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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 VOL. 20 NO. 25 www.readthecitizen.com $1.00

CENTENNIAL COUGARS: State champs after Prep Bowl thriller PAGE 8

High school takes on comic thriller

MELISSA CARLSON | CONTRIBUTED

Centennial High School will perform “The Hound of the Baskervilles” later this week. BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTED

Stuff the Truck

The Hugo Fire Department will host its annual Stuff the Truck food and toy drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the fire station, located at 5323 140th St. N, or at Festival Foods, located at 14775 Victor Hugo Blvd. N. The drive will benefit the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. See page 5 for more information.

Centennial High School will take on “The Hound of the Baskervilles” Nov. 30 through Dec. 3. The show, adapted by Kent R. Brown and inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, is about Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Dr. John Watson, who have left on an extended holiday throughout Europe, leaving their nieces—Shirley Holmes and Jennie Watson—to keep an eye on the famous flat at 221B Baker Street. Shirley and Jennie are busy preparing for upcoming exams when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Dr. Maxine Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville, who’ve SEE COMIC THRILLER, PAGE 2

2024 street project: Neighbors request wider road in the Dellwood Ridge neighborhood area. The roadway reclamation and paving will include 125th Street North from Goodview Avenue North to 122nd Street North (CSAH 7). Work on Upper Heather Avenue North from 125th Avenue North to Heather Avenue North and Heather Avenue North from 125th Avenue North to 120th Street North (CSAH 7) will involve complete reconstruction and stormwater improvements. The total estimated cost for

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Residents who live along 125th Street and in the Dellwood Ridge neighborhood are hoping the city will reconsider keeping the width of the rural residential street the same. The project is slated for construction in 2024. It consists of roadway pavement reclamation and paving of 125th Street, and complete roadway reconstruction and stormwater improvements

the project is approximately $3.93 million. Funding for the project will be provided through assessments (6%) to benefiting properties, county funds and city street funds. Total assessments are proposed to equal $258,500. Property owners will be charged $5,200 for complete reconstruction and $3,400 for roadway reclamation, per the city’s assessment policy. City Engineer Mark Erichson said they have SEE 2024 STREET PROJECT, PAGE 7

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The 2024 street project is proposed to include roadway pavement reclamation and paving of 125th Street, and complete roadway reconstruction and stormwater improvements in the Dellwood Ridge neighborhood area.

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2 THE CITIZEN

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

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COMIC THRILLER: Centennial performs ‘perfect mix’ of comedy and horror FROM PAGE 1

come to seek the assistance of the famous Sherlock Holmes. Sir Charles Baskerville has died a mysterious death. Is he the most recent victim of the Curse of the Baskervilles—a curse linked to the nightmarish tales of a supernatural hound that haunts the murky moors of Devonshire? The young Sir Henry, the only surviving heir to the Baskerville legacy, has received a threat against his life … In this fast-paced adaptation, full of wailing hounds, thundering hooves and the slithering mists of the moor, Shirley and Jennie follow the trail of evidence and intrigue until, at last, they are confronted by the ravenous Hound itself. Director Eric Webster said he selected the show because it is funny, yet keeps the horror elements. “There is a fine line between comedy and horror, and I love how this play jumps between the fine line,” he said. “The play allows for a lot of adaptation, and we were able to add a lot of our own humorous moments and bits to the piece.” Webster said it is the first “comedy horror” the high school has done, and the show features 85 students. He added that he has enjoyed the process of being able to create the cast’s own vision for each moment on stage as well as adding their own pieces of comedy to the show. “Each show we choose, we first have to make sure we have the right students and talent that a particular show calls for, and this show requires a very high level of comedic ability, and this is one of the strongest groups of actors we’ve ever had for comedic talents and abilities,” Webster said. “It’s funny, and a little scary, and visually amazing, and the students are truly so gifted and so good at comedy

Centennial High School is putting on “The Hound of the Baskervilles” this weekend. Pictured are seniors Elle Hinds, Jacob Brewster and junior Riley Eckman.

and timing,” Webster said of the show. “It’s going to be so much fun.” Tickets for the show must be purchased online ahead of time at highschool.isd12.org/athleticsactivities-at-chs/online-tickets-cougarcorner-apparel. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

IF YOU GO

What: “The Hound of the Baskervilles”

When: Senior preview at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 29; Opening night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Where: Centennial High School Performing Arts Center, 4761 North Road, Circle Pines

PHOTOS BY MELISSA CARLSON | CONTRIBUTED

Junior Nicole Kurdyumov plays Mrs. Barrymore, the Baskerville’s Hall maid.

Details: A local legend of a phantom hound is easily dismissed over a cup of tea, but when Lord Baskerville is found dead beside the footprints of just such a creature and his heir receives an ominous warning, Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend, Watson, must discover the truth about the danger lurking on the desolate moor. Purchase tickets online at highschool.isd12.org/ athletics-activities-at-chs/onlinetickets-cougar-corner-apparel.

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‘SHE LOVES ME’

When: Dec. 1-20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: Holiday love story performed by Lakeshore Players. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

MEALS ON WHEELS LUNCH

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2484 E. County Rd. F Details: Opportunity to taste Meals on Wheels and learn about the program. Registration required. Contact: 651-653-3121

TREE OF LIGHT AND REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Mahtomedi Details: Purchase a light for the tree to remember or honor a loved one. Proceeds benefit the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf. Contact: stjudeofthelake.org/mahtomedi-area-foodshelf

JINGLE BEAR 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S. Details: Run for all ages and abilities. Registration includes jingle bells for shoes. Holiday costumes, dogs on leashes and strollers welcome. Contact: mmraces.com FILE

Hugo Santa Party When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Where: Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St., Hugo Details: Free community event with photos with Santa, caroling by Children’s Performing Arts Holiday Chorus, and tree lighting at 6:30. Activity bags given to first 50 kids. Toy and food donations accepted. Contact: 651-762-6342 or ci.hugo.mn.us

