Quad Community Press

QR Code: Subscriptions needed as costs, inflation skyrocket

By now you have probably noticed

By now you have probably noticed the giant QR code on the front of this issue. This week, we are kicking off our fall subscription campaign. Twice a year we ask that you invest in the local newspaper with a subscription.

Scan that QR code, and you will find yourself on a webpage where you can subscribe to the paper. We have options for six-month, one-year and twoyear subscription options. We also have options for print or online, depending on how you like to read your news.

Our mission is to be the best source of community news and information. We want to provide a vibrant community newspaper that helps connect residents to each other and to happenings in local government, schools, community groups, businesses, sports and

entertainment. We follow traditional journalistic standards — standards that other media outlets, such as the worldwide web, never had and may never have.

We need the support of the community with subscriptions to keep experienced, professionally trained journalists writing the local news and information. This information is critical today and for generations to come.

As costs and inflation continue to skyrocket, now, more than ever, we need subscriptions to help offset the expense of producing newspapers.

If you have read or learned something that was beneficial to your family or life in our community in the past month, please subscribe today. Thank you for your consideration.

Send in photos of your Halloween costumes

Press Publications wants to see your Halloween costume this spooky season. Perhaps you get crafty every year with a DIY costume, or you have a creative couple’s costume you’d like to show off. Cute kids’ and pet costumes are always appreciated. We want to see everyone all dressed up for a night of trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities. Email your photos, plus your full name and age, to quadnews@presspubs.com. The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. The best costume will receive a prize.

• Public hearings have been set for delinquent utility and city accounts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. Per ordinance, the city is authorized to certify unpaid charges for utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water, garbage and recycling) and other special charges (mowing) to the county auditor for collection with other taxes.

• City Council members say they will miss former Council Member Jennifer Rauner, who recently resigned from the position after her family relocated to Chisago. Rauner served on the council from January 2018 to August 2022.

Mayor Dave Bartholomay said, “We really loved having you. You brought a lot of energy, a lot of good perspectives, fresh ideas. You were a great council member.”

Council Member Matt Percy said, “As elected officials, we tend to talk a lot and tend to go on and on, but I thought you were able to break the mold because you were able to be clear and get to the point, take complex issues and break them down and make them really easily understandable to folks who were listening and people who were visiting. At the same time, you were able to do that with a lot of heart.”

Council Member Dean Goldberg added, “We are going to miss you. You brought a lot to council. I can think of many, many things that you did to make the city better.”

The council presented Rauner with a plaque for her years of service.

Bartholomay also presented Rauner and her husband Matt and daughters Abigail and Meredith with the Mayor’s Award. (Matt served on the Centennial Fire District for several years.)

• Election judges are now in place for

the Nov. 8 general election.

• The preliminary tax levy of $3,031,866 has been set for 2023. The proposed budget is $3,282,251, up from $3,172,629 in 2022. “There is nothing really big and fancy about this budget; it’s just the budget that gets the job done here in Circle Pines,” said City Administrator Patrick Antonen.

Although the 2023 budget is a 3.5% increase in expenditures from last year, the city’s tax rate will decrease from 49.99 to 44.00 due to the increase in taxable valuation. Antonen explained that the median change in home values in Circle Pines was 21% this past year.

The Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. The tax levy may be reduced, but it may not increase before it is approved in December.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at City Hall.

The Quad Community Press exists thanks to the community’s support. More than 6,400 newspapers are delivered weekly by our carriers and motor route drivers to the cities of Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Blaine.

We hope you find the Quad Community Press helpful in your daily lives. Visit our Web site at www.presspubs.com and you’ll find the scores of the local high school games, events and in-depth stories on changes in your community.

Our readers value the contribution Press Publications makes to their communities. If you also find value in the stories, photos and advertising that appear on these pages each week, please consider becoming a subscriber to this publication.

Shannon Granholm

CONTRIBUTED

The Circle Pines City Council recognizes former City Council Member Jenniefer Rauner for her four-and-a-half years of service to the city. Rauner and her family recently relocated to Chisago.

CONTRIBUTED

National Newspaper Week

Best of Contest: You voted, results are in

From best hamburger to best teacher, there are hundreds of winners and finalists named by readers as tops in their field in the 2022 Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest.

Minnesota senator leads legislation to protect local journalism

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMN), Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, issued the statement below after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Journalism Competition Preservation Act by a 15-7 vote.

The Journalism Competition Preservation Act would allow news organizations to jointly negotiate fair terms for access to their content by Google, Facebook, and other dominant platforms.

Klobuchar and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) lead this

bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address dominant online platforms’ power over news organizations.

Sen. Klobuchar issued the following statement: “The Senate Judiciary Committee

SEE JOURNALISM ACT, PAGE 6

Local voters embraced the Best of the Press contest. More than 38,500 votes were cast by readers in five Best of the Press contests, including White Bear Press, Vadnais Press, Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen, which may make these contests the largest in the region. This year’s contest saw a 33% increase in votes cast compared to 2021.

Votes were tallied using a reputable platform, which is also used by the largest media outlets in the country. Those who care to read community newspapers care about local businesses; shop locally; follow school, city, township and county news; and vote.

For a comprehensive guide of winners and finalists in the 2022, contest, visit www. presspubs.com/quad/bestof.

Press Publications would like feedback about the contest. Readers can share possible categories for next year’s contests and thoughts about the edition by emailing news@presspubs. com.

Community votes Blue Heron teacher ‘the best’

Fritz from Centennial

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

a fifth grade teacher at Blue Heron Elementary has risen to the top. selected the Best Teacher in the 2022 Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest. Megan

was also

a finalist.

He

born and

Chicago

His fifth grade

really make it worth something,” Gutbrod said. “I wanted to

choices, and those choices can lead to their best life.”

2022 of the Press Quad Community Press

OPINION

Drivers license test

The shortage of staff at area Department of Motor Vehicle facilities has been in the news lately. We experienced it first-hand when scheduling a driving test for our 16-year-old.

We had booked him to take the test on his birthday at Arden Hills several months ago. He is among the first of his friends to turn 16, and was excited about getting his license. He has proven himself to be a cautious and attentive driver, so we were surprised when he didn’t pass the test. He got tripped up making a left turn from the wrong lane, which is an automatic fail. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety estimates 25% of kids don’t pass the first time.

We had to wait 24 hours to schedule a retake of the test, and the rules are that he could retake it after a week of practice. When my wife went online the next day to book it, there we no options to take the test at Arden Hills, or anywhere in the metro area. All of the sites she clicked on simply said “There are no appointments available at this location.” At most of the sites there wasn’t even an option to book something months in advance. She clicked through all of the locations in the state and was able to find availability the following week in Alexandria, Mankato and Virginia. It was a little complicated by the fact Amy and I were headed out of town for a vacation. He took a half day off of school and his grandparents drove him to Alexandria to take the test. Thankfully he passed though he still couldn’t get his license because he need a parent to sign the application. The morning after we got back we were first in line at the White Bear license bureau and it took less than 10 minutes for them to take his photo and give him his license.

