Quad Community Press

Honoring a distinguished law enforcement career

Talking tick season with U of M

As the weather finally warms up, Minnesotans are eager to get out and enjoy our state’s beautiful outdoors. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who venture out when the temperature rises; summer means tick season in Minnesota. Many ticks can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can harm humans, including those that cause Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.

Jon Oliver is an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. His areas of expertise include vector-borne diseases, infectious diseases, ticks, mosquitoes and Lyme disease. Oliver answers questions about the outlook for

Stakeholder survey: School district receives positive feedback

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Students, families and staff have now weighed in on how they think the district is doing in terms of the daily student experience and achieving its goals outlined in the strategic plan.

More than 4,000 people took the survey: 1,220 students in grades 3-5; 2,118 students in grades 6-12; members of 675 families; and 299 staff members all took the time to fill out the survey. Director of Technology Mike Christensen said the district plans to brainstorm how it can reach more families and get a higher participation rate for next year’s survey.

Although the survey dates back to 2013, this was the first survey the district has sent out since COVID-19.

“The results will be used to celebrate what we are doing well and develop action steps for continued improvement into the next year,” Christensen explained.

Superintendent Jeff Holmberg added, “It gives us a nice snapshot to be able to identify themes but also

Overall I am satisfied with my student’s educational experience

this year’s tick season in Minnesota.

Q: Will there be a lot of ticks this year?

A: It is always a good bet that there will be plenty of deer ticks in Minnesota in the spring and summer. Last year, despite drier than normal summer weather, the state saw fairly typical numbers of immature ticks. This year, those ticks will have grown to be adults or nymphs. Based on last year's number, I expect we will have a fairly average year for deer ticks, and that means there will be plenty of them around. A cold April may limit the number of adult ticks active in the early spring, but those ticks will come out as soon as the weather warms up, especially as daytime tem-

peratures exceed 60 degrees.

Q: What types of ticks are most common in Minnesota?

A: Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and American dog ticks (“wood ticks”; Dermacentor variabilis) are common in Minnesota, and both commonly bite people and pets. Although both species can potentially transmit diseases, deer ticks are more concerning because they are often infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Q: Where are ticks most prevalent?

A: Deer ticks require a refuge with a high humidity level, such as the forest leaf layer, so they

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree CONTRIBUTED

The Centennial School District invited students, families and staff to participate in a survey. Approximately 90% of parents said they are satisfied with their student’s educational experience.

SEE STAKEHOLDER SURVEY, PAGE 11

Local and metro area law enforcement officials pose for a photo with Circle Pines resident Jim Wychor and his father (left). Minnesota Wheels of Honor holds a ceremony to honor Wychor’s law enforcement career. He was diagnosed with ALS last year. See more photos online at presspubs.com

Jon Oliver

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS

• Beginning next year, the high school will launch a Manufacturing Pathways program that will include four courses. Some upgrades to the space and equipment will take place both this summer and next. The program will focus on creating partnerships with local and regional businesses and prepare students for a career in manufacturing.

“We are building a program that will allow us to partner with businesses and trades that will allow students to go from high school, to internships, to a career,” Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Mark Grossklaus said.

Centennial High School Principal Tom Breuning added, “We have had multiple meetings with manufacturers and they are all saying that there is a shortage of skilled workers out there. So, for us it is truly a win-win. We have students who want to be in manufacturing classes and we have manufacturers that want skilled workers.”

• Expenditures for the 2023-2024 school year are projected to be $127,202,232. Executive Director of Business Services Patrick Chaffey explained that the district is projecting a deficit of $2,131,022, which is a result of the updates for long-term facilities maintenance projects, the voter approved operating referendum plan, food service capital projects, trust fund retirement payments and the 2022A bond refunding payments. For a detailed breakdown of the 2023-24 budget, visit the district’s website at www. isd12.org.

• For $330,000, the district will acquire property located at 4608 103rd Lane NE, Circle Pines. Chaffey said the property fits the long-range plan for the high school campus.

• Three transportation contracts

are now in place with Safe Tree, Lorenz and Collaborative Student Transportation of Minnesota (CSTMN) for next school year. Chaffey explained that the Safe Tree contract represents a 5% increase over the current contract, whereas the Lorenz contract represents a 4% increase from the last contract (2020-21). Safe Tree and Lorenz are both one-year agreements and CSTMN is a three-year agreement with a 3% increase each year.

