Quad Community Press

just want to give them hope’

Developer still interested in land near City Hall

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — Silver Creek Equity is still interested in developing land near City Hall, but the plans may need to shift a bit.

The city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved the purchase agreement with Silver Creek Equity for the acquisition of 6.27 acres in the Legacy at Woods Edge development back in June for $2,376,154. (See “EDA strikes deal for residential, commercial and retail development,” June 21.)

Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that under the terms of the agreement, Silver Creek Equity is required to construct a multitenant retail building or restaurant prior to, or concurrent with, the multifamily building. The agreement provided the developer with a 120-day due diligence period, which ends Nov. 22. At such time, the developer must either terminate the agreement or deposit an additional $40,000 in earnest money.

To date, the developer has not been able to secure any firm retail or restaurant commitments. However, the company would like to move forward with the development of the multifamily building.

“We have met with a lot of different restaurants, but the state of the economy and high interest rates really froze that,” said Peter Jesh, Silver

Centennial High School has five foreign exchange students for the 2022-23 school year. They are here through a variety of programs, including: American Field Service (AFS), Education First, International Student Exchange (ISE) and Rotary Youth Exchange. For four of the five exchange students, this experience marks their first trip to the United States. Learn more about each of the students in the Q&A below.

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before? If so, what states? How many times?

A: I have never been to the U.S. before, so this is a completely new experience for me.

Q: Why did you want to study in the U.S.?

A: Honestly, I didn’t have a specific reason as to why I became an exchange student at the time of my application to the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) pro gram. I thought it would be nice to try out, even if I might not get in, since it is a competitive program.

speaking skills in English. I also talked to other exchange students, and they said it is a life-changing experience, and definitely worth trying out. That motivated me to actually try and become a FLEX finalist. Now, here I am!

Q: Are you participating in any sports or extracurricular activities/clubs while you are here?

Q: Where are you from (town/ country)?

A: I am from Pepeni, Moldova.

Besides that, I had my English teacher back home who said I should apply, as I have good

A: So far, I have participated in different activities, and I am planning to do even more. I played tennis for a while, the fall play “Marley’s Ghost” I also join the World Culture Club SEE CENTENNIAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS,

Natalia Jigau, junior, from Moldova (AFS)

Host Family: Tim and Amy Grundtner

CONTRIBUTED

Centennial High School has five exchange students visiting for the 2022-23 school year. Pictured (from left) are: Julie Cross, Centennial High School social studies teacher and Culture Club advisor, and exchange students Saga Fahlgren, Chiara Trusiani, Naemi Schlegel and Alvaro Garcia-Reyes. Not pictured is Natalia Jigau.

CONTRIBUTED

‘We

Circle Pines native Jackie Eidsor and her husband Josh Eidsor are both teachers in Tunisia, Africa.

TUNISIA:

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Ever since Jackie Eidsor was about 7 years old, she has dreamed of living overseas.

That dream has since developed into a mission to help others.

“I have a huge passion for the Arab world, and particularly working with refugees,” she said.

Eidsor, originally from Circle Pines, was homeschooled and taught by her mother, Jenny Lofstad.

“Growing up, my mom was an incredible teacher and we would always hear all of these really amazing stories in history class about people going

across the world and doing amazing things,” Eidsor recalled.

She attended the University of Northwestern and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in history and music education. Initially, she thought she wanted to pursue a career in music, but after some international school recruiters visited her college, she realized she could combine her passions for music, teaching and being overseas.

“I had an opportunity to do some travel during college and felt like the Arab world was where I wanted to be,” she explained.

She student-taught in Morocco for six months, and spent a summer in Jordan. Since August 2021, Eidsor and her husband, Josh, have lived in Tunisia, Africa, where they both teach. The two also play trumpet in the Carthage Symphony Orchestra, the national orchestra of Tunisia.

Tunisia is a small, poor country situated between Algeria and Libya. Eidsor explained that the country has a very high unemployment rate, massive inflation and cannot support all of the refugees that flee there from other war-torn countries.

“Many people try to cross the Mediterranean in row boats, and it’s super dangerous,” she explained. “Already in 2022, 1,400 people have drowned in the Mediterranean trying to cross from North Africa to Europe to get a better life. It is really devastating the lengths that people will go to in their desperation, and it just breaks my heart.”

The country does not have the resources to help the refugees, and many of them are stuck living on the streets.

Through her church, Eidsor met a refugee family who fled from Nigeria. The family cannot find work in Tunisia, since refugees cannot legally hold jobs there, and their four children, who are age 7 and under, cannot go to school. If the family returns to Nigeria, the father would likely be killed for to political and religious reasons.

In an effort to help them, Eidsor not only brings them supplies/groceries when she is able (on her limited salary) but also tutors the children once a week. Her mission is now to get the family to the U.S.

It’s not work she will have to do alone, however. Lofstad and Living Faith Church in Circle Pines are backing her efforts.

“I miss my kid desperately, but it’s such a sweet thing to work on a similar goal,” Lofstad explained. “(Jackie) is 23 years old. She is an amazing individual. For her to be supporting this family of six and to have this emotional weight of responsibility, that’s too much. We wanted to partner with her.”

Through Lofstad’s work with a nonprofit organization called Arrive Ministries, she has been told that the average wait for a refugee to come to America is 17 years, and only 0.5% of refugees who seek to come to the U.S. actually make it.

Eidsor is working with a U.S. lawyer to help the family immigrate by securing a work visa, a process that hopefully shouldn’t take more than two years with the help of legal counsel.

IF YOU GO

What: Pasta lunch

When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 20

Where: Living Faith Church, 10101 Lexington Ave. NE, Circle Pines

Details: The community is invited to attend a pasta lunch fundraiser to raise funds for a refugee family that fled from Nigeria to Tunisia. A freewill offering will be collected to raise funds for food, clothing and legal fees. The goal is to eventually bring the family to the U.S.

Jackie Eidsor is doing what she can to help a family in Tunisia. Since the children are not able to go to school, she has been tutoring them once a week. Ultimately, she hopes she can help the family travel to the US.

