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–Carter Johnson,
How area schools are using Artificial Intelligence
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
In multiple north metro area schools, there is no official written school board policy regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), yet various restrictions can be in place to limit the usage of AI. Each school district has different regulations and rules when it comes to utilizing AI. But AI can also be used to help
create lesson plans, grade students’ homework and help students study for upcoming tests or quizzes.
Mounds View High School
Mounds View High School does not have an official written school board policy regarding AI at this time, according to Colin Sokolowski, executive director of public relations for Mounds View Public Schools. The district addresses the topic of
AI in its student handbook. Under “Academic Dishonesty,” it reads that at Mounds View High School “we are committed to guiding responsible, safe and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the development of clear AI guidelines that support both teachers and students to engage with, innovate and make informed decisions.”
Baker brings cookie combinations to local farmers market
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Sweet Cheeks Bake Shop, run by Bonnie Matrious, continues to bring cookies and joy to customers on a weekly basis.
As she grew up in Dayton,
Minnesota, Matrious and her mom would make Christmas goody boxes for their family members during the holidays. Shortly after, they began to give the boxes to close friends as gifts. Matrious moved to Shoreview
in 2009. She was a bus driver before working in transportation as a recruiter. At the same time, Matrious was baking part time as another source of income. Around five years ago, Matri-
Get to know north
metro skaters
The synchronized skating season is well underway and about to ramp up. Skaters on the Northernettes Synchronized Skating teams are preparing for competitions, which will kick off this month and take skaters to California, Boston, Michigan, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Press Publications recently sat down with eight local skaters to learn more about them and their skating backgrounds. Skaters include Centennial students Maggie Harris, Lily Werdel, Ruby Werdel, Landry Fast and Carys Dobson.
Maggie Harris
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
A. I am from Centerville, and I am a senior at Centennial High School.
CONTRIBUTED
The Northernettes will kick off their competitive season this month.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A. I am the youngest child, with two older siblings, and have lived in Centerville for my whole life. I am 17 years old, and I have been skating for around 15 years!
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
Multiple schools in the north metro area are still exploring the use of AI when applied to learning.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Sweet Cheeks Bake Shop can be found at various farmers markets throughout the north metro area, including Shoreview, Centerville and Lexington.
2024 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
HOUSE
Janelle Calhoun (DFL) 45.83% (12,714 votes)
(12,030 votes)
KEY:
Election Victor Not Elected
Note: Bar length is a visual representation only,and not meant to depict the percentages listed with 100% (accuracy. The percentages and total votes) next to the name of the candidate are correct based on vote count.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE RESULTS
STATE
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
50.88% (1,653,744 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
46.66% (1,516,346 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 1
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
45.82% (954 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
51.97% (1,082 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 2
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
44.34% (908 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
53.22% (1,090 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 3
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
45.17% (655 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
52.21% (757 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 4
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
48.96% (1,088 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
48.60% (1,080 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 5
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
51.24% (809 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
46.36% (732 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 6
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
44.79% (1,091 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
53.08% (1,293 votes)
LINO LAKES - PRECINCT 7
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
48.46% (1,087 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
49.22% (1,104 votes)
CENTERVILLE
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
44.51% (1,127 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
53.36% (1,351 votes)
CIRCLE PINES - PRECINCT 1
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
47.52% (556 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
49.49 (579 votes)
CIRCLE PINES - PRECINCT 2
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
56.34% (1,080 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
41.00% (786 votes)
LEXINGTON
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
45.31% (608 votes)
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
52.01% (698 votes)
2024 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Hard Water Ice Fishing Expo
When: Nov. 16-17
Where: National Sports Center, 1750 105th Ave. NE, Blaine
Details: Latest gear, seminars, demos, Clam Ice Fishing Pros and kids trout fishing pond.
Contact: nscsports.org/hardwaterexpo
ONGOING EVENTS:
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY
‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. on 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
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Every player will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a free drink. The top three teams will earn a gift card, and the last place team wins a “mini trophy.”
Contact: (651) 783-0055
Menards hosts toy drive, ‘Enchanted Forest’ Menards home improvement stores will serve as a toy drive site through the end of November. Participating stores will have a drop box near the exit door to collect new and
unwrapped presents. Experience the magic of Christmas by visiting the “Enchanted Forest,” a growing tradition in the Midwest for more than 50 years, at Menards. Children of all ages will be fascinated by the decorated trees,
colorful lights, displays and Christmas décor that make up the forest.
CURRENT EVENTS:
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: OWLS
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE, RESTORING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
When: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14
Where: Maplewood Library board room, or Zoom
Details: Don Arnosti, longtime environmental consultant and leader, will report on a new coalition of over 16 communities and other groups from different parts of Minnesota called “People Not Polluters”. Event hosted by the League of Women VotersWhite Bear Area. Register online.
Contact: lwv-wbla.org
FOREST BATHING
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrinyoku, with a certified guide. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY PIZZA, PUPPETS & STUFF SWAP
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18
Where: Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Road, North Oaks
Details: Enjoy pizza and browse the "stuff swap" items before the climate-themed puppet show at 6 p.m. Make-your-own sock puppet. Contact: weallneedfoodandwater. org/childrens-day
Church Directory
Celebrate Mass with us!
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 Join Us for Mass Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm
Tx 3
My husband and I recently welcomed another four-legged member into our family. Meet Tinsel, a 4-year-old shepherd mix, from FaerieLand Rescue. Although I haven’t adopted a dog from the organization before, the rescue has always had a special place in my heart because it focuses on German shepherds and corgis, two of my favorite breeds. My mother’s dog Princess, who just celebrated her 7th birthday, is from FaerieLand.
I’ve been following Tinsel’s rescue story since she arrived at the rescue last January, a month after we had to say goodbye to our beloved Frosty who had degenerative myelopathy. Tinsel was rescued from a reservation. Shortly after her arrival, it was discovered that she was pregnant. She had her puppies, and her puppies were all adopted, but she was still waiting patiently for a home she could call her own.
