Chipotle restaurant a possibility at Lexington Retail Center
BY HANNAH TESTA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
LEXINGTON — A public hearing was recently held at Lexington City Hall to discuss an application to install a Chipotle at the Lexington Retail Center, also known as Northway Mall.
The application was submitted by Menlo Capital Partners and reviewed by the Lexington Planning and Zoning Commission. Northway Mall representatives Jason Stomel and Joe Radach were in attendance to present the preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) for the project.
Stomel began the presentation by explaining how a national brand like Chipotle would help bring more business to Northway Mall.
“For over 25 years, Northway Shopping Center has struggled to attract national tenants that truly drive foot traffic and economic growth,” Stomel said. While tenants like Dollar Tree and Great Clips are national chains, he explained, they don’t bring in the business that a tenant like Chipotle would.
“(It’s) not just a restaurant, it’s one of the most powerful brands in all of retail. This is our first chance at achieving full occupancy in years,” he said. Stomel recognized that a primary concern was that opening a Chipotle would detract from smaller restaurants that serve Mexican food in the area. He presented research that showed a handful of Mexican restaurants in Crystal that are located “within a third of a mile” of each other, facing direct competition from Chipotle and Taco Bell.
“Instead of failing,” Stomel explained, “they’ve adapted, rebranded and thrived,” showing that each restaurant showed an uptick in business despite being located so near two similar chain restaurants and each other.
SEE CHIPOTLE, PAGE 5
Gateway Village is favored option for Main Street Corridor
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — Gateway Village has been labeled as the favored buildout for the Main Street Corridor Master Plan project. (See “City receives update on Main Street Corridor” Quad Community Press, March 11, 2025). The plan was presented at a special joint work session attended by members of the Lino Lakes City Council, boards and committees to address the Main Street Corridor Master Plan and
the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), located in the northwest quadrant of the city. Gateway Village, also known as scenario 2, features a “bubble” layout. This means that the high-density zones would be the focal point of the “bubble” with medium and low-density zones surrounding the area around it. (See “Main Street Corridor: Multiple possibilities” Quad Community Press, Feb. 4, 2025).
The corridor, located in the northwest corner of the city, serves as one of the many
“gateways” into the city, this one via Main Street. In total, the area encompasses roughly 980 acres. Michaela Crowley, planning analyst with Kimley-Horn, provided the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board with a summary of the last workshop that occurred earlier this month and asked the board for direction regarding land use, specifically where the area is guided residential/ commercial.
CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Chipotle would be located at the Lexington Retail Center, also known as the Northway Mall.
MAIN STREET CORRIDOR: Council members would like to see commercial space
CONTRIBUTED
Scenario 2.1 shows high-density housing surrounding the proposed park and medium-density housing relocated within the corridor.
FROM PAGE 1
Crowley presented the board with possible modifications to scenario 2.
Scenario 2.1 showed high-density housing around a proposed park area. Medium-density housing, originally proposed along Sunset Avenue, would replace high-density housing that was planned near commercial properties. Medium-density housing planned in the southern portion of the corridor was moved northward to preserve open space in the southeast quadrant.
“Although there is high-density housing, that doesn’t mean that there can’t be trees, blue (space) and green space in between Main Street and housing,” Crowley said. “The specific details on how much open space there will be will come later on (in the design process).”
City Council, board and committee members also provided feedback on what commercial buildings they would like to see. According to Crowley, everyone at the workshop saw a benefit of having a small-scale commercial area.
“There were various small-scale ideas such as day cares, restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, offices and small, locally owned business,” she explained. “Within the 980-acre master plan site, approximately 40 acres are guided planned residential/ commercial.”
Crowley went on to explain that 80% of the 40 acres is zoned residential; the other 20% is commercial. She said this means that approximately 8 acres would be small-scale, limited
commercial development within the master plan.
Board Member Suzy Guthmueller shared her thoughts about scenario 2 and what her small group discussed at the last special work session.
“Our group had tones of conversation regarding where the commercial (development) went. None of us were really in favor of scenario 2 and how that’s set up,” she said. “We felt that was kind of a busy area to have that commercial (development) at the corner of Sunset (Avenue) and Main Street.”
Guthmueller added that her group favored the idea of the commercial development layout to look more like scenario 1, where there would be an intersection at Main Street.
“Just to clarify, while scenario 2 got the highest picks, scenario 1 is still going through the AUAR process. So that will be evaluated along with scenario 2,” said Community Development Director Michael Grochala.
The Lino Lakes City Council will discuss the modifications provided by Kimley-Horn at a work session on Monday, April 7, at City Hall.
A draft order for the AUAR will be completed on Monday, April 14, at City Hall. Once the AUAR is complete, Grochala said that the scenario that is chosen will be incorporated into the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
No formal action was taken by the Planning and Zoning Board. It was discussion only.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4311226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CENTENNIAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12
SCHOOL BOARD WORK STUDY SESSION SUMMARY
FEBRUARY 3, 2025
(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; February 3, 2025.
