Centerville Lions put on annual fishing contest
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
Hundreds of anglers will gather on Centerville Lake and try their luck on the ice during the annual Centerville Lions ice fishing contest Saturday, Feb. 15. This year, the Centerville Lions contest celebrates 40 years.
Lion Katie Hogan has helped plan the event for 15 years. Hogan and her husband, Ron, got FILE Two contestants catch a fish. SEE ICE FISHING CONTEST, PAGE 5
Former ‘Survivor’ contestant forms alliances on
‘The Traitors’
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
“I don’t think of myself as a celebrity,” said former “Survivor” contestant Carolyn Wiger. “I think of myself as someone who was on “Survivor,” was a fan favorite, and that’s really it.”
While Wiger, a Hugo resident, occasionally reflects on her past stint on reality television, she doesn’t consider herself famous. Although she previously appeared on Season 42 of the show, Wiger prefers to be seen locally, helping those who, like her, have struggled with addiction by doing pep talks and guest speakerled sessions.
This year, Wiger brings her down-to-earth charm as one of the competitors in the Season 3
SEE ‘THE TRAITORS’, PAGE 2
The Citizen recently visited Hugo to learn more about who locals will be spending Valentine’s Day with.
Shannon Granholm
Heavy Lifting for You!
‘THE TRAITORS’: Hugo resident competing in season 3 of reality TV show
premiere of “The Traitors.” The show, filmed in Scotland, is a reality show where contestants become the titular “traitors,” working together to eliminate others for a grand prize. Press Publications spoke to Wiger about her time on the show and how she enjoys being herself as much as possible,
whether the cameras are rolling or not.
Q: How did you get involved in this season of “The Traitors”?
A: They (NBC) just reached out to me. This was completely unexpected, because they chose people from the world of “Survivor” in the previous two seasons, but it was people who’ve been two-time winners or played multiple times. When I got the call, I was like, “What, why me?” just because I had only played once and on a fairly new season of “Survivor.” I wasn’t expecting it.
Q: What personal qualities would you say helped you the best during your time on the show?
A: I think it was my personality. I’m very okay with being myself, and in a world where a lot of people are afraid to be themselves on TV, I don’t get scared about doing it. I don’t filter what I say, and I don’t filter who I am. I have a very quirky personality, and I’m not the same as a lot of people who
are very articulate, wellspoken and put-together. I wear my heart on my sleeve, I’m very emotional and I’m okay with it. I’m okay with the mistakes I make, and I think a lot of that is relatable. I spoke openly about my addiction and made real bonds on the show. I don’t ever want anybody to look at me and think that I’ve got it all together.
Q: How did you feel about the near-constant surveillance that was on the set?
A: I don’t care about that; they can film me all day. It’s not like “Survivor,” where they’re always right there in your business. This felt different, even though I’m very okay and comfortable with them being right there. I don’t think of myself as a celebrity, even though there were a lot of well-known people that were on there who were also traitors. Not knowing who a lot of them were helped me think, “I’m not going to act any different around you,” or anything like that, so it helped.
Q: How did you mentally prepare for the sense of psychological pressure that comes with playing “The Traitors”?
A: As far as mental preparedness, these games are always going to be very emotional for me. I never look at them as just games, and that’s how I’m able to play so well. We’re human beings, and this isn’t chess. I was chosen to be a traitor, and it’s like, “Everyone wants to be a traitor!” But I didn’t expect my role as a traitor to be hard. To my core, I am honest and empathetic. It’s very hard for me to do what I did, even if I don’t know who these people are. When you’re pretending to murder people, that’s the game. People put a lot aside to get there, and of course, they want to be in the game. I know it’s the game to vote people out, but being in that role of traitor, it was harder than I thought.
Q: Do you see yourself doing more shows akin to “The Traitors” in the future?
A: Absolutely; I just don’t know what. I have a loud personality, but I always tell people that I’m not an attention-seeker. I do a lot on social media that helps with my income. I do my life coaching sessions and cameos, and I’m able to stay relevant that way. “Survivor” was truly a once-in-lifetime (experience), and I had never been to Scotland. These are incredible experiences where I get to meet people that I would never in my life ever meet. Who knows what’s next?
To learn more about Wiger and book sessions, visit her website at www.carolynwiger. com.
Erik Suchy is a staff writer for Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him by email at lowdownnews@ presspubs.com or by phone at 651-407-1229.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Valentines Weekend Comedy Show
When: 6:30 & 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Running Aces, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Forest Lake
Details: Comedy show with Adrain Washington and James Stanley; hosted by Ali Normann.
Ticket information online.
Contact: runaces.com
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 & 20; 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
TAMARACK NATURE CENTER PHOTO CLUB
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Lake
Details: Share and discuss photography images in this private club. All experience levels welcome. Contact: tncphotoclubinfo@gmail.com
CURRENT EVENTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2482 County Road F E., White Bear Lake
Details: 20+ farmers and vendors sharing locallygrown food and crafted items and gifts. Most booths inside; firepit and hot cider outdoors. Contact: forksinthedirt.com/winter-farmers-market
AUTHOR VISIT
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake
Details: Book signing with Minnesota’s first female lieutenant governor, Marlene Johnson, author of ‘Rise to the Challenge’.
Contact: 651-426-0918
WINTER WILDLIFETRACKING
When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 & 15
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Explore the winter landscape with a certified wildlife tracker and learn to distinguish tracks and
NOTES
• The school board reviewed and accepted its internal audit for 2024.
James Eichten, representing MMKR, an accounting firm which has now merged with LB Carlson, presented the report. “It is a requirement that the district have an annual financial statement prepared,” said Eichten. The report issued an “unmodified,” or clean, opinion of the district’s finances.
• Of the numerous standards tested, the audit found one deficiency in the district’s financial re-
signs of wildlife. Registration information online/ Contact: anokacountyparks.com
WOMEN’S SNOWSHOEING
When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Learn or practice in a women-only class. Equipment provided. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
ON THE ROAD TO SAFER SENIORS DRIVING
When: 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10
Where: White Bear Lake Police Dept., 4701 Hwy 61 (3rd Street entrance near Miller St.)
Details: Class led by Joanie Somes of the MN Emergency Nurses Association addresses awareness, information and resources to increase safety for older drivers. Coffee and donuts provided. Sponsored by WBL TRIAD.
Contact: triadwbl@gmail.com
WINTERFEST
When: Feb. 12-16
Where: Activities will take place in Centerville, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Circle Pines
Details: New community-wide event with contests, games and activities for people of all ages to get out and support local businesses. See schedule of events online.
Contact: centennialareachamber.com
LEARN TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI
When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Beginner-friendly class to learn basic skills. Registration information online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: URBAN FOXES & COYOTES
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
PREMIER WORLD DISCOVERY TRAVEL SHOW
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb 13
Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F
Details: Enjoy an educational presentation with highlights of upcoming trips and details of traveling with Premier World Travel.
