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HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST: Check out entries, vote for your favorite. PAGES 12 & 13

Letters to Santa

Press Publications has helped deliver over 100 letters to Santa. Each year, Press Publications asks children to drop off their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox outside of the office in White Bear Lake, or to mail them in. Some of the desired items this year included: puppies, cookies, Hot Wheels, snakes, dollhouses stuffed animals and more. Perhaps some of the more unique wishes included: fake diamonds, Jeep Gladiators, gumball machines and a hook for a stocking. Be sure to read even more Santa letters online at presspubs.com.

SEE LETTERS TO SANTA, PAGES 22 & 23

Generosity project brings seniors, cancer patients comfort and joy What began as a thought of packing some shoeboxes with holiday gifts for seniors has since blossomed into an effort by a Hugo teen to touch the lives of cancer treatment patients as well. Hugo resident Josiah Cullen,

and developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, learns and interacts with others. He also has motor skill challenges and is non-speaking. “The pandemic has been particularly hard on this population, not only because of the way they learn in person

16, has already blessed seniors at Encore Assisted Living and Memory Care with holiday care packages. Going into the new year, he is planning more care packages for cancer treatment patients in Wyoming. Josiah has been homeschooled by his parents Tahni and Joe Cullen since January 2020. Josiah has autism, a neurological

SEE GENEROSTIY PROJECT, PAGE 10

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Encore Assisted Living and Memory Care resident Mabel and Life Enrichment Director Angela Rodriguez check out one of the many gifts she received in a holiday care package from Hugo teen Josiah Cullen.

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The secret’s out: Farm and apple orchard make television debut BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Owners of an area apple orchard, a local farm and a seasonal ice cream shop can now share a little bit more about a big secret they have had to keep for quite some time. The Miron family farm in Hugo, Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake and Nelson’s Ice Cream in Stillwater were three of several stops featured in a reality TV show’s visit to the state. The ABC Show “The Bachelorette” is currently in its 18th season and follows Michelle Young, a former Division I basketball player and fi fth grade teacher from Minnesota in her search to fi nd a lifelong partner. Although fi lming for the episodes ceased long ago, the show’s fi nale is expected to air Tuesday, Dec. 21. Several of the episodes were fi lmed in

Minnesota, highlighting traditions like sports games, lakes, city and suburb life and agriculture.

Miron Farm Washington County Commissioner and former Hugo Mayor Fran Miron has heard of the show before, but never watched an episode — that is, until the show was fi lmed at his family’s farm. Miron marks the fourth generation of family ownership on the farm. His great-great-grandfather settled on the farm and built the farmhouse, in which he lives, in 1887. Two of Miron’s sons are active on the farm and mark the fi fth generation. This past summer, Miron explained, he was contacted by a woman who owns an agriculture tourism company. “I honestly don’t know how the contact was made with her. She had gotten my contact information through the Minnesota Milk

Producers Association ... Ultimately, there were some site visits and they decided they wanted to do the shoot here.” Film crews spent a full day on the farm in August. The episode shows Michelle on a group date at the farm. The men have to hand-milk cows, churn butter and shovel manure. The date ends with a nighttime hayride. Miron said he had some informal discussions with the show’s producers about what the group date could look like, but for the most part, the producers already had a vision for what they wanted. Miron explained that the producers really wanted to have a traditional agriculture experience, even though so much of that — such as milking cows and disposing of manure — is done mechanically now. “It’s a unique experience for us and for the family. I think we were just honored to be a part of the show,”

Miron said. “When you look back and you think about the city of Hugo and our community and how hard we worked to preserve our rural character over the years as the city grew and developed, so, to have national recognition of that rural heritage I think is cool.” He appreciated that the episode provided a positive glimpse of agriculture. He also thought it was rather interesting how the show made the comparison between a relationship and agriculture and the similar qualities needed for both — commitment, hard work and faith. “You put in the hard work and the nurturing and have faith that something is going to come of that in 10-15 years; the same is true with farming and dairy,” he said. “Every year we plant a crop and we have got faith that that crop is going to grow, and you do what you can to SEE REALITY TV, PAGE 16

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Elf Hunt returns to downtown White Bear Lake Downtown White Bear Lake

BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER

Saturday December 18, 2021

The White Bear Lake Elf Hunt is back for its second year. On Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to come downtown in search of toy elves, which will be hidden in 30 local businesses. The rules will be the same as last year. Participants need to bring a writing utensil and their “North Pole Elf Hunt Passport,” which can be printed off from downtown White Bear Lake’s website (https://www. downtownwhitebearlake.com) or picked up at participating businesses. On the day of the Elf Hunt, participants will have the entire day to search for the elves and write the names of each elf on their passport. Santa is even scheduled to make an appearance. Once the elves are found, participants will turn in their passports to Manitou Grill or Washington Square. Thirty winners will be selected to win a prize from participating businesses.

Help Santa Gather His Elves! Visit our participating businesses, find their elf, and write their name below. Find 12 or more elves, return your passport to Washington Square Bar & Grill or Manitou Grill, to redeem your gift (while supplies last) and for your chance to win amazing prizes from these businesses! Business hours may vary, don't forget your pen or pencil!

The only difference this year is that the fi rst 300 participants to turn in their passport will win an official 2021 Elf Hunt button. The event was originally designed due to COVID-19 to get folks out into the community around the holidays as local businesses started to open up again. “We knew some people had cabin fever, and doing something fun like this gave an enormous positive response,” said Danielle Rode, the owner of Upsy Daisy, who serves as events committee chair for downtown White Bear Lake. Rode hopes the Elf Hunt will become an annual tradition to celebrate the holidays and support local businesses. Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emailing lowdownnews@presspubs. com.

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Holiday lights contest returns

I

am so excited that we are once again doing our holiday lights contest. Press Publications launched the contest in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Now in 2021, and going into 2022, the pandemic is very much still here and people still need a bit of light in their lives. I have absolutely loved looking through all of the entries as they have come in during our nomination phase, which ended last week. Each one is unique in its own way and has a story behind it. Growing up, one of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions was driving to look at a light display near our home. Every year, we would hop in the car, drive to the display, tune in our radio to a specific station and watch on in amazement as the display lit up perfectly animated and timed to the songs we heard on the radio. This year, my family and I have already participated in lots of Christmas traditions, including putting up decorations, looking Out and at lights, baking sweets, mailing Christmas cards and visiting About Santa. For the first time this year, I Shannon am also trying out perhaps a new Granholm tradition. Every day of December leading up to Christmas, my dogs get to try out a new treat from their “Merry Corgmas” calendar. Recently my family and I also visited a drive-thru holiday lights show that was a lot of fun Press Publications is now gearing up for the voting period of the Holiday Lights Contest, which will run Dec. 16 through Dec. 31. From now until then, community members are encouraged to hop in the car and travel to the different displays in the north metro to see them in real life, as photos often don’t do the displays justice. We hope that our holiday lights contest might be a part of your family’s holiday tradition this year. Hopefully this lights contest gives you something to look forward to. Thank you to everyone who entered, and don’t forget to vote. Over 400 votes were cast for last year’s contest, and we are hoping to break that record this year. The top three winners will receive prizes and earn bragging rights. Winners will be announced in January. Holiday tragedy Dec. 18 will mark the sixth anniversary of my father’s passing. Every year that date rolls around, it is an especially hard day for my family and me. I miss everything about him—his jokes, his laugh, his voice, his advice, his songs. Every Christmas that we celebrate without him, I can’t help but feel that void deep in my soul. Every year when we put our Christmas tree up in the living room, dad always had his own little section of the tree where all of his best dad, sports and coffee ornaments hung as well as his (empty) ostomy bag (one of his many jokes). Perhaps his favorite ornament was a bear that sung a Christmas tune. He would play it over and over again to drive us crazy. To this day, all of his ornaments are still placed on his spot on the tree. And that ornament that once seemed to annoy us so much, brings us peace. Now that I have my own home, I have carried on the tradition with a spot of our tree just for him. Although the holiday season is often a joyous one for many, please remember that the holidays are really hard for some, especially in 2021. Shannon Granholm is the Managing Editor at Press Publications.

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Fund local journalism to help communities This editorial column is being made available to members of America’s Newspapers for reprint. Portions of this editorial were previously published in The Wall Street Journal, as a letter from Dean Ridings.

A

portion of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA) was included in the recent Build Back Better bill that was passed in the House. The LJSA, which has bipartisan support in the House, provides needed support for local journalists across the U.S. and is now being considered in the Senate. While there has been tremendous support for the LJSA overall, there have been some pundits who have questioned whether government support for local journalists will maintain a free press. such claim Movers & One recently came from The Wall Shakers Street Journal Dean Ridings in an opinion piece asserting the LJSA is “a subsidy for local journalists, most of whom are left of center.” It’s important for local newspaper readers to understand this claim is not only misleading but is also incorrect. While the writers at The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times may be interested in

demonstrating how right or left of center they are, most journalists at local newspapers are dedicated to the news of their community without a slant in either direction. One of the reasons the LJSA has gained so much support is the focus on protecting local journalism. The LJSA is designed to help local journalists in local communities and not the national media. Outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Huffington Post, CNN, Fox and others won’t qualify for support as they have too many employees or don’t produce local news. The creation and consumption of local news is different than national news, and according to a 2019 KnightGallup study, more people believe their local news organizations are accomplishing most of the key tasks of informing their communities, significantly higher than national outlets. Without a local news organization, where else can a community get information about their local school board, the mayor’s race and other important components of community life? The LJSA also provides even the smallest newspapers with a bridge to continue their digital evolution. Most local newspapers receive no compensation from Big Tech companies such as Facebook or Google for use of their content. While The Wall Street Journal may be able to negotiate a deal with Google to be paid for use of its content, most small newspapers don’t have that option, and they are challenged to find the resources to

provide the news that is critically needed by their communities. This additional resource will provide the local news industry time to continue its transition to a more digital future and to work out a better arrangement either through legislation or other means to be paid when Google and Facebook use their content. The LJSA is also not a permanent handout for the industry. It’s a tax credit that sunsets in five years and is structured to incentivize all local news organizations to retain and even hire more journalists to cover their communities. While some hedge-fund owned newspaper companies and other major corporations will benefit from the tax credits, the real winners will be the communities they serve. For the thousands of small independentlyowned newspapers across the U.S., particularly in rural communities without other viable news sources, the LJSA will mean that they have a much better chance of staying afloat. We strongly encourage the Senate to support the elements of the LJSA in the Build Back Better bill. We are appreciative of Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and the many co-sponsors of this bill who understand how important it is for all communities to have a strong local news voice; when it is lost, everyone loses. And that has no slant to the right or to the left. Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers.