1. Call to Order Chair Knisely called the Work Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. 2. Roll Call The following members were present: Knisely, ex-officio Holmberg, Linser, Johnson, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen. The following members were absent: None. 3. Centennial Middle School New Course Proposal Principal Stevens, along with Assistant Principals Krueger and Knoebel gave a presentation on the proposed new course Middle School Success that included the units of study that will be included in the course. 4. Review Board Governance Plan The 3 Year Governance Plan is reviewed and updated annually at the board retreat in August and is reviewed several times during the school year. 5. Budget Forecast & Adjustments Update Executive Director Chaffey presented the Budget Forecast & Adjustments that included the Budget Timeline, Forecast Update, 2025-2026 Budget Adjustments and Future Monitoring. The presentation is included in board packets. 6. Long Range Plan Update Superintendent Holmberg and Executive Director Chaffey gave an update on the Long Range Plan that included information on existing property tax levies, current operating referendums, outstanding bond/debt service, outstanding COP debt/lease levy, facility needs summary, and long range plan cost estimates. The presentation is included in board packets. 7. 2025-2026 Revised School Board Meeting Schedule The board reviewed changes suggested for the 2025-2056 meeting schedule for the month of December. The board will be asked to approve the revised meeting schedule at the February 10 board meeting. 8. 2025-2026 Revised School Calendar Executive Director Grossklaus presented the revised school calendar. The board will be asked to approve the revised school calendar at the February 10 board meeting. 9. Adjourn at 7:32 p.m. Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 25, 2025. CENTENNIAL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
(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; February 10, 2025. 1. Call to Order Chair Knisely called the Regular 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, exofficio Holmberg, Linser, Schwinn, Hansen, Murphy. Member Johnson arrived at 6:58 p.m. 4. Approval of the Agenda Motion to amend the agenda with an addition to the Consent Agenda for approval of an overnight field trip for the Varsity Dance Team to compete in the State Tournament by Murphy, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to approve the amended agenda by Schwinn, seconded by Hansen. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Public Comment None. 6. Consent Items 6.1. Approval of Minutes. 6.2. Approval of Monthly Disbursements. 6.3. Approval of Personnel Items. 6.4. Approval of Overnight Field Trips. 7. Curriculum 7.1. Indian Ed Report and Adoption of Resolution - Motion to Adopt the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Resolution by Murphy, seconded by Johnson. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Schwinn, Hansen, Murphy, Johnson, Linser. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Resource Management 8.1. Budget Forecast & Adjustments Update - Executive Director Chaffey presented the Budget Forecast & Adjustments that included the Budget Timeline, Forecast Update, 2025-2026 Budget Adjustments and Future Monitoring. The presentation is included in board packets. No school board action is required. 8.2. Long Range Plan Update - Superintendent Holmberg and Executive Director Chaffey gave an update on the Long Range Plan that included information on existing property tax levies, current operating referendums, outstanding bond/debt service, outstanding COP debt/lease levy, facility needs summary, and long range plan cost estimates. The presentation is included in board packets. No school board action is required. 8.3. Approval of High School Lunchroom Table Purchase - Motion to approve the High School Lunchroom Table Purchase from Innovative Office Solutions in the amount of $205,117.55 by Johnson, seconded by Schwinn. Vote: 6-00. Motion carried unanimously. 8.4. Approval of Revised 2025-2026 School Calendar - Motion to approve the revised 2025-2026 School Calendar by Linser, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 8.5. Adoption of Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution - Motion to adopt the Acknowledgement of Contributions Resolution by Hansen, seconded by
Murphy. Roll Call Vote – Ayes: Knisely, Schwinn, Murphy, Hansen, Johnson, Linser. Nays: None. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Supplemental Items 9.1. Approval of Revised 2025-2026 School Board Meeting Schedule - Motion to approve the revised 2025-2026 School Board Meeting Schedule by Schwinn, seconded by Johnson. Vote: 6-0-0. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Communication 10.1. AMSD. 10.2. CAEF. 10.3. NE Metro 916. 10.4. SAFF. 10.5. District Committee Reports. 11. Superintendent Report 12. Informational Items 12.1. Dates to Note. 13. Adjourn Motion to adjourn by Schwinn, seconded by Murphy. Vote: 6-0-0. Adjourn at 8:03 p.m. Craig Johnson, School Board Clerk
Minutes prepared by Jody Josephson
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 25, 2025. CITY OF CENTERVILLE
PUBLIC NOTICE – INFORMATION MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Centerville City Council invites all interested parties to attend a public informational meeting to be held at its regularly scheduled Council Meeting of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, commencing at 6:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter, in Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 1880 Main Street.
The purpose of the meeting is to present and discuss the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program/MS4 (SWPPP/MS4). Information will be presented and discussed regarding the activities the City has been and will be engaging as a result of implementing the SWPPP/MS4.
A copy of the SWPPP/MS4 annual report is available for review at the City Hall. Please submit written comments at the following address: 1880 Main Street, Centerville, MN 55038.
A copy of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit is also available online at: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-withus/municipal-stormwater-ms4
Please feel free to contact the City 651-792-7943. 1 if you have any questions or if you need additional information regarding the above stated item.
Teresa Bender, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 25, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on April 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:
• Street, Drainage, and Easement Vacation
- Property Address: N/A
- PID #24-31-22-13-0005, 24-31-22-13-0002, 24-31-22-13-0006
For further information regarding the above item, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.
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 two times in the Quad Community Press on March 25 and April 1, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:
• Natures Refuge North
- Property Address: N/A
- PID #05-31-22-42-0003 and 05-31-22-13-0001
- Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezoning) from R, Rural to PUD, Planned Unit Development
- PUD Preliminary Plan/Preliminary Plat for 93 lot residential subdivision
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 March 25, 2025.
CITY OF LINO
LAKES
NOTICE OF
NOTICE
2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following:
• Wilkinson Waters
- Property Address: 1556 Ash Street
- PID #34-31-22-43-0006, #34-31-22-44-0001, #34-31-22-44-0008, #35-31-22-33-0002
- Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Land Use Plan to re-guide parcel from High Density Residential to Signature Gateway - Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezoning) from R, Rural to PUD, Planned Unit Development - PUD Preliminary Plan/Preliminary Plat for master planned residential and 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 March 25, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • Rehbein’s Black Dirt - PID #24-31-22-24-0009
- Interim Use Permit for Earth Moving and Land Reclamation For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Engineer, Diane Hankee, at 651-982-2430.
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 March 25, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF ANOKA DISTRICT COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 02-PR-25-69
NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)
Estate of Jamie Donald Miels a/k/a Jamie D. Miels, Decedent
Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.
Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Elizabeth Miels, whose address is 16930 3rd St. NE, Ham Lake, Minnesota, 55304, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.
Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.
Dated: March 6, 2025 Pamela Kreier, Registrar
H. Ann Basta, Court Administrator
Attorney for Personal Representative
Paul D. Funke
Funke Law
3820 Cleveland Ave. N., Suite 500, St. Paul, MN, 55112
Attorney License No: 0395366
Telephone: (651) 332-8700
Email: paul@funkelawoffice.com
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. April 3; 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
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S CLUB FISH FRY
When: 4:30 -7:30 p.m. Fridays, through April 11
Where: Church of St. Genevieve, 14383 Forest Blvd. N., Hugo Contact: stgens.org/mens-club
CURRENT EVENTS
ST. JOSEPH OF THE LAKES LENTEN SOUP DINNER
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Organized by the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds will be split between the Centennial Food Shelf and the St. Joseph’s Charity Fund.
