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CASEY'S SITE: Plan unanimously approved PAGE 3

2017 year in review

Best excuses of 2017

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on duty are always on a quest to understand why people do what they do. They conduct a short interview with the citation recipient as the ticket is being printed on the squad computer.

Here are some of the reasons provided in 2017 as to why a citation should not be given: It depends on what “is” is. A Lino Lakes man, 19, will be issued a citation if he does not supply deputies with insurance information on his vehicle following a traffic stop at 1:18 a.m. Feb. 28 on 152nd Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. “I have insurance on the vehicle, but not in the vehicle,” the subject assured deputies. He has 10 days to prove it.

Needed the money. A Lino Lakes man, 25, was banned at 12:04 p.m. March 9 from Festival Foods on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for enacting a series of bogus returns while he was on duty. The subject, who was cooperative with deputies, said he was undergoing serious fi nancial troubles and started setting up the fake returns in December.

Just taking care of business. A Centerville man, 32, was arrested at 9:21 p.m.

April 26 at Festival Foods on Victor Hugo Blvd. for violation of an order for protection that called for no verbal contact, after he entered the complainant’s vehicle during a child custody exchange and threatened the complainant by saying, "You’re going to get it!" The subject told deputies he was simply inquiring about getting tax money.

Thought there was a grace period. A Forest Lake woman, 38, was cited at 12:34 a.m.

Dec. 22 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. for tabs that expired in November after deputies pulled her over for not coming to a complete stop before turning right on a red light. The subject told deputies she thought there was a grace period for renewing tabs, and anyway, would get around to that when she got paid.

Diabetic. A Hugo man, 45, was cited just after midnight Jan. 13 on 142nd Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. for driving after cancellation after deputies on stationary directed patrol conducted a traffic stop for no license plate light and cracked windshield and ran a computer check. The motorist told deputies that he was diabetic and was, therefore, unaware of his revoked status.

As each year comes to an end, it is a tradition of the Quad Community Press to take a look back at the most memorable stories from the year. Some of 2017’s highlights included:

choosing the location of the future Lino Lakes memorial, Centennial High School’s “Arrive Alive” event, the Blaine Airport preparing for the Super Bowl, the sale of the Lovell building in

Lexington, Waterworks being demolished in Centerville and, most recently, Centennial hockey gearing up for Hockey Day Minnesota.

Needed squad car in rearview mirror in order to see sign. A Hugo woman, 21, was cited at 1:16 a.m. Jan. 23 on southbound Forest Blvd. N. and 148th Street N. for speeding 47

SEE YEAR IN REVIEW, PAGES 9-12

SEE BEST EXCUSES, PAGE 15

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Comedian considers 40-year career a privilege

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR

When he was growing up, Bob Stromberg was always able to make his classmates and parents laugh, but he could never be the class clown because his father was the school principal.

Now at the age of 65, 40 years into his comedy career, Stromberg has no plans to retire any time soon.

Stromberg, a resident of Hugo, grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. “I always knew I wanted to do this,” he said. “It has been such a privilege to be able to do what I love doing. It has been difficult, hard work, but I love doing it. ” After high school, Stromberg attended college in Chicago, where he majored in art with a minor in theater. In addition, he attended Celebration Barn Theater, “Maine’s center for immersive physical theater training.”

He then got married, had kids and decided with his wife to give it a try for three years; if he couldn’t make a successful career in that time, he would move on to something else. “I started knocking on doors of schools to see if they would let me do a performance for an assembly and it just took off. I got very busy, very quickly,” he recalled.

During his 40-year career, Stromberg has had a wide variety of opportunities to perform at school, churches, conferences, conventions and more. He is now a nationally known speaker, comedian and author.

In 2012 he competed in America’s Got Talent and made it to Las Vegas. Last summer he made another appearance on national television, showing off his creative hand shadows on Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots: Forever Young.”

Lately, most of his time has been spent performing “Triple Espresso.” The show is Minneapolis’ longest-running theater production, and was conceived as a way for Stromberg to work onstage with his friends and co-creators, Michael Pearce Donley and Bill Arnold. “Triple Espresso” has played various venues in over 70 cities for 23 years.

“You can bring anybody to the show … schoolaged children, grandmas and grandpas, and even great-grandparents. It is smart humor, and very clean. There is no risk of anybody being offended,” Stromberg explained. “It is truly as much as you can laugh in two hours. It’s three comedians putting their talents together, and it works beautifully.”

Stromberg enjoys teaching others how to hone their craft. He offers an online six-week course “Mastering the Craft of Creativity.”

“I realized, looking back over my 40 years of doing what I do, not very many people have done what I do.

Creativity is not only a gift, it’s a craft; you can work at it and get better at it,” he said.

Triple Espreso runs through Feb. 15 at the Ames Center in Burnsville. For more information, visit https://www.ames-center.com/triple-espresso.html.

SUBMITTED

Comedians Bill Arnold (left), Michael Pearce Donley and Bob Stromberg co-created “Triple Espresso,” Minneapolis’ longest running theater production.

SUBMITTED

Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

What: Triple Espresso When: Nov. 15-Feb. 15 Where: Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville Cost: $41-$48/adults; youth 12 and under half price; $5 off for seniors and military members on Wednesdays and Thursdays

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Comedian Bob Stromberg has enjoyed a 40-year career in the comedy industry. He is now a nationally known speaker, comedian and author.

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Casey’s site plan unanimously approved

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR

CIRCLE PINES — In a unanimous vote, the City Council chose to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the site plan for Casey’s General Store, located on the former Pizza Hut property at 1 South Pine Drive. (Councilman Mike Schweigert was absent.)

Some changes were made to the plan after the Planning Commission reviewed it at its Dec. 18 meeting.

The main change was the inclusion of a truck-only access off of Civic Heights Drive to eliminate the safety concern of fuel tankers backing up on the property.

Another change was implementing the recommendation from WSB & Associates’ traffic study for a right-in only for the north driveway. Councilman

Matt Percy wanted to know if there was going to be a physical barrier installed to prevent drivers from making a left turn.

City Administrator Patrick Antonen explained the recommendation from city staff, both public works and engineering, was to not pursue the construction of a median because it can cause issues for snowplows.

The council agreed the best option would be to pursue skewing (aligning and narrowing the entrance) and if that didn’t work, the construction of a median could be explored in the future.

Councilman Richard Runbeck requested the council insert language into the site plan resolution to ensure the city wouldn’t have to pick up the cost for a median should it be necessary.

Ultimately, the council added language to the resolution stating if traffic conditions should warrant a median in the future, Casey’s General Store would

be responsible for construction costs.

Vernon Swing, CEO of Swing Traffic Solutions, spoke representing the Glen Oaks Center. Swing said he was asked to review the traffic study prepared by WSB. “First and foremost, I’d like to complement Casey’s on attempting to effectively meet some of the questions that have come up,” he said. “Looking at the plans, Casey’s has addressed one of the concerns I raised earlier with my client, which was the backing of trucks on site ... but I think they have generated another problem for themselves.”

Swing added, “They have the trucks coming in, dumping their fuel, getting back out and progressing south westbound on Civic Heights Drive. If you look as they come out of site, the truck is going to be required to swing into the far lane of traffic in order to navigate out of the site. That’s a safety issue.”

He suggested Casey’s engineer and

the city engineer take a look at the intersection to ensure trucks of that size could make the maneuver. Jeremy Anderson, of Design Tree Engineering, said there are hundreds of ways trucks can turn and a possibility would be for trucks to make a loop around the site by taking Civic Heights Drive toward City Hall.

Now that the site plan has been approved, the next steps will be for Casey’s to obtain its stormwater permit, continue to work on the skewed right-in only (northern driveway) design with city staff, apply for a demolition permit for the Pizza Hut structure, and obtain a building permit for the new Casey’s building.

Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Circle Pines City Council took the following action at its Dec. 26 meeting: • Heard from City Administrator Patrick Antonen, who relayed the Planning Commission met Dec. 18 and recommended approval of the Casey’s site plan (with conditions) to the council.

• Mayor Dave Bartholomay reported that the Utilities Commission met Dec. 20, discussed 2018 gas bids, and approved the 2018-19 union contracts and the nonunion compensation plan for 2018. The commission also recognized Chair Ed Erchul for 28 years of service to the city.

• Councilman Matt Percy relayed the Cable Commission approved an increase in Comcast late fees from $9.50 to $10. Percy added Comcast will soon offer its customers a new internet service of one gig. The service will require a new modem and costs about $150 per month.

• Approved the consent agenda, which included Dec. 12 meeting minutes, a resolution identifying the 2018 election precincts and polling locations (City Hall and Fire Station 1) and general fund, police and fi re disbursements. It also included 2018 garbage and recycling rates, which represents a 2 percent increase from last year. This is the city’s third year in a five-year contract with Waste Management.

• Recognized Centennial Fire District firefighter Scott Mischke for 18 years and four months of service. Mischke joined the department at age 18.

Both of his parents also served on the department.

Mischke and his family are relocating to North Dakota.

• Approved the 2016 street project final pay application no. 9 in the amount of $58,959 to LaTour Construction Inc. • Held a public hearing for the city’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). There was no public comment. The goal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is to restore and maintain chemical, physical and biological integrity of waters in the state through management of municipal storm sewer systems through the preparation of the SWPP. Circle Pines’ SWPP identifies goals and best management practices to meet the requirements of NPDES. One of the best management practices is public participation and involvement; therefore, the city holds a public hearing to receive public input on the SWPP. • Approved the plans and specifications for the city’s 2018 street project. The project includes East Road (between Center Road and Edge Drive), Center Road (between East Road and Crossway Drive), as well as all of Crossway Drive, Park Drive East and Park Drive West.

