Lino Lakes considers evenyear elections
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Lino Lakes staff and City Council continue to discuss the possibility of moving to an even-year election schedule.
In December, city staff requested that the council consider the option of moving to even-year elections to improve voter engagement and to reduce costs. The council provided direction for staff, recommending the city attorney research the legal steps to move to an even-year election for municipal officers.
“Voter engagement is one of the most important pieces when looking at going to even-year elections,” said City Clerk Roberta Colotti at a recent City Council work session.
According to Colotti, the number of registered voters in Lino Lakes on Election Day in 2024 was 15,322. Out of that total, 1,785 voters participated in the last odd-year municipal election in 2023 and 14,135 voters participated in the 2024 general election.
“There are four different ways that the city can go through the process that has a charter like Lino Lakes does,” Colotti explained. “One would be the City Council takes the action and we place it on the ballot. Another is the Charter Commission proposes it and then the City Council reviews it and then it’s adopted. Or the Charter Commission can propose it and put it on the ballot.”
The fourth option would be a possibility of the public being interested in switching to evenelection years, but Colotti said the city is not there yet.
“We’re looking at either the City Council initiates this or the Charter Commission,” she said. The cost to run an election is primarily covered by the city, with county and state costs part of the total public cost to run and election. The budget for the 2025 municipal election is approximately $21,367.
“Now some of that money is an annual expense that we would have anyway,” Colotti said. “We did make the decision to keep all of our polling sites open for 2025, so that has a little bigger expense within this budget. So, if we hold the election in 2025, it would be a little less than the $21,000.” Absentee voting would be administered by Anoka County.
According to the Secretary of State, there are 18 cities and one township remaining in the state that have odd-year elections. Those cities include Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and more, along with White Bear Township. There are a total of 856 cities in the state that offer evenyear elections.
Circle Pines City Hall garden receives care from volunteers
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — The Circle Pines flower garden situated between City Hall and the Centennial Library will undergo maintenance this spring as part of the city’s Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 26.
Gwyn Yuhanna, founder of local crochet group Whimsical Wigs, noticed that the garden was not in great shape when attending a Whimsical Wigs
meeting at the library last July. “Whimsical Wigs meets at Centennial Library. We go around the Circle Garden, and I noticed one time, I am like, ‘That’s all weeds. What’s going on there?’” she explained. “And the next time we were there I was like ‘This is a public garden, what’s going on with it?’” Yuhanna then called the city and asked if there was a garden group that worked on the garden. The city got Yuhanna in contact with Janis Taramelli,
Circle Pines Mayor Dave Bartholomay’s wife.
“I contacted her, and I said ‘I am interested in helping out. Is there a group that is getting together to work on the garden?’ She said ‘no,’ and explained that they were kind of in transition,” Yuhanna said. “They had people who had been leading it for years decide to take a break … it was kind of all up in the air.”
CIRCLE PINES GARDEN, PAGE 8
Easter Egg Hunt takes place at Golden Lake Park
The Circle Pines Lexington Lions Easter egg hunt began in 1992 and hasn’t missed a year. This year, the egg hunt will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines.
SEE
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
EVEN-ELECTION YEARS: Multiple scenarios up for consideration
“I know that it is something that other city clerks have brought up to the council or to the Charter Commission to talk about this, and it’s just kind of faded away,” said Colotti. “I’m bringing it back… and again, making that recommendation.”
There are options for the city to consider in moving to an even-year election regarding the terms of office and maintaining the staggered terms of office.
According to Colotti, if the amendment is made effective this year, the city would not hold a 2025 election. The terms of office of incumbents would be extended by one year. However, if the amendment is set to become effective for a future date, then the terms of those elected in the first cycles would be adjusted to maintain the staggered dates.
For example, if the change becomes effective in 2028, November 2028 would be the first time the city holds an even-year election. The charter amendment could specify that council members elected in the November 2025 election will hold their seats through 2028, and council members elected in the November 2027 election
Cities with odd election years:
• Aurora • Bloomington
• Circle Pines
• Duluth
• Falcon Heights
• Golden Valley
• Hopkins
• Lino Lakes
• Mahtomedi
• Minnetonka
• Rushford
• St. Anthony
• St. Louis Park
• St. Paul
• St. Paul Park
• St. Peter
• White Bear Lake
Townships with odd election years:
• White Bear Township
will hold their seats through 2030, each scenario allowing the elected member to serve a three-year term.
The city attorney has stated that one possible way to address this would be to set the effective date of change further out in the future so voters in the next municipal election(s) can account for a varied term length when voting for their elected officials.
CITY OF CENTERVILLE ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE #142, SECOND SERIES
The City Council of the City of Centerville hereby ordains: Section 1. Revisions to City Code, Chapter 156, §156.52: Mixed Use Neighborhood District (M-2) be amended as follows: (1) Residential uses with a density between 12 and 30 units per acre. Section 2. Effective Date. This amendment takes effect upon its adoption and publication. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Centerville, Minnesota, this 9th day of April, 2025. City Clerk, Teresa Bender Published in the Quad Community Press on April 15, 2025.
CITY OF LEXINGTON COUNTY OF ANOKA, STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 25-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LEXINGTON, MINNESOTA, APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE WHEREAS, on April 3, 2025, the Lexington City Council adopted Ordinance 25- 02, which authorized a planned unit development (PUD) for the purpose of creating and developing two lot parcels legally described as Lexington Center, Third Addition, Anoka County, Minnesota. Formerly described as Lexington Center, Third Addition, Anoka County, Minnesota. These lot parcels are located in front of Northway Mall, owned by Menlo Capital Partners, LLC. The planned unit development (PUD) purpose is to construct quick service restaurants – Chipotle and a future restaurant yet to be determined. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lexington, due to the lengthy nature of this Ordinance, has directed that this title and summary be prepared for publication pursuant to Minn. Stat. 412.191, Subd. 4 The Council finds that the following text clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance 25-02, and hereby approves the following summary text for publication:
Council Member Michael Ruhland shared his thoughts about the city moving to an even-year election schedule.
“To me, with the odd-year (election), it is people that are engaged in the local politics, that are familiar with the problems that the city’s facing, anything that we have upcoming. They know the candidate’s stance and that is why they’re going out to the polls,” Ruhland said. “I am not necessarily in favor of going to the even-year election. I wouldn’t be opposed, either, to putting it up to a ballot question in in a future election.”
Council Member Tony Cavegn said he was in favor of moving to an even-year election schedule for various reasons.
“I am strongly in favor in moving forward with this,” Cavegn expressed. “I think that cost savings, the extended turnout, I think it is worth the risk of having more people weigh in on who they want to represent them than having less. I don’t see negatives in this.”
“If I were to lose my election because more people came out, I see that as a good thing. More people are weighing in on what they want and what they want
from the city,” he added.
Cavegn said that the scenario that makes the most sense to him is to have elected officials serve three-year terms for the next two election cycles because it gives residents the opportunity to understand that they are voting for a three-year term, not a four-year term.
“With the general election, you got everybody taking up the front page. We become the judge on the back page as elected officials for the city,” said Mayor Rob Rafferty. “The people (who vote) on the odd-year elections, they’re the ones that are putting the time in to understand, ‘What are the issues?’ That’s why they’re going and voting. That is why 14,000 to 15,000 people aren’t voting, because it’s not important to them.
“I am in favor of the idea of pursuing the idea, but at the same time I’m plenty fine with it staying just where it is and being the odd-year election,” Rafferty added.
