SEE DOWNTOWN HUGO

DOWNTOWN HUGO: ‘Exciting and ambitious project’

FROM PAGE 1

successful location,” said Denny Trooien, CEO of Dennis Properties.

Dennis Properties is working with SRF Consulting to assist with planning and permitting and with Collage Architects for the design of the buildings and the site.

The Downtown Hugo proposal is still in the planning stages, and needs to go through a myriad of approvals and permits. The development would likely be built in fi ve phases, with the fi rst phase to include the restaurant. Trooien said construction is expected to begin later this year and be complete in 2022.

Community Development Director Rachel Juba said Dennis Properties has not applied for any land use approvals as yet, but is working on a plan and meeting with various entities.

“This is an exciting and ambitious project” Trooien said. “We’re going to do this right and when we’re done these buildings will look very historic.”

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

Here is an architect’s rendering of what Downtown Hugo may look like by 2022.

SUBMITTED SUBMITTED

WEEKLY WAG

Freya is a social butterfl y. She loves to be with her people, and she loves to play with other dogs. In fact, it might be best is she could fi nd a forever home where she’d have a dog mate. If not, Freya would like frequent puppy playdates or visits to the local dog park. Originally from Texas, she’s a 40-pound Labrador/fl at-coat retriever mix.

Freya is potty trained and crate trained, and she is fairly quiet. She can be a little timid and shy to new people at fi rst, but once she warms up she’s a friend forever. Freya loves to play with her toys, and she especially loves to play outside. She is young, about 18 months, and has a lot of energy. She looks forward to her daily walks and would make a fantastic running or hiking partner. She’s affectionate, intelligent and even-tempered. If you are interested in Freya, please fi ll out an adoption application at ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Salvation Army seeks volunteers for National Donut Day Sl ti A k l t f Nti lD tD

Friday, June 4, is National Donut Day, a day that was set aside over 80 years ago to celebrate the sugary confection made of fried dough. This year’s celebration, however, will be a Donut Day like no other. The Twin Cities Salvation Army seeks 1,000 volunteers to each deliver a box of donuts to an everyday hero of their choice, such as a fi rst responder, health care worker, public servant, veteran or just a kind neighbor—someone they’d like to acknowledge and reward.

National Donut Day began in 1938 as a tribute to The Salvation Army’s “donut lassies” — a group of 250 women volunteers who helped serve American soldiers in France during World War I. Tasked with providing food and boosting the morale of servicemen on the front lines, these women would operate makeshift shelters to provide food and a place to rest.

The fi rst 1,000 volunteers who sign up to deliver free donuts to a deserving individual or group (and receive a box for themselves as well) can register now at SalvationArmyNorth.org/free-donuts. Donuts will need to be picked up between 7-9 p.m. on Friday, June 4, at one of four Twin Cities locations, which will be selected during the registration process.

CHURCH BRIEF

Blessing of the Bikes coming to Maranatha Church

Maranatha Church in Forest Lake will host its 22nd annual Blessing of the Bikes from 12:303:30 p.m. Sunday, June 6. Since its inauguration in 1998, the church's annual bike blessing has been gaining momentum; a record of 1,100 bikers showed up in 2019. The family-friendly event is free, and includes food for purchase and music as bikers prepare to ride their bike through the church, pausing briefl y to be prayed over by pastoral church staff. As in years past, the Blue and Red Knight Rider groups (law enforcement and fi re departments) will be honored with reserved parking and verbal recognition during the event. Due to the large expected attendance, bikers will be routed to enter the church parking lot from 250th Street instead of from the usual Highway 61 entrance, as in previous years. Local law enforcement will be on site to ensure the safety of event attendees.

OBITUARY NOTICES l William Franz Wenzel illi

Passed away peacefully on 5/16/21 at the age of 73 and was surrounded by family. Preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Elsa; brother, Al Wenzel; sister-in-law, Janet Wenzel. Survived by son, Corey (Christie) Wenzel; daughter, Katie (Nicholas) Gonzalez; and their mother, Kathleen Wenzel-Markfort; along with grandsons, August and Andrew; brothers, Ron (Shirley) Wenzel, Don Wenzel; sister-in-law, Laurie Wenzel and many nieces and nephews. Bill graduated from White Bear Lake in 1966 and served in the Air Force from 1967-73. He enjoyed carpentry projects, cars, bowling, baseball, and coaching sports along w/ dogs and popcorn. Visitation will be on June 3rd from 4-7pm at BRADSHAW, 4600 Greenhaven Dr, White Bear Lake, MN 55127.

