Quad Community Press

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — The City Council will have to decide how it wants to approach park and trail needs going forward.

The Park Dedication Fee Study seeks to analyze the costs of park system development to better determine funding sources, with a particular focus on new development and park dedication fees. This process is guided by the Park, Greenways and Trails Plan established in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Thanks to the breakdown of costs related to parks, trails and the recreation complex, as well as the projected revenue from park dedication fees, the City Council now can assess its funding structure and consider recommendations to best carry out the plan.

“This comes up quite often,” said Community Development Director Mike Grochala. “How do we fund new improvements moving forward, and what can we do to maintain our existing system?”

Park board Chair Pat Huelman explained that the study shows that the city has some work to do in order to catch up.

“We have fallen very far behind on our replacement and upgrades to our existing park assets,” he said. “We have known for several years, seen how bad we were slipping on replacements and upgrades … We really wanted to step back, assemble our data, complete some analysis and come up with what I think are some realistic recommendations for the council.” Huelman shared that the city currently has nine playgrounds that are 21 to 31 years old; six hard courts that are over 20 years old; and aging park shelters and hockey rinks.

“To maintain a current, viable and sustainable parks and trail system, we need to be nimble, we need to be prepared to innovate and reimagine our system a bit from where we were,” he said.

SEE PARK STUDY, PAGE 2

Circle Pines native serves aboard Navy warship

BY TRACEY BANNISTER SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

Lindsey graduated from Centennial High School in 2014.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Circle Pines.

“My hometown taught me seven

years of blue-collar labor,” said Lindsey. “I spent many years competing with one of the best football teams in the state. Wrestling taught me to never shy away from hard work.”

Lindsey joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Lindsey serves as an electronics technician.

“I joined the Navy for the opportunity to serve my country,” said Lindsey. “I wanted to build valuable skills and get a new start on life.”

USS Billings is a fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according

to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence missions around the globe.

SEE NAVY VETERAN, PAGE 16

PARK STUDY: Addresses both improvements, replacement needs

There are three “buckets” of needs. Catching up, maintaining the status quo and having discretionary funds, Huelman said.

Out of the study, there are four recommendations:

1. Increase the park dedication fee to $3,860 per unit for residential development from the current $3,300 fee. (The commercial industrial fee of $2,600 per acre would not change.)

2. Increase commercial and residential fees annually according to the Engineering News Record (ENR) Index.

3. Distribute park dedication fees by function ratio; i.e., park development (73%), arterial trail (17%) and recreation complex (10%).

4. Establish a policy for interfund loans between neighborhood service areas and functional categories.

To keep the city’s system “current and vibrant,” Huelman said, “it comes down to $500,000 for the next five

BY THE NUMBERS

years. Once we are caught up, it will be about $250,000 per year to maintain and enhance our park system at that point.” He also suggested that He said that any funding less than that would lead to some “serious downsizing” of the city’s current parks and trail system. Going forward, the city may have to digress from its “neighborhood park” approach and focus on more of a destination park.

Mayor Rob Rafferty said, “This certainly gives us some things to talk about as a council … Having this info is great fuel for the fire.”

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

• 9 playgrounds that are 21 to 31 years old

• 6 hard courts that are over 20 years old

• 22 city parks with hard assets (park features and internal trails) worth more than $5M

• Almost 27 miles of community trails (external to parks) worth more than $9M

• Currently $4.73M in unfunded park assets

• $1.3M amount the park board is requesting to replace/upgrade outof-date assets within the current park system

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, June 17; 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

MARKETFEST

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 13 through July 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Community summer festival with 200+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Avenue of the Arts on June 13; History Night June 20, and White Bear Lake Area Schools June 27. Contact: marketfestwbl.com

BALD EAGLE WATERSKI SHOWS

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 13 through end of August

Where: Trailside Park, Centerville

Details: Volunteer team of waterskiers performs weekly throughout the summer, and travels throughout Minnesota to perform weekend shows. Contact: baldeaglewaterskishows.net

CIRCLE LEX FARMERS MARKET

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: Lexington Municipal Liquor Store parking lot, located at 9271 Lake Drive.

Details: The market, which happens rain or shine, features vendors selling fruit and veggies, bakes goods, syrups, teas, homemade gifts and more.

Contact: Lion Karen Gregory (612) 272-3386 or kgregory244@gmail.com

CURRENT EVENTS

CENTERVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 11

Where: Hidden Spring Park, Centerville, 1601 LaMotte Dr, Centerville

Details: Centerville Music in the Park series will kick off with B+Brass Band.

Contact: www.facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark

WOMEN’S VETERAN’S DAY

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12

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

Details: Join the VFW 1782 Auxiliary for a short program honoring female veterans followed by refreshments. Free program.

JOB SEEKER OPEN HOUSE

When: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12

Where: Career Force, 1201 89th Ave. NE, Blaine

Details: Career training breakout sessions, one-on-one walk-in job search assistance and job search in the career lab, mini workshops, video interview guide, and prizes.

Contact: careerforce.blaine@state.mn.us

MUSIC ON THE LAKE

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, June 13

Where: Golden Lake Park, 67 W. Golden Lake rd., Circle Pines

Details: Free outdoor communiy concert featuring the Centennial Community Band. Contact: isd12.ce.eleyo.com

KIDDIE PARADE

When: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Families can decorate a stroller, wagon, and bikes and walk/ride through the streets of Marketfest ending at Sweetlife Lane candy store. Register online. Contact: marketfestwbl.com/kiddie-parade

FILLEBROWN FRIDAYS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Fridays, June 14

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.

Details: Self-guided tour of the 1879 Red Chalet Cottage on White Bear Lake and refreshements on the porch. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

MANITOU DAYS GRANDE PARADE

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14

Where: Begins at Fourth Street and Washington Square; ends at Memorial Beach

Details: Floats, marching bands, local organizations, and more travel through downtown and along Lake Avenue toward the beach. Contact: manitoudays.com

BEACH DANCE

When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, June 14

Where: Memorial Beach

Details: Enjoy live music by the Free & Easy Band. Food and beverages available for purchase. Admission fee. Contact: manitoudays.com

MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL RODEO CHAMPIONSHIP

When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15; noon Sunday, June 16

Where: Dead Broke Arena, Hwy 61 and 170th St., Hugo Details: Top high school contenders compete to win a trip to nationals. Free pony rides, cowboy hats for kids, vendors, and food trucks one hour before each rodeo. See ticket information online.