ONGOING EVENTS HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

WINTER MARKET AT 21 ROOTS FARM

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 Where: 21 Roots Farm, 10361 110th St., Grant Details: Support programs for people with developmental disabilities by purchasing handmade items made by participants including soaps, lotions, dryer balls, and honey; along with artwork, ornaments, cards, hats and donated items. Hot food and drinks and door prizes round out the event. Contact: 21rootsfarm.org

STUFF THE TRUCK FOOD AND TOY DRIVE

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Hugo Fire Station, 5323 140th St; and Festival Foods parking lot, 14775 Victor Hugo Blvd. N. Details: Bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. Contact: ci.hugo.mn.us

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, 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 barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

NATURE PLAY: HIBERNATION PAJAMA PARTY

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

CANDLELIGHT TOURS AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE

When: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress. Contact: Barb @ 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@ yahoo.com

MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

When: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month through June 30 Where: Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes, 6070 Blanchard Blvd. Details: Support group for family and friends experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Approx. one hour long. Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome. Contact: 651-632-5320 or caregiving@lyngblomsten.org

CURRENT EVENTS ST. PAUL ICE FISHING AND WINTER SPORTS SHOW

When: 1-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Where: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Details: More than 190 exhibits geared to the diehard and winter sports enthusiast, seminars, and giveaways. Ticket information online. Contact: stpaulicefishingshow.com

PJ’S WITH SANTA

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Rd. F Details: Kids 12 and under with an adult can wear pajamas, have photos taken with Santa, and enjoy games and treats. Registration required. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/266/PJs-with-Santa

When: 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Program for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Registration information online. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com When: 6 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave. Details: Visit the 1879 lakeside cottage by candlelight as it is decorated in all its holiday splendor. Guides will share stories of it’s history and cookies and cocoa served. Reservations required. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, OMELET BAR AND BAKE SALE

When: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Where: St. Jude of the lake Ministry Center, 700 Mahtomedi Ave. Details: Annual event and fundraiser hosted by the Mahtomedi Boy Scouts. Bake sale items may be preordered online. Contact: tinyurl.com/scoutbakesale2023

CENTERVILLE SANTA PARADE

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4600 N. Victoria St. Details: Marty Berglund will speak on the topic of ‘Growing, Preserving, Drying and Cooking with Minnesota Produce.’ Public welcome. Contact: 651-484-4341

CHILDREN’S STORYTIME WITH SANTA

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Experience old-fashioned Christmas traditions, a visit and story time with Santa, and cider and cookies. PJ’s welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

SMART SALTING FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS

When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Dec. 7 Where: Online Details: Learn how to implement strategies to prevent chloride pollution and protect local water resources while saving money and maintaining safe conditions. Contact: 651-204-6070 or smartsaltmpca.ticketleap. com/cl12072023

MEMBERS EXHIBITION COMMUNITY RECEPTION AND HOLIDAY PARTY When: 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts Details: View the Members’ Exhibition,visit with artists, and listen to live music. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org

WINTER FARMERS MARKET

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Normandy Park Education Center, 2484 E. County Road F Details: More than 20 vendors will sell locally-grown and handcrafted items and gifts; classes also offered. Food trucks also on site. Indoors. Contact: forksinthedirt.com

QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-INS

When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N. Details: Stop in to see what Lakeshore Quilters are working on, and pring a project. Contact: 651-470-8938

WINTERFEST

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Community festival has included horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, strolling carolers, and specials at local shops and restaurants. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

FESTIVAL OF TREES AT THE ARMORY

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St. Details: Warm up with cocoa and holiday treats indoors while viewing decorated trees. Santa sighting possible. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

ST. MARK LUTEFISK DINNER

When: 4 and 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1 North Rd., Circle Pines Details: Holiday dinner with Lutefisk, Swedish meatballs, lefse, and more. Tickets available online or at the church. Contact: 763-784-2558 or stmarkcp.org

When and where: 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 in Centerville neighborhoods. Details: Have non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys ready to donate put in Santa’s fire truck as he makes his way through neighborhoods. Santa will have treats for the kids along the route. Labeled donations may also be left by mailboxes. All donations go to the Centennial Community Food Shelf. \ Contact: centennialfire.org

CENTURY JAZZ ENSEMBLE HOLIDAY CONCERT

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: OTTERS

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Bring a lunch and hear a naturalist-led presentation for all ages. May include optional hike or outdoor component. Registration not required; equipment provided. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

THE CITIZEN

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Where: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi Details: Free concert with big band holiday favorites, featuring vocalist Colleen Raye. Contact: calendar.century.edu/community/ event/5976-century-college-jazz-ensembleperformance When: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 10 Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N. Details: Annual event hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 620. See details and cost online. Contact: hugolegion.com

HUGO LIONS SENIOR DINNER

When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N. Details: Annual dinner for Hugo residents ages 65+. Pre-registration required by Dec. 8. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

