Runners will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early
Hundreds of local runners,
City receives update on Main Street Corridor
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — The Main Street Corridor Master Plan and the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) continues to be a topic of discussion among members of the Lino Lakes City Council and various board and committees.
The corridor, located in the northwestern corner of the city, serves as one of the many “gateways” into the city via Main Street. In total, the area encompasses roughly 980 acres. In August 2024, due to an increased interest in the development of the corridor, the City Council placed a one-year moratorium to allow time for a thorough planning process. The goals of the planning process is to guide development of the area for the future, define potential development scenarios and outline development requirements.
City Council members, city staff and multiple advisory board and committee members got together with Kimley Horn representatives Leila Bunge and Brian Adams at a special joint meeting to discuss project updates.
Lino Lakes continues search for next city administrator
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The city of Lino Lakes continues to search for its next city administrator. Currently, David Pecchia serves as the city’s interim city administrator following the resignation of Sarah Cotton, who left the city in November. Cotton served as the city’s finance director for almost five years before being selected as the city administrator in 2020.
Meg Sawyer, human resources and communications manager, provided the City Council with a timeline and the next steps in the hiring process at a City Council work session. DDA Human Resources (HR) Inc. is helping the city with its search.
Sawyer told council members that
they have from March 16-23 to watch interview videos from the group of semifinalists who were selected by DDA HR. Semifinalists will also complete a work personality index for council members to review.
“It (the work personality index) will be an observation of their strengths (and) weaknesses, so that you can take that into consideration when you’re watching their video interview,” Sawyer explained.
She added that a summary review, provided by DDA HR Management Consultant Pat Melvin, will also be provided with the interviews.
At the March 24 City Council meeting, council members will select four or five candidates for the final round of interviews.
Sawyer said that on April 15, there will
be a special meeting where the council interviews the short-listed candidates and extend an offer to one of them for the city administrator position.
Mayor Rob Rafferty raised his concerns regarding the timeline and how it lined up with other changes within City Hall, such as the Public Safety Department.
“There is a lot of things that have been moving pieces here at City Hall,” he said.
“I would hate to see a lot of progress happening within City Hall and things going in a really positive direction, to the point where we’re hiring this individual, and we are expecting them to come in and they drop the ball. I would hate to lose all that time. They’ll spend the first month trying to get themselves up to speed.”
Rafferty also brought up changing the resignation notice for city administrators.
The former director of public safety
had to give a two-week notice before their resignation, while the former city administrator had to give a 30-day notice before their resignation.
He asked city staff to consider that when a new city administrator is hired, their contract says they must provide a 60-day notice before their resignation.
“The timeline could be adjusted depending on the candidate and where they’re at and what notices they need to give,” Sawyer said. “We haven’t reviewed any contracts yet. I don’t see why we couldn’t do that.”
No formal action was taken by the City Council. It was discussion only.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
MAIN STREET: Coucil members, board and committee
Bunge said that as part of Phase 2 of the project, a second open house was hosted in February. Around 70 residents attended. She added that they received around 25 comments regarding which scenario residents preferred out of the four that were presented. (See “Main Street Corridor: Multiple possibilities” Quad Community Press, Feb. 4). Residents preferred Scenario 2.
According to Bunge, one of the reasons residents preferred Scenario 2 was because it “keeps the small community feel” even with commercial properties proposed in the development.
Adams provided visuals of what the density would look like depending on the scenario.
The Scenario 1 visual showed most of the residential and commercial density pushed up along Main Street. The visual for Scenario 2 showed an increase in density infrastructure closer to Sunset Avenue.
“As you start moving to the east, it starts moving out where we would encourage the detention and ditches to go to encourage that rural type of feeling,” Adams explained about Scenario 2.
The visual for Scenario 3 showed most of the detention along Main Street with the residential and commercial density further away from Main Street. Adams said this concept allowed more open space.
Council members and board and committee members weighed in on the different visuals proposed by Adams. Scenario 2, known as Gateway Village, was the most preferred scenario. Scenario 1, the full build-out, was the least preferred.
A third open house will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at The Rookery. More information on the Main Street Corridor can be found at mappingnwmain.com.
No formal action was taken at the meeting by any entities present. It was discussion only.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Visual
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Visual 1 (top): The Scenario 1 visual shows a majority of residential and commercial developments right along Main Street, creating more density.
2 (middle): The Scenario 2 visual shows an increase in density closer to Sunset Avenue. Scenario 2, known as Gateway Village, was the most preferred among residents.