Bradshaw – 651-407- 8300

Mike Gibbs

December 21, 1950 - January 20, 2021

Mike Gibbs, loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend passed away surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by parents, Gordon & Ruth Gibbs, father & motherin-law, Roy and Vi Brisson, sister-in-law, Clare Brisson, son-in-law, Greg Johnson, friend John Trippel, brotherin-law, Ray Cummings, and nephews Jacob Reid & Ben Barsness. His legacy lives on through his wife of 50 years, Mary, their four kids, Lisa (Greg), Amie (Dave), Mike (Sarah), Nick (Emily) and their families 14 grandkids & 7 great-grands; Siblings Pat (Chuck), Jan, Kris (Steve), Sue (Andy) & many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

Mike served his country as a US Marine and as a Police Offi cer for more than 25 years. The bulk of his career was spent as a Deputy for Washington County Sheriff’s offi ce.

A celebration of Mike’s legacy will take place June 26, 2021 starting with a memorial Mass at 2:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hugo followed by a gathering at Mike and Mary’s home.

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.

Join us on Sunday:

Livestreaming on 10:15 am in-person Worship and YouTube: FPCWBL Live-streaming on YouTube: FPCWBL

5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org

9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Education Hour for All Ages, Worship and Bible Study are also available through our YouTube Channel

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

Pastor Gregory S. Musolf 807 Hwy. 97 SE, Forest Lake, MN messiahlutheranmn.com • 651-464-6842

LCMS

Worship - 9:00 AM SS/Bible Study - 10:30 AM

Masses:

Sunday 9:30am & 6:30pm Wednesday 6:30pm Th ursday 8:00am Friday 8:00am Saturday 4pm Reconciliation:

Wednesday 5:30pm-6:15pm Th ursday 8:30am-9:00am

CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X

6THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

HUGO POLICE REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce reported the following incidents: • A suspicious occupied vehicle parked at a closed business in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 11:03 p.m. April 23 turned out to be a driver who pulled over to talk on his cell phone.

Two drivers were arrested at 6:53 p.m. April 24 on Harrow Avenue N. and 157th Street N. for being involved in a hit-and-run accident with each other and where both left the scene in an easterly direction.

The driver of the sedan had a Keep Our Kops

Safe (KOPS) alert for assault from a neighboring agency out on her. The male driver was arrested after it was discovered the motorcycle he was riding was stolen. • A juvenile arriving at an address in the 4000 block of Fable Road N. and leaving in a blue scooter at 9:07 p.m. April 24 was reported for ringing the complainant’s doorbell, then mooning the complainant’s Ring camera.

Although the business end of the juvenile was not covered, the entire face of the subject was.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Emmit Drive N. at 5:28 p.m. April 25 reported her resident adult son for being very loud whenever he is upset. Deputies explained the process of obtaining an eviction order or an order for protection (OFP), if necessary. • An unidentifi ed motorist was issued a written warning at 6:09 p.m. April 25 on 159th Street N. and

Foxhill Avenue N. for passing another vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway. • A resident in the 5000 block of 140th Street N. at 1:17 p.m. April 26 reported a possible stolen vehicle parked in front of his residence. Deputies advised the complainant that the vehicle was not registered as stolen, but he had the right to tow it, if he desired. The complainant said he would put a note on the windshield. • A motorist was cited at 3:47 p.m. April 26 on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for expired registration. • A resident in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. at 3:56 p.m. April 26 reported paying for snow removal services during the winter season, though he never had any snow removed by the business. • A resident in the 13000 block of Geneva Avenue N. at 10:15 a.m. April 27 reported her mother for mailing her mortgage paperwork in violation of an OFP.

The subject admitted to deputies that she mailed the envelope containing mortgage paperwork. • A resident in the 14000 block of Fountain Avenue

N. at 4:17 p.m. April 27 reported her son’s exgirlfriend for staying on her doorstep and refusing to leave. Deputies arrived on the scene to transport the trespasser to Kwik Trip to wait for a ride.