The council did not take any formal action. It was discussion only.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
“SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 25-02. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LEXINGTON, MINNESOTA, APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PLAT
LEXINGTON CENTER, THIRD ADDITION
NOTICE: the full text of this Ordinance is available for public inspection at Lexington City Hall located at 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN 55014, during regular office hours.”
WHEREAS, Passed by the City Council of Lexington, Minnesota this 3rd of April, 2025.
Mike Murphy, Mayor Attest: Bill Petracek, City Administrator
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on April 15, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION PUBLIC NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ASSESSMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY
This may affect your 2026 property tax payments.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization for the City of Lino Lakes shall meet on May 5, 2025, 5:30 P.M. at Lino Lakes City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and to determine whether corrections need to be made.
If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization.
Given under my hand this 28th day of January, 2025.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, Clerk of City of Lino Lakes
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on February 4, 2025 and April 15, 2025.
Egg Hunt
here do not count toward the total.
• All correct answers will be put into a drawing and one winner will be selected.
at:
Anoka County holds public meeting for pollution prevention plan
Anoka County will hold a public informational meeting from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes to review and accept comments on the county’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
The SWPPP is a document required by the state and federal governments that outlines how the county will work toward reducing pollution in stormwater runoff. At the meeting, the plan will be presented, and public feedback will be received. A copy of the SWPPP is available for public review at the Anoka County Highway Department, 1440 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover, and online at www.anokacountymn. gov/4504/Stormwater.
For more information, call Rebecca Haug at 763324-3114.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF ANOKA DISTRICT COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER: 02-PR-25-5 CASE TYPE: PROBATE AMENDED NOTICE AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In Re the Estate of Thomas Lee Armstrong Decedent (Deceased Person)
It is ordered and notice is given that on May 6, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. a hearing will be held at 2100 3rd Ave Anoka, Minnesota VIA ZOOM for the formal adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirship of the Decedent, and for the appointment of Daniel Armstrong, 14430 Portland Ave., Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.
Any objections to the petition should be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing.
NOTE: you will need to pay a filing fee when you file the objection. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver (see http://mncourts.gov. GetForms.aspx?c=19&p=69 ).
If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sett real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. Notice is also given that *subject to Minn. Stat § 524.3-801)
or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT: Date: March 31, 2025
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, April 17; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo. com
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Every player will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a free drink. The top three teams will earn a gift card, and the last place team wins a “mini trophy.”
Contact: (651) 783-0055
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills. Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
A MATTER OF BALANCE
When: 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7-30
Where: Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes, 6070 Blanchard Blvd.
Details: Falls prevention program to learn ways to reduce risk of falling and learn exercises to increase strength, balance and flexibility.
Contact: 651-632-5330 or lyngblomsten.org/ community-services/wellness-education
CURRENT EVENTS
WHIMSICAL WIGS: WIG ASSEMBLY
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Height Cir., Circle Pines
Details: Learn how to assemble crochet wigs to donate to kids going through cancer treatment. Contact: whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com
LUNCH AND LEARN: SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY
When: 12:30- 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
Details: Learn about social media tools to consider, when and how to post on social media, which
content to share, who can help create and extend conversations and more. Sponsored by the Centennial Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact: centennialareachamber.com
SPRING SIP N SHOP
When: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Future Nutrition, 10611 Baltimore St. NE, #130, Blaine
Details: Event features various local vendors and drink specials.
Contact: 651-283-3884
Q AND A: MN WILL AND TRUST PLANNING ATTORNEY
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, April 21
Where: Rice Lake-Early Childhood Center, Room 101, 575 Birch St., Lino Lakes
Details: Open-forum seminar for participants with Will and Trust Attorney Steven Ledin. Registration required through the Centennial Education website. Contact: isd12.ce.eleyo.com
CLIMATE JUSTICE EDUCATION: TEACHING FUTURE GENERATIONS
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Details: Presentation on advocating for climate change education at the national and state level. Event in person or online.
Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0422
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Shepard of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: After the business meeting, Kate Eelkema will be presenting “The Mind of a Judge”. When you attend a quilt show, do you wonder why some quilts have ribbons and others do not? Do you hesitate to enter a quilt competition because you are not sure what happens in the judging room? Would you like to know what it takes to make a blue-ribbon quilt? Eelkema, a member of the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges (NACQJ), will deconstruct the judging process and share what judges consider when selecting award winning quilts.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
AARP SMART DRIVER
When: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP trained instructors. Learn safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700.
Church Directory
Find
Celebrate Mass with us!
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937 761757 Join Us for Mass Mass
7330 Lake Drive | 651-784-7667 admin@linolakescommunitychurch.com & directions (1 mile south of Target on Lake Dr)
To make changes or to advertise here, call at
Front Line Foundation
All-Day Fundraiser
When: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Pizza Pub and Prime Steakhouse, 2910 105th Ave. NE, Blaine Details: Fundraising event for The Front Line Foundation. Ten percent of all designated sales will benefit and go towards The Front Line Foundation. Contact: www.blaineprime.com
ART AND ASANAS
When: 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, Details: Tara Willits, instructor at The Mindfullness Movement, will lead you through yoga and guided mindfulness to help you unwind, relax and refresh. Registration is required through The Mindfullness Movement website at www. themindfulnessmovement.net.
Contact: www.themindfulnessmovement.net/artand-asanas
Thank you, subscribers
To our loyal readers and followers, thank you for making Press Publications what it is today. You have allowed us to remain the same trustworthy local news source since our founding.
It’s time for Press Publications to begin our spring subscription campaign. This campaign is an excellent opportunity for those unfamiliar with our paper to access weekly-published local and regional stories and our online E-edition. We guarantee you will not be disappointed by the amount of content we have to offer.
In addition to our stories, we frequently receive positive feedback on our work. For a recent story I wrote on the St. Croix Valley Camera Club, one of their attendees bought 10 copies of the Lowdown magazine it was published in. That attendee described it as “well-written ... perfectly captures what the club is all about.” Four framed copies of an article I had done on Kramer Motorsports are proudly sitting in the owner’s home.
However, no story that I have written this year has touched my heart (and the people involved) more than that of Randy and Heather Bacchus, who tragically lost their son, Randy Michael, several years ago. Although the outpouring of positivity from both our readers and the Bacchus family was rewarding, writing about their story gave me a great sense of catharsis after Randy Michael’s passing. Through Press Publications, I hope that stories such as these will help our readers connect with those still grieving to this day over personal tragedies.
Our readers often relate to the diverse opinions from the paper’s weekly columns. When Managing Editor Shannon Granholm wrote a piece called “30 the new 50?” the response was unanimously positive. Nearly all the emails and phone calls received were from those touched by her writing or who found a connection with her insight. One even said she inspired her to turn her life around for the better: “I’m sure it was hard to write and share. But you touched a lot of people besides me. And hopefully inspired them too. I think that’s the highest honor of any writer…”
Editor Madeline Dolby similarly received an outpouring of positivity from her column “I’ve only read banned books and that’s okay.” One reader thanked her for sharing her thoughts and said she was proud of her doing so. “I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your honest and refreshing perspective about the books you’ve read and enjoyed or learned something from that are now banned, here or elsewhere (Charlotte’s Web) … Frankly, I’m quite proud of Madeline for sharing her thoughts on this.”
Greater still is the number of local readers’ phone calls, hand-written notes and voicemails. Each one has expressed gratitude for us bringing to light an important local/regional issue or perfectly capturing one’s story, whether it’s about themselves or a new business they are starting, in a well-written story. This feedback is only further fuel that keeps local newspapers like us running to this day.