4 THE CITIZEN

OPINION www.presspubs.com

Plugging along

’m in the third year of a voluntary experiment — initiated by simple curiosity — and am discovering that things aren’t turning out quite like I thought they would. Overall, the experience of driving an electric vehicle (that isn’t a Tesla) has been a mostly positive experience. The vehicles are quite impressive, with quiet, quick acceleration and highway passing abilities similar to the experience of a motorcycle. The more affordable EVs, with ranges of around 220 to 260 miles per charge, are more than adequate for the vast majority of daily driving needs in and around the metro area. Skipping the gas station and plugging in at home has also worked out favorably. I can typically plug in about once a week for an overnight charge, timed for off peak hours, that provides sufficient mileage for an average week of driving. These weekly plugins, still significantly less than Angle of the price of gas, have only modestly increased the monthly electric bill. View So, for the most part, these vehicles appear to work quite well for Paul Dols activity around town — even in the depth of winter when the overall range is reduced. It’s when you add a long distance road trip into the equation that things start to get more complicated. Perhaps the biggest surprise, so far, is that the charging infrastructure in Minnesota, instead of improving, has actually gotten worse in the the last two years. A recent StarTribune article by reporter Christopher Vondracek described his experience driving an EV (a Nissan Leaf) around rural Minnesota to cover stories. He described a sequence of events including a broken charger and another charger blocked by an overnight parked car, that led to a missed in person meeting and a nearly drained battery. I found it odd that he chose to call the car a dud when the problems he described related to poor infrastructure maintenance and inconsiderate (maybe even passive aggressive) parking etiquette. In the comments section I offered kudos to him for actually driving and field testing an EV before sharing his opinion about their future viability, adding that if he had researched the vehicle he was using, he would have discovered it was an excellent commuter car, but more extended road trips test the limits of its range and take some planning (and good luck). I could relate to his situation because I’ve taken a comparable vehicle on road trips up to Duluth to visit family and know what it’s like to see the range drop and feel the tension rise on your way to a charger that you’re hoping is available. There is only one fast charger in Duluth for non Tesla drivers. If it’s not working the next closest is in Moose Lake. However, it does look like there are some positive future developments. The PlugShare app, an important tool for any EV driver, shows six more fast chargers under construction in Duluth and Tesla has revealed plans in 2024 to open up its charging network to select non Tesla carmakers. I hope corporate and government planners listen to early EV adopters when they decide where to place and maintain future charging stations. In my opinion and experience, restaurants, diners, grocery stores and even coffee shops are ideal locations for a chance to charge up and stretch your legs on a road trip. I entered into this experiment as a fact finding mission without any preconceived bias. Ultimately, I just want a dependable and economical vehicle. At one point, I did seriously consider going back to a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE), but after checking out a prospective vehicle, it just felt like taking a step backward, so I’ve decided to keep plugging along and would encourage anyone who’s curious to take an EV for a test drive. Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-407-1238.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Emergency Communications Response Center: ‘Multi-tasking geniuses’

arah Miller, a public safety telecommunicator supervisor in the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, is well aware of the quiet, powerful service provided by her team in the county’s Emergency Communications Response Center, or ECRC. She is a supervisor and a trainer of 911 Public Safety Cop’s Telecommunicators in the center. Corner “We are often heard but not Sarah Miller seen,” Miller said about her work. “Many have no idea exactly what it is we do, what we offer to the county and the first responders and what a massive asset we are to the community. We are multi-tasking geniuses up here. You’re doing a lot of things at once and making it look effortless.” The public safety telecommunicators sit at consoles surrounded by five computer screens, managing four computer mice, to give them access to the technology needed to field emergency calls and make the appropriate dispatch for calls for service. The ECRC provides service to 31 cities and townships through-

out Washington County, which includes dispatching for nine law enforcement agencies and 14 fire departments. They also communicate with the Minnesota State Patrol, and, being a border county, with 911 communication centers in two Wisconsin counties and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Miller began her career in the emergency communications field during her service in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. She has been with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2011 and was promoted to supervisor in 2013. “I love it here,” Miller said. “I love the people here. My favorite part of the job is that you never know what you’re going to get when that call comes in.” No one calls 911 to say that they are having a good day, and the work telecommunicators do goes far beyond answering a telephone. “We usually only deal with stressful, dangerous, sad, or hostile callers and situations. We deal with horrific vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, provide CPR instructions, Narcan administration instructions, Heimlich instructions for victims that are choking, domestic situations, structure fires, burglar alarms, suicides, and complaints about domestic and wild animals.” While managing the vast array

of technology, they must also determine the condition of the caller, assure that they are safe, and then possibly try to comfort them or provide next-step information. “We pride ourselves on the best customer service,” Miller said, “both to the citizens and to the first responders.” While supervising comes with its share of added responsibilities, taking calls is the mainstay of Miller’s work. “I treat every caller and responder that I encounter like friends and family and I seek to end the conversation in a way that they may not necessarily have enjoyed the experience, but that they trust I know what I am doing, that I’ve started help, that I’ve provided professional service and represent, not just the Sheriff’s Office in a positive light, but my profession as well.” One of the highlights of her career is personally assisting in the delivery of three baby girls over the telephone, guiding callers through delivery instructions and verifying that baby and mother are well. “We have a lot of stories,” she said, “some funny, some tragic and you carry that all with you.” Sarah Miller, telecommunicator supervisor, Washington County Sherff’s Office.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Rep. Stauber votes to suppress gun violence research

Adelaide Landing holiday display back for 4th year

Rep. Stauber recently voted to hide the facts of gun violence on public health. This is not in line with his stated concern for public safety nor his former position as a law enforcement officer. The vote in question was to not fund CDC research into the effects of gun violence on public health. (H. Amdt. 790 (Miller-Meeks) to H.R. 5894: To prohibit funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s firearm injury and mortality prevention research.) Stauber needs to explain why he voted against funding research into the effects of gun violence. Does he support the continued proliferation of guns based on a misinformed view of the Second Amendment? Or does he support public safety? Who are his constituents? Those who want the flood of guns to continue? Or those of us who think gun proliferation is a ban on our society? We deserve to know what is going on, but by voting against funding gun violence research, Stauber seems to want to hide the truth. Will Perry Hugo

OBITUARY

Toni Marie Fagerhaugh Nee Kelly, age 81, of Hugo, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023 at her home after a 3 year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Lucy Kelly; sister, Jean Peterson; brothers-in-law, Neil Peterson and Michael Brandes. Survived by husband of 56 years, Neil; sons, Tim and Ryan; sister-in law, Judy Brandes; brother-inlaw, Douglas Fagerhaugh; sister-in-law, Holly Bryan (Stu); nieces, Noni Kouneski (Ed), Maari Oldham (Kurt), and many great nieces, nephews, and friends. Dance as if no one is watching. Sing as if no one is listening and live every day as if it were your last. Toni didn’t write it, but she lived it. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her. An accomplished artist and writer. Loved music, cooking, travel, golf, her family including the family dog, Lucy, and basically all that life had to offer. Special thanks to the Hospice of the Midwest (Mary, Karen, Sharone & Pam) who came regularly to her home and always brightened her day. Memorials may be directed to the family. A celebration to honor Toni’s amazing life will be held next spring at her home in Hugo. Details to be shared later.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

The residents of Adelaide Landing are back at it again this holiday season in an effort to spread the joy of the season and assist the local food shelf. The neighborhood is located north of 130th Street and immediately east of Hwy. 61 in Hugo. The neighborhood families will decorate their front yards with themes that revolve around a Christmas movie or song. The lights will be up and running for people to come and see beginning Dec. 1; the display will run through New Years Eve. New this year is a drop box for letters to Santa located at 5755 130th Lane N. Although it is free to visit the display, visitors are asked to make a financial donation to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf by visiting www.hugofoodshelf.org/give.

