BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is hoping it can get two cities and the county on board as partners to support a portion of what is expected to be a $1.1 million project to improve the water quality of Centerville Lake. The project seeks to address the internal phosphorus load in Centerville Lake, a key factor contributing to water quality challenges such
as algae blooms. Through the application of in-lake aluminum sulfate (alum), the project will target the reduction of sedimentphosphorus release by 80%. This should ultimately lead to a substantial improvement in water clarity and the restoration of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
“For recreation, it is a huge issue,” said Matt Kocian, lake and stream program manager at RCWD. “Nobody wants to swim, boat or fish
on a lake when it’s like this … The water will be noticeably clearer after this application, and there will be more aquatic plants on the lake.”
As previously reported by the Quad Community Press (“Watershed district grant to improve water quality of Centerville Lake” Dec. 26), the RCWD has secured a grant totaling $954,500 to support the project.
SEE
“In the Mood”; “Sweet Georgia Brown”; “Jump, Jive an’ Wail”; “Sway”; “New York, New York”; “At Last”; “Mack the Knife”; and “Bandstand Boogie” are just some of the more than 30 songs you might hear at the next performance of Saints of Swing this weekend.
Saints of Swing was formed in January 2012 after St. Joseph of the Lakes member Harvey Karth approached Lino Lakes resident Mike Snell about creating a Big Band made up of church members. Snell, who was a band teacher at the time, agreed, and the band started with nine members.
“That’s not a Big Band,” Snell recalled. “When we first started, I think there were more people in the band than there were on the dance floor … (But) it just kept getting bigger.”
Now, the band has 22 members who range in age from 35 to 70. Of the 22, 11 of them are parish members. Day jobs include engineer, pilot, project manager, IT, customer service and music education/business.
Not only has the band grown, but the number of people on the dance floor has also grown. “We have had close to 180 swing dancers out on the dance floor here at St. Joe’s,” Snell said. He noted that the band has had well over 300 dancers at some of its other venues, including Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul and 301 Main in Minneapolis.
SEE SAINTS OF SWING, PAGE 2
Meet Shep, a lively, energetic and loving companion. Shep would be a great match for someone or a family who can keep up with his energy level and provide him with engaging activities. Shep thrives on daily exercise and play. His enthusiasm for fetch is endless, and his pure happiness and excitement while playing fetch is contagious. He will play fetch continuously until his throwing partner has to stop the game.
Shep’s foster says he brings joy and entertainment to any play session. Shep has a friendly disposition and is cordial to everyone he meets. He is also social with other dogs and with his foster’s cat. Shep is loyal to his people and wants to be with them at all times; he’s a “Velcro” dog.
Shep is a 4-year-old shepherd mix and weighs about 51 pounds. He arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. Shep is also house-trained, cratetrained and leash-trained. If you are interested in learning more about Shep or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org.
Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
FROM PAGE 1
Snell, who has been the band’s director since its inception, is a retired band teacher. He taught for over 37 years, 30 of those in White Bear Area Schools. He has been retired since 2015. The band only has a few retirees in the mix; otherwise,
When: Saturday, March 16, dance lessons at 6:15 p.m. and performance/ dancing from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Community members are invited to attend dance lessons prior to the performance. Lessons will be taught by Jenelle Donnay and Mike Dinsmore of Awaken Dance. The Saints of Swing Big Band will then play a variety of swing and Latinstyle music for people to dance along to on the floor of the Great Hall. Money raised from the event goes toward St. Joe’s Music Ministry.
the majority of the musicians have day jobs.
“I’m blessed to have some great musicians and be able to share my passion for performing this type of music,” Snell said.
Lino Lakes resident Tom Reinecke, a bass player, has been with the band since it began. For his day job, he works as an information security analyst for Wells Fargo.
He said he enjoys playing with the talented musicians and vocalists. “The talent across the group is nothing short of amazing, and the fact that we have it concentrated right here in our own local community is just incredible,” he said. He added, “It’s very rewarding, and it provides an opportunity, an outlet, for me to do something I love doing and give back a little bit in the process.”
