The Citizen

Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 CIRCLE PINES, MN

FOR POSTAL CUSTOMER

7111 21st Avenue N • Centerville, MN

651.762.9440 Equal Housing Lender

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020

664332

MidWestOne.com

VOL. 17 NO. 12 www.readthecitizen.com $1.00

HUGO GARDENS : Deemed ‘nice addition’ to city PAGE 12

Good Neighbor Days officially canceled for 2020

Commemorating 2020 Memorial Day in different way BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

The annual Memorial Day parade has been canceled. A program at Union Cemetery with the American Legion is also canceled, as is the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Sailor at Sea program at Veterans Park. “We’re obviously disappointed, but we can’t meet the (COVID-19) guidelines to hold a gathering,” said VFW spokesman and former Post Commander Barry Henricksen. Nor can people return to the VFW or the American Legion for refreshments and fellowship after the morning program. Both establishments remain closed. Regardless of the cancellations, Henricksen asks that people remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, which commemorates those service members who paid the ultimate price. “If we’re not allowed to gather, please remember those no longer with us who were killed

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

” defending our country,” Henricksen said. Mike Martens, American an st Legion adjutant, said Post ’s lead. 168 is following the VFW’s ordinate The two posts always coordinate hat the annual celebration that ogram at includes a parade and program ear is no the cemetery, and this year different. Hugo American Legion Post 620 has honored the fallen at area cemeteries on Memorial Day for 72 years. This year, Commander Greg Burmeister issued the following statement: “It is my sad duty as Commander of Legion Post 620 to inform our veterans and citizens in the surrounding communities that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions applied by the governor, and to protect our members, the 2020 Memorial Day ceremonies are canceled.” Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official

fede fe der l dera federal n 11971. 971. holiday in In May 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, the commanderin-chief of the Union veterans’ k th Grand G d group known as the Army of the Republic, issued a decree that May 30 should become a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than 620,000 soldiers killed in the Civil War, which had recently ended. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May; this year on the 25th. The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Public encouraged to light up the night American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford is urging the public to honor the country’s fallen military heroes at dusk on Memorial Day by lighting candles of remembrance and placing them on front porches. The commander also suggests that families make signs expressing their gratitude for military sacrifice, photograph friends and family holding up the signs and sharing the images on social media.

FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

For White Bear, Union Cemetery holds special significance on Memorial Day. The citywide parade, canceled this year, always ends with a short program by veterans groups at the cemetery to honor those who served.

SEE GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS, PAGE 15 SEE MEMORIAL DAY, PAGE 8

AllCityAgency.com

$5 OFF any purchase of $25 or more

NEVER SHOP FOR INSURANCE AGAIN!

Not valid with any other offers

TM

Expires 6/30/20

Atlas l Insurance Broker of the Year

NEWS 651-407-1227 citizennews@presspubs.com

ADVERTISING 651-407-1200 marketing@presspubs.com

& PUB

Join us for our Pizza &&Salad PUB $8.95 Lunch Buffet

TH !VE s #ENTERVILLE M-F from 11am - 2pm 651-653-1077

(651) 407-1094 7095 20th Ave S • Centerville, MN

CLASSIFIED 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com

665432

(651) 484-1213

Highest Quality Ingredients

660362

OOF NEW R S! NT DISCOU

HUGO — The Hugo Lions had to make the tough decision to officially call off Good Neighbor Days for 2020. The Lions took a vote May 6 to cancel. “It was the right decision. The hardest thing is all the money we raise for the year comes from that event,” said Hugo Lion Dan Balthazor. “Generally, on a good weekend of Good Neighbor Days, we can raise anywhere from $60,000 to $90,000. That is money that we will not have for the community.” The Lions were considering offering a smaller scale Good Neighbor Days in the fall but decided against that, too. “We have really tried to promote the family get-together. Back in the day, everybody thought it was just a band, beer and hangout kind of thing. With all the new residents and families moving into the area, we have really tried to make it more of a family-friendly destination,” Balthazor explained. “The problem with doing it in the fall is it is not going to have that vibe. It would be a one-day thing, maybe have a food truck and petting zoo, but it is not going to have a carnival or have that family atmosphere.” Mayor Tom Weidt said, “It is certainly another victim of this terrible outbreak we have been experiencing. Hopefully, next year it will be back bigger and better than ever.” The good news is that many of the contracts that were already signed for this year’s event will be honored for 2021. The Lions plan to continue meeting throughout the summer, when they normally do not meet, to try to come up with creative ways to fundraise so they are still able to be there for the community when there are needs. The Lion’s Community Golf Scramble is also still on for August; however, instead of one

CIRCULATION 651-407-1234 circ@presspubs.com

PRODUCTION 651-407-1239 artmanager@presspubs.com

2

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Pet groomers working at a clip to catch up

SUBMITTED

Goldwood Kennels groomers (from left) Leah Boterman, Lisa Ketcham and Carly Monson are busy trying to catch up on all the cancelled and rescheduled appointments. BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

Many dogs are long overdue for their spring grooming appointment before the summer heat hits. However, it may take a while to secure an appointment. Minnesota groomers were able to get back to work last week after being closed down amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that they are open, groomers have had make some changes to how their business operates.

Because of the halt in boarding services, 12 staff members have not yet been able return to work. “We have a really close-knit staff, we are very much like family. We really want to get to that point when we can bring everyone back and be a full and bustling kennel again,” Hilton said. The business is staying more than busy with the demand for grooming services. Before the shutdown, appointments were booked into late May. Now appointments are booked into June, July and beyond. “We have been spending every free moment trying to get people off of the waiting list and getting people scheduled,” Hilton said. “It is going to be crazy for a while. Everybody needs to be patient.” Appointments look very different these days, too. Upon arrival, customers will find cones and signs directing them through the process. A groomer will come out to the passenger side window and direct owners to keep their dog’s collar and leash, which is then switched out with one of Goldwood’s leashes. Every leash is disinfected after each use. Groomers are also wearing gloves and masks. Christa’s Paw Spa Christa’s Paw Spa in Centerville is also playing catch-up. Owner Christa Weber said in addition to all the appointments she lost and is trying to frantically reschedule, she lost two groomers. “I had to cancel eight weeks of appointments. I spent hours on the phone,” she recalled about the shutdown. “We have two groomers trying to catch up four people’s work and catch up from being closed. Spring is usually one of our busiest time a year anyway. We are already booked out a month from now and I still haven’t caught up on all the calls.” Weber has been putting in 12-hour days. She grooms from about 8 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. and then spends the evening hours making phone calls. Despite the long days, Weber is happy to be taking care of the dogs again. “I was starting to feel really bad for these poor dogs. I worry about some of them getting eye infections, hurting their nails,” she said. “We have already seen some dogs that ripped their nails off because they got too long.” In an effort to protect staff and groomers, the checkin process looks very different now. Once customers arrive, they can either call or wave at the groomers through the windows to let them know they have arrived. They then place their dog in a kennel on the side of the building and remove their collar and leash. A groomer will then let the dog in through a side door

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A sign on Christa’s Paw Spa’s door alerts customers to not enter the building.

and take them immediately to the bath area. In addition to undertaking more disinfecting procedures, groomers are also wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. Bean’s Place Pet Wash & Grooming Bean’s Place Pet Wash & Grooming in Lino Lakes is also swamped with grooming appointments; however, its self-wash stations remained closed to the public. “We have been very busy. We are booked out until June,” said receptionist Shelby Evans. “We are all excited to be back. We have missed the dogs.” Once customers arrive at Bean’s Place, they can call or wave to the groomers to alert them that they are there. Owners are then instructed to remove their dog’s collar and leash. A groomer will then come out and retrieve the dog with another leash. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

667616

Goldwood Kennels Goldwood Kennels was completely closed from March 27 to May 4. “We have a family business that started in 1936, and this was the first time in the history of Goldwood Kennels that we have ever been completely closed,” said Erin Hilton, one of the three owners. “It was very difficult for our staff — who we care about very much — our customers and for us as a family to have to close our doors. The kennel was very quiet. That is a very strange sensation to walk through an empty kennel when you are used to being greeted by barks and tails wagging.” The White Bear Lake business is now offering curbside drop-off grooming services and curbside pickup of products, but has not been able to open up its boarding operation. Hilton says she is hopeful the business will be able to resume boarding services on or near May 18, when the stay-at-home order is expected to be lifted. Goldwood Kennels is, however, accepting boarding reservations for later this summer. “We are substantially lower in our boarding numbers going into summer than we normally are,” Hilton explained. “With Memorial Day coming up, we are usually full or very close to full. Our numbers are down quite a bit with people not traveling as much as they would be, (and) family gatherings, events and weddings being canceled or postponed.”

SHANNON GRANHOLLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Christa Weber, owner of of Christa’s Paw Spa in Centerville, grooms a shih tzu mix named Draco Malfoy.

NOW ENROLLING

HOMETOWN

2020-21 School Year! At Hugo Dental Care, we are interested in complete dental health. We take a different approach to dentistry that never settles for the status quo; instead, we strive to stay on top of the most advanced technologies and give you, our patients, the best dental care possible.

Call Greg for all your auto needs!

THANK T YOU for your continued support during this challenging time T - we do appreciate r it. If you have a special need with your vehicle call Greg at

Comprehensive Family Dental Care Same-Day Crowns Implant Restoration Same-Day Emergency Appointments Most Insurance Accepted No Insurance? Ask about our VIP program!

H ugo Dental C are

Inquire now at 651-429-7771 option 2

666551

4690 Bald Eagle Avenue White Bear Lake

5677 147th Street North www.hugodentalcare.com 651-426-1639

651-426-2186 Member

658695

www.frassati-wbl.org

Just 1/2 mile north of Downtown Hugo on Hwy 61

ProudlyServing Serving Our Our Hometown Hometownfor for35 38 Years Years Proudly

667921

For more information contact Principal Gallivan at patrick.gallivan@frassatiwbl.org.

AUTO REPAIR

C.

ABOUT US

IN

The path to success begins at Frassati Catholic Academy.

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

3

Centerville’s ‘Chef Hot Hands’ has plans BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“It’s equally important to put love into the performance and preparation of each entree.” Larry Jiles Jiles & Jiles Cafe & Bakery owner

SUBMITTED

Larry Jiles and Realtor Vickiy Larson celebrate the purchase of his new Centerville location at 7087 Centerville Road.

when so many others are slipping under financial waters is, indeed, going against the tide. Jiles is working to find financing. Before he can open up Jiles & Jiles Cafe & Bakery, he needs to come up with $15,000 within 90 days to purchase operating equipment, obtain a Anoka County class III catering license, pay the

Anoka County Health Department plan review fee and fund other operating expenses. Those who are interested in helping with his startup campaign can communicate with him through Twitter at #Jiles&JilesCafe&Bakery or #ChefHotHands.

