Quad Community Press

Residents, nonresidents weigh in on concept plan

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — While a concept plan for Madinah Lakes makes its way through the various city boards, those in support of and those opposed to the project continue to share their thoughts with the city.

At the same time, the city is also considering a moratorium on new residential development within the

northwest quadrant of the city.

The Environmental Board, Park Board and Planning and Zoning Board have all had an opportunity to view the Madinah Lakes concept plan and offer input. Next up will be the City Council July 1.

The Planning and Zoning Board was set to hold a public hearing regarding a possible moratorium June 17, after press deadline.

Madinah Lakes is proposed by Zikar Holdings on land located on the south side of Main Street (County Road 14) near the city’s border with Blaine. The 156-acre development would include a $15 million 40,000-squarefoot masjid, or mosque.

Lino Lakes resident Luke Walter said he attended the various board meetings where the concept plan was discussed, where he spoke about the

Lino Lakes artist explores variety of mediums

Daniel Kuchenbecker is a local artist and art teacher. He recently moved from Hugo to Lino Lakes. Recently, Press Publications sat down with him to learn more about his artistic career and passions.

Q. Tell us about yourself.

A. Hello! My name is Daniel Kuchenbecker, and I am an artist/art teacher in Lino Lakes. I am married, with a son and another on the way! When I am not painting landscapes and making pottery, I enjoy playing guitar.

Q. What initially drew you to pursue art, and how has your journey evolved since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout? What is your day job?

A. By day, I teach art at a local high school. This is what I went to school for while also taking many

other art and design classes. I don’t think at that point I had ambitions about being a practicing artist — I loved teaching and I had some art skill, so it made sense to get a teaching degree and teach high school art. While teaching, I decided that I needed to have better mastery of my subjects in order to teach at a higher level. This led to large strides in pottery (which I had no real experience with) and painting. During all of this, I decided to start selling pottery at art fairs and it just expanded from there, becoming a small business. Over the pandemic I got really into watercolors, and that has taken off in a different way, leading to exhibitions, art fairs and being the latest vice president of the Minnesota Watercolor Society. So far, everything has developed pretty organically, just a natural progression as skills and interests developed.

SEE Q & A, PAGE 12

credibility of the developer and the “potential for the project to fail.”

Walter told the council the “warning signs” were right in front of them. “Inexperience, lack of credibility, no clear funding for the project … Is this what Lino Lakes deserves?”

From struggles to success: Journey to becoming a nurse

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

This fall, Makenna Thalhuber is headed to Brainerd to pursue a degree in nursing from Central Lakes College.

The 18-year-old from Blaine wasn’t sure she would graduate from high school, let alone be accepted to attend college.

“I made up a lot of credits … but I was stressed out that I wasn’t going to graduate. I did it with the help of everyone there,” Makenna said about the Centennial Alternative Learning Center.

It all started the summer after her freshman year of high school at Centennial High School (CHS), right in the middle of the pandemic.

SEE CENTENNIAL GRAD, PAGE 2

SEE MADINAH LAKES, PAGE 6

CONTRIBUTED

Daniel Kuchenbecker, of Lino Lakes, is an artist and art teacher. Pictured at right is a stoneware vase, depicting a fish and plant fossil.

CONTRIBUTED

Centennial graduate Makenna Thalhuber will attend Central Lakes College in Brainerd this fall for nursing.

CENTENNIAL HIGH GRADUATE: Overcomes obstacles, sets sights on future

FROM PAGE 1

“I just really was not in a good place mentally. I just kept a lot of things to myself, and my home life wasn’t great,” she recalled. Eventually, Makenna was hospitalized for about a week.

When August rolled around she tried to go back to school, but said she wasn’t ready. “I went the first day and then I didn’t go back for maybe a month,” she said. “It felt like a brick was on me every time I tried to get up to go to school.”

One day while she was at school, one of her classmates told her to kill herself. “I said I can’t do this, it’s not good for me. I stopped going to school again and eventually, I got unenrolled because I wasn’t going,” she said.

At the time, her therapist recommended she consider an alternative learning center (ALC), which she had never heard of. She decided to give it a try. “I thought maybe going somewhere where I wouldn’t know anybody would be better. I went for maybe a week and then I stopped going again. I just had too many things on my mind,” she recalled. “School just wasn’t important to me at the time.”

Kari, Makenna’s mother, said it was hard to watch her daughter struggle because she was a great student before the pandemic.

“I don’t think you ever anticipate having those struggles to just get your child to go to school. No matter what I was trying, nothing was working,” she said. “It was very hard, because

obviously as a teacher, I know how important graduating is to your future.”

Makenna attended the ALC on and off before she made a connection with a counselor and teacher there. “It was just nice to have someone else to talk to, and he encouraged me to try to be a part of the community there because they have a good community there of resources and people who are in similar situations and who understand what you’re going through,” she said.

She then made two close friends at the ALC, and things started to turn around.

“I started to go to school quite a bit more,” she said.

That summer, while she was making up credits at summer school, she lost her great-grandmother and also had to navigate her parents’ divorce.

Then it was back to school. The ALC helped her start the application process and she got a job working at Target.

“That was kind of when everything got back on track,” Kari explained. “She started going to school more regularly and started doing well again.”

Makenna added, “I finally felt like I had a purpose again and that there was a reason I was there. My junior year was definitely the start of me getting back to my normal.”

During her senior year, in addition to attending classes at the ALC, Makenna began taking classes at CHS. She attended Dakota County Technical College to get her certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification. She started coaching volleyball and

SNIPPETS

• Once again, the city has received an unmodified, or clean, opinion on its 2023 audit. Aaron Nielsen, of MMKR, explained that there was one finding for internal controls related to the limited segregation of duties. That finding is not uncommon for cities of Circle Pines’ size, he said. “I thought the audit went very well this year. The city was very well prepared for the audit, and there were really no surprises,” Nielsen said.

was a teacher’s assistant for a math class at the ALC. She said she thinks a career in nursing is what motivated her to keep pushing to graduate.