Saints of Swing practices about eight times a year and performs five to seven times a year. Most of the performances happen at St. Joes, but sometimes the band performs at venues like the Withrow Ballroom and Heights Hall in Stillwater. The band has also performed at some Music in the Park events around the metro and has teamed up with some high school bands on occasion.
The band performs songs from a book of approximately 100 choices. “I kind of mix it up a bit so we don’t play the same songs every dance,” Snell said.
Lino Lakes resident Scott Larson, a selfidentified crooner, started out playing saxophone for the band, but he “retired” his saxophone to be a singer.
“I have a surreal moment every time I sing with the Saints of Swing because I’m this little Catholic choir boy … It’s amazing that I get to sing with such a great group of musicians. It’s really a privilege that I don’t take lightly,” Larson said.
The Saints of Swing will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16. (See pullout box for more information.) This summer, the band plans to perform at the St. Joseph of the Lakes Summer Festival Sunday, Aug. 11, and possibly at some Music in the Park events. Members will also host another swing dance this fall. For more information about performances or the band itself, visit www.saintsofswing.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 21; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.
Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
HUGO SENIOR CLUB
When: 1 p.m. Monday, March 18; the 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.
Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES TRAINING
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12
Where: West Recreation Building, 14 W Pleasant Lake Rd., North Oaks
Details: Learn about aquatic invasives in local waters and how to become a volunteer who monitors new infestations in lakes. RSVP.
Contact: vlawmo.org/events
When: noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where: Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine Details: Families and children 10 and under can enjoy a bonfire, crafts, egg hunt, and pictures with the bunny. See fee and registration
https://bit.ly/3HLvK6W
PLASTICS AND CLIMATE ACTION
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13; 6:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, March 14
Where: Zoom
Details: League of Women Voters-White Bear Lake Area sponsors presentation with experts on the topic of increasing use of plastics and how it is accelerating climate change, recycling effectiveness and solutions to pollution. Free and open to the public. Register to get link.
Contact: lwv-wbla.org
NORTH SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS CLUB SPRING COFFEE
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, March 14
Where: Shoreview Community Center, Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: NSNC, a non-profit friendship organization for older women in the northern suburbs, invites prospective members to learn about their daytime activities.
Contact: 612-616-6142 or 651-638-9849
When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Where: Gem Lake Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Rd.
Details: Learn about raingardens, if they are a good fit, planning and maintenange strategies, and how to fund projects. Free with registration.
Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/events
When: Noon-2:30 p.m. March 16
Where: Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township
Details: Tap maple trees, boil sap, enjoy maple crafts and treats, and take a self-guided tour. All ages. Registration required.
Contact: ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/ tamarack-nature-center
When: 1-3 p.m. Monday, March 18
Where: Wargo Nature Center
Details: Learn the Japanese practice of “bathing in the forest atmosphere”, an immersive experience in nture through a gentle, guided walk. Registration information online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
Where: Centennial High School West Gym
Details: Exhibitors include representatives from community colleges, technical colleges, apprentice programs, trade unions, military and community experts representing technical careers. All area students invited to attend.
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Cr., Circle Pines
Details: Make a wig to be given to kids going through cancer treatment. No cost, free yarn.
Contact: whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com
Week of March 3 – 9, 2024
Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. 90 years of the
2. Devastating diagnosis followed by outpouring of support. White Bear Press > News
3. Earliest ice-out on record called on White Bear Lake. White Bear Press >
4. Bruce Vento Trail gets council approval for new expansion. White Bear Press > News
5. Lino Lakes considers community concept. Quad Community Press > News
Sunshine Week is March 10-16, and this year, there’s an even greater need for you to get involved.
Sunshine Week annually celebrates freedom of information laws in every state. It also salutes efforts by good government advocates and journalists to use and ensure the effectiveness of those laws to get the information we need as self-governing citizens.
