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Lino Lakes continues to discuss cannabis
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
The Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board continues to discuss the city’s cannabis ordinances.
Adult-use cannabis was legalized by the state Legislature in 2023 and signed into law in 2024. In response to the legalization of cannabis in the state of Minnesota, cities are required to amend the zoning code to reflect the changes that have been set by the state.
The law also created the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to oversee the implementation and regulation of the adult-use cannabis market, the medical cannabis market and the consumer hemp industry. Beginning in 2025, the OCM will be responsible for licensing cannabis businesses. There are 13 different types of business licenses.
While the law provides certain means of oversight by local units in government, the city cannot ban a cannabis business outright or limit operations in a manner beyond those provided in state law. The city can, however, limit the number of retailers and businesses with retail endorsements allowed within the community.
“The city is going through a couple amendments,” said Community Development Director Michael Grochala. “Chapter 617 is being amended by the City Council related to the registration process and specific requirements to buffer zones as well as hours of operation.
“I would point out for the board, per your recommendation, that the council did shorten those hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, so daily.”
Chapter 617 of the city code established registration requirements. These requirements include retail restrictions, local certification of zoning compliance, retail business registration and hours of operation. The first reading of the amendment took place at the Lino Lakes City Council meeting on Feb. 10.
“Buffers are also in the 617 (chapter). The council went with 1,000 feet from schools (and) 500 feet from residential treatment facilities, and no buffer was proposed for day cares,” Grochala added.
SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 2
Dealing with transition at Centerville City Hall
LORETTA HARDING
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
First, longtime Public Works Director Paul Palzer announced his retirement in December. Then, longtime Centerville City Administrator/Engineer Mark Statz announced he would be leaving to accept the city administrator position in Forest Lake.
Now, the city will lose its city planner to retirement, after Phil Carlson of Stantec announced his retirement, effective June 1.
Much of the last Centerville City Council meeting was taken up with talk of navigating these transitional times.
Athanasia Lewis will serve as Interim City Administrator. Council elected to hire a professional search firm to do the work of finding Statz’s replacement. Five search firms submitted proposals and three were interviewed. Council and city staff checked references for the final two firms left in the running. Following discussion at the workshop prior to the start of the regular council meeting, council chose GMP Consultants as the search firm. The city will pay GMP between $15,000 to $22,500 to advertise, research and narrow the field of candidates for city administrator.
City staff will prepare a proposal that will be brought back to council for approval.
As soon as the search firm is hired, the city’s Personnel Committee will serve as the city’s liaison.
Statz served as city engineer for 14 years, then wore the two hats of city engineer and city administrator since 2017.
Council has appointed Tedd Peterson as interim public works director until a city administrator is hired. With the added responsibility, Peterson’s annual salary has been elevated to Pay Grade 11, Step 7 to $103,168.
TRANSITIONS, PAGE 8
Freshly fallen snow creates winter wonder
ORDINANCE: Amends city zoning
products and will not be restricted by the retail license restrictions.
STUDENT NEWS
The following students were named to the Dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2024:
He explained that the second half of the cannabis ordinance is an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinances to specify the specific zoning districts where these businesses will be allowed to operate.
“Per our last meeting, we did modify it to allow for medical cannabis cultivation within rural districts,” said Grochala. “We also added a phrase within the ordinance, within the actual language, that ‘conducted entirely within a principal structure’ was added for all cannabis businesses within the light industrial, general industrial and business campus districts.” This means that cultivation within those districts would be limited to indoor cultivation only.
Board Member Isaac Wipperfurth asked if businesses that are currently selling THC products and edibles will have to pull products off the shelf.
“Those are, previously, sold under cannabinoids. Those are lowerpotency hemp products,” Grochala responded. “They won’t have to pull them off the shelf. Those will still be governed under the new registration process.”
In the future, cannabinoids will be referred to as low-potency hemp
“Lower-potency hemp will still go through the state registration process, then register with us. They just aren’t restricted to the 1 (cannabis business) per 12,500 persons that we have,” Grochala added.
“Onsite consumption, (we) had somewhat of a discussion on that last time,” said Board Chair Michael Root. “My question is, what if a retail business comes in with an onsite consumption endorsement on their state license. How’s the city going to handle it?”
Grochala said that onsite consumption is dealt under City Code 617 and the only business that is allowed to have on-site consumption is a microbusiness.
“The only place we allow a microbusiness is in the LI (light industrial), the GI (general industrial) and BC (business campus) district,” he added.
No formal action was taken by the Planning and Zoning Board. It was discussion only.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
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MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOMES
Augustana College: Kendle Mihm of Lino Lakes.
Bemidji State University: April Ost and Cassidy Xiong, both of Circle Pines; Ashley Crowl, Abigail Namukwaya, and Dawn Reckinger, all of Lino Lakes.
Central Lakes College: Jackson Copiskey of Lino Lakes.
Coe College: Cordelia Kewatt of Circle Pines.
Frostburg State University: Neila Haney of Circle Pines.
George Fox University: Todd Rylaarsdam of Circle Pines.
Hamline University: Anya Sugden, Max Ganske, Manny Poscher, Olivia Austin, Spencer Renard, and Allison Sime, all of Circle Pines; Derek Rivard, Jack Ewings, Olivia McGuigan, Sophia Johnson, Riley Melby, Soua Her-Xiong, and Zander Gray, all of Lino Lakes.
Marquette University: Annika Beuning of Circle Pines; Britta Arends of Lino Lakes.
Montana State University: Grace Handrick of Lino Lakes.
