The Citizen

Maple Syrup Fest

Bald Eagle Lake may be removed from impaired waters list

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Since 2002, Bald Eagle Lake has been one of the many lakes included on the state’s impaired waters list. That just might be changing.

Bald Eagle Lake is one of seven lakes slated for possible removal from Minnesota’s impaired waters list. White Rock Lake, located on the edge of Hugo and Scandia, is also on that list.

“That’s a positive development and a big deal. This is rare,” said Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager at Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). “Statewide, there is not a lot of delistings. There are thousands of impairment listings and less than 50 cases of delistings.” He added that the RCWD, which includes 55 lakes and 186 square miles, has only had one delisting approved.

The 1,010-acre lake has been deemed “the most popular muskie lake in the East Metro” by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The lake extends into Washington and Anoka counties and lies between I-35 E and Highway 61 just north of White Bear Lake.

According to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Bald Eagle Lake was added to the list of impaired waters in 2002.

As required by the federal Clean Water Act, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) assesses all state waters and creates a list of impaired

Committee continues to achieve milestones

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO

The

“Thank

decision you made just over a year ago,” Board President Liz Cinqueonce told the Hugo City Council, referring to the 15-year lease agreement the City Council signed with the committee. As a part of that agreement, the committee agreed to report back to the council on its progress as well as the next steps for the project.

Around this time last year, eight volunteers were helping with the committee’s efforts. Now, that number is 35 and

counting. The committee has nine people, but Cinqueonce said they would like to have 10, including one high school junior or senior.

Last year, a lot of work was accomplished, including removing three dumpster-loads of trash from the site; cataloguing and preserving artifacts found inside the schoolhouse; redoing the roof; repairing the soffit; and installing trail cameras to enhance the security of the site.

“We were successful

in getting all we needed for repairs,” Cinqueonce explained.

The committee continues to fundraise and seek donations for upcoming phases of the project.

Most recently, Connexus Energy agreed to cover the cost of bringing power to the site, and an individual donor has stepped up to cover power costs through 2024.

The committee experienced a bit of a hiccup in the process of

Newspaper End Rolls FOR SALE

County attorney says cases are becoming more complex

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — The caseload for the Washington County Attorney’s Office is starting to stabilize after the pandemic, but cases are becoming more complex.

“We are seeing a trend downwards. The COVID backlog really jacked some of the numbers up,” explained Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson. “A lot of the numbers were a little bit higher for specific crimes during that COVID bubble.”

Magnuson, who took over in June 2022 after former County Attorney Pete Orput passed away, recently made his first visit to the Hugo City Council to provide updates on what his office is seeing, both countywide and in the city of Hugo.

In 2023, the attorney’s office filed 1,118 criminal complaints, down from the 1,346 complaints it filed in 2022 and 12,046 in 2021. Magnuson said one thing that can possibly be attributed to the “COVID bubble” is the spike in juvenile criminal activity.

“I think we are going to see as time goes on, that generation of kids that went through (the COVID) period are going to struggle with different criminal attitude than what we have seen in past,” he said. “You see this a lot with people who are incarcerated who are younger, they have a much lower boiling point temperature; they will throw

down for no real reason, regardless of the consequences. They are not thinking about consequences at all.”

Magnuson shared a story about a juvenile male who had already been charged 18 times for motor vehicle theft by the time he was 16.

One trend that is accelerating at a “rapid pace” is case complexity. “The cases we see are so more complex than they were even five years ago,” he said. “Now you have got dash cams, body cams, surveillance cameras; everybody’s got a phone, and by the time you get all of this digital evidence, it takes a long time to go through a case.”

A statistic that shocked Magnuson is how many people are trying to flee from police. “It has really skyrocketed,” he said, adding that in 2023, 102 people tried to flee from police. “It used to be one-third as many 10 years ago.”

Some good news is auto thefts continue to trend downward. In 2023, there were 46 auto thefts compared to 87 in 2022. So far in 2024, there have been 18.

Perhaps a rather alarming statistic is that there were six murders in the county. “We used to see one a year, maybe,” Magnuson said. Another concern is the need for mental health resources. Typically, Washington County sees 190 to 200 people a year who are found mentally ill and are committed to treatment.

“There are not enough treatment facilities for people … They just sit in jail for months sometimes,” he said.

Visit the www.co.washington. mn.us/411/County-Attorney for more information.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com

WASHINGTON COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

1,118 criminal complaints filed by the Washington County Attorney’s Office

43 human trafficking cases investigated

6 murders

102 cases where someone tried to flee from police

46 auto thefts

SCHOOL NEWS

Glow Fun Run raises $15K

North Star Elementary students laced up their running shoes as part of their school’s annual fundraiser. The PTA partnered with MyBooster to host a Glow Fun Run in the gym. Students walked or ran laps around their gym, which was decorated with inflatables and neon lights. Students also wore special shirts; as they rounded each lap, a staff member added a tally mark on the back of their shirt to count how many laps they could do in a set amount of time. The school celebrated the completion of its fundraiser, which raised over $15,000, by spraying silly string at their principal, Dan Schmidt.

Preschoolers learn about sap to syrup process

Preschoolers in the Early Childhood program at Tamarack Nature Center explored the world around them. They read a book called “Sap to Syrup,” learning about the process to make maple syrup. Students had the opportunity to tap maple trees that surround Tamarack Nature Center and collect the sap, which they brought to the Sugar Shack to be boiled down to make maple syrup.

Kevin Magnuson

HOPKINS SCHOOLHOUSE: Committee details plans for 2024 and beyond

gaining its official nonprofit status, but work continues on that front, Cinqueonce said.

This year, the committee plans to continue to restore the building and improve the schoolhouse grounds; seek community engagement; raise funds and seek donations for the next phases of the project; and continue to work on planning for future phases.

This spring, the front steps will be repaired. Electrical service will be provided to the site this year. This fall, the basement and main floor windows will be replaced. The building’s siding and side door will also be replaced.

The committee plans to submit official site plans to the city for approval and begin some grounds cleanup, including brush removal, tree removal and ground leveling. Upcoming phases could include remodeling the interior of the building, constructing a pavilion outside of the schoolhouse and providing a tie-out for horses and a bike rack for bikes.

What: Garage sale

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2-3

Where: 6425 175th St. N, Hugo

“This has come a long way from where you started,” Council Member Phil Klein told Cinqueonce.

Mayor Tom Weidt added, “This is a subject that we have been talking about for 40 years. It is good to see that there is this progress going on. We are happy to see that something is happening to it.”

Weidt encouraged the committee to keep up the good work.

“Keep pushing forward … I’m happy with the progress you made, and your plans look great. I’m really excited to see something continue to move forward.” For more information or updates, visit https:// hopkinsschoolhouse.org.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

Details: The Pettys will host a garage sale to raise funds for the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center. There will likely be a bake and plant sale as well.

The committee would like to see a pavilion added to the site along with some picnic tables.

