Quad Community Press

Night to Unite

Night to Unite is one week away. This year it falls on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The annual tradition helps neighbors get to know each other and build partnerships with area law enforcement and fire personnel.

Sadder’s Automotive to close after 30 years

BY MERRINA O’MALLEY PRESS INTERN

Sadder’s Automotive, a well-known car repair shop located in Lino Lakes, will be closing down after more than 30 years in business. Their last month in business will be July.

The shop’s owner, Humberto Sadder, began working for Intercontinental Hotels in his native country of Columbia while also working with cars on the side. In 1982, at the age of 34 he moved from Columbia to the U.S.

After moving to the states, he met and married his wife Patty and eventually settled in Minnesota. One day, after being laid off from his filler job as a clothing cleaner, he came across a little piece of land on the corner of Hodgson Road and County Road J while driving home.

Prior to opening, Sadder spent 25 years working at dealerships as an automotive technician. He spent an additional two years working at Subaru dealerships in Chicago and Ohio in order to get

SEE SADDER’S, PAGE 14

There are no limits for Circle Pines rower

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Perseverance is Skylar Dahl’s favorite word.

They could put her picture next to it in the dictionary. Born with two club feet, Dahl refused to accept limitations placed on her. She played soccer and basketball in grade school until the pain in her feet forced her out. Then she discovered rowing.

This spring, the 2021 Centennial graduate helped the University of Virginia rowing team capture the Atlantic Coach Conference championship and place 10th in the NCAA meet as a sophomore.

Also eligible for Paralympic rowing, she’s in a group that won a meet in Paris in July and will compete in the World Rowing Championships in Serbia, Sept. 3-10, trying to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I was built to compete,” Dahl declared, in a film she put out last November called “The Power of Perseverance and Why it Matters” to share her story and perhaps inspire others. The film can be viewed at YouTube.com/watch?v=OVve86pKC58.

To make the film she teamed with Uncut, an organization that spotlights student/athletes’ lives outside their sport, especially those with a unique personal story. “I received an incredible amount of support and positive feedback,” she said.

Dahl was born with bilateral club feet (both in her case; in some babies it’s just one) meaning that the bones are out of the standard position. Typically, the front half of the affected foot turns inward and the heel points down.

Her early childhood was marked by surgeries, casts, braces, specialized footwear, physical therapy and trips to the Children’s Hospital. Her situation improved.

“By the age of three I was walking without casts or braces,” she said. “At that point I was wearing braces only at night.”

Dahl expressed great appreciation for all the help and encouragement she received from doctors, nurses, and therapists, but one thing rankled her a bit.

SEE ROWER, PAGE 10

Centennial graduate Skylar Dahl will compete in the World Rowing Championships in Serbia, Sept. 3-10, trying to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

• Christopher Stowe continues to visit the City Council with concerns he has regarding a couple of letters he has received from the city about his property at 426 Pine Street. He explained the last letter from the city informed him that someone from the city would be doing an inspection on the property for his conditional use permit. “I was here last month and told by the mayor that I needed to talk to Michael (community development director Grochala) about my questions … The bottom line is my questions weren’t answered.”

Mayor Rob Rafferty once again directed Stowe to work on getting his questions answered with Mr. Grochala.

• Ham Lake resident Ruth Castle is hoping the City Council will consider making changes to its privacy policy. She explained that she recently went to apply for a job with the city when she was instructed that she had to agree to the privacy policy. “It includes consenting to all biometric such as 26 measurements of the face … and fingerprints as if we are machines, access to all emails and web traffic,” she said. “I’d really like the City Council to put it to a vote to prohibit any use or collection of biometric information for all of Lino Lakes. I think it is unconstitutional and it shouldn’t be going on.”

• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will once again host its annual Parish Festival Aug. 12-13, which will include games, food, bands, silent auction and a bar.

• The new Kwik Trip, located on the corner of Lake Drive and Hodgson Road, will open its doors Aug. 1. The council recently approved a 3.2 off-sale liquor and tobacco license.

• Starting July 31, the city will have a new community service officer. Kara McGregor is enrolled in a criminal

CONTRIBUTED

justice program seeking her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as military police. Her hourly rate of pay will be $23.88, which is the starting rate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor contract.

• The city has a new accounting clerk. LeighAnne Sachi was appointed to the clerk 2 position. She has over 15 years of experience in accounting and processing payroll and recently served as a senior accountant for Gaughan Companies. Her hourly rate of pay is $31.26, which is step 3 of the AFSCME labor contract.

• Steve and Rye Gaustad, representing House of Praise, Inc., will plat a 1-acre out lot for the purpose of constructing a single-family home to be known as Bluebill Ponds Second Addition. The site is located on Woodduck Trail and will be addressed 580 Woodduck Trail.

• The city will pay $19,800 to Gethsemane United Methodist Church (DBA Lino Lakes Community Church) to acquire a 7,595-square-foot easement along Lake Drive as part of the Lake Drive trunk utility improvement project.

• A change order will be necessary for the 2023 Pheasant Run reconstruction project, which was scheduled to begin this week. Due to the proximity of the houses to the street, the age of the houses and the native soils, city staff is recommending a precondition survey to evaluate the condition of the homes in the project, as well as the vibration monitoring throughout the duration of the project.

The project contract will increase by $29,800 for a total of $919,686.

