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HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST: See entries, cast votes for favorites PAGES 10-11

Letters to Santa

Press Publications has helped deliver over 100 letters to Santa. Each year, Press Publications asks children to drop off their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox outside of the office in White Bear Lake, or to mail them in. Some of the desired items this year included: puppies, cookies, Hot Wheels, snakes,

dollhouses stuffed animals and more. Perhaps some of the more unique wishes included: fake diamonds, Jeep Gladiators, gumball machines and a hook for a stocking. Be sure to read even more Santa letters online at presspubs.com. SEE LETTERS TO SANTA, PAGES 12 & 13

Santa of Lino Lakes makes children feel special Stephen and Cathy Berry just might be the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For 25 years and counting, the two have made it their mission to bring joy, not only during the holiday season but year-round. “It is a way of giving the child a little fun, a little joy, and making them feel unique and

special,” Stephen said. Over two decades ago, Stephen and Cathy were members of a Saturn Car Club. At the time, the club wanted to do a community service project and decided to start providing in-home Santa visits. The Berrys were Santa and Mrs. Claus’ chauffeurs until the car club ceased to exist. In 1997, the two decided they would

maintain the tradition, and took over as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for many years — until they moved to Lino Lakes three years ago. The couple still pays visits in Wisconsin, but all around the Twin Cities, too. Most of their visits are within 30 minutes of the Quad area, but sometimes they drive up to two hours one way to make

a child’s day. Santa and Mrs. Claus have, on occasion, even visited other states — even other countries. “We provide a safe and personalized visit for children in their own home,” Santa explained. “My concern is that the child gets personalized attention for a few minutes and gets to feel special, and get a gift SEE SANTA OF LINO LAKES, PAGE 9

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Centerville siblings Michael, 11, and Emma, 9, receive a surprise visit (and presents) from Mr. and Mrs. Claus before Christmas.

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Cities ‘disappointed’ with county board’s appointment process BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Steve Wagamon will continue to serve on the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers until Jan. 17, 2025; however, not all of the cities in Anoka County are pleased with his reappointment. The Quad Community Press has previously reported in detail numerous complaints that area city administrators and managers have with the district when it comes to the district’s appointment process, oversight, budgets and more. This time around, Lino Lakes, Blaine and Circle Pines each submitted the name of one nominee to Anoka County for consideration to fill Wagamon’s seat on the board, which expires in January 2022. The cities of Centerville, Lexington and Spring Lake Park also passed resolutions affirming their support of those three candidates. The Anoka County Board unanimously reappointed Wagamon to the RCWD board Dec. 14. It did not allow any of the city representatives or members of the public in the audience to weigh in on the appointment. At the beginning of the meeting, Chair Scott Schulte explained that there would be no comment from the board or the public on that agenda item. “Because we have been drawn into pending and unsettled litigation, the county board will not be commenting on that item, but simply voting. The public does not have an opportunity to comment today,” Schulte said. “Comments are taken at our committee meetings; it’s a longstanding tradition in Anoka County for the public to comment at our many committee meetings on any issue that they feel is important.” Communications Director Erik Thorson later clarified Schulte’s comments. “Typically, these appointments/reappointments occur without an interview unless requested by the impacted commissioner. Because there was not agreement and concerns expressed, an interview process was conducted by affected commissioners. Six names were submitted, six applications received, and all were offered an invitation to interview for the position. Cities were notified of this development well in advance,” he explained. “Since many of these board appointments do not go through our committee structure, there is no formal public comment opportunity. However, all commissioners list email and phone contact information on our website and are always available to hear input from constituents.”

Commissioner Jeff Reinert said he would support the appointment despite it not being his “top pick,” but offered some suggestions on what the county board could do going forward to improve relationship-building and communication. Schulte interjected that if the suggestions had anything to do with the process of how the board appoints watershed district managers, he couldn’t continue speaking. “What I’d like to do is to get together the RCWD administrator and a couple of board members with cities that have issues, because I’ve heard issues,” Reinert said. “We have done this before … and have made progress in cities being able to, in a forum, voice their opinions of things that they would like to see changed and for the RCWD to listen to and to make changes or suggest things that they can do to improve those relationships. I’d like to continue that process.” Reinert also suggested regular communication with all of the watershed districts in Anoka County and developing a “position document” that would set expectations for watershed districts, “expectations for what kind of relationships and what kind of work and communication that they have with the entities that they are in place to assist. I think this would go a long way,” he said. Commissioner Matt Look wondered what the urgency of the appointment was, given there is pending litigation. County Administrator Rhonda Sivarajah explained that per state statute, the board is required to make the appointment at least 30 days before the term expires. Commissioner Mandy Meisner said, “I’m going to take legal advisement and not mention really any of it, except I do want to thank everyone for taking time to be here in this room and I also want to thank everyone that I’ve had personal conversations with. I appreciate your feedback, and I was listening.” Commissioner Julie Braastad explained that preCOVID, the board had been inviting watershed districts in to give presentations. She added, “Most of my district is affected by the Coon Creek Watershed District, and I talk to those members on a regular basis. I don’t need to have a meeting scheduled to have conversations with them. They call me and I call them.” Once again, Schulte encouraged the board to stop making comments on the appointment, due to the pending litigation. “I actually think we should cut

comments at this point because we are kind of delving into process a little bit here,” he said, “on processes we’ve used and processes we are going to use going forward, and I think it’s just not right. I don’t think we should do that …” Commissioner Robyn West added that she also has regular communication with Coon Creek and RCWD. Schulte then asked for a vote, and Wagamon was appointed. The Quad Community Press reached out for comments on the appointment following the meeting. Circle Pines Mayor Dave Bartholomay said, “I’m very disappointed that the Anoka County Board has once again denied fair representation for our area of the county on the Rice Creek Watershed District Board. The citizens of Circle Pines, Blaine, Lino Lakes, Centerville and Lexington pay a lot of tax dollars every year into the watershed district, but don’t have anyone from our area helping decide how that money is spent.” He added, “The area communities will continue to press the county and the watershed district to do the right thing and end this taxation without representation.” City Administrator Patrick Antonen said, “It was a very frustrating day for local government. We like to collaborate with all levels of government, and when you are not allowed to talk with them it is frustrating.” He added, “We are still fighting a good fight, and we are going to hold RCWD accountable to make sure they are doing the things they are supposed to be doing.” Lino Lakes City Administrator Sarah Cotton said, “The city of Lino Lakes was hoping for local representation on the RCWD Board of Managers. We were looking for someone who understands and would represent both the urban and rural needs of Lino Lakes.” Spring Lake Park City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz and Fridley City Manager Wally Wysopal also expressed their disappointment with the lack of representation from their areas on the board. Buchholtz noted that any one of the candidates from the joint list has “a strong understanding of the increasingly urban nature” of his hydrologic district as it relates to stormwater management. The Minnesota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case between the city of Circle Pines and Anoka County Jan. 11. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Upon a new year and this Holiday season, we pause to remember the lives we have lost. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our family, friends and neighbors still mourning the loss of loved ones. Together we honor their memories and wish everyone peace.

Caroline May (Bartels) Foss

May 29, 1934 – November 13, 2021

Charlotte (Axelson) Smith

July 6, 1923 - February 8, 2021

John (Jack) L. LeMay

Richard (Dick) Dale Edwards

Phyllis Jane Watters

Robert Clarence Watters

January 9, 1935 – October 6, 2021

October 5, 1924 - September 29, 2021

August 19, 1936 – October 19, 2021

April 4, 1926 – October 21, 2021

In memory of…

Travis Younghans

Joan Adell Michaud

October 10, 1932 – November 16, 2021

Raymond (Bud) Carl Lundell

February 13, 1936 – November 18, 2021

The last thing you texted to me was . . . “Love you more Gram” So, back at you LUM Merry Christmas! GiGi

