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Equity topic takes over school board meeting

Poppy purpose In Flanders Fields In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

Lt.Col. John McCrae – Dec. 8, 1915

What are those little red ﬂowers? Following World War I, then called “the Great War,” the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. Following the publication of the wartime poem, “In Flanders Fields,” the red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle. The poem was written by Lt.-Col. John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, while he served on the front lines. He died of

pneumonia near the end of the war. On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion. Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military

personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is known for its Buddy Poppy program. Before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW conducted its first poppy distribution. Shortly thereafter, the poppy was adopted as the official memorial flower of the U.S. VFW. During its 1923 encampment, Buddy Poppies were assembled by disabled and needy veterans

So many people showed up to the Centennial School Board meeting last week, the meeting had to be moved from the District Center to the Performing Arts Center. A group of about 80 people attended the May 10 meeting, most of them to voice their displeasure with the joint powers agreement (JPA) and contract with Equity Alliance MN (EA-MN) on which the district was scheduled to vote. After a nearly 15-minute delay so microphones and technology could be set up, School Board Chair Suzy Guthmueller reminded everyone in the audience that it is still the law to wear masks indoors, but she was quickly interrupted by booing and shouting. Guthmueller offered a motion to amend the agenda to move the EA-MN JPA from an action item to a discussion item. The board then opened up the public forum. Those who wished to speak during the public forum were asked to sign up and provide a full name and address before addressing the board and abide by several rules, but not every speaker complied with

SEE POPPY, PAGE 8

SEE EQUITY, PAGE 16

Hugo loses first and only finance director HUGO — Although he had worked for the city of Hugo for 32 years, many community members likely have no idea who he is. Ron Otkin, the city’s longtime finance director, unexpectedly passed away May 5, three days before his 62nd birthday. “If you think about Hugo and

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Pipestone, Minnesota, and eventually moved to St. Peter, where he accepted the same position. In 1989, Otkin began his career with the city of Hugo, becoming the city’s first and only finance director. (See his obituary on page 5.) Council Member Chuck Haas, who worked with Otkin for 22 of those years, recalls when Otkin started with the city in the old City Hall. “Here was this

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what happened before 1989 in this town? Really not a lot, but the stuff that has happened since, he has had his hand in every piece of it,” said Mayor Tom Weidt. “He is probably the quietest and biggest part of success Hugo has had in developing and growing as a city.” Otkin, a St. Paul resident, began his career in 1978 as the financial officer for the city of

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Neila Haney is the points leader on the high-scoring Centennial lacrosse team that’s 7-2 overall. The junior midﬁelder has pumped in 26 goals, while making 19 assists, for a total of 45 points in nine games. She’s also second on the team in possession of ground balls with 40. As a freshman, Haney notched 23 goals and made all-conference. “Neila puts in the extra work to be one of the best ball handlers, and passers, in the conference,” said coach Gary Nelson. “She is a leader on and off the ﬁeld.”

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After more than a year’s hiatus, the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network resumed its monthly Burger Nights at Legion Post 620 in Hugo. The White Bear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce helped serve up 151 burger meals. May’s Burger Night, which will be sponsored by St. John’s Men’s Club, will be Tuesday, May 25 from 5-8 p.m.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

If you’re looking for an energetic young dog and you’re ready to commit time and training, then this beautiful young lady is for you. Bandana is a 4-month old Lab/ shepherd mix who loves her foster family and their two resident dogs. She has a lot of energy and would do best with an active family who likes to be outside. Bandana is still getting accustomed to her leash but will soon be ready for lots of walks, runs and hitting the hiking trails. She likes to play with balls and sticks, and runs barrel racing-style zoomies with her foster siblings. Bandana is smart, very food motivated and learns fast. She’s doing very well with her house training and hasn’t had a single accident in her foster’s house. Although energetic, Bandana is also content to chew on a bone and have quiet time in her crate. She also currently sleeps in her crate at night. If you are interested in Bandana, please fill out an adoption application at ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Pontoons on Bald Eagle hosts ribbon-cutting, grand opening The White Bear Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Pontoons on Bald Eagle’s grand opening weekend. Pontoons on Bald Eagle is located at 4444 129th St. N., in Hugo on the north end of Bald Eagle Lake. White Bear Township couple Ben and Katy Robinson purchased the business from previous owner Marty Weber, after he operated it for 20 years. The business was previously known under a number of names, including Bald Eagle Boat Rental, Bobber’s and Lakeview Inn. In addition to new Bennington pontoons, customers can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

‘2 dads’ take a stand against thick Bloody Marys Longtime friends Brian Collins and Greg Ehrich, both White Bear grads, have enjoyed drinking Bloody Marys together for years, but had a hard time finding the perfect concoction. “We couldn't find a mix that had everything we wanted, and we were sick of mixes that were too thick,” said Greg. Pursuing the belief that a Bloody Mary should be a drink and not a meal, the friends began experimenting in 2020 to create their own perfect Bloody Mary mix. “We had a certain recipe we liked but got tired of doctoring it up. We wanted to take out the rigamarole of making our own,” adds Brian. That idea became a motto for Two Dads Premium Bloody Mary Mix — “No rigamarole! Just easy drinking.” It took more than a dozen attempts to get the mix just right. Collins, who lives in White Bear Lake, and Ehrich, a Centerville resident, are both employed full time and “pounded the pavement” in their spare time to market the product to liquor stores and restaurants located in their

SUBMITTED

The “Two Dads” — Brian Collins and Greg Ehrich — plan to have gift sets that include Two Dads Premium Bloody Mary mix available in time for Father’s Day.

respective area east and west of I-35E. Two Dads Premium Bloody Mary mix is now found in more than 300 locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is served at both on- and off-sale establishments, as well as golf courses. Most liquor stores in the White Bear area carry it, as do some specialty stores such as GoodThings. Bloody Mary fans can find it at local restaurants including Admiral D's and Pezzo in White Bear Lake, Frigaard's in Mahtomedi, Campanella and Oneka Golf Course in Hugo and Trapper's in Lino Lakes. It will be available to try at upcoming community festivals. The company gives back 10% of its annual net profit to improving local youth education and athletics. For more information about Two Dads Premium Bloody Mary Mix, visit the company's website at 2-dads.com

CALENDAR BRIEF YMCA hosts free online conversation on social justice The public is invited to participate in “A Conversation on Social Justice Through the Lens of Equity” from 3-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 24. The free,

CITY OF HUGO

CITY OF HUGO DRINKING WATER The City of Hugo produces safe, clean drinking water for people who work in, visit and live in Hugo. Our mission is to produce and distribute safe, aesthetically pleasing water in sufflcient quantity and a cost effective manner to meet customer needs and to be effective stewards of the public infrastructure. Our product consistently meets higher standards than those set by local, state and federal regulatory agencies. Please visit our website to view the latest consumer confldence report on flle. This report can be viewed at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/ccr2020. Please contact 651-762-6301 for a paper copy. Published one time in The Citizen on May 20, 2021.

CITY OF HUGO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PAVILION AT LIONS PARK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that bids for the construction of a new public park pavilion at Lions Park will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Tuesday, July 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm local time. The project includes a new public pavilion building of approximately 5,500 sf with attached picnic shelter located at 5524 UPPER 146TH ST. N, Hugo, Minnesota. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Hugo will publicly view bids at an online bid opening meeting. No bids will be considered unless accompanied by a bid security in an amount of 5 percent of the bidder÷s maximum bid price. Those interested in viewing the online bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join or call 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID 840 0222 1101. The as-read online bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the bid opening. In formation and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $30 by inputting Quest project #7832774 on the website÷s Project Search page. The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All offlcial notiflcations, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Architect will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources. Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN. OWNER: ARCHITECT: City of Hugo HCM Architects 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North 4201 Cedar Avenue South Hugo, MN 55038 Minneapolis, MN 55407 651-762-6300 Lysne@hcmarchitects.com 612-904-1332 The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any bids received without explanation. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days. For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualiflcations, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. DATED: May 11, 2021 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Michele Lindau, City Clerk City of Hugo, MN Published two times in The Citizen on May 20 and June 3, 2021.

CITY OF HUGO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CSAH 8 STORM WATER REUSE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that bids for the construction of CSAH 8 Storm Water Reuse will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10:00 am local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Hugo will publicly view bids at an online bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https:// zoom.us/join or call 312.626.6799 and enter Meeting ID 920 5555 1738 and Passcode 529397. The as-read online bid results will be available at www. questcdn.com following the bid opening. The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities:

online discussion will focus on the social injustices and inequities that are impacting local, national and global communities. The moderated roundtable discussion will feature panelists from the community and

1,100 S F Remove and Replace Bituminous Walk 5,440 L F 2” – 12” HDPE Forcemain (Directional Drill) 1 LS Lift Station 10,900 L F Tracer Wire 1 LS Irrigation Controls, valves and associated appurtenances 0.40 ACRE Boulevard Restoration The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Hugo shall comply with the provisions of the statute. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $45 by inputting Quest project #7827464 on the website÷s Project Search page. The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All offlcial notiflcations, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn. com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources. Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN. The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any bids received without explanation. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days. For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualiflcations, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. DATED: May 3, 2021 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Michele Lindau, City Clerk, City of Hugo, MN Published two times in The Citizen on May 20 and June 3, 2021.

