Quad Community Press

“What we have been experiencing has been a return of food insecurity to the levels of when the pandemic began,” said Perry Petersen, executive director of the White Bear Area Food Shelf (WBAFS). “Some of the larger agencies that we work with, Hunger Solutions, Second Harvest, the Food Group, have indicated that it’s going to get worse heading into the fall and this winter.

Petersen said WBAFS has seen the need and prices go up, while financial support for the food shelf has gone down. From 2019 to 2020, the food shelf doubled its number of visitors. In 2021, thanks to the increase of federal, state and local programs that kicked in to offer support to those in need, the food shelf saw a temporary dip in its numbers.

“We are up 36% in visitors from 2021. We are seeing similar to what we saw in 2020,” Petersen said. WBAFS has also seen a dip in financial donations. “We are about 20% below our budgeted income in donations,” Petersen said.

Due to the increased demand, the WBAFS has had to shift to a curbside program, so clients are not permitted within the building to shop. “In July, we saw 95 visits per day to the curbside programming … There is a line into our parking lot to be able to receive services.” For that reason, the food shelf is looking into adding a second location. “That would be a game-changer for us,” Petersen said.

In an effort to reach more clients, WBAFS has also expanded its delivery program. It partners with Door Dash to bring food, free of charge, to people who are unable to get to the nonprofit’s building.

During the pandemic, the two main issues were dealing with COVID-19 and all of the protocols that go along with that, as well as staffing. “Now it is really about (whether) we can get the food, if we can afford the food, and if we have the funds and facility to do it,” Petersen explained.

It has become increasingly more difficult to source food. Although the local grocery stores have been generous to the food shelf, Petersen says food available through food banks like Second Harvest and the Food Group is not as abundant as it used to be.

The Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf (HGNFS) has also seen an increase in the number of families visiting the food shelf.

“Our client volume is well over double what it was at this time last year,” said Chris DuFresne, president of the HGNFS. “We continue to see more clients who are employed and need help making ends meet

with food due to the increased cost of food, gas, child care and home energy.”

Due to supply chain issues, DuFresne explained it has been hard to source some food items, similar to what grocery stores are facing. The food shelf has also had to purchase more food because it isn’t getting as much food through food rescue programs from its grocery store partners. In addition, the types of items available through Second Harvest and other food banks has become limited.

Sheri Hanson, president of the Centennial Community Food Shelf (CCFS) board, said CCFS has had a hard time keeping its supply of basic needs, including eggs, milk, butter, flour and sugar. Keeping a good stock of a variety of meats and snack items has also been difficult. In order to supplement their stock, food shelf volunteers have had to shop at area grocery stores and purchase the items for a higher price tag since they aren’t always able to get them through Second Harvest or the Food Group. She added that the partnership the food shelf has with six grocery stores for food rescue has also been “a godsend.”

Hanson explained the food shelf continues to see new clients it has never served before. “Some people have had to choose … Sometimes they can’t afford the gas to get to the food shelf.” She added that the county has some transportation programs in place if people need a ride to the food shelf. CCFS also conducts a minimal number of deliveries, mainly to seniors who can no longer drive or find a ride to the food shelf.

For the first time since the pandemic began, CCFS is planning to once again offer holiday meal baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the pandemic, the food shelf had to scale back its number of volunteers, but more volunteers will be needed for the one-day distribution events later this fall and winter.

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

• White Bear Lake Area Food Shelfwhitebearfoodshelf.org

• Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelfwww.hugofoodshelf.org

• Centennial Community Food Shelfwww.centennialfoodshelf.org

ANOKA COUNTY 4-H OPEN HOUSE

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29

Where: Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover

Details: Learn about 4-H including their focus on youth leadership, fine and performing arts, and STEM. Hands-on activities, animals, and general information for youth K-12 grade.

Contact: 763-324-3495 or extension.umn.edu/local/anoka

OUTDOOR SKILLS QUEST

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29

Where: St. Genevieve Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville

Details: Youth in grades 5-10 are invited to a BSA Troop 136 event to learn about outdoor skills, featuring outdoor cooking demos, compass skills, first aid, knots and rope making.

Contact: scoutmaster@troop136mn.com

FAMILY OUTDOOR EXPO

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Lino Park, 7850 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes

Details: Scouts BSA Troop 232 along with Cub Scout packs from the area will host a community event with interactive events such as a rocket build and launch, outdoor games, mock survival campsite, outdoor cooking and sampling, archery and more. Open-house style event with door prizes.

Contact: PR@cubpack432.com

HUGO OKTOBERFEST CRAFT SHOW

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct 1

Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N.

Details: 70 crafters and vendors, food trucks, beer tent, DJ and games. Contact: 715-557-1785 or rsgdevelopment.com

MAD SCIENTIST’S TOY LAB

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

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

Details: Kids ages 2-5 can design toys using wood, fabric, wire, magnets and other materials to build creations that scoot, fly, pounce and zoom. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org/events

HARVEST HOWL

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Rd. NE

Details: Annual event features wolves, raptors, bears, cougars, and other resident wild animals. Demos, artisans and vendors, food truck, and adult beverages. Admission $15/ adult, $10/children 5-17, 4 and under free; dogs on leashes welcome.

Contact: wildlifesciencecenter.org

LETTERS

PAID LETTER

A plea for civility

We took our two granddaughters to march in the Vadnais Heights Heritage Days Parade (age 6 and 8). We joined Roger Chamberlain’s float, and the girls were very excited to be in a parade and handing out candy! They are not political, and were surprised and disappointed to find out that they could not vote.

While we were being moved into position for the parade, we passed the group that was marching in support of Roger’s opponent, Heather Gustafson. Upon seeing us, they started angry chanting and yelling in our direction. Our girls wanted to know why those people were so mad at us. Fortunately, young children are easily distracted, and we quickly got them focused on the mechanics of giving out candy to the crowd!

My point is that I understand that emotions run high in this election, and we all want our point of view heard, but we must remember we are giving civics lesson to the next generation! I for one want that lesson to be that we can support our candidates and beliefs and still be respectful of others!

Andrew Cravero Lino Lakes

Congress needs to rethink price-setting policies

Recently, President Biden hosted a celebration event at the White House on the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The law included a myriad of new policies that impacted numerous industries, but what caught my attention was the inclusion of allowing the government to set the prices of prescription medications.

Many lawmakers who opposed price-setting polices cited that patients could face reduced access to care, and the development of new treatments and cures that are currently in the pipeline could slow or stall altogether.

This concern hits a little closer to home for me, as I lost my mother to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

She fought so hard, but as those who have been affected by this disease know, there are

only medications that help reduce discomfort. Unfortunately, there is still no known cure.

A new solution for ALS is solely dependent on continued research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. We can’t pass policies, let alone celebrate legislation, that could get in the way of finding a new medical breakthrough that will help thousands of Americans.

I ask that in the future, our elected leaders in Washington don’t rush through policies without really examining the full impact each provision could have on us. I don’t want any other family to experience the hardships we faced with my mother. Congress needs to rethink price setting policies and the life-altering impacts it could have on patients.

Cindy Bohm Centerville

incivility. Without evidence of a problem, she believed she could berate and bully to get what she wanted done.

Add this to her public support of the Rush Line — 89 buses a day through downtown White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights — and we’ve had a pre-taste of Heather Gustafson. Voters should be forewarned.

Thanks to redistricting, we now have the opportunity to be represented by Roger Chamberlain, a man who will fight for what’s best for our community. Please vote to reelect Sen. Roger Chamberlain.

Jill Bowman Vadnias Heights

PAID LETTER

Voters should be forewarned

I’ve lived in Vadnais Heights quite a while, and I’ve always known it as a quiet, laid-back suburb where people were neighborly but otherwise minded their own business. Then a couple of years ago, Heather Gustafson said no, that is not true, the city is full of hate. She wanted the city to create a permanent city commission to address her concerns.

At this point, you’d expect Ms. Gustafson to show evidence and proof of the need for her proposal. But when she and her partners came before the City Council, they never provided a single example of the hate she said existed in Vadnais Heights. The city’s inaction on her proposal was not acceptable to Ms. Gustafson.

Next came the name-calling. Ms. Gustafson felt if the City Council didn’t establish the commission, they were narrow-minded and hateful. She even resorted to submitting data practice requests (FOIA) for each City Council member’s emails to find something to embarrass them.

Armed with her Twitter account and her aliases (she sometimes uses an alias or previous names), she’s made herself the self-proclaimed moral conscience of Vadnais Heights. The organization she founded, VH4Change, is the cudgel.

For our lovely city, Heather Gustafson has brought a new level of her own hate, anger and

PAID LETTER

What’s best for our community

Thanks to redistricting, many in Blaine now have the opportunity to be represented by a man who’ll fight for what’s best for our community, state Rep. Donald Raleigh, a veteran and small-business owner. He has lived here in Blaine for over 26 years!

Donald Raleigh has been endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association because of his strong background in the military and his enthusiastic support for public safety and our police officers. In 2021, he used his capabilities and brought legislation to the House of Representatives that was enthusiastically received by law enforcement, making it a crime to publish the home address of a police officer or their family members.

Raleigh is endorsed by organizations who create jobs and grow our economy — NFIB (for small business), the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesotans for Affordable Health Insurance. They know they can count on Raleigh to work to reduce inflation and prices, add well-paying jobs for Minnesotans and lower taxes down at the Legislature.

And Rep Raleigh authored 10 bills to fix Highway 65. I hope you will join me in voting for Rep. Raleigh. I’m delighted we have the opportunity to be represented by this great man!

Abby Kjos Blaine

Forums dive into candidates’ views

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

As the general election approaches, north metro residents can learn more about the names they will see on the ballot in a variety of ways. In addition to the Press Publications Voters Guide, which can be found online at presspubs.com, the League of Women’s Voters (LWV) is hosting and recording candidate forums for races all throughout the state.

“We sponsor forums like this to provide voters an opportunity to hear about candidates’ views of issues of interest in the upcoming election,” said Liz Nordling, one of LWV’s forum moderators.

For the Quad area, forums that might be of particular interest to readers include Senate District 36; House Districts 32 B and 36A; Anoka County Sheriff, Anoka County Attorney and Anoka County Commissioner District 3.

The Senate District 36 forum has already been recorded, but the others are scheduled to be recorded this week and will be posted online soon.

Members of the public submitted questions, and the League selected some of those to ask candidates. Among the topics are education, budget and finance, public safety, health care, elections, climate and equity.

Each candidate was provided an opportunity to give an opening statement, answer each question, respond to the other candidate’s answers and then provide a closing statement. Also included in some of the forums was a “rapid-fire” segment, where the moderator asked

the candidates a series of questions relating to whether they support something or not —answers were restricted to “yes” or “no.”

Senate District 36

Q. What should be the Legislature’s role, if any, in determining school curric ulum and what is taught in classrooms throughout the state?

Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) said that up until the early to mid 2000s, the Legislature had a significant role in reviewing curriculum, but that’s not the case today. “Currently, the Legislature does not have a role in reviewing curriculum … I believe we should get back to Legislative review of the standards after the boards have approved them.”

Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) said that as a social studies teacher, she is aware of the standards review process that happens every 10 years. “The state Legislature should support teachers and public-school education, and that means that they do play a role; they should be listening to our local community schools before making that choice.”

Q. In the next biennium, what do you believe should be Minnesota’s spending priorities?

Chamberlain said it’s all about “keeping it simple,” and listed off a variety of priorities, including law enforcement/public safety, education, seniors and disabled populations, roads/bridges/infrastructure.

Gustafson said she believes it is important that the state focus on funding public safety and education. “Our counselor-to-student ratio is ranked 46th in the nation (654 students

to every one counselor) … that is going to have a negative impact on our students and schools,” she said. “That means that we are not going to be there with some of the proven preventive crime strategies that we could be implementing in schools and helping out our community and our young people.”

Q. What is your position on ensuring that all Minnesotans have access to afford able health care?

“Health care is expensive because of bad decisions by the opposition,” Chamberlain said. “We no longer have health care, we have disease care. I’ve talked to doctors and nurses; we need to get back to a more community-based sort of health care issues and not disease care. Disease care can be very profitable.” He added that the state needs to support clinics and advanced nurse/nurse practitioner training.

Gustafson said she is currently paying $569 a month and has a $10,000 deductible (not including prescription drugs) for health insurance for daughters and herself. “What we have right now is not sustainable, it’s not affordable, and it needs to be addressed,” she said.

To see the full forum, visit the LWV’s website.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

To view candidate forum schedules or view complete forums, visit: https://my.lwv.org/minnesota/ anoka-blaine-coon-rapidsarea/meet-candidates-forums2022#General_2022_Legislative

CALENDAR BRIEFS

Quad Chamber hosts marketing expo

The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce will host a marketing expo from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Chomonix Golf Course, located at 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. During the event, business owners can network with other local business professionals while learning marketing tips from local professionals. The local pros will share information on a variety of topics relevant to today’s smallbusiness needs. The event will include a panel discussion, Q&A, networking, food truck and a cash bar.

Panelists will include Jason Mayhew, of Mayhew Marketing; Michelle Koch, of Main Street Marketers; Brad Clark, of Country BOB-FM; Lisa Leseman, of Rapid Press; Randy Roberts, of Press Publications; Lonni Olsen, of L. Olson Design; and Lisa Burnside, of the Lino Lakes Toastmasters.

To register for the marketing expo, visit quadareachamber.org.

Lino Fire to host open houses at both stations

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department Fire Division will host open houses for Fire Prevention Week from 10 a.m. to noon at both fire stations. During the event, community members are invited to tour the stations and see the apparatuses up close. The open house will also feature extrication demonstrations. Lino Lakes Fire Station No. 1 is located at 7741 Lake Drive and Station No. 2 is located at 1710 Birch St.

Subscribers are crucial

Readers are part of the backbone of our paper. As we have shared in the past, subscribers help keep the paper viable. We have been using a QR code to help simplify the process to subscribe, which can be found on our front page this week. We have received a lot of positive feedback about the QR code that takes readers to the subscription site. One friend told us that their high school age kids were curious to find out what was behind the code. Last spring, we had more than 60 online subscriptions the morning following the launch. Just a few years ago we might see a few online subscriptions for those living out of the county or state. Today we are seeing a solid percentage of our subscribers using the online subscription system. We also provide an envelope for those who prefer to mail in a payment. Please remember it can take up to three weeks to start receiving the hard paper copy. If your logging in for the first time, make sure to create an account then log in and use your subscriber code to starting viewing enhanced online content. Subscribers can view more photos, the full e-edition of the paper, and videos online. Our staff will answer questions and troubleshoot any problems you may have getting it set up. Give us a call at 651-407-1200 Monday through Friday 8-5 p.m. Thank you for supporting your community newspaper!

Publisher’s View Carter Johnson

Homecoming

Our son is a sophomore and was excited to celebrate homecoming this weekend. He and a group of friends started with a tailgate party in the parking lot before the football game. They rounded up a portable grill, cooler of water and soda, tent, tables and chairs. They had Spikeball, footballs and frisbees to throw around, and scooters. A couple of them-including my son-recently got their drivers licenses so they went to the grocery store and picked up hotdogs, brats, burgers and chips. The group pitched in to cover the cost of the food and beverages. Many parents offered to help and the boys turned down the parents help. I thought it was great that they planned it and carried it out themselves. They said classmates stopped by the tailgate, despite the cold and rain. And the team won.

T he homecoming dance the following night involved a group of 22 kids. Parents helped coordinate the dinner reservations, transportation, and took hundreds of photos. Once the kids sat down to dinner several parents headed out to a local restaurant to wait until the kids called for rides to the dance. Downtown was buzzing and restaurants were packed with multiple schools celebrating homecoming. The demand on local establishments was perhaps too much with the lack of staff.

It’s fun to see the young men and women dressed up in a wide variety of styles, and to see how the styles have changed over the years that we have had kids involved. Most of all it was great that the homecoming dance tradition was back to normal.

Election season

T his edition includes the 2022 Voters’ Guide. Annually Press Publications asks candidates running for state offices, city offices and school boards to submit questionnaires so that you the voters can get to know them and their positions on the important issues at hand. Our staff invests signinfacant time into making sure the guide is comprehensive and all candidates respond (though some don’t.). The Voters’ Guides will also be available at presspubs.com. Take some time to get to know the candidates in the upcoming election, you vote counts.

Election season also brings increased community engagement in terms of letters to the editor. In these past few weeks and the next few leading up to Election Day, we will publish more than three times the number of letters as any regular week. We publish all letters that meet our guidelines. The dialogue and debate through letters to the editor is important. We encourage readers to share their opinions, and just ask that those writing letters keep civility in mind.

Selecting Minnesota native plants for your landscape

Di d you know that big bluestem grass, a Minnesota native plant, provides food or habitat for 24 different songbirds and 11 species of butterflies? Or that the skipper butterfly requires both big bluestem and prairie dropseed for food? If you are looking for ways to invite wildlife into your yard, choosing plants that are native to Minnesota is a great way to get started.

If a plant was present in our ecosystem prior to colonization, it is considered a native species. Gardening with native plants has a wide range of benefits. In addition to attracting and supporting wildlife, native plants generally require less maintenance than cultivated specimens due to their extensive root systems, which also help prevent soil erosion.

Here are some examples of Minnesota native plants and the wildlife they support: Bees: anise hyssop, blazing star, cardinal flower, great blue lobelia, prairie dropseed (nesting), purple prairie clover,

sky blue aster, wild columbine

Butterflies: anise hyssop, big blue stem, blazing star, cardinal flower, great blue lobelia, sky blue aster, wild columbine, white prairie clover, yarrow

Birds: blazing star, cardinal flower, prairie dropseed, wild columbine

Native plants require care when first planted, but if you choose the right plant for your site, you can expect them to thrive with little maintenance. Some plants need specific conditions, while others will grow almost anywhere. For example, wild columbine tolerates a wide range of soils, while prairie dropseed prefers drier locations. It’s important to research plant requirements, test your soil, and observe sun exposure before selecting plants.

You can experiment with a variety of native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers to design a space that will support multiple species in addition to providing you with a visually pleasing design. If you are considering replacing large patches of lawn with native grasses and/or native plants and you live in an urban or suburban neighborhood with local ordinances, you may want to add structural design elements such as fencing, rocks, mulch, or mowed spaces to ensure that your yard looks

tended.

If you are on a budget, your local nursery has a limited selection, or you prefer to grow plants from seed, many native plants can be grown from seed. Read the instructions on the seed packet, because most natives require cold stratification before they will germinate. You can cold stratify seeds by mixing them with damp sand and placing them in the refrigerator for about two months, or until they sprout. Alternately, seeds can be planted in containers, covered with mulch, and stored in a protected area or unheated garage. In both cases, keep the seeds moist, which simulates winter conditions. Another option is to plant the seeds in the ground in the fall, but this could result in lower germination rates if some seeds are eaten by wildlife or washed away by rain.

Growing native plants is a great way to support area wildlife while also enhancing your landscape, so I hope you’ll make room for some in your garden!

For more information on native plant selection, visit https://extension.umn.edu/ find-plants/native-plants .

Nanette Morgan is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener.

Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.

Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $35 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.”

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 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.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2022 season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the to will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.

All letters are subject to editing. We reserve the right to not publish any letter. The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 8 election will be printed in the Oct. 26 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.19.

To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Gardener’s Grapevine Nanette Morgan

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 32A - ELECT 1

Matt Norris (DFL)

Age: 33

City of residence: Blaine

Occupation: Nonprofit policy director

List most recent civic involvement roles:

• Blaine Festival Committee Member

• Children’s Law Center Volunteer Attorney

• Leadership Twin Cities Steering Committee Member

• St. Olaf Parish Advisory Board Member

• St. Timothy’s Social Justice Committee Member

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. • Relief from rising prices. I will do this at the state level by cutting taxes. For example, eliminate the tax on social security benefits and expand the Working Family Tax Credit. I will also take action to reduce the cost of health care and child care. Both are major budget items for many families. This will put more money in families’ pockets for

Donald Raleigh (R)

Age: 56 City of residence: Blaine

Occupation: President, Evolve Systems. Minnesota House of Representatives.

List most recent civic involvement roles: This has been my home for 26 years. Two decades ago, my wife Marnie and I founded our company. We committed that a percentage of our profits would be donated to charities. Once a quarter, we and our employees have volunteered at homeless shelters, filled backpacks for children, assisted the elderly and more. We have made a positive difference in hundreds of lives and personally donated thousands of dollars. All while being a Commander in the Civil Air Patrol, Honor Guard at American Legion Post 566, Member VFW, Mem ber Lions and Member Rotary.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. • Highway 65 - I have authored 10 bipartisan bills that will begin the process of rebuilding our infrastructure. The plans include exits that will not separate East and West Blaine and will relieve

Susie Strom (DFL)

Age: 35 City of residence: North Oaks

Occupation: Attorney

List most recent civic involvement roles: Member of VFW Post 1782; coach with Girls on the Run and member of Moms on the Run; mem ber of North Oaks Guild I, which raises money for the Children’s Hospital Association.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. My top three priorities for the state are putting money back into the pockets of Minnesotans, ensuring community safety, and building thriving communities.

When elected I will support legislation such

How to vote early

By mail

To vote by mail, apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. You do not need to be registered to apply.

For your ballot to count, remember this important information:

• Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully.

• You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary.

• Return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.

things like gas, groceries, and utilities.