Contact: 651-784-3015
ST. JOSEPH OF THE LAKES FISH FRY
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where: St. Joseph of the Lakes, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Dinner includes pan fried or baked cod, tomatobasil soup, roasted potatoes, green beans, creamy coleslaw, bread and more. Tickets sold at the door. Co-sponsored by the Men’s Groups and Knights of Columbus. Contact: 651-784-3015
WILDLIFE TRACKING AND TRAILING
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 29
Upcoming Games
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Learn to identify, interpret, follow and find animals along their trails. Free program. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
CHAIN OF LAKES ROTARY: ‘BINGO AND BLING’
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Where: Peder Pedersen Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146th St. N, Hugo
Details: Fundraiser for Chain of Lakes Rotary scholarships and international youth exchange program includes dinner and bingo cards. Tickets online.
Contact: chainoflakesrotary.com
NOAH SONIE: MAGICIAN AND MENTALIST
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Performance is modern mentalism and magic with an interactive twist. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
THE SCAM LANDSCAPE: STAYING SAFE
When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.
Details: AARP Fraudwatch presents a session on preventing online fraud and identity theft, and how to protect yourself and loved ones. Free and open to all.
Contact: 651-429-9026or wblumc.org
ONCE UPON A STORY TIME
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Themed story book reading and craft for kids ages 2+ with an adult.
Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: BEAVERS
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2
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
CONCERT AT THE CAT
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3
Where: The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview
Details: Minnesota Orchestra violinists Catherine Schubilske and Hele Chang Haertzen will perform classical works inspirced by “Echoes of Life: Paintings from the Collection.” Meet the curators, enjoy refreshments and spend time in the galleries. To purchase tickets, go to cafesjianarttrust.org.
Contact: 612-359-8991
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
22nd Annual Hope Gala
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Where: Courtyards of Andover, 13545 Martin St. NW, Andover
Details: The Old Hollywood Glamour themed annual fundraiser for Alexandra House includes cocktail hour, games, raffle and silent and live auctions to benefit programs for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Contact: alexandrahouse.ejoinme.org
Top 5 at PressPubs.com:
Week of March 16 – 22, 2025 Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. ALDI grocery store a possibility for Lino Lakes, Hugo residents. Quad Community Press > News
2. White Bear Lake dog beach stays, for now. White Bear Press > News
3. 13 single-family homes a possibility at former apple orchard. Shoreview Press > News
4. School bathroom design and protocols reflect changing priorities. White Bear Press > News
5. Shooting suspect in custody following manhunt in Mounds View. Shoreview Press > News
8:30
OPINION
Southwest Florida Report
Kathy and I are fortunate to have returned to the Southwest Florida area to enjoy the sunshine and reunite with friends. Hurricane Ian devastated Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers where we slipped our boat for 30 plus years. This year we rented a home for three months on a canal in Cape Coral.
Wood structures on Ft. Myers Beach, with few exceptions, are gone. There is more sand than buildings, leaving people homeless, businesses without customers, and a large amount of insurance claims piling up. The tourist industry is devastated.
Legacy Harbour and City Marina in Ft. Myers were a total loss. Legacy Harbour is underway to rebuild on the same footprint. This project will begin before the year is over. The marina of 131 slips was almost totally destroyed by Hurricane Ian with a 12-foot surge driven by a 150-mph wind. The surge lasted four and a half hours. There were 76 boats in the marina at the time, and 67 were destroyed.
The harbor master, Eric Ravenschlag, continues his duties while the marina is being rebuilt. The loss of customers who became close friends, along with their pets, has emotionally affected his daily life.
Eric said some people who were formerly at Legacy Harbour have purchased boats and are now in other marinas or in homes on the canal. Now, two and a half years later, he is still waiting for his home insurance roof claim to be paid. Out motor yacht, the Front Page, continues to have life after being salvaged and sold. We have learned that she is high and dry in the mangroves at Cayo Costa State Park. We received a call from an upstate New York woman wintering at Pine Island. While walking on the beach at Cayo Costa, she found a notebook with personal information about us that came off the Front Page. She thought we should know about it so she contacted us in Cape Coral. We met her on Pine Island at Bokeelia where she handed over the notebook and we had a lovely visit as we thanked her for being a Good Samaritan.
We visited Sanibel Island where recovery from three hurricanes is currently underway. The mangroves had a lot of damage and the dead ones along the roads have been cleared. A group is planting new mangroves in the damaged areas. Sand from the Gulf, which has been washed up over roads, parking lots and lawns, is placed in huge piles. Many businesses are still closed. Rental property is still available, but many rental facilities are closed for repair, now two and a half years later.
Most people think it will be another five to ten years before the area is restored from hurricane damage. Ten years of garbage was created in 24 hours by Hurricane Ian. Overall, the economic impact of Hurricane Ian is estimated to be the largest for the area in 500 years.
Friends count
Friendships really count. We were invited to dinner by friends Joanne and Jim Benson, originally from Oklahoma. We have boated with them in Florida and the Bahamas. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated at a table for seven. They told us we should try to guess who else was coming. We were not successful in guessing, but were pleasantly surprised when Bill and Cathy Swanson from White Bear Lake arrived. They lived across the street from us at the corner of Fourth and Johnson Streets. The Bensons and Swansons had met at their church in Ft. Myers.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
AAI will not kill
s of the writing of this article a few days ago my dad and I were talking about artificial intelligence (See “AI, the economy and all of us” Quad Community Press, March 4, 2025). In that discussion he suggested I write a counterpart article to his work. However, when the paper landed on my desk it was less about AI (artificial intelligence) as a whole and more about AI’s effect on the economy.
As a preface to this article, I would like to state that although I am an advocate for AI it has serious issues concerning the ethics and morality of sourcing the training data. I will not be discussing it in this article as this is a response to an article exclusively about AI’s economic presence and not its societal one.
In his article he tells the story about Bill. As a quick summary
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the middle class
of Bill’s story, he loses his job to AI. However, the specifics of the situation are never discussed. To build on this, I’ll paint my own picture.
Let’s imagine a scenario in which there are two gas stations across the street from each other. Both gas stations install an automatic kiosk at the same time. Basic logic would dictate that the gas stations no longer need a worker there and will lay off the workers that previously occupied that position. However, when we look at this from the perspective of the market you get a different story.
