Council
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
LINO LAKES — In addition to using some of its budget surplus dollars each year for parks and trails, the council will also consider asking voters on a ballot for support as early as next year.
Mayor Rob Rafferty requested the matter be discussed by the council following a park dedication fee study. (See “Lino Lakes ‘falling behind’ on park and trail system” June 11, 2024.)
Park Board Chair Pat Huelman said the study shows that the city has some work to do to catch up. To keep the city’s system “current and vibrant” Huelman said it comes down to $500,000 for the next five years. Once the city catches up, it would be closer to $250,000 per year to maintain and enhance the park system.
Rafferty suggested the council consider designating 1/3 of its surplus dollars to trails and parks.
“One of the things that people talk about the most in the city is the parks and trails,” Rafferty said. “We are not making enough progress … I would like to see the council make a commitment to enhancing these things instead of losing ground.”
SEE COUNCIL
Powr Hockey aims to empower girls on, off the ice
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Two local hockey moms hope their new brand will empower girls, both on and off the ice.
Kristy Swenby, of Blaine, and Michelle Schlipp, of Centerville, both grew up blocks away from each other in Circle Pines while they were in elementary school. Both are Centennial graduates.
Swenby was on the first Centennial girls’ hockey team back in the 90s. “I didn’t really have any formal training before then … I joined on a whim as they were starting the new team,” she recalled. “That was my first exposure to girls hockey as it was becoming more popular.”
Although Schlipp never
played hockey herself, she grew up around the sport because her father played hockey and several nieces and nephews. Fast forward all these years later and both of their daughters are involved in the sport. Swenby’s 10-year-old daughter plays, and so do Schlipp’s 7 and 8-year-old daughters.
A couple of years ago, the two were talking in the middle of hockey season about how there seemed to be a lack of equipment that was specifically designed for female players, and the idea for Powr Hockey was born.
“When you look at hockey, there are so many big brands that are focused on men and
their needs,” Swenby said. “We were thinking it would be awesome to take a step back and create something special — just for girls.”
The hockey moms started researching and connecting with people in the manufacturing industry. They knew they wanted their first product to be a stick. So, they began experimenting with length, design and flexibility.
“We wanted to create something that was going to be lightweight and easy to use,” Swenby said. “Through testing, we have been able to perfect that mix.”
SEE, POWR HOCKEY, PAGE 2
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Michelle Schlipp (left), of Centerville, and Kristy Swenby, of Blaine, are the founders of Powr Hockey, a company that designs hockey sticks for female players. The two grew up in Circle Pines.
POWR HOCKEY: Local hockey moms team up for brand focused on girls
are made specifically for female athletes. The sticks are available in four colors.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Circle Pines hosts Golden Lake celebration
The city of Circle Pines will host a celebration to celebrate Golden Lake’s removal from the Minnesota Impaired Waters List. The event is schedule for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at Golden Lake Park. Learn more about the de-listing from city officials and the Rice Creek Watershed District and hear about both the recovery and future plans for the lake. Cake and drinks will be served. For more information, contact ksommerfeld@ ricecreek.org or pantonen@ci.circle-pines.mn.us.
FROM PAGE 1
After several rounds of prototypes, the first stick was officially launched and introduced to the market at the end of 2022. Their first stick was pink, and since added subsequent colors teal, black and purple.
Schlipp says it has been fun engaging with their customer base via social media to find out what colors and products they would like to see in the future.
The brand is gaining traction. So far, the two say customers have provided “awesome feedback” and several of them have already been repeat customers. “We know they are finding something they love,” Swenby said.
The hockey moms regularly attend local events and hockey tournaments to share their brand. The two just hosted an on-ice photography session and hope to offer an outdoor hockey event this winter with skating and hot chocolate.
Powr Hockey continues to support players both on the ice and off, by sponsoring local teams and participating in different events and fundraisers.
Swenby and Schlipp say it has been
• The city continues to have discussions with Anoka County regarding the upcoming I-35E interchange project and the jurisdictional transfer of a city roadway to the county.
Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that County Road J, between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road, is under the jurisdiction of multiple road authorities. The city of Lino Lakes, Anoka County, Ramsey County and MnDOT each share responsibility for certain portions of the roadway. The north half of County Road J (from Centerville Road to approximately 20th Avenue) is under Lino’s jurisdiction.
Grochala added that the road is not currently on the city or county’s municipal state aid system. However, all parties are proposing the use of state aid as part of the funding. The city has been informed by MnDOT that roadways cannot share municipal and county State Aid designations. Accordingly, Anoka County is proposing to take over jurisdiction of the Lino Lakes’ road portion. However, Anoka County has indicated a need to transfer over an equivalent length of an existing county road to the city in exchange. Grochala said it would likely be a portion of Birch Street between Centerville Road and 20th Avenue. No decisions have been made at this point and staff will continue to update the Council.
