Centennial Fire District welcomes home Engine 1
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
It’s not every day that a fire department gets to push a new engine into its station.
“This doesn’t happen very often,” said Fire Chief Dan Retka. “The fire department is a pillar in the community; the fire engine is the pillar of the fire service.”
The newest addition to Centennial Fire District’s (CFD) fleet is a 2024 Rosenbauer know as Engine 1. The engine, which was built
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, features a 1,000-gallon water tank and has a pumping capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute. Assistant Chief Matt Montain says the district was lucky to secure the truck for $560,000, even though most engines run more than $1 million.
CFD recently held a ceremonial “push in” to welcome home its new engine. However, Engine 1 is not expected to be ready to respond to calls until September, as the district is
still awaiting parts for it.
The “push in” ceremony dates to the 1800s when fire crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment and the animals were unable to push back into the fire station. The crews had to detach the horses and physically push the equipment back into the bay. That signified the everyone was safe, and the engine was ready to go for the next call.
SEE NEW ENGINE, PAGE 2
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The city of Lino Lakes has three new representatives. The newly crowned ambassadors (from left) are: Amelia Patterson, Tabitha Johnson and Emily Black. The three will represent the city of Lino Lakes in 2024-2025.
Introducing the new Lino Lakes Ambassadors
Amelia Patterson, Emily Black and Tabitha Johnson are the next Lino Lakes Ambassadors for 2024-2025. Black was also voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. Nine candidates vied for three spots. The Miss Lino Lakes Ambassador program was established in 2004 as
part of Blue Heron Days. The ambassadors will represent the city at various parades, coronations, volunteer events and fundraisers throughout the Twin Cities. The goal of the program is to empower young women by giving them the opportunity to be leaders, strengthen their
communication skills and build their confidence.
The Quad Community Press recently interviewed the three young women to learn more about them and introduce them to the community.
SEE MEET & GREET, PAGE 7
Anti-Muslim email sparks call for council resignation
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
LINO LAKES — The Minnesota Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) and some Quad area residents are demanding that a city council member resigns from office.
Mayor Rob Rafferty confirmed that the city received a complaint regarding an email sent by a council member to a member of the public.
“The statements made by this council member do not reflect or represent the views of the city of Lino Lakes or the council as a whole,” Rafferty said. “We are taking this situation seriously and continue to review and evaluate the matter. We will be utilizing the process outlined in the council code of conduct to address the issue.”
The Quad Community Press received a copy of an email that was sent to New York Times reporter Dan Barry in response to his article, “A Battle Over a Farm, a Mosque and the Moral High Ground” published earlier this month.
The email was sent to the reporter, Council Member Christopher Lyden and CAIR-MN as well as CAIR national staff. The email, which is over 1,000 words, contained statements like “Islam’s our declared enemy;” “Islam hates us;” “Islam’s antiJew/Christian. So, we can be anti-Muslim;” “Put the kibosh on the Muslim development;” “Islam’s our enemy;” and “Don’t believe the lying Muslims.” Lyden responded to the email saying, “Might be the best email I have ever received! Thank you Sir!”
SEE EMAIL REPLY, PAGE 6
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Centennial Fire District pushes its new fire engine, Engine 1, into the Circle Pines Station. Engine 1 should hopefully be in service in September.
NEW ENGINE: To serve as ‘pilar’ of Centennial Fire District
FROM PAGE 1
Engine 1 will replace Engine 11, which has served as the front-line engine out of Station 1 since 2001. Engine 11 will be retired from service and sold.
“(Engine 1) is going to serve this community absolutely wonderfully and it’s going to keep our people safe,” Retka explained. “These responders deserve a piece of apparatus that’s going to keep them safe, that’s going to be something our community can be proud of and is going to serve our community for several years, and that’s exactly what we got.”
Over the last 20 years, Retka says the fire service has changed dramatically. CFD, along with other Anoka County departments, now have auto and mutual aid agreements in place, meaning the engine will serve more than just the cities of Centerville and Circle Pines. In addition, Engine 1 will respond to emergencies at the Anoka CountyBlaine Airport.
“CFD is being called up a lot more than they have in the past,” Retka said. “We are now responding to first alarms all over the area. We are going over to Spring Lake Park, Blaine and Mounds View (SBM), Lake Johanna,
BY THE NUMBERS
Lexington, Lino Lakes … our truck is getting around.”
In 2024, it is not uncommon for fire departments to have to wait for three to four years to take delivery of a new engine and spend upwards of $2 million. “To say this one kind of fell in our lap would be an understatement. I guess it was the right place at the right time,” Retka commented. “We were able to get this truck for almost half that price and we got into six months.”
It couldn’t happen, if the cities of Centerville and Circle Pines weren’t willing to contribute. The majority of the cost for the engine will come from CFD’s capital equipment fund, which both cities contribute to annually. According to City Administrator Mark Statz, the fund was approximately $100,000 short, so both cities chipped in to cover the shortage. Centerville will pay $47,000 and Circle Pines $53,000.
