Church continues holiday bazaar tradition
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — Since the 1950’s, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Circle Pines has hosted a holiday bazaar that includes vendors, a bake sale, raffle, a white elephant sale, food and more.
This year’s bazaar will take place from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was established in 1954. According to Anita Pouchnik, one of the holiday bazaar’s coordinators, there are articles reporting on the event from shortly after its founding.
“The history of the bazaar is longstanding … We found articles in local papers in 1957, 1958 and 1960 referring to the bazaar,” Pouchnik said.
She added that the bazaar is important to the community and reminds area residents that St. Mark’s is here.
“We’ve been here for almost 75 years,” she said. “It is a social event. It’s a team-building event.”
Pouchnik said three groups within the church have been responsible for organizing the bazaar every year. But this year, she said those groups wanted to step back from planning the event.
A ‘superpower’ in helping reconnect dogs with their people
BY TRACI LEBRUN PINE CITY PIONEER EDITOR
About 5 1/2 years ago, Melissa (Missy) Milliman lost her dog, Drake. After enlisting the help of The Retrievers lost dog team to help find him, they got a call of a deceased dog nine miles from her home – it was Drake.
After some time grieving her beloved companion, Milliman, who is a referrals coordinator for Welia Health by day, realized she wanted to help others who had lost a dog, so she joined The Retrievers as a case manager and trapper.
Over 100 searches and 5 1/2 years later, she’s still doing just that — helping others find their furry friends.
When she started working with The Retrievers, she had a mentor on the first few cases. Soon enough, she was on her own helping others find their lost dogs. She was able to guide them through the search process with tips on what to do if they spot a dog who is staying in the same area, how to spread the word of a lost dog, what to do when the trail goes cold, how to best organize a search, and more.
Trainees learn to avoid sharing exact locations publicly, but instead to call in the information directly to the phone number on signs or flyers. This avoids the situation where the dog
becomes even more skittish when a mass of people come looking for him.
“Every case and dog is different, so your skills sort of develop over time and you learn to adapt to changes and challenges,” said Milliman. Milliman specifically tells pet owners to put out signs with their phone number and a photo of their lost dog, knowing that not everyone has social media.
“We’ve had so many dogs get returned because someone saw a sign and then saw the dog and was able to call the family immediately,” she noted. “We also make maps using Google maps which help us track sightings, and it helps families know good ‘suggested’ locations for signs.”
SEE, RETRIEVERS, PAGE 2
CONTRIBUTED
Melissa Milliman and friend
Nicole, a fellow Retriever volunteer, after trapping a little stray in named Chase. They often work together on cases.
FROM PAGE 1
Trapping is also a technique used by the team. They use a very large trap called the “Missy Trap.”
The trap was created in 2013 and named after a golden retriever named Missy who would not enter conventional traps. The co-founder of The Retrievers, Greg James, designed a trap made from horse fence panels that can be assembled in a field with quick clips. When triggered by a dog pulling on a piece of food, the gate drops and latches. A trail camera is nearby to show when the trap is triggered and the dog, or sometimes other animals, are caught.
They also use a large kennel that is hooked up to a Raytripper, a device developed by The Retrievers team, with a photoelectric sensor that drops the gate when a dog enters the trap and steps into the beam.
“When it comes to trapping, we do rely on the community and permission to use people’s properties,” said Milliman. “We are extremely respectful when it comes to getting permission with the ‘leave it as you found it’ rule.”
The group also has a team of drone operators and a search dog named “Scout,” who is in training.
Spruce and Syrah
Milliman’s most memorable, and most challenging, case was “Spruce,” who is now called “Willow.” She was a great Pyrenees from Finlayson that traveled over 20 miles through the Snake River Forest area in the middle of deer hunting season. After the team tracked her movements for several days, they saw that she settled at a farm about 10 miles north of Knife Lake.
“It took a couple weeks of conditioning her to go in our trap,” recalls Milliman. “But she eventually did, and that’s when her new life began with a foster already in place. I still get updates from her new mom.”
One heart-wrenching rescue was on County Road 3 north of Hinckley. “We placed a trap in a deep ditch on the side of a busy road. A stray German shepherd I called Syrah was seen being dumped off
with the truck driving off and her chasing after,” recalls Milliman. Thankfully, Syrah was caught and rehomed.
Volunteers try to stay within an hour of their homes but most of them have traveled further. “One of my first cases on my own was a lost dog in Brownton, Minnesota, in the winter of 2020,” recalls Milliman. “I drove 2 1/2 hours in pretty much a blizzard to trap this dog with my son Everyn, who often helps me with my cases.”
