Centennial Theatre Department puts on
‘Cases
of Mistaken Identity’
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The Centennial Theatre Department will put on “Cases of Mistaken Identity” at the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center Dec. 5-8 for its fall production. The show feature 97 students in the cast and crew and follows 25 different storylines. “Cases of Mistaken Identity” takes place
during the late 1800s and tells a story about various travelers who are boarding a train for their trip West. Travelers include young lovers who are being kept apart by her parents, a secret agent, an elderly woman, a group of showgirls and a couple that has just pulled off their first jewel heist.
“It is a difficult show from a directional standpoint, because you have to very precisely
track and plot the action of the show because we are following the path of all these bags that look identical,” said Eric Webster, the director and coach for high school and middle school theater programs.
“In addition, it has some serious fight choreography that we had to put in that took some time. But, other than that, the students are so good that it was the only
challenges of the show. And those were minimal due to the amazing work of the students, cast and crew.”
Webster said he chose “Cases of Mistaken Identity” as the fall production because he loved the frantic pace and the comedy of errors. His favorite scene in the show is when the entire cast SEE CENTENNIAL THEATRE, PAGE 5
Lyngblomsten requests changes to 2nd concept plan
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes is requesting an amendment to its planned unit development (PUD) development stage plan and PUD final plat that would change the proposed two-story skilled nursing home to a three-story building. The applicant has also submitted a land use application for concept plan No. 2.
The proposed three-story building height would be the same as the existing three-story assisted living and memory care facility on the south side of the building. The amendment also includes a new 20-space surface parking lot. Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes, located at 6070 Blanchard Blvd., offers older adults housing and community-based services. Right now, the campus includes 20 detached, one-level rental townhomes, a multilevel senior living building with 96 independent living apartments, 36 assisted living apartments and 17 memory care apartments.
“The last … phase of their development would be their skilled nursing building,” said Katie Larson, city planner. “The original plan that was approved was a two-winged, two-story skilled nursing wing. What they are proposing is a reconfiguration of that.”
In the original plan from 2021, the two-story facility would add an additional 56 units. The proposed three-story building would have 57
PAGE 14
Blaine singer prepares for national spotlight
Andrew Burnes, of Blaine, is preparing for a prestigious choral performance opportunity his choir won after being judged one of the best in the country.
The TotinoGrace High School junior sings in the Angelica Cantanti’s Cantanti Singers, which won a spot to perform
in front of 8,000 choir directors and music educators at the American Choral Director Association conference in Dallas, Texas this spring.
Press Publications recently sat down with Burnes to learn more about him and what he is looking forward to this choir season.
Q: Tell me about yourself. (Year in school, activities participate in, job etc.)
A: I am a junior at Totino Grace
High School and involved in our boys and mixed show choirs on stage and am in the band for the all-girls show choir. On top of that I participate in choir and small group ensembles. I am also in band and play the alto saxophone. I am in some small group ensembles and jazz band as an instrumentalist.
Q: How long have you been involved in choir? Why did you want to do choir versus band or another option?
A: I wasn’t officially in a choir until my freshman year, so three years. Before that I was in numerous musicals, took voice lessons and was in show choir since my eighth-grade year. I chose choir over other options because I really like music, singing, sharing the work we put into our pieces with others and because art was my weakest subject and music was one of my strongest.
Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley Details: Doors open 30 minutes before concert. No tickets required. General seating. Free will offering. To donate, visitangelicacantanti.org/ donate. For more info visit angelicacantanti.org.
CONTRIBUTED
Andrew Burnes
WHAT’S HAPPENING
CONTRIBUTED
Circle Pines
Santa Parade
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Where: Circle Pines
Details: The Centennial Fire District will be driving Santa around various neighborhoods in Circle Pines. He will be collecting nonperishable foods and unwrapped, new toys for the Centennial Community Food Shelf.
ONGOING EVENTS:
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: Thursday Dec. 5; 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
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: Classic holiday story performed by Lakeshore Players.
Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
CURRENT EVENTS:
SANTA PARTY AND TREE LIGHTING
When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Where: Peder Pedersen Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146th St., Hugo
Details: Meet and greet with Santa, followed by Mayor's tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Activity bags given to first 50 kids. Bring a donation for the Hugo Fire Department's Toy Drive. Contact: ci.hugo.mn.us
MEMBERS EXHIBITION RECEPTION
When: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Stop in to visit with artists, listen to live music, and view artwork. Open to the community. Contact: whitebeararts.org
21 ROOTS FARMS WINTER MARKET
When: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: 21 Roots Farms, 10361 110th St., Grant
Details: Feature farm products made by 21 Roots Farms participants. Products includes soap, balm, lotions, dryer balls and honey. Other items for sale include artwork, ornaments, pins and more. There will also be food and drinks available to purchase. Contact: hello@21rootsfarm.org
SATURDAY NATURE PLAY: BRRR, BRRR, BIRDIES
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Bring your preschooler and learn about the different birds that stay with us during the cold months. Registration required. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
JINGLE BEAR 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.
Details: Run for all ages and abilities. Registration includes jingle bells for shoes. Holiday costumes, dogs on leashes and strollers welcome. Contact: mmraces.com
FESTIVAL OF TREES OPEN HOUSE
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.