Contact: 651-653-3124
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA MEETING
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
Where: Zoom
Details: Presentation by Doug Niemela, executive director of H2O for Life. Meeting link on website. Contact: lwv-wbla.org
HORSESHOES ON ICE
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: White Bear Lake VFW, 4496 Lake Avenue S. Details: Two person teams can participate in the annual fundraiser. Sign up from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Contact: 651-426-4944
WINE CHEESE AND SOME CHOCOLATE
When: noon, 1:30 & 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood
Details: Tasting journey of wines paired with local cheeses and sweets. Tickets online. Contact: 7vinesvineyard.com
WEEKLY WAG
Oso is a beautiful, sweet, gentle German shepherd/husky mix. He is about 2 1/2 years old and weighs 60 pounds. Oso loves spending time with his people, especially outside. He would do great joining a forever family that is active in outdoor activities. But when he is not playing outside, snuggling up and napping on the couch suits him just fine.
Oso arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local shelter. He can be a bit shy and timid when he first meets new people, but warms up once he feels comfortable. He is also social with other dogs and enjoys playing. Oso is house-trained and knows some of his basic commands, but he would do well in a formal training program. He is still working on kennel training but enjoys being with his people much more than being in his kennel. Oso would love to find a forever family that will be patient and understanding while he gains his confidence. If you are interested in learning more about Oso 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.
porting. The issue had to do with a change in policy of the district’s reporting of capital assets. “There was some turnover in district staff in that space during that part of our audit year, which is probably primarily the reason for that finding.”
• Eichten then reported that the two findings from last year’s audit, relating to collateral on the district’s bank accounts and advertisement for bids for a particular contract, had been corrected.
• Eichten drew the
board’s attention to an unassigned fund balance expenditures percentage of 7.5%, reminding them that the district’s policy is to aim for 8%. Because the audit period ended in June 2024, however, Eichten surmised that the district has already had budgetary presentations on this matter. Indeed, Director of Finance Andi Johnson presented an adjusted budget last December that would maintain an ideal 8% balance.
The White Bear Lake Area School Board next meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at 4855 Bloom Ave. for its monthly board meeting. The public may also livestream the meeting from isd624.org/ about/school-board/meeting-materials. Starting in March 2025, the board plans to move its meetings to the new District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake.
Logan Gion
WHITE BEAR LAKE SCHOOL BOARD
30 the new 50?
My biggest fear has always been having to go through what my dad went through. My dad was healthy as can be until he was in his 30s. He was a marathoner and bungee jumper and then everything changed. He was diagnosed with type I diabetes and got all the complications that come with that.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
You know the health history form you have to fill out every time you go to the doctor? I have to check pretty much all of those boxes, because you name it, he had it. Everything from heart disease, kidney disease, gastroparesis, hydrocephalus, neuropathy. He had a colostomy bag and eventually became a double amputee.
I can’t tell you how many times I watched my dad get taken away in an ambulance, or how many times he spent weeks, or even months, in the hospital. I’ve seen him in a coma more than once, and he had so many surgeries you can’t even count them all.
At the age of 55, my dad went into the hospital and never came back out. I spent hours by his bedside just praying he would pull through, open his eyes and talk to me again. That never happened. He died right before Christmas. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write was his obituary.
This year marks nine years since we said goodbye.
I’ve been healthy up until this point. Earlier this year I went in for a routine physical. I was expecting to be grilled about putting on weight since having my son Royce, but I was shocked, and devastated, when pretty much all my labs came back in the “prediabetic” range.
I couldn’t help but feel like I’m following right in my father’s footsteps. I understand that there are lifestyle changes you can make to try to make a difference, but I wonder how much of it comes down to my genes and everything I’ve been predisposed to. Most people have these types of conversations with their doctors in their 50s not their 30s.
Since having my son Royce I was so focused on getting my mental health back on track. I was finally in a place where I felt like I was doing great mentally and then I received that news. Who has time to think about their health, when they are so focused on everyone else’s health?
Now I’m trying to wrap my head around what all of this means and make smart decisions about what I eat, drink and do with my body. These days my breakfast consists of yogurt; my lunch is carrots (and maybe an apple) and I never know what to do about dinner. Exciting right?
Since that doctor appointment I have lost nearly 30 pounds. I know I should be proud of myself for accomplishing that, but I can’t help but feel like I have such a long way to go. With my competitive skating season on the Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team coming to an end, I will have to find new ways to stay active.
This was incredibly hard to write and share with the public. If you made it this far, thanks for reading.
It is all so overwhelming. But if I learned anything from my dad it is to persevere and not give up. I’m praying that by doing what I can now, I will be around to watch my son grow up.
Shannon Granholm is the managing editor of Press Publications.
Nurture your green thumb with aloe
Winter can be a struggle for Minnesota gardeners as we long to get our shovels back in the dirt. A great way to stay in touch with your green thumb when the skies are gray, and the ground is frozen is to take care of houseplants. One of my favorite indoor plants, and an easy plant for beginners to grow, is aloe. There are more than 400 species of aloe to choose from with the most popular being aloe vera. A large and beautiful plant with big thick leaves, aloe vera has a temperament that’s amenable to forgetfulness. It also propagates quickly and easily, making it a perfect choice to spread throughout your house or to share with friends.
to people and animals due to the presence of anthraquinone glycoside. Aloin can cause minor skin irritation if touched or abdominal cramping and diarrhea if ingested.
Aloe plants evolved in subSaharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which are hot, dry regions with long stretches of drought conditions. This is why it’s a great plant for beginning gardeners – it can thrive with neglect. However, aloe does have a few basic requirements for successful growing.
Aloe Care Tips
• Use a well-draining succulent mix when planting or repotting. This allows the roots to dry out quickly and completely between waterings.
• Choose a pot that is only an inch or two larger than the plant. If there is too much soil in the pot, moisture can cling to the excess soil and potentially cause root rot.
• Place your aloe in bright but indirect light, such as in the middle of a well-lit room or in a shaded window. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
• Repot new aloe shoots when they reach a height of four to six inches. In addition to having more plants, you’ll ensure that your mother plant isn’t overcrowded, which can reduce airflow and encourage disease.
Aloe plants are visually interesting, low maintenance and easy to acquire from fellow gardeners, greenhouses or home improvement stores. Even if you’ve struggled with houseplants in the past, give aloe a try – it will help chase away the winter blues, and you might find your thumb turning green before spring arrives.
Tim Newcomb is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension. Gardener’s
Originating from southern Africa, aloe vera has long been used for its medicinal properties. The clear gel, which comes from scraping the insides of the leaves, is used to treat burns and minor skin abrasions. It’s important to note that whole aloe leaves also contain aloin, a latex-like substance, which is mildly toxic
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• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Avoid overwatering, which is detrimental to aloe. Every few weeks or so, check the plant’s moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait to water. This is true even if the leaves are brown. If brown leaves occur and the soil is wet, make sure the plant has the proper type and amount of dirt and the proper amount of light.
THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and 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.
Anxious to start planning your 2025 garden? Save the date for Anoka County Extension Master Gardeners Home Landscape and Garden Fair, Saturday April 12, 2025, at Bunker Hills Activity Center in Andover. Check our website for more information https://anokamastergardeners. org/
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
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• 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 citizennews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
ICE FISHING CONTEST: Centerville Lions’ event celebrates 40 years
involved in helping with the event through a good friend, Lion Lynn Johnson.
“He brought us into it and wanted us to be a part of it,” Hogan explained. “At the ice fishing contest, you could just see how much fun people had when they were out there, how it brought the community together and we enjoyed that part of it. We thought ‘Gosh, it’s fun to collect all the donations and see everybody come together.’”
In 2022, Hogan helped plan the event with Lion Nancy Johnson, Lynn’s wife. Now Hogan is co-chair of the event and helps plan it with her husband, who is also a Lion and chair of the fishing contest.
Tickets to participate in the contest will be sold on the lake starting at 9 a.m. The contest will officially begin at 11 a.m. Prizes will be given to participants who catch the first 40 fish.
“The first half an hour, 45 minutes, is crazy because everybody is running,” said Hogan. “The first 40 fish that are caught get a prize and so, they’re (the participants) running up as fast as they can to the ice shack.”
Participants will be able to fish until
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
the final weigh-in takes place at 2 p.m.
“Everybody is super excited to be there,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Usually, volunteers will drill more than 1,000 holes around Centerville Lake where participants can set up. Volunteers get a hole to fish at for free for their help.
“People hear that it’s something that is fun, and everybody is super friendly. I think that’s the biggest part of it,” Hogan said when asked why she believes the contest is so popular.
There will be a cash raffle, door prizes and goody bags for kids who attend. Booya, chili, hot dogs and more will be available for purchase, too. Portable ice houses, personal coolers, and glass containers are not allowed on the lake.
“It’s a privilege,” Hogan said about what it means for the Lions to host the fishing contest for 40 years. “It’s an honor to be able to do it. If it wasn’t for this (the contest), we wouldn’t be able to give and serve in our community the way that we do.”
She added that with the money made from the fishing contest the Lions are able to purchase books for the elementary school, help families in need and
• The City Council has adopted a leadership transition plan to aid in substantial changes to its leadership. (See page 11 for more information.)
• At a previous meeting, council reviewed a proposed project to lower the normal water level of a backyard drainage pond at 6996 Brian Drive. Council was presented with estimated project costs and an assessment scenario. The consensus was to move forward pending a review of permitting requirements and engineering issues. Staff now has determined that no watershed permit would be necessary for the work and that there are no adverse effects on downstream ponds. Staff requested direction to move forward with the procurement of assessment waivers from the affected property owners. If the city can obtain waivers from those proposed for assessments, staff will contract for the work to be approved at an upcoming meeting. Council unanimously directed staff to request waivers of assessment appeal from neighboring properties. If attempts to obtain waivers fail, staff will return to council for direction.
• Though it is difficult to envision flowering trees in winter, city staff is keeping its Fiore Tree project in front of them. At present, there is no contract in place to ensure continuation of the place-making project council approved at its Sept. 11 meeting. Council directed staff to keep going with the project and to return with a proposal. The Fiore Tree is a metal sculpture of a tree with a hanging floral basket that would expend approximately $25,000 of park dedication funds and additional Economic Development Authority (EDA) funds, if necessary. The place-making effort is one of council’s strategic plan goals.
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more. Typically, she said that the Lions raise anywhere between $10,000 to $15,000.
For more information about the fishing contest, visit the Centerville Lions Facebook page.
• Following one of President Donald Trump’s early executive orders, city staff realized that an infrastructure financing piece in President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act may no longer be available to the city to help finance the installation of solar panels on City Hall and the Fire Station. That could mean that the city might not receive the infrastructure tax credit of $35,250 and might have to pay that money or delay the project. The total funding needed to install the solar panels is $117,500: $70,500 was to come from the solar on public buildings grant, $35,250 from the tax credit and $11,750 from city operating funds. Mouli Vaidyanathan of SolarPod urged the city not to pause the project. Council voted 4-1 (Council Member David Kubat opposed) to let staff work out a deal with SolarPod that would establish a pause that could reasonably be accommodated and not risk more than $35,000. Alternatively, the city would just move forward with the project.
• The Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition (MCSC), of which Centerville is a member, works with regulators to ensure they understand the implication of proposed stormwater rules on cities. The MCSC also lobbies on behalf of cities with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and other regulatory agencies. With its presence in St. Paul, MCSC has been able to help the MPCA develop rules over the past two decades. Renewal dues are being increased by 5%, or $40. Now, annual dues are $770 and would expend stormwater utility funds. Council unanimously approved membership renewal in the MCSC.
• Centerville is also a member of Metro Cities, an offshoot of the League of Minnesota Cities that
or quadnews@presspubs.com
focuses on legislative policy. The organization works with legislators to ensure they understand the implication of proposed legislation on cities. Testimony in St. Paul affected changes to the initial draft of a bill that secured more than $170,000 in funding for the cities who use joint power agreements for their police and fire departments. Council also renewed the city’s membership in Metro Cities; its annual membership is $1,878. General fund monies will cover the membership dues.
• Council approved two licenses pertaining to massage services in the city. Connor James Salon received its massage establishment renewal after license applicant Christina Luger completed all the necessary applications, paid associated fees and passed a background check by CLPD. The salon’s massage therapist, Jodi Cruz, also received her license renewal.
• An opening on the Planning and Zoning Commission has been filled. Council appointed Jim Carciofini to the commission. Commission members interviewed Carciofini at their Jan. 7 meeting, and council appointed him at their Jan. 8 meeting. However, his application was not included in the Jan. 8 meeting packet, so it was included in the Jan. 22 packet for review and official appointment. Carciofini has lived in Centerville for 26 years.
Loretta Harding
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
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
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226
Hundreds of anglers, both adults and children, will participate in the 40th Ice Fishing Contest, sponsored by the Centerville Lions Club on Feb. 15.
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• A vehicle parked in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. overnight Dec. 15-16 was reported broken into; several items were taken from inside.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol at 3:07 a.m. Dec. 16 in the 4000 block of Cosette Lane N. left a citation under the windshield wiper of a vehicle parked in violation of the Hugo winter overnight parking ordinance. Three more vehicles, all on Europa Court N., received citations during the week for the same offense.
• An unwanted male was reported for making a nuisance of himself at the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 12:08 a.m. Dec. 18. Employees told deputies he was throwing kisses at people and asking for free items and food. They asked deputies to remove the person from the store. When deputies asked the suspect to leave, he cooperated.
• An unidentified motorist was arrested for driving after revocation at 1:56 a.m. Dec. 20 in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. after deputies on rolling patrol conducted a random mobile data computer check of the vehicle and pulled it over.