• A new chiller unit will be installed on the north side of the west high school building this fall or spring. Contracts include the chiller unit from Johnson Controls for $273,930, the installation from BSI Mechanical Inc. for $147,900, and the building automation/control valves from NAC Mechanical & Electrical Service for $12,317.

• Effective at the end of this school year, Scott Swedin will be placed on an unrequested leave of absence (ULA). Another teacher was proposed to be placed on ULA at the school board’s last meeting, but due to increased enrollment, that did not happen.

• The 10-year long-term facilities maintenance plan is now in place with Northeast Metropolitan Intermediate School District 916.

• The district received positive feedback on its stakeholder survey regarding its progress on its strategic plan and daily student experiences. (See full story on pages 1 & 11.)

The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, in the board room at the District Office.

Shannon Granholm

www.presspubs.com

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• It’s that time of year again when the city is looking for volunteers to plant flowers in the roundabout in front of City Hall and the Centennial Library. “It’s time to get that garden looking great again,” Mayor Dave Bartholomay said. Those interested in volunteering should contact Janice at 763-350-9534.

• It’s good news all around for Circle Pines from the legislative session that just wrapped up. Bartholomay reported that the city will receive $217,000 from the $210 million public safety aid package to help with local police and fire costs. The city’s local government aid (LGA) will also increase by $22,000 for a total of $459,000 next year.

Lastly, Anoka County received $200,000 for the missing trail connection in the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor.

• Marsh Heating and A/C

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

and Earth Wizards Inc. now have licenses to do business within the city in 2023.

• Craig Petska is the new chair of the Planning Commission.

• Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC) continues to work on its new building. The City Council already approved a conditional use permit (CUP) and has now approved a site plan for 4203 Woodland Road, the former Centennial Alternative Learning Center (CALC). NTIC also owns the property at 4201 Woodland Road. In a month or two, assuming NTIC receives the OK from the Metropolitan Council, the City Council will consider approval of a more detailed site plan to reconnect the two buildings, which were separated in 2005.

• Three property owners have been granted hardship deferrals for the 2022

Lino Lakes man killed in ATV accident

Samuel H. Sylvester, 26, of Lino Lakes, was operating an ATV in a Ramsey County nature preserve when he crashed and died.

According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the Fish Creek Natural Area in Maplewood around 3:45 p.m. Monday, May 22. Once on

full street reconstruction project assessments. If the annual assessment amount is greater than 1.5% of an individual’s annual income, a hardship deferral may be granted.

• Tom and Vickie Molin can now build a new home on their vacant property, located at 76 East Golden Lake Road. The Molins plan to move into the new home and their daughter and her family will move into their existing home at 78 East Golden Lake Road. Because the home is located in the shoreland overlay district, the council had to approve a CUP, which includes some erosion control measures.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

scene, deputies located Sylvester trapped beneath the ATV. Sylvester was an employee of Native Resource Preservation, a company that was under contract with Ramsey County Parks and Recreation to conduct a controlled burn in the nature preserve, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators are looking into the accident.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CURRENT EVENTS

EATING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: HOW A PLANTBASED DIET CAN HELP FIGHT THE CLIMATE CRISIS

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31

Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.

Details: Guest Speaker is Michelle Courtright, former owner of Fig + Farro, serves as a United Nations delegate to COP24 and consulting for Billie Eilish's Support + Feed. Join in-person or via Zoom.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0531

'19TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL'

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, June 1-11

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: See 10 never-before-seen plays from around the world performed by Lakeshore Players actors.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

WARGO NATURE CENTER PROJECT

RESTORATION DAYS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 3

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

Details: Help remove invasive species, clean up wildflower gardens, and gather native plant seeds. Free; registration information online.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Display Ad Network program by running the classified section of your newspaHowever, the decision is ultimately up to slightly in size to fit your column sizes. call MNA at 800/279-2979. Thank you.

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center

CAMPFIRE TALKS: CAMPFIRE SONGS

When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, June 3

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve; 7373 Main St, Lino Lakes

Details: Join a naturalist at the campground amphitheater for a campfire, interactive activities, and presentations. Free.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sundays, June 4 through Aug. 20

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood

Details: All are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic and beverage and listen to a different performance each week. Artrio on June 4, Harmonic Relief on June 11, Any Day now on June 18, Amy and Adams on June 25.