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES • Limited to 350 words. • Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification. • Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. • Letter writers are limited to six Carter C. Johnson ............ Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson .... Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm . Managing Editor citizennews@presspubs.com Patty Steele ....Director of Sales & Marketing marketing@presspubs.com Zac Hoppe............ Design Manager artmanager@presspubs.com

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matter will not be published. • Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of • Submissions containing libelous the week prior to publication. or derogatory statements will • To submit a letter, e-mail it to not be published. citizennews@presspubs.com, • Submissions containing facts fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or not previously published in The deliver it to Press Publications, Citizen must be accompanied by 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear factual verification. Lake, MN 55110. • All letters are subject to editing. COPYRIGHT© 2021 BY PRESS PUBLICATIONS, INC. Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever. News .................................. 651-407-1226 Advertising ......................... 651-407-1214 Circulation ......................... 651-407-1234 Classified/Obits .................. 651-407-1250 Production ......................... 651-407-1239 FAX .................................... 651-429-1242

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WEEKLY WAG

Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or as a whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

Zoe is a go-getter looking for her forever family and home. She is 2 years old, about 30 pounds, and is originally from Texas. Zoe is friendly around all people and is social with other dogs and animals. When her foster mom is working, Zoe likes to be in the same room with her, but just hangs out and watches the world go by through the window. When the work is done, however, Zoe is ready to go! She has a lot of energy and would be a great addition to an active family that likes daily walks. She’d even make a great running partner. A home with a fenced yard would also be preferred and maybe even a doggie playmate. At the end of the day, Zoe likes to snuggle on the couch and rest. Zoe is house-trained and crate-trained but some refresher basic command training would serve and her new family well. If you are interested in adopting Zoe and would like to learn more about her, please fill out an application at ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.” Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible JAMES TEMPEL | CONTRIBUTED by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or Virginia O’Hanlon children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. THE CENTURY ASSOCIATION ARCHIVES FOUNDATIOON | CONTRRIBUTED Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s Francis P. Church no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. —Newseum.com

Ponder the good news as she was told that not only was she pregnant, but her child was God Himself and the promised Savior of the world. God reassured her through the angel and said, “nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) No matter how things seemed, God was faithfully in charge and was there for Mary. No matter how things seem for us today, God is faithfully in charge and is there for us. As we ponder whatever is weighing on our hearts, Jesus loves you enough to be born on Christmas, go to the cross for you, rise from the dead for you, and be there for you no matter what. Because God is faithful, we can take all our ponderings to Him and have a Merry

Christmas! If you are looking for a church home to celebrate with this Christmas, we invite you to join us. On Christmas Eve, we have a 7 p.m. candlelight service. We will also have a separate Christmas morning service at 9 a.m. For more information, check us out online at www. newlifehugo.org.

winter: • Lower your thermostat a few degrees, ideally to 68 degrees or lower. • Adjust your programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature while you are away or while you sleep. • During daylight hours, open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight. To retain heat, keep them closed when it is dark. • Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings. • Keep interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and

maintain constant heating levels. Customers can learn more about how to save, programs, incentives and rebates that can help make homes and businesses more energy efficient on Xcel’s website. If customers are having trouble paying their bill, they are encouraged to contact Xcel Energy for payment plan options and energy assistance programs. To learn more, visit my.xcelenergy.com or calling 1-800-895-4999.

Tim Heinecke is the pastor at New Life Lutheran Church in Hugo.

As winter approaches, there is a nationwide increase in the cost of natural gas, due to supply and demand pressures. With these higher natural gas prices, an average customer who uses the same amount of energy this winter as last winter will see an increase in their bills. While natural gas continues to be the most affordable way to heat a home, as prices are higher than usual it’s a good time to consider ways to conserve energy as we head into the heating season. Here are ways customers can save energy and money this

Join MacPhail Center for Music at Hugo City Hall, located at 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N, to explore the magic of music and play from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4. MacPhail will provide educational materials in Spanish for ages 0-5 and their families/caregivers. Register in person, online at WashCoLib.org/Events, or call 651-275-7300. The program is funded by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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This season, we have a lot to ponder. Pondering means to think about and reflect on something heavy or important to us. We may look at the world around us, our struggles in everyday life, or the uncertainty we now live with Pastor and ponder “Is really in Ponderings God charge? Does He really know Tim what He is Heinecke doing? Things sure seem like a mess from my point of view.” In the Bible, Mary’s world was just turned upside down

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HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies began a pursuit at 12:22 p.m. Nov. 7 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. after a vehicle involved in a driving complaint fled. • A disturbance was reported at 4:05 p.m. Nov. 7 in the 5000 block of 148th Street N., where an active order for protection (OFP) was in place. However, when deputies made contact with a female occupant of the residence, she became uncooperative and refused to let them in. • A dad was cited at 9:28 a.m. Nov. 8 at Frenchman Road N. and Forest Blvd. N. for hands-free cell phone violation after deputies on patrol observed the driver talking into it while at a stoplight. The driver admitted to conducting a phone call with his son while behind the wheel. • A motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 1:01 p.m. Nov. 8 in the area of Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. At 2:10 a.m. Nov. 10 deputies cited another driver in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation. • An assault that happened three weeks ago was reported at 1:47 a.m. Nov. 9 from the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. • A suspicious vehicle with no license plates reported parked at an address in the 6000 block of 165th Street N. at 12:56 p.m. Nov. 9 turned out to have been registered in Massachusetts. Dan’s Towing hauled the unwanted vehicle away. • Residents in the 5000 block of Egg Lake Road at 3:44 a.m. Nov. 11 reported fraud. • A resident in the 5000 block of 149th Street N. at 4:43 p.m. Nov. 11 reported a male with a harassment restraining order (HRO) out against him and asked deputies to inform that party of the HRO. • The stop sign at the intersection of 125th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. was reported down at 9:48 a.m. Nov. 12. The Hugo Public Works Department was notified. • Residents in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue N. at 11:50 p.m. Nov. 12

reported a male walking by their doorbell camera several times, coming back every 15 minutes to parade before the camera.

• A domestic situation between the complainant and her ex-boyfriend was reported at 12:47 a.m. Nov. 13 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. • A westbound motorist was cited at 7:28 a.m. Nov. 13 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 72 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. • A woman with an HRO out against her was mailed a citation for violating that order after she was reported for sitting in the complainant’s driveway in the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue at 7:38 a.m. Nov. 13 and ringing neighbors’ doorbells. A witness who knew the suspect let her sit in her garage, because she looked like she’d been assaulted. Deputies tried several times without success to contact the subject to issue a citation in person. • Deputies recovered a vehicle registered to a St. Paul owner parked in the Wilson Tool parking lot in the 5000 block of 130th Street N. at 5:10 p.m. Nov. 13

with a key not made at the factory in the ignition, February 2021 tabs displayed and the driver’s side window rolled down despite a snowstorm underway. • A resident in the 6000 block of 132nd Street N. at 2:48 a.m. Nov. 14 reported potential mail theft. • A resident in the 12000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 1:16 p.m. Nov. 14 reported her husband, who has an order for protection (OFP) out against him, for stalking her electronically. • A suspicious phone ringing in a model home in the 16000 block of Europa Avenue N. where no one was supposed to be present was reported at 4:28 p.m. Nov. 15. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:01 p.m. Nov. 15 in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance after northbound Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies observed the vehicle displaying tabs that expired in August. After he was warned for the tardy tabs, the valid and insured driver in the passenger seat took over behind the wheel.

• A Hugo resident at an undisclosed address at 11:57 a.m. Nov. 16 reported her sister for stealing money from their father, 94. • Counterfeit money was reported at 9:37 p.m. Nov. 16 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. • A motorist was arrested at 3:45 a.m. Nov. 19 in the 7000 block of 170th Street N. for driving on a license canceled due to behavior inimical to public safety (IPS). Upon his arrest, the driver claimed to be in need of medical treatment and asked to go to the hospital. After he was transported via ambulance to the hospital, a formal complaint against him for the IPS offense was drawn up. • A resident in the 4000 block of 142nd Circle N. at 8:53 a.m. Nov. 19 reported fraud. • A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 10:02 a.m. Nov. 19 reported theft. • A resident in the 13000 block of Flay Avenue N. at 12:21 p.m. Nov. 19 reported a phone number she didn’t recognize used to phone in a false complaint about an unwanted person painting the inside of her residence. • A suspicious male reported for saying things to a driver backing out of a parking spot at a multipleunit dwelling in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 8:05 a.m. Nov. 20 turned out to be a resident of the complex trying to tell her he was going to park in a different spot. • The catalytic converters of two different pickup trucks were reported stolen at 8:54 a.m. Nov. 20 in the 12000 block of Farnham Avenue N. Potential surveillance camera footage from security is pending. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 10:37 a.m. Nov. 20 on eastbound 170th Street N. at Jeffrey Avenue N. for speeding 67 mph in a 55 mph zone by westbound deputies, who clocked him on radar. • A Minnesota motorist was cited at 7:26 a.m. Nov. 21 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. • An eastbound motorist was cited at 10:40 a.m. Nov. 21 on 170th Street and Ingersoll Avenue N. for speeding 68 mph in a 55 mph zone by east-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked him on radar. Loretta Harding