CITY OF HUGO WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2021 DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT / LIONS PARK PROJECT S.A.P. 224-104-006 AND S.A.P. 224-111-001 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that bids for the construction of the 2021 Downtown Improvement Project / Lions Park Project will be received on-line through QuestCDN vBid™ until Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 1:00 pm local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Hugo will publicly view bids at an online bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join or calling 1.301.715.8592 and enter: Meeting ID: 989 5957 1466 Passcode: 271421. The as-read on-line bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the bid opening. The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: Downtown Improvements: 18,000 SY Remove Bituminous Pavement 24,000 CY Excavation (All Types) 5,700 CY Class 5 Aggregate Base 6,400 CY Select Granular Embankment 5,300 TON Bituminous Pavement (All Types) 15,000 LF Concrete Curb and Gutter (All Types) 23,300 SF Bituminous Walk 5 ACRE Boulevard Restoration 5,00 LF Pavement Markings 9 EACH Remove and Replace Hydrant Assembly 500 LF 8” DIP Watermain 5,000 LF 12” – 33” RCP Storm Sewer Lions Park Improvements: Site earthwork, stormwater improvements, electrical work and lighting, bituminous trails, bituminous sports courts, acrylic color coating system, tennis and pickleball nets, basketball goal standard, chainlink fencing, site furnishings, limestone blocks, concrete pads and walks, concrete playground curbs, concrete maintenance strips, ornamental fence, masonry piers, precast monument signs, site restoration, erosion control, landscaping, and irrigation from a water reuse system. The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Hugo shall comply with the provisions of the statute. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $45 by inputting Quest project #7708607 on the website÷s Project Search page. The website will be updated periodically with addenda lists of registered plan holders reports and other information relevant

corporate and nonprofit sectors, who will share their perspectives. For more information and to register, go to ymcanorth.org/register-freeonline-classes-unitedhealth-groupequity-innovation-center.

to submitting a Bid for the Project. All offlcial notiflcations, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn. com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources. Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN. The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any bids received without explanation. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days. For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualiflcations, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. DATED: May 3, 2021 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Michele Lindau, City Clerk, City of Hugo, MN Published two times in The Citizen on May 20 and June 3, 2021.

POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT

PUBLICATION SUMMONS AND NOTICE (SMALL CLAIMS) CASE NO. 205C509 Plaintiff: vs. Defendant: Svee Trucking Inc. Joseph Cocherell N6884 County Road H 5181 Farnham Dr N Elk Mound, WI 54739 Hugo, MN 55038 Publication Summons and Notice of Filing TO THE PERSON NAMED ABOVE AS DEFENDANT: You are being sued by the person named above as Plaintiff. A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above. The lawsuit will be heard in the following small claims court: Polk County Courthouse Telepone Number of clerk of court: 715-485-9299 Courtroom/Room Number: Suite 300 Address: 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Date 6/14/2021, 1:30 p.m. If you do not attend the hearing, the court may enter a judgment against you in favor of the person suing you. A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgmet awarding money may become a lien against any real estate (property) you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. You may have the option to Answer without appearing in court on the court date by ﬂling a written Answer with the clerk of court before the court date. You must send a copy of your Answer to the Plaintiff named above at their address. You may contact the clerk of court at the telephone number above to determine if there are other methods to answer a Small Claims compaint in that county. Plaintiff: Deborah Svee Date: April 15, 2021 Plaintiff÷s telephone number: 715-879-5568 Filed April 20, 2021 Sharon Jorgenson, Clerk of Circuit Court Published one time in The Citizen on May 20, 2021.

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

RAMSEY WASHINGTON JUDICIAL DITCH 1 (RWJD1) DRAINAGE SYSTEM RECORD PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers will receive public comment under Minnesota Statutes 103E.101, subd. 4a, on proceedings to correct the drainage system record and to establish the functional alignment, dimension and grade of Ramsey Washington Judicial Ditch 1. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §13D.021, meetings of the Board of Managers currently are being convened remotely by teleconference and/or video-teleconference. Members of the public interested in presenting comment by telephone or video conference at the public hearing, or otherwise attending the meeting telephonically, are asked to contact Ashlee Ricci at 763-398-3082 or by email (preferred) at aricci@ricecreek. org, by 4:30 p.m. on or before May 25, 2021. To participate in the meeting by telephone, call 1-321-430-3061 enter code 361 694 527#. The engineer÷s historical review memorandum can be found on-line at the following website address www.ricecreek.org under Public Drainage or at the District ofﬂce at 4325 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070. Comments can be directed by email to Ashlee Ricci at: aricci@ricecreek.org, phone: 763-398-3082 or to the address above. Published one time in The Citizen on May 20, 2021.

THE CITIZEN

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MAY 20, 2021

Readers’ choice

veryone has favorite establishments in our community, from professional services to food, entertainment and live music. We’re happy to announce The Citizen is launching the Readers’ Choice Best of the Press, for the second year. To do this we need your help to nominate your favorites to be included. There are more than 90 categories on our nomination ballot and we want to hear from you. The groups that comprise the categories are: eating and drinking; arts and entertainment; health and fitness; services; local; shopping; and sports and recreation. Here’s how it works. Go to presspubs.com/ citizen/bestof and nominate your favorite places — from the best appetizer to the best local park. Nominate as many as you like in as many categories as you choose, or nominate only one if you prefer. The website has a tool that will find the correct spelling and location of the place you are nominating. The nomination period runs Publisher’s from May 5-21. After we have the ballots finalized, we will move on View to voting to determine who has best hamburger in the Press Carter Johnson the area. If we receive two or more nominations in a category, that category will appear on the ballot. If only one nomination is received, the category won’t be on the voting ballot. It’s not because the one business that was nominated isn’t deserving. We believe to have a contest you need to have more than one participant. So if you are nominating in a category where there might not be a lot of choices, perhaps submit a second nominee. Voting on the ballot will run from July 14-Aug. 8. The ballot will be in the same spot, presspubs. com/citizen/bestof. You will be able to vote once every 24 hours. When voting closes on Aug. 8, we will tally the results and prepare a special section of the Press to announce the winners. All winners will be announced Sept. 29. What will the winners get? We will provide a certificate and window cling to the winners and a logo that the person or business can use to promote themselves online and in print. More importantly, they will have bragging rights. When the coronavirus entered our lives last year, we learned to appreciate the local people who do so much to make our community a great place to live. There are many ways we can continue to support them. Nominating and voting for them as the best at what they do is a simple, yet meaningful gesture. A goal of the contest is to help bring visibility to our local businesses and spur our local economy. The entire contest will be conducted online. There are no paper ballots. The contest is meant to be a good-natured, fun way to recognize all of the little things that make our area special. Please join me in taking some time to nominate your favorites. We need you to nominate them so they can be considered as a Readers Choice Best of the Press. What I love about the Best of the Press is we are working hard to keep this hyper-local, and it’s up to you, the readers, to determine the top finalists. So go to presspubs.com, and nominate the places you love in this community, and get ready for the Best of the Press.

Don’t forget to pause for military mommas I got the biggest surprise last weekend. My son came home for a short visit and he’s coming back in a couple of weeks to spend Memorial Day weekend with us. For many people, picnics and BBQs kick off the summer in the north on Memorial weekend. Who doesn’t love spending time with family and friends? I’ll be honest, I didn’t think much about Memorial Day. I enjoyed having an extra day off. I knew it was a hard day for some people, but I didn’t feel connected to it. That was until my son joined the Air Force. Now, when I think about Memorial Day, I get a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. Actually, anything to do with the military tugs on my heartstrings. Recently, I was walking into a store and the American Legion was selling poppies. I immediately thought of my son, my dad and my brother— my eyes teared up. Then I thought of all the mommas whose sons and daughters won’t be coming home. The sacrifice our former military service members have made and continue to make is reason to pause for a moment on May 31 this year. Being a military mom can be frightening, sad and lonely at times. I miss my son dearly, but I am so proud of him and his commitment to serving our

country and protecting the freedoms we have. But that doesn’t take away the fear that he may not come home. Do you know a mom or dad Wild who has a son or daughter in the Chow armed service? Lisa Erickson Give them some extra love the next time you see them. Tell them you appreciate the sacrifice they and their child are making. Take a moment to pause on the May 31 to remember those who have made the greatest sacrifice one can make. Have a BBQ and fun, too. There is nothing wrong with having fun—just don’t forget that weekend is really hard for some people. I will be making my son’s favorite summer foods - BBQ ribs, potato salad and strawberry short cake. We will have fun just being together. I will hug him multiple times throughout the weekend, then I will have to say goodbye not knowing when I will see him again. Strawberry Short Cake 1 cup flour 2 Tbsp sugar 1 ½ tsp baking powder Dash of salt

4 Tbsp butter 1/3 cup half and half 1 egg 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream 2 cups strawberries, sliced and sprinkled with ¼ cup of sugar Whipped cream or whipped topping such as Cool Whip Preheat oven to 450 . Spray a 6-inch cake pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, combine egg and half-and-half; stir into crumb mixture until moistened—there will be some loose crumbs. Spoon the batter into the prepared round baking pan. Bake until the top is golden brown about 13-15 minutes. Cool completely. Cut cake in half horizontally. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with the ice cream. Top with half of the strawberries. Place the top cake layer over the strawberries. Pour the rest of the strawberries over the top. Serve with the whipped cream. Lisa Erickson, Osceola native, is a food columnist. You can reach Lisa at thatsmywildchow@gmail.com or check out her blog at wild-chow.com.