Lino Lakes Ambassadors: Meet the 2023-24 candidates

Ten young ladies are vying for three crowns and to represent the city of Lino Lakes.

The 2023-2024 Lino Lakes Ambassadors will be announced at the coronation at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at the Centennial Performing Arts Center.

Shannon Granholm

LINO

COUNCIL SNIPPETS

The current Miss Lino Lakes Ambassadors along with this year’s candidates visit the Lino Lakes City Council to recap the year and provide introductions of the candidates.

Libbie Vander Vegt is the daughter of Matt and Camille Vander Vegt. Libbie will be a junior at Forest Lake High School this fall.

Morgan Zaczkowski is the daughter of Jeff and Kelly Zaczkowski. Morgan will be a senior at Centennial High School this fall.

Rebeccah Dougherty is the daughter of Elizabeth Holzem. Rebeccah will be a junior at Centennial High School in the fall.

Sophia Engler is the daughter of Mike and Anna Engler. Sophia will be a senior at Centennial High School this fall.

Tatiana Avila is the daughter of Amanda Avila. She is a 2020 graduate of Centennial High School and attends AnokaRamsey Community College.

Carley Gooder is the daughter of Clark and Michelle Gooder. Carley will be a senior at Centennial High School this fall.

Cinnia Chan is the daughter of Michael and Winnie Chan. Cinnia is a 2023 graduate of Centennial High School. This fall she will begin her freshman year at Hamline University.

Emily Kraby is the daughter of Tina Kraby. Emily is a 2023 graduate of Centennial High School. This fall she will begin her freshman year at Concordia University, St. Paul.

Erin Konzem is the daughter of Corrine Erickson. Erin is a 2023 graduate of Centennial High School. This fall she will begin her freshman year at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Katie Kerr is the daughter of Jeff and Diana Kerr. Katie will be a junior at Centennial High School this fall.

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 17, 31; 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

CIRCLE LEX FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 14Oct. 4

Where: Back parking lot, Lexington Municipal Liquor Store, 4139 Woodland Rd.

Details: Open air market with local vegetables, crafters, and baked goods. Rain or shine.

Contact: 612-272-3386

MARKETFEST

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 15 through July 27

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Community summer festival with 160+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Kickoff and Kiddie Parade on June 15; History Night June 22, and Avenue for the Arts June 29. Contact: marketfestwbl.com

CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 6-Aug. 10

Where: 1721 West View Ave., next to Centerville Elementary

Details: Items made by local artisans, produce, live music, and food trucks. Stay to watch Bald Eagle Water Ski Show.

CURRENT EVENTS

MEDITATION SERIES: HEARTFULNESS

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 27

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Explore the benefits of meditation with guided chair yoga nd breathing techniques. Ages 15+. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

DO RAD THINGS: SKATEBOARD ART

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 26

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955

Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Kids ages 8-18 can decorate a skateboard to keep. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

FREE PRODUCE MARKET

When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, July 27 Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center,

2484 County Rd. F. East

Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag.

Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

When: 12:30-6:15 p.m. Thursday, July 27

Where: New Life Lutheran Church, 6000 148th St., Hugo

Details: Donors ages 17+ may schedule an appointment in advance online at redcrossblood.org.

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 28

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: Jason Willis will sign copies of his book “The Alchemist’s Stone.”

Contact: 651-426-0918

MARTINA THE COCKROACH AND PEREZ THE MOUSE

When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, July 28

Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake

Details: Bilingual puppet performance of the most popular folk take from Cuba and Puerto Rico Free and open to all ages.

Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

RELAY FOR LIFE WHITE BEAR LAKE

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 28

Where: WBLAHS South Campus track

Details: Speakers, luminaries, live music, kids activities, auction, and food. Fundraiser for American Cancer Society.

Contact: wbrelay.org

WATER GARDEN TOUR

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30

Where: Self guided tour of 10 local water gardens

Details: Tour hosted by the Minnesota Water Garden Society includes a display of aquatic plants, Koi, waterfalls, fountains, container gardens, and annual and perennial gardens. See website for tickets and information.

Contact: mwgs.org

MWGS.ORG | CONTRIBUTED

Water Garden Tour hosted by the Minnesota Water Garden Society includes a display of aquatic plants, Koi, waterfalls, fountains, container gardens, and annual and perennial gardens.

OPINION

‘Little House’

When I was growing up, every Monday night my sisters and I would gather around the TV to watch our favorite show — “Little House on the Prairie.” It premiered on NBC in 1974 and ended in 1983. The show was one of the most watched shows on television. Today, the show is still popular spanning generations of fans.

Set in the late 1800s, the show follows the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the Ingalls family—Charles, Caroline, Mary, Carrie and Laura (later adopted children Albert, James and Cassandra) —who settle down Walnut Grove, Minnesota on the banks of Plum Creek.

Noelle’s Notes

Noelle Olson

The townspeople are a big part of the show. Mrs. Oleson is the rich snob, her daughter Nellie is the “mean girl” (mainly because she was raised that way) and you have the beloved Dr. Baker, Rev. Alden and school teacher Miss Beadle among others who come and go throughout the series.

The show is loosely based on the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and dealt with conflicting issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, financial struggles and racism. The show also was very emotional at times and in almost every episode, it’s hard not to tear up. A friend of mine used to call it, “Little Ball Baby on the Prairie.” It’s funny because I caught him watching it a few times and guess what, he had tears in his eyes.