Publisher’s View Carter Johnson

We have heard similar stories from other parents. My advice to those who have a child turning 16 is to book the test months in advance. I might suggest booking it for the day after their birthday though – failing the test completely ruined his birthday and the dinner celebration we had planned.

There is nothing like the feeling of getting behind the wheel all by yourself for the first time. The freedom of driving is a huge milestone and a privilege. He couldn’t stop smiling for two days. We have a older Honda that Amy drove for years and our daughter drove it for the past couple of years. Now our son gets to use it, and I was thrilled to find he had thoroughly cleaned it inside and out. Of course with driving comes some added worrying, but we have recouped some time now that he can drive himself to school and basketball practices. Now the challenge is conveying the expense of every mile driven. According to the IRS in 2021 it was $0.585 per mile and in 2022 it is $0.605. Consider that the next time you drive 20 miles to buy at a big box store versus the locally-owned store down the street. You just might save $22 in auto expense and fuel, as well as time. It’s hard to truly appreciate the expense of an automobile. One local mechanic scoffed at me and the parents who have been buying all-wheel drive cars. He said it will cost $1000+ just in tires, along with expensive repairs due to all the extra moving parts. We might want to get back to buying more simple, front wheel drive cars.

Subscribers are crucial

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. Subscribers can view more photos, the full e-edition of the paper, and videos online. Give us a call at 651-407-1200 Monday through Friday 8-5 p.m. Thank you for supporting your community newspaper!

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Recognizing how newspapers make a difference

Carter

Gene

Shannon

Patty

Movers & Shakers Dean Ridings

National Newspaper Week begins Oct. 2. If you’re reading this, you probably already have a good understanding of why it is important to have a healthy newspaper in your town. By subscribing to or advertising in your local newspaper, you are providing much needed support to keep trained, professional journalists covering the issues important to you. Your local newspaper is committed to being the local watchdog, covering city government, public utilities and school boards to make sure your tax dollars are being spent properly.

There are many other ways newspapers serve their readers and communities, things even regular readers might not always consider.

Newspapers are reliable. Unlike content you see on social media, or even from

Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.

Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

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.”

Laurie

national publications or cable news channels, you can be sure that news from your local newspaper is professionally gathered, fact-checked and edited. Even the editorials and letters to the editor go through a rigorous process to get the facts correct. You might not always agree, but you can rely on the fact that what’s published has followed the highest journalistic standards.

Newspapers protect your right to know. In addition to covering what’s going on in your local government, most newspapers serve another critical purpose by publishing public notices. A public notice is a notice issued by government agencies regarding proposed actions, zoning proposals, tax initiatives or other lawmaking proceedings.

Most local governments are required to publish them in local newspapers, so all citizens have the opportunity to know what’s going on, and if necessary, take appropriate action. Newspapers provide broad community distribution.

Moving a public notice to a municipal website would be like hiding the notice.

Newspapers help keep your government’s actions

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION

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

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

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

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

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Newspapers are more than print. Your local newspapers deliver highquality information in the format that works best for you. Newspapers have dynamic websites, apps, social media channels and newsletters, and they have made significant advancements in digital platforms to make sure you get the news you need when you want it and how you want it.

Newspapers are local. Your newspaper is local, produced by local citizens who drive the same streets, shop in the same stores and have children in the same schools as you. The local newspaper’s focus is on making the community stronger, safer and healthier. The publisher and staff share the same concerns as all the other residents.

Your local newspaper makes a difference in your community in many ways. That’s true every week, not just during National Newspaper Week!

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers, an organization serving more than 1,600 newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more at newspapers.org.

SEASON 2022

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Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer.

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PAID LETTER

Put kids first

Centennial School Board Member Tom Knisely has lived in our community for 20 years. In that time, he and his wife Bridget have volunteered hundreds upon hundreds of hours on behalf of kids in our community. That’s how I met them. Between the two of them, they have organized and ran fundraising campaigns that have raised just shy of $40,000 to benefit youth sports in Centennial.

I’m voting to reelect Tom Knisely to the Centennial School Board because I trust him to do what he has always done — put kids first.

Heidi Hansen Circle Pines

classroom.

All three have experience in local government. Tom Knisely serves on the Centennial School Board and the school board for Intermediate School District 916. Gloria Murphy serves the city of Lexington as a Park Board, Planning and Zoning commissioner. Craig Johnson has served the city of Lino Lakes as a member of the city’s Charter Commission.

The other four candidates, who are running as a slate, have advocated publicly for school lockdowns and mandatory masking and are supported by Take Action Minnesota, a left-wing progressive organization operated by DFL activists. We don’t want candidates pushing their political agenda on the school board.

PAID LETTER

Voting for3

This year’s Centennial School Board election is hotly contested. There are seven candidates campaigning hard for four seats on the school board. So, who should you vote for?

If you want schools fully open, unmasked and focused on academics, not activism, then Tom Knisely, Gloria Murphy and Craig Johnson are the candidates for you. Their number one priority is making up for the learning loss our kids have endured during the pandemic. They also support smaller class sizes, more mental health supports for kids in crisis and keeping politics out of the

On the ballot, you will be able to vote for up to four school board members. But I’ll be voting only for three. Gloria Murphy, Craig Johnson and Tom Knisely.

Jill Anderson Lino Lakes

to abortion is settled law in Minnesota, and that even if a “trifecta” of Republicans hold the Senate, the House and the Governorship, it won’t be an issue. Does this sound eerily familiar to you? It should! We heard the same disingenuous tripe from Republicans prior to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade, essentially ending 50 years of reproductive freedom for women in states across this country.

Make no mistake, while the right to an abortion is not literally on the ballot in Minnesota this election cycle, Elliott Engen is. This young man wants you to believe that candidates concerned about women’s reproductive rights are just trying to generate “clicks, cash and outrage.” It is clear by his cynical and cavalier attitude that he does not understand how serious this issue is for a solid majority of Minnesotans. If elected, however, he would most certainly take every opportunity to use his seat in the House of Representatives to strip Minnesota women of their reproductive rights.

PAID LETTER

Don’t be fooled

U.S. Administration on Aging, Trellis staff provides free legal assistance to anyone with a question about their retirement plan.

