Quad Community Press

Lexington City Council fills vacant seat

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LEXINGTON — Former Mayor Mike Murphy will fill the vacant council seat through the remainder of the year.

“Residents have the right to know there is an opening on the City Council...”

Diane Harris Former City Council Member

City Council Member Diane Harris submitted her resignation April 22. The council accepted her resignation May 2 and chose to hold a special meeting the week following Harris’ resignation and appoint Murphy (Mayor Gary Grote voted no). Murphy served as the mayor of Lexington from 2016 to 2022.

Former Council Member Diane Harris, who served on the council for eight years, told council members she thought they were filling the vacant

seat rather quickly. “Residents have the right to know there is an opening on the City Council and should be given ample opportunity to consider the position and apply, but they weren’t.”

She pointed out that unless residents watched the meetings online, they wouldn’t know that she resigned because she was still listed as a council member on the website.

She pointed out that the Circle Pines City Council also has a vacancy, and they are giving residents until the end of the month to apply.

“I’m disappointed to say the least,

The event will provide aging residents and their family members with local resources to age well in the Quad area. The Centennial Lakes Police Department will be on site to collect unwanted prescriptions and sharps, and the Centerville Lions Club will collect unneeded prescription eyewear.

but not surprised,” she said. She then read her resignation letter in full. The letter reads in part, “I have always kept the well-being of Lexington front of mind. Now, however, it is time to keep my own well-being front of mind. This past year and a half has been more challenging that it should have been or needed to be. A divided council is not a productive healthy environment and not what citizens expect or deserve.”

Divided council moves forward with requests for proposals

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — The City Council seems to be split on how the city should move forward with hiring a consultant to evaluate its Public Safety Department.

Three council members seem to support the idea of putting out a request for proposals (RFPs) to consultants to evaluate the city’s police and fire department, and two would like a bit more time before pulling the plug.

It’s a conversation that started last August when Council Member Christopher Lyden suggested the city use some of its one-time public safety aid dollars to hire an independent consultant to study the city’s fire services. (See “Lino Lakes considers hiring consultant to study fire services” Aug. 15, 2023.)

The topic came up again in September 2023, but no decision was made. Last month, Public Safety Director John Swenson suggested the council search for consultants that have experience in fire services and have them create proposals that the council can choose from. (“See Seeking Solutions: Lino Lakes initiates hiring consultant for optimal fire services” April 9, 2024.)

The council was recently presented with two draft RFPs, one for an operational study of exclusively fire services and another for both police and fire services.

SEE PUBLIC SAFETY MODEL, PAGE 12

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 12

Sundus Abdallah, Logan Adams, Yasmin Ahmed, Regan Aigner, Lukas Andrle, Madelyn Apps, Makena Bakeberg, Timothy Ball, Emmaline Bassey, Racquel Beck, Morgan Berger, Sophia Berkowitz, Joshua Bliss, Ella Brewster, Bradley Brown, Quinn Budge, Tyler Celotta, Lilyan Chance-Farley, Everland Ching, Natalie Clarys, Sophia Daigle, Zachary Delmedico, Thomas Dexter, Riley Diebes, Elise Fenstermacher, Jaidynn Fisher, Nora Fredrick, Marisa Frost, Jadyn Ganoe, Eliphaz Getachew, Bryce Giese, Carley Gooder, Aspen Gray, Morgan Grundfeldt, Allie Guyer, Katelyn Hamski, Corynn Harvieux, William Havran, Hannah Hentges, Lexie Herrick, Ashley Hudzinski, William Jenson, Sophia Johnson, Lauren Kajer, Cordelia Kewatt, Gurshan Khosa, Siri Kjorlien, Samantha Lange, Emilia Lauinger, Aiden Lieser, Alexander Loehr, Tyler Mabry, Ryan Magwaro, Noah Marquard, Georgia McManus, Amanda Miller, Chryssa Moffat, Ilham Mohamed, William Moseng, Josie Neibergall, Jacquelyn Nieno, Payton Olson, Ty Peckels, Madeline Perron, Jacob Podratz, Nelsen-Manfred Poscher, Benjamin Ramacher, Jordyn Ranalls, Spencer Renard, Owen Ringen, Nathan Roe, Jacob Roman, Alexis Sanburg, Brol Scherman, Andrew Schulze, Seth Semmler, Jenna Skogen, Madeline Smith, Carl Sorem, Kaitlyn Steffel, Isaiah Theisen, Luxie Thomas, Luke Timko, Katherine Toensing, McKenna Twardy, Fayite Uka, Joseph Ward, Madisen Welle, Declan Whitney, Mya Wicklund, Abigail Wood, Tanner Youngbauer, Claire Zandstra, Jonathan Ziebol

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 12

Tamunosiki Alabo, Ayub Ali, Leo Ascheman, Travis Baland, Tyson Bautch, Dylan Behrens, Dimitri Bianconi, Afton Bibeau, Lucas Brier, Damonte Brown, Jack Buan, Ty Burgoon, Arianna Carrillo, Callie Casura, Riley Corbett, Daylen Cummings, Alaina Dube, Matthew Duerr, Tyler Escobedo, Kyra Fjeld, Nicholas Germano, Evan Gerst, Owen Gillitzer, Hunter Goodfellow, Kaitlin Groess, Tyler Gruye, Jaqueline Gutierrez Ramirez, Savannah Hansen, Allison Hemming, Kaden Herrera, Kaylee Hokkanen, Andrew Jensen, Gavin Jorud, Jayden Kampa, Madelyn Kosevich, Connor Koskela, Noah Kurth, Alejandro Kurtz-Enriquez, Alexander Larkin, Hannah Leatherman, Mya Letourneau, Cole Lunzer, Danica McCane, Hayden Moe, Zydrin Moua, Michael Neal, Preslee Nepote, Angela Nguyen, Elshaddai Oman, Jacob O'Shea, Brooklyn Perkins, Austin Petersen, Will Quick, Landon Rasmusson, Wyatt Ritzema, Donovan Rogers, Blessing Sackie, Emma Schaefer, Ella Shoemaker, Noel Sieg, Shreya Singh, Austin Smith, Gabriela St Martin, Abigail Stang, Maesa Stegeman, Alayna Storms, Elizabeth Strom, Dylan Strong, Caleb Thaemlitz, Makenna Thalhuber, Alayna Thompson, Annie Trettel, Kuullee Tufaa, Avery Unger, Corey Vang, Mary Vang, Arianna Vega, Milko Wako, Maria Waller, Owen Walley, Marcus Whiting, Lucy Willett, Thomas Wilson, Adam Wyffels