Contact: cityofbirchwood.com

SUNDAY BBQ DRIVE THRU

When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4

Where: Forest Lake Masonic Lodge. 119 8th Ave. SE

Details: Two choices for pork sandwiches support Dragon Divas, an organization for breast cancer survivors.

Contact: forestlakemasons.com

OPINION

Magical Dozen

William McKnight is a big name in our area. I never met him, but I have read a lot about him. He had a great ability as an American businessman and philanthropist.

He joined the 3M company in Duluth in 1907 as an assistant bookkeeper and rose quickly to become president in 1929 and chairman of the board in 1949.

One of the key points of his management style was to delegate responsibility and encourage the men and women to exercise their initiative.

The booklet of rules that McKnight used and gave each employee was how to make greater profits and results. It was often referred to as the magical dozen if applied.

I think it has an application for all businesses.

Here they are:

1. Improving the quality of products.

2. Reducing mistakes to a minimum.

3. Constant efforts toward reducing costs.

4. Eliminating lost time and delays.

5. Better planning of each job.

6. Avoiding waste and spoiled work.

7. Saving materials and supplies.

8. Developing more efficient methods.

9. Better care of equipment and tools.

10. Increased individual effort.

11. Completing each job promptly.

12. Continuous study and training.

Their 17,000 square ft. home in Dellwood was built in the late 1800s in the English Tudor style. Actually, the McKnights took over the home in early 1940s and did extensive remodeling. Eventually the home was razed and the property divided.

Summer solstice

This year the summer solstice occurs on June 21, marking the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. It is also the longest day of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the solstice occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe, and the opposite in the southern hemisphere.

Advice to youth

In May, millions of young college students celebrate their graduations and move forward into the world of jobs, family and civic responsibility. President Ronald Reagan in 1989 offered the nation’s young people a lesson about America.

“And let me offer lesson #1 about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So tomorrow night in the kitchen, I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ‘em know and nail ‘em on it’. That would be a very American thing to do.”

Some things you’ll never need to know

• QI is the most commonly played word in Tournament Scrabble. It’s pronounced “chee” and means “life force” or “energy” in Mandarin.

• There is one and a half times more caffeine in milk chocolate than in Coca-Cola.

• Boring, Oregon has become a “sister community” with Dull, Scotland.

• The Greek national anthem has 158 verses, but only two of them are ever sung.

• When a Navajo baby laughs aloud for the first time, the family throws a party. The person who made the baby laugh provides the food.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Moving houseplants outside for summer

The weather is warming up, the grass is turning green, and your love of plants is likely moving outside. While you might be dreaming about your outdoor plants waking up, you could also be thinking about moving your houseplants outdoors for the summer.

Some benefits of moving your indoor forest outside include allowing the rain to handle watering tasks, letting beneficial insects help control infestations, and increasing plant growth due to the warmth and sun.

Most houseplants can move outside for the summer in Minnesota. Now is the perfect time to start planning which plants will move and where you will put them. If you decide to let your plants soak in the warm weather, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for a successful transition.

• The general rule of thumb is to wait until the weather is consistently above 55 degrees

at night; many of our plants are from tropical climates and cannot handle cooler nights without suffering damage.

• Some plants, like cacti, can typically take any temperature above 40 degrees, and there are even a few that can handle our winters. However, if you want to move everything out at once, 55 F is the minimum.

• Make sure your plants are in pots with drainage holes, and don’t allow them to sit in water. While you can control watering inside, the rain outdoors won’t follow your schedule. Without proper drainage, water could flood the soil, cause disease, and possibly kill your plants.

• Ensure that cacti and succulents are in fast-draining soil. Many stores carry a mix specifically made for succulents that ensures proper drainage.

• This is the perfect time to repot any plants that have outgrown their current home. If you see roots coming out of the drainage holes, it is time!

Just like humans, plants can get sunburned when exposed to the direct sun after being indoors all winter. To prevent this, the first transition point outdoors should be to deep shade. After a week of deep shade, you can

start to slowly move the plants into part shade, and then move the sun lovers into full sun after another week.

Finally, make sure you have not used any systemic pesticides before moving your plants outside. When you use insecticides, you kill both the harmful pests and the beneficial insects and pollinators. Many insecticides wear off quickly, but systemic insecticides can remain in plant tissue for three months or more and can kill insects that land on it, drink its nectar, or eat the tissue. It’s best to keep your systemically-treated plants indoors this summer.