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• Limited to 350 words. • Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday at least four weeks must published. • Submissions must Include of the week prior to lapse between publication. • Submissions containing a full name, address and Exceptions may be made for libelous or derogatory state- publication. daytime phone number for rebuttal letters. ments will not be published. • To submit a letter, e-mail veriﬁcation. it to • Due to space limitations, let- • Submissions containing • Letter writers must live, work ters that don’t address local citizen@presspubs.com, facts not previously pubor have another connection fax it to 651-429-1242 or issues are not guaranteed lished in The Citizen must to Press Publications covermail or deliver it to Press publication. be accompanied by factual age area. Publications, 4779 Bloom • Repeat letters by the same veriﬁcation. • Letter writers are limited Ave., White Bear Lake, MN writer about the same • All letters are subject to to six letters per year and 55110. subject matter will not be editing. Carter C. Johnson ............ Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson .... Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm ........Lead Editor citizennews@presspubs.com Patty Steele ....Director of Sales & Marketing marketing@presspubs.com Zac Hoppe............ Design Manager artmanager@presspubs.com

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MAY 20, 2021

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

OBITUARY NOTICES

Ronald Otkin

Passed away on May 5, 2021. He was born on May 8th, 1959 to Milo and JoAnn (Brouillet) Otkin in Pipestone, Minnesota. He attended grade school in Pipestone, before moving to Hamburg, Minnesota. He finished his grade schooling in Hamburg and started high school at Norwood Young America until he moved to Hettinger, North Dakota to live with his dad and finish high school. Ronnie graduated from Hettinger in 1977 as valedictorian of his class. Upon his graduation he moved back to Pipestone, where he attend Pipestone Vocational College and graduated with an Associate degree in Finance. He started working as the financial officer for the city of Pipestone and eventually moved to St. Peter, Minnesota where he accepted the same position. In 1988, Ronnie accepted a position as the financial officer for the city of Hugo, Minnesota and was employed there until his time of death. Ronnie lived a very independent and simple life. He achieved numerous accomplishments and awards but never boasted about any of these successes. He enjoyed cruises, the beach, and the ocean and never missed an opportunity to dip his toes in the sand. He was always quick to crack a joke and make everyone around him laugh, while he took our quarters in a game of cards. He absolutely loved his job as a financial officer and felt like everyone he worked with was a part of his family. He was very grateful for every one of them. Ronnie is survived by his sister, Cindy (Ron) Oye, of Aurora, South Dakota; and their children, Joseph (Miriam), Christina, and Ricky; his brother, Michael (Mary) Otkin, of Colman, South Dakota; and their children, Josh (Stacey) and Jake {Amber}. His stepdad, Helmuth (Hank) Luehmann, of Luverne, Minnesota. Ronnie had 13 great nieces and nephews that meant the world to him. He is also survived by his work family from Hugo, who we are extremely grateful for. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Milo; his mother, JoAnn; paternal grandparents Carl and Lena Otkin; and maternal grandparents, Darrel and Blanche Brouillet. A Memorial for Ronald will take place at 1:00pm on June 2, 2021 at Hugo City Hall.

Schools need to promote social-emotional learning

I am currently a school social worker in White Bear Lake Area Schools and wanted to bring to everyone's attention the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL). The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) describes SEL as "the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” SEL core competencies consist of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. Schools need to promote SEL instruction within a school, as SEL skills promote and enhance students through increased school connections, positive behaviors and academic achievement and so much more. CASEL discovered SEL has a positive impact on students' academics because students received an 11 percentile point gain in academic achievement compared to peers who did not receive SEL programming. SEL instruction has proven to have many long-term as well as short-term impacts. For example, schools that have implemented SEL have increased educational milestones being achieved along with increasing high school and college graduation rates. Additionally, research shows that "SEL programming can have a positive impact up to 18 years later on academics, conduct problems, emotional distress and drug use.” Short-term, SEL helps decrease negative behaviors in the classrooms through the development of skills that help students better manage their emotions. SEL helps decrease bullying and increases friendship and relationship skills. As a school social worker, I have seen firsthand some of the amazing work that teachers and buildings are doing to promote and incorporate SEL into their schools and classrooms. I believe this is a significant first step to providing students with more holistic support that aims to expand beyond academic growth to increase social-emotional well-being. To increase SEL implementation, there is a need to further an awareness of SEL by school districts, students, families and community members, as well as why it is essential to teach, as it helps students be more successful and strengthens communities. Hannah Kaefer Hugo

Donna J. Mireault

Age 74 of Hugo Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, GreatGrandmother & Sister. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 13, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Preceded in death by father, Irvin Seebold; mother, Genevieve (Bud) Johnson; sister, Sheri Wilford. Survived by loving husband of 36 years, Richard “Dick”; children, Ron Seebold, Chris (Rick) Burfeind, Michele (Chris) Anderson, Sherry (Doug) Knollmaier, Mike (Kelly); grandchildren, Dustin, Alyssa, Jessica, Justin, Sean, A.J., Tanner, Collin, Mickenzie; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Derek, Lily; brother, Tom (Sandy) Seebold; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. A celebration of Donna’s life 6 PM Friday, August 6th with visitation beginning at 3 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Memorials preferred to the Northwoods Humane Society. Roberts Family Funeral Home, 651-464-4422, RobertsFamilyFH.com

HUGO TREE CARE

County conducts hazardous waste collections in Forest Lake Washington County satellite weekend household hazardous waste collections are planned in Forest Lake June 5 and June 12. Satellite collections bring the services offered at the Washington County Environmental Center closer to residents, making it more convenient and practical for them to recycle and dispose of their household hazardous waste and electronics. The events will be held at the Forest Lake Transit Center (19987 Fitzgerald Trail N.) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 5 and June 12.

Public hearing set for transportation tax The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing for June 1 to receive public comment on an update to the county’s transportation sales, use and excise tax. The hearing will be held during the county board’s regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the board room of the Government Center, 14949 N. 62nd St. N. in Stillwater. Residents will also be able to attend the meeting virtually. Generally referred to as the local option sales tax, it allows local governments to levy a sales and use tax of up to 0.5% and a vehicle excise tax of up to $20 per vehicle. Washington County currently has a 0.25% sales and use tax, and a $20 vehicle excise tax. Fifty-one other counties in the state have similar taxes. The county board must conduct a public hearing to raise the tax. The revenue raised by the tax may be used for roads or bridges, and for both capital and operating costs of transit projects. The board has reviewed a list of projects that would benefit from the increased sales tax. If the tax were to be increased, it is estimated that it would raise $21 million in 2022, as opposed to the $10.8 million that was raised by the tax in 2020.

County adds free entrance days at parks Washington County Parks will have free entry for National Get Outdoors Day June 12. Held every year since 2008, National Get Outdoors Day is a day intended to inspire and motivate communities to get outside for a healthy and fun day of outdoor adventure and to celebrate nature exploration. Washington County Parks will designate the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit county parks without purchasing a vehicle permit. This will replace Explore Your Parks Day, which had traditionally been on the first Saturday in June. For information on county parks locations and hours, see the county website at co.washington.mn.us and search “parks.”

CHURCH DIRECTORY Find the church that ﬁts your needs Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

Sunday Join us onWorship Sunday: 10:15Livestreaming am in-person Worship on and Live-streaming on YouTube: FPCWBL YouTube: FPCWBL 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org

Please check out our website for ways to stay connected, including on-line Worship, Bible Study, and Sunday School. The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

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To advertise here, call Randy at 651-407-1212 or email lowdown@presspubs.com

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I was saddened to hear of the recent and unexpected passing of the city of Hugo’s longtime finance director, Ron Otkin. I met Ron in 1989 when he first came to the city; at the time, I was a volunteer on the Planning Commission. Our paths crossed far more often when I served on the City Council. Ron was passionate about his job, and it showed. I knew nothing about city finances when I first began contributing to Hugo’s budget planning decisions, but Ron was, first and foremost, a good communicator. He made it a priority to educate all of us in financial matters. His annual budget PowerPoint presentations were crystal clear. His aim was to help the city of Hugo keep its taxes low, set attainable financial goals, take care of its assets in a responsible way and be well prepared for the growth that we knew would come. I learned so much from him. Years later, when I began writing about city budgets in Centerville, Hugo and Lino Lakes for The Citizen newspaper and, later, Press Publications, Ron was always ready to help and answer my questions in a timely way so that I could make my press deadlines. He believed that a city’s financial reports should be able to be understood by everyone. Over the years, I attended hundreds of city council meetings in Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington counties involving budgets, taxes, bond sales and assessments. Ron’s presentations were always the easiest to understand. Because of Ron’s passion for excellence, the city of Hugo was recognized year after year for its excellence in financial reporting. There was a running joke at City Hall that the city would have to reinforce the walls in the finance director’s office to accommodate the weight of the accumulating plaques. He and his team deserved every one of them. Ron will be greatly missed. Deb Barnes Hugo

674484

Ron will be missed

COUNTY BRIEFS

699789

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

MAY 20, 2021

HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • The driver of a silver sedan was cited at 3:20 p.m. April 8 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for driving after revocation after being pulled over for displaying extremely dark taillight lenses.

Due to the dark tint of the stop lamps, brake illumination could barely be seen in the daylight. The driver admitted to driving on a revoked license. • An unidentified woman was cited at 1:28 a.m. April 9 on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Heritage Parkway N. for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance after deputies on patrol observed a female known to be a revoked driver behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check confirmed her revocation. • A motorist received a verbal warning at 6:17 p.m. April 9 in the 4000 block of Europa Trail N. for illegal window tint and expired registration. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:03 a.m. April 10 in the 9000 block of westbound 170th Street N. for driving after suspension and speeding 69 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies on patrol, who clocked him on radar. During the traffic stop, a computer check turned up the driver’s suspended status. • Deputies on patrol in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 6:55 p.m. April 10 observed two juveniles removing property from a construction site to skate on.

