Quad Community Press

Suspected homicide under investigation at prison

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Office of Special Investigations (OSI), the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and Lino Lakes Police are investigating a suspected homicide at Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)Lino Lakes.

DOC spokesperson Andy Skoogman said a 63-yearold man, who was serving a 19.5-year sentence at MCF-Lino Lakes, was found unresponsive in his cell around 10:30 a.m. Oct. 5. DOC

BY THE NUMBERS 10 million 20 people

35% of women and 25% of men 250 lives 24 lives

medical staff and outside emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving efforts. The man was pronounced dead shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Skoogman said a 42-yearold man, who is serving a life sentence at MCF-Lino Lakes, is the lone suspect in the suspected homicide. He is currently in administrative segregation at MCF-Lino Lakes.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine manner and cause

of death. The identity of the victim will be released after full notification of next of kin. MCF-Lino Lakes has been placed on modified lockdown status to allow for the investigation to be completed. Modified lockdown means the incarcerated population is restricted to their living units. No further information, including the name of the suspect, is available currently.

Department of Corrections

women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year per minute are physically abused by an intimate

Council continues to discuss fire department’s future

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — City staff members are recommending the City Council consider making changes to its compensation plan for both paid-on-call (POC) firefighters and parttime firefighters.

Per council direction, city staff members have been diving into all things fire in an effort to do a comparative analysis to see how the city’s department stacks up against neighboring departments. Previously, Council Member Christopher Lyden requested that the city use some of its approximately $929,000 public safety aid dollars it received from the state of Minnesota to hire a consultant for longterm planning for the department.  Although the council didn’t decide to pull the plug on hiring a consultant, it directed staff members to continue gathering information on neighboring departments for a comparative analysis.

During the month of October, cities, townships, sheriff’s offices, hospitals, churches and other organizations will raise awareness about domestic violence in the community by

illuminating purple lights. This illuminating display will occur throughout National Domestic Violence Awareness Month as part of Alexandra House’s Purple Lights campaign.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate by shining purple lightbulbs on their front porches, in front windows or in other public displays to acknowledge the

moti ve

victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The “Purple Light Nights” campaign was initiated by the Covington Domestic Violence Task Force

“In an effort to continue to recruit and retain POC personnel, staff recently conducted another market study of the hourly rates of pay for POC fire personnel in the metro area and throughout the state,” Human Resources/ Communications Manager Meg Sawyer said. “The study found that on average, POC firefighters were paid a starting wage of $16.04 per hour. The maximum hourly starting wage was $20.25 and the minimum hourly starting wage was $10.59.”

SEE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PAGE 2 SEE FIREFIGHTER PAY, PAGE 7

Law enforcement are investigating a suspected homocide at Minnesota Correctional Facility in Lino Lakes.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Show support by wearing purple throughout October

How to get involved

• Replace exterior lightbulbs with purple ones (available through Alexandra House)

• Use string lights in storefront windows or for wrapping trees, and use purple spotlights for businesses

• Display a Domestic Violence Awareness Month yard sign in your yard

• Encourage your community to join in the efforts to break the silence around domestic violence

• Wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 19, to support #PurpleThursday.

‘Ask me why I wear purple’ initiative

We challenge our community to join us in wearing purple and sharing with those who ask, WHY they wear purple. We wear purple to:

• Call attention to the fact that domestic violence continues to be a profound and pervasive social and public health crisis, crossing lines of class, race,

ethnicity and sexuality

• Serves as a reminder that thousands of Minnesotans, most often women and children, are affected by domestic violence

• Let victims of domestic violence and abuse know that they are not alone or ignored and that there is help available for themselves and their families

• Raise awareness about domestic violence and stand with survivors

in King County, Washington, and has now become a nationwide effort to raise awareness about domestic violence issues and its impact on children and families, while also promoting healthy relationships through education.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Some entities that have already pledged to support this year’s campaign include: the cities of Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Anoka Ramsey and Columbia Heights, as well as the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Anoka County Government Center.

Alexandra House,

located in Anoka County, is leading the Purple Lights campaign. Alexandra House offers domestic, sexual and relationship violence services to women, men, youth and families in Anoka County and across the state. Domestic violence is a widespread issue in the United States. On

average, approximately 10 million women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year, which equates to almost 20 people per minute. By displaying purple lights, residents and organizations can bring the silent issue to the forefront of the community’s attention.

For decades, domestic violence statistics have remained stagnant; 35% of women and 25% of men in Minnesota have experienced physical violence, rape and/ or stalking from their partners at some point in their lives. In the last decade, more than 250 Minnesotans have been lost to domestic violence.

In 2022, there were 24 domestic-related homicides in Minnesota. Twenty-four lives have already been lost to domestic violence this year.  For more information, visit www. alexandrahouse.org/ domestic-violenceawareness-month.

Reading Bridge registration now open Reading Bridge registration is now open for fall sessions. Reading Bridge pairs volunteer reading mentors with first, second and third grade students who could use extra support in reading. One-hour weekly sessions are scheduled at the library from October through December, where mentors and students will read together and play literacy games. Reading Bridge is a safe and fun space for students to build their confidence while they strengthen the skills they are being taught in school. Find more details and how to register online at ow.ly/zR0A50PPl6U.

Lexington Fire hosts community breakfast

The Lexington Fire Department will host a community breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at

the fire station. The all-you-can-eat buffet will include scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, French toast, coffee, orange juice and milk. Members of the Circle Lex Lions will also be serving their booya, available for purchase by the quart. Lexington Fire T-shirts and 2024 calendars will also be for sale.

Nominations for Centennial’s Hall of Fame are due Nov. 1

Do you know of someone who has a longstanding history of providing services of time and commitment to education? Do you know a Centennial graduate who has demonstrated outstanding professional accomplishments and/or has used their education to impact society?

