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CHALLENGE-MODE FORAGING: Finding wild foods in Minnesota winter PAGE 7

Lexington residents want their voices heard

Roll up your sleeves

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

SHANNON O GRANHOLM O | PRESS PUBLICATIONS O

Forest Lake resident Bridget Eddy donates blood at a local blood drive. Also pictured is Red Cross Collection Tech Lori Greeler. Right now, the nation is facing a blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. There are upcoming blood drives in Blaine, Forest Lake, and many other cities in the north metro. To see a schedule of upcoming drives, visit recrossblood.org/give or mbc.org/donate-blood and enter your zip code.

LEXINGTON — Some residents who live at the Landings of Lexington on the corner of Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road want their voices to be heard about several ongoing issues. “I’m standing by my people, because we deserve to be treated like everybody else,” said resident Amal Abdi. The Quad Community Press previously reported on problems with parking, safety and alleged discrimination back in July 2020. Now, two years later, residents say they are still facing many of the same problems. Some of the Somali residents say they feel targeted and discriminated against by property management (Dominium) and other Landings residents. Several residents shared they are encouraged by property management to not call 911, but rather call the police department’s non-emergency number. Centennial Lake Police Chief James Mork explained that whether residents call 911 or SEE LANDINGS OF LEXINGTON, PAGE 10

Centennial hopes to grow its own teachers through new course BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

States all across the nation are facing teacher shortages amid the pandemic and fewer graduates nationwide are choosing to pursue careers in education. Back for its second year, Centennial High School is offering an elective course called “Grow Your Own Career Exploration” for students who are interested in exploring a future in education while earning college credits. “Other parts of the country have started this program because of teacher shortages,” said Chris Ripken, secondary innovation and instruction coach at Centennial.

“Who knows if Minnesota will face it to the same degree as other parts of the country, but we do know that there is an increasing number of teachers that are reaching retirement age, and the number of people entering education nationwide indicates that we could have a teacher shortage.” Centennial, as is the case with other districts, fi nds that graduates of Centennial often come back to work at Centennial years later, like Ripken himself. In addition to trying to get ahead of the curve when it comes to a possible future teacher shortage, Ripken said a big goal of the course is to increase SEE CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL, PAGE 9

For the second year, Centennial High School (CHS) is offering “Grow Your Own Career Exploration” for students who are interested in careers in education. Pictured is Faribault High School teacher Kaylee Wiens; students Trinity Strohmayer, MacKenzie Cummings, and Idil Guled; and CHS teacher Chris Ripken. (CHS has partnered with Faribault High School on a grant opportunity to offer the course.)

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JANUARY 18, 2022

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle personal injury accident on Main Street and Sunset Avenue Jan. 4. Both vehicles were heavily damaged, and one driver was sent to the hospital by ambulance. • Officers were dispatched to a disorderly student in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Jan. 4. The student received in-school suspension rather than criminal charges. • Officers responded to a civil dispute in the 1200 block of Rondeau Lake Road Jan. 4. The situation was mediated and both parties were referred to their attorneys. • An officer responded to a harassment report in the 1200 block of Buckthorn Lane Jan. 4. The officer determined the situation did not meet the statutory elements of harassment but documented the information. • An officer responded to a car vs. deer accident in the 7700 block of Main Street Jan. 4. No injuries were reported, and the involved vehicle sustained moderate damage but was still drivable. The officer completed a state crash report. • Officers responded to a trespass notice at a local business in the 500 block of Apollo Drive Jan. 4. A male was found trespassing on the property. • Officers observed a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 2200 block of Cedar Street after business hours Jan. 5. Officers investigated the incident and determined no crime had occurred. • While on patrol, an officer stopped a vehicle on Apollo Drive and Lake Drive for not displaying license plates Jan. 5. After an investigation, the driver was cited for driving after revocation. • An officer responded to a report of a vehicle that spun out and went into the ditch on I-35E and Main Street Jan. 5. The vehicle was towed from the ditch and there was no damage. • An officer observed a vehicle in the ditch on I-35E and Main Street while patrolling Jan. 5. The officer

requested a tow to assist the driver. • An officer stopped a vehicle on Apollo Drive and Sunset Avenue for not displaying a license plate and because the driver did not have a valid driver’s license Jan. 5. The driver was cited for driving after revocation, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • An officer took a phone call regarding fraud in the 6600 block of Pelican Place Jan. 5. The officer documented the incident and provided the caller with tips. • An officer took a report of a property damage accident involving two vehicles on Lake Drive and Hodgson Road Jan. 6. The incident was documented and a state crash report was completed. • Officers responded to a theft in progress at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Jan. 6. The investigation is ongoing. • An officer responded to a phone call reporting suspicious activity involving a towed vehicle in the 7000 block of I-35E Jan. 6. The officer took the information and upon speaking to the vehicle owner, discovered a license plate had been stolen. The investigation is ongoing. • Officers responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 500 block of Lilac Street Jan. 6. There were no significant injuries; one driver was issued a citation. • An officer responded to a report of a property damage motor vehicle crash in the 70 block of Apollo Drive Jan. 6. The officer confirmed there were no injuries and collected information for the report. Both drivers were able to drive their vehicles from the scene. A state crash report was completed. • An officer responded to a single-vehicle property damage accident in the 6500 block of Hodgson Road Jan. 7. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. • An officer was dispatched to a single-vehicle crash where the vehicle had left the roadway on I-35W and Lake Drive Jan. 7. The driver was uninjured, arranged from their town, and was transported home.

• An officer responded to a two-vehicle property damage crash on Elm Street and Sunset Avenue Jan. 7. Information was collected and a state crash report was completed. • An officer took a report of unemployment fraud in the 1100 block of Durango Point Jan. 7. The incident was documented. • An officer was dispatched to a phone call regarding a property damage accident on Hodgson Road and Birch Street Jan. 7. The officer documented the incident. One driver was issued a citation. • An officer responded to a property damage accident on Lake Drive and I-35W on Jan. 7. There were no injuries; the vehicles were driven from the scene. • An officer responded to a theft report in the 200 block of Pine Street Jan. 7. The incident was documented and is being investigated. • An officer responded to a snowmobile trespassing complaint in the 7700 block of Country Lane Jan. 8. The officer advised a family member of juveniles that had been on the snowmobiles and clarified the proper area for the snowmobiles to be driven. • Officers responded to a vehicle fire in the 800 block of Bluebill Lane Jan. 9. The fire was put out; there were no injuries. • Officers responded to a report of smoke in a house in the 6500 block of Pheasant Hills Drive Jan. 9. Upon further investigation by the Lino Lakes Fire Department, the source of the smoke was located and there was no damage to the house. • While on patrol, officers observed several vehicles parked in a closed business parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Jan. 10. The occupants of the vehicles were identified and were asked to leave. • Officers were dispatched to a residence for a smell of electrical smoke in the 6400 block of Deerwood Lane Jan. 10. Officers and fire personnel arrived and the residence was checked out.

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Police fielded an informational report in the 7000 block of Eagle Trail in Centerville Jan. 5. • Officers responded to the 1600 block of Peltier Lake Drive in Centerville regarding a fire Jan. 5. • Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Main Street and 20th Avenue in Centerville for a property damage accident Jan. 5. • A suspicious activity report was filed by Annie’s Wok in the 9100 block of Highway Drive in Lexington Jan. 6. • Police were dispatched to the area of

North Road and Point Cross Drive in Circle Drive on a report of a vehicle that hit a home Jan. 6. The driver was transported to the hospital. • Police fielded an informational report in the 200 block of Pine Hollow Drive in Circle Pines Jan. 7. • A property damage accident was reported in the 1800 block of Main Street in Centerville Jan. 7. • Officers were dispatched to the 0 block of Shady Way in Circle Pines for an animal complaint Jan. 7. The owner was verbally warned. • Officers responded to a motor vehicle theft report in the 120 block of Indian

Hills Lane in Circle Pines Jan. 8. The caller advised that an unknown suspect stole his black 2016 Ford Explorer from his driveway the previous night. The estimated loss is $19,000. • Officers were dispatched to the area of Lexington Avenue and West Road in Lexington on a report of a contained dog Jan. 10. The dog was returned to its owner. • Police conducted a traffic stop that resulted in an arrest on Hamline Avenue and Edgewood Road in Lexington Jan. 10. The individual was transported to jail.

• Officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington on an unspecified call Jan. 11. Officers located the caller, who had questions regarding a civil issue. • An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington Jan. 11. An adult male was subsequently arrested for DWI. • An officer was dispatched to an informational phone call in the 8900 block of Jackson Avenue in Lexington Jan. 11.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Fire division receives anonymous $100K donation The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department Fire Division has received a $100,000 donation to its fi re division from a resident who received public safety services last year and who wishes to remain anonymous. The funds will be used to purchase a wildland fi re suppression utility vehicle (UTV) with a trailer. The Polaris Ranger 1000 will be outfitted with 75-gallon water tank, 5-gallon foam tank, fi re suppression pump and emergency equipment. Director of Public Safety John Swenson said the UTV would improve the fi re division’s ability to address wildland fi res by increasing the volume of water available and adding the ability to use fi re-

Centerville man charged with several crimes

CONTRIBUTED

Here is an example of an UTV the Lino Lakes ﬁre division plans to purchase thanks to an anonymous donation.

suppressing foam. It would also increase the number of firefighters that can be deployed from two to four, and enhance fi refighter safety in the field. City staff has been informed by two vendors that UTV costs have been impacted by supply and demand

issues, leading to fluctuating pricing based on when orders are placed. Swenson said if pricing comes in favorably and there are funds remaining from this donation, those funds will be utilized to purchase other fi re equipment needs in a manner consistent with

the donor’s wishes. The city plans to sell Grass 11 (1993 GMC S-10), and proceeds will be deposited into the fleet capital replacement fund.

