Quad Community Press

City, county likely to hold Lake Drive corridor meeting

to fill you in on where we are at, what we have done so far, and where this is headed,” said Mike Nelson of Bolton & Menk.

The study focuses on understanding the wants and needs of the community and developing a plan for a safe and effective transportation corridor in the future. Study goals include:

14 (Main Street) in Lino Lakes to County Highway 61 (Kettle River Boulevard) in Columbus.

“We wanted to take the opportunity

• Identify a future roadway design that is compatible with local and regional needs

• Provide safe, efficient and reliable

mobility for all traffic modes

• Prioritize the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicycles through expansion of trail network

• Implement access control where feasible

• Support the existing and future planning goals of Lino Lakes and Columbus

Mural helps Native community ‘feel seen’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Four years in the making. That’s how long it has taken for the dream of a mural for the American Indian Education Program to become a reality at Centennial High School.

Senior Lexi Sanburg is painting the mural on a wall in the main hallway (near the

band room) in the high school’s west building. The idea of a mural was first brought up when Sanburg was a freshman. Although students in the American Indian Education Program had a dedicated classroom space, they haven’t always felt welcome outside those doors.

Program coordinator

Stephanie Spencer said the

students brought the idea for the mural to members of the parent committee and, eventually, administrators, who all thought it was a great idea. Students submitted their designs for the mural and the parent committee took a vote on the best one.

PAGE 9

Lino Lakes considers pause on residential development

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — One City Council member is suggesting that the council consider pausing new residential development.

City Council Member Michael Ruhland recently suggested the council consider implementing a oneyear moratorium on new residential development.

“I’m growing increasingly concerned about our city’s water infrastructure,” Ruhland explained. “We have a ton of developers looking to develop over 500 acres of land in Lino Lakes for residential development. I think it is fantastic that we have so many developers all interested in building in Lino Lakes; they obviously see what we all adore of our great city. However, if all of these possible developments come forward all at once, I’m fearful we will run into capacity issues.”

Ruhland added that he felt the city should take a pause until it has a better idea of what restrictions will be in place with regard to the ongoing White Bear Lake lawsuit.

“We have no idea if we can add wells in the future, no idea what our water allocation will be … Once the ruling comes forward, we may need to seek alternative means to provide the residents with water. We don’t know what we don’t know,” he said.

Senior Lexi Sandburg is working on a large mural on a wall in the main hallway (near the band room) in Centennial High School’s west building.

COPS&COURTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• A community service officer responded to a call of a motorist that was stuck in a ditch in the 300 block of Apollo Drive March 26. A tow truck was ordered, and lights were provided until the car was removed from the ditch.

• A community service officer responded to a call of a bus stuck in a ditch in the 7100 block of Elm Street March 26. The bus was occupied by the driver, who had requested a tow truck. The bus was later removed from the ditch.

• An officer responded to a report of a theft in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road March 26. An unknown male impersonated a company fraudulently and ordered several thousand dollars of merchandise from a business. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer took a phone call report regarding an identity theft in the 7100 block of Ivy Ridge Court March 26. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers received a report that someone attempted to enter a closed business in the 2100 block of Phelps Road overnight March 26. Access was not gained, and nothing was taken. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer took a report of snowmobiles crossing the roadway in the 1300 block of Main Street and dragging snow over the roadway March 27. The officer checked the intersection and found it to be clear of snow.

• Officers responded to a residential facility in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway for a trespassing complaint March 27. The officers located two males. One male was cited for trespassing and the other male was trespassed from the facility.

• An officer took a report of a missing adult male in the 1500 block of Stoneybrook Drive March 27. The male was entered as a missing person and the

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Victims identified in Blaine death investigation

Sarah Fay Gordon, 41, and Daniel Joseph Seman, 66, both of Blaine, have been identified as the two victims who were located deceased in a parking lot in the city of Blaine a couple of weeks ago.

On March 27 at approximately 12 p.m., the Blaine Police Department responded to a report of two unconscious individuals in a vehicle parked in a parking lot located near the 10700 block of Town Square Drive NE in the city of Blaine.

Upon their arrival, responders located a deceased adult male and adult female in the vehicle with suspected gunshot wounds. Currently, law enforcement is not looking for any suspects and there is no known threat

incident is under investigation.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 1200 block of I-35W March 28 and found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested and booked into jail for third-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to two juveniles fighting at a school in the 300 block of Elm Street March 28. Both juveniles were charged with disorderly conduct and released to a parent.

• Officers responded to a report of a juvenile in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue who was cussing and refusing to get on a transport van March 28. The student’s parent was called, and the student got in the van.

• Officers responded to a report of a domestic incident in Lino Lakes March 28. Officers investigated, and a male was arrested and booked into jail for domestic assault.

• Officers responded to a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive for a theft in progress March 29. An adult female was arrested for stealing tools.

• An officer was flagged down in the 6500 block of Pheasant Run South and made aware of damage to city property March 29. The incident was documented.

• An officer responded to a residence in the 500 block of Lois Lane for a vandalism report March 29. The incident is under investigation.

• While on patrol in the 6600 block of West Shadow Lake Road March 30, an officer observed a parking lot that was torn up, apparently by a vehicle. Extra patrol will be provided in the area.

• Officers responded to a vehicle on fire on I-35E near Main Street March 30. The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries.

• An officer responded to a missing person report in the 1300 block of Pheasant Hills Drive March 30. The male was entered as missing and the investigation into his whereabouts is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Durango Point for a damage to

to the public. The Blaine Police Department has investigated a possible burglary at the decedents’ home and has found it to be a civil matter. This civil matter has also been determined to be unrelated to the deaths of Ms. Gordon and Mr. Seman. All shell casings and projectiles suspected to be involved in this incident have been accounted for.

The official causes and manners of deaths have not yet been released by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by the Blaine Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office

property report March 31. The incident is under investigation.

• Officers contacted a male sleeping in a vehicle at a closed business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive April 1. The male was found to be homeless and was given county resources and advised of other places to safely sleep.

• An officer took a phone call report of a neighborhood dispute in the 6200 block of West Shadow Lake Drive April 1. The incident was documented.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• Police received an identity theft report from a resident in the 2000 block of Willow Circle in Centerville April 2.

• Officers responded to the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington for a report of harassment.

• Police found a wallet in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington April 2.

• Police verbally warned a homeowner in the 7200 block of Mill Road in Centerville about their barking dog March 28.

• Officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington March 29 on a report of trespassing.

