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SASQUATCH BUSINESS: Pays dividends for Lexington couple PAGE 9

Neighbors turn to council for noise problem solution

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Overcoming obstacles A youngster grimmaces a bit as he falls backward in the muddy water pit.

See story and more photos on page 9.

CIRCLE PINES — Neighbors who live on Hillcrest Lane are fed up with constant noise and are hoping the city will step in to solve the problem.

A few Hillcrest Lane residents visited the council to speak during open mike at the Aug. 12 meeting.

Resident Lloyd Keller began by playing an audio recording of the noise, which he said is coming from large construction equipment neighbors are using for a driveway project. “This has been going on since April,” he said.

Keller explained that he contacted the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) about the issue, but they say their hands are tied because the work is being performed within the hours permitted by the city's noise ordinance.

(In a follow up interview, CLPD Lt. Pat Aldrich said the department has only been contacted one time in August

and one time back in March about an issue.)

Per the city's current noise ordinance, “No person shall make or cause to be made any distinctly and loudly audible noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety and welfare of any person or precludes their enjoyment of property or affects their property's value.”

The domestic power equipment section of the ordinance, states, “No person shall operate a power lawn mower, power hedge clipper, chain saw, mulcher, garden tiller, edger, drill or other similar domestic power maintenance equipment except between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on any weekday or between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on any weekend or holiday.”

Council Member Jennifer Rauner asked Keller if he had tried to contact city staff SEE NOISE PROBLEM, PAGE 10

Sweet Infusion Bakery: Love put into every creation From the age of 3, Lino Lakes resident Chelle Schmidt could often be found in front of a television watching cooking shows. At the age of 10, she knew she wanted to own a bakery one day.

“I have always known that I wanted to work with desserts,” she said.

Schmidt attended pastry school outside of Washington, D.C., and graduated in 2007 at the age of 19.

For many years she worked for

other companies, big and small, to learn everything she could before she decided to go out on her own.

“I just couldn’t work underneath someone else anymore,” she said.

“I didn’t agree with how they did things, and I wanted to have more creative freedom.”

A little over a year ago, she launched her in-home business, Sweet Infusion Bakery. Schmidt specializes in wedding cakes and French pastries, but she also makes specialty cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and more.

“Pretty much anything someone wants to order, I can create,” she said. “I really can make anything you can think of.”

Schmidt loves the job because she enjoys working with her hands. She also enjoys “creating a masterpiece” and seeing the customer’s reaction to her creation. One thing that makes Schmidt unique she says is the time and care that she puts into every single order she receives.

SEE SWEET INFUSION, PAGE 6

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Chelle Schmidt started her own in-home bakery business a little over a year ago after she worked for many other companies, big and small for several years.

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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

AUGUST 18, 2020 www.presspubs.com

Primary election results Anoka County Commissioner District 6 NONPARTISAN

State Representative District 38A REPUBLICAN Donald Raleigh

Jeff Reinert

2,999

1,508

47.52%

Cindy Hansen

2,783

55.79%

Doug Malsom

788 29.15%

44.10%

Kevin Ryan

Kelly Gunderson

529 8.38%

407 15.06%

DEMOCRATIC–FARMER–LABOR Kris Fredrick

2,808

100% This chart from the Secretary of State website depicts how many votes each Anoka County Commissioner candidates received from each precinct.

Thank you for nominating!

To view the ballot, please visit

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED

At left, a resident walks into Circle Pines City Hall to cast her vote in the primary election Aug. 11. At right, a view of what voters saw when they entered Lino Lakes City Hall to cast their votes. In addition to signs reminding residents to wear facial coverings, plexiglass shields were also in use to protect election judges.

Voting starts August 19!

of the Press Quad Community

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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Lino Lakes City Council took the following action at its Aug. 10 meeting: • Approved an amended and restated agreement for maintenance of stormwater management facilities with the Woods Edge Townhome Association Inc. In September 2016, the council approved the final plat for the Woods Edge planned unit development. The original approvals required an agreement that addressed the association’s maintenance responsibilities.

The project is nearing completion and the declaration required changes to accommodate construction changes to facilities.

The agreement addresses the maintenance of stormwater facilities (catch basins, pipe and ponds) to convey street surface water and provide water treatment prior to entering public waters.

The agreement requires the association to perform inspections and maintenance on the private stormwater facilities.

• Approved pay voucher No. 5 for $732,897 to Landmark Structures for Water Tower No. 3.

• Approved a resolution amending the city’s personnel policy. Human Resources Manager Karissa Bartholomew said that the amendment removes the computer purchase plan from the policy. The initial intent behind the policy, Bartholomew explained, was to help employees get access to and become familiar with computers. Over the years, the policy has evolved to allow for more modern purchases such as tablets and has strayed from

its original purpose. She said that provision of the policy no longer provides a benefit to the city.

• Appointed Emily Ahern to the vacant accounts payable/payroll technician position in the finance department. Ahern's hourly rate of pay will be $24.41, step 2 of the union wage schedule. She will start in the position before the end of this month.

• Appointed Erik Olson to the vacant streets maintenance worker position in the public works department.

Olson's hourly rate of pay will be $26.52, step 2 of the union wage schedule. He will start in the position in late August or early September.

• Approved an auto/mutual aid agreement with the Hugo Fire Department. The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department receives and provides fi re suppression assistance (auto aid and mutual aid) to the Centennial, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View (SBM) and Forest Lake fi re departments.

Auto aid response occurs on a structure fi re only and results in the automatic dispatch of neighboring jurisdictions at the same time the primary responding fi re agency is dispatched. Mutual aid is assistance that may be requested through the dispatch center by the primary fire agency when additional resources are needed to adequately address response needs.

Director of Public Safety John Swenson explained that the auto fi re aid enables jurisdictions to leverage partnerships to improve response times and resource deployment. The

department now has agreements in place with each of its neighboring jurisdictions.

• Approved HVAC and plumbing improvements, which will be paid for with CARES Act funding. The projects include: ° Installing ionization systems at the Civic Complex, Public Works Department and both fi re stations ($31,000). ° Cleaning the air duct system at the Civic Complex, Public Works Department and Fire Station No. 1 (43,700). ° Replacing flex ducts at the Civic Complex ($15,200). ° Installing two APR valves at the Civic Complex ($5,140). ° Installing plumbing fi xture modifications at the Civic Complex and both fi re stations ($43,000).

• Voted 4-1 (Council Member Chris Lyden voted no) to approve the final plat and development agreement for Nadeau Acres, a single-family residential development proposed north of Birch Street and west of 20th Avenue. BL Holdings LLC plans to build 68 lots, 35 of those in the fi rst phase.

Lyden explained that he voted against the project for several reasons. He said the development will not include a park, there is a lack of tree preservation, there are water runoff issues, and some unique lots are being proposed.

“Quality development. That is what we are after and that is what I would like to see us put in,” he said.

• Approved the release of security and escrow for St. Clair Estates. In

October 2019, the city drew down the letter of credit for $71,000 to cover costs the city was to incur to complete unfinished work. Four contractors were subsequently hired, and the outstanding items have now all been completed. On July 27, the council agreed to release the $20,000 letter of credit from Lake Elmo State Bank.

Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that $41,106 of the $71,000 drawdown has been paid out on existing contracts.

The city has $16,060 remaining in outstanding obligations to Prairie Restoration Inc., which means the remaining $9,834 can be released.

In addition, Grochala said that the city received $104,900 to cover incurred costs including administration, engineering, and installation of streetlights and boulevard trees. The city has incurred $93,284 in reimbursable expenses related to the subdivision.

The city will retain an additional $9,568 of cash escrow for payment of pending consultant invoices and release the balance of the cash escrow in the amount of $2,048.

Therefore the total cash refund is $11,882.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24.

There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. A special work session has also been scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, to discuss the 2021 budget.

Shannon Granholm

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES Walz’s executive order 20-81, which states that face masks must be worn in indoor spaces and businesses. Masks are also be required when riding on public transportation and when workers are working outside when it is not possible to maintain social distancing standards of 6 feet.

• Approved the request from staff for another interfund loan for the advance of certain costs in connection with the tax increment financing (TIF) district that was created to assist in the redevelopment of the Lovell building site.

The property was owned by the city, appraised at $1,996,000 and then sold to the developer of the Landings of Lexington project for $200,000. The remaining $1,796,000 was to be paid back with

future tax increments. The second interfund loan that staff was asking for would be for up to $1.3 million and used to cover the unpaid future interest on the land write-down. The council unanimously approved the request.

After the meeting, Petracek explained that the action item on the agenda was a “housekeeping” document to help the city maintain the interfund loan that was approved in February 2018.

Chris Frye

m

BUSINESS BRIEF YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities now YMCA of the North The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities has announced a new name change for the regional association: the YMCA of the North. According to a press release, the organization sought a name that was more inclusive of all the communities it serves. “The name YMCA of the North stretches beyond the limits of geography and captures an ideal state — a true north,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO. “Our mission continues to grow through people, programs and places served — and now more than ever, our community response efforts are working to serve our neighbors when they need us most.” The YMCA is in the process of making the name change in the organization’s branding, communications and marketing.

The website URL has likewise changed from ymcamn.org to ymcanorth.org.

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The Lexington City Council took the following action at its Aug. 6 meeting: • Introduced new Centennial Lakes Police Department Chief Jim Mork. The new chief expressed thanks to former Chief James Coan for leaving him a “ship that was headed in the right direction.” Mork also stated that after only a few weeks on the job, he has concluded that “the men and women of the Centennial Lakes Police Department are amazing professionals in law enforcement,” and that it is a privilege to work with them.

• Were informed by City Administrator Bill Petracek of the city’s updated COVID-19 staff policy. The changes follow in step with Gov. Tim

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AUGUST 18, 2020

Electric assist bikes

H

enry Ford changed America with his affordable automobile and the assembly line. The car allowed families to see parts of the country previously untouchable by horse and buggy or train.

Today the electric bicycle is making 30-40 mile bike rides possible for novice cyclists.

Unlike a traditional bike, electric bikes kick in to assist the rider with each peddle. The motor is often located inside the hub of the wheel and a battery pack is the size of a loaf of french bread. Most bikes have a 250-500 watt motor and can assist a rider with 1-5 levels of power.

I have recently been exposed to the e-bike Publisher’s phenomenon and I see why it’s catching on. I’ve now View been a couple rides with who loaned me a Carter Johnson friends bike. Our first time out was about 28 mile ride in just a few hours. Normally I could do a 10 mile ride, as I don’t ride often. I never imagined making a long trek like that without significant stress and devastating effects to my physical state. Cycling on an electric bike seems like a good option for people who enjoy biking but aren’t in as great shape as they used to be, have an injury or medical condition, or those motivated by a destination and want to get to it quickly.

The electric assist made the ride a treat.

It was enough of a workout but I never felt I might not make it. The electric bike allowed us to explore steeper, rougher terrain with confidence. Each way on the ride my legs became fatigued but with the help of the motor I was still able to keep up with my biking partner.

I’ve been able to try a couple of different electric bikes, ranging from a thousand dollar fat tire bike with a 500 watt motor to a $3,000 high performance belt-driven fat tire bike with higher cruising speeds. Aside from the paint, weight and name brand equipment, both bikes made for an enjoyable ride.

What I’ve noticed from my recent biking experiences is that trail congestion is real.

The pandemic has increased traffic on trails throughout the northeast metro. Last week on the Gateway Trail we witnessed multiple groups walking three wide and others biking two wide, creating a dangerous situation.

Trails need to be shared, and communication needs to happen. Bikers approaching walkers or slower bikers need to call out which side they are passing, and walkers and joggers need to be listening and allow others to pass.

We experienced being passed by professional cyclists and appreciated the call out as they passed. Today more than ever, we all need to be courteous of the rules of the road while walking and biking on local trails. Electric bikers need to also adhere to the rules and slow for traffic. No one should get hurt while out enjoying these trails, and trail rage should not exist.

This fall when you’re out on the trails, remember to follow the rules. If you’re not sure, a few basic ones should be obeying all signs, using hand signals, watching speed around others, keeping music low enough to hear others trying to approach, and always wearing a helmet. Check out a bike safety YouTube videos or an online cycle safety course. It might be time for bikers to complete a course like boaters safety or hunters safety.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Shade out weeds with periwinkle

L

eave no ground uncovered with the mighty periwinkle.

This vigorous trailing plant can easily tackle any tricky shady situation and happily cover your planting space. It has glossy evergreen leaves and cheerful blue star-like flowers that can really brighten up a shady corner in your garden.

Periwinkle’s scientific name is Vinca minor. Its genus name is from Latin, meaning to bind or wind around, in reference to the long, flexible stems that can be used in wreath making. Its species name means smaller. The leaves of Vinca minor are smaller compared to those of Vinca major.

It is often called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle. belongs to the Gardener’s Itdogbane family.

Its oblong to ovate Grapevine leaves are opposite, Lynda Ellis simple, ½ to 2 inches long and glossy with a short petiole. They exude a milky juice when broken.

Some varieties, such as Illumination or Wojo’s Gem, have leaves variegated with gold or cream and really add some pop to containers and dark corners. Though its flowers are usually blue, purple and white varieties are available. I have planted

both the blue and white varieties, and only the blue now remain.

It is a deer resistant perennial; its height is 6-12 inches and it is indefi nitely wide. While native to Asia and Europe, periwinkle is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4–9. It blooms best in full sun, but it also grows in shade. I have planted it under trees. It can be used for slope erosion control.

It has even been used as a rock garden plant. I have planted bulbs among periwinkle, and they come up through the mat of growth with no problem.

Periwinkle, once established, is drought resistant and needs little other care if properly sited in the landscape. Periwinkle care after planting may include the removal of tall weeds within the area. Once established, growing periwinkle will likely shade out future growth of weeds and eliminate this chore.

Do not plant near other specimens

within the flower bed or garden, as it may overtake and choke out valuable plantings. In my garden, I have found that it can live with tall specimen plants like ligularia. Periwinkle may be used as a climber on a non-living support and is useful for blocking views when used in this way.