The city is also making plans to make the future roundabout at Centerville Road one of its gateway entrances. It would be a similar look to what the city plans to do at the new roundabout at County Road J at Hodgson Road.
• A total of 38 parcels located within the city of Lino Lakes will be affected by a boundary adjustment that is currently underway between the Rice Creek Watershed (RCWD) District and the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Orgnaition (VLAMO).
The two watershed districts went through a hydrologic boundary review in 2022 and identified boundary discrepancies in need of modification. Twelve parcels will switch from RCWD to VLAWMO. State law requires that RCWD submit and petition for the change to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The petition must be accompanied by letters of
fun to be a part of the hockey community, which they described as “supportive and positive.”
Back when Swenby played for Centennial, there was no trainer feeding program for girl athletes, and girls teams often got the last pick of ice times. Now with opportunities to play college hockey and in the Profession Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), the dreams are endless.
“Now it feels like we are on a more even playing field and we are able to grow with the sport and bring other girls to the sport,” she said. Schlipp added, “Girls hockey is just getting bigger and bigger and it has been so much fun to be a part of that.”
The hockey sticks are only sold online via powrhockey.com. Swenby and Schlipp hope to create more products tailored to female hockey players like gloves and hockey bags, but for now, they remain focused on the stick.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
CONTRIBUTED
Planning is underway for the I-35E interchange project scheduled for 2025.
concurrence from the individual local units of government. Public notice of the proposed boundary adjustment will be provided by BWSR upon receipt of the petition from RCWD. City staff intends to do its own additional notice to make sure residents are aware of the change.
• The selection committee has selected which vendor it would like to study the public safety department. Back in April, the City Council directed city staff to draft a request for proposals (RFP) for the work, and in June, seven proposals were submitted. The committee (City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Public Safety Director John Swenson; and Council Members Tony Cavegn and Michael Ruhland) vetted the proposals and chose Citygate Associates. Swenson said although the company is based out of California, the team that evaluates both police and fire is based locally.
“There was a huge spectrum of different options,” Cavegn said, adding that there was a range in timelines, services and prices. Ruhland added, “(Citygate) seemed to have the most experience with similar cities and a lot of positive feedback.”
• The public safety department will make a counteroffer to the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District in Idaho for the sale of Engine 5. The city received an offer of approximately $200,000, which is $25,000 under asking price.
Mayor Rob Rafferty suggested the city make a higher counteroffer to re-coop the fees (approximately $14,000) the city would have to pay Brindlee Mountain (who referred the sale). The city plans to counteroffer around $216,000.
• Lino Lakes is currently in the middle of an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating audit, which happens every five years. ISO creates ratings (from 1 to 10, 1 being the best) for fire departments and their surrounding communities. The ratings calculate how wellequipped fire departments are to put out fires in the community.
Fire Deputy Director Dan L’Allier said the city is currently rated a 4, but the hope is that the city will now drop to a 3 thanks to its increased pump capacity and the amount of water it can now haul in its trucks.
• City staff is working to amend its personnel policy to allow for a change when it comes to the daytime staffing of duty crew firefighters during city-observed holidays.
“Shortly after the implementation of our duty crew model, it became clear that fire protection coverage on the city’s observed holidays was lacking,” L’Allier said.
The issue with using paid on-call firefighters to staff holidays during the day is many have full-time employment outside of the city or they may leave the city to celebrate the holiday, he said. Additionally, many employers do not observe the same holidays that the city does.
The city plans to staff a four-person duty crew on city holidays and pay them time and a half, which would cost approximately $27,430 for the 13 observed holidays.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26 in Council Chambers at City Hall. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
Shannon Granholm
PHOTOS BY JON NAMYST
Powr Hockey designs hockey sticks that
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS:
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. Weekly 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
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. 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
HUGO SENIOR CLUB
When: 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CURRENT EVENTS:
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Free naturalist-led program for ages 16+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
WARGO RESTORATION PROJECT DAYS
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Volunteer to tackle different challenges, such as removing invasive species, cleaning woodland gardens, or gathering native plant seeds. Ages 12+ Contact: anokacountyparks.com
Blue Heron Days
When: Thursday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 18
Where: Rookery Activities Center; other locations throughout Lino Lakes
Details: The city of Lino Lakes’ annual festival will feature a Food Truck and Fun Festival and car show, Power Wheels Derby, carnival, Touch-a-Truck, parade, swimming and more. See special insert in this week’s issue for more information. Contact: 651-982-2442
VALLEY CONCERT
WINDS AT HERITAGE SQUARE PARK
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15
Where: Heritage Square Park, 3380 Heritage Ct., Stillwater
Details: Free, family friendly outdoor concert, the final summer performance of the community wind ensemble. Concert includes variety of music in orchestral and jazz styles, along with marches and film scores. Contact: sites.google.com/view/valleyconcertwinds/ home
FOOD TRUCK AND FUN FESTIVAL
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Enjoy food trucks, a car show, demonstrations and more. A portion of the food truck sales will benefit the Community Education Financial Assistance Program. Contact: (763) 792-6100
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20
Where: Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. Details: Hike approx. 3 miles through neighborhoods followed by treats at Boom’s Ice Cream. Contact: stpaulhike.com
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
Top 5 at PressPubs.com:
Week of August 4 – 10, 2024
Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. Miniature golf course coming to Gem Lake. White Bear Press > News
2. Area husky rescue has ‘lifelong commitment’ to its dogs. Quad Community Press > News
3. Meet the 2024 candidates vying for Lino Lakes Ambassadors title. Quad Community Press > News
4. Centennial survey reveals ‘glows’ and ‘grows’. Quad Community Press > News
5. College student in critical condition after White Bear Lake stabbing. White Bear Press > News
OPINION
Bittersweet
Idon’t think I’m the only one who thinks this summer flew by. It may have been all the rain at the beginning that made it seem like summer started after the 4th of July. By mid-August families are wrapping up summer vacations and kids are getting their school schedules, shopping for new clothes and supplies, and beginning practices for fall sports. The start of the new school year is exciting and the change of seasons is what many of us love about living here, but it’s always a little bittersweet when our already shortened Minnesota summer is over.