Here is what the Hopkins Schoolhouse site might look like in the future. The property is located on the northwest corner of 170th Street N and Highway 61 in Hugo.

The plans include a small parking lot on site.

One of the next phases of work on the former schoolhouse will

windows and siding.

Frosty’s legacy rolls on

Well, I did it. I finally summoned up the courage to donate my late German Shepherd Frosty’s pink wheelchair to help another dog in need.

Back in December, my husband Patrick and I made the gut-wrenching decision to end Frosty’s journey with degenerative myelopathy (DM) at the age of 3. DM is disease that affects the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. DM is like some of the forms of human ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

Some of her things have been easier to let go of than others, but perhaps one of the hardest possessions for me to let go of was those wheels. They became such a part of her identity and allowed her to create so many happy memories at the end when there wasn’t much happiness left.

Frosty received her wheels through KC’s Kruisers, a loaner cart program named after “KC,” a corgi who lost her battle with DM in 2017. The program provides new or gently used carts and other mobility equipment to all breeds of dogs with a variety of medical conditions. When you no longer need the cart, you send it on to the next dog in need.

It took me a few months of walking by that bright pink wheelchair just sitting in our garage and collecting dust before I was able to begin the process of sending the cart to the next dog. I was just about to pack up the chair when I saw a social media post in a local dog group about someone with a white German Shepherd named Ghost who had been diagnosed with DM and needed a set of wheels.

I reached out to the KC’s Kruisers to see if they would be okay with me donating the cart to a local dog, versus shipping it out of state and they quickly agreed if the owners filled out an application.

I met up with Ghost’s owner to hand over the wheels. During the meet-up, I found I was the one comforting her, but after she left I found all the memories of Frosty and the pain of losing her came rushing back. It hit me like a ton of bricks. We had been exactly where she was once.

A few days later the owner tagged me in a video online of Ghost using his pretty pink wheels for the first time and I lost it — again. It is so bittersweet to see Frosty’s wheels on a dog that isn’t her, but I know she would be so happy to know that they are helping another pup.

In a way, Frosty, and my love for her, are living on through Ghost.

Fly high my sweet Frosty.

Shannon Granholm is the managing editor at Press Publications.

State of Centerville remains strong

IMovers & Shakers

D. Love

like to hand out pens to people who have made an impression on me in some way. The pens have my motto of “Stronger Together” on them. One time I had a young man ask me what I meant by the motto. I smiled at him thinking, it’s pretty obvious, but he paused and waited for my answer.  I shared my thoughts on teamwork and collective strength, but I’ve often found myself reflecting on the question, what does “Stronger Together” mean?

As you enter Centerville from the South West, you drive by a farm into a residential area.  As you enter from the North West, you drive by the regional park between the lakes. As you enter from the South East, you drive through our industrial aera into a commercial zone. As you enter from the North East, there are

homes and townhomes. Such a small city with many different views, perspectives, needs and desires. To be our absolute best, we need them all. Our city has thrived as its leadership understands the power of teamwork and collaboration, no idea is too big or too small. We celebrate the naming of a plow truck as much as we celebrate the opening of an Amazon facility.  We come together to celebrate in shorts during Fete de Lacs and in coats for Christmas in the Park.  We enjoy our traditional values yet we are inclusive of others thoughts and needs.

We strive to give a voice to all segments of our community.  All members of leadership are a visit, click or call away.  We work to make sure our citizens have access to what’s happening.  If you want to be added to an email listing to receive Agenda’s or frequent updates, please reach out to city hall and we will add you.  Please check out our website and upload our Mobile App to your smartphone.  Follow the City on Facebook or X formerly known as Twitter. Watch our

meetings on North Metro TV, we broadcast our City Council meetings, our EDA, Park and Recreation as well as our Planning and Zoning meetings.  If you want to see a past City Council meeting it is also available via podcast. We value the voice of our youth, we are on the third year of our Junior Council Member program. Our current Junior Council Member recently attended a conference where she met the Governor and visited with our State Representative and our State Senator. Hearing her share her perspective on the needs, wants and desires of the youth was inspiring.

A year ago at this time, I proclaimed that the State of the City of Centerville was Strong. I’m proud to confidently say the State of the City of Centerville remains Strong! It remains because we remain together.

Stronger Together, so simple yet so complex.  A difficult mission yet an admirable goal.

D. Love is the mayor of the city of Centerville.

CONTRIBUTED

Frosty’s wheels (left) were donated to another white German Shepherd named Ghost.

Help in our time of need

BY TIM HEINECKE

Pastor’s Ponderings

Nobody likes going through hard times. They are no fun, can drag us down, and take a toll on us. As we all know, hard times are unfortunately a part of our lives. In those hard times, it can be tempting to think we are all alone. It can seem like nobody else has it this rough and nobody can really understand what we are going through. Thankfully, God tells us otherwise.

Tim Heinecke

“For we do not have a High Priest [Jesus] who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then

CITY BRIEF

County hosts 2nd open house

Anoka County will host the second open house for CSAH 54 Corridor Study from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Centerville City Hall. The open house will include preliminary alternatives and input activities.

The county, in partnership with the cities of Centerville and Lino Lakes,

CORRECTION

The article in the last issue titled “Watershed district moves forward with alum treatment” contained an error. It should have said that the Rice Creek Watershed District has requested that Anoka County and the cities of

approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

This is part of joy of Easter: Jesus gets us! He can empathize with us, He knows what we are going through, and He is here to help. Jesus is alive and well and He is here for you! Even if it seems like nobody else understands what you are going through, Jesus does. He loves you, He forgives you, and He is here for you! Happy Easter!

If you are looking for a church home to celebrate with this Easter, we invite you to join our church family! A free Easter breakfast is at 8 a.m. and worship is at 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday (March 31). Worship will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. For more information, check out www.newlifehugo.org.

Tim Heinecke is the pastor of New Life Lutheran Church in Hugo.

is studying the CSAH 54 Corridor between 73rd Street/21st Avenue and Main Street (CSAH 14) and the 21st Avenue intersection. The goal of the study is to identify a future vision for the corridor that addresses issues while providing safe and efficient mobility for all users.

To learn more, visit the website at tinyurl.com/CSAH54CORRIDORSTUDY.

Lino Lakes and Centerville contribute roughly 3% of the project cost, which breaks down to a not-to-exceed amount of $35,000 for each. We apologize for the error.

OBITUARY

Judith (Judy) Ann Ottman

Age 77; b. 1946; d. Mar 12, 2024. Judy Wikle grew up in Rice Lake, WI (grad. H. S. 1964); was raised by her grandparents (Gerda & Sam Nelson) and her mother (Jane Tackett). Judy went to Carroll Univ., Waukesha, WI, and then the Univ. of WI – Superior (grad. 1968 with a B.S. in History and Political Science). In 1968 she married Richard (Dick) Ottman. They met at Carroll. Judy and Dick lived in White Bear Lake, MN from 1980 – 2019.