Details: View trees decorated by community businesses and organizations and warm up with cocoa, treats, and activities. Santa sighting possible. Display open to the public select hours Wednesday-Sunday through Dec. 21. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: OTTERS
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
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
CANDLELIGHT TOUR AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Guided tour of the local landmark as it's decorated for the holidays. Cocoa and cookies served. See website for ticket information. Contact: 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org
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
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Centennial High School student has opportunity on Capitol Hill Lucas Chong, Centennial student and owner of Evergreen Apparel, had the opportunity to speak on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., about the preservation of the Boundary Waters in partnership with Save the Boundary Waters. Chong and the organization had over 40 meetings with members of Congress from all across the country about preservation.
Chong speaks on Capitol Hill.
OPINION
Holiday happiness
The holiday season can certainly conjure up celebratory feelings of gratitude, friendly comradery and joy but, unfortunately, many of us can also experience added stress and feelings of sadness. For a variety of reasons, this year I’m finding that it’s taking some extra effort to stay positively focused on the present moment while cultivating a sense of gratitude, to keep some of the darker emotions and worries at bay. The loss of a loved one any time of year is difficult, but feelings of sadness and grief can be sharply magnified this time of year because there is the perception that everyone else is happy, combined with the expectation that we should be happy as well. My condolences go out to anyone who has recently lost someone close to them. I would never want to compare personal tragedies, but I have empathy for the unpredictable emotions and challenging milestones that follow the (sometimes sudden) deaths of close friends and family members. Years ago, as noted in a past column, our family experienced tragedy in the weeks preceding Christmas with the death of my brother Billy. He was only 26 years old when he died suddenly without warning. He was a gifted athlete at both the high school and college levels and by all accounts seemed to be in good health. In an effort to find some sort of explanation and closure my father requested an autopsy, but the doctors were never able to tell us why my brother died during the night. It still remains a mystery.
While we were growing up, I looked up to my older brother and both literally and figuratively followed in his footsteps. I remember tagging along behind him after a heavy snowfall and placing my feet in the deep prints he left behind as we trekked through the St. Paul neighborhood where we spent some of our formative years. Now he was gone. Battling waves of grief, our family managed to celebrate Christmas that year and also the years that followed. However, when I look back at my family history, I view it as distinctly before and after that fateful year. Through experience, I’ve come to believe that you never really get over the loss of a loved one, but you can learn to live with and honor their memory.
I suspect that most of us are in some way dealing with personal challenges at this time of the year and I found some practical tips on coping with stress and sadness on the Mayo Clinic website including:
• Acknowledge your feelings: If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
• Reach out: If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Set realistic expectations: The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones.
• Set aside differences: Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion and try to accept family members and friends as they are.
I certainly struggle with this myself, but when confronted with situations that add to the stress level, I think it would really help if we can all take a moment before feeding into the anger and make the choice to exercise patience and kindness — with others and perhaps just as importantly, with ourselves.
Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238.
WLegislator Lingo Heather Gustafson
Goals for the future legislative session, winter is here
inter has arrived in Minnesota, just in time for the holiday season. For many of us this is a season of joy and fullness, as we enjoy time together and celebrate. For others, the change in season means new concerns and anxiety. As a teacher, I have seen families struggle this time of year with basic needs. While I continue to be thankful for Universal School Meals in our state, taking care of our neighbors in need is still an ongoing concern.
This summer I was able to celebrate and speak at the opening of the White Bear Community Market. It’s a welcoming and necessary place that serves our community in the best way possible, more information can be found at whitebearfoodshelf.org. One of my goals this upcoming legislative session is to ensure they have the resources they need to keep the doors open.
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We must also invest in our schools but also make sure funding matches our school district’s needs. As a longtime Centennial teacher, I know firsthand we need to find a solution to reduce taxpayer and education funding disparities. For years, our district’s schools have been asking for equalization in funding. This would change funding formulas to provide fair equalization, making school levies, operating referendums, and programs more affordable. I worked on this bill the last two sessions and will continue to do what I can to move it forward again.
I am also focused on public safety and meet frequently with law enforcement to hear their concerns. This year I will be introducing a bill with another ask for $300 million for public safety needs. In 2023, my bill was the first in Minnesota history to allocate public safety funds to every city, county, and Tribal Nation to be used any way local governments needed. For our community, we saw $17 million brought in to help Lino Lakes, Centennial and White Bear Lake Police Departments, as well as Ramsey and Anoka County Sheriff’s Departments. It also meant the Centennial Police Department was able to add an officer to their
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force, something they had been asking for a long time.
Public safety needs are also top of mind when considering mental health, domestic abuse and sexual assault. For years, I have been advocating for more resources to help victims with experiences we don’t publicly see. Unfortunately, two out of three victims of abuse stay in their abusive relationships and four in five victims of abuse do not report their attacks. Often because they have nowhere to go or can’t afford to leave. In Anoka County, Alexandra House is our only emergency shelter and I’ll continue to fight for the resources they need.
I know our community can solve problems when we work together and not against each other. I’m proud to serve as your senator and if there’s something our office can do to help you or your family, please reach out. 651-296-1253 or sen. heather.gustafson@mnsenate.gov.
Senator Heather Gustafson represents Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Gem Lake, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Birchwood Village in the State Senate. She is Vice Chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee.
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Angle of View
Paul Dols
CENTENNIAL THEATRE: Cast members bring 25 stories to life on stage
ends up in a giant chase scene.
Multiple cast members also added that their favorite scene was the fight scene toward the end of the show.