The name is a play on the commonsense words spoken more than a century ago by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, that “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”
Brandeis’ remark was not made in a court opinion. It was in a 1913 article published in the news magazine Harper’s Weekly. Along with its observations on American culture and events, Harper’s was part of the “muckraking” news era, with journalists holding business and government accountable for corruption, waste and illegal activity.
As a special treat of each Sunshine Week, we get to see current examples of news reporting on behalf of the public, the type of journalism that the nation’s founders had in mind when they adopted strong First Amendment protection for a free press.
Sunshine Week was started in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors.
Each year, we celebrate the thousands of local, state and national print, TV, radio and online reports that tell us what the government or others are doing and how they are doing it; reports that explore and expose otherwise-unseen information we need to know to make good decisions at the ballot box, when petitioning for change or simply things we should know about our communities.
But this year as we celebrate the work being done on behalf of democracy, there is an increasingly needed partner in that work: You and your support for local journalists.
The number of journalists continues to plummet, from more than 75,000 newsroom jobs in 2005 to 31,860 in 2022, according to the Medill Local News Initiative. Far too many of us now live in “news deserts,” areas across the nation where not a single news outlet exists. Medill reported that in 2023, that out of 3,143 counties nationwide, 204 counties had no newspapers, local digital sites, public radio newsrooms or ethnic publications, and another 228 counties were at substantial risk of losing all local news media.
Even where there are established news media outlets, economic pressures have resulted in staff cuts that mean there is less coverage of local government institutions like the city council, school board and local courts.
We need to face the fact that there just aren’t enough journalists to do the job of monitoring and reporting on government, business and others.
Student-operated news media at several universities are reporting on their communities as well as their campuses. Student journalists are sometimes providing the only full-time reporting in some communities.
Let’s turn again to Brandeis, who according to an article by the Sunlight Foundation in 2009, said in that Harper’s article, “The individual citizen must in some way collect and spread the information” through civic groups and the press, which he believed would lead to “remedial action.”
This does not necessarily mean filing a Freedom of Information request. There are ways to help hold government accountable beyond this direct action.
Whether you are red or blue, progressive or conservative, Democrat, Republican or independent, you need to support those who do that investigative work on a daily basis.
Get behind and get engaged with those who use FOI laws and shoe-leather journalism to bring you the facts required for real self-governance. Take that that information and make up your own minds about the concerns of the day where you live – and perhaps give the national pundit class a rest.
Open your eyes, your minds – and, yes, perhaps your wallets too – and bring a little sunlight into your life. Celebrate Sunshine Week. Justice Brandeis would be pleased, and you and your fellow citizens will be better off for the effort.
Gene Policinski is a veteran multimedia journalist and First Amendment advocate. He is one of the founding editors of USA TODAY and is senior fellow for the First Amendment at Freedom Forum.
Financial crimes are one of the most common types of incidents which affect our community. In 2022, more than 88,000 victims in the U.S. over the age of 60 made fraud and scam reports to the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a combined loss amount of nearly $3.1 billion. People over the age of 60 are often targeted as they are perceived as being more vulnerable, respectful, and trusting and it can be difficult to spot fraudulent scams. For many people, it may be difficult to end unwanted phone calls and it’s easy to believe what is read on unsolicited text messages and emails.
The most common types of scams are characterized as “sweetheart/romance,” “grandparent,” and “call center fraud.” The sweetheart scams involve a criminal adopting a
fake online identity to gain the victim’s affection, confidence, and trust; whereas, the grandparent scam invokes a sense of panic and urgency to help a “grandchild” (criminal) in need. Locally, the grandchild or juvenile call center scams are the most common and often involve payment methods which make tracking of the funds difficult. The majority of scam techniques illicit a sense of fear, urgency, and intimidation to get your money and/or personal information, quickly. The following are a few ways to help protect yourself against scams. Never provide or verify personal information to someone who has contacted you unsolicited, including text message, phone call, email, and computer pop-up messages. If you receive a pop-up request on your computer, disconnect from the internet and shut down the device. Do not call a number from a pop-up. A legitimate company will not make requests in that way and will not accept payment in the form of gift cards, pre-paid credit cards, or transfer of funds using cryptocurrency. Additionally, do not send
money to anyone you do not know. We recommend that you routinely monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity and annually request a credit report to check for unauthorized activity in your name. Finally, be careful with the personal information you share online and if you suspect you have been a victim of a crime, call your local law enforcement agency.
