‘Bingo and Bling’
a possibility for Lino Lakes, Hugo residents
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
Lino Lakes and Hugo residents may have a new place to shop for groceries. ISG submitted an ALDI site and building plan review to the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Commission, whose members unanimously agreed to send it to the City Council.
The grocery store would be located south of Main Street, east of I-35E and west of Otter Lake Road in Lino Lakes, near the border with Hugo. Currently, the 28-acre site includes three existing lots. The site is zoned General Business (GB) and is guided commercial per the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Katie Larsen, city planner, said that staff requested that the applicants submit a master plan for the site. A master plan, also known as a ghost plat, lays out the potential future development of a site. It is not the final plan.
According to Larsen, the master plan shows the possibility of a medical clinic, a retail restaurant and an automotive store.
“This does not mean this is how the future site is going to build out,” Larsen explained regarding the master plan. “We wanted to make sure that the
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Liberty Classical Academy (LCA) says it has “identified a path forward” with May Township that will allow it to proceed with construction of the next phase of its expansion project, provided it receives the necessary permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
“This has been a long time coming, but we are excited to be able to announce this outstanding news,”
Headmaster Rebekah Hagstrom wrote in an email newsletter sent out earlier this month.
LCA owns approximately 37 acres in Hugo and 45 acres in May Township along 122nd Street. LCA also leases space at the Church of St. Pius X in White Bear Lake. LCA wants to construct a 33,500-squarefoot addition to the existing school and associated parking. The stormwater management facilities and septic systems are proposed to be located in May Township.
LCA received approval of a site plan and conditional use permit (CUP) from the city of Hugo, but May Township denied the CUP for the stormwater management facilities and septic systems. Last September, LCA filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against May Township for enacting an interim ordinance for a moratorium on the establishment of institutional and nonresidential uses and any facilities within the Rural Residential (RR) zoning district.
“We now have three hurdles down and one to go,” Hagstrom detailed in the emailed newsletter. “We have the unanimous approval from the city of Hugo, the Brown’s Creek Watershed District permit for the holding pond and now May Township is satisfied with our plan for the septic system, as well … Prayers for the final hurdle — the MPCA permit.” Press Publications reached out to LCA and May Township to find out more about the resolution of the school’s plans in May Township.
“While May has verbally acknowledged certain conditions under which LCA may move forward, May is simply acknowledging the law as it stands — not compromising its position for agreement,” said LCA Attorney Brandon Carmack. “We are negotiating formal resolution of the case with May; until that negotiation is finalized — and likely even thereafter — we will not be able to comment on the
The Chain of Lake Rotary will host its annual Chain of Giving fundraiser, “Bingo and Bling,” from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Hugo for the Rotary’s local scholarship and international youth exchange program. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at chainoflakesrotary.com. For more information, see page 7.
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
ALDI: Master plan shows supermarket, medical clinic, restaurant and auto store
ALDI site was being laid out in a fashion that we can best develop the rest of the site.”
She added that any future development of the two outlots shown within the preliminary plan, proposed by Thyme Properties LLC, will require a preliminary plat and final plat.
The proposed ALDI store will be approximately 19,437 square feet. Its main access will be at Main Street and 70th Street. There will be a stormwater pond located on the west side of the property. Wetlands on the site will not be impacted.
“There is a trail along Main Street, so we want to at least have a sidewalk come into the development off of Main and along 70th,” Larsen said when discussing what revisions city staff asked to be made to the site plan.
She added that staff requested additional revisions be made to rear setbacks, parking and drive lanes within the lot, landscaping and outdoor lighting.
According to the staff report, a traffic study was completed. The study analyzed the Main Street and I-35E southbound and northbound ramps, the Main Street and Otter Lake Road intersection and the Main Street
and the Frenchman Road/Osborne Road and Victor Hugo Boulevard intersection.
The study analyzed a Phase 1 development scenario that included a supermarket, fast food and retail spaces. Phase 1 of the development is expected to generate 1,658 new weekday daily trips.
Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board Chair Michael Root shared his thoughts about the project.
“It is nice to see this area being developed, because it’s been really building up in that area,” he said.
Board Member Isaac Wipperfurth said he thinks it would be a good idea to have a sidewalk on both sides of the private drive located on the site on 70th Street.
“I think in the future there is probably going to be a walkway along Otter Lake Road, and people may exit the site both directions. It would avoid a crosswalk, depending on where they come onto that sidewalk.”
The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 6-0 (Board Member Perry Laden was not present).
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Sunshine Week: Our right to know
This week is Sunshine Week.
Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.
Sunshine Sunday began in Florida in
2002, led by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors. National Sunshine Week was launched in 2005 by the American Society of Newspaper Editors with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. In 2019, the American Society of News Editors merged with the Associated Press Media Editors to
become the News Leaders Association.
As of Dec. 8, 2023, Sunshine Week is coordinated by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.
Sunshine Week occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Mad-
ison’s birthday, March 16 (1751). Madison was a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and presented the first version of the Bill of Rights to Congress. He also was the fourth president of the United States.
For more information, visit https:// sunshineweek.org .
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Press Publication 40th Wedding Show
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: White Bear Country Inn
Details: The show will include approximately 35 vendors covering wedding must-haves like venues, catering, officiants and flowers. For more information, visit presspubs.com. Contact: presspubs.com or 651-407-1200
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S CLUB FISH FRY
When: 4:30 -7:30 p.m. Fridays, through April 11
Where: Church of St. Genevieve, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Contact: stgens.org/mens-club
CURRENT EVENTS
NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Mariner Middle School, White Bear Lake Details: Event to celebrate the Native American community open to all.
Contact: manyfaceswblarea.org/events
MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes Details: Learn how to gather maple sap and cook it down to make syrup. Maple crafts, scavenger hunt, and maple treats. Free family event.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
LOST WHITE BEAR
When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, March 24
Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.
Details: Hear the stories of many lost buildings in the area. No registration necessary. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 25
Where: Katherine Abbott park, 1000 Lincolntown Ave., Mahtomedi
Details: Hike on paved trails and streets through Willernie.
Contact: stpaulhike.com
SMOKED TURKEY BOOYAH DRIVE THRU
When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 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
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, March 24; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413
Dealing with transition
LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
First, longtime Public Works Director Paul Palzer announced his retirement in December. Then, longtime Centerville City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz announced he would be leaving to accept the city administrator position in Forest Lake.
Now, the city will lose its city planner to retirement, after Phil Carlson of Stantec announced his retirement, effective June 1. Much of the last Centerville City Council meeting was taken up with talk of navigating these transitional times.
Athanasia Lewis will serve as Interim City Administrator. Council elected to hire a professional search firm to do the work of finding Statz’s replacement. Five search firms submitted proposals and three were interviewed. Council and city staff checked references for the final two firms left in the running. Following discussion at the workshop prior to the start of the regular council meeting, council chose GMP Consultants as the search firm. The city will pay GMP between $15,000 to $22,500 to advertise, research and narrow the field of candidates for city administrator.
Where: Forest Lake Masonic Lodge, 119 8th Ave. SE Details: Savory booyah delivered curbside. Tickets sold day of event. All proceeds matched to benefit Forest Lake High School clay target team. Contact: forestlakemasons.com
WATERSHED CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, March 31
Where: Forest Lake Senior Community Center, 767 4th St. SW
Details: Program is “Alum Treatment Impacts on Forest Lake” by Dr. Anne Wilkinson, EOR. Education series sponsored by Comfort-Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District includes presentation, box supper and open discussion. RSVP.