Periwinkle can escape cultivation and is particularly problematic in woodlands, where it can form dense mats and crowd out native species; it is currently considered invasive in Wisconsin. It has only been recorded invasive once in Minnesota when it escaped from a cemetery planting in Rice County, but this is likely underreported. I wish you the best with all your growing efforts.

For more plant information, the Anoka County Master Gardeners invite you to visit our website, anokamastergardeners.org.

Lynda Ellis, Anoka County Master Gardener.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2020 • Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

• Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per inch after 350 words.

• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate or question on the ballot.

Endorsement letters will have a $25 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 letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

• Submissions must include a full

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Press Publications does not endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Press Publications reserves the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.

name, address and phone number for verification.

• Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

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

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

• 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.

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• Submissions containing libelous or • The last batch of letters to be printed derogatory statements will not be before the primary election Tuesday, published.

Aug. 11 will be printed in the July 28 • Letters by campaign managers or issue and must be received by 5 p.m. candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue Wednesday, July 22. will be accepted as paid letters.

• The last batch of letters to be printed • Letters reprinted as part of letterbefore the general election Tuesday, writing campaigns are paid letters.

Nov. 3 will be printed in the Oct. 20 • All letters are subject to editing.

• We reserve the right to not publish any issue and must be received by 5 p.m. letter.

Wednesday, Oct. 14.

• The deadline to submit a letter about • To submit a letter, email news@ a topic (not related to the election) is presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to or mail/deliver it to Press Publications. publication.

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WEEKLY WAG

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PAID LETTER We need the Clean Car Standard

SUBMITTED

Aubry is a spayed 6-year-old, 65-pound Lab mix who knows lots of commands and is house-trained. Aubry recently had surgery on both of her back legs and is recovering nicely.

She can't wait to start running and catching Frisbees again. Aubry's other hobbies include gardening, camping and finding really big

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sticks. Aubry is looking for a home where she can enjoy the simpler things in life and just “be” with her people.

If you are interested in Aubry, please fi ll out an adoption application at ruffstartrescue.org.

Once your application is received, a placement coordinator will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

CHURCH BRIEF Living Waters encourages inspirational chalk messages Living Waters Lutheran Church will host a “Chalk the Walk” event from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Participants are invited to write inspirational messages on the sidewalks around the church, located at 865 Birch Street in Lino Lakes.

Disappointed about YMCA

Minnesotans want more electric vehicles (EVs) available. Consumer Reports says that six out of 10 Minnesotans are interested in EV’s and 30% would consider buying or leasing one.

The marketplace is responding. There will be more than 100 new EV models sold in the U.S. by 2023 including big vehicles, SUVs and trucks.

They have lower maintenance costs, more power and fewer moving parts.

The problem is, EV manufacturers are not selling in Minnesota. They are selling in states that have adopted strong emission standards developed in other states. These standards have saved consumers billions of dollars. Minnesota is in the process of adopting this standard, which will bring more EVs to our state.

Why are Republicans against them? In the closing days of the legislative session, Rep. Runbeck supported an amendment that would strip the state’s ability to set these standards (HF4554 A12 Amendment 5/16/20) With no clean car standard, newer EVs will not be coming to Minnesota.

The future is here. Rep. Runbeck has withdrawn from the race, but the GOP replacement isn’t offering support for the Clean Car Standard.

Kris Fredrick is in favor of the Clean Car Standard and improving Minnesota. He is running in November for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 38A. I hope you will check out his website at https://voteforkris.com/ to see his qualifications and what he has to offer.

As resident of this community for more than 30 years and a charter member when the YMCA opened, I must express my dismay, sadness and disappointment at the decision to cease operations for “fitness and well-being” programs at our local Y. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

As a senior citizen I have benefited from the group programs and exercise as well as the socialization. When my husband and I moved here in 1987 there was talk/rumor of the Y coming to Lino Lakes. I kept hoping it would happen while I was still young and well enough to take advantage of a great family facility like this.

Finally, it did happen, and I became a charter member in the summer of 2007 until now. My experience when coming to my classes has been that the parking lots seemed to be getting busier all the time, so I don’t understand the “decline in membership” mentioned. The beauty of the Y has been that there was something appropriate for all ages in the family.

We are fortunate enough to live about a mile away from the Lino Lakes Y, making it convenient to get to. Of the three alternate options mentioned, the only one for me could be Forest Lake, and that’s much too far for my comfort to drive — especially in the snow and ice of winter. And also, the feeling of community pride will be missed.

I don’t know what the plans are for the building in the future, but whatever it is, it won’t be the positive asset to the community that the Y has been. The community is going to miss the fun and safe activities offered for all family members.

Again, sad to have read the news ...

Lynn Jorris Circle Pines

Mary Hemauer Lino Lakes

COMMUNITY BRIEFS CareerForce assists employment seekers Finding work amid the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging and frustrating, but there is help available through CareerForce in Blaine and other CareerForce locations across the state. As the $600-a-week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program expired at the end of last month, CareerForce now is helping more residents by directing them to where they can search for work, enhance and learn new skills, and market themselves to potential employers.

Many employers are still hiring, including medical establishments, software developers and tractor-trailer transport companies. To browse a list of the top 30 fields hiring right now, visit careerforcemn. com/jobs-demand-duringcovid-19.

Anoka County also helps those seeking employment through the Dislocated Worker Program, which offers services at no cost to help job seekers who have been laid off return to the workforce as quickly

as possible. Services include individual training and counseling, assessment of job skills and interest, financial assistance for training that supports job goals, and more.

To find out more about the dislocated workers program and to view a video that provides an overview, visit anokacounty. us/1365/Dislocated-Worker.

Anoka County soliciting feedback on transit needs study Anoka County is conducting a transit needs study and is reaching out to area businesses and residents –– people who use transit and those who do not –– for feedback. Those who complete a survey for the study, found at anoka-transit-wsbeng. hub.arcgis.com, can enter a drawing to win a $100 gift card to a local retailer of their choosing. The survey will be available until the end of September.

The study will evaluate the current state of transit in Anoka County, identify gaps and barriers to mobility, identify and quantify county resources used to provide

transportation services, identify future transportation needs, and recommend strategies to address those needs. The study will also assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on area transportation services.

For questions regarding this survey, contact Mark Schermerhorn, transit program coordinator, at Mark.

Schermerhorn@co.anoka. mn.us or 763-324-3108.

Memorial Blood Centers to host area blood drives Amid the ongoing challenges of recruiting blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations. More than 50% of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were canceled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low (less than a three-day supply of all blood types).

Memorial Blood Centers also continues to collect COVID-19 convalescent plasma at all metro donor centers to build up the public supply

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of this potential treatment for patients with severe or life-threatening coronavirus disease (MBC.ORG/CPdonor).

Blood drives are resuming with additional precautions at all donation sites.

Appointments are preferred to help maintain social distancing, and donors are required to wear a face mask or face covering.

Two area blood drives include: • State Farm, 9200 Lake Drive, Circle Pines, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 • 3M Blaine, 4205 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Blaine, 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 Visit MBC.org to find your nearest drive or donor center, or to make an appointment at one of the public drives.