Shannon’s
Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
In mid-October the rescue posted on its social media that Tinsel was still available and looking for her “furever” home. She stole my heart from the minute I saw her. But my husband Patrick and I already have our hands full with a toddler and two other pups. I kept trying to find reasons why it wouldn’t work: What if she doesn’t’ get along with our dogs? What if she doesn’t like an unpredictable one-and-a-half year old following her around everywhere? What if she doesn’t like going to car shows? But then I started thinking … What if she does? What if the mama in her loves looking out for my little boy? What if she does get along with Twinkie and Tundra and they become best pals? What if she does like riding around in a VW bus and going to car shows and dog-friendly events?
I asked my husband if we could have her and he said, “I’m not saying no, but there is a lot we would have to figure out.” Unbeknownst to my husband, I decided to meet up with her with my son Royce to see how she would do and she did great. Then I met up with her again at a local park to see how she did with the pups and that went well too. I told him about it right after. He eventually warmed up to the idea of trying it out to see how it goes. Then he met her and fell in love too like I knew he would.
We agreed to foster Tinsel with the intent of adopting her. It took less than a week to know she was going to fit into our family just fine.
I can’t help but feel like she was meant for us. Something about her just drew me to her and I knew we had to have her. That happened with Tundra too. Too perfect to pass up. I can’t explain it because there have been several other dogs who have crossed my social media feed that I thought were adorable, but I never had the urge to figure out how to make them a part of our family. Perhaps our sweet angel Frosty sent her to us.
One day while I was working, Tinsel sat down beside me and placed her paw right over my hand on top of the paw print ring I have made of Frosty’s ashes. If that’s not a sign I don’t know what is. I never thought we would have three dogs again, but it sure is nice to see a shepherd in our home again. Twinkie, Tundra and Tinsel sure is a tongue-twister though.
Shannon is the managing editor at Press Publications.
TThank you military families
he men and women who serve in our nation’s military do not serve alone. Beside them stand their spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones who make up most of our resilient military community. With November kicking off Military Family Appreciation Month, I want to extend my appreciation for those past, present and future who have a desire in their heart to protect our freedom.
we are here to assist and advocate for you. We have resources from many other nonprofits who are supporting this community. We provide emergency assistance as well as the tools to regain independence & sustainability to a quality of life, full of inner peace & happiness.
Movers & Shakers
Working with these individuals and families, they have served and do serve for many years and across multiple branches. Often enlisted branch members will retire and later join the MN National Guard. Frequently multiple generations and multiple siblings from a family will serve.This service is not just for an enlisted term of service, but for a lifetime. Whether it is navigating the benefits system, be it Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense or the MN Department of Veterans Affairs,
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
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon NE Metro is a local nonprofit, led by a volunteer leadership team. With the support of many donations, we can provide resources and financial support to individuals and families across Anoka, Ramsey and Washington Counties.
How can you also support these individuals and families?
• By volunteering at our events, signing up to complete a task, helping with transportation, property management, or just a friend or listening to them providing companionship.
• Businesses and companies provide support as well. One such example this past year was that One Nation Exteriors provided lawn care and snow removal for 1 year to a single parent of three children, who had relocated to Lino Lakes and was struggling to manage it all with working, schooling for the children, and getting settled in the home. This business also
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.
stepped up and provided a new roof for a currently serving family from White Bear Lake. Other businesses have provided significant discounts on property management needs, whether paid by the person who served or the network emergency funds.
• Simply donate, be it as a monthly, annual or one time contribution. Why do I commit to the needs of this demographic of our population, you ask?
• I am a caregiver at heart and desire to improve the lives of those I encounter.
• My husband graduated from high school, was drafted into the US Army and spent one year as a door gunner in Vietnam. That experience impacted on our entire life and the lessons and experiences we encountered I want to share with others as their advocate. Check us out on the web at Beyond the Yellow Ribbon NE Metro (btyrnemetro.org)
From here you can support, get involved, see our impact, and find community networks and community supporters.
Dorothy Radermacher is the president of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network in the Northeast Metro.
LETTER GUIDELINES
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.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS |
Dorothy Radermacher
Quad Dogs
The real dogs of the Quad Press: Meet Loki
WQuad Dogs
ho knows your neighborhood better than the dogs who live there? Imagine the tales they’d tell if they could. But don't be fooled by their wagging tails and doe eyes; each one has a personality as distinct as the houses they live in. In this series, I’ll bring you the real dogs of the Quad Press, sharing their stories through the people who know them best. Some will make you laugh. A few might steal your heart. You may even see yourself reflected in their souls.
First up is Loki. Loki hopped on two back legs, his front paws willing me to pet him as I entered the front door of my neighbor’s home. I was patting his silky fur when two kids ran to the toy box shouting, “Loki, Loki, here, Loki.” He bounded from me to grab the supersized candy corn toy older sister Enslie was waving. With Loki preoccupied, younger sister Lucy kicked her legs into a handstand. Big brother Ben strolled into the room, box of treats in hand. “Loki, sit” he commanded. Loki dropped the candy corn and skirted upside-down Lucy to sit at Ben’s feet. A treat flew through the air. Loki caught it. The front door opened. Oldest brother Oliver and a friend walked in. Loki circled their feet, sniffed their backpacks, then leapt to the sectional to snuggle with me.
Cindy Ojczyk
One could say Loki was lucky to find a home with
Lino Lakes resident asks Shoreview council to take action
Lino Lakes resident Megan Helling spoke at the recent Shoreview City Council meeting asking council members to consider enacting a humane pet store ordinance in the city of Shoreview. The ordinance would prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens in brick-and-mortar pet stores.
such an attentive family. Adopting a dog had not been on their radar the day the six members of the Curren clan traveled to the Northwoods Humane Society in Forest Lake to bring home a kitten. There were no kittens available for adoption, so they wandered the dog area with mild curiosity. The first dog they met, a golden ball of fluff, didn’t ignite a spark. The next dog, a small terrier with a tan dot above each eye and a lopsided ear, stole their hearts. Newly named Loki was nervous at first and occasionally bolted through the front door if startled. A year into family life, he committed to the words “stay” and “no,” had learned a few tricks, and had walked many miles along the winding roads. He earned no less than 10 nicknames, with Rufus, Sir, and Locus at the top of the list. He was home.