From day one, the mission of Press Publications has been to spread the power of local news to our readers, whether in print or online. If you enjoy and are interested in reading more from us, we encourage you to subscribe to our paper today. To do this, please visit our website at www.presspubs.com/site/forms/subscription_services/. But making the news accessible doesn’t just stop at a single subscription. Anyone who loves reading our stories should encourage their family, friends and neighbors to purchase a subscription today. To all of our current subscribers and readers, we cannot thank you enough for all the support you have given us over the years. Be on the lookout for more from Press Publications in 2025!
Staff writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-407-1229 or lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
The Two-Lined Chestnut Borer: The little beetle with big trouble
Meet the two-lined chestnut borer (Acanthocinus aedilis), a tiny but mighty troublemaker that’s been making life hard for hardwood trees! While this pesky beetle has a soft spot for chestnut trees, it’s also a big fan of red and white oaks, which is how I crossed paths with this little critter.
Gardener’s Grapevine
Rachael
Spires
This wood-boring beetle is about one inch long and wears a snazzy dark brown or black coat with two light-colored, parallel lines running down its back, making it easy to spot. But it’s not the beetle you need to worry about—it’s the larvae! These white, legless little grubs love to burrow into the tree’s wood, munching away and causing all sorts of damage.
How do you know if your tree’s been invaded? Look for small, round exit holes around 1/4 inch wide (thanks to the adult beetles) and keep an eye out for frass— those wood shavings mixed with
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• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
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• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and
insect droppings that gather at the tree’s base or around the holes. Infected trees might also show signs of wilting, yellowing leaves, and dying branches. The larvae are busy tunneling through the tree’s cambium layer, blocking the flow of water and nutrients, which weakens the tree, making it more vulnerable to disease and stress. Left unchecked, this can lead to a tree’s demise!
So, what’s the plan? Time to take action with a little something called Integrated Pest Management (IPM)! Here are a few ways to tackle this beetle villain:
1. Monitor and detect early
Keeping an eye on your trees is your first line of defense! Use sticky and pheromone traps to catch those sneaky adult beetles early. The sooner you spot them, the easier it is to stop them in their tracks with insecticides or other treatments.
2. Keep trees healthy Healthy trees are much less likely to attract borers, so give your trees a little TLC! Regular watering, mulching, and pruning help reduce stress and keep your trees in tip-top shape. And don’t forget to remove any dead or infested trees—they’re like a buffet
for these beetles.
3. Let nature help Did you know there are natural predators that might be able to help? Parasitic wasps are one such hero! These little wasps lay eggs inside or on the borer larvae, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae are... well, dinner. While we’re still researching this method, it could become a sustainable way to keep the borer population in check.
4. Use pesticides wisely If things have gotten a bit out of hand, pesticides can help—but only if you catch the problem early! The best time to apply them is after the spring flowering season, and remember, they’re most effective when the tree hasn’t lost more than 40-50% of its canopy to the borer.
With a solid pest management strategy, it’s possible to reduce the impact of the two-lined chestnut borer and protect these valuable trees for years to come. So, keep an eye out, and don’t let this little beetle wreak too much havoc!
Rachael Spires is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m.
Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Suchy’s Scoop
Erik Suchy
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District:
If you feel good about the 60-minute call-in town hall that was facilitated for you on April 2, 2025, where you addressed 10 cherry-picked questions, then this speaks even greater volumes about just how out of touch you are with your constituents.
One of the Lucky 10 was the mayor of Blaine talking about “Trump” Highway 65. Don’t you think the mayor of Blaine should have another way of getting in touch with you? People of the 6th District—whether you voted for Tom Emmer or not—we deserve a political representative with the courage to show up in person to address all constituents and the assortment of questions we have. As Pete Hegseth would say, “It’s PATHETIC.”
Kimberly Kahat Lino Lakes
Shame on Rep. Tom Emmer
I would like to admonish Rep. Tom Emmer for his head-in-the-sand phone town hall meeting last night. I attempted to ask a question by phoning in a few minutes before the start of the meeting and going through a question screening process performed by an Emmer staff member. I was supposedly put in a queue to be given a chance to ask my question which concerned my deep displeasure with Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration and the thoughtless slashing of government agencies. I waited the entire hour to be able to ask my question but was not given the chance. It could have been that there were many in line ahead of me and time ran out.
However, every question asked of Rep. Emmer was a softball toss that expressed support for Emmer and the Trump administration policies. I find it hard to believe in this day of obvious public unrest over the Republican agenda, that staffers, knowing the content of each question, randomly placed constituents in line to speak with the representative.
Shame on you, Rep. Emmer, for shirking your duty as a representative of the people and ignoring an opportunity to hear and respond to a large chunk of your constituency.
Jan Scholl Lino Lakes
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
• Dan Schmitz, building official, will move from Step 8 to Step 9 on the city’s pay grade scale after receiving a successful annual performance review. Schmitz will now be paid $46.88 an hour after council approval.
• The city of Centerville will maintain its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit after a public meeting was held regarding information about the permit and the city’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A MS4, typically owned by a state, city, village or other public entity, is designed or used to collect or convey stormwater. The MS4 permit was created based on the 1972 Clean Water Act. The permit is broken down into six minimum control measures that a city must maintain to obtain the permit. These measures include public education and outreach, public participation and involvement, constructing stormwater runoff control sites and more. According to city staff, Centerville complies with the MS4 permit through its partnerships with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Anoka County Water Resources Outreach Collaborative, developing a storm sewer system map, holding an MS4 annual public meeting and more.
• Amazon will plant mature trees and provide acoustical fencing along the west side of the site to help with noise control following council approval. Currently, the city has an approximately $80,000 escrow from Amazon for implementation of noise mitigation measures. While the required noise study did not indicate that Amazon is out of compliance with the development
agreement standards, the firm is willing to provide these additional measures to help with noise reduction. It is undecided when construction will begin.
• City staff and council will revisit rehabilitating Well No. 1, located in McBride Memorial Park. Council asked staff to provide a more in-depth look into funding for the project in the future. Due to sand in the well, Well No. 1 is currently designated for emergency use only. In order to restore the well for daily use, the well and pump need to be evaluated to determine the source of sand as well as the improvements that are necessary. The cost of the project is estimated to be $24,666. The project would be funded through the water fund.
• City staff provided the council with a proposal for the maintenance of the city’s sanitary sewer mains. The city owns approximately 20 miles of sewer main that require regular cleaning and inspection. The city last cleaned and inspected the sewer mains in 2013. Cleaning involves the use of high-pressure water jets to clear obstructions and buildup from the pipe walls. Inspection is done by running a small, motorized camera down the pipes. The cost for the project is estimated to be approximately $13,500. It will be funded through the city’s sewer fund. The council tabled the award of the project to Stantec pending further discussion.
• City staff will request a release of $50,000 from the city’s Housing And Redevelopment Authority (HRA) fund following council approval. These funds will be donated to the city’s Economic
Development Authority (EDA) and used for housing and redevelopment activities within the community. The request will be administered by Anoka County.
• Revisions have been made to the city’s Downtown Master Plan to make it consistent with city code. The plan will now state that two parking spaces are recommended per residential unit in the downtown area. These revisions mirror the parking standards stated in the city code.
The next city council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
Madeline Dolby
Watercolor paint along with Community Education
Explore watercolor painting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, through Community Education. Learn the fundamentals and styles of watercolor painting through a hands-on experience from artist Swetha Avula, owner of Acrylic Studio Arts. The class will take place at Centennial High School, east campus, room 111. Registration is required through the Community Education website at isd12. ce.eleyo.com. Centennial High School is located at 4757 North Road, Circle Pines.