• Fraud was reported in the 300 block of Heritage Trail in Circle Pines March 29.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 21st Avenue and Main Street in Centerville March 29. The officer found the driver didn’t have a valid driver’s license and the vehicle was uninsured. The vehicle was towed.

• A resident in the 6900 block of Meadow Court in Centerville reported harassment by a known person. A report was completed.

Sheriff’s Office swears in 7

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a swearing-in ceremony recognizing and welcoming members of its office who have been promoted or hired on to the roles of sergeant, deputy and detention deputy. “It is my privilege to swear in the future of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. As these new members grow in their careers with the office, we look forward to seeing their contributions in growing our established commitment to excellence,” Sheriff Brad Wise said.

Sgt. Justin Weller was sworn into the patrol division along with Deputy Devin Adams and Andrew Trupe. Four detention deputies were sworn into the jail division, including Michael Pope, Spencer Baldwin, Sarah Williams and Chris Thibaut.

Pictured (back row, from left) are: Chief Deputy Bill Jacobson, Detention Deputy Michael Pope, Sergeant Justin Weller and Sheriff Brad Wise; (front row) Deputy Devin Adams, Deputy Andrew Trupe, Detention Deputy Chris Thibaut, Detention Deputy Sarah Williams and Detention Deputy Spencer Baldwin.

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, April 15; the 3rd Monday of every month

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

Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.

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

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, April 18; 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

‘I AM MY OWN WIFE’

When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13; and 2 p.m.

Sunday, April 14

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

White Bear Lake

Details: Lakeshore Players performs the true story od a transgender woman who survived the Nazis and East German Communist regime. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

BE SMART

When: 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9

Where: Online

Details: Online presentation about the program designed to promote responsible gun ownership to reduce child gun deaths. Registration required.

Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

FUTURES IN BLOOM

When: 7:45-8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 9

Where: Century College, East Lincoln Mall

Details: John Century College leaders for a complimentary breakfast and hear student testimonials.

Contact: 651-779-3219 or century.edu

ANOKA COUNTY CAREER FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10

Where: Anoka Technical College

Details: Free hiring event includes representatives from industries including construction/trades, education, governement, hospitality, manufac turing, retail, staffing, technology and more.

Contact: 763-324-4612 or anokacountymn.gov

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, April 10

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-429-6595 or cslcvh.org

THE HEALTHY BRAIN

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 10

Where: Living Waters Church, 865 Birch St., Lino Lakes

Details: Join Lyngblomsten Community Services for a free presentation with strategies to help ensure a healthier brain, based on four things that can be done now for mental fitness. Register by April 2.

Contact: 651-632-5330 or lyngblomsten.org/communityservices

ZEPHYR GALA

When: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 12

Where: JX Event Venue, Stillwater

Details: Fundraiser for Mahtomedi Area Education Foundation to support and enrich learning experienced for students at Mahtomedi Public Schools.

EAST VS. WEST SHOWDOWN

When: Saturday, April 13

Where: White Bear Lake High School North Campus

Details: High school teams from throughout the Twin Cities compete in 27 lacrosse games.

LAKESHORE QUILTER’S GUILD SATURDAY, SEW-IN

When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13

Where: Ramsey County Library, 4560 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Members working on their own quilting projects. Stop in to see what is being worked on.

COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13

Where: Laugh Your Ace Off Comedy Club,15201

Running Aces Blvd., Forest Lake

Details: Headliner Chris Barnes featuring Ellie Hino and hosted by Matt Dooyema. Ticket information online.

Contact: runaces.com

HOME LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN FAIR

When: April 13

Where: Bunker Hills Activity Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover

Details: Get ready for spring with the Anoka County Extension Master Gardeners at the Home Landscaping and Garden Fair. Choose from over a dozen educational classes, browse creative vendor booths and talk with local organizations in our resource room. Add “make and take” workshops to your day for an additional materials fee.

Contact: anokamastergardeners.org

CAEF Ebony & Ivory Gala

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13

Where: Majestic Oaks Golf Club, 701 Bunker Lake Blvd., Ham Lake

Details: Annual Fundraiser for the Centennial Area Education Foundation includes  live entertainment from Rock It Man Entertainment’s Dueling Pianos, dinner, auction, games, and more. Tickets on sale through March 30.

Contact: caefoundation.org/gala

SSupport local news

everal readers called and sent emails and text messages to express support as news broke last week that a publicly-traded venture capital group will shutter another group of newspapers in Minnesota, including the Hutchinson Leader, Chanhassen Villager, and others in the southwest metro suburbs. Some of these papers have been publishing in their communities for more than 150 years.

Press Publications’ CEO Matt McMillian has worked for several newspaper companies throughout Minnesota and explained it in a memo to our staff as follows:

“Mainly, there are two types of newspaper owners – families and publicly-traded companies. Families own 4,000-plus newspapers in the country. Public companies own a few hundred. Families tend to think about the long-term good when making decisions. Publicly-traded companies think in short-term three-month timeframes when making decisions.”

I would add that family-run papers have locally-based employees who shop here, volunteer here, pay taxes here, and send their kids to our local schools. We are invested in the community and that is reflected in our work to produce your community newspaper each week.

In 2019 a neighboring group of community weekly newspapers based in North St. Paul ceased operations. As a result, residents of that community along with those in Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Roseville, Mounds View and New Brighton no longer have a local paper. Since its closing, we have entertained the invitation from elected officials to launch newspapers in 3 of the communities. Residents and community and church leaders have called to request we publish their news and events in our calendar because they have limited outlets as effective as the local paper to reach people.

At this time we aren’t considering the addition of new markets-especially as Big Tech companies continue to steal content from small town news organizations and sell their own digital ads to reap the profits. How can we compete in a market where these giants have been given an unfair advantage? When a few companies control the content you see on the internet, it becomes an uphill battle for local community journalism organizations like newspapers to succeed. Some of these giant companies have settled with media outlets in Europe, Australia, and most recently in Canada. Until we see a resolution in the U.S., small towns and suburban communities will continue to lose local reporting by journalists who champion local issues. Twice a year we reach out to readers about our subscription campaign and ask for your support. Some ask why we give the paper away for free in this market. The answer is that our longstanding mission is to bring local news to anyone who wants to read it in the community. Not all of our readers have the resources to pay for the paper they receive, but many do. We have set a goal of 20% paid subscriber support in order to be sustainable in our market. If you have the resources and enjoy reading the content we create each week, we need your help to get there. Please subscribe and encourage your friends and family members to subscribe to the local newspaper. We have set a subscription price that we believe is reasonable, but we appreciate any amount our readers can contribute. Thank you to our long time supporters and subscribers. We look forward to serving you with real, local news in 2024 and beyond.