Deputies ordered the youths to put the property back and leave the area. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 7:58 a.m. April 11 on westbound 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 72 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastbound deputies on patrol, who clocked her on radar. The driver admitted she wasn’t paying attention. • Suspicious people reported for walking around a construction site in the area of Fenway Blvd. N. and 134th Street N. at 4:25 a.m. April 13 wearing high-visibility jackets and hard hats turned out to none other than the actual construction workers assigned to the site. They had even driven up in marked construction vehicles and were wearing logo-stamped vests and hats.

Deputies said they didn’t even need to report to the scene to figure the situation out. • A resident in the 5000 block of Farnham Drive N. at 2:40 p.m. April 14 reported a stolen license plate. • A resident in the 17000 block of Keystone Avenue N.

at 3:56 p.m. April 14 reported her daughter-in-law in another state for opening the complainant’s mail that was sent to her other property in that state.

Deputies advised the complainant of laws pertaining to mail tampering and what to do about it. • A resident in the 14000 block of Homestead Avenue N. at 7:54 p.m. April 14 reported receiving an incorrect vehicle title in the mail for the vehicle he bought. The complainant said the seller promised to get back to him the next day but never did. • A resident in the 15000 block of Enfield Avenue N. at 2:15 p.m. April 15 reported a phone scam. • A Minnesota man was cited at 5:30 p.m. April 15 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for driving after revocation after deputies on patrol recognized him behind the wheel of his vehicle. The driver was directed to leave the vehicle at the side of the road and summon a licensed driver to take over behind the wheel. • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took three fraud reports from the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N., the 4000 block of Victor Path and the 16000 block of Forest Blvd. N. between 10:28 a.m. and 11:58 a.m. on April 16. • A resident in the 4000 block of 165th Street N. at 2:19 p.m. April 16 reported receiving paperwork from the unemployment insurance office regarding a claim he had supposedly filed on April 14. When he called the unemployment insurance office to say that his information had been breached and that he did not file the claim, the bureaucracy advised him that his file was locked. The complainant was further advised that the subject would have needed his name, Social Security number and date of birth. The complainant then notified his bank, credit card companies and credit bureaus about the incident.

A resident in the 16000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. at 2:59 p.m. April 16 reported finding a knife in her shed. The shed didn’t appear to have been broken into, and no items were missing. Absent any other suspicious circumstances, the complainant simply threw the knife away. • The Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 4:00 p.m. April 16 reported a gas drive-off. • A motorist was cited at 3:10 a.m. April 18 in the 5000 block of 146th Street N. for driving an uninsured vehicle and was verbally warned for other offenses, following a traffic stop for expired registration. • A resident in the 13000 block of Elmcrest Avenue N. at 10:17 a.m. April 18 reported a male for walking through her woods. The male agreed to stay off her property in the

future. Deputies advised the complainant to report the male if she sees him trespassing on her property again. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 12:57 p.m. April 18 on westbound 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 72 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. The driver admitted to 65 mph. • A Kwik Trip employee in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. reported finding pills near the checkout counter at 9:16 p.m. April 19. The pills were placed into the drug drop box. • A Minnesota driver was cited at 7:51 a.m. April 20 on westbound Heritage Parkway N. and Empress Way N. for speeding 38 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked her on radar. The driver was verbally warned for not having a driver’s license in her possession. • A male motorist was cited at 9:44 a.m. April 20 in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N. for driving after suspension and engaging in a cell phone call while driving, after being pulled over for the phone held up to his right ear. • Kwik Trip employees in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. flagged down deputies at 12:08 a.m. April 21 to report two highly intoxicated males inside the store. Deputies brokered a safe ride home with responsible parties for both subjects. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:22 a.m. April 22 on eastbound 165th Street N. at Harrow Avenue N. for speeding 69 mph in a 50 mph zone.

The driver admitted to going only 60 mph and, besides, his speedometer was broken. • The driver of a black SUV was cited at 4:30 p.m. April 22 on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway N. for displaying registration from May 2020. • A suspicious vehicle reported parked outside a business in the 4000 block of 129th Street N. at 9:30 a.m. April 23 turned out to be the niece of the business owner; she had permission to be there. • A resident in the 4000 block of Ethan Trail N. at 2:01 p.m. April 23 reported unemployment fraud after she received a letter from the state. The state offices blocked the case, and no money was paid out. • A business in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 3:08 p.m. April 23 reported a customer who became irate when they would not let her return her pet medication.

The subject was verbally “trespassed” after she pounded on the doors, ripped up the medication and threw it on the ground before driving away. Loretta Harding

Sheriff’s office investigating dog shooting BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is asking for the public’s help to figure out what happened to 5-year-old Nash, a silver Lab. The dog is believed to have been shot with a shotgun sometime on May 4 while on private

Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of May 9 – 15, 2021 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. Lino Lakes considers water treatment plant, raising utility rates. Quad Community Press > News 2. Mahtomedi woman raises $2K for food shelf with hometown notecards. White Bear Press > News 3. Quincy House offers hope, guidance and unconditional love. Shoreview Press > News 4. SOS Office Furniture will open in Vadnais Heights this June. Vadnais Heights Press > News 5. Erosion control happening at Bellaire Beach. White Bear Press > News See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown-St. Croix Valley Area.

property on Elmcrest Avenue in Hugo. One of the dog’s owners, Jamie Widmer, said Nash was taken to the vet, who confirmed the dog had been shot multiple times. He had severe injuries to his face and head as well as one of his front legs. On Wednesday, May 12, Nash underwent surgery to amputate his front left leg, all the way up through his shoulder blade. “Dogs just love you unconditionally. So, for someone to do something like this, it’s horrendous. I just can’t wrap my head around that,” Widmer said. “He is the sweetest dog ever.” Widmer said they were not able to remove all of the lead from Nash’s neck and face area. “There is no way they could get all of that out,” she said. Detective Lee Mars could not say much about the incident, but confirmed it is an active investigation. She said she has asked around for video surveillance in the neighborhood, but doesn’t have any leads at this point. Widmer is guessing that Nash either knew the person who did this to him, or was lured to get close, because he is generally a pretty cautious dog. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mars at 651-653-6455. Nash is doing as well as he can. Widmer said he is on a lot of meds, has a lot of staples and needs 24hour care. “For what he has been through, he has been such a trooper,” she said. “He will have a good life. He will have to learn how to adapt.” As of press deadline, $1,135 had been raised through a GoFundMe (http://gofund.me/52090eb4) that was set up to help with Nash’s medical bills. SUBMITTED

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

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is asking for the public’s help to ﬁgure out what happened to 5-year-old Nash, a silver Lab.

MAY 20, 2021

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers were dispatched to the 0 block of Park Drive E in Circle Pines April 28 on a theft report. • Police received a fraud report from a resident in the 200 block of Twilite Terrace in Circle Pines April 28. Information was collected. • Officers observed suspicious activity in the 8800 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington April 29. Police later conducted a traffic stop with the involved vehicle for a moving violation. The stop resulted in an arrest. • Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines April 29 on a report of a disorderly male. • An officer was dispatched to a phone call report of a possible theft from motor vehicle from a resident in the 3800 block of Edith Lane in Lexington April 29. The caller reported there was no damage and nothing appeared to be missing. • Police responded to a harassment report in the 1900 block of 73rd Street in Centerville April 30. The caller advised his neighbor was driving slowly past his house and revving his engine. Police advised the caller of restraining order options. • Officers were dispatched to a fire in the 700 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines April 30. • Police were dispatched to the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington April 30 on the report of a female trespassing. A notice of trespass for the entire shopping complex was issued. • Officers responded to a damage to property report in the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington April 30. • A vehicle theft was reported in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington April 30. There is

no suspect information at this time. • A squad was involved in an accident with a deer in the 1300 block of Birch Street in Lino Lakes May 1. • An officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road May 1. A citation was issued for a crosswalk violation. • Officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 20th Avenue and 73rd Street in Centerville May 2. The driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Officers responded to an address in Lexington May 2 for a physical domestic in progress. Upon police arrival, a male was located outside fighting with family and needed to be detained to the ground. An ambulance was requested because the male was severely intoxicated. • Police observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lexington Avenue NE and West Road in Circle Pines May 2. An adult male was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Officers responded to the 0 block of Circle Drive in Circle Pines May 3 on a property damage hit-and-run accident. A suspect was subsequently cited. • Suspicious activity was reported in the 7300 block of Peltier Circle in Centerville May 5. • A driver was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop in the area of South Highway Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington May 6. A few hours later, another driver was arrested for DWI near the intersection of Lake Drive and Woodland Road in Lexington. • A theft from motor vehicle was reported in the 9100 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington May 6. There are no suspects. • A community service officer took a delayed criminal sexual conduct report from someone in Lexington May 7. The case was referred to Anoka County Crim-

inal Investigations Division. • An officer was waved down by a female walking near Flowerfield Road and Griggs Avenue in Lexington May 8. The officer determined the female had been trespassed from most of the local businesses because of a history of panhandling, and escorted her to Casey’s to purchase some food for her. • Officers took a report of a dog bite that occurred in the area of North Road and Duen Way in Circle Pines May 8. • A male was arrested for domestic assault in Centerville May 8. A few hours later, another male was arrested for domestic assault, also in Centerville. • Officers observed suspicious activity in the 9000 block of Lake Drive in Lexington May 8. The driver was stopped and officers located drugs and drug paraphernalia. • A resident in the 200 block of Stardust Boulevard in Circle Pines advised that an unknown suspect created, forged and then cashed a check on her checking account. The estimated loss was over $6,000. • Officers responded to a phone call report of a theft from motor vehicle in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington May 10. The caller advised that a suspect broke the window of his car and stole his wallet. The estimated loss is $200. • Officers located several stolen packages in the 3800 block of Woodland Road in Lexington May 10. • An officer observed a bicyclist make a traffic violation at the intersection of North Highway Drive and Albert Avenue in Lexington May 11. An adult male was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant. • A motor vehicle theft was reported in the 600 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines May 11. A theft from motor vehicle was also reported around the same time. An unknown suspect smashed a window and stole a large speaker valued at $950.

