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WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA HIGH SCHOOL: Performs ‘Into the Woods’ PAGE 13
Sunrise spotlight
See on page 15.
City selects ‘best candidate’ for finance director position BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR
CRIS DUFRESNE, CONTRIBUTED
HUGO — After an extensive search process to fi nd the city’s next finance director, a consulting fi rm, interview team and the City Council have decided it has the best candidate for the job right there at City Hall. The city’s fi rst and only finance director, Ron Otkin, passed away unexpectedly in May. Otkin worked for the city for 32 years. Finance Coordinator Anna Wobse was then appointed to serve as the interim finance director. Back in June, the City Council directed staff to negotiate a contract with Baker Tilly to provide executive recruitment services for a new finance director. Over the next four months, the recruitment process took place, concluding with interviews of the top five candidates in October. The interview team consisted of City Administrator Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Rachel Juba, Public Works Director Scott Anderson, Council Member Mike Miron and former Council Member Chuck Haas. “Anna has done a great job
Hugo resident Chris DuFresne recently captured this beautiful sunrise over the Adelaide Landing neighborhood.
SEE FINANCE DIRECTOR, PAGE 11
Census: Hugo growing, aging, becoming more diverse people, which represents an increase of 2,434 (or 18%) from the 2010 census and an increase of 9,403 from 2000, when its population was 6,363. As of April 1, 2020, Hugo had 5,939 households, 201 vacant housing units, and an average of 2.64 people per household. Hugo’s population actually fell a bit short of the Metropolitan Council’s forecast of 16,500. By the year 2040, the Met Council predicts the city of Hugo will have a population of 29,000. The metro saw 11% growth from the last census, or an increase of 313,537. The seven-county Twin Cities region has a population of 3.16 million. “There was 77% growth in the developing suburbs,”
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR
HUGO — Now that most of the data is in for the 2020 U.S. census, the redistricting process (for all levels of government) has begun. Community Development Director Rachel Juba recently presented some highlights from the 2020 census as well as the annual American Community Survey that pertain to both the city of Hugo and the seven-county metro area. “We’ve been growing rapidly over the last 20 years,” Juba explained. She added that one of the most frequently asked questions on the citywide bus tour last month was about the city’s population. Per the 2020 census, the city of Hugo has 15,766
CONTRIBUTED
SEE 2020 CENSUS, PAGE 22
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Washington County had the fifth-largest gain in population in the state, with a 12.4% increase from 2010. Carver County had the largest growth with a 17.4% increase from 2010, followed by Scott County at 16.2%, Wright County at 13.3% and Olmsted County at 12.9%.
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Press Publications welcomes new staff writer Corinne Stremmel is the newest staff writer at Press Publications. Originally from Brookings, South Dakota, Stremmel found herself in Minnesota after deciding to attend Gustavus Adolphus College where she majored in English and communications. Stremmel was editor-in-chief of her college newspaper “The Gustavian Weekly” and wrote for Gustavus’ alumni magazine, “The Gustavus Quarterly.” She has held internships with the “Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine” and “605 Magazine.” After graduating college last spring, she moved to Minneapolis to pursue a career in journalism. CONTRIBUTED
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Chamber to host November lunch and learn The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn event titled “How to Make your Business Thrive” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at Running Aces Casino in Columbus. Hear from local business coach and business owner Stev Stegner on how to make your business thrive. The event will also serve as a lunch and networking opportunity. For more information about the event or to register, visit www.chamberorganizer.com.
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Chamber seeks secret Santas The Quad Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking secret Santas for the upcoming holiday season. Community members and business owners are encouraged to donate cash, gift cards, meals and gifts. Donations can be dropped off or mailed. Text QASanta to 72727 for more information. If you are in need of some holiday cheer, register at QuadAreaChamber.org or call 651-321-4722.
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Blaine auto shop gives free oil changes to veterans Nov. 13
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Trinity Automotive in White Bear Lake and Blaine will host its eighth annual Veterans Day free oil change event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Veterans are invited to reserve an appointment for a free oil change. This year, Trinity Automotive is looking to beat its previous record of 65 oil changes. Any veteran who receives a free oil change is also invited to enjoy a free meal while they wait for their car. Trinity Automotive has two locations, Blaine and White Bear Lake. The White Bear Lake location is located at 2382 Leibel St. (Suite 101), and the Blaine location is located at 10841 Mankato St. NE. Appointments are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Owner David Cochran said, “My father was in the Navy, and I was in the Marines from ‘97 to 2002. My wife Jessica’s brothers were both in the Marines, her grandfather was in the Army, and was at the Battle of the Bulge and also served in the Korean War. All that is to say that we understand the sacrifice service members make. We want to honor and serve those who honored and served our country, so each year we do free oil changes for veterans on Veterans Day.” To make an appointment, call the White Bear Lake location at 651-242-2886 or the Blaine location at 763-343-9813.
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Santa Paws comes to town
Northeast Residence (NER) will host a virtual event at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 to share updates, stories and celebrate growing together. The hosts of the event will be John Estrem, CEO of NER and Hammer Residences, along with staff members and people supported. Attendees will be part of “a day in the life” of the staff members, walking beside people helping them live life to their fullest potential. NER has group homes located in the communities of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Maplewood, Shoreview, North St. Paul, Roseville, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Hugo, Oakdale, Woodbury and St. Anthony. To learn more about NER, visit NERinc.org. Please RSVP by visiting nerinc.org/virtual-open-house/.
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Santa Paws will visit the Forest Lake Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14. Get pictures with (or without) Santa for you, your family, your pets or any combination. No appointment is necessary. There will be a bake sale, a pet supply/gift sale, refreshments and goodies, and microchip and nail trims (1-3 p.m.). The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Northwoods Humane Society. For more information, instructions and any potential changes, please go to https:// northwoodshs.org/fundraisingevents/santa-paws-2021/ or call 651-982-0240. The Forest Lake Senior Center is located at 767 Fourth St. SW, Forest Lake.
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An act of kindness
S
EVERAL WEEKS AGO I visited the Allina Clinic in Shoreview for a pre-op Covid test. A pleasant experience occurred as I was leaving the clinic. I was taking off my mask and it got caught in a hearing aid. It pulled out and went flying. I was looking all over the sidewalk for it. A car was pulling out from the parking lot and the female motorist stopped, got out of her car and told me that it landed in the garden mulch. I found it right away. What a wonderful act of kindness. This test was in preparation for another visit to the United Heart & Vascular Clinic in St. Paul where I had a left atrial appendage closure with a Watchman device. This is a procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation who do not wish to be using blood thinning medications on a long-term basis. The procedure was performed by Dent Underwood, MD, an electrophysiologist. I heard about the procedure and device which was developed twelve years ago in Minnesota. More than 150,000 people have used it over the last six years. Boston Scientific bought the company and has further developed the Watchman as a trusted alternative to reduce stroke risk and bleeding concerns. Many of you know we are boaters and go offshore. If there were to be any type of accident at sea, the risk of bleeding internally is high without medical care being readily available. The Watchman is a small, flexible implant About the about the size of a quarter. It’s made from very light, compact materials commonly used Town in many other medical implants. It is placed Gene Johnson in your heart doing a minimally invasive procedure and never needs to be replaced. After the next 45 days, I will be leaving the blood thinners behind. DID YOU KNOW that 11% of children in the state of Minnesota are living in poverty? Many families need decent and affordable housing. A Habitat for Humanity home can help change that. I’ve been impressed by the Habitat for Humanity program over the years. In partnership with communities, colleges and churches, they have been able to build new homes and rehabilitate and repair others. They also teach people how to take care of the home that they have earned with their own blood, sweat and tears. Our daughter Stephanie worked for Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia after college so we gained a great insight into their philosophy, disciplines and accountability. I think it’s one of the great organizations to support and volunteer if you have time to help build and remodel homes. CANDIDATES OFTEN PROMISE things they know they can’t deliver on. This is perhaps more true in presidential and congressional elections, but nevertheless it goes on. Over the years you probably remember those ploys, “A Dodge in every garage” and “A chicken for every pot.” There have been promises to forgive all current existing student debt. That sends signals of lacking financial discipline. I often wonder why students have no concern about racking up student debt? The government can’t keep bailing people out. Counselors need to guide students and to recognize where they will find successful career paths, given the individual abilities and interest. We worked hard to save and scrimp so we could help our children pay for their college. At an early age we told them, “You need to start saving for college and we will match whatever you save. Then when it comes time for college, we want you to be able to support half the state rate for tuition, room and board and we will cover the expenses beyond that for the college or university of your choice.” There was also a monthly payment plan without interest that was available so our college grads came out debt free. Julie, our oldest, had a little extra help from Social Security because her mom had died. If you have children in school now-whatever grade-it’s a good time to start preparing and look into all possibilities and scholarships that are available. When our kids were going to college, it was hard to find scholarships that might be available to them. Again, we need good guidance counselors to help families through this expensive bump in the road of child raising. Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
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We said we’d never forget: Will we?
O
n Nov. 11, 1918, Ralph Lindsey wrote from his hospital bed in France “Armistice signed at 11 o’clock. Grand celebration all over France. War is at last over and I am still alive!” Later in life if you asked him about the scars on his chest he would simply respond with a shrug and say, “I zigged when I should have zagged.” Ralph was my great grandfather, and now, nearly 103 years after wrote those Movers & he words our nation once Shakers again finds Joseph Reagan ourselves celebrating the contributions of our veterans during a period where their sacrifices may be less visible than they have during the past 20 years of war. After returning from WW1, like many others from his unit, he found tremendous success, he took over the family business, and raised a family. His friends H.A. Durkee and Fred Mower, both former Infantrymen, started a small company based on a unique marshmallow confection. Another from his unit, Walter Brennan, is one of only three men to win three academy awards, his distinct voice the result of the same gas attack that wounded my Great Grandfather. Take a moment to look at Brennan’s accomplishments – IMDb lists nearly 250 film credits and called him “In many ways the most successful and familiar character actor of American sound films.” To be clear, the end of the United States’ involvement in the
Afghan war doesn’t mean our service members are serving without risk. Our military will continue to execute missions across the globe in support of our national security, some of those more sensitive missions, may never be known to us. That aside, superficially this Veterans Day will be much like years past with parades, speeches and free meal deals in honor of the nearly 19 million veterans living in our communities. Unfortunately, for many veterans – especially those who served in combat – may see this acknowledgement as at best, shallow and at worst, patronizing. Even before the fall of Kabul, many Veterans complained that while they believed Americans were genuinely grateful for their service, few cared enough to actually learn about the sacrifices our all-volunteer military makes on their behalf. This civil-military divide is not only impacting the military’s ability to recruit new troops, but also our Veterans’ ability to find meaningful post-service careers. There are many cringeworthy stories demonstrating the real-life challenges of this civilmilitary divide. This divide is even more pronounced in Congress where in the 1970s, nearly 80% of the members of Congress had served in the U.S. Military; today, less than 20% of the 117thCongress have ever worn a uniform. When my great grandfather, and grandfather returned from WW1 and WW2, respectively, they entered a job market that was saturated with fellow veterans, who understood them and the value they bring to our communities as did our elected representatives. The truth about our veterans
since the end of the draft in the 70’s has become increasingly diverse as individuals saw (and continue to see) the military as a way to achieve economic mobility. They are smart, driven, resilient, and entrepreneurial – words that most Americans like my seat mate – don’t always associate with a Veteran. After WW2 nearly 50% of veterans owned their own business, like my great grandfather; and most veterans outperform their nonmilitary peers in the long run. There is still work to do, while many Veterans thrive in their post-service years others struggle. Veterans continue to be over-represented in the homeless population, court system, substance mis-use disorders, and suicide deaths. These are hard problems, but they are solvable ones. For the past 20 years Americans have claimed we support our troops, but how we choose to treat our Veterans over the next few years will be the measure of whether we meant it or not. As a nation we put an impossible burden on a small group of men and women who volunteered to serve – fully knowing the hazards of their chosen profession. If we are truly a grateful their service, we will invest in those individuals who have invested so much in our freedoms. Each generation of Veterans have shown time and time again, that when they thrive, our communities, and our nation thrives as well. Joseph Reagan is the director of Military and Veterans Outreach for the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America. He served eight years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Freedom comes with responsibility
WEEKLY WAG Veterans Day
I have never thought of myself as a crank, but this issue really sticks in my craw. People state “medical freedom” or religious exemption or cite deeply confused false information as reasons to not get the COVID shot. Well, that is fi ne, except their poor choice affects everyone, especially health care workers. Now the National Guard is being sent in to deal with the results of these folks’ irresponsible behavior. And lord knows how many hospital bills for these people are paid for by Medicare and other forms of government-supported insurance. Seriously, I don’t want my tax dollars going to pay for the inevitable outcome of anyone’s irresponsible behavior. Religious exemption? I say separation of church and state. Seriously, freedom comes with responsibility. You want your freedom to not get vaccinated, then accept the costs of that freedom and don’t expect me to pay for it. Will Perry Hugo
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The members of the American Legion Auxiliary Hugo Unit 620 would like to express our sincere appreciation for the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. To them, we say thank you for serving this great country. We know you have sacrificed much for our nation and its citizens. And although you may no longer wear the uniform, we know you’re always on call to serve and protect the freedom and security of the United States of America. We invite everyone to pause on Veterans Day to remember those who have fought for our freedoms. Thank you to all who have so bravely served this great country. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans and military and their families, both here and abroad. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org. Rita Lorey. President Hugo American Legion Auxiliary Unit 620
Rumbo is a young, muscular boy with a fun-loving attitude and an easygoing demeanor. The 18-month-old American pit bull terrier mix weighs in at about 55 pounds. Rumbo likes going on walks, he loves to spend time outside, and enjoys playing in the water in his kiddie pool. A happy boy, he likes people and enjoys playing with other dogs. Although Rumbo looks grown up, he’s still very much a puppy at heart. He listens and is doing well learning his basic commands, but continued training with CONTRIBUTED structure and routine would serve him and his new family very well, helping him to become the best boy he can be. Rumbo is crate-trained and he very easily and comfortably takes to his crate when his foster family is busy or not home. Rumbo likes car rides and he’s a great snuggler, which will serve him and his new family well with as our cold Minnesota winter approaches. If you are interested in adopting Rumbo and would like to learn more about him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
District must make up lost ground to meet achievement goals use multiple forms of measurement to show what White Bear students really know and are able to do. There is a separate set of goals for Willow Lane Elementary, which qualifies as a racially identifiable school as at least 20% of its students come from “protected class” backgrounds such as racial and economic minorities. The goal is for 100% of students to be at or above their reading level, but only 46% of students were on track at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The district also saw a slight dip in graduation rates—90.1% of students graduated in 2019, compared to 91.2% in 2019. The end goal is 96% graduation for June 2023. Some of the goal items were too complicated by COVID-19 complexities to measure. These included integrated learning field trips, staff development and student access to culturally responsive teachers.