• Maintain quiet neighborhoods. I led an effort that reduced violent crime in one north metro community by 40%. Let’s expand policing, add mental health experts who can help respond to calls, build stronger connections between police and the community, and increase after school programs and jobs.

• Invest in our infrastructure. I will bring our tax dol lars home to Lexington and Blaine for local projects like a water treatment facility and fixing Highway 65.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. My priority is helping families, workers, seniors, and I’ve been in public service for 17 years and have a track record of responding to community needs. For example, at the start of the pandemic, I heard from families served by the afterschool program I ran that what they really needed were computers for distance learning. I was able to get more than 1,300 Chromebooks into the hands of students in more than 200 Minnesota cities. I’ll bring this same responsive approach to my work in the Legislature.

As an elected official, I plan to hold regular town halls in Blaine and Lexington to offer residents an opportunity

the congestion in our corridors of commerce.

• Inflation/Cost of Living – Addressed Below.

• Public safety – This is not just about police and crime. I have been working toward helping our communi ties with water and sewer infrastructure projects. When you turn on your faucet it should be safe and clean, and I want the same thing to be true when you walk in our parks and in our neighborhoods.

Additionally, I anticipate that there will be a lot of attention to the prevalent outrage culture on social media. Let’s agree to have a vigorous discussion about issues, not personalities. Study the issues, ask questions, and form an opinion: Where we take the discussion from there needs to be respectful and honorable.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. As a soldier, commander, entrepreneur, and father, I know firsthand that in order to make the best decisions you must surround yourself with the best people. I look for subject matter experts, individuals that have key skill sets and know-how. I then bring them together and honor their experiences, input, and guidance. For the past 2 years, I have hosted town hall-style listening sessions, chaired targeted working groups on specific issues, and conducted one-on-one meetings. Gathering input is vital to forming a well-thought-out approach to making major

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 36A - ELECT 1

as the 2022 tax bill, which would have repealed the tax on Social Security benefits, provided property tax relief, and helped make childcare more affordable for working families. I will use the knowledge I’ve gained as a prose cutor to ensure that law enforcement has the resources they need to serve their communities, while also support ing investments in programs that prevent crime. I will support efforts to fully fund our public schools, combat climate change, and make healthcare more affordable, which will help our communities thrive.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I am committed to openly and honestly communi cating with the public. As a legislator I will involve the public in decision making by sending out a survey to constituents that asks for their opinions on various issues, meeting with constituents in my office and in the community to discuss issues that are important to

to share their concerns directly. You’ll frequently find me in the community at events or knocking doors. I’ll reach out to those in our district who are impacted by an issue to hear their lived experiences.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I support the reasonable approach that was agreed to at the end of the last legislative session: 1/3 for the largest tax cut in state history; 1/3 for smart investments in infrastructure projects like Highway 65 and a water treatment facility for Lexington, schools, health care, and child care; and 1/3 saved for a rainy day. I was disappoint ed to see my opponent walk away from this deal and the significant impact that decision had on our district and its residents.

As a private citizen, I’ve led the effort to pass three bills, each time with support from both parties. I’ve prov en I can cut through the gridlock. I will bring that same approach to the Capitol as a legislator. My top goal will be finding compromise and actually delivering results for Lexington, Blaine, and all of Minnesota.

decisions, and I have the experience to know that once I have formed an opinion it is my responsibility to bring that decision forward and work to implement that body of work to the best of my ability. Recently I became Chair of the MAG, an association of Minnesota industry and military organizations working with veterans and mili tary retirees.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. The legislature should return as much of the surplus back to taxpayers as possible. At a time when Minneso tans are struggling with the highest levels of inflation in decades, it is simply unacceptable that the state govern ment has over-collected from taxpayers to the tune of $9 billion. This surplus gives us the opportunity to pursue meaningful, structural tax reforms that will ensure that Minnesotans will keep more of your hard-earned money.

2 specific items that I strongly feel should be addressed. 1) Stop taxing the Social Security benefits our elderly have worked so hard to earn. To me, it is double jeopardy to continue to steal from our grandparents. 2) We must re store our community’s faith in our public safety services.

The police are not some “others” in our community. They are us, our neighbors, our friends. We must restore our faith in, and respect for, our protectors, the police.

them, and seeking feedback through e-updates and other communications.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I believe that we should invest the surplus in Minne sotans to ensure a brighter future for all. We should put money back into the pockets of Minnesotans so they’re able to afford the rising costs of housing and everyday household items. We need to invest more in our public schools to ensure that they can meet the needs of every student and that they’re prepared to address student mental health challenges. We should put some of the surplus into early care and learning programs as they have been shown to have long-term positive impacts for children, families and communities. Finally, we need to address the crises that exist in the areas of housing and disability services staffing.

In person

All voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. Depending on where you live, there may be additional locations.

• You can vote in person at your county election office.

• In addition, you may be able to vote at your city office. Contact the clerk for more information.

For most elections, absentee voting locations must be open during their normal business hours starting 46 days before the election. In addition, locations offering absentee ballots for federal, state or county elections must be open:

• The last Saturday before Election Day (10 a.m. — 3 p.m.)

• The day before Election Day until 5 p.m.

• Some local jurisdictions may provide additional absentee voting days or hours beyond the above required days and times.

Call your jurisdiction for more information.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE 36A

Elliott Engen (R)

Age: 24

City of residence: Lino Lakes

Occupation: Public Service Coordinator- Wildlife Forever NGO

List most recent civic involvement roles: I am a current member of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Great Lakes Panel Advisory Committee on Invasive Species, US Fish & Wild life Service Strategic MOU Coalition Member, and Resolute Men’s Ministry Board Contributor. I have volunteer experience for organizations such as Athletes In Action: Biblical Mentorship Program, the P.A.L.S. program for students with disabil ities, Meals on Wheels, and Minnesota Special Olympics.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Strengthen the economy and tackle inflation.

Heather Gustafson (DFL)

Age: 45

City of residence: Vadnais Heights

Occupation: High school history teacher, who taught five years at Centennial High School

List most recent civic involvement roles: Membership in Vadnais Heights Community Engagement Committee, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, American Federation of Teachers, and The Minnesota Council for the So cial Studies. Volunteer for Mounds View Softball Association.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Providing relief from rising costs – prohibiting price gouging, lowering health care premiums and

Roger Chamberlain (R)

List most recent civic Senator Representing Senate District 36

What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Economic security - Minnesotans are strug gling with the costs of daily life in the face of record inflation and economic uncertainty. I will continue to help you afford your life with perma nent tax relief for all Minnesotans, seniors, small businesses, and families.

2. Safe communities – People have a right to feel safe in their communities. We need to stop the re volving door that lets criminals loose with a slap on the wrist. Victims deserve to know prosecutors and judges will hold criminals accountable for their crimes.

3. Education - Half of Minnesota kids cannot read at grade level. We need to get back to basics -

I will strengthen the economy by cutting taxes for middle class families, eliminating the tax on social security, easing burdensome mandates on our main street businesses, and allow our state to be an economic hub for private sector innovation.

2. Restore public safety and hold violent criminals accountable

To increase public safety, I will work to end soft-oncrime policies which create a revolving door for violent offenders, and as the only candidate endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association in this race, I will support law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to keep us safe.

3. Promote educational excellence by funding the teachers and students in classrooms over bureaucracies in boardrooms.

To increase student success, I will expand pathways to the trades, allow parents to have a say in their child’s education, address the mental health crisis that resulted from COVID lockdowns, and properly thank our teachers for their dedication and diligence to our students.

SENATE REPRESENTATIVE 36 ELECT

setting fair prices for prescription drugs, and eliminating the state tax on Social Security

1. Creating safe, thriving communities – making sure law enforcement has the funding and resources they need to do their jobs and supporting our students with worldclass teachers, school counselors, and mental health re sources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life

2. Protecting reproductive freedom – codifying Roe v. Wade in Minnesota to guarantee reproductive rights for Minnesota women

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. My priority is helping families, workers, seniors, and businesses in our district and our state. Most people don’t care if a Democrat or a Republican creates a job, lowers taxes, or supports their schools – they just want someone to do the work. I believe public participation and involv ing people in the problem-solving and decision-making

focus on academics. I have, and will continue to empower parents and educators, to strengthen the partnership between schools and parents. I have authored and passed legislation to increase student funding, give teachers proven literacy training, and help kids manage their mental health.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I will continue doing what I have been doing. First, it’s easy to contact me at the office, number and email on the senate website. In many cases my personal number has been made available. I have answered thousands of calls and emails, and met with thousands of people during my time in office.

I have worked with the community on many issues when leadership was needed to get something done. Some of the bills I’ve authored and passed as result of the community input include: I worked with the community to stop the destructive Rush line in White Bear Lake, banning a cancer-causing chemical used by Water Gremlin, protecting White Bear Lake and area groundwater, helping kids with dyslexia, and improving literacy, railroad line to protect jobs, improving County J & 35E, addressing social media concerns for kids’ mental

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Accountability and transparency are essential qual ities of true public servants. If given the privilege to represent our district in the legislature, I will ensure our residents are informed and involved in legislation in St. Paul by hosting monthly town halls, posting informative videos on bills and votes via social media, and maintain ing an open-door policy for all constituents in the capitol.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. It is time to provide long-term, immediate tax cuts for Minnesota families so they can also grow their savings account rather than just the state’s coffers. The rainy-day fund is full and the state has more than enough money. We should invest in our law enforcement agencies and turn the chapter on endless taxation in Minnesota while also cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in our state agencies.

process are key to making better decisions, especially when these decisions affect them and our community. You can count on me to host regular town halls and to be an accessible, engaged advocate for our district and the people who live here.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. Our cities, schools, and public safety programs need the legislature to do the job they were elected to do and provide the resources that our community desperately needs. We can use part of the surplus for rebate checks and tax relief, but we also have a unique opportunity to support our schools, local police departments, small businesses, and infrastructure projects. It’s frustrating that so much work was left undone last session, and as I talk with people at the doors, it’s clear we’re all ready for a change in leadership.

well-being. Finally, protecting kids with lemonade stands from overzealous bureaucrats.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion in state surplus should be spent?

A. Tax relief - Minnesotans are overtaxed, according to the Tax Foundation, we’re among the top 5 in the nation for 2022. First, eliminate tax on social security so our seniors get the relief they deserve, then permanent on-go ing tax relief for all individuals, farmers and families.

Seniors and disabled – Increase funding and reimburse ment rates for long term care, group homes and adult day facilities. Our most vulnerable shouldn’t be put at risk.

Public safety – Recruit and retain police officers, increase funding for probation officers, public defenders, judges, youth intervention and corrections officers and facilities.

Education – Fund students and teachers, not ineffective bureaucracy; focus on academics, special education and remove burdensome mandates that slow down fund ing. I authored and passed record increases for student funding, reading programs, healthy social media use and mental health.

Infrastructure – Roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems.