Riley Eckman, a senior, will play Maggie Leighton. Eckman also serves as copresident of the student theater board.
“I like a lot of the scenes that I am in,” said Eckman. “Towards the end there is just a scene where my character, and a couple other characters, just run back and forth across the stage just screaming ‘cause there is a lady with a knife chasing us. It’s fun. I get my exercise in, for sure.” Eckman said she loves the vibe of opening night and the energy that comes with it.
Senior Olivia Hartman plays Terry Stamp, who is a porter. Her favorite part about playing her character is that she can add her own personality.
“My favorite scene is the big fight scene. There is a lot of people on stage fighting each other. It’s fun because anywhere you look, there is something new to be seen. If you go multiple times, you see new things,” she explained.
Hartman added that the most challenging part about the show has been the different plot points, remembering what her character knows and how her character plays a part in each individual story line.
Senior Kelsi Swenson, co-vice president
on the student theater board, plays Delilah Waters. Swenson said her favorite characteristic about Delilah is her southern accent.
“I’ve gotten to learn how to be almost like a cartoon character,” Swenson said. “It’s been really fun to just explore different perspectives and a different way to act and talk.”
Swenson said she is most excited about the costumes.
“We are going to be in these big, fun dresses,” she explained. “So, I am excited for that, to see it all come together.”
Senior Rebeccah Dougherty, co-vice president on the student theater board, will play Millicent Abercrombie.
“She is a really interesting character,” said Dougherty of Millicent. “She’s really snooty, but she reveals that she is only like that because of her relationship with her husband, which kind of gets resolved at the very end of the story. So, she has quite a character arch.”
Dougherty said she is excited for opening night because she likes the anticipation of a show and knowing people are in the audience to see her, her friends and what they’ve worked on.
Senior Nicole Kurdyumov will play Sasha T. Pembroke. Kurdyumov’s character has participated in a jewel heist and is very antsy.
Kurdyumov said her favorite scenes in the show is the big fight scene or when she and her character’s husband, Nevil, reveal
a bunch of cases only to find that none of them contain what the couple is looking for.
FROM PAGE 1 SHOW DATES
“We basically have seven cases stacked all around us and we are frantically opening all of them, and none of them are what we want,” she explained. “I like that scene.”
Kurdyumov said the most challenging part of the show is keeping track of all the cases.
“It’s a lot of coordination and ‘Okay, I have to figure out what case I have even though they all look the same.’”
Senior Mae Ryan, a member of the student theater board, plays Jackson McConnahy, a talent agent. “I really love the dynamic of his character,” said Ryan. “His energy, just kind of the sly attitude. You don’t know what he’s up to, but it’s obvious that he has a plan. He just has this energy where it’s like, ‘What’s going on with this guy?’”
Ryan’s favorite scene is when McConnahy gets hit in the face with a suitcase by Bianca, Ryan’s counterpart. Ryan’s character has a job for Bianca to become famous. At the end of the show, Bianca gets a gig, but is insulted that Ryan’s character cannot find her a better job then the one she’s got.
“She goes, ‘And you get me to Death Valley’ and slaps me in the face with a suitcase,” Ryan explained. “And she opens it (the suitcase) and ironically enough, it’s a bunch of posters advertising for women’s
Opening night:
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 7 p.m.
Understudy show:
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 1 p.m.
Senior Recognition Night: Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 | 1 p.m.
rights. Which is a very iconic end for my character.”
Ryan said the most challenging part about the show has been working with the set. Since the entirety of the play takes place on a train, the cast has to always be in motion and get used to the movement of being on the train.
“I can’t wait to hear the audience laughter,” Webster said. “At least, I hope I hear audience laughter. That’s the goal!” The curtain drops at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center. Other performance dates include 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. For more information about the show, go to centennialtheatre.org/cases-ofmistaken-identity.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Professional Organizer MN
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
63 E GOLDEN LAKE RD CIRCLE PINES MN 55014
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Kelly M Livingston
63 E GOLDEN LAKE RD CIRCLE PINES MN 55014
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: January 17, 2024
Signed: Kelly M Livingston Published two times in the Quad Community Press on November 26 and December 3, 2024.
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
2025 ROOF REPLACEMENT — CENTENNIAL FIRE STATION #1
Sealed bids in duplicate will be received by CITY OF CIRCLE PINES for 2025 Roof Replacement for the Centennial Fire Station #1 until 2:00 PM, January 7, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bidders are invited to attend. Bids received after this time will be returned unopened.
Bids shall be upon the form provided in the Bidding Documents. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed and marked “2025 Roof Replacement at Centennial Fire Station 1”, with the name and address of the bidder, and the date and hour of the opening. Bids shall be delivered to: Patrick Antonen City of Circle Pines
200 Civic Heights Circle Circle Pines, MN 55014
The complete form shall be without alterations, additions, or erasures. All bids shall be on a lump sum basis.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids.
Bidding Documents are available for $22 via digital download at www. questcdn.com or www.inspec.com. Contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Plan Holders are parties that have downloaded the plans and specifications. Plan holders will be notified via email as addenda are issued.
Copies of the Bidding Documents will be on file and available for inspection at Inspec, 5801 Duluth Street, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422. Each bidder shall accompany the Bid Form with Bid Security and the Responsible Contractor’s Affidavit as described in the Instructions to Bidders. List of planholders, project cost estimate (if available), and bid results may be viewed at www.questcdn.com or www.inspec.com
Direct communications regarding this Project to Bruce Hellier Inspec, telephone 763-546-3434; bhellier@inspec.com.
A pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 PM, December 17, 2024 at the Project site, 2 East Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota. Published two times in the Quad Community Press on November 26 and December 3, 2024.
CITY OF LEXINGTON AD FOR BIDS
LEXINGTON MEMORIAL PARK RESTROOM REMODEL
The City of Lexington will ONLY receive and accept bids through QuestCDN.com via the online electronic bid service (QuestvBid) for the construction of Lexington Memorial Park Restroom Remodel until 2:00pm on Wednesday December 18th 2024. All bids will be downloaded and publicly read aloud at MSA Professional Services, Inc. The
• Redesign of the layout of restrooms to accommodate ADA clearances
• New paint (and FRP panels in designated areas) on walls
• Removal of existing stall partitions and lavs
• Removal of existing light fixtures and replacement of with new fixtures
• Removal of existing restroom accessories and replacement with new accessories (including paper towel dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, mirrors, grab bars etc.)
• New electrical work
• New ceiling finish with FRP panels.
• New FRP ceiling, new wall and new floor finishes in Hall
• New exhaust fans and extension of exhaust fans and plumbing vents to exterior of building
• New floor finish in Concessions area
• Addition of diaper changing station
Planholders list will be updated interactively on our web address at http:// www.msa-ps.com under Bids.
Copies of the BIDDING DOCUMENTS are available starting November 26, 2024] at www.questcdn.com. Bidders may download the digital plan documents for $45 by inputting Quest eBidDoc #9429405 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@ questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with the digital project information.
Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract amount shall be required from the successful Bidder.
Prequalification of bidders will not be required. Bidders to whom award of a Contract is under consideration shall submit to Architect, upon request, a properly executed AIA Document A305 Contractor’s Qualifications Statement. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive or not waive any informalities in the bids received, and to accept any proposal which they deem most favorable to the interests of the Owner.
Published by the authority of the City of Lexington
ARCHITECT:
Tim Bicknell, AIA MSA Professional Services, Inc. 60 Plato Blvd East, Suite 420 St. Paul MN 55107-1835
612-548-3150 | tbicknell@msa-ps.com
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on December 3 and 10, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota is requesting proposals from architectural firms that possess qualifications to provide full A/E design and construction services for a proposed Lino Lakes Public Works Facility. Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m., December 20th, 2024. A copy of the full RFP can be found on the City’s website here: www.linolakes.us/publicworksrfp
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on November 26 and December 3, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 14-24
AN ORDINANCE VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT
Section 1: Findings
The City Council of Lino Lakes has determined to vacate a portion of the area over, under, and across 77th Street lying between Marilyn Drive and Lake Drive; and A public hearing was held on November 12, 2024 before the City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers after due published and posted notice had been given and reasonable attempts were made to give personal notice to all affected property owners, and all persons interested were given an opportunity to be heard.
Section 3: Effect
This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter and upon recording of the Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation.
Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on November 25, 2024. This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall.
Rob Rafferty, Mayor
ATTEST: Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 3, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 15-24
AN ORDINANCE VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT
Section 1: Findings
The City Council of Lino Lakes has determined to vacate a portion of the drainage and utility easement dedicated over, under, and across 1057 Black Duck Court, Lot 14, Block 2, Black Duck Estates; and A public hearing was held on November 12, 2024 before the City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers after due published and posted notice had been given and reasonable attempts were made to give personal notice to all affected property owners, and all persons interested were given an opportunity to be heard; and
Section 3: Effect
This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter and upon recording of the Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation.
Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on November 25, 2024. This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall.
Rob Rafferty, Mayor
ATTEST: Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 3, 2024.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 17-24
REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM NB, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS TO GB, GENERAL BUSINESS FOR LINO RETAIL 2.0
The City Council of Lino Lakes ordains: Section 1. The Lino Lakes City Code Chapter 1007: Zoning Code has been amended to rezone the property located in the future plat of Lino Retail 2.0 near Lake Drive, Marketplace Drive, and 77th Street from NB, Neighborhood Business to GB, General Business.
Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on November 25, 2024.
This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall or on the City’s website at https://linolakes. us/163/City-Code-Zoning-Ordinances
Rob Rafferty, Mayor
ATTEST: Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 3, 2024. STATE OF MINNESOTA, ANOKA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 02-PR-24-724
CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL) In re the Estate of MARGARET JOY MICHLIN, a/k/a Margaret J. Michlin, a/k/a Margaret Joy Kobza, Deceased TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Probate Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Leslie J Kobza 5181 E County Line Rd. White Bear Lake, MN 55110 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative,
POLICE REPORTS
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers were dispatched for suspicious activity Nov. 20 in the 1600 block of Sorel Street in Centerville. The case is no longer active.
• Officers were dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a deer Nov. 22 near the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Circle Pines.
• Police responded to a noise complaint Nov. 23 in the 7100 block of Brian Way in Centerville.
• A hunting knife was found Nov. 24 in the parking lot a local business in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville. The business security video showed an individual had dropped the knife and the license plate of a vehicle was made of note to help find the owner of the knife. The owner was contacted by police and was made aware of where to pick it up.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop Nov. 25 near the intersection of Main Street and Mound Trail in Centerville for a suspended registration. The driver was subsequently arrested for a warrant.