2024 session is in motion

TLegislator’s Lingo

Heather Gustafson

session is underway, and with our first two committee deadlines behind us, here’s what our office has been working on: education workforce and funding needs, public safety support, and consumer and worker protection policies.   In addition to the success of Universal School Meals, our schools saw a historic increase in funding last year. However, after years of being underfunded, more work is needed to ensure that every Minnesota child has access to a high-quality education. At the request of our local schools, this year I am carrying the bill to increase equalization of levies, particularly the operating referendum, which aims to reduce taxpayer and education funding dispar -

ities. Centennial and White Bear Lake schools have been advocating for this funding change for years, and I am proud to move the conversation forward at the Capitol. Last year, I worked with stakeholders to pass $300 million in locally controlled public safety funding to every city, county, and Tribal Nation in Minnesota. Our community alone saw $17.2 million in public safety money, which was used to purchase a new ambulance in White Bear Lake, replace body-worn cameras for Lino Lakes officers, hire a new full-time police officer in Centennial Lakes, and much more. This year, I am working on a variety of public safety proposals, including a bill on pension reform for corrections officers in Anoka County, a bill to provide funding for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and a bill to increase penalties for straw purchases of firearms. A straw purchase occurs when an individual buys a firearm for someone who is ineligible to purchase or possess one. It is one more

step we can take, in addition to other common-sense strategies like safe storage, to keep our children, families, and law enforcement safe from violence.

Thank you to the many community members I have met with this session. One of those meetings led to a bill I drafted to protect workers from lead exposure at work. The legislation’s goal is to lower the permissible blood lead levels of a worker, which requires mandatory removal of the worker from lead exposure, and to lower the blood lead levels required before a worker is allowed to return to the workplace. Thank you to the Neighborhood Concerned Citizens Group for their ongoing leadership on this issue. It’s a privilege to represent Senate District 36. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or ideas. My email is sen.heather.gustafson@mnsenate.gov.

Sen. Heather Gustafson represents district 36 in the Minnesota Senate

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Prove It First Bill

Minnesota has many gems that make it a great place to live. Three of those are undoubtedly the Boundary Waters, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.

Toxic copper and nickel mining proposals next to these gems, require us to do more to protect these Minnesota treasures.

Sulfide-ore copper mining involves the extraction of copper from sulfide-bearing rock. The mining process can release sulfuric acid and heavy metals into nearby water bodies, both of which are toxic to humans, fish other aquatic life.

The Prove It First Bill is proposed legislation that protects these three watersheds from pollution caused by sulfide-ore copper mining. If passed, the bill requires mining companies to prove their proposed mining projects would not harm the environment or human health before they can operate. The bill would require independent scientific proof that a mine of this type has operated elsewhere without polluting for 10 years.

To date, the type of mining foreign companies want to do in northern Minnesota has only been proven to pollute the surrounding environment.

The Prove It First Bill is supported by a wide range of organizations, including environmental groups, outdoor recreation businesses and Native groups. Passing this bill would be a significant step forward in protecting the Boundary Waters, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.

The Boundary Waters is the most visited wilderness area in the U.S., with over 250,000 visitors each year. This public land belongs to all Americans and is home to a wide variety of fish and wildlife, including moose, wolves and bald eagles, as well as threatened and endangered species.

If you care about preserving the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters for future generations, please call your state representative and senator and Gov. Walz and tell them about your support for the Prove It First Bill.

Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference in preserving some of Minnesota’s most special gems!

Dean Goldberg Circle Pines

Water, water everywhere, but not a drop in sight

This last summer was pretty darn dry, was it weather, or climate change? Who knows, but the effect on our view of water is critical. So, what do we know about our water supply?

Movers & Shakers

Jan Kreminski

There is evidence that Minnesotans are taking notice of water conservation and purity. A Oct. 29, 2023, Star Tribune article highlighted that the state has seen an 8% water use decrease on a yearly basis since 1980, even with a significant increase in population. But still the dry heat is putting stress on our water systems. Apple Valley put on water restrictions last October to help with the statewide drought, and the request to cut its usage. In addition to this are contamination concerns in the news almost daily about lead from pipes, and PFAS in the water.

As the Chair of the Centennial Utilities Commission, I know

OBITUARY

we work on improving the water supply to our Circle Pines users year after year, after year. We recently completed a fourteen-year infrastructure improvement that eliminated old water mains, to ensure we have no leakage, in or out of the pipes, within Circle Pines. This improved our ongoing quality, and will reduce costs for many years to come, on maintenance and other related items. We have no lead in any of our main lines. But to preserve our water, for all to use, we must do more. Centennial Utilities recently instituted tighter conservation tiered rates for all customers. This was put in place to keep our system up to date and keep availability for all our customers during dryer times. We hope this encourages our customers to reduce letting water run for too long, out of any faucet or tap. We continue to enforce even/odd lawn watering in the summer months, to limit the strain on the aquafer our two wells utilize. We have also encouraged “smart” watering systems that sense soil moisture, or other factors in when to water lawns.

In addition, in Circle Pines we improved our storm and effluent sewer systems, along with the

improvements to our water systems. This eliminated ground leaks and diminished our flow to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services sewer network. This also prevents sewage from contaminating ground waters.

All this has made Circle Pines water some of the best in the Metro area. But we still need your help to keep our water clean and flowing. Turn the tap off when you can. Water during cooler hours outside, take hazardous chemicals to the Anoka County Recycling Center instead of dumping them down the drain, and look at low flow toilets. There are some programs available for those of you who may still have water service pipes to the home that are lead, which were outlawed in the State for new build after 1985. Check your water inlet to your home where your water meter is located and contact Centennial Utilities if you have any questions about your water, we are here to serve. Summer will be here soon, please help us by conserving water.

Jan Kreminski is the chair of the the Centennial Utilities Commission.

Muriel K. Fitch

1926-2024, Muriel Fitch, age 97, of Lino Lakes passed away at Arbor Lane Memory Care on March 21, 2024. She was born in Minneapolis, MN in 1926. She was a hard-working entrepreneur most of her adult life. Muriel was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ernest Fitch, her brothers Frank and Robert, her son-inlaw Alan, and daughter-in-law Judy. Muriel is survived by her sons Steven and Donald (Cindi) Fitch, daughter Janice Lonneman (Bob Mathews), 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Celebration of Life April 21, 2024 at Gethsemane United Methodist Church now Lino Lakes Community Church 7330 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, MN Visitation 1pm Service 1:30 pm followed by lunch.

