Night to Unite will be Tuesday, Aug. 6. Be sure to register your party with your city or local police department.
Annual ‘Night to Unite’ to take place in August
Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out, takes place the first Tuesday in August throughout the communities of Hugo and Centerville and statewide.
This year, Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at various parties through the two cities.
National Night Out is a statewide event that builds
Night to Unite goals:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support and participation in crime prevention and community policing programs.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safetycommunity partnerships.
• Let criminals know that you are committed to keeping your neighborhood safe.
and fosters community bonds between citizens, businesses and public safety organizations, such as the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Neighborhoods and public safety personnel get together for an evening to promote safe communities.
Residents might get a visit from elected officials as well as officers from the Lino
Activity ideas:
• Simple refreshment: Bring your favorite snack, minidonut stand, watermelon, lemonade and cookies.
• Group conversations and mixers: “Neighbor of the year” award, have an icebreaker, skill swap, photo contest and scavenger/ medallion hunt.
Lakes Police Department and Centennial Lakes Police Department, and firefighters from the Lino Lakes Fire Division and the Centennial Fire District.
For more information, or to register your party, visit llpsdntu@linolakes.us or mail@clpdmn.com.
• Activities for youth: Bicycle parade, chalk art, face painting or a coloring contest.
• All-ages Activities: Book exchange, parade, sing-along/ karaoke, talent show and garden tour on the block.
• Contribute to your community: Collect for a food shelf, plan a fall clean up or volunteer at an animal shelter.
Madeline Dolby
City attorney provides opinion on resident petitions
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
LINO LAKES — The City Council is expected to ask the Attorney General to weigh in on the legal validity of three petitions it received.
Earlier this month, the city received three petitions from residents, one relates to an ordinance amendment and the other two relate to possible charter amendments.
The ordinance amendment requests the city create an ordinance requiring developers to provide documentation of proven experience, financial health, licensing, criminal background and reputation.
One charter amendment proposes to request a new section that would “prohibit segregation.”
The other charter amendment requests adding a new section to “limit the pace of residential development.”
SEE PETITIONS, PAGE 15
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — The City Council would like to hear from residents if they support a no-wake zone implemented on Golden Lake.
The council will hold the second reading of the ordinance amendment in August. The amendment says no person shall operate a watercraft in excess of slow no-wake (5 mph) speed 24 hours per day on Golden Lake.
Currently, gas-powered motors are not allowed on the lake, but as the technology continues to improve electric motors are becoming more powerful.
“There are some very powerful electric motors coming out now and they will basically cause the same issue that the gas motors will,” City Administrator Patrick Antonen explained.
“They will stir up the bottom of the lake, release the phosphorus that is trapped down there and that will allow for either more potential weeds or more algae issues and that is what we are trying to avoid.”
SEE NO-WAKE ZONE, PAGE 8
Centennial survey reveals ‘glows’ and ‘grows’
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A survey of students, parents and teachers has revealed some “glows” and “grows” for the district to study and make changes for the coming school year.
“Certainly, there were some themes … There are also some areas where we need to grow,” reflected Superintendent Jeff Holmberg. “As we look at this annually, we want to continue to keep high marks and, in those areas where we need to grow, we want to take strides towards them. We want to take meaningful action in achieving some of those results.”
Centennial School District offers an annual online survey to parents/guardians, students and teachers to gather feelings about the district, communication preferences and to learn about opportunities for improvement.
New this year, the district contracted with Center for Effective School Operations, who created the survey and gathered and analyzed the data.
Over 800 parents/guardians responded to the survey. Holmberg said some of the “glows,” or things that are going well for the district, include adults and teachers believe their student/s can learn and be successful; their student/s know at least one adult at school with whom they can share successes and concerns; they are satisfied with their student’s educational experience; and their student is connected to their peers.
Some opportunities to “grow,” or improve, include ensuring students are continually challenged academically; streamlining communication district-wide; offering emotional and social support to students; improving safety and discipline; ensuring all students have equitable resources and attention; offering more support for special
CONTRIBUTED
to participate from the high school, middle school and Centennial Elementary. Above are some changes students suggested.
education; and continuing to improve technology.
Over 450 staff responded to the survey. Glows include staff feels there is a collaborative working relationships with colleagues; staff members are proud to be associated with the district; and staff regularly use data to improve their practice.
Grows include a need for smaller class sizes; a need for additional support to meet the growing needs of students; feeling overwhelmed with added responsibilities; more training opportunities; inequity of funding across schools and departments; and an urgent need for mental health professionals.
When it comes to students, 1,278 students in grades 3-5 responded. Glows included teachers teach in a way that helps students learn; teachers help when students need them; students feel included in the classroom; students
• The district will pay $9,522 to retain its membership to the Association of Metropolitan School Districts. The association’s mission is to advocate for school districts so they can lead the transformation of public education. For more information, visit www.amsd.org.
• This fall 20 pre-K/early childhood teachers and administrators will start a one year training program on the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling program. In addition, 180 K-5 classroom and reading intervention teachers, K-12 Special Education teachers, and building and district administrators, will participate in the Online Language and Literacy
feel safe at school; culture is respected by students and staff; and adults are friendly and helpful.
Grows include the opportunity to continue ensuring students feel safe and don’t experience bullying; students desire improved facilities and want more academic support; students would also like to see more extracurricular activities offered.
Grades 6-12 had 2,481 students respond to the survey. Glows included students feeling like their culture, religion or ethnic heritage is respected by other students and staff; teachers help students when they need it; and students feel included in the classroom by their teachers.
Grows include opportunities to improve the school environment, programming and effectiveness of teaching methods. In addition, students also desire an improvements to school lunches and bathrooms. Similarly with
Academy training this fall. The training is a two-year program.
• The district renewed its four-year lease with Anoka County for the Pines School, located at 7555 4th Avenue. A lease has been in place since 2012. The new lease runs until June 30, 2028. The cost of the agreement is $11 per square foot of space. Executive Director of Business Patrick Chaffey said he would like to see some changes made to the agreement in the future, but nothing necessary for the current agreement.
• Student discipline, corporal punishment and bullying prohibition policies, have been updated for the 2024-2025 school year to reflect statutory changes. The district also has a new policy establishing contractual duties and training requirements of school resource officers.
• The school board meeting schedule changes for 20242025: A closed session for the superintendent Jeff Holmberg’s mid-year evaluation was moved from Dec. 2 to Dec. 16 and the regular board meeting was rescheduled from Dec. 16 to Dec. 2. That Dec. 2 regular meeting will also include the Truth in Taxation hearing.
• For the past three years, Holmberg has been working on his doctoral degree at Concordia University in St. Paul. For his dissertation, he plans to focus on the educational strategies and support for instruction
the younger demographic, students desire more extracurricular options.
New this year, the district added several student focus groups to ensure it was hearing from its student body. Students were randomly selected to participate from the high school, middle school and Centennial Elementary. Sessions with the students lasted 20 to 40 minutes and focused on a student’s daily desired experience.