The story of the gas station that lays off its people ends there, at a slightly higher margin and one or two less employees. However, the gas station that keeps its people has a completely different story. They can provide more services for the same cost, like a car wash or better food or cleaner amenities. Whatever they decide, they still need to keep the employees around to provide the services. Remember they saved money from the kiosks, so they spend the same as they did before installing them while providing better services.
I realize that an auto checkout counter is not generative AI in the same way that my dad was talking about, but it’s actually quite hard to come up with an example where AI could completely replace a person. With that though, the core fundamental principle of what I was saying remains. Any company that saves money by implementing new technology that replaces people will only survive in the free market if they reinvest the money saved back into the business. My dad’s article ended with a call to action in which he advocated for the regulation of AI. While I think that’s a great idea for some things like the ethics of sourcing data, in terms of businesses and the economy it will sort itself out like new technology always has. They said the machine gun would end wars and then the great war began, they said the cotton gin would end slavery but it only exacerbates it, and they say AI will end the middle class but I think things will work out given enough time.
Ethan Lundh is a resident of Centerville.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m.
Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
About the Town
Gene Johnson
Movers & Shakers
Ethan Lundh
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Delighted with reinstated workers
The USA Today March 19, 2025, issue reports that the Trump administration is now reinstating at least 24,500 of the recently fired federal workers. I am delighted. Primarily as it is, quite sadly, another very public and disgraceful example of the unspoken, but obviously clear, driving strategic principle: slash and burn across the board, regardless of federal laws and the U.S. Constitution. And settle for the net results after pushbacks and litigation force whatever reinstatements arise. I trust a vast majority of folks who voted for Trump are regretting it. Or, at least, are deeply concerned that this chaos and inflation are not what they believed they were voting for.
Jim Cox Circle Pines
COUNTY BRIEFS
Anoka County Senior Fair Expo takes place in April
Seniors and their families are invited to attend the Anoka County Senior Fair Expo from 9 a.m.noon Saturday, April 5. The event will take place at Lord of Life Church, 14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW, Ramsey. The expo will include information booths, a pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, eyewear repair and more.
If you have questions, call Gayla Alexander at 763324-1609 or Janet Bolander at 763-324-1457.
County partners in Food Waste Prevention week, April 7-13
Anoka County will participate in Food Waste Prevention week, which takes place April 7-13. The county’s recycling and resource solutions department will collaborate with over 600 public and private organizations to support the mission of reducing food waste in residents’ homes, workplaces and communities.
For more information, go to anokacounty.gov/ Food-Waste-Prevention-Week.
Naloxone soon available at county libraries
Naloxone, which is used to treat the effects of opioid overdoses, will soon be available at the following Anoka County Libraries:
• Centennial Library,100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines.
• Crooked Lake Library, 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids.
• Johnsville Library, 12461 Oak Park Blvd. NE, Blaine.
• Mississippi Library, 410 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley.
• North Central Library, 17565 Central Ave. NE, Ham Lake.
• Northtown Library, 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine.
• Rum River Library, 4201 Sixth Ave., Anoka.
• St. Francis Library, 3519 Bridge St. NE, St. Francis.
In addition to access point locations, these sites also include information on opioid addiction, chronic pain, naloxone training and more. For more information, go to anokacountymn.gov and search “free naloxone.”
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CHIPOTLE: Could bring foot traffic to mall
FROM PAGE 1
Radach discussed the restaurant’s proposed parking and landscape maintenance.
Construction would take place in the existing Northway Mall parking lot; Radach explained that additional parking will be included to meet the city’s minimum of 484 stalls, even though the demand for parking is significantly lower.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chairperson Joe Bautch asked if the entire lot would be resurfaced. Radach replied, “not at this time,” noting that rent money from tenants is currently not enough to cover resurfacing costs.
Bautch countered that resurfacing the lot could potentially aid with finding more permanent tenants.
“There’s ruts and holes in there, and people don’t want to drive there anymore,” he said.
Bautch also asked if there were any other possible tenants to fill the space Chipotle is currently looking to occupy, to which Stomel replied, “No, if Chipotle doesn’t come, there’s no other demand.”
Stomel explained that brands like Chipotle are what pull other businesses in, driving interest and demand from those businesses to open locations nearby.
Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chairperson Gloria Murphy asked if there was a plan in place if Chipotle underperforms or has to shut down its prospective location.
Stomel explained that Chipotle is a “corporate guarantee on the lease,” meaning they will pay for the space regardless of whether they operate out of it or not, until a replacement is found.
Not everyone present at the meeting was in favor of Stomel and Radach’s proposal. Kate Ostleson, of Circle Pines, had reservations about a big-name restaurant opening a location in Lexington.
“We don’t want a big business coming in here,” she said. She pointed out that while Stomel researched how Chipotle impacts local Mexican restaurants in other cities, he didn’t speak to Lexington’s local business owners before filing the application. She mentioned Pancho’s, located a couple of streets away from Northway Mall, and El Loro,
one of Northway Mall’s current tenants.
“Our local businesses had no knowledge of this plan coming to life,” Ostleson explained. “Our community was the one that found out about it and reached out to these local businesses, unfortunately, and I think they were pretty upset to hear about another Mexican restaurant coming in — a ‘big-box’ restaurant coming in.”
Amanda Wheeler, also of Circle Pines, expressed similar feelings, highlighting what she felt was a lack in Chipotle’s quality of service. The Brooklyn Park location she and her family previously frequented got their orders “consistently wrong” and that every Chipotle they’ve been to has that same problem.
“There are just so many Mexican options that anything else would be interesting,” she said.
She also mentioned that while she will not be patronizing Chipotle, she wants Northway Mall to be successful, and her family frequents the Curious Crow, another one of Northway Mall’s tenants, “primarily because they’re a small business.”
Ostleson’s husband, Robert, agreed with Stomel that Northway Mall needs help, but he’s “not super sold on” Chipotle as the best solution.
“We’ve got to make sure that shopping center thrives,” he said. He also mentioned that he likes that the Curious Crow has been brought in, and joking stated he’s “pro shopping center” but he agrees with his wife and Wheeler that a Chipotle may not be the answer.