Touring theater company teaches students life lessons

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

By the end of this school year, each classroom at Golden Lake Elementary School in Circle Pines will have seen an actor or actress from CLIMB Theatre five times.

CLIMB Theatre is a touring educational theater company that uses theater to teach social-emotional learning skills through assemblystyle plays and customizable classes. The company works with schools like Golden Lake Elementary to create programming that fits their students’ needs and improves students’ socialemotional skills.

The programming centers around five skill AREAS (accountability, resiliency, empathy, advocacy and selfregulation.) There is also a focus on bullying prevention.

Q&A

“What makes CLIMB unique is the combination of focusing on those skills, the fact that we tour to the schools, and our ability to customize our programming for our specific audiences,” said Sara Cronk, community connections coordinator.

Golden Lake Principal Christopher Gerst explained that the school has previously worked with CLIMB for on-stage, schoolwide shows. Each year, the parent teacher association (PTA) completes a large funding project, and this year’s focus was bringing a residency experience to their learners.

“(One) of the school goals is proving social/emotional support through our ‘Character Strong’ program,” Gerst said. “We partnered with CLIMB Theatre to parallel our monthly themes. It has been a great way to provide a rich experience for

our learners that goes beyond the classroom walls.”

He added that students are showing unmet needs when it comes to socialemotional learning. “This is a way to reach them in another way beyond the daily routine,” he said.

CLIMB Theatre is based out of Inver Grove Heights and travels all around the Midwest including Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. In 2023, the company visited 137 cities in Minnesota.

Later this spring, the CLIMB Theatre is planning to visit Johnsville Elementary in Blaine.

For more information about the company, visit https://climb.org.

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

session with Centerville Junior Council Member Avery Sauber

The Centerville City Council has appointed Centennial High School Junior Avery Sauber to be a junior member for 2024. In her remarks after being sworn in, Sauber cited urban development, economic development, education and a variety of social issues as topics that were important to her. Sauber added that she was interested in how the city would evolve, and would like to see more businesses in town.

Press Publications caught up with Sauber in the midst of her busy schedule, during which she shared a few personal tidbits and thoughts so that the community can get to know her better.

Q. How long has your family lived in Centerville?

A. We have lived here for eight years. We moved from Lino Lakes in 2016.

Q. What do you like best about Centerville?

A. Centerville may be small, but it is a great community with a lot of great people. I have always loved our parks and trails; they are great for recreation and have always been my favorite places to be in town.

Q. As a junior in high school, what are your favorite subjects?

A. I love most subjects, especially given that we choose our classes. I love science, social studies and English classes. Some of my favorite courses have been AP biology, AP psychology and AP literature/ composition.

Q. What have your classmates said to you, when you tell them you help run the city?

A. My classmates are usually a little surprised and confused, but they all find it very interesting and are excited to give input on issues I ask them about. My classmates find it valuable that people their age are being represented in government.

Q. What are your favorite activities?

A. I have played lacrosse for around nine years, so I spend most of my free time practicing and training. I love playing and coaching, but I also like to bike and lift outside of training for my sport. I am also a fanatic for music, movies and books.

Q. What book or books are you reading now?

A. I am reading “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky in my free time and “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller for class, which I have read before.

Q. Do you have plans for after high school, and what are they? What do you think you’ll study in college, if you attend?

A. I will attend a four-year college and then some form of graduate school. Depending on what I decide I want to pursue, I may go to medical, graduate, or law school. Currently, I am planning on majoring in neuroscience or psychology, but I also plan to study philosophy and literature while at a university — I want an expansive interdisciplinary education. I will also likely participate in some form of college athletics. I do not know where I will attend yet, as I

am only a junior; I plan on considering a variety of schools and locations.

Q. What attracted you to being interested in local government?

A. I have always been attentive to politics and law, especially given my (leadership) position on my school’s Mock Trial team (where I worked with practicing attorneys and judges). I was appointed to the position via teacher recommendation, and the opportunity was immediately very attractive to me. I was excited by the opportunity to voice my opinions and those of my peers and have an influence on the government, even if on a small scale.

Q. Did you talk about the position with former junior council members, Danny Peterson or Rowan Shaw?

A. During my interview, I was able to talk with Danny about his experience and impressions of the program, which was beneficial for my understanding and ability to prepare for my first meetings.

Q. How have you enjoyed being on council so far?

A. Yes, the council has given me numerous opportunities I had not anticipated, and I have found new interests and passions in the issues we discuss. My opinion is valued, and I have grown already in my position, even in the short time I have been seated on the council.

Q. What do you like best about it?

A. I like being informed on issues concerning my city and the greater area I live in and being able to form and voice an opinion regarding them. I have

had the opportunity to attend retreats and the meetings of other city boards. Recently, some of the other members and I were able to attend the League of Minnesota Cities’ City Day on the Hill. I was able to speak directly with my district’s representative and senator. It was a surreal and invaluable experience, and I was able to communicate with them about issues that are important to my generation.

Q. How do you think being a junior council member will help you in your future?

A. Being the Junior City Council member will strengthen my reasoning, communication and advocacy skills. Through my position, I aim to develop my beliefs and establish connections that will last me through adulthood.

Q. Will you have duties as a junior council member, and what are they, if you know them?

A. My role is to provide the youth perspective on all issues. I read the meeting briefings and participate in the council meetings alongside the other elected and appointed members — only I don’t vote. In a time of immense change, I am there to provide an often unheard perspective on any and all issues that approach the council.

Q. When you are at a city council meeting, what types of discussion items do you like best, such as budget, new developments around town, water and sewer issues, road construction?

A. In the few meetings I have attended, we have discussed a broad assortment of topics, from business to the environment, and I value and am interested in many of them. The conversations that have been most engaging and debated so far have been around development. I have enjoyed comparing and debating positions regarding the future development of Centerville and beyond and look forward to further conversations.

Q. Do you think the city population should grow a lot more, or would you like to see it remain a more quiet, less dense community?

A. This topic is prominent in the council currently. It is the perspective of most Centerville citizens and the council that growth is important, but retaining the identity of Centerville as a small city is a priority. It is unrealistic to expect Centerville to grow to the size of a metropolis, but intentional and beneficial growth is currently being implemented and is planned for in the city’s future.

Q. Do you think you’ll ever run for city council when you are eligible?

A. Yes, my time on the council has highlighted the importance and impact of local governments. Even if I do pursue a nongovernmental career field, I will likely continue to participate in government in some form when I am eligible. I enjoy participating in the process of government and would love to continue to contribute into adulthood.

