At Press Publications, a vital role that ensures subscribers get their newspapers on time is performed by the company’s news carriers. Come rain or shine, carriers power through to deliver the news to doorsteps throughout the week. One of them, Eli Schaefer, has been working as a carrier since he was 10. He said he has enjoyed his position ever since.
“My older siblings delivered papers, so I followed in their footsteps,” said Schaefer. “It’s easy and flexible, too.”
As a news carrier, Schaefer works approximately 45 minutes a week with a planned list of addresses and streets.
“You kind of plan your own route,” he said. “Once you pick one, it’s yours. The route that you live on is the one that you’re going to be doing. It’s going to be a lot of knocking on different people’s doors and delivering the papers.”
Schaefer drops off newspapers year-round, relying on nothing but his own two feet, come rain or shine. “We’re supposed to walk because, as a carrier, you have to deliver it to their front step,” he said. However, dropping off papers isn’t the only joy Schaefer said he gets out of the job. He has even more fun meeting and connecting with the people he delivers to. “It’s a great way to get to know other people. I’ve actually gotten to do lawn work from meeting with them, because they need someone to mow their lawns and do other yard maintenance. That’s been pretty awesome,” he said. That number of connections, according to Schaefer, currently sits at around a dozen.
Looking ahead, Schaefer says he already has one college in mind: Northwestern University, located near the heart of St. Paul. Though he hasn’t picked a degree, he says his siblings are a big reason for choosing the university.
For those interested in becoming a carrier, Schaefer said it’s easy to do. “It’s not super time-consuming,” he said. “You kind of just do it.”
Did you know?
• National Newspaper Carrier Day will be Thursday, Sept. 4.
• Press Publications has approximately 80 carriers ages 10 and up.
• If you’re interested in becoming a carrier, call our circulation department at 651-407-1246 or visit our office in White Bear Lake.
Centennial Fire District taking ‘big step’ to integrate with SBM
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — The Centennial Fire District, and the cities it serves, continues to strengthen its partnership with the Spring Lake Park - BlaineMounds View Fire Department.
Recently, Circle Pines City Council Member Matt Percy said, SBM has approached the city about taking the next step in the partnership. According to Percy, SBM offered Circle Pines and Centerville the opportunity to contract for all fire services.
The Centennial Fire District
was formed in 1985 through a joint powers agreement among the cities of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines and Centerville. In 2015, Lino Lakes left the district, while Circle Pines and Centerville maintained a partnership.
In 2021, the Centennial Fire District decided to partner with SBM after a 2020 study prepared by Fitch & Associates explored operational possibilities. In the results of that study, the firm proposed forming partnerships with regional agencies, including fire departments from Lino Lakes, Lexington, Hugo and SBM. (See “Centennial Fire district explores
partnership,” Quad Community Press, May 25, 2021.)
SBM has provided leadership services to the Centennial Fire District, explained Percy. Centennial has remained its own entity, with its own firefighters and equipment, he said, but SBM provides a fire chief and managerial services.
In return, the Centennial Fire District helps train SBM firefighters on emergency medical technician services.
Serene Scene: White pelicans drift across Peltier Lake Dam
American white pelicans recently spent the afternoon at Peltier Lake Dam in Lino Lakes. White pelicans can be spotted around the area until autumn. In October, the birds will migrate south and spend the winter months along the Gulf and Pacific coasts.
ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Eli Schaefer LEANN MICHAEL | CONTRIBUTED
Blaine welcomes new State Emergency Operations Center
Blaine road closure to last through Sept. 26
As part of the city of Blaine’s 2025 street rehabilitation project, Baltimore Street will be closed to through traffic between 93rd Lane and 99th Avenue through Friday, Sept. 26. Through traffic will not be able to travel through the work zone. Business access will still be available for properties south of 99th Avenue via 93rd Lane. Detour signs will direct vehicles to the access point. Weekly construction updates and full project details can be found online at blainemn. gov/4016/25-05-2025-Street-Rehabilitation.