Eric Eckman, of WSB & Associates, explained that a small portion of Stardust Boulevard was added to the project in order to replace a section of corroded storm sewer pipes. This portion of the project will not be assessed to homeowners and the entire street is scheduled to be included for the proposed 2020 street project.

Eckman said the project is scheduled to go out for bid Jan. 25.

• Approved the site plan with a 4-0 vote for Casey’s General Store, located on the Pizza Hut property at 1 South Pine Drive. (Councilman Mike Schweigert was absent.) See the full story in this week’s Quad Community Press.

• Approved the 2018-19 union contract; Councilman Richard Runbeck voted no, as he felt the wage increases didn’t reflect inflation rates. The agreement calls for an hourly wage increase of 2.75

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mayor Dave Bartholomay recognizes Centennial Fire District Firefighter Scott Mischke for 18 years and four months of service at the Dec. 26 City Council meeting. Mischke and his family are moving to North Dakota.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Retiring council members Deb O’Brien and Richard Runbeck were recognized for their years of service to the city. Terms of both councilmembers were up at the end of the year.

percent in 2018 and 2.5 percent in 2019; increase of $30 for health insurance for the duration of the contract; and light mechanic pay will increase from $300 per year to $336 in 2018 and $376 in 2019.

• Approved the 2018 nonunion compensation plan.

The agreement reflects the same hourly wage increases as the union contract, in addition to the increase in health insurance contributions.

• Recognized retiring councilmembers Deb O’Brien and Runbeck. Bartholomay thanked them for their service.

Thinking of selling?

Call this Quad Area Expert today!

The next Circle Pines City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

651-483-2001

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JANUARY 2, 2018

Snowy pines hold the past, Minnesotans decide the future

N

ot long ago I took a weekend trip to the Iron Range, looking for elusive wildlife and enjoying winter in northern Minnesota. On my way down Highway 53, I noticed the brown highway signs that denoted a public park or historical area, that included a name I recognized — Paul Wellstone.

That type of brown sign had led me to many exciting places before, and if I followed them, maybe I would reach a visitor center or wildlife area. Eager to explore a new place, I followed the road signs deeper and deeper into tall, unbroken pine forest, not sure if I was really headed toward anything at all.

Getting Turns out it was the site of the plane crash that killed Sen. Paul in Tune Wellstone and members of his Jackie Bussjaeger family and campaign staff in 2002.

The site looks unremarkable from the road; it is exactly like the miles and miles of evergreens that surround it. As soon as I stepped away from the car into the cold winter air, there was a sensation of total tranquility in the air. Green needles towered over the path, which resembled a meditative labyrinth in its ambling route. I traveled the site slowly, transfi xed by the hush among the heavy snow and the shelter of the dense pines, learning the story of the late senator’s life.

I’d heard about Paul Wellstone, but I was only 10 years old when he died—I was more interested in the “Harry Potter” books than politics. But members of my family and older adults I’ve talked to remember him fondly. I always enjoyed his famous phrase “we all do better when we all do better,” which has popped up hundreds of times in discussions about Minnesota, politics and the future.

Although some of the informational panels that line the labyrinth were too caked with snow to read, others gave me a picture of a man who was dedicated to helping others. He inspired many young people to get involved in politics, through the classes he taught at Carleton College and later, through his grassroots political campaign. He was an advocate for peace, the environment, health care and victims of domestic violence. He also worked closely with Minnesota’s Hmong community, and with veterans.

The implication I’ve gotten when I hear people talk about Wellstone is that we’d be so much better off if he was still alive today. His death changed the scope of Minnesota politics, and it seems to me that people are wistful for a lost world in which things did keep getting better.

I’ve been thinking about Sen. Wellstone during all the hubbub surrounding Sen. Al Franken’s decision to leave his senate seat after allegations of sexual misconduct. I was reminded of it when one article pointed out that the last person to be appointed to fi ll a vacant U.S. Senate seat was Dean Barkley after Wellstone’s death.

I heard many Minnesotans express dismay about Franken’s decision, saying that despite the allegations, he had been a good voice of representation in Congress. It is easy to despair over what we think we’ve lost in the political game, but the end of a good politician is not the end of progress.

There was one clear message I took away from my accidental visit to the Paul Wellstone Memorial: the spirit to strive for a better world is common to all people, and it will rise again and again as Minnesota moves into the future.

If you get a chance to stop by that quiet memorial on Highway 53, I highly recommend it. It will give you time to think.

Jackie Bussjaeger is editor of The Lowdown.

T

Minnesota’s broken public education system

wo stories of Twin Cities families fighting for their children. These stories should concern every parent, because they tell of a broken and inflexible system that is failing families.

The fi rst is about a husband and wife. They have three children; two of them adopted. Their decision to adopt led them to a Russian orphanage; no simple task.

Legislator It was a matter of great personal Lingo commitment that took more than a Roger year and roughly Chamberlain $50,000 of their money. In addition, they understood the children would most likely have special needs. One child was diagnosed with dyslexia; the other with dyslexia and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

I will refer to the second child as Mark.

Many of you understand the challenges this presents. Nonetheless, their love for their children gave them strength. Mark, like the other children, is smart and ambitious in spite of his challenges. He loves to fish, has caught a Muskie with his bare hands, and can tear apart a small engine and reassemble it.

Mark has required special education services due to the trauma he experienced early in his life. He does well in school when he attends, but the structure of school is hard for him. Mark has run away from school and some days he just doesn’t go. His parents have searched for schools and solutions that would work for Mark’s specific challenges.

Mark is 17. Recently he has been absent more than present at school, and the school turned his case over to the county attorney.

The parents were asked to sign a document admitting to neglect, and Mark would have been given community service for truancy.

Of course, the parents refused to make such a ridiculous admission and stood before the judge.

To the judge’s credit, she recognized the court was no place for Mark’s case, but the system still failed this family. The system took committed, loving, hard working parents with a smart, ambitious child who doesn’t fit into a particular mold and has a history of challenges, hauled them to court, and threatened the child with community service rather than search for constructive alternatives. What is this family to do?

The second story is about a fi rst grader. His father is ambitious and successful, but he has dyslexia and was concerned that his son may have a similar learning challenges. He had his son evaluated

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Roger Chamberlain represents District 38 in the Minnesota Senate.

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by a private practitioner and by the public school he was attending. Both diagnosed his son with dyslexia.

When he met with his son’s education team, he was surprised to learn the school district’s plan did not include a proven curriculum for dyslexic children.

Of course, the father had a lot of questions for the team. In their defense, the educators at the school wanted to help but had few options. Their hands were tied by district policy. What are these parents to do?

These stories are not rare. In fact, there are tens-of-thousands of similar stories across Minnesota, told and untold. These situations are just as maddening for educators as they are for the parents. The question is why?

Our public education system has become increasingly top heavy, inflexible and political.

The system has trapped and frustrated educators and left parents and kids with no options.

That said, there are schools and districts working outside the system to solve problems and having success. Every education policy we consider must support those successes. We have to empower and liberate parents, their children, and educators.

Gene Annis................................ Sports Desk sports@presspubs.com

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JANUARY 2, 2018

QUAD AREA EVENTS QUILTER’S NIGHT OUT

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5 Where: Early Education Center, 575 Birch Street, Lino Lakes Details: Work on quilting projects away from distractions. Participate in show and tell and fabric swap. Bring all supplies. Help provided. $6.

Contact: isd12.org/ community-education

MISS CHAIN OF LAKES SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 Where: Centennial High School PAC, 4761 North Rd., Circle Pines Details: 18 contestants compete for the title.

Discount tickets online or $10 at the door. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Contact: misschain oflakes.org/tickets

presentation will include local natural history information and possibly a relaxing stroll on the trails at Wargo. Ages 50+.

No registration necessary.

Contact: 651-429-8007; anokacountyparks.com

Details: Author/reporter Jack Burch will discuss his book “Ghost Burglar,” the true story of thief and killer Bernard Welch. Free.

Contact: 651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us

TOP SECRET PROJECT: DECODING THE MYSTERIES OF THE TEEN DOMAIN

LOWERING YOUR SICK DAYS

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 Where: Centennial High School West, 4757 North Rd., Circle Pines Details: Traveling exhibit followed by presentation and discussion aims to help parents understand how ordinary objects found in a teen’s bedroom may point to potentially risky behavior. Free, but registration required.

Contact: 763-324-1555 or anokacounty.us/Top SecretRegistration

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: HISTORY OF WINTER RECREATION

When: 11:30-1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Monthly

Ongoing OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

When: 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11 Where: Anoka County Human Services Center, 1201 89th Ave., Blaine Details: Class covers tracking expenses, putting together a spending plan, goal setting, credit and where to get additional help. Register at least 3 days prior.

Contact: 763-324-3495 or extension.umn.edu

When: 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; noon-9 p.m.

Saturdays; noon-6 p.m.

Sundays Where: Sunrise Park, 6918 Sunrise Dr.; Birch Park, 6520 Pheasant Run S.; and City Hall Park, 1189 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Supervised skating rinks with shelters. Closed Tuesday and Thursday at City Hall Park. Call the hotline for updates or closings due to inclement weather.

Contact: 651-982-2448

AUTHOR VISIT

BABY STORYTIME

WINTER NIGHT HIKE

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Nighttime trek around Wargo’s Heritage Lab listening for owls and looking at stars.

Ages 8+; $3/person.

Contact: 651-429-8007; anokacountyparks.com

When: 12:30-2 p.m.

Friday, Jan 12 Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Discuss latest evidence about why some people are more susceptible to illness with Dr. Tyler of Northern Chiropractic & Wellness. $8/ person includes lunch.

Contact:651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us

DOLLARS INTO SENSE CLASS

When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 12 Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St.

