What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one inti mate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically.
Candice Amundson spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. Once her child’s life was in danger, she knew she had to get out of that situation.
Amundson is one of the more than 10 million women and men that have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner in the U.S.
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another throughout the month to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it, and to uplift survivors by sharing their stories and providing additional resources to leaders and policymakers.
After about 10 months of dating a man, Amundson found out she was pregnant. In the beginning of the relationship she says he was verbally abusive, but never physically abusive. “It started out as name-calling,” she recalled. “But then it turned into control. He started controlling the finances, wanted control of where I was, what I was doing.”
Once Amundson’s child was born, she says he started being physically violent toward her, but never their son.
BY THE NUMBERSMinnesota
33.9% of women and 25.1% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. 14 people in Minnesota were murdered in domestic violence homicides in 2018.
22,760 the number of active protection orders in Minnesota between 2006 and 2015.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
LINO LAKES — Though there might be a shortage of workers and supplies, there is no shortage of development concepts and proposals coming before the City Council.
Most recently, council members took another look at a concept plan for a residential development known as Villas on Vicky, and discussed a potential future concept plan from M/I Homes.
Several City Council members said they liked what they saw in the Villas on Vicky concept plan, while
“We like to say that there’s no conflict too small,” said Mediation and Restorative Services (MARS) Program and Development Manag er Dana Amundson.
Next week, MARS will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a party/ fundraiser. Since 1987, the nonprofit has helped families, neighborhoods, schools, landlords, tenants, busi nesses and consumers manage and resolve conflict through education and conflict resolution services.
“We promote peaceful communities,” said MARS Executive Director Bernadette Foh.
“Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible mediation and resolution services to help people in Anoka County and neighboring cities to not just live in peace, but to be part of that stakeholder ownership in resolving their own conflict and repairing harm.”
The organization primarily helps clients in Anoka County, but also touches surrounding areas too. Services fall under two umbrellas community mediation and court mediation. In both types of mediation, MARS tries to tackle the conflict early before it becomes a bigger issue. Community mediation includes shared parenting and neighborhood disputes as well as conflicts between families, employees/businesses and landlords and renters. In the past few years, MARS has seen an increase in the need for housing mediation. The reason mediation is needed has evolved, however. A few years ago, clients needed help with resolving issues related to repairs and maintenance. Now, housing mediation is falling into paying past-due rent, coming up with move-out plans or terminating a lease early. The organization also provides mediators for conciliation court.
Amundson says the last few years, likely due to the pandemic, there seems to be an increase in breakdown of neighbor communication. “We have seen an increase in some neighbor-to-neighbor conflict and folks just being frustrated with each other,” she said. “That can range from ‘somebody is blowing leaves on my yard’ to more harassmenttype things.”
Lori Anderson, of Coon Rapids, has known about MARS for about 10 years. This summer, when her
daughter and son-in-law moved in with her and her husband, their new puppy started to cause some tension.
“That dog chose my husband to bark at constantly. It was terrifying for him,” she recalled, adding that it was causing issues with not only her husband, but also their cats. Anderson was fearful the conflict was going to damage relationships.
“I thought we needed to get someone in here to help us work this out and find a solution,” Anderson said. So, she set up a meeting with MARS, but ultimately family members were able to work it out on their own.
“I think just knowing that there was help and that there was somebody willing to work with us helped everybody to take a step back, take a breath and think about how they were contributing to the issue and how they could help resolve it,” she said.
Anderson said she would recommend MARS to anybody. “They were available. They are welltrained in being neutral and allowing the different parties to work out a solution on their own with just asking questions,” she said.
MARS has a staff of five, but relies on its approximately 50 volunteer mediators. Volunteers must complete a 30-hour online civil mediation training before they become a “Minnesota Qualified Neutral.”
Not only does MARS services help community members, but it also takes some of the burden off of the court system and police departments. “The first thing we are taught in America is if you see something or you need help, call 911 … So with our services, it cuts down on the response for police
officers and it saves them time, it saves them money and it also prevents that rapid escalation of conflicts in the community,” Foh said.
“We are the glue that holds and cements communities together to provide that cohesion because we are able to constantly provide people with a platform and the vehicle to have conversations proactively, (and) to also maintain peace in a manner that will be able to foster relationships that are meaningful.”
To celebrate its 35th anniversary, MARS will host a party Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Greenhaven Golf Course in Anoka. For more information about the event, or MARS, visit www.mediationservice.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
What: The MARS 35th Anniversary Party
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18
Where: Greenhaven Golf Course, 2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka
Details: Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, network and learn more about Mediation and Restorative Services’ (MARS) mission, specifically how to maintain stable housing in the community. Proceeds from the event will go toward MARS’ housing mediation program. Tickets available ahead of time online or at the event. For more information, visit www.mediationservice.org/ mars-anniversary-party.
Come election season, voters tend to hear a lot about races for president, governor, state senator and representative, but the ballot choices for county sheriff don’t get as much airtime.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is hosting and recording candidate forums for races all throughout the state.
“This ‘meet the candidate’ forum is about informing voters. It is held to provide voters an opportunity to hear from candidates on important issues and compare their ideas,” said LWV Moderator Leslie Waterhouse.
One of those forums is for the race of Anoka County Sheriff. Both candidates, Paul Lenzmeier and Brad Wise, participated. Waterhouse first asked a couple of questions compiled by the LWV and then asked 10 questions submitted by members of the public.
Q. What is your motivation to run for this office, and what experience or knowledge would help you serve effectively?
Lenzmeier explained that he has been with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. He started as a community service officer at the age of 18 and has worked his way through the ranks. He currently serves as a senior commander.
“I started in administration working with all six divisions of our office. I learned the roles and responsibilities of our office and I really have an appreciation and respect for the complexities of the sheriff’s office,” he said. “My experience and institutional knowledge sets me apart and has prepared me to lead the sheriff’s office.” He added that running for sheriff is “his calling.”
Wise explained that for the last 11 years he has served as police chief for the city of Coon Rapids. He resigned in July to focus on his campaign efforts, but as chief he was responsible for the overall operation
of the department, which included the oversight of 100 employees, 71 of whom are sworn officers.
Wise said his motivation for running for sheriff comes down to influence. “I want to influence events, both within the ACSO and the level of public service it provides to keep our citizens safe,” he said. “Secondly, I’m interested in influencing events around the state in that there is this negative narrative about law enforcement that needs to get aggressively addressed, particularly in the Legislature, in the way the public talks about the profession; otherwise, we are going to be in a serious situation if young people aren’t interested in pursuing law enforcement careers.”
Q. What are your goals for the future of Anoka County?
Wise said his goals include the overall function of the sheriff’s office, keeping the ACSO a fun place to work and boosting morale.
“One of my mantras at Coon Rapids was to do great work and to have fun while we were doing it. The only way I will have fun at work is if the people at work enjoy their jobs; that is essential to the operation,” Wise said, adding that in order to achieve great morale, deputies need a fair contract, the support of their citizens and support from the administration.
Wise said he would implement a “360 review,” which provides supervisors the chance to do performance evaluations on their subordinates, but also allows subordinances a chance to do performance evaluations on their supervisors.