Lofstad suggested the church host a pasta dinner, and church members were on board. “I wanted to take some of the weight off of Jackie and let this family know that they are seen by people in America and cared for,” she said.

Eidsor says she doesn’t want to bring the family to the U.S. because it is a perfect place, but at least here, she said, the family will have the opportunity to secure jobs and the children can attend school. Maybe even more importantly, their hope will be restored.

“We just want to give them hope, give them an opportunity to have hope in a future,” Eidsor said. “You can give people food or supplies and really not change their lives if they don’t feel like there is hope.”

651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at

In addition to teaching, Jackie and Josh Eidsor play in the Carthage Symphony Orchestra, the national orchestra of Tunisia.

COPS&COURTS

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers received a delayed phone report of vehicle theft from the 6000 block of Hodgson Road Nov. 1. The incident is under investigation.

• While on patrol, an officer observed several items dumped on public property. No suspect information was available and public works was advised of the items.

While on patrol in the 6800 block of 21st Avenue Nov. 1, an officer observed several items dumped on public property. No suspect information is available and the public works department was advised of the items.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on I-35E near Main Street Nov. 2. The driver and passenger were arrested on outstanding warrants from another agency.

• Officers were requested for a student who was out of control in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Nov. 2. Officers arrived and investigated the situation. The student was subsequently removed from school and charged with disorderly conduct.

• Officers received a report of property damage in the 7600 block of Village Drive Nov. 2. The incident was documented.

• An officer received information regarding a fight that was going to happen at a school in the 300 block of Elm Street Nov. 2. The officer contact parents of the involved party regarding potential consequences.

• Officers responded to a report of damage to a vehicle in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road Nov. 2. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer took a report from a gas station in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue where a customer used two counterfeit notes for payment Nov. 3.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Alleged burglary turns out to be nothing

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department was dispatched to an address on Sherman Lake Road in the Pheasant Hills neighborhood Nov. 9 for a report of a burglary in progress with a suspect still inside of the home.

A post circulating on the Nextdoor app indicated that there was a SWAT team surrounding the house. Public

The incident is being investigated.

• Officers responded to a fire at a business in the 8100 block of Lake Drive Nov. 3. The fire was extinguished and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers took a delayed theft report in the 300 block of Apollo Drive Nov. 4. The incident was investigated and documented.

• An officer attempted to stop a vehicle for an equipment violation on I-35E near Lake Drive Nov. 5. The owner of the vehicle subsequently fled from the officer. The case was forwarded on to investigations.

• Officers responded to a single-vehicle personal injury accident in the area of Lake Drive and I-35W Nov. 6. The female driver was identified and transported to the hospital by ambulance.

• A neighboring agency requested assistance with disorderly juveniles at a grocery store in the 4300 block of Ball Road in Blaine Nov. 6. The officers investigated the incident until the originating agency could handle the rest.

• Suspicious activity was reported in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive Nov. 7.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Police, along with the Centennial Fire District, responded to a grass fire in the 100 block of East Golden Lake Lane in Circle Pines Nov. 2.

• An officer responded to a report of theft from motor vehicle in the 9500 block of Dunlap Avenue in Lexington Nov. 2. A caller advised that an unknown suspect had entered her vehicle overnight and removed some cash and change. The estimated loss is $10. Another theft from a motor vehicle was reported in the 60 block of West Road in Centerville that same

Safety Director John Swenson said the incident did not involve SWAT, however the call generated a law enforcement response from Lino Lakes, the Centennial Lakes Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and a K-9 team from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Swenson said the scene was secured and the home was searched, only to de termine that there had been no burglary.

day. There is no suspect information.

• A resident in the 7300 block of Old Mill Road in Centerville called to report possible identity theft Nov. 2. The male caller advised that an unknown suspect attempted to open an online bank account in his name. The caller was advised of his options.

• Officers located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the 10 block of Oak Leaf Lane in Circle Pines Nov. 2.

• Police were dispatched to the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington on a report of harassment Nov. 2. Extra patrol was requested.

• Officers were dispatched to a delayed report of a burglary attempt in the 0 block of North Road in Circle Pines Nov. 3. Officers subsequently determined the incident was suspicious activity and took information for a report.

• Officers, along with the Centennial Fire District, were dispatched to a grass fire in the 0 block of North Road in Circle Pines Nov. 3. The fire was determined to be possibly arson and likely related to at least two other

incidents in 24 hours.

Theft was reported in the 20 block of West Road in Circle Pines Nov. 4.

• A vehicle was reported stolen in the 9100 block of Dunlap Avenue in Lexington Nov. 5.

• A vehicle was reported stolen in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington Nov. 5.

• Police responded to a harassment report in the 6900 block of Meadow Circle in Centerville Nov. 5. The caller advised an unknown suspect had sent harassing and disturbing messages on social media. Police advised the caller to block the suspect.

• A theft was reported in the 300 block of Heritage Trail in Circle Pines Nov. 6.

An officer responded to the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Nov. 6 for two males who were reported to be trespassing and disturbing the peace. Upon officer arrival, the males had already left the area but were later located and trespassed from the location.

• November 30th Walk-ins at Cub Foods 2PM – 5PM 1059 Meadowlands Dr, White Bear Lake, MN 55127

• December 3rd Jimmy’s Food and Drink 10AM, Noon, 2PM* 1132 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110

• December 5th Walk-ins at Anchor Coffee 1PM – 4PM 4742 Washington Square, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Hi, I’m Randy

My body was sore when I went to bed, Tuesday, Nov. 1.

I had just finished a long day of driving, carrying and unpacking boxes, organizing furniture and — well, you get the idea.

After three years of living in northwest Iowa, I made the northward plunge to Minneapolis to live with my longtime girlfriend and become the newest staff writer at Press Publications in White Bear Lake.

I’m no stranger to Minnesota or journalism, but I am new to doing the latter in the former.