“Fire engines aren’t cheap these days. It is a huge commitment … Commitment from our cities is just as important as commitment from our firefighters. Without that support, we can’t do our job,” Retka added.
Circle Pines Mayor Dave Bartholomay said the city often has to make tough choices about how
The price CFD paid for the new engine 1,000 1,500 2024 $560,000
the number of gallons the water tank can store the number of gallons per minute the truck can pump Rosenbauer
• Dana Rozan will change roles with the city. She previously served as an office specialist, and she will now be a building permit technician. Rozan has been employed with the city for two years. Her new hourly rate of pay will be $28.01 per hour, which is the first step of a six-step wage scale. Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer explained that the city is currently reviewing applications for the now vacant office specialist position.
• Vincent Kasprowicz will be promoted to the paid-on-call (POC) fire lieutenant position at Fire Station No.1. The position opened after Fire Lt. Brian Gustafson was promoted to POC district chief. Kasprowicz has over ten years of experience. Kasprowicz started as a POC firefighter in 2013 with the Centennial Fire District. He has served the Lino Lakes’ Public Safety Fire team since August 2019 as a firefighter/EMT. His hourly rate of pay will not change; however he will now receive a monthly stipend of $225 as lieutenant.
• The city will pay $33,154 to H & H Contractors to complete the 2024 Woods Edge streetscape rejuvenation project. City Engineer Diane Hankee explained that the Wood Edge area was originally constructed in 2005 and has serviced pedestrians for the last 19 years. The salt and seasons have taken a toll on the pavers and have created many
PUBLIC NOTICE
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED RULE REVISION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers has scheduled a public hearing to receive public comment under Minnesota Statutes 103D.341 regarding the District’s proposed rule revisions on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Public participation using interactive technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. In addition, by a declaration under Minnesota Open Meeting Law Section 13D.021, all meetings of the RCWD Board of Managers are in person and public while recognizing that a Manager may, based on advice from a health care professional, have a legitimate reason for not attending a meeting in a public place in person, such as COVID-19 exposure or infection, and in such circumstances may participate in the meeting remotely. Information regarding the proposed rule revisions can be viewed on the District’s website, www.ricecreek.org, or at the District office, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. Written comments can be directed to Patrick Hughes by email at phughes@ricecreek.org or by mail at the above address. All comments received by end of business on September 20, 2024, will be a part of the public record and given due consideration by the District. Published one time in the Quad Community Press on August 20, 2024.
to spend its dollars. “The cost of fire trucks has risen a lot the last few years, but the city still needs to make smart investments so that our firefighters have good equipment to protect us.”
Centerville Mayor D. Love added, “We are so proud of his new truck and we’re excited to see it out on the streets … We are glad that we have it and have made the great investment back into the community and are giving the homeowners and citizens what they deserve and what they need.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
trip hazards and need repair and replacement. The project is expected to begin next week.
• Jody and Jesse Fronek can now install an above-ground pool within a drainage and utility easement on their property located at 904 Kelly Street. Hankee explained that the drainage and utility easement was dedicated to the city over the Great River Energy power easement with the Pine Glen 2nd Addition plat. The Froneks have an encroachment agreement with Great River Energy and have coordinated setbacks.
• The city will soon pay off its bills for its 2022 surface water maintenance project. On Sept. 12, 2022, the council passed resolution 22-102, awarding the contract for the project to Arnt Construction Company, Inc. for $177,400.
Construction began in winter 2022/2023 and final restoration was approved in spring 2024. The final contract amount is $166,790. Funding for the project is through the Storm Water Maintenance Fund. The final payment is for $8,340.
• The city will pay Allied Blacktop Company $136,000 to complete this year’s rejuvenator project. Hankee explained rejuvenators are products designed to restore original properties to aged (oxidized) asphalt thus reducing the loss of surface fines and the formation of additional cracks. As part of this project, the product will be placed on the streets, followed by sand so that the roadway can remain open to vehicles.
The project includes: 4th Avenue, Forsham Lake Dr, Stage Coach Trail, Post Road, West Shadow Lake Court, Sandpiper Drive, Fox Road, Joyer
White Bear Class of 1958 65th Year Reunion
Thursday, September 19th 3pm-6pm
Hugo American Legion Food & Drinks available for purchase
RSVP: Dean Shawbold 651-246-0592
Lane, Karth Road, Talle Lane, Canfield Road, Gaage Lane, Dogwood Street, Ivywood Avenue, Butternut Street, 21st Avenue, Crane Drive, Balsam Way, Diamond Lane, Forest Lane, Eden Circle, Emily Circle, Watermark Way, Harriet Lane, Geneva Court, Itasca Circle, Johanna Circle, Cass Drive, Ada Drive, Bay Drive, Jasper Court, Island Court, Heron Court, Gul Drive, Dora Drive, Elmo Court and Fall Drive.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
Shannon Granholm
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Firefighters welcome home their new engine, a 2024 Rosenbauer.