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Although some ground was lost, the district has met or is on track to meet several of its other goals. Its greatest success has been in school readiness. The district aimed for 75% of preschool students to be able to accurately count to 20 and recognize at least 10 upper and lowercase letters, especially in their own name. Of enrolled preschoolers, 75.1% were able to count to 20, and 85.2% were able to recognize at least 10 upper and lowercase letters by the end of the school year. The district also appears to be on track to prepare students for college and careers across racial backgrounds. In other action, the board: • Welcomed its two student liaisons, junior Lauren Collier and senior Bemnet Tessema.
• Heard a fi rst reading of revisions to the district’s bullying prevention policy. • Approved a bid package for the addition and expansion of Birch Lake Elementary School in the amount of $1,913,701. • Approved a
bid package for the addition and expansion of Lakeaires Elementary School in the amount of $1,758,379. The next White Bear Lake Area Schools Board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8.
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Waiting Child Mason,16, has an introverted personality and can be somewhat quiet until he gets to know you. He enjoys going to movies, playing video games, and other games such as Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Mason also loves shows that have to do with ghost hunting. Mason pays strict attention to his clothes as he says they represent him. Mason’s favorite musician is Trippie Redd. Mason would thrive in a structured and predictable setting where he can receive 1:1 attention. He would do well in a rural area and would benefit from having older children in the home. Mason enjoys animals and would love to have a cat of his own.
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Following adoption, Mason would need to maintain contact with his two younger siblings. Submitted by MN Adopt, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.mnadopt.org.
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The effects of COVID-19 on young learners are not yet fully understood, but reading scores and achievement gap measurements from the 2020-2021 school year show that the White Bear Lake School District has some catching up to do. Dr. Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, presented a summary of the past school year’s World’s Best Workforce achievement and integration summary at the last school board meeting. The World’s Best Workforce Plan is an initiative from the Minnesota Department of Education that addresses five achievement goals to improve teaching and learning. These goals ensure that all students are ready for school, all third graders can read at grade level, all racial and economic gaps between students are closed, all students are ready for a career and college and all students graduate from high school. The summary showed the White Bear Lake district lags in third grade reading scores, falling from 62.6% reading proficiency on the MCA-III assessment in 2019 to 54.6% in 2021. The goal is for that number to increase to 68.1% by June 2023. This drop was accompanied by a 14.3% decrease in participation, as parents are able to opt their
students out of MCA testing. In some years, MCA participation has been as high as 99%, so this decrease is significant, Gillespie explained. This could cause a negative impact, as participation rate is part of the district’s evaluation. “It’s a balance because we had a higher opt-out rate last year perhaps because we had many different impacts of the pandemic on us,” Gillespie said. “It’s really about district accountability, and it’s been made about individual student accountability, and I think that’s really hard when you’re looking at a test score and thinking what does this mean for my student.” Standardized testing is a concern for many parents, since not all students learn the same way. Although it is a critical tool for the evaluation of the district, Gillespie acknowledged that the district needs to
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NOVEMBER 4, 2021
HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • A Kubota tractor and log splitting machine were reported stolen at 10:39 a.m. Sept. 10 from the 5000 block of 170th Street N.
• A suspicious male wandering around the area of 130th Street N. and Isleton Avenue N. at 11:48 p.m. Sept. 10 carrying a pistol turned out to be a local male carrying a black water bottle. • Suspicious males lurking around the public works building in the 14000 block of Irish Avenue N. at 7:33 a.m. Sept. 11 turned out to be males searching for agates. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies banned them from the premises. • Suspicious bikes parked in front of a residence in the 6000 block of 145th Circle N. at 8:02 a.m. Sept. 11 turned out to belong to friends of the complainant’s son. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 9:33 a.m. Sept. 11 on westbound 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 69 mph in a 55 mph zone by eastfacing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. • A complainant in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 11:05 a.m. Sept. 11 reported the driver’s door window of his vehicle smashed in. Nothing was noticed missing. • An unknown motorist was arrested for suspicion of DWI at 3:19 p.m. Sept. 11 on Everton Avenue N. and 121st Street N., following a report of a hitand-run motor vehicle accident at that location. When deputies located the driver, they noticed his intoxicated state and conducted numerous standard field sobriety tests (SFST’s), all of which the driver failed. • A fence in the 17000 block of Forest Blvd. N. was reported damaged at 4:18 p.m. Sept. 11. As a result, dump trucks were rummaged through and gas cards stolen. Camera footage is available for review. • An unknown male was arrested on an outstanding Hennepin County warrant and a female was cited for driving after revocation at 7:21 p.m. Sept. 11 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. following a traffic stop for license plate tabs that had expired in July. • Deputies transported a highly intoxicated man in the area of Emerald Drive N. and Empress Avenue N. to a local hospital at 8:07 p.m. Sept. 11 after they were dispatched to the report of an aggressive, incoherent person in the street at that location. • An unknown motorist was cited at 4:15 p.m. Sept. 19 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation and possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia in a motor vehicle, following a traffic stop for several items suspended from the rearview mirror and cluttering the dashboard so much as to obstruct the view of the driver. • A resident in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. at 3:20 p.m. Sept. 20 reported a Florida moving company for bilking him out of $1,993 after he gave the company access to his checking account and couldn’t contact them.
After speaking with the complainant, deputies realized he was dialing their number incorrectly and advised him to
dial the number on the legitimate company website to see if he had better luck. Deputies have not heard back from the complainant. • An unidentified female was cited at 5:57 p.m. Sept. 20 for possessing marijuana and paraphernalia in a motor vehicle and her male companion was verbally warned for trespassing and theft, following a report of a suspicious vehicle at residential construction sites in the area of 162nd Court N. and Fairoaks Avenue N. The male was observed scrounging in large dumpsters in the area and removing wires without permission.
During the consented search of the vehicle, deputies located scrap metal, as well as pot and paraphernalia, in a purse on the floor of the vehicle. • An unidentified motorist was arrested at 9:45 p.m. Sept. 20 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. for driving after revocation and driving an uninsured vehicle, after he was pulled over for an object hanging from the rearview mirror. The driver was allowed to obtain a private tow for the vehicle. • A woman was arrested on a first-degree drug warrant out of Anoka County at 1:26 a.m. Sept. 21 in the 15000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. • A Minnesota woman was cited at 9:11 a.m. Sept. 21 on Frenchman Road and Leopold Lane N. for handsfree cell phone violation after deputies observed her underway talking into the phone. • The driver of a dark-colored sedan was arrested at 5:44 p.m. Sept. 30 on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road for resisting arrest after he assaulted Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies following a traffic stop for extremely dark tinted windows and dark, smoke-colored film covering the license plates. Deputies impounded the vehicle.
• Deputies were dispatched out on an unwanted male call at 10:54 a.m. Oct. 3 in the 15000 block of French Drive N. and assisted in making sure the male left by transporting him away from the address. • Deputies booted three people off of a construction site in the 16000 block of Empress Avenue N. at 8:27 p.m. Oct. 3 following a report of a possible burglary. On arrival at the scene, deputies found three people digging around in a dumpster. One male stated he was working for the developer as a painter and was looking for wood by not going into any of the houses under construction. Deputies quickly advised the male that if he wanted wood, to do it through the proper channels with permission and during daylight hours.
• A suspicious unoccupied vehicle reported parked in a church lot in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 9:22 p.m. Oct. 3 turned out to contain pastor clothing.
• An unidentified male was arrested on a felony warrant at 9:56 p.m. Oct. 3 in the 5000 block of 126th Street N. after deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a disturbance involving a male outside screaming at a known “problem house.” • An attempted burglary was reported overnight Oct. 3-4 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. after video cameras showed the suspect attempting to get into the back door. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 8:25 a.m. Oct. 4 on westbound 170th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for speeding 73 mph in a 55 mph zone by deputies who observed the vehicle coming over the hill at a high rate of speed and fired up the radar gun. • A resident in the 8000 block of 140th Street N. at 9:22 a.m. Oct. 4 reported that she wanted to evict her nephew from the residence and asked what she could do about it. Deputies advised the complainant to fill an unlawful detainer form and file it with the county courthouse. On Oct. 5, the complainant reported that a family member was extremely upset by her son’s eviction from that location and had posted on social media about the incident. Deputies advised the complainant to call law enforcement if she needed a civil standby later in the evening. • The male driver of a pickup truck arriving in the area of Elmcrest Avenue N. at 170th Street N. was reported at 6:43 p.m. Oct. 4 for driving erratically and firing two rounds out of a shotgun before leaving the area. Deputies recovered the spent shells, but did not observe any damage.
• A male on a bicycle was reported at 11:37 p.m. Oct. 4 at a bank drive-thru in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for being “extremely uncooperative.” • A Minnesota driver was cited at 8:24 a.m. Oct. 5 for driving after suspension and speeding, after deputies observed the vehicle flying over the hill on 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N. at a high rate of speed. • A motor vehicle was reported stolen at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 5 from a garage in the 4000 block of Fable Road Court N. after the complainant left the keys inside. • Deputies took custody of a license plate and phone found in a ditch near a residence in the 13000 block of Homestead Avenue N. at 8:37 p.m. Oct. 5. Deputies sent the items to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to check the address for contact information. • A resident in the 5000 block of 157th Street N. at 2:14 p.m. Oct. 6 reported receiving a scam phone call request that registered “Police Officer” on her caller ID. The caller asked if the complainant would donate money to the police officer association. When the complainant asked the scammer to send information about the charity, the scammer hung up. No money or information was released. • A motorist of undisclosed identity was cited at 10:49 p.m. Oct. 6 in the 7000 block of 165th Street N. for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance after deputies on patrol observed her roll a stop sign and make a wide right turn and conducted a license plate check. The vehicle was towed. Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer stopped a vehicle on Interstate 35W at Lake Drive for equipment violations Oct. 13. The registered owner had a revoked license. The driver was arrested for the offenses, and a controlled substance was found in the vehicle. The driver was booked. • Officers were dispatched on a report of a disorderly parent at an elementary school in the 700 block of Main Street Oct. 13. The parent was issued a citation for various violations. • Officers responded to the report of an intoxicated male in a city park in the 7800 block of Lake Drive Oct. 14. The male was located and brought to his residence, where he was left in the care of a family member.
• An officer took a phone call regarding a traffic complaint on Lake Drive/ Hodgson Road Oct. 14. The officer documented the incident. • Officers responded to a property damage accident involving a car versus a deer in the 6900 block of Lake Drive Oct. 14. There were no injuries and the vehicle was driven from the scene. • An officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 7500 block of Woods Edge Boulevard Oct. 14. The officer located the vehicle and spoke to the driver. The officer found that nothing criminal had occurred and cleared the scene. • An officer responded to a report of a suspicious person in the area in the 7900 block of Highland Drive Oct. 14. The officer did not locate anyone or perceive any other problems.
