Bob” Marx, Marines, were recently honored during a pinning ceremony at Good Life Senior Living in Hugo. WWII Veteran Roger Holmstrom flew top secret, moonlit, night missions as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber, delivering humanitarian aid behind enemy lines. Holmstrom’s daughter Jenny Nelson and his son Bob Holmstrom, a Vietnam War veteran, joined the 100-year-old at the ceremony.
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
Lino Lakes resident Mitch Kisch makes sure his neighbors feel less alone.
According to his friend, Matt Hyden, Mitch has done one-off jobs around his community since he was a kid—building pools, moving furniture, mowing lawns. If someone needs a helping hand, Mitch is there to support them.
“He always makes sure you feel seen,” Toni Williams, Mitch’s friend, said. “He makes sure your birthdays are special. He’s just been a very genuine human being.”
Even after his diagnosis of acute leukemia in 2021, Mitch has continued doing fix-it projects when he can. “If somebody needs help, they’ll call him. He’s got his truck, and he’s there,” said Sandy Kisch, Mitch’s mother.
Now, however, Mitch needs
Mitch Kisch undergoes another round of treatment. SEE
someone to be there for him. He needs a bone marrow transplant and a way to pay his hospital bills. That is why Mitch’s friends are holding a public benefit from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 28,
Hugo Fire Department makes some changes to Capital Equipment Plan
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — A truck committee, which was tasked with evaluating the Hugo Fire Department’s (HFD) equipment Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), is recommending the city make some changes to the plan moving forward. One of the City Council’s goals for 2026 is to evaluate the CIP to accommodate future fire department engines. The truck committee, appointed by Chief Jim Compton Jr., completed a review of the department’s fleet, including maintenance costs, number of fire apparatus and replacement options. The committee has made some recommendations to the council including which vehicles should be phased out
and replaced with new vehicles with different capabilities. The recommendation also includes a new strategy that should equate to long-term cost savings for the city.
“They looked at a lot of different aspects of these trucks,” Compton said. He added that, per the city’s CIP, a large apparatus should last 30 years; a small apparatus, 20 years; and a chief squad, 10 years. Up next for replacement will be Brush 2 in 2026, Tender 1 in 2032 and Rescue 1 in 2034.
The committee is recommending that the city council consider a re-chassis strategy for its large apparatus. That means the stainless-steel truck box,
SEE CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PLAN, PAGE 7
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
A
Roger Strand, Army; Picollo “Cola” Mathison, Marines; Roger Holmstrom, Army Air Corps;
“Big
Sports announcer comments on 2026 Special Olympics USA Games gig
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
After 39 years as a sports announcer for NHL, minor-league baseball and University of Minnesota games, Lino Lakes resident Kirk Possehl is preparing for what he considers to be the apex of his career: announcing track and field events for the 2026 Special Olympics USA games. Special Olympics games mainly consist of individual or team sports with athletes who have intellectual disabilities.
While this is Possehl’s first time announcing for Special Olympics USA, Possehl has been volunteering for Special Olympics Minnesota for the past 27 years. The reason he keeps coming back, he said, is because of the people involved.
“I’ve been honored to be in that tight-knit group,” Possehl said, adding that he has stayed in touch with many of the athletes, sometimes for decades. “Two of the athletes I met back in 1999 … their nicknames are Batman and Robin. I still meet with them once a quarter, and we still have lunch. They’re still involved (with Special Olympics) as well.” Special
Olympics Minnesota, likewise, is honored the have Possehl in that tight-knit group.
“(Possehl) is a very passionate and connected volunteer,” said Special Olympics Minnesota Vice President of Development Relations Mark Anderson. “He is so connected, involved for so many years, that athletes recognize his voice, and they recognize him personally … Kirk has turned into a friend of special athletes across the state.”
Possehl stated that his involvement with the organization has changed his life for the better. “These people, they
want to be treated like regular people. They don’t want to be glad-handed and all that,” Possehl said.
Anderson agreed, adding that Special Olympics is much more competitive than the general public may assume. “They think we’re just out here having a good time, giving out hugs and high fives,” he said. “A good time absolutely comes from it, but it is a competitive event. Athletes train for months.” Anderson explained that Special Olympics Minnesota athletes have run marathons, hit holes-in-one and play basketball at a level that
catches the attention of college coaches.
Volunteering for Special Olympics Minnesota, meanwhile, is much less intense.
“For all of our event roles, no experience is needed,” said Special Olympics Minnesota Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Howlett. “One of the event roles for our summer games is a timer for track and field … We’ll give you a free T-Shirt. All you need to wear are some comfy, close-toed shoes, and we’ll teach you the rest.”
If a person just wants to attend the Special Olympics as a spectator, Possehl asserted that the games are just as exciting to watch as any live sporting event. “If our major league sports—Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves—had the same mentality and the same drive that Special Olympians had, we would be world champions every year.”
When attending the games that Possehl is announcing, spectators will see many traditional tack-and-field events as well as some that have been adapted for participants. “Shot put may turn into a tennis ball or a softball throw,” Possehl gave as an example.
COMING SOON STRAWBERRIES
Come out to Pine Tree Orchard to enjoy Minnesota Grown Strawberries. And those fresh strawberry pies and other treats from our bakery…Oh My! Call after June 15th for a harvest update. 651 429-7202
PINE TREE
Some of those adapted events are the ones Possehl finds most inspirational. Ten years ago, Possehl commented on an event called the 10-meter assisted walk. “These people are in wheelchairs, walkers, canes, anything like that,” Possehl explained. “If they fall, and (someone assists) them up, they’re disqualified.” One participant, a wheelchair user, was using a walker and fell, scraping his chin, knees and elbows. When the first aid team came to help, the athlete kicked them away.
“He put that walker back up on its feet, and he crawled up that walker using his upper body. He stood up and finished the race,” Possehl said. “When he crossed that finish line, he had a smile from New York to L.A. … That’s how 27 years goes by in a heartbeat.”
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games take place June 20-26 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. For more information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org/visitthe-games.
To learn how you can become a volunteer for Special Olympics Minnesota, visit specialolympicsminnesota. org/get-involved.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Kirk Possehl has been a sports announcer for Special Olympics Minnesota for 27 years. He will announce track and field events for the national games beginning June 20.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
LIONS VOLUNTEER PARK CONCERT
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8
Where: Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St N, Hugo Details: MT Pockets & Loose Change will perform a fun, dance-worthy blend of classic soul, R & B, Motown, swing and pop hits with multiple lead vocalists and a five-piece horn section. More information online at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. Contact: 651-762-6342
ONGOING EVENTS
CENTERVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Hidden Spring Park, 1601 LaMotte Drive, Centerville
Details: Local musicians perform at beautiful Hidden Spring Park from June to August each year. Bring your own lawn chairs and blanket. This week’s band is On Tap, a fourpiece acoustic-style band.
Contact: 651-429-3232
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.
Contact: Jim at 763-639-4756 or allenj4992@gmail.com
CRIBBAGE
When: 1 p.m. Monday, July 6, and the 1st and 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: Alice at 651-429-4413
FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, July 10
Where: Hugo Fire Department, 5323 140th St. N.
Details: Stop by to meet firefighters, go for a ride in a truck, jump in a bounce house and eat popcorn.
Contact: ci.hugo.mn.us
WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS
MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays
Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street
Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers market features more than 50 vendors.
Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651429-8526
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants.
CURRENT EVENTS
ARTISAN AND VENDOR FAIR
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Mariner Middle School, 3551 McKnight Road
Details: 100+ Minnesota crafters, makers, boutiques, and vendors. Contact: sunriseeventsandcraftshows.com
FISHING FUN
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Make lasting memories by the water with a hands-on fishing experience. Learn the basics of casting, baiting and reeling in the catch. After a quick lesson, you’ll enjoy plenty of time fishing. All equipment is provided. Participants ages 16 and up will need a fishing license. Contact: 763-324-3350
PADDLING SESSION
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Try different types of paddling equipment including kayaks, stand-up paddle
boards, and a MEGA board. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com/activities-events
PASTA FEED BENEFIT FOR MITCH KISCH
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: Kelly’s Korner Bar and Grill, 7098 Centerville Road, Centerville Details: Join us at Kelly's Korner for music, food and fun for a good cause. There will be a benefit meal, raffle prizes, open volleyball and live music on the patio from Shelle & Kelly of Line Dry. All proceeds go to support Mitch Kisch’s battle with leukemia.
Contact: 651-493-6626 or kellyskornerbarmn.com/contact
GIRL SCOUTS SUMMER ROBOT FUN
When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: Hanifl Fields Athletic Park, 7032 137th St. N., Hugo
Details: Join the White Bear Lake Community Girl Scouts as we build robots and form new troops in the White Bear Lake/Hugo area just for girls entering grades K-3.
Contact: 651-303-1584 or forms.gle/ YepMmHospoKzejCT8
MANITOU TRIATHLON
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.
Details: Early season trithlon offers a distance option for every level. Post race bbq and awards. Registration information online. Contact: mmraces.com/manitou-tri
KEEGANS 5K FOR CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS AWARENESS
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: West Park, 2350 11th St.