• Deputies dispatched out to the scene of a cow running at large in the 6000 block of 170th Street N. at 3:12 p.m. Dec. 21 rounded up the cow and returned it to its owner.
• A DoorDasher reported slippery streets in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue N. at 6:27 p.m. Dec. 22. Another observer of winter activities reported a male plowing snow on Sunset Lake at 3:53 p.m. Dec. 24.
• Wood pallets were reported stolen from the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. at 3:07 p.m. Dec. 23.
• Deputies responding to an open 911 line at 5:24 p.m. Dec. 25 ended up arresting an individual in a vehicle in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. after they encountered a rolling domestic with a male and female yelling at each other. The man had a warrant out on him.
• A motorist was cited at 6:58 a.m. Dec. 26 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for failing to stop at a red light. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered the driver was also suspended, was driving with high beams on and had only
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
one headlight. A second motorist was arrested during a traffic stop at 8:50 p.m. Dec. 26 on 149th Street N. and Everton Avenue N. A third motorist was cited at 1:19 a.m. Dec. 27 on Forest Blvd. N. and 130th Street N. for failure to wear a seatbelt, following a traffic stop for headlight violation. A fourth motorist was cited at 4:01 a.m. Dec. 27 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. for driving after revocation and failure to wear a seatbelt.
• A tailgater was arrested on suspicion of DWI at 2:28 a.m. Dec. 27 on Forest Blvd. N. and 152nd Street N. During the traffic stop, the driver was found to be impaired but refused to take the portable breath test. Down at jail, the DataMaster testing system revealed the suspect’s blood alcohol content to be 0.26.
• A suspicious vehicle reported parked in the complainant’s driveway in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N. at 1:31 p.m. Dec. 27 turned out to have been left there by the neighbor following a gathering on the previous evening. The neighbor forgot to move the car the next day.
• Theft from a motor vehicle was reported in the 13000 block of Europa Court N. at 1:21 p.m. Dec. 28.
• A resident in the 5000 block of 124th Street Circle N. at 12:56 a.m. Dec. 29 reported seeing two juveniles jump her fence and dash into a blue SUV that headed eastbound toward Highway 61. Residents in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 9:47 p.m. Dec. 31 reported juvenile ding-dongditchers. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the juveniles and sent them on their way.
• The final score of an epic clash on 170th Street N. and Fenway Avenue N. at 6:38 p.m. Dec. 31 was Deer 1, Vehicle 0, after a vehicle ran into a stone wall of a deer and was totaled while the deer simply ran away.
• Two suspicious New Year’s revelers reported for sleeping in a vehicle at 8:42 a.m. Jan. 1 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be males locked out of their residence.
• Deputies cited a motorist for speeding on Farnham Avenue N. and Oneka Parkway N. at 5:42 p.m. Jan. 1.
• Deputies at 6:25 p.m. Jan. 1 reported a citizen approaching
Hugo man sentenced for drugs charge
Joseph Allen Nash, 42, of Hugo, has been convicted of fifth-degree drugs for an incident that occurred back in October 2023.
According to court documents, at 9:21 p.m. Oct. 10, 2023, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office observed a moped run a red light at the intersection of 147th Street and Forest Boulevard in Hugo.
Deputies identified the driver as Nash and determined his driver’s license was canceled inimical to public safety. Nash was taken into custody and officers subsequently located two baggies that contained 20.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Deputies asked the defendant about the substance, and he advised them it was “1/4 of an ounce of meth.” Nash has been sentenced to 21 months in prison. His second charge, driving after cancellation inimical to public safety, was dropped.
the squad in the 6000 block of 137th Street N. and asking them to check whether their vehicle’s rear taillights and brake lights were working. Deputies assured the motorists that their vehicle was illuminated and correct.
• A suspicious unoccupied vehicle reported parked in a business lot in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 12:40 a.m. Jan. 2 turned out to be an EV using the vehicle charging station.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 1:11 p.m. Jan. 2 on Forest Blvd. N. and 146th Street N. for using a wireless communication device, after Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol observed the driver holding a cell phone while waiting at a traffic light. The driver admitted to the violation.
• A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. at 8:34 p.m. Jan. 2 reported a shoplifting incident.
• A motorist on 125th Street N. and Upper Heather Avenue N. at 9:36 a.m. Jan. 3 was issued a verbal warning for speeding 54 mph in a 40-mph zone and for expired proof of insurance.
• Residents in the 10000 block of 170th Street N. at 11:56 a.m. Jan. 3 reported receiving a scam email. When the complainant reported no money or identity loss, deputies recommended deleting the email and monitoring all credit accounts.
• A vehicle parked off the shoulder of the road and right in front of the posted “no parking” sign near Keller Avenue N. and Keystone Avenue N. received a written warning under the windshield wiper at 1:40 p.m. Jan. 3. The registered owner was seen on the lake ice fishing.
• A resident near the lake on Keller Avenue N. and Keystone Avenue N. at 3:02 p.m. Jan. 3 reported multiple ice fishers parking in posted “no parking”
Highway 61 accident results in lifethreatening injuries
At approximately 10:51 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 the Minnesota State Patrol was dispatched to northbound Highway 61 at 10th Street.
A 2015 GMC Acadia was traveling northbound on
zones to the point where it had become a problem. Deputies promised the complainant they would perform extra patrols and issue citations for observed violations.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 61 and 147th Street on a vehicle due to its expired registration at 6:16 p.m. Jan. 4. The driver was issued a written warning for the violation and informed about how to comply with vehicle registration rules.
• Deputies cited and transported a drunk driver home at midnight Jan. 5 after they initiated a traffic stop on 170th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for failure to signal a turn and for multiple equipment violations. During the stop, the driver displayed signs of impairment and was asked to get out of the vehicle and take part in standardized field sobriety tests. The portable breath test revealed a 0.15 blood alcohol content. The driver admitted to being at a party and consuming multiple beers.
• A motorist was cited at 12:17 a.m. Jan. 6 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. for a missing headlight and for expired registration after being pulled over for these infractions.
• Deputies hastened to the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 12:47 a.m. Jan. 6 to assist employees in dealing with the results of a customer who failed to watch the gas nozzle in his car and spilled several gallons of fuel outside the pump.
• Deputies took a complaint of a chest freezer and miscellaneous other smaller items seen in the ditch in the 17000 block of Inwood Avenue N. at 11:49 p.m. Jan. 6. When deputies arrived on scene, the freezer and accessories had not moved. They contacted the Hugo Public Works Department to pick up the items.
• A motorist received a citation for undisclosed violations at midnight Jan. 7 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd.
Loretta Harding
Highway 61 and a 2003 Acura 3 was turning from the McDonald’s parking lot off 10th Street to go southbound Highway 61. The vehicles collided in the northbound lanes of Highway 61.
The driver of the Acura, Robert Joseph Nikovics, 62, of White Bear Lake, was transported to Regions Hospital with life-threating injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. It is unknown if Nikovics was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
The White Bear Lake police, fire and EMS departments assisted on the scene.
