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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A unique partnership between the school district, the state and a local company allows students to learn new skills and eventually gain employment. New this year, Centennial’s Journey program offers Introduction to Computer Recycling. Journey is an adult transition program for students ages 18-22 with unique needs and abilities. During the program, students learn about independent living, employment, healthy relationships, banking and more. Leslie Folstad, a teacher on special assignment with the program, explained that all the students in the program are students who received special education services while in high school. Folstad explained that two years ago, she had a student who was very interested in the world of information technology (IT). Through Vocational Rehab Services (VRS),
BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
An accident involving a motorcyclist launched into a day care playground at 1980 Center Street has resulted in immediate action from adults in Centerville to address safety issues.
Following public commentary and ensuing discussion, the Centerville City Council directed city staff to waste no time in erecting a concrete jersey barrier along Center Street, to seek school safety
designation for the day care, and to look into lowering vehicle speeds along 20th Avenue. The directive was carried by a vote of 4-1; Council Member Raye Taylor was opposed.
The motorcyclist on 20th Avenue at Center Street lost control while approaching town and veered off 20th Avenue before crossing the parallel walking path and plummeting into a ditch, said day care parent Cara Johnson. The northbound biker then catapulted back up from the ditch and launched through the chain link fence on 20th Avenue and onto the playground. No
children were hurt, but the motorcyclist lay seriously injured at the scene.
Johnson, whose sons attend the day care, noted that too many motorists along the corridor speed and tailgate other vehicles. She called for immediate action: A barrier to protect the school zone and walking path should be installed and funded by the county so the burden doesn’t fall on the small business; a solid-line no-passing zone and reduced speed limit should accompany the barrier; a
a program through the state, he was set up for a paid work experience at a local IT company.
“It was very hard for him to work at that particular place,” she said. The student’s job coach reached out to Matt Claseman, president of Top5 Technologies Inc., who agreed to provide a similar experience at his company. “It turned out to be a wonderful experience,” Forstad said.
Top 5 Technologies has been around since 2014 and is currently located in Lino Lakes. The company is an international computer wholesale and brokerage company that buys and sells new and used computer equipment.
Four years ago, Claseman says the company created Able-IT, a nonprofit that offers a training program for students to become computer technicians. The company previously worked with White Bear Lake Area Schools when it was located in Hugo, but now works with the Centennial district.
“We teach these kids a skill that they get so good at that it outshines any disability they have. People only see the ability,” Claseman said. This is where the name Able-IT comes from.
Claseman, an instructor of martial arts for 30 years, uses his same teaching skills, classical conditioning, to work with the Journey students.
“A lot of these kids come in and they have never used a screwdriver,” he explained.
“We're introducing to them how to use the tools correctly and it just it takes a little extra time to get them familiar with it … It's just giving them a basic raw gross skill and having to practice it 100 times.”
Students in the program start out learning the basics in the Introduction to Computer Recycling class.
“Students can work on developing those introductory skills here, and once they are ready they go to the workshop (at Top5) and work there,”
Forstad explained.
The experience at Top5 starts as an unpaid work experience, but once the students become
more advanced in their skills, they transition into a paid work experience, thanks to VRS.
VRS, which falls under the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, aims to help people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep a job, and to live as independently as possible.
Kourtney Armeruster, of VRS, noted that through the paid-work experiences, “We give our kids a really good launch into being able to support themselves. Studies show that if you have a paid work experience, you are more than likely going to be more successful out in the community working for paid employment through an employer.”
Forstad added, “We hope that they have an opportunity to earn competitive wages in that field and have the same opportunity to have benefits provided to them as anybody without a disability would have.”
Students progress through the program at their own pace. Not only are they learning all about
the word of computer recycling, but they also learn “soft skills” like building a resume, communicating with coworkers and advocating for themselves.
At the end of the paid work experience, if it is the right fit, Claseman will hire them. Over the last four years, Claseman said Top5 has hired eight students out of the program, four of whom are still employed there.
Claseman shared that the student who came over from the other company excelled after arriving at Top5. “We worked with him to teach him the best way to get results, and he just flourished from there,” he said. “He rapidly grew, and now he is by far one of the best techs, not only in the industry but worldwide. He has got such a skill set, and it is so ingrained.”
When the student first arrived at Top5 he was not very talkative, Claseman said, but now because he feels comfortable and confident in his work environment he is “cracking jokes and using sarcasm.”
Community members who have old computer equipment
CONTRIBUTED
The Centennial School District’s Journey program has a partnership with Able-IT based in Lino Lakes that teaches students how to become computer technicians.
sitting around can donate it to Able-IT for the students to work on. “Some of these kids are so fast at recycling stuff, I'm bringing two to three pallets of stuff over to the high school every week or two,” he said. For more information about Top5 Technologies or Able-IT, visit https:// topfivetechnologies.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
SURVEILLANCE CAMERA PROJECT
Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by Centennial Independent School District 12 located at 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 until 1:00 PM CST, Thursday, November 14, 2024 for the Surveillance Cameras Project. Proposals received after the time stated will not be considered. Proposals will be opened publicly, and receipt acknowledged. Request for proposal documents are available by emailing proposals@ isd12.org with the subject line “Request for Proposal - Surveillance Camera Project.”
The following project dates are established:
• October 29, 2024 Request for proposal release date.
• November 6, 2024 Site walk through with vendors.
• November 6, 2024 Vendor questions recieved by district.
• November 8, 2024 District response to vendor questions.
• November 14, 2024 Submit sealed proposals by 1pm. No exception.
• November 18, 2024 Formal review/award by School Board.
• May 31, 2025 Project work completion date.
