers are threatened

Newspapers all over the country are being threatened by many different forms of communication, and social media is one of them. Social media has had a lot of negative effects on our society, especially the minds and culture of young people.

Some of the news media today has lost respect when it comes to truth and accuracy. In the minds of most people, what can you trust when it comes to information coming from government? How do you sort out fact versus opinion? How do you define the difference between opinions in editorial writing or what commentators report? It’s difficult. Professional journalists use multiple sources to bear out the information they are reporting on. That’s not the case with much of the internet news sources, social media, and political commentary and letters

TikTok is currently under scrutiny and threatens being banned from this country because of its Chinese connections. It’s a very popular information source for young people.

I am confident that community newspapers will play a key role in this ever-changing society as people will continue to look for truth and information that they can receive in print and online. As your hometown newspaper, we try very hard to be a trusted member of your family that you can read with confidence. The information is locally generated by journalists who have been educated to discern factual information by sitting in on government meetings, interviewing elected officials, and building relationships with people in the community.

This local newspaper wants your support and trust.

This newspaper has a responsibility and a strong desire to keep the community informed of what’s happening at schools, city and township councils, and the business community, as well as issues of crime and public safety. The White Bear Press is family-owned and is the oldest business of continuing operation in White Bear Lake. Over the years it has added subsidiary newspapers in the surrounding communities.

Thank you for supporting your local newspaper, whether you are a new or a long-time subscriber. You are very important in the process to continue in print and online. We have one of the strongest and most consistent audiences in print and online of any other medium in our communities.

We value your suggestions and we appreciate when you agree or disagree and tell us. We’re not perfect, but we want to do everything we possibly can to keep you informed. We like when the community feels they own the newspaper. Then they are an integral part of its success, truth reporting, a way to alert people of concerns and celebrate success in the life of the community.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

ICenterville remains strong

like to hand out pens to people who have made an impression on me in some way.  The pens have my motto of “Stronger Together” on them.  One time I had a young man ask me what I meant by the motto.  I smiled at him thinking, it’s pretty obvious, but he paused and waited for my answer.  I shared my thoughts on teamwork and collective strength, but I’ve often found myself reflecting on the question, what does “Stronger Together” mean?

As you enter Centerville from the South West, you drive by a farm into a residential area.

As you enter from the North West, you drive by the regional park between the lakes.  As you enter from the South East, you drive through our industrial aera into a commercial

zone.  As you enter from the North East, there are homes and townhomes.  Such a small city with many different views, perspectives, needs and desires.  To be our absolute best, we need them all.

Our city has thrived as its leadership understands the power of teamwork and collaboration, no idea is too big or too small.  We celebrate the naming of a plow truck as much as we celebrate the opening of an Amazon facility.  We come together to celebrate in shorts during Fete de Lacs and in coats for Christmas in the Park.  We enjoy our traditional values yet we are inclusive of others thoughts and needs.   We strive to give a voice to all segments of our community.  All members of leadership are a visit, click or call away.  We work to make sure our citizens have access to what’s happening.  If you want to be added to an email listing to receive Agenda’s or frequent updates, please reach out to city hall and we will add you.  Please check out our website and upload our Mobile App to your smartphone.  Follow the

City on Facebook or X formerly known as Twitter.  Watch our meetings on North Metro TV, we broadcast our City Council meetings, our EDA, Park and Recreation as well as our Planning and Zoning meetings.  If you want to see a past City Council meeting it is also available via podcast.   We value the voice of our youth, we are on the third year of our Jr. Council Member program.  Our current Jr. Council Member recently attended a conference where she met the Governor and visited with our State Representative and our State Senator.  Hearing her share her perspective on the needs, wants and desires of the youth was inspiring.

A year ago at this time, I proclaimed that the State of the City of Centerville was Strong.  I’m proud to confidently say the State of the City of Centerville remains Strong!  It remains because we remain together.

Stronger Together, so simple yet so complex.  A difficult mission yet an admirable goal.

D. Love is the mayor of the city of Centerville.

I like the Quad Press

I have read the Quad every week since moving to Lino Lakes in 2004! (20 years now)

Some of us “oldies” here at this senior complex (Cottages of Willow Ponds) are unable to obtain a copy every week by driving to the stores.  In past years, it was always delivered to our “cubby-box” ... but unfortunately for the last many, many months we have had no carrier to deliver the paper.