Engine 1 is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank that can pump up to 1,500 gallons per minute. Engine 1 will replace Engine 11, which has served the fire district since 2001.
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
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413
CURRENT EVENTS:
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
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANT AND RAINGARDEN TOUR
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20
Where: Locations provided upon RSVP Details: Tour local yards with a variety of waterfriendly and pollinator-friendly landscaping strategies, including small and large raingardens, native plantings, a bee lawn, and a native plant pond buffer. Two stops, attendees drive independently. Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/events/ neighborhood-tour3/
LIVE TRIVIA AT LEGION
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes
Details: Live general knowledge trivia. No limit on
team sizes. Each player will get a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a drink.
Contact: (651) 783-0055
LEARN TO STAND UP PADDLEBOARD
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22
Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Details: Instruction followed by time on the water. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square Details: Visit and book-signing with nationalbestselling author William Kent Krueger. Contact: facebook.com/people/Lake-CountryBooksellers
ARTISAN AND VENDOR FAIR
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4855 Bloom Avenue Details: Crafters, makers, boutiques, and vendors. Contact: sunriseeventsandcraftshows.com
MEET WARGO’S ANIMALS
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Learn about reptiles and amphibians up close while learning about the characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Registration information online. *Adaptive session for children with cognitive or physical disabilities 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
CAMPFIRE TALKS WITH A NATURALIST
When: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground Details: Family-friendly naturalist-led presentation on Otters. Free.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
SUMMER LAWN CONCERT
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: Concert by Monica Livorsi focuses on different characters from Jane Austen’s novels. Rain or shine; pay-what-you-want admission. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.com
DEATH NOTICE
Lynda Diane Banta
Lynda Diane Banta, born April 16, 1962, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. For more information, visit muellerbies.com.
Music on the Lake
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22
Where: Golden Lake Park, 67 W. Golden Lake Road, Circle Pines
Details: Free outdoor community concert featuring The Revolution 5.
Contact: isd12.ce.eleyo.com
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The North Metro Telecommunications commission budget for 2025 is estimated to decrease from the 2024 budget by $319,494. Along with the city of Lexington, each member city will have to sign off on next year’s budget.
•The city continues to pay its bills for the 2024 street project on Griggs Avenue. Most recently, the city made a partial payment to North Valley, Inc. of $45,085.
The project is slightly delayed due to the milling process damaging the new curbs and gutters, which need to be fixed before asphalt can be put down. Completion is now estimated to be sometime in midor late-September.
• Gracepoint Family Dentistry can continue to operate in the city after receiving its annual business license.
• Hocktoberfest, a fundraiser for the Centennial/ Sprin Lake Park girls hockey Blue Line Club, will be held at Boulevard Bar & Grille from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5. The Centennial High School Boys Blue Line Club, will also host a fundraiser at Boulevard Bar & Grille on from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28.
•Residents may have seen a milling machine on Restwood Road lately. City Administrator Bill Petracek says it “should extend the life of some of our streets” and reduce potholes.
•The new city of Lexington sign is now fully lit up. •The City Council will canvass the 2024 general election results at a special meeting Nov. 13.
Hannah Testa
Upcoming Games
August 20-25 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders August 27-Sept. 1 vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
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 761757
Join Us for Mass Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015
OPINION
Judging
‘The best’
Ihave been in the industry for a little over a decade. I’ve entered various contests, mainly the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and most recently the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards, but I’ve never been on the other end of it.
Shannon’s
Shenanigans
Shannon
Granholm
Perhaps that’s why when an email landed in my inbox from America’s Newspapers seeking judges I thought “let’s see what this is all about.”
I was invited to be a judge for this year’s Carmage Walls Commentary Writing Prize, which honors excellence in editorial page and column writing.
The contest seeks to recognize strong, courageous and positive editorial leadership.
The prize is named for the late Benjamin Carmage Walls, whose newspaper career spanned seven decades. Walls primarily owned community newspapers. His daughter — Lissa Walls Cribb — is CEO of Southern Newspapers.
I was invited to read through columns in the 35,000 and under circulation bracket. Journalists hailed from Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Oregon and more.
Topics ranged from injustice, corruption, discrimination, environmental issues, public records requests, banning of books and more.
I was very impressed with how much time and energy went into most of these columns. You could tell that the writers knew what they were talking about, and in a lot of cases, the column read more like a story, which I really enjoyed. I am always drawn to columns that let readers in and talk about personal topics. It made me reflect on some of my columns that I have written about the death of my father, Frosty’s journey with degenerative myelopathy and battling postpartum depression after my son Royce was born.
I was also struck by the amount of courage it took for these writers to come out and voice an opinion and what they thought solutions could be on controversial topics in small towns, where everyone knows everybody.