Published on the district’s website from October 29, 2024 to November 14, 2024. Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 29 and November 5, 2024.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:
• Street Vacation
- Vacation of the portion of 77th Street lying between Marilyn Drive and Lake Drive
For further information regarding the above item, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.
Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 29 and November 5, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on November 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:
• Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation - 1057 Black Duck Court - PID #28-31-22-13-0137
For further information regarding the above item, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.
Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 29 and November 5, 2024.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, ANOKA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN PROCEEDINGS SUBSEQUENT TO INITIAL REGISTRATION OF LAND SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 02-CV-23-6553
In the Matter of the Petition of Kenneth J. Brown and Patricia J. Brown, in Relation to Certificate of Title No 70867 issued for land in the County of Anoka and State of Minnesota and legally described as follows: Lot 26, except the South 4/5ths, Lot 27 and the South I/5th of Lot 28, Block 10, ROSLYN PARK.
TO: Security Pacific National Bank, Trustee
This Court will hold a hearing on Thursday, the 21st day of November, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. This hearing will NOT be held in person. The hearing will be held remotely via WebEx and appearances shall be by video unless otherwise directed. Due to Minnesota Supreme Court Order ADM20-8001 (Minn. filed April 19, 2022), this Court will rule on the Petition in this case after administrative review of submissions and remote hearing.
YOU ARE ORDERED to show cause, if there is any, why this Court should not enter an Order as follows:
That the registrar of titles, upon the filing of a certified copy of this order, cancel Certificate of Title No. 70867 and enter a new certificate of title for Lot 26, except the South 4/5th, Lot 27 and the South I/5th of Lot 28, Block 10, ROSLYN PARK, in favor of Kenneth J. Brown and Patricia J. Brown, as joint tenants, whose address is 5045 5th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 subject to the existing recital, but
free from all other memorials appearing on the present certificate through the memorial of Document No. 613291.001, and also free from the memorial of this order
Attendance is only required by those who wish to object to the entry of the above described Order. If no objection is filed, the Petition may be granted without further notice.
If you wish to object to the entry of the Order set forth above, you must:
• Contact Tracy Ekberg via email at tracy.ekberg@co.anoka.mn.us at least three days prior to the hearing date. If you wish to attend the remote hearing, the Court will email you the WebEx link at least one business day before the hearing. The Minnesota Judicial Branch uses strict security controls for all remote technology when conaucting remote hearings. For more information on remote hearings, visit https://mncourts.gov/remote-hearings or call (763) 760-6700;
• Your email requesting access to the remote hearing MUST include (I) your name, (2) mailing address, (3) email address, (4) telephone number AND, (5) the court file number;
• If an objection is filed, the matter will be a contested case and assigned to a judge. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that this Order to Show Cause be served: (a) at least 10 days before the hearing upon the above-named parties residing in this State in the manner provided by law for the service of Summons in a civil action; (b) at least 14 days before the hearing upon each of the abovenamed nonresidents by sending a copy of this Order to the nonresident’s post office address, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; (c) upon each of the above named parties who cannot be found by two weeks published notice and by sending a copy of this Order at least 14 days before the hearing by first class mail to the last known address of the party and by sending another copy of this Order at least 14 days before the hearing by first class mail to the address of such party as stated on the Certificate of Title if an address is so stated; (d) upon a dissolved, withdrawn, or revoked business entity governed by Minn. Stat., Chp. 302A, 303, 317A, 322A, 322B, or 323 in the manner provided by Minn. Stat. § 5.25. [Note: return date on the Order ro Show Cause must be at least 30 days after date of mailing by the
CONTRIBUTED
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY “500”
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3; 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. 21; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo. com
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27; 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
CAFFEINE & CONNECTION
When: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, 579 Apollo Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: Monthly morning networking opportunity held the second Tuesday of each month. This get-together is hosted and sponsored by various businesses around our community. Open to members and guests at no charge. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served.
County offers pumpkin collection
Anoka County compost sites will offer a pumpkin collection Nov. 3. Stop by with your jack-o’-lanterns so the county can compost them for you. Participants will receive a treat as the county celebrates the opening of the new Bunker Hills Compost Barn, located at 3285 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids. Anoka County has a second compost site, Rice Creek, located at 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes. For more information about the county’s compost sites, visit www.anokacountymn.gov/359/Compost-Sites.
Week of Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2024
Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. Lino Lakes family opens Scooters in Blaine. Quad Community Press > Briefs
2. Washington County Sheriff’s office, SWAT responds to weekend standoff in Willernie. White Bear Press > News
3. Mahtomedi soccer celebration turns to heartbreak. White Bear Press > News
4. Cross country: White Bear Lake girls win close meet for section crown. White Bear Press > Sports
5. Zephyrs rout Mankato East 7-0, face Holy Angels in state soccer finals. White Bear Press > Sports
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11
Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes.
Details: All veterans are invited to enjoy a free burger meal. Contact: (651) 783-0055
CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
FALL PLAY
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8; 1 or 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes
Details: Centennial Middle School’s fall play features a cast and crew of 76 students. Tickets must be purchased online or on the Home Town Fan mobile app prior to the show. To purchase tickets, visit: tinyurl.com/CMS-sleepyhollow
VETERAN’S DAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
When: 1:30-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8
Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E. County Road F.
Details: Veterans and families invited to enjoy ice cream and socializing. Call to register.