Top 5 at PressPubs.com: Week of December 24 – 30, 2017 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories

1. White Bear Lake team snags Super Bowl spot. White Bear Press > News 2. Not a Grinch in sight on Cinnamon Teal Court in Lino Lakes. Quad Community Press > News 3. Back on the ice: Women recapture joy of skating with synchro team. Quad Community Press > Sports 4. In lieu of church service, congregants serve community. White Bear Press > News 5. Bingo fans will help finance new rink. White Bear Press > News

See Press Publications’ website www.presspubs.com for stories from the White Bear Press, The Citizen, Vadnais Heights Press, Shoreview Press, Quad Community Press, The Lowdown-Forest Lake Area and The Lowdown- St. Croix Valley Area.

When: 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Tuesdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fingerplays for children birth-24 months and a caregiver.

Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org

TODDLER STORYTIME

FILE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Nature Play: Wonderful Winter WHEN: 10-11:15 a.m.

DETAILS: Children

CONTACT: 651-

Thursday, Jan. 4

ages 2-5 can kicksled, snowshoe and explore the winter world. $3/ person; registration required.

429-8007 or anoka countyparks.com

WHERE: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

children of all ages and a caregiver. No registration required. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org

ADULT OPEN VOLLEYBALL

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Nov. 29 March 28 Where: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Ages 18+. $5 drop-in fee.

Contact: isd12.org/ community-education

BRIDGE GROUPS

When: 9 a.m.-noon 2nd Thursday or 7-9:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Beginners can learn to play.

Contact:651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us

NEIGHBORHOODS NEARBY

WINTER WALKING

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Where: Centennial High School West, 4757 North Rd., Circle Pines Details: Free.

Contact: isd12.org/ community-education

When: 11-11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fingerplays for children ages 2-3 and a caregiver.

Contact: 763-324-1540; anokacountylibrary.org

When: 7 p.m. Mondays and 1 p.m. Wednesdays Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Seniors can play 500. Open to anyone.

Contact: 651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us

FAMILY STORYTIME

HANDICRAFT WORK

When: 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. Thursdays Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cir., Circle Pines Details: Stories, songs and fingerplays for

more while socializing.

Contact: 651-982-2440 or ci.lino-lakes.mn.us

500 CARDS

When: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Where: Lino Lakes Senior Center, 1189 Main St. Details: Seniors can knit, crochet, embroider, quilt, needlework and

ICE CASTLES STILLWATER

When: 4-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-10:30 p.m.

Fridays; noon-10:30 p.m.

Saturdays; and noon-8 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 5-27 (weather permitting) Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Frozen castle with twinkling lights, archways and towers, ice-carved tunnels, fountains and slides.

Admission $9.95/adult, $6.95/child weekdays; $13.95/adult, $8.95/child weekends. See website for updates and details.

Contact: icecastles. com

TRI-COUNTY SENIOR DFL LUNCHEON MEETING

When: 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 Where: Vannelli’s By the Lake, Broadway and Forest Lake Blvd., Forest Lake Details: Seniors 50+ from east Anoka, south Chisago and north Washington County discuss topics concerning seniors. Guest speaker Chris Mowery, candidate for Senate District 39.

Contact: 763-227-7536 or ckgenz@msn.com

MINDFULNESS FOR PEACE AND PRESENCE

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 6 Where: Northeast Youth and Family Services, 3490 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview Details: Five-session class helps participants reduce anxiety, increase focus and improve relationships. Registration required.

Contact: 651-379-3431 or nyfs.org

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTER’S MEETING

When: 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 Where: Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview Details: Public is invited to discuss Ari Berman’s book “Give Us the Ballot: the Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.”

Contact: 651-493-0686

JANUARY 2, 2018

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

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LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES The Lexington City Council took the following action at its Dec. 21 meeting: • Approved the consent agenda, which included Dec. 7 meeting minutes, claims and bills and financial reports.

• Discussed the proposed Ephesians at Lexington apartment campus, located between DuWayne Avenue and Syndicate Avenue. A site plan for the project was originally submitted Oct. 25 with no plans or documentation. The application was then modified and plans were submitted to the city Nov. 13. Another site plan, which addressed many of the city’s concerns, was submitted Dec. 5.

The applicant, Dinkytown Rental LLC, is requesting the replatting of four existing parcels into one parcel and an increase in density of approximately 56 units per acre (for a total of 145 units in two buildings on a 2.6-acre lot) from the allowed 20 units per acre. Dinkytown is also requesting the city allow 228 parking stalls; code requires 290.

Changes to the site plan include the addition of a more detailed fi re plan and landscape plan. The new plan includes the addition of a berm, plantings and a 8-foot privacy fence to help screen the apartment campus from the

four neighboring properties. The proposed new building was also relocated 5 feet to the south to allow for a 26foot unobstructed fi re lane between the new and existing building. Dinkytown has a five-year plan in place to fully sprinkle the existing building on the site.

After a lengthy discussion, the council took multiple actions on the Ephesians development including: • A resolution approving the preliminary plat combining four lots into one parcel Lot 1- Block 1 to accommodate the Ephesians apartment campus.

• Accepted the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the planned unit development (PUD) for 89 Lexington Lakes, LLC (Tim and Karen Harmsen) to operate two apartment buildings.

• Accepted the Planning Commission’s

recommendation to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for 89 Lexington Lakes LLC. • Approved a resolution calling for a summary publication of the Ephesians CUP and PUD. • Approved a resolution calling for the vacation of easements for 89 Lexington Lakes LLC. The vacation of easements is necessary due to an existing power line and public utility easement on the site. Three 5-foot wide easements were vacated.

• Approved a development/subdivision.

• Approved a resolution calling for a public hearing for a housing fi nance program and giving preliminary approval to the issuance of housing facility revenue bonds to fi nance a multifamily housing project on the Lovell building site.

Petracek explained the developer, Domi-

nium Acquisition, is currently seeking another finance option after another option fell through. Petracek added the public hearing will most likely be scheduled for one of the council’s meetings in February.

• Approved a proposal from Tree of Life Church to open the Memorial Park warming house for the skating rink. Volunteers from the church will operate the warming house

from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and will serve goodies such as soup, chili, hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee. The church hopes to host a Lexington Winter Carnival Feb. 17, which will feature boot hockey, snow kickball and a snowman/ castle contest.

• Approved the Quad Community Press as the city’s official newspaper for 2018.

• Reminded residents

there are currently two openings on city boards, including one on the Park Board and one on the Planning Commission.

• Reminded residents that the operation of snowmobiles on the boulevard is prohibited in the city.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

AND OUTDOORS

8 QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

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JANUARY 2, 2018

Cougar girls trip state champ Edina, move up to No. 2

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial girls hockey has beaten several ranked teams this year, but their conquest just before Christmas was something special.

The Cougars toppled top-ranked, defending state champion Edina 3-2 in a clash of unbeatens at home, with Gabbie Hughes knocking in the first two goals and Maija Almich delivering the game-winner with 3:17 left in the game.

“We played with a lot of determination and desire in that game,” Cougar coach Kristina King assessed. “The girls were laying out to block shots, winning the 50/50 battles and just focused on giving 100 percent each shift.”

Centennial (11-0-1) is now ranked No. 2 and Edina (8-1) is No. 3 by Let’s Play Hockey, with Blake (11-0-1) moving up to the No. 1 slot. (Records listed through Dec. 27 games.)

The Cougars led 2-0 on Hughes’ goals in the first and second period, each assisted by Anneke Linser. Edina pulled even with Hannah Chorske scoring in the second period and CC Bowlby (power play) in the third at 8:36.

Centennial’s game-winner was onetimed by Almich, back door, off a feed from Alli Pitlick, who drove the zone wide and, while being taken down, steered the puck across the crease to Almich.

Edina outshot Centennial 29-17. Cougar goalie Mackenna Stoterau stopped 27 shots.

The Cougars, with mostly the same personnel that went 15-12 last year despite outscoring opponents 124 to 66, have figured out this year how to stay consistent and win close games.

Along with Edina, the Cougars have beaten No. 5 Blaine 3-0, No. 6 Andover 5-1, No. 9 Maple Grove 4-1 and Class 1A’s No. 5 Breck 5-3. They beat Elk River 3-2 and Eden Prairie 3-1 when

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Maija Almich, shown here in a previous game, delivered the game-winner against Edina.

they were ranked. Their only non-win was a 1-1 tie against Maple Grove in a rematch.

“They’re confident in their abilities for sure,” King said, “but they don’t let that confidence take over. They take one opponent at a time, and approach the game the same way no matter who we play. They come with the same work

ethic day in and day out.”

Hughes and Linser rank fifth and eighth in the state in scoring, Hughes with 25 goals and 14 assists, Linser with 12 goals and 22 assists. Almich has 10 goals.

The Cougars, outscoring opponents 5.12 to 1.58 per game, are 5-0-1 with Stoterau in the nets and 5-0 with Mackie Torma. King isn’t looking to pick one over the other. “Our goalies are very talented and have both proven they can play in big games,” she said.

With the team unbeaten against such rugged schedule, everyone is getting their assigned tasks done.

“We need every girl on the team to beat the teams we have beaten,” King said. “It takes depth and a good defensive core. We wouldn’t win half our games without some of the girls who may have less than 10 points on the season. They all work so hard, take care of the puck and have each other’s back.”

Cougar icemen hit tough stretch

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

In penalty-kill formation against Edina were Carter Wagner (8), Frank Weiss (5) and goalie Travis Allen. At right was Edina’s Cole Cavanagh.

Centennial boys hockey has run into a three-game winless streak against strong opposition after starting the season 5-0-1.