Wargo hosts poetry hike Are you a poet and don’t know it? Join the Wargo Nature Center on a leisurely hike around the peninsula as you read poems from various nature-inspired poets from 2-3:30 p.m. Aug. 22. Attendees will also spend time learning about the special features and history of the land,

1 North Road, Circle Pines 763-784-2558 “Growing Together in God’s Love to Serve Others”

Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am Reserve your spot at www.mystjoes.me 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015

Centerville Beach closed Centerville Beach remains closed for swimming activities due to a possible blue green algae bloom. During routine monitoring last week, Anoka County Parks staff identified an area of the lake that appears to have a blue green algae bloom and provided a water sample to the watershed district. The watershed district reported it is most likely blue green algae.

Blue green algae can be toxic to humans and pets. For more information on blue green algae, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) website pca.state. mn.us/water/blue-green-algaeand-harmful-algal-blooms.

Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

St. Mark Lutheran Church

We have re-opened our Church

gaining inspiration to write their own poetry. After some writing time in the woods, participants will gather to share poems over light refreshments.

Physically distancing guidelines will be followed. Advance registration is required. Cost is $5 per person (plus tax). To register or for more information, call 763-324-3350 or visit anokacountyparks.com.

St. Mark will be closing the building until further notice. In the meantime, please join us for worship and devotion on our website or Facebook page.

t Sunday: Classes for all ages — 9 a.m.

Worship service—10 a.m. t Wednesday evening: Junior and Senior High 10101 Lexington Avenue N Circle Pines, MN 55014 763.784.1760 www.livingfaithmn.org

Church is not a place; it is who we are. Once we realize this, we can be the church anywhere.

Pastor Mollie Dvorak • stmarkcp.org – ELCA

1st Worship 8:45

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To make changes or to advertise here, call Jeanne at 651-407-1224.

6

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

AUGUST 18, 2020 www.presspubs.com

SWEET INFUSION: ‘You name it—I’ll bet she could create it’ FROM PAGE 1

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes, I won’t charge you extra for it. I put everything I have into every single item that I make.”

Back when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and parents found themselves working from home while trying to keep the kids busy, Schmidt came up with an idea to deliver baking kits.

“Everyone I saw online was complaining; they didn’t know what they were going to do and didn’t know how to handle their kids and work, so I wanted to make something that could keep (the kids) busy for at least a short period of time,” she explained.

The kit can include ingredients for cupcakes, cookies or cake pops, along with all the items you need to decorate them. Every week, the theme of the kit changes.

Most of Sweet Infusion Bakery’s customers are from Blaine, Lino Lakes, Centerville, Hugo and Forest Lake, but she also has quite a few customers in the Cottage Grove area.

Brenna Skeie, of Centerville, found out about the business after her sister-in-law ordered a cake for her son’s third birthday last year.

She has since ordered two custom cakes, custom cupcakes and several of the baking kits.

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about her cakes. I don’t feel like you can get this type of customization anywhere. I’ve given her a few things to work off of, and she nails it every time and far exceeds my expectations,”

Skeie said. “Not only does she make incredibly tasty cakes, but her talent is one of a kind. I love supporting local businesses, and it’s so exciting to see her success.”

Hugo resident Chelsea Richardson only recently discovered Sweet Infusion Bakery but says she already knows she will be a “lifetime customer.”

She has ordered a soccer ball cake and already has orders for a personalized sheet cake, dinosaur cake and royal icing cookies.

“I go crazy when it comes to cake. I have been looking for a local bakery to be able to purchase birthday cakes or special occasion cakes from for forever,” Richardson explained. “I had almost given up, until I came across the Sweet Infusion Bakery page on Facebook.

I scrolled around for a bit and I was completely amazed when I saw the amazing cakes she can create. Anything from treehouses, to cars, to her famous toilet paper quarantine cake. You name it — I’ll bet she could create it.”

Richardson added that she was impressed by the variety of frosting and cake flavors.

Schmidt says next year she plans to either open a storefront or find a commercial kitchen space. For more information about Sweet Infusion Bakery, find the business on Facebook.

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

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Lino Lakes resident Chelle Schmidt owns Sweet Infusion Bakery. Here are some of the many custom creations she has made for customers.

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Business Spotlight

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POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers received information regarding a delayed theft from motor vehicle report Aug. 4 in the 7300 block of Stage Coach Trail. • An officer responded to a report of a stolen construction trailer and multiple tools in the area of Bay Drive and Fall Drive Aug. 4. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer was dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 7600 block of Appaloosa Lane Aug. 5.

The investigation is ongoing. • While on patrol in the 7600 block of Lake Drive Aug. 6, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for multiple violations. The vehicle failed to stop for the officer. The investigation continues. • An officer responded to a report of a burglary in the 6700 block of 21st Avenue Aug. 6. The investigation is ongoing. • Officers were dispatched to a personal injury crash near I-35E and County Road J Aug. 7. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene and handled the investigation. • Officers were dispatched to check on a suspicious vehicle in the area of Carl Street and Century Trail Aug. 8. Officers investigated and found three

juveniles out past curfew. The juveniles were charged with a curfew violation and released at the scene. • An officer responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Apollo Drive and Lake Drive Aug. 9. One driver had minor injuries and was transported by ambulance and the other driver was cited for a semaphore violation. • Along with fi refighters, officers responded to a dumpster fi re at a residence in the 6300 block of Ware Road Aug. 10. The fire was put out; it is unknown how it started.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Police responded to a report of a dog bite in the 400 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Aug. 6. • Officers responded to a phone call report of a theft in the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Aug. 7. The caller advised that the suspect removed a bicycle from the underground parking garage without her consent. The estimated loss is $2,000. • A theft was reported in the 9200 block of Lexington Avenue NE in Circle Pines Aug. 7. • An officer responded to a delayed phone call

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Lino Lakes man charged after injuring officer Jeffrey Allan Paulson, 26, of Lino Lakes, has been charged with thirddegree assault, fleeing a police officer and damage to property, after an officer suffered a broken wrist when Paulson reportedly drove away while the officer was hanging out of the car.

According to the criminal complaint, an officer of the New Brighton Police Department initiated a traffic stop Aug. 3 after a male and female attempted to leave the Midwest Tobacco parking lot on a motorcycle that did not have a rear license plate. Paulson told the officer that he was test driving the motorcycle and the officer asked for his driver's license. Paulson then walked over to the driver's seat of a Toyota Camry and began reaching around in the vehicle.

Paulson then refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to close the driver’s side door. The officer attempted to restrain Paulson and remove him from the vehicle, but Paulson put the vehicle into drive and accelerated, striking the Midwest Tobacco building and then a concrete pillar. Paulson ultimately fled the scene in his vehicle.

After several officers completed a PIT maneuver, where a pursuing car can force a fleeing car to turn sideways abruptly and stop, the pursuit terminated. Paulson fled on foot but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody.

Paulson's next court appearance is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 2.