I don’t have a favorite episode because they are all so good. Here are three of my favorites.

“If I Should Wake Before I Die”

A woman named Amy Hearn is about to celebrate her 80th birthday and she wants to see her children. She decides to “fake her death” and have a funeral in place of a birthday party. Hearn states that it’s OK for someone to miss a birthday or a holiday but heaven forbid you miss a funeral. She wanted to see her children when she was alive, not when she was dead. This made sense to me because when children leave the nest, they go off and live their own lives. Our busy schedules keep us from spending time with the elderly people in our lives and someday it might be too late.

“I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away”

This one is an emotional roller coaster. Charles and Caroline are devastated to learn that their eldest daughter Mary is going blind. Charles struggles to find the words to tell her. Mary soon goes blind and feels sorry for herself. She is sent away to a school for the blind where she learns to accept her blindness. Back in Walnut Grove, the town is dying and people are being forced to pack up and leave. Charles tells his friend Jonathan Garvey, “Life is a funny thing. If you would have told me a couple of weeks ago that the mill was shut down and the grange was collapsing, I’d be the most upset man you ever saw. Now, I don’t even care. It doesn’t mean a thing. I just wonder how much our lives are spent worrying about things that just don’t mean anything.”

“The Legend of Black Jake”

This is a light hearted and funny episode involving two dim-witted bank robbers, a kidnapping and a man with a black hood. Mrs. Oleson’s husband Nels is kidnapped and the robbers/kidnappers send her a ransom note (I think $100) which she refuses to pay. Needless to say, Nels is not happy. He feels his life is worth more than $100. The events throughout the episode will make you laugh. I know I did.

I saw an interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls on the series. She said the keys to the show were four things — compassion, community, faith and love.

So, if you need a little comfort in your life, tune in to “Little House.” I guarantee you won’t be disappointed (just keep a box of Kleenex nearby). The show has been in re-runs since the series ended, can be streamed on Peacock and has never been off the air. That is truly an amazing feat.

Noelle Olson is editor of the White Bear Press. She can be reached at 651-407-1229 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

These are the good times

started to change. I saw people who had more money and bigger houses, but I noticed they weren’t any happier than I was. I had friends whose marriages fell apart, and I began to appreciate that my continuously deepening love and friendship with my wife was such a gift (37 years now). When we moved to Circle Pines 26 years ago and found nice neighbors, surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, and great teachers for our son Kyle, I began to take a different look at how I was defining the ‘good times’.

Dave

Bartholomay

Ioften hear people say, “when I get a job with a better boss,” or “when I retire,” or “when I find the right partner / house / career / whatever the marker,” then I will be truly happy. That will be the “good times.” But not until they’ve reached that particular place. For a long time, I was part of that very large group. Life was always going to get better when I had more success, made more money, made my family proud, felt more accomplished or satisfied. It was always just over that horizon, maybe when I hit a certain age (30 then 40 then 50) then I will be happy.

But over time, as some of these markers happened, there always seemed to be people who were more successful than I was. Had more money, a higher-level job, and lived in a bigger and nicer home. The good times were always elusive, especially the way I was measuring them.

As I got older, my fascination with some of the success markers

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I realized, perhaps like you have, that these measures and goals for good times and happiness weren’t right. A favorite author of mine, Arthur Brooks, says that the four bad habits most of us chase — money, power, pleasure and fame — won't satisfy us in the long run. Instead, he says we need to substitute these with four good habits which will satisfy us — faith, family, friends and work that serves other people.

The transition from bad habits to good habits happens over time. There’s a belief that the only way you really learn anything is through reflection. That reflection happens bit by bit: a friend has relationship trouble and you are grateful for your solid relationship; a bigger house

with higher mortgage payments doesn’t seem so necessary as you turn your current house into a home; you realize that serving people through church and the community makes you feel pretty darn good deep inside and you want to do more and more of it; and your career (with all of its ups and downs) chugs along and will work out just fine in the long run.

All of this seems much different when you are in your 20s and feeling the pressure to figure out who you want to be when you grow up. And then life keeps rolling along, and you find happiness is like a puzzle where piece by piece it comes together. Except in this case the picture on the box keeps changing, just like yourself. So you really can’t put it together when you’re young – you need the experiences, the mistakes, the losses (and the gains) in order to create your final story.

I’m so glad I’m where I’m at. It wasn’t easy, but I feel like I’ve finally gotten to the four good habits. My wish for you is that your journey and reflections will guide you to also realize that today is indeed the good times.

Dave Bartholomay is the mayor of Circle Pines.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will

not be published.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

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

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications 4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

If you are an active person or have an active family, and you are looking for a companion that can keep up with you, then meet Owen. Owen, according to his foster, is the most fun, loveable, occasional ball of chaos, that you will ever have the pleasure to know. Owen is about two-and-a-half years old. He is a Pit Bull Terrier/Bull Terrier mix and weighs about 45 pounds. He is social with other pets, with kids, and he is friendly towards everyone he meets. Owen is house trained and knows his basic commands. He is very smart and a quick learner. Owen is playful and eager to please. He is goofy, likes to play with his toys, enjoys swimming and likes to play fetch. Owen has a high energy level and would do well in home with another active dog. When he’s not busy, Owen is a very affectionate lap dog and likes to chill with his people.