After losing to No. 2 ranked Duluth East 5-3 on Dec. 19 at home, the No. 5 ranked Cougars entered the Schwan’s holiday showcase where they deadlocked with Hill-Murray 4-4 on Dec. 26 and lost to No. 1 Edina 5-2 on Dec. 27 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis.

Lucas McGregor notched his second straight hat trick game, including the game-tying goal with 2:52 left, against Hill-Murray. Josh Hermes had the other goal and Bryce Crowley made 25 saves. Hill-Murray (5-3-2) won a

shootout 2-1 to earn advancement to the semifinals, after the overtime period went scoreless. Michal Sleischacker scored twice for the Pioneers.

Their Cougars matchup with Edina was in the consolation round as the Hornets had lost to No. 2 Minnetonka 5-2 on Tuesday, Dec.26. The Hornets were back in fine form, outshooting the Cougars 32-14 with five players finding the net against Travis Allen. Centennial had a brief lead at 2-1 on goals by Luke Arends and Carter Wagner, each assisted by Hayden Brickner.

Bruce Strand

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Emily Shilson Centennial wrestling s chosen by press staf *Athlete f

Athlete

of the

Week*

Centennial’s William Francis (7) and Edina’s Demetrios Koumontzis fall to the ice alongside Robert Carlson (21) and Alexander Brouillet (4).

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Centennial’s William Francis (7) jousted with Edina’s Demetrios Koumontzis.

Emily Shilson, Centennial junior wrestler who last year became the first girl to qualify for state in the big-school class, has an 8-1 record at 106 pounds, including two pins and one technical fall. She is ranked No. 4 and has lost only to the top-ranked wrestler.

Minnesota’s #1 Volume Toyota Dealer!

Per Toyota Motor Sale USA 2017

651-482-1322 maplewoodtoyota.com • maplewoodscion.com

SPORTS BRIEFS Cougar cagers beaten by Park Center

MAPLEWOOD

T TOYOTA

Centennial girls basketball was dealt a conference setback by Park Center 5854 on Dec. 21. The No. 5 ranked Cougars (5-2) unable to get their offensive in gear against the Pirates and unable to stop Erica Hicks, who scorched them for 23 points. Amanda Pollard added 13 for the No. 10 ranked Pirates (5-2). Sara Stapleton netted 18 points and Sydney Stapleton 12 for the Cougars.

Former Cougar plays for Dallas Stars

Centennial Cougar hockey Dallas Stars star Tyler Pitlick skated Wednes-

day, Dec. 27 at Xcel Energy Center for the Dallas Stars against the Minnesota Wild.

Pitlick, who has 5 goals and 8 assists for the season in 36 games, did not tally a point against the Wild, who won 4-2.

He did register 4 shots on goal during the game.

Pitlick faces the Wild again in Dallas on Feb. 3 and is back in Minnesota March 29 for the first game of a homeand-home matchup between the two teams.

Gene Annis

2017

JANUARY 2, 2018

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JANUARY

92 Years “The Right Choice” 845 East Cty Rd. E. Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651.429.8000 7641 Lake Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014 651.784.8000

www.fmbank.biz

72 Years

3096 Rice Street Little Canada

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66 Years

Blaine teacher and students recognized for sportsmanship Judie Offerdahl, Sarah Myhre and Shelby Baker, and their first-graders at North Pointe Elementary School, in Blaine were honored with a Musial Award for a small act of kindness. Last January, Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27yard field goal in a playoff game. Offerdahl knew her kids would be crushed, so she decided to use it as a teaching opportunity on a lesson about empathy. The SUBMITTED first-graders wrote letters Judie Offerdahl, Shelby Baker, Minnesota Vikings player Blair Walsh of encouragement with kind words along with pic- and Sarah Myhre pose for a photo after Walsh showed up to North Pointe Elementary in Blaine for a surprise visit to sign autographs tures to cheer Walsh up. and thank the students for their kind words.

Council chooses future veterans memorial location

SUBMITTED

North Pointe Elementary School first grade teachers Shelby Baker (left), Judie Offerdahl, olympian Jack Sock and Sarah Myhre pose for a photo at the Musial Awards Nov. 19, 2016. The teachers, along with their students, were recognized for a small act of kindness that went a long way.

Operations No Limits prepares youth to re-enter society Operations No Limits, a local nonprofit that partners with Pines School and Anoka County, aims to chart a path for the success of at-risk youth

Servicing Our Communities Since 1951

• Automobile • Homeowners

9

• Business • Life & Health

651-414-6400

and make a positive difference in their futures. Operation No Limits typically see anywhere from 1,000-1,200 youth each year.

435 Highway 96 West, Suite 1 Shoreview, MN www.jwtinsurance.com

56 Years

Nels Petersen Nancy Laudise

763-784-2426

9201 N. Lexington Ave. Circle Pines, MN

50 Years

SUBMITTED

This map depicts where the future veterans memorial will be located in Lino Lakes: on the center island in front of City Hall.

After much discussion, the council passed a resolution approving the preffered site of the veterans memorial to be the center island in front of City Hall. The location is also the preferred site of American Legion Post 566.

SUBMITTED

Students work on their garden in a box, which is a partnership with the Minnesota Horticulture Society. Box gardening teaches the students the useful of high density gardening, a perfect lifestyle for apartment living.

FEBRUARY Longstanding family tradition continues to snowball

1851 Main Street Centerville, MN 55038 651-426-7688 info@lauriesdance.com

44 Years

651-777-1393 WhiteBearAnimalHospital.com 1909 E County Rd E • White Bear Lake

39 Years 36

It stands about 10 feet tall and greets neighbors as they drive or walk on Timberwolf Trail off of Birch Street in Lino Lakes. Since as early as 1975, Bob Wolff, of Stillwater, has built several giant snowmen over the years, one reaching the height of 15 feet — taller than his house.

Bob has newspaper clippings of snowman he made in 1975 with his son Brandon who was 2 years old at the time the photo was taken. He also has a newspaper clipping of a snowman he made in 2007 with his grandson, Emmett Fruth, who was 5 years old at that time. Now, Emmett’s brother Maverick also has a newspaper clipping from 2017, also taken in front of a giant snowman.

Retired firefighter buys Bamboo Betty’s

SUBMITTED

In this newspaper clipping from 1975 Bob Wolff and his then 2-year-old son Brandon stand next to their 15-foot snowman built at Wolff’s home in Stillwater.

The longstanding building at the corner of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington has a new owner, and soon will have a new look.

Mike McManus, a local resident who spent 27 years as a firefighter for the Coon Rapids Fire Department, bought Bamboo Betty’s in December. He has continued to operate the quirky tavern since, but will be taking the bar in a new direction.

PAT ZEITNER | SUBMITTED

Mike McManus, a retired Coon Rapids firefighter, is the new owner of the building and business that is Bamboo Betty’s. Big changes are in the works.

‘Justice’ is served with a side of dog biscuits

Lexington Liquors 9271 Lake Dr. N. Lexington, MN

763-786-0198

29 36 Years 33

SUBMITTED

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 4650 Hodgson Road, Shoreview

651-482-9598

Bob Wolff, of Stillwater, and his grandson Maverick Fruth, of Lino Lakes, pose by their giant snowman that stands around 10 feet tall with his hat.

The snowman is located on Timberwolf Trail off of Birch Street in Lino Lakes.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Lino Lakes Public Safety Department Officer Pete Noll gives K-9 Justice some attention and play time after a long night shift.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Officer Pete Noll completes an exercise with Justice. Justice will not leg go of his arm until given the proper command.

Whether it is tracking a person, finding drugs in a backpack or apprehending a suspect who is fleeing from the police, he can do it all. He may only have four legs, but he is an important part of the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department team.

His name is Justice. The 5-year-old, soon to be 6, black German shepherd has been with the department since September 2012, and is originally from Czech Republic.

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MARCH

35 Years

Over 20 years of extended family for customers and staff For nearly 21 years, customers have poured into Matthew’s Family Restaurant not only for the made-from-scratch food and restaurant originals, but also for the love given to customers by staff. Matt and Amy Salo own Matthew’s, located at 2 South Pine Drive North in Circle Pines.

Area tropical fish store opens with a splash A new pet shop is making waves in Circle Pines. Xeng “Andy” Moua and his wife IaOng, or “Mandee,” recently opened Quality Aquatics Pet Shop. It is the latest phase of Andy’s lifelong hobby with the tropical animals.

4779 Bloom Ave. White Bear Lake, MN

651-407-1200

31 Years 28

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Pictured are some of Matthew’s staff. (From left:) Molly Fredricksen, Nicole Fredricksen, owner Amy Salo, Brian Borchardt, Anna Kriz, Andrew Schultz, Steve Lengyel and Matt Mulberry. Many of the staff have worked at Matthews for over 10 years.

Driving School,Inc.

Cities provide real-world experience to soldiers before deployment Team members of Charlie Company 407 Civil Affairs Battalion based out of Arden Hills spent part of their Saturday with city officials learning how a city functions in order to prepare for future deployment. The Battalion will be deployed in the fall to a location SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS in Africa or Europe. On Saturday, March 4 numerous teams of the Members of the Charlie Company 407 Civil Affairs Battalion based out of Arden Hills visited Circle Pines and Centerville for training Saturday, March 4. Company visited Centerville, From left: City Administrator Patrick Antonen, Capt. Zoa, Staff Sgt. Hoffman, Circle Pines, Blaine, Spring Lake Park and North Oaks.

Sgt. Peterson, Sgt. Snyder, Spc. Koshenina, Mayor Dave Bartholomay and Councilman Matt Percy.

763-785-1440 www.DandEdriving.com

Merry Christmas!