Nominations for the Centennial Hall of Fame Class of 2024 are due Nov. 1. More information on criteria and how to submit a nomination can be found at isd12.org/get-involved.

CONTRIBUTED

Registration for the Reading Bridge program at Anoka County Library is underway for October through December.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Oct. 19; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16; the 3rd Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Monthly meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo

Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage.

Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: 651-429-4413

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress.

Contact: Barb @ 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

CURRENT EVENTS

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10

Where: Tamarack Nature Center,

5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Lake

Details: Hike on paved and unpaved trails.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

CARD MAKING CLASS

When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12

Where: Community Health Club, 1430 Highway 96 (Inside HealthPartners clinic)

Details: Card-making class for adults. Space limited; registration required.

Contact: https://form.jotform. com/232346847726162

FALL FRIDAYS AT THE FILLEBROWN

When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 13

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.

Details: Take a self-guided tour of the 1879 lakeside cottage and enjoy refreshments on the porch.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

NIGHT HIKE

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.

Details: Family-friendly evening hike along lit trails. Free with parking permit.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us/ parks

PUNKINMANIA

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

14

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center and Veterans Park, Mahtomedi

Details: Community-wide event with pumpkins and painted pumpkins for sale, games, crafts, food, fire trucks, and more.

Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us

FOREST BATHING

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct 14

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.

Details: Experience the ancient wellness practice of Japanese forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), which includes immersion in the natural setting to reduce anxiety and enhance focus. Register online.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us/ parks

BIG RED BARN FOLK ART & CRAFTERS FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 County Road D, Maplewood Details: Area’s largest folk arts gathering with more than 100 artisan booths and food trucks. Fundraiser for the Maplewood Area Historical Society.

Contact: maplewoodmuseum.org/ events/fall-2023-folk-arts-fair/

THE

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Details: Annual fundraising gala for Children’s Performing Arts include heavy appetizers and dessert, open bar and signature drink, silent auction, entertainment and after party. Program only ticket option available.

Contact: childrensperformingartsmn.org

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Where: Rice Creek Fields, 5880 Rice Creek Parkway, Shoreview Details: Hike the Rice Creek North Trail, approx. 5 miles.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

‘THE GIFT OF MUSIC’

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Where: St. Joseph of the Lake Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes

Details: The Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra will perform a concert to support Powerpack, and program of the Centennial Food Shelf. Free concert, offering requested.

Contact: centennialfoodshelf.org/powerpack

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST AND BOOYA

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Lexington Fire Department, 9055 So. Highway Drive

Details: Lexington Fire & Rescue Auxiliary hosts all-you-caneat buffet breakfast from 9-11 a.m., and is selling t-shirts and calendar to support the department. The Circle Pines/ Lexington Lions Club will be serving a Booya from 9 a.m. until gone.

QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEWINS

When: 10a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N. Details: Stop in to see what Lakeshore Quilters are working on, and pring a project.

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center

6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville

Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site

14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo

Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center

6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org

Evolving rituals

Ispotted the first signs of the upcoming holiday season back in mid-August when a group of Halloween inflatable decorations appeared in a prominent display near the entrance at a local Menards store. Among the festive inflatables was a vintage Volkswagen bus with a skeleton driver and a collection of smiling passengers, including a ghost, ghoul, witch and trio of Jack-o-Lanterns. Knowing that she and her husband own a vintage VW bus, I passed on this early holiday decoration sighting to our Managing Editor Shannon Granholm. She was a step ahead of me and had already seen and acquired the orange, black and green bus with pumpkin hubcaps. I’d never seen this particular decoration before, so it was probably a good move to act quickly because a recent online search showed they were mostly out of stock and becoming hard to find. I’ve finally accepted the ever growing expansion of the holiday retail season, but still marvel at the evolution and transformation of Halloween from what was originally an ancient Celtic ritual celebrating the fall harvest into the second-most popular retail event (behind Christmas) in the United States.

Angle of View

According to the History Channel website and other sources, Halloween’s origins date back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain and along with celebrating the harvest, it is noted that, with winter approaching, it was also a time that it was believed the veil between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Bonfires and superstitious costumes make more sense when you start thinking about how scary and uncertain the coming of winter would have been without the abundant food, shelter and modern conveniences we take for granted. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence that as christianity spread into the Celtic regions, the Catholic Church sought to replace pagan rituals with a church-sanctioned holiday. As a child growing up in a Catholic family, I didn’t analyze or question why All Saints Day conveniently followed Halloween. In grade school we got the day off and usually this time was used to organize and trade the candy that my brothers and I had collected the previous night. The word Halloween has origins in the tradition of All Saints Day being called All-hallows or All-hallow-ma in Middle English and the night before being named All-Hallows Eve.

I can appreciate the variety of ways people choose to celebrate Halloween, ranging from costumes and the childhood rite of passage of trick-or-treating to the more globally influenced seasonal celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of Dead) — with one exception. Maybe it’s the violence we’re exposed to on a daily basis in our society, but for some reason I just can’t stomach the gory, murderous slasher aspect of Halloween that seems to have started with the influence of a series of horror movies in the 1970s and 80s. Personally, I’m drawn to decorations and events that incorporate fire, lights and a bit of imagination and mysticism.

In the coming weeks we can look forward to some local family-friendly Halloween events, including the annual Scare in White Bear 5K run along a torch-lit path near the lake, the Trick-or-Treat event at Tamarack Nature Center and the Halloween Party in Vadnais Heights. If you feel like venturing a little further from home, BareBones is celebrating the 30th year of their puppet pageant — a unique outdoor spectacle consisting of larger-than-life puppetry, stilting, dance, fire, song and music.

Regardless of how we choose to celebrate the rituals of the holiday season, I believe a universal, shared experience in the cycles of life and nature can be found at the heart of most of these rituals and maybe that’s the reason they continue to endure and evolve over time.