A resident in the 5000 block of Fairpoint Drive N. at 6:49 p.m. April 27 reported his mother for taking his butane from his room.

Deputies quickly advised the complainant that, as he is a minor, his mother has the right to make household rules and to confi scate his items. • A motorist was issued a written warning at 6:36 a.m. April 28 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll

Avenue N. for speeding. • A Wisconsin motorist was cited at 6:50 a.m. April 28 on westbound 170th Street and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 75 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. • A suspicious occupied vehicle reported at a closed business in the 16000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 2:35 a.m. April 29 turned out to be an employee closing up for the night. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:00 a.m. April 29 on eastbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Greene Avenue

N. for speeding 42 mph in a 30 mph zone by eastbound deputies, who clocked him on radar. • A suspicious loud explosion reported at 12:30 a.m.

May 1 in the 6000 block of 147th Street N. turned out to be fi reworks. • Juveniles were reported at 6:00 p.m. May 1 on the roof of Hugo Elementary school in the 14000 block of Francesca Avenue N. as part of an ongoing issue. • A motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:34 a.m. May 2 at the Kwik Trip in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd.

N. after Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce deputies received information about a possible drunk driver at the gas station. Deputies stopped the vehicle and administered fi eld sobriety tests, all of which the driver failed. • A purse found in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue N. at 4:11 p.m. May 2 was returned to its owner with help of an identifi cation card found inside. • A suspicious parked and occupied vehicle the complainant didn’t recognize at 10:27 p.m. May 2 in the 4000 block of Fable Hill Circle N. and which drove away when the complainant went outside turned out to belong to a resident of the same neighborhood. • A motorist was likely cited at 2:29 a.m. May 3 on

Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. for possession of drug paraphernalia in a motor vehicle after deputies conducted a traffi c stop for equipment violation. • An ex-girlfriend at 11:13 a.m. May 3 reported her ex-boyfriend for being in the 15000 block of

Farnham Avenue N. in violation of his harassment restraining order (HRO). • A resident in the 9000 block of 130th Street N. at 4:41

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported Th C i l L k P li D d Road in Lexington May 15. Another DWI arrest ocR d i L i M A h DWI the 1700 block of Main Street in Centerville May the following incidents: curred a short time later near the intersection of Griggs 21. Police spoke with both parties and attempted to • An offi cer observed a traffi c violation near the intersec- Avenue and South Highway Drive in Lexington. mediate the situation. tion of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington May • Police responded to a motor vehicle hit-and-run • An adult male was arrested for domestic assault in 12. An adult male was subsequently arrested for DWI. accident near the intersection of Restwood Road and Centerville May 21. • Offi cers were dispatched to the 8800 block of Albert Ave- Jackson Avenue in Lexington May 15. Offi cers took • Police conducted a traffi c stop near the intersection nue in Lexington May 12 on a threat report. information and photos were collected. of South Highway Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lex• An offi cer conducted a traffi c stop in the 8700 block of Aro- • Offi cers took a criminal sexual conduct report in Circle ington May 22. A female driver was subsequently na Avenue in Lexington May 13. The driver and a passen- Pines May 15. The case was forwarded to the Anoka arrested for DWI. ger were subsequently arrested on outstanding warrants. County Criminal Investigations Division. • Offi cers responded to report of a domestic assault in• Offi cers assisted city building offi cials with an outside • An offi cer stopped a vehicle for several traffi c violations volving two adult males in Lexington May 23. One male inspection of a nuisance property located in the 200 near Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington May was arrested and brought to jail. block of Twilite Terrace in Circle Pines April 13. 16. A female driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. • A dog bite was reported in the 8900 block of North High• Police were dispatched to a report of an aggressive dog in • An offi cer was dispatched to a property damage acci- way Drive in Lexington May 23. The victim refused the 100 block of Indian Hills Lane in Circle Pines May 13. dent in the 9100 block of Dunlap Avenue in Lexington medical attention, and the dog was never located.