Paulson’s Ponderings

I’ve enjoyed writing ever since middle school, and my favorite classes always involved reading and writing. My first 18 years of life were spent in Grinnell, Iowa. At Grinnell High School, I was involved in debate, theatre and speech.

A creative writing class I took my sophomore year of high school is what first piqued my interest in pursuing writing as a profession.

Naturally then, I gravitated toward journalism when I began studying at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

I spent my first two years there writing for the college’s satirical publication, The Acorn, where I lampooned the official college newspaper, The Simpsonian, every chance I got. Despite that, the Simpson Student Media adviser still saw fit to let me become editor-in-chief of The Simpsonian my senior year. I guess my jokes about the “real” newspaper weren’t unforgivable.

My full-time journalism career started in May 2019 when I became a staff writer at The N’West Iowa REVIEW in Sheldon, Iowa.

I wrote about all sorts of topics in The REVIEW’s four-county coverage area: general news, school news (we covered 17 school districts), multiple city council and county supervisors meetings, politics and the 2020 elections, agriculture, business, Friday-night sports and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic.

Although “N’West Iowa” — as we referred to our coverage area — only consisted of four counties, The REVIEW news team and I were constantly on the lookout for local connections to people and events located hundreds or thousands of miles away.

My favorite example is when I wrote a feature about an opera singer who was living in Cardiff, Wales, with his wife. He reached out to our paper since he grew up in one of The REVIEW’s counties and wanted the paper to cover a historical music preservation project he had just finished.

I jumped at the opportunity to chat with him and coordinated a time to speak with him on Skype (we just had to work around a five-hour time difference).

I live for that kind of localized coverage that connects readers at home with happenings that impact them or news about interesting activities that former residents are up to.

But in the meantime, I’m eager to immerse myself in the local goings-on in and around White Bear Lake and surrounding areas and getting to know the people here.

Here are a few other stray facts about me:

• I love listening to podcasts and music, especially on my commute and long road trips.

• I’m more of a cat person than a dog person but love both animals quite a bit.

I once helped catch a bird that somehow got loose in my previous newspaper office in Sheldon. It was a very weird Wednesday.

• I despise the cold with all my heart and can’t wait for warmer weather to arrive in the spring. But Minnesota winters aren’t too bad … right?

Putting the garden to bed for winter

Fall is here, which means this is the time to prep your garden (and your tools) for a winter nap. To set yourself up for success in the spring, here are the jobs to get done now.

Clear out the bad Most pathogens overwinter in plant debris, which means if you leave them in your garden, you are inviting them to come back next year. Diseased produce, plants and any weeds with seed heads should not be composted as most home compost piles don’t get hot enough to kill them. Throw them in the trash.

Compost the good

Immature healthy vegetables and annual plants make great compost for next year’s garden, as do all of those leaves you will be raking up off your lawn. Visit the University of Minnesota Extension site for tips on backyard composting to ensure your discarded green turns into black gold.

• 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

Prepare for winter’s sleep

Cut back certain perennials, like peonies. Others, such as coneflower, can stay through the winter and will offer food for birds and shelter for hibernating insects

• Remove stakes, cages, plant markers and trellises to prevent weather damage

• Pull remaining weeds

• Rake garden beds, remove plant debris and stones, and level the soil

• Test your soil now to learn what will grow best next year. The soil test report will provide recommendations about any nutrient deficiencies. Directions and pricing options are at https:// soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/

• Mulch now to prevent weeds later

• Water perennials, trees and shrubs until the first hard freeze

Protect young trees and shrubs with tree guards or fabric to prevent winter sun scald and rodents. Compost or discard remaining fruit.

Don’t forget the tools

Your tools work hard during the gardening season, and they can be a source for spreading disease or pests like jumping worms. As part of your fall

clean-up routine, scrub your tools well (and your flowerpots, too) and rinse and dry them thoroughly. Dull edges can damage your plants, so after cleaning, sharpen cutting tools and remove rusty edges with coarse steel wool. Wipe tools with 70% rubbing alcohol to kill pathogens, and then spray them with a protectant such as WD-40 or mineral oil to prevent rust. Proper care will extend the life of your tools and keep them in great working condition. Fall tasks don’t need to be completed all at once; you can stagger them throughout the season, which will give you time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and rake those leaves for mulching. If you invest the time and energy into putting your garden to bed, you’ll thank yourself in the spring when you can just focus on planting flowers and veggies!

For more information about composting, visit https:// extension.umn.edu/managingsoil-and-nutrients/compostinghome-gardens.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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.

• 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.

Randy Paulson is a Staff Writer at Press Publications.

Norm Mofjeld is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

Randy Paulson

STUDENT NEWS

The following local students were named to the dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university:

Bioloa University:

Elisha Axelson, of Circle Pines, and Jillian Axelson, of Lino Lakes

University of Minnesota Duluth: Nicholas Brandt, of Blaine, Autum Enright, Elissa Loegering, all of Blaine; Alexander Fuller, of Centerville, junior, Labovitz School of Business and Economics, business analytics; Brooke Harvey, Aidan Reilly, Isabel Thiner, all of Centerville; Sydney Allen, Dylan Ibarra, Noah Larson, Nicolas Magsalin, Kaleb Mether, Kathryn Ziebarth, all of Circle Pines; Brianna Bordson, Christopher Chapin, Matthew Coffman, Donovan Decker, Darla Eckart, Kaylee Erickson, Sydney Hoglund, Austin Kanner, Erik Knutson, Kendall Kramar, Grace Magill, Eliana Marciano, Joshua Meyer, Samuel Shervheim, Mackenna Stoterau, Laura Trettel, Lindsay Wilson, Paxton Zirpel, all of Lino Lakes.

CITY BRIEFS

Another mural will adorn Rookery Activity Center

LINO LAKES — Users of the Rookery Activity Center (RAC) will soon be greeted with more art as they walk in the front doors of the building. The RAC has been awarded funding from the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors - Key Communities program, after Council Member Dale Stoesz applied.