SEPTEMBER 2,
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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
CURRENT EVENTS
ONCE UPON A STORY TIME
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as a Wargo storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs and crafts.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Sheriff’s office holds open house
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office will hold an open house from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Attendees will meet representatives from the sheriff’s office units, interact with public safety tools, watch K-9 demonstrations, tour the county’s new 911 dispatch center, enjoy food trucks, and see squad cars, fire trucks and helicopters.
The open house will take place at the sheriff’s office, 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover. For more information, visit the sheriff’s office Facebook page.
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: NATURE AMBASSADORS
When: 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Bring your lunch and learn. Listen to a naturalist present on a local natural or cultural history topic and possibly go on a stroll on the trails at Wargo.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
KARAOKE AND DJ WITH REINA STARR
When: 7:30-11:50 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: Kick off your weekend with karaoke and DJ Reina Starr. Contact: 651-783-0055
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake
Details: William Kent Krueger will sign his 21st Cork O’Connor mystery, “Apostle’s Cove”. Call to reserve a copy. Contact: 651-426-0918
MUSIC ON THE LAWN
When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St., White Bear Lake
Details: The Beatles Ensemble performs at the free concert series held on the first Sunday of the month during summer. Held indoors if rain. Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org
Blaine Police adopt de-escalation-based firearms training
The Blaine Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in Minnesota to adopt de-escalation and decision-focused firearms training using the NURO System from Building Shooters Technology. According to the department, the training system uses visual stimuli to simulate real world decision-making scenarios that may occur under pressure. The technology can be used during live fire drills, too.
Nature Play: Seeds
When: 9-10 a.m.; 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Sept. 4
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Experience the wonders of nature with your child through outdoor exploration, play and stories in this parent-child program. Registration required. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
NORTH SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS CLUB COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
When: 10-11:55 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
Where: Shoreview Community Center Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Non-profit friendship group for older women in the suburbs invites prospective members to learn about activities.
Contact: 612-616-6142 or 913-306-1122 (text messages only)
Fire Explorers place 2nd at competition
The Spring Lake Park - Blaine - Mounds View Fire Explorers placed second of 16 teams at the Fire Explorer Competition at the Minnesota State Fair. Fire Explorers enables people ages 14-20 to gain experience in the careers of firefighting and emergency services. Exploring Post No. 3710, hosted by the SBM Fire Department, is made up of youth from Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Irondale, Centennial and Coon Rapids high schools and from several postsecondary institutions.
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
CONTRIBUTED
The Spring Lake Park - Blaine - Mounds View Fire Explorers placed second of 16 teams at the Fire Explorer Competition.
What does the start of fall mean to you?
Last September, when I was in the second year of my master’s program, one of my professors proposed an ice breaker question for the class on our first day. He asked us: “What does the start of fall mean to you?”
Madeline’s Mail
A lot of my classmates said it meant they could pull out their favorite sweater, drink pumpkin spiced lattes again and they knew it was time to start mentally preparing for the start of a new school year. I said that fall was a “reset” for me. The start of the school year symbolized the start of a new year. All the goals I had written down would have to be completed by next September. September was essentially my version of January. A majority of the goals I had set revolved around school. One of my goals was to complete my masters project, which I did. Another was to graduate, which I also accomplished. A third goal I had set out for myself to complete was to create new friendships with classmates, another thing I quite quickly accomplished.
While in some moments I didn’t think achieving my academic goals were possible, I knew I had various resources available to help me when I was struggling. Where I attended college, there was a writing center available to all students and faculty. If you were struggling with a paper, you could visit the writing center and speak to someone about it. They would help you brainstorm possible thesis statement ideas, help with the organization of your paper and even provide feedback on it. As a creative writing major, it was a very resourceful tool. I found myself visiting the center on multiple occasions throughout my time as an undergrad and graduate student.
Another resource available at my fingertips were the multiple librarians on staff. When searching through thousands of scholarly articles got to be overwhelming, I had the ability to contact a librarian to help me narrow down my search. I sent them my research topic and what sources I had already found. In return, the librarian would send me research tips and tricks and possible sources I could look at. They also helped me gain a better understanding of the University’s library database catalog and how to navigate it.