Normand ale Community College: Meghan Frank, Sidney Shirley, and McKena Tobiason, all of Circle Pines; Tori Taugner of Lino Lakes.
North Dakota State College of Science: Ava Hall of Lino Lakes.
North Dakota State University: Brooke Cina, Grace Guyer and Emily Honsa, all of Circle Pines; Marisa Frost, Tyler Kratt, and Leah Parkinson, all of Lino Lakes.
Rockhurst University: Preston West of Lino Lakes.
Southern New Hampshire University: Adrian Xiong of Lino Lakes.
St. Cloud State University: Zoua Baker of Circle Pines; Adam Scott of Lino Lakes.
University of Iowa: George Atkinson and McKenna Keen, both of Circle Pines; Aiden Dockendorf, Maisy Dockendorf, Seamus McBride, and Cecilia Shearon, all of Lino Lakes.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Aidan Ballard and Claire Zandstra, both of Circle Pines; Aiden Lieser of Lino Lakes.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Natalie Clarys, Alyssa Draheim, and Connor Thompson, all of Circle Pines; Callie Huntington, Hannah Keran, Lily Kiffmeyer, Nicole Lange, Georgia McManus, Bethany Peterson, Mikayla Poppe, and Aaron Skrypek, all of Lino Lakes.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: Jenna Guyer of Circle Pines.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Kiera Selbitschka of Circle Pines; Samantha Gerten of Lino Lakes.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Kate Paulson, Emilie Tran, Avery Weinke, and Charles Wills, All of Circle Pines; Kaitlyn Davis, Natascha Larson, and Elisabeth Slaga, all of Lino Lakes.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Jadyn Clarner and Anthony Osland, both of Lino Lakes.
University of Wisconsin-Stout: Ayden Crider, Ryan Granquist, Abigail Peterson, Emily Sorem, Devin Steen, and Aaron Trudeau, all of Circle Pines.
Utah Tech University: Hunter Goodfellow of Circle Pines.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Fall 2024: Iowa State University: Adam Shoberg of Circle Pines, Bachelor of Science, electrical enginerring, cum laude; Alex Hoglund of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, magna cum laude; Connor Payne of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, environmental engineering.
Minnesota State University-Mankato: Grant Lawlis of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, marketing; Maxwell Marshall of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, construction management; Varsha Schusted of Lino Lakes, Master of Science special education, cum laude and graduate certificate, special ed: learning disability, special ed autism spectrum disorder, st and ards of effective practive for teaching, and theory of practice in special education, cum laude; Olivia Thompson of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, elementary education.
North Dakota State University: Alyssa Abernathy of Circle Pines, Bachelor of Science, political science; Surra Birru of Circle Pines, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Katelyn Ferrand of Lino Lakes, Bachelor of Science, nursing.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Scooters helps send Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls hockey to state
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls hockey team stopped by Scooters Coffee to grab Red Bull Infusions before heading off to the state tournament. It was a pre-game tradition for team members to go through the Scooters drive-through and grab an infusion drink.
The Blaine location of Scooter’s Coffee is owned by Lino Lakes residents Susan and Brent Nygaard. It is located in the National Sports Village at 2018 105th Ave., Suite 100.
Hope Breakfast Bar expands to Blaine
Hope Breakfast Bar will open a new location at 10950 Club W. Parkway NE in Blaine this spring. The restaurant also recently opened two new locations in Woodbury and Minneapolis.
“Hope Breakfast Bar is more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement to create careers that hospitality
CONTRIBUTED
to the state tournament.
workers truly crave,” said Brian Ingram, founder of Hope Breakfast Bar. “We’ve reimagined what it means to work in the industry by prioritizing work-life balance. Our team works from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., ensuring they’re home with their families in the evening and off on major holidays.” The Blaine location will introduce a brand-new elevated cocktail and drink program, as well as savory lunch bowls.
This graph shows the 13 different types of business licenses that can be obtained by cannabis businesses in Minnesota.
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls hockey team stops by Scooters Coffee in Blaine to grab Red Bull Infusions before heading
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills.
Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Feb. 27; 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo. com
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Every player will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a free drink. The top three teams will earn a gift card, and the last place team wins a “mini trophy.”
Contact: (651) 783-0055
CURRENT EVENTS:
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: Monthly meeting and presentation by Lori Adamietz, who will share her thoughts and insights on “Focus on Collage Quilting.”
Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail.com
‘THE SHAPE OF THINGS’
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Lakeshore Players hosts Century College Playhouse for their spring play, a comic drama about the nature of love and art. Ticket information online.
Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org/century-playhouse
NORTHERN LIGHTS JURIED ART EXHIBITION COMMUNITY RECEPTION
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: View selected works in a variety of
mediums from local artists and hear from judges on their selection process. Exhibit runs through March 27.
Contact: whitebeararts.org
WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING SERIES
When: 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Uncover the journey of an animal by the track, trails and signs they leave behind. Registration required. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
PHOTO PAINTING
When: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March 1
Where: Centennial High School, East Campus, 4757 North Road, Circle Pines
Details: Turn your favorite photo into a handpainted art piece by using photo decals on wood panels. Participants will email two photos to the instructor by Feb. 24, Erin Proctor, at erin@ saturn5studio.com. Registration required. Contact: https://isd12.ce.eleyo.com/ or 763-792-6100
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes
Details: Music performed by Java Soul and Nitro Horns, activities for kids and an opportunity for photos with a Mardi Gras background. Food and refreshments will be available.