Lenzmeier said his goal was to be a “people sheriff” while maintaining law and order. “I’m focused on community-focused public safety, and that philosophy, that is all about bringing people together … “We have seen a divisive tone throughout our country, throughout our state and here in Anoka County. I feel called to be an ambassador for community,” he said. “We have seen crime trends increase, and law enforcement has been very aggressive to stomp those out, but there is an overarching
darkness on our doorstep. There is a desire for some to create disorder and chaos in our communities and our society. I will build community here in Anoka County and I will maintain law and order.”
Wise said one of the biggest issues facing the county is the influence of things going on the other side of the river, where law enforcement doesn’t receive as much support as in Anoka County. He mentioned that the city of Brooklyn Park had 200 random shooting incidents in 2021, whereas Coon Rapids saw 10.
“The reality is on that side of the river, the officers do not feel the support of elected officials publicly. I’m sure they are getting support privately from the citizens, but it impacts their work, and if they don’t feel a passion for the kind of service where it makes a difference in crime rates, you experience things like 200 shootings in a year.”
Lenzmeier said Anoka County is concerned about the rising crime rates, and his solution is to hold criminals accountable.
“They are concerned about the increase in crime trends that we are seeing. They are concerned about the news when you see what is happening in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs, and they don’t want that to happen here,” he said. “They see the occasional things that happen here in Anoka County, and they want assurance that we are going to hold a strict line on law and order and we are going to keep them safe … That will be my focus in working with the judicial system, to make sure that we have accountability for those that want to victimize our communities.”
To see the full forum, visit the LWV’s website.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
To view candidate forum schedules or view complete forums, visit:
Anoka County https://my.lwv.org/minnesota/ anoka-blaine-coon-rapidsarea/meet-candidates-forums-
they weren’t crazy about the density being discussed for the M/I Homes project.
The proposed residential development, Villas on Vicky, would be located on an approximately 5-acre parcel west of CSAH 23 (Lake Drive) and south of Vicky Lane. When Ranger Development first submitted a land use application for a planned unit development (PUD) concept plan review back in July, the proposal was for 23 single-family detached townhome villas. The council also reviewed a revised concept in September.
“He (developer Jon Blattman) has put together some revisions and made some changes,” City Planner Katie Larsen explained.
The current proposal is for 17 singlefamily lots. A common courtyard area with a community garden space, benches, street lights and wild grasses, all to be owned and maintained by a homeowners association, are also proposed.
Previously, council members said the lower the density the better, as they really liked one concept that proposed 13 units. Larsen explained that the proposal does need to meet the city’s density requirements for the area, which calls for four to six units per net acre. “We are at the absolute low end of the spectrum with a little over four units an acre.”
Council Member Christopher Lyden said, “From what you first brought in here a month ago to the five or six different plans you have come up with, this is absolutely beautiful.”
Council Member Michael Ruhland said, “I think you have done a great job at incorporating everything we have talked about.”
Council Member Tony Cavegn said he also liked the concept. “It gets us to the density we were looking for. You added something more to the plan to provide benefit to the community.”
The city’s review and comments do not grant any rights to the applicant at this time to develop the property as depicted in the concept plan. The next step for the developer would be to go through the PUD development stage plan/preliminary plat process.
M/I Homes is interested in building a residential development on a 125-acre site located west of the Watermark development. The property currently has three different land use categories: low density, medium density and high density.
John Rask, vice president of land for M/I Homes, recently visited the council to present information regarding a proposed PUD residential development on the Leibel property, a 125-acre site located west of the Watermark development and east of Peltier Lake.
The property consists of three different land use categories: low density, medium density and high density. The land use guidance for medium density (four to six units/acre) and high density (six to eight units per acre) typically provides for an attached townhomes product, Larsen explained. Prior to formalizing its concept plan, M/I Homes sought guidance from the council to see if members would be receptive to incorporating a smaller single-family lot (40 feet wide by 125 feet deep) into the product mix for the development as well as an attached townhome product, or row homes. The community would also include a mix of larger single-family homes for the lowdensity area.
“We have done a number of concepts behind the scenes and we are getting ready to submit a concept plan to you,” said David Newman, of the Bancor Group Inc. “We are trying to get some feedback on the types of homes you would like to see on this property. We are trying to meet both the city’s comprehensive plan and market demand.”
M/I Homes is currently building similar homes in Farmington and Shakopee and has also built similar products in Blaine, Corcoran, Minnetrista, Lake Elmo and Dayton. The homes would range in size from 2,033 to 2,305 square feet and would likely be priced from $425,000 to $450,000.
Rask explained that the mix of smaller single-family lots and townhomes would be a better use of the property and meet market demand. If the smaller lots are not allowed by the city, they would like to develop the medium-density portion of the site with all townhomes.
Mayor Rob Rafferty said, “I think the homes look pretty nice, but I don’t know that you could fit more homes into a smaller space. I’m not in favor of that myself; the homes are nice, but it is just too small of a lot for me.”
Council Member Dale Stoesz questioned why a portion of the property was zoned for high density. Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that the zoning came out of the city’s 2030 plan. Typically, he said, the city tries to pack highdensity and medium-density areas adjacent to freeways and high-traffic corridors. “This piece of property has a lot of pockets of wetlands, so that flexibility in lot sizes allows us to work around that a bit in order to preserve some of those areas,” he said.
Larsen added that the advantage for this site is that the density is allowed to be spread out over the 150-acre site. “If it doesn’t go here, we have to put it somewhere else,” she said.
Cavegn wanted to know in what other ways a site with this zoning could be developed. Larsen said that the higher-density areas would typically be developed with a townhome product or a smaller multi-family building, similar to NorthPointe Garden Estates (72 units). Cavegn said he liked the look of the smaller single-family homes more than the townhome product.
Lyden said he didn’t feel high density was part of the “city’s character.” Ruhland said he didn’t like the row home look.
Rafferty asked the developer to provide some addresses for both completed and ongoing developments in other cities so the council could view those projects.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
A unique opportunity is coming to the Anoka CountyBlaine airport Oct. 14-16. A World War II-era B-25 Mitchell bomber is visiting the area as part of a fundraising tour sponsored by the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA), headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Proceeds from ticket sales to ride or tour the vintage aircraft not only to support EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation, but also to support local EAA chapters.
Chapters based at Benson Airport in White Bear Township and the Forest Lake Airport will be providing volunteers to help host the B-25, which requires a minimum 5,000-foot runway for flight operations and up to 2 acres of ramp space for ground operations.
The powerful twin-engine, twin-tailed bomber was used by all three major branches of the United States military and served in all theaters of WWII. It is the only military aircraft to be named after an individual, air power advocate and U.S. Army General Billy Mitchell.
EAA provided a bit of history on the B-25, which became combat-ready in 1942, just in time for a daring plan after the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. That plan involved loading 16 of the land-based bombers onto the deck of the USS Hornet aircraft carrier for a bombing mission over Tokyo. There was a Minnesota connection in that plan. The bombers slated for the mission underwent modifications in secret in a maintenance hangar at WoldChamberlain Field (Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport) in preparation for the attack. The April 1942 mission was led by famous aviator James H. Doolittle. His select crew were known as the Doolittle Raiders. The successful mission was considered a major morale booster for the United States and one that earned the then-Lt. Col. Doolittle the Medal of Honor.
The B-25 bomber was also selected to escort Japanese forces that flew into Tokyo Bay to sign the surrender of the war aboard the USS Missouri. Post-WWII, the Mitchell served in roles in the peacetime Air Force as personal transports and training aircraft. The last B-25 was retired from military service in 1960.