Holmberg explained all students overwhelmingly said the best part about school is being with their friends and meeting new friends; students enjoy socializing with their peers during various activities; and students enjoy moments where they can join friends and engage in shared experiences.
Some suggestions included: increasing support for mental health, reducing unnecessary drama between peers, incorporating more outdoor time, increasing STEM options, increase flexible seating throughout buildings and addressing congestion in the halls at the high school.
School board member Sue Linser said she really appreciated the format of the survey this year and that it was offered via a third party. “This is great … From where this started, it has really come a long way.”
School board chair Tom Knisely said he was encouraged that there weren’t too many surprises. “For the most part, we are aware of the grows. Admin and staff are working and planning to correct those and hopefully turn those into glows as well,” he said.
On Aug. 6-7, district administration will attend a retreat to further study the survey results and determine actionable goals. For more information on the district survey, visit www.isd12. org/discover/school-board.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
staff working with incarcerated students at the Lino Lakes correctional facility. He says the qualitative case study aims to identify key themes to better understand how to support instructional staff. “The findings of the study may lead to key learnings and subsequently broader success in education programs and society,” he said.
The school board will hold a closed work session for its annual board retreat Monday, Aug. 5.
The next Centennial School Board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at the District Office.
Shannon Granholm
WEEKLY WAG
Gusto, or Gus Gus, is full of gusto and high energy, and he is looking for a high-energy partner or family to love him, care for him, and keep up with him. Gusto is a Husky/ Alaskan Malamute mix. When out on a walk, Gusto quickly becomes the center of attention. He is 3 years old and he weighs 60 pounds. Gusto is playful, affectionate, gentle, goofy and he is eager to please. He is social with other dogs and cats, and he is friendly to everyone he meets.
Gusto knows his basic commands and he would do well in a formal training program to help him become his best self. He would also do best in a loving home with a secure fenced yard because he loves to be outside as much as possible. Gusto is always on patrol and he likes to explore and chase the birds and squirrels out of the yard. Gusto arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound lot.
If you are interested in learning more about Gusto or adopting him, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org.
Nicole L Olson
Chris Jarombek REALTOR®
New this year, the district added several student focus groups to ensure it was hearing from its student body. Students were randomly selected
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1; 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
CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 18-Aug. 22
Where: Next to Centerville Elementary, 1721 West View Ave.
Details: Shop among local artisans, pick up produce from a neighborhood farmer, enjoy live music and grab a bite to eat from a food truck before walking to the nearby Bald Eagle Water Ski Show that starts right after the Market. Weekle theme nights. Contact: facebook.com/CentervilleMainStreetMarket
LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lexington Municipal Liquor Store front parking lot, 9271 Lake Drive
Details: Vendors selling veggies and fruit, baked goods, Maple syrup, tea and homemade gifts. Contact: Karen Gregory 612-272-3386 or kgregory244@gmail.com
CURRENT EVENTS
CENTERVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30
Where: Hidden Spring Park, Centerville Details: This week’s concert will feature Grunge Unplugged. Contact: Facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark
MUSIC ON THE LAKE
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1
Where: Golden Lake Park, 67 W. Golden Lake Rd., Circle Pines
Details: Free outdoor communiy concert featuring The Salsa del Soul Sextet. Come early for a Salsa dance lesson 5:30-6:15 p.m. Small fee; no registration required. Contact: isd12.ce.eleyo.com
FOREST BATHING
When: 9-110 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Experience an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku with a certified guide. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
CAMPFIRE COOKING
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Discover the fun of cooking outdoors over and open fire. All ages. Registration information online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
MEET WARGO'S ANIMALS
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Learn about reptiles and amphibians up close while learning about the characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Registration information online. *Adaptive session for children with cognitive or physical disabilities 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
TACO JOHN'S RUN BABY RUN 5K, 10K
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: BoatWorks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S. Details: 5K, 10K run on a flat anf ast course along White Bear Lake. Proceeds support STRIVE student scholarships. Contact: whitebearrotary.org or midwestevents.com
36TH ANNUAL TOUR DE BAR BICYCLE BENEFIT RIDE
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi
Details: Bicycle ride around White Bear Lake with stops at more than a dozen establishments.
Contact: Facebook: Tour de Bar
GUIDED FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOUR
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue
Details: Tour the 1879 lakeside cottage and learn about life during the resort era. Registration required.
Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
9TH ANNUAL FREE CONCERT FROM THE PORCH
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3
Where: 4671 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a cappella music by Vocality at a private home.
Contact: vocalityquartet.com
FUTURE CITY FEST
When: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4
Where: West Park, 2350 11th St., White Bear Lake
Details: Neighborhood festival with food trucks, live music, prizes, bounce house, face painting, balloon artist and more.
Contact: futurecitychurch.com
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
When: Tuesday, Aug. 6
Where: Local neighborhoods
Details: Neighborhoods host block parties to gather and promote awareness of safety and crime prevention. Register to have visit from law enforcement and fire department personnel
Contact: Lino Lakes Police Department llpsdntu@ linolakes.us; Centennial Lakes Police Department mail@clpdmn.com
Family Corn Roast
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1
Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: Food, live music, 50/50 raffle and a meat raffle. Enjoy fresh picked roasted sweet corn with lots of butter, a hot dog basket with chips and soda. Join the Lino Lakes Ambassadors for kids games.
Contact: 651-783-0055
CHURCH BRIEF
Good Shepherd hosts bake, rummage sale
Good Shepherded Lutheran Church in Circle Pines’ annual bake and rummage sale is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. For more information, call 763-784-8417. Good Shepherd is located at 1 Shepherd Court.
Upcoming Games
July 30-August 4 vs. Iowa Cubs August 6-11 vs. Columbus Clippers
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Colorado here I come
When I was 13, my family and I flew out to Denver, Colorado for my cousin’s wedding. After the festivities were over, we climbed into our car and drove two hours out of the city to Breckenridge. We stayed in a house in the mountains, it had a large porch and was surrounded by woods. I think the closest neighbor was well over a mile away and phone service was limited unless we were in town.
Madeline Dolby
Since the trip was 10 years ago. I do not remember a lot except for brief moments. I remember we went hiking on the trails by the house almost every day and went whitewater rafting one morning. One day, we drove to Breckenridge Resort and took a guided hike up one of the Rocky peaks. I also remember taking a tumble during that hike too.
We had just finished the guided portion of the hike. My dad, sister and I decided to continue the hike up to the top of Peak No. 8. When we reached the top of the summit, we grabbed a few photos before deciding to head back down. Also, the altitude made us all a little breathless. My sister and dad proceeded down the side of the steep mountain side with caution, while I did not. My feet got caught up underneath me and I fell, hard. I slid down the side of the mountain and got numerous scratches on the back of my legs.