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DECEMBER 21, 2021

The challenges of TikTok

ur schools and local authorities are being tasked with deciphering and decoding social media posts like never before. As parents, we need to be code breakers, too. TikTok users – many of whom are teens and young adults - try to become “famous” by seeking likes and views on their seconds-long videos. Posts that go “viral” may be copied by millions of people. You may have have heard about the TikTok challenges and other challenges posted on social media over the years. Many seems pretty harmless, like the ones that feature dancing, or the ice bucket challenge that raised awareness and funds for charity. The cinnamon challenge, where participants eat a full tablespoon of ground cinnamon, ended with the subject documenting themselves choking and coughing amidst a plume of cinnamon. Participants in the ice cream challenge filmed themselves at grocery stores opening containers of ice cream, licking it and putting it back. Another that stands out is the blackout challenge. Participants starve their brains of oxygen by choking themselves, while capturing it all on film. Another challenge called Devious Licks came on the TikTok scene early in September. Students recorded themselves vandalizing or stealing school-owned property such as paper towel holders, toilets and bathroom mirrors. Why would anyone do this? The answer Publisher’s is that if it gets likes or views, then the person posting it is buoyed by status and View social recognition – their chance at “15 minutes of fame.” Carter Johnson Last week, we became aware of a nationwide school shooting challenge on TikTok. In our area, the Mahtomedi and Centennial School Districts emailed parents, outlining actions they have in place to ensure students safety. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported 29 threats to schools last Friday. None of them were deemed credible, and so far I’m not aware that any threats occurred in schools in our circulation area. If the other harmful and destructive challenges on social media didn’t get the attention of kids, parents, school administrators and the community, the school shooter challenge did. Action needs to be taken against companies like TikTok who evidently have little to no public safety measures in place or lack what one might call corporate ethics or integrity. They operate like many other social media platforms in what should still be called the wild west on the internet, and so far, there has been little recourse against them. Schools and local law enforcement have their hands full with everyday challenges - why should they have to spend time and resources mobilizing a response to a situation a company should have shut down before it ever started? Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing on social media. With the proliferation of smart phones, kids have access to the internet and social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram from a very young age. Pre-teens and teens have always done stupid things, and now they can do them in front of an audience on social media. When our kids were young, we tried to limit screen time, monitored the apps they used, and didn’t allow certain apps and video games and we wish we would of done more by delaying social media access and smart phones. As kids get older and more independent, it becomes more difficult for parents to monitor their online activity. We need to continually talk to kids about internet safety and appropriate use of social media. They also need to know it’s OK to tattle about threatening situations at school or online, whether it’s a concern for a friends mental health or a threat of violence, or a bullying situation that could result in irreparable harm. Warning stickers are on everything from car visors, lawnmowers and every pharmaceutical product. Yet there are very few rules as to what can be posted on to the internet and no one seems to be guiding the social media that our kids are addicted to. These social media companies are using powerful techniques and algorithms to send a steady stream of content geared to our kids that plays towards emotions and weakness. Their only motive is to sell goods and services for their advertisers, and they simply don’t care about the harm they are causing. Kids are especially vulnerable, but people of all ages are also being manipulated. Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications. Distributed weekly in: • Blaine • Circle Pines • Lexington • Lino Lakes

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FTC asked to investigate allegations Facebook misled customers, public U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, wrote Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to urge the FTC to investigate allegations Meta/ Facebook misled its advertising customers and the public in its claims about ensuring brand safety and the reach of its advertisements, in violation of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce. Here is a copy of the letter:

ear Chair Khan: I am writing regarding allegations that Meta (f/k/a Facebook, hereinafter “Facebook”) may have violated the Federal Trade Commission Act’s prohibition against unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce, and to urge the FTC to commence an investigation into these matters. Recent revelations and public documentation suggest that Facebook may have misled its advertising customers and the public about Movers & its processes for ensuring brand Shakers safety and about the reach of its Maria Cantwel advertisements, both core aspects b k’ business b off F Facebook’s model. Facebook’s representations to advertisers take on even greater importance given Facebook’s large share of the digital advertising space. As the Senate Commerce Committee detailed in a 2020 report, Facebook reportedly controlled approximately 74% of the social media market and now reportedly controls 24.1% of all of U.S. digital advertising spending; Facebook’s dominant position in the ad marketplace means that advertisers and publishers, including struggling local news outlets all over the country, may have faced unfair competition by Facebook, impacting their revenues and ability to compete online. Facebook has long made claims

about the safety of its product for brands, and even more importantly, about the safety of its product for Facebook users. Facebook’s Community Standards Enforcement Report states that its algorithms remove 97% of the content it eventually takes down for hate speech before the content is posted. But this metric could signiﬁcantly misrepresent the effectiveness of Facebook’s algorithms, as whistleblower documents show that Facebook believes that its processes miss more than 90% of hate speech content despite being 97% effective at catching the hate speech Facebook eventually takes down. Facebook may thus have made material misrepresentations or omissions to advertisers regarding the effectiveness of its brand safety controls, including its ability to remove criminal content. Until quite recently, Facebook offered prospective advertisers two key measures of an ad’s potential success — (1) Potential Reach; and (2) Estimated Daily Reach. Potential Reach (which is an element of Estimated Daily Reach) approximates the number of people in a particular area who may view a business’ ad and, according to Facebook, is “arguably the single most important number in our ads creation interfaces.” Understandably then, advertisers of all sizes plan and budget for campaigns that maximize their ads’ Potential Reach, as estimated by Facebook. However, public reporting as well as Facebook’s own statements and documents seem to indicate that Facebook may have known that Potential Reach metrics may have been inaccurate. Public analyses from as far back as 2017 show how Facebook claimed that its ads could have a Potential Reach that exceeded the population of 18- to 34-year-olds counted in each of the 50 states by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Commission may allege deception under Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices in or affecting commerce, “if there is a representation, omission or practice that is likely to mislead the consumer acting reasonably in the circumstances, to the consumer’s detriment.” Thus, because evidence

suggests that Facebook may have deceived its advertising customers about its brand safety and advertising metrics, Facebook may have engaged in deceptive practices in violation of the FTC Act. In addition, the public information suggests that Facebook’s potential misrepresentations about brand safety and advertising metrics may be unfair, as well as deceptive. In evaluating whether the conduct is unfair, the Commission may consider (1) that the advertising purchased by brands due to Facebook’s brand safety and advertising representations are “significant,”; (2) the absence of material countervailing benefits to competition and consumers from any misrepresentations of advertising metrics; and (3) that, given that Facebook employs a walled garden system, advertisers could not have independently verified Facebook’s reported brand safety activities, ad metrics, or reasonably avoided advertising on Facebook, much less given Facebook’s market dominance. A thorough investigation by the Commission and other enforcement agencies is paramount, not only because Facebook and its executives may have violated federal law, but because members of the public and businesses are entitled to know the facts regarding Facebook’s conduct as they make their decisions about using the platform. I urge the FTC to immediately commence an investigation into Facebook’s representations with respect to brand safety, Potential Reach, and similar metrics with respect to its advertising business and, if that investigation reveals that the company has in fact violated the law, to pursue all available sanctions as appropriate. Such actions could include action under Section 19 of the FTC Act or partnering with state attorneys general in an appropriate court to pursue monetary relief for Facebook’s advertisers and disgorgement of Facebook’s ill-gotten gains, a strategy the Commission has pursued in other recent cases. Contributed by America’s Newspapers and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwel

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES six letters per year and at • Limited to 350 words. not be published. • Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication. • Submissions must Include a full name, least four weeks must lapse between • Submissions containing libelous or publication. Exceptions may be made derogatory statements will not be address and daytime phone number • To submit a letter, e-mail it to for rebuttal letters. published. for veriﬁcation. quadnews@presspubs.com, • Due to space limitations, letters that • Submissions containing facts not pre- fax it to 651-429-1242 or • Letter writers must live, work or don’t address local issues are not have another connection to Press viously published in the Press must be mail or deliver it to: guaranteed publication. Publications coverage area. accompanied by factual veriﬁcation. Press Publications 4779 Bloom Ave. • Repeat letters by the same writer • Letter writers are limited to • All letters are subject to editing. White Bear Lake, MN 55110. about the same subject matter will

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What Christmas is really about

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night.9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, Pastor who is [Christ the Ponderings Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped Toni in cloths and lying Schwabe in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14 And that is what Christmas is about, Charlie Brown. In 1965, Charles Shultz was asked to make a Christmas movie with the characters from his comic strip, Charlie Brown. He agreed, with the condition that the story

of Jesus birth be included. The verses from the Bible, that Linus recited to Charlie Brown, are some of the most familiar from that well-loved Christmas movie. And that is what Christmas is all about. The birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. That is the thought that has been shocking me this entire month of Advent, God with us. When Jesus came to earth, as a baby, he was bringing the hope and love and joy and peace of God with him, because He is God. We get so caught up with the “traditions” of the Christmas season that we miss what Christmas really is about. God coming to earth to bring us hope when we might feel hopeless. Love when we might feel unloved. Joy when we might feel depressed. Peace when all we can see around us is chaos. Make this year different. Take time to breathe. Take time to appreciate the beauty of the season. Take time to think about the fact that Jesus, came to earth, out of deep love for the world. And when we love him back, we can experience the hope, love, joy, and peace that only he can give. This is good news of great joy for all the people!! That is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. Merry Christmas to you! Toni Schwabe is the pastor at Rice Creek Covenant Church in Lino Lakes.

