Gina Kieger is an urban flower farmer whose business, Backyard Flower Farm LLC, now three years in the making, continues to germinate.
“The business is growing naturally in the community, and it’s nice to see everyone enjoying fresh, locally grown flowers,” she said.
Kieger, a 2001 White Bear Lake grad, has an interior design background. After she and her husband Jason had infertility struggles for several years, she decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children, now ages 10, 6 and 3. With her family complete, Kieger said, “I needed a little something for me.”
She was scrolling on Pinterest one day when she stumbled upon a picture from Floret Flowers, a small family farm in Washington. “I thought, ‘those are the most beautiful rose snapdragons I have ever seen,’” she recalled. Kieger visited the business’ website and learned that the farm was situated on 2 acres.
“I had no idea that you could grow that many flowers in such a small space,” she said. “I just dove into it. I love flowers, I love being creative and I know how to grow stuff … When I go in, it’s a little obsessive, but I’m all in.”
As a stay-at-home mom, and with a background in retail and furniture sales, she was missing interaction with the community.
In her first year, she focused on flower subscriptions. In addition to dropping off flowers at Humble Roots Boutique in Centerville, she tried out the Centerville Main Street Market. She signed up for the White Bear Lake Farmers Market but got waitlisted.
“That was good, because there is a lot that goes into the timing of when things are going to bloom, what colors they are and what kind of plants they are. I didn’t have that down pat anyway to guarantee that I would have the maximum number of flowers that would look great together,” she recalled. “That was a learning year.”
SEE FLOWER FARM, PAGE 6
Mom hopes to find ‘village of moms’ through walks
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A Hugo mom is looking to establish a village of moms who meet up at least twice a month to walk, talk and have fun.
Nikki Krueger has two sons, 3-year-old Jaxon and 1-year-old Nash. She first heard about the Mom Walk Collective (TMWC) back in 2022 when she saw it on Instagram. At the time, there were no groups in Minnesota, so it fell off her radar.
A couple months ago, it popped back into her feed, and
she realized some groups were starting to establish in the state. As of press time, there are groups in Andover, Plymouth and Bloomington. In June, Hugo will be added to that list. Krueger signed up to be an ambassador for the organization and to arrange the walks.
TMWC launched in June 2022 and began with groups in 30 cities across the U.S. The organization now has groups that have launched in over 350 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
“I finally felt like I was in a
place where I could have the capacity to host one myself,” Krueger explained. “When I was postpartum with my (first child) I struggled … I have very close friends, they are amazing and supportive, but they don’t have kids. I’m the only one in my friend group that has kids, and so it just still felt isolating because they just don’t get what I’m going through in the moment.”
Gina Kieger
• It might take a couple of years, but fire trucks and heavy vehicles will once again be able to use Brian Drive over Clearwater Creek, after the Centerville City Council at its May 28 meeting approved the construction of a new culvert under the road. At the February 12 meeting, council directed Stantec to complete an evaluation of potential improvement options for the bridge on Brian Drive, which was under-designed for heavier loads. Load rating or “restricted bridge” signs were necessary, which prohibit vehicles such as fire trucks from traveling over it. The structural engineer came up with four options to improve the load rating and allow the load restrictions to be removed. By a vote of 3-0 (Council Members Darrin Mosher and David Kubat were absent), council approved Option 4 – Bridge Replacement. This option would fully replace the 30-year-old crossing, likely with a concrete box culvert, at a cost of $650,000. The city would like to use local and MnDOT bridge funding to finance the project. Project Engineer Kellie Schlegel said she guessed that construction of the project would take place in 2027. After that, fire trucks and heavy vehicles will once again be able to use the crossing.
• The city is working hard to have playground equipment installed at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park this summer and approved the purchase of playground equipment from MWP Recreation for $427,000, using $127,000 from park dedication fees and $300,000 from the city’s capital replacement fund. The approval is subject to final review and approval from the city’s legal and engineering staff. Conditional approval was requested due to the tariff price hikes going into effect on June 1, as well as concerns about contradictions
WEEKLY WAG
in contract language. The contract concerns involved the scope of work and exclusions, drain tile, irrigation, removal of existing equipment and installation of new equipment.