CALL US TODAY 1.866.783.5021

Elliott Engen, an opponent of legalized abortion who is running for the Minnesota House in District 36A, has frequently made statements suggesting that abortion should not be a concern during November’s midterm election. He often repeats a Republican talking point, that the right

Luckily, we have another option. Susie Strom, Engen’s opponent in the 36A House race, can be trusted to fight for women’s reproductive freedom. As a mom, an attorney, and a U.S. Army veteran who currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve, Susie believes that women should have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. When elected, she will work tirelessly to ensure that right is maintained in Minnesota. Vote for Susie Strom.

At

Prices

MUELLER-BIES

HOMES

7050

651-784-3390

A calendar brief that ran in last week’s issue omitted the date of the event. We apologize for the error.

Lino Fire to host open houses at both stations

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department Fire Division will host open houses for Fire Preven tion Week from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 8, at both fire stations. During the event, commu nity 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.

2130 N. Dale St. 651-487-2550

Debra Price-Ellingstad White Bear Lake

CORRECTION

has once again stood up to monopoly tech companies on a bipartisan basis. As the daughter of a newspaperman, I understand firsthand the vital role that a free press plays in strengthening our democracy. But local news is facing an existential crisis , with ad revenues plummeting, newspapers closing, and many rural communities becoming ‘news deserts’ without access to local reporting. To preserve strong, independent journalism, we have to make sure news organizations are able to negotiate on a level playing field with the online platforms that have come to dominate news distribution and digital advertising. Our bipartisan legislation ensures media outlets will be able to band together and negotiate for fair compensation from the Big Tech companies that profit from their news

content, allowing journalists to continue their critical work of keeping communities informed. Now that this bill has advanced through the Judiciary Committee with a strong bipartisan vote, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed by the full Senate and signed

• Going forward, the school board will move contributions from the consent agenda into the regular agenda item to allow for more discussion and acknowledgement. “It’s a way to highlight all of these contributions that do come in,” Holmberg said.

Most recently, the district recognized the Blue Heron Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for donating $9,135 for student Chromebooks.

• Every two years, the district is required to seek requests for proposals (RFPs) for group medical insurance. Because the district is self-insured, the proposals are for claims management and processing for 2023 and 2024. The district received proposals from Medica, United Health Group and HealthPartners. Executive Director of Business Services Patrick Chaffey explained that HealthPartners submitted the overall lowest cost option when district representatives looked at the

into law.”

The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act would:

• Empower eligible digital journalism providers—that is, news publishers with fewer than 1,500 exclusive full-time employees and nonnetwork news broadcasters that engage in standard

newsgathering practices—to form joint negotiation entities to collectively negotiate with a covered platform over the terms and conditions of the covered platform’s access to digital news content.

• Require covered platforms—which are online platforms that have at least 50 million U.S.-based users or subscribers and are owned or controlled by a person that has either net annual sales or market capitalization greater than $550 billion or at least 1 billion worldwide monthly active users—to negotiate in good faith with the eligible news organizations.

• Enable non-broadcaster news publishers to demand final-offer arbitration if their joint negotiation with a covered platform fails to result in an agreement after six months.

• Create a limited safe harbor from federal and

entire package.

• For 2023, the district’s medical deductible plan will increase from $2,800 to $3,800 and the co-pay plan will increase by 5%. Chaffey said that the current market trend is about a 7 or 8% increase, so the district was happy to remain below that.

The dental plan will see a 0% increase thanks to a healthy reserve balance, Chaffey said.

• Taxpayers will not see a double levy this year, thanks to a resolution passed that removes the levy for the Achievement and Integration (A&I) Plan the district approved back in April. Chaffey explained that because that tax levy is futuristic (this year’s levy is for next school year), taxpayers would have essentially seen a “double up” or “step up” on the tax levy for the A&I plan and the district didn’t want to do that. In order to remove the A&I plan levy from the proposed tax levy, the Minnesota Department of Education required that the district approve a resolution stating it did not desire to levy its A&I plan with this levy. That will not be the case in future years, the district noted.

• The district’s latest advertising agreement is with Rehbein Transit. The agreement, which runs through June 30, 2025, says Rehbein will pay the district $5,500 per year for various advertising opportunities, including signage on scoreboards, fences, online and more.

In the future, the school board will not have to approve advertising agreements, as the superintendent and other designees will have that discretion. Chaffey explained that the proposed policy change will come before the board soon.

state antitrust laws for eligible digital journalism providers that allows them to participate in joint negotiations and arbitration and, as part of those negotiations, to jointly withhold their content from a covered platform.

• Prohibit discrimination by a joint negotiation entity or a covered platform against an eligible digital journalism provider based on its size or the view expressed in its content and provide a private right of action for violations of this prohibition.

• Prohibit retaliation by a covered platform against eligible digital journalism providers for participating in joint negotiations or arbitration and provide a private right of action for violations of this prohibition.

• Sunset within six years.

• The district has made “nonsubstantive” updates to several policies. The updates are to restore consistency in policy references and ensure that each reference reflects current federal and state statutes, Holmberg said. Per Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) Policy 208, if a policy is modified with minor changes that do not affect the substance of the policy or because of a legal change over which the school board has no control, the modified policy may be approved at one meeting, rather than requiring two readings.

• The school board has added a closed session to its May schedule for Superintendent Holmberg’s performance evaluation. It was accidentally omitted from the 2022-23 school board meeting calendar.

• The Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) is considering hosting an alumni basketball tournament. Holmberg said CAEF is always open to suggestions and ideas to get more people involved in community events/fundraisers.

• North Metro Intermediate District 916 continues to struggle with the teacher shortage, according to School Board Treasurer Tom Knisely, who sits on the 916 board. As of the last meeting, he said the district was short nine teachers and 83 educational assistants.

The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.

Shannon Granholm

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• An office responded to an audible burglar alarm at a business in the 400 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 20. The officer determined the business was secure and there were no problems.

• Officers responded to a 911 hang-up call in the 7100 block of Lakeview Drive Sept. 20. Officers were able to make contact with the owner of the phone and found it was an accidental dial.

• An officer was dispatched to a report of theft in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road Sept. 20. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer was requested to assist another agency in the 4300 block of Ball Road Northeast. They were assisted accordingly.

• An officer received a scam report in the 400 block of Hawthorn Road Sept. 20. The complainant advised they fell for a scam, but there was no financial loss. They were provided with resources to protect themselves from fraud in the future.

• An officer was involved in a vehicle crash in the 7000 block of Lake Drive Sept. 20. Another agency responded and documented the incident.

• An officer responded to a call regarding a gas smell in the 100 block of Sunflower Lane Sept. 20. It was determined there was no gas leak.

• An officer was dispatched to a traffic complaint on Arrowhead Drive and Ojibway Path Sept. 21. The officer documented the incident and determined the vehicle was legally parked.