Visual 3 (bottom): The Scenario 3 visual shows more of an open space concept; the residential and commercial buildings pushed built further away from the street.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. March 20; 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
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S CLUB FISH FRY
When: 4:30 -7:30 p.m. Fridays, March 7-April 11
Where: Church of St. Genevieve, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Contact: stgens.org/mens-club
LINO LAKES AMERICAN LEGION FISH FRY
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays, March 7-April 18
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Contact: www.linolakeslegion.com/home or call 651-783-0055
CURRENT EVENTS
FOREST BATHING
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Experience an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” with certified ANFT guide Kirsten Welge. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
‘THE BOOK CLUB PLAY’
When: March 14-23
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake
Details: Comedy performance about books and the people who love them. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
ST. JOSEPH OF THE LAKES FISH FRY
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes
Details: Dinner includes pan fried or baked cod, tomato-basil soup, roasted potatoes, green beans, creamy coleslaw, bread and more. Tickets sold at the door. Co-sponsored by the Men’s Groups and Knights of Columbus. Contact: 651-784-3015
Shake Your Shamrock
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Kelly’s Korner Bar, 7098 Centerville Road, Centerville
Details: Runners participate in a 5k or 7k hosted by the Minnesota Multisports Races. It is a St. Patrick’s Day themed run. Contact: www.mmraces.com/shake-yourshamrock
TAMARACK NATURE CENTER PHOTO CLUB
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road
Details: Independent group of photographers meet the third Saturday of every month to share and discuss images. All experience levels welcome. Contact: Tncphotoclubinfo@gmail.com
THE GOLDEN PATH SEMINAR: MOVE WITH SIMPLICITY, PURPOSE & PEACE
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Seminar provides resources to navigate the transition to downsize a home or move to senior living, facilitated by Sandy Erickson Tea, Realty Group. Snacks, refreshments, prize drawing. Contact: mnpropertiesforsale.com/info/the-goldenpath-program
COUNTY BRIEFS
Read to a dog at the
Centennial Library
Children are invited to participate in the Read to a Dog event from 4-6 p.m. Monday, March 17, at the Anoka County Library Centennial Branch. Participants can practice their reading skills in 15-minute sessions with a licensed, trained therapy dog. The program is geared toward children in kindergarten through third grade. Registration is required. To register, call 763-324-1540. The Centennial Library is located at 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines.
Adaptive teen event: Minnesota zoo mobile
The Northtown Library will host an adaptive teen event from 3:15-4 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Participants can meet a variety of animals from around the world and learn about their habitats. The event is intended for teens with a disability and their family members. Registration is required. Those interested can register online at anokacounty.libcal. com/event/13214526. The Northtown Library is located at 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine.
Church Directory
Celebrate Mass with us!
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937 761757
County partners with Granny’s Closet for donation drive
Anoka County License and Passport Centers are partnering with Granny’s Closet for a donation drive during the month of March. Donations of clothing, personal care and household items can be dropped off at the five Anoka County License and Passport Centers in Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake and Ramsey. All locations are open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesdays.
Most needs items include:
• New cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, paper towels and household cleaners.
• New/gently used bed and bath items, such as sheet sets, bath towel sets and laundry baskets.
• New personal care items, including tissues, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and hand soap.
• New kitchen items, including plates, bowls and cups.
Visit grannyscloset. org/donate to learn more.
Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am 171 Elm Street • Lino Lakes, MN • 651-784-3015
To make changes or to advertise here, call at 651-407-1200.
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OPINION
Bees
APublisher’s View Carter Johnson
fter years and years trying to keep our bees alive over winter it looks like we might have done it. My neighbor, Paul, and I share beekeeping duties and it has been a huge help as we join forces to work on the hives and other projects. I was so excited to receive a text message from a neighbor to let me know she saw honey bees in her yard. She has one of those magnificent gardens, so I am also excited that the bees are getting out to find food. With the warmer days we have seen a lot of activity around the hives. The bees fly around and do a cleansing flight and it’s noticeable when you have a base of white snow on the ground. It is an amazing feeling to be this close to having a hive make the Minnesota winter. The main thing we did differently this year is that we changed how we treat for mites and added extra insulation and wind breaks with paper leaf bags from fall clean up. We literally built a fortress around the hives to help insulate and protect them from the wind. We have always treated for mites, but this year we upgraded to a vaporizer with a Oxalic acid (wood bleach). This vaporizing treatment requires extra safety equipment such as a respirator. As we began to study and understand this vaporization style of treatment, it’s interesting to note how Europe recommends a heavier dosage for treating mites than the US. If you have extra time and are interested in taking on a new hobby, consider beekeeping. My recommendation is to partner with a friend or neighbor on the project, and then get a mentor or someone who is an experienced beekeeper who can help guide you through the process and be present during your first year. It’s also nice to share equipment. Not everybody needs a vaporizer or an extractor, as sharing among a neighborhood group is sufficient. In fact we pull a few neighbors together to spin the frames of honey on the same evening and share in the cleanup. It makes it more fun. Most cities require a permit and a small fee. They typically ask you to get neighbors’ permission on the permit. What continues to fascinate me is the more than 500 species of bees in Minnesota. Honeybees are not native to the US, and are not found regularly in the wild. When people think of bees I often hear them describe a yellowjacket or the wasps with long legs. Yellowjackets get a bad name because they are pests, and they’re also meat eaters. They love to bug you at a picnic or in your yard. They want meat, where honeybees want nectar. I rarely see our honeybees around us when we’re when we’re dining outdoors.