Following a presentation from Jon Gilbertson of MWP Recreation, staff requested a revised proposal with the requested amendments. Once the revised proposal is received, the city attorney and engineer will review the final proposal to ensure that legal and engineering standards are met.
• To add to the recreational infrastructure in the city, council approved the Parks and Recreation Committee’s recommendation to purchase items needed for the installation of a disc golf course at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park.
The committee has prepared a cost sheet that includes costs for launch pads, baskets, concrete mixer and more. The public works department will take on most of the installation, Parks and Recreation Chair Heidi Errickson-Grahek said in her presentation. The purchase will not exceed $11,000, with funds taken from the parks dedication fund.
• The city has received a stormwater reuse grant from the Rice Creek Watershed District to install an irrigation system at City Hall. The cost of the project had been estimated to be $50,000 and would have used $25,000 from the RCWD grant and a $25,000 matching grant from the city’s stormwater fund. Less money will be used than originally estimated, because the winning quote came in lower than that amount. Council directed Stantec to prepare plans and specifications for an hourly fee, not to exceed $4,000 and to approve quotes from Aid Electric for $4,195 and Irrigation Doctor, which submitted a base bid plus alternate of $37,350.
• The 2025 budget and the capital
CALENDAR BRIEF
improvement plan are both required to be fully funded, said Finance Director Bruce DeJong. Council approved two transfers into those funds, starting with $67,496.63 from the police building bond fund to the general fund. The police building bond fund is now closed. The second transfer sent $60,000 from the water fund, sewer fund and stormwater fund into the equipment replacement fund.
• Council is expecting one of its members, Darrin Mosher, to move soon to a city outside of Minnesota. City Attorney Kurt Glaser asked for a discussion about what council should do in anticipation of Mosher’s departure. Glaser offered a resolution with two options for the city to consider. The city could wait until the council member voluntarily resigns from his position or declare his seat vacant. As council members felt uncomfortable taking any action immediately and wanted to wait for Mosher to tender his resignation or formally declare that he is moving out of state, the resolution was tabled unanimously. “As long as the city can legally continue to function, I’d like Darrin to make the declaration,” Council Member Russ Koski said.
• The city is not waiting until speaking with Mosher in person before accepting applications for his upcoming vacant seat. This vacancy would complete Mosher’s term on the City Council and would end in January 2027. Applications can be submitted in person to City Hall, or via email to Interim Administrator Athanasia Lewis at alewis@ centervillemn.com.
• Preparations for St. Genevieve’s parish festival are underway. Council granted the church a request for a temporary gambling permit for the annual festival, scheduled for Aug. 17. Council also waived the application
fee on request. The church is located at 6995 Centerville Road.
• J & K Gohona Corporation will purchase Kelly’s Korner at 7098 Centerville Road on June 15 and must obtain a whole new set of permits on transfer of ownership. The Centennial Lakes Police Department has signed off on the liquor licenses. Following council approval, the new on sale & Sunday liquor licenses will expire on Dec. 31.
• Fete des Lacs is just around the corner, and the Centerville Lions Club is getting all its ducks in a row by applying for the permits needed. Council approved special event, temporary on sale, parks facility usage and gambling permits and waived the application fees. The Lions’ sponsored events will take place from July 15-19 at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park, 6790 LaMotte Drive.
• In her administrator’s report, Lewis noted that:
• The 2025 Main Street Market will take place every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. from July 17 through Aug. 21 at 1721 Westview Street, next to the Centerville Elementary parking lot. To date, the city has 21 vendors participating throughout the market season.
• Annual Cleanup Day is set for 8 a.m. to noon June 14 in the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park parking lot.
• The Centennial Fire District is currently hiring for paid, on-call positions.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.
Loretta Harding
Legion puts on 8th annual motorcycle ride
The American Legion Riders of Post 566 will host their eighth annual Believet Motorcycle Ride on Saturday, June 4. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Kick stands up will be at 11 a.m. and riders will return to the Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566 by 5 p.m. After the ride, enjoy live music performed by Fiddles and Flannels from 7-11 p.m. and drink specials.