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • A community service officer responded to a report of someone blowing leaves onto public property in the 7000 block of Caribou Circle Nov. 30. They were advised of current city ordinances. • Officers were dispatched to a theft in progress at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Nov. 30. The suspects fled in a vehicle and were pursued by other agencies. The suspects were identified and charges will be pursued. The stolen property was recovered and returned to the business. • An officer responded to a property damage crash in the 6600 block of Centerville Road Nov. 30. No parties involved were injured. A crash report was completed. • Officers responded to the police station for a public assist in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Nov. 30. The officers offered the male several different solutions to his problem, but the male walked away. • An officer responded to a report of a deceased deer in the road in the 6600 block of Hodson Road Nov. 30. A DNR possession tag was issued to a male and the deer was removed from the roadway. • An officer responded to a reported fraud in the 1 block of Robinson Drive Nov. 30. The officer documented the incident and investigated. No suspect information is available at this time. • Officers were dispatched to a phone call report of a motor vehicle tampering in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Dec. 1. Officers documented the incident. There is no suspect information at this time. • Officers were dispatched to a delayed robbery report in the 7400 block of Village Drive Dec. 1. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer took an identity theft report in the 2200 block of Arthur Court Dec. 2. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer responded to a report of suspicious activity

in the 6600 block of 21st Avenue South Dec. 2. The officer checked the area and nothing suspicious was found. • An officer observed a vehicle run a red light in the 2200 block of Main Street Dec. 2. The vehicle fled when a traffic stop was attempted. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer observed suspicious activity in a construction area in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road Dec. 2. The officer located an adult male and was unable to determine whether or not crime had occured. The investigation is ongoing. • Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle parked in a neighborhood in the 1 block of Century Trail Dec. 2. Officer arrived and made contact with the occupant of the vehicle, who said he had a ride coming and was out of gas. • A community service officer responded to a parking complaint on Elm Street and Whippoorwill Lane Dec. 2. Vehicles were observed leaving the area, and extra patrol will be provided. • An officer responded to a report of a telephone line down in the 7400 block of 24th Avenue Dec. 2. The officer made contact with the caller and informed them they needed to contact their telephone provider. • Officers were dispatched to a property damage accident involving two vehicles on Lake Drive and I-35W Dec. 2. Officer determined there were no injuries and documented the incident. The vehicles were driven from the location. • Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 2300 block of Main Street Dec. 3. Information was collected from both drivers, and one vehicle was towed. • Officers were dispatched to a possible ordinance violation of hunting on private property in the 8300 block of Rondeau Lake Road West Dec. 3. Officers determined the individual had permission to hunt on the land. • Officers noticed a vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights on in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Dec. 3. The owner of the vehicle had a mechanical malfunction and had summoned a tow truck. • An officer stopped a vehicle on a driving violation and found

the driver was impaired in the 2200 block of Main Street Dec. 3. The driver was arrested and booked into jail for DWI. • Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage roll-over accident in the 7800 block of Lake Drive Dec. 4. All parties were uninjured and refused transport to the hospital. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. • Officers responded to a residence for suspicious activity in the 6200 block of Red Maple Lane Dec. 4. A neighbor was concerned about firewood that was burning in the neighbor’s garden. The officer checked and found that no crime had occurred. • Officers were dispatched to an individual requesting a DNR possession permit for a deer on the side of the road in the 1200 block of Main Street Dec. 4. The permit was issued. • Officers responded to a report of a suspicious male walking through a backyard in the 400 block of Coyote Trail Dec. 5. Officers checked the area and did not locate anyone or see any problems. • An officer responded to a traffic complaint on the roadway on Langer Lane and Stella Lane Dec. 5. The officer checked the area but was unable to locate the vehicles involved. There were no further problems. • While on patrol, an officer observed a male walking on the roadway in the 6400 block of 20th Avenue. The male was transported to his residence. There were no further problems. • Officers were dispatched to a tree down and partially blocking the roadway in the 900 block of Lilac Street Dec. 5. The tree was moved out of the roadway. • Officers were dispatched to a neighbor dispute in the 70 block of Town Center Parkway Dec. 5. Officers spoke with both parties, and they agreed to stay away from each other. • Officers responded to a theft report at a local business in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Dec. 6. The case is under investigation.

&

DECEMBER 16, 2021

www.readthecitizen.com

THE CITIZEN

7

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers were dispatched to a suspicious activity call in the area of Dupree Road and Eagle Trail in Centerville Nov. 27. This was ultimately found to be a public assist. • A lift assist was fielded in the 7100 block of Progress Road in Centerville Nov. 28. • Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Circle Pines Nov. 28. The female driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Information was given to the police department concerning a business in the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Nov. 29. • Officers took an informational report via phone from the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Nov. 29. • Police responded to a noise complaint in the 8900 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington Nov. 29. • An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation that occurred in the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Nov. 29. The traffic stop yielded probable cause to search the vehicle. • An officer was dispatched to the 6900 block of Dupre Road in Centerville Nov. 29 on a report of damage to city property. • Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of North

Road and Pointcross Drive in Circle Pines Nov. 30. • An officer stopped a male on a bicycle near the intersection of North Road and Twilite Terrace in Circle Pines Nov. 30. The juvenile’s parents were contacted. • An officer followed up on a report of a lost dog seen in the 400 block of Keith Road in Circle Pines Nov. 30. • An officer was dispatched to a phone call in the 8900 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington regarding a report of fraud. • Damage to property was reported in the 3800 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Dec. 1. • Officers observed a suspicious vehicle parked at a closed business in the 9000 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington. An adult male was subsequently arrested on his outstanding warrant. • Officers were dispatched to the area of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Lexington on the report of a road rage incident that turned into a damage to property report Dec. 1. DNA results are pending. • Officers received information regarding a damage to property report in the 1800 block of Revoir Street in Centerville Dec. 1. • Officers were dispatched to a phone call in the 7200 block of Centerville Road regarding tampering with a motor vehicle Dec. 2. • A suspicious person was located in the 1 block of South Pine Drive in Circle Pines Dec. 2. The person was advised

to move along. • Officers were dispatched to a call of cats in a storm sewer near Village Parkway and Central Street in Circle Pines Dec. 2. Officers advised the complainant. • Officers were dispatched on a phone call regarding a person who had given a car to someone in Centerville to work on Dec. 4. • On Dec. 4, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Village Drive on the complaint of cats stuck in the storm drain near the roundabout. • Officers responded to the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville concerning a civil dispute related to an issue at a business Dec. 5. Upon arrival, the caller advised that the male had not yet returned to pay for fuel. The case is pending. • Officers were dispatched to a civil dispute in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Dec. 5. • Officers conducted a warrant attempt in the 1700 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 7. An adult male was subsequently arrested on his outstanding warrants. • An officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Main Street and Lakeland Circle in Centerville Dec. 7. The vehicle’s license plate was later found to be stolen. Charges are pending. • Officers were dispatched to the 1880 block of Center Street in Centerville for a welfare check on a dog Dec. 7. There were no issues.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Sheriff’s Office calls in bomb squad

Icy roads lead to several crashes

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 15000 block of 220th Street in Scandia Monday, Nov. 29, for old munition that was found buried in the ground. The complainant had hired a construction crew for an addition to their home, and the contractor discovered the munition. The next day, another munition was found near the same spot as the fi rst. The Sheriff’s Office subsequently requested the St. Paul Bomb Squad remove the munition, as it was unknown if it was live or not.

Around 9:26 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department received a call regarding a four-vehicle crash on southbound I-35E, just south of Main Street. There were no injuries, and the Minnesota State Patrol handled the incident. About 20 minutes later, Lino Lakes police and fire were dispatched to a rollover accident on southbound I-35E, just north of Main Street. The lone occupant of the vehicle, an adult female from Wisconsin, was not injured. Icy road conditions were the primary contributing factor in both crashes.

NOELLE OLSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Caution vital as open water begins to freeze With a deadly open-water season nearly in the rearview mirror, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that lakes and ponds throughout the state have started to freeze — and that where ice hasn’t formed, the water is dangerously cold. It’s up to all people to choose to stay safe around the water or ice, according to the DNR. Where there is ice, its thickness this time of year is highly variable and subject to the whims of Mother Nature. And where ice hasn’t formed — or where it freezes at night and opens during the day — the water temperature is so low that an unexpected drenching can be deadly. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it’s vital that parents talk with their kids about staying safe. With a couple days off from school, it’s natural for kids to want to be outside, and water and ice tend to be a natural draw. “There’s nothing worse than when a time of year that should be festive turns tragic,” said Lt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the DNR Enforcement Division. “Teaching your kids to be vigilant around the water this time of year — and doing the same yourself — isn’t just a good idea. It’s an absolute necessity.” Anglers and others who recreate on the ice should stay on shore until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice. Anytime people are on the ice, they should check its thickness every 150 feet. Block urges people to check ice thickness for themselves rather

than deciding to walk on the ice based on what they’ve heard or read. Each year, unexpected falls into cold water lead to serious injury and death. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to avert tragedy, since the initial shock of falling into cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers. Carrying a good set of ice picks can help a person get out if they fall through the ice, and a cell phone, whistle or other communications device makes it more likely they will be able to call for help.

General ice safety guidelines No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following these guidelines can help minimize the risk: • Always wear a life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle). • Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel and tape measure. • Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly. • Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon. • Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time. • Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.

DNR | CONTRIBUTED

A mother with her kids use caution when heading out on a local lake.

For more information, visit www.dnr. state.mn.us. Contributed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

DNR | CONTRIBUTED

This graphic depicts minimum ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice.

8 THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

HUGO CITY CALENDAR

LINO LAKES CITY CALENDAR

Dec. 16: Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 20: City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 21: EDA meeting at 5:30 p.m. Historical Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24: City Hall closed in observance of Christmas

Dec. 18: Recycling Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20: Advisory board interviews at 5 p.m. Dec. 23-24: City Hall closed in observance of Christmas

DECEMBER 16, 2021

CENTERVILLE CITY CALENDAR Dec. 24: City Hall closed in observance of Christmas Dec. 30: Blood drive 12 to 6 p.m. at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center

HUGO BITS & PIECES • Former Council Member Chuck Haas, co-chair of the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network (BTYRN), and Col. Jamie Lindman, vice wing commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing, recently visited a Hugo City Council meeting to share what the network has been up to. The network continues its effort to support refugees in Afghanistan through a relief program that provides gifts for refugees. Network volunteers recently visited Camp Ripley and provided troops with a bratwurst meal. Baseball uniforms and equipment have been sent to Niger, Africa, courtesy of the network, so troops can stay occupied during their leisure time. This holiday season, the network put on its annual Shop with a Cop event with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. When searching for 10 military families to go shopping, the network ended up finding a total of 28. The families went shopping with local law enforcement for Christmas gifts with funds provided by the network. Lindman announced that the Hugo BTYRN will be awarded the Network of the Year by the 133rd Airlift Wing. • The Hugo American Legion continues to donate to the Hugo Fire Department (HFD). Most recently, the Legion donated $1,000 for training and equipment. • Brandon Raschik, Allysa Nadeau, Stephen Albertson, Darek Albertson and Cameron Barukzoy are the newest probationary firefighters to join HFD.