As a student athlete, I was required to complete three hours of study hall per week to make sure I didn’t fall behind on homework and keep up with my academics. While it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, it helped me learn time management skills. In fact, attending study hall and spending all that time focused on my academics helped me raise my GPA from 3.5 to a 3.9 in only one semester.
As we head into a new school year, I highly encourage students to take advantage of the resources available to them. Whether that is going to an afterschool tutoring group once a week, going to a teacher’s office hours or even meeting with your dean to discuss your future, there are options far and wide that are there to help you academically thrive. I learned that school faculty love to help students in any way they can! It is what they are there for.
Madeline Dolby [Think GREEN]
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press.
If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.
DBrad Wise
Prescription drug disposal
id you know? You can conveniently dispose of medication for free at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office! Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. The public is urged to safely drop off unused prescription drugs at public disposal locations. Saving unused or expired medications can lead to improper and illegal use if they fall into the wrong hands. A safer solution is to immediately dispose of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine as soon as it expires or when it is no longer needed.
Before discarding any medicine, review any specific disposal instructions from your healthcare provider. Follow any directions provided and contact
• 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.
your healthcare provider or pharmacist with any disposal questions. You do not need to remove any labels before disposing.
Drug take-back sites
The best way to dispose of most types of unused or expired medicines is to drop off the medicine at a drug take-back site, location, or program immediately. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collects and safely disposes of all medications dropped off at all drug take-back sites. The DEA maintains a list of permanent collection sites on the Diversion Control Divison website, or residents can call 1-800-882-9539 for assistance locating a collection point. All medicines dropped off at the take-back locations will be destroyed, including medicines that contain controlled substances.
Free drug take-back site
Anoka County Sheriff’s Office 13301 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover
Open M-F 8:00am-4:30pm (excluding holidays)
Sharps and other hazardous waste should be disposed at: Household Hazardous Waste Facility 3230 101st Ave. NE, Blaine Anoka County Sheriff’s Office open house
Sheriff Brad Wise and the staff of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office invite the public to come and experience the office from 4 -7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, as well as the services provided to the citizens of Anoka County. Demonstrations, displays and opportunities to interact with some of the county’s public safety partners will also be available. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local area food trucks. This year, Anoka County’s Central Communications – 911 new center next door to the sheriff’s office will be open for visitors from 4-6:30 P.M. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is located at 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW. Andover.
Brad Wise is the Anoka County Sheriff.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• 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
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• 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.
Cops Corner
FIRE MERGER: Steering Committee members say ‘best thing for the community’
FROM PAGE 1
“What that effectively means is that the Centennial Fire District as an entity would wind down and eventually go away in favor of SBM. Our firefighters and our equipment would become integrated with the SBM Fire Department,” Percy explained.
The city would continue to pay SBM a fee and would retain ownership of Fire Station 1, located on East Road. With the new partnership, SBM
would use the fire station to provide services to the southern part of Blaine and Circle Pines. According to City Administrator Patrick Antonen, sleeping quarters would be added to the station, along with a shower facility.
“We’re not fully becoming a member of the SBM district. Although we would like to get to that point eventually and have full voting membership in that organization … this is a big step in moving towards that direction,” Percy said.
• Resident Randy Rennaker expressed his gratitude for the City Council, city staff and Kimley Horn for their role in the master plan and alternative urban area review process for the Main Street Corridor project. He said he thinks the city did the right thing and took the necessary steps.
• The council continues to discuss compensation for the offices of mayor and city council members. City Code Section 203.01 states that, every two years, the City Council will review the salaries for these positions. According to the staff report, the salary of mayor will be $11,298, and the salary of each council member will be $9,497. These salaries are intended to cover the costs for all meetings that the mayor or council members attend. The salary increase would be effective Jan. 1, 2026, or later. An ordinance adopting these changes will be approved at the Sept. 8 council meeting.
• Christine Stifter will join the city’s finance department as an accountant following council approval. The starting wage for Stifter will be $45.39 an hour, which is Step 4 of a seven-step wage scale. Stifter will start on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
• Angela Zurek will join the city’s finance department as an accounting clerk. Her starting wage will be $33.45 an hour, which is Step 3 of a seven-step wage scale. Zurek will start on Monday, Sept. 8.