I

remember leaving Room 309A at the State Capitol confident I had finally struck a deal. It was a sunny afternoon in early May. Multiple times throughout the legislative session, a solution seemed to be in hand only to watch it crumble. But if I had succeeded at long last, the beneficiaries would be the 4,000 residents who live in manufactured home parks in my House district here in Blaine and Lexington.other renters, they can’t easily up and move if the rent skyrockets or conditions in the park take a downward turn.

We’ve seen a troubling trend in Minnesota and across the country in recent years. Large, national private equity firms are buying manufactured home parks and quickly raising rents putting long-time residents in a pinch. If residents are able to form a co-op and buy the park themselves, they have the ability to determine their own futures.

Capitol to do: to listen to all sides, make reasoned and informed policy decisions, and, in the process, make Minnesota an even better and more prosperous place for all its residents.

That’s how you make laws that will stand the test of time. You can take the easy route, but you risk unintended harm and a motivated opposition ready to undo your work at the first opportunity. Making laws that last takes longer and the work is harder, but it produces a better outcome in the end.

Legislator Lingo

While I celebrated many big wins in my first legislative session, nothing quite captured what being a legislator means to me like my work on manufactured housing.

The bill I was negotiating that May afternoon capped a set of reforms I led this year that will make it easier for manufactured home park residents to band together and buy their park when the owner is looking to sell.

Our neighbors in manufactured housing often own their homes but rent the land beneath them. And despite them being called “mobile homes,” most of them are not very mobile after they’ve been sitting in one place for a few years. This means that, unlike

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Yet, after weeks of negotiations on the legislation, the park owners still had concerns about the bill I was working on. As a member of the DFL majority, I could have rammed through any language I wanted. It would have been the easy option.

But that’s not what makes for good policymaking. Ignoring the park owners’ concerns risked unintended consequences for the residents I was trying to help. And it would have all but guaranteed that the new law would be a top target the next time power changed hands at the Capitol.

Instead, I brought the two sides together for one final, tough negotiating session. We emerged with a compromise not everyone was entirely happy with, but one everyone could live with.

I believe this story perfectly captures what the voters of Blaine and Lexington sent me to the

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By the time the Legislature adjourned on May 22, I had succeeded in passing a new requirement that park owners notify the residents when they plan to sell a park, tax incentives to encourage owners to sell to the residents, and financing to help residents purchase their parks.

I also secured $17 million for manufactured home park infrastructure grants and loans, as well as $10 million for manufactured home financing, down payment assistance, and repair/renovation.

There’s more to do on manufactured housing and so many other issues at the Capitol. But you can count on me to bring this same balanced and levelheaded approach every day I go to work for you.

State Rep. Matt Norris represents District 32B.

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Paul Dols

Making laws that last

Matt Norris

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

(VLAWMO) and WSB to prepare an Amelia Lake ditch study. Amelia Lake is a natural environment lake located in the southeast portion of Lino Lakes. The watershed area is approximately 754 acres. A private ditch serves as an outlet for approximately 340 acres of the watershed.

Minnesotans encouraged to submit designs for state flag and seal

• Jon Lipinski, owner of 75 Robinson Drive, will not be permitted to install synthetic grass/artificial turf in his front and side yard. Applicant Troy Johnson, of ForeverLawn Minnesota Inc., submitted a land use application on Lipinski’s behalf to the city for a zoning ordinance text amendment that would allow the synthetic ground cover.

City Planner Katie Larsen explained that city staff are not aware of any cities in the area that have amended ordinances to allow for the widespread use of the product. Both the Environmental Board and the Planning and Zoning Board expressed concerns regarding the product and recommended the council deny the text amendment.

Mayor Rob Rafferty said, “I’m more in tune to a grass yard than artificial turf.”

Council Member Michael Ruhland said he has the product at his home in Arizona. However, he would not necessarily support that here.

“It’s a very popular product and it looks beautiful, but I feel like there is a place for it,” he said. Ultimately, the council was not supportive of the widespread use of the product and chose to deny the text amendment.

• Glamos Wire Inc. now has a conditional use amendment (CUP) that will permit outdoor storage. Larsen explained that in July 2021, the council approved a CUP for outdoor storage, but in October 2022, the owner graded land and filled in a stormwater basin south of the outdoor storage area without a

permit and began storing items outside, violating the CUP. In November 2022, city staff met with the owner and explained that the CUP needed to be amended and a formal land use application was required. In August 2023, the city received the land use application. The CUP lays out requirements such as what can be stored outside, where it can be stored and how it needs to be screened.

• The city, along with the help of WSB, continues to refine its Gateway Design Guidelines for key entrances into the city. The main focus right now is the streetscape plan for the Hodgson Road/County Road J intersection. Initial estimates of the streetscape components for the Hodgson/ County Road J improvements are approximately $500,000, of which entry monument signs are approximately $130,000.

• The city has partnered with the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization

Tom Hoffman, engineering technician with WSB, explained that recent flooding in the ditch corridor is due to limited maintenance and failure of private culverts. The study identifies both short-term and long-term solutions. In the short-term, Hoffman said a ditch maintenance project is needed to remove sediment deltas and trees; slope grading is also needed. The city will also need voluntary easements from property owners to allow them to correct and replace failing culverts. The project is estimated to cost $252,500.

The city plans to schedule a neighborhood meeting to go over the study’s findings with nearby residents and discuss possible access to the private ditch system.

• The city continues to try to come up with options that will both attract and retain firefighters to the public safety department. (See full story in this week’s issue.)

• Mayor Rafferty and Council Member Michael Ruhland will serve on the design committee for the proposed water treatment plant. The council authorized preparation of plans and specifications in August 2022. WSB is currently working through the floor plan and has reached a point to begin discussions on exterior design. City staff will work with Oertel Architects to develop the building’s exterior architectural elements.