Contact: 651-784-3015
FAMILY ORIENTEERING
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Families can learn to use a compass and then explore the wooded orienteering course. Snowshoes available. Registration required. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
FAMILY WINTER SURVIVAL
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Families can learn and practice survival skills and then enjoy a campfire and treat. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: MAPLE SYRUPING
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Free naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided. Ages 16+.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
Church Directory
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 761757
Carrier of the Month Ann Danielson
Congratulations to Ann Danielson! Carrier for Press Publications. Thank you for all your hard work. February 2025
Join Us for Mass Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 8:30 am and 10:00 am
To make changes or to advertise here, call at 651-407-1200.
Carrier of the Month Lynda Hicks
January 2025
Congratulations to Lynda Hicks! Carrier for Press Publications for 8 years. Thank you for all your hard work.
OPINION
Secretary of Defense
Peter Brian Hegseth is the first Minnesotan to become Secretary of Defense of the United States. The tie vote was broken by Vice President JD Vance.
Sec. Hegseth was raised in Forest Lake. He served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Major. He received the Bronze Star while in combat in Iraq in 2005. He voluntarily deployed to Afghanistan in 2014.
We know his parents well. His father, Brian, was a basketball coach and athletic director of Centennial School District. His mother, Penny, worked for an Omaha-based company which assisted corporations and churches using the StrengthsFinder assessment to evaluate their management teams. She was helpful to me at the Press with our leadership team.
Sec. Hegseth earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 2003. At Princeton, he joined the Army Reserve Officers Training Corp. In 2013 he earned a Masters of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His career path has included being a host on Fox News, an author and an executive of organizations that benefit veterans programs.
New idea for skateboarders
Recently at our Florida rental home in Cape Coral, we noticed a new power for skateboarders. Our young neighbor powered himself on his skateboard with a leaf blower. He was careful to watch for oncoming traffic on our residential street.
State government slow to start
The Minnesota legislature is finally up and running for the new year. A lot of time was wasted in trying to decide party leadership. There continues to be some questions about issues related to the election. Let’s hope there is a more cooperative spirit and results will be beneficial to all Minnesotans.
Online basketball
Spending time in Florida as a snowbird, we miss out on the spirit of attending our grandson’s Mahtomedi basketball games. It’s a great experience when all four grandparents can be with the parents in support at the live games. We loved it. However, thanks to technology we can get the games on our laptop.
It’s a small world
Last fall we were looking for a home or condo in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area to rent this winter. Scott and Bridgette McConnell, who rent our boat slip at Sunnyside Marina in Stillwater, gave us a lead and connected us with Steve and Wendy Markert. They had just completed renovating a 1960s home in Cape Coral, which would be available Jan. 1.
We were pleased to find this four-bedroom home with a pool in a very quiet neighborhood. The landscaping and four tomato plants keep Kathy happy with gardening duties.
One day we had a problem with the pool pump circulating. I called Steve and he sent Mark Braun over the next day. I tried to introduce myself and Mark said, “You don’t need to do that, Gene. I’ve been reading your column for the past 20 years.”
Mark grew up on a vegetable farm in Vadnais Heights, went on to be a diesel mechanic, and now operates his own business and spends winters in Cape Coral.
Read the fine print
You already know that home and auto insurance rates have been climbing rapidly. The hurricanes and fires have been the major cause of insurance premiums rising faster than inflation for homes and business. I recommend you talk with your insurance agent and go over the policy details. Throughout the year insurance companies send out changes, but 90% of the policy holders don’t read the details.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus
Burglary prevention: Tips and tricks
Most people in our communities know the saying “See Something, Say Something.” However, occasionally the question arises…how do you know if something is truly suspicious? When it comes to keeping an eye out at home, know your neighborhood and know what is out of place.
Cop’s Corner
Brad Wise
Potential burglars may not fit a profile – they could be driving any vehicle, including a luxury car. Sometimes they appear to be in the area for legitimate reasons such as a utility worker. They may also ring doorbells and knock on doors to determine if anyone is home. Remembering details about unknown cars (make, model, color, license plate, etc.) in the area and people who come to your door is also a good practice in the event you or a neighbor becomes a victim to a
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
home or auto burglary.
Other potentially suspicious activities include:
• Someone walking down the street looking into multiple vehicles or homes and/or trying door handles to see if the door will open.
• Someone taking a package from someone else’s property.
• A person knocking on your door and asking to speak with someone who does not live there.
• Someone claiming to represent an agency or company without proper identification.
• A vehicle you do not recognize that is circling multiple times around the neighborhood. Prevention Tips
• Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break in. Lock all doors and windows and turn on exterior lights or set them on a timer if you will be away.
• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen. When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
• Have adequate exterior lighting and trim trees and shrubs so they cannot be used as hiding
places for intruders.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure you activate it.
• Never leave keys under doormats or other “secret” hiding places – burglars know where to look for hidden keys. Instead, give spare keys to a trusted neighbor.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from your home.
How to Report a Burglary
If you find an unexplained open/broken window or door, do not enter and call 911 immediately. Additionally, if you notice suspicious activity, make a note of any descriptors and report it to law enforcement by calling 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 763-427-1212. As always, please reach out to our office with any questions you may have regarding how to prevent burglaries in your neighborhood!
Brad Wise is the Anoka County Sheriff.
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.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
About the Town Gene Johnson
Lino Lakes man sentenced for fentanyl overdose, possession of firearm
According to court documents, 25-year-old Devon Leabo, of Lino Lakes, has been sentenced to 51 months in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud after pleading guilty for great bodily harm by drug distribution and 23 months for illegal possession of a firearm as a convict.