The Key Communities program aims to bring together local, state and national Realtor programs and resources to enhance the partnership between Realtors and local communities. RAC Manager Lisa Lamey explained that the program will allow for the Rookery to meet key Realtors in the community and expose them to the Rookery. In turn, the Realtors can use the Rookery Activity as a great selling point for any homes that are for sale in

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Learn to lead with a little free library

The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce has launched its free Little Leadership Library at its office, located at 9380 Central Avenue No. 320, Blaine. Modeled after the neighborhood Little Free Library, the focus is to have a variety of leadership and business-related books, which will be donated by chamber members and available for anyone to stop by and take and/or donate.

The little library will be open during business hours (Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon). Employers, employees and the general public are encouraged to stop by during these hours.

surrounding communities.

Some of the funding will be used for an art piece that will tell the story of the RAC. City staff has been working with Visual Communications, a design company that provided the internal signage in the RAC, to create three design options. The mural will be placed on the wall just to the south of the entry/exit doors of the RAC.

Lamey said that once the council solidifies the design it would like, the production time would likely take between three to six weeks. “We’re still some time out before we see it on the wall,” she said.

Lino Lakes seeks applications for advisory boards

The city of Lino Lakes looks to fill several vacancies on its advisory boards and commissions for 2023 and beyond. Currently, there are three seats available on the Planning and Zon ing Board, three seats on the Park Board, three seats on the Environmen tal Board and three seats on the Economic Development CONTRIBUTED

Advisory Council.

City Administrator Sarah Cotton explained that some current mem bers of the various commissions have expressed an interest to stay put, but there have not been any new applicants for the vacancies. Resi dents who are interested in serving

Weather Tidbits

on a commission can find more in formation and an application on the city website linolakes.us.

Shannon Granholm

Us for Mass

A free little leadership library is now available at the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce in Blaine.

Here is one design the City Council is considering for a mural at the Rookery Activity Center.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

Frank Watson

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF LEXINGTON ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 22-30

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LEXINGTON, MINNESOTA, APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE

WHEREAS, On November 3, 2022, the City Council adopted an Ordinance – 22-24: An Ordinance Regulating Cannabinoid Products.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lexington, due to the lengthy nature of this Ordinance, has directed that this title and summary be prepared for publication pursuant to Minn. Stat. 412.191, Subd. 4

The Council finds that the following text clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance 22-24 and hereby approves the following sum mary text for publication:

“SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 22-24”

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish licensing, sale and possession regulations for the sale and possession of cannabinoid products derived from hemp as provided in Minn. Stat. § 151.72.

The City Council makes the following findings regarding the need to reg ulate, license, and inspect establishments that sell certain cannabinoid prod ucts and regulate possession of cannabinoid products by minors:

(1) By enacting 2022 Session Law Chapter 98, Article 13, the Minnesota Legislature amended Minn. Stat. § 151.72 to allow for the sale of cer tain cannabinoid products.

www.presspubs.com

(2) This new law does not prohibit municipalities from licensing the sale of cannabinoid products derived from hemp locally.

(3)The Minnesota Legislature recognized the danger of cannabis use among youth by prohibiting the sale of any product containing canna binoid or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracted or otherwise derived from hemp to those under the age of 21 and requiring that edible cannabinoid products be packaged without appeal to children and in child-resistant packaging or containers.

(4) Due to the passage of this new law by the Minnesota Legislature, the City Council believes the following rules, regulations, and standards for licensing the sale of cannabinoid products, and possession of canna binoid products by minors, are necessary to promote and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Lexington.

NOTICE: the full text of this Ordinance is available for public inspection at Lexington City Hall located at 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN 55014, during regular office hours.”

WHEREAS, the Council has by at least 4/5 vote approved this public notice on the 3rd day of November, 2022.

Mike Murphy, Mayor Attest: Bill Petracek, City Administrator Published one time in the Quad Community Press on November 15, 2022.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PUBLIC NOTICE

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Lino Lakes, Anoka County, Minnesota, and Case No. 22-05-1976P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on November 15 and 22, 2022.

LEXINGTON MAYOR

Mike Murphy 49.27% (372 votes)

Susie Strom (DFL) 48.57% (11,705 votes)

Matt Norris (DFL) 51.12% (9,098 votes)

(R) 51.39% (11,063 votes)

Donald Raleigh (R) 48.79% (8,685 votes)

CENTERVILLE MAYOR D. Love 96.24% (1,381 votes) CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Michelle Lakso 50.28% (981 votes)

Darrin Mosher 47.62% (929 votes)

Gary Grote 50.33% 380 votes)

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL

Kim DeVries 48.64% (412 votes)

Robert Benson 48.88% (414 votes)

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD #12

Laura Gannon 18.92% (6,203 votes)

Andrew Meyer 15.91% (5,217 votes)

Gloria Murphy 21.49% (7,045 votes)

Tom Knisely 22.55% 7,395 votes)

Jessica Schwinn 19.83% (6,501 votes)

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD #12 SPECIAL ELECTION

Kara Schmitz 47.77% (6,241 votes)

Craig Johnson 51.86% (6,776 votes)

ONGOING EVENTS

SHOREVIEW INDOOR FARMERS

MARKET

When: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15

Where: Shoreview Community Center fireside lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: More than 30 vendors with produce and food items, artisan crafts, entertainment and activities.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Nov. 17; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 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, Nov. 21; the 3rd Monday of every month

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

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

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

CRIBBAGE

When : 12:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28; the 4th Monday of every month

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

Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

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

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

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

CURRENT EVENTS

NANOWRIMO

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 17 & 24

Where: ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater

Details: Participants can focus on their writing in the company of other writers during National Novel Writing Month.

Contact: artreachstcroix.org

PERMACULTURE, SUSTAINABLE AND REGENERATIVE GARDENING

When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 Where: Zoom webinar Details: Theresa Rooney, Hennepin County Master Gardener and Author of “Humane Critter Control” will introduce gardeners to the basic ethics and principles of Permaculture, and discuss what a “food forest” is.