Masses:

Mon. -Fri. 8:00 am, Wed. 6:30 pm First Sat. 8:00 am, Sat. 4:00 pm Sun. 8:45 & 10:30 am & 7:30 pm

Reconciliation: Sat. 5:00 – 6:00 pm

CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN

667894

651-429-5337

www.churchofstpiusx.org

that conscious love is channeled through the energy put into each entree to create an unforgettable ingredient. His working philosophy is, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength,” from Philippians 4:13. During the COVID-19 crisis, powerful forces seem to be at play against small businesses. To open a one-of-a-kind business

653265

friend, LeAnn Peterson, shared her dinner experience with a friend, who shared her dinner experience with a friend, and so forth. Suddenly, “Chef Hot Hands” found his moniker becoming a household name as he united people through phenomenal food. Some internal traits are always necessary to make a dream possible. Jiles has continued to stand on a few main principles in preparing for each entree he prepares. The principles are awareness, love, appearance, aroma and taste. “It’s important to be conscious of what we are putting into our bodies, and that is why awareness is No. 1,” he said. “It’s equally important to put love into the performance and preparation of each entree.” Jiles believes

667892

now like to expand his culinary services to the community with Jiles & Jiles Cafe & Bakery on Centerville Road, just south of Main Street and across the street from Kelly’s Bar & Grill. He plans for the breakfast venue to be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing doorto-door delivery service. Jiles will provide single entrees or familystyle meals at that location from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with options for delivery or pickup. At the moment, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, Jiles has not yet laid out a plan for dine-in options. For the past 15 years, Jiles has been perfecting his craft and work ethic in various jobs in the culinary industry. He might have also been crafting his timing skills, because two months ago — before the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed itself — Jiles had already decided to quit his two full-time jobs as cook to spend more time with his family and get creative about fulfilling his dream of opening a breakfast cafe and bakery. At the very moment that sit-down dining went away, Jiles was ready to become the “personal chef that delivers.” It wasn’t long before word of “Intimate Entree” got out into the ears of the community. His classmate and

HUGO TREE CARE Specializing in Difficult Removal

651-429-4705 www.hugotree.com

“Your Best Source for Community Information” www.readthecitizen.com

655848

664331

Certified Arborist

667896

If you think the residents of Centerville aren’t ready for some excellent gourmet comfort food during these times, think again. “I think this could be really good,” Centerville City Administrator/ Engineer Mark Statz said when he heard about the breakfast spot proposed for the former site of Vincenzo’s Italian catering. Larry Jiles, a Hugo native and 2006 graduate of White Bear High School, plans to open a cafe and bakery at 7087 Centerville Road. He is already providing high-end entrees from the comfort of his home to the homes of his fans. Known as “Chef Hot Hands,” Jiles creates custom, one-of-a kind gourmet entrees made from scratch using allorganic herb seasonings and vegetables that showcase grass-fed beef or wild-caught ocean seafood. He begins each day by going out to shop for daily ingredients at markets that specialize in organic Minnesotagrown produce. Then, Jiles posts the day’s menu on his Facebook timeline with photos and descriptions. Jiles’ guests can place their orders by using the Message cell phone app for evening delivery. Delivery service begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Hungry patrons looking for the highlight of their day can also visit chefhothands.com and order one of the half-dozen specials of the day for delivery to their location. With his entree business off and running, Jiles would

4

THE CITIZEN

www.presspubs.com

MAY 21, 2020

This too shall pass

O

VER THE YEARS I would rag on different issues like keeping the countertops clean at home. These days it’s how to stay clear of the coronavirus and how to keep our newspapers running with this fear and businesses closed. Small business is really facing challenges these days with the required stay-at-home policies. Some of the larger box stores that handle multiple lines of goods have been able to stay open while many of the mom and pop stores have been forced to stay closed. The question going around politically is whether people should be left to make up their own minds about their own safety rather than have government make that decision for them. Wisconsin’s governor, Tony Evers, was overruled by the Supreme Court in Wisconsin. I RECENTLY VISITED About the Mayo Clinic, which I do every four months to keep Town my PSA in control. It’s affected by some cancer cells Gene Johnson in lymph nodes that resulted in a prostatectomy more than a decade ago. I am fortunate to have Dr. Eugene Kwon, immunologist at Mayo, who is also credited with the development of the Choline PET scan, a nuclear medicine used to detect live cancer cells in the body. In my visit with Dr. Kwon we discussed COVID-19 at some length. He said we had two choices. Number one, we need to develop a vaccine very quickly and distribute 350 million vials across the nation. When the swine flu occurred, a vaccine was developed quickly. The other solution is to let natural immunity take over. The older population is more vulnerable than the younger population. The best solution would be to get the vaccine developed. The bottom line to me is that we are all going to be wearing masks at our work, in public and whenever we are around other people for an indefinite period of time. The best prevention seems to be keeping six feet of distance between ourselves and other people and washing hands frequently. By the way, my tests at Mayo came in favorable. Scans showed that cancer cells that were in my lymph nodes did not change in size. THERE IS A LOT OF INGENUITY and creativity at work during this pandemic. The other evening I was driving by Acqua restaurant in White Bear Lake and I noticed a pick-up truck with a table and two people sitting in it having their takeout dinner. They had a table cloth and dishes to make for a beautiful dinner setting. The temperature was not much over 60, but this couple enjoyed dinner overlooking the lake. The Zoom app on our personal computer is getting used more and more in regular contacts with family, friends and business conference calls and meetings. We have planned to meet with family once a week and every other week with a group of newspaper friends. A great way to stay in touch. So this, too, will pass. We will slowly come back to a new normal and wearing masks may be a way of life. Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Distributed and mailed bi-weekly in: • Hugo • Centerville • Lino Lakes P.O. Box 393 Hugo, MN 55038 www.ReadTheCitizen.com

MNA 2014 AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER

DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements appear in Press Publications’ publications, including print and other digital formats. Press Publications does not endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Press Publications reserves the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.

Take time for your mental health

A

s we continue to follow social distancing guidelines, many of us are experiencing new sources of stress and anxiety. As children remain home from school and businesses have shifted to telework or reduced hours, families have had to adjust to our new normal. As these stressors Movers & intensify and social distancing Shakers continues, mental health Tom Emmer is as essential to our overall wellbeing as our physical health. We cannot ignore the impact these stressors can have on our mental health. They can cause increased anxiety about

our physical health, or impact sleeping and eating habits. Some may also consider turning to tobacco, alcohol or other addictive substances to help cope. If you are experiencing any of these issues, there is help available. Finding ways to recognize and address your stress and improve your mental health will benefit you, your family and all of our communities as we weather this crisis. As Minnesotans experience mental health challenges, our office has compiled a list of resources for those in need of assistance. You can visit our website to access these resources at emmer.house.gov/mentalhealth-resources. The CDC also has resources relating to managing stress, coping and taking care of your emotional health at CDC.gov. In addition, Minnesotans across the state have established strong

resources to help each other and find ways to improve our mental health. You can find additional help at namimn.org and mentalhealthmn.org. As always, if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts and need help immediately, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Our mental health is an essential component of who we are as individuals and how we interact with those around us. As we continue to fight COVID-19 together, it is important to prioritize your mental health and seek help when you need it. We are in this together, and we will emerge a stronger nation. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your loved ones. Tom Emmer represents Minnesota’s Sixth District in the U.S. House.

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES • Limited to 350 words. • Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • Letter writers are limited to six 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

letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters. • Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. • Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject Zac Hoppe............ Design Manager artmanager@presspubs.com Gao Yang....................Lead Designer art@presspubs.com Brianna Luecken ........... Circulation circ@presspubs.com Paul Dols ..............Photo Journalist photos@presspubs.com

matter will not be published. • Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday • Submissions containing libelous of the week prior to publication. or derogatory statements will • To submit a letter, e-mail it to not be published. citizen@presspubs.com, fax it to • Submissions containing facts 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver not previously published in The it to Press Publications, 4779 Citizen must be accompanied by Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, factual verification. MN 55110. • All letters are subject to editing. COPYRIGHT© 2020 BY PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever. News .................................. 651-407-1226 Advertising ......................... 651-407-1214 Circulation ......................... 651-407-1234 Classified ........................... 651-407-1250 Production ......................... 651-407-1239 FAX .................................... 651-429-1242

Published bi-weekly Thursdays 651-407-1200 readthecitizen@presspubs.com Mailed Subscription Rate: $30.00 per year Subscribe online

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

5

COVID-19 TESTING SITES Finding a testing location If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you are encouraged to get tested. Visit mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/ifsick/ to fi nd a testing site near you. Testing sites are designed to keep you and health care workers safe. Sometimes you may stay in your car. Other sites will screen you before you come indoors. Many sites will require an appointment before you arrive to ensure they’ve collected your contact and insurance information. Please review directions specific to each site before you go. The CARES Act requires that COVID-19 testing is covered without cost-sharing. This applies to all health insurance coverage in Minnesota. It is important to know that this applies to the test only; office visits are not covered through the CARES Act. Some insurance carriers have agreed to waive cost-sharing for in-network visits associated with the COVID-19 test. It is important to check with your health insurance to fi nd out what will be covered and what is considered an in-network service. If you have questions about your health insurance coverage, call your insurance company prior to getting tested.

Nearby sites Curve Crest Clinic – HealthPartners 13 1500 Curve Crest Blvd Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-1234 M Health Fairview Clinic – Woodwinds 16 1825 Woodwinds Dr Woodbury, MN 55125 The Urgency Room – Woodbury 16 7030 Valley Creek Plaza Woodbury, MN 55125 651-789-7000 North Memorial Health Clinic – Blaine North 16 11855 Ulysses St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-581-0555 Allina Health Shoreview Clinic 4194 Lexington Ave. N. Shoreview, MN 55126 651-483-5461 HealthPartners White Bear Lake Clinic 1430 Hwy 96 E White Bear Lake, MN 55110 952-967-7676

SUBMITTED

This map depicts all the nearby locations that are currently testing for COVID-19. The map is available at mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations.

NAMES IN THE NEWS

SUBMITTED

Lions 5M7 District Governor Jim Kugler presents Ava Valerius with an Achievement Award for winning the district’s Peace Poster Contest for 2019-20.

SUBMITTED

Rachael Jones is the new branch manager of Ideal Credit Union’s Hugo office, located at 14750 Victor Hugo Blvd. N.

SUBMITTED

Ava Valerius, winner of the Peace Poster Contest, was recently presented with a framed copy of her poster as well as a gift card to a local business.

Rachael Jones has been promoted to branch manager of Ideal Credit Union’s Hugo office. Jones will coordinate branch operations and take an active role in the Hugo community. Prior to her promotion, she served as a member service representative at the credit union’s Woodbury office. Jones joined the Ideal team in 2017 and has three years of experience in lending, cash services and member services. Jones has an associate of arts degree from Century College. “Rachael is a rising star who brings great energy and enthusiasm to her new position as Hugo branch manager,” said Brian Sherrick, Ideal CU President/ CEO. “As team leader, she will work with her staff to provide exceptional service to our members and make appropriate Ideal CU product and service recommendations.”

POLITICAL BRIEF

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.

In order to protect our families and community, New Life Church Lutheran will be closed for in person worship. Please visit our website for Sermon audio recordings and for any new updates. 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

NEW LIFE CHURCH - LUTHERAN

6000 N. 148th St. East of HWY 61(next to Hugo Elementary) 651-429-1975 • www.newlifehugo.org

Lutheran Church

All Are Invited! The Depot Church Sundays 4 p.m.