In November 2023, the Fergus Falls Police Department received a call stating a woman overdosed in a gas station bathroom. Investigators found that the woman had been in contact with Leabo through Snapchat. Police were able to retrieve records of photos on Leabo’s account that provided evidence of him possessing fentanyl pills and a handgun. Leabo was previously convicted of robbery and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Beau is a mature owner surrender. He is an 8-year-old Labrador retriever mix who has spent the majority of his life outdoors, but is quickly adapting and embracing the comforts of indoor living and life. Beau is friendly to everyone he meets, and
he thrives on attention. He adores people and is always up for an adventure.
Beau would make a great addition to any family or to special person who will welcome him and love him forever. Beau is house-trained and sleeps soundly through the night. He weighs about 70 pounds, and he loves his toys. Beau’s foster says he is very funny with his toys and tries to carry as many as possible at the same time. He is sweet, goofy, happy, affectionate,
We’ll
Get You Moved!
playful and intelligent.
For anyone seeking a great companion, Beau will be a wonderfully devoted best friend.
If you are interested in learning more about Beau 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.
Display Ad Network program by running the classified section of your newspaHowever, the decision is ultimately up to slightly in size to fit your column sizes. call MNA at 612/332-8844. Thank you.
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
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Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota Display Ad Network program by running these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not the classified section of your newspaper). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. However, the decision is ultimately up to each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased slightly in size to fit your column sizes. Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 612/332-8844. Thank you.
SP TTED
AROUND TOWN
1. Carbone’s Bar & Grill now has its own Little Free Library. Customers who are waiting for their meal can take a book, leave a book or enjoy a book right at their table. — Contributed
2-3. Swans, and a few mallard ducks, gather in water further from the Peltier Lake Dam. — LeAnn Michael, contributed
4. Students at Lino Lakes Elementary enjoy a performance by the Forest Lake High School Jazz Band during lunch. — Contributed
5. Lino Lakes resident Cynthia Grant spotted a sharp-shinned hawk in a tree in her front yard looking for lunch. — Cynthia Grant, contributed
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to quadnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo. 2 3 4 5
PUBLIC NOTICE
will hold a public
2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino
on
Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • Otter Crossing South
March
ο PID # 24-31-22-13-0005, #24-31-22-13-0002, #24-31-22-13-0006
ο Preliminary Plat for commercial development
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk Published one time in the Quad Community Press on February 25, 2024.
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• An officer received a call Feb. 11 reporting an audible alarm at a business in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. The officer checked the building, determined the source triggering the alarm and located no other problems.
• An officer responded to a call Feb. 11 regarding a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Second Avenue and Lake Drive. The officer determined a vehicle had been struck behind by another vehicle at a stop sign intersection. One driver had possible injuries and elected to self-transport to a medical facility after being checked out by a paramedic. Both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Officers responded Feb. 11 to a report of burglary that occurred in the 8300 block of Lake Drive. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to a harassment report Feb. 11 in the 600 block of Market Place Drive. The officer documented the incident and provided resources to the reporting party.
• An officer and fire personnel responded to a fire alarm Feb. 11 at a residence in the 7600 block of Behm Lane. The officer and fire personnel found the noise was not an alarm, but a children’s toy making noise. The noise stopped and no further assistance was needed.
• Officers founded an unoccupied vehicle Feb. 12 at the intersection of Interstate 35W and Main Street that had crashed. The driver was located and arrested for second-degree DWI.
• An officer was dispatched Feb. 12 to a report of a possible wildfire in the
6400 block of Langer Lane. The officer determined it was a large burn pile for which a resident had a permit. The fire was under control.
• An officer responded to a suspicious activity report Feb. 12 in the 7000 block of Second Avenue. The officer investigated and determined there were no problems.
• Officers responded to a theft Feb. 12 that occurred in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The area was checked for two female suspects; however, they were not located. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded Feb. 13 to a report of a single-vehicle personal injury crash at the intersection of Interstate 35W and Main Street. The male driver was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.
• An officer responded to a report Feb. 13 of a hit-and-run accident in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer documented the incident and was unable to confirm the identity of the driver that had left the scene.
• An officer responded Feb. 14 to a delayed report of theft in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The female suspect was cited for theft and the incident was documented.
• An officer investigated a suspicious occupied vehicle Feb. 14 at the intersection of Aenon Place and Main Street. The officer learned the occupant was sleeping and waiting for a friend. The vehicle was legally parked.
• An officer responded Feb. 14 to a delayed report of damage to property in the 6500 block of Fawn Lane. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a report Feb. 14 of
a male not breathing in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The male was declared deceased.
• An office responded to an ordinance complaint Feb. 14 regarding off-road vehicles in the 8000 block of Wood Duck Trail. The officer spoke to the resident about city ordinances.
• Officers responded Feb. 14 to a report of theft at a store in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The suspect was issued a citation and trespassed.
• An officer responded Feb. 14 to a traffic complaint in the 7500 block of Lake Drive. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver about the complaint. No other problems were found.
• An officer was dispatched Feb. 15 regarding an unwanted person in the 900 block of Aspen Lane. The officer mediated with the involved parties and an agreement was reached.
• An officer received a phone call Feb. 15 regarding a theft report in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer took a phone call report Feb. 15 of a missing adult male in the 300 block of Ware Circle. The male was documented as missing.
• An officer was dispatched Feb. 15 to a traffic complaint in the 7300 block of Stagecoach Trail. The officer informed the driver of the complaint, and the situation was documented.
• An officer received a call Feb. 17 of a property damage crash at the intersection of Birch Street and 20th Avenue. A state crash report was completed.