1. Judy was responsible for raising nearly $1 million for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The UUSC is a social justice/human rights organization that started during World War II when a Unitarian minister and his wife went to Nazi occupied Europe and smuggled adults and children, who were being persecuted by the Nazis, out of Europe. Today the UUSC helps people help themselves in the US and the world.

2. Judy created 5 microlending banks in Nicaragua. Microlending banks are women-run neighborhood banks.

3. In 1991 Judy provided critical support to establish the East Metro Place facility (now Solid Ground) near Century College. The White Bear Lake City Council changed their vote from 4

to 1 against to 5 to 0 in favor after Judy’s lobbying and letter to the editor. Solid Ground provides housing and services for families who have experienced homelessness.

4. Judy was interviewed twice on local TV as a war toy protester and once for “Reading for the Blind”.

5. Judy worked in Medical Records for St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood from 1986-2002.

6. Judy joined the League of Women Voters in 1977 and is a past President.

7. When Judy went into Memory Care in 2019, she said “I regret that I did not earn more money, so I could have given more money away”.

8. Judy had progressive and pro-labor views and frequently expressed those views.

Judy’s final request is to have people donate to the UUSC (UUSC, Box 808, Newark, NJ 07101-0808) in her name (Judy Ottman on memo line of check). The Ottman family will MATCH ALL contributions to the UUSC, dollar for dollar with NO LIMIT. All contributions of $150 or more are matched by a foundation, so a donation of $150 or more is multiplied by four (4).

Dick Ottman will speak at a Memorial Service at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, MN, on March 23 – 11am. A collection for the UUSC will be made. Judy is survived by her husband, Dick Ottman of Vadnais Heights, MN; sister, Maren Ray of Ft. Myers, FL; daughter Gerda Ottman of Circle Pines, MN (husband Wade Eckhoff, son William); daughter Kaarin Ottman of Minneapolis (husband Isaac Larson, daughter Freya, son Torin); ½ sisters, Barb Sharp/Jeanne Smith; cousins Patti Knapp/Sam Nelson; nephew David Levin.

Local couple pursues active holidays

CONTRIBUTED

Lochside Trail and ride south along the east coast of Vancouver Island to Victoria, pedal the Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke for the night, and backtrack to spend a handful of days exploring Victoria before taking the Black Ball Coho ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Port Angeles in the U.S. It was a short hop on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get to Port Townsend. However, there things got dicey: how to get back to Anacortes from Port Townsend? In the end, we booked a one-way ride on a whale-watching boat, which docked at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island; we’d phone for a ride and catch the ferry back to Anacortes and complete the circle. It was a great plan.

screaming yellow jerseys and simply asked whether we had ridden on the Lochside Trail and seen the sow with her piglets. (We had.) “I’ve got to get back there,” he said, and handed us back our passports. We’ll never forget the warning sign along the trail (“bicyclists yield to pedestrians, everyone yields to bears”). The locals refer to the laid-back pace of the islands as “island time.” Island time suited us just fine; we like languid vacations that match our pedaling speed.

Randal and Deb Barnes have had bicycling adventures in Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovenia, as well as in various places in the U.S., over the past decade. Some people enjoy cruises; Deb and Randal love to see the world go slowly by from the seats of their bikes. This is the final part of a series.

When we returned from our European biking adventure on the Danube Cycle Path, Randal and I decided to plan a less expensive trip closer to home, where we’d be on our own without backup. We chose the San Juan Islands in Washington State, where we have family.

There were a few facts in our favor: It’s hard to get lost on a small island, you’re never far from the bike shop (and people who can repair broken spokes) and the San Juans get 247 days of sunshine each year, on average. Randal, the quintessential planner, began perusing ferry schedules and routes for what would be almost a three-week trip through the San Juans, the Gulf Islands — their Canadian counterpart — and Vancouver Island, Canada. We planned to catch the ferry in Anacortes, Washington, and visit Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands for two nights each. Then we’d hop an international ferry to Vancouver Island and ride north to Swartz Bay to stay on Canada’s Galiano and Salt Spring islands. Next, we’d hit the

On bike-friendly and laid-back Lopez Island, we biked to Shark Reef Sanctuary and saw the sea lions. On Orcas Island, our goal was to enjoy the view from Mt. Constitution, which rises 2,000 feet up. (We rode partway up on our bikes, then secured them at Cascade Lake and hitched a ride with a friendly local to the top.) We rented mopeds for our full day on big San Juan Island, where we toured the lavender fields and learned to shuck oysters. Rustic Galiano is 17 miles long — and hilly. We rented mopeds again so we could visit some of the far-flung sights: Bellhouse Provincial Park, Active Pass, and remote beaches. On Salt Spring Island, we caught the big Saturday Market in Ganges Harbour and rode 6.5-miles uphill to enjoy the Sunday music event at Salt Spring Vineyards. Our longest ride of the trip was from Swartz Bay to Sooke, a total of 80 km on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The Lochside and Galloping Goose trails are incredibly well signed, and the views of the sea are spectacular. Victoria is a wonderful city to visit. We rode our bikes along the waterfront; toured Fan Tan Alley and Beacon Park; took an Eat/ Drink/Pedal tour on our own bikes to sample the wares of many different shops; saw a play; and had high tea at the Empress Hotel (my idea). Yes, it was a complicated itinerary, but the ferries ran on schedule, the weather was fantastic, we met many friendly people and we saw a lot of natural beauty.

It’s really difficult to distill a biking trip into a few paragraphs; many of the high points that we remember are not things that people usually recall about a vacation. For example, “Kayak Man” tried to board the ferry to Salt Spring Island pulling his handmade kayak, which was full of his camping gear and bungie-corded to a skateboard. The perplexed ferry folks finally charged him $2, the going fare for a biker. Then there was the agent at U.S. Customs in Port Angeles who eyed our bicycles and

Since that island adventure, we’ve ridden from Lake Itasca to the Twin Cities (we were supposed to bike to St. Louis, Missouri, but the Mississippi flooded that year); Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Antwerp, Belgium; Dinan to Bayeux (France), our first trip on e-bikes through hilly country; Ljubljana, Slovenia, through Triglavski National Park to Trieste, Italy; Prague, Czechia, to Dresden, Germany on the Elbe Cycle Route; and Copenhagen, Denmark, to Gothenburg, Sweden, on the new National Kattegattleden Cycle Path. In tiny family-run inns, we often have been the only guests; biking takes you to out-ofthe-way places and provides out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

The two of us plan to continue to ride bikes in new countries as long as we are able. E-bikes are readily available in Europe, as are touring companies that can offer everything from guided group rides to self-guided rides with backup. (Our backup promptly replaced the wheel bearing that went out in Brittany; we were back on the road in no time.) Another advantage to booking with a touring company is they can transport you over the 18 percent grades in a van and let you ride downhill!

But you don’t have to shell out for tickets overseas; there are opportunities here in the U.S. for biking vacations. If you’re willing to drive, you can bring your own bicycles. We’re considering riding the Erie Canalway Trail (360 miles!) from Albany to Buffalo, New York. There are also easy, bike-friendly routes in Canada, often along rivers or canals. (Check out the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.)