Contact: mahtomedigardenclub.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16

Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir, Circle Pines Details: Monthly Family Fun Night, a program targeted at school-aged children ages 4-10 and their parents/caregivers. The event will feature various stations for families to explore crafts, games and other fun literacy and STEM-based activities.

HERE COME THE FEDS!-THE HISTORY OF THE FBI

When: 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Shoreview Community Center Details: Learn about the history of FBI investigations, corruption, and what it does today in a seminar led by Kathy Simmer. Registration deadline 5 days before class; $17/resident. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov

‘RIVER RUNS THROUGH US’ EXHIBITION OPENING

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Art Reach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater Details: Exhibit features work by oil painter Kraig Thayer Rasmussen, on view through December. Contact: artreachstcroix.org

COPYWRITING: TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

When: 5:30-7 p.m Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Seminar explores tips and traps of copywriting, including

headlines, writing to sell, capturing attention, and writing challenges. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

SOLAR ENERGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 Where: Online: bit.ly/NEMCA1117 Details: Northeast Metro Climate Action hosts discussion about renewable energy with the director of Minneapolisbased non-profit Native Sun Community Power Development.

BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION

When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Join teacher Randy Gildersleeve and fellow musicians for a demonstration on various instruments and learn how to become a jammer. Join the band or go to listen. Contact: 612-440-6295 or marinemillsfolkschool.org

‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 18-Dec. 18. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 9; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Holiday favorite performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre. Tickets $10-$30. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

MINNESOTA WALDORF SCHOOL HOLIDAY FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

Where: MN Waldorf School, 70 County Rd B e., Maplewood Details: Shopping, food trucks, live entertainment, silent auction and gift baskets, plus a puppet show, jump rope making, advent wreath builting, and the Snow Fairy Gift Garden. Childcare availabe on first-come, first-serve basis. Contact: 651-487-6700 or mnwaldorf.org

ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 Where: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 6201 Osgood Ave. Details: 26th annual market includes fair-trade items including handicrafts, food, toys, clothing, and more. Contact: fpc-stillwater.org/ alternative-gift-market

LAKESHORE QUILTERS

GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Presentation on “History of Fabrics” by Margo Krager, a quilt shop owner. $5/guest. Contact: lakeshorequiltguild@ gmail.com

whenever I can. I’m planning to take swimming lessons in winter and join the track team in spring. I want to join other clubs, but I am still deciding on what to join!

A: There are so many cultural differences I’ve noticed in just 2 1/2 months that I’ve been here. First, most Americans are always nice. No matter if you know that person or not, they will give you compliments, say “hi” to you or just a simple smile. People in Moldova don’t really do that, as it is probably more of a cultural thing!

I’ve also noticed that driving is more common here. Americans prefer driving everywhere. In Moldova, most people use public transportation or just walk places. I have barely seen any public transportation. I’d also like to add something about food here. It does taste quite different in comparison to foods in Europe. For example, bread, chocolate, fruits/vegetables taste a little different. But here, there is a bigger variety of foods; you see any kind of restaurant here, which amazes me.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your time here in the U.S.?

A: I am looking forward to having a life-changing experience. I am excited to explore and learn more about the United States. It is a way to challenge myself, take risks and get out of my comfort zone in a country with different people and culture. I want to make this year the most memorable, because I know it will help me grow as a person and offer me more opportunities in the future.

Q: What do you miss the most about back home?

A: The thing I miss most about back home is my family. Being on an exchange year is full of highs and lows, and homesickness is definitely one of them. Luckily, I have an amazing host family that, no matter what, will help me feel included. As I miss my family, I try to make myself remember that this a unique experience, and I could always talk to them on the phone or video chat them.

Naemi Schlegel, junior, from Germany (AFS)

Host Family: Tim and Amy Ridley

Q: Where are you from (town/country)?

A: Neu-Ulm, Germany

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before? If so, what states? How many times?

A: No

Q: Why did you want to study in the U.S.?

A: I wanted to study in the U.S. because I wanted to live in an English-speaking country and because other people’s lifestyles and cultures were interesting and also kind of fascinating to me. The U.S. was an affordable country for me to do an exchange year in, and I was highly inspired by the many

high school movies.

Other than that, I found myself in a weird position, where I had already graduated secondary school in Germany but was a year too young to start an apprenticeship as an EMT, so my mom suggested going on an exchange during that year of waiting.

Q: Are you participating in any sports or extracurricular activities/clubs while you are here?

A: Yes, I participated in the tennis team during summer and was considering joining the World Culture Club after school.

Q: What are some cultural differences you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?

A: People in the U.S. are more open to start a conversation with strangers or new people and are more welcoming and nicer to foreign people in general. There are also more people complimenting you on your appearance, even if they don’t mean it; it is something that you typically wouldn’t experience in Germany.

Americans also value being thankful and appreciative more than Europeans do, so they say thank you more often, even after minor things like your bus driver dropping you off at school.

Also, something I noticed is that sports are a way bigger thing in the States and almost everyone practices sports, in or outside of school, and people go to games more often than Europeans do. But they are also very dependent on their parents/friends being able to drive them somewhere, as there is little to no public transport and bigger distances with barely any sidewalks. Especially around my birthday, I noticed the different beliefs that both cultures have, like it is very rude to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday, because it’s supposed to bring bad luck and misfortune above you. It is also uncommon to hug people you barely know, and it takes longer for you to consider someone as a friend.

And Americans are almost never on time: you tell them to be there at 7, they will be there at 7:15. Of course that is something you can’t generalize, but it is definitely something that has happened to me more than once.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your time here in the U.S.?

A: I am most looking forward to experiencing the unique holidays that exist here but not in Europe, like Thanksgiving and also Halloween and Christmas, because those holidays are celebrated way more than back home. I’m also looking forward to traveling around the U.S., as there are many different landscapes here.

Q: What do you miss the most about back home?

A: I mostly miss my friends and family, but I also can’t deny missing the food. Like German bread or chocolate and food that exists in Germany but not in America, like Ahoi Brause, Spezi or Knoppers. Other than that, I also miss being able to express myself the way I want to without being lost in translation and that everybody somehow knows each other and nobody is really a stranger.