New districts explained

Anoka Commissioner District 3 District 3 includes the cities of Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Centerville, Columbus and Linwood Township.

House District 32B District 32B includes the cities of Lexington, Columbus, Ham Lake and Blaine.

House District 36A District 36A includes the cities of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Centerville, North Oaks and White Bear Township.

Senate District 36 District 36 includes the cities of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Centerville, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township.

making qual to ensure our in St. informative maintain capitol. surplus cuts for savings rainy-day money. and while agencies.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

ANOKA COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Jeff Reinert

Age: 62

City of residence: Lino Lakes Occupation: Anoka County Commissioner. I also help manage a small biotech company that I cofounded about 7 years ago.

List most recent civic involvement roles:

• Anoka County Commissioner – current

• Commander, Sons of the American Legion, Lino Lakes Post 566 – current

• Finance Director of Lino Lakes American Le gion Post 566 – current

• Mayor of Lino Lakes, 10 years – past

• Lino Lakes City Council, 10 years – past

Q. What are your top three priorities for the county?

A. Our slogan in Anoka County is Respectful, Innovative, Fiscally Responsible. I think we are successful in representing this slogan in how we do business in Anoka County, especially fiscally responsible.

Since I have been on the County Board, the certified levy for 2020, 2021, and 2022 has not

Cindy Hansen

Age: 65

City of residence: Born and raised in Anoka County. Nine-year resident of Lino Lakes.

Occupation: Employed by Independent School District #621 for 22 years.

List most recent civic involvement roles: Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council and its Governance Committee

• SBM Fire Department Council

Mayor of Spring Lake Park – 9 years

• Anoka County Fire Protection Council North Metro Telecommunications Commission and its Executive Committee

ISD #621 Association Secretary

• Sunday school teacher and church volunteer

• Award recipient for invaluable support to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and support of the Military Order of the Purple Heart I am not a career politician. I am a public servant.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the county?

A. Infrastructure: Hwy 65 is first! Our families de mand the completion of local trails, better roads and transportation. Great transportation brings

increased one dime. After working the last few months on the 2023 budget, it looks like we will be delivering a 0% increase for 2023 as well.

We do this in part, by using zero based budgeting. We used this method in Lino Lakes when I was Mayor. It doesn’t assume increases in every department every year but challenges each director to justify their budget every year.

Another priority is to fully support Public Safety. It is a shame when elected officials neglect this responsibility. Broadband is another priority, especially with many peo ple working from home needing full access to broadband.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. We allow public comments at all our county committee meetings, but since most people don’t have time to attend, I find the best way to involve the public is to interact with them by staying involved within the community.

I am active with many organizations such as my role as Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, and our working with our local Rotary Club. It really is a big help in connecting with residents to find out what they want. Listening is everything.

I also keep in close contact with all the Mayors and Council Members that are representing each of the 6 cit

fantastic business and employment which creates a more diverse tax base.

Public safety: I will use my positive relationships with law enforcement and fire to ensure they have the support they need to keep us safe and our community strong. It is imperative that we replace our jail to aide law enforce ment in their fight against crime.

Voice of voters: I have experience identifying needs and initiating plans in partnership with County and State of ficials, residents, and business owners. I did this through collaborating in innovative ways, building partnerships, bringing city, county, and state interests together, to work toward a common goal. I did this because I listened to the community. I will fight to ensure tax dollars and services are used ethically and wisely.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I have a reputation and record of listening to people and giving them a VOICE! Open communication is essen tial. I have positive relationships with the councils and town board within District 3. I will schedule roving “Cof fee with your Commissioner” get togethers. As mayor, I listened to constituents; led without dictating, mandat ing, or bullying. I worked WITH the residents and Anoka County. WITH city, county, state and federal agencies, I brought in over $55 million dollars of re-development to Anoka County.

I always treat people with respect, not slamming doors

A. Public safety remains the largest part of our budget and therefore should remain one of our top priorities. Making sure we have the right amount of coverage to remain responsive and keep our citizens safe is an integral responsibility of government. Utilizing our tax dollars to make MAYOR

ies and 1 township that I represent. Each city I represent is unique. I find that keeping a good relationship with locally elected officials is an essential element to knowing the needs and wants of the people in each community.

Q. What can the county board do in the next five years to help the county prosper?

A. We need to support Small Business. Small businesses have had a tough time over the last couple years with COVID and now inflation, job vacancies and supply chain issues.

We can’t do much at the county level with inflation or the supply chain, but we can support business with strong public safety to protect businesses, as well as mak ing sure that county fees and regulations are reasonable and fair.

Providing good transportation options is another area where the county can help, as well as providing help to expand broadband. I think we all realize that broadband is a necessity. Anoka County has allocated $8M for the ex pansion of broadband to connect businesses and families. We have also improved our workforce development programs and our Job Training Center to help people pre pare for work and connect businesses to the people they need to operate. If small business prospers, the county will prosper.

or stomping my foot if I don’t get my way. I would NEV ER have destroyed a successful 30-year fire district as Jeff Reinert did. As published in the Quad Community Press, May 2022, if ISO ratings are impacted, commercial and residential insurance rates could also be impacted for the next five years.

This is your office. You need a voice, not a bully.

Q. What can the county board do in the next five years to help the county prosper?

A. The Anoka County Board has dramatically cut our debt. We can keep our debt low by innovative new ways of doing things and still retaining the services our taxpayers deserve. As mayor, I kept taxes low with a 5.7% overall decrease during my tenure. Through cooperation with multiple government agencies, I restored roads, parks and trails, increased businesses and employment, and improved services.

I would support keeping taxes low and continuing essential services. In order to obtain balance, I believe businesses must thrive. One of the biggest issues of today is attracting and retaining employees. Introducing the workforce center to engage the employers with the jobseekers encourages success for the county as well as business. I have a reputation of successfully collaborat ing with state, county, and city officials, residents and businesses in a positive way.

Contact me at: 763-482-2834 or cindyhansen.dist3@ gmail.com

sure our neighborhoods safe, inviting and a place we are proud to call home will continue to be a priority.

We are a small city with limited amounts of open land. As we plan to further develop, it’s critical we are strate gic, thoughtful and savvy with our resources. Centerville is a great place to live and run a business.

One of the many positives in place is our young infra structure as well as the plans we have in place to main tain the infrastructure we have. We take our roads, water and sewer operations for granted, but these key systems are critical to the health of any city.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

I’m proud to serve as your mayor and I look forward to doing so over the next term. We are truly “Stronger Together! Love

A. Here in Centerville, we have made very specific and consistent efforts to make sure lines of communication are open with the members of the public. We have an email listing any citizen or business can be a part of. We utilize our reader board, our website and various forms of social media to share information. We broadcast all of our meetings and we post a quarterly video by the Mayor

sharing information about the city. We host public meet ings for every large decision and we frequently advertise openings on boards which allow members of the public to become directly involved in the decision making. Any citizen can reach me directly by phone or email if they wish to discuss any issue.

Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. Centerville continues to progress forward towards being a debt free city. As the council works with staff to properly plan the utilization of new taxes from new homes and new business, we are also well suited to handle the spikes in costs and labor which have impacted us nation-wide. While council plans, it’s important to be innovative and allow the city to move forward while also remaining fiscally responsible. Centerville is currently prospering and I anticipate a continuation.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

CENTERVILLE

Michelle Lakso

Age: 43

City of residence: Centerville

Occupation: Emergency management

List most recent civic involvement roles:

• Mayor - City of Centerville

• President - League of MN Cities

• Trustee - League of MN Cities Insurance Trust

Darrin Mosher

Age: 53 City of residence: Centerville

Occupation: Equipment replacement specialist for TriMark MN

List most recent civic involvement roles: Economic Development Board, City Council, Police Governing Board

Mike Murphy

Age: 38 City of residence: Lexington

Occupation: Small business owner

List most recent civic involvement roles: I spent the last year and a half running to be governor of Minnesota. During the campaign, I bragged about Lexington’s success and put us on the map as a destination city. I am currently chair of the Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board, which oversees our police department shared with Circle Pines and Centerville.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. • As our economy stabilizes, we must continue to protect our budget. The last thing Lexington needs are large city-level projects that the taxpay

Gary Grote

Age: 61 City of residence: Lexington

Occupation: Sr. principal technician for a medical device company

List most recent civic involvement roles:

• Current member of the Circle-Lex Lions Club

• Member of the fire department for 28 plus years, fire chief for 12 of those years. Retired 2021

• Secretary for the Anoka County Fire Chiefs Association for a year

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. • Being an employer of choice: Training, wellness and retention in all city departments - Centennial Lakes Police, Centennial Fire District, City of Centerville

• Performance for city leaders - investing in tools and resources for top management, city leadership including city council and city committees; establishing equity and professionalism in all spaces to best serve residents and ensure the highest quality of professional personnel

• User-friendly and effective processes for city services using an improved website experience for the city of Centerville’

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. The door is open to city hall for all committee and council meetings and I want to personally invite every one to take part in the process. Almost always major decisions begin as conversations and there are many touchpoints before the decision is made for people to be involved if they choose to be.

Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. • Lead with kindness and empathy

• Strive for equity in all decisions

• Consider all viewpoints in decisions

• Facilitate services with the city to a greater extent.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Economic Development, Public safety, Encourage con tinuing development and maintain the public infrastruc ture to improve community appearance.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Encourage the community to get more involved and

LEXINGTON MAYOR ELECT

ers cannot afford. We have worked to ensure the munic ipal liquor store is profitable and continues to provide supplementation to the overall levy, providing relief to the taxpayers. I understand our budget, and finding ways to lower taxes will always be a top priority.

• We must ensure that our fire department maintains staffing levels and continues to provide top-tier service to its residents. I am grateful for having the opportunity to appoint a new fire chief to take our fire department to the next level and rebuild what was lost under previous leadership.

• Having a law enforcement background, I know what our police need. I will continue working with our police department, ensuring Lexington continues to be a safe and welcoming place to live.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Lexington belongs to its residents, business owners, and taxpayers. The voters entrust the council to make the

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. • With the additional high-density growth in the city, I would look at ways to improve fiscal management.

• Keeping public services fully funded and controlling cost at the same time.

• With the continued growth in population, I would look for ways develop diverse community involvement

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Engaging the public can be an evolving process. It is possible to start at one level of engagement and then move to another as you learn from the input gathered.

• informing the public, include information in the utili

to attend the public hearings that we hold. To listen and respond to the residents that have concerns and/or questions.

Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. To promote growth and attract new companies/busi nesses to our city and to develop the land we have left wisely.

best decisions for our community. We need more commu nity involvement, and I encourage the community to at tend our council meetings and public hearings and share their input. We will continue to use social media, the city newsletter, and mailings to engage with the community.

Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. When our community prospers, our city prospers. We must continue to manage our budget to be successful. The pocketbooks of our community have been hit hard in the last few years, and the cost of everything continues to rise, including the government. We must remain stead fast and control our levy and city budget. The families and residents of Lexington know their budgets best, and government should never overburden the people. This means only essential city projects will be considered, and the wish list items will have to wait until our economy stabilizes and the costs of goods and services decrease.

ty bills, or have meetings defined as informational

• Consult with the public, give the public a chance to comment. Surveys, emails, website and have public meet ings that aim for dialogue and not a debate

• To involve the public, conduct workshops and request volunteers who are interested or affected members on decision-making boards or groups

• Collaborate with the Public, awareness toward public diversity, getting more of the community involved

Q. What can the City Council do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. I would look to foster a unified city and assist in pro viding needed infrastructure. My focus is the citizens of Lexington and not to further my political career!

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

Laura Gannon

Age: 42

City of residence: Circle Pines

Occupation: Principal Software Systems Engineer

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: MN State Science and Engineering Fair Middle School Judge (2022), Take Action MN Volunteer (since 2021), Silver Bullets Softball Team Parent (2019), PTA President (2017) and Historian (20152016) at Montague Elementary School in Califor nia

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. Our Centennial schools are in crisis right now in the areas of Safety, Equity, and Honesty in Education. Safe environments do not exist in a vacuum, they are created from a culture of sup port and acceptance at all levels. When everyone knows they belong and that the environment that they learn and work in is supportive of them, the

Tom Knisely

Age: 55 City of residence: Blaine

Occupation: Media relations coordinator for Three Rivers Park District

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: Treasurer, Centennial School Board; Director Intermediate District 916 School Board. Past President, Centennial High School Baseball Boost ers. Past board member, Centennial High School Football Boosters.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. • The most important issue facing our schools is to make up for the learning loss our children have experienced. Nationwide, math and reading scores declined sharply since the pandemic began. Despite valiant efforts by our teachers, in a very difficult situation, we’ve seen similar declines at

Andrew Meyer

Age: 29

City of residence: Circle Pines

Occupation: Teacher

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: I have been a public school music teacher for the last five years. As a teacher I have not only been responsible for my regular teaching duties, but also for managing a budget, grant writing, curric ulum development, community outreach, event planning, and inter school collaboration.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. Mental health is important and it is impera tive that we work towards making our schools a safe and inclusive space for our students. More emphasis on social-emotional learning, more pro ductive approaches to anti-bullying measures, and an increased access to mental health support for students and staff are necessary steps in creating a better atmosphere.

As a teacher, the training I have undertaken on

Jessica Schwinn

Age: 31 City of residence: Centerville

Occupation: Teacher and tutor; bachelor’s degree in political science, master’s degree in teaching and K-6 teaching license.

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: I am an alumni and graduated through the Cen tennial district in 2009. I’ve been in education in public schools since 2013. I believe I have a unique perspective on the school district, the state of ed ucation, the treatment of teachers, and changing demographics of the community. Through all my years in the community and in the district (as a student and educator), I have built strong and lasting relationships with teachers, support staff, students, families and community members

Q. What are your top three priorities for the

environment becomes a safer one. When everyone is giv en the same tools and resources without regard to where they are emotionally, physically, financially, and socially, inequity is inevitable. Individuals have differing needs for learning and growing and they need to be honored in order to create equity in our schools. Educating our children honestly, empowers them to think critically and analyze the world around them. Honesty in education means trusting our educators to provide an age appropri ate curriculum that tackles increasingly complex issues as our children are ready for them.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I think it is important for the School Board to accept feedback from the public and take it in consideration when making major decisions. I would be open to holding a School Board Town Hall or even sitting down with groups of parents and community members to hear and address their concerns. Our School Board needs to rebuild trust in our community and have hard conver sations for better understanding and to make positive changes that improve the education of all our children. Every parent and community member has their own idea

Centennial. We need to get all our students back on track and caught up to where they should be.

• Limiting class sizes is a must to foster a better learn ing environment and to reduce the ever-increasing load placed on teachers and paras. That’s why I supported the creation of seven new full-time teaching positions in the district’s latest budget. As funding allows, we need to do more.

• We need more mental health supports for children in crisis. That’s why I supported the creation of two full-time mental health positions in the districts latest budget.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. If there is one thing that became abundantly clear over my last few years on the school board it is that par ents and community members want their voices heard. And they should be. I support a parent’s right to have a say in their child’s education. That’s why I supported the inclusion of community and family engagement as one of the key areas of the district’s new strategic plan.

equity in education has been invaluable. It has allowed me to become the best teacher I can be to all of my stu dents, and it has shaped the buildings I have worked in into outstanding atmospheres of inclusion and success.

A school is nothing without its community, and a com munity is nothing without its schools. As a school board member, I would work very hard to ensure that an atmo sphere of honesty, respect and inclusion is established in our schools that makes all folks feel welcome and valued.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. As previously stated, one of my top priorities is com munity. A school needs a supportive community behind it function at its best. I would see it as not only my job, but my duty, to listen to the concerns of the community and take them seriously. One parent I had a discussion with lamented to me that they felt that their voice was not heard over the last few years, and that they weren’t entirely sure on how to even talk to the school board about their concerns. One thing I would like to do as a school board member would be to establish a clear line of communication for community members to contribute to discussions. One that doesn’t just cater to those who have been contributing to these discussions for years, but also

school district?

A. Some of the most important issues in our district involve safety, equity, and honesty in education. Parents and community members deserve to send their children to schools in which students feel safe in every sense of the word. I want all students, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and/or disability, to feel welcome and receive a quality education. All students deserve access to diverse books, honest history, and NGSS science standards.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I plan to have an open line of communication with students, families, teachers, support staff, and communi ty members. I will be reachable through email and be out in the community. As an alum and community member since 1995, I plan to continue my investment in the com munity and deepen my relationships with community members, students, teachers, families, and support staff.

as to what should be done and wants to be heard. I think it is important that this feedback is acknowledged and transparently addressed to those who provide it. I am willing to listen and to implement policies that make the best sense for our children, teachers, paras, and staff.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. This is a non-partisan position and politics have no place in determining what the School Board needs to do to ensure our children get the best education they can from our schools. That being said, politics will affect the classroom no matter what we do to keep it out of the classroom. Life can be quite political and the life expe riences students bring into the classroom can at times bring politics into the classroom even when it is sup pressed. I am more interested in educating our kids to be civic minded and critical thinking individuals who will be well educated and prepared to navigate the ever-chang ing obstacles of their future. I want to empower our kids to become successful in whatever it is they choose in life, politics withstanding. I am not in this for political aspirations, I just want our kids to have the education they deserve.

Moving forward families and community members can expect more opportunities to engage directly with board members and the administration through public meetings, advisory committees or listening sessions with board members and administration.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. During this campaign I’ve knocked on hundreds upon hundreds of doors and have had countless conversa tions with district residents. I can tell you from those conversations that parents want to focus on academics, not activism. They want to focus on learning and leave politics out of the classroom. They want the district to teach their children how to think, not what to think. They believe that politics and personal opinions have no place in learning.

The best way to keep bias out of the classroom is to provide students with facts, expose them to multiple viewpoints, and foster honest discussion where students are free to explore and express their own views.

helps people whose voices aren’t often heard share their thoughts on important issues.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. I think the purpose of a school is to provide a safe and effective place for learning. This includes the basics, and also skills like social skills, time management, and emotional intelligence. All subjects should be taught accurately with a chance for students to process all of the information by themselves and with their peers.

During my education, the most beneficial classes were the ones where teachers allowed the students to think critically and form our own opinions on the subject mat ter. We got all aspects of the subject and were encouraged to personally reflect and debate with our peers so we could form our own views. If educators are to prepare students for the real world post-graduation, then remov ing the complicated and inconvenient topics from the classroom would be a great disservice to our students and would demonstrate just how little we value their ability to think for themselves.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. As an educator, I have a clear idea of what I believe should be taught in classrooms. Schools should be safe and inclusive environments where all children have the resources and support to receive a quality educa tion and reach their full potential. Courses like math, reading, writing, and science are core classes that should be taught to all students. Literacy is especially crucial to every student as it is needed going forward to learn throughout their education. Subjects like history and science should be taught in an accurate and truthful way.

Students deserve to be taught with honesty so they can be prepared citizens when they move onto life post-high school. Students also need to learn social emotional skills like interpersonal relationships/social skills, under standing and regulating emotions, and organizational/ time management/planning skills. Students deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, and be allowed to be their whole selves.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

Gloria Murphy

Age: 38

City of residence: Lexington

Occupation: Medical technology field, 14 years; part-time Realtor

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: I love serving the community as Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Park Board Commis sioner for Lexington. My husband and I have been living in Lexington since 2013 and have committed ourselves to making a difference in our commu nity and hope to make the future brighter for our two-year-old daughter, Eleanor.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. • Parental rights and transparency - I am very committed to making sure parents have a voice

Kara Schmitz

Age: 41 City of residence: Lino Lakes

Occupation: Registered nurse

List most recent civic/school involvement roles: I was a substitute nurse in the Centennial School District. I have volunteered as a classroom helper at Centerville Elementary for kids that needed extra help, classroom parties, field trips, recess runners, book fair and the fifth-grade party. I have volunteered each year at the Centennial Youth Basketball Association’s Cougar Classic tournaments. I have been a Sunday School and VBS teacher at the churches we’ve belonged to. I currently serve on the Worship Music Advisory committee for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and have volunteered to serve as a confirmation guide for this school year.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. Safety is priority. Safety means having compre hensive plans to address school-related activities where students are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and the influence of substance abuse.

Craig Johnson

List • Lino Lakes Charter

• Candidate for Anoka County Commissioner –ran to fill an opening for county commissioner

• President at Lino Lakes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – supported veterans, active-duty military members and their families. We provided a point of a contact and support through other advocacy groups throughout Minnesota and US.

• Volunteer at Best Prep (High School Advoca cy for Career Preparation) – go to high school career-oriented classes helping students learn to interview for career opportunities. Providing my knowledge and then watching their growing moti vation from these discussions is very rewarding.

with the school board and the administration as well as classroom teachers on curricula. I will work towards greater transparency, timely notification of parents, and accountability to parents and the community. This is critical to building trust between parents, teachers, and the administration.

• Promoting academic excellence - The latest statewide results of students’ proficiency in reading and math are telling us that we need to double down and refocus on the basics of reading, writing, and math. Academic excel lence is what we need to strive for to increase proficiency and graduation rates.

• Safe and secure schools - No parent should be worried about their children’s safety while at school. Likewise, no child should worry about their safety while at school.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I believe in citizen input and plan to have citizen advi

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT # 12 SPECIAL ELECTION - ELECT 1

This should include security measures in place with properly functioning equipment and technology. Safety also means promoting positive learning climates, where children feel included, cared for, and encouraged.