Loretta Harding

GRANHOLM | PRESS

CLIMB Theatre actress Alissa Bidwell leads kindergarten students at Golden Lake Elementary School through an exercise where they all need to work together to form shapes.

LORETTA HARDING | CONTRIBUTED City Administrator Mar Statz swears in Junior City Council Member Avery Sauber

Lino Lakes agrees to contribute to alum treatment, with conditions

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

After some robust discussion on the topic at a council workshop, the Lino Lakes City Council is in general agreement that agreed it will contribute funds to the alum treatment on Centerville Lake, but members would like to see some changes going forward.

The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is planning to apply an aluminum sulfate (alum) treatment on Centerville Lake. The first application would take place this spring, and the second in 2026.

The RCWD has requested that the cities of Centerville and Lino Lakes contribute approximately 3% of the total project cost, which breaks down to a not-to-exceed amount of $35,000 each. When the district first approached the city about contributing last month, council members expressed some concerns and wondered why the Centerville Lake Association wasn’t included as a project partner.

The topic came up again last week, and council members expressed many of the same concerns. Council Member Michael Ruhland asked whether the lake association had been approached about the project. Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager at RCWD, explained that the lake association collects dues every year for invasive species management, but they had not been approached about contributing financially for the alum treatment. Initially, before RCWD secured a grant, the district was considering establishing a special tax district, but that was no longer necessary.

“That’s my problem with all of this. I feel like we are not being forward-looking,” Ruhland said. “If we are not going to set up a tax district, we are not going to collect anything from them, what is the association going to do down the line? Otherwise, it is going to fall on us. I feel like we are missing

BUSINESS BRIEF

MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce recognizes Blaine businesses

The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce recently presented its 2024 Excellence in Business awards at Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids.

Voted/nominated by their fellow chamber members, the winners are as follows:

• Restaurant + Beverage: The Rusty Bumblebee, Blaine

• Shopping + Specialty Shopping: Buff City Soap, Blaine/Coon Rapids

• Personal Care + Services: TC Medspa, Blaine

• Family-Owned Business: Twin City Heating Air and Electric, Blaine

• Manufacturing/Trade: The Estée Lauder Companies/Aveda, Blaine

a step of preventative action that we should be doing.”

Ruhland noted that even though the tax district may not be needed now, it will likely be needed in the future. “We got lucky with the grant. But 20 years from now, when there isn’t a grant, then what?”

Kocian explained that the RCWD board was uncomfortable with setting up the district now when it isn’t needed. “They were uncomfortable with seeing the district up now and guessing what the cost would be and when it would happen,” he explained.

Council Member Tony Cavegn suggested it would be better to be “proactive rather than reactive.” Kocian said he agreed with taking a proactive approach, but the board was uncomfortable with trying to guess what the price tag would be for another treatment that could be needed down the road.

Council Member Christopher Lyden was supportive of providing the requested funding. “To keep a nice lake recreational for the community, I can support that real easy. That’s not much money.”

Council Member Tony Cavegn said he was also supportive of the request. “I’m on board with Mr. Lyden. For $1,500 a year, I think we should participate. Certainly, members of our community use that lake a lot,” he said. “I’d be in favor if it comes up again and there isn’t anything in place yet, we don’t participate at that time.”

Ultimately, the council chose to support the request this time around, but directed the watershed district to come up with a long-term plan that will address needs and how they can be funded. (The cost-share agreement was on the council’s agenda for April 8, after press deadline.)

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

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• The city of Lino Lakes and Anoka County will likely host another open house for the Lake Drive corridor study later this spring. (See the full story for more information in this week’s issue.)

• The city of Lino Lakes has agreed to contribute up to $35,000 for the Centerville Lake alum treatment, as requested by the Rice Creek Watershed District. (See full story for more information in this week’s issue.)

• According to Finance Director Hannah Lynch, the city continues to pursue options for new software that would better incorporate all of its departments. The city received two quotes, one from BS&A Software and Civic Systems LLC. Lynch said although it is not the low-cost option, city staff is recommending the city move forward with BS&A. “Their offerings will better fit the needs of

the city,” she said, adding that they would provide a “modern user- and customer-friendly experience.” The initial conversion to the new software, implementation and training is expected to cost $252,930 and annual maintenance would cost $83,145. It will be awhile before the software is implemented, because there is about an 18-month wait right now. “Everyone is getting new software right now … A lot of people used their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds,” Lynch explained.

• The public safety department will list Tender 1 and Tender 2 as well as a F650 truck for sale. Public Safety Director John Swenson said the plan is to list the tenders for $70,000 each and the F650 for $225,000. All proceeds from the sales will go into the city’s capital replacement fund.

• A joint powers agreement (JPA) between the city and Anoka County

COUNTY BRIEF

Annual Anoka County Career Fair set for April 10

Anoka County’s annual Career Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Anoka Technical College. The event is free and open to the public.  Representatives from a wide range of industries, including construction/trades, education, government, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, staffing and technology will be present.

Additional parking adjacent to the college is available in the Vista Outdoor lot. A free shuttle service will be running every 15 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Individuals needing an accommodation to attend this event should contact 763-576-4108.

DNR BRIEF

DNR seeks input on updates to pheasant, waterfowl plans

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for feedback on pheasant and duck management, which will inform updates to the state’s duck and pheasant action plans. Initial input will be used to identify gaps in the current plans, including potential adjustments to plan objectives, strategies or performance metrics, and general priorities for work in the coming years.

Both the duck and pheasant action plans were drafted to guide shorter-term management actions in support of longer-term strategic plans, including the 50-year Long Range Duck Recovery Plan adopted in 2006 and the National Wild Pheasant Conservation Plan. People can share their thoughts in an online questionnaire available online at engage.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries-public-inputwildlife-public-input.

The plans for these popular birds focus on longer-term conservation efforts designed to foster stewardship of ducks, pheasants and their habitats. Each action plan is designed to identify management priorities to inform DNR work planning as well as collaborative efforts conservation partners. Each outlines short-term actions that can help fulfill long-term conservation goals. More information about Minnesota DNR habitat work, activities and accomplishments related to the action plans, as well as the plans themselves, are available online at mndnr.gov/waterfowl and  mndnr.gov/pheasant.

will be updated to reflect a new price tag for the city’s contribution to the CSAH 49/ County Road J project. The JPA was approved back in September 2022, when the city’s estimated project share was $871,235.

Community Development Director

Michael Grochala said that amount didn’t include streetlighting or landscaping or necessary right-ofway acquisition. The total estimated project is $3.64 million; the city will contribute $772,386. Grochala added that the city received some federal funds for the project, which will reduce that price to approximately $370,000.