Details: Noncompetitive 5K run/ walk along the lake organized by local family, with proceess benefitting Cranio Care Bears. Contact: sites.google.com/site/keegans5kforcranioawareness
COMEDI IN MAHTOMEDI
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2 Where: Dugout Bar, 96 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi
Details: Monthly standup show hosted by local comedian and promoter Nate Hood. Food and beverages available for purchase. Contact: 651-440-9128
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
When: 8-11 p.m. Friday, July 4
Where: Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band performs in West Park, followed by a flyover of the WWII North American AT-6 at 8:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Contact: manitoudays.com
CHURCH DIRECTORY
VitalWay Digital celebrates 1st year of growth, impact
Digital marketing agency VitalWay Digital is marking its first year in business after a year of growth that included a company acquisition, an expanded client base and the addition of local and national talent.
Founded by Chris DuFresne in 2024, VitalWay Digital provides digital marketing services to organizations seeking to grow their visibility and engagement. The agency offers services including digital strategy, website design and development, creative design, search engine optimization, social media marketing and email marketing.
One of the company's most significant developments came in March 2025 when it acquired Miron Communications from Hugo resident Gerard Miron. Miron Communications has operated in the marketing industry for more than two decades. The acquisition expanded VitalWay Digital's capabilities and client portfolio.
The agency's workforce includes employees from across the country, with three team members residing in White Bear Lake and Hugo. Company leaders said the local presence reflects a commitment to investing in the communities the business serves while leveraging specialized expertise from a broader national network.
"Our vision has always been to help good people, doing good work, do more good," DuFresne said. "This past year has been about building meaningful partnerships, delivering measurable results and staying grounded in the values that matter."
VitalWay Digital operates with a flexible staffing model that allows organizations to access digital marketing resources without maintaining large inhouse teams. The company also emphasizes client ownership of data and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as part of its service offerings.
As it enters its second year, the agency plans to continue expanding its services and strengthening relationships with organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond.
For more information, visit vitalwaydigital.com.
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
CONTRIBUTED
VitalWay Digital Hugo area employees (left to right): Megan Gaul, Rebecca Reynolds, Chris DuFresne and Cheryl Viker.
Summer in full swing
With one parade under our belt and these hot, humid temperatures, it sure feels like summer is here.
My co-workers and I had a blast kicking off the season with the Hugo Good Neighbor Days Parade in my VW Bus, Bernice. She is always a hit, but my corgi, Twinkie, likely stole the show riding in her own pink VW mini bus.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
Fun fact — Twinkie’s mini-bus actually predates Bernice. I stumbled across it while shopping one day, prior to having my son, and I remember at the time thinking, ‘Am I crazy for buying this for my dog?’” When I was checking out, I even pretended that I was purchasing it for a niece (that didn’t exist).
But ever since that day, I’ve been reminded about why that was one of the best purchases I have ever made. That little bus, along with the real one that came years later, brings so much joy to people. We have car shows, birthday surprises, senior visits and parades.
During the Good Neighbor Days parade, we handed out newspapers, community insiders, stickers, candy and smiles. Along the route, I heard many people ask about how Twinkie was driving her bus. I think my favorite comment was from a young kid who was responding to his friend’s question. His friend asked, “How is that dog driving?” and he responded, “She’s driving with her butt.” That sure made me giggle, especially since corgi butts are known to be pretty magical.
Before the parade, I also enjoyed meeting Tracy Colbeth, the 2026 Good Neighbor of the Year. Colbeth volunteers for Hugo Post 620’s Auxiliary and is a longtime waitress at Beartown in White Bear Lake. She’s been known to donate stuffed animals to local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. We could all use a neighbor like Tracy.
Father’s Day
Ever since I lost my dad at the age of 22 in 2015, I’ve come to dread Father’s Day. It always sneaks up on me, and all the emotions of that grave loss hit me all at once.
He has been gone for over a decade, but the day is still hard for me because he should be here. So much has happened since we had to say goodbye. June 7 would have marked my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary.
I think about my dad all the time, but especially this time of year. Last week, while I was walking around Berwood Park in Vadnais Heights to find families to interview for our Father’s Day issue, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. On my way home, I saw a beautiful rainbow, and I’d like to think that was him letting me know that he is checking in on me every now and then.
Now that I have a son, the day has some joy to it too because we have someone else to celebrate. Shout out to my husband, Patrick, who really is the coolest dad ever. He can fix just about anything, drives cool cars, makes yummy snacks, reads the best books and always makes sure to spend time with his son. It is thanks to him and my father-in-law that we were able to save our son’s playset in our recent move. We love you, Patrick!
If you are lucky enough to still have your dad by your side, please spend some time with him and make sure he knows how much you love him while you still can. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there-we moms appreciate you.
Shannon Granholm is managing editor at Press Publications.
Common ground and real results for our
The 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, and I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish for our community.
Legislator
Lingo
Heather Gustafson
Perhaps my biggest priority for this session, the Legislature finally passed my bill to create an Office of Inspector General (OIG). This new independent office – the most significant anti-fraud measure in state history – will act as a government watchdog, protecting tax dollars from bad actors and safeguarding the programs and services that Minnesotans rely on. Along with this new office, we enacted stronger program security measures and funded the modernization of IT systems, so that our state agencies and counties can more
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easily detect and stop fraud. This is good governance, and our state will be stronger for it.
We also passed over $1.2 billion in funding for essential infrastructure needs across the state — roads, bridges, public works, water treatment facilities, parks, recreation and more. The package includes $4.75 million for improvements to the Vadnais Boulevard Trail, which I was proud to fight for.
The rising cost of living in America is hitting all of us. While I can’t control what happens in Washington, I will keep doing what I can to help Minnesotans. This session, we worked to directly address the cost of living and passed bills to ban AI-driven dynamic pricing based on your personal data, hold insurance companies accountable for covering more of your health care, and curb corporate ownership of nursing homes and single-family homes. Unfortunately, these measures did not pass the House.
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district
However, we did secure over $125 million in one-time property tax relief, reduced vehicle registration fees to put money back in your pocket, and delivered $40 million for family homelessness prevention and $13 million for supportive housing for vulnerable Minnesotans. There is more work to do, and many affordability proposals stalled despite broad public support, but I'll keep pushing.
As one of the most bipartisan Senators in Saint Paul, I'll keep working with anyone who is serious about solutions, because my job is simple: keep essentials affordable, make communities safer, and make sure our government works for you, not special interests.
Minnesota Sen. Heather Gustafson represents District 36, which includes Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Gem Lake, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Township and Birchwood Village.
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Washington County is collecting used school supplies for a school supply swap on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Drop off donations now through Aug.1 at a Washington County Environmental Center in Forest Lake or Woodbury during open hours. Donations should be gently used items that students would normally discard at the end of the school year.
County receives grant for Square Lake Park improvements
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an $870,351 Parks and Trails Legacy grant agreement with the State of Minnesota for improvements at Square Lake Park. The grant allows the county to be reimbursed for eligible park improvement costs. Planned work includes rehabilitation of existing facilities, accessibility improvements, parking and road upgrades, trail work, stormwater management, beach areas, fishing piers and boat launch improvements.
Parks and Trails Legacy funding is provided through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, a constitutional amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008. The amendment dedicates a portion of the state sales tax through 2034 to four funds, including the Parks and Trails Fund, which supports parks and trails of regional and statewide significance.
A share of these dollars flows to the metropolitan regional park system for capital improvements, and Washington County receives an allocation as a regional park implementing agency. Square Lake Park is designated by the Metropolitan Council as a regional "Special Recreation Feature," a status reserved for sites with exceptional natural resources — in this case, Square Lake's outstanding water quality.
Staff from the Public Health and Environment Department and the Sheriff’s Office were recognized by the County Board for the LPHA Program Spotlight Award for the Jail Parenting Program.
County staff receive award for innovative Jail Parenting Program
The Local Public Health Association (LPHA) awarded Washington County’s Public Health and Environment Department the LPHA Program Spotlight Award for the Jail Parenting Program. The Jail Parenting Program strives to help incarcerated parents maintain meaningful connections with their children — promoting family well-being, mitigating the trauma of family separation and reducing recidivism upon release.
The Program Spotlight Award recognizes programs or initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation in local public health. This award highlights outstanding work and shares impactful strategies and success stories throughout the LPHA network.
In 2024, the family home visiting team shifted to a cohort model and implemented a new curriculum better aligned with participant needs. They then went a step further by adapting the Circle of Security curriculum specifically for the jail setting — recognizing that participants may not immediately be able to apply new parenting skills. These thoughtful modifications emphasize reflection, group discussion and practical application in future
SCHOOL BOARD NOTES
• Joy Mulch will join district staff as the executive assistant to Superintendent Jeff Holmberg. Previously, Mulch served as the executive assistant of the superintendent at Forest Lake as well as a paraprofessional in the Forest Lake School District.
• A new position has been created following board approval. The position will be for an MTSS Specialist TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment). According to Executive Director of Human Resources Dan Melde, this position was established through a grant awarded to Centennial Public Schools by the Minnesota Department of Education. This will support the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), with a focus on improving student achievement and providing professional learning and support for staff. The grant is for two years.
• The Language Access Plan for Centennial Public Schools has been approved by the board. The plan ensures families who speak languages other than English have equitable access to school information through translation, interpretation, multilingual staff support and communication tools supporting more than 65 languages across the district, according to Mark Grossklaus, executive director of teaching and learning. The plan aligns with Minnesota Statute 123B.32.