BUT, I have a VERY faithful neighbor who will drive at least 5 miles (10 miles round trip) to pick up this delightful informative paper for me EVERY WEEK.

I just wanted you to know how blessed I AM that there are kind, faithful people out there to go out of their way to get a paper for me.

Many years ago (2005), one of your journalists came to MY home and published an article about my family.

I like the Quad Press! That’s all.

COUNTY BRIEFS

Lois Sluyter Lino Lakes

County library hosts writing contest

The Anoka County Library will host a teen short story writing contest from April 1-30. First and second place winners will be selected in the following categories — Grades 6-8, grades 9-12 and grades 11-12. The winners will be announced in June, and their stories will be published in the 2024 eBook anthology available on Indie Minnesota. For more information, or to enter, visit tinyurl.com/ ACL-WriteOn2024.

Anoka County seeks members for Opioid Advisory Council

As part of the National Opioids Settlement, Anoka County anticipates receiving approximately $18 million in disbursements over the next 18 years. These funds will be used to address the opioid crisis and prevent opioid deaths in the community. To manage this funding and respond to the misuse of opioids in Anoka County, the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative (ACOSI) has been established. Anoka County is looking for people with lived experience and professionals from organizations throughout the community to ensure equitable representation and a voice in the opioid response. To apply, visit www. anokacountymn.gov/ACOSI.

“The mission of the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative is to improve health, save lives and reduce the impact caused by opioids and other substances in Anoka County by managing opioid settlement funding and supporting strategic partnerships,” said Mike Gamache, chair of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “For this initiative to be successful, we really need the community to be involved. By spending this funding in the most effective manner possible, we can mitigate some of the damage already caused by opioid misuse and prevent future deaths and overdoses.”

For more information on ACOSI, the advisory council, or opioid prevention in Anoka County, contact Patti Constant, senior program specialist, at patti.constant@anokacountymn. gov or 763-324-4334.

County taxes: Why is this year different?

When it comes to explaining why a property’s taxes go up or down in a given year, one has to understand that there are multiple factors at play that figure into the overall dollar amount.

If you take a look at your property tax notification or statement, you’ll see that it lists a whole host of taxing authorities, which include your city, school district, state and several others, depending on where you live and what type of property you own.

Every year, each of those taxing authorities sets a budget for the upcoming year, and it determines how much property tax levy will be necessary to support that budget. A change in any of those city, county or school district budgets and levies could impact your property taxes.

This year, changes have happened across the board, and most property owners will see an increase on their property tax statements.

“Anoka County was able to keep its property tax levy flat for the last several years, to lessen the impact felt by residents and businesses during the pandemic,” said Mike Gamache, chair, of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “In 2024, there will be an increase, as the county deals with the impact of inflation –– that’s the cost of fuel, electricity and more –– funding a market-based wage adjustment for employees, and hiring more prosecutors to deal with the increase in violent crimes.”

Even with the 2024 levy figured in, Anoka County’s annual levy increase has been one of the lowest in the metro area. The five-year average is less than 4%. This figure is lower than the pace of inflation, which was at 4.64% over the last five years.

Commercial, industrial and apartment property owners are likely to see larger tax increases compared to that of residential. The main drivers of those differences are:

• Increasing levies at the local level, including city, school district and county.

• Value increases in 2023 for commercial, industrial and apartment properties largely exceeded that of residential properties, meaning they will bear more of the tax burden in calendar year 2024.

“While there were several legislative changes in 2023, most of those are effective for taxes payable in 2025, including the change to the homestead market value exclusion,” said District 6 Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert. “We expect a continued shift of the tax burden to commercial, industrial, and apartment parcels in future years, barring any new legislation in 2024.”

So how are valuations determined? Estimated market value (EMV) is one of the factors used to determine your property taxes. It represents the normal sale price in a competitive open market (where a buyer and seller are not related, and both are educated about the property).

“EMV has an impact on your taxes, but not as much as one might assume,” said District 4 Anoka County Commissioner Scott Schulte. “How your tax amount changes from year to year is influenced more by the revenues needed to fund local government, including cities and school districts.