Contact: 651-653-3121
CENTENNIAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
When: 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8
Where: Blue Heron Elementary, 405 Elm St., Lino Lakes
Details: Elementary students put on annual Veterans Day program for service men and women. Contact: 763-792-6200
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE
When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday Nov. 9
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St, Lino Lakes
Details: Display of Christmas cards, gifts, and other seasonal items. Contact: scmjohn236@yahoo.com
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
DERBY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: North Star Scouting Museum, 2640 E. Seventh Ave., North St. Paul
Details: Grown-up version of the Pinewood Derby race, with food and refreshments, silent auction, and prizes. Fundraiser for museum programs. 21+; register online.
Contact: nssm.regfox.com/2024-derby-night-at-themuseum
WINTER FARMERS MARKET
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F East, White Bear Lake
Details: Over 20 farmers and food vendors share locally grown and crafted items including veggies, meats. cheeses, baked goods, sauces, jams, and more. Contact: michelle@forksinthedirt.com
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
When: 10:45 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 4500 Lake Ave. S, White Bear Lake
Details: Join us in honoring the men and women who served our country. Hosted by VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary.
Contact: infovfwpost1782@gmail.com
VFW 1782 AND AUXILIARY VETERANS APPRECIATION EVENT When: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Where: VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave S, White Bear Lake
Details: All veterans and one guest are invited to enjoy a free lunch from a special menu. Veteran resource material will also be available. Contact: infovfwpost1782@gmail.com
10TH ANNUAL SOS LUNCH FOR VETERANS
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11
Where: American Legion Post 39, 2678 E. 7th Avenue, North St. Paul
Details: An SOS lunch of chipped beef on toast, which was served in military mess halls, will be available free for veterans. Family members may order off regular menu.
Contact: 651-777-3708
MAHTOMEDI VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
When: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11
Where: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mahtomedi Details: Join the American Legion Kramer-Berg Post 507 and other veterans and family members for a celebration honoring service men and women. Contact: 651-426-6598
Join Us for Mass Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015 761677
Beginning next week, the Quad Community Press will have a new editor and I will begin my new assignment as editor of the White Bear Press.
The Quad Press will be in good hands. Our Shoreview Press and Lowdown Editor Madeline Dolby is the new editor, and she will do a fantastic job bringing readers stories about the people, schools and government of the area.
Shannon’s
Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
I’m nervous about the transition, but I’m hoping White Bear Lake will welcome me with open arms, just like the Quad community.
To say I am sad about no longer writing about the Quad community would be an understatement. For nearly nine years I have poured my heart and soul into this paper.
I have covered countless city council and school board meetings as well as street projects, proposed developments, programs at Centennial Schools and feature stories on community members.
I have met so many amazing people along the way and I cherish all the relationships I have made.
A couple of weekends ago, my family and I attended a Trunk or Treat in our VW bus at a church in Circle Pines. While there, we ran into several people, including a domestic violence survivor I met and wrote about years ago. Last weekend, my family and I visited the Centennial Band Boosters Holiday Bazaar at Centennial Middle School. While we were shopping, we ran into the branch manager of Centennial Library who I have come to know both through the paper and via “Baby Storytime” with my son Royce. We also ran into a veteran (who I met and wrote about back in 2016). His wife recognized my family and introduced herself.
This week, I will return to Sunrise Elementary School in Blaine to talk to students about newspapers at their “Ice Cream for Books and Numbers.” During the event, students will learn about writing and reading in the real world. When I first came to Press Publications as a staff writer in 2016, I had no idea how much I would come to think of the Quad area as “my community” even though I don’t reside there. I have attended school plays, music in the park, farmers markets, summer festivals, galas, proms, grand openings and the list goes on and on. Of course I can’t forget to mention Blue Heron Days, Fete des Lacs and Fall Festival. And who could forget all the DOGS! From Lino Lakes K-9s Justice and Argos; to Oscar, a search and rescue dog; to Judy, a dog who sniffs for explosives at Target Field; to Mac a medical alert dog; Bucky a therapy dog who lets children read to him at the library.
I was recently chatting with local mayors about this change, and I was so touched when one said, “We are sad. You have been our longest reporter and the best by far.” The other mayor said, “Thanks for all you have done for our community … There is really something special about you.”
I hope you have come to cherish the Quad Community Press just as much as I have. Don’t be a stranger.
Shannon Granholm is the Managing Editor at Press Publications.
ACop’s Corner
Matt Carlson
s we transition to winter, the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department would like to remind our community about some roadway safety tips. With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of us will be traveling to various gatherings, and at times may need to use our phone or a mapping app for assistance to get to our destinations. Please remember Minnesota is a hands-free state. Plan ahead and program your destination into your device prior to driving, or familiarize yourself with voice activation options for your vehicle and devices. Using a device in-hand while driving poses significant safety risks, and it’s a violation of a traffic law. Convictions for violating the use of wireless communication device law has lasting impacts on driving records and on vehicle insurance premiums.
Impaired driving-related crashes and arrests tend to
Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at
increase during the holiday season. Please plan your transportation ahead of time if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, or any other mood altering products. Besides the public safety concerns that revolve around impaired driving, DUI charges can lead to incarceration, fines, license plate impoundments, vehicle forfeiture and the revocation of driving privileges. Planning a sober ride is not only safer, but far less expensive than the consequences of driving under the influence. As a friendly reminder, increased traffic enforcement will be conducted on our roadways statewide during the holiday season.
