Exchange students value experiences while in Minnesota
BY MADELINE DOLBY LOWDOWN EDITOR
Multiple exchange students in the Forest Lake Area School District are looking forward to all the experiences Minnesota, and the United States, has to offer them during the calendar school year.
From attending the Minnesota State Fair to attending a Forest Lake High School football game, the students are looking forward to many more experiences for memories that will last a lifetime.
“When I was in high school, I always wanted to be an exchange student myself,” said Jessie Fielder, of Wyoming. “Then as an adult, I always wanted to do it (host an exchange student) when my kids got older.” Fielder will be hosting her second exchange student, Eva Biasetto, from Belgium. The family’s first exchange student was from Italy, in 2021. Fielder said their visitor stayed with the family for one semester.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES —
After years of waiting for something to happen on the former Down
Under property, the city has finally reached an agreement with the property owners. The building on the site, which is located at 10100 Lake Drive, was demolished in April 2019 after the property sat vacant for nearly 10 years. At the time of demolition,
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Perhaps the worst part about owning a dog is having to clean up after it, but a Lino Lakes man is hoping he can solve that problem.
Fly in the Poopcopter! Caleb Olson, 30, is a software engineer. His mind is always trying to figure out how to solve common problems. Olson commonly hosts brainstorming sessions with his friends.
“Every once in a while, I’ll have some of my brothers and buddies over and we’ll just sort of whiteboard and
Tim Pawlik, who owns the property with his brother, Tom Pawlik, said they had redevelopment plans in store for the site.
Since 2022, the city of Circle Pines has tried to reach an agreement with the brothers on the
property but to no avail — until now.
A settlement agreement has been reached between the parties that resolves all claims and disputes related to two lawsuits
come up with ideas,” Olson explained.
Olson has developed several inventions, including a laser poop detector, the baby sleep coach and the hungry baby alarm.
A few years ago, Olson, who owns a corgi named Twinkie, came up with the idea for a poop detector.
“I built it using a security camera in my backyard,” he said. “I built a robot arm with a laser, an overengineered, over-the-top solution to a fairly simple problem.”
From there, Olson started to wonder how he could make
The Fielder’s used the Foreign Links Around the Globe (FLAG) exchange program. FLAG allows international students from over 25 counties around the world to come to the United States to live with a host family for one academic semester or a full school year. They also offer a program called “Smooth Landing,” which allows their students to learn English and gain cultural skills that will help them
CONTRIBUTED
Caleb Olson, a Lino Lakes resident, is hopeful consumers will soon be able to purchase a Poopcopter of their own.
CONTRIBUTED Lino Lakes resident Cheryl Heilman welcomes exchange student Janne Mook from Germany.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The city of Circle Pines has reached a settlement agreement with the property owners of the former Down Under property. The city hopes to set up a Tax Increment Financing District to spur redevelopment of the site.
SEE LINO INVENTOR, PAGE 12
DOWN UNDER: City, property owners reach settlement agreement for vacant property
(Condemnation of Certain Land in City of Circle Pines, No. 02-CV-21-4534 and Pawlik v. City of Circle Pines No. 02-CV23-2005.
Per the agreement, the city will purchase the property, as is, for $815,000. The agreement includes the form of a quick claim deed that will be used to convey the property from Thomas Pawlik to the city. The agreement will be
filed with the court to dismiss the case commenced by the Pawliks. It also protects the city from future litigation.
Mayor Dave Bartholomay explained that the city will use the community improvement fund to pay for the purchase.
“No ad valorem taxes will be spent on this purchase, as the community improvement fund has built up over time due to monies from the early 2000s developments near the corner of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue and other
Church Directory
Find the church that fits your needs
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937 761757
We welcome you to worship with us Virtually and in Person Sunday 9:30 am Fellowship & refreshments following the service
parts of the city,” Bartholomay said. “The city is looking into setting up a tax increment financing district to help redevelop this blighted property and potentially recoup part, or perhaps all, of today’s investment while spurring economic growth to the tax base of the city.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Background of Down Under Property:
•Tim and Tom Pawlik’s parents, Joe and Jan Pawlik, acquired the property from the city back in 1975. At that time, it was a municipal liquor store/bar.
•In September 2018, the city and Pawliks entered into an agreement to abate the nuisance and bring the property into compliance with city code.
•The building was supposed to be demolished by Dec. 31, 2018. In January 2019 the council adopted a resolution ordering the repair, removal or razing of the structure, deemed “hazardous property.” It was ultimately demolished in April 2019.
•The Pawliks said they had redevelopment plans in store for the site, which would include a new, almost 4,000-square-foot “high-end sports bar.”
•In 2022, the city ordered the abatement of the nuisance property.
St. Mary of the Lake Church Rummage & Bake Sale
Parish Life Center
4690 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL
Thurs. Oct. 17, 5pm - 8pm Fri. Oct. 18, 8am - 6pm Sat. Oct. 19, 8am - Noon ($5 Bag Day)
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET
When: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through October
Where: Lexington Municipal Liquor Store front parking lot, 9271 Lake Drive
Details: Vendors selling veggies and fruit, baked goods, Maple syrup, tea and homemade gifts.
Contact: Karen Gregory 612-2723386 or kgregory244@gmail.com
CURRENT EVENTS
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560
Victoria St. N.
Details: Lakeshore Quilters work on projects. Stop in to see.
Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@ gmail.com
'LIGHT IN DROPLETS' COMMUNITY RECEPTION
When: 6:30-8:3
0 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: View artwork of the Minnesota Watercolor Society on display through Nov. 15
Contact: whitebeararts.org
BEAA ANNUAL MEETING AND CELEBRATION
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Where: White Bear Boat Works, 4495 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Annual meeting of the Bald
Eagle Area Association includes presentation of award by Rice Creek Watershed District. Contact: baldeagleassn.org
MUSIC @ MANITOU RIDGE
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18
Where: Manitou Ridge Golf Course, 3200 McKnight Rd., White Bear Lake Details: Live music performed by Tom Hipps. Contact: 651-777-2987
FALL FESTIVAL
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Celebrate fall with pioneer games, cider press, and self-guided nature activities. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
Operation No Limits Gala & Silent Auction
When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Infinite Campus, 4321 109th Ave., Blaine
Details: The gala will include dinner, entertainment, games and a silent auction. To register, visit www. operationnolimits.org and click on “gala registration.” Contact: 651-336-7439 or opnolimitsorg@gmail.com
651- 484-2724
Cerentiy
651-232-1818
Cub Pharmacy WBT
651-426-5006
The Lodge at White Bear 651-779-9255
The Waters of White Bear Lake
651-313-6440
Twin Cities Pain 952-209-8140
Cardigan Ridge Senior Living
651-484-8484
651-587-9400
White Bear Foot and Ankle 651-426-3995
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Blaine business installs 2 furnaces for nonprofit
Twin City Heating Air and Electric and the Lennox Feel the Love program will donate and install two furnaces for Hammer & NER, a nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and other disabilities throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Feel the Love, sponsored by The LII Lennox Foundation, aims to give back to those in need within the community. The annual Lennox Feel the Love program partners with local residential HVAC dealers to donate and install new Heating and Air Conditioning equipment for community heroes and leaders in need, including educators, veterans, first responders, health care professionals,
Tunnel of Terror returns
Tommy’s Express Tunnel of Terror event will return again this year at the Blaine location (4252 122nd Ave. NE) from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25-26. The car wash tunnel will transform into a spine-chilling haunted experience, perfect for Halloween enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
More than 100 Tommy’s Express locations nationwide are hosting
families facing hardship or financial challenges, elderly residents in outdated homes and individuals affected by natural disasters. Community members may nominate others within their community that fit those qualifications. Nominations are accepted each year.