Moving your houseplants outside can add visual interest and a tropical flair to your outdoor spaces, and if you take the proper precautions, your houseplants will enjoy their summer vacation, too!

For more information about repotting your houseplants, visit https://extension.umn.edu/news/ tips-repotting-houseplants .

Ginny Orenge is an Anoka County master gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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matter will not be published.

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• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

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TICK SEASON: Professor tests new surveillance system this summer

are most often found in forested areas. Deer ticks are spreading and becoming more common. They are now found in every forested county in the state. Even in prairie areas, deer carry deer ticks to patches of forested habitat, so people should be vigilant for ticks after visiting any forested area in Minnesota. Adult deer ticks are active in the spring (April through June) and the fall (September through November), when temperatures are above freezing and there is no snow. Immature nymphs are considered more of a disease risk because they are smaller and harder to notice, so they often remain attached and feed for longer. They are mostly active in May through July in Minnesota.

• Forest Lake Area Athletic Association (FLAAA) will conduct lawful gambling at Fiesta Mexican Grill & Bar, located at 7070 21st Ave. N.

• The city continues to hire parttime staff for the Rookery Activity Center. Most recently, the city hired two lifeguards, three child watch attendants, three guest services representatives and an aquatics lead.

• The city’s newest parks maintenance worker, Bryce Shanor, will start June 6. His hourly rate of pay will be $28.81.

• Bituminous Roadways Inc. will complete the 2023 trail maintenance project for $21,100. The project includes milling and repaving the trail segment between Langer Lane and Clearwater Creek Drive. City Engineer Diane Hankee explained that this segment will supplement the trail replacement being completed as part of the stormwater pond cleaning project. Funding for the project is from the general fund parks budget. The project is scheduled to be complete by Aug. 18.

• A vendor has been selected for the new playground at Watermark Park. The city will work with PlayPower LT Farmington Inc. The contract amount is $228,046. The project consists of design services, delivery and installation of the equipment, and approximately 835 square feet of rubberized surface.

• Watermark resident Matt Bechel said he would love to see even more rubberized surfaces included in the proposal. He also requested the playground be as accessible as possible for children of all abilities.

Public Service Director Rick DeGardner said the council has

Q: What can people do to avoid getting ticks on themselves and what should someone do if they find one?

A: Tick-borne diseases are more easily prevented than cured. Insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellent chemicals are also effective at repelling ticks. If you spend a lot of time in tick habitats, it may be worth treating a suit of clothes with permethrin, a repellent/insecticide that works on ticks. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases usually take hours to enter your body after a tick attaches to feed. Daily tick checks will greatly reduce your chance of getting Lyme disease even if you are bitten.

discussed the possibility of an inclusive playground somewhere in the city, but when it comes to neighborhood parks the city only has a limited budget to work with. He explained that Watermark Park will be ADA-accessible, but not necessarily all-inclusive.

There is a possibility the project may take place this fall; otherwise it will be installed spring 2024.

• The city plans to purchase property located at 6510 12th Avenue for a new water treatment plant. The property owners have agreed to a purchase price of $351,700 for the 6.28 acres.

Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that the site is big enough to take care of the city’s needs through 2040, but that eventually the city may need to find an additional site for a second water treatment facility.

• The City Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 405 related to bulk deicing material storage June 12. Section 18.6 of the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit requires that the city adopt an ordinance that requires proper salt storage at commercial, institutional and non-National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitted industrial facilities.

The draft ordinance establishes minimum requirements for the safe storage of deicer materials. The requirements are applicable to all commercial, institutional and industrial properties in the city. Grochala explained that typically, these are users that have large parking areas and routinely use deicers as part of their snow removal

If you find a tick biting you:

1. Use tweezers to grab the tick by its mouthparts where they enter your skin.

2. Pull the tick straight off. Avoid crushing its body.

3. After a tick bite, be mindful of your body’s health. If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms, visit your doctor about the tick bite.

Q: What are you doing to advance research on ticks?

discovered relatively often in Minnesota’s deer ticks, and our lab is working to find out how and where new diseases arise.

MDAN

A: With the goal of enhancing human health and reducing human exposure to tick-borne diseases, my research focuses on the interactions of ticks and the bacteria they carry, as well as the distribution of ticks on the landscape of the Upper Midwest. New pathogens are

procedures. The threshold of 5 tons equates to approximately one dump truck load of material.