If you are interested in learning more about Owen 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

Gregory Paul Iden

Gregory Paul Iden, age 65, of Lino Lakes, passed away peacefully at his home on July 18, 2023. Greg battled pancreatic cancer for 5 years and had celebrated his 5-year Whipple Surgery Anniversary the day before he passed and was just briefly on hospice.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26 from 11:00-12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Kasota (141 S. Rice St., Kasota, MN). Burial will follow at Kasota Hill Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. and a reception will take place after burial at First Presbyterian Church of Kasota. St. Peter Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Greg was born in Iowa Falls, IA to Norman and Mary Catherine (Ahart) Iden and raised in Brookings, S.D. He was a very proud Marine. After serving his country he came home and found his life’s vocation on the golf course. He came through the ranks beginning as a night waterman at Brookings Country Club and serving as Superintendent at several courses in Iowa. He received his degree from the University of Minnesota, Waseca and upon graduating he was hired as Superintendent at Shoreland Country Club in St. Peter where he found his wife, Mary and began his life as a family man. Greg accepted the Superintendent’s position at Anoka County’s Chomonix Golf Course and moved to Lino Lakes in 1995. He retired in May of 2022 after 27 years. Greg was proud of the course and always did the best he could to treat the golfers to the best playing conditions possible. He was a proud father and grandfather.

CHURCH BRIEF

Our Savior’s hosts ice cream social

To celebrate 75 years, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church will host an ice cream social at 9:45 a.m.

Greg is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary Anne (Warrant) of Lino Lakes; daughters, Tiffany (Nick) Sedillos of St. Paul and Cassel of Tacoma, WA. He was ever so proud of both of his girls and all they have accomplished to become the beautiful, strong women they are. His grandsons, Warren and Sterling brought great joy to him, whether it was watching them swim, playing Legos, eating the best pancakes in the world with them or hosting the Annual New Year’s Eve Party with his boys, it was a joy. Greg is survived by his sisters, Paulette (Jim), Denise, Michelle, Renée (Ryan), Colette, Rochelle (John), Andrée (Gil); brother, Trent (Shannon); and Lynette; father-in-law, George; brothers and sisters-in law, Lois (Casey), Charlotte, George (Rhonda), and David; and many nieces and nephews and other family and friends of all kinds. Greg enjoyed the comradery of his golf course family, especially, Mike and Fred and so many crew members that became lifelong friends.

Greg will now be enjoying the early morning solitude out on a heavenly course watching the deer, fox, and eagles from his special vantage point. Rest in Peace. Semper Fi.

Sunday, July 30 at Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines. A worship service will feature live music by the Cornerstone contemporary

band. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. A free ice cream social will follow the worship service.

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

Sunday 10:00 AM

Call 763-784-1607 for Together Times

Owen

COPS&COURTS

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An adult male who was involved in a plane recovery in the 7300 block of Watermark Way was cited July 11 with damage to property after he drove over private property and damaged items and property in doing so.

• An officer stopped a vehicle near Main Street and Woodduck Trail July 11 for illegal driving conduct. An adult male and juvenile female were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• An officer received information July 12 of a city-owned walking bridge in the 6400 block of Killdeer Drive in need of repair. The incident was documented and a request sent to public works.

• A community service officer took a report July 12 of a hawk that attacked a resident in the 7500 block of Patti Drive. The resident sustained minor injuries. Resources were provided to the victim.

• An officer took a phone call report July 12 regarding a delayed gas theft report from a business in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue. The incident was documented and is under investigation.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for multiple traffic violations July 12 on I-35E near Main Street. The adult male driver was subsequently arrested and booked into jail for third-degree DWI.

• An officer was dispatched July 13 to a phone call report regarding a theft in the 6200 block of Otter Lake Road. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded July 13 to a burglary of a business in the 6900 block of Lake Drive. The investigation is ongoing.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Sheriff’s office appoints chief deputy

Sheriff Brad Wise has announced the appointment of Lt. Bill Jacobson to the role of chief deputy of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office following the retirement of Chief Deputy Paul Ireland.

Jacobson transitioned from his previous position as the Administration Division lieutenant.

• An officer responded July 13 to a delayed hit and run damage to property report in the 7400 block of Main Street. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded July 13 to a residence in the 6400 block of Lakota Trail on a fireworks complaint. It was reported to the officer that a lone male occupant in a black car threw a firework outside of the car causing it to go off near a residence. The officer searched the area and the vehicle was not located. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations July 13 in the area of I-35E and Main Street. The officer noticed signs of impairment and the male driver was later arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer responded July 14 to a report of theft of motor fuel at a gas station in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South. The officer documented the theft. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for several traffic violations July 14 in the area of Main Street and Northdale Boulevard. The driver was cited for expired registration and no insurance. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

• Officers responded to a vandalism complaint July 14 involving a teenager throwing eggs at a home in the 6400 block of Stella Lane. An officer was able to locate the offenders and have them return to the scene to clean up the eggs. Parents of the involved parties were notified.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation July 15 on Highway 10 near Airport Road and

found the driver was impaired. The driver was arrested and was later charged with fourth-degree DWI.

• A community service officer responded to a call of an injured owl July 15 in the 6200 block of Red Fox Road. The community service officer observed the owl fly away upon arrival.

• An officer responded July 15 to a local residence in the 7800 block of Country Lane for a deck that caught on fire. The fire was put out by the homeowner prior to the arrival of the officer and fire department.