• Officers responded to a car versus deer crash Nov. 25 in the 6700 block of Centerville Road in Centerville.
• Officers were dispatched to base Nov. 25 to meet with a party with found property that was located in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington. Officers took possession of the property, attempted to contact the owner and entered it into the property inventory.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers responded to an alarm and located an unsecured door Nov. 19 in the 300 block of Elm Street. Officers checked the building, noticed there were no problems and the building was secured. A notice was left for building management.
• An officer located a suspicious vehicle Nov. 19 near the intersection of Lake Drive and Aqua Lane. The of-
Lino Lakes launches ‘Mapping Northwest Main’ initiative
The city of Lino Lakes is launching Mapping Northwest Main, a planning process for a 980acre parcel of land along Main Street corridor in the city’s northwest corner. The effort will guide development in the area for the next two decades and evaluate potential development scenarios for the area.
All city residents are invited to the first informational meeting 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at The Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Dr., or virtually on the project website at mappingNWmain.com. For more information, contact mappingNWmain@linolakes.us.
ficer made contact with the occupant and determined no crime had occurred.
• Officers responded to a single-vehicle property damage crash Nov. 19 in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road. The officers found the vehicle to be unoccupied and determined the driver fled the scene. The incident was documented.
• An officer responded to a suspicious phone call report Nov. 19 in the 6500 block of Hokah Drive. The incident was documented.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for a moving violation Nov. 19 near the intersection of Birch Street and Ware Road. The officer arrested the driver on suspicion of driving while impaired. Charges are pending test results.
• Officers responded to a request at a local business Nov. 20 in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road for a customer who failed to pay for merchandise. After an investigation, the person returned to the business and paid.
• Officers responded to a call reporting a road rage incident Nov. 20 that occurred in the 400 block of Elm Street. After an investigation, the victim requested that officers document the incident.
• A community service officer was dispatched for a found bike Nov. 20 in the 200 block of Baldwin Circle. The bike was picked up by the owner and the situation was resolved.
• Officers responded to a traffic complaint Nov. 20 in a business parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The driver was issued a verbal warning for unsafe driving conduct.
• Officers responded to a reported theft from a motor vehicle Nov. 21 in the 700 block of 77th Street E. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage crash on a roadway Nov. 21 near the intersection of Elm Street and Second Avenue. The officer determined there were no injuries, and both drivers requested private tows. The incident was documented.
• Officers responded to a report of an unsecured door at an unoccupied residence under construction Nov.
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Mayor Dave Bartholomay said residents may have received a letter from the city regarding what material their service lines are made from. From putting in new meters in houses over the years and street projects, the city knows that about 1,700 out of the estimated 2,000 homes in the community do not have service line lead pipes. Bartholomay said that they are unsure about the other estimated 300 homes since they did not track them during the 2008 and 2010 street projects. City Administrator Patrick Antonen said that the city is required by the EPA to send out a notice to anyone they do not know the material service line to a resident’s home. There are currently no lead water mains in the entire city, they are made of plastic. Antonen said the city has identified about 150 homes that require new gas or water meters installed due to cross-referencing. The other 150 homes will receive a postcard in December with a step-by-step tutorial to find out what type of material their service line is made from.
• Antonen provided an update for the 2025 stormwater projects. Maintenance will be done to the stormwater ponds located at Village Parkway north of Lake Drive and the ponds on Tamarack Trail due to flooding issues.
21 near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Main Street. Officers determined there was forced entry into the residence and a burglary investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a report of theft Nov. 21 in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. A complaint requested the incident be documented and requested further police action.
• An officer responded to an animal complaint Nov. 21 in the 200 block of Ulmer Drive. The officer advised the caller of city ordinances and state laws and how to proceed with a complaint.
• An officer responded to a parking complaint on a roadway Nov. 22 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The vehicle owners were asked to move their vehicles, and there were no further problems.
• The school resource officer investigated a disorderly student complaint Nov. 22 in the 300 block of Elm Street. Two juvenile males were charged.
• Officers responded to a theft that occurred at a business Nov. 22 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The male suspect left prior to the officers’ arrival. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a report of suspicious activity Nov. 22 in the 2300 block of Main Street. Extra patrol was requested.
• An officer received a call of a contained dog Nov. 23 in the 6800 block of Rustic Lane. The dog was transported to an animal care facility.
• An officer located a juvenile male with a bicycle in a parking lot of two closed businesses Nov. 23 in the 7500 block of Lake Drive. The officer determined there were no problems and the male was asked to leave.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding Nov. 24 in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. The driver showed signs of impairment, was arrested for DWI and was booked at jail.
• An officer responded to a fraud report Nov. 25 in the 7500 block of Woods Edge Boulevard. The officer documented the information and informed the caller ways to protect their identity. There was no financial loss.
• The council approved the plans and ordering of bids for the 2025 street and utility improvement project, which includes a mill and overlay on Golden Lake Road, West Golden Lake Road, Village Parkway and Central Street. Cameo Lane, Golden Lake Drive, Oak Leaf Lane and South Drive from South Pine Drive and South Drive will be reconstructed. The project also includes pavement improvements at the public works, fire station and Golden Lake Park parking lots. There will be an extension of the sanitary sewer along Golden Oak Drive and storm improvements for the public works parking lot and the intersection of South Drive and South Pine Drive. For the first time, the city will be accepting bids virtually. Options for bicyclist and pedestrian safety along West Golden Lake Road were also discussed. More information about the potential options for pedestrian safety will be in next week’s edition of the Quad Community Press.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Madeline Dolby
Bailee is a quiet and gentle young girl who is adjusting to her new life. Bailee arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local reservation. She is a Catahoula leopard dog/ Labrador retriever mix.
