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EXCHANGE STUDENTS: ‘Broaden their horizons’ at Centennial PAGE 2 Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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Plans underway for future of North Road The purpose of the study is to evaluate • traffic flow and operations along the corridor and at intersections • safety for all users • operations and access to Centennial Schools and • possible improvements to enhance safety, operations and mobility for all users.

17) to Lake Drive (CSAH 23). The roadway serves local residents and provides primary access to Centennial High School, Centennial Elementary School and the district offices. The roadway sees approximately 6,000 vehicles per day, and at peak times the corridor is full of passenger vehicles, school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Residents and motorists who live along North Road continue to weigh in on changes they would like to see implemented along the corridor.

Pines School begins PRAISE initiative

“Festival of Lakes”

Faces of fentanyl: Commemorating the lives lost

BY THE NUMBERS

ages 12, 9 and 6.

“I got a phone call from the prison saying that he had passed away. I was in shock,” she recalled. “At first, they couldn't tell me what had happened, and then about two weeks later, they finally told me that he had passed from a fentanyl overdose… How does fentanyl get in a prison?”

Eventually she was told that one of her son’s visitors likely smuggled it into the prison by hiding it in a face mask.

“My son being incarcerated gave me a false sense of security; he should have been safe, and especially from something like that,” Cowles said.

From what she knows, her son didn’t struggle with addiction

• Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

• Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

• Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, increased over 22% from 2020 to 2021.

SEE FACES OF FENTANYL, PAGE 7

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Blast from the Past • July 11-16, 2023 • Centerville, MN

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will take place at 10 p.m. on Friday at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park.

By Shannon Granholm The medallion hunt will return in the same Managing Editor format as last year. The Fete des Lacs committee created small, etched plexiglass medallions, about the size of a large keychain. One random This year’s Fete des Lacs “Festival of Lakes” person at the first four days of Fete des Lacs events marks the 32nd annual celebration in Centerville. will receive a medallion by participating in that While many popular attractions remain this year, some new events have been added to the docket. The evening’s event. The events are as follows: • Tuesday, July 11 - Opening Ceremony & Music in festival is scheduled from July 11-16. the Park This year’s theme is “Blast from the Past.”

SHANNON GRANHOLM• Wednesday, July 12 - Public Safety Night The 2023 grand marshalsBY are Tom and MaryLou • Thursday, July 13 - Main Street Market & Water Wilharber. (See full story on page X.) MANAGING EDITOR Ski Show Traditions such as Music in the Park, Public • Friday, July 14 - “KidsDance” Interactive DJ for Safety Night, Bald Eagle Water Ski Show, kickball, softball and cornhole tournaments, fireworks, LINO LAKES — American Legionfamilies Post 566 iscan honThe medallion then be turned into Centerville 5K/8K/Kids Run, Paddle des Lacs, KidsFest and the City a Hall for a $100 prize. annual return. The fireworks display oringparade two will individuals who are making difference in There will also be a number of new events this

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SPOTTED AROUND TOWN: Check out this week’s photos, submit yours PAGE 15

Evens with the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year Award.

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

It’s not too late to weigh in on what you would like to see 20th Avenue look like in the future.

Anoka County, in partnership with the cities of Centerville and Lino Lakes, is studying the CSAH 54 corridor (20th Avenue) between 73rd Street and Birch Street (CSAH 34), as well as the Main Street (CSAH 14) and 21st Avenue intersection. The county is working with Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2).

The area has seen a spur of

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Because of the perceived impact of legislative changes, there will no longer be a school resource officer (SRO) stationed at Centennial Middle School.

Due to recent legislative changes to Minnesota Statute 121A, police officers who are under contract with the school district are no longer allowed to provide services in a school setting in the same manner as they have in previous school years. The law changes also impact the department’s ability to provide police officers to work extracurricular events, such as football games or school dances, police officials have said.

Specifically, Director of Public Safety John Swenson explained that the new legislation makes the SRO an agent of the school district and limits its officers’ ability to use force if necessary.

“If one of our officers were to interact with a student after they attempt to deescalate and the student is out of control, disruptive, breaking property — you pick the scenario — and our police officer has to go hands-on, if the police officer who is the SRO takes that student to ground to handcuff them and puts them down on their stomach, that is a crime under this new law,” Swenson said.

He added that the police officer would then be open to criminal liability and the city to civil liability.

Although the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department will no longer have an SRO at the middle school, Swenson said officers will not be strangers to the schools.

“We are still going to have presence in the school, we just won’t have a contract with the school district,” Swenson said. “School safety is a priority for us. We just may have to do some things that make it fit this law better to ensure that our schools are safe.”

As of last week, Superintendent Jeff Holmberg said the district had not received official notice of the suspension of SRO services.

“The safety and security of our students and staff is our number one priority and our learning environments need to be safe for students to focus on learning.

Centennial Schools has a strong, long-

SEE DNR, PAGE 5

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The Quad Community Press visited Golden Lake and Centerville elementary schools to ask students, “How do you cook a turkey?” in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Here are responses from two preschool classes.

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Jameson “First, I catch the turkey. Then I drink hot cocoa. We mush it and cut it and cook it on the stove. We add pepper and salt. Then we eat it!”

Miles “Put some powder and some salt and some sugar to make it very sweet. Put it in the microwave until it burns and is just bones.”

Vincent “You get the turkey from the store and put salt on it and add broccoli next to and on the turkey.

You cook it in a frying pan on the stove and then you put it in the oven for 20 minutes to cook it more better.”

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Hayes “Dad would make it. He would put it in the oven first and bake it. Then you would put stuff in it, like bones and feathers on top to make it look pretty.

Then when it is all done, you eat it.”

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Wonders of butterflies The State Fair is fast approaching. Immerse yourself in the wonders of butterflies by visiting the Butterfly House and watch the creatures soar around. The Butterfly House, located on the corner of Underwood Street and Dan Patch Avenue is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the State Fair, which runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 4.

Everything you need to know about 988

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JUNE: Migraine & Headache Awareness Month PAGE 6

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

Believet Days benefits Minnesota veterans and saves lives

BY SEAN GUSTAFSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After coming home from two tours in Helmand Province supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, Northfield resident Sam Daly had to find some way to assist veterans who were coping with injuries and traumas.

Daly, an unassuming trainer of hunting dogs, had worked with the Marines since 2008 training explosive detection dogs. His time in the service culminated in two overseas tours in 2012 and 2013 in the area around Musa-Qala, Afghanistan. After returning to Northfield, Daly, one of 10 kids whose parents who met in the Navy at the end of World War II, just couldn’t seem to return to civilian life.

“I was in a fog, and I missed working with the Marines,” Daly said. “I was trying to figure out how I could help veterans. So many of them came home with physical and mental injuries. The VA (Veterans Administration) was treating a great many of them with chemicals. At least 22 a day were taking their own lives. Over 21,000 in Minnesota alone were struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”

In 2014, he spoke at a local Rotary meeting about his experiences and what dogs could do for veterans with PTSD. A local veteran, John Sinning, suggested he start

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Class of 2023 says goodbye Graduating Centennial High School seniors walk the halls of Centerville Elementary to reminisce about their many years of attending school in the district. The seniors will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas Saturday, June 10 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. See more photos online at presspubs.com.

It has been a year since Minnesota began to use the number 988 as the new mental health crisis hotline.

It was introduced to the state last July in hopes to help localize the new number that was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which was 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Lifeline was created in 2022 by the United States in hopes to improve access to crisis services that can meet the country’s growing needs related to mental health.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The Lifeline is able to connect callers to additional local

resources and community support services as needed.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) during 2022, Minnesota’s 988 Lifeline centers answered over 30,000 calls, which is a 154 percent increase from 2021. Minnesota has since then expanded its capacity to respond to texts and chats 24/7 in April 2023 and has engaged with over 600 people through those functions.

Fa i rwaY

In Minnesota, 988 calls, chats and texts are answered by five organizations: Carver County Health and Human Services, First Call for Help, Greater Twin Cities United Way, FirstLink and Mental Health Minnesota (text and chat only).

During the month of May, the MDH reported that there were 4,353 calls, 978 chat messages and 1,345 texts sent to the Lifeline.

Each 988 Lifeline Center is staffed with trained crisis specialists that are focused on promoting safety, offering emotional support, providing crisis intervention and connecting people to appropriate local resources.

In Minnesota, operators respond to around 3,600 calls and

Getting your tabs may soon be as easy as withdrawing cash from an ATM. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says Minnesotans will soon see bright yellow kiosks at deputy registrar offices and grocery stores.

The kiosks allow you to skip the registrar line and renew your registration with a touch of a few buttons. A $4.95 convenience fee will be charged.

CONTRIBUTED “At DVS (Driver and Self-service kiosks will be Vehicle Services), our installed at four locations focus is providing conve- in Anoka County. nient, efficient service,” said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “We know Minnesotans are busy, so we’re doing everything we can to remove barriers and meet our customers where they are.”

The state is working with Intellectual Technology Inc., a company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The company currently has self-service kiosk programs in in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and West Virginia. According to the company’s website, $3.3 billion has been processed by their self-service kiosks.

Kiosk capabilities include renewing and printing vehicle registrations and decals, collecting agency fees, ordering duplicate vehicle registrations/driver’s licenses/IDs and permits, registering as an organ donor, registering to vote, registering a new vehicle, renewing a driver’s license or state ID cards, printing official driving records and updating contact information.

At first the kiosks will be used for renewing tabs and ordering duplicate license plates for passenger class vehicles.

According to Jon Lenarz, Anoka County License and Passport Services director, the state is considering 10 to 15 locations for kiosks.

Anoka County will install kiosks at Cub Foods

SEE 988, PAGE 7

SEE SELF SERVICE KIOSKS, PAGE 5

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Decoding Dyslexia: $90 million literacy legislation passes

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

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Dyslexia legislation in Minnesota • In 2014, the state Legislature passes a tax credit for parents who had to step outside the school system to pay for private reading instruction for their students with dyslexia.

• In 2015, through grassroots advocacy and under the leadership of Sen. Roger Chamberlain, a definition for dyslexia is added to state statute, enabling educators, students and parents to freely use the term.

• In 2017, Sen. Chamberlain becomes a champion for Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota (DDMN), making its priorities his top priority.