Jacob Charles Dutton, 38, of Centerville, has been charged with theft (transfer moveable prop-no consent over $5,000) among other charges. On Dec. 20, 2021, an officer responded to a theft report at Dongo Tool Inc. in Spring Lake Park. According to the criminal complaint, a man at that location reported his trailer and Arborist scissors lift had been stolen. Surveillance footage showed a white cargo van with a top rack pulling into the parking lot around 4 a.m. without its headlights on. The footage then shows the van back up to the trailer with the lift on it and drive away with the trailer and lift. The trailer was valued at $7,000 and the lift was valued at $98,000. Per the complaint, police subsequently learned Dutton’s business, Bartlett Painting, had a white Chevy cargo van registered to it. An officer shared the surveillance video on social media in an attempt to identify a possible suspect, and the officer received two different hits that the driver was Dutton and the van belonged to him. If convicted, Dutton faces a maximum a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and/or up to a $20,000 fi ne. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8. There are also two other active cases in Anoka County against Dutton involving a charge of controlled substance crime in the fi fth degree and a theft charge (transfer moveable property-no consent over $5,000).

JANUARY 18, 2022

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LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS license renewal applications that are late or incomplete will face fees ranging from $50 to $100. • The city has renewed a five-year joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to grant City Attorney Kurt Glaser access to computer systems used to investigate and prosecute offenses. The city is then charged $150 per quarter. • The city of Lexington, along with several other cities in Minnesota, have adopted resolutions approving participation in opioid litigation settlements. The state of Minnesota sued the pharmaceutical industry related to opioid production. The state attorney general has tentatively settled the case for $337 million, $17 million of which will be given to Anoka County, Glaser explained. “Once the county decides how they are going to divvy that money up, only cities that sign off on settlement agreements will get that money,” he said. “I’m encouraging all of the Centennial Lakes Police Department cities to do that because it not only benefits your prosecution work but, more importantly, your police department.”

• Appointments have been made for 2022, some of which include: – Kurt Glaser and Paul Floyd as city attorneys – Abdo, Eich & Meyers LLP as auditor – Inspectron Inc. as building inspector – MSA Professional Services Inc. as city engineer – US Bank, RBC Wealth Management and Ehlers Investment Partners as official depositories – Quad Community Press as legal newspaper – Council Member Brandon Winge as vice mayor – Metro Tree and Crane Service as city forester • Changes have been made to water, sanitary sewer and stormwater utility rates as well as business license renewal fees for 2022. In a memo to the council, City Administrator Bill Petracek explained that as the city’s relationship with the city of Blaine and the shared water system “intensifies with no definitive solutions foreseen in the near future,” the city must continue to plan for anticipated future capital improvements to its water system. As in 2021, in 2022 residents will see another 20% increase in water utility fees and a 5% increase in sanitary sewer rates. Another change is businesses that turn in

COUNTY BRIEF Anoka A k County C t off ffering i health-focused h lth f d mini i i grants t Anoka County Public Health is once again offering an opportunity for neighborhoods and community organizations to submit project proposals for Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) funding designed to help improve the health of area residents. The funding, which will be awarded in the form of “mini grants” of up to $3,000 per project proposal, is designed to increase sustainable opportunities to improve community health through healthy eating, increased physical activity, mental well-

being and use. b i d reduced d d commercial i l ttobacco b Examples of the types of projects the funding could be used for include expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables, organizing a bike share program, or offering tobacco-free/ vaping-free resources and support. Mini grant applications will be accepted through Feb. 28. The application, instructions and more information can be found at https://www.anokacounty.us/ mini-grant. Further questions about the grants can be directed to SHIP@co.anoka.mn.us or 763324-4344.

• The City Council will hold a second reading of changes to the zoning ordinance at its next meeting Jan. 20. Petracek explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the changes mainly to clean up language, and that the changes in the zoning districts are intended to encourage growth of offices and other businesses that are complimentary to mixed residential uses. One of the main proposed changes is that automotive sales lots/service stations would no longer be allowed to operate along Lake Drive, specifically in M-1 districts (which mix mediumdensity residential with business). • The Centennial Lakes Little League Association (CLLLA) and the city have another memorandum of understanding (MOU) in place for the use of fields at Lexington Memorial Park. The MOU outlines costs that CLLLA will be responsible for, including water and sewer, electricity, garbage, fertilizer, etc. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at City Hall. Shannon Granholm

January 2022 Carrier of the Month

Dylan P.

POLITICAL BRIEFS Emmer introduces Inﬂ ﬂation Working Group Act

inflation. The Inflation Working Group would be paid for with existing congressional funds. For more information, visit https://emmer.house.gov.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (District 6) has introduced legislation to create a bipartisan congressional working group to identify the causes of, and propose solutions to, the rising prices Americans are seeing across the country. The Inflation Working Group Act establishes a 17-member body tasked with investigating the recent causes of elevated inflation as well as the relationships between inflation and gross domestic product growth; the labor market, workforce development and hiring; poverty; crime; and other factors of major societal concern. Eight members of the Inflation Working Group would be appointed by Republican congressional leaders, and eight members would be appointed by their Democratic counterparts. A chairperson would be jointly appointed by Republican and Democratic leaders. The Inflation Working Group would be required to submit a report to the president and Congress to include the results of its investigations and recommendations for actions to mitigate the threat of sustained

Participate in upcoming precinct caucuses

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Precinct caucuses will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. Precinct caucuses are meetings run by Minnesota’s political parties. They are the fi rst in a series of meetings where parties may endorse candidates, select delegates and set goals and values (party platforms). Precinct caucuses will meet in the following locations: • Republican precinct caucus: Centennial Middle School, 399 Elm Street, Lino Lakes • DFL precinct caucus: Centennial High School, 4757 North Road, Circle Pines Attendees are requested to arrive early, around 6:30 p.m., for registration. Residents can find their caucus location by entering their address on the Secretary of State’s website: caucusfinder. sos.state.mn.us. Be sure to check to make sure whether the caucuses will be held in person or virtually.

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JANUARY 18, 2022

Pandemic rages on

ERE WE GO again as the new virus raises its ugly head. The Omicron variant spreads more rapidly than the previous strains and could be with us for a long time. Delta has caused more infections, especially in unvaccinated people.

My suggestion is to treat everyone as if they have the flu, wear quality masks, and wash your hands. Churches, businesses, industry and educational facilities all are making adjustments to keep people safe and healthy. About the Working from home will continue. Quarantined people who test positive Town need to stay out of the public. The vaccination still looks to be the Gene Johnson best defense to avoid serious illness. Kathy and I received our first two vaccinations in Florida and the booster back home in Minnesota. We hope you take time to be vaccinated also. BATTERIES HAVE A life and experts tell me that heat is harder on them than cold. Whenever they die, it is not convenient. After a recent experience at an airport cell phone lot, I have marked my six-year planner to match the three year warranty. Notes or reminders on your cell phone work, too. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN while campaigning said he would work to reunite the country. I understand distractions like the pandemic, immigration, Russian troop buildup next to the Ukraine, legislative stalemate and growing crime in large cities. Both parties are guilty of the growing political divide far from any solutions to unification. In Washington, it appears like political tribe is more important than law and order. Without law and order, we have anarchy. It becomes a country without authority or governing body. We need leadership to guide us in support of our constitution. INFLATION CONTINUES TO BE the highest in decades. New cars are priced $6,000 over sticker prices and used cars are 30% higher than book value. Grocery stores, gasoline pumps, restaurants and practically every purchase indicates inflation is strong at a 39 year high. Some control will come with higher home mortgage interest as well as business loan rates. The Feds plan to raise interest rates three times in 2022. It will probably take six or eight times to slow inflation. The plus side is we should see savings rates go up. Banks now are reducing or eliminating overdraft charges and late fees to help customers avoid these excessive penalties. They will likely recover losses by adding to interest rates for loans. COLD WEATHER CAR starting has improved greatly with more cranking power in batteries, ignition systems and quality fuels. I had people tell me in the 30s they would place a pan with a charcoal or wood fire under the engine’s crankcase. In recent years there have been various types of electric heaters for engines. In a 30 degree below zero trip to visit my brother Ray in Fertile, Minnesota in the early 60s, he used a torch to heat one cylinder on the V-8 and the engine started. Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