A bicycling vacation may not be for everyone, but we love the pace, the views, and the great night’s sleep we get after biking and sightseeing for hours. Happy riding!

Deb Barnes is a former managing editor for Press Publications. You can contact her at news@ presspubs.com or call 651-407-1200.

A kind stranger took our photo in Helsingborg, Sweden, as we started out on the Kattegattleden Cycle Path to Gothenburg.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 9:24 p.m. Feb. 12 conducted a traffic stop on Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. that resulted in a citation.

• A report of a suspicious male by a Dominos Pizza store clerk in the 10000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:06 p.m. Feb. 12 turned out to be a man just retrieving his mail.

• Residents in the 4000 block of Elm Drive N. at 7:05 p.m. Feb. 13 reported juveniles for kicking their front door. No damage was observed.

• Residents in the Jack Pine Place Apartments in the 1000 block of Finale Avenue N. at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 13 reported loud banging and screaming from the upstairs neighbors as part of an ongoing issue. When deputies spoke to the upstairs neighbors, they said they had just gotten home from shopping and added that their downstairs neighbors were always complaining of noise. Deputies left the scene convinced that no crime had been committed. However, half an hour later, the original complainant reported the upstairs neighbors for threatening her. This time, deputies noted that no threats were made or crimes committed, but gave themselves a personal heads up that a dispute seemed to be gaining energy. At 9:24 a.m. Feb. 14, the upstairs neighbor reported the downstairs neighbor for

COUNTY BRIEFS

Opioid Settlement Community Council established

A new, 15-member Opioid Settlement Community Council has been established. The county board recently appointed its members. The council comprises professional experts and community members with relevant expertise in opioids, lived experience with opioids, or both. Members will serve two-year terms on the council.  In 2022, Washington County began receiving opioid settlement funds that will be distributed over 18 years. In 2021, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office joined the national opioid settlement agreements with various pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers. An agreement was reached with Minnesota cities and counties on the allocation of the national opioid settlements through the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement.

continuously complaining about her household making too much noise. In addition, the downstairs neighbor had been texting her and leaving notes on her door about the issue. The complainant wanted her report documented over concerns that the downstairs neighbor might be violent.

• Deputies issued a citation at 2:50 a.m. Feb. 14 in the 1000 block of Generation Avenue for winter parking violation during a time of actual need for removal of vehicles, as the first snowstorm of the season was in progress. At 3:00 a.m. that same morning, they issued another citation in the 6000 block of 151st Street N.

• A suspicious running vehicle with lights on at 3:16 a.m. Feb. 14 at Grundhofers Old Fashion Meats in the 1000 block of Forest Bld. N. turned out to belong to an employee checking on food products being made.

• A suspicious unoccupied vehicle parked in the Festival Foods lot in the 1000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 3:24 a.m. Feb. 14 turned out to be allowed to park there.

• Residents in the 6000 block of 146th Street N. at 3:09 p.m. Feb. 14 reported that something or someone had gotten into their garbage can.

• A resident in the 1000 block of Geneva

County Law Enforcement Center improvements move forward

Improvements to the Washington County Law Enforcement Center are moving forward after the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved funds to add general conditions to the contract with KrausAnderson Construction Company. A contract amendment totaling $164,500 was approved.

The law enforcement center was built in 1993, and an expansion was completed in 2009. In 2022, a long-range plan was completed. It was determined there was a need to upgrade and replace finishes and system furniture, replace the life safety systems, update the design of the building to maximize the space’s flexibility, and update critical systems, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

Washington County entered into a contract with Kraus-Anderson Construction for construction management services in August 2023 to oversee the project. The contract included costs for firm personnel working on the project and a fee for construction management services.

Avenue N. at 10:52 a.m. Feb. 14 reported that an unknown person attempted to gain unemployment benefits under his name. The State of Minnesota and the complainant’s employer caught the fraud, however.

• A group home resident in the 1000 block of Farnham Avenue at 7:34 a.m. Feb. 15 was reported for becoming aggressive, destroying items and chasing the complainant out of the facility.

• Deputies on routine patrol in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. observed a vehicle parked in the Hanifl Athletic Fields after hours at 12:55 a.m. Feb. 16 and ushered it and its occupant away from the scene without incident.

• A belligerent and intoxicated male was reported at 1:21 a.m. Feb. 17 in the 1000 block of Emerald Drive N. Deputies were unable to make contact with the male and didn’t notice anything amiss when they arrived on scene.

At 2:14 a.m. deputies were dispatched to an address at the same location and found the intoxicated male and subject of the most recent report. The male was cooperative and left via Uber.

Loretta Harding

Washington County Master Gardeners host garden expo

CONTRIBUTED

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program will host their annual Plant Sale and Garden Expo on Saturday, May 18.

Residents and Advent gardeners from surrounding areas should make their calendars for the annual plant sale and garden expo, hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Washington County. The sale will be held from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, inside Building A at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N. Home gardeners can buy a wide variety of plants, nature and garden-themed crafts and get

their gardening questions answered at the diagnostic clinic. The plant sale will feature annuals and perennials, Minnesota Seed Trial winners, native and prairie plants, monarch and pollinator plants, grasses, shade plants and a variety of vegetables and herbs. Master Gardener volunteers will be ready to answer questions you may have about your plant selection.

The public is encouraged to bring in plant or insect samples to the diagnostic clinic for analysis and recommendations. The expo features education by specially trained tree care advisers, plating for pollinators and other gardening topics. The garden market area will feature nature and garden-themed crafts. Gift items; trellises; birdhouses, bee houses and feeders; art; and tools, gloves and other implements will be sale. Bring a wagon for shopping.

For more information about the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer Program, visit washingtoncountymg.org.

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

Basketball court named for winner who can’t be beat

CONTRIBUTED

Hugo man convicted of possessing pornographic work

Aaron Thomas Stute, 32, of Hugo, has been convicted of four counts of possessing pornographic work. According to the criminal complaint, Washington County deputies assisted FBI agents in the execution of a search warrant at Stute’s home.

The FBI conducted an online investigation on the app platform “LIVEME” on March 22, 2020. During that time, it was discovered that a user with the LIVEME profile, later identified as belonging to Stute, showed a sexual interest in incest and children. During the investigation it was found that Stute was a member of a known child sexual abuse material group called “Gurls share stuff.” Investigators were sent videos of a possible 10-year-old girl who Stute claimed was his cousin.

and Washington County deputies. No injuries were reported by employees on site, but they were evaluated by M Health Fairview.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hugo Fire responds to shed fire

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This fall, when the White Bear Lake Unified High School opens its doors, students, athletes and fans will pass through the building’s breathtaking, renovated gymnasium, now officially called “Galvin Court,” named after the area’s legendary basketball coach and tireless math teacher, Jim Galvin.