Since 2009, Feel the Love and its participating dealers have installed over 2,300 heating and air conditioning systems for families in need. The equipment is donated by The LII Lennox Foundation, while the participating dealers volunteer their time to complete the installation. To learn more about the Lennox Feel the Love program, visit https://www. feelthelove.com/.
the spooktacular event. Guests will experience creepy masked employees, jump scares and haunting sounds, all from the comfort of their vehicle, and leave with a clean ride.
Guests are encouraged to visit https://tommys-express.com/tunnelof-terror/ for more details about the nearest participating location.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OFGENERALELECTION
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.12 CENTENNIAL STATE OFMINNESOTA
CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 12 STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the general election has been called and will be held in and for Independent School District No. 12, (Centennial), State of Minnesota, on Tuesday, the 5th day of November 2024, for the purpose of electing three school board members for four-year terms. The ballot shall provide as follows:
NOTICEIS HEREBYGIVEN,that the general election has been called and will be held in and for IndependentSchoolDistrictNo.12,(Centennial),State ofMinnesota,on Tuesday,the 5th day of November 2024, for the purpose of electing threeschoolboard membersforfour-year terms. The ballot shall provide as follows:
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
To vote, completely fill in the ovals(s) next to your choice(s) like this:
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER VOTE FOR UP TO THREE
LAURA GANNON
HEIDI HANSEN
CRAIG JOHNSON
SUE LINSER write-in, if any write-in, if
Wind and water powerful
Helene is now considered one of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States since Katrina in 2005. The death toll is over 250 and they are still counting. The damage is devastating to property, homes, businesses and the very infrastructure of communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Next we had Hurricane Milton on the west coast of Florida, which crossed the state doing damage to areas on the east coast. Most people in this path evacuated, reducing the death toll. The damage is expected to be high because of the heavy rain and the surge.
People have lost their homes, the power outages continue in the thousands, and drinking water is limited, especially in areas like western North Carolina.
Can you imagine being without water, food and medications? Can you imagine a 20-foot wall of water coming at you from the surges that are created by these powerful storms? What is even worse is people lost and not discovered yet. Families broken, interrupted, injured.
OPINION
GThey need rescue workers, they need supplies, and now we understand why the government program of FEMA is so important. Thanks also goes to military assistance provided. All these people, rescue workers and volunteers need our prayers and encouragement. Through these horrifying storms, people are discovering neighbors and working together like they have never before. That’s encouraging and that’s good, but they still suffer the major losses of their homes, their vehicles, their valuables, the family heirlooms, family records and pictures of their family history. Many businesses and industries have been interrupted or destroyed.
It’s hard to comprehend. It’s hard to recover and know whether life will ever be the same for them. We need to give thanks every day for our health, safety, family and friends and a Heavenly Father that is watching over us in every situation. Words in the Bible will give us comfort at times like this and give us hope.
Neighbors count
The series of hurricanes are bringing new meaning and value of being neighborly. It gets down to people helping people through the loss of lives, property, and all the grief that goes with it.
Whether we are in a storm area or right here in our own communities, how often do you visit with a neighbor? What about sharing a plate of cookies with a neighbor or two the next time you bake?
Do you have a new resident in your neighborhood? It’s a good time to welcome them and tell them about the community that you love and enjoy.
Share the local newspaper with them if they do not receive it. The newspaper is a great way to know about the community and be in contact and learn about current events and special events that are taking place.
Sometimes it means inviting them to the church you attend.
Don’t forget about those who are lonely, sometimes because of age or illness, or veterans who have served our country and are alone.
Think about ways you can be neighborly. It all goes together to build strong communities where people care about each other.
Thanks for caring and being a good neighbor.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
Get your garlic growing
rowing up with an Italian mom, our family ate a lot of garlic. I still do enjoy it, so this year I decided to grow my own. After all, if homegrown tomatoes taste better than store bought, wouldn’t garlic also be better from the garden? Late fall is the perfect time to plant garlic for harvesting next year.
clusters together until you’re ready to plant as they can dry out quickly.
• Garlic is a long-maturing crop, taking eight to nine months from planting to harvesting. Mature plants can reach threeto-five feet tall.
Gardener’s Grapevine
Linda Moll
Garlic basics When selecting a variety of garlic to grow, you’ll find options for ‘hardneck’ and ‘softneck’ types. Softneck is what we typically find in grocery stores, but the hardneck varieties are better suited to growing in Minnesota. Hardneck varieties also have the added advantage of producing scapes, an edible stalk containing a mini bulb of garlic called a bulbil.
• Garlic enjoys full sun and rich, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test is always recommended.
• Purchase garlic for planting from reputable growers. Garlic from a grocery store generally isn’t hardy in Minnesota.
• Leave the heads or bulbil
• The size of the garlic head, number of cloves, and date of maturity can vary, as can the taste of different varieties. Check with the grower and keep the information for later reference.
Garlic is in the allium (or onion) family. This is important when considering crop rotation and companion planting. Garlic grows close to the surface, allowing deeper-rooted crops like tomatoes and potatoes to be planted nearby.
Planting and growing Plant your individual garlic cloves after the first hard frost in the fall, around Halloween in central Minnesota. Late fall planting provides garlic with the cold period it needs. It also allows garlic time to get established without shoots breaking the soil surface where they can be damaged by the cold.
• After making any necessary amendments to your soil, plant your garlic cloves (pointy side up, root end down) approximately two inches deep and six inches from each other. Leave enough room between
rows to weed and harvest.
• Mulch your newly planted cloves with clean straw. Remove mulch in the spring or simply push it away from the bulb.
• As with many plants, garlic appreciates consistent watering and weeding; its shallow roots make this even more important.
• Top dress in early spring, but don’t add nitrogen after the first week of May.
Your garlic will be ready to harvest in late June or July, depending on the variety you choose. Enjoy your homegrown garlic right away, cure some for later, and save a few of the larger heads to plant for next year’s crop!