Two other judges and I were tasked with coming up with the top three columns in our circulation group. We agreed on our top two but had to talk it over a bit to come to a consensus on our third favorite. Now, our top three picks will go to another group of judges, and if we choose to continue judging, we will read the top three from another set of judges tasked with picking from a different circulation group.
I plan to continue judging and I am eager to find out who the winners will be. The awards will be presented this October in Charleston, South Carolina, at America’s Newspapers Senior Leadership Conference. In addition to recognition for a job well done, the top three in each circulation category receive cash prizes.
I’m glad I decided to carve some time out of my schedule to be a judge. I enjoyed reading the columns and found it to be very inspirational. Perhaps next time I receive an email asking me to be a judge I might just do that.
Shannon Granholm is the managing editor at Press Publications.
Life continues to be a wonderful adventure
IAbout the Town
t was 10:15 Saturday morning, Aug. 3, when the fire alarm went off at our condo. We didn’t see any fire or smoke or even smell it, but we departed quickly from the first floor via the outside stairs. Within seven minutes the police were there and a couple minutes later the fire truck arrived. The condo caretaker, Brian Mabe, came over from his house and the fire crew made some quick inspections. It was discovered one of the tenants was cooking bacon with the door open to the lobby. This happened within the last two weeks to the same tenant.
The report didn’t include whether the bacon was thicksliced or not. It appeared to be smoked.
We were all safe and no damage. Thankfully we have a prompt and prepared fire department in our communities.
This became a special event for our 56th wedding anniversary. We had been generally homebound after Kathy had a knee restoration five weeks ago.
On a very warm Aug. 4 day in 1968 we were married in a
Election season is considered to be from the filing deadline until the day of the election.
• Limited to 350 words.
Letters are free unless endorsing or opposing a candidate, party or question on the ballot.
little country Baptist church in Bloomquist, Minnesota, which was north of Olivia where I had a home with my 12-year-old daughter, Julie, and owned the Oliva-Times Journal.
Our extended guest list was invited to a luncheon at Smiley’s Supper Club in Olivia and following that a good friend, the late Sander Pearson of the Red Owl store, served a Scandinavian picnic in our back yard.
Recently Kathy asked me what was my memory of the wedding day and I said it was when we were leaving home for our honeymoon. I confronted her mother for advice on how we should handle our first night. This German Lutheran mother of their only child quickly answered, “Be sure you have your pajamas under the pillow in case of fire.” Her quick wit and humor made for a great mother-in-law.
I returned the question to Kathy. She said it was when our 12-year-old daughter Julie came running up to her after the ceremony and said with great delight, “Now I can call you Mom.”
Our 6,000 mile honeymoon took us to Banff, Lake Louise, a boat ride on the Tacoma Sound, and a trip to California to visit with a sister and brother’s families. Then on our way home I surprised her with a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. It was topped off with a nice visit at
Custer, South Dakota. Life continues to be a wonderful adventure and we’re very thankful to God for all the years we have had together visiting many countries of the world and salt water cruising.
Local news Local news is critical to the well-being of a community. People rely on the news departments of the newspaper web-sites to stay informed about important events affecting their lives. When a community is informed and their communities are safe and progressive, the healthier they become.
A study that was commissioned by America’s Newspapers, with Coda Ventures, found the five reasons people look to their local news sources and information about where they live.
1. To stay informed.
2. To feel connected to the community.
3. To decide where they stand on local issues.
4. To find places and things to do.
5. To talk to other people about community news.
You can also follow us on our website and social media pages.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
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Endorsement/opposition letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement/opposition letters are labeled, “paid letter.”
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Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be
published as space permits. Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.
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COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• An officer spoke with a resident in the 100 block of Century Trail Aug. 6 regarding phone calls they had received that were likely part of a scam. The officer offered advice and documented the incident in a report.
• An officer took a delayed dog bite report at the police department that occurred in the 1500 block of LaMotte Circle Aug. 6. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer received information regarding a possible sexual assault that occurred in the city Aug. 6. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of Main Street Aug. 6 and ultimately arrested an adult male driver for repeated violations of driving with a revoked license and not having vehicle insurance.
• While on patrol, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 8000 block of I-35E Aug. 7 and arrested the adult male driver for an outstanding warrant.
• An officer received a phone call identity theft report from a resident in the 8100 block of Woodduck Trail Aug. 8. The case is under investigation.
• Officers responded to a juvenile facility in the 7500 block of 4th Avenue for an assault Aug. 8. The officers arrested the juvenile for
multiple offenses and transported them to a secure facility.
• An officer checked on a vehicle parked on the shoulder of a roadway in the 1600 block of Birch Street Aug. 9. An adult female was ultimately arrested for thirddegree DWI and was booked into the Anoka County Jail.
• An officer located two suspicious vehicles at a city park in the 7800 block of Lake Drive after park hours Aug. 9. Two adults were subsequently issued citations for liquor consumption under the age of 21.