“I wanted to be able to move on and get my degree as soon as possible, so I could start working and helping people,” she said. She also wanted to set a good example for her three younger siblings. “I wanted them to be proud of everything I’ve done, and I wanted them to see that even though life can knock you off track or knock you down, you can find a way to pick yourself back up and move forward and honestly use it as a learning experience for future events in your life.”

Due to her perseverance, Makenna was able to walk across the stage and receive her high school diploma alongside her classmates. She has already moved to Brainerd for the summer, where she will work as a CNA at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center. She will head back to school at the end of August.

After she graduates, she wants to be a travel nurse for a few years. Eventually, she plans to return to school again to become a nurse practitioner.

“It makes my heart happy, because she is so much closer to the girl I envisioned than she was for those few years when she was struggling,” Kari said. “I’m very thankful that we are where we are at now. I’m very proud of her.”

Pam Rehnelt, Makenna’s math and advisory teacher, said she really connected with Makenna. She describes

• Planning continues for the city’s 75th anniversary in 2025. Mayor Dave Bartholomay said the committee is deciding what types of events it wants to have. He said there will likely be a twoday celebration next summer. The next committee meeting will be July 22; all residents are welcome to attend.

• Some of the City Council and city staff may be headed to the League of Minnesota Cities Conference June 26-28 in Rochester.

• Residents won’t see longtime city employee Dave Corder around as much anymore now that he has retired after over 20 years of service. “He was a jack of all trades. He could fix anything. He saved residents a lot of money,” Bartholomay said. Council Member Matt Percy added, “There aren’t

her as a “positive energy” who brightened her day.

“She put her scrubs on for the first time and she glowed with pride and said, ‘Look at me, Pam!’” Rehnelt recalled. “My heart hurt a little that day, because I knew my butterfly was getting ready to fly away.”

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

many people in Circle Pines who don’t know David Corder. Everyone has had interactions with him at some point in time or another … He leaves an impression on you. He is a great guy, and he will definitely be missed.”

• Six residents applied for the vacant seat on the City Council. The council recently interviewed the applicants in a work session, and the council is expected to make an appointment at its next meeting to fill the seat for the remainder of Dean Goldberg’s term.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at City Hall

Shannon Granholm

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL

CONTRIBUTED

Makenna Thalhuber poses for a photo with Pam Rehnelt, her math and advisory teacher, at graduation. Rehnelt spoke about how her “butterfly” was getting ready to fly away at her graduation.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 20; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

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

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, June 24; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413

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

Simba is a sweet little fella who always wants to be around his people, soaking up love and attention. Simba, a 5-year-old Chihuahua/rat terrier mix, weighs about 11 pounds. He is social with other dogs, cats and with all with the people he gets to know.

He can be a little cautious at first when meeting new people, but he does warm up quickly. And he would do well in a home with another confident, social dog. Simba likes to spend his time gazing out the window or laying in a patch of sunlight in the house. But when your lap is available, that’s where you will find him. Simba loves to snuggle. When you’re busy, however, Simba also stays busy playing with his toys. He likes to play fetch and he likes to go for car rides. Simba is 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 Simba 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.

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

CURRENT EVENTS

CENTERVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6:30 Tuesday, June 18

Where: Hidden Spring Park, Centerville

Details: Come on out for a fine evening of acoustic classic rock hits with On Tap! Wise Guys will be on hand serving pizza.

Contact: www.facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark

TOUCH OF COLOR COMMUNITY RECEPTION

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4871 Long Ave.

Details:Exhibit features the artwork of the Lake Country Pastel Society. Includes award ceremony with judge Lisa Fertig.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

MUSIC ON THE LAKE

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20

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

Details: Free outdoor communiy concert featuring Brady Perl.

Contact: isd12.ce.eleyo.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC & VINTAGE BOAT SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Where: Lakefront of the White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Avenue S.

Details: Display of classic and vintage boats-inboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing and “ask and expert” fisherman, vendors, nautical market, food, and vendors. Bear Boating hosts free boat rides 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Contact: facebook.com/WhiteBearPress

MANITOU TRIATHLON

When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Avenue

Details: 4 race options include swim, bike and run of various lengths. Community barbecue follows race. Details and registration information online. Contact: mmraces.com/manitou-tri

YELLOW RIBBON BURGER NIGHT

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 24

Where: Hugo Americn Legion 620

Details: Support our Troops by joining us for Hugo Yellow Ribbon Burger Night.  All are invited. Families of deployed military eat free. Event proceeds support military families. Contact: www.facebook.com/BeyondTheYellowRibbonNetworkHugoMn/

WARGO RESTORATION PROJECT DAYS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, June 25

Where: Wargo Nature Center

Details: Volunteer to tackle different challenges, such as removing invasive species, cleaning woodland gardens, or gathering native plant seeds. Ages 12+

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 25

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

Details: Jan Margotto will present Quilting with Curves, and a Trunk Show highlighting tips and design techniques. $5/guest.

Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail.com

Lunch & Learn — Cyber Security

When: 11:30 to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 20

Where: Lino Lakes Conference Center, 7455 Village Drive

Details: Philip Geier is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of Information Technology and Cybersecurity experience in a variety of fileds. As a virtual CISO for Pivotalogic, Philip helps businesses develop and implement information security programs that guard sensitive information, strengthen brand reputation, and protect customer data. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a free cybersecurity review. Contact: qudareachamber.org

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

1974 Custom Deluxe K20

APublisher’s View

nnually in June, I have a guys weekend trip to South Dakota with college friends. This year we took a turn into the ditches and farmland to hunt for asparagus and old cars. Although we were skunked on the asparagus, we found a number of farm yards loaded with old vehicles. Some might call it a junk yard or graveyard, but we saw it as a treasure trove. For more than 20 years, we have connected in South Dakota, where we have done a variety of projects like cleaning up wind rows, pulling steel and scrap in a effort to cleanup the fields, pulling fencing, picking rocks, spraying and setting up deer stands all in prepare for the fall hunting season. We often do some trap and target shooting. This year our sights were set on a different target, a vintage Chevy pick-up truck in the neighboring field. We offered a price and when it was accepted we hooked it up with chains and started down the gravel road. Soon we were elbow-deep tearing into it. We drained the fuel, did an oil change and determined that it had a faulty part in the distributor. Anxious to hear the glass-pack exhaust rumble before morning, we robbed some parts off a working Chevy. After a few work-arounds and the challenge of pulling the oil filter, it was a celebration as the key turned. It popped off and someone yelled “it’s alive!’’ Those glass packs rumbled. The next morning we drove it a few miles in light rain. There were no windshield wipers and the random backfire every so often put us on the edge of the bench seat. We felt like we were in a movie scene as we pulled up to get gas at the co-op in the square body, long box 350. The store clerk came out to take photos which he sent to the truck’s previous owner. We came close to leaving it on the side of the road but eventually did make it home, with the four speed gears box grinding away. I could imagine what it was like when the truck was new.