IT

Y

O

F

S

T.

A

N

D

R

E

W

’S

ONLINE WORSHIP

N U M M O

www.thedepotchurch.org

To advertise here, call Jeanne at 651-407-1224 or email citizenad@presspubs.com

666738

obtaining a Minnesota non-Real ID-compliant driver’s license. The legislation also waives the requirement of an in-person vision test and would require an individual to take a behindthe-wheel road exam for the fi rst renewal of their driver’s license. Taken together, these changes allow individuals that meet these requirements to be able to process the application by use of a dropbox, at a deputy registrar, by mail, or online instead of having to complete the process in person.

C

guidelines have made this problem worse, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of previously scheduled driving exams. Temporarily waiving requirements for a behind-thewheel exam is a commonsense step we can take to streamline this process and ensure permit holders can successfully obtain a license during this uncertain time.” House File 4649 allows any driver that has obtained a Minnesota driver’s permit and has a photo on fi le at the Department of Public Safety to forego current requirements to complete a road exam prior to

Pastor Gregory S. Musolf LCMS 807 Hwy. 97 SE, Forest Lake, MN messiahlutheranmn.com 651-464-6842 Worship - 9:00 AM SS/Bible Study - 10:30 AM

A

Runbeck sponsors legislation to streamline driver license exams State Rep. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines) has introduced legislation to allow drivers who have completed classroom and supervised driving requirements and those who are at the point of scheduling a behind-the-wheel exam, to obtain a provisional driver’s license without taking a driving exam. “Minnesota had significant issues scheduling driver exam tests before the COVID-19 pandemic,” Runbeck said. “Closures and social distancing

Lino Lakes resident Ava Valerius, a seventh grader at Centennial Middle School, is the Centerville Lion’s Peace Poster winner. Lions International Peace Poster Contest is an international contest that encourages children, ages 11 to 13, to creatively express what peace means to them. The 2019-2020 contest theme was “Journey of Peace.” More than 600,000 children around the world shared their visions of peace. Back in November, the four area Lions Clubs (Hugo, Circle-Lex, Lino Lakes and Centerville) judged the submitted posters from Centennial Middle School students and evaluated them for originality, artist merit and expression of the theme. In addition to winning locally, Valerius also won the Lions District 5M7 contest at the Mid Winter Convention in January. Typically, the winner gets a pizza party, but because of distance learning, that wasn’t possible. Valerius did, however, received her poster framed and a gift card to a local business.

6

&

THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

MAY 21, 2020

HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce reported the following incidents: • A resident in the 13000 block of Freeland Avenue N. seen by Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 2:38 p.m. April 19 in his backyard burning brush said he realized he was taking down a tree from his neighbor’s property. The tree was dead, he said, and hanging over his property, so he was removing the tree from the top down. He agreed to talk to the neighbor and persuade him to cut the dead tree down at the base.

• A thief caught breaking into vehicles was issued a citation for that activity in the 13000 block of Fiona Avenue at 1:11 a.m. April 20 and made to walk home while his own vehicle was towed to the Law Enforcement Center.

• A Hitachi air stapler was reported stolen at 7:30 a.m. April 20 from a trailer parked at a construction site in the 12000 block of Hilo Court N. • A resident in the 13000 block of Freeland Avenue N. was reported at 11:15 a.m. April 20 for dumping yard waste onto her neighbor’s wooded property. The subject agreed not to trespass onto her neighbor’s property again. • A Hugo resident at 5:09 p.m. April 20 reported his U.S. Bank debit card had been hacked after he noticed a charge of $124 from PayPal for a terabyte hard drive shipped to Georgia. • Juveniles reported at 7:28 p.m. April 21 for trespassing and violating social distancing protocol near the area of 140th Street N. and Fenway Avenue N. turned out to be youths just watching the sunset. They agreed to leave. • A trail camera was reported stolen at 1:32 p.m. April 22 from the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. • A resident in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road at 3:07 p.m. April 22 reported fraudulent activity on his credit card. The card was canceled, and the charges are in dispute. • A suspicious vehicle was reported at 10:21 p.m. April 22 for meandering around the 4000 block of Education Drive, appearing lost, parking on sidewalks and yards and stopping in the middle of the street. As deputies arrived, the vehicle pulled into the driveway of a nearby unit, and the driver went inside. • An adult male was arrested at 11:41 p.m. April 22 in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. on a felony warrant after deputies were dispatched for an unwanted person. Further investigation revealed a potential assault with a weapon may have occurred. • Miscellaneous items were reported stolen at 4:51 p.m. April 23 from the front seat and center console of a motor vehicle parked in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. after a passenger window was smashed.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Education Drive N. at 1:17 p.m. April 24 reported her ex-husband for

coming to her door and placing tape over her doorbell.

The complainant said she thinks her ex may have stolen a package from the front doorstep. Deputies confi rmed he had taped an envelope to the doorbell but that the package was still on the front step and nothing else seemed out of place. • A resident in the 6000 block of 170th Street N. at 3:08 p.m. April 24 reported being scammed by a spurious outfit known as BestMarketMark. com after he had deposited a check from them for $1,847. As directed, he bought several gift cards, scratched off the code and sent photos of the back and front numbers to the scammer. Meanwhile, his bank advised him the check had bounced, and his account was overdrawn. The complainant was not out any money; the bank said they understood they were the victim. • A purse was reported stolen at 7:48 p.m. April 26 following a vehicle break-in in the 5000 block of 127th Street N. • A $400 stage speaker was reported stolen at 4:17 p.m. April 27 after a rear window of a vehicle parked in the 12000 block of Henna Avenue N. was broken in. • A male juvenile was cited at 9:36 p.m. April 27 in the parking lot of the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for possession of a tobacco product,

following a welfare check call of two people appearing to be “out of it” and passed out in a vehicle. • Suspicious males reported at 3:43 p.m. April 28 for hanging around behind Savoy Pizza in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for about one hour — possibly waiting for an opportunity to break into vehicles — turned out to be youths using the building’s outdoor outlets to recharge their phones. The youths said they were at that location because they weren’t allowed inside the building due to COVID-19 precautions. Deputies advised them not to engage in this behavior in the future. • An unidentified male was cited at 11:23 p.m. April 28 in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. for possessing marijuana in a motor vehicle, following a report of suspicious behavior. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies dismissed an 8:33 p.m. report of suspicious behavior at the same location, in which the two males were seen taking turns sitting in each other’s vehicles in the parking lot at the north end of the complex. They were then seen exchanging a duffel bag and backpack before driving away in one of the vehicles. When the vehicle returned to the scene, deputies discovered the marijuana and seized it. • A resident in the 14000 block of Fenway Avenue N. at 8:29 a.m. April 29 reported receiving an email threatening the dissemination of a video of him if he didn’t pay bitcoin to the sender. Deputies advised the complainant not to pay and gave him advice on how to avoid falling into a similar position in the future.

• Residents in the 14000 block of Irish Avenue N. at 1:42 p.m. April 29 reported receiving an Xcel Energy scam phone call threatening to shut off their power if they did not pay money. The unconcerned caller did not give out any money or information. • A dirt bike rider was verbally warned and educated about city ordinances after he was reported at 8:10 p.m. April 29 for driving his ATV through the park on Irish Avenue N. and 140th Street N. • Two suspicious vehicles reported at 10:17 p.m. April 29 for parking in front of a closed business in a strip mall lot in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. turned out to be carpoolers, after a third vehicle arrived to pick them all up and drive them to their destination. Deputies advised the carpoolers about honoring business hours. Extra patrols were requested by the business owner, who had reported the incident. • A resident in the 5000 block of 145th Street N. at 10:15 a.m. April 30 reported that someone had tried to get him to purchase a prize package in an attempt to scam him. No purchase was made. • The driver of a dark sedan was cited at 8:17 p.m. April 30 on eastbound 145th Street N. at Goodview Avenue N. for tabs that expired in February 2019. The driver said he didn’t know “it was a thing” to have to register the vehicle each year. • A resident in the 6000 block of 146th Street reported that a burglar may have been inside his house overnight April 30-May 1. • A resident in the 6000 block of 151st Street N. at 12:28 p.m. May 1 reported being cheated out of $12 on Venmo, a mobile payment service. Possible suspect information exists. • A suspicious vehicle carrying passengers using narcotics reported at 11:09 p.m. May 1 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. turned out to be two occupants playing scratch-offs. • The driver of a blue sedan in the left lane of eastbound Frenchman Road speeding past all the other speeding vehicles at 7:35 p.m. May 2 was cited for speeding 70 mph in a 50 mph zone. When deputies turned on the vehicle, it was still speeding.

The driver admitted to not knowing the speed limit, and admitted he was late with his DoorDash food order. • A reckless dirt bike rider near a residence in the 13000 block of Europa Trail Way N. was reported at 8:14 p.m. May 2.

The rider attempted a wheelie and fell into the grass. The rider admitted to driving recklessly and showed no signs of impairment — only poor decision-making skills, deputies said. Loretta Harding

COUNTY BRIEFS Northern yard waste site remains open The northern yard waste site, located at 5527 170th St. N., Hugo, is open to the public during normal operating hours. Please stay at least 6 feet away from attendants and other customers while visiting the county yard waste site. Food scraps (organics) drop-off is now offered on site. The dumpsters will be located in the front parking lot and available for self-serve drop-

off during normal operating hours. Replacement bags are provided. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off. County board recognizes May as Mental Health Month The Washington County Board of Commissioners has recognized May as Mental Health Month for years. The recognition helps to inform the public about the importance of

mental health in the community, and it highlights several of the programs and services that are offered by Washington County to address mental health concerns. Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate May as Mental Health Month. Living through a public health emergency like COVID-19 can be extremely stressful. Individuals may be experiencing anxiety, frustration,

anger and fear for themselves and their loved ones. The community is experiencing collective trauma and loss. While it is critical during this time to take care of physical health, residents must pay attention to their mental health. The county continues to support the mental health and well-being of the community through effective programming, resources and communication throughout this pandemic.

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • A body shop in the 500 block of Lilac Street reported a catalytic converter stolen from a customer’s vehicle April 28. The vehicle was parked in the parking lot in front of the business. The perpetrator arrived in a dark-colored sedan. The case is under investigation. • An officer took a report of a theft from a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive April 28. A possible suspect has been identified and the investigation is ongoing. • An officer observed an occupied vehicle parked in the parking lot of a closed business in the 8000 block of Lake Drive April 29. The driver showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. • Officers were dispatched to an illegal burn in the 500 block of Hawthorn Road April 30. An officer spoke with the homeowner, who was burning branches from bushes that were recently removed. The homeowner was made aware of the city ordinance banning the burning of anything except clean and dry firewood.

• A resident from the 300 block of Lilac Street called May 1 to report she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Xcel Energy, demanding a certain amount of money or the power to the home would be shut off. The resident did not give any personal information and also reported the incident to Xcel Energy. The phone number from which the call was generated is not in service.