• An officer was informed by a resident of damage to property at a park July 16 in the 7800 block of Lake Drive. The officer documented the incident and the report was forward to public works.

• An officer responded July 16 to a theft from a motor vehicle in the 600 block of Market Place Drive. The officer documented the incident and provided the case number to the owner. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle July 16 for a moving violation in the 800 block of Main Street. The officer seized a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. The items were placed in evidence.

• Officers responded July 17 to a personal injury crash at the intersection of Lake Drive and Main Street. Officers arrived and found there were only minor injuries. Paramedics provided care and officers investigated the crash. Both drivers were provided information for insurance purposes. One driver was cited for a violation that caused the crash.

bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota, and master’s degree in police leadership from the University of Saint Thomas.

Family safe after fire breaks out

At approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, the fire division of Lino Lakes Public Safety was dispatched to the 100 block of Red Clover Lane in Lino Lakes for a fire at a residential home. The people in the home were able to evacuate safely before fire crews arrived.

The Centennial Fire District, Spring Lake Park, Blaine Mounds View Fire Department, Lake Johanna Fire Department and the Lexington Fire Department also responded to the call along with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• Police responded to Lexington July 12 for a domestic incident. A male was subsequently arrested for domestic assault.

• Officers stopped three juveniles on bikes in the 50 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines July 12. Their parents were contacted.

• Police responded to the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington July 12 on a report of harassment.

• Police responded to the intersection of Lake Drive and Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines July 12 for a property damage accident.

• Officers were dispatched to the intersection of North Road and North Star Lane in Circle Pines July 13 for a personal injury accident.

• Police responded to the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville July 13 for an attempted shoplifting.

• Officers took a phone call report of credit card fraud from a resident in the 7300 block of Old Mill Road in Centerville July 13.

• Police responded to a property damage accident at the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Lexington July 14.

• Officers responded to the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington July 16 on a shoplifting report.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for several traffic infractions in the area of Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington July 18. A citation was issued.

Sheriff Wise says, “The knowledge and temperament that Bill brings to our office and to law enforcement makes him an excellent fit to fill that vacancy created by the retirement of Paul Ireland, who served as chief deputy during the transition of administrations last January.”

Jacobson began his law enforcement service as a police officer for the Centennial Lakes Police Department before being promoted to detective and sergeant within the agency. After nearly 14 years with the Centennial Lakes Police Department, in 2019 he accepted a detective position with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division.

In March of 2022, Jacobson was promoted to lieutenant where he was responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the Administration Division. Jacobson holds an associate degree in law enforcement from North Hennepin Community College,

CONTRIBUTED

Lt. Bill Jacobson is the new chief deputy of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

The Lino Lakes Fire Department, along with other neighboring agencies, responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Red Clover Lane in Lino Lakes July 19.

Centennial exchange student reflects before returning to Sweden

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN

Swedish exchange student Saga Fahlgren made friends, faced difficulties, had fun and learned a lot while spending the 202223 school year at Centennial High School.

At a going away party, Saga and her mom Mia reflected on what Saga took from the experience made possible largely by the Chain of Lakes Rotary Club.

Saga believes that American high school is much different than Swedish high school in many ways, giving her a taste of something new and exciting.

Going to school in Sweden, in Saga’s eyes, is more like an American college rather than a high school. In Sweden, students choose an area they like to study rather than choosing their exact classes and students are usually with the same group of people for all of their classes.

Saga had a much different experience at Centennial, where she was surprised when she had classes with different people each class period.

Criminology class was interesting and enjoyable whereas classes involving language classes were understandably not as easy for her.

“I didn’t like my world literature class because it was so much old English poetry,” Saga said. “It was hard to understand.”

In addition to the differences academically at Centennial, there were differences that Saga noticed in student life.

Saga participated in cross country in the fall, nordic skiing in the winter and track in the summer for Centennial. In Sweden, the schools only had club sports that were not associated directly with the school.

The school spirit that existed at Centennial was a change of pace for Saga because schools in Sweden did not have the

same type of culture. Pep fests and football games were both new types of experiences for Saga.

Saga met many new people and formed bonds with her teammates in sports, particularly her group of track friends who she spent time with outside of practice.

“When you move around in school, it’s hard to make friends, we don’t see them all day, so the people I spent the most time with was the team,” Saga said. “I had a group of friends in track and we had bonfires and played basketball.”

Along with good times, came some challenging ones as Saga was not allowed to drive in America. She always had to try and find a ride, and if she could not find one, she was unfortunately stuck at home for the day.

Saga is used to walking places and noticed the difference in American culture of everyone driving to get places rather than just walking.

It was Saga’s idea to participate in the exchange program and she made it happen.

“She started looking things up and she took contacts, and she fixed everything with her Visa, all that kind of stuff, “ Mia said. “She just sat there and arranged it all by herself.”

Through her exchange experience, Mia hopes that her daughter has learned that many more things are possible because of the initiative she took in her experience.

Mia also praises the work of the Rotary Club, which made this possible for Saga.

“I think it’s amazing that the rotary makes this possible,” Mia said. “It’s not just for Saga, it’s for everybody.”

Sebastian Studier is an intern at Press Publications. He can be reached by calling 651-2422775 or emailing intern1@ presspubs.com.

Saga Fahlgren, a Swedish Rotary exchange student, attends a going away party with her mother Mia.