An officer located a stolen vehicle while on patrol in the 6800 block of 21st Avenue South Sept. 21. The officer notified the reporting law enforcement agency, which investigated and took custody of the vehicle.

• Officers responded to a single-vehicle property damage crash vs. deer in the 1100 block of Ash Street Sept. 22. The vehicle was towed from the scene, and there were no reported injuries.

• An officer responded to a phone call regarding a cyberscam incident in the 700 block of Vicky Lane Sept. 22. The officer spoke to a resident regarding cyber security, and the incident was documented.

• An officer handled a noise complaint in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Sept. 22. All parties were spoken with regarding the incident and given options to remedy the problem.

• An officer assisted with an extra patrol request and documented an estranged husband’s behavior Sept. 22 in the 700 block of Village Drive.

Suspect taken into custody after armed carjacking

BLAINE — On Sept. 24 at approximately 2:45 p.m. Blaine Police were called to the Northtown Cub foods for the repot of an armed carjacking. Officers learned that a male suspect followed a 40-year-old female and her 60-year-old father out of the store and confronted them while they were loading their groceries into their vehicle.

Officers assisted a female in locating her father in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Sept. 22. The male was located, and no other problems were found.

• Officers responded to a 911 hang-up in the 7000 block of Caribou Circle Sept. 23. It was determined to be accidental, and there were no problems.

• An officer responded to a phone call regarding a noise complaint in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Sept. 23. The officer spoke to the resident and referred them to apartment management, as there was no crime that occurred.

• An officer took a phone call report from a traffic complaint in the 7700 block of Country Lane Sept. 23. The officer spoke with the driver of the involved vehicle to make them aware of the complaint.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding, improper lane use and failure to signal a turn in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road Sept. 23. The adult female driver was arrested for DWI. The female was later booked at the Anoka County Jail for DWI and other offenses.

• An officer took a phone call report regarding a vehicle that was accidentally damaged in the 7400 block of Main Street Sept. 24. The incident was documented.

• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on 81st Street W. and Rondeau Lake W. Sept. 24. The vehicle was determined to have been damaged, and the owner was contacted.

•

An officer responded to a motor vehicle versus deer accident on Birch Street and East Shadow Lake Court Sept. 24. The accident was documented, and the driver provided information for insurance purposes.

An officer responded to a local church for an audible burglar alarm in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue Sept. 24. The exterior doors and windows appear to be secure and no problems were found.

• Officers responded to a request to assist a neighboring agency on a traffic stop on Centerville Road and Birch Street Sept. 25. An adult male driver was arrested by the other agency.

• An officer took a report of people hunting too close to structures and hunting outside of hours in the 1500 block of Ash Street Sept. 25. The officer spoke with the owner of the property, who was uncooperative, and advised him on the ordinance. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in the 6900 block of Otter Lake Road Sept. 25. The vehicle was gone upon the officer’s arrival. Extra patrol in the area will be provided.

The suspect first approached the female and pointed a gun at her. Her father intervened to protect the daughter from the suspect and they both ended up on the ground where the male suspect struck the father. During the struggle the suspect also fired the gun. Fortunately, the victim male was not seriously injured. The suspect then pointed the gun at both victims as he ran to their vehicle. The suspect then left the area in the victim’s vehicle.

The incident was shared on social media, which led to

multiple tips. Detectives followed up on the tips and were able to identify a suspect, a 20-year-old from Coon Rapids. The FBI, Anoka Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Maple Grove Police Department assisted in taking the suspect into custody. The case has been forwarded to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office with recommended charges of first-degree aggravated robbery, and two counts of second-degree assault. The vehicle has not been located.

• Officers responded to a civil dispute over a property exchange in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Sept. 26. Both parties agreed upon a time to release the property.

•

A community service officer was dispatched to a report of a manhole cover that had been moved from its position in the middle of the road in the 700 block of Main Street Sept. 26. The cover was placed correctly back onto the manhole and the county highway department was advised.

• Officers responded to a property damage accident in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 26. The incident was documented, and it was determined there were no injuries. The motor vehicle was driven from the scene.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers conducted a warrant attempt in the 1700 block of Center Street in Centerville Sept. 21. An adult female was subsequently addressed about her outstanding warrants.

• Officers responded to a 911 text on the 8800 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Sept. 21.

• Information was collected from a male on 21st and Main Street in Centerville Sept. 22.

• Officers were advised of a possible abuse situation in the 7100 block of Grange View in Centerville Sept. 22. Officers spoke with the complainant and determined there did not appear to be any crime at this time.

• Officers were dispatched to a phone call in the 7200 block of Mill Road in Centerville Sept. 22. Officer took information regarding speeding in the area.

• Officers received information about a store in Lexington selling tobacco products to underage persons Sept. 23.

• A traffic stop was conducted on the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Sept. 23.

• A traffic stop was conducted at Centerville Road and Main Street in Centerville Sept. 25. The officer was suspected of being impaired. One male was arrested.

• An officer took a walk-in noise complaint report from the 400 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Sept. 26.

•

An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington Sept. 27. The driver will be charged out of custody. The passenger was arrested on his outstanding warrant and additional charges.

Sheriff’s Office conducts swearing-in ceremony

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) recently welcomed three detention deputies and one patrol deputy. ACSO recently held a swearing-in ceremony.

Pictured (back row, from left) are Deputy Brady Johnson, Sheriff James Stuart and Detention Deputy Logan Taylor; and (front row, from left) Detention Deputy Haoshi Wang and Detention Deputy Gabrielle Bauer.

Passage as

the best of the Frontier State by land and by

Cougars overtake Wayzata 18-14 at homecoming

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Special teams produced two crucial plays for Centennial and their defense did the rest as the Cougars rallied to beat Wayzata 18-14 after trailing 14-0 on Friday evening.

“Our defense played great in the second half,” coach Mike Diggins said, adding that Wayzata, a much larger school, is always a big challenge. “Wayzata is Wayzata. They’re always big and they always have some good players.”

Before a large homecoming crowd at Centennial, Wayzata (2-3) ruled the first quarter. Cole Heibrun threw to Tyler Milkes for a 36-yard touchdown and Omar Madkour added a 30-yard touchdown run. Heibrun completed 11 of 15 for 123 yards. Madkour rushed 10 times for 57 yards.

The comeback started as Lance Nielsen blocked a punt in the end zone and fell on the ball for a touchdown with about five minutes left in the half. “That was the only good thing we did in the first half,” Diggins said.

Daylen Cummings, Cougar junior quarterback, who had missed 2 1/2 games with an ankle injury, scored

on a three-yard run in the third quarter, capping a sustained drive, pulling the Cougars with 14-12.