• An officer responded Feb. 17 to a report of an expected death of a hospice
patient in the 6200 block of Red Maple Lane. Hospice staff responded and handled the incident.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Police conducted a traffic stop Feb. 13 at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 85th Avenue in Circle Pines. The male passenger was arrested for a protection order violation.
• Police fielded a phone call Feb. 14 in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington for a stolen package.
• Police received a report Feb. 14 of found property in the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville. The owner was located, and the property was returned to them.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Feb. 15 at the intersection of Lake Drive and Pointcross Drive in Circle Pines.
• Officers were on patrol Feb. 15 in the 7300 block of Main Street in Centerville when they came across a vehicle in the ditch. Officers confirmed there was no injuries and no damage to the vehicle. Bystanders offered to pull the vehicle from the ditch. Officers provided traffic control until the vehicle was removed.
• Officers were dispatched Feb. 16 to a property damage accident that occurred in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington.
• Police responded Feb. 17 for a fraud report in the 800 block of Civic Height Drive in Circle Pines.
• A detective received a fraud report Feb. 18 in the 9200 block of South Highway rive in Lexington. The case is currently under investigation.
TRANSITION: Firm helps with search
Pending approval by City Employee’s Union, Local 49 to permit Peterson’s continued participation, he will perform the engineering-type duties formerly performed by Statz, such as project management. Installing Peterson as an interim public works director will give more flexibility to the future city administrator.
At the workshop, council discussed sending out requests for proposal (RFP’s) for a city planner to replace Carlson. The timing of this task aligns with the city’s previously chosen timeline for beginning work on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. City staff suggested sending out two RFPs; one for day-to-day planning work and the other for the Comprehensive Plan update. The RFPs would go out in April and be received and evaluated in May. The new city planners are expected to begin work in June. City staff also expressed the wish to continue working with Carlson until his retirement in June.
To help with all the changes to city
staff, a flow chart was created to outline staff duties and hierarchy during the transition period. Because Statz performed work of both the city engineer and the city administrator, the flow chart was needed to show changes to the work redistribution of these two positions. The city administrator portions of Statz’s duties that didn’t involve overseeing roadwork and building projects will be done by Interim City Administrator Athanasia Lewis. The engineering duties formerly performed by Statz will go to Interim Public Works Director Tedd Peterson, along with the roadwork and building projects that the city administrator normally does. Some of the work normally done by the public works director will be farmed out among city staff. This arrangement is meant to provide more support to the interim city administrator while City Hall is down from 4.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees to 3.5 FTE’s.
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS
• The board approved the purchase of lunchroom tables for Centennial High School from Innovative Office Solutions in the amount of approximately $205,117.
• The board accepted eight contributions that were made to the district. Donations were made to Centennial Elementary and Centerville Elementary.
• 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 Indigenous, representing a total of
CHURCH BRIEF
67 tribal nations. Some achievements highlighted in the presentation included attendance, gradepoint average (GPA) and graduation rates. So far, 59.6% of students missed less than 5% of school for the first semester. About 42% of middle school and high schoolers received a GPA of 3.0 or higher and graduation rates in 2023-24 were approximately 83%.
• Board Member Gloria Murphy announced that Centennial Community Education will hold its second community garage sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26, at Rice Lake Elementary.
• According to Superintendent Jeff Holmberg, the Chain of Lakes Rotary will host a fundraising event, “Bingo & Bling,” Saturday, March 29, at the Peder Pederson Pavilion in Hugo to raise funds for the Rotary’s local scholarships and international youth exchange program.
The next work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the district office. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 17.
St. Joseph of the Lakes hosts Mardi Gras celebration
St. Joseph of the Lakes will hold a Mardi Gras celebration from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Great Hall. There will be music performed by Java Soul and the Nitro Horns, kids’ activities, New Orleans-themed food and drinks and more. St. Joseph of the Lakes is located at 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes. For more information, go to https://www.mystjoes.me/News---Events.
City of Mahtomedi NOW HIRING 4 Full-time, Seasona l Maintenanc e Work ers Positions run for 67 days. Duties include: Assisting Public Work s Dept w/ street, water, sewer, and park maintenan ce Must have High School di ploma/GED, ab ility to lift/move up to 100 lbs be at least 18 yrs old w/ va lid dr iver's license $18-$20/hr Applications at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi MN 55115 or at www.ci.mah tomedi.mn.us Ma htomedi is an Equa l Opportunity Employer
MAHTOMEDI VOLU NTEER FOR CITY COMMISSIONS
Openings are for three-year appointments. They include: Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental and Finance Commission. Plea se contact City Hall at 651-426 -3344 for an application. Applications also available at w ww.ci.mah tomedi.mn.us App licatio ns accepted through 2/28/25 Ma htomedi is an Equa l Opportunity Employer
Madeline Dolby
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Legislation introduced creating Office of Inspector General
Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) has introduced legislation establishing an independent Office of the Inspector General, a first-of-its-kind office in Minnesota that will be tasked with ensuring accountability, transparency and integrity in the operations of state agencies and programs. The bipartisan bill is S.F. 856.
“One of the most important responsibilities of state government is protecting the taxpayer dollar. That’s why it’s time we create an independent watchdog for Minnesotans that will identify and investigate potential fraud,” said Sen. Gustafson. “This Office of the Inspector General is a practical solution to ensure accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility in state government.”
Gustafson’s bill would create a new, independent Office of the Inspector General with the authority to conduct audits, inspections, evaluations and investigations of state agencies and programs. The office would also be authorized to issue subpoenas, refer matters for civil, criminal or administrative action, recommend legislative or policy changes and issue public reports. The legislation establishes Jan. 1, 2026, as the day by which an inspector general must be chosen.