At the beginning of this week we packed up the car to drive our daughter back to Colorado for her third year at CU-Boulder. It seemed we just welcomed her back home in May, and remember feeling a little apprehensive about how the summer would play out. Those who have experienced having a young adult move back home, whether just for the summer or for any extended period of time, know it changes the household dynamic. It’s easy for everyone to revert to old ways. The past few summers we have slowly adjusted to the differences between parenting a 20-year-old who has been living independently versus the kid who is still in high school.
This summer was more fun and the upheaval was minimal. There were some minor frustrations such as the mysterious disappearance of phone chargers and various items of clothing from our closets, and waking up to a mess in the kitchen after a late-night baking session. But those little things were far outweighed by how fun it was for me to visit with her friends who are now a few years older and have become amazing young men and women. Many of them are more conversational now than they were in high school, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the interesting experiences they are having and getting to know them again as adults. I will miss the additional energy around the house, the laughter, and even the late-night checks that everyone got home safely, the oven is off, and the doors are locked. I’m thankful we still have a high schooler at home for another year, and I will try to relish all of it. I do wonder if the day will ever come that we once again get a good night’s sleep.
People say time flies and in an instant your kids will be gone, and it’s true.
How fortunate we are to be able to raise children in this community. We have so many things to be thankful for- good schools, family close by, a safe community, recreation, our freedoms and friendships.
So as our students are preparing to get back to school, bus drivers are learning their routes, remember to plan take a little extra time as you will surely see a delay as you navigate our community.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
WI’m not rich, but I feel wealthy
hat if I told you that I’m clearly not rich, but instead I am secretly wealthy? Would you be surprised? Maybe defining the terms will be helpful.
When I think of being ‘rich’, I think about how much money a person has. Do they make a lot of money in their job? Did they inherit a bunch of money? Did they win the lottery? None of those things apply to me, and I’m pretty clearly neither ‘rich’ nor ‘poor’ – I’m the classic middle-income, middle-class guy.
But here’s a surprise - I believe I’m very wealthy. There’s a very important distinction between being rich and being wealthy. According to Robin Sharma, author of ‘The Wealth Money Can’t Buy’, there are many forms of wealth:
• Inner wealth. This includes a positive mindset, high self-respect, a goal of continuous learning and self-improvement. This describes my never-ending growth curve that makes me wealthier every day.
• Physical wealth. Your health is your wealth, and I’ve been
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fortunate so far in life. Some close friends and family haven’t been so lucky, so I’m very grateful.
• Family and social wealth. I had a good upbringing in a loving household, and now I’ve got the best partner (38 years of marriage!) and together we’ve raised a smart, caring son who is going to do wonderful things in the world. And I’ve got so many friends in the community that support me and thank me for my service as Mayor that I feel extremely wealthy in this category.
• Career wealth. My jobs never made big money, but they were rarely boring. I got the opportunity to make a difference and to fight the good fight. It was never about making money - instead it focused on improving people’s lives. I didn’t win every battle, but I feel like I made a difference in my career, and that makes me wealthy in this category.
• Economic wealth. I have always been frugal and saved a lot of my earnings, ending up just fine financially when I retired. Even more important to the ‘wealth’ perspective is that I spent a fair amount of my money impacting others through church and nonprofits. I’m the neighbor who always buys something from a kid at the door, to encourage them and to support the community. Because giving back makes me wealthy too!
• Circle of genius wealth. Robin Sharma says that unconsciously we adopt the beliefs, feelings and behaviors of the people we spend most of our time with. I have some of the best, most giving friends you’ll ever meet. People who want others to succeed first; who want to help young people grow; who want to support their neighbors; and who live by the Golden Rule I was taught when I was young. Golden Rule type friends are what I’ve got, and they make me wealthy.