Tour Chair Don Shipp, president of Forest Lake EAA Chapter 1638, said the visit is a rare opportunity to see the warbird in real time.
“The Mitchell B-25 is important to our country’s history,” Shipp pointed out. “Helping people get up close to one honors that history. The B-25 is one of the most iconic images of the second World War.”
Benson Airport EAA Chapter 745 President Mike Hage iterated Shipp, noting, “This is a very unique opportunity for our local EAA to share a national treasure, an authentic WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber, with the local community.”
Passenger flights take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1416; ground tours are also available from 2 to 5 p.m. Ground tour tickets are $10 for individual, $20 for family and free for active military/veterans and children under 8 with paying adult.
Flights last about one hour and include briefing, debriefing and 24 minutes of actual flight time.
EAA notes that the schedule for flights and ground tours can change due to weather or mechanical issues. Refunds will be issued for weather or maintenance cancellations that cannot be rescheduled to another day onsite.
Debra NeutkensThe B-25 is coming to Anoka County-Blaine Airport Oct. 14-16. To book a flight on this historic aircraft, go to www. FlyTheB25.org. Tickets are $400 online or on site. Ground tours are also available.
THE FLORIDA SOUTHWEST coast was hit Wednesday, Sept. 5 by a Category 4 hurricane. Hurricane Ian was devastating.
The slow moving, wide storm sustained winds over 100 miles per hour and did extensive damage to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the city of Fort Myers. Adjoining areas were affected as well, before it crossed the state to hit Orlando and move north into the At lantic and back inland.
Resorts, marinas, homes and area businesses were destroyed. The val ue is estimated at $50 billion. Thou sands of people were made homeless, lives were lost and pets missing.
Our motor yacht, our winter home for 19 years, was badly damaged when a 12 foot surge of water hit Leg acy Harbour Marina at Fort Myers. Pilings and piers broke and boats ended up hitting each other. More than 20 boats in the marina sank.
The hurricane which took more than 100 lives is considered the most powerful to hit Florida.
This storm will take a long time to recover from. The causeways to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and Pine Island blew out.
Our boat, Front Page, was on several television net works after the storm. As a result, many family and friends from across the country are sending comfort ing messages.
Do what you can to help those who lost homes and property. Recovery will be long.
This has been and will continue to be another lesson in God’s creation - power and wind.
EMPLOYERS ALL OVER Minnesota, Wisconsin and elsewhere are finding it difficult to fill job open ings. Some people blame it on the fact that people don’t want to work. Various kinds of unemployment gov ernment assistance may discourage job seeking. I’m not sure that’s the only cause.
I think we have undervalued our vocational schools. We need training for all types of trades, whether it be automotive, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, mason ry work, etc. Some of those jobs will get your hands dirty and you may have to wear a uniform that has the company name on it, but they are good paying jobs and many of them are four or five days a week with no night or weekend work requirements.
Another observation I have made is a lack of people skills. Many of those we interview have a very diffi cult time making eye contact or talking comfortably in conversation. Maybe they have had their face in the computer and television screens too long and lost people skills.
If you have a desire to work and can interact with people, chances are you can learn the skill require ment for the job available.
Sometimes technology moves us forward, but also slows us down.
Maybe our readers have some ideas they would like to share. Letters to the editor always provide a good place to exchange ideas.
October!! My favorite month—well at least top five. I love the crisp, dry air and blue skies. I love the changing leaves. I live in the woods and every year I stop at the end of my driveway and have to get out and take a picture on that day that the sun is just right, and the entire yard is brilliant yellow and red. The funny thing is that every year the picture looks the same!!
ly—like the colored trees in the October.
Two Bible verses come to mind when I think about change and sameness:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun.
idly changing society? Change is inevitable. Some we like, some we don’t but like the seasons there is a reason for change. A good rea son. Growth comes from change. But, thankfully, not everything changes.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.
So here lies the conundrum, there is change and yet it’s the same. This is what we as hu man beings ap preciate—some sameness mixed in with change so we don’t feel so anxious. We don’t necessarily like change but sometimes it can bring about something very love
Change is going to happen. At least in Minnesota we have very specific changes in the seasons. Personally, I would not want to live in a climate that did not ex perience a change of seasons. It somehow gives me something to look forward to. Keeps life from getting boring. We aren’t all as ex cited about the change from fall to winter but even the snow has its beauty. After a long winter, we are eager to see the first buds on the trees and the green haze appear in the woods.
October, the month of change from the green of summer to the brilliance of fall.
Is this how we approach change in our daily lives, in the life of the church you attend, or in our rap
Jesus does not change. Who he was 2000 years ago—loving, car ing, teaching, forgiving, gener ous, sacrificial … all that he was then, he is today and will be to morrow. Thank goodness!! Some one we can count on at all times.
So, this fall, embrace the change and seek the one who stays the same.
Toni Schwabe is the pastor at Rice Creek Covenant Church in Lino Lakes.
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I would like to thank the Quad Community Press for publishing the 2022 Voters Guide. This is particularly useful this year, as there are several office and board positions to vote on and, for me, several candidates whom I am not familiar with.
The guide provides voters with basic information on each candidate and where the candidate stands on issues relevant to many voters. Thanks also for encouraging people to vote and providing information to aid persons who may be new to the voting process.
Steve Heiskary Lino LakesI have seen far too many paid letters the past few weeks for Republican candidates that use fear and misinformation to motivate well-meaning people to vote against their own self-interests.
Virginia Lou Baltes, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022.
Last week I sent in my absentee ballot for Susie Strom for the Minnesota House, District 36A.
As a citizen of Circle Pines, I would be proud to be represented by such a well-rounded and highachieving woman. Strom is an attorney and a U.S. army veteran.
She brings a diversity of thought based on her personal experiences to a historically “purple” district. For example, as a mother of two young daughters and the daughter of a teacher, Strom values education and believes that every student should have access to quality education. As a former PostSecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student this was a very important point to me, as this program saved me thousands of dollars and was one of many factors that allowed me to graduate debt free.
The way Strom values education makes me confident that she will advocate for the needs of all students if she’s elected.
Not only that, but Strom is a former military prosecutor. This unique experience taught her about the needs of law enforcement as well as victims of crime.
She is also an advocate for Minnesota’s biodiversity and natural resources, something many of my friends in White Bear Lake would be proud to hear after the Water Gremlin fiasco.
I encourage voters in 36A to visit Strom’s website stromformn.com to learn more about her, and to support her in the upcoming election.
Katie Leibel Circle PinesFor example, Sen. Roger Chamberlain has consistently claimed to be a champion for education, yet year after year our Centennial School Board asks for money to cover essential budgets in our district, such as the Special Education budget. The cost to educate students with special needs is higher than the aid that is provided to districts by the state. Districts then have to use money from the general education fund, increasing the cross subsidy to support special education expenses. His response is often “Sorry, not this year!”
In 2022, our state had a surplus windfall where Chamberlain could have provided many resources to our children who are behind due to gaps in learning and mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and could have provided funding to cover the cross-subsidy budget. However, he used the excuse of “we aren’t in a budget year” to deny our kids the extra resources they desperately needed, by making sure our schools received $0 from the surplus.
Sen. Chamberlain also takes credit for funding the LETRS teacher training program, which may help with literacy gaps but does nothing to help students who have other academic, social, physical, behavioral or mental health needs.