• The 2025-26 Q Comp Annual Report was presented to the board by Gifted Services Resource Teacher Casey Molitor and Dave Mundale, a science teacher at Centennial Middle School. According to Mundale, Centennial is one of 111 school districts that participates in the Q Comp Program. The Centennial Alternative Compensation System (CACS) provides additional compensation for educators based upon student achievement and teacher performance. In the district, there are 82 Professional Learning Communities (PCLs) or Collaborative Teams (CT). During the school year, staff work with their PLC and students to attain a Student Learning Goal set by a certified staff member. According to Molitor and Mundale, 96.8% of staff members met their Student Learning Goal for 2025-26. Each building also sets a site goal related to literacy in October for the school year. For the 2025-26
interactions, including limited or brief visits with children.
Between 2013 and 2025, more than 250 parenting groups were held at the county jail, reaching 629 fathers and 305 mothers. It is estimated that this work has positively impacted up to 2,500 children, with nearly 50 parents participating in Circle of Security groups since their launch in 2024.
County Board approves construction contract for Lake Elmo Avenue/Highway 36 Interchange project
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $27,313,659 contract with Ames Construction for construction on the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue)/Trunk Highway (TH) 36 interchange project. Located within the city of Lake Elmo and the city of Grant, the current intersection has an extensive crash history, and traffic volumes and congestion continue to increase on both Hwy 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue. The project will construct a grade-separated crossing of TH 36 over Lake Elmo Avenue, a new frontage road, and new exit and entrance ramps.
The county received four bids, with Ames Construction as the lowest
school year, four of 11 sites met their goal.
• The fiscal year 2028 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Plan has been approved by the board. On a yearly basis, the school board updates the LTFM and indicates its intention to levy the LTFM funds. According to Executive Director of Business Services Patrick Chaffey, this is a 10-year plan that levies the maximum for the LTFM so the district can maximize state aid. Currently, Chaffey is working with the director of building grounds to finalize the necessary documents for future board approval consideration.
• The district will once again partner with Advanced Imaging Solutions to provide print management services following board approval. Advanced Imaging Solutions has been providing print management services for the last five years to the district. The agreement cost will be around $8,742 per month, for a five-year term and includes the non-appropriation clause as required by state statute.
• Holmberg provided the board with an update regarding the district’s policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and its use. The policy will establish guidelines for the responsible use of AI to enhance teaching, learning and efficiency, while upholding academic integrity, protecting privacy and ensuring equitable access for all students and staff. In the policy it states “(T)he school district supports AI use as an augmentative tool, not an autonomous decision maker (following the Human-AI-Human or H-AI-H model) to enhance teaching, learning and administrative efficiency. This policy will apply to all AI use by students and staff, on and off campus. After discussion, the board ultimately decided to adopt the policy in a 6-0 vote.
• Contributions to Centennial Elementary, Centerville Elementary, Golden Lake Elementary, Centennial Middle School and Centennial High School were accepted by the board.
• Board Chair Tom Knisely has reported Holmberg has received a positive evaluation. The evaluation is measured on five standards, according to Knisley. These standards have five or six questions, which Holmberg received proficient or distinguished.
bidder. The scope of the construction contract includes:
A grade-separated crossing of TH 36
• Ramps to provide access
• Retaining walls to limit impacts to private properties and wetlands
• Storm water treatment facilities
• Pedestrian facilities
• Intersection controls for frontage roads
• Frontage road addition on the south side
In addition to the construction contract, the board approved two agreements with the city of Lake Elmo. The first is a cost agreement defining design and construction responsibilities and allocating costs consistent with the county's cost participation policy. The second is a maintenance agreement defining ongoing maintenance responsibilities between the county and city. Construction begins this month and is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2027.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
The Hugo Senior Club recently honored and thanked Barb Connoly for her many years of service to the organization. She served as president of the club for the past 12 years. During her service, she supported the club's commitment to provide a way for Hugo seniors to socialize through enrichment classes, day trips, guest speakers, low impact personalized exercise classes and monthly activities such as luncheons, cribbage and 500 card games.
During the evaluation, the board also went over the goals it had set for Holmberg to achieve during the course of the school year. Knisley reported Holmberg did an “outstanding” job on the goals.
Madeline Dolby
CENTENNIAL
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following calls for service in Hugo:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responding to a 911 hang up call from the 4000 block of Rosemary Way at 6:29 a.m. May 3 - as they must check out all such calls - encountered an uncooperative female. A male party also stated that no crime had been committed and refused to say where the female was located. The female returned the phone call to deputies, only to remain uncooperative.
• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 1:49 p.m. May 3 in the 5000 block of 152nd Street N., after deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle.
• Mail theft was reported at 7:34 p.m. May 3 from the 15000 block of Freedom Drive N. Another theft case was reported at 2:43 p.m. May 5 from the 10000 block of 122nd Street N.
• The driver of a black sedan was reported for watching juveniles at a bus stop at 2:40 p.m. May 4 near Fairoaks Avenue N. and Empress Avenue N.
• A motorist received a citation at 5:16 p.m. May 4 at the intersection of Elmcrest Avenue N. and Rosemary Way N. for equipment and moving violations. A second motorist was cited at 9:37 p.m. May 5 on Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. for registration that expired in 2024. A third motorist received a written warning at 7:04 p.m. May 6 in the 4000 block of Frenchman Road for cellphone use at an intersection. A fourth motorist was cited at 8:11 a.m. May 7 on Forest Blvd. N. and 145th Street N. for an undisclosed moving violation.
• An assault incident was reported at 5:35 p.m. May 4 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N.
• A dog bite case was reported at 7:13 p.m. May 4 in the 12000 block of Illies Avenue N.
• A suspicious male reported for walking through the backyards of residences near Goodview Avenue N. and 151st Street N. at 1:55 a.m. May 7 turned out to be a young man who said he was trying to meet with his girlfriend. Deputies advised the male that he needed to leave immediately as he was upsetting the girl’s parents.
• Residents in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. called the WCSO at 11:30 a.m. May 7 to complain about the citation they had received in the mail. Deputies advised them about why they received the citation, but their explanation wasn’t good enough for the complainants.
• A hit and run accident was reported at 1:45 p.m. May 7 in the Festival Foods parking lot in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. An on-scene witness provided a license plate number that didn’t match the vehicle involved. Deputies gave the victim a case number for insurance purposes and promised to conduct follow up research to locate the driver of the offending vehicle.
• After deputies responded to the scene of a single vehicle rollover at 3:24 p.m. May 7 in the 4000 block of 170th Street N., they cited the driver for falling asleep behind the wheel.
• Deputies issued a trespassing notice at 7:16 p.m.
May 7 in the 7000 block of 132nd Street N.
• In the Case of the Gallivanting Gelding, a horse running loose was reported at 7:59 a.m. May 8 in the 12000 block of Keller Avenue N. The reporter, who maintained facilities for horses, agreed to look after the loose horse until its owner could be found. At 9:04 a.m. May 8 the owner of the lost horse reported the horse missing from the 9000 block of 130th Street N. Deputies brokered the arrangements to reconnect the horse with its owner.
• A baby was reported stuck inside a room in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 8:28 a.m. May 8. Deputies successfully freed the stuck baby without issue.
• A motorist pulled over for failing to move over for deputies on a traffic stop on the shoulder of Frenchman Road at Everton Avenue N. at 3:32 p.m. May 8 was arrested for driving without a license and for failure to provide proof of insurance. For good measure the subject was also cited for the violations.
• Deputies cited a motorist at 4:44 p.m. May 8 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road for windshield violation and for two occupants not wearing a seatbelt. They cited a second motorist at 5:50 p.m. May 8 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. for being on the phone and nearly causing an accident with patrolling deputies. A third motorist was issued a written warning for illegal windshield tint at 8:32 p.m. May 9 in the 13000 block of Forest Blvd. N.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol removed a cement chunk from the middle of the roundabout on Highway 61 at 170th Street N. at 9:56 a.m. May 10 and deposited it onto the shoulder.
• Deputies were dispatched out the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 7:28 p.m. May 10 to see about juvenile males shooting Orbeez balls at other kids. The youths were contacted and advised about their behavior.
• A vehicle reported stolen at 6:01 a.m. May 11 from the 15000 block of French Drive N. turned out to have been towed by the complainant’s HOA for parking inappropriately. Another vehicle was reported parked in front of a fire hydrant in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road at 8:27 a.m. May 11 and the owner summoned to remove it immediately.
• A female was reported for trying to pay with a bounced check at 11:09 a.m. May 11 at the O’Reilly Auto Parts store in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. Deputies surmised that the same suspect may have paid with a fake check at three different locations over the weekend. After buying the items, the woman would turn right around and go to a new store to return the items for cash. The bounced check wasn’t discovered until after the weekend when service was refused to the woman. She fled the store without any merchandise.
• A motorist was arrested at 5:14 p.m. May 11 on Freeland Avenue N. and Oneka Lake Blvd. N. for multiple traffic violations, following a traffic stop for multiple equipment infractions. At first, the driver received only a citation for the equipment violations, then drove away from the stop in a reckless manner. He was arrested after the second traffic stop.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited at midnight May 12 on Forest Blvd. N. and 125th Street N. for muffler violation and disturbing the peace, after deputies on patrol observed a vehicle with excessively loud exhaust driving through the neighborhood. The driver said she would soon be getting a part to modify the exhaust.