It was a fun project to take our minds off the grind of our working lives. I think I am going to smell like old varnish and gas for weeks to come. Not knowing the full history of this pickup truck, we did learn it was sold at auction in South Dakota with the intent to be used as a farm truck. Apparently it sat for more than 10 years where we found it rigged with a large boom sprayer system. Now up and running, the truck is nearly ready for the next stage of its life. I was thinking it would look good with a topper pulling a classic boat.

I have had a lot of different adventures on these guys weekends. I have also appreciated the fishing and snowmobiling weekends with high school friends. When a group of guys get together you never know what might happen or what can be accomplished in a weekend, but I always come back home refreshed and re-energized. With friends, vehicles and boats on my mind, I encourage our readers to gather family and friends to come out to the White Bear Lake Classic and Vintage Boat Show this weekend. It is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 on the lake side of the White Bear Shopping Mall and Kowalskis. Another fun event is the Back to the to the 50’s car show, also this weekend, Friday through Sunday at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

IGardener’s Grapevine

Jeanette Sidons

Planning a perennial garden

have a perennial border along my front porch where I often get lost for hours, whether I’m weeding, watering or planting. Time spent in your garden, regardless of its size, should bring you joy instead of dread. If you are considering adding a perennial garden to your home landscape, there are many things you can do to make it a positive experience versus an overwhelming one. With any type of gardening, planning is key. Ideally, you would plan your garden the year before you plant it. First, observe the area you are considering and take note of the amount of sun it gets, especially in June and July. For example, does it get full morning sun and afternoon shade, or is it mostly shade all day? This knowledge will help you select the plants that will be successful in your site. Is it a windy and exposed location? If so, you might want to consider staking the taller plants you include. Measure the area so you know

how much space you have to work with. Additionally, make sure to get a soil test; you can do this easily through the University of Minnesota Extension service for a small fee. The results will tell you if soil amendments are needed for the plants you want to grow. To avoid getting overwhelmed at the garden center, it helps to put your ideas on paper first (or in a software program for designing gardens). Now that you know the amount of sun or shade the area gets, the type of soil you have, and the amount of space available for planting, you can start the most fun part of the process, which is selecting your plants and designing your garden space. As you weigh your perennial options, make sure you consider how large they will be at maturity rather than their current size in nursery pots.  Your plant choices will depend on your site and your personal preferences. Do you want cutting flowers and a formal feel, or are you looking to create a pollinator haven with native plants and a more naturalized look? There are many great plant choices including ornamental grasses, bulbs, cacti and ground covers. Maintenance is also a consideration. Native plants tend to require less care, and they are also beneficial

to our local wildlife.

Finally, make sure you understand the watering needs of each plant you select. While there are many ways you can deliver water (I really like a soaker hose), it’s a good idea to group plants with similar watering needs together to make watering less of a chore and to keep them thriving. Planting a perennial garden takes quite a bit of planning, but the payoff will be a lower-maintenance garden that will give you years of pleasure, and eventually you’ll have plants you can share with your friends and family!  Visit https://soiltest.cfans.umn. edu/testing-services/lawn-garden for more information about soil testing.

Have a yard or garden question? Meet with an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener volunteer at our Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics held at Bunker Hills Activities Center on Wednesdays, June 26 – Aug. 14, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. For more details, visit https://anokamastergardeners.org

Jeanette Siddons is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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.

Carter Johnson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Response to ‘Be my neighbor’ letter

I am writing in response to Luke Walter’s letter regarding the proposed development in Lino Lakes. As a member of the Muslim community, I feel compelled to address the concerns raised and emphasize the need for inclusivity.

Firstly, the concept of a “Muslim-friendly” neighborhood is not about exclusion or segregation. It aims to create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome, and respected. These terms assure Muslim residents that their cultural and religious needs will be considered, similar to “family-friendly” or “pet-friendly” labels.

Mr. Walter’s letter suggests a misunderstanding of our intentions and inadvertently promotes division. The idea that a “Muslim-friendly” community leads to segregation is unfounded. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where

• Eagle Brook Church, located at 7775 20th Avenue, will host “student rally nights” July 17 and Aug. 14. The events will include live music, games and food trucks.

• The city has received and approved several license renewal applications for 2024, including for liquor, tobacco, cannabinoid and massage.

• The city has filled the city clerk vacancy created back in April when Jolleen Chaika resigned. Roberta Colotti has 15 years of experience as a municipal city clerk, and most recently worked as the executive director for the Saint Anthony Area Chamber of Commerce. Her hourly rate of pay is $43.98, which is step four of a six-step wage scale.

• Aaron Heckmann and Ryan Dowd will join the city’s public safety team. Heckman will fill the part-time community service officer position while he pursues a degree in law enforcement at Century College. His hourly rate of pay will be $24.78, which is the starting step of the wage scale. Dowd will serve as a part-time firefighter. His hourly rate of pay will also be $24.78, which is the starting step of the wage scale.

• The Public Safety Department will donate six bicycles to the nonprofit organization Bikes for Kids. City ordinance authorizes the public safety department to dispose of unclaimed property following a majority vote of the City Council.