7

Hugo Fire urges residents to not burn brush

• An officer performed a traffic stop near I-35E and Main Street May 1 for speeding and detected the odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was found and seized. The driver was cited for the offense. • Officers responded to a noise complaint at a residence in the 6500 block of Black Duck Drive South May 2. Two males received citations. • Officers received a complaint May 3 regarding juveniles who were parking and fishing on private property, speeding in a boat causing big wakes on Otter Lake, and displaying inappropriate hand gestures. The juveniles and parents were contacted.

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Centennial Lakes Police reported the following incidents: • Police responded to the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington April 30 on a report of an argument in the parking lot. Police were able to contact one of the involved parties, who advised the argument was over property that was stolen. The party was advised to make a report with the Blaine Police Department. • Officers responded to a delayed report of theft of a package in the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines May 1. A video was discovered that captured the incident and a male suspect is currently under investigation for several thefts. • A male was arrested in the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines

for disorderly conduct May 1. The male was subsequently arrested. • Officers stopped a suspicious vehicle in the 8900 block of Duwayne Avenue in Lexington May 2. Drugs were subsequently located in the car and have been sent to the lab for testing. Charges are pending. • Police responded to a report of a property damage hit-and-run in the 600 block of North Star Lane in Circle Pines May 4.

HUGO FIRE AND RESCUE | SUBMITTED

The Hugo Fire Department responded to a grass fire near 170th Street N. and Highway 61 May 5. HFD shared the incident on social media, reminding residents to resist the temptation to burn brush, as no burning permits are currently being issued. “The ground vegetation is still very dry, and fire can spread quickly,” the post read in part.

• Police were dispatched to a grass fi re on Lake Drive near Keith Road in Circle Pines May 5. The fi re was put out. • Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines May 5 on report of license plate theft.

On the front lines

LOOKING FOR COVID-19 HEROES The Citizen is looking for COVID-19 heroes. We would love to highlight doctors, nurses, volunteers, retail workers and anyone else who continues to work on the front lines during the pandemic. Please send the photo, name, occupation and any other information to art@presspubs.com.

Spring Cleaning COVID-19 Garage Sale Special Clean our your garage, basement or attic Advertise your garage sale to our local audience in Press Publications Classifieds!

3 Lines

First Last

Place of Employment

First Last

Place of Employment

First Last

Place of Employment

Press Publications is looking for COVID-19 heroes! + 4 garage sale signs!

Only $19.00 Limited-time offer! Get started at classified@presspubs.com or fax (651)429-1242. Offer ends May 26th, 2020.

presspubs.com 651-407-1250

Do you know of community doctors, nurses, volunteers or retail employees that are working on the front lines or working to help out community members? We want to highlight them! *Please send a photo, name and occupation or where you/them are volunteering to art@presspubs.com *Deadline May 22

Sharing Our Community’s Strength & Stories

8

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com FROM PAGE 1

The meaning of Memorial Day Memorial Day did not become a federal holiday until the 1970s, but its observance originated in the years following the Civil War. In 1868, General John A. Logan—commander-inchief for the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans group—issued a general order calling for a national day of remembrance for the more than 620,000 soldiers who died in the Civil War. On Decoration Day, as the holiday was originally known, Logan called for Americans to decorate the graves of soldiers “with the choicest flowers of springtime.” He selected May 30 as the date of remembrance and is said to have done so because the day did not coincide with the anniversary of any Civil War battles. However, some historians believe May 30 was chosen to ensure that flowers would be in full bloom. In that first year, more than 27 states held ceremonies in observance of Decoration Day, and more than 5,000 people attended a ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The term “Memorial Day” first came into use in the 1880s. By 1890, every state had adopted it has an official holiday. However, through the first 50 years of its existence, Memorial Day remained a

PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

BY THE NUMBERS 25 cities have claimed to be the birthplace of Memorial Day 1st state to officially recognize Memorial Day was New York in 1873 3 p.m. is the National Moment of Remembrance, as designated by Congress 270,000-plus graves at Arlington National Cemetery are adorned with flags each Memorial Day 1971: the year Memorial Day was established as an official holiday 291,557 service members died in World War II, the most of any war the U.S. has entered day to solely commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. After the U.S. entered World War I, the holiday was expanded to include Americans killed in all wars. It wasn’t until 1971, when the country was in the middle of the Vietnam War, that the

holiday officially became a federal holiday. With the enactment of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, its observance was moved from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

Grave finder has penchant for genealogy BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

Trying to locate a family grave? Volunteers like Scott Freburg can help. The Vadnais Heights IT guy is building a database of area cemeteries with current emphasis on Union. Several times a week Freburg goes to the 140-year-old cemetery to photograph headstones. His goal is to inventory every grave so people can search the cemetery’s future website and locate the site of a close or distant relative. Freburg intends to link his efforts to a genealogy site called Findagrave.com. The website includes more than 500,000 cemeteries in 244 countries, including White Bear’s Union, St. John Episcopal and St. Mary’s. He happened upon Findagrave. com while researching his family tree. “I thought, ‘What is this?’ It was intriguing,” Freburg recalled. “There are pages for particular people, their ancestors and where they’re buried.” Through the site, he was able to link his family to relatives in Montana, Iowa and Minnesota. In the editing stage now, the database, once completed, will be a welcome improvement over the 3x5 index cards used to record burials at Union. The cemetery is managed by a volunteer board of trustees headed by Lynnette and Mike Campbell, who know Freburg through their church, Christ the King Lutheran. “When I saw Lynn and her husband are running the cemetery using cards, I said, ‘You know, there’s a better way to do this.’ She handed off the cards and I started creating a database for her.” Occasionally people walking by ask Freburg why he is taking pictures of graves. One was Deb Courts-Brown, a VFW auxiliary member who had never heard of Findagrave.com. “I didn’t know there was such a thing before I talked to this guy taking pictures. I thought, ‘What a nice thing for him to be doing.’” Curious, Courts-Brown looked up the site when she got home and discovered local cemeteries were listed. “As you hover over the cemetery name, it tells you how much of it has been photographed,” she said. St. Mary only has a little over half its graves

photographed; White Bear’s oldest cemetery, St. John, is 84% complete and Union is 92% photographed. She called the site “a great resource for people trying to locate family graves.” Cremated remains can also be listed. Freburg has relatives in California, for example, whose remains are “on mountains outside of Tahoe.” Someone can request a photo of a headstone on the Findagrave.com site, as well. Registered volunteers like Freburg are sent an email about the request. Sometimes the location is mapped; sometimes it’s not. He’s had that problem with St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery. Several requests have gone unfulfilled because he can’t find the markers. When Freburg started the project, Union was 70% complete. He’s found that some names have been recorded twice and some have the wrong information. “Birth dates may be wrong on the marker,” he said. “A lot of times, Findagrave.com is more accurate than the headstone.” He also fi lls in blanks if dates are missing by going to other genealogy sites like familysearch.org. To date, he has inventoried 2,515 graves at Union. It is the final resting place for the area’s fi rst European settlers and the leaders and visionaries who helped build White Bear Lake: Sewell Smith, Gus Amundson, Capt. Warren Stickley and Daniel Getty. There are 24 Civil War veterans and an American Indian marker commemorating the place where the remains of 19 Native Americans are reburied. About 400 sites are not yet listed in Findagrave.com. Freburg particularly likes Union, established in 1877 as a nondenominational cemetery near Ramaley Park, because of its history. “It’s a cool place. It will be nice to have the database up and running for future generations to find information.” The genealogist recalled another cemetery from the early 1800s in Helena, Montana, much like Union. “That’s when my fascination started,” Freburg said. “We lived across a field from a very old cemetery. It’s a national historic site. I thought, ‘Wow, I’m standing where a crowd of people said goodbye to a loved one 150 years ago.’ It was amazing.”

Scott Freburg is helping build a photographic database at Union Cemetery in White Bear Lake.

PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Freburg cleans up around graves at Union Cemetery. Sometimes he is able to help visitors locate a gravesite by accessing the existing database.

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

9

Hugo couple makes sustainable lifestyle easier BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

A Hugo couple wants its customers to know that living a sustainable lifestyle is easier and not as expensive as you might think. Aimee Lancaster and her partner Amar Singh, formerly of Forest Lake, moved to Hugo around a year ago. Three months later, on May 31, 2019 they launched a website for their company, Plastic Free Pursuit. The two both have a background in computers and technology and work full time as care providers for a foster care company in Hugo that serves adults with disabilities. Singh is originally from Mauritius but moved to the U.S. in April 2018. The two were inspired to live a more sustainable lifestyle after visiting his home country. “We saw that they had compostable bags in their supermarkets, (and) the beaches were super clean. Everyone at the markets used cloth grocery bags and no one really used disposable cups there. It is a super different way of life and it opened our eyes,” Lancaster explained. “We just realized we need this where we are from, so we came back and got it started. We started using more sustainable stuff like reusable bottles and coffee cups and grocery bags.” That’s how they came up with Plastic Free Pursuit, the one stop online shop “for all things zero waste.” The company offers alternatives for everyday single-use items to help reduce the negative impact humans are having on the earth. “It is about bringing all of those products to people around the world. There are many companies all over the world, but when people go to buy things they don’t know where to get them from. They don’t know if it is good or not or how eco-friendly it is, so we want to gather everything we can and provide it to anyone who is interested,” Singh said. Lancaster added, “We wanted to put all the products in one place. That was my main goal in the beginning. When you fi rst start your journey, you are looking for a ton of different things like kitchen stuff and bathroom stuff ... so we wanted to be that place where you can go and fi nd everything you need. We spend a bunch of time researching not just what they (companies) make but how they use reusable energy to make their products, what they use for shipping, etc.” On the website, customers can fi nd an extensive list of products for themselves, their kitchens, bathrooms, children, pets and more. Their most popular item is shampoo and conditioner bars. “That’s the easiest thing and one of the fi rst things a lot of people switch to just because everyone is washing their hair. It is a no-brainer, you just use a bar versus a bottle,” Lancaster said. One of the more unique items customers will fi nd is incense sticks, which often have a lot of bad chemicals to make pretty smells. The sticks contain essential oils, bamboo and are phthalate- and paraben-free. Plastic Free Pursuit has customers all over the state, country and around the world, including Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia. Most of the business is conducted online and shipped to customers. “We ship plastic-free. We use cardboard boxes, craft paper mailers, paper tape (and) paper for cushioning, and our shipping label is recyclable and compostable,” Lancaster said. “There is nothing worse than ordering from a sustainable company and having it come with plastic. It defeats the whole purpose.”

Plastic Free Pursuit has an extensive list of products for self-care, kitchens, bathrooms, children, pets and more. All of the products are packaged and shipped plastic-free.

Before the pandemic hit, Plastic Free Pursuit attended several pop-up events at area coffee shops and markets. Company owners Aimee Lancaster and Amar Singh hope to open a storefront one day.