Are you ready to give growing garlic a try? Check out the links below for more information about growing garlic and getting a soil test.
• U of M Extension Service Yard & Garden site: https:// extension.umn.edu/vegetables/ growing-garlic#diseases-3252861
• For soil testing: https:// soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/ For more information visit www.anokamastergardeners.org
Linda Moll is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LIABILITY DISCLAIMER INDEMNIFICATION
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement.
The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect
insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion.
When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs.
No specific page or position shall be guaranteed.
The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
About the Town
Gene Johnson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
PAID LETTER
Vote for safe gun storage
Earlier this year, a firearms safe storage bill introduced by state Senator Heather Gustafson (District 36) failed by the lack of one Minnesota House vote. It would have kept guns out of the hands of kids and other unauthorized persons by requiring simple, inexpensive firearmlocking systems.
Safe storage is a simple, inexpensive solution to the epidemic of gun violence. Keyed gun locks sell for as little as $3.99 and biometric (fingerprint-operated) gun safes for less than $70 (Amazon and other online sources). This is a small price to pay to protect human lives.
Did you know that firearms are the number one cause of childhood deaths today? Did you know that over 70% of successful suicides are gunrelated? Most guns brought to school are taken from home. Over 50% of guns used in crimes are stolen from homes or vehicles. (The above information comes from Giffords.org and the city of St. Paul.)
If Janelle Calhoun had represented Minnesota House District 36A this year, the safe storage bill would have passed. Incumbent Elliott Engen opposed it. Janelle is a responsible gun owner who cares about our kids and grandkids. She will vote for safe gun storage. That’s why I’m voting for her this fall.
Dick Davis, Ambassador Minnesota Gun Owners for Safety Circle Pines
PAID LETTER
Reelect Elliott
Engen
In my family, when people publicly insult or defund the police as we’ve seen the Democrats do, we are personally hurt and really shocked.
The prime reason is my husband is a lieutenant for Ramsey County Sheriffs Detention division who honorably serves our citizens every day, and my son has graduated with a degree in criminology. This LEO family feels the pressure men and women in uniform endure when their funding is cut, which also means their training. That’s why we’re grateful that Rep. Elliott Engen is our state representative. Even as a newly elected legislator, Rep. Engen took his pledge to support law enforcement seriously. He introduced bills to protect the public and to make sure police had the tools to do their jobs. The bills he introduced covered crimes of carjackers, human traffickers, illegal immigrant criminals and juvenile criminals as well as provided funding for the State Patrol and enhanced benefits for survivors of officers killed in the line of duty.
It’s impressive how Rep. Engen really hit the deck running in his first term. We see him working to protect citizens and defend law enforcement, important commitments that the Democrats no longer put forth. In my family, we’ll be voting to reelect Elliott Engen.
Sincerely, the Rodriguez family Lino Lakes
PAID LETTER
‘Truly fine’ senator
I simply want to thank Sen. Roger Chamberlain, chairman of the Minnesota Senate Tax Committee, for his efforts in providing tax relief to many Minnesotans. He led the way in reducing the tax burden on small businesses and farmers; he provided relief for senior citizens with Social Security tax reductions; and he supported relief for paying off student debt. He made an income tax reduction for the middle class the core of his 2019 tax bill — the first in 20 years. It’s clear Sen. Chamberlain understands the concerns of taxpayers like me and is working every day for us.
These accomplishments are hard-fought, and thankfully, Sen. Chamberlain and his Republican colleagues are standing firm for taxpayers. Their tax reductions have helped countless Minnesota families and businesses. Please vote to keep Republicans in the majority in the Senate. And join me in reelecting a truly fine senator, Sen. Roger Chamberlain.
Janet Logid Lino Lakes
PAID LETTER
Engen’s voting record
I am a retired special education teacher and did some research to see how the two candidates running for Senate District 36 House of Representatives compared on issues that are important to me. Janelle Calhoun supports investing in strong public schools, including providing more mental health support for students, reducing class sizes and recruiting and retaining high-quality staff.
I reviewed Elliot Engen’s website and noted that he claims to support “excellence in education.” However, he voted against a number of bills in the last legislative session that would improve our schools and impact students. Rep. Engen voted no on the Universal Free Schools Meals Act even though research and common sense says hungry kids don’t learn as well as those who are fed. During my years of teaching, I worked with many families that did not take advantage of the free and reduced lunch programs due to shame, confusion over completing
complicated forms or other family stressors. While subbing last year it was nice to see all students able to eat the same food. No one was restricted to a limited menu due to a “low lunch balance.”
School safety is a concern for everyone, yet Rep. Engen voted no on HF1938, which added $300 million in local police and public safety funding. He also voted no on universal background checks for firearm purchases and voted no on red flag laws. (SF2909)
Rep. Engen indicated he would support Minnesota Republicans’ plan to take funding away from Minnesota public schools and send it to private schools. There is little evidence that voucherstyle programs impact academic gains, and low-income students are often left out of education savings account programs.
Although Rep. Engen claims to support “familyfocused tax relief,” he voted no on the Family Child Tax Credits and no on the Social Security tax cuts. (HF1938)
After doing my research, it’s obvious to me that Janelle Calhoun will support the policies that assist our students in being more successful. Rep. Engen’s voting record is not reflected in the issues he claims to care about.
Renee Dietz Circle Pines
PAID LETTER ‘Common Sense. Common Good’
I am writing in support of Janelle Calhoun for representative in House District 36A. I truly believe that her slogan, “Common Sense. Common Good.” is a succinct statement of what she stands for: supporting communities by focusing on education, environmental sustainability and resilient infrastructure. I live in northwest Lino Lakes and find that these are very important to me. I find that Elliott Engen, our current representative, has voted against far too many things that are critical to me, like having the right to govern our own bodies, Social Security income tax relief for seniors, free school meals for children, public safety funding, freezing tuition rates at my local community colleges and education tax credits. Unlike Janelle, he isn’t in sync with my beliefs.
Janelle has an outstanding and varied background of serving others and very importantly is an environmentalist who has also promised to work to provide high-quality educational opportunities, as well as to support women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+
rights. Her finance and nonprofit work background has honed her problem-solving and negotiating skills, and I am confident that she brings the attributes that will make her an effective representative for me and my neighbors!
Laurel Tralle Lino Lakes
PAID LETTER
Deep commitment to serving Lexington
I am writing to express my strong support for Mike Murphy for mayor of Lexington and Brandon Winge for City Council in the upcoming election. Both candidates have demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the city of Lexington for many years, and their knowledge and leadership will be invaluable as our city faces the critical challenge of the upcoming Blaine water lawsuit.