• The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, along with several other law enforcement agencies in Anoka County, will staff the 3M PGA Open in Blaine from July 22 to July 28. Deputy Director Kyle Leibel explained that due to the large scale of the event, the Blaine Police Department (BPD) requested assistance from all Anoka County public safety agencies to properly address security and safety concerns.

The city of Blaine has agreed to reimburse all assisting agencies for wages and benefits at the overtime rate of the police officer. Leibel said no on-duty Lino Lakes police staff will be scheduled to work the PGA Open, which will ensure that all Lino Lakes community police levels are maintained.

• Anoka County plans to designate the section of road from Lilac Street to Lake Drive as a county state aid highway (CSAH).

City Engineer Diane Hankee explained that the city of Lino Lakes constructed Apollo Drive from Sunset Avenue to Lake

diversity is celebrated.

Mr. Walter’s argument against “Muslim-friendly” labeling could similarly apply to “Christiancentric” or “gay-friendly” neighborhoods. These labels are about creating spaces where people feel they belong. Discrimination arises when people are excluded based on these labels, not when communities aim to include diverse groups.

Additionally, the assertion that Lino Lakes is already “everyone-friendly” contradicts the experiences of many Muslims who feel marginalized. Statements like “you don’t need a ‘Muslim-friendly’ neighborhood” dismiss our genuine concerns.

To Mr. Walter and those who share his views, I extend an invitation to engage with us and understand our perspectives. Let’s work together to build a truly inclusive community based on respect,

Drive in the mid-1990s as part of a joint powers agreement with Anoka County. Upon completion of the improvements, the road was transferred to the county.

The section of road from Lilac Street to Lake Drive is currently designated as a county road.

The balance of the roadway is a county state aid highway (CSAH).

Anoka County is proposing to convert the county road section to a CSAH. This would create a uniform designation of Apollo (109th in Blaine) and provide additional funding options for Anoka County. Hankee said the designation would not change the function of the road and/or have any impacts to the city.

A public hearing has been scheduled for the possible extension of municipal water and sanitary sewer to serve the Pine Haven (July 8) and Colonial Woods (July 22) neighborhoods. For more information, visit https://linolakes.us/533/20242025-Street-ReconstructionProject.

• The city will pay Parkstone Contracting LLC $109,859 to complete the 2024 surface water management project. The city will replace two permeable paver bays on the 7500 block of Village Drive. The project is scheduled to be complete by Nov. 1. The project will be funded via state aid fund as well as the city’s surface water utility fund.

• The city will enter into two JPAs, one with Ramsey County and one with the city of Blaine. The JPA with Ramsey County is for street lighting electric service at the CSAH 49

kindness, and unity.

We are not asking for special treatment but for equal consideration and respect. Building a mosque or creating spaces that acknowledge our presence is about inclusion and representation. Our diverse backgrounds should be seen as strengths, not reasons for separation.

Lastly, we did not choose Lino Lakes because of Mr. Walter and his friends. We chose this community for the large majority of residents who are welcoming and supportive. It is their kindness and openness that make Lino Lakes a desirable place to live.

Let’s ensure Lino Lakes is a place where everyone, new and old, feels truly welcome.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Counties, cities will close to recognize Juneteenth

Many county and city offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, marking the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the final group of enslaved people in the state of Texas on June 19, 1865. More than 250,000 individuals were declared free that day, two months after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill last year officially designating Juneteenth as a state holiday. For more information about the holiday, visit www.mnhs.org/juneteenth.

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers

(Hodgson Road) and CSAH 32 (County Road J) roundabout. The roundabout lighting is the responsibility of Ramsey County per its agreements with Anoka County. Hankee explained that the city of Lino Lakes is also installing decorative lighting along the north side of County Road J and north along Hodgson Road. Per the JPA, the city of Lino Lakes decorative street lighting electrical service and maintenance is the city’s responsibility. In coordination with Ramsey County, the electric service will be equally shared between the agencies.

The other JPA with the city of Blaine is for street lighting service and maintenance for CSAH 14 (Main Street) and County Road 53 (Sunset Avenue) intersection. The construction, engineering and lighting costs after bidding are $1,921,190, Hankee said. Anoka County received $1.37 million in federal funding for the project. The city’s share, which is state aid eligible, is $51,000. Per the JPA, Blaine will bill Lino Lakes annually for its share of the energy bills. Each city is solely responsible for maintenance of lights within each city.

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

Shannon Granholm

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $16.32-$31.50 per month and business services are $36.37$62.57 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/ month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/ community/community-development/lifeline. html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

Sarah Shahid Blaine

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

For this year’s surface water management project, the city will replace two permeable paver bays on the 7500 block of Village Drive.

MADINAH LAKES: City staff reminds

FROM PAGE 1

East Bethel resident Bridget Robinson said the “Love Lino Lakes” group was not good for the city of Lino Lakes. “The previous developer did not experience this backlash, the previous development team was not personally attacked, they were not publicly shamed and there was no prejudice shown, no private groups and no campaigns,” she said.

“It’s time to clean this private group up and stop the hate and stop the bigotry. This group is doing no good for the community and is doing no good for the city. Clearly, the Slow the Grow is a mask of what the underlying issue is.”

Blaine resident Jameel Ahmed said the claims members of the Love Lino Lakes group were making were not credible and filled with hatred.

“Zikar Holding is paying millions of dollars to purchase the land, millions of dollars to develop the land: who in their right mind would put this kind of money into a project if they know they are not going to complete it?” Ahmed asked.

“This proves the opposition is naïve and does not care what negative impact they are going to bring to the taxpayers and the City Council … You took an oath to do the right thing. Follow the procedure, don’t invent anything new, protect the city from lawsuits because a small group of residents are beating their chests loudly and throwing a tantrum.”

Blaine resident Abdul Aleem said the moratorium “is disguised as a regulatory measure” and “stands to unjustly marginalize members of our community.

“The opposition to this project is rooted in fear and misunderstanding, which can only be dispelled through dialogue and education.”

Lino Lakes resident Justin Reynolds suggested the council consider putting a cap on the number of new homes allowed to be built each year. “A limit on new housing has been done in the past, and I think we should do it again.”