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Oleander aphids and you

any of us have heeded the call to save monarch butterflies by planting milkweed in our home landscapes, and we’ve all enjoyed watching the baby caterpillars munching away happily. What we didn’t expect to witness, however, were the swarms of bright yellow-orange insects that moved in shortly afterwards. This army of small, soft-bodied vampires that appear poised Gardener’s to suck the force from Grapevine life our monarch buffets Timothy are called Newcomb oleander aphids. The oleander aphid is named after its ideal food source, the oleander flower. Since Minnesota is too chilly for oleander plants to grow here, oleander aphids substitute milkweed, which is in the same plant family. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, oleander aphids are mostly harmless and rarely cause significant damage to milkweed. However, with a large invasion of oleander aphids, milkweed leaves may become shiny due to the excretion of honeydew,

which can encourage the growth of sooty mold. If your milkweed is playing host to oleander aphids, you might not get much help from nature in managing them. Oleander aphids carry cardenolide toxins from the milkweed they consume, and this makes them toxic to most predators other than the parasitic wasp. The best way to control oleander aphids is to plant the right milkweed for your landscape and keep it well watered. This will help your milkweed stay stronger and better able to handle the presence of oleander aphids. Do not fertilize your milkweed, as aphids will reproduce faster on plants with higher concentrations of nitrogen. If aphids persist on your milkweed, there are more aggressive things you can do to help control these uninvited guests. The best method of attack is to manually remove the aphids. It sounds tedious, but it’s the only way to ensure you don’t accidentally kill a caterpillar. Insecticides will kill both indiscriminately, but your ﬁngers can tell the difference. Squishing them with your gloved ﬁngers is best, or if this makes you squeamish, another option is to rub them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Aphids prefer tender new leaves, which grow from the tip of each stem, so

concentrate your efforts there. If you have children around, perhaps you can make a game of bug hunting and let them do the work. Just don’t pay them by the bug, or you will go broke before they run out of aphids! If a section of your plant is coated with aphids, you can trim off the affected area and dispose of it after checking for any caterpillars that would need to be relocated. If you have an out-of-control situation that won’t be remedied by trimming, you can also spray the plant with a hose, again checking for caterpillars that could also be displaced. While a massive swarm of oleander aphids might look shocking, you shouldn’t let the threat of them prevent you from planting milkweed. The beneﬁts of the milkweed to our pollinators greatly exceeds the nuisance value of this pest. Save the date for the Home Landscape and Garden Fair on April 2 at Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover. For event registration and information about Anoka County Master Gardener projects and services, visit anokamastergardeners. org. Timothy Newcomb is an intern with Anoka County Master Gardeners.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Helping others see

Have you ever seen someone that has a pair of glasses? Do you have a pair of glasses? Do you have extra glasses? If so, you can donate them to Blue Heron Elementary. Mr. Gutbrod’s fi fth grade class is taking used eyeglasses from anybody who has them. We collect glasses, and then give them to the Circle-Lex Lions Club, which then gives them to people in need. Why do we do this? We do this to help people all over the world to get eyeglasses for people who can’t afford them or don’t have access to eyeglasses. To you, it might just be a piece of junk, or something you don’t care about, but to someone that can’t afford it, it could be the world to them. A lot of people around the world can’t afford glasses and can’t see that well. It would help them tremendously. Imagine you can’t see well, and you can’t afford eyeglasses. If you have eye problems, you know how hard it is to see without them. Just walking down the street would be hard

WEEKLY WAG If you’re looking for a “big loaf of love” to become part of your family, then Mr. Mac is your guy. He’s also affectionately called Mr. Sparkles, or Sparky, by his foster family. Mr. Mac is a dog of the people and one of the pack; he loves all. The 60-pound Labrador/shepherd mix loves playing, long walks and exploring. He’d be great with an active, outdoorsy family, and he’d do very well in a home with a fenced yard where he can roam to his heart’s content. Mr. Mac is social with other dogs and cats and is respectful of his place in the hierarchy. He is just over a year old, and came to Ruff Start Rescue from South Dakota. He is still learning his basic commands but is eager to please, so a formal training routine would be a benefit. If you are interested in adopting Mr. Mac and would like to learn more about him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

for you, and also, school would be hard for you. Almost everything would be hard without eyeglasses. It is also just good to help others in need. You probably wouldn’t ever use them anymore if they are laying around your house or are junk to you. Some people get new glasses every year and have extra pairs on hand. Think of the impact you could have on a person that has never even had one pair. The more glasses you donate, the more we can help people find the right fit and prescription as they try on different glasses. Donating your old eyeglasses would help a lot. So, if you are willing to give your used eyeglasses, you should give them to help people in need. Mail your donated eyeglasses to Blue Heron Elementary c/o Mr. Gutbrod’s class at 405 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Your donations help people in need and can be donated until the end of the school year. Isaac Christensen Fifth grader at Rice Lake Elementary School

Radon in homes is a common and preventable cancer risk professionals can be found on the MDH website: health. state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/ mitigation.html MDH conducts free inspections of radon mitigation systems installed after June 1, 2020. The inspections ensure systems were installed correctly, to make sure they meet minimum requirements. Contact the MDH Indoor Air Unit to request an inspection at health. indoorair@state.mn.us. More information about radon in Minnesota is available on the MDH website at Radon in Homes or by calling the MDH Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.

departments and other organizations to make test kits available to all Minnesotans at low or no cost. Participating agencies and vendors can be found at health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/ radon/radontestresults.html. Hardware stores may also stock test kits. Licensed professionals can also conduct testing. To help residents get a more accurate picture of radon levels in Minnesota, MDH developed a series of maps showing information about radon in Minnesota, available at mndatamaps.web.health.state.mn.us/ interactive/radon.html. Some of the key findings were: • The average radon level in Minnesota homes is about 4.5 pCi/L compared to 1.3 pCi/L nationwide. • Only about 1% to 2% of homes in Minnesota are tested annually; health officials recommend that at least 20% be tested annually. • Testing and mitigation are less frequent in communities with lower incomes and more renters. Health professionals recommend testing for radon during real estate transactions. Sellers must disclose any prior radon testing and provide a two-page publication to buyers under state law. Radon tests should be incorporated into a home inspection. Tests should be done in the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. Test devices are usually placed in the home for two to five days. The best time to test is during the heating season, but testing can be done year-round. In homes with high radon levels, radon reduction typically involves installing a venting pipe and fan to pull the gas from under the home to the outside. Professionals conducting radon mitigation must be licensed by MDH, follow standards and affix an MDH tag to the system. A list of licensed radon mitigation

Of all the unwelcome house guests you may ever host, few are as nasty as radon. The colorless, odorless gas occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and is found at elevated levels in nearly 40 percent of all homes in the state. It also is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Each year, radon kills more than 21,000 people across the country. While there are cheap and easy ways to test for radon, many people are unaware of the risks and may not be getting the help they need to be safe. The radon risk is largely preventable through testing homes and eliminating radon problems through improved ventilation and other measures. With more people working from home, it’s more important than ever to test homes for radon, because testing is the only way to know if a home has radon levels at or above the level that presents a health risk. During January, Radon Action Month, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is making a special push to urge everyone to test their home for radon. “Unfortunately, many people are still exposed to high levels of radioactive radon without being aware of it, and this puts them at increased risk for lung cancer,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the MDH Indoor Air Program. “We’ve heard a lot of common misunderstandings that discourage people from testing their home for radon.” For example, many people think their home does not need to be tested, or that if they test once they don’t need to test again, or if their neighbor’s radon level is low, they don’t need to test. Testing should be conducted in all homes, regardless of foundation type, soil type, age, presence of an air exchanger or insulation, Tranter said. Even if the initial test shows the radon level is low, it’s a good idea to retest at least every five years because levels may change. Homes with mitigation systems should also be retested. The monitors on mitigation systems do not show the radon level, so it’s important to retest at least every two years. New homes are built with radonresistant features, but they can still have elevated radon and should be tested. MDH is partnering with local public health

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ONGOING EVENTS HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GUIDED TOURS When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through

Sunday, through Jan. 31 Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater Details: Short introductory video followed by a tour of the courtroom, 1900s county jail, and exhibitions. Hear stories of the building’s construction and the people who worked there. Free; donations accepted. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington.mn.us/hc

WATER STREET INN’S WINTER RIVER-SIDE ICE SKATING RINK When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through February Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S. Details: Free skating for all ages in downtown

Stillwater. Bring your own skates. Schedule subject to change Contact: 651-439-6000 or discoverstillwater.com

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’ When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20; the 1st and 3rd

Thursday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnelly1958@yahoo.com

CRIBBAGE When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24; the 4th Monday of every month Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413

CURRENT EVENTS WORLD SNOW SCULPTURE CHAMPIONSHIP When: Jan. Noon-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 23 Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Teams from around the world will create snow sculptures while competing for prize money and the title of World Champion. Spectators can watch, visit with teams, and vote for favorite team. Event includes social gatherings, activities and ceremonies throughout the weekend. Contact: worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn.com

www.presspubs.com

JANUARY 18, 2022

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

KIDCREATE STUDIO

When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 Where: Sitzer Park, 4344 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview Details: Three mile hike on the paved trails in Snail

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4600 Victoria

Lake Park, followed by treats. Contact: stpaulhike.com

St. N. Details: Kids ages 5-12 can explore blending as they

LEARN TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI

create a mixed-media landscape featuring a glow-inthe-dark Aurora Borealis. Registration required; $41. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/special-events

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino

WINTER DAY AT WBCA

Lakes Details: Introductory class for all ages includes ski

rental, instruction, and skiing through the park. Registration required; $15/adult, $10/child. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

OLYMPIC LEARN TO CURL OPEN HOUSE When: 10 a.m. -1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 22; 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 Where: Fogarty Arena, 9250 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine Details: Experience curling by learning the basics such as slide, sweeping, and an overview of how the game is played.Appetizer buffet provided. $10/person; register online or pay at the door. Contact: fourseasonscurlingclub.com

NEW YEAR, NEW VISION When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Where: Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine St., Marine

on St. Croix Details: Create an artistic visual collage that will guide you to accomplish your hopes and dream and provide inspiration for 2022. Local coach Jen Bertsch will also meet with small groups or one-on-one during class. $5 fee for supplies; $20 suggested donation. Contact: marinemillsfolkschool.org

CONVERSATIONS OF THE VALLEY: “MAKING THE CASE FOR PLACE” When: noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Where: Online Details: Speaker series hosted by the St. Croix

Valley Foundation presents an online series about “Placemaking” – how intentionally fostering an attachment to place can impact a town’s economic growth, help to attract and retain residents, and build thriving communities. Dr. Katherine Loflin is presenter. Free, but registration required. Contact: scvfoundation.org

SENIOR HOUSING DAY When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F Details: Free opportunity for seniors, older adults, and

their adult children to research local housing options all in one location. Learn about the facility, amenities and services. Contact: 651-653-3121 or whitebearseniorprogram.org

When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Free family activities held outside include

snow sculpting and/or snow painting, dog sleds and and burning ceremony with artist-in-residence Sieng Lee. Dress for the weather and art-making. Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

SAINTS OF SWING When: 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, Great Hall, 171 Elm St.,

Lino Lakes Details: Free dance lessons at 6:15 followed by live

music and dancing by Saints of Swing. Tickets available at the door $12/adult and $8/student under 21, includes two beverages.