For more information, go to linolakeslegion.com. The Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566 is located at 7731 Lake Drive.
CITY BRIEF
Dominoes arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local reservation partner. She is socializing quickly, and has become a very good girl. Dominoes has a high energy level, so a loving and patient owner would be best for her as she continues to develop and become the best she can be. Dominoes is about seven months
old and has so much potential. She’s playful and independent, and she learns very fast. Dominoes is friendly to everyone she meets. She is house-trained and crate-trained. Dominoes likes to play with her toys, and she especially likes to play fetch. Dominoes is an American bulldog/ German shepherd mix and she weighs about 36 pounds. She is a happy young lady and would be a wonderful addition to a loving family home or an active companion.
Rice Creek Watershed District receives water storage grant
The Rice Creek Watershed District is one of six local governments to receive funding from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The BWSR is awarding approximately $3.1 million in water quality and storage program grants for work that improves water quality and helps make landscapes more resilient to severe weather events.
The Minnesota Legislature passed bipartisan legislation in 2021 allocating $2 million to BWSR to develop a water storage program to address these challenges. Last fall, the program received $21 million in regional conservation partnership program support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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If you are interested in learning more about Dominoes 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.
Circle Pines enacts water restrictions through Aug. 31
As part of the city’s water conversation efforts, the city of Circle Pines has adopted an ordinance that regulates daytime sprinkling lawns through Aug. 31.
ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 6/8/2025 Metro
More information about BWSR’s water storage program can be found online at bwsr.state.mn.us/ water-storage-and-climate-resilience.
Residents who have an address that ends in an even number are able to water their lawn on even numbered days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Those who have an address that ends in an odd number can water their lawn on odd numbered days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the city’s website at ci.circle-pines.mn.
MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 6/8/2025 Metro
RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT BRIEF
MOM WALK COLLECTIVE: Mom launches chapter, helps moms feel less isolated
June Walks:
When and Where: Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. June 10 at Lions Volunteer Park in Hugo; another walk is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. June 22 at Waters Edge Community Center.
Details: Join local moms who meet at least two times a month to walk, have coffee and build community. Plan for about 1.5 to two hours. In addition to walking, there will be playtime at the park. Dads and dogs should stay home. Walks are free, but participants should register in advance by visiting https://msha.ke/ themomwalkco.hugo.
Contact: Themomwalkco. hugo@gmail.com
Anoka County Library system accepts multiple
donations
The Anoka County Board of Commissioners has accepted more than $25,000 of donations to the Anoka County Library system from Friends of Anoka County Library, Anoka Women of Today and patrons of the libraries.
Shelter Funding Grant extended to 2026
The shelter funding grant with the Minnesota Department of Human
SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Symbolism of Flag Day
Services has been extended to June 30, 2026, following board approval. In 2018, the Community Social Services and Behavioral Health (CSSBH) Department received approval from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for an annual cost-neutral housing support allocation starting in 2019 to better support people who were experiencing homelessness. The department uses the funds to provide single-adult shelter services through a contract with Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, which operates a 66-bed shelter for adult men and women at its location on Anoka County’s Rum River Human Service Center campus.
Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation’s banner: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” It was proclaimed Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
The 13 stripes symbolize the 13 British colonies that revolted and formed the United States.
The colors on the flag also have symbolic meanings: Red: Represents hardiness and valor.
White: Signifies purity and innocence.
Blue: Symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states of the Union.
If you have a flag, fly it. If your flag is tattered or torn or worn out, please do not fly it. Instead, turn it in at the American Legion Post 168 at 2210 Third Street or the VFW Post 1782 at 4496 Lake Ave. S. in White Bear Lake. The flags will be delivered to the appropriate location and disposed of properly, which is by burning.