DDMN passes a bill to hire the first dyslexia specialist within the Minnesota Department of Education. The dyslexia specialist helps

guide school districts and educators on identifying, accommodating and supporting students struggling with characteristics of dyslexia, or a diagnosis of dyslexia. Additional language is passed to identify K-12 students with reading difficulties and provide them alternate instruction that is multisensory, systematic, sequential, cumulative and explicit.

• In 2018, DDMN broadens its grassroots impact by forming a coalition with other like-minded organizations including Groves Academy, The Reading Center in Rochester, and The International Dyslexia Association-Upper Midwest Branch. DDMN continues to build relationships with community members and organizations

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High school takes on comic thriller

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The victorious Cougars including Daylen Cummins (8, with trophy) and Tyson Bautsch (11) sprinted off the field after the trophy ceremony. Centennial High School will host a pep fest Tuesday, Nov. 28 to celebrate the state champs.

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Centennial Cougars— state champions.

For just the third time in school history, a Cougar team is wearing that crown after a harrowing Prep Bowl battle.

The Cougars under

coach Mike Diggins captured the Class 6A laurels by fending off the Edina Hornets 28-27 at U.S. Bank Stadium, prevailing by a margin of approximately six inches.

Diggins said he saw the potential during summer workouts.

“I’ll be honest with you — these guys have

been such great, great players. They believed in our dream and our goals for the whole year, and I mean everybody on the team,” said Diggins.

“We thought it was possible in June. We knew there was going to be bumps in the road, but these guys have handled them. I don’t think they

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ever got down.”

The 2023 football squad joined the 2003-04 boys hockey team and the 2016 girls soccer team as state champs at a school that opened in 1958.

Their exhilarating 2023 journey was capped by some excruciating tension at the end.

SEE STATE CHAMPS, PAGE 9

SEE COMIC THRILLER, PAGE 2

volunteers to fix broken or worn household items. It empowers people to fix and reuse old items instead of tossing them, while Have a favorite thing that reducing the number of items doesn’t work anymore? Don’t thrown in the trash,” said Senior trash it — see if you can fix it.

Communications Specialist Molly Anoka County hosts 10 Fix-it Nee. “It can help residents save Clinics per year, typically the money, preserve old items of first Saturday in the month. The value, and ultimately keep items county began offering the clinics out of the landfill.” back in 2018 as a way to not only Residents can drop in to the help residents, but to reduce free events and get help repairing waste. “(The purpose is) to give citizens items like lamps, coffeemakers, clothing, vacuums and more. The an opportunity to work with

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only item residents are asked not to bring is dehumidifiers.

Attendees are encouraged to bring all spare and replacement parts. It is on a first-come, firstserved basis, and the county ensures that everyone who attends has time with a fixer for at least one item. If items cannot be repaired at the clinic due to a replacement part need, fixers will encourage participants to get the replacement part and replace it

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Centennial High School will perform “The Hound of the Baskervilles” Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

Centennial High School will take on “The Hound of the Baskervilles” Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.

The show, adapted by Kent R. Brown and inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, is about Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Dr. John Watson, who have left on an extended holiday throughout Europe, leaving their nieces—Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson—to keep an eye on the famous flat at 221B Baker Street. Shirley and Jennie are busy preparing for upcoming exams when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Dr. Maxine Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville, who’ve come to seek the assistance of the famous Sherlock Holmes.

Sir Charles Baskerville has died a mysterious death. Is he the most recent victim of the Curse

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Before we say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, it is a tradition of the Quad Community Press to look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year.

In 2023, pages were filled with a variety of news, including stories about crimes, events, schools, churches, sports, businesses, city government and more. Perhaps some of the most memorable stories are the ones that feature local residents— like a Circle Pines couple that makes their own line of barbecue sauce, or a young aspiring firefighter/photographer from Lino Lakes. And we can’t forget when the Cougars earned the STATE CHAMPS title in football!

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including Education Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota School Boards Association and other interested groups to increase impact and support at the Legislature.

• In 2019, DDMN and its coalition pass two bills. One bill requires all higher-education institutions begin instructing their teacher-prep candidates on dyslexia. The other bill requires screening for K-2 students not reading at grade level, and students in grade 3 or higher who demonstrate a reading difficulty.

• In 2021, DDMN and its coalition pass a $3 million grant for teacher training. This enables the first cohort of 2,500 educators across the state to become trained in the science of reading.

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After a decade of advocacy and small yet significant gains, a group of legislators along with a coalition of literacy advocates couldn’t be happier with the passage of The Read Act. Authored by Rep. Heather Edelson and Sen. Erin Maye Quade, The Read Act will provide $90 million in funding over the next four years to lay the groundwork for school districts to improve literacy rates across Minnesota while also supporting teachers and school districts.

“For 10 years we have been working on initiatives that are central to improving student outcomes and ensuring equity and literacy across our state,” said Rachel Berger, founder of Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota (DDMN). “This is the final piece, because it changes literacy instruction in our state.”

The literacy legislation is an accomplishment led

by DDMN and a coalition of like-minded people and organizations including the International Dyslexia Association–Upper Midwest Branch, The Reading

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The Kavan family plans to open Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in 2024. The farm is located on Ash Street in Lino Lakes.

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Not this year, but next, families will have another opportunity to create a holiday tradition a bit closer to home.

Steve Kavan, of North Oaks, plans to open Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in time for the 2024 holiday season. He purchased the 40-acre property in 2018.

“I like the outdoors,” he said. “I’m big on the outdoors and Christmas … (My family) always gets a tree, so somehow I stumbled upon planting Christmas trees.”

The property caught his attention, and he said it was affordable, since it was not zoned

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New Christmas tree farm makes plans for 2024 season

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LINO LAKES — The City Council failed to reach a consensus on the idea of increasing wages for part-time firefighters.

In a split decision, the City Council voted 3-2 (council members Tony Cavegn and Christopher Lyden voted no) to amend the compensation plan for part-time firefighters for 2023 and 2024.

“What are we solving by doing this?” Cavegn wondered. “I think we are creating a problem here that doesn’t exist … I think we are going in the wrong direction.”

Earlier this year, the council amended the compensation plan for paid-on-call firefighters to set a starting wage of $21, an increase of $6.

Brooklyn “Usually you just buy a turkey and put seasoning on it to make it really yummy. Then bring it to Auntie’s house to cook it. You pop it in the oven and set the timer for 1 or 2 or 3 minutes. Then we sit at the table and pray together because the food is so yummy!”

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Students in the Centennial School District go back to school this week. Pictured is Mack Morris, a third grader at Centerville Elementary School.

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SPORTS: Whiting, Marcus set for state grid all-star game PAGE 11

How is a turkey made?

Ben “You put it in the oven and then you have to get it out. You have to open it and put your mittens on and pull it out.”

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Livie “Put salt and cow meat from a cow inside. Put it in a pan and cook it on top of the stove for 14 minutes. It cooks very good!”

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development lately. Amazon, Sutton Transport and Kwik Trip have all built new facilities, and Watermark, the residential development west of I-35E, continues to add new homes. The primary goal of the study is to identify the future vision for the corridor that addresses known issues, while providing safe and efficient mobility for all users.

“As part of the Amazon project, they did set aside some funds for public infrastructure and so that's a piece of the puzzle that's out there, but that also spurred us to help

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Elisabeth “Bake it in the oven.

Then you wait for it to get done. You take it out and put it on the table and eat it with your fork.”

SEE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, PAGE 11

651-784-3390

An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concludes the water supply wells for the city of Blaine were the primary cause of supply issues in nearby domestic wells during the summer of 2022.

The DNR report investigated 50 individual complaints from private well owners in the Blaine and Ham Lake area and found 47 of those complaints were valid. All 47 residents with valid complaints have had their water supply restored. At the time residents began reporting problems, Blaine was operating three city wells without permits. The city stopped pumping from those three wells after DNR informed them the wells were not authorized for use. Two golf course irrigation wells were each found to be minor contributors to one residential well interference (one each).

A well interference occurs when a pump draws groundwater from a well (typically a deep well of a higher volume water user), causing the water level in the surrounding aquifer to go down and resulting in a lack of water available to shallower wells (typically private domestic wells).

Groundwater aquifers in the Blaine and Ham Lake area are strongly connected to each other.

Because of these connections, pumping large volumes of water from one part of the aquifer system can cause water levels to drop several miles away.

“Like many growing communities, the city of Blaine has been seeking to expand water supply sources to meet the increased water demands of its community,” said DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager Randall Doneen. “Expansion of water supplies is difficult and complex, especially when a growing community has many neighboring private domestic wells.”

“Blaine has worked closely with independent consultants and the DNR over the last several years as the city has enhanced our water infrastructure,” Blaine spokesperson Ben Hayle said.

“The city has been anticipating the completion of this DNR investigation and is ready to continue to work with private well owners to mitigate impacts that are determined to be related to the city’s growing water infrastructure. Blaine is committed to responsibly providing high quality water service to our growing municipal customer base while also protecting private well owners."

The DNR has issued letters to the city, the two

SEE LEGION AWARD, PAGE 14

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year. Karl Achilles will perform a magic show and trick showcase on Saturday afternoon, and the Jake Nelson Band will perform Saturday night.

Food and dessert from Carbone’s Pizzeria and Sweet Infusion Bakery will be available at Hidden Spring Park Tuesday, July 11; Lions concessions will be available at St. Genevieve’s Parish Community Center Wednesday, July 12; Food, farm and artisan vendors will be featured in the Main Street Market next to Centerville Elementary Thursday, July 13; and the Lions concessions stand and food trucks will be available Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15.

For a full schedule of events or more information, visit http://fetedeslacs.org.

the community through police work and firefighting.

The Legion recently visited the City Council to present two awards. Sam Bergeron is the Outstanding The City of Year Centerville and the Centerville Lions Police Officer of the and Luke Evens is the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year. all the organizers, sponsors and would like to thank Each year the American Legion recognizes local police officers and firefighters.

The candidates volunteers with their help onthen this great event. have the chance to compete at the state and, potential1880 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038 • 651-429-3232 • centervillemn.com ly, at the national level.

“Most times when we get to meet these fine people it is usually in our darkest hours … It’s great to recognize their dedication and commitment to the commuSHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS nity,” said outgoing Legion Cmdr. Paul Lesch.