27 Years PAT ZEITNER | SUBMITTED

Andy Moua, his wife Mandee and children Ethan, 5, and Ayden, 2, in front of their new aquatic pet shop in Circle Pines. Customers have come from North Dakota and Iowa to visit the store.

APRIL CAEF Gala breaks records

Arrive Alive: Making an impact to save lives

The Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) hosted the 14th annual Gala April 1, an event that can be described as “record-breaking.” The Gala, which was held at Infinite Campus in Blaine, raised money for the nonprofit organization that aims to enhance the educational experience to build a strong community.

Two students were killed, numerous students injured and countless lives were shattered all because someone made a bad decision—drunk and distracted driving. Around 1,000 juniors and senior at

651-653-0799 birchlaketownhomes.com

25 Years

Centennial High School (CHS) witnessed firsthand the impact their decisions can have on their peers, families and the community during Arrive Alive, a simulated fatal crash on April 11 and 12.

23 Years SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Anoka County-Blaine Airport is already preparing for the Super Bowl. The airport, along with three other airports in the area, are expecting heavy traffic for the event.

7761 Lake Drive Suite E Lino Lakes

Local airport preparing for Super Bowl SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Community members raise their numbers to agree to pay a certain dollar amount during the “Fund the Need” portion of the Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF) Gala Saturday, April 1 at Infinite Campus in Blaine. During “Fund the Need”, community members agreed to pay anywhere from $5 to $1,000, which will go toward the Centennial Middle School Learning Commons.

When it is all said and done, one local airport will have spent around two years planning for one of the largest events the Twin Cities area has ever seen — the Super Bowl. US Bank Stadium is scheduled to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 4 next year. Last March, the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (Janes Field), along with three other Twin Cities area airports, starting planning to make sure their role in the event goes without a hitch.

651-786-2286 patacakemn.com

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

An officer assesses the scene and evaluates junior Elijah Dahl’s injuries and senior Erik Tolkinen tries to keep Dahl Calm. The simulated fatal crash was a part of a two-day program Arrive Alive at Centennial High School April 11 and 12. The program is aimed at getting students to think twice about drunk and distracted driving and making good decisions.

MAY

651-415-9793

www.avinityseniorliving.org

Teacher of the Year follows in father’s footsteps

Council discusses future of public works site Remodeling, doing a complete rebuild and moving locations were some of the options discussed for the future of the public works site at the City Council’s work session May 1.

The existing public works facility is located at 1189 Main St. The council approved a public works space needs analysis and existing facility audit to be conducted by CNH Architects Inc. at its regular Dec. 12, 2016 meeting.

Serving our community since 1996 418 Hwy 96 West, Shoreview

After an extensive vetting process of 39 teachers nominated by 53 community members, the 2017-18 Centennial Teacher of the Year was officially selected Wednesday, May 10 in a surprise ceremony. This year’s pick is Colleen Salay, a kindergarten teacher at Golden Lake Elementary.

7 Years

11 Years

HEALTHY LIVING Another reason Y 7690 Village Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014 651-795-9622 linolakesymca.org

9 Years www.centerlifecounseling.com

Discover health and life balance with Yoga Peace, Health, Community

SUBMITTED

2017-18 Centennial Teacher of the Year Colleen Salay poses for a photo with her father Robert McMorran, who was the 1971 Teacher of the Year and inducted into the Centennial Hall of Fame in 2014.

612-986-7216 | www.lifecoreyoga.com North Oaks Studio 119 Village Center Drive North Oaks, MN White Bear Lake Studio 2182 4th Street Suite B White Bear Lake, MN

7039 20th Ave S, Centerville, MN 651-288-0332 Centerville Road, Suite 235, White Bear Lake, MN 651-289-3111

2017

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11

JUNE

Bowfishermen aim to catch business

Lino dog springs to action at Target Field

Two local businessmen have set out to introduce people to their hobby while doing what they love and reducing the number of rough fish in local lakes. White Bear 2005 grads Ben Borowske, of Stacy, and Nik Anderson, of Hugo, founded their company B.A. Bowfishing Guide Service about two years ago.

Minnesota Twins fans are often greeted

by T.C. Bear while attending home games, but now they may run into another happy face — and a wet nose.

Springer Spaniel Judy, of Lino Lakes, is 5-1/2 years old and a whopping 32 pounds.

Judy is not at Target Field because she likes baseball, but she’s there instead to sniff for trouble.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Nik Anderson (left), of Hugo, and Ben Borowske, of Stacy, founded their business B.A. Bowfishing Guide Service around tow years ago in hopes of introducing their hobby to more people.

SUBMITTED

Fifth-graders and Blaine residents Maya Arnold (left) and Noelle Buckley pose for a photo with their favorite Twins mascot, Judy, and her handler Mike Litman.

Sale of Lovell building set in motion

Hailstorm spanks some, spares others

The Lovell building and surrounding 4.39 acres of land is in preliminary agreement to be sold. The city of Lexington has approved a Letter of Intent with Dominium Acquisition, LLC, which intends to build a 184-unit senior living apartment complex.

The hailstorm that dropped out of the morning sky Sunday, June 11, delivered a punch — or did little damage, depending what square mile of the area you live in. Residents of Blaine experienced considerably more storm damage than their neighbors just to the south in Lexington, where city officials reported no calls of damage.

SUBMITTED

The long-standing Lovell building brings both childhood memories and a wanting for improvement from area residents.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mike Litman, Lino Lakes resident, is a handler to Judy, a Springer Spaniel that can sniff out explosives. Litman received Judy from K-9 Detection Services (AMK9) and has been with her since March.

SUBMITTED

Jim Pollard had minimal damage June 11, but awoke after the thunderstorm on June 14 to find his tree in the street.

He has lived on Baldwin Drive in Circle Pines for about 20 years.

JULY Athletes compete in ‘World’s toughest mile on the planet’

Lennar signs contract with Mattamy Homes for large Lino Lakes development Since February, a proposed 871-unit residential community’s future was left in limbo after Mattamy Homes decided to pull out of the Minnesota housing market and sell off its existing land holdings, including Watermark.

Watermark is located in the northwest quadrant of I-35E and County Road 14/ Main Street. Lennar recently signed a contract with Mattamy Homes for the purchase of the development and plans to develop the property in phases, patterned largely after Mattamy’s proposal.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Margaux Alvarez, 32, of Stevensville, Montana completes the Funky Monkey obstacle during the Tough Mudder X Friday, July 14 at Wild Wings of Oneka in Hugo. Alvarez finished in 10th place in the finals with a time of 24 minutes and 37 seconds.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The old Waterworks Beach Club on the shores of Centerville Lake was demolished Wednesday, July 16.

‘Eyesore’ removed from Centerville Residents traveling through the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes area will notice the scenery looks a bit different these days, as a building that stood there for decades is

now gone. Demolition of the Waterworks Beach Club, which sat vacant for years since closing in the early 2000s, began Wednesday, July 19.

About 11,000 people came through Hugo in July — both spectators and world-class athletes — for the Tough Mudder. This will mark the second year the event has stopped in Hugo. Through a partnership with CBS Sports and Tough Mudder, a new event “The Tough Mudder X” was filmed in Hugo and aired on TV.

AUGUST Four story building planned for Lovell site A long-awaited improvement to the Lovell building and surrounding parking lot became a reality at the Lexington City Council meeting Aug. 3, when the council approved the sale of the parcel to Dominium Acquisition, LLC.

Dominium Acquisition is a development company based in Plymouth with properties in 24 states accounting for more than 27,000 rental units. Most of their units are in Minnesota, with others in Wisconsin, Iowa and South Dakota.

SEPTEMBER This year’s Centennial Hall of Fame looks ‘athletic’

Young women crowned to represent Lino Lakes

A Centennial graduate is honored to be recognized along with two of his mentors who he says greatly shaped who he is today. The Centennial School District inducted its three-member “Class of 2017” into the district’s Hall of Fame Friday, Sept. 22. The inductees include Mike Diggins, Glen Huebner and Mike Watson.

Being selected as a Miss Lino Lakes Ambassador is more than wearing a pretty crown or dress. The young women who are selected develop lifelong friendships and skills all while representing their community and making a difference. Three new faces including Kaiya Carlson, Maddie Beilby and Emily Nadeau were crowned to represent Lino Lakes and the surrounding communities at the coronation held Aug. 20 at Centennial Middle School.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mike Diggins (left), Glen Huebner and Mike Watson were inducted into the Class of 2017 Centennial Hall of Fame Friday, Sept. 22.

SHEILA SKOGEN | MOMENTS TO MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

(From left) The Levesque family Caden, 8; Kay; Renae, 10; Sean; and Connor, 13 are on a mission to inspire others to get involved in nonprofit organizations that fight against social injustices that contribute to human trafficking. Caden came up with the idea for the family’s motto Love 2 Hope.

Family hits the road to inspire others

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Centennial senior Kaiya Carlson is crowned as one of 2017’s three Miss Lino Lakes Ambassadors during coronation Aug. 20 at Centennial Middle School.

Five years ago, after watching a documentary on human trafficking, Kay Levesque was distraught and wanted to know how she could make a difference. Kay along with her husband Sean and three children sold everything they

owned, bought an RV and decided to travel the country.

The hope is to encourage others to get involved with nonprofit organizations that fight against social injustices that contribute to human trafficking.

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JANUARY 2, 2018

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Program aims to break cycle of incarceration Eighteen offenders who will soon leave the Lino Lakes Correctional Facility are now equipped with the necessary life skills, positive relationships and faith to be successful outside of prison walls. The facility celebrated the 15th anniversary of its association with the Prison Fellowship Academy with a graduation ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 12. The are currently 164 offenders in the Lino Lakes program and 40 more are scheduled to join the program in a few weeks.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A group of ofenders at the Lino Lakes Correctional Facility attend a graduation ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 19 for the Prison Fellowship Academy.