Contact: 651-395-5850 or adam.hjelm@clflwd.org
at Centerville City Hall
As soon as the search firm is hired, the city’s Personnel Committee will serve as the city’s liaison.
Statz served as city engineer for 14 years, then wore the two hats of city engineer and city administrator since 2017.
Council has appointed Tedd Peterson as interim public works director until a city administrator is hired. With the added responsibility, Peterson’s annual salary has been elevated to Pay Grade 11, Step 7 to $103,168.
Pending approval by City Employee’s Union, Local 49 to permit Peterson’s continued participation, he will perform the engineering-type duties formerly performed by Statz, such as project management. Installing Peterson as an interim public works director will give more flexibility to the future city administrator.
At the workshop, council discussed sending out requests for proposal (RFP’s) for a city planner to replace Carlson. The timing of this task aligns with the city’s previously chosen timeline for beginning work on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. City staff suggested sending out two RFPs; one for day-to-day planning work and the other for the Comprehensive Plan update. The RFPs would go out in April and be received and evaluated in May. The
new city planners are expected to begin work in June. City staff also expressed the wish to continue working with Carlson until his retirement in June.
To help with all the changes to city staff, a flow chart was created to outline staff duties and hierarchy during the transition period. Because Statz performed work of both the city engineer and the city administrator, the flow chart was needed to show changes to the work redistribution of these two positions. The city administrator portions of Statz’s duties that didn’t involve overseeing roadwork and building projects will be done by Interim City Administrator Athanasia Lewis. The engineering duties formerly performed by Statz will go to Interim Public Works Director Tedd Peterson, along with the roadwork and building projects that the city administrator normally does. Some of the work normally done by the public works director will be farmed out among city staff. This arrangement is meant to provide more support to the interim city administrator while City Hall is down from 4.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees to 3.5 FTE’s.
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
Treat people with kindness, even journalists
Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I feel compelled to let you in on a “behind the scenes” view of what a journalist can sometimes deal with.
Recently, I wrote an article about how private insurance companies in Minnesota are now required to cover the costs of wigs for patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.
I was subsequently contacted by a woman who read my story and wanted to know how she could donate her hair to be used for a wig. I didn’t have the answer to her question, so I reached out to my sources to learn more. Thirty minutes later I received an angry voicemail, followed by another one 3 minutes later and another one six minutes later.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
The voicemails continued to get angrier and were filled with profanity. I understand it can be frustrating to not hear back from somebody for an extended period of time, but it hadn’t even been two hours since her first call. I wasn’t ignoring her, I was waiting until I heard back from my sources so I could give her more information on how to go about donating her hair.
Keep in mind that while I’m seeking that answer for her, I was also taking other phone calls, answering emails, writing stories and planning for future editions of several publications.
Or what about the time when I spent my Saturday volunteering with my husband, toddler and dogs to participate in a community parade in our VW bus and was confronted by someone calling me and my publication “fake news.”
I think back to when I interviewed for the position at Press Publications nine years ago, and our publisher, Carter Johnson, was hesitant to hire me because he was worried I didn’t have thick enough skin. I was honest with him in that I didn’t have thick skin, but hoped over time it was something I could develop.
And here I am all these years later, still receiving mean phone calls, voicemails, emails, letters or having run-ins that still affect me more than they should because I am human. Just because I’m a journalist, doesn’t mean I deserve to be yelled at, sworn at or threatened. Please think before you leave a nasty comment on social media, yell into the phone or send a nasty letter in the mail.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the kind things people have done and said to share that they appreciate me, the work I do and the newspaper they read. Like the time when a local author sent me a personalized illustration, thanking me for running information about his new book and sent me a couple of signed books for my son. Or the time when an artist was inspired to draw a portrait of my Angel Frosty after reading a column I wrote about grieving her loss. Or the time when a local mayor took the time out of a city council meeting to encourage people to read an article I had recently wrote in the paper. Every single kind note or letter I have received over the years hangs on a bulletin board in my office. Sometimes I just need to remind myself of the nice things people have said after an outpouring of mean. Perhaps that’s why one of the journalists I used to work with had a folder called “praise mail” dedicated to the nice emails that had come into his inbox.
As Thumper, the rabbit from Disney’s Bambi once said, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.”
Shannon Granholm is the managing editor of Press Publications.
Shine light on unwelcome news and squash rumors
Newspapers at their foundation provide a living history of their communities. The reports include a mixture of good news and bad news. Gathering and reporting the good news comes rather easily and is volunteered by the sources. First responders are commended for their swift response to saving a life. The school district applauds the academic and athletic achievements of graduating seniors. A local manufacturer is honored for setting a safety record for consecutive days without a workplace accident.
In contrast, gathering and reporting bad news can be challenging. Stories likely go unreported without some digging. A public safety director is quietly reprimanded after taking a pleasure ride on the city’s water patrol boat. A superintendent refuses to acknowledge the recommendation to close a school building until formal school board action. A worker loses fingers in an industrial accident.
I encourage Minnesotans to embrace and celebrate the efforts of newspapers to pursue and deliver information relevant to their communities during Sunshine Week, March 16-22. The observance is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that
• 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.
shines a light on the importance of public records and open government. Sharing unwelcome news up front takes a step toward quelling the rumor mill. Those who are forthcoming with circumstances typically see repercussions minimized.
Newspapers rightfully stand firmly on the letter of the law when seeking access to public information. Even more important, those hesitant to share what they perceive as unflattering news should consider two points.
First, think carefully about the spirit of openness – no matter what the law dictates. Public officials should place themselves in the position of friends and neighbors seeking answers from City Hall. Would they be satisfied with “no comment”?
Second, recognize the value of setting benchmarks for community conversation. Meeting in secret or withholding information fuels rumors. If gossip has reached the newspaper, those affected can rest assured it has circulated broadly. At minimum, hearsay exaggerates the facts. At worst, the whispers promote blatant falsehoods.
The opportunity to deliver facts straight from the source is one of the strongest arguments to share information. Citizens still may dismiss statements as a “company line,” but parameters have been set for community discussion.
The premise of openness should be embraced in the private sector too. Companies and individuals are not subject to the same laws as public bodies, but their news is equally important to the community and often
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.
travels quickly.
Conflicts over the public’s right to know often focus on a specific meeting or document.
I vividly recall “news” passed along by my photographer when I sat behind the editor’s desk. Word had reached his son’s elementary school that a teacher at the middle school had lost all his fingers in a lab experiment. We promptly tracked the story. The superintendent set the record straight. The teacher lost a fingertip and all was handled very calmly and professionally.
Our first inquiry, however, went to the school principal. She refused comment, charging us with sensationalism. A few minutes later she called and canceled her newspaper subscription without even seeing our report. I’ll stand by our decision to pursue and publish the story. I’m certain we prevented a lot of misinformed dinner talk that evening.
We all can likely relate to the spirit of openness as youths when we tried to hide bad behavior from our parents. The truth inevitably surfaced, and we bore the brunt of punishment. Lesson: Be up front.
During Sunshine Week, we pay tribute to the millions of readers who invite newspapers into their homes each day. I speak firsthand from my years sitting behind the editor’s desk. We enjoy the relationships we’ve made, and we hope our readers do, too.