Cmdr. Paul Lesch, of American Legion Post 566, awards Luke

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“Festival of Lakes”

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Laura Cowles, Heather Johnson and Zach Zacho all belong to a club they never wanted to join. They all outlived their children, who were victims of a fentanyl overdose.

“It's an empty feeling, because it isn't like they were sick or had cancer or an illness that you could kind of mentally prepare yourself for. It a sudden death,” Cowles said. “I never expected to outlive my children.”

Cowles, a Circle Pines resident, lost her 30-yearold son, Castle Ahlbeck, to a fentanyl overdose Aug. 16, 2022, while he was in the Stillwater prison. He was serving his fifth year of a seven-year sentence.

He leaves behind three children,

Blast from the Past July 11-16, 2023

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The Drug Enforcement Administration has a special exhibit, the Faces of Fentanyl, at its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which commemorates the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning.

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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Staff at the Pines School are finding that a little praise can go a long way.

The Pines School, a part of the Centennial School District, is located on the grounds of the Anoka County Juvenile Center in Lino Lakes.

Ashley Thoma, a mental health paraprofessional at Pines School, is involved with the day program. Students are referred from corrections, juvenile court, social services, Centennial School District or other local school districts. Students generally have had several violations, academic challenges or behavioral issues in a regular educational setting.

“We try to create an environment for success, but issues outside of school create barriers such as homelessness and poverty,” Thoma explained. “These kids deal with hardships day in and day out, so what better way than to create a positive setting, reinforcing positive choices and give each student little wins in their life to provide hope and some momentum for continued positive behaviors?”

That’s where the P.R.A.I.S.E program comes in, which stands for Positively Reinforcing Attitudes Impacting Success (for) Everyone.

Thoma explained that at Pines School, staff members are constantly dealing with bad behaviors. “They don’t want to be here, and they are rebelling,” she said. “As a mom, I have learned that you don’t always have to feed into negative activity, so let’s do positive reinforcement instead.”

One day, Thoma saw a student who was

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SEE NORTH ROAD, PAGE 9

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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

As early as 2025, motorists and pedestrians could see changes along the North Road (County Road 49) corridor.

Anoka County, in coordination with the cities of Blaine, Lino Lakes and Circle Pines, is studying 1.25 miles of North Road from Lexington Avenue (CSAH

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Centerville sets 2024 budget, levy will increase by 3.9% CENTERVILLE — Taking inflation and an increase in expenses into consideration, the 2024 total levy will increase by 3.9% from $2.9 million in 2023 to $3 million for 2024.

There is a slight amount of good news for city property owners. With the addition of new commercial/industrial property value in the city, most homeowners will see an increase in their city taxes that is lower than 3.9%, Finance Director Bruce DeJong said.

Some more substantial good news: In 2020, when its debt service was $457,263, Centerville set out on a course to reduce its debt each year. For 2024, the city’s debt service will be $308,338, lower than the 2023 debt service levy of $311,008. The city’s debt service — that is, the amount it pays on borrowed money each year, principal and interest — has been decreasing steadily since 2020.

The projected increase in expenditures of $372,612 for the upcoming year will drive the increase in needed revenues. What the city doesn’t take in

through fees, grants and other revenues, it will make up for with the levy to balance the budget.

Increases in expenditures for the upcoming year include $82,700 in cost of living adjustments (COLA) and step increases; an additional public works employee; $8,000 in website and Metro-iNET cost increases; $18,000 in full election expenses for 2024; an additional $134,960 for cost of police service; an additional $52,695 for cost of fire service; $10,000 in park materials and tree services; and $119,757 in other miscellaneous increases and transfers.

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Major non-tax revenue bumps include a one-time state grant of $171,186; interest earnings of $50,000 due to a change in interest rates; $25,315 more in local government aid (LGA) due to the new aid formula; $6,000 more in gambling tax revenues; and $5,000 more in fire relief aid. With a non-tax revenue increase of $257,501, a levy of $115,111 is needed to balance the budget.

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Centennial exchange students ‘broaden their horizons’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Germany and Spain are countries represented by this year’s exchange students at Centennial High School (CHS).

Junior Clara Hofheinz is from Munich, Germany, and junior Alejandro Arambula-Casares is from Madrid, Spain.

It’s long been a tradition to have exchange students at Centennial High School through programs like American Field Service (AFS), International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES), Education First (EF), Greenheart Exchange and International Student Exchange (ISE). In previous years, the district has had as many as seven students at one time.

CHS World Culture Club Coordinator Julie Cross said she isn’t sure why the district only has two exchange students this year, but she guessed it might be because programs

have had a hard time finding host families.

Hofheinz has been to the United States one time before, about six years ago, when she and her family visited friends in New York. For Arambula-Casares, this is his first time in the country. Both of them wanted to study in the U.S. to experience something new.

“I wanted to study in the U.S. because I think that the culture is very interesting and I always wanted to experience the high school spirit, the football games and high school sports,” Hofheinz explained.

Arambula-Casares said he wanted to improve his English while learning about a new culture.

Both students are looking forward to developing friendships that will hopefully last once they go back home. “I just want to make friends and make memories,” Hofheinz said.

So far, they have noticed a

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Centennial High School has two foreign exchange students this year. They are junior Alejandro Arambula-Casares from Spain and junior Clara Hofheinz from Germany.

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few differences between the U.S. and their home countries.

Hofheinz noted the school days are a bit longer here, but students have more choices when it comes to classes.

“The exchange students always tell me that our schools have more activities to be involved in than at home. So, I think that’s a draw about American high schools,” Cross explained.

Both students have really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in sports and attend games. This fall, Hofheinz played tennis and she is now participating in weightlifting.

This spring she plans to try out for the lacrosse team. She is also involved in speech, and previously participated in World Culture Club (when it didn’t conflict with weightlifting).

Her favorite memory so far has been attending the football games, especially the state championships. “It was so much fun to experience the

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school spirit,” she said.

In the fall, Arambula-Casares played soccer. He is now participating in weightlifting and plays club soccer. He isn’t quite sure what activities he will be involved in this spring.

Arambula-Casares said Centennial is bigger than his school back home in Spain.

Both students also noticed right away that we rely on cars a lot more to get from place to place.

The experience for the exchange students is just as valuable as it is for the Centennial students to learn alongside of them.

“It is really praiseworthy that they have taken this opportunity in high school …”

Cross said. “They are broadening their horizons, trying something new, immersing themselves in a new culture.”

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WHAT’S HAPPENING ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

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CURRENT EVENTS WBCA MEMBERS EXHIBITION

When: Through Jan. 17 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts Details: View the Members’ Exhibition,visit with artists, and listen to live music. Free with registration.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

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When: noon Wednesday, Dec. 27 Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors

KIDS NEWS YEARS EVE BASH

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Where: Rudy’s Redeye Grill, 1940 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake Details: Families can ring in the new year with dinner and a disco with a DJ. Bear drop at 8 p.m.

Contact: rudysredeye.com

NEWS YEAR’S EVE COMEDY SHOW

When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 Where: Running Ace’s Laugh Your Ace Off Comedy Club, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Forest Lake Details: Performance by Headliner Larry Reeb aka Uncle Lar, with Elise Cole and Sarah McPeck. Dinner optional. Ticket information online.

Contact: runaaces.com

DECEMBER 26, 2023 www.presspubs.com

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Watershed district grant to improve water quality of Centerville Lake the restoration of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

“We’re very happy to receive this grant funding, which will enable us to implement actions needed to restore the water clarity and quality of Centerville Lake,” said Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager at RCWD. The grant funding will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive measures, including the application of 389,092 gallons of alum over three years, meticulous project planning and engineering oversight, and longterm monitoring of water quality, aquatic plants and sediment chemistry.

These efforts are expected to result

and stakeholders.

“We’ll be encouraging community engagement throughout the entire project. RCWD is committed to working closely with the residents of Centerville and the surrounding areas to address any questions and ensure that this project is a success for everyone,” said Kendra Sommerfeld, outreach and communications coordinator at RCWD. For more information about the project or RCWD, visit www.ricecreek.org.

in the annual control of 178 pounds of phosphorus and a total reduction of 2,637 pounds of phosphorus over the project’s 22-year expected life span, ultimately leading to the achievement of state water quality standards.

As part of the project, outreach and education efforts will be implemented to engage and inform the community about the project’s objectives, methods and anticipated benefits. This will cover various activities such as community workshops, educational materials and public engagement events designed to raise awareness and foster a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, visitors

Rice Creek Watershed District

Lexington City Council OKs 5% levy increase LEXINGTON— The city of Lexington’s 2024 levy will increase by 5% from 2023.

City Administrator Bill Petracek commended Finance Director Chris Galiov for the work he did and bringing down the preliminary levy from a 10% increase.

Galiov explained that in 2023, the city of Lexington saw a $58.5 million increase to its taxable market value.

Of that increase, $43.7

what is what made it possible to reduce the preliminary levy increase of 10% to 5%, which represents a $66,107 increase to the general fund levy from 2023.

Also noteworthy in the 2024 budget is a 21% increase to the city’s local government aid (LGA) and a one-time payment of $114,214 to help offset public safety costs. These two revenue increases will help keep property taxes lower in 2024.

million came from new construction (Phase III of Lexington Lofts).

In developing the 2024 budget, city staff focused on renegotiating the police budget appropriations formula. With the new formula, Lexington will see a $4,729 decrease in its Centennial Lakes Police Department budget obligation.

The taxable market value increase coupled with the renegotiation of the police funding formula is

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

Finally, there is a 5% adjustment to sanitary sewer rates to help augment the utilities operational revenue.

However, there will not be an adjustment made to the water or stormwater rates as there were significant rate increases to both of those utilities in the past three years.

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The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) has been awarded a grant for the Centerville Lake internal phosphorus load reduction project. The grant, totaling $954,500, will support crucial efforts to enhance the water quality of Centerville Lake.

The project seeks to address the internal phosphorus load in Centerville Lake, a key factor contributing to water quality challenges such as algae blooms. Through the application of in-lake aluminum sulfate (alum), the project will target the reduction of sediment-phosphorus release by 80%, ultimately leading to a substantial improvement in water clarity and

Brooke Wohlrabe and Shannon Granholm

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS night parking (from 2 to 6 a.m.)” signs will also be installed on the south side of Restwood Road. The council is hopeful the restriction will alleviate congestion that occurs when cars are parked on both sides of the street.