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449 421 500

2015

2017 2016

Total 2,222

report of a theft in the 600 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Aug. 7. The caller advised that a large TV delivered by FedEx was taken off of her front step. The estimated loss is $1,500. • An officer noticed vandalism to the roadway along Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Aug. 9. There are no known suspects at this time. The public works department was notified about the damage for cover up. • A resident in the 3600 block of Restwood Road in Circle Pines reported his mailbox had been struck, possibly by a vehicle Aug. 9. There are no known suspects at this time. • Officers responded to the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 10 regarding a disorderly conduct report. The reporting party advised that the suspect urinated on his vehicle and ran from the scene. The reporting party advised that he has video footage of the incident.

The case is pending. • Officers located juveniles vandalizing trees at a residence in the 7000 block of Cottonwood Court in Centerville Aug. 11. The juveniles were warned for vandalism and curfew violation. Parents picked up their juveniles from the scene.

401

2018

2019

451

Labor Day DWI arrests

(Friday through Tuesday)

To remind the public about the importance of driving sober, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety is conducting extra DWI enforcement efforts through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. An impaired driver not only puts their life at risk but also the lives of their passengers and other innocent people on the road. Preliminary numbers show 89 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related crashes in 2019, the most since 2015. Nearly one out of every four deaths on Minnesota roads is related to drunk driving.

In the last five years, preliminary numbers show there were 413 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.

Your support allows the paper to inform more local residents in a single week than any other medium.

651-407-1200 presspubs.com

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9

Sweating and smiling, 90 kids take on Obstacle Course It looked a little like Army basic training for kids on Saturday morning as Centennial Community Education hosted an Obstacle Course event for the first time.

“It’s just something we’ve wanted to for a while because we thought it would be fun for the kids,” said Director of Community Education Cori Sendle. “We had to limit it to 90 kids and keep everything spaced out. We were going to do it in June but had to delay it until now (due to the pandemic)."

Kids in three age groups (from six through high school) took part in physical challenges including traversing monkey bars, pulling tires, crawling under low bridges, scaling a small wall, swinging from rings, zigzagging through markers, and a crawl through muddy water under barriers to close it out, after which a refreshing bath from a sprinkler was available.

Army veterans would recognize many of those obstacles from one rugged day during basic training. The kids were a little exhausted but seemed to enjoy the challenges, taking them on at their own speed. Most emerged from that last water pit smiling broadly.

This took place on the turf near the football field, which also was the site of a couple obstacles on the course.

Among those helping out were the Endurance Fitness club and the Boy Scouts, who built some of the obstacles.

Bruce Strand

A boy “walks" the monkey bars that were built by the Boy Scouts, one of whom supervises.

A swift youngster carries a pail as he zig-zags through markers.

PHOTOS BY BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

A boy tries to “walk” a series of hanging rings, one of the hardest obstacles to complete.

Cori Sendle, event director, gives instructions for how to start the course.

A young lady tugs at a tire.

Sasquatch business pays dividends for Lexington couple

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

There is just something about Sasquatch. Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, people just can’t seem to resist the Sasquatch phenomenon.

That’s why Lexington residents Andy and Wendy Picton thought it would be a fun business endeavor.

The husband and wife team launched their business, Squatchin’ Country, back in 2014.

The idea for the business was born while camping with their neighbors.

“We were sitting around the campfi re and (our neighbor) said, ‘Have you guys ever been Squatchin’?

We had no idea what that was ...

Squatchin’ apparently is waiting until it gets dark, going on a hike in the woods and trying to scare kids.

You are looking for Sasquatch,” Andy said. “After a couple of months of doing that on the weekends, we thought Squatchin’ Country was a good catchy name for a Sasquatchrelated business.”

Andy said ever since he was a kid, he has always been an entrepreneur.

“I like the idea of starting businesses and growing them, so I’m always looking for what would make for a good business opportunity,” he explained. “And Bigfoot just seemed so interesting. It is a concept that people can’t prove, but so many people believe in and debate heavily. It seems to have a big following. People love pictures and videos of Bigfoot.”

The Pictons began coming up with Sasquatch-related products that they could sell online through Etsy and eBay. Many of the products are made in South Carolina, where

Andy’s brother runs a metal shop.

The business started out with bottle openers and signs but continues to grow. Customers can now purchase a variety of items, including grilling spatulas, rustic crates, coffee mugs, aprons, shirts, baby apparel, coasters, classes, water bottles, playing cards and more. Products are shipped all over the country.

The newest adventure for the business is soda. Squatchin’ Country has teamed up with Blue Sun Soda Shop in Spring Lake Park to create two different Sasquatch-related soda flavors.

The business is a part-time endeavor. Andy is a website programmer and Wendy is a personal care attendant for a New Brighton resident.

Andy described himself as the “introvert,” whereas Wendy is the “extrovert.” Andy mainly helps to make some of the products; Wendy helps to brainstorm ideas for more products. Wendy is also the one who is not afraid to tell everyone about the business.

Last month, the couple released their fi rst children’s book, “Sammie Squatch – When I Grow Up,” which was one of Wendy’s ideas.

“A couple years back we decided to have some characters drawn up,” Andy said. The characters are illustrated by an artist in Mexico and then Andy and Wendy paint them on cutouts, which can be spotted all over their yard.

Wendy suggested they use some of those characters in a children’s book.

Andy thought that was a great idea.

The fi rst book has a target audience of ages 3-7 and centers on the main

character, Sammie Squatch, an adorable little Bigfoot.

“He thinks of all the things he is going to be when he grows up,” Andy said. “(The storyline) is to get kids thinking that they can be anything they want to be; they don’t have to be stuck in any one role.”

“Sammie Squatch – When I Grow Up” is available for purchase online through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

The second book is already underway, with plans to do even more in the future.

Squatchin’ Country plans to host a book release party Aug. 23. For more details on the party, or to learn more about the business, visit squatchincountry.com or follow Squatchin’ Country on Facebook.

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

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Lexington residents Andy and Wendy Picton launched their Sasquatch-themed business back in 2014. Customers can purchase a variety of items, including bottle openers, signs, grilling spatulas, rustic crates, coffee mugs, aprons, shirts, baby apparel, coasters, classes, water bottles, playing cards and more.

10

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AUGUST 18, 2020 www.presspubs.com

NOISE PROBLEM: Council will take another look at ordinance FROM PAGE 1

regarding the matter earlier in the summer? He explained that he had not because he thought it was just a temporary issue that would go away within a couple of weeks.

Council Member Matt Percy asked whether Keller had attempted to discuss the issue with the neighbors causing the noise directly. Keller shared a story about an occasion where he and his wife were outside with a grandchild when, in addition to the noise, a bunch of concrete dust flew into their yard. “My wife walked over there to ask if they could do something, and their response was to ‘go in your house.’� He said the altercation ended with the neighbor screaming profanities at his wife.

Finance Director Kate Manson, who was fi lling in during City Administrator Patrick Antonen's absence, explained that the city has had similar occurrences. She suggested that perhaps the council needs to consider adding more specific language in the ordinance to prevent future issues. “It is very difficult to enforce some of that terminology that is written,� she said.