Jim Pumarlo is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. He can be reached at jim@pumarlo.com.
• 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.
Movers & Shakers
Jim Pumarlo
CITY BRIEFS
Oneka Lake Park to receive upgrades
CONTRIBUTED
Residents who live near Oneka Lake Park in Hugo may want to attend a meeting in April (date to be determined) regarding improvements. The city has reached out to Flagship Recreation to draft a couple of concepts for the park. Improvements could include installing a new playground, repairing the paved trails, painting the existing picnic shelter and improving landscaping.
The park was built in 2004, and the playground is nearing the end of its useful life. Parks Planner Shayla Denaway explained that the current playground is approximately 6,000 square feet and the hope would be to expand that to closer to 7,000 square feet with the new equipment. She noted the playground would be similar in size to the newer playground in the Beaver Ponds neighborhood.
Denaway recommended the council consider a pour-in-place safety surfacing similar to what was used in Lions Volunteer Park. She explained that the park has had ongoing drainage issues and sees a high volume of traffic. Historically, wood chips in the park have had to be replaced on an annual basis, whereas in other parks, it is typically done every three years or so.
“It has been a very well loved and well-used playground,” she said. “Out of all of our parks, whenever I go by, there are kids there.”
The project is estimated to cost between $200,000 to $220,000; if the council chooses to move forward with the pour-in-place surfacing, that could add an additional $120,200.
Mayor Tom Weidt inquired about whether other amenities had been requested by residents such as
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
• The Centerville City Council recently conducted the second reading to take action on the most recent proposal to amend the City Code. Following the events focusing on the LaLonde property last spring, the Planning and Zoning Commission spent the past several months reviewing the city’s planning documents. Within the City Code, city staff proposed revisions to density requirements in the M2 zone, as well as clarification to some definitions. “Fabrication and assembly” was added to “Light Manufacturing.” A new definition was added for “Automotive Detailing,” and zoning for “Retail Sales for Cannabis” was added. All of the new definitions were added to the table of allowed uses. By a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Darrin Mosher opposed), council approved the Ordinance Second Series, Amending Chapter 156 of City Code (and table of allowed uses) with its second reading, with one exception.
Harley Ogata
73, died 3/4/25 from cardiac arrest. He died quickly and without suffering, as he always hoped he would.
a pickleball court. Denaway said a few years ago a resident requested horseshoes, but a pickleball court likely wouldn’t work well in the park due to the amount of grading that would need to be done.
Residents who live in the area should expect letters in the mail from the city notifying them of the neighborhood meeting.
City staff to prepare feasibility study for 2026 street project
CONTRIBUTED
Roads and trails in the Bald Eagle Industrial Park are scheduled for improvements in 2026.
Hugo is moving ahead with the 2026 street reconstruction project a little bit earlier than usual due to its complexity. The project is proposed for the Bald Eagle Industrial Park and will include 140th Street N. (from Highway to Fenway Boulevard N.), Fenway Boulevard N. (from 130th Street N. to 140th Street N.), Fenway Boulevard Court N. (from Fenway Boulevard N. to where it ends at the cul-de-sac), 130th Street N. (from Highway 61 to Europa Trail N.) and Farnham Avenue N. (from 130th Street N. to where it ends at the Wilson Tool parking lot). The project would also include trail reconstruction along 140th Street (from Highway 61 to Fenway Boulevard N.) and along Fenway Boulevard N. (from 130th Street to 140th Street). A new trail is also proposed along 130th Street (from Highway 61 to Fenway Boulevard N.).
“We think it is really important to start this process earlier than we have on our typical standards road improvement projects primarily because this project is more complex than others,” said City Engineer Mark Erichson.
The portion of the amendments revising M2 density from 12 to 30 units per acre will be sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further research. The final M2 density numbers will be brought to council when the commission presents the parking ordinance.
• In 2024, council discussed various options to enhance the aesthetics of the City Hall campus. Staff proposed adding a stormwater reuse irrigation system. The council subsequently authorized staff to submit a grant application to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) for this project. The project requires a 50% match. The city recently learned that it has received an award from RCWD in the amount of $25,000 for the stormwater reuse irrigation system. Staff sought authorization to accept the award and to provide matching funds totaling $25,000 for the $50,000 project. There is plenty
Survived by spouse Christina (Hugo), daughter and son-in-law Carly and Max (WBT), grandson Samuel (Little Canada), sisters Robin (Montana) and Jody (Florida), and his large and loving village of friends and family. Join us at Keller Golf Course Event Center on Tuesday, April 29, from 2-6 pm for a “Harley Day” open house. Please send memorials to organizations that work for health and peace.
In addition to a couple of rail crossings (at 130th Street and 140th Street), there are potential trail easement needs along 130th street and the trail connection to Hardwood Creek Trail will need to be coordinated with Washington County. The project is estimated to cost upwards of $5 million. Neighbors and business owners in the area should expect to be notified about the project soon, if they haven’t been already, and a neighborhood meeting will be scheduled.
City of Hugo increases utility rates
The city will increase water, sanitary and sewer base fees as well as volume rate usage fees. Water and sewer rates were last adjusted in 2024. However, those adjustments only impacted separately metered irrigation usage and the base fees for sanitary sewer services, according to Finance Director Anna Wobse.
All water users will see a base rate increase of $22 annually, or $5.50 per quarter. All water customers will also experience increased usage rates for water used. Irrigation that is metered separately will see their usage rate increased to $8.40 per thousand gallons (for all gallons used), up from $6.45 per thousand gallons.
Residential sewer customers will see a base rate increase of $44 per SAC unit annually, or $11 per SAC unit each quarter. These customers will also see an increased usage rate for gallons used over 9,000 gallons.
“Overall, an average single-family residential utility customer would be charged $665 annually for both water and sewer services,” Wobse explained. “This equates to $166.25 a quarter, or $55.42 a month, reflecting a monthly increase of $7.25 compared to the 2024 rates.”
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services published a comparison of 2024 sewer rates across the seven-county metropolitan area. The study examined rates from 111 communities based on an annual consumption of 60,000 gallons. The lowest annual cost was $160, while the highest annual cost was $1,048, with an average annual cost of $419. Hugo’s reported annual cost of $346 was below the reported average and ranked 39th lowest on the list.
For a full breakdown of increases, visit the city’s website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us.
Shannon Granholm
of funding in the stormwater fund to support the project, Council Member Russ Koski said.
place over approximately seven years.
• With two new members on council and a new mayor, council held a retreat in early January to review city government basics, meeting logistics and downtown history. Members of council expressed an interest to hold a second retreat to review the 2024-25 strategic plan adopted by the previous council to determine whether those goals reflect the current council’s vision, or whether changes are needed. To that end, council unanimously agreed to schedule the retreat starting at 8 a.m. April 26 to discuss the 2024-25 strategic plan. The public is invited.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
Loretta Harding
CHURCH
CHURCH DIRECTORY
• Council recently approved a contract with Solar Pod to install solar panels on City Hall. This project was partially funded by state grant money and by federal tax credits. After the city determined a need to easily track expenditures of those funds and provide a clear view of the status of reimbursements, city staff recommended the establishment of fund 460 exclusively for this purpose. Council unanimously approved the resolution. The payment of $11,750 the city has already made to the contractor will be moved to this fund, as will the payment authorized by the council March 12. The city will need to transfer the full amount of $47,000 from the general fund to this new fund. The contractor must be paid immediately, even though the payback period from utility savings for the project will take
CHURCH DIRECTORY
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
Oneka Lake Park is next in line for improvements. The line represents the general area of expansion.