If you decise to jump into beekeeping, you will need to order your bees. We buy our bees from Mann Lake and Nature’s Nectar. Bees require constant weekly monitoring, but they are fascinating. Mow in May
I’m happy to see that cities have turned back No Mow May. Although the intentions were good, it has probably caused more problems in neighborhoods and communities. Cities have turned the emphasis to planting pollinator-friendly gardens, versus encouraging residents to refrain from mowing their yards. We’ve all driven through a neighborhood in the spring and noticed somebody who thought they were doing the right thing by not mowing their lawn only to cause their neighbor to double their weed and feed treatments to keep their own yard looking good. The concept is changing for a good reason. If your children have talked to you about not mowing your lawn because it’s helping the bees, get them a shovel and help them start a pollinator-friendly garden.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Lexington: A thriving community on the rise
AMovers & Shakers
Mike Murphy
s Mayor of Lexington, I am thrilled to share that our city is flourishing. The hard work and dedication of our City Staff, from public works to our Police and Fire Departments, ensure that daily operations run smoothly and that residents receive top-tier services. Whether it’s our public works team keeping streets clear after a snowstorm, first responders arriving within minutes of an emergency call, or city staff managing our dayto-day operations, the budget, and the municipal liquor store, their efforts make Lexington a great place to live. I also want to extend my gratitude to the members of our Park Board, Planning and Zoning Commissions, and my fellow City Council Members for their unwavering commitment to improving our community.
City improvements & infrastructure
Lexington Memorial Park recently underwent a much-needed bathroom remodel, bringing updated public restrooms to our residents. Looking ahead, we are planning additional park improvements for 2026 and 2027 to enhance our recreational spaces further.
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Another major city initiative is our ongoing legal proceedings regarding our interconnected water system with Blaine. In January, Lexington was in court for a weeklong trial to resolve this matter. The judge ruled favorably on two of Lexington’s motions, narrowing Blaine’s case against us. I attended every day of the trial and testified to the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for our residents. Any reduction in fire flow is unacceptable, and we are actively exploring solutions, including building our own treatment facility. We are also working with State and Federal partners to secure funding for this project to minimize costs for our residents. While we remain open to negotiating a fair long-term water agreement with Blaine, we will continue to explore all options to protect Lexington’s best interests. A final court decision is expected in June 2025, and we will provide updates as the situation progresses.
What’s ahead for Lexington
There are several exciting projects and events on the horizon:
• New city website – A revamped city website will launch in 2025, improving access to city information and services.
• Lovell Road redevelopment – Anoka County is in the early planning stages of redeveloping Lovell Road, with construction slated for 2026 or 2027. Public hearings will be announced in the coming months, offering residents
an opportunity to share feedback and ideas. Keep an eye out for postcards and big signs from the County.
• Northway Mall development
– On March 11th at 7:00 PM, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at City Hall regarding Northway Mall’s request for a planned unit development, which includes a quick-serve Chipotle restaurant and a future retail building. If you are interested and have any input or questions, please attend the hearing.
• Farmers Market – Beginning June 11th, the Farmers Market will be hosted at the Lexington Liquor store. A big thank you to the Circle Pines Lexington Lions for bringing this event to our community!
Stay connected
Community involvement is at the heart of Lexington’s success. Your voice matters, and I encourage all residents to participate in city council meetings, share feedback, and engage in shaping our city’s future. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to me at michael.murphy@cityoflexingtonmn.org.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming community events!
Mike Murphy is the mayor of Lexington.
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.
Open letter to Tom Emmer
My father enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 after Pearl Harbor. Eventually, he was a prisoner of war of the Japanese. One of my grandfathers immigrated from a part of Poland that is now part of Ukraine. The U.S. used to know that the Axis of Evil was led by countries governed by dictators and autocrats like Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and Tojo (the head of an oligarchy under Emperor Hirohito).
The U.S. government and Republicans used to stand against dictators and oligarchies in support of democracies. Now, President Trump, his administration, and the Republicans in Congress who regularly preemptively capitulate to the Trump regime, are standing on the side of oligarchs and dictators, as evidenced by the recent United Nations vote on the anniversary of the Ukraine war and the recent debacle involving President Zelenskyy (not a dictator) in
the White House, in service to Putin, for which TASS was invited for Putin’s immediate enjoyment.