Galvin began teaching math in White Bear in 1970, retired in 1999 and continued substitute teaching until 2020. He served as assistant football coach for the Bears from 1970 to 1981, and helped shepherd the 1976 team, which clinched the state championship title in an overtime game. Galvin’s most recognized role, however, was as head coach of varsity boys’ basketball from 1983 to 1999.

Galvin’s teams won five consecutive conference championships and made three state appearances. His ’84 and ’85 teams were back-to-back undefeated state champions—a feat only done once before and never since—netting 52 consecutive wins.

At a recent school board meeting in which members unanimously voted to approve the name “Galvin Court,” superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak recalled, “I was talking with Dr. Ted Blaesing not that long ago and Ted told a story about superintendent Cunio, of that time of 1984. Jim Galvin saved (Cunio’s) job. In the community, it was a rough time … when the schools came together, North and South Campus were created. You know, not everyone was happy with changes. That team brought the community together.”

“It was a pretty stressful decision at the time. Many people were upset,” Galvin noted, “but the community was lucky to have these kids. They were good citizens, good athletes. Because of the way these kids were, on and off the court these kids helped to unite our school and our community.”

From 1999 to 2023, Galvin ran Bear Down youth basketball summer camps for kindergarten through second grade. Assistant Superintendent Tim Wald said, “The focus in these camps was not only developing fundamental skills, but also on learning concepts of fair play, being a good teammate and caring for your community.

“Jim would say, ‘If you see some trash, just pick it up. It’s all of our responsibility.’” Wald said that Galvin cultivated this legacy of community in “generations of youngsters throughout our community.”

Wald concluded, “His kindness. That’s Jim’s legacy.”

Galvin told the school board, “I’ve been working with White Bear basketball for the last 54 years, and I loved it. I was lucky throughout the years because of the people I got to know and work with.”

The timing of this honor is not lost on Galvin. His name will once again be associated with bringing the community together. “With the unified high school, the rehabbed court will bear my name,” Galvin stated, “I really am a lucky guy. I’ve always had good kids and good people to work with. Thank you again.”

In parting words of wisdom, Galvin offered, “Now that we are entering March Madness, remember that orange is a winner, and black can’t be beat.”

During a search of the Stute’s home, he admitted posting videos of his cousin on LIVEME. Law enforcement seized electronic devices, including his Samsung Galaxy. The FBI analyzed the digital evidence seized during the execution of the warrant. Ultimately, the case was not charged at the federal level.

On July 21, 2022, the FBI sent the evidence collected to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy reviewed the reports and digital evidence collected during the investigation. The deputy reviewed data collected from Stute’s cellphone, which included four images that appear to be pornographic work involving minors.

Stute has been sentenced to a stay of imposition and received five years’ probation. During that time, he must comply with a variety of conditions, some of which include not having unsupervised contact with minors, not using any electronic devices that can access the internet without approval; and not using internet chat lines/dating services or social media sites unless approved.

Hugo Fire responds to fire at Northern Pallet

At 2:20 a.m. March 14, Hugo Fire was called to Northern Pallet Inc., located in the 13200 block of Fenway Boulevard in Hugo, for a structure fire. Employees described the fire as “an explosion in the grinder room.”

Upon their arrival, moderate smoke was observed throughout the east warehouse. The sprinkler system was activated, and water was flowing in the building. Firefighters made entry into the building and located the fire, which was being controlled by the sprinkler system. Crews were able to put out the fire and check for extension through the building. The building was then ventilated.

Forest Lake, White Bear Lake, Centennial and Lino Lakes Fire Departments were all called on auto aid to assist, along with M Health Fairview

The Hugo Fire Department (HFD) was dispatched to the 14400 block of Forest Blvd. N. just after 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, for a structure fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found a shed that was fully involved, and the shed was close to another structure.

Automatic aid dispatched fire departments from White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes as well as the Centennial Fire District. Since HFD was able to quickly knock down the fire, all of the neighboring responding agencies except Forest Lake were canceled.

Crews were on scene for a couple of hours. There were no reported injuries or any damage to other structures.

Sheriff’s Office saves dogs

On Feb. 19, tragedy struck the Gisselquist family in St. Paul Park, as their home caught fire with their beloved dogs trapped inside. A sergeant with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, equipped with a recently issued fire suppression tool (FST) that he had been trained on just days prior, was nearby and ready to jump into action.

Acting swiftly, the sergeant found that the FST proved invaluable in effectively suppressing the fire, which allowed the St. Paul Park Fire Department to contain the blaze. Thanks to this timely intervention, both dogs were rescued and reunited with their family while their home was saved from further damage.

According to Washington County, this is the first documented deployment of this device in the state of Minnesota. The devices were donated to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by the Stillwater St. John’s Masonic Lodge.

Hugo Fire extinguishes a shed fire in Hugo.

Washington County rescues two dogs thanks to a fire suppression tool.

There was a fire at Northern Pallet Inc. March 14.

School Board members congratulate Jim Galvin (center) following a vote to name the gym at White Bear Lake Unified High School after him. Pictured (from left) are: Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak, Scott Arcand, Jessica Ellison, Galvin, Christina Streiff Oji, Marge Newmaster, and Kathleen Daniels.

39TH ANNUAL WEDDING SHOW

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, March 24

Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake

Details: Local, trusted vendors, door prizes, samplings and more. Brides free.

Contact: 651-407-1213

ONGOING EVENTS

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. March 25 ; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo

from Hugo and surrounding

area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: 651-429-4413

CURRENT EVENTS

SPRING BOUTIQUE & BAKE SALE

When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, March 22

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E. County

Rd. F

Details: Annual spring sale of handcrafted items and baked goods.

Contact: 651-653-3121

EGGSTRAVAGANZA HUNT

When: 6 to 8 p.m. March 22

Where: Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Dr, Lino

Lakes

Details: Hop into spring with this fun, family-friendly event. Kids will enjoy searching for eggs both in the Rookery’s gym and aquatic center. Register in advance or walk in. https://loom.ly/xuozrus

Contact: 651-982-2468; rookeryactivitycenter.com

BOOK SIGNING WITH ALLIE AND ELISE

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23

Where: Argyle Moose, 14755 Victor Hugo Blvd Suite 110,

Hugo Details: Join us to celebrate with Allie and Elise who wrote and Illustrated “A Wink from God.”

Contact: (651) 348-2081; hello@theargylemoose.com

SAP TO SYRUP

When: Noon-2:30 p.m. March 23

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township

Details: Tap maple trees, boil sap, enjoy maple crafts and treats, and take a self-guided tour. All ages. Registration required.

Contact: ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/ tamarack-nature-center

A BILLY JOEL STATE OF MIND

When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Hanifl Performaing Arts Center, White Bear Lake

Details: Mick Sterling leads a tribute concert featuring the hits of Billy Joel. Ticket information online.

Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

DINNER WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24

Where: Blue Heron Grill, 14725 Victor Hugo Blvd N, Hugo

Details: Join us for dinner with the Easter Bunny . There will be photo opportunities, goodie bags and face painting. No reservations will be accepted.