Contact: deadbrokesaddleclub.org/mn-high-school-rodeo-state-finals

Meet Wargo’s Animals

When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Wargo Nature Center

Details: Learn about reptiles and amphibians up close while learning about the characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Registration information online. *Adaptive session for children with cognitive or physical disabilities 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

CAMPFIRE TALKS WITH A NATURALIST

When: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground

Details: Family-friendly naturalist-led presentation on Owls. Free. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

YOGA ON THE BEACH

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Avenue

Details: Annual fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. RSVP and donation requested. Contact: yogadevotion.com

‘THE STAR OF RICHES IS SHINING UPON YOU’ COMMUNITY RECEPTION

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13

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

Details: Photographer Forrest Wasko will be exhibiting their photography and celebrating the launch of their new book.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

SANDCASTLES AND CREATURES BUILDING CONTEST

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 15

Where: Memorial Beach, White Bear Lake

Details: Families can build castles and creatures on the beach; awards given at noon. Contact: whitebeararts.org

Upcoming Games

June 11-16 vs. Louisville Bats June 18-23 vs. Toledo Mud Hens

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo  Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

Branching out in writing

My name is Amy Holmberg and I am a summer intern at Press Publications. I graduated from St. Croix Preparatory Academy in 2020 and just completed my first semester at Bethel University as a junior transfer student. In my short time at Bethel as a journalism major, I have had the opportunity to get involved in the student newspaper “The Clarion,” and I am excited to step into my role as a multimedia reporter beginning this fall. In my classes, I have developed a love for the photo and video side of journalism as well as expanding my experience in writing news stories and personal columns. Before Bethel I spent five semesters at Wheaton College studying studio art where I spent much of my time leading in campus ministry as well as playing on their men’s club hockey team. I took a gap year working at a school photography studio nearby, before deciding what I really wanted to do with my career is tell stories.

I grew up in Woodbury, catching frogs and playing a lot of hockey and soccer. In elementary school, I was a curious, introverted kid with a lot of energy, so if my parents were looking for me, they knew to check outside first. I even caused a few scares by leaving my bed in the middle of the night to build a tarp fort on our deck where I camped out until the morning. In my tween and early teen years, after getting off the school bus, if I wasn’t at sports practice, you would find me sitting in my favorite tree with my backpack hooked on to a branch, doing my math and reading until it was too dark to see my homework. I did my best to keep quiet to avoid startling my unsuspecting neighbors as they walked under me down the street.

This summer, I will be learning and gaining writing experience through my two internships with Press Publications and ECHO Global Farm. My internship with Press Publications will last five weeks and I will be working approximately 20 hours per week. I am thrilled with the opportunities that I have been given to gain hands-on journalism experience and continue to develop my voice as a writer.

I realized my love for writing when I was very young, which was most evident through school projects and sending letters to my long-distance friend, who I met through a pen pal program advertised in “Clubhouse Magazine.” Clubhouse was the first print publication I fell in love with. I anxiously waited for the mail to come each month and deliver me a new copy filled with action-packed Bible fiction and kid-submitted jokes. After I outgrew Clubhouse, I found a passion for writing poetry, which is the type of writing that seems to resonate deepest with the people who read it. I have a new understanding of the healing and connecting power that writing can have, which is a large part of why I chose to become a journalist. Stories are what bring people together and I am hopeful and excited to be impacted by the lives which I do not yet know about.

Amy Holmberg is an intern for Press Publications

POLITICAL BRIEF

Election guidelines for letters to the editor implemented

Guidelines for election-related letters to the editor will take effect the week of June 19 in all Press Publications’ newspapers. Any letter to the editor that endorses or opposes a candidate running in a city, county, state, federal, or school board race on Nov. 5, or which otherwise attempts to influence readers how to vote, will require a $50 payment to be published. Such letters will be identified as a “paid letter.” The 350 word-count limit continues to apply to all letters to the editor. Please refer to “Letter Guidelines” for the current guidelines pertaining to all letters to the editor.

COn the world stage in 1983

ontext for my military service is best explained with a visual: fully extend your arms horizontally, “This is the history of our country. We’ve been in some kind of military conflict the entire time except for here.” Now hold two fingers 3 inches apart. My Army enlistment happened entirely in that 3 inches.

Movers & Shakers

Despite the lack of a hot war, my place on the world’s stage came into focus in the countryside of Holland during one conversation with one man in 1983. This is the story of that moment.

At that time, the Soviet Union was alive and well and the European Union was 10 years away.

The perceived threat was that the Soviets would make an aggressive push south through eastern Europe to take the oil fields in the Middle East. To counter that threat, the US military deployed one Army division to conduct war games with the Europeans in a mock exercise called REFORGER

or Return of Forces to Germany. It was my division, the First Cavalry that had been selected to deploy.

Finally, the day of deployment arrived. We’d known it was coming for months, but the sergeant couldn’t resist the theater of banging a metal trash can lid with a hammer at 2:30 a.m. to simulate a real deployment. We grabbed our rucksacks and boarded a plane at Ft. Hood’s airfield and flew to our deployment. Fifty hours and no sleep later we were in Budel Holland to set up for our exercise.

This was the first time that the US military had been deployed in that part of the The Netherlands since WWII and for public relations reasons we were ordered to let the civilians tour our camp, answer their questions, and to allow them to handle our rifles (otherwise something that’s strictly forbidden in the military).

Two things happened that stand out in my memory.

The first was about a teenage girl who visited our camp with her parents. She asked to look at my M16 rifle with a full clip of blank ammunition. She took the rifle, chambered a round, flipped the selector to automatic, shouldered the weapon, pulled the trigger once and fired all 30 blanks in 3 seconds. The rifle was handed back and she said thanks. I’m sure

I had a stunned look on my face.

The second was the conversation that brought it all into focus. I got to chatting with a man that lived in the area who wanted to give me several cases of Bitburger beer. This would otherwise count as a rebel 19-year old’s best day ever, but I had to tell him no since we were on duty. When I asked why he wanted us to have the beer, he explained, “I’d rather have an American soldier in my backyard than a Soviet soldier in my kitchen”.

I’ll never forget that. With that single sentiment, my place in the world came into sharp focus. We were deployed to prevent an aggressor country from overrunning a peaceful Europe along with this man’s home and I was part of that effort. It was a formative experience and is still part of the person I am 41 years on.