• Seven refuse haulers’ licenses will be renewed for 2022 upon completion of applications. The haulers include: Gene’s Disposal; SRC Inc. (dba Forest Lake Sanitation); Maroney’s Sanitation Inc.; Ace Solid Waste Management; Walters Recycling and Refuse; Republic Services; and Waste Management. • Several local establishments can continue to serve/sell alcohol and tobacco in 2022. The businesses include Blacksmith Lounge, Wild Wings of Oneka, On the Rocks Wine/ Spirits, Amian American & Asian Bistro, Blue Heron Grill, Sal’s Angus Grill, Oneka Ridge Golf Course, Hugo American Legion, Truckers Inn/ Super America, Kwik Trip, Sager’s Liquor, MGM Wine & Spirits, Red Savoy’s Pizza and Festival Foods. The 2022 licenses are subject to payment of all fees, taxes and utilities, and receipt of certificates of liquor liability insurance. • The city of Hugo has renewed its joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for electronic access to court data and documents. Since July 2021, the city has kept an agreement with the Department of Public Safety Bureau BCA to allow the city attorney’s firm of Johnson and Turner to access court records and court documents through the BCA’s Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN). The agreement must be renewed every five years.

• Polling places for the city in 2022 have been established, but may need to be changed depending on the outcome of the redistricting process in March 2022. • The city authorized payment of Schreiber Mullaney Construction’s latest invoice in the amount of $378,408 for work on the Lions Park pavilion. • The city will sell its brine (salt water) mixer to White Bear Township for $3,000. The city of Hugo purchased the brine mixer in 2012 and has not used it since 2014 because brine is provided by the city of Centerville under an agreement. The brine mixer purchase agreement specifies that the township will provide brine to the city of Hugo if there is ever a need for it. • The HFD will also sell a hose tester to the Lino Lakes Fire Department for $1,000. The hose tester was purchased in 2009 with funds from the Relief Association. The tester is used to test hoses for leaks as required annually by OSHA. In 2022, HFD will contract with a service provider to test hoses. • Thommes and Thomas Land Clearing’s conditional use permit (CUP) has been renewed for another year. The business is located south of 165th Street North and west of Highway 61. A condition of the CUP states that the permit must be renewed every year. • Finance Director Anna Wobse recently presented to the council on the 2022 city budget and tax levy proposal prior to a public hearing

the city has completed this task, it will be eligible to apply for additional grant monies to seal more wells. • Employees of Corner Express/Circle K will receive additional training at employer expense, most notably in the area of underage tobacco compliance, after the business failed a tobacco compliance check. The business was pulled from the consent agenda list of businesses to receive tobacco licenses after an underage, undercover officer was recently sold cigarettes without being asked for proof of majority. After completing all other required documents for license renewal, the business owner must now show proof of employee training by June 1 to keep his tobacco license. • The city has received an additional $6,933.90 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), after passing a resolution accepting the funds, a distribution of such monies left unclaimed by various government entities throughout the state. This new funding brings the city’s total distribution to $430,413.62. • The city has the ability to move money around and take revenue from a fund that is doing well to give some of it to a fund that is not doing as well. Council transferred $147,307.50 out of the park dedication fund into the sewer fund to repay a portion of the loan that was used to develop the trail system. • The city’s non-union employees will be compensated in a manner consistent with the terms union employees enjoy, after council passed a resolution adopting 2022 Non-Union Pay Scale.

Non-union and seasonal part time employees will receive a 3% pay adjustment in alignment with labor union negotiations. The proposed wages are an attempt to meet market conditions and maintain pay equity. • Getting rid of unwanted mattresses and box springs just got easier for city residents, after council approved the purchase of an enclosed trailer to collect these items for recycling. City staff will buy the trailer from M&G Trailer for $9,395, plus other expenses, using SCORE funds. • Liquor and tobacco will be available for purchase within the city for 2022, after council approved annual liquor and tobacco license renewals for JP’s Liquor (off sale and tobacco), Wiseguy’s Pizza (on sale and Sunday) and CenterMart (tobacco), contingent on successful Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) background checks and tax payment. • Centerville voters will cast their 2022 ballots at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road, after council established precinct and polling locations. By law, polling places for the upcoming year must be designated no later than Dec. 31. • Sharper Homes, the property owners of 1837 Old Mill Court, will be able to build its fence on the side and rear yard property lines, after council approved an encroachment agreement to allow the fence in the city’s right-ofway/drainage and utility easements. • The city is paying its bills for downtown street and utility improvements, after approving the

Dec. 6. The city uses a flat tax rate to calculate its proposed tax levy, meaning the city tax collection increases when property value increases and city tax collection decreases when property value decreases. The proposed tax levy for 2022 is $9,590,175. The median-valued residential homestead will see a city property tax increase of $38.57, a 3.5% increase from 2021. • Twenty-eight percent of each property tax dollar collected in Hugo goes to the city. The rest, 72%, is distributed between the school district, the county and other taxation authorities such was the watershed district, for example. The city of Hugo doesn’t receive any local government aid, which is money that could be used to lower the tax levy, but that is because Hugo’s tax rate is much lower than the state average. • Resident Ellen St. Sauver made a comment at the public hearing about an increase in her property taxes by 45.3% on a portion of bare land that she owns and occasionally rents out. City Administrator Bryan Bear said that staff will work with her closely to understand the reason for the increase. The council ultimately approved the general fund budget for 2022 and adopted the final tax levy, payable in 2022. The next city council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 Corinne Stremmel

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS • Centerville residents will see only one change to the city’s fee schedule, after council conducted the first reading of the 2022 Fee Schedule as part of its yearly update. The city will increase its stormwater fees by 5% every year for the next several years to help build up the stormwater fund. For 2022, the stormwater fee will increase by 4.9%, from $9.77 to $10.26. • The city will now be able to get more work done, after council directed city staff to offer the job of assistant city administrator to Athanasia Lewis at a salary of up to $75,000 using money from the general and enterprise funds. • The city’s first-ever junior council member, Danny Peterson, became a seasoned junior council member right away by attending one of the city’s longest meetings of the year. After the Centennial School District recommended Peterson for the position, council interviewed him at the work session prior to the Dec. 8 meeting and pronounced him to be a good fit for the position. His term will run from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2022. Following the unanimous council appointment, Mayor D. Love said he was proud of the junior council member program. “I’m proud that you’re the first person to do this,” he told Peterson. “You will be incredibly successful, and we’re here for you. You’ll get out what you put in,” he said. • The city has received a $7,745 Minnesota Department of Health grant to seal three wells within the city’s Wellhead Protection Area. Once

request for final payment to A-1 Excavating Inc. in the amount of $27,041.18. The total construction cost of the 2020 downtown area street and utility improvements project was $1.9 million, or approximately $74,000 less than the original contract amount. • The city does not appear to have any deficient broadband service areas, so council passed a resolution to decline broadband funding from ARPA 2021 and requested reallocation of the $150,000 to other communities in Anoka County that could use the money. • Metropolitan Council Representative Susan Vento attended the meeting to reconnect with the city after a twoyear absence due to the pandemic. Vento advised council that the city’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted in April 2020. She and council discussed plans for mass transit in the metropolitan area. • CLPD Sgt. Nolan Wahlberg attended the meeting and introduced himself as liaison to the city, noting that stolen vehicles have become a significant problem everywhere. The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at City Hall, 1880 Main St. Loretta Harding

DECEMBER 16, 2021

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THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

COUNTY BRIEFS

Board sets salaries for attorney, sheriff Commissioners set salaries for 2022 for two elected county officials, Attorney Pete Orput and Sheriff Dan Starry. Orput’s salary will be $198,833, and Starry’s salary will be $178,424. Both salaries represent an increase of 3.5% over 2021.

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.

Sunday Join us onWorship Sunday: 10:15Livestreaming am in-person Worship on and Live-streaming on YouTube: FPCWBL YouTube: FPCWBL 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org

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Washington County will receive $134,973 from the state to fight aquatic invasive species in the county’s waterways. In the 2014 state legislative session, a county aid program was created to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in lakes and rivers. Based on the 24 watercraft trailer launches and 354 watercraft trailer parking spaces in the county, the county will receive $134,973 in local AIS prevention aid in 2022.

9:00 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Education Hour for All Ages, Worship and Bible Study are also available through our YouTube Channel The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

NEW LIFE CHURCH - LUTHERAN

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

Lutheran Church

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

651-429-5337

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

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The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received donations from the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network (YRN) and Walmart. The YRN contributed $3,800 to the Sheriff’s Office and Walmart donated $3,500 for the Shop with a Cop event earlier this month.

County will receive $134,973 to combat aquatic invasive species

CONTRIBUTED

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office participates in the annual Shop with a Cop event.

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 Living Waters Lutheran Church (ELCA)

14 days, departs April - October 2022

865 Birch Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 481-0220 livingwaterslutheran.org

Chicago • St. Louis • Branson • Oklahoma City • Amarillo • Albuquerque • Flagstaff • Las Vegas • Los Angeles • Santa Monica — Miles of open road, quirky attractions, and windswept desert vistas—if you love the quintessential Americana of Route 66, this is the tour for you. Get your kicks traveling the length of the Mother Road. TM

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To advertise here, call Randy at 651-407-1212 or email lowdown@presspubs.com

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Sheriff’s Office receives donations from community donors

Commissioners extended contracts with five attorneys who provide representation in court during family cases. The county is required by state law to provide representation for parents or guardians for child in need of protection or services (CHIPS), termination of parental rights (TPR) and permanency cases. Since 2014, the county has contracted with attorneys to provide these services for a flat monthly compensation to manage and predict costs. County contracts with Amy Senn, John Chitwood, Gregory Schmidt and Megan Hunt were extended. The contract amendments extend the term of the contracts one or two years, depending on the attorney. The contracts increase the monthly payment by 2.2% each year. The amendments change the hourly amount provided for representing clients on appeal to $100 per hour (previously $75 per hour), but continues the current total compensation for an appeal at $5,000.