When I reached the bottom of the mountain side, I was directed to the medical hut to get the small cuts cleaned. My mom came with me, while my dad and sister waited outside. I still can remember how embarrassed I was when we walked into the small building with the hiking guide. They told the medic I had fell and needed medical attention. The medic looked at us a bit confused because I appeared fine until they saw the cuts on the back of my legs and the various pieces of gravel stuck in them. In the moment, I remember telling myself that I would never hike Peak No. 8 again as the medic cleaned the various cuts and remove the gravel from the back of my legs.
Well, I am going to break that promise to my 13-year-old self very soon.
This August, my family and I are headed back to Breckenridge. This time around my sister’s boyfriend will be joining us. It will be the first time he has joined us on a family vacation.
The five of us will be staying at the same house from 10 years ago. My dad has already booked the white-water rafting trip and we are planning to hike the same trails. I think we might even try to fit in a round or two of golf at the local course.
I do not know if we will return to Peak No. 8. The only time the hike has come up is in passing conversation. Even then, the only thing that is mentioned was my tumble down the mountain. If we do decide to climb the peak, I will be a bit smarter about it and proceed with caution.
Madeline Dolby is an editor at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-4311226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
Explorers gain firsthand knowledge
So much of what I see in the news is overwhelming and negative. The division in our country is reflected in conversations with family and friends.
When things feel heavy, I want to focus on what I can control. My attitude, caring for my family, and doing good in my community. If by chance you feel that heaviness too, I encourage you to engage in your community. We have some wonderful opportunities to do just that. Opportunities to connect with neighbors, enjoy simple pleasures, slow down for a bit, and enjoy what summer has to offer.
On August 15th from 4-8 PM, the chamber will host a business expo at the Food Truck & Fun Festival. This event is held at Centennial Middle School and benefits Centennial Community Ed. In addition to the business expo and food trucks, there will be a car show supporting Beyond The Yellow Ribbon NE Metro. The car show is
• Election season is considered to be from the filing deadline until the day of the election.
• Limited to 350 words.
open to all makes and models with special awards for veteran-owned rides, youngest owner, most patriotic, and more. A family-friendly event with something for all ages! That night kicks off Blue Heron Days in Lino Lakes. The Rookery plays host to a variety of fun activities including a Power Wheels Derby, bounce house, carnival games, touch-a-truck, pony rides, and more Friday evening. Saturday is the annual parade with more fun to follow at the Rookery. Closing out the festivities is the annual Garden Tour and Corn Feed at Waldoch Farm. The farm has been in business for over 100 years and is the perfect place to experience the best of summer.
With only a few summer Thursdays remaining, head to Centerville. Their Main Street Market is held Thursday evenings through August 22 from 5:30-7:30 PM. A farmers market with local vendors and artisans in the heart of town. Then head to the hillside along the shore and catch a Bald Eagle Waterski Show. Watching the sunset over the lake with the talents and antics of the skiers entertaining you. The show starts at 7 PM and makes for a classic summer evening.
Soon enough school will start, and we’ll settle into our fall rou-
tines. If you’re looking to freshen things up a bit, check out the new Curious Crow in Lexington. This new specialty shop is a place to shop, play, gather, and sip on local wine and beer. It is always exciting to welcome new businesses into our community.
The chamber continues to grow and evolve. We welcome guests to attend our events, especially our Nosh & Network Happy Hours. The chamber co-hosts these monthly gatherings with the Chain of Lakes Rotary. Held at businesses across the area, they are a time to connect local professionals, leaders, and community members for some conversation and fun. On August 28 we will be getting together at the T and Nae Flower Farm in Hugo. T and Nae will have a food truck, live music, and local vendors. Yet another ideal way to spend a summer evening.
These are opportunities to come together and share in the simple joys of summer, sure to refresh your spirit. Details on these events and others can be found on the chamber’s event calendar at quadareachamber.org
Michelle Koch is the preisdent and CEO of the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
number for verification.
• Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• 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 651-407-1200 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
• 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.
Movers & Shakers
Michelle Koch
Madeline’s Mail
NO-WAKE ZONE: Circle Pines City Council will consider 2nd reading Aug. 13
FROM PAGE 1
Golden Lake was added to Minnesota’s impaired waters list back in 2002 because of excess nutrients, but it was recently de-listed. The recent excessive rainfall has caused algae blooms this summer.
“It’s not phosphorus that is in the lake that is being stirred up that is causing our current problem, it is the sheer amount of runoff from people’s lawns, from the ditch … everything is coming into the lake right now,” he said. “There is a lot more phosphorus available right now than there ever has been before.” He added that the current algae bloom is “moderate” not “severe.”
Mayor Dave Bartholomay said he was worried about a resident investing thousands of dollars on a boat they might not be able to use on the lake. “We need to be thoughtful on this,” he said. “We are not in this situation yet, but we are trying to be proactive.”
Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager at the Rice Creek Watershed District, said larger and faster moving boats can present concerns to any lake, especially small, shallow ones.
“They present some concerns as it relates to native and aquatic plants, stirring up sediments in the bottom of the lake and creating waves that can erode shorelines,” Kocian explained.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, large wakes can result in a variety of environmental consequences including shoreline erosion, impaired water quality and loss of shoreline vegetation, which ultimately impacts fish and wildlife.
Legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin that could implement no-wake zones on any lake that
is smaller than 150 acres. Golden Lake is 90 acres. Antonen said Anoka County has two other lakes that have no-wake zones, including Peltier Lake in Centerville and Long Lake in New Brighton.
Council Member Matt Percy suggested the council add the word “motorized” watercraft, which would allow for sailboats that could reach excess of 5 mph if wind conditions were favorable.
Council Member Nici Dorner said a no-wake zone would also be good from a safety standpoint. “Kids go out there and swim and by the time they get in deep water, they are in the middle of the lake,” she said. “There is no reason to have a faster boat going through there.”
Council Member Meagan Bachmayer “It is a special lake because it has been protected in this way. I feel like this is a natural next step to look toward the future and get ahead of it before somebody does go out and make a huge investment and then we have the issue come up then.”
Council Member Steve McChesney said he would like to hear opinions from residents, both those that live on the lake but also residents from neighboring communities who utilize the lake.
“A lot of people live on the lake, but it would be nice to give them an opportunity to voice their opinion in case there are some out there that are opposed to this,” he said.
A second reading for the ordinance amendment is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at City Hall.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Minnesota’s election system ‘is secure, accurate and
BY BILL STICKELS III
ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
When people talk about “Election integrity” images of stuffing of ballot boxes, manipulating results, or other underhanded methods of fixing the elections comes to mind.
Minnesota voters, however, should feel confident of accurate election results, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
“Minnesotans should have confidence in the system because of the many checks in the system,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Deputy Elections Director Paul Linnell. “Just as important, Minnesotans should have confidence and trust in their elections because of the high-integrity public officials in their communities that make it all possible.”