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Volunteers for the Circle Pines 75th anniversary celebration were recognized by the council. Mayor Dave Bartholomay and council members thanked Chandra Peterson and Jenny Kromrey, co-chairs of the celebration committee; the utilities commission; and volunteers for putting on a great event. At the celebration, Kromrey and Peterson both received the Mayor’s Award for Community Leadership, presented by Bartholomay. (See full story in next week’s issue.)
• Bartholomay said the council continues to discuss the budget with city staff at council work sessions. He added that, for the tax
levy, the budget must be approved at the highest level it can be by September.
• U.S. News and World Report has named Centennial High School one of the top schools in the state, Bartholomay said. The high school ranked 35th in the state and in the top 40% nationally.
• The council has approved the final pay application, in the amount of $9,546, for replacing the roof at the Centennial Fire Station. In total, the project cost $190,925.
• The city will move forward with entering into a service contract with the Spring Lake Park - Blaine - Mounds View Fire Department following council approval. The
Council Member Steve McChesney, who is on the Centennial Fire Steering Committee alongside Percy, said the committee is trying to remain transparent with the district’s firefighters by meeting with firefighters and answering questions. “I think this is the right move,” McChesney said. “My take is the vast majority understand that this is the best thing for the community. This is going to lead to better services [and] relationships, and that’s going to continue.”
• An updated service contract between the Lino Lakes Police Department and Otter Lake Animal Care Center has been approved by the council. The police department has contracted with the center for more than 25 years. According to Police Chief Curt Boehme, the center will provide shelter for animals on a 24-hour basis, provide animal examinations and veterinary care as required when staff is available, board animals for up to five days, euthanize and dispose of animals if needed, and assist in handling animal abuse/neglect cases in cooperation with city officials when necessary. The contract will be valid until July 31, 2026.
• Dimke Excavating will be responsible for the 2025 parking lot and trail maintenance project, after the council accepted its quote of $125,788. The project goes from West Shadow Lake Drive, across from Prairie Flower Road, east to Fawn Lake and the Birch Park parking lot. The project includes reclaiming and paving a trail segment in poor condition and milling and overlaying the Birch Park parking lot. The completion date for the project is Oct. 31, 2025. The general fund - parks department will cover the project’s costs.
• The Lino Lakes Main Street master plan has been approved by the City Council. City staff will amend the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the master plan, which compiles the process undertaken, site
council also approved the distribution of excess funds from the Centennial Fire Relief Association to firefighters. The official contract will be presented to the city council at a future meeting.
• The council has approved property tax abatements for the park improvement project. The council also approved a call of sale for approximately $6.3 million in general obligation bonds for the 2025 street project and the parks improvement project.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Madeline Dolby
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The Circle Pines City Council unanimously voted to move forward with a service contract agreement with SBM. The contract will officially be signed at an upcoming city council meeting.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
overview, constraints and planning considerations. According to Community Development Director Michael Grochala, overall development density and projected unit counts are generally consistent between the 2040 Comprehensive Plan full build-out land use plan and the Preferred Scenario 2. The plan, as proposed, establishes the framework and guidelines for future development along the corridor.
• City staff will begin the right-of-way acquisition process for the Otter Lake Road extension project following council approval. The project will require acquisition of permanent right-of-way, utility and drainage easements as well as temporary construction easements. WSB and Associates was retained in September 2024 to handle right-of-way acquisition for the city. According to Grochala, approximately eight parcels are affected by the project. Staff and representatives from WSB have met with owners of each of the parcels. Appraisal preparation for the individual parcels is nearing completion, and staff expects to be ready to make offers this month.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BRIEF
West Nile virus cases increase in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health has reported 20 cases of West Nile virus in 2025. Two of the affected people died. According to the department, case numbers can vary due to factors such as heat and rainfall.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will experience either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. According to the department, symptoms usually show
up within one to two weeks. There is no treatment for the illness other than supportive care.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites, the department encourages people to use insect repellents; pretreat clothing and gear with permethrin-based products; wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants; be extra cautious or avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn; and keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
More information about West Nile virus can be found on the department’s website.