The U.S. is disgracing itself internationally and has given up its leadership of the free world. When are you and fellow Republicans going to stand up for democracy again? When was patriotism and the defense of liberty against aggressive autocratic countries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran lost within the Republican party? I am begging you to use your position in
our Congress to resurrect the position of the U.S. on the world stage and stop it from being a laughingstock internationally. In their preemptive capitulation to authoritarianism and a plutocratic coup, Republicans in Congress are revealing their own hypocrisy and betraying every ideal they once held due to cowardice in the face of Elon Musk and his primary threats. You need to start thinking beyond primaries to the next general election. I cannot in
good conscience vote for you if you continue to not support democracy, the Constitution, and law and order. Republicans once supported the police. Now they permitted unleashing of the January 6 police attackers and Capitol property destroyers who can become Trump’s Brownshirts of the future. We are risking the loss.
Audrey Warrus, Lino Lakes
Centennial Robotics Team finishes 3rd in 54-team field
The Centennial High School Robotics Team, The Centurions, competed at the FIRST Robotics Northern Lights Competition and placed third overall. The team competed against 54 other teams from eight different states. The thirdplace finish is the best finish in program history, and an improvement over the team’s eighth-place finish last year at the competition.
In addition to the team performance, Andrew Abraham, a member of The Centurions, was selected as finalist for the Dean’s List award. There are several criteria for this award, including “demonstrated leadership and commitment to the FIRST Robotics Core Values and effectiveness at increasing awareness of FIRST in their school and community.” Abraham will be considered for 10 Dean’s List finalists awards that are presented at the World Championships in Houston, Texas, in April.
WEEKLY WAG
Bennie is just about a year old. He is a Labrador retriever/ German shepherd mix, and he is a lover boy. Bennie loves people of all ages, and he is social with other dogs and with cats. He weighs about 50 pounds and is house-trained, cratetrained and leashtrained.
Bennie knows his basic commands and is eager to learn and please. He likes to play fetch, and he likes car rides. Bennie is looking for a friend or family that can give him plenty of exercise and adventure. He likes going on hikes, walks and other fun outings and activities. He is curious and he likes to explore the world around him. When he’s not busy, Bennie is affectionate and likes his pets, hugs and kisses. Bennie arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local reservation. If you’re looking for a fun, loving and playful companion who will always be by your side, Bennie will be a wonderfully devoted best friend and companion.
If you are interested in learning more about Bennie 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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The Centurions finished third overall at the FIRST Robotics Northern Lights Competition in Duluth, Minnesota.
9th annual Guns N Hoses charity hockey game
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 26 to a two-vehicle property accident that occurred at the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Circle Pines.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 27 to a property damage call in the 10 block of East Road in Circle Pines. A person involved in the accident was reported to have left the scene. The case is currently under investigation.
• A firearm was located Feb. 27 in the 8900 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington. The firearm was recovered by police.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 27 for a dog bite incident that occurred in the 90 block of South Drive in Circle Pines.
• Police responded Feb. 28 to a report of a suspicious man in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington. The man was subsequently arrested for a DANCO (domestic abuse no-contact order) violation.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 28 to a report of a male panhandling in the 40 block of Central Street in Circle Pines. Officers located the male, who was advised he was not wanted at the location. The male left.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 28 to a report of theft from motor vehicle that occurred in the 1700 block of Center Street in Centerville. There are no known suspects at the time of publication.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 28 on a report of mail theft that occurred in the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington.
• Police took a walk-in report March 1 of damage to property that occurred in the 4100 block of Lovell Road.
• Officers responded March 2 to an animal complaint in the 600 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines.
• Police responded March 3 to a report of shots fired in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington.
• Police responded March 3 to a report of a property damage hit-and-run that occurred in the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville.
• Officers took a walk-in report March 4 regarding suspicious activity in the 800 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• While on patrol Feb. 25 an officer arrested an adult male driver on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in the 900 block of Ash Street. The driver was ultimately
issued a citation for careless driving and driving after cancellation.
• An officer responded Feb. 25 to a report of suspicious activity in the 6200 block of Coyote Trail. The caller requested the officer document the incident but did not need additional assistance.
• An officer responded Feb. 25 to a report of a missing person in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer received a report Feb. 25 of a dog at large in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive. The officer identified the owner, who was issued a citation for the violation.
• An officer responded Feb. 25 to a public assist request regarding old police equipment in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway. The resident was advised of options for disposal.
• Officers responded Feb. 25 to a report of theft that occurred in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded Feb. 25 to a possible ordinance violation in the 800 block of Old Birch Street. The officer spoke to the complainant, who requested the information only be documented at this time.