CALENDAR BRIEF
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers responded April 2 to a report of possible found stolen property in the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Police took a report April 2 regarding a possible burglary that occurred in the 1800 block of Laramee Lane in Centerville.
• Officers responded April 2 to a possible DWI at the intersection of County Parkway E and Main Street in Centerville. The suspect was arrested and charged with third-degree DWI.
• Officers responded April 2 to a property damage crash that occurred at the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington.
• A community service officer received a phone call April 3 regarding drone usage in the 3800 block of Minuteman Lane in Lexington.
• Police fielded a phone call harassment report April 3 in the 3800 block of Minuteman Lane in Lexington.
• Officers responded April 3 for a theft that occurred in the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville.
• Officers responded April 3 to a delayed phone call report of burglary in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington.
• Officers responded April 3 to a walk-in report of identity theft in the 8800 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Officers received a phone call April 4 regarding suspicious activity in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Police responded April 4 to a trespass complaint in the 0 block of Pine Drive in Circle Pines.
• Police responded April 4 to a report of cones blocking the intersection of Peltier Lake Drive and Centerville Road in Centerville. An owner was not located, and the cones were removed.
• Police took a delayed report of a runaway juvenile April 5 in the 1900 block of Center Street in Centerville.
• Officers were dispatched April 5 to a threat report in the 1700 block of Peltier Lake Road in Centerville.
• Police responded April 6 to a burning complaint in the 100 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines.
• Officers responded April 6 to a report of a disorderly male in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Police took a delayed report of fraud April 6 in the 1600 block of Peltier Lake Drive in Centerville.
• A community service officer was requested April 7 to follow up and issue a citation to a resident in the 9200 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington for failing to comply with a written directive from the city of Lexington’s building/code enforcement regarding yard debris.
• A community service officer was requested April 7 to issue a citation for an ordinance violation in the 4100 block of Edgewood Road in Lexington.
• A community service officer was requested April 7 to issue a citation in the 9300 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington for failure to comply with a written request by the city building/code enforcement official.
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the
• While on patrol April 8, officers located a suspicious male in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue in Centerville. The male was found to have warrants for his arrest. He was later booked into jail.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded April 1 to a report of a runaway juvenile in the 300 block of Elm Street. The officer located the juvenile and returned them to school.
• An officer responded April 1 to a business in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road on a report that a customer did not pay for merchandise. The officer spoke with the customer, who made arrangements to pay for the items.
• While on patrol April 1, an officer stopped a vehicle in the 7700 block of Main Street for a traffic violation. The driver showed signs of impairment and was ultimately arrested for DWI and booked at the Anoka County Jail.
• An officer performed a welfare check April 1 in the 300 block of Elm Street. An adult female was found deceased. The incident was investigated, and nothing suspicious was found.
• An officer responded April 2 to a call reporting a property damage accident in the 6900 block of West Shadow Lake Drive in which the driver left the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded April 2 to a motor vehicle crash with possible injuries in the 6500 block of Centerville Road. The officers arrived and learned there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed.
• Officers responded April 3 to a report of a suspicious person in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The officers located the adult male and he was trespassed from the area.
• While on patrol April 3, an officer stopped a vehicle for expired registration in the 2200 block of Main Street. After an investigation, an adult male was arrested and booked at the Anoka County Jail for driving after cancelled inimical to public safety.
• While on patrol April 4, an officer stopped a vehicle for suspicious activity at the intersection of Ash Street and Hodgson Road. An adult male was cited for driving after revocation.
• An officer responded April 4 to a noise complaint regarding loud music from a vehicle in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer spoke with the occupant of the vehicle regarding the complaint and city ordinances.
• An officer received a request April 6 from a neighboring agency to check for a group of 10-12 juveniles in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road who were acting disorderly. The officer checked the area but was unable to locate the group.
• Officers received a report April 6 of a missing cat in the 100 block of Morgan Lane. Officers made efforts to locate the missing cat using social media.
• An officer was dispatched April 6 to a motor vehicle accident with no injuries in the 400 block of Lois Lane. The officer documented the incident, and the parties involved were provided with a case number.
• Officers received a phone call April 7 regarding online harassment in the 800 block of Orange Court. The incident was mediated, and the officers determined no crime had occurred.
• An officer responded April 7 to a parking complaint in the 7700 block of Lake Drive at a private business lot. The owner of the vehicle agreed to move the vehicle. No further problems.
• Officers responded April 7 to a report of two juveniles who were acting disorderly at a school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. After the investigation, the juveniles were charged with disorderly conduct.
• Officers responded April 7 to a report of a property damage crash involving two vehicles that occurred at the intersection of Apollo Drive and Savanna Court. There were no injuries, and no tows were needed.
• Officers responded April 7 to a report of a theft at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. After an investigation, officers charged an adult female with theft and trespassed her from the property.
• Officers responded April 7 to a report of a male possibly having a medical issue in a vehicle in the 6600 block of Black Duck Drive. The officers located the male and determined there were no problems.
• Officers responded April 7 to a group home in the 100 block of Ulmer Drive after receiving a complaint from a resident. Officers determined there were no problems.
WEEKLY WAG
Yote is a sweet little snuggle buddy who seeks an open, available lap and loves affection. He is a 1-year-old Chihuahua/rat terrier mix and he weighs 8 pounds. Yote is social with dogs and cats, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. Yote is house-trained, crate-trained and leashtrained. He likes to play fetch and he likes to go for car rides.
Yote is originally from Texas. He was found by a kind woman after being abandoned and left to fend for himself. She was unable to keep him, but ensured he went to a safe place. He later arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as part of the Lone Star to North Star Program. Yote would thrive as an additional pet to a loving family and home, and he would do well as a partner with another confident dog. If you’re looking for a fun, loving and playful companion who will always be by your side, Yote will be a wonderfully devoted best friend and chum.
If you are interested in learning more about Yote 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.
Changing our plans
We’ve heard it said, that if you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.
And it’s true, there are times in our lives where the plans we’ve made should make God laugh because the plans are too small in vision, selfcentered, or not within the scope of what God has in store.
Yet we put our hoped-for plan in place, entering it into the GPS of the world and off we go, trusting that the road ahead will be free of any obstacles. By doing this we believe we can remain in control and won’t have to feel the discomfort of uncertainty or combat the fear and doubt that are our constant companions.
Pastor’s Ponderings
All we need to do is just follow the plan and everything will be just fine…until it isn’t.
When we are faced with an obstacle along the path, how we deal with that change says a lot about us. If we are rigid and unyielding, not willing to deviate from our expectations then our path is already blocked by obstacles of our own making. But when we face the change of plans with faith, the path ahead looks difficult.
Throughout the story of God’s work, humanity has believed that we can chart our own course, apart from God which leaves opportunities for sin to take us in the opposite direction from where God is present- with those on the margins who are neglected and villainized, lost and alone.
God’s plan for humanity has always been to redeem and restore those who have been separated from God’s love by sin. Sin tells us that we don’t have to follow God’s plan because we know better.
The people of Jesus’ time thought they knew God’s
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Citygate is scheduled to present its final report to the City Council and city staff on Monday, April 28, regarding the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, according to Interim City Administrator David Pecchia (See “Public Safety model ‘no longer functional,’” Quad Community Press, Feb. 11, 2025).