Heather Gustafson testified as a teacher in his Senate Education Committee Hearing for SF 4113 back in April. She outlined the resources our kids need to overcome the academic gaps created by the pandemic. Heather has been working for our children far before she even thought of running against Chamberlain. Heather has the perspective of an educator that is desperately needed in our state Senate.
We are never going to get equitable funding for our tax-poor school district with Chamberlain in office. This November, please give Heather Gustafson, Susie Strom, Brion Curran and Jeanne Hendricks a chance to do something for our communities and schools.
Renee Dietz Circle PinesFinally, a politician who doesn’t “go along to get along.” That politician is Sen. Roger Chamberlain, and we’re lucky we have a leader like this.
In early September, Sen. Chamberlain issued a report on his committee’s findings on the fraud in food programs for kids administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In his report, he brought to light the appalling failures at the agency that led to $250 million in fraud, the largest COVID relief fraud in the nation — the only such fraud, reported to date, in the entire nation.
Last spring, after 200 FBI agents executed search warrants across the state, Chamberlain’s committee held three public hearings in the Senate K-12 Education Committee and zeroed in on MDE’s stunning failure to do its fiduciary duty.
What Chamberlain’s committee uncovered was eye-opening. While MDE employees said they suspected fraud, they did almost nothing to identify and prevent any of the theft. They conducted “desk audits,” then even stopped doing that. They approved reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of meals served from vacant storefronts and third-floor apartments.
The U.S. attorney used the word “staggering” to describe the amount of fraud and how it was carried out. Nonetheless, MDE apparently missed all of it. MDE actually said its process worked. The fraud went one for 11 months. It began in May 2020 and continued until April 2021, when MDE finally notified the FBI.
Indictments have been brought against 47 defendants, who claimed they were serving food to needy children but instead were buying houses, luxury cars, resort property in Kenya, jewelry and international vacations.
Fraud was allowed due to laxness in government oversight. Thankfully, we have a state senator like Sen. Chamberlain who takes his responsibility seriously and is determined that on his watch, the bad apples will be rooted out.
Steve Gerlach Circle PinesI am writing to express my disappointment in DFL state Senate candidate Heather Gustafson for her support of building the Rush Line through White Bear Lake. Her strong support of the project expressed in a recent candidate forum shows a lack of understanding of the needs of White Bear Lake residents. The project has been soundly rejected by the community from Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike.
I believe instead we need someone who will listen to residents and fight for our interests at the Capitol. I am supporting Sen. Roger Chamberlain for state Senate because he has demonstrated a willingness to bring community members together from different backgrounds to advocate for our best interests. Sen. Chamberlain, unlike Heather Gustafson, opposed the Rush Line and helped stop it. He stood with the vast majority of residents against the Met Council’s costly plan and sponsored legislation to require the Met Council to secure City Council approval.
Sen. Chamberlain still advocated for improving our overall transportation system. He supports investing in our road and bridge infrastructure by providing a steady stream of funding through the rededication of the existing auto parts sales tax. The plan has a wide coalition of support from both business and labor groups.
I don’t know what Heather Gustafson’s plan is to improve our transportation infrastructure other than her support of the costly Rush Line. A gas tax increase? Fee increases? Do nothing? She doesn’t list transportation as one of her priorities on her website or include any information on her position.
Transportation is an issue that should have nothing to do with partisan politics. It’s about listening to your constituents about their needs, investing in smart projects that benefit the public and having the vision to make sure our infrastructure is properly maintained. I believe Roger Chamberlain understands this and has worked across the aisle for many years to get things done. I will be voting for Roger Chamberlain on Nov. 8.
Fisher-MacIntosh BearVirginia was married to John Henry Baltes on August 8, 1954, in New Hampton, IA. They made their home in Circle Pines, MN and later Heber City, UT. They were blessed with four children. They celebrated 61 years of marriage.
Virginia worked at Centennial Sr. High School in the library and later Honeywell. She spent many years enjoying the needlework of counted cross stitch.
Virginia is preceded in death by her loving husband, John, her parents, brother Rollis Snider, brothersin- law Robert Baltes and Bill Kennedy, sisters-inlaw Lavone Snider, Mary Kay O’Dowd and Rosalie Owens.
Virginia is survived by her children Julie (Mark) Reese of Park City, UT; Tim (Petra) Baltes of Germany; Barbara (Frankie) Pinto of Langhorne, PA and Nancy Baltes of Minden, NV; along with grandchildren Kristin (Marty), Jennifer (Adam), Jillian, Robin (Taylor), Julia, Holly and Megan; and great-grandchildren Madeline, Olivia, Quinn and Alexander. Also survived by sisters-in-law Ann Kennedy, Evelyn (Ron) Simon, Patti (Jerry) Rochford, Rose Baltes, and Debbie (Dave) Merrill, many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.
The family of Virginia Baltes would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those involved in her assistance during the past years. Your loving care will never be forgotten. Virginia will be buried in the Boyd Cemetery, also known as Saint John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Fredericksburg, IA at some time in the future.
TaeTae, or just Tae, is a sweet girl who gets along great with adults and calm, older children, although she will need some time to acclimate and earn trust. A 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier/Chihua hua mix, she arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas. Tae is indepen dent and a bit skittish and shy, so she would do best as an only pet. She is social; after positive introductions, she likes to play with other, bigger dogs. She also loves walks, car rides and water.
Tae is crate-trained, but she can be home alone during the day without being crated. At her foster home, Tae is allowed on the bed, where she feels like a princess. She likes to cuddle in bed with her people and loves being held once she knows she is safe. She is in good physical shape but emotionally she will need some time to adjust. She’s a good girl, but some basic training would suit her well. If you are interested in learning more about Tae Tae or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
The Nov. 8 election is fast approaching. Letter writ ers should be aware that the deadline to submit any letters relating to the election will be 5 p.m. Wednes day, Oct. 19 for publication the following week. After that deadline, no letters relating to the election will be accepted.
The 2022 Voters’ Guide that ran in the Sept. 27 issue contained an error. Centerville May or D. Love’s response to “list most recent civic involvement roles” was also included under City Council Member Michelle Lakso’s questionnaire. Lakso did not provide a response to that ques tion. We apologize for the error.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:
• An officer took a phone call report of damage to property in the 1100 block of Durango Point Sept. 27. The incident was documented, and the reporting party was able to fix the damage at no cost.
• An officer responded to a delayed theft report in the 6500 block of Clearwater Creek Drive Sept. 27. The incident was documented and is being investigated.
• Officers responded to a report of a personal injury accident on I-35W and Main Street Sept. 27. Officers assisted the Minnesota State Patrol, who handled the crash report.
• An officer took a phone call report regarding a suspicious phone call in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Sept. 27. The call was determined to be a scam, and the reporting party did not give out any information.
• An officer received a call of suspicious activity at a residence in the 6900 block of Sunset Avenue Sept. 27. The officer checked the location and found no indication of problems.
• An officer responded to a theft at a business in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Sept. 27. The incident was documented and is under investigation.
• An officer received found property from a school in the 700 block of Deerwood Circle Sept. 27. The property was released to a family member.
• Officers responded to a road rage incident on Centerville Road and Ash Street Sept. 27. The incident was documented, the driver was identified and the incident is under investigation.