There are people who drive nicer cars than I do, own more ‘stuff’ than I do, and who have much bigger bank accounts than I will ever have. But I don’t dream of those cars or that stuff or that big bank account. Instead, I feel something they may not — I feel satisfied and fulfilled and that I have enough. I’m trying to make my corner of the world a better place and I worry about those who aren’t as wealthy as I am, that don’t have a solid base to grow from, that don’t have wonderful friends and neighbors, that don’t have the chance to hope and dream of a better tomorrow. Join me in focusing more on building wealth, not just on making more money!
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
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Dave B. is the mayor of Circle Pines.
CARTER JOHNSON
The Johnson’s car packed up for college move-in day.
COUNCIL DECISIONS: Supportive of using budget surplus on parks and trails
City Finance Director Hannah Lynch urged the council to keep in mind that by 2029, the city is projected to be at its goal of having at least 50% of reserves for the general fund. She added that as the general fund budget continues to rise, the need for reserves will continue to increase as well. The city’s surplus for 2023 was just shy of $500,000.
Council Member Michael Ruhland said he would be in favor of dedicating
Senator
surplus funds to parks and trails but suggested taking it more on a case-bycase basis.
Council Member Christopher Lyden said he would not be against going to voters to see if they would support a referendum for parks and trails. “I do think people value the trails and parks,” he explained. “I’m not against going to them and seeing if that works.”
Council Member Tony Cavegn also agreed that the council should pursue
Gustafson
honored as a 2024 Legislator of Distinction
The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 25 state lawmakers, including Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights), as 2024 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session.
Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s Board of Directors in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban residents across Minnesota.
According to the League, “Sen. Gustafson regularly checked in with League staff to identify and understand city perspectives throughout session. She made herself readily available to discuss concerns and supported efforts to craft workable legislative solutions.” For more information, visit lmc.org.
WEEKLY WAG
Charles is a sweet boy anxiously waiting for his forever family and home. He is 13 months old and weighs about 35 pounds. Charles is a German shepherd/Siberian husky mix. He is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone he meets after proper introductions. However, he probably isn’t ready for a home with small children yet. Charles is house trained and crate trained. He has a moderate energy level and he is very playful. Charles would do well in a home with a securely fenced yard where he can roam and explore. And he loves going on walks.
Mostly, Charles is eager to please and he is very affectionate. Charles loves love. He loves pets and snuggles and being with his people. He does know his basic commands and he would do well in a formal training program. Charles arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local reservation. His awkward and cute behaviors, and his floppy ear, will melt your heart.
If you are interested in learning more about Charles or adopting him, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org.
the surplus avenue immediately, and then follow up with a referendum next year. “If that is truly what people’s priorities are, I assume they would vote that in,” he said.
Community Director Michael Grochala said the city plans to do a survey in 2025 that could gauge whether residents would be supportive of contributing and to what level.
Ultimately the council was supportive of dedicating 1/3 of future budget
surplus to park and trail improvement funding. Lynch said she will know what the final 2024 budget surplus is in May 2025 and will report back to the council. At that point, the council would have to take official action to transfer any 2024 budget surplus to the park and trail improvement fund.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Secretary of State Steve Simon visits Lino Lakes correctional facility
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon visited Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes July 25 to share the news of the restoration of voting rights for those with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated.
Secretary Simon toured the facility and learned about the rehabilitation and education programs offered to inmates. He then spoke with a classroom of men who were nearing the end of their sentences. To date, Simon has visited 10 Minnesota Correctional Facilities to share the news about the new law.
“Minnesota has expanded the right to vote to those who have left prison behind, now it is our responsibility to make sure those who benefit from this change know,” said Simon. “During these visits to correctional facilities, I’m honored to share this message of hope for a brighter future for these Minnesotans and their communities.”
The restoration of voting rights law took effect in June 2023, allowing those who have been convicted of felonies but are not currently incarcerated to vote as long as they are at least 18 years old, a U.S. Citizen, a resident of Minnesota, and a court has not revoked their right to vote. At least 55,000 Minnesotans gained the right to vote due to the law change making it the largest expansion of voting rights since the voting age in Minnesota was lowered to 18. Minnesota is one of 23 states where felons only lose their voting rights while they are incarcerated.
September 19th 3pm-6pm
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon visits the correctional facility in Lino Lakes to tell inmates about their voting rights.
COPS&COURTS
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• Officers responded to a delayed report of an assault at a county juvenile facility in the 7500 block of 4th Avenue July 30. Officers determined a crime had occurred and arrested a juvenile female for assault. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer was requested to assist the Centennial Lakes Police Department in arresting a male who had a warrant in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington July 30. The male was arrested without incident.
• An officer took an internet crime report in the 500 block of Hawthorne Road July 30. The officer met with the victim, collected information and identified a suspect. The case is under investigation.