Finally, when you receive unsolicited requests or unusual solicitations, don’t feel you need to respond. We empower you to ignore suspicious text or email messages, to ignore phone calls from numbers you don’t recognize, or to disconnect a call when you inadvertently answer a solicitation. If you’re concerned about a solicitation attempt, please know that we’re always interested in helping our residents navigate the ever-evolving world of financial crime. Give us a call or stop by our office.
Shelby Bonczek is an officer with the Lino Lakes Police Department.
He will be missed
Thanks for the article about Jim Crawford in last week’s paper. I served on our board of directors for the Marshan Lake Condo Association with Jim for many years. I also have a law enforcement background, so we would swap stories and
share similar ideas and policies regarding the security of our neighborhood. Jim was a founding member of our board, which dates back over 20 years. He brought much expertise to the table. He will be missed as a friend and associate.
David Peterson Lino LakesLisa Zietlow, of Centerville, is one of 35 Minnesotans currently participating in an advocacy training course, Partners in Policymaking. This program is for adults with disabilities and parents/legal guardians of younger children with developmental disabilities.
The nine-month program runs from September to May. Through informative and interactive sessions, the program teaches leadership and advocacy skills and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about disability supports and services.
Zietlow, a parent of a child with a developmental disability, enrolled in the program to learn the history of disability programs in the state. In addition, she enjoys learning about new and future programs that will support her child and other individuals with disabilities.
As the program’s May graduation approaches, Zietlow is proud of the work she has done in this program. Her hope is that this training will help her be a stronger advocate in her home and community.
For more information on the Partners program or to apply before its July 1 deadline, visit https:// mn.gov/mnddc/pipm/.
The city of Mounds View will host a St. Patrick’s Day Bash from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 17. At the event, there will be food, a cash bar and lively music by local Lino Lakes band, The Spanier Brothers, now known as Fiddle and Flannels.
“We threw a bunch of ideas around, but chose Fiddle and Flannels because we believe that name best reflects who we are and what we do,” said Sam Spanier. “We wanted a name that encompassed both the genres of country and Irish music.”
The bash is free to the public and will take place at the Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• An officer stopped to check on suspicious activity in the 7700 block of Lake Drive Feb. 27. After an investigation, a juvenile male was charged with a curfew violation.
• Officers responded to a welfare check request requested for a male who was reportedly running into traffic in the 7600 block of Lake Drive Feb. 27. Officers spoke with the male and found that he did not need any assistance and there were no problems.
• An officer handled a dumping complaint in the 600 block of Pine Street Feb. 27. The officer located a large number of items and garbage bags illegally dumped. From the contents, the officer identified a possible suspect, investigated and then later charged an adult male for a dumping violation.
• An officer was dispatched to a motor vehicle property damage accident in the 800 block of Main Street Feb. 28. The officer documented the incident, and the parties involved were provided with a case number.
• An officer was dispatched to a business in the 7600 block of Lake Drive regarding counterfeit currency Feb. 28. The incident was documented; there is no suspect information available.
• An officer took a report of a theft of fuel from a service station in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South Feb. 28. The incident is being investigated.
• An officer attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding in the 8000 block of I-35E Feb. 29. The vehicle turned its lights off and fled from the officer.
• An officer was dispatched to a phone call report regarding a traffic complaint in the 6300 block of Hodgson Road Feb. 29. The incident was documented.