Mike Murphy, a former mayor of Lexington, has the experience and insight necessary to guide our community through this difficult time. Having served in various leadership roles, Mike understands the unique needs of our city and has consistently worked to protect its best interests. His leadership is exactly what we need as Lexington prepares to confront this lawsuit, which could have significant financial and operational impacts on our city’s water supply.
Similarly, Brandon Winge has been a dedicated member of our City Council, always putting the needs of Lexington residents first. His extensive experience and knowledge of the inner workings of city governance make him an ideal candidate to help navigate the challenges we will face with the Blaine water issue. Brandon has been a reliable voice for the people of Lexington, advocating for transparency and sound decision-making in our local government.
Together, Mike Murphy and Brandon Winge have the vision, experience and commitment to lead our city through this critical period. Their deep knowledge of the issues affecting Lexington, particularly the complexities of the water lawsuit, make them the best candidates to ensure that our city’s interests are protected.
I encourage my fellow Lexington residents to support Mike Murphy for mayor and Brandon Winge for City Council in the upcoming election. Their leadership and dedication to our community will serve us well as we navigate this important challenge.
In addition, I am pleased to support Heidi Hanson and Craig Johnson for the Centennial School Board. Both have demonstrated
their passion for education and their commitment to the success of our children. Please consider voting for them in the upcoming election as well.
Gloria Murphy Lexington
PAID LETTER Vote for Sue
I strongly support Sue Linser for reelection to the Centennial School Board! I’m a big booster of our schools and a member of the district’s Hall of Fame. I know that Sue is just what our district needs moving forward — she is fair, smart, hard-working and a good listener to all points of view. She is a parent who works well with her school board colleagues, fighting to make sure all our kids get a great education.
Sue worked with me at Mediation Services for Anoka County, where her problem-solving skills and her integrity were so valuable. Please join me in voting for Sue so she can keep using her many talents on behalf of the kids in our communities.
Dave Bartholomay Circle Pines
PAID LETTER
Law enforcement urges vote for Engen
that provide for a safer, stronger community for everyone.
That’s why the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association supports and endorses Rep. Elliott Engen. We hope you will vote for him on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Brian Peters Executive Director Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association
Stealing signs
I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I feel compelled to bring light to the campaign signs that are being stolen or vandalized around Golden Lake in Circle Pines.
I must ask – what is so worrying about expressing one’s opinion on the election that will cause people with opposing views to destroy campaign signs. It is actually against the law and many of these stolen signs have been reported to the police. Is the freedom to vote and support the candidate of your choice by displaying a yard sign so threatening to some that they are willing to break the law?
The destruction of campaign signs happened in 2020 as well. I feel compelled to ask – what is so frightening about democracy that causes someone to break the law and steal campaign signs?
Marilyn Erickson Circle Pines MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week
Minnesota’s largest police association, representing over 10,000 rank and file law enforcement officers, enthusiastically supports Rep. Elliott Engen for reelection. He will promote public safety proposals that keep communities safe.
Rising crime is a statewide problem, and we MUST restore public safety in our communities. That starts with respecting police as partners and holding violent criminals accountable. Engen will always make sure our public safety officials have the support, resources, and policies
Full-time or Part-time Heavy Truck Mechanic at MID-COUNTY TRUCK CENTER Mid-County Truck Center a full service, well established truck repair center on Hwy 212 in Cologne, MN is seeking beginner or experienced repair technicians. Full-time and part-time hours with wage based on experience.
EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Explore new experiences in Lino Lakes, beyond
inside and outside the classroom.
“With Eva, they reached out to me and asked if I could host her when she first got here, for six to eight weeks,” Fielder said. FLAG also performs a home study, background check and a meeting that reviews expectations and the requirements of a host family.
Biasetto came to Minnesota from Wallonia, Belgium. She will be a senior alongside the youngest of Fielder’s daughters. Both will attend Forest Lake Area High School and graduate in June 2025.
There were multiple reasons Biasetto wanted to become an exchange student. “First, for the experience. I want to discover plenty of countries; America is a good start,” she explained. “I want to improve my English and speak English fluently.” Biasetto added that she wants to attend university and become a lawyer or work in business. She has plans to join two extracurricular activities while she is in Minnesota. She will join the dance team in the fall and try out to be on the Alpine ski team this upcoming winter. “I love skiing,” Biasetto said, “and Minnesota has a lot of snow.”
Biasetto will also take multiple home economics classes while at Forest Lake, such as floral design, interior design and a cooking class. “It just gets you out of your comfort zone living with a complete stranger and just challenges yourself,” Fielder said. “You learn so much about other’s people’s cultures, too.”
For more information about FLAG, go to www.flag-intl. org/index.html.
Once again, Cheryl Heilman and her husband Mike, of Lino Lakes, will host two exchange students for the school year (See “Local family welcomes two new exchange students,” October Lowdown, 2023). The Heilmans will host two boys this school year. Both students attend North Lakes Academy (NLA), a charter school located in Forest
Lake. Janne Mook, 16, is from Düsseldorf, Germany. He is a junior. Gabriel Comin, who will turn 18 in October, is from Florianopolis, Brazil, and is a senior at NLA. Why be an exchange student? “I wanted to discover, and explore new experiences, to decide what I am going to do with my life,” Comin said. Comin plays the guitar and occasionally sings. Currently, he is on the NLA boys’ soccer team and hopes to join the school’s band in the future. “I love music. In the future, I wish to study at Berkeley in Boston, the college of music, and I think that the exchange program will be a good addition to my curriculum,” Comin added.
Mook became an exchange student due to the positive feedback he heard about it. It also was something he always wanted to do. “I knew a lot of friends that are older than me, that did it last year,” Mook explained. “They only said good things. I always had the idea in my mind.” Mook has been to the United States twice with his parents when he was younger. They took a road trip up the West Coast and visited Los Angeles. He is also on the boys’ soccer team with Comin. In the winter, he hopes to join the basketball team. On his decision to become an exchange student, “It’s all about the experience, getting to learn a new culture,” Mook added. “For me, I would say it is more of a test for myself to try be more self-reliant, to gather experience and know how to overall manage myself, to learn how to live by myself,” Comin explained. “Overall, I want to experience (your) culture and everything your country has to offer.”
The Heilman’s have used the Nacel Open Door exchange student program since 2015. It offers two main programs. Students can come to study in the United States for various periods of time. They can attend school for the entirety of the school year, attend a private school for multiple years or do the short-term academic program, which lasts anywhere from 1-5 weeks.
IN MEMORIUM
June Sinnett
Aug. 5, 1939 to Oct. 12, 2021
So year three done. Lots of changes this year! Sold the house to move into 55+ apartment. Hope you are not too mad at me for that. Getting left knee replaced in December so I can walk in Ireland and Pilsen. Maybe dance a tune or two? Two trips or one long one. Ideas? Still miss our talks and trips!