CITY BRIEF

WEEKLY WAG

Lino Lakes looks internally for new position

If you’re looking for an active partner, then Cider is the girl for you. Cider is a fox terrier/beagle mix originally from Texas. She is just about 1 year old and currently weighs 24 pounds. Cider is very active and social. She loves playing with other dogs, and going for walks, runs and hikes. For the times she can’t be active with others, a home with a fenced yard would be best so she can roam and run to her heart’s content. When she’s not busy, Cider does like to relax and snuggle with her foster family. She also likes going for rides in the car. Cider is a smart pup and rings a bell when she needs to go out. However, being so young, a good, formal training routine would be advantageous for Cider and her new family members. This will build her confidence and help her be the best girl she can be. If you are interested in adopting Cider and would like to learn more about her, please fill out an application at ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

The City Council has given its consent for city staff to begin the process of adding a new position, that of public works superintendent. City Administrator Sarah Cotton explained that with the addition of the Rookery Activity Center, it has become increasingly evident that Public Services Director Rick DeGardner will need assistance in overseeing the public works division, including utilities, streets and fleet maintenance activities. The new public works superintendent would be responsible for providing overall supervision, direction, coordination, planning and support to the public works division; assisting DeGardner with preparing and addressing annual budgets, council issues, purchasing and project and contract management; and assisting with the hiring process of staff. The city hopes to hire from within for the position, but will eventually post an external search if needed. Going forward, the city will continue to add additional positions and hire new staff on an as-needed basis.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR It does not ﬁt

Santa Claus?

First, I would like to second everything Mr. Nelson said in his Dec. 14th letter. The proposed apartment project does not fit with the surrounding area, it does not fit on the land, it does not fit within the city guidelines and it certainly does not fit the community. For anyone who is confused by what is being proposed, drive south on Lexington toward Lake Drive and look at the Landings of Lexington. They are hideously out of scale, being four stories high, with the surrounding one-story neighborhood. The proposed land in Lino Lakes is currently not zoned for residential. However, the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan lists the property as a Signature Gateway District, which allows an absolute maximum of 15 housing units per acre, not 30.5 units per acre as the developers are requesting for a total of 350 units. The Signature Gateway District designation specifies this as an entrance to our city. Is this the entrance we want, a giant four-story apartment complex? In addition, there is the issue of where to park 350 or more cars. Developers may tell you “under the apartments,” but the water table in Lino Lakes is shallow and that is likely not feasible. Also, the intersection at Main Street and Lake Drive is already too congested at certain times of the day and does not need to become more so. I believe the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is in place to control unbridled and nonconforming growth, which this project is. Everyone I have spoken with is appalled at the thought of a project like this marring our city. I lived in Minneapolis for a number of years and moved to Lino Lakes 25 years ago to leave behind buildings, buses and high-density living. I wanted room to breathe and grass and trees to enjoy. I don't mind driving 5 miles to get to a grocery store. Please do not assassinate the character of our city and community for money!

VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not JAMES TEMPEL | CONTRIBUTED believe except they Virginia O’Hanlon see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Dane Olson Lino Lakes

Yes, Virginia Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or as a whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials, and on posters and stamps. DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.” Please tell me the truth; is there a

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Call 763-784-1607 for Together Times

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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• The city of Lino Lakes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation is expected to total $2,417,214. The city received $1,170,283 in July and a supplemental distribution of $38,324 in November. The city is expected to receive the remaining balance in 2022. As of Dec. 31, 2020, the city of Lino Lakes has calculated $1,458,716 in lost revenue, according to Finance Director Megan Lynch. The city intends to use the lost revenue funds for the provision of government services to reopen the Rookery Activity Center and, if needed, other spending for capital improvements and purchases. The Remaining ARPA funds are planned to be used to make necessary investments in water supply, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The specific project(s) have not been identified at this time. • The city has a contract with NAC for $12,750 for labor and materials for hands-free plumbing fi xtures at the Rookery Activity Center. • The total tax levy for 2021 (collectible 2022) will be $11,819,287, $49,757 (or 0.42%) less than the preliminary levy adopted in September. The levy represents an increase of $677,472, or 6.08%, over the 2020 (collectible 2021 tax levy). The tax rate is estimated to decrease from 40.109 to 40.088. Lynch explained that a $337,050 market-value home that saw a 7% increase in valuation will see an $88 increase a year in city taxes, whereas a $315,000 home that did not increase in market value would see a $1 decrease in city taxes. Total general fund expenditures will amount to $11,664,762. The largest portion of that goes to public safety ($5,912,366). Lynch mentioned that one notable increase is $607,219 (7.86%) for personnel services, mostly due to new employees. The council ultimately adopted (4-1, Mayor Rob Rafferty voted no) the 2022 budget and tax levy Dec. 13. “There is a difference between a need for the city and a want for the city, and then there is the reality,” Rafferty said. “I feel like there is a need for the city in replacing an emergency vehicle. The wants are

• Even though there may not be much snow on the ground currently, Council Member Jennifer Rauner wants to remind residents to be sure to always keep fi re hydrants clear from snow. “The less minutes fi refighters have to dig out a hydrant, the more time they can spend as fi refighters,” she said. • This year’s Centennial Fire District Santa Parade has broken a record yet again. Residents of Circle Pines collected 3,737 pounds of food along with $610 in donations. The city of Centerville collected 1,617 pounds and $985 in donations. • A reminder to residents that garbage pickup days will not change for Christmas or New Years. • City staff and council members are disappointed about the Anoka County Board’s decision to reappoint an incumbent to the watershed rather than consider a new candidate from a joint list submitted by cities. (See full story on page 17.) • Eleven businesses can keep doing business in the city in 2022 after their license were renewed. The businesses include: St. Paul Plumbing & Heating Co. (MSP Plumbing & Heating Co.); Genz Ryan Plumbing and Heating; HomeWorks Services LLC (HomeWorks Plumbing Heating Air); Bonfe's Plumbing Heating and Air Service Inc.; McQuillan Brothers; K&S Heating Air Conditioning Plumbing Inc.; Joel Smith Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.; Northern Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. (Benjamin Franklin Plumbing); Home Energy Center; Air Mechanical Inc.; and Blue Ox Heating and Air. • Beginning Jan. 1, there some rate changes for utilities (water, sewer, storm sewer, natural gas, garbage and recycling. See the Dec. 14 City Council meeting packet for a full breakdown. • The 2022 general fund budget has been set. The 2022 budget of $3,172,629 represents a 4.6% increase ($144,215) from the 2021 budget. The budget includes a 4.8% increase in expenditures, which includes roughly $38,000 for a park improvement plan update. The 2022 levy has been set at $2,914,669, which represents an approximately 4.6% increase ($130,994) compared to

CONTRIBUTED

The 2022 utility project will include East Shadow Lake Drive and Lantern Lane.

spending an additional dollar to that versus what we have purchased in the past.” • Fire turnout gear budgeted and ordered this year for $36,622 is not expected to be received until 2022 due to supply chain delays. The unspent funds will remain in the city’s general fund balance. The council has committed those funds within the general fund to allow the use of 2021 budgeted funds in fiscal year 2022 without having a budget impact. • Starting Jan. 3, Matthew DuBois will be the city’s newest police officer. His hourly rate of pay will be $36.66. • Thanks to a grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the city will be able to remove and replace ash trees infested with emerald ash borer (EAB) at three times the rate it does in a normal year. The $32,911 grant, with the addition of a $16,838 match from the city, will remove and replace 91 boulevard ash trees. The city currently removes and replaces approximately 30 boulevard ash trees per year. • The council has approved a temporary occupancy agreement for model homes for the Watermark 4th Addition. The development is eligible for a total of 37 model homes. Lennar has requested that 26 of the model homes be constructed as part the 4th Addition plat. Lennar has previously used seven of its model home allotment. • The council will likely award a construction contract in February for the 2022 utility project on East Shadow Lake Drive. Through routine maintenance and pipe investigation, City Engineer Diane Hankee said city staff has

identified sewer mains that have settled and are sagging along East Shadow Lake Drive and Lantern Lane, which has led to water infi ltration and impacts to sewer flows. The project would replace sagging sanitary pipes, manholes and water systems, along with roadway reconstruction and restoration of adjacent property. The project is estimated to cost $510,000. WSB will prepare plans and specifications for the project for $22,500. • The city has authorized final payment of $6,902 to Olson’s Sewer Service/Olson’s Excavating Services for the 2020 surface water maintenance project. The project was completed in November. • The city has moved onto the second phase of the northeast drainage improvement project. WSB will prepare plans and specifications for the project for $31,600. The project, which is estimated to cost $750,000, includes constructing a stormwater conveyance system under I-35E to the east side of the freeway, north of Main Street. The pipe system will tie into the Watermark Development systems. The storm flow is from east to west. The system is being built from the downstream end to the upstream end.The council will likely award a construction contract in March 2022, and construction should begin in May with final completion in October. The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at City Hall. There will also be a work session immediately beforehand at 6 p.m. in the Community Room. Shannon Granholm