Salon to open in former

Chef Hot Hands building

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Quad area residents will soon have another option for their hair, skin and massage needs.

Hugo resident Christina Luger, formerly of Circle Pines, will open Connor James Salon in the former Chef Hot Hands building in downtown Centerville.

“I’ve always dreamed of having my own salon,” she said. “It’s been in the back of my head … it’s always just been that dream.”

For the past three years, Luger has rented space at a salon in White Bear Lake. She was looking for somewhere she could call her own in the Hugo area and stumbled across the former Chef Hot Hands space in the city next door because she knows the building’s owners.

The salon is named after her two sons’ middle names, as well as her brother Connor, who passed away in 2014.

“Connor James Salon has been a journey of discovery for myself. I wanted a place that combined my love of music, specifically classic rock, creating beautiful hair and plants,” Luger explained. “Throughout my journey I also learned about how important mind and body wellness is.”

She loves to help people feel good about themselves, as well as to educate people on the products they use.

All of the products used at the salon will be fair-trade, ethically harvested, organic products with plant-based ingredients.

“I think it is really important to pay

attention to what we are putting into our bodies,” she said.

Connor James Salon will also offer some boutique items from local artisans, including jewelry and other goodies.

The salon has space for six stylists. Luger also plans to bring in a massage therapist and an esthetician.

She is currently in the process of renovating the commercial kitchen space into a salon. Walls have been torn down and new walls have been constructed, flooring has been installed and the electrical and plumbing is all being redone.

“I’m really excited to be in my hometown and bring something new to the community,” Luger said.

Luger plans to open for business in July or August.

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

ROWER: Skylar Dahl in top levels of D-1 at Virginia, and Paralympics

“Too much time was spent setting low expectations for me and my athletic future,” Dahl said in the Perseverance film. Such assessments “became fuel for me.”

Starting in second and third grade, she tried soccer, then basketball, but suffered broken bones in her feet competing in both sports.

X-rays showed her out-of-place bones rubbed together and eventually cracked. She played both sports for five years until “the pain came too great to enjoy those sports any longer.”

After reluctantly giving up the sports that “I had become pretty good at during my early years,” she found her true niche in the competitive world when she was a freshman — with an assist from her next-door neighbor in Circle Pines, Nancy Jannik.

“Nancy recommended I try a sport that doesn’t put so much pressure on my feet. She recommended rowing.”

Jannik grew up in South Carolina and her family was all involved in rowing, which is popular in the southeast. Dahl was intrigued.

With her parents Andy and Kari, she visited Jannik’s hometown in the summer of 2018 and checked out the rowing club, where she “hopped into a boat” and learned the basics. That was all it took. Back home, she joined Twin Cities Youth Rowing. Minnesota has a thriving rowing community, she said, despite the climate.

Rowing appears to be an upper body sport, but, the 5-foot-10 Dahl points out, most of the power is actually generated from the legs. Still, rowing took the strain off her vulnerable feet. The rowers’ feet, in both collegiate and para, are secured in built-in shoes on the angled footboard.

Dahl walks normally, which you can see in her film, but she had to give up running of any kind after her soccer and basketball ventures.

“I have learned to walk in a way that is comfortable for my feet. And in general, my walk looks basically like everyone else,” she said. Her doctors “strongly recommended” to avoid running due to the likelihood of re-injury.

While competing with Twin Cities Youth Rowing throughout her years at

Centennial — where she was Student Council president, and active in National Honor Society — Dahl and her team had enough success for her to be a good prospect for college rowing.

Aiming high, she enrolled at Virginia, a powerhouse under longtime coach Kevin Sauer. Virginia has won 21 of the last 22 Atlantic Coast Conference titles and has placed in the top 10 at nationals the last five years.

In this year’s nine-team ACC meet,

May 13 in North Carolina, Virginia won four of the five races. Dahl rowed on the Cavaliers’ No. 2 unit that came from behind to edge Duke for first place. At nationals, May 28 in New Jersey (won by Stanford), there were three races. Virginia’s top team placed fifth, Dahl’s foursome placed 10th and their third unit took 11th.

In Para rowing, the classes are PR1 (for rowers whose function is upper trunk only), PR2 (full trunk) and PR3 (full trunk and lower body). Rowers in PR1 and PR2 must use a fixed seat, In PR3, they use a sliding seat like in club and college rowing.

Dahl is assigned to PR3. She earned her spot on the PR3 mixed four plus coxswain team at a two-week selection camp in New Jersey.

The group placed first in the Para Rowing Regatta to Paris on July 9, comfortably ahead of teams from Italy and France, in two races at Vairessur-Marne, France.

Other members were Ben Washburne of Connecticut and Saige Harper, Alex Flynn and Emilie Eldracher, all of Massachusetts. They’re now gearing for the meet in Serbia, the first opportunity for crews to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games. Another opportunity will be held in May of 2024.

“Her college coaches have been extremely supportive,” said Andy Dahl, “of her dual ambition of being a top NCAA D-1 rower as well as an international Para rower.”

Dahl, who is majoring Psychology, with a minor in leadership, was named to the ACC All-Academic team.

Addressing what drives her, Dahl said, “Being a competitive athlete is special.” Her film’s purpose, she said, was “To ignite unlimited potential of all women and girls.”