Bailee is a sweetheart with so much love to give. Her unique beauty, her contagious wiggle and her calm demeanor make her a very special companion. Bailee is about a year old, and she weighs 31 pounds. She is social with other dogs and with cats, and she is friendly to everyone she meets with proper introductions. She would do well in a home with a companion dog that respects her cues and her space. Bailee is house-trained and crate-trained. She likes to go for car rides and she easily entertains herself with her toys. When she is not playing, Bailee likes to lay in her favorite place and look out the window to watch the
world outside. She is very content and mellow. If you are interested in learning more about Bailee or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
Rides
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The council approved a cannabis product license for JP’s Liquor, Wine and Beer that will be effective through June 30, 2025. The applicant meets all licensing criteria pursuant to the Lino Lakes City Code Chapter 617.
• Valley-Rich Company Inc. will be responsible for the utility repair project after council accepted the company’s quote of $35,400. There are two leaking gate valves, one off Lonesome Pine Trail and one off of Chokecherry Road. ValleyRich will be responsible for repairing them. Funding for this project is through the water operating fund.
• The council approved a labor agreement between the city of Lino Lakes and LELS Sergeants, Local No. 260, for 2025 and 2026. Updates to language were made in multiple sections such as sick leave, holidays and compensation.
• The council approved a labor agreement between the city and LELS Officers, Local No. 299, for 2025 and 2026. Updates to the language within the contract were made to sections such as sick leave, holidays, insurance and more.
• Council approved the 2025 and 2026 compensation plan for nonunion employees. Section 207.04 of the Code of Ordinances requires the city administrator to establish and maintain a compensation plan for all positions in the city. The 2025 compensation plan includes a 3% general wage increase, plus a 3% market adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2025. The 2026 compensation plan also includes a 3% general wage increase and a 3% market adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2026.
• Calvin Joustra will be the new activity center coordinator at the Rookery Activity Center after council approved the appointment. The starting wage for Joustra will be $33 per hour. Joustra will fill the vacancy of the position that was created due to a resignation on Sept. 19. He will start Dec. 9.
• A portion of 77th Street between Marilyn Drive and Lake Drive will
be vacated after council approved the vacation. “The city has planned to realign 77th Street with Market Place Drive since approximately 2002, when the signalized intersection was originally installed,” said Diane Hankee, city engineer. “This was in coordination with Anoka County, and they have recently completed a corridor study which has long-term plans to improve mobility on Lake Drive.” This realignment is in coordination with the Lino Retail 2.0 development. (See “Lino Retail 2.0: Residents raise concerns about proposed businesses, traffic” in the Nov. 19 edition of the Quad Community Press.)
• The council approved a comprehensive plan amendment to provide sanitary sewer and water services to the Colonial Woods neighborhood. The neighborhood is located east of Ware Road, north of 62nd Street North and south of Birch Street. There are currently 29 homes within the development. The area is currently served by individual subsurface sewage treatment systems and private wells. To provide sanitary sewer to the area, the 2040 Land Use Plan will need to be added to guide the land as low-density residential, matching the full-build land use plan in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The 2040 utility staging plan will be amended to change from Stage 3 planned service area to a stage 1A planned service area. A majority of the property owners supported the extension of utilities. The amendment will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and to determine whether the amendment is in conformance with regional policies.
The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9.
Madeline Dolby
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Semi-tanker crash shuts down I-35W near Lino Lakes
At around 3 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 a crash involving a semi-tanker closed down the northbound lanes of I-35W in Lino Lakes for several hours. Officials said the semi-tanker rolled over in the ditch, and crews worked to offload the fuel and clear the scene. The roadway reopened around 10:45 a.m. that morning. The Minnesota State Patrol said at least one person was injured, but further details have not been released at this time. Officials have not said what led to the crash.
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• MSA Solutions will be responsible for the remodel of the Lexington Memorial restrooms in Memorial Park following council approval.
• The Centennial Youth Hockey Association will be able to use the ice rink at Memorial Park starting on Jan. 6, 2025, following council approval. Its members will use the rink until Feb. 27. They will utilize the rink from 6-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• The council approved a resolution that certifies the assessments for delinquent water and sewer charges that have not yet been paid by residents.
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OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate 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 discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number
Structure fire in Blaine draws in multiple departments
Just after 10:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, the Centennial Fire District and other departments were called to the 10000 block of Xylite Street NE in Blaine for a structure fire. The Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire Department Chief 9 arrived to a working fire in a garbage facility. Crews utilized workers on site by having them move the trash with a front loader to extinguish the hot spots.
Centennial Lakes Police Department puts on toy drive The Centennial Lakes Police Department will be collecting toys for Toys for Joy. Donations will be accepted at the police department until Monday, Dec. 16. Residents in Circle Pines, Lexington and Centerville can drop off donations during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Centennial Lakes Police Department is located at 54 North Road, Circle Pines.
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA 2024 POND MAINTENANCE PROJECT
• Council Member Kim Devries mentioned the importance of moving garbage cans out of the path of snowplows in the upcoming winter months.