On a closing note: REFORGER was a fun trip for me, but many since have deployed for real and for them it was far from fun. To those who have deployed, I offer my deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Paul Lundh is a longtime resident of Centerville and a periodic columnist for the Quad Community Press.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

• Election season is considered to be from the filing deadline until the day of the election. Limited to 350 words. Letters are free unless endorsing or opposing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement/ opposition letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-4071200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement/ opposition letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

Submissions must include a

full name, address and phone number for verification. Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable news source. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not

be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits. Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters. All letters are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication. The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 5 election will be printed in the Oct. 23 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.16. To submit a letter, email news@presspubs.com or mail/ deliver it to Press Publications.

Paul Lundh

Amy’s Archives

Amy Holmberg

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Be my neighbor

The dictionary definition of segregation is the separation or isolation of a race, class or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities or by other discriminatory means. When a development is marketed using terms such as “Muslim-centric,” “Muslim-friendly” or “Muslim-neighborhood,” it is without question that one group is being elevated over any other. This sort of marketing will result in a majority or totality of the population being from the target demographic.  Discriminate: to make a difference in the treatment or favor of a basis other than individual merit If you favor one group of people over another in this way, you are discriminating against any other groups or individuals who might live in that neighborhood. Although all are “allowed” to live there, the question should be who would want to? Who would make the largest purchase of their life in a community where they may be “less than” or “other?” Who would intentionally move into a community where their lifestyle choices might be at odds with their new neighbors? Would those in favor of Madinah Lakes feel welcome in neighborhoods if they were advertised as “centric”? How about one that is “gay-friendly,” or “Christian-centric” or “Jewish-friendly?” If that sounds exclusionary, it’s because it is. Madinah Lakes will bring division to Lino Lakes. Fact. There is no example in history where a divided community has had a positive outcome. Ever. I say this to “Zikar Holdings” and all those who are in support of this development. You don’t need a “Muslim-friendly” neighborhood. Lino Lakes is already Muslim-friendly. We are everyone-friendly. If we weren’t, then why would you be so anxious to build here? We welcome any nationality, creed, gender, religion or orientation. Be my neighbor. Don’t build a separate city, don’t name it something other than Lino Lakes. Build a mosque, but don’t lay claim to all around it. Build truly open neighborhoods in the warm and welcoming style that Lino already offers all its residents, new and old.

Luke Walter Lino Lakes

WEEKLY WAG

Beaureguarde, or Beau, loves his people and wants nothing more than to be part of a loving family. He is perfectly content chilling in the house or playing in the yard. Beau is an Irish terrier/Vizsla mix. He is 3 1/2 years old and weighs 55 pounds. Beau is house-trained and knows his basic commands. He is also leash-trained and would make a great walking, running and hiking partner.

Beau likes to play fetch and he loves the water. He would be a great boat buddy and/or lake cabin companion. Beau is social and enjoys playing with other dogs. In fact, he would go great in a home with another dog. Although he can be a little cautious at first, Beau is friendly to all the people he gets to know.

Beau is a surrender from Texas and arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as part of the Lone Star to North Star program. If you are interested in learning more about Beaureguarde 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.

Lino Lakes man recovered after canoe goes over waterfall

After two weeks of searching, search crews have located the body of 40-year-old Reis Melvin Grams of Lino Lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The body of the man he was with, Cambridge resident Jesse Melvin Haugen, 40, was previously located. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 18, at Curtain Falls, which is located on Iron Lake in St. Louis County. According to a press release from the local sheriff, two canoes went over the falls shortly before 7:21 p.m. In addition to the missing canoeists, one person was badly injured.

The wounded person and another individual who was uninjured were airlifted from the scene by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter around 12:30 a.m. The sheriff’s office said the injured party was flown to a hospital in Duluth with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

A variety of equipment and crews were utilized in the search so far, including the Minnesota National Guard.

A memorial service for Reis is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at Renovation Church, 12390 Frazier Street NE, Blaine. The family will greet friends from 2 p.m., until the time of service at the church. To honor Reis as a coach, all youth are encouraged to wear jerseys or Centennial gear to his celebration of life. Immediately following the service, all are invited to the Boulevard Bar & Grille in Lexington to share stories and celebrate Reis’ life.

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• Once again, the city has received an unmodified, or clean opinion on its annual audit. Andy Hering, of Redpath and Company, shared that there were no internal control findings and no legal compliance findings for 2023.

• Residents Lloyd and Linda Drilling are proposing to adjust the lot line between their properties at 7185 Mound Trail and 7193 Mound Trail. No new lots would be created. City Planner Katie Larsen explained that the Drillings own and reside in the house located at 7185 Mound Trail. In June 2023, they purchased the adjacent lot located at 7193 Mound Trail. The Drillings wish to adjust the lot line between the two lots to the northeast to increase and protect the view of the lake for 7185 Mound Trail.

Portions of both lots are in the city of Lino Lakes and the city of Centerville. Larsen said typically, a lot line adjustment is done by minor subdivision and reviewed at a staff level, but due to the unique situation — both lots are located in two cities with multiple property IDs — and to simplify the process, the lot line adjustment will be processed as a preliminary plat and final plat. The council was expected to take action on the plats at its June 10 meeting, after press deadline.

• Resident James Christiansen proposes to subdivide the existing lot located at 6217 Hodgson Road

Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory receives Maximus Award

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) recognized the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory for the fifth consecutive year as a Project FORESIGHT Maximus Award winner.

The Maximus Award is given to the top performing forensic science laboratories in the world. 2024 top performers are laboratories operating at 90% or better of peak efficiency. The Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory was one of only 16 laboratories in the world to receive this award out of 211 laboratories that submitted data to the project.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said, “… This award is presented to those labs that consistently display excellence in their work. We in Anoka County can all take pride in this achievement as it confirms for our citizens (that) they are receiving the best in forensic laboratory services anywhere. This means that more crimes are solved and more criminals are held to account, which makes for safer communities.”

The Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory is a partnership between Anoka, Sherburne and Wright counties and is located at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in Andover. The laboratory is comprised of four scientific areas of testing: biology, drug chemistry, toxicology and latent prints. Additionally, the laboratory manages the intake, return and movement of evidence throughout the laboratory.

into two lots for the purpose of constructing two new single-family houses. The lot is 1.37 gross acres, or 59,795 square feet. Larsen shared that the existing house on the property was demolished in January. The council was expected to take action on the Linda Avenue Addition preliminary plat at its June 10 meeting, after press deadline.

• The council is expected to accept a feasibility report for the extension of municipal sewer and water for the Colonial Woods and Pine Haven neighborhoods at its meeting June 10, after press deadline.