With the holiday season comes our winter weather. Wintertime in Minnesota leads to the most crashes of any time of year and poses increased safety risks and hazards. Life can become very hectic during the holidays and we often find ourselves in a rush. Please allow yourselves extra time to travel if you must drive during inclement weather. Please make sure your vehicles are ready for the winter with proper tire tread, operating lights, and be sure your windshield wipers and brakes in good condition.
least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
Some of the most precious cargo in our vehicles this holiday season are the children in our lives. Please make sure they are traveling in the most appropriate child restraint for their age and size, and be sure they are correctly secured within your vehicle. Minnesota State guidelines regarding child passenger safety can be found on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (Office of Traffic Safety) webpage. If you have questions or need assistance with the installation of a child restraint seat, Lino Lakes Police Officer Eric Heu is a Certified Child Passenger Safety technician and can help you with car seat checks, or answer questions you may have regarding proper child restraint. Please reach out to our department at 651-982-2323 if you need assistance and we can help get you in touch with Officer Heu. Please enjoy the upcoming holiday season and we will do our best to make sure our roadways are safe during your travels.
Matt Carlson is a sergeant with the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department.
Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Rice Creek will serve as drop-off location
Pack a shoebox and send good news and great joy around the world. Rice Creek Covenant Church will once again serve as a drop-off location for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Filled shoeboxes can be dropped off at Rice Creek Covenant Church, located at 125 Ash Street in Lino Lakes.
Collection times are:
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18
4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19
2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20
4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Local businesswomen recognized, honored
Four local businesswomen were recently recognized in October by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce for making a difference in the community. The third annual InspireHER Gala (previously called Heels for Heroes) was organized by the Working with Women committee of the chamber and held at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Awards were presented to Jill Brown, Jill Brown PR; Kendra Miles Smith, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation; Samantha Peluso Wright, Garage Doors Plus LLC; and Regan Birr, Lupus Research Foundation/Regan MOVES.
Lori Higgins, MetroNorth Chamber president, said, “We put a lot of thought into the rebranding of this program, now known as InspireHER. We wanted to focus on the true meaning behind the awards, which is the inspiring, selfless contributions being made by the nominees. The ‘InspireHER’ brand really reflects that, and we are proud to continue to honor the amazing businesswomen in our community.”
For the third year in a row, Anoka County will illuminate its facilities in support of veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans Nov. 4-11 and is encouraging area residents and businesses to do the same.
The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, prompts counties to light their buildings green during the first full week of November to show veterans that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
20,000 veterans who call Anoka County home in various ways—through the county Veteran Services Office, veterans court, the Medlink volunteer driver network, and other initiatives and events that focus on veterans in the area.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25
For more information on Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, print labels or build a shoebox online, visit www.samaritanspurse. org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child.
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 11/3/2024
Increased visibility for good work is also a goal, according to Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson, a Working with Women committee member and chair of the awards program.
“Each of the 18 nominated women bring with them years of talent, expertise and true commitment to making the lives of those around them thrive in our community,” Jeppson said. “This is our opportunity to celebrate them in our continued tradition of lifting up, empowering and inspiring one another.”
“The goal is simple— to show support for our military veterans and spread awareness about the unique challenges they face and the resources available to them and their families,” said Mike Gamache, Anoka County Board of Commissioners chair.
Anoka County supports the nearly
For Operation Green Light, the west side of the Government Center, along 3rd Avenue, will have green lighting in both the north and south entrances. Anoka County encourages all individuals and businesses to join in by swapping one light bulb in their entryway or window for a green one. This small gesture is a way to honor those who’ve made immeasurable sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms.
Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11.
Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not per). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please
Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 612/332-8844. Thank you.
Dusty is a 4-year-old German shepherd who is affectionate, obedient, intelligent and eager to please. He weighs about 66 pounds and knows his basic commands. Dusty is house-trained, leash-trained and crate-trained. Although Dusty is crate-trained, his foster has also discovered that he can be fully trusted to roam the house freely when he is alone.
Dusty is also a snuggler and adores physical attention. Dusty likes to lay his head on his foster’s lap and will accept a good head and ear rub for as long as they are provided. When he’s not snuggling, Dusty likes to play with his toys, and he also enjoys going for car rides. He is a wonderful indoor and outdoor dog.
Dusty arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound and he is anxiously waiting to become a member of a loving home. He may not be comfortable in a home with young children and would do best with a breed-experienced handler. If you are interested in learning more about Dusty or adopting him, fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
If playing one character wasn’t challenging enough, try playing three.
Centennial Middle School (CMS) will present “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Middle School Mystery” on Nov. 7-9. There are 76 students in the cast and crew, and many students play more than one character throughout the show.
The show was written specifically for CMS by Twin Cities playwrights Ryan and Tina North.
The harvest moon casts an eerie glow over Sleepy Hollow as the town readies for its 100th Harvest Festival. But within the creaky halls of Sleepy Hollow Middle School, a different kind of drama unfolds. Its annual production of the Headless Horseman legend faces a pre-show meltdown. Tensions simmer during the crucial overnight rehearsal, fueled by unsettling mishaps. Scripts vanish, props levitate and whispers of the horseman himself echo through the halls. Is it just theatrical jitters, or has a touch of the supernatural seeped into the production? Ms. Massie Kendrick, the determined director, and her organized student assistant, Felance McBeth, must navigate this theatrical nightmare.
“It’s a comedy,” said Eric Webster, who co-directs the show with Laurie Tangren.
Eighth-grader Liam Kukkonen plays three characters in the show — Jacob, Brom Bones and the Headless Horseman.
“I like playing Jacob, but the Headless Horseman is a close second,” Kukkonen said about his favorite character. He said the show has been fun to be a part of. “It is a twist on ‘Sleepy Hollow,’ and shows what happens during a performance and what can go wrong.”
Eighth-grader Carson Hooper plays two characters, Dylan and Ichabod Crane. He said he can relate to one of his characters, but not the other one.