Contact: (651) 756-1894; amy@blueherongrill.com

waters every two years. The list includes waters that fail to meet water quality standards and uphold that water body’s designated use. The list is used to set pollutant-reduction goals needed to restore impaired waters, called the total maximum daily load (TMDL).

Although it is not the only factor that can lead to algae blooms, phosphorus is one of the main drivers of algae blooms. Kocian explained that RCWD staff are out on Bald Eagle about every two weeks during the open water season to

collect water samples.

The RCWD has data dating back to 1980. Kocian said both phosphorus and algae have historically been “very high” in the lake; as a result, the lake was experiencing frequent and severe algae blooms every summer.

Some projects that have improved water quality include the $689,000 Oneka Ridge Golf Course stormwater reuse project in Hugo, which was completed in 2014. Now, stormwater runoff from 915 acres irrigates 116 acres of the golf course — keeping an estimated 75 pounds of phosphorus out of the lake annually.

Back in 2014 and 2016, the RCWD completed an aluminum sulfate (alum) treatment.

The $499,900 iron-enhanced sand filter and pond project on Ramsey County Ditch 11 was finished in 2020. It pumps ditch runoff to a series of iron-enhanced sand filters on townshipowned land adjacent to the ditch. The constructed pond allows sediment and the pollutants it carries to settle out. The project keeps an estimated 43 pounds of phosphorus out of the lake annually.

“(The lake) is now regularly meeting the standards for both (phosphorus and chlorophyll-a (algae),” Kocain explained. “We are in a much better place.”

Kocian credits the above mentioned projects as well as a number of smaller

projects completed by residents along the shoreline with the water quality improvement.

If residents are interested in learning more, there are some opportunities for them to partner with the RCWD on projects like rain gardens that can impact the shoreline. For more information, visit www.ricecreek.org/ grants/water-quality-grants.

As for Bald Eagle being removed from

the impaired waters list, the MPCA is currently going through comments it received during a comment period, which ended in January. The MPCA will need to submit the list of waters to the EPA by April 1. The EPA then has 30 days to respond.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

Superintendent Dr.

at Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District is among the nearly 20 Minnesota superintendents this year to successfully complete the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program, administered by AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

Kaito Kedrowski, a senior at Mahtomedi High School, is one of 9 students in Minnesota to be awarded an Evans Scholarship – a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies. Kedrowski is a caddie at White Bear Yacht Club and is expected to attend the University of Minnesota as an Evans Scholar.

How WBCA Cultivates Emerging Artists from A Young Age

at White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA) can attest to the Center’s spirit of nourishing imagination and cultivating creativity in every artist. And now, WCBA is extending this creative spirit to the youth.

a place at WBCA. Back in 1969, when WBCA was still known as the White Bear Arts Council, they hosted a yearly Youth Art show in the spring to feature artwork from public and parochial schools in the area. For nearly 40 years, the annual WriteNow! High School Writing Contest has been a staple at WBCA, inviting high school writers to submit original literary pieces. Nine years ago, the High School Visual Art Contest joined the tribe of youth exhibitions to celebrate the artwork of students in grades 9-12 in the Northeast Metro Region of the Twin Cities.

The high school competitions will look a little different this hybrid exhibition with visual arts in the Ford Family Gallery and writing

Looking ahead to Imagine Art

the year. “Previously, we focused more on summer classes or the summer camp aspect,” Katie said, “but we’re trying to up our number of classes—not only for the younger kids, but the teens too—all year long.”

As the youth programs, including Imagine Art, grow, the core mission stays the same. “We just want art accessible to everyone no matter where they’re from or their background.” Katie said, “whether they love art or they just want to dabble.” Katie said she dreams of incorporating programming for homeschool families, and scout troops, and making things much “more affordable, more achievable, and more graspable.”

Upcoming events

on the wall or a recording of them reading, as a way to be more visual too,” Karna said.

The Music of Patsy Cline with Joyann

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

High School Contests Community Reception & Award Ceremony

White Bear Center for the Arts

April 25, 2024, 6:00-8:30 PM

In this powerful stage performance, Joyann Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best-loved of Patsy’s songs. including “Walking After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,”

Celebrate the talent and expression of young artists. Everyone is invited to come see the High School Visual Arts and WriteNow! Exhibition featuring artwork and writing by students in grades 9-12 from the Northeast Metro of the Twin Cities.

You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/classes.

Jess Olson, 2023 High School Visual Arts Contest winner.

Foodshare Month puts the spotlight on year-round need

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

For 43 years, Minnesota FoodShare has been on a mission to eliminate food insecurity. Its annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign brings people together statewide to keep 300 food shelves stocked with food and other essentials for those who are struggling financially. Throughout various communities, many individuals join this fight to help others in their time of need.

“Our mission is always to serve our community in a dignified way,” said Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf Director Chris DuFresne. “We are focused on providing a great service to our clients that is confidential and dignified.”

DuFresne emphasized three steps the Hugo food shelf takes to offer good service to customers. One is recruiting volunteers to help regularly. The second is bringing in financial donations to purchase food from Second Harvest and other food banks. The third is arranging for prepackaged food bags at grocery stores like Festival and

HUGO BITS & PIECES

• The Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center Committee continues to make progress on renovating the old schoolhouse. (See full story in this week’s paper.)

• At the end of this month, Terry Hagstrom will retire from his position as building inspector. Hagstrom was hired in July 2021. American Legion Post 620 continues to donate to the Hugo Fire Department. Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 to be used for equipment and training.

• Forest Lake Ducks Unlimited will host bingo and raffles at a banquet Sunday, March 24, at Sal’s Angus Grill.

• Merrick Inc. will host purse bingo in conjunction with the Lions Club

Cub Foods so shoppers can purchase them and place those food donations in marked food shelf bins near the exits. DuFresne said these food bags will go straight to the food shelf and, ultimately, to clients’ homes.

DuFresne also underscored another important use the food shelf makes of financial donations: supplying customers with more fresh foods, including produce, dairy products and meat.

Additionally, the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf tracks donations during Food Share Month. It reports the totals to the Greater Metropolitan Council of Churches, the organization that runs Minnesota FoodShare. These figures help the council determine the financial support needed to support various food shelves, Hugo’s included.

Although DuFresne noted that donations have recently dropped, there is no risk of the building closing or staff being unable to serve others. “While we continue to see stable support, there is still a slight urgency for people to keep helping us any way they can,” said DuFresne.

Over in Circle Pines, Centennial Food Shelf Director Sheri Hanson offers similar optimism during Food Share Month. “Our main goal is that nobody in our community goes hungry for any reason,” Hanson said.

The Centennial Food Shelf receives most in-person and online donations from churches across Minnesota. These include Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Circle Pines, Eagle Brook Church in Blaine, and Ridgewood Community Church in Minnetonka. They, too, report their donations to the Greater Metropolitan Council of Churches to receive extra financial support.