Before COVID-19 hit, the two participated in pop-up events at area coffee shops and markets. They hope to do that again once the pandemic ends. One day, they hope to open a storefront, but they are not sure about the location. Lancaster and Singh recommend starting small when trying to convert to a more sustainable lifestyle. “You can just start with one thing, get used to that thing and then go from there. I tell people to start slow. Look at what you use every day and see where you are using the most waste. Start from there and stem out,” Lancaster explained. “A lot of people start with their shampoo and

conditioner bars. Once they get used to those and see how easy it is, then they move on to a razor.” It is also important for people to remember that even though the cost of sustainable products may be a bit higher than their counterparts, they will save money in the long run, Lancaster said. “Sometimes reusable products have a higher price tag, but they last a lot longer. Reusable stuff is meant to last a whole lifetime. You are not just buying it for 2-3 months and then replacing it ... It is a little more expensive, but over time you do save money.”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Hugo residents Aimee Lancaster and Amar Singh launched Plastic Free Pursuit in May 2019. The online company now has customers all over the state, country and world.

For more information about Plastic Free Pursuit, visit plasticfreepursuit.com. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

10

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Q & A with area musician Jennifer Grimm Where are you from originally? Where did you graduate from high school and when? I grew up on the road traveling and singing with my family’s show band, so although I was born after a show one night in Minnesota, I don’t actually have a hometown or a home state. My mother and father are from Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, respectively. We got off the road in my teenage years and I ended up spending the last two years of high school at what used to be called the Minnesota Center for Arts Education (MCAE) but is now known as the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley. What did you do after you graduated? After graduating from MCAE in 1995, I received a scholarship for vocal performance and went to Augsburg College for four years to complete a degree in mathematics, graduating from Augsburg in 1999. How long have you lived in Hugo? In 2018, my husband and I purchased a home in Hugo for some more space after we learned of the coming of the fourth child. Where does your interest in music come from? What inspired you to be a musician? Since I was born into it, I certainly am very familiar with the stage. However, beyond that, singing brings me a certain tangible joy and I feel lucky that others have wanted to receive my songs enough so that I’m able to make a living at it.

Are you a solo artist or are you in a band? Do you sing and/or play instruments? I am a singer and a songwriter, and I can accompany myself minimally on the piano (and even more minimally on the guitar), but I generally leave the instrument playing to the professionals. When the overhead is low, sometimes I’ll play what I call my “Chesapeake,” which is comprised of a snare drum and a high-hat to fill out the sound when I play as duo with my multitalented husband, Joe Cruz, on guitar. How long have you been doing this? I’ve been in the professional music business, performing on stage, since the age of 2. What can you tell us about your style of music? Some folks know me from jazz clubs, some folks know me from funk/ dance/pop bands, others know me for my original music on the radio/ television shows, and yet others know me only from performing in a musical theater setting. I would say I’m known for a passionate, powerful and versatile sound mostly housed in jazz and R&B with the occasional romp into the realm of country and a few stops in the musical theater genre. Do you have any albums? I have three albums of my own “All Of Me” (1999), “Jennifer Grimm – A Christmas with Family & Friends” (2004), “After Noon” (2008) and I’m

Jennifer Grimm and her brother Reed Grimm will perform in the Lakeside Drive-In Concert Series at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley June 5.

currently producing my fourth album, “Mother Grimm,” which will come out this year. Where do you perform, and how often? In the “before times,” I performed every week/ weekend somewhere between the weekly Thursday night spot close to home at Ingredients Cafe in White Bear Lake and other private parties and jazz club performances throughout the metro. Once in a while, I’ll be in a musical theater production or take a quick trip to do a show in New York City. How has the pandemic affected you? Many shows were canceled for my husband and many shows were canceled for me. My album release was set for a great

concert at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis June 1, but now that has been postponed to Monday, Nov. 2. As soon as the public can venture out, we will be performing an outdoor drive-in concert at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. For now, that will be June 5. What are you doing these days to stay sane and connected with your fans? My husband and I occasionally livestream from home for fun, but we’ve also had a couple livestream concerts in conjunction with Children’s Hospital and QCTV. Also, I periodically post a lullaby for everyone on my Facebook page with our 1-year-old son, Julian, as I shush him down for bedtime.

What do you enjoy about being a musician? I enjoy having the freedom to express myself however I see fit and having an avenue to do that in a way that is not only accepted by the public, but also has a few paths to help financially support the family at the same time. Anything else you want people to know about you? If everything goes as planned, there will be tickets for sale in August for my newest album release at the Pantages Monday, Nov. 2. If you have artists you would like to support during the outbreak, you can go to Spotify/Pandora and play their music on those platforms as much as possible (even set it to play on repeat on silent while you sleep) and extra funds will be thrown

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Jennifer Grimm, of Hugo, grew up on the road doing shows with her family’s show band. She has continued to pursue music as a career and is currently working on her fourth album, which will be released later this year.

their way. For us, you can find our albums on iTunes: Jennifer Grimm “After Noon” and Joe Cruz “Pasión.” Find out more about Jennifer Grimm at jennifergrimm.com.

HUGO BITS & PIECES The Hugo City Council took the following action at its May 4 meeting, held via teleconference: • Heard from City Administrator Bryan Bear, who provided an update on the city’s response to COVID-19. “All city services remain available. We haven’t had to discontinue anything at this time,” he said. Bear added that although there are a few staff in City Hall, most staff members continue to work remotely and remain available. Public works crews have been working on a rotating schedule for the past couple of months, but with the busy season ramping up, all staff will be on deck. “As workload increases in summer months, we are less able to work on a rotational shift ... We have put in a number of guidelines to minimize staff interaction,” he said. “Employees are not using the same tools or driving the same vehicles, and everything is being disinfected in between uses.” • Approved a culvert maintenance agreement with the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). As part of the Elmcrest Avenue improvement project, a culvert crossing is proposed to be replaced at the historical elevation where Judicial Ditch 3 crosses Elmcrest Avenue (just south of County Road 4). The city of Hugo will be required to inspect and maintain the culvert. The council also approved an agreement with RCWD for Adelaide Landing 5th Addition. A culvert crossing is proposed at a private drainage channel where a new

roadway will cross the drainage channel. The city of Hugo will be required to inspect and maintain this culvert. • Approved pay voucher No. 9 for $119,733 to CB&I LLC for the Water Tower No. 4 project. • Held a public hearing for an easement vacation for Oneka Place 3rd Addition. Community Development Director Rachel Juba explained that CPDCPratt-Oakwood LLP requested a vacation of the existing drainage and utility easement located over Outlot B and C. The outlots will be final platted for the development of the 4th Addition and new drainage and utility easements would be placed on the lots and outlots at the time the final plat is recorded. Juba said the city received a letter from property owners on 165th Street who had some concerns and wanted to make sure that additional drainage would not flow onto their property. Resident Lee Ann Steffens called into the meeting to share that she too had some concerns regarding how the drainage would impact her property. City Engineer Mark Erichson said, “We are not decreasing or taking away wetland from public property, but we are decreasing the amount of water that flows through that wetland.” Erichson added that he would be more than willing to meet Steffens and other residents and talk through concerns. The council ultimately approved the vacation.

• Approved the final plat and development agreement for Oneka Place 4th Addition. CPDC-PrattOakwood LLP requested approval to plat 63 residential lots and two outlots, which will develop on 25.5 acres. • Received a public works facility update from Public Works Director Scott Anderson. “We have been working on the building floor plan layout, which is about 95% complete. The site plan is about 95% complete, we have had a meeting with mechanical and electrical engineers (and) WSB is working on preliminary wetland review and permitting for the site. We are working on a topography study and hopefully soil borings will be done soon,” he said. The council subsequently held a workshop to discuss plans further, which will go to the Parks Commission later this month, Planning Commission in June and City Council in July. “We could potentially break ground in September,” Anderson said. • Approved the planned unit development (PUD) and preliminary plat for Shores of Egg Lake along with a site plan for the Cattle House Grill. The first phase of the project would be the 5,700-square-foot steakhouse; the second phase will add 10,1000 square feet, with a 4,000-square-foot event center along with three retail/office spaces. The approval is only for the first phase of development. “We are in a different situation with COVID, but we are wanting to move full speed ahead ... so when COVID is

done, we can hit the ground running,” said owner Tony Harmening. “Everything is running smoothly as far as I am concerned, we are just kind of waiting for COVID to pass on so we can start moving ... the project is financed, but building won’t start until COVID is done.” Mayor Tom Weidt said, “I’d like to thank you for putting this through, I know you have been going through a real tough time with your business, as is everybody in the restaurant business. We are certainly hopeful and excited to see this happen. Hopefully, this will fall in the direction that you are able to complete your dream and get this built. We are very excited and supportive as a council, and I look forward to you being very successful on this property.” • Authorized WSB to complete a feasibility study for $17,000 for a trail along Goodview Avenue N. (from Egg Lake Road north to Geneva Avenue N.). Parks Planner Shayla Denaway explained that the city received $10,000 from an active living partnership project with Living Healthy Washington County and the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) that can be used for the study. • Tabled the scheduling of Bear’s employee performance review to the May 18 meeting. The council was hopeful that it could do the review in person versus through teleconferencing. Shannon Granholm

MAY 21, 2020

www.readthecitizen.com

CENTERVILLE CITY CALENDAR May 27: City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m; work session immediately beforehand. June 2: Planning & Zoning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 3: Parks & Recreation Committee 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 www.presspubs. com (click on Public Notices).

HUGO CITY CALENDAR May 28: Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. June 1: City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

LINO LAKES CITY CALENDAR May 26: City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.; work session at 6 p.m. May 27: Environmental Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 1: City Council work session at 6 p.m. June 3: Park Board meeting canceled

Minnesota first state to ban TCE Minnesota is the fi rst state to ban trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic chemical that can increase risk for certain types of cancer and other serious health issues. The Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill May 13 prohibiting use of TCE, following the Senate's bipartisan lead three weeks ago. Authored by Rep. Ami Wazlawik (DFL – White Bear Township), the bill will protect Minnesotans from the carcinogen, which for years was spewed into the air surrounding the Water Gremlin plant in White Bear Township. Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the bill into law. “No Minnesotan should experience preventable health risks due to exposure to toxic chemicals,” said Rep. Wazlawik, who led the push to prohibit TCE. “After months of hard work with community members, we were able to pass a strong TCE ban with bipartisan support. I’m grateful to the White Bear Area Neighborhood Concerned Citizens Group who fought tirelessly to make this bill possible. Thanks to their efforts, Minnesotans will no longer be exposed to TCE.” The legislation prohibits use of TCE after June 1, 2022. Facilities with air quality permits will need to replace the chemical with a safer, less toxic alternative by that date. The bill also provides $250,000 in interest-free loans to help small businesses reduce TCE usage. The news is gratifying for the Neighborhood Concerned Citizens Group (NCCG), which relentlessly lobbied the Legislature for a TCE ban. The group, founded by five women who live near the Water Gremlin plant, formed after the company admitted leaking higher-than-permitted levels of TCE for nearly 17 years. Spokesperson Sheri Smith said NCCG is ecstatic that Minnesota is fi rst to outlaw the chemical, but notes there is still work to do. The game plan now is to focus on an Office of the Legislative Auditor request made last fall to investigate both Water Gremlin and how the environmental violations were handled by MPCA, Smith said. "We also know there has to be a better health study done on our citizens," she added. "Every few weeks we hear of someone else getting cancer, cancers linked to exposure to volatile organic compounds like TCE." It has taken a village to get TCE outlawed, noted the NCCG co-founder. Smith said the community is fortunate to have area legislators passionate about the issue who got the job done. Debra Neutkens