Lino Lakes dancer taps her way to New York

Lino Lakes YMCA under new leadership

With nine seasons and counting of dance under her belt, local dancer Lauren Hinds has had accumulated many medals, trophies, titles and experiences. Hinds, a sixth-grader at Centennial Middle School, recently competed with her tap dance solo in the Anoka County Fair and State Fair Amateur Talent Contest.

Hinds achieved second place at the county level, but was able to advance to represent the county at the State Fair, as the winning duo also won in Washington County and went on to represent Washington County at the State Fair.

For nearly a couple of months now, Andrew Hoffman has been learning about the Quad area and meeting as many community members as he can. Hoffman, of Andover, became the executive director of the Lino Lakes YMCA in the beginning of September after Derek Otto took the executive director position at the Forest Lake location. Otto served at the Lino Lakes YMCA for a little more than a year.

Firefighters take the heat

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

An abandoned house in Hugo becomes fully engulfed in flames after firefighters from the Hugo, Lino Lakes and White Bear Lake Departments conduct several rounds of training exercises inside the structure Saturday, Sept. 16.

A rare opportunity presented itself to the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) when a house had to be removed to make way for Adelaide Landing, a new housing development. HFD then invited its neighboring departments Lino Lakes (LLFD) and White Bear Lake (WBLFD) to join in.

Ninety-five percent of the Hugo Fire Department, nine members of the LLFD and 12 members of the WBLFD participated in the live fire training exercise at a home located at 5754 130th St. N. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

DECEMBER Casey’s General Store eyes Circle Pines Motorists traveling along Lake Drive and South Pine Drive in Circle Pines could could see a new business in town as early as next fall.

The Planning Commission granted a 60-day extension for a site plan submitted by Casey’s General Store for the Pizza Hut property, located at

1 South Pine Dr., at its meeting Nov. 20. The extension was granted to allow time for the city engineer to conduct a traffic study. Business owners, an environmental expert and one resident voiced their concerns about the proposal during the public hearing.

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Lauren Hinds poses for a photo in front of some of the medals she has earned in dance competitions over the years.

SUBMITTED

Anoka County Commissioners Robyn West, Scott Schulte, Rhonda Sivarajah, Julie Braastad and Mike Gamache pledge to wear purple on Purple Thursday Oct. 19 in an effort to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence survivors share stories of hope Every nine seconds in the U.S. a woman is beaten. One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the Partnership Against Domestic Violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Alexandra House, along with law enforcement agencies, counties, cities, survivors and community members, are teaming up to spread awareness throughout the month by declaring proclamations and wearing purple on Purple Thursday (Oct. 19).

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Andrew Hoffman, of Andover, is the new executive director of the Lino Lakes YMCA. Hoffman has worked at the YMCA in various roles at multiple locations for 11 years.

NOVEMBER City engineer turns administrator

P & Z discusses future of former 49 Club site

City Engineer Mark Statz believes now, more than ever, is the right time for him to transition roles with the city, and the City Council agrees.

Statz, of Lakeland, officially accepted the offer early last week and will begin the new role on Nov. 27. A total of 40 candidates applied for the position, which was left vacant after former City Administrator Mike Ericson left the position Aug. 23.

SUBMITTED

Centennial grad Jake Henriksen completes one of many challenges in the Best Warrior Competition.

Henriksen achieved the title of “U.S. Army Europe Soldier of the Year.”

The site of the former 49 Club on the corner of Hodgson Road and County Road J has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, whether it be about the memories associated with the place or what the site could look like in the future. The Planning and Zoning Board discussed an informal concept plan for the site at its Nov. 8 meeting.

Centennial grad achieves US Army Europe Soldier of Year

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Casey’s General Store was granted a 60-day extension for a site plan for the Pizza Hut property, located at 1 South Pine Drive.

Mark Statz, who has been Centerville’s city engineer since 2007, has been selected as the city’s new administrator. His first day on the job is Nov. 27.

With only two years of military service under his belt, a 2015 Centennial grad can now add the title of “U.S. Army Europe Soldier of the Year” to his list of accomplishments.

Jake Henriksen, son of Barry and Kris Henriksen of Lino Lakes, always knew he wanted to serve his country by joining the military. He is now the third generation in his family to serve in the U.S. Army.

Barry served in the Army Reserves for 22 years and Kris’ father served as a paratrooper in World War II.

SUBMITTED

An architect’s rendering of what the proposed assisted living facility could look like on the corner of County Road J and Hodgson Road in Lino Lakes. An informal concept plan was discussed at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Nov. 8.

Gingerbread architects build holiday tradition This time of year, the Norway House in Minneapolis transforms into a gingerbread (or in Norwegian, pepperkake) wonderland filled with spicy versions of familiar sights such as the Target Center, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Minnesota State Fair giant slide. One of those creations, a replica of the $2.6 million mansion at 828 Summit Ave. in St. Paul, was created by Breta LeVasseur, Rehbein Transit Inc. employee and Hugo resident (formerly of White Bear Lake) and Penny Birdsall, Wyoming resident (formerly of Hugo). Out of the 75 entries in this year’s display, the Summit mansion was selected “Best of St. Paul.”

Centennial gearing up for Hockey Day Minnesota

SUBMITTED

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Penny Birdsall and Breta LeVasseur won “Best of St.Paul” with their gingerbread house replica of the $2.6 million mansion at 828 Summit Ave. in the Gingerbread Wonderland contest at the Norway House in Minneapolis.

With January right around the corner, community members and city officials are teaming up to ensure that everyone is ready for a Minnesota winter tradition, Hockey Day Minnesota.

The Centennial High School boys varsity and junior varsity teams are scheduled to play on Jan. 19 and 20 in St. Cloud.

JANUARY 2, 2018

www www.presspubs.com presspubs com

Reel talk

Don’t Miss!

Good

Worth a Look

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com 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.

“DADDY’S HOME TWO” (PG-13)

SUNRISE / SUNSET

WEATHER TIDBIT

Wed Jan.

3

7:51

4:44

Thu Jan.

4

7:51

4:45

Fri

Jan.

5

7:51

4:46

Sat Jan.

6

7:51

4:47

Sun Jan.

7

7:50

4:48

Mon Jan.

8

7:50

4:49

Tue Jan.

9

7:50

4:50

We’re definitely testing our Minnesota toughness the past few weeks with this cold. We experienced a 69º change in temperature from the beginning of December (56º Dec. 4) to the end of the month (-13º Dec 27). I’m not sure if you think the timing of the cold was good, considering kids were home for school break and it limited their time outside. I can remember spending this time skating at the local rink, playing hockey as a kid and not thinking twice about how cold it was.

Plus it made for great ice. During this cold snap, winds have been fairly light, making it bearable to be out for my runs along White Bear Lake.

Warm thoughts for the New Year.

WEEKLY AVERAGES JAN. 3 - 9, 2018 High 19° Low 3° %Sun 47% PCP 0.25”

ASTRO NOTE: January 7: Mars below Jupiter, south sky.

“DOWNSIZING” (R) [LANGUAGE, INCLUDING SEXUAL REFERENCES, SOME GRAPHIC NUDITY, AND DRUG USE.] — A disappointing, loopholefilled, disconnected, well-acted, star-studded (Jason Sudeikis, Neil Patrick Harris, Laura Dern, James Van Der Beek, Margo Martindale, Udo Kier, Mary Kay Place, Tim Driscoll, Niecy Nash, Don Lake and Kristen Thomson), futuristic, 115-minute, sci-fi satire that cannot decide whether it’s a comedy or a drama and highlighted by striking cinematography in which a disillusioned, bored occupational therapist (Matt Damon) in Omaha decides to undergo a phenomenal, irreversible downsizing procedure developed by a Norwegian bio-scientist (Rolf Lassgård) to shrink to 5 inches tall along with his wife (Kristen Wiig) to help save the planet from overpopulation and climate change and so that their middle-class income would allow them to live a much more lavish lifestyle, but the plan goes awry and changes direction when he ends up divorced and meets his overzealous upstairs neighbor (Christopher Waltz) and his outspoken, disabled cleaning lady (Hong Chau).

Crossword

“MOLLY’S GAME” (R) [LANGUAGE, DRUG CONTENT, AND SOME VIOLENCE.] — After a major fall during a downhill run in this captivating, factually inspired, well-acted, starstudded (Jeremy Strong, Graham Greene, Chris O’Dowd and C. MacKenzie), 140-minute, Aaron Sorkin film, ambitious, scoliosis-plagued, Olympiccaliber skier Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), who was trained by her no-nonsense father (Kevin Costner), moves to Los Angeles twelve years later and finds herself in hot water and represented by a high-powered attorney (Idris Elba) when she is arrested by the FBI for running illegal, highstakes poker games with an eclectic group of A-list players (Bill Camp, Michael Cera, Justin Kirk, Brian d’Arcy James, et al.).

WENDY SCHADEWALD The preceding films were reviewed by Wendy Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities film critic since 1986. To see more of her film reviews, log on to www.shortredheadreelreviews.com

©1986 through 2017 by Wendy Schadewald

Fun Fact

Alaska is the only state that can be typed on one row of keys.

Did you know?

The cotton candy machine was invented in 1897, by a dentist.

Sudoku

“THE GREATEST SHOWMAN” (PG) [THEMATIC ELEMENTS, INCLUDING A BRAWL.] — After ambitious accountant Phineas Taylor Barnum (Hugh Jackman), who has a wife (Michelle Williams) and two daughters (Austyn Johnson and Cameron Seely), is laid off in this colorful, factually inspired, entertaining, 105-minute musical, the circus impresario decides to make money by charging admission to the P. T. Barnum Curiosity Museum which eventually became a circus with his partner (Zac Efron) in the 1800s to see unusual star attractions (Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Humphrey, Keala Settle, Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Shannon Holtzapffel, et al.) in New York City.