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS • An officer responded to a complaint of vehicles racing in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road April 29. The involved vehicles were not located. Extra patrol was requested. • Officers responded to assist the State Patrol on a report of an intoxicated driver on I-35E near Main Street April 30. The driver, who was arrested for DWI, crashed into a median. There were no reported injuries. • An officer responded to a residence in the 7800 block of Lois Lane for a traffic complaint May 2. The officer located the suspected driver and issued a citation. • Officers responded to a residence in the 7800 block of Lois Lane for a disorderly male. Officer spoke to all involved parties and a male was issued a citation. • An officer stopped a vehicle for expired registration in the 7100 block of 21st Avenue N. May 3 and could smell an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and the marijuana was seized. The driver was cited. • An officer handled a request for extra patrol for people speeding on Robinson Drive May 4. The request was relayed to other officers to provide extra patrol. • An officer handled a report regarding mail recovered by another agency May 4. The victim was issued a case number to document the incident in case of further problems. • An officer responded to a private park in the 6900 block of Black Duck Drive on a report of several juveniles present at

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the location without permission May 4. The officer spoke with the juveniles and suggested other parks for them to go to. Officers responded to an ongoing traffic complaint in the 7800 block of Lois Lane May 4. Extra patrol was requested. An officer took a request to check the welfare of a suicidal party May 4. Through investigation, it was determined that the subject of the welfare check had committed domestic assault and made terroristic threats. The subject was arrested and booked into jail. Officers responded to a residence in the 2000 block of 64th Street May 5 on a report of a suspicious person walking on their property May 5. Officers located the male and advised the male to not walk on the property and to use the road. Officers responded to assist the State Patrol with a vehicle rollover in the 6700 block of I-35E May 5. Officers responded to a single-vehicle accident in the 8100 block of I-35W May 7. The driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle where the occupant was possibly taking pictures of residences in the 600 block of Village Parkway May 7. The vehicle was located, and the male driver denied taking any pictures. He said he was dating a resident in the area but could not explain why he was currently at the location. The male was advised of the complaint and he said he would leave the area, which he did.

• An officer responded to a report of theft from motor vehicle in the 6600 block of Blue Heron Drive May 7. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer conducted a traffic for multiple lane violations in the area of I-35W and Main Street May 8. The driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI. • An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 8000 block of I-35E May 9. The driver was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and arrested. A search warrant was acquired for DUI testing and the driver was transported to jail and held pending charges. • A male in the 7400 block of 24th Avenue N. was cited for a negligent fire that started a grass fire. The male said he built the fire to warm up, but it got out of his control. • Officers responded to ducklings stuck in the storm sewer in the area of Village Drive and Town Center Parkway May 9. Officers successfully removed numerous ducklings from the sewer. • An officer responded to a report of damage to property at a park in the 6600 block of Sherman Lake Road May 10. The damage was documented and public works was advised so it could be fixed. There are no known suspect(s) at this time. • An officer made a traffic stop for an equipment violation in the 6400 block of West Shadow Lake Road May 10 and detected the odor of an illegal narcotic. The driver was cited for the narcotics violation.

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The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle near 21st Avenue North and Crane Drive April 27. The driver was subsequently cited for a driver’s license violation. • Officers received a call of juveniles smoking marijuana in a motor vehicle in the area of 20th Avenue and Birch Street April 27. Officers stopped the vehicle and a juvenile male was charged with possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia. • An officer responded to a theft report in the 600 block of Lois Lane April 27. Property was stolen from one vehicle, and another vehicle was stolen. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer was following up on a theft case in the 600 block of Arlo Lane April 28 when it was discovered there was another victim. The investigation continues. • An officer responded to a call of a theft from a motor vehicle in the 7700 block of Lake Drive April 28. There is no suspect information at that time, and the investigation is ongoing. • Officers responded to a call from a passerby of a male seen pointing what appeared to be a gun in the 300 block of Elm Street April 28. A juvenile male was located with other juvenile males, and they were found to be in possession of BB guns. The incident was addressed and parents were notified.

THE CITIZEN

MAY 20, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

POPPY: Honor the fallen, support the living FROM PAGE 1

American Legion Post 566 – Lino Lakes

When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 21-22 Where: Cub Foods, 1059 Meadowlands Drive in White Bear Township; Sam’s Club, 1850 Buerkle Road in White Bear Lake; and Cub Foods, 1920 Buerkle Road, White Bear Lake.

American Legion Post 168 – White Bear Lake

When: May 21 Where: Freedom Valu Center (BP), 4852 Hwy 61 N., White Bear Lake; U.S. Bank, 4700 Clark Ave., White Bear Lake; American Legion Post 168, corner of 3rd St. and Banning Ave. Other: Poppy cards will be available at the Legion. The cards will be hung up at the Legion for all to see. Donations will be accepted.

VFW Post 724 Brooker-Edmund – New Brighton When and Where: May 21-22 Walmart Supercenter, 850 County Road E, Vadnais Heights.

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For the 75th consecutive year, American Legion Post 620 in Hugo will visit seven cemeteries to conduct Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 31. The cemeteries include: Walker Cemetery, 8300 147th St., Hugo (7:30 a.m.); Rice Lake Cemetery (Gethsemane), 506 Birch St., Lino Lakes (9 a.m.); Incarnation Lutheran Cemetery, 893 County Road J/Ash Street, Lino Lakes (9:25 a.m.); St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, ,171 Elm St., Lino Lakes (10 a.m.); Twitchell Cemetery, 491 Lilac St., Lino Lakes (10:30 a.m.); St. Genevieve’s Catholic Cemetery, 1760 Main St. Centerville (11:25 a.m.); And St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 5400 147th St. Hugo (11:55 a.m.).

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A view of poppies in the countryside of France along the coast of the English Channel.

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Several VFWs, Legions and their respective Auxiliaries will distribute poppies outside stores, gas stations and on street corners. Here are several in our area:

VFW 1782 Keep/Zimmer Post – White Bear Lake

iat 20 8 ric 5 denti str y

Where to get a poppy

When: Now through Memorial Day, May 31 Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes Details: American Legion Post 566 will not participate in poppy distribution this year. However, poppy cards are available at the bar for a donation of $5 each through Memorial Day.

Arm y ve tera n

who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. All VFW Buddy Poppies are genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. Today, Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in Veterans Health Administration hospitals. The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs, and partially supports the VFW National Home for Children. Both the American Legion and VFW ask for freewill donations. On National Poppy Day, May 28, be sure to wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.

MAY 20, 2021

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

FINANCE DIRECTOR: ‘Quietest and biggest part’ of Hugo’s success

FILE

Ron Otkin pictured with former Mayor Fran Miron. Councilmember Mike Miron recalls running into Ron at City Hall when his father was mayor.

managed to save money, he got us an AA-plus bond rating, (and) he encouraged the council to be thrifty and not spend unreasonably,” he explained. “If we have the lowest per capita debt of pretty much any city in the state, we do that all, as Ron would say, ‘without local government aid.’” Council Member Becky Petryk, who has served on the council for 22 years, said Otkin’s passing was a shock to the council and city staff. “He will be an enormous loss to all of us at the city of Hugo, both personally and professionally. He really was special, and we were very fortunate to have him as part of the team at the city for so long,” she said. “I cannot imagine going through a budget without Ron there.” City Administrator Bryan Bear worked with Otkin for 17 years. “He is the best; it’s hard to envision a better finance director. He knew exactly how to do the job,” Bear said. “Every element that involves city finance, he has been a part of it. All projects of significance that have happened since 1989, he has had a hand in. Every street, piece of infrastructure, building, Ron’s been a part of making all of that happen.” Council Member Mike Miron, who is serving his seventh year on the council, has memories of Otkin from when he was a kid. “I remember when my dad was on the council and when he was mayor, we would swing in to City Hall because there would be something he needed to do or something he needed to get,” he said. “Ron was a fixture there then. He witnessed a lot of change in the city.” Otkin was very smart and talented, but also brought a personality to the job. He was known for his sense of humor, which was often sarcastic. Miron said

Otkin was always able to present complicated finances in a way where everyone could understand exactly what that meant for their wallet. “Whether it was to the council or a resident, he took time to help all of those folks understand what was going on,” he said. “He would tell us the big picture … I think he wanted us and the community to understand what that meant to each resident. It wasn’t just big numbers about departments and what they were spending, it was about what does that mean to community and homeowners.” Otkin genuinely enjoyed the work, working alongside other city staff and serving the community. Bear said Otkin could have retired years ago, but chose to stay because he enjoyed the job. “He did not need to be working here at this point in time. He had

ability to retire on his terms when wanted to and he worked here at his choice … as long as Ron was comfortable working here, we were happy to have him.” City staff has organized a memorial dedication and celebration of life for Otkin from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at City Hall. All are welcome to attend. “I’m eternally grateful to Ron for what he gave to the city and the citizens of Hugo. It’s a tremendous loss,” Weidt said. “I think that we will do our best to move forward from here and continue what he started. It is going to be difficult, but we are up to the challenge. “‘What would Ron do?’ will be the battle cry for a long time.” Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

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THE CITIZEN

MAY 20, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

‘A contagion beyond COVID-19’: Racism in White Bear Lake BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