Advice from the pros
If you’ve lost a dog, do not give up, says Milliman. “Stay positive for your dog. Post online and make and put up signs with your number and dog’s photo on both sides,” she said. “Call the sheriff’s office to report your dog missing, call local vets and, if you need extra support, please reach out to organizations like The Retrievers (which serves most of Minnesota) or Lost K-9 (based out of Cottage Grove).”
To prevent losing a dog and not finding it, “microchip, microchip, microchip!” notes Milliman. “Tags don’t always work, because they can fall off. Or you can write your number on
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
your dog’s collar in permanent marker even. I also recommend that if you are leaving town and you’re leaving your dog with a family member, a dog sitter or even a boarding facility, you should always send your dog with an article, whether it is a worn shirt, their blanket or bedding. Often, one of the first things we do is suggest hanging out a familiar scent which could be a worn shirt or a blanket or even a dog’s bed. In case the dog has kind of gotten ‘turned around,’ they could catch a familiar scent to help find their way home.”
Milliman, who is not only a mother but a dog mom as well, says it’s exhilarating when she takes a case. “I automatically love your dog like it’s my own! Our entire team is celebrating when we retrieve your pet,” she adds.
About The Retrievers
The Retrievers is an all-volunteer team based in Minnesota. The team also serves parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin, offering the tools, experience and expertise to help rescues and individual owners find their lost dogs. Their resources will help dog owners organize an effective search and, through free consultations, their experienced team members can advise on strategic decisions as the search unfolds. Their specialty is capturing skittish dogs, which is especially helpful once a dog has been spotted and is remaining in the same general area. If your dog has gone missing, every hour counts. For more information or to donate to The Retrievers, visit https://www.theretrievers.org/. The Retrievers have also designed “Never Lost U,” which focuses on lost dog prevention. That information can be found at https://the-retrieverss-school.teachable.com/p/neverlostu.
took a walk-in report Sept. 10 regarding property found near the intersection of Lake Drive and Firebarn Road in Circle Pines.
the dogs, who did not appear to be in distress. The owner was informed of the complaint.
Traci LeBrun is the editor of the Pine City Pioneer.
• Officers were dispatched Sept. 11 to a property damage accident that occurred in the 7000 block of 20th Avenue in Centerville. Officers arrived, took information and facilitated the exchange of information between drivers. There were no injuries reported and damage to both vehicles was minor.
• Officers received a report of school bus stop arm violation Sept. 12 in the 0 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines. Officers investigated and determined there was no evidence of a violation.
• Officers responded Sept. 12 to the 0 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines for a noise complaint.
• Police were dispatched Sept. 13 to a property damage accident that occurred in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington. Police spoke with a female and gathered her information for a report.
• A Community Service Officer was dispatched Sept. 15 to a walking path in the 0 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines on a report of an abandoned blue bike near the path exit.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded Sept. 8 to a report of illegal dumping in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The owner of the trash was contacted and advised to remove the items.
• While on patrol Sept. 8, officer responded to a residence of a male in the 800 block of Orange Street who had a felony warrant. The suspect was arrested and booked at jail.
• An officer responded Sept. 8 to a report of two dogs left inside a hot vehicle in the 2300 block of Rosemary Way. The officer arrived and checked
• An officer took a report of theft from motor vehicle Sept. 8 that occurred in the 7500 block of Norway Lane. The officer investigated and found there was no suspect information available.
• An officer responded Sept. 8 to a phone call fraud report in the 1500 block of Holly Drive. The officer investigated and determined the reporting party was not out any money. No suspects were identified.
• Officers responded Sept. 8 to a delayed report of theft in the 700 block of Apollo Drive from a local business. After investigating, the suspect was mailed a citation for theft.
• Officers responded Sept. 8 to a report of a disorderly male in a parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. Officers made contact with the male and issued him a citation for disorderly conduct.
•
• While on patrol Sept. 9, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 7100 block of Otter Lake
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Milliman hand feeding Syrah before deploying the trap.
Milliman with one of her dogs, Blu, who was a stray that was never reclaimed from Brook Park.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Once Upon a Storytime:
Collecting Nature’s Treasures
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as our Wargo storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs, and crafts. Registration required.
Contact: www.anokacountyparks.com
SCARECROW TRAIL
ONGOING EVENTS
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Every player will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a free drink. The top three teams will earn a gift card, and the last place team wins a “mini trophy.”