City Engineer Diane Hankee explained that both neighborhoods have systems that are over 35 years old. In addition to street reconstruction, the city is evaluating the extension of municipal water and sanitary sewer to serve the area. Both of the neighborhoods currently use onsite private wells and septic systems. According to the feasibility report, the estimated cost of the street and drainage improvements is $2.58 million for Colonial Woods. There are no proposed assessments for the street reconstruction and drainage improvements. The estimated cost for the sanitary sewer and water system improvements is $1.44 million. Each unit/lot is proposed to be assessed $18,000. A connection fee of $15,337 would also be required.

For the Pine Haven neighborhood,

the estimated cost of the street and drainage improvements is $1.77 million. The estimated cost for the sanitary sewer and water system improvements is $1.56 million. Each unit would be assessed $16,000 as well as a connection fee of $13,356.

A public hearing for the proposed Colonial Woods project is scheduled for July 8; the Pine Haven public hearing will be July 22. For more information, visit https://linolakes. us/533/2024-2025-Street-Reconstruction-Project.

• The city sent out a request for proposals for a firm to evaluate the public safety department a couple of weeks ago. Firms have until June 17 to respond. City Administrator Sarah Cotton and council members Michael Ruhland and Tony Cavegn will form a committee.

• Now that summer is here, Blue Heron Days is on the minds of many. The city is currently looking for parade participants for the annual parade scheduled for Saturday, Aug 17. For more information, visit linolakes.us/407/ Blue-Heron-Days.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24. There will also be a council work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m.

Shannon Granhom

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• While on patrol in the 300 block of I-35W May 28, an officer conducted a registration check and found the owner/driver to have a canceled driver’s license. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was arrested and booked into jail for driving after cancellation/ inimical to public safety.

• An officer located two juveniles inside a vehicle at a closed church in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue May 28 and instructed them to go home, as they were out past curfew.

• An officer responded to an apartment building in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway for a report of juveniles throwing rocks near vehicles in a parking lot May 28. The officer checked the area but was not able to locate the juveniles.

• Officers responded to a report of a hawk stuck in garden netting in the 6000 block of Foxtail Drive May 29. The hawk was freed from the netting and it flew away.

• An officer took a report of flowers stolen from a flower bed in the 6500 block of Pheasant Hills Drive May 29. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer responded to a parking lot where someone had broken the side window of a vehicle and gone through bags inside in the 6600 block of West Shadow Lake Drive May 29. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer received a report of a bat in a home in the 7700 block of Lake Drive May 30. The officer informed the renter to contact their landlord.

• An officer took a delayed hit-and-run accident report from the 500 block of Birch Street May 30. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers arrested a juvenile on a warrant in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue May 30. The juvenile was booked into a detention facility.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 7600 block of Lake Drive May 30. After an investigation, the adult male driver was arrested for DWI. The driver later tested a 0.09 and was charged with fourth-degree DWI and alcohol content 0.08 or more.

• Officers were requested to assist the Centennial Lakes Police Department with a fight on West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines May 30. All parties were separated without further incident.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a driving violation in the 800 block of Main Street May 30. The officer detected impairment and the driver was arrested for third-degree DWI.

• Officers assisted the Minnesota State Patrol with a rollover crash on I-35W near Lexington Avenue NE May 31. Officers found there were no injuries and cleared the scene once the State Patrol arrived.

• An officer was dispatched to the area of Chestnut Street and Cypress Street regarding a traffic complaint May

Chris Jarombek REALTOR® Chris@ChrisJarombek.com cjarombek.remax.com Mobile: (612) 508-3753 Office: (612) 464-7070

31. The incident was documented.

• An officer received a complaint involving a large snapping turtle in a yard in the 8200 block of Blackbird Lane May 31. The caller was provided with information on how to handle the situation.

• Officers responded to a local school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue for an assault May 31. A juvenile was arrested and booked into a local juvenile holding facility.

• An officer took a report of a two-vehicle property damage crash on I-35E near Main Street May 31. One possible injury was reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

• An officer stopped a vehicle in the 6800 block of Sunset Avenue and cited the male driver for driving without a valid license May 31. The officer later observed the same male driving the vehicle again, so it was stopped and the adult male driver was arrested and booked into jail for driving after revocation and no proof of insurance.

• An officer responded to a call involving a vehicle that may have run over an animal in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue May 31. The vehicle did not have any damage. The driver was given a case number, and the officer documented the incident in a report.

• An officer was dispatched to a phone call report regarding a fraud in the 8200 block of Wood Duck Trail June 1. The investigation is ongoing.

• A community service officer responded to a report of a snapping turtle in a roadway in the 6400 block of Totem Trail June 1. The turtle was located on a walking trail and moved to a wetland near the trail.

• A community service officer received a phone call related to a contained bat in the 6500 block of Clearwater Creek Drive June 1. The caller’s questions were answered.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of Main Street June 2. The male driver was ultimately arrested and was later charged with fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a report an abandoned boat at a boat launch in the 7400 block of Main Street June 2. The owner was contacted and they advised they would move the boat that day.

• An officer responded to a complaint of loose dogs in the 6800 block of Lakeview Drive June 2. The dogs were returned home, and owners were advised of the city ordinance.

• An officer was requested to assist another agency with an area search after a crashed motorcycle was found without a rider in the 6600 block of I-35E June 2. The rider was later found to have been transported to a hospital.

• An officer assisted the Minnesota State Patrol on I-35W near Lake Drive where an impaired motorist left the roadway June 2. The male driver was ultimately arrested for an impaired driving offense.

• Officers responded to a report of an unwanted male at a residence in the 6300 block of Otter Lake Road June 2. The officer provided transportation for the unwanted person. While investigating, officers found the male had committed criminal offenses and cited him.

• An officer responded to a local correctional facility in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue June 2 for an assault that took place against a staff member. A juvenile male was later charged with assault.

• An officer was dispatched to a residence in the 6300 block of Otter Lake Road for found drug paraphernalia June 3. The officer took possession of the property, and it was properly disposed of.

• Officers responded to a 911 open line in Lino Lakes June 3 to what sounded like a domestic situation occurring. Officers arrived and ultimately arrested a female for domestic assault.

• A community service officer assisted a resident in the 1000 block of Killdeer Court in removing a snapping turtle from their yard June 3.

• An officer received a phone call from a resident in the

1400 block of Pondview Circle regarding a scam attempt June 3. The caller received a suspicious text message asking them to click on a link to renew a membership. The caller did not open the link and wanted to report the incident to prevent others from being scammed.