On Saturday, June 14 at noon, there will be a flag retirement (burning) ceremony at the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, 11300 180th Street North in Marine on St. Croix. Over 10,000 flags will be retired. If you want to bring your own flag to be retired, the latest time to deliver it is 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will be followed by a potluck lunch. Bring a salad and/or dessert to share.
Contributed by VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary
FROM PAGE 1
When she had her second child, she still felt isolated, but wanted to try to figure out “how to get out of that funk.” She attended a couple of walks in the Andover area and wanted to create an outlet like that for moms a bit closer to this side of town.
“I wanted to provide that for moms that might also be feeling isolated and looking for a village of moms going through the same things that they are going through,” Krueger said.
As an ambassador for TMWC, Krueger has committed to hosting at least two walks a month. The group’s first walk will be June 10. Most of the walks will happen in Hugo, but the group may venture to nearby cities including Lino Lakes and Forest Lake.
Krueger’s hope is that she, and all the moms who participate, find new friendships.
“I’m hoping that I can find some moms who I relate to and can talk to outside of just the walks that we do every month,”
Grant request for development funds approved
The board has approved the 2025 to 2029 consolidated plan and 2025 annual action plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investments Partnerships Program. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the federal government’s primary program for promoting community revitalization. CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to Anoka County.
she explained. “But I also want the moms to be able to find that too. I want them to be able to find somebody that they relate to and can talk to and feel comfortable with … just be able to come together and raise the next generation of kids.”
She’s also hopeful the moms will be able to learn from each other.
“Whether you are a new mom of a 2-week-old, or you’re a mom of a 15-yearold, you’re welcome to come to these walks,” she said. “Being able to get together with moms in different stages of life is very beneficial because you can get new ideas, bounce ideas off of each other, and just learn and see different perspectives of motherhood.”
All of the walks are free. Those who want to stay in the loop with walks should plan to find Krueger’s Facebook page (The Mom Walk Collective Hugo) or Instagram (themomwalkco.hugo).
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
STUDENT NEWS
The following students from the Quad area were named to the dean’s or president’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring 2025:
University of Sioux Falls: Taylor O’Shea, Paige Padilla, Payton Padilla and Alayna Schutte Southern New Hampshire University: Jamani Burks, Noah Oduntan, Abigail Tarnoski and Adrian Xiong
University of Nebraska—Lincoln: Sophia Marie Becker
Buena Vista University: Evan Pearce Champlain College Online: Sarah Swanson Concordia University: Olivia Pyle Milwaukee School of Engineering: Alexandra Howe
The following students recently graduated from a college or university: Coe College: Supy Patel, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration
PUBLIC NOTICES
Hugo mom Nikki Krueger pictured with her sons
Jaxon (left) and Nash.
COUNTY BRIEFS
FLOWER FARM: Offers extensive variety
In her second year, she doubled her subscriptions and added the White Bear Lake Farmers Market, Marketfest and the Mahtomedi Farmers Market with occasional popup events, including at 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood and Humble Roots.
This year, she has started offering fresh bouquets at 350 Degrees Bakery in Mahtomedi and plans a presence at the farmers markets in White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi.
“It is a lot of networking and connecting. There is this whole community of people that I’m becoming a part of. It is really fun,” Kieger explained. “You can’t have a bad day at the farmers market. Even if you don’t sell out, the community is great, the people are great and you are connecting with everybody; everybody so genuinely wants to help everyone else out.”
Backyard Flower Farm LLC is known for its build-your-own bouquets. Her display has 12 bins, all filled with a unique variety of blooms.
“I spend a solid two months figuring out what I’m going to grow the next year, what the varieties are, when they are going to bloom, what color palettes are going to bloom at the same time,” Kieger said. “I have spreadsheets … When everything is blooming that you thought was going to bloom together and it matches, and you make a bouquet, it’s like ‘aaaaaaaaaah.’”
This season, Kieger has 150 varieties of flowers planted at her home on White Bear Avenue.
“What I’ve heard from the flower farm community is you are supposed to narrow down your options. I’m trying to narrow it down … but it’s so hard,” she said.