There were a few in attendance who were in favor of the proposal. Elliot McCarty, of Blaine, said he was looking forward to a Chipotle opening in Northway Mall. He mentioned that it can be hard to find fast food that’s considered “healthy” and that he and his family have to drive over 10 minutes to get to one of two nearby Chipotle locations.
“We love our local Mexican sit-down restaurants,” McCarty said. “We’ll continue to go there if there’d be a Chipotle here, but when we need something quick, we’re going out of the city to get it. We’d love to be able to stay here and have that option.” He added that he agreed with Stomel that a national chain restaurant would bring in more business, not detract from smaller businesses.
A Lexington resident admitted he had come to the hearing to “fight against” the possibility of a Chipotle opening, but he could see that it could bring in foot traffic to other Northway Mall tenants like Dollar Tree or Great Clips.
“I don’t want to see Northway Shopping Center deteriorate,” he said. “I’m not a Chipotle person at all, but I do know a lot of people who love it, and we have to do something, or we’re going to slide downhill.”
The hearing concluded; the Planning and Zoning Commission took no action on the application.
Hannah Testa is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@ presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Lexington Retail Center is located at the intersection of Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington.
• The Centerville City Council recently conducted the second reading to take action on the most recent proposal to amend the City Code. Following the events focusing on the LaLonde property last spring, the Planning and Zoning Commission spent the past several months reviewing the city’s planning documents. Within the City Code, city staff proposed revisions to density requirements in the M2 zone, as well as clarification to some definitions. “Fabrication and assembly” was added to “Light Manufacturing.” A new definition was added for “Automotive Detailing,” and zoning for “Retail Sales for Cannabis” was added. All of the new definitions were added to the table of allowed uses. By a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Darrin Mosher opposed), council approved the Ordinance Second Series, Amending Chapter 156 of City Code (and table of allowed uses) with its second reading, with one exception. The portion of the amendments revising M2 density from 12 to 30 units per acre will be sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further research. The final M2 density numbers will be brought to council when the commission presents the parking ordinance.
• In 2024, council discussed various options to enhance the aesthetics of the City Hall campus. Staff proposed adding a stormwater reuse irrigation system. The council subsequently authorized staff to submit a grant application to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) for this project. The project requires a 50% match. The city recently learned that it has received an award from RCWD in the amount of $25,000 for the stormwater reuse irrigation system. Staff sought authorization to accept the award and to provide matching funds
totaling $25,000 for the $50,000 project. There is plenty of funding in the stormwater fund to support the project, Council Member Russ Koski said.
• Council recently approved a contract with Solar Pod to install solar panels on City Hall. This project was partially funded by state grant money and by federal tax credits. After the city determined a need to easily track expenditures of those funds and provide a clear view of the status of reimbursements, city staff recommended the establishment of fund 460 exclusively for this purpose. Council unanimously approved the resolution. The payment of $11,750 the city has already made to the contractor will be moved to this fund, as will the payment authorized by the council March 12. The city will need to transfer the full amount of $47,000 from the general fund to this new fund. The contractor must be paid immediately, even though the payback period from utility savings for the project will take place over approximately seven years.
• With two new members on council and a new mayor, council held a retreat in early January to review city government basics, meeting logistics and downtown history. Members of council expressed an interest to hold a second retreat to review the 2024-25 strategic plan adopted by the previous council to determine whether those goals reflect the current council’s vision, or whether changes are needed.
To that end, council unanimously agreed to schedule the retreat starting at 8 a.m. April 26 to discuss the 2024-25 strategic plan. The public is invited.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street.
Loretta Harding
Lino Lakes, local entities help recover 2 men, dog from Baldwin Lake
Just before 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, the Anoka County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a male on Baldwin Lake who was in the water yelling for help.
Lino Lakes Chief 4, along with multiple local squads, arrived and investigated the area using thermal drones and resources from other departments, and two males and a dog were rescued from the lake.
Multiple teenagers arrested in relation to homicide case
On Tuesday, March 18, law enforcement from the Ramsey Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Coon Rapids Police Department, Anoka County SWAT, and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office arrested multiple individuals related to the homicide of Diamond Eddie Manly that occurred on March 2, 2025.
Among those individuals were two male teenagers, ages 16 and 17, from Shoreview. Other suspects included a 17-year-old male from Ramsey and a 15-year-old male from Coon Rapids.
Around 8:30 a.m. March 2, the Anoka County Sheriff’s said Ramsey police got a call about a driver slumped over a car near Snowy Owl Street NW in Ramsey. When police arrived, they found 18-year-old Manly deceased in his vehicle with a gunshot wound. All arrested have not yet been formally charged, and no further information about their identities are available pursuant to the Minnesota Date Practices Act. This incident remains under investigation by the Ramsey Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. No further information is available at this time.
Anoka
County Sheriff’s Office
Blaine Police Department participates in pilot project
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has completed a pilot project that could lead to new screening tools for law enforcement. Drug recognition evaluators (DREs) from law enforcement agencies across the state participated in the project, including the Blaine Police Department.
The Blaine Police Department tested two instruments, the Abbott SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Test System and the Drager DrugTest 5000. These oral fluid-testing instruments could possibly help establish the probable cause needed to make a driving while impaired (DWI) arrest.
NORTH METRO FIRE BUFF | CONTRIBUTED
Multiple entities, including the Lino Lakes Fire and Police Department, responded to an emergency on Baldwin Lake on Friday, March 14.
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS
• Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Mark Grossklaus provided the board with an update regarding the district’s achievement and integration (A and I) plan. According to Grossklaus, the plan has to address three parts. One is to help reduce the disparities in academic achievement along all students. The second is to reduce the disparities in equitable access to effective and more diverse teachers and the third is to increase economic and racial integration. Grossklaus explained that 80% of funding goes to direct services to students. He said that through A and I, after-school tutoring has been made available at both the middle and high school. More recently, Grossklaus said that the district has been able to add academic support for graduation. The program looks to find students in their freshmen or sophomore year and helps them get back on track to graduate on time.
• The board accepted multiple bids for the high school stadium sitework improvement project. The project will include the reconstruction of the turf surface, track, lighting and portions of the sidewalk and fencing. Dimke Excavating will be responsible for the utilities, concrete and fencing portion of the project after the board accepted its bid of $649,800. Astro Turf will lay a new turf surface after the board accepted its bid of $476,646. NAC Mechanical and Electrical Services will perform electrical work after its bid of $383,000 was accepted by the board.