“If Anoka County increased all values by 50%, the resulting tax amounts would not increase by 50%; the tax rates would be adjusted to generate the same amount of tax revenue.”

Your Assessor’s Office is responsible for determining the value of your property each

year. This process can also be referred to as mass appraisal. The mass appraisal process relies heavily on the physical data assessors collect once every five years. That data is then used to derive an estimate of market value that is adjusted annually based on sales of comparable properties over a set time period.

The average home valued at $326,900 in Anoka County will see a county portion of the property tax bill at $816.

For more information on the county budget and property taxes, visit anokacountymn.gov/budget or anokacountymn.opengov.com.

Anoka County

Here is a breakdown of how every dollar collected in property taxes is used in Anoka County.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The average Anoka County home, valued at $326,900, will pay $816 in county taxes.

FREEDOM FISHING: Hooks veterans for healing

FROM PAGE 1

Freedom Fishing Foundation President Ben Elfelt got involved with the organization about five years ago after meeting Flermoen at Gander Mountain in Forest Lake. “We connected over fishing, but we never talked about veteran stuff at all,” Efelt recalled.

Elfelt, an Amery, Wisconsin, resident who grew up in Forest Lake, was a Navy Seabee for five years. At the time when he met Flermoen, he was building his business, Prime Time Guide Service. “(Jim) asked if I would take him and Eric out to give them some tips on catching walleyes,” Elfelt said. He says he wanted to get involved in the organization because he wanted to help and give back to veterans. He said he also really enjoys the teaching aspect of being a guide.

“For me, it is about facilitating that experience of fishing for the first time,” he said. “Introducing someone to a new sport or a hobby that maybe they thought was unattainable or the learning curve was too steep, or it was too expensive to get into.”

Recently, the organization hosted its first gala, which raised over $12,000. Board member Dorothy Radermacher says that amount will support 45 veterans. “We support veterans from all over the country; they simply need to get themselves to the launch,” she said.

In 2023, the organization had a total of 89 applications from veterans. So far in 2024, 67

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

• A longtime city leader is stepping down from service — for now. Linda BroussardVickers, who has also served on the City Council, is resigning from her current seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission, effective immediately. BroussardVickers took the position on the planning commission to fill a vacancy on the commission until there were no more vacancies. After months of advertising for members of the community to fill two vacant positions, three people volunteered and two have been chosen. Broussard-Vickers wasted no time in making space for the new commission members. After council formally accepted her resignation, Mayor D. Love thanked Broussard-Vickers, saying she stepped up many times to serve on the commission and council. “She has been a great member of the community with her knowledge, skill and passion. She will be missed. She did say that if we needed anything to give her a call, so she’s not so far away.” In her letter to the commission, Broussard-Vickers wrote, “It has been a pleasure to serve, and I am excited to see new people interested in serving

our city.”

applicants (and counting) have already applied for trips.

“It’s all about conversation and connections. Fishing is the vessel, if you will … That’s the excuse to get these guys and gals out in the boat and away from whatever situations might be dragging them down at home or at work or whatever the case might be,” Elfelt said. “If we catch a fish, great; if we don’t, no big deal — we still get that connection and we still have an impact.”

The organization would like to see more female veterans go on fishing trips. The organization is also always looking for volunteers to get involved in the organization; no fishing experience is necessary.

For more information on Freedom Fishing Foundation, or to get involved, visit https:// freedomfishingfoundation.com.

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

• Stepping up to fill those two positions on the Planning Commission are Matthew McCabe, a new citizen in the area, and Jeannie Seppala, a certified financial planner with 34 years in the business. Just a few months ago, the city was begging for volunteers to fill open positions on its advisory committees, and now three people have come forward to serve on commission. The three candidates interviewed were all very well qualified, City Administrator Mark Statz said. The two candidates formally appointed by council showed strengths in banking and finance in particular, Statz said. “Hopefully, the third candidate will apply again the next time there is a need,” he said.

• March turned out to be a good month for filling vacancies on advisory committees, as council formally appointed Katya Port to fill the final open seat on the Parks and Recreation Committee. The committee interviewed her at its March 6 meeting and recommended her for the seat. Port has been described as a mom with young children who came to the interview armed

with pictures of the city’s parks and showed where they needed repairs. Council Member Terry Sweeney said as she hails from overseas, Port would bring a unique perspective to the committee.

