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SECRET HOLIDAY: Shop photos PAGE 20
Code of conduct discussion spurs blackmail allegations BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
LINO LAKES — A discussion about the city’s Code of Conduct at the City Council’s Dec. 4 work session sparked allegations of blackmail/extortion and violations of the Code. Councilman Bill Kusterman requested a discussion on the Code of the Conduct at the Nov. 13 meeting, after inquiring about an $800 bill from the city’s attorney, Ratwik, Rosak & Maloney PA. City Administrator Jeff Kalson explained it was a result of conversations he had with Mayor Jeff Reinert regarding a potential conflict of interest on the part of a candidate for City Council (Brad Robinson) who works for the city’s engineer, WSB & Associates. The topic came up again when discussing when it is appropriate for city staff to contact the city attorney. Reinert said, “He (Karlson) offered, I didn’t direct. I understand why he did it, but I didn’t expect him to do that or ask him to do that. He was asked by a bunch of people, not just me.” Kusterman asked who those people were, and Karlson informed him that he was only asked about the matter from one other individual. After Kusterman pointed out some things he felt the mayor had violated in the Code of Conduct, such as use of the city newsletter and letters to the editor, Reinert proffered his own allegation: that Kusterman had attempted to blackmail him. Reinert taped a screenshot of a text message up on the room’s whiteboard. The text, which Reinert said he received from Kusterman at 3:48 p.m. before the Nov. 13 meeting, read, “Kusterman here. You agree not to go out for proposal on WSB and Langel, I do not question the expense tonight. You would have to get your boys on board. It’s a good deal. You should take it.” Reinert said
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
CFD hits the town for donations
The Centennial Fire District (CFD) held its first Santa Parade in Circle Pines Thursday, Dec. 7 to collect nonperishable food in addition to new toys. CFD will host another Santa Parade in Centerville Wednesday, Dec. 13. CFD collected 802 pounds of food. See more photos on page 9
SEE BLACKMAIL, PAGE 13
Centennial gearing up for Hockey Day Minnesota BY SHANNON GRANHOLM EDITOR
With January right around the corner, community members and city officials are teaming up to ensure that everyone is ready for a Minnesota winter tradition, Hockey Day Minnesota. The Centennial High School boys varsity and junior varsity teams are scheduled to play on Jan. 19 and 20th in St. Cloud. Hockey Day Minnesota
Saint Paul (2015), Duluth (2016) and Stillwater (2017). Centennial Activities Director Brian Hegseth was notified about Centennial’s invite to the event back in May but wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, with the exception of the head coach, until it was officially announced in July. This is Centennial’s fi rst invitation to participate in Hockey Day Minnesota. “It might
originated in 2007 by the Minnesota Wild to celebrate the game that has made Minnesota the “State of Hockey.” It is produced in partnership with FOX Sports North, Minnesota Hockey and the respective local community that serves as host each year. Previous locations include Baudette Bay (2007, 2008), Phalen Park (2009), Hermantown (2010), Moorhead (2011), Minnetonka (2012), Grand Rapids (2013), Elk River (2014),
SEE HOCKEY DAY, PAGE 7
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