Shannon Granholm

Minnesotans can now officially submit their ideas for the next state flag and seal. The State Emblems Redesign Commission is accepting public submissions on its website. All entries must be original and follow the guidelines. Participants must be 18 years of age or older or have their submissions entered by a parent or legal guardian. Each eligible person can submit up to three designs each for the state flag and state seal.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than Jan. 1, 2024. Public submissions will be accepted online and via U.S. mail and must be submitted or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30. Mail submissions can be sent to the address listed at www.mnhs.org/serc.

Any submissions made to previous state emblems initiatives should be entered through the official website. Five submissions for each the new state seal and state flag will be selected for final consideration by the commission. The commission will select one design (or a modified version) to be utilized as the basis for each emblem.

CONTRIBUTED

Rocko is a handsome, funloving, active fella with a heart of gold. He is social with other dogs and cats, and he loves everyone he meets. Rocko is a husky/shepherd mix. He is just over 2 years old and weighs about 50 pounds. Rocko is house-trained and knows his basic commands and some tricks. He’s affectionate, playful and intelligent, and he is always eager to please.

Rocko has a high energy level and would do best with an active partner or family. He will need a vigorous exercise routine that might include a couple of daily walks or a nice long daily run or hike. He is an athlete, and would do great in a formal training program or agility training. Rocko is smart and likes toys that he has to figure out. On the flip side, during his downtime, Rocko is a soft, sensitive teddy bear who likes to cuddle.

Rocko was surrendered to Ruff Start Rescue from a local owner. If you are interested in learning more about Rocko or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Waiting Child

Jarell,15, is energetic, athletic, caring, and personable. He is a gifted athlete who especially excels in football but is also talented at basketball and soccer. Jarell's favorite subjects in school are PE and Art. When not in school, he enjoys playing video games. Jarell values his friendships and loves hanging out with friends.

Jarell would do best with calm caregivers who can support him in his interests. It would benefit him to remain in the greater metro area, preferably in a diverse community. Jarell enjoys participating in church activities that are child focused and likes animals.

Following adoption, Jarell will need to maintain contact with his siblings, some extended family members, and his former foster family. Only families from Minnesota are being considered at this time.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Lino Lakes is in the process of refining its design guidelines for gateway entrances.

Here is an example of a monument sign the city might install at one of these gateway entrances to the city.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer was dispatched to a residence in the 7700 block of Marilyn Drive for an injured animal Sept. 26. The officer dispatched the animal and disposed of it properly.

• An officer investigated a shoplifting incident at a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 26. An adult male was later charged with shoplifting.

• An officer responded to a report of an individual selling drugs to minors in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road Sept. 26. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer was dispatched to a report of illegal dumping in the 6100 block of Hodgson Road Sept. 26. The officer checked the area for the suspect, but did not locate them. The officer requested the county highway department respond to pick up the illegally dumped item.

• Officers responded to a report of juvenile activity at a residence in the 800 block of Old Birch Street Sept. 26. The juveniles dispersed, and one person claimed their vehicle was damaged. The officer documented the incident and the driver of the vehicle was provided with a case number.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct report involving a student in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Sept. 27. The officers documented the information and charged the student with disorderly conduct. A parent picked the juvenile up.

Officers responded to a residence for a domestic assault Sept. 27. After investigating the incident, a juvenile was arrested for domestic assault and brought to the secure juvenile center.

• Officers responded to a report of a multiple school bus accident near Elm Street and Lakeview Drive Sept. 27. The officer arrived and documented the incident. Several people suffered minor injuries and were treated by paramedics. The buses were towed from the scene, and one driver was cited for a traffic violation.

• An officer took a report of suspicious activity in a parking lot in the 800 block of Birch Street overnight Sept. 27. The officer documented the incident and advised night shift officers for extra patrol.

• Officers responded to a traffic complaint involving a speeding vehicle and mention of a firearm near Main Street and Fourth Avenue Sept. 27. Officers located the vehicle with an airsoft rifle inside. The driver and occupants were juveniles, and their parents handled the situation.

• Officers were dispatched to a call of suspicious activity at a business in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road Sept. 28 involving a male the caller believed to be impaired. The male was subsequently arrested for second-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a secure corrections facility in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Sept. 28 for suspected narcotics brought in during an intake. The bag of suspected narcotics was brought to the police station for testing.

• An officer took a report of a stolen license plate in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 28. There is no suspect information. The license plate was entered as stolen.

• An officer responded to a property damage accident at a business in the 600 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 28. Upon arrival, the officer learned

one driver fled the scene. The driver was later identified and will be charged with multiple offenses.

• An officer took a report of a suspicious male on a property in the 300 block of Carl Street Sept. 28. The officer identified the male and trespassed the male from the property at the owner’s request.

• Officers responded to a disorderly juvenile at a school in the 300 block of Elm Street Sept. 29. The student went home with their guardian for the rest of the day.

• Officers were requested by another law enforcement agency to pick up an individual from the 300 block of Ware Circle who was wanted for charges in the other county Sept. 29. An adult male was later taken into custody and delivered to the original agency.

• Officers responded to a residence on a report of a domestic assault Sept. 29. The officers interviewed all involved and arrested an adult female. The female was booked into jail for the offense.

• An officer stopped a motorcyclist blocking traffic near Main Street and Lake Drive Sept. 29. The officer observed signs of impairment and the driver was arrested for DWI. The driver was later booked into the Anoka County Jail for gross misdemeanor DWI and DWI refusal.

• Officers responded to a report of a power pole struck by lightning on Elm Street Sept. 29. No fire was observed, and the power company was informed of the outages.

• A passerby called in about a tree down in the roadway, which had also taken down a power line in the 6100 block of Bald Eagle Boulevard Sept. 29. The power company was advised.