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 11

Taqirah Abdullah-Jones, Madison Abernathy, Oluwaseun Ajewole, Luke Allen, Charles Beck, Alexis Berkland, Yaannet Birru, Adison Border, Nathan Brennan, Mikayla Brown, Dursitu Bullo, Ayesha Miel Bumagat, Garrett Burns, Michaela Bushnell, Rohini Chatwani, Lucas Chong, Alexia Colbeth, Devon Cunningham, Jack D'Agostino, Carter Day, Braedon Donaldson, Rebeccah Dougherty, Charles Elsenpeter, Evan Erickson, Natalie Foreman, Quinn Foreman, Drew Gangl, Ava Gerrits, Ellie Givens, Peter Goodman, Maya Grode, Maggie Harris, Nora Helvig, Anna Hembre, Madalyn Hilger, Henrik Hiltner, Jacob Hosfield, Mason Houfek, Benjamin Jarvis, Alexander Johnson, Tabitha Johnson, Amelia Jorgenson, Kylie Katzke, Kara Kimball, Alexander Knutson, Elana Konzem, Gavin Krage, Jack Krejci, Teagan Kulenkamp, Nicole Kurdyumov, Alexis Larsen, Jayden Lauzon, Tiffany Le, Leo Lehman, Samuel Lemm, Timothy Lichtenberg, Elliot Lien, Lauren Lind, Izabella Lowell, Avery Lubo, Joshua Magnuson, Eva Maier, Evelyn Markowski, Annika McCarthy, Marissa McIntosh, Brody McNamara, Keona Miles, Annell Miller, Sophia Miller, Amina Mohamed, Tate Morris, Paj Yeeb Tsha Moua, Elizabeth Murray, Kylie Nelson, Cassandra Nuutinen, Cole O'Hearn, Kennedy Osland, Brady Paitrick, Benjamin Peterson, Kayla Primeau, Carter Ramacher, Emilie Rivard, Raylynn Robeck, Abigail Rome, Avery Sauber, Miranda Sawvel, Marley Schermerhorn, Mackenzie Schmitt, Abigail Schull, Sydney Sears, Isabella Sipe, Philip Skinner, Chase Sonderman, Logan Sonnek, Gabrielle Steele, Noah Stemig, Ivy Sullivan, Kelsi Swenson, Morgan Tharp, Audrey Thill, Mason Thompson, Gillian Turi, Lindsey Vail, Ava Valerius, Reese VanLoon, Aidan Veit, Ellarie Vo, Aiden Waeghe, Samuel Ward, Addison Wittenberg, Madeline Wood, Peyton Wry, Markus Yang, Esther Zabel

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 11

Fadila Abdella, Brianna Ackerley, Aidan Anderson, Summer Anderson, Sofia Anderson, Lilly Baber, Nathaniel Bang, Tyler Barber, Erin Blilie, Braylee Boldt, Andie Brisk, Hayden Broich, Leo Cermak, Ella Clark, Noah Collette, Peyton Corbin, Margaret Crowder, Aiden Cusick, Shawn Deen, Shaelyn Devaney, Ana Dougherty, Jackson Driessen, Riley Eckman, Will Ehrich, Aiden Evans, Alexis Foster, Keira Friedman, Naomi Fromm, Lindsay Gawthrop, Ebaisa Gelgelu, Maxwell George, Surakchhya Ghaley, Alexandra Gonzalez-Macareno, Mandy Gooder, Jayden Groshong, Brady Haffeman, Cooper Hamm, Brooke Hammer, Reed Helgerson, Logan Hjelmberg, Ella Hohenstern, Emma Horton, Andrew Huver, Aidan Hynan, Emerson Jennings, Jaydin Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Riley Johnson, Connor Kendle, Savannah Knipping, Devin Kohler, Jenna Korth, Paige Lahm, Layton LeClair, Sonya Lee, Addison Long, Benjamin Malvin, Jaden Manthey, Allison Martinez Contreras, Matija McLaren, Luke Metcalf, Gracie Meuwissen, Monica Mix, Daniel Mosley, Kayla Nalipinski, Madyson Neimy, Cole Nelson, Riley O'Connell, Andrew Palumbo, Jett Parenteau, Brianna Peterson, Jacob Pizzella, Delia Raymond, Katelyn Ross, Gabriel Roth, Ayden Rowley, Blake Salchow, Sean Scanlon, Gabriella Sipe, Emily Stokkeland, Lucas Stoterau, Cameron Stukel, Sienna Tommerdahl, Codyn Truong, Ellamae Unger, Brianna VanderVeer, Ethan Vang, Fuechi Vang, Melina Warness, Kyah Wellington, Benjamin Wespiser, Georgia Willett, Suraphel Woldehana, Dylan Xiong, Ethan Yang, Shuji Yang

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 10

Andrew Abraham, Nora Akpan, Beckett Babiash, Alyssa Basara, Allie Benson, Samantha Berens, Katie Bergdahl, Lillian Brausen, Sage Breivik, Lilly Breuning, Gamada Bullo, Kylie Burgwald, Monica Chan, Paige Clauson, Bradan Cochran, Tyler Cook, Amelia Delmedico, McKenna Demaine, Tanner Dittrich, Elsie Dockendorf, Nicholas Dubay, Zachary Durrant, Zachary Espinosa, Bryan Federici, Sebastian Fernandez, Claire Francis, Sophia Frasier, Logan Fu, Ellie Ganske, Hamado Gelgelu, Logan Gibson, Zachary Guyer, Logan Hazzard, Katelyn Hinnenkamp, Elena Hoecke, Hannah Hudzinski, John Iserman, Hailey Jakober, Natalie Jefferson, Jacob Johnson, McKinley Jones, Keegan Julik, Eva Kauls, Addison Kemper, Ella Kieffer, Joelle Kienholz, Lauren Klein, Tatum Knox, Lucy Le, Katherine Lee, Kell Lewen, Ryan Lindsay, Anaeya Lucas, Gavin Manthei, Julia Martin, Kianna McNeil, Thomas Meyer, Connor Moore, Sullivan Moore, Ellie Mrozinski, Caleb Nelson, Deanne Nguyen, Kyler Nielson, Graham Norton, Claire Olson, Liliana Olson, Nawal Osman, Mesno Oumer, Natalie Palecek, Mason Paro, Grace Peterson, Luke Peterson, Audrey Podratz, Neha Potti, Katlynn Pracht, Isaac Racine, Melanie Reff, Aubrey Reker, Ava Rightmire, Abril Romero Vargas, Alexa Sanchez Del Toro, Autumn Sand, Yihan Sang, Madelyn Sawyer, Tessa Schnapf, Aidan Schulze, Nathan Schwartz, Eliot Shepard, Sophia Smith, Sophie Soderberg, Tatum Stewart, Anna Swanson, Kellen Tieu, Neha Vedi, Brayden Waldoch, Camoren Welle, Hana Williams, Eva Wills, Christian Wussler, Sophie Wynn, Hailey Zaczkowski, Isabelle Zalewski