• The council will hold a workshop to discuss future construction on Lovell Road. Construction is expected to start some time in 2026.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at City Hall.
Hannah Testa
• The council approved a press ordinance violation charge against the property located at 9234 Griggs Avenue due to dead trees in the yard.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bids for the construction of 2024 Pond Maintenance Project will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 am local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Circle Pines will publicly view Bids at an online Bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online Bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https:// zoom.us/join or calling 309.205.3325 and entering Meeting ID 977 9012 8510 and Passcode 390719. The as-read online Bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the Bid opening.
The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: 0.25 AC Clearing and Grubbing
C Y Excavation – Channel and Pond (LV)
C Y Excavation – Channel and Pond (LV) (Special 1)
TON Excavation – Channel and Pond (LV) (Special 2) 16 L F 15” RCP Storm Sewer
The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Circle Pines shall comply with the provisions of the statute. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www.questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $55 by inputting Quest project #9441368 on the website’s Project Search page.
The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com.
LYNGBLOMSTEN: Reduces footprint
units and be 12,540 square feet versus the original layout, which was 17,800 square feet.
Per the Metropolitan Council, skilled nursing facilities and units are not counted toward a community’s net residential density. This means that Lyngblomsten’s overall development density would not change with the increase in single units.
“My advice would be since they are reducing the footprint, that the council reconsider the location of the pickleball court, which has not been put in yet, and look for a more neighborhood friendly, favorable location,” said
CONTRIBUTED
Planning and Zoning Board Member Perry Laden.
Larson said city staff also had questions regarding the relocation of the pickleball court. She added that the court is currently on hold.
If the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council support the proposed amendment, the applicant will formally submit it to the PUD Plan.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
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BLAINE SINGER: Headed to Texas
Q: How did you hear about Angelica Cantanti? And why did you want to join?
How long have you sung with the group?
A: I heard about Angelica because Mr. Brown (our director) is also my choir director at school. I know some other people at my school who do it and they love it. I wanted to join because I’ve only heard good things about Angelica Cantanti and wanted to see what it was like for myself. I have only been with Angelica since this year started (about three months), but I am loving it.
Q: What do you enjoy about being a part of Angelica Cantanti?
A: I enjoy the community of singers that has formed. We all want to be there and do our best. Everyone is really kind and welcoming there and we can get a lot done while also having a lot of fun. Another thing I enjoy is all the talent in the group. The closest thing I can compare it to is the Minnesota All-State Choir, which I was a part of this year. Everyone is treated as equals, and everybody wants to grow more in their musicianship and skills.
Q: Tell us about the group and your practice/performance schedule?
A: We practice once a week for two hours. We do a wide variety of music from classical to modern vocal jazz and everything in between. We have a few concerts throughout this year (one in December) and our big event for this year is that we were one of the choirs chosen to perform at the national conference of the American Choral Directors Association in
KELLY & LINDA SOMMERVILLE
BOB & MICHELLE HANSON
ERNEST & LISA OLSON
LUTHER DALE
CAROL HACKETT
RICK KRENGEL
SHERYLL NORBACK
MIRIAM PETERSON
Dallas, Texas. This is a really big honor, and it means that we are one of the best choirs in the country. It wasn’t us that got us there though. The audition process was based on the past few years of this choir, so we get to perform there because of them. We perform there in March. Another thing about the group is that we come from all over. I live 35 minutes from where we practice and that isn’t the farthest drive. We come from all over the metro and have a great time for two hours a week.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this season?
A: I am most looking forward to our Dallas trip. It will be a lot of fun while we are down there, and it is also such a big honor to be selected. I am very grateful for the opportunity and very excited to go.
Q: Tell us about some of your accomplishments in choir.
A: Some accomplishments I’ve had is making the TTBB MN All-State Choir this past year, receiving highest honors in my schools solo and ensemble contest and receiving best in site at that contest. On top of that I was also chosen to represent my school in the NWSC Honor choir this past winter. These are some of my accomplishments in choir recently.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
The Cantanti Singers will perform in Texas this spring.
Fine finale for Woelfel: 6th place at state
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial diver Kate Woelfel placed sixth in the state Class 2A meet, her best finish in three trips to state, on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the University of Minnesota.
“This was a perfect way to end my career, with the people I care about right by my side,” Woelfel reflected.
The Cougar senior scored 408.45 points. Holding eighth place after eight dives. She said she was really excited for the finals, where she moved up two spots in the final three dives.
“I know I have a strong bottom three, and not only that, but I also really like those dives,” she said, ‘I loved competing against all the other girls there this year. It was really good competition.”
The University of South Dakota recruit is a four-time state qualifier. The state meet
SPORTS BRIEFS
GIRLS HOCKEY
Centennial/Spring Lake Park had a four-goal burst in less than four minutes on the way to a 7-2 win over Champlin Park on Nov. 23. The Cougars, who didn’t play last week, are 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference. They are ranked No. 2 behind HillMurray. Against Champlin, Mia Sutch scored on a power play in the first period. In the second, Katie Ball scored at 4:49, Ella Perrault at 5:49, Teagan Kulenkamp at 6:47 and Alexis Larsen at 8:04 for a 5-0 lead. Larsen and Ball each got her second goal in the third period. Kaia Weiland, Cougar goalie, made 24 saves.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Centennial won its opener over Spring Lake Park 63-47 at home on
Tuesday evening, then lost to Chaska 64-36 on Friday. Autumn McCall netted 14 points, Sydney Schmitz 12 and Ava Taylor 11 for the Cougars in the victory. Lyla Behnke scored 13 points and Kendall Krause 12 for the Panthers. Chaska had Alexis Schaefer with 20 points and Ella Keenan 17 against the Cougars in a game at Hamline. McCall had 13 points.