• Election judges will see a pay increase for 2024. The head judge will receive $16 an hour and regular judges will receive $15 an hour.

• The city’s newest business is Brito’s Burritos, located at 9372

Lexington Avenue. It is owned by Manuel Brito.

• The municipal liquor store has gotten the OK to sell cannabinoids.

• The City Council continues to meet in closed session to discuss pending litigation versus the city of Blaine regarding the interconnected water and sewer systems.

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• The benefit level for firefighters who have completed at least five years of service as a member of the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter retirement plan is $5,700 per year, effective Jan. 1.

• Parking restrictions are now in place on Restwood Road and Griggs Avenue near Lexington Lofts. “No parking” signs will be installed on the north side of Restwood Road and the east and west side of Griggs Avenue. “No over-

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DECEMBER 26, 2023

How my first semester went

recently graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May of 2023. I had made the bold, and very ambitious, decision to apply for Graduate School right at the end of March. A few of my professors were a bit worried about me getting in, considering applications were due by the start of April.

Nonetheless, I was determined to get in somewhere.

I skipped past the schools with hard deadlines that had already passed for Fall 2023 and put my focus on schools that accepted rolling admissions.

I applied to the University of St. Thomas, and only the University of St. Thomas.

After meeting with the graduate coordinator, he believed that I would be a good fit for the Creative Writing, Editing and Publishing program they offered to Graduate Students. My dream career is to become an editor at the publishing house. I want to work with my own authors, have an office in the cities, and be surrounded Madeline’s by books till I retire.

After applying, it took two weeks for Mail them to review my application. I got the Madeline Dolby acceptance email from the graduate coordinator on a Wednesday night. My eyes were as big as saucers as I read the “Congratulations” at the top of the page.

I took two classes for the Fall semester. One was documentary Poetics and the other was an Introductory course to English Studies. They were both three hours long from 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. After work, I would drive down to campus, go to class, drive back and do it all over again.

If I am going to be honest, balancing school, a full-time job and a social life has been almost impossible. Most of my weekends are spent in my bedroom, hunched over my desk, writing yet another 500–750-word paper about the poetry book I had read for my Documentary Poetics class, or writing a research paper regarding different literary lenses for my Introduction class.

As the semester ramped up, so did my coursework and I began to question if I was doing the right thing. I never saw my friends, I spent my whole weekend writing, and I felt the burnout slowly approaching. The end of the semester came quickly, and I found myself faced with two 50page final papers. You could only imagine the stress I was feeling. I spent the majority of my lunch breaks during the months of November and December writing as much as I could in the time that I had. Luckily, I finished both papers without a glitch. Thankfully, I have the month of January off to decompress.

Next semester, which starts in February, I am taking two classes again. One is a Writing Fiction workshop and the other is a diversity in literature class. I am excited for more opportunities to expand my knowledge of the literature world, and myself as a writer.

I felt the pressure of graduate school those last two months. My laptop keys are slowly wearing down, a few letters are evening popping off from all the writing I have been doing. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have a goal and I am determined to achieve it.

It has been wonderful being able to balance school and working full-time. I have been allowed to get to know multiple communities, one of them being North Oaks. Since starting as a staff writer, I have had the chance to sit in on a few North Oaks News meetings and learn about the community. For this edition of the North Oaks News, I got to contribute a story about the new golf pro at the North Oaks Country Club. I am excited to get to know the North Oaks community over the years and contribute to the North Oaks News.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications.

She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or lowdownnews@ presspubs.com.

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Giving thanks for my Thanksgiving cactus

M

y first experience with an indoor houseplant began about 25 years ago when I was visiting my mom for Christmas. In my haste to set the table for Christmas Eve dinner, I accidentally sent her Thanksgiving cactus spiraling to the floor. Surprisingly, the plant survived the fall with a broken 3-inch piece of stem being the only casualty.

Before I could throw it away, my mom set the piece aside so we could to Gardener’s attempt propagate it.

Grapevine We potted it on Christmas Day, Paulette and I ended up bringing home Greenberg a houseplant that I wasn’t sure I wanted.

The Thanksgiving cactus is not a true cactus, as is the case for other holiday ‘cacti’ in the Schlumbergera family such as the Easter and Christmas cactus. They are epiphytes, which means that in their natural state they grow on other plants, such as in the crevices of trees. This is why they are forgiving when they are not repotted often. All

holiday cacti are descended from a genus of plants native to Brazil, so they should not be treated like traditional cacti from a desert.

If you aren’t sure which holiday cactus you have, you can tell them apart by observing their leaves, stems, and growth habits. There are many online resources to assist you with identification.

While they are easy to grow, here are some basic tips to keep your holiday cacti happy and reblooming: • Provide bright, indirect or filtered light. Keep plants out of a southern exposure.

• In the fall, provide a minimum of 13 hours of darkness for eight weeks to get blooms. I start covering mine for a few hours a day at the end of September.

• Temperatures need to stay between 55 and 65 degrees for plants to bloom. Sudden temperature or light changes can cause the buds to drop.

My plant has bloomed reliably in an east-facing window that stays around 62 degrees.

• Plant in rich soil with humus and good drainage (not cactus potting soil).

• Water on a regular basis, but let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings.

• Deadhead spent blooms,

and do not fertilize until you see new growth.

• If you decide to bring your holiday cactus outside in the summer, keep it out of direct sunlight so the leaves don’t burn.

My Thanksgiving cactus only bloomed on one side this year because I forgot to cover it. The side facing away from the window bloomed heavily right before Thanksgiving, but the section facing the window had zero buds. I was able to get a few more blooms by turning the plant, but it wasn’t as spectacular as in previous years.

I never expected my happy accident to live this long! I enjoy trying to get it to bloom each year in time for my Thanksgiving guests, and I sometimes use it as a holiday centerpiece.

For more information about holiday cactus care, visit the Michigan State University Extension page at https://www.canr.msu. edu/news/how_to_care_ for_and_reflower_your_ christmas_cactus.

Paulette Greenberg is an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

A new paradigm

BY PAUL LUNDH

THE BREAD CORNER Now that I’ve been baking bread for a while, I can tell you that it’s surprisingly easy, requires very little time actually interacting with the dough and results in a far better bread than the manufactured sponge-like subfound in The Bread stance a plastic bag that says ‘bread’ at Corner the grocery store.

Paul And, if you make it yourself you Lundh know what’s in it.

My bread is flour, water, salt and yeast and nothing else. Four words in the ingredient list. For comparison, a multigrain commercial brand has 127 words in the ingredient list, a few of which I’ve never heard of nor can I even pronounce.

While baking bread is easy, it does require some requisite knowledge and unless you have a columnist willing to explain how not to do it, the road to acquiring that knowledge can be windy. And full of metaphorical potholes. And a literal dual fuel kitchen range that actually caught fire and expired

dramatically in a shower of sparks followed by a tear inducing cloud of smoke. Setting off the smoke detectors was a nice touch too, but I digress. Back on topic...

Last time, I mentioned that my friend Noah had, years ago, given me a recipe for pizza dough. His recipe was in tablespoons, cups and ounces and a measure of olive oil in ‘glugs’ which still makes me smile.

There isn’t a measuring cup on the planet graduated in glugs, but somehow, we all have a feel for what that means.

His ounces (more on this next time) were the weight variety, but in my limited baking experience at the time I did not own a kitchen scale. So Noah kindly converted ounces of flour into cups and sent me packing.

An attempt will be made to condense the next 12 months of baking missteps and false starts into a few lines of text: The first pass at pizza dough was scoop and sweep flour, stirred in with salt, a little sugar, water and olive oil. Mix and knead by hand which resulted in a pleasant dough that handled easily.

The next time was scoop and sweep flour, bla, bla, bla and the dough was sticky. What changed? Pass three resulted in a different dough still. It took a while to figure it out.

You may have noticed that odd phrasing about the scoop and

5

WEEKLY WAG

sweep. That’s where the problem was. It turns out that the traditional method of scooping a cup of flour and sweeping it with a butter knife or similar results in a mass of flour that varies from about 120 to 140 grams, give or take. When that flour is being mixed with 3⁄4 cup of water, that variability makes a big difference in the nature of the resultant dough. Too much flour and the dough is dry, difficult to knead, and generally performs poorly in most contexts. Too little and it’s wet and sticky. There is a sweet spot for most dough applications.

Pizza dough is a little drier than regular bread dough which is dryer than focaccia and each works well for a variety of reasons we’ll get into in later columns. But for now, the take-away is that a weight of flour ALWAYS results in the same amount of flour vs a volume of flour which varies in weight. So this leads us to a new baking paradigm; measure by weight rather than volume to build a dough whose properties are predictable and consistent.

This method also drives other benefits we’ll get into in later columns.

Until then, have some good bread and we’ll connect next time.

Paul Lundh is a longtime resident of Centerville and a period columnist for the Quad Community Press.

If you’re looking for a high-energy, outside partner, then Mullet is waiting for you. Mullet is a two-and-a-half year old Pit Bull Terrier mix. He arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. Mullet weighs about 57 pounds and he has a lot of energy, character, charisma and charm.

He is social with other dogs and loves everyone he meets, especially if they will play with him. However, he might be a little too much for small children. Mullet likes to play with his toys, but he especially likes to play outside, so a home with a securely fenced yard, where he can run and explore frequently, would be best. He also likes to go for walks.

Mullet is house trained and crate trained, but would do best in a home with people who are around more than they’re not. If he seems right for you, then Mullet is looking to be an integral part of your life’s adventure. If you are interested in learning more about Mullet 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.

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Gov. Tim Walz, Senator Heather Gustafson (District 36, DFL), and public safety officials visit a fire station in Lino Lakes to highlight how local cities are planning to use the public safety aid they will receive from the state.

This year, Gov. Walz signed $300 million into law to help communities meet their local police, fire and emergency management needs. The Department of Revenue will send the funds to local governments this week.

Of the $300 million, $17 million will come to the northeast metro. The city of Lino Lakes received $929,294 and the cities of Circle Pines, Lexington and Centerville (Centennial Lakes Police Department) received just over $500,000. See next week’s issue for a more detailed story on how the departments plan to utilize the funds. © 2023 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change.