Deputy Donavon Bump and Public Safety Admininstrative Technician (PSAT) Courtney Schroder joined forces with over a dozen Minnesota Pink Patch Project agencies at the American Cancer Society of Minnesota to present this year’s collective donation of nearly $30,000 (and counting). In its first year of participation, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office contributed just over $5,000 to the cause.

Support students, families with gift to Holiday Angels fund

The White Bear Lake Educational Foundation has kicked off the annual Holiday Angels program, a fundraising initiative supporting the WBLAEF’s Angel Fund. The Angel Fund provides funds to cover the expense of winter coats, boots, hats, mittens, backpacks, school supplies, basic food, clothing and temporary housing for local students and families in need. The needs of students and families in the district has been increasing each year. To make a donation, go to the foundation’s website, wblaef.org, and give online or download a form to mail in with a check. Donors can also choose to make a gift to the Angel Fund in someone’s honor, and the WBLAEF will send a card to the person to let them know.

Driver killed in Lino Lakes crash

On Nov. 18, at approximately 2:34 a.m., the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, Centennial Lakes Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Allina EMS and Forest Lake Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle crash on I-35E near Main Street in the city of Lino Lakes. Indications show that Bryan Chue Fue Vang, 20, of Vadnais Heights, was driving a SUV and was entering southbound I-35E from eastbound Main Street when the vehicle left the pavement of the entrance ramp and rolled down to the center median between southbound and northbound traffic. Lifesaving measures were administered at the scene; however, Vang was declared deceased. The incident is under investigation by the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

HFD Stuff the Truck approaches

The Hugo Fire Department (HFD) will host its annual Stuff the Truck food and toy drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the fire station, located at 5323 140th St. N, or at Festival Foods, located at 14775 Victor Hugo Blvd. N. The biggest need for donations are items for ages 10-17. The drive will benefit the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. Residents can also drop off donations at various business locations through Dec. 1. Cash donations can also be made at www. hugofoodshelf.org/give . For more information, visit the HFD Facebook page.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Register for Lions Christmas dinner The Hugo Lions Club will host its annual Christmas dinner for seniors Wednesday, Dec. 13, at American Legion Post 620. The dinner is for seniors (age 65 and older). Reservations are required by Dec. 5. To register, contact Barb at 651-592-0369.

NCAA Division III Playoffs for the 19th time in school history after earning an at-large bid to the 32team tournament.

CONTRIBUTED

Washington County Sheriff’s Office contributes just over $5,000 to the Pink Patch Project.

CITY OF HUGO

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 7:00pm in Hugo City Hall to consider minor subdivision and variance requests from Larry and Louann Hanson, 14355 Irish Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038. The minor subdivision request is to split a 20-acre parcel located at 14565 Irish Avenue North into two 10-acre parcels. The variance request is to allow for the created parcel to the south to have 226 feet of road frontage, where 300 feet is required by ordinance. The property is generally located east of Irish Avenue North and north of 140th Street North, and is legally described as The South twenty (S 20) acres of the following described lands, to-wit: The East sixty-four and one-half (E 64-1/2) acres of the East half of the Northwest Quarter (E 1/2 of the NW 1/4) and the West fifteen and onehalf (15-1/2) acres of the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) all in Section 23, Township 031, Range 21, Washington County, Minnesota. Full legal description available at Hugo City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment on any request can be heard at this time. Please call Max Gort, Associate Planner at 651-762-6311 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting. Max Gort, Associate Planner Published one time in The Citizen on November 30, 2023.

NAMES IN THE NEWS Sam Ackley, a native of Hugo, is a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, which will compete in the

THE CITIZEN

The Warhawks (9-1 overall) finished the regular season with five wins against nationally ranked opponents.

CHURCH DIRECTORY Find the church that fits your needs

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

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6 THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted the Lino Lakes Police Department at 8:44 p.m. Oct. 17 in searching for a suspected DWI motorist who caused a hit-and-run accident in the 14000 block of Ferrara Avenue N. Neither the vehicle nor its driver were located at the time of the report. On Oct. 20 at 8:01 p.m. deputies assisted another agency, this time the Forest Lake Police Department, in trying to locate an individual in the 5000 block of 135th Street N. and were unsuccessful in that attempt as well. • Property damage to a vehicle was reported at 10:40 p.m. Oct. 17 on 137th Street N. at 137th Street Court N. • A suspicious vehicle towing a camper reported at 3:15 a.m. Oct. 18 parked out in the Festival Foods lot in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. turned out to be a vehicle and driver deputies remembered they had already made contact with earlier that same evening. The driver had told deputies he was transporting the camper and would be sleeping in the parking lot. • The driver of a red coupe was cited at 7:39 a.m. Oct. 18 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 38 mph in a posted 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol in their marked squad, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 38 mph. The driver admitted to going 35 mph. • Deputies conducted a traffic stop for wireless communication device violation in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 8:03 a.m. Oct. 18. • Deputies arrested an unidentified individual on a warrant at 9:24 p.m. Oct. 18 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. • A broken cell phone was reported found in the middle of the street at 5:24 p.m. Oct. 19 in the 6000 block of 146th Street N.

Deputies took custody of the phone and carried it around in the squad during their shift. As the night went on, deputies heard the phone ringing and answered.

Through the ensuing phone conversation, deputies were able to obtain the identity and address of its owner, and returned it to its neighbor. • A wallet was reported stolen from a vehicle at 12:01 p.m. Oct. 20 in the 5000 block of 159th Court N. • Trespassing was reported at 3:42 p.m. Oct. 20 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N.