Home is a two-story house on a tree-lined street. On the walls near the front entry hangs a rustic sign “Behind every good kid is a great mom.” A large decorative bucket hosts an array of well-loved toys, including a bedraggled rectangle that looks like a squirrel tail. Flash the fluff in front of Loki and he lunges. Say “squirrel” to Loki and he howls. He’ll leap to “his” chair by the window when the gray rodents flitter from oak to oak.
While Loki is lucky to have found a forever home, the Currens feel lucky to have found easy-going Loki. They can’t imagine their family without him
Cindy Ojczyk writes a weekly post, Like People, Like Pets, at cindyojczyk.substack.com. If you have a “Quad Dogs” story to share, contact news@presspubs.com
Crawl Space Encapsulation Foundation
Concrete Leveling & Lifting Radon Mitigation
After Helling purchased a puppy from a north metro pet store, her dog began to experience health issues. Helling stated that she learned that their dog came from a puppy mill in South Dakota. Currently, Shoreview pet stores do not sell puppies and kittens. The ordinance would be preventative.
CONTRIBUTED
Patty Eason and Emmanuel Fonchin receive state awards for their contributions to the Anoka County Job Training Center.
Anoka County Job Training Center earns state awards
Two employees from the Anoka County Job Training Center have been recognized by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for their work and contributions.
Senior Career Counselor Patty Eason was recognized as Employment Counselor of the Year. Eason’s approach in the Partnership for Family Success program has led to significant improvements in the stability and wellbeing of the families she works with.
Senior Career Counselor Emmanuel Fonchin received the Rising Star Award. He actively promotes an inclusive environment by respecting and addressing the diverse cultural backgrounds of the participants he serves.
Nicole Swanson,
department director of the Anoka County Job Training Center, commended Fonchin and Eason on their awards. “To receive two awards for one agency is unheard of in the work that we do,” she said. “I’m so very proud of our team and humbled to get to work with Patty and Emmanuel every day.”
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Study abroad opportunities for high school students
Qualified high school students are offered a unique opportunity to explore the world by spending an academic year, semester or summer in Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia or South Africa as part of the ASSE International Student Exchange Program.
Students 15 to 18 years old qualify based on academic performance, character references and a genuine desire to experience life abroad with a volunteer host family. Prior knowledge of the host country’s language is not a requirement. Scholarships are available and are based on academic performance, leadership skills and financial need.
Families abroad are carefully
Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.
(Full Name)
screened, and students do not need to know the language of the host country prior to departure but will acquire the language skills through experiencing the day-to-day local culture and attending regular high school classes along with their new teenage friends.
ASSE also provides the experience of a lifetime to American families who are interested in hosting an international student from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan and many other countries. These exceptional young students will attend the local American high school for an academic year or semester.
Students or families interested in learning more about becoming an ASSE exchange student or host family should contact ASSE at 1-800-736-1760, visit www.asse. com or send an email to asseusamidwest@ asse.com.
AI IN SCHOOLS: Centennial explores possible options
“We created this based on our understanding on how kids are using it and wanting to create more clarity for them,” said Mounds View High School Principal Rob Reetz. “Less because we want to catch them doing it, more because we want to guide them on what not to do.”
According to the student handbook, staff may use AI detection tools as part of their grading process
Once students demonstrate the ability to consistently move their critical thinking to a paper, be able to make claims and support them with evidence, Reetz said then the conversation should move to how AI can be used to support or enhance critical thinking.
“I don’t want it to replace student work before they know how to write and think critically,” Reetz added. “Your writing is essentially the communication of this critical thinking that you’ve been engaged in.”
He also added that students need to be taught how to ensure the research provided to them by AI is accurate. Teachers are also helping students understand that not everything AI produces is a reliable resource. Reetz said it is more about the inclusion of AI when speaking about the reliability of resources.
Mounds View High School places strong limits on student use of AI when completing their work. But for teachers, AI has helped teachers a lot.
“It’s been an incredibly helpful tool,” said Reetz. “One example would be AI’s ability to change the complexity of texts. You can change the complexity of the text without losing its meaning to create greater access for kids to engage, sometimes, in discussion with others, to use a lesser complex text to make claims and support those claims with evidence in writing.”
focusing on supporting teachers and staff in understanding the value of AI and the necessary considerations of student data privacy and academic integrity.
“Our district mission acknowledges the importance of providing students with opportunities to lead and thrive in a dynamic world,” said Duffrin. “Our Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the skills we want for graduates of Mahtomedi Public Schools, includes utilizing AI and technology responsibly while staying current on trends for success.”
The district acknowledges that AI can improve efficiency and invite innovative learning experiences for students. Duffrin also stated that students must learn to use generative AI tools responsibly and ethically to successfully navigate a future where these technologies will play a crucial role in job markets and social interactions.
“By instilling a strong ethical foundation now, we have the opportunity to support students to take academic risks while harnessing the potential of AI,” she explained.
White Bear Lake Schools
Included in the White Bear Lake Area Schools’ Technology Department’s Strategic Plan is the facilitation of district wide conversations about AI to develop board policy. Also included in the plan is training and guidelines for teachers, administrators and students.
According to staff members within the district, these conversations stem from a belief in leveraging AI as a collaborative partner and transformative tool that enhances learning and cultivates flexible, critical thinking and a commitment to ethical AI practices that promote privacy, security, access, equity, integrity, transparency and providing the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, technology-driven world.
Years and age listed here followed by the names of family members, life accomplishments, places traveled, jobs held, or descriptions of what was important to the person.
To Submit an Obit
Call 651-407-1250
Email obits@presspubs.com Visit us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN
Lutefisk Dinner
St. Mark Lutheran Church Saturday, Dec 14th (2 seatings) 1 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014
Tickets on sale November 1st
Please contact church for ticket pricing and event details.
Tickets available online or by phone prior to the event: office@stmarkcp.org
St. Mark Church (763) 784-2558
Seating is limited so please order early! All are welcome!
It also allows the teachers to differentiate instruction and create some type of modified assignment. He added that, “In some ways, it is ensuring that we have activities and assignments for students that are at their level of readiness.”
At Mounds View High School, teachers use what Reetz calls the “80/20 Rule,” which is when a teacher might use AI to modify an assignment. Teachers can use 20% of what AI created and then modify the rest to what works best for their students, or vice versa.