• A resident wanted to report an attempted phone call scam in the 8000 block of Danube Street Oct. 15. The officer documented the incident; no personal information was provided to the fraud suspect. • An officer responded to assist another agency with a robbery in the 3400 block of Lake Drive NE Oct. 15. The suspect was identified and the officer was cleared from the assist. • Officers responded to a phone call report requesting extra patrol in the 6700 block of Partridge Place Oct. 15. Officers documented the incident and provided extra patrol. • Officers responded to a resident who called about a group of individuals that was reported to be acting disorderly in the 600 block of Lois Lane Oct. 15. The complainant did not want the suspects charged, and
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the officers made contact with those involved. An officer responded to a theft from motor vehicle report in the 100 block of Woodridge Lane Oct. 16. The officer documented the information. An officer responded to a property damage accident in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Oct. 16. The officer documented the information and provided involved parties with the case number. An officer located two juveniles at a closed business in a vehicle in the 7400 block of Village Drive Oct. 16. The officers gave them a warning and escorted them back home. An officer responded to a local roadway on a report of a property damage accident on Main Street/ SEE SEE MORE REPORTS, PAGE 7
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THE CITIZEN
7
LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
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Sunset Avenue Oct. 16. The officer investigated the scene and documented the incident. An officer was dispatched to check an area for potential illegal hunting in the 0 block of White Pine Road Oct. 17. The area was investigated and no hunters were found. An officer responded to a call of an open door at a business in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Oct 17. An employee was on scene. No problems were found. Officers responded to a local business on the report of damage to property and theft in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road Oct. 17. Police are investigating the incident. Officers responded to a request from the State Patrol to assist with a property damage accident on the interstate at I-35W and Main Street Oct. 17. Officers stood by and assisted. Officers responded to multiple reports of theft from motor vehicles at a local business in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road Oct. 18. The investigation is active. An officer responded to a report of a vehicle fi re on 20th Avenue/ 80th Street Oct. 18. The Lino Lakes Fire Department arrived and put out the fi re. An officer took a missing person report Oct 18. The incident was documented and the person was entered as missing. The case is
ongoing. • An officer responded to a gas odor in a house in the 2000 block of Red Oak Lane Oct. 16. Upon investigation, it was determined the gas stove was left on. The officer confi rmed the stove was off and assisted with natural ventilation prior to clearing. • An officer responded to several kids playing on construction equipment in the 2200 block of Clearwater Creek Drive Oct. 18. They were told to leave. • An officer responded to an individual requesting a permit for a deer that was hit by a car in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Oct. 18. The permit was issued. • Officers responded to a disturbance at an apartment building in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Oct. 18. The incident was documented and is being investigated. • An officer responded to a report of a motor vehicle property damage accident with no injuries at a business in the 6800 block of Otter Lake Road Oct. 18. There were no further problems. • An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Oct. 19. The officer documented the information and provided involved parties with a case number. • An officer was dispatched to investigate an unoccupied vehicle found on private property in the 2300 block of Cedar Street Oct. 19. The occupant of the vehicle was cited for multiple offenses. • An officer was dispatched to a
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suspicious activity report in the 100 block of Elm Street Oct. 19. The officer made contact with the occupants of the vehicle and learned they were doing work in the area. There were no further problems. An officer was requested to contact a resident regarding a neighborhood dispute in the 2200 block of Tart Lake Road Oct. 19. The officer provided advice and documented the incident. An officer answered questions regarding a nuisance animal in the 7500 block of Peltier Lake Drive Oct. 19. An officer responded to a theft report in the 6100 block of Woodchuck Circle Oct. 20. The investigation is ongoing. An officer took a theft report in the 7900 block of Nancy Drive Oct. 20. The item was located by another police department and returned to the owner. An officer received a noise complaint report in the 8000 block of Danube Street Oct. 20. The office spoke to the involved parties about the noise concerns. Officers responded to a possible personal injury accident on Lake Drive and I-35W Oct. 20. Officers determined no injuries were sustained. Officers collected information, towed one vehicle and cited one driver for failure to drive with care. An officer responded to a motor vehicle property damage accident involving a vehicle vs. a deer in the 7700 block of Main Street Oct. 21. There were no injuries and a tow was
not needed. • An officer was dispatched and arrived to dispose of an ill raccoon that was on a resident’s property in the 6100 block of Ware Road Oct. 21. • Officers responded to an alarm at a business in the 8000 block of Lake Drive Oct. 22. Officers determined the business had been burglarized. The incident was documented and is under investigation. • An officer responded to a report of a property damage accident in a business parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. There were no injuries and the accident was documented. • An officer responded to a local business for found drug paraphernalia in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Oct. 22. The officer collected the paraphernalia. No suspect information is available. • Officers responded to a residence on a report of a disturbance in the 6400 block of Lakota Trail Oct. 22. Officers made contact with a male and arrested the male on multiple charges. • Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2100 block of Chestnut Street Oct. 23. Upon arrival, officers located juveniles skateboarding. The juveniles were sent home. • An officer responded to an animal complaint at a residence in the 800 block of Orange Street Oct. 25. The officer did not observe any apparent problems.
CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers took a phone call fraud report from the 6800 block of Centerville Road in Centerville Oct. 12. • An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lovell Road and Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Oct. 13. An adult female was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Officers responded to a theft from a motor vehicle on the 300 block of Heritage Trail in Circle Pines Oct. 13. The caller advised that the unknown suspect entered her vehicle and removed some property without permission. The estimated loss was $20. • Police responded to a phone call reporting a theft from a motor vehicle in the 200 block of Marion Court in Circle Pines Oct. 13. The caller advised the unknown suspect entered the vehicle and removed some currency. The estimated loss was $10. • Officers followed up on a dumping complaint in the 0 block of Inner Drive in Circle Pines on Oct. 13. The suspect has been located. • An adult female was arrested in the 8800 block of Lexington Avenue Oct. 13 on an outstanding warrant. • Officers initially took a missing persons report from the 200 block of Galaxy in Circle Pines Oct. 13. Officers were able to locate the party’s whereabouts. • Officers observed a
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traffic violation near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Flowerfield Road in Lexington Oct. 13. An adult female was subsequently arrested for fi fth-degree drug possession. An adult male will be charged pending lab results. Officers took a report of damage to property in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington Oct. 13. A traffic stop yielded a warrant arrest in the area of Main Street/ Lakeland Circle in Centerville Oct. 13. Officers were dispatched to the 0 block of Circle Drive on a delayed burglary report in Circle Pines Oct. 13. Officers were dispatched to a theft report in the 8700 block of Arona Avenue in Lexington Oct. 13. A theft was reported on the 1900 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington Oct. 14. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Griggs Avenue and Woodland Road in Lexington Oct. 15. A female driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. Officers took a walk-in report of a theft from the 600 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Oct. 15. There are no suspects at this time. Officers were dispatched to a phone call fraud report on the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Oct. 15. Officers located a male in the roadway near Lake Drive and Village Parkway in Circle Pines Oct. 15.
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The male was found to be urinating on his vehicle’s tire. The male was cited. Officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Road and Park Drive West in Circle Pines Oct. 16. The male driver was subsequently arrested on outstanding warrants. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main Street and Peltier Lake Drive in Centerville Oct. 16. An adult female was subsequently arrested for DWI. Officers were dispatched to a slumper call within the 3800 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Oct. 17. An adult male was subsequently arrested for DWI. An officer observed a traffic violation in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville Oct. 18. An adult male was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant. Officers were dispatched to a phone call reporting suspicious activity on the 1800 block of Hayfield Road in Centerville Oct. 18. Officers responded to the area of Lake Drive and Village Parkway in Circle Pines for a motor vehicle vs. deer accident Oct. 20. Officers located the vehicle and injured deer on the shoulder. The deer was dispatched and the vehicle and driver were identified. Officers were dispatched to Baldwin Park in Circle Pines on a report of a porta-potty on fi re in the 400 block of Keith Road Oct. 20.
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Officers extinguished the fi re. The cause of the fi re is unknown. Officers were dispatched to a theft report in the 70 block of West Road in Circle Pines Oct. 20. Officers were dispatched to a noise complaint in the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines Oct. 20. Officers came across a suspicious vehicle in the 1 block of School Road in Circle Pines Oct. 21. A juvenile was located in the vehicle and parents were contacted to bring the juvenile home. Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue on a single-vehicle property damage accident Oct. 21. Officers took information for a report. Officers responded to a possible chemical spill in the 0 block of Point Cross in Circle Pines Oct. 22. Officers assisted to put out the fi re on the scene. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Woodland Road in Lexington Oct. 22. Officers were approached by a person in Baldwin Park who had located an injured owl in the 400 block of Keith Road in Circle Pines Oct. 23. Officers assisted in getting help for the bird. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington Oct. 23.
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The female driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. A theft was reported in the 9400 block of Lexington Ave in Lexington Oct. 23. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Restwood Road and Albert Avenue in Lexington Oct. 24. The male driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Main Street and 20th Avenue in Centerville Oct. 24. The male driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. Officers were dispatched to a phone call complaint about littering in the 8800 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Oct. 25. Officers were dispatched to the 8900 block of Syndicate Avenue in Lexington for a damage to property report Oct. 25. The case is active and investigation is pending. A structure fi re was reported in the 1700 block of Main Street in Centerville Oct. 25. Officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville on a report of a contained dog Oct. 26. Officers were on foot patrol in the 50 block of West Golden Lake Road on Circle Pines and observed damage to city property Oct. 26. Officers were dispatched to a dog at large in the 1 block of Inner Drive in Circle Pines Oct. 26. The dog was returned home.
8 THE CITIZEN
ONGOING EVENTS HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’ When: 12:45 p.m. Nov.4 & Nov.18; the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com
HUGO SENIOR CLUB When: 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15; the 3rd Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Short meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served. News members welcome; annual dues $10. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com
CRIBBAGE When: Noon Monday, Nov.22; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413
NORTHSTAR WATERMEDIA NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION When: Through Nov. 4 Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi Details: Juried art exhibition featuring 50 selected paintings by local and regional artists. Contact: northstarwatermedia.com
'WATER FLOWS, LIFE BLOOMS' EXHIBITION When: Through Nov. 11 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: See work by Japanese artist Mayumi Amada in the WBCA's new Ford Family Gallery. Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org
CURRENT EVENTS
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WOMEN'S FALL WORKSHOPS: WILDERNESS SKILLS When: 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Women-led, womenonly workshops to learn wilderness skills. Theme is “Survival 101”. $10/person; registration required. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
GARDEN MARKET CRAFT SALE When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 Where: Bayport Public Library, 582 4th St. N. Details: Affordable gifts, houseplants, dried botanicals, silent auction, seed giveaway, live music and more to benefit Washington County Master Gardeners. Contact: washingtoncountymg.org
ONE NIGHT WITH ELVIS When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 Where: The Village Inn & Stadium, 3600 Hoffman Rd., White Bear Lake Details: See performance by Elvis tribute artist Everett Howie Atherton. $5 per ticket goes to WBL Police Association. Contact: 612-790-6104 or onenightwithelvis.com
FOREST BATHING When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov 7 and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township Details: Based on the Japanese art of Shinrinyoku, program includes a meditative, immersive walk that uses carefully crafted activities to awaken all senses and reclaim wholeness. Registration $35. Contact: 651-243-1772 or moderndayvalkyrie.com
MAHTOMEDI MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi High School Details: ISD832 music teachers join together in presenting a varied and entertaining concert to raise money for extra musical activities in their classrooms and the Kelly Spaulding Scholarship Fund. Tickets $20/adult; $15/ seniors; $12 students. Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries.com
FALL COMMUNITY HYMN SING When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 Where: First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood St., Maplewood Details: All members of the community can attend to sing hymns.
KOWALSKI'S STRIVE 10 MILER, 5K SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3 Where: Shoreview City Council Chambers, 4700 N. Victoria St., Shoreview Details: Karen Jurgensen, Staff Rosarian for Gertens Garden Center, Member of the American Rose Society,and Gulf Coast Heritage Rose Society will speak the” Joys of Growing Antique and Historic Roses in Minnesota.” Public welcome. Contact:651-484-4341
When: noon Sunday, Nov. 7 Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S. Details: 10 mile run around White Bear Lake; also 5K course. Registration $25 before Oct. 31 Contact: midwestevents.com
LPT BOOK CLUB When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8 Where: Online Details: Sign up to read portions of the book, or watch the readings. November's book selection is “Holmes &
Watson” by Jeffrey Hatcher. Online and in-person book club events will alternate. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St. Details: Hike along paved trail and and downtown streets, approx. 3 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com
NORTHEAST RESIDENCE VIRTUAL EVENT When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9 Where: nerinc.org/virtualopen-house Details: John Estrem, CEO of Northeast Residence taked participants through “ a day in the life” of staff members who assist in the organization's group homes for adults and children with developmental disabilities in the Northeast Metro.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE When: 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N. Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets are needed. Make an appointment online or by phone. Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
FRIENDS OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE When: 10:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11; 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12; 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Details: Annual used book sale to raise funds for materials and programs at the library. Contact: 651-275-4338 or washcolib.com
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township Details: Twenty farmers and vendors will be selling locally grown and raised items including meats, cheeses, vegetables, baked goods, preserves, fermented foods, microgreens and other healthy living and gift items. Free cider, fi res and a food truck. Contact: forksinthedirt.com
FRIENDS OF THE ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY BOOK SALE When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Centennial Library, Circle Pines Details: First-ever book sale to benefit all Anoka County Library branches. Pre-sale for members and Friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Contact: friendsofanokacolib@gmail.com
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK When: 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 Where: Zoom Details: Bestselling author, librarian, literary critic, and devoted reader Nancy Pearl regularly speaks about the importance and pleasure of reading at libraries and other groups around the world. Members of the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries’ Board will also provide updates from the organization and announce the winner of the inaugural Ruth Palmer Award during the virtual event. $50 per household; $25 for Friends members. Proceeds benefit Ramsey County Libraries. Register online. Contact: rclfriends.org
2ND ANNUAL JINGLE BEAR ONLINE AUCTION When: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 through 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Online, whitebearrotary.org Details: Funds raised will support local and global Rotary projects in the coming year. Preview the auction items on the website.
PATRICK ALLEN PERFORMANCE When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 Where: 7 Vines Vineyard, 101 Highway 96, Dellwood Details: Singer / guitarist performs a wide variety of music including popular standards, classic pop, rock, soul, folk and blues. Contact: patrickallenmusic.com
MAHTOMEDI MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi High School, 8000 75th St. N. Details: Wildwood Artist Series presents talented ISD 832 music teachers to raise money for classroom music activities and the Kelly Spaulding Scholarship Fund. Tickets $20/adult; $15/ seniors; $12/students. Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries.com
SANTA PAWS 2021 When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14 Where: Forest Lake Senior Center, 767 4th St. SW Details: Northwoods Humane Society Fundaraiser includes family photos with pets and Santa; also bake sale, pet supply and gift sale, refreshments and goodies, and nail trims from 1-3 p.m. No registration necessary. Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs.org/ fundraising-events/santapaws-2021
TURKEY BINGO When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Mahtomedi High School Details: Fundraiser for the Mahtomedi Fire Department's Relief Association.