Testing, testing and more testing
Besides the integrity of officials, Linnell says the state requires stringent oversight of the ballot counting machines.
“Before any electronic voting system is used in the state, it must be tested and certified by a lab accredited by the Federal Elections Assistance Commission,”
Linnell said. “That testing is a rigorous process that includes examination all the way down to the source code and a tabulation process that requires no more than one error in every 500,000 ballots.”
After a machine is certified federally, the state needs to certify it. This process includes reviewing the federal testing, plus another round of testing by the Secretary of State’s Office to ensure it is accurate based on Minnesota election laws.
This testing determines, for example, if voting machines flag “cross-over voting” on a primary election ballot where voters can only vote for candidates in one party.
Additionally, the state creates test elections from all levels of government using predetermined test results to ensure the machines are 100% accurate.
Then, each precinct must perform test ballots on all precinct voting machines using actual ballots filled out with predetermined test results just prior to each election day. That test also must be 100% accurate. These tests are open to the public to observe.
After the election is concluded, each county’s canvassing board is required to randomly select a certain number of
fair’
precincts for a hand-count audit of the results in the Presidential or Governor’s race, US Senator, and US Representative.
The difference between the hand count and the machine count must be less than one-quarter of one percent. If it is greater, additional precincts, and possibly all of them, must be hand-counted.
“Since this post-election audit was passed into law in 2006, there has only been two instances of needing to escalate the post-election review,” Linnell said, adding both cases involved human error causing the machines to miscount.
Besides the post race audits, races with extremely close margins of victory trigger a publicly funded automatic recount, plus any recounts requested by a losing candidate. Linnell noted in almost all these recounts, the results are changed by only a few votes.
“Recounts that happen every election year have consistently demonstrated that the voting equipment is counting ballots correctly,” Linnell concluded.
A paper trail as backup
As accurate as the machines may be, Linnell says the state has always, and will probably continue to, rely on paper ballots to double-check vote counts, especially when it comes to close election
results.
“A lot of states have moved to touchscreen voting equipment, Minnesota did not go in that direction,” Linnell said. “Minnesota has always required a paper ballot. That ballot serves as the official record of the votes cast.”
Then why not just do hand counting like “the good old days” before electronic ballot counters? Linnell said the state has mandated any precinct that has been using electronic counters must continue to use them maintain a consistent process over time.
More importantly, he noted studies show electronic counters are far more accurate than hand counting.
“Case studies and tests have repeatedly demonstrated that humans, counting ballots by hand, doing repetitive tasks, are less reliable than the tested and certified voting equipment,” Linnell said. He added the costs and the time it would take to hand-count every race would be extremely high.
Hacking the machines
Some people have voiced concerns machines may be hacked to alter the outcome of an election.
SEE ELECTIONS, PAGE 16
The city of Circle
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Lino Lakes Police Department report the following incidents:
• On July 16, an officer responded to assist a neighboring agency in the 400 block of Keith Road in searching for a missing person in a park. The officer searched with an unmanned aircraft system but was unable to locate the individual.
• An officer responded to a property damage accident July 16 in the 1200 block of Birth Street. The driver was provided a case number for insurance.
• An officer was dispatched July 16 to a traffic complaint in the 7800 block of Lake Drive. The driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
• An officer responded to an animal complaint July 16 in the 2000 block of Balsam Way. The officer documented information and spoke to the animal’s owners regarding city ordinances.
• An officer was dispatched to a park July 16 in the 6100 block of Oakwood Lane on a request of welfare check on a child who appeared to be left alone. The child was reunited with their parent, who was nearby.
• An officer responded to a call July 16 of a motor vehicle crash involving a bicycle near the intersection of Interstate 35E and Main Street. The bicyclist had minor injuries and a driver was issued a citation.
• An officer responded to a report of a theft from a vehicle July 16 in the 2300 block of Rosemary Way. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a reported burglary the night of July 16 in the 7800 block of Nancy Court. The officer investigated the scene but was unable to identify a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a report of a theft July 17 in the 600 block of Market Place Drive. The officer documented the incident and identified possible suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer was requested July 17 to respond to a business in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road for a male who was refusing to leave the site. The male was subsequently trespassed from the business.
• A resident reported a possible injured bird July 17 in the 6800 block of Black Duck Drive. An officer checked the area and was unable to locate the bird.
• Officers responded to a suspicious female July 18 in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The female
COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The park board still has one vacancy. Meagan Bachmayer resigned from her position to fill the vacant seat on the City Council, created the resignation of Dean Goldberg. Angela Christen is the newest park board member.
• Derek Lind is hoping the City Council will invite him to return to the council, either at a regular meeting or work session, to give a more in-depth presentation on the Anoka County Election Integrity Team. For more information, visit www.projectminnesota.com/ anoka.
• The city continues to gear up for its street project next year. The project includes a mill and overlay on Village Parkway and West Golden Lake along with a partial reconstruction of several streets including Oak Road, South Drive, Oak Leaf Lane and Cameo Lane.
City Administrator Patrick Antonen says Village Parkway and West Golden Lake Road had projects completed back in the 2000s, but the streets proposed for partial reconstruction were built in the 1980s. The estimated assessment amounts are $1,500 for the mill and overlay and in between $2,000 to $3,000 for the partial reconstruction. For more information, visit the city website at ci.circle-pines.mn.us and search “2025 street project.”
• Approximately eight parties in the city have registered with the Centennial Lakes Police Department for Night
was in a vehicle at a business. She had parked in different spots over the course of an hour. Officers determined the female was using trash cans. Staff of the business requested she left, which she did without issue.
• Officers responded to a call July 18 of a two-vehicle personal injury accident in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road. One party was transported to the hospital to treat injuries sustained from the accident.
• An officer responded to a report of gunshot July 18 in the 7900 block of Joseph Court. The officer investigated and determined to be a firework. A suspect was identified and issued a citation.
• An officer responded to a local business July 19 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive on a report of a dog left in a vehicle. The dog was fine, and contact was made with the owner.
• An officer took a runaway juvenile report July 19. The officer obtained information for the report and entered the juvenile into the computer as a runaway.
• An officer located a vehicle July 20 in the 1200 block of Main Street that was struggling to maintain its lane. The vehicle was stopped by the officer and the driver was arrested for DWI.
• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male at a local business in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road July 20. Officers found the male was lost and did not have his phone for directions. The officers assisted the male, and no further action was taken.
• An officer assisted a neighboring agency July 21 on a call of shots fired through the wall of a home in the 9200 block of Syndicate Avenue. A suspect was located a short time later.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• Officers were dispatched to a medical emergency July 17 in the block of West Road in Circle Pines. One party was transported via ambulance.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint July 17 in the 7000 block of Brian Way in Centerville. No further action was taken.
• Police responded to a property damage report July 18 in the 7200 block of Main Street in Centerville.