• An officer received a report regarding concerns about the welfare of a vulnerable adult in the 6900 block of Black Duck Drive July 30. The case was referred to Anoka County Adult Protection.
• An officer responded to a report of an injured dog running in the 1000 block of Oak Lane July 30. The officer attempted to capture the dog but had no success. The officer is working with an animal rescue group to capture the dog. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to assist a neighboring agency with a male who had attempted to flee, damage cars and resist arrest in the 8800 block of Pascal Avenue July 30. Officers arrived on scene and found the male had already been taken into custody by the neighboring agency.
• Officers responded to a personal injury accident near Centerville Road and County Road J July 30. The car collided with a telephone pole. The driver was located outside of the vehicle and transported to a hospital by ambulance.
CITY BRIEFS
Lino Lakes continues to work on landacquisition
LINO LAKES — The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) continues to work with an interested party in developing a 6.27-arcre property across from City Hall. Community Develop -
• A caller requested suspicious activity in the 100 block of Stallion Lane be documented July 31. The report was taken, and the complainant was asked to call back if the activity continued.
• Officers responded to a report of a physical domestic at a residence July 31. A juvenile female was taken into custody and booked into a juvenile center.
• Police responded to a report of a physical domestic July 31. Officers determined a crime had occurred, but the suspect had left the scene. The officers placed an alert out to other agencies in an attempt to arrest the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of Birch Street Aug. 1 to assist another law enforcement agency on a warrant attempt. The male suspect was located, arrested and booked into jail.
• An officer took a report of a suspicious vehicle stopping at mailboxes with its flashers on in the 6600 block of Pheasant Run Aug. 1.
• An officer took a report regarding a house and vehicle struck by eggs in the 7300 block of Stagecoach Trail Aug.1. The officer documented the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop for speeding near County Road J and Holly Drive Aug. 1, and the driver was subsequently arrested for fourth-degree DWI.
• An officer responded to a dog bite report. The officer documented the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a dog bite report in the 200 block of Baldwin Circle Aug. 2. The officer documented the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a runaway juvenile from a juvenile housing facility Aug. 2. The officers located the juve-
ment Director explained that the city does not have an agreement on terms as of now, but he anticipates that the city will bring something back for the EDA to consider next month.
“If the EDA decides to move forward with a sale, a public hearing would be scheduled prior to consideration,” he said. “We hope to know more in the coming weeks.”
Circle Pines seeks member for park board
The Circle Pines Park Board has one vacancy. Those interested in serving on the board should fill out an application before Aug. 31. For more information, visit www. ci.circle-pines.mn.us.
Shannon Granholm
Waiting Child
to succeed and is a joy to be around. Amijah’s kindness and sense of humor are just a couple of her standout qualities. She is very creative and likes to draw, dance, and sing. Amijah also enjoys watching TV and playing board games. Amijah will need to maintain contact with siblings and other family members..
nile and ended up charging them with a crime. They were transported back to the facility.
• An officer took a report of a possible theft in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Aug. 2. The officer documented the incident and is investigating.
• Officers responded to a possible personal injury accident involving one vehicle in the 8300 block of 20th Avenue Aug. 2. After an investigation, the driver was found to be uninjured, but was arrested and later booked into jail for DWI.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 700 block of Main Street Aug. 2 and found several of the occupants intoxicated and under 21 years of age. The offenders were cited and released.
• Officers responded to a local business in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Aug. 3 to speak with customers who were reportedly acting disorderly. The customers left without incident.
• An officer checked the welfare of a resident of a memory care facility in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Aug. 3. The officer observed concerning living conditions. The case is under investigation.
• Officers responded to a personal injury accident near Lake Drive and Main Street Aug. 3. An individual on a bicycle was hit by a vehicle. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital. The crash is under investigation.
• An officer responded to a theft from a construction site in the 2100 block of Norway Lane Aug. 3. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 7500 block of Main Street Aug. 3. The officer detected impairment and arrested the driver. The driver was later released with a citation.
• An officer located a suspicious vehicle driving through the parking lot of a closed business in the 6700 block of Lake Drive Aug. 3 with its front bumper dragging on the ground. The officer contacted the driver and ultimately arrested him for fourth-degree DWI.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for displaying suspended registration in the 400 block of Ash Street Aug. 5. The adult male driver was arrested and booked into jail for driving after cancellation inimical to public safety and
displaying suspended registration.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for two equipment violations near Sunset Avenue and Apollo Drive Aug. 5. The driver was cited for illegal window tint.
• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle stopping at mailboxes at night in the 8100 block of Diane Street Aug. 5. Officers determined it was a newspaper delivery service that operates at night.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• Officers responded to Circle Pines for a report of criminal sexual conduct Aug. 1.
• Police responded to a trespassing incident on Park Drive in Circle Pines Aug. 1.
• Police conducted a warrant arrest in the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Aug. 1.
• Police stopped a vehicle with a stolen license plate near the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville Aug. 2.
• Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Galaxy Drive in Circle Pines Aug. 2 on a theft report.
• Police responded to the 1900 block of Robin Lane South in Centerville Aug. 3 for an outstanding warrant.
• Officers responded to the 1900 block of Robin Lane South in Centerville Aug. 3 regarding a parking violation. The vehicle has had ongoing parking complaints. The vehicle was cited and towed.
• An officer observed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane at Main Street and Lakeland Circle in Centerville Aug. 4. The driver was subsequently arrested for DWI.
• Officers took a phone call fraud report from the 800 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines Aug. 5.
• Police responded to the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 5 for a recovered stolen vehicle.
• Officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of Minuteman Lane in Lexington Aug. 5 for a harassment report.
• An officer responded to the 9100 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington Aug. 6 for a complaint of a barking dog. The dog’s owner was verbally warned and brought the dog inside.
consultations
August 15-18 2024
New attractions, parade route at Blue Heron Days
BY MADELINE DOLBY SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR
Blue Heron Days, the popular family get-together, will be Aug. 15-18. A majority of events will be held at The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes. The celebration was established in 2004 by a small group of area volunteers who desired to make the vision of a Lino Lakes community festival into a reality.
After extensively researching other community festivals throughout the state, the group of volunteers paved the road in making Lino Lakes “the place to be” each year during the third weekend of August.
Centennial Community Education will kick off the weekend-long festivities with food trucks and a fun festival from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at Centennial Middle School. The fun festival will include a car show and a demonstration by the Centennial Robotics Centurions.
Starting on Friday, from 4:30-7 p.m., at The Rookery Activity Center, visitors will be able to participate in a touch-a-truck event, play various carnival games, catch the movie “Migration” in the Rookery gym and more.
New this year is the Power Wheel Derby, taking place at various times on Friday.
Children ages 10 and under can participate in the derby. They will be asked to drive their power wheel through an obstacle course with various
According to Ali Lukin, activity center coordinator at The Rookery, the course includes a dryland portion, rocks and a river.
After completing the course, every driver will receive a medal.
Registration is required to participate in the derby. There is a small fee.
The Blue Heron Days parade will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday. This year, there will be a new, longer parade route. It will start at Market Place Drive and ends at the intersection of Vicky Lane and Nancy Drive.
The Rookery Activity Center is located at 7690 Village Dr., Lino Lakes.
For more information, visit linolakes.us/407/ Blue-Heron-Days.
Cougar football coaches, family, named 2024 Grand Marshals
BY MADELINE DOLBY SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR
The 2023 Centennial football state champion coaches will be this year’s Blue Heron Days parade grand marshals.
Under Head Coach Mike Diggins, the Cougars captured the Class 6A title by fending off the Edina Hornets
at U.S. Bank Stadium. It was the program’s second trip to a state final, the other in 1984 when the Cougars lost to Hutchinson. This is the schools’ first championship title in football.
“We are honored to be recognized,” said Diggins. “This is a great opportunity for our coaches and families to be recognized for all their hard work and endless hours with our players.”
He added that the coaches are excited to be leading the parade along with the upcoming 2024 teams.
Diggins was recently named the Randy Shaver Metro Coach of the Year and Minnesota Vikings High School Coach of the year.
“I am proud to say we are the reigning 2023 6A state champions,” Diggins added. “Our kids worked extremely hard on and off the field to earn this accomplishment. The support from the community was overwhelming and this will be a memory for a lifetime for our players, families, alumni, administration and the Centennial community.”
The 2023 football squad join the 2003-04 boys’ hockey team and the 2016 girls’ soccer team as state champs at a school that opened in 1958. They are the third Cougar team in school history to capture a state title.
PHOTOS
The victorious Cougars sprint off the field with their championship trophy.
Centennial football Head Coach Mike Diggins was named the Randy Shaver Metro Coach of the Year and Minnesota Vikings High School Coach of the year.
Blue Heron Days August 15th -18th
$2 Tickets for chances at Big Packs of Meat! Presented by the Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566
Front row seating for Royal Parade Starts at 11AM Live Music • Meat Raffle @ 2 PM
SAL / RIDERS
Burgers, Brats & Hot Dogs (Chips included)
FRIDAY Pig Roast 4-8 PM DJ Reina Star Karaoke Outside starting at 6-11:30 PM
SATURDAY
SUN-MON
Family Picnic-Burgers, Brats & Hot Dogs (Chips included) 12-5 PM Live music: Nobody’s Puppet Outside from 2-6PM DJ/Karaoke 7:3011PM
Inflatables and kids games by ALA Free activities by Boy Scouts of America Sunday 4PM (Arrive by 3PM for the drawing. Must be present to win. Drawing is at 4PM)
Karaoke 1st Friday of the month 7PM
6.5 hour days
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Minnesota author publishes book about friendship, memories, healing
Area Author Brent Honcharenko recently published his “I Want to Go Where the Dogs Are.” Honcharenko, a resident of the Twin Cities, is the man behind our Quad Community Press’s “Weekly Wag” feature.