Large brush fire in Lino Lakes
Fire crews responded to northbound I-35E north of the Main Street exit at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 for a large brush fire burning in a ditch just off the interstate.
Traffic was heavily backed up in the northbound lanes of I-35E north during the incident.
Firefighters arrived on scene and had most of the flames extinguished by around 8:25 p.m.
Bemidji State University: Benjamin Kemen and Olivia Verley, both of Hugo.
Carthage College: Isabella Kuyava of Hugo.
Lewis University: Caden Donahue of Hugo.
Marquette University: Lauren Grundfeldt and Payton Olson, both of Hugo.
Montana State University: Sydney King and Rachel McBride, both of Hugo.
Normandale Community College: Senait Hailu of Hugo.
North Dakota State University: Sophia Berkowitz and Hailey Highland, both of Centerville; Gabriella Dubois, Hayden Durand,
Margaret gaida, Maximus Hilger, Tyler Long, Wyatt Sauber, Aurora Scott, and Breleigh Smith, all of Hugo.
Northern Michigan University: Fen Torenvliet of Hugo.
Rockhurst University: Davin Mueller and Brock Ollila, both of Hugo.
University of Mary: Jacob Mickelson of Hugo.
University of Minnesota-Crookston: Bryan Kue and Amarea Lampkin, both of Hugo.
University of Minnesota-Rochester: Daniella Sabetti of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Drue Harvey and Alicia Plowe, both of Centerville; Luci Hauge, Lane Luadtke, and Maxine Pagaduan, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Josephine Barry, Adam Beloyed,
Hunter Belting, Ian Gloege, Callie Jahnke, Natalie Jahnke, Will Neuendorf, Leah Staruck, and Kathryn Twist, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point: Kenley Smith and Grace Torma, both of Centerville.
University of Wisconsin-Stout: Bella Cousins, Kyla Jorud, Angel Lumbo, and Owen Ringen, all of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Superior: Lexi Endthoff and Jenna Lang, both of Hugo.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: Anna Bosman of Hugo.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Fall 2024: College of Charleston: Sheana Barrett of Hugo, bachelors degree, psychology.
Minnesota State University-Mankato:
Katie Bohm of Centerville, Bachelor of Science, management and CERT, integrated business experience; Matthew Bohm of Centerville, Bachelor of Science, political science; Rebecca Anderson of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, management; Emmarhian Jaquette of Hugo, MAT, education; Amanda Lueck of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, RN Baccalaureate completion; Griffin Schmidt of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, accounting, magna cum laude; Amy Stone of Hugo, GC, special ed autism spectrum disorder, GC, theory and practice in special education, and Master of Science, special education, cum laude.
North Dakota State University: Tyler Figueroa of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering.
University of Minnesota-Crookston: Adrie Danner of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, health management.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Community members on both sides of the argument are invited to share their thoughts with the City Council on what they think should happen with the Lake Avenue dog beach.
The City Council has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and Mayor Dan Louismet says a decision will be made at the March 11 meeting.
The Lake Avenue dog park was approved in 2007. It’s located between Sixth and Seventh Streets and is accessed by stairs from the Mark Sather Trail. Dating back to 2016, there have been several discussions and debates as to whether the dog beach should close.
The Park Advisory Commission was tasked with making several visits to the dog beach and gathering data about the impacts recent facility improvements have had, if any. The commission has ultimately recommended to the council that the dog beach remain open and that some changes/ improvements be made. (See “Lake Avenue dog beach future up in air, again” Nov. 27, 2024.)
The council has yet to take any action on the dog beach, as it wants to hear from the public.
Louismet said in the three years he has been mayor; he has received more calls and emails related to the dog beach than any other issue thus far.
“We have been working through this for many, many years long before I was mayor … It has gone back and forth, and we have tried, through trial and error, to make incremental improvements,” he said. “One way or another, we need to make a final decision and realize that’s where we are going to be and then we are going to move on.”
He added the reason the public hearing was added as an agenda item at the council’s last meeting was to give residents “ample notice” of Feb. 25.
“We are going to have a good dialogue on it,” he said. “I hope that this is not an unnoticed gesture on the part of this council to recognize how important this issue is to a lot of people on both sides. It
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deserves a good full hearing in front of the public.”
Council Member Kevin Edberg suggested the council not take action on the future of the dog park the same night it holds the public hearing. “(I suggest) we wait at least one meeting so we can fully hear citizens on both sides. If there are any questions of facts or history that are raised, we have opportunities to receive that information, and then we have time to fully reflect as council members on what have heard.”
Louismet said he was open to the idea, but he was worried that some might think that means they will be able to voice their opinion both at the public hearing and then again at the meeting when action is taken.
Council Member Bill Walsh said he thought it was a good idea, but was concerned that speakers at the public hearing might not feel heard if the council doesn’t decide that night. He suggested the council at least entertain a discussion themselves that night, after hearing public comments, even if a decision isn’t made.
City Manager Lindy Crawford pointed out that the last resolution the council adopted related to the dog beach was to order improvements. The Park Advisory Commission’s current recommendation, she reminded the council, is to make further improvements to the dog beach.
Edberg said he would first like the council to consider whether the dog beach remains open or if it should close. All the recommendations for improvements and what those improvements might cost could be discussed at a future meeting. “I don’t see the need to complicate the discussion,” he explained.
Louismet said that whatever happens at the public hearing Feb. 25 will help guide what resolution, or resolutions, the council brings forward to the March 11 meeting, when “the council will be making a decision as to whether it remains open or closed.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Celebrate Galentine’s
Humble Roots Boutique, in Centerville, will host a Galentine’s Day event from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. There will be drinks, snacks, shopping and professional styling. JBloom by Permalinx will also be there creating permanent jewelry and will have a charm bar for customized bracelets and necklaces.
Humble Roots Boutique is located at 7095 Centerville Road. For more information, go to https://humbleroots.boutique/.
Surfside Seaplane Base under new ownership
Surfside Seaplane Base, located in Lino Lakes, is now under new ownership. Surfside, established in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest seaplane facilities in the United States. The Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association started at Surfside, and the airport has hosted the annual MSPA Pig Roast Picnic for over 40 years. The base is now under the ownership of Bob Timm and Dan Kedrowski. Surfside Seaplane Base is located at 6980 Lake Drive.
Bob Timm and Dan Kedrowski are the new owners of Surfside Seaplane Base.
Hugo Fire recognizes firefighters at annual banquet
The Hugo Fire Department (HFD) recently held its annual banquet at American Legion Post 620 to highlight the previous year and present annual awards.
Years of service awards were presented to Ryan Nadeau and Tom Kaspszak for completing 10 years of service, and Jim Roettger for completing 15 years of service.
HFD also gave out commendations for the following:
• Special Events (highest attendance): Ross Hoernemann.