• While reviewing a building permit for an existing home on 20th Avenue that is being converted to a duplex, city staff noticed in the Table of Allowed Uses that the newly approved zoning, R2A, did not allow for “single-family attached dwellings with up to two dwelling units per building” when it is supposed to allow it. However, in the R2 District, which does not allow for this usage, it was shown in the Table of Allowed Uses as allowing this usage. A corrective reversal was called for, and council gave a nod to the change in a first reading. A public hearing was held on this item; there was no public comment.

• The city’s local access cable channel and the organization that runs it is funded through fees on cable television bills. As the recent trend of streaming services has eroded the cable TV market, it has also reduced the amount of revenue coming into North Metro TV. The cable commission

No bunnies or eggs in the Bible

When my grown-up daughter was little, every Easter she would get a new dress and a white cardigan. We would hide eggs that the Easter Bunny somehow put all over the house while we were sleeping. We would have an Easter Lily on the table that made the whole house smell like spring.

Pastor’s Ponderings

Toni Schwabe

Why did we do all of this? Because it was Easter!! But there are no bunnies or eggs in the Bible. Easter is a Christian holiday remembering and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

So, what is it about eggs and bunnies and lilies? They all come from very old traditions signifying new life. We all know that rabbits are very prolific in reproducing---we say something multiplies like rabbits. New life. Eggs are a symbol of new life from ancient times and what comes from the egg? Little chicks!! Peeps!! The beautiful and aromatic lily comes from a bulb planted in the ground that must be dormant until spring and then burst out of the ground into such a sign of life.

Those lilies that line the front of the church on Easter Sunday are a picture of the purity of Jesus. A reminder that he came to earth as a baby, which we celebrate on Christmas. Then he taught the people to love God and to love others, to see their sin and repent of it. Until the time came when he was arrested, crucified, and buried, the event that we remember on Good Friday. But we aren’t left with the sadness of death but with the joy and celebration of new life on Easter as we remember that Jesus is risen.

An angel told Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, “Jesus is not here. He is risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6) Jesus told his disciples long before that day that Satan comes to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus came that people may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) I love to have things abundantly, don’t you? On Easter, I don’t want just a bit of whipping cream on my pie, I want it lavished abundantly!! We can have abundant life through Jesus. Another verse in the Bible, written in a letter by the apostle Paul, says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Are you looking for a new life? An abundant life? Jesus can give that to you. Find a church in your neighborhood this week and hear the message of Easter---not bunnies and chicks and eggs but a risen Savior.

Toni Schwabe is the pastor at Rice Creek Covenant Church in Lino Lakes.

asked for council’s support to help encourage federal officials to find a legislative fix for this issue, so council passed a resolution supporting the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators’s (MACTA) efforts to modern PEG funding.

• The Midwest Multi Races/ Kelly’s Korner (Shake Your Shamrock) event took place on March 16, thanks to council’s approval of a special event permit to use the city’s trails, following the Parks and Recreation Committee’s recommendation. The committee noted that the applicant has operated these runs for several years and there have been minimal issues. Approximately 150 people were expected to participate.

• Council also approved the Parks and Recreation Committee recommendation to approve a request from the Centennial Little League to use the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park baseball fields from April 1 through Sept. 30. The league was asked to submit its schedules prior to usage and understand the priority extended to Fete des Lacs and other city uses of the

fields. The committee noted the league’s annual requests for numerous years without issues. “The Little League members are conscientious of the park and the city’s schedule for usage,” the committee said.

• In 2023, Centerville submitted 276 requests for service, said EMS Chief Tom Edminson in his EMS 2023 Report for MHealth Fairview. The city also received 15 mutual aid service calls. Staffing levels are creeping back to pre-pandemic levels, after the agency was hurt by personnel shortages that affected everyone coming out of the 2020 pandemic, he said.

• The city now has two different types of employment positions open. One position is a full-time public services technician, and four positions have opened up for seasonal public works/parks maintenance jobs. Make inquiries at City Hall, if you are interested.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta

Harding

com.