In the fourth quarter, the Cougars had a drive stopped by a fumble at the 10-yard line, but forced a punt and got the ball back near midfield.

On a fourth-and-seven play, the Cougars faked a punt, with the snap going to Timmy Ball, one of three blockers. Ball barged 31 yards behind blocks by the other two, Tyler Case and Reese Littlefield, to the Trojan 15. The play was designed by coaches Mike Diggins Jr. and Cody Braeger, coach Diggins said.

Shortly after, Cummings scored again from the two, giving the Cougars the lead 18-14 with about four minutes left. Cummings carried 24 times for 87 yards. Jaden Hill gained 47 yards in 10 carries.

An interception by Ayden Sadowski sealed the win for the Cougars. The Cougars held Wayzata to 123 yards passing and 69 rushing, a total of 192. Coach Diggins cited linemen Melvin Wallace and Marcus Whiting, and linebackers Littlefield and Ball, as defensive leaders as usual.

The Cougar special teams did not have a good game on special teams, though, failing on a kick, a run and a pass.

Nielsen’s been extra special on special teams

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

When Lance Nielsen blocked a punt and scored a touchdown on it against Wayzata during an 18-14 homecoming win Friday, it was nothing new for the Centennial senior. He’s blocked three punts this year and scored on two of them.

Nielsen credited “a lot of preparation during the week” for his game-turning play after Mike Diggins Jr., defensive and special teams coach, scrutinized film and set up the play. “It couldn’t have been planned any better.”

A week earlier, against Maple Grove, Nielsen had a clear shot at the punter and a stroke of luck, too. The ball, after he blocked it, bounced “right into my arms” with an open field ahead of him to dash 50 yards for a touchdown.

Against Wayzata, a cornerback was rushing outside of him and drew a blocker. “That opened up a gap for me,” he said. This time the ball squirted backward after the block. “I was able to slide into it before

it went out of the end zone.”

Nielsen, whose first block was against St. MichaelAlbertville, reflected, “We take special teams very seriously. We’ve had some big plays this year. That fake punt, too.” He referred to a 31yard gain on a fake punt that led to a touchdown against Wayzata.

Centennial trailed 14-0 before Nielsen’s touchdown, which followed a penalty that backed Wayzata up near the goal line.

“That was a huge momentum changer,” said Nielsen, also a starting outside linebacker and running back. “That got our offense hopped up and we played really well in the second half.”

Tennis

The Centennial netters blanked Spring Lake Park 7-0 on Wednesday to finish 5-4 in the Northwest Suburban regular season, then beat Robbinsdale Armstrong 5-4 in a conference crossover match Thursday. They took a 9-7 overall mark into sectionals starting Tuesday. Against SLP, winning for the Cougars were Lauren Klein, Katrina DeBoer, Anya Sugden and Emma Thompson in singles; and Anna Jarpy/Ella O’Hearn, Ella Fenstermacher/ Anna Peterson and Isabel Yang/ Addison Slotsve in doubles.

Boys soccer

The Centennial Cougars stymied Champlin Park 2-1 on Thursday evening at home, the highlights of a 7-6 season so far. The Rebels (8-3) were averaging 4.5 goals per game. The Cougars added a 1-0 win over Forest Lake (2-11) on Saturday. Scoring against Champlin Park were Dominic Trejo-Monson (assisted by Minty Shady) and Aidan Dockendorf (assisted by Keaton Frase). Goalie Vincent Wry stopped 10 of 11 shots. “An outstanding team effort, executing a game plan,” coach Jeff Ottosen assessed. “Teamwork and focus were evident throughout. Exactly the outcome we sought as we prepare for sections.” The Cougars were coming off a 4-0 loss to conference leader Maple Grove on Tuesday.

Girls soccer

The Centennial Cougars picked up two shutout wins last week, over Maple Grove 3-0 and Champlin Park 1-0, improving to 9-2 overall and 7-2 in the Northwest Suburban. Those were the Cougars’ fifth and sixth shutouts of the season, with Jordan Metz in goal, and Maddie Skalicky, Nora Halvig, Kate Hamski and Preslee Nepote in the defensive corps. Against Maple Grove (3-7-2), Addi Van Zee delivered two goals and Kallista Halatsis had the other goal. Against Champlin Park (6-5-2), the game lone goal came from Halatsis on a corner kick with an assist from Addi Van Zee. Metz made six saves against the Rebels. The Cougars hold third place with two matches left, against Rogers and Osseo.

Volleyball

An ace serve by Mattie Petersen was the final point as Centennial prevailed in a grueling five-set match against Andover on Thursday evening 28-30, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 18-16.

The Cougars (14-3) then went 3-1 and placed second in their own tournament Saturday. Against Andover (13-5), the Cougars scrambled back from a 14-15 deficit in game five. “The team played with energy and determination and never gave up,” coach Jackie RehbeinManthey said. Andi Koslowski

logged 21 kills, Cassi Sosinski 11, Elena Hoecke 10 and Ingrid Noha eight. Ash McLellan made 46 assists and seven kills. Petersen led with 39 digs. Avery Bolles led Andover with 21 kills and 34 digs. In the Centennial tourney Saturday, the Cougars defeated St. Francis 25-13, 25-14; Rock Ridge 25-4, 25-8; and White Bear Lake 25-15, 25-22 to reach the finals, where Forest Lake (12-5) tripped them 26-28, 25-18, 15-10.

Cross country

The Centennial boys and girls both placed first in the Osseo Invitational on Thursday at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The Cougar girls had four of the top 12 runners and won by a wide margin with 59 points, followed by Monticello 137 and Osseo 163 among 17 teams. Kylie Nelson placed third (19:41), Abby Wood 10th (20:12), Julia Zalewski 11th (20:19), Abby Wood 12th (20:28) and Anna Swanson 23rd (21:12). Top three boys teams among 20 were Centennial with 85, Belle Plaine 98, and Blaine 127. For the Cougars, Eli Berg placed seventh (16:54), Charlie Bolkcom 11th (17:10), Alex Persing 20th (17:26), Evan Pouliot 21st (17:31) and Matt Washburn 26th (17:34). Individual champions were Caitlyn Osanai of Robbinsdale Armstrong in 19:06 and Emmett Gerres of Belle Plaine in 15:38.

Coach Mike Diggins describes Cummings as a natural leader who inspires confidence and respect from teammates. He passed for 180 yards in a 29-28 loss to unbeaten Stillwater in his only other complete game. As a sophomore, he ran for 473 yards and four touchdowns and threw five touchdown passes.

Onnesti,10, enjoys listening to music, dancing, telling jokes, and making others laugh. She describes herself as sassy, stubborn, and hilarious. Onnesti’s favorite food is pizza, tacos, and anything sweet. She would do best in an active family with a structured and consistent parenting style who can support her racial identity.