• The board approved the creation of a new position of director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. In this role, the director will provide leadership, vision and direction for the district’s educational services, including curriculum development, instructional alignment, professional development and assessment and accountability initiatives. District staff hope to have the position filled by July 1.
• Social workers will work for the Centennial School district once more. The board recognized a growing need to address students’ needs related to mental health.
• The board accepted five contributions made to the district. Donations were made to Centennial Middle School and Centerville Elementary.
• Revisions were approved for Policy 524, regarding technology use and safety. Revisions included language updates and expectations relating to cell phone use in the schools. Expectations, rules and procedures may be designed for specific school buildings, grade levels or similar criteria and will be documented in student handbooks.
The next work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, in the district office. The next regular school board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21.
Madeline Dolby
Veterans Memorial Park honors Vietnam Veterans
The Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine committee will host a National Vietnam War Veterans Day at Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine at noon Saturday, March 29. The event will be led by the Sergeant John Rice VFW and the Kraus-Hartig VFW.
There will be limited seating, so attendees are encouraged to bring a chair. The park is located at 10802 Town Square Drive, Blaine. For more information about the event, go to veteransparkblaine.org.
smoked meats, classic Memphis style BBQ & comfort food since 2012 552 Lincoln Drive, East Bethel
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers received a phone call March 12 regarding found property at the intersection of South Drive and South Road in Circle Pines.
• An officer March 12 took an informational report of a fraud matter that occurred in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington.
• While on patrol March 13, an officer observed a vehicle in the 1800 block of Laramee Lane in Centerville with an open door. After investigation, no problems were found.
• Officers responded March 14 to a property damage crash that occurred at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Woodland Road.
• Police fielded a phone call March 15 regarding an animal complaint in the 2000 block of Willow Court in Centerville. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded March 16 to a phone call request regarding a theft that occurred in the 200 block of Little John Drive in Circle Pines. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers were dispatched March 19 to a phone call reporting property damage in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington. Officers took information regarding a vehicle hit while parking in a parking lot. The suspect did not leave information. No known suspect at this time.
• A Centennial Lakes community service officer March 18 was given a wallet that was found in the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded March 11 to a call of suspicious activity in the 7000 block of Caribou Circle. The officer arrived and checked the area but did not locate anything suspicious.
• An officer was dispatched March 11 for a report of an unwanted person in the 700 block of Main Street. After investigation, the officer provided an adult male a courtesy transportation to a gas station.
• An officer stopped a vehicle March 11 in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive for a driving offense. The adult female driver was cited for driving after revocation and no proof of insurance.
• While on patrol March 11, an officer stopped a vehicle at the intersection of Centerville Road and Ash Street for no front license plate and expired tabs. The adult male driver was cited for driving after cancellation of a driver’s license and no proof of insurance.
• An officer responded March 11 to a delayed report of theft from a gas station in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The officer investigated and determined no crime had occurred.
• An officer responded March 11 to a check welfare request in the 7400 block of Main Street regarding three juveniles on the ice of Lake Peltier made by a caller who was concerned about the thickness of ice.
•
The officer located three adult males and found the ice was thick enough and there were no problems.
• Officers responded March 11 to a report of a male panhandling at the intersection of Birch Street and Ware Road. The officers determined no crime was committed.
• An officer responded March 12 to a report of an injured owl found in the 7800 block of Sunset Avenue. The owl was deceased and brought to the Raptor Center.
• A community service officer (CSO) responded March 12 to a report of found property at the intersection of 141st Avenue NE and Lake Drive NE. The CSO contacted the owner, who made arrangements to pick up the property at the police department.
• An officer was dispatched March 12 after a call at an assisted living facility in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway regarding a resident who was having problems with an external service provider. The officer mediated the situation, and arrangements were made for the residents to receive alternative services.
• An officer responded March 12 to a report of a vehicle revving its engine for several minutes in the 100 block of Green Briar Drive. The officer was not able to locate the vehicle in question and monitored the area. No further problems were found.
• An officer March 13 stopped a vehicle in the 1000 block of Main Street for several equipment violations. A State Patrol commercial vehicle inspector responded to assist with the vehicle inspection. The adult male driver was cited for numerous violations.
• An officer responded March 13 to a dog bite report in the 6200 block of Coyote Trail. The incident was investigated and nothing criminal took place.
• An officer responded March 13 to an abandoned vehicle parked in a private business lot in the 500 block of Lilac Street. The owners of the business were advised that they could tow the vehicle since it had been there for an extended period of time and officers were unable to contact the vehicle owner.
• On March 13, an officer responded to a phone call reporting attempted fraud in the 200 block of Hammerly Court.
• Officers responded March 13 to a report of a missing person in the 800 block of Olive Street. The person was located and found safe. Upon further investigation, an adult female was subsequently charged for domestic assault.
• An officer March 14 took a report regarding a juvenile male making threats of violence to a juvenile female in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The incident was investigated, and the male was arrested and booked at a juvenile facility.
• Officers responded March 14 to a report of an unwanted individual at a business in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The male was located, advised to leave and provided a notice of trespass at the business’s request.
• Officers responded March 14 to a delayed report of assault in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue at a
BUSINESS BRIEFS
secure juvenile facility. After an investigation, the officer determined the juvenile would be charged with fourth-degree assault.
• Officers responded March 14 to a report of a juvenile fight in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. Officers investigated and were unable to determine a primary aggressor. The parents were advised to work with their school to help resolve the matter.
• An officer responded March 14 to a motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle and a deer at the intersection of Hodgson Road and Plum Lane. The officer documented the incident and notified the county to pick up the deer.
• An officer and members of the Lino Lakes Fire Department March 14 responded to a report of an illegal burn in the 6200 block of Red Maple Lane. The officers and fire department found the fire was within legal size and no other problems were found.
• Officers responded March 14 to a report of a disorderly student in a parking lot in the 700 block of Main Street. Officers determined no crime had been committed, and the juvenile was released to a parent.
• An officer was dispatched March 15 to a call regarding unwanted messages in the 500 block of Lonesome Pine Trail.
• An officer responded March 15 to a report of theft from a vehicle that occurred in the 7200 block of Cinnamon Teal Court. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded March 15 to a report of a stolen license plate in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue. The caller was unsure when or where the license plate was taken. The officer entered the plate as stolen.