• An officer received several reports of trees blocking the roadway along Pine Street Sept. 30. Several trees were located and removed by public works. An officer responded to a delayed report of a domestic assault Sept. 30. An alert was put out for a male’s arrest; the case is active at this time.

• An officer responded to a reported hit-and-run in a business parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Dive Sept. 30. The officer documented the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer located an occupied vehicle with two juveniles in the backseat in the 2100 block of Chestnut Street Sept. 30. Parents were contacted, and the juveniles were sent home.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 7700 block of Main Street Oct. 1. The driver was ultimately arrested for DWI and booked into jail; the vehicle was towed.

• An officer responded to a delayed hit-and-run accident in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue Oct. 1. The incident was documented and is under investigation.

• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male hiding behind a tree in the 7700 block of Lake Drive Oct. 1. The area was checked, and the male was not located.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for moving violations near Rondeau Lake Road and Main Street Oct. 2. The adult male driver showed signs of impairment and was ultimately arrested for third-degree DWI. He was later booked into the Anoka County Jail.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• Officers responded to a delayed burglary report in the 8800 block of Pascal Avenue in Lexington Oct. 1. The caller advised that an unknown suspect broke into a vacant house and removed some items. The estimated loss is $1,200.

• Police responded to the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville Oct. 2 on a theft report. Officers took information and interviewed a possible suspect. There is no suspect information at this time.

• Police responded to a student affairs issue at Golden Lake Elementary School in Circle Pines Oct. 2. The issue was resolved between students.

• Harassment was reported in the 9200 block of Ryan Place in Lexington Oct. 2.

• A resident in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville reported fraud Sept. 28. After conducting an investigation, the officer determined the fraud was likely web-based.

• An officer observed a male driving in the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville who did not have a valid driver’s license. The male was ultimately found to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested.

• Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 10 block of Oak Leaf Lane in Circle Pines Sept. 29.

• Officers responded to the 300 block of Heritage Trail in Circle Pines Sept. 30 on a report of a suspicious person.

• An officer responded to the area of Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville Sept. 30 for a delayed report of a dog bite. The case was closed due to lack of suspect information.

• An officer initiated a traffic stop near South Highway Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington Sept. 30. One party was ultimately arrested.

Lino PD continues Pink Patch Project

For the month of October, members of the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department will promote breast cancer awareness by supporting the Hope Chest, located in Orono, Minnesota, by wearing pink patches.

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation, a Minnesota based nonprofit, has been a source of hope for local breast cancer patients and their families since 2001. Last year, the department raised over $8,350. Patches are available while supplies last at www.llvips.org/category/allproducts .

FIREFIGHTER PAY: City council considers making changes to compensation plans

firefighters per station. Currently, there are eight firefighters at Station 1 and 11 at Station 2.

Mayor Rob Rafferty said the lack of firefighters likely wasn’t just a wage issue, but “wages are not helping.

make sense,” Rafferty said.

On average paid-on-call firefighters are paid a starting wage of $16.04 per hour. The maximum hourly starting wage is $20.25 and the minimum hourly starting wage is $10.59.

“That tells us that we are not doing something right. I don’t know if these types of raises do anything, but I think it is worth a shot … I’m trying to create a little bit of a carrot and get someone through the door,” he said.

Rafferty suggested the city consider a steeper increase to the starting pay, closer to $20 an hour.

“When a fire happens, I want to make sure the fire department is getting (there,)” the mayor said.

Ultimately, the council will consider (Oct. 9, after press deadlines) increasing the starting wage for POC firefighters. City Administrator Sarah Cotton explained that city staff will present the council with multiple options.

Cotton said staff could reach out to the city’s compensation consultant to see if the wage matrix was perhaps misevaluated, but she cautioned the council on making changes to the complex compensation plan, as it could throw the city out of compliance with pay equity requirements.

Council Member Michael Ruhland said he was struggling, because the city was already toward the top end of the starting wage for part-time firefighters. “What problem are we solving?”

Rafferty said perhaps the wage increases could help with staffing levels. He explained that when the city implemented its duty crew, there were 10 firefighters. Now, the city is down to four on duty crew. Swenson explained that the majority of firefighters that leave the city, leave to pursue fulltime employment.

“We are doing the best we can,” Swenson said.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

On average part-time firefighters are paid a starting wage of $15.61 per hour. The maximum hourly starting wage is $21.34 and the minimum hourly starting wage is $11.79. In Lino Lakes, part-time firefighters start at $19.36 an hour.

FROM PAGE 1

In Lino Lakes, POC firefighters start at $15 an hour. Sawyer said staff is recommending increasing the starting hourly rate from $15 to $17.50, which is 9% over the average starting hourly rate of pay. In addition, every five years of service, POC firefighters would receive an additional $1.50 an hour. Firefighters would also be eligible to receive cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). “The 2024 budget impact of the proposed amendments is approximately $17,650,” Sawyer said.

NO

According to Public Safety Director John Swenson, the city would like to see a total of 20

BUSINESS BRIEF

Harley-Davidson hosts pumpkin carving contest

Twin Cities – Harley-Davidson Blaine, located at 355 98th Ave. NE in Blaine, will host a pumpkin carving contest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Attendees are encouraged to pre-gut their pumpkins before arrival so they have as much time as possible for carving. Attendees should also plan to bring their own pumpkins and carving tools to the event. The top three winners will receive prizes. Judging will take place at 3 p.m. Treats and apple cider will be served, and other food and beverages will be available for purchase through Route 65 Pub and Grub.

The council also discussed the compensation plan for part-time firefighters, or those who serve on the daytime response team known as “duty crew”.

City staff completed a market study of the hourly rates of pay for part-time firefighter personnel in the metro area and throughout the state. The study found that, on average, part-time firefighters were paid a starting wage of $15.61 per hour. The maximum hourly starting wage was $21.34 and the minimum hourly starting wage was $11.79. In Lino Lakes, part-time firefighters start at $19.36 an hour.