• Police responded July 19 to a medical emergency in the 100 block of South Drive in Circle Pines. The patient was transported to the hospital by EMS.
• Police were dispatched July 19 to a medical
to Unite Aug. 6.
• The fall clean-up/recycling day is Saturday, Aug. 24 at the public works building.
• The city of Circle Pines will contribute $53,000 for a new fire engine for the Centennial Fire District. Council Member Matt Percy, who serves on the fire steering committee, says the district got a deal on the engine and is paying approximately $550,000 on a vehicle that would typically run $900,000. Although the district has been saving money for the purchase, there is about a $100,000 shortfall, which the district is asking its member cities to pay. The city of Centerville’s portion is $47,000. The district is planning an event unveiling the new engine at 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at fire station no. 1. Watch the district’s Facebook page for more information.
• The 2025 fire department budget represents a 1.7% decrease from the 2024 budget, due to one-time public safety monies received from the state. The city of Circle Pines will see a decrease of approximately $7,100 for its portion of the budget.
• The city continues to move forward with a new roof at its public works facility and its fire station.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug .13 at 7 p.m
Shannon Granholm
emergency in the 2000 block of Michaud Way in Centerville. Upon arrival, police met with a male on the floor. They gathered information from the male. Police and paramedics were able to get him back into his wheelchair without incident.
• Police responded to a report of a stolen bicycle July 19 in the 6900 block of Lamottee Drive in Centerville.
• Police responded to a medical emergency July 19 on South Drive in Circle Pines. Police arrived on scene and spoke with a female. They gathered information from the female. Paramedics arrived shortly after and gathered information from her too. She was transported to a nearby hospital for further review.
• On July 19, officers observed traffic violations near Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington. A traffics stop was conducted, and the driver was arrested for endangerment.
• Police responded to a possible vandalism call July 20 near North Road in Circle Pines. No further action was taken.
• Police responded July 21 to property damage in the result of a hit and run accident in the 3800 block of Restwood Road in Lexington.
• Officers responded July 21 to the 9200 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington on reports of a gunshot.
• On July 22, police fielded a threat report in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville.
• Police responded July 22 to a report of an abandoned bicycle near North Road in Circle Pines.
• Officers took a report July 22 at the department from a person July 22 who lives in the 9400 block of Lexington. The person said they are having issues with a neighbor. Officers took information for a report.
• Officers received a phone call July 22 regarding suspicious activity in the 100 block of South Drive in Circle Pines.
• Police responded to a crash July 22 in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue South in Centerville.
• Officers were dispatched to the 10 block of Park Drive in Circle Pines July 22 on a report of someone who may be in a garage. Officers checked the location but could not locate the suspect
Madeline Dolby
CIRCLE PINES CITY
The 2025 street project is proposed to include Golden Lake Road, West Golden Lake Road, Woodland Road, Central Street, Village Parkway, Golden Oak Drive, Cameo Lane, Oak Leaf Lane (from Oak Ridge Trail to Woodcrest Drive), Oak Road, South Pine Drive (south of South Drive), and South Drive (between South Pine Drive and South Road).
Meet the 2024 candidates vying for Lino Lakes Ambassadors title
The 2024-2025 Lino Lakes Ambassadors will be announced at the 20th annual Lino Lakes Ambassador "Roaring 20's" Coronation at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 at the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center.
Here is more information about the nine candidates running for the three ambassador roles.
Board appoints Jim Dickinson as new Anoka County administrator
The Anoka County Board of Commissioners has appointed Jim Dickinson as the county’s new administrator. Dickinson was one of three finalists the board ultimately considered for the position after a months-long search process conducted following the retirement of former administrator Rhonda Sivarajah.
For nearly the past 20 years, Dickinson served as the city administrator of Andover, and he previously served as that city’s finance director and interim administrator for five years. Prior to those positions, Dickinson worked as an accounting manager for Anoka County, a city accountant for Cottage Grove, and an accountant/senior accountant with Anoka County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University. He's received several professional awards and acknowledgments for his work in the government financial sector.
“I think the search process for a new administrator went well,” said Mike Gamache, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners. “Jim stood out among the applicants because he has more than 30 years of experience in the public sector – as a city administrator, finance director, and he worked in accounting for Anoka County. He’s a great addition to our leadership.”
Dickinson will transition into the county administrator position over the next couple of months as he ends his duties in the city of Andover. He’ll officially start in September.
“Being the new administrator in Anoka County is kind of a homecoming for me,” Dickinson said. “Many of the faces have changed since I worked here last, but there are a few people who are still here. I’m excited to reconnect with them, and work with new staff and commissioners.
I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I welcome the challenge.”
Sunset Avenue corridor to be reconstructed
The Anoka County Board will enter into a contract with WSB for design services, environmental documentation and final design services associated with the reconstruction of Sunset Avenue, between Apollo Drive and 125thAvenue/Main Street, in the cities of Blaine and Lino Lakes.
The proposed improvements include adding a stormwater drainage system, paved shoulders, turn lanes, ADA improvements, trail connections and two roundabout-controlled intersections at 121st Avenue NE and Lilac Street. The county requested proposals from engineering firms for project design, permitting and environmental documentation and received three responses. WSB submitted the low bid at $339,283. Construction is scheduled for 2027.
Attorney receives Award of Excellence in civil law
Assistant Anoka County Attorney Chris Carney recently received an Award of Excellence in Civil Law from the Minnesota Bar Association — there are only two public attorney awards given out by the Bar Association each year.
County approves employment agreement with Community, Government Relations Director
The board has approved an employment agreement with Tonja West-Hafner to appoint her as the new department director of the county’s Community and Government Relations Department. She replaces Karen Skepper, who recently retired. West-Hafner has been with Anoka County since December 2023 and currently serves as the assistant director, Community and Government Relations. Prior to Anoka County, she worked at Hennepin County for 23 years in the role of administrative manager.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Eden is the 16-year-old daughter of Tom and Julie Cutts. She will be a junior at Centennial High School this fall.
Sophia is the 17-year-old daughter of Debra Kortz. She will be a senior at Minnesota Virtual Academy this fall.
Jenna is the 17-year-old daughter of John and Nichole Korth. She will be a senior at Centennial High School this fall.
Tabitha is the 17-year-old daughter of Tonya and John Holden. She will be a senior at Centennial High School this fall.
Lily is the 18-year-old daughter of Ahmed Gulaid and Melissa Dimock-Gulaid. She graduated from Centennial High School in 2024. This fall she will attend Anoka Ramsey Community College
Amelia is the 16-year-old daughter of Donald and Stephanie Patterson. She will be a junior at Centennial High School this fall.
Emily is the 18-year-old daughter of Jon and Jodi Black. She graduated from Centennial High School in 2024. This fall she will attend the University of St. Thomas.
Sophie is the 16-year-old daughter of Heather Wynn and Scott Lynch. She will be a junior at Centennial High School this fall.
