Quad Community Press by Press Publications

County prepares to take the plunge

funds for Special Olympics. At the time of Press deadlines, the plunge has been able to raise approximately $2.4 million. The Anoka County Polar Plunge is scheduled to begin at noon. The last call for plungers will be 1:30 p.m. Lakeside Commons Park is located at 3020 Lake Pkwy.

By the numbers: A look at Police Department activity

BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR

LINO LAKES — In 2025, the Lino Lakes Police Department saw a slight increase in cases alongside a year of growth and transformation.

Lino Lakes Chief of Police Curt Boehme provided the Lino Lakes City Council and city staff with a recap of what 2025 looked like for the department at a recent work session.

According to Boehme, the police department is authorized for 29 sworn staff members and nine civilian staff members. Currently, there are 25 sworn staff members. Boehme said this number can be misleading because three officers are currently in training, two are on family leave, one officer was recently authorized to join the department and one is on leave.

Four volunteer groups help support the department. These groups include the Chaplain Program, Reserve Program, Explorer Program and the Trail Watch Program (See pullout box for more information.) Boehme said over the last five years, these volunteer groups have collectively donated an average of 2,512 hours per year of volunteer service.

SEE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECAP, PAGE 10

Reimagining Nelson Rehbein property: New concept plan proposed

BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR

LINO LAKES — Eightysix housing units have been proposed by Twin Cities Land

Holding to be built on a parcel located in the southwest quadrant of 20th Ave. S. and Cedar Street. The residential development is being called Harvest Grange.

The Planning and Zoning Board, as well as the City Council, reviewed a concept plan for this project last summer. At the time, it was known as the Nelson Rehbein Property and called for 90

housing units, 38 single-family lots and 52 townhomes (See “Residential development proposes 90 units,” Quad Community Press, June 11, 2025.)

Now Twin Cities Land Holding has submitted a revised preliminary plat for the site along with a request to rezone the property from R, Rural to R2, Two-Family Residential, and R3, MediumDensity Residential.

According to City Planner Katie Larsen, Harvest Grange will consist of 31 single-family homes on 60-foot-wide lots and 55 townhomes.

The site consists of three existing parcels. Larsen said the 11-acre parcel, owned by James and Kathleen Nelson, contains an existing house and accessory structure. The Rehbein parcels have been used for agricultural purposes. There is roughly 45% of open space throughout the development.

“We have three outlots on site, A, B and C. (Outlot) A and B will be owned and maintained by the HOA (Homeowners Association), and then Outlot C will be owned and maintained by the city,” she added. Per the city’s 2040

Comprehensive Plan, the 25-acre site is guided mediumdensity residential, which requires 4.0-6.0 units per net acre. “They are at 4.69 (units per acre), which is consistent with the density requirements,” Larsen said. Right now, 20th Ave. S. is planned to be a minor arterial reliever road. Street A, which will be within the development, will be a right in/right out only. Another street, Street C, will be private for townhome residents. A future connection to 6795 20th Avenue is also shown in the plan. A traffic study was

prepared by Transportation Collaborative and Consultants. The study area included the intersections of 20th Avenue and Cedar Street, 20th Avenue and Red Oak Lane and 20th Avenue and Birch Street. Per the study, the development is expected to generate 48 a.m. peak-hour trips and 57 p.m. peak-hour trips. The total daily trip generation is 644. According to Larsen, the proposed level of service (LOS) does not degrade by more than one LOS, which is not considered significant.

SEE HARVEST GRANGE, PAGE 6

Hugo American Legion Post 620: Community hub honored for quality and heart

BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For the Hugo American Legion Post 620, the Best of the Press recognition isn’t just about food — it’s about community.

“We’ve spent the last year and a half building our staff and promoting consistency and quality,” said Club Manager Marcy Brake. “It’s recognition of the effort that we’ve put in, and it’s a big deal to us because we’ve been working very hard at it.”

Post 620 rose to the top as a winner in 13 categories for the 2025 Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Best of the Press Contest in The Citizen market. Since Fish Fry season, it’s important to mention that the Legion rose to the top of the Fish Fry category with its Friday special. All year round, not just during Lent, customers can enjoy crispy Bluegill filets.

“It’s not heavily breaded. We dredge and season in in house and then serve it with our award-winning fries, tartar sauce and a lemon wedge,” Brake detailed.

At the heart of Post 620’s success is a simple philosophy: everyone is welcome. Staff members pride themselves on making the Legion not just a gathering space for veterans, but a place for all community members to share a meal, catch up with friends and enjoy the familiar comfort of good service.

“All are welcome. Everyone deserves a good meal and a place to commune together,”

The Citizen Readers’ Choice 2025 Best of the Press categories won:

• Best Fish Fry

• Best Appetizer

• Best Appetizer Selection

• Best Bar

• Best Cheese Curds

• Best French Fries

• Best Hamburger

• Best Happy Hour

• Best Lunch

• Best Salad

• Best BartenderCarley Brake

• Best Server - Brittany Viskoe

Brake said, adding that the Legion frequently donates food to a contact who provides it to the homeless.

Kitchen Manager Janel Marier said community connection is central to what sets the Legion apart. The team regularly interacts with guests, listens closely to feedback and tailors offerings to what customers are looking for. From providing samples to mingling with regulars, their focus is on engagement and genuine hospitality. That community-first approach is reflected in their expanding menu. The Legion recently introduced a new lineup that’s already gaining fans — including a raspberry cream cheese and jalapeño jelly hamburger that’s turning heads, and a comforting beef stroganoff that’s quickly become a favorite. “We just released a

new menu, and both of those items are part of it,” Marier noted. “We’ve also started serving breakfast every Sunday starting at 10 a.m.” Beyond the menu, Post 620 continues to build on its reputation as a lively community hub. The banquet hall is busier than ever, hosting events from bourbon tastings to Halloween parties and even NFL “Salute to

Service” gatherings with the Minnesota Vikings. The Legion also regularly welcomes live music acts like Hollywood Avenue and looks forward to its annual Rib Contest in April, part of the national American Legion Family Day celebration. Brake says local contests like Best of the Press help spotlight businesses that people might not have

discovered otherwise. “It’s really important for bringing awareness to the community,” she said. “It’s good marketing, and helps people realize there are great places right in their own backyard.”