GUIDED BIRD HIKE When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave., Stillwater Details: Learn to identify birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data by completing bird count surveys. Trail conditions vary. Free with parks permit. Contact: co.washington. mn.us/parks
CHILDREN'S PERFORMING ARTS' 2021 MASQUE When: 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Where: Hybrid event; virtual or in person at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: In-person event includes happy hour with heavy appetizers, desserts and drinks followed by program and “Salsa Del Sol” after party; virtual program includes a Cuban-style meal to-go from Rudy's. VIP option available for both. See website for registration. Contact: 651-336-8613 or childrensperformingartsmn. org/masque
FOR THE LOVE OF THE LIBRARY
When: 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 Where: Pillars of White Bear Lake, 4650 Centerville Rd. Details: Free drive-thru breakfast for veterans. Call to RSVP. Contact: 651-762-6121
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 Where: Virtual event Details: Annual fundraiser for the Stillwater Public Library features Honorable Justice Alan Page and Emcee Lee Valsvik of KOOL 108. Contact: 651-504-2350 or stillwaterlibraryfoundation.org
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Shopping specials at participating businesses. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 Where: Vadnais-Sucker Lakes Park, County Rd. F, Vadnais Heights Details: Hike the flat, paved trails through the park, approx. 5 miles. Parking lot east of Rice St. Contact: stpaulhike.com
VETERANS BREAKFAST
ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 Where: Veteran's Memorial Park, Mahtomedi Details: American Legion Kramer-Berg Post 507 invite veterans and families to a celebration honoring service men and women. National Anthem performed by Mahtomedi High School choir.
LAKEWOOD CONCERT SERIES When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 Where: Lakewood Worship Center, 2080 Woodlynn Ave., Maplewood Details: Performance by Twin Cities Master's Chorale. Freewill offering. Contact: 651-226-4289
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
9
Metro deer management is anything but simple BY ROY HEILMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
According to Minnesota law, deer are owned by the state and managed on behalf of the people of Minnesota by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Across most of the state that occurs in dozens of management units, to achieve more localized goals. However, in some places, namely the Twin Cities metro area, things get complicated. Most of the metro area is included in deer permit area 701, where hunting often does not occur due to fi rearms discharge restrictions imposed by municipalities. Scott Noland, DNR Wildlife Manager in Forest Lake, says there isn’t much he can do to influence management in those places. According to the DNR’s Urban Deer Population Control policy, where local ordinances preclude firearm use, “responsibility for deer population management reverts substantially to the LGU [local governmental unit].” Where that is the case, several things are required of LGUs that undertake deer population control. Those include making a deer population estimate, stating a population goal, a public input process, and a written plan to achieve population goals. Also, accurate records of deercar collisions and citizen complaints must be kept. Noland explains that where the onus is on LGUs to keep deer numbers reasonable, his role is to help facilitate management. He does that through setting liberal harvest limits (currently five deer per hunter in area 701) and making himself available for technical guidance. “We’re trying to drive the population toward goal, while providing municipalities flexibility to achieve their goals.” For hopeful hunters and other residents who wish to understand where hunting is allowed or how deer control is conducted, local ordinances and policies vary widely. Some cities, like Blaine, Hugo and Lino Lakes allow hunting in some areas, with restrictions. Most others, like Shoreview, White Bear Township and Stillwater, authorize little to no hunting whatsoever. The city of Vadnais Heights does allow deer hunting with a permit
issued through application process, which comes with several stipulations. City Administrator Kevin Watson reports there are usually 15-25 permits issued each year. There have been 21 issued so far in 2021. Watson explains that issuing such permits is part of the city’s overall deer management strategy and is accepted by the community. And while he says, “a little bit of it is tradition,” the city genuinely wants participants to help control the population: “We do ask people to harvest [deer] if they’re able.” The total number of deer taken in 2020 was 21; in the last eight years that number has ranged from 15 to 36. Another part of Vadnais Heights’ deer management includes Ramsey County’s use of controlled hunts. Those hunts take place annually across the county, typically in parks and open spaces. The Metro Bowhunters Resource Base provides the hunters and administers the hunts during regular deer season, in cooperation with Ramsey County (and other counties and cities all over the area). According to Michael Goodnature, Natural Resource Manager for Ramsey Co. Parks & Recreation Department, those hunts are focused on the higher concentrations of deer. Each year, Goodnature conducts an aerial population survey to determine the numbers and locations of deer in Ramsey County. The results of those surveys help inform the county’s approach to deer management, as well as individual cities. While the stated population goal is 20 deer per square mile of suitable deer habitat, deer density has been at least twice that for over two decades (topping out at 95 deer/sq.mi. in 2004). Certain places, like Turtle Creek in Shoreview and the Vadnais Lake area, are perennial hotspots. Goodnature acknowledges that chronically high deer density may cause detriment to the overall health of the environment, not to mention the deer themselves. But, like Noland, his ability to get deer numbers low is somewhat limited by population goals set by the municipalities within Ramsey County. “Basically, I only have jurisdiction over Ramsey County Parks.”
LEANN MICHAEL | CONTRIBUTED
As deer hunting season gears up, be on the lookout. Lino Lakes photographer LeAnn Michael recently spotted this buck hanging out in her yard.
If, after the controlled hunts, deer numbers still remain high, Goodnature has the option to hire sharpshooters to further reduce the population. This technique was applied as recently as last year, however, it is cost prohibitive and not feasible for achieving landscape-wide population control. Both Noland and Goodnature cite citizen complaints as one of the main drivers of deer management policy. Combined with population surveys, complaints help determine where deer control needs to happen, and to what extent. Residents living where
fi rearm discharge restrictions are in place are encouraged to contact the city fi rst, as they are likely required to keep records of such complaints. For those interested in learning more about controlled bowhunts being conducted in the area, Ramsey and Washington County websites list the current year’s hunts, as does the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base website: mbrb.org. Roy Heilman is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
Give and take of the hunt BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Every hunter knows the feeling of tunnel vision when the perfect deer steps into view. All focus is lasered in on a single point, watching how the animal steps, evaluating the angle of the shot, getting the trigger hand in place with just the right timing. This moment is a highlight of the hunt, but it is so fleeting in the grand scale of the season. Most of the hours spent in the tree stand or blind, we’re looking at things that aren’t deer. Birds, squirrels, maybe the occasional fox or coyote, and of course—the fields and trees. In the last few years I’ve been hunting, I’ve made an effort to really get to know my patch of the forest. After all, the health of the forest affects the health of all the creatures within it. All it took was some photos and a nature ID app to learn that my hunting stand is surrounded by distinctive woodland flora such as gray dogwood, yellow birch, and witch hazel. And then there’s the buckthorn. An invasive species from Eurasia, this shrub has taken root in regions across the state. It chokes out native species and creates dense, thorny thickets. The roots of buckthorn emit a chemical substance that kills off competing plants, leading to poor soil quality and erosion. Deer don’t eat it. Instead, deer browse on more favorable native species, leaving the buckthorn unharmed to spread like wildfi re. In the book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer examines the relationship
between the world of Western science and her perspective as a member of the Potawatomi Nation. One of the concepts she stresses the most is that of reciprocity—giving back in thanks for what was received, in an endless cycle. This applies to gift giving between humans, but also between humans and the elements of the natural world. When I take a deer from our forest, I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can to care for that forest in return. On the land where I hunt, removing buckthorn is one of the ways I have chosen to improve the overall health of the forest. Buckthorn is not easy to kill. It usually doesn’t grow very large, and can be removed with a variety of tools, but it can be a painstaking process that takes years. Cut stumps must be treated with herbicide, or prevented from growing back with coverings such as tin cans or buckthorn bags. It can be unsightly, and it is definitely a slog. But to me, the work is worth the price of keeping the woodland healthy, making room for groves of hazelnuts and gooseberries to thrive and create a healthier ecosystem. I love the rush of that moment when the deer steps into the scope, but once the excitement is over, it is just as important to take a step back and look at the wider landscape. If you’re headed onto hunting grounds this season, I encourage you to take a close look at the land that supports you, and do what you can to support it back. Jackie Bussjaeger is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.
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11
FINANCE DIRECTOR: City chooses to hire from within FROM PAGE 1
stepping up from the moment (Ron passed) … Anna has really grabbed the situation by the horns and kept us on track,” Mayor Tom Weidt said. “I’m glad that we went through this process and, in the end, we found out that we had the person that was right for this job right here in the building.” Speaking directly to Anna, the mayor said, “That’s a tribute to you, and a tribute to Ron for bringing you in and training you the way he has.” He continued, “I’m very excited that you are going to be taking this position and working with the city for years to come. Thank you for your dedication to the city during these very trying times, not only personally for your friendship with Ron, but professionally with the new challenges that you took on.” Wobse was hired as the city’s accounting clerk back in 2008 and has worked in accounts payable and payroll functions. In 2018, Wobse was promoted to the fi nance coordinator position. Council Member Dave Strub said he was thankful the city went through the search process. “Sometimes you have to take a look outside to figure out what you have inside,” he said. “That’s a tribute to Anna that she measured up to what was out there on the market. We didn’t settle for Anna,
we got Anna because she is the best candidate.” Council Member Becky Petryk said she was happy and grateful to hear that Wobse was selected as the top candidate. “Over the years, I have never heard a negative comment about Anna, her work ethic and her ability to take on any task that was asked of her and to do it really well,” she said. “Excellence is her goal, and she always reaches that goal. We are very fortunate that she has done what she has done, worked through this difficult time and is willing to stay with us.” Miron said the process Baker Tilly put candidates through was extensive. “It was very involved, it was defi nitely more than coming in for an interview,” he explained. “From start to fi nish, the application process, the background that they accumulated, the information that Anna and others had to participate in to get to this point, I think reaffi rms all the other things that all the other folks on the council have said. “It was a good, extensive process, and in the end, we found the right person through that process.” Wobse is looking forward to the challenges ahead in her new position. “I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and felt that a career in fi nance would be a good fit for me,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the long-standing
CONTRIBUTED
The city has selected Anna Wobse as the next finance director. Wobse, who previously served as the city’s finance coordinator, stepped up to serve as interim finance director after the unexpected passing of Finance Director Ron Otkin. Wobse is pictured with Otkin.
precedent of being a sound fi nancial steward for the city of Hugo.” Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citiznnews@presspubs.com.
Fall Festivities at Wargo Nature Center
The large pile of leaves at the leaf raking and hopping station proved to be irresistible for many young visitors to the nature center.
Wargo Nature Center volunteer Betsy Friesen answers questions at a table with items from nature on display.
Dozens of local residents enjoyed near perfect autumn weather while visiting Wargo Nature Center for the annual Fall Fest. The event featured a variety of outdoor activities including a scavenger hunt, apple cidering, leaf raking and hopping, pioneer games and a story walk. Joey Mack displays natural ability on his first try the stick and hoop pioneer game.
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Miles Sloan, 4, couldn’t resist the large pile of leaves at the leaf raking and hopping station.
Fall Fest visitors walk along one of the trails through the woods at Wargo Nature Center.
12 THE CITIZEN
www.readthecitizen.com
HUGO CITY CALENDAR
CENTERVILLE CITY CALENDAR
Nov. 11: City Hall closed in observance of Veterans Day Nov. 15: City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 16: EDA meeting at 5:30 p.m. Historical Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17: Parks Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.
LINO LAKES CITY CALENDAR
Nov. 8: Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board
meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 10: City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17: EDA meeting at 6 p.m. North Metro Telecommunications Commission meeting at 6 p.m.
Nov. 4: EDAC meeting at 8 a.m. Nov. 8: City Council work session at 6 p.m.; regular
meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10: Planning & Zoning Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11: City Hall closed in observance of Veterans Day
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
HUGO BITS & PIECES
CONTRIBUTED
A new monument sign will be installed along Highway 61.
• Interim Finance Director Anna Wobse has officially been hired as the city’s next finance director. See full story on pages 1 and 11. • The city is searching to fi ll a vacancy in the finance department for an accounting clerk, following Wobse’s promotion. • The city has expanded its controlled shooting area map in relation to its shooting regulations ordinance. Back in 2010, the council approved amendments to shooting regulations in the city code. The amendments included adoption of a controlled shooting area map that identifies an area that is subject to certain restrictions. The restrictions prohibit discharging a fi rearm or controlled weapon within 500 feet of a building occupied by human or livestock or a stockade or corral containing livestock. It also prohibits discharge of a fi rearm or controlled weapon within 500 feet of any public road. Areas of the city not in the controlled shooting area may discharge a fi rearm on their own property or on private property with the consent of the
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
owner or legal occupant, as regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. City staff recommended the controlled shooting area be expanded to include land which has since been developed with neighborhood homes and parks. The council authorized the amendment Oct. 18. • The city has also updated its tobacco ordinance. In May 2020, Gov. Tim Walz signed into law revisions to state statute 609.685 “Sale of Tobacco to Children” to “Sale of Tobacco to Persons Under Age 21.” Statute makes it a penalty to sell or furnish tobacco or tobacco-related devices or electronic delivery devices to a person under the age of 21 years. In addition, the law increases the minimum penalties for a licensee or employee of a licensee who is in violation of this law. The council approved the change Oct. 18. Before the change, the city’s tobacco ordinance made it a penalty to sell or furnish tobacco to a minor, and defined a minor as a person under the age 18.
