Save the date: Annual wedding show takes place March 23
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Save the date for Press Publication’s annual wedding show, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at the White Bear Country Inn. This year marks the show’s 40th anniversary.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Press wants to
help a couple get hitched during the show. Press will provide the music, officiant, florals and more. Lunch will be provided at Rudy’s.
Over the years, Press Publications has done a variety of different things for brides to experience.
In 2019, there was a bridal suite, a special offered by Press. According to Press Publications
General Manager Patty Steele, the bride who purchased the suite was able to enter the show half an hour early and walk around to visit the various vendors. The bride and her party also got a special room they could stay in during the show. Previously, there was a discounted wedding dress shop at
Industries brace for impact as proposed tariffs loom
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Industries of all kinds are still trying to wrap their heads around what proposed tariffs might mean for their businesses.
President Trump signed two executive orders in February that expanded Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proposal is to impose an across-the-board tariff of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, including on lumber, steel and aluminum. Unless delayed, the tariffs are proposed to go into effect this week.
“There is a lot of apprehension everywhere; is it going to happen? Is it not? How is it going to impact us?” explained Jeff Andres, group publisher of Northstar Media and Kanabec Publications, a sister publication to Press Publications.
After the tariffs were announced, Andres said one worry was that the aluminum used for the plates for printing newsprint would be subject to the tariffs. The aluminum has a special coating on it. The aluminum is a special blend that is poured and rolled into huge rolls in Great Britain and Germany. Kodak imports the rolls and brings them to New York where they are cut into the plates and a special coating is applied.
Recently, the National Newspaper Association notified its members that the aluminum printing plates were not included in the tariffs. “We dodged a bullet with that,” Andres said.
Hugo film critic encourages people to think about movies in new way
Brian Eggert is a film critic. He founded his website, “Deep Focus Review,” back in 2007 and is one of the few Tomatometer-approved critics in the Minnesota Film Critics Association. He covers the latest new releases and film festivals and regularly appears on local news channels to share movie reviews, recommendations and Oscar predictions.
Press Publications recently sat down with Eggert to learn more about him and his work.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you lived in Hugo? What is your day job?
A. I’ve lived in Hugo most of my life. I grew up here, graduated from Forest Lake High School and earned my bachelor’s degree in art history from the
have been there ever since. After years in marketing and web development, I recently transitioned into managing a proposal department. Everyone there has been incredibly supportive of my film criticism career, from encouraging my work to granting me flexibility when I went back to school to get a master’s degree in film studies.
As a critic and film historian, I’ve been writing reviews and essays for my website, Deep Focus Review (deepfocusreview.com), for 18 years. It’s a small family outfit: My spouse is my copy editor, and my dog keeps me company while I work.
several film critic and cinema studies associations, and I also appear on KARE 11 on Saturdays every few weeks to discuss movies with the fantastic team there.
Q. Where did the idea for “Deep Focus Review” come from, and when did that come about?
University of Minnesota. During college, I started working at a financial services company and
I’m Tomatometer-approved on Rotten Tomatoes—a challenging distinction for an independent critic that has given my work wider recognition. I belong to
A. In the early 2000s, while in college, I started writing about movies on a Blogger.com page. But the platform felt too casual for the kind of professional criticism I wanted to produce. In 2007, with the help of a childhood friend who was a web developer, I launched Deep Focus Review as an independent publication.
The name refers to a filmmaking
CONTRIBUTED
Brian Eggert
The 40th Annual Press Publications Wedding Show will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23.
We Do the Heavy Lifting for
TARIFF IMPACT: ‘The uncertainty right now is
The bigger impact on the newspaper industry will be the newsprint, as Andres says the company purchases most of its paper from Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Paper is also purchased from Kap Paper in Kapuskasing, Ontario.
In 2023, Canada produced approximately 80% of newsprint (2.1 million metric tons), while the United States produced only 421,000 metric tons.
Andres explained that there are three newsprint manufacturers in the U.S. — located in Oregon, Washington and Mississippi. The first two are not accepting new customers, so that leaves one option: Mississippi. “They use trees grown in the U.S. They are grown much faster than they are in Canada, so the grain is much longer and it doesn’t print as well. It is very noticeable,” he said of the quality.
If the tariffs do go through, Andres said the company will have to raise its printing prices. An increase in paper costs could mean an increase in subscription rates, advertising rates or both.
“We are going to wait and see what happens,” Andres said. From what the Minnesota Newspaper Association has been told, tariffs could hit the paper industry March 4.
Another industry that is impacted by the proposed tariffs is the housing industry.
probably the biggest challenge’
JL Schwieters (framing and truss) and Schwieters Companies (interior finishes), located in Hugo, purchase much of their lumber from British Columbia, Canada.
“Nobody fully knows (what the tariffs would mean) because it hasn’t been detailed,” said JL Schwieters General Manager Pat Schwieters. He explained that for many years, Canadian lumber duties have been in place.
“The biggest question is if the tariff gets put on top of that … there are a lot a lot of questions,” Schwieters said. “We are paying about 14.4% right now … if the 25% gets added to that, you could be looking at tariffs of over 40% by the end of the year.”
At the end of the day, the consumer is the one who is going to end up paying.
“There is already an affordability crisis in terms of housing, and this is just adding to that,” he said. “It’s going to make lumber more expensive and then, in turn, building houses will be more expensive. Houses are going to be more expensive.”
A big question is when the tariffs will go into effect. Schwieters said he was last told it could be April.
“The uncertainty right now is probably the biggest challenge,” he said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Drake University: Linksol Fleming, Lucy Fleming, Elle Hinds and Gabby Perron, all of Hugo.
Iowa State University: Anna Ryan and Lauren Sather, both of Hugo.
Minnesota State University: Kati Anderson, Sage Neal and Brock Nielsen, all of Centerville; Abigail Hansen, Tsimmeej Her, Tsimtxuj Her, Jacob Hoffer, Charlie, Lohman, Alex Lohmann, Alivia Luger, Carly Mader, Declan Malone, Libby McCarty and Jack Thomas, all of Hugo.
Missouri Western State University: Brooke Tjernlund of Hugo.