Shivam Vashishtha is a contributing writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at news@presspubs.com.

The Hugo Legion rose to the top of the Fish Fry category with its Friday special. All year round, not just during Lent, customers can enjoy crispy Bluegill filets.

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

WINTERFEST

When: Friday, Feb. 13- Sunday, Feb. 22

Where: Throughout Quad community

Details: Wide range of activities to get residents outside and support local businesses. Contact: centennialareachamber.com

CURRENT EVENTS

INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17

Where: Shoreview Community Center, Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Features local produce and handcrafted artisan items.

Contact: shoreviewmn.gov

LUNCH & LEARN: FIND YOUR COHESIVE AND MEMORABLE MESSAGE

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19

Where: Renstrom Dental Lab, 7455 Village Drive,

POLITICAL BRIEF

Circle Pines looks to fill council

seat

The Circle Pines City Council is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the City Council. The council term will end on Dec. 31, 2027. Meetings typically take place at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Interested individuals should fill out an application and return it to City Hall by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. Applications can be found on the city website at circlepinesmn.gov or at City Hall, 200 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines.

Lino Lakes

Details: Jenna Redfield, a Minneapolis-based marketing strategist and founder of multiple businesses, will help business owners create clear, scalable workflows and content creation.

Contact: centennialareachamber.com

WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING

When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Explore the landscape with a certified wildlife tracker and learn how to distinguish tracks of local wildlife. Registration online.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

CENTERVILLE LIONS 41ST ANNUAL ICE FISHING CONTEST

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21

Where: Centerville Lake

Details: Bring your friends, family and fishing gear for a day on the ice while supporting local Lions projects. Ticket sales starts at 9 a.m. The contest takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a raffle, food and goody bags for kids.

Contact: Centerville Lions Facebook page

CHART TOPPERS & SHOWSTOPPERS! FROM BROADWAY TO BILLBOARD

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Smash hits from Broadway musicals presented by James Rocco & friends. Ticket information online.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

ADAPTIVE SNOWSHOEING

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Scout in Troop 692 reaches title of Eagle Scout

Brennan Nielson has received the title of Eagle Scout. Nielson is a part of Boy Scout Troop 692, which meets at St. Mark Church in Circle Pines and is chartered to Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566. The troop was founded in June 1992. It went away for a few years and came back in 2015.

Troop 692 Scouts serve the community by volunteering their time and skills at a variety of community events. They practice leadership by serving in leadership roles in the troop and the Order of the Arrow, and by attending outside leadership training such as Grey Wolf.

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: This adaptive snowshoeing hike will allow participants with physical and cognitive disabilities, and their families, to get out on snowshoes and enjoy a beautiful winter day. Register through Anoka County Parks. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Game

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20

Where: Rink #1/ Blaine Super Rink, 1850 150th St. NE, in Blaine Details: Tenth annual Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game benefitting The Front Line Foundation. Local law enforcements officers versus firefighters in a regulation hockey game. Contact: www.gnhnow.com

Celebrate Mass with us!

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

OPINION

Road rules

There is a section of a road I frequently travel on where I’m beginning to wonder if it’s going to take a serious injury or death before any changes are made. It’s a moderately busy road with a speed limit of 40 mph that intersects a branch of the popular Gateway Trail that crosses through a few of the communities in our coverage area. There are relatively unobtrusive signs that indicate to motorists that there is a trail crossing. These signs give drivers a notice but, to my understanding, they still allow motor vehicles the right of way at this crossing. On the other side of the equation, I also bicycle on the trail, which in my opinion is one of the nicest in the area, so I’m keenly aware that there are stop signs on the trail at this road crossing. When I’m on my bicycle I stop at these signs, look both ways — just like my mother taught me all those years ago — and cross when it’s clear. Unfortunately, many of the bicyclists who use this trail appear to view these stop signs as mere suggestions or don’t even seem to see them at all. I’ve witnessed all sorts of variations of confusion and potential danger at this crossing, ranging from large groups of cyclists speeding across the road without even slowing down, to a confusing mix of cars and bicyclists, some stopping, some rolling forward, each either questioning or believing that they have the right of way and are properly following the law. Whether driving a car or biking, I choose to deal with this intersection with heightened awareness and caution. Things have been pretty quiet over the winter, but now that the days are getting longer and spring is getting closer, there’s sure to be an uptick of traffic on all of the interconnected roads and trails in our communities including Lino Lakes and Circle Pines.

Trail safety resources

The simple pleasures of riding a bike and walking outside are definitely among the activities we can look forward to as spring approaches and it never hurts to revisit some of the fundamentals of safe and courteous trail behavior. A good local source of information is the lakelinks.net website. According to the website, The Lake Links Association is a citizen-led nonprofit organization promoting safe routes for active mobility through the communities surrounding White Bear Lake and beyond through advocacy, action, education and collaboration. A number of essential area trail corridors, including the Gateway and Highways 96 and 12, come together in White Bear Lake. Of the eight corridors, The White Bear Lake trail corridor is the single most complex. To navigate the completion of a trail around White Bear Lake, the cooperation of five communities, two counties and a state agency (MNDOT) were needed. Over years of effort, the Lake Links organization has helped move forward impressive progress on the route around the lake, but negotiations concerning a couple of challenging pinch points are still in progress. The information found at lakelinks.net includes route maps, trail etiquette on shared-use paths and safety tips. Board member Mike Brooks has also helped clarify issues concerning Minnesota bike laws and safe trail behavior with columns and letters to the editor he has contributed to the Press.

The rules of the road might also be used in an allegorical sense to help emphasize that it’s in all of our best interests to know and understand the laws and rights that have been enacted over time to help maintain order and keep us all safe. Unfortunately, we’re currently witnessing the chaos, confusion, fear and negative consequences that can result when laws and rights are misunderstood or, at worst, flagrantly and deliberately ignored.

Paul Dols is the photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications.

Anoka County Master Gardener plant sale

EGardener’s Grapevine Dawn Bryant

ach year in May a thousand or more people descend on the Anoka County Fairgrounds for the Anoka County Master Gardeners plant sale. For the Anoka County Master Gardeners, this is one of the highlights of our year! We love meeting the gardeners who join us for the sale. Many say they would never miss it. The planning for the sale starts in part a month or so after the current one ends, with a meeting about what went well or not and suggested improvements.

