With
his 24 years of service. Bartholomay has served as the mayor of Circle Pines for 20 years. He was a City Council member for four years.
Minnesota senator visits Circle Pines
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
CIRCLE PINES — The Circle Pines City Council received an update from Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL) regarding the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session. Sen. Gustafson spoke about local issues that will be discussed at the
upcoming session.
The next legislative session will begin on Feb. 17, 2026. Gustafson said it will be a shorter session since it is not a budget year.
“It’s a policy year, bonding year. We won’t know what our bonding looks like until the forecast comes out,” she added. The forecast comes out towards the end of November or
the beginning of December.
During the last legislative session, Gustafson said she worked on protecting tax dollars. About a year and a half ago, Gustafson began working on a bill to establish the Office of Inspector General.
Conversation continues about Main Street Master Plan
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — Lino Lakes has been discussing what to do with the Main Street Corridor located in the northwestern corner of the city since August 2024, after the City Council placed a one-year moratorium on development in the area to allow time for a thorough planning process. Now, city staff are proposing amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to implement the Main Street Master Plan. The master plan project area includes approximately 934 acres. Kendra Lindahl, a principal at LandForm Professional Services, said there are five amendments necessary to reflect the Main Street Master Plan. The amendments would be made to four maps and language used in Planning District 2 to reference the Main Street Master Plan.
SEE MASTER PLAN, PAGE 5
Concept plan proposes active adult living community
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — An active adult single-level living community and single-family homes have been proposed to be built in the northwest corner of the city. The development, proposed by Pulte Homes, is being called Del Webb-Pulte Homes and would encompass 260 gross acres.
Pulte Homes is considering the city for its third Del Webb “active adult community” in the state. In 1960, Del Webb opened its first community, “Sun City,” in Phoenix. Del Webb is one of the leading builders of 55-plus communities across the U.S., including locations in California, Florida, Texas and South Carolina, but also in Michigan and Colorado.
Their two communities in Minnesota are in Chaska and Corcoran.
The Lino Lakes development would feature a mix of 735 residential housing units and consist of three different development areas. According to City Planner Katie Larsen, the Del Webb neighborhood would be in the northwest area of the site and include 455 homes.
The Pulte Homes neighborhood would be built in the southeast area and feature 280 homes. It would consist of 174 single-family lots and 106 townhomes. Singlelevel homes within the neighborhood would be built on 60- to 65-foot-wide lots.
SEE DEL WEBB COMMUNITY, PAGE 6
A clubhouse would be featured in the 55-plus Del Webb neighborhood.
MADELINE DOLBY PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL) presents Mayor Dave Bartholomay with a Minnesota Senate Resolution recognizing Bartholomay for
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senate resolution recognizes mayor for years of service
FROM PAGE 1
The Office of Inspector General would be an independent, oversight authority that would work independently to make sure that all public dollars, whether they be awarded to public or private entities,
would be going toward the programs that they are intended to.
“What makes it different than what is already in place is that it is not an internal, or increment, change. It is not affiliated with any of the other programs that are already there,” Gustafson explained.
“The Office of Legislative Auditor looks at more systems and are more of a bird’s-eye view. They look at state agencies, programs, higher level. What the Office of Inspector General would do is focus more on vendors and recipients,” she added.
The bill passed in the Senate 60-7. Next, Gustafson said they will be working with the House of Representatives to make sure it gets “across the finish line in the House” before it is sent to the governor’s desk.
Another item Gustafson touched on was county funding. She explained that her caucus was trying to shift about half the funds from the metrowide sales tax toward the Metropolitan Council and away from the counties. Sen. John Hoffman (District 34) and Gustafson fought against the bill and won.
Gustafson, who was a former teacher at Centennial High School, also talked about protecting programs within the education system and pension reform for tier 2 teachers. Tier 2 teachers are specified as teachers hired after July 1989. Gustafson, a tier 2 teacher, said it changes their pension drastically.
“It has been seen for quite some time as being an unfair balance in those pension dollars. So, we were
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The council will not waive the monetary limits on the municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statute 466.04.
According to the League of Minnesota Cities, if a city does not waive the statutory tort limits, an individual could receive no more than $500,000 on any claim to which the statutory tort limits apply.
able to do pension reform for teachers, but that also included a lot of pension reform for firefighters, paramedics and state patrol,” Gustafson said.
Gustafson recognizes Mayor Dave Bartholomay
Gustafson also presented a Minnesota Senate Resolution recognizing Bartholomay for his decades of service in Circle Pines. Bartholomay has served as the city’s mayor for 20 years. Before becoming mayor, he served as a member of the City Council for four years.