Contact: 651 783-0055
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills.
Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY '500'
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30; 1st, 3rd and 5th
Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Nov.3; 1st and 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-429-4413
CURRENT EVENTS
WHIMSICAL WIG WORKSHOP
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
Details: Attend and create a beautiful yarn wig for a child who is battling cancer or experiencing hair loss. RSVP required.
Contact: whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N, Shoreview
Details: After a brief business meeting, Joanie Holton of TailorMade by Design will present the fabric journey that chronicles the fabric life cycle from its creation and manufactured to how it’s packaged, shipped and displayed in stores. Holton will also share her own designed quilts and patterns to showcase specific fabric lines. Visitors are welcome.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
Halloween event round up
When: Thursday, Oct. 23- Monday, Nov. 3
Where: Community Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights
Details: Local businesses, organizations and residents will install scarecrow creations along the trail. Stop out any time to view the entries, then vote for your favorite. The trail is open to the public during park hours.
SCARECROW CRAWL
When: Friday, Oct. 24- Friday, Oct. 31
Where: The Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: Walk along the path at The Rookery to view scarecrows made by residents and local businesses. Vote for your favorite scarecrow.
HALLOWEEN PUZZLE COMPETITION
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Grab your costumes and get into the Halloween spirit with an evening racing to finish a 500-piece puzzle. The first team to complete the
puzzle and get judge approval wins. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams.
PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TRUNK-ORTREAT
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
Where: Peace United Methodist Church, 5050 Hodgson Road, Shoreview
Details: Candy, candy, candy (including allergy free options at each trunk)! Vote for the best decorated trunk! Bonfire with s’mores. There will also be a fall themed gratitude walk through the prayer labyrinth.
KELLERMAN’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
When: 7:30-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Where: Kellerman’s Event Center, 2222 4th St., White Bear Lake
Details: Event features live music performed by WildCat Combo and a costume contest. Tickets sold at the door.
Contact: www.kellermanseventcenter.com/ halloweenparty
HALLOWEEN NIGHT WITH CENTENNIAL FIRE DEPARTMENT
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Where: Station 1, 2 East Road, Circle Pines; Station 3, 1880 Main St., Centerville
Details: Dress up in your costumes and trickor-treat with members of the Centennial Fire Department. Grab some candy and learn about fire safety tips along the way.
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN PARTY
When: 8 p.m.-Midnight, Friday, Oct. 31
Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.
Details: Event includes live music from ‘Sota Pop and a costume contest.
Contact: 651-255-1432
COWBOY’S SALOON HALLOWEEN PARTY
When: Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Cowboy’s Saloon, 9005 South Highway Drive, Lexington
Details: Event features a DJ, costume contest, food and refreshments
Circle Pines isn't just where we live — it's our community. A place where families thrive, neighbors help neighbors, and people feel proud to call it home. I'm running for City Council to protect what makes Circle Pines special and ensure your voice is always heard.
I’ve built my career on listening, problemsolving, and finding practical solutions. On the City Council, I’ll use those same skills to represent you - not politics, but people.
OPINION
Fright night is here
Happy Halloween everyone! If you’re like me, Halloween and fall is my favorite time of year. I love decorating for the fall season. A month before the temperatures actually drop, I dig my sweaters out from under my bed way earlier than I’m supposed to. But what can I say? I love fall!
For the last few years, I have a tradition where I watch Tim Burton movies leading up to Halloween. Tim Burton is one of my favorite directors. And no one does Halloween or “spooky season” better than him.
In September, I caught up on his Netflix television show “Wednesday.” The show follows Wednesday Addams and her friends during their time at Nevermore Boarding School. This month, I watched some of my favorite Burton movies
“The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Corpses Bride” and “Edward Scissorhands.” I also watched Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.” It’s a classic and one of my favorite movies of all time. A few years back, my dad and I watched it on a projector against the front of our house right before Halloween. It was pretty cold, but it’s a memory I’ll never forget. Now, it’s become a family tradition to watch it near Halloween … But not outside anymore.
I’m not the only one getting into the Halloween spirit through. Multiple communities in our coverage area are hosting various events to celebrate as well.
In Lino Lakes, residents can take a stroll through Scarecrow Crawl. Participants decorate a scarecrow along the path at The Rookery Center. Rookery members and visitors can vote on their favorite scarecrow through Friday, Oct. 31. Make sure to stop by Press Publications’ scarecrow and grab a photo!