COPS&COURTS
HUGO POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• 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 out 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 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 issued the 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 the fog line multiple times. On contact, 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 claiming to be from the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 exgirlfriend 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.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies left citations under the windshield wipers of 10 vehicles overnight Feb. 8-9, starting at 2:40 a.m. with three tickets left on 159th Street N. Deputies turned the corner to cite two vehicles on Goodview Trail N. They turned the corner again and found two vehicles to tag on 157th Street N. and 150th Street N. When they left the 15000 block, they entered the “G” section, alphabetically, and cited three vehicles on Generation Avenue N. and Geneva Avenue N. They were done with parking patrol at 3:51 a.m. The 10 vehicles were all in violation of the city’s winter overnight parking ban that clears the public streets for plows in the event of a snowfall, which, as it happens, had just occurred.
• A motorist on Forest Blvd. N. at 130th Street N. at 6:19 p.m. Feb. 9 was arrested for DWI after deputies on patrol observed a vehicle making several lane violations and weaving. During the traffic stop, the driver showed signs of impairment and was so intoxicated that deputies were unable to conduct standardized field sobriety testing. However, deputies were able to administer the portable breath test that yielded a 0.16 blood alcohol content. Down at jail, the driver refused to take the definitive DataMaster Test.
• Following a snowy Saturday, a motorist was issued a verbal warning for driving with an obstructed plate cover on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. at 11:39 p.m. Feb. 9.
• The parking chronicles continued overnight Feb. 9-10 as plow crews were kept busy after the recent snowfall; deputies issued citations to 13 vehicles overnight, mostly in the “E” and “F” section of town.
Deputies issued two citations on Europa Court N. and six citations on Finale Avenue N. They found four more illegally parked vehicles on Victor Path N.
• A southbound motorist was cited at 7:59 a.m. Feb. 10 on Empress Avenue N. and Oneka Parkway N. for failure to yield, after she pulled out from a stop sign and struck the left front of another southbound vehicle with her right front quarter panel. The driver in question said she did not see the victim’s vehicle. Deputies provided a case number to both parties.
• Identity theft was reported at noon Feb. 10 from the 8000 block of 132nd Street N.
• An eastbound motorist was cited at 12:33 p.m. Feb. 10 on 140th Street N. and Flay Avenue N. for displaying expired registration, after deputies were called to the scene of a rear-ender at that intersection. The victim vehicle was stopped and waiting for other vehicles to pass before turning left when the suspect vehicle struck it from behind, causing substantial damage to both vehicles. The culpable driver admitted that he had “looked at his Apple watch for two seconds” when he ran into the back of the vehicle in front of him.
• At 5:44 p.m. Feb. 10, deputies advised Hugo citizens at an anonymous address that to transfer a firearm, they should contact a dealer.
• A motorist was cited for driving without a license at 11:39 p.m. Feb. 11 on Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. after being pulled over for driving without headlights and in the opposite lane of travel. When stopped, the driver displayed a permit only.
• A motorist along Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road at 1:55 a.m. Feb. 12 was cited for driving after suspension and for driving with obstructed plates.
• Deputies resumed overnight winter parking patrol to cite six vehicles from 2:42 a.m. to 3:39 a.m. Feb. 12, this time in the “F” and “G” district. The streets in the parking violation limelight were Fondant Trail N., Glenbrook Avenue N., 128th Street N. and 149th Street N.
• Deputies arrested an adult female for undisclosed offenses at 11:38 a.m. Feb. 12 following a traffic stop in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N.
• Deputies arrested an adult male for undisclosed offenses at 9:58 a.m. Feb. 13 following a traffic stop in the 6000 block of 170th Street N.
• A suspected house fire reported at 6:13 p.m. Feb. 13 in the 15000 block of Granada Avenue turned out to be a house under construction with a heater going to keep it warm.
• Parking overnight on a cul-de-sac or circle and off the main road was not a good strategy for seven vehicle owners overnight Feb. 13-14.
Deputies on parking patrol cited a total of 39 vehicles during the previous week, after citing seven more from 2:25 a.m. to 2:53 a.m. that night, mostly on 145th Circle N.
• Deputies conducted another traffic stop for undisclosed reasons at 1:41 p.m. Feb. 14 on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road and arrested another adult male for undisclosed reasons.
• A motorist in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. was cited at 12:46 a.m. Feb. 15 for speeding 65 mph in a 55 mph zone under snowy, icy road conditions.
Loretta Harding
Centennial Fire District partnership a ‘fantastic success’
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
In 2021, the Centennial Fire District (CFD) made the decision to partner with the Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department. According to Centennial Fire District Fire Chief Dan Retka, the partnership has been a success.
“To says it’s working well would be an understatement,” Retka said at the most recent Circle Pines City Council meeting. “I think it’s been a fantastic success. I think we’ve got things headed in the right direction, and it’s an absolute privilege and an honor to be leading these men and women.”
CFD has two fire stations.
Centennial Fire Station 1 is in Circle Pines. The second station, Centennial Fire Station 3, is located on Main Street in Centerville.
When looking at response times, Retka said it is important to look at turnout and response times. Turnout time is measured from the time the tones go off to when someone arrives at the station. The average turnout time for CFD is 2 1/2 minutes.
“Our response time is absolutely fantastic,” Retka said. “Our response time is averaging right around that six-minute mark. When we are talking about industry standards, NFPA (The National Fire Protection Association) wants you to be there within nine minutes.”
Retka added one of the things the district has done to help with responses times was reestablish the duty officer program. The program is a squad car that is driven by a battalion chief or an officer. The
squad car is loaded with medical equipment and other supplies.
“There is no turnout time for them. They’re jumping in their squad (car) and going to the scene,” he explained.
“It’s immediate response time. They are able to get there and start rendering aid.”
Last year, CFD received 452 total service calls. Most of those calls were related to rescues and emergency medical services. Retka said since the COVID-19 pandemic, medical calls have continued to dominate fire services.
“That is just where we’re at right now, and we haven’t been able to recover from that,” he said. “We need to find ways (to recover), because we are going to run our firefighters to the point where they can’t do this anymore and as soon as they stop coming, we’re in trouble. We need to make sure we are sending them on the right calls and we’re doing our part to try to slow some of these calls down.”
According to Retka, CFD has also responded to mutual aid calls from neighboring agencies. Neighboring agencies include SBM Fire, the Lake Johanna Fire Department and the Lino Lakes Fire Department.
“One of the things that has been fantastic for SBM and Centennial is working together. We’re training together. We’re (basically) working seamless together,” Retka said. “We’re operating off the same guidelines. We’re operating on the same policies. It is working fantastic.”
Last year, Station 1 received a new service engine and a UTV to help with off-road rescues and grass fires.
A boat was also purchased for use on Golden Lake.
Council Member Matt Percy shared his thoughts about the partnership.
“I have to say I’ve been really impressed,” he said. “I think this has been a great partnership for both SBM (Fire) and the Centennial Fire District for our city and Centerville as well.”
Response time: Emergency
Station 1:
• All incident types: 4:40 min.