“It is a great tool for educators,” Reetz said. “It is a great tool for principals.”
Mahtomedi Schools
At this time, Mahtomedi schools are working to lay a foundation for professional learning and district practices for the use of AI. According to Superintendent Barb Duffrin, the district is
This work falls within the district’s strategy of ensuring the district’s organization continuously transforms to fulfill its mission, and will continue this school year.
Centennial
Currently, Centennial schools are still exploring the use of AI as a district. According to Krista Bergert, director of public information and community outreach, Centennial High School is dabbling in AI.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.
651-407-1200 | presspubs.com
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•Police received a phone call Oct. 30 regarding a vehicle theft that occurred in the 0 block of Oak Road in Circle Pines.
•Officers received a phone call Oct. 31 regarding a package theft from a residence in the 0 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines.
•Police conducted a traffic stop Oct. 31 in the 2100 block of Main Street in Centerville.
•Officers responded to the area near 20th Avenue and Fairview Street in Centerville on Nov. 1 for found drug paraphernalia. No further information is available.
•Officers were informed of a noise complaint Nov. 1 from a walk-in in the 3900 block of Lovell Road in Circle Pines. Officers will conduct extra patrols in the area.
•Officers were informed of vandalism Nov. 1 that occurred in the 3600 block of Centerwood Road in Lexington. Extra patrols were requested and passed at a roll call.
•Officers responded to a noise complaint Nov. 2 in the 8800 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington.
•Police responded to a report of three unwanted juveniles on private property Nov. 4 in the 3600 block of Centerwood Road in Lexington.
•Officers responded to the intersection of Restwood Road and Griggs Avenue Nov. 4 in Lexington on reports of an accident involving a single vehicle. The driver was transported to a hospital via ambulance.
•Police responded to the area of Lake
Drive and Lexington Avenue Nov. 4 in Lexington on a report of a theft. All clear.
•A Community Service Officer (CSO) was dispatched Nov. 4 to the 6900 block of Lamotte Drive in Centerville on a report of found property. The area indicated was checked and the CSO could not locate the items. The CSO returned to the area the following day and noticed someone had placed the items where they could be easily located. The items were collected and brought to the police department for safekeeping.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
•Officers responded to a two-vehicle incident Oct. 29 in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. None of the occupants were injured. One vehicle was towed.
•An officer responded to a local prison in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Oct. 29 to assist another agency with collecting a DNA sample. The officer met with the suspect and obtained a DNA sample.
•An officer was dispatched Oct. 29 to the 7800 block of Marilyn Drive on a phone call report of suspicious activity. The incident was documented.
•An officer responded to a walk-in report Oct. 29 in the 800 block of Birch Street regarding political signs at a place of worship. The complainant was advised, and the incident was documented.
•An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident Oct. 29 near the intersection of Interstate 35E and Main Street. There were no injuries, and the incident was documented.
•An officer responded to a property
damage accident Oct. 29 in the 400 block of Elm Street involving two vehicles. The damage to the vehicles was minor and no one was injured.
•Officers responded to a neighbor dispute Oct. 29 in the 600 block of 62nd Street related to a driving complaint. The incident was documented, and extra enforcement will be provided.
•An officer responded to a car vs. deer property damage accident Oct. 29 near the intersection of Hodgson Road and Blue Heron Drive. The vehicle was towed from the scene; the deer was deceased. The driver was given a case number for insurance purposes.
•A CSO responded to a report of two found kittens Oct. 30 in the 0 block of Pine Street. The kittens were white with gray spots and had no collar. They were taken to an area animal care center.
•An officer located two dogs stuck outside a fenced-in yard of their owner’s property near the intersection of Birch Street and West Shadow Lake Drive Nov. 1. The officer advised the owner and returned the dogs.
•Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at a residence Nov. 1 in the 7100 block of Sunrise Drive. There was no crime committed.
•An officer responded to a fireworks complaint Nov. 1 in a city park in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive. The individuals lighting off fireworks were no longer there when the officer arrived.
•Officers received a report Nov. 1 of a political sign theft near the intersection of Elm Street and Rice Lake Lane. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the suspect vehicle.
•An officer took a report Nov. 2 of a juvenile male who had run away in the 1000 block of Black Duck Court. The juvenile was entered as a runaway.
•An officer responded to an area in the 500 block of Aqua Lane Nov. 2 on a report of illegal dumping. The officer notified the proper authorities to have the items picked up. The investigation is ongoing.
•An officer received a report of dogs barking in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Nov. 3. Upon investigation, the officer determined there was a violation of city ordinance and the homeowner was issued a citation.
•An officer responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a business Nov. 3 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The suspects escaped in a vehicle prior to the officer’s arrival. The incident is being investigated.
•An officer took a report of a missing person Nov. 4 in the 300 block of Ware Circle. The person was entered as missing, and the incident is under investigation.
•An officer responded to a property damage accident Nov. 4 near the intersection of Interstate 35W and Lake Drive. It was determined there was minor damage and no injuries. The involved vehicles were driven from the scene and the incident was documented.
•An officer responded to two incidents of suspicious activity Nov. 4 at an outdoor storage facility in the 6900 block of Otter Lake Road. The incident was documented, and the involved parties were identified.
SWEET CHEEKS BAKERY: Cookies on rotation
FROM PAGE 1
ous began selling Christmas boxes again.
“My husband and I thought, ‘Hey, not everyone can bake, so why don’t we try doing, at Christmas, the traditional cookies, but offer a box of five dozen (traditional Christmas) cookies and see where that goes?” Matrious explained.
At the time, they only tried out 10 orders. Now, Matrious said that around Christmastime, she makes around 10,000 cookies.
‘It’s grown,” said Matrious. “I still have the one oven at home. It’s been crazy.”
At the time, multiple people were telling her to do more. It was difficult, because she was still working a full-time job. Matrious would come home from work and bake in the evenings till the early hours of the morning every night.
“I am like, ‘Okay, it’s getting pretty busy,’” she said. Orders were coming in off of Facebook, along with requests from friends and family.
In November 2023, Matrious’s whole department was let go. Soon after, she signed up for indoor farmers markets and local events in the north metro area to sell her baked goods.