• An officer came upon a portable restroom in the 7400 block of Main Street that had been pushed into a lake Feb. 29. The structure was removed from the lake, and the problem was turned over to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the company that owned the structure.
• An officer responded to a business in the 2300 block of Rosemary Way for a motor vehicle personal injury accident March 1. The incident was investigated, and one driver was issued a citation.
• Officers received a report of a juvenile who had an active arrest warrant at a school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue March 1. Officers took the juvenile into custody on the warrant, and on additional charges.
• Officers attempted to arrest a male at a residence in the 700 block of Main Street on a warrant March 1. The male fled on foot and was located by officers a short time later. The male was booked into jail for the warrant and for fleeing.
• An officer took a delayed report of a theft from a residence in the 6300 block of Hodgson Road March 2. The incident was documented and is under investigation.
• Officers responded to a report of a driver slumped over in a vehicle in the 6500 block of Tart Court March 2. Officers spoke with the male driver, who was determined to be impaired. Officers arrested the driver for fourth-degree DWI.
• An officer was dispatched to a phone call report regarding a possible criminal sexual conduct incident in Lino Lakes March 2. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer was working a detail at a church in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue March 3 when they were approached by a person who stated there was possibly
a male with a firearm on the premises. The male was identified and, based on his actions, was trespassed from the property.
• An officer responded to a report of a sick raccoon at a residence in the 700 block of 62nd Street March 3. The raccoon was dispatched and properly disposed of.
• An officer responded to a traffic complaint in the 7700 block of Fourth Avenue in which a bicyclist was almost struck March 3. There is no suspect information at this time.
• An officer responded to an animal complaint at a residence in the 8200 block of Lake Drive March 4. The resident was assisted accordingly.
• Officers responded to a motor vehicle property damage crash involving two vehicles in the 1100 block of Birch Street March 4 . One vehicle was driven from the scene and the other was towed.
• An officer responded to a hit-and-run report at the Rookery Activity Center March 4. The incident was documented and is under investigation.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:
• A delayed damage to property report was received from the 0 block of South Pine Drive in Circle Pines Feb. 21.
• Police responded to the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville Feb. 21 on a report of a dog bite.
• Officers were dispatched to a theft in progress in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Feb. 21.
• Police responded to the 1800 block of Center Street in Centerville for property damage Feb. 22.
• Officers responded to the 4100 block of Woodland Road in Lexington Feb. 22 on a report that someone tampered with a motor vehicle. The suspects are unknown.
• An officer assisted with a trespass request in the 9200 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington Feb. 26.
• Officers received a phone call from the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington for an assault Feb. 26.
• Officers were dispatched to the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington for a theft. No suspects were identified, and an unknown amount was taken.
• An officer warned a driver for speeding near Lovell Road and Syndicate Avenue in Lexington Feb. 28.
• Officers were called to the area of Main Street and Progress Road in Centerville Feb. 29 on a report of twovehicle property damage accident.
• Officers responded to the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville March 1 on a report of a disorderly male.
• Police responded to the 0 block of Central Street in Circle Pines March 1 on a report of a disorderly person. Officers spoke with the involved parties but were unable to prove that a crime occurred. Both parties were advised to leave.
• Officers responded to the 50 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines March 2 for suspicious activity.
• An officer observed an unlicensed driver near Restwood Road in Lake Drive in Lexington March 2. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver was ultimately arrested.
• Police responded to the intersection of Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Circle Pines March 3 for a personal injury crash.
• An officer responded to the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington March 4 for a call about a lost dog. The dog was located, but didn’t have any tags and was impounded at Otter Lake Animal Care Center.
1-329-0815
2021
BHS
PHONE:
403 Boutiques
Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142
Saturday, March 23: 9am - 4pm
White Bear Area Senior Center 2484 East County Rd F, WBL
All Items are handmade
Salary range from $17.00/hour to $20.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.