Those who live in Vadnais Heights can also visit the Scarecrow Trail, located at Community Park until Monday, Nov. 3. The city also hosts a Halloween Party that includes a costume parade, games and a dance party. Before Halloween night, White Bear Lake hosts a “Scare in White Bear” 5K to get residents in the spirit. Participants race with glowsticks and race down a Halloween decorated path. After the race is complete, runners can trick or treat on Memorial Beach or grab a picture or two in the Halloween photo booth.
Shoreview also joins in on the fun. At McCullough Park, the city hosts a Boo Bash for local families. Those who attend put on their best costumes, enjoy trick-or-treating along a spooky trail walk, take a hayride, enjoy music and build s-mores at a bonfire. This year, Shoreview residents can also check out the Halloween Puzzle Competition, happening on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Shoreview Community Center.
Make sure to check with your local churches, senior living facilities and organizations to see if they will be hosting a trunk-or-treat this year. Trunkor-treats are a great way for children to safely go trick-or-treating, dress up in their costumes and enjoy Halloween.
If you are planning on going trick-or-treating in your local neighborhood, make sure you wear bright, reflective costumes and carry flashlights to be seen by drivers, children should be accompanied by an adult and wait until you get home to eat treats. Candy that is already unwrapped or opened should be thrown away.
I hope everyone has a safe and spooktacular Halloween!
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4311226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Centennial schools, Quad community thriving together
IMovers & Shakers
n honor of National Newspaper Week in October, my tribute noted how our local paper provides tremendous value by celebrating the successes of Centennial students, connecting our five communities, and building pride in our schools. The newspaper strengthens our connections and affirms the pride in Centennial Schools and the community.
The school year is well underway, and our classrooms are alive with learning, creativity, and connection. Students are excelling both in and beyond the classroom, and families are engaging through conferences, performances, athletic events and Centennial Community Education program-
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and
ming. It’s wonderful to see our schools and community thriving together!
The school district has been engaging with the community in long-range planning work over the past few years to guide Centennial Schools into the future. Our commitment remains the same: to build on our strong tradition of excellence and continue serving generations of learners. We want to preserve what our community values most: high-quality education, safe and welcoming schools, and a strong sense of belonging.
This fall and early spring, we’re engaging with stakeholders across the district to review and gather feedback on a longrange facilities and enrollment plan. This plan was created by a 60-member community Input Team working alongside a District Design Team of Centennial staff. Together, they have identified key needs and opportunities to strengthen our schools for years to come.
We are planning today to support every learner tomorrow. We are planning for the future by protecting taxpayer investments through proactive maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient learning environments, and creating spaces that support effective teaching, collaboration, and community connection. We are calling on our community to help shape our plan to ensure our schools and community thrive. Your voice matters. I encourage you to visit isd12.org/ centennial-forward to learn more about the focus areas identified by our teams. Complete the feedback form on the website as your input helps shape the future of Centennial Schools.
Together, we are planning for tomorrow while continuing to deliver on our vision of Connecting, Achieving, and Preparing.
Dr. Jeff Holmberg is the superintendent of Centennial schools.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Madeline’s Mail
Madeline Dolby
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
All about the Alzheimer’s Association
I am currently a master’s of social work intern at the Alzheimer’s Association. Having family members impacted by this disease, I understand how it can steal precious memories and the time we have with our loved ones. I chose to be at the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Within a short time of being at the Alzheimer’s Association, I learned that there is a need for awareness, advocacy and support. More than 7 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s, including at least 102,000 in Minnesota. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death, and it kills more people than breast cancer and
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD NOTES
• Sophomore students in World History and AP World History, ninth grade students in Human Geography and other high school students who enjoy history will have the opportunity to travel to Japan in July 2027 following board approval. Students on the trip will travel through major cities, such as Tokyo, and include temples, shrines, museums, city tours, castle, bamboo forests and an array of other cultural activities.
• Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Mark Grossklaus provided a progress report on the district’s achievement and integration (A&I) plan. For the 2024-25 school year, the plan includes three goals and five strategies. The first goal stated in the plan was to adjusted graduation rate for students receiving free or reduce lunch. According to Grossklaus, the goal was 85% for the Class of 2025. The district did not meet this goal. The graduation rate in 2024 was 75.5%. Originally, data was collected for this goal over four years. Now, Grossklaus said data will be collected for this goal over seven years. The second goal for integration, according to Grossklaus, was to provide transportation for elementary students
prostate cancer combined. These numbers show that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is a public health crisis, but there is still hope.