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DECEMBER 26, 2023

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JANUARY

Year in Review 2023 live in one. That’s why Rick and Amber Gonion created Atlas Villas, a new 16-resident memory care facility located on Main Street in Centerville.

This residential center, which had a few setbacks during construction due to supply chain issues, is set to open in February.

FILE

New sheriff and chief deputy take office

The main “street” of Atlas Villas is designed to have a personalized feel, with old-fashioned lampposts and a personal front porch for each resident.

FILE

Area residents participated in a variety of family-friendly winter activities including skating, sledding, hot cocoa and treats, and gathered around a warming bonfire during the recent Skate Night/Sled Night event at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park.

FEBRUARY

Sheriff Brad Wise became the 18th sheriff of Anoka County at a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Former Sheriff James Stewart hosted the ceremony, and Judge Sean Gibbs administered the oath.

After Wise was sworn in, his first act was to administer the oath of office to new Chief Deputy Paul Ireland.

Atlas Villas takes a compassionate approach to memory care

Hospitals may be essential to the function of our society, but no one wants to feel like they

Learn about Main Street roundabout

The corner of Main Street and Sunset Avenue will look a bit rounder in 2024. The intersection is scheduled for a roundabout redesign in the next year.

Centerville looks to fill vacant council seat

The city of Centerville needs to fill an empty seat on the City Council. Michelle Lakso, who ran unopposed during the 2022 election, has resigned her position on the council, and the city has opted to appoint an interim member to serve out her term until the next election can be held.

MARCH

Year in Review 2023

Year in Review 2023

FILE

Shake Your Shamrock 5K brings out March greenery Runners dress in their best greens for the Centerville 5K and 7K. FILE

This pair of eagles are the star of the show on the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife EagleCam. The female eagle, left, can be identified by her larger body, beak and talons. When eaglets hatch, they are covered with fuzzy down that keeps them warm.

Centennial students lead the way during Black History Month and beyond

For students in the Centennial Students for Change club, Black History Month is more than looking back at great achievements in history: it’s recognizing that great achievements can also be made between homework, choir practice and extracurriculars. This group of students has gone above and beyond to promote equity, community outreach and mental wellness within the Centennial School District.

Volunteer firefighters and police to face off in charity hockey match

Will this be the year the fire team emerges victorious? In the six-year history of the Guns-N-Hoses hockey game between the police and fire divisions of the Lino Lakes Volunteers in Public Safety (LLVIPS), police volunteers (the Guns, that is) have so far held an unbroken winning streak. But event organizer Wes Pederson suspects this may be the year the fire division breaks the pattern.

APRIL

Year in Review 2023

Quad chamber scholarship to honor late chef

The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to fund a scholarship for years to come in memory of Larry Giles Jr., also known as Chef Hot Hands. Jiles was one of two people killed in a shooting on Dale Street in St. Paul Feb. 25.The well-loved businessman and community personality operated his restaurant and catering business, Chef Hot Hands, in downtown Centerville.

North metro school districts see fewer applicants

Circle Pines leadership talks cannabis regulation The city of Circle Pines, like many in Minnesota, will soon need to make a decision about how it will handle cannabis sales in the city.

City leaders recently conversed with Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) on what the future of legal cannabis use might look like in the community and in the state.

Taylor completes Centerville council

The Centerville City Council is whole again, after her new fellow council members voted 2-1 to appoint Dr. Raye Taylor to the seat left vacant

by Michelle Lakso.

One thing most school districts can agree on is how difficult it has become to find teachers.

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, districts across the nation are still feeling the effects. Many districts are facing teacher shortages, as fewer people decide to pursue careers in education.

The 2023 Teacher Supply and Demand Report shows the ongoing trend of district struggles to retain current educators and recruit new individuals to the profession in Minnesota. A majority of districts reported being “somewhat significantly” or “very significantly” impacted by the teacher shortage (84%) and substitute teacher shortage

She took office on March 9 and will serve through 2024, unless council holds a special election prior to the November 2024 election.

Lino Lakes skater Myers holds 3 U.S. records after world tour

Greta Myers, speed skater from Lino Lakes, emerged as one of the top-ranked junior skaters in the world, and as America’s best with three national records, after the 2022-23 Senior and Junior World Cup Tours.

As the youngest of 14 skaters (seven men, seven women) on the American senior team, Myers competed in Norway, Netherlands, Canada, Poland and U.S. events in

Milwaukee in January and the finale, the American Cup Finals in March in Salt Lake City.

Area business owner granted birthday wish

Farrell Tuohy had one wish for his 60th birthday — better health.

That might just happen, thanks to White Bear Lake resident Jeff Engler. After a yearlong process, Engler found out he is a match and may be able to donate a kidney to Tuohy, who is a cousin of Engler’s wife, Barb.

Tuohy, the owner of Pizza Man & Corner Malt Shop, has been on dialysis for nearly three years, something he says he can’t do forever.

(89%). The report also states that nearly one-third of new teachers leave teaching within their first five years in the profession.

UMD’s Gabbie Hughes: Humanitarian award, word title with Team USA

Gabbie Hughes, after completing a prodigious hockey career at Minnesota Duluth in March, received a national humanitarian award in early April — then helped Team USA capture the world championship.

Hughes was one of 25 members of the national team that defeated Canada 6-3 on Sunday in the finals of the IIHF women’s world tournament, ending a string of three world titles by the Canadians, in Brampton, Ontario. Ontario.

FILE

Intricate Easter egg decorations

Shannon Kilmartin uses a candle to melt beeswax, revealing rich, underlying colors, while recently demonstrating the process of decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs. She and her mother Debi Johnson are continuing to practice the annual tradition that they learned from dear family friends Tamara and Alex Zaluckyj, who had family connections to Ukraine and have since passed away. Kilmartin, at left, displays a couple of her favorite egg designs.

DECEMBER 26, 2023 www.presspubs.com

MAY

Blaine family overwhelmed by support

Year in Review 2023

Noah Berger, a 2022 Centennial graduate, has been lying in a hospital bed in Missouri for weeks.

Berger, a freshman at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, was struck by a vehicle in the early morning hours of April 16 while walking back to his dorm room.

Blaine residents Jim and Denise Berger were in town for their son’s lacrosse game when the accident happened.

CONTRIBUTED

Noah Berger is at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Missouri recovering from a traumatic brain injury. He was recently moved to a bigger room to accommodate all of his visitors.

JUNE

Year in Review 2023

TEAM USA: Sled hockey player shares importance of cancer research

At the age of 16, Hanna Jorgenson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. After 27 rounds of chemotherapy, she was finally cancer-free.

Now, at the age of 29, Jorgenson serves as an ambassador for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that creates funding priorities and works closely with leading pediatric oncologists to determine the most promising research to fund make the greatest impact for children with cancer.

7

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

Class of 2023

The Centennial School District is inducting three new members into the Hall of Fame. Pictured, from left, are Erik Aus, Jan Kreminski and Colleen McMorran Salay. The district’s Hall of Fame recognizes its alumni and members of the community for their professional accomplishments and commitment to youth and the Centennial communities.

Rice Lake Elementary turns 30

Over the past 30 years, a lot has changed at Rice Lake Elementary (RLE), but one thing remains the same — “The

original three.”

Kelly Kuzel, Patty Nelson and Linda Drilling are three of the original teachers who continue to teach in the building today.

When the building opened, more than 1,000 students were enrolled in the school; today, that number is 680. RLE will celebrate its 30th birthday with a carnival.

Lino Lakes couple travels world by boat

Retired Lino Lakes couple Joe and Gail Meyers just returned from a nearly fivemonth cruise that visited 28 countries. They are already planning their next cruise.

4 local school districts boast a total of 47 National Merit Scholars During the fall of each school year, roughly 1.5 million students across the country take the PSAT or NMSQT test, entering into the running to be recognized as a National Merit Scholar.

Of the 1.5 million students who take the test, 50,000 — or about 3% — of the students are recognized as National Merit Scholars. These students qualify as either a “commended” student or, for those scoring even higher (in the top 1%), qualify as a “semifinalist.” A large number (15,000 of 16,000) of these semifinalists are then recognized as “finalists,” who are eligible for National Merit Scholarships that will help them pay for their future education.

Students from Mounds View, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and Centennial school districts scored high on their exams and earned honors for this award.

FILE

Class of 2023 says goodbye

Graduating Centennial High School seniors walk the halls of Centerville Elementary to reminisce about their many years of attending school in the district.

JULY

North Metro Fire Buff: Meet the guy behind the camera

Year in Review 2023

Any time 14-year-old Caleb Koskela hears sirens going by his home in Lino Lakes, he has to go check and see what’s going on.

Koskela is the guy behind the North Metro Fire Buff social media platforms. He will be a ninth grader at Centennial High School this fall.

He is fascinated by all things fire because he grew up around fire departments. His father, Brent Koskela, has been a firefighter for 29 years.

Brent served on the Centennial Fire District for nine years before he left to go to his current fire department, Lake Johanna. .

Legion awards Outstanding Firefighter, Officer of the Year American Legion Post 566 is honoring two individuals who are making a difference in the community through police work and firefighting.

Members of the Legion recently visited the City Council to present two awards. Sam Bergeron is the Outstanding Police Officer of the Year and Luke Evens is the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year.

Each year, the American Legion recognizes local police officers and firefighters. The candidates then have the chance to compete at the state and, potentially, at the national level.

Centerville community warriors are the 2023 grand marshals

Leading this year’s “Blast from the Past” Fete de Lacs parade will be former Centerville mayor Tom Wilharber and his wife, MaryLou Wilharber. The Wilharbers have resided in the city of Centerville for 56 years. MaryLou remembers what the city’s population was when she moved there with Tom: 534.

Sadder’s Automotive to close after 30 years FILE

Outgoing Cmdr. Paul Lesch (right) and new Cmdr. Scott Nordstrom present Officer Sam Bergeron with the Outstanding Officer of the Year Award.

There are no limits for Circle Pines rower

Perseverance is Skylar Dahl’s favorite word.

They could put her picture next to it in the dictionary. Born with two club feet, Dahl refused to accept limitations placed on her. She played soccer and basketball in grade school until the pain in her feet forced her out. Then she discovered rowing.

This spring, the 2021 Centennial graduate helped the University of Virginia rowing team capture the Atlantic Coach Conference championship and place 10th in the NCAA meet as a sophomore.