“Mayor Dave has served this community for 24 years—with dignity, good humor and a deep belief in what good government looks like when it’s rooted in collaboration,” Gustafson said. “Throughout his tenure, he has guided Circle Pines through growth, change and challenge, always centering the people who live here.”
Gustafson added that Bartholomay’s spirit of partnership has strengthened not only the city, but work at the state level as well.
“Your leadership has shaped this community in ways that will last long after your time in office,” she said. “While you’re not done yet, your upcoming retirement marks the end of an era, and it is well-earned … I want to thank you for your extraordinary service and for the example you’ve set for all of us.”
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4071226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
• Updates will be made to the city’s personnel policy following council approval. These updates will comply with the new Minnesota Paid Leave Law.
• The final plat for the Lexington Lofts second addition has been approved by the council.
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FLYER
WEEKLY FLYER
• A business license for a Chipotle Restaurant located at 9185 South Highway Drive has been approved by the council.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Mayor Bartholomay poses for a photo with the resolution that recognizes him for his years of service.
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.
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
DIY CANDLE BAR
When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19
Where: Humble Roots Boutique, 7095 Centerville Road, Centerville
Details: Make your own candle at the Humble Roots Boutique candle bar with Burnt at Both Ends Candle Company. The event will also include refreshments.
Contact: humbleroots.boutique or 651-977-6687
CENTERVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19
Where: Centerville City Hall, 1880 Main St.
Details: Christmas tree lighting ceremony. There will be hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies. Contact: www.centervillemn.com
BUSINESS BRIEF
Humble Roots recognizes local boutiques for Pink Friday
A Pink Friday celebration will take place at Humble Roots Boutique on Friday, Nov. 21. Pink Friday is a national movement that reminds everyone to support local boutiques before the rush of Black Friday. In honor of the
national movement, Humble Roots is hosting a ladies night from 4-8 p.m. The event will feature a DIY bookmark and jewelry bar, snacks and refreshments and more.
Humble Roots Boutique is located at 7095 Centerville Road, Centerville. For more information, go to humble-roots.com or call 651-977-6687.
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
LUNCH AND LEARN
When: 12:30 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines
Details: Discover the power of ChatGPT for marketing success with Nickie Welsh, a nationally recognized technology trainer. Welsh specializes in giving practical, easy-to-use tips that help busy professionals save time and boost results. Register online through the Centennial Area Chamber website. Contact: centennialareachamber.com
CLIMATE CHANGE TRIVIA
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
Where: Big Wood Brewery, 3429 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights
Details: Join members of the Northeast Metro Climate Action and Vadnais Heights Green Team for a night of trivia and prizes.
Contact: northeastmetroclimateaction.org
CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23
Where: Historic Washington County Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W., Stillwater
Details: Visit the historic site decorated for the holidays while shopping for handcrafted goods at the holiday bazaar.
Contact: co.washington.mn.us
T AND NAE HOLIDAY MARKET
When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: 15815 Elmcrest Ave. N, Hugo
Details: Features evergreen, wreaths, porch pots and DIY evergreen bundles. Contact: www.tandnae.com
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL) visited the council and gave a presentation highlighting the local impact of the 2025 Legislative Session on Circle Pines and looking ahead to local issues that will be discussed in the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session. Gustafson also recognized Mayor Dave Bartholomay for over 20 years of service (See full story in this week’s issue.)
• At the Police Governing Board meeting, Noah Pinno was sworn in as a new police officer, and Emily Felton was sworn in as a new community service officer. Bartholomay also announced that the Centennial Lakes Police Department will soon welcome a new office supervisor, Jess Thurston, who will replace current Office Supervisor Kathy Honkomp.
• According to City Administrator Patrick Antonen, 740 out of 3,381 registered voters cast their
TURKEY BINGO BONANZA
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25
Where: Cowboy’s Saloon, 9005 South Highway Drive, Lexington
Details: Play a round or two of Bingo. Turkey giveaways for game winners. Contact: 763-784-6560.
Whimsical Wig Workshop
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines
Details: Attend and create a yarn wig for a child who is battling cancer or experiencing hair loss. To attend please RSVP whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com. Contact: whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com
votes in the Nov. 4 election. The board ultimately accepted the canvass of the election results.
• Bartholomay congratulated current council members Meagan Bachmayer and Nici Dorner for being reelected to the City Council. He also extended his congrats to current Council Member Matt Percy for being elected as the city’s new mayor.