University of Minnesota-Duluth: John DeVries, Aidan Reilly and Michael Thompson, all of Centerville; Abigail Abrahamson, Kylie Amon, Kailee Bach, Mackenzie Bock, Jordan Carroll, Brandon Davis, Morgan Grund, Emma Haas, Tierney Hjelmberg, Quinn Jarvis, Riley Jones, Ashton Marsh, Lucas Polucha, Cole Reilly, Beck Rogers, Lauren Schmid, Madison Schroeder, Morgan Stein, Lauren Swanson, Colin Thompson and Andrew Weber, all of Hugo.
University of Tampa: Travis Baland, Jenna Newpower and Samantha Zahradka, all of Hugo.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Fall 2024:
Des Moines Area Community College: Viviane Vaaj of Hugo, mortuary science.
St. Cloud State University: Boyice Williams of Hugo, Master of Business Administration.
University of North Dakota: Jake Ruotsinoja of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice studies.
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse: Audrey Custar of Hugo, Bachelor of Science, marketing.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 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: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road
Details: Independent group of photographers meet the 3rd Staurday of every month to share and discuss images. All experience levels welcome. Contact: Tncphotoclubinfo@gmail.com
HUGO SENIOR CLUB
When: 1 p.m. Monday, March 17; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo. com
CURRENT EVENTS
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N.
Details: Members will work on their quilting projects, all are welcome to stop by and see what they are working on.
ANNUAL WHITE BEAR LAKE CLEANUP
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 8
Where: Frozen White Bear Lake
Details: Local Scouting groups partner with the White Bear Lake Conservation District, area Geocachers, and community volunteers to pick up trash on the frozen lake before the ice melts. Becomes a land-based clean-up if ice-out is early. Contact: wblcd.org or jschust64@gmail.com
FOREST BATHING
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Connect with nature through the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku with a certified instructor. Registration information online. Contact: 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
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
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
I’ve only read banned books and that’s okay
What if I told you that I have only ever read banned books? When I saw the current list of banned books, I was shocked to see that almost every title I have ever read is on that list for different reasons. And as someone who has an education specifically in literature it made me wonder how we ended up here.
My top three favorite novels “Dune” by Frank Herbert, “Call Me by Your Name” by Andre Aciman and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald all are included on the current banned books list for different reasons. I admit, it stunned me.
Madeline Dolby
“Dune” is featured on the list for its religious themes and violence. “The Great Gatsby” is on the list for adult themes and mentions of addiction. “Call Me by Your Name” falls onto the list for its depiction of romantic and domestic relationships, whatever that means.
As someone who has studied literature for almost seven years, I have read a lot of books that all vary in different genres, themes and subject matter. Not every book is a “fluffy fun” read and I sometimes find myself uncomfortable when reading, but I understand the importance of it. Every book that I have read has provided me with an important message or lesson. Every book has had a purpose.
It saddens me to see the ever-growing list of books that are no longer available on school and public library shelves. I saw that “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White is included on the list, specifically in Kansas, because it contains speaking animals. That was the first chapter book I ever read as a kid. It was my favorite book.
According to the American Library Association, as of 2023, there are 4,420 book titles that have been censored. In Minnesota, there are currently nine books that are banned from public schools. On that list, I have read five of them. And I like to think that I turned out okay.
I understand that children should not be reading specific themes. One may view these themes as encouraging specific behavior. I read “The Great Gatsby” when I was 16, 18, 20 and 23. Each time, I found a new meaning for the green light at the end of the dock. At 18, I read “Call Me by Your Name” and finished the book with a very different outlook on love. It was the first book that truly broke my heart. It made me understand what it means to love someone and be hurt by it. I have read it every year since to remind me of this message. When I was 20, I read “Dune” for the first time. It is the book that made me fall in love with literature. It encouraged me to think outside of the book. It is hard for me to say I agree with certain titles on the list because, truthfully, I don’t. There are books that I have been nervous to read due to the difficult subject matter. Reading certain titles will make you uncomfortable. That is okay. My sister and I don’t like the same genre of books, but I don’t punish her for it by taking them away from her. She did not like the science fiction novels I recommended to her, but that didn’t mean she took them away from me because of it. Every reader likes different genres. Every reader walks away with a different message. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. We should allow those opinions to form instead of just making them for one another. Just because one reader has a negative experience with a novel doesn’t mean you will.
When I see another book added to the ever-growing list, my heart breaks for the author because it means they can no longer share their art with the world. A book is art. Literature is art. And art is created to be shared, to be seen, not hidden.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
MAI, the economy and all of us
y son Ethan and I were recently discussing the potential effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the economy and found ourselves holding rather different positions. Neither of us succeeded in moving the other, but a lot of worthy ideas were discussed, and I’d like to present both sides. Ethan will have a follow up column in a later issue.
The Corner
For my part, I’ve no doubt that many of the business leaders who can’t see past the end of the next quarter are watching AI for the potential of reducing their workforces. I don’t think that’s going to work out as well as they are hoping. Here’s why:
AI differs from automation done in the past because AI can replace a person in a purely thinking capacity. This is dangerous on a whole new level; where previously manufacturing and some nontechnical or non-professional positions were facing automation, now most anyone who thinks for a living is at risk. It won’t be long until
Limited to 350 words.
Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and
the list includes cashiers and similar entry level positions, but also tax accountants, radiologists and family physicians, drivers, pilots, computer programmers and many others. By way of example, consider Bill, a paid employee. Bill works for a company in a professional capacity where he generates value by spending time to create a new product better than the previous one which his company then sells for a profit. The company pays Bill part of the value he creates in the form of wages. Bill then buys food, clothes and a car, pays rent, and is taxed by the governments serving him. So when Bill spends money, the farmers, car and textile companies, landlords, governments and many others benefit from Bill’s spending including Bill’s employer. Consequently, paying Bill promotes the movement of money which is a necessary condition for a healthy economy.
Now let’s replace Bill with AI. AI is not paid so the money previously paid to Bill is no longer moving through the economy, so it isn’t benefiting the farmers, auto companies and so on. Further, when Bill tries to find another job, he discovers that all the companies he contacts have replaced his skill with AI. Bill is now utterly obsolete. And hungry.