• An officer and firefighters responded to an apartment building in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway for a child stuck in an elevator because of a power outage in the area June 3. The child was released from the elevator unharmed and reunited with a parent.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• Officers responded to the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington June 1 regarding disorderly juveniles.

• Officers received a phone call regarding harassment on West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines June 1.

• Officers responded to a property damage crash at the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue NE in Circle Pines June 1.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint on West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines June 2. After assessing the complaint, it was determined to be unfounded.

• Officers responded to a stolen bicycle in the 0 block of Central Street in Circle Pines June 2. No suspect has been identified.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that failed to signal three times near 20th Avenue North and Main Street in Centerville June 2. The driver was ultimately released with a verbal warning.

• Officers made an arrest on an outstanding warrant at the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground in Centerville June 2.

• An officer took a report of a possible hit-and-run accident in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville June 2.

• Officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road in Lexington June 2. The driver was ultimately arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• Officers were dispatched to the 20 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines for a harassment report June 3. Officers documented information regarding an ongoing situation.

• Police responded to the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington May 29 regarding a burglary. No entry was made to the property, but the attempt resulted in damage to the property.

• Police responded to the 1600 block of Lakeland Circle in Centerville May 29 regarding a report of identity theft. A report was completed.

• Officers responded to the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville May 29 for a single-vehicle property damage accident.

• A driver was stopped near Main Street and Mound Trail in Centerville May 29 for speeding 59 mph in a 35mph speed zone. The driver was also cited for no proof of insurance.

• Officers responded to the 200 block of Galaxy Drive in Circle Pines May 30 to arrest someone on an outstanding warrant.

• Officers were dispatched to the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington May 30 for a hit-and-run property damage accident. Officers documented the information in a report.

• Police responded to a damage to property report in the 30 block of Central Street in Circle Pines May 30. Officers gathered information and located the suspect nearby. Arrangements were made for the suspect to pay for the damage.

• Officers were dispatched to the 50 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines May 30 on a report of a fight.

• Officers learned of a possible theft in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington May 30. There are no suspects at this time.

Yogadevotion on the Beach

Check in 8:00 a.m. Practice 8:30 a.m.

Memorial Beach, WBL

Tennis Day

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Central Middle School Tennis Courts

Rotary Club of WBL Blood Drive

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

White Bear Lake Armory

21-22

Progressive Community Garage Sale

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Locations to be determined

Pickleball Mixer

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sunrise Park Middle School

Best way to start the day! All are welcome from new to seasoned practitioners. $10 donation goes to White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. yogadevotion.com • Sponsored by Yogadevotion.

Pull-Out Section

A fun day of tennis in White Bear Lake. Games & activities for all ages and abilities. Learn to play and meet the pros from the area. Free. wbltennis.org • Sponsored by USTA Northern

For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code WBL Community Drive or call 1-800-RED CROSS Free. whitebearrotary.org • Sponsored by Rotary Club of WBL

White Bear Lake 17th Annual Classic & Vintage Boat Show

Bear Boating Blood Drive

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

White Bear Lake Armory - 2228 4th Street, WBL

White Bear’s Notorious Gangsters

Look for information on Facebook, ads in local newspapers and flyers. https://www.facebook.com/events/606040326898105/ Free. • Sponsored by Community of Grace Lutheran Church

Play for intermediate to advance recreational play. Register www. grambush.com or 651-357-6109. Free. • Sponsored by Farmers Insurance - Grambush Agency.

Due to COVID-19, there is a higher demand for blood donations. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/giveblood.html Sponsored by Bear Boating of WBL & The American Red Cross

Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Virtual program • Register at whitebearhistory.org

Farmers Market

Join us to learn some gangster lingo while you hear the tales of Ma Barker, Alvin “Creepy” Karpis & Baby Face Nelson. Sponsored by White Bear Lake Area Historical Society

Boat show, displays and nautical market will be on Lake Avenue in front of the White Bear Shopping Center. See map on page 4.

8:00 a.m. - Noon • Clark Ave. between 2

events at manitoudays.com

Every Friday through the end of October. Locally grown. We also offer Community Supported Agriculture. (CSA’s) 651-747-3650.

Born Again

Picnique Launch

Meet the Boats

Tally Ho

Tortuga Del Mar

Aluma Craft

Owner:

Chasing Sunsets

Owner: Corey Walberg Boat Year: 1953 Make: Chris Craft Model: Sportsman

Length: 17' Engine(s): Chrysler Ace Marine

Blue Heron

Sea Lancer

Maid ‘N’ 47

Owner: Mike Selander Boat Year: 1963 Make: Glasspar Model: Seafair Length: 18' Engine(s): 90 Hp Yamaha

Bootlegger

Edgar A Boats Not Pictured

CHILDREN’S FISHING CONTEST

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Free Boat Rides – Bear Boating

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• WBL Classic & Vintage Boat Show & Nautical Market

• DJ Matt

• Face Painting

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Voting for Awards

11:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Food & Drink Options:

• Admiral D’s Grill 11- 2pm

• A variety of eating establishments

3:00 p.m.

• Boat Show Ends

• Awards presentation at Admiral D’s

3:00-4:00 p.m.

• TEAR DOWN

Visit our charming downtown at 4th St. and Highway 61 and support our local businesses.

Old Woodie going from gray to grand

DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

The late Pat Oven, who for years organized the annual White Bear Lake Classic & Vintage Boat Show, would pester Joel Lemanski to bring a “gray” boat for display. “A gray boat,” Lemanski explained, “is a boat in really bad shape. So last year I brought one that I’d recently acquired, a 1929 ChrisCraft Cadet.”

Lemanski, who restores boats out of a pole barn in Grant, got the old Woodie from a friend. He wasn’t really expecting someone to buy it, but sure enough, a guy inquired about the Cadet’s history and said he wanted the boat.

“I told him he could have it for nothing if I did the restoration,” Lemanski said.

The 22-foot Cadet is not really rare, just really old.

“They used them as tenders for yachts. I’m pretty sure that’s what this one did. They have triple cockpits so they’re a nice entertaining boat,” said Lemanski, who knows a whole lot about wooden boats. He’s been working on them most of his life, sharing a “love and passion” for the boats with his father growing up in St. Paul.

Lemanski owns Classic Boat Hardware, a one-stop shop for original hardware and coating supplies. He’s been a regular at the annual boat show for years. He also does complete restorations and engine repair, sells old boats and engine parts and provides appraisals.