• Advanced Education: Jen Verplaetse, Tim Olson, Allysa Nadeau, Cory Albertson, Steve Albertson, Darek Albertson, Rick Gregoire and Jason Palmquist.
• Drill Attendance (highest attendance): Brian Kindelberger and Jason Palmquist.
• Emergency Call Response (highest attendance): Jason Palmquist.
• F ire Officer of the Year: Jason Palmquist.
• Firefighter of the Year: Jen Verplaetse.
CITY BRIEFS
Centerville approves leadership transition plan
With the imminent departure of City Administrator Mark Statz, the turnover on the City Council and the recent retirement of Public Works Department Director Paul Palzer, the city is undergoing substantial leadership changes.
To keep the city running efficiently, city staff drew up a plan to complete the city’s business until a new city administrator is on board. The plan outlines issues such as salaries, duties and upcoming meetings. The City Council unanimously (4-1; Council Member Russ Koski was absent) approved the leadership transition plan update with a change to try to hold fewer committee meetings as needed and as feasible.
Meanwhile, council interviewed three executive search firms at the work session held prior to the regular meeting. The city can expect to pay anywhere from $6,500 to $25,000, depending on the services and firm selected. Funds will be appropriated from the general fund. Council tabled this action until the next
work session to receive more reference materials.
With the sense of urgency in selecting a search firm and selecting a new city administrator, the council has added a work session that will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 12. The additional meeting will also allow Statz to take part while he is still a member of staff.
Centerville seeking to fill several positions
The city of Centerville and the Centennial Fire District (CFD) are searching for individuals to fill several open positions.
A rink attendant is wanted to open and close the warming house, maintain a clean warming house and restrooms, and shovel snow from walkways and rinks. The evening and weekend position pays $16.30/hour.
The city is also accepting applications for a full-time public works technician to work Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with on-call availability Monday through Sunday and occasional overtime. For duties and an application packet, visit the city’s website at www. centervillemn.com for more information.
The CFD is also hiring. Anyone interested in becoming a CFD firefighter/EMT may visit the CFD webpage at www.centennialfire.org for more information.
Council OKs new 4-way stop
The location of the two stop signs at the intersection of 73rd Street and Brian Drive in Centerville have resulted in several close calls in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian conflicts.
The north-south street was not controlled, but the east-west street was controlled with stop signs. The city engineer, public works department and Centennial Lakes Police Department recommended adding stop signs to the north-south legs of the intersection. The council unanimously approved the new four-way stop.
Centerville orders feasibility report for 2025 overlays
For the past several years, the city of Centerville has performed thin bituminous overlays in lieu of seal coating as a part of its pavement management program. A project planned for 2025 is proposed to include
parts of LaMotte Drive, Heritage Street, Center Oaks 1st Addition, Brian Drive, Peltier Circle, Old Mill Road and Shad Avenue.
The estimated cost is $700,000; the street capital fund is the funding source. There will also be assessments to adjacent properties as a portion of the costs, so two public hearings will be required.
The council unanimously adopted a resolution ordering a feasibility report for the 2025 thin overlay project. Bidding on the proposed project is expected this spring; paving is expected in the fall. The council also voted unanimously to award the engineering work for the 2025 thin overlay project to Stantec in the amount of $28,100. Stantec will prepare the feasibility report and take care of project design and bidding, with the option of also providing construction services for an additional $18,000. The costs will be paid through the street capital fund. City staff will later determine whether the construction services can be provided in-house, which would save a substantial amount of money.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Chief Jim Compton, Jr., Cory Albertson, Darek Albertson, Jen Verplaetse, Stephen Albertson and Allysa Nadeau
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Ross Hoernemann
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Jason Palmquist
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Jim Roettger
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Jen Verplaetse
Chief Jim Compton, Jr., Brian Kindleberger and Jason Palmquist
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Ryan Nadeau
Chief Jim Compton, Jr. and Tom Kaspszak
CLASSIFIEDS
We are looking for a new team member to join our
Press Publications is looking for a positive energy sales representative that can be creative and help our community business grow through our print and digital products. If you are looking to be a part of something big in the community call or email: marketing@presspubs.com
The White Bear Sailing School is in a moment of big growth and is looking for someone to step in and keep the momentum going.
The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the school’s marketing, summer programs, high school programs, and waterfront. The director works with the instructor staff and the board of directors to develop curriculum, manage resources, and grow the program. The program includes high school sailing, youth and adult learn to sail summer classes, and opti/laser/420 summer race teams.
This is a full time position over the fall, spring, and summer. It could be part time or full time over the winter. They report directly to the board of directors. We are looking for someone with a background or interest in education and nonprofit management.
Sailing experience not required. The White Bear Sailing School is a non profit organization in White Bear Lake MN that offers sailing classes to youth and adults. We also run competitive race teams for local high schools.
Email Toby Sullivan at sailwbss@gmail.com
Community names two Washington County snowplows
Washington County recently conducted its second annual Name a Snowplow contest and received more than 1,200 name ideas submitted by the public. The list was narrowed to 10 finalists, including SKOL Plow, Snowby Keith, Stone Cold Steve Frostin’, De-Ice Ice Baby, Mr. Clean, Land of 10,000 Flakes, Sir Plows a lot, Just Scrapin’ By, Snow Problem and Hotdish Hauler.
More than 2,400 people voted to help name two of the plows. Sir Plows a lot was the top vote-getter at 680 votes; Land of 10,000 Flakes came in a close second with 677 votes. Sir Plows a lot can be mostly seen
Learn to cross-country ski
Washington County Parks is hosting an adult learn to ski lesson from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve for anyone 12 years or older interested in trying cross-country skiing. The lesson will be led by coaches with Minnesota Youth Ski League’s (MYSL) Lake Elmo SkiSparks Club. At the lesson,
PUBLIC NOTICE
SUNSET LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NOTICE OF AERATION
An aerator is in operation on Sunset Lake in Washington County, located at 12686 Ingersoll Avenue North, Hugo, MN. Published two times in The Citizen on February 6 and 20, 2025.
in the northern half of the county, whereas Land of 10,000 Flakes will be located in the southern part of the county.
Public hearing set for 2025-2035 Groundwater Plan
The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing for 9 a.m. Feb. 18 to take public comment on the Washington County 2025-2035 Groundwater Plan.
State law allows metropolitan counties to prepare, adopt and implement groundwater plans. Plans are updated every 10 years and are comprehensive documents that lay out technical information, issues, goals and strategies to address existing and future groundwater topics and concerns.