Emmaline is the 17-year-old daughter of Anthony and Nta Bassey. She graduated from Centennial High School in 2024. This fall she will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Eden Cutts
Jenna Korth
Lily Gulaid
Tabitha Johnson
Amelia Patterson
Emily Black
Sophie Wynn
Emmaline Bassey
Sophia Kortz
Jim Dickinson
Last chance to vote
Have you voted in our Best of the Press contest yet? Voting closes on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to help highlight the places, people and things our communities love most!
From Best Bloody Mary to Best Golf Course, you can take part in recognizing your local favorites. You can even vote for your favorite dentist!
Categories include arts and entertainment, eating and drinking, health and fitness, local, services, shopping and sports and recreation.
Don’t miss your chance, cast your votes now! Visit the ‘Best of Contest’ tab at presspubs.com or scan the QR code below.
Scan here to vote!
Interested in running for school board?
The period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member begins July 30 and closes at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Three members will be elected to the school board for terms of four years each. A candidate must be an eligible voter, 21 years of age or more on assuming
office, be a resident of the school district for 30 days before the general election and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office for the general election.
Contact Jody Josephson, executive assistant to the superintendent, at 763-792-6010 or by email, jjosephson@ isd12.org to schedule an appointment to pick up candidate information folder from the Centennial District Office.
The MetroNorth Chamber and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance will host a transportation forum discussing the future of transportation funding with current elected officials and others seeking office from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at Fire Station No. 3, located at 11920 Ulysses St. NE in Blaine.
COUNTY BRIEF
Anoka County seeks input on Safe Streets and Roads for All Plan
Anoka County wants resident input to make its streets and roads safer. The county is developing a safe streets and roads plan focused focusing on improving safety on county roads and highways. The plan will guide roadway safe -
The forum provides an opportunity to discuss Minnesota’s transportation system with legislators, elected officials and transportation stakeholders. A brief overview of transportation funding in Minnesota as well as local concerns and issues will occur. Candidates to can address participants and answer a few questions.
The forum is free to attend, but attendees should RSVP by visiting www.metronorthchamber.org/events/details/ transportation-forum-202418.
ty strategies throughout Anoka County to make roads safer for drivers, bikers, walkers and transit riders.
Anoka County urges residents and others who use the county road system to complete the survey and share a location or corridor they have safety concerns about by using the interactive comment map at https:// alliant.mysocialpinpoint.com/anoka-ss4a/
anoka-ss4a-map#/.
“We are committed to improving safety on county roads and urge all residents, employees, and passersby to provide their input to help foster a safer Anoka County,” said District 6 Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson, who serves as the county’s Transportation Committee chair.
SPORTS
Hoecke of Team USA brings home a gold medal
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
What was it like, Elena Hoecke was asked, to suit up in the red, white, and blue for Team USA?
“Almost surreal,” said Hoecke.
“The only two ways you can represent your country is through sports or the military. They (coaches) talked about that a lot, and told us to be sure to soak it all in.”
The Centennial junior-to-be brought a gold medal home to Lino Lakes after the American team went 5-0 in the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championships in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 14-19.
“It was an amazing experience,” she said, “to put on the uniform and compete with such great players and coaches.”
NORCECA stands for North Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation. Team USA has won it nine times and placed second three times.
Hoecke, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, made Team USA in two steps by standing out in the National Team Development Camp in Colorado Springs in June to earn an invitation to the tryouts in Anaheim, where she was one of 12 selected from 20 contestants.
Team USA won the championship game over Canada 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 25-14 with Hoecke contributing 11 points with nine kills and two aces.
Team USA won its other four matches 3-0. In pool play, they beat Cuba 25-8, 25-11, 25-21 as Hoecke tied for the team lead with nine points on five kills, two blocks and two aces; beat Canada 25-19, 25-13, 25-15 with Hoecke contributing six kills and an ace; and Puerto Rico 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 as Hoecke notched seven points. In the semifinals, Team USA beat Puerto Rico again 25-21, 25-22, 25-16.
Manaia Ogbechie, 6-foot-3 middle blocker from California, was named the Most Valuable Player. Also among seven players on the all-star team were 6-foot-3 outside hitter Audrey Flanagan of California and 5-foot10 setter Genevieve Harris of North Carolina.
Hoecke, who has committed to the Minnesota Gophers, will eventually play against Ogbechie (Nebraska) and Flanagan (Wisconsin) in the Big Ten. Keegan Cook, the Gophers coach,
St. Joseph of the Lakes Summer Festival
FREE ADMISSION Both Days!
Sun, Aug 11
BINGO, Carnival Games, Concessions, Joe’s Bar, Classic Car Show & More 5 pm Special Raffles and Grand Raffle Drawings over $20,000 in prizes!
was one of the Team USA assistants. Jamie Morrison of Texas A&M was head coach.
It was a U19 tournament, but all the American players were 17 or 16. Hoecke is 17. “They want the team to be young,” Hoecke said, “so we can qualify again for the world tournament next year. That’s what we qualified for by winning this tournament.”
The girls didn’t do any tourist stuff in the Central American nation just south of Mexico. "We pretty much stayed in our hotel and focused on volleyball. We had film sessions and serve, and pass practices every day,” she said.
Her parents made the trip. “Everybody’s parents were there, so that was fun. We had our own cheering section every game.”
Hoecke has a rooting gallery back home, too.
"We are so proud of Elena! Most of our coaching staff has been able to see her grow and watch her career blossom,” said Nicole Christensen, who became Centennial's coach last fall after longtime coach Jackie Rehbein-Manthey retried.
“She deserved to wear the USA jersey — not only because of the high-level volleyball player she is, but how she represents herself, family, Centennial and her club program. She is a class act.”
Coaches, teammates and families “definitely followed along” with the events in Honduras. “We even had her take over our social media for
the day,” the coach added, “and show what her game day looked like.”
Christensen said she’s looking forward to sitting down with Hoecke to talk about everything she’s learned, to help grow Centennial volleyball. Hoecke plays volleyball at Centennial, having discarded her other two sports (basketball and softball, where she was a pitcher) by seventh grade to focus on volleyball. She plays for the Minnesota Select club the rest of the year.
She had finished her club season the day leaving for Colorado. “I had not been home for about two months,” she said. “So now I will have a little break, a couple weeks off, before high school practice starts.”
Lino Lakes falls one win short of Legion state tourney
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Lino Lakes rolled into the finals of the SubState 7 tournament last week and was perched one win from the state tournament before Forest Lake tripped the Cougars 16-3 and 4-2 on Saturday, ending their season.
In action Tuesday through Saturday at White Bear Lake, Lino Lakes won its first four games, and had two chances to beat Forest Lake. Post 566 couldn’t quite finish the job and finished a solid 15-8.