• An officer took a possible damage to property report around Main Street and Woodduck Trail Aug. 10. It is unknown at this time if the damage was intentional. The incident has been documented and the investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to the 7200 block of Dora Drive Aug. 10 where a resident reported that a male was in the roadway yelling at someone on the phone. The officer contacted the male and made him aware of the complaint. The incident was documented.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not using a turn signal properly on I-35W near Lake Drive Aug. 10. The driver had an open container of marijuana, which was confiscated and destroyed.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of Main Street
Aug. 11 and the female driver showed signs of impairment. The female was arrested, processed and booked at jail for second-degree DWI.
• Officers responded to a physical domestic between a male and a female in Lino Lakes Aug. 11. Officers subsequently arrested a male for domestic assault, and he was booked into jail.
• An officer responded to a report of a suspicious male in a parked vehicle in the 6500 block of Sherman Lake Road Aug. 12. The officer investigated and determined the male was going door to door for an upcoming election.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• Police responded to the 3800 block of Edgewood Road in Lexington Aug. 7 for a burglary in progress. It was determined that the burglary was unfounded.
• Police responded to a property damage accident at the intersection of Lovell Road and Lexington Avenue NE in Lexington Aug. 7.
• Police fielded a report of possible identity theft in the 3800 block of Patriot Lane in Lexington Aug. 8.
• Officers responded to a domestic assault in the city of Lexington Aug. 8. An adult male was subsequently arrested.
• Officers responded to suspicious activity in the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 8.
• Police observed a suspicious male sprinting in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 9.
• Officers were dispatched to a business in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 9 to trespass a person. Upon arrival, officers were unable to identify or locate the person.
• Police responded to the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 10 for a report of a fight between two males. Police arrived and gathered information. Both males left without incident.
• Police responded to a business in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Aug. 10 for a possible shoplifting incident.
• Officers responded to the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Aug. 11 for a harassment report.
• Police responded to the intersection of Main Street and Mound Trail in Centerville Aug. 11 for a property damage accident.
• Police visited an address in the 7100 block of Brian Way in Centerville Aug. 13 to address ongoing noise complaints regarding aloud vehicle.
Council changes mind on Attorney General opinion
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
LINO LAKES — The City Council has decided not to pursue a second opinion from the Attorney General.
Last month, the city received three petitions from residents, one relating to an ordinance amendment and the other two relating to possible charter amendments.
City Attorney Jay Squires said in his opinion, all three petitions interfere with the land use decision-making process, which is delegated to the council. He suggested bringing back a resolution to the council that would declare the petitions are not “legally sufficient.” He explained that he could also engage the Attorney General on the topic for a second opinion.
Mayor Rob Rafferty along with Council Members Michael Ruland, Christopher Lyden and Dale Stoesz all said they would support seeking that opinion. Council Member Tony Cavegn said he could “go either way.”
Lino Lakes resident Randy Rennaker, a member of the Love Lino Lakes group who submitted the petitions to the city, requested the council refrain from getting a second opinion from the Attorney General. “We believe this course of action will not add value or affect the ultimate outcome of the petitions,” he said.
Instead, Rennaker requested the council provide input on what residents could be involved in the shaping of the city’s future. “The City Attorney was clear on what we cannot do, but what can we do?” he asked. “We gave a clear direction of what the city would like to see so we would like to ask the council
to provide some input for us petitioners so that we can come back with something that will work …” Ruhland suggested the city not pursue the second opinion after all. “After doing my own research on it … I feel like it would be a waste of time to pursue a second opinion from the Attorney General,” he said. Lyden was the only council member who wanted to see the second opinion pursued. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with sending it up to the Attorney General,” he said.
Ultimately the council approved a resolution relating to the three petitions. The resolution says that even though the petitions are “technically sufficient” they are not “legally valid.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
The voting round has ended.
Thank you for participating!
Readers’ Choice Best of the Press is a tribute to the Quad Community’s best–from Arts & Entertainment, Eating & Drinking, Health & Fitness, Local, Services, Shopping to Sports & Recreation–as voted on by readers. The winners and top two finalists in each category will be revealed in October.
Is your business a Finalist or Winner?
EMAIL REPLY: Some demand resignation
Blaine resident Jameel Ahmed recently requested Lyden resign from his seat on council. “The curtain was pulled back revealing exactly how Council Member Lyden truly feels when responding to an email from a stranger,” he said. “You have a responsibility to the residents of Lino Lakes; It is your responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and respect for all. In light of this council member’s disgusting conduct, I’m calling for this council to demand his immediate resignation.”
He also requested the council issue a public apology to CAIR-MN, Zikar Holdings (developer of the proposed Madinah Lakes project) and the community.