• Kimley-Horn representative Leila Bunge provided City Council and staff with an update of the Main Street Master Plan process and the land use scenarios proposed for the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). Two scenarios are proposed to be carried through the study, scenario 1 and scenario 2.1. Scenario 1 is based on the existing 2040 Comprehensive Plan and is required through the AUAR process. Scenario 2.1 focuses on the “Gateway” into Lino Lakes at the Sunset Avenue and Main Street intersection. (See “Gateway Village is favored option for Main Street Corridor” Quad Community Press, March 25, 2025).
plan. Jesus entered Jerusalem to the fanfare of an arriving dignitary, marshalling a crowd that could rival the emperor. They were full of expectations that God would rid the occupying Romans from their land and re-establish their reign as the chosen ones. The crowd, swept up in Jesus’ power to heal, shouted “Hosanna” only to scream “Crucify” within days. Even the disciples had forgotten what Jesus said, that he would go to Jerusalem, not to reign but to be tried and tortured, crucified and buried only to rise days later.
Our human plans rely on our own power and limit our understanding of what God is up to in the world, drastically hampering our ability to follow in the footsteps of Christ. And yet God’s plan has never changed. God continues to seek out the lost and lonely, the ones without a plan and those whose plan has fallen apart.
God reveals how far God will go in order to be with us. God sent Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, into the world to show us the way of love. And the way of love will lead us into the shadow of suffering and death, revealing truth and new life.
So, whose plan will we follow? Will we follow Jesus into the margins, to walk with the brokenhearted, neglected and the stranger or will we follow the whims of the world and desires of the powerful? Will we follow Jesus into the suffering of our neighbor to use our gifts to ease their suffering or will we build bigger walls as protective measures to our own lifestyles and desires?
If we stay the course of following Jesus, choosing God’s plan over our desires, there will be hardships to bear, but with the tomb empty, not even death will be able to stop us. Let us chose to live into God’s plan. Amen.
• City Planner Katie Larson presented the council with the preliminary plat proposed by Thyme Properties LCC, for the area south of Main Street, east of I-35E and west of Otter Lake Road. The plat is for the purpose of constructing an ALDI’s grocery store (See “ALDI grocery store a possibility for Lino Lakes, Hugo residents” Quad Community Press, March 18, 2025). Community Development Director Michael Grochala added that Thyme Properties and the city attorneys are working on a site performance agreement. A site performance agreement outlines the responsibilities, expectations and performance metrics for a specific project. The final plat for the site will be presented within the next month.
• Michael Grochala, community development director, provided an update regarding the Amelia Lake Ditch study, originally completed in 2023. The goal of the project was to analyze the existing drainage conditions and proposed improvements to the ditch draining to Amelia
• Lexington resident Steve Neil raised concerns regarding the garbage and hazardous items in the yard of a rental property located at 8808 Lexington Avenue. According to Neil, both police and fire departments have been to the property during the month of March, as well as at least two inspections, but trash is still present and getting caught in trees due to the wind. City Administrator Bill Petracek informed the council that the police department has asked the tenants to clean the yard and that building inspectors have gotten involved, but it’s “a property maintenance issue, and it always takes some time” before it’s resolved. Mayor Mike Murphy said he will follow up on the issue but agreed that there is not much more that can be done at this time.
• According to Neil, there are at least 35 dead trees in the lot across from his residence that he reported for removal in 2024, but so far nothing has been done and four trees have fallen. No resolution has been reached.
Lake. The ditch has a drainage area of approximately 255 acres. Grochala explained that it is a private ditch, meaning that maintenance of the ditch is the responsibility of the individual property owners. Based on the study, two phases of work were recommended to improve the ditch and develop a greenway and trail corridor. In March, city staff met with the six property owners to discuss the potential for the city to take over maintenance responsibilities of the ditch and complete a maintenance project to remove accumulated sediment and removal of lower-quality trees and shrubs along the banks. Property owners expressed interest in the exchange but wanted some time to consider.
City staff will reach out to property owners in two to three months to gauge interest.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 28, at City Hall followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Madeline Dolby
• Dylan Zurn will join the Public Works Department after the council approved his appointment to a public works seasonal full-time position. He will be paid $18 an hour.
• Renaissance Fireworks has been issued a temporary business license after council approval. The license is effective from June 20, 2025, and ends on July 5, 2025.
• Multiple Lexington businesses will receive renewed cannabinoids licenses. Businesses include Lexington Liquors, Northway Tobacco and Boulevard Bar and Grille. Council Member Barbara Mahr abstained from voting on this item.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at City Hall.
SP TTEDAROUND TOWN
1. Who else can hear that the unmistakable spring call of the red-winged blackbird looking at this photo? —LeAnn Michael, contributed.
2. A pair of sandhill cranes are spotted along Rondeau Lake Drive in Lino Lakes. — Dwight Friesen, 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.
CONTRIBUTED
The Amelia Lake ditch could possibly undergo two projects. One would consist of making improvements to the ditch and the second would create a greenway and trail corridor alongside the ditch abutting eventual development.
Hannah Testa
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
Ivy Huston is a pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes.
Ivy Huston
CIRCLE PINES GARDEN: ‘The idea is to have it be beautiful and educational’
FROM PAGE 1
Shortly after speaking with Janice, Yuhanna reached out to Whimsical Wigs members to see who would like to help maintain the garden. Whimsical Wigs members Nancy Ehrich and Sandy Wesely agreed to join in the effort.
Yuhanna explained that the group mainly took out weeds, put in new red mulch and planted a few new plants. She also added yard ornaments.
“When we were doing the garden cleanup, a lot of people rolled down their window and said, ‘Hey, thanks for taking care of the garden.’ Or ‘Hey, your garden looks really good.’ It was rewarding to hear that feedback,” she said.
Now, the City of Circle Pines, Anoka County Master Gardeners (ACMG) and the Centennial Library are coming together to transform it into an educational garden.
“We’re looking to do a refresh,” said Bartholomay. “So, what we are going to do is maintain the garden in 2025 and then plan to reconstruct, transform, next year.”
Bartholomay said that he has been working with city staff for a year or two about what to do with the garden and came up with the idea to bring in the master gardener program and involve community members to help with the project.
When the fall comes, Bartholomay said they are planning to pull out any plants they do not want to keep in the garden and put fresh dirt down. Over the winter, Pat Stapleton, the
City Garden Cleanup Day
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26
Where: Circle Pines City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Circle
Details: Residents are encouraged to come help weed and clean up the city flower garden as part of Circle Pines Cleanup Day.
city’s parks superintendent, along with a few master gardeners and citizens will come together to plan the garden layout and what plants should go in when springtime hits.
The Centennial Library, with the help of the ACMG, will develop educational programs that go hand-in-hand with the garden.
“It would be maintained by a combination of our community volunteers that are already involved in maintaining the garden or people who would like to get involved in maintaining the garden, and the Anoka County Master Gardeners,” Bartholomay explained. “I love the idea of mixing community volunteers, with an interest in gardening, with Master Gardeners who have done some educational stuff to become very aware ….getting them to work together would be great.”
The garden cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is in partnership with the citywide Cleanup Day taking place at the public works building located behind City Hall.
Last spring, a group of
At the garden, there will be master gardeners to help with the cleanup efforts and share information about plants with cleanup volunteers. Bartholomay said that the cleanup will mainly involve pulling weeds and raking.
“The idea is to have it be beautiful and educational, rather than just a flower garden,” said Bartholomay. “There is a lot of pieces to do. But we know we have the commitment for the funding. We know we have the commitment from the Master Gardeners program to help our local volunteers. We want to grow more local volunteers, so they can come (help).”