Lino Lakes resident Angella Coil shared the definitions of moratorium and discrimination with the council. “Imposing a moratorium is in no way racist, nor is it Islamophobic. It has absolutely nothing to do with religion of any kind. It has nothing to do with gender, there is nothing discriminatory about it,” she said. “Do what is right. Take a pause on all development.”

Lino Lakes resident Jeff Johnson said it comes down to the additional housing units proposed. “We are getting distracted with all the name-calling,” he said. “We are trying to retain the quality of life that we have had in Lino Lakes … We are not looking forward to having a population explosion of 450 homes.”

Faraaz Yussuf, president of Zikar Holdings, said “false narratives” about himself and his team were being spread online via the Love Lino Lakes group. “Much of what you have heard and will find online is personal attacks from the opposition … when you can’t beat the project, beat the people.”

He said a moratorium would be “targeted and unfair”.

“It seems oddly strange that a project with less potential impact is now being used to drive the city toward a moratorium to study the same things that the city already studied with the Promenade

EAW (environmental assessment worksheet) and concluded there was no impact,” he said.

“Treat Zikar Holdings’ proposed development just like you’ve treated any other developer or any other potential developer in the past that has stood in these council chambers — with arms wide open and the willingness to hear them out.”

St. Paul resident Elizabeth Royal said she was concerned about the hate speech she was hearing.

“I really don’t know what it will take for people to see through that this is not about more development. This is about this particular development,” she said. “This is about race; this is about religion and this is about fear. It is about fear of the otherness …”

Architect Dean Dovolis pointed out that the project is only in the concept plan phase. “This is high level …” he said. “It is disappointing to see so much angst over a concept plan. Let the process (happen) … judge the plan, not the people.”

Lino Lakes resident Darren Zabinski said, “What a sad day for Lino Lakes. We are here as grown adults and all we can do is hurl names and labels at each other. I’ve heard the entire City Council labeled discriminatory. I’ve heard this side over here labeled racist … It’s got to stop. At what point are we going to sit down and actually hash this out?”

He added that he would be supportive of the moratorium. “The only way we will figure that out is by a moratorium,” he said. “To take the time to actually dig through it and find the merits. That’s what we need to do. Enough of the name-calling, enough labeling everyone …”

Planning and Zoning Board weighs in City staff, as well as the Planning and Zoning Board, made it very clear that the proposed development is only a concept.

“This is one of the first steps … The developer comes in, gives us an idea what the idea is behind the development. All of the engineering work has not been done yet,” explained Board Chair Michael Root. He added that depending on how the concept plan review went, and if the developer chose, the project would then need to go through a preliminary plat approval process, which would include a public hearing.

City Planner Katie Larsen echoed those thoughts. “I cannot emphasize enough that we are just at step one. We are at concept plan. We are high level, 10,000 feet in the air,” she said. “We are not into detailed engineering, traffic studies, wetlands, floodplain analysis.”

Larsen explained that a project of this size would likely need to obtain over 20 permits, and the project would be reviewed by federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies and the city.

The concept plan includes four parcels of property totaling approximately 156 acres. A total of 434 residential units are proposed, including a variety of single-family homes, town homes, row homes and two apartment buildings (48 units each). The concept also includes commercial uses including a restaurant, coffee shop, retail space, grocery store and a day care. A 48,400-square-foot mosque is also included.

“The project includes approximately 50 acres of open space, 77 acres of developed land and 28 acres

of right-of-way,” Larsen explained. Ten stormwater ponds are also proposed, as well as a tot lot, pickleball courts and a pavilion.

Architect Dean Dovolis shared that they would like to create “natural easements” around all of the properties to allow for natural buffers.

The concept plan is for a planned unit development (PUD), meaning that the city provides some flexibility and the developer provides some additional public benefits.

Zikar Holdings is requesting flexibility when it comes to lot sizes, width and depths as well as the building side lot line setbacks. Larsen explained that some of the public benefits could include economic expansion; greater variety of lot sizes and housing types; multifunctional greenway corridor and stormwater management system; wider vegetative buffer along a public ditch; landscaped berm and buffer separation from existing land uses; efficient use of land and private streets resulting in a smaller network; a mix of residential and commercial land uses; life-cycle housing supported by a variety of housing types; creation of more open space that is accessible to the public; more parkland dedication fees available for nearby park development; less dense residential development; and wider landscape buffers and trail corridors.

City staff provided the developer several comments on the concept, one of which suggested that the mosque be located closer to Main Street to minimize traffic impacts through the residential area.

Board Member Neil Evenson said he liked the idea of having green buffers in between houses. “I think extra green space is a real plus in this development,” he said. He added that he was not too concerned about the proposed lot widths, as it would add to the greenway corridor within the development.

Board Member Perry Laden said he was comfortable with the proposed density. “It fits within our guidelines, I think it is perfectly acceptable,” he said. One thing he is concerned about is the proposed 55-foot-wide lots. “I think we need to pay real close attention to the product that is going on there. What I want to avoid is a streetscape that looks like all garages.”

Board Member Nathan Vojtech said he would like to ensure that the water amenity is open to the public. He said he would also like to see the city stick to its minimum lot width standard of 60 feet.

Board Member Suzy Guthmueller said she was concerned about the proposed density and the proposed natural buffers. “I don’t know how that is going to look in a few years. When you drive through, is it just going to look like a bunch of weeds?”

She added that she would be in favor of sticking to the minimum lot size requirements. “There are a lot of cookie-cutter developments around; that is just not what Lino Lakes is. We have space between our homes,” she said.

Root agreed that he was not a fan of the proposed density and said he did not care for the apartments in that location.

Ultimately, the board agreed the developer needs to conduct a neighborhood meeting prior to the submittal of a preliminary plat. There also seemed to be a consensus that the developer should consider shifting the location of the mosque north so it is closer to the gateway entrance, and a roundabout to accommodate the traffic. Board members would also like to see the water amenity be open to public use.

Larsen explained that depending on what happens with the proposed moratorium, review of the Madinah Lakes development could be impacted.