THE CITIZEN | 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.
There is an online AI tool called Chatgpt.com that I consulted for help with this column. I asked Chat how many people could be replaced by AI in the US if AI is left unregulated. It cited a study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimating that 30% of the jobs in the US could be replaced by AI by 2030. Chat is a little wordy so I’ll summarize the conversation - me: How many people is that Chat? Chat: Just shy of 50 million. Me: If 50 million people lose their jobs by 2030, wouldn’t that trigger a massive economic collapse? Chat: “Yes, the loss of 50 million jobs in the U.S. by 2030 could certainly have profound economic consequences, leading to significant disruption.” - a consequence that would be bad for all strata of society.
The economy functions only if people like Bill are working and spending so the time to regulate AI is now. A rule could stem from this statement: Machines are not permitted to replace a thinking person in the workplace. If we don’t do something soon, I promise we won’t like the outcome.
Paul Lundh is a longtime resident of Centerville and a periodic columnist for The Citizen.
Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in The Citizen 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 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.
Madeline’s
Paul Lundh
Unlawful attack on democracy
As an elder, I’ve lived through many political crises in this country—but I have never seen an attack on our democracy like we are currently witnessing. In the past, there was bipartisan opposition to lawlessness. Today, the guardrails are being dismantled before our eyes.
I implore my congressional representatives and fellow citizens to take a stand against this unlawful attack on democracy and our American ideals.
Stan Hokanson Hugo
Dear President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
I apologize for my children’s behavior today. It was wrong. There is no place for bullying or disrespect in my family.
Let me point out that I am not referring to my
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEFS
From trees to the breakfast table: Learn to make maple syrup at state parks
March is that time of the year when the sun is higher in the sky, the snow is melting and plants are getting ready to come back from dormancy. These are indications that tree saps are starting to flow, which means it’s maple syrup season. Five Minnesota state parks are offering programs to introduce people to the history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used.
Participants will learn how to identify and tap the right kind of tree as well as how to boil the sap until it is sweet enough to serve on pancakes, waffles or ice cream.
Programs will be offered at the following state parks:
• Fort Snelling State Park: March 2, 9, 16, 29 and 30
• Lake Bemidji State Park: March 22
• Nerstrand Big Woods State Park: March 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29
• Whitewater State Park: March 1, 8, 15 and 22
• Wild River State Park: March 22, 29, April 5 and 12 Minnesota is home to five native species of maple trees, and all produce sap that can be made into maple syrup. Sugar maples are the preferred tree for maple syrup, as the sap from sugar maple trees has the highest concentration of sugar. Typically, the best time to collect tree sap has been between mid-March and mid-April, when temperatures are in the high 30s to mid-40s during the day and below freezing at night. It usually takes 30 to 40 gallons of tree sap to produce one gallon of pure maple syrup. Due to space limitations, some programs require advance registration. For more information about events or how to tap trees and make maple syrup, visit mndnr.gov/maplesyrup. The maple syrup programs at Minnesota state parks are free, but vehicle permits are required to enter the parks.
daughters, ages 28 and 34 years of age. They learned early the value of respect for others.
And just how did my grown adult children learn this? Through our family values, including theirs of their dear deceased grandparents as well as through our Christian faith and our value driven teachers and staff during their school years at St. Mary’s of the Lake and White Bear Lake schools. The majority of whom were consummate role models, yet, let’s be honest, none were perfect.
Rather I am referring to the children, the elected individuals in the White House, Vice President J.D. Vance, and President Donald Trump.
Again, President Zelenskyy, I am sorry for my children’s rude, belligerent behavior. I will work so this never happens again. We are human beings, bolstered by connection and community, striving to do better.
My friends, my acquaintances, neighbors and even strangers; will you help me to deliver this message to Vice President Vance and President Trump?
Minnesota DNR urges fish house owners to remove shelters
As warm weather is in the forecast for much of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anyone who still has a fish house on the ice to start planning for its removal.
The removal deadline for inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state is 11:59 p.m. March 3. The deadline for inland lakes in the northern portion of the state is 11:59 p.m. March 17. The DNR reminds all fish house owners to pick up and properly dispose of any trash as part of hauling their shelter off the ice.
“After this recent cold snap, we know people will want to take advantage of every day they can to use their ice shelters,” said Capt. Cory Palmer, DNR Enforcement Southern Region manager. “However, current conditions don’t change the statutory deadlines. That said, people can still use their shelters after the deadline so long as the shelter has the proper identification and licensing and, if it’s on the ice between midnight and an hour before sunrise, is occupied or attended.”
If shelters aren’t removed by the deadline, owners may be prosecuted, and structures may be confiscated and removed or destroyed by a conservation officer. Shelters may not be left at public accesses, and no trash or other materials – including wooden blocking materials – may be left on the ice.
This is the definition of bullying:
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
As they venture out, anglers always should keep in mind that ice conditions vary widely, that ice is never 100% safe and that they should check the ice thickness for themselves.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Aldi grocery store possibility in Lino Lakes
CLino LLC is proposing an Aldi grocery store be built at the southeast corner of I-35E and Main Street in Lino Lakes. The concept plan was recently approved by the Lino Lakes Environmental Board. Next, the plan will be presented to the city’s Planning and Zoning Board for its review. If recommended, the concept plan will then go to the Lino Lakes City Council.
CHURCH
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center
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
6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
The proposed Aldi grocery store would be built at the southeast corner of I-35E and Main Street in Lino Lakes.
CITY BRIEF
Mary Rivard Hugo
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop for expired registration at 4:12 a.m. Jan. 19 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. and cited the motorist for tabs that expired in May.
• A motorist was cited for illegal window tint, as well as other violations, at 4:40 p.m. Jan. 19 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N.
• Another motorist was cited on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. at 5:18 p.m. Jan. 19 for driving with license plates not on file and for expired registration.
• A South Carolina motorist was cited for tabs that expired in March 2023 and for failure to provide proof of insurance at 5:56 p.m. Jan. 19 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N.