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Washington County will receive $320,000 from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide shelter and other services for those experiencing homelessness. The program provides funding for emergency shelter operations and support services. Washington County will use the funds to continue to support a hotel emergency shelter program. The funds pay for the cost of rooms and shelter services from the contracted service provider for on-site services to individuals in the program. The grant goes through June 30 2023.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners was expected to adopt the 2022 budget Dec. 14, after press deadline. The proposed levy adopted in September was a 5.78% increase over 2021. The recommended budget is estimated to have a tax impact that is quite modest. The recommendation that the board reviewed includes a 5.34% increase in the county’s levy, for a levy of $120.6 million. If adopted, it would result in an increase for the county’s portion of the annual property tax of $25 for the average-valued home in the county, which is $318,700. That same average valued home in 2021 experienced a $25 reduction in county tax when the board approved a 0% levy increase. New funding in the budget will pay for salaries and benefit increases for existing employees; base salaries of all county employees were held flat in 2021. The recommended budget includes only a small number of new employees and few changes in the services or programs delivered. The recommended budget includes investments in the county’s technology infrastructure and information technology staff to maintain and enhance data and network security. The budget funds a fairly substantial increase in election costs for 2022 as more people vote absentee, which adds to the cost of managing an election. The budget also funds replacements in the public works fleet to ensure the ability to maintain and provide snow removal on county roads. The recommended budget is impacted by reduced revenue in a variety of areas, including reduced county program aid, a state aid provided to reduce the reliance on property taxes to fund mandated services, and reduced fees for services that have been impacted by the pandemic.

723283

County will receive funds to provide shelter, services

County board extends contracts with attorneys for family counsel

723281

Washington County will partner with Dakota, Olmsted and St. Louis counties to perform a 2022 residential survey as a part of a joint powers agreement (JPA). Washington County periodically surveys its residents to gather information about the services it provides. Washington County has partnered with these counties since 2006 and most recently in 2019, and will do so again in 2022. The benefits of this collaboration are cost savings and the ability to compare the results with those from like counties nationally, as well as county partners in Minnesota. The four counties have proposed contracting with Polco/National Research Center to administer the survey. Polco/NRC administered the previous residential surveys.

County board reviews county’s proposed 2022 budget

723273

Washington County will partner with counties on 2022 residential survey

10

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DECEMBER 16, 2021

GENEROSITY PROJECT: Joy follows care packages from start to finish FROM PAGE 1

and with a lot of hands-on oversight and care, but also because of the difficulty for keeping masks on or keeping up instructed handwashing, etc.,” Tahni explained. “Caregivers have been very hard to find and to keep over this time, so there is a lot on the families to become 24/7 caregivers, teachers and therapists as well as parents.” The highly flexible, one-one-one learning and skill training along with an individualized pace has really benefited Josiah. Josiah enjoys reading, writing, poetry and painting, despite his challenges with fine motor skills. “I knew we needed to continue to work on these skills but oftentimes, even at therapy, the way they work on them isn’t motivating to him because it is things like sorting colors but for no grand outcome,” Tahni said. “I noticed right away that when we turn more to real-life purposeful tasks, he has a willingness to attend and practice more.” For the past three summers, the Cullen family has attended a one-week camp for people with special needs in Illinois. The camp just started a program for disabled young adults centered on purposeful work. The participants create and package items to sell. In seeing how that helped them, Tahni asked Josiah if he would want to do a “generosity project” to not only work on his skills, but employ his gifts to bless others. She gave him some ideas, and Josiah decided he wanted to do something for seniors. They began working on the packs and before they knew it, friends, family and community members wanted to get involved, too. Each pack contained a variety of items including: gripper socks, coloring and word find books, pens and pencils, crayons, sticky notes, backscratchers, stress balls, candy, holiday glasses, magnets with Josiah’s artwork and Christmas cards with a poem written by Josiah. Tahni continues to be surprised by this project. “So many things about our daily journey require a large amount of energy, patience and persistence, and you don’t often see immediate results. There has been such a joy, lift and momentum to this project that it has felt like fun rather than effort,” she said. “To see how it can bring joy and honor to those investing in it, to those of us putting it together, and to the recipients,

thrills me to no end.” After assembling the packs, Josiah wrote, “Lifting up prizes to others lifts up my life, too.” Josiah wanted to continue to have tasks to look forward to, and Tahni wanted the project to continue because she has seen the tremendous benefit for Josiah in the form of therapy, education and social compassion. Josiah has had three grandparents touched by cancer in the past, so Tahni suggested making more care packages for people visiting the M Health Fairview Cancer Center in Wyoming. The packs will include items of comfort including: fleece throws, water bottles, hand sanitizer, lip balm, essential oils, activity books, journals, pens and pencils, backscratchers and Josiah’s inspirational quotes and poetry. The Cullens have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the care packages. A donation of $25 sponsors one pack. If the packs continue to be funded, Tahni says they would love to continue the project to keep making an impact on the community and give Josiah a sense of purpose. “I love Josiah’s kind heart, and I’m so proud of him, especially when I see how far he has come. Even three months ago we couldn’t conceive that he would be able to do such things as he is doing today,” Tahni said. Joe added, “I’m so proud of Josiah. He’s really grown so much in the past year and is showing a lot of maturity, and that’s very evident with his hard work for this project. It’s been really great to see how much he cares about his community and using his time and talents to help our neighbors.”

CONTRIBUTED

Here is an example of the items in the holiday care packages for Hugo seniors.

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

TO DONATE Visit https://tinyurl.com/4ew894ed $25 will sponsor one care package.

CONTRIBUTED

Hugo resident Josiah Cullen, 16, packs care packages for senior citizens. He is now working on packing items for cancer treatment patients.

Private school purchases vacant school in Hugo BY NOELLE OLSON STAFF WRITER

Liberty Classical Academy in White Bear Lake has purchased the empty Withrow Elementary School building in Hugo. The building has been vacant since 2017, when the Stillwater School District closed the school. At a recent Stillwater School Board meeting, the board voted to sell the property to Liberty Classical Academy, a private school with a commitment to Christian faith. “We purchased the building on 9 acres in Hugo thanks to a super-generous anonymous donor, and we were able to pay cash for the building. It’s truly astounding,” Headmaster Rebekah Hagstrom said. “In addition to that, we have exclusive rights for up to 65 acres adjacent to the property.

Our vision is that this will be the future home of Liberty Classical Academy.” The goal is to open a permanent campus in three to five years for preschool to 12th grade. The sale of 30-65 additional acres abutting the Hugo property to Liberty is contingent on the city of Hugo’s approval. Preliminary meetings are already underway and, according to Hagstrom, look favorable. Hagstrom said Liberty Classical Academy has reached maximum capacity at its White Bear Lake campus and is currently unable to accommodate existing demand for a Liberty Classical Academy education. In order to continue to grow, they need an immediate short-term solution for space. “The purchase of the school building provides a solution to both short- and longterm facility needs. Until the permanent campus is built, the existing building on

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Withrow Elementary School has been purchased by Liberty Classical Academy in White Bear Lake.

the Hugo property will serve as a temporary campus that allows Liberty to continue enrollment growth without having to turn students away,” Hagstrom said. Since last February, Hagstrom said they’ve been actively seeking both shortand long-term solutions to capitalize on the school’s current growth. “We don’t want to limit this outstanding education just for the people who are here now, because people are desperate in our culture right now to receive this type of education for their children that Liberty provides,” she said. According to Hagstrom, the need for a short-term solution was imminent this year because the upper school and middle school are compressed into a small part of the building. The school no longer has room to accommodate all of its current preschool families within its kindergarten program. Moving the preschool through second grade programs to the Hugo campus gives middle and upper school programs the space they need to grow, and will reduce congestion at the White Bear Lake campus. Hagstrom said that having access to the Hugo campus will provide much needed additional space. She noted that a split campus is not an ideal solution, but it’s only temporary. Initially, Liberty Classical Academy will

be moving its preschool through second grade programs into the existing Hugo school at the beginning of the 2022 school year, which will allow the school to add a third section of kindergarten, first and second grade. According to Hagstrom, the plan is to have before and after school care available at both sites beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. “We plan to have a bus provide transportation from the White Bear Lake campus to the Hugo campus in the morning, with the bus returning from the Hugo campus to the White Bear Lake campus in the afternoon. In addition, we will help facilitate carpool options for interested families,” she said. “Growth is vital. We can’t lose momentum,” Hagstrom said. “In order to maintain and support a permanent location, we have to grow Liberty to a level that can sustain a permanent location for the long haul and long-term health of the school.” The Hugo campus is located at 10158 122nd Street N. in Hugo. Families who have questions about the Hugo campus can email them to HugoCampus@libertyclassicalacademy.org. For updates on the Hugo campus and more information on Liberty Classical Academy, visit https://libertyclassicalacademy.org/.

DECEMBER 16, 2021

THE CITIZEN www.readthecitizen.com

Centerville on target to be debt-free by 2029 BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — Residents heard good news and bad news at the annual budget and truth in taxation hearing. Home values are going up and city taxes are going up. But the debt is going down and will disappear altogether by 2029, Finance Director Bruce DeJong said. Questions about property valuation will be fielded by the city assessor in April, DeJong said, before he answered questions about city revenues, expenditures, funds and debt. Centerville’s total tax levy for 2022 will be $2,816,461, a 2.7% increase over the 2021 total tax levy of $2,743,105. The $2.8 million total tax levy is made up of the general fund levy of $2,487,663 and the total debt service levy of $328,798. The city canceled certain debt levies because it has sufficient funds available to make future debt payments and won't have to bond for that debt. “We'll be debt-free as of 2029,” DeJong said.

Proposed expenditure increases for 2022 include the hiring of an assistant city administrator with a salary not to exceed $75,000, a 3% wage and benefit increase for both union and non-union employees, and major election year expenses of approximately $15,000. Public safety expenses make up approximately 50% of the city's expenditures. Expenditures will be offset by a $122,747 increase in property tax revenues, a debt service reduction of almost $50,000 from 2021 and an additional $11,000 in recycling funds. At $2.5 million, property taxes make up the vast majority of the city's total revenues of $2.9 million. Meanwhile, the median home value increased in 2022 to $281,980, a 3.57% increase over the 2021 valuation of $272,250. The 2022 property tax value is based on property sales from 2019 and 2020. Estimated city taxes for the average home’s property taxes payable in 2022 increased by 4.87%, from $1,346 in 2021 to $1,412 in 2022, an increase of $66, DeJong said. After a public hearing during which no members of the public

spoke, council unanimously adopted the budget. After passing a resolution adopting the final property tax levy and budget, the city may not increase the levy amount but can still reduce it before certifying the budget to Anoka County later this month. Residents may not be entirely overjoyed to know that with the reduction of the commercial/ industrial tax base, residential properties are picking up more of the overall tax burden in Centerville. However, the good news is that Centerville is ranked fourth-lowest in taxation when compared to other municipalities within Anoka County. “I do feel really proud of our numbers, especially when compared with other cities in the county,” Council Member Michelle Lakso said. “It's been a long time coming.” Contributing Writer Loretta Harding can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

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DECEMBER 16, 2021

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www.readthecitizen.com

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15

Survivor, fire officials warn of holiday dangers By now, ornaments are likely on the tree, a garland is draped over the fi replace and lights are strewn about, both indoors and outdoors. The single most hazardous week for fi re is between Christmas Eve and New Year’s morning. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that more than 14,800 fi res occurred over the holidays in 2019, killing 500 people and injuring 2,000. Of those holiday fi res, 35% of those were the result of lit candles. “This is a great time of year for families to celebrate,” explained Lino Lakes Public Safety Director John Swenson. “We want to make sure that we are being very proactive about getting the message out there about safety, and making sure that this holiday season doesn’t turn into a tragedy for any family in Minnesota.” The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the State Fire Marshal Division warn families of the dangers holiday displays can pose.