Sawyer said city staff’s recommendation was to continue the current wage range for 2023 and 2024. Part-time firefighters would also be eligible for an annual COLA.

Rafferty inquired about why the pay rate for a community service officer (CSO) was so much higher than a part-time firefighter.

“In July, we hired a CSO for $23.88 … We have got to get them up to the level of CSOs. It doesn’t

833-326-1710

CALENDAR BRIEF

Rookery will host Scarecrow Crawl

The city of Lino Lakes will host its first-ever Scarecrow Crawl beginning Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Rookery Activity Center, located at 7690 Village Drive. Businesses, organizations, groups, families and individuals are invited to create a scarecrow and place it in front of the Rookery. Members and visitors can then vote on their favorite scarecrow. Prizes will be awarded to the favorites.

Registration is free. To register, visit tinyurl. com/5e8jdsb3 or visit the guest services desk. Rookery

staff will provide a sign that includes the name of the company or group that created each scarecrow.

This event is open to the public. The Scarecrow Crawl viewing begins Wednesday, Oct. 25, and continues through Wednesday, Nov. 1. Registered scarecrows can be assembled or dropped off on Wednesday, Oct. 25 prior to 4 p.m. A metal post is provided. If you have any questions or would like to pick up a T-frame post (free of charge), email Angie Thorson at athorson@linolakes.us. For additional information, visit Rookeryactivitycenter.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES •

b) Private property not generally accessible by the public, unless a person is explicitly prohibited from consuming cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles or hemp-derived consumer products on the property by the owner of the property; and

c)The premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption of cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower- potency hemp edibles or hemp-derived consumer products.

Council Member Tony Cavegn brought up that perhaps Lyden’s suggestion of a hiring a consultant should be considered. (Lyden was absent.) Ultimately, the council didn’t make any decisions regarding the compensation plan for part-time firefighters. The topic will be discussed again at a future work session.

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

Storybook Destinations

Travel Agent – Jenn Schultz

Family vacations

Mayor • City Council Member (4-year term), 2 seats

• City Council Member (2-year term), 1 seat

The voting places are as follows:

Precinct Name Voting Location Circle Pines P-1 St. Mark Lutheran Church 1 North Rd, Circle Pines, MN 55014 Circle Pines P-2 Circle Pines City Hall 200 Civic Heights Cir, Circle Pines, MN 55014

Chandra Peterson, Assistant City Administrator for Public Services

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 10 and 17, 2023. CITY OF CIRCLE PINES ANOKA COUNTY MINNESOTA ORDINANCE

Subd. 3 Violation of this Section is a petty misdemeanor punishable to the maximum extent as defined by Minn. Stat. § 412.231 and Minn. Stat. § 609.0332. This Section may be enforced by the Centennial Lakes Police Department.

This summary is adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. §412.191, Subd. 4.

Notice: A printed copy of the entire Ordinance is available for inspection and copying at the Circle Pines City Hall located at 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines Minnesota.

Dated: September 26, 2023

Patrick Antonen, City Administrator Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 10, 2023.

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Notice: A printed copy of the entire Ordinance is available for inspection and copying at the Circle Pines City Hall located at 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines Minnesota.

Dated: September 26, 2023

Patrick Antonen, City Administrator

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 10, 2023.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public accuracy test of vote counting equipment to be used in the November 7, 2023 General Election will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 2:00 PM at at Lino Lakes City Hall (Community Room), 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014-1182.

Questions regarding the City’s election system and testing procedures can be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 651-982-2406.

Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 10, 2023.

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #12

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Centennial School District #12, will receive sealed bids at the District Office until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 12, 2023 for iPads.

Copies of specifications may be obtained from Director of Technology, Mike Christensen by phone: 763-792-6014.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CIRCLE PINES ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. The City Code of the City of Circle Pines is hereby amended by deleting Subsections 205.01 and 205.02 of Section 205, and replacing them with the following: 205.01 Salary of the Mayor. Effective January 1, 2024, the salary of the Mayor of the City shall be the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000) per year.

Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaper). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes.

205.02 Salary of the Council Members. Effective January 1, 2024, the salary of each Council Member of the City shall be the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

Sealed bids shall be submitted on the bid form provided in the bid specifications and shall be submitted without alterations, additions or erasures. Sealed bids must be endorsed with the bidder name, address and labeled “iPad Project”.

Sealed bids will be received by the Executive Director of Business Services – Patrick Chaffey at the 4707 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014. There is no agent for the receipt of sealed bids other than the Executive Director of Business Services. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication. This summary is adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. §412.191, Subd. 4.

Authorized by the Centennial Schools

Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979. Thank you.

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 3 and 10, 2023.

all accessories, great condition garage kept, spent winters in Florida. Serviced by Maplewood Toyota all records available. $13,995 six one two 599-1729

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

Membership Service Associate Seasonal Fulfillment – Temporary Position

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are the nation’s leading upland wildlife habitat conservation organizations. Duties: pick, pack, & ship merchandise orders, operate various postal meters, coordinate inbound & outbound shipment of premiums, manage fulfillment lists, ability to lift up to 40lbs+, etc. Located in White Bear Lake. Application deadline is Open Until Filled.

For more info & to apply: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs

NOW HIRING

Birchwood Village is hiring a PT Treasurer for 20-30 hrs./month at $25-$30 per hr.

The position is responsible for overseeing finances for Birchwood Village, to include maintaining accurate books and providing detailed reporting with on-going updates to council. The work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor/ City Council. The position includes PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association) benefits.

For more information, please see the full job posting at cityofbirchwood.com.