“I did Anoka (farmers market) for a while and Blaine, wherever I could pick up any indoor stuff,” Matrious explained.
In January 2024, she moved to baking and running Sweet Cheeks full time.
The company’s logo is a hedgehog in honor of her first dog Duke, a golden retriever, who was obsessed with the animal.
“He would have a whole family of hedgehog toys and different occupations,” she added. “He had a baking one, a pirate one, he had every kind of occupation you could think of.”
Now, Matrious goes to multiple farmers markets during the summer. She goes to the Champlin market on Tuesdays, Circle Pines and Lexington on Wednesdays, the Centerville market on Thursday and the
COMMUNITY BRIEF
401K limit increases, IRA limit remains the same
The Internal Revenue Service (IRA) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased.
The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $23,500, up from $23,000. Annual contributions to an IRA will remain $7,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over was amended under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment but will remain at $1,000 for 2025. Participants in most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older generally can contribute up to $31,000 each year, starting in 2025. Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 who participate in these plans. For 2025, this higher catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500.
The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional individual retirement arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs and to claim the Saver’s Credit all increased for 2025. For more information, go to IRS.gov.
Isanti farmers markets on Friday if she still has baked goods left.
Every night, Matrious tries to bake three to four different varieties of cookies. She also tries to create one or two new flavors a week to add to the rotation.
“It’s long nights, but it’s fun,” Matrious said. “I love to see people’s reactions to getting the cookies.”
Matrious creates her cookie flavors based off what she is craving. Recently, she created a cashew caramel cookie inspired by an ice cream sundae she enjoys, and she also created a peanut butter cookie stuffed with Cheez-its to replicate peanut butter and cheddar crackers.
“I try to find flavor(s) that not everyone else does,” she explained. “But I needed to find something that was good, but not too weird at the same time that might scare people off.”
The most popular cookies are the Brookie Cookie, the “Dad bod” cookie, and also the salted nut roll, which is more popular with adults. Customers can also purchase a cookie flight, which features three different types of cookies. Matrious also does custom sugar cookie and cupcake orders for parties and other celebrations.
“I like that I can be a part of their special little celebrations and give them that joy of celebrating something in their life,” Matrious said regarding her custom orders.
In the future, Matrious hopes to expand the business to a food truck or standalone bakery in Shoreview.
Sweet Cheeks can be found at various farmers market or online on Facebook and Nextdoor.
Madeline Dolby is the editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
BUSINESS BRIEF
The new Culver’s restaurant is located at 7103 Otter
business with a ribbon-cutting
Culver’s now open in Lino Lakes Culver’s restaurant, known for its Butter Burgers, frozen custard and Wisconsin cheese curds, has
officially opened a location in Lino Lakes on its border with Hugo. The new restaurant and drive-through is located at 7103 Otter Lake Road.
WEEKLY WAG
If you love Pizza, Pizza will love you! Pizza is a very affectionate dog who loves attention and being close to his people. Pizza, a 2-yearold Great Pyrenees/ Labrador retriever mix, weighs about 55 pounds. Pizza arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local reservation. He enjoys being outside, so a forever home with a secure fenced yard where he can run and explore would serve him well. Pizza is a wonderful, loving companion and will thrive in a calm, patient home. He can be a little shy at first, but once he is comfortable and gets to know his people and his surroundings, he
will be your best friend. Pizza enjoys cuddling, snuggling and belly rubs. He is also social with other dogs and would do great as an addition to a dog family. Funny fact, however: Pizza is afraid of cats. So a cat-free home would definitely be best. Pizza is house-trained, crate-trained and leash-trained. If you are interested in learning more about Pizza or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue. org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
TOMMY CHANDLER PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Lake Road. The community welcomed the new
ceremony.
NORTHERNETTES: Local synchronized skaters prepare for upcoming season
FROM PAGE 1
A. My brother played hockey when he was growing up, and I wanted to be just like him. After two weeks I decided I didn’t like the whole helmet and shoulder pads thing, so my parents switched me to figure skating. I am a coach, and a member of National Honor Society!
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. I was an individual skater for around 10 years, and then I discovered synchronized skating. I’ve kept up with individual some, but I mainly focus on synchro now. I am a USFS double gold medalist in Moves in the Field and Solo Free Dance, and I am working to get my Partnered Ice Dance gold medal as well.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. A couple of girls at my rink were on the Northernettes Junior team, and they told me that they were making a team for younger skaters. I joined in 2019 as a member of the Juvenile team.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. I skate five to six days a week, with off-ice training mixed in.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. I love being able to express myself on the ice, along with staying active.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
A. I had been suffering from hip pain since I was 13, and in December 2023 I was diagnosed with a bilateral labral tear in my hips due to overuse. I had a left hip arthroscopy surgery in February 2024, leaving me unsure if I would be able to return to the ice for the upcoming season. Fortunately, I had a wonderful team of doctors, and my recovery went great, allowing me to skate for my senior season. Although I only have had one hip fixed, the pain is significantly less. I plan to have my other hip done sometime in the coming year.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. My proudest achievement is placing third on behalf of Team USA in Austria last winter.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. I am looking forward to new opportunities and becoming the best skater I can be.
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. Listen to your body. If you need a break, take one. Your mental and physical health should be a priority over skating. Many people don’t talk about the impact of intense sports, and it can feel isolating.
Q. Tell us about your future plans.
A. I will be graduating in the spring and will hopefully be attending either the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or the University of WisconsinMadison. I will not continue to skate competitively.
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A. Lily: I started skating when I was in kindergarten; Ruby: I started skating when I was in preschool.
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
A. Lily and Ruby: Skating is really fun and at first it was really easy. It was a great way to meet new friends
and have fun on the ice. Ruby: I played Centennial Lakes League softball for six years and loved it. The time commitment now to Northernettes Junior team meant I had to stop playing softball.