• There will be a toy drive held at Atlantic Aviation in Blaine on Saturday, Dec. 6, noted Council Member Matt Percy. Atlantic Aviation is located at 9877 North Airport Road NE, Blaine. He said the toys collected at the event will be gifted to children in hospitals.
• A farewell party will be held for Mayor Bartholomay from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Centennial Library. The library is located at 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines.
• The council adjourned to a work session with Park Board members to discuss the plans for Carl Eck Park and Baldwin Park.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Madeline Dolby
Letters to the Editor explained
Here at Press Publications, we are lucky to receive an abundance of letters to the editor written by residents who live within our communities.
Thank you to anyone who has ever written a letter or responded to a letter. Our letters are often some of the most-read items each week, and they encourage important dialogue.
It is not uncommon for us to be accused of being on one side. One week someone tells us we are “too far left” and another week we are “too far right.” I want you to know that we publish 99% of the letters that are sent to us. We don’t pick out letters to run because of what “side” they are on or our personal political beliefs. If the letters meet our guidelines, we publish it. That letter is the opinion of the author who wrote it, not the newspaper. We want our opinion pages to be a community forum, where residents feel comfortable to share their concerns about the latest street project, criticize city or county budgets or simply take the time to thank a longtime volunteer for their efforts in the community.
Keep in mind the letters reflect the opinions of our residents, not the paper. The paper is non-partisan and doesn’t take an opinion on things; we simply present the information and let community members form their own opinions.
If you read something in our paper that strikes a chord with you, we want to hear about it. The easiest way to send in a letter is to email it to news@ presspubs.com. Make sure it is 350 words or less and that it complies with our guidelines, which always run right below our guest column on page 4. Don’t forget to add a headline and we also need your full name and address. Your address will not be published, but we do need it for our records. It’s also important to note if your letter does include specific statistics or facts, it should include the source of where that information came from.
Freedom of the Press Friday
Recently, on our social media pages we started posting for “Freedom of the Press Friday.” Each Friday, we have picked out a variety of quotes from people like Hugo Black, Thomas Erskine, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, Shashi Tharoor, Thomas Jefferson, Ida B Wells and more.
These posts seem to generate quite a bit of comments and often end up with a debate between commentators, but that’s not the reason we started the weekly feature. The weekly piece is meant to remind our audience how important a local newspaper is.
I’ve seen comments about “the press” or “the media” and often the local paper gets looped into a giant category that isn’t necessarily fair. We are not all the same. Comparing a local newspaper to a national news outlet is not an apples-to-apples comparison. I do want to thank the readers who have stepped up to defend us when are integrity or credibility is questioned. A recent example is when someone commented, “It’s all about whatever gets clicks” and someone responded, “That’s definitely something for online users to be aware of. The White Bear Press seems to be focused on traditional print ethics, and I applaud them for their efforts.”
I’ve said this before in my columns, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again. Choose kindness.
Shannon Granholm is the Managing Editor at Press Publications.
OPINION
The vibrant working world of nocturnal pollinators
After the sun sets, the moon awakens revealing shadows gliding and swooping, seeking and hovering, drawn to gleaming leaves and luminous flowers. These unique plants invite nocturnal insects and animals to collect and harvest their pollen and nectar.
Gardener’s Grapevine
Tamra Boyce
Plants and flowers attractive to nocturnal pollinators already grow in local prairie meadows and woodlands. During an evening stroll you can see Silvery Sedge (Carex argyrantha) or Night-Flowering Catchfly (Silene noctiflora) reflecting the moonlight. Incorporate night-blooming plants into existing gardens or showcase them in a moon garden. Moon gardens feature plants that shine after the sun sets. Examples include Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima), which has a silvery look, and Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), which has a powerful scent.
Coexisting with nocturnal plants are nocturnal insect pollinators, such as beetles, which have provided pollination services since
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• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
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the Cretaceous period, long before bees and butterflies. The night foraging Click (Elaterids), and Darkling (Tenebrionids) beetles are accidental pollinators. As these insects search among plants for edible flower parts, they collect pollen unintentionally, transferring it from blossom to blossom as they travel across flowers.
Fireflies or Lightening Bugs (Lampyridae) are also beetles active in low-light environments. How fireflies pollinate is not well understood; it is believed they pick up pollen on their bodies then transfer it to flowers they visit. Mice, voles, and other small animals also provide accidental pollination services as they move through and between plants.
Moths are responsible for a large percentage of pollination services, deserving a share of the pollination limelight dominated by bees. There are more than 11,000 moth species in the U.S., and Minnesota hosts at least 800 species. Moths collect nectar like bees, but unlike bees, they do not store nectar in their bodies or transport it to a hive. Moths visit more flowers on a single night than do bees, even visiting flowers that bees avoid. As Moths consume nectar, their bodies collect pollen dust that is transferred to flowers during their wide-ranging feeding route.