Seasonal Public Works Maintenance Employee
Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Position is open until filled.
Seat by Appointment
Looking for a Job?
Are
SPORTS
BRIEF
Luke Gunderman, shown here in a previous game, scored 30 points against Coon Rapids.
MAHTOMEDI SEASONAL FULL TIME
EMPLOYMENT
• The airport commission has moved up its May meeting to April 10.
• A part-time public works position is vacant. A seasonal public works position also remains open. Negotiations for the union contract continue to be discussed, including a higher salary for part-time public works staff and potentially converting
the position to full-time for longer retention.
• Negotiations with union captains at the police department are under way but currently on hold and will most likely be mediated.
• The city of Lexington saw good turnout for the Voting in the presidential primary.
• Fire hydrant landscaping is ongoing, with use of hydro cedar
sod. The hydrant across the street from the city hall is sitting on rough ground and needs to be smoothed out to keep it uniform with the other hydrants. Public works is aware of the situation, and it will take some more time for them to smooth out the ground. The vandalism in the park is cleaned up and looking much better.
Hannah TestaThe past decade has seen an uptick, so to speak, in the number of cases of Alpha-gal syndrome, also known as the “red meat allergy.” It’s caused by the Lone Star tick, typically seen in the south-central and southeastern states, that recently has become more established in central states such as Iowa and Missouri and is currently working its way North, with cases even being reported in Minnesota.
With more than 90,000 suspected cases of AGS identified during a study from 2017 to 2022 by the Centers for Disease Control, speculation exists that a continued increase in cases of the syndrome will occur in coming years.
What is Alpha-gal syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of food allergy caused by the bite of a Lone Star tick that can result in a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat including beef, lamb, pork and venison. Some individuals who develop AGS may have no symptoms, but others may develop an itchy rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or swelling of the eyes, tongue and throat that could lead to difficulty breathing or, worse, anaphylactic shock. Symptoms typically do not occur until two to six hours after the consumption of red meat. These symptoms may also be random, meaning that they may not occur each time someone eats red meat. It is recommended to consult a health care professional
if you experience any type of allergic reaction after consuming red meat. Currently, the only treatment for AGS is to avoid ingesting any form of red meat. Due to the increasing number of AGS cases, it is important to recognize the risk factors for tick bites and take measures to protect yourself from tick exposure.
What increases the likelihood of a tick bite?
Tick bites are more common than one may think. The more tick exposures someone has, the more likely they are to obtain a tickborne illness. Ticks are active any time that the temperature is above freezing and can be present year-round. The CDC reports that the activity of ticks is highest during the warmer months of April-September. The environments that ticks are drawn to are highly grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Individuals who spend more time outdoors such as farmers, hunters or campers are also at an increased risk of exposure.
How can I protect myself from getting a tick bite?
The most important method of preventing tickborne illnesses is reducing your chance of obtaining a tick bite. It is also important to check for ticks and promptly remove any attached ticks after spending time outdoors. The longer ticks are attached to the body, the more likely they are to transmit an infection. Listed below are a few of the more common ways to protect yourself from getting a tick bite:
• Topically applied insect repellents can play a key role in deterring ticks from the body. Repellents containing
DEET 10-30%, permethrin, IR3535 or Picardin are a few examples that can be applied to the outer layers of clothing.
• Clothing choices can have a big impact as well. Wearing longer pants, shirts and socks with closed-toed shoes outdoors reduces the surface area for ticks to attach to. A helpful tip is to tuck the bottoms of your pants into longer socks or even loosely duct tape the outside of pants to your socks.
• Another thing that we may not think about is our furry friends. Pets can spend a lot of time outside and could potentially bring a not-so-friendly tick into the house with them. Talking to your local veterinarian about safe tick repellents for pets is a way to reduce their risk in addition to your family’s chance of a tick bite.