• A sign lying face down in the middle of the street near Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. was reported at 7:31 p.m. Oct. 20.

Deputies located the sign in the center median between Kwik Trip and the Festival Foods parking lot on Victor Hugo Blvd. and reported it to the Hugo Public Works Department. • A male and female were reported for being in their vehicle on school grounds in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:08 a.m. Oct. 21. Deputies advised the couple to leave the school grounds, which they did. • Deputies were dispatched out on a civil issue pertaining to a divorce disagreement at 1:42 p.m. Oct. 21 in the 14000 block of Keystone Avenue N. She had come out to collect a storage container filled with belongings, and he was

not willing to give up the belongings until she turned over the insurance check per their prior agreement. Following the ensuing stalemate, both parties agreed to separate. As deputies left, the storage container remained on scene, and no insurance check had been left behind.

• A report of suspicious juveniles pulling burnouts in the the school parking lot in the 4000 block of Heritage Parkway N. at 9:34 p.m. Oct. 20 turned out to be responsible teenagers learning to drive the manual transmission in their friend’s car.

The lack of tire marks on the asphalt indicated the youths were telling the truth and were not burning rubber. The juveniles volunteered that perhaps they should move on so that deputies weren’t dispatched back to the area. • Deputies on a property retrieval mission at 5:21 p.m. Oct. 21 in the 14000 block of Fitzgerald Avenue N. were fobbed off by the renter of the residence from whom the complainant had requested the property. When deputies arrived on scene, a male who answered the door said he would go look for the renter and disappeared for the rest of the night. Deputies later found out that the male who answered the door was the renter and clearly didn’t want to come to the door again, or hand over the property. Deputies advised the complainant they would try again to make contact and facilitate a property retrieval. • A suspicious vehicle parked near the front entrance of Festival Foods in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 11:06 p.m. Oct. 21 turned out to be a person living nearby, who said she’d had too much to drink while wine tasting and didn’t want to drive home drunk. • Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 8:20 p.m. Oct. 22 on Forest Blvd. N. and 137th Street N. and issued a citation to the motorist.

• Unknown juveniles were reported for throwing cheese slices at a residential door in the 15000 block of Ethan Trail N. at 12:20 a.m. Oct. 23. • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol at 2:09 a.m. Oct. 23 at the Oneka Lake boat landing spotted a suspicious vehicle and arrested both occupants for undisclosed violations. • A son reported his mother for not letting him into a residence in the 4000 block of 149th Street N. at 10:01 p.m. Oct. 23. Deputies were diverted to a higher priority call, and the complainant had already left by the time deputies could get to the scene. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:16 a.m. Oct. 25 on eastbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. at Goodview Avenue N. for speeding 40 mph in a 30 mph zone by westbound deputies in their marked squad, who clocked the gray minivan on radar at 40 mph. • The driver of a blue SUV was cited at 10:33 a.m. Oct. 25 on westbound Oneka Lake Blvd. N. and Geneva Avenue N. for speeding 43 mph in a 30 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar at 43 mph. • The registered owner of a vehicle parked in

the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. received a citation under the windshield wipers at 3:32 p.m. Oct. 25 for a parking violation. • The Kwik Trip station in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 2:51 a.m. Oct. 26 reported a shoplifter for taking items from the store without purchasing them. The shoplifter had told the store employee that he had forgotten his card, before leaving the store with the items secured inside a sweatshirt. • Deputies assisted the Elk River Police Department at 12:35 p.m. Oct. 26 in the 13000 block of Europa Way in contacting a homeowner about a vehicle whose registered ownership was in doubt. The homeowner advised deputies she had sold the vehicle in question to a male in St. Paul. • An unidentified motorist was cited at 2:56 p.m. Oct. 26 in the 9000 block of 122nd Street N. for illegal passing. • Deputies arrested an adult male at 10:06 p.m. Oct. 26 in the 4000 block of 149th Street N. on undisclosed charges, after they responded to a report of an unwanted person at the address. • Property damage was reported at 3:50 p.m. Oct. 27 in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. Circle N. • Deputies issued a citation at 11:55 p.m. Oct. 27 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. to a motorist for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone, after they clocked the vehicle on radar traveling 17 mph over the speed limit in a residential area. • Deputies initiated a traffic stop at 12:15 a.m. Oct. 28 on Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway on a driver using his cellular device while operating a motor vehicle, and issued a citation for that offense. • An adult male was arrested for DWI at 7:49 a.m. Oct. 29 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. after deputies initiated a call on a suspicious vehicle parked at a closed business with its lights on. When deputies tried to make contact with the unconscious person in the driver’s seat, he was not reacting to any noise stimulation at all. After deputies made enough racket to wake up the entire neighborhood by banging on the vehicle’s windows, yelling and activating the squad’s sirens, the male finally woke up. The subject was made to exit the vehicle so that deputies could conduct standardized field sobriety testing prior to taking him into custody. • The registered owner of a vehicle parked on city streets in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. for more than 72 hours received a citation under the driver’s side windshield wipers at 9:48 a.m. Oct. 29. • Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 9:31 p.m. Oct. 29 on Forest Blvd. N. and 147th Street N. that resulted in a warrant arrest and multiple citations. • A suspicious person reported at 10:43 p.m. Oct. 29 in the 5000 block of 165th Street N. turned out to be a passenger dropped off by a Lyft driver as part of normal procedure at the location known as a place for people to pick up trucks throughout the night. • Deputies on routine patrol at 10:50 p.m. Oct. 29 in the 8000 block of 140th Street N. sniffed the air and noticed a strong odor that could have been a gas leak. The fire department was summoned to the scene to check the building.

The alarming odor was not a gas leak, after all, but related to sewer gas from a holding tank.