The driver searched and could not find insurance records, and after looking for the insurance app, admitted the policy was likely allowed to lapse.
• A driver with a history of driving uninsured vehicles was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Nov. 19 on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. for driving after revocation, failure to provide proof of insurance and for tabs that expired in 2023, following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs. The insurance card that the driver produced had also expired in 2023.
• Deputies left citations under the windshield wipers of five vehicles overnight Jan.19-20 for violating the city’s winter parking ban on city streets from 1-7 a.m., starting with a vehicle parked in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 2:42 a.m. Two more vehicles parked in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. were tagged, one at 2:47 a.m. and the other at 2:50 p.m. At 2:54 a.m. a vehicle parked in the 5000 block of Freeland Court N. was cited; and at 3:04 a.m. a vehicle parked in the 5000 block of 130th Lane was ticketed.
• A husband on Victor Path at 11:20 a.m. Jan. 21 reported that his wife had been driving while under the influence.
As the report was a general interest complaint and not happening at that moment, deputies couldn’t act on it and took the call as information.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop for revoked plates at 9:12 a.m. Jan. 22 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and impounded the plates.
• The driver of a vehicle with the lone license plate tucked in at the back window was cited at 4:42 p.m. Jan. 22 on Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for not possessing a license to operate a vehicle and for failure to provide proof of insurance for that vehicle.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 6:27 p.m. Jan. 22 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and cited the driver. A second driver was cited at
County board approves contract for website
redesign
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $283,875 contract with Bright Penny Creative LLC to redesign the county’s website. The project will implement recommendations from a comprehensive website evaluation that was completed last April:
• Audit the website to remove outdated and redundant information.
• Redesign navigation menus and webpages to make it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need.
• Implement design principles to meet and maintain federal accessibility standards.
Board approves state review of groundwater plan 2025-2035 Commissioners held a public hearing on the county’s 2025-2035 groundwater plan and will now submit the draft plan to the Metropolitan Council, state agencies and
10:11 p.m. Jan. 23 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation.
• Deputies gave refugees from a verbal argument a courtesy ride to Sunray Shopping Center in St. Paul at 11:47 p.m. after the people went to a business in the 12000 block of Keystone Avenue N. to seek a ride.
The visitors were not causing any problems at the business but had just walked there from a relative’s house. From Sunray, they took a bus home.
• A hit-and-run property damage accident was reported at 11:17 a.m. Jan. 25 in the 5000 block of 159th Street N.
The complainant said she was in her vehicle when a blue van hit the driver’s side of her vehicle before driving off.
Deputies gave the motorist a case number for insurance purposes.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine overnight patrol left a ticket under the windshield wipers of a vehicle parked in the 15000 block of Ethan Trail N. in violation of the winter parking ordinance at 2:09 a.m. Jan. 25. Deputies cited four more vehicles overnight Jan. 28-29 — two parked in the 14500 block of Geneva Avenue N., one in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. and the other on 145th Circle N. and 145th Bay N.
• A suspicious vehicle reported at a residence in the 15000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. at 4:11 p.m. Jan. 25 turned out to be a delivery driver who accidentally went to the wrong address.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:21 a.m. Jan. 27 on eastbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for speeding 35 mph in a posted 30 mph zone, after east-facing deputies on stationary patrol clocked the vehicle on radar at 41 mph.
• Deputies assisted the Savage Police Department at 9:41 p.m. Jan. 27 in the 5000 block of 126th Street N. regarding a suspicious stolen vehicle that turned to have been sold to the owner’s brother, who immediately sold the vehicle to another person.
• A motorist pulled over on Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. at 12:20 a.m. Jan. 28 was cited for displaying tabs on the public roadway that expired in July. The driver told deputies he had been too busy to take care of renewing the registration.
• Deputies issued a citation to a motorist for speeding at 8:55 a.m. Jan. 29 in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road N. and a written warning to another motorist at 2:13 p.m. for speeding on 170th Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue N.
• A resident in the 6000 block of 150th Street N. at 6:02 p.m. Jan. 29 reported receiving a letter in the mail claiming she had won a $500 gift card and needed to scan the QR code provided.
the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources for final review.
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 secondgeneration plan was adopted in September 2014 and expires in August 2025.
March declared Women’s History Month
Commissioners also declared the month of March as Women’s History Month in Washington County. In its declaration, the board recognized the achievements and contributions of women educators, mentors and leaders in the county.
The complainant did not scan the code and reported that she was confused about the letter. Deputies advised her that the letter was a scam and that other people had received similar letters.
• A motorist speeding along southbound Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street at 9:07 p.m. Jan. 29 was cited for that violation. After deputies suspected the driver of using cannabis, they conducted roadside sobriety testing. The driver did not appear to be under the influence so was only issued one citation.
• A wandering motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:24 a.m. Jan. 30 on Forest Blvd. N. and 125th Street after being pulled over for crossing over the fog line multiple times. The driver showed signs of alcohol impairment and consented to standardized field sobriety testing and the portable breath test. After delivering a blood alcohol content of 0.13, the driver was transported to jail and booked.
• Deputies cited two motorists for speeding on 170th Street N. at Elmcrest Avenue N. Jan. 30. The first citation was issued at 7:03 a.m. for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, and the second at 7:12 a.m. for speeding 65 mph in a 55 mph zone.
• A resident in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. at 5:32 p.m. Jan. 30 reported an attempted doctor scam.
The doctor scam is when the scammer pretends to be a doctor in the Middle East who needs help to smuggle out his life savings or who wants to start up a romance.
Health care workers themselves can be victims of scammers who claim to be from the Drug Enforcement Administration and are about to arrest them if they don’t provide the scammer with personal information or money.
• A resident in the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. at 7:53 p.m. Jan. 31 reported an ex-girlfriend for coming onto the property, entering the closed garage and pounding on the inside door to be let in. After deputies located all involved parties and collected statements, they cited the ex-girlfriend and told her to leave.
• Two horses on the lam were reported for walking down the roadway on 147th Street N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at 5:04 a.m. Feb. 1. Deputies dispatched out to the scene located the horses before losing track of them.