The Cadet’s owner, Don Dinesen of Cannon Falls, will have $40,000 to $60,000 invested when the boat is finished. The entire bottom is being

replaced with new wood, for example, and the 6-cylinder flathead engine overhauled. The original Philippine mahogany is no longer available so Lemanski found an alternative hardwood called meranti. He drives to Michigan to purchase the imported wood.

The business has always been a side job for the craftsman, who owned a bakery in Highland Park with wife Michelle for 27 years. Now retired, he’s been “crazy busy” this winter working on boats. But Lemanski wouldn’t have it any other way. “Some people think I work my butt off, but I don’t think I work at all. I can’t believe they pay me to do this.”

Still, customers are aging out of classic boat ownership. “The guys who bought these boats new have passed them on to their kids who are now in their 60s and 70s,” he said. “Younger people are buying them, but it’s not like it used to be. People do appreciate them though. They’re a lot of fun.”

His own personal pride and joy is a 1957 ChrisCraft Capri. The 19-footer was a late buddy’s boat that his father bought new. “I’ve owned hundreds of boats but this one is sentimental,” Lemanski said. “I won’t trade it for anything.”

Unfortunately, the wooden boat expert doesn’t think he’ll make this year’s Manitou Days Classic and Vintage Boat Show June 22. He is also a “delivery captain” and will be spending three weeks delivering a couple boats in Florida around that time.

Visit www.classicboathardware.com for more information.

PAUL DOLS & CARTER JOHNSON PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Joel Lemanski gave this triple cockpit ChrisCraft Cadet to Don Dinesen at last year’s show.

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Centennial graduates ‘have opportunity to draw their own paths’

The following four speeches were given at Centennial High School’s graduation ceremony Saturday, June 8, at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Each year, students apply for an opportunity to speak at graduation.

Natalie Clarys

Hello, students, staff, family and friends. Somehow and some way, we actually made it. After 13 years of coloring books to calculus, we made it here to the final steps of our journeys. But that’s just the thing- it’s the final step and the first stride.

In reality, this is really only the end of the very beginning in an entire lifetime of firsts and lasts, of frustrations and tears, and of laughter, joys and opportunities. And most prominently, excitement and perhaps a little bit of fear. But what are we afraid of? We’re afraid of what comes next, or rather, what doesn’t come next. We are afraid of change. Or rather, changing too much.

When I was younger, one of my favorite books was the critically acclaimed Crocket Johnson novel, “Harold and The Purple Crayon.” Now, if you’re not familiar with this piece of novel literature, I’ll give you a brief rundown. The story centers around a 4-year-old boy who has a magical purple crayon that he uses to draw whatever he can imagine. A lasso, a cowboy or a sailboat? You betcha. This idea was essentially the best thing to me since sliced bread, as it meant that I could finally draw myself a version of Chris Hemsworth, and we could ride off into the sunset together; just he and I and a private yacht. You can imagine my horror and absolute anguish when I found out that sometimes, a crayon is just a crayon. And sometimes, we can’t expect things to be simple. We are not children anymore, and we might not have

a purple crayon that can simply change and create whatever we wish for at a moment’s notice. However, we have ambition. We have late nights and support for one another. We have opportunity, and most importantly, we have the will to do what we so desire. That is, if we choose to take the jump and explore what is frightening. If we choose to change.

Because, friends, you do not have a purple crayon, but you do have something that is much more powerful, which is one simple word: “yes.” Of course, I am not implying saying yes to everything, especially things that might be illegal or dangerous. But if you don’t say yes to opportunity, then you’ll never know the outcome. Say yes to discomfort and the probability that things may not always go as planned. And yes, while falling may sting, and you may be afraid to try, try again, sitting still and tapping your foot, waiting for an opportunity to arise with no sort of reaching will just leave your hands empty. So, you need to take your crayon and draw an outline.

We have this amazing opportunity to draw our own paths if we choose to use it. But if we don’t, then we can’t. So, we keep moving forward and accept every obstacle and success that might fall in our path. And if you don’t like that path that you’re traveling down, then draw a new one.

At the end of our paths, lies a choice. You can either move forward or stay standing, but you have the amazing opportunity to always move forward, even if you choose to stop and rest. The path will still be there, awaiting your arrival, and waiting for your next jump. You never know what beauty you’re capable of. Good luck, and Godspeed.

SEE CENTENNIAL GRADUATES, PAGE 15

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• The Griggs Avenue construction project is set to begin June 24. The project should be completed by August.

• City Administrator Bill Petracek reports 10 downed trees in Memorial Park from the June 4 storm, as well as 30 downed trees on Centerwood Road. Construction crews are currently working to clear the debris.

• Boulevard Bar & Grille’s liquor license is now in place for 2024.

• The Curious Crow Company is still expected to open its doors in July. The council recently approved a wine and beer license for the business.

• A letter of credit for O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Store’s will be canceled due to outsourcing construction workers from Missouri and the project taking seven years to complete from its initial start in 2017.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

over

Hannah Testa

im Copeland has lived in the local area for 47 years. He has focused exclusively on deck construction for the past 25 years, building nearly 500 of them alone. This last year, things changed a bit. Tim added his 2 sons, Joe & Noah, making the company a family operation. “We do every aspect of the job from conception to completion,” Tim says, “so you’re always talking to the people doing the actual work.” In addition to building new decks, they also rehabilitate old decks with staining, painting, cleaning, repairs & alterations. Look for Tim weekly under “Decks”

Big finish for Cougars’ Ball: 2nd, 4th place throws at state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Timothy Ball started his senior year at Centennial as one of the leading tacklers on the state championship football team. He capped his senior year in another strongman capacity with two prodigious throws at the state track meet.

Centennial also brought home fifth-place medals in the girls 4x800 relay.

Ball placed second in the discus on Saturday with a throw of 177 feet, 8 inches, in the Class 3A meet at St. Michael-Albertville, after placing fourth in the shot put on Thursday with 56-8 1/4 — raising his school records in both.

For all that, he couldn’t say yes if asked if he was pretty satisfied.

“Not really! I scratched on two really good throws,” said Ball, adding that he’s usually very disciplined and not someone who scratches.

“I had a 185 on discus but went outside the lines. Which I never do. By a couple inches,”

Ball said. “And I had a 62-foot shot. My toe just grazed the board.”

Still, he was smiling broadly as he left the field with friends and stopped for an interview.

“I still PR’d in both, and got two medals, so I’m happy about that,” said the 6-foot-2 athlete who plans to continue in both

sports at Bethel.