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• Jodie Guareschi has decided to withdraw her retirement from the fi re department. Previously, she decided she wanted to retire from the department effective Nov. 1; however, she decided she isn’t ready to leave just yet. • In the near future, the City Council will discuss possible ways to get more commission members to attend the city’s annual bus tour. Mayor Tom Weidt said, “We’ve ended up getting a few commission members in the group, but we are certainly not getting a majority of them,” he said. • The city will pay $90,403 to low bidder Schifsky Companies for a new northern entry monument sign along Highway 61, which will be a smaller version of the existing monument sign on CSAH 8. The sign will be installed this year, and landscaping will go in in the spring. Council Member Mike Miron suggested the contractor be mindful of the sign area, which doesn’t have access to irrigation, when selecting plantings for landscaping. Weidt said, “We have been talking about this for a long time, and I think this will be a great addition for the northern entrance on Highway 61. It give a sense of place when you enter Hugo.” • Results are in from the 2020 Census. See full story on pages 1 and 22. • The city’s holiday party is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Hugo American Legion.
Shannon Granholm
• A new enterprise, Sutton Transport, to be located in the Rehbein Industrial Site at 2080 Fairview Street, is moving closer to reality after the Centerville City Council at its Oct. 27 meeting formally approved three documents necessary for its development. Although council approved the preliminary plat at the July 28 meeting, the roles of owner and developer changed in the meantime and created a delay. Nothing else about the development changed, so council moved ahead to approve the final plat and site plan. In a separate motion, council approved a conditional use permit (CUP). Because Sutton will operate a “truck terminal,” city code requires a CUP with conditions to govern its operation. Conditions include maintenance of the property, parking requirements, noise and nuisance regulations, environmental concerns and trash, lighting and signage rules. • Occasionally, the city receives an opportunity to buy land within its borders, often through tax forfeitures. Anoka County has recently notified the city that a parcel known as The Shores Outlot A, on Mound Court near 7397 Main Street, is available for purchase. As the property at 7397 Main Street is owned by the county as its maintenance facility, the City Council declined the offer to purchase the parcel of land next to it. The city has the right of first refusal, said City Attorney Kurt Glaser, but is not required to own the land at any point. Council Member Russ Koski wondered whether a private citizen could buy it and keep the land on the city’s tax rolls. However, City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz noted that nothing could be built on that lot unless the city vacates its easement. “Short of putting a swingset in there, I don’t see any use for that land,” Mayor D. Love said. The city formally declined the land to encourage Anoka County to undertake the responsibility of maintaining it. • The city will continue to consolidate the tasks of wellhead protection by renewing and revising the wellhead protection joint powers agreement (JPA) it has with other cities in Anoka County. Many of the duties in fulfilling wellhead protection requirements are completed by a consortium of cities, rather than each city having to complete all the tasks individually. For example, cities are required to perform community outreach and education. Creating literature and making maps
would be an onerous task for each city to perform, and the costs would be prohibitive. Therefore, the cities have joined together to complete the tasks as one. Centerville has been a member of the Wellhead Protection JPA since 2011. Because the JPA is more than 10 years old, the agreement and governing set of rules have been updated. Centerville formally approved the signing on to the amended agreement as a new requirement of the JPA. One of the modest changes to the JPA is to add Anoka County cities that weren’t previously a part of the group. These new cities may join at will, rather than wait to be voted in. “(As a city), we are closer to citizens than any other form of government,” Love said. The city paves streets, plows snow and keeps the water running, he said. “The worst call I can ever get from (Statz) is that toilets aren’t flushing and water is filling up the basement. This (action) feels mundane, but at the end of the day it matters a lot,” he said. • The city is a member of a number of municipal organizations looking after the interests of cities, and the Metro Cities is one of them. Metro Cities, an arm of the League of Minnesota Cities, focuses mainly on cities in the seven-county metropolitan area, Statz said. The organization provides lobbying services for approximately 80 cities and sets policies and goals. The organization also tracks bills moving through the Legislature and reports regularly to member cities. Voting on policies and decisions are usually unanimous, but there are anomalies, Statz said. Council gave blanket approval for Statz, as the city’s representative, to cast a vote on matters before Metro Cities without having to wait for council authorization. • Sometimes a required pool fence encroaches into the city’s right-of-way/drainage and utility easement. To keep the property owner in compliance, the execution of an encroachment agreement is necessary. Council approved an encroachment agreement for a fence located in the city’s utility drainage area/ right of way for the property owner at 1784 Meadow Lane, who needed to enclose a pool. Approval is contingent on a review of the property by city staff to see if there is a possible alternate plan. The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at City Hall, 1880 Main St. Loretta Harding
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
13
COUNTY BRIEFS County to receive money from state for child support enforcement Washington County will receive just more than $1 million from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for its child support enforcement program. The money will be used for enforcement between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023. The purpose of the enforcement program is to establish paternity and secure financial support for minor children who are living apart from one or both parents. In 2020, the parties to this agreement worked together to serve more than 5,698 families and collected $23,576,938.
County will work with YMCA for diversity, equity, inclusion training Washington County will work with the YMCA of the North to conduct the county’s diversity, equity and inclusion training, after the county board approved a $214,550 contract with the organization. Funding comes from the human resources’ budget and an anonymous donation to the county's DEI program.
Libraries will continue to provide hotspots to residents The Washington County Library will continue to provide hotspots, or mobile devices that provide connection to the internet, after the county board approved a $141,200 contract with T-Mobile to provide 400 hotspots for checkout. In October 2020, the library began a hotspot lending program funded by Washington County through the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. The program has been a success, with more than 3,000 checkouts of hotspots from county libraries. The Library will continue the program with a one-year service agreement with T-Mobile.
County will continue to work with Metre for marketing services Washington County will continue to work with Metre LLC to provide graphic design,
marketing and advertising communication services. The county has been working with Metre since March 2020 for COVID-19 communications. The company’s contract, being paid with COVID-19 response grant funding, will increase the contract to $220,000 for increased communication services related to COVID-19 outreach and education, and the WellSpring mental health and well-being campaign, as well as additional work with other county services.
County will receive money to study Historic Courthouse Washington County will receive $10,000 from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants Program — also known as Legacy Small Grant Program — to conduct a Historic Structure Report for the Historic Courthouse. The county would provide at least a $50,000 match from the Historic Courthouse restoration fund. A historic structure report provides documentary, graphic and physical information about a property's history and existing condition. The purpose of the report is to provide information, direction and support material for pursuing future funding for restorations and repairs.
Board will conduct public hearings Nov. 30 Commissioners have reviewed proposed redistricting principles and set a public hearing to receive comment on them at its meeting Nov. 30. The meeting will be conducted in the board room of the Government Center in Stillwater. Redistricting is the process of redrawing boundaries of election districts to ensure the people of each district are equally represented. Redistricting happens every 10 years after the decennial census and will occur in 2022. Another public hearing will be to gather comment on the county’s fee schedule. The fee schedule is updated annually. All fee changes are brought to the county board for approval.
A public hearing will also be held to review comments on the 2022-26 Washington County capital improvement plan (CIP). The draft CIP is published on the county website at www.co.washington.mn.us and may be found by searching “CIP.” Comments may also be left on the website.
Volunteers needed to drive veterans to medical appointments Washington County Veterans Services is recruiting volunteer drivers to shuttle Washington County veterans to medical appointments at the Veterans Administration (VA) using vans provided by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Rides are free. Driver training is provided by the VA. Volunteers may drive as much or as little as they prefer. All appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, and drivers are vaccinated if needed and they request it. Volunteer drivers may call the DAV transportation coordinator at 612-467-2768. Veterans needing rides may also call 612467-2768 and request a ride.
Sheriff’s Office will continue work with DEA The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will continue to partner with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to staff a task force whose focus is largescale illegal drug operations by providing one experienced deputy to the task force between Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022, and will adhere to the policy of body-worn cameras. The DEA will reimburse the Sheriff's Office a maximum amount of $19,372 for overtime, based on the federal pay scale.
WCSO will receive grant for Toward Zero Deaths program The Sheriff’s Office will receive a $175,200 Toward Zero Deaths Grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. The grant will be used between Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022. The Toward Zero Deaths grant
dollars will be used to reimburse overtime costs associated with county and city police law enforcement against impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, move over and seatbelt laws.
County board approves labor agreement with deputy sheriff sergeants Commissioners have approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local #215 Deputy Sheriff Sergeants. The county’s tentative agreement with the Deputy Sheriff Sergeants and specific items were awarded by an arbitrator, and the terms of the award are: • on the first pay period following the effective date of the contract, a one-time 2% of salary will be paid in a lump sum; • on the first pay period following the effective date of the contract, a one-time $1,000 wage lump sum payment will be paid; • effective Dec. 31, 2021, a 2% market adjustment to the salary range maximum will occur for the job classification; and • the uniform allowance for 2021 shall be $900.
County will work to prevent homelessness Washington County will work with YMCA of the North and Solid Ground to prevent homelessness, after the county board approved agreements with the agencies to use Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) funds for programs. The YMCA of the North will use the $114,074 over the next two years to serve 14 households with youth experiencing homelessness with support services and rent payment assistance. Solid Ground will use $180,000 of FHPAP funds to serve 26 households with families experiencing homelessness with support services and rent payment assistance through the Home Again program.
CONTRIBUTED
Washington County Parks Guest Services Supervisor JJ Williams and Parks Director Sandy Breuer receive awards from the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA).
County parks staff recognized by state association The Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) recently presented two awards to Washington County employees. JJ Williams received the Horizon Award and Sandy Breuer received the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. Williams is the Washington County Parks guest services supervisor and Breuer is parks director. The Horizon Award is given to an individual who is a professional member of MRPA with eight years or fewer of professional experience. The recipient must be an “up and coming” professional and an active contributor to MRPA and the profession, and have leadership skills. The Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual who must be a professional member of the MRPA who has provided long and outstanding service to the parks and recreation field and to the MRPA. This nominee must have 20-plus years of professional experience. This is the highest professional award given by the MRPA to one of its members.
White Bear Lake Area High School performs ‘Into the Woods’ BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER
Many of us know the typical tales of “happily ever after,” but junior Meg Petersen assures us that the story of “Into the Woods” doesn’t quite end there. White Bear Lake High School is set to perform Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Into the Woods,” beginning Nov. 12. Director Wendy Suoja explains the pandemic drove the choice of the school’s musicals for the last couple of years. Last year was scaled back with “Songs for a New World,” which was a non-traditional musical selected to accommodate the restrictions of the pandemic. But this year, Suoja and her students will go all-out with this modern classic. “We wanted a show that could have a flexible-sized cast if needed. There are a lot of characters and a lot of leads and many roles. We have a lot of kids who are capable and talented, so we chose to show that.” Unlike other shows in the past that have had more of a jukebox feel, like “Footloose” and “Mamma Mia,” “Into the Woods” has more of a classic musical theater feel with a larger pit orchestra. “Our program has a great history with parents, musicians and crew who are all really invested. The program is very ‘go big or go home,’ and this is our opportunity to ‘go big,’” says Suoja. Suoja didn’t shy away from a musically challenging show, saying she knew it wasn’t going to be easy with characters bouncing off each other in musical numbers. Petersen, who will be playing Cinderella, is up to the challenge. “I’m a singer before I’m an actor, and this show is very song-heavy with really challenging music, which is really
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
White Bear Lake Area High School students practice some dance moves during a recent rehearsal for the upcoming theatre department production of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical “Into the Woods.”
fun for me. I sing all the time, and to have something new and exciting is really rewarding for me.” Petersen explains the uniqueness of the show is a twofor-one deal, with the first act juxtaposing the second. “It’s great for all ages, because little kids love to see the princesses and fairy tales they know in Act 1, but it’s also for adults because in Act 2, it’s all about life lessons and it’s a little more deep.” Playing her dream role of Cinderella, Petersen says while her life is quite different than that of her character’s, she admires that Cinderella discovers that she wants more out of life, has big dreams and turns out to be very independent. “And I get to wear a big dress,” Petersen notes. Suoja says she loves seeing the cast members’ connection to their characters and seeing the whole
production come alive. To add to some of the magic, the crew has planned some special effects and created a set to mimic the feeling of venturing into a forest. In many ways, the show is the first of its kind, complete with Sondheim-worthy complexities in staging and music and being the first musical back after the hardships of the pandemic. “Our set is beautiful, and the production value is really just great and the pit is really amazing. Everyone in the cast and crew have worked so hard on the show, and this is the first time we get to go back to theater after COVID,” said Petersen. Excitement is rightly at an all-time high after a year of expecting the unexpected during the pandemic. But now, after weeks of rehearsal, “Into the Woods” will give White Bear Lake High School (and its audience members) the unexpected happily ever after they’ve been searching for.
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FREE TRIP CHARGE With repair
$89 value!
The Pillars of White Bear Lake Senior Living community is designed to help you make the most of your golden years
Expires 11/30/21 *Servicing all brands Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Free Estimate • 24/7 Emergency Service Serving the St. Paul and Surrounding Area
651-426-5220
Honoring All Veterans join us for a FREE drive through breakfast on
Thursday, Nov. 11 from 8am-10am please RSVP to 651-762-6121 Read our reviews and check out our current promotions at 718835
www.krinkies.com
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR CHILD
Apple Academy provides safe, fun, and worry-free child care. We incorporate the nurturing of a home-like environment with the quality of a commercial child care center.
~ WILLS ~ TRUSTS ~ POWER OF ATTORNEY
Reading s Science s Math s Social studies s Health Creative arts s Music and movement
ENROLL BY OCTOBER 31ST and get your 6 week FREE New full-time enrollment only. Not valid with other offers. One time use only. Expires 11/30/21
1845 Main St., Centerville
26427 Forest Blvd.,Wyoming
651-762-8911
651-462-8772
centerville@applecw.com wyoming@applecw.com Visit applecw.com or call for tuition specials.
~ HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE ~ PROBATE ~ ELDER LAW
YOUR HOMETOWN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
th
FREE Initial 1/2 Hour Office Consultation 4856 Banning Avenue, White Bear Lake 612.568.8758 skelly@sheilakellylaw.com www.sheilakellylaw.com BEST
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H ugo Dental C are 5677 147th Street North www.hugodentalcare.com 651-426-1639
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We provide comprehensive dental care for the entire family!