An attendee at the Freedom Fishing Foundation’s first-ever Lifelines Gala checks out the silent auction items. The event raised over $12,000 for the nonprofit organization.

SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Air Force veteran Nick Rath shares his story of survival. Rahn and three fellow Air Force veterans were the first boat out in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – a 3,000-mile race from the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa to the Caribbean. Shortly into their journey they were greeted with inclement weather and 40-foot swells.

Scrap metal appliance pick up 65 1-329-0815

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

City of Hugo is Hiring an Administrative Intern

Salary: $18-$20/hour

Application Deadline: April 5, 2024

Job Summary: The City of Hugo, (pop. 15,766) is offering an Administrative and Communications Intern position to a capable individual who will receive comprehensive exposure to local government management. This individual will perform highly responsible organizational and policy related work and collaborate with and receive mentorship from City leaders. Anticipated work will involve the fields of communications, finance, human resources, parks, planning, public works, engineering, and fire & rescue.

The Intern will act as the primary contact for citywide communications and will assist with the rental of public facilities. The Intern serves as a fully functioning member of the City Hall team and will generally work 40 hours per week for six months to one year.

Applicants should be a recent college graduate with a degree in public administration, communications, political science, urban studies, history, or a related field. Master’s students working toward completion of a graduate program are encouraged to apply.

Contact City Clerk Michele Lindau, (651)762-6315 or mlindau@ci.hugo.mn.us

https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/jobs_volunteer

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy?

about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers! Other

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.

Part-time Public Works Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a permanent, part-time public works employee to assist the public works department in regular maintenance and repair work associated with the city’s parks, buildings, streets, and utilities. The position is 20-30 hours per week – flexible hours. A high school diploma and 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 www.ci.lexington.mn.us/.

Starting salary $18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792.

Position is open until filled.

to the neighborhood,

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Since 1984, the North Suburban Neighbors Club (NSNC) has been getting together for coffee, lunch and movie night. Group members play cards and a variety of games together. The NSNC is a nonprofit friendship organization for women in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities. The organization is meant to get women socializing with other women who are new to the area. But those who have lived in the area for a long time are welcome to join the group, too.

Today, there are around 80 members. Members come from Lino Lakes, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and other areas like Cottage Grove and Fridley.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the group would usually meet at someone’s home. Since then, the group has been gathering at the Shoreview Community Center for various events such as In Stitches, Bridge and Coffee. They also venture out into the community, lunching together at various restaurants, taking walks and hikes at local parks and going to movies.

“We kind of run on a school year like September to June at the most,” said

Katherine Dudding, a Lino Lakes resident. She has been a member of the group since 1995.

When Dudding first joined the group, she was employed at the time. “I could only attend evening things. We had several evening things at that time, because it was a younger mix. So, I did evening book club; now we just have one book club during the day.”

“When I quit work in 2002, I just was walking through my neighborhood looking for friendly faces. Well, everybody worked in my neighborhood,” Dudding added, “and since I had been a part of this group, I reached out to a former member. She sent me a list of the people and I thought, ‘I’m coming back!’”

Georgiana Saver, from Cottage Grove, has been a member for about five years and has been the club’s secretary for three of them.

“I was retired and wasn’t doing a whole lot,” Saver said. “Ellen, one of my good friends, had belonged to this group and she just kept inviting us and I thought, ‘Well, I am going to go check it out.’ It was just so welcoming that I joined right on the spot.”

Saver said that her two favorite activities that the group offers is outdoor adventures and coffee in the Fireside Lounge at

the Shoreview Community Center. Her favorite aspect about the group is the friendships she has made since joining.

Fridley resident Donna Beecroft, NSNC co-president, has been a member for the last three years. “I heard about the group from my friend, Jeanne, who lives in Lino,” said Beecroft. “It’s a growing organization, very friendly, and we hope to grow even more,” she added.

Jeanne Andrychowicz, a Lino Lakes resident, joined in 2019. She moved to Lino Lakes after residing in Colombia Heights for almost three decades.

“And then all of a sudden, ‘boom,’ I was thrown into a new neighborhood not knowing anybody, or even the surroundings,” Andrychowicz said. “So, I happened to find an advertisement in the Quad Press, and was like, ‘Okay!’” If it hadn’t been for the newspaper, Andrychowicz said, she would not have found the group and known who to reach out to about joining.