Our plant sale committee has multiple goals. First, we want to bring neonic-free quality plants to our shoppers. Neonic-free plants ensure we are not harming our crucial pollinators and that the customer is buying chemical-free plants including annuals, perennials and vegetables. We carry a wide selection of native plants which are also

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beneficial to support our pollinators. To that end, we obtain most of our plants from a local certified neonic-free grower. This first step is completed the fall before the sale, deciding what and how much of each plant to order. In the spring, more plants are divided, washed and donated by master gardeners. I do not know any master gardener who uses neonics in their gardens so that is not much of a risk.

For our second goal, we want to provide answers to our customers about the care and choice of their plants. This is why the plant sale is totally staffed by Anoka County Extension Master Gardeners who are ready and willing to help with selecting plants and answering questions. Each person may not know everything but if one does not know the answer, another one will.

Our third goal is to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience at the sale. This is a delicate balance of having enough plants and enough space since we cannot enlarge the building; ensuring the traffic can flow through, that we have enough volunteers to help customers and that the checkout goes smoothly. This is also the only event where

most of the Master Gardeners can work together, including our new interns, which creates new bonds and strengthens us as a team. Each year we review all these things, and then spend fall through spring planning, organizing, and implementing changes needed to make it the best it can be. This year we are expanding our holding area and will continue to have tables to set plants on while waiting in line. If we do these first three things well, we should meet our fourth goal which is to raise the critical funds needed to support our program. Funds raised by the plant sale enables us to continue providing the public with quality programs like the plant diagnostic clinics, ask a master gardener booths, speaking engagements, giving gardens for local food shelves and more.

This year our plant sale will be held on May 12, and we hope you will pencil this in on your calendar and come to see us! We would love to see you!

Dawn Bryant is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

• 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.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

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• 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.

Angle of View

Paul Dols

Election has brought chaos

Soon after Trump was reelected as president, the Quad Press included my brief letter to the editor. It included my view that his election brought chaos. Wow. We all now know how infinitely I understated that! As no doubt virtually all Press Publications readers now know, this immense and ever-increasing chaos is driven by his readily apparent desire to be an unbridled, unlawful dictator. This is supported by how he successfully has stacked the Cabinet and related support staff with sycophants. These include his attorney general, Pam Bondi, who, for

• Jaxon Johnson, Kaleb Paehlke, Kyle Fleury, Brandon Deutsch, Breyden Kaeding and Edward Enriquez have taken their ceremonial oath of office to join the Lino Lakes Fire Department. Johnson and Paehlke will join the department as duty crew firefighters. Fleury, Deutsch, Kaeding and Enriquez join the department as paid-on call firefighters. Mayor Rob Rafferty administered the oath of office to all six firefighters.

• The council approved the appointment of Nathan Tarr to the Lino Lakes Fire Department as a paid-on call firefighter. Tarr would be located at Fire Station 2. Currently, the city has 13 firefighters at Station 1 and 15 firefighters at Station 2. Tarr will be paid $23.11 an hour, which is the starting rate of pay for the position. He will be eligible for a rate increase upon completion of five years of service and will be eligible for an annual cost of living adjustment as well.

• Sen. Heather Gustafson (District 36) provided a legislative update to the council. She said that going into this legislative session, public safety remains her top priority. In 2023, Gustafson said her bill to give $300 million to public safety went through. From that bill, Lino Lakes received approximately $929,300. The funds are locally controlled, which Gustafson said means the city spends the money how it sees fit. Gustafson said another

example, is attacking Minnesota via directly going after Gov. Walz. Yes, I do view some things the president and Congress have done, so far, as good news.

Overall, this Administration is terribly frightening! I trust most readers are on the same page. Will our democracy survive, even close to what it was before? Only we voters can achieve that! Thank you.

Jim Cox Circle Pines

Bus Driver Appreciation Day

February 18 is Minnesota School Bus Driver Appreciation Day –an opportunity to celebrate the hardworking men and women who make a difference in our community every single day. They offer the first smile that sets the tone for countless children long before the first bell rings, and most importantly, they’re responsible for safe transportation to and from school each day.

I’d like to thank the thousands of school bus drivers across our state and all of our drivers at Rehbein Transit for their commitment to safety and service.

I also encourage my fellow community members to show their appreciation, and there’s no better way than staying attentive behind the wheel and following the rules of the road.

Whether it’s a bus driver braving sub-zero temperatures for an early morning safety inspection or fellow motorists keeping a safe distance and stopping appropriately, we all have a part to play in helping children get to school and back home safely.

LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

item that will be discussed during the session is a property tax relief legislation, which will lower the property taxes for anyone who’s seen a drastic increase. Gustafson explained that homeowners who have seen a specific percentage increase in their property taxes will be eligible for a tax refund.

• North Valley Inc. will be responsible for the city’s 2026 street rehabilitation project after the council accepted its base bid of approximately $882,175 and bid alternate amounts totaling around $154,607, for total project costs of roughly $1.036 million. The project includes approximately 1.5 miles of mill and overlay on Country Lakes Drive, Deerwood Lane and Fawn Lane (north of Birch Street), Lonesome Pine Trail, Fourth Avenue from Lilac Street to Apollo Drive and Terra Court and Lea Court and the cul de sac of Heather Court and Meadow Court. Funding for the project is through the pavement management fund and water operating fund. The council also approved a construction services contract with WSB for the 2026 rehabilitation project in the amount of $86,000. According to City Engineer Diane Hankee, the project will start in April or May 2026, and the final completion date for the project is Aug. 31, 2026.

No. 1 will cover cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete and structural steel. According to the staff report, the estimate for this package is approximately $7.4 million. The project will be funded through the issuance of EDA lease revenue bonds supported by the building facilities fund, sewer and water operating funds and area unit fund. Bids will be opened on March 12 and are expected to be considered by the City Council for award on March 23. Subsequent bid packages including demolition, site work, assembly and utilities, are expected in March. The estimated total project cost is around $31 million, including contingency, design and utilities. Construction is expected to be in May and be completed by October 2027.

• Council approved Chad Wagner’s appointment to the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Wagner will serve on the committee until Dec. 31, 2027.