• Officers responded to a report of a possible missing person in the 1100 block of North 45th Avenue Sept. 28. It was determined that the individuals lived in a different state, so the complainant was referred to that agency.
• An officer stopped a vehicle in the 8100 block of I35E Sept. 28 because the adult male driver’s license was revoked. The adult male driver was arrested and booked at jail for driving after revocation and no proof of insurance.
• Officers responded to a report of a suspicious
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:
• Officers were dispatched following a phone call requesting information on parking in the 200 block of North Star Lake in Circle Pines Sept. 28.
• Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of Meadow Lane and Centerville Road in Centerville Sept. 28.
• An officer took a walk-in fraud report at base from the 50 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines Sept. 29.
• Police fielded a phone call fraud report in the 10 block of Oak Road in Circle Pines Sept. 29.
• An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lovell Road and Lexington Avenue in Lexington Sept. 30. A verbal warning was issued.
• Officers were dispatched to a phone call reporting theft in the 50 block of East Road Sept. 30 in Circle Pines. It was determined to be a civil issue.
• Officers responded to the 30 block of Central Street regarding a theft on Sept. 30 in Circle Pines.
• An extra patrol request was reported in the 7100 block of Main Street in Centerville Oct. 1.
• A warrant arrest was reported in the 3800 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Oct. 1.
• Officers responded to a complaint in the 200 block of East Golden Lake Circle in Circle Pines Oct. 1. The caller advised there were duck hunters hunting in the Rice Creek area. Upon investigation, a violation was found in Circle Pines and officers notified the Minnesota DNR regarding the violators in the waterway and swamp.
• Information was collected at the Walgreens in Lexington in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive Oct. 2.
• Officers responded to the 0 block of Central Street regarding a fight in Circle Pines in the 10 block of Central Street Oct. 2.
• Officers investigated a trailer parked on the street overnight in the 7300 block of Peltier Circle in Centerville Oct. 3.
• Officers responded to the 20 block of Crossway Drive regarding a found bicycle in Circle Pines Oct. 3. The bicycle was later placed in the property cage at base.
vehicle in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive Sept. 28. There was no illegal activity observed. Information was passed along to other officers for a possible follow-up.
• Officers responded to report of a stolen vehicle on Lake Drive and Hodgson Road Sept. 28. An officer confirmed the vehicle was stolen and entered the vehicle as such via the state system.
• An officer was requested to assist another agency with a K-9 track in the 1000 block of 124th Circle Northwest. The suspect was located and surrendered without incident Sept. 29.
• A community service officer received a complaint of an illegal burn in the 6500 block of Hokah Drive Sept. 29. The community service officer was unable to locate a fire in the area.
• An officer responded to an extra patrol request for a neighborhood in the 100 block of Parkview Drive Sept. 29. The incident was documented and extra patrol was requested.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for a violation in the 6000 block of Sargent Court North Sept. 29. The officer ended up searching the vehicle and locating several illegal items. The driver was cited for multiple offenses.
• An officer responded to suspicious activity in the 6400 block of Lakota Trail Sept. 29. The officer spoke with the owner, and the incident was documented.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and the passenger was arrested on a gross misdemeanor warrant on Main Street and I-35 Sept. 29.
• Officers responded to a report of an attempted identity theft in the 1100 block of Durango Point Sept. 30. Information was gathered; no suspects were located.
• An officer took a phone call for a delayed report of theft in the 600 block of Apollo Drive Sept. 30. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a traffic complaint involving dirt bikes in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue Sept. 30. The incident was investigated, and the dirt bike drivers were advised of state statutes and local ordinances.
Minnesota Sheriffs’ Associ ation (MSA) President Sheriff James Stuart of Anoka County recently announced the com mencement of the Law Enforce ment Scholarship Program for 2022. The MSA Board of Direc tors has established a scholar ship fund for the awarding of up to 20 $2,000 scholarships for this year. These scholarships are due to the coordinated efforts of the
Minnesota’s youth deer season will take place statewide Thursday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 23. The season coincides with statewide teacher workshops, so many Minnesota students don’t have school during the youth season.
To participate, youth must be 10-17 years old and have a deer license. Participant numbers are not limited and there is no special permit, so parents should purchase or obtain a regular deer hunting license for the youth who will be hunting. An adult parent, guardian or mentor must accompany youth ages 10-13.
All hunters and mentors, regardless of whether they are participating in youth deer season, must follow blaze orange/ pink clothing requirements. Adults may not hunt, unless they are in an area open during
• An officer responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 200 block of Baldwin Circle Oct. 1.
• An officer responded to a report of a cat stuck in a tree in the 6400 block of Fawn Lake Oct. 1. The Lino Lakes Fire Division responded and handled the call.
• An officer observed a vehicle stopped on the side of the road in the 1200 block of Birch Street Oct.
2. The officer made contact with the driver and provided assistance.
• An officer was dispatched to a motor vehicle property damage accident in the 700 block of Oak Lane Oct. 2. The officer documented the incident and provided the driver with a case number.
• An officer responded to a report of a gas odor in a home in the 6500 block of Pheasant Run South Oct. 2. The fire duty officer responded and determine there was no danger.
• An officer was dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 6900 block of Otter Lake Road Oct. 2. The officer checked the area and found the vehicle had left. There were no apparent problems.
• An officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road Oct. 2. The officer investigated and found the vehicle was related to an incident in another city. The officer notified the appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Officers responded to a 911 hang-up in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Oct. 3. The officer investigated and determined there were no problems.
• An officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the 2200 block of 70th Street Oct. 3. The officer determined the vehicle had broken down, and the driver had a tow on the way.
• A community service officer answered huntingrelated questions on Rondeau Lake Oct. 3.
• An officer responded to a residence for a reported in-progress burglary in the 300 block of Carl Street Oct. 3. The officer was canceled upon arrival, as the homeowner determined the person they believed to be a burglar was actually a family member.
87 sheriffs of the State of Minne sota.
MSA recognizes the impor tance of pre-entry training for people considering law enforce ment as their career choice, and that some students need outside help in meeting the costs of such training, even though they excel academically. Scholarship applications are due by Nov. 19 and awards will be announced by Dec. 28. Scholarships are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories: mandated POST
Skills Program; in their second year of a two-year law enforce ment program; or in their third or fourth year of a four-year col lege criminal justice program.
In order to qualify, students must have completed at least one year of the two-year program or two years of a four-year program. Students meeting these criteria are invited to obtain a scholar ship application from their local sheriff’s office or online at www. mnsheriffs.org.
the early antlerless season and have the corresponding license. Complete youth season details are available online at mndnr. gov/Hunting/Deer/Youth.html.
With archery deer season underway and scouting for the upcoming firearms deer season starting in earnest, now is an ideal time for hunters to start using the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ online log for deer and other wildlife sightings.
The DNR uses the results to compare what hunters report to the population estimates that are an important tool for managing wildlife. Using a mobile device or desktop computer, hunters can enter information on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Mammals/ Deer/Management/Deer-HunterField-Log.html) about wildlife they see while hunting, including
deer, turkey, bear, fisher and other species. Hunters also will be able to report specific information about any deer they harvest, including antler size.
Hunters are encouraged to fill out a report after each hunt even if they don’t see any deer that day. Filling out a report even if no deer are observed is important, as it allows for an accurate estimate of the number of deer observed per hour of field observations, which provides a useful comparison to deerdensity modeling results. The questionnaire will remain open through the end of the year.