Following adoption, Onnesti will need to maintain contact with her grandparents and siblings.

Waiting Child 749856

Submitted by MN Adopt, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.mnadopt.org.

Daylen Cummings returned to action as Centennial’s

quarterback and provided spark and leadership in an 18-14 win over Wayzata. The 6-foot, 180-pound junior kept the ball 24 times and netted 84 yards while punching in for both touchdowns from two and three yards. He had missed 2 1/2 games with an ankle injury.

Centennial (3-2) will play at Blaine (3-2) on Thursday, 7 p.m.

JON NAMYST/NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | CONTRIBUTED Timmy Ball (47) and Will Quick (3) stacked up Wayzata’s Deyon Loveless.

JON NAMYST/NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | CONTRIBUTED Lance Nielsen blocks a punt by Wayzata’s Andrew Westermeyer.

Bruce Strand

SPORTS BRIEFS

BEST TEACHER: 41 years and counting

FROM PAGE 3

also taught sixth grade (in North Dakota) and fourth grade. His heart has always been in fifth grade, likely because of Mrs. Goers.

During a time where many teachers are leaving the field and college students are choosing other careers, Gutbrod’s love for the job has never wavered. He looked at the pandemic and distance/ hybrid learning as just another opportunity to “grow and change as a teacher.”

“I really felt it was my calling. It’s in my heart. This is where I’m supposed to be for as long as it can be,” he said. “I’ve never regretted going into teaching. Even if I do leave one day, I know I’m going to do something with it, whether it’s volunteering or being in the school somehow, because a lot of good things happen here.”

In addition to Mrs. Goers, Gutbrod said his parents, who were born in Germany, also instilled in him the value of school and education. “I always tell (my students that) smart is not what you are, it’s what you get; you can get smart by effort and attitude and just being your best person and helping others.” Gutbrod also credits his wife Kim, his biggest supporter.

When it comes to what he enjoys most, of course it is the children. Back in 2012, right before Christmas, Gutbrod’s parents passed away within a week of each other. He took some time off from work, but when he returned,

he really cherished his students’ energy. “They just bring you back to what is important,” he recalled.

When Gutbrod found out he was selected as Best Teacher, it made him a bit “uncomfortable” because he knows there are many other teachers out there who are deserving of that title.

“There are so many ‘best teachers’. I was inspired by a best teacher, and there’s more best than not. In 41 years of teaching, I’ve been surrounded by the best, and it inspires you to do even better … I’m humbled.”

Blue Heron Elementary Principal Jason Hartmann said Mr. Gutbrod is the example of what is right with education and very deserving of being voted “the best.”

“Mr. Gutbrod gets so much from his kids because he forms a bond with them that last well past fifth grade. The students know that he cares for them as individuals and truly wants them to succeed. He is right there to celebrate, recognize and support his kids as they take risks as learners and beyond the classroom as individuals,” Hartmann said. “Mr. Gutbrod finds the strengths in kids which allows them to increase their confidence and desire to learn.”

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

• Benefiting property owners have until Nov. 15 to pay assessments in full for the Hamline Avenue and North Highway Drive street projects before the amount is certified to Anoka County to be collected with 2023 taxes. Assessments will then be paid over a 10year period with an interest rate of 5%. The general fund will pay for 70% of both projects, and assessments will pick up the remaining 30%. The Hamline Avenue project cost was $76,000. Three property owners will be assessed varying amounts for a total of $22,804. The North Highway Drive project cost was $85,000. Six property owners will be assessed varying amounts for a total of $25,649.

• The City Council has signed off on the Centennial Lakes Police Department’s (CLPD) 2023 budget for $3,104,333. The cities of Lexington, Centerville and Circle Pines have now all signed off on next year’s budget, which represents a 3.96% ($118,147) increase over the 2022 budget, primarily due to increases in personnel/staffing costs and inflationary costs (fuel, IT).

Each year, CLPD uses a formula (population, number of calls and

• The city continues to hire part-time staff for the Rookery. Most recently, the council approved the hiring of guest service representatives, recreation attendants, child watch attendants, custodians and an aquatics swim lead.

• The public safety department was found to be compliant with all audit requirements outlined in Minnesota Statutes for its body-worn cameras program, which it implemented in March 2018. Per state law, the program is required to be audited on a biennial basis. The audit was completed by the firm of Lynn Lembcke Consulting.

• Election judges are now in place for the general election Nov. 8.

• The preliminary 2022 tax levy (collectible 2023) has been set at $12,967,057, which represents a $1,147,770 — or 9.71% — increase over the 2021/2022 tax levy. City Finance Director Hannah Lynch explained that the increase is due to several factors, including the city’s choice not to use any reserves; an increase in cost of supplies; scheduled parks, trails and street projects; and an increase in the pavement management levy.

Over the last year, the city’s net tax capacity value has grown by 29.94%. The levy is estimated to result in a city tax rate of 34.979 for 2023, a decrease from the 2022 tax rate of 40.154.

The levy may come down before final approval in December, but it may not increase. A Truth in Taxation hearing has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at City Hall.

• The city has canceled the debt service tax levy (general obligation capital note, Series 2016A), as adequate resources are available and the levy is no longer needed. In February 2016, the council authorized the issuance of a capital note payable to the city of Circle Pines to finance Lino Lakes’ share of the cost of capital equipment to be used by the North Metro Telecommunications Commission.

• The city has two new part-time firefighters, Will Ricci and Matthew Jessen-Olson. Both firefighters will start with an hourly rate of pay of $18.66, which is step one of a six-step wage scale. The city’s newest police officer, Isaac Simon, will start with the public safety department Oct. 17 at an hourly rate of $36.66, the starting step of a six-step schedule.

• For the second year in a row, the city of Lino Lakes will once again serve as the fiscal administrator of a Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) grant program via the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety in 2023. The statewide program

severity of calls) to determine how much of the budget each of the three cities will be responsible for. Due to an increase in population and calls in Lexington, the city’s portion of the budget will increase by $144,834. Centerville will also see an increase of $42,536, whereas Circle Pines will actually see a decrease of $5,223.

• The city’s proposed tax levy for 2023 is proposed to increase by 20%, or $220,359, from 2022. The city has set the proposed levy at $1,468,655. That number may come down before the final tax levy is approved in December, but it may not increase. The increase will cover the city’s general fund expenses; fulfill the city’s increased obligation to CLPD; and lower the liquor store fund transfer from $275,000 to $200,000.

• Spirit Halloween now has a temporary business license to operate in the former O’Reilly Auto Parts building, located at 9175 South Highway Drive.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at City Hall.

uses a collaborative approach of education, enforcement, engineering and emergency medical services to work toward the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Minnesota roadways to zero.