• 100 series Fires Only: 6:23 min.
• 300-series EMS Only: 4:15 min.
Station 3:
• All incident types: 5:38 min.
• 100 series Fires Only: 1:59 min.
• 300-series EMS Only: 5:07 min.
Centennial Duty Officer
• All incident types: 0:15 sec.
• 300-series EMS Only: 0: 15 sec.
More information about CFD can be found at www.centennialfire.org/.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
Response time: Non-
emergency
Station 1:
• All incident types: 4:26 min.
• 100 series Fires Only: 6:06 min.
• 300-series EMS Only: 4:15 min.
Station 3:
• All incident types: 5:32 min.
• 100 series Fires Only: 1:59 min.
• 300-series EMS Only: 5:07 min.
Centennial Duty Officer
• All incident types: 0:15 sec.
• 300-series EMS Only: 0: 15 sec.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Mutt Damon, or just Damon, is full of love and affection, and he is anxiously awaiting his forever family and home. Damon is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever/American bulldog mix and weighs about 73 pounds. His foster says Damon is the perfect blend of playful energy and
affectionate snuggles. He is crate-trained and leashtrained, and he knows his basic commands. He is intelligent and eager to please. In addition to playing, Damon enjoys going for walks and exploring in the yard, so a home with a securely fenced yard would suit him well. Damon is social with other dogs, and with cats, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. He would make a great addition to a home with children and/or with
other pets. Damon arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. If you’re looking for a sweet, loving companion who will make a wonderful addition to any home, Damon is waiting for you. If you are interested in learning more about Mutt Damon 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. WEEKLY WAG
Chain of Lakes Rotary hosts ‘Bingo and Bling’
The Chain of Lake Rotary will host its annual Chain of Giving fundraiser, “Bingo and Bling,” from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Hugo for the Rotary’s local scholarship and international youth exchange program. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at chainoflakesrotary.com. Ticket includes dinner and one bingo card for all games played during the event. Additional cards will be available for purchase. Peder Pedersen Pavilion is located at 5524 Upper 146th St. N.
The Centennial Fire District Station 1’s new 2024 Rosenbauer.
Fish Fry: Who will be the
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
Centennial Robotics Team finishes 3rd against 54 other teams
The Centennial High School Robotics Team, The Centurions, competed at the FIRST Robotics Northern Lights Competition and placed third overall. The team competed against 54 other teams from eight different states. The third-place finish is the best finish in program history, and an improvement over the team’s eighth-place finish last year at the competition. In addition to the team performance, Andrew Abraham, a member of The Centurions, was selected as finalist for the Dean’s List award. There are several criteria for this award, including “demonstrated leadership and commitment to the FIRST Robotics Core Values and effectiveness at increasing awareness of FIRST in their school and community.” Abraham will be considered for 10 Dean’s List finalists awards that are presented at the World Championships in Houston, Texas, in April.
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.
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
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.
The Centurions finished third overall at the FIRST Robotics Northern Lights Competition in Duluth, Minnesota.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Tips to manage your portfolio in turbulent times
Seasoned investors recognize that risk is inherent to investing in the stock market. Numerous variables affect market performance, and those factors can make investing feel like a roller coaster ride.
The stock market has certainly experienced its share of ups and downs in recent years, and that turbulence has led to some sleepless nights for investors. Investors concerned about unpredictable market fluctuations and the effects of such turbulence on their portfolios can keep these strategies in mind as they look to protect their investments.
• Determine how much risk you’re comfortable with. Investopedia defines risk tolerance as the degree of risk investors are willing to endure given the volatility in the value of an investment. Certain types of investments, such as stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are associated with a higher risk tolerance, while bonds have long been recommended to individuals who are uncomfortable taking on too much risk. Conventional financial wisdom suggests individuals assume less risk as they age and get closer to retirement, but investors also
can reevaluate their risk tolerance during turbulent times. If an up-anddown market is leading to sleepless nights, it might be time to assume less risk, regardless of an investor’s age. Investors who are comfortable assuming risk in a turbulent market can maintain the status quo or even assume greater risk in the hopes of reaping greater rewards.
• Consider a rebalance. Investors rebalance their portfolios to make themselves less vulnerable to market fluctuations and to ensure they’re not sinking money into underperforming stocks and funds. A balanced mix of risky and steady investments can help investors grow their money and rest easier in the knowledge that all of their eggs are not in one basket,
and that they’re doing all they can to avoid bad investments.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. The investment experts at John Hancock® note that bear markets, which is the term used to describe a market that falls 20 percent or more from its peak, historically do not last as long as bull markets. A bull market occurs when stocks increase by 20 percent or more after a decline. Younger investors who are not nearing retirement age should not lose too much sleep when a turbulent market takes a downturn, as the dip likely won’t last long nor affect their long-term financial stability. Older investors concerned by market losses also can rest easy if they choose less risky investments the closer they get to retirement. Many funds are now based on investors’ targeted retirement dates, and such vehicles automatically rebalance portfolios as investors age, making it easier to get through dips in market performance no matter an investor’s age.
Investing during turbulent times can try investors’ patience. But a handful of strategies can help investors protect their financial futures even during times of great market fluctuation.
LIBERTY CLASSICAL: Seeks Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permit
substance of such negotiations and agreement.”
According to May Township’s attorney, Paul Reuvers, “There has been no settlement in this matter, and the litigation remains active.” Reuvers added, “LCA’s initial expansion plans, as submitted to the township, required a CUP. Due to inconsistencies with the township’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the township enacted a moratorium and denied the CUP application on that basis. LCA subsequently revised its plans so that a CUP was no longer required from the township. However, LCA remains subject to all MPCA permitting requirements for its underground septic system, which is the only portion of the project located within
the township. The township maintains its actions were lawful and proper in all respects and will continue to vigorously defend this litigation.”
LCA is currently seeking a 10-year permit from the MPCA. A draft permit is available for review online at www.pca.state.mn.us/get-engaged/publiccomments.
Along with providing comments on the draft permit, members of the public can also petition the MPCA to hold a public informational meeting or to hold a contested case hearing. A public informational meeting is an informal meeting during which interested persons can ask questions to MPCA staff concerning the proposed facility. A contested case hearing is a formal proceeding before an
administrative law judge who is empowered to advise the MPCA regarding issues of fact. Comments may be submitted online at https://mpca. commentinput.com/comment/search or by U.S. Mail (Laura Lacquement, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 714 Lake Ave., Suite 220, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.) Those who wish to provide comments on the draft permit should submit comments by 4:30 p.m. April 14.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Capstone Homes submits sketch plan for 90 residential lots
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — A developer hopes to have all the necessary approvals done by the end of this year so that construction can begin in the spring or summer of 2026.
Capstone Homes has submitted a sketch plan to the city for review by the various commissions before moving forward with a formal application.
“We are just providing nonbinding feedback before the applicant moves through the formal development process,” explained Community Development Director Rachel Juba. Capstone Homes Land Project Manager Tom Bakritges added, “We are just at the early stages here, and want to get an idea of how everyone feels about the plan that we are proposing.”
Capstone Homes is proposing to develop approximately 38 acres (8 acres of wetlands) on the Munger property, which is located west of Highway 61 and south of 165th Street. There are two intersecting parcels, 1 acre each, with single-family homes that are not part of the sketch plan. The plan shows 90 proposed single-family lots intended to be slab-on-grade homes. The plan also shows stormwater ponding areas, and trail and road connections. A homeowner’s association and a stormwater irrigation system are not proposed for the development.