THE CITIZEN

11

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS The Centerville City Council took the following action at its May 13 meeting, held via teleconference: • Prior to a public hearing, heard a presentation from City Assessor Ken Tolzmann about residential market values for 2019 and the appeal process to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. He said that seven people contacted him about seeking changes to their market value statements. Based on the 41 qualified sales within Centerville during the current sales period, the result was an assessment that qualifies as “excellent” in the eyes of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Tolzmann said. The 2019 Minneapolis Association of Realtors (MAR) residential real estate report states that market values in Centerville increased by 3.7% last year. The median sales price went from $263,250 in 2017 to $273,000 in 2019. The MAR also noted that home values in the city have increased by 22.4% during the past five years. “This continued growth in the local real estate market is good news for homeowners in Centerville in the market to sell their homes,” Tolzmann said. • Awarded the bid for the LaMotte Park stormwater reuse system expansion project to Peterson Companies with a total base bid, plus alternates 1 and 2, of $142,595. The alternates will be awarded contingent on the execution of agreements with the three associated private landowners. Funding sources include $100,000 from a Metropolitan Council grant, $ 32,000 from a Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) grant and $ 33,000 from the city stormwater fund. The system will need to be expanded to continue accommodating additional water quality credits from the RCWD and to avoid having to construct raingardens or ponds to mitigate surface water from the impervious surface of future projects. • Approved corrections to the slate of City Council appointments enacted on April 8 following the resignation of Mayor Jeff Paar and installation of D. Love. The resolution authorizing appointments was corrected to reflect that Councilman Matt Montain was appointed as acting mayor, and a signature line at the bottom of the document was updated to read “Mayor, D. Love”. • Approved the proposals for architecture, interior design and engineering services from Leo A. Daly in the amount of $ 31,000 and Stantec in the amount of $17,600. Based on the most recent work session discussion, city staff presented a scope of services from the city’s architects and engineers for the design, bidding and construction administration of phase one of the City Hall renovation project. The scope of the project would include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); audiovisual (A/V) and security updates, along with an interior renovation of the City Council chambers. The total estimated cost of the renovations is $360,000. • Approved changes to the deadlines in the Old Mill Estates 1st Addition developer’s agreement. Elmcrest Vistas asked to extend the deadline for completing the phase one sidewalk improvements to Nov. 1 and to delay the completion of the paved trail to be concurrent with the final lift of asphalt on Old Mill Court and the first lift of asphalt on phase two, scheduled for Nov. 1. • Conducted the first reading of an ordinance relating to driveway regulation adjustments. The ordinance will modify the city’s current ordinances pertaining to the definition, width, design and location of residential driveways. After many months of research and discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the adoption of the ordinance. This ordinance reflects the times, City Engineer/Administrator Mark Statz said, noting that people own more vehicles than they did 30 years ago when the original ordinance was written.

• Approved an easement agreement and letter of credit release for the Pheasant Marsh 3rd Addition. These two documents represent the fulfillment of the last requirement of the development agreement. Council thanked the adjacent homeowner, who voluntarily signed the easement agreement for a trail on their property. • After a discussion, took no action to form ad hoc committees to advise staff on minor matters until they require the consideration of the full council. The three new ad hoc committees were to have been the City Hall Renovation Committee, the Public Nuisance/ Code Enforcement Committee and the Rebranding Committee. • Tabled action on an encroachment agreement with the property owners at 7060 Cottonwood Court for a fountain because it would be contingent on Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) approval of the fountain being in the pond. The owner proposed to install, operate and maintain a fountain in the stormwater pond on their property, within a drainage and utility easement. • Approved an encroachment agreement with the property owners at 7230 Brian Drive for a fence. The owner sought to construct a fence in the rear and side yards within the city’s right of way/drainage and utility easements. • Approved an encroachment agreement with the property owners at 6959 Meadow Circle for a fence. The property owner hopes to construct a fence in the rear and side yards within the city’s right of way/drainage and utility easements. • Approved an encroachment agreement with the property owners at 6972 Brian Drive for a shed. The landowner is seeking to locate a shed in the rear and side yards within the city’s right of way/drainage and utility easements. • Tabled action on the seventh rider, or addition/amendment, to the agreement with St. Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) for the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park irrigation expansion. The items were tabled because council members had not yet read riders 1-6. The rider would allow the city to install and maintain an irrigation system on the SPRWS property adjacent to Hidden Spring Park. The irrigation system reuses stormwater and is part of the larger LaMotte Park irrigation system expansion project. The seventh rider would cost the city no additional money. • Passed a resolution supporting community access television. As a member of North Metro Telecommunications Commission (NMTC) the city joins other members to call on Congress to pass legislation, called the Protecting Community Television Act, and undo the FCC’s actions in 2019 pertaining to the definition of fees that resulted in decreased vital funding to member cities and North Metro TV. • Approved a contractor’s request for payment No. 1 to A-1 Excavating in the amount of $183,119.06 for the downtown street and utility project. • Formally canceled Fete des Lacs 2020, scheduled for July, due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. The Fete des Lacs Committee met on May 6 and unanimously decided to cancel the annual festival. The committee concluded that most of the cornerstone events of the festival would be logistically impossible with the likely required social distancing guidelines. The committee is looking ahead to making Fete des Lacs 2021 bigger and better than ever before. The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at City Hall, 1880 Main St. or via teleconference. Please see city website for details. Loretta Harding

12

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Commission deems Hugo Gardens ‘nice addition’ to city

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR

HUGO — “I think it will be a nice addition to the city of Hugo.” That’s what Planning Commission Vice Chair Scott Arcand said about the Hugo Gardens Apartments, part of the 39.56-acre LaValle Fields planned unit development (PUD) the city approved back in 2014. The original preliminary plat included one lot for a senior housing facility, which is now Keystone Place at LaValle Fields, and four outlots: one planned for a park, two held for future development and one for stormwater management. Kendra Lindahl, of Landform Professional Services LLC, explained that the applicant, Hugo Gardens Apartments LLC, is requesting a PUD amendment to construct 84 apartment units in seven buildings as well as a stormwater management pond. The original plan called for 165 units in three buildings. The site is located west of Lions Park. One issue that remains unresolved but continues to be planned for, Lindahl said, is the construction of Finale Avenue. “Street improvements are a significant issue that were a component of the original PUD. We have identified what improvements would be needed for phase two, and the developer is responsible for that,” she said. The entire length of Finale Avenue needs to be realigned and widened to 32 feet to accommodate street parking. An 8-foot trail is also planned for the east side of the street. “The developer is working on preparing a proposal for how the construction will need to occur,” Lindahl said. The applicant is requesting a reduction in front yard setbacks to 10 feet, where 30 feet is required. Lindahl explained that city staff is okay with that change as long as the developer continues to create that “urban edge” along Finale Avenue with

trees, streetlights and fencing. Adequate parking is proposed for the site; however, city staff has requested the developer evaluate the potential for locating some parking stalls closer to the buildings on the north side of the site or adding parking spaces in some green spaces. Commissioner David Fry was a bit concerned about parking on the north side of the development. “It seems like on the north end of this project there is a little bit more getting squeezed into an area ... Is there an arrangement where we can still have the buildings but offer a little bit more space in between?” Lindahl said, “City staff and I spent a lot of time with the developer looking for options for this site. It is such a strangely shaped lot that it gets pinched very much on the north side. That’s a very tight area. We looked at a number of design options from the developer and we felt like this was the best solution to get the units that they were looking for on this site, but it is tight, and that is part of the reason why we have the reduced setback.” Dean Dovolis, of Valerian LLC, said they were comfortable with the recommendations by city staff and would be okay with making the recommended changes to the plans. “It was a balance between trying to preserve as much parkland as possible and making the project work. I think we came up with a pretty good compromise to get the best of both worlds,” he said. “We think it is

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Hugo Gardens Apartments LLC, is requesting a planned unit development (PUD) amendment to construct 84 apartment units in seven buildings as well as a stormwater management pond. The site is located west of Lions Park.

a nice project in terms of a transition from downtown. We thought the big apartment buildings were a little too heavy-handed for the site, so we worked with a more intimate, garden-style apartment ... It is a nice building transition at that end of town to provide a little more of a variety of housing types that wasn’t strictly apartment or single-family.” Arcand said he liked the variety of housing units (one-, two- and three-bedroom) proposed. “A co-worker of mine actually asked if there were any threebedroom apartments in

Hugo and I was not even aware of any in Hugo or even parts of White Bear. It does seem like it is not a very common offering in this market,” he said. Chair Bronwen Kleissler said, “I think the project is very nice. I think overall it is a nice-looking project with the oddest shaped piece of property I can probably imagine.” Although no one spoke during the public hearing, Community Development Director Rachel Juba informed the commission that Gina and Kenneth Hermann, who live on

146th Street, contacted staff before the hearing to express concerns that the apartment building was located so close to the corner on the south side of the property. The Hermans also wanted to know about the construction timeline. Michael Margulies, of Valerian LLC said they hope to start construction this summer and be able to rent out units as early as next spring or summer. “The pandemic is obviously influencing construction prices and a number of things, so we need to be careful

about what exactly we are committing to in terms of timing, but our goal is to achieve all of this as promptly as possible.” The Planning Commission unanimously voted May 14 to recommend approval of the PUD and preliminary plat for Hugo Gardens Apartments. The topic will be before the council at its June 1 meeting. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

Notices

Free Items

LOCATION CODES

Free pick up for donated small furn/HH items to Church Store 651-430-0011

For Sale SADDLE 16� Adult/youth Like New $175. 651-426-5754 SADDLE Blk Wstrn w/silver accents, 15� $165. 651-426-5754 TROXEL RIDING HELMETS (2) Used $12/ea. 651-426-5754

Want To Buy MN NORTH STAR Or-

nament black round 1992 w/Gold Star. Judy: 651-235-9935 We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment. White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651-224-4947

Vehicles Wanted CARS WANTED • Cash Paid • Free Towing Call Swede's Towing, LLC (651) 462-5513 (612) 269-2706

Hauling/ Moving

Home Improvement

Scrap metal appliance pick up 651-329-0815

A HANDYMAN Lrg & sm jobs 651-407-0370

Rental/ Commercial 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.