Submitting Public Notices Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date. Early deadlines apply on most holidays Counties of Ramsey, Anoka and Washington

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NOVEMBER 30, 2023 www.readthecitizen.com

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2024 STREET PROJECT: Residents weight in on proposed improvements FROM PAGE 1

heard a number of comments related to speed on the roadways from neighbors. “We will evaluate that and make improvements where we can,” he said. One change the city is planning to make is reducing the width of Heather Avenue. The roadway is currently 32 feet wide, and it would be constructed to the city standard, which is 28 feet. “Most of our rural roadways are 24 feet in width; we would maintain the standard of 28 feet,” Erichson explained. He said that the public works department was the driving force behind the decision, as they have had some issues with snow storage on the roadway. Resident John Hartman said he was concerned about narrowing the roadway. “A lot of people walk on that road … There is not a lot of places to walk without being on 125th, which is a higher speed,” he said. “A lot of kids play there, if it is narrowed, it could be more dangerous since there is no sidewalk. I’d like to keep it as wide as it is now.” Erichson explained that there are a lot of studies that identify narrowing roadways can have a traffic calming effect and tends to slow people down. Resident Paul Donna is in favor of the project, but wanted to know more about the narrowing of the roadway. “I’m very much in favor of the project.

I think it is long overdue,” he said. “I do have a concern though. I want to learn more about narrowing of the roadway. Hopefully that decision can be postponed until we have a better understanding.” Resident Aaron Zellmer said he was also concerned about narrowing the street. “Narrowing the road may potentially slow people down, but knowing that it is a rural residential setting, people do drive quite fast,” he said. Resident Brett Buelke said having the extra width was nice. “We get a lot of walkers out there … I’d like to see the width stay the same,” he said. Council Member Mike Miron wanted to know if a sidewalk was ever considered for the area. Erichson said the idea did come up at a neighborhood open house for the project, but there “wasn’t a strong appetite” from property owners. The City Council chose to order the project and preparation of plans and specifications. The city will hold two more neighborhood meetings, one in December and one in January, to further discuss the roadway width and any other concerns the neighbors may have about the project at this point. Construction is expected to begin in June and be complete in September.

Here is a view of the current conditions on 125th Street in Hugo.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Here is what Heather Avenue in Hugo looks like today.

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

New Christmas tree farm makes plans for 2024 season BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Not this year, but next, families will have another opportunity to create a holiday tradition a bit closer to home. Steve Kavan, of North Oaks, plans to open Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in time for the 2024 holiday season. He purchased the 40-acre property in 2018. “I like the outdoors,” he said. “I’m big on the outdoors and Christmas … (My family) always gets a tree, so somehow I stumbled upon planting Christmas trees.” The property caught his attention, and he said it was affordable, since it was not zoned properly for a house. The property is located right on the S-curve on Ash Street/County Road J in Lino Lakes. “It was just happenstance,” Kavan said. Kavan’s background is in accounting and finance, and he dabbles in real estate. He openly admitted he doesn’t have any experience planting or growing trees. “It’s all new. It’s been a big learning curve,” he said. “This is a whole new adventure.” Kavan estimates he currently has approximately 16,000 trees on 20 acres of property, but he likely planted around 30,000 of them. He explained the past three years have been tricky due to the severe drought. He is thankful that other businesses in the industry

The Kavan family plans to open Kavan Christmas Tree Farm in 2024. The farm is located on Ash Street in Lino Lakes.

have been very helpful and supportive of his new adventure. He has visited several other tree farms to compare notes and learn. In addition to several trips to Krueger’s Tree Farm in Lake Elmo, last winter he volunteered there. “The industry has been great relative to other industries I’ve been in,” he said. “People are super nice, friendly and supportive. It’s refreshing … they don’t look at me as a competitor, they look at it as they need more farmers.” He explained it is hard to get people in the industry because it takes so long before the trees are ready to be sold. On average, he said it takes about eight years. So come next year,

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Steve Kavan, owner of Kavan Christmas Tree Farm, purchased the Lino Lakes property in 2018 and planted his first trees in 2019.

he said he will have some trees that will be ready; however, he does plan to supplement demand by bringing in some pre-cut trees for customers. He has planted a variety of trees, including: balsam fir, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Norway pine, white pine and Colorado spruce. He said he has had the best luck so far with balsam fir, as it is native to Minnesota. It has been a lot of “trial and error.” Kavan hopes the farm might just be his children’s first work

experience. He and his wife have two children, 11-yearold Lydia and 8-year-old Wade, who both attend Turtle Lake Elementary School in Shoreview. Kavan has committed to donating at least 5% of his proceeds to Centennial School as well as the Centennial Community Food Shelf. “It will be a fun holiday memory for people,” Kavan said. “They can have a great time outdoors, and it is relaxing.”

The cut-your-own tree farm will likely open the week before Thanksgiving 2024 and be open for a few weekends after that. For more information, visit www. kavanfamilyfarm.com/ . Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet. 651-407-1200 | presspubs.com

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

8 THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Cougars are state champs after Prep Bowl thriller BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial Cougars— state champions. For just the third time in school history, a Cougar team is wearing that crown after a harrowing Prep Bowl battle. The Cougars under coach Mike Diggins captured the Class 6A laurels by fending off the Edina Hornets 28-27 at U.S. Bank Stadium, prevailing by a margin of approximately six inches. Diggins said he saw the potential during summer workouts. “I’ll be honest with you — these guys have been such great, great players. They believed in our dream and our goals for the whole year, and I mean everybody on the team,” said Diggins. “We thought it was possible in June. We knew there was going to be bumps in the road, but these guys have handled them. I don’t think they ever got down.” The 2023 football squad joined the 2003-04 boys hockey team and the 2016 girls soccer team as state champs at a school that opened in 1958. Their exhilarating 2023 journey was capped by some excruciating tension at the end. Centennial led by 14 points three times, but had to stop a two-point conversion with 16 seconds left. It was so close that nobody in the stadium could tell if Edina’s Chase Bjorgaard had crossed the plane of the goal line. A replay review by the officials was required to determine that the ball was about a half-foot short when his knee and elbow hit the ground. “I was right there, standing over it,” said Daylen Cummings, Cougar star quarterback, on defense for that play, “and, honestly, I thought he was in, until we saw the replay and he was short.” Edina pulled within a point on Mason West’s 21-yard touchdown pass to