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 10

Johara Ahmed, Liban Ahmed, Cecillia Austin, Reysilas Bakke, Raiden Bankston, Caleb Barrett, Brian Bassey, Traxton Becker, Jackson Bentrup, Gavin Berg, Connor Biers, Nicholas Bolander, Abdisa Bullo, Kasey Burgwald, Mumtaz Buuh, David Carlson, Catherine Charest, Rian Cheesebrow, Nicholas Clough, Adrianna Cogger, Calvin Coppersmith, Kiera Cottle, Eden Cutts, Celina DeWandeler, Blake Dorweiler, Aaron Douville, Elsie Efram, Bashi Elemo, Taylor Fields, Amelia Flint, Logan Garcia, Naol Geda, Mikias Getachew, Natalie Gillitzer, Gabrielle Glad, Sebastian Godinez Herrera, McKenzee Granzow, Charli Habermann, Nicholas Haider, Ryan Hansen, Charlotte Havran, Joseph Hemr, Kyle Her, Tessa Hiltunen, Kiana Holmberg, Kyle Holtzman, Isabella Hordyk, Abigail Hosfield, Yadani Itana, Keegan Janacek, Jayden Johnson, Hayden Johnson, Nathan Kaul, Prahbleen Khosa, Marren Klawitter, Edward Klingberg, Alex Koehn, Zoey Koop, Sarah Kufner, Jackson Landmeier, Joshua Larson, Makena Latcham, Paxton Lehman, Michael Letourneau, Isaac Lofstad, Kaylee Marshall, Alexis Mayrand, Jameson McLain, Madelyn Merritt, Nathan Michael, Ozzie Montgomery, Joseph Moore, Samantha Mulberry, Makenzi Munger, Zachary Nanti, Syed Abbas Naqavi, Jesse Nason, Taylor Nelson, Avery Novatney, Fabiela Nyangena, Emma Olson, Logan Olson, Kellen O'Neill, Jenevieve Orcutt, Paige Palmsteen, Danika Parenteau, Caiden Pearson, Andrew Person, August Ponath, Reece Prigge, Jennifer Ramirez Rodriguez, CarlyFaith Ratgen, Brooke Reber, Lillian Renslow, Lillian Robinson, Leila Roknic, Eleanor Russell, Gianna Sawyer, Cole Schweich, Kellen Searles, Evan Sikkink, Jeremiah Sisk, Gracie Smith, Natalie Sperl, Taylor Strohmayer, Iftu Sultan, Sofia Taylor, Olivia Tollefson, Gavin Treptow, Cybelle Tubalado, Evan Tuttle, Alicia Valdovinos, Nyiajthiabkub Vang, Deanna Wesley, Julianna Williams, Yuudia Yang, Eland Zarnoth, Katherine Zeh

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 9

Siyaam Abdulla, Claire Adams, Medha Andiappan, Radha Andiappan, Brayden Bailey, Madalyn Bailey, Ryan Beck, Samuel Beck, Sidney Benson, Ana Berg, Anne Blilie, Nathan Boonstra, Benjamin Bowen, Bella Brunn, Landen Callisto, Hanna Cao, Owen Carter, William Casura, Sawyer Celotta, Madison Chrusciel, Kendall Cochran, Lily Connett, Antonio Cordova, Eden Courtemanche, Ashley Do, Lauryn Dufour, Henry Erickson, Benjamin Fedor, Seth Fream, Emily Friedman, Susan Ghaley, Brianna Ghiloni, Ian Goodman, Sydney Grieman, Aiden Hamski, Brooke Hayes, Kaitlyn Hemr, Elizabeth Herman, Denver Hogberg, Matthew Horsley, Aedyn Hylander, Cassandra Johnson, Jackson Juetten, Audrey Julson, Matthew Kauffmann, Caden Kimman, Helena Krecklau, Morgan Kuha, William LaBonne, Hillary Lacis, Mason LaPoint, Christopher Larson, Luke Le, Nathan Le, Delilah LeClair, Lilia LeTendre, Mara Lien, Brianna Livingston, Nolan Luke, Gavin MacLeod, Chase Manthey, Liam Marquard, Quinn McGeehan, Matthew McManus, Logan Mielke, Makena Miers, Aiden Mock, David Moran, Casey Morris, Piper Mortenson, Ashlyn Neimy, Brooklyn Neimy, Brandon Nguyen, Brennan Nielson, Grier O'Neil, Andy Pacheco Calderon, Robert Panait, Sophia Panelli, Liliana Peltier, Emma Pokorny, Gavin Pritzl, Emily Quayle, Lilianna Reistad, Natalie Reuter, Ajax Ricker, Allison Rose, Najib Samatar, Matthew Sanden, Vanessa Schneider, Grace Schuette, Madison Schuneman, Henry Schwartz, Cailyn Setterholm, Jameson Shackle, Avery Shawaluk, Charles Stein, Kira Tamura, Pearl Thill, Kendra Tix, Caleb Tran, Finn Undersander, Alana Vail, Honor Vang, Cate Ventrelli, Jack Waller, Sophia

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 9

Rayaan Ahmed, Lucy Anderson, Cristian Arellano, William Aspaas, Evan Bailey, Brett Bakeberg, Tripp Beck, Elizabeth Berge, Collin Bibeau, Brayden Boesch, Nolan Border, Rylan Borst, Brayden Brittan, Emmett Buda, Zachary Bullock, Lily Burvee, Lydia Carroll, Brendan Chretien, Gabriella Dellis, Nyah DeMotts, Ashley Dominguez Cruz, Caden Dorman, Wayu Felema, Aubrey Frechette, Broden Gadbois, Abby Goepfert, Avery Growe, Eli Hansen, Andrew Harrington, Emma Harris, Carter Hemming, Jakob Hinds, Chase Horstman, Dominic Horton, Grace Hugger, Sienna Hunt, Reece Jarvis, Draven Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Claire Johnson, Josslynn Johnson, Eva Karkoska-Wosmek, Jackson Kitzmann, Boden Kjos, William Korba, Caleb Koskela, Emerson Kuczaboski, Adeline Lakso, Nolan Larson, Eva Larson, Ketoran Legesse, Brayden Lien, Cameron Linner, Griffen Lofgren, Avery Maanum, Lila Manthey, Skylar McIntosh, Josey Mechels, Brooke Melstrom, Lauryn Merritt, Isabella Michaels, Casey Miller, Huda Mohamed, Amanda Mooney, Zavien Moua, Skye Moua, Gracie Nickle, Jaxon Noon, Hayden Partyka, Alexander Peacock, Maverick Pliego, Brett Pullman, Cambria Rice, Ivan Riesenberg, Aaron Romero Vargas, Ethan Rouland, Joseph Ryan, Nilesh Samaroo, Flynn Sanburg, Prisci Sanchez Juarez, Rocco Scarrella, Jada Schmidt, Cameron Scholen, Hailey Schwartz, Tobie Serna, Kara Shea, Alexander Sila, Victoria Simons, Lucas Snidarich, Jackson Soderstrom, Tyler Stang, Jackson Stanley, Jenna Stremikis, Carter Stuckey, Reginae Tandoh, Ava Taylor, Taylor Thor, Akasha Trobaugh-Shaffer, Bilille Uka, Grant Ulland, Kong Vang, Jacob Veit, Gavin Voss, Nathan Vraa, Logan Wallace, Matthew Weaver, Charlye Weymann, James Wiberg, Chase Wicklund, Aubrie Wirkkala, Pike Wold, Owegio Wreh, Lillian Yang, Grace Zimmerman