“If a moratorium was adopted, review may be discontinued on this specific project as we move forward into whatever the moratorium entails,” she said.

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

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive for a theft in progress. The officer issued one citation to an adult female for theft.

• An officer took a delayed phone call report regarding a damaged vehicle in the 200 block of Apollo Drive June 4. No suspect information was available, and the incident was documented.

• An officer responded to a personal injury crash near Birch Street and Centerville Road June 5. Both drivers were evaluated for minor injuries. An accident report was completed.

• A community service officer was dispatched to speak with a resident about animal concerns in the 8000 block of Aenon Place June 5. Their questions were answered.

• An officer responded to an ordinance complaint involving people soliciting without a permit in the 6800 block of Lakeview Drive June 5. The officer documented the information and advised one party of city ordinances.

• An officer responded to a public assist to retrieve a stolen cell phone in the 6600 block of Sandhill Drive June 5. No contact was made with the homeowner or any resident.

• An officer responded to a delayed property damage hitand-run accident in the 700 block of Apollo Drive June 5. The officer located video from a local business and identified a possible suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a call of a downed tree branch that broke a nearby

Wheels of Honor honors

Officer Shawn Silvera

streetlight in the 1200 block of Chokecherry Road June 5. Public works responded to remove the branch and the power company was advised of the damaged light.

• An officer and fire personnel responded to a tree that fell on a power line in the 8100 block of Rondeau Lake Road West June 5. There was no fire, and the power company was advised to respond in order to fix the line.

• An officer made contact with a suspicious occupied vehicle in the 6500 block of Ware Road June 5. The adult male was subsequently arrested and booked into jail for fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, a handicap parking violation and expired registration.

• Officers investigated suspicious sounds coming from the basement of a residence in the 100 block of Mustang Court June 6. Officers determined it was a pet pig.

• A community service officer was dispatched to ducklings stuck in a storm drain in the 6800 block of 21st Avenue South June 7. The ducklings were removed and released.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 7600 block of 20th Avenue June 7. The officer discovered multiple violations of driver’s license restrictions, and the driver was arrested and booked into jail.

• An officer located several juveniles in possession of alcohol who showed signs of impairment in the 6400 block of North Trappers Crossing June 7. The juveniles were released to parents and issued citations.

• Officers responded to a motor vehicle accident with

The Minnesota Wheels of Honor recently rode through Lino Lakes to visit the family of Officer Shawn Silvera, who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 5, 2006. During the visit, the Wheels of Honor shared Silvera’s story of service to his community and presented his widow, Jennifer Silvera Lindemer, with a plaque. Silvera’s children, Jordan and Maddi, were also present.

a reported injury in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road June 7. The driver was evaluated by medics and later drove from away the scene.

• Officers responded to a report of a domestic assault in Lino Lakes June 8. Officers determined a male had assaulted a female; he was arrested.

• An officer took a report of motor vehicle tampering in the 6600 block of Ruffed Grouse Road June 8. There is no suspect information, and the incident was documented.

• An officer located a suspicious vehicle at a closed business in the 600 block of Apollo Drive June 8. Upon contacting the female driver, a male fled on foot from behind the business. The male was located nearby and arrested for fleeing a peace officer on foot and booked into the Anoka County Jail.

• An officer located multiple juveniles behind the middle school after hours June 9. The juveniles were identified and instructed to go home, without incident.

• Officers responded to a shoplifting in progress at a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive June 9. The suspect was stopped, and the items stolen were recovered.

• Officers responded to a report of blood found in a park in the 7800 block of Lake Drive June 10. Officers searched the area, examined the substance and found it was not blood.

• A community service officer took possession of a stray cat brought to the police department June 10 that was found in the 6900 block of LaMotte Drive. The cat was taken to a local animal hospital.

The Centennial Lakes Public Safety Department reports the following incidents:

• While performing a business check in the 0 block of South Pine Drive in Circle Pines June 5, an officer located an unsecured business.

• Officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Hayfield Road in Centerville June 5 on a report of harassment. No crime had occurred, but officers documented the incident.

• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Centerville Road and Meadow Lane in Centerville June 5.

• A community service officer responded to Center Road in Circle Pines June 5 for a dog at large. The complainant stated the dog charged them four to five times.

• Officers responded to the 1900 block of Cardinal Drive in Centerville June 5 on a report of theft. There are no suspects at this time.

• Police responded to an illegal burn in the 3700 block of Centerwood Road in Lexington June 5.

• Police responded to the intersection of Golden Lake Road and Lake Drive in Circle Pines June 5 for a property damage crash.

• Police responded to McDonald’s in Circle Pines June 5 for a trespassing violation.

• Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Hollow Drive in Circle Pines June 6 on a report of fraud. Officers documented the information.

• Police were dispatched to the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington June 6 for a theft in progress. Officers located the suspect

but were unable to prove a theft had occurred. Officers issued a trespass notice on behalf of the complainant.

• Officers responded to the 9200 block of Dunlap Avenue in Lexington June 6 on a report of suspicious activity.

• Police encountered four individuals who were in Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines after park hours and two juveniles who were out past curfew June 7. The parents of the two juveniles were contacted.

• Officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville June 7 on a report of theft. The investigation is ongoing.

• Police were dispatched to the 9200 block of Lexington Avenue in Circle Pines June 7 for a theft in progress. Officers learned it was a civil matter, but trespassed one party at the request of the complainant.

• Officers located an occupied vehicle in Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines after park hours June 8.

• Officers responded to a delayed report of burglary in the 7200 block of Unity Avenue in Centerville June 9.

• Police responded to the 1600 block of Lakeland Circle in Centerville June 9 for a group of disorderly males.

• An officer observed a driver with a revoked driver’s license near Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville June 10. The vehicle was also found to be uninsured.

• Community service officers were notified of animal cries coming from inside a sewer grate in the 400 block of Keith Road in Circle Pines June 11.