West went to work and hit Villeges for 44 yards and Meyer Swinney for 24, setting up Karpinski’s one-yard TD. The Hornets had a great chance to pull even when Owen Kemper intercepted a Cummings pass and returned it to the 18. However, Coppersmith sacked West on second down and the talented QB threw two incompletions, with Lee thwarting a fourth-down pass to the end zone. The Cougars put together a brilliant 75-yard drive capped by Cummings firing a dart to Lee at the flag for an eight-yard TD, with five seconds left in the half — after hitting Ty Burgoon for 12, 12 and eight yards — to open a 21-7 lead at the break. “We get out every Sunday morning and work JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED on those exact passes,” The victorious Cougars including Daylen Cummins (8, with trophy) and Tyson Bautsch (11) sprinted off the field after the Cummings said. trophy ceremony. Centennial High School will host a pep fest Tuesday, Nov. 28 to celebrate the state champs. Edina opened the third quarter with a 65-yard back, scored on one- and Edina finished 9-4. With Sonny Villegas. Each team cus Whiting grabbed him drive including two fourth11-yard runs. The Cougars down conversions, capped from his right side. The two starters in grades 10-11had kicked every extra ran for 281 yards. Maverick by Warpinski’s one-yard of them wrestled Bjorgaard 12, the Hornets started point, but Edina went for Harper carried 22 times 1-3 before figuring things down, with Caden Coppertwo and the victory. dive. Edina went for it on for 75 yards. Whiting ran smith jumping on his back out. They had won eight “We didn’t want to go to fourth-and-one again a few 16 times for 55 yards and straight, including a 28-7 overtime with Centennial, at the end. minutes later but Cougars caught two passes for 21 conquest of top-ranked, The ruling that he fell the way they can run the stuffed them on their 46. yards. Keaten Frase was unbeaten Eden Prairie in inches short set off a ball and pass, too,” said From there, Cummings 4-for-4 on the crucial extra the semifinals. delirious celebration by Edina coach Jason Potts. fooled the Hornets on a play points. The Prep Bowl drama So the Hornets put the state the Cougars, but they still fake and rambled 38 yards. Defensive leaders includ- Whiting busted 11 yards continued a tradition of had to cover an onside championship on the line ed Caden Coppersmith with for the TD and the lead was close encounters by these kick, Edina’s third of the then and there. nine tackles, Melvin Walschools. Edina won 7-0 in game. This one was short Rather than have West, 28-14. Quick then made lace with seven solo tackles a leaping interception at the 2017 playoffs. Centenand Timmy Ball clutched who threw 28 touchdown and a sack, Ball with seven the Centennial 36 and the nial won 14-7 in the 2022 the ball at midfield. To passes this year, fling to tackles, and Lee and Will playoffs. Edina won 28-20 a tremendous roar from one of his speedy receivCougars had the ball and in the 2019 regular season. Quick with interceptions. the Cougars side of the ers in the end zone, the 14-point lead with seven West hit 13 of 24 passes stadium, he sprinted to the Centennial won 21-20 in the Hornets used a new play, a minutes left. for 244 yards for Edina shovel pass to Bjorgaard on sideline with the ball aloft. 2019 playoffs. However, Edina’s defense and scored on a six-yard Diggins knew the game Centennial finished its the left side. stiffened from that point run. Sonny Villegas lit up dream season 12-1, with the would end like it did, “The play we ran was on, forcing two straight the Cougars with seven lone loss to Maple Grove in because it always does one we’ve worked on all punts, and their offense against Edina. “It was that catches for 144 yards. John caught fire. Lee shanked week three. year but had never shown. Karpinski scored twice end zone again,” he said. “We know we had the A shovel pass, and try to a punt 11 yards and West on one-yard runs and “We’ve been in that end talent on this team,” said get the linebackers going quickly took them 65 totaled 81 yards in 25 totes. yards, sprinting the last zone the four times we’ve Whiting, who also scored the other way,” Potts said. played them. It always ends It was the second state two touchdowns. “This “Centennial did a great six himself, making it 28-21 up being the last play of the runner-up finish for West is the squad that we were job to stop a play they’ve with 3:47 left. Lee’s next and Karpinski, the other in punt went 33 yards. West game, on that side, to my never seen, and a formation going to go all the way hockey last year. with. You know, we’ve been left. Always. Here we go they’ve never seen.” engineered a 68-yard drive, Centennial took a 7-0 lead helped by a late-hit penalty again.” dreaming about this since Bjorgaard, a 195-pound on a 73-yard drive capped Cummings, capping a we were little kids. We’re sophomore linebacker after his eight-yard scramby Whiting’s one-yard three-year tenure at quarwho made 11 tackles in the practically brothers now. ble. He fired to Villeges for plunge early in the second terback, ran for 119 yards game, veered right, built up We all wanted this and we the score with 16 seconds quarter, and made it 14-0 and a 15-yard touchdown, steam, turned, crashed into were going to go out there left — setting up that twowith a 47-yard trek after and passed to Josh Lee for and nothing was going to a phalanx of Cougars, and point conversion both sides Lee intercepted a tipped an eight-yard touchdown, lunged toward the goal line. stop us.” will talk about for years. pass. Cummings faked completing six of 12 for 70 It was the program’s He did not quite make it. a handoff and dashed 15 yards. second trip to a state final, Ayden Sadowski made yards for the score, sprung Whiting, the defensive the other in 1984 when the the first hit, lunging from by a block by Alex Johnson. Cougars lost to Hutchinson. end/short-yardage fullBjorgaard’s left side. Mar-

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Will Quick

Centennial FootballWEEK ATHLETE OF THE

Brol Scherman

Will Quick was one of the defensive standouts for Centennial in its drive to the state Class 6A football championship. The 5-footCentennial Lacrosse 10, 160-pound senior cornerback intercepted a pass in each of Centennial junior lacrosse standout, netted the Brol lastScherman, three games to help the Cougars beathas Rosemount 24-0, 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while Lakeville South 20-13 and Edina 28-27. For the season, Quick notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic). Scherman all-conferenceseven as a sophomore with 36 goals notched fivewas interceptions, pass break-ups and 24 tackles. 28 assists. Thebest recruiting website ILMCA said ofHe him: “End“Willand is one of the corners in the metro! has the ability to-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on to play the ball like no other, and is also a physical corner,” coach and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside and crease finishing team leader andyear with Mikeshooting Diggins assessed. Quickskills. alsoMagnetic had a strong junior positive influencer.” three interceptions and made the all-district team.