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. Lily: I am a triple USFS gold medalist in skating skills, free skate and solo free dance. I am working on my gold pattern ice dances now. Ruby: I am a gold medalist in skating skills. I have competed USFS and ISI.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. Lily: I have been on the Northernettes for six seasons. I was recruited by the organization and learned more about it from former skating club members that were on the team at the time. Ruby: This is my fourth season with the Northernettes. I was recruited by the organization when my sister started, but I said I was too scared. After watching her do it for two years and knowing friends were going to try out, I decided to give it a try.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. Five days a week for two to three hours each day.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. Lily: I love being on a team. Skating can be lonely when you compete and test on your own. When you compete with the Northernettes, the nerves go away as soon as the music starts. Your training takes over, and it is just the music and your teammates you are listening to. Ruby: When I am on the ice I forget about anything else that may be bothering me, or stress I have.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. Lily: Being designated as a Team USA team, representing the USA internationally and bringing home a bronze medal. And when I passed my senior free skate test (less than 1% of all figure skaters achieve this) and I bawled my eyes out! Ruby: Skating entertaining solos in the ice show in front of friends and family, earning a medal at sectionals both years I competed, and making the Junior team this season.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. Lily and Ruby: Competition season! We work so hard starting in May, and we don't get to see our hard work show up until we get in front of the judges in November. Traveling with our teammates is so much fun!
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. Take your time. Success doesn't happen overnight. Everyone achieves at their own pace. Everyone's end goal is different, and that is OK.
Q. Tell us about your future plans.
A. Lily: I will attend university next fall, studying exercise science/kinesiology with the intention to go on to get my doctorate in physical therapy.
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
A. Blaine, ninth grade, Centennial High School
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A: I started skating freestyle when I was 2 years old and synchronized skating when I was 11.
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
A. Many family members have been figure skaters or hockey players.
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. I skate synchronized skating, freestyle and dance.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. I joined in 2021. I heard about the Northernettes through other skaters and social media.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. I skate five days a week individually and three days a week as a team.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. I enjoy being able to skate with friends.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
A. I think the biggest challenge I have had to overcome would be calming my nerves before we compete.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. Making it to the United States Synchronized Skating National Championships.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. I am looking forward to seeing how well we do this season.
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. If you have a goal in life, keep working for it.
Q. Tell us about your future plans.
A. I plan to continue skating and go to college
Q. What town are you from and what year in school/district do you attend?
A. I live in Lino Lakes. I’m in seventh grade at Centennial Middle School.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you have been skating.
A. I started Learn to Skate at the NSC Super Rink when I was almost 4 years old. My parents told me that in my very first Learn to Skate class, the instructors were just teaching kids how to stand back up after falling on the ice, and for that whole class I could not stand up! I just fell and fell and fell. But I still thought it was so fun! I got more serious about it when I was in kindergarten; one of my best friends was also skating there, so we got to skate together a lot. I started taking private lessons with my coach Karen Olson when I was in first grade and she has been coaching me ever since.
Q. What drew you to the sport? Do you do any other sports or activities?
A. I love music and performing, and that’s why I enjoy skating. When I was younger, I watched Gracie Gold and Polina Edmunds skate and I wanted to be able to skate like them. I also love the competition dresses! I name all of my dresses. Skating is my main activity, but I also do Girl Scouts and I’m taking violin lessons.
Q. What types of skating have you done over the years?
A. I do individual and synchro. As an individual skater, I compete in both ISI and USFS. In ISI, I’m in Freestyle 7 and in USFS I’m doing Pre-Silver Skating
Lily Werdel and Ruby Werdel
A. Blaine. Centennial High School. Lily, senior and Ruby, freshman.
Landry Fast
Carys Dobson
Lily (left) and Ruby (right) Werdel
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Carys Dobson
Landry Fast
NORTHERNETTES: Competition set to begin
FROM PAGE 10
Skills and Pre-Bronze Singles.
Q. When did you join Northernettes and how did you hear about the team?
A. I started on the Preliminary team when I was in fifth grade. Northernettes was recruiting skaters for their developmental teams, and I really wanted to try it. I thought it would be fun to be part of a team, and I was really excited about getting to travel to different places for competitions.
Q. How often do you skate?
A. I skate six or seven days a week, so pretty much all the time! I skate every day after school, and then two or three days a week I have synchro practice. Some days, I go from individual practice to synchro practice.
Q. What do you enjoy about the sport?
A. I’ve always loved jumping the most, I feel like I’m flying. I also enjoy the competitiveness of the sport, but even at a competition when we’re all against each other, we still cheer each other on.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in the sport?
A. Skaters have to test to move on to the next level; if you don’t pass the first time, the feeling of failure is hard to accept when you’ve worked really hard for something. I also had to deal with a knee injury last year. It was really painful and I had to stop skating completely for months. It was kind of scary coming back once my doctor said it was okay to skate again. I was worried about losing all my jumps and I felt like I was behind in everything.
Q. What is your proudest achievement so far in the sport?
A. The first time I landed my axel was several years ago, but to this day it is my proudest accomplishment.
Q. What are you looking forward to about this season?
A. Hopefully making it to nationals and maybe getting a medal.
Q. What advice would you give someone just starting out in figure skating?
A. I got really good advice when I got to meet Mariah Bell, who is a U.S. national champion and an Olympian. She said that you’ll have hard days and setbacks, but you just skate because you love to skate, and that if it was easy everyone would do it. It doesn’t matter if you are a competitive skater or a recreational one, just enjoy every moment on the ice.
Q. Tell us about your future plans?
A. I want to go to nationals, land all of my double jumps, and become a gold medalist.
Compiled by Shannon Granhom
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Council Member Kim Devries reports that the Anoka CountyBlaine Airport will be adding a new hangar for maintenance, a new fuel depot and a road on the outskirts of the airport to reduce traffic across the runways. The airport is also looking into its own fire service in the near future to accommodate bigger aircraft landings.
• The council accepted a donation of $6,780 from an anonymous donor on behalf of
the Lexington Fire Department. The donation will be used to purchase new fire helmets.
• The 2025 Anoka County Agreement for Residential Recycling Program has been approved by the council. The agreement will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. The program will offer additional opportunities for recycling bulkier materials that are not usually collected for curbside recycling.