13

Weather tidbits

Forget it

[SUGGESTIVE MATERIAL AND SOME LANGUAGE.] — When a handsome architect (Mark Wahlberg), who has two children (Scarlett Estevez and Owen Vaccaro), and the clumsy husband (Will Ferrell) who married his ex-wife (Linda Cardellini) learn that their fathers (John Lithgow and Mel Gibson) are coming for Christmas to stay with the blended families in this silly, wacky, pratfall, predictable, star-dotted (John Cena and Alessandra Ambrosio), 98-minute comedic sequel, tensions and misunderstandings escalate as they all head to snowcovered mountains to celebrate the holidays.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Put within 6. Learned person 12. Resistance 16. Female title 17. Logical basis for a belief 18. Of I 19. Indicates position 20. Article 21. Insignificant organizational member 22. __ route 23. Expression of disapproval 24. Microelectromechanical systems 26. Ponds 28. Satisfy 30. Dad 31. Spanish soldier “El __” 32. Pouch-like structure 34. Obscure unit of measurement 35. Okinawa prefecture capital 37. Platforms 39. Jazz singer Irene 40. Benefits 41. Hellenistic governors 43. Brownish-green fruit 44. Needed to see 45. Political action committee 47. Fast plane 48. Bahrain dinar 50. Urgent request 52. Raccoon genus 54. Millisecond 56. Atlanta rapper 57. Rural delivery 59. Intrauterine device 60. The Wolverine State 61. Free agent 62. For instance 63. Reduces 66. Lincoln’s state 67. Quit 70. Midsections

71. Bullfighting maneuvers

CLUES DOWN 1. The arch of the foot 2. Canadian peninsula 3. Koran chapters 4. Abba __, Israeli politician 5. Youngster 6. Burns 7. Comedienne Gasteyer 8. Valley 9. Belongs to sun god 10. Nickel 11. Great in salads 12. Leader 13. Forced through a sieve 14. Entryway 15. Support pillars 25. Aquatic mammal 26. __ Farrow, actress 27. Unhappy 29. Holds molecules 31. Thrifty 33. French dynasty 36. Scottish port 38. Irish militant organization 39. Dawn 41. Musical group of seven 42. Used to fry things 43. Carrot’s companion 46. Rough stone landmarks 47. Fourth son of Jacob and Leah 49. Goes against 51. Passion 53. Hard white animal fat 54. Soybean pastes 55. Beckon 58. Mountain and morning are two 60. Self-referential 64. Data executive 65. Retirement plan 68. Star Trek character Laren 69. You and I

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.“ - Jimmy Dean

14

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.presspubs.com

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD NOTES The Centennial School Board took the following action at its Dec. 18 meeting: • Recognized six seniors for receiving National Merit Scholarship Program Letters of Commendation. Students included Aidan Browning, Peyton Greve, Skylar Hanson, Jamison Murphy, Allyson Sellner and Nicholas Toensing.

• Recognized student athletes including: football player Jarrod Peterson for making the state all-star game and all metro team; soccer player Megan Shock for making first team all-state, all metro and state all-star game; and Kevin Beaupre and Nikoli Marr for making the all-state tournament team in adapted soccer.

• Recognized teachers Amanda Daeger and Katie Gutmueller for being named Technology and Information Education Services (TIES) Exceptional Teachers.

• Accepted the 2016-17 audit report prepared by Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich and Company, PA (MMKR).

• Received a presentation from Rice Lake Elementary on the Odyssey program.

• Recognized school board member

Kathryn Timm for attending 100 hours worth of Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) sponsored meetings and activities.

• Approved the consent agenda, which included a contract for the Lino Lakes youth resource officer and American Indian Education Parent Committee bylaws for 2017-18.

• Approved two new courses for CHS for the 2018-19 school year. Advanced Placement 2-D Design will be for juniors and seniors. The course is estimated to cost the district $1,000 for equipment and training.

Intermediate Algebra Concepts Level I and II will offer a slower and more differentiated approach for ninthgrade students and allow students two years to complete Algebra Concepts versus one year. There is no additional cost to the district to offer the course.

• Approved an increase in the following community education fees for 2018-19: Kids Club non school day and full-time summer fees will increase from $36 to $38; summer part-time will from $40.50 to $42; summer pick you from $44.50 to $46. School year and drop-in fees will not increase.

Also approved the increase of rates

for Kids Club Preschool and School Readiness Preschool from $28.20 (Kids Club Preschool) per day and $30 (School Readiness Preschool) per day to $32.

• Approved a turf loan agreement and promissory note. School Board member Ray Culp voted against, as he had concerns regarding the booster club/ district paying for turf that has extended its life span. He recommended checking with the company who made the turf about its life expectancy and, if it is less than 10 years, to re-evaluate the terms of the agreement.

In 2012, the district and the CHS Football Boosters Club entered into an agreement to provide for the construction and financing of a new turf field.

The agreement says the district will pay off the remaining balance on the loan and structure the repayment of the balance to the district in equal installments over 10 years.

• Held the required Truth in Taxation public hearing and there was no public comment. The board approved and certified the final property tax levy for taxes payable in 2018 in the amount of $17,894,309.

• Approved 20 individual contract set-

tlements. Director of Human Resources Dan Melde, drew the board’s attention to the contracts for the director of technology, director of community education and the Kids Club coordinator.

The director of technology contract has a position scope and responsibility salary adjustment of 0.5 percent for 2017-18 and 2018-19 and the director of community education contract has a position scope and responsibility salary adjustment of 0.75 percent for both years. The contract for Kids Club coordinator increased the days worked from 160 to 172 in 2017-18 and to 186 in 2018-19.

• Also approved the custodians’ contract settlement and food service contract settlement.

• Approved resolutions to fully fund special education services at the federal and state levels.

The next school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 at the District Office. There will also be a work session at 5:30 p.m.

Shannon Granholm

POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 7900 block of I-35E Dec. 19. The driver was cited for speeding, no proof of insurance, small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• An officer responded to a property damage accident in the 300 block of Sioux Lookout Dec. 20. The driver was cited for failure to drive with due care.

• An officer responded to a call of three males possibly tampering with vehicles in the 7600 block of Village Drive. The males drove off in an unknown vehicle as the caller was speaking to 911 operators.

• Officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 1300 block of I-35W Dec. 21. An adult male was issued a citation for drug-related charges.

• An officer spoke with a caller regarding a driving complaint. The caller and another vehicle had an altercation in the area of Lake Drive and Town Center Parkway Dec. 21 when one driver tried to pull in front of the other while merging. The caller did not want any charges pursued.

• A business reported a possibly intoxicated customer who nearly drove their vehicle into the building in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Dec. 21. The suspect was

gone when officers arrived.

• Officer stopped a vehicle for speeding in the 1000 block of Main Street Dec. 22. An adult female was arrested for driving while impaired.

• An officer was dispatched to a property damage accident involving two vehicles in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Dec. 22. There were no injuries and an adult male was cited for a traffic signal violation.

• An officer was dispatched to a residential burglary report in the 1900 block of Rosewood Street Dec. 22.

The investigation is ongoing. An officer was also dispatched to a residential burglary in the 2000 block of Rosewood Street. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a theft report in the 7600 block of Village Drive Dec. 22. Officers learned the complainants’ wallet and cell phone were stolen. The investigation is pending.

• Officers received a phone call suspicious activity report from the 800 block of Fox Road Dec. 22. Someone drove intentionally into the caller’s yard overnight and left. Extra patrol was requested.

• An officer responded to a residential burglary report in the 2000 block of Chestnut Street Dec. 22. The investigation is ongoing.

• A resident reported loud explosions in the 7700 block

651-481-6704 Hardwood floors, private master, 4 season porch, Finished from top to bottom. Open concept Centennial school district.

6719 Teal Ct, Lino Lakes 5/4 • 4,048 SF • $474,900

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of Country Lane Dec. 22. An officer previously observed fireworks but was unable to locate the source.

• Officers responded to a call of a theft in progress at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Dec. 22. The suspect was not located.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation in the 8000 block of I-35E Dec. 23. The driver was cited for speed and small amount of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

• Officers received a report of a possible impaired driver in the 1700 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 24. An officer located the the vehicle and stopped it for several moving violations. An adult female was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Officers were dispatched to a report of a physical domestic between two adult females in Lino Lakes Dec. 25. Officers subsequently placed an adult female under arrest and cited another adult female.

• A suspicious vehicle was located parked with its lights off in the 1100 block of Holly Court Dec. 25.

Two of the three occupants were cited for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer received a walk-in report at the police station in regards to a theft in the 9200 block of Lake Drive in Lexington Dec. 21. The complainant advised that an unknown suspect stole two items from a common area valued at $2,000. There are no suspects at this time.

• Officers were dispatched to a phone call theft report in the 9100 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Dec. 21. Officers took information regarding a number of items that had been taken from the home over the previous six to eight weeks.

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JANUARY 2, 2018

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

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15

BEST EXCUSES: Washington County deputies heard this year FROM PAGE 1

mph in a 35 mph zone by northbound deputies on traveling patrol. The motorist told deputies she didn’t know what the speed limit was and was looking for a speed limit sign when she saw the squad car drive by. She told deputies she had just spotted the 35 mph sign at that same moment.