CONTRIBUTED

Skylar Dahl, second from right, with her Paralympic rowing team after winning a recent international meet in Paris.

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COUNTY BRIEFS

$30 million in funding secured for Highway 65 projects

A total of $30 million in Corridors of Commerce funding has been allocated to Anoka County, which will be used for improvements along Highway 65 in Blaine. The areas slated for construction are along 99th, 105th, 109th and 117th Avenues. Improvements will include adding frontage roads and overpasses, changing access, and improving facilities for people walking and bicycling. A total of four traffic lights along the thoroughfare will be removed, which will help address congestion issues along the corridor.

“Over the past three years, the project team has been focused, motivated, and tireless in our efforts of bringing over a dozen funding sources together for this nearly $163 million endeavor, and nearly all the funding for improvements at these intersections has been secured,” said District 6 Commissioner Julie Jeppson.

District 2 Commissioner Julie Braastad, chair of the county’s transportation committee, noted the pace of securing funding for these projects is impressive.

“Ten of our state’s 31 most dangerous intersections are on Highway 65, so improving this corridor is a high priority, but the short amount of time in which $160 million-plus in funding has been secured to pay for several of these improvements is breathtaking,” she said. “It’s really a testament to how several government entities can work together for the betterment of our residents and other motorists who travel our roads.”

Community Action Program Executive Director receives national award

Patrick McFarland, the longtime executive director of the Anoka County Community Action Program, was recently selected by the National Community Action Partnership to receive the national Lyndon Baines Johnson Leadership Award. The award will be presented to McFarland at the community partnership national convention Aug. 23-25 in Atlanta.

McFarland has served local community action program for more than 50 years and has been an instrumental leader in supporting and advancing programs that benefit the people of Anoka County.

Some of the ways in which he’s aided Anoka County over the years include:

1. Administering the Child Care Assistance Program for the county.

2. Partnering with Anoka County to provide an array of services to seniors, such as the Senior Outreach program, Chores and More, the Senior Information Line and the Senior Kinship program.

3. Developing and supporting specialized and affordable housing for the residents of Anoka County.

4. Connecting individuals and families to quality technology, which increases access to education, employment, health care, social connections and more.

5. Serving on the Anoka County Workforce Development Board for more than 25 years.

“Patrick is highly deserving of this award –– his leadership has been invaluable in fostering strong partnerships between Anoka County and the Community Action Program,” said Matt Look, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “His perseverance, innovative thinking, and tireless work ethic have inspired so many people. Simply put, there aren’t many people like Patrick. There are certainly those who give time, money, and resources to better their communities, but what Patrick does is at another level. He’s made it his life’s work to improve the world around him, and the positive change he’s been a part of is profound and far-reaching.”

CITY BRIEF

3.5M square-foot industrial development may come to Lino Lakes Scannell Properties, a nation development company, is considering the possible development of approximately 325 acres located in both Lino Lakes and the city of Columbus.

The project could include up to 3.5 million square feet of industrial development. The development of the industrial park requires an environmental review under state law. While the location is covered, in part, by the city’s I-35E Corridor Alternative Urban Area-wide Review environmental document, Scannell has chosen to prepare an environmental area wide review document specific to their site.

Community development director Michael Grochala explained that the AUAR environmental review process will likely take six to nine months.

Both cities have entered into a joint powers agreement, which establishes the process for joint review of the environmental study and responsibilities of each city. Both cities will be responsible for their individual review costs, which will be collected from the developer, and both cities will participate in a pro-rata share of review costs for the required five-year updates, again borne by the developer.

SADDER’S: Shop closing is hidden blessing

FROM PAGE 1

certified as a master technician.

The property he saw would be the perfect opportunity to combine his knowledge of both cars and hospitality. Because of his expertise, starting an automotive shop seemed like the natural choice.

Nowadays, Sadder’s Automotive is a thriving business with loyal customers who return for quality repairs and neighborly service.

According to Sadder, many customers don’t ask for a call

before he moves forward with repairs, as many of them know how much he values honesty and fair-pricing. He usually does it anyway. “It’s important to have trust with your customers,” he said.

With the traffic increase in the area, the county has decided it will be expanding the road next to the shop. This means that the new construction will likely encroach on Sadder’s Automotive property.  Because he is now 75, Sadder has decided that it is not worth looking for a new location and

CONTRIBUTED

selling the business. Additionally, any potential lots are just too far away.

Although he will miss his customers, Sadder looks forward to being able to spend more time with his wife and five boys. For this reason, the shop’s closing has been a blessing. “Someone told me ‘If they don’t kick you out of here, Humberto, you will work the rest of your life,’” he said.

Merrina O’Malley can be reached by emailing intern2@presspubs.com or by calling 651-407-1200.

CONTRIBUTED

Humberto Sadder stands in front of his shop, Sadder’s Automotive in Lino Lakes. After opening the doors in 1992, he has decided to close up shop and retire from working as a technician. “I’m old enough that I should retire,” said Sadder.

Scannell Properties is considering developing a 3.5 million square feet industrial development on 270 acres located in Lino Lakes and 55 acres located in Columbus.

Patrick McFarland

7 Vines Vineyard

Two Silo Winery

Rapid epiphany about the Grand Canyon

SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

BY LORETTA B. HARDING

Until this summer, I pooh-poohed all the fuss about the Grand Canyon. I was a Grand Canyon denier.