ACCOUNTING CLERK / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION

White Bear Township is accepting applications for an Accounting Clerk / Administrative Assistant position in the Finance Department. General accounting, administrative duties and light reception are the cornerstones of the position. Other duties include processing accounts payable and accounts receivable, cash receipts, utility billing, and assisting with greeting customers, answering phones, filing, copying, word processing, assisting the general public and contractors with applications, permits, and inspections. Must have good analytical skills, ability to operate office equipment and have knowledge of computer operations and programs including Word, Outlook and Excel. Must have commitment to serve public, positive attitude, demonstrate initiative and have the ability to collaborate with others, work independently and take on new tasks. Salary range from $28.38/ hour or higher DOQ plus an excellent benefits package.

For more information and to apply; visit the Employment Opportunities section of the Town’s website: www.whitebeartownship.org. Send Resume and Town application by October 12, 2023.

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. 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 clients, 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 effectively. 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

Housecleaners Needed!

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Must be thorough cleaner!

Maids of White Bear 651-247-2807

NOW HIRING GARAGE DOOR INSTALLER AND TECHNICIAN

We will train you!

Full Time with benefits. Must be mechanically inclined, familiar with tools. Must be able to carry 75+ Lbs. Must pass drug test and have a valid good standing license. Call or stop in to apply.

Northern Door Company 1803 Buerkle Road #105, White Bear Lake. Ph. 651-490-1599

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, 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 a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS:

- 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

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Cougars rule the lines, beat Anoka 35-15

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

In a duel of 4-1 teams, Centennial pounded the ground for five rushing touchdowns and contained Anoka’s stellar air game to defeat the Tornadoes 35-15 on Friday evening at Anoka’s Goodrich Field.

Maverick Harper scored from two, 22 and nine yards for the Cougars. Marcus Whiting had a 22-yard touchdown and Dylan Cummings had a two-yard touchdown as the Cougars had five sustained drives with no big plays. Whiting notched a two-point conversion run. Keaten Frase kicked three extra points.

“The offensive line was physical and dominated the line of scrimmage,” coach Mike Diggins said. “We thought Daylen Cummings was fantastic on running the offense and made great reads. Mav Harper, Marcus Whiting and Ty Burgoon ran the ball hard and ran physical.”

The Tornadoes led 7-0 on a three-yard run by Zach Welch in the first period. Whiting’s touchdown late in the period tied the score. Early in the second, the Cougars stopped an Anoka drive at the ten-yard line with Owen Ringen making an end-zone interception after the ball was tipped by Evan Just. The Cougars dominated after that and went on to open a 35-7 lead.

Anoka had a 47-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Podany to Evan Freking with 2:28 left. Podany completed 17 of 34 for 204 yards as the Cougars limited the damage against a team averaging 264 yards passing

coming into the game. Podany passed for 1,670 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

The Cougars sacked Podany five times — twice by Whiting and once each by Josh O’Shea, Will Quick and Caden Coppersmith, all taking advantage of standout rusher Melvin Wallace being double- and triple-teamed.

“Our kids played hard and bought into the plan,” said Mike Diggins Jr., defensive coach. “The defense made a few small mistakes and it led to some big plays for Anoka. We need to clean them up as we go against a great offense in Champlin Park.”

With the win, the Cougars earned the traveling Pumpkin Bowl trophy that goes to the winner of Anoka’s last home game. “It’s our second time playing in the game, and both times we’ve won,” Diggins said. This was the first time they’ve met since 2019 due to schedule changes in recent years. The Cougars have won the last nine meetings.

The Cougars will play at Champlin Park (3-3) next Thursday.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kylie Nelson

Centennial Cross Country

Kylie Nelson has led a top-five caliber Centennial cross country team for the past two seasons. The slender junior placed second among 109 runners Iast Thursday as the Cougars won a 12-team meet in Otsego. Previously, Nelson won a five-team meet in Duluth, placed ninth in a strong six-team field at Maple Grove, and was second in both a 12-team meet at Lakeville and a 16team meet at Osseo. Also, an all-conference gymnast, Nelson made all-state in CC last year, placing seventh at state and leading the Cougars to fourth place in Class 3A.

4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com |

Another soccer crown for Cougar girls with 11-0 mark

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial girls soccer capped a Northwest Suburban championship season — their fourth in six years — last week defeating Andover 1-0 on Monday and Totino-Grace

6-1 on Wednesday.

Centennial finished 11-0 in the conference, followed by Blaine at 10-1 and Andover at 7-2-2, leading 12 teams. The Cougars are 11-1-1 overall with 11 straight wins entering Section 7AAA. They are topseeded and will host Forest Lake on Tuesday at 5 p.m. If they win, they’ll host Anoka or Duluth East on Thursday.

Against Andover at home

Monday, Addison Van Zee delivered the lone goal, in the first half, while Huskie goalie Hailey Mau stopped the Cougars’ other 12 shots. Against Totino-Grace there Wednesday, Van Zee and Isabella Sipe booted two goals each, and Katelyn Hamski and Nora Helvig one apiece. In each match, the Cougars permitted just three shots on goal, all stopped by Jordan Metz.

Top season scorers are forward Van Zee with 14 goals, midfielder Sipe with

11, and forward Marisa Frost and defender Nora Helvig with eight each.

The Cougars have allowed just six goals all season. Metz has a .921 save percentage. Defenders are Hamski, Gabby Verke, Ellie Givens, Alexis Larson and Ruby Reinsdorfer. Other midfielders are Gabriella Sipe, Sofia Daigle, Lillian Fernandez, Ella Kieffer, Kennidee McDonald. Coached by Christa Carlson, the Zephyrs are ranked No. 4 in Class 3A. In the last six seasons, Centennial won the conference in 2021, 2020, and 2018, and placed third in 2019 and 2022.

“Your Financial Partner”

Kylie Nelson

PHOTOS BY JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Posing with the Pumpkin Bowl trophy at Anoka were Cougar captains Maverick Harper (43), Joe Streff (57), Marcus Whiting (14), Dylan Cummings (8), Will Quick (3) and Timmy Ball (47).