Because the flowers are locally grown, customers will find flowers that you can’t get from a traditional florist
CONTRIBUTED
Residents can find Backyard Flower Farm LLC at various local farmers markets this summer. Gina Kieger will offer build your own event buckets.
because they don’t ship well.
In the spring, customers can enjoy tulips, anemones, ranunculus and peonies. In the summer, bouquets could include peonies, sunflowers, China asters, zinnias, snapdragons, celosias, gomphrenas, strawflowers, bachelor buttons and cosmos. In the fall, in addition to 10-12 varieties of sunflowers, customers can enjoy Chinese asters, zinnias, lisianthus (prairie gentian), snapdragons, celosias, gomphrenas (globe amaranth), strawflowers, bachelor buttons and cosmos.
“They are going to get garden-style, unique and delicate flowers,” Kieger explained. “It’s all about letting people be creative and have access to pretty, fancy flowers at an everyday price where people can enjoy them, not just for special events.”
For more information on Backyard Flower Farm LLC, visit www. backyardflowerfarmllc.com or find the business on social media.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Music on the Lake returns for summer
Residents should get their lawn chairs, blankets and their favorite snacks ready— Music on the Lake—It’s Golden, co-sponsored by the Centennial Community Education and the city of Circle Pines, is just around the corner.
The popular event is set to return to Golden Lake Park this June.
This year, there will be seven performances in total. Each takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights beginning June 12. The first performance will feature the Centennial Community Band, a 60-member community band that was formed in 2003. Other performances include The Roxxy Hall
Band, The Revolution 5, The Floras, Family DJ Dance Party, Brady Perl and The Salsa del Soul Sextet. Golden Lake Park is located at 53 West Golden Lake Road, Circle Pines. For more information, go to www.ci.circle-pines. mn.us.
Madeline Dolby
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The crowd enjoys a performance by the Centennial Community Band. The band will kick off the summer concert series this year at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Police responded May 28 to a property damage crash at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Woodland Road in Lexington.
• Police responded May 29 to a report of a runaway juvenile in the 0 block of Pleasant View Lane in Circle Pines.
• Officers responded May 29 to a property damage accident that occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road in Centerville. No injuries were reported.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop May 30 in the 7200 block of Main Street in Centerville. A male was arrested on multiple warrants.
• Police found a bicycle May 31 at the intersection of North Road and Lexington Avenue in Circle Pines.
• Police observed suspicious activity June 1 in the 0 block of West Road in Circle Pines.
• Police responded June 2 to a theft report in the 900 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington. The case is currently under investigation.
• Police took possession of two firearms June 3 in the 0 block of School Road in Circle Pines for disposal.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers responded May 27 to a report of a property damage crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of Main Street and Fourth Avenue. Officers determined there were no injuries and both vehicles were towed.
• An officer received a report May 27 regarding the care of a vulnerable adult at an assisted living facility in the 600 block of Marketplace Drive. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers received a report May 27 of an animal attack in the 7700 block of Main Street involving two dogs. Officer investigated and cited an adult male for a city ordinance violation.
• An officer on patrol May 28 was flagged down by a male party who seemed to be in distress at the intersection of Birch Street and Ware Road. The officer spoke with two involved males and determined the incident was civil in nature and the parties agreed to separate.
• An officer received information May 29 of a hacked online account
in the 2100 block of Ada Drive. At the time of the report there was no financial loss.
• Officers responded May 29 to a call of a possible kidnapping involving a minor child in the 7700 block of Main Street. The child was located, and the incident is under investigation.
• Officers responded May 29 to a report of a juvenile who ran from a juvenile facility in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. The juvenile was placed on an emergency transport hold and taken to the hospital.
• Officers responded May 29 to a phone call report of a missing juvenile in the 2100 Johanna Court. The juvenile was located by parents shortly after speaking to officers.
• An officer observed May 29 a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The officer advised the driver to leave the area and the individual moved along without incident.
• An officer stopped a vehicle May 30 for multiple lane violations and a close call with a mailbox in the 7400 block of 20th Avenue. The officer detected signs of impairment on the driver. The driver was ultimately arrested for third-degree DWI.