Wallraff, Chloe Wick, Joseph Winker, Logan Yang, Muajsim Yang

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CURRENT EVENTS

SPEAKER EVENT

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14

Where: Blue Heron Elementary, 405 Elm St. Lino Lakes

Details: Speaker is Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of ‘Forever Boy’. Proceeds help SPecIal Needs- Centennial Parent Group serving special need parent, siblings, teachers and more. Contact: eventbrite.com/e/speaker-kate-swenson-offinding-coopers-voice-tickets

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14

Where: Bellaire Beach Park, 2499 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Township

Details: Hike is approx. 3 miles on paved streets and trails.

Contact: stpaulhike.com

ANOKA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE

When: 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 14; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3200 St. Francis Blvd. Anoka

Details: Hundreds of native flowers and plants, sun and shade perennials, vegetables, pollinator plants and more for sale.

Contact: https://z.umn.eduACMG

CLEAN AIR LAWN CARE

When: 6:15-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.

Details: Electric vehicle expert will have a display of EV lawn care equipment and give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Registration required.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0515

ANNUAL SENIOR AND WELLNESS EXPO

When: 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 16

Where: St. Genevieve Parish & Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd., Centerville

Details: Free event for aging residents and families with vendor booths and local information, prescription recycling, and Lion’s Club collecting eyewear. Contact: quadareachamber.org

BELWIN BISON FESTIVAL AND FUN RUN

When: 9 a.m. Fun run; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Festival Saturday, May 18

Where: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Rd. N. Afton

Details: Annual event with release of the 2024 Northstar Bison herd, along with activities for all ages, live music, eco-arts, and food trucks. 5K “Run with the Bison” Fun Run through the prairie prior to Bison arrival. Contact: belwin.org/events

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Island Lake Park Pavilion,3611 Victoria Street N., Shoreview

Details: Annuals, perennials, natives, herbs, houseplants and more for sale.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitygardenclub@gmail.com

BIG RED BARN FOLK ARTS AND CRAFTERS FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 County Rd. D

East

Details: One of the area’s largest folk arts fairs with more than 100 booths. Also a fundraiser supporting the Maplewood Area Historical Society’s historic structures.

Contact: maplewoodmuseum.org/events/ folkartsfairspring2024

CANINE CARNIVAL

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrose Rd., Stacy

Details:  Learn about dogs and their wolf relatives, meet dog related service providers, and visit with an eclectic group of vendors while enjoying a variety of impressive dog demonstrations. Food and beverages available. Dogs on leashes welcome.

Contact: wildlifesciencecenter.org

MOVING FORWARD WORKSHOP: EXPLORING DOWNSIZING, HOME SELLING, & MOVING

When: 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 21

Where: Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes, 6070 Blanchard Blvd.

Details: Specialists in real estate, downsizing and moving will present tips for making a transition to maintenance-free living. Q & A. Free and open to all.

Contact: lyngblomsten.org/senior-housing/ lyngblomsten-lino-lakes/movingforward/

When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Forest Lake American Legion Post 255, 355 W. Broadway Ave.

Details: Annual fundraiser for Northwoods Humane Society includes pasta dinner, silent auction, wine pull and raffles. Ticket information online.

Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs.org

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo  Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

OPINION

Best of the Press

It is amazing to have our community nominate and vote on outstanding businesses in our Best of the Press contest. Local residents can use the results to explore and enjoy all that our community has to offer. Local businesses will gain the recognition they deserve and the foot traffic they need to keep their operation thriving.

It’s time to nominate your favorite restaurant, hair stylist, or auto repair shop, among dozens of other categories. Your nominations get local businesses on the leader board so they have a chance to compete in the Best of the Press 2024. New categories this year have been recommended, including best cosmetic dentistry and best Airbnb. The past few years the best fried rice was a hot topic and now it’s up to you to nominate your favorites in every category you can imagine. Go to presspubs.com, choose the community you live, and start nominating the local businesses you love. It will give these businesses an opportunity to become a finalist in the Best of the Press. New businesses, small businesses and even nonprofits should encourage customers and clients to help them get nominated. This is going to be a great one as we narrow down the best burger, best chicken wings, and best beer selection.

Summer internships

College kids are arriving back home for the summer, and many are still looking for summer jobs and internships. As they head into their upperclassmen years of college, they are taking the classes in their major and career area of interest and want summer work to build relevant experience for their resumes. It has been great experience for our college-age daughter to work with a local, family-run business in her field of interest. Over the years at the Press we have had interns working with our reporters, graphic designers and marketing experts. We celebrate the successes of our interns when they move on to their dream jobs. We recently learned one is working for a national media service and another as a sports editor at the Brainard Dispatch. Several interns have come to us through Bethel University’s journalism program. We have had a number of inquiries about news internships this year. It is an encouraging sign for the future job pool of journalists.

I remember my internship and it was clearly a time of growth. I also remember an intern who worked at the Press and later went on to lead a publicly-traded company’s design department. If you are a business owner, manager, or other decision-maker at your company, please consider taking on an intern. While I know having an intern can sometimes be a little daunting for existing staff to take on, it’s worth the effort to pass on valuable experience to future business leaders.

Subscriber campaign

Thank you to all our loyal subscribers and new subscribers in our latest subscription campaign. As new people move into your neighborhood, please let them know about the Press. Your contribution, along with encouraging notes and extra tips, is meaningful to our staff and carriers. We look forward to continue being your best source of local news and information. Congratulations to our 25 finalists, some of whom you might know.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

TPublic safety facility projects

here are two public safety facility projects that the Anoka County Board has been working on for the last few years. A new 911 Emergency Communications Center and a new County Jail. Estimated cost for these two projects is north of $200M. Priority one has been to upgrade our 911 Center. As you can imagine, turnover in this industry is very high. Emergency Communication jobs are very demanding and stressful. Providing the right work environment for our employees is important.