Also eligible for Paralympic rowing, she’s in a group that won a meet in Paris in July and will compete in the World Rowing Championships in Serbia Sept. 3-10, trying to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Residents speak up on County Road J, I-35E interchange

Come 2025, the County Road J and I-35E interchange could look drastically different than it does today.

County Road J from Centerville Road to Otter Lake Road – including the interchange with I-35E – is scheduled for reconstruction in 2025.

Ramsey County is leading the project in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Anoka County, White Bear Township, North Oaks and Lino Lakes. Two watershed districts, the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Vadnais Lake Water Management Organization, are also involved.

The existing I-35E and County Road J interchange — and the surrounding area — has safety, congestion and access issues that impact pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

Additional development is expected near the interchange in the next five years, which will increase traffic and worsen safety issues.

Sadder’s Automotive, a well-known car repair shop located in Lino Lakes, will be closing down after more than 30 years in business. Their last month in business is this month.

FILE

A crowd of north metro residents gathers around a map to ask questions about the proposed improvements to the County Road J/I-35E interchange at an open house event.

8 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

DECEMBER 26, 2023

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AUGUST

Year in Review 2023

Longtime community builder selected as Grand Marshal

Dorothy Radermacher, 72, has been selected to be the Blue Heron Days Grand Marshal. She has been an important member of the Lino Lakes community for many years, and is a former executive director of the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce.

Improved boardwalk scheduled to open in September

For over a year now, the boardwalk near Rice Lake Elementary School on the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes trail has been closed down due to safety concerns. Anoka County Parks staff are hopeful that the boardwalk will once again be ready for use next month.

Introducing new Lino Lakes Ambassadors Libbie Vander Vegt, Carley Gooder and Katie Kerr are the next Lino Lakes Ambassadors.

SEPTEMBER

Ten candidates vied for three spots. The Miss Lino Lakes Ambassador program was established in 2004 as part of Blue Heron Days. The ambassadors will represent the city at various parades, coronations, volunteer events and fundraisers throughout the Twin Cities. The goal of the program is to empower young women by giving them the opportunity to be leaders, strengthen their communication skills and build their confidence.

Legion awards Officer of the Year

American Legion Post 566 is honoring one individual who is making a difference in the community through police work.

The Legion recently visited the Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board meeting to present the Outstanding Police Officer of the Year Award to Cpl. Jon Krueger.

Each year the American Legion recognizes local police officers and firefighters from the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) and Centennial Fire District. The candidates then have the chance to compete at the state and, potentially, at the national level.

The area has seen a spur of development lately. Amazon, Sutton Transport and Kwik Trip have all built new facilities, and Watermark, the residential development west of I-35E, continues to add new homes.

The primary goal of the study is to identify the future vision for the corridor that addresses known issues, while providing safe and efficient mobility for all users.

Year in Review 2023

Little Hot Hands carries on late husband’s legacy

FILE

Centennial kicks off school year

Students in the Centennial School District go back to school this week. Pictured is Mack Morris, a third grader at Centerville Elementary School.

Lino PD, school district work together to keep schools safe

Because of the perceived impact of legislative changes, there will no longer be a school resource officer (SRO) stationed at Centennial Middle School.

Due to recent legislative changes to Minnesota Statute 121A, police officers who are under contract with the school district are no longer allowed to provide services in a school setting in the same manner as they have in previous school years. The law changes also impact the department’s ability to provide police officers to work extracurricular events, such as football games or school dances, police officials have said.

Specifically, Director of Public Safety John Swenson explained that the new legislation makes the SRO an agent of the school district and limits its officers’ ability to use force if necessary.

Corridor study plans for future of 20th Avenue

Anoka County, in partnership with the cities of Centerville and Lino Lakes, is studying the CSAH 54 corridor (20th Avenue) between 73rd Street and Birch Street (CSAH 34), as well as the Main Street (CSAH 14) and 21st Avenue intersection. The county is working with Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2).

Many people in the north metro are familiar with the name “Chef Hot Hands,” but they might not have heard of “Little Hot Hands” just yet.

Esmeralda Jiles is the wife of Larry Jiles Jr., who was also known as Chef Hot Hands. He was one of two people killed in a shooting on Dale Street in St. Paul in February.

Before his death, Chef Hot Hands had been operating a restaurant and catering business in downtown Centerville. That business has since closed its doors and a salon now resides there, but Chef Hot Hands’ name continues, thanks to his wife, who lives in Stillwater.

For the past couple of months, Esmeralda has been operating Little Hot Hands, inspired by both Larry and their 6-year-old daughter, Brialee.

FILE

Blue Heron Days

Blue Heron Days 2023 is a wrap. This year’s city celebration included the Food Truck & Fun Festival and car show, a parade, run and a lot of activities for children.

OCTOBER

Year in Review 2023

Credit union, eye clinic win Best Place to Work

City limits can get a bit complicated around here. Perhaps that’s why a Lino Lakes business won the Best Place to Work in The Citizen’s Best Of Contest, while a Hugo business won the Best Place to Work in the Quad area’s Best Of Contest.

Each year, Press Publications hosts its Reader’s Choice Best of the Press Contest, asking locals to pick their favorites, ranging from breweries to area businesses and everything in between. All in all, the Best Of Contest (in all markets) saw 28,920 nominations for the ballot in 2023 compared to 14,744 in 2022, an increase of 96%. In 2023, 332,539 votes were cast compared to 294,616 in 2022, an increase of 12.8%.

Rising to the top in the Best Place to Work category for the Quad contest is Heartland Credit Union, while Associated Eye Care took top spot in The Citizen contest.

Suspected homicide under investigation at prison

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Another Homecoming is in the books.

Centennial showed off its Cougar pride during Homecoming festivities, including the annual parade, football game and dance.

Centerville remembers people’s council member

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Office of Special Investigations (OSI), the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and Lino Lakes Police are investigating a suspected homicide at Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) - Lino Lakes.

Watershed district looks to establish new tax district

Cities agree on police formula change Faces of fentanyl: For the first time in approximately Commemorating the lives 20 years, the funding formula that determines what each city pays lost for police services provided by the

Council Member Steve King, who died on Aug. 20 after serving for 10 years on the Centerville City Council, was a public servant who questioned just about everything.

Around the new year, residents/ taxpayers who live along Centerville Lake will have the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal to establish a water management district.

Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Lake and Stream Program Manager Matt Kocian explained that the watershed district, along with the Centerville Lake Association (CLA), have been talking about water quality issues on Centerville Lake for the past couple of years as conditions continue to deteriorate.

The RCWD and CLA propose the establishment of a water management district. Although the exact details are yet to be determined, Kocian said the district would likely run about 10 years, and people who live on the lake or have deeded access would then have to contribute a yearly amount that could range anywhere from $150 up to $600.

Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) will change.

Circle Pines City Council Member Dean Goldberg, who serves as the chair of the Police Governing Board operations committee, says the board has been talking about a possible funding formula change for about a year.

Plans underway for North Road

As early as 2025, motorists and pedestrians could see changes along the North Road (County Road 49) corridor.

Anoka County, in coordination with the cities of Blaine, Lino Lakes and Circle Pines, is studying 1.25 miles of North Road from Lexington Avenue (CSAH 17) to Lake Drive (CSAH 23). The roadway serves local

residents and provides primary access to Centennial High School, Centennial Elementary School and the district offices. The roadway sees approximately 6,000 vehicles per day, and at peak times the corridor is full of passenger vehicles, school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Laura Cowles, Heather Johnson and Zach Zacho all belong to a club they never wanted to join. They all outlived their children, who were victims of a fentanyl overdose.

Centerville City Council now complete

The Centerville City Council has been made whole, after council appointed Terry Sweeney during a work session to fill the shoes of late Council Member Steve King.

DECEMBER 26, 2023 www.presspubs.com

NOVEMBER

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

9

New Christmas tree farm makes plans for 2024 season

Year in Review 2023

Veteran hopes to impact veteran suicide rate

Dan Arcand is a 20-year veteran. As a Marine who was deployed six times, he has been to a lot of funerals.

“The reality is that with multiple combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve lost more friends to suicide than I have to combat,” he said.

“My second chapter is trying to make an impact on the veterans’ suicide rate.”

County administrator will retire in December

Anoka County Administrator Rhonda Sivarajah has announced her retirement, after 33 years of working for the county. Sivarajah’s last day in the office will be Dec. 27. Sivarajah started her career with Anoka County in 1990 as a financial worker.

Not this year, but next, families will have another opportunity to create a holiday tradition a bit closer to home.

Steve Kavan, of North Oaks, plans to open Kavan Christmas Tree Farm on Ash Street in Lino Lakes in time for the 2024 holiday season. He purchased the 40-acre property in 2018.

Centennial Cougars — state champions.

For just the third time in school history, a Cougar team is wearing that crown after a harrowing Prep Bowl battle.

The Cougars, under coach Mike Diggins, captured the Class 6A laurels by fending off the Edina Hornets 28-27 at U.S. Bank Stadium, prevailing by a margin of approximately 6 inches.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Cougars are state champs after Prep Bowl thriller

The victorious Cougars, including Daylen Cummins (8, with trophy) and Tyson Bautsch (11), sprinted off the field after the trophy ceremony. Centennial High School will host a pep fest Tuesday, Nov. 28 to celebrate the state champs.

DECEMBER

Jimmy Ray’s: Circle Pines couple has passion for barbecue

Year in Review 2023

Java Companies continues to refine proposal

Does Lake Drive, near 77th Street, need an oil change business and a car wash?

Java Companies continues to refine its plans for the 2.4 acres of property it is purchasing from the city at the northwest corner of Lake Drive and 77th Street and 7685 Lake Drive. And those plans could need rezoning as well as a modification to the purchase agreement.

The proposed concept would include a day care facility, oil change facility, drive-thru coffee shop and a car wash (south of the new street).

Jimmy Ray’s sauces can be found in over 100 stores in Minnesota, but what people might not know is the makers behind the sauce reside right here in Circle Pines.

Jimmy and Janelle Willard have lived in Circle Pines for 24 years, and they have been married for almost 25 years. Back in 2004, Jimmy stumbled upon a website that was advertising the Minnesota Barbeque Society’s competition in Cambridge, and the rest was history. The two joined the Kansas City Barbeque Society Pro Circuit and traveled throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin to compete at about 15 competitions a year.