The DNR will report results from hunters’ observations in an annual research summary online. Results from 2021 and previous hunter observation survey results are available at mndnr.gov/Mammals/ Deer/Management/Statistics. html#Observe.
The Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) is opening a free museum. For the first time, scholars, art lovers, students and the general public will be able to study and enjoy its world-class collection of contemporary and modern art, including a large collection of studio art glass. The CAT Museum, located at 4600 Churchill Street in Shoreview, will open to the public for reserved, guided tours on Oct. 13. Reservations are now available at cafesjianarttrust. org.
Cafesjian Art Trust Trustee Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran, daughter of philanthropist and art collector Gerard Cafesjian, said, “I’m so proud to open the doors at our new CAT museum starting this October; this moment has been a decade in the making, and we’re thrilled to be putting my father’s collection on
display at last.”
“The CAT offers an opportunity for visitors to echo my father’s own journey, discovering the beauty of modern and contemporary art — and especially studio art glass,” she noted.
The inaugural exhibition, “A Lasting Friendship, Gerard Cafesjian and Dale Chihuly,” runs from the museum’s opening through March 19, 2023, and will showcase the artwork of Dale Chihuly and the decades-long friendship between Gerard Cafesjian and the artist.
One of the unique aspects of the inaugural exhibit is the copious amount of correspondence and other ephemera that exist as a testament to the friendship between the two men.
In addition to faxes and other letters, the show features informal drawings, often done on table linens from
dinners or lunches that Chihuly and Cafesjian enjoyed together.
The approximately 3,000 pieces that make up the permanent collection of the CAT include studio glass by international artists, with works by Dale Chihuly, Mary Ann ‘Toots’ Zynsky, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, and modern and contemporary artwork by Arshile Gorky, Victor Vasarely, Georges Braque and many other worldrenowned artists.
Future exhibits in 2023 and 2024 will be:
• Highlights of the Cafesjian Art Trust Collection: April 8 – Oct. 18, 2023
• Fooling the Eye: Optics of Vasarely and Kuhn: Nov. 3 – May 5, 2024
The museum plan, designed by Mohagan Hansen, includes a stunning lobby installation of Cafesjian
Chandelier, 1994, by Dale Chihuly; 5,000 square feet of exhibition space; a special room adjacent to the exhibition space for the installation of Pergola Ceiling, 1999, by Dale Chihuly; a library and reading room; a catering and events space; modernized offices for the museum staff; and a sensoryfriendly quiet room.
The museum will be open Thursday through Saturday and will be open for group tours by reservation. Visitors can reserve a space on guided public tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. each day. Tours may be scheduled online at cafesjianarttrust.org or by calling 612-359-8991.
The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum is located at 4600 Churchill St. in Shoreview. For more, visit cafesjianarttrust.org.
BALD EAGLE AREA ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13
Where: Boatworks Commons meeting room, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: Guest speakers will be Steve McComas from Blue Water Science and TJ DeBates from the East Metro DNR.
Contact: baldeagleassn.org
FLIGHTS
When: Oct. 14-16
Where: Anoka County-Blaine Airport, 8891 Airport Rd., Blaine
Details: Opportunity for members of the public to ride aboard a WWII-era B-25 Mitchell bomber, a twin engine, twin tailed aircraft used by every branch of the military. Flights filled based on availability. Contact: flytheb25.org
FALL JEWELRY AND CRAFT SALE
When: noon-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
The polling places for this election and the precincts served by those polling places will be as follows:
BLAINE W 1 P 8 National Sports Center The Welcome Center 1750 105th Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55449
BLAINE W 1 P 9 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 9185 Lexington Ave. NE Circle Pines, MN 55014
BLAINE W 2 P 5 Eagle Brook Church 3603 95th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55014
BLAINE W 2 P 6 Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Dr. NE Blaine, MN 55449
BLAINE W 2 P 7 Bridgewood Community Church 11670 Lexington Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55449
BLAINE W 2 P 8 Renovation Church 12390 Frazier St NE Blaine, MN 55449
BLAINE W 2 P 9 Centennial Sr. High (Performing Arts Center) 4757 North Road Blaine, MN 55014
CENTERVILLE P 1 St. Genevieve’s Community Parish 6995 Centerville Road Centerville, MN 55038
CIRCLE PINES P 1 St. Mark Lutheran Church 1 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014
CIRCLE PINES P 2 Circle Pines City Hall 200 Civic Heights Circle Circle Pines, MN 55014
LEXINGTON P 1 Lexington City Hall 9180 Lexington Ave. Lexington, MN 55014
LINO LAKES P 1 Lino Lakes Senior Center 1189 Main Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014
LINO LAKES P 2 Lino Lakes Fire Station #1 7741 Lake Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014
LINO LAKES P 3 Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church 171 Elm Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014
LINO LAKES P 4 Lino Lakes City Hall 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014
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Where: St. Odilia School gym, 3495 N. Victoria St., Shoreview
Details: St. Odilia Council of Catholic women hosts annual sale with bracelets, necklaces, rings, ear rings, along with quilts, hats, mittens, blankets, and other handmade items.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Explore, get exercise and enjoy nature in a naturalist-guided hike. For women ages 16+. Free; registration required. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com
FALL FESTIVAL
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Pioneer games, cider press and self-guided nature activities for families. Free.
Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18
Where: White Bear Meadery, 1320 County Rd. D, Vadnais Heights
Details: Meet and greet event to learn more about the local civic organization that promotes community service, personal enrichment and fellowship oppor tunities without religious or political affiliation. Members come from surrounding areas; group meets 2nd Thursday of every month.
Contact: wblwomenoftoday.org
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard
a public hearing un der statute section 103E.401 on a petition to outlet additional acres to Anoka County Ditch 55. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in the Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers, 2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, Minnesota. Public participation using inter active technology will also be possible using Zoom. Please contact Theresa Stasica at tstasica@ricecreek.org for instructions. The engineer’s technical memorandum can be viewed on the District’s website under the public drain age page: www.ricecreek.org, or at the District office 4325 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. Comments can be directed by email (preferred) to Tom Schmidt at tschmidt@ricecreek.org, by phone at 763-3983076, or at the address above.
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 11, 2022.
Details: 5 mile run through the orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch, followed by treats and awards for each age group. Registration and t-shirt $35 before Oct. 16; $45 after and on race day. 1/3 mile kids fun run begins at 10:30 a.m.; $10 before Oct. 16 and $15 after and race day.
Contact: whitebearrotary.org
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Stillwater High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N. Details: 140 crafters and vendors at this 6th Annual show.
Contact: 715-557-1785 or rsgdevelopment.com
“He would pull my hair, try to grab me, throw things and would yell and scream,” she recalled.
She said the final straw was when he not only tried to strangle her, but less than a week later also tried to strangle their child. “I wasn’t pressing any charges at that time because I was afraid of what would happen if I did that, especially with his criminal history,” she explained. Her abuser was eventually sentenced with a felony for attempted strangulation and received a penalty of 60 days in jail.
It took Amundson many years to work up the courage to share her story with those she was close to and to seek help. “My body couldn’t take anymore of being in ‘flight’ mode. Blood pressure pounding, jumpy with every noise, nightmares and becoming a person that wasn’t me,” she said.
She confided in some people she was close to, who ultimately told her about Alexandra House, an organization that empowers victims of domestic and sexual violence and inspires social change through education, support and advocacy.