“Dylan is very Type A, very on task and ready to work … I’m very Type A and organized,” Hooper said. “Ichabod is more tough and tries to be cool. It’s kind of fun to play someone else who is not like me and then have to go between the two throughout the one show.”
Eighth-grader Isla Hall plays Macbeth, the stage manager. “She is very sassy … she keeps the show running and she does not tolerate bad behavior,” Hall said of her character. “It’s just me, it is my exact personality.”
Hall said the show has been “fun to do” and everyone has put a lot of hard work into it.
Eighth-grader Bryn Donaldson plays Shirlee, a teen girl who starts a podcast called “Sleepy Holla.”
She said it has been challenging to not acknowledge the audience much, as it is supposed to feel like a rehearsal. “It is fun to cause everyone to wait and be anxious,” she said. “It’s fun to watch the crowd get into it as the suspense builds.”
Eighth-grader Delaney Stemig plays Maddie and Gertrude. “She’s the mom of Katrina Van Tassel, and she wants to know what is happening with her. She is very protective,” Stemig said.
•The property owners at 1811 Laramee Lane received approval for an encroachment agreement to build a 4-foot black, ornamental steel fence in the rear and side yards. The fence will encroach on the city's rightof-way/drainage easement on the western side by 9.33 feet, on the rear by 19.61 feet and on the east side by 4.33 feet. Council granted permission to encroach on these three sides.
•The city has two emergency warning system sirens, currently provided by Embedded Systems. The 2025 contract proposal with the company will not increase in price over what the city is paying right now.
Although there are a limited number of companies that perform this type of work, city staff shopped around anyway, but did not receive any competitive responses. Therefore, the city will continue to pay
What: Centennial Middle School’s
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8; 1 or 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes
Details: Centennial Middle School’s fall play features a cast and crew of 76 students. Tickets must be purchased online or on the Home Town Fan mobile app prior to the show. To purchase tickets, scan the qr code below or visit tinyurl.com/cms-sleepyhollow.
Eighth-grader Sydney Truchon plays Hailey and Katrina Van Tassel, who she described as “bubbly.” She said it has been fun to play her because Katrina is very different from her own personality.
Truchon said the group works so well together that they have been able to keep adding pieces to the show.
“All the students have been extraordinary, and worked really hard the whole process,” Tangren said. “All the actors, booth crew, costume crew and set crew have come together to make this one of the most stress-free shows we’ve ever produced.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
$49.97 per month to Embedded Systems, with public safety-emergency management funds.
•After the city's health care savings plan for its employees was rejected by the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), city staff is proposing modifications that meet MSRS requirements. In addition, city staff streamlined its earned sick and safe time last January to include all part-time employees who work at least 80 hours per year, then reconsidered to exclude most election judges and temporary employees. That policy will also be revised, and council approved both those modifications.
•Council unanimously gave city staff authority to apply for a Community Futures Technical Assistance grant from the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program through the University of Minnesota. The program provides technical assistance to communities interested in shaping their future in “compelling, realistic, practical and implementable” ways. If the city is awarded the grant, experts from the University would guide the community through a civic engagement planning process and help Centerville identify project funding opportunities. These funding sources included oncein-a-generation federal funding opportunities from the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, as well as other existing federal and state funding sources. The application deadline is Nov. 15, and the engagement process takes nine to12 months, City Administrator Athanasia Lewis said.
•Council adjourned to closed executive session, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subd.3(a), to evaluate the performance of the city administrator.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at
Loretta Harding
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•An officer stopped a vehicle for a moving violation Oct. 22 near the intersection of Interstate 35E and 80th Street. The driver and passengers were issued citations for alcohol-related offenses. One passenger was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
•An officer received a voicemail Oct. 22 regarding a civil problem in the 100 block of Shetland Lane. The incident was documented, and the complainant was advised to make a report with the correct law enforcement agency.
•An officer was dispatched Oct. 22 to a walk-in report in the 7700 block of Lake Drive regarding a counterfeit bill taken in as payment as a business. The officer collected the counterfeit bill, and the incident was documented. The investigation is ongoing.
•An officer was dispatched to a bank in the 7400 block of Village Drive Oct. 22 regarding an incident of identity theft. The investigation is ongoing.
•A community service officer was dispatched to an animal complaint in the 8000 block of Bluebill Lane on Oct. 22. The situation was resolved by a telephone call.
•An officer took a traffic complaint in the 700 block of Apollo Drive on Oct. 22. The vehicle reported was no longer in the area when the officer arrived.
•An officer documented a theft that occurred Oct. 22 in the 6700 block of Black Duck Drive. No suspects were identified based on the information provided by the complainant.
•An officer located a suspicious vehicle on Oct. 22 in the 7500 block of Lake Drive. The officer investigated and found no crime occurred.
•An officer responded to a property damage accident on Oct. 23 in the 1900 block of Birch Street. The vehicle struck a deer. The accident was documented at the driver’s request. There were no injuries, and the vehicle was towed from the scene at the driver’s request.
•An officer responded to a fraud complaint Oct. 23 in the 7200 block of Lea
Court. The incident was documented.
•An officer responded to a residence for a driving complaint Oct. 23 in the 6600 block of East Shadow Lake Court. The officer investigated the incident and was able to identify the driver. The officer issued a citation to the driver.
•An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident involving a deer Oct. 23 in the 7000 block of Sunset Avenue. The officer documented the incident. There were no injuries, and both vehicles were drivable.
•Officers responded to a call Oct. 24 of a carbon monoxide alarm sounding at a home in the 6500 block of Gaage Lane. Fire division staff arrived on scene and determined there were no problems.