Members from Lino Lakes Public Safety Department work together with members of other law enforcement agencies within Anoka County to provide high visibility enforcement efforts throughout the county, focusing on impaired driving, speed violations, distracted driving and seat belt violations.

The costs to provide the highvisibility enforcement activity are reimbursed through a TZD grant.

• The police department will donate five bicycles to the nonprofit organization Bikes for Kids.

• The city has approved several actions relating to a new Kwik Trip proposed for the corner of Hodgson Road and Lake Drive. The council approved (Council Member Christopher Lyden opposed) conditional use permits for the motor fuel station and commercial car wash as well as a site improvement performance agreement.

Lyden said he thought the proposal was a “terrible idea” and would act as a “polluter” right next to Rice Lake.

He suggested a day care with a coffee shop might be a better option.

“I’ve never heard our residents say we need another gas station. It has just never happened. Within one half-mile, we will have five gas stations,” he said.

“I think everyone on this council is pro-business. Pro-business means our primary responsibility and obligation is supporting our current businesses.”

He mentioned that out of the five gas stations, two of them are familyowned, and would likely go out of business if Kwik Trip comes in.

“It will just be a matter of the big fish eating the little fish … I’d rather wait five years to get the right businesses here than to have the wrong one for the next 60 years,” he said.

The city has finished paying its bills for the 2021 surface water maintenance project. The project cost was $159,252. Most recently, the council authorized the fourth and final payment of $29,272 to Dimke Excavating Inc.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the council chambers at City Hall. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. in the community room.

Shannon Granholm

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

Shannon Granholm

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

Centennial Fire

Battalion Chief Darren Eckart

Battalion Chief Matt Montain Captain Michael Weber Captain George Wessman

Lieutenant Bryce Wasiloski Firefighter Jeffrey Beaupre Firefighter Jake Bond

Firefighter Ryan Dion Firefighter Tim Engle Firefighters Mindy Fiester Firefighter Ryan Harris Firefighters Eric Hestness

Firefighter Brent Hood Firefighter Dave Hults Firefighter Pete Johnson

Firefighter Adam Montain

Firefighter Aaron Olson

Firefighter Jake Pfeffer Firefighter Brad Robinson

Firefighter Mike Tschida Firefighter Annalise Wessman

Firefighter Robert Wyse

Brian Pevito Nicholas Potzmann

Taylor Andres Jacob Bogdanovich

Charlie Jenkins III

10 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS OCTOBER 4, 2022 www.presspubs.com Katie McLaughlin Ben Opem

Once

to

from

home. A closed door

outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on

Once a smoke alarm sounds you may have as little as one or two minutes to escape safely from your home. A closed door may slo w t he spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Draw a floor plan of your h ome, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors and select a location for everyone to meet once outside.

exits and escape routes. Draw a floor plan

Fire Chief Erik Edwards Asst Fire Chief Mike Maleski

Lieutenant Mike Mohler

Firefighter Mark Kurth

Firefighter Keith Harris

Firefighter Jeffery Geiger

Fire Chief Erik Edwards Asst Fire Chief Mike Maleski

Lieutenant Mike Mohler Firefighter Mark Kurth

Firefighter Jimmy Earley

Firefighter Heidi Haakenson

Firefighter Brian Mohler

Firefighter Joe Morrison Firefighter Jeffery Geiger

Firefighter Onna Belter

Firefighter Cally Jacobsen Firefighter David Hults

Firefighter Oscar Ogenga

Firefighter Keith Harris

Fire Chief Erik Edwards Asst Fire Chief Mike Maleski Lieutenant Mike Mohler Firefighter Mark Kurth

Firefighter Jimmy Earley Firefighter Heidi Haakenson Firefighter Brian Mohler

Firefighter Joe Morrison Firefighter Jeffery Geiger Firefighter Onna Belter

Firefighter Cally Jacobsen Firefighter David Hults Firefighter Oscar Ogenga

Firefighter Keith Harris

Firefighter Brian Mohler Firefighter Heidi Haakenson Firefighter Onna Belter Firefighter Jimmy Earley

Firefighter Oscar Ogenga

Firefighter David Hults

OCTOBER 4, 2022 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS 11 www.presspubs.com Firefighter Cally Jacobsen

co .ramsey.mn.us by October 26,2022.

THE

358 Firewood 362

Facilities Maintenance Technician

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 HumanResources@nyfs.org

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.

Staff Writer

Thank

to Buy

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.

PARTS RUNNER - SHOP HELPER

IMMEDIATE - Full-Time employment opportunity with great benefits for a parts runner / shop helper at our Lino Lakes facility.DAYTIME HOURSIMMEDIATE OPENINGS Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable parts runner and shop helper to join our team.

Job Requirements: Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license.

Excellent Benefits: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms provided.

Go to our website to apply, www.eamservice.com or call (651) 786-4463

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

Now Hiring

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

Collections, Deposits, Billing

Please send resume to: AR@presspubs.com

Annual

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of 18 livin

with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under

will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in

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Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant

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

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.

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional income. Press Publications is looking for a part-time independent contractor to research for and produce monthly articles along with arts and entertainment features for our news-magazine hybrid publication. Candidate should have photography and/or graphics skills.

Please contact Patty Steele at Press Publications, 651-407-1213, or marketing@presspubs.com

here-

that all

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

nation call

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Administrative Assistant

PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A

Commercial

Personal Touch

Fancy Pawz

Let’s Talk Herbs

Nail trims and bathing services by appointment!

HolisticHerbsForDogs.com

Dogs

Robin Udstuen | owner 15190 Everton Av. North, Hugo, Mn. 55038 651-485-9774 tcdistributing@msn.com

Free Pupcake with Every Appointment.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST-LIFE OF A VOYAGEUR

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.

Let’s Talk Herbs

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Canine Community

support pet adoptions and health, in partnership with Secondhand Hounds. Book Now!

651-492-1888 to speak with a stylist and set your appointments.

Wildwood Rd, Mahtomedi • 651-492-1888 • hautedogspa.com

Dr. Stuart B. Dalton

Dr. Gwen Zupancich Dr. Sarah Prochnow Dr. Mikayla Nicklay

MJ The Critter Sitter

www.WhiteBearAnimalHospital.com

www.mjthecrittersitter.com

FALL COLORS VOYAGEUR CANOE TRIP

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve boat launch, 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes

Did you know that dogs can take natural herbs and vitamins and it might be bene ficial for them. Herbs and Vitamins could help your dogs live a healthier and happier life. You can learn more on my website: HolisticHerbsForDogs.com - where you can watch my Podcast.