• The city will make some changes to its designated Municipal State Aid Street system (MSAS). The MSAS system allows cities with a population over 5,000 to be eligible to receive funding for road improvements and maintenance from the State Highway Users Fund. Each year, the city receives an allocation based 50% upon its population and 50% upon the construction needs of its roadways. To receive funding, the city can designate up to 20% of its local streets to receive MSAS funding. The city has a total of 23.35 miles eligible to designate.

In an effort to maximize the construction needs of Lino Lakes’ MSAS system, Hankee explained that it is recommended the city amend its existing system designations. To do so in 2023, MnDOT requires that a council resolution be passed by June 1. The following roadways will be added to the system:

• MSAS 146: 21st Avenue – from 20th Avenue N. to Crane Drive (0.14 miles)

• MSAS 147: Crane Drive – from 21st Avenue N. to Watermark Way (0.34 miles)

• MSAS 148: Watermark Way –from 20th Avenue N. to Crane Drive (0.33 miles)

The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 5, in the Community Room. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 12, in Council Chambers.

Shannon Granholm

One exciting new project we are working on aims to bring detection tools to the field for much more rapid identification and discovery of pathogens in ticks and rodents. Using an innovative mobile laboratory in the field, we can use these tools to detect pathogens within hours instead of days. We can also use the new tools to detect a full range of tick-borne pathogens at the same time, where previous tools could only detect one pathogen at a time. Testing this new surveillance system will be a major focus of our summer activities this year.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

MILK/MISC. DAIRY PRODUCTS

DATE AND TIME OF BID OPENING

Thursday, June 15th, 2023,

in accordance with specifications. The district reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. All Bids are to be addressed to the Director of Nutrition Services and be properly identified with the inscription: MILK/ MISC.DAIRY PRODUCTS BID.

Tara Forner, Food Service Director

Excellent

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on May 30 and June 6, 2023.

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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

at pr esspubs.com or call 651-407-1200 Imag ine cruising the St Croix River this spring in a 25.5' Bayliner Cruiser. The Saratoga will make memories! Grill steaks or impossible burgers, the sky is the limit!

Boat has Refrigerator Sink, Grill, 2 batter ies, Marine radio, hardtop, full canvas,new power, 26 0hp, 5.7 MerCruiser $6500. Located at Wolf's Marina in Stillwater Must se ll due to ski accident

612-599-1729

Staff Writer

Explore the lakes and rivers with a kayak. Two older tandem fiberglass ka yaks with padd les fo r sale Must be handy please no first timers They are fun, stable an d pretty fast with fo ld ing seat Sit in or sit up like a canoe. $1 75 each or $300 for the pair 612599-172n ine

Toro Power Broom Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro profession al series $3,750 61 2-599-172 nine

Christ the King

Birch Lake Ave

8-8pm & 6/2 8-12pm (Bag sale)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Do you like helping solve problems? Can you make quick decisions? Have you considered a position he lp ing move freight/ load s for our business community? Call Ma rk at Re dline Logistics 651-481-0060 Vintage John Deere 20 Pedal Tractor (Model 65). W agon not included. Call 651-235-5904.

Fireplace Cord $150 Ca mp Fire Cord $200 Full Cord $450 Ca ll 651-214-0718

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

Anoka County Composite Squadron receives Squadron of Distinction award

The Anoka County Composite Squadron has been named the 2023 Squadron of Distinction. The Squadron of Distinction award recognizes the top Civil Air Patrol (CAP) composite or cadet squadron regionally and nationally for distinctive accomplishments in the cadet program during the preceding calendar year. Anoka is one of eight squadrons nominated for the National Squadron of Distinction award.

“Dedication to our cadet programs mission is the cornerstone for our success,” said Lt. Col. Mary Albright, deputy commander for cadets at Anoka. The unit’s success crosses many areas: cadets earn leadership roles locally, statewide and regionally; participate and achieve in STEM competitions like CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers and the High Altitude Balloon Challenge; and deepen adult mentorship and support for the next leaders of tomorrow.

Based at the Anoka-Blaine Airport, Anoka is the largest CAP Squadron in the North Central Region. Youth ages 12-18 are eligible to join the year-round cadet program. Learn more about the Anoka County Composite Squadron and its cadet program at anokacap.com

Contributed

The Anoka County Composite Squadron is named the 2023 Squadron of Distinction at at the annual Minnesota Wing Conference.

STAKEHOLDER SURVEY: Offers opportunities for 2023-2024 school year

look at if there are some different things we should be looking at or asking in the future.”