The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, followed by a regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

• Karner Blue Education Center will hold its annual track and field day at Memorial Park on Friday, May 22, following council approval. The backup day for the event will be Friday, May 29.

• Council approved a special event permit submitted by City Heat Charities to use Cowboy’s Saloon on June 7 for a fundraising event.

• The council will discuss applications for the vacant council member position during the next City Council meeting, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 19.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at City Hall.

• Council authorized city staff to advertise for bids for the 2026 Public Works Building Bid Package No.1. Bid package

Tyler Olson Rehbein Transit Circle Pines

Hannah Testa

Madeline Dolby

LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

HARVEST GRANGE: New concept plan moves forward

Larsen noted that the city’s water system has pumping capacity to supply the proposed development and the projected use falls within the city’s available firm capacity.

Resident Rick Pike, who lives in the Nadeau Acres neighborhood located south of the proposed development, said he is not fully opposed to the new development but did have some concerns.

“In the Nadeau Acres neighborhood alone, there is over 100 kids under the age of 18. We have no access to any trails or any parks,” Pike said. “I don’t like hearing we aren’t talking about putting in trails, we aren’t talking about putting in parks.”

Other residents within the

Nadeau Acres neighborhood also said they would like to see trails and a park added for their young children to utilize. A few residents expressed concerns about traffic on 20th Avenue and pedestrian safety.

“Twentieth Avenue is extremely dangerous. It’s a 50-mile-per-hour speed limit, (which) seems reasonable until it’s nighttime, it’s raining, people are speeding,” Grace Chiakowski said. “I recommend lowering the speed limit to 45 miles per hour and adding speed limit signs through Nadeau Acres and the new development.”

Kyle Vadner shared his thoughts about the level of traffic, too.

“The traffic on that road is insane. When my 4-year-old is

asking me to go to the park (in the North Pointe neighborhood), we have to play ‘Frogger’ to try and get across. It’s kind of concerning,” he said.

Board Chair Michael Root said that ultimately, the city’s Park Board determines what parkland is going to be developed and the timing of it. Community Development Director Michael Grochala added that parks are constructed based on development.

“When we look at the development of parks, we look at a neighborhood service area. Our intent is to keep everybody within at least a half mile of a neighborhood park,” Grochala said. “When you look at where the location of this park is for this side of the area, it’s centrally located, so it’s between Centerville Road, 20th Avenue and Birch Street.”

With regard to improving traffic safety in the area, Grochala said neighborhood residents would have to approach the council asking for safety improvements. From there, the council would need to take some action to direct city staff to approach Anoka County.

“The county is not going to do it on their own unless there is a commitment from the local community to show they want it done,” he said. “That would be the start. It doesn’t guarantee anything, though.”

Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

COUNTY BRIEF

Construct Tomorrow hiring event takes place Feb. 24

The Anoka County Job Training Center (JTC) and Career Tomorrow invites students to discover a wide variety of industries, innovations and career opportunities from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

At the event, students can use real tools in hands-on activities across multiple trades, meet diverse professionals working in highdemand, high-reward careers, and learn about competitive wages, benefits and apprenticeship pathways.

Other event partners include Anoka Technical College, Anoka/ Hennepin-Carver counties, Ramsey, Dakota/ Scott counties, the city of Minneapolis and Washington County.

Interested students should coordinate through their school counselor’s office. Homeschool students can register as a school name or call the JTC Center at 763-324-2300. Visit the Construct Tomorrow website for more information.

CITY BRIEF

Centerville holds open house Feb. 25

The city of Centerville will hold an open house from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Centerville City Hall for residents, property owners and visitors to provide their feedback on the future vision for Downtown Centerville.

Residents can either attend the open house in person or provide their feedback through an online survey, surveymonkey.com/r/ DowntownCenterville. For questions about the downtown study, contact City Administrator Athanasia Lewis at alewis@centervillemn.com or 651-429-3232. Centerville City Hall is located at 1880 Main St.

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CONTRIBUTED

The Harvest Grange residential development is proposed to be built in the southwest quadrant of 20th Ave. S. and Cedar Street. It would encompass roughly 26 gross acres and 86 housing units.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Officers were dispatched Feb. 4 to a report of suspicious activity in the area of Village Parkway and Heritage Trail in Circle Pines.

• Police were dispatched Feb. 4 on reports of a runaway juvenile in the area of East Golden Lake Road in Circle Pines.

• Officers were dispatched Feb. 5 to a motor vehicle accident in the 200 block of Twilite Terrace in Circle Pines.

• Officers responded Feb. 6 to a phone call fraud report in the area of Circle Drive in Circle Pines.

• Officers were dispatched Feb. 6 to a report of suspicious activity in the 100 block of Civic Heights Drive in Circle Pines.

• Officers initiated a traffic stop Feb. 7 near 20th Avenue and Willow Circle in Centerville after observing a violation. The driver was cited on scene.

• Police took a phone call Feb. 7 regarding theft from a motor vehicle in the 700 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines.

• Police responded Feb. 8 to a twovehicle property damage accident

near Hamline Avenue and Centerwood Road in Lexington. No injuries were reported.

• An officer initiated a traffic stop Feb. 8 near Main Street and Lakeland Circle in Centerville. The driver was found to be driving after revocation and received a citation.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Officers responded Feb. 2 to a report of a disorderly juvenile female in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. Officers investigated and ultimately charged the female with disorderly conduct.

• Officers responded Feb. 2 to a delayed report of a burglary at a business in the 6500 block of Ware Road. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded Feb. 2 to a report of solicitors in the 800 block of James Street. The officer contacted the solicitors and requested they leave the area until they acquired a permit to solicit.

• Officers responded Feb. 2 to a possible theft in progress in the area of Lotus Lane and Mille Lacs Lane. Officers investigated and determined that no theft occurred.

• While on patrol Feb. 2, an officer

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

stopped a vehicle in the 1200 block of Main Street for a traffic violation. An adult male was subsequently arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer and fire personnel responded Feb. 3 to a large, contained fire in the 7400 block of Lake Drive. The fire department put the fire out and the homeowner was advised of the city ordinances regulating fire.

• Officers responded Feb. 3 to a report of theft at a local business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The unknown suspects were gone when the officer arrived, and the merchandise was recovered by employees.