• Serving Families for more than 115 years
• Fourth generation, Family owned provider
• We provide a personal, thorough service
• We offer free, no-obligation pre-planning consultations
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Circle Pines Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Circle Pines City Hall.
The purpose of this meeting will be to review a conditional use permit for Public Utility Buildings, specifically for Connexus to rebuild the power substation at the property next to 16 East Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disabled individual may one week in advance contact City Hall by phone at (763) 784-5898, or TDD (763) 231-2617; or in writing to request reasonable assistance to be able to participate in these proceedings.
Patrick Antonen, Circle Pines City Administrator
Dated: August 27, 2025
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 2, 2025.
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE 15 HEREBY GIVEN, that the Circle Pines Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Circle Pines City Hall.
The purpose of this meeting will be to review a subdivision and preliminary plat of 16 East Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disabled individual may one week in advance contact City Hall by phone at (763) 784-5898, or TDD (763) 231-2617; or in writing to request reasonable assistance to be able to participate in these proceedings.
Patrick Antonen, Circle Pines City Administrator
Dated: August 27, 2025
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on September 2, 2025.
CALENDAR BRIEFS
Learn the basics of clay, wheel throwing
Learn the basics of throwing clay on a pottery wheel through Centennial Community Education. The class, taught by Aspen Resler from Blue Turtles Art and Wellness, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Participants can make two or three pieces that the studio will fire and glaze.
Class will take place at Blue Turtles Art and Wellness studio, 7525 Village Drive, Lino Lakes. Register for class online at communityed.isd12.org.
Find out about the science of turf transformation
Members of Anoka County Master Gardeners will help you select the right grass for your lawn and show you how to renovate, when needed, from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. Bring the issues you had this summer to discuss. Participants will receive a checklist of lawn care tips.
Class will take place at the Early Childhood Center, Room 101, 575 Birch St., Lino Lakes. Register for class online at communityed.isd12.org.
POLITICAL BRIEF
League of Women Voters tapes candidate forums
This month, the League of Women Voters Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids Area will tape candidate forums for school board races in Anoka-Hennepin and Fridley school districts and for Circle Pines City Council, Lino Lakes City Council and Lino Lakes mayor races.
The forums will be taped without live audiences. Candidates will be asked questions from among those the public submitted. Approximately one week after the question deadline, the League will post complete, unedited recordings of the forums on its website and YouTube channel. Candidate forums also will be broadcast on local cable television.
Submit your questions for candidates at my.lwv.org/minnesota/anoka-blaine-coonrapids-area/2025-candidate-forums.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on Aug. 20 that occurred near the intersection of Main Street and 20th Avenue in Centerville. No injuries were reported.
• Police were dispatched Aug. 20 to a report of a disorderly male in the 9200 block of Lexington Avenue NE in Circle Pines.
• Police took a delayed theft report Aug.
• Police were dispatched Aug. 22 regarding a motor vehicle that had been tampered with in the 0 block of Pine Drive in Circle Pines.
• Police were dispatched Aug. 22 to a report of a theft from a motor vehicle in the 0 block of Pine Drive in Circle Pines, which resulted in an ongoing active fraud investigation.
• Officers were dispatched Aug. 23 after a phone report of fraud in the 8700 block of Hamline Avenue. Officers took information from a person who had
• Officers were dispatched Aug. 25 to a theft report in the 0 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines.
• Officers responded Aug. 25 to a reported accidental discharge of a weapon in the 700 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines.
• Officers were dispatched Aug. 26 to a report of theft from a motor vehicle in the 10 block of West Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines.
• Officers observed a suspicious person Aug. 26 riding a bicycle near Golden
• Officers responded Aug. 20 to a property damage crash involving two vehicles, which occurred near the intersection of Birch Street and 20th Avenue. After an investigation, one driver was arrested and booked at Anoka County Jail.
• Officers responded Aug. 20 to a report of a runaway juvenile from a juvenile shelter in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. Officers located the juvenile and returned him to the facility.