• Officers responded May 30 to a report of a missing elderly male in the 0 block of Marvy Street. The male was located a short while later and returned to his residence.
• An officer stopped a vehicle May 31 for exceeding the speed limit in the 1500 block of Birch Street. An adult male was ultimately arrested and charged with fourth-degree DWI.
• Officers responded May 31 to a call of a missing vulnerable adult in the 0 block of Marvy Street. Resources from multiple agencies were deployed and the male was found safe and transported to an area hospital.
• An officer responded May 31 to a traffic complaint involving juveniles driving four-wheelers in the 400 block of Lois Lane. The juveniles were identified, and the parents were advised of the complaint.
• An officer took a harassment report May 31 in the 2000 block of Balsam Way. The complainant was given information on how to obtain a harassment restraining order and the suspect was informed to stop contacting the complainant.
• Officers responded May 31 to a twovehicle personal injury crash that occurred at the intersection of I-35W and Lake Drive. Minor injuries
were incurred by one driver, and the other driver was later booked at the Anoka County Jail for criminal vehicular operation.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop June 1 in the 101 block of Ash Street on a vehicle where the registered owner was showing an expired driver’s license. The driver was subsequently arrested for thirddegree DWI and booked at jail.
• An officer responded June 1 to a residence in the 7800 block of Lois Lane where a nearby neighbor was complaining of a dog that was continuously barking. The officer made the homeowners aware of the complaint, who promptly took the dog back inside the residence.
• An officer responded June 1 to a report of an attempted scam in the 6700 block of Timberwolf Trail. No monetary loss was reported and there is no suspect information available at this time.
• Officers responded June 2 to a report of a disorderly adult male at a business in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The male was not charged with a crime, but he was trespassed from the location.
• An officer responded June 2 to a property damage crash involving a garbage truck and a school bus at the intersection of Killdeer Drive and Aspen Lane. There were no injuries reported, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Officers took a phone call report June 2 regarding a possible missing person in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer learned the person had returned home and had been delayed in traffic.
• Officers responded June 2 to an alarm at a business in the 7900 block of Lake Drive. Officers located a male outside of the business and determined no crime had occurred. The male was trespassed from the property and given a courtesy ride to an area service station.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Changes to Minnesota traffic in effect July 1
Beginning on July 1, lane filtering and lane splitting will become legal for motorcyclists on Minnesota roads.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction. Riders will be able to drive between the two lanes at no more than 25 mph. Lane filtering happens when traffic is stopped, and riders can move through no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.
For more information, visit the DPS website at dps.mn.gov/ divisions/ots/safe-drivinginformation-and-laws/mnmotorcycle-safety-center.
School teacher taken into custody for video of minor
On June 2, Blaine Police received a report regarding a Jefferson Elementary school teacher who had possession of a video that showed him pointing a camera up the dress of a minor.
According to the Blaine Police Department, based on images captured in the video, officers were able to identify 56-year-old Jason Allen Bassett of Blaine as the teacher who recorded and possessed the video. Bassett was arrested and formally charged with a gross misdemeanor for interfering with privacy against a minor.
Blaine Police detectives identified the victim and are continuing to analyze evidence to determine if there are additional victims. According to the department, the incident is still under investigation, and currently there is no indication of physical sexual assault.
free White Bear La ke Classic and Vintage Boat Show June 21, 2025. Register today at www.presspubs.com/site/forms/contest/boat_show/ or call 6 51_407_1200
Legacy Endeavors is looking for compassionate, dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our growing team— including a Floater DSP who thrives on variety and flexibility.