Press Publications recently sat down with Honcharenko to learn more him and his friend Lance Kramer, the artist behind the illustrations and about the book itself.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself
A. Lance and I have been friends since we first met in seventh grade in North Dakota. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a degree in communications/ public relations and a minor in journalism. Lance went west where he attended and graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in telecommunications and film.
I moved to Wisconsin and then eventually to Minnesota where I still live today. My first job out of college was a newspaper reporter in western Wisconsin. I worked in leadership positions at American Color Graphics, Thomson Reuters and Thomas Printworks,
and I am currently the digital print manager at University of Minnesota Printing Services. Despite transitioning to print, I never put my enjoyment of writing aside. I continue to write and do freelance projects, and for the past several years I have volunteered as a content creator for Ruff Start Rescue.
Q. What inspired you to write “I Want to Go Where the Dogs Are”?
A. I wrote “I Want to Go Where the Dogs Are” in 2018. I was driving to work one morning and something on the radio struck me. I don’t even remember what it was, but it made me think of my dogs and the words just started coming to me. Once I got to my office, the first thing I did was boot up my computer, open a document and I started writing. The words just flowed so naturally and kept coming, so I kept typing. When I was done, I didn’t even read it.
A few weeks passed before I opened the document again. Once I had it where I liked it, I closed it again and left it alone. Several months passed before I opened the document again. I knew that if I wanted these words brought
to life, there was, without question, only one person I wanted to work with. So, I contacted Lance and sent him the document along with my idea. At this point, I hadn’t even mentioned anything about this to my wife or family. I thought Lance was going to tell me this was dumb and that he wanted no part of it. If he’d have done that, I probably would have just deleted it and forgot about it altogether. But luckily, he didn’t and after many emails and phone conversations, sketches, drafts and concept ideas passed between us, this book idea became much more of a reality.
Q. What do you hope for your readers to take away from your story?
A. Lance told me when he first read the poem, he thought it really brought out the feelings and thoughts that someone has when you lose your dog. But what he really liked about it is that it wasn’t sad. Instead, it was a hopeful and happy way to look at that devastating and heart-breaking experience. And his pictures do the same.
Q. What age group is this book meant for?
A. This book is for everyone who has ever been a dog owner and who has had to say goodbye. At first glance, I know this immediately looks like a children’s book, but writing and publishing a children’s book, honestly, was not my intention. I really want it to be a book about friendship, memories, healing and a wish for eternal companionship.
Losing a pet is a heart-crushing experience. I’ve personally been through it three times and Lance has been through it, too, and it is never easy. It’s the same as losing a beloved family member. It’s for outdoor people who’ve lost their favorite hunting or boating partner. It’s for police officers who’ve lost their K-9 partner. It’s for people who’ve lost their running or hiking partner. It’s for the farmer who lost his/her pickup and tractor-riding buddy.
Q. Tell us about Dakota Koda Publishing, LLC.
CONTRIBUTED
Author Brent Honcharenko recently published “I Want to Go Where the Dogs Are.”
A. Lance and I had the book ready for publishing and then we built the LLC to print and sell it. ‘Dakota’ is because we’re both from North Dakota and ‘Koda’ means friend in the Dakota Sioux language. ‘Dakota friend’ describes us perfectly. We’ve been friends for almost 50 years and we’re 50/50 partners in this venture.
The book can be ordered online at
SPORTS
Cobo takes over powerful Cougar girls soccer program
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial’s girls soccer team, one of the strongest programs in the state, has a new head coach, Manny Cobo. His Cougars began workouts for the 2024 season on Aug. 12.
Cobo was a head coach for the first time in 2023 at Forest Lake, posting a 3-12-2 record. When the Centennial job opened up, Cobo sought the position. “I’m excited about it. At Forest Lake, our last game was against Centennial.
Everyone knows how big a program they have,” Cobo said. “I live five to seven minutes from the high school, so it’s a good fit for me, and such an attractive program. I was fortunate enough to be the one who got it.”
Cobo, who played for Champlin Park, graduated in 2006, coached at all four levels in the Rebels program for eight years, along with club teams at Manitou Football Club in White Bear Lake, and the Anoka junior varsity. A fitness trainer in the past, he currently is the boys U14 and U19 director for Twins Cities Rush soccer club in Blaine.
Matt St. Martin, activities director, stated that Cobo “brings a wide spectrum of coaching experience,” has a philosophy that aligns with Centennial’s, and “will be an incredible asset.”
Cobo played one season at Crown
College, then earned a business degree at North Hennepin Community College and a certificate in personal training at Lifetime Academy.
The Cougar program has logged nine state trips in the last 15 years, one state title and two runner-up finishes. Last year’s squad was 13-2-1 overall, 11-0 in conference, and lost in the section finals to Andover 1-0. Several starters return, including two all-state players.