• An officer responded Feb. 3 to a report of theft at a local residence in the 2100 block of 64th Street. The investigation is ongoing.

• While on patrol Feb. 3, an officer stopped a vehicle in the 7500 block of Lake Drive for speeding and subsequently arrested the driver for fourth-degree DWI.

• Officers responded Feb. 4 to a theft at a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. After investigating, the suspect was charged with theft and was trespassed from the property.

• An officer responded Feb. 6 to a fraud report in the 7900 block of Marilyn Drive. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded Feb. 6 to a two-

vehicle accident in a store parking lot in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. No tows were needed and the incident was documented for the vehicle owners.

• An officer responded Feb. 7 to a complaint of a male dumping items in a dumpster in the 6900 block of Lake Drive. The male was contacted and agreed to work with the business owner for the removal of the items.

• An officer took a report Feb. 7 regarding possible drug activity at a residence in the 600 block of Prairie Flower Road. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer was dispatched Feb. 7 to a delayed report of a motor vehicle property damage accident in the 6400 block of Ojibway Path. The officer documented the incident and the party involved was provided with a case number.

• Officers attempted Feb. 8 to arrest a male at a residence in the 8000 block of Lake Drive who had a warrant. The male was not located at the residence.

• While on patrol Feb. 8, an officer stopped a vehicle in the 7900 block of Lake Drive for a traffic violation and subsequently arrested the driver for second-degree DWI.

Prince is a 1 1/2-year-old pit bull terrier/Labrador retriever mix. The 62-pounder is a sweet, easy-going boy who enjoys walks and spending time outside. Prince would definitely do best in a loving forever home with a secure, fenced yard. Prince is crate-trained but truly enjoys spending time out-and-about with his people. He enjoys snuggling on the couch and he spending time with his foster’s resident cat. Prince is social with other animals and he is friendly to everyone he meets. Prince arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local shelter. He is house-trained, knows his basic commands and has good manners. He is affectionate, intelligent, eager to please and even-tempered. Besides exploring in his backyard and going for walks, Prince enjoys car rides and playing with his toys. Prince is a wonderful companion who is eager to please and will bring joy to a loving forever family. If you are interested in learning more about Prince or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Commissioners approves contract with crime reduction unit

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners has approved a three-year contact with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Violent Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU). The VCRU aids in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of violent crimes, including murder and assaults, the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms, carjacking and other violent crimes.

Lexington enters into emergency service agreement with Hugo

The city of Hugo and the city of Lexington have entered into an emergency service agreement to make fire department equipment, personnel and other resources available to both departments. Per the agreement, whenever, in the opinion of the requesting official, there is a need for assistance from the other party, the requesting official may call upon the responding official to

furnish assistance. No charges will be levied for assistance unless it continues for more than 12 hours. Time beyond 12 hours will be billed by the responding department according to the rate schedule as established by the Capital City Mutual Aid Association.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new K-9 partner

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office has expanded its victim support services by adding facility dog Sedona, a 3-year-old yellow Lab/golden retriever, to the team. Sedona has been provided and trained by Can Do Canines to use specific skills to give comfort and support to victims who are experiencing difficult situations.

“Comprehensive law enforcement requires that we provide effective support to victims and those who are experiencing distressing circumstances. The addition of Sedona will help those needing to revisit traumatic experiences to reduce anxiety and build trust with staff,” Sheriff Brad Wise

said. “Ultimately, by continuing to forge trusting relationships between our office and victims, we can not only bring those who do harm to justice but help provide some closure for those who were harmed.”

Sedona will work closely with handler Victim Advocate Tristin Gillespie and Detective Troy Edmond with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | CONTRIBUTED Sedona, a 3-year-old yellow Lab/golden retriever, will join the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. She will provide victim support services for those experiencing difficult situations.

WEEKLY WAG

CLASSIFIEDS

Seasonal Maintenance Worker

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day).

Salary range from $18 to $21/ hour, depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship. org. Application deadline: Open until positions are filled.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

SEASONAL FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT

MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $18.00/hr. to $20.00/ hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www. mahtomedimn.gov. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MAHTOMEDI VOLUNTEER FOR CITY COMMISSIONS

The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on advisory commissions. Openings for three-year appointments exist on the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental and Finance Commission. The Commissions serve as advisory bodies making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.

If you are interested in serving the community in any of these capacities, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344 for an application form. Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.mahtomedimn.gov. Applications will be taken through March 2, 2026.

JERENE ROGERS CITY CLERK

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POLICE DEPARTMENT RECAP: Recommendations to be achieved in the future

FROM PAGE 1

A deep dive into the numbers

In 2025, 12,368 total cases were generated, representing an approximately 1% increase compared to the five-year annual average of 12,254. Of those 12,254 cases, 1,433 were medical incidents.

“One of the most common calls we respond to are medicals. There has been a pretty steady increase in the number of medical calls we respond to. This last year, they were up roughly 33%,” Boehme said.

The department saw an increase in traffic stops and motor vehicle crashes. In 2025, officers conducted 4,516 traffic stops, roughly 12% above the department’s five-year annual average of 4,029. Traffic-related citations numbered 1,247, representing a 16.9% increase over the average of 1,060.

Last year, the department responded to 299 motor vehicle crashes. This is a 14.8% increase over the five-year annual average of 261. In his report, Boehme said motor vehicle crashes result in property damage, injuries and loss of life, and have lasting impacts on those involved. For these reasons, traffic safety remains a priority for the department.

In the future, Boehme said the department will continue to monitor shoplifting-related offenses. In 2025, there were 62 shoplifting-related offenses, a 55% increase. Over the last five years, on average, the department handled only 50 shoplifting-related cases each year.

While case numbers may have increased, Boehme said

responses times have decreased by approximately four seconds.

The average response time in 2025 was 6 minutes and 22 seconds. The department also saw a decrease in business checks when compared to the last five years.

The Lino Lakes Police Department participates in the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to calculate and report crime statistics. Under NIBRS, offenses are categorized into two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A offenses are classified as crimes against persons, property and society. Group B focuses on arrest data for targeted offenses such as disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, nonviolent family offenses and more.