• At 6:07 a.m. Feb. 1 deputies received a request from the 15000 block of Irish Avenue N. for an update on the owner’s escaped horses. Deputies advised the caller of their last visual, and the owners were able to round up their horses.
• As one of the earliest harbingers of spring, juveniles are now out and about knocking on doors and running away, according to a report at 10:45 p.m. Feb. 1 on 146th Street N. and Geneva Avenue N.
Loretta Harding
Spring weight restrictions for county roads in effect
Spring weight restrictions are now in effect in Washington County. Restrictions will be in effect for eight weeks, unless extraordinary conditions require extending them. The restrictions apply to Washington County roads and do not include city or township roads. Any county road without a posted weight limit is 10 tons per axle. During spring weight restrictions, Washington County does not issue permits for transport over the axle weight limit, except in cases of a serious public health emergency. Washington County road users may call 651-430-8355 for a recorded message with the latest spring weight restriction information. For additional information, call Washington County Public Works at 651-430-4300.
Yellow Ribbon Network celebrates 15 years
The Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network invites family and friends to celebrate its 15 years of dedication to veterans and their families on Monday, March 17, at Hugo City Hall. The guest of honor will be Major Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with a recognition ceremony at 7 p.m. during the City Council meeting. Those who wish to attend should RSVP to Chuck Haas by March 10 at Charles.haas27@gmail. com.
COUNTY BRIEFS
CALENDAR BRIEF
Fish Fry: Who will be the best?
For Christians, Lent is a season of solemnity, where people practice self-denial and atonement. Lent is the period leading up to Easter when Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So how do fish fries at local restaurants, Legions and VFWs and churches fit into it?
Traditionally, a fish fry is strongly associated with the Roman Catholic community, but churches and organizations of all denominations—or none—have participated.
The ritual of fasting during the Lenten season dates to the first century CE. The practice has changed quite a bit over the centuries. It originally started as a fast and was eventually established as a 40-day abstinence from the meat of warm-blooded animals. This form of penance was meant to recognize the suffering and forbearance of Christ’s 40 days in the desert while he was tested by the devil.
This year’s Lenten season will begin Wednesday, March 5, and last until Thursday, April 17.
Fish fries are also a way to
celebrate Midwestern roots, since many places in Minnesota and Wisconsin were settled by German and Polish Catholics who did not typically eat meat on Fridays. Proximity to freshwater lakes means that a fish fry might feature fresh walleye, bass, perch, bluegill
or even catfish, in addition to a more widespread choice such as cod and tilapia.
As you visit fish fries this season, think about which one you would deem “the best” because Press Publications’ Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest is
Try a local
just around the corner, and one of the many categories is “Best Fish Fry.”
In the White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights area last year, VFW Post 1782 won the title and Cabin 61 and Manitou Bar & Kitchen were finalists.
In the Hugo market, St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church earned the title, followed by Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster and Cabin 61 as finalists.
In the Shoreview market, Cabin 61 earned the Best Fish Fry title and Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern and Oliver’s were finalists.
In the Quad market, Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill won the title followed by St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church, Kelly’s Korner Bar and VFW Post 1782 as finalists.
Who will the title go to in 2025? Be sure to nominate your favorite beginning April 30 so they appear on the ballot. Then don’t forget to vote once a day.
Fry
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: DALILA ZUNIGA
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
If 2D art includes painting on a canvas, and 3D art includes crafting pottery, then 17-yearold White Bear Lake student Dalila Zuniga thrives in 2.5D art. Her painting, “Troubled Heart,” is making waves—literally—for its use of texture that pops beyond the canvas. Similarly, her ceramic teapots stand out for their surprising shapes. To achieve her innovative compositions, Zuniga navigates the artistic process completely by emotion.
For instance, Zuniga is drawn to acrylic paints because they can be shiny. She uses that shininess, however, in unconventional ways—to add pearlescent white to her wave tips or moisture to a crying eye. The results are
striking, yet they carry an undertone of unease.
“Art is very troubling for me,” Zuniga revealed. “I love it. It’s one of my favorite things to do, but when I’m in the moment and making that art? it’s really hard.” Zuniga explained that self-criticism is what whips her inner calm into the stormy sea she painted. “I don’t quiet the [inner] comments, I just continue to work until I get to a point where they just fade away.” Conversely, Zuniga is quite practical when receiving external comments. “I sometimes listen … ‘She doesn’t look like she’s facing the right way,’ or something else. Usually, I go off how I feel because, really, what I’m supposed to be trying to put on the page is how I feel about it.”
Only recently has Zuniga learned to let her inner comments speak without letting them take over entirely. “In the beginning, I would be like, ‘I don’t like it. I’ll scrap, start over,’” Zuniga stated. Now, she’s learning to be more open to changes and plans not going right. Zuniga is implementing this advice for her future as well. Though she doesn’t quite know what shape her
artistic career will take, she knows it will be a part of her life. “I hope to still do art in the future,” Zuniga stated. “I know I will.”
DIRECTOR JESS YATES CRACKS OPEN “THE BOOK CLUB PLAY” FOR LAKESHORE PLAYERS
BY LOGAN GION
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A“Mockumentary”—a dramatically staged, fake documentary—is a style that has produced some of the greatest sitcoms of this century. “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Abbott Elementary” all mine the “reality” of mundane jobs for laughs while examining average joes who desperately want to be liked. “The Book Club Play,” premiering at Lakeshore Players on March 14, does the same to well-read wine moms.
“It’s very funny; it’s very real,” stated director Jess Yates. “You have those moments of rooting for someone as well as moments where we all have to face the discomfort that comes from being human beings. I think that creates a play that’s really complex in a really fun way…”
TOf course, the meta-challenge of mockumentaries is that characters are “real people” speaking to a fake film crew, all of which is staged for an audience. To achieve a sense of realism in a play about reality TV, then, Yates gave extra opportunity for her actors to explore their curiosity. “I lean a lot on my actors’ instincts,” she informed. “So every sip of water, every time someone stands, I want it to be motivated not by, ‘We need we need to make a good picture here,’ but ‘What is this character feeling in this moment?’”