Equity is an integral part of quality in education. Equal opportunities and access for all children to quality teachers, schools, teaching materials, and facilities en hances their learning outcomes, well-being, and social de velopment. Equity reinforces the quality of the education experience. In equitable communities, the opportunity to succeed increases for everyone.

Building relationships, reconnecting, finding strengths and opportunities for growth as we emerge from a pandemic is another priority. Now is the time to envision how education can emerge stronger than ever before and propose a path forward that helps our students, staff, schools, and communities thrive.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Successful leadership in schools is established by the ability to form great relationships with colleagues, families, and children. In building these relationships we create a culture of trust. In today’s highly connected world, it is more important than ever to establish trust. One of the main contributors to trust is transparency. As a school board member of ISD 12, I will demonstrate

Q. What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A. • Improvements in Reading and Math proficiencies. Time spent in the classroom is crucial to all of our kid’s developments. We must focus on the ABC’s and 123’s. If we fail to teach our children how to “learn to read” from kindergarten thru 3rd grade, they may never be profi cient in “reading to learn” throughout their middle/high school experiences and beyond…

• Focusing on money spent directly in classroom to support students, teachers and paraprofessionals. Where is our money spent? How much of the funding actually reaches the classroom? Schools exist to partner with our parents to elevate our children’s lives towards later suc ceeding as adults. Maximizing money in the classrooms is essential. We must also support our educators who provide that crucial guidance to our children.

• Broader career preparation after high school, such as opportunities in Trades. Not all kids have the desire to go to four-year colleges.

Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I am running “for the community”. I plan to develop some advisory groups. Teachers, Parents, Youth and

sory committees to gain an understanding of where the public is on key decisions. I also believe it’s an important role of the board to listen to and support teachers and to understand the challenges they face in the classroom. Collaboration between teachers, school board members, parents, and students will be a fundamental asset in bridging gaps.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. Our main goal is to prepare our children for their future lives. This means mastering what I call the “ba sics.” Political ideologies don’t belong in the classroom. Teaching our children how to think and not what to think is essential. This means having a fair debate in the class room, teaching history, and respecting the opinions of others. The overall classroom environment must be kept neutral and without bias.

integrity and honesty by taking opportunities to listen to varying perspectives and ideas. I will work collaborative ly with fellow board members, staff, parents, students, and community members. I will be open to participating in productive, transparent discussions that represent and take into account all perspectives to help make the best decisions that share in moving forward Centennial’s mission and goals.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. The reason I was interested in running for Centennial school board is because it is a non-partisan position. I have no political aspirations. My priorities and con cerns are our children, the quality of education they receive, the safety of our schools, and the preparation of our children to go out into the world and be productive members of society. I can assure you, our children are in excellent hands. District administration has hired terrific staff who are qualified, truly care for our kids, and go above and beyond expectations. Centennial’s teachers are thoughtful, adaptable, highly educated, experienced, and caring. As a Centennial School Board member, I will look for ways to support, build relationships with, and encourage our schools’ staff to make sure our children’s classrooms provide the best learning environments for our children.

Community members. I have had numerous conversa tions with each of these groups and I learn something new in nearly all my visits. Whether a child is involved in sports, band/choir, an academic or social club, has special needs or is in no school activities at all, their perspectives allow decision-makers to see how most decisions affect those in our school district through their own “personal lens”. I also plan to have discussions at the state level on how legislators fund our schools and create mandates that make our school’s operations more difficult.

Q. How will you keep political biases from affecting the classroom?

A. Politics are generally divisive. Two sides with dif fering viewpoints on how to solve today’s issues. I will advocate for keeping political biases out of the classroom. While I have a strong appreciation for critical thinking, our primary focus needs to be teaching our kids to the highest academic standards. Current and historic events are important to discuss but bringing in personal ide ologies and agendas will create more chaos and mental health issues for our children to deal with. Political discussions should be left to parents, friends and post high school education. We must teach our children “how to think” not “what to think.”

Cougars fall short 24-17 against No. 2 Crimson

Undefeated Maple Grove, ranked No. 2 in the state, overcame a rugged Centennial defense to edge the Cougars 24-17 Friday evening in Maple Grove.

The Cougar defense gave up just 17 points — the other touchdown was a punt return — to a team that was averaging 44 per game.

“They have a great quarterback who’s going to the Gophers. They play 15 guys on offense, all seniors, so if you make a mistake they make you pay. They’ve been scoring in the 40’s every game. So our defense did really well, ” Cougar coach Mike Diggins assessed.

On a chilly evening with rain falling throughout, Centennial took a quick 10-0 lead.

On the opening drive, Henry Pirner hit Josh Lee for a 45-yard touchdown on a play-action pass with Lee busting a couple of tackles. Maple Grove fumbled on the ensuing kickoff. The Cougars had an apparent touchdown called back, but got a 42-yard field goal that Eli Nowacki booted into the wind.

Maple Grove, 4-0 and ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, started its comeback on a fourth-down play as Jacob Kilzer, their highly-touted quarterback, broke away for a 46-yard touchdown. The Crimson forced a punt, and Dylan Vokal busted it 70 yards for another touchdown.

Maple Grove added a 25-yard field goal from Connor Fournier and led 17-10 at halftime. They expanded the lead to 24-10 on a three-yard touchdown by Jordan Olagbaju in the third period.

Centennial’s Lance Nielsen came up with a huge special teams play with six minutes left in the game. He blocked a punt, retrieved the ball and dashed 50 yards for a touchdown, making it 24-17.

Cougars linebackers Reese Littlefield and Timmy Ball were in on 18 and 15 tackles, respectively. Ball recovered a fumble for Maple Grove’s lone turnover. “They might be the best linebacker combo in the metro area,” Diggins said.

SPORTS BRIEFS

VOLLEYBALL

Centennial won its seventh consecutive match, over Anoka, on Monday, Sept. 19, then fell to No. 5 ranked Champlin Park on Thursday, leaving the Cougars 2-2 in the Northwest Suburban and 10-2 overall. In their 25-15, 25-12, 2520 win over Anoka, Elena Hoecke notched 13 kills, four blocks and three aces. Andi Koslowski made eight kills and 10 digs. Ingrid Noha led with 13 digs. Ash McClellan supplied 28 assists. Champlin Park (4-0, 11-3) swept the Cougars 25-15, 25-22, 25-14, as Carly Gilk made 10 kills, Lily Riese nine kills, and Reese Axness five aces. Cassi Sosinski and Hoecke had eight kills each for the Cougars and Mattie Petersen made 17 digs.

BOYS SOCCER

Melvin Wallace made eight tackles (including a sack), Blake Scheierl seven and Gavin Martin six. Diggins cited the defensive coaches for a great job scheming against the explosive Crimson offense.

Centennial mustered just 170 yards from scrimmage. Pirner was 2-for-7 for 52 yards. Jaden Hill carried 10 times for 52 yards and Ty Burgoon six for 51.

Kilzer gained 117 yards on 13 keepers for the Crimson and hit three of nine passes for 63 yards. Olagbaju gained 79 on 22 rushes.

With a 2-2 record, and two losses by eight points to a pair of 4-0 teams, the Cougars are holding their own in the rugged Gold Division schedule despite a couple key injuries on offense.

“We are always one block away, one assignment away,” Diggins said. “If we can just clean that, we’ll be OK.”

The Cougars will host Wayzata (2-2) on Friday.

GIRLS SOCCER

Centennial picked up two shutout wins last week, over Spring Lake Park 2-0 on Wednesday and Park Center 5-0 on Saturday, after losing to first-place Andover 6-3 on Monday, all of them Northwest Suburban games on the road. The Cougars are 4-5 in conference and 5-5 overall. Cal Babiash notched two goals and an assist against Park Center. Minty Shady, Dominic Trejo-Munson and Numeryl Ame also scored and Vinny Wry made five saves. Babiash delivered both goals against SLP and Wry stopped eight shots on goal in his second straight shutout. In the loss to Andover, Ame found the net twice and Babiash once.

Melvin Wallace, a late starter football, has quickly made an impact as a defensive lineman for Centennial, despite his inexperience. Wallace, 6 feet and 190 pounds, made a quarterback sack and two other tackles for loss, among eight stops in the Cougars 24-17 loss to No. 2 ranked Maple Grove last week, and has helped make them consistently strong on defense all season.

“Melvin new first coach Mike Diggins

Cougar girls, ranked 9th, run strong at Griak

Centennial placed 19th among 53 teams in the Gold (upper) Division of the massive Roy Griak Invitational on Friday. The Cougars are ranked No. 9 in the state in the most recent coaches poll.

The Griak, hosted by the University of Minnesota at Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights, is one of the nation’s largest meets with teams from multiple states in Gold and Maroon divisions and three college divisions.

Kylie Nelson led the Cougars, placing 62nd in 20:31 among 476 runners. Abby Smith was 90th (20:44), Abby Wood 148th (21:14), Anna Swanson 150th (21:15) and Julia Zalewski 168th (21:25). The team champs were Wayzata, led by individual winner Abbey Nechanicky, who ran 17:37.

The No. 5 ranked Centennial girls soccer team split a pair of 1-0 matches last week. Two days after beating state’s top-ranked team, Stillwater, 3-2, the Cougars lost to Andover 1-0 there Monday evening. Andover (8-2-1) got a first-half goal from Addie Dobratz, while their goalie Haley Mau stopped nine Cougar shots.The Cougars (7-2 overall, 5-2) prevailed 1-0 over Spring Lake Park (7-4) Wednesday. Naasifaayee Bula notched the lone goal, in the second half, assisted by Addison Van Zee. Jordan Metz made four saves in the team’s fourth shutout.

Weather tidbits

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

You can tell the days are definitely getting shorter and shorter. Getting up in the morning for work, the sky is still dark and there’s not much light left after getting home from work. With the shorter daylight, the morning grass has been heavy with dew. As a kid in school I always

MICHELLE BEBEAU, DDS | CONTRIBUTED

Timmy Ball, Cougar linebacker, hoists the ball after recovering a fumble.

CONTRIBUTED

Julia Zalewski, senior cross country captain, pumped up the team prior to the Griak Invitational.

Bruce Strand

Frank

CLASSIFIEDS

Hugo Oktoberfest Craft Show & More

70 crafters & vendors, food trucks, beer tent, DJ & games

Saturday October 1st, 2022

Hugo American Legion 5383 140th St N, Hugo MN 10 am - 4 pm www.rsgdevelopment.com @stillwaterfleamarket

NOW HIRING! GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for a motivated graphic designer for a part-time or full-time position to join our team! As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and bi-weekly papers get out the door and into the hands of the local community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign (CS6 + CC) with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients

- Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce vibrant products

JOB DETAILS:

- 20-38 hours per week

- M-F 7:55am - 5:30pm

Email resume to: marketing@presspubs.com

Administrative Assistant

The City of Circle Pines is seeking an individual to fill a part-time (20-30 hours) Administration Assistant position. Primary duties include prepares all council, board and commission packets, ordinance and resolution handling, transcribes recorded and written copy for City Council, Park Board, Planning Com mission, Utility Commission and Labor Management meetings. Maintains all record keeping of files in hard copy and in the document imaging electronic filing system. Performs receptionist duties such as answers phones; also accommodates customers in like manner at counter. Minimum requirements of a High School Diploma or GED, two (2) years demonstrat ed experience in administrative duties. Two years of government experience desired. Salary range $21.77-$28.83. Applicant must fill out a City of Circle Pines/Centennial Utilities application to be considered. For a full position description and application visit HYPERLINK “http://www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us” www. ci.circle-pines.mn.us. Application deadline 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2022. The City of Circle Pines/ Centennial Utilities is an equal opportunity employer.