For eight months, Amundson attended a therapy program. Alexandra House was also able to provide her other resources along the way, like helping her terminate her lease early with no penalties so that she and her son could stay safe.
“They were there for me whenever I needed it. I can’t imagine where I would be without them,” she explained. Amundson said Alexandra House really helped her to understand and recognize healthy relationships and how to spot red flags and abusive behaviors. In addition, she also learned to cope with victim shaming.
Alexandra House Director of Mission Advancement Tina Bronson says the
pandemic has exacerbated relationship abuse. “Minnesota domestic and sexual violence programs are reporting record numbers of people reaching out for services, and those who reach out for services are reporting more severe violence, complex family needs and increased mental health issues,” Bronson said. “At the same time, domestic and sexual violence’s most tragic outcomes — murder and severe injury — are on the rise.”
Several of Alexandra House’s programs have seen a significant increase in service requests. For example, calls to the 24-hour helpline were up 20% in 2021 from 2020.
Amundson offers the following advice for people who may find themselves in a similar situation: “Find somebody that you can trust, and talk to them and ask them for help, because I’m sure that person would like to do nothing more in the world than to help you. It might be somebody you least expect … That’s the first step, just start talking about it.”
People who have been affected by domestic, sexual or relationship violence are encouraged to call Alexandra House’s 24-hour helpline at 763-780-2330.
“A misconception is that our helpline is only for abuse survivors; however, our helpline is for family, friends, coworkers, neighbors — anyone who is a concerned person wanting to support victims/survivors but may not know how best to do that or if what they are witnessing is abuse or what resources could they share with someone,” Bronson said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Minty Shady delivered the lone goal as Centennial closed the regular season with a 1-0 overtime win at Osseo on Thursday evening. The Cougars are 9-6 with four straight wins heading into Section 7AAA. They will play at Anoka on Tuesday, 4:30 p.m, with semifinals Thursday. The goal came on a play started by defender Keaten Frase heading a ball back towards Cal Babiash from 35 yards away. Babiash won the ball from a defender and directed it to Shady who flowed central, made a perfect turn and hit a left-footed shot low into the corner from 14 yards. Vinny Wry made five saves in the shutout — the team’s third in a row and eighth overall. The defensive crew includes Frase, Noah Marquard, Lance Laden, Aiden Ballard, Beckett
Babiash and Wry, tutored by longtime assistant Dave Miller. Centennial beat Rogers 2-0 Tuesday with Shady and Aidan Dockendorf scoring. The Cougars finished 7-6 in the Northwest Suburban for seventh place among 14 teams. Maple Grove was champion with a 12-1 mark.
Addi Van Zee, senior forward, blasted four goals as Centennial defeated Osseo 5-0 in the regular-season finale on Thursday evening in Osseo. The Cougars also beat Rogers 2-1 on Tuesday. They finished third among 12 teams in the Northwest Suburban where the top four teams were Blaine 10-0, Andover 9-1, the Cougars 9-2, and Elk River 6-3-2. Gabi Sipe notched the other goal against Osseo and Jordan Metz was in the nets for the
AREA RESOURCES
• Alexandra House: www. alexandrahouse.org; 24-hour helpline 763-780-2330
• Northeast Youth & Family Services: nyfs.org; White Bear area, 651-4298544; Shoreview, 651-486-3808
• St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center: center@saintandrews.org or 651-762-9124
• Solid Ground: 651-773-8401; info@ solidgroundmn.org
• Violence Free Minnesota: www.vfmn.org
• Minnesota Day One : www.dayoneservices.org; crisis line, 1-866-223-1111; Crime victim support line, 1-866-385-2699
• Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA): www.mncasa.org; info@mncasa. org; 651-209-9993
20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide on a typical day
19% of domestic violence involves a weapon.
18-24 the age of women who are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
team’s seventh shutout. The No. 8 ranked Cougars are 11-2 overall with five straight wins heading into Section 7AAA starting Tuesday when they host CambridgeIsanti at 7 p.m. Semifinals are Thursday.
Centennial’s dual meet season ended with a 5-2 loss to White Bear Lake in a Section 4AA quarterfinal match Thursday. The Cougars, who finished 118, had won a play-in match over Columbia Heights 7-0 on Tuesday. Winning against the Bears were Anna Jarpy/Lauren Klein 4-6, 7-5, 10-8 at 1-doubles and Anya Sudgen 6-3, 6-3 at 2-singles. Winning against the Hylanders were Katrina DeBoer, Sudgen, Anna Peterson and Addison Slotsve in singles, and Jarpy/Klein, Isabel Yang/ Ella O’Hearn, and Emma Thompson/Elle Fenstermacher in doubles.
Centennial won twice last week, improving to 16-3 overall and 4-2 in conference with two regularseason matches left. The Cougars beat Cambridge-Isanti 25-8, 25-23, 25-12 Tuesday as Andi Koslowski notched 10 kills, Ingrid Noha seven and Elena Hoecke six. Hoecke had four aces. Noha and Mattie Petersen made nine digs each. The Cougars warded off Blaine 25-14, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18 Thursday with Hoecke and Koslowski swatting 17 kills apiece and setter Ash McClellan adding eight kills while making 42 assists. Hoecke logged three aces and four blocks. Mattie Petersen had 16 digs, and McClellan and Koslowski 10 each.
Bruce StrandThe Anoka County Board of Commissioners has approved a flat preliminary property tax levy for the third consecutive year. The priorities of the 2023 proposed budget include transportation projects that enhance and protect lives by providing safe roads and eliminating congestion; human services initiatives to improve people’s lives; a public safety focus that centers on protecting and serving the community in a manner that preserves public trust; addressing workforce needs
so the county can attract and retain engaged, skilled staff to serve the public; and an emphasis on communication, so residents and staff are provided with clear, accurate information about county initiatives.
The county’s Truth in Taxation meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. Details about that meeting will be posted on the county’s website, anokacountymn.gov. Commissioners will approve the final levy and budget during their 9:30 a.m. Dec. 2 meeting. The levy can be reduced prior to final approval, but it cannot increase.
Contributed
Lakes 1 Stop, located at 7090 21st Ave. in Lino Lakes, may be under new ownership soon.
Holiday Stationstores may be in the process of purchasing the business.
City Planner Katie Larsen said she wasn’t sure where the purchase stands at the current time, but did confirm she has reviewed some sign plans for a Holiday station.
Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements
Deadlines:
Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press, The Citizen by 5 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date.
White Bear Press, Vadnais Heights Press, St. Croix Valley Lowdown, Forest Lake Lowdown by 5 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date.
Early deadlines apply most holidays. Counties of Ramsey, Anoka and Washington
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A dominant defense and a dynamic dual-threat quarterback carried Centennial to a 34-0 win over Blaine on Friday evening in Blaine.
Daylen Cummings ran for four touchdowns and directed scoring drives in the Cougars’ first five possessions behind a stout offensive line.
Centennial (4-2) limited Blaine (3-3), which had been averaging 23 points per game, to 174 net yards, 93 passing and 81 rushing.
The Cougars made two takeaways, an interception by Will Quick and a fumble recovery by Lance Nielsen, the latter stopping Blaine’s lone sustained drive, inside the 10 yard line. Leading tacklers were Timmy Ball with nine, Henry Pirner seven, Melvin Wallace seven, Reese Littlefield seven, Josh Lee six, and Ayden Sadowski six.