The proposal also lays out the minimum qualifications needed for the position of inspector general. Candidates
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
must have a degree in criminal justice, public administration or a related field, at least 10 years of experience, and a professional certificate from the Association of Inspectors General. Current or former commissioners, agency heads or deputy agency heads are not eligible to serve within five years of their service in those roles.
An inspector general will be selected by the newly established Inspector General Advisory Council, composed of members selected by majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, the legislative auditor, and a member selected by the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
“With the Office of Inspector General in place, Minnesota would advance good governance and bolster our fiscal responsibility,” said Gustafson. “It’s time to take meaningful action this session to safeguard our shared resources and secure trust in public institutions. This proposal appeals to Minnesotans across the political spectrum who value accountability, efficiency and fairness. I’m eager to work with any lawmaker who shares these goals.”
The legislation is a bipartisan proposal, with two Republican co-authors and 3 DFL coauthors. S.F. 856 advanced out of the State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 11. The bill will now be heard in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee at a future date.
• Council approved a resolution receiving the feasibility report for the city’s 2025 thin overlay road improvement project, ordering the plans and specifications and calling for the public improvement hearing. Thin overlay projects have been financed from the street fund and special assessments. Approximately 20% of project costs will be assessed to benefitting property owners. The total estimated cost is to be $789,000, with $138,689 to be assessed and the rest ($647,797) to be financed through the general fund. The public hearing is set for March 26. The city will advertise for bids on March 18; open the bids on April 15; award the bid on April 23; begin construction this summer; and finish in November. The assessment hearing will be held after the project is completed. Project Engineer Kellie Schlegel, of Stantec, said that just under 2 miles of roadway have been identified for this year’s program. Proposed improvements include one inch of bituminous mill and overlay, replacement of damaged curbing and structure adjustments.
• The city paused progress on the solar on public buildings grant application following an executive order from President Trump to cancel or pause funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With $35,250 in funding from the IRA still uncertain, city staff worked with the contractor and estimated that the city would save some $6,000 annually through solar. With the city’s financial investment of $47,000, if no tax credit money is available the payback period would be less than eight years. As a longer pause promises additional cost increases, council accepted staff recommendation to move forward with the project.
• The culverts carrying Clearwater Creek waters under Brian Drive are large enough to be classified as a bridge. The crossing over the creek was inspected and found to be inadequate. Because the bridge is under-designed for heavier loads, such as fire engines, the city saw the need to review the bridge design. Council approved a proposal from Stantec to evaluate potential improvements for the Brian Drive bridge to increase its load rating to accommodate the fire department’s larger equipment. Costs for
What residents should know about Metro-INET
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
In 1999, the cities of Roseville and Mounds View made the decision to share their IT resources with one another. This collaboration led to the creation of MetroINET almost two decades later, a local government unit that is utilized by approximately 30 cities.
“It originally started as a collaboration between the city of Roseville, who had their own IT department, and Mounds View,” said Holly LaRochelle, executive director of Metro-INET.
“And at that time, it was just internet, which was a relatively new phenomenon in 1999. So, it was kind of the beginning of cities using, and becoming connected, to the internet.”
Under the Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), other cities within the north metro area joined the two cities. This created the establishment of the Northeast Metropolitan Area Municipal Internetworking Collaborative, or MetroINET.
“In 2021 we became an independent entity,” LaRochelle explained. “So, we moved from the city of Roseville’s IT department into an independent organization that is governed by our members, which are
all local government units themselves.”
Metro-INET provides full IT services to approximately 30 cities, and partial services to an additional 11 organizations. Services provided by the local government unit includes internet and network access, telephone services, desktop and user support, data storage and more.
She added that MetroINET is governed by a board of directors, which consists of one chief administrative officer from each participating member organization. The board meets around four times a year and is responsible for establishing and collecting membership dues and setting the annual budget. There is a smaller executive committee that meets monthly.
“Because we’re governed by local government members, we really know what local government needs. We’re local government ourselves, so when it comes to meeting requirements and being a public entity, we understand what our members need,” LaRochelle said.
She explained that by pooling their resources, Metro-INET members receive cost-saving benefits but also have access to a breadth of full IT services they might not be able to get
the evaluation will be $3,481 and will use street fund dollars. The evaluation is expected to be complete within the next three weeks, so council anticipates the results to be ready in time for the March 12 meeting.
• City staff recommended that development escrows opened and supervised by Statz during his tenure as city administrator should be closed with his approval. The aim is to start with a clean financial system for the incoming city administrator. Council authorized the outgoing city administrator to close all four remaining escrow accounts, and the finance director was authorized to transfer the excess balance to the general fund. Statz recommended that council spend some $650,000 in escrow funds to make improvements on 20th and 21st Avenues.
• Think Spring! Council approved a private property special event application as part of the May 4 Centerville Elementary Spring Festival, which will consist of a run/walk with bouncy houses, fire trucks, crafts, raffles, ice cream and pizza. All the appropriate applications and documents were submitted, and the public safety and public works departments had no special requests or safety concerns.
• Residents with private sewers will have an opportunity to benefit from a sewer inspection grant, after council approved a resolution calling for a public hearing on a proposed Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) grant program. The city was recently awarded a grant through Metropolitan Council’s Environmental Services (MCES) to assist with the cost of private sewer lateral inspection and repair to reduce inflow and infiltration into the sewer system. Terms of the grant require the city to create a parallel city grant program for the money to “flow” through. The statute authorizing the creation of this program requires a public hearing to be held. The public hearing will take place at the March 26 City Council meeting.