Andrychowicz called Dudding and explained that she was new in town. The two quickly discovered that they lived right down the road from one another. Dudding told her, “How about if I come pick you up and bring you to In Stitches.”

When Dudding dropped her off

afterward, she mentioned that the group was having a coffee social that following Thursday and told Andrychowicz that she would pick her up for that, too.

“I was in right then and there,” said Andrychowicz, who now hosts the NSNC book club with Beecroft. She also is the membership coordinator.

“You find your group of friends, and this is our community,” Dudding concluded.

To find out more information about the group, find the North Suburban Neighbors Club on Facebook. To inquire about becoming a member, call 651-616-6142.

CONTRIBUTED

The North Suburban Neighbors Clubs is a nonprofit friendship organization for women in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities.

Pictured are Jeanne Andrychowicz, Nancy Glass, Lavonne Taveggia and Linda Dawson.

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From lakes and ponds to state, across generations

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

When three hockey teams covered by Press Publications advanced to the recent state tournament — White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi and Centennial — our office heard from two local families, one with Mounds View roots, enjoying generational hockey ties to those teams.

Chad Norman reported that he and Dan Wright grew up on Birch Lake playing pond hockey and dreaming of going to state. They did go to state, twice. And this year, both their sons also went, Winston Wright with Mahtomedi and Noah Norman with the Bears, both juniors.

We also heard from Danny Cunningham, who outlined “a story that stretches from White Bear Lake to Mounds View and now to Centennial for a span of almost 80 years.” His son, Gavin, a sophomore, helped Centennial place fifth at state two weeks ago.

Norman and Wright met when they were two years old and formed a lifelong bond starting with those chilly Birch Lake pickup games with neighborhood kids that led to bigger things.

“We played together for WBL. Best friends,” Norman said. “Captains our senior year.” They played in the 1989 and 1990 state tournaments. “Dreams come true,” he said. Both went on to play college hockey, and Norman was a high school coach for 12 years.

The 2024 state tournament brought that all back for Dan and Chad as they followed their sons, who’ve been friends since age five.

“We embraced the games together as friends since Birch Lake. The hockey culture has kept us together as we have traveled the road of life,” said Norman, adding that “former teammates and cheerleaders attended the section games.”

Danny Cunningham grew up in Shoreview, youngest of nine kids, with six cousins living nearby. The Cunningham clans and other neighborhood kids played at three venues: boot hockey on the road, a flooded back-yard rink, and especially at a pond near railroad tracks.

“All of our houses backed up to these tracks, with an old historic railroad switching station sitting in the middle called Cardigan Junction,” Cunningham said. “This junction house overlooked a perfect little pond surrounded by reeds and cat-tails that became the place of many great games for all of us.”

Danny and his brother Jim went on to play for Mounds View. They never reached state, but had a great time. Jim was very good. He played for the St. Paul Vulcans, Michigan State, a minor league team in Maine, and even got into two NHL games with the Flyers. Jim played with several great players during those MVHS years including Rob McLanahan who would play on the 1980 US Gold Medal Miracle on Ice team.

“For me, my time at Mounds View saw more

Frost is No. 2 all-time Cougar scorer

Marisa Frost capped a four-year Centennial basketball career with 1,609 points, second-most all-time for the Cougars, after averaging 22.5 points this season.

The 5-foot-9 guard ranks second only to Megan Nipe, a 2009 graduate with 1,855 points. Players in the top five that Frost passed are Katie DeWitt (1,470), Taylor McCaulay (1,402) and Kahla Becken (1,388). There are 15 girls on the Cougar 1,000-point list.

Frost also totaled 457 rebounds, 326 assists, 341 steals, 57 blocks, along with 166 three-pointers on an excellent .383 percentage.

A senior guard committed to North Dakota State, she picked up her third All-Northwest Suburban award.

Bruce Strand

mixed results, never getting close to a chance to go to state, but giving me friends for a lifetime,” Danny said. “Interestingly, I too was connected to the 1980 Gold Medal Team, having played with Dan Brooks as an A PeeWee that year, where a few of us had the chance to go to the airport and meet his dad, Herb Brooks, and the returning Gold Medal Team from Lake Placid.”