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Cougars 0-2 at state lacrosse tourney

Cougar softball leaders, honors listed

Three Centennial softball players were named to all-Northwest Suburban Conference: juniors Riley O’Connell and Peyton Corbin, and freshman Kendall Cochran. Honorable mentions went to seniors Maddie Welle and Lily Gilmore, junior Maddy Abernathy, and sophomore Lily Renslow. O’Connell was a Star-Tribune All-Metro second team pick. Gilmore was selected to play in the coaches association all-star series. O’Connell and Welle were named all-section. The Cougars were 11-11 overall and 7-5 in conference. O’Connell pitched 117.7 innings with a 1.84 earned-runaverage, 153 strikeouts and an 8-9 record. She hit .321 with two homers and 17 RBI’s. Cochran batted .300 and led with five homers and 19 RBI’s. Gilmore hit .286 with 12 RBI’s. Kendall Seidenkranz hit .275 with 12 RBI’s, Abernathy .275, Corbin .250 with 12 runs and Welle .254 with 11 runs.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial lacrosse team lost both state tournament games, while making good showings in each, last week at Chaska, finishing the season with a 10-9 record.

The Section 7 champions fell to topranked, eventual champion Benilde-St. Margaret’s 16-7 in the first round, an encouraging result considering they lost to BSM 23-0 in April.

Scoring for the Cougars were Kellen Krumweide (two), Gavin Jorud, Tyson Bautch, Solomon Marshall and Logan Adams. Brol Scherman and Adam made two assists each. Trenton Kramer,

goalie, foiled 16 of 29 shots. For the Red Knights, Hunter Payer, Gus Bell, and Dylan Parker led with three goals each.  The Cougars lost a close game to Eagan 14-10 in the consolation round on Friday. Scherman tallied four goals, giving him 162 in his career. Krumweide notched two goals and five assists. Adams had two goals and three assists. Marshall and Gavin Krage netted the other goals. Kramer faced 28 shots and stopped 14. Leading Eagan (15-4) were Sam Simon with five goals and Will McLoone with three goals and two assists.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s defeated Lakeville North 18-10 in the championship game.

Allen, Thor compete at state golf tourney

Centennial senior Marina Allen placed 34th in the state Class 3A golf tournament, while freshman Taylor Thor placed 48th among 87 entrants, last Tuesday and Wednesday. Allen, playing in her second state tourney, shot 81-82-163 at Bunker Hills. She moved up 10 places from 44th last year with 168. Thor shot 86-82-168. Maple Grove was champion with 611. Owatonna’s Carmen Jirele led the field with 69-73-142.

CONTRIBUTED

Gavin Jorud (9), Nolan Larson (26) and goalie Trenton Kramer hunkered down on defense during the Cougars’ 16-7 loss to eventual champion Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

Centennial’s Marina Allen (left), Taylor Thor (middle) and coach Nicole Christensen (right) were briefed by a tournament official prior to starting play at Bunker Hills.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on July 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:

• Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation

- PID #13-31-22-22-0052

- Outlot C, Watermark 5th Addition

For further information regarding the above item, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Roberta Colotti City Clerk

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on June 18, 2024 and June 25, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, to consider the following:

• Interim Ordinance creating a moratorium on the subdivision of lands for residential uses in that part of the City of Lino Lakes bounded by Sunset Avenue on the west, 4th Avenue on the east, Pine Street on the north and Century Trail and Carl Street on the south.

For further information regarding the above item, please contact Community Development Director, Michael Grochala, at 651-982-2427.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding this item will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 18, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:30 p.m. on July 8, 2024, to consider improvements for the 2024/2025 Street Reconstruction and Municipal Sewer and Water Extension, Colonial Woods project. The project will include the extension of municipal sewer and water to the Colonial

Woods neighborhood which is located off 62nd Street and Red Maple Lane. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §429.011 to 429.111 and City Charter, the area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is generally described as the property located at 707 62nd Street (PID 32-31-22-14-0013) in addition to all properties abutting Red Maple Lane included in the plat of Colonial Woods. The estimated cost of the improvement is $4,024,209 of which $522,000 is proposed to be assessed. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

For further information regarding the above item, contact Diane Hankee, City Engineer, at 651 982-2430.

A sign language or foreign language translator may be requested by contacting City Hall a minimum of 48 hours prior to the hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing.

Hannah Lynch, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on June 18, 2024 and June 25, 2024.

STATE

OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF ANOKA TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, PROBATE DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 02-PR-24-351

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)

In Re: Estate of Walter James Schulz, Decedent.

Notice is given that an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar. No Will has been presented for probate. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed Lauri Peterson, whose address is 1745 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Apt. 205, Ham Lake, MN 55304, to serve as the personal representative of the Decedent’s estate.

Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection.

Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters of general administration, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned

Daikawa nabs 2nd place at state golf

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Nobody saw Cooper Daikawa coming. The Centennial sophomore was not on anybody’s radar at the state golf tournament. Not after he barely qualified for state, for the first time, with a 10th-place finish at the section.

However, this long shot who was averaging 76  burned up Bunker Hills with two straight 69’s, three if you count a pre-tourney practice round, to place runner-up in Class 3A at Bunker Hills with a six-under-par 138.

“Yeah, I surprised myself a lot,” Daikawa said, when asked the most obvious question. “This was not what I expected. But once I was there, I wanted to take advantage of it.”

Daikawa’s previous low round was 72 this season at Rush Creek, and he shot 75-77-152 in Section 5AAA, also at Bunker Hills, to finish 10th and grab the last state slot.

Edina junior Torger Ohe was champion with 67-68-135, followed by Daikawa, Mahtomedi’s Jacob Wilson and Cretin-Derham Hall’s Sam Udovich with 140’s and Spring Lake Park’s Jake Birdwell with 143.

Between section and state, Daikawa did the golf equivalent of cramming for a test.

“I knew that I would have to play a lot better at state than I did in the regular so I worked hard on all my shots to make sure I could be confident with each of them.”

That’s much easier said than done, but all that preparation obviously worked. He shot a confidence-boosting 69 in a practice round Monday at Bunker Hills, and, amazingly, reeled off more 69’s once the competition started.