Will Quick

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Bear football honors, leaders listed Six White Bear Lake seniors were named to the all-Suburban East Conference team after a 3-6 season — linebackers Austin Gibson and Aiden Akins, defensive backs Devin Mueller and Isaac Kibagendi, running back Kesean Lipscomb, and offensive lineman Jack Peterson. Kibagendi was named team MVP. Other awards went to Lipscomb (offense MVP), Akins (defense MVP), Nick Watson (most improved), and Ben Watson (special teams MVP). Getting honorable mentions were seniors Sam Ganyaw,

Dom Anderson and Evan Chang, and juniors Malike Doumbia, Cam Oxton and Porter Cleary. Lipscomb was the rushing leader with 145 carries for 799 yards and three touchdowns. Avian Atkins had 44 carries for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Tomi Animasaun completed 44 of 87 passes for 595 yards (three touchdowns, one interception). Alex Doroff was 20-for-58 for 256 yards (two touchdowns, two pickoffs). Kibagendi caught 17 passes for 268 yards, Mueller 13 for 178, Vinny Villella 16 for 144 and Gibson 11 for 158.

Kibagendi had two touchdowns and Villella and Gibson one each. Watson, the placekicker, was 15-for-17 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goals. Kibagendi led with four interceptions and five pass breakups. Akins was the leading tackler with 103 total (17 solo), 25 for losses, and five sacks. Gibson had 78 tackles (22 solo), 11 for losses and four sacks. Tyrese Behnken made 10 tackles for loss and Mueller nine. Bruce Strand SEE MORE SPORTS, PAGE 17

NOVEMBER 30, 2023 www.readthecitizen.com

THE CITIZEN

HUGO BITS & PIECES private company. • The city will draft a letter showing its support for the future Otter Lake Road project. The city of Lino Lakes has retained WSB to complete the final plans for phase 1 of the project, which would extend the roadway to its intersection with 24th Avenue (Elmcrest) north of Heritage Parkway. The city of Lino Lakes is currently seeking funding through the Local Road Improvement Program for the project. • Neighbors who reside within the 2024 street project area are hopeful the city will reconsider the proposed roadway width for the new road. (See full story on pages 1 & 7.) • Per the city attorney’s recommendation, the city will not opt out of a class action lawsuit settlement with 3M and Dupont. City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that the city received some information and documents related

• The city is searching for someone to fill the accounting clerk position that is now vacant after Accounting Clerk Amber Lozier resigned. Lozier was hired in February 2015 to work on the city’s Laserfiche project. In 2018, she became the city’s fulltime finance and public works administrative assistant. In 2021, she was appointed as the new accounting clerk. Lozier has accepted a job as an accounting clerk for the city of Stacy. • The city has a new public works department worker — Miguel Souffront. He has years of experience as a truck driver and landscape laborer and also nine years of military service. He will start Dec. 4. The city also has a new utility lead worker, Richard Fox. He has a municipal utility worker background with the city of Woodbury as well as building maintenance experience with a

to a settlement proposal concerning the presence of chemicals in drinking waters from communities across the country. “The city of Hugo received these notices along with hundreds of other utilities across the country that require us to take some action concerning our participation,” he said. City Attorney David Snyder said cities that want to opt out of participation are required to do so by Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. “We think the city would be best served if it would remain as a class claimant in this class action lawsuit and not opt out,” Snyder said. “If it did opt out, it would be obliged to wait and see what comes and address its claims and damages, if any, itself, or potentially bring litigation at some future time, which is not necessarily a feasible, inexpensive or efficient process for resolving a claim of this magnitude.”

The city will retain a law firm to handle the matter on behalf of the city, and the law firm will be paid a percentage of the recovery if there is an award. If a recovery is not awarded, Snyder explained the firm would not be paid. • The city of Hugo’s hearing before the administrative law judge has been rescheduled several times. Bear said that as of now, the hearing will take place at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11. • The City Council has been invited to attend a public engagement session Dec. 14 to provide feedback on the Metropolitan Council’s decisions and actions. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at City Hall. Shannon Granholm

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WEEKLY WAG EVENTS BENEFIT LOCAL FAMILIES THROUGH THE HUGO GOOD NEIGHBORS FOOD SHELF

Winston is a big, happy, energetic pup who loves to play fetch and go for walks. He is just about a year old and weighs about 70 pounds. Winston is social, and likes to play with other dogs. He he loves everyone he meets. He would do well in a home with another social and playful dog. Winston is a black Labrador retriever/Plott hound mix. He arrived at Ruff Start Rescue through an owner surrender. His previous owner taught

STUFF THE TRUCK HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT FOOD & TOY DRIVE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 | 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. Location: City of Hugo Fire Station | 5323 140th St. N. Toy and food bins will be located at area businesses. Check Hugo Fire on Facebook or city website for bin locations and additional Stuff the Truck collection sites.

Winston his basic commands like sit, down, stay, wait, no, outside and car ride. Winston is also house-trained but not crate-trained. He loves his humans and would do best in a home where people are around more than they’re not. Winston is a constant shadow, and also likes to snuggle. So, if you like to play, go for walks and have an extra spot on the couch, then Winston would love to get to know you. If you are interested in learning

more about Winston or adopting 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.

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CENTERVILLE | MONDAY, DEC. 4 | 6 – 8:15 P.M.

Santa will have treats for kids along the route! Santa leaves the station at 6 p.m. and will make his way through your Centerville neighborhood. To participate, place any non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys in the truck as it goes by. You can also leave donations by your mailbox that evening with a label that reads “Santa Parade Donation.”

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