“We want to try to get a balanced affordable product,” Bakritges said. The development is proposed to include Craftsman, Colonial and “modern farm-style houses,” which he said are currently selling for the high $300,000s up to about $450,000.
Juba explained that if the plan moves forward, the property will need to be rezoned from Future Urban Service (FUS) to planned unit development (PUD). Capstone Homes has indicated that it would need flexibility when it comes to lot widths, lot sizes and setbacks. The sketch plan shows a lot width of 50 feet, where 80 feet is required; a lot size of 6,500 square feet, where 10,400 square feet is required; front- and rear-yard setbacks of 25 feet,
COUNTY BRIEFS
Capstone Homes would like to develop 38 acres of land west of Highway 61 and south of 165th Street into approximately 90 single-family homes.
where 30 feet is required; and a side yard setback of 7.5 feet, where 10 feet is required.
In return for the flexibility granted in a PUD, the developer would need to agree to a higher-quality development with higher-value amenities.
Capstone has indicated that they will try to preserve the site’s natural features and provide high-quality architecture for the homes.
The developer is showing access to the site from the development to the south and also from 165th Street, a rural section gravel roadway that is approximately 24 feet wide. The city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies 165th Street as an urban section minor collector road from Elmcrest Avenue to Highway 61, with a future trail making connection to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
Juba explained that for the development to move forward, improvements to 165th Street would be required to ensure there are adequate public facilities to serve the development. Based on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the developer would be required to construct an urban section (curb, gutter, trail) minor
County Board approves liquor license
renewals
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved the liquor license renewal for Keystone Weddings and Events LLC in May Township. The county processes all liquor licenses for the townships in the county. The county reviews the liability insurance, and the Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office and the Public
Patriot Airboat Corp. to build 2 new Sheriff’s Office airboats
Patriot Airboat Corp. will design and build two new airboats for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after the County Board approved the contract.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified the need for the acquisition of two airboats for the Water, Parks & Trails Division. The purchase, totaling $249,000, will be funded by a federal grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program
collector road from the west property line of the development to Highway 61. City staff has discussed some interim improvements to 165th Street as well.
One of the City Council’s goals for 2025 is to complete a street study on 165th Street. Juba said that study would likely kick off this spring. “That might answer some additional questions for developers,” she said.
City staff has some recommendations for Capstone, should the sketch plan turn into a formal application for development. Those include:
• The long roadway that is proposed to run from south to north throughout the development should be further analyzed to incorporate traffic calming measures.
• The six lots that have direct access to 165th Street should be relocated or removed from the plans.
through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Three bids were received for the project with Patriot Airboat Corp. as the lowest bidder.
With 251 lakes in Washington County, the waterways patrolled by the Sheriff’s Office vary in both terrain and accessibility. Using airboats, rescuers are provided with a secure and stable platform to navigate through unstable ice and wetland areas, granting access to remote locations. These boats allow responders to safely navigate and transition from solid ground, swamp, ice, or open water with enhanced response times and reliability to perform essential lifesaving operations. County to restore nearly 25 acres of prairie in Big Marine
Park Reserve
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a grant agreement that will fund the restoration of 24.75 acres of prairie in Big Marine Park Reserve. The $50,950 grant agreement is from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Habitat Enhancement Landscape program. The grant will help pay for native seed, native plants, and contracted ser-
• The lots that have a 35-foot Met Council sewer interceptor running through the backyards should be relocated or reconfigured.
• An off-road trail system should be incorporated into the development.
• A stormwater reuse system for irrigation should be evaluated further. The Parks Commission would like Capstone to reconsider a stormwater reuse system and commit to an off-road trail system within the development. The Planning Commission also provided some comments.
“I like the idea of smaller homes, making them more affordable. I think that makes a lot of sense,” said Planning Commission Member Phil Klein. He suggested Capstone consider having one large pond for stormwater irrigation, perhaps where the six lots that abut 165th Street were proposed to go. “Here in the city of Hugo, we have been at the forefront of encouraging folks to do water conservation. Other projects have done that … and it would be nice if we could do that,” he said.
Planning Commission Member Steve Andress said he agreed with Klein on stormwater irrigation and liked the idea of trails. “I’m liking the plan and the proposed changes that we are going through here,” he said.
Bakritges said he was pretty sure the site would not be conducive to a stormwater reuse system due to not being able to impact all of the wetlands on the property.
Planning Commission Chair Bronwen Kleisser said she liked how the houses were not looking into other houses. Planning Commission Vice Chair Matthew Derr added, “I think it is going to flow well with that development to the south (The Meadows at Hugo) and provide that cohesiveness, so you don’t go 10 feet and you feel like you are in a different city.”
The City Council was expected to provide comments on the sketch plan at its March 17 meeting, after press deadline.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
vices to help establish the prairie in four project areas at the intersection of County Road 4 (170th St.) and May Ave. in May Township. Restoration work is expected to begin this fall.
The grant requires a match of 10%, which will be met through in-kind staff and volunteer time. The County Board approved two license agreements with community partners, the Pollinator Friendly Alliance and Pheasants Forever, to facilitate and document the work associated with this grant. Their labor will count toward the match required for the grant.
The Pollinator Friendly Alliance is a volunteer organization based in Washington County whose mission is “to protect and restore pollinators to improve the environment and sustain our food supply.”
Pheasants Forever is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, whose mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education and conservation advocacy. Both groups regularly assist the county to establish and maintain habitat in all Washington County parks.
CONTRIBUTED
RENDERINGS CONTRIBUTED
Pictured above are a couple of examples of Capstone Homes product options.
• The city of Hugo will contribute $17,670 to Lakes Center for Youth & Families (LC4YF) to support programs for Hugo families relating to counseling, intervention and enrichment. Community Outreach Coordinator Linda Madsen recently visited the council to provide a yearly update. Some of the 2024 highlights include:
• Served 189 intervention clients over 258 sessions.
• The three main referral sources to LC4YF are Chisago and Washington Counties as well as the Forest Lake Police Department.
• Provided nine clients financial assistance amounting to over $580.
• Completed 3,468 counseling sessions for 217 clients. 52 of those clients were ages 6-10 and 86 were 11-15. “We are seeing numbers of youth involved in counseling rise,” Madsen said. “We have a waiting list, as does every agency that works in mental health.”
• The Hopkins School House & Heritage Center committee continues to make progress on the restoration of the old schoolhouse. The group is getting closer to receiving its nonprofit status, and renovations continue. Look for more details in an upcoming issue of The Citizen.
• Facility rentals continue to be a popular option in the city. Parks Planner Shayla Denaway said there were 788 rentals in 2024; of those reservations, 9% of them were made by non-residents, 29% by residents and 62% by nonprofits. The Rice Lake Centre continues to be the most heavily used, followed by the Oneka Room at City Hall. Denaway added that the city is already pretty much booked for mid-May through early July.
• It is likely that the creation of a wetland bank next to North Star Elementary will not move forward. Data collected through hydrology moni-
toring last year revealed that there would be major challenges involved in constructing a wetland bank on that site.
“We will have the engineers and consultants review the data to see if they can think of any creative solutions for us, but otherwise it is not looking like it is going to be a cost-effective project,” Denaway said, adding that the work necessary to create the bank would be “dramatic” and wetland credits would be minimized.