PROBATES AND WILLS WITH TOM RICE When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 Where: Zoom Details: Certified Genealogist Tom Rice explains the

value of probates and wills and theur usefulness in genealogical research. Registration required. Contact: 651-724-6001 #2; whitebearhistory.org

DEMENTIA CARE GIVER SUPPORT GROUP AND RESPITE CARE When: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4600 Victoria

St. N. Details: Trained facilitator from Alzheimer’s Speaks

leads support group as loved one enjoys activities in a nearby room. Free; registration requested by drop-ins welcome. Contact: 651-490-4700 or shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/ special-events

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES When: noon Wednesday, Jan. 26 Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676

Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with

friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com

JANUARY 18, 2022

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

Challenge-mode foraging: Finding wild foods in Minnesota winter BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

Minnesota is rich in edible wild foods, but it’s difficult to find anything alive and growing when everything is buried under inches of snow and ice. Foraging for wild foods in winter is a bit like a scavenger hunt— it gets you outside and keeps you busy in the winter months, with the promise of a tasty reward at the end. Below are a few wild foods you can forage even in the dead of Minnesota winter. Most of them are best prepared as tea, but what better way to warm up after a long foraging walk than with a hot mug of spruce needle or rosehip tea?

Spruce and pine needles Evergreens are easily identifiable all year round, and a tasty tea can be made from their needles. Make sure you can correctly identify the tree whose needles you want to collect. Most Minnesota evergreens are safe to consume, except for the yew tree, which is poisonous. White pines and spruce trees are among the best for a tasty tea. Winter weather naturally tends to knock small clusters of needles to the ground, where they are easy to gather. Some people prefer the milder taste of young needles, but you’re not likely to find these until spring comes around. The needles have a light citrus flavor, which is complemented with honey and lemon. Pour hot—not boiling—water over the needles to get the most out of their natural vitamin C content.

Chaga Chaga is a fungus mainly found on paper birch and yellow birch trees. This fungus attacks injured but living trees, growing like a tumor from the inside. On the surface of the tree, chaga looks like a big black scorch mark, but inside, it is a burnt yellow-orange color. The interior color is a dead giveaway PHOTOS BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER | PRESS PUBLICATIONS that you have a fungus Chaga fungus, which grows on and not simply an old birch trees in northern climates, burn scar in front of is an increasingly trendy you. “superfood,” with antibacterial Chaga grows very and anti-inﬂammatory slowly. If you choose properties, among other health to harvest chaga, it’s beneﬁts. best to take a chunk no larger than the size of a fist, so the remaining fungus can continue growing. Winter is the best time to harvest, since the fungus is naturally dried in

the cold winter air. The texture of chaga is hard and woody, so it should be chopped into smaller chunks and powdered with a food processor or coffee grinder. This powder can be combined with hot water or milk to make a thick, coffee-like beverage. Cinnamon and maple syrup can add to the richness of chaga tea.

green color. This plant should only be collected from clean water sources, and leaves should be washed thoroughly before consuming. The taste is similar to arugula or other peppery, flavorful greens, and is often used on sandwiches or in salads.

Rosehips

Most people know wintergreen as a popular chewing gum flavor, but it is a wild-growing plant in the northern regions of Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the name implies, its leaves stay bright green even when snow is thick on the ground. Both the berries and the leaves of wintergreen are safe Wintergreen grows low to the to consume. But there ground, but its bright colors is a trick to making make it easy to identify wherevwintergreen tea: uner it pokes through the snow. like other herbal teas, adding boiling water won’t release the strong flavor of the leaves. Instead, the leaves should be fermented in a jar of water, covered with a small towel and placed in a warm location for several days. When bubbles start to form, all you need to do is heat the water to have a refreshing wintergreen tea.

The fruit of rosebushes sometimes stays on the branches long into the winter, providing a naturally dried source of rosehip tea. Wearing thick gloves while harvesting can prevent painful pricks from the thorny branches. The hips can be used whole steeped in a tea blend, but crushing them will release the gritty seeds Rosehips are the seed pods and fibers inside, which of rosebushes, which are no one wants to ingest. commonly used in landscape Rosehips are high in plantings and easy to ﬁnd even vitamin C and can in urban areas. help boost the immune system—a great benefit for the time of year where seasonal illnesses are rampant. Add a little honey or mint leaves to your rosehip tea for a more complex flavor.

Turkey tail Turkey tail is a fungus that grows on decomposing wood yearround. It is a visually alluring fungus, easily recognizable by its colorful concentric stripes resembling the patterns on wild turkey feathers. Turkey tail has many health benefits, including antioxidants and prebiotics that aid in digestion. The easiest Turkey T k ttail il ffungus iis ffound d way to use these fungi worldwide, often growing on is in a turkey tail tea. fallen hardwood logs in damp This can be easily locations. turned into a warming turkey tail chai latte with the addition of a few spices and your choice of dairy or dairy substitute.

Watercress

Wintergreen

The number one rule of foraging is never to eat anything you cannot identify with 100 percent confidence. There are many Minnesota-specific guides to plant and mushroom identification and foraging. Smartphone apps such as Seek and iNaturalist can also give you a good start in identification, but are not always accurate and should be double-checked with a field guide or expert opinion. It’s important to make sure you have permission to enter and harvest on the land where you plan to forage. Some items can be found right in your backyard, especially if you have a home garden. You should also be certain that the area where you plan to forage has not been treated with harsh chemicals. Be mindful of how much you gather. Many foragers take only as much as they will use, and leave behind some wild foods for wildlife to eat, or to allow seeds to spread for the coming spring. Staff Writer Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

Watercress is a plant in the mustard family. Watercress can be found in shallow streams of fast-flowing water, and is easy to spot from a distance by its bright

BUSINESS BRIEFS Associated Eye Care Partners has been given the OK to move forward with a 12,230-square-foot medical eye clinic planned for the northwest quadrant of Main Street and 24th Avenue in Lino Lakes, near the city’s border with Hugo. The final plat, development agreement and site performance agreement have all been approved.

Minnesota recognizes Local Quilt Shop Day Jan. 22 is Local Quilt Shop Day, according to the state of Minnesota. The internationally celebrated holiday focuses on the rich tradition, history and creativity behind the art of quilting. Local Quilt Shop Day was established by a trade organization for independent and quilt retailers called The Fabric Shop Network.

The applicant, Rehbein Properties, submitted a land use application for the final plat of Belland Farms. The plat creates two commercial lots. Lot 1, 1.76 acres, for the purpose of constructing a medical eye clinic. Lot 2 will be a commercial development; a formal site plan will be reviewed at a later date.

The network encourages members of the public to go visit their local quilt shops in person or online Jan. 22. Local quilt shops include Affinity for Quilts at 2199 Fourth St. and Rosebud’s Cottage at 4715 Banning Ave., both located in White Bear Lake. After-All Long Arm Quilting is another local option located at 8815 Fraizer St. in Circle Pines. CONTRIBUTED

Associate Eye Care Partners plans to construct a medical eye clinic in the northwest quadrant of Main Street and 24th Avenue, near the city’s border with Hugo.

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Associated Eye Care to build clinic in Lino Lakes

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JANUARY 18, 2022

Boys basketball: Cougars top Blaine, lose to Andover Luke Clark, senior guard, led with 23 points as the Centennial Cougars clipped Blaine 70-60 at home Tuesday, Jan. 11. Jake Ball added 17 points, Ty Burgoon 11 and Reese Neudahl nine as the Cougars (3-7) picked up their third win in four games. AJ Kaul logged 16 points and Kallen Tinsen-Jenkins 13 for Blaine (4-8). “We had a couple guys out so a few younger

guys really had to step up,” coach Spencer Waldvogel said, citing Timmy Ball and Jacob Hosfield for quality minutes. Andover tripped the Cougars 68-52 there Thursday evening, led by Sam Musungu with 21 points and Connor Foy with 15. Neudahl tallied 13 points, Burgoon 12 and Clark 11 for the Cougars. Bruce Strand

JON NAMYST (NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) | CONTRIBUTED

Jake Ball launches a shot against Blaine on the way to 17 points.