I also miss being able to go places on my own, like just saying “Hey, do you wanna hang out?” Riding your bike for five minutes and being at their place, so that you’re not dependent on the ability of being dropped off somewhere.

Chiara Trusiani, senior, Italy (Education First)

Host Family: Steve and Rachel Harris

Q: Where are you from (town/country)?

A: I’m from Varese, a city in the northern part of Italy, near Milan.

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before? If so, what states? How many times?

A: No

Q: Why did you want to study in the U.S.?

A: I wanted to study in the USA for many reasons: to improve my English, to learn about a different culture, to learn new things, to make new experiences, to become more independent and to step out of my comfort zone.

Q: Are you participating in any sports or extracurricular activities/clubs while you are here?

A: Yes, I’m a figure skater and I’m participating on the Northernettes Synchronized Skating Novice team this year. I’m so excited to be part of this team, and I can’t wait to travel to compete against other synchronized skating teams across the U.S. this fall and winter.

Q: What are some cultural differences you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?

A: Some of the cultural differences that I noticed are about food, people, habits and activities.

Food habits are really different: in Italy lunchtimes are later, usually around 1-2 p.m., and dinnertimes are around 8-9 p.m. We always eat pasta, and often rice, soups or meat. We eat many vegetables and fruit and every meal is accompanied by Italian bread.

Another difference is that people here are more kind. Everyone asks you, “how are you?” even if they don’t know you and they’ve never seen you before. In Italy, people are more wary.

School is so different from Italy. We have five years of high school and during the day we stay in the same classroom while teachers go from one class to the other. Our classes end at 1 p.m. and we don’t have lunch at school. After school, we have a lot of homework every day and most people don’t have time to practice a sport or do other activities.

There are so many other differences. For example, here everything is bigger (streets, cars, refrigerators). When it gets cold, people still wear shorts.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your time here in the U.S.?

A: To travel, to see new places, to learn new things and to meet new people. During the Christmas holidays

I’m going to New York City, and during spring break I’m going to the Caribbean. I’m so excited!

Q: What do you miss the most about back home?

A: Food, my family and friends.

Saga Fahlgren, senior, Sweden (Rotary)

Host Family: Mike and Gena Chapman

Q: Where are you from (town/country)?

A: I am from Ostersund, Sweden.

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before? If so, what states? How many times?

A: I’ve been to the U.S.

two times before (Massachusetts and Virginia).

Q: Why did you want to study in the U.S.?

A: I wanted to take a break from the Swedish schools and see a different culture.

Q: Are you participating in any sports or extracurricular activities/clubs while you are here?

A: I ran cross-country and I’ll do Nordic skiing.

Q: What are some cultural differences you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?

A: Everything is bigger, you need a car to go everywhere, and the school system.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your time here in the U.S.?

A: I’m mostly looking forward to meeting new people and see new places.

Q: What do you miss the most about back home?

A: My family and Swedish bread.

Alvaro Garcia-Reyes, sophomore, Spain (ISE)

Host Family: Justin and Sam Shanda

Q: Where are you from (town/country)?

A: Conzarote, Canary Island, Spain

Q: Have you been to the U.S. before? If so, what states? How many times?

A: I have never been to USA before.

Q: Why did you want to study in the U.S.? A: I wanted to come and learn English. I also wanted to grow and become more independent and mature. I wanted to be in a new culture and meet new people and see new places.

Q: Are you participating in any sports or extracurricular activities/clubs while you are here?

A: I am going to do swimming and track and field this year.

Q: What are some cultural differences you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?

A: In the U.S., they eat dinner earlier and have different sports. They use their phones here in class more. In Spain, people can drink at 16. We don’t have LEAP or advisory in Spain.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your time here in the U.S.?

A: (Not provided)

Q: What do you miss the most about back home?

A: I miss family and friends, the food from home and the sea!

Q: What are some cultural differences you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?

CONTRIBUTED

Natalia Jigau is a junior at Centennial High School this year. She is an exchange student from Moldova.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any prefer en ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such prefer en ce limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly ac cept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimi nation call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Age 55+ workers needed for part time light custodial work at the St. Croix Rest Area located on I94 near Hudson. Contact Green View at 651-639-1913

Customer Service Full-time Position

Looking for an individual with good attention to details, that can work with our city Legals on a weekly basis. Also, to be able work on obits and help coordinate with family’s or funeral homes to place obits in our weekly papers. This position could have some back up in certain departments as well.

If you

PUBLICATIONS IS

MULTIMEDIA REPRES EN TA TIVE

Open Positions:

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

The City of Shoreview is now hiring a FT Senior Accountant to work in our Finance Department.

Hiring Salary Range: $72,509 – $88,150

For more info and to apply online, go to shoreviewmn.gov/jobs

Open until filled. First consideration given to applications received by November 14, 2022.

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional income.

Press Publications is looking for a part-time independent contractor to research for and produce monthly articles along with arts and entertainment features for our news-magazine hybrid publication.

Candidate should have photography and/or graphics skills.

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

Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license.

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

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external cli ents, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effec tively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

‘We belonged:’ Cougars go 2-1 at state, place fifth

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Everybody wants a good one to quit on. The Centennial volleyball team capped its memorable 2022 season with a pair of state tournament victories last week, and a consolation championship trophy —fifth place — to bring home.

The Cougars lost their Class 4A quarterfinal to Lakeville North, the eventual runner-up, on Wednesday, and bounced back to defeat Stillwater on Thursday and Chaska on Saturday, all by 3-1 scores, at Xcel Energy Center, finishing 27-5.

“We absolutely were satisfied,” said Andi Koslowski, who rattled off 50 kills and was named to the all-tournament team. “It’s one thing to make it to state, but it’s even cooler to come in fifth and go 2-1. The team excelled all season, and we’re all so happy to finish with a win.”

In their school’s third state tourney, and first since 2010, the Cougars ended a season with a victory for the first time in program history, coach Jackie Rehbein-Manthey noted.