We have outgrown our current location, and our staff is crammed together in the lower level of the Government Center. This is why we have acted to build a new 911 Emergency Communication Center and Radio Shop, and it will be completed within the next couple of months. Located in Andover, the cost of the new facility will be about $40M. The good news is that we were able to use about $20M in funds we received from the Federal Government to ease

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the financial burden on Anoka County taxpayers. We anticipate that this new building will accommodate our needs and be in service for the next 75+ years.

The jail project is a little more complicated. Talk of a new jail has been going on for years and not everyone agrees with what or even where it should be built.

Anoka County books about 1,000 inmates every month. Our current jail has 180 beds and plans for the new jail show 540 beds. We do not need 540 beds today, but I also understand the need to build above our current need to accommodate growth into the future.

Our current jail is 100k sq ft, the new jail plan is 253k sq ft. The new jail design houses all inmates on one floor making the footprint in the City of Anoka eight times larger than our current jail. The new design would consume the street of Van Buren located north of the Government Center, which does not make the city of Anoka Council Members very happy. Because we are building for the future, the current plan of the jail is designed to have extra space. There is much debate about how to use the extra space. What type of inmate do we allow? Federal violent crime inmates? Mental Health inmates? Long term stay inmates? I am concerned about the

current plan and the size and cost of the new jail. To act on my concerns, I am writing a resolution for our County Board to consider that will more specifically define the use of our new jail. We do not want to overbuild our new jail, have the taxpayers of Anoka County pay for it, only to be used by other counties, the state and the federal government in ways unacceptable to our residents. For its basic use, a county jail is a facility to house inmates that are arrested until they can be adjudicated. There is also a lot of attention and effort placed on introducing more support for dealing with mental health issues in county jails. I support this effort but only relative to the purpose of a jail. Whether an inmate is eventually released or sent to prison, full treatment or rehabilitation of an inmate should happen after their jail stay.

A County Jail is not a longterm facility and should not be looked at as needing the equivalent support and resource as a long-term facility. The cost and responsibility for treating longterm mental health issues is a state of Minnesota responsibility and should not be passed down for counties to fund and resolve. More to come on this topic.

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least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

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Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

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Against high-density development

This afternoon as I was reminded of why we moved to Lino Lakes 37 years ago. In our backyard were five turkeys strutting their stuff, tails fanned, fighting among themselves to woo the solitary hen in their midst. I was then reminded of last spring

• The Planning and Zoning Board is recommending the council approve a text amendment to its zoning ordinance regarding sacred communities/micro unit dwellings. Beginning Jan. 1, Minnesota Statue 327.30 requires that cities must allow religious institutions to site micro units on religious property.

“This is not related to the recently submitted land use application for the Madinah Lakes planned unit development (PUD) concept plan, this is a requirement of state law,” said City Planner Katie Larsen.

Larsen explained that the council can decide whether sacred settlements should be a permitted use or a conditional use. Larsen explained that if it were a conditional use, the public would be notified and there would be an opportunity for a public hearing.

“It is still governed by the terms of the statute, but you have some control this way. I think it is a good approach,” said City Attorney Jay Squires. Larsen explained that so far, the city has not received any inquiries from a religious institution that is interested in having these units.

The council was expected to make the zoning text amendment at its May 13 meeting (after press deadline).

• WSB and Oertel Architects are completing the design for the proposed water treatment plant (WTP), and the council is expected to approve the plans and specifications for the project and authorize advertisements for bids soon.

The WTP is proposed for the southwest corner of Birch Street and 12th Avenue

about this time when I looked out the kitchen window to see a fawn, under its mother, who had just been born. This is important to me now more than ever as the city of Lino Lakes grapples with how to best allow for development barely a half mile from my home. We settled in Lino Lakes because of the large lots, less-dense population, quality schools with

South. The engineer’s estimated total project cost, including construction, engineering and contingency, is $36 million. If everything goes as planned, construction could start this fall. The project is estimated to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

• Final design for the I-35E/County Road

J Interchange is underway; construction is proposed for spring 2025.

Community Development Director

Michael Grochala explained that recent discussion with the project management team has focused on the intersection of County Road J and Centerville Road. The western leg of this intersection accesses Wilkinson Lake Boulevard, a private road. No other future accesses will be permitted between this intersection and the Ash Street/Centerville Road access to the north. Accordingly, the design needs to accommodate future access to the northwest quadrant of the intersection, which is located in Lino Lakes. North Oaks Company (NOC), owner of the property in the northwest quadrant of the intersection, has expressed interest in modification of this design to provide public street access to its property. Grochala said an alternative design has been prepared that would shift the intersection northerly, providing direct public road access to the NOC property and allowing for Wilkinson Lake Boulevard to connect to that street.

A third option would be to leave the intersection in its current location but curve the west approach northerly

small class sizes and open spaces. We always knew the sod farms would be developed eventually, but felt that would happen as the rest of our city has, through conscious decisionmaking, continuing to strive for large lots and less density.

Funny thing, we don’t have city water or sewer. Our road is often one of the last to be plowed, but the

into Lino Lakes. Each of these options will likely require cost share and maintenance agreements between the parties involved.

Grochala said one of the main reasons of shifting the intersection to the north would allow for improved traffic operations during construction.

• Lino Lakes public safety stats are in for the first quarter of 2024. Here are some of the highlights:

° There were 3,205 cases compared to 3,238 in the first quarter of 2023.

° The average response time (emergency and non-emergency) was 5 minutes and 29 seconds. The average emergency response for medical calls was 4 minutes and 28 seconds; and the average non-emergency response for medicals was 5 minutes and 17 seconds.

° There were 356 medical calls compared to 307 in the first quarter of 2023.

° Police staff responded to 356 medical calls for service and fire staff responded to 71 medical calls for service.

° There were 191 fire calls compared to 219 fire calls in the first quarter of 2023.

° The department provided mutual aid 13 times compared to 16 times in the first quarter of 2023. The department received mutual aid one time compared to two times in the first quarter of 2023.

natural habitat in our neighborhood drew us here and keeps us here. We aren’t against development. We are against high-density development in our backyard, which will certainly eliminate the turkeys and the deer, to say nothing of our serene way of life.

ED AND MARY HEMAUER

JOHN AND LINDA STRICKLAND

WENDY JENZ

MARLENE HOULE

MAXINE PROKOP

PAUL WIKSTROM

MARLENE AND ROBERT HARMS

JOYCE THOMPSON

° The department submitted 17 felony case files compared to 11 in the first quarter of 2023.