Now Hiring

Accounting Assistant Part Time, 20-25 Hrs/wk. Collections, Deposits, Billing

Please send resume to: AR@presspubs.com

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-5:05pm

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its awardwinning team. As a staff writer, you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers and website. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending news meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is a talented writer, passionate about local community news and great at time management. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com. A Staff Writer

NOW HIRING shifts & positions positions available candidates.

651-653-9845 4687 Bald Ave., WBL 55110

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding commu nities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external cli ents, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effec tively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

NORTHEAST YOUTH & FAMILY SER VICES is recruiting for a temporary Facil ities Maintenance Technician. This is a temporary position for 3 to 6 months, pays $22 to $25 per hour, and is 40 hours per week. Responsibilities include painting, and basic repair of drywall, doors, and plumb ing. The person will be responsible for light bulb, ballast, and HVAC filter replacement, and general equipment maintenance such as tightening belts and bearings and check ing equipment oil. This position oversees snow removal services ensuring safety of employees, tenants, and staff. The ability to develop good rapport with staff and tenants and assist them with equipment or main tenance needs is required. For additional information, please call 651-379-3402 or email Roberta.Wells@nyfs.org.

Blaine takes Lexington to court over water system

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

And the disagreement continues. Since May 2020, the city of Lexington and the city of Blaine haven’t been able to come to an agreement on their interconnected water system that dates back to the ’70s. (See Quad Press article, “Lexington and Blaine can’t agree on interconnected water system” Nov. 30, 2021.)

The city of Blaine has now filed a lawsuit in District Court. The lawsuit claims that there is no active joint powers agreement in place between the two cities; Blaine is the sole owner of the 16-inch water main that runs through Lexington; the city of Blaine has the right to maintain infrastructure situated within Lexington; and Lexington must comply with its own ordinances regarding the issuance of right-of-way permits to the city of Blaine.

Ultimately, the city of Blaine is requesting that the court declare that the city has the right to separate its water system from the city of Lexington’s water system and close and/or separate the points of interconnection between the cities’ respective water systems.

In a written statement, Lexington Mayor Mike Murphy wrote, in part, “I am disappointed that the city of Blaine has taken this action. The city of Lexington has extended several olive branches to resolve this matter. I have requested on two occasions that our two city councils meet to discuss the issue. Lexington also offered to turn our water system over to the City of Blaine. This option would have been a big win for both of our communities, and brought an immediate resolution to the issue. Blaine would have saved their taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction costs to separate our joint water system.

Blaine would have picked up 5,000 new billable water users overnight, and Lexington residents would have received treated water year around versus only six months of the year and at a lower cost.”

“… Unfortunately, our two communities are at an impasse, and Blaine has asked the court to determine ownership of the water system and if the Joint Powers Agreement is still enforceable. I am confident that our two cities will come to an agreement that mutually benefits both communities without having a long, drawn-out legal battle.”

The city of Lexington is currently considering several options for its water system, including the construction of a water treatment plant.

Blaine’s communications manager, Ben Hayle, provided the following statement: “The city of Blaine has attempted to work with the city of Lexington over the last several years regarding our water

Church Directory

system. Unfortunately, those discussions have not brought a resolution, so the city of Blaine is asking an impartial third party to provide clarity. The city of Blaine is not suing the city of Lexington for any damages, Blaine is asking for a court opinion to provide legal clarifications. This is a decades old disagreement, and it is in the best interest of our communities to find closure on this topic. The city of Blaine has made repeated attempts to meet and mediate a solution with the city of Lexington. Unfortunately, the city of Lexington did not have the same desire to work together which has brought us to take this action. We cannot continue without clarity, all parties involved need clarity and a path forward.”

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

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

SCHOOL BOARD WORK STUDY SESSION SUMMARY

AUGUST 1, 2022

(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-7926010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; August 1,2022.

1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Bettinger called the Work Study Session to order at 5.33 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. ROLL CALL The fol lowing members were present: Bettinger, ex-officio Holmberg, Knisely, Timm, Vollbrecht, Linser, Guthmueller. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.015, Member Guthmueller joined the Work Study Session remotely from Little Crow Conference Center, 15980 MN 23, Spicer, Minnesota. The follow ing members were absent: None. 3. 3-YEAR BOARD GOVERNANCE PLAN

REVIEW The Board continued work on the 3-Year Board Governance Plan, reviewing and revising the document from the July 18 Board Retreat. Dr. Queener will make necessary additions, revisions, and edits to the document.

4. SCHOOL BOARD STRUCTURES DISCUSSION The Board reviewed the Structure and Workflow document and current committee assignments. There was discussion about work study sessions, board meetings, and Public Fo rum. 5. ADJOURN at 7:18 p.m.

Sue Linser, School Board Clerk

Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022.

CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

AUGUST 15, 2022

(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-792-6010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; August 15, 2022.

1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Guthmueller called the Regular Meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 1.1.Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL The following members were present: Guthmueller, ex-officio Holmberg, Bettinger, Vollbrecht, Knisely, Timm, Lins er. The following members were absent: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve the agenda with additions to the Consent Agenda Item 5.3 Personnel by Knisely, seconded by Timm. Vote: 6-0-0, motion carried unanimously. 4. PUBLIC FORUM: None. 5. CONSENT ITEMS 5.1. Approval of Minutes. 5.2. Approval of Monthly Disbursements. 5.3. Personnel. 5.4. Gifts to the District. 5.5. Field Trips. 5.6. City of Line Lakes 2022-2025 School Re source Officer Agreement. 5.7. St. Genevieve’s Use Agreement 2022-2023. The Superintendent of Schools recommends approval of the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures by Knisely, seconded by Timm. Vote: 6-00, motion carried unanimously. 6. CURRICULUM 6.1. Back To School Staff Development Plan - Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Mark Gross klaus shared information on the Back to School Staff Development Plan and Fall Workshop schedule. No School Board action is required. 7. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 7.1. Approval of Increase in Adult Meal Charges for 20222023. Motion to approve the increase in adult meal charges for 2022-2023 by Bettinger, seconded by Timm. Vote: 6-0-0, motion carried unanimously. 8. SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS 8.1. Adoption of Resolution for Membership in the Minnesota State High School League. Motion to adopt the Resolution for Membership in the Minnesota State High School League by Bettinger, sec onded by Linser. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Guthmueller, Bettinger, Vollbrecht, Knisely, Timm, Linser. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously.9.0 COMMU NICATION As warranted and available, School Board members will report sig nificant activities of and/or actions by organizations in which the school district holds membership and/or serves in a governance capacity: 9.1. AMSD. 9.2. CAEF. 9.3. MSBA. 9.4.NE Metro 916. 9.5 Schools for Equity in Education. 9.6. District Committee Reports. 10. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT 11. INFOR MATIONAL ITEMS 11.1. Dates to Note. 12. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn by Timm, seconded by Linser. Vote: 6-0-0. Adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Sue Linser, School Board Clerk

Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022.

CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT

2022 FULL STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Council will meet at 7:00 p.m. on October 11, 2022, at City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, Minne sota, to consider and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for the cost of improving Stardust Boulevard, Twinkle Terrace, Galaxy Drive, and Twilite Terrace in their entirety for the construction of new streets, the reconstruction and the installation of water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer. The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $617,400 Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a signed, written objection is filed with the Clerk prior to the hearing, or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The Council may, upon such notice, consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at any adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners, as it deems advisable.

Under Minn. Stat. §§435.193 to 435.195 and City Ordinance No. 109, the council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability or is a member of the Minnesota National Guard on active duty for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is terminated for any reason provided in that law and Ordinance, all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Any assessed property owner meeting the requirements of this law and Ordinance No. 109 may, with in 30 days of the confirmation of the assessment, apply to the city clerk for the prescribed form for such deferral of payment of this special assessment on his/her property.

If an assessment is contested or there is an adjourned hearing, the follow ing procedure will be followed:

1. The City will present its case first by calling witnesses who may testify by narrative or by examination, and by the introduction of exhibits. After each witness has testified, the contesting party will be allowed to ask questions. This procedure will be repeated with each witness until neither side has further questions.

2. After the City has presented all its evidence, the objector may call wit nesses or present such testimony as the objector desires. The same proce

WEEKLY WAG

Meet Ruby, a sweet, energetic young girl who is looking for her forever family and home. Ruby is a beautiful 2-year-old pit bull terrier/Labrador retriever mix. She weighs about 48 pounds and when she isn’t cuddling with you, she’ll be raring and ready to go for a walk or a run.

She also likes to run and play at the park or in the yard, so a home with a fenced yard would suit her very well.

Ruby is social with other dogs her size or larger, but she can be a little rough with smaller dogs and with cats. She’s also social with all people, but small children may

dure for questioning of the City’s witnesses will be followed with the objector’s witnesses.

3. Counsel may represent the objector.

4. Minnesota rules of evidence will not be strictly applied; however, they may be considered and argued to the Council as to the weight of items of evidence or testimony presented to the Council.

5. The entire proceedings will be digitally recorded.

6. At the close of presentation of evidence, the objector may make a final presentation to the Council based on the evidence and the law. No new evi dence may be presented at this point.

7. The Council may adopt the proposed assessment at the hearing. An owner may appeal assessment to district court pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment; and filing such notice with the district court within ten days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disabled individual may one week in advance contact City Hall by phone at (763) 784-5898, or TDD (763) 231-2617; or in writing to request reasonable assistance to be able to participate in these proceedings.

Patrick Antonen, City Clerk

Dated: September 13, 2022

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on September 20 and 27, 2022.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED STREET RECONSTRUCTION PLAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota (the “City”), will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 10, 2022, at or after 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 600 Town Center Parkway in the City, relating to a proposal concerning the adoption of an amended and restated five-year street reconstruction plan for years 2020 through 2024 (the “Plan”) to provide for the use of unexpended proceeds of the City’s General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds, Se ries 2021A, issued on July 15, 2021 in the original aggregate principal amount of $1,815,000, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 475.58, subdivision 3b. A draft copy of the Plan is on file with the City Clerk and is available for public inspection at City Hall during regular business hours.