The incident has been forwarded to a community service May 16. The location of the accident is unknown, and • A theft was reported at the Walgreens in Lexington offi cer for follow-up. there are no suspects at this time. May 24. The theft is under investigation. • A resident in the 60 block of Center Road in Circle • Damage to property was reported in the 100 block of • Extra patrol was requested in the 7000 block of Center-

Pines was verbally warned by offi cers May 13 for an Canterbury Drive in Circle Pines May 16. ville Road in Centerville May 24. Motor vehicle tamperanimal complaint. • Offi cers were summoned to Walgreens in Lexington ing was reported. There are no suspects at this time. • Police were dispatched to the 7000 block of Brian Drive in May 17 for a disorderly male. • Offi cers were dispatched to the 50 block of West Golden

Centerville May 14 on a report of a found pigeon. Police • Offi cers observed a traffi c violation in the 1800 block of Lake Road in Circle Pines May 24 on a report of three were able to successfully locate the owner of the bird. Main Street in Centerville May 18. An adult female was disorderly juveniles. The parents were contacted and • An offi cer conducted a traffi c stop near the intersection subsequently arrested for DWI. picked up their children. The juveniles received a verof Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington May 14. • An offi cer conducted a traffi c stop near the intersection bal warning for their behavior.

A female driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. of Restwood Road and Lake Drive in Lexington May 20. • Police were dispatched to a harassment report in the • A resident in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington An adult female was subsequently arrested for DWI. 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington May 24. submitted a fraud report. The case is under investigation. • Police conducted a traffi c stop near the intersection of • An offi cer conducted a traffi c stop near the intersection • Offi cers were dispatched to the 9000 block of Edgewood Road and Lexington Avenue in Lexington of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington May 24.

South Highway Drive in Lexington May 14 on May 20. The driver was arrested for DWI. The driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. report of a vehicle theft. • An offi cer pulled over a vehicle after witnessing the • An offi cer responded to the area of Lexington Avenue • Offi cers responded to a residence in Lexington May 14 for a driver driving on the grass in the 8900 block of Syn- and West Road in Circle Pines May 25 on report of abandomestic assault. An adult male was subsequently arrested. dicate Avenue in Lexington May 21. An adult female doned ducklings. The ducklings were found safe and • An adult female was arrested for DWI after a traffi c driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. transported to a wildlife center. stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood • Offi cers responded to a neighborhood dispute in p.m. May 3 reported the person who leases his land for failure to remove his portable deer stands according to their agreement. A call from deputies resulted in the prompt removal of the stands by their owner. • A resident in the 14000 block of Ferrara Avenue N. at 3:48 p.m. May 4 reported the ever-popular unemployment scam.

An unidentified male was arrested at 11:34 p.m. May 4 on Highway 61, just east of 140th Street, for DWI and several other violations after deputies on patrol observed a male get tossed out of a moving vehicle that took off at a high rate of speed.

The victim and other occupants of the vehicle were uncooperative about the cause of the passenger being thrown out of the vehicle, so no charges will be fi led. The cause of the drama remains a mystery. • A motorist was cited at 6:44 a.m. May 5 on Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for displaying tabs that expired in

September and for providing an expired driver’s license. • A catalytic converter was reported stolen at 9:51 a.m. May 5 from a vehicle parked at Wilson Tool in the 12000 block of

Farnham Avenue N.

A resident in the 4000 block of 162nd Street N. at 10:55 a.m. May 6 reported investing $6,000 in Bitcoin with a friend in Maine and never receiving a return on her investment.

She was supposed to receive a return on her investment the next day and never received any money from the suspect. Deputies advised the complainant that her issue was a civil matter, and that she needed to take the case to court. • A suspicious person reported at 6:07 p.m. May 7 in the 5000 block of 159th Street N. turned out to be an employee of a pest control company waiting for a co-worker to fi nish his job. Deputies verifi ed his story with the supposed client and with the subject’s ID badge, which turned out to be authentic. • Formal complaints were lodged against several unidentifi ed persons following a 12:38 a.m. May 8 traffi c stop on 129th Street N. and Exhall Avenue N. during which deputies found a controlled substance in the vehicle. • An unidentifi ed motorist was cited at 10:01 a.m. May 8 in the 6000 block of 170th Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffi c stop for speed. • A catalytic converter was reported stolen at 2:36 p.m.