• Deputies responding to a complaint of someone yelling loudly in the woods in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. at 4:33 p.m. May 12 located some juveniles at a nearby park mildly yelling. Deputies determined that the high winds
must have amplified and directed the kids’ yelling into the complainant’s ears.
• A resident in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. reported being hit by a gel blaster that a juvenile had been pointing at other kids at 6:03 p.m. May. 12.
• A motorist pulled over for speeding in a 35-mph zone on Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. at 9:35 p.m. May 12 was cited for driving after revocation, after deputies made the discovery during the traffic stop. A vehicle parked in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. was cited at midnight May 13 for displaying tabs that expired in February.
• Residents in the 12000 block of Fondant Court at 12:58 p.m. May 13 reported receiving toll citations from a trailer they had sold. Deputies advised the complainant to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as the states the toll citations came from.
• Deputies cited a motorist on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. at 6:48 p.m. May 13 for driving after revocation, after their suspicions led to a traffic stop. Their suspicions about the driver’s revoked status were confirmed after deputies also discovered a sign and release warrant out on him. A new court date was set for the driver, and he was released with the citation.
• In the Case of the Chasing Shih Tzu, a citizen reported an off-leash Shih Tzu with long grey hair trying to bite her at 12:31 p.m. May 14.
• Deputies received a neighbor dispute complaint at 6:05 p.m. May 15 from the 4000 block of 149th Street N, about two neighbors across the street taking turns calling on each other for minor noise issues that no other neighbor would complain about. On the other hand, the report may have come from one of those neighbors having enough already and complaining about the ongoing dispute
• The driver of a blue dump truck was cited at 6:14 p.m. May 15 on Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. for unsafe driving behavior after deputies on patrol observed the large truck turn northbound on Highway 61 from Frenchman Road while the light was solid red and traffic was waiting for the chance to go ahead on their green light.
• A juvenile motorist was cited at 1:34 a.m. May 16 on Highway 61 and 152nd Street N. for underage drinking and driving. The girl’s mother was called out in the middle of the night to pick her up.
• Deputies responded to an abandoned 911 call at 3:18 p.m. May 16 from the 6000 block of 145th Street N., as they are required to do. They could hear idle chatter over the lines, which didn’t sound at all emergent, but they could not break into the conversation to alert the oblivious callers that they had dialed 911 and deputies were listening.
• A motorist was cited at 9:39 p.m. May 16 in the 7000 block of 170th Street N. for speeding 81 mph in a 55mph zone.
Loretta Harding
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT PLAN: Hugo Fire Department modifies 5-year plan
FROM PAGE 1
fire pump and tank would be reused, but a new truck chassis would be installed. Compton noted that they have been told you can only re-chassis a truck once in its lifespan.
“We are proposing a 25-year re-chassis cycle and then a 50-year new build, which would likely lead to a 30 to 40% savings in that truck over its lifetime,” he said. “These are very expensive trucks.”
The committee is also recommending that the council consider consolidating some of its multipurpose trucks, a practice the department has done previously. For example, in 2008, HFD turned two trucks (an engine and tanker) into one engine, and in 2019, the department decided to combine its engine and ladder. This time around, HFD intends to consolidate three trucks into two and to reduce its fleet by one large apparatus. “It will lower the annual and long-term cost to the city. We are expecting to save up to $1.5 million on not replacing that one particular truck, but the expenses would come earlier than expected,” Compton explained.
The truck committee recommends combining Rescue 1 and Tender 1, which would give the truck “heavy rescue capabilities” and resemble Engine 1. It would also add rural water operations.
“The way that we have been fighting fires in the northeast metro has changed over the last several years in that those types of tenders are becoming more obsolete, so the pumper tanker option, so you can actually pump water to another truck, is more the way about doing this,” he explained. A current new build price tag for the truck, if it were to be replaced today, would be $1.2 to $1.5 million.
The committee also recommends combining some of Rescue 1 and all of Brush 2. The multipurpose vehicle would then be able to respond to light rescue, medical and brush fire calls. He said that by limiting the use of larger trucks, it will minimize the cost to the city.
“The department no longer sees a need for a rescue truck, the large box truck. Things have changed over the last 20 years, and we just don’t see the need for that,” he said. “We think we can go down to smaller, less expensive vehicles.”
HUGO BITS & PIECES
• Kimberly Johnson has been appointed to serve as an associate member on the Historical Commission. Her term will expire Dec. 31, 2027.
• A joint powers agreement (JPA) is now in place between the city of Hugo and the city of Lino Lakes. Both cities mutually agree the paving on Elmcrest Avenue/24th Avenue is prudent given the existing and future traffic on this gravel roadway. The JPA identifies an equal cost share for the road improvements, design and future maintenance responsibilities. Construction costs are estimated to be $684,000 and will be split evenly. The cost share will be based on actual costs for both construction and engineering for this segment of roadway only.
• Ducks Unlimited Coon Rapids Chapter 187 has applied for a lawful gambling exempt permit to hold Bingo and raffles at an event Sunday, Sept. 20 at Hugo American Legion Post 620. Now that the permit has been approved by the
HFD is requesting the council approve the purchase of a 2024 brush/light rescue Ford F550 from CET in Canada. The truck has a 300-gallon tank with a brush skid unit with a pump, as well as enclosed compartments for the storage of equipment. The truck became available due to a canceled order in 2024 and other cities that were unable to finance it. HFD could purchase the truck from Fire Safety USA for $250,000. HFD could expect to take delivery of that truck in July. The original price tag was $310,000.
The chief noted that one of the reasons why consolidation is so important is because of rising maintenance costs. Each of the department’s vehicles are annually inspected by the city’s mechanic and given ratings of 1 to 5. The mechanic recommended that the city lower its replacement schedule for a large apparatus from 30 years down to 25 years.
Council input
City Council Member Mike Miron asked about which of HFD’s trucks would be eligible for a re-chassis. Compton explained that both Engine 1 and the city’s ladder truck could be re-chassied once replacement comes due.
City Council Member Dave Strub expressed some concern of planning for the re-chassis option if it ends up not being possible. “I’m concerned about the risk of planning on a re-chassis when we aren’t positive that a re-chassis can happen, especially five or six years from now. How long does that take the unit out of service, and how do we cover the need while the body is being re-chassied?” he asked.
Compton said he wasn’t sure on the exact timeline, but a re-chassis would put the truck out of service for “significantly less time” than a full rebuild. While the truck would be out of commission, the department would not have to worry, thanks to its auto aid agreements that are already in place with neighboring departments.
City Council Member Mike Miron said re-chassis sounds like a “very attractive option.” He asked for more information on what would happen if a re-chassis wasn’t possible, but the funds for a full replacement were not included in the current CIP. City Administrator Bryan Bear responded, “This is always a
City Council, it will be issued by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
• Verizon Wireless, located at 14755 Victor Hugo Blvd., applied for a special event permit to host a backpack giveaway event in its parking lot from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 26. Verizon received permission from the chief manager of Victor Hugo Boulevard, LLC, for use of a portion of the lot for this event. The event requires a special event permit approved by council because 200 to 300 are expected to attend.
• The city has hired Sphero’s Environmental to complete part 1 (of 2) of its Wellhead Protection Plan (WHP) for $29,400. The state of Minnesota’s WHP Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, requires all public water suppliers to develop local WHP programs to protect local groundwater and drinking water sources. The goal of the plan is to identify and manage potential sources of contamination in areas
moving system. When needs like that come up, we are going to have to make adjustments. If the re-chassis isn’t possible in 25 years, maybe we are back to the 30-year replacement schedule again … We will have some time to make those decisions and make financial preparations.”
Council Member Becky Petryk wanted to know whether there would be a warranty on the 2024 Ford F550. Compton said there is a full warranty on the Ford F550 and there would also be a full warranty on the new chassis and work performed for the re-chassis.
Mayor Tom Weidt wanted to know whether all of the HFD staff would fit on trucks if it downsizes its fleet. Compton explained that the department hasn’t had any issues with that so far and doesn’t anticipate that being an issue. If the need were to arise in the future, the department could invest in some utility vehicles, which would be a significantly cheaper option.
Deputy Chief Dave Jensen said the recommended consolidation would reduce the number of seats from 38 to 30. Currently, the department is staffed at 20. That seat number also doesn’t include the three chief vehicles.
“(Getting) 50 years out of one of those bodies would be incredible,” Weidt said. “Of course, technology is evolving, and that might curtail or change the path of some of this, but if it worked out, that would be great.” Weidt added that he was okay with the purchase of the 2024 Ford F550, but wanted to make sure the department does its due diligence to make sure that nothing has deteriorated on the truck while it has been sitting and not being used. “We want to make sure we are not buying problems before we get it,” he said.
The council ultimately approved the purchase of the new truck and authorized city staff to adjust the CIP to include the re-chassis model and reduce the lifespan of large apparatus from 30 years to 25 years. This summer, HFD will try to sell Rescue 1 and Brush 2, and the city will purchase the 2024 Ford F550.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
that supply water to the city’s wells. The plans are to be amended approximately every 10 years in accordance with the Minnesota Wellhead Protection Rule.