Thanks to bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased from $500 million to nearly $4 billion over the past 15 years. These investments have led to improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s, including the discovery of two new drugs that can slow progression of the disease in the early stages. We have come so far on Alzheimer’s research, and we can’t stop now!
As a constituent of U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, I urge him to support an additional $113.485 million
outside the Rice Lake Elementary School boundary to Odyssey, a gifted and talented program. This year, the district was able to transport 40% of students outside the Rice Lake Elementary boundary. The third goal was to allow Centennial students to have access to teachers trained in social and emotional training, economic and ethnic diversity and understanding of students’ disabilities. The five strategies included adding student and family advocates, continuing the partnership between the district and the Spring Lake Park school district to provide courses for high school students, providing staff development, increasing transportation rates and growing Centennial High School’s AVID program. According to Grossklaus, these results will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education this fall.
• Grossklaus also provided the board an update regarding enrollment. Going into the spring, one of the areas of concerns staff had was regarding kindergarten enrollment. According to Grossklaus, the district was looking at 350 students or fewer enrolled in kindergarten. Four hundred and thirty-
in Alzheimer’s research funding through the National Institutes of Health in FY26. Rep. Emmer is a powerful voice in Congress right now. We need leaders like him to continue moving the science forward so we can finally find a cure for this devastating disease.
If you or someone you know is impacted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Minnesota-North Dakota chapter offers free resources and support. Visit alz. org/mnnd or call the 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
three students are now enrolled in kindergarten, which is down from the previous school year. The number of students enrolled in elementary school has increased. This year, 1,607 students are enrolled in elementary school compared to 1,595 in 2024. Enrollment at the high school has increased by 14 students compared to 2024 for a total of 2,084. In total, according to Grossklaus, 6,529 students are enrolled in Centennial School District.
• The board accepted several contributions made to Centerville Elementary, Golden Lake Elementary, Centennial Middle School, Centennial High School and the Centennial School District.
• There will be no school on Monday, Nov. 3, for a teacher communication and grading day. There will also be no school on Monday, Nov. 17, for staff development.
The next work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, in the district office. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.
Madeline
Dolby
STUDENT NEWS
Circle Pines student enters excellence program
Circle Pines resident Claire Zandstra has been selected for the Undergraduate Certificate in Sales Excellence program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Zandstra, along with 46 new inductees, represent nine majors and four colleges. Once admitted, Zandstra, a sophomore majoring in marketing, will being taking courses taught by sales and marketing faculty in the College of Buisness.
“We’re excited to welcome one of our largest and most motivated groups yet,” said Chad Mardesen, interim director of the Center for Sales Excellence and associate professor of practice in marketing. “Most of these students are sophomores, which gives them more time to take advantage of the program, from internships and networking with partner companies to participating in our events.”
Madeline Iverson Circle Pines
CENTENNIAL
PUBLIC NOTICES
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12
SCHOOL BOARD WORK STUDY SESSION SUMMARY
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-792-6010
to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; September 8, 2025.
1. Call to Order Chair Knisely called the Work Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, ex-officio Holmberg, Linser, Johnson, Schwinn, Murphy. Member Hansen arrived at 5:32 p.m. 3. Curriculum Review Plans Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Mark Grossklaus and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Casey Rutherford provided a presentation with an overview of curriculum review and implementation plans based on the MDE Standards Implementation Guidelines. The presentation is included in board packets. 4. Governance Plan Review Superintendent Holmberg reviewed the updated 3 Year Governance plan with the board. 5. Increase in Adult Meal Prices Executive Director Chaffey shared what the minimum amount we may charge for adult meals is as determined by the Minnesota Department of Education. 6. Long Range Plan Update Superintendent Holmberg and Executive Director Chaffey shared a draft of a Long Range Planning Presentation for future community input sessions. 7. Long Tern Facilities Maintenance Revenue Executive Director Chaffey shared updates to the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan. The board will be asked to approve the updated plan at the September 22 board meeting. 8. Proposed 2025 Payable 2026 Levy State statutes require that school districts certify proposed property taxes payable in 2024 by September 30, 2025. The Board will be asked to approve the proposed 2025 payable 2026 property tax levy at the maximum to allow for the necessary updates at the September 22 board meeting. The Truth in Taxation Hearing is scheduled for December 1 at 6:30 p.m. 9. Property Purchase As part of the long-range facilities plan, over the past several years the District has acquired adjacent properties as they become available. The homeowner at 241 Elm Street has expressed interest in selling their property. We connected with the homeowner and discussed our process. They expressed interest in pursuing, so we obtained the property appraisal which was valued at $335,000. We have funding set aside for long-term capital improvements which is what would be used to make the purchase. Executive Director Chaffey is recommending we take the next steps to make an offer to purchase the property. If a successful purchase agreement is reached, he would bring this forward to a future board meeting for consideration for board approval. 10. Review of Policy 606 Textbooks, Instructional and Library Materials Executive Director Grossklaus shared a flow chart that details the process to be used to request alternative curriculum materials. This chart will be included in Policy 606. 11. Review of Policies w/Substantive Updates This was a first reading of fourteen policies having substantive changes as a result of changes enacted by the 2025 Minnesota legislative session. There will be a second reading and the board will be asked to adopt the revised policies at the September 22 meeting.Adjourn at 6:42 p.m.
Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk
Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 28, 2025.
CENTENNIAL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-792-6010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; September 22, 2025. 1. Call to Order Chair Knisely called the Regular Meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, exofficio Holmberg, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. The following members were absent: None. 4. Approval of the Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Murphy, seconded by Linser. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Recognitions – CAEF Presentation/Receipt of Fund the Need Donation, Minnesota School Board Recognition Month. 6. Public Comment:
None. 7. Consent Items 7.1. Approval of Minutes. 7.2. Approval of Monthly Disbursements. 7.3. Approval of Personnel Items. 7.4. Approval of Kids Club Contract Settlement. 7.6. Increase in Adult Meal Prices for 2025-2026. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures by Johnson, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Curriculum Review Plans Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Mark Grossklaus and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Casey Rutherford provided a presentation with an overview of curriculum review and implementation plans based on the MDE Standards Implementation Guidelines. The presentation is included in board packets. 9. Resource Management 9.1. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan – The required annual update of this plan was completed in June 2025, but due to legislative changes needs to be updated, approved and resubmitted. Motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan by Hansen, seconded by Schwinn. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9.2. Approval of Proposed 2025 Payable 2026 Levy - State statutes require that school districts certify proposed property taxes payable in 2026 by September 30, 2025. Motion to approve the proposed 2025 Payable 2026 Levy by Schwinn, seconded by Murphy. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9.3. Approval of Property Purchase – A purchase agreement has been negotiated for acquisition of the property located at 241 Elm St., Lino Lakes. The seller has signed the agreement, and the final step is to obtain board approval to finalize the purchase of the property. Motion to approve the property purchase by Johnson, seconded by Hansen. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9.4. approval of Medical and Dental Insurance Rates - Motion to approval the medical and dental insurance rates for calendar year 2026 by Linser, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution - Motion to adopt the Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution by Murphy, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Supplemental Items 10.1. Adoption of Policies w/Substantive UpdatesMotion to adopt the policies w/substantive updates by Schwinn, seconded by Linser. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10.2. – Adoption of Addition to Policy 606 Textbooks, Instructional and Library Materials. Motion to adopt the addition to Policy 606 Textbooks, Instructional and Library Materials by Johnson, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10.3
Approval of 2025-2026 Governance Plan - The board reviewed the revised Three-Year Governance Plan at the September 8 Work Study Session. Motion to approve the 2025-2026 Governance Plan by Linser, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Communication 11.1. AMSD. 11.2. CAEF. 11.3 NE Metro 916. 11.4 SAFF. 11.5 District Committee Report. 12. Superintendent Report 13. Informational Items 13.1. Dates to Note. 14.
ADJOURN Motion to adjourn by Murphy, seconded by Linser. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn at 7:35 p.m.
Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk
Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 28, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF ANOKA
TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 02-PR-25-643
NOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Robert Dale Mattsen aka Robert D. Mattsen, Decedent
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on November 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM, a hearing will be held in this Court at 2100 3rd Ave., Anoka, Minnesota 55303, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Will of the Decedent dated, January 19, 2023, (“Will”), and for the appointment of Lynn A. Mattsen, whose address is 23581 Bittersweet St. NW, St. Francis, MN, 55070 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an UNSUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed
INDEPENDENT
with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the Personal Representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate.
Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.