May 8 in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. Loretta Harding

h bl k f M i S i C ill M

Lino Lakes man pleads guilty

Mark Anthony Ulsaker, 50, of report the incident. minding their own business Lino Lakes, has pleaded guilty When offi cers arrived on scene, while sitting on the corner with a to two counts of they found a group standing at homemade political sign. Ulsaker threats of violence the corner of the intersection then pulled up next to them after assaulting an and identifi ed the two victims. and shouted profanities at them elderly couple in Witnesses told police that a male, out his window. She said they White Bear Lake later identifi ed as Ulsaker, had ignored him and next thing they last November. walked up behind the elderly knew, Ulsaker had approached Ulsaker was couple and began swinging a golf them from behind and began initially charged club at both of their heads. While attacking them with a golf club. Mark Ulsaker M kUl k with second-degree assault with a he was hitting them, the golf club broke and the male proceeded A witness provided a license plate, which was registered to dangerous weapon, threats to punch the elderly man in the Ulsaker. Offi cers subsequently of violence and fourth-degree head. Witnesses said the suspect located him at his residence assault of a peace offi cer. then retreated to his red pickup along with the suspect vehicle.

According to the criminal and started to drive off when the Offi cers attempted to arrest complaint, White Bear Lake male victim chased after him. him, but he reportedly resisted police offi cers responded to the Ulsaker then drove his truck and swung his fi st at one of the intersection of Highway 96 and over the curb and toward the offi cers. Centerville Road in White Bear female victim, but did not strike Ulsaker’s sentencing hearing is Lake at 3:18 p.m. Nov. 8 on a her. He then fl ed from the scene. scheduled for July 14. report of a male assaulting two elderly people with a golf club. The criminal complaint states the female victim told police Shannon Granholm Multiple witnesses called 911 to that she and her husband were

Mahtomedi Schools undergo shelter-in-place order h diS h l d h l i l d

On Thursday, May 27, all school buildings at Mahtomedi Public Schools were placed under a shelter-in-place order due to a social media threat reported to law enforcement.

The order was recommended by Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce (WCSO) while the agency conducted its investigation.

According to a press release released by Superintendent Barb Duffrin and WCSO Commander Sara Halverson, a juvenile was responsible for the social media post, and it was determined the threat was not credible. The shelter-in-place order was then lifted, and students resumed school activities in all school buildings.

The press release reads in part, “Our number one concern is always the safety of our school community and we take threats seriously. Our schools are safe places for our students, and we use safety and security measures every day to keep our students safe. We are thankful for the strong partnership between Mahtomedi Public Schools and Washington County Sheriff’s Offi ce.”

Because the suspect is a juvenile, no further information will be released.

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • A driver was cited for speeding and careless driving in the 7500 block of I-35E May 18. • An offi cer stopped a motorcycle in the 7500 block of Centerville Road May 18. The adult male driver was arrested and booked into jail for fi fth-degree possession of a controlled substance, driving after revocation, no motorcycle endorsement and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Offi cers responded to a business in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road May 18 on a report of an unwanted male who would not leave when asked.

The male refused all offers of assistance from the offi cers and left the area on foot. No crime was committed. Offi cers asked the business to call the police if the male returned again. The male was trespassed from the business. • An offi cer responded to a property damage hit and run crash in the 7700 block of Lake Drive May 18.

The investigation is ongoing. • An offi cer responded to a call of an abandoned duckling in the 8000 block of Aenon Place May 18. The caller was advised of how to care for the duckling. • Offi cers responded to a call of a physical domestic occurring at a residence in Lino Lakes May 18.

The suspect was subsequently located, taken into custody and booked into the Anoka County Jail on domestic-related charges. • An offi cer responded to a report of a single vehicle crash in the 6000 block of West Shadow

Lake Drive May 19. The offi cer found the vehicle at the scene with heavy damage but no driver.

The offi cer was unable to make contact with the registered owner of the vehicle and requested assistance from other law enforcement agencies to check for possible addresses. The vehicle was impounded and held for accident investigation. • An offi cer took a phone call report regarding harassing phone calls being made to housing facility in the 7500 block of 4th Avenue May 19.

The incident was documented and under further investigation. • Offi cers were dispatched to the 500 block of

Hawthorn Road May 19 for a driving complaint.