“This is not just about one email or one comment, although I’m sure there are plenty more emails out there yet to be discovered. It is about the future of our community, a future that every resident, regardless of race, religion and background, should feel safe, respected and valued,” Ahmed said. “We cannot allow hate to fester in our community …”
CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein issued a statement, “Mr. Lyden gave his enthusiastic approval for a hateful, anti-Muslim screed. How can someone who endorses such views be expected to represent Muslim citizens of Lino Lakes? We urge the city council to repudiate Mr. Lyden and his anti-Muslim bigotry. We call on Mr. Lyden to resign.”
Lyden responded, “As I’ve stated before, not amount of tactics, intimidation or bullying will taint this council’s work … I have no ill-will against Muslims or any other religion or race.”
Lyden said his issue is regarding the organization CAIR-MN. He referenced a Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) opinion column titled, “Florida House passes bill slamming Hamas-linked CAIR” published Feb. 11, 2024., which talks about Florida legislation that calls for the disassociation from CAIR and encourages all state agencies to suspend contact and outreach activities with the organization (HR 1209).
“I’m not going to allow you to victimize me, and the Lino Lakes community will not be your patsy,” he said. “I don’t need an apology, but the citizens of Lino Lakes deserve one.”
Lyden shared that he is hoping to work with state legislators to create a bill similar to Florida’s.
According to the city’s Code of Conduct, the city council is responsible for policing its members. “When inappropriate behaviors are observed, any member of the council can intervene. If inappropriate behavior is observed, the city council will discuss the behavior at a council work session.”
By direction of the council, it will be determined by majority vote whether:
1) A letter is sent to the offending council member stating that he/she failed to observe the Code of Conduct and requesting that the inappropriate behavior be redressed; or,
2) The council member is formally sanctioned by resolution at a Council Meeting.
City Administrator Sarah Cotton confirmed that the topic will be addressed at a future work session.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
MEET & GREET: With the newly crowned 2024-2025 Lino Lakes Ambassadors
Amelia Patterson
Q. Do/did you attend Centennial High School? If so, what year are you in school or what year did you graduate?
A. Yes, I will be a junior this fall and graduate in 2026!
Q. Why did you want to be a Lino Lakes ambassador?
A. You get to meet so many new people and help make a difference in your community.
Q. What other organizations/ activities are you involved in (sports, clubs, organizations, jobs, etc.)?
A. I am on the Centennial Dance Team, and I currently work at MCs TapHouse.
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your time as an ambassador?
A. The memories and growth I will take out of the program.
Q. What do you hope to get out of your experience as an ambassador?
A. Important life skills for the future.
Q. What are your future plans after your time as an ambassador?
A. I hope to finish out high school and attend college!
Q. Is there anything else you want the community to know about you or the program?
A. Not that I can think of.
Emily Black
Q. Do/did you attend Centennial High School? If so, what year are you in school or what year did you graduate?
A. Yes! I did attend Centennial High School, and I just graduated in 2024.
Q. Why did you want to be a Lino Lakes ambassador?
A. The reason why I wanted to be a Lino Lakes Ambassador was because I have always loved working with the community and making lasting relationships with others as well.
Q. What other organizations/ activities are you involved in (sports, clubs, organizations, jobs, etc.)?
A. I play golf, I have been playing golf since the age of 9. I am very involved with volunteering at a lot
Blue Heron Days
of different places. I was also in my Senior Class Committee.
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your time as an ambassador?
A. I am looking forward to meeting other ambassador groups throughout Minnesota and making connections with them.
Q. What do you hope to get out of your experience as an ambassador?
A. What I hope I can get out of my experience of being an ambassador is making other people’s day and being a positive role model to our younger generation while they grow up.
Q. What are your future plans after your time as an ambassador?
A. My future plans are to keep on attending University of Saint Thomas to get my business degree and keep traveling the world.
Q. Is there anything else you want the community to know about you or the program?
A. I also was voted for Miss Congeniality by my peers and won.
Tabitha Johnson
Q. Do/did you attend Centennial High School? If so, what year are you in school or what year did you graduate?
A. I do go to Centennial! I am a senior this year, class of 25 on top!
Q. Why did you want to be a Lino Lakes ambassador?
A. I wanted to reach my community and make people feel welcome, and show that everyone and anyone can belong here. I also am Christian, and think it’s important to show the love of God wherever I go!
Q. What other organizations/ activities are you involved in (sports, clubs, organizations, jobs, etc.)?
A. I’m a peer leader!
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your time as an ambassador?
A. The community of course! Volunteering will be awesome as well!
Q. What do you hope to get out of your experience as an ambassador?
A. I hope to become a role model for those around me and gain confidence!
Q. What are your future plans after your time as an ambassador?
A. I want to be a 911 dispatcher and one day a therapist or counselor.
Q. Is there anything else you want the community to know about you or the program?
A. We would love to have anyone who is interested! It’s truly a wonderful experience and opportunity that has taught me so much about what it means to be an active member of the community.