Details: See the fall colors from a 30-foot Voyageur canoe, No experience required. Registration $10/adult; $5/child 15 and under. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Canine Holistic Health and Therapy Diploma Tami Lytle

LINO LAKES FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 8

Where: Lino Lakes Fire Station 1, 7741 Lake Dr.; and Lino Lakes Fire Station 2, 1710 Birch St.

Details: Community members are invited to tour the stations, see apparatuses up close, and see an extrication demo.

Contact: linolakes.us

HUGO AMERICAN LEGION BOOYA & AUXILIARY BAKE SALE

When: Noon until gone Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N. Details: Enjoy booya and baked goods supporting veteran and community programs. Contact: 651-255-1432

EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION PUBLIC FLIGHTS

When: Oct. 14-16

Where: Anoka County-Blaine Airport, 8891 Airport Rd., Blaine

Details: Opportunity for members of the public to ride aboard a WWII-era B-25 Mitchell bomber, a twin engine, twin tailed aircraft used by every branch of the military. Flights filled based on availability. Contact: flytheb25.org

FALL JEWELRY AND CRAFT SALE

When: noon-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16

Where: St. Odilia School gym, 3495 N. Victoria St., Shoreview Details: St. Odilia Council of Catholic women hosts annual sale with bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, along with quilts, hats, mittens, blankets, and other handmade items.

WOMEN’S HIKING CLUB

When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Explore, get exercise and enjoy nature in a naturalist-guided hike. For women ages 16+. Free; registration required. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

FALL FESTIVAL

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Pioneer games, cider press and self-guided nature activities for families. Free. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

BUSINESS BRIEF

Peace,

United Methodist Community church, to celebrate 60th anniversary

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

Sixty years ago, on March 26, 1962, a group of five men from Centennial United Methodist, the district superintendent and representatives of the Methodists builders organization, met to discuss establishing a new Methodist church in the Shoreview area.

Peace Community of Faith Methodist Church in Shoreview was established.

An anniversary celebration will be held Sunday, Oct. 9, at Peace, a United Methodist Community Church, 5050 Hodgson Road in Shoreview.

“We’ve invited all of our prior pastors, and we know that our district superintendent Dan Johnson is coming to give a blessing,” Peace lay leader Quita Bertelsen said.

“Bishop David Bard is coming, and he’s the bishop for Michigan, Minnesota and the Dakotas,” Pastor Jason Steffenhagen added.

Also coming to the anniversary celebration is former Pastor Mike Miller.

“He was the pastor at Peace for 17 years,” Bertelsen said. “He was here for the expansion when we moved here in 1992 and built the big sanctuary.”

The events of the day include:

• 10 a.m. – Church service: Blessed are the peacemakers

• 11 a.m. – Coffee and fellowship

• 11:30 a.m. – Catered meal and desserts (from Kowalski’s)

• 12:30 p.m. – Celebration service

Steffenhagen said the celebration service will include personal reflections, live music, pastoral appreciation and a time of dedication.

“We will talk a little bit about the future of the church and the vision we have moving forward,” he said. “Our new slogan we’ve been working on is ‘reconciling and growing for everyone’. We’ve officially clarified our name as Peace, a United Methodist Community Church.”

There will be a nursery; children’s church will be also available for kids aged 0 to fifth grade. Those who wish to attend

should RSVP for the luncheon by Saturday, Oct. 1, at www. signupgenius.com/go/peace60 or call the church at 651-484-2226 and leave a message.

Brief history of Peace

Five couples began gathering in one another’s homes on Wednesday evenings for worship with John Golden, a seminary student. The first gathering of the new Methodist congregation was held in the home of Jim and Virginia Reynolds on June 20, 1962.

The first service was held on Sept. 9, 1962, at the former Lutheran Church of the Apostles, 4675 Hodgson Road; Pastor Leonard Boche served as interim pastor. There were 68 adults and 56 children in attendance.

The church became known as Peace Methodist Church. The congregation was growing; there were 65 members by December, which enabled the congregation to purchase the building from the Lutheran Church of the Apostles as it was merging with Incarnation Lutheran Church.

Pastor Harlyn C. Hagmann was appointed and served until June 1965.

The Peace Methodist Church name changed to Peace United Methodist Church (UMC) in June 1969. A new chapter began on Jan. 2, 1972, when the church was sold to the Oak Hill Montessori School. It held its first service at the Home of the Good Shepherd, previously located at 5100 Hodgson Road. The chapel, gym, classroom and cafeteria space was rented from the Sisters.

A groundbreaking service was held on Sept.13, 1981, at the future home of Peace UMC. The land, a horse pasture, was purchased from the Home of the Good Shepherd at 5050 Hodgson Road.

The first service was held in the sanctuary, which is now Pioneer Hall, on Feb. 7, 1982, with Miller serving as pastor. He was appointed a full-time pastor on July 1, 1982.

In 1992 the Peace praise singers first performed in the church. Peace also put on many musicals throughout the years, including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “He

Lived the Good Life,” “One Voice,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Our House,” “Take Me to the Rock” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Pam Jacobson, considered the historian of Peace, noted there have been many youth mission trips throughout the years.

“A lot of them have been to Jamaica with either adults or youth groups,” Jacobson said. “The most recent one was to Maui.”

Pastor Hugh Stephenson retired in 2010. Pastor Gary Walpole was appointed and retired in April 2022.

Future of Peace

Moving forward, Peace has created key messages for reconciling and growing.

• Faith: God’s love moves us to get curious, practice empathy and embrace humility to transform our lives, be a safe haven for everyone and transform our world.

• Belonging: As all of us journey through wholeness, we partner and encourage one another, no matter where we are in our own story, to work toward reaching our highest potential.

• Serving: We strive to remove the barriers that personally and historically keep people from loving relationships. We specifically lean into work with the LGBTQIA+ community, racial reconciliation and socioeconomic injustices and inequalities.

• Aspirations: We hope that all people and all creation will experience sacred rhythm, harmony and connection because we are created good and worthy of love.

“The aspirational statement potentially lays out the groundwork for what we hope for our future,”

Steffenhagen said. “We really want to see people live up to their potential and that they are worthy of love no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or where they come from.”

Rookery hosts ribbon cutting, plans event for October

The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes recently held a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting event. Community members were invited to tour the facility and see all it has to offer from lap swimming to pickle ball. Coming up on Friday, Oct. 14, the Rookery will host Bobbing for Pumpkins from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include a floating pumpkin patch, open swim, pumpkin carving, carnival games, bounce house, treats and a costume swap. For more information, visit https://linolakes.us/449/Special-Events.

CONTRIBUTED

A ribbon-cutting was recently held for The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes.

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PHOTOS BY JON NAMYST |