Cummings kept the ball 23 times for 93 yards, with touchdowns of two, one, four, and four yards. The junior QB completed five of six passes for 117 yards. Lee caught two long throws for 23 and 48 yards, and Nielsen caught a 28-yarder.
Seven other backs carried the ball. Dylan Carver had six carries for 26 yards, including the final touchdown on a one-yard dive, and Ty Burgoon six for 25 yards.
Centennial will host Minnetonka (4-2) on Friday.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Kate Woelfel broke a long-standing school record as the Centennial swimmers picked up their first win Tuesday evening, over Coon Rapids 103-75.
Woelfel, sophomore diver, won with a 268.50 score, topping the school six-dive record of 250.35 set in 1999 by Stacy Truman.
“I really focused on having fun with my dives,” said Woelfel, who placed ninth in the state last year and whose previous best score was 243. “When I stress myself out too much about diving, I freak out. I really focused on one dive at a time and the little corrections that (diving) coach Beth (Hanson) has taught me.”
The 11-dive record is still held by Truman, who dived for the Gophers after high school, with 435.50. Woelfel’s best 11-dive score is 368.
“We haven’t had a chance to compete in an 11 dive meet this year, so I hope at True Team (sectionals) that my previous record will be beaten,” Woelfel said.
Also winning for the Cougars (1-4) were Abigail Stang in the 200 freestyle (2:19.32) and backstroke (1:10.13), Sophia Nguyen in individual medley (2:20.96) and 100 freestyle (57.35), Claira Zebell in butterfly (1:13.76), Lauren Kajer in the 500 freestyle (6:02.22), and Lauren Zebell in breaststroke (1:18.15). Participating in relay wins were Brooke Halverson, Stang, Jaden Ruegsegger, Lauren Zebell, Kajer, Nguyen, and Nicole Kammer.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Eli Berg was boys individual champion while the Centennial boys and girls teams each placed first Thursday at the 11-team Thun dering Royal Elk Invitational.
The Cougar boys won a close meet and the girls won by a wide margin. Top three boys teams were Centen nial with 32, Heritage Christian 34 and St. Paul Central 96. Top three girls teams were Centennial with 39, Robbinsdale Armstrong 66 and Rogers 114.
This meet is co-hosted by the Zim merman Thunder, Rogers Royals, and Elk River Elks, three schools in the same district.
Berg, senior captain, led the whole way and won in 16:58 at Fox Hollow Golf Club near Rovers. Heritage’s Levi Dougherty was next in 17:07. Cougar senior Charlie Bolkcom placed third (17:15), sophomore Alex Persing seventh (17:34), senior Evan Pouliot ninth (17:37), and senior Matt Washburn 12th (17:50). Wash burn dived across the finish line to beat a Heritage runner by one-tenth of a second, securing the first-place margin.
The Cougar girls had five of the first 12 into the chute, led by soph omore Kylie Nelson, placing third in 19:23 and eighth-grader Abby Smith, seventh in 19:49, each per sonal bests. Following were junior Julia Zalewski (10th, 20:24), junior Abby Wood (11th, 20:29), and fresh man Anna Swanson (12th, 20:35). The winner was Hailee Zimpel of Zimmerman (18:53).
Next for the Cougars is the North west Suburban Conference meet at Elk River Golf Club on Tuesday.
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The city of Centerville, along with the cities of Lexington and Circle Pines, have now signed off on the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) 2023 budget of $3,104,333. CLPD is project ing a 3.96% ($118,147) increase over the 2022 bud get, primarily due to increases in personnel/staff ing costs and inflationary costs (fuel, IT). Each year, CLPD uses a formula (population, number of calls and severity of calls) to determine how much of the budget each of the three cities will be responsible for. Centerville will see a projected increase of $44,500, explained City Administrator Mark Statz.
• The City Council also approved the Centennial Fire District (CFD) 2023 budget of $705,309, which represents a 4.93% ($33,112) increase from 2022. The main driver of the increase is personnel costs, but the department has also seen a signifi cant uptick in call volume in 2022. Increased fuel and IT costs are also a factor. The budget also accounts for a 3% increase in Spring Lake Park Blaine Mounds View (SBM) administrative costs. Centerville’s share of the budget will increase by $24,230.
• The city will pay $1,860 out of its general fund to become a member of Minnesota Small Cities, an organization that advocates for more than 700 small cities (populations under 5,000) by working with key stakeholders to influence legislation and policy.
Centerville’s preliminary tax levy and budget for 2023 have been set. The preliminary tax levy of $2,919,880 represents an increase of $103,419, or 3.7% from 2022.
Statz explained that one major revenue change for 2023 is the loss of $75,626 in local government
aid. On the expenditure side, the main change is the increase in the CLPD and CFD budgets. Those changes will result in an increase to the general fund levy of $121,209, which will be offset by a decrease in the debt service levy of $17,790 for a net increase of $103,419. Finance Director Bruce DeJong said, “It is a reasonable and affordable budget.”
The truth in taxation hearing has been set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at City Hall.
• The city’s new website, designed by CivicPlus, will launch this week. The mobile app will launch at a later date.
• Braun Intertec Corporation is providing construc tion materials testing services for the City Hall parking lot project as well as the mill and overlay project for an estimated fee of $7,653.
• A change order for $14,735 will add a few items to the city’s contract with Bituminous Roadways for the 2022 thin overlay program and City Hall improvements. The additions include a small side walk connecting the front doors of City Hall and the fire station; the installation of the gravel base for the concrete walk between Old Mill Court and Laramee Lane (the concrete will be poured next year); and turn lane markings will be painted on Centerville Road north of Main Street, in front of Centerville Elementary. Statz explained that the improvements were to take advantage of already having a contractor in town that can pick up the work, rather than hiring out each project individ ually.
• The city has made some changes to its stormwater ordinance that are necessary to bring the city into compliance with its MS4 permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• Changes are also proposed for the Centerville’s liquor regulations and nuisance (diseased) trees ordinance. Statz explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission was looking at whether the city should have a set radius of how far away a liquor establishment should be from a school or church. Previously, the city had set that radius at 500 feet. “We are recommending eliminating that radius altogether, and the Planning Commission agreed,” Statz said.
The diseased tree ordinance was simplified to eliminate listing specific diseases; instead, it will simply state that if a tree is determined to have a disease or be dying, it needs to be removed. A second reading for both ordinances will be held at the next meeting Oct. 12.
• The EDA’s newest member is Chris Swenson, who has been a resident of Centerville for 33 years and is a member of the Lions Club.
• The EDA continues to explore options to revitalize the downtown area and is considering a market study. Mayor D. Love questioned whether the mixed-use zoning is still the appropriate zone for the downtown area and mentioned he would like to see what sort of traffic counts would be needed in order to spur growth of downtown businesses.
• Many residents are choosing to vote early for the Nov. 8 general election. Statz explained that at this time last year maybe four people had voted early, but now that number is closer to 20.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at City Hall.
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newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaAt times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979.
cancer forms in the cells of
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.
Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• A newly inverted nipple
• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram
was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.
Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer.
breast cancer survivors in the United States.
breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.
Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.
Statistics (From nationalbreastcancer.org)
But it’s not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It’s likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.
Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.
A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have a strong family history of
• In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
• 65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.