119 Years Years 110

Pine Tree Apple Orchard Established 1904

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Northeast of WBL off Hwy. 96

Santa and friends come to town

The Centennial Fire District, along with Santa (and even the Grinch), visited neighborhoods in Circle Pines and Centerville to collect toy and food donations for the Centennial Community Food Shelf.

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SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

10 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

www.presspubs.com

DECEMBER 26, 2023

SPORTS BRIEFS for the Cougars (4-3-1). Will Dosan netted two goals for the Cadets (4-3-1), and Peter Murray, Luke McPherson and Jimmy Zavoral one each. The Cadets had a 46-24 shots advantage.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Marisa Frost

BOYS BASKETBALL

Centennial lost at North St. Paul 74-65 on Monday evening. Ty Burgoon sank 26 points for the Cougars (2-6). Jackson Driessen was next with 11. Dale King tallied 24 points and Brevin Conway 16 to lead the Polars (1-3).

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Veteran goalie Kaitlin Groess is the anchor for the 8-1-2 Centennial/Spring Lake Park hockey team.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Centennial/Spring Lake Park had an 8-1-2 record at press time for this edition. Points leaders are Grace Laager (six goals, 13 assists, 19 points), Teagan Kulenkamp (7-10-17), Alexis Larsen (4-9-13), Noelle Hemr (9-3-12) and Mia Sutch (6-5-1). Fourth-year goalie Kaitlin Groess has a sparkling .946 save percentage and 1.41 goals-againstaverage.

BOYS HOCKEY

Centennial lost to St. Thomas Academy 5-2 at home Monday evening.

Joey Hemr and Harper Searles scored

COLLEGE HOCKEY

Lauren O’Hara, freshman from Centennial on the Minnesota Gophers hockey team, has appeared in 16 of the 18 games, notching two goals and one assists. O’Hara, the first Cougar to play for the Gophers, tallied her first two collegiate goals during a 9-2 win over Bemidji State on Dec. 1. The Gophers are 14-3-1 and ranked No. 2 in the nation behind Colgate.

Centennial Basketball

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Marisa Frost is basketball and soccer standout at Centennial and will continue in basketball at North Dakota State. The 5-foot-8 senior point guard is averaging 16.6 points this season. An excellent three-point shooter and ball handler, Frost averaged 6.5 points as a freshman, 10.5 Centennial Lacrosse as a sophomore and 15.5 as a junior, capped by scoring 54 points three stateCentennial tournamentjunior games to helpstandout, the Cougars BrolinScherman, lacrosse has netted place has 1,100 points and 265 steals short (4-2) while 22fifth. goalsShe and provided seven assists for the(six Cougars of the Cougar17 record).

Jory Collins cited hisstatistic). notching groundNDSU ballscoach (a change of possession Scherman was all-conference a sophomore with 36 recruit for her scoring ability and heras“terrific court vision.”

Hegoals and“Marisa 28 assists.

The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endadded, can pressure the ball, and plays with a great to-endand playmaking machine with forward striking confidence both on toughness grit.” An all-conference in soccer, Frost and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside has shooting played in four state tournaments, two in each sport. and crease finishing skills.

Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

Brol Scherman

Editor’s note: Due to an early printing deadline because of the holidays, Thursday through Saturday sports are not included in this week’s edition. They will be included next week.

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SP TTED

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AROUND TOWN

1

2

4 6 5

7

1-2. Mr. & Mrs. Claus were spotted riding around town on top of a Lexington Fire Department engine for the annual Santa Around Town Event. — Jon Namyst, contributed 3-4. Lino Lakes Public Safety Department and the Centennial Lakes Police Department teamed up with Anoka County Christmas Committee and Toys for Joy to bring a little extra holiday cheer to families in the area. Officers loved the opportunity to take time out of the day and give a little back to the community they serve. — Contributed 5. The Circle Pines City Council also recognized the Centennial Cougar Football team at a recent meeting. — Contributed 6-7. The Centerville City Council passed a proclamation declaring Centennial Cougars Football Day to recognize the varsity football team, which won their first state championship this fall. The Cougars beat the Edina Hornets in the Prep Bowl and finished the season with a 12-1 record. Mayor D. Love, who has previously coached the team, said he felt a special connection to this team and hoped its success would bring an opportunity to build the community’s bond with the school district. — Contributed

Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to quadnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.

PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com

CLASSIFIEDS www.presspubs.com

DECEMBER 26, 2023

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

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Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

Christmas & New Year's

Early Deadlines Press Publications will have early ad deadlines in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays starting the week before Christmas.

Classified ad deadlines: All papers

Tuesday, December 19th; 10 AM for ads to run the week of 12/26-12/28, 2023 Tuesday, December 26th 10 AM for ads to run week of January 2-4, 2024

651.407.1250

Happy Holidays!

13

104

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451

• Employment • Employment •

Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777.

The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS: NOW HIRING Morning Day Shift Leadership positions available for flexible candidates.

651-653-9845 4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

Rte 114 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of Bellaire Rte 122 – S of Cnty Rd F – E of McKnight Rte 123 – S of Cnty Rd F to W of McKnight Rte 124 – N of Birch to E of Hazel Rte 125 – N of Cedar to W of McKnight Rte 232 – N of 96 to W of 2nd Ave Rte 235 – S of 4th St – E of Otter Lake Rd Rte 262 – Lake Ave – E of Hwy 61 Rte 284 – S of Otter Lake – W of Otter Lake Rd Rte 294 – N of 96 – E of Portland Main Street Business District – downtown White Bear Lake Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

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PUBLIC NOTICES OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #12

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: Personal Touch Pet Grooming 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 200 Marian Ct., 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.

Deb Molin 200 Marian Ct., Circle Pines, MN 55014 Deborah Molin 200 Marian Ct., 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: November 28, 2023 Signed: Deb Molin Published two times in the Quad Community Press on December 19 and 26, 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Centennial School District #12, will receive proposals for wireless access points and controllers through the Universal Service Administrative Co. ERate process.

Service providers can see project specifications and learn more about submitting a proposal for the project on the Universal Service Administrative Co (USAC) website at https://www.usac.org/e-rate/service-providers/.

Authorized by the Centennial Schools Published two times in the Quad Community Press, Dec. 19 and 26, 2023.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on January 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • 6049 Sargent Court N, PID #36-31-22-34-0023, Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation For further information regarding the above item, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press, Dec. 19 and 26, 2023.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Renumeration and Codification o Renumber and codify City Code Chapter 1007 • Jansen Addition o Property Address: 523 Lois Lane o PID # 08-31-22-24-0002 o Preliminary Plat for three (3) lot single family residential subdivision • Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment – Water Treatment Plant o Property Address: 6590 12th Avenue o PID # 28-31-22-41-0005 o Rezoning property from R-1X, Single Family Executive to PSP, Public and Semi-Public for the purpose of constructing the City’s Water Treatment Plant.

For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 26, 2023.

Submitting Public Notices Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.

Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Ramsey, Anoka and Washington

Deadlines:

White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press, by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.

Contact: Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn E-Mail: Legals@presspubs.com Call: 651-407-1200

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CENTERVILLE TIDBITS • The city has modified the 2024 fee schedule to correct a typographical error referencing City Code. More changes included recommendations suggested by the finance director for additional language. Another change involves fee increases for sewer availability charge (SAC charges) due to increased fees that Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) is charging the city.

• The city will need to acquire a permit from the Met Council for a backyard drainage project at 6908 Oak Circle. The improvements needed to address the drainage issues will cross two MCES sewer lines. The homeowners will pay costs for the agreement and permit.

• Discussions continue on proposed development of the LaLonde property at the corner of Main Street and Westview Road downtown. Ten Nineteen Development LLC (Ebert Companies), requested the city’s financial assistance with up to $2.5 million in tax increment financing (TIF).

With varied levels of support for the project from council members, city staff drew up a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which roughly outlines the proposed development and financial assistance. With adoption, the TIF MOU becomes the basis for negotiating a more formal and binding development agreement.

On approval of the MOU with Ebert Companies to examine a potential TIF district to develop the LaLonde Property, the city and the developer will now begin due diligence work. The city will enter into a professional services agreement with Northland Securities Inc. for consulting services related to the establishment a TIF district. The $12,750 cost for the city’s contract with Northland Securities is reimbursable from the developer’s escrow funds.

• Over the past several months, city staff and union representatives have been meeting to negotiate the next contract for public works employees represented by the union. The contract contains a 5% COLA in 2024 and 3% COLA in 2025 and 2026.

• Following labor negotiations with IUOE Local 49 and legislative action from the 2023 session, the city adopted changes to its pay and benefits schedule (by a vote of 4-1; Council Member Terry Sweeney abstained). The benefits add the

state-mandated earned sick and safe time leave benefits of one hour of leave earned for every 30 hours of work performed. All full-time and part-time employees will now fall under the same PTO usage rules that apply to full-time employees.

• Most of the city’s tobacco and liquor stores license have been renewed without a hitch for 2024. They include: Ameer’s Tobacco Inc., Corner Express, and Wiseguy’s Pizza. All the applicants have completed application submissions and fee payments and are current on their property taxes and utility payments. All have undergone police background checks.

A little more administrative work was needed for one liquor and tobacco store in the city, after council renewed tobacco and 3.2 off-sale liquor licenses for CenterMarket at 1801 Main Street for 2024. The renewal came with the condition that the applicant complete alcohol compliance training by Jan. 30 and look into obtaining screening equipment for their business.

• Anoka County has received $67,239 annually from the Office of the Secretary of State under 2023 legislation to assist in elections. This money will be forwarded to municipalities within the county who operate elections. Centerville’s joint powers agreement, which allows the city and the county to buy, maintain and use election equipment, will expire in 2025. Centerville’s annual portion from legislative funding is $397, after council approved the State of Minnesota (voter) Anoka County/Centerville agreement.

• The City Hall parking lot lighting project is complete, inspected and accepted, after council approved the final payment of $39,985 to Vetter’s Electric for the project. Funding will come from the capital fund and general fund.

• Anoka County, Connexus Energy, MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce and municipalities in Anoka County) signed the 2019 memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form an executive committee to develop and implement an economic action plan. The five-year term of the original 2019 MOU will expire in January.