Council Member Dale Stoesz requested that the city put in some staff time to host a meeting at Lyngblomsten to explain the roundabout construction process and what residents can expect.

• The city is considering bringing in

a consultant to evaluate the city’s fire department model after all. (See full story in this week’s issue for more information.)

• Council Member Michael Ruhland is requesting the City Council consider implementing a one-year moratorium on new residential development. (See full story in this week’s issue for more information.)

• In an effort to alert more residents to proposed developments, the city may begin posting signs on property after developers’ complete applications.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

Michael Kreun, The Rusty Bumblebee Jenn Thomas, Buff City Soap Tavni Commers, TC Medspa

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Wymond & Grace Wong, Twin City Heating and Electric

Groess heads list of Cougar girls hockey honorees

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial/ Spring Lake Park had seven allconference selections after winning the North Suburban championship with a 10-1-1 record and finishing 24-2-2 overall.

Most-honored player is senior goalie Kaitlin Groess, a Star-Tribune All-Metro second-team pick and one of five finalists for the Jori Jones Award that goes to the top senior goalie in the state. Groess has committed to Bemidji State.

A four-year starter,

BASEBALL

Groess compiled a .955 save percentage this season (second-best in the state) and 1.19 goals-against-average (fourth-best). She holds team career records with 62 wins and 23 shutouts.

All-conference picks were seniors Groess, Ellie Newpower (defenseman) and Noelle Hemr (forward); junior Teagan Kulenkamp (forward); sophomores Alexis Larsen (forward) and Katie Ball; and freshman Grace Laager (forward). Honorable mentions went to freshman Brooke Ueland (defense) and Maddy

Centennial opened with a 4-3 win over Blaine at home on Thursday, with Caden Coppersmith knocking in the winning run with a single in the last of the seventh. Calvin Coppersmith, pinch-running, scored that run after stealing second base. Josh Lee pitched 3 2/3 shutout innings (one hit, no walks, four strikeouts). Luke Gunderman pitched 1 1/3

Wolter (forward) and eighth-grader Mia Sutch (forward). Groess was named team MVP and Sutch was rookie of the year.

The Cougars had 10 consistent scorers: Laager (20 goals, 27 assists, 47 points), Kulenkamp (22-21-43), Hemr (15-18-33), Sutch (17-10-27), Larsen (1015-25), Ball (5-18-23), Newpower (3-19-22), Wolter (7-12-19), Ueland (4-14-18), and Annabelle Buccicone (5-12-17).

Editor’s note: Boys hockey awards will not be announced until after their banquet April 14.

innings (one hit, no walks). Aiden Lieser pitched two innings (three hits, three runs). Peyton Streit went 3-for-4, Gunderman 2-for-3 (two RBI’s), Lieser 2-for-3 (double), and Coppersmith 1-for-3 (one RBI).

SOFTBALL

Centennial had a busy first week with a loss to Stillwater 5-1 there Monday, a 1-0, last-inning win over Blaine at home Thursday, and a 19-4

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Peyton Streit

Centennial Baseball

Peyton Streit, a returning all-conference shortstop, will be a key player on the Centennial baseball team this spring. Streit went 3-for-4 with one run in the leadoff spot Thursday when the Cougars beat Blaine 4-3 in their opener. “Peyton is the rock that holds our infield together,” coach Bobby Lynch said. “He is as solid as it gets with the glove, and starts our offense at the plate as well.” Streit hit .300 and knocked in 24 runs last year while posting a .937 fielding percentage.

College

athletes: Whelan

seeing mound action with Gophers

BY BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Following are reports on Centennial graduates in college baseball and softball.

Will Whelan, Minnesota Gophers freshman pitcher, has appeared in seven games, all in relief, striking out 16 batters in 8 1/3 innings while allowing three runs. He got his first collegiate win when the Gophers beat St. Olaf 5-1 on March 13, working two innings. Abby Lohse, Minot State junior outfielder, is hitting .317 with two homers and 11 RBI’s, eight runs and six steals. Minot is 11-9.

Montana Miller, Hamline sophomore pitcher, has a 2-1 record, 2.41 earnedrun-average and eight strikeouts in 29 innings, appearing in 11 games, three of them starts. The Pipers are 16-19.

Helene Krage, Augustana sophomore pitcher, has thrown 22 innings in seven games, five of them starts, with a 3.68 earned run average, 1-1 record and eight strikeouts. The Vikings are 22-13.

Bryn Ruhberg, St. Benedict’s sophomore catcher, leads the team with a .387 average in 13 games, with four runs and two RBI’s. She also plays infield positions. The Bennies are 3-11.

7th inning drama

Calvin

rout at Osseo on Friday. Stillwater’s Anna Corbin held the Cougars to one hit (by Kendall Seidenkranz) and struck out seven. Riley O’Connell took the loss, allowing four hits and four walks. O’Connell blanked Blaine on three hits and two walks, striking out 11. Blaine’s Emma Sylvia-Cochran blanked the Cougars until the seventh. The run came on a single by Madison Welle, bunt single by Peyton Corbin, and a throwing error on a bunt by Kendall Cochran. The Cougars got the bats going against Osseo with 16 hits in five innings, including a solo homer by Allison Hemming, two triples and five doubles. Lily Gilmore was 3-for-5 (double, three RBI’s), Cochran 3-for-5 (double, three runs, two RBI’s), Dori Arndt 1-for-1 (three walks, three runs). Abby Wallraft pitched, striking out eight.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Ty Burgoon, senior guard, repeated as an all-Northwest Suburban Conference pick and was named team MVP after averaging 15.5 points and finishing with 1,100 points. He is the program career leader in three-pointers (143) and steals (141). Getting honorable mentions were juniors Jackson Driessen and Jacob Hosfield. Other awards went to junior Landon Gnadke (most improved), Hosfield (coaches award) and senior Tyler Mabry (teammate of the year).

Driessen averaged 15.2 points, Luke Gunderman 8.5, Jacob Hosfield 8.4, Jack D’Agostino 8.1, and Tristan Hanson 7.6. The Cougars were 8-19 overall and 4-13 in conference.

TRACK

Centennial opened the season with a three-team meet at Forest Lake on Friday. Individual first-places were posted by Jacob Podratz (400), Caleb Barrett (3200), Tim Ball (discus), Theodore Zwiers (high jump), Lauren Klein (800), Abigail Smith (1600), Abigail Wood (3200), and Madeline Wood (100 hurdles). Ball’s 163-5 throw in the opener was just under his fifthplace throw at state (165-0) last year.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Boys volleyball will become an MSHSL-sanctioned sport in 2024-25 and Centennial will field a team, announced Matt St. Martin, activities director. It will be a spring sport. “Right around 24 students have expressed interest,” St. Martin. “We currently have a boys volleyball club team. This is very similar to how lacrosse transformed from a club team to an MSHSL-sanctioned program.” The coaching position will be posted in mid-June after the club season ends.