It may not look the same as it did in the 1950s. To some, it may even look like it’s gone. But racism is a part of every community in the U.S., and White Bear Lake is no exception. “Racism is a chameleon that changes with the times,” said Dr. Marcellus Davis, director of Equity and Engagement for White Bear Lake Area Schools. “Sometimes colleagues look for 1950s racism as an example of what is happening today, but the truth is, it morphs.” Davis and district staff from the office of Equity and Engagement recently met with the White Bear Press to talk about the presence of racism in the White Bear Lake community, and the next steps to address it. In the worst cases, racism looks obvious— threats, physical violence and even death. But racism is present in many subtle, everyday ways that often fly under the radar. “We’re all conditioned with racist ideas, from the time we were little, to now,” Davis said. “Every time we watch the television. Every time we pick up the newspaper. We have to be able to see the conditioning so we can work against the conditioning.” Most people don’t consider themselves racist. They don’t personally wish harm on members of the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. But the harmful assumptions related to racism crop up in ways that people might not even realize are racist. It might look like conversations that tiptoe around racial assumptions with phrases such as “bad part of town” or “crime coming into the community.” It might be baked into school curriculum. Or it might appear as legislative policies that disproportionately affect BIPOC communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified racism as a high risk to physical

and mental health, as ethnic minority groups across the nation experience higher rates of illness and death than white Americans. “It’s impacting children every day, and some, it’s killing,” Davis said. “It is a contagion that is far beyond COVID-19, and I don’t say that to diminish COVID-19, but for this plague, there has not been serious research put into an antidote.” Minnesota has been in the global spotlight after the police killing of George Floyd last summer, but there is a long history of racial violence in the state. In April, students at White Bear Lake High School endured a slew of racial attacks and threats via messages over social media. The person behind the messages was an unidentified student wanting to draw attention to the handling of racial incidents within the schools, but the pain and anger that resulted from the messages were felt throughout the community. “You have the Chauvin trial, you have COVID-19 harming communities of color at a higher rate, and then this situation,” Davis said. “Tension is at its highest level. The city can’t take much more, especially when we’re not having enough spaces to have discussion.” For Davis, the most important thing in talking about racism is having a clear definition of what racism is. There are several to choose from— one of the simplest Davis likes to employ is that racial prejudice + power= racism. “Racism always deals with power,” he said. Davis was clear that the criticisms of racism in the school and community are not meant to be an attack on the school district or community, but a call to do better. “What we are trying to articulate is that we have a problem. That’s what our students and families are telling us,” he said. “We are trying to be that district that does better for every student, in particular students of color.” That responsibility includes students who are not members of the BIPOC community, Davis said. All students can benefit from the

communication and listening skills required to have an effective discourse about race. “Eradicating racism in the White Bear Lake Area Schools community is going to be a concerted effort by all of us. Not just a few,” Davis said. “This is a community problem, and the school district is included in the community.” Some of the district’s direct actions to address racism include creating spaces where students can process and deconstruct. Healing circles are one of the ways the district is doing this. This activity is based on an Indigenous practice of working through problems in a small group setting, said Patricia Ferrell, who has worked with students and facilitated the healing circles. “It’s a way for all people to get all their feelings out in a respectful way,” Ferrell said. “We’ve had some awesome circles with staff and with children. The things that come out would really surprise people. Even if they don’t talk, they’re listening, taking it all in. They may not say anything, but at the end, they’ll pull you aside and say, hey, I learned a lot, I didn’t know XYZ. Nobody ever told me this. I didn’t know I was affecting people like this. It’s a beautiful thing.” “You have to have a bottoms-up approach,” said Aaron Turner, who also works with the office of Equity and Engagement. “It does start with the youth, working your way up to adults so that we can have a long-lasting approach.” Student leaders are working directly with administrators to develop strategies of transformative change in the classroom. Studentled groups such as Culture Club, Latinos Unidos and the Black Excellence Club are providing supportive spaces for student connections and growth. District staff hopes to see some of the dialogue techniques, such as the healing circles, happen in the wider community sometime in the future. The path forward requires openness, difficult questions and hard truths, but Davis and school staff attested that the district is ready to do the work.

District moves forward with plans to build equity in schools BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak delivered an update on the school district’s equity planning efforts at the May 10 meeting of the White Bear Lake school board. The district has accelerated its efforts to address racial inequity in the schools since the incident of racial harassment of several students via social media in early April. These efforts have included planning community forums and reviewing policies, curriculum and reporting procedures. School staff has begun to take Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessments to receive coaching and individual growth plans to build intercultural competence. The district aims to have nearly 80 staff members receive IDI coaching by fall 2021. The district has also developed a three-year professional development plan designed for district leaders

to build leadership around equity, racial equity, anti-racism and change management. The district will receive support from Paula Forbes and Dr. Derald Wing Sue to inform its progress. Forbes is a facilitator and lawyer who has worked with Reimagine Minnesota, an initiative created to address equity, integration and excellence in Minnesota schools. Sue is a nationally recognized psychologist and expert in microaggressions, or subtle forms of racism that appear in day-to-day interactions. “We continue to work with students, community members, consultants and parents as we plan to engage in community forums to address racism, school culture and climate, and building unity to create an anti-racist community,” Kazmierczak said. The school board also approved a resolution of its intent to sell facilities maintenance bonds up to the amount of $31.1 million. District 624 has a number

of older buildings, which makes it eligible for state long-term facilities maintenance revenue (LTFMR) funding. “These bonds will largely finance projects at North Campus, while the addition to the building is being built,” said Tim Wald, assistant superintendent of finance and operations. The bonds will be presented for proposals June 14, and the results of the sale will be shared at the next school board meeting. “Fortunately, White Bear Lake was one of the larger districts that was grandfathered in,” said Shelby McQuay, a representative of Ehlers Inc., the district’s municipal advisor. “Because of your size and your building age, you have been allowed to issue bonds and generate additional dollars through board action, not through going to the voters, to keep up your facilities.” As a requirement for the LTFMR program, the district also submitted

an updated 10-year plan to the Commissioner of Education. In other action, the school board: • Recognized student achievements for state and national level honors via virtual presentation. • Recognized student liaisons Jennifer Adams and Bemnet Tessema for outstanding performance in their roles as representatives to the 20202021 school board. • Congratulated Matoska International kindergarten teacher Kendall Gonzalez on being named the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ 2021 Teacher of the Year. • Approved St. Paul Beverage Solutions LLC as the school district’s continued supplier of milk. The district goes through about 3.2 million pints of milk in a year. • Changed the 2021-2022 school calendar start day for grades 6-12 from Sept. 7 to Sept. 8 in deference to the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Sept. 7 will instead be a staff development day.

Seniors recognized in American Indian graduation ceremony BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

Last year, there were seven—this year, 26. There are more graduates in the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) program this year than ever before, adding extra joy to the American Indian Graduation Honoring Ceremony scheduled for May 29. “It’s a big deal, and it really speaks to the overall growth and diversity in our school district year after year,” said Jordan Zickermann, Native American cultural liaison for White Bear Lake schools. “Our

numbers are only going to keep going up.” AIPAC is an education program for American Indian students in the White Bear Lake school district, run by parent volunteers and facilitated by Zickermann. The community event will be held 5-7 p.m. May 29 at Lakewood Hills Park, and will include a Native drum group, traditional dancers, an Indigenous food vendor and representatives from local nonprofit Dream of Wild Health. In addition to being a good way to honor the graduates, the ceremony has the added benefit of supporting

community partners that have no doubt been feeling the effects of the pandemic on their businesses and lives, Zickermann said. The drum group from Red Lake Nation will perform traditional honor songs, and Dakota and Ojibwe elders will lead the ceremony and facilitate the event. Every senior will be awarded an eagle feather—a deeply meaningful symbol in many Indigenous cultures, and one of the only permitted additions to high school graduation garb. “This has to be done by an elder, traditionally with prayer,” Zickermann said.

“I couldn’t just hand them a feather. Our students are gifted these eagle feathers, and in policy that’s the only thing the students can wear during the official commencement ceremony on their cap. AIPAC fought for that right for our students. “There are districts out there (where students are) not able to wear eagle feathers on their cap for graduation. It allows personalization for our students in a culturally relevant way.” The event has been altered somewhat for COVID-19 precautions. In past years, AIPAC students of all ages

were honored in the ceremony, but this year the event honorees will be limited to seniors. The event is outdoors and open to the public, but AIPAC is still requesting RSVPs from people who want to attend. District administrators, community partners, teachers, staff and families usually attend in support of the graduating seniors, Zickermann said. “There’s a lot of representation at the event; that really speaks to the fact that we just want to honor our students for their resiliency especially during this year,” she said.

MAY 20, 2021

www.readthecitizen.com

CENTERVILLE CITY CALENDAR May 26: May 31: June 1: June 2:

City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day Planning & Zoning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Fete des Lacs Committee meeting at 5 p.m. Parks & Recreation meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Special meetings are posted in the City Hall lobby. Public notices are now published in The Citizen; read them at presspubs.com (click on Public Notices).

HUGO CITY CALENDAR May 25: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network Hamburger Night from 5 to 8 p.m. at American Legion Post 620 May 27: Board of Zoning meeting at 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. May 31: City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day June 1: Parks Commission meeting at 7 p.m.

LINO LAKES CITY CALENDAR May 24: May 26: May 31: June 2:

City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.; work session at 6 p.m. Environmental Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day Park Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.