COMMUNITY BRIEF Centennial Sports Arena looking for used skates The Centennial Sports Arena is accepting used skates to have available for rental during open skating and birthday parties. All styles of skates are accepted. Skates can be dropped at the

ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

arena during business hours (3-10:30 p.m.) or at the Community Education Office (8 a.m.-4 p.m. on school days). Contact Arena Manager Nick Droogsma at 763-792-6091, or the Community Education office at 763-792-6100, with any questions.

RESOLUTION #2021-136 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION AND EXPENSE AMOUNTS FOR ANOKA COUNTY EMPLOYEES, UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES, APPOINTED DIVISION MANAGERS, DEPARTMENT HEADS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR 2022 ADOPTED: DECEMBER 3, 2021 WHEREAS, adjustments to compensation levels of governmental units are considered on an annual basis; and, WHEREAS, the total compensation package must be affordable for Anoka County; and, WHEREAS, the compensation levels of non-bargaining unit employees, XQFODVVLÀHG HPSOR\HHV GLYLVLRQ PDQDJHUV GHSDUWPHQW KHDGV DQG HOHFWHG RIÀFLDOV IRU QHHG WR EH HVWDEOLVKHG EHIRUH WKH HQG RI WKLV \HDU DQG WHEREAS, the Personnel Rules and Regulations of Anoka County, Minnesota, adopted by the county board, provide that the Director of Human Resources shall annually review the salary levels and make recommended changes; and, WHEREAS, the Director of Human Resources has completed said review

IRU SURJUDP \HDU DQG KDV UHFRPPHQGHG WR WKH $QRND &RXQW\ %RDUG of Commissioners that the potential salary rate of all county employees be LQFUHDVHG DV GHVFULEHG EHORZ H[FHSW IRU VSHFLÀF H[FOXVLRQV DV DUH RQ ÀOH LQ Human Resources: 12: 7+(5()25( %( ,7 5(62/9(' WKDW WKH JHQHUDO DGMXVWPHQW IRU LV SHUFHQW RQ -DQXDU\ ,QGLYLGXDO HVWDEOLVKHG VDODULHV RI QRQ EDUJDLQLQJ XQLW FRXQW\ HPSOR\HHV XQFODVVLÀHG HPSOR\HHV WKH FRXQW\ administrator, division managers, and department heads may increase by a performance-based range movement of up to 3 percent, and may be distributHG RQ WKH EDVLV RI GRFXPHQWHG MRE SHUIRUPDQFH RQ ÀOH LQ +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV VXEMHFW WR DYDLODELOLW\ RI IXQGV 7KH DSSURYDO DXWKRULW\ IRU WKHVH MRE SHUIRUPDQFH LQFUHDVHV LV KHUHE\ GHOHJDWHG WR WKH 0DQDJHPHQW &RPPLWWHH %( ,7 )857+(5 5(62/9(' WKDW UHJXODU FRXQW\ HPSOR\HHV ZKR DUH LQ collective bargaining agreements with the county or temporary employees are VSHFLÀFDOO\ H[FOXGHG IURP WKH SD\ LQFUHDVH SRUWLRQ RI WKLV UHVROXWLRQ DQG DOO other matters covering terms and conditions of employment except as proYLGHG LQ WKLV SDUDJUDSK 3D\ LQFUHDVHG IRU XQLRQ HPSOR\HHV DUH JRYHUQHG E\ WKHLU FROOHFWLYH EDUJDLQLQJ DJUHHPHQWV %( ,7 )857+(5 5(62/9(' WKDW WKH $QRND &RXQW\ QRQ XQLRQ VDODU\ VFKHGXOH ZLOO QRW EH DGMXVWHG DW WKLV WLPH %( ,7 )857+(5 5(62/9(' WKDW WKH $QRND &RXQW\ FRPPLVVLRQHUV· DQ-

2021’s levy of $2,783,675. Even though the budget will increase, the city’s tax rate will remain flat because of the increase in taxable valuations. For taxes payable in 2022, homeowners will not see a change in their tax rate if the value of their home did not increase. For example, a $200,000 home likely appreciated in value by approximately 5%, which would make the home’s market value $210,000. The taxes on the new valuation would increase the city tax by $4.54 per month. • The city’s engineer, WSB, has been authorized by the council to move forward with soliciting bids for the 2022 street project. The project would includes the reconstruction of the sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer system along with the complete reconstruction of the streets along Stardust Boulevard (west of the 2020 street project limits), Galaxy Drive, Twilite Terrace and Twinkle Terrace. • The city has, as it does every year, waived its statutory tort liability limits. On an annual basis, cities who obtain liability coverage through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) must fill out a waiver form. • Benefits and a salary schedule have been set for nonunion employees for 2022. The agreement mirrors the 2022 union employee contract, which calls for a 2.75% increase effective Jan. 1 and an increase of health benefits of $20 per month. • City advisory board and council meetings have been scheduled for 2022. Two dates to note is that the council meetings scheduled for Aug. 10 and Nov. 9 will both take place on a Wednesday rather than a Tuesday due to the primary and general elections. • Polling places for 2022 have also been set. Residents who live on the north side of Lake Drive will vote at St. Mark Lutheran Church, and residents who live on the south side of Lake Drive will vote at City Hall. • The City Council has canceled its second meeting in December, originally scheduled for Dec. 28. Shannon Granholm

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CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF MEETING CHANGE 127,&( ,6 +(5(%< *,9(1 WKDW WKH &LW\ RI &LUFOH 3LQHV &LW\ &RXQFLO PHHWLQJ IRU 7XHVGD\ 'HFHPEHU DW S P KDV EHHQ FDQFHOHG Patrick Antonen, City Administrator 'DWHG 'HFHPEHU Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 21, 2021.

DECEMBER 21, 2021

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POLICE REPORTS officer determined there were no problems. • An officer responded to a report of a dog at large in the 7700 block of Country Lane Dec. 10. The homeowner let the dog inside as the officer arrived. There were no further problems. • Officers responded to assist another agency with a personal injury accident on I-35W and Main Street Dec. 11. Paramedics treated and released a patient at the scene, and two vehicles were towed. • An officer received a call of a hit-and-run property damage crash in the 300 block of Lilac Street Dec. 11. The officer located the vehicle involved. It is unknown if there is any damage to the mailbox that was struck. • Officers were dispatched on a report of juvenile activity in the 2200 block of Tart Lake Road Dec. 12. Officers found the juveniles in the park after hours, and the juveniles fled the area when the officers arrived. • An officer responded to a report of a found backpack in the roadway at Lake Drive and Town Center Parkway Dec. 12. The officer took custody of the backpack and found multiple items of contraband inside. The investigation is ongoing. • Officers were dispatched on a report of a noise complaint of a man playing music loudly from a speaker in a parking lot Dec. 13. Officers made contact with the male and he agreed to turn down the music. The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • Officers conducted a warrant attempt in the 9300 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington Dec. 8. A male was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant. • Officers took a report of mail theft that occurred in November in the 10 block of Indian Hills Drive in Circle Pines. The suspect was arrested in another jurisdiction for similar offenses Dec. 8. • Officers took a phone call report for property damage that occurred in the 4100 block of Lovell Road in Lexington Dec. 8. • Officers took a walk-in delayed threat report from the 0 block of Central Street in Circle Pines Dec. 8. There are no suspects at this time. • An officer was advised of suspicious activity in the 9100 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington Dec. 8. • City property was damaged in the 7100 block of Main Street in Centerville Dec. 8. • An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North Highway Drive and Patriot Lane in Lexington Dec. 9. The male driver was subsequently arrested. • An officer took a suspicious activity report from the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Dec. 9. • Officers received a phone call info report from the 20 block of Inner Drive in Circle Pines Dec. 9. • Officers located a suspicious vehicle in the 140 block of East Golden Lake Lane in Circle Pines Dec 9. The two adults involved were verbally reprimanded. • An officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington Dec. 10. The male driver was subsequently arrested for DWI. • Officers were advised of a walk-in fraud report at base that occurred in the 20 block of Oak Leaf Lane in Circle Pines Dec. 10. Officers took information for a report. • Officers were dispatched to a man who broke through the ice on Peltier Lake in Centerville Dec. 10. The man was rescued. • Officers were dispatched on a follow-up phone call in the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington Dec. 10. Officers determined that the person had questions regarding restraining orders and related issues. • Officers responded to a phone call from a male who was having safety concerns in the 3900 block of Restwood Road Dec. 10. Officers advised the man. • Officers were dispatched to the 8900 block of Jackson Avenue on a damage to property report that occurred 30 minutes prior Dec. 11. Officers took information regarding the damage. No suspects were identified. • Officers were dispatched to the 9100 block of South Highway Drive for a disorderly female refusing to leave a store in Lexing-