The Cougars nipped Bayport (Stillwater) 1-0 on a three-hit shutout by Tyler Gruye in their second game. They had opened with a 9-2 win over TriCity Maroon (Irondale) with Luke Gunderman pitching. Tyler Escobedo delivered two RBI singles and Calvin Coppersmith ripped a two-run double. Lino Lakes then pounded Forest Lake 14-6, sparked by Riley Johnson’s four RBI’s on a two-run double and tworun single. Matt Siegler rapped a double and two singles. Noel Sieg got the win in relief (five innings, two runs).
The Cougars nipped Tri-City Red (Mounds View) 4-3 as Gruye singled in the eighth and scored the game-winner on a wild pitch. Siegler threw seven innings.
Cam Stukel pitched the eighth to get the win. Gunderman’s RBI double tied the score.
Forest Lake regrouped after their earlier loss to the Cougars and belted five home runs in the sweep Saturday. Keenan Bjork, Gavin Goehner, Nolan Jacobson and Tucker Sibbald connected in the 16-3 win. Logan Mueller’s three-run shot keyed their 4-3 win. Goehner started both games and pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings before reaching his pitch limit.
Ben Clauson blasted a two-run homer for the Cougars in the sixth inning of game two, cutting a 4-0 deficit to 4-2, and they had two runners aboard in the seventh when the final out was made. Stukel and Jacob Hosfield, the starting pitchers, took the losses. Caden Coppersmith threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, helping the Cougars make a game of it.
USA VOLLEYBALL
Elena Hoecke (16) and USA teammates celebrated after beating Puerto Rico in the semifinals of the NORCECA Continental Championships. CONTRIBUTED
Elena Hoecke posed for a teammate to take a photo with her medal and the trophy.
BRUCE STRAND
Calvin Coppersmith settled under a fly ball in center field.
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited ta lk text and data for ju st $25/mo! The power of 3 5G networ ks, one low price! Call today and ge t the latest iPhone every year on us! 855/849-6621
DON'T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for an yone who struggles on the stairs, is co ncerned about a fall or wa nts to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide toda y! 866.852.5506
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impa ired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844/220-9501 today!
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody
the productiondesign team you'll have a vital role in laying out weekly and biweekly newspapers, creating and updatin g ad s, fo llowing schedules with overlapping deadlines while working on a variety of prin t products
Comfortable in
Are you a self-motivated and detailed designer?
Press Publications is
Qualifications:
• Comfortable in
InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator
• Build ads to customer specs
• Follow a schedule with overlapping deadlines
• Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.
• 38-40 hours per week. M-F, 8-5 Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com WBL Country Inn F/T Night Auditor Fri-Tue 11pm-7am Apply in person or call Bill 651-271-5985
pound package of Revier USDA Prime Beef Patties. Www.revierbeef.com
$76,750. Ca ll 612.834.5180 AN NANDALE SC HOOLS are hiring a Special Ed Paraprofessio nal 6.5 hour days during th e school year, grades 6-8, excellent pay Visit www.isd876.org, human resources page.
Prime Black Angu s. Order online an d receive free pound package of Revier USDA Prime Beef Patties. Www.revierbeef.com
CITY OF CENTERVILLE, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Primary Election will be held in
Centerville’s polling location, voting hours are as follows: St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center 6995 Centerville Road Centerville, MN 55038 HOURS: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FEDERAL OFFICES
• US Representative
39A, 39B Centerville’s polling location: Church of St. Genevieve Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville, MN 55038 Voting hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Precinct Name Voting Location
Centerville P-1 St. Genevieve Community Parish Center 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville, MN 55038 Teresa Bender, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on July 30 and August 6, 2024. CITY OF CENTERVILLE COUNTY OF ANOKA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Centerville City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the Centerville Elementary School Cafeteria, 1721 Westview Street, Centerville, MN 55038 beginning at 6:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter on the following matter: To consider placing a moratorium temporarily prohibiting the acceptance/ consideration of Planned Unit Development(s) within the M-1 (Mixed Use
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + IN TERNET! Free install, fr ee HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 In gift cards. Call today! 8 55.562.4 309 SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Finan cing available. Call Safe Step 833.96 6.3882
District) and M-2 (Mixed Use Neighborhood District). The moratorium would allow review of existing guiding documents, (City Code, Downtown Master Plan, Comprehensive Plan, etc.) as they relate to Downtown redevelopment. The Centerville Elementary School is ADA accessible. Requests for hearing assisted devices or a sign language interpreter must be received before 4:00 p.m., August 7, 2024. All persons interested are invited to attend and to be heard or may submit in writing their concerns. You may contact the City Clerk’s office at: (651) 792-7933 or by facsimile (651) 429-8629 if you need additional information. Published in the Quad Community Press July 30, 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 August 12, 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 - 904 Kelly Street, Lino Lakes - PID #09-31-22-22-0063
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 July 23 and 30, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 10-24
AN ORDINANCE VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT
Section 1: Findings
The City Council of Lino Lakes has determined to vacate a portion of the drainage and utility easement dedicated over, under, and across Outlot C, Watermark 5th Addition; and A public hearing was held on July 8, 2024 before the City Council in the
City Hall Council Chambers after due published and posted notice had been given and reasonable attempts were made to give personal notice to all affected property owners, and all persons interested were given an opportunity to be heard.
Section 3: Effect
This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter and upon recording of the Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation.
Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on July 22, 2024. This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall. Rob Rafferty, Mayor
ATTEST: Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on July 30, 2024. RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET, LEVY AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT CHARGES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to present and receive comments on the District’s 2025 proposed budget and levy, which include Water Management District (WMD) local charges for the Ramsey County Ditch (RCD) 4 WMD, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the City of Shoreview, 4600 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, Minnesota Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely. The proposed 2025 budget is $9,332,614. The proposed total levy for the District is $6,140,782. The Ramsey County Ditch 4 WMD proposes to collect charges of $94,538. RCWD, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070. Published one time in the Quad Community Press on July 30, 2024.
PETITIONS: Lino Lakes city may ask Attorney General for a 2nd opinion
He cited the 2002 case Nordmarken vs. city of Richfield. A private developer submitted a plan to the city of Richfield for the development of approximately 40 acres of real estate. The city approved an amendment to its comprehensive land use plan to accommodate the proposed development. Richfield is a charter city like Lino Lakes and the voters filed petitions with the City Council for referendums on the ordinances amending the comprehensive plan and rezoning the property.
The city council rejected the petitions because state law had preempted the right of referendum on the issues the appellants sought to include in the referendums and that any disapproval of the amendment, and the rezoning would conflict with state law.
The case eventually made its way to district court and the court sided with the city finding the referendum would
conflict with state law. An appeal followed, and the court of appeals affirmed the district court decision that the referendum would conflict with state law.
“The court said those two statutes (Municipal Planning Act and the Metropolitan Land Planning Act) don’t allow citizens to dictate or constrain actions of the City Council in the land use area,” Squires said. “The state through statute has said you (the council) are the ones who make the decisions in the land use planning area, and charter initiatives, both ordinances and amendments, cannot take away that authority and responsibility of the council.”