• Officers were dispatched Aug. 21 to a report of identity theft in the 7300 block
• Officers responded Aug. 21 to an animal regarding dog licensing. Officers spoke
• An officer was dispatched Aug. 23 to an Town Center Parkway following a noise complaint. The officer checked the area and was unable to locate any problems.
• While on patrol Aug. 23, an officer made reportedly taken from a detached garage overnight. An investigation is ongoing. at a local hotel in the 500 block of Apollo
• Centerville has a new city planner, after the City Council awarded its planning contract to Bolton and Menk of Mankato, which also has offices in Oakdale. City staff received four proposals and recommended Bolton and Menk. The planners will assist the city in day-to-day planning, zoning, and landuse expertise to support staff and local decision-makers. The council will load up the new planners with projects including concept plans from its Planning and Zoning Commission for Block 7 and for 1737 Main St.
The professional contract amount at $110 per hour will be substantially lower than the $189 per hour the city recently has paid. Money from the general fund will pay the costs. A representative from the firm will be present at City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings as needed.
• After reviewing the city’s electronic payment processing methods at its last work session, the council approved a list of vendors — compiled by city staff — to be paid electronically. The council also gave staff permission to use one facsimile signature on checks, as long as there is one original signature. The council allows the use of a facsimile signature for the mayor instead of requiring the mayor to personally sign each check.
“I try to sign everything on council night, but sometimes something comes in late,” said Mayor Nancy Golden. The city administrator or acting mayor
will continue to provide an original ink signature. These changes should give the city greater flexibility in the timing and manner of processing vendor payments to avoid delinquent bills and late fees. This expanded authority, as allowed by state law, will also help city staff operate more efficiently and save the city money while continuing to meet council needs, said City Administrator Athanasia Lewis.
• The city will also save money in the way it uses credit cards. The city switched credit cards to MidWestOne Bank, using the Elan system, and substituted Elan Financial Services for BMO on the list of authorized vendors to pay electronically.
The credit card system the city had been using was more of a debit card system, said Finance Director Bruce DeJong. The city was required to keep a $20,000 non-interest-bearing account at its current bank, which made it a de facto debit card program, he said. The city had also been restricted in how it could set and adjust credit limits for individual card holders. Now the city no longer has $20,000 tied up in the bank and can use that money in other ways, and there are no annual fees, DeJong said.
• Every year the interior of the city’s water tower needs to be inspected for corrosion, and the council approved a maintenance agreement with Corrpro to use its cathodic protection corrosion control system to protect the tower and help extend its life. This work on the single pedestal
water tank with a 500,000-gallon capacity will cost $975 and use money from the city’s water fund.
• In her city administrator’s report, Lewis thanked the public for attending a welcome reception held for her before the council meeting.
• The community has an opportunity to donate blood, which takes about 10 minutes. A blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road.
• Mark your calendars, because your Wednesday evenings have just opened up. The public has slightly more than one month to rearrange the kids’ soccer practices, church choir rehearsals and football-watching parties, because councilmeeting-watching will be on Thursday nights starting Oct. 9. Unchanged is the location, time and frequency of the meetings: the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
• The council adjourned to meet in closed session to develop or consider offers or counteroffers related to the potential transfer of real and personal property in connection with proposals for fire services. The closed session also addressed labor negotiation strategy related to fire services.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at City Hall.
Loretta Harding
1
AROUND TOWN
3
2
1. Fifteen firefighters with the Lino Lakes Fire Department were presented with a Life Saving Award for their actions in the community. — Lino Lakes Fire Department, contributed 2. A whitetail fawn is spotted eating all sorts of leaves along the walking path at Pelter Lake Dam in Lino Lakes. —LeAnn Michael, contributed
3. The Bryan McDonough Military Heroes Foundation recently donated $8,000 to the Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566 for a shed. — Lino Lakes American Legion, contributed
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to quadnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 855/562-4309
SAFE STEP NORTH Amer icas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and se rvice. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call to day! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/96638 82
WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142 WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys H ous-
Meet Your Specialist
LANDSCAPING
Tom Lofboom is the owner of Natural Creations and Design. Tom and his family have lived in the local area for over 52 years. He has been in the landscaping business for over 52 years. Natural Creations and Design is a small company. Tom does everything from selling the job, to building the project to handling all the office work. He has sub-contracted for large companies so the quality of his work is equal to that of the larger landscape outfits. Give Tom a call @ 651-491-4623 S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
I
Submitting Public Notices
Deadlines: White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press, by 5:00 p.m. Thursday prior to publication date. Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to publication date. Early deadlines apply on most holidays
Counties of Ramsey and Anoka
Contact: Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn E-Mail: Legals@presspubs.com Call: 651-407-1200
• Resident Scott Rand expressed his concerns with traffic and safety on Naples Street. Rand has started a petition addressed to Lexington, Blaine and Anoka County and said he has plans to gather more support to make the street safer.