One notable moth species is the
Five-Spotted Hawk Moth (Manduca quinquemaculata). Like hummingbirds, these Hawk Moths hover motionless in mid-air to extract nectar from flowers with their long proboscis. They depend on scent cues and flower brightness to locate blooms such as the spectacular Moonflower Vine (Ipomoea alba) enticing the hawk moth to its delicate bell-shaped white flowers glowing under the moonlight. Ironically, while the five-spotted Hawk Moth is an important pollinator, its larva is a familiar garden pest: the tomato hornworm caterpillar is a ravenous consumer of tomatoes and peppers. Moth populations are declining due to pesticide use and light pollution. Artificial lights interfere with their navigation and ability to find mates and food. Applying pesticides during evening hours to protect bees can harm nocturnal pollinators so use integrated pest management techniques whenever possible.
Consider adding native night-blooming plants to your next garden upgrade. Including white Alyssum or a few Night Phlox flowers helps support nocturnal pollinator populations.
Tamra Boyce is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension
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.
Disappointed by Rep. Tom Emmer
As a longtime constituent of Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, I am profoundly disappointed by Rep. Tom Emmer’s unwavering focus on national political drama and his allegiance to Donald Trump. This alignment comes at the direct expense of the real, immediate needs of our community.
Rep. Emmer clearly prioritizes his standing within the party hierarchy over the economic wellbeing of Minnesotans. When constituents recently protested proposed federal health funding cuts that threaten to raise premiums for thousands of our neighbors, Emmer, as a member of leadership, actively supported the bill causing the crisis. This is a direct example of ignoring the financial burdens facing everyday families and seniors.
This pattern is repeated in his voting record. Emmer voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act— key legislation that funneled billions into road improvements, clean water and broadband expansion for our state. His “nay” votes prove that when forced to choose between delivering tangible, local results for Minnesota’s 6th District and appeasing a political figurehead, his choice is consistently the latter.
Our representative’s primary job is to advocate for us, not for one man in Washington. If Congressman Emmer continues to act as a political operative for national interests rather than a representative for Minnesota’s 6th District, we must exercise our power at the ballot box. It is time to vote for a representative who will truly put this district first.
Mat Kramer Circle Pines
WEEKLY WAG
Tip is a sweet, adventurous young lady awaiting her loving forever home and family. She is a stunning 1-1/2-year-old pit bull terrier/American bulldog mix and she weighs about 40 pounds. Tip is also a TV star, and was once featured on Twin Cities local WCCO as an ambassador and success story for animal rescue in general. Tip is social with other dogs, and she is friendly with everyone she meets. Tip is house-trained, crate-trained and leash-trained. She is playful, affectionate, even-tempered, intelligent and eager to please. She is very treat-motivated. Tip thrives on companionship. Her foster says she adores following her people around the house and she is happiest when she is with her people and when she is able to snuggle up by their side. She melts for a good cuddle session. Additionally, with her enthusiasm, Tip is a wonderful walking and running partner. She arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as an owner surrender. If you are interested in learning more about Tip or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
MASTER PLAN: Proposed amendments move forward
FROM PAGE 1
These changes will add 36 net acres of land to the 2040 MUSA (Metropolitan Urban Service Area) area, decrease the Urban Reserve from 314 acres to 290 acres, increase the low-density zoning from 330 acres to 376 acres, increase the medium-density zoning from 115 acres to 157 acres and decrease high-density zoning from 130 acres to 85 acres.
“When reviewing the five comprehensive plan amendments, we reviewed them against the goals and policies in the land use chapter of the 2040 plan, that’s Chapter 3. We found that a number of the goals are met by adopting these land use changes to implement the master plan,” Lindahl said.
Lindahl added that these changes are proposed to be made to the comprehensive plan, not the development plan.
At the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board, multiple residents once again expressed their concerns about the proposed Main Street Master Plan.
Stephanie Falkers said there are inconsistencies between what is shown in the master plan and the proposed changes in terms of the utility staging. Falkers said the master plan identifies her property to the west along with two properties to the east, roughly over 60 acres, as Phase 4 in the master plan for utility extension. Phase 4 also included the eastern part of the sod farm located near the development site.
“In the amendment that’s before you tonight, that part of the sod farm is included in Phase 2B and the property directly adjacent to me is moved from what was Phase 4 to now Phase 2A,” she said. “We got put into the Beyond 2040 (phase), which I understand is consistent with the current comprehensive plan, but it wasn’t what I was expecting when we saw the master plan come through.”