• Officers responded March 16 to a report of a vehicle in the ditch in the 1200 block of Main Street. Officers investigated; the driver was cited for careless driving.
• Officers were dispatched March 16 to a report of a vehicle that was stolen from a parking lot in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded March 17 to a report of theft at a local business in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded March 17 to a report of a twovehicle property damage accident with no injuries that happened at the intersection of Main Street and Lake Drive. The officer facilitated the exchange of information between the drivers.
• Officers responded March 17 to a call to assist a resident in the 6100 block of Laurene Avenue who had arrived home to find an exterior door standing open. Officers searched the home and later determined the door had been left unsecured by the homeowner’s child.
• An officer responded March 17 to a report of suspicious activity at an apartment complex in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The incident was documented, and the resident was advised to follow up with the apartment manager.
Lyngblomsten hosts virtual workshop for caregivers
Lyngblomsten will host an event titled “Caregiver Education: Resilience and Stress-reduction Techniques: Mindfulness, Yoga and Qigong” from 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, via Zoom.
The virtual workshop, led by certified yoga teacher Michelle Barclay, will help participants better identify and understand stress that can accompany caring for someone living with memory and thinking changes. Participants will also learn about and have the opportunity to sample various resilience-building practices, such as mindfulness, yoga and Qigong.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Registration is required by Friday, April 4. To register, contact Lyngblomsten Community Services at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@ lyngblomsten.org.
Basketball performance center comes to Lino Lakes
Shoot 360, a basketball performance center, is coming to Lino Lakes. The organization will help players master fundamental and advanced basketball skills through coaching and technology. Shoot 360 will be located at 455 Park Court. For more information, visit www.shoot360.com.
Centennial youth cheerleaders can ‘egg’ your house
This Easter, Centennial Youth Cheerleaders are looking to Egg Your House. Cheerleaders will hide candy-filled eggs in your yard the night before Easter on Saturday, April 19. Residents who live in the cities of Lino Lakes, Blaine, Circle Pines, Lexington and Centerville are eligible. Sign up online at tinyurl. com/29666tbx before April 15.
An all-time Cougar: Driessen is No. 2 in points, No. 1 in 3-pointers
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Jackson Driessen emerged as one of Centennial’s all-time best basketball players after a prodigious senior season.
The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 23.8 points per game and set singleseason records of 633 points and 128 free throws made, helping the Cougars finish 15-14, the program’s first winning season since 2014-15. He ranks second in career points with 1,236 and first with 175 threepointers made. The Cougar points record is 1,438 by Tyler Peterson, a 2016 graduate.
Driessen holds the single-game record of 44 points per game, which
Thank You
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he’s done twice, against Andover this season and against Coon Rapids as a sophomore. He ranks second with field goals in a season (219) and career (441).
“Jackson Driessen may have had the best season of anyone to ever wear a Centennial uniform,” said Coach Spencer Waldvogel, a Cougar alum himself. “The consistency in how he played while being guarded by every team's top player was something that doesn't come around very often. His career as a Cougar has been nothing short of amazing.”
Those stats make him a top-three player in Cougar career annals,
said Waldvogel, adding: “The best part about Jackson is how he carries himself off the court as well. He truly embodies what it means to be a Centennial Cougar boys basketball player.”
Driessen averaged 15.2 points per game as a junior on an 8-19 team, and 10.5 points as a sophomore on a 5-22 team.
Asked about his progression, he said he was mostly a catch-andshoot guy as a sophomore.
“Junior year, I became more versatile,” said Driessen, “taking defenders off the dribble and developing a strong mid-range game.” His senior year, he added muscle and speed “which
made me more physical in the paint.” He blossomed into a well-rounded scorer who “could still shoot but also attack the rim effectively.”
Driessen had one extra incentive this season.
“Last year, I was an honorable mention (for all-conference)," he explained. "Which I felt was a bit of a snub. That definitely gave me extra motivation coming into this season.”
After three seasons on teams that went 20-61 (counting his freshman year mostly on JV), Driessen was elated to get above .500 with a late fivegame win streak and play in a championship game to cap his career. The
Cougars lost to Anoka 5745 in the Section 7AAAA finals. He had been sick that week and scored just six points in his finale. “It meant a lot,” Driessen reflected. “My first three years we struggled, so finishing 1514 as a senior and making a run at the end felt really good. It was a great way to end my high school career.”
Driessen plans to play college ball and is currently weighing his options. “Teams are definitely still calling and have a ton of interest in him,” Waldvogel said.
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BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Jackson Driessen drove for a layup during his 44-point game against Andover.
SPORTS BRIEFS
BOYS WRESTLING
Five Centennial wrestlers were named to the all-North Suburban team, headed by Andrew Person, who was 11-0 in conference matches. Others were Tyler Cook, Aidan Ford, Evan Boesch and Jack Grygelko. The Cougars were conference runner-up with an 11-1 record and 23-8 overall, the program’s most wins since 2013-14. Getting honorable mention were Logan Fu, Carter Stuckey, Ben Johnson and Parker Leiter. Team awards went to Cook (outstanding wrestler), Leiter and Ford (most improved) and Fu (leadership). Recognized for most falls was Cook with 30, and for most takedowns Jack Ruegesegger with 107. Cook had the most wins, 41. Ruegesegger, a sophomore and Grygelka, seventh grader, were state qualifiers.
GIRLS WRESTLING
Four Centennial wrestlers were named to the all-Northwest Suburban team, headed by junior Nora Akpan, an undefeated state champion. Others are Alaina Franco, Peyton Corbin and Emma Little. Akpan got the hardest worker award for the boys and girls roster.
SWIMMING
Centennial has six swimmers named allconference after winning five of six duals to place second behind Elk River in the Northwest Suburban Conference. They were seniors Caleb Cregan and Joseph Murray, junior Isaac Nguyen, and sophomores Benno Schuhbauer, Sawyer Celotta and Grant Page. Schuhbauer placed 12th in the 200 freestyle and 13th in the backstroke at the state meet. Their coach, Pete Crawford, got the section coach of the year award.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Two Centennial players were named to the all-North Suburban Conference team: senior guard Jackson Driessen and junior forward Tristan Hanson. Driessen averaged 23.8 points. Hanson averaged 15 points and nine rebounds. Third-leading scorer was Kellen Binder with 6.8 ppg. Honorable mentions went to seniors Binder, Jacob Hosfield, Max Johnson, and Marshawn Carlvin. The Cougars were 15-14 overall, section runners-up, and 7-10 in conference.