Squires said in his opinion, all three petitions interfere with the land use decision-making process, which is delegated to the council. “The council is the gatekeeper of these things,” he said.
If the citizens disagree, they can pursue a declaratory judgment action through the courts.
COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Sunburn Construction, doing business as Everlight Solar, now has a solicitor’s permit to go door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout Lino Lakes for the next six months.
• The city is gearing up for its annual Night to Unite celebration Tuesday, Aug. 6. There will be a few road closures around town to accommodate parties. They include:
- Andall Street will be closed east of the intersection of Blackbird Ln/Andall Street to 471 Andall St.
- Gladstone Drive will be closed between Lakeview Drive and Sunrise Drive.
- Oakwood Lane will be closed between White Pine Road and Woodridge Lane.
• Jessica Crowe will take on a new role of investigative assistant with the public safety department. Crowe has been working for the department since February 2021. She previously served as the police records technician and most recently the administrative assistant. The starting wage of her new position will be $31.22 per hour, which is step five of a six-wage scale. Crowe fills a vacancy that was created due to a resignation in May.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Booster seats included in new transportation law
• Riley Meyer is the city’s newest full-time utilities maintenance worker in the public works department. Previously, he worked as a laborer for David’s Hydrovac in Columbus. The starting wage will be $32.43 per hour, which is step three of a six-step wage scale. Meyer fills a vacancy that was created in July 2022 after a resignation.
• Fire Lieutenant Brian Gustafson will be promoted to the paid-on-call district chief position effective Aug. 1. Gustafson has been a member of the fire team since December 2017. He was promoted to fire lieutenant in August 2022. His hourly rate of pay will stay the same, however he will now receive a monthly stipend of $300.
• The city has hired a new custodial worker for the public services department. Joe Petrucci’s hourly rate of pay will be $20, which is the starting rate for the position.
• Similarly to the Colonial Woods neighborhood, residents of the Pine Haven neighborhood seem to be supportive of a project connecting them to city sewer and water. In addition to the 2025 street reconstruction project, the
Parents of young children who use booster seats may need to do some reading and make some changes before Aug. 1.
A new law updates and clarifies various transportation policies and procedures, including around child restraint systems. The law spells out best practices for child passengers and it takes effect Aug. 1. The law modifies child restraint requirements when a child is transported in a motor vehicle:
• a child who is younger than age 2 must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system;
• a child who is at least age 2 who exceeds the rear-facing weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system with an internal harness, until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system;
Squires explained the council had two options. First, the council could direct Squires to bring back a resolution that would declare the petitions are not legally sufficient. Second, the council could direct Squires to engage the Attorney General on the topic to receive a second opinion.
If the council does decide to go the second route, Squires explained the opinion would likely not come back before the Aug. 13 deadline of when ballot language must be turned over to the county for the general election in November. “You are not going to get it (a decision) in a month… and there is no guarantee they will come back with tangible answers,” he cautioned.
City Council Member Michael Ruhland said he would support getting a second opinion. “This is such a large issue in our community that so many people are passionate about. I think we should pursue getting an opinion from
city is considering extension of utilities to the Pine Haven neighborhood, which includes 81st Street, Danube Street and Elbe Street. The total estimated cost is approximately $40,000, which includes a special assessment of $16,000 plus $13,300 in connection fees.
Following a 60-day period where the council can take no action on the project and after consideration of any petitions received, the council will determine whether to proceed with the sanitary sewer and water improvements. If the project moves forward, there would be another neighborhood meeting.
If approved, the council will likely authorize the plans and specifications this fall, award a construction contract in spring 2025 and construction would begin and be complete by fall 2025.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. The next regular meeting will at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug 12 at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
• a child who is at age 4 and exceeds the weight or height limit of the forward-facing child passenger restraint system must be properly restrained in a booster seat and secured with a safety belt;
• a child who is at least age 9 or exceeds the weight or height limit of the child passenger restraint system or the booster seat must be secured with a safety belt adjusted and fastened around the child’s body to fit correctly; and
• a child younger than age 13 must be transported in the rear seat of a motor vehicle, when available, and must be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat or secured with a safety belt.
A child younger than age 6 or weighs less than 60 pounds must be transported in a rear seat if the vehicle has a passenger side air bag supplemental restraint system, the system is activated, and a rear seat is available. Additionally, if the number of children under age 13 exceeds the number of age- or size-appropriate child passenger restraint systems and safety belts available in the motor vehicle, the unrestrained children must be seated in a rear seat, if rear seats are available.
the Attorney General,” he said. “I trust you (Squires) and your judgment, but it is not just my opinion.”
Council Members Christopher Lyden and Dale Stoesz said they agreed along with Mayor Rob Rafferty. Council Member Tony Cavegn said he could go either direction on the matter.
“A lot of people took the time to read the petition, sign the petition and take a part of that,” Rafferty said. “I would definitely be in favor of that.”
Ultimately the council directed Squires to bring back a resolution to a future council meeting that declares the petitions not legally valid and grants him authority to reach out to the Attorney General on behalf of the city to receive a second opinion.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
LINO LAKES CITY
CONTRIBUTED
The Lino Lakes Ambassadors visit the council to introduce the candidates running this year to the City Council.
CONTRIBUTED
Residents along 81st Street, Danube Street and Elbe Street may be assessed $16,000 if the city decides to pursue the extension of utilities to the Pine Haven neighborhood. That figure does not include connection fees.
Linnell responds that besides the previously mentioned paper trail and post-election audits and recounts, the machines are not hooked up to the internet like a common computer. Therefore, there isn’t a need for antivirus or other security programs. Even when counties are transmitting data to the Secretary of State’s election website, hacking wouldn’t do anyone any good since that information is unofficial. Only the canvassing board’s results are final.
Ineligible voters
Others are concerned people ineli-
gible to vote could decrease election integrity, claiming the lack of voter ID requirements allows for ineligible ballots to be cast.
Linnell admits it is impossible to determine which ballots might have been cast by an ineligible voter, but he insists the punishment for voter fraud is a severe enough deterrent. That punishment can include felony charges, fines eclipsing $100,000, and in the case of a non-US citizen voting, deportation.
As proof, Linnell brought up a study conducted by a University of St. Thomas professor that revealed only
three instances of non-citizens voting over the last several decades.
Additionally, he and Isanti County Auditor-Treasurer Angie Larson state all they can do is impose the laws as they are enacted by the Minnesota Legislature.
“I can’t change election laws or statutes,” said Larson. “I have to follow them, no matter what, whether people agree with them or not. Rules,
statutes, laws are going to be followed. If people have concerns about those statutes, laws, and rules, they have to go to the Legislation to change them. My role is to make sure everyone is following those laws.”
Bill Stickels III is the editor of the Isanti-Chisago County Star, a sister publication to Press Publications.