“If you make nature more accessible so that people can actually get to it, people will start to appreciate it more,” he added, “which means they’ll take better care of it. “
The garden is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026. The Centennial Library is located at 100 Civic Heights Circle in Circle Pines. Circle Pines City Hall is located at 200 Civic Heights Circle.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Celebrate Earth Day throughout the north metro
To celebrate Earth Day, multiple communities and local organizations will be hosting various events from informational talks about the climate to park cleanups.
EARTH DAY SERVICE PROJECT
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Volunteers ages 11+ can help with an outdoor service project before the Earth Day event. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
LINO LAKES RECYCLING SATURDAY
When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Lino Park, 7850 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: Residents are welcome to recycle various items such as appliances, batteries, electronics and more. Contact: RecyclingIntern@LinoLakes.us or LinoLakes.us/RecycleSaturdays
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Celebrate Earth Day with live performances, an art project to take home, explore trails and visit the eco-fair. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
FREE PARK DAY AT WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS
When: Tuesday, April 22
Where: All Washington County Parks
Details: In honor of Earth Day, visitors may enter any Washington County Park without a vehicle permit. Contact: www.washingtoncountymn.gov/492/Parks
EARTH DAY FREE FOOD & T-SHIRTS
When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: NRI Metals Recycling, 15717 Forest Blvd, Hugo Details: Receive a free t-shirt and food when bringing in scrap metal. Contact: www.nrimn.com or 651-407-0092
CLIMATE TALK WITH DR. MARK SEELEY: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON OUR NATIONAL PARKS
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Seeley discusses which of our National Park sites are being impacted by climate change, and what their future holds. Part of Earth Day and National Parks Week. Registration required through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
EARTH DAY CONCERT WITH PETER MAYER
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22
Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi
Details: Special Earth Day concert with Minnesota singer/songwriter Peter Mayer. Tickets can be purchased online at whitebearunitarian.org/musicon-maple. Contact: 651-426-2369
EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY COMBO WALK FOREST BATHING
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 25
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve,
Details: Join expert Forest Bathing guide David Motzenbecker for an immersive experience of Shinrin-Yoku, the ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing. The guided walk will offer unique invitations that encourage you to experience the forest in deeply personal and transformative ways. Registration required through the Washington County Parks website.
Contact: washcoparks.usedirect.com
EARTH DAY CLEANUP
When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township
Details: Help tidy up the grounds and trails at Tamarack Nature Center. Remove invasive plants and get the garden ready for planting. Preregistration required. Contact: 651-266-8500
19TH ANNUAL RITE OF SPRING
When: 10 a.m.- 1p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Wildwood Elementary School, 8698 75th St. N., Mahtomedi
Details: This annual RITE (Really into the Earth) of Spring event will feature various organizations with information tables.
Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
CIRCLE PINES CITY CLEAN UP DAY
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26
Where: Public Work Facility, 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
Details: Residents of Circle Pines can bring all materials that is disposed of on regular garbage days with the exception of curbside recyclables, hazardous and yard waste.
Contact: www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us
EARTHFEST 2025
When: Saturday, April 26
Where: Wild River State Park, 39797 Park Trail, Center City
Details: Annual celebration of spring hosted by the Friends of Wild River State Park. This daylong event features fun and educational activities for the entire family.
Contact: friendsofwildriver.org/earthFest.php
SHOREVIEW’S SPRINGFEST
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Shoreview celebrates Earth Day. Events happening in Haffeman Pavilion and the lower-level parking lot of the Community Center. Activities include music, food trucks, kid’s activities and more.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
volunteers got together to work on the community garden located outside of Circle Pines City Hall to get it ready for summer.
Northstar Recycling set to offer weeklong Earth Day event
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
North metro residents who are looking to make a buck or two while cleaning out their homes, yards and garages might want to consider attending Northstar Recycling’s (NRI) annual Earth Day event, scheduled for the week of April 22.
“It gives everybody a chance to learn a little bit about recycling and cleanout their garages or houses of unwanted metals and actually get paid for it,” said NRI co-owner Rick Mark.
Rick and his wife Melissa started the business in 1996 in a small garage in Wyoming. Once the business outgrew its first space, it moved down the road to its current location off Highway 61/Forest Boulevard in Hugo in 2000. Ever since then, the business has hosted an Earth Day event.
“Obviously, we are in the scrap metal business and our goal is to recycle,” Rick explained.
On Earth Day, hotdogs and T-shirts will be given out to customers, while supplies last. All week long, special pricing will be offered for a variety of items, including one of the more popular drop offs, aluminum cans.
“Out of all the metals we take in, it seems like people come in with those (cans) more often,” Rick said. “We have really focused on getting as many as we can.”
This year’s T-shirts, which will likely go fast, have a coupon on the back of them. “Anytime they wear that shirt in, that’s their coupon,” explained Melissa.
Rick expects the business will stay busy all week long due to the looming tariffs.
“Prices are going to be up substantially from last year,” Rick said, noting that this year customers will receive 90 cents per pound for aluminum, whereas last year’s event offered about 70 cents per pound.
Dating back to the pandemic, is
Earth Day Tidbits
• The stage was set for change with the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller “Silent Spring” in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries as it raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health.
• The push for environmental reform gained momentum on April 22, 1970, when the first Earth Day was celebrated. Then-Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin put Earth Day on the national stage following a large oil spill that struck
off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
• Senator Gaylord Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organize the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea to a broader public, and they choose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation.
• The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
when NRI really started to see a boom in business.
“We have gotten a lot busier. I think a lot more people are getting involved with recycling than ever before,” Rick explained. “During COVID when people were losing their jobs or staying home, they converted it into an alternative way to make money. It became a source of income for them … People liked how that worked for them, and they continued it.”
Rick says everyone is welcome at the business, not just a place for “the guys.”
BY THE NUMBERS
IF YOU GO: Earth Day at Northstar Recycling, LLC (NRI)
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, April 22
Where: 15717 Forest Blvd in Hugo Details: NRI will host a weeklong special pricing collection event April 22 through April 26 in honor of Earth Day. Special pricing will be offered for items like insulated wire, copper, brass, radiators, catalytic converters, alumni cans, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, carbide and more. On Earth Day, enjoy free food and T-shirts, while supplies last. Contact: www..nrimn.com or 651-407-0092
“It is user friendly. Anyone and everyone can come here,” he said. “Anyone can come here and feel welcome. We have plenty of people to help everybody to learn and understand how all of this works.” For more information about NRI, visit https://nrimn.com.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
million metric tons of global plastics million tons of plastic currently in our oceans million plastic bottles are purchased each minute worldwide trillion plastic bags used each year billion cigarette butts littered in the US each year comprising nearly 20% of all litter years a tree must live to have a meaningful impact on the environment million hectares of forest cover shrinkage each year of all carbon emissions come from food gallons of water go into a single pound of beef
Northstar Recycling will pass out hotdogs and t-shirts to customers on Earth Day.
Talking stress with the University of Minnesota
Recent data from the American Psychological Association shows that the majority of American adults regularly experience moderate to high stress. Roughly 76% of the adults surveyed had experienced at least one stress-related symptom in the past month — such as headaches or difficulty sleeping.
For Stress Awareness Month in April, Justin Anker, PhD, with the University of Minnesota Medical School, talks about stress, the long-term impacts of it and how stress can be managed.
Q: What is stress?