The parties involved were subsequently located and one was cited for disorderly conduct. • Offi cers responded to a personal injury accident involving a deer in the area of Woodduck

Trail and Main Street May 20. The driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. • Offi cers responded to a call of people stuck in an elevator in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway

May 20. The offi cers located the individuals and found they were ok, and the fi re division assisted with getting the elevator open. • Offi cers responded to a call of a possible impaired driver in the 100 block of Ash Street May 20. The vehicle was subsequently stopped and the driver was arrested for DWI. • Offi cers responded to a report of a possible hazardous materials incident in a parking lot in the 500 block of Apollo Drive May 20. Offi cers located a burst liquid CO2 line on a truck. The fi re division responded to assist. • Offi cers and fi refi ghters responded to several grass fi res near the 2200 block of I-35W May 22.

The Forest Lake Fire Department also assisted with putting the fi res out. • An offi cer took a damage to property report in the area of Holly Drive and 12th Avenue May 23. An unknown suspect damaged the victim's windshield on his vehicle. • An offi cer responded to a report of a sink hole in the road near Red Oak Lane and 20th Avenue

May 23. Cones were put out to warn motorists and pedestrians and the Anoka County Highway

Department was advised. • Offi cers received several driving complaints in the 7800 block of Lois Lane May 23. Extra patrol will be provided. • An offi cer responded to a damage to property report in the 1800 block of Birch Street May 23.

A vehicle was reported to drive through private property, causing damage. • The offi cer checked the area for the suspect vehicle but was unable to locate it. • An offi cer located a stolen vehicle traveling on

I-35E near Main Street May 24. When the offi cer attempted a traffi c stop, the vehicle fl ed and led other agencies in a pursuit. The vehicle was not located. • Offi cers responded to an assault at a juvenile facility located in the 7500 block of 4th Avenue

May 24. A juvenile male was arrested and booked into the regional juvenile center for fi fth-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

HUGO TREE CARE

Specializing in Diffi cult Removal 651-429-4705

www.hugotree.com

Certifi ed Arborist

Hometown heroes spring into action

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED CENTENNIALLAKESPOLICEDEPARTMENT|SUBMITTED

Members of the Centennial Lakes Police Department and the Lexington Fire Department were summoned to the 8900 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington for a cat stuck in a tree last week. Karma was located in a tree approximately 40 feet off the ground. Members of Lexington Fire used a ladder to reach Karma and safely return her to her owner.

Rehbein commercial development takes multiple steps forward

Centerville City Hall will have history corner

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — After a second public hearing that lasted 37 minutes, accompanied by approximately 100 letters from citizens — mostly opposed to various aspects of the Rehbein commercial development on Main Street — the Centerville City Council checked off most of the boxes for the three proposed developments to move forward at its May 26 meeting.

The only thing that prevented council from checking off every single one of the formalities was an abrupt end to the meeting due to technical Zoom diffi culties.

R&R Leasing Inc. (Rehbein Commercial) requested to plat two vacant parcels of land comprising 23.73 acres into six lots and to add a new street, all on the north side of Main Street between 20th and 21st avenues. Developers have purchased three of the six lots; the remaining three will remain vacant for the near future. A Kwik Trip station is proposed for a 4.47-acre lot, the NorBella Senior Living facility is proposed for a 4.3-acre lot and the Belleville Apartments are proposed for a 5.3-acre lot.

Before council and all meeting attendees were kicked off Zoom, council conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 113, Second Series amendments to the City Code, Chapter 156 & Table 156.A-1. This ordinance change will allow Kwik Trip to run a car wash as an accessory to their business. The fi rst reading and discussion of this ordinance change to the city code relating to car washes and vehicle sales and service was conducted at the April 28 meeting.

After the ordinance change was approved, a conditional use permit (CUP) for a car wash at the Kwik Trip, as an accessory use to their retail and fuel sales operation, could then be approved. The convenience store and retail fuel sales are permitted uses under the city code, and a site plan for them was approved at an earlier council meeting. A condition of the CUP for a car wash includes a provision to restrict its times of operation to a period between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Council will also ask the developer to explore additional sound mitigation.

NorBella Senior Living is a 40-unit assisted-living and memory care facility. For the project to move forward, council approved an ordinance rezoning the site from B-2 Main Street Commercial to B-1 Commercial, a CUP and fi ndings of fact for the developer to build a specialized care facility, and the site plan review. Approval of the CUP and fi ndings of fact were contingent on approval of the associated plat and rezoning, and the site plan review was contingent on the approval of the fi rst two actions.