S H E I L A J . K E L LY
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When you need us, we are here to help.
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
1.
15
2. AROUND TOWN
4.
3. 5. 1-2. Twinkie, a 4-year-old corgi, and Frosty, a 8-year-old German shepherd, greet trick-or-treaters while hanging out in a Volkswagen bus. Also pictured is Hugo resident Patrick Granholm. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications 3. Mike Fleming caught a 45 “ Muskie on bald eagle. — Contributed 4-5. Pictured (from left) are: Deputies Julia Weegman, Chris Majeski, Cori LaPlante and Donovan Bump. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network volunteer Marilyn Stomberg and Commanders Kyle Schenck and Roger Heinen are busy at work in the kitchen. — Contributed
7.
6.
6. A Press reader and parent of a carrier came up with a unique idea to bring awareness to the local paper, and the Press answered. “Support Local Journalism” yard signs are available to any resident who wants to show support of their local newspaper. Signs are free to subscribers and can be reserved by calling 651-407-1200. — Carter Johnson, Press Publications 7. Lena the pug stops by TGK Automotive in Hugo to get an oil change and enjoy food from The Smug Pug food truck. Lena found out she didn’t need an oil change, as her car is electric. —Jim Anderson, contributed
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to citizennews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
DELIVERY & TAKE OUT
Sven & Ole's Frusen Pizza & Heggies Frozen Pizza Available!
$3 OFF
10¢ OFF
1861 Main St., Centerville • 651-653-7755
FAMILY MEAL DEAL Not valid with any other offers. Only valid at Carbone’s Pizzeria in Centerville. 1861 Main St., Centerville • 651-653-7755 • Expires 11/30/21.
Exit 123 next to Dairy Queen
on Works or Works Plus monthly pass! Expires 11/30/21. CODE: CIT
1861 Main St., Centerville • 651-653-7755
7090 21st Avenue, Lino Lakes | 651-447-2187
717453
GET 1 FREE Monthly Passes AvaiLable! Full Survice Car Wash hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
JOIN THE FUN
Happy Hour Tues-Fri, 3-6 pm • Sunday All Day
Text QASanta to 727-27 to receive all details!
Bingo! Wednesday Nights
$10 OFF
ΔI \RX UH LQ QHHG RI VRPH KROLGD\ FKHHU UHJLVWHU DW QuadAreaChamber.org or call 651-321-4722
20 TAP BEERS 20 HD TVS AND AWARD-WINNING FOOD!
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Mail donations to: PO Box 430 Circle Pines, MN 55014
BUY 2 MONTHS OF CAR WASHES
Conveniently Located off 35E & Co. Rd. 14
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CODE: CIT
splitrocksmn.com • 5063 273rd St., Wyoming
Purchase of $50 or more Expires 11/30/21 Must present coupon. Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offers.
651-462-6000 splitrocksmn.com 5063 273rd St., Wyoming
717019
23
PER GALLON
*up to 20 gallons. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 11/30/21.
DELIVERY & TAKE OUT
Gift Cards Available for all occasions! 651-653-7755 • carbones.com @carbonespizzacenterville 1861 Main St., Centerville
PER GALLON
CODE: CIT
Not valid with any other offers. Only valid at Carbone’s Pizzeria in Centerville. 1861 Main St., Centerville • 651-653-7755 • Expires 11/30/21.
00
7¢ OFF
*up to 20 gallons. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 11/30/21.
ANY LARGE PIZZA
$
Ask About Our Exxon Mobile Rewards Card
PHONE: 651-407-1250 | EMAIL: classified@presspubs.com
16
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THE CITIZEN
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.
18
• Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment •
Thank You May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Adored, Glorified, Loved & Preserved throughout the world, now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Worker of Miracles, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, please pray for us. Amen. Say 9 X a day for 9 days & promise to publish. God Bless. BG
We are looking for a new team member to join our sales team! Press Publications is looking for a positive energy sales representative that can be creative and help our community business grow through our print & digital products. If you are looking to be a part of something big in the community call or email: Marketing@ press pubs.com 651-407-1213
19 Piano Lessons
CUSTODIAN/HANDYMAN We are seeking a dependable individual interested in maintaining our church building and grounds. Some duties include vacuuming, mopping, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and minor repair work. This position is part of a two-person team; each working 20 hours per week, 12 months of the year. To apply, submit a resume or notice of interest to: Staff Relations Ministry Team, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road ‘E’, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or to office@ ststephenwbl.org EOE
Playbyearmethod.com Adults 651-426-4274
20
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Notices
Notices
Early Deadline Thursday November 18th; 11AM for ads to run the week of November 24th Thank you & Happy Thanksgiving
651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com Place your classified ad online presspubs.com
White Bear Lake Area Schools Nutrition Services are looking for school lunch staff. Monday-Friday. Positions start at $15.70-$19.07/ hour. No weekends or holidays. Summer work optional. Free Lunch! No experience needed. Substitute positions also available Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/whitebear/onlineapp/ default.aspx. For questions, please call 651-407-7524.
Are you looking for something to keep your child(ren) busy? How about something that gives them cash? Talk to them about delivering newspapers! ROUTES AVAILABLE FOR WHITE BEAR PRESS: Rt 116 - N of Cedar – E of Bellaire Rt 124 – N of Birch to E of Hazel Rt 118 – S of Martin Way – E of Bellaire Rt 125 – N of Cedar to W of McKnight Rt 123 – S of Cty Rd F to W of McKnight Rt 232 – N of 96 to W of 2nd Ave Other Routes available, call our Circulation Dept. at 651-407-1246.
White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring Full Time Reserve Teachers (Job 5809) to provide a broad range of teaching services; assist students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed as a foundation for future learning in accordance with each student’s ability; and use a variety of teaching and learning methods at various levels to a targeted audience. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Principal on a paid on call basis. medical, single dental, life and LTD eligible position. Applicants should have a bachelor’s equivalent combination of education and experience.
Van Driver Needed for Newspaper Drops Lisa (651) 407-1205
Lakeshore Players Seeks Box Office Staff & House Managers Flexible PT hours! For more info, visit www.lakeshoreplayers.org/get-involved.
White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring Substitute (Reserve) Teachers (Job 2962). Subs will provide a broad range of teaching services; assist students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed as a foundation for future learning in accordance with each student’s ability; use a variety of teaching and learning methods at various levels to a targeted audience. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Principal on a paid on call basis. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in any content area and be able to provide a valid MN Teaching License or Short Call License Verification.
Apply online: isd624.org/Employment
Apply online at: isd624.org/Employment
Questions? Email the HR Department at HR@isd624.org
Questions? Email the HR Department at HR@isd624.org
Looking for team member to join us for cleaning services. Call for more info 651-503-3244 Steiner Cleaning LLC Person needs help w/ driving, org. & handyman duty. $20/hr, 3-5 hrs/wk 651-483-6461 Partially disabled Sr. looking to hire a PT housekeeper. Involves normal cleaning tasks. In addition, laundry, bed changing, dishwashing and grocery shopping assistance. No personal service requirements. One to two days/ week. Can be set-up four-hour segments. Flexible hours worked as long as we get the job done. Hugo townhomes off of 130th St. Prefer someone local to the area. NO AGENCIES PLEASE. Contact at 612-7994474 or gil@leadershipr.com.
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Free Items
Want to Buy
Boutiques
Boutiques
Boutiques
Boutiques
Boutiques
Boutiques
Boutiques
Free pick up for donated small furn/HH items to Church Store 651-430-0011
53 Vehicles Wanted We Want to Buy Your Running or Repairable UsedCars/Trucks Free Towing 612-269-2706 R&T Auto Sales Inc.
104 Hauling/Moving Scrap metal appliance pick up 651-329-0815
106 Home Improvement A HANDYMAN Lrg & sm jobs 612-751-8336
160 Hire Me Ann's AwesomeHousecleaning - 20 Yrs experience. Dependable, Trustworthy References Avail. Call or text 651-776-7834
300 For Sale Electr. recliner stands you up w/massage. $500 651.770.7932
We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment. White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651-224-4947
452 Rentals/ Residential Senior rentals Efficiency Apts. $600. 651430-1421 after 5
451 Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mirwood Cottage Gifts Nov. 5, 6, 7; 10a-5p 4768 Golden Pond Ln. White Bear
ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Friday, November 5 Saturday, November 6
9am - 7pm 9am - 4pm
White Bear Area Senior Center 2484 East County Rd F, WBL ALL ITEMS ARE HANDMADE WE WILL NOT BE HAVING A BAKE SALE THIS YEAR
SOCIAL DISTANCING & FACE MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED
Waters Edge Craft Sale Saturday November 6th 10am – 3pm Water Edge Clubhouse
15290 Famham Ave N. Hugo
Peggy’s Holiday Fine Arts & Craft Show November 6-14, 2021 Roseville Skating Center Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4, M-F 10-8 Free • 150 Artists • Easy Parking www.peggysholidayboutique.com
Farm to Home 0 Market 0 Fall Pop-up!
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NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
17
• Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Employment • Tech Opportunities in Blaine Make an impact in your community! Infinite Campus creates software used by millions of teachers, parents, students and school admins. Join us in Transforming K12 education.® We’re looking for passionate and experienced Software Engineers specializing in Application Security, DevOps, Test Automation and UI. Campus offers: Flexible schedules Modern, spacious office located in Blaine Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits The best time to make a difference is now! Learn more about these opportunities and apply at infinitecampus.com/ careers.
Administrative Assistant Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-5:05pm Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications bring news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents. Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required. Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.
Magnepan, Inc. has immediate part-time and full-time openings with flexible hours that work for you! We are seeking people who take pride in their work, have a strong work ethic and can work independently. We offer clean working conditions excellent benefits and daytime weekday hours. Apply in person at: Magnepan, Inc.1645 Ninth Street White Bear Lake MN 55110 651-426-1645
Magnepan, Inc. is seeking a fulltime person to assist our production manager. Requirements include great communications skills; being computer literate plus detail oriented and having two years related experience. In this position, you will acquire basic product knowledge to communicate by phone and email in processing and shipping customer orders. Apply in person at: Magnepan, Inc.1645 Ninth Street White Bear Lake MN 55110 651-426-1645
We are seeking a creative, energetic, well-grounded, team-oriented, selfstarter to lead our Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. This full-time position requires a person with a heart for helping our youngest members grow in faith and service as part of a supportive Christian community. Responsibilities include coordinating and overseeing our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening church school; special events; leading our Confirmation program; visioning, planning, and implementing activities to foster fellowship and spiritual growth in our youth; and, fostering opportunities for families to learn and grow together. Qualifications include previous experience or training in CYF ministries. Excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills are required. The ability to multi-task, problem solve, work with volunteers, and demonstrate hospitality is a necessity. We offer a competitive compensation rate based on St. Paul Area Synod guidelines. To apply, submit resume and cover letter to: Attention: Staff Relations Ministry Team, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road ‘E’, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or to: office@ ststephenwbl.org
$19-$30 per hour Paid within 3 days *Bonus program for season long commitment!
Call Bill! “ A cut above the rest”
ASSOCIATION MAINTENANCE LLC
Shoreview, MN
(651) 490-9755
amilawn@aol.com
MAKE EVERY DAY Award Winning Pet Grooming!
PETSTYLES
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES MINISTRY DIRECTOR
PT Flex Positions for men & women No. Sub. Locations
PET SERVICE DIRECTORY
2015-2020
Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com
SNOW REMOVAL
Manufacturing
Customer Service/Clerical
Grooming Salon
Pawesome! KATIE’S K9
2017-2020
SeasonÊs Greetings
Obedience School
100% dedicated to your pet’s grooming in a cozy, intimate pet spa, not a big box store!
Puppy Classes Private Lessons Manners Please Phone Consults Radio Show
Check out our social media to Forest Lake’s original grooming shop since 1989. see all of our happy clients! Call one of our Certified Master Groomers at
651-464-6996
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18
THE CITIZEN
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com
Email: callaspecialist @presspubs.com
To place an ad call: 651-407-1250 DECKS
HOME IMPROVEMENT
MEET YOUR SPECIALIST
e have been providing complete property maintenance since 1987. Whether your needs are indoor or outdoor, we can provide you with the professional, quality service you deserve. Our specialists will help you create a plan to fit your needs. We specialize in year-round Grounds Maintenance, Landscaping, Irrigation and Custodial for residential, town-home/condominium, apartments, commercial, retail, industrial, vacant lot/foreclosure, and food services properties. Our staff is available 24/7.
T.W.Lewis Co. Be ready s 2OOfi NGto enjoy your deck this spring! Let us build your deck now s 'ARAGES We build decks all winter long! s !DDITIONS CALL US FOR SPECIALS! s 2EMODELING s TILE 3TONE WORK s 2EPAIRS s $ECKS s $ECK &OOTING 2EPAIR
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Pro
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TREE SERVICE
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Bill 651-775-8396 www.allaroundremodeling.com
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Lic #686889
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21 years and going strong! Interior/Exterior Remodeling Roofing/Siding Doors/Windows Basements Garages Major/Minor Remodeling Kitchens
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5582 146th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038
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Need a new direction? Look in the Press Classifieds for your next job.