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Starting at $18-$21/ hour with generous PTO and 401K. Apply today, simply email or call: Jessica Anderson janderson@ legacyendeavors.com 651-587-8965
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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 ca sh offer and get paid. Get your fair ca sh offer today by calling Liz Buys H ouses: 844/978-06 83
B's Big Annual Garage Sa le MultiFamily Househo ld Goods Home décor Furn, Office Supplies, Leather g oods Craft Supp lies, and so much more June 12th-14th 9a-6p 2559 Sumac Cir, WBL No Ea rly Birdies
Collectib les Sale Toys Beer Coke High value women's clothing & shoes
Garage/Moving sale June 12th- 13th 8a-4p 4989 Turtle Ln W, Shor eview Furniture, glassware, yard&garden tools, housewares, fish hou se an d gas auger antiques and much more
Huge Garage Sale June 12 4-7, June 13 8-3, June 14 8-3 Variety of items from SSTLC members.
Shop inside in A/C! South Sh or e Trinity Lutheran Church 2480 South Shore Blvd, WBL
Multiple Gar. Sale s 4120-4136 Sunflower Cir, Vadnais Hts Wed 6/11-Fri 6/13 8a-5p Furn Tools, Clothes To ys, plus much more
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion.”
Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
Services
Touch Pet Grooming “When Quality and Service Matter” 763 784-4833 TDD 784-0662 Dial 711 for Relay Assistance
Molin
Master Groomer 200 Marian Ct., Circle Pines, MN 55014
Wed & Thurs June 18th & 19th 8a-4p Lo t of women's sweaters, Christmas villages Figurines Pottery, Duck Decoys and more 2557 Manitou Lan e, WBL
FARMLAND & BUILDINGS FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION Seeking MN proper ties fo r sale or lease: Cannabiszo ned farmland (2 2,000+ sq ft). Greenhouses (5,000+ sq ft). Indoor grow bu ildings (5 00020,0 00 sq ft). Licensed dispen sary locations. Open to partne rships experienced farmers, and creative terms. Pr ivate sellers & agents welcome. Fast, serious buyer Brandon 405/8222257 mikkif19@yahoo.com
Living Colors Painting 612-394-8978
Richard, the owner of Living Colors Painting, was born in Marshall, MN. His family moved around quite a bit until they settled down in Woodbury, MN. It was there where he graduated high school and started his first painting job. Being passionate about art, painting came natural to him and was a way he could express his love for art with others. As a young adult, he moved around the United States and even spent 5 years in O’ahu, Hawaii painting. Then he moved back to Minnesota where he now lives in White Bear Lake. He has been painting for over 35 years and enjoys painting for local customers. He also loves pets, particularly dogs and cats, and has been known to bring treats along with him to jobs. In his free time, he loves to hike, travel to Hawaii, garden, and collect rocks and crystals.
S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Cougar baseball honors, leaders listed
Centennial baseball had two players named to the all-Northwest Suburban Conference team after an 11-12 season.
Tommy Meyer, junior pitcher, threw 41 innings with a 4-2 record, two saves, 36 strikeouts and an 0.63 earned run average. Calvin Coppersmith, junior outfielder, hit .384, seven of 28 hits for extra bases, scored 24 runs and was 25-for-25 on steals.
Honorable mentions went to senior Ben Clauson (.311, 18 hits, 12 RBI’s), senior Jake Hosfield (.320, 16 hits, 12
RBI’s, 15 1/3 innings, 2.74 ERA) and sophomore Jaden Anderson (.276, 16 hits, five for extra bases, 33 innings, 4-1 record, 2.50 ERA).
Three Cougars were named to the all-Section 5AAAA team: Meyer, (seven innings, six strikeouts, no earned runs), Hosfield (4-for-11, two RBI’s, six strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings pitched) and sophomore Nolan Border (4-for-12, three RBI’s).
Bruce Strand
CONTRIBUTED
Brady Zins spotted his ball near the cup on the way to a 77-72-149 in the section meet.
Zins in state tournament
Brady Zins, Centennial sophomore, played his best golf of the season at Section 5AAA and earned a spot in the state tournament being held Tuesday and Wednesday at Bunker Hills. Zins opened with a 77, tying his season best, and closed with a par 72, for a 149 total, tying for fifth place, May 27 and 29, at Bunker Hills. In conference play, Zins shot 77 twice, 78, 79 twice and 80.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Calvin Coppersmith
Centennial Baseball June 10, 2025
Coppersmith also stole 25 bases without being thrown out. A defensive back on the football team, he logged 47 tackles, three pass breakups and one sack.