• An officer responded Feb. 26 to a report of an attempted scam in the 1300 block of Hunters Ridge. The officer provided the caller with information to prevent fraud.
• Officers responded Feb. 26 to a report of suspicious activity in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The incident was documented.
• Officers responded Feb. 26 to a report of damage to property at the intersection of Robinson Drive and Morell Drive. There is no suspect information at this time.
• Officers responded Feb 26 to a report of a possible theft in the 6400 block of Lakota Trail. The officers investigated and determined there was no crime.
• While on patrol Feb. 26 an officer observed a suspicious vehicle at a business in the 400 block of Apollo Drive after hours. The officer arrested an adult male on an outstanding warrant.
• A community service officer was dispatched Feb. 27 to an animal complaint in the 7100 block of Snow Owl Lane. The officer spoke with a resident who agreed to abide by the city ordinance.
• An officer responded Feb. 27 to a report of a suspicious person in the 6400 block of Lakota Trail. The officer spoke with the involved parties and determined no crime had occurred.
• An officer responded Feb. 28 to a report of online harassment in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway.
The officer determined no crime occurred and provided the complaint with options to help them with the situation.
• An officer investigated a stop arm violation Feb. 28 in the 6700 block of 21st Avenue S. The officer was unable to identify the driver based on the information provided.
• An officer was informed March 1 by a passerby of a tree that was at risk of falling and that could possibly block the roadway in the 8100 block of Rondeau Lake Road E. The officer located the tree and determined it was not currently a hazard but referred the information to public works personnel to assess further.
• While on patrol March 1, an officer stopped a vehicle in the 8000 block of Lake Drive because the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. The adult male driver was ultimately arrested and booked at jail for numerous violations.
• An officer responded March 2 to a report of an abandoned vehicle parked on the road in the 6500 Whitetail Trail. The officer spoke with the owner of the vehicle, who agreed to move it.
• While on patrol March 2, officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Deerwood Lane and Birch Street and found suspected drugs. The drugs were confiscated for destruction and the driver was released from the scene.
• An officer responded March 3 to a report of identity theft in the 200 block of Rosewood Street. The officer documented the incident.
• While on patrol March 3, an officer located an unoccupied stolen vehicle from another city in the 500 block of Apollo Drive. The reporting agency was notified, and the vehicle was towed.
• Officers responded March 3 to a report of a potential impaired driver in the 7500 block of Lake Drive. The officers located the vehicle, had the driver perform field sobriety tests and found the driver was not impaired.
• An officer responded March 3 to a report of a house sitter locked out of a home in the 6600 block of Enid Trail. The officer attempted to contact the homeowner but was unsuccessful.
LINO LAKES SNIPPETS
• Interim City Administrator David Pecchia informed council that city staff are working toward new hiring and promotional policies and processes for the Lino Lakes Police Department. He added that staff are also in the process of assigning budgetary effects to the proposed structure changes for the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department that were proposed by Citygate earlier this year.
• The council received an update regarding the proposed Public Works Facility. Michael Grochala, community development director, suggested that the council consider putting out bids for a construction manager for the project rather than requesting bids from general contractors. A construction manager would be responsible for helping the city plan and schedule the project, while a general contractor would be responsible for the execution of project plans once construction begins.
• Interim Public Safety Director Curt Boehme provided the council with the fourth-quarter public safety department update. Boehme said that additional categories were added to this quarter’s update, such as the number of traffic stops and business checks performed. Also included in the update was a more in-depth look at the investigation unit and its activities.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 24.
Madeline Dolby
COMMUNITY BRIEF
City of Blaine sponsors recycling drop-off day
The city of Blaine will sponsor a recycling drop-off day from 8 a.m.noon Saturday, March 15, at Recycle Technologies, 1525 99th Lane NE, Blaine. Participants do not need to be Blaine residents to bring items to the drop-off day.
Items accepted for recycling include appliances, electronics, rechargeable batteries, shredding paper and more. For more information, go to www.blainemn.gov/306/MonthlyRecycling-Saturdays.
Peltier Island blue heron nest counts show colony increase
The number of great blue herons on Peltier Island is on the rise.
During the summer of 2022, the herons built 187 nests, a decrease compared to the 199 nests counted in 2021. A nest count was not completed in 2023 due to unstable ice conditions. This year, they built 301 nests, or 102 more than in 2022.
There were about 40 additional smaller-sized or incomplete nests that were counted but not included in the total nest count. Nest counts are made in the winter to avoid disturbances of the herons and to easily see the nests.