Washington County adopted its first groundwater plan in 2003. A second-generation plan was adopted in September 2014 and expires in August 2025. The county’s 2025-2035 groundwater plan was released for a 60-day public comment period, and the public will have the opportunity to share their comments with the county board at the public hearing. The county board will consider adopting the draft groundwater plan at a later meeting. If adopted, the draft plan will be to the Metropolitan Council, state agencies and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources for final review.Resource for final review.
attendees will learn basic striding techniques, how to fall safely and more skills. Registration is free but required at WashCoParks.UseDirect.com/ WashCoWeb/Activities/Search. aspx. Vehicle permits and ski equipment will be provided to participants. Attendees will meet at the Nordic Center in Lake Elmo Park Reserve, located at 1515 Keats Ave. N. Attendees should dress appropriately for the weather. Washington County Parks will contact registrants if the lesson is postponed or canceled due to snow conditions. For more information and questions, contact Parks Equity Coordinator Elena Schewe at elena.schewe@co.washington. mn.us or call 651-430-4333.
COUNTY BRIEFS
WASHINTON COUNTY | CONTRIBUTED
The newly named Washington County snowplows Sir Plows a Lot and Land of 10,000 Flakes parked in front of the Washington County Public Works North Shop.
CALENDAR BRIEF
“Small Job Specialist” 45+
Hallmark
Free
Cougar Alpine girls grab conference title
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) girls Alpine team wrapped up the Northwest Suburban Conference championship on Thursday while the Cougar boys finished fourth among 12 teams. At Trollhaugen in Dresser, WI, the CSLP girls placed first of 11 teams for the fourth time in five conference meets and by a large margin, sealing the program’s
first conference title. Hailey Peterson finished second overall. The boys team placed fourth, led by Caleb Nelson in fifth place.
The top three girls teams in the overall standing were CSLP, Blaine and Northwest Alpine. The top four boys teams were Northwest Alpine, Blaine, Chisago Lakes and CSLP.
Six Cougar girls and two boys
made all-conference by placing in the top 23 among 140 skiers. The all-conference girls and their season placement were Hailey Peterson (third), Gwen Halverson (sixth), Sofia Anderson 22nd and Ella Nelson 23rd. The boys were Caleb Nelson sixth and Devon Cunningham 23rd.
Bruce Strand
Zephyr boys nab MEC title
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER
The Mahtomedi boys were champions — with Luke Vipond and Ethan Albrecht finishing first and second — and the girls were runnersup in the Metro East Conference finals meet. Four from each team made all-conference.
Boys team scoring at Hyland Park Reserve was Mahtomedi 370, Two Rivers 366, Hastings 351, St. Thomas 298 and Simley 254. Girls team scoring was Two Rivers 379, Mahtomedi 361, Hastings 151, Tartan 125 and Simley 68.
Vipond, a senior, and Albrecht, a junior, led the pack in the boys meet,
SUBMITTED
Mahtomedi’s Luke Vipond churned toward first place in the Metro East meet. Teammate Ethan Albrecht was second.
with junior William MacChesney ninth and senior Tim Schussler 10th, all making allconference. Getting honorable mentions were junior John Aufderhar in 13th, freshman Mason
Mia Sutch
Hockey
February 4, 2025
Mia Sutch, a varsity standout as a freshman, is the thirdleading scorer on the Centennial/Spring Lake Park hockey team. Sutch has delivered 24 goals (tied for most on the team) and 16 assists for 40 points for the Cougars (22-2). She had 17 goals and 10 assists in eighth grade. Sutch is also the goalie on the soccer team and had a strong 0.792 save percentage this fall.
Mahmoud 15th, senior Dan Gibbens 18th and sophomore Abraham Jansen 20th.
Zephyr girls making all-conference were eighth-grader Giada Garrity in fifth place, junior Annika Winke seventh, junior Isabel Vipond eighth and eight-grader Claire Lane ninth. Getting honorable mention were junior Julia Clayton in 15th, sophomore Rachel Brings 18th and senior Sienna Sjostrom 19th.
In a separate relay meet, Albrecht and Schussler placed first and Vipond and Winke placed third.
The Zephyrs are coached by David Bridges.
Cougar girl skaters finish conference 12-0
Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls hockey finished conference play undefeated with a 6-1 win at Blaine on Tuesday evening. The Cougars were 12-0 in the Northwest Suburban Conference.
The Cougars, 22-2 overall, beat White Bear Lake 12-3 on Thursday at home and will close the regular season at Woodbury on Tuesday. The Section 5AA tournament starts on Saturday.
Against Blaine (14-9-2), Cougar goals were delivered by Ayla Specht and
Teagan Kulenkamp in the first period, Josie Kelzenberg in the second, and Lillian Renslow (two) and Mia Sutch in the third. Kaia Wieland stopped 11 of 12 shots.
Netting three goals each against White Bear Lake (6-16) were Annabelle Buccicone and Grace Laager. Sutch had two goals, and Sam Kelzenberg, Ella Perrault, Kulenkamp, and Alexis Larsen one each.
Bear cheerleaders make ‘clean sweep’ at state competition
The White Bear Lake varsity and middle school cheerleaders competed at the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association State Competition Feb. 1 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium on, collecting four state championship titles.
The varsity team competed in the Class AA Non-Tumbling Division 1 and Class AA Non-Tumbling Division 1 Game Day divisions. The middle school team competed in the Middle School and
Middle School Game Day divisions. “(It) was a clean sweep for the Bears program, claiming four State Titles in one day,” said coach Andria Mattlin. The varsity team will compete at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 7-10.
CONTRIBUTED
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls team are the Northwest Suburban Conference champs.
Bruce Strand
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Annabelle Buccicone (5) knocked the puck past the skate of the White Bear Lake goalie for one of her three goals in a 12-3 win.
Shannon Granholm
CONTRIBUTED
The Bear cheerleading program took home four state championship titles in one day at the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association State Competition. Pictured (from left, front row) are: Keira Keese, Angelina Marino, Sydalee Donnelly, Mairin Smentek, Gretchen Hayes, Willow Maxwell, Rosie Wolf, Bree Tollefson-Schenck, Addison Pierce and Bri Caliendo. Middle row: Katelyn Kaehler, Holly Anderson, Avery Manship, Presley Manship, Dai Nathanson, Madeline O’Connell, Finley Nicholas, Mikaela Caliendo, Abby Bernier, Lacey Rancour and Lauren Johnson. Back row: Belle Millard, Madisyn Hood, Cora Morin, Anna Lindholm, Addyson Weigel, Victoria Dowdle, Ali Carnes, Louise Gornick, Reyna Piper and Avery Bach.
The Leather &
for more information.
• Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates, all can achieve.
• More academic opportunities to explore interests, excel and design your future.
• Students are agents and owners of their own learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success.
• Our educators inspire, facilitate, and challenge students, nurturing curiosity and confidence. We provide a window to their future.
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• E-Newsletter - The Community e-Newsletter is sent out each week, with alternating text and video editions. Text editions cover student and staff successes, school and Community Education offerings, and School Board proceedings. Request to be added to the list by sending an email to us at communications@isd624.org.