ton Dec. 11. • Officers observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville Dec. 11. Verbal warnings were issued. • An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of 20th Avenue and West Cedar Street in Centerville. An adult male was subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant Dec. 11.

• Officers were dispatched to the 7000 block of Progress Road for a suspicious male in Centerville Dec. 12. An adult male was transported to detox. • An officer was dispatched to the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue for a counterfeit bill report in Lexington Dec. 14. • Officers were dispatched to the 7000 block of 21st Avenue in Centerville for a delayed theft report Dec. 14.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS 2 firefighters retire, 3 resign during investigation Five firefighters from the Lexington Fire Department have left the department. City Attorney Kurt Glaser confirmed that Chief Gary Grote and Assistant Chief Mark Vanderbloomer have retired and that Captain Todd Messer, firefighter Mindy Fiester and firefighter Scott Parenteau have resigned. The retirements and resignations are the result of an investigation spanning several months. The investigation has now been closed. Four of the five firefighters were a part of the investigation. “At present, there are no pending complaints involving the fire department. All past complaints have been closed,” Glaser said. Erik Edwards was sworn in as the new chief last week. City Administrator Bill Petracek said the department currently has 13 firefighters and needs seven more to be considered full staff.

TikTok challenge to disrput school day sweeps nation Centennial Schools, as well as school districts across the nation, continue to face social media challenges. Last week, posts began circulating on

TikTok nationwide stating that Dec. 17 students should disrupt the school day by calling in bomb threats, school shooting threats etc. The district, in conjunction with law enforcement, confirmed that there were no threats or concerns locally. Centennial High School Principal Tom Breuning and Centennial Middle School Principal Bob Stevens sent out an email to families that read in part, “Our first concern is student and staff safety. Maintaining a safe learning environment is our top priority. Our second concern is students who embrace this TikTok challenge at the prank level. Making false comments about harming others, school shootings, and bomb threats, etc. will be taken seriously by school officials and law enforcement. Please have a conversation with your student about the influence of social media and the consequences that come with engaging in this type of behavior. We take every threat seriously and students may face suspension, expulsion, and possible legal consequences. The forwarding of these types of posts, other than to adults for investigation, may also result in consequences. The reposting of any threat will not be helpful.”

INTRODUCING THE TOP

5 FINALISTS:

JEAN HELTEMES PHIL & CATHY KLEIN ANDREA LOPPNOW SHARON POWELL ROGER WILLIAMS LOOK FOR THE WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

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The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: • An officer located a suspicious vehicle at a closed business on Dec. 7 in the 7600 block of Lake Drive. Officers learned they were cleaners for the business. There were no problems. • An officer was requested to assist another law enforcement agency on a traffic stop in a neighboring city at Centerville Road and Meadow Lane Dec. 7. The officer assisted with the stop and was cleared shortly after arrival. • An officer responded to a report related to how a business is operating in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway Dec. 7. The officer documented the information and did not observe any apparent problems. • Officers responded to a single-vehicle property damage accident on I-35E and Main Street Dec. 7. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle was towed from the scene. • An officer responded to assist a motorist whose vehicle had broken down in the roadway in the 6500 block of Hodgson Road Dec. 7. The vehicle was blocking the traffic lane, so a tow truck was ordered. The driver had the vehicle towed to a local business for repair. • An officer responded to a single-vehicle property damage accident in the 7900 block of Marilyn Drive Dec. 7. The officer documented the information and made owners aware of the damage. • An officer responded to a report of a single-vehicle property damage accident at 21st Avenue North and 20th Avenue Dec. 7. The incident was documented, and a state crash report was completed. • An officer responded to a phone call regarding civil questions in the 400 block of Park Court Dec. 7. The caller was advised how to proceed. • An officer investigated an incident involving a male who was found walking away from the area of a vehicle that had crashed into a building in the 7200 block of Lake Drive Dec. 8. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. • An officer responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a deer at Birch Street and Old Birch Street Dec. 8. There were no injuries, and the vehicle was towed. • An officer received a fraud report involving a wire transfer in the 8300 block of Fourth Avenue Dec. 8. The case is being investigated. • An officer took a report of a theft from a retail store in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Suite 120 Dec. 8. The incident was documented and is being investigated. • Officer assisted a citizen who was concerned about a person observed on his surveillance camera on his property in the 6800 block of Sunrise Drive Dec. 8. The person was identified, and had been given permission to be on the premises by another occupant of the home. • An officer responded to a delayed report of lost property in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway Dec. 8. The caller was unsure in which city the property was lost in. The incident was documented. • An officer received a call of a delayed suspicious activity report in the 7500 block of Jeanne Drive Dec. 8. Extra patrol was requested for the area. • An officer responded to a call of a vehicle vs. deer property damage accident in the 7000 block of Lake Drive Dec. 8. No one was injured. A state crash report was completed. • Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Dec. 9. Officers determined there were no problems. • A community service officer received a request for an overnight parking waiver in the 1500 block of Stoneybrook Drive Dec. 9. The party was advised of current waiver procedures and granted a shortterm parking waiver. • Officers responded to a call of suspicious activity in the 8100 block of Wood Duck Trail Dec. 9. The incident was found to be a misunderstanding. • An officer responded to a delayed suspicious activity report at a local restaurant in the 6800 block of Lake Drive Dec. 10. The

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DECEMBER 21, 2021

Girls hockey: Cougars post 8th win, then suffer ﬁrst loss to Rogers

SPORTS BRIEFS

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The Northern Fusion Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team poses for a team photo after a first-place skate at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Leather & Laces places 1st at Maplewood Synchro Classic

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Centennial’s Grace Torman (14) and Callie Cody (17) had Lily Mckenzie of Champlin Park/Coon Rapids hemmed in. The Cougars won 8-2.

The Rogers Royals shut down Centennial’s robust offense and handed the Cougars their first loss 2-0 on Saturday evening in Rogers. The Cougars (8-1-1), who thumped Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids 8-2 on Tuesday, had been averaging 4.9 goals per game. Rogers held the Cougars to 16 shots on goal, all stopped by Lauren Larson. Sydney Bailey and Avery Achterkirch

found the net for Rogers (8-2-1). Cougar goalie Kaitlin Groess made 30 saves, including one on a penalty shot. Against CP/CR, Lauren O’Hara and Megan Goodreau each drilled two goals, and Jaycee Chatleain, Callie Cody, Teagan Kulenkamp and Noelle Hemr one each. O’Hara made three assists and Goodreau two. Bruce Strand

The Northern Fusion Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team is gearing up for its largest competition of the season at the end of January. The team took first place at its first competition of the season at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The team currently has 12 skaters, but only 10 were able to compete. Leather & Laces practices at the Vadnais Heights Sports Center and is coached by Andrea Hall. Team members range in age from 19 to 33. This year the team skates to a “Hunger Games” medley. Leather & Laces is currently the only registered adult team in its division (open adult) in Minnesota. The team will travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan Jan. 27-29 for the 2022 Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships where it will compete against several teams across the Midwest. For more information about Leather & Laces visit facebook. com/LeatherLacesAdultSynchroTeam.