• The city’s bond attorney, Jenny Boulton, is changing firms, along with three other partners. The city will continue to use the services of Boulton and her partners, but they have now moved to Kutak Rock LLP, which has represented cities in more than 12,000
Press Publication cities that use Metro-Inet:
• Circle Pines
• Lexington • Centerville • Mounds View
• Vadnais Heights
• White Bear Township
on their own.
“Because their (members) are small- and mediumsized cities, they get access to a higher level of service than they could do on their own,” explained LaRochelle. “That is a lot of the value proposition. They might be able to hire a part-time IT person, but they wouldn’t get experts in these different services areas. Because they’re sharing services, they have access to more IT expertise. So, all our members are getting better service than they could get alone.”
More information about Metro-INET can be found online at www.metro-inet.us.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-4311226 or shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.
bond issues. Council approved a resolution amending the 2025 list of appointments to reflect that change.
• Council passed an ordinance that will extend the Comcast franchise extension agreements as recommended by the North Metro Telecommunications Commission board. Franchise fees are adopted through ordinance but need no public hearing, as they don’t involve land use. This franchise agreement provides most of the funds to operate North Metro TV through fees on cable bills. Council waived the second hearing.
• Council also adopted a resolution supporting the efforts of Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators (MACTA) to modernize public, education and government (PEG) programming/public access funding.
• Anoka County has notified the city that the fee for broadband services will increase by $75 per month to $150 per month for 100mbs. The city uses 31 mbs, so the speed is sufficient for the city’s needs. Council voted to stay connected to Anoka County for broadband service for the next five years. The city will absorb the $900 annual increase through the general fund.
• It’s time to think about Fete des Lacs and the 5/8K Run and Kids Fun Run on July 19. Council approved the Parks and Recreation Committee’s recommendation to retain Nissa Larson and Running Ventures for race management services in coordinating the 5/8K Run and Kids Fun Run. Total costs for the event will be $1,850, which will include race bibs and chip timing.
• It’s also time to start thinking about soccer camp. For many years, Centennial Community Education (CCE) has used Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for summer and youth programming. This year, CCE asked for and was given approval to use the park’s soccer fields on evenings from July 23 to Aug. 13.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
Loretta Harding
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
Cougars meet disappointment at state hockey tournament
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CSLP) experienced an upset in the first round of the state Class AA girls hockey tournament on Thursday. The No. 7 seeded Rosemount Irish knocked off the No. 2 Cougars 3-2 at Xcel Energy Center.
The Cougars dropped into the consolation bracket and lost again, to Andover 5-2, Friday, at the TRIA Rink in St. Paul. They finished 26-4. Rosemount, which lost 9-0 and 6-0 in the first round of state the last two years, was ready this time. The Irish (227) took a 2-0 lead on power play goals by Sophie Stramel in the second period and Annalee Holzer at 9:20 of the third period.
The third period was action filled. Grace Laager got the Cougars on the board at 10:47 with a power play goal assisted by Katie Ball and goalie Kaia Wieland. Holzer scored again at 14:39. The Cougars had another power play in the final minute and Laager scored again at 16:22, assisted by
SPORTS BREIFS
Alexis Larsen and Annabelle Buccicone.
Wieland stopped 19 of 22 shots and Rosemount’s Gianna Marchese stopped 33 of 35.
Against Andover, whom the Cougars beat 3-1 in conference play, Teagan Kulenkamp and Laager scored for the Cougars in the first period, but they trailed 3-2, then didn’t score
Centennial, Spring Lake Park ski team hosts racing clinic
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CHS/SLP) alpine ski club will host a racing clinic from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Wild Mountain Ski Area. Attendees will try alpine ski racing and meet members of the CHS/ SLP alpine ski team. A beginner racecourse with timing will be set up on a run at Wild Mountain. Wild Mountain is located at 37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls.
WRESTLING
Centennial’s Jack Ruegesegger and Jack Grygelko qualified for the state tournament at the Section 4AAA tournmanet on Saturday at Stillwater. Ruegesegger (31-13), a sophomore, placed second at 152 pounds. He advanced with a bye and an injury default, lost in the finals to Irondale’s Clayton Solberg 13-1, and won a true-second over Roseville’s Amon Subba 18-5. Grygelko (31-16), a seventh grader, was second of four entrants at 107. He pinned a White Bear Lake foe and lost by a tech fall to Stillwater’s Chase Lawrence in the final. Placing third were Tyler Cook at 215 and Aidan Ford at 285. Placing fourth were Evan Boesch at 114, Logan Fu at 127, Ben Johnson at 139, Parker Leiter at 145 and Andrew Person at 172. Cook had a 41-6 record.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Centennial cruised to a 91-59 win at Coon Rapids last Tuesday, then lost at No. 5 ranked Eden Prairie 77-59 and closed conference play losing to Elk River 58-50 at home Friday. The Cougars (6-20 overall, 6-13 conference) will start sectionals on Wednesday
again and the Huskies (20-9-1) added two more goals.