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andArts Culture2025
EMERGING ARTIST: LUCAS MAAHS
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Achallenge many young actors face when improving their craft is how to create a character to portray onstage rather than soaking up the attention of the spotlight and the audience. White Bear Lake junior Lucas Maahs remembers the exact moment he learned that lesson. Backstage, preparing to go on as Willy Wonka during Children’s Performing Arts’ 2021 production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Maahs remembered thinking, “I’m about to go out and the second I step out, I have to be Willy Wonka… So I just started with my toes all the way up to my head and found the posture. The final thing was that I stepped out and the lights formed this lens in front of my face. And I was like, ‘This is who I am now.’” Maahs further described this “lens” effect as a kaleidoscopic version of rose-colored glasses. “With Willy Wonka, it’s rainbows and bubbles and ‘What’s this?’”
For White Bear’s production of “Legally Blonde” last fall, Maahs had to mentally put on half a dozen
versatility earned him a Hennepin Spotlight Award for Supporting Cast, an honor rarely bestowed upon a chorus member.
different pairs of these glasses. “For Dewey [The ex of hairstylist Paulette], everything was at the bottom—like Pigpen from Charlie Brown… Kiki [Paulette’s assistant], was very boba. I just pictured myself being made out of bubbles.” Maahs highlight during that show, however, came as Nikos, the possibly gay, possibly European prosecution witness. “Every limb in my body is gonna be straight in every way,” Maahs elaborated, adding that Nikos also tended to be “flouncy.”
Maahs choices combine two advanced schools of acting: Michael Chekhov’s “On the Technique of Acting,” a method used by Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and Anthony Hopkins; and Laban Movement Analysis, a modern-dance choreography theory. Knowing and displaying such skill as a high-school junior is likely the reason Maahs received a Hennepin Spotlight Award for Legally Blonde despite technically being a chorus member.
CPA’S ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ ENTERS RABBIT HOLE OF SELF-DISCOVERY
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Alice in Wonderland" is a show with a stacked deck of scene-stealing characters. Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter: All of these characters, and the actors playing them, have moments where they get to make the audience believe Wonderland is all about them. Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming production of the show, however, makes sure Alice stays front and center.
“Alice’s journey is about growing up,” explained lead director Jen Duden. “It’s about that difference between childhood, then going through this phase of adolescence that 12 and 13 gets into. The world changes around you and things
Dstart to look different to you. You, yourself, might start to look different, and then you come out the other side with a little bit more understanding.”
Though many are familiar with either the 1951 animated Disney film or the 2010 Tim Burton movie, the Alice from the original Lewis Carroll novel is younger than either film version. CPA’s production, meanwhile, has 12-yearold Lena Weber in the part. Weber’s performance draws upon her experience navigating her new middle school. “I feel like sometimes that I'm in my own world…” said Weber, “but I'm not crazy. [Alice] knows, like, ‘I don't wanna wanna be like this person. I don't wanna be like this person. I need to be myself.’”
Mariner Middle School sixth grader Cyrus Degneau, CPA’s Mad Hatter, feels
that his character helps Alice through her journey of identity. Stated Degneau, “He’s a party animal. Just livin’ it up. He’s saying, ‘Do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. You won’t get in trouble. I don’t care; play by your own rules. Your opinion is the only one that matters.”
One opinion upon which Duden, Degneau and Weber agree is that CPA’s Alice in Wonderland is a can’t-miss show. “There's so many different characters, and all of them come on the stage and they just represent Wonderland…” Weber commented. “It's so crazy, but, like, it's so fun.”
Alice in Wonderland runs Feb. 14 through Feb. 23 at Forest Lake High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/ programs/upcoming-show-dates.
‘MISERY’ LOVES LAKESHORE PLAYERS’ COMPANY
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
uring auditions for Lakeshore Players’ upcoming production of “Misery,” based on the novel by Stephen King and famously adapted into the 1990 horror movie, director Megan Pence was given a rare gift: Megan Blakeley, this production’s Annie Wilkes, had both never seen the movie and is originally from Texas. This meant that Pence could both reference Kathy Bates’ southern-drawl-inflected, Academy Award winning performance and let her lead craft something new.
“I think our Annie is a little more quirky and a little less creepy,” Pence described. “It leads to more opportunities for humor… This is actually funny—but then, where does the funny become, ‘Okay, what’s wrong with you?’” Pence’s desire to lean into the dark comedy with this production stems from her main desire to explore protagonist Paul Sheldon’s trauma. While Pence clarifies “Misery” is not a mosaic or “memory” play, she is approaching the material as if Paul’s traumatic
experience is flashing before him unbidden. “Oh, this is sweet. She brought him eggs. That's lovely,” Pence gave as an example. "And then the next scene, she's trying to make him burn his novel.”
Pence is also acutely aware that darkly comedic, horrifying studies of trauma are not everyone’s cup of tea. “I think the goal of a theater company is to find balance in a season,” she commented. “We have four shows this season, and I feel that two of those four have incredibly broad appeal, between ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Christmas Carol.’” That being said, “Misery” is well known even outside the horror genre. Pence also believes that, for those who aren’t bothered by the play’s violence or adult language, a play about feeling isolated in a cabin in the middle of winter is relatable. “That feels very right for a Minnesota audience,” Pence noted.
“Misery” runs now through Feb. 9 at Hanifl Performing Arts Center. This production is recommended for ages 16+ for adult themes, mature language and horror violence. For more details as well as tickets, visit www.lakeshoreplayers.org.
To be clear, Maahs did not know the specific names of the techniques he has been employing. Rather, he credits Children’s Performing Arts, especially Education and Programs Manager Maddie Ripperger, for giving him opportunities to absorb.
Something else Maahs feels that he’s been absorbing recently is what success could look like for his future. “Last year, I was like, ‘No, I'm gonna go and be an actor on Broadway. That's my dream. That's my destiny. I'm gonna do it.’ And everyone was like, ‘Okay. Yeah. Like, have a backup plan though.’ I'm like, ‘I don't need a backup plan. I'm a star.’” Maahs recalled. “Now, I'm at a point where I feel like if I don't get there, life is gonna lead me on another path that I'm going to belong on.”
One of those possible paths in which Maahs is finding interest is casting, under the mentorship of White Bear’s Middle School Musical director Odelis Garcia Anderson. “It really made me see the the importance of the energy you bring…” Maahs stated. “Just be kind and be mindful of everyone around you. And be confident, not cocky."
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
MINNESOTA MOSAIC WOOD PANEL
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: 6-9 p.m. Monday Feb 3 and Feb 10
Details: Craft a Minnesota masterpiece: Learn the art of glass cutting to create a stunning mosaic design on a wood panel shaped like our beautiful state.
INTERMEDIATE PASTEL
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: 1-3:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19
Details: Explore how to add color, depth and vibrancy to your pastel painting by experimenting with techniques using a variety of surfaces and textures.
STUDIO SOCIAL
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 19
Details: Drop in for a casual evening of crafting: paint pottery, enjoy refreshments and meet new people.
KNOW OF AN EMERGING ARTIST?
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Lucas Maahs as Chad the frat boy and Nikos the prosecution witness, respectively, in White Bear’s production of Legally Blonde last fall. Maahs