Family survey

Of the 675 families that completed the survey, most have a student enrolled at the middle school (37.9%) or the high school (36.3%), followed by Rice Lake Elementary (16.1%) and Blue Heron Elementary (14.1%).

Some highlights of the survey:

• 82% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their student looks forward to going to school.

• 89% feel that their family’s culture is respected.

• 88% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their student is appropriately challenged academically.

• 83% “strongly agree” or “agree” that their child knows at least one adult at the school with whom they can share success and concerns.

• 87% of respondents feel that teachers are available and provide assistance to their student when needed.

Student survey

Of the 1,220 students in grades 3-5 who took the survey, most attend Blue Heron Elementary (29.4%), followed by Rice Lake Elementary (25.7%) and Golden Lake Elementary (16.8%): 37.4% were in fifth grade, 33.9% in fourth grade and 28.7% in third grade.

Some highlights of the 3-5 survey included:

• 95% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” to feeling safe at school.

• 81% said they like being at school, while 19% said they didn’t.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Centennial defeated Coon Rapids 20-0 on Monday in their next-to-last conference game and finished with an 11-9 win over Rogers on Wednesday. Against Rogers, Ella O’Hearn netted three goals, Lillian Brausen and Anna Jarpy two each, and Callie Cody, Noelle Hemr, Kayler Whiteworth, and Kylie Bergwald one each. Centennial tied for third place among 12 teams. The top five teams were Maple Grove 12-0, Champlin Park 11-1, Centennial 9-3, Andover 9-3, and Armstrong 7-5. The Cougars take a 9-3 record into Section 7A starting June 1.

BOYS

GOLF

Centennial held seventh place among 13 teams in the Northwest Suburban Conference with six of seven meets done. The finale was held Thursday (after press deadline). Their top finishes have been fourth place once and fifth place twice. Hayden Frank, a senior, leads the Cougars with a 36.1 average, followed by junior Harper Searles 37.4, freshman Cooper Daikawa 38.2, junior Tanner Youngbauer 38.9, senior Hunter Ubel 39.1, eighth-grader Brady Zins 39.4, senior Peyton Blair 39.5 and junior Kaden Flint 42.4. Centennial’s section tournament will be held May 30-31 at Bunker Hills.

BOYS LACROSSE

Centennial beat Rogers 16-4 in their final conference game Wednesday evening. The Cougars finished third among 12 teams in the Northwest Suburban.

• 97% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their teacher teaches in a way that helps them learn.

• 95% “strongly agree” or “agree” that their culture is respected by other students.

Of the 2,118 students who took the survey in grades 6-12, 58.9% of students attend the high school and 41.1% attend the middle school. Nearly 20% of the students who completed the survey were in ninth grade, followed by 17.8% in 10th grade and 16.5% in eighth grade.

Some highlights of the grade 6-12 survey included:

• 85% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” to feeling safe at school.

• 55% said they like being at school, while 45% said they didn’t.

• 86% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their teacher teaches in a way that helps them learn.

• 92% “strongly agree” or “agree” that their culture is respected by other students.

One area the district wants to dive further into is the question about whether students like attending school.

“There is an opportunity there to get groups of students together, share the survey results with them and find out what’s going well, what things could be improved so we understand the nature of where they are coming from,” Holmberg said.

One area the superintendent was particularly pleased with was the fact that students feel connected to the adults in the buildings. “That’s important.

You want kids and staff to have a strong connection because that is key to learning; you can’t learn if you don’t have that connection,” he said.

Staff survey

Of the 299 staff members who took the survey, 67 work at the middle school, 66 work at the high school, 30 work at Blue Heron Elementary, 26 work at Centerville Elementary and 25 work at Rice Lake Elementary.

Some of the highlights of the staff survey included:

• 86% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their direct supervisor or building principal is visible and accessible.

• 90% said they “strongly agree” or “agree” that their direct supervisor or building principal listens and follows up on their concerns.

• 88% said they are proud to be associated with Centennial Schools.

• 90% said they regularly use data to make informed decisions and improve their practice and student learning.

Director of Public Information and Community Outreach Krista Bergert explained that each of the surveys also included an open-ended question at the end. She said the district is currently going through those responses to identify key themes that will also be included in planning for the 2023-24 school year.