Falkers added she understands that there are Metropolitan Council requirements that have to be met, but said it is unfortunate that it puts them in a spot where they have to wait until 2040, or a future amendment, for that to change.
Resident Julie Schwartz also raised concerns about the development’s utility staging. She said it’s important for the city to consider moving properties into a similar utility staging.
“The only way to facilitate an appropriate development of property of this scale as it relates to the roads, to the infrastructure and utilities, is to look at it all together,” Schwartz said. “By segregating these properties because of the arbitrary utility staging plan, it forces no development on our properties, but yet that tends to be the nexus of the development as it relates to the high density and the road that connects going to Pine.”
Schwartz added excluding the properties delays the development and doesn’t allow for cohesive development that was envisioned in the master plan.
Angela Coil said suggested the city push back against the Met Council on the development.
“Why are we not looking into what Ham Lake did, and opt out of Met Council? Met Council isn’t elected, they’re appointed. So why are they imposing regulations on cities? This is something that you, as planning, should push back on,” Coil said. “If it’s all about rooftops, we don’t need Met Council telling us what to do. We should be catering to luxury homes. We should be marketing to higher incomes, and that will equate the tax base.”
Community Development Director Michael Grochala said it isn’t the city’s role to cater to luxury homes.
“The city doesn’t go out and pitch to go after a single entity … We’re not the ones to choose who can and cannot live in the city based on a price point,” he said. “Additionally, the city is required under state law to
provide a wide range of housing options, including making availability of land for low(-cost) and affordable housing.”
He added that during the planning process, the city didn’t change the overall density of the area, those spaces have been moved around. He noted that for the existing 2040 plan that is currently in place, the density accommodated in that is the same under the new master plan.
“We have high-density, medium-density, low-density areas, and provide a wide range of housing types out in that area,” he said. “The highest density, which is in the planned residential/commercial area, is eight to 10 units an acre.”
The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 7-0. The City Council will review the proposed amendments in the future.
CONTRIBUTED
An overview of what the Main Street Master Plan looks like. The project features a neighborhood park, wetlands, mixed-density housing and a retail area.
Proposed changes to the Main Street
Master Plan
• 36 net acres of land will be brought into the 2040 MUSA area.
• The future land use designation will change for 485 acres of land. The use changes are summarized below.
- Urban Reserve will decrease from 314 acres to 290 acres.
- Low Density will increase from 330 acres to 367 acres.
- Medium Density will increase from 115 acres to 157 acres.
- High Density will decrease from 130 acres to 85 acres.
DEL WEBB COMMUNITY: Will be reviewed against Main Street Master Plan
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FROM PAGE 1
A 10-acre future planned residential/ commercial neighborhood is planned in the southwest area of the site. Future development will be evaluated as a separate, standalone project.
Del Webb neighborhood
The Del Webb neighborhood would include a variety of single-level homes on 44-foot-wide lots, 50-foot-wide lots and 64-foot-wide lots. The homes range between 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.
There are a few things that make a Del Webb community unique, according to Paul Hauer, Pulte Homes’ director of land planning and entitlement. In addition to the age-restriction aspect, they are known for their amenities and recreation opportunities as well as a central clubhouse.
“What sets apart a Del Webb (neighborhood) from any other neighborhood that has some amenities, is facilitated active lifestyle with programs and activities,” Hauer said. Each community has a lifestyle director hired by the homeowner association, who is responsible for keeping residents busy, whether that is signing them up for a pickleball court league or providing educational opportunities. Although it would not be a gated
community, he added Del Webb communities are known for their sense of security and safety.
Board Member Isaac Wipperfurth asked if the streets within the community were public or private. Hauer said all the streets are public, except in the townhome neighborhood.
Larsen noted that since the Del WebbPulte Homes proposal is within the Main Street Master Plan study area, it will be reviewed against the Master Plan preferred scenario for consistency. To better align with the Main Street Master Plan, Wipperfurth suggested moving the smaller single-family lots currently planned for the northeast portion of the site to the south, where the higher-density and medium-density areas are located. He also recommended relocating the 60- to 65-foot-wide singlefamily lots from the southeast to the northwest.
Board Member Patrick Kohler said when he visited the Del Webb community in Corcoran a few years ago he was “very impressed.”
No formal action was taken by the Planning and Zoning Board. It was discussion only.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
The Del Webb neighborhood would feature single-level homes ranging between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet.
Amenities proposed in the Del Webb neighborhood would include tennis courts, a gym and fitness center, golf simulator and outdoor areas.