The Cougar girls 4x800 relay placed fifth in a time of 9:22.25, about two seconds off their school record of 9:20.15 in the section meet. Members were Julia Zalewski, Kylie Nelson, Lauren Klein and Miranda Sawvel.

Klein also reached the finals in the 800 and placed ninth (medals go to the top nine) in 2:18.10. She had a 2:16.9 prelim for eighth place. Nelson placed 11th in the 1600 with 5:01.36, which was four seconds faster than her section time.

Centennial boys lacrosse wings into state tourney

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial’s boys lacrosse team is state tournament bound after heating up for a 19-9 victory over Champlin Park in the Section 7 finals at home Thursday evening.

“The boys really put it out there. This was pretty close to a perfect game,” assessed coach Seth King. Centennial takes a 10-7 record into the state tournament. The Cougars face a daunting challenge, though, against No. 1 ranked Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Tuesday, 5 p.m, at Eden Prairie. BSM beat the Cougars 23-0 in the regular season. The other pairings are Eden Prairie vs. Eagan, Moorhead vs. Lakeville North and Minnetonka vs. Stillwater.

In the section finals, Cougar scoring was spread out as Gavin Cunningham tallied five goals, Logan Adams four, Gavin Jorud four, Kellen Krumweide three, Solomon Marshall two and Brol Scherman one.

Many of the goals were set up by excellent passing. “That’s been a big part of our success when we’ve had success — when we can whip the ball around, with all

Cougar baseball finishes with 12-12 record

Centennial’s season ended with a 4-3 loss to Blaine at home Wednesday in the fourth round of the Section 7AAAA tournament. The Cougars finished 12-12, including 2-2 in the plahoffs, with both losses to Blaine, the first one 2-1. Aiden Lieser threw five innings, allowing just one hit,

the guys getting touches,” King said. “When we can do that, it’s hard for the defense to react. But that’s easier said than done.”

They beat a good team by ten despite getting just one goal from scoring leader Scherman. “In this game, Brol’s role was more of distribution, and drawing double teams,” said King. Scherman made five assists while Krumweide made three and Marshall and Cunningham two each.

Brayden Strausser led the Rebels (13-4) with four goals.

No. 5 seeded Centennial tripped No. 1 Andover 15-12 in the semifinals Tuesday and No. 5 Champlin Park foiled No. 2 Grand Rapids/Greenway 11-5. Centennial had beaten both Andover 20-8 and Champlin Park 12-5 in conference play.

In the semifinal win over Andover, Scherman tallied six goals and Adams five. Cunningham had two goals and three assists.

The Cougars finished the regular season 6-7 after taking on a formidable non-conference schedule. Along with the loss to BSM, they fell to No. 2 Prior Lake (13-2), No. 8 Edina (11-4), and Chanhassen (10-6). The Cougars were 6-2 in the Northwest Suburban, losing to No. 6

one walk, and one unearned run, striking out five, and hit an RBI single. Blaine got three runs and three hits (one unearned) off Josh Lee, who took the loss. Peyton Streit went 3-for-4 (double), Ben Clauson 2-for-3 (double), Caden Coppersmith 2-for-2 and Jacob Hosfield 1-for-3 (double). Blaine starter Ethan Pettis got the win, with Ryan Burley finishing.

Gavin Cunningham will play in the second state tournament of his sophomore year after helping the Cougars lacrosse team win the Section 7 crown last week. From the attack position, Cunningham notched 14 goals and 11 assists in four playoff games, including a game-high five goals in the finals against Champlin Park. In hockey, Cunningham helped the Cougars win the section and place fifth in the state tournament. For the season, he logged six goals and 18 assists.

Maple Grove (11-4) and Rogers (13-2).

“We lined up a schedule this year that’s the hardest we’ve ever had. The loss to BSM was extremely humbling,” said King. But he added, “We’ve always been able to bounce back, to see those games as building blocks for when we get to the section, to be battle tested.”

Cougar girls pull upset, then lose in section finals

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial girls lacrosse reached the Section 7 finals last week by upsetting an undefeated team, but their bid to reach the state tournament was foiled by Andover 9-6 on Thursday evening.

That was the opener of a section finals double-header at home after both Cougar teams, seeded fifth, pulled off semi-final upsets.

The Cougars nipped top-seeded Chis-

ago Lakes 8-7 there Tuesday with goalie Peyton Brezney stopping 15 of 20 shots by the Wildcats, who were 14-0 coming into the game. Paige Clauson notched three goals and Noelle Hemr two for the Cougars. Andover (8-9) stymied the Cougars in the finals, limiting them to six goals. Ella Weist tallied three goals, Karley Lacis two and Makenzi Munger one. The Cougars finished 9-8. They had beaten Andover 8-7 in conference play.

Timothy Ball placed fourth in shot put (above) and second in the discus at state.

PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Lauren Klein helped the Cougars place fifth in the 4x800 relay and reached finals in the 800, placing ninth.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Centennial players celebrated after the final horn of their 19-9 win over Champion Park to clinch a state berth.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Paige Clauson of the Cougars was hounded by Andover defenders in the finals.

CENTENNIAL GRADUATES:

FROM PAGE 12

Gurleen Khosa

Satriakal Saryanu, Good afternoon Class of 2024. After years of hard work and dedication, we finally made it. I’m sure many of us sitting here have been asked, “What are you going to do next?” but I would like to ask you, “Who are you going to be moving forward?”

As we sit here today, I look around and see a class rich in diversity. Each one of us brings a unique background, a different story, and our own set of experiences that have shaped us into who we are. Moving forward, we carry these experiences with us as core memories that will last a lifetime.

Late nights in the student section, on the field, in the band, and many early mornings at school has gotten us here today. None of this could have been possible without the help and guidance of our amazing staff, students, guardians, and loved ones. The power of the Centennial community is truly remarkable. Our supportive educators have inspired us to strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact on all of us and our identities.

For me, my family’s Punjabi culture has been a cornerstone of my identity. Today, as we celebrate our accomplishments, I am filled with pride not just for myself, but for all of us because our journey wasn’t without its challenges.

Moving forward from 8th grade, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our schools, forcing us to go online and navigate the end of middle school and beginning of high school during unprecedented times. Yet we adapted, we persevered, and we emerged stronger. So, some of us have our next plans figured out, and that’s amazing. And some of us don’t, and that’s okay too. That just means that not all of us have an answer to the question of what we are going to do.