“B-2 Main Street Commercial doesn't allow specialized care facilities, so it must be rezoned to B-1,” said City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz. “Then the CUP has to be approved, because it's necessary for the specialized care facility due to that use being listed as a conditional use.”

Council members expressed concern that the exterior of the complex might not look “robust” enough and requested that Rachel Development model the curbside appearance of NorBella to mirror its Prior Lake development aesthetically.

That's when everything at the virtual council meeting went dark.

Statz then announced through emails that council suspended action on four resolutions for the Belleville Landing Apartments site on Main Street until an emergency meeting called for 6:30 p.m. June 3 at City Hall. Apollo Development has proposed the Belleville Landing Apartments, a four-story, 103-unit apartment building on Lot 2, Block 2 of the Rehbein Commercial property.

The four resolutions on the table for that June 3 meeting include a Comprehensive Plan amendment rezoning the site of the proposed Belleville Landing Apartments from Commercial to Residential; the fi rst reading of an ordinance rezoning the site of the Belleville Landing Apartments from B-2 Main Street Commercial to R-3 High Density Residential; a CUP for a planned unit development (PUD) for Belleville Landing; and a site plan review for that development. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of recommending approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment, rezoning and site plan review.

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — Citizens have one more reason to come to City Hall once it is fully open.

Residents will also have more history to look at while attending city council meetings than just the lineup of former mayors that has graced the upper walls of council chambers for at least the past 15 years.

That is because the Anoka County Historical Society (ACHS) will provide professionally curated displays in council chambers starting in June. The display will feature existing archaeological and historical items donated to the city by members of the community.

The Centerville City Council at its May 12 meeting formally approved a memorandum of understanding with the ACHS for a history niche in council chambers at City Hall.

A history corner has long been near the top of council's wish list of design features for the new City Hall.

To that end, city staff has been working with the ACHS in an effort to provide professionally curated displays for the dedicated City Hall space on an ongoing basis. In return, the ACHS asked the city to furnish display hardware at a cost to the city of approximately $250. The general fund will be the source of funding. The ACHS also encouraged the city to become an offi cial member of the society, which would cost $150 annually.

On behalf of the ACHS, Executive Director Rebecca Ebnet-Desens expressed the historical society's appreciation for the “lovely partner” the city has been in their joint projects over the years.

Ebnet-Desens announced that Erin McBrien of the ACHS will serve as the new archivist and curator, working with City Administrator Mark Statz and the rest of city staff for access to the display case. The historical society will create a revolving display that will turn over every four to six months. Contents of future displays will include items from the ACHS collection or items on loan from area residents.

The historical society will continue to collect historical items from the community, compile oral histories, conduct school programs and kick start other public programming and interaction, Ebnet-Desens said.

11 12 13 Athlete of the Week*

*Athletes ch osen by press staff

CENTENNIAL SOCCER

Noah Berger is the leading scorer for the Centennial boys soccer team that won the Northwest Suburban Conference championship. Berger, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior, has the most goals (19) and the most assists (11) playing mid-fi eld and attacker, through 10 games (last game info not available). He’s a big reason the Cougars are 10-1 overall and fi nished 10-0 in conference.

Noah Berger Download and scan your way to rewards! 3045 White Bear Ave, Maplewood

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Waiting Child

Jonathan,15, has a contagious smile and a great sense of humor. He enjoys adult attention and is loyal to those he is close with. He can be very helpful especially when it comes to hands-on activities. He does well when he has a physical task to tackle, such as building something. Jonathan enjoys the outdoors where he can ride a four-wheeler, go biking and snowmobiling. His favorite activity is fi shing! Jonathan also likes animals and helps his foster parents with daily chores on their small farm. Jonathan is learning about gardening this summer and has his own garden beds to tend to. He also likes playing basketball and football. When he’s not outside, he can be found playing video games or working on building something. He is a very handson learner and enjoys taking things apart as well as reconstructing things. Jonathan needs a family who can provide structure, routine, and concrete expectations. He would prefer that he is either the youngest child or the only child in the home. He enjoys fi shing and doing other types of outdoor activities, so an active family would be ideal.