Girls basketball: Cougars upend Blaine and Andover The Centennial Cougars got some balanced scoring and stout defense, both of which had been missing, and defeated a strong Blaine Bengals team 61-56 on Tuesday, Jan. 11 in Blaine. The Cougars (6-8) followed with a 59-52 win over Andover on Thursday, giving them a three-game win streak after a five-game losing streak. Autumn McCall, 6-foot-1 freshman forward, led the Cougars with 16 points and 16 rebounds against Blaine. Marisa Frost and Camille Cummings each tallied 13 points and each snagged nine

rebounds. Sydney Kubes and Grace Pullman added eight points each. Kubes hooked eight rebounds. Allison Terry scored 15 and Jade Bryant 13 for Blaine (10-3), which struggled at the free throw line, 13-for-26. Centennial was 9-for-30 on three-pointers. Against Andover, Cummings sank 18 points, McCall 15, Frost eight and Kubes seven. Anna Vaaler netted 14 points and Lexi Imdieke 13 for Andover (7-5). Bruce Strand JON NAMYST (NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) | CONTRIBUTED

Camille Cummings powers to the hoop against Andover’s Sophia White.

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Boys hockey: Centennial trounces Spring Lake Park, Coon Rapids Centennial cruised to a 16-2 win over Spring Lake Park on Thursday evening at home and followed with a 10-2 conquest of Coon Rapids on Saturday, marking three straight games in double digits by the Cougars (11-2). Owen Van Tassel found the net five times for the Cougars against Spring Lake Park (8-8). Cade Anderson had

Week*

Game-tying and game-winning goals by Lauren O’Hara lifted Centennial to a 2-1 overtime win over Osseo/Park Center on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The Cougars (12-6-1) then lost to Holy Family 5-1 on Saturday. At Osseo, they trailed 1-0 until O’Hara scored with 2:04 left in regulation (assisted by Olivia Wlaschin), then got her 19th goal at 5:42 of overtime (assisted by Megan Goodreau). Taverie Sherner scored for OPC (9-8). Cougar

three goals Scoring th l and d five assists. i t S i once each were Brody Pass, Brendan Hemr, Peyton Blair, Sam Menne, Brock Carls, AJ Carls, Harper Searles and Drake Ramirez. Pass made four assists. Against Coon Rapids (6-8), Van Tassel scored twice in the first 3 1/2 minutes, and Searles drilled three straight goals in the second period. Each had one power play goal. Also finding the net were Matt Everson, Pass, Austin Petersen, Brock Carls and Ramirez. Blair made three assists, and Searles, Everson, AJ Carls and Keagan Johnson two each. Prior to these games, the Cougars beat Anoka 11-0. Bruce Strand

CENTENNIAL HOCKEY

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Girls hockey: Cougars pull out OT win over OPC, lose to Holy Family

goalie Kaitlin Groess notched li K itli G t h d 24 saves. Holy Family (14-3-1), ranked No. 6 in Class 4A, beat the Cougars on two goals by Josie Linn and one each by Maddy Helmstetter, Maddie Kaiser and Kayla Woytcke. Jaycee Chatleain had the goal for the Cougars.

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The Centennial swimmers placed fifth of eight teams in the Section 7AA trueteam meet on Saturday at Coon Rapids, won by Duluth. Cougar top-10 finishes were by Connor Herbrechtsmeyer (seventh, 50 free), George Atkinson (seventh, butterfly, and eighth, 200 free), Alex Larkin (10th, IM), and Dominic Stevenson (seventh, backstroke, and 10th, butterfly). The Cougars placed 11th of 15 teams in the Border Battle at Fargo on Jan. 8, won by Alexandria. The medley team of Atkinson, Max Scheurer, Larkin and Herbrechtsmeyer took fifth in 1:49.64. Placing in the top 15 in

swims were L Larkin (12th, b butterfl i ki (12th tt fly), ) Herbrechtsmeyer (12th, 100 free), Atkinson (14th, butterfly), Ben Loehr (14th, 100 free, and 15th, 50 free), and Ben Condon (15th, 100 free).

Athlete

S i Swimming: i g Centennial C t i l places l 5th in true-team sectional

Olivia Wlaschin, senior co-captain, is a defensive leader in her fourth Centennial hockey season, and emerged as a productive passer as well this year. Wlaschin has logged 12 assists and two goals for the Cougars (12-6-1) while helping them hold opponents to 1.9 goals per game. “Olivia is a very aggressive, hard working player who’s had a great ﬁrst half of the season,” coach Sean Molin said. “She plays on both power play and penalty kill units. She has scored and assisted on big goals and helps to shut down opponents’ top players every night.” Wlaschin is also “one of our most vocal leaders,” he added.

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JANUARY 18, 2022

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CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL: Works to increase diversity in teaching staff FROM PAGE 1

the diversity of Centennial’s teachers. “Myself, our district administrators, and educators in general, are very concerned about the lack of diversity amongst people of color choosing to teach at Centennial, which is true of most suburban districts,” Ripken explained. “Research shows that people of color, for a variety of reasons, don't choose to teach in suburban schools. One (reason) is that they are going to be one of a handful of people who look like them. There is that comfort level of going back to teach in a community where you grew up, where you know who your colleagues are and you have a connection.” He added, “Our hope is to really grow Centennial's diversity as a whole, and this is one way of doing that.” Last year, three students took the course; this year, that number is up to eight. The course is meant for juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in education, whether that be teaching, counseling, social work, psychology or administration. The course follows a typical “Foundations in Education” course that a student would take in college once they decide to pursue a degree in education. Through research and observation, students identify developmental needs from young children to young adults and how to help them meet these needs in an educational setting. Students also participate in reflective journaling paired with reading, discussions and a class seminar format, which facilitates growth toward career choice. The

“Myself, our district administrators and educators in general, are very concerned about the lack of diversity amongst people of color choosing to teach at Centennial, which is true of most suburban districts.” Chris Ripken Secondary innovation and instruction coach

highlight is a mini student teaching experience at the end of the course. Senior MacKenzie Cummings took the course last year. Before she took the class, she was planning to go into zoology to become a zookeeper. In the back of her mind, she thought that if that didn’t work out, she could pursue a career in teaching. “I thought I would give it (the course) a try,” she said, adding that she was also impressed that she could earn college credit for it. She said she enjoyed everything about the course, so much so that she now plans to become a teacher. The course also helped her to figure out what grade she wants to teach — kindergarten.

Cummings has a type of dwarfism called achondroplasia. “Younger kids don't know what that is, and they are like, ‘How come you like that?’ So, I explain it,” she said. “Being able to teach just in general for learning that's good, but with me, it gives me an opportunity to teach people that it is okay to be different at a young age, and that everyone is okay the way they are.” This June, Cummings plans to move to California with her fiancé, Marine Dane Michaelson. There, she plans to work at a child development center on a U.S. Marine base. Eventually, she hopes to move back to Minnesota to pursue a degree in education at Minnesota State University Mankato. "I would recommend taking the class, because if they feel like they want to do teaching but they don't know how to do it, or they feel like they are not going to be able to do it … Take this opportunity so you can earn college credit and then you can find ways to help you be able to go into it in the future,” Cummings explained. “Instead of just sticking to one goal, unless you are a 100% about it, explore opportunities and try something else.” Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS • Council Member Jennifer Rauner says she continues to be proud of residents for their efforts to keep fire hydrants cleared of snow around the city. • Mayor Dave Bartholomay reminds residents that the city’s ice rinks are open for the winter, dependent on weather. • More than 100 residents have signed up for the city’s new organics recycling program, new for 2022. • The Utilities Commission continues to prepare for this year’s street project. The project includes the reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer system along with the complete reconstruction of the streets along Stardust Boulevard (west of the 2020 street project limits), Galaxy Drive, Twilite Terrace and Twinkle Terrace. • The city has made its annual appointments for 2022, some of which include: – Quad Community Press as legal newspaper – US Bank, Anoka Hennepin Federal Credit Union, Ehlers Financial; PMS Financial Network Inc., RBC Capital Markets, and Wells Fargo Bank as city depositories – Bartholomay, Rauner, Antonen and Finance Director Kate Manson as signatories – Shelley Ryan with Hoff Barry P.A as civil attorney, and Joe Van Thomme with Eckberg Lammers as prosecution attorney – Eric Eckman of WSB as city engineer – Council Member Matt Percy as mayor pro tem (acts on behalf of mayor when the mayor is absent) – Council committee appointments remained unchanged from last year • The city will submit its 2022 pay equity report to the state of Minnesota. Every three years, the city is required to submit the report to the state. State law requires all public jurisdictions such as cities, counties and school districts to eliminate any gender-based wage inequities in compensation and submit reports to the state’s Management and Budget (MMB) division. Antonen explained that the city anticipates the city will be found in compliance, as it has been compliant in all prior years’ submissions. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at City Hall.

PHOTOS BY CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

City Administrator Patrick Antonen administers the oath of office to Mayor Dave Bartholomay, who has served in that role for 20 years.

Circle Pines Mayor Dave Bartholomay and the City Council recognize Centennial High School foreign exchange student Mafalda Dias. Dias, from Lisbon, Portugal, is studying in the U.S. through the American Field Service (AFS). Since 1964, Centennial High School has hosted 99 students from 41 countries.

City Administrator Patrick Administrator Patrick Antonen administers the oath of office to Council Member Jennifer Rauner.

City Council Member Dean Goldberg is sworn in via videoconference while enjoying much warmer temperatures than in Minnesota.