Yates believes that such a process allows actors to feel like collaborating artists rather than puppets. “The conversations [actors] are able to have and the parts you’re able to create are so much more fulfilling,” she explained. In turn, a director’s responsibility is no longer planning every single movement,
but rather being an actor’s outside eye and first audience member.
One thing Yates did require from her cast, though, was a sense of play. “A go-getter, let’s-figure-this-out-together attitude—those were the people who I was drawn to for this show and who make up this cast,” Yates described. As a result, Yates believes the audience is in for a good time. “It’s hard to say if we laughed more during the actual rehearsal time or during our breaks.”
Like a great novel or TV show, Yates hopes audience members tell all their friends about “The Book Club Play.” She stated, “I think we’ve done our job as an artistic team if you can’t stop talking about the play on the car ride home.”
Lakeshore Players’ production of “The Book Club Play” runs from March 14-23. For tickets and more information, visit www.lakeshoreplayers.org.
PRESERVING WHAT WAS LOST
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
he Carnegie Library, the St. Paul Automobile Club, the Bald Eagle train depot—the White Bear Lake area has lost many a building over the last 150 years. White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson will be exploring these extinct buildings in a library program on March 24.
“One of our [WBLA Historical Society’s] purposes is to advocate for historic preservation,” Hanson stated. “I’m a preservationist, but I’m also a realist. Just because something’s old doesn’t mean it has to be saved.”
Hanson’s program instead covers the reasons a building was lost, whether through natural disasters, blight, or town-planning initiatives. “In the ‘50s and ‘60s, urban renewal was the name of the game,” Hanson compared. “They were ripping down everything down that wasn’t considered useful or whatnot. In more recent decades, the push has been for preservation, rehabilitation, and reuse.”
Buildings, however, decay as they age, and part of Hanson’s job is to help determine the best course of action. The Fillebrown House, for instance, is a precious example of East-Coast cottage architecture found in very few spots in the Midwest. Ten years ago, however, the floors began sinking. “The architects we worked with came up with a plan to just put stud walls in the basement,” she explained. “It gave us what we needed with more modern technology, but still retained the way the house was.”
Another example is the Fourth Street Armory’s crumbling
castellated parapets. How can the historical society save that aspect of the building when it’s falling apart and causing safety issues? “ [Architects] are coming in and will be dismantling those parapets … cleaning all of the brick, repairing where they need, taking brick from other less obvious parts of the build so that it matches, and rebuilding them,” Hanson informed.
Such challenges are part of the reason Hanson is presenting this program. “I want to make sure that, as a community, we don’t sight of what has been there in the past and how it has shifted and changed to where we are now… all I ask is for thoughtful consideration.”
The White Bear Lake Library will present “Lost White Bear” at 2150 Second St., White Bear Lake at 6 p.m. Monday March 24.
Congratulations to past and Emerging Artists on Hennepin Trust Spotlight Awards! • Yahaira Nok-Chiclana — Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role • Lucas Maahs — Honorable Mention in a Feature Role
We wish you success in all future endeavors!
MARCH EVENTS
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
INTRO TO WATERCOLOR & INK
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Tuesday, Mar 11, 4:00-6:00 PM
Details: Learn watercolor techniques step-by-step as you paint greenery, florals, and simple abstracts. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
REDUCTION RELIEF PRINTING
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Saturday, Mar 22, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Details: Create a reduction relief print from start to finish, learning carving techniques, color theory, and how to think in layers. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
STILL LIFE PAINTING IN OILS
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Dates: 3 Thursdays, Mar 6-20, 1:00-3:30 PM
Details: Start with a drawing and value structure, and learn color temperature and light, highlights, accents, and controlled brushwork. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
Emerging Artist Delila Zuniga paints on canvas, adding texture with layers upon layers of acrylic paint and polish.
White Bear Lake’s original Carnegie Library circa 1935. The building is one of the many “Lost White Bear” pieces Sara Hanson will cover in her March 24 presentation.
WEDDING SHOW: Show will include around 35 local vendors that
the show where gently used, donated dresses were resold for $10 each. Since a wedding dress can be a large part of a wedding budget, the show aimed to make one’s dream dress more accessible.
“One of the best memories was when a bride found a never-worn dress in our used dress sale for $10! She was in tears,” Steele said.
“What was fun (about the show) was all the volunteers who helped with the dress sale,” added Carter Johnson, publisher of Press Publications. The show will include approximately 35 vendors covering wedding must-haves like venues, catering, officiants and flowers. Many of the vendors have continued to return to the wedding show to keep their business local.
“Our vendors keep coming back because they like the quality time with the brides to have conversations about their big day,” Steele explained.
This year, there will be new vendors for brides to talk to regarding venues, catering options and potential honeymoon destinations. The show will be emceed by Gary LaRue, who has been participating in the show for about 10 years.
“It’s fun to connect with everyone
involved,” LaRue said, “behind the scenes with the Press, all of the vendors and, of course, the brides/grooms and their families!”
He added that he enjoys sharing in the couple’s excitement while providing them with information and expertise that may help them achieve the wedding they are dreaming about.
“There are just so many moments of people having fun, working together and helping each other,” said LaRue about his favorite moments during the show. “Maybe the impromptu dance party that breaks out once in a while!”
Steele said that the first 50 brides who register for the wedding show will receive a swag bag. Tickets are available for $5, but brides attend the event for free. To register, go to www.presspubs.com/weddingshow. If you, or someone you know, is looking to get married, please call 651-407-1200 or email Patty Steele at marketing@presspubs.com.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
See us at the... Minneapolis Convention Center Home & Garden Show March 5-9 / Booth 651
• Choose your countertop material.
• We visit you and measure precisely.
• High tech fit & finish produced.
• We install your countertops.
• Celebrate with family & friends!
Ask about OUR HOME SHOW FREE SINK SPECIAL!
fashion show.
you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the
Bald Eagle Avenue White Bear Lake
• 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.