Compiled by Shannon Granholm
Lyngblomsten will offer fall prevention class
Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes will offer, “A Matter of Balance,” a fall-prevention class from 1 - 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays from Sept. 9 through Oct. 3.
A Matter of Balance is a program designed for older adults to manage falls and increase activity level. Two trained coaches will guide participants through education and activities that emphasize strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants will improve balance, flexibility and strength while viewing falls as controllable.
Register by Sept. 2 online at https://yourjuniper. org/Classes/Register/4466, or contact Cyndy Rudolph via email at crudolph@lyngblomsten.org or phone 651-6325330. Lyngblomsten is located at 6070 Blanchard Blvd., Lino Lakes.
Amelia Patterson
PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Tabitha Johnson
Emily Black
BUSINESS BRIEF
PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The rain cleared just in time for the annual Blue Heron Days Parade on Lake Drive in Lino Lakes Saturday, Aug. 17.
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If you are active and you like long walks, jogging, running or hiking and you’re looking for an active partner, then Leonard is waiting for you. He would do very well with an active family or as a doggie addition with another active, playful dog.
Leonard is good-natured and he loves to run and play. He is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull mix and weighs about 70 pounds. Leonard is social with other dogs and friendly to all the people he meets. He is young, smart and eager to please.
Leonard knows his basic commands and he is house trained and crate trained. His foster says Leonard is a “really good dog” and one of the reasons he gets along so well with other dogs is because he mirrors their play style. He will chase and run with the fastest of them and he is gentle with those who have slowed down a bit. In addition to exploring and playing, Leonard loves the water. Leonard is an owner surrender and if you are interested in learning more about him or adopting him, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org.
Multiple deaths investigation underway in Blaine
On Aug. 13 at approximately 8:58 a.m., several agencies responded to a report of a shooting near the 200 block of Territorial Road NE in the city of Blaine.
Upon arrival, responders located an adult male, later identified as Timothy James Knox, 62, of Blaine, outside of a residence with critical injuries from a suspected gunshot wound. Life saving measures were administered, however Timothy was declared deceased at the scene.
A short time later, law enforcement located a suspect vehicle and individual, later identified as David
John Knox, 61, of Blaine, believed to be involved in the earlier incident near the 11900 block of 7th St NE in the city of Blaine. David was declared deceased at the scene from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no known threat to the public, and no further suspects are being sought. The Blaine Police Department, Coon Rapids Police Department, Fridley Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Allina EMS all responded to the call.
The incident is under investigation by the Blaine Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
WEEKLY WAG
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
O’Neill blazes to Chomonix title by 11 strokes
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Nick O’Neill shot a torrid 68 in the first round and coasted to his fourth Chomonix Golf Club championship by an 11-stroke margin Saturday and Sunday.
“I was hitting the ball really well, and made all the putts I should have made, including a couple long ones,” recounted O’Neill about the four-under-par round that included six birdies along with a double bogey on No. 15.
O’Neill closed with 76 on Sunday for a 144 total. He had triple- and double-bogeys but was steady otherwise. “I was playing a little conservatively on Sunday,” he said.
Max Cory was runner-up with 82-73-155 and Carter Korkowski third with 83-73-156 after they tied for the low round Sunday. Cory cut nine strokes and Korkowski 10 strokes off their Saturday rounds.
O’Neill, also club runner-up four times, recorded his bestever tournament rounds with the 68 and 144. He had a 67 once while playing with some buddies. Two years ago, he won by eight strokes with 152.
The 29-year-old Lino Lakes resident, who works for Red Wing Shoes, has been a club member since 2013. He’s been men’s golf president for three years and plays league golf twice a week.
At Centennial, he played four years without reaching state. “I never really figured it out when I was in high school,” O’Neill said. But he kept at it and improved markedly as an adult.
Alex Rogan, his former Cougar teammate, is a five-time
Chomonix champion, and they’ve frequently dueled each other for club honors, but Rogan wasn’t competing this year.
“Alex’s sister was getting married, so he couldn’t play Saturday,” O’Neill explained. “He called Saturday night to see how it was going. I told him that he’d probably have a tough time winning this year.”
Rost, meanwhile, was impressive in his first time competing in the championship flight. Rost attended CHS at the same time as O’Neill. He was a football and hockey star and didn’t play golf. “Over the years, he’s gotten better and better,” O’Neill said.
Tyler Lowry, second with 75 after Saturday, shot 83 Sunday and finished fourth at 158 among 12 entrants in the championship flight, Brandon Lee was fifth with 82-79-161 and Carter Gooder sixth with 83-80-163.
In the first flight, Joe Kayser placed first of 14 entrants with 78-90-168, edging Brad Matrious (88-81-169), Mitch Newton (84-85169) and Dylan Zuk (87-82-169). Matrious officially placed second. Ryan Nelson won the second flight (84-93-177). Phil Lasky won the third flight (97-97-195).