‘Nothing is worth almost losing your life’ That’s a danger survivor Steve Mosborg knows all too well. Mosborg has long had a tradition of traveling to Denmark, Wisconsin, for Thanksgiving and bringing home a real Christmas tree and garland. On Christmas Day in 2000, Mosborg was enjoying his fireplace in his living room right before dinner. “I was feeding the fi re with the wrapping paper not thinking twice about it … All of a sudden I (put) a small box into the fi re and the box just had enough pocket of air where it caught the live garland on the fi replace. I looked at my wife and I looked at my (18-month-old) daughter and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, what do we do now?’” Instincts took over and Mosborg quickly got his daughter and wife out of the house to safety, but then he made his first mistake — in what he described as a series of mistakes — and decided to go back into the house. “I had worked so hard to renovate

my home that I was going to go back in and save my house,” he said. “I always thought I was going to lose my life falling off of a mountain or getting hit by a truck on one of my bicycle trips. It never even dawned on me that I might actually have this experience and maybe lose my life in a house fi re.” Mosborg didn’t have a fi re extinguisher, but he ran to the kitchen to fi ll a large pot with water. By the time he got back to the living room, the fi re had spread from the garland to the drapes and to the top of the Christmas tree. He then thought if he could just get the tree outside of the house, he might save their home. He dragged the tree to the front of the home, but due to the change in pressure, he wasn’t able to open the door. “The only thing that really saved me is that (my wife) was at the side door holding my daughter and she said, ‘Steve, follow my voice.’ So, I walked over the Christmas tree, burned the bottoms of my feet and went out the side door to safety,” he recalled. “I knew I was in a little bit of trouble because I was having a hard time breathing. I inhaled so much smoke, and then I was leaving a trail of blood in the snow from the bottoms of my feet.” Mosborg was transported to HCMC where he spent 6 1/2 weeks in an induced coma. He was burned over 63% of his body and had to have 11 skin graft surgeries and pins put in each of his fi ngers. Mosborg estimated that his medical bills amounted to $1.2 million. Thankfully, he had good insurance. “It was a long, long, journey,” he said. “But the key is you have to get to the other side. Would it have been a nice to have a fi re extinguisher? Yes. Could I maybe have smothered the fi re? Maybe. But the key is when I got my wife and daughter to the side door, I should have just walked out the door. Nothing is worth almost losing your life,” Mosborg explained.

Fire marshal division shares tips for safe holidays Bob Reif, deputy state fi re marshal, reminds people of a few things they

should do this holiday season, or “house-eating season,” as he calls it, to keep themselves, their friends and families, and their homes safe. When using extension cords, it’s important to purchase high-quality cords and not place anything over the cords, including area rugs. Perhaps most importantly, don’t string a bunch of cords together. “Those wires carrying that amount of wattage can heat up, and when you’ve got a number of those things strung together, they can actually get hot enough to ignite a fi re — particularly if they are around Christmas trees, bows or garlands,” Reif explained. In terms of trees, both real and artificial trees can be dangerous. It is important to always keep any flame source at least 3 feet away from the tree. Real trees should be disposed of in a timely fashion, as they dry out quickly and can become explosive, Reif said. Another danger is space heaters. Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord, and should never be used while you are sleeping. When preparing a holiday meal, or a meal anytime, it’s important to never leave the kitchen. Unattended cooking accounts for about 80% of residential fi res within the U.S. If a fi re does break out, either on the stove or in the oven, it is important to not throw things on it, like a pot of water. “Simply remove the heat source by turning off the burner (or turning off the oven) and slide the cover over the pan (don’t open the oven). I always advise people to keep a cookie sheet or a pizza pan handy when you are cooking something on the stovetop, because even if the particular pan or skillet you are using doesn’t come with a lid, a cookie sheet or a pizza pan is usually large enough to cover virtually anything you have on the stovetop. Then leave it covered for a good 20 to 30 minutes,” Reif said. It’s also an important time of year to make sure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working. “It’s one of those things that people

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A demonstration put on by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the State Fire Marshal Division shows the difference between a fire in a home with sprinklers versus no sprinklers.

say happens to other people. They have a tough time imagining that it can happen to them,” said NFSA State Coordinator Tom Brace. “We want it to be a safe and prosperous holiday season.” Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

BY THE NUMBERS 14,800 500 2,000 35% 135 to 165 10 80%

fires occurred over the holidays in 2019 in the U.S. people were killed in fires over the holidays in 2019 people were injured in fires over the holidays in 2019 of fires were a result of lit candles over the holidays in 2019 degrees is the temperature when sprinklers turn on and under and 65 and older are the two groups most at risk for fires of residential fires in the U.S. are a result of unattended cooking

723102

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

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DECEMBER 16, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

REALITY TV: Hugo farmer, White Bear business reflect on experience FROM PAGE 2

nurture that crop and there’s things beyond our control … but to tie that into relationship-building in the programming, it was just neat to see that in my mind, that connection being made.”

Pine Tree Apple Orchard Although Pine Tree Apple Orchard was also a location for a date on the show, CEO Barb Jacobson described a very different experience from Miron’s. “We never saw her, or the person who was going to be in that episode,” Jacobson explained. “We never really saw a thing, no cameras, we never saw anyone. They were in and then they were out.” Jacobson has never seen the show, but one of her sisters and a few Pine Tree employees “watch the show religiously,” she said. One day out of the blue, Jacobson says she received a phone call from someone on the production crew who told her they were looking for a pickyour-own apple orchard, which Pine Tree is not. “I said, I’m not sure how

The crews were able to film while the orchard was open for business. They set up toward the back of the orchard, near the First Kiss apple, and even used a back driveway to enter and exit the property. Jacobson said Michelle and Rodney were only at the orchard for maybe a couple of hours. Jacobson was a bit disappointed that there was nothing that would allow even Pine Tree regulars to identify that the date was at Pine Tree. “I just wish that our name would’ve been somewhere,” she said. “It was not obvious where it was … I wish there would have been something more identifying that it was us. We kept hoping there was going to be some little glimmer that it was obviously us. But to me, nothing stuck out as being us.”

you got our name, but I think we have a pretty beautiful location, and you might just want to come and take a look at us.” The crew checked it out and decided it would be a great fit. The first apple trees were planted on the shore of Pine Tree Lake in 1904. Art Jacobson and his wife, Dickey, moved to the orchard in 1950 and purchased it in 1958. The original orchard of 25 acres is now grown to more than 300 acres and is planted in apple trees, strawberries, pumpkins and corn for the corn maze. In 1963, Pine Tree Orchard purchased an additional orchard in Preston, Minnesota. Today, all six adult children and some the Jacobson’s grandchildren are actively involved in growing and marketing apples and strawberries. During the episode, Michelle goes on a one-on-one date with Rodney, a sales rep from California. During the date they pick some apples, play a game of catch (with apples), do some taste testing and ride bicycles.

Pine Tree Apple Orchard didn’t spoil the secret until the day the episode aired so that employees could watch the episode if they wanted to. “It was still fun to watch. It was fun to be nationally selected,” Jacobson said.

The Citizen was not able to reach Nelson’s Ice Cream before press deadline. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or citizendnews@presspubs.com.

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3.

1. AROUND TOWN

2.

4. 5.

2.

7. 6.

1. Santa climbs up a fire engine to spread joy on the streets of Centerville and Circle Pines. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications 2. Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes hosts a Love Lights celebration. The event included live music by the band Joyful Hearts, a bonfire, photo opportunities and s’mores and hot chocolate. — Contributed 3-4.The Hugo Lions hand out free Christmas meals to 173 Hugo seniors at the Blacksmith Lounge and Boaster. For more information about the Lions, or how to join, visit www. goodneighbordays.com. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

8.

5. The Hugo Fire Department (HFD) holds its annual Stuff the Truck event at the fire station to collect toys and non-perishable food items for area food shelves. Between HFD and the Centennila Fire District, 42 families received toys and 2,192 pounds of food were collected for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf and Centennial Community Food Shelf. —Shannon Granholm, Press Publications 6. Brownie Troop 57695 makes over 70 holiday ornaments and cards for older adults living in area assisted living facilities. All of the Troop’s members are third graders from Centerville Elementary. Pictrued (from left) are: Nola O’Connor, Olivia Kelly, Clara Peterson, Adriana Capuzzi, Tessa Norberg, Marissa Mueller, Jackie Raschke and Brynlee Schug. —Anneliese Peterson, contributed 7. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm recently captured this photograph of a couple of deer resting in her backyard while practicing their camouflage skills in the trees. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications 8. Four-legged friends Norman, a corgi-border collie mix, and Marvin, a beagle mix, frolic on the bridge at Birch Park in Lino Lakes. — LeAnn Michael, contributed

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

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Tired of working nights and weekends? Have you been told you have great customer service skills? Consider a career that gives you flexibility for family obligations, and the ability to work independently as a Multimedia Representative serving Lino Lakes, Centerville, Hugo and the Forest Lake area. No degree is required. Call Patty Steele for more information at 651-407-1213 or send email to marketing@ presspubs.com

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DECEMBER 16, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

PARTLY CLOUDY

CLOUDY

Weather tidbits

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Last week’s snow totaled 6.2” in my back yard as compared to over 11” at the airport and it fell at a pretty good time, generally between Friday afternoon to just after midnight Saturday. This weekend was just beautiful with the white snow, stunning blue skies and perfect outdoor temperatures for getting out. Friends Dan, Chris and Sandy were able to try out their snowshoes in the fresh powder. With the craziness that is Minnesota , Thursday’s forecast calls for near 50º and rain. It will be an interesting day. Side note: My 2022 weather calendar is out! Check my website for more info. WeathermanWatson.com or call me at 651.206.5364.