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

outs. Jordan Lemire was 2-for-4 with a double and knocked in three runs, giving the senior first baseman 26 RBI’s for the season. Also punching two hits were Celsi Burn (two RBI’s), Peyton Corbin, Adrianna Thomas, Allison Hemming (two runs), and O’Connell.

BASEBALL

Will Whelan led Centennial to a 2-1 win over Anoka in their Northwest Suburban Conference finale on Tuesday. The Cougars finished 8-4 in the NWSC, tying for third place among 12 teams. Champlin Park was champion with a 10-2 record. Whelan threw four shutout innings (no hits, four walks, six strikeouts), picking up his fifth win against one loss, and knocked in both runs with a double. Aidan Lieser finished with three innings (one run, three strikeouts). The Cougars (12-9 overall) will start Section 5AAAA on Monday.

TRACK

The top three teams were Maple Grove 11-0, Armstrong 10-1, and Centennial 9-2. Four teams tied for fourth place with 6-5 records. The Cougars take a 9-4 overall record into Section 7A starting June 1.

SOFTBALL

Centennial won its Section 5AAAA opener, over Irondale 9-2, on Tuesday. The Cougars (12-8) played Champlin Park on Thursday (after press deadline). Riley O’Connell threw a three-hitter with 10 strike-

Waiting Child

Darian,14, is talkative, outgoing, helpful and funny. He enjoys cooking, playing video games, dodgeball, fishing, dirt biking, and four-wheeling. Darian would like to live in a rural community with a “country style” atmosphere. He loves animals and has a dog that he is hoping to take with him to his adoptive home. Darian would do best in a home where he is the only child. Following adoption, Darian would need to maintain contact with his siblings and birthparents.

In the Northwest Suburban Conference track meet Tuesday, Timmy Ball of Centennial placed second in the shot put with a throw of 50-0. Abigail Wood placed eighth in the 3200 (11:56). The Cougars had nobody in the top eight in six other finals. Most of the finals were held Thursday, the second day of competition. (The Quad Community Press had an early deadline this week due to Memorial Day. Other conference results will be in next week’s paper.)

Bruce Strand

THE WEEK Sean Oslund

Sean Oslund, a Centennial tennis starter since eighth grade, turned in his third all-conference season this spring, posting a 13-2 record through the section team tournament at No. 1 and 2 singles, losing only two a pair of top-ten players. He was one of the leaders of a 12-3 team that placed third of 14 teams in the NWSC and reached the section semifinals. Oslund, who’s collected 50 career wins, will continue his career at Wartburg College in Iowa. Longtime coach Dan Haertl cited Oslund as one of the smartest, most coachable and inspirational players he’s had in the program. “He loves to play the game,” Haertl said, “and has spent hundreds of hours over the years in the off season to improve.”

“Your

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Ella O’Hearn is the scoring leader for the Centennial girls lacrosse team.

SPORTS BRIEFS

State makes major investment to fix Highway 65

BLAINE— Over the final weekend of the 2023 legislative session, a historical investment was made to fix Minnesota’s most dangerous roadway. State Highway 65 through Blaine carries the same number of cars as I-35W through the city. But because of the numerous stoplights and intersections up and down the corridor, Highway 65 is notorious for traffic accidents and congestion, as well as being a barrier to commerce and development.

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• An officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 8000 block of Lake Drive for a gas drive-off May 15. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue for a report of disorderly students May 16. The students’ parents were notified of the incident and were required to pick them up from school.

• An officer responded to the report of a vehicle in the ditch near Fourth Avenue and Pine Street May 16. There were no injuries and the driver was issued a citation.

• An officer responded to a property damage accident in the 6800 block of Sunset Avenue where a tree fell on a car May 16. The incident was documented.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on I-35E near 80th Street May 17. Reasonable suspicion was developed for a K-9 sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 did not alert on the vehicle, and the driver was issued a citation for driving after revocation.

• An officer received a delayed report of a stop arm violation in the 400 block of Main Street May 17. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a residential area near the 2000 block of Otter Lake Road on a report of a suspicious boat May 17. The boat’s operator was determined to be contracted to clean the shoreline.

• An officer received a request from another law enforcement agency to check a parking lot in the 7500 block of Lake Drive for a possible drunk driver May 17. The driver was located and the other agency arrested the male driver for DWI.