Bruce Strand
Caleb Cregan, Centennial senior swimmer, was one of the leaders in a strong Cougar season as they posted a 5-1 dual record, qualified for the state true-team meet and placed runner-up in the Section 7AA meet. Cregan scored significant points in the butterfly, individual medley, 500 freestyle, and 400 free and medley relays. He qualified for state in the medley this year, and the medley and backstroke as a junior.
Bacchus family mission continues to thrive
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Almost four years ago, Randy and Heather Bacchus’ son, Randy Bacchus III, tragically took his life in Colorado while suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis. Since then, both parents have made it their mission to spread awareness of the dangers of marijuana and THC usage. Today, neither that mission nor the drive behind it has changed its meaning or slowed down.
grandiose behaviors. What we didn’t know was that it was psychosis.”
Fish Fry: Who will be the best?
For Christians, Lent is a season of solemnity, where people practice self-denial and atonement. Lent is the period leading up to Easter when Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So how do fish fries at local restaurants, Legions and VFWs and churches fit into it?
“The fact of the matter is, marijuana is not good for you,” said Randy. “It’s legal for those 21 and older. We like to get out and educate people because we feel it’s that important.”
Traditionally, a fish fry is strongly associated with the Roman Catholic community, but churches and organizations of all denominations—or none—have participated.
Their son struggled significantly with learning, anxiety and impulse control, and began using marijuana at age 15. “School wasn’t his favorite thing, but he studied really hard and at the end would always come out with good grades,” said Heather. “He was artistic, creative and hard-working.”
After he began using, both parents noticed a stark change in his behavior. This continued after he moved to study at the University of Colorado Boulder, which Heather described as “lots of ups and downs, anger, threats. We were trying to love him and support him, but he became paranoid, delusional and had these
The ritual of fasting during the Lenten season dates to the first century CE. The practice has changed quite a bit over the centuries. It originally started as a fast and was eventually established as a 40-day abstinence from the meat of warm-blooded animals. This form of penance was meant to recognize the suffering and forbearance of Christ’s 40 days in the desert while he was tested by the devil.
This year’s Lenten season will begin Wednesday, March 5, and last until Thursday, April 17.
Fish fries are also a way to
Following many attempts at rehabilitation, as well as career changes (including an attempted rap career), these ups and downs culminated with a text sent to Heather at 1:26 a.m. July 17, 2021: “My attitude with the music and everything has been way too self-righteous. I’m done with the music. I’m quitting weed for good and want to surround myself with healthy and happy people. This has been too much for me and for you guys. I’ve been running from my past mistakes and I think it’s time I own up and start living a good life. Love you.”
Just 43 minutes later came the last text their son would ever send: “I love you and am sorry for everything. I love dad and I wish the same to him. I wish I would have been a better person.”
Then came silence. Forty-eight hours later, after requesting a wellness check, a call from the Denver County Coroner’s Office confirmed the worst: “Mr. and Mrs. Bacchus, I’m sorry to tell you that your son is deceased. It appears he died by suicide.”
The Bacchus family.
we were kind of really confused and befuddled. We didn’t know if he had low levels of THC, that means that he wasn’t using weed when he died. But the truth was, because of the cannabis-induced psychosis, it changed his brain. And even though he was using less of it, it already had structurally changed the way that he was thinking and his mental health.”
just around the corner, and one of the many categories is “Best Fish Fry.”
CONTRIBUTED
addiction, but what we didn’t know was what happened to his brain.”
A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that up to 30% of schizophrenia in males aged 21 to 30 is preventable by avoiding a cannabis use disorder. “This is a study that tells me my son would likely still be here, having not had a problem with this,” said Heather.
In the White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights area last year, VFW Post 1782 won the title and Cabin 61 and Manitou Bar & Kitchen were finalists.
In the Hugo market, St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church earned the title, followed by Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster and Cabin 61 as finalists.
In the wake of their son’s death, the Bacchus’ created Be Extraordinary, Be You!, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “inform and educate parents, youth, and young adults on the harmful and damaging effects of Marijuana (THC) and on the developing brain.”
In the Shoreview market, Cabin 61 earned the Best Fish Fry title and Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern and Oliver’s were finalists.
“Our encouragement to youth is to be extraordinary and be yourself,” said Heather. “You all have different gifts, talents and abilities. And if you’re feeling uncomfortable, go to someone like a therapist, go to a counselor. You’ve got people in your school that care about you and want you to succeed in life. Drugs will only damage your brain and complicate your life. There are other options.”
“Our world was changed,” said Heather. “It turned upside down. His sisters’ hearts were broken, our hearts were broken, and you immediately start asking, ‘Why? Why did this happen?’ We knew Randy struggled, and we knew he had an
celebrate Midwestern roots, since many places in Minnesota and Wisconsin were settled by German and Polish Catholics who did not typically eat meat on Fridays.
Proximity to freshwater lakes means that a fish fry might feature fresh walleye, bass, perch, bluegill
or even catfish, in addition to a more widespread choice such as cod and tilapia.
A study from the same organization found that out of 280,000 young adults ages 18 to 35, cannabis use was associated with a risk of thoughts of suicide, suicide pain and suicide attempts; attempts that, unbeknownst to Heather and Randy, were increasingly becoming prevalent in their son in the time leading up to his death.
In the Quad market, Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill won the title followed by St. John the Baptist Men’s Club of St. Genevieve’s Church, Kelly’s Korner Bar and VFW Post 1782 as finalists.
“The key here is, you might not like the choices, but remember, you always do have a choice,” Randy added.
To learn more about Be Extraordinary, Be You!, visit www. beextraordinarybeyou.org.
“His autopsy said low levels of THC,” said Randy. “When we first saw that,
As you visit fish fries this season, think about which one you would deem “the best” because Press Publications’ Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest is
Try a local
Who will the title go to in 2025? Be sure to nominate your favorite beginning April 30 so they appear on the ballot. Then don’t forget to vote once a day.
Fry