Being nervous made him forget truth. After being pulled over by eastbound deputies for a burned out brake taillight, an Andover man, 27, was cited at 11:21 p.m. Feb. 1 on westbound 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N. for possessing drug paraphernalia in a motor vehicle. As the subject was explaining that he didn’t know about the brake light, deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana. When deputies asked the

subject if he had anything illegal in the vehicle, the subject said he didn’t. Deputies quickly found a glass marijuana pipe in a console and asked the subject why he had lied to them.

The subject said it was because he was nervous.

Another person forgot on his behalf. A St. Francis man, 56, was arrested at 6:27 a.m. Feb. 24 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. for gross misdemeanor no proof of insurance, false claim of possessing insurance and driving after revocation, after deputies pulled him over for failing to signal a turn and ran a license plate check. The subject admitted to his revoked status, but obfuscated about the insurance on his vehicle. When deputies discovered the insurance card presented them belonged to another vehicle, the motorist said

ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PUBLIC NOTICE - AERATION The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department hereby gives public notice of its intent to aerate four Anoka County lakes to prevent winterkill of game fish. The County intends to use mobile systems which may be used at any time. The aeration systems will cause areas of thin ice and open water that fluctuate greatly. The aeration systems are intended to be used on Centerville Lake, Coon Lake, Martin Lake, and Peltier Lake. If there are any questions concerning these aeration systems, please contact Glenn Fuchs, Anoka County’s Natural Resources Specialist, at 763-324-3413.

WARNING! STAY CLEAR OF DESIGNATED DANGER AREAS!

both his vehicles were on the same policy. However, after a quick call to State Farm, the insurer assured deputies that was not the case. After deputies reminded the driver that he had nine failures to provide insurance in nine years, the subject said he thought his friend had “insured the vehicle, but I guess he must not have.”

Stricken by homesickness bug.

A Hugo woman, 20, was cited at 7:55 p.m. March 5 on Fenway Avenue N. and 140th Street N. for failing to stop at a stop sign. Deputies on patrol saw her slow down — but not stop — at the intersection, then turn east on 140th Street without signaling. The driver told deputies she was in a hurry to get home.

An optional paper set of Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications may be obtained from the Consulting Engineers, WSB & Associates, Inc., 701 Xenia Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55416, for a nonrefundable fee of $100.00 per set, check payable to WSB & Associates, Inc. Bids will only be accepted from Contractors who purchase digital or paper Bidding Documents as specified above.

No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City of Circle Pines and accompanied by a cash deposit, cashier’s check, or certified check, or bid bond made payable to the City of Circle Pines for five percent (5%) of the amount bid, to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event that the bid be accepted and the bidder fail to enter promptly into a written contract and furnish the required bond.

No bids may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days from the date of opening of bids. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

DATED: December 26, 2017

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Patrick Antonen, City Administrator, Circle Pines, MN Published one time in the Quad Community Press on January 2, 2018.

CITY OF LEXINGTON COUNTY OF ANOKA STATE OF MINNESOTA

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on January 2, 2018.

CITY OF CIRCLE PINES ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2018 STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the City of Circle Pines at the office of the City Clerk located at, 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, MN 55014 until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 25, 2018, and will be publicly opened and read at said time and place by representatives of the City of Circle Pines. Said proposals for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: 30,800 SF Remove Bituminous Pavement 16,300 LF Remove and Replace Concrete Curb and Gutter 8,300 CY Common Excavation (P) 2,900 TN Type SP 12.5 Wearing Course Mix (3,C) 3,600 TN Type SP 12.5 Non Wear Course Mix (3,C) 5,800 LF 8” – 15” PVC Sanitary Sewer 6,500 LF 15” – 48” RCP Storm Sewer 9,100 LF 8” – 12” PVC Watermain The provisions of Minn. Stat. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City shall comply with the provisions of the statute.

The bids must be submitted on the Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans, and Specifications as prepared

by WSB & Associates, Inc., 701 Xenia Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55416, which are on file with the City Clerk of Circle Pines and may be seen at the office of the Consulting Engineer or at the office of the City Clerk.

Direct questions about this Project, including pre-bid questions, to Eric Eckman at 763-512-5257 or eeckman@wsbeng.com.

Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 by inputting Quest project #5474082 on the website’s Project Search page.

Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

RESOLUTION 17-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LEXINGTON, MINNESOTA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT WHEREAS, the owners of 89Lexington, LLC, aka Tim and Karen Harmsen, desire to rehabilitate one of their existing apartment buildings and construct a new apartment building by means of a Planned Unit Development, that requires a Conditional Use Permit.

WHEREAS, on December 21, 2017, at their request and application, an Ordinance allowing a Planned Unit Development and a Resolution allowing a Conditional Use Permit were adopted by the City Council of Lexington, MN. WHEREAS, complete printed copy of these ordinances are available for inspection by any person during normal business hours of the City Clerk, 9180 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, MN, 55014, or emailed to anyone requesting it by telephone 763-784-2792.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lexington, due to the lengthy nature of these actions, has directed that this title and summary be prepared for publication pursuant to Minn. Stat.

412.191, Subd. 4.

IN SUMMARY, the purpose of these actions by the Council facilitate the rehabilitate of an existing apartment building and construct a new apartment building as allowed by the City Code Zoning Code.

WHEREAS, the Council has by at least 4/5 vote approved this public notice on the 21st day of December 2017.

Mark Kurth, Mayor Attest: Bill Petracek, City Administrator Published one time in the Quad Community Press on January 2, 2018.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the city council of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:30 p.m. on January 22, 2018, to consider improvements for the West Shadow Lake Drive project.

The project will include the extension of sanitary sewer and watermain along West Shadow Lake Drive, Shadow Court and Sandpiper Court. A portion of the project is proposed to be funded by property tax assessments. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is generally described as that part of the West Shadow Lake Drive north of Birch Street, Shadow Court and Sandpiper Drive, adjacent to the improvements. The estimated cost of the improvement is $1,577,268.00 of which $1,043,394.00 is proposed to be assessed. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

For further information regarding the above item, contact Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, at 651 982-2427.

A sign language or foreign language translator may be requested by contacting City Hall a minimum of 48 hours prior to the hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing.

Julianne Bartell, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on January 2 and 9, 2018.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the city council of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:30 p.m. on January 22, 2018, to consider improvements for the LaMotte Area project. The project will

Didn’t want to move foot to the other pedal. A Hugo man, 32, was cited at 10:32 a.m. May 29 on westbound Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. for semaphore violation after Washington County Sheriff’s deputies on stationary patrol at the red turn arrow observed the motorist’s BMW continue through the light without slowing. The driver told deputies that he didn’t see the yellow light until it was too late and didn’t want to slam on his brakes.

The dog made me do it. A Hugo woman, 45, was cited at 8:05 a.m. Sept.

29 on westbound Frenchman Blvd. N. and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. for running a red light after failing to slow down.

The motorist told deputies that her dog had fallen off a seat and had distracted her.

include the extension of watermain along LaMotte Drive and LaMotte Circle.

A portion of the project is proposed to be funded by property tax assessments.

The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is generally described as LaMotte Drive and LaMotte Circle, adjacent to the improvements.

The estimated cost of the improvement is $486,690.60 of which $358,815.60 is proposed to be assessed. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

For further information regarding the above item, contact Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, at 651 982-2427.

A sign language or foreign language translator may be requested by contacting City Hall a minimum of 48 hours prior to the hearing. Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing.

Julianne Bartell, City Clerk Published two times in the Quad Community Press on January 2 and 9, 2018.

FIRST RESOURCE BANK LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF APPLICATIONS Notice is hereby given that First Resource Bank, 7449 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, Anoka County, Minnesota 55014 has made application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for consent to acquire through merger Eagle Valley Bank, National Association, 2206 Glacier Drive, Saint Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin 54024 and to establish detached facilities at: 2206 Glacier Drive, Saint Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin 54024 (DF 1370); 1946 Washington Avenue South, Stillwater, Washington County, Minnesota 55082 (DF 1371); and 14800 Galaxie Avenue, Suite 100, Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota 55124 (DF 1372). It is contemplated that business locations of the merged banks will continue to be operated. The applications were made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 49.33 to 49.41, and 47.51 to 47.57 plus Section 18 (c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. The above applications were filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on December 14, 2017.

This notice is being published in the County Ledger Press, St. Croix Falls on December 28, 2017, January 4 and 11, 2018; in the Quad Community Press, Lino Lakes on December 26, 2017, January 2 and 9, 2018; in the Stillwater Gazette, Stillwater on December 29, 2017 and in the Sun Thisweek, Apple Valley on December 29, 2017. .

Any person, bank, or other financial institution has a right to file written communication in favor of or against the applications described above. Written comments will become a part of the public record on the applications and should be addressed to: Maxwell Zappia, Deputy Commissioner Minnesota Department of Commerce 85 7th Place East, Suite 280, Suite 2100 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 James D. LaPierre, Regional Director Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Division of Financial Institutions 1100 Walnut Street Kansas City, Missouri 64106 Written comments to the Minnesota Department of Commerce must be received within fifteen (15) calendar days after the publication date in Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin; Stillwater, Minnesota; and Apple Valley, Minnesota pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 47.54. An administrative hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 14, may be ordered at the discretion of the Commissioner to hear testimony and to take evidence in favor of or against the applications. In addition, the nonconfidential sections of the applications are available for review at the Minnesota Department of Commerce in St. Paul.

For an appointment for public review or for information on copies and related charges, please telephone (651) 539-1714 during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Any person wishing to comment on this application may file his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at its regional office located at 1100 Walnut Street, Suite 2100, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 not later January 25, 2018. The nonconfidential portions of the application are on file in the regional office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request.

First Resource Bank 7449 Village Drive Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 Anoka County Minnesota Bank Charter 1861 FDIC Certificate No. 58039 Published three times in the Quad Community Press on December 26, 2017, January 2 and 9, 2018.