Two-hundred and eighty single-family homes are proposed to be built in the Pulte Homes neighborhood located in the southeast area of the site.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Townhomes would also be built in the Pulte Homes neighborhood alongside single-family homes.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Officers were dispatched Nov. 5 to alleged illegal activity in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington. The caller had no evidence but wanted officers to be aware of their suspicions.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop Nov. 6 near the intersection of Main Street and LaValle Drive in Centerville.
• Officers responded Nov. 6 to a report of a threat that occurred in the 6800 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville.
• Police responded Nov. 7 to a motor vehicle property damage accident in the 600 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines.
• Officers were dispatched Nov. 9 to a report of a disorderly person in the 0 block of Pine Drive South in Circle Pines. Officers trespassed the person from the business.
• Officers were dispatched Nov. 11 to possible harassment and a neighbor dispute in the 800 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Nov. 11 near the intersection of Lake Drive and Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded Nov. 3 to a report of a motor vehicle theft that occurred in the 0 block of Century Trail. The incident is under investigation.
• An officer responded Nov. 3 to a report of a theft involving a fraudulent website. The officer investigated and no suspect information is available at this time.
• Officers responded Nov. 3 to a report of an unwanted, disorderly male in the 500 block of Apollo Drive who was asked by staff to leave a business and became argumentative. The male was trespassed from the location and left without further incident.
• An officer responded Nov. 3 to a twovehicle property damage accident in the 7600 block of Village Drive in which the other vehicle left the scene. The incident is under investigation.
• An officer responded Nov. 4 to a fourvehicle property damage accident in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. No injuries were reported, and two vehicles were towed. One driver was issued a citation.
• While on patrol Nov. 4, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Zurich Street NE and Lake Drive NE. The male driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested for fourth-degree DWI.
• While on patrol Nov. 5, an officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Interstate 35E and Main Street for an equipment violation and subsequently arrested the driver for driving after their license was canceled inimical to public safety.
• An officer responded Nov. 5 to possible criminal sexual conduct that occurred in the 6600 block of Heritage Avenue. An adult male was later arrested and booked at the Anoka County Jail.
• Officers and rescue responded Nov.
7 to assist another agency near the intersection of I-35E and Ash Street with a single-vehicle personal injury accident. The driver had minor injuries and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
• An officer responded Nov. 7 to a hitand-run property damage crash that occurred in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road. The officer documented the incident, and the reporting party did not want any charges or action taken by the officer.
• While on patrol Nov. 8, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Main Street for an equipment violation. The driver was cited with underage drinking and driving.
• Officers responded Nov. 8 to a report of theft at a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The investigation is ongoing.
• While on patrol Nov. 9, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Grotto Street N. and Ash Street on a vehicle. The male driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested and booked at jail on second-degree DWI and drug possession charges.
• An officer investigated an inappropriate interaction Nov. 9 between a juvenile and an adult male in the 7600 block of Lake Drive. The adult male was charged with disorderly conduct.
• Officers responded Nov. 9 to a report of a suspicious person who dropped a food order off at a residence in the 1900 block of Rosewood Street but was not leaving. The person was gone upon the officer’s arrival, and it was determined no crime occurred.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Lino Lakes duty crew responds to brush fire
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Lino Lakes duty crew responded to a possible grass fire in the 900 block of Aspen Lane. The Lino Lakes Fire Department arrived to a small, working brush fire behind a home. The fire was extinguished with no property damage.
SCHOOL BRIEF
Centennial High School puts on blood drive
From 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Centennial High School Senior Class Committee will sponsor its annual Blood Drive through Memorial Blood Center in the east building – lower gym at Centennial High School. Any community members who would like to donate may do so by going to the front of all student lines. Please bring your driver’s license.
Centennial High School is located at 4757 North Road, Circle Pines.
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E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
• Resident Tere O’Connell asked the council about the possibility of the city connecting to White Bear Township’s water system for the development near County Road J. O’Connell then inquired about the cost of the connection, asking whether all Lino Lakes residents would pay the same rate for water or if residents of that specific development would pay a higher amount. City staff will follow up with O’Connell at a later date.
• Samuel Gibson Eyestone will join the Lino Lakes Fire Department as a part-time firefighter. The starting wage for Eyestone will be $22.44 an hour. Eyestone will be eligible for an annual cost of living adjustment and upon completion of five years of service will be eligible for a step increase. He will be stationed at Fire Station 2.