“In both categories, our number of criminal offenses are on the decline. In 2025, we had 325 (Group A) offenses. This was a reduction of 34% below the five-year average,” Boehme said. In 2025, the department had 311 Group B offenses, which was 24% below the fiveyear average.

Boehme compared crime in Lino Lakes with that of similarly sized communities in the north metro.

Among cities such as Champlin, Hastings, Forest Lake, New Brighton, and White Bear Lake, Lino Lakes reports lower crime rates.

“In each of these communities, crime is trending downwards,” Boehme added. “There is basically a nationwide trend that crime is on the decrease.”

What’s next for the department

Within the next few weeks, five officers will return to the department.

The three officers currently in training will complete the program and the two on family leave will return. The department is also in the middle of a sergeant’s promotion process.

One of Citygate Associates, a public sector consultancy group, recommendations was that the department have 24/7 supervision (See “Public Safety Department receives final report” Quad Community Press, May 7, 2025.) In Quarter 2, Boehme said the department will be able to achieve this goal. At that point, the department will look to fill the patrol lieutenant position and the administrative lieutenant position and hire more police officers.

“My goal is to make sure we have as many cops on the road as possible,” Boehme said. “That is how we ensure their safety and the community’s safety.”

The department is also working on its rebranding. Boehme said staff members have landed on a new patch design, ordered badges and are working on remodeling the detention room at the police department to increase safety.

An initiative Anoka County Dispatch is working toward is to create a real-time crime center. Boehme said as officers respond to a call, a team of people at the crime center could provide support to the responding officers.

“As part of that, (there) is a potential pilot program with FLOCK safety. With this program there would be eight drones throughout Anoka County that could act as a first

Volunteer organizations that support the Lino Lakes Police Department:

• Chaplain Program: Helps both community members and department personnel during times of tragedy.

• Reserve Program: Helps with patrol duties and special events. Explorer Program: Provides support during special events.

• Trail Watch Program: Enhances monitoring of the many parks and trails throughout Lino Lakes.

responder,” Boehme explained. Brooklyn Park and Minnetonka were some of the first cities to implement this program. It would also involve the installation of 152 licenses plate readers throughout the county as well as two mobile platform cameras and longrange cameras for highways and interstates.

According to Boehme, the first year of this program would have no cost, second year costs would be covered by Anoka County and the remaining eight years would have to be covered by Lino Lakes.

“This is a good program to unite law enforcement efforts in Anoka County,” Boehme said.

Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

JANUARY 5, 2026

(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-7926010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; January 5, 2026. 1. Call to Order Acting Chair Knisely called the Organizational Meeting of the School Board to order at 6:32 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, ex-officio Holmberg, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Linser. Member Johnson was absent. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Schwinn, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Public Comment None. 6. Election of Officers Chairperson - Member Linser nominated member Knisely for the office of chair. Being as only one board member was nominated, the acting chair declared that Knisely be elected as chair by acclamation. Vice-Chair - Chair Knisely nominated member Linser for the office of vice chair. Being as only one board member was nominated, Chair Knisely declared that Linser be elected as vice chair by acclamation. ClerkMember Murphy nominated member Johnson for the office of clerk. Being as only one board member was nominated, Chair Knisely declared that Johnson be elected as clerk by acclamation. Treasurer - Member Murphy nominated member Schwinn for the office of treasurer. Being as only one board member was nominated, Chair Knisely declared that Schwinn be elected as treasurer by acclamation. 7. Consent Items 7.1. Annual Organizational Items - Signature Plate, Collateral Transactions, Professional Services, Designate Official Depositories, Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfers, Authorization to Lease, Purchase and Contract for Goods and Services, Designate Alternative Dissemination Method, Authorization to Approve Miscellaneous Contracts, Authorization to Make Payments in Advance of School Board Approval, Authorization of Petty Cash Accounts, Authorization of Credit Cards, Informal Procurement Method - Micro Purchases, Designation of Identified Official with Authority, Election Clerk, Official Newspaper, School Board Committee Assignments, Mileage Allowance Rate. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures by Schwinn, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Resource Management 8.1. School Board Compensation - After discussion member Linser made a motion to continue at the current compensation level for 2026, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Supplemental Items 9.1. Annual Review of Policies – 506 Student Discipline, 722 Public Data Requests and 806 Crisis Management Plan. These policies have been reviewed by administration, found to be up to date, and no revisions need to be made at this time. Motion to approve the current policies by Schwinn, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 9.2. Approval of School Board Meeting Schedule for 2026-2027 - Motion to approve the 2026-2027 School Board Meeting Schedule by Schwinn, seconded by Linser. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Adjourn Motion to adjourn by Murphy, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn at 6:45 p.m.

Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson Published one time in the Quad Community Press on February 17, 2026.

CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

SCHOOL BOARD WORK STUDY SESSION SUMMARY

JANUARY 5, 2026

Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on February 17, 2026. CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

JANUARY 12, 2026

(Abbreviated—full minutes available at www.isd12.org or call 763-792-6010 to request a hard copy) LEGAL NOTICE: School Board, Independent School District 12; 4707 North Road, Circle Pines, Minnesota; January 5, 2026. 1. Call to Order Chair Knisely called the Regular Meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, exofficio Holmberg, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. The following members were absent: None. 4. Approval of the Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Linser, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Recognitions Chair Tom Knisely was presented with a 2026 MSBA Directors’ Award certificate for completing 100 or more hours of attendance at Minnesota School Board Association-sponsored meetings and activities within a four-year period. 6. Public Comment None. 7. Consent Items 7.1. Approval of Minutes. 7.2. Approval of Monthly Disbursements. 7.3. Approval of Personnel Items. 7.4. Approval of Contracts. 7.5. Approval of Overnight Field Trips. Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda Items as detailed in the enclosures by Johnson, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Resource Management 8.1. Adoption of Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution - Motion to adopt the Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Roll Call Vote - Ayes: Knisely, Linser, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Communication 9.1. AMSD. 9.2. CAEF. 9.3. NE Metro 916. 9.4. SAFF. 9.5 District Committee Reports. 10. Superintendent Report 11. Informational Items 11.1 Dates to Note. 12. Adjourn Motion to adjourn by Schwinn, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Adjourn at 6:55 p.m.

Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk

Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on February 17, 2026.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Project: Lino Lakes Public Works 1189 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55014

Owner: City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014

Architect: Oertel Architects 1795 St. Clair Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105

Construction Manager: RJM Construction 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427

NOTICE TO QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS – Notice is hereby given that the City of Lino Lakes will receive sealed bids for Bid Package #1 from qualified bidders until 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. The project work scope consists of a new public works facility for the City of Lino Lakes. Bid Package No. 1 consists of cast-in-place concrete, precast wall panels & precast plank, structural steel materials and structural steel erection. Bid Package #2 will include the remaining scopes of work for the project. Bid Package #2 to be advertised at a future date.

A bid security in the amount of 5% of the base bid will be required to accompany bids. Bids received after that time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened.

Sealed bids will be received at the Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014 until 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 at which time bids will be publicly opened, reviewed, and read aloud. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked City of Lino Lakes Public Works Facility – Bid Package #1 and the Bid Category No. being bid with attention to Michael Grochala – Community Development Director. The name and address of the Bidder must be shown on the outside of the envelope. The date and time of the bid is to be noted on the label. Bids received after this time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened.

Bidding documents including the Proposal Form, Drawings and Specifications will be on file at the office of the Construction Manager: RJM Construction 830 Boone Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 952-837-8600

A pre-bid meeting will be conducted at the existing Lino Lakes Public Works Facility, 1189 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, on February 27th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. If you plan to attend the meeting, we do ask that you pre-register via email with nick.driessen@rjmconstruction.com by EOD February 25th, 2026.

HOW TO GET PLANS:

Complete digital Bidding Documents are available at www.questcdn.com for $15.00 by inputting project #10040972 on the website’s Project Search page. Paper Bidding Documents may also be viewed at RJM Construction, 830 Boone Avenue N, Golden Valley MN 55427 or can be purchased from National Reprographics by calling 651-779-8000. Complete set(s) of hard copy Bidding Documents can be obtained through National Reprographics as noted in AIA Document A701, Article 1. A digital download of the documents will be available for purchase for access with check made payable to National Reprographics. They are also available at any of the building exchanges. Plans will be available on or about February 20th, 2026.

Make Bids in duplicate in exact accordance with the proposal form in the Project Manual, and sign in long-hand. No oral, telegraphic or fax bids will be accepted or considered.

Combined bids including multiple bid categories will be accepted. However, in order to be considered bidders must also submit separate individual bids in addition to the combined bid. Combined bids will not be accepted if individual bids are not submitted. Each separate bid or combined bid must appear alone on a bid form and submitted in separate envelopes. Submit with each bid a certified check, bank money order or acceptable bidders bond issued by a surety meeting city requirements payable to the City of Lino Lakes in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid. For requirements, please reference specification section 00 21 00 –Supplementary Instructions to Bidders.

All bids will be evaluated by the Owner, the Architect and the Construction Manager. The Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or reject any or all bids, or parts of such bids and waive informalities or irregularities in bidding. Successful bidders will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment Bond, Performance Bond, and Certificates of Insurance and a signed contract within 10 days of award of contract. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid for at least 60 days after the scheduled bid opening. The successful bidder must be a “responsible contractor.” The term “responsible contractor” means a contractor as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 16C.285, subdivision 3. Any prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that does not meet the minimum criteria or fails to comply with the verification requirements is not a responsible contractor and is not eligible to be awarded a construction contract for the project or to perform work on the project. A prime contractor, subcontractor, or motor carrier that makes a false statement under oath verifying compliance with the minimum criteria will be ineligible to be awarded

Centennial-SLP cruises back to state tourney

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

An empty-net, short-handed goal that slid the length of the rink sealed the deal as the Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) girls hockey team earned another state trip warding off Maple Grove 4-1 on Friday evening.

The No. 2 ranked Cougars, coached by Sean Molin, will take a 24-3-1 record into their third state tournament in four years after securing the Section 5AA crown before nearly 2,000 fans at Roseville Ice Arena.

Two goals by Annabelle Buccicone and one by Ella Perrault gave CSLP a 3-0 lead entering the third period — the same lead they had on Maple Grove two years ago before a bad third period cost them a state trip.

Maple Grove came out strong in the third period and Harper Wieneke got them on the board 2:24 into the period with a shot off goalie Kaia Wieland’s shoulder.

CSLP clamped down after that with Wieland making 10 of her 28 saves in that period. But CSLP had a tripping penalty with 2:22 left and the Crimson, down 3-1, pulled the goalie to skate 6-on-4, with their fans on their feet.

No way said Alaina Gnetz. The Cougar senior forward pounced on the puck at the bottom of the circle and rifled it down the ice. The big crowd held its breath while the puck hurtled toward the empty yet, hit the left post and crossed the line to make it 4-1.

Maple Grove finished 18-10, including a 3-1 conference loss to CSLP in conference play.

The Cougars beat Roseville/Mahtomedi 6-2 in the semifinals Tuesday with goals by Gnetz (two), Grace Laager (two), Mia Sutch and Avery Wagner.

Cougar icemen beat Mustangs, Totino, finish 3rd in NWSC

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial boys hockey closed the regular season with two conference wins last week, over Mounds View 8-4 at home Tuesday and Totino-Grace 5-1 there Thursday.

Centennial claimed third place of 10 teams in the Northwest Suburban Conference with a 9-4 record behind Rogers (10-0) and Elk River (9-2-1). The Cougars are 16-9 with six wins in their last seven games. They are seeded third in Section 5AA and will host Champlin Park on Wednesday, Feb.18 at 7 p.m.

SPORTS BRIEFS

“The guys have really bought into what we’ve asked them to do,” said Coach Ritch Menne about the late-season surge. “They’ve strung some really good practices together which has carried over to their success during games. It’s a very tight group, really playing hard for one another. It’s really been fun to sit back and watch this group.”

Scoring against the Mustangs were Kaden Johnson (two), Tanner Dittrich, Joey Hemr, Gavin Cunningham, Cooper Daikawa, Nolan Border and Isaak Adams. Nick Carls made three assists.

Alpine team hosts fifth annual Try Ski Racing event

The Centennial/Spring Lake Park Alpine Ski team will host their fifth annual Try Ski Racing on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Wild Mountain from 3 to 6 p.m. “This is an awesome opportunity,” said Coach Derrick Taylor, “for elementary age kids all through high school to try the sport of alpine ski racing.” See more information at Facebook. com/share/1CdnybAHFh/?mibex tid=wwXlfr.