A: Stress is the body’s built-in response to life’s demands — big or small. When we face a stressful situation, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. They increase our energy and focus, allowing us to get out of dangerous or difficult situations quickly. This is also known as the flight-or-fight response. Occasional stress can help you stay sharp and overcome daily challenges like meeting tight work deadlines. However, prolonged exposure to high stress can affect physical and mental well-being.
Q: What are the long-term impacts of stress?
A: Persistent stress is linked to serious health problems.
Physically, chronic stress can trigger inflammation, weaken the immune system and raise the risk of heart disease, digestive problems and even stroke. Sustained stress may leave people feeling drained or constantly on edge, affecting work performance and personal relationships. According to a 2015 study in Management Science, workplace stress in the United States contributes to an estimated 120,000 deaths each year and up to $190 billion in annual health care costs. This is about five to eight percent of the nation’s total health care spending, and includes medical bills, reduced productivity and absenteeism. Learning healthy stress coping strategies can help ward off serious physical and mental health issues.
Q: What are some strategies to reduce stress?
A: Managing stress isn’t a onesize-fits-all process, but research shows there are core healthy habits that help most people. Building stress resilience requires a blend of proactive habits and responsive tactics. Proactive approaches include setting realistic goals to lower stress levels, maintaining consistent sleep schedules and structuring one’s day to prevent unexpected last-minute chaos. Physical movement — like walking, yoga or any form of regular exercise — helps lower stress hormone levels and boosts
mood. One study showed that even a quick 20-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce cortisol. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness exercises can quickly calm the nervous system when a stressful situation arises. Social support is equally important: nearly half of adults in a 2023 survey from the American Psychological Association said they wish they had someone to help them manage stress. Talking with a trusted friend, counselor or family member can provide fresh perspectives and emotional relief.
For severe or persistent stress, professional help may be vital. In Minnesota, resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer free, confidential support any time you need it.
Q: What are some misconceptions about stress?
A: One major misconception is that stress isn’t harmful if you keep pushing forward. In reality, unmanaged stress can escalate into burnout, anxiety, cardiovascular problems and other major health problems. Another myth is that stress “doesn’t count” unless it’s extreme. Individual factors like genetics, past experiences and social support mean that everyone’s stress tolerance differs. Some assume stress automatically disappears when the stressful event ends. Post-traumatic or
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long-term stress can linger, affecting how we handle daily hassles and shaping our long-term outlook. Finally, some try to “self-medicate” with alcohol or other substances to cope. While it may feel like a quick fix, research shows that substance use can damage our stress response system over time, increasing the likelihood of dependence and creating an environment for even more stress to arise.
Q: How does your work at the University of Minnesota advance health in Minnesota?
A: At the University of Minnesota Medical School, my research focuses on identifying how stress influences behavior and health outcomes and translating those findings into practical strategies. My current project involves developing and testing a digital recovery phone app that provides stress-related recovery support for individuals with opioid use disorder. By collaborating with local clinics and community partners, we’re working to ensure this tool is accessible to urban and rural populations.
Justin Anker is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research interests include alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorders and drinking motives.
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S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Cougar nine beats Cardinals 12-1,
falls to Crimson
Centennial baseball opened the season with a 12-1 win over the Coon Rapids Cardinals on Tuesday, then lost to Maple Grove 10-4 at home Thursday.
At Coon Rapids, Tommy Meyer pitched four innings, allowing one unearned run, striking out six. Cooper Sanders threw a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. The Cougars had eight hits and 10 walks. Mathew Siegler was 2-for-4 with three runs-batted-in (RBI). Nolan Border was 2-for-4 with two RBI’s. Maple Grove outhit the Cougars 14-3 with eight doubles and six singles. Connor Johnson was 3-for-5 with two RBI’s and Maddex Van Slooten 2-for-3 with three RBI’s. Three Crimson pitchers combined for a three-hitter with nine strikeouts.
For Centennial, Ben Clauson and Steele Johnson each had an RBI hit. Matthew Siegler pitched four innings (three runs, five strikeouts) and took the loss. Johnson, Cooper Sanders and Jacob Hosfield pitched an inning each. Johnson gave up six runs.
Bruce Strand
Thor shoots 69 for medal at Osseo Invite
CONTRIBUTED
Taylor Thor was a medalist with a three-under-par 69 in the Osseo Invitational on Thursday, leading the Cougars to a secondplace finish among 11 teams, at Shamrock Golf Course in Corcoran.
“Special congratulations need to go to Thor for a spectacular round,” said Cougar Coach Nicole Christensen about the sophomore who was a state qualifier last year.
Totino-Grace won the tournament with 335. The
SOFTBALL
Centennial hit five home runs in a pair of wins last week, over Coon Rapids 20-0 and Maple Grove 7-6. The Cougars (3-1) had 15 hits against Coon Rapids. Adison Border belted two home runs and knocked in four runs. Kendall Cochran had a home run, single and two runs-batted-in (RBI). Gracie Nickle punched three hits, and Lily Renslow and Riley O’Connell had two apiece. Abby Waltraff and Kendal Saffert pitched two innings each. The close win over the Crimson was powered by Lily Renslow with a threerun home run, Kendall Cochran with a two-run shot and Ellie Mundale, 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI’s. Riley O’Connell pitched for the Cougars (eight hits, four walks, four strikeouts).
TENNIS
Centennial lost to Blaine 7-0, Champlin Park 4-3 and Robbinsdale Armstrong 5-2 in their first three matches last week. The lineup is headed by Ander Julson at 1-singles
This Week In Cougars SPORTS
Baseball
4:30 p.m. Tuesday: Elk River
4:30 p.m. Thursday: at Armstrong
11 a.m. Saturday: at Mahtomedi
Boys Golf
Noon Thursday: Conference at Links at Northfork, Ramsey
1 p.m. Monday: Conference at Bake National
Boys Lacrosse
6 p.m. Wednesday: at Champlin Park
7 p.m. Thursday: at Hudson (WI)
Girls Lacrosse
6 p.m. Wednesday: Spring Lake Park/ Coon Rapids
Softball
4:30 p.m. Tuesday: Elk River
4:30 p.m. Thursday: at Armstrong
6 p.m. Friday: vs. Stillwater at Northwestern University
Track and Field
3 p.m. Thursday: Osseo Invitational
Tennis
4 p.m. Thursday: Maple Grove
4 p.m. Friday: at Roseville Area
4 p.m. Monday: Totino-Grace
Boys Vollyeball
7:30 p.m. Wednesday: Spring Lake Park
7:30 p.m. Monday: at Irondale
Cougars were next with 338. Along with Thor, the Cougars had Taylor Nelson, eighth grader, placing sixth with 80 and Marley Lutz, freshman, 15th with 91.
“I’m so proud of this team and what they did at the invite,” Christensen said. “We have only been outside once or twice so far … Taking second place shows that they truly have been working hard.”
Bruce Strand
and Drew Gangl/Beckett Babiash at 1-doubles. Andrew Abraham had two wins at 2-singles, and Caleb Nelson/Josh Taylor had two wins at 3-doubles.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Centennial has a 1-6 record after two weeks. The Cougars defeated Park of Cottage Grove two games to one (scores not available). In an Osseo tournament on April 5, the Cougars lost to Blaine 25-23, 20-25, 10-15; Anoka 16-25, 11-25; and Robbinsdale Cooper 22-25, 25-14, 7-15. In conferenced matches last week, they lost a close one to Champion Park 20-25, 27-25, 2325, 26-28, with Austin Brang making several good blocks, and to Blaine 18-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-25.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Centennial girls lacrosse opened with a trip to Grand Rapids on Friday. The Cougars beat the Thunderhawks 11-4.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Adison Border
Softball
April 15, 2025
Adison Border, Centennial softball senior, rapped six hits in 12 at-bats, including two home runs, in the first four games, helping the Cougars start the season 3-1. The Cougar second baseman has logged six RBI’s, five runs and three stolen bases. She has committed to St. Benedict’s.