In conforming to Minnesota Statute Chapter 429 requirements for projects levying 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 with Council Member Darrin Mosher 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 aforementioned 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
George Schire appointed to historical society board of directors
The Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) has announced that George Schire of Oakdale
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.
With his relevant experience, 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 on March 24.
• Following last year’s events focusing on the LaLonde property, the Planning and Zoning Commission 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 lower density, lower building height and clarify language surrounding parking requirements, all with the end of clearing up discrepancies among the city’s three planning documents. These revisions include changing the maximum building height in the M-2 zoning district not to exceed 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 the parking piece and other 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
will be appointed to the WCHS board of directors, replacing outgoing member Tom Simonet. Previously, Schire was involved in the banking business as a lending and insurance trainer and had served on the board of directors for a major Twin Cities credit union. Schire has also authored several books on the history of professional wrestling and has given several presentations on the subject for the society. He is scheduled to give a new presentation on the subject on
Oppal is an affectionate, intelligent, even-tempered and gentle sweetheart, and she is looking for her loving forever family and home. Oppal is a Briard/Bouvier des Flandres mix. She is just over 3 years old and weighs about 68 pounds. Oppal is social with everyone she meets, but she would do best as an only pet. She is house-trained and crate-trained. She knows her basic commands but would do well in a formal training program.
Oppal loves the outdoors, and when she isn’t outside exploring, she enjoys spending time gazing out the window. She also likes car rides. Her foster says Oppal enjoys being brushed or combed and she melts for ear scratches and belly rubs. Oppal has a happy-go-lucky personality. She is a large dog, but she is easy to handle. Oppal doesn’t
Noodles for Northwoods
The Northwoods Animal Humane Society will host its annual Noodles for Northwoods event from 4 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 at American Legion Post 225, located at 355 West Broadway Ave., Forest Lake. The event will include a spaghetti dinner, raffles, wine pull and silent auction. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https:// northwoodshs.org.
American Legion National Commander to speak in Forest Lake
American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. of Connecticut is coming to Forest Lake. He will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans on Monday, March 24. LaCoursiere is strongly committed to raising awareness for The American Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
“It is the most significant issue facing veterans,” he told the national
April 30 at the Washington County Heritage Center.
“He is what we are looking for in a board member,” said Executive Director Brent Peterson. “George understands how to research and how to relate history to others. He will be a good fit with the organization.”
For more information about the Washington County Historical Society, call 651-439-2298 or email information@wchsmn.org.
It’s time to schedule your heating system’s FALL CLEAN & TUNE UP
convention after being elected in August. “It is the most significant issue of our time. It’s also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.”
He will visit Forest Lake Post 225 at 355 W. Broadway Ave. for a social hour, dinner and presentation starting at 5 p.m. and talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents. Local residents who wish to attend can contact Terry Larson at 651-464-2600 Ext. 308.
Forest Lake Masons host turkey booyah
The Forest Lake Masons will host a drive-thru smoked turkey booyah from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Masonic Lodge, located at 119 SE Eighth Ave., Forest Lake. Funds raised from the event will be matched by the Masons for the Forest Lake High School Clay Target team. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit www. forestlakemasons.com/.
and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The zoning code for the LaLonde property had 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 Second Series, Amending Chapter 156 of City Code & 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, after council approved a temporary gambling permit. Proceeds from the bingo event will be forwarded to local food shelves and to Alexandra House.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
jump on people and she rarely barks. And, most of all, Oppal loves to be with her people at all times.
If you are interested in learning more about Oppal or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
WEEKLY WAG
George Schire
Loretta Harding
FILM CRITIC: Hugo resident helps readers discover movies they will love
FROM PAGE 1
technique called deep focus, which keeps the foreground, middle ground and background in sharp clarity. I saw this as a metaphor for how I wanted to approach movies—by looking at them in depth from every angle. My reviews often combine plot and stylistic analysis with film history, theory and broader cultural contexts, landing somewhere between traditional reviews and critical analyses.
Q. What do you enjoy about writing your movie blog?
A. I prefer the term “website” over “blog.” To me, a “blog” suggests something casual or personal, but I’d like to think Deep Focus Review is a professional site for independent film journalism.
What I enjoy most about film criticism is learning about different perspectives through art. Every movie is a product of its time, place, creators and aesthetic choices. Unpacking those elements and viewing the world through someone else’s lens—whether it’s a character or a filmmaker—is so rewarding.
I also love the research aspect of films. Whether they’re new releases or classics, I often research the film’s background and historical context to better understand it. This process has given me insights into how people think and feel and tell stories across various cultures and time periods.
Q. What is the toughest challenge you face when writing reviews?
A. Balancing personal opinion with critical analysis is always a challenge. When I write a review, I try
to offer more than just a gut reaction. I want to articulate why a film works (or doesn’t) and back up my argument with evidence from the film itself. Each review presents a thesis, and building a strong, clear argument to support that thesis can be challenging, not to mention making it accessible for the reader.
Q. What do you hope your readers get out of reading your reviews and essays?
A. Above all, I hope readers discover movies they love—or find new ways to appreciate the ones they already do.
It’s so rewarding when someone tells me they watched a movie because of my review and loved it. But my favorite moments are when readers say something like, “I’ve seen ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ a million times but never thought about it that way.” That’s what it’s all about for me—encouraging people to think critically about the movies they watch, even the ones they’ve seen before.
Q. What is your ultimate favorite movie and why?
A. This question is nearly impossible to answer, and I’d probably give a different response tomorrow. But today, I’ll say “Seven Samurai” (1954). Directed by Akira Kurosawa, it’s the perfect example of what cinema can achieve: an epic, beautifully crafted story infused with action, romance, history, philosophy and social commentary. It’s an emotional, entertaining and even intellectual experience that finds harmony between the artistic and crowd-pleasing impulses of cinema.
Q. What movies should people be sure to see this year?
A. 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for film. Bong Joon-ho, still fresh off his Oscar-winning “Parasite,” has a new sci-fi movie coming in March called “Mickey 17.” Guillermo del Toro is working on a new adaptation of “Frankenstein.” Spike Lee is remaking Kurosawa’s “High and Low” with Denzel Washington. Steven Soderbergh has two films out in the first quarter, “Presence” and “Black Bag.”