The WHP has two parts. Part 1, in general, includes development of a hydrogeologic model, assessment of well and aquifer vulnerability and delineation of a Drinking Water Supply Management Area. Part 2 is a planning document, taking information from Part 1, and identifying management strategies for potential contaminant sources. The city’s deadline to complete both parts is March 31, 2029. Each part can take approximately one year to complete. complete the work. Part 2 will be addressed separately once Part 1 has been completed.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6 at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
Neighbors, business owners defend local business
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — The owner of a motor vehicle repair business has agreed to make some changes to the business site in an effort to have less impact on his neighbors.
Terry Luedeke has applied for an interim use permit (IUP) for Terry’s Repair, located at 17627 Henna Ave. N in Hugo. He requested the same IUP conditions that were approved back in 2013. He is also requesting the approval of a site plan for the relocation of the existing driveway and installation of a fence.
“The IUP is set to expire June 24, 2026. Notices were sent … and a public hearing was requested for the renewal,” Community Development Director Rachel Juba explained.
Permit history
The City Council first approved an IUP for the homebased auto repair business in 2011. Early reviews found violations involving vehicle storage and other permit conditions, prompting concerns from neighboring property owners. However, after additional monitoring and compliance reviews, the permit was renewed several times, including approval of an accessory building expansion in 2013.
Juba said that, for many years, the city received no complaints and permit renewals were handled by city staff. Since 2023, however, staff has received three formal complaints related to vehicle storage and large trucks using the neighbor’s driveway to the north. Staff inspections confirmed some violations involving vehicle and equipment storage, which were corrected after city intervention.
“Mr. Luedeke does clean up the property when we send letters and do site visits, however the maneuvering of large trucks on the neighbor’s driveway remains an issue,” Juba explained. She added that the proposed driveway relocation, fencing and landscaping could reduce impacts on surrounding properties and eliminate the need for trucks to use the neighboring driveway.
Public hearing
Luedeke explained that he started the business in 2008. (He was required to get IUP approval in 2011 after the city received complaints.) He noted that when his neighbor John Davis purchased his home in 2013, the business was already established. He pointed out that the business didn’t receive any complaints from 2013 to 2023.
For many years, Luedeke said the two were friends. At one point, Davis even worked for him. “How did we get from being good neighbors to where we are now? I wish I knew what triggered the problem,” Luedeke said.
CONSTRUCTION BRIEFS
Road
closures on 20th Avenue, eastbound County Road J Twentieth Avenue is closed at County Road J. Eastbound County Road J is closed between the southbound I-35E entrance ramp and northbound I-35E exit ramp.
Traffic traveling eastbound on County Road J from Centerville Road will have full access to the theater shops and entrance ramp to I-35E south. Traffic cannot cross the County Road J bridge over I-35E.
Luedeke pointed out he submitted the site plan for the driveway relocation, fence and landscaping “in an attempt to appease” his neighbors. “It may or may not fix the problem but I’m willing to work with them and it’s going to come at a cost of about $40,000,” he said. “I do not believe that my business is the root of the problem.”
Davis said his concerns are not personal but relate to compatibility between the business and nearby residential properties.
“This is not a small, hobby, home auto repair business. This is a large-scale, 24/7 heavy diesel truck repair facility … I don’t see it as a residential home with a small shop attached. I see it as an industrial facility with a house adjacent to it,” he said. “... What is relevant is whether or not this facility is compatible with the residential environment and whether or not the IUP will be enforced sufficiently.”
Several residents, business owners and customers spoke in support of Terry’s Repair, describing it as a valuable community asset and praising Luedeke’s willingness to help farmers, contractors, businesses and municipal departments with emergency repairs. Some speakers suggested the city approve a five-year permit rather than requiring annual review.
Cory Triemert has lived next to the business for 14 years and said he has never experienced any issues.
“The shop has been a positive asset to our community. I have never experienced any issues that have negatively affected my property, quality of life or enjoyment of my home,” Triemert said. “The shop has operated responsibly, has been a good neighbor and demonstrated a commitment to serving the community … Forcing this business to absolve or relocate would have a significant negative impact on many individuals, businesses, farmers and municipal departments that rely on its services.”
Neighbor Brent Krause said Luedeke has been a fantastic neighbor who is always willing to help in times of need. He questioned whether the most recent complaints were from Davis or other neighbors.
Former Council Member Frank Puleo, who supported the original permit, said businesses operating under interim or conditional use permits should be given reasonable flexibility to address compliance issues.
“We have a tendency to say all these businesses … need to be 100% perfect. It’s not going to happen,” he said. “You can go to any business around here, including mine, and at any time find something that they are not compliant with. Sometimes it is out of their control. They have to have time to react to things.”
Hugo resident Jeremy L’Allier was one of the first residents to be granted an IUP. “I know what Terry is going through. Back then it was a two-year deal and every two years I had a neighbor across the street who would complain and every two years I would jump
Westbound traffic on County Road J is open from Otter Lake Road to Centerville Road. Traffic will be able to access southbound I-35E.
Traffic exiting I-35E will be able to go westbound to the theater shops and Centerville Road. Traffic can also go eastbound from the ramp to Otter Lake Road.
Starting the week of June 22, crews will begin working on grading the new County Road J southbound exit ramp and will begin installing railing on the new County Road J bridge.
through hoops; the bar just kept moving,” L’Allier said. “It is really hard to try to be compliant when the bar keeps moving.”
Joe Riel, owner of White Bear Lawn & Snow, said there is “no better asset” for this community than Terry’s Repair. He explained that his business provides services to large commercial properties and when he needs equipment fixed on short notice, he knows where to turn.
“The city of Hugo is based on industry, especially rural Hugo… If Terry goes away who is next? Who do you guys push out next?” Riel questioned. He pointed out that since the pandemic, parts have been harder to come by; if vehicles are sitting on a property, it is likely because the business owner is waiting on parts.”
Council input
City Council Member Becky Petryk was on the council when the original IUP was approved. “There have been surprisingly few complaints that have been elevated to the council level,” she said. “I’m very supportive of Terry and I’m really appreciative of the fact that he has already started on the improvements and the changes to minimize the impact on his neighbor. It was very nice that other neighbors have come forward and said they don’t feel the same negative impacts.”
Council Member Dave Strub favored a one-year extension to ensure the driveway project is completed, while Council Member Ben Krull supported a five-year permit and enforcement through the existing complaint process if future issues arise.
Mayor Tom Weidt said he felt the proposed changes to the driveway would make a big difference and thanked Luedeke for his willingness to do them.
“The city is not shutting people down. We are following a process so we can allow this stuff to happen without harassment,” Weidt said. “It went well for a decade … Now we have a situation that has nothing to do with the city, but with two neighbors that are unhappy with each other.”
Ultimately, the council decided to table the IUP. Luedeke has until Sept. 1 to complete the improvements. Once those improvements are made, the council will then consider a five-year IUP for the business on the consent agenda.
“As a neighbor, you have to be understanding of what you moved next to. If Terry is respectful within reason of the neighbor, and the neighbor is respectful within reason of Terry’s business … this thing should be just fine,” Weidt said. “If you can’t be respectful of each other and the business, this will continue to percolate, and we will be back in here.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
The week of June 29, crews will continue grading the 20th Avenue intersection and installing storm sewers under the new west roundabout.
Hodgson
Road gets repaved
The City of Lino Lakes is performing a street overlay on Hodgson Road from Rohavic Lane to Ware Road. Overlays include placing a new layer of bituminous material on top of an existing asphalt surface. This strategy provides a structural improvement to the roadway. Roadway and driveway access will be
limited during construction. Please plan on additional time coming and going throughout the day.
The City of Lino Lakes uses door hangers as a means of communicating immediate construction activities, such as temporary water shut off notices. Door hangers are typically placed on the front door knobs.
A city representative, Jordan Brelje, will be on-site to oversee construction and coordinate construction activities between residents and the contractor. Jordan can be contacted at 651-421-1620.
FINANCIAL PLANNING Household budget, close to home
BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
SPORTS
Mahtomedi rolls to another state baseball title
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Mahtomedi Zephyrs repeated as state Class 3A baseball champions, capped by a 10-0, six-inning rout of Totino-Grace on Monday, June 16, at Target Field. It’s Mahtomedi’s fourth championship overall.
Alex Kurpis threw five shutout innings and the Zephyrs all but wrapped it up early with a six-run second inning.
This was their third straight title game; they lost to Totino-Grace 2-1 in 2024 and beat Mankato East 6-2 last year.
“All teams are unique. This year’s group had a pretty interesting dynamic and
many personalities,” said coach Rob Garry. “Ultimately they were always ready for game time, which is the most important piece when searching for wins.”
Cody Loida, who played in
three championship games, said, “It’s unreal, an amazing feeling. Back to back championships is really hard to do.”
Kurpis reflected, “It’s very exciting and I’m grateful to be part of it. I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else. We have a lot of team chemistry and we’re great friends outside of baseball, too.”
Kurpis allowed three hits and three walks, lstriking out seven, nabbing his second win of the tournament. Not an overpowering pitcher, he keeps hitters off balance with curves and change-ups and had “really good movement” on his breaking pitches. Peyton Erickson finished the game with a 1-2-3 sixth inning.
Zephyrs’ Finn gets Mr. Baseball award
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Two days after Connor Finn helped Mahtomedi capture its second consecutive state championship, he received the Mr. Baseball award last week. “I was shocked and honored; there are a lot of great ballplayers in the state,” said Finn. “It was a goal of mine.”