Shannon Granholm

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LANDINGS OF LEXINGTON: Residents speak out about discrimination, safety concerns FROM PAGE 1

the non-emergency number doesn’t make much of a difference: if police are called, he said, they will respond. “Dominium punishes us (when we call) 911,” resident Filson Barkad explained. “They said the city tells them that they cannot call the police more than one time during the lease term.” If residents do call 911, they say they are threatened with eviction. Resident Yasmin Mohamud said that she had to call 911 when her daughter had a mental breakdown. She said she was put on probation and has been on a month-to-month lease now instead of an annual lease. “The police’s job is to protect us. You should call 911 when you feel a certain type of way,” she said. In addition to fear of retaliation if they call 911, residents said they do not feel safe. Many of the residents have had issues with property damage, including profanities being keyed into their cars. Some residents have also had unpleasant experiences with other Landings residents, but say that even though those problems are reported to management (and sometimes police), the residents who they perceive as threatening are still allowed to live at Landings. Resident Hoda Abdi, whose son was assaulted on the property this fall, said the person who assaulted him still lives there. Furthermore, she reported, when the resident sees Abdi, the resident tells her things like, “I will shoot you” and “I will kill you.” For the safety of her children, Hoda says she now drives her children to school in St. Paul. She is planning to move at the end of the school year. “If we report it to management, they don’t do anything, but then we are not supposed to call the cops … We are constantly looking over our shoulders,” Amal Abdi said. “I feel like this is the worst decision I ever made by moving here. The apartments are beautiful, there is great schooling, everything is close by. When I moved here (from Minneapolis) I thought everything was going to change. It would be a new start … I feel like I moved into hell.” Twice each year, Landings residents have to undergo inspections of their apartments. The residents say they feel like property management is more concerned about whether a refrigerator is clean or if there is a fi ngerprint on a wall, rather than the safety and well-being of residents. Amal Abdi explained that during her recent inspection, which she failed, she was expecting management to check for things that were damaged or broken, not whether every crumb was picked up out of the fridge and fi ngerprints weren’t on walls. Mohamud added, “I’ve never had an apartment be in your business like that.” If an inspection fails, residents say they are put on probation, their lease is not renewed and they live in constant fear of eviction. “I feel like we are in a cage, like we are animals. We don’t feel free. We don’t feel like we live in an apartment,” Amal Abdi explained. The residents also can’t help but notice when property management refers to Somali residents with terms such as “they, them, you guys and your people.” Resident Khadro Ahmed said she has often been told by management “you guys don’t listen.” Paula Prahl, vice president of public affairs for Dominium, said the city of Lexington has had concerns about the number of police calls generated at Landings. However, she noted, that does not mean that residents are told to not call 911 in the case of an emergency. She explained that there is no stipulation in leases that a resident can only call 911 once during the term, and she guessed there might be a misunderstanding or some sort of language

CONTRIBUTED

Some residents of the Landings of Lexington apartment complex, located at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road, say they feel targeted and discriminated against by property management (Dominium) and other Landings residents.

barrier. “We want residents to call the police, and I think the police even want them to call the police if they are not safe or have an issue,” Prahl explained. “We have had some residents calling the police for things that you and I typically wouldn’t call the police for, so we have been trying to work with people to help them understand when do you call the police and when don’t you call the police.” In terms of the biannual inspections, Prahl said it is not a one-and-done type of approach, and residents are given plenty of time to correct any issues that are found before it would ever reach the eviction level. “Inspections are for everybody’s safety; if one unit is attracting vermin and stuff like that, every unit gets it,” she said. “So, we try to make sure that that the units are maintained at least in some level of decorum.” In an effort to help bridge communication barriers, Prahl said Dominium hired one staff member who is Somali and speaks Somali to assist at various properties. “We have spent a lot of time trying to make

“The reason they received an ordinance violation was they were calling us for things that management should have been handling, not for a violation of using 911,” Murphy explained. “To my knowledge, at least from my office, there is no standing policy, whether it is written or verbal, that says people shouldn’t be using 911 out of that building. If somebody feels like they need call the police, they need to call the police or EMS or fi re if need be.” Murphy said he wants Landings residents to feel welcome and safe in the city. “We understand that people have cultural differences, they come from all walks of life, and our city does not discriminate and we do not tolerate that type of stuff that goes on whatsoever,” he said. If discrimination is in fact taking place, Murphy explained, that would be a violation of Dominium’s conditional use permit for the property and the city attorney would get involved. “We want everybody living in that building to be welcome in Lexington,” he said, adding that he plans to talk with building management to set up a meeting with residents.

“We want everybody living in that building to be welcome in Lexington,”

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

Mike Murphy Lexington Mayor sure that we are able to help residents to the extent we that we can … We do defi nitely want our residents, especially in a new property like this, to feel acclimated to the city and to feel connected,” Prahl said. “I think we’ve tried to be a bridge between the city.” Mayor Mike Murphy explained that an invoice for an ordinance violation has been sent to Dominium in the past regarding excessive police calls, but the city in no way fi nes Dominium for legitimate calls for emergency services. He explained that if an elevator was out of service, emergency services would be called, or if children were messing with buttons in the elevators, emergency services would be dispatched.

‘EXCESSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES’ DEFINED: Lexington city code (chapter 17), reads in part: “It is the intent of the city council by the adoption of this chapter to impose on and collect from the owner of a property the city cost for police services and related services which are over and above the cost of providing normal city services and police protection city-wide, if the said excess costs are spent to abate a nuisance which has occurred, or is maintained and permitted, on the property.” “Furthermore, ‘excessive law enforcement services’ means those services provided at a specific building, after four or more calls for service for separate nuisance events had occurred in a prior one-month time period, where the owner was notified in writing that subsequent high levels of police and nuisance calls for service would result in a fee being charged for excessive consumption of those services.”

NAMES IN THE NEWS Lisa Hanson Lamey has been selected for the Rookery Activity Center manager position. Hanson Lamey’s fi rst day will be Jan. 31; the City Council approved her appointment last week. Hanson Lamey holds a master’s degree in health, leisure, exercise sport science from the University of West Florida. She has 20 years of experience in recreation facilities operations and programming; her last two years were working as the director of operations for Ramsey County Arenas and Golf Courses. Hanson Lamey’s hourly rate of pay will be $42.42, step 5 of the city’s nine-step wage schedule.

Lino Lakes City Council Member Dale Stoesz has been selected by the League of Minnesota Cities to represent the nine-county metropolitan area on the Statewide Emergency Communication Board. Stoesz will serve as an alternate to William (Bill) Droste, mayor of the city of Rosemount.

JANUARY 18, 2022

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

ANOKA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PUBLIC NOTICE The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department hereby gives public notice of its intent to aerate four Anoka County lakes to prevent winterkill of JDPH ÀVK 7KH &RXQW\ LQWHQGV WR XVH PRELOH V\VWHPV ZKLFK PD\ EH XVHG DW DQ\ WLPH 7KH DHUDWLRQ V\VWHPV ZLOO FDXVH DUHDV RI WKLQ LFH DQG RSHQ ZDWHU WKDW ÁXFWXDWH JUHDWO\ 7KH DHUDWLRQ V\VWHPV DUH LQWHQGHG WR EH XVHG RQ &HQWHUYLOOH /DNH &RRQ /DNH 0DUWLQ /DNH DQG 3HOWLHU /DNH ,I WKHUH DUH DQ\ questions concerning these aeration systems, please contact Quinn Palar, $QRND &RXQW\·V 1DWXUDO 5HVRXUFHV 6SHFLDOLVW DW WARNING! STAY CLEAR OF DESIGNATED DANGER AREAS!

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CITY OF CENTERVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Centerville Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public KHDULQJ RQ 7XHVGD\ )HEUXDU\ DW WKH &HQWHUYLOOH &LW\ +DOO 0DLQ 6WUHHW LQ WKH &RXQFLO &KDPEHUV EHJLQQLQJ DW S P RU VKRUWO\ WKHUHDIWHU RQ WKH IROORZLQJ PDWWHU ITEM: 6LWH 3ODQ 5HYLHZ &RQGLWLRQDO 8VH 3HUPLW &83

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SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING / CLOSED SESSION DECEMBER 13, 2021 (Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-792-6010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; December 13, 2021. &$// 72 25'(5 &KDLUSHUVRQ *XWKPXHOOHU FDOOHG WKH 6SHFLDO &ORVHG 6HVVLRQ 0HHWLQJ RI WKH 6FKRRO %RDUG WR RUGHU DW S P LQ WKH 'LVWULFW 2IÀFH %RDUG 5RRP 52// &$// &OHUN 7LPP FDOOHG WKH UROO 7KH IROORZLQJ PHPEHUV ZHUH SUHVHQW .QLVHO\ *XWKPXHOOHU H[ RIÀFLR +ROPEHUJ %HWWLQJHU /LQVHU 7LPP 7KH IROORZLQJ PHPEHUV ZHUH DEVHQW 1RQH $33529$/ 2) 7+( $*(1'$ 0RWLRQ WR DSSURYH WKH DJHQGD E\ .QLVHO\ VHFRQGHG E\ %HWWLQJHU 9RWH PRWLRQ FDUULHG XQDQLPRXVO\ $'-2851 ,172 &/26(' 6(66,21 3XUVXDQW WR 0LQQHVRWD 6WDWXWHV 6HFWLRQ ' 6XEG D WKH ERDUG ZLOO DGMRXUQ LQWR FORVHG VHVVLRQ IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI FRPSOHWLQJ WKH PLG \HDU UHYLHZ DQG HYDOXDWLRQ RI WKH 6XSHULQWHQGHQW·V SHUIRUPDQFH 0RWLRQ WR DGMRXUQ into closed session to complete the mid-year review and evaluation of the 6XSHULQWHQGHQW·V SHUIRUPDQFH E\ %HWWLQJHU VHFRQGHG E\ /LQVHU 9RWH PRWLRQ FDUULHG XQDQLPRXVO\ 7KH ERDUG DGMRXUQHG DW S P WR JR LQWR closed session to complete the annual, systematic review and evaluation of WKH 6XSHULQWHQGHQW·V SHUIRUPDQFH 7KH FORVHG VHVVLRQ ZDV FDOOHG WR RUGHU DW S P LQ WKH 'LVWULFW 2IÀFH &RQIHUHQFH 5RRP 7KH IROORZLQJ PHPEHUV ZHUH SUHVHQW %HWWLQJHU /LQVHU .QLVHO\ 7LPP H[ RIÀFLR +ROPEHUJ *XWKPXHOOHU 0RWLRQ WR DGMRXUQ WKH FORVHG VHVVLRQ E\ .QLVHO\ VHFRQGHG E\ /LQVHU 9RWH PRWLRQ FDUULHG XQDQLPRXVO\ 7KH FORVHG VHVVLRQ DGMRXUQHG DW S P 5(&219(1( 7KH VSHFLDO PHHWLQJ RI WKH 6FKRRO %RDUG UHFRQYHQHG DW

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Published one time in the Quad Community Press on January 18, 2022.