WEEKLY WAG

Wilmer is a young boy, just about a year old, but he is already housetrained and crate-trained. He is a good, sweet boy, and is eager to find a forever home where he can be a happy member of a loving family. Wilmer is a black Labrador/border collie mix, and he currently weighs about 36 pounds. He is a rescue transfer from Arkansas. Wilmer is social and does well with other dogs, but he does need slow introductions.

Through the transportation and bonding bills, the state is investing over $100 million dollars to fix Highway 65. Combined with funding previously received at the state and federal level, the Highway 65 project can now begin.

“A reconstructed Highway 65 will be transformational for Blaine and entire north metro region,” said Mayor Tim Sanders.

Seven million visitors visit Blaine each year for major international events, and Highway 65 is the route taken by people from all over the world. Highway 65 is also the gateway to the north for many who enjoy Minnesota’s lake

• While on patrol, an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the area of Main Street and Sunset Avenue May 17. The officer subsequently conducted a vehicle search and seized drug paraphernalia.

• A business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive reported that a fraudulent check had been used to purchase items May 17. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a request to check the welfare of a male walking on the road in the area of Hodgson Road and Lake Drive in the rain May 18. The individual was discovered to be a missing person from a nearby city. The individual was transported to the appropriate location.

• Suspicious activity was reported in a local park in the 7600 block of Village Drive May 18.

• An officer observed juveniles running in a lane of traffic in the 7500 block of Lake Drive May 18. The officer spoke to a guardian and the juveniles about traffic safety.

• An officer responded to a phone call from a resident in the 700 block of 79th Street regarding suspicious mail. The officer advised the resident to return the mail to the local post office.

• Officers responded to a report of suspicious persons seen smoking marijuana in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway May 19. Officers made contact with the individuals and seized a small amount of marijuana for destruction.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Lake Drive and Main Street May 19. The driver was arrested for fourth-degree DWI. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a business in the 7100 block of Otter Lake

When it comes to his people, he is a loverboy to everyone he meets. He loves to be with his people and likes show his affection with kisses. Wilmer also keeps himself entertained with his toys and chewies when his people are busy. Wilmer knows some of his basic commands, but he is a smart guy and eager to please, so continued training should be easy. According to his foster, someone will be very lucky to welcome Wilmer to their family. If you are interested in learning more about Wilmer 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.

country. Highway 65 is a major commerce corridor, and a reconstructed, safe and efficient roadway will unlock major development opportunities in the area.

“Highway 65 is not a safe road; we have seen horrific accidents time and time again, (and) this funding will save lives,” said Blaine Police Chief Brian Podany.

Road on report of a burglary that occurred early in the morning May 20 while the store was closed. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to an ATV crash in the 7500 block of Sunset Avenue May 21. Officers provided care until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to a hospital by ambulance.

• An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 6900 block of Otter Lake Road May 21. Because the event involved the interstate, the State Patrol responded and subsequently arrested one driver for DWI.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Fraud was reported in the 1700 block of Peltier Lake Drive in Centerville May 17.

• Officers responded to a property damage accident at the intersection of Park Drive East and North Road in Circle Pines May 18. There were no injuries, and both of the vehicles involved were able to drive away from the scene.

• An officer observed a vehicle with a taillight out in the area of Main Street and Shad Avenue in Centerville May 19. The officer subsequently witnessed other violations and attempted to pull the driver over, but the driver failed to stop. The vehicle was eventually stopped, and the driver was ultimately arrested for third-degree DWI.

• Extra patrol was requested along Shepherd Court in Circle Pines May 19.

• Officers were dispatched to the 9400 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington on a report of property

damage.

• Officers responded to the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville May 21 on a report of property damage.

• Police received a walk-in report at the station from a resident in the 7200 block of Mill Road in Centerville, who reported a fraud May 21. The female victim advised that she was fraudulently scammed out of $17,000 from her bank account by an unknown suspect.

• Police responded to the 1400 block of Mound Trail in Centerville May 21 on a report of suspicious activity and possible vandalism.

• Extra patrol was requested in the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington May 22.

• Officers responded to a neighborhood dispute in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington May 22.

• Police were dispatched to the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville May 22 on a report of a person selling gold from their vehicle.

• Suspicious activity was reported in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue South in Centerville May 23. The caller advised that employees scared off a potential robbery suspect from the business. Extra patrol was requested.

• Officers were dispatched to the 6900 block of Lamotte Drive in Centerville May 23 for a complaint of a motorized vehicle on a bike path in the park. The officers subsequently located a golf cart and advised its owners of the city ordinance.