Nolan Border of the Cougars slid home to score on a wild pitch against Maple Grove.
Taylor Thor
MDH announces layoffs, reduced public health services
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent layoff and separation notices last week to 170 employees whose positions were funded by recently terminated federal grants. Additionally, an estimated 300 “at risk” notices were sent to MDH staff at risk for layoffs due to seniority rules around layoffs. Additionally, nearly 20 employees slated to start with the department had their offers rescinded. These layoffs and separations are a direct consequence of the
COMMUNITY BRIEF
unprecedented and unexpected action by the federal government last week to cut more than $220 million in previously approved federal funding. These layoffs and separations will impact services across the agency that Minnesotans rely on, including those that support the state’s response to measles and H5N1, wastewater surveillance, the state’s public health laboratory, and community clinics and vaccination efforts.
“We are working now to figure out how much of this critical public health work we can save and continue,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “The sudden and unexpected action from the federal
Rookery Kids Summer Camp open for registration
The Rookery Kids Summer Camp is now open for registration. Each week of summer camp will feature a theme and includes time in the pool, riding bikes, games field trips and more.
Campers can join for eight weeks, or hand select the weeks they would like to attend. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 16 through Aug. 15. Before and after care is offered for an additional fee.
To register, go to www.rookeryactivitycenter.com.
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• There will be a series of city street meetings on Wednesday, April 16, according to Mayor Dave Bartholomay. The meetings will take place at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. regarding the proposed street projects in multiple neighborhoods throughout Circle Pines. All three meetings will take place at the public works shop located at 200 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines.
• The city Cleanup Day will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26. Residents will be able to recycle various items such as electronics, large appliances and more. There will also be a City Garden
cleanup event from 9 a.m.-noon (see full story in this week’s paper). The garden is located in front of Circle Pines City Hall.
• The council has accepted approximately $1,174 in donations to the city to plant trees at Golden Lake Park as part of the city’s 75th anniversary celebration. The city will hold various events to celebrate the anniversary on Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22.
Madeline Dolby
government left us with no choice but to proceed with layoffs immediately. It is devastating to be forced to reduce critical services and give notices to so many dedicated public health professionals because the federal government decided to renege on its commitment to our state. They left us in the lurch, with no advance notice, no close-out period, halting work that would have helped us address chronic gaps in the system and be better prepared for future threats.”
The impact of these cuts to the public health system also include:
• Significantly reduced support for nursing homes, including funding for HVAC upgrades and staff training around disease prevention, as well as support for county jails and other congregate settings.
BUSINESS BRIEF
Drones serve as helpful tool for Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy says it takes a proactive approach to maintaining its electric grid.
“Safety and reliability for our customers and the public is our priority,” said Theo Keith, senior media relations representative for the company. “We have full-time drone pilots and use local contractors to assist our frontline workers with inspecting our infrastructure across Minnesota and the seven other states we serve.”
Keith explained Xcel has used drones for several years to augment in-person, on-the-ground patrols across its coverage area.
• Slower response times to infectious disease outbreaks.
• Immediate suspension of partnerled vaccine clinics and emergency preparedness activities.
• Reduced laboratory support for hospitals and health care systems that could delay lab results and patient care.
• An inability to upgrade the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection, the state’s immunization information system, which means it will remain outdated.
• Suspension of the INSPIRE Program, a program to get middle and high school students excited about and interested in public health.
• Reduced funding for Tribal Public Health.
Minnesota Department of Health
For several years, Xcel Energy has utilized drones to maintain its equipment across Minnesota.
Drones can be useful in photographing pole tops to identify issues that are hard to view from the ground level. In addition, drones can also be an effective tool for quickly inspecting long segments of power lines during escalated operations, such as outage restoration efforts.
“We’re always exploring new technologies and programs to maintain and improve the performance of our grid, a practice that helps us proactively manage our electric system and effectively respond when severe weather strikes,” Keith noted.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF
Spring turkey hunting begins April 16
Wild turkey hunting in Minnesota is set to begin on Wednesday, April 16. The season is divided into six hunting periods (A-F) and lasts through Saturday, May 31.
The 2025 spring turkey season dates are as follows:
• Youth season: April 16-May 31
• Archery season: April 16-May 31
• A: April 16-22
• B: April 23-29
• C: April 30-May 6
• D: May 7-13
• E: May 14-20
• F: May 21-31
For anyone new to the experience, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a how-to-guide that can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ gohunting/wildturkey-hunting.html. For more information about regulations, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/ hunting/turkey/index. html.
Lino Lakes Public Safety Team loses K-9 dog
The Lino Lakes Public Safety Team recently lost one of its K-9 dogs, Justice. Justice served on the team with his handler, Officer Pete Noll, from Dec. 2012 until Sept. 2019. After serving on the team, he lived with Noll.
Lino Fire crews responded to structure fire
At 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, Lino Lakes Fire crews were paged to a possible structure fire located in the 100 block of Marcia Lane in Lino Lakes.
Lino Lakes Fire Engine 1 arrived
APRIL MILITARY DAYS
Military Child Month
at a single-family dwelling with smoke showing from the roofline. Engine 1 pulled a pre-connect for fire attack in the garage. Centennial Engine 1 pulled a backup line. Crews were able to contain the fire to the garage.
Report laser strikes against aircraft
Laser strikes on aircraft continue to pose a serious threat to aviation safety. These strikes can cause dangerous flash blindness, disorienting pilots and increasing the risk of accidents. Such incidents are particularly hazardous for low-flying aircraft like helicopters, where the laser’s reflection can
During the Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! Day on April 15 recognizes some of the military’s most unsung heroes — their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other. Here is the Dandelion Poem in honor of them. The author is Konnor J, a 17-year-old, and it was written in April 2024.
Dandelion Poem
Dandelions put down roots almost anywhere and it is almost impossible to destroy. It is an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It is a survivor in a broad range of climates.
Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the Military, planted swiftly and surely. They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.
Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. They have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are.
create a mirror-like effect inside the cockpit.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is addressing this issue through its law enforcement assistance program (LEAP), which works with local and federal agencies to identify laser hotspots and apprehend offenders. These strikes are illegal, with penalties including up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and additional FAA fines.
Both pilots and crew should report laser strikes using the FAA’s laser beam exposure questionnaire, which can be completed online at www. faa.org. The public can also help by emailing incidents to laserreports@faa.gov.
That a good friend can be found in every corner of the world.
They learn that to survive means to adapt. That the door that closes one chapter of their life opens to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences.
Military Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
Military sexual trauma (MST) relates to sexual assault or harassment that occurred during military service. An estimated one in three female veterans and one in 50 male veterans in the VA health care system report experiencing MST. It is important to note that by percentage, women are at greater risk, but nearly 40% of veterans who disclose MST to VA are men. For more information or to seek help, contact the VA at www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/ military-sexual-trauma/ or the DAV at www.dav. org/get-help-now/veteran-topics-resources/militarysexual-trauma-mst.
Contributed
EASTER WOR SHIP
All are welcome!
welcome!
welcome!
Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Waters Lutheran Church