• The Public Safety Department continues to evaluate how it can be competitive to attract new staff and retain staff. Public Safety Director John Swenson recently asked the council if it would support a slight change to its hiring process for a particular candidate.

He explained that the candidate is in the final stages of education and will take the exam this summer. Instead of waiting to provide a final job offer after the completion of that step, Swenson suggested the council consider making a final job offer contingent on the passing of that exam.

“These are the types of things we need to do to make sure we are going out and progressively pursuing talent to get them in the building,” Swenson said. “Departments are getting very aggressive in the pursuit of talent … We are just trying to secure talent before somebody else scoops them up.”

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at City Hall. The meeting was rescheduled from Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m.

DEBORAH MILLER

DARLENE NADEAU

KATHY DUDDING

SHERI PETERSON

TOM AND LINDA BEATSON

MARY RYAN

NANCY AND LARRY ROGERS

NANCY KATZENBERGER

KATHLEEN RUSSELL

SALLY BROWN

MARLYS NELSON

PAM BLANDING

TAMMY LARSON

TONYA LELEUX

JANET AND STEVEN SOMMER

ROSLYN YEAGER

ALEX ECKERT

Bonnie Hermann Lino Lakes

Shannon Granholm

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

COPS&COURTS

POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• An officer located two males sleeping in a vehicle at a closed business in the 7600 block of Lake Drive April 30. The officer contacted the males and determined they work for the company and were sleeping there to get an early start in the morning.

• A community service officer responded to a report of a dog at large in a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive April 30. The area was checked, and the dog was gone on arrival.

• Officers responded to a call of a suspicious male near businesses in the 6500 block of Ware Road asking people for money April 30. The male was trespassed from the location at the request of the business management.

• Officers responded to a school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue on a call reporting students being disorderly May 1. The students were provided with rides to their homes and will be charged for their disorderly conduct.

• An officer was flagged down in the 7400 block of Main Street after a juvenile jumped from a group home transport vehicle and attempted to assault group home staff May 1. The male was detained and subsequently transported to a hospital.

• An officer was requested to assist another agency on a call of a stabbing in the 800 block of East River Road May 1. The suspect was believed to have left on foot and was subsequently located at their home and taken into custody without incident.

• Officers responded to the 8100 block of Lake Drive for a low-hanging overhead cable line and a semi stuck

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on the cable May 2. The vehicle was removed from the cable and was able to leave the area. The utility company responded and raised the line.

• An officer received a report of fraud with financial loss involved in the 7100 block of Lakeview Drive May 3. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for a moving violation in the area of Lake Drive and Apollo Drive May 3. The driver was identified and found to be in possession of another male’s driver’s license. The license was taken, and the investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a welfare check of a male on a bike in the 13000 block of I-35E May 3. The male and his bike were removed from the interstate and the male was provided safer and legal route options for his travels.

• Officers responded to the 1000 block of Black Duck Court May 4 for a report of shots fired at a residence. Officers located several bullet holes and shell casings around the residence. Officers gathered evidence; the investigation is ongoing.

• An injured raptor was located in the 6500 block of Fawn Lane and brought to a rehab center May 4.

• An officer and the fire department responded to a fire alarm and determined there had been a small fire in a residence in the 2100 block of Ada Drive May 4. The fire department handled the incident. The homeowner was notified and returned home.

• An officer stopped a motorcycle for speeding. An adult male was cited for speeding, no proof of insurance, displaying the wrong plates and no motorcycle endorsement.

• An officer stopped a motorcycle for speeding in the 1300 block of I-35W May 4. An adult male was cited for speeding, no proof of insurance, displaying the wrong plates and no motorcycle endorsement.

• Officers responded to a grass fire near 80th Street and I-35E May 5. Firefighters responded and the fire was extinguished.

• An officer took a theft by swindle report in the 7400 block of Emily Circle May 6. The officer took

Ebikes for Every Type of Rider

the information for the report and provided the complainant with prevention options for the future. The incident is under investigation.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Officers were dispatched to the area of Heritage Trail and Village Parkway in Circle Pines on suspicious items May 1. The items were found to be normal.

• Police responded to the intersection of North Highway Drive and Liberty Lane in Lexington for a two-vehicle property damage accident May 1.

• Police responded to a harassment report in the 9400 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington May 2.

• Officers responded to the 3800 block of Liberty Lane in Lexington May 2 on a report of a disorderly female.

• Officers responded to Woodcrest Drive in Circle Pines May 3 for a motor vehicle hit-and-run accident.

• Police responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 9100 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington May 3.

• A detective received a Minnesota adult abuse report out of Centerville May 3. The case is under investigation.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Pine Drive in Circle Pines May 4 after witnessing a lane violation. The vehicle had expired registration, and the driver was arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• A missing person was reported in the 9300 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington May 5.

• An officers observed an equipment violation in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville May 6. The driver was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant and for driving with a canceled license.

• Police responded to a property damage crash at the intersection of Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington May 6.

CALENDER BRIEF

Local author to hold book launch party

Local author Lee Burtman will hold a book launch at North Church in Mounds View from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18. The event will be for her new book, “Waiting in the Wings: Arming the Bomb in a World Gone M.A.D.” There will also be live music, light refreshments and book signings. The launch is free and open to the public. Military veterans and current service members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Burtman at 651-271-5941 or email at burtmanlee@gmail.com.

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WEEKLY WAG

The City of Mahtomedi (pop. 8,100) is accepting applications for a full-time position of Mechanic in the Public Works Department. This position performs intermediate skilled trade work operating, repairing and maintaining vehicles, engines, light and heavy equipment, and related work as assigned. Performs basic preventative maintenance on City vehicles including tune-ups, lubrication, tire changes and simple parts replacement. Services, diagnoses and repairs small and large pieces of City equipment, performs minor repairs in the field on City equipment, secures parts from suppliers and performs related work as required, operates City vehicles and equipment to perform testing, servicing and deliveries as required. May assign and direct the work of seasonal/temporary workers. Performs Maintenance Operator duties as directed. High School diploma or GED; and moderate experience in auto/truck repair and heavy equipment mechanics, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Associate/Technical degree preferred. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Technician Preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License with Class B air brake and tanker endorsements within six months of hire. Must meet Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing requirements. A Minnesota Class D Water License and Class S-D Wastewater License is preferred.