Owen Ringen clutched the ball after making an end zone interception with the score 7-7.

BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED Addison Van Zee is the Cougar offensive leader with 14 goals.

SEE SPORTS BRIEFS, PAGE 12

$17M in public safety aid for northeast metro counties, townships

Public safety aid to the tune of $17 million is coming to the northeast metro early this winter as local governments have already begun to make plans for how to spend the money. The funding is part of a $300 million public safety aid package for local, county and tribal governments that was included in the tax law passed by the Legislature in May.

spent, too, giving each community flexibility to address their own specific needs.”

Eligible uses of the funding include community violence prevention and intervention programs, community engagement, mental health crisis responses, victim services, training programs, first responder wellness, emergency services equipment, recruitment and retention and personnel costs.

SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS SOCCER

Centennial closed the regular season with a 1-1 tie against Totino-Grace on Wednesday evening. Dom Trejo-Munson scored for the Cougars and Georden Tschida made six saves. Jabari Kibisu scored for the Eagles. The Cougars are 6-4-4 overall (0-2-2 in their last four) and 6-3-4 in the Northwest Suburban for fifth place among 14 teams. Maple Grove (13-0) was champion with Champlin Park second (9-3-1). The Cougars lost to Andover 3-1 Tuesday with Trejo-Munso scoring. In a 4-4 tie against Spring Lake Park 4-4 on Sept. 28, Trejo-Munson hit two goals, and Noah Marquard and Brady Patrick one each. The Cougars are seeded fourth in Section 7AAA and will host No. 5 Anoka on Tuesday, 7 p.m. The winner faces No. 1 Duluth East or Cambridge-Isanti on Thursday.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

and Centennial 161. Lev Dougherty of Heritage Christian was first in 16:15. For the Cougars, junior Alexander Persing placed 12th (17:23), senior Jacob Podratz 27th (17:49), senior Nelson Cody 30th (17:50), senior David Jack 47th (18:21) and eighth-grader Evan Lautenschlager 49th (18:23) of 140 runners.

TENNIS

Centennial reached the second round of Section 4AA with a 5-2 win over Spring Lake Park last Tuesday, then fell to topseeded Mounds View 7-0 on Thursday, ending their dual meet season with a 8-14 record. Winning against SLP were Lauren Klein 6-4, 6-0; Isabel Yang 6-2, 6-2; Marina Allen 6-0, 6-1; Ella Nelson/ Hanna Lofgren 6-2, 5-7, 11-9; and Jenna Orcutt/Morgan Tharp 6-3, 6-3. SLP beat Ella Fenstermacher/Sophie Wynn at 1-doubles and Emma Thompson at 2-singles.

VOLLEYBALL

Centennial lost to conference leader Champlin Park 3-0 there Thursday in their lone match last week. The scores were 25-10, 25-11, 25-15. The Cougars are 5-10 overall and 1-4 in the Northwest Suburban with two matches left. Alpine

Real. Local. News.

“$300 million distributed to every Minnesota city, county and tribal nation for public safety resources — that’s what we’re delivering to our communities this December,” said Sen. Gustafson, chief author of the new law. “Police departments, fire departments, county sheriffs, mental health crisis response personnel, EMTs and other brave public servants will get much-needed funding to keep our communities safe. Local governments will have latitude to decide where the money is

Anoka, Ramsey and Washington will receive over $4.1 million, $6 million and $3.3 million, respectively, in public safety aid.

Local governments in the northeast metro will receive $3.7 million in funding. Here are the amounts cities will receive:

• Birchwood Village: $37,809

Centerville: $171,190

• Circle Pines: $217,664

• Gem Lake: $23,368

• Lino Lakes: $929,294

• North Oaks: $232,192

• Vadnais Heights: $572,385

• White Bear Lake: $1,096,939 White Bear Township: $480,707

Centennial was team champion, with seven of the top 29 runners among 109 in the 12-team Thundering Royal Elk Invitational on Thursday at Prairie Park in Otsego. (The meet is co-hosted by the Zimmerman Thunder, Rogers Royals and Elk River Elks.) The Cougars were led by junior Kylie Nelson in second place (18:46) and freshman Abby Smith in seventh (19:15). Their five counting scores also included junior Julia Zalewski in 11th place (19:52), senior Abby Wood 12th (19:55) and junior Miranda Sawvel 15th (20:13). Their 6-7 runners were junior Annalise Offerdahl in 18th (20:30) and eighth-grader Emma Self 29th (21:10). Centennial had 40 points, followed by Lakeville South 65, Zimmerman 115, Mound-Westonka 135 and St. Paul Central 148. Claire Vukovics of Lakeville South placed first in 18:39.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Centennial placed fifth of 18 teams Thursday at the Thundering Royal Elk Invitational in Otsego. The top five were Heritage Christian 40, Lakeville South 46, Anoka 113, Totino-Grace 141,

Skiing, anyone? Swap events coming up

People interested in trying Alpine Skiing this winter are advised that ski swap events are coming up. “A fantastic way to find used equipment on a budget,” reports Derrick Taylor, Centennial’s head coach for Alpine. Swaps are slated, he said, at Buck Hill Ski Area, Wild Mountain Ski Area, Pinewski’s Ski Shop (Oct. 14), Joe’s Ski Shop MEA Ski Sale (Oct. 14-18), and Hyland Hills Ski Area (Oct. 27-29). “Ski equipment technology has come a long way in the last 20 years,” Taylor said, “and it’s incredible how the new shapes of skis can make the sport more approachable and enjoyable.”

Bruce Strand

Real. Local. News.

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If you are reading this right now, please support community journalism with a subscription at Press Publications. Thank you to our loyal subscribers.

SENATE MEDIA | CONTRIBUTED

Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL–Vadnais Heights) testifies at a Senate Taxes Committee hearing with Centennial Lakes Police Chief James Mork.