CITY OF LINO LAKES ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS WATER TOWER NO. 2 REHABILITATION 127,&( ,6 +(5(%< *,9(1 WKDW ELGV IRU WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI :DWHU 7RZHU 1R 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ ZLOO EH UHFHLYHG RQOLQH WKURXJK 4XHVW&'1 Y%LG XQWLO Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 11:00 am ORFDO WLPH ,PPHGLDWHO\ IROORZLQJ H[piration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Lino Lakes ZLOO SXEOLFO\ YLHZ ELGV DW DQ RQOLQH ELG RSHQLQJ PHHWLQJ 7KRVH LQWHUHVWHG LQ YLHZLQJ WKH RQOLQH ELG RSHQLQJ DUH ZHOFRPH WR MRLQ WKH PHHWLQJ E\ ORJJLQJ on to https://zoom.us/join RU FDOOLQJ DQG HQWHULQJ Meeting ID DQG Passcode 7KH DV UHDG RQOLQH ELG UHVXOWV ZLOO EH available at www.questcdn.com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www. questcdn.com %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV PD\ EH GRZQORDGHG IURP WKH ZHEVLWH IRU D QRQUHIXQGDEOH IHH RI E\ LQSXWWLQJ 4XHVW SURMHFW #8097637 on the webVLWH·V 3URMHFW 6HDUFK SDJH 7KH ZHEVLWH ZLOO EH XSGDWHG SHULRGLFDOO\ ZLWK DGdenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant WR VXEPLWWLQJ D %LG IRU WKH 3URMHFW $OO RIÀFLDO QRWLÀFDWLRQV DGGHQGD DQG RWKHU %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV ZLOO EH RIIHUHG RQO\ WKURXJK WKH ZHEVLWH www.questcdn. com 1HLWKHU 2ZQHU QRU (QJLQHHU ZLOO EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV LQFOXGLQJ DGGHQGD LI DQ\ REWDLQHG IURP RWKHU VRXUFHV 7KH &LW\ &RXQFLO UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR UHMHFW DQ\ DQG DOO ELGV DQG WR ZDLYH DQ\ ELGV UHFHLYHG ZLWKRXW H[SODQDWLRQ 1R ELG PD\ EH ZLWKGUDZQ IRU D SHULRG RI GD\V )RU DOO IXUWKHU UHTXLUHPHQWV UHJDUGLQJ ELG VXEPLWWDO TXDOLÀFDWLRQV SURFHGXUHV DQG FRQWUDFW DZDUG UHIHU WR WKH ,QVWUXFWLRQV WR %LGGHUV WKDW DUH LQFOXGHG LQ WKH %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV '$7(' -DQXDU\ %< 7+( 25'(5 2) 7+( &,7< &281&,/ V V 5LFN 'H*DUGQHU 3XEOLF 6HUYLFHV 'LUHFWRU /LQR /DNHV 01 Published two times in the Quad Community Press on January 18 and 25, 2022.

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

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CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

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CARPENTRY

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JANUARY 18, 2022 www.presspubs.com

SUNNY

PARTLY CLOUDY

CLOUDY

Weather tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Despite our recent mild run of temperatures we're still colder than average for the month. Arctic air certainly has dominated the weather pattern this month and it looks like we're in store for more this forecast period. With arctic air generally comes sunny daytime skies. That sun can make all the difference in the world if you choose to venture outside for an activity. I encourage you to do so. How many of you took a big gulp when you received your gas bill? February's cold of 2021 has caught up to us. Stay warm. Side note: My 2022 weather calendar is out! Check my website for more info. WeathermanWatson.com or call me at 651.206.5364.

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.

STORM

SNOW

RAIN

Weekly Outlook WEEKLY AVERAGES JAN. 19-25 Wed Jan. 19 5°/ -14°

Thu Jan. 20 2°/ -12°

Fri Jan. 21 14°/ 12°

7:45 / 5:03

7: 44 / 5:04

7: 43 / 5:05

Sat Jan. 22 18°/ -1°

Sun Jan. 23 13°/ 0°

Mon Jan. 24 13°/ -5°

Tue Jan. 25 6°/ -6°

7: 42 / 5:07

7: 41 / 5:08

7: 41 / 5:10

7:40 / 5:11

SUNRISE/SUNSET

High Low %Sun PCP

24° 7° 53% 0.30”

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Crossword

CLUES ACROSS

1. Engine additive 4. Undemanding 8. “__ your enthusiasm” 10. Well-known island 11 Not saintly 12. Habitual 13. Central parts of church buildings 15. Trust 16. Intestinal 17. Deep-bodied ﬁsh 18. Live up to expectations 21. Snag 22. Partner to haw 23. General’s assistant (abbr.) 24. Sheep disease 25. Male term of endearment 26. United 27. Popular TV host 34. Overnighters 35. Beloved British princess 36. Obtains from 37. Third Mughal Emperor 38. Shares the opinion of 39. Central European river 40. Feudal estates 41. KU hoops coach Bill 42. Spreads out for drying 43. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan

CLUES DOWN

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CLUES ACROSS

3. Part of a ladder 4. Unit of work 5. Patriotic women 6. Fragrant essential oil 7. Aggressive, uncouth man 8. One thousandth of an inch 9. Brisk and cheerful readiness 10. Serving no practical purpose 11. Prevent from going forward 12. Camera part 13. Former CIA 16. Colorless, odorless gas 18. Long division of time 22. Atomic #73 23. Make a bleating sound 24. The kids love him 25. Female condition prior to menstrual period 27. Founder of Sikhism 28. Sudanese swamp 29. He/she can help with your ﬁnances 30. Part of the human body 31. Mortar trough 33. Greek island 35. Change pagination 36. Queens hip hop group 37. Precursor to the EU 39. A way to go on 42. Slender marine ﬁsh 43. Georgetown’s mascot 44. Farm state 46. Military leader (abbr.) 47. Russian river 48. Teams’ best pitchers 49. In a more positive way 50. Long French river 51. Reactive structures in organic chemistry 52. Distinctive practices CLUES DOWN 53. Male gypsy 1. One of two or more people or 54. When you hope to get there things 55. Men’s fashion accessory 2. Small, deerlike water buf56. Journalist Tarbell falo 1. Battered corners: dog-__ 6. __ Mater: one’s school 10. National capital 14. Frogs and toads order 15. Bathrooms (French) 17. Praise 19. Witch 20. Consume 21. Pork and lamb are two types 22. Rocky peak 23. Women’s undergarments 24. From end to end 26. Bed sheets 29. South Sudanese king 31. Dislike immensely 32. Diving seabird 34. Breathe noisily 35. Full of roots 37. Inside 38. Small island in a river 39. Tear into pieces 40. “CSI” actor George 41. Make less dense 43. Derogatory term for a country native 45. Pike and pickerel genus 46. Important in respiration and other biochemical reactions (abbr.) 47. Belgian city 49. “The Joy Luck Club” author 50. Essence of “Aloha” 53. Suggestions 57. One who overindulges 58. Expression 59. Maize dough 60. Make into leather 61. British noblemen

JANUARY 18, 2022

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS www.presspubs.com

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS • The Centerville Lions Club plans to hold its annual ice fishing contest Saturday, Feb. 19. The Lions have been granted an exempt raffle permit and temporary on-sale liquor license for the event by the City Council. • Applications for on-sale wine and Sunday sale licenses will be forwarded to the Minnesota Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division for review for Mama Mia Mexican Grill, located at 7997 Lake Drive (Suite 110). (The location previously held the same licenses under Elwood’s Bar & Restaurant.) The city has already approved a 3.2 beer license for the business. • Last year’s budget has been amended to include the use of additional reserve funds in the amount of $860,695, whereas the original adopted budget included the use of $21,832 in reserves. Finance Director Hannah Lynch explained that on the revenue side, residential development, primarily Watermark, contributed to increased permit revenue. In addition, the use of committed fund balance for Tower Park contributed to increased use of general fund reserves. On the expenditure side, vacancies in the police department and a decrease in cross-trained police officers contributed to a decrease in personnel costs. In addition, the use of committed fund balance for Tower Park contributed to increased capital outlay expenditures. • The city’s newest paid-on-call firefighter is Brian Kisch. This is his first week on the job, and his hourly rate of pay is $15/hour. • The city has made its appointments for 2022, some of which include: – Quad Community Press as legal newspaper – Barna, Guzy and Steffen; Kennedy and Graven; Rupp, Anderson, Squires and Waldspurger; and Geck, Duea and Olson for legal services – BakerTilly as fiscal agent – Anoka County as assessor – First Resource Bank, LMC 4M Fund, PMA Financial Network, PMA Securities, Moreton Capital Markets, and US Bank as city depositories – WSB as city engineer – Redpath & Company as city auditor – TimeSaver Inc. for secretarial services • The City Council will likely award a contract Feb. 14 for the Water Tower No. 2 reconditioning project. The council has approved the plans and specifications and authorized the advertisement for bid for the project. The water tower is located at 7001 Otter Lake Road and was constructed in 1996. City Engineer

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Mayor Rob Raffety swears in Council Member Tony Cavegn.