The starting salary is $32.09 - $38.43 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus benefits. Must complete city application. For a copy of the application packet and complete job description visit the city website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Submit application material via email to: sneilson@ci.mahtomedi. mn.us or in person at 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m., June 7, 2024. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Trixie is a super sweet pup who loves everyone she meets. She is just over a year old, and she is very playful. Trixie, a schnauzer/border terrier mix, weighs about 13 pounds. She is good with adults, children and anyone new that she meets. She is intelligent, even-tempered and she loves to play, play, play!

Trixie is house-trained, crate-trained and leash-trained. Although she does like a walk now and again, what Trixie really likes is car rides. In fact, she would be a great little companion for a person, couple or family who likes to take road trips and travel. Trixie would be very comfortable as an apartment home dog, too.

Trixie is a happy little girl and her tail is always wagging. She adores affection and being with her people. Trixie arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the Lone Star to North Star Rescue initiative.

If you are interested in learning more about Trixie or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you

possible.

are currently seeking fun-loving, caring, and compassionate educators for our full day Christian preschool program in Mahtomedi. We have FT and PT positions available. Must be Teacher or Assistant Teacher qualified under MN DHS Rule 3 guidelines. Visit www.saintandrews. org/careers or email ahuntley@saintandrews.org for more information.

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• The city is considering reducing Park Board meetings from once per month to three times a year. City Administrator Bill Petracek made the suggestion, but further discussion is needed to come to a decision. The topic will be tabled until further notice.

• The Lexington Fire Department has two new hires, Joshua Baak and Damon Lundberg-Luken. They will both start at $12.65 per hour. The fire department plans to sell its 2008 Ford ambulance on Govdeals.com. The ambulance was purchased in 2019 for approximately $10,000.

• Several business remodeling projects are underway in the city, including AutoZone, Cooks One Stop Shops and The Curious Crow Company. The Curious Crow Company, a shop specializing in vintage pop culture collectibles, is expected to open its first physical location in the former Lyke’s Boxing at 9157 S. Hwy Drive in July.

• The Circle Lex Lions Farmers Market will return this year. It will kick off June 12 and run through Oct. 2.

• Norhart, the developer of Lexington Lofts, has been granted a six-month extension to record its project plat. Per a memo from City Attorney Kurt Glaser, the developer has had trouble fixing the legal title to a parcel that makes up part of the plat. “They have made some headway on this correction but have not been able to complete the fix by the deadline,” Glaser said.

Hannah Testa

PAUL DOLS | PRESS

Neil Kruse and Bernie Bautch have been inducted into Centennial’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Kruse was a sixth-grade teacher and coach, and Bautch ensured students received breakfast and lunch. She also established the Cooks Scholarship.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

The City of Lino Lakes preparing an environmental review and is accepting comments on the proposed construction of a water treatment plant and raw watermain along Birch Street and southwest of the intersection of CSAH 34 (Birch St) and 12th

limited to grading, construction of the water treatment plant and parking area, storm sewer work, watermain work, sanitary sewer work, and stormwater pond construction. The project will impact approximately 2.8 acres of land. No wetlands will be impacted. The project will obtain all required environmental permits prior to construction. Comments on environmental aspects of the proposed project can be provided to City Engineer Diane Hankee at dhankee@linolakes.us through June 13, 2024.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on May 14, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on May 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:

Applicant: City of Lino Lakes

Proposed Project: The City is considering vacating a trail easement located on Lots 1-14, Block 5, Shores of Marshan Lake. For further information regarding the above item, contact Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director at 651-982-2444.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on May 14 and 21, 2024.

COUNTY BRIEFS

Anoka County Senior Expo planned for May 18

The 2024 Anoka County Senior Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at Lord of Life Church, 14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW in Ramsey. The free event is open to seniors and their families, and activities include information booths, blood pressure checks, a free pancake breakfast, healing touch therapy, eyewear repair and cleaning, vaccinations and entertainment provided by Todd “Elvis” Anderson. Anoka County Human Services sponsors this event. For more information, contact Lori Benson at lori.benson@anokacountymn. gov or 763-324-1692.

Participate in Anoka County biking events

All are welcome to participate in Anoka County’s Bike Month events throughout May. National Bike Month, a celebration of cycling, is held annually in May and sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists. Events include:

· May 13-17 –– Bike to Work Week. Participants should pledge to ride their bike at least once from Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17 via www.anokacountymn.gov/4402/Bike-to-Work-

Week-2024. Once registered, participants will be entered to win prizes.

· May 17 –– Bike to Work Day. Participants should check in on their way home from work at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids from 4-7 p.m.

· May 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.–– Fridley Environmental Fun Fair at Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.

· May 21 –– Bike to the Library at the Northtown Branch, 711 County Highway 10 NE, Blaine.  “There are numerous benefits to biking, and Anoka County is proud to support events promoting safe bicycle activity during Bike Month,” said Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson, chair of the county’s Transportation Committee. “There are more than 85 miles of trails in the Anoka County Park system alone, and we encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy them.”

Bicyclists are permitted to bike on sidewalks except within central business districts. Biking on sidewalks is prohibited in downtown Anoka, but bikers may still bike on shared-use paths or on roads/streets. For most places in Anoka County, sidewalk cycling is permitted. Bicyclists should also do an “ABC” check before they leave. Check the air, brakes and chain to ensure your bike is in working order.

-

SPORTS

Cougars 2-2 in week, nipped by 2 powers

BASEBALL

Centennial cruised past St. Thomas Academy 7-1 last Monday evening, then lost 9-1 to Andover on Tuesday evening, both on the road. The Cougars are 7-8. Josh Lee fired a one-hit shutout against St. Thomas Academy (6-8), walking just one, striking out six. The Cougars rapped 12 hits. Aiden Lieser was 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI’s and three runs. Peyton Streit was 3-for-4 (three runs), Matthew Siegler 2-for-2 (RBI), and Jack Dagostino 2-for-4 (double). Andover (14-2) thumped the Cougars with an 11-hit attack led by Grant Pieri with a double and two singles. Wyatt Myers and Blake Baumann limited the Cougars to six hits. A sac fly by Lieser plated the Cougars run.  Andover scored four runs in five innings off Lieser, and four off Caden Coppersmith.

BOYS LACROSSE

Centennial won its lone game last week over Andover 20-8 at home Monday. The Cougars are 5-3 and Andover 6-2. Brol Scherman pumped in six goals and Kellen Krumweide five. Tyson Bausch added three goals, Logan Adams two, and Gavin Cunningham, Gavin Jorud, CJ Sherer, Kasey Burgwald one each. Cougar goalie Trenton Kramer faced 20 shots and stopped 12.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Centennial edged Andover 9-8 on Monday evening, then lost 17-1 to No. 6 ranked Champion Park (9-0) on Wednesday. The Cougars are 6-2. Leading the win over Andover (4-5) were Karley Lacis (three goals) and Noelle Hemr (two goals, three assists). Adding

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Three home runs by Kendall Cochran and strong pitching by Riley O’Connell were highlights in a busy week for Centennial softball as the Cougars (8-8) had two wins while losing two close games to strong teams. The Cougars lost to NWSC leader Andover (14-3) in eight innings 1-0 Tuesday. Kaelyn Polzin threw the shutout, striking out 14. O’Connell took the loss despite giving up just four hits and two walks, striking out eight. Gracie Nickel was 2-for-4. The Cougars’ lone error helped the Huskies get their run.