Ten volunteers went out to Peltier Island for this year’s protection and survey effort for the great blue heron and great egret. Volunteers John Sullivan, Teresa O’Connell, Marty Asleson, Barbara Bor and Wayne LeBlanc conducted the blue heron nest count. Thomas Hoffman (Lino Lakes), Quin Palar (Anoka County Parks), John Morrison, Russ Birkholz and Kevin Fitzpatrick added metal flashing to trees containing nests.
The metal flashing protects almost all the nests there now from possible predatory raccoons. In the spring, the herons usually move nests around, scavenging from old nests and creating new ones from new material; in the process, some nests may move to unprotected trees.
Three protections need to continue to encourage the continued improvements: The no-wake zone established by Anoka Parks, the city of Lino Lakes, the city of Centerville and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and others, which keeps high-speed boat traffic away from the herons’ nesting areas; metal flashing on nesting trees and bridge trees, which reduce predation; and signs posted around the island to keep people off the land so nesting birds of all kinds are free of human disturbance.
For more information about Peltier Island, go to www.PeltierLake.org.
Wayne LeBlanc and the Chain of Lakes Rotary.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF CENTERVILLE COUNTY OF ANOKA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR CITY GRANT PROGRAM TO ADDRESS INFLOW & INFILTRATION TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Centerville will be meeting and requesting input from residents effected by this proposed project on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the City of Centerville, Council Chamber, 1880 Main Street, Centerville, MN 55038 commencing at 6:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter to consider input regarding the draft Guidelines for City Grant Program to Address Inflow & Infiltration to the Sanitary Sewer System on Private Property.
A draft of the guidelines are available in the Clerk’s office and can be obtained Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in person, via email or delivered via U.S. Postal service upon request. Please contact the City Clerk at (651) 792-7933 or via email at: tbender@centervillemn.com.
Teresa Bender, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 11, 2025. CITY OF CENTERVILLE COUNTY OF ANOKA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED MUNICIPAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (2025 THIN MILL & OVERLAY) AFFECTING THE FOLLOWING STREETS:
• SHAD AVENUE from Main Street North to Fox Run
• BRIAN DRIVE south from Main Street to 150’ north of Brian Court
• HERITAGE STREET from Centerville Road to Lamotte Drive
• LAMOTTE DRIVE from Heritage Street to the west City Limits
• CENTER STREET from Centerville Road east to Dupre Road
• All of TOURVILLE CIRCLE
• All of OAK CIRCLE
• PHEASANT LANE from Center Street to 280’ north of Partridge Place
• DUPRE ROAD from 200’ south of Center St. to 200’ north of Center St.
• All of PELTIER CIRCLE
• OLD MILL ROAD from City Limits to 320’ north of Revoir Street
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Centerville will be meeting and requesting input from residents effected by this proposed project on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the City of Centerville, Council Chamber, 1880 Main Street, Centerville, MN 55038 commencing at 6:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter to consider making the improvements pursuant to Minnesota Statute §429.011 to 429.111. The areas proposed to be assessed for such improvements are stated above. The estimated costs of the improvements are as follows: $647,797 city funding and $138,689 special assessments.
A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.
Teresa Bender, City Clerk
Published in the Quad Community Press on March 11 & March 18, 2025.
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES
ORDINANCE NO. 170 (SECOND SERIES) (ORDINANCE SUMMARY)
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING A FRANCHISE EXTENSION AGREEMENT
The above-referenced Ordinance extends the non-exclusive cable television franchise through June 30, 2030, maintaining the existing terms and conditions between the City of Circle Pines and Comcast of Minnesota Inc. This extension does not waive any legal rights under Section 626 of the Federal Cable Act, ensuring Comcast retains its ability to seek formal franchise renewal. All prior agreements between Comcast and the North Metro Telecommunications Commission remain in effect as long as Comcast continues operating under the franchise, which neither party may terminate before renewal. Aside from the extension, all other franchise provisions remain unchanged.
This summary is adopted pursuant to Minn. Stat. §412.191, Subd. 4.
A printed copy of the entire Ordinance is available for inspection and copying at the Circle Pines City Hall located at 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, Minnesota.
Dated: March 4, 2025
Patrick Antonen, City Administrator
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 11, 2025.
Ten volunteers went out to Peltier Island for this year’s protection and survey effort of the great blue herons and great egrets of Peltier Lake Island. From left: Wayne LeBlanc, Teresa O’Connell, Russ Burkholz, John Morrison, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Tom Hoffman, Marty Asleson, Quinn Palar, Barbara Bor and John Sullivan.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The volunteers counted 301 Blue Heron nests along with an additional 40 smaller sizes or incomplete nests.