Mayor Rob Raffety swears in Council Member Dale Stoesz.

Diane Hankee, of WSB, explained that the water tower inspection report identified several structural and coating issues that need to be addressed. In addition, the exterior and interior dry coatings are more than 24 years old and have surpassed their life expectancy. Coatings on water towers are typically replaced every 20 years, or more frequently, to protect the underlying steel surfaces from corrosion. The project will likely take 14-16 weeks and the estimated construction cost is a little more than $1.54 million. Hankee said she is hopeful the project will be completed by early summer to avoid any disruption to the city’s water supply. • The city has begun the process of creating a master plan for the northeast I-35E development area. The NE quadrant of I-35E and Main Street has been the focus of a number of planning and infrastructure projects over the past 10 years. In addition, city staff is currently working on trunk drainage improvements to service the land east of

I-35E and completing wetland delineations as part of the planning for Otter Lake Road. Because much of the infrastructure planning is interrelated, city staff would like to create a master plan covering approximately 400 acres lying north of Main Street and east of I-35E. The purpose of the plan would be to determine a preferred alignment of Otter Lake Road, create a regional stormwater plan and routing for the area, determine sanitary sewer and water routing, and obtain land and engineering information necessary to apply for various federal funding grant opportunities made available by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). WSB will complete the study for $39,500. The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at City Hall. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. Shannon Granholm

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Bird count suggests winter of tufted titmice ahead BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER STAFF WRITER

Year of the titmouse Among hundreds of crows, jays and fi nches observed by volunteers, a total of eight tufted titmice doesn’t seem like a whole lot. But these eight individual birds represent a growing trend in the long-term data collected by the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is a global tradition, and is more than 120 years old. The longevity of the CBC makes it an ideal resource to study longterm trends about birds, which often reflect the conditions of their habitat. After Christmas, 44 volunteers in the Northeast Suburban count area put their eyes and ears to work to document everything on the wing in areas of Washington County and Ramsey County northeast of the Twin Cities. How do tufted titmice play into the data? According to Northeast Suburban Count Coordinator Jim Howitz, these birds add to the growing evidence that the range of these birds is changing, possibly due to warming winter conditions. The tufted titmouse is a larger relative of the black-capped chickadee, with a distinctive gray coloring and small crest on its head. The bird is common in Eastern forests and is becoming increasingly common in Minnesota as habitat resources slowly shift and climatic changes take place. “It was very satisfying for me to get them; it’s the bird I thought I would be most likely to see exploding here,” Howitz said. CBC data tracks how bird

movement changes over time. Howitz said that tufted titmice used to be more common in Minnesota, but sightings declined after the 1970s. It’s only in recent years the bird has made a noticeable comeback. Locals can keep their eyes peeled for tufted titmice in the area. These charming birds will readily visit birdfeeders and nest in backyard birdhouses.

Solo standouts Sometimes a bird appears on the count long after it should have migrated south. Some of these birds have managed to fi nd a reliable food source despite harsh winter conditions. This year, CBC volunteers counted a fox sparrow, a yellow-rumped warbler and a Wilson’s snipe among the unusual birds for the season. The Northeast Suburban count is one of only a few areas to see snipe in winter. Snipe are a small, secretive shorebird often found on the banks of streams and ponds. Their long bill is specially adapted to bury deep into muddy soil in search of insect larvae and worms. The spring-fed streams that feed into the St. Croix River often stay open through the winter, providing a refuge for the freshwater invertebrates that serve as a food source for snipe. “They’re in the same habitat with watercress; that’s the magic spot,” Howitz said. “They’re extremely habitat-specific.”

Falcon trifecta The Northeast Suburban area is one of the few that are home to all three species of falcon found in Minnesota. American kestrels, merlins and peregrine falcons can all be found in the vicinity of the St. Croix River, especially near the Allen S. King Power Plant smokestack, where peregrines are known to roost. “Those are all difficult species to get, particularly the merlin,” Howitz said. “Falcons are such charismatic birds; it’s always a thrill to see one. This is pretty far north for them in the winter.”

Trends over time CBC data is one of the best ways to track long-term bird trends as species move between habitat zones, reflect good and bad breeding years, and follow food resources. Howitz noted the records show that the kinds of birds that visit backyard feeders, such as chickadees, woodpeckers, sparrows and fi nches, are rising in numbers while opencountry birds such as meadowlarks are appearing less often. “As the suburbs get bigger and older trees, that’s good for a lot of birds,” Howitz said. “Warmer winters make it more likely to see robins, bluebirds and even flickers.” Staff Writer Jackie Bussjaeger can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.

The city of Stillwater is preparing to host the inaugural World Snow Sculpting Championship competition Jan. 18-23. Ten to 12 teams from around the world will travel to Lowell Park in Stillwater to create amazing snow sculptures while competing for the title of the World Champion. Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robin Anthony said this is an event that involves a lot of planning with the city of Stillwater, Discover Stillwater and the chamber. “In September 2020, the mayor and I brought together the city and business owners to help the businesses get through COVID and to do something in the wintertime. Last summer, the city of Stillwater updated their strategic plan that now states that their focus is to make Stillwater a year-round destination,” Anthony said. The city and chamber researched for things do in the winter and discovered the national snow

sculpting competition at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. “We talked to the organizers of that event, and they said they've always wanted to do a world snow sculpting championship,” Anthony said. “There are international competitions, but there's never been a world snow sculpting championship.” According to Anthony, there were many cities that were interested in hosting. Winter Fun LLC wanted the contest to be by a river town, and Stillwater was the organization’s fi rst choice. Over the last year, the chamber has been working with the steering committee to host the event. Part of its tagline is the “world's coolest block party,” which the chamber will host. “Depending if the weather cooperates, they will start making snow on Jan. 10 in the chamber parking lot and moving the clean snow into Lowell Park and forms that they're building,” Anthony said. “Then the snow will go into the forms, and people will get in and stomp the snow down. That should take about a week.”

TOP 10 BIRDS OF 2021 11. Black-capped Black capped chickadee: 823 2. American crow: 519 3. Dark-eyed junco: 318 4. Rock pigeon: 302 5. Canada goose: 284 6. Wild turkey: 261 7. American goldfinch: 253 8. White-breasted nuthatch: 206 9. Blue jay: 184 10. Northern cardinal: 157 Total species: 48 Number of individual birds: 4,588

Chamber ready to host the world's biggest block party BY NOELLE OLSON STAFF WRITER

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS | CONTRIBUTED

The Bird count data shows a rise in the number of tufted titmice, an Eastern relative of the chickadee, seen in the Northeast Suburban area in recent years.

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, an artist will present a carving exhibition and discuss carving and the tools they're using at Lowell Park. “It's a chance for visitors to get up real close and ask questions to the artist,” Anthony said. There will be an opening ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 19, at JX Event Center for VIP's and sponsors. This is a ticketed event, and is open to the public with limited seating available. “That will be the time to introduce all the teams from the (different) countries and get them on stage and say 'hello.' There will also be entertainment and a chance to mingle with the teams,” Anthony said. The competition starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Lowell Park and will go until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. The chamber will host a mixer on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the Water Street Inn to celebrate its 130-year anniversary. At 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, there will be a closing awards ceremony at the Water Street Street Inn. First-, second- and thirdplace winners will be announced, as will the people's choice award.

NEWS BRIEF Press Publications seeking stories on senior living options Navigating the choice between assisted living and independent living is difficult for families. We want to hear your story about making this choice with a loved one, so others can learn from your experience. Tell us your advice on what type of senior care option worked best for your family and why. Share your story by emailing lowdownnews@presspubs.com or leaving a voicemail at 651-407-1226.

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“After the awards ceremony, we'll be celebrating at the world's biggest block party,” Anthony said. “We're looking at taking the whole block and having a community party. People can check our website for updates.” The event ends Sunday, Jan. 23, with MinneSnowta Nice Day, which will focus on the state of Minnesota. For updates on the event and to learn more about the World Snow Sculpting Championship, go to https:// greaterstillwaterchamber. com/WSSC. Staff Writer Noelle Olson can be reached at 651-4071229 or lowdownnews@ presspubs.com.

CALENDAR BRIEF Lutheran Social Service works to prevent trafficking A virtual “Lunch and Learn” will be offered at noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, to hear from Lutheran Social Service leaders across the state about what is being done to prevent trafficking and support youth, and how the community can get involved. To sign up, visit https://bit. ly/3nrqagN. The effort is part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, designed to create awareness and support survivors who have been affected by this crime. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota in the Twin Cities Metro area is dedicated to preventing sex trafficking among youth and connecting with survivors who have been sexually exploited to support them.