Bruce Strand

Coppersmith of the Cougars dived back to first base when Blaine attempted to pick him off in the seventh inning Thursday. Coppersmith was safe. He then stole second and scored the winning run shortly after. The Cougars beat Blaine 4-3. See Cougar briefs.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Kaitlin Groess made a save against Blaine.

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Minnesotans urged to test their drinking water for 5 common contaminants

In conjunction with National Groundwater Awareness Week, now in its 25th year, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is reminding Minnesotans who rely on a private household well for their drinking water to test regularly for contaminants. Testing is particularly important if babies or pregnant people will be drinking the water. More than 4 million Minnesotans rely on groundwater for their drinking water, including 1.1 million who rely on a private well. A recent MDH study found that less than 20% of well users test their drinking water as frequently as MDH recommends. Public water systems are required to meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which MDH enforces, but private wells do not have those same protections. If groundwater is or becomes contaminated, it can affect the health of those who drink it. MDH therefore recommends testing private wells regularly and using an accredited laboratory for that testing. “You cannot taste, smell or see

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most contaminants, so testing your private well is the only way to know what’s in your drinking water,” said MDH Water Policy Manager Tannie Eshenaur. “The good news is that there are many ways to address water quality issues.”

The five most common contaminants in Minnesota, and their potential health effects, include:

• Nitrate — Test every year. Porous geology in southeast Minnesota and sandy soils in central Minnesota make these areas of the state especially susceptible to nitrate contamination from fertilizer, manure, wastewater and faulty septic systems. Consuming too much nitrate can cause babies to develop methomoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome), which can be fatal.

• Coliform bacteria — Test every year. Coliform bacteria can indicate that other infectious bacteria, viruses or parasites may be in your water. These may cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever and fatigue.

• Arsenic — Test at least once. Arsenic has been detected in about half of private wells constructed since 2008. Drinking water that contains

arsenic can increase your risk of cancer and other serious health effects.

• Lead — Test at least once. Lead from pumps or pipes can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system. It also can slow development or cause learning, behavior and hearing problems.

• Manganese — Test at least once. Manganese can cause problems with memory, attention and motor skills. It can also cause learning and behavior problems in infants and children. If testing identifies any contaminants, a variety of treatment options are available to improve water quality, depending on the contaminant(s) to be removed. Solutions can include installing point-of-use or whole-home filters such as reverse osmosis or a water softener, repairing cracks where contaminants are entering the well or potentially even drilling a new well. A limited number of grants and low-interest loans are available to help offset water treatment costs.  More information about well testing, understanding your test results and treatment options can be found on MDH’s website.

Fire crews battle fire on Hodgson Road

Just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, fire crews were paged to the 6300 block of Hodgson Road in Lino Lakes for a structure fire. Fire crews arrived on the scene to a small single-family home with heavy smoke coming from the house. Crews faced heavy fire conditions on the 2nd floor and had to back out of the structure. Shortly before 6:45 p.m., a second alarm was struck to bring more units to the scene. Lino Lakes Fire, Centennial Fire District, Spring Lake Park, Blaine Mounds View Fire, Lexington Fire, Lake Johanna Fire all responded to the scene along with Allina Health.

Celebrate Earth Day at first-ever Springfest

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Shoreview will be hosting its firstever Springfest in honor of Earth Day at the Shoreview Community Center.

Those who attend can visit ecologyrelated vendors, enjoy activities for kids, watch live entertainment and participate in the family jigsaw puzzle competition.

“We’ve invited vendors who specialize in ecology and earthfriendly practices,” said Jennifer Verbrugge, recreation program coordinator for Shoreview. There will also be someone from the city’s natural resources office at the event.

“The goal is to have a one-stop place for questions about lawn and garden care, water quality, pest control and more,” she added.

As well as having multiple vendors at the event, families can participate in the parking lot sale.

“The parking lot sale is like a garage sale, but it’s held in the lower

lot of the community center parking lot. People have to register for a spot to sell at the sale, but everyone is welcome to shop and treasure hunt,” Verbrugge said.

The garage-style parking lot sale will take place from 2-5 p.m. Those participating in the sale should bring their own table, chairs and a cash box with change.

The jigsaw puzzle competition kicks off at 2 p.m. Teams of four will be given identical puzzles to solve as fast as they can. The first team to complete and get a judge’s approval wins. The remaining teams are welcome to stay and complete their puzzle until the end of the event.

Springfest will be from 2-5 p.m.

Sunday, April 21. The Shoreview Community Center is located at 4580 Victoria St.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or at shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.

NORTH METRO FIRE BUFF | CONTRIBUTED

Top 5 at PressPubs.com:

Week of March 31 – April 6, 2024 Editor’s

1. Social media posts swirl about Madinah Lakes. Quad Community Press > News

2. White Bear alum leveling up Hollywood’s sound. White Bear Press > News

3. Nasvik, Bears wrestling coach for 35 years, retires. White Bear Press > Sports

4. Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigating death in Mahtomedi. White Bear Press > News

5. Lino Lakes considers community concept. Quad Community Press > News

Student group data: 4-year graduation rate trends

83.3% of Minnesota’s Class of 2023 graduated in 4 years

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has released the class of 2023’s graduation rate data. The 2023 graduation rate was 83.3%, or 58,293 graduates, which represents a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the four-year graduation rate compared to the class of 2022.

In 2023, 3,874 students from earlier classes also earned their diplomas, graduating five, six or seven years after beginning high school.

“I am proud of the students in the Class of 2023,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett. “Every student has a unique story, and their effort and commitment deserve celebration. I am also grateful for the hard work our educators, families and communities invest into supporting our students.”

The small decrease in the total graduation rate is driven, in part, by a 0.4 percentage point increase in the unknown rate, which tracks students who were either incorrectly reported or were not reported as enrolled elsewhere. This reemphasizes the need for schools to keep track of — and report — every single student during their high school career.

For more information, visit https:// rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/p--3.

Minnesota Department of Education

LAKE DRIVE: ‘It’s time to rebuild the roadway’

FROM PAGE 1

“This roadbed is way past its lifespan,” Nelson said. “The county has spent a lot of money patching it over the years and putting a band-aid on it; finally, it is time to fully rebuild the roadway within that 4-mile stretch.”