The Centennial Food Shelf is also connected to the Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank, from which it pur-

at Hugo Good Neighbor Days June 8-9 at Lions Volunteer Park.

• The City Council has drafted a letter in support of a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program grant through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to replace aging ’70s-era locomotives with new diesel locomotives that will significantly reduce emissions, fuel consumption and engine-related noise levels.

chases most of its food. “We have a very generous community,” said Hanson. “They are always willing to step up and give us what we need to keep running.”

One notable program under the Centennial Food Shelf focuses explicitly on K-12 students across the school district. Launched by Circle Pines resident Jenn Gramse in 2013, the Powerpack Program helps food-insecure students who require extra meals to be available at home during weekends. Each pack contains four different breakfast and dinner meals, one fruit cup/squeeze, and four to five healthy snacks like granola bars and crackers. Each pack is delivered confidentially to eligible students weekly during the school year.

2023 street project in the Birch Tree Ponds neighborhood. Most recently, the council paid $126,908 to Northwest Asphalt Inc.

Financial donations to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf can be made online at hugofoodshelf.org/give/ or via mail to Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, P.O. Box 373, Hugo, MN 55038. Financial donations to the Centennial Food Shelf can be sent online at givemn.org/organization/Centennial-Community-Food-Shelf, or through the mail at Centennial Food Shelf, P.O. Box 8, Circle Pines, MN 55014.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com

variety of topics including bridges, cannabis, shoreland ordinances and fire department staffing structure.

• M/I Homes can move ahead with Oneka Shores 3rd Addition, after the council approved the final plat that includes 77 lots and one outlot located north of Goodview Avenue and east of Highway 61 along the west side of Oneka Lake.

• The city continues to pay for the

• The public works department will purchase a 2024 Ferris Zero Turn Mower and EZ dump hopper to replace the 2006 Toro Mower that has reached its end of its useful life. It will be purchased from LTG Power Equipment for $22,222. The city will advertise for bids for the 2024 street project, which includes 125th Street and the Dellwood Ridge neighborhood. A construction contract will be awarded at a future meeting.

• The council has scheduled a workshop for 6 p.m. Monday, April 22, at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion. The workshop is to discuss a

• The citywide spring cleanup event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4, at the public works facility. A reminder to residents that there will only be one citywide cleanup event this year, instead of two. The annual bus tour will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct.

5. The meeting location is to be determined. The Hugo Fire Department open house will also take place that day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fire station.

Shannon Granholm

Friday, March 22: 9am - 7pm

Saturday, March 23: 9am - 4pm

White Bear Area Senior Center 2484 East County Rd F, WBL

All Items are

limitation or discrimination based on race color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

Now hiring Seasonal Rental Yard Crew Positions!

After school and weekend hours available.

Perfect job for high school and college students! Competitive Pay

If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems and helping businesses grow, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Press Publications seeks an organized and creative professional multimedia rep to promote and market the business community through our products in print and digital. Sales experience is helpful but training is provided to the candidate who shows the willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced marketplace.

Seasonal Public Works Maintenance Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a seasonal Public Works Maintenance employee (20-40 hours/week), to assist in regular and recurring maintenance, installation and repair work associated with the City’s parks, streets, utilities, and buildings. The position starts before Memorial Day and ends after Labor Day (start and end time is flexible). Position pays $18.00/hour. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential. Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Position is open until filled.

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a permanent, part-time public works employee to assist the public works department in regular maintenance and repair work associated with the city’s parks, buildings, streets, and utilities. The position is 20-30 hours per week – flexible hours. A high school diploma and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is essential.

Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Starting salary $18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792.

Notice of Intent to Fill Vacant Township Board Seat by Appointment

Housecleaners Needed!

Up to $18/hr

3-5 days/wk

Must be thorough cleaner!

Maids of White Bear 651-247-2807

Water Conservation Coordinator

SUMMARY: This is a temporary/ seasonal, flexible part-time position, (not to exceed 40 hours per week), and not to exceed 180 days within a 12-month period. Under supervision, the primary purpose of this position is to coordinate the Town’s water conservation program through the Public Works department. Must have commitment to serve public, positive attitude, demonstrate initiative, and have the ability to collaborate with others, work independently and take on new tasks.

WORK SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Variable in accordance with established Township Ordinance.

2024 COMPENSATION: $27.88 per hour, non-benefit eligible.

APPLY: For more information and to apply, visit the Employment Opportunities section of the Town’s website: www.whitebeartownship. org. Send Resume and Town application by April 12th, 2024.

A vacancy has occurred on the White Bear Township Board of Supervisors. Notice is hereby given that the council will appoint a person to fill this vacated position until December 31, 2024. Notice is further given that the Board will accept resumes and written letters of interest for the vacant seat from qualified Township residents (18 years of age required) until 12 p.m. on April 15, 2024. Letters should be submitted to the Deputy Clerk. The current Township Board will review applicants and conduct interviews the first week of May 2024. POSTED: 3-13-2024.

Position is open until filled. CITY

The

the Public Works Department with street, water,

and park

Must have a High School

or GED, the ability to lift/

25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years

and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $18.00/hr. to $20.00/hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy?

How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers!

678 – S of Birch St – E of Fawn Ln

Rte 295 – N of 96 – E of Portland

Rte 114 – S of Cty F – E of Bellaire

Rte 262 – Lake Ave – E of Hwy 61

Rte 263 – N of Lake – E of Hwy 61

Rte 246 – N of 4th Ave – E of Bald Eagle

Rte 632 – S of North Rd – W of Center Park

Rte 274 – S of Bald Eagle – W of Hwy 61

Rte 128 – S of Cty Rd F – W of White Bear Ave

Main Street Business District –downtown White Bear Lake

Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (subject to change, between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary range from $17.00/hour to $20.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications

Hugo baker launches in-home microbakery

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

She is a chemist by weekday and a baker by weekend.

Julie Sorensen officially launched her microbakery, Julie’s Handmade Sourdough, this year out of her home in Hugo. She has always loved cooking and described herself as the cook of her family.

“I enjoyed baking, but I never tried bread,” she explained. “Then 2020 hit, and we were all stuck at home.” While in quarantine, Sorensen started watching videos on how to make sourdough bread, and she thought she would give it a try. One thing she learned is that bread making would require patience.

“I started baking bread and I failed a whole lot for six months,” she said. “My husband called them ‘my little UFOs.’ They were flat, dense, little hockey pucks. They were awful.”

She stuck with it, and eventually she had “big, fluffy, delicious bread.” She was making more bread than her family could eat, so she started giving it to friends and her friends started telling their friends about it. People started to ask her if she sold it, and she thought, why not? Her husband also runs a small business grinding stumps, and she said they are always looking for a side income.

She officially got her cottage license at the beginning of this year so she could start selling the bread she makes out of her own kitchen.

Why sourdough? Sorensen says it is her favorite kind of bread. She is interested in gut health, and says sourdough can be great for people who have gluten intolerance because it contains natural fermented yeast.