•An officer responded to a roadway Oct. 24 in the 500 block of 77th Street on a report of suspicious vehicle. The officer located the vehicle and, upon investigation, determined no crime had occurred.
•An officer responded to a report of an injured deer Oct. 25 in the 8100 block of Lake Drive. The officer confirmed the deer was no longer suffering and issued a permit to a passerby.
•An officer assisted another agency Oct. 25 on a traffic stop in the 7300 block of 20th Avenue. The officer cited the adult male driver for speeding and possession of an open container of marijuana.
•An officer took a phone call complaint Oct. 25 near the intersection of Apollo Drive and Fourth Avenue about a road rage incident. Both parties were advised to call 911 in the future for driving complaints.
•An officer took a report Oct. 25 of a suspicious person who lit a firework toward a house in the 700 block of Vicky Lane. The investigation is ongoing.
•Officers received a report Oct. 25 of a suspicious occupied vehicle at the end of a driveway in the 6500 block of Joyer Lane. Officers made contact with the driver, determined his vehicle wouldn’t start, and gave the driver a courtesy ride to a nearby business.
•An officer responded to a request Oct. 26 from the State Patrol to check the intersection near Interstate 35E and
Main Street for packages that fell from a vehicle. The officer did not locate any packages.
•An officer responded to an illegal burn and loud music complaint Oct. 26 in the 6200 block of Red Maple Lane. The officer made contact with a resident and advised them of ordinances and the complaint.
•An officer responded to a neighborhood in the 7100 block of Grey Heron Drive Oct. 26 regarding a barking dog complaint. The dog owner was spoken to and informed of the city ordinance regarding nuisance animals.
•An officer responded to a hit-and-run accident report Oct. 26 that had occurred in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road. The incident was documented and is being investigated.
•An officer responded to a neighborhood in the 1400 block of Snow Goose Trail Oct. 26 on a report of suspected juveniles ding dong ditching. The area was searched, and the suspects were not located.
•An officer took a report of a missing person Oct. 26 in the 300 block of Ware Circle. The incident was documented. The person was entered as a missing person but returned shortly thereafter.
•An officer stopped a vehicle in the 400 block of East Main Street for a traffic offense Oct. 27. The driver was arrested for DWI. They provided a breath test and was charged with DWI-related offenses.
•An officer stopped a vehicle Oct. 27 near the intersection of Birch Street and Centerville Road for lane violations and expired registration. The adult female driver was ultimately arrested and charged with DWI.
•An officer responded to a local residence Oct. 27 in the 800 block of Main Street on a report of a possible illegal burn. The officer made contact with the homeowner and nothing illegal was taking place.
•An officer responded to a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Oct. 27 on a report of an unwanted person. The person was trespassed from the property for one year and the person was given a courtesy ride to another location.
•An officer was dispatched to a
neighborhood in the 200 block of Egret Lane on Oct. 28 regarding a theft. The incident was documented, and the investigation is ongoing.
•Officers went to a home in the 2300 block of Tart Lake Road Oct. 28 for a warrant service attempt of an adult female. The officers checked the residents and did not locate the female.
•An officer responded to a barking dog complaint Oct. 28 in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer was unable to make contact with the owner of the dog at that time, but will follow up.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•Officers responded to the 9200 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Oct. 23 for a property damage crash.
•Officers responded to the area of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington Oct. 23 for a personal injury crash. \
•Officers responded to the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville regarding a theft. The suspect was gone upon officer arrival.
•Officers were dispatched the 0 block of South Pine Street in Circle Pines Oct. 24 for a theft. The case is under investigation.
•Officers responded to a harassment report in the 9100 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington Oct. 24.
•Police took a phone call regarding threats in the 9100 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Oct. 26.
•Police responded to a property damage accident in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Oct. 27.
•Police received a suspicious activity report near West Road and Fire Barn Road in Circle Pines Oct. 27.
•Officers were dispatched to the 70 block of East Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Oct. 27 for a theft. Officers were given possible suspect information from the complainant, but the suspect denied any involvement.
•Officers responded to the 40 block of Pine Drive in Circle Pines for a property damage crash Oct. 28.
•The city will continue to interview candidates for the interim city administrator position at special work sessions. Current City Administrator Sarah Cotton has submitted her resignation; her last day with the city of Lino Lakes will be Friday, Nov. 15.
•Aquinas Roman Catholic Home Education Services (ARCHES) will host an event on Nov. 23 at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church after the council approved an exempt gambling permit for ARCHES.
•The city will receive a Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) grant totaling $91,996 for 2025 from Anoka County. In 1989, the Governor’s SCORE Committee recommended that the Legislature adopt a comprehensive set of laws referred to as SCORE. This act initiated a state funding source for recycling programs, waste reduction initiatives, management of household hazardous waste and problem materials.
Locally, Anoka County distributes the funds to cities for use on residential recycling programs. The funds are available for specific program areas, such as drop-off events (Recycling Saturday), promotional materials, organics drop-off programs and labor and staffing.
•The City Council will hold a second reading Nov. 12 of an ordinance that establishes the fee schedule for 2025. Finance Director Hannah Lynch explained that fees are consolidated into one schedule to be reviewed and adopted annually to provide for an efficient and timely method of reviewing and adjusting the various fees charged by the city. Lynch said most of the changes were made to reflect inflation.
•Beginning Nov. 12, the
www.isd876.org, human resources page. For Sa le BIG HORNS WITHOUT THE BIG PRICE Annual Fall roundup sale Trophy lon ghorn bulls Calves, yearlings & two year olds Registered bloodline. Call 320/28 7-1853
city will have five fulltime street maintenance workers in the public works department. The council has appointed Christopher Heck to fill a position that has been vacant since August. Heck currently works as a carpenter at Welsh Construction and has over 15 years of experience. His hourly rate of pay will be $32.43, step three of a six-step wage scale.