“Very proud of our finish in the state tournament, and proud of how they

played against Lakeville North,” the 20th-year coach reflected. “The girls were not intimidated by them, and were able to take a set off of them.

“We proved to anyone that doubted us that we belonged in the state tournament and can compete with, and beat, some of the best teams.”

The finale against Chaska was a season highlight for the Cougars as they kept scrambling from behind against a skilled, hard-hitting team.

“The team played with a lot of mental tenacity to recover from multiple deficits,” Rehbein-Manthey said. “I think this group of seniors took it upon themselves to keep their season going.”

Doing just that were seniors Koslowski, Mattie Petersen, Ingrid Noha, Makayla Speed, Cassi Sosinski, Alyssa Draheim, Ash McClellan, Ashley Friedman, Grace Christensen, Annie Richtsmeier, and Sam Gerten.

Wayzata repeated as Class 4A champion, beating Lakeville North 3-0. Other champions were Marshall, Cannon Falls and Minneota. Lakeville North 3, Cougars 1

The Cougars lost the first game 25-19 and pulled even 25-23 before the Panthers’ speed and skills around the

dial took over, 25-12 and 25-20. “Probably the fastest tempo offense we’ve come up against. Trying to get two blockers on them was hard,” Rehbein-Manthey said.

Emily Ramsay led North with 18 kills. Rayna Christianson and Sydney Carlson added 11 each and Carlyn Holland nine. Their 5-foot-11 setter Ava Blascziek made 43 assists.

Koslowski drilled 15 kills in 43 attempts from the left side. Elena Hoecke logged eight kills and three blocks, Sosinski seven kills, McClellan 26 assists and two kills, and Petersen and Noha each 13 digs and two aces.

The Cougars rallied from an 11-6 deficit to win game two. They caught up at 16 on a Koslowski’s kill off a block. They made it 18-16 when McClellan, who was serving, scurried up to drop in a tip. Another Koslowski crosscourt missive made it 19-16. They went ahead 24-20, gave up three points, and got the clincher on Hoecke’s stuff block.

Cougars 3, Stillwater 1

The Cougars prevailed 27-25, 16-25, 2519, 25-21, led by 6-foot-3 freshman Hoecke with 16 kills and five blocks (three solo). Koslowski added 14 kills and Sosinski 11. McClellan supplied 45 assists and two aces.

“Elena had a great match. She and Ash were connecting well,” said Rehbein-Manthey. “When we can get her established in the middle, it really opens up the rest of our offense.”

The Cougars were digging with aplomb as Petersen made 29, Friedman 12, McClellan 11 and Koslowski 10. Makayla Speed had four blocks (two solo) and Koslowski two solo’s. For Stillwater (24-8), Tori Liljegren notched 18 digs and 12 kills, and Emily Elletson 14 kills.

Cougars 3, Chaska 1

Koslowski blasted 21 kills and made 21 digs, leading the Cougars in the gritty 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-18 victory. “We have been working all season on finishing sets, because in past seasons, we had struggled,” she said, “and that really paid off against Chaska. We all stayed calm and collected.”

The Cougars trailed 22-17 in game one but surged to win 25-23, capped by a Koslowski kill. Down 24-21 in game two, they pulled ahead 25-24 but could not nail it down and the Hawks won 27-25. The Cougars trailed 17-11 in game three, caught up at 19-19 on Petersen’s ace, and pulled it out 25-22 with Hoecke slamming down the clincher.

No such suspense in game four.

Centennial played with high confidence, pulled away 14-7, and held that lead, fired up by three kills on Chaska overpasses, two by Noha and one by Speed, down the stretch.

Sosinski made 10 kills, Hoecke eight, Noha seven and Speed three. McClellan supplied 30 assists and Noha nine. Petersen made 16 digs, Noha 14, and Friedman 11. Sosinski made five blocks, Speed and Hoecke four each and Draheim two.

For Chaska (24-8), Ella Christ made 18 kills, and Avery Rosenberg and Sasha Board 14 each. Katrina Thompson made 45 assists.

BOYS SOCCER

Three Centennial players were named to the all-Northwest Suburban Conference team. They are Cal Babiash, senior forward; Noah Marquard, junior defender; and Maximo Chavez Correa, junior midfielder. Babiash, the scoring leader with 10 goals and five assists, was named team MVP. Getting honorable mentions were Aidan Dockendorf, senior midfielder; Lance Laden, senior defender; Keaten Frase, junior forward/defender; and Minty Shady, sophomore defender. Other team awards went to Beckett Babiash (most improved), Frase and Ethan McDonald (most dedicated), and Shady (goal of the year vs. Osseo). Centennial was 10-7 overall, and 7-6 in conference.

TENNIS

Five Centennial players were named to the all-Northwest Suburban Conference team. They are seniors Anna Jarpy, Ella O’Hearn, Katrina DeBoer, and Anya Sugden, and freshman Lauren Klein. Sudgen, who had a 20-4 record, mainly at No. 3 singles, was team MVP. Other awards went to Jarpy (Bringing It), DeBoer (Coach’s Award) and Klein (most improved). Klein played No. 1 singles. Centennial had a 12-8 record, 4-4 in conference.

GIRLS SOCCER

Centennial had five players named to all-Northwest Suburban Conference, including Addison Van Zee, senior forward who led with 18 goals. Others are Marisa Frost, senior forward/ midfielder; Maddie Skalicky, senior

defender; Kallista Halatsis, senior forward; and Jordan Metz, junior goalie. Honorable mentions went to Nassi Bula, senior midfielder; Kate Hamski, junior mid/defender; Addison Wittenberg, sophomore mid/ forward; Nora Helvig, sophomore defender; and Isabella Sipe, sophomore forward. The Cougars scored 42 goals and gave up only 14 while posting a 14-3 record, 9-2 in conference. They won Section 7AAA and lost in the first round of state. Frost had six goals and six assists, Sipe five goals and two assists, and Halatsis four goals and six assists. Metz compiled an .860 save percentage.