I had dismissed one of the seven wonders of the natural world as just a big crack in the desert landscape. In 1980, I had briefly looked over its north rim to take what was considered a selfie in those days (another person takes your picture for you, so you don't fall into the abyss). I fled the overlook immediately because it was 106 degrees in the shade that day.

A photo of the Grand Canyon captures only a nanosecond of its life that is estimated to be 1.84 billion years old. In addition, still photos that look over and not into the Grand Canyon can make it look one-dimensional, when it has a depth of more than 6,000 feet.

I was not alone in my depth deception.

Back in 1540, after hearing Hopi guides talk about a “great desert river,” whose width measured several hundred yards across, the first Spanish explorers to look over the rim of the Grand Canyon in search of the Colorado River judged its width to be “no more than eight feet across,” (historical notes from The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko).

Three days later, Don Garcia Lopez de Cardenas decided to test his sense of scale and dispatched two of his most agile soldiers to just scramble down to look at the river and, perhaps, to drink its waters to see if it was potable. The men were able to descend only a tiny fraction of the distance before returning. They pointed to a stone column that appeared from the rim to be only the height of a man. The soldiers said that the tower was, in fact, taller than the great belfry on the Seville Cathedral, which was 344 feet high.

The prospect of further exploration became so daunting to Cardenas and his men that no European went into the Grand Canyon for more than three centuries until Maj. John Wesley Powell set out to map the Colorado River.

It took me three decades to return because I was never a huge fan of the desert. There are snakes and scorpions in it. It is also hot and dry - unattractive to a cool weather girl who likes forests of trees and water in all its forms.

As with Powell, white water was what drew me to the desert at long last. This year I finally had the opportunity to check off a long-standing item on my bucket list — to run one of the wildest rivers on earth, the Colorado River.

Going into the Grand Canyon to get to the Colorado River at the bottom started my epiphany — appreciating the Grand Canyon.

A rafting trip through the canyon is made up of two parts. The first is sitting mesmerized on a gently gliding raft as the most colorful, diverse and stunning rock formations on earth roll by. I looked up at giant maize-colored

eroded cathedrals that could hold at least 50 Seville Cathedrals. The neighboring rocky “building” could have been a great rust-colored mosque one billion years ago. The edifice next to that looked like an ancient marble post office building reaching into the heavens. Around the next bend was a red, smoothed-out Mt. Rushmore, and later, a pink Crazy Horse Memorial landscaped with green Tamarisk trees, or the orange Taj Mahal of the Paleozoic southwest.

Rocks in seemingly unimaginable and infinite combinations were striped and tilted, jagged and smooth. They brought to mind alabaster pillars from ancient Greece, sandy statues from Petra or terra cotta warriors from China. Imaginary statues 1.5 billion years-old appeared to have been sanded out and varnished with a patina of age. They were made of limestone, sandstone, shale, quartzite or schist. I never tired of looking at all the combinations and re-imagining all of history.

The second part of the rafting trip was the occasional interruption of grandeur to hang on for dear life. At approximately every mile, a creek from a side canyon entered the river where it created rapids with the big rocks washed in front of it. Our Colorado River journey from Lees Ferry to our helicopter pad at take out was 187 miles. That's about how many times we got drenched with icy cold water and we descended some 2,000 feet in the process. Several of the rapids took care of 30 of those feet individually, within just the first two of their ten standing waves, called haystacks.

It would take a special picture to fully

convey the danger and turbulence of the glorious rapids of the Colorado River. Even as we were about to enter a benign-looking class eight rapids, I would think, “We can take these rapids.”

That was before we went into the rapids.

A common mistake is to think that the tops of the waves I saw ahead of us were the entire waves. Then I looked ahead, past the rapids bubbling along many feet below where I was waiting to enter them and realized the larger bottom portion of the standing waves I was disrespecting had been hidden. And now they were upon us.

Often the fifth wave in a rapids was a refreshing slap in the face, and at other times it was a haymaker from the haystack. One never knew when a walloping 15-foot wave would knock my hat off, twist my glasses askew or throw my hands off their handholds. When a

hand flies off the handhold, the person at the other end of the hand can easily fly off the boat.

People not holding on correctly with both hands have been known to break a wrist, tear a bicep or go for an unplanned swim in a watery rock tumbler.

To rehearse surviving a swim in the rapids, we pulled over to a scenic side canyon to swim through some mild rapids before hitting the big water with names such as Sockdalager, Hermit, Lava and Crystal. Mostly we heard warnings such as, “If you're thinking of swimming in waves one through four, DON'T!”

When kayaking through Minnesota riffles during the spring runoff, we might get splashes of water over the bow that is a couple of inches above the water line. On the Colorado River, the J-Rig we rode was least 10 feet above the water line, and completely disappeared inside the waters of most of the rapids.

At the end of each day, the rafters were all exhausted. We'd done nothing all day long but sit and look up at grand scenery as we rolled by, and looked down at a boiling river filled with eddies and whirlpools. Occasionally, we interrupted our reverie to brace ourselves with everything we had to meet the Colorado River face to face.

Now that I had immersed myself into the Grand Canyon and into the rapids, I exalted that they were both more than deserving of respect and admiration. I want to do it again.

Loretta B. Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

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LORETTA B. HARDING | CONTRIBUTED

Enjoying the rapids at the Grand Canyon.

CONTRIBUTED

Loretta and Ian Harding practice immersion survival.