Of course, there’s no shortage of sequels and franchise sequels this year— “28 Years Later, Avatar: Fire and Ice,” a new “Superman” film, and multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) titles are all on the way.
Personally, I’m most excited about the work coming from directors like David Cronenberg, Kelly Reichardt, Paul Thomas Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, Yorgos Lanthimos and Lynne Ramsay. Keep an eye on what these directors have in store for 2025—they rarely disappoint.
Q. Anything else you want to add?
A. If any of this interests readers, I’d be thrilled if they explored Deep Focus Review or caught one of my movie segments. If you enjoy my work, you can also support me on Patreon or connect with me on social media—I’d love to hear from you!
Compiled by Shannon Granholm
S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Akpan dominates at state for 130-pound title
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Nora Akpan, Centennial junior, cruised to the state wrestling championship Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.
Competing at 130 pounds, Akpan finished the season 30-0. She was ranked No. 1 by the Guillotine and lived up to it.
Asked if she expected to be state champ, Akpan said, “Yes. I was going to be on the wall,” referring to the display of state champion at the high school. She placed third at state last year at 130 pounds with a 30-3 record.
In the three rounds at state, Akpan pinned Anna Delaney of Robbinsdale Cooper in 1:29, defeated Chloe Wehry of Sartell-St. Stephen 10-1 and, in the finals, won by technical fall over Lauren Elsmore of Pine Island 19-3 in 4:22. Elsmore was a state champion last season.
Akpan has become highly skilled and fit. Her coaches lavished praise on her.
“Her work ethic. Her hard work in the room,” said Kahlea Bettinger, the girls coach, asked what makes her so good. “She comes to practice early, she stays after, she gets extra reps, and she’s always asking, ‘how can I get better?’”
About that physique, Bettinger said, “Oh, she puts in the work for that, absolutely. Pushups, setups, bluffs every day.”
Chase Steffen, head coach for five years, said Akpan is the most impressive athlete he’s ever coached with respect to her strength, skills, dedication and
arm went up after
eagerness to learn everything about wrestling.
“My guys look at her and say, well, if Nora is doing those things, then we should, too,” Steffen said. He added, with a laugh, that when Akpan leapt into his arms to celebrate. “She knocked me over!”
Akpan does not come from a wrestling family but was hooked in middle school by “the physicality of it, and the (wrestling) community.” She said her best moves are probably “snap downs and single-leg (takedown).”
Zephyrs skate back to state tournament this week
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi entered the section hockey playoffs with an 8-15-2 record two weeks ago. But the Zephyrs are back at state once again starting Wednesday.
Their fourth straight trip to the Class A tournament was secured by defeating Chisago Lakes 3-1 in the Section 4A finals on Thursday evening at Aldrich Arena.
The Zephyrs, who as always played probably the most grueling schedule of any Class A team, will make their 12th appearance under coach Jeff Poeschl. They have an 11-15-2 record with a much younger roster than usual: seven seniors, seven juniors, seven sophomores and two freshmen.
“The team came into section play battle-tested and ready for all that might come their way,” Poeschl assessed, referring to the rugged schedule. He added, “The Zephyrs relied on speed, grit, goaltending, and an aggressive penalty kill to win their fourth consecutive Section 4A title.”
They were seeded second in the section behind Chisago Lakes (16-10-2), having lost to the Wildcats 3-2 in the regular season. “A low point in our season was a tough loss to Chisago Lakes in January,” Poeschl said. “But it fueled the fire and motivation to avenge that loss when it really mattered in the section final.”
2025
Sydney Schmitz, Centennial basketball junior, emerged as a strong scorer this season to help the Cougars reach the section finals. The 5-foot-11 junior forward is averaging 12.6 points overall while coming on strong late in the season, including 16- and 18-point games in the section games against Duluth East and Forest Lake, respectively.” Sydney has taken her game to the next level,” Coach Jamie Sobolik said, “and helped create a formidable dual scoring threat with Autumn McCall. She has consistently scored in double digits over our last 12 games.”
The Wildcats got a goal by Austin Slettom at 9:03 of the first period. Brock Gutterman, Zephyr freshman, tied the score at 14:16, assisted by Brayden Fuerst. The Zephrys pulled ahead 2-1 when Laken Decker scored 1:39 into the second period, assisted by Winston Wright.
Wright gave the Zephyrs a two-goal lead at 6:53 of the third period, assisted by Cody Loida. The Zephyrs had a 32-29 edge in shots, with goalie Wes Strub making 28 saves.
The Zephyrs had ten losses against Top Ten teams (four Class 2A, six Class 1A) including 4-3 to No. 5 St. Cloud Cathedral, their first-round foe at state. They were 1-4 against other state qualifiers, beating Orono. In the first two rounds, Mahtomedi beat South St. Paul 5-0 and Highland Park 10-2 with goals by Decker (three), Joey Pipes (two), Gutterman (two), Devin O’Donnell, Will Seevers, Blake Loida, Cody Loida, Ryan Lipovetz, Wright, Fuerst, and Trevor Rogesheske. While underclassmen took on a big role, Poeschl stressed that seven seniors are “major contributors,” meaning goalie Strub, defender Pipes, and forwards Mac Appert, Wright, Decker, Lipovetz, and Shey Sorenson.
State pairings
The No. 7 Zephyrs face No. 2 St. Cloud Cathedral (188-2) on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Xcel Energy Center. In their bracket is No. 5 Orono (15-10-3) vs. No. 3 Northfield (22-4-2) at 1 p.m. The other bracket has No. 1 Hibbing-Chisholm (13-9) vs. No. 3 Luverne (22-4-2) at 6 p.m. and No. 4 East Grand Forks (13-13-2) vs. No. 5 Northern Lakes (19-8-1) at 8 p.m. Semifinals are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, and finals at noon Saturday.
Nora Akpan’s
she won 19-3 in the finals over a defending state champion, Lauren Elsmore of Pine Island.
BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED
Mahtomedi players celebrated with their student gallery after beating Chisago Lakes 3-1 in the section finals.