“We had a summer camp at the end of July, and one training session prior to that, so I have gotten to know some of the players,” Cobo said.
Christa Carlson coached the last three seasons, posting a 47-6-1 record, two state trips and a runner-up finish in 2021. Carlson is executive coaching director for Centennial Soccer Club. She told Press Publications that she is now
Cougars nab one more playoff win; state tournament next
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Eric Charest twirled a two-hitter for the Centennial Town Team on Saturday as the Cougars won their final league playoff game, 2-1 over St. Michael, before heading to the state tournament.
The Cougars had already earned a trip to state by winning a playoff series over Anoka the previous weekend. The four qualifiers from the Metro Minny League dueled Saturday at Castle Park in Anoka for seedings in the state pairings. Champlin
Park got the No. 1 seed by defeating Andover 3-2. Charest, a right-hander from Blaine who’s played two college seasons for St. Mary’s, limited the Saints to two hits and one walk, striking out eight. Charest out-dueled St. Michael’s Zach Hlinsky, who allowed just six hits. With both pitchers mowing down batters, the game took just an hour and 40 minutes.
Centennial took a 2-1 lead in the sixth with Sam Kibler and Jackson Koenig scoring the runs. Bryson Mohs singled one home, and the other
scored on a passed ball. Koenig and Ryan Burley were each 2-for-4. Burley, the second baseman, also had a stolen base and ended the game with a diving catch.
The seven-year-old Centennial franchise will make its first state tournament appearance against Air Freight Limit-
ed, the defending Class B state champion, a member of the St. Paul League. That game is slated for Saturday, 1:30 p.m., in Jordan.
The Cougars are managed by Joe Cyzewski, assisted by his son Joe Jr. Their record is 20-14 with six straight wins.
focusing on club coaching. Ginger Flohaug was the coach who built the program into a state power, posting a 219-67-27 overall record and seven state trips in 18 seasons with a state title in 2016 and runner-up team in 2019. She stepped down after the 2020 season to become assistant activities director at Centennial High School, and is now the dean of students in the Hermantown district.
“My mission,” Cobo stated, “is continue to strive for the success that the previous coaching staff has done with the student athletes both on and off the field.”
Editor’s note: The Cougar boys soccer team also has a new coach, Felipe Aceituno. Check out next week’s issue for an article.
Cougar teams start practices; season openers listed
The Centennial Cougars’ 2024-25 sports season is underway as all Minnesota fall sports teams began pre-season practices on Monday. The first Cougar team in action will be tennis, coached by Arnie Lamers, on Friday at Forest Lake.
The boys soccer team under coach Felipe Aceituno and the girls soccer team under Manny Cobo will both open at White Bear Lake on Thursday, Aug. 22. Also lifting the lid on Aug. 22 will be the girls swim team, coached by Brandee Gough, at conference relays at Coon Rapids; the volleyballers, under Nicole Christensen, hosting Cambridge-Isanti; and boys and girls cross country, coached by Ryan Evans, at Duluth East.
The defending state champion Cougar football team, coached by Mike Diggins, will start Thursday, Aug. 29 at Coon Rapids.
Bruce Strand
Manny Cobo
Night to Unite brings Quad area communities together
Area police officers and firefighters visit parties around the Quad area as part of Night to Unite Tuesday, Aug. 6. Night to Unite occurs annually on the first Tuesday in August to promote police-community partnership, neighborhood camaraderie and enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Apply to Extension Master Gardener volunteer program
The application period to become a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer is now open and will remain open until Oct. 1.
“Our understanding of the benefits of gardening is expanding to include personal and community wellbeing, pollinator health, the importance of climate resilient landscapes and more. Becoming
a Master Gardener volunteer is a great way to invest time and energy in local activities and efforts that support healthy people and a healthy planet,” said Tim Kenny, statewide director, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Becoming a Master Gardener gives volunteers a chance to expand their interests in areas including sustainability, local foods, pollinators and climate change. Master Gardeners also put their skills to work conserving green spaces, native plants and clean water. The University of Minnesota has trained thousands
of Master Gardeners; each year, they contribute more than 185,000 hours of service in Minnesota. Core education for the program is online and spread out over 14 weeks. To become a Master Gardener, individuals commit to complete online training and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After the first year, they commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work; many choose to devote more time to the program.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit z.umn.edu/ MG_info or call 612-625-9864.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
The Edison Community & Sports Foundation recently announced the election of John Burns, a resident of Circle Pines, as its new vice president. The Edison Community & Sports Foundation is a charitable organization that supports students who excel in extracurricular activities but face financial challenges.
“I am honored to serve as Vice President of the Edison Community & Sports Foundation,” said Burns. “I believe in the power of education and the importance of supporting our youth. I look forward to working with the foundation to continue making college dreams a reality for students who need it most.”
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
LINO LAKES
John Burns
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