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• North Metro TV Interim CoExecutive Directors Eric Houston and Danika Peterson and council members discussed the future of North Metro TV. Lino Lakes is in a joint powers agreement (JPA) that includes the cities of Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Centerville, Circle Pines, Ham Lake and Lexington to use North Metro TV to broadcast government and school board meetings. For the last year, the Cable Commission, formed by North Metro TV and local city council members, has been discussing the possibility of merging with another community television station, the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission (NSCCC), which operates a channel called CCX Media. CCX Media includes the cities of Maple Grove, Center City, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley and five other surrounding cities. In September 2023, Blaine City Council Member and Cable Commissioner Chris Massoglia proposed the idea of merging North Metro TV and CCX Media. There have been preliminary discussions to decide what the merger could look like. There will be a Cable Commission workshop session on Nov. 19 to have further discussion about the goals of the merger and if they want to partner with NSCCC. In December, the commission will make an official decision about the merger. Council Member Michael Ruhland raised concerns regarding the
exposure of Lino Lakes meetings due to how many cities would be utilizing the channel at once. Because of the large number of cities that would be using the channel, Lino Lakes would receive less screen time than what it is currently getting.
• Java Companies LLC proposes to develop three commercial lots near Lake Drive, Marketplace Drive and 77th Street. The land use application includes rezoning, a preliminary plat, conditional use permit, site and building plan review and vacation. The proposed developments include a retail auto parts store, a three-unit multitenant retail building and a fast oil change facility. The approval of the preliminary plat and other land use applications will be discussed at the next City Council meeting.
• Staff has direction to move forward to work with the city attorney to draft a lease agreement for discussion with SFDNG LLC and its investor group related to a potential lease agreement of park land for a sports dome.
• The council discussed the possibility of a new public works building at 1189 Main Street. City staff has been seeking architectural and engineering services for the project since 2023. The project is included in the city’s 5-year plan for a 2026 build. Staff will bring a project proposal to the next City Council meeting.
• City Administrator Bill Petracek reports that the city of Lexington saw a 90% voter turnout for the 2024 November General Election. Out of the 1,500 residents registered to vote, about 1,300 participated.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at City Hall.
Hannah Testa
• The city continues to monitor PFAS chemicals in the water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has performed additional studies and identified maximum contaminant levels for variance of the PFAS chemical. City staff is actively working on replacing City Well No. 2, which presented with high levels of iron and magnesium in 2019. Staff is also working on replacing the well in discussion with the Department of Natural Resources. The replacement of Well No. 2 will be presented to the City Council at the next meeting. Residents can find more information about PFAS in Lino Lakes on the city’s website.
• City staff will extend an offer to a candidate for the interim city administrator position. Staff recommend David Pecchia to take over the position. Pecchia served as the Lino Lakes’ Public Safety Director and Police Chief from 1993-2010. He served as the interim city administrator for the city in 1998. He also was the executive director of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association from 2010-2013. If Pecchia accepts the offer, action will be taken at the next regular City Council meeting to finalize the appointment.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at City Hall, followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Madeline Dolby
Submitting Public Notices
Deadlines:
White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date. Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.
Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Ramsey and Anoka
Deadline
Local couple writes book focused on asking difficult health questions
As healthcare professionals, Michael and Lisa White, from Wyoming, have seen that many people have not planned for illness, injury or the aging process on a daily basis. After personal experience with Michael’s mother and uncertain of her healthcare wishes, the couple decided to write a workbook for families to help answer the difficult questions that may arise during treatment and medical emergencies.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with them to learn more about their book.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Our names are Lisa White, a registered nurse at Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming, and Michael White a licensed nursing home administrator and a licensed assisted living director, working at Good Life Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hugo.
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: Through our work as healthcare professionals, we see almost daily, that people have not planned for illness, injury or the aging process. We all plan for weather, vacations but rarely are prepared to answer the difficult health and personal information questions. We also had a personal experience with this. Michael’s mother, in 2018, had an outpatient cardiac procedure that unfortunately had complications. For a year-and-a-half, her cognitive ability and inability to communicate with us left us spending numerous hours and days trying to locate her personal and health care information. We also did not know what her wishes were, and we were left guessing what
she may or may not have wanted treatment for. We knew at that point, we needed to write this interactive workbook named “Family Conversations We Must Have but Do Not Want To.”
Q: Is this the first book you have ever published?
A: This is our first book that we have ever had published and it has been a big success so far.
Q: What was the most difficult thing about writing this book?
A: The most difficult thing about writing the book was researching and determining what the most critical questions that we need to have answered are.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from it?
A: Being an interactive workbook, it allows readers to kind of “write their own story.” Each of us has our own wishes, personal and health information that is unique to us. We all plan for inclement weather, vacations but rarely do we plan for our ever-changing health and personal information. Do not wait until it is too late to start your planning.
Q: Where can people purchase your book?
A: The book can be purchased through our website family-conversations.com or through Amazon by searching the title “Family Conversations We Must have but Do Not Want To.”
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: We are very dedicated to the interactive workbook. We want to get it into as many people’s hands to help guide them. It is also very important that when it is filled out, to let your family or loved one’s known where it is located, in the event they need to rely on the information. Keep in mind that this is not a legal binding document, but it will guide your family in finding your information, reduce stress and anxiety and save time and searching.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
Michael and Lisa White are both healthcare professionals. “Family Conversations We Must Have but Do Not Want To” is an interactive workbook for family members to go through together regarding personal healthcare plans.
Weather Tidbits
Frank Watson
Aerial artistry: Cougar diver has epic sectional, eyes last state meet
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Diving is an activity that more than 99 percent of us have not experienced. Almost everybody has swung a bat, kicked a ball, or shot a basket, but soaring off a springboard, twisting high in the air, aiming downward for a straight, splash-less descent into the water? Not so much.
We can only wonder what that’s like. “It’s an insane feeling,” Kate Woelfel revealed, when asked. “Especially on a new dive, or even one you’ve done a thousand times. You’re way up there, flipping in the air, and you’re thinking, this is really cool!”
The Centennial senior has been a diver since fifth grade and is one of the most accomplished Cougar athletes in an individual sport. This past weekend, in the second-to-last meet of her prep career, she had by far her best day.
In the Section 7AA meet, Woelfel clicked on all eleven dives and took the gold medal with a 472.20 score, shattering all kinds of records: her own personal best of 417.60; the Cougar record of 435.60 held since 2000 by Stacy Truman, a state champion who went on to the Gophers; and the section record of 471.85 set in 2014 by a Blaine diver.