• Franklin Staigerwald will join the Police Department as a police officer. The starting wage for Staigerwald will be $45.80 per hour, which is step 4 in a 7-step wage scale for the police officer position. According to Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer, Staigerwald also qualifies for the newly created bonus for lateral officers and will receive $2,500 upon hire, and another $2,500 upon successful completion of the new police officer training program.
• As part of the Otter Lake Road Extension improvement project, the city will need to acquire permanent right of way, drainage and utility easements and temporary construction easements, affecting eight parcels of land. The city’s consulting engineer, WSB Inc., prepared a right-of-way plat outlining the parcels involved in the proposed acquisitions. According to Community Development Director Michael Grochala, the plat helps delineate the affected properties and simplifies the legal descriptions needed for acquisition. Ultimately, the City Council approved right-of-way Plat No. 4, officially identifying the parcels needed for future road improvements.
• The city will concur with Ramsey County’s proposed designation of Ash Street between Centerville Road and Lake Drive as a County State Aid Highway following council approval. Ramsey County is reconstructing Ash Street and the I-35E interchange between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road. The city acted in January 2025 to transfer jurisdiction of the roadway to Ramsey County. Now, the county is proposing to convert the roadway to a County State Aid Highway. According to Community Development Director Michael Grochala, this will allow Ramsey County to use state aid proceeds for the existing interchange project. He added the designation does not change the function of the road and/or have any impacts to the city.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, followed by a regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Drop off holiday lights, extension cords at City Hall
Long, stringy items, like holiday lights and extension cords, get caught up in recycling facility machines when they are put in the recycling bin. Circle Pines residents who would like to recycle their old holiday lights and extension cords this winter should drop them off at City Hall. Circle Pines City Hall is located at 200 Civic Heights Drive.
Centerville holds Christmas tree lighting ceremony Nov. 19
The city of Centerville will hold a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Centerville City Hall. There
POLITICAL BRIEF
will be hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies. Centerville City Hall is located at 1880 Main St.
White Bear Township reiterates role in joint powers agreement
The White Bear Township Board is reiterating its role in joint powers agreement (JPA) negotiations with the cities of North Oaks and Lino Lakes regarding water and sewer utilities. While Lino Lakes is considering becoming a thirdparty sub user to a JPA with North Oaks and White Bear Township, Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek said, “None of this is valid until we get a JPA in place with the city of North Oaks … We were trying to get a renewal, or revised
Lino Lakes City Council candidate asks for recount
Dale Stoesz, candidate for the Lino Lakes City Council. has requested a formal recount of the results for the city election held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 204C.35. The statue governs recounts for federal, state and judicial races. It outlines the criteria and procedures for both publicly funded and candidate funded (discretionary) recounts.
Stoesz wrote in a social media post that the vote margin between himself and Julia Nelson,
JPA for the last 2 1/2 years. I value Lino Lakes trying to move forward with their project … I think it’s premature until we have an agreement with (the city of North Oaks).” Town Clerk Patrick Christopherson paraphrased and echoed Town Attorney Chad Lemmons’s opinion on the matter: “We’ll sell you water, and that’s it. The rest of it … I don’t think we need to be involved in that. We’re just here as the vendor, essentially.” Lemmons added, “It’s up to Lino Lakes and North Oaks to decide how the infrastructure is to be maintained and constructed. With the exception of the sanitary sewer trunk line, the town has no interest in that.”
Logan Gion
the apparent winning candidate, falls within the threshold defined by § 204C.35 for a publicly funded recount. Nelson received 1,434 votes while Stoesz received 1,410 votes.
The recount is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Anoka County Government Center Atrium, 2100 Third Ave. N. According to Stoesz, there will be seven tables with election judges. The recount is open to the public and candidates may be represented by legal counsel. Each precinct will be counted at its own table and candidates may also have up to two representatives at each table.
Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
This map shows Ramsey County’s proposed designation of Ash Street, from Centerville to Lake Drive, as a County State Aid Highway.
Hoecke cited as state Player of the Year
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
A major honor was added to the long list of accolades for Centennial volleyball star Elena Hoecke at the end of her prep career.
Prior to the Cougars appearance in the state tournament, the Minnesota Star-Tribune hailed the 6-foot-3 middle blocker as Player of the Year.
The newspaper noted Hoecke’s strong performance for Team USA in last summer’s Under-21 world tournament in Indonesia, and her allaround excellence for the Cougars in kills, blocks, digs and serves, while describing the Minnesota Gophers’ recruit as “humble but hungry to establish herself among the elite players in her sport.”
“The honors she received at the end of this season are all well-deserved and she accepted them with grace,” said Coach Nicole Christensen, referring to the UA All American Team, AVCA Region Player of the Year, Class 4A all-state, Ms. Baden (top senior player, given by coaches), all-state tournament and the Tribune honor.