SERVICES:
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Don’t Miss Out on Winter Rates
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If you know of a trusted contractor to help out other great people, please send your recommendation to callaspecialist@presspubs.com or call (651) 407-1250
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
19
CDC approves COVID-19 booster shots for eligible populations BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER
COVID-19 booster shots are now widely available for qualifying Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a recommendation that eligible populations receive a booster shot to improve the performance of their initial vaccines. Individuals over 65 and those under 18 in age who live in longterm care settings, have underlying medical conditions or work or live in a high-risk setting who PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine are now eligible A local pharmacist administers a booster shot. for a third shot that will serve as a booster for those who are already fully vaccinated. just one during the day to keep up with demand. Of the nearly 15 million people who received the “People are amazed with the ease of the walk-in Johnson & Johnson vaccine, those who are 18 and appointments we have, and we’re back to where people older who were vaccinated more than two or more are happy to just get the shots,” he noted. months ago now qualify. For all three available COVID-19 vaccine boosters, Pharmacist Mike Campfield of the Medicine Chest the CDC has also approved mixing and matching in White Bear Lake has seen a major uptick in shots. If individuals have questions on which vaccine immunizations since the CDC approved all three is best for them, they can ask their pharmacist for a boosters Oct. 19. Prior to the announcement, the recommendation. Medicine Chest saw a record 49 shots in one day, all Campfield says there has been no shortage of vaceither initial COVID vaccines, flu shots or boosters, cines, so those who want a vaccine and qualify can get but now records are topping off in the hundreds: on their boosters at their own pace and see which vaccine Tuesday, Oct. 26, there were 133 total immunizations works best for each person. given at the pharmacy. Campfield notes that all boosters have their strong “So far, we’re at over 130 today,” said Campfield, points, and they all have their merits in maintaining who reported the numbers early afternoon on immunity against COVID-19. Wednesday, Oct. 27. Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached at The local pharmacy has seen its business boom lowdownnews@presspubs.com or 651-407-1226. with the onset of vaccine approvals. Campfield says they’ve been able to staff two pharmacists instead of
Many area clinics and pharmacies now have booster shots available.
‘Scratch ‘n sniff’ enhances reading aloud BY SHANNON GRANHOLM LEAD EDITOR
The Read to a Dog program at Centennial Library could not have come at a better time for fourth grader Emily Arnett, who just lost her family dog. The program has been offered on and off for the past several years, but started back up this fall after Lino Lakes resident Amanda McGivern contacted the library. McGivern owns two rescue pups, 3-year-old Lucilla, a Great Pyrenees/ collie/Lab mix, and 2-year-old Bucky, a shepherd/husky/“super mutt.” Both are certified therapy dogs. Lucilla just recently passed her certification test. Bucky, Lucilla and McGivern attend ongoing training classes at Total Recall in Hugo and belong to Helping and Healing Paws, an organization located in Buffalo, Minnesota. “My husband and I wanted to do more in the community,” McGivern said. “(The dogs) were both really calm and social, and they really like meeting new people and being pet, so we figured they would be good candidates.” In addition to continuing education, the dogs are required to complete a certain number of volunteer hours each year. McGivern started reaching out to places around the community to see if they were interested in seeing the dogs. They now regularly visit a memory care facility in Blaine, and now the library. “My mother was a librarian, and I like coming to the library,” McGivern explained. Library Associate Matt Youngbauer said McGivern “had him at ‘dog.’” Youngbauer is a huge dog lover, but says Read to a Dog has been a rewarding program. “Dogs are very good listeners and nonjudgmental. Reading in a safe environment like that is a great way for kids to gain confidence in their reading skills,” he said. “It also fits in our library initiative to help kids be reading on their own by third grade.” McGivern added, “It kind of brings out a confidence in them … It’s
soothing and calming, and it is a nopressure environment.” Once a month, school-aged children can sign up to read to Lucilla and Bucky. As of press deadline, the date and time for November session had not been set up, but the best way to stay in the know about library happenings is by calling the library, 763-324-1540, or stopping by in person. Emily and her mother Susan Arnett were checking out books at the library when they stumbled upon a poster for the Read to a Dog program. What initially caught their attention about the program was the dogs. “We are here for the dogs,” Susan said. “But it helps shy readers who don’t like to read aloud and makes for a very relaxing situation.” Since Emily reads at an eighth grade or ninth grade level, she doesn’t necessarily need the reading practice, but the activity helps her reach her reading hour goals. “She loves to read and write, but she just hasn’t been clocking the hours (during the pandemic),” her mother said. In addition, the program brings Emily some comfort, as she is really missing her own dog, who passed away suddenly. As Emily was reading, Lucilla laid down beside her and Bucky did the same, resting his chin right in her lap on her book. Youngbauer said Read to a Dog has had an impact on people of all ages. “We had a teenager who read to Bucky, but mostly just talked to him and told him about her day. Bucky was a good listener,” Youngbauer recalled. “Right after that, we had a family of girls who all took turns reading, with the oldest helping the youngest sound out words.” Perhaps the most telling thing is the fact that after each month’s session, most of the participants want to sign up again so they can come back and read to Bucky, and now Lucilla, next month. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Fourth grader Emily Arnett reads to 2-year-old Bucky during the Read to a Dog program at the Centennial Library.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Lucilla, a Great Pyrenees/collie/Lab mix, and Bucky, a shepherd/husky/“super mutt,” love it when children read books to them during the monthly program Read to a Dog at Centennial Library. Pictured is Emily Arnett of Circle Pines. See more photos online at presspubs.com.
20
THE CITIZEN
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com
White Bear Area Schools build for the future “Our students, staff and community members are seeing firsthand the phases of construction we talked about at length with the community in the fall of 2019. We are grateful to district residents for seeing both the need and the vision, and for supporting the bond referendum,” said Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, White Bear Lake Area Schools superintendent. “Much has been planned and built in the two years since that time, and we are excited to successfully complete all of the construction phases in the summer of 2025.” The fi rst project to be completed in the fall of 2020 was the creation of a secure office and vestibule area at the district’s. The second phase of the ALC, which is scheduled to be completed during summer 2023, will include renovations to create a learning commons/flexible learning space, kitchen improvements and mechanical upgrades. Elementary school projects that were constructed last year and completed before the school year began this fall included renovations to the media center, the addition of specialized learning spaces and upgrades to safety/security at Lincoln Elementary, Matoska International IB World School, Vadnais Heights Elementary and Willow Lane Elementary. A small classroom addition was added to Matoska International and a new full-size gymnasium addition was included in Lincoln’s construction project. Construction crews also completed the transportation department’s new home, a facility that houses transportation staff and the district’s fleet, just before the school year. District vehicles are maintained and managed at the new site, located in Hugo. Moving to this new location allows for expansion of the unified high school campus onto the former bus garage site. Additionally, the WBLAHS South Campus Phase 1 addition of a new gymnasium was completed before students came back in September. This gym, along with the one newly built at Lincoln, helps to address the need for community gymnasium space. The project also features a new entrance, vestibule, storage and walkin freezer in the kitchen. The new space also includes privacy restrooms that are open during home events at the WBLAHS Stadium. “Our construction crews have been terrific at staying on schedule and on budget, even in these times of building supply shortages,” said Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations. “Their efforts and partnership have kept us on track.” Cranes and strategically placed piles of dirt adorn other district sites currently under construction, especially at projects that broke ground this summer. Preparatory work for the additions and renovations that will create a unified White Bear Lake Area High School at the current WBLAHS North Campus site is going strong. The extensive excavations for the field house, the stadium and activities areas, and the classroom additions are impressive. Groundbreaking also took place recently for the Phase II project at South Campus, which will be converted to a middle school when the new unified WBLAHS on the current North Campus site holds all students grades 9-12. The project includes new classrooms, renovations to some areas of the current building to include flexible learning spaces, and mechanical and security upgrades. A new front office space addition will accommodate a change to make the front entrance of the building open to McKnight Road rather than to the parking lot on the south side of the building.
Officials gather at the South Phase2 groundbreaking.
Construction on the new elementary school, located just north of the Hugo Post Office along Highway 61, also has been moving along nicely. The building, which will have the capacity to house 720 students in grades K-5, broke ground in spring 2021 and is on track to be completed in time for students to attend in fall 2022. At that time, Oneka Elementary will also have a change in grading structure to serve students in grades K-5. The facility plan calls for Hugo Elementary to be converted to a northern Early Childhood Center in the future. During the 2021-22 school year, projects will continue through the design and construction process and be finished before fall 2022 at Birch Lake, Lakeaires and Otter Lake elementary schools. Projects at the three elementary buildings include small additions, updated classrooms and media centers, and safety/ security upgrades. When the facilities plan is complete, every elementary classroom in the district will have benefitted by the addition of new flexible furniture. Three elementary buildings were slated in Phase I of the furniture project and are currently experiencing the flexibility and choice it affords students in their learning. Phase II will include the remainder of elementary schools, which will receive their new furniture next summer. Moving forward, flexible furniture will be added to classrooms in the district’s early childhood, middle school and high school programs as items are needed. “Knowing all of our students learn differently, we are being purposeful about building learning spaces that are versatile,” said Steve Asper, director of technology and innovation. “We’re able to create adaptable learning environments through both creative design and flexible furniture. That design principle of ‘space adaptability and flexibility’ is the catalyst to create a culture where students co-design their learning spaces, supporting the district’s vision of student agency.” The referendum projects that remain on the docket include classroom additions at Oneka Elementary and renovation of the current District Center to create additional classroom space for Central Middle School. Both school buildings will also see updated classrooms and media centers and safety/security upgrades. The final piece of the comprehensive facilities plan will be completed in 2025 when the current Sunrise Park Middle School is renovated and converted for use as a home to the district’s Early Childhood Center, District Office, Senior Center and Transition Education Center. This construction project will begin after the middle school has moved to the current South Campus site in 2024. Community members are invited to follow along with the district’s
Construction of the new elementary school located just north of the Hugo Post Office off of highway 61 has come a long way since the groundbreaking in spring 2021. The building will have the capacity to house 720 students in grades K-5.
Aerial shots show the field house under construction at the new high school campus.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY WBLAS
Construction crews completed the transportation department’s new home, a facility that houses transportation staff and the district’s fleet, just before this school year. District vehicles are maintained and managed at the new site, located in Hugo. Moving to this new location allows for expansion of the unified high school campus onto the former bus garage site.
progress virtually. Project updates, detailed project presentations and photo/video footage of the projects are available on the Building Our Future page of the district’s website, isd624. org/BuildingOurFuture.
Contributed by Marissa Vette, director of communications and community relations for White Bear Lake Area Schools.
NOVEMBER, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
21
Minnesota's average ACT score climbs, participation dips supported as they prepare for life beyond high school, whether that is in a career or in college.” In addition to an overall increase in average scores, each racial/ ethnic student group also saw an increase. Gaps between students have remained the same over the last five years. Thirty-two percent of Minnesota’s class of 2021 met all four ACT college-readiness benchmarks, which is seven percentage points higher than the national average. Additionally, 78% of Minnesota students who graduated in 2021 were likely to attain the Silver, Gold or Platinum ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate, compared to 67% nationally. To reach a Silver, Gold or Platinum ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate, students must earn a composite score of 17 or higher on the ACT. ACT annually releases a national report, which includes ACT score results from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. National and state ACT reports for 2021 are available online at act.org.
BY THE NUMBERS 1.3 million
(or 35% of graduates) students in the U.S. high school graduating class of 2021 took the ACT test.
20.3
was the national average composite score for the graduating class of 2021, down from 20.6 for the graduating class of 2020.
32%
of the ACT-tested graduating class took the ACT more than once, as compared to 41% for the 2020 cohort. is the average ACT Superscore for students who tested multiple times. Students in this class who tested more than once received an ACT Superscore, which reflected their best subject test scores across multiple test attempts.
24.2
36%
of ACT-tested graduates in the class of 2021 met at least three out of four ACT college readiness benchmarks (English, reading, math and science).
60%
of the 2021 graduating class in Minnesota completed the ACT exam.
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Contributed by the Minnesota Department of Education.
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718109
Minnesota students in the class of 2021 earned an average composite score of 21.6 on the ACT college readiness exam. This score is 0.3 percentage points higher than the class of 2020. While Minnesota typically sees a participation rate of at least 90% on the ACT, just 60% of students in the graduating class of 2021 completed the exam. This is largely because the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the class of 2021’s junior and senior years, the time when many students take the ACT. Nationally, 35% of 2021 high school graduates took the ACT, compared to 49% of the class of 2020. The average composite score nationwide was 20.3, a 0.3 percentage point drop from the class of 2020. “Minnesota’s class of 2021 faced significant challenges in their last two years of high school and I am incredibly proud of our students' resilience,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller. “As anticipated, many students were unable to participate in the exam due to the impacts of the pandemic. The results for those who took the test are promising, but work remains to close gaps. We must continue to fi nd ways to ensure all of our students are engaged and
22
THE CITIZEN
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com
2020 CENSUS: Data reveals city of Hugo is growing rapidly FROM PAGE 1
These two pie charts show how ethnicity and race have changed in Hugo from 2010 to 2020.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
These two graphs demonstrate how Hugo's population has changed over the last decade.
Juba said. “Minneapolis and St. Paul accounted for 23% of the regions total population growth in the last decade.” Behind the fastest-growing cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rochester, Lakeville, Woodbury and Blaine made it into the top six fastestgrowing cities in the state. Washington County had the fi fth-largest gain in population in the state, with a 12.4% increase from 2010. Along with Hugo’s changing population, demographics are changing,
too. The city is 86.8% white/ non-Latino compared to 91.4% in 2010. Hispanic or Latino account for 3.4% (compared to 1.4% in 2010), 1.9% Black (0.8% in 2010). People of various racial and ethnic backgrounds account for 13.2% of the city’s population. The median age was 35.7 in 2020 versus 33.1 in 2000. Approximately 37% of the population has a bachelor’s or graduate degree; 2% do not have a high school diploma. Housing has changed, too.