Finn’s name was called at a banquet for the eight finalists on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound left-hander throws consistently around 95 mph and has a wicked slider as well. “I had one at 97 in my last start,” he said. He committed to Texas Tech before his senior year. In 45 innings this season, Finn struck out 98 batters, allowed just 10 hits, walked 33, and posted a 7-0 record. Also a first-baseman, Finn batted .360 with four home runs and 29 runs-batted-in.
About the two state titles, he said, “That’s the standard at Mahtomedi, winning and excellence. The team bonded and worked together towards a common goal. It’s an honor to be part of that group.”
Finn was the football team quarterback as a junior, passing for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions, and was a running threat as well. He passed up his senior season to focus on baseball after his college commitment.
Coach Rob Garry described Finn as a pitcher who “put in all the work, and he knows how to take care of his arm,” including diligent weight lifting. Garry added that Finn was as good as any prep pitcher he has ever seen and virtually unhittable for high school batters.
The Zephyrs finished 24-5, including wins over Grand Rapids 2-1 and Mankato West 12-5 to reach the finals.
The big second inning off T-M starter Joey Terhaar included three singles, three Eagle errors and a bases-loaded walk. A single by Frank Schwieters started it.
Peyton Whitbeck delivered a two-RBI single and Loida an RBI single.
“Having an early lead in the finals is always good; however, it was essential against TG,” said Garry. “They steal bases and bunt as well as anyone in the state, and getting the lead didn’t allow them to do what they do best.” Jake Reubish drew the RBI walk, and finished with
Next on Finn’s mind is the Major League Baseball draft July 1011. He’s been invited to a couple pre-draft tryouts. Depending on how the draft goes, he will decide on pro ball or reporting to Texas Tech on Aug. 20.
three RBI’s. He slammed a triple over the left-fielder in the fifth to knock home a run. His foul pop-up in the third became sac fly as the first-baseman fell while catching it and Schwieters dashed home.
Loida put an exclamation point on the victory by slamming a home run in the big league ballpark, clearing the left-field fence by several feet, in the sixth.
Schwieters was 3-for-3 with two runs, Loida 2-for-4, and Sam Nasvik 2-for-3 with two runs. Luke Torgrude had two walks and two runs.
Totino-Grace (19-9) was top-seeded, having played a most Class 4A schedule in their conference. Mahtomedi was the No. 2 seed.
Cougar boys lacrosse honors, leaders listed
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
After winning the Northwest Suburban Conference with an 8-1 conference record and 10-5 overall, the following Centennial Cougars boys lacrosse players earned awards:
All-conference picks were seniors Gavin Cunningham (attack) and Traxton Becker (defense) and juniors Isaak Adams (midfield), Eli Hansen (defense), Nolan Larson (short stick defense mid) and David Moran (midfield). Cunningham, Adams, Moran and Becker also made all-section.
Additionally, the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association designated Adams to all-state second team and gave Cunningham honorable mention.
Conference honorable mentions went to seniors Kasey Burgwald, Caden Clarys and Kellen Searles; juniors Matthew Frost and Finn Undersander; and sophomores Macin Hehir and Logan Orlett. Scoring leaders for the season (goals-assistspoints) were Cunningham with 48-24-72; Adams, 4326-69; Moran, 30-12-42; Hehir, 24-7-31; and Burgwald, 19-11-30. Orlett led with 102 ground balls and won 181 of 307 face-offs (59 percent). Cunningham had 50 ground balls, and Traxton Becker had 42. Goalie Cayden Clarys had a .449 save percentage.
Cougar baseball players receive honors
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
After a 23-7 season—including a first-place conference record of 9-2—and a section runner-up finish, the following Centennial baseball players received honors: Making all-conference were seniors Tommy Meyer, pitcher; Calvin Coppersmith, center field;
Tripp Stensrud, catcher; junior Logan Mielke, pitcher/outfield; and sophomore Cooper Sanders, pitcher/first base. Meyer, Coppersmith, Stensrud and Logan Mielke also made all-section.
In 27 games played, Coppersmith’s field percentage was 1.000, meaning no errors for the entire season. In conference, Meyer—
despite a 3-4 record—pitched 43 innings, with 56 strikeouts and a 2.58 earned-run average. In 24 games played, Logan Mielke batted .390, with an on-base percentage of .460, 16 runs, 30 hits, 2 home runs and 19 RBIs.
Conference honorable mentions went to juniors Jaden Anderson, pitcher/first base, and Jacob Williamson, pitcher.
BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED Connor Finn was 7-0 with over two strikeouts per inning this season.
BETH DONAHUE | CONTRIBUTED
Jake Reubish connects for a long triple at Target Field.
LEUKEMIA BENEFIT: Kelly’s Korner hosts event
FROM PAGE 1
at Kelly’s Korner, 7098 Centerville Road (see What’s Happening on page 3 for full event details).
“It’s hard to ask for help; it’s awkward accepting help,” Sandy said. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. You can be the healthiest person out there, and Mitch was. He played every sport there was
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
going into this. It just took us all by surprise.” Sandy also said that Mitch and the entire Kisch family are grateful for the work Kelly’s Korner, Williams, and Hyden have put into the benefit.
Hyden stated that he was happy to help organize the benefit for Mitch. “He’s one of my best friends, and I would think he’d do the same for me,” said Hyden. “It’s
• The Centerville City Council is sharing the results of its annual financial report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025, with required management communications and audit insights from Tyler See, CPA and senior manager with Abdo. The city received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the financial statements for fiscal year 2025. Council unanimously accepted the report, which included an unmodified opinion and no instances of non-compliance.
• The city’s water supply tank is due to be cleaned and inspected, work which last occurred nine years ago. Staff requested and council approved an agreement with Maguire Iron to clean and inspect the tower for $3,850. The tank is due to be painted in 2027 or 2028. Money will come from the Water Fund, and work is expected to take place during the summer and/or fall.
• The city is installing a third well and is contracting with WSB Engineering and Design for $14,900. WSB has done recent work on a Lino Lakes project of a similar nature. Council Member Russ Koski said this will save the city money.
• The city is eligible for a $40,000 from the Metropolitan Council for a planning assistance grant to support its 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. This is a required project. In addition, there is an Early Plan Completion Incentive of $4,000 and an Advancing Regional Goals Incentive of $10,000 for which the city could also vie. “I’m continually appreciative of staff’s efforts to seek grants, which saves money,” said Council Member Anita Rios.
BUSINESS BRIEF
just looking out for one another.” Hyden’s belief in community, however, is why Kelly’s is making the benefit a public event.
“Show him that he’s not alone. There are more people … willing to help because of the impact he’s made and how nice he’s been to everyone else,” Hyden said. “Good karma comes around.”
Other ways to help Mitch Kisch:
• If a person cannot attend the event, they can still help Mitch by donating online at gofundme.com and searching “Support Mitch’s Fight Against Leukemia by Matt Hyden.”
• To learn more about Mitch’s story, visit caringbridge.org and search “Mitch Kisch.”
• To help those battling leukemia, consider becoming a bone marrow donor at nmdp.com. “People think it’s a scary thing, but it’s actually a lot like giving blood,” Sandy explained. “They’ll send you a kit out, and you can swab your cheek. There’s a little bit of conditioning leading up to it, some shots you have to do to boost your marrow, and then it’s like giving blood.”
• The property owners at 7294 Mill Road will be able to install a six-foot, vinyl privacy fence after council approved the encroachment agreement. Staff researched the sanitary sewer line and water line on the property and also located pertinent documents. The applicants have also completed all the necessary documents and paid the appropriate fees. The fence will encroach into the city’s drainage and utility easement in the side and rear yard.
• During a review, city staff discovered a misunderstanding within its contract with BS&A Software, LLC regarding payroll services. Staff recommended and council approved a change order in the amount of $3,525 with BS&A. The change order will add that amount to the city’s costs and provide for five years of history to be included for current and past employees. City staff believes that having the information available for exporting will be much more efficient than having to refer to the city’s previous system.
• Derek Lynn of Ramsey who represented the Anoka County Election Integrity Team (ACEIT) spoke during open forum about the group’s efforts to return the tabulation of votes to a manual hand count. He noted that Centerville could help the cause by counting their votes by hand, returning to paper poll pads and by watching an informational movie about the dangers of electronic poll pads in use today.
• Council took control of its own ballot counting measures by passing a resolution establishing an absentee ballot board. Having a board will
New urgent, emergency vet care coming to Hugo
Allied Veterinary Emergency & Referral plans to bring urgent and emergency veterinary care to the Hugo community and surrounding areas, with plans to open a new location in the former P.A.W.S Pet Hospital (4644 Victor Path) in late summer or early fall 2026. As a locally and employee-owned veterinary organization, Allied was founded by Dr. Kara Nelsen in 2021. Allied currently has locations in Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Rochester and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The decision to expand into Hugo was driven by a growing need for accessible after-hours, weekend and holiday veterinary care for pet owners in the northeast metro area, east central Minnesota and
enhance local election transparency and public confidence in the city’s election administration by taking a closer look at early voting, said City Administrator Athanasia Lewis. “Groups have come into City Hall asking questions about the process. We want to get out in front and be proactive,” she said. Although the framework established by Anoka County for administering absentee ballots is reliable, it is in the city’s best interest to establish its own absentee ballot board for the upcoming election and future elections, she said.