• The postman rang twice for the Centerville City Council, after it left off a key piece of a road improvement resolution it passed at the Feb. 12 meeting. At that earlier meeting, council unanimously approved a resolution accepting the feasibility report for the 2025 thin overlay street improvements, as well as the rescheduling of its public improvement hearing for March 26. To conform to Minnesota Statute Chapter 429 requirements for projects that will levy special assessments for improvement projects, council must also pass a resolution ordering the improvements and authorizing the preparations of plans and specifications. This resolution must be passed either in conjunction with the acceptance of the feasibility report and public improvement hearing order, or as a separate action. Council didn’t complete this second step the first time but quickly took care of that item with unanimous approval (4-0; Council Member Darrin Mosher was absent).
Now that council has officially ordered the improvements and authorized the plans and specifications, the city is now ready to complete the next action on the street improvement timetable – to hold the public hearing on March 26. Improvements with the thin asphalt overlay in 2025 are expected to include areas of Lamotte Drive and Heritage Street, west of Centerville Road; Center Oaks 1st Addition (Center Street west of Dupre, Tourville Circle, Oak Circle, Pleasant Lane); Brian Drive (Main Street to Brian Court); Peltier Circle; Old Mill Road (north Of Renoir Street) and Shad Avenue.
• As the city is in the middle of sorting out how it will get its work done, council approved the hiring of the new public works technician. After receiving 11 applications for the position and interviewing candidates for two weeks, the city hired Caleb Molitor for the job. The
city sent a conditional offer of employment to Molitor, who accepted. Molitor will be hired with a starting wage at Pay Grade 6, Step 4, which is $30.40 per hour. His compensation is already covered in the 2025 budget, with the cost split among the general fund/public works, sewer, water and storm utilities funds. Molitor is expected to start work on March 24.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission has spent the past several months reviewing the Downtown Master Plan Guidelines to bring them into alignment with the City Code and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The commission’s proposed changes to the Downtown Master Plan would reduce density, reduce building height and clarify language surrounding parking requirements, all to clear up discrepancies among the city’s three planning documents. These revisions include limiting the maximum building height in the M-2 zoning district to a maximum of 35 feet, or two stories, and changing a parking requirement to include one parking spot per apartment in appropriate zones. Council tabled action to invite the Planning and Zoning Commission to further discuss parking and other possible changes.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission has spent the past several months reviewing the zoning code to make it consistent with all the other city documents, such as the Downtown Master Plan and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The zoning code for the LaLonde property has once been changed, and now it has been changed back to its original density to be consistent with the other planning documents. Interim City Administrator Athanasia Lewis noted other changes to the City Code. The amendments include definition changes to fabrication, assembly and automotive detailing, as well as the addition of zones for retail sales of cannabis. After a discussion, council conducted the
first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 156 of City Code and the table of allowed uses. This item will be brought back to council at a future meeting for final approval.
• St. Genevieve’s Women’s Group Bingo will be held at the church on May 3, now that council approved a temporary gambling permit. Proceeds from the bingo event will be forwarded to local food shelves and to Alexandra House.
• The Lions Club Cadillac Dinner at St. Genevieve’s Parish Center will also move forward as planned, after council approved a special event permit, temporary liquor license and raffle permit. The Lions also requested the application fees be waived, and they were. The annual event, scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. April 20, has taken place for many years without incident. Public safety agencies, as well as the public works department, were also advised of the event and had no concerns. Some 150 people are expected to attend the annal Cadillac Dinner.
• Kellie Schlegel, PE, of Stantec has been serving the city since 2017, and now she is the designated city engineer. With the departure of City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz, Schlegel will take over the duties of designated city engineer. She, or a delegate, will attend all City Council meetings in 2025 at no charge to the city. Her travel time and mileage, as well as her meeting time during the transition period, will be at no charge to the city. Also, with the change in her role as official city engineer, her rate will be reduced moving forward, as is typical in communities where Stantec serves as city engineer.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
Loretta Harding
Rice Creek Watershed District offers funding
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) has funding available for residents in Circle Pines who are interested in purchasing and planting native plants in their yards or along their shorelines. Native plants are a great alternative to traditional landscaping due to their inherent properties of providing habitat and food for pollinators and stormwater infiltration.
Residents can explore funding options and apply for a grant at www. ricecreek.org/grants/. If you have questions, contact Grants and Outreach Technician Molly Nelson at mnelson@ ricecreek.org.
Registration for Blaine Safety Camp opens March 31
Registration for the Blaine Safety Camp will open Monday, March 31. The camp is open to incoming fourth graders who reside in the Blaine area. The two-day event is held each year in the summer. The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-BlaineMounds View (SBM) Fire Department and Blaine Parks and Recreation co-sponsor the program, which teaches kids how to be safe in their daily lives. Students will spend two days learning skills necessary to avoid injury and cope with emergency situations. The camp will take place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14. at the SBM Fire Station No. 3 located in Blaine. To register, go to blainemn. gov/4032/Safety-Camp.