The home ownership rate has dropped, while housing values continue to rise. The city’s home ownership rate is 84.2%, down from 91% in 2010. The median housing value in Hugo is $259,300, and the median monthly gross rent is $1,500. The city’s household income continues to rise. The average household income in 2019 was $89,969 compared to $78,261 in 2010. City Clerk Michele Lindau explained that the redistricting process for the
congressional and legislative districts need to be drawn by Feb. 15, 2022. The city will also have to go through the redistricting/precinct boundaries process. The City Council is required to hold a public hearing and subsequently approve the redistricting plan and precinct locations by March 29. Voters will then have at least one week (possibly up to three weeks) to apply for revisions. In April, the city will need to notify the county
auditor and the secretary of state of the changes. Voters will be informed of the ward and precinct locations in July, so they are informed and ready for the November 2022 election, which will include the mayor’s seat as well as the seats in Ward 1 and Ward 3. Lead Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.
NAMES IN THE NEWS Members of the Hugo Fire Department recently attended the annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Conference in Duluth. The conference was canceled last year because of the pandemic. As a part of the event, there was a memorial service to honor firefighters who have passed away since 2019. The service recognized Captain Donald Parsons, who passed away Dec. 13, 2019 at the age of 77. Parsons served on the department from 1976 to 1996. Chief Treffle Joe “T.J.” Marier was also recognized for his years of service. Marier passed away April 8, 2020, at the age of 101. He served on the Hugo Fire Department from 1937 to 1979.
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CONTRIBUTED
Chief officers from the Hugo Fire Department attend a training and memorial service in Duluth. Pictured (from left) are: Captain Ross Hoernemann, Assistant Chief Colin Emans, Chief Jim Compton Jr., Deputy Chief David Jensen and Chief Engineer Doug Millard.
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com
23
Journey to recovery: Local teen shares experience with students Gavin Nelson an addiction. “The addictive personality that I had became even worse,” he said. Nelson said he started abusing prescription drugs and by his senior year at White Bear Lake High School, it was bad. “I ruined a lot of things in White Bear Lake with vandalism and getting into trouble with the law,” Nelson said. “I hung around a group of people that caused a lot of chaos in that town. We got into a lot of fights by the Cup and Cone, stealing cars and stuff like that.” Nelson said 14 friends and family members of his have died from a drug overdose, including his biological father. During quarantine, Nelson felt that he lost his future because he saw the world coming to an end. Then things came to a head a year ago in October when Nelson got a “bad batch” of meth laced with fentanyl and overdosed. “What I do remember is I was working at a vape shop, and my boss told me to go home. I went home and detoxed in my room for six days and got sober by my own will. Then I turned myself into a treatment center,” he recalled. That decision changed his life in the right direction. He started working as a youth
prevention advocate for Know the Truth (KTT), a substance use prevention program that targets teenagers and reaches approximately 60,000 students each year in more than 300 high schools throughout the state. The program uses a peer-topeer format in which presenters share their personal stories and struggles with substance use, stripping away any glamour or myths that may exist. Nelson is one of those presenters. He recently shared his story at Stillwater High School and said he knew a lot of the students, because he grew up with them. “Some of them came to me after and gave me a hug,” he said. Nelson is a big advocate for young people to become sober and said when he learned more about KTT it helped him realize this is what he should be doing in his life — to show other young people they are not alone. “The way that my life has become now, I have a future of becoming that person and be that voice,” Nelson said. “What I think is so amazing about Know the Truth is I get to be that voice, and it shapes me into the person I never thought I could become — a role model, a positive influence and a leader. This is the stuff that's going to keep me clean.”
CONTRIBUTED
Gavin Nelson, a presenter from Know the Truth, shares his story of substance abuse with high school students.
Mika Nervick, KTT program coordinator, said students are asked to take an anonymous survey after each presentation. Here are the survey results so far this school year: • 30% of high school students reported using a substance at least once. • After hearing the presentation, students are six times less likely to use than they were before. • 83% of students will quit using or use less after hearing the presentation. “We've been blessed by having Gavin on the team. He relates to the students very well,” Nervick said. “If we can save even one kid, that's what it's all about.” Nelson goes to support groups, has a lot of mentors he reaches out to and is thankful for his job at KTT. “This job is a big part of my recovery journey as well as sharing my story and what I've
been through,” Nelson said. “I know if I use, I lose everything that I got.” Currently, Nelson has a great relationship with his parents and said he wants to make amends to the community he hurt. “I want to do something for my community that will make an impact on people,” he said. “Not for myself, but for other people.” Nelson's goal for the future is to open his own treatment center for adolescents and start an organization for teens who struggle with addiction or who have lost someone to addiction. “My life now is a life I never thought I could have,” he said. “If you would have asked me four years ago what I'd be doing in my life now, I would have said, ‘either dead or in jail.’” For more information on Know the Truth, go to knowthetruthmn.org.
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Gavin Nelson was 12 years old when he started using drugs. After an overdose a year ago, he is on the road to recovery and sobriety. “I really didn't have a good home environment or home life. I was hanging out with freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school, and I just wanted to fit in,” he said. “I had an older brother who didn't do drugs, but his best friend at the time smoked weed and did other drugs, so that's how I was introduced to drugs.” Nelson, 19, was born in Stillwater. He grew up in both Stillwater and White Bear Lake. Nelson said both of his parents were addicts: his mom's addiction was alcohol and his dad's was meth and cocaine. “My addiction didn't start at 12 years old, my addiction started when I was born,” Nelson said. “I had that in my genes. There is not anything in my life that is not addicting to me.” He said it doesn't matter what it is — drugs, food, sex, money, gambling or video games: “I have a very addictive, mentally obsessive personality.” In early middle school he used drugs to fit in, get attention from his parents and find acceptance. “My parents were in denial about it,” Nelson said. “I didn't think I had a problem because my parents were addicts.” In high school he used drugs to cope with anxiety and depression and trauma from his childhood, and then it became
“The way that my life has become now, I have a future of becoming that person and be that voice.”
719198
BY NOELLE OLSON STAFF WRITER
24
THE CITIZEN
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com
Arts CULTURE
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE PRESENTATION EXPLORES WHITE BEAR LAKE’S
DEEPEST ROOTS
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA “WILLY WONKA JR” Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Oct. 29 - 31 Tickets at childrensperformingartsmn.org The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. It is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth and a perfect show for this Halloween weekend!
WHITE BEAR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “INTO THE WOODS” Nov. 12 - 20 White Bear Lake HS Theater Tickets at https://sites.google.com/isd624. org/musical-theatre/into-the-woods The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
THE MASQUE - Havana Nights Themed - Nov. 13, Hanifl Performing Arts Center Register now at childrensperformingartsmn.org Join Children’s Performing Arts for a fun evening of heavy appetizers, drinks, and the band Salsa Del Soul while supporting Children’s Performing Arts Programming.
NANOWRIMO VIRTUAL WRITE-IN WITH KAREN PARKMAN CONTRIBUTED
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ovember is Native American History Month, and White Bear Lake happens to be a community rich in its Native heritage, past and present. This month, the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will delve into the lasting impact of the Native American communities in a virtual presentation on Native American heritage. The program will be presented by White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Executive Director Sara Markoe Hanson and Lakeshore Players Executive Director and WBLAHS board member Rob Thomas. In Dakota, Thomas is known as Wokiksuye Yuha Mani, which translates to “Walks with Memories,” a name given to him by his grandmother who was born among the Santee Dakota Tribe of Nebraska. “The White Bear Lake area has an incredible history and, like everywhere on this entire planet, there were some wonderful things and some things we may not be proud of that we should acknowledge and discuss,” Thomas said. “We become a more enlightened community, a more inclusive community and a stronger community when we understand our history and understand some of the context surrounding it.” White Bear Lake has records of human occupation stretching back hundreds of years. One of the most notable examples was the presence of at least 10 Indigenous burial mounds beside the lake, which will be featured in the presentation. The lake was well known as a seasonal resource for the Dakota and Ojibwe people who hunted and fished on its shores and was marked as a point of significance on early maps of the region. But the burial mounds would seem to indicate that ancient people resided in the area at least semi-permanently, Hanson said. “It’s significant to me that there were that many; usually that means there’s a village in the vicinity,” she said. Although these sites are rooted in ancient history, it’s important to emphasize that the legacy of Native American residence thrives in
modern White Bear Lake. “So often we think of Native Americans as an interesting piece of history from long past, but we’re still here and we’re still around,” Thomas said. “We’re practicing our culture on a daily basis, incorporating it into our everyday lives.” Historically, there was a very strong Dakota presence in the region, but today there are members of many different Indigenous tribes and countless cultural backgrounds who call this community home. “I’m excited at using history and context to re-engage anyone who’s interested in the discussion of how each and every one of us is affected by the disconnect from the land that used to be stewarded by Indigenous People,” Thomas said. “My hope is that, after hearing our presentation, they’ll look at life with a slightly different lens and fresh perspective that when we talk about Native Americans, we’re talking about living people that exist right here in our community today.” From the iconic white bear mascot to local names like “Mahtomedi” and “Matoska,” the identity of the community has been shaped by Native American residents in many ways; some that haven’t yet been fully explored. “It’s the lake that’s the magic that has drawn people here, whether it’s vacationers or Native Americans who want to be close to the water to use for fishing, swimming, or boating. We’re several hundred years into things, but we certainly aren’t the first and I’m sure we won’t be the last,” Hanson said. Programs like this one always open the door to new views on history, Hanson said. Part of the appeal is bringing members of the community together and learning from their personal stories to help add to rich knowledge and culture of White Bear Lake. The Native American Heritage presentation will take place virtually at 6 p.m., Nov. 22. Anyone can sign up using rclreads.org; visit whitebearhistory.org to learn more.
EMERGING ARTIST A
t 12 years old, local performer Mavyn Allen already has several theater roles and at least two film credits to her name. Mavyn has been acting and singing onstage since second grade, when she gave her first performance in the Children’s Performing Arts Legacy Program. Currently, Mavyn attends Chisago Lakes
CONTRIBUTED Mavyn Allen
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White Bear Center for the Arts Nov. 13, 1-3pm During National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), writers from around the globe commit to writing 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. To support you on your writing journey, WBCA will sponsor two virtual write-ins during the month of November. Class ID: NW01 For more info, visit whitebeararts.org
WRITING WORKSHOP WITH MARCIE RENDON White Bear Center for the Arts, Nov. 16 & 18, 6-8pm Marcie Rendon, White Earth Anishinabe, will conduct a writing workshop that will
focus on writing prompts and reading of each other’s work; with a focus on character development and character driven storylines. CLASS ID: A2M2 For more info, visit whitebeararts.org
“WHITE CHRISTMAS” Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake Nov. 18 - Dec. 12 Tickets at lakeshoreplayers.org Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. A great show to put you in the holiday spirit.
MAHTOMEDI HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “CHICAGO” Nov. 18 - 21 Chautauqua Theater Tickets at zephyrfinearts.org/Theatre/
NORDIC PEG DOLL CLASS WITH KRISTIN CAMP White Bear Center for the Arts, Nov. 20, 1-3:30pm Create a Nordic peg doll, starting with the raw wood doll itself. The felted and embroidered embellishments (hat and apron) can be made in class, taken home to finish in your own style, or purchased in the classroom. CLASS ID: 91FE For more info, visit whitebeararts.org
“ELF, THE MUSICAL JR” Lee Performing Arts Center, Forest Lake, Dec. 10 - 19 Tickets at childrensperformingartsmn.org Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This is a must see family friendly show this holiday season.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WHITEBEARARTS.ORG
LAKESHORE PLAYERS RETURNS TO IN-PERSON PERFORMANCES
After nearly two years of closing the curtains on live performances, Lakeshore Players Theatre will return to in-person shows at the start of its 69th season. “During the pandemic, we were faced with the choice to shut down completely or to get creative and figure out a way to continue to provide entertaining and enriching content to our community when they needed it the most,” said Executive Director Rob Thomas. “We chose to continue programming. Though we’re proud of what we were able to accomplish during that time, we’ve been longing for the day we could gather our community together again to safely experience live theater.” The health and safety of the audience is top of mind as the theater returns to more normal operations. This means that guests will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or produce a negative COVID-19
Middle School as a seventh grader. For her, performing is all about having fun, enjoying the process and making great memories with friends. Her acting chops landed her a role in film titled “Edge of Insanity” released in 2021, as well as a Minnesota-based feature film titled “The Ballad of Travis Hunter.” She has also been cast in a fantasy web series called “Hidden Falls.” In the meantime, she’s appeared on stage as Elsa in “Frozen Jr.,” and in CPA’s production of “Shrek Jr.,” and keeps busy with rehearsals for competition dance
test taken with 72 hours before attending an indoor performance. Guests are also asked to stay masked when indoors. Lakeshore staff and performers are all fully vaccinated. “We’ll continue to monitor recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and will make policy changes accordingly,” Thomas said. “In the meantime, our staff is busy getting ready to welcome our community back to their community stage.” The season will launch with the holiday classic “White Christmas,” opening Nov. 18. Later in the season, Lakeshore will present “Clue,” “An Evening with Ella & Harold,” “Death of Salesman,” and the popular “10-Minute Play Festival.” Visit lakeshoreplayers.org to learn more about COVID-19 protocols and the 2021-2022 theater season.
line. Fellow actors have voted her “most likely to be on Broadway,” which is indeed her hope for the future. She considers her mother, Carissa Allen, one of her most important influences. “My mom helps me throughout all of my performances and she makes sure to get everything done,” Mavyn said. “She’s just my biggest supporter.” Although Mavyn is a few years away from graduation, she knows her goal is to attend a performing arts school that will one day put her on Broadway.