In his late 20’s, Danny was shocked when his dad, Eugene, told him that he “actually had played in the first-ever state tournament” in 1945 with White Bear Lake. The Bears were consolation champs. In all those years watching his kids play hundreds of games, Eugene had never mentioned that before. “But that was dad,” said Danny. He described his father as hard-working guy (construction) who got up at five every morning and sacrificed his limited spare time to help his kids pursue their dreams.

“So now, 79 years later, Gavin, you are carrying on the Cunningham legacy in the state tournament,” Danny Cunningham stated, prior to the state tourney, “with a dad from Mounds View, a mom (Daina Rowe) from White Bear, a brother (Jack) who played in the Cougar program, an entire community here, and (a grandpa) looking down from above who couldn’t be more proud.”

Eugene Cunningham, number 41, played in the 1945 state tournament for White Bear Lake. His sons at Mounds View didn’t get there, but his grandson Gavin (6, above) played for Centennial at state this year.

FROM PAGE 1

The bills currently working their way through the process will tell cities they must allow duplexes, triplexes and even octoplexes in all residential areas of the city, regardless of whether there is enough parking or infrastructure to serve the high density brought on by these multifamily dwellings.

Sewer, water and storm sewer systems may be overwhelmed, public schools may be beyond capacity, traffic patterns could be disrupted, home values could plummet and pedestrian safety might be impacted — and there may be nowhere to park a car, opponents say, if the bills become law.

While purporting to be wellintentioned toward providing affordable housing, the results of these changes will be that less affordable housing will be available, not more, Council Member Raye Taylor said. Developers will be incentivized to buy and raze existing single-family homes to build multiplexes in their place, and it is likely that each home in the multiplex will be more expensive than the home it replaces.

An established community such as Centerville with aging housing stock

would be especially vulnerable to this bill, she said.

If every single-family home up for grabs can be flipped into a duplex, the $125,000 house could be bulldozed and replaced with a duplex of two $400,000 houses, Statz said. When that happens, you will take away the affordable house. A new house is not typically affordable, he noted, adding that by removing the aging housing stock, you will eliminate opportunities for those who are just out of school and first-time home buyers to buy an affordable fixer-upper.

The new law would have wide ranging effects on how the city is governed, Statz said. All the hard work the city has done formulating its comprehensive plans would be out the window, he said, and its Planning and Zoning Commission (PNZ) would be superfluous. Instead of hearing input from residents who attend public hearings to comment on proposed development, the city may have to tell residents there is nothing they can do about drastic changes coming in the city. It would be the state dictating how the city can plan its future, Statz said.

Referring to what he termed two concerning bills, Staz said of the Legislature’s preemptions, “They didn’t

just tiptoe into the water, they dived right in.”

Of special concern to city leaders is the bipartisan support the bills are receiving, which means that the bill is moving forward despite detractors from both sides.

The Centerville City Council joined other cities in approving a resolution voicing opposition to proposed legislation preempting local zoning control. In addition, the city is working with fellow members of the League of Minnesota Cities to reduce the impact of proposed legislative language and has urged its residents to waste no time in contacting their representatives in the House and Senate to comment on these bills. Concerned citizens may visit the city website at www.centervillemn.com for their contact information.

“I’m not one to fearmonger and say change is evil, but this is as aggressive as anything I’ve seen in this genre in the 20 years I’ve been involved in government,” Statz said.

There have been no studies to base these bills on, Statz added, citing pressure from the building lobby, carpenters and other labor unions to create more construction work and lower their own costs.

“There’s a narrative out there that city overreach and red tape is the reason housing is high,” Statz said. “But we all know the real reason is supply and demand, along with interest rates, cost of construction and other factors,” he said.

The bill may be well intended, but it’s just not the solution (to the housing crisis), Statz said.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer with Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@presspubs. com or calling 65-407-1200.

Easter Vigil

Saturday, March 30 at 8:00 pm

Easter

Sunday, March 31 at 8:30 am & 10:30 am

171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes www.mystjoes.me | 651-784-3015

All are welcome!

welcome!

welcome!

Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

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Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org

Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

651‐429‐7937