At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the City Council will give all persons who appear at the hearing an opportunity to express their views with respect to the proposal. In addition, interested persons may direct any questions or file written comments respecting the proposal with the City Clerk, at or prior to said public hearing.

Dated: September 27, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA Julie Bartell, City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Min nesota (the “City”) will meet at City Council chambers of City Hall, located at 600 Town Center Parkway in the City, at or after 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Octo ber 10, 2022, to conduct a public hearing on a tax increment financing plan (the “TIF Plan”) for the proposed Tax Increment Financing (Economic Development) District No. 1-14 (the “TIF District”), an economic development district within the Development District No. 1.

The boundaries of the proposed TIF District are shown in the map below. The purpose of the proposed action is to facilitate development of light industrial manufacturing and warehousing space within the TIF District. Details on the proposal are contained in the TIF Plan, draft copies of which will be available for public inspection at the City Hall during regular business hours.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:

• Amending City Code Chapter 1007: Zoning Map

For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the oppor tunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022

CITY OF LINO LAKES

CITY OF LINO LAKES

Any person wishing to express an opinion on the matters to be considered at the public hearing will be heard orally or in writing.

Dated: September 27, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

Julie Bartell, City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022

not welcome all of her energy. Ruby likes car rides, and she is fully house-trained and cratetrained. She knows her basic commands but formal training would be a great bonding opportunity for Ruby and her new forever family. If you are interested in learning more about

Ruby or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT HEARING WEED ABATEMENT

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT HEARING WEED ABATEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Min nesota (the “City”) will meet at the City Council chambers of City Hall, located at 600 Town Center Parkway in the City, at or after 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, to consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessments against the following described properties:

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota (the “City”) will meet at the City Council chambers of City Hall, located at 600 Town Center Parkway in the City, at or after 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, to consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessments against the following described properties:

Legal Property Address PIN Description City/State/Zip 31 31 22 11 0020 LOT 20 ARTHUR E THOM ACRES NO 2 6352 Hodgson Road, Lino Lakes MN 55014 06 31 22 44 0009 LOT 5 BLOCK 1 ROBIN ACRES 8015 8017 4TH AVE, Lino Lakes MN 55014 30 31 22 24 0024 LOT 4 BLK 3 RICE LAKE ESTATES SUBJ TO EASE OF REC 6663 Blue Heron Drive, Lino Lakes MN 55014

19 31 22 24 0068 LOT 20 BLK 2 SUNRISE MEADOWS; SUBJ TO EASE OF REC 135 Ulmer Drive, Lino Lakes MN 55014

for expenses incurred by the City to abate weed and grass nuisances found on the property. The total amount proposed to be assessed is $1,961.25. Adoption by the Council of the proposed assessment may occur at the hearing.

Such assessment is proposed to be payable in a single installment to be payable on or before the first Monday in January 2023, and will bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until December 31, 2023

for expenses incurred by the City to abate weed and grass nuisances found on the property. The total amount proposed to be assessed is $1,961.25. Adop tion by the Council of the proposed assessment may occur at the hearing. Such assessment is proposed to be payable in a single installment to be payable on or before the first Monday in January 2023, and will bear inter est at the rate of 5 percent per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until December 31, 2023.

The property owner may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the county auditor, pay the entire assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from the adoption of this assessment. The property owner may at any time thereafter, pay to the City the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year. If the property owner decides not to prepay the assessment before the date given above the rate of interest that will apply is 5 percent per year.

The property owner may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the county auditor, pay the entire assessment on such property, with inter est accrued to the date of payment, to the City. No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from the adoption of this as sessment. The property owner may at any time thereafter, pay to the City the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year. If the property owner decides not to prepay the assessment before the date given above the rate of interest that will apply is 5 percent per year.

The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal to district court may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the municipal clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The Council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable.

Under Minn. Stat. §§ 435.193 to 435.195 and City Code Section 303.10, the Council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been

The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal to district court may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the municipal clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the pre siding officer at the hearing. The Council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable.

Under Minn. Stat. §§ 435.193 to 435.195 and City Code Section 303.10, the Council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assess ment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is terminated for any reason provided in that law and City Code all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Any assessed property owner meeting the requirements of this law and City Code may, within 30 days of the confirmation of the assessment, apply to the City Clerk for the prescribed form for such deferral of payment of this special as sessment on his/her property.

An owner may appeal an assessment to district court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within ten days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk.

Dated: [Date of Publication]

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA Julie Bartell, City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT ANOKA COUNTY MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE OF VACANCY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 103B.227 and § 103D.311 that a vacancy will occur on the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers due to the expiration on January 17, 2023, of the term of Patricia Preiner, city of Columbus. Term of the appointment is for three years. Managers are eligible to be reappointed. Persons interested in being appointed to serve on the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers may submit their names for consideration to the Anoka County Board of Com missioners, the appointing authority. Minn. Stat. § 103D.311 permits cities in the district to jointly or severally submit nominees to the county board for con sideration. As city nominees are submitted for consideration, they are added to an aggregate list of nominees. If the cities submit three or more nominees eligible for a manager’s position at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the term or by November 18, 2022, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners shall consider and appoint one of the city nominees unless it concludes none of the city nominees can fairly represent the various hydrologic areas in the watershed district. Since a list may be submitted, persons interested in being considered for appointment may wish to contact their city to request to be included on a list of nominations. In the absence of a valid aggregate list of nominees, the Anoka County Board of Commissioners may appoint any voting resident of the Rice Creek Watershed District who is not a public officer of the county, state, or federal government and who otherwise complies with the requirements and terms of Minn. Stat. § 103D.311.

Rhonda Sivarajah

Anoka County Administrator

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 27, 2022.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• While on patrol, an officer observed a street sign that appear to have been hit at the intersection of 21st Avenue and 20th Avenue Sept. 13. The sign damage was reported to public works.

• Officers responded to assist State Patrol on a vehicle fire on Interstate 35W and Lake Drive Sept. 13. Officers assisted until they were cleared by fire personnel.

• An officer took a report regarding a suspicious scam call in the 7700 block of Lake Drive Sept. 13. The incident was documented and extra patrol was requested at a residence.

• An officer took a report regarding a possible theft in the 400 block of Andall Street Sept. 13. No suspect information was available, and the incident was documented.

• Officers responded to a report of a large fire at a business in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road Sept. 13. The fire was extinguished by police and fire divisions and the business owner was educated on ordinances.

• An officer responded to a report of abandoned property in the 700 block of Aqua Lane Sept 13. The officer identified the owner of the item and informed them where it could be picked up.

• Officers responded to an accident involving a vehicle and a deer in 1100 block of Main Street Sept. 14. Officers determined there were no injuries. A state crash report was completed.

• An officer took a phone call request regarding extra patrol for a business in the 7900 block of Lake Drive Sept. 14. The incident was documented and patrol officers were notified.

• An officer took a phone call regarding a civil dispute in the 10 block of White Pine Road Sept. 15. The incident was documented at the caller’s request.

• An officer responded to a property damage accident on Apollo Drive and

Lilac Street Sept. 15. The parties involved were uninjured; both vehicles were towed from the scene.

• Officers responded to a business alarm in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 16. The business was secure, and no problems were found.

• Officers responded to a local business on a holdup alarm in the 500 block of Lilac Street Sept. 16. Upon arrival, officers met with several parties and determined it was a faulty alarm.

• Officers responded to a traffic complaint on Ash Street and Hodgson Road Sept. 16. All involved parties were made aware of the complaint and advised to follow traffic laws.

• Officers responded to a report of a male possibly slumped over in a vehicle in the 7600 block of Lake Drive Sept. 16. Contact was male with the male, who was fine.

• Officers responded to a report of a dog at large on Lake Drive and Second Avenue Sept. 16. The dog was caught and brought to a local animal care facility.

• Officers assisted another agency on a traffic stop-related crash in the 6000 block of 20th Avenue Sept. 17. The officer stood by until the scene was safe.

• An officer took a report of a dead deer at a residence in the 200 block of Woodridge Lane Sept. 17. The incident was documented and public works was advised to remove the deer.

• An officer responded to a call of people setting off fireworks and throwing glow sticks in a yard in the 6900 block of Lakeview Drive Sept. 18. The parties responsible were advised to stop.

• An officer located a female with a warrant at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 18. The female was arrested and transferred to the agency responsible for the warrant.

• Officers responded to a report of a 911 open line in the 6400 block of Pheasant Hills Drive Sept. 19. No issues were found at the residence.

• An officer was dispatched to a traffic complaint on Lake Drive and Main Street Sept. 19. The officer spoke with the driver, and the driver was informed of the traffic laws.

• Officers responded to a call of an electrical smell at a business in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 19. It was determined there was no fire problem; the smoke smell was coming from a nearby bonfire.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers responded to the 6800 block of 20th Avenue regarding a theft Sept. 14 in Circle Pines.

• A fraud was reported in the 7200 block of Mill Road in Centerville Sept. 14.

• Officers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle leaking gas in the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Sept. 14.

• An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Centerville Road and Dupre Road in Centerville Sept. 16.

• Officers were dispatched to Lexington Park on a noise complaint in the 9100 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington Sept. 16.

• A business check was completed in the 1700 block of Westview Street in Centerville Sept. 17.

• A Lino Lakes officer made a traffic stop that resulted in a DWI arrest on 20th Avenue and Main Street in Centerville Sept. 17.

• Officers were dispatched to the 7100 block of 21st Avenue North on a report of a counterfeit bill in Centerville Sept. 19. Officers took information for a report and took custody of the bill.

• Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Robin Lane South for an informational report in Centerville Sept. 19.

• An officer took a vehicle vs. deer report in the 8900 block of Lake Drive Sept. 19 in Lexington. &COURTS

DNR announces lands for sale

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has state lands for sale in Anoka, Houston, Itasca, St. Louis and Wadena counties. The 17 parcels for sale include rural lands with many recreational opportunities. Annual land sales help the DNR refine its land holdings and meet its responsibility to maximize recreational, conservation and economic opportunities. The DNR sells land at public auction in accordance with state statutes. This fall, the DNR will offer two inperson public auctions. In-person public auction schedule

1. Parcels for sale in Wadena County will be offered at an in-person auction at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, at the Wadena County Courthouse, 415 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, Minnesota 56482.

2. Parcels for sale in Anoka and Houston counties will be offered at an in-person auction on 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, at MnDOT SE District Headquarters, 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

Visit mndnr.gov/ LandSale for more information about the available parcels and how to register to bid on properties. For questions about a specific property, call 651-259-5432, 888646-6367 or email min. landsale@state.mn.us.

Lions host prime rib dinner

The Lino Lakes and Columbus Lions will host a prime rib dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the Great Hall at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lino Lakes. See Lion Jerry Bauer or call 651-7844495 for more details.

CHURCH BRIEF