“I feel very good about it, yes. All 11 dives were really solid,” acknowledged Woelfel. Dives that don’t go well, she said, are usually the ones when she doesn’t hit the water smoothly. All her landings Friday and Saturday were spot-on.
Woelfel already had the school six-dive record and raised it to 290.30 in a dual meet against Rogers. The 11-dive record was sort of a Holy Grail, even for a fourtime state qualifier.
“That’s the one that escaped me. We don’t have a lot of 11-dive meets. I was really thinking about doing it this time,” said Woelfel. She added, “I was really calm and collected. I just wanted to have fun and not think about this being my last section meet until the very end.”
Her best dives were a front, two-and-a-half tuck, and an inward, one-and-a-half pike. Tuck means the body is folded up; pike is like a jackknife. All the dives are different, and all went well.
Beth Hanson, her longtime diving coach, cited Woelfel’s “confidence on the board; tight, clean finishes, height, distance off the board” for the high scores. “It’s the first time she was consistent on every single one. Typically, it’s half or a little more than half. I hope she can do that well again at state. I’m not sure she can repeat that.”
Woelfel will close her Cougar career in state preliminaries Thursday evening with finals on Saturday evening at the University of Minnesota. Her next team will be University of South Dakota, where she’ll pursue a nursing career.
This will be Woelfel’s third state meet and fourth time qualifying. She qualified in eighth grade, but the state meet was canceled due to the pandemic. She placed eighth at state as a freshman. She had an excellent sophomore year but was sick during sectionals. She went back to state as a junior and placed 11th.
Hanson said Woelfel dived well last year, “but a lot of really good divers came out of the woodwork … I think that was a big motivating factor for her to really take this season seriously. It’s hard when you don’t have anyone to challenge you in the conference and section.” Woelfel was a gymnast in grade school. “My mother wanted me to try another sport, a team sport,” she said. “But I picked diving, which is very similar to gymnastics, the summer before fifth grade. I loved diving right from the start.”
She did play basketball for several years and was on the Cougar freshman team and then B squad in 10th
Cougar trio advances to state in swim & dive
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial’s Kate Woelfel, Sophia Nguyen and Lydia Hydukovich qualified for the state swimming and diving meet on Saturday at the Section 7AA in Coon Rapids. The Cougars placed fourth out of eight teams. Woelfel, a senior, won diving in a school and section record of 472.20 points, qualifying for state for a fourth time.
Nguyen, a freshman, won two section titles, the 100 freestyle in 54.37 and backstroke in 59.18. She also went to state last year.
Lydia Hydokovich, an eighth grader, won individual medley in 2:16.60 and placed second in breaststroke in 1:09.78.
Also reaching individual finals were junior Claira Zebell, seventh in the individual medley (2:27.08) and backstroke (1:05.0), and eighthgrader Amelia Pole, seventh in breaststroke (1:14.45).
In relays, the medley team placed third in 1:54.68 with Nguyen, Hydukovich, Zebell and Lucy Foster, and the 400 free relay was fourth in 3:54.57 with Nguyen, Nadia Schubauer, Zebell and Hydukovich.
Nguyen won the section 100 freestyle and backstroke.
the 50 free; Savannah Knipping, 12th in the butterfly; Schuhbauer, 13th in both the 200 free and 500 free; and Brielle Reynolds, 16th in the 100 free.
grade. Basketball did not stick with her. The 5-foot9 athlete couldn’t even remember the name of the position she played. “It was down under the basket. Rebounding. I was a good jumper.”
Hanson, who was a diving teammate of Stacy Truman’s, saw her own career derailed by injuries, but she stayed in the sport as a coach. Hanson was coaching on a club team and was ready to step away, due to starting a family, when Woelfel joined.
“She was a little firecracker. She got the dives right away,” Hanson said. “Anyone could see she would be something special.” When she found out that Woelfel attended school in Centerville, and thus would be a Cougar, she put off retirement. “I decided to stay and work with her. I’ve coached her for eight years now.”
This coming weekend, way up there, flipping in the air, it would be really cool, for both of them, to have another meet like sectionals and earn another podium finish.
Cougar girls top Maple Grove in opener
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) girls’ hockey team opened with a 4-2 win over arch rival Maple Grove on Saturday, outshooting the host Crimson 52-23. Last season, CSLP beat Maple Grove for the conference title, but the Crimson beat the Cougars for the section title.
The Crimson got the first goal, by Massy Tomlinson, at 12:34 of the first period. Grace Laager tied it for the Cougars at 16:40 with assists from Teagan Kulenkamp and Lillian Renslow. Ayla Specht scored for CSLP in the second period, assisted by Josie Kelzenberg. Maple Grove pulled even on Kelsey Olson’s power play goal 38 seconds into the third. The Cougars regained the lead at 1:27 on a goal by Maddie Wolter,
assisted by Katie Ball and Mia Sutch. Ella Perreault added a power play goal for a 4-2 lead at 9:54, assisted by Ball and Laager. Cougar goalie Kaia Welland stopped 21 of 23 shots. Crimson goalie Bella Prosser saved 48 of 52 shots.
Bruce Strand
Also scoring section points were Anja Norman, ninth in the breaststroke; Cordelia Schultz, 10th in diving; Foster, 12th in the backstroke and 16th in
Team scoring was Blaine 384, Duluth East 357, Anoka 354, Centennial 263, Forest Lake 261, Andover 255, Cambridge-Isanti 121 and Coon Rapids 107.
Centennial Swimming
Lydia Hydukovich has made a big impact as an eighth grader on the Centennial swimming team. At the Section 7AA meet, Hydukovich advanced to the state meet in two events. She won the individual medley in 2:16.60 and placed second in breaststroke in 1:09.78. She helped the medley relay place third and the 400 free relay place fourth. In the section true-team meet, Hydukovich won the medley and took fourth in the butterfly. In dual meets, she has won a 500 free race and placed second in a 200 free.
BRUCE STRAND PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Kate Woelfel, shown here at a home meet earlier in the season, broke long-standing school and section records Saturday in Coon Rapids.
CONTRIBUTED
Sophia
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