BY THE COURT
Dated: 09.12.25
H. Ann Basta, Court Admnistrator
By: Travis McGhee, Anoka Court Administration
Attorney for Petitioner
Paul D. Funke Funke Law
3820 Cleveland Ave. N., Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55112
Attorney License No: 0395366
Telephone: (651) 332-8700 / Email: paul@funkelawoffice.com
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on October 28 and November 4, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: The City of Lino Lakes is proposing amendments to the following in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan:
1. Figure 3-1 (Full Build Out Land Use)
2. Figure 3-2 (2040 Future Land Use)
3. Figure 3-4 (Utility Staging Map)
4. Figure 3-9 (2040 Future Land Use Map for Planning District 2)
5. Text of Planning District 2 to reference the Main Street Master Plan
These amendments incorporate the adopted the Main Street Master Plan as the development guide plan for the Main Street corridor. These amendments are not related to any specific development project. The agenda and staff report will be available end of day Friday, November 7, 2025 on the City website at https://linolakesmn.portal.civicclerk.com/
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 28, 2025. CITY OF LINO LAKES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • Waldoch Farm Agritourism Conditional Use Permit - Property Address: 8174 Lake Drive - PID #04-31-22-31-0004; 04-31-22-31-0003; 04-31-22-34-0001; 04-31-22-42-0001; 04-31-22-44-0002 - Conditional Use Permit for agritourism
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
The agenda and staff report will be available end of day Friday, November 7, 2025 on the City website at https://linolakesmn.portal.civicclerk.com/ Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk Published one time in the Quad Community Press on October 28, 2025.
Cougars pummel Hopkins 48-12 in playoff opener
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Tanner Dittrich returned the opening kickoff 79 yards and the Centennial Cougars
never stopped running as they rolled up a 41-0 halftime lead over Hopkins on Friday night, then took the foot off the gas and finished a 48-12 win.
The Cougars (8-1), ranked No. 2 in the state behind Maple Grove, will host Shakopee (6-3) on Friday in the second round of Class 6A state playoffs. Hopkins
Brandon Boesch smothered Hopkins
takeaways.
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
finished 4-5.
Centennial rushed for 345 yards with 15 guys toting the ball, none with more than five carries. Eight players scored points including placekickers Justin Driver (4-for-5) and Keegen Prigge (2-for-2).
Dittrich was tackled at the six and Caleb Melser scored from there — followed rapidly by Calvin Coppersmith’s 44-yard touchdown, a 59yard scoring toss from Isaac Belinske-Strauss to Brett Pullman and a four-yard touchdown by Tobie Serna for a 28-0 lead at the first stop.
They scored on a fumble when Carter Hemming caught a pass from Jack Wiste for 37 yards and a tackler knocked the ball loose, but Tristan Hanson snagged the ball in the end zone. Serna added a 21-yard touchdown and Carter Radziwill got the last one with a 33-yard gallop. Hopkins (4-5) mounted two scoring drives against the Cougars subs, capped by Tre Moore’s 34-yard pass to Jayden Moore and a 10-yard run by Dylan Caspers. Moore was 19-for-32 for 240 yards.
The Cougar defense had interceptions by Dittrich and Teagan Mortenson, fumble recoveries by Brandon Boesch and Josh O’Shea, and QB sacks by Boesch, Andrew Person and Lukin Berg.
Klein goes 2-2 in hard-earned state trip
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Lauren Klein looks back on all those beatings she took playing No. 1 singles from ninth grade on and doesn’t regret it a bit. She paid her dues.
The Centennial senior finished her tennis career in the state tournament Thursday and Friday and made a respectable showing, winning two of four matches to place 10th of 16 qualifiers in Class 3A singles.
“Qualifying for the state tournament has been a goal of mine since I started on the team in eighth grade,” said Klein. That looked pretty far off as Klein was 5-10 her first year at No. 1 and 29-30 her first three seasons.
But she reeled off a 21-5 record as a senior, lifting her career records to 50-35 at No. 1 and 65-50 overall.
Her career “was definitely challenging at times, but I wouldn't change it for anything,” Klein said. She was “putting in work in the offseason, but not really seeing results when it mattered.” That made her all the more determined. She put in “countless hours” for this season, and the state trip “makes all the work worth it.”
Klein lost to Cassandra Li of Eagan 6-1, 6-2, then went to the consolation bracket, defeating Rylee Toms of Maple Grove 6-1, 6-4 and Megan Beack of St. MichaelAlbertville 6-2, 6-3. In the finals, Lucy Saari of Forest Lake, who beat Klein in the section finals, stymied her again 6-2, 6-3.
SPORTS BRIEFS SWIMMING & DIVING
Centennial won its conference finale 97-87 over Andover on Oct. 14, finishing 3-3 for seventh place of 14 schools. Event winners were Lydia Hydukovich (200 free and backstroke), Amelia Pole (medley), Leilani Gandy-Johnson (50) and Sophie Nguyễn (butterfly and breaststroke). Contributing to relay wins were Claira Zebell, Emily Quayle, Lucy Foster, GandyJohnson, Hydukovich, Pole, Nguyen, Madeline Uelman and Brielle Reynolds. Next is Section 7AA on Nov. 6-7-8 at Northdale in Coon Rapids.