Council approved the agreement extending and amending the MOU. • Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis, whose anniversary date is Jan. 2, 2024, will

Minnesota senators request Postal Service audit U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both Democrats) have formally requested that the Inspector General of the United States Postal Service conduct a full audit of the Minnesota-North Dakota District following persistent reports across Minnesota of delayed and unreliable mail service.

Audits conducted by the Inspector General provide an informed, unbiased view of postal operations with a focus on preventing misuse of funds, promoting efficiency and integrity and sharing information with the USPS Board of Governors, Congress and USPS management.

“We believe it is time for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate the dysfunction of the MN-ND District,” wrote the senators. “Minnesotans rely on the Postal Service as an essential public service. Deliveries of medicine, Social Security checks and paychecks, and correspondence

SP TTED

CONTRIBUTED

The council recently recognized the service of Junior Council Member Rowan Shaw, who was appointed to the City Council in January 2023 and served for one year.

• The new Junior Council Member for 2024 is Avery Sauber. She is a high school junior and resident of Centerville.

• Council will hold the next council work retreat Feb. 3.

• The Dec. 27 regular council meeting has been canceled. The city does have a plan to call an emergency meeting, if necessary.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St. Loretta Harding

Top baby names

with loved ones are critical, especially in rural communities. But too often, the Postal Service is falling short in meeting the reasonable expectations of Minnesotans.”

“Even more concerning is that attempts to elevate the concerns of Minnesotans to the USPS have either been dismissed or met with assurances that everything is fine—that the reports of our constituents are incorrect,” they wrote. “This lack of transparency deepens our concern that the serious issues in the MN-ND district are not receiving adequate attention.”

The senators have worked to improve the reliability of postal service in Minnesota through other efforts such as introducing bipartisan legislation, sending letters and asking questions of the USPS when delivery disruptions have occurred.

AROUND TOWN

receive a step increase. Lewis has been in her current position with the city for three years and is eligible to move up from grade 8, step 8 to grade 8, step 9. This means an annual raise of $3,494, using money from the general fund.

• Finance Director Bruce DeJong will also receive a step increase. He started employment with the city in July 2019. As a part-time employee, he is now eligible for his second step increase. He will be promoted from grade 13, step 7 to grade 13, step 8 and receive an annual raise of $2,506, to be paid with general fund monies.

• The city has been paying committee members $50 per meeting. However, the council discussed increasing committee member compensation to $75 per meeting to offset costs of attending meetings, along with the potential to spur interest in serving. The council recently passed a resolution to increase committee member compensation for 2024. The city will pay an increase of $5,100 annually to give committee members a raise.

• The Planning and Zoning Commission’s newest member is Dawn Kalina.

The results are in: For the first time in five years, there’s a new top baby boy name, with Noah overtaking Liam for the number one spot. Liam is still in second place, though, and Oliver stayed in third place, the same ranking it held in 2022.

This year’s top three baby girl names are a repeat of last year’s, with Olivia, Emma, and Amelia hanging on to spots one, two, and three. The top 10 list for boys did see some exciting new additions, though: For boys, Ezra (No. 9) and Luca (No. 10) took the reins from Asher (now No. 11) and James (now No. 12). Ezra’s upward trajectory is especially noteworthy, since it moved from No. 12 last year to No. 9, and it’s now in the top 10 for the first time ever.

For girls, Charlotte climbed the most among the top 10 names, from No. 9 last year to No. 5 this year. Girl names starting with

“M” are also rising in popularity.

When it comes to boy names, half of the top 10 boys’ names start with “L”: Liam, Lucas, Levi, Leo, and Luca are all up there. And the “in” sound is, well, in for boys, with names like Benjamin, Lincoln, and Austin all in the top 100, and many more in the top 500.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Girls

Olivia Emma Amelia Sophia Charlotte Ava Isabella Mia Luna Evelyn

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Boys

Noah Liam Oliver Elijah Mateo Lucas Levi Leo Ezra Luca

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POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents: • A neighboring agency conducted a traffic stop near Main Street and Otter Lake Road Dec. 12. An officer stood by to assist while one party was arrested for thirddegree DWI. • An officer responded to the 7500 block of Woods Edge Boulevard Dec. 12 regarding a suspicious male. The officer determined the male was a solicitor and did not have a city permit. He was given a warning and told to leave the area until he acquired a permit.

• An officer responded to the 7100 block of Whippoorwill Lane on a report of suspicious persons going door-to-door soliciting information Dec. 12. The officer located the two involved persons and found they did not have a city permit to solicit. The officer gave the two a warning and advised them to stop unless they obtained a permit.

• An officer was dispatched to a report regarding a trailer theft in the 2000 block of Norway Lane Dec. 12. There is currently no suspect information available.

• Officers assisted another law enforcement agency in checking the 6300 block of Hodgson Road for a suspect wanted for a domestic assault Dec. 12. The area was checked, but officers did not locate the suspect.

• An officer responded to a report of a juvenile harassing another juvenile Dec. 12. The victim’s parent wanted the juvenile’s parents advised. The officer notified the other party’s parent.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near Lake Drive and Market Place Drive Dec. 12.

The officer found signs the driver was impaired, and the driver was arrested for fourth-degree DWI. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a delayed theft report in the 100 block of Elm Street Dec. 13. The incident was documented, but there is no suspect information at this time.

• An officer took a report of identity theft in the 100 block of Glenview Avenue Dec. 13. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer responded to an ongoing traffic complaint in the 6800 block of Lakeview Drive Dec. 13. Extra patrol will be conducted, and a request for additional signage was made.

• Officers responded to a theft in progress at a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Dec. 13.

The suspects were stopped in a vehicle and the merchandise was recovered. The suspect was cited for the offense and released from the scene.

• An officer took a report of a possible sexual assault Dec. 13.

The officer determined the event occurred in another agency’s jurisdiction. That agency was made aware and is handling the investigation.

• An officer responded to a report of a fire on a power line pole near Ash Street and 20th Avenue Dec. 13. The officer checked the area and found there was no longer an active fire.

• An officer responded to a property damage motor vehicle accident at the intersection of 21st Avenue North and Main Street Dec. 13. Both drivers were provided information for insurance purposes. One vehicle was driven from the scene, and one was towed.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for

illegal driving conduct and an equipment violation in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road Dec. 14. The adult male driver was arrested and charged with fourth-degree DWI and alcohol content 0.08 or more within two hours.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle displaying incorrect license plates in the 2200 block of Main Street Dec. 14. The male driver was arrested for outstanding warrants and not having a valid driver’s license.

• An officer took a report of littering in the 6300 block of Otter Lake Road De. 14. There is no suspect information, and the information was documented.

• Officers responded to a verbal domestic near 20th Avenue North and 77th Street Dec. 14. Two family members were arguing in a vehicle and one of them willingly left the car and was left on the side of the road. Officers assisted one involved party with a ride and gathering their things from their residence to stay elsewhere for the night.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding in the 200 block of Main Street Dec. 14. The adult male driver showed signs of impairment, was arrested, and later charged with fourth-degree DWI. • An officer attempted to stop a vehicle for illegal driving conduct on I-35E near 80th Street Dec. 15.

The driver of the vehicle fled and was later involved in a crash in a nearby city. The case is under investigation.

• An officer took a report of a package theft in the 2000 block of Cypress Street Dec. 15. The incident is under investigation.

• Officers responded to a report of a male running out into traffic near Main Street and 4th Avenue Dec. 15. The officers contacted an acquaintance of the male who advised they would provide care.

• An officer responded to a report of juveniles knocking on doors in the 6700 block of Partridge Place Dec. 15. The area was checked, but the juveniles had left the area. No ongoing problems were located.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was unable to maintain its lane on I-35W near Lake Drive Dec. 16. The male driver was arrested and later charged with fourth-degree DWI. • An officer responded to a report of a vehicle versus deer crash near Hodgson Road and Lake Drive Dec. 16. The driver had minor injuries and was evaluated by paramedics.

The driver was given information for insurance purposes and the vehicle was driven from the scene.

• Officers responded to a report of a dog bite near Old Birch Street and Pheasant Run South Dec. 16.

The juvenile victim did not need medical attention and officers searched in the area for the dog but were unable to locate it.

• An officer responded to a report of a single-vehicle property damage crash near 4th Avenue and Thomas Street Dec. 16. The driver reportedly swerved to avoid a deer, went off the road and stuck a tree. The driver was provided information for insurance purposes.

• Officers responded to an apartment building in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway for a call of a female with warrants Dec. 17. The female was taken into custody and booked into a secured facility.

• A resident reported an ongoing noise concern related to a commercial advertisement display in the 2100 block of Ada Drive Dec. 17. The resident was advised the problem would be investigated during the hours of operation for the business. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2200 block of Main Street Dec. 18. The male driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested and booked into jail for third-degree DWI. • An officer stopped a vehicle in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue for an electronic alert for a crime in another community Dec. 18. Stolen property was recovered from the vehicle. The originating agency was informed and handled the investigation.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents: • Officers responded to a verbal domestic in Centerville Dec. 13.

• Police responded to a report of damage to property in the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 13.

• Police mediated a domestic incident in Lexington Dec. 13.

• Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 14 on a theft report. Officers took information for a report. There are currently no suspects.

• Officers responded to the

intersection of Main Street and 21st Avenue South in Centerville Dec. 15 for a property damage accident. There were no injuries.

• Officers responded to the 7000 block of Centerville Road in Centerville Dec. 15 for a property damage accident. There were no injuries.

• Police were dispatched to a fraud report in the 9200 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington Dec. 15.

The caller advised no loss was incurred.

• An officer observed a vehicle near Main Street and Mound Trail in Centerville that was displaying a license plate that did not match the vehicle Dec.15. The driver was stopped, the plate was seized, and the driver was cited.

• Officers responded to a domestic incident in Lexington Dec. 16.

• Officers responded to the 200 block of Stardust Boulevard in Circle Pines Dec. 17 for an animal complaint.

• A backpack was located in the 9200 block of Lake Drive in Lexington Dec. 18 and brought to the police station. There was no owner information located so it was placed into property for safekeeping.

• An officer fielded a phone call from a resident in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville who reported a hit and run property damage accident Dec. 18.

• Police responded to a civil dispute in the 1900 block of 72nd Street in Centerville Dec. 19.

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