• The city is looking to hire an assistant to the city administrator. The city will be reviewing applications and resumes until June 29. Anyone interested in this position may find an application packet on the city website. Candidates may forward a completed employment packet for consideration via email at alewis@centervillemn.com or mail it to City Administrator Athanasia Lewis at the City of Centerville, 1880 Main St., Centerville MN, 55038. At present, the city has four exceptional candidates, Lewis said.
• Lewis also informed that Centennial Lakes Police Department Chief James (Jim) Mork will retire after 29 years of dedicated service.
An open-house celebration of his career has been scheduled from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, Centennial Library, 180 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines.
Loretta Harding
Food scrap pickup program expands this summer
BY MADELINE DOLBY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Beginning on July 6, more Washington and Ramsey County residents will be able to have their compost collected directly from their homes as part of the Ramsey County/Washington County Food Scraps Pickup Program.
Currently, the program is offered in more than 28 cities and towns within the two counties. In Ramsey County, the program has been implemented in Maplewood and North St. Paul. This summer, cities within Ramsey County such Gem Lake, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Vadnais Heights, North Oaks, New Brighton, Shoreview, Mounds View and Arden Hills will also roll out the program.
Whats accepted
All food items are accepted. This is a list of common food scrap items:
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Beans and lentils
• Fruits and vegetables (including peels, pits and rinds)
• Tea leaves and paper tea bags
• Dairy products (including cheese and yogurt)
Corn cobs, corn husks and popcorn kernels
• Nuts and nut shells (except black walnut shells)
• Pastries, pies, dough and candy
• Bread, tortillas, pasta, rice and cereals
• Herbs and spices
• Eggs and eggshells
• Seeds (including bird seeds)
• Moldy or rotten food
• Pet food
• Meat and seafood (including bones, scales and shells)
In Washington County, the program has already been implemented in several cities including Birchwood Village, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Oakdale, Stillwater, Willernie and Woodbury. This summer, five more communities will be added including Forest Lake, Hugo, Marine on St. Croix, May Township and Scandia.
Ramsey and Washington counties have worked together since the 1980s to manage trash responsibly, according to Annalee Garletz, who supervises the Food Scraps Pickup Program for Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy.
“We’re always finding ways to reduce, reuse, recycle,” Garletz said.
Food scraps comprise more than 20% of household trash by weight. By separating these materials, residents can help turn it back into soil instead of becoming waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and converging resources. According to Reyna Chavez from Ramsey County, there are a few ways residents can recycle food scraps at home. One of the ways Chavez mentioned is at home composting.
“Many people do it…It does have its limitations such as its seasonal and you can’t put your bones in there or dairy,” she said. Residents who do participate can compost their fruit and vegetable scraps, however.
The second way is through drop off sites. Residents can bring collected food scraps, such as fruit, vegetables, meat and bones, to compost facilities located throughout the county. The third way residents can recycle food is through the pickup program.
northwestern Wisconsin.
The Hugo location will provide emergency and urgent care services for pets when primary care veterinarians are unavailable, helping families access timely medical care closer to home. In addition to emergency and urgent care services, Allied is part of a broader network of veterinary hospitals that offers advanced specialty care, allowing patients access to services such as surgery, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, neurology and critical care when needed. As the hospital prepares to open, Allied is accepting donations of new or gently used towels and lightweight blankets that will provide comfort and care for hospitalized patients. For more information about Allied Veterinary Emergency & Referral, visit www.alliedervet.com.
Residents who participate in the Food Scrap Pickup Program can choose between 6-gallon and 13-gallon sized bags to use. Households will receive 60 bags per order and are able to receive two orders for free per calendar year. The bags are BPI-certified and are 100% compostable according to Chavez.
Garletz said the Food Scraps Pickup Program is in the process of being rolled out to all Ramsey and Washington County residents. The program will be available to all residents of the two counties by the middle of 2027.
In 2025, 13,531 total residents participated in the program. From that total, 1,891 reside in Ramsey County. Thanks to this program, 210 tons of food scraps have been composted through the program.
Learn more about the program by visiting FoodScrapsPickup.com or by calling 651-6619393.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Mitch Kisch has been battling acute leukemia since 2021.
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It was not coincidence that many men with beards were in attendance at Mickey Michlitsch’s June 10 memorial service.
Those who knew the man with a “heart for service” are well aware Mickey was among the fraternity of men in red suits who proudly call themselves Santa Klaus (he preferred the ‘k’ spelling).
“There were a lot of Santas at the service,” said his longtime friend and business partner Mike Sarafolean. “They weren’t dressed in costume, but you could tell.”
After years of health challenges, Michlitsch died peacefully June 3 in Maplewood.
Hugonians may recall Sertinos Cafe, the restaurant Michlitsch owned with Sarafolean off Frenchman Road. Patrons would spot Santa there during the holiday season and sit on his lap for photos. “Half the people were adults,” Michlitsch recalled in a 2009 Press article. “I had an 88-year-old man sit on my lap at Sertinos and have his picture taken. We all turn into kids when Santa is around.”
Michlitsch started impersonating the jolly old elf when he was 12. He would say there was a lot to know, according to the Santa job description. “The mannerisms, the voice. You have to learn how to walk, how to answer questions, how to carry the bag of toys, how to sit. Kids watch every move you make to trip you up. They’re on the brink, ‘is he real or not?’”
That Michlitsch was a professional when it came to playing Santa was readily apparent. He even ran a Santa school out of his home for seven years, supplying Twin Cities malls with trained Santas. He also provided elves, reindeer, snowmen and of course, a Mrs. Klaus.
His obituary described Michlitsch as “a sharer of stories and wisdom”; an entrepreneur by trade, a business leader and an advocate for people with disabilities.
“He had a number of ventures throughout his life,” noted Sarafolean, who partnered with Michlitsch to found Orion Corporation, a business that provides residential support for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Food was one of his passions; preparing and serving food,” added his partner. “He operated concessions stands in bingo halls and for the last 20 years, Mickey was active in making meals accessible to people with food insecurity. He was very generous with his time and resources and he was really good at getting other people to participate in those things with him.”
Sertinos was the last of Michlitsch’s restaurant-style ventures, according to Sarafolean. It closed in 2009, a victim of the Great Recession.
Michlitsch is survived by his wife Debra, children Kelly Lynn and Michael, their spouses, and five grandchildren, to whom he enjoyed giving cooking lessons, and three siblings. He was 69.
Debra Neutkens
School board votes on preliminary budget
BY SARAH BAKEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The school board has approved the preliminary budget of $156 million, and it will need to adopt the final budget this fall. The budget, presented by Director of Finance Andi Johnson, is projected to have $156 million in expenditures for the upcoming academic year – meaning the district is budgeting to have $2.6 million in excess. The preliminary 2026-27 revenue is $10 million greater than last year’s, with nearly all of that new money coming from increased special education and English learner budgets to match increased needs.
This comes amid a growing stretch on school district budgets and local concern with increased property taxes, given the Minnesota per-pupil revenue has not kept pace with inflation since 2003. During the previous 2025-26 fiscal year, the White Bear district overspent by $4.6 million.
Johnson shared a detailed breakdown of where revenues are coming from, what the money is to be spent on by object area, and how the money is being spent by program. Chair Scott Arcand then opened the forum to questions from board members. Skaar shared his personal research that, combining the past six years, WBL Area Schools have outpaced inflation by roughly 3%, despite a 4.4% decrease in enrollment.
“Expenses, costs, revenues –they’re tied to enrollment, right?” Skaar asked.
“Not always,” Johnson said. “They’re also tied to specific categorical funding. So, a good example is –” Skaar cut into Johnson’s answer before she could finish. She continued on after a beat, pointing to COVID funding and long-term facility expenses as a reason for the higher revenues over the past six years.
“It’s not simple. A $150 million budget is just not that simple.”
Andi Johnson Director of Finance
“We have to peel back the onion a little bit and look at the categorical revenue,” Johnson said. “It’s not simple. A $150 million budget is just not that simple.”
Skaar then shared concern for upkeep costs for new facilities, with his main worries rooted in the decreased enrollment. Buildings create fixed costs, and that, on top of less federal funding due to fewer students, results in less money being spent on students in the classroom, Skaar argued. He then recommended two paths forward for Johnson: zero-based budgeting and cuts to the preliminary budget.
The same budget had been shared previously in a May 18 work session. At the June 8 meeting, though, Skaar asked Johnson if it would be possible to
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS BOARD MEETING NOTES
• Prior to agenda approval, School Board Member Daniel Skaar motioned for a summary of the public forum to be included in the notes. There was no second to this motion.
• As the board moved to approve the consent agenda, Skaar expressed concern with duplicate payments on invoices and requested for the Payment of Invoices to be removed and given more in-depth discussion. Director of Finance clarify Skaar’s concerns,
cut $2 million from the upcoming expenditures in order to make up entirely for last year’s $4.6 million deficit in this year’s excess. He then motioned to vote on this idea. Arcand called for a second, but no board members were interested in opening this discussion.
“Which staff members are we going to release from the district so we can have that $2 million?”
Board Member Angela Johnson later asked Skaar. Salaries are projected to make up for 58% of district spending in 2026-27. She continued, “From what I can see, (zero-based budgeting) is an extensive, highly labor-intensive process that most corporations use. We are not a corporation, we are public schools. We do not profit off of what we do in this district other than our education of our students – that is the profit of the school.”