CROSS COUNTRY
Centennial had no state qualifiers after the Section 7AAA meet Thursday at Anoka in which the Cougar girls placed fourth and the boys seventh among eight schools. Anna Swanson, a senior, placed 13th in 19:18 to lead the girls with Emma Delf 18th (19:29), Alexandra Sindt 21st (19:42), Brooke Hayes 27th (20:19) and Emma Nelson 28th (20:35) among 56 runners. Connor Louks led the boys in 29th place (17:23). Evan Lautenschlager was 34th, Kyler Nielson 36th, Connor VIg 37th and Liban Ahmed 47th.
VOLLEYBALL
Top-seeded Centennial won its Section 7AAA opener against Coon Rapids 25-10, 25-7 2826 on Thursday. The Cougars will host Forest Lake on Tuesday in the semifinals, 6 p.m., while No. 2 Andover hosts Duluth East. The championship will be Thursday at the high seed. Coon Rapids finished 9-20.
Bruce Strand
Cougar lineman
quarterback Tre Moore. The Cougars had three sacks and four
CONTRIBUTED
Lauren Klein was 21-5 in her fourth season at No. 1 singles.
White Bear Lake Country Inn is hiring for a Banquet Captain. For more information contact April at: April1@rudysredeye. com or Call 651-4295393 Ext. 421
Are you looking for a rewarding role with great, competitive pay? Become part of our small but mighty MVS community — where you’re not just driving a bus, you’re helping move something bigger! We’re seeking a reliable and caring driver to transport our responsible, respectful students safely to and from school each day. CDL required, bus certification preferred.
For more information please contact us : Transportation@marinevillageschool.org or check out marinevillageschool.org/careers/
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a P/T Front Desk Clerk.
Job duties: Checking guests in and out, answering the telephone, and other duties as assigned. Must be fun, friendly, and have great customer service skills. Shifts vary from 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm. Must be flexible to work both.
Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call 651-272-3783
White Bear Country Inn is hiring for a Banquet Captain. For more information contact April at: April1@ rudysredeye. com or Call 651-429-5393 Ext. 421
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a Weekend Laundry Attendant for Saturdays and Sundays. Start time 10:30am.
Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call 651-272-3783
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MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BRIEF
New tool helps Minnesotans see how investments support local schools
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has launched a new online tool to help Minnesotans track how federal education investments support students and schools in their own communities.
On the site, Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community, users can see how much the federal government invests in their local school district, learn how their tax dollars are used to support learning and share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting local students and classrooms.
“MDE remains committed to ensuring every student, of every background and ability, has access to a world-class education,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “In Minnesota, we believe education is a public
good deserving of public investment — and that investing in kids pays off. Minnesotans deserve clear information about how federal investments support the students and schools in their neighborhoods. This tool helps families, educators and community members see where their tax dollars go.”
The site includes:
• District-by-district summaries showing how federal investments are used to support students through programs such as special education and school nutrition.
• A story portal where Minnesotans can share how federal cuts and uncertainty are impacting students, classrooms and communities.
• Commissioner Jett’s letters and statements responding to recent federal education actions and proposals that affect Minnesota schools.
Visit the microsite at https:// education.mn.gov/MDE/about/ fed/.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF
Deer hunters invited to share wildlife observations
Minnesota deer hunters are encouraged to use an online field log to report wildlife they see while hunting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are used for managing wildlife.
Deer hunters can use a movable device or desktop computer to enter information about wildlife they see while in the field, including deer, turkey, bear, fish and other species. The field log will remain open through the end of 2025.
The field log can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/ deer/management/hunter-field-log.html.
I
Always Honoring our Seniors & Veterans with a Discount!
Brenda Cameron and her experienced crew have been trimming and removing trees in White Bear Lake and the surrounding communities since 1995. They offer a variety of services including tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, brush chipping, hedges and shrub shaping or removal and stump grinding. They are well equipped to do large, difficult removals but also welcome smaller jobs. Cameron Tree Service takes great pride in the quality work they do at reasonable rates. Along with multiple references from satisfied customers they have been members of the BBB since 2007 and maintain an A+ rating. Please give them a call for a free estimate 651-775-8602. a Check out their website at Camerontreeservice.com