Hoecke was the first player to buy into the systems Christensen wanted to put into place, she noted with appreciation, and was a leader her whole career.
“Elena demonstrated what it was like to be a high-level athlete and competitor, by pushing her
teammates while supporting them. Her investment into Centennial volleyball will never be forgotten.”
The coach added praise for Hoecke’s teammates: “Volleyball is a multi-contact sport and without teammates, Elena and I know that none of (those honors) would be possible.”
Hoecke’s stats for her senior season include a .412 hitting efficiency rating, meaning kills minus errors divided by attempts, for which .250 is considered very good. She had 338 kills, 103 blocks, 193 digs and 37 aces.
In her career, Hoecke totaled 1,389 kills, 380 blocks, 225 aces and 689 digs, with a .313 hitting efficiency and 47 percent of her attempts successful. In Centennial High School history, she is first in blocks, first in aces, second in kills and seventh in digs.
A six-footer by seventh grade, Hoecke likely would have been a three-sport star for the Cougars had she not committed entirely to her favorite sport in junior high. She played basketball and softball (as a pitcher) until seventh grade.
Hoecke helped the Cougars reach state tournaments and place fifth both as a freshman and a senior. One of her career highlights was beating East Ridge in the consolation semifinals Nov. 9 with a reverse sweep after losing the first two. “We had our backs to the wall. It was now
Cougar skaters win 2, tie Tonka
Centennial/Spring Lake Park, ranked No. 2 in the state, skated to a 2-2 tie with No. 5 Minnetonka there Saturday after an exciting conclusion to the third period. The Cougars had two wins before that to open the season.
Mia Sutch scored on a power play with 13 seconds left for the
Cougars (2-0-1), assisted by Grace Laager and Alaina Gnetz, only to see the Skippers (1-0-1) pull even with one second left on Ali Ryan’s goal. Avery Wagner scored in the first period, assisted by Sutch and Melanie Reff. Kaia Weiland made 35 saves.
The Cougars beat Rosemount 8-1 in their opener, then Forest Lake
6-1. Sutch has four goals, Gnetz three, Wagner three, Josie Kelzenberg two, and Lillian Ranslow, Brooke Ueland, Annabelle Buccicone, and Grace Laager one each. Sutch has four assists and Laager and Madeline Wolter three each.
Bruce Strand
Nguyen places at state
or never,” said Hoecke. The Cougars then closed with a 3-1 win over Rogers. “A great way to go out,” she added.
Local fans will be able to watch Hoecke for several more years. She will soon suit up with her next team, the Gophers.
“I’ll be joining them in early January. I’m going to graduate early, in December,” Hoecke said.
“I’m taking all college courses now through PSEO. We’ll be working out and lifting weights and I’ll play in the spring season.”
Hoecke, ranked as the state’s No. 1 recruit for the Class of 2026, committed in July 2024 to Gophers coach Keegan Cook, who coached her as an assistant on the U-19 national team two summers ago.
Cougar volleyball leaders, honors listed
Centennial, with a 24-9 record and fifth place in the state tournament, had four all-Northwest Suburban picks — seniors Elena Hoecke and Addison Kemper, junior Chase Manthey and sophomore Nora Lieser.
Team awards went to Hoecke (MVP), Wirkkala (defensive MVP), Lily Sang (Cougar Pride) and Annabelle Steinhoff (most improved). Aubrie Wirkkala, junior, got honorable mention to allconference.
Kill leaders were Hoecke with 338, Lieser 232, Wirkkala 194, Kemper
177, Steinhoff 134 and Manthey 69. Manthey put up 742 assists and Eden Courtemanche 171. Hoecke made 86 blocks, Steinhoff 43 and Lieser 41. Kemper served .942 with 44 aces, Hoecke .804 with 32 aces, Wirkkala .873 with 35 aces, Lieser .908 with 32 aces, Manthey .890 with 31 aces, Sang .848 with 17 aces and Denver Hogberg .952 with 17 aces. Wirkkala made 247 digs, Hoecke 193, Manthey 154, Hogberg 137, Steinhoff 117 and Sang 108.
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Elena Hoecke, a five-year starter for the Cougars, excelled in the back row as well as at the net.
Sophia Nguyen placed 14th in the backstroke at the state Class AA swimming meet on Saturday evening. The Centennial sophomore’s time was 59.03, after a 59.25 in
prelims Friday. The top 16 score points at state. The Cougars other two state entrants, Lydia Hydukovich in backstroke and the medley relay team, did not make the top 16.