Board Member Christian Streiff Oji clarified Skaar was pitching to change the budget for the coming school year, then added “it’s a bit late to be making the decision to cut the budget that starts in three weeks.”
“It’s a 1.3% decrease, it’s not like it’s substantial,” Skaar later said. “That’s not a big ask.”
The preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year passed 6-1. Skaar was the only dissenting member. In winter or early spring, the board will revisit the budget and pass a revised version, considering actual student enrollment, updated state and federal estimates, and any other changes that arise during the year.
software used for invoices, has an internal trigger to detect duplicate purchases, and oftentimes payments split between two budget codes have the appearance of a double payment. “In our accounts payable process, every transaction does get reviewed,” Johnson said.
• During the public forum, resident Dianna Delaney expressed disapproval for the May 18 censure of Skaar, saying the taxpayer money spent on investigation could’ve been used more effectively to benefit students. “I don’t understand how the taxpayers can fund the ego of a superintendent’s vendetta against a board member,” Delaney said. “It’s clearly a misuse of funds.”
• Resident and 2021 school board candidate Rebekah Bradfield questioned the efficiency of funds used, especially in the wake of the 2019 $326 million building bond referendum. She pinpointed the construction of a new sports facility and the lack of a detailed expense report for the project. “This demonstrates a lack of transparency and accountability,” Bradfield said. She then criticized the construction of an $8 million Hugo district transportation center and its decentralized location, as well as the
“short-sighted” construction of orchestra spaces for a now-cancelled fifth-grade orchestra program. “Is there a possibility of generating revenue from unused spaces during offbeat hours in order to reduce the local tax burden?” Bradfield asked.
• Former district parent Joshua Wickander finished the public forum by sharing a May 17 email he sent to Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak and board members went unanswered. In the email, he requested an audit for the proposed use of the referendum versus the actual outcome, “You have an amazing staff, they’re doing a great job, the micromanagement isn’t to condemn what you’re doing,” Wickander said. “It’s to make sure you’re being good stewards with our money – which I don’t think you are.”
• On June 25, White Bear Lake Area Schools is sponsoring Marketfest and will host an “Orange Out” spirit theme.
• Policy 210, which deals with conflicts of interests among school board members, will be sent back to the committee after board members struggled to agree on a monetary limit to set. Previously, the policy stated that board members could not earn more than $8,000 from the district in a fiscal year. In a routine review, the committee updated this number to $20,000 – a change in line with the Minnesota School Board’s earning limits increase. Skaar argued board members should never have any contract or employment with the district, whereas Board Member Jessica Ellison said it would be most “clean” and aligned with state law to follow the statute given.
• A move to approve 2026-27 Property and Liability Insurance passed 7-0. The renewed package
• WBL Area Learning Center is transitioning to a new name – WBL Area High School Manitou Campus. The change comes after the school was accepted as an Alternative Learning Program by the Minnesota Department of Education. Alternative Learning Programs (ALP) are focused programs for students who have struggled in traditional classroom environments. “It really demonstrates the partnership and the connection that we already have with our main campus,” said Associate Principal Jenni Sjosten. “We really want to make sure we’re standing firm in the connection that exists between an ALP and their main high school.”
Mickey Michletsch
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS BOARD MEETING NOTES
will cost the district $856 thousand, a decrease of 7% compared to the existing premium while increasing cyber coverage.
• A move to approve the 2026-27 Workers Compensation Insurance passed 7-0. This package’s price increased by 14% from last year, now costing the district $668 thousand compared to last year’s $584 thousand. Nick Lano, VP at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, said this increase is more in line with what other districts pay. “We have been at the bottom of the bell curve for eight, nine
years,” Lano said. “Now we’re seeing that upward trend.”
• The 2026-27 preliminary budget passed 6-1, with Skaar being the only board member to dissent. Johnson shared the 2026-27 preliminary budget, forecasting $159 million in revenues, $156 million expenditures, and a $2.6 million surplus. The same budget had been shared previously in a May 11 work session. Skaar’s June 8 dissent came after he failed to get a second in a motion to amend the budget altogether, pitching cutting $2 million from no
specific part of the budget to make up for last year’s deficit. Board member Christian Streiff Oji clarified to ensure he was pitching to change the budget for the coming school year, then added “it’s a bit late to be making the decision to cut the budget that starts in three weeks.” Board Member Angela Thompson also pushed back, saying, “We are not a corporation, we are public schools. We do not profit off of what we do in this district other than our education of our students – that is the profit of the school.”
• A motion for setting the filing affidavits of candidacy passed 7-0. Filing dates are set to begin on July 14 and will close on July 28.
The next White Bear Lake Area School Board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July 13 at the District Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake.
July 26: Music: Jeff Brooks & Andrea Lind 3 - 6pm Rustic Roots Winery
July 28: Live Music in the Vines - Roger Jokela
July 28: Beginner Friendly Yoga
July 28: Trivia with Ryan
July 29: Monthly Book Club
July
Investigators identify ‘Bone Lake Jane Doe’
BY MATT ANDERSON COUNTRY MESSENGER EDITOR
After 33 years, “Bone Lake Jane Doe” finally has her name back.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced June 11 that the remains connected to a decades-long cold case belong to Denise Elaine Sexton Hartley, a 27-year-old Ohio woman who disappeared in 1993. Hartley’s identification marks a major breakthrough in one of the county's most notable cold cases, but the work to determine what happened to her is ongoing.
The case dates back to June 12, 1993, when a local resident walking near Bone Lake found what was initially believed to be the head of a mannequin floating by the shoreline. Local authorities later determined it was the head of a young woman. The next day, a severed foot was found near Pig’s Eye Lake in St. Paul.
Despite years of investigative efforts, the victim known only as “Bone Lake Jane Doe” could not be identified, and the case went cold for more than 30 years.
But a partnership between the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the nonprofit DNA Doe Project changed the course of the investigation. The DNA Doe Project is a volunteer organization that uses genetic genealogy to identify the remains of individuals like Hartley. According to Detective Clayton Evens, who took over the case in 2024, the partnership with DNA Doe Project was critical to identifying Hartley more than three decades later.
“I really want to give a big shout-out to them,” Evens said. “They're a completely fundraised program. All of their hours are volunteer hours. And they're really responsible for where we're at today.”
The partnership between the DNA Doe Project and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began in 2022. When fundraising goals were met to identify the remains, the nonprofit initially attempted to extract DNA from the foot that was found near Pig’s Eye Lake. That effort proved unsuccessful.
However, in 2024, a second attempt was made to recover DNA from the victim’s head, which was a success.
Using genealogy databases, the DNA Doe Project traced Hartley’s relatives back to a second cousin and built a family tree from that point. As they mapped the family, one particular detail stood out.
“They started doing a bunch of digging on the family and realized out of all these 15 children that one of them had been missing since '93,” Evens said.
“That obviously points to Denise.”
After that discovery, Evens and other investigators traveled to Columbus, Ohio, where they met with Hartley’s family and collected a DNA sample from her daughter, Nicole. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension later confirmed the match through DNA analysis, establishing that the former “Bone Lake Jane Doe” was Hartley.
"It was a sigh of relief that we were finally able to, after 30-plus years, identify her remains and put a name to her and then follow up with the family to really give them closure at the same time," Evens said.
According to Evens, Hartley’s family never stopped searching for her. They continued to post information about her disappearance on social media, which helped investigators in their search for answers.
“They absolutely did not give up,” Evens said. “It really showed that we were going in the right direction. The dates match up, the family matches up. This is probably the person who's been missing that we have.”
Evens recalled the moment he told Harley’s daughter in person, saying the
news was overwhelming for her and the rest of the family.
“We told her who we were, why we were there, and I think she was just in so much shock and awe to finally have that closure,” Evens said. “It was just really hard for her to take it all in at the time.”
Since then, investigators have determined that Hartley moved from Ohio to the Twin Cities area in the early 1990s. According to Evens, she traveled to Minnesota to live with her sisters, who were already living there, and was attempting to rebuild her life after some legal troubles.
“It appeared she was really trying to get her life back on track,” Evens said.
Now that Hartley has been identified, Evens and his team are working to reconstruct her final months to determine what happened to her. He said investigators are interviewing friends, family and acquaintances of Hartley to map out a timeline of when she came to Minnesota, where she lived and who she associated with before her death. Evens said her identification marks a major turning point for the investigation as a whole.
"When you don't have friends and family to talk to, you really don't have a lot to go off on," Evens said. "Now that she's been identified, it really opens up the book on what we can do."
However, significant challenges remain. Because of the time that’s passed since Hartley’s death, some people investigators would like to interview have since died. And others who are still alive may struggle to remember important details from more than 30 years ago.
Still, investigators are seeking any information that may be critical to solving the next piece of the case. They’re encouraging anyone who knew Hartley in Minnesota or Ohio to contact them, emphasizing that no piece of information is insignificant.
“Even if you're just the slightest acquaintance, it doesn't hurt to have a five-minute conversation,” Evens said. “They might know more information than they think they do, or maybe they have a very small piece of information that hasn't come up from anybody else.”
While Hartley’s identification was a key piece of the investigation that has been solved, the cause of her death is still unresolved. No arrests have been made, but investigators are continuing to search for answers and hope the public will come forward with any information they might have to help close a case that has remained open since 1993.
Anyone with information about Hartley or the investigation is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office tip line at 651-430-7850.