• Madison Siebenaler has been re-hired for the public works department. She fills the vacancy created by the resignation of public works worker Corey Triemert. Siebenaler has worked a seasonal position in the department for the past three years.
• The American Online Giving Foundation is the latest organization to donate to the Hugo Fire Department. The foundation disperses money donated by employees and/ or matching funds from corporate clients. Donators can choose one of the foundations recipients to receive the funds. Brent Tervola donated $50, and the remaining $124 was donated anonymously.
The Hugo American Legion also recently donated $1,500 to the department from pull-tab proceeds to be used for equipment and training.
• The city will finish paying for the Lift Station No. 12 project by making the final payment of $ $14,411 to C.W. Houle, Inc. for work certified through December. The lift station is fully operational, and the punch-list has been completed.
• Due to a law change, the city is updating its fee schedule. The council adopted the 2025 fee in December. Since the adoption, the state of Minnesota implemented a new Price Transparency Law. The law mandates
that businesses include all mandatory fees and surcharges in the advertised price of goods and services.
The 2025 fee schedule will remain unchanged in terms of costs, but the technology fee will now be added to the original permit price to reflect the total amount a customer will pay.
• The city will transfer remaining Lions Volunteer Park bond proceeds into the city’s street capital improvement fund. The remaining bonds proceeds will partially cover the costs associated with reconstruction of Upper 146th Street and Fitzgerald Avenue, which were reconstructed to accommodate the improvements to Lions Volunteer Park.
• A maintenance agreement has been approved between the city and the homeowners association for Oneka Prairie Park. Hugo received a 0.6-acre park through park dedication with the Oneka Prairie Development. The developer, Southwind Holdings, LLC, installed a small playground, irrigation and landscaping at the park.
Per the agreement, the Homeowners Association will provide irrigation for the park through its stormwater re-use system, and the city will insure the park, maintain the playground and take care of routine maintenance such as mowing.
• American Legion Post 620 will once again host Family Day on Saturday, April 26. The event will include a rib contest and various vendors.
• The MS 150 will go through Hugo on Sunday, June 8. The Multiple Sclerosis Society has applied for a special event permit for its annual fundraising bicycle event June 7-8 from Proctor to White Bear Lake. On the second day of the ride, bikers will be traveling south through Hugo, primarily on the Hardwood Creek Trail and Highway 61. The MS 150 will have
CLASSIFIEDS
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approximately 1,800 riders.
• The Ragnar Relay will also travel through Hugo on Friday, Aug. 8. Ragnar Events, LLC applied for a special event permit to hold a 200-mile overnight relay race beginning in Minneapolis on Friday, Aug. 8 and ending in Duluth on Saturday, Aug. 9. Event organizers are requesting to use the Hugo Public Works parking lot as an exchange point for runners during the relay on Aug. 8. At peak times, it is expected there will be about 32 cars in the lot. For most of the day, there will be approximately 15-20 at any given time.
• City staff will work with the city attorney to draft text amendments to its prohibited parking ordinance after receiving complaints relating to boats and trailers parked on streets for extended periods of time. City Code currently restricts the amount of time that vehicles and trailers may be parked on any city street to 72 hours, during the months that the winter parking ordinance is not in effect. Once the text amendment is drafted, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing.
• Residents who wish to appeal their tax valuation or classification for taxes payable 2026 should plan to attend the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the Oneka Room at City Hall. The board (City Council) will review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and will correct it as needed.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7 at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of
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McCall answers the call with stellar senior year
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Autumn McCall capped one of the best basketball careers in Centennial history this winter and did so while transferring to an almost completely new position.
“The growth of Autumn’s game this past off-season has been amazing,” said Coach Jamie Sobolik.
The last two seasons, McCall ruled the blocks while guard Marisa Frost was the big scorer and floor leader. With Frost graduating, Sobolik said the coaches discussed a new concern with McCall: “We weren’t sure about our point guard position, and that she might be asked to fill that void.”
Wait — a 6-foot-2, post switching to floor general? Not an outlandish idea, it turned out. “We had some scrimmages this summer where she ran the point, and we executed very well,” Sobolik said. A long-limbed and limber athlete, McCall emerged as a scorer at all three levels,
Sobolik assessed: taking the ball to the hole in transition, posting up to score with her back to the basket, stepping outside to hit three-pointers (she made 19 of them), taking the defender off the dribble to either get to the rim or pull up for a mid-range shot.
Her passing sparkled, too: “When teams start to fully deny her the ball or double team her, she is finding teammates cutting to the basket or hitting the open shot.”
After averaging 11.6 points per game (ppg) as a junior, 8.5 as a sophomore and 7.4 as a freshman, McCall tallied 19.7 ppg as a senior with two games in the 30’s. She also led the team with 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two blocked shots per game.
“The work she put in over the summer has definitely made her one of the top players in the state,” Sobolik said.
McCall credited her AAU season with Minnesota Fury, and trainer Pat Freeman with Midwest Basketball Training. “Both helped my skills, ball handling, shooting and confidence a ton.”
She welcomed her new responsibilities. The additional pressure meant “moments that test you, your character, your composure, and so on.” Win or lose, she said, it was always a growth opportunity.
Sobolik said that McCall ranked fifth in Cougar history with 1,348 points and first with 980 rebounds.
McCall played in one state tournament, as a sophomore, where the Cougars lost to Eden Prairie, then beat Eagan and Lakeville North to place fifth and earn a trophy. Asked about her top thrills, she listed the Lakeville North game because ‘’It was an awesome team win, with such a fun group” along with scoring her 1,000th point against Osseo this season and “celebrating with my
team and family.”
McCall scored 29 of her team’s 44 points in her final game, a 47-44 loss to Anoka on a last-second three-pointer. “It’s a very bittersweet feeling, especially ending how we did,” she reflected. “But, it’s about the journey, and everything that went into getting us to that point.” That included forging “so many friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.”
The season was marred by the Cougars having to forfeit nine wins due to use of an ineligible player which the school said was “inadvertent.” Sobolik said the MSHSL initially approved her, then changed its mind in January. McCall admitted that it was “a bummer” but they shook it off and went 8-6 the rest of the way with two section wins. McCall will move on to play at St. Thomas, which has been developing a Division I program for four years under Coach Ruth Sinn. The Tommies were 17-13 this year. “I am so excited for St. Thomas,” McCall said. “The team, coaches and culture are all amazing, and I see myself being the best version of me there.” She added that she was attracted to the school by the high academic standards, coaching staff, location and new facilities. Soccer, which she played for seven years, was her favorite sport during elementary school. She started basketball in fifth grade and by eighth grade it was her main sport. When asked about other athletes in her family, McCall said she’s heard from her parents, Heather and Steve, that they played some basketball but ended up primarily playing baseball/softball, which is how they met. She has a brother, Landon, 11, who “loves basketball.”
Bears lose to Maple Grove, Brainerd at state
BY BRUCE STRAND
White Bear Lake was, in a word, overmatched, when the Bears took on No. 1 ranked Maple Grove in the first round of the state tournament.
The Bears fell behind 18-2, then made a nice run late in the half to close within 34-22. Maple Grove (27-2) dominated the second half and put the Bears away 71-36 at Williams Arena. Michigan State recruit Jordan Ode led with 27 points and seven rebounds.