Percy agreed. “The language is very subjective. I think it is written in a way to basically say ‘everyone be reasonable,’ and usually that works under most circumstances, but clearly here that is not effective.�

Council Member Steve McChesney said he thinks the council needs to take another look at the permitted hours for domestic power equipment.

“Those are pretty light hours for that type of equipment. I think 10 p.m. is pretty late; even 9 p.m. is pretty late.�

Hillcrest Lane resident Jason Campbell said, “It is also the type of equipment. If you are cutting your lawn or trimming your hedges or maybe trimming a tree with a chainsaw, that is going to be noise for a couple of minutes and then it is done. That is not the type of noise that is a problem; it is the constant noise that runs for 12 hours a day that is just unneighborly to me.�

He added that he would also like the council to keep in mind that many people are working or learning from home during the pandemic. “I ask that you keep that in mind and think about all the work that is being done in homes right now and not in the

COVID-19 BRIEFS

workplace or in school.�

Rauner suggested the council discuss the matter and possible revisions to the ordinance at a work session. Mayor Dave Bartholomay agreed the ordinance needed to be reviewed. Specifically, he wanted to look into the hours of day, length of time, noise (decibel) limits, duration of projects, etc. “We will review our noise ordinance and work with the police department and city staff to figure out what else it needs and if there is any way we can make the ordinance better ... The key is when a police officer shows up, he or she can do something.�

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

POLITICAL BRIEF

MDH provides visitation guidance for long-term care facilities The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released new visitation guidelines for longterm care facilities to balance facilities' need to protect residents from COVID-19 and to ensure healthy social and emotional connections with families and friends throughout the pandemic. Visitor restrictions have been in place in long-term care settings since March. However, MDH said that balancing COVID-19 safety and visitation restrictions

with the well-being of residents is an urgent priority to limit unintended harms of social isolation. This guidance takes effect Aug. 29 and sets forth a cautious and measured process long-term care facilities can use to determine the most appropriate visitation policy to protect their residents and staff.

The primary consideration for facility visitation decisions should be whether there has been an exposure in the facility from a COVID-19 case in a resident, staff or visiting service provider within the past 28 days. Facilities will also need

to develop a testing plan with baseline facility-wide testing.

Additional information on the new guidelines can be found at health.state.mn.us/diseases/ coronavirus/hcp/ltc.html

Police, ďŹ re, city staff see cases A member of the Centennial Lakes Police Department staff has tested positive for COVID-19; a paid, on-call member of the Centennial Fire District has tested positive for COVID-19 and a member of Centerville City Staff has also tested positive for COVID-19.

Candidate ďŹ ling period closes for city councils, school boards The candidate fi ling period for city council and school board seats closed Aug. 11. For Centerville, D. Love will run unopposed for the mayor seat.

Council Members Steve King and Russ Koski will be on the ballot unopposed along with Michael Dufault and Darrin Mosher (special election) for another seat.

In Lexington, Mike Murphy is running unopposed for the mayor seat along with Council Members Diane Harris and Brandon Winge (unopposed).

For the Centennial School Board, there are three open seats and five running, who include: Chris Bettinger, John Burns, Stephanie Carlson, Sue Linser and Gina Schmittdiel.

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL NOTES

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED 2021 BUDGET & LEVY, AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (WMD) CHARGES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to present and receive FRPPHQWV RQ WKH 'LVWULFW¡V SURSRVHG EXGJHW DQG OHY\ ZKLFK LQFOXGH :DWHU 0DQDJHPHQW 'LVWULFW :0' ORFDO FKDUJHV IRU WKH $QRND &RXQW\ 'LWFK $&' :0' $&' :0' DQG 5DPVH\ &RXQW\ 'LWFK 5&' :0' on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

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The Circle Pines City Council took the following action at its Aug. 12 meeting: • Heard from residents who live on Hillcrest Lane who approached the city about a noise issue they are having with a neighbor. See full story above. • Announced that the primary election had a high voter turnout. Council Member Steve McChesney explained that Circle Pines has about 3,200 registered voters.

Typically, only around 350 of them participate in a primary election. This year, 944 voters participated in the primary. About 55% of those voters cast their votes via absentee ballots.

Mayor Dave Bartholomay said he would have liked to have seen an even bigger percentage of absentee ballots so there is less risk involved for election judges and voters. • Heard from Council Member Dean Goldberg, who announced that census workers have begun knocking on doors in Anoka County to encourage people who have not completed the census to do so. He said census workers will be wearing masks and following public health guidelines while door knocking and will also carry with them a valid ID badge with an expiration date. “We have about 250 homes in Circle Pines that have not yet fi lled out the census,â€? he said. “We have been sort of stuck at about 86% (response rate) in Circle Pines ... That means that 14% have not yet done so. We are working hard to try to reach that 5,000 mark so that we can obtain funds from the state for state aid roads (we have eight in Circle

Pines). That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars that we stand to lose if we don't reach 5,000.� • Received an update from Bartholomay about the Centennial Lakes Police Department draft 2021 budget. He said the police governing board approved the budget at its Aug. 10 meeting and the budget will now be reviewed by the member cities and approved by the city councils.

He said the total budget is proposed to include a 2.7% increase over the 2020 budget. Circle Pines’ portion of the budget is slated to increase by 2.8%, or around $29,752. • Approved pay voucher No. 5 for $865,028 to Kuechle Underground for the 2020 Street and Utility Reconstruction Project. The project is around 80% complete.

Council Member Matt Percy wanted an update on a concrete issue that has come to the city's attention.

He said city staff has received a few complaints regarding concrete work and he suggested the council be briefed on what is being done to resolve the problem at a future work session. “I think we need an update on what is next, what is being done to investigate those complaints, and see what remediation steps we are going to take,� he said.

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

Shannon Granholm

Submitting Public Notices Including Foreclosures, CertiďŹ cates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements

Deadlines: White Bear Press, Vadnais Heights Press, Washington County Lowdown. By 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.

Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press, The Citizen. By 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.

Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Washington, Ramsey and Anoka Contact: Lisa, Myrna, Gayle or Evelyn E-Mail: Legals@presspubs.com Call: 651-407-1200 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, www.presspubs.com, 651-407-1200 • Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

AUGUST 18, 2020

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11

Newspaper man has ink in his blood

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

A man of strong faith, Gene Johnson maintains a long list of philosophies and wisdoms that center on a common theme: the power of prayer.

The publisher emeritus of Press Publications believes in trusting the Lord, to turn problems over to Him and to be patient. Johnson also abides by a conviction that “you can’t outgive God,” and strives for a life of philanthropy.

The longtime newspaper man shared his many personal insights at his 84th birthday party earlier this year in Florida, his place of residence in the winter with wife Kathy. This year has another special meaning for the couple: They are celebrating 50 years of of newspapering in White Bear Lake.

There have been highlights, like meeting five U.S. presidents and global travel on behalf of journalism. He even sat at the table in the Oval Office during Jimmy Carter’s administration.

“President Carter wanted to know what small-town newspapers were thinking about. There were six of us,” Johnson recalled. “A breathtaking experience.” For the record, he considers himself an Independent.

Johnson has also been invited to speak in Kenya, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific under the Asia Foundation, Voice of America, UNESCO and the Gannett Foundation.