CITY BRIEF Nominate next Hugo Good Neighbor Good Neighbor Days is scheduled for June 11-13. Nominations for Hugo's next Good Neighbor of the Year are due June 1. Residents are asked to nominate a neighbor that has made a difference in their life or the lives of their family members. In order to be considered, individuals nominated must live in or close to Hugo. Mail nominations to: Good Neighbor 2019, Katie Riopel, 8089 165th Street N., Hugo, MN, 55038. Entries are also currently being accepted for the parade, which is schedueled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12. Those who wish to be in the parade will need to pay the $25 entry fee. For more information, contact Katie Riopel at 651429-5433.

THE CITIZEN

HUGO BITS & PIECES • Hugo American Legion Post 620 has donated $2,000 to the Hugo Fire Department to use for training and equipment. • The city now has a contract with HCM Architects for the preparation of construction documents for the new pavilion at Lions Park. The council approved the contract in the amount of $204,700 at the May 3 meeting. In addition to the preparation of construction documents, the contract will also include bidding management, construction observation and administration. • The council will likely award the contract for the 2021 downtown street project and Lions Park improvement project June 21. The council approved the plans and specifications at its May 3 meeting and authorized the advertisement of bids for a combined construction contract. The projects will be bid as one project in an effort to realize some cost savings and other efficiencies. City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that those projects have not begun just yet; however, there have been utility companies on site. “We have coordinated with the utility companies to let them know we have a project … Utility companies take that opportunity to look at if any infrastructure upgrades are needed, and oftentimes they will do that in advance of a project, knowing that they need to get out of our way,” he said. The council will also likely award a contract for the CSAH 8 water reuse project June 21. The project is estimated to conserve approximately 14 million gallons of potable water annually. • For a price of $163,484, Envirotech Services will place 149,920 gallons of calcium chloride on gravel roads within the city in two separate applications, once in midJune and once in mid-August. The city of Hugo currently applies dust control to approximately 23 miles of gravel roads located within its municipal boundaries. • Centra North LLC has been given the green

light for Meadows of Hugo. The council approved the final plat and development agreement at its May 3 meeting. The residential development, which is located north of 159th Street North and west of Hwy 61, will consist of 47 lots and four outlots. The council also approved a wetlands replacement plan. To accommodate the development, Centra North is proposing to impact roughly 1.78 acres of wetlands out of the 5.92 acres of wetland on the 33-acre site. The applicant will create and restore 3.56 acres of wetlands and upland buffers on site to receive credit. • The public works department will have a salt storage building and materials storage building in addition to the new facility that is currently under construction at Irish Avenue Park. Ebert Construction was the low bidder at $ 662,200. Ebert Construction is also the contractor for the new facility. • The council will hold interviews with applicants for the vacant council position the week of May 24. Council Member Chuck Haas, who served the city for 22 years, resigned from his position effective May 17. The council will ultimately appoint someone to fill the remainder of Haas’ term (through December 2022). • WSB will prepare a trail study for $16,000 to study the feasibility of trails near Lions Park and the new elementary school off of Hwy 61. Construction for the school is already underway and work on the park will begin this summer. Parks Planner Shayla Denway explained that the city owns property north of Lions Park, which, in combination with property owned by the school district, could provide significant educational and recreational opportunities if made accessible with a trail. WSB’s feasibility study will include mapping the approved wetland delineations of the various parcels, delineating remaining wetlands, and preparing and evaluating conceptual trail alignments. Shannon Granholm

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS • Something will now be done about the nuisance property at 7353 20th Ave., after council directed city staff to organize the clean-up of the property, using money from the general fund. The city authorized City Attorney Kurt Glaser to enter into a contract with the property owner to permit city staff to enter the property and rectify the nuisance. The city got involved with the property in January 2020, following complaints from neighbors about squatters and unsafe conditions. Dangerous fires have occurred on the property, which has no water service. • The Kwik Trip on Main Street took one tiny step closer to reality May 12 after council approved the Kwik Trip site plan, contingent on approval of the final plat, and excluding the proposed car wash until city code is changed to allow the car wash. The city received a request from Kwik Trip to operate a convenience store/retail fuel sales/ car wash on Lot 2, Block 1 of the proposed Rehbein Commercial plat on Main Street between 20th and 21st Avenues, through the site plan review process. The retail fuel sales and convenience store are “permitted” uses under the code. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 (with two abstentions) to recommend approval of the site plan with seven conditions. The Kwik Trip planning team will appear at upcoming council meetings for approval of the preliminary plat and final plat, said City Attorney Kurt Glaser. • By a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Steve King opposed), council selected Option #3 of four site layout options as Centra Homes plans to develop Block 7 into town homes. The city has been working with Centra Homes staff to make sure the development would be compatible with any future redevelopment of the western portion of the block. Attention was focused primary on density

and driveway options of the four concepts. Among other features, Option #1 offered 24 units in four buildings, all with private driveways. Option #2 offered 31 smaller units with a mix of private driveways or no driveways. Option #3 offered 27 units and driveways for all units. Option #4 offered no private driveways. • Neighbors fed up with the noise coming from Alex's Turf will note that although council tabled action for more information, the city is intent on installing an eight-foot wooden noise mitigation fence and paved driveway at the city water tower adjacent to Alex's Turf at its own expense. A preliminary cost projection has the fence alone costing approximately $20,000. The fence would fulfill conditions of the conditional use permit (CUP) issued to the Alex's Turf. The city would take ownership of the fence and driveway because negotiations with the business to install the fence in compliance with the CUP, have been unsuccessful. • Residents will note mixed news about local crime in the Centennial Lakes Police Department annual report, as presented by Chief James Mork. Throughout the coverage area, Class I crimes were up to 205 in 2020, compared with 162 in 2019. Most of these increases involved theft, motor vehicle theft and aggravated assault. Class II crimes were down to 347 in 2020, compared with 504 in 2019. The biggest drops in this level of crime came in incidents involving narcotics and vandalism. In Centerville, seven more citations were issued in 2020, compared with 2019. Eleven fewer vehicle accidents occurred in Centerville during 2020, compared with 2019. The number of arrests in Centerville dropped by two in 2020 to 70 arrests. • Council heard the first annual Anoka County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) presentation from Commander Paul Lenzmeier, who gave council an overview of the the department's

governing structure. The department's six divisions are made up of Administration, Criminal Investigation, Justice Services, Jail/Warrants, Midwest Regional Forensic Lab and Patrol. As ACSO has not made many visits to Centerville council meetings in the past, the city plans to make the ACSO checkin an annual event. • The annual Church of St. Genevieve parish festival has cleared a few legal hurdles, after council approved a request for a special event permit for the event to be held on Sunday, Aug. 15 on parish grounds at 6995 Centerville Road. Council also approved a temporary on sale liquor license and a temporary gambling license for bingo, pull-tabs and a raff le. • Council approved an encroachment agreement for a gazebo at 7341 Deer Pass Drive. The gazebo will be located in the rear yard, which encroaches in the city's right-ofway/drainage/utility easement. • Council approved an encroachment agreement for a shed at 1817 Prairie Drive. The shed will be along the side and rear yard, which encroaches in the city's right-of-way/ drainage/utility easement. • Here is a chance to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission, after council formally accepted the resignation of Commissioner Ben Fehrenbacher and declared a vacancy on the Commission. Staff will soon begin advertising for the position and accept applications from interested parties. Fehrenbacher dedicated many years of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as city council. He also worked to organize the Fete des Lacs parade. The council next meets at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 26 at City Hall, 1880 Main St. or via zoom teleconferencing. Loretta Harding

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THE CITIZEN

MAY 20, 2021

Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Conﬁrm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

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Estate Sales DELLWOOD ESTATE SALE 5/21 Fri.10-6p; 5/22-23 Sat/Sun 9-4p 128 Dellwood Ave. Fabulous Antiques, China, Paintings, Rugs, Art Glass, Beds, HH, Xmas,etc. Sale Conducted by Joy's Estate Sales. (507) 391-1821 Go to: Estatesales.net for listing & photos.

Guns Do you have ammunition or a hunting gun in your home and you're not quite sure what to do? My name is Al, owner of Al's Gun Shop, I'm happy to review your firearm at no charge and give you a recommendation. Please call (651) 482-8138.

Real Estate Wanted Do you have a duplex or small apartment building you are considering selling? Call Micah at (651) 400.0530

Rentals/ Commerical EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, 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 people 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.

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com 14

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS

HEIGHTS PRESS www.presspubs.com

HEY MOM & DAD!

JAKE GUST High School

Centennial

ud I’m so pro of you! — Love Mom

W EN -&- NO THELISA

BETH BECK

ER Mahtomedi High School

We are so proud of you and your accompl ishments! We love you. — Mom & Dad and Will & Katie

THEN -&- NOW

Congratulate your Graduate in the paper with

a then childhood photo and Now Graduate photo for a Fun Keepsake to remember.

HEY MOM & DAD! YOUR GRADS ARE ALL GROWN UP, LET’ S TAKE A LOOK

THEN --&-- NOW

KATELYN MEYER

White Bear Lake Area High School Congratulations Katelyn! We are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished - can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Good luck at UNW! — Love Mom, Dad and Jordyn

THEN -&- NOW SAMUEL SCHOELLER White Bear Lake Area High School

Mom, Nana and Papa are so proud of you. We love you. We can’t wait to see comes next for you what on your life adventure. — Love Mom, Nana and Papa

THEN -&- NOW ETHAN ANDREKUS White Bear Lake Area High School

Ethan - You did it! It’s honor to watch you been an the incredible younggrow into are! Congratulations man you on your graduation.

— Love, Dad & Holly

THEN -&- NOW LUCAS PROKOSCH White Bear Lake Area High School

So proud of you!! — Love, Mom & Dad and Grandma & Grandpa

THEN -&- NOW THOMAS RODRIGUEZ

JR.