Gymnastics: Cougars start out 2-1 The Centennial gymnasts have a 2-1 record after losing to Champlin Park 125.3 to 124.375, then winning a double dual, scoring 124.125 to beat Coon Rapids (112.375) and Blaine (112.375). Against both Champlin Park and Blaine, Kylie Nelson placed second all-around and Jenna Simso third. Nelson had two second places, one third, and one fourth against Blaine. Against Coon Rapids, Nelson and Simso took first and second allaround. Nelson won vault, bars and floor, and Simso won beam. Ashlyn Macoskey took second on beam and floor.

Swimming: Cougars 3rd in Blaine meet

JON NAMYST (NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) (NAMYSTPHOTOGRAPHYCOM) | CONTRIBUTED

Harper Searles (17) swoops in to score for Centennial against Mounds View goalie Aidan Petrich.

Boys hockey: Cougars top Mustangs 7-1 Coenen made it 6-1, and Van Tassel completed the hat trick with 24 seconds left. Jack Fuller in goal stopped 22 of 23 shots. Bruce Strand

P Peyton Blair, Centennial hockey junior forward, h has logged five goals and six assists in five games, h helping the Cougars start the season 4-1. The 5 5-foot-11, 170 skater delivered a goal and two a assists Saturday in a 7-1 win over Mounds View. He h has notched at least one point in every game. Blair b broke into varsity as a sophomore with five goals a and nine assists, then worked hard on his skating sk skills between seasons. “Peyton has always had g great hands and an incredible hockey IQ,” coach R Ritch Menne said. “He’s now become the scoring th threat that we really need. He’s got a huge upside th that will get him a lot of attention from scouts.”

“Your Financial Partner”

Boys basketball: Cougars lose to Osseo, Rogers Looking for their first win, the Centennial Cougars had their first close game Thursday evening, falling short against the Rogers Royals 52-47 at home. Reese Neudahl netted 11 points and Luke Clark and Taiden Johnson 10 each, for the Cougars (0-4). Easton Whitcomb hit 15 points, Nick Gleason 12, and Peyton Belka 11 for Rogers (2-3). On Tuesday, the Cougars lost 76-36 to Osseo (3-0) at home. Clark had 10 points and Kevin Jansa eight. Osseo’s Lewis Cargoer hit 16 points and Treyton Smith 15.

Girls basketball: Cougars clip Osseo 69-44, lose to Rogers

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Mounds View (3-4-1) got a power play goal by Johnny Conlin, Centennial’s Owen Van Tassel answered with a power play goal in the last second of the first period. Van Tassel then got the lone goal of the second period. In the third, Casey

CENTENNIAL HOCKEY

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Week*

Scoring three goals in the first nine minutes, the Centennial Cougars cruised to a 7-1 win over Mounds View at home on Saturday afternoon. The early 3-0 lead for the Cougars (4-1) came on goals by Harper Searles, Peyton Blair and Searles again. After

The Centennial swimmers placed third of eight teams in the Blaine Bengal Invitational on Saturday. The Cougars opened with second place in the medley relay with George Atkinson, Max Scheurer, Alex Larkin and Connor Herbrechtsmeyer (1:48.28). Scheurer placed second in the backstroke (1:04.50) and sixth in the individual medley (2:21.16). Larkin took third in butterfly (1:00.78), Dominic Stevenson fourth in backstroke (1:05.20), Herbrechtsmeyer fifth in the 50 free (24.87), and Atkinson fifth in IM (2:20.10). Team scoring was Blaine 407 points, Andover 404, Centennial 360, Coon Rapids 271, Forest Lake 235, Irondale 232, Champlin Park 183, Osseo 171.

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Centennial got 33 points from Camille Cummings in a 6944 win over Osseo 69-55 there Tuesday evening. Then the No. 16 ranked Cougars (3-3) had a three-game win streak snapped at Rogers, 75-63, on Thursday. Cummings, junior guard, shot 14-for-21 overall, 3-for-7 on three’s, while grabbing nine rebounds, against Osseo. Marisa Frost delivered 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and Autumn McCall pulled down 15 rebounds. Aalayah Mitchell tallied 31 points for Osseo (1-3). At Rogers, Ella Buzzelle led the No. 20 ranked Royals (4-2) with 24 points. Clara Glad was next with 13. Cummings netted 20 points, Frost 12 and Sydney Kubes 10 for No. 16 Centennial. “We are currently struggling to stop teams defensively, and if we can’t shoot the ball well, it’s a recipe for disaster,” said coach Jamie Sobolik. The Cougars trailed 42-26 after shooting poorly in the first half, and improved in the second but had dug “too big a hole.”

DECEMBER 21, 2021

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SANTA OF LINO LAKES: Feels he is ‘called to do this’ FROM PAGE 1

from Santa’s hand.” Last year’s visits were mostly Zoom calls, but this year, most of those visits are again in person. Santa and Mrs. Claus are still willing to do virtual visits too, though, should a family desire that option. Visits typically start up the day after Thanksgiving, although this year Santa and Mrs. Claus had their fi rst visit on Thanksgiving Day. On average, the couple pays 12 to 15 visits per week and possibly three or four visits a night, seven days a week. Back in 2017, the couple even visited 10 homes in one evening. What do they enjoy about the visits? “Seeing the children,” Santa said. Mrs. Claus added, “The excitement on the kids’ faces, especially when they open (the gifts) and they are just jumping up and down. It is so fun to watch.” Year after year, Mr. and Mrs. Claus sometimes visit the same children and get to see them grow up. Santa recalled one child who was terrified and didn’t want anything to do with them on their first

visit. The following year, the little one came up to them, but was still a bit cautious. The last couple of times they have visited, the child ran up to them and was excited to see them. “It is a lot of fun for us to go back to a house several years in a row,” Santa said. The couple will pay as many visits as they are able through Dec. 24; then it’s time for Santa and Mrs. Claus to put their feet up, drink some hot cocoa and rest up for next year. “I stay in character all year round,” Santa explained. It is not uncommon for him to be in the checkout line at a grocery store in July and make a kid’s day by handing out his red and green Christmas coins. Santa and Mrs. Claus do not charge for visits, either. “I believe I was called to do this. I believe the gift we were given with the birth of our Lord … That gift causes me to give my gift to others,” he explained. “The gift I was given of my appearance … That’s what I asked for. That’s what the Lord gave me, so now it is my turn to pass that gift on.” Despite all of the visits the two have paid in 25

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Before leaving for the evening, Mrs. Claus hugs Michael goodbye.

years, they can remember nearly every one and enjoy telling story after story about all of the children’s lives they have impacted. For more information about Santa visits, visit SantaOfLinoLakes.com, email Santa@ SantaofLinoLakes.com or call/text 715-579-7734. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

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Letters to Santa Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Cars and tow trucks Books about cars Fire trucks Hot wheels tracks Crane Thank you Santa! Tommy Dear Santa, For Christmas I want Roblox gift card x 2 More clothes Fake dimonds Some dolls Some winter stuff Some pillow cases Painting stuff and eislel and brushes Canvises Slime factory Make your own slime Some new blankets More toys Cute pictures for my room Cats, dogs, snakes From: Callie Dear: Santa Cluse Hi. How are you doing. I am doing good. I was willy good this year and I am doing great. I willy want coloring books and music and movies. Music I want Black Street Boys Brittey Spears TLC Moves Frozen Two Christmas movies family That is all I want for Christmas Day! Thanks Santa Cluse soo much Love always and forever! Jamie Dear Santa, I want kinetic sand rainbow mix. Dear Santa, I don’t have a hook for my stocking, so I might get one. I love you, Rudolph and Santa. Luv, Beau Dear Santa, I want some new tights. I would like some stuffed animals. Can I have some balloons? Love, Sloaney (5 ½) Dear Santa, Please bring me a blue toy and cookies. Num num num. Love, Junie, Age 2 Dear Santa, Thank you for the presents from last year. I would like the biggest dinosaur ever! Love, Lewis, Age 3½ Dear Santa, I want a purple dog stuffed animal and I want you to bring me a horsey stuffed animal. Love, Izzy (4 ½)

Dear Santa, Here is my list. Pik mi Pops Num Nums Hamsters in the house Minnie mouse toys Tonies Rusty rivers toys Swivel chair blue Cutie cars Paw patrol toys and dvds Puppy dog pals toys Douglas stuffed animals