• A few extra tips for preventing tick bites in the summer include yard care. Since ticks like to reside in grassy, bushy or wooded areas, it can be helpful to keep the grass in your yard shorter and remove sticks or leaves that may be visible.
For additional tips on preventing tick bites, visit the Centers for Disease Control, United States Environmental Protection Agency or the National Pesticide Information Center website databases.
Erin Schultz is a student in Des Moines University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.
The Centennial hockey team got off to a roaring start in the state tournament Thursday, but their momentum didn’t last and they fell to the Raiders 4-3 in overtime at Xcel Energy Center.
However, after failing to hold a 3-0 lead against CDH, the Cougars regrouped nicely and defeated Rochester Century/John Marshall 8-2 and Elk River/Zimmerman 3-2 at Aldrich Arena on Friday and Saturday to earn fifth place and the consolation championship trophy.
The season was capped by Heath Nelson’s game-winner with 44 seconds left against the Elks.
“Super exciting,” Nelson said. “I did not want another overtime loss! It was great to end it that way.”
The Cougars, in their fifth state tournament and first since 2018, finished 21-8-2.
“It was a lot of fun. The kids played hard. We had a good tournament,” coach Ritch Menne said. “We got off to a great start, but couldn’t get momentum after that to score another goal. They (CDH) kept getting stronger. They are very skilled.”
He added, “It was tough for the kids not to get to play any more games at the X, but they came back with a win Friday and had a chance to play for some hardware on Saturday.”
Said Harper Searles, who made the all-tournament team with nine points, “It was a bummer to lose, for sure, especially the way it ended, but It was pretty cool to come back and win two games and take home a trophy. And to win our last game, too. Most teams don’t get to do that.”
CDH lost in the semifinals to Chanhassen 6-1, and Edina beat Chanhassen 2-1 in the championship game.
Cretin-Derham Hall 4, Cougars 3
The Cougars came out flying as Searles scored just 56 seconds into the game and Nick Carls struck twice on power play goals, at 8:50, on a rebound, after a cross checking penalty, and at 10:09, on a tipped shot, after an elbowing penalty. But the Raiders started their comeback with a goal by Aidan Siegfried at 13:44.
“We had as great a start as you could ask for,” said Searles, “but as the game wore on, we started to wear down a little. They are a good team and really deep. We still had chances to win at the end but couldn’t pop one.”
The Cougars outshot CDH 12-8 in the first period. The Raiders outshot them 42-20 the rest of the way. Junior goalie Easton Cody, under the gun all game, made 46 saves for the Cougars. Owen Nelson had 29 for the Raiders.
Chuck Owens scored for the Raiders at 16:04 of the second period, getting a break as his shot hit the post, bounced back off Cody and trickled back over the line. Max Anderson, on a power play, tied it 3-3 at 1:56 of the third.
After an evenly-played first overtime, the Raiders dominated the second OT and scored on their 12th shot, by Anderson, as they caught the Cougars
Harper Searles (17), facing off against Cretin-Derham Hall here, made the all-tournament team, logging four goals and five assists.
in a faulty line change and had a twoon-one.
Cougar assists were made by Austin Peterson (two), Cooper Hehir, Nelson, Alex Clampitt and Searles.
Cougars 8, Rochester 2
Three short-handed goals keyed the rout against the Century/John Marshall co-op. Cougar goals came from Nelson and Carls in the first period; Joey Hemr, Nelson (power play) and Harper Searles (short-handed) in the second period; and Tanner Graczyk, Searles (short-handed) and Logan Adams (short-handed) in the third. Rochester (22-6-2) had goals by Justin Sutton and Brock Clarey (shorthanded). Cougar goalie Gavin Schahn made 22 saves.
Cougars 3, Elk River/Zimmerman 2
Nelson delivered the game-winner with 44 seconds left as the Cougars clipped their conference rival.
“The puck went from Clamp to Harper, and I yelled for it and he got it to me. There was not much room (to shoot through) but I wasn’t going to pass up a shot from there,” said Nelson, who blasted the puck and it found the
net after deflecting off a defender for his team-leading 38th goal.