An open house was held back in December at the Columbus Community Center, and another one is planned this spring. At the first open house, residents said they would like to see pedestrian facilities added to one side of the road along the corridor. Residents also expressed concerns regarding truck traffic and the

BY THE NUMBERS

speed of traffic. The public was invited to provide feedback and vote on five options for the corridor. “The overwhelming majority of people did select option 3,” Nelson said. The third option would be three lanes of traffic — two drive lanes and one two-way left turn lane.

“It does provide that separation between head-on traffic (and) reduce more dangerous crash types, but also allows the opportunity for someone to make a left turn out of the through lane into a driveway or street,” explained Jack Forslund, transportation planner for Anoka County.

Average speeds along the corridor Range of documented speeds

Forecasted traffic volumes per day

The option would also include keeping the rural ditches in place and installing a trail (for pedestrians and bikes) on one side of the roadway.

Although the study is taking place now, construction would likely not happen for another five to 10 years, according to the county’s capital improvement program. The county plans to host an open house this spring, but a date/time has not been set yet.

Highest traffic volume seen near Main Street per day

Lowest traffic volumes seen near 141st Avenue and 145th Avenue

Number of trucks observed per day

Number of crashes on the corridor between 2018-2022

Bike crash reported at the intersection of Main Street

Pedestrian crashes reported

Seeking Solutions: Lino Lakes initiates hiring consultant for optimal fire services

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES – The City Council is in search of a consultant that can evaluate what solution can provide the best fire services to residents.

How the city provides fire services has long been a topic of discussion at the City Council level. The city of Lino Lakes has operated its own public safety department with a voluntary cross-trained police officer/firefighter model since it decided to leave the Centennial Fire District (CFD) in 2014.

In 2021, the Quad Community Press reported that the department was evaluating three options: Finding vendors that may be able to provide services for daytime response on a contract basis; establishing parttime firefighter positions to provide daytime response or establishing a duty crew model; and talking to neighboring jurisdictions like

CFD, Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View (SBM) or Forest Lake to determine whether there is any interest in working collaboratively to address daytime services in a way that is mutually beneficial to each of the communities.

Back in August 2023, the topic came up again when Council Member Christopher Lyden requested the council “take the first step” by hiring an independent consultant to study the city’s fire services. He suggested the city fund the effort by using some of its one-time approximately $929,000 public safety aid dollars it received from the state of Minnesota.

The topic came up again in September 2023, but no decision was made on hiring a consultant, which would likely cost approximately $100,000. The last time an in-depth analysis was done on the fire department was back in 2014. “What is the direction we want to

go?” Mayor Rob Rafferty asked. “We have had the success of being a crosstrained model for several years. It really has worked brilliantly … (but) the model has changed slightly over the years, and those numbers have declined. I do strongly believe that the cross-trained model is not the model that we should be pursuing any longer.” He added that the department is down to two cross-trained members.

Council Member Dale Stoesz said he believed there could be some “light touching up” to help form the “building blocks” of what could work today.

Council Member Tony Cavegn said he liked the idea of a collaborative model, but wanted to make sure the city didn’t just focus on one model. “I think we need to focus on what is the right model,” he said.

Public Safety Director John Swenson suggested the city find some

consultants that have experience in fire services and have them create proposals that the city can choose from. He said, it comes down to “How can we provide the best level of fire service to Lino Lakes?”

Even if a consultant studies the department now, it will likely be needed in the future again, Swenson noted. “This won’t be the last discussion on fire service. This community is growing. The two stations we have today, there will be a day where those two stations won’t be enough,” he said. “I suspect around the 2030-2040 timeline, there is going to be a meeting just like this where we are going to be discussing these types of things again. That’s just the nature of a growing community.”

Anoka County is evaluating what upgrades are necassry on a 4-mile stretch of Lake Drive. The public was asked to weigh in on five options, and the preferred option at this point is option 3.

SP TTED

FROM PAGE 1

Community Development Director

Michael Grochala said he would like the city attorney, Jay Squires, to weigh in on the topic, but shared some background on the water issue. “We have been dealing with White Bear Lake and water issues for maybe 13 years,” he said. Back in 2017, a district court judge ruled for the plaintiff in the case and ordered changes to appropriation permits for municipalities within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake. The city of Lino Lakes, along with several other cities, contested several of those provisions. Grochala said the city wrapped up the hearing at the end of December and is expecting the judge’s ruling by the end of this month.

Grochala said he didn’t think the ruling would significantly impact how much water the city can use; however, he said there is a reason for concern if the Department of Natural Resources is not allowed to issue appropriation changes or permits for new wells.

“Our biggest concern right now is in

order to service the 2040 population, we would need to add well Nos. 7, 8 and 9,” he explained.

If the city does decide to pursue a moratorium to not allow new residential development for one year, Grochala said it would “not be a small undertaking.”

A public hearing would need to be held in front of the Planning Commission. Ultimately, it would come before the council for a first and second reading.

Council Member Christopher Lyden said the moratorium might not be a bad idea. “Taking a pause right now is not a bad idea for a lot of reasons … beyond water,” he said. “COVID changed the world. It is a different world than it was just a few years ago … To reconnect with the population and see what their needs are right now is not a bad idea.”

Grochala did point out that many of the residential developments that the city is hearing about at this moment would take quite some time to work their way through the approval process. “I don’t believe anybody could get through the process here in the city of Lino Lakes by spring of 2025,” he said,

adding that maybe a developer could begin phase one in late 2025.

Ruhland reminded the council that one of the development concepts is for the area that the city has focused on as a “gateway” to the city. “How many meetings have we had about what the sign is going to look like ... We have spent hours on just designing the roadway to enter the city,” he said. “I feel like with that big of a development right at our gateway, I’m a big supporter of a master plan.”

Ruhland also suggested the council consider making changes to its notification process to residents when development applications come in.

“I want to get a discussion going on it

… Should there be a trigger point where we expand the circle of notification, and to what extent do we expand it?” Ruhland asked.

Grochala explained that he would like Squires to weigh in on that topic as

well, but the city’s notification process is guided by state statute and the type of application.

“There is always a line; it doesn’t matter how far out we mail, there is somebody on the other side of the street that doesn’t get one,” Grochala said. “I don’t want to create a thing that opens us up to failure.”

One thing Grochala suggested the city could consider doing that other cities do, is once the city receives a complete development application, a sign could be posted on the property. Council Member Tony Cavegn said he liked that idea, and Council Member Dale Stoesz wondered whether the city could charge developers a “notification fee” to help get the word out a bit further.