Dear Santa, I’m good. We have our Christmas Tree up. I hope I get to see you. I want an Ipad. Play-doh Disney Princess Dollhouse Barbie Ice Cream Play Set Bluey Heeler Play set Fur Real Wavy the Narwhal Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron P.s. Say hi to Mrs. Claus and Rudolph Sylvie Age 3 Love, Miles

Toby’s Christmas List Pack of baseballs Pack of hockey pucks Size “ 7 “ Roller blades Size “ medium” hockey helmet with cage mask Size “13” hockey gloves Green biscuit snipe Hockey Jersey “Wilds” Hockey wrap around. Fosters Christmas List Madden 21 PS4 addition Fiskars x 25. Axe Starwars battle front 2 ps4 addition. X shot nerf gun hawkeye Hockey helmet size “small” with cage and size “11” hockey gloves Bb gun 22. cb caps dirt bike Santa, ORYH \RX DQG , ZDQW D ÁDVKOLJKW bookmark and a water bottle. thank you Love, Lachlan Age 6 Dear Santa, This year I hace been Nice. One kind thing I did this year is: Sent candy to soldiers across sea. Raised money for animal shelters w/ my lemonade stand. I would love if you brought me: Dollhouse The wake up Daddy game Glitter Babies Fancy Nancy Doll Love, Vivienne Dear Santa, Mrs. Claus & Rudolph I hope you have a really nice Christmas. Ive been good this year. I share with my sister sometimes. How good have you been? If I get coal this year, I will give it to my dad for his grill. Silas Age 5 My Wish List Hot Wheels Race Track Set Monster Trucks Pop-It Mat Jurassic T-Rex Nerf Gun Power Treads Hyperdrive Zipline Disney Eye Found It Aerobic Sonic Fin Football Slippers Silas

Dear Santa, I been extra good today. Send Money. Santa, I am going to tell you what I want for Christmas. I want a real live bear that is black. That is nice and kind to me and never roars at me and can sleep with me and never never never gets in trouble with me because I think my Mom & Dad will kick em out. Santa I want something else for Christmas. I want every package I open to be a TOY! If its not a toy, put Mommy things in it. Santa, I got a question. Do you only send toys? Or Do you send wild animals? Santa, when I go out for dinner. Can I sit on your lap? I am going to dress to match you tonight! I want a special thing dear Santa. Maybe not a wild bear he wont trust me maybe bring a puppy that will love me and adore me all day. Dear Santa, could you bring another animal? Maybe our cats die you can bring me a kitten. Mommy doesn’t like cats. Merry Christmas Santa . I love you. Ava (age 5) Dear Santa, I would like a Jeep Gladiator please, a green one Thank you, Love Andrew ( age 3 ½) Dear Santa, I was good this year. I would like a bike and a robot and a gumball machine, oh and a treasure map. Merry Christmas Love, August ( Age 5 ½) Dear Santa I’VE BEEN A GOOD GIRL My Christmas List Minnie Paper Doll Minnie Mickey Car Barbie Princess My name is Maeve and I am 6 years old. This year I’ve been really good. Something good I did this year was help by friends that were hurt. I would like to give love and kindness to others. This year I might like to receive and iPad. My Christmas wish list year is LOL Mansion, Barbie Dreamhouse, Cloudeez, doll things, purse pet and surprises. I also have a question for you! Is your house made out of snow? With love and gratitude, Maeve

Dear Santa, My name is Nell and I am 9 years old. This year I’ve been good. Something good I did this year was help my family. I would like to give peace on earth. This year I might like to receive is a jumbo pop it. My Christmas wish this year is is Iphone Fidgets A phone case Slime Rainbowcorn Crafts Sewing kits I also have a question for you! Where do the reindeer stay in the summer? With love and Gratitude, Nell Dear Santa, My name is Olin and I am 10 years old. This year I’ve been really good. Something good I did this year was to be kind to my sisters. I would like to give kindness to people. This year I PLJKW OLNH WR UHFHLYH VRPH ÀGJHWV UHPRWH control items and games. I also have a question for you! Do you like chocolate chip cookies? With Love and Gratitude, Olin Dear Santa, My name is Sydney and I was wondering do you eat a lot of candy at the North Pole? How many elves do you have? For Christmas I would like Art Materials, new pajamas, white board for P\ URRP OHJR VHWV ÀGJHWV D 1LQWHQGR switch and that is all. But you do not need to get me all of them. And I love your dangly hat. I want one more thinghockey nets and sticks. Love, Sydney ( age 9) Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A big bluey stuffy A baby yoda & Nintendo Switch An RC Car & Harry Potter House Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, David at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 ½ years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A T-rex robot & stickers Christmas Decorations Shark Robot & Capture Net ball Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Elliot at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a Naomi costume, Anna costume, a harp and a guitar. I hope you have a good night. From Zoey (5) Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Present pet – Sparkle Princess More markers Scooter Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Rory at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: Slime & a Santa book Suckers & stickers Stuffed elephant & new masks I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Julia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice and naughty. My Christmas wishes are: Piggie & Gerald Books Connect Four Minecraft Costume Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Ethan at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: Alligator Robot Lightning Ball Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Brexton, 5 years, at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, My Christmas wishes are: Makeup Kit American Girl Doll A suitcase Real Wand Electric Scooter Superhero Doll & Spider Girl Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Oona at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa This year I would like a robot. With buttons to make it talk, and a green face, and also, I don’t know if you guys can do this but could you make it do commands pleas Thank you! P.s. Mr. elf is a good elf With a green face Orang front Blue legs And one more thing Santa, I would like to be 3 feet and also I would like wheels for feet From Zeke

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Legos Switch games Hatchimals Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Julian at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, I don’t really want anything but there is one thing. I want 3 boxes of Christmas cookies. I don’t care what kind and if you have room and time it would be nice to have a rabbit. If you can’t get it it’s ÀQH , MXVW ZDQW LW Happy, Merry Christmas! Love Evie Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like a wonder Woman costume, a Hermione costume, a Elena doll, unicorn Pop it, a Anna doll, DQG D ÁXWH I hope you have a good Christmas. From: Nora (7)

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A triceratops Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Ophelia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Spider Man RC Flying Figure Red Venom Carnage Baby Yoda Spiderman Figure Groot Toy Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Theo at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A magical unicorn! Magical ice powers! A Sophia necklace Jasmine dress-up set Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Lydia at Kids Under Construction Preschool

Christmas IT’S NOT JUST

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: A real Unicorn! A real kitty Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Vivian at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Dinosaurs (10) Elfs (2) Dog (a real one). I will name him Fred! Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Foster at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Lego Jurassic World Cruiser Lego Edomonis Lego Moving Crane with motors Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Thomas at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: games atomic play set helicopter\ Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Wyatt at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Ghost busters & dinosaurs Case for my hot wheels cars New hot wheels + baseball stuff Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Clark at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Doll with a doll house and car Spiderman Robot Spiderman Car Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Alvin at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, I dot want to much for Christmas. I jast want a happy Christmas. I just want a SHW ÀVK From your friend Jovie. Merry Christmas.

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Paw Patrol Bouncer Pet toy turtle/dog that comes with a shaver Sunny Star scout My Little Pony Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Bridget at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This year I have been nice and naughty. My Christmas wishes are: Big Spiderman Toy Spiderman Ball Julk toy Snowman toy Venom Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, John at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Elsa toy – sing along Elsa doll Big Ariel doll Toy phone Easel for my artwork Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Maysen at Kids Under Construction Preschool Dear Santa, My name is Kelby and I am 5 years old. I have been on the nice list all year! This year for Christmas I would like: Makeup set Paint set Fidgit Pop-it Snow cone machine Thank you Santa! Kelby Dear Santa for Christmas I would like is some dogman books and a sonic H[H ÀJXUH DQG D PLOOLRQ ER[HV RI GDUN FKRFRODWH WUXIÁHV WHH KHH $QG D OHJR SLFN up truck, and some lego spaceships, and a put together sling shot, spiderman super web slinger and customizable electronic light saber and lego spiderman at the sanctum workshop and lego spider man drone duel please. I’ve been a good boy and my brother Joey likes monster trucks and consterucshin veicles and a blippi doll. He’s been a good boy too. Love, Wally Dear Santa, This year I would like a batman monster truck RC Thank you J

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 4 years old. This year I have been nice. My Christmas wishes are: Spiderman 4 wheeler Marshmallow men in my sock from Ghostbuster movie Blues clues Merry Christmas, Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies & milk! Love, Grayden at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been Nice. My Christmas wishes are: A Stuffed animal Merry Christmas Santa! I’ll be waiting for you on Christmas Eve with cookies and milk! Love, Hazel at Kids Under Construction Preschool

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Early Deadlines Press Publications will have early ad deadlines in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays starting the week before Christmas.