White Bear Lake Area High School

Thomas Rodriguez Jr. is graduating White Bear Lake from Area was a starting Face-OffHigh School. Thomas Midﬁelder for the Lacrosse team for Varsity what would have Thomas was also been 4 years. a year. Thomas plans Captain for Junior and Senior to attend Albany SUNY in the fall Universityto play Division 1 Lacrosse. He plans on majoring in Political Science become a lawyer with plans to and someday a judge. Thomas, your passion, drive and willingness to are amazing qualities help others that will take you — We love you! Mom, far in life! Dad, Marina, Ezra and the fur babies!

THEN -&- NOW

ALLIE WALDVOGE L White Bear Lake Area High School

Congratulations on Chase your dreams. graduating! Live life to the fullest. We are so proud of you and hope all your dreams come true. — Love Mom and Dad.

THEN -&- NOW

JUNE 3, 2020

Weather tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

SARA RAJTAR

White Bear Lake Area High School We’ve watched in amazement as you’ve grown into the person you are today, and we’re watching with anticipation to see what you will become. We are so proud of you! — Love Mom and Dad

THEN -&- - NOW

ELISABETH BECKER Mahtomedi High School

We are so proud of you and your accomplishments! We love you. — Mom & Dad and Will & Katie

THEN -&- NOW KAYLA ANDERSON White Bear Lake Area High School

Congratulations to our sweet girl! We love you and are so proud of you and the amazing woman you’ve become! — Love, Mom and Dad

THEN -&- NOW MARINA RODRIGUEZ Magna Cum Laude

Marina Rodriguez graduated Magna Cum Laude in Special Education from Mankato State University. We could not be more proud of the woman she has become and the compassion and determination she possesses! We love you so much! — Mom, Dad, Thomas, Ezra and the fur babies!

THEN -&- NOW KYLE REANEY

White Bear Lake Area High School Congrats Kyle! Your journey awaits. Never compromise your integrity, always work hard & embrace life. You’re going places! We couldn’t be prouder.

— Love Mom

THEN -&- NOW BRENDAN BAUMAN

St. Paul Johnson High

School

Congratulations to our 2020 Senior Graduate! We are so Proud of you and wish you the World! LOVE YOU LOTS! “You can’t move Forward without saying Good-Bye to the Past”

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Submit photos of your graduate by June 26th to make the EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS next run. TO: CLASSIFIED@PRES SPUBS.COM ($28 PAYMENT REQUIRED)

Extend best wishes to your favorite graduate in our special section appearing in the: White Bear Press | Vadnais Heights Press Quad Community Press | Shoreview Press | The Citizens

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Issue Date: Week of June 4th Deadline: Wednesday, May 26th, 3 p.m. Cost: $28/per paper Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 651-407-1221

Needless to say, there is one weather item that THUNDERSTORM THUNDERSTORM CLOUDY has people talking and that is how dry May Wed Thu Fri has been. I've totaled May 19 May 20 May 21 a trace of rain. The 78°/ 64° 80°/ 66° 83°/ 65° Airport only 0.07 inch. It's been pretty much 5:39 / 8:41 5:38 / 8:42 5:37 / 8:43 the whole metro, as well as the state, that has been short of rain. My yard still looks pretty good. The cool mornings THUNDERSTORM THUNDERSTORM THUNDERSTORM CLOUDY and our cooler than normal weather has kept our yards from drying out, but I do see people watering. Sat Sun Mon Tue The good news is that rain is in the forecast and May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 we'll be making up for lost ground this week and 80°/ 62° 72°/ 58° 76°/ 56° 74°/ 51° weekend. Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist 5:36 / 8:44 5:35 / 8:45 5:34 / 8:46 5:33 / 8:47 who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips WEEKLY AVERAGES MAY 19 - 25, 2021 around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com. High: 71° | Low: 49° | %Sun: 61% | PCP: 0.90”

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EQUITY: Parents voice displeasure with Equity Alliance MN contract FROM PAGE 1

those requirements. Eighteen people spoke during the public forum, which lasted for 45 minutes. First up was state Rep. Donald Raleigh (District 38). He said there were parts of the contract that he was concerned about and wanted to draw attention to. “If you take a look at the contract language that is in the proposal, Article 8, which is the powers area, it says that the board will be vested with all of those powers granted to independent school districts by Minnesota statute,” Raleigh said. “And this is the important part, ‘the powers of the board shall include, but not be limited to’… Any time you have got contractual language that says ‘not limited to,’ we need to take a look at what the enumerations of those powers are …” Raleigh referenced Cruz-Guzman v. State of Minnesota, an ongoing lawsuit that stems back to 2015 when seven families and one nonprofit organization sued the state of Minnesota on behalf of children/families in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis school districts. The suit asserts that segregation in those districts has maintained an unfair and substandard educational environment for minority students. “I would ask the board, as you are contemplating getting into contract like this, number one, are you allocating powers that should be reserved to the board itself? And secondly, making sure you take a look at the language of the contract, so that we as a community, don’t get into yet another lawsuit,” Raleigh said. Former state Rep. Linda Runbeck shared her thoughts. “America was on its way to becoming a colorblind society, and all of a sudden critical race theory started creeping into our culture, really coming from academia,” she said. “You say we are not talking about critical race theory here tonight, but we need to be asking what it is, because Centennial Schools, if it does enter the contract with EA-MN, is going to find out the hard way. There is nothing good that comes from EA-MN, which is a truly biased and political organization.” She added, “We do not need these outside experts. They do not know us, they don’t know our kids, they don’t know our culture. They want to change our culture from the ground up. Do not vote for this, because you will not get voted back.” Lino Lakes resident Cori Duffy questioned EA-MN’s Executive Director Sebastian Witherspoon’s political agenda. “I’m very concerned that the students, the teachers, everybody in this community is going to be shamed, bullied, their voices not heard. Only his and his group’s voice is going to be heard and nobody else,” she said. “All it does is create division. These people come in here, say they are

going to bring people together, heal the racial divisions — and it ends up being the opposite of that.” Benjamin Jaffe-Talberg, a 2002 Centennial grad, told the board about a petition he created to address racial inequity at Centennial High School, which had 343 signatures as of press deadline. “Reflecting on my experience as a student, I recall the usage of racial stereotypes, microaggressions and racially insensitive language in the hallways. I remember occasions in which teachers used insensitive materials and instruction in the classroom, and I remember the ways administrators were unprepared to create an inclusive environment,” he said. “One especially outrageous example I recall was the principal of my class offering an Indian American student an African American Student of the Year award. This demonstrates to me the deep lack of racial awareness and sensitivity at the highest levels of leadership at the school when I was a student.” Retired school board member John Burns asked Superintendent Brian Dietz about the motivation behind the program. “Did the school board poll the students, parents, to see if this is really wanted or warranted? What is the percent of diversity in our school? If I recall it’s very small …” he said. “It just doesn’t seem right to spend that kind of money on a program like this. I can’t stand behind this program. I’m here to support neighbors. Somebody has to take a stand, and many people have.” Heather Berg-Patel, an alumna of the district, said she has two children of color who are currently enrolled in the district and who have experienced racism since elementary school. “Part of the reason it is an important issue is because there are a small number of students of color that are going uncared for and unsupported. I don’t think that means that we shouldn’t do this, because they are less than 20% (of the student population); I think that is the absolute reason we should do this,” she said. Several audience members shouted out while Berg-Patel was trying to speak. She added, “I think that having an equity coordinator would be helpful, because our staff is also all white. How do we address issues of race if we don’t have diversity? I support hiring them and an equity coordinator. There is a lot more people like me that are afraid to speak up because of bullies.” Several parents who open-enroll their children in the district said that they will remove their children from the district if the board decides to enter the JPA with EA-MN. Several parents also expressed that they would not reelect school board members if they did vote in favor of the JPA. Parents also expressed a frustration with the financial challenges the district is also facing due to the ongoing pandemic. Several parents had questions about how much the part-

nership would cost the district. Dietz said it would cost $5/ per student to be a member of EA-MN, which would equate to roughly $32,000. In addition, there would be several items the district would need to pay for the first year of membership as well as some recurring costs annually. According to the cost breakdown in the school board packet, the district’s bill (depending on services selected) could be as much as $125,000; second-year costs could amount to $38,500. “Our goal is to continue to make sure that we create a positive environment for all students. For the existence of our district, it’s always been about how do we get better each and every day and support our learners in our schools,” Dietz said. “We want to get feedback on what are our strengths, what are the opportunities that we have, and how do we get better to ensure that all of our students are supported in the work they are doing.” Witherspoon then gave a presentation on EA-MN. According to the organization’s website, EA-MN works with organizations to support systemic equity and integration through careful and intentional use of professional development; external supports, including equity audits, facilitation and action planning; and student programming. The organization, which was formerly known as the East Metro Integration District (EMID), has been around since 1995. EA-MN member districts include: Forest Lake, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, Roseville, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Centennial Schools has worked with EA-MN, although not as a member, for the past three years since it adopted its strategic plan in 2016. Throughout Witherspoon’s presentation, there were many contributions from the audience, including questions, commentary and an occasional profanity. At one point, Guthmueller called a recess because of the interruptions, but audience commentary continued. Guthmueller said, “We are listening to Sebastian give us some information on something we felt would be good for the district. What we have heard tonight is that you are not interested in this program,” she said. “This is in a pause at this point for more conversation. We are going to listen to you. We are all going to be a part of this conversation, but you need to let us do our work without interrupting and not be disrespectful … I can tell you every single person on this board here tonight cares about your students.” The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 7. It is unclear whether this topic will be on the agenda. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

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