• Andrew Gregor will serve as firefighter 2 and EMT at the Lexington Fire Department following council appointment. Gregor will be paid $17.25 an hour.
• Captain John Jackson has been promoted to assistant fire chief at the Lexington Fire Department following council appointment. Jackson’s base salary will be $10,000 a year.
• State Farm’s and H&R Block’s requests for new business licenses have been approved by the council.
• The council approved a special event permit for the annual Lexington Fall Festival, happening Sept. 19-20.
• The council approved the 2026 budget for the Centennial Lakes Police Department of $3,707,276.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at City Hall.
WEEKLY WAG
Bento is described as a fun-loving pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He is playful, full of energy and affectionate. Bento is a 2-year-old pit bull terrier/Staffordshire bull terrier mix who weighs 38 pounds. He is social with dogs and cats, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. He is also house-trained and crate-trained. Bento is intelligent and eager to please. He likes to play fetch and play with his toys. In fact, he likes to keep his favorite toy close by carrying it with him. But mostly, Bento likes to be with his people. During his downtime, he is a cozy lap dog. Bento arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. He would thrive in a calm, low-key home where he can take time to adjust. He would do well as an addition to a family with another confident, friendly dog. If you are interested in learning more about Bento or adopting him, fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
Hannah Testa
Cougars tip Bears, Armstrong, Pirates for 3-0 start
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Centennial boys soccer has started the season with three wins under new coach Alex Lynch, former junior varsity coach at conference rival Andover.
The Cougars clipped White Bear Lake 3-1, Robinsdale Armstrong 2-1 and Park Center 3-1, all at National Sports Center in Blaine, as the school’s new stadium is not ready yet.
Scoring against the Bears
were Alonso Romero, Logan Garcia and Beckett Babiash.
Scoring against Armstrong were Ameer Ahmed assisted by Yasin Abdelaziz and Babiash, assisted by Ahmed.
Against the Pirates, Babiash notched two more goals and Romero got past the goalie in a one-on-one duel for the other goal.
The Cougar defense with Gilbert Joy in goal limited opponents to one goal per game.
Cougar football lineups listed by Coach Diggins
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial football coach Mike Diggins listed his 2025 lineups for the Quad following two weeks of practice and a scrimmage.
The Cougars opened against Rosemount on Thursday and will play at Osseo on Friday.
“As always our team goal is to make the final eight,” said Diggins, adding that it’s “possible” again this year. The Cougar 2023 team was state champion.
Three key offensive players are returning from last year’s 4-5 team. Isaac Belinski-Strauss passed for 488 yards and six touchdowns and ran for 479 yards and four touchdowns. Caleb Melser barged for 646 yards and nine touchdowns. Justin Driver was 4-for-4 on field goals and 21-for-23 on extra points.
Other starters that are back are Tyler Cook, two-way lineman; Josh O’Shea, defensive line; Sam Bianconi, center; Tanner Dittrich, defensive back; and Calvin Coppersmith, linebacker.
Looking ahead for SPORTS
BOYS SOCCER
5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2—at Spring Lake Park
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 —vs. Anoka
5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9—vs. Totino-Grace
GIRLS SOCCER
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2—at Spring Lake Park
5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4—vs. Anoka
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9—vs. Totino-Grace
GIRLS TENNIS
4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3—at Andover
Noon Saturday, Sept. 6—at Roseville Area High School
4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8—at Rogers
CROSS COUNTRY
3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4—at Anoka High School
GIRLS VOLLYEBALL
7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4—vs. Anoka
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5—at Stillwater
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9—vs. Roseville Area
FOOTBALL
6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5—vs. Osseo GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING
9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6—at Art Downey Aquatic Center
Carrying the ball will be Melser, Tobie Serna, Carter Hemming, Edwin Ekah, Coopersmith and Dittrich. Catching the ball will be Driver, Nolan Larson, Tristan Hanson and Brett Pullman.