•The city has two new part-time firefighters. The council has appointed Cole Heather and Tim Bertz to the positions in the public safety department. Their starting hourly wages will be $24.78, the starting step of a six-step wage scale. Bertz started in the position on Oct. 29 and Heather starts on Nov. 5. That brings the total number of part-time firefighters in the city to 11.
•Marjorie Schlueter will start in the administrative assistant position for the public safety department on Nov. 14. Her hourly rate of pay will be $32.07, the final step of a six-step wage scale. Schlueter’s appointment will backfill a vacancy that was created in the department back in July.
•The city has once again received a grant through the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and
Training (ICPOET) program. Deputy Director Kyle Leibel explained that there is currently a shortage of applicants for vacant police officer positions throughout the state of Minnesota. Through the legislative process this year, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs created the grant program, which enables agencies to hire individuals who have a two- or four-year degree in any field and want to make a career transition into law enforcement.
•The city received and approved two ICPOET grants in 2024. The third grant award is for $50,000 to cover expenses including wages, benefits, recruitment, prehire assessments and training at Hennepin Technical College.
•A reminder to residents that City Hall will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in council chambers. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. in the community room.
Shannon Granholm
BY ROY HEILMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Opening day for Minnesota’s firearms deer season is getting close: Saturday Nov. 9. Tens of thousands of hunters now count the hours until they could encounter the buck of a lifetime. With a bit of luck, some will. For those who want to know exactly how their trophy measures, a dedicated group of people are on standby to help. Organized in the mid-1990s, Minnesota Official Measurers have scored many thousands of deer, elk, and moose antlers. They make themselves available yearround, at shows like the Minnesota Deer and Turkey Classic, at taxidermy shops, and by appointment in other locations. M.O.M. members are all volunteers. There is no charge, other than if an animal scores high enough to be included in a record book and the hunter wishes to have his or her trophy entered.
Jeff Olson is one of a few dozen active members of the Minnesota Official Measurers. As he scored a whitetail rack last week, Olson explained that he became a measurer almost by accident. Someone talked a friend of his into taking the M.O.M. class, and he said, “I’ll do it too, I guess.”
That was 2008. Olson became a M.O.M. measurer in 2009. His dedication has only grown in the years since. In addition to being M.O.M. certified for 15 years, he has been certified by Pope & Young since 2012, and by Boone and Crockett since 2014.
“To be Pope and Young, I had to go to Chatfield [Minnesota] for three days. To be Boone, I had to go to Missoula for five days. Now they teach the Pope and Boone classes together, but it’s still five days. So it’s a commitment,” he said. “Minnesota is a one-day class. You take the measuring class, and you become an apprentice. And then we ask that you do one deer classic and three small shows in three years.”
As a coordinator of the training classes, Olson has further insight into M.O.M. membership. He said there are typically four to six students in a class. That would tend to add up over the years. However, he said many took the class only to be able to measure their own sets of antlers, and didn’t participate further. M.O.M. made some changes to help weed out those who aren’t interested in measuring for the public.
For his part, Olson measures around 20 to 30 deer racks a year. Typically, a handful of those occur at his home. Most of the rest are at shows, he said, where
Matt McMillan, CEO of Press Publications, is America’s Newspapers new board vice president.
Leonard Woosley, president of Southern Newspapers and president and publisher of The Daily News in Galveston, Texas, is America’s Newspapers new board
he interacts with the public and instructs M.O.M. apprentices.
Mentors like Olson pass on a great deal of insight. While following the rules and general mechanics of measuring, experience sometimes proves invaluable. After partly measuring the rack last week, for example, Olson determined he needed to classify (and thus, score) those antlers differently.
“There’s a lot more to this than you think,” he said.
Olson explained that measuring moose antlers presents routine difficulties. Likewise, he said whitetailed deer antlers are more difficult to measure than mule deer or elk. “The whitetail is the hardest one to measure, because there’s no two that are alike. Mule deer and elk are structured, so they’re always the same. A whitetail—they throw the book out.”
In addition to providing measuring services free of charge, M.O.M. is the keeper of Minnesota hunting records, and publishes the official record book. Olson said that after purchasing the rights, the group redesigned the hardcover book to make the layout better. “It’s real friendly for people to read. It’s a really nice record book. Our goal is to try and measure as many [animals] as we can, so our record book represents what Minnesota has to offer.”
Entering a deer into the Minnesota record book (if it qualifies) costs only $20. Olson said the record book can be purchased through the group’s website or directly through M.O.M. measurers. The Minnesota Official
president. Patrick Dorsey, publisher Sante Fe New Mexican, is the new board treasurer. America’s Newspapers is a leading national industry trade group and represents 1,700 newspapers and associate members.
Measurers website, mnmom.com, also explains the history of M.O.M., what it takes to make the record books, and contact form for anyone who might want to learn more about becoming a measurer. And if they are among the lucky few this weekend, hunters interested in contacting a certified measurer can do so through their interactive map feature.
Roy Heilman is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial fell a couple points short of a state volleyball tournament trip on Thursday evening.
The Anoka Tornadoes edged the Cougars 25-17, 26-28, 21-24, 25-17, 15-13 in the Section 7AAAA finals at North Branch.
“The section finals was a fun, intense match. Both teams came to prove something, and unfortunately. Anoka beat us by being more disciplined on the attack,” said coach Nicole Christensen said, noting that the Cougars had 26 hitting errors and Anoka just nine.