DANCE TEAM
The Centennial dance team, coached by Sarah Austin, has had one meet, placing second in Jazz in a conference meet at home. Last year, they were third in the Northwest Suburban Confernce in Jazz and fourth in High Kick. Their jazz routine this year is danced to “Wings.” Their High Kick
was canceled her eighthgrade season. She placed eighth as a freshman, was sick at sectionals her sophomore year and placed 11th last season. Woelfel was elated to earn her best finish and “for how I mentally handled this meet and doing exactly what I wanted.” At the same time, ending her Cougar career brought a bittersweet feeling, shared with Beth Manson, her coach since fifth grade.
“I love my coaches, especially Beth, so much,” Woelfel said.
“She’s given me amazing things to work off, not just for diving but for life in general. I couldn’t be more proud and honored to have her as my coach.’
Two other Cougar state qualifiers did not place in the top 16: freshman Sophia Nguyen (100 freestyle and backstroke) and eighth-grader Lydia Hydukovich (individual medley and breaststroke).
theme is a mashup called “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa and “Fergalicious” by Fergie. The seniors are Gillian Turu and Ivy Sullivan. The juniors are Amelia Patterson, Cecillia Austin, Grace Ferguson, Karley Ellis and Reese Johnson. The sophomores are Abigail Heath, Ava Meyer, Holly Beck, Jada Schmidt, Lauryn Dufour and Lilia LeTendre. The freshmen are Bailey Loula, Lucy Mahrt and Sophia Watkins. Eighth graders are Addelyn Winsky, Nora Stegeman and Sophia Chong. Seventh graders are Kenzi Ramey and Samiya Ford. They have a conference meet Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Maple Grove, 6 p.m.
Bruce Strand
Looking ahead in SPORTS
GYMNASTICS
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4—at Champlin Park
DANCE TEAM
6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4—at Maple Grove High School
GIRLS BASKETBALL
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—vs. Blaine
BOYS BASKETBALL
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—at Blaine High School
7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10—at Cambridge-Isanti High School
BOYS HOCKEY
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5—at Dick Vraa Ice Arena
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—at St. Thomas Ice Arena
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10—at Heritage Arena
GIRLS HOCKEY
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—at Andover Arena
6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10—vs. Anoka
WRESTLING
9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7—at Coon Rapids High School
Cougar icemen top Mahtomedi, Eastview in home tourney
Centennial boys’ hockey capped a busy first week of play with two victories at their own Thanksgiving break event, over Mahtomedi 6-2 on Friday, Nov. 20 and Eastview 2-1 on Saturday, Nov. 30. The Cougars lost their opener to Prior Lake 4-2 on Tuesday, also at home.
Six Cougars scored against Mahtomedi — Tanner Dittrich (assisted by Keegan Julik and Joey Perzichilli), Kaden Johnson (Cooper Hehir, Joey Hemr) Julik (Finn Undersander), Gavin Cunningham (Perzichilli, Hemr), Cooper Daikawa (Hemr) and Hemr (Cunningham, Undersander). Goalie Easton Cody made 24 saves. Against Eastview, the Cougars had a 43-27 edge in shots. Johnson scored on a power play and Gavin Cunningham scored a short-handed goal. Julik and Cunningham assisted on the first goal and Perzichilli on the second. Cody made 26 saves, allowing a short-handed goal to Samuel Wooten.
The Cougars took a 2-0 lead against Prior Lake on goals by Johnson (power play, assisted by Hehir and Cunningham) and Isaac Adams (assisted by Johnson). Prior Lake outshot the Cougars 37-18 and surged ahead with goals by Jacob Thomas, Mario Bernard, Bryce Lovett and Levi Eiter. Bruce Strand
Longtime tennis coach retires
Arnie Lamers, coach of the Centennial girl’s tennis for 25 years, retired after the 2024 season.
“I loved every year of coaching,” said Lamers, who retired from teaching (English) two years ago.
“The parents were awesome and very supportive. I also greatly appreciated the high school administration for all they did for the tennis program. The girls were fantastic to work with. It was a great honor to coach girls’ tennis at Centennial.”
Lamers said highlights from his tenure include,
“winning seven conference championships, and sending a good number of individuals to the state tournament.” The highest placement was fourth place in doubles by Kelly Jachymouski (Quach) and Courtney Klair. He played high school tennis at St Paul Central and took some tennis classes at the University of Minnesota “that helped me understand the coaching side of the game.”
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Teagan Kulenkamp
Centennial/SLP Hockey December 3, 2024
Teagan Kulenkamp, senior forward on the undefeated Centennial/Spring Lake Park hockey team, has logged three goals and four assists in five games for the most points (seven) on a very balanced Cougar offense. Kulenkamp had 22 goals and 21 assists as a junior on a conference champion, section runner-up team. She has committed to the University of St. Thomas; a Division I program.
BRUCE STRAND | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Kate Woelfel executed an inward pike dive during the finals on Saturday evening.