Against Totino-Grace, Border netted two goals and Hemr, Daikawa and Kelle Searles one each. Carls made three assists and Eddy Dropps and

Northernettes showcase routines Feb. 22

The Northernettes Synchronized Skating team will host a 2026 Winter Exhibition skate at 3M Arena at Mariucci from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. This will be the last chance to see the athletes perform this season. After the exposition, the skaters will head to the 2026 National Synchronized Skating Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah.

3M Arena at Maricucci is located at 1901 Fourth St. SE on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.

ALPINE

Caleb Nelson, Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) senior, placed 23rd of 88 entrants in the state meet on Tuesday at Giants Ridge, earning honorable mention to all-state honors. It was “a fantastic result” against one of the fastest fields in the country, Derrick Taylor reflected. “We knew he had his heart set on putting down two good runs to close out his high school career and to settle some unfinished business from last season’s state race.” Nelson’s times were 36.88 and 39.14 for a total of 1:16.02. CSLP’s Evie Nelson, one

of only two seventh graders in the state field, placed 51st with times of 40.50 and 45.76 for a 1:26.26 total. “She carried herself with the focus and composure of a seasoned high school racer,” said Taylor, citing her for “two strong, consistent runs.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Centennial picked up conference wins over Coon Rapids 64-45 on Tuesday and Robbinsdale Armstrong 59-24 on Thursday. Against Coon Rapids, Sydney Schmitz hit 18 points, Amelia Delmedico 13 points and Kaylin Green 12 points. Against Armstrong, eleven players scored, led by Schmitz with 12 points, Kate Lee 10 points and Addy Sears nine points. The Cougars are 13-12 overall and 10-4 in the Northwest Suburban Conferenc with one game left.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Centennial is 4-18 after three losses last week, to Totino-Grace 96-36, Coon Rapids 71-69 and Robbinsdale Armstrong 93-76. Tristan Hanson scored 33 points against Armstrong, and Wes Kukkonen and Brady Anderson had 10 points each.

Centennial Hockey February 17, 2026

Joey Hemr, Centennial hockey forward, has pumped in a team-leading 25 goals, including four in a current threegame win streak, along with making 14 assists. “Joey has had a terrific season finding the back of the net. He is a serious threat to score every time he has the puck on his stick,” coach Ritch Menne said. The 6-foot senior is also one of the least-penalized Cougars with just 18 minutes. “Joey has a terrific attitude and has worked really hard to improve his game in all three zones,” Menne said. With this breakout season, Hemr has lifted his career totals to 48 goals and 38 assists over three years.

Cunningham two each. Flynn Sanburg in goal stopped 22 of 23 shots.

JON NAMYST CONTRIBUTED

Kate Lee clutches the section trophy as the Cougars skate toward their fans to celebrate.

JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED

Joey Hemr fires the puck for a power play goal against Totino-Grace.

MSHSL | CONTRIBUTED

Caleb Nelson hurtles toward the pitch of the Helsinki hill at Giants Ridge on the way to a 23rd-place state finish.

Bruce Strand

• At the Police Governing Board meeting, Mayor Matt Percy said Centennial Lakes Police Chief Jim Mork reported that one officer has announced their retirement. The department will be looking to fill the position in the future. Percy said the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office also recognized one of the Centennial Lakes Police Department officers after that CLPD officer conducted a traffic stop on

a vehicle and discovered methamphetamine was in the car. This led to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle and several others who were connected to the methamphetamine. One of those individuals, Percy said, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

• Council approved WSB’s proposal to provide professional design and bidding services for the planned park improvement

• The American Indian Education Indian Parent Advisory Committee gave its annual presentation to the board. Within the Centennial School District, there are 181 students who self-identify as Native American and represent 89 Nations. Some achievements highlighted in the presentation included attendance, grade-point average (GPA) and graduation rates. So far, 59.6% of students missed less than 5% of school for the first semester. About 38% of middle school and highschoolers received a GPA of 3.0 or higher and the graduation rate in 2024-2025 was 94%, a 10% increase from last year.

• Superintendent Jeff Holmberg will join the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) staff as an adjunct instructor following board approval. Holmberg has been invited by SCSU to instruct a graduate course for aspiring educational leaders. The course is structured over three weekends total during late February and March. As this is a weekend cohort model, the instruction time will not interfere with Holmberg’s regular district

projects at Carl Eck Park and Baldwin Park. The Park master plan for Carl Eck Park proposes a wide range of improvements, including a new prefabricated community building with restrooms and a concession space, a picnic pavilion and playground replacement. The total construction budget for Carl Eck Park will be approximately $1.9 million. The park master plan for Baldwin proposes the remodel

business hours or his responsibility as superintendent.

• The 2025-2026 budget will undergo revisions following board approval. According to Executive Director of Business Patrick Chaffey, the revisions reflect updated assumptions and estimates based on new information regarding future enrollment, new settlements, staffing adjustments and prior year audit results.

• Schwab, Vollhaber, Lubratt (SVL) will provide the necessary equipment to replace the chillers at Centennial, Golden Lake and Centerville elementaries after the board accepted its bid of $535,600. The board also approved the other project bids: Boiler Services Inc. will install the chillers for $498,600; Humeratech will provide the controls for $47,406. The chiller improvement replacement project is included in the district’s long-term facilities plan for renovation.

• Holmberg and Chaffey provided the board with an update regarding the district’s long-range plan. The plan, also referred to as Centennial

of the existing park building, restrooms and public space, a new playground, a pickleball court facility an accessible walkway and more. The total construction cost is approximately $2 million. According to City Administrator Patrick Antonen, the city will bid both improvement projects together as one. If they receive a bid for both projects, construction will begin this summer in August. If the

Forward, will ensure schools remain vibrant, safe and ready to meet the needs of current and future students (see full story in next week’s issue).

• The board accepted several contributions made to Centerville Elementary, Rice Lake Elementary and Centennial High School.

projects are bid on separately, one project would be completed this year and the other the following year.

• The council adjourned into a work session to complete interviews for the city’s board appointments.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at City Hall.

Madeline Dolby

The next work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, in the district office. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16.

Madeline Dolby