The Cougars led 2-0 after one period on power play goals by Searles and Petersen. The Cougars were 2-for-2 and the Elks 0-for-4 on power plays. The Elks (19-11-1) scrambled back to knot the score with Kole Mears and Cooper Anderson finding the net in the second period.
The Cougars used both goalies with Gavin Schahn stopping 19 of 20 shots and Cody six off seven. Gavin Greniuk of the Elks saved 20 of 23. Making two assists each for the Cougars were Clampitt, Nelson and Searles.
“It was fun to finish against a team we play at least once every year,” said Menne. “We are good friends with those guys”
The story, “Whiting medals 6th place at state,” in last week’s issue contained errors. It should have stated that Whiting placed fifth. He also won his final match against Champlin in quadruple overtime. We apologize for the errors.
“Nick got hot late in the season and made some key goals,” said coach Ritch Menne. “He has been working hard.” The fourth Carls brother to play for the Cougars, he delivered a power play goal in the upset of Maple Grove in the section finals, and three more goals at state, including two on power plays in the 4-3 loss to CretinDerham Hall. He had 10 goals for the season.
FROM PAGE 1
Kocian explained that the grant will cover approximately 85% of the project costs. RCWD is proposing to cover 5% of the project cost, or approximately $50,000. RCWD has requested that Anoka County and the cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville contribute roughly 3% of the project cost, which breaks down to a not-toexceed amount of $3,500 for each.
Last fall, the Quad Community Press reported that the RCWD was considering establishing a new tax district, or water management district (“Rice Creek Watershed District looks to establish new tax district” Sept. 26.) At the time, RCWD was still waiting to hear whether it was successful in securing a grant.
“We are no longer considering a special tax district here because so much is going to be covered by the grant,” Kocian explained. “We are seeking financial support to cover the remainder of the project, 10-15% from different project partners.”
Lino Lakes City Council Member Tony Cavegn asked whether the Centerville Lake Association (CLA) was a project partner. Kocian explained that although CLA raises funds to help manage invasive species each year, it was not a partner for the alum project. Cavegn said they would make a good partner on the project.
Council Member Michael Ruhland
thought a special tax district should still be considered because future treatment may be necessary, and a grant may not be available at that time.
“The association needs to do something, to set up a tax district or come up with some sort of preventative shoreland plan … so that down the road, we are not hit if there is no grant money,” Ruhland said. “Nobody wants to buy a house on a green lake. It loses its appeal.”
Lino Lakes Mayor Rob Rafferty wanted to know about all the other lakes in Lino Lakes that might need intervention. “Where do we draw the line on the picking and choosing on how we contribute to the community as a council or as a city?” Kocian explained that alum treatments are not the “right tool” for every lake.
Lino Lakes Council Member Dale Stoesz said he was concerned which city projects would not be able to take place if the city committed those funds to this project. Grochala explained that the funds would not come from the general fund or impact the tax levy, but rather would be from the city’s surface water management funds, which are collected when new developments go in.
Kocian said that Anoka County and the city of Centerville have indicated their support for the project, although there are not any signed documents in place just yet. RCWD is currently drafting a reimbursement
agreement that all the partners will need to agree to. If all parties agree, the alum treatment would be split into two applications, one this spring and one in spring 2026. The treatment is expected to last 15 to 20 years.
The RCWD plans to host a public meeting sometime in April. For more information on the project, visit www.ricecreek.org/project/ centerville-lake-alum-treatment .
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
BY THE NUMBERS
$1.1 million 1998
$954,500 389,092 2 2,637
The total expected cost of an alum treatment
The last time an alum treatment was performed on Centerville Lake
The most recent grant received by the RCWD for Centerville Lake gallons the amount of alum that will be applied to Centerville Lake the number of years the project will take the number of pounds of phosphorus the treatment is expected to remove from the lake over its life span