“I’ve always had stomach issues … It is a very good natural way to get gluten in your diet without upsetting your stomach,” she explained.

Sorensen makes her sourdough by hand. The only ingredients are flour, water, salt and sourdough starter (flour and water). “It is 100% just bread. There are no preservatives,” she said. Currently, she is making loaves

with a variety of flavors. They include jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon sugar, cinnamon raisin, chocolate chip, rosemary olive oil garlic, and onion cheddar. Her husband also requested dill pickle cheddar, so that’s her newest flavor.

If she doesn’t have a flavor, Sorensen is always willing to try it. She explained she has a customer who buys from her weekly who is from Norway,

and she requested a bread with a bunch of different seeds in it. “I let my customers tell me what they want. If they want it, I can try it out and make it for them,” she said.

Although she is limited with what she is allowed to bake and sell under her cottage license, she can also sell bagels, brownies and cookies.

As for her process and how she makes sourdough, Sorensen is an open book. “I like getting to know people and introducing them to sourdough. A lot of people don’t know the difference between that and regular bread … I love teaching them about sourdough.”

Sorensen’s day job is as a chemist at Sherwin Williams. She said it has been a bit challenging to balance along with being a mom and her new breadmaking business, but she has that down to a science, too.

“I only bake on the weekends,” she explained. What people might not realize is making sourdough is a long process — it can take two to three days.

This spring, she plans to attend some craft/bake sales. If the business continues to do well, her dream is to purchase a bread oven.

Julie’s Handmade Sourdough does not have a website just yet, but can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Customers who are interested in ordering can contact her via Facebook. There, they will find an order form that they can fill out and arrange to pick up bread from Sorensen’s home.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

CONTRIBUTED

Julie Sorenson has launched her own microbakery out of her home. She serves handmade sourdough to customers in Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Hugo, Forest Lake and White Bear Lake.

RETHINK.

RETHINK.

RETHINK.

RETHINK. RE-DESIGN. RECREATE.

RETHINK.

RETHINK.

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Since 1973 MNBC000001

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Bears fall to Hopkins at state tourney

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

After White Bear Lake qualified for the state girls basketball tournament, coach Jeremy Post surveyed the state tournament field and was impressed.

“There are a lot of good teams here this year. No sleepers. So we probably would have been an eight seed even if it wouldn’t have been for the draw,” said Post, after the Bears lost their quarterfinal game to No. 2 ranked Hopkins 66-39 at Williams Arena.

The No. 12 ranked Bears then lost to No. 7 Lakeville North 56-38 in the consolation round at Concordia-St. Paul.

The Bears, Suburban East Conference and Section 4AAAA champions, were one of three unseeded teams at state that were paired up against 1-2-3 seeds via a random draw. They finished with a 22-8 record.

Number 1 ranked Minnetonka beat Hopkins 64-56 in the championship game.

Two years ago, when the Bears placed third in the state tournament, they lost 52-27 to Hopkins, the eventual champion, in the first round. The Bears fared better this time, trailing 39-16 at the half but playing

the Royals almost even in the second half.

“Once we settled down, we did OK,” Post said.

Eighth-grader Sarah Poepard led the Bears with 11 points. Senior standout Jordyn Schmittdiel had nine points, eight rebounds and four steals. Junior guard Abby O”Brien notched seven points.

Lauren Hillesheim sank 17 points and made five steals for Hopkins. Liv McGill, a leading Miss Basketball candidate, had 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Tatum Woodson notched 12 points and Emma Walker nine.

Schmittdiel, bearing the brunt of Hopkins’ defensive efforts, spent much of the game getting knocked to the Williams Arena floorboards. “Yeah, my body’s gonna be sore tomorrow,” grinned Schmittdiel, explaining that it usually happened when she was “just trying to make the right pass” while heavily guarded.

Against Lakeville North, top scorers were senior guard Elizabeth Wallek with 10 points, Schmittdiel with nine and senior forward Heidi Barber with six. For Lakeville North, post Trinity Wilson was high scorer with 16 points while guard Gabby Betton added 14. The Panthers made nine 3-point shots.

Bear ‘trailblazers’ compete at girls wrestling nationals

White Bear Lake sophomore Jinet Demanou earned a third-place finish at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle National Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa, reports Jeffrey Isaac of the Bears coaching staff.

Jinet, competing in the 16U division, 190-pound weight class, lost in the quarterfinals to the Texas state champion, but wrestled back to finals to finish third overall after pinning Utah’s state placer.

Calli Lacktorin, another Bear sophomore, also competed at 132 pounds, but fell short of placing. Both first-year wrestlers, they were the first White Bear Lake females to compete in the MSHSL section tournament in February, making them letter winners and the first to compete in a national tournament.

“White Bear Lake wrestling’s coaching staff is extremely proud of our trailblazers, Calli and Jinet,” said Isaac. “They’ve put in a lot of hard work in training, and also in taking on the challenge of competing at high levels with only one season of development thus far.”

Isaac added that the Bear program is “proud to contribute to the growth of girls wrestling” starting with these two.

Bruce Strand

Kesean Lipscomb

White Bear Lake huddled with coach Jeremy Post during the Hopkins game at Williams Arena.

Jordyn Schmittdiel raced to the basket after making a steal, pursued by Lauren Hillesheim of Hopkins.

White Bear wrestlers Calli Lactorin (left) and Jinet Demanou competed in folkstyle nationals in Cedar Rapids. Demanou placed third in her division.

Easter Sunday:

All

All are welcome!

welcome!

welcome!

Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org

Holy Thursday at 7 pm Parish Comm Center  Good Friday at 7pm Parish Comm Center  Easter Vigil at 8 pm Parish Comm Center   Easter Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site   Easter Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Comm Center  Easter Egg Hunt follows both Sunday Masses  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

651‐429‐7937

Tips to improve financial literacy

Financial planning is a key component of successful money management. When financial plans are established and put in place, individuals are in much better position to achieve both shortterm goals, like financing a dream vacation, and long-term aspirations, like retiring with enough money to live your golden years without worry.

No one is born knowing how to handle and manage money.

Financial literacy is an acquired skill, which means anyone can learn how to manage money effectively. The following are a handful of ways individuals from all walks of life can improve their financial literacy.

• Crack the books (and magazines). A wealth of resources are available to anyone looking to become better at managing money, and many of those resources are books and magazines. Printed works are available for people with varying levels of financial literacy, so it’s unlikely that any single text

online entities and cable television channels are now exclusively devoted to financial news. Anyone can benefit from paying attention to financial news, which can shed light on investments, real estate and financial industry trends that can help people better understand their portfolios and assets.

• Read your emails. Adults who already have retirement accounts and other investments may also have an invaluable resource right inside their email inboxes.

Investment management firms like The Vanguard Group, Inc., routinely host online information sessions and discussions for investors that are promoted through email and other lines of communication with account holders. When promotional emails announcing these sessions are announced, take note and resolve to participate. Many don’t require active participation, but they often provide insight into financial products, markets and strategies to successful investing.