My Love Always and All Ways....... Tom
Comin will graduate from NLA in June 2025. Both Comin and Mook arrived in Minnesota on Aug. 31. The Heilmans have introduced the boys to various events like the Minnesota State Fair, visiting the Mall of America and attending an outdoor church service at Golden Lake Park. “Overall, hosting an exchange student is very rewarding and benefits everyone involved,” said Heilman. “The students get a broadened education here in the United States, and the family gets a blessing of opening up their hearts and homes to these students.”
Agustin de Toro Perry is from Chile. Currently, he is a junior alongside Mook at NLA. He is staying with Joyce and Greg Getchell from Forest Lake. “I was at my house, and my father told me, ‘You want to get into this exchange program?’ and in the moment I said, ‘yes’ because it is a pretty good experience,” Toro Perry explained. “It was a little random.” He went through the AFS-USA exchange program. AFS-USA offers international exchange and education opportunities in over 45 countries and hosts exchange students from 80 countries. “Greg and I both hosted exchange students as teenagers and studied abroad as college students,” Joyce Getchell said. “We value thinking globally, gaining new perspectives and practicing hospitality.” Toro Perry’s father was also going to be an exchange student in New Zealand, but his father did not end up flying out. Currently, Toro Perry plays on the soccer team alongside Mook and Comin. Like Mook, Toro Perry hopes to join the basketball team this November. “My goal for this year is to have experiences of the exchange program. I think this experience will help me throughout my life,” Toro Perry explained. “It is rewarding and fun to develop relationships with people from other cultures,” Getchell added. “Personal connections matter.”
More information about the Nacel Open Door program can be found on its website at www.nacelopendoor.org or by calling Cheryl Heilman at 612-245-4605. Those interested in the AFS-Program can go to www.afsusa.org.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Lowdown. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
bids shall be on a lump sum basis. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids.
Bidding Documents are available for $22 via digital download at www. questcdn.com or www.inspec.com. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-2331632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Plan Holders are parties that have downloaded the plans and specifications. Plan holders will be notified via email as addenda are issued.
Copies of the Bidding Documents will be on file and available for inspection at lnspec, 5801 Duluth Street, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422.
Each bidder shall accompany the Bid Form with Bid Security and the Responsible Contractor’s Affidavit as described in the Instructions to Bidders. List of planholders, project cost estimate (if available}, and bid results may be viewed at www.guestcdn.com or www.inspec.com
Direct communications regarding this Project to Bruce Hellier lnspec, telephone 763-546-3434; bhellier@inspec.com
A pre-bid conference will be held at 11:00 AM, October 9, 2024 at the Project site, 700 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines, Minnesota.
Published three times in the Quad Community Press on October 1, 8 and 15, 2024.
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON IMPROVEMENTS 2025 PARTIAL RECONSTRUCTION, MILL AND OVERLAY STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Circle Pines, Minnesota will meet at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, Tuesday, October 22, in the Council Chambers at Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle.
The proposed improvements are for Golden Lake Road, West Golden Lake Road, Woodland Road, Central Street, Village Parkway, Golden Oak Drive, Cameo Lane, Oak Leaf Lane (from Oak Ridge Trail to Woodcrest Drive), Oak Road, South Pine Drive (south of South Drive), and South Drive (between South Pine Drive and South Road), Fire Station Parking Lot, Public Works Parking Lot and Golden Lake Park Parking Lot.
The total estimated cost of said improvements is $2,595,758.
The area proposed to be assessed for the foregoing improvements would include properties adjacent to or near the roadway segments described above.
A reasonable estimate of the total amount to be assessed, and a description of the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected parcels, will be available at the hearing. Failure to give mailed notice or any defects in the notice does not invalidate the proceedings. Written or oral opinion will be considered at the hearing.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disabled individual may one week in advance contact city hall by phone at 763-784-5898, or TDD 763-231-2617; or in writing to request reasonable assistance to be able to participate in these proceedings.
Patrick Antonen, City Administrator, City of Circle Pines
Anoka County, Minnesota
Dated: September 27, 2024
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 8 and 15, 2024.
CITY OF LEXINGTON
COUNTY OF ANOKA, STATE OF MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF CITY AND GENERAL ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the City of Lexington will be holding a City Election in conjunction with the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the purpose of electing candidates for the City offices listed below: Mayor (Two Year Term)
2 - Councilmember Seats (Four Year Terms)
The polls are located at 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN. The polls are open at 7:00 A.M. and will close at 8:00 P.M. Mary Vinzant
Deputy City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 15 and 22, 2024.
CITY OF LEXINGTON
COUNTY OF ANOKA, STATE OF MINNESOTA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST
The City of Lexington will be conducting the Public Accessory Test on the Optical Scan Voting Equipment to ascertain that the equipment will correctly tabulate the votes for the General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
The public test is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN 55014. Time commencing at 10:00 A.M.
PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND
Mary Vinzant
Deputy City Clerk Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 15, 2024.
CENTENNIAL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Centennial School District 12, is soliciting sealed bids for building envelope improvements. Sealed bids shall be received until: 2:00 pm, November 11th, 2024 at the District Office, 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids sent via FAX will not be accepted. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any
The Heilmans and Janne Mook (right) welcome Gabriel Comin (middle) to Minnesota at the airport.
The Centennial Lake Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•Police responded to a noise complaint in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Oct. 2.
•Police responded to a report of harassment Oct. 2 in the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington. Nothing further to report.
•Officers responded to a theft Oct. 2 that occurred in the 300 block of Sherwood Court in Circle Pines.
•Officers responded to a delayed report of theft Oct. 2 in the 130 block of Canterbury Road in Circle Pines.
•Officers responded to a report of a theft Oct. 3 in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
•A wallet was turned in to the Centennial Lakes Police Department Community Service Officers on Oct. 3 in the 0 block of Pine Drive in Circle Pines.
•Officers responded to the 9500 block of Dunlap Avenue Oct. 3 in Lexington over a dispute over political signage.
•Police took a phone call Oct. 3 requesting extra patrol in the 8900 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington.
•Police responded Oct. 3 to the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue on a report of a domestic. The incident resulted in a DWI arrest.
•Officers were dispatched to the 0 block of Center Road in Circle Pines Oct. 3 for a report of suspicious activity.
•Police responded to a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Lexington Avenue NE and Lake Drive in Lexington. No further information was provided.
•Police took a phone call fraud report Oct. 5 in the 1900 block of Robin Lane N. in Centerville.
•Police responded to the area of Griggs Avenue and Woodland Road Oct. 5 regarding a slumper in a vehicle. The vehicle occupant was found to be very tired and was transported home.
•Officers were dispatched Oct. 6 on a report of theft that occurred in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington. The case is active.
•Police responded to ongoing issues of prowlers Oct. 6 in the 3800 block of Minuteman Lane in Lexington. The reporting party requested a police report to document the issue.