Classiﬁed ad deadlines: • All papers: Thursday, December 16th; 11 AM for ads to run the week of 12/21-12/22, 2021 Thursday, December 28th 11 AM for all other papers. 11 AM for ads in the Biweekly Citizen to run week of January 4-5, 2022

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Services

Teller I

Ideal Credit Union is looking for enthusiastic employees who enjoy working in a competitive sales environment while educating consumers about financial services to meet their needs. We currently have a Teller I position open at our Hugo branch. Please complete an application at idealcu.com/employment-opportunities, if interested. If you have any questions, please call Human Resources at (651) 747-8910. Ideal Credit Union is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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1. Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all all invented by women. 2. The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Autonomic nervous system 4. At or near the stern 7. Adenosine triphosphate 10. Polynesian garland of ﬂowers 11. Chinese revolutionary 12. Green veggie 13. Large group 15. Swiss river 16. Semiaquatic mammal 19. Wrongdoers 21. Home to Disney World 23. Spanish doctors 24. Newborn child 25. Absence of difﬁculty 26. Large, stocky lizard 27. Earned top billing 30. A long wandering and eventful journey 34. Water (French) 35. Brew 36. Winged horse 41. A usually malignant tumor 45. Alfred __, American actor 46. Austrian river 47. A reminder of past events 50. Connected with 54. Status 55. Dean residence 56. Egyptian city 57. Boxing’s GOAT 59. Straits along the Red Sea 60. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan 61. Get some color 62. Facilitates hearing 63. Commercials 64. A team’s best pitcher 65. Patti Hearst’s captors

CLUES DOWN 1. Speak up 2. More informative 3. Where passengers sit 4. Gathered 5. Supervises flying 6. Home of the Blue Jays 7. Public statement of regret 8. Lockjaw 9. Indian city 13. Patriots’ Newton 14. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.) 17. Sun up in New York 18. Eggs in female fish 20. Stood up 22. NBA legend Willis 27. Calendar month (abbr.) 28. Exercise regimen __-bo 29. The 8th month (abbr.) 31. __ Paulo, city 32. Tall deciduous tree 33. Affi rmative 37. Notified of danger 38. NFL game days 39. Archaic term for “to” 40. Plant pores 41. Canned fish 42. Phil __, former CIA 43. Connects with 44. Of the skull 47. Time zone (abbr.) 48. When you hope to get there 49. Hindu goddess 51. Land 52. Pitching stat 53. Field force unit 58. Lakers’ crosstown rivals

DECEMBER 21, 2021

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Sudoku

Weather tidbits

Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com Last Wednesday and Thursday will go down in Minnesota weather history. It was the first time the NWS issued a Tornado Watch for Minnesota and the first ever recorded tornado in Minnesota. We experienced rain and high winds followed by a coating of snow and cold. We escaped icy conditions that were feared during the changeover from rain to snow and the cold was manageable. I still haven't recorded my first subzero temperature of the season and it should be a mild week ahead. I spotted my first ice angler on White Bear Lake this past weekend. Side note: My 2022 weather calendar is out! Check my website for more info. WeathermanWatson.com or call me at 651.206.5364.

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

WEEKLY AVERAGES DEC. 22 - 28 High 24° | Low 10° | %Sun 39% | PCP 0.31”

Wed Dec. 22 26°/ 21°

Thu Dec. 23 35°/ 28°

Fri Dec. 24 36°/ 13°

Sat Dec. 25 24°/ 19°

Sun Dec. 26 29°/ 18°

Mon Dec. 27 21°/ 7°

Tue Dec. 28 23°/ 16°

7:48 / 4:35

7:49 / 4:36

7:50 / 4:37

7:50 / 4:38

7:51 / 4:38

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What do you want for Christmas?

Volunteers keep eyes to the sky for Christmas Bird Count

The Quad Community Press asked preschoolers in Mrs. Angie’s Rice Lake Elementary classroom, "What would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas this year?" Here are their responses:

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Elliot E Lego sets, robots, a real football and uniform, soft wrestling a helmet and suit h

Olivia O Hairdresser Barbie (that she can dress herself), gymnastics Barbie, d Kayak Barbie and outer space K Barbie B

Addison A Makeup set, pretty princess sshoes and dress

GREGG SEVERSON | CONTRIBUTED

A mountain bluebird seen on last year’s St. Paul area count. Western birds such as this one may be more prevalent this winter due to the summer drought conditions in North America.

Eli E Toy kitchen

Suburban area as long as COVID guidelines are followed. Severson added that the St. Paul area count is always looking for experienced birders to become count leaders, and invites volunteers. Those who would rather stay indoors can also participate in the count by conducting a feeder watch. If you have bird feeders in your yard, you can contact the area coordinator and receive instructions on how to accurately count the birds that visit the feeder over the course of the day. The fi nal count will be included with the number of birds and species observed by patrolling counters. The Northeast Metro count will take place Sunday, Dec. 26. Anyone interested in signing up for the count can visit www.audubon.org/ conservation/join-christmas-bird-count to fi nd out which count area they are closest to, and which area coordinator they should contact.

Brooks B Washing machine, steam engine, big dump truck e

Parker P Carry Around Robot Town (he ssaw this in the “newspaper”), Hex bugs and marble run with elevator b

Find the right senior living option for your mom or dad with our personalized process Our service is free, as we’re paid by our participating communities and providers.

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The holiday season brings many kinds of gatherings: family dinners, office parties and, for birdwatchers, the time-honored Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC). It’s a lively day of exploring local winter landscapes and watching carefully for the winged wildlife that can be found even in the depths of Minnesota winter. The annual bird count will take place across the globe between Dec. 14, 2021, and Jan. 5, 2022. Each count consists of a local group of volunteers who observe areas within their 15mile count radius over the course of a single day. In the northeast metro area, counters can participate in the St. Paul Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 18, or the Northeast Suburban count on Dec. 26. The Northeast Suburban count circle is centered on Withrow and includes the communities of Stillwater, Marine on St. Croix, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and Hugo. The data collected by volunteers contributes to more than a century of information that helps scientists observe trends that can tell us more about bird behavior and habitat conditions. “It’s so important for estimating bird populations and trends,” said St. Paul Coordinator Gregg Severson. “It’s been 120 years, just these really long data sets and one of the critical pieces of information we have about bird trends.” “The ups and downs are pretty easy to understand,” said Northeast Suburban Area Coordinator Jim Howitz. “Some of them are quite general. House fi nches have exploded in the last 50 years, ruffed grouse are down statewide and probably metrowide. Woodpeckers are doing very well, presumably because the trees are getting bigger and becoming diseased and dying as the suburbs mature. Those are results are easily confi rmed by the Christmas counts.” Howitz is looking forward to seeing potential effects of the 17-year cicada emergence in certain parts of the U.S., as birds such as grackles, robins and blue jays likely benefited from this abundant food source. In general, overall trends are showing effects of global climate change. Birds like robins, which usually prefer milder weather, are consistently wintering farther north, while northern birds such as evening grosbeaks aren’t moving as far south as in past decades. “What I expect is we’ll see a lot more of the southern birds,” Howitz said. “Tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, bluebirds. Last year we got yellow-bellied sapsuckers, which feed on sap that doesn’t run in the winter. But those show up more with a warming climate.” Last year, several North Suburban counters were able to observe a great gray owl, which was far outside its normal northern range. Counters in the St. Paul area were able to see a mountain bluebird, which typically is found only in the west and southwest regions of North America. “After the big drought out West, there might be western species that might be fleeing drought areas and coming this way,” Severson said. “One of the fun things about the CBC is it’s such an intense focus over a fairly broad area; instead of everyone going to the biggest hotspot, you often turn up things that otherwise might not get seen.” COVID-19 was a large consideration in this year’s planning. The National Audubon Society advises participants to stay socially distanced outside, and to avoid carpooling with anyone outside of their existing family group or social pod. In some places, local coordinators have chosen to exclude or limit new participants, but new counters are welcome in the Northeast

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QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS

DECEMBER 21, 2021 www.presspubs.com

H ONORING O UR H EROES Proudly Representing Over 50 Insurance Companies

Thank you so much for your service! Elmer Pedersen

Alex Park

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