SWIMMING & DIVING

Centennial will have one participant, diver Rylie McCullough, in the state meet after competing in Section 7AA in Coon Rapids on Thursday and Friday. McCullough placed third with a 329.20 score. Kathryn Woelfel, sophomore who won the section last year and placed eighth in the state, was battling a sinus infection and placed sixth (291.00). Melanie Bjerketvedt, seventh-grader, was seventh (279.50). Centennial finished fifth among eight teams, with Anoka the champion. Reaching section swim finals were Jaden Ruegsegger, third in the 50 freestyle (25.28) and fifth in backstroke (1:04.26); Lauren Kajer, seventh in 200 freestyle (2:08.58); Laura Zebell seventh in breaststroke (1:13.85); Brooke Halvorson, eighth in backstroke (1:05.87); and Nicole Kammer, eighth in the 500 freestyle (5:49). The medley relay was fourth with Sophie Nguyen, Zebell, Lucy Dropps and Reugsegger (1:57.57).

Centennial gridders lose to Rosemount 27-0, finish 8-3

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

A stellar Centennial football season ended with a 27-0 loss to undefeated, No. 2 ranked Rosemount in the state quarterfinals on Thursday evening in Stillwater.

Centennial, ranked No. 5 in Class 6A, finished 8-3, including two playoff wins. Rosemount (11-0) advanced to the semifinals.

Rosemount, yielding just seven points per game, held the Cougars to 154 net yards. Daylen Cummings completed seven of 14 passes for 65 yards with no interceptions. Josh Lee caught four for

42 yards and Marcus Whiting three for 23. The Cougars gained 89 yards on 34 rushes, led by Maverick Harper with 32 yards in 14 attempts.

Defensively for the Cougars, Reese Littlefield made 11 tackles, Caden Coppersmith nine, Henry Pirner nine and Timmy Ball eight.

The Irish scored on blocked punt 93 seconds into the game with Lucas Klinker picking up the ball and ran 21 yards. Jake Schimmel had a two-yard TD in the second quarter after the Irish had a good punt return. Tanner passed to Hayden Bills for a 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter and broke away for a 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Strauss Skates & Bicycles

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Mattie Petersen fielded a serve against Lakeville North with Andi Koslowski following the ball.

JESSICA HARRINGTON | CONTRIBUTED

The Cougars assembled for a team photo with their consolation championship trophy at Xcel Energy Center.

Bruce Strand

SPORTS BRIEFS

On the cutting edge since

Cassi Sosinski was the third-leading hitter for the Centennial volleyball team that placed fifth in the state tournament, finishing with a 27-5 record. The 6-foot senior outside hitter logged 200 kills, 169 digs, 19 aces and 35 blocks. “Cassi had a phenomenal last few weeks of the season,” noted coach Jackie Rehbein-Manthey. That included nine kills in the section finals and 11 and 10 in two state wins. “Cassi brings a lot of power, and she can hit over many blocks because of her height and vertical,” the coach said, adding that Sosinski is a strong blocker who “can shut hitters down one-on-one.”

Cassi Sosinski

SILVER CREEK EQUITY: Requests amendment to purchase agreement

Creek Equity partner. “I really want to work on the commercial, I just know that today it is not there.”

In moving forward with the multifamily building component of the project, Silver Creek Equity developed a conceptual elevation of the proposed residential project and site plan. An alternative site plan with a second multifamily building has also been developed. The developer has requested an amendment to the purchase agreement that would allow for construction of a market rate, multifamily building prior to retail/restaurant construction.

“Sometimes when you bring in multifamily, even if there is already a bunch out here, retail tends to like that,” Jesh said.

Council Member Tony Cavegn said he would be okay with moving forward with the multifamily component prior to the commercial piece, but he would not be in favor of eliminating the commercial requirement completely. “That’s the last land that’s available

to be developed, and if we don’t put commercial there, we are not going to have that commercial and we kind of lose the downtown, which is what this area has kind of been designed for the past 20 years,” he said.

Council Member Michael Ruhland said he agreed with Cavegn. “I’m okay with moving forward right now without that commercial handcuff, at least initially,” he said. “I’d want some sort of commitment that some kind of commercial is going to be there for sure.”

Council Member Christopher Lyden said he was not supportive of the change. “This land is for mixed use, and we are talking about downgrading that,” he said. “The bottom line is … the state of economy and interest rates (being) the reason we are going to change our plan does not work for me, not in the long run ... That is not a good enough reason to change the plan.”

Jesh said the state of the economy and interest rates were the reasons retailers/ restaurants weren’t “making

moves,” but Silver Creek Equity is still very much interested in moving forward with the multifamily portion of the project.

“We said we would get somebody in here, and we didn’t. We didn’t uphold our end of the agreement, so I was ready to cancel, but I wanted to give you the option,” Jesh explained.

Mayor Rob Rafferty said he was also okay with making some changes to allow the multifamily portion of the project to move forward, but the commercial would still be a vital piece of the development.

There was a lot of discussion about what time period would be acceptable to try to include the commercial component before moving on to other options.

Ultimately, the EDA was scheduled to continue discussing the topic at its meeting Nov. 14 (after press deadline).

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

WEEKLY WAG

Bluesky is playful, affectionate, intelligent, goofy and eager to please. This 60-pound shepherd/ husky mix arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from South Dakota. Bluesky, or “Blue,” as his foster calls him, is tall, lanky and has a mild, gentle personality. Blue is just over a year old and knows his basic commands, but a formal training program is highly recommended. This would be a wonderful activity and opportunity for him to learn better manners and become his best self.

During his downtime, Blue is very loving and belly rubs make him melt. Blue is social and likes all people. Although he likes other dogs, too, he does best playing with dogs his own size or larger. His play style may be a bit too much for smaller dogs. Blue is a beautiful young, active boy who is anxiously awaiting an active forever home, companion and lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about Bluesky 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.

FROM

CONTRIBUTED RENDERINGS

Silver Creek Equity would like to move forward with the development of a multifamily building despite not being able to get any retail or restaurant users lined up.

CONTRIBUTED