The Cougars are likely to make another state bid next year with most of this year’s roster back, including the goalie and six of the top eight scorers. The key loss will be Kulenkamp, the scoring leader with 27 goals and 44 assists.
hosting Duluth East. Against Coon Rapids (6-18), Autumn McCall netted 24 points, Sydney Schmitz 20 and Amelia Delmedico had 14. Kelli McGrane hit 27 for the Cardinals. Eden Prairie (21-5) got 31 points by Tori Schlegel and 25 by Cam Dennin against the Cougars. Schmitz had 18 points, Delmedico 15 and McCall 10. Elk River (21-5) was led by Joanna Talso with 18 points and Elsie Ostmoe with 12. McCall and Schmitz had 14 points each.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Centennial is 12-13 after picking up two conference wins last week. The Cougars edged Coon Rapids 76-73 at home Tuesday as Tristan Hanson scored 20 points, Jackson Driessen 18 and Kellen Binder 16. Hanson’s basket with 20 seconds left sealed the win. Two players carried the Cardinals (6-17): Jaxon Young with 34 points and Taigan Plowman-Tate 26. The Elks won 53-48 at Elk River (6-18) on Friday. Driessen led with 20 points. Jacob Hosfeld was next with nine. David Ballisidya led the Elks with 14. Centennial will close NWSC play Thursday at Spring Lake Park.
BOYS HOCKEY
Centennial’s season ended with a 3-1 loss to Champlin Park on Thursday evening in the first round of the Section 5AA tournament. The Cougars finished 9-17. Joey Hemr scored the Cougars lone goal, assisted by Cooper Daikawa, in the second period, making it 2-1. Rebel goals were scored by Brent Solomon, Carson Anderson and Nick Carlson.
Bruce Strand
Oslund medals in allaround, floor at state
Centennial freshman Michaela Oslund earned two podium finishes at the state Class AA gymnastics meet Saturday evening.
“Michaela had a great meet,” said Coach Karley Kissick, after Oslund placed eighth all-around among 24 entrants with an all-around score of 36.2725 and eighth on floor exercise with 9.3135, highlighted by a double twisting layout, at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. She was 12th on beam (9.2125, personal best), 13th on vault with a yurchenko pike (9.425) and 39th on bars. There are 40 contestants in each event.
Oslund qualified for state by placing second all-around and winning bars and vault at the Section 7AA meet a week earlier.
Bruce Strand
This Week In SPORTS
COUGARS SCOREBOARD
BASKETBALL, BOYS
Results last week
Cougars 76, Coon Rapids 73 Cougars 53, Elk River 48
• Record 11-13 overall, 6-10 conference
• Coming up Thursday: at Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.
BASKETBALL, GIRLS
• Results last week
Cougars 91, Coon Rapids 59 Eden Prairie 77, Cougars 59 Elk River 58, Cougars 50
• Record 6-20 overall, 6-11 conference
• Coming up Wednesday: Duluth East, 6 p.m., Section 7AAAA Saturday: section semifinals
HOCKEY, BOYS
Results last week Section 5AA Champlin Park 3, Cougars 1
• Record 9-17 overall, 5-10 conference
HOCKEY, GIRLS
• Results last week State Class AA Rosemount 3, Cougars 2 Andover 5, Cougars 2 Record 26-4 overall, 12-0 conference
SWIMMING
Results last week No meets
• Record 5-1 overall, 5-1 conference
• Coming up Feb. 27-28, March 1: Section at Northdale, Coon Rapids
WRESTLING
• Results last week
Two Cougars qualified for the state tournament Record 23-8 overall, 11-1 conference
• Coming up
Friday-Saturday: State at Xcel Center
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Joey Hemr
Hockey
February 25, 2025
Joey Hemr, Centennial hockey junior forward, scored the lone goal in the season-ending loss to Champlin Park last week, and was the top scorer with 13 goals and 15 assists for the Cougars (9-17). The 6-foot, 175-pound left-hander’s season highlight was a hat trick to lead a win over White Bear Lake. Hemr had 10 goals last year for the team that placed fifth in the state.
Michaela Oslund soared during her floor exercise performance at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Slumped in dejection after the final horn of their 3-2 loss to Rosemount were Cougar players Josie Kelzenburg (14) and Lillian Renslow (23).
Johnsville Library temporarily closes for renovations
The Johnsville Library, in Blaine, will close on Sunday, March 2, and will reopen this summer once renovations are finished. Items that have been placed on hold after Feb. 18 or later can be picked up at Northtown Library, or a different branch can be selected when placing a hold. Locker holds will be available for pickup at Northtown Library, too. Key fobs for the lockers work at all county library locker locations.
The Johnsville Library is located at 12461 Oak Park Blvd. NE. The Northtown Library is located at 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine. For updates on the renovation, visit www. anokacountymn.gov/library.
Foster care parents needed in Anoka County
Anoka County is looking for foster care parents for children in the community. Foster parents are asked to take someone else’s child or children into their home, care for them and treat those children as members of their family. Families can also work with the children’s biological parents to help build their future. Children may
COMMUNITY BRIEF
continue to visit their biological families until they can be reunited.
Types of foster care included:
• Family foster care: Treated as family members, these children and teens receive full-time care, either short- or long-term.
• Kinship foster care: Relatives, family friends and those with a significant relationship may be licensed to provide care.
• Respite care: Respite care provides a break for birth parents or foster parents from caring for children on a scheduled basis.
• Concurrent/pre-adoption foster care: Foster parents assist and support reunification with the child or children’s birth family while committing to provide a permanent home for the child or children if they cannot return to the parents or other appropriate family.
Foster care orientation provides those interested with an opportunity to learn more about the children in foster care, the licensing process, foster care policies and the responsibilities of being a foster parent. To learn more about becoming a licensed child foster care provider, visit www.anokacountymn. gov/foster.
Lawns To Legumes grants open to garden lovers
Any Minnesota resident with an outdoor planting space is eligible to apply for a fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant. The Lawns to Legumes program focuses on increasing habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings by providing reimbursement-based funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Residents with a yard, deck or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing a new pollinator habitat. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters. This grant is open to Minnesota residents only. Those interested in applying can do so at the Blue Thumb website at www.bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/apply/.