•Officers were dispatched Oct. 7 to the 40 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines for a theft. No suspect information available at this time.
•Officers were dispatched to the 10 block of Park Drive in Circle Pines Oct. 7 for a second theft report. No suspect information available at this time.
•Police responded to a burglary Oct. 7 in the 3800 block of Minuteman Lane in Lexington.
•Police responded to a trespass incident that occurred in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue S. in Centerville Oct. 8.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries Oct. 1 near the intersection of Main Street and 21st Avenue N. Both vehicles were towed. The persons involved were not transported to the hospital. A state crash report was completed.
•An officer responded to an audible
burglar alarm at a local business Oct. 1 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The officer spoke with staff and determined there were no problems.
•Officers received a report of possible fraud Oct. 1 in the 0 block of Pine Street. The incident was determined to be a civil issue with a company they hired.
•An officer checked on a suspicious vehicle and a group of individuals at a bank Oct. 1 located in the 7400 block of Village Drive. There was no apparent criminal acitivity occurring.
•Officers located a stalled vehicle that was blocking traffic Oct. 2 near the intersection of Hodgson Road and Birch Street. The officers ordered a tow truck for the driver.
•Officers responded to an audible burglar alarm at a local business Oct. 2 in the 6800 block of Lake Drive. The officers determined it was an accidental alarm activation and there were no problems.
•Officers responded to a suspicious activity call Oct. 1 in the 7600 block of Mustang Lane. The officer made contact with an adult male and juvenile male and determined there were no problems.
•Officers received a report of a disorderly student at a school in the 300 block of Elm Street Oct. 2. Officers arrived and the student fled on foot from officers. Officers located the student, who was then transported home and later charged with disorderly conduct.
•An officer responded to a traffic complaint involving a minibike Oct. 2 in the 6500 block of Gaage Lane. The driver was located and advised of traffic laws.
•An officer responded to a gas station Oct. 2 in the 7500 block of Lake Drive for a civil matter surrounding the amount of change due to a customer. The matter was resolved.
•An officer stopped a vehicle for unsafe driving conduct Oct. 2 in the 6600 block of Hodgson Road. The driver was arrested for DWI and later booked at jail for DWI-related offenses.
•An officer received information Oct. 3 about a theft that took place at a school in the 300 block of Elm Street. The investigation is ongoing.
•Officers conducted a traffic stop Oct. 3 in the 2200 block of Main Street on a vehicle with a driver who had an outstanding warrant. The driver was arrested and booked at jail.
•An officer responded to a call of a driving complaint Oct. 3 near the intersection of Hodgson Road and Lake Drive. The officer located and stopped the vehicle for illegal driving conduct. The adult male driver was picked up at the scene and a driver evaluation form was later completed.
to locate a suspect vehicle.
•An officer responded to a park regarding damage to city property Oct. 4 in the 6400 block of Sunrise Drive. The incident was documented, and an investigation is ongoing.
•An officer and fire units responded to a report of a candle burning Oct. 4 inside a vacant home in the 200 block of Baldwin Circle that was under construction. Fire units were able to gain entry to the residence and extinguish the candle.
•Officers responded to a report Oct. 4 of a male causing a disturbance in the 6500 block of Ware Road. Officers learned no crime had occurred and the involved parties were advised of the complaint.
•Officers received a report of a residential burglary Oct. 4 in the 800 block of Oak Lane. The investigation is ongoing.
•An officer conducted a traffic stop Oct. 4 in the 7700 block of Lake Drive on a motorcycle for an equipment violation and arrested the driver for driving after cancellation inimical to public safety. The driver was booked at jail.
•An officer responded to a report of someone ringing doorbells Oct. 4 in the 500 block of Aqua Circle and running away in a residential area. The officer checked the area but was unable to locate anyone.
•An officer received a traffic complaint about a vehicle driving unsafely Oct. 4 at the intersection of Otter Lake Road and Main Street. Officers located and stopped the vehicle and noticed signs of impairment in the driver. After an investigation, the driver was arrested for third-degree DWI and was booked in jail.
•An officer responded to a report of an underage drinking party Oct. 5 in the 6400 block of Stella Lane. The officer determined there had been a party at the location, but no evidence of alcohol use. The teenagers left without incident.
•Officers and fire personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash Oct. 5 with possible injuries in the intersection of I-35E and Main Street. No injuries were reported. One vehicle was towed due to damage.
•Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male walking around a neighborhood Oct. 5 in the 2000 block of 21st Avenue South. An adult male was located and was given a ride to a safe place of his preference.
•Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male walking out of a wooded area Oct. 5 in the 200 block of Linda Avenue. A male on a bike was also stopped, but the incidents were not believed to be related. No other problems found.
•An officer responded to a car versus deer accident report Oct. 6 in the 1300 block of Birch Street. Upon arrival, the officer determined there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed due to damage.
•An officer took a fraud report Oct. 7 in the 300 block of Oak Hollow Lane involving a minor and their social media account. It was determined there was no financial loss and the complaint was advised to delete the social media accounts.
•Officers responded to a property damage accident involving two vehicles Oct. 7 in the 200 block of Ash Street. The officer documented statements and information was provided by the drivers. One driver was cited for a violation.
•An officer took a theft report Oct. 3 at a middle school located in the 300 block of Elm Street that occurred during a sporting event. The missing items were documented. The victim is working with another agency to recover the items.
•An officer responded to a report of property damage Oct. 3 in the intersection of Lake Drive and Ivy Ridge Lane involving an unknown object that was thrown at the windshield of a moving vehicle. The item was believed to have originated from a vehicle passing in the opposite direction. The windshield shattered, but the driver was uninjured. Officers checked the area but were unable
King is described by his foster as malleable, loyal and loving. His foster also says that King is the smartest dog in the house. King loves his toys, his people and his routine. He is almost 2 years old and weighs 81 pounds.
King is a pit bull terrier/ American pit bull terrier mix. He is playful, affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. King is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone he meets. He is housetrained and knows his basic commands, and he has good manners.
As previously stated, King loves his routine, which includes breakfast, a nap, playtime, lounging while his foster works, an afternoon or evening walk, and then heading back on the couch.
King arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound and he is anxiously waiting to join a loving family and home. He would fit in perfectly as an only dog or as an additional member of a pet family.
If you are interested in learning more about King or adopting him, fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org.
the stairs, is co ncerned about a fall or wa nts to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide toda y! 866.852.5506
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all real estate adv ertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion bas ed on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap,
“any
ce, limitation or discriminat ion bas ed 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
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Tutors still needed in Lino Lakes
Fewer than one-third of Minnesota students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading literacy and math, making individual support more important than ever. The AmeriCorps tutoring programs are still looking for 500 tutors all across the state to support students in area schools and preschools — with more than half needed in rural areas. Rice Lake Elementary is still in need of two math tutors.