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
Large Cougar delegation in state track this week
Thirteen Centennial athletes will compete in the state track meet this week after qualifying in the Section 7AAA meet. Action for Class 3A at St. Michael-Albertville will be held Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. each day.
Cougar girls in the state meet are Reginae Tandoh in the 100 and 200 dash, Lauren Klein in the 800 run, Kylie Nelson in the 1600 and 3200 run and Hailey
Peterson in high jump.
The 3200 and high jump finals will be Tuesday, along with preliminaries for the 100, 200 and 800. The 1600 finals will be Thursday.
Cougar boys in the state meet are Gavin Moore in the 200 dash, Tristan Hanson in high jump and Owen Carter in discus, along with two relay teams: Maxwell Johnson, Cole Nelson,
Trystan Green and Liban Ahmed in the 4x400, and Green, Gamada Bullo, Hamada Gelgelu and Moore in the 4x200. The high jump and discus will be held Thursday. The other qualifiers have prelims on Tuesday to try reach finals Thursday.
Bruce Strand
PHOTOS BY JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Sprinters Gavin Moore and Reginae Tandoh are among 13 Cougar athletes who qualified for the state meet.
Calvin Coppersmith, junior outfielder, was the leading hitter on the Cougar baseball team, rapping 28 hits (seven for extra bases) in 21 games for a .384 average, while scoring 25 runs and driving home nine runs.
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Senior Ben Clauson (35) is an all-Northwest Suburban Conference team honorable mention.
• Andy Hering, from Redpath and Company, presented the 2024 audit report to the council. The city has received an unmodified, or clean, opinion on its audit. Hering noted that the city has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellent Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its 2023 annual comprehensive financial report. The city has received this award each year since 1995.
• Community Development Director Michael Grochala provided the council with an update regarding the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) joint power agreement (JPA) amendments. VLAWMO, which covers a portion of southeastern Lino Lakes, is working to update its JPA in conjunction with its work to develop the organization’s 20272036 watershed plan. The water
SP TTED
AROUND TOWN
management organization covers 24.2 square miles of watershed in the cities of North Oaks, White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights, Lino Lakes and White Bear Township. The current agreement expires next year.
VLAWMO staff and attorney have undertaken a review to update the document and better align it with operations. Updates to the document would include clarifications for deadlines, updates to specific language and more.
• Grochala also provided the council with an update regarding efforts toward development of a water and sewer JPA with White Bear Township and the city of North Oaks. The city proposes to serve the Wilkinson Waters development, located in the northwest quadrant of Centerville Road and County Road J, through White Bear Township utility systems. A JPA would secure access to these utilities.
• City Clerk Roberta Colotti presented a draft amendment to the rules of decorum to the City Council for review. The draft provided clarification on the receipt and review of written public comment, handouts presented during the public comment period and display of signs and apparel with messaging applicable to current city business. The draft amendment will be brought back during a regular meeting in June for formal action.
• Council Member Dale Stoesz announced that he will attend the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference at the end of June.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 23, at City Hall followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Madeline Dolby
Carrier of the Month
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
CONTRIBUTED
This map shows the proposed White Bear Township service area. White Bear Township would provide water and sewer utilities to the Wilkinson Waters development if a joint powers agreement is finalized.
1. A yellow warbler is spotted near Peltier Lake Dam in Lino Lakes. — LeAnn Michael, contributed.
2. This green heron is unfamiliar to many. Lino Lakes resident LeAnn Michael has been able to observe them often and can recognize their call. — LeAnn Michael, contributed.
3. Lino Lakes Ambassadors Amelia Patterson (left) and Emily Black (right) attended SOAR Outdoor Day at Blue Heron Elementary, where students participated in a variety of outdoor activities. — Contributed.
4. Students at the Lino Lakes Elementary STEM School had the chance to pick their own color hat and decorate it during a schoolwide outside day. The hats were provided by the Lino Lakes Elementary STEM School PTO. — Contributed.