WHITE BEAR LAKE SCHOOL BOARD NOTES The White Bear Lake School Board took the following action at its May 11 meeting, held via teleconference: • Listened to a presentation on the Race to Reduce project from Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Sara Paul, who served as an adviser for the project. Paul said the project received a grant which enabled student leaders, one of whom was student liason Madison Carroll. Carroll said that 10 teams of students came up with projects focused on environmental conservation and sustainability. Carrol said they worked with eight groups from North Campus and South Campus and two from schools outside of the district. In January, the groups held a summit to review strategies and plans. A second summit was planned for March but was canceled due to COVID-19. Teams compiled their findings into a website, race2reduce.org. Carroll spoke positively about the project. “It was a fun and exciting way to learn about leadership,â€? she said. “I never really thought about applying for grants and creating websites, but it’s a cool way to learn and a great opportunity for students,â€? she said. • Heard a superintendent’s report from Dr. Wayne Kazmiercak that focused primarily on the district’s graduation plans. The Minnesota Department of Health and Education recently issued guidelines on graduation ceremonies. Per those guidelines, the district is in the process of creating a virtual ceremony that can be viewed on the district’s YouTube page at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5. More information will be shared with families soon. • Awarded a contract to Head Food Service for nutrition services. Tim Wald, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, described the selection process with board members. “As participants in the USDA’s national school lunch program, we’re required to prepare an RFP (request for proposals) at least every four years to secure a prime vendor to supply our grocery items and commodities,â€? he said. “This is a significant contract with a value of $2.6 million. Selecting a prime vendor can be a complicated RFP.â€? Wald also said that price, variety of offerings, customer service, experience and qualifications are the primary considerations. Three companies submitted proposals, but staff’s recommendation was to award the contract to Head Food Service, the district’s current prime vendor. The contract would run from this July 1 to June 30, 2022 with an opportunity to renew for another two years. Brooke Wohlrabe

13

Pet/Services PET Portraits $80+. Pam 651-468-9626

Real Estate Real Estate Sales Ken Bkr 651-238-3438 kenkirby.com KDK

PHONE: 651-407-1250 EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com • Employment • Employment •

Trucks/Vans/SUVs

DOCK TRUCK FOR HIRE! Do you need items moved from loading dock to loading dock?

Sheriff's Deputy - Part Time

We have a 26 ft straight axle truck & driver available for local, weekly and monthly pickups in and around the Northeast metro area. Wed. afternoon, Thurs., Fri., Sat. Give us a call!

Must be able to perform duties of “Sheriff� as defined in MSS 645.44 and duties of “Peace Officer� as defined by MSS 626.84. Candidates must have the ability to work various shifts and pass a background investigation and required testing. Provide armed security for the Courts, County facilities, employees and general public. A current MN Post Peace Officers License or MN POST letter of eligibility is required with application. $27.22 to $35.30 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us by June 1, 2020.

612-599-1729

Emergency Communications Systems Manager Full Time Duties Include: Provide system engineering, design, analysis, and service of public safety communications systems; Repair and maintenance of a 2-way radio, including Chisago Cnty ARMER systems, Mobile Data Systems, E-911 systems and PBX type telephone systems. Desired Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering with 8+ years' experience in electronics systems; Experience with MN ARMER communications system. $31.02 to $42.66 DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocounty.us by May 24, 2020.

SCHOOL BRIEFS Award nominations sought The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is seeking nominations for the prestigious Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award. This award, given in memory of White Bear Lake educator Lynn Mielke, a speech/language clinician and special education coordinator, acknowledges others who have used their talents to positively impact the lives of students and staff in our district. District 624 educators are nominated by their colleagues, supervisors, students, parents or community members. The deadline to submit a nomination is May 31. The nomination form can be found at wblaef.org/lynnmielkeaward Creating PPE with 3D Printing In partnership with a local health care company, staff members and students are creating small-batch 3D-printed face shields in accordance with NIH specifications for donation to local hospitals and health care facilities in the Twin Cities Area. They are also printing ear savers for child care workers and members of the community who wear masks at work every day. State History Day achievements Three Sunrise Park Middle School students, Annika Hellmark, Ella Stadtherr and Noura Rezk, qualified for National History Day, which will be held in a virtual format June 14-20. Diaper drive Families throughout the White Bear community will be receiving diapers in thanks to a recent diaper drive. White Bear Lake Area Schools staff members recently made deliveries to families in

need, and diapers are being stored in the Community Baby Closet for access. The Community Baby Closet is located at Normandy Park Education Center and is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or by appointment, made by calling 651-653-3100. Creative accomplishments The following White Bear Lake Area High School students were selected as winners of the White Bear Center for the Arts 2019-2020 WriteNow! High School Writing Contest: Short Story Award of Excellence, Julia Thomalla, “Elevator Operator�; Short Story Award of Merit, Evelyn Hardy, “Home�; Persuasive Essay Award of Excellence, Julia Thomalla, “Putting a Period on the Tampon

Tax�; Persuasive Essay Award of Merit, Julia Juelich, “No More Participation Award�; and Creative Non-Fiction Honorable Mention, Julia Thomalla, “Testing, One, Two, Three.� The students participating in the WriteNow! High School Writing Contest and the White Bear Center for the Arts’ High School Visual Arts Contest will be featured at the WBCA’s website, whitebeararts.org. Law Day essay contest Central Middle School student Naomi Rediger will be honored at the end of May at the virtual Law Day essay recognition event for being one of the winners in the Law Day essay contest.

Congratulate your

MOM & DAD!

new graduate in the paper with a then childhood photo and now graduate photo for a fun keepsake to remember. Just $28!

*Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for us to return your photos. Circle your publication choice: White Bear / Vadnais Heights / Shoreview / Quad Press / The Citizen Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________________ School: _______________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________________ Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________ Credit Card: -Visa -Mastercard -Discover -AMEX #: ____________________________________________________________________ Expires:__________ 3 Digit Code: _______________________________________ Message: _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Issue Date: Week of June 3rd Deadline: Friday, May 29th, 3 p.m. Email Then and Now photos to classiďŹ ed@presspubs.com or ďŹ ll out form and mail or stop in to: Press Publications: 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110

14

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

Weekly Outlook

Weather tidbits

WEEKLY AVERAGES MAY 20 - 26, 2020

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com High: 72° | Low: 51° | %Sun: 60% | PCP: 0.95”

Wed May 20 77°/ 55°

Thu May 21 76°/ 56°

Fri May 22 74°/ 60°

Sat May 23 81°/ 63°

Sun May 24 77°/ 59°

Mon May 25 77°/ 58°

Tue May 26 79°/ 60°

5:38 / 8:42

5:37 / 8:43

5:36 / 8:44

5:35 / 8:45

5:34 / 8:46

5:33 / 8:47

5:32 / 8:48

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Last week I wrote about the lack of rainfall and how it wasn’t much of a concern right now and how it allows us and farmers to get out and plant, well what a difference a week makes. After a dry work week, a slow-moving weather system moved across the state on Saturday and into the metro mid afternoon. It then proceeded to rain for the next 28-30 hours. I totaled nearly 3 inches of precipitation, leaving Sunday a total washout. I can say we’re good for awhile in the rain department. Rumors of a "heat wave" after a run of cool temperatures look very promising for this Memorial Day weekend. Nature Notes: Lilacs and apple trees are blossoming. Azaleas enjoyed a nice 3 week run of dry weather, holding onto their petals for what seemed a long time.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

Email: callaspecialist @presspubs.com

To place an ad call: 651-407-1250 APPLIANCE REPAIR

REMODELING Honest Work for Honest Pay

651-270-7360

Reasonable Rates - all jokes and laughs are free Servicing All Major Appliance Brands Major Credit Cards Accepted

AUTO REPAIR

MEET YOUR SPECIALIST

HANDYMAN

• Small Jobs Welcome • Carpentry • All Handyman Services

Call Matt 612.246.7079

ALL BUILT RIGHT CONSTRUCTION

Since 1987, Comfort Plus Heating & Cooling has been installing custom designed heating and cooling systems in new and existing homes in the Northern Suburbs. We are pleased to be able to offer you top quality equipment and installations at reasonable prices. Comfort Plus carries a complete line of quality equipment and parts from HEIL, Richmond, Reznor, Aprilaire, Lifebreath, Crown Boilers and service many others.

Lic# BC638717 • Insured

• Auto Repair • Oil Lube & Filter Service 20 Years of experience serving White Bear Lake & Centerville - Friendly, Honest Service

651.226.4235 Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm 7137 20th Avenue North - Centerville www.facebook.com/vermauto

CLEANING

Furnace & A/C Installations and Service Licensed, Bonded & Insured

HARDWOOD FLOORS

J.W. Wood Floors Installation–Sanding–Repairs Maintenance Coats–Custom Floors

651-426-4266 | cphvac.net

FREE ESTIMATES

“Make a Flooring Investment”

DECORATING AND PAINTING Scott or Linda • 651-426-9135

jim@jwwoodfloors.biz

HEATING & COOLING CONCRETE

Settled Concrete? Don’t replace it, RAISE it and save $$$! Walks • Patios • Steps • Garage Floors Aprons • Driveways • Fill Voids Free Estimates Guaranteed 651-775-7054 Ask for Royce lakesareamudjacking.com

Lakes Area Mudjacking - Since 1983 -

Professional - Prompt Guaranteed Results 651-699-3504 www.rooftodeck.com Code 43

SPRING SPECIALS-5 STEP PROGRAM RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

• Painting of Home • Interior/ Furnishings Decorative (furniture, light Painting fixtures, frames, • Wallpapering etc.) (and Removal) • Stain & Varnish • Color Consultant

• Drain Cleaning • Hot Water Heating • Hot Water Heaters & Disposal • Well Pump Service • New Construction • Remodeling

FREE ESTIMATES ESTIMATES FREE

www.LDMarshallPainting.com

Tom Thill 651-433-4866

Free Estimates • Established 1987

FERTILZING & WEED CONTROL FERTILIZING WEED CONTROL LOCAL LAWN&CARE SPECIALIST Local Lawn Care Specialist SPRING SPECIALSRESIDENTIAL & COMMERICAL 5 STEP PROGRAM

ED LAWRY advantagegreenlawncare.com LICENSED ED LAWRY INSURED LICENSED/INSURED

Furnace & A/C Installations and Service Licensed, Bonded & Insured 651.426.4233 cphvac.net

Professional Landscape Contractor - Full Landscape Services - Landscape & Hardscape Tear-out - Mulch, Dirt & Rock Deliveries - Bobcat, Grading & Excavation

651-426-0410

ARROW ELECTRIC Small Jobs Welcome

s 2EPAIR 3HORT #IRCUITS s Remodels s Panels Replaced s Ceiling Fans Floyd DeHate, Master Electrician

651-346-8185 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Northern Lights Landscape Construction Inc. Since 1989

>>> Free Estimates <<<

MOKIE’S SPRING & FALL CLEANUPS

LAWN MOWING • TREE TRIMMING • REASONABLE RATES •

651410-3889

1ST TIME DISCOUNT

CALL STEVE TODAY for fresh new landscaping ideas!

651-592-6678 www.nelsonnorthernlights landscaping.com

PAINTING/ DECORATING

FEED MILL

Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware

J & G Home Interiors

LAWN CARE

24 Years experience in high quality work

Your Local Hardware Store & More

SCH Services

Pet Food & Supplies Bird & Wildlife Feed Lawn & Garden Supplies

Lawn Care Contracts

UÊ ÌiÀ ÀÊ*> Ì } UÊ-Ì> ÊEÊ6>À Ã } UÊ7> «>«iÀÊ ÃÌ> >Ì ÃÊEÊ,i Û> UÊ i }Ê/iÝÌÕÀiÊÊ ­ V Ê` Ü ÊEÊ>VV ÕÃÌ V> ® UÊ ÀÞÜ> Ê,i«> ÀÊ UÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊEÊ `i`

651-429-3361

www.hugofeedmill.com 5582 146th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038

monthly or per visit

Sean 651-210-0061 www.SCHservices.net

651-426-8660

Sheetrock Hanging ■ Tapng ■ Interior Painting ■ Knockdown ■ Resprays

Highest Quality Workmanship!