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E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Shuhbauer earns points at state for Cougars
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Benno Schuhbauer, Centennial sophomore swimmer, scored points in two events at the state Class AA meet on Saturday, after winning both events at Section 7AA a week earlier.
Schuhbauer placed 12th in the 200 freestyle in 1:44.39, and 13th in the 100 backstroke in 52.40, at the University of Minnesota. The top 16 earn team points. He placed 13th in prelims Friday in both events, in 1:44.88 and 52.60.
For the record, he earned nine points to put Centennial in 32nd place. Edina was team champion.
The Cougars placed second in the section meet at Coon Rapids and had state qualifiers in four events.
Cougar Coach Pete Crawford was named section Coach of the Year in recognition of the team’s strong season, placing second in both the conference and section.
Schuhbauer won the section 200 freestyle in 1:45.72 and backstroke in 52.60. Both were school records, which he lowered at state.
The 200-freestyle team of Eliot Shepard, Sawyer Celotta, Grant Page and Joseph Murray took second in 1:30.07 in the section. They were 17th at state with 1:29.15.
Caleb Cregan qualified for standard in the 100 backstroke with 54.31 for fourth place. At state he didn’t make the top 16.
The top three teams at the section were Duluth East with 501 points, Centennial 357 and Anoka 328.
The other two Cougar relays
Cougar girls lose in section finals
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
A three-pointer at the buzzer lifted Anoka to a 47-44 win over Centennial for the Section 7AAAA girls basketball championship Thursday evening at Anoka.
Anoka, after a time out with four seconds left, got the ball to Drew Pederson, whose shot from outside the arc skimmed the front rim and back rim, caromed about three feet in the air and dropped through the net.
CORRECTION
Centennial made a huge play to tie the game with eight seconds left. Anoka had the ball and the lead, but a trap by Amelia Delmedico and Autumn McCall resulted in Delmedico making the steal and getting the ball to McCall, who drove for an uncontested layup to tie the score.
Those were the last two of McCall’s 1,348 career points. The St. Thomas recruit had 29 in the game while Anoka held the rest of the squad to 15, seven of them by Sydney Schmitz.
placed third. The medley with Cregan, Sawyer Celotta, Page and Murray in 1:39.94, and the 400 free with Page, Isaac Nguyen, Cregan and
Hampering the No. 2 seeded Cougars, who led 20-17 at halftime, was poor three-point shooting as they were 1-for-17.
The top-seeded Tornadoes (20-8) had Lauren Kuyon with15 points and Pederson and Madin Freking with 12 each.
The two NWSC teams had two close games. Anoka won 53-49 earlier. Centennial officially finished 8-31 with nine wins forfeited for inadvertent use of an ineligible transfer player.
In recent edition of the Quad Community Press, there was an error regarding scores. It should have read “Osland placed eighth all-around among 24 entrants with an all-around score of 36.375 and eighth on floor exercise with 9.35… She was 12th on beam (9.20) and 13th on vault (9.425).” Press apologizes for the error.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Tristan Hanson
Centennial Basketball March 11, 2025
Tristan Hanson emerged as a strong scorer for the Cougar basketball team this season. The 6-foot-5 junior is averaging 16 points per game and nine rebounds. In two section wins last week, he totaled 42 points and 24 rebounds. “He’s really become dominant in the low post, while being a threat from the outside as well,” Coach Spencer Walvogel stated. “He’s also been one of the best defenders in the conference, being top-five in blocked shots.” Hanson and the Cougars (15-13) will play for the section title in Anoka on Thursday evening.
Schuhbauer in a school record 3:18.5. Also placing third were Murray in the 50 free (22.34) and Page in the butterfly (57.06).
Cougar boys face Anoka in section finals
The Centennial boys basketball team will duel top-seeded Anoka for the Section 7AAAA championship at 7 p.m. on Thursday in Anoka. The Cougars won their section opener against the Forest Lake Rangers 62-51 at home Wednesday. Tristan Hanson led with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jackson Driessen added 13 points, Marshawn Carlvin eight and Zach Espinosa had seven.
The No. 3 seeded Cougars edged the No. 2 Blaine Bengals 59-56 in the semifinals on Saturday at Anoka. Hanson logged 24 points and 13 rebounds. Driessen sank 19 points and made five assists. Jacob Hosfield snagged 13 rebounds.
The Cougars had split with Blaine (16-12) in conference play. They lost to Anoka (22-6) in their lone conference matchup 75-65.
Retiring? Downsizing? Or thinking about buying or selling your home?
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Benno Schuhbauer, shown here in a home meet, got Centennial on the scoreboard at the state meet.