STORM

WEEKLY AVERAGES DEC. 15 - 21 Wed Dec. 15 53°/ 20°

Thu Dec. 16 24°/ 16°

Fri Dec. 17 29°/ 12°

Sat Dec. 18 20°/ 8°

Sun Dec. 19 29°/ 18°

Mon Dec. 20 21°/ 6°

Tue Dec. 21 20°/ 9°

7:44 / 4:32

7:45 / 4:33

7:46 / 4:33

7:46 / 4:33

7:47 / 4:34

7:47 / 4:34

7:48 / 4:34

Crossword

1. Cold War player 5. Flat-bottomed sailboat 10. Jamaican tangelo 14. Debauched man 15. Less covered 16. Require to live 17. Patrick and Aykroyd are two 18. Mixes 19. Insurance claim expenses 20. Tries to persuade 22. Equal (prefi x) 23. Czech name for Prague 24. London soccer team 27. Greek letter 30. Small Eurasian deer 31. Swiss river 32. Miller beer 35. Less appealing 37. 8th month (abbr.) 38. __ Alto, California city 39. Grandmothers 40. American time 41. NW Chinese people 42. “Westworld” actress __ Rachel Wood 43. Northeastern US university 44. Poplar trees (Spanish) 45. Hip hop legend Kool Moe __ 46. Not or 47. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 48. Comedienne Gasteyer 49. Fonts 52. Female cattle mammary gland 55. Down time 56. Spiritual leader 60. Small brown and gray American rail 61. Trimmed by cutting 63. NY Giants owner 64. A long narrative poem 65. Old World lizard 66. Product for sale 67. Shut Your Pie Hole (abbr.) 68. Pacific Island country 69. Whale ship captain

RAIN

Weekly Outlook

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

CLUES ACROSS

SNOW

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20

Crossword

CLUES DOWN 1. Language 2. Fly high in the air 3. Made musical sounds 4. Organized again 5. TV channel 6. Unable to fly 7. Get up 8. Air traveler 9. Married woman 10. Take weapons from 11. Sicilian city 12. Actress Remini 13. Thought 21. Infections 23. Golf score 25. Hill or rocky peak 26. Witch 27. Adjusted 28. Succulent plant 29. Forearm bones 32. Hot fluid in the earth’s crust 33. Subatomic particle 34. Part of an organism 36. 007’s creator 37. Burned material residue 38. Brain layer: __ mater 40. Unable to partake 41. Lesion 43. Historic railroad company (abbr.) 44. Basics 46. Scottish port 47. Flower cluster 49. Instruct 50. Untamed 51. Moth genus 52. Utilizes 53. Foolish 54. Fall in small drops 57. A place to get clean 58. La __ Tar Pits 59. Metrical foot 61. Semiliquid food 62. Small crow

CLUES ACROSS

CLUES DOWN

1. Sound unit 4. Trim by cutting 8. Small buffalo 10. Ancient manuscript 11. Look angry or sullen 12. Glum 13. Northern Zambia peoples 15. Central 16. Collector of birds’ eggs 17. Misbehavior 18. Top of the line 21. Political action committee 22. Have already done 23. Al Bundy’s wife 24. Entertainment channel 25. Holiday (informal) 26. The common gibbon 27. Legendary actress 34. Seasoned sausages 35. Bluish greens 36. Ridiculed 37. Three-dimensional arrangement 38. Emerged 39. Type of protein 40. Denmark natives 41. Leak slowly through 42. Expression of sorrow or pity 43. Midway between south and southeast

1. Artistic dancing 2. Plenty 3. Act leisurely 4. Serve as a warning 5. Admired lovingly 6. Leftover oil from distillation process 7. Company officer 9. Egyptian unit of capacity 10. One transmits information 12. Middle layer of an embryo 14. Form of “to be” 15. Cairo Regional Airport 17. Partner to cheese 19. Sample 20. A shirt may have none 23. Public gatherings 24. Disallow 25. Overnight suitcases 26. French river 27. Where boats dock 28. Top of a pot 29. Type of drug 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. They go in martinis 33. A way to break away 34. Intermediate ecological stage 36. Baby term for father

DECEMBER 16, 2021

www.readthecitizen.com

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’ When: 12:45 p.m. Dec. 2 & 16; 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

CURRENT EVENTS

Details: Performance is a never-before seen take on a beloved classic through Tinkerbell’s eyes. Tickets $13/adults; $5/kids under 18. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

JINGLE BEAR 5K When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake Details: 5K race and fun run on the paved trail. Holiday costumes wecome. Family friendly. Contact: mmraces.com/fast-before-thefeast

ELF HUNT

WBCA MEMBERS EXHIBITION When: Through Jan. 7 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, Ford Family Gallery, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Local artists display work in the Ford Gallery. Many pieces listed for sale. Contact: whitebeararts.org

When: Saturday, Dec. 18 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake businesses Details: Visitors will receive a “North Pole Passport” where they can write the name of each elf they find at participating businesses and turn it in to win a prize. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com

CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, 579 Apollo Dr., Lino Lakes Details: Join the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce for a holiday happy hour. Event will feature appetizers, cocktails and poolside festivities. Contact: email info@quadareachamber. org or visit quadareachamber.org

WINTER RECREATION SAMPLER When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: All ages can sample winter recreational activities, such as kicksledding and snowshoeing. $10/ child; adults free Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

WINTERTIME LED LIGHT SHOW When: 5-10 p.m. through Mar. 20 Where: Downtown Stillwater, 1010 Main St. Details: Experience a winter wonderland of lights in downtown Stillwater on Chestnut St. from Maint Street to the Historic Lift Bridge beginning Black Friday.

VICTORIAN CAROLING ON THE CORNERS When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays; noon-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 18 (10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 4) Where: Main Street, Stillwater Details: Listing to holiday melodies of strolling costumed carolers on Main Street. Free. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

‘ELF, JR.’ When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17; 2 p.m. Dec. Friday, Dec. 10, Sunday, Dec. 12 & 19; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Where: Lakes International Language Academy, 19850 Fenway Ave. N., Forest Lake Details: Holiday musical performed by Children’s Performing Arts. Tickets $20/adults; $10/students and seniors. Contact: childrensperformingartsmn. org

‘PETER PAN: UNDER CONSTRUCTION’

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Performance by some of the Twin Cities’ top instrumentalists featuring holiday music. Tickets $12 general admission. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

WINTER SOLSTICE & YOGADEVOTION When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21 Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St. Details: Longest night indoor worship with YogaDevotion includes seated yoga practice incorporated into the service. Musical accompaniment. Contact: wblumc.org

MICHAEL DJUPSTROM’S LAKESHORE CHAMBER SERIES When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: White Bear Lake native, composer and pianist Michael Djupstrom, along with violinist Luosha Fang, perform a concert series with a special focus on exploring Romanian chamber music alongside other traditional and contemporary classical works. Tickets $12 general admission. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

MACPHAIL LA MÚSICA Y LA FAMILIA!

When: 4 - 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 Where: St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1 North Rd, Circle Pines Details: Put together a live nativity keepsake while walking through the scenes. Food truck will be at event. Contact: Jenny Aleckron 763-784-2558

KNITS AND KNOTS FIBER ARTS GROUP

FAMILY FRIENDLY DANCE PARTY

When: Noon-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N., Forest Lake Details: Knitters, quilters, crocheters and spinners meet up on the third Monday of every month to work on projects and share expertise. All abilities welcome, no experience required. Contact:651-275-7300 or washcolib.org

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7 Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic

FILE

The Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes will host a winter recreation sampler from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.

Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Dance party fundraiser to support Anoka County 4-H Camp Salie with DJ, face painting, drawings and kids games. All ages. $5/person; food sales additional. Contact: 612-750-0252

WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER FARMERS MARKET When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 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, fires and a food truck. Contact: forksinthedirt.com

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES When and where: 12:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 at Culvers, 1007 W. Broadway, Forest Lake; noon-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N.; noon-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 at St. Genevieve’s Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road. Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a historic blood shortage and donors of all blood types are needed. Make an appointment online or by phone. Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org

Dominic Smith, junior from White Bear Lake, had an outstanding college football season for Augsburg and was named to the All-MIAC and All-Region 6 teams. Working with quarterback Cade Sheehan of Rochester, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound wide receiver led the MIAC with 14 touchdowns. Smith ranked second with 69 catches and third with 1,000 yards. His 14 touchdown receptions are tied for eighth-most among all NCAA Division III players nationally, while he ranks in the top 30 nationally in receptions per-game (23rd), receiving yardage per-game (21st) and total receiving yards (28th). He was a secondteam pick for all-region, which includes five conferences. Augsburg was 4-4. Smith had 13 catches for 212 yards in a 46-38 opening loss to Ripon (Wisconsin). He tied a team record with four TD’s in a 56-28 win over St. Olaf. Also the backup punter, he averaged 35.3 yards on 10 punts.