Lund wins seniors
John Lund was senior flight champion by a wide margin in the Chomonix tournament. Lund shot 73 Saturday and 75 Sunday for low gross honors with 148. Among 12 entrants, Dave Hoehl was second with 87-85-172, Joel Hobert third with 92-89-181 and Ron Bole fourth with 93-92-185. The low net winner was Jim Dunlap with 143.
Cougars lose at state to reigning champions
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Centennial town baseball team drew a daunting task for their first-ever state tournament game Saturday. The Cougars were matched with the 2023 and 2021 state champions, Air Freight United (AFU), and its dominant left hander Graham Laubscher.
The St. Paul company team stymied Centennial 6-2 in the Class B first round at Jordan. Cougar manager Joe Cyzewski felt it was a good showing,
especially since they were within 4-2 going into the last of the eighth.
“The kids represented themselves well, for what we had to go up against,” Cyzewski said. “We had 12 strikeouts, but he (Laubscher) had 18 or 19 one game last year.”
The Cougars, in their seventh year of existence, finished their best season 19-15.
Centennial nicked Laubscher for two runs in the sixth inning, pulling within 4-2. Ryan Burley singled, Damon Thoemke walked, Logan Karnowski singled to drive home Burley, and Thoemke scored on Joe Pelle’s ground out to deep shortstop.
“We had them worried. I’m proud of that,” Cyzewski said. “They had two guys warming up in the bullpen, despite having him on the mound.”
Laubscher is a state tourney legend. Last year, the former Stillwater and St. Thomas star struck out 60 batters in 29 innings, giving up two runs.
Joe Klebba pitched the distance for the Cougars. The 2022 CHS graduate and current UM-Duluth player fell behind 4-0 after three, then kept them in the game with four shutout innings after that. The right-hander faltered in the last of the eighth when he gave up three of his five walks. AFU added two insurance runs.
“We are not quite ready for a team like that. They are 25, 26, 27 years old. They’re all Division I players from teams like St. Thomas and Miami of Ohio,” Cyzewski said. “Our guys are 18, 19, 20. But we played well.”
Aceituno succeeds Ottosen as Cougar soccer coach
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Longtime Cougar boys soccer coach Jeff Ottosen has retired and his successor is Felipe Aceituno, the B squad coach the past three seasons. “I’m excited to take on a solid group of individuals. I was fortunate to work under Coach Ottosen, and have known most of the boys,” said Aceituno, who started pre-season workouts Aug. 12. “This senior class freshmen when I started four seasons ago at Centennial.”
Ottosen called Aceituno and suggested he apply for the position.
“I was honored that the previous coach felt I was up to the challenge,” Aceituno said. Ottosen, a 1992 Centennial graduate, has coached in the program since 1999. He had state tournament teams in 2018 and 2019 and winning records the last seven seasons, going 68-28-9.
Aceituno played for St. Paul Central and Dakota County Technical College, and still plays in a men’s league, MRSL D2. His main occupation is senior sports director at the YMCA. He was a personal trainer for several years.
Matt St. Martin, activities director, made the hire. He stated: “Coach Aceituno’s vision and mission for the Centennial boys soccer program will build upon the solid foundation that is in place from previous years of on and off field success. He will be an outstanding asset to our school community as a whole.”
A coach since 2008, his other posts have been with the Valley United, Lakes United and Centennial SC clubs; Roseville Area (freshmen and varsity assistant); St. Paul Johnson (JV and varsity); and Lancaster High in Virginia (varsity).
Felipe Aceituno
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Nick O’Neill watched his drive on No. 12 Sunday. He shot 68 and 76 on Sunday for his fourth club championship.
The Centennial Cougars assembled for a team photo after the franchise’s first-ever state tournament game Saturday at Mini-Met Ballpark in Jordan.
Golden Lake restoration celebrated
POLITICAL BRIEF
Candidates file for office
The deadline to file for local mayoral, city council and school board races has passed, and we now know who will be on the ballot for the general election Nov. 5. In Centerville, two candidates are running for Mayor, including current Mayor D. Love and Nancy Golden. The city of Centerville also has three candidates running for two seats including current Council Member Russ Koski and David Kubat and Garland Port. There is also one candidate running unopposed for a special election seat, Anita Rios. In Lexington, current Mayor Gary Grote is running against former Mayor Mike Murphy. Three candidates
including Jill Hunt, Barbara Mahr and current Council Member Brandon Winge are running for two seats on the City Council.
For Centennial School Board, four candidates are running for three seats. Candidates include current board members Craig Johnson and Sue Linser, along with Laura Gannon and Heidi Hansen.
City officials and representatives from the Rice Creek Watershed District were among the attendees in a recent gathering at Golden Lake to celebrate the removal of the lake from the Minnesota Impaired Waters List. Mayor Dave Bartholomay accepted an award to the city of Circle Pines in recognition of the exceptional efforts and collaboration with the Rice Creek Watershed District in the protection and restoration of Golden Lake.