Yet we all have the opportunity to decide who we are going to be when we leave this place today. Your roles in life are going to change, but you are so much more than your role. Moving forward, I encourage you to focus on who you are beyond these roles.

In the beginning of high school, I really cared about how I was perceived externally. I measured my worth by the number of clubs I was in, how good my hair looked, or what outfit I was wearing. As I have gotten older, I made a resolution to rebuild my identity. Moving forward, I decided that in order to heal the way I saw myself, I had to start with the way I saw and spoke about others. I began to describe people not by what they do but who they are. For example, instead of describing my twin brother as the robotics president or tuba player, I would first tell you he is kind, compassionate, and confident. I also encourage you, moving forward, not to see individuals for what they do but who they really are.

If there is one thing I could leave you with today, it is a phrase my grandmother often tells me: “Sabar Rakh,” which means “have patience.” Dear Class of 2024, moving forward, I encourage you to choose a positive attitude, treat others with genuine kindness, and appreciate your own unique inner beauty. Life will undoubtedly present us with unexpected challenges. There will be moments of uncertainty and times when things don’t go as planned. But remember, it’s not the obstacles we face that define us, but how we respond to them. So, move forward with resilience, have patience, and remember life is about who you are, not what you are. I am so proud of each and every one of you for being here today. Roll Cougs!

Tyler Celotta

Hi ... Good afternoon, faculty, family, friends, and fellow graduates. I must admit, it’s both an honor and a bit nerve-wracking to stand before such a significant audience today. I could be speaking in front of the next Steve Jobs, Muhammad Ali, or even a future George Washington. But my advice; if you aspire to be the latter, please, please lose the powder wig.

When I was younger, I met a kid on the first day of second grade. We hit it off right away—at least I think we did. It was 10 years ago, so forgive me if the details are fuzzy. Over time, he went from being my classmate to a great friend. We played in the woods and climbed trees higher than my mom would have been comfortable with had she known. His favorite color was orange, so mine became orange. I joined the Boy Scouts, so he joined the Boy Scouts. We were incredibly close.

As we grew, we changed—not just in height or weird smells, but also in our interests and habits. We discovered who we truly were, and much to my chagrin, we drifted apart. I had conversations with many classmates and shared lunch with different kids, yet that unique bond I once held remained out of reach. A part of me wanted to go back to the way things were. However, the best thing I did for myself was to let go. I never forgot the past, but I moved on looking for something new, not an exact replacement. I opened myself up to new people and eventually made new friends. It was only after letting go of what was, that I met my best friend.

High school is a unique place where friendships are strengthened, boundaries are tested, and personalities are molded. Exiting high school, we are like artists standing before a blank canvas, equipped with the skills and creativity to paint our unique masterpiece in the mosaic of the future. While some of us may pursue paths of doctors and engineers, others will venture into mechanics and plumbing, and for those who have mastered the art of staying awake in history class, well, the world awaits your expertise in ... something (clearly not my forte).

In all seriousness, never forget what you have accomplished here and the life lessons you’ve learned. Open yourself up to new people and new experiences. While you may want to avoid water that appears to be from the east, remember that high school is just the starting point of your lifelong journey.

Accept what is, let go of what was, and believe in what will be. Please hear that.

Accept what is, let go of what was, believe in what will be, and I wish you all an incredibly bright future.

Ilham Mohamed

Dear fellow graduates of the class of 2024. We made it. Today marks a significant milestone in our lives, a moment where our hard work, dedication, and perseverance are celebrated. We have shared countless memories, grown together, and faced numerous challenges. As we stand on the cusps of new beginnings, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I address you all.

Unlike many of you sitting in front of me, I did not start my education in the Centennial district, but I am beyond happy that I finished it with all of you. My three years at Centennial High School have been some of the most exciting and spirited of my entire academic career. It is all because of how vibrant this class is. Speaking in front of you all, I want to highlight the good of our community but also address the changes we need to make to better support future classes for success.

Attending a predominantly white school as a Muslim woman of color has taught me many things. We

always hear about these prejudiced people and how they treat those they view as different. To them, being different is bad. In my sophomore year at Centennial, which was also my first year here, I encountered one of these prejudiced people. I was openly ridiculed, harassed as well as verbally attacked. Being a new student at Centennial led to me being unable to get the support I needed from an adult, faculty, or admin. So, I turned to my friends. While I did find my support teachers, having that immediate aid from my friends ultimately pushed me to a realization: If I had faced this treatment, many others before and many after me would have faced the same thing. This life-altering event had settled like sand in the ocean and that disturbed us.

So, I and other students of color took this new fiery passion and channeled it towards making a difference in our district. We joined clubs, advocated for students to admin, and helped with projects to support our classmates. Two years later, I can confidently stand up here, delivering this speech because we fostered an environment where I feel comfortable being myself. I found the courage to talk about the good and the bad because we changed what Centennial used to be. We did that ourselves. That is an outstanding accomplishment in itself.

Looking at all of your faces from here, I see what I can describe as a safety net. Nobody understands the hardships of almost failing a class like you guys do. Nobody understands the stress of finals and college applications clashing like you guys do. Nobody understands the excitement of going to state finals for football and winning the title of state championships like you guys do. That ring was destined to be ours as is our bright and promising future. I find safety in knowing that my hardest high school moments are shared by every single one of you.

As we leave this ceremony as intelligent young adults, let’s strive to be the difference we want to see in our upcoming environments. Let us embrace the challenges ahead with courage, pursue our passions with relentless determination, and make a positive impact on the world. Congratulations to the class of 2024–our journey has just begun.

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Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.

As 90% of global commerce travels by sea and access to the internet relies on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations.

“Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Lindsey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is establishing a relationship with local veterans at an assisted living complex,” said Lindsey. “I was looking for opportunities to give back to the community, and I enjoy spending time with the veterans socially. It is very rewarding.”

Lindsey serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means being willing to go above and beyond for the man or woman to my left and right,” said Lindsey. “You’re given the re -

sponsibility to keep everyone safe, not just yourself.”

Lindsey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank Chief Blake Little on USS Wichita,” added Lindsey. “Chief Little defines what it means to be a sailor’s chief. He is generally concerned about his fellow sailors, and he is the best chief I’ve worked with.”

Lindsey looks forward to starting college in the near future.

“The Navy has definitely opened up a lot of doors and I’m looking at nuclear engineering or computer science.”

Tracey Bannister is a mass communication Specialist 1st Class for the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

JOSIAH TROMBLEY | CONTRIBUTED Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Lindsey, a native of Circle Pines, serves aboard USS Billings, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.