He was among a half-dozen publishers invited to South Africa to learn about apartheid.

And there have been lowlights, like losing an infant son and then his first wife to diabetes at age 30.

For the most part, “Life has been good,” said Johnson while reminiscing about the past half-century.

Most of his adult life has been devoted to one principle: A commitment to the First Amendment. Freedom of the press is a basic liberty written into the Constitution that Johnson strongly defends.

It’s what keeps him going. “I have a commitment to communication, both print and digital,” Johnson said. “You don’t just throw years of experience away or put it on a shelf.”

Though he sold the White Bear Press and its sister publications to son Carter 10 years ago, Johnson still keeps an office at Press headquarters on Bloom Avenue and still writes editorial columns.

More of his role these days, however, comes as management advice. “I read the financials and critique the papers for content and design. I make suggestions,” he said. “I have total confidence in Carter. He had a broad background of experience when he came to Press, working in many different roles in the newspaper business over the years, and also with other companies and organizations.”

The successful family publishing business has grown from humble beginnings to ownership of 22 newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including two printing plants.

It all started in White Bear Township, where Gene grew up, adopted by a family named Johnson who instilled in him a work ethic at an early age. He picked radishes at the LaVallee produce farm at age 8. At age 16, he worked for White Bear Press owner Aaron Litman, hauling bulk paper up the stairs for the printing press, then located on the second floor of the Getty Building, and casting ads in lead type. At 18, he was married and at 20, owned his first newspaper in Atwater, Minnesota. In 1966 he purchased the Olivia Times Journal.

How Gene wound up owning the White Bear Press is a story he’s fond of telling.

A widowed Mrs. Litman called him at 2 a.m. one night in tears. It was 1969. The newspaper was failing, and

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Gene and Kathy Johnson were honored as grand marshals in the 2013 Manitou Days parade. The woody boat they rode in, “Baybe”, belonged to White Bear residents and friends Pat and Susan Oven.

SUBMITTED

In a meeting at the White House in 1985, President Ronald Reagan congratulated Gene, then president of the National Newspaper Association, on the organization’s 100th Anniversary.

SUBMITTED

Gene and son, Carter Johnson, in his elementary school years, share thoughts about growing and achieving.

she needed help. Would he consider input and support over the years. buying it?

In “semi-retirement,” the couple enjoy “I asked Mrs. Litman to invite five spending time at their lakeside condo business people for coffee at Jantzen’s during the summer and aboard the restaurant and hotel — now the Country Front Page, their yacht, in the winter.

Inn. After small talk, I asked the group For the past 19 years, the snowbirds what they thought of me buying the have used a Ft. Myers marina as paper? Four of five said I wouldn’t home base. They welcome friends and be successful. The equipment was family on their motor yacht and love outdated, it was to entertain. The too run down and couple have also competition had hosted 27 foreign moved in. Only the exchange students local banker said in their home. he’d do anything he Son Carter said could to help.”

Gene’s credibility “We need a in the community c o m m u n i t y he loves comes from newspaper,” the his ability to sell late Dick Long told his ideas and his Johnson. amazing energy.

He bought the “Results oriented, paper from Mrs. Gene Johnson he mobilizes others Litman on Feb. 1, to action,” Carter Publisher Emeritus, Press Publications 1970. observed. “He is There were times when publishing outgoing and socially at ease with a the Press was a struggle, then things wide range of people. And decisions became positive, Johnson said. he makes are based on logic, facts and He purchased two more papers in 1973 common sense.” and changed his business model to Gene admits to insecurities, voluntary pay. “Phil Bonin convinced something he attributes to being us to go free. Phil was my sales guy for adopted as a baby. “It’s why I always 31 years.” have a backup plan,” he said. Added Johnson credits loyal employees Kathy, “Even though he sometimes like Bonin for making the newspaper jumps in with both feet, he makes sure successful. “Dedicated employees the water is only lukewarm. It’s why have been the key to our success. The Gene always has a Plan B.” community has also been supportive Through the years, Johnson has and complimentary,” he added. Most of served as president of the Minnesota all though, he credits his “remarkable Newspaper Association and three partner,” Kathy, for her invaluable national newspaper associations.

“Be curious. There are no dumb questions. And don’t forget to pray. For major decisions, before all meetings, and about all problems.”

Locally, he’s served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing Manitou Days back to life. He was the first chairman of the White Bear cable commission and served on the 916 Foundation and the White Bear Education Foundation.

He and Kathy are major donors to the White Bear Town Hall restoration.

In 2008 Gene and Kathy founded the Johnson Center for Journalism at Bethel University. Its mission is to produce culture-shaping Christians in the field of print and digital journalism.

Gene has always surrounded himself with mentors and appreciates the opportunity to mentor the next generation of journalists. Bethel is the alma mater of two of their four children, Carter and Stephanie. Gene served on the Bethel Foundation Board and the Board of Trustees, including a term as chair. Kathy also taught music education at the university.

Johnson admits he’s been threatened in his decades of newspaper experience.

“When people get angry with a newspaper, the first thing they want to do is kill the messenger,” he said. “It’s important to understand the role of a newspaper, which is to report actual information taking place.”

Looking back on a long career, Kathy is quick to count their blessings. “We are very thankful,” she said.

As he reminded his birthday guests months ago: “Be curious. There are no dumb questions. And don’t forget to pray. For major decisions, before all meetings, and about all problems.”

PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

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18 Thank You May the Sacred Heart of Jesus the Lord be Glorified, Loved & Preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer 9x a day for 9 days.

20 Notices Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money.

Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers. ________________________________________________

PRESS PUBLICATIONS

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AUGUST 18, 2020

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

• Employment • Employment • Employment •

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Weather tidbits

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Now that was an exciting storm that passed on Friday night. Much of the Metro was affected and damage was minimal. Some trees were lost and power lost but Friday's evening storm brought just about a half inch of rain and winds in the 50-60 mph range. In the wake of the storm, this weekends weather couldn't have been much nicer. Lower temperatures, dew points and winds. Much of this August's weather has been very tolerable compared to July's heat and humidity. More enjoyable weather is expected this week.

Nature Note: I've released 4 monarch butteries (2 over this weekend) and I have 1 more in my monarch hotel in the pupa stage.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

• Employment • Employment • Employment •

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Carpenters with Framing & Exterior Finish Skills Direct Hire/Permanent FT Husnik Homes is a highend custom builder/remodeler in White Bear Lake. The right applicant needs to be well rounded; detailed oriented; have a good attitude; and be able to work well with staff, subcontractors and clients. Must also be comfortable setting up and being on scaffolding.

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AUGUST 18, 2020 www.presspubs.com

EMAIL: callaspecialist@ presspubs.com

PHONE: 651-407-1250 MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

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‘Kids are still waiting’: Adoption and COVID-19

BY ELIZABETH CALLEN SHOREVIEW EDITOR

COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of our world, but one thing it hasn’t changed is that there are children in need of loving homes.

There are more than 900 children in Minnesota’s foster care system who are waiting to be placed with adoptive families, said Rachel Walstad.