UÊ ÕÃÌ ÊW dw rking UÊ >L iÌÀÞÊEÊ Õ Ì Ã UÊ Ê iÊ,i `i } UÊ > `Þ > Ê-iÀÛ Vià Bonded & Insured / Lic# BC580973 `i`ÊEÊ ÃÕÀi` NÊÊ V Ê xnä ÇÎ Accentwoodsolutions.com Accentwoodsolutions.com Call Call 651-426-8697 651-426-8697

Marty Hunt & Dale Lundstrom

Primeau’s Tree Service Shrub Care/Trimming 45 yrs. experience Family owned Certified Arborist

651-773-5643

651-429-7077 PLASTER/TAPING/ DRYWALL

651-238-6751 Insured / Lic #BC105943

Fast, dependable, insured

Letourneaulandscaping.com

Twin Cities Premier Home Improvement Company

NorconHomes.com

Free Estimates BACK YARDS NO PROBLEM!

TREE SERVICE

NEW HOMES • BASEMENTS • REMODELS • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

LANDSCAPING

~ PAVER PATIOS & WALKWAYS ~ RETAINING WALLS ~ GRADING ~ EGRESS WINDOWS

STUMP REMOVAL

budgettreeservice@outlook.com

PAINTING/DRYWALL

■

LANDSCAPING

TREE REMOVAL

REMODELING

Lawn Service

ELECTRIC

Lic. #005402

763-229-0895 763-229-0895

DECKS RESTORATION

Deck Cleaning & Staining

PLUMBING

L D MARSHALL

651-323-3676 Licensed - Insured

PAINTING

LAWN CARE

10% OFF ANY JOB!

Joe 651-426-0288

LORENZ DRYWALL • CHANGING CEILINGS OVER TO KNOCK DOWNS • TAPING • SPRAYING • ADDITIONS • BASEMENTS • PLASTER PATCHING • NEW HOMES • GARAGES Kerry 651-653-9021 (Cell) 651-271-4221

ROOFING ~ SIDING WINDOWS ~ KITCHENS BATHS ~ BASEMENTS DECKS ~ GRADING REMODELING ~ ALL TYPES

Twin Cities Premier Home Improvement Company

651-238-6751 NorconHomes.com Insured / Lic #BC105943

Quality Work • Reasonable Rates

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Buckthorn Removal Stump & Brush Removal FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

BACK YARDS NO PROBLEM!

651-426-8660

PLUMBING

BudgetTreeServiceMN.com

,7( %($5 :+ Residental

3/ Commerical &. 80% ,1 * ,1

651-426-6000 www.whitebear plumbing.com Lic #686889

WINDOWS 21 years and going strong!

FREE ESTIMATES

Bill 651-775-8396 www.allaroundremodeling.com

Cutting Edge Window Cleaning We don’t cut corners, we clean ‘em! Residential Window Cleaning Exterior Only Call Jeff for a free estimate

651-283-8770

MAY 21, 2020

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

15

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS: Lions in need of funds with loss beneficiary, there will likely be several. Lions members also do not think the Tough Mudder will come to town this year, which was another event the Lions used as a fundraiser. Even though there will not be a Good Neighbor Days this year, the Lions do still plan to honor a Good Neighbor of the Year and give out $6,000 in scholarships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(What) we have lost is huge, but we will try to keep plugging along to fi ll that void,â&#x20AC;? Balthazor said. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

LIONS SEEKING GOOD NEIGHBOR The Hugo Lions are in search of the 2020 Good Neighbor. Even though the annual Good Neighbor Days celebration has been canceled, the Lions would still like to recognize a deserving Hugo neighbor. Nominate a neighbor who has helped you, made your life easier and been there for you no matter how small the deed, or who has made the Hugo community a better place to be. Nominations are due by May 29. To nominate someone, send a letter explaining your choice to: Good Neighbor 2020/ Katie Riopel, 8089 165th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038 or email heyktk9@q.com. Message from Mayor Tom Weidt To Hugoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good Neighbors, Good Neighbor Days are an important part of our summer and the Hugo community. We are all saddened by the news of its cancellation. I would like to thank the Hugo Lions Club for their thoughts and consideration in cancelling this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. Good Neighbor Days takes months of hard work to organize and no one anticipated this pandemic and impacts such as this. As the major annual fundraiser for the Hugo Lions Club, the cancellation of Good Neighbor Days will have a significant impact on their charitable activities. The funds raised at the

event go back into the Hugo community: college scholarships, support of victims of house fi res, the Senior Dinner. The Hugo Lions Club supports the Yellow Ribbon Network, Hugo Fire Department, local elementary schools, Make-a-Wish Foundation and more. The Hugo Lions are a strong supporter of the Good Neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Shelf, helping give away over 6,525 lbs. of food during the holidays. The need is still out there and likely growing. Please consider directing the funds you would have spent at Good Neighbor Days to help the Hugo Lions Club continue their charitable activities. We may not be able to buy ride tickets and burgers, but we can still come together as a community. This is our opportunity to give back to the Hugo Lions Club for all that they have done for Hugo. I have donated $100 to the Lions to start the ball rolling. Here are three ways to donate: Paypal: @hugolionsclubmn Venmo: @Hugo-Lions Mail: Hugo Lions Club PO Box 321 Hugo MN 55038

Centervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fete des Lacs canceled CITY OF HUGO SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2019-496 ADOPTING THE 2020 CITY HUGO FEE SCHEDULE NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. The City of Hugo City Council does ordain the following: Section 1. Findings. Pursuant to Minnesota Law, the City of Hugo City Code, and upon a review of a study conducted by City staff, a fee schedule for City services and licensing is hereby adopted for the following: 2020 FEE SCHEDULE Businesses Licenses Non-Business Licenses & Permits Building Permits Building Related Demolition Related Development Fees Local Government Unit (LGU) Fees Planning and Zoning Related Publications Public Works Related Roadway Reconstruction/Rehab Utility Related Rentals Miscellaneous Charges Section 2. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be effective on January 1, 2020. This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the RUGLQDQFH LV DYDLODEOH DW &LW\ +DOO D IXOO OLVWLQJ RI WKH FLW\¡V IHHV LV DYDLODEOH RQ the City Web site. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 16th day of December, 2019. Tom Weidt, Mayor Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on May 21, 2020.

The Centerville City Council on May 13 formally canceled Fete des Lacs for 2020, originally scheduled for July, due to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19. The Fete des Lacs Committee met on May 6 and unanimously decided to cancel the annual festival. The

committee concluded that most of the cornerstone events of the festival would be logistically impossible with the likely required social distancing guidelines. The committee is looking ahead to making Fete des Lacs 2021 bigger and better than ever before.

Dr. Christopher Phillips Medical and Surgical Management of the Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine Treatment of Adults and Children with Foot Conditions

â&#x20AC;˘ Ingrown Toenails â&#x20AC;˘ Arch & Heel Pain â&#x20AC;˘ Bunions â&#x20AC;˘ Hammer Toes â&#x20AC;˘ Senior & Diabetic Foot Care â&#x20AC;˘ Arthritic Feet 4653 White Bear Pkwy White Bear Lake, MN 55110

651-426-3995

668173

FROM PAGE 1

WhiteBearFootAndAnkleClinic.com

Tour our Remodeling Projects Online PrattHomes.com/Remodeling

CITY OF HUGO DRINKING WATER REPORT 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, aesWKHWLFDOO\ SOHDVLQJ ZDWHU LQ VXIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW TXDQWLW\ DQG D FRVW HIIHFWLYH PDQQHU WR 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 FRQVXPHU FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH UHSRUW RQ Ă&#x20AC;OH 7KLV UHSRUW FDQ EH YLHZHG DW ZZZ FL KXgo.mn.us/ccr2019. Please contact 651-762-6301 for a paper copy. Published one time in The Citizen on May 21, 2020.

CITY OF HUGO

READ REUSE RECYCLE

R

Call Mike Taurinskas 651-429-8032 PrattHomes.com/Remodeling Build. Restore. Renew.

668112

ORDINANCE 2020-500 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGO AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY CODE TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN LAND LOCATED SOUTH OF 147TH STREET AND EAST OF HIGHWAY 61 (FOREST BOULEVARD NORTH) THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of the City Code. Chapter 90 of the City Code of WKH &LW\ RI +XJR 0LQQHVRWD LV KHUHE\ DPHQGHG E\ FKDQJLQJ WKH FODVVLĂ&#x20AC;FDtion on the City of Hugo Zoning Map to PUD (Planned Unit Development) with respect to the 4.2-acre property legally described as parts of lots in County Auditors Plat No. 7 in Section 20, T21N, R21W. (Full legal available at Hugo City Hall) Section 2. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage. ADOPTED by the City Council this 4th day of May, 2020. Tom Weidt, Mayor ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on May 21, 2020.

16

THE CITIZEN

MAY 21, 2020 www.readthecitizen.com

3.

1. AROUND TOWN

2.

6. 4.

5.

7.

1. Rural Hugo is taking COVID-19 seriously. — Chuck Haas, Submitted 2-3. A birthday during a pandemic isn’t ideal, but the family of a resident at Good Life Senior Living knew just what to do to make their loved one feel special. JoAnne Hessel found a lovely surprise both inside and outside her window on her birthday May 7. Not only did she receive a nice visit from her

family outside of the building, but she also received some presents, balloons and flowers inside, too. — Submitted

5. Ethan and Riley Olson, of Centerville, experiment with bubbles while enjoying the sunshine. — Lonni Olson, submitted

4. Sabrina, a member of Girl Scout Troop 56945, donates cookies to the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. —Chuck Haas, submitted

6. American Legion Post 620 reminds residents that heroes wear all kinds of uniforms. — Greg Burmeister, submitted 7. This thank you sign was spotted outside of Country Video off of Highway 61. — Submitted

Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to citizennews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.

New! SelfEco Pots Made from plant starches.

All Wagners-grown tomatoes, herbs, peppers and 4" annuals available in SelfEco pots.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR L&B EXTRAS MEMBERS ONLY!

100% compostable. Plant the entire container– no plastic waste. Visit wagnergreenhouses.com for store hours and covid-19 shopping guidelines.

$1.99

667967

Hugo 4860 Frenchman Road • 651-653-8863 Minneapolis 6024 Penn Avenue S • 612-922-6901 Bloomington 2100 W. Old Shakopee Road • 952-884-7889

FREE TRIP CHARGE With repair

L&B Plant-Based Burgers

$89 value!

4 oz. | Limit 2 patties per day. Offer valid May 21 -27, 2020.

Expires 5/31/20 *Servicing all brands Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Join L&B Extras for even more great offers!

Free Estimate • 24/7 Emergency Service Serving the St. Paul and Surrounding Area

651-426-5220

Sign up at LandB.mn/Extras or text EXTRAS to 55955* *Msg & data rates may apply. T&C/Privacy: http://bit.ly/1KfDUyv

Digital coupons for use at checkout

Read our reviews and check out our current promotions at

4630 Centerville Road White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-653-0000 667802

www.krinkies.com

When you need us, we are here to help.

668005

Special offers just for Extras members