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When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4 Where: Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. Details: Explore the magic of music and play with educational materials in Spanish. For children ages 0-5 and caregivers. Registration required. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org/ events

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THE CITIZEN

DECEMBER 16, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

Letters to Santa Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Cars and tow trucks Books about cars Fire trucks Hot wheels tracks Crane Thank you Santa! Tommy Dear Santa, For Christmas I want Roblox gift card x 2 More clothes Fake dimonds Some dolls Some winter stuff Some pillow cases Painting stuff and eislel and brushes Canvises Slime factory Make your own slime Some new blankets More toys Cute pictures for my room Cats, dogs, snakes From: Callie Dear: Santa Cluse Hi. How are you doing. I am doing good. I was willy good this year and I am doing great. I willy want coloring books and music and movies. Music I want Black Street Boys Brittey Spears TLC Moves Frozen Two Christmas movies family That is all I want for Christmas Day! Thanks Santa Cluse soo much Love always and forever! Jamie Dear Santa, I want kinetic sand rainbow mix. Dear Santa, I don’t have a hook for my stocking, so I might get one. I love you, Rudolph and Santa. Luv, Beau Dear Santa, I want some new tights. I would like some stuffed animals. Can I have some balloons? Love, Sloaney (5 ½) Dear Santa, Please bring me a blue toy and cookies. Num num num. Love, Junie, Age 2 Dear Santa, Thank you for the presents from last year. I would like the biggest dinosaur ever! Love, Lewis, Age 3½ Dear Santa, I want a purple dog stuffed animal and I want you to bring me a horsey stuffed animal. Love, Izzy (4 ½)

Dear Santa, Here is my list. Pik mi Pops Num Nums Hamsters in the house Minnie mouse toys Tonies Rusty rivers toys Swivel chair blue Cutie cars Paw patrol toys and dvds Puppy dog pals toys Douglas stuffed animals

Dear Santa, I’m good. We have our Christmas Tree up. I hope I get to see you. I want an Ipad. Play-doh Disney Princess Dollhouse Barbie Ice Cream Play Set Bluey Heeler Play set Fur Real Wavy the Narwhal Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron P.s. Say hi to Mrs. Claus and Rudolph Sylvie Age 3 Love, Miles

Toby’s Christmas List Pack of baseballs Pack of hockey pucks Size “ 7 “ Roller blades Size “ medium” hockey helmet with cage mask Size “13” hockey gloves Green biscuit snipe Hockey Jersey “Wilds” Hockey wrap around. Fosters Christmas List Madden 21 PS4 addition Fiskars x 25. Axe Starwars battle front 2 ps4 addition. X shot nerf gun hawkeye Hockey helmet size “small” with cage and size “11” hockey gloves Bb gun 22. cb caps dirt bike Santa, ORYH \RX DQG , ZDQW D ÁDVKOLJKW bookmark and a water bottle. thank you Love, Lachlan Age 6 Dear Santa, This year I hace been Nice. One kind thing I did this year is: Sent candy to soldiers across sea. Raised money for animal shelters w/ my lemonade stand. I would love if you brought me: Dollhouse The wake up Daddy game Glitter Babies Fancy Nancy Doll Love, Vivienne Dear Santa, Mrs. Claus & Rudolph I hope you have a really nice Christmas. Ive been good this year. I share with my sister sometimes. How good have you been? If I get coal this year, I will give it to my dad for his grill. Silas Age 5 My Wish List Hot Wheels Race Track Set Monster Trucks Pop-It Mat Jurassic T-Rex Nerf Gun Power Treads Hyperdrive Zipline Disney Eye Found It Aerobic Sonic Fin Football Slippers Silas

Dear Santa, I been extra good today. Send Money. Santa, I am going to tell you what I want for Christmas. I want a real live bear that is black. That is nice and kind to me and never roars at me and can sleep with me and never never never gets in trouble with me because I think my Mom & Dad will kick em out. Santa I want something else for Christmas. I want every package I open to be a TOY! If its not a toy, put Mommy things in it. Santa, I got a question. Do you only send toys? Or Do you send wild animals? Santa, when I go out for dinner. Can I sit on your lap? I am going to dress to match you tonight! I want a special thing dear Santa. Maybe not a wild bear he wont trust me maybe bring a puppy that will love me and adore me all day. Dear Santa, could you bring another animal? Maybe our cats die you can bring me a kitten. Mommy doesn’t like cats. Merry Christmas Santa . I love you. Ava (age 5) Dear Santa, I would like a Jeep Gladiator please, a green one Thank you, Love Andrew ( age 3 ½) Dear Santa, I was good this year. I would like a bike and a robot and a gumball machine, oh and a treasure map. Merry Christmas Love, August ( Age 5 ½) Dear Santa I’VE BEEN A GOOD GIRL My Christmas List Minnie Paper Doll Minnie Mickey Car Barbie Princess My name is Maeve and I am 6 years old. This year I’ve been really good. Something good I did this year was help by friends that were hurt. I would like to give love and kindness to others. This year I might like to receive and iPad. My Christmas wish list year is LOL Mansion, Barbie Dreamhouse, Cloudeez, doll things, purse pet and surprises. I also have a question for you! Is your house made out of snow? With love and gratitude, Maeve

Dear Santa, My name is Nell and I am 9 years old. This year I’ve been good. Something good I did this year was help my family. I would like to give peace on earth. This year I might like to receive is a jumbo pop it. My Christmas wish this year is is Iphone Fidgets A phone case Slime Rainbowcorn Crafts Sewing kits I also have a question for you! Where do the reindeer stay in the summer? With love and Gratitude, Nell Dear Santa, My name is Olin and I am 10 years old. This year I’ve been really good. Something good I did this year was to be kind to my sisters. I would like to give kindness to people. This year I PLJKW OLNH WR UHFHLYH VRPH ÀGJHWV UHPRWH control items and games. I also have a question for you! Do you like chocolate chip cookies? With Love and Gratitude, Olin Dear Santa, My name is Sydney and I was wondering do you eat a lot of candy at the North Pole? How many elves do you have? For Christmas I would like Art Materials, new pajamas, white board for P\ URRP OHJR VHWV ÀGJHWV D 1LQWHQGR switch and that is all. But you do not need to get me all of them. And I love your dangly hat. I want one more thinghockey nets and sticks. Love, Sydney ( age 9) Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A big bluey stuffy A baby yoda & Nintendo Switch An RC Car & Harry Potter House Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, David at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 ½ years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A T-rex robot & stickers Christmas Decorations Shark Robot & Capture Net ball Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Elliot at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a Naomi costume, Anna costume, a harp and a guitar. I hope you have a good night. From Zoey (5) Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Present pet – Sparkle Princess More markers Scooter Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Rory at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: Slime & a Santa book Suckers & stickers Stuffed elephant & new masks I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Julia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice and naughty. My Christmas wishes are: Piggie & Gerald Books Connect Four Minecraft Costume Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Ethan at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: Alligator Robot Lightning Ball Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Brexton, 5 years, at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, My Christmas wishes are: Makeup Kit American Girl Doll A suitcase Real Wand Electric Scooter Superhero Doll & Spider Girl Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Oona at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa This year I would like a robot. With buttons to make it talk, and a green face, and also, I don’t know if you guys can do this but could you make it do commands pleas Thank you! P.s. Mr. elf is a good elf With a green face Orang front Blue legs And one more thing Santa, I would like to be 3 feet and also I would like wheels for feet From Zeke

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Legos Switch games Hatchimals Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Julian at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, I don’t really want anything but there is one thing. I want 3 boxes of Christmas cookies. I don’t care what kind and if you have room and time it would be nice to have a rabbit. If you can’t get it it’s ÀQH , MXVW ZDQW LW Happy, Merry Christmas! Love Evie Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a wonder Woman costume, a Hermione costume, a Elena doll, unicorn Pop it, a Anna doll, DQG D ÁXWH I hope you have a good Christmas. From: Nora (7)

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A triceratops Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Ophelia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Spider Man RC Flying Figure Red Venom Carnage Baby Yoda Spiderman Figure Groot Toy Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Theo at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A magical unicorn! Magical ice powers! A Sophia necklace Jasmine dress-up set Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Lydia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Christmas IT’S NOT JUST

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A real Unicorn! A real kitty Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Vivian at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Dinosaurs (10) Elfs (2) Dog (a real one). I will name him Fred! Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Foster at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Lego Jurassic World Cruiser Lego Edomonis Lego Moving Crane with motors Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Thomas at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: games atomic play set helicopter\ Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Wyatt at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Ghost busters & dinosaurs Case for my hot wheels cars New hot wheels + baseball stuff Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Clark at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Doll with a doll house and car Spiderman Robot Spiderman Car Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Alvin at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, I dot want to much for Christmas. I jast want a happy Christmas. I just want a SHW ÀVK From your friend Jovie. Merry Christmas.

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Paw Patrol Bouncer Pet toy turtle/dog that comes with a shaver Sunny Star scout My Little Pony Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Bridget at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This year I have been nice and naughty. My Christmas wishes are: Big Spiderman Toy Spiderman Ball Julk toy Snowman toy Venom Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, John at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Elsa toy – sing along Elsa doll Big Ariel doll Toy phone Easel for my artwork Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Maysen at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, My name is Kelby and I am 5 years old. I have been on the nice list all year! This year for Christmas I would like: Makeup set Paint set Fidgit Pop-it Snow cone machine Thank you Santa! Kelby Dear Santa for Christmas I would like is some dogman books and a sonic H[H ÀJXUH DQG D PLOOLRQ ER[HV RI GDUN FKRFRODWH WUXIÁHV WHH KHH $QG D OHJR SLFN up truck, and some lego spaceships, and a put together sling shot, spiderman super web slinger and customizable electronic light saber and lego spiderman at the sanctum workshop and lego spider man drone duel please. I’ve been a good boy and my brother Joey likes monster trucks and consterucshin veicles and a blippi doll. He’s been a good boy too. Love, Wally Dear Santa, This year I would like a batman monster truck RC Thank you J

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Spiderman 4 wheeler Marshmallow men in my sock from Ghostbuster movie Blues clues Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Grayden at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A Stuffed animal Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Hazel at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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THE CITIZEN

DECEMBER 16, 2021 www.readthecitizen.com

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O Come Let us Adore Him!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve - December 24 Masses at 5 pm & 10 pm 5 pm Mass to be live-streamed

4821 Bloom Avenue • White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org

Christmas Day - December 25 9:30 am Mass

SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION

December 19 – 10:15 am

4PM & 9PM

ChurchofStPiusX.org

3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

All worship services are available in-person and on our YouTube channel: First Presbyterian White Bear Lake

IN PERSON & ONLINE

Christmas Masses

Christmas Eve

4:00pm – Parish Community Center 4:00pm – St. John the Baptist Site

Christmas Day

8:30am – St. John the Baptist Site 10:30am – Parish Community Center

722545

Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville

Christmas at St. Andrew’s

St. John the Baptist Site 14363 Forest Blvd N, Hugo 722566

www.stgens.org 651-429-7937

Come celebrate with us! Thursday, December 23

L.C.M.S. in Hugo, MN

Lessons & Carols • Sanctuary & Online • 7:00pm

Friday, December 24 Contemporary Worship • Great Hall & Online 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm

Saturday, December 25 Traditional Worship • Sanctuary & Online • 11:00am *No online service. In-person only. 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (651) 426-3261 | saintandrews.org

New Life Church-Lutheran

6000 N. 148th St., Hugo, MN 55038 (Just a few blocks East of Hwy 61, Next to Hugo Elementary school)

651-429-1975

719777

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Day Worship, 9:00 a.m. Worship is In-Person and Live on YouTube www.newlifehugo.org

Traditional Worship • Sanctuary & Online 2:00pm*, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm

723093

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Chruch

702612

Christmas at e Church of St. Pius X

Christmas Eve – 5:30 pm

CHRIST IS BORN!

Living Waters Lutheran 865 Birch Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 481-0220 livingwaterslutheran.org

722722

Service of Lessons & Carols