Manning the O-line are Cook, O’Shea, Bianconni, Zach Nanti, Brayden Boesch, Brayden Brittan, Hudson Westlund, Ben Larkin, Merhawi Zeresney, Carter Stukey and Alex Koehn. The D-linemen are Cook, O’Shea, Boesch, Brayden, Brittan, Zeresney, Matthew McManus and Owen Carter.
At linebacker are Jack Ruegsegger,
SPORTS BRIEFS
Cougar tennis logs 2 wins
Centennial tennis is 4-1 after wins last week over Irondale 5-2 and Coon Rapids 6-1. The Cougars swept doubles against Irondale with Sophie Wynn/Ella Nelson, Jenna Orcutt/ Hannah Lofgren and Claire Olson/Ellen Hush, while Lauren Klein won at 1-singles and Ashlin Kilmer at 4-singles. The same doubles teams swept against Coon Rapids while Klein, Rahda Andiappen and Kilmer won in singles.
COUGARS SCOREBOARD
SOCCER, BOYS — Results: Cougars beat Armstrong 2-1; beat Park Center 3-1
SOCCER, GIRLS — Results: Cougars lost to Stillwater 1-0; beat Maple Grove 3-1; at Spring Lake Park, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
TENNIS — Results: Cougars beat Irondale 5-2, beat Coon Rapids 6-1, vs. Spring Lake Park (Thursday) Next: at Andover, Wednesday, 4 p.m.; Roseville tournament, Saturday, vs. MPA, noon, vs. Roseville, 2 p.m., vs. So. St. Paul, 5 p.m.; at Rogers, Monday, 4 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL — Results: Cougars beat Hopkins 3-0 (scores not available); vs. Duluth East (Friday)
Editor’s note: Due to early deadlines, Thursday and Friday action will be reported in next week’s paper. See write-ups online at presspubs. com (click Quad sports).
Tristan Melquist, Noah Morell, Chase Wicklund, and Sullivan Moore. Cornerbacks are Dittrich, Wesley Kukkonen and Gamada Bullo. Patrolling at safety will be Driver, Larson, Coppersmiith, Andrew Person, and Hemming. Also vying for kicking duties are Sawyer Celotta, Keegan Prigge and Owen Lieter. Cougar coordinators are Travis Littlefield for offense, Michael Diggins Jr. for defense and Jay Robinson for special teams.
Cougars’ strong attack beats Hopkins 3-0
Centennial volleyball handed Hopkins a 3-0 loss, 25-22, 25-13, 25-17, at home on Tuesday, improving to 2-1 in nonconference matches.
Nora Lieser rattled off nine kills in 11 attempts with no errors for .818 percentage. Elena Hoecke added 12 kills and Addison Kemper had nine.
“Our net play improved with blocking and a good spread offense, and kills coming from
multiple positions,” noted Coach Nicole Christensen. “Lieser couldn’t do anything wrong; everything she hit found the court. Both Kemper and Hoecke were fantastic at the net, offensive and defensively.” Addison Paasch, off the bench, led a 6-0 run with a kill and two aces.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Cougar Soccer September 2, 2025
Beckett Babiash has scored in each game to help the Cougar soccer team start the season 3-0. The senior midfielder notched one goal in a 3-1 win over White Bear Lake, one in a 2-1 win over Armstrong and two in a 3-1 win over Park Center. Babiash was a defender last season and made the all-Northwest Suburban team. This year he was moved to midfield to become a scorer.
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Alonso Romero (5) maneuvered past the Park Center goalkeeper to put the ball in the net on Wednesday evening.
Sundays
Sundays YOGA in the VINES 10a-11A Saint Croix Vineyards