The top-seeded Cougars finished 19-12, including a close five-game win over Anoka in conference play. They beat Blaine 25-22, 25-21, 16-25, 25-22 on Tuesday in the semifinals at home.
Hayden Reeder, University of Arizona recruit, powered Anoka (22-7) with 29 kills, capped by a crosscourt blast for the final point. Ivy Manning added 14 kills.
Elena Hoecke led the Cougar bid with 19 kills (.317 hitting efficiency), five blocks, and 11 digs. Emma Peterson notched 17 kills and 19 digs, Addison Kemper 13 kills and three blocks, and Aubrie Wirkkala and Denver Hogberg 18 digs each. Wirkalla also had three aces and three blocks.
Anoka coach Chris Fenwick said his team had trouble picking up Cougar tips in games two and three but in game five they “picked up every tip they tried” while getting some kills past Centennial's 6-foot-3 blocker Hoecke.
“We lost to them earlier in the season in game five 13-15, and pulled this one out by the same margin,” noted Fenwick. “Centennial's top three players played great, I thought. It could have gone either way.”
Christensen said her team accomplished a lot through injuries and lineup changes. “From last
year to the beginning of this year, we stepped up our game,” she said. “From the beginning of this season to the end, we've improved.”
Centennial senior Kylie Nelson closed a distinguished cross country career by placing 11th in the state Class 3A meet Saturday, earning all-state honors for the third time. Nelson finished in 18:40.3 at the University of Minnesota Golf Course in Falcon Heights. She placed 13th in 18:44 last year and 21st in 19:03 as a sophomore. The top 25 are allstate.
The Cougars had four state qualifiers. In the boys race, senior Alex Persing placed 50th of 161 runners in 16:33. Cougar junior Liban Ahmed was 114th
The Centennial/ Spring Lake Park girls hockey team, 24-2-2 last season with a young lineup, will open Saturday at arch rival Maple Grove, 3:15 p.m. Eight of the Cougars’ top ten scorers return, led by Teagan Kulenkamp (22 goals), Grace Laager (20) and Mia Sutch (17). The biggest
graduation loss was all-state goalie Kaitlin Groess. The Cougars were Northwest Suburban champs last year but were upset by Maple Grove in the section finals. They’ll host Rosemount on Tuesday.
Bruce Strand
in 17:03. In the girls race, senior Miranda Sawvel placed 92nd in 20:08 among 160 runners.
Bruce Strand
Kylie Nelson closed an excellent cross-country career for Centennial by placing 11th in the state Class 3A meet Saturday, earning all-state honors for the third time. Nelson finished in 18:40.3 at the University of Minnesota Golf Course. She placed 13th in 18:44 last year and 21st in 19:03 as a sophomore. Nelson’s senior season also included first-place finishes in three invitationals, seventh place in the Gold division of the Roy Griak Invitational, fifth place in the conference meet and fourth in the section meet.
A look Ahead
Nov. 7
6 p.m. Girls swimming and diving at Northdale Middle School Pool
Nov. 8
6 p.m. Girls swimming and diving at at Northdale Middle School Pool
Nov. 9
2 p.m. Girls swimming and diving at at Northdale Middle School Pool
3:15 p.m. Girls hockey vs. Maple Grove at Maple Grove Community ice Arena
Nov. 12
7 p.m. Girls hockey vs. Rosemount at Centennial Sports Arena
traffic study should be performed immediately; and the partnership between the city and county should be entirely transparent.
“You simply can’t undo or stop the what-if’s,” Johnson said.
Cassie Williams, director of Creative Kids Academy on Center Street, said she talked to county engineers and learned there was a backlog of speed study projects out more than one year, and wondered how the city could expedite the process. She also called for a school zone to be established to create a safety bubble around her day care.
Williams said an online petition was started to use the weight of the community to speed up the safety changes. “I feel immediate action needs to happen due to the speed and flow of traffic,” she said, before asking what the city could do to get things moving.
Wasting no time, the city added a new agenda item to address these safety items. Mayor D. Love noted that during his walks in that area, vehicles traveling at 50 mph seemed a little fast to him.
City Engineer/Administrator Mark Statz noted that city staff is aware that 20th Avenue is now becoming a more urban setting, and that a speed limit of 50 mph or greater may no longer be appropriate.
Although a barrier wouldn’t stop every vehicle from flying over it, council directed staff to install a concrete jersey barrier, which would cost between $10,000 and to $15,000. It was a freak accident, but the barrier is a must, Love said.
City Attorney Kurt Glaser said that the day care would be eligible for school zone designation and signage as long as its teaching falls into the school definition, according to state statute.
The no-passing zone shouldn’t be a problem, Council Member Terry Sweeney said. Statz said a no-passing zone is the lowest hanging fruit, and there was no reason not to designate one. “These don’t tend to have unintended consequences,” he said.
It’s not quite so simple for a speed study, Statz said. General engineering principles say that lowering the speed limit does not slow people down. People don’t drive the speed limit unless there is heavy enforcement, he said.
Also on Love’s to-do list was to advocate with Anoka County to see what they’re willing to do and work with them to fix the intersection as a one-year plan and not a two-year plan. As for transparency, “we’re not hiding, we’re here,” he said.
Taylor, the lone dissenting voter, said, “I’ll vote against the motion, but I’m not against the notion.”
Although she supports the action, she is against the cost. “There are too many pieces of the puzzle that aren’t in place yet. And that is full transparency,” she said. To fend off every business in town potentially wanting a barrier on their property, Love reminded the public that installing the guard rails are the result of a specific accident where kids were in danger.
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer with Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.