“Cooper’s practice sessions after making state were all really dialed in,” coach Chris Kopp said. “He said something ‘clicked’ a week ago and he felt he could hit every shot exactly how he wanted to.”

The coach added: “It was really impressive for him to play seven shots better than his average in back to back rounds, especially at state with everyone watching.”

Daikawa was driving around 300 yards consistently. “Off the tee was definitely a strength,” he said.

His putter behaved, too. “I missed a few that I wanted, but overall it was pretty good.” He needed just 28 on Tuesday and 30 on Wednesday.

In his opening 18 on Tuesday, Daikawa’s highlight was an eagle on No. 11 as he holed out with a 30-yard shot using a 60-degree wedge.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Brol Scherman

Josh Lee capped a productive senior year in two

Suddenly the just-barely qualifier was playing in the leader group for Wednesday’s final 18. “That was awesome,” he acknowledged.

Asked about highlights on Wednesday, Daikawa mentioned a couple.

On No. 13, a par four, he drove to the right, into the rough, but used a 60-degree wedge, again, to steer the ball within 10 feet, and sank the putt for a birdie.

On No. 11, a par five, he nearly got an eagle with a chip from just off the green. “It the pin and bounced away,” Daikawa said. He nailed a putt for a birdie.

Also a hockey player, Daikawa skated on the JV this winter while the Cougars went to the state tournament and placed

fifth. This summer, he’s got several golf tournaments on tap along with training sessions for hockey.

Daikawa’s gallery included his mom, dad, brother and sister, along with teammates from golf and hockey. He put on a great show for them.

“I knew he could compete at the highest level if he put everything together, because he hits the ball so well,” Kopp said. “The Centennial golf community is so proud of how he competed and of his composure, as only a sophomore.”

Brol Scherman, Centennial junior lacrosse standout, has netted 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic). Scherman was all-conference as a sophomore with 36 goals and 28 assists. The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endto-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside shooting and crease finishing skills. Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

with his second solid season of pitching for the Centennial baseball team. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-hander threw 45.7 innings, most on the staff, recording 57 strikeouts, a 2.45 ERA, and a 3-3 record plus one save for the Cougars (12-12). As a junior he posted a 3-4 record and 2.15 ERA on a 15-10 team. For the state champion football team, Lee was the deep-threat receiver with 20 catches for 416 yards, or 20.8 yards per catch. His two touchdowns both came at TCF Bank Stadium, against Lakeville South (69 yards) in the semifinals against Edina (eight yards) in the finals, when he also made an interception at the safety position.

1981

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Cooper Daikawa watched his drive on the second hole of Wednesday’s final round.

Q &A:

Lino Lakes artist says he is ‘just getting started’ when it comes to art

Q. What artistic mediums have you explored? What do you enjoy doing the most right now?

A. My primary medium in college was drawing, which has been very useful. As mentioned before, I do watercolor and pottery the majority of the time, as well as some oil painting — mainly as commission work. I have also done a couple of book covers and other odd jobs. I really like doing work in different mediums — it helps get through creative ruts and prevent burnout.

Q. Watercolor seems to hold a special place in your heart. Can you elaborate on what specifically about watercolor speaks to you, and how you strive to capture the essence of a scene or object through this medium?

A. Watercolor just seems to jell with my personality. The way I paint is relatively quick and easy to mess up! Which makes it fun and exciting, also satisfying my personal enjoyment of instant gratification, haha! I like oil, but working on a painting for a week can drive me a bit crazy at times; most of my watercolors are completed in one sitting. It’s a great balance of control and also giving up some control — letting the

paint interact with you, sort of directing you as to what it wants to do (like improvising music with other musicians or dancing). As for capturing the essence of a scene, it is very helpful to paint en plein air if you can, or work from your own reference photos after scouting, or spur of the moment. Either way, if a scene you are presently in speaks to you enough to paint it, it’s probably for a reason. There is some connection whether you understand why or not; sometimes art is smarter than the artist! Of course, it also helps to think about color palette, composition and creating some sort of narrative in the painting.

Q. How does your environment inspire and influence your artwork?

A. Most of the scenes that I paint are pretty local in either Minnesota or Wisconsin. I paint what I see and where I am at, so I would say my environment IS my artwork. We live in a beautiful place, and I feel lucky to have so many great subjects immediately around me to paint. That said, I do like to paint scenes from my travels, and hope eventually to paint scenes from other countries that I go to.

Q. What made you realize you like working with clay?

A. Honestly, it started by just needing to get better so as to teach it well. Turns out, the pottery wheel is pretty addicting once you get the hang of it! Then I signed up for an art fair (probably before I was ready), which really put the pressure on me to improve and churn out work! It was an awesome baptism by fire! The St. Croix Pottery Tour has also been incredibly inspirational. Seeing so many top-tier potters every year has kept me on my toes and kept the quality of my own work in perspective. I still have a lot of growth left! Beyond that, clay is physical and messy and just so much fun! Every time you open the kiln is like Christmas morning!

Q. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for your artistic career, and how do you plan to continue evolving and growing as an artist?

A. Even though I have been making art for a while, I also feel like I’m just getting started! I have a long way to go to achieve what I want to. I plan to keep training and growing, developing skills, applying for

any shows, exhibitions, galleries, etc. that I can, and just see where it takes me. Last year the highlight was making it into the American Watercolor Society International Show out in New York City; shortterm, I am hoping to get into as many high-quality watercolor exhibitions as I can. I hope to push myself as far as I can go and find out where that is!

Q. Where can people find your work?

A. My website is https://www.kuchenbecker.art. You can find paintings, prints, pottery and other information (such as which art fairs I will be at) there! I also have an Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/ shop/DKuchenbeckerFineArt

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. If you don’t pursue any artistic endeavors, it’s never too late to start!

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

DANIEL KUCHENBECKER | CONTRIBUTED

A watercolor of a sailboat docked in Grand Marais. The painting was accepted in the 156th American Watercolor Society International Exhibition.

DANIEL KUCHENBECKER | CONTRIBUTED

A watercolor painting of people enjoying outdoor dining at Aster cafe in St. Anthony Main.