Cochran, freshman infielder, blasted two homers, driving home five runs, to lead an 11-3 win over Elk

a goal each were Lillian Brausen, Ella Weist and Ryan Cheesebrow. Goalie Peyton Brezney made six saves. Paige Clausen and Hemr led with five ground balls each. Top season scorers are Hemr with 21 goals and Weist with 14.

BOYS TRACK

Centennial placed fourth of nine teams in the Section 5AAA true-team meet Tuesday at Forest Lake. Blaine was champion. Trystan Green was fourth in the 100 (11.66). Gavin Moore was sixth in the 200 (22.95) and seventh in long jump (20-0). Ty Burgoon was eighth in the 200 and ninth in the 100. Timothy Ball won discus with 170-9 and Logan Huss placed third (138-7). Ball was third in shot put (51-11) with Blake Scheierl fifth (44-10) and Huss sixth (44-6). Tyler Celotta was fifth in pole vault (11-0), Finn Wold fifth in high jump (5-10) and Fran Zeresenay seventh in triple jump (40-2). The Cougar 4x800 team placed second in 8:39.34 with Persing, Nelson, Zellmer and Koerber.

GIRLS TRACK

Centennial placed sixth of nine teams at Section 5AAA true-team Tuesday at Forest Lake. Blaine was champion. Lauren Klein won the 800 in 2:15.84 with Abigail Smith second (2:21.70). Kylie Nelson was second in the 1600 (5:09) with Abby Wood fifth (5:29). Wood was sixth in the 3200 (11:48). The Cougars won the 4x800 in 9:30.27 with Julia Zalewski, Abigail Smith, Nelson and Klein, and placed second in the 4x400 (4:03.98).

Madeline Wood was fifth in 100 hurdles (17.26). Aspen Gray was fifth in the 400 (1:01.38). In high jump, Isabella Kuter was fourth, Kathryn Woelfel fifth, and Kyra Field eighth, each clearing 4-10. Reginae Tandah was seventh in the 200.

River (3-14) on Wednesday. Kendall Seidenkranz had a homer, double and three RBI’s. Maddy Abernathy was 3-for-4 with two runs. Abby Wallraff pitched the distance (seven hits, one walk, five strikeouts).  Cochran belted a two-run homer in the first inning against Anoka (9-8) and O’Connell made the lead stand for a 2-0 win as she twirled a one-hit shutout with 12 strikeouts and three walks. Cochran has four homers and 15 RBI’s while hitting .273.

Mya Tautges led Brainerd (13-3) to a 3-2 win at Centennial on Friday. Tautges, a sophomore, held the Cougars to four hits and one walk, striking out 10, and went 2-for-4 at the plate, scoring twice. O’Connell struck out 13, allowing six hits and one walk, and went 2-for-3.

Miranda Sawvel was eighth in the 800. Wood was eighth in the 300 hurdles.

BOYS GOLF

Centennial placed fifth of eight teams in the TPC Classic on Monday with 309. Totino-Grace won with 283. Cooper Daikawa and Brady Zins tied for 12th with 74. Tanner Youngbauer was 19th with 76 and Harper Searles 34th with 85.

GIRLS GOLF

Centennial won a dual meet over Coon Rapids 183 to 219 on Thursday at Bunker Hills. Taylor Thor shot 44, Marina Allen 45, Taylor Nelson 45 and Gabby Steele 49. Bruce Strand

Brol Scherman, Centennial junior lacrosse standout, has netted 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Cougars (4-2) while notching 17 ground balls (a change of possession statistic). Scherman was all-conference as a sophomore with 36 goals and 28 assists. The recruiting website ILMCA said of him: “Endto-end playmaking machine with striking confidence both on and off the field. Versatile offensive threat with strong outside shooting and crease finishing skills. Magnetic team leader and positive influencer.”

55-8 and fifth in discus with 161-9. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete placed fifth in the state in discus (165-0) last year. He was an outside linebacker on the Cougars state champion football team and was one of three players with over 90 tackles.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Kendall Cochran, shown here earlier this season, hit three homers for seven RBI’s in two Cougar wins.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Ben Clauson, Cougar catcher, lunged to tag out Andover’s Ted Heller on a throw from shortstop Peyton Streit.

PUBLIC SAFETY MODEL: City Council moves

FROM PAGE 1

“We are currently very highly integrated in how we do that (provide services), and I think it would be wise for us to look at all the public safety services when we look at all the solutions,” Swenson explained, “to make sure that we have all the information and understand how those decisions may impact other areas within the public safety umbrella.”

One thing the council does agree on is that the study should address both fire and police services. “It only makes sense that we draft an RFP for both. Otherwise, we are walking into it with one eye open,” Council Member Christopher Lyden said.

Council members Lyden, Michael Ruhland and Tony Cavegn seemed to think the council should continue to

move forward with the RFP process right away, whereas Mayor Rob Rafferty and Council Member Dale Stoesz thought the council could take a bit more time to make a decision.

“To do this right and effectively, that is the most important thing we can do,” Rafferty said. Rafferty added that he wanted more time to gather additional information and mentioned wanting to talk to the city of Shakopee about their recent experience going through a similar process.

Rafferty said he wanted to make sure that whatever process is pursued is performed by professionals and outside sources, rather than being guided by city staff or council. “This is a great opportunity to be as transparent as possible. We do that by not having the directors or captains (involved) …

They are not writing the narrative,” Rafferty explained.

He added, “There can be additional discussion. I don’t think I’m ready to move forward with a recommendation (right now) … It’s all about just trying to do it right.” Stoesz suggested waiting a couple of more weeks and discussing the item again at a future work session.

Ruhland said he was not in favor of tabling it and wanted to see an RFP for hiring a consultant to study both police and fire. Cavegn added, “I proposed we continue down the path we are currently on.”

Swenson said the timeline for studies can vary, but he estimated

it would take a few months provided the city receives a good response to the RFP and the council can come to a consensus on which consultant to choose.

“We want a good product that is well researched and gives us actionable steps,” Swenson explained.

Ultimately, the council directed city staff to send out an RFP to potential consultants. Once the proposals are received, they will come back before the council for possible selection.