Tutors are fully trained and will serve on-site at a local school for 35, 25 or 18 hours a week. Using scripted activities, tutors meet with students individually and in small groups to practice essential skills. Prior teaching experience isn’t required – all tutors receive comprehensive training and ongoing coaching.
All tutors receive a stipend equivalent to about $15 per hour served every two weeks, plus up to $2,800 to pay for college tuition or student loans. Those who are 55 or older may choose to gift their education award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child. Many tutors also qualify for additional benefits like free individual health insurance and child care assistance. For more information or to apply to become a tutor, visit join.readingandmath.org.
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS
• The district has agreed to pay Bottem Landscaping LLC $94,149. The company initiated a lawsuit against the district, but both parties agreed to resolve the dispute before filing the suit. Per the settlement agreement, the parties agree that the agreement is made “in compromise of disputed claim and it is not to be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by or on behalf of the district or any employee of the district.”
• The proposed 2024 (payable 2025) tax levy has been set at the maximum. The district can decrease the amount of the levy, but it cannot increase it. The levy will be finalized in December following a public hearing.
Executive Director of Business Services Patrick Chaffey explained, "The reason we set it at maximum is the numbers continue to change … We always recommend approving the maximum to allow that
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
•Early voting continues to be a popular option for residents in Circle Pines. City Administrator Patrick Antonen explained as of last week, over 100 people have visited City Hall to vote.
•The city has a new business in town — Northern Asian Massage. Antonen explained the business is relocating from Maplewood to Circle Pines.
•Residents who have delinquent utility bills have 30 days to pay their bill in full without penalty before it is certified to Anoka County to be included on their property taxes. A total of 39 accounts owe $21,375.
“This is by far the least amount we have ever had since I’ve been here the last eight years. Usually, this number is around $40,000 or $45,000,” Antonen said.
Frank Watson
Antonen credits the lower amount to Mother
levy to make changes. I don’t see significant changes to what’s on here. It is probably pretty close to what it is.”
Nature (less watering) and an increased collection effort from city staff.
•The city will also soon certify $12,800 to Anoka County for delinquent city properties, specifically those with diseased trees. “The homeowners did not take care of the trees, so we were forced to take them down on their behalf,” Antonen said. “We are recouping our investment in taking down those trees.”
•The city of Circle Pines has reached a settlement agreement with the owners of the former Down Under property, located at 10100 Lake Drive.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
Sponsoredby
James Sanchez White Bear Lake Realty 4790 Banning Avenue • Downtown White Bear Lake 651-653-7326 • www.wblrealty.com
The truth in taxation hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, in the district board room.
• The Minnesota School Board Association, Education Minnesota, the Centennial Educations Association and district staff all worked together to develop a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that describes how the district plans to implement the Read Act and determine how funding will be provided and distributed. The Read Act, which was passed this last legislative session, will provide $90 million in funding over the next four years to lay the groundwork for school districts to improve literacy rates across the state while also supporting teachers and school districts.
• The district plans to stick with HealthPartners
for its 2025-2026 health insurance. Every two years, school districts are required to seek requests for proposals (RFPs) for medical insurance under the Health Insurance Transparency Act. The district received three proposals and decided to stick with HealthPartners for the “best overall value,” Chaffey said. He added that since the district is self-insured, HealthPartners takes care of the administration side of things and helps manage claims. When it comes to dental insurance, the district will see a 15.2% increase.
• The district continues to adopt revised policies that were updated to reflect legislative changes. Most recently, it approved 18 policies.
The next Centennial School Board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in the district board room. Shannon Granholm
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
Finally healthy, Harper in dazzling senior year with Gophers
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Khyah Harper, after three quiet, injuryriddled years on the Minnesota Gophers soccer team, has erupted into the nation’s leading scorer in her final season.
Living up at last to the high potential she showed at Centennial, Harper has pumped in 16 of the Gophers’ 29 goals, leading them to an 9-3-3 record, 3-3-2 in the Big Ten. A highlight: last Thursday, she delivered two goals in a 3-2 upset at Ohio State, the Gophers’ first win over a Top Ten team since 2015.
“I am 100% healthy, finally,” said Harper. Previously, she was hampered by injuries to her right ankle as a senior at Centennial and to her left ankle and right knee in college, all of which required surgery.
In her first three seasons, Harper had just three goals in 49 games, 24 of them as a starter, along with 11 assists. Everything’s better this year, not just her health.
“Our chemistry is the best it has been since I have been at the ‘U’ and obviously being healthy has really helped me showcase my play personally,” said Harper. She’s finally playing “how I know I can.”
first time since 2008 unbeaten after eight games. In September, out west, she scored in a 2-2 tie with Southern California and again in a 3-1 loss to UCLA. She enjoyed a Big Ten hat trick in a 3-0 win over Michigan. She had the lone goal in a 1-0 win over North Dakota State.
Rebels’ big rally stuns Cougars 29-20
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Unable to hold a 20-point lead, the Centennial Cougars lost to Champlin Park and red-hot quarterback Preston Thielke 29-20 at home Friday evening.
next Sunday vs. Iowa at 1 p.m. They play at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul, on the east edge of the University of Minnesota Golf Course.
“She’s very technical, she has a wonderful soccer IQ, and she’s really clinical in front of goal,” Gopher coach Erin Chastain said. “I think she’s really embraced the responsibility to score goals for the team.”
Belinske-Strauss’s 48-yard run.
Then Thielke and the Rebel offense kicked in.
HIRING
The Gophers have three conference games left, all at home — a good opportunity to go watch one of Centennial’s all-time greats at the end of her college career — Thursday vs. Maryland at 7 p.m., Sunday vs. Indiana at noon, and
Full-time or Part-time Heavy Truck Mechanic at MID-COUNTY
(952) 466-3721 or billr@midcountycoop.com
At OSU, Harper slotted her first goal to the far post and her second on a rebound after she outran a defender and took a shot that was blocked. “Huge win at OSU, and super exciting,” said Harper. Harper was a prize recruit for the Gophers in 2020 after earning Metro Player of the Year awards from both the Star-Tribune and Pioneer Press. Harper tallied 134 prep goals in five seasons, two with North Branch and three with the Cougars, whom she led to a state runnerup finish as a junior. She had 26 goals and 11 assists as a senior on a 13-1 team but there were no playoffs due to Covid. Harper served notice from the opening kickoff this year that she’d be a force, logging a pair of hat tricks, in wins over UW-Milwaukee 3-2 and St. Thomas 4-1. The Gophers had a 7-0-1 nonconference start, their
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Addison Kemper
Addison Kemper, 6-foot-1 junior, emerged as a force at middle blocker this year for the Cougar volleyball team. “She has been on fire all season, and really came out strong against Hopkins,” said coach Nicole Christensen, about a win last week where she logged nine kills in 12 attempts with no errors, three aces and three blocks. Through 25 matches, Kemper had 147 kills, 33 aces and 19 blocks. “She has exceeded our expectations,” Christensen said. “We love when players want the ball and work hard to do their job.”