“I thought we came out and made some nice plays, but we missed a bunch of layups,” said coach Jeremy Post.
“When you are that overmatched, you’ve got to hang in there early and
make them feel like they have a chance to lose.”
But this was a No. 1 seed against a No. 8.
“It’s hard to hang in there the entire game against that kind of talent,” Post said. “We were a little overmatched at every spot.”
The Section 4AAAA champion Bears lost in the consolation round to Brainerd 68-63, finishing the season 20-11. Maple Grove lost in the finals to Hopkins and finished 28-3.
Elise Dieterle pumped in 18 points for the Bears. Addison Post added eight. The other points came on three-pointers by Maddy Thompson and Gabriella Hartzell, two free shots by Chloe Theissen and a field goal by Abby O’Brien.
The Bears got within 12 at the half as Dieterle sank 12 points, including two three’s, Post made four acrobatic layups, and the Bears had some solid defensive rebounding.
“When you hit some shots you feel better, and
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Rithy Sain
White Bear Lake Basketball
March 20, 2025
Rithy Sain was one of the main reasons White Bear Lake boys basketball improved to 14-12 this year after going 3-26 last year. The explosive 6-foot-1 guard capable of soaring dunks averaged 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Sain scored 11.3 points per game as a junior. A three-sport athlete, he was a wide receiver in football, making 13 catches for 205 yards. He’s a sprinter and long jumper in track, and went to state in the 4x200 relay last spring.
you make some stops on defense, too,” Dieterle said.
But Maple Grove started the second half with a 13-0 run and opened a 71-29 lead before clearing the bench. They got 34 points from senior triplets Lexi Hanna (17), Addie Hanna (10) and Bella Hanna (seven).
“I thought White Bear Lake played hard the whole game,” said Ode. “They never gave up. Our press bothered them a little but they never gave up.” Post, playing in her second state tournament, said it was a nice bonus to reach state again after winning their section as the No. 3 seed. “It means a lot, because we really had no expectations of going to state this year,”
she said. “We had kind of a whole brand new team, and then we had Elise join us, so it was really fun making it this year.” Against Brainerd, Dieterle had another standout game, The 6-foot-1 senior transfer from Stillwater scored 24 points including 5-for-8 on three-pointers, while logging nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocked shots. Post and Theissen scored 12 points each and Abby O’Brien six, all of them 4-for-4 on free shots. The Bears were 17-for-21 at the line with Dieterle 5-for-9. They were also 10-for-21 on three’s, with Post and Theissen making two each and Marin Peterson one.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
White Bear Lake starters Chloe Theissen, Abby O’Brien, Elise Dieterle, Maddy Thompson and Addison Post show excitement during introductions at Williams Arena.
51st Annual Northern Lights: A Tale of 2 Sculptors Upcoming events
Writer’s Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Community
White Bear Center for the Arts
March 27, 6:00-8:00 PM
All are welcome to join your fellow writers and the White Bear Lake community for an open mic night. Share your latest work, test new ideas, or simply soak in the words around you.
Into To Silver Soldering: Stackable Rings
White Bear Center for the Arts
April 19, 1:00-4:00 PM
Learn the basics of silver soldering, including safety, work area set-up, and how to use a hand-held butane torch, to walk away with your own stackable silver ring.
Noah Sonie: Mentalist & Magician
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 PM
Noah Sonie, a rising star who appeared on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” and mesmerized audiences on “Masters of Illusion,” presents a mind-reading and magic experience unlike any other.
Mick Sterling Presents: Beautiful Vision-The Essential Songs of Van Morrison
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
Saturday, April 5 , 7:30 PM
The songwriting genius of Van Morrison is celebrated in grand form in this tribute concert, featuring the most popular of his songs such as “Brown Eyed Girl,” and “Wild Nights."
You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.
For over half a century, the Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition at White Bear Center for the Arts has illuminated the creative journeys of artists living in Minnesota. Since its debut in 1974, this prestigious exhibition has fostered an environment of both challenge and solidarity for local artists, giving them a chance to showcase their works and receive recognition for outstanding work.
George GI Moore
One artist who has been there since the beginning is George GI Moore, whose history with the exhibition spans decades.
George, a 3M Chemist by trade, first submitted to Northern Lights’ inaugural exhibition in 1974 with his sculpture, “Dancing Lady,” a skeletal human figure carved from walnut. Since the ‘80s, he has submitted almost every year.
Having sculpted for 70 years, he’s now deemed a veteran artist, but there was a time when even George was a beginner. Through the course of his education as a chemist, he took no time for art education and was mostly self-taught. Inspired by early 20th-century European sculptors and, most personally, by his grandfather, George Read, an accomplished wood sculptor.
Having lived in Birchwood in the 1970s, he was well acquainted with White Bear Center for the Arts, or the White Bear Arts Council as it was known then. Over the last 51 years, he’s earned thirty acceptances and numerous awards. For George, Northern Lights isn’t just a place to showcase his work but a chance to engage with artists and be inspired by the creativity in the gallery. “The show is a highlight of the arts year in Minnesota and attracts many excellent artists and judges,” George said in conversation with WBCA. His presence in the exhibition is a testament to the dedication to his craft, and he said the entry deadline encourages him to finish a few good pieces every year.
Dan Volenec
This year, the exhibition brought forth a new voice: Dan Volenec, whose piece “Carapace” won this year’s Best of Show award. As an artist whose primary medium is painting and drawing, “Carapace” stands out among his work. A sculpture that is a delicate balance of strength and grace, the 4-foot tall lapis blue turtle shell shimmers with gold veins and weighs only about 7 pounds.
On the night of the Northern Lights Community Reception, Dan was called up to receive his award and stood patiently while he heard the judges’ praise and feedback. But before he walked back to take his seat, he exclaimed, “Wait!”
“I have a message for everyone,” he continued. “I attempted this piece 10 years ago but failed. Now, ten years later, it’s winning a Best of Show award.” He ended with telling the crowd, “Don’t give up!”
In a conversation with WBCA, Dan recounted his first attempt at making “Carapace” a decade ago. “I had cut the [shell] segments as flat pieces. If you’ve ever tried to take flat pieces and turn them into a curved object, you’ll discover that they no longer fit together in 3-dimensional space the same way they fit in two dimensions.” But he didn’t give up, instead, he adapted. “I put the idea aside but kept thinking about the problem.” Encouraged by his friend and fellow sculptor Dennis Kalow, who is also featured in this year’s Northern Lights, he eventually returned to the project. For Dan, “Carapace” is more than just a sculpture, it’s a personal victory. “I’ll admit it was an ego boost to see it come together and no longer feel defeated,” he said. “Having learned much during this trial and error, I’m eager to continue this form of fabrication.”
These stories reflect the spirit of Northern Lights, an exhibition that not only celebrates the finished products but also the journeys that artists take to create these works of art. WBCA’s Ford Family Gallery becomes a place where you can find stories of struggle, growth, and success celebrated through every piece displayed.
As this year’s exhibition prepares to come to a close, it’s clear that the Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition continues to shine as brightly as the day it began. As George put it, “It’s equally stimulating to be accepted and to mix with the other artists,” a celebration of art in all its forms, inspiring both artists and viewers to keep pushing the bounds of their creativity.
The 51st Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition is on display in White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery until March 27.