Walstad is the executive director of MN Adopt, a nonprofit organization that supports families throughout the various stages of the adoption process.

“The reality is that kids are still waiting,” she said. “The pandemic hasn’t changed that.”

It has, however, changed how state and private adoption agencies are currently operating.

“They’re working really hard to figure out what barriers exist because of our current situation and seeing how many of those they can remove,” Walstad said.

“Whether that’s moving more trainings online or having meetings between a family and a social worker via Zoom … Things like that allow families to continue to move through the process so that we can find homes for these kids.”

That means if families have been considering adoption, they shouldn’t let the pandemic postpone their plans — no matter where they are in the process.

“If people are still interested, they should be contacting us (MN Adopt) or their county or their agency,” Walstad said. “Just because COVID-19 is happening doesn’t mean that if they’ve been thinking about adoption, they have to wait till it’s all over to start the process.

They can continue to move along as feels comfortable for them, because the need is definitely still there.”

Interest in adoption hasn’t waned since COVID-19 struck Minnesota. In fact, it has increased. At least, that is true at Children’s Home Society & Lutheran Social Services (CHSLSS), where Heidi Wiste is the director of foster care adoption.

“We haven’t seen a slowdown in any of our intake. We’ve actually seen people continue to come through (and) continue to inquire about foster care and adoption,” said Wiste.

That surprised CHSLSS staff, according to Wiste.

“We were thinking, ‘Well, who’s going to want to step forward now? People are losing their jobs. People

are furloughed,’ and yet we have families who are like, ‘I’m home; I can complete my paperwork now,’ and ‘I’m home; I can do these trainings,’” she said. “They haven’t let the setbacks in what’s happening to them personally stop them from learning more and taking that next step.”

Modern technology, Wiste also noted, has helped make that continuation possible.

“Before, where we would have done most of this work in person, we’ve just moved everything online. Although we don’t have that in-person contact, we do at least have a video component,” she said. “Although it has a few drawbacks … it has the added benefit of helping more people move through the process.”

Even amid the pandemic, children have been able to transition into their adoptive homes, though with proper precautions in place.

“We don’t want to put anybody at risk. When a placement is happening, we’re making sure that everybody is comfortable and safe to do that,” Wiste said. “These 905 children still need permanency, despite social distancing and despite COVID-19. It’s been really wonderful to see what we’ve still been able to do, despite how we aren’t able to do it in the most preferred manner.”

Shoreview resident Maren Badger and her husband, Casey, can attest to the power of adoption in their own lives. They have six children, four of whom they adopted from the foster care system.

After the births of their two biological children, Maren said, she and Casey started looking into adoption as a means of growing their family.

“I’m a Type 1 diabetic, and I have been since I was 2. We knew at some point it wasn’t going to be possible for me to have children,” she said.

“After 20-plus years of being a Type 1 diabetic, it just gets harder and harder.”

Maren and Casey originally considered international adoption, but the financial and time demands proved too great.

“The travel expenses and all the other unknowns were overwhelming,” Maren said.

“We had two small children.

We couldn’t just up and leave them for six weeks at a time to make an adoption run to go to China or Russia or wherever it may be.”

Though they were then unfamiliar with the fosteradoption system, they looked further into it after a friend planted the seed. “I can’t remember who it was, maybe someone at church. They

SUBMITTED

The Badger Family poses for a photo. Pictured (from left to right) are Kaitlyn, Kinsley, Maren, Leshia, Amber, Casey, Jeremiah and Andrew.

said, ‘Well, why don’t you look at domestic (adoption)?’ I was like, ‘Oh, we can do that?’”

A Ramsey County adoption class gave Maren and Casey an overview of the process, but Maren said it also worried them.

“We were completely freaked out. We said, ‘Oh no, no, we can’t do this,’” she remembered. “But we went home, talked about it some more, kind of went back and forth for a while, but then just said, ‘You know what? Let’s just go into foster care, and if a situation arises, then we’ll see where it goes.”

They got licensed for foster care through a private agency and were nearly immediately placed with two half-siblings, both of whom have what Maren described as significant special needs.

“Everything that we had heard in the class that we were afraid of happening was happening. I was running late to work, and having to chase kids through the yard and so forth … It was a complete disaster at first,” she said. “But we bonded with them, and they bonded with us.”

Maren and Casey adopted one of the children, Amber, who will be 18 this summer.

Her birth brother was adopted by another family, for whom the Badgers provide respite care—shortterm relief for primary caregivers—about two or three times a year.

After adopting Amber, the Badgers continued to open their home to children in the foster care system, caring for about 17 foster children

Your best source for community information ONLINE AT PRESSPUBS.COM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information about foster care and adoption in Minnesota, contact the following organizations: • MN Adopt: mnadopt.org; 612-861-7115 • Children’s Home Society & Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota: chlss.org; 651-646-7771 • Ramsey County Social Services: ramseycounty.us/residents/assistance-support/ support-families/adoption; 651-266-5437 over the years. When they received a call about two sisters—Kinsley and Leshia, then 3 and 5 years old—they immediately agreed to take them in. A few days later, the girls’ brother, Jeremiah, who had been living in a separate home, joined them.

“We took them all in, and they just fit so wonderfully with our family, and we got along with their birth mother really, really wonderfully,” Maren said. “We had a fabulous relationship with her. She would come to our house on Christmas … I’d text her, and she’d text me asking how the kids were doing that day. We’d send her their school pictures. It was a very positive relationship.”

The children’s birth mother had been working to regain custody, but she ultimately decided her children were better off in Maren and Casey’s hands.

“She just decided she couldn’t do it. She had the fi rst one at 15, and so she was a very, very young mother and didn’t have any support,” Maren said. “She called us and asked if she could sign the kids over to us … For us, it was just one of those things where you say yes, no hesitation.”

In September 2018, their

birth mother died of a drug overdose, which Maren said was “a gut punch” to their whole family.

“It was really, really hard for us and the kids,” she said.

“But I think she knew, deep down, that were kids were okay, that they could see the life that she never had for herself. I think that meant a lot to her.”

Now, with six children all under the age of 18, the Badgers have a bigger family and busier day-to-day lives than they originally anticipated, but Maren said they couldn’t be happier.

Her family’s experience with the foster care and adoption systems has helped dispel misconceptions she previously had, and she hopes to help dispel those misconceptions for others.

“I wish more people knew about (domestic adoption).

I really do, because I’ve had people whisper in my ear, surprised, ‘They’re just normal kids.’ Yep, they are,” she said. “It’s been wonderful for our family, and it has exposed other families that we know to get involved in foster care as well because they’ve seen us do it and be successful, even with our struggles.”

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Veteran holds patriotism dear to her heart

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CIRCLE Restaura PIN ES — Mat thew's its door nt in Circle Fam Pine s business after more than s abruptly ily two deca closed door last . There was des in a sign posted proudly week that read on the serving , being forc this com “After 23 year s of mun wishes.” ed to close.

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Remembering Blue Heron Days Last weekend would have been perfect weather (despite Friday) for the annual Blue Heron Days festival. Since the celebration could not go as planned during the pandemic, we decided to take a look back at some of the fun memories throughout the years.

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