Khyah’s sister Sadie, a year older, was her teammate with the Cougars and Gophers. Sadie has a degree in Kinesiology and lives in Seattle. Her boyfriend, Ben Meyers, plays for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
The sisters were avid Cougar football fans last year when their brother Maverick was the rushing leader for the state championship team. “I made every single state game, including the state championship,” Khyah said. “It was definitely a proud sister moment.”
Khyah also majors in Kinesiology and plans to become an Orthopedic Physician Assistant, an occupation she chose “because of all my surgeries.” She liked the environment in the clinics and looks forward to returning as a caregiver. As for soccer, she is “currently undecided” if she’ll continue playing after college.
“We broke down, and could not get things rolling again,” assessed coach Mike Diggins about his team cruising to a 20-0 lead but not finishing the job. Both teams are 3-4.
In the first half, Isaac Belinske-Strauss threw a touchdown pass to Kellen Binder from 35 yards and capped another drive with a four-yard touchdown run, and Justin Driver booted field goals of 30 and 26 yards, the latter set up by
SPORTS BRIEFS
SWIMMING
The agile 6-foot-4 senior hit Preston Mentros for a 31-yard touchdown on the last play of the half. He went deep again to Luke Gilk for a 41-yard score just after halftime, after which Centennial lost a fumble at their 22 and Thielke hit Jeremiah Schaefer from there for a touchdown on a screen pass, taking a 21-20 lead. With 2:45 left in the game, Thielke scored on a sneak and hit Preston Mentzos for a clinching two-pointer.
The Rebels shut down the Centennial ground game in the second half. The Cougars got most of their 230 ground yards in the
Centennial (2-4) lost to Spring Lake Park 98-83 last Tuesday, then placed fourth of eight teams in Section 7AA true team Friday at Andover. Winning against SLP were Nadia Schuhbauer (200 freestyle, 2:16.21), Sophia Nguyen (individual medley 2:16.92, and backstroke, 1;00.99), Kate Woelfel (diving 241.00), and the 400 freestyle relay with Claira Zebell, Nguyen, Schuhbauer and Lydia Hydukovich (4:03.40). Placing second were Schuhbauer (500 free) and Hydukovich (breaststroke). In the sectional, Nguyen won the backstroke (1:00.91) and 100 freestyle (55.94), Hydukovich won the medley (2:19.16), and Woelfel won diving (409.95). Hydukovich was fourth in the butterfly and Amelia Pole and Zebel were 5-6 in the breaststroke.
TENNIS
The Cougar season ended in Section 4AA individuals Thursday with all four entrants winning at least once. Lauren Klein reached the third round of singles, beating Spring Lake Park’s Anna Smolich 6-1, 6-0 and Mahtomedi’s Lily Carlson 7-3, 4-6, 6-4 before losing to White Bear Lake’s Martina Chocarro 7-5, 6-4. Klein, a junior in her third season at 1-singles, finished with a 14-9 record. Winning in the first round and losing in the second were
first half. Belinske-Strauss gained 107 in 13 carries and Brady Haffeman 47 in 11. In the second half, Max Johnson had a 53-yard catch and Marshawn Carlvin a 22-yarder but the Cougars had no scoring threats. Belinske-Strauss was 4-for-11 for 112 yards with one interception.
Isabel Yang in singles, and Emma Thompson/Sophie Wynn and Ella Nelson/Hanna Lofgren in doubles.
BOYS SOCCER
Centennial edged Anoka 3-2 in three overtimes in the Section 7AAA opener last Tuesday. The Cougar season ended Thursday with a 3-2 semifinal loss to Blaine. Against Anoka, Beckett Babiash and Ryan Koslowski scored goals in regulation and the Cougars won a shootout in the third overtime while goalie Georden Tschida made multiple saves. Babish and Minty Shady scored against Blaine. The No. 5 seeded Cougars finished 5-8-4.
VOLLEYBALL
Centennial closed the regular season with a runner-up finish in the Apple Valley October Classic on Saturday. The Cougars (16-11) defeated Legacy Christian, Stewartville and Apple Valley, all two games of three, then lost in the finals to Minneapolis Washburn 25-16, 25-23. The Cougars had a 3-0 win over Hopkins on Tuesday as Elena Hoecke had 13 kills, Addison Kemper nine and Nora Lieser and Emma Peterson six each. Lieser aced four serves. Centennial was 4-2 for third place of seven teams in their division of the Northwest Suburban. Bruce Strand
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CONTRIBUTED Khyah Harper, Gophers senior from Centennial, leads all the nation with 16 goals.
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED Justin Driver kicked two field goals for the Cougars, with Max Johnson holding.
LINO INVENTOR: Takes on dog cleanup
the invention even more useful.
“You still had to pick up the poop,” he explained. “Ideally, you wouldn’t have to touch it at all … That’s where the drone and pickup mechanism came in.”
The Poopcopter is a drone with a camera on it. The drone autonomously patrols a yard and, using computer vision, it looks for poop. Once it is located, the drone will perform a landing, land on the poop, pick it up and then fly away to a target drop-off location to dispose of it.
“No one wants to pick up poop. That sucks. And everyone does it,” Olson said. “We sort of distance ourselves with bags and rakes, scoopers, or even pay for a service. So, if you can automate the whole solution away with technology, you don’t even have to touch poop, which is the dream.”
Olson considered other names for the invention like the “doo doo drone” or his father’s idea, the “Feces Flinger 5,000,” but the Poopcopter rose to the top of the list.
“I think it communicates clearly, for the most part, what it is,” he said. “It’s really childish, but I thought it was funny and it gets to the point.”
The Poopcopter is still in the “prototype” phase. At this point, Olson said he needs to figure out how the drone will be used, whether it will be sold to consumers directly or if a company will use it to provide a service.
“I’m still considering both, and I’m kind of hoping someone will reach out to me and help me answer that question. The next set of work I do on it depends on which pathway I go down… I’m still trying to figure that out,” he explained. “I got to a point where I filed the patent on it and I’m comfortable talking about it and showing it off. I’m hoping I can connect with the right person or a company to figure out what the best path forward is, but I think that would be the most fun if people had their own, if it was directed to the consumer.”
Caleb Olson demonstrates how the Poopcopter operates. The drone autonomously patrols a yard and, using computer vision, it looks for poop.
Because there are so many unknowns at this point, it is hard to pinpoint what a Poopcopter could cost a consumer, but he did say it would not be as expensive as an automower. Depending on how everything goes, the Poopcopter could be ready for consumers as early as six